The Sound of Wings

by Suzanne Simonetti

Seventy-year-old Goldie Sparrows faces declining finances, questionable health, and a late husband who torments her from the beyond. She seeks refuge in her butterfly garden, which is filled with voices and memories from long ago.

Jocelyn Anderson is a struggling writer who finds escape from her custody battle in the journal of her late mother-in-law. As she gets pulled through the pages of time, Jocelyn discovers her own husband has a hidden history she knows nothing about. Is this secret now Jocelyn's to keep?

Krystal Axelrod is living a life she never dreamed she could have. And yet the demons of a dysfunctional childhood and mean girl culture from her cheerleading days cast their shadow over her ability to feel whole, capable, and worthy. Does Goldie hold the key to Krystal's path to freedom?

A masterfully crafted tale of love, friendship, betrayal, and the risks we take in the pursuit of justice.

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Book Club, Audiobook, Womens Fiction, Chick Lit, Adult Fiction

296 pages, Paperback

First published May 4, 2021

About the author

Suzanne Simonetti is a USA TODAY bestselling author. She was born in the Bronx and grew up in the New York suburbs. She holds a BS in marketing and lives on Cape May Harbor with her husband, Joe. Her latest book, A CAPE MAY CHRISTMAS STORY, is Simonetti's love letter to the seaside paradise she now calls home.

Reviews

[Angela M · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.
At first, I was not taken with this story of three women, each dealing with a personal problem that I could not relate to. I didn’t really feel connected, but that changed as their pasts are divulged and their paths cross. I started to genuinely like these women and their stories became more interesting to me. In alternating chapters, their pasts unfold and what seems like unlikely friendships develop. We’re first introduced to Goldie, a seventy year widow, trying to manage her finances, her ceramic shop, while facing health issues as she comes to terms with her past secrets. Joyelyn is a writer who is struggling with her second novel, but that’s the least of her problems. Her ex husband is trying to get custody of their son. Krystal unable to let go of her insecurities from high school bullying and an abusive childhood, trying to find herself. There are a few good men here except for Goldie’s deceased cad of a husband. Goldie by far was my favorite character and I was most engaged in her story, but I came to like both Jocelyn and Krystal as they come into their own. There are secrets here, some divulged early on and I thought at one point, that I knew all of them . I was definitely wrong about that! There’s a twist I wasn’t expecting, and with some guilt I found myself saying “ Yes!”. It’s a quick read about the ways in which people are shaped by their pasts and how the beauty of friendship can be so healing. In spite of my slow initial connection, I was with these characters one hundred percent by the end, so definitely worth upping it to 4 stars.

I received an advanced copy of this book from She Writes Press through NetGalley.

[Kim ~ It’s All About the Thrill · Rating 4 out of 5]

The inside of this book is as beautiful as the cover. This is a story of three women that are brought together by certain circumstance in their life and they form a bond like no other.

I loved all three characters as they each had their story to tell. I was shocked as several secrets unraveled...as I wasn't expecting it...a good twist that I did not see coming...I definately have a soft spot in my heart for Goldie, as her story had me to glued to the pages. The characters are so well developed that I felt like I knew all three.

Of course as the cover indicates...butterflies are also woven into this story. Goldie's sanctuary is her butterfly garden.

I know that many of you are aware that there is a belief that a butterfly visiting you is a sign of your loved one's presence. I must admit that I never put much thought into this. However, a couple of years ago I was grieving and suddenly this butterfly started circling me and wouldn't leave me alone. It literally bumped into my several times- just brushing against me. I am now a believer.

There is nothing as beautiful and as graceful as a butterfly in my opinion. A heart warming story of friendship, family and life. This wonderful story will stay in my mind for a long time.

[Leslie Rasmussen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suzanne Simonetti is a beautiful writer and I couldn't put her book "The Sound of Wings" down. The three main women characters she created will stick with me and I know I will miss them deeply. She has a way with description that is so visual, and authentic, and her humor made me laugh outloud several times. I loved every word of this book!

[Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love butterflies and this was such a great story with the butterflies. I loved the connection the three women had. I have to see this did not read like a debut book. It was very well written, and the writing style was so easy to get into. I enjoyed this one and I recommend it.
4 star read you don't want to miss.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sound of Wings by Suzanne Simonetti may have the reader planning a butterfly garden and watching for monarch butterflies in the next season. The story of three vastly different women who become unlikely friends is beautifully written.
Goldie Sparrows is experiencing some strange sensations in her seventy-year-old body which has her a bit worried. She lives alone in a Victorian townhouse located in Cape May. She is devoted to her pets and her art. Goldie has vivid memories of her beloved father-in-law Patrick and a huge secret about her deceased husband, Simon. She is experiencing some financial difficulties and must make sure her art studio becomes more profitable.
Joycelyn Anderson feels she is married to the most wonderful man who loves her, and Billy, her six-year-old son more than she could have believed. She wrote a successful first novel and is facing a deadline for the draft of the second book, but she is having a big problem. Since her son is spending the summer months with his father, Joycelyn cannot concentrate on the current book. She finds reasons to avoid the edits to her timeline and finishing the book. She seems obsessed with worrying about her son and makes some poor decisions that will cause distress for Bruce. One day Joycelyn is looking through the safe for the custody agreement for Billy and she finds an old notebook that had been written by Bruce's mother years ago. The journal will lead to the understanding of how lives can intersect in the most unlikely of ways.
Krystal Axelrod is a newly married voluptuous beauty with low self-esteem. She knows her wealthy husband loves her just as she is, but Krystal keeps remembering her neglectful and abusive mother when she was a child. She cannot forget her high school days of being bullied by the school mean girls. Abe has had a fabulous home built for her to enjoy and spares no expense to make sure she feels loved. Soon Krystal will meet two women who will become dear friends and help her understand she is a person of worth.
I really enjoyed this book which weaves the stories of the women and their husbands, past and present, into a story of lasting friendships.
Publication Date: May 4, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Susan Z (webreakforbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic debut ❤️

A wonderful story of love and friendship.

Goldie is a 70 year old widow haunted by her late husband.

Jocelyn is a newlywed author navigating the tricky landscape of shared custody with the father of her son.

Krystal, a beautiful woman from the wrong side of the tracks, recently married into a life of great fortunes.

Three women, seemingly separate, come together in unexpected ways in The Sound of Wings. Their connection to each other was not anticipated and there was a surprise twist. Not a jaw dropper like a thriller, but rather an unexpected WOW that was absolutely perfect! These ladies will stay with me, especially Goldie, what a special woman.

[Mary Camarillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suzanne Simonetti has created a beautiful garden setting for the three main characters in The Sound of Wings. All three women in their small town in Cape May are keeping secrets and are haunted by their past lives. Goldie's deceased husband torments her, Krystal was abused and bullied as a child and Jocelyn fights for custody of her son and finds out that her perfect husband has secrets of his own. A story about friendship, love and the power of creativity.

[ebolazone33 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked 2 of the 3 women. I really loved Goldie's story. But Jocelyn? I really couldn't stand her. The book could have been written without her in it at all. Realistically, she would have been divorced again with the amount of lying she did. It should have been Goldie, Krystal, & Bruce's stories- that would have been at least a 4 star read. I stayed up late at night to find out how Goldie's story would end, I was very engrossed in her tale. Also- I felt like the entire book was leading up to Jocelyn becoming an awesome cookbook writer...never happened!

[☕️Hélène⚜️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an ok read. I was on occasion confused by the flow of the story line so it was a bit hard to read but I liked it.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goldie Sparrows loves to tend her garden. She believes she can hear the voices from the past, some are reassuring, but some haunt her. She has become close friends with Bruce Anderson, a young contractor, and she is doing a unique art piece for his charity event that he and his new wife Jocelyn are hosting.

Jocelyn is a frustrated writer. She can’t concentrate on her work while having to battle over custody for her son with her ex. She finds an escape when she discovers her mother-in-law’s journal, revealing secrets even her husband doesn’t know about his father.

