Book Jacket

 

rank 221
word count 69129
date submitted 26.02.2011
date updated 22.03.2011
genres: Fiction, Chick Lit, Romance
classification: moderate
complete

Her Soul To Keep

Kerry M

Kate's charmed life stalls when Aunt Rose dies. Unbeknownst to her, Rose and her sister Lily are meddling from beyond, but in very different ways.

 

Things have always gone well for Kate. “Aunt Lily’s up there looking after you,” her mother would say. But when sixty-something, vodka-drinking, man-eating Aunt Rose dies life becomes much less simple. The path Kate thought she was on twists and turns unexpectedly. Her eight-year relationship withers, an exotic Spaniard enters her life, she begins to doubt her best friend and an important contract falls through. In the afterlife, Rose and Lily vie with each other to meddle in Kate’s life, each thinking their way is best. They also have to resolve the differences between them. Lily reveals she was with Rose’s husband the night she died, aged thirty-two. She was found floating in the sea the day after Kate was born. But what part did Don play in her death? Lily is obstinately tight-lipped but Rose is determined to know the truth. And why is Rose getting younger each day but Lily stays the same? As the Aunts resolve their differences Kate's life lurches from crisis to crisis until she is left with a whole new set of circumstances and no idea what to do. Finally, she must decide for herself.

 
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tags

, after-life, chick lit, conflict, fiction, life after death, medium, psychic, romance

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73 comments

 

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Caroline Hartman wrote 405 days ago

Kerry, I found your story amazing in many ways. First, I think it is very well written, your characters are drawn well, the plot is clever and creative. I also have often wondered how 'heaven' or the 'afterlife' would work--all those people from different generations not getting along, arguing over silly stuff. Just imagine my grandfather who was born in 1869, a staid and stiff Presbyterian, getting along with my grandsons with their iPods of rap music. He could barely tolerate his own children living in the 20th century. It just wouldn't work. You have thought this through and it shows. I also love your title. I also can see this as a movie.
Caroline
Summer Rose

Dwayne Kavanagh wrote 415 days ago

Fantastic first sentence...are you kidding me? That was a great hook! Sorry...still reading. I just had to say that!

Jannypeacock wrote 410 days ago

‘Bloody hell Don, what have you buried me in?’ I must have laughed out loud for ten min after reading that line. Still giggling now as I type.
This incredibly clever. It fits happily into the chick-lit genre, it light and easy to read but it has different slant that I don’t think I’ve ever come across before.
The dialogue is excellent. I almost feel like I know Lily personally after just 2 chapters.
This is the type of book that would have me late to pick the kids up from school, because once you kick back with this you get so engrossed you almost forget the real world around you.
I genuinely hope this goes to print. I don’t think it would have any problem finding its way to sit high on the bestseller shelf.

Neville wrote 429 days ago

I can see why your book has done so well in the short time it's been on the site.
It clearly is an excellent read, so well thought out and conveyed to print...brill.
It starts off so well, keeps the reader wanting to know more, I enjoyed it so much.
The coming together of Lily and Rose in the after-life is an interesting start to your book.
It just flows along with wonderful characters and description.
Don't worry, 'Her Soul to Keep' will make it all the way...and why not.
Pleased to star rate it high.

Kind regards,

Neville. THE SECRETS OF THE FOREST - THE TIME ZONE.

Karamak wrote 10 days ago

Hi Kerry, I hope my heaven has a comfy chair with the ones I love around me! This is a great read very thought provoking and comforting at the same time, most refreshing! 5* All the best Karen, Faking it in France. Hope you'll take a look at my book x

rb101182 wrote 290 days ago

hey there... this book is still on my shelf to finish! You had mine on your shelf too but I accidentally unpublished the book, which took it off the shelf :( feel free to put it back on if you'd like!

Hall-Crews wrote 340 days ago

Great characters, realistic dialog, interesting plot, vivid descriptions, and fantastic opening line--well done!


Hall-Crews, GFB Grown Fokes Bidniss

MillieC wrote 387 days ago

I have read the first chapter and it was easy. The writing flows and I like the premise of your story.

I will be back for more but at the moment I havent time.
Starred and on my shelf...

