Review: Ghost Owl by Nancy Schoellkopf with Giveaway

Although I was going to suggest this one as YA appropriate like the first two books in this series, the contents were, in my opinion, no longer fitting to this age group. So I'm passing this one as a Mommy's Read on Thursday review instead.

GHOST OWL

by Nancy Schoellkopf

Contemporary Fiction

Literary / Women's Fiction with Magical Realism

Butterfly Tree Publishing

October 2017

181 pages

Tour dates: Nov 20 to Dec 8, 2017

Content Rating: PG-13 (There are a few non-explicit sex scenes)

Ghost Owl is a magical story of discovery, as a young woman seeks to understand her potential and confront her own shadow. Mariah Easter wakes up in the middle of the night to discover the world is as bright as noon—but for her eyes only. Urged by her godfather, she embarks on a mission to peer into the dark spaces normally hidden from view, leading her to confront the sinister nature of power, the vulnerability of the ill, and the hidden life of a homeless man: a journey that will bring healing to herself and the man she loves.

This compelling and inspirational tale, the third installment of the Avian Series, invites the reader to ponder the extraordinary treasures hidden in the ordinary events of daily life.

To read reviews, please visit Nancy Schoellkopf's page on iRead Book Tours.

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MY TIDBITS

This is the third book in the series. Although it is not necessary to read the first two book before picking this one up, the other books do lay some fundamental background elements, which make it easier to understand several aspects of this novel.

With a deeper dive into magical realism and the questions surrounding death and existence, this intriguing tale weaves a journey of self-discovery and love.

Mariah Easter writes her strange dreams in a journal. When she goes missing, her best friend, Rafa, hopes the entries can trace her down. Oblivious to the search for her, Mariah is on a discovery of her own. S heads through various experiences, each of which push her to new thoughts and considerations as she unravels what life means to her.

Unlike the first two books in this series, this tale hits the realms of magical realism full swing. Mariah is pulled through many experiences and forms of reality, each one leading her to new realizations. The tone in this book is much darker than the others, and hits on harder material. The paranormal element grips tighter, and questions surrounding death, the meaning of life and spiritual realities are opened up in an entirely new way. While the writing flows smoothly, Mariah's shifting through realities requires concentration and can grow a little foggy at times.Those who indulge in spiritual meanings and searches will find much food for thought.

The story is told from different points of view, each one offering wonderful insight at the right moment. Some chapters are told through Mariah's journal entries, others through Mariah, and others through other characters in the third person. These transitions are clear, never threatening confusion.

While this tale reaches in a new level in Mariah's character development and stretches the concepts of death and life, it takes on a new direction when compared with the first books in the series. Fans of spiritual exploration and the questions surrounding death and reality will enjoy this read.

And here she is. . .

Nancy Schoellkopf is the author of the Avian Series of novels including Yellow-Billed Magpie and Red-Tailed Hawk, as well as the short story collection Rover and Other Magical Tales. She has been telling stories and writing poems for many lifetimes. It goes without saying that she’s needed a second income, so this time around she happily taught amazing children in special education classes in two urban school districts in Sacramento, California. A full time writer now, she enjoys lavishing attention on her cats, her garden and her intriguing circle of family and friends.

Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Pinterest ~ Instagram

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Review: Red-Tailed Hawk by Nancy Schoellkopf with Giveaway

RED-TAILED HAWK

by Nancy Schoellkopf

Butterfly Tree Publishing

Contemporary

When Mariah Easter encounters a large hawk in her urban midtown neighborhood, her father Charlie is concerned. He can see a wild and mystical path opening before his daughter, a path he himself would never be able to resist. The hawk soon reappears: engraved with its twin on a golden thimble that has been an Easter family heirloom for generations. After the thimble is stolen at a funeral reception, Mariah and her mother Samantha set off on a road trip to find it, a journey that will bring healing to the grieving family and change Mariah's life forever.

Red-tailed Hawk is a coming of age story, the tale of a young woman's quest to discover the source of her own longing and to understand the mystical legacy of her family.

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MY TIDBITS

With a touch of magic and spirituality, this tale accompanies a family on a patient journey of personal growth, secrets and a touch of romance.

When Mariah's father passes away, she receives a thimble engraved with two red-tailed hawks. A woman, who no one recognizes, steals the thimble on the day of the funeral and a hunt which leads Mariah's family across the country, begins.

