What do you think?
Rate this book
Twelve Houses
Can anything good follow the best thing that ever happened to you?
Amelia Weiss loved her husband of thirty-five years very much, but now he’s left her a widow. Without him, she is unable to work in her sculpture studio without crying. She no longer has a bridge to her estranged daughter. And she can’t seem to keep her mind in the present.
But when her daughter reaches out asking for her help and her agent threatens a lawsuit if Amelia doesn’t deliver for an upcoming exhibit, she’s forced to make a choice. Will she reengage with her life and the people in it—allowing room for things to be different than they were before? Or, will she remain stuck in the past, choosing her memories over real-life relationships?
Thrust fully into the present, Amelia stumbles into a surprising journey of self-discovery.
Amelia Weiss loved her husband of thirty-five years very much, but now he’s left her a widow. Without him, she is unable to work in her sculpture studio without crying. She no longer has a bridge to her estranged daughter. And she can’t seem to keep her mind in the present.
But when her daughter reaches out asking for her help and her agent threatens a lawsuit if Amelia doesn’t deliver for an upcoming exhibit, she’s forced to make a choice. Will she reengage with her life and the people in it—allowing room for things to be different than they were before? Or, will she remain stuck in the past, choosing her memories over real-life relationships?
Thrust fully into the present, Amelia stumbles into a surprising journey of self-discovery.
262 pages, Paperback
First published November 28, 2013
7 people are currently reading
498 people want to read
About the author
Olga Soaje
3 books18 followersIn my novel Twelve Houses, I tell the story of a widow who discovers that her life story is far from over. Amelia is a brave woman who struggles to find her true place in the world and at the same time to create a life that holds spiritual meaning and purpose. Though my first book, Borrowing My Mother’s Saints, was a comedy set in New York, I think both books describe a similar spiritual journey. I always consider the spiritual aspects of a character’s story as I write.
I love to hear from my readers in Amazon reviews, Facebook and Pinterest.
I love to hear from my readers in Amazon reviews, Facebook and Pinterest.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 2, 2014
This was a little bit of a different read for me, and I found I really enjoyed it. Olga Soaje writing style is really beautiful, she draws you in emotionally, and I felt so invested in her characters. Amelia's story is a familiar story of loss of a loved one that is not only your bff, but your lover, confidant and husband.
He made promises.
"You promised you would never leave me. Thirty-five years ago, I looked you directly in the eye and heard, "I will never leave You."
Amelia was so in love with her husband and his death really rocked her world. She is completely devastated and completely lost to the pain, and anguish of losing her husband. A huge part of her died with him when he was gone. Her pain was tangible, my heart ached for her. I can't even imagine nor do I want to imagine that kind of pain and loss.
"I'm lost. I can't...I just can't"...
"I don't want to forget this feeling I want to always feel this love and peace between us."
Her family tries to help her, her two kids are understanding, but see that if she doesn't choose to move on there could be some series problems.
Well then life happens and Amelia is needed by someone else she loves. Now at that T in the road what will she choose to do? What will be the ramifications of those choices for not only her but others?
Really an engaging and heartfelt story of love, loss, making choices, moving forward, and service. As a side note I really enjoyed learning more about the Jewish religion and customs.
Thank You Olga Soaje for letting me read and review your story!
He made promises.
"You promised you would never leave me. Thirty-five years ago, I looked you directly in the eye and heard, "I will never leave You."
Amelia was so in love with her husband and his death really rocked her world. She is completely devastated and completely lost to the pain, and anguish of losing her husband. A huge part of her died with him when he was gone. Her pain was tangible, my heart ached for her. I can't even imagine nor do I want to imagine that kind of pain and loss.
"I'm lost. I can't...I just can't"...
"I don't want to forget this feeling I want to always feel this love and peace between us."
Her family tries to help her, her two kids are understanding, but see that if she doesn't choose to move on there could be some series problems.
Well then life happens and Amelia is needed by someone else she loves. Now at that T in the road what will she choose to do? What will be the ramifications of those choices for not only her but others?
Really an engaging and heartfelt story of love, loss, making choices, moving forward, and service. As a side note I really enjoyed learning more about the Jewish religion and customs.
Thank You Olga Soaje for letting me read and review your story!
January 12, 2014
Amelia Weiss is used to Nathan, her husband, finding solutions for all her problems. If she needed time, he hired a babysitter for her baby; if she asked him to live forever, he promised he will never leave her. He was better in taking care of their baby Chloe; he was better at taking care of Amelia than she was of him. He was a busy successful doctor who also made time for both the kids when she was busy in her studio with her sculptures. He was an understanding and supporting husband. He translated life and everything else for her to understand better, including feelings. He was the bridge between her and reality. But Nathan died. It left her with a feeling of bitterness, of disconnection and despair. How could he break his promise to her? She did not want to live without him. She did not KNOW how to live without him. She never had an intimate and good relationship with her daughter, Chloe. She understood Davi, their son, much better.
Life has a way of happening while we're busy making other plans, said John Lennon and Amelia is soon forced to address everything in her life alone. Her relationship with her daughter, her sincerity and dedication to friends, and a new friendship she is not ready for. She has to confront her own guilt and embarrassment in decisions she has to make in her new life.
Comment: This is a cozy read; a tale of a fifty-nine-year-old woman who has to find her way after the death of her husband. Everything is perfect. She has two perfect kids, perfect financial situation, perfect talents and apart from the deep grief she endures in the year after Nathan's passing, she has a perfect life to live. But there are challenges to it which cannot be ignored. The biggest one being the disconnection between her and her daughter Chloe and how Amelia is willing to approach the needs of her daughter while she wants her own needs to be fulfilled as well.
Many women in the same situation will find a commonality with the feelings in this book. For those interested in astrology, this will be a delight. The story is about family relationships, misunderstandings, hope, love in different packages, and how to find closure after one life ends and another one begins. The cycles of life continues. For the living, there's a new day breaking whether it is welcomed or not.
Twelve Houses is an inspirational story; a self-help manual if needed; a compassionate look on loneliness and grief after the love of one's life passes away. Love comes in different ways. Somewhere hope waits patiently in the corner. And friendship always shines when expected the least. Sometimes love can only be exposed when the Twelve Houses in everyone's cards is dramatically shaken by an event like the death of a loved-one and life, as it was established in a cozy comfort zone, is shattered. Love has a different name for the twelve different houses in everyone's life.
An easy, gentle, fast read with an uplifting ambiance. Well-written. A dignified journey.
Life has a way of happening while we're busy making other plans, said John Lennon and Amelia is soon forced to address everything in her life alone. Her relationship with her daughter, her sincerity and dedication to friends, and a new friendship she is not ready for. She has to confront her own guilt and embarrassment in decisions she has to make in her new life.