Millie C
Crown of Thorns

Linda Yezak wrote 388 days ago

Love that opening line! I wish you all the best with this! (backed)

Caroline Hartman wrote 405 days ago

Kerry, I found your story amazing in many ways. First, I think it is very well written, your characters are drawn well, the plot is clever and creative. I also have often wondered how 'heaven' or the 'afterlife' would work--all those people from different generations not getting along, arguing over silly stuff. Just imagine my grandfather who was born in 1869, a staid and stiff Presbyterian, getting along with my grandsons with their iPods of rap music. He could barely tolerate his own children living in the 20th century. It just wouldn't work. You have thought this through and it shows. I also love your title. I also can see this as a movie.
Caroline
Summer Rose

peeb wrote 406 days ago
Weaver Reads wrote 407 days ago

You're on my watchlist as well! Thanks for the support. I'm a little behind on the reading, so it'll be awhile yet. Can't wait though. :) Good luck!

Ellise

Bonnie D.Stroir wrote 407 days ago

Ready for a hard copy! When and where can I get it??

KGleeson wrote 407 days ago

Interesting premise. I've read the first few chapters and enjoyed it very much. You might want to consider tightening up on the dialogue so that your really good witty lines shine through. There is much that you go over and over between Lily and Rose that you eliminate, especially in the first few scenes they're together. To convey Rose's differing style of living over Lily, you might want to have ask for a cigarette right away, rather than have her ask for a hug. Then keep the dialogue short and quippy. No need to go overboard in the explanations. Some of them can even wait to later scenes, like where are Mom and Dad. Also, be careful of repeated use of the same word in one sentence, or words close to it. I think you have arm three times in one case, for exampe and then another one you have handprint and imprinted very close. For there all you would need is hand imprinted, that says it fine. Anyway, good luck, Kristin, Selkie Dreams

healthpolicymaven wrote 407 days ago

The best line in this book is "what have they put me in" relative to the burial outfit. I went through this with my partner's family and only hoped he didn't see the ensemble later. Makes cremation attractive.
I rated the book.
Roberta

Francene Stanley wrote 407 days ago

An interesting beginning with a subject mater that always intrigues me. Everybody's take on the afterlife.

Hunt down pleonasms in your writing. And adverbs and adjectives suhould be used sparingly. This is a great place to learn the art of writing. I've received similar advice and grown so much along the way.

In the para beginning: "Lily, look at you ..." The point of view gets mixed up. Reading it through, I couldn't remember who we were with. Tell us earlier of Rose's condition when she died. Ground the reader in her life. Then when she meets Lily, stick to describing her sister. She can't see herself. Her sister could say something about her appearance.

Hope this helps. I'll place your book on my shelf for a while.

Francene. Still Rock Water.

Rosemary Peel wrote 407 days ago

I have really enjoyed reading the first four chapters, it is an entertaining and thought provoking read; funny but with undertones of seriousness. I am happy to back this and to award it the high stars it deserves.

Stephanie L. Prater wrote 407 days ago

I really enjoyed reading this. The plot is fresh and your style had me engaged from line one--all that said, of course I'm backing this! It will be on my shelf just as soon as I finish this comment. I'm so glad you contacted me. I have so many compliments: The natural dialogue--I really love how dialogue driven it is. It really drew out your character's personalities and pushed forward the plot. Readability--This is very, very readable, breezy even.

Well, I think you get the point ;) Backed!

Penny Leigh wrote 408 days ago

That was great! I laughed at a few scenes of course. For example, 'Blood hell don, what have you buried me in?' I thought that was a great line. I imagined something like that happening to me. Only because I know my family and their twisted sense of humor. Oh well, that doesn't tickle everyone's fancy, but that's ok. Well done and good luck with it! The story is very clever and that comes across well.

Penny
The Glass Serpent

KirkH wrote 408 days ago

This is a cute story. I like the characters and plot. I lauhged about half of Rose's ashes were Benson and Hedges!
Had to back it.
All the best
kirk
"How to Steal a Lion"

Red2u wrote 408 days ago

Love it! i can picture old Rosie and her smokes , bingo hall etc. just delightful. have WL and rated will surely back in the near future.