Krystal never thought she’d live in a house with a walk-in closet as big as a garage, but after marrying Abe, he had Bruce Anderson build her a dream house. Having fancy things can’t undo the emotional damage done from the victimization she suffered in her youth.

All at different stages of life but struggling with hurts, insecurities, and secrets, these three women become intertwined in The Sound of Wings. This is a tranquil story, with a magical feel, of women finding friendship and strength in each other, and a twist that may surprise you.

Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours and @suzannesimonettiauthor for this #gifted copy.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really good!

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Couldn't manage to get fully engaged with this novel, but it did keep me turning pages.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

I was very impressed with this female-focused debut. Anytime I see a comparison to Alice Hoffman, you have my attention, and Simonetti didn’t disappointment. I loved Goldie, Krystal and Jocelyn but also their supporting cast of Hannah, Daisy and Pearl. The storytelling, the characters, the mix of past and present. I really enjoyed this story and am looking forward to whatever Simonetti writes next.

[Dawnny · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of friendship,love,pain and secrets. Goldie who is seventy struggles with financial issues, she is haunted by her husband and her butterfly garden is her sanctuary. Jocelyn,is a writer having a difficult time and dealing with a custody battle. She discovers secrets reading her late mother in law's journal. Krystal, whom might appear to have it all, wealth and all that comes with it struggles with deep issues from her childhood. What a memorable read this was. I could really feel each character and everything they were dealing with. Goldie really touched my heart. The friendship of these three women gives each of them the strength they need. It helps them heal and move forward. I loved how the butterflies held such meaning in the story. A moving and a wonderful debut. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author. This touched me deeply. It's as beautiful as the cover.

Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay… spirits, “otherworldly” happenings, murder… all wrapped up in three quite mesmerizing women, each with a background that will have you hanging on their every word? You bet! Sign me up!

There are male leads that I wait in anticipation to see again in the author’s next book. Aloysius Pendergast, from the amazing writing team of Preston & Child, is the biggest one for me as a reader. (If you are unaware of this guy, grab a book called “The Relic” which is where he appeared the first time, and enjoy). When it comes to female characters, I also have my ‘faves’. From Sue Grafton’s P.I., Kinsey Millhone, to Alex Morrow penned by Denise Mina, there are many I wait for with bated breath to see what their creators will have them do next. Same with movies; one of the best of all time, in my mind, was “Practical Magic.” I love the way female characters always seem to have their secrets, their anger bubbling just below the surface, and their ability to see or experience something that’s quite literally “out-of-this-world.” And when it comes to this particular title, I have to say I was immediately captured by the trio of females who are going through some frightening and interesting issues all at the same time.

The setting is Cape May, New Jersey—a seaside town that’s written to feel as charming as the characters that dwell there. Goldie is the first gal who I just love. She has gotten through seven decades on this earth, but now finds herself trapped in a life where the memories of her own dead husband haunt her on a daily basis. Jocelyn is a woman who’s remarried and loving that particular aspect of her life. She’s also stuck, however, in a custody battle and finds an escape from this predicament by picking up her late mother-in-law’s diary and uncovering secrets about her husband that boggle her mind. Last, but not least, is Krystal. This is a girl who seems to have it all, but the ghosts of her own past—from her horrific childhood to being immersed in the “mean girl” society during her school days—have her filled with so many insecurities she can’t find a way to feel good or even happy.

The author is kind enough to dive deeply into the minds of these three completely different women, and she even ties their stories together in various ways that you would never dream of happening. Goldie is one that I truly felt for, simply because even with her health and lack of wealth predicaments, and her deceased husband making her life feel dark at times, she has developed a strong bond with nature, art, and strange moments in time. Jocelyn, being a struggling writer, is also extremely interesting; just by reading a journal, it almost feels at times as if she’s a detective uncovering hidden corners that reveal her own husband to be far different from what she originally thought. Krystal’s dark days have wreaked havoc on her, but it’s exciting to learn that Goldie may just be the solver of her problems.

The amount of emotion this debut has is enthralling. Honestly, there are not many firsts that can deliver so much love, secrets, friendship, risks, pain, betrayals… and the list goes on, that hold your attention from beginning to end. The author wrote a tale that literally allowed me to move through time. She allowed me to cry, laugh, and feel the goosebumps grow as I read and waited for the next thing to be unveiled. If this isn’t a finalist on all companies and websites’ “Best of 2021” lists, I will be truly shocked. These women will most definitely be among those favorites of mine when I look back at the female characters I’ve read over time who did far more than just make me look twice. Well done!!

[La Tonya Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a wonderful read of finding your place in life. The main characters, as told by their individual view within their own chapters, give you the reader a glimpse of how each one has struggled with fitting into a mold that does not fit.

First you have Goldie, a senior lady, whose husband has been died for thirty years. Her husband comes back from the died to hunt her with his resentment of her talents and bond she had with his father over the butterfly garden the two created. She has thirty year old secrets that affect individuals see holds in high esteem. Second, you have Krystal who is married to Abe Axelrod, a very wealthy man. She came from the wrong side of the tracks and try to prove to old high school friends she belong. As Abe keeps telling her she does not owe them anything and they are beneath her. Third, there is Jocelyn who is in a fairy tale marriage with Bruce. She is sabotaging it by keeping money secrets, deadline secrets regarding the novel she is writing, and secrets regarding her fear of losing her six year son to his father, Trevor. A very good read.

Quotes:

Her friends in the "weakest" sense of the word.

Men are solid, trustworthy, forthright. Guys are just assholes.

"Losing oneself in one's work with no concern for the time is one of the greatest life treasures to be had."

[Tammy Pasterick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suzanne Simonetti's lovely novel explores the inner lives of three very different women and follows the evolution of their unlikely friendship. Goldie, Jocelyn, and Krystal are all battling demons from their past while facing new, unforeseen challenges. Goldie hears her dead husband's voice as a health crisis unfolds, Jocelyn finds herself in an unexpected custody battle and begins keeping secrets from her new husband, while Krystal struggles to adapt to her new role as the wife of a successful lawyer as jealous high school friends seethe with envy.

Simonetti does a masterful job of weaving the stories of these passionate and artistic women together, showing how women's lives often intersect in surprising ways and how friendships form out of shared interests and shared pain. Her descriptions of the butterfly garden and of Cape May, New Jersey were so vivid, I could almost hear the buzzing of bees and the crashing of ocean waves. This is an enchanting novel to be savored, one that will have readers longing to spend time with their girlfriends down the shore.

[Diana Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this highly skilled novel crafting three distinct voices--Goldie, a 70-something widow without children; Krystal, a newly married now-wealthy 40-something, and Jocelyn, a 40-something single mother now remarried--"The Sound of Wings" takes us for a flight spanning three very different marriages, or memories of them.

In this three-protagonist novel, Goldie, Krystal and Jocelyn become heroines in their own complicated stories. At first all three are deeply insecure, ...or seemingly so. Goldie is hearing the ghost of her husband's voice. Jocelyn has custody battles with her ex-husband over their six-year old son; and Krystal can't let go of her damaged, abused childhood. But this flipbook of moods and mental states guides the reader to each woman's increased sense of self-confidence and growth through their support for each other.

As is the case in some initial meetings with other women, these three are not open to friendship at the outset but rather are suspicious or jealous of each other. "She spoke the word guest with the tiniest hint of disdain, detectable only to another female...." Through the deep intimate avenue of each character's backstory, they find empathy and fondness for each other. "The tiniest of brush strokes made over time create the masterpiece of our lives."

And on a final note, Simonetti is masterful with the theme of friendship that crosses the boundaries of age: "...Her floundering memory had become a vicious enemy," Goldie frets as she loses the lucid mind she has been so proud of. Her two younger friends are concerned with Goldie's comfort and accept the changes due to her age.

Throughout "The Sound of Wings" the metaphor of artistry that each character demonstrates in a different medium signifies the necessity for letting go of old patterns in order to create new ones. Highly recommend!

[Kathy Gereau · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Sound of Wings tells the journeys of three very different women whose lives become intertwined in beautiful ways. Goldie, an aging hippy with a ceramic studio where she sells her unique wares, has secrets she shares with no one. Jocelyn is a writer with a deadline and a procrastination problem, and Krystal is a woman who was bullied and abused in her childhood.
These talented women, suspicious of each other at first, soon learn the value of women mentors and become fast friends. They cheer each other’s accomplishments and sympathize if things don’t go a planned. This book is filled with humor as well as superb advice about living an authentic life. I highly recommend picking up a copy.

[Elizabeth J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. The cover instantly intrigued me and the book did not disappoint. Like the cover it is pure beauty with a quiet tone of darkness and mystery. The women in this story came alive and I felt something familiar about each of them. I read this book non-stop on an international flight (and finished when I landed) but then I read it again less quickly and that allowed me to appreciate the superb writing, laced with subtle personal calls to action. Like this gem... “These little songbirds want us to sing our soul’s own song just as they do. They inspire us to love ourselves.” I am still thinking about these women down in Cape May and wondering how their lives are unfolding...

[Moonkiszt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story told in three voices. . . Goldie's, Jocelyn's and Krystal's, an elderly woman, a middle-aged woman, and a younger one (but not too young. . .). . .

A story woven with many threads through the telling of their separate lives in the community of Cape May, and the challenges each face. Eventually they are brought together by their artistic endeavors and hopes, and in the randomness of those meetings sits an incredible truth: is anything random?

I so enjoyed this book. It reminded me that friends are not just a good thing to have, they are necessary and crucial. Friends are brought to one's side by providence that isn't lying when it calls itself divine.

A sincere thanks to Suzanne Simonetti, She Writes Press and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review.
#TheSoundofWings #NetGalley

[Mary Alice · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got only about a third of the way through this book and decided it was not worth reading. It was actually annoying to read. The female characters are whiny and not likable or sympathetic. The writing is reminiscent of a cheap, cheesy romance novel. Descriptions are WAY too over done e.g. "the smooth timbre of her voice was as hearty as a crock of French onion soup." Really? The supposed journal entries of a 17 year old girl are completely unrealistic. "The sun began its slow descent toward the edge of the earth....I got a whiff of that delicious manly scent." Oh my. It made me cringe.

[Kayleigh 2babesandabookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. There are lots of secrets and past identities that come to the surface while all 3 characters are grappling with issues in the present day. At first, I was struggling with how the story would come together, but everything makes sense in the end. The writing is beautiful and keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. You can tell that Suzanne poured a lot of heart into this book. The cover is STUNNING and this one is a quick and endearing read.⁣

[Story Circle Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Suzanne Simonetti skillfully weaves through time in her debut novel, The Sound of Wings, to tell the story of  three complex female characters. Widow Goldie Sparrows, newly married Jocelyn Anderson, and emotionally damaged Krystal Axelrod are the women whose lives cross in Cape May, NJ, a picturesque seaside town.

Simonetti devotes specific chapters per character, recording the same scene from each woman's differing perspective. She adequately provides the background history of each character, including their mental/emotional states. The three first meet at a posh charity event. Jocelyn, Krystal and Goldie arrive with mental baggage occupying their respective minds. From this setting, the story unfolds.

On the outside, Jocelyn is attractive and poised, seven weeks married to rising construction engineer Bruce Anderson. A writer, Jocelyn is desperately struggling to produce a second novel; she is close to her publisher's deadline but has produced nothing. Her writer's block stems from paralyzing worry over child custody of her out-of-wedlock son, Billy. 

Central to Jocelyn's story is Daisy Jane Anderson, her deceased mother-in-law. Jocelyn finds a journal Daisy has left behind, which holds a shocking secret. There are only six journal entries from Daisy, written between the ages of 18 and 52. For this reason, I felt Simonetti could have developed more depth into Daisy's character as she matured. Still, the journal convincingly casts a long-reaching pallor on the overall plot.

