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Hiraeth: A bold journey of longing and survival.
“Life was not a fairytale of good versus evil. We were all imperfect creatures clinging to the threads of survival. And the fear that had followed me through these mountains like a whisper against my neck was now replaced with a sudden and quiet resolve. A strength that flickered and grew inside me, encompassing us both. I wasn’t running anymore. I was forging a new path for my daughter.”
It is the year 2150, and life is no longer about personal autonomy. People have lost the ability to dream, and nature is a force that is feared and contained.
Confined within a stifling marriage and the slow stripping away of her identity, Seren had sought purpose in the illegal herbal medicine practice she ran under the guise of her medical clinic. But when her secret is exposed, she is forced to flee deep into the mountains with her child and leave everything she knows behind.
Will she find solace with Domine, the only man who has ever made her feel free?
A story of the unfolding into nature, the wilderness inside us, and the magic hidden beneath. Hiraeth is a bold journey of longing and survival, the unbroken perseverance of love, and the resilient heartbeat of the human spirit.
It is the year 2150, and life is no longer about personal autonomy. People have lost the ability to dream, and nature is a force that is feared and contained.
Confined within a stifling marriage and the slow stripping away of her identity, Seren had sought purpose in the illegal herbal medicine practice she ran under the guise of her medical clinic. But when her secret is exposed, she is forced to flee deep into the mountains with her child and leave everything she knows behind.
Will she find solace with Domine, the only man who has ever made her feel free?
A story of the unfolding into nature, the wilderness inside us, and the magic hidden beneath. Hiraeth is a bold journey of longing and survival, the unbroken perseverance of love, and the resilient heartbeat of the human spirit.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 28, 2023
17 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Leigh Pezzano
5 books52 followersJennifer is a literary junkie, with a life long love affair with words. A poet and writer who lives nestled in the beautiful valley of Southern Oregon with her partner and daughter. She spends her days furiously typing away at her computer while trying to balance the blend of motherhood and self growth.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 16, 2024
Hiraeth, by Jennifer Leigh Pezzano.
Ever since I saw this book and read the synopsis, I wanted to have this book. So when I received a paperback copy as a Christmas gift, I was thrilled to bits.
The book met and then exceeded all my expectations. A compelling unputdownable plot, well-crafted characters and the visually descriptive passages were beautifully written by talented author and poet, Jennifer Leigh Pezzano.
A journey of self-discovery, a longing for something more. A chance to be free and to be who you truly are.
Seren is trapped in a loveless marriage to Trendon. Although once loving toward her, he followed the strict laws under the citizenship rights of the Grid. Trendon is brainwashed and compliant to Grid rules; and when he discovers Seren’s secret, he threatens to hand her over to the authorities for correction.
Seren knew that she must escape, take her daughter, Lilica, and flee to safety.
It was such a pleasurable experience to read this well-conceived story: the delightful prose was almost poetic in parts, spellbinding in its creativeness and fluidity. And the tender love story between Seren and Domine was touching and deeply emotional.
The merging into nature: this premise resonated deeply within me. Finding your place in a wilderness that may seem alien until you really stop to look and appreciate the wonders around you, of which are the animals and nature, that we all depend on for our own survival.
I especially loved the chapters that included the wolf. It brought a mystical feel to the drama that was unfolding around the three runaways.
Absolutely wonderful!
I won’t say anymore, discover the surprises for yourselves.
Highly recommended.
Ever since I saw this book and read the synopsis, I wanted to have this book. So when I received a paperback copy as a Christmas gift, I was thrilled to bits.
The book met and then exceeded all my expectations. A compelling unputdownable plot, well-crafted characters and the visually descriptive passages were beautifully written by talented author and poet, Jennifer Leigh Pezzano.
A journey of self-discovery, a longing for something more. A chance to be free and to be who you truly are.
Seren is trapped in a loveless marriage to Trendon. Although once loving toward her, he followed the strict laws under the citizenship rights of the Grid. Trendon is brainwashed and compliant to Grid rules; and when he discovers Seren’s secret, he threatens to hand her over to the authorities for correction.
Seren knew that she must escape, take her daughter, Lilica, and flee to safety.
It was such a pleasurable experience to read this well-conceived story: the delightful prose was almost poetic in parts, spellbinding in its creativeness and fluidity. And the tender love story between Seren and Domine was touching and deeply emotional.