Billie Storm wrote 408 days ago

Hello

You mentioned a read. Here are my thoughts:
Good beginning, and it does romp along. Could be an after-life soap. A fluid and easy style, with light breezy humour. Well drawn observations, if sometimes a little samey in characterisation. Perhaps this is necessary in chick lit, you don't want to dwell. There is something very endearing about the writing, keeping track of the story line as well as enjoying the telling, and this reader feels very welcome.
You have what I would call a journalistic approach to delivery, which is getting the details across quickly, maybe skimming the surface a little, but overall a quick-fire burst of information, in good heart. Would have liked more spookiness, but you are funny.
If HER SOUL TO KEEP does not receive what you want from ED. I'm certain, with all you have learned from it, that you will have a winner on your hands with the next one. All in all, a positive and alert writer with a healthy attitude, who's a pleasure to meet.
Imagine this would translate to audio well. Something to look forward to on the DAB if it was serialised on R7 or 4

Have starred, to help get you back on the up.

Billie


Jannypeacock wrote 410 days ago

‘Bloody hell Don, what have you buried me in?’ I must have laughed out loud for ten min after reading that line. Still giggling now as I type.
This incredibly clever. It fits happily into the chick-lit genre, it light and easy to read but it has different slant that I don’t think I’ve ever come across before.
The dialogue is excellent. I almost feel like I know Lily personally after just 2 chapters.
This is the type of book that would have me late to pick the kids up from school, because once you kick back with this you get so engrossed you almost forget the real world around you.
I genuinely hope this goes to print. I don’t think it would have any problem finding its way to sit high on the bestseller shelf.

Katie Wimpenny wrote 412 days ago

A great start, my kind of book. I have added you to my watchlist.

Perhpas you'd like mine, take a look if you get a chance. 'This Way Out Please' is the diary of a girl struggling with the whirlwind of thoughts and feelings that follow a break up, with lots of laughs along the way.

Kind Regards,
Katie

Dwayne Kavanagh wrote 415 days ago

I have to agree with Sharazade...truly inventive, and yes, a slippery view of the other side. Kerry you rock! The way you handled Lily and rose was wonderful and creepy with a touch of amazing. No BS...liked this a lot!

Cheers,
Dwayne

Dwayne Kavanagh wrote 415 days ago

Fantastic first sentence...are you kidding me? That was a great hook! Sorry...still reading. I just had to say that!

Jo G wrote 423 days ago

Hi Kerry,

This is the first book on Authonomy that I have read all of. An easy, gentle read, perfect for holidaying by the pool. I really enjoyed it and will keep it on my shelf for the time being.

Lots of luck

Jo G x

gilbertmartin wrote 424 days ago

could always blame some ancestors for the mess, brilliant write

Tracy d wrote 427 days ago

Have rated it from reading the first two chapters , H ave enjoyed what I have read very much , will definitely find the time to read more

Sharahzade wrote 427 days ago

HER SOUL TO KEEP
Kerry M

This is extremely inventive. It's almost as if it is an explanation of what happens to one who leaves this life. I could really relate to the characters return to the old family home. The walk down the block and turning the corner so well remembered from childhood. I often think of the place where I grew up and this reminded me of how I hold that in my memory.

Your dialogue is smooth and carries the story along with purpose. I can see the entire situation unfolding in the first two chapters. Always good to know what is actually happening.

As a writer, I believe you have the ability and the skill to become an author and I sincerely hope you have the pleasure of seeing your work published. Best of luck.

Backed and starred.

Sincerely,

Mary Enck
A King in Time

missyfleming_22 wrote 427 days ago

I've really enjoyed what I've been able to read of this, wish I had it in my actual hands. It's exactly the kind of thing I would pick up at the store. It's realistic and entertaining and it keeps the reader on their toes. And I like it most because it isn't merely chick-lit or romance, you cover a lot of other things as well - that's my idea of a great complex plot.This is unique in just the right way, something I love! Good luck with this, I think it would have a lot of success on the market.

Missy

alison woodward wrote 427 days ago

Its a very enjoyable read, well done
Backed with pleasure

Alison

najwa wrote 428 days ago

i've read it all and i liked it except for extremely little typo errors...it was lightly written which helped in the swift reading...best of luck. right now please forgive me for keeping you on my WL as i am a bit busy with the current backings...but you're definitely next on my life. Have fun.

