The Curse - Can a Virtuous Woman Escape?

Joy,
What a story, one daughter after the next, bearing the curse of their forebear in Norway. I can see where the uniqueness comes from, the template a true story, and reality being often stranger than fiction. Kaya's struggles are heart-rending and so are those of her daughters. Your evocative style of writing, your methodical pace carry your character's journey well across distant time and vast space. Thank you so much for the intriguing read.

Kenneth Edward Lim
The North Korean

P.s. That's a very good cover for the book as well!

Have a great day!

- Scott

{The Curse - Can a Virtuous Woman Escape It?}

Joy,

Your pitches drew me in instantly and I love the premise. This is a strong, original idea and I really like the fact that the book is based on real life happenings. As I read I also love the descriptive way you write. I can see things vividly in my mind as I read.

I've gladly rated The Curse six out of six stars and I'll be back soon for more. Thanks for uploading this for us to enjoy! Thank you also again for supporting The Ark of Humanity as it nears the desk!

Have a wonderful day!

- Scott, The Ark of Humanity

Hi Joy, So far, I've only read the first chapter, but here are some initial thoughts. Your pitch establishes an interesting plot, the links between the women of a contemporary family and their immigrant grandmothers. There are themes of mental disintegration and hypnosis as a way to trace the origins of the troubles. Great idea.

However, I'd suggest that you should be careful not to adopt all the cliches of romance novels (here's just some of them): hair glistening in sunlight, ashen face, almond eyes, nostalgic smile, etc. Second, there's a confusing array of persons mentioned in just a few brief paragraphs: besides Stacey and Phillips, there's Gary, Vicki, Mother, Henry, Daddy, and Tony. The first few chapters should probably just build out one or two characters, and slowly add additional persons as the story unfolds.

Good luck with writing! Carolyn

Joy, here are my thoughts on your book:

Chapter 1-Nice: many can relate to your prologue (the cemetery)
You make it nice and clear that there has been a death, some kind of divorce and/or abuse in the main character’s life.

I like your mystery about the relationship between the main character and her husband/ex-husband….? It leaves the reader wondering  I also like how you shoot to the past and then back to the present; just a little taste without giving away too much. Nice technique.

Your ending to chapter 1 is brilliant! Well put to introduce the rest of Stacey’s story.

Chapter 2-Flows very nicely and you can see the scenes as they occur. A nice balance of action/dialogue and background.

Chapter 3-heart wrenching and makes me want to read on.

Chapter 4-I almost cried.

Joy, this is a wonderful story and I’m so glad you are telling it. I have rated it a six and placing it proudly on my bookshelf. Very very well done. I’m so glad you have written this.

I read the first chapter.
It is well written.
Though it through me off at first. I thought from the pitch that it was a different sort of story. However you have done a great job creating your story here.
It flows very well.
Good work!

Shelby Z./Driving Winds

P.S. I don't think your cover does justice to your story.

Dear Joy

Thank you for inviting me to read your new book, "Jewels....". It has been a real pleasure to read the first six chapters. Though you would do well to check your use of past and present tense in the first chapter, the subsequent story reads like a dream. There is so little to crit, or to suggest. You handle your subject matter deftly, with lightness that steers away from sentimentality. To know that this story is based on family history, makes it very poignant.

A five from me. I shall be reading more when time permits.

Fran xx