Seasons of a Life Review and Giveaway!

Posted by abakersp in Contemporary / 8 Comments

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About the Book

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Book title: Seasons of a Life

Author: D.H. Barbara

Release date: May, 2017

Genre: Inspirational fiction, family drama, romance

Time passes with little regard of human perspective. At times painfully slow and often it slips past more swiftly than we’d like. Sammie Young is a testimony to the changing of life’s many seasons. As life deals it’s harsh blows, she stands strong. Now, with two of her five children left at home, change whizzes toward her at the speed of light. Frequently down, but never beaten, Sammie steps out in faith to face the new and exciting seasons awaiting her family.

My Perspective

This was an interesting look at family through their ups and downs, how our past can haunt our futures, and how hope can completely change our outlook on life. The book itself covers a large span of time and therefore moves at a fast pace. The story contains quite a bit of dialogue, which I know some people may or may not care for. Even so, you get a pretty good idea of how the characters are feeling and what they are thinking throughout different parts of the book.

As often with a fast pace book it can be difficult to connect with the characters. I felt that I struggled to make that close connection, however as a whole I did enjoy seeing the progression in the lives of the characters. It almost had an autobiographical feel to it. And I will say, there was a part in the last third of the book that totally through me for a loop – not something you would expect to happen, or at least I didn’t. It was something that I don’t see happening too much in the real world, but is certainly a possibility. Having a surprise as this (I don’t want to give it away, so you’ll have to read it) makes me smile, as I like having elements in a story that are different.

Bottom line – As long as you are okay with the amount of dialogue presented you will most likely enjoy the book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Haropolous5921Writing and storytelling began in elementary school, including rewriting song lyrics. Often, I would rewrite them to God, and my favorite to sing was “You Are the Sunshine of My Life.” I told elaborate tales to my Barbie and Dawn dolls, stuffed animals and imaginary friends.

My faith is vital to me, and my writing. I write inspirational fiction and fantasy because, frankly, I can’t help myself. I have tried to write without the faith element and it’s next to impossible. I want my story to reflect faith and honest struggles. The plots appear in my mind as if I’m watching a full length feature movie. At times, it’s hard for my fingers to keep up with my brain. I’ve moved from my beloved yellow legal pads and Crystal Bic pens to a keyboard, but the process is the same. I start at the beginning, find a “soundtrack,” and start typing. In the back of my books you’ll find a section titled The Song Behind The Story. Many times, I find a worship or praise song that fits the story perfectly and that becomes the main track I listen to while writing.

If I’m not writing something, I’m reading a wide variety of fiction, nonfiction, theology and apologetics, to name a few. My favorite genres are, by far, science fiction and suspense. Some authors I enjoy are, in no particular order, Susan Sleeman, Anne McCaffrey, C.S. Lewis, Max Lucado, John Jakes, Stephen King, Robin Lee Hatcher, Chautona Havig, Frank Peretti, Randy Alcorn, Dr. Richard Mabry, Tess Gerrison, J.K. Rowling, Peter Tremayne, Elis Peters, oh, the list could go on and on and on! I have the immense pleasure of interacting with some of them online via social media.

Currently, I’m working on completing my Lakeville series. Lakeville is a fictional town in the southeastern corner of Pennsylvania.

Guest Post from D.H. Barbara
Thank you to Celebrate Lit for featuring the first novel in my Lakeville Series, Seasons of a Life, for this tour. I hope many of you enjoy your introduction to Lakeville.
So many people, when they discover my little writing hobby, ask me how I come up with ideas. I then attempt to explain that ideas are literally exploding out of my brain! That usually causes them to search my face with a rather alarmed or concerned expression. Such is the life of an author!
I had no problems writing Seasons of a Life; the story presented itself to me as though I were watching a movie. I even have a soundtrack. That will stay locked in there as I have no musical talent whatsoever. I did have a song that is the theme of the book, which I write about at the end. In each book I have a page that is titled “The Song Behind the Story.”
There is a lot of “me” in Seasons of a Life. While no character, specifically, is me, one is totally based on a wonderful friend. I was blessed to have a Victoria in my life for many years before we moved to Colorado. With the exception of hair color, Victoria is a tribute to my dear friend Diana. Also, the story of the Young Turkey Sandwich is true to my New Jersey mall rat youth. Yumm-ola!
Be Blessed and Dream Big!
Barb
Blog Stops

August 24: A Baker’s Perspective

August 25: Proud to be an autism mom

August 26: The Power of Words (spotlight)

August 27: Avid Reader Book Reviews

August 28: Moments Dipped in Ink

August 29: Carpe Diem

August 30: Reading Is My SuperPower (interview)

August 31: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

September 1: Pause for Tales

September 2: Simple Harvest Reads (interview)

September 3: Quiet Quilter

September 4: Christian Bookaholic

September 5: Just the Write Escape

September 6: Mary Hake

Giveaway

Season of a Life giveaway

To celebrate her tour, D.H. Barbara is giving away a Lakeville Beach Bundle tote/beach bag containing: 1 copy Seasons of a Life,1 copy of my book Angels Unaware (inspirational fantasy), 1 sun visor, 1 cold drink bottle, and 1 box of drink flavoring packets!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/bd16

8 responses to “Seasons of a Life Review and Giveaway!

  1. Kay Garrett

    Seasons of a Life sounds like an interesting book and one I’d love to read.
    Thanks for your honest review. It really helps to know some of these details when going into a book making it easier to read and enjoy.