Comment: This is a cozy read; a tale of a fifty-nine-year-old woman who has to find her way after the death of her husband. Everything is perfect. She has two perfect kids, perfect financial situation, perfect talents and apart from the deep grief she endures in the year after Nathan's passing, she has a perfect life to live. But there are challenges to it which cannot be ignored. The biggest one being the disconnection between her and her daughter Chloe and how Amelia is willing to approach the needs of her daughter while she wants her own needs to be fulfilled as well.
Many women in the same situation will find a commonality with the feelings in this book. For those interested in astrology, this will be a delight. The story is about family relationships, misunderstandings, hope, love in different packages, and how to find closure after one life ends and another one begins. The cycles of life continues. For the living, there's a new day breaking whether it is welcomed or not.
Twelve Houses is an inspirational story; a self-help manual if needed; a compassionate look on loneliness and grief after the love of one's life passes away. Love comes in different ways. Somewhere hope waits patiently in the corner. And friendship always shines when expected the least. Sometimes love can only be exposed when the Twelve Houses in everyone's cards is dramatically shaken by an event like the death of a loved-one and life, as it was established in a cozy comfort zone, is shattered. Love has a different name for the twelve different houses in everyone's life.
An easy, gentle, fast read with an uplifting ambiance. Well-written. A dignified journey.
January 21, 2014
During the last few weeks, I have been privileged to read three outstanding novels, each about aspects of love - and this is one! I will not repeat the synopsis - others have done so.
This book is sensitively and beautifully written, with great charm. Those of us who have lost close loved ones will recognise themselves in Amelia, the sculptress, who–bereft after the death of her beloved husband, Nathan–can no longer function. The needs of her family and friends are the catalyst which drive her out of hiding.
Amelia is every woman who has lost her soul mate and has to learn to live again. Guilt, anguish and denial are part of her future – or are they?
Olga Soaje has written this book in the first person, never an easy task, but she makes it so, the story effortlessly flowing, with tears and laughter along for the ride.
A truly lovely story which touches the heart.
This book is sensitively and beautifully written, with great charm. Those of us who have lost close loved ones will recognise themselves in Amelia, the sculptress, who–bereft after the death of her beloved husband, Nathan–can no longer function. The needs of her family and friends are the catalyst which drive her out of hiding.
Amelia is every woman who has lost her soul mate and has to learn to live again. Guilt, anguish and denial are part of her future – or are they?
Olga Soaje has written this book in the first person, never an easy task, but she makes it so, the story effortlessly flowing, with tears and laughter along for the ride.
A truly lovely story which touches the heart.
December 27, 2013
Twelve Houses by Olga SoajeMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
Every once in a while a book comes along that takes your breath away with its powerful message and magnetic words. Twelve Houses by Olga Soaje has rocked me back on my heels. Amelia and her husband vowed to never leave each other, but thirty-five years after they took their vows, Amelia has been made a widow. She becomes like a ship lost at sea, unable to function, to create the sculptures she loves so much, she is paralyzed emotionally. The relationships around her are strained, and she cannot find solace anywhere. Her adult children are no comfort for her and she is so lost in her own grief, she fails to think of their loss, so when her estranged daughter "needs" her, she finds it difficult to respond. Between concerned friends and the "voice" of her late husband, she begins to see the person she has become, steeped in her grief. Only when she realizes that she is living in the past, does she work to truly "live" in the present and accept that life goes on, there are those who love and need her in their futures.
Olga Soaje has created a masterpiece of words that flow through each page, rich with detail and emotion. Twelve Houses is a journey for one woman who learns to live again, as she starts to heal her pain by reaching out to others and forging new bonds. The stages of recovery and healing are handled with finesse and brutal clarity simultaneously as Ms. Soaje brings Amelia's story to life, a story that we all can relate to, the loss of a loved one whose life we can only honor by moving on. Twelve Houses is an amazing piece of art that comes alive in your hands and your heart.
I received this copy of Twelve Houses from Olga Soaje in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: November 28, 2013
Publisher: Olga Soaje
Genre: Adult Fiction/Women's Fiction
Number of Pages: 240
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
View all my reviews
June 20, 2014
Beautifully written, powerful and poignant - Twelve Houses is the story of one woman's journey back to life after the death of her beloved husband. The book explores the relationships around her and her painful journey back to love.
Amelia Weiss loses her beloved husband, Nathan, after being married for 35 years. A talented artist and loving mother, she does not know how to go on. Her creative muse has disappeared; she's very close to her son, but has a rocky relationship with her daughter; and is uncertain about her future. So, like many children of the sixties, she looks to her astrological charts for guidance.
Her daughter reaches out and asks her to visit San Francisco, the place where she and Nathan met, and Amelia embraces the idea with open arms. Once back in her old stomping grounds, Amelia goes to visit her old astrologist - and from here the story blossoms!
This book made me cry, it made me laugh, and it gave me hope. Have tissues handy because this book made me 'ugly cry'. It brought back the pain of losing my mother and my father's journey back to life and love!
I LOVED THIS BOOK!
Amelia Weiss loses her beloved husband, Nathan, after being married for 35 years. A talented artist and loving mother, she does not know how to go on. Her creative muse has disappeared; she's very close to her son, but has a rocky relationship with her daughter; and is uncertain about her future. So, like many children of the sixties, she looks to her astrological charts for guidance.
Her daughter reaches out and asks her to visit San Francisco, the place where she and Nathan met, and Amelia embraces the idea with open arms. Once back in her old stomping grounds, Amelia goes to visit her old astrologist - and from here the story blossoms!
This book made me cry, it made me laugh, and it gave me hope. Have tissues handy because this book made me 'ugly cry'. It brought back the pain of losing my mother and my father's journey back to life and love!
I LOVED THIS BOOK!
January 27, 2014
3.5 stars
This is a pretty good contemporary woman's fiction. Amelia was approaching 60 and suddenly a widow. She has a road ahead of her that it seems she is not ready for. She had a husband who did everything for her. Making reference to numerology, the title is fitting. It is a somewhat emotional story that encompasses love, marriage, life, and loss. I understood the character and how she had to push herself to accept the loss of Nathan and grow. I got the impression that she needed to grow as a single person, as a widow, and that was the hard part for her. I think she had issues with her daughter, thus effecting her emotional state.
It was a book that will appeal to the over 30 crowd. A lot of wisdom in the pages.
This is a pretty good contemporary woman's fiction. Amelia was approaching 60 and suddenly a widow. She has a road ahead of her that it seems she is not ready for. She had a husband who did everything for her. Making reference to numerology, the title is fitting. It is a somewhat emotional story that encompasses love, marriage, life, and loss. I understood the character and how she had to push herself to accept the loss of Nathan and grow. I got the impression that she needed to grow as a single person, as a widow, and that was the hard part for her. I think she had issues with her daughter, thus effecting her emotional state.
It was a book that will appeal to the over 30 crowd. A lot of wisdom in the pages.