This is the second book in the Easter family's series, and although I did read the first one, it is not necessary to have read it before opening this one. In other words, it can be read as a stand alone.

Around twenty years have passes since the Easters came together, but this story slides effortlessly into place despite the time lapse. There are quite a few descriptions in the beginning, which make for a slow read at first, but it soon picks up. Most of the story centers around Mariah, the seventeen-year-old daughter, who after learning several secrets, is on a journey of self-discovery. Her behaviors and attitudes come across very naturally. She has a strong sense of spirituality, but this fits in well with that of her parents.

The other characters do not get lost in the flow, but pull along with their own problems, concerns and development. They interweave nicely with Mariah and add enriching layers and insights. I especially enjoyed the words of wisdom, which pepper the dialogue like little treats which can be taken along and stored away.

The pacing, although not always fast, holds steady the entire way through and allows the characters to unfold completely. Love, warmth and support shine through as the family works and melds together. There were moments when a little more description could have filtered in as they traveled across the country, but generally, it was no problem to slide into their world and hope they found the answers they needed.

Readers who enjoy self-growth, discovery, and a gentle spirituality are sure to enjoy the Easters' journey.

And here she is. . .

Nancy Schoellkopf is the author of Yellow-billed Magpie, the first in her Easter Family series. Nancy has been telling stories and writing poems for many lifetimes. It goes without saying that she'd need a second income, so this time around she has happily taught amazing children in special education classes in two urban school districts in Sacramento, California. A full time writer now, she enjoys lavishing attention on her cats, her garden, and her intriguing circle of family and friends.

​Connect with the author:    Website  ~   Twitter  ~   Facebook

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Mommy's Wednesday: Yellow-Billed Magpie by Nancy Schoellkopf with Giveaway

YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIE

by Nancy Schoellkopf

Butterfly Tree Publishing

204 pages

Unlike their black-billed cousins, yellow-billed magpies are rarely found outside California’s central valley. So when they begin showing up in Samantha O’Malley’s dreams, she wonders: are they calling me home?

Disappointed by failed fertility treatments and the break-up of her marriage, Samantha returns to her home town and slips into old habits, resuming her teaching career, even hooking up with an old lover. But she also renews her friendship with Craig, the school custodian she honors as her spiritual guide. The work they do together with Samantha’s special education students will lead her to discoveries she never thought possible.

Yellow-billed Magpie is a love story, a spiritual journey, a quest to look beyond appearances to the mystical rhythms that guide the human heart.

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MY TIDBITS

This is a heart-warming dive into a woman's search for her place in life and learning to trust in what she can do.

After a break-up of her marriage, Samantha returns to her home town and re-enters her career as a teacher for special education students. Here, she rediscovers herself and her heart.

This was a step away from my normal reading comfort zone, and although I wasn't sure it'd be for me, I enjoyed entering Sam's world. Spirituality is key as Samantha turns her life away from her earlier goals and ideals, and tries to find her footing as a single teacher again. Some of this appears in her dreams as she finds herself as different animals and always watching a yellow-billed magpie. These dream passages are very short and sparse but poetic and lovely like a small treat.

Although there are romantic elements in the pages, the scenes center more on Samantha and the experiences she has with her students and their parents. There's a lot of love, patience and care radiating through the gentle and well laid out exchanges between her and these kids. It's easy to love her classroom as much as she does, and her pure way of handling situations is simply inspiring. It's clear that the author knows exactly where this character is coming from and has a true understanding of the circumstances Sam is up against.

Despite the more serious message, much of the read passes quickly and has a light feel. The banter between Samantha and Craig add a nice bit of humor, and many of the relationships that develop between Samantha, her students and their parents leave a thoughtful smile on the face.

I'm looking forward to seeing where this series goes next.



And here she is. . .

Nancy Schoellkopf is the author of Yellow-billed Magpie, the first in her Easter Family series. Nancy has been telling stories and writing poems for many lifetimes. It goes without saying that she'd need a second income, so this time around she has happily taught amazing children in special education classes in two urban school districts in Sacramento, California. A full time writer now, she enjoys lavishing attention on her cats, her garden, and her intriguing circle of family and friends.

​Connect with the author:    Website  ~   Twitter  ~   Facebook

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