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Someday Always Comes
From the cover:
In a comprehensive narrative of courage, passion and forever friendship, sixteen year-old Tessa Price, an orphan with a broken heart, little trust and eyes on the future has one really big wish. That someday she could get out of the lives of her Aunt Kiki and Kiki’s abusive husband, Dino, or just die.
The difficult-to-impress Tessa spends her days theoretically saving everyone. She is a heroine of an unlikely kind who denies her pain and regret by getting wrapped up in the troubles of others to forget her own.
With rock-star sized aspirations, Tessa seizes one moment in time and rolls the dice, taking her teenage friends on a life-changing journey, crashing and burning into someday. That road is wrought with grief and catastrophe and Tessa struggles to keep things together, while denying herself true love and ignoring her limitations until it’s too late.
As she watches her friends spiral to rock bottom, Tessa blames herself for their fall from grace. When the death of a loved one sends her reeling into substance abuse, Tessa, everyone’s champ, falls to her knees and becomes everything she hates. Even the life growing inside her seems unable to deter her from a path of self destruction.
Can Tessa rise, once again, from the ashes? Moreover, will her champion wait for her with a genuine love forever?
In a comprehensive narrative of courage, passion and forever friendship, sixteen year-old Tessa Price, an orphan with a broken heart, little trust and eyes on the future has one really big wish. That someday she could get out of the lives of her Aunt Kiki and Kiki’s abusive husband, Dino, or just die.
The difficult-to-impress Tessa spends her days theoretically saving everyone. She is a heroine of an unlikely kind who denies her pain and regret by getting wrapped up in the troubles of others to forget her own.
With rock-star sized aspirations, Tessa seizes one moment in time and rolls the dice, taking her teenage friends on a life-changing journey, crashing and burning into someday. That road is wrought with grief and catastrophe and Tessa struggles to keep things together, while denying herself true love and ignoring her limitations until it’s too late.
As she watches her friends spiral to rock bottom, Tessa blames herself for their fall from grace. When the death of a loved one sends her reeling into substance abuse, Tessa, everyone’s champ, falls to her knees and becomes everything she hates. Even the life growing inside her seems unable to deter her from a path of self destruction.
Can Tessa rise, once again, from the ashes? Moreover, will her champion wait for her with a genuine love forever?
546 pages, Paperback
First published January 10, 2013
1 person is currently reading
620 people want to read
About the author
Wanda S. Paryla
1 book15 followersWanda S. Paryla was born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in Central Texas. She received her BA in sociology from Baylor University. With a life split between two very different worlds, Wanda’s experiences transmit through her writing. She resides in Illinois.
From the author:
A little about me on a personal level. I enjoy nature walks, and crispy nights outdoors by a cozy fire. I have a passion for chocolate, and Pepsi is my cheat of choice.
My writing is born out of the things I am passionate about such as: friends, family dinners, and those who would die for me and you because they choose to...the military, police, fire fighters.
I love animals and hate to see any species on the endangered list. I have a special love for horses, tigers, dogs, cats, and rabbits, among other animals. They have rights to. They have souls. They get afraid. They have no one to protect them but us. Also, I grew up on a farm, and unlike city dwellers who never saw how country folk or farmers live, I lived it. I have a special place in my heart for animals who die to feed us. I thank their spirits.
Published works:
Haunting Memories (a poem published in the Vicious Spirits anthology by Key Publications, 2010, out of print.)
Someday Always Comes (novel)
Available in paperback at my Create Space store:
https://www.createspace.com/3951154
and on Amazon in paperback and e-book
Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/Someday-Always-...
Among Wanda's works in progress are:
-Chicago Down (Horror)
-Angel Maker (Crime/police procedural/mystery/suspense) 1st book in The Sheriffs of Robertson County series
-The Devil Plays Dice (sequel to Someday Always Comes)
From the author:
A little about me on a personal level. I enjoy nature walks, and crispy nights outdoors by a cozy fire. I have a passion for chocolate, and Pepsi is my cheat of choice.
My writing is born out of the things I am passionate about such as: friends, family dinners, and those who would die for me and you because they choose to...the military, police, fire fighters.
I love animals and hate to see any species on the endangered list. I have a special love for horses, tigers, dogs, cats, and rabbits, among other animals. They have rights to. They have souls. They get afraid. They have no one to protect them but us. Also, I grew up on a farm, and unlike city dwellers who never saw how country folk or farmers live, I lived it. I have a special place in my heart for animals who die to feed us. I thank their spirits.
Published works:
Haunting Memories (a poem published in the Vicious Spirits anthology by Key Publications, 2010, out of print.)
Someday Always Comes (novel)
Available in paperback at my Create Space store:
https://www.createspace.com/3951154
and on Amazon in paperback and e-book
Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/Someday-Always-...
Among Wanda's works in progress are:
-Chicago Down (Horror)
-Angel Maker (Crime/police procedural/mystery/suspense) 1st book in The Sheriffs of Robertson County series
-The Devil Plays Dice (sequel to Someday Always Comes)
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
March 13, 2013
This is the first book from this indie author and I wasn't sure what to expect. The author lists this as women's fiction/coming of age. It is, but I'd include it in YA despite adult language and one or two scenes of light erotica.
Since it's a new book, I don't want to include spoilers so I will comment on the good points and the bad.
I haven't read a book in a long time with such good, realistic dialog. And what I mean by that is, the author wrote the lines as if she was standing there during conversations typing the dictation live. I am not going to say the lines themselves are spectacular. But the dialog is exactly as I would hear it, uncut, out of my own kids' mouths at that age. Some people might not like it, saying some of the lines are redundant. I thought so too, a few times, then I realized...hey this is from the mouths of teens.
Nothing about this book's characters are plastic. Nothing about the story is overblown. It could happen. I was glad to see an underlying story of romance and friendship, not just a cold, hard tale of stardom gone wrong. I do like how the author likes to describe eyes. I wonder if that's just supposed to be a trait of the narrator, or if the author actually contemplates this way herself when she meets someone.
The narrator (main character) Tessa Price is cold, sarcastic and sometimes downright rude, but then there's the other side, the side she doesn't like to show. She's afraid of weakness. Her ugly home life built her into a false soldier with an iron jaw. Her hero is Scarlett O'Hara and it shows in her character. But there's her best friend, Seth, and he brings the happiness out in her.
There's a lot of wit in the book. Some of my favorite scenes (trying not to spoil) are the frightened of zombies scenes, and the scenes that take place during a wake of a friend. All fantastically written from a teenage POV. Also engaging at times is Tessa's inner dialog. She says a lot without speaking out loud.
The author's (or narrator's) one-liners are cute and sometimes catch you off guard. I caught myself laughing out loud a few times.
A downside that sticks out mostly for me is, I feel the author should have gave us more information about the private time between Tessa and Jaime. I feel, since it's written in First Person, narrative, some view points are left out. I do realize that Tessa Price is a one-sided person for a long time in her early life, and she fictionally writes this as a fallen star, telling her own story. I would like to know the stories of the other characters. I'd like to know Seth and Brianna's sides. In this story, we see what Tessa thinks of everyone else, but what do they think of her? I want to know how all the mayhem and tragedy affected Brianna, from Brianna's POV. Maybe I would've given it 5 stars if it had been written in the Third Person.
As for the writing itself, not too bad. There are a few descriptive words the writer repeats throughout the book. There are even a few times when she might be struggling to make us "see," maybe not wanting us to get bored. I give a high mark for effort.
Since it's a new book, I don't want to include spoilers so I will comment on the good points and the bad.
I haven't read a book in a long time with such good, realistic dialog. And what I mean by that is, the author wrote the lines as if she was standing there during conversations typing the dictation live. I am not going to say the lines themselves are spectacular. But the dialog is exactly as I would hear it, uncut, out of my own kids' mouths at that age. Some people might not like it, saying some of the lines are redundant. I thought so too, a few times, then I realized...hey this is from the mouths of teens.
Nothing about this book's characters are plastic. Nothing about the story is overblown. It could happen. I was glad to see an underlying story of romance and friendship, not just a cold, hard tale of stardom gone wrong. I do like how the author likes to describe eyes. I wonder if that's just supposed to be a trait of the narrator, or if the author actually contemplates this way herself when she meets someone.
The narrator (main character) Tessa Price is cold, sarcastic and sometimes downright rude, but then there's the other side, the side she doesn't like to show. She's afraid of weakness. Her ugly home life built her into a false soldier with an iron jaw. Her hero is Scarlett O'Hara and it shows in her character. But there's her best friend, Seth, and he brings the happiness out in her.
There's a lot of wit in the book. Some of my favorite scenes (trying not to spoil) are the frightened of zombies scenes, and the scenes that take place during a wake of a friend. All fantastically written from a teenage POV. Also engaging at times is Tessa's inner dialog. She says a lot without speaking out loud.
The author's (or narrator's) one-liners are cute and sometimes catch you off guard. I caught myself laughing out loud a few times.
A downside that sticks out mostly for me is, I feel the author should have gave us more information about the private time between Tessa and Jaime. I feel, since it's written in First Person, narrative, some view points are left out. I do realize that Tessa Price is a one-sided person for a long time in her early life, and she fictionally writes this as a fallen star, telling her own story. I would like to know the stories of the other characters. I'd like to know Seth and Brianna's sides. In this story, we see what Tessa thinks of everyone else, but what do they think of her? I want to know how all the mayhem and tragedy affected Brianna, from Brianna's POV. Maybe I would've given it 5 stars if it had been written in the Third Person.
As for the writing itself, not too bad. There are a few descriptive words the writer repeats throughout the book. There are even a few times when she might be struggling to make us "see," maybe not wanting us to get bored. I give a high mark for effort.
January 17, 2014
***Note: I received a copy of this book from the author via her Goodreads Giveaway. In no way does this effect the thoughts and opinions expressed here. I did not get compensated in any way for this review.***
4.5/5 Stars
This book is so perfectly placed in its setting.
That’s probably a strange way to start a review, but as I was reading this book I actually felt like I was in Chicago. I could picture the city and its characters as though I was there, walking around the neighborhood with Tessa and Briana. I was impressed with the descriptions of the city as it changed from fall to winter, the real grittiness of the neighborhood, and the people and their mannerisms, dialogue, and approach to life. Anyone who’s ever lived in Chicago will immediately recognize that “Chicago grit” when reading this book. Ms. Paryla’s ability to capture the un-glamorous, working-class, and often violent side of the windy city was one of the first things that made me fall in love with this story.
Wanda Paryla is a compelling writer who knows how to create unique and believable voices for Tessa and her friends. Tessa is the narrator of the story – it’s told in the first person with Tessa looking back on the story of her past from some unknown time in the future (which becomes clearer by the end of the book). Throughout the story Tessa can be strong-willed and stubborn, but like many girls her age she seems to use her bravado to hide her true emotions. After dealing with years of physical and emotional abuse, she’s built up a strong exterior (although she definitely has her moments of fragility and vulnerability). Like Tessa, each of the characters in the book comes with their own set of baggage that they each deal with in very different ways.
Although each of the characters are flawed, I found myself becoming very attached to them. I wanted Tessa and her friends to succeed. And… I can’t lie… I was really rooting for Sweet and Tessa to see the possibility of a relationship that was right in front of their faces. Once I got pulled into the story, I simply couldn’t put it down – I had to know what was going to happen next. If it’s any indication (especially given the length of the book – coming in at about 530 pages) I read this book in two days. I really just couldn’t stop reading. And now, days later, I’m still actively thinking about the story and characters. This book definitely moved me and has stuck in my mind (in fact, I’m fairly certain I dreamed about it the night after I finished reading it). After I’ve had more time to digest it, I wouldn’t be surprised if I pick it up again for another read in a couple of months.
This is not a light read – it’s a dark book that takes its time exploring serious situations. Nothing is sugar-coated or romanticized here. It was an honest portrayal of real life – and often times it was crappy and unfair. I only mention this for those that might consider giving this to a younger reader. I think more young adults need to read books like these (with real characters dealing with real struggles), but I also think readers should be prepared for what they’re getting into. Scattered throughout the book are scenes that include physical and verbal abuse, substance abuse, promiscuity, eating disorders, and just a couple of sex-scenes.
Although I really enjoyed this book, there were a handful of small typos throughout the book. I could see them perhaps bothering some readers (who are obsessive about those sorts of things), but they didn’t really distract from my own reading. Also, there were a few times throughout the book when it seemed like Tessa was digressing a little too much into her own thoughts/inner monologue, which sometimes seemed to interrupt an active scene (or, more precisely, pulled me out of the action for what felt like too long).
Overall, this was a great (albeit long) book. The length didn’t bother me – in fact, I enjoyed being able to stay with the characters for as long as I could. I think this story could have easily been two books – and I happily would have read both. I recommend this book for mature YA readers, and anyone who went through difficult times and hardships growing up – most people will find something to relate to in this book. I also think that anyone who’s lived in Chicago will recognize and appreciate the essence of the city woven throughout this book. It’s evident in both the descriptions of places/neighborhoods and the characters.
I’m so grateful that I won this book from the author via her Goodreads Giveaway. On a more personal note, this story moved me in ways that I still don’t fully understand – - – and has managed to firmly plant itself in my head. It will definitely have a permanent home on my bookshelf.
This review can also be found on my blog: http://cactuswrenreview.wordpress.com...
4.5/5 Stars
This book is so perfectly placed in its setting.
That’s probably a strange way to start a review, but as I was reading this book I actually felt like I was in Chicago. I could picture the city and its characters as though I was there, walking around the neighborhood with Tessa and Briana. I was impressed with the descriptions of the city as it changed from fall to winter, the real grittiness of the neighborhood, and the people and their mannerisms, dialogue, and approach to life. Anyone who’s ever lived in Chicago will immediately recognize that “Chicago grit” when reading this book. Ms. Paryla’s ability to capture the un-glamorous, working-class, and often violent side of the windy city was one of the first things that made me fall in love with this story.
Wanda Paryla is a compelling writer who knows how to create unique and believable voices for Tessa and her friends. Tessa is the narrator of the story – it’s told in the first person with Tessa looking back on the story of her past from some unknown time in the future (which becomes clearer by the end of the book). Throughout the story Tessa can be strong-willed and stubborn, but like many girls her age she seems to use her bravado to hide her true emotions. After dealing with years of physical and emotional abuse, she’s built up a strong exterior (although she definitely has her moments of fragility and vulnerability). Like Tessa, each of the characters in the book comes with their own set of baggage that they each deal with in very different ways.
Although each of the characters are flawed, I found myself becoming very attached to them. I wanted Tessa and her friends to succeed. And… I can’t lie… I was really rooting for Sweet and Tessa to see the possibility of a relationship that was right in front of their faces. Once I got pulled into the story, I simply couldn’t put it down – I had to know what was going to happen next. If it’s any indication (especially given the length of the book – coming in at about 530 pages) I read this book in two days. I really just couldn’t stop reading. And now, days later, I’m still actively thinking about the story and characters. This book definitely moved me and has stuck in my mind (in fact, I’m fairly certain I dreamed about it the night after I finished reading it). After I’ve had more time to digest it, I wouldn’t be surprised if I pick it up again for another read in a couple of months.
This is not a light read – it’s a dark book that takes its time exploring serious situations. Nothing is sugar-coated or romanticized here. It was an honest portrayal of real life – and often times it was crappy and unfair. I only mention this for those that might consider giving this to a younger reader. I think more young adults need to read books like these (with real characters dealing with real struggles), but I also think readers should be prepared for what they’re getting into. Scattered throughout the book are scenes that include physical and verbal abuse, substance abuse, promiscuity, eating disorders, and just a couple of sex-scenes.
Although I really enjoyed this book, there were a handful of small typos throughout the book. I could see them perhaps bothering some readers (who are obsessive about those sorts of things), but they didn’t really distract from my own reading. Also, there were a few times throughout the book when it seemed like Tessa was digressing a little too much into her own thoughts/inner monologue, which sometimes seemed to interrupt an active scene (or, more precisely, pulled me out of the action for what felt like too long).