Krystal Axelrod is a Marilyn Monroe lookalike, but hardly a wannabe. Raised by a jealous mother who treated her with disdain, and relentlessly bullied in high school, as an adult Krystal has no self-esteem and feels inferior. The high society ladies of Cape May also treat her with disdain. Yet, Krystal is married to the town's beloved millionaire. She has something to overcome, and Simonetti delivers.

Goldie Sparrows is a quirky and artistic aged hippie. She is haunted by the taunting voice of her 30-years-deceased husband, Simon—for a reason. Goldie knows something about Jocelyn's husband, and she also holds a sinister secret of her own that will shock the reader late in the story. Simonetti knows how to get into her characters' minds.

Occasionally, Simonetti sounded more like a technical writer than a fiction writer. Small point.

Simonetti does a superb job of character development of these three women. However, development is somewhat lacking in the male characters. With the exception of Simon, they are presented as flawless individuals, while the women have shortcomings. I found this to be annoying and unrealistic.

Simonetti does satisfactorily inject the elements of suspense, drama and mystery. I stayed engaged. The Sound of Wings is entertainable, with believable twists and a very unexpected ending. 

Story Circle Book Reviews thanks Paula Robertson for this review.

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linda’s Book Obsession Reviews “The Sound of Wings” by Suzanne Simonetti, She Writes Press, May 4, 2021. On tour with Suzy Approved Book Tours

Suzanne Simonetti, the author of “The Sounds of Wings” has written an intriguing, captivating, emotional, and memorable novel. The genres for this book are Literary Fiction, Women’s Fiction, and Fiction. The timeline for this novel is set in the author’s present and goes to the past when it pertains to the characters or events. The author describes her colorful characters as complex, complicated, each having its own set of problems.I love that the author vividly describes her characters and landscape. The setting does revolve around Butterflies, their roles, and their garden. It is almost symbolic and relatable to the characters. The author also mentions nature vs. nature.

At first, the readers meet three different women characters that don’t really know each other, but as the story continues, they are related and relevant to one another. Goldie Sparrows is seventy years old, and is very creative and quirky. She loves animals, and seems to have a menagerie of live animals, and works magical wonders with clay. She is extremely creative. Working in her butterfly garden gives her peace and tranquility.

Krystal Anderson struggled to fit in with her dysfunctional upbringing. She has married a very wealthy and kind man, who would like her to be happy. She is very creative as well.

Jocelyn Anderson is insecure and worried that she will lose her son in court. Her ex-husband wants to see more of them. Jocelyn is a writer, and now married to a kind man, who has his own problems.

In this story, there are secrets and betrayals that will surface. There are twists and turns, and some intriguing surprises. Not everything is what it seems. The author discusses the importance of family, friends, children, sisterhood, love, faith, and hope. I highly recommend this thought-provoking and heartfelt story.

[Denise Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: The Sound of Wings by author, Suzanne Simonetti
ARC

The Sound of Wings is a beautifully written, heartfelt story in which the author takes great care in delivering the message of friendship, love, strength and redemption~ a captivating narrative filled with hopes, dreams, humor and healing as well as mystery, while set amongst the historic, scenic and inspiring beauty of Cape May, New Jersey.

A journey that stirs the heart like the waves of the ocean, Ms.Simonetti leads you into the lives of three women, each as unique as the day's incoming tide. Along with their most unusual connections, and the need to find their place in the world, they navigate their way through life's mistakes, disappointments and despair and on to self-respect, self-worth, truth and acceptance. All which lead to the most beautiful of friendships that feed the heart and soul.

Among the story's attention to detail as to the characters themselves, comes its descriptive and colorful flow of the area as the author introduces to the reader, refreshing snippets of the historical aspects of this beautiful beach town, the nation's oldest seashore resort, also known as Cape Island.

I thank the author for my personal copy of The Sound of Wings. A wonderful story that I highly recommend to those looking for a most enjoyable and satisfying experience as to how life's most difficult roads can lead to the most beautiful of destinations.

5 Stars

#TheSoundofWings
#SuzanneSimonetti
#SheWritesPress

Wild Sage Book Blog

[audrey oaks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A few years ago, my family lost a loved one. I remember a few days before thier unexpected death our yard was swarming with monarch butterflies - it was quite unheard of. Our loved one even posted about all the "kaleidoscope" of monarchs in his yard and how beautiful they were. I didn't hear the story of the monarchs representing departing souls until much later. Remember to look for the monarchs!

All of this came flooding back to me when I began reading The Sound of Wings by Suzanne Simonette. This is the story of 3 women - Goldie Sparrows, Jocelyn Anderson, and Krystal Axelrod. Women on what seems like 3 distinctly different paths - but they converge in a way that is unexpected. Goldie is 70 and is having health problems that are affecting her daily life. Add to that finances that are very worrisome. Jocelyn is a writer and mother that is unable to focus on her writing due to a custody conflict with her son's father. Krystal is the poor little rich girl that is trying to find her calling. This unlikely trio become friends and confidants to create a story that is hard to put down.

As the book begins and each chapter is from the point of view of a different character, it is a bit hard to string it all together. But as Simonette reviews the story of each character I started weaving it all together. I very much enjoyed this book and would look forward to more Suzanne Simonette books.

[David Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets and the omission of truth lead to a wonderful story of betrayal, friendship and love.
Seventy-year-old Goldie is an artist who is struggling with her wealth and health. Jocelyn is an author who is having trouble meeting her deadlines while dealing with a custody battle as well as learning of her new husband's history after finding his mom's hidden journal. Krystal has married the perfect, successful man but is haunted by the memories of the ridicule she suffered at the hands of the mean girls in her youth.
I loved how this story was crafted and how the lives of the three women are developed and expressed. Told in alternating chapters from each of their POV's, the descriptive writing held my attention throughout. The beginning starts off a bit slow but the character development is crucial to the story being told. The pace picks up speed as the story develops and the plot thickens with a few twists I didn't see coming. I really enjoyed spending time with these women and felt I was sitting with Goldie in her butterfly garden. After reading this book, I'll never look at Monarch butterflies the same.
I highly recommend this beautifully rendered, emotional story.
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Thanks to the author, She Writes Press and Suzy Approved Book Tours for the gifted copy and including me on this tour.

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Whew. It was okay. I thought early on I could give this book three stars, but the more I read, the lower the rating went.

What I liked:
The three main women were interesting.
The support of women for women very different from themselves was lovely.
The main men were really nice guys, too!
The love for pets.
The melding of blended families into a unit of support and love.

What I did NOT like:
The writing was almost purple in many places, gooey, overly descriptive in pretentious ways.
The story became more and more melodramatic and soap-opera-y.
Building admiration for a murderer by trying to justify the action.
Abrupt changes in a character's reactions. (I'm looking at Bruce.)
The characters were stereotypes. (Yes, I liked them in general, but they were a bit cliché.)
Deciding Billy should have a fixation on female breasts. Since we don't really see Billy, this shouldn't have been an issue, but If you're trying to create something that's memorable and endearing about a child, this was not it.
A relationship that was innocent and should have been lovely but bordered on indecent because of the way it was usually described (father-in-law and daughter-in-law).

Content: a little bit of course profanity; bullying; infidelity; premeditated murder painted as justified.

[Molly Jaber (Audiobooks And Sweet Tea) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This is a wonderful novel chiseled by a truly talented author! Simonetti has created an emotionally moving, heart capturing story of friendships and secrets. I stayed up long into the early morning hours reading this one, getting to know more about Jocelyn, Goldie and Krystal.

These three women were chiseled beautifully,flawfully and truly came to life for me. Their stories were woven together uniquely and my heart loved every minute of their lives. As someone who is divorced and went through a custody battle myself, my heart really went out to Jocelyn! Goldie's garden was one I wanted to escape and never leave! Following Krystal's journey was very eye opening for me!

I absolutely loved this debut novel! Simonetti is an author who I will add to my keeper shelf with this book and her future releases. The style is unique and her words are truly touching. This story played out like a movie on the big screen for me, and I loved that feeling. This is most definitely a 4 star worthy novel that should not be missed! 

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Author/Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*