January 4, 2014
When Amelia Weiss, well-known sculptor, loses her beloved husband Nathan after thirty-five years, there is a huge hole in her life. In her heart. She is paralyzed by the pain and grief, and finds it impossible to resume her sculpting. Her life in Seattle feels strange and empty.
Her grown children, Chloe and David, hover for awhile and then go on with their lives. In fact, Chloe has always been just out of her mother's reach, distant, and with Nathan gone, there is nobody to forge the gap between them. Amelia's mind carries her back to when she and Nathan were young and living in San Francisco. Her memories soothe her.
But when Chloe calls and asks her mother to visit in San Francisco, Amelia is anxious, but also hopeful for their relationship. Can the two of them find each other at last? While there, a connection between them seems to be growing. Then Amelia discovers that her daughter is pregnant.
Meanwhile, Amelia's agent is pressuring her to complete pieces for an exhibit in New York, scheduled for October. How can Amelia even think of working? But something happens that spurs her on, and soon she is back in Seattle and productive again.
But Chloe is having a problem pregnancy and needs her mother. Will Chloe's needs shove Amelia's own aside? And what about Chloe's handsome boss who seems interested in Amelia? Is it too soon for romance?
Astrology is a delightful theme in "Twelve Houses," taking Amelia back to the days when she regularly sought readings and studied astrology. She reconnects with old friends and begins writing a column for a local newspaper.
This story had so many layers, and throughout, I could almost feel the push and pull as the various elements seemed to tug at Amelia, demanding things from her that seemed impossible. As she flew back and forth between Seattle, San Francisco, and then Boston, I had to sigh from the exhaustion of it all. Chloe's demands and her attitude toward her mother made her an unlikeable character. At her age (thirty), I would expect a greater maturity. However, she begins to evolve after the birth of her daughter and by the end of the story. Has life come full circle?
For those who enjoy stories about love, loss, and starting over. 5 stars.
Her grown children, Chloe and David, hover for awhile and then go on with their lives. In fact, Chloe has always been just out of her mother's reach, distant, and with Nathan gone, there is nobody to forge the gap between them. Amelia's mind carries her back to when she and Nathan were young and living in San Francisco. Her memories soothe her.
But when Chloe calls and asks her mother to visit in San Francisco, Amelia is anxious, but also hopeful for their relationship. Can the two of them find each other at last? While there, a connection between them seems to be growing. Then Amelia discovers that her daughter is pregnant.
Meanwhile, Amelia's agent is pressuring her to complete pieces for an exhibit in New York, scheduled for October. How can Amelia even think of working? But something happens that spurs her on, and soon she is back in Seattle and productive again.
But Chloe is having a problem pregnancy and needs her mother. Will Chloe's needs shove Amelia's own aside? And what about Chloe's handsome boss who seems interested in Amelia? Is it too soon for romance?
Astrology is a delightful theme in "Twelve Houses," taking Amelia back to the days when she regularly sought readings and studied astrology. She reconnects with old friends and begins writing a column for a local newspaper.
This story had so many layers, and throughout, I could almost feel the push and pull as the various elements seemed to tug at Amelia, demanding things from her that seemed impossible. As she flew back and forth between Seattle, San Francisco, and then Boston, I had to sigh from the exhaustion of it all. Chloe's demands and her attitude toward her mother made her an unlikeable character. At her age (thirty), I would expect a greater maturity. However, she begins to evolve after the birth of her daughter and by the end of the story. Has life come full circle?
For those who enjoy stories about love, loss, and starting over. 5 stars.
July 20, 2016
* I received a free Ecopy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review *
Twelve Houses by Olga Soaje is a remarkable novel of life and death and love and loss so intricately and wonderfully woven together.
The first chapter of this book is so incredibly sad. Amelia has lost her husband, Nathan, the love of her life. She doesn't she how she can possibly go on without him and furthermore, she doesn't want to. In Twelve Houses we follow Amelia on her journey to find a balance, a routine, a reason in her new life. She has to learn to live life without Nathan and to forgive him for making her do so. But more importantly she has to learn to forgive herself for wanting to.
I loved this book. It's so easy to find yourself connecting to the characters and story. I've never experienced a loss like Amelia's but I have experienced great love and I felt so many emotions with her every step of the way. This is a novel for the masses. There is something in it for everyone to relate to and that's part of what makes it so great. Do you have or have you had a great love? So did Amelia. Have you experienced a heart breaking, life changing loss? So did Amelia. Do you struggle to connect with your kids? Live with regrets? Have amazing friends? So does Amelia.
Twelve Houses was a beautifully written, moving novel full of friendships and choices and love and life. This author has an amazing talent for storytelling. I will recommend this book to everyone I know and I look forward to reading more by Olga Soaje.
Twelve Houses by Olga Soaje is a remarkable novel of life and death and love and loss so intricately and wonderfully woven together.
The first chapter of this book is so incredibly sad. Amelia has lost her husband, Nathan, the love of her life. She doesn't she how she can possibly go on without him and furthermore, she doesn't want to. In Twelve Houses we follow Amelia on her journey to find a balance, a routine, a reason in her new life. She has to learn to live life without Nathan and to forgive him for making her do so. But more importantly she has to learn to forgive herself for wanting to.
I loved this book. It's so easy to find yourself connecting to the characters and story. I've never experienced a loss like Amelia's but I have experienced great love and I felt so many emotions with her every step of the way. This is a novel for the masses. There is something in it for everyone to relate to and that's part of what makes it so great. Do you have or have you had a great love? So did Amelia. Have you experienced a heart breaking, life changing loss? So did Amelia. Do you struggle to connect with your kids? Live with regrets? Have amazing friends? So does Amelia.
Twelve Houses was a beautifully written, moving novel full of friendships and choices and love and life. This author has an amazing talent for storytelling. I will recommend this book to everyone I know and I look forward to reading more by Olga Soaje.
February 6, 2014
I really enjoyed this very heart warming story of Amelia who suddenly loses her husband of 35 years and has to somehow go on living. The characters in this story were very well developed and easy to relate to. I very much look forward to reading more from this author!!!
June 14, 2014
Reviewed by: Anne
An arc was provided for an honest review.
I am writing this review almost immediately after finishing the book in the hope that the raw emotions that I am feeling are evident. This is not my usual choice of book but I am so glad that I have had the privilege of reading it.
Amelia, at 58 is widowed suddenly. Nathan her husband of 35 years was the love of her life. Not just a husband but also a friend, protector and her strength. They have two grown up children, Chloe their daughter was emotionally cut off from Amelia. David their son shared a strong bond with his mother.
The grief of Nathan's death that Amelia is living with prevents her from being creative and she cannot continue with her work as a famous sculptor, she finds it hard to function. We read flashbacks of how Amelia and Nathan met and the strong bond they had formed. Whilst pregnant with Chloe, their first child, Nathan makes a promise to never leave Amelia but of course this is a promise he couldn't keep with his unexpected sudden death.
The bond between mother and daughter starts to heal with Chloe's pregnancy and Amelia temporarily gives up her life to move to be near her daughter. This is where the story moves on to Amelia accepting that Nathan is gone but also still struggling with grief. With the introduction of James to the story we are given hope for a happy ending for Amelia.
At times in the story she could hear Nathan talking to her, guiding her, giving her direction.
Her internal struggle about moving on or continuing to live a life consumed by grief was the main focus of the latter part of the book. In moving on she felt like she was betraying Nathan.
That is as far as I am going to explain the story; this book deserves to be read for the reader to find out what happens to Amelia.
This book is so well written with such raw emotion felt on every page. It has a great supporting cast who in their own way helped Amelia to start living again. I felt her guilt at falling in love again, her hurt and despair at being left by Nathan and the strength she gained from her family and friends who each handled her grief in their own way.
Amelia is such a realistic character, I am sure anyone who has suffered such a profound loss would be able to relate to this story of self discovery, when everything you have ever known and loved is tragically taken away from you.
It was the final pages that tipped me over the edge when Amelia finally accepted the choices she had made and put herself first.
If you want to read a beautifully written, well developed story about love, loss, despair and an amazing journey of self discovery then I urge you to read this book. Thank you Olga Soaje, this book was an amazing read.
An arc was provided for an honest review.
I am writing this review almost immediately after finishing the book in the hope that the raw emotions that I am feeling are evident. This is not my usual choice of book but I am so glad that I have had the privilege of reading it.
Amelia, at 58 is widowed suddenly. Nathan her husband of 35 years was the love of her life. Not just a husband but also a friend, protector and her strength. They have two grown up children, Chloe their daughter was emotionally cut off from Amelia. David their son shared a strong bond with his mother.
The grief of Nathan's death that Amelia is living with prevents her from being creative and she cannot continue with her work as a famous sculptor, she finds it hard to function. We read flashbacks of how Amelia and Nathan met and the strong bond they had formed. Whilst pregnant with Chloe, their first child, Nathan makes a promise to never leave Amelia but of course this is a promise he couldn't keep with his unexpected sudden death.
The bond between mother and daughter starts to heal with Chloe's pregnancy and Amelia temporarily gives up her life to move to be near her daughter. This is where the story moves on to Amelia accepting that Nathan is gone but also still struggling with grief. With the introduction of James to the story we are given hope for a happy ending for Amelia.
At times in the story she could hear Nathan talking to her, guiding her, giving her direction.
Her internal struggle about moving on or continuing to live a life consumed by grief was the main focus of the latter part of the book. In moving on she felt like she was betraying Nathan.
That is as far as I am going to explain the story; this book deserves to be read for the reader to find out what happens to Amelia.
This book is so well written with such raw emotion felt on every page. It has a great supporting cast who in their own way helped Amelia to start living again. I felt her guilt at falling in love again, her hurt and despair at being left by Nathan and the strength she gained from her family and friends who each handled her grief in their own way.
Amelia is such a realistic character, I am sure anyone who has suffered such a profound loss would be able to relate to this story of self discovery, when everything you have ever known and loved is tragically taken away from you.
It was the final pages that tipped me over the edge when Amelia finally accepted the choices she had made and put herself first.
If you want to read a beautifully written, well developed story about love, loss, despair and an amazing journey of self discovery then I urge you to read this book. Thank you Olga Soaje, this book was an amazing read.
August 19, 2014
Disclaimer: I received an email from the author asking if she was to give me a Kindle copy of her book, would I read it and give it an honest review, whether or not I liked it? I agreed.
The first thing I noticed about this book was the protagonist, Amelia, was 59, not 19 or even an old woman of 29. Solid points in Ms. Soaje's favor right from the start—contemporary fiction for the silver haired!
Amelia married the love of her life 30 some years ago who had the extreme bad manners of dying suddenly and abandoning her. Even after he promised on their honeymoon to never do that. They had two children, a girl with whom Amelia is somewhat estranged, and a son. Both children are grown, gone, and in the process of starting their own families far from Amelia. Now Amelia is picking up the pieces of her shattered life and it is not an easy process.
She is an artist, a sculptor who is herself, a shard of broken green ware on the floor of her studio. Her agent of 30 years badgers her into anger and creativity. Her daughter is married and pregnant in San Francisco, her son about to be married in Boston.
Yes, there are a lot of tears in the beginning, and a lot of soul searching, and a lot of running from James, who enters her life. It's a novel for heaven's sake! A "cozy" if you will, though not in the mystery sense. There will be no huge surprises as Amelia copes with her grief and moves on to her life. If you read this book in bed as I intended to, there will be no nightmares. (I ended up reading it in "two-sits." It would have been a "one-sit" book, but I started it too late in the evening.)
This is a "coming of age" book, or a "coming to terms with life" book, if you prefer. I found the characters quite believable (well, James was a tad over the top, but remember, this is a novel;-). I appreciated that not only did Amelia grieve, she was angry with Nathan for dying and leaving her; I understood the mother-daughter dynamics, from both perspectives. I understood the wanting of love, and the guilt for wanting it.
If you want a novel with a lot of tension, adrenaline gushes, and reality, find another book. If you want a novel to read curled in front of the fireplace, or in bed, if you want to live in another life for a while, and know that everything will turn out fine because it is a novel, not a memoir, this may be the book for you. It was for me.
The first thing I noticed about this book was the protagonist, Amelia, was 59, not 19 or even an old woman of 29. Solid points in Ms. Soaje's favor right from the start—contemporary fiction for the silver haired!
Amelia married the love of her life 30 some years ago who had the extreme bad manners of dying suddenly and abandoning her. Even after he promised on their honeymoon to never do that. They had two children, a girl with whom Amelia is somewhat estranged, and a son. Both children are grown, gone, and in the process of starting their own families far from Amelia. Now Amelia is picking up the pieces of her shattered life and it is not an easy process.
She is an artist, a sculptor who is herself, a shard of broken green ware on the floor of her studio. Her agent of 30 years badgers her into anger and creativity. Her daughter is married and pregnant in San Francisco, her son about to be married in Boston.
Yes, there are a lot of tears in the beginning, and a lot of soul searching, and a lot of running from James, who enters her life. It's a novel for heaven's sake! A "cozy" if you will, though not in the mystery sense. There will be no huge surprises as Amelia copes with her grief and moves on to her life. If you read this book in bed as I intended to, there will be no nightmares. (I ended up reading it in "two-sits." It would have been a "one-sit" book, but I started it too late in the evening.)