The merging into nature: this premise resonated deeply within me. Finding your place in a wilderness that may seem alien until you really stop to look and appreciate the wonders around you, of which are the animals and nature, that we all depend on for our own survival.
I especially loved the chapters that included the wolf. It brought a mystical feel to the drama that was unfolding around the three runaways.
Absolutely wonderful!
I won’t say anymore, discover the surprises for yourselves.
Highly recommended.
September 23, 2024
This is one you don’t want to miss!
Sandy on BookTok hosted an indie book summer, which kind of inspired this purchase on my Kindle, but little did I know what a ride I was in for…. One I will remember for years to come!
Sandy on BookTok hosted an indie book summer, which kind of inspired this purchase on my Kindle, but little did I know what a ride I was in for…. One I will remember for years to come!
September 18, 2023
Hiraeth had me hooked from the beginning. This dystopian romance that takes place in the future year of 2150 had me in all my feels. Seren was an amazing character. She was strong and resilient. When her suffocating, uniform world comes crashing in around her she escapes with her daughter into the wild and back into the arms of the man she has always loved. Their journey together to get to a place that is safe from the grid is dangerous and filled with harrowing adventures. Jennifer Leigh Pezzano paints a beautiful story that you can feel.
June 13, 2024
great
Beautifully written story of love. A second chance in a world of fog and domination… loved how it all evolved and love won out. A lovely book if you want a happy ever after. Beautifully written with a flow which develops into a well thought out intriguing tale..
Beautifully written story of love. A second chance in a world of fog and domination… loved how it all evolved and love won out. A lovely book if you want a happy ever after. Beautifully written with a flow which develops into a well thought out intriguing tale..
September 21, 2023
I couldn't put down this book! The story takes place in the year 2150 where the government controls everything in our lives even what type of job/profession you are allowed to have. Our main character is a doctor who is caught treating her patients with the old herbal remedies that seem to work but are outlawed.
This book was so good, as all of Jennifer's books are and I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend it to all my friends who read. A definite five star read!
This book was so good, as all of Jennifer's books are and I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend it to all my friends who read. A definite five star read!
April 15, 2025
Jennifer Leigh Pezzano paints a bleak vision of a dystopian world in which colour and independence are against the grid's laws and are nearly forgotten by society. Seren and Trendon were locked in a loveless marriage. He was brainwashed by the grid that ruled civilisation and he did not deviate from their rules. Tehe was a place that did not allow for creative thinking or individual development.
Seren, a doctor, followed herbal remedies, which were significantly more effective than what the grid allowed but came at dangerous risk. When her stash of unlawful herbal medicine was discovered, and she risked losing her daughter, Lilica, she did the only thing she could to create a better life for them outside of the grid. When she pulled up in front of Domine's door, their perilous adventure to a place where they would be off the grid began. This narrative will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride, from laughter to tears and everything in between. Seren, Domine, and Lilica's quest kept you engaged until the very end.
Seren discovered herself and acquired a love for the forest and, of course, the wolf after leaving her life under the control of the grid and moving to the untamed wilderness! I particularly enjoyed the parts involving the wolf. It was done convincingly, adding a sense of wonder and awe to the natural world.
Domine is a dependable presence in Seren's life. Their relationship developed throughout the story and the spice scenes were handled well. Lilica is a lovely and bright young girl with insight much above her years and a beacon of hope in her mother's life.
The novel captivated me from the very first page. Pezzano's description of the places and personalities is brilliant. The characters were believable and likeable, and each had their own distinct voice. I adored all of their unique names!
Seren, a doctor, followed herbal remedies, which were significantly more effective than what the grid allowed but came at dangerous risk. When her stash of unlawful herbal medicine was discovered, and she risked losing her daughter, Lilica, she did the only thing she could to create a better life for them outside of the grid. When she pulled up in front of Domine's door, their perilous adventure to a place where they would be off the grid began. This narrative will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride, from laughter to tears and everything in between. Seren, Domine, and Lilica's quest kept you engaged until the very end.
Seren discovered herself and acquired a love for the forest and, of course, the wolf after leaving her life under the control of the grid and moving to the untamed wilderness! I particularly enjoyed the parts involving the wolf. It was done convincingly, adding a sense of wonder and awe to the natural world.
Domine is a dependable presence in Seren's life. Their relationship developed throughout the story and the spice scenes were handled well. Lilica is a lovely and bright young girl with insight much above her years and a beacon of hope in her mother's life.
The novel captivated me from the very first page. Pezzano's description of the places and personalities is brilliant. The characters were believable and likeable, and each had their own distinct voice. I adored all of their unique names!
September 14, 2023
I am not a dystopian-style romance reader however when Ms. Pezzano approached me to read this one I did not hesitate as I am a fan of her other books. Her writing and storylines have always been emotionally charged and ones that pull you right in. I was not disappointed with the characters or the storyline. Hiraeth was gripping and one that had my full attention right from the start. Yes, this book had all the feels from sadness and heartache to hopefulness and love. The idea of a society, in the future, that basically controls everything that you do is something that I would fear. To have to hide what you love and dream of doing from society, particularly your husband, is heartbreaking.
This is exactly what Seren had to do but she felt that there was a better life for her and her daughter out there past the prison walls of the society. Finding refuge with a man that she knew was the only thing that she could think of that was safe for the moment. Was her saving grace or would her past follow her? Domine was just that man. There was a trust relationship built from her helping him and now he has the opportunity to return the favour. When danger follows they know what they need to do next to keep the three of them safe.
There is so much more that I want to share but I'm not going to give any spoilers away. I recommend that you add this book to your TBR list, even if dystopian-style romances are not your cup of tea.
This is exactly what Seren had to do but she felt that there was a better life for her and her daughter out there past the prison walls of the society. Finding refuge with a man that she knew was the only thing that she could think of that was safe for the moment. Was her saving grace or would her past follow her? Domine was just that man. There was a trust relationship built from her helping him and now he has the opportunity to return the favour. When danger follows they know what they need to do next to keep the three of them safe.
There is so much more that I want to share but I'm not going to give any spoilers away. I recommend that you add this book to your TBR list, even if dystopian-style romances are not your cup of tea.
September 26, 2023
Seren is trapped in a soulless, loveless marriage with her stoic husband. She watches as her young spirited daughter's vivacity is drained away from her a little each day, as she is taught to conform to the many rules of living in this highly restrictive establishment. Her daughter is her life's blood, and that of the illegal holistic clinic she runs to help the many sick people here. However, her world comes crashing down when her herbal medicine is discovered, and she is threatened with the harsh consequences of being in possession of them. Knowing her daughter will be taken away from her, she runs to the only man that has always been her solace for all of these years. When she pulls up in front of Domine's door, her world changes forever.
This is my first time reading this author and I wasn't expecting to be so deeply immersed in this story. Hiraeth is a stunning, beautifully written book with great world building that gives you all the feels. This is a book that pulls you in and doesn't let go until you've finished it entirely. The connection between Seren and Domine is so electric (and spicy), it's literally heart wrenching when things go downhill and you find yourself praying for things to turn around. It's an emotional ride and I'm ready for more from Jennifer Pezzano. I definitely recommend reading Hiraeth.
I received a copy of this book for free and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is my first time reading this author and I wasn't expecting to be so deeply immersed in this story. Hiraeth is a stunning, beautifully written book with great world building that gives you all the feels. This is a book that pulls you in and doesn't let go until you've finished it entirely. The connection between Seren and Domine is so electric (and spicy), it's literally heart wrenching when things go downhill and you find yourself praying for things to turn around. It's an emotional ride and I'm ready for more from Jennifer Pezzano. I definitely recommend reading Hiraeth.
I received a copy of this book for free and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 22, 2023
I was very lucky to have Beta read this wonderful story and then again as an ARC .
Both times I could not put it down!
This story had me gripped and invested from the get go. It follows mainly Seren , her daughter Lilica and Serens love Dom.
Stuck in a loveless marriage at the start, in the grid, where life is sterile and regimented , with no room for nature or growth. No plants or organic matter are allowed.
Seren wants to adhere to the old ways but it comes at a dangerous price. Especially because of her husband.
As Seren manages to escape, this follows her story into the wilderness and the enduring survival that follows.
The writing style flows beautifully, the imagery is just stunning and I felt although I was in the wilderness with the family. Dom is kind, compassionate, strong and dependable, everything you want in a MMC.
Lilica is cute and such a joy to read as a child.
Seren is strong, resilient , protective and an inspirational MFC .
There is some very well written spice scenes that aren't over done and the chemistry is palpable.
I want to add it is a slow burn, it is descriptive, it is a story of survival so not all action packed. How ever i felt it had to be this way and when there is some dramatic scenes , they are well placed and needed.
All In all fantastic!
Both times I could not put it down!
This story had me gripped and invested from the get go. It follows mainly Seren , her daughter Lilica and Serens love Dom.
Stuck in a loveless marriage at the start, in the grid, where life is sterile and regimented , with no room for nature or growth. No plants or organic matter are allowed.
Seren wants to adhere to the old ways but it comes at a dangerous price. Especially because of her husband.
As Seren manages to escape, this follows her story into the wilderness and the enduring survival that follows.
The writing style flows beautifully, the imagery is just stunning and I felt although I was in the wilderness with the family. Dom is kind, compassionate, strong and dependable, everything you want in a MMC.
Lilica is cute and such a joy to read as a child.
Seren is strong, resilient , protective and an inspirational MFC .
There is some very well written spice scenes that aren't over done and the chemistry is palpable.
I want to add it is a slow burn, it is descriptive, it is a story of survival so not all action packed. How ever i felt it had to be this way and when there is some dramatic scenes , they are well placed and needed.
All In all fantastic!
September 26, 2025
Dystopian fiction works best when it’s mixed with themes that are both timeless and universal. In Hiraeth, Jennifer Leigh Pazzano has created a dystopian world that is not yet here but feels like it could arrive sooner than we think. People have been trapped for so long and so deeply that most of them, including the narrator’s husband, no longer realize they are trapped. Everything in their lives is dictated by the Grid. The control is so invasive that people have even stopped dreaming when they sleep. As Seren, the narrator and main character, says, “We lived surrounded by others but lost in the vacuum of our own impenetrable isolation.”
As a doctor, Seren treats patients suffering from some sort of pandemic cancer. When the officially approved methods fail, she uses traditional herbal medications. When she is discovered, she and her daughter flee the Grid to live in the Wilderness with a man Seren knew before she was married.
This is a story of control v. independence, of nature v. artificiality, and of how hard it can be to start over when you’ve left everything you know behind. It’s also about how far a mother will go to protect her child. The writing is beautiful and immersive; we feel Seren’s world as she experiences it. The characters are well-drawn and the dialogue is tight. I enjoyed this book. Highly recommended.
As a doctor, Seren treats patients suffering from some sort of pandemic cancer. When the officially approved methods fail, she uses traditional herbal medications. When she is discovered, she and her daughter flee the Grid to live in the Wilderness with a man Seren knew before she was married.
This is a story of control v. independence, of nature v. artificiality, and of how hard it can be to start over when you’ve left everything you know behind. It’s also about how far a mother will go to protect her child. The writing is beautiful and immersive; we feel Seren’s world as she experiences it. The characters are well-drawn and the dialogue is tight. I enjoyed this book. Highly recommended.
October 24, 2023
Hiraeth is a testament to Jennifer Leigh Pezzano’s versatility as a masterful wordsmith, being unlike any of her other works.
In a society where imagination and nature are repressed, Pezzano paints a stark picture of a dystopian world where color, creativity, and freedom are almost forgotten.
Seren is a most remarkable and relatable protagonist. Her journey from a loveless, oppressive marriage in the sterile grid to the untamed wilderness explores strength, resilience, and self-discovery with supporting characters ‒ daughter Lilica and the love of her life, Dom ‒ weaving a tapestry of emotions from tears to laughter.
Dom is strong, compassionate, and dependable. Lilica adds a delightful charm to the story, her innocence and wonderment tugging at your heartstrings.
More than a novel, Hiraeth is an experience. It's a mesmerizing tale of longing, survival, second chances, dystopian elements, and a dash of spice. A must-read that has earned its place among my favorite books this year!
In a society where imagination and nature are repressed, Pezzano paints a stark picture of a dystopian world where color, creativity, and freedom are almost forgotten.
Seren is a most remarkable and relatable protagonist. Her journey from a loveless, oppressive marriage in the sterile grid to the untamed wilderness explores strength, resilience, and self-discovery with supporting characters ‒ daughter Lilica and the love of her life, Dom ‒ weaving a tapestry of emotions from tears to laughter.
Dom is strong, compassionate, and dependable. Lilica adds a delightful charm to the story, her innocence and wonderment tugging at your heartstrings.
More than a novel, Hiraeth is an experience. It's a mesmerizing tale of longing, survival, second chances, dystopian elements, and a dash of spice. A must-read that has earned its place among my favorite books this year!
August 28, 2023
Beautiful story, it was very touching. I enjoyed the read. Sabina's main struggle of facing her fear and surrendering to the situation was very emotionally charged. I really enjoyed seeing her wake up to life again after her time in the Grid and her lackluster marriage.
Domine was such a sweetie, strong, capable. Their romance and connection was compelling and beautiful.
It's very idyllic, which is soothing in one sense but in another, I wanted more drama and conflict since I'm such a plot-based reader :p I'll say that it moved a bit slower than I'm used to, so it took some extra time for me to get through it -- a reader's personal preference, nothing *wrong* with it as all!
The world building was good. Setting and description were very beautifully written, evocative, great imagery and it pulled all my senses in. I could see, smell, and taste it all, that was a wonderful piece of the story! Solid 4.5 stars.
Domine was such a sweetie, strong, capable. Their romance and connection was compelling and beautiful.
It's very idyllic, which is soothing in one sense but in another, I wanted more drama and conflict since I'm such a plot-based reader :p I'll say that it moved a bit slower than I'm used to, so it took some extra time for me to get through it -- a reader's personal preference, nothing *wrong* with it as all!
The world building was good. Setting and description were very beautifully written, evocative, great imagery and it pulled all my senses in. I could see, smell, and taste it all, that was a wonderful piece of the story! Solid 4.5 stars.
September 27, 2023
𝕽𝖊𝖛𝖎𝖊𝖜 𝕭𝖞 𝕰𝖗𝖎𝖈𝖆 𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕭𝖔𝖔𝖐 𝕾𝖓𝖎𝖋𝖋𝖊𝖗
🄱🄾🄾🄺 🅃🄸🅃🄻🄴: ʜɪʀᴀᴇᴛʜ
🄰🅄🅃🄷🄾🅁:ᴊᴇɴɴɪꜰᴇʀ ʟᴇɪɢʜ ᴘᴇᴢᴢᴀɴᴏ
🄶🄴🄽🅁🄴: ᴅʏꜱᴛᴏᴘɪᴀɴ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ
🄻🄴🄽🄶🅃🄷: 362 ᴘᴀɢᴇꜱ
🄼🅈 🅁🄰🅃🄸🄽🄶: ☆☆☆☆☆
ᴡɪᴛʜ ꜱᴛᴜɴɴɪɴɢ ɪᴍᴀɢᴇʀʏ ᴀɴᴅ ᴘᴏᴇᴛɪᴄ ᴘʀᴏꜱᴇ ᴊᴇɴɴɪꜰᴇʀ ᴏɴᴄᴇ ᴀɢᴀɪɴ ꜱᴇᴛꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴀɢᴇꜱ ᴏꜰ ʜᴇʀ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ᴀꜰʟᴀᴍᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜ ʙᴇᴀᴜᴛʏ ᴀɴᴅ ᴇᴍᴏᴛɪᴏɴᴀʟ ʟɪɴᴇꜱ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ʟᴇᴀᴠᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ ɪɴ ᴀᴡᴇ.
"𝓘 𝔀𝓪𝓼𝓷'𝓽 𝓻𝓾𝓷𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓪𝓷𝔂𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓮, 𝓘 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓰𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓪 𝓷𝓮𝔀 𝓹𝓪𝓽𝓱 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓶𝔂 𝓭𝓪𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓮𝓻"
ꜱᴇʀᴇɴ ᴍᴜꜱᴛ ᴇꜱᴄᴀᴘᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ʟɪꜰᴇ ꜱʜᴇ'ꜱ ʙᴇᴇɴ ʟɪᴠɪɴɢ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ɢʀɪᴅ. ᴀ ᴄᴏʟᴅ ᴀɴᴅ ꜱᴛᴀʟᴇ, ʟɪꜰᴇʟᴇꜱꜱ ᴘʟᴀᴄᴇ, ᴡʜᴇʀᴇ ɴᴀᴛᴜʀᴇ ɪꜱ ꜰᴏʀʙɪᴅᴅᴇɴ. ꜱʜᴇ ᴍᴜꜱᴛ ꜰʟᴇᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ꜱᴀᴠᴇ ʜᴇʀꜱᴇʟꜰ ᴀɴᴅ ʜᴇʀ ᴅᴀᴜɢʜᴛᴇʀ. ɪɴᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴏᴏᴅꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴜɴᴋɴᴏᴡɴ ᴛʜᴇʏ ꜱᴇᴛ ᴏꜰꜰ ᴏɴ ꜱᴇᴀʀᴄʜ ᴏꜰ ᴅᴏᴍɪɴᴇ, ꜱᴇʀᴇɴꜱ ʟᴏꜱᴛ ʟᴏᴠᴇ.
🄳🄸🄲🄷🄾🅃🄾🄼🅈 🄸🄽 🅆🄾🅁🄳🅂:
• 𝕀𝕟𝕤𝕡𝕚𝕣𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕒𝕝 • ℝ𝕦𝕝𝕖𝕤
• 𝕊𝕦𝕣𝕧𝕚𝕧𝕒𝕝 • 𝕊𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕚𝕝𝕖
• ℝ𝕖𝕗𝕦𝕘𝕖 • 𝕃𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝𝕖𝕤𝕤
• ℂ𝕠𝕞𝕡𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕠𝕟 • ℙ𝕣𝕚𝕤𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕣
ᴀʟʟ ɪɴ ᴀʟʟ ɪ ᴀᴍ ᴀ ʜᴜɢᴇ ꜰᴀɴ ᴏꜰ ᴊᴇɴɴɪꜰᴇʀ'ꜱ ᴡᴏʀᴋ. ᴇᴠᴇʀʏ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ɪ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʙʏ ʜᴇʀ ɪꜱ ᴀɴ ᴇxᴘᴇʀɪᴇɴᴄᴇ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ᴄʜᴇʀɪꜱʜᴇᴅ. ᴀʙꜱᴏʟᴜᴛᴇʟʏ ʙʀᴇᴀᴛʜ ᴛᴀᴋɪɴɢ ᴡᴏʀᴋ.
🄱🄾🄾🄺 🅃🄸🅃🄻🄴: ʜɪʀᴀᴇᴛʜ
🄰🅄🅃🄷🄾🅁:ᴊᴇɴɴɪꜰᴇʀ ʟᴇɪɢʜ ᴘᴇᴢᴢᴀɴᴏ
🄶🄴🄽🅁🄴: ᴅʏꜱᴛᴏᴘɪᴀɴ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ
🄻🄴🄽🄶🅃🄷: 362 ᴘᴀɢᴇꜱ
🄼🅈 🅁🄰🅃🄸🄽🄶: ☆☆☆☆☆
ᴡɪᴛʜ ꜱᴛᴜɴɴɪɴɢ ɪᴍᴀɢᴇʀʏ ᴀɴᴅ ᴘᴏᴇᴛɪᴄ ᴘʀᴏꜱᴇ ᴊᴇɴɴɪꜰᴇʀ ᴏɴᴄᴇ ᴀɢᴀɪɴ ꜱᴇᴛꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴀɢᴇꜱ ᴏꜰ ʜᴇʀ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ᴀꜰʟᴀᴍᴇ ᴡɪᴛʜ ʙᴇᴀᴜᴛʏ ᴀɴᴅ ᴇᴍᴏᴛɪᴏɴᴀʟ ʟɪɴᴇꜱ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ʟᴇᴀᴠᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ ɪɴ ᴀᴡᴇ.
"𝓘 𝔀𝓪𝓼𝓷'𝓽 𝓻𝓾𝓷𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓪𝓷𝔂𝓶𝓸𝓻𝓮, 𝓘 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓰𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓪 𝓷𝓮𝔀 𝓹𝓪𝓽𝓱 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓶𝔂 𝓭𝓪𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓮𝓻"
ꜱᴇʀᴇɴ ᴍᴜꜱᴛ ᴇꜱᴄᴀᴘᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ʟɪꜰᴇ ꜱʜᴇ'ꜱ ʙᴇᴇɴ ʟɪᴠɪɴɢ ɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ ɢʀɪᴅ. ᴀ ᴄᴏʟᴅ ᴀɴᴅ ꜱᴛᴀʟᴇ, ʟɪꜰᴇʟᴇꜱꜱ ᴘʟᴀᴄᴇ, ᴡʜᴇʀᴇ ