ARA Review by Odiki blessing of Kindred Journeys

[Odiki blessing]

[Following is an OnlineBookClub.org ARA Review of the book, Kindred Journeys.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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From the very first pages of Kindred Journeys, you are swept into a world of raw emotions, family bonds, and unexpected turns. Marjorie Tapley-Olson crafts a poignant narrative that grabs your heart and doesn’t let go. This book is as much about family as it is about survival, with Martha’s journey as a young, struggling mother at its core. The way she navigates the sudden revelation that she’s expecting twins, and the subsequent separation from her children, is heart-wrenching and deeply immersive. It’s not just about a mother losing her kids; it’s about what happens when those kids grow up, and they start searching for the mother they never knew.

What makes this book stand out is how human the characters feel. Andy and Francesca, Martha’s children, don’t just meet by coincidence; their paths cross in a way that feels destined. As they piece together the story of their lost mother through scraps of letters and memories, you feel their yearning and curiosity. Tapley-Olson’s strength lies in her dialogue—real, authentic, and sometimes biting with humor. You don’t just read the words; you hear the voices of these people as if you’re sitting in the room with them.

The plot takes you through so many emotions, from hope to despair and back again. You’re rooting for these characters, especially as Andy and Francesca’s journey leads them to truths they couldn’t have imagined. The book’s mystery elements keep you hooked, but it’s the emotional depth that makes this a novel you’ll remember long after you’ve put it down.

There’s an almost poetic beauty in the way the story unfolds—gritty, painful, but ultimately filled with hope. Tapley-Olson’s ability to balance humor with heartbreak is remarkable. It’s one of those books where you find yourself laughing through the tears. It’s not just about the destination, but the journey—and in this case, a journey of self-discovery, love, and the powerful, unbreakable bonds of family. I’ll say this is a 4 out of 5

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