This is a "coming of age" book, or a "coming to terms with life" book, if you prefer. I found the characters quite believable (well, James was a tad over the top, but remember, this is a novel;-). I appreciated that not only did Amelia grieve, she was angry with Nathan for dying and leaving her; I understood the mother-daughter dynamics, from both perspectives. I understood the wanting of love, and the guilt for wanting it.
If you want a novel with a lot of tension, adrenaline gushes, and reality, find another book. If you want a novel to read curled in front of the fireplace, or in bed, if you want to live in another life for a while, and know that everything will turn out fine because it is a novel, not a memoir, this may be the book for you. It was for me.
December 27, 2013
Every once in a while a book comes along that takes your breath away with its powerful message and magnetic words. Twelve Houses by Olga Soaje has rocked me back on my heels. Amelia and her husband vowed to never leave each other, but thirty-five years after they took their vows, Amelia has been made a widow. She becomes like a ship lost at sea, unable to function, to create the sculptures she loves so much, she is paralyzed emotionally. The relationships around her are strained, and she cannot find solace anywhere. Her adult children are no comfort for her and she is so lost in her own grief, she fails to think of their loss, so when her estranged daughter "needs" her, she finds it difficult to respond. Between concerned friends and the "voice" of her late husband, she begins to see the person she has become, steeped in her grief. Only when she realizes that she is living in the past, does she work to truly "live" in the present and accept that life goes on, there are those who love and need her in their futures.
Olga Soaje has created a masterpiece of words that flow through each page, rich with detail and emotion. Twelve Houses is a journey for one woman who learns to live again, as she starts to heal her pain by reaching out to others and forging new bonds. The stages of recovery and healing are handled with finesse and brutal clarity simultaneously as Ms. Soaje brings Amelia's story to life, a story that we all can relate to, the loss of a loved one whose life we can only honor by moving on. Twelve Houses is an amazing piece of art that comes alive in your hands and your heart.
I received this copy of Twelve Houses from Olga Soaje in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: November 28, 2013
Publisher: Olga Soaje
Genre: Adult Fiction/Women's Fiction
Number of Pages: 240
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Olga Soaje has created a masterpiece of words that flow through each page, rich with detail and emotion. Twelve Houses is a journey for one woman who learns to live again, as she starts to heal her pain by reaching out to others and forging new bonds. The stages of recovery and healing are handled with finesse and brutal clarity simultaneously as Ms. Soaje brings Amelia's story to life, a story that we all can relate to, the loss of a loved one whose life we can only honor by moving on. Twelve Houses is an amazing piece of art that comes alive in your hands and your heart.
I received this copy of Twelve Houses from Olga Soaje in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: November 28, 2013
Publisher: Olga Soaje
Genre: Adult Fiction/Women's Fiction
Number of Pages: 240
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
February 25, 2014
TWELVE HOUSES
“Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tip Toe if you must, but take the step.”
In Twelve Houses, Amelia Weiss finds herself suddenly widowed and her life stops moving. She is so overcome with anger, grief, and disbelief that she is frozen in a state of an inutile, unpurposed existence.
She is unable to move forward as she clings tenaciously to her past happiness and memories.
Life is always a leap of faith forward, but Amelia appears to be genuinely incapable of taking even the tiniest of steps to ameliorate her distress. She is rudderless and ill equipped with either the will or the skills to propel her life forth.
Amelia is gently pushed into embracing a new breath of life and vitality as she is slowly introduced to learning how to trust and let intimacy flow back into her spirit. Family, friends, her agent, and a new male acquaintance give her a safe path on which to tread while she regains her sense of balance and moral solidity.
This novel explores the many facets of relationships and the ties that bind both families and friends in a complicated circle of emotion. I’ve always believed that “change” is the only “constant” in life. When we accept change, we grow…without this acceptance; we lock ourselves in impenetrable armor and fail to thrive.
Amelia’s deep love and dependence on her husband impelled her fall into holding onto the past more difficult.
She never thought that life could ever equal the happiness that she had in her long marriage.
She couldn’t even envision that possibility!
“Life does come back after loss, but not if it’s expected.”
An apt portrayal of this tenderly constructed story!
“Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tip Toe if you must, but take the step.”
In Twelve Houses, Amelia Weiss finds herself suddenly widowed and her life stops moving. She is so overcome with anger, grief, and disbelief that she is frozen in a state of an inutile, unpurposed existence.
She is unable to move forward as she clings tenaciously to her past happiness and memories.
Life is always a leap of faith forward, but Amelia appears to be genuinely incapable of taking even the tiniest of steps to ameliorate her distress. She is rudderless and ill equipped with either the will or the skills to propel her life forth.
Amelia is gently pushed into embracing a new breath of life and vitality as she is slowly introduced to learning how to trust and let intimacy flow back into her spirit. Family, friends, her agent, and a new male acquaintance give her a safe path on which to tread while she regains her sense of balance and moral solidity.
This novel explores the many facets of relationships and the ties that bind both families and friends in a complicated circle of emotion. I’ve always believed that “change” is the only “constant” in life. When we accept change, we grow…without this acceptance; we lock ourselves in impenetrable armor and fail to thrive.
Amelia’s deep love and dependence on her husband impelled her fall into holding onto the past more difficult.
She never thought that life could ever equal the happiness that she had in her long marriage.
She couldn’t even envision that possibility!
“Life does come back after loss, but not if it’s expected.”
An apt portrayal of this tenderly constructed story!
June 30, 2014
This is the second book that I have read by Olga Soaje. I was privileged to read this outstanding novel Twelve Houses By Olga Soaje. Every once in a while a book will come along that will take your breath away. This is one of them it has such a powerful message. This book is sensitively and beautifully written, with great charm. She has written this book in the first person, which is not an easy thing to do.... but for Olga she has made this seem very easy. The story flows effortlessly, with tears and laughter along the way. I love this book. It's so easy to find myself connecting to the characters and story. I have not experienced a loss like Amelia's but I almost lost my love. We were very lucky that the doctors were able to bring him back to us and I have experienced these emotions. This is a novel for the masses. There is something in it for everyone to relate to and that's part of what makes it so great. Twelve Houses is such a beautifully written, moving novel full of friendships and choices, love, and life. I was unable to put this book down once I began reading it. She has an amazing talent for storytelling. I have recommend this book to everyone I know and I look forward to reading more of her books. She is an amazing author!
January 1, 2014
Difficult Decisions
A captivating piece of written art to provoke thought and reflection on one’s own life is how I perceived Twelve Houses. Olga Soaje did not claim to have written these magnificent words as a self-help book, but I’m making the comparison.
Adversity is part of life, but as the cliché states, it’s how we handle our struggles that matters. Amelia became a widow after thirty-five years of a loving marriage. Understanding her choices regarding family, work, and relationships, may provide hope for readers.
Amelia’s personal loss kept her artistic love of creating pieces of sculpture. She found it difficult to consider entering her studio. Her two children brought insignificant relief, especially her daughter, who was daddy’s girl.
As time went on, Amelia realized she needed to stop grieving and get back to living. The touching story in Twelve Houses is magnificent as Soaje uses picture-perfect words to convey the concept of recognizing and accepting change. Soaje uses compassion and benevolence to explain how Amelia recovered from the unexpected hard knocks delivered in her life.
Twelve Houses, by Olga Soaje, is an enjoyable story for readers of any age.
A captivating piece of written art to provoke thought and reflection on one’s own life is how I perceived Twelve Houses. Olga Soaje did not claim to have written these magnificent words as a self-help book, but I’m making the comparison.
Adversity is part of life, but as the cliché states, it’s how we handle our struggles that matters. Amelia became a widow after thirty-five years of a loving marriage. Understanding her choices regarding family, work, and relationships, may provide hope for readers.
Amelia’s personal loss kept her artistic love of creating pieces of sculpture. She found it difficult to consider entering her studio. Her two children brought insignificant relief, especially her daughter, who was daddy’s girl.
As time went on, Amelia realized she needed to stop grieving and get back to living. The touching story in Twelve Houses is magnificent as Soaje uses picture-perfect words to convey the concept of recognizing and accepting change. Soaje uses compassion and benevolence to explain how Amelia recovered from the unexpected hard knocks delivered in her life.
Twelve Houses, by Olga Soaje, is an enjoyable story for readers of any age.
September 10, 2016
Amelia and her husband had made a vow to never leave one another. After 35 years of marriage, her husband breaks his vow; however, he left her through death. Amelia is struggling to deal with her grief. Twelve Houses was a beautiful journey of Amelia's loss of a soul mate, coping with grief, and her personal growth and self-discovery in learning how to move on. Twelve Houses also delved into how other family members coped with their grief.
On a personal note, I struggled with reading this book as I have lost some people close to me recently. On the one hand, the book being difficult for me to read due to the emotions it brought up could be seen as a negative; however, on the other hand, Ms. Soaje was very accurate in her descriptions and she portrayed beautifully and with great emotion how one might be feeling after the loss of a loved one and how they could struggle with moving on.
It should be noted this book was received as a free gift in exchange for an honest review.
On a personal note, I struggled with reading this book as I have lost some people close to me recently. On the one hand, the book being difficult for me to read due to the emotions it brought up could be seen as a negative; however, on the other hand, Ms. Soaje was very accurate in her descriptions and she portrayed beautifully and with great emotion how one might be feeling after the loss of a loved one and how they could struggle with moving on.
It should be noted this book was received as a free gift in exchange for an honest review.
January 30, 2014
A beautifully written piece exploring love, loss and loyalty. The grief of a woman who lost her husband unexpectedly in death too soon. The ambivalence of motherhood and the struggle with guilt over a daughter she always strained to feel at ease with. The healing power of a creative gift that when pursued makes one feel whole and complete along with the juggle of responsibilities and decision making inherent in family life and the balancing act required to keep strong relationships with children, family and friends who all have different needs, wants and desires. A beautifully written story exploring the meaning and complexities of all these issues whilst remaining completely engaging and kept me turning the page wanting to know how it would turn out. A great weekend read for a rainy day.
October 5, 2015
Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot. I liked the story, and I liked the characters. I also liked that the protagonist is older, wiser, and a bit more experienced in life. I found Soaje's account of Amelia's grief following the death of her husband to be compelling and believable--and it was a unique start to a story that proved to be very engaging and satisfying to read.
My only complaint is that the book dragged a bit at times. I felt like some extra editing could have helped move the story along more effectively so that it flowed better. Also, while the astrology angle was interesting, it felt overdone, and I found myself sometimes bored with it.
Otherwise, this is a quick, light read that, while slightly predictable, still has some good depth to it.
My only complaint is that the book dragged a bit at times. I felt like some extra editing could have helped move the story along more effectively so that it flowed better. Also, while the astrology angle was interesting, it felt overdone, and I found myself sometimes bored with it.
Otherwise, this is a quick, light read that, while slightly predictable, still has some good depth to it.
October 25, 2014
Beautifully written, this book uplifts your spirit and makes you believe how anyone deserves to fulfill their dreams, embrace happiness and over all things enjoy the beauty of a new beginning. Everyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one should read this.
November 13, 2014
I was a bit reluctant to read this book after I read the first few pages, mostly because of the story. But after giving it a chance I couldn't put it down. I read the book in the least amount of time I've read any book! I was hooked on the story, the characters and truly hope there is a follow up!
September 29, 2020
I lost the love of my life after 34 amazing years. Then had my high school sweetheart come back into my life. Like Amelia, I was so conflicted as to whether to allow this relationship to renew. My husband had been twelve years dying and knew he was not going to be there to take care of me. He told our five children to put me on a cruise ship, after the funeral, with instructions toy to return without a husband. In essence, he was giving permission for me to move on and seek happiness. While my new relationship was rocky and didn’t last, I found a way to live on my own and to take joy in each day. Amelia’s story, however, brought back to pain of my husband’s loss and the struggles I’d faced with my children, so many tears were shed. I’m glad to have read her story and feel totally at peace now 17 years after my husband’s passing. Thank you.
January 1, 2014
Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/book-tou...
After her husband passes away, Amelia Weiss goes through the most difficult period in her life. Without Nathan, she’s lost, clueless of what to do next. Even getting out of bed in the morning is nearly impossible. Sculpting, which always brought her joy, reduces her to tears. The love of her life is gone, and she’s left alone to pick up the pieces.
Her son, Davi, leads his own life in the city with his fiance. Her relationship with her daughter Chloe is strained. They’ve never gotten along well, and Nathan always had to act as the middle man. But now he’s gone, and there’s no one left to reconcile them. Chloe makes an effort when she asks Amelia to come visit her in the city, revealing her pregnancy and marriage troubles to her mother, who tries to help her in every way possible.
As they slowly grow closer to each other, Amelia finds a new love for yoga and gets back in touch with her old love for astrology. She learns how to make new connections and rediscover who she is and who she wants to be. And maybe, just maybe, she’ll find love again.
This novel talks about a courageous woman, who’s heartbroken at first, and slowly learns to put herself together again. Missing pieces are replaced by new ones, old friends by new friends, and she becomes whole again. It’s a heartfelt novel, just in time for the holiday, about loss, sadness, grief, and never giving up, about being loved from beyond the grave and feeling that love in everything you do. About making a new life for yourself when your loved ones are taken away. Many times throughout reading, I was reduced to tears.
With good writing, solid characters, and a keen sense of detail, Twelve Houses is a novel that will appeal to many people. I thought, since the protagonist is so much older than I am, and the topic is rather sad at first, it wouldn’t appeal to me, but I found myself rooting for Amelia, her personal growth, every minor victory, and feeling for her as if she was a long lost relative. So even if you don’t think this might be for you, at first, it’s worth giving it a shot.
After her husband passes away, Amelia Weiss goes through the most difficult period in her life. Without Nathan, she’s lost, clueless of what to do next. Even getting out of bed in the morning is nearly impossible. Sculpting, which always brought her joy, reduces her to tears. The love of her life is gone, and she’s left alone to pick up the pieces.
Her son, Davi, leads his own life in the city with his fiance. Her relationship with her daughter Chloe is strained. They’ve never gotten along well, and Nathan always had to act as the middle man. But now he’s gone, and there’s no one left to reconcile them. Chloe makes an effort when she asks Amelia to come visit her in the city, revealing her pregnancy and marriage troubles to her mother, who tries to help her in every way possible.
As they slowly grow closer to each other, Amelia finds a new love for yoga and gets back in touch with her old love for astrology. She learns how to make new connections and rediscover who she is and who she wants to be. And maybe, just maybe, she’ll find love again.
This novel talks about a courageous woman, who’s heartbroken at first, and slowly learns to put herself together again. Missing pieces are replaced by new ones, old friends by new friends, and she becomes whole again. It’s a heartfelt novel, just in time for the holiday, about loss, sadness, grief, and never giving up, about being loved from beyond the grave and feeling that love in everything you do. About making a new life for yourself when your loved ones are taken away. Many times throughout reading, I was reduced to tears.
With good writing, solid characters, and a keen sense of detail, Twelve Houses is a novel that will appeal to many people. I thought, since the protagonist is so much older than I am, and the topic is rather sad at first, it wouldn’t appeal to me, but I found myself rooting for Amelia, her personal growth, every minor victory, and feeling for her as if she was a long lost relative. So even if you don’t think this might be for you, at first, it’s worth giving it a shot.
February 8, 2014
Amelia Weiss is in her late fifties when she loses her husband of many years to an unexpected heart attack. Her grief is profound, and she's unsure how to move forward--or even if it is possible to do so. She has support from friends and from her two children, though they live in different cities. But Amelia's grief gets in the way of her creativity--she's a famous sculptor. This is a problem because her agent, a difficult and complicated woman, has arranged a show in a renown NY venue. Amelia has no idea how she'll keep this commitment. Adding to sadness is her troubled relationship with her daughter. Her husband, while he was alive, used to act as a buffer between the two. With him gone, Amelia feels her fragile boned with Chloe will deteriorate even more.
I enjoyed the book a great deal. Amelia is a well-drawn, realistic character. I like how imperfect she is. Her stubbornness in her grief adds a lot of tension to a plot which could have easily become too sentimental. The integration of Astrology--as a means for Amelia to connect with her pre-married self and gain a little perspective on her current situation--was well done and believable. It made me want to have my own Natal chart done. The various settings--Seattle, San Francisco, Napa--were realistic and enhanced the larger narrative.
If there was one aspect of the book that distracted me a bit, it was the across-the-board upper class economic situations of ALL of the characters. On one hand it added a fairy tale quality to the book which was pleasant to dally in for a while. Also, it highlighted the fact that, for all the material riches at Amelia's fingertips, her heart and soul were as vulnerable to suffering as anyone else's.
But it did get to be a tad too much. The zipping around the country. The buying of wineries and penthouses. Out-of-state interior designers for a baby's nursery. Toning it down a little would have emphasized the genuine emotion which makes the book such a pleasure.
Overall, I loved the book. The writing is thoughtful and accomplished. The plot touches the heart yet avoids melodrama. Also, in a literary landscape populated with heroines of eighteen-to-thirty, it's refreshing to explore the hopes and desires of a woman in late middle age.
I enjoyed the book a great deal. Amelia is a well-drawn, realistic character. I like how imperfect she is. Her stubbornness in her grief adds a lot of tension to a plot which could have easily become too sentimental. The integration of Astrology--as a means for Amelia to connect with her pre-married self and gain a little perspective on her current situation--was well done and believable. It made me want to have my own Natal chart done. The various settings--Seattle, San Francisco, Napa--were realistic and enhanced the larger narrative.
If there was one aspect of the book that distracted me a bit, it was the across-the-board upper class economic situations of ALL of the characters. On one hand it added a fairy tale quality to the book which was pleasant to dally in for a while. Also, it highlighted the fact that, for all the material riches at Amelia's fingertips, her heart and soul were as vulnerable to suffering as anyone else's.
But it did get to be a tad too much. The zipping around the country. The buying of wineries and penthouses. Out-of-state interior designers for a baby's nursery. Toning it down a little would have emphasized the genuine emotion which makes the book such a pleasure.
Overall, I loved the book. The writing is thoughtful and accomplished. The plot touches the heart yet avoids melodrama. Also, in a literary landscape populated with heroines of eighteen-to-thirty, it's refreshing to explore the hopes and desires of a woman in late middle age.
January 20, 2014
Amelia's husband of 35 years, Nathan, passes away suddenly. She's hurt and angry because he'd promised that they'd be together forever. She is an artist and discovers she has lost her spirit for creating sculptures. While in her studio, she hears Nathan's voice encouraging her and she's inspired again.
In the meantime, her daughter, Chloe, is having a rough pregnancy and asks her mother to spend some time with her in San Francisco. Amelia has never had a good relationship with Chloe so she sees this as a way to get close to her daughter. When she meets James, an editor where Chloe works, she feels an instant connection to him ... but she also feels guilty and like she is cheating on Nathan. What follows is Amelia trying to figure out the future and her growing feelings for James and living in the past and betraying Nathan.
This is the first book I've read by this author and liked it. It was a nice change for the main character to be a woman in her late 50s.
I liked the writing style. I thought it flowed well. I did have a problem with the timeline with Amelia's relationship with another man, though. Amelia had been with Nathan for 35+ years ... and in about six months, she was attracted to James. Yes, she fought it but I would think that after spending all that time loving one man that it would take longer to have an open heart for someone else. As a head's up, some language is for mature readers.
I liked Amelia. Her life had been unexpectedly upturned and she was just trying to figure out what to do now. I liked her son, David, and his fiancee, Anna. I didn't care for Chloe ... though she was in her thirties, she was self-centered, immature and demanding. It seemed like it was always Amelia bowing to Chloe so they would get along and mend their fences. It was great that Amelia had the support of such great friends like Natalie and Celia.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2014/01...
In the meantime, her daughter, Chloe, is having a rough pregnancy and asks her mother to spend some time with her in San Francisco. Amelia has never had a good relationship with Chloe so she sees this as a way to get close to her daughter. When she meets James, an editor where Chloe works, she feels an instant connection to him ... but she also feels guilty and like she is cheating on Nathan. What follows is Amelia trying to figure out the future and her growing feelings for James and living in the past and betraying Nathan.
This is the first book I've read by this author and liked it. It was a nice change for the main character to be a woman in her late 50s.
I liked the writing style. I thought it flowed well. I did have a problem with the timeline with Amelia's relationship with another man, though. Amelia had been with Nathan for 35+ years ... and in about six months, she was attracted to James. Yes, she fought it but I would think that after spending all that time loving one man that it would take longer to have an open heart for someone else. As a head's up, some language is for mature readers.
I liked Amelia. Her life had been unexpectedly upturned and she was just trying to figure out what to do now. I liked her son, David, and his fiancee, Anna. I didn't care for Chloe ... though she was in her thirties, she was self-centered, immature and demanding. It seemed like it was always Amelia bowing to Chloe so they would get along and mend their fences. It was great that Amelia had the support of such great friends like Natalie and Celia.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2014/01...
March 7, 2014
After being married to the love of her life, Nathan for many years, Amelia suddenly finds herself lost and alone when he dies unexpectedly of a heart attack. It's difficult for her to get back to her sculpting until faced with an ultimatum from her agent and she resents her for it.
The relationship between her and her daughter Chloe has always suffered with her husband being the go-between. Now that he's gone, she has no idea how to bridge that gap. Now Chloe is expecting her to visit her in California, causing her even more stress.
Amelia slowly starts living again while missing Nathan dearly. It is when another man shows an interest in her that she finds most difficult in coming to terms with. She thinks it's too early and that she would be guilty of betraying her late husband.
The author keenly portrays through her, the angst a parent of older children must feel when contemplating a new relationship. Even though adult children now have lives of their own, there is a fear of being judged as disloyal to the beloved deceased.
Amelia has wonderful friends who care enough about her to point out truths that she must come to see for herself in order to truly move on from what was.
The relationship between her and her daughter Chloe has always suffered with her husband being the go-between. Now that he's gone, she has no idea how to bridge that gap. Now Chloe is expecting her to visit her in California, causing her even more stress.
Amelia slowly starts living again while missing Nathan dearly. It is when another man shows an interest in her that she finds most difficult in coming to terms with. She thinks it's too early and that she would be guilty of betraying her late husband.
The author keenly portrays through her, the angst a parent of older children must feel when contemplating a new relationship. Even though adult children now have lives of their own, there is a fear of being judged as disloyal to the beloved deceased.
Amelia has wonderful friends who care enough about her to point out truths that she must come to see for herself in order to truly move on from what was.
June 14, 2014
I started this book and immediately realized it is different from most of the other books I read. Amelia tugged at my heart. You can tangibly feel her pain throughout the book. I enjoyed the look into what life can be like after the loss of a spouse. I cannot even imagine the pain she went through. I enjoyed the flashback into Amelia and Chloe's start. As a new mom sometimes its hard to relate to your newborn and to see your spouse and others do it so effortlessly can make it worse.
While I knew Amelia was sad because of the death of her husband, that is was the main focus and her grief the main focus for the first big chunk of the book made it a bit hard for me to get through. It did pick up once Amelia went to San Francisco.
In the end I did shed some tears, and enjoyed the writing and Amelia, but I think that for me this book was a bit hard for me to adjust to since it is not a place where I am at in life at all. If you were going through a loss of a relationship I really believe that this book may help you.
While I knew Amelia was sad because of the death of her husband, that is was the main focus and her grief the main focus for the first big chunk of the book made it a bit hard for me to get through. It did pick up once Amelia went to San Francisco.
In the end I did shed some tears, and enjoyed the writing and Amelia, but I think that for me this book was a bit hard for me to adjust to since it is not a place where I am at in life at all. If you were going through a loss of a relationship I really believe that this book may help you.
January 22, 2014
I have received this book in exchange of an honest review.
Twelve Houses is definitely a powerful book about Amelia and her life.
After a big lose, Amelia is forced to stop and think and decide what she wants to do with her life. I enjoyed reading about her struggles to make decisions all on her own. Amelia is stronger than she thinks she is. Her life is not easy and she struggles with overwhelming grief and the difficulties of maintaining a relationship with her daughter.
I found this to be a realistic and touching story about love, loos and the ability to move on when we lose someone important.
Twelve Houses is very well written and it is a touching story I would recommend to any fan of Women’s Literature.
4 Stars.
Twelve Houses is definitely a powerful book about Amelia and her life.
After a big lose, Amelia is forced to stop and think and decide what she wants to do with her life. I enjoyed reading about her struggles to make decisions all on her own. Amelia is stronger than she thinks she is. Her life is not easy and she struggles with overwhelming grief and the difficulties of maintaining a relationship with her daughter.
I found this to be a realistic and touching story about love, loos and the ability to move on when we lose someone important.
Twelve Houses is very well written and it is a touching story I would recommend to any fan of Women’s Literature.
4 Stars.
Read
January 30, 2014Keeping promises
Every relationship is built on promises. Some are written. Some are spoken. Some are simply understood. This beautiful story explores what happens when a promise is made in a good person's heart and it is impossible to keep. How does a vibrant, creative, woman deal with unexpected loss of her soul mate? How does her family and friends honor the person she was and allow her to become the person she must be? Written with love, astrological insights, and a beautifully clear voice; this is an engaging story with rich characters and a profound promise of continuity. I only hope Ms. Soaje did not have to personally experience the pain, to so credibly pass on the wisdom. Time with this book is time well spent.
Every relationship is built on promises. Some are written. Some are spoken. Some are simply understood. This beautiful story explores what happens when a promise is made in a good person's heart and it is impossible to keep. How does a vibrant, creative, woman deal with unexpected loss of her soul mate? How does her family and friends honor the person she was and allow her to become the person she must be? Written with love, astrological insights, and a beautifully clear voice; this is an engaging story with rich characters and a profound promise of continuity. I only hope Ms. Soaje did not have to personally experience the pain, to so credibly pass on the wisdom. Time with this book is time well spent.
January 8, 2014
Twelve Houses by Olga Soaje tells the story of Amelia Weiss, a sculptress who loses her husband of thirty-five years suddenly and is faced with rebuilding her life, family, and career without him.
Soaje’s characters are well-developed and relatable; her writing is clean and a pleasure to read. The story flows naturally in all its directions yet is neither predictable nor cliché.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and if you like tales of self-discovery and personal growth and also believe that there are no coincidences in life, you just might too. I look forward to reading more by Soaje.
Soaje’s characters are well-developed and relatable; her writing is clean and a pleasure to read. The story flows naturally in all its directions yet is neither predictable nor cliché.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and if you like tales of self-discovery and personal growth and also believe that there are no coincidences in life, you just might too. I look forward to reading more by Soaje.
January 11, 2014
Twelve Houses is a comfortable, romance that incorporates family themes. This is not the genre that I usually read or prefer, however, I did appreciate the easy and lightness of this book. It was a very fast read, in fact I read it almost entirely in one night. I thought it was predictable and there were no surprises, but the characters were likable and kept me reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews