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Maribeth R. (Indianapolis, IN)
Novel or Infomercial?
I erroneously thought I was going to immerse myself in a paranormal thriller of some sort, only to find myself presented with a book that seemed to have a dual purpose.
As the story began, I found myself encountering interesting characters and was anticipating a compelling storyline. However, as the book went on, it felt as if I was being drawn into an advertisement for a new age healing practice. Each time I began a chapter where I was able to renew my interest in the characters, it seemed that another chapter appeared on this new age approach which felt as if the writers were attempting to seduce the reader
…more into adopting their personal philosophical perspective. As a professional counselor, I often used some of these techniques (such as meditation) with clients. However, any ethical practitioner knows that you are not ready to change the lives of others after one or two nights in the woods listening to the instruction of one individual. In her defense, Bea ("the witch") tried to express that sentiment to the main character, Lexi, but with little success.
All in all, I felt the book could have been more compelling had it had one direction, instead of adding the new age infomercial to the mix. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review. (less)While Julianne Hough's celebrity status wouldn't normally draw me in, the captivating first chapter hooked me. The vivid description of Lexi's on-stage drowning was a powerful opening, with her multi-sensory experience. However, the subsequent experiences of Lexi's energetic abilities were one-dimensional and became repetitive. I also felt some of the side characters were cartoonish and inconsistent.
Despite never being interested in astrology or energy healing, I found the introductory aspects intriguing, and appreciated the leveled approach to religious themes. The book's strength lies in Lexi's personal
…more growth journey within herself and relationships with her friends and family, and I enjoyed that central part of the story. (less)3.9
Thank you to Book Browse and Sourcebooks for this unique read!
Haze, energy field, cycle…
Lexi is dealing with her Saturn return - basically "her astrological coming of age," which happens approximately every 30 years in a person's lifetime. Her infatuation with energy healing and energetic fields will cause distance with other important people in her life, including her husband and close friends. It will be a time of reckoning for Lexi - a call to step up and take responsibility for her life. How successfully will she be able to navigate her Saturn return?
Lexi's navigation will deal with denial, coping,
…more acceptance, grief, and relationships. Lexi will feel other's emotions which will cause confusion and turmoil.
This book is not my typical read. It was unique with an unusual storyline.
I do not share Lexi's worldview. This is the first time I've heard of Saturn return. Much info available online. I also haven't heard much about the mixture of 5 different personality elements . Again, much info online.
Plot involves self-discovery and transformation.
AVAILABLE Aug 13, 2024
Warning: miscarriage (less)I felt this was more "chick-lit" than I anticipated. All about a woman's journey once she discovers people's energy fields and her own self discoveries. A little too much "hooey" for me but at least I finished it. Characters seemed just a little flattened.
Kathy W. (Clarion, PA)
Major changes just don't happen overnight
"Everything We Never Knew" by Julianne Hough and Ellen Goodlett begins with a "what the heck" moment, and Lexi Cole's life is set on the path to never being the same again. While I accept the premise of Lexi's Saturn return for how this book moves on, it just feels forced and rushed. It takes courage and strength to make major changes in one's life. It also should take a moment to think how these changes might affect us and those who care about us. Lexi becomes self-centered after she learns about Saturn return and energy lessons and just can't understand or accept why her loved ones can't embrace her new
…more changes, too. About the only scene I found to be "real" was when Lexi tries to mend the broken relationship she has with her mother. The fact that her mother takes no responsibility in what happened to Lexi as a teen probably would have happened without Lexi's new talent. This is the novel's pivotal scene.
This book was Okay. I received it as an Advance Reading Copy from BookBrowse. (less)I finished the book but it didn't draw me in and genuinely compel me to keep reading. As a Christian, I just couldn't identify with the subject matter. I felt that I was reading science fiction. I did feel some empathy for the characters and what they'd experienced in their lives. However nothing made me sincerely care about them. It's just a book that didn't appeal to me.
Barbara G. (Dallas, GA)
NNF
Did not like
Doris K. (Mountain Iron, MN)
Everything We Never Knew
I did not enjoy this book. I couldn't relate to the characters or subject matter. I did read the whole book hoping I could relate but it didn't happen.
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