Overall, this was a great (albeit long) book. The length didn’t bother me – in fact, I enjoyed being able to stay with the characters for as long as I could. I think this story could have easily been two books – and I happily would have read both. I recommend this book for mature YA readers, and anyone who went through difficult times and hardships growing up – most people will find something to relate to in this book. I also think that anyone who’s lived in Chicago will recognize and appreciate the essence of the city woven throughout this book. It’s evident in both the descriptions of places/neighborhoods and the characters.
I’m so grateful that I won this book from the author via her Goodreads Giveaway. On a more personal note, this story moved me in ways that I still don’t fully understand – - – and has managed to firmly plant itself in my head. It will definitely have a permanent home on my bookshelf.
This review can also be found on my blog: http://cactuswrenreview.wordpress.com...
October 26, 2013
I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review and unbiased opinion:
I really liked Someday always comes it took a while for me to get into it because it’s quite a bit longer than most books but when I did sink my teeth into it, It was stuck in my head until I finished.
It follows the lives of 5 teenagers who’ve all had a bad start but heavily rely on each other and on music to make it through! Wanda isn’t shy when it comes to her descriptive nature and you really feel the gritty and violent nature of some of the characters.
This isn’t just a drama this is also a love story, one that develops from childhood and matures as the characters do, you really feel it from the start.
Speaking of the characters although sometimes they’re hard faced and full of childhood angst you find a way to fall in love with them and feel the emotions they eventually start to show.
My favourite person in the book has to be Sweet, he is attentive and cares for all his closest friends, especially Tessa and their love for each other is pure.
I would recommend this to anyone with its hard faced look at life from the eyes of a teenager, it’s full of life, death, love and everything in between.
I really liked Someday always comes it took a while for me to get into it because it’s quite a bit longer than most books but when I did sink my teeth into it, It was stuck in my head until I finished.
It follows the lives of 5 teenagers who’ve all had a bad start but heavily rely on each other and on music to make it through! Wanda isn’t shy when it comes to her descriptive nature and you really feel the gritty and violent nature of some of the characters.
This isn’t just a drama this is also a love story, one that develops from childhood and matures as the characters do, you really feel it from the start.
Speaking of the characters although sometimes they’re hard faced and full of childhood angst you find a way to fall in love with them and feel the emotions they eventually start to show.
My favourite person in the book has to be Sweet, he is attentive and cares for all his closest friends, especially Tessa and their love for each other is pure.
I would recommend this to anyone with its hard faced look at life from the eyes of a teenager, it’s full of life, death, love and everything in between.
May 13, 2013
Although the book could use some editing, it wasn't too bad. When I first started reading the book, I almost gave up on it, thinking it was one of those shallow YA books. But, although it moved slow in places, the book, as a whole, was anything but shallow. It was a very moving experience to read. It made me laugh and cry. We could all learn something about character development from this author and I expect to see more of her writing in the future. I have always enjoyed books written in the first person and I also loved the way the author talked to the reader at times. It was something that made this book special. The book dealt with a lot of serious issues, child abuse, addiction, rape, and what happens when children are forced to grow up too fast and when fame and fortune comes too fast. Bravo, Wanda.
March 21, 2013
Okay, like most authors on Goodreads, I gave my own book 5 stars which equals, according to the star's description, "amazing."
Of course I think my own book is amazing. Truthfully, as a reader I would give it at least 4 stars. ;-) But as the first book I've ever written for publication, I'm giving it 5 stars because I felt amazing while writing it, editing it, and I feel amazing promoting it because I'm proud of the work I've done. I love the art of creative writing!
I'll leave the other type of rating and reviewing to my readers. I hope you'll find the book worth your time. Thanks!
Of course I think my own book is amazing. Truthfully, as a reader I would give it at least 4 stars. ;-) But as the first book I've ever written for publication, I'm giving it 5 stars because I felt amazing while writing it, editing it, and I feel amazing promoting it because I'm proud of the work I've done. I love the art of creative writing!
I'll leave the other type of rating and reviewing to my readers. I hope you'll find the book worth your time. Thanks!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews