Jessica Swan

Life Changing

Revisado: 08-20-24

This book was so incredibly relatable to me, and hearing the author’s insights was like getting kindly, gently, and lovingly elbowed in the gut over and over and over. The information is presented non-judgmentally, straightforwardly, and with the firm kindness requisite for getting through to adults who have been raised by emotionally immature people. It contains excellent and potent advice for how to continue into more functional adulthood, and how to address your own natural levels of emotional immaturity to form more meaningful relationships. Life changing for me.

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Such a great book!

Revisado: 01-22-24

I could listen to this book over and over! Thank you, Madeline, for your authenticity, honesty, and the example you set for all of us. I look forward to continue learning from you moving forward!

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Lovely Christmas story in Idaho!

Revisado: 11-18-22

What a great Christmas story. As an Idahoan, it was so fun to listen to and picture my general area. Fantastic narration with sound effects! If you are looking for a cozy listening experience, check this one out.

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Amazing, Beautiful, and Bright

Revisado: 12-10-21

I have a new look on Beauty and the Beast from this story!
My mom first introduced the book to me because she was the editor of the first book. Then she got me caught in the book. The sensory language you use is amazing! I love this story by heart! I couldn't stop listening to it when I started it. I had to know what happend next! If you listen to this story I hope you agree.
Tayla is a strong stubber women and fights back to her abusive date and also calms Beast down in the possess of keeping her own wolf at bay.
If you love Beauty and the Beast you have to read this! Omg I am not kidding!
Ashley Lavering is an amazing author and I hope she keeps writing. She has amazing talent and I envy it! Ashley Lavering I am a beginner writer and goodness your stories were so strong the first one made me cry because of how you tied me to the characters! With your choice of words. Please keep writing these kinds of books. Thank you for writing an amazing book series I loved it ❤ it touched my heart

-Jessica Swans Offspring

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Wow...such a great book!

Revisado: 02-15-21

I love Norse mythology, and Loki's stories are some of my favorites. Angrbođa is an often overlooked character. This book stunningly portrays her archetype, and many others, in Norse mythology. I will be reading this (aka listening) over and over.

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esto le resultó útil a 6 personas

Another fantastic resource for empowerment!

Revisado: 03-17-20

What a great book! I really loved the audio version, as well. So worth the listen!

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esto le resultó útil a 3 personas

New Favorite Poetry!

Revisado: 06-14-19

If you are tired of the old archetypal stories of damsels in distress and princess locked in towers, or witches cast as evil, then this book is for you! Each poem/story is poignant and powerful, rewriting the stories of the past and making way for a new paradigm to emerge in the collective consciousness.

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Great PG rated Beauty and the Beast retelling

Revisado: 11-19-15

Any additional comments?

I love fairy tale retellings, but I am a VERY picky reader. That said, this book went beyond my expectations. I would never have thought to put Beauty and the Beast in a paranormal setting--with werewolves. It makes sense when you stop to consider the possibilities, but the author has not only woven werewolf legends into the story, but has also brought them into the foreground in a way that the reader can appreciate the depth and complexity of the plot. This novel opens with a prologue--a werewolf legend (in 3rd person) as it is happening in the past. This legend becomes key to the rest of the book. It then jumps back to fist person with Tayla, at a high school football game, but Tayla is no cheerleader, although she is pursued by the football star and small town millionaire--Kyle--throughout much of the book. I loved that Tayla was a vegetarian, especially when she ended up hanging out with a werewolf. Much of the humor came from this character's quirk. Her best friend, Chel, was raised as a green rights activist with her parents and is responsible for Tayla's vegetarian change of heart. This brings an interesting twist into the story when Tayla has to hide her new double life from her best friend.

I appreciated the quick pace of the story. There were no long, drawn-out descriptions or wordy monologues. The setting is in Wyoming, near Yellowstone National Park. I LOVED this element of the book. I've been to the area she describes, and she stayed true to the setting. I appreciate when an author takes the time to bring the real world into their story.

There were several moments where my heart jumped in fright, I had no idea where the plot was heading, and several moments where I burst out laughing. The love triangles in this story keep you on your toes while still maintaining a PG rating, though, I'll admit that I'm somewhat in love with Beast. Why can't men in real life be like that? Oh, and if any men are wondering if this is only chick-friendly, there's plenty of action with the wolves to keep any heart pounding.

While this is only book one of this series, the plot has a satisfactory ending of its own as Tayla finds her own personal empowerment and the courage to let go of her past. The family dynamics of this story are also unique. I won't give them away, but I liked how the author created a nontraditional/blended family while weaving in the mystery of what happened to Tayla's real parents.

If you like romance, suspense, paranormal, werewolves, fairy tales, and even ghost stories, DON'T miss this one.

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