Nagwa
THE MIST and LIFE MAKES A NOVEL

Neville wrote 429 days ago

I can see why your book has done so well in the short time it's been on the site.
It clearly is an excellent read, so well thought out and conveyed to print...brill.
It starts off so well, keeps the reader wanting to know more, I enjoyed it so much.
The coming together of Lily and Rose in the after-life is an interesting start to your book.
It just flows along with wonderful characters and description.
Don't worry, 'Her Soul to Keep' will make it all the way...and why not.
Pleased to star rate it high.

Kind regards,

Neville. THE SECRETS OF THE FOREST - THE TIME ZONE.

Intriguing Trails wrote 429 days ago

Her Soul to Keep
Fiction, 3rd person
The premise for this novel is really captivating and the author has a flowing, entertaining style.
The characterizations are excellent. Well done! Sisters meet after death and carry on the rivelry they had while living. Amusing and engaging plot.
Mechanics; I noticed a few missing commas and possesives without the 's. Other than that, nothing caught my attention.
IMO, there could be a stronger hook at the end of Ch 1, to keep the reader engaged. By ending the chapter when the discussion comes to a close, it invites the reader to put the book down and take a coffee break. It might be more compelling to end with a question that the reader wants to find the answer to.
Overall, excellent.
Raechel
Echo

Kenneth Edward Lim wrote 429 days ago

Kerry,
"Her Soul to Keep" had the feel of a satire as I read the opening with two sisters having an antagonistic encounter in death. Your word-play in the picturesque prose and spiffy dialogue was superbly engaging. Kate certainly had her hands full with her two aunts trying to direct her life even after they'd kicked the bucket. Thank you so much for the highly entertaining read.

Kenneth Edward Lim
The North Korean

najwa wrote 430 days ago

I am reading it and i am most interested in reading the rest of it. It is on my WL...best of luck

New Forest wrote 430 days ago

Have rated it as "would I like to read it from what I have read". The answer is yes please - I will let you know once I have read it. Good luck.

DeadFishInTheWater wrote 430 days ago

I was gripped after the first chapter! This is an intriguing and imaginative tale, a modern day mystery/thriller written with great pace and naturalistic dialogue. The characters are well rounded with distinctive voices. Is this the first book from Kerry M? More please!

Cat091971 wrote 432 days ago

Well written and easy to read. Backed and rated

Cat
Twisted
Lies & Love

shel wrote 433 days ago

Have just read the first chapter. And am really looking forward to reading the rest. Within the opening pages I have already been drawn into the story and mystery about Kates family. looking forward to finding the answers. All i need now is a warm sandy beach and a glass of wine and this book in paperback in my hand!!!

Chelby wrote 433 days ago

Read first chapter and am hooked, vodka in hand and am reading some more....def my cup of tea (or voddie), hope you do well, I can't see you won't!! Good luck....got to dash I've got some serious reading to do............

Frank James wrote 436 days ago

Hi Kerry M,

I love this and am looking forward to completing the read. I'm BACKING your book along with 4 stars. Good luck for the future.

Frank James (The Contractor)

daveyjones wrote 437 days ago

Fine opening chapter to get the reader hooked......Looking forward to my commute now!

daveyjones wrote 437 days ago

Fine opening chapter to get the reader hooked......Looking forward to my commute now!

dgkedie wrote 437 days ago
benfel wrote 438 days ago

Just started to read and am hooked already, can't wait to read more. You know who I think of every time I read Aunt Rose of course, not that the character is anything like her, just the name! Good luck Kerry.

Bookface wrote 438 days ago

Am going to turn off the phone and lock myself away to make sure I can read this book in peace. I want to know what happens next!! An exciting read from the start...well done!!

BookLady wrote 439 days ago

Highly entertaining and readable with believable characters and several unexpected twists along the way. This should be on the shelves in major bookstores where it will whizz off as soon as the reading public gets the message.

Sarah Patterson wrote 440 days ago

Started to read it and i cant wait to finish it.... i love a good book and devour them regularly this is my cup of tea i love it. Good luck for your future career.

tigger41 wrote 440 days ago

Just started reading, its got me hooked, can't wait to carry onxx

Tony B wrote 440 days ago

Wow! I have just finished reading this and must say that I throughly enjoyed every word of it. It was very gripping from the start and has made my commute or the more enjoyable. I can highly recommend this book and wish you all the very best and hope you reach the editors desk they would be mad not to read this.

Lameez wrote 441 days ago
gloglo wrote 441 days ago

I am so proud of you!!!! wishing every success!!!! love from Andalucia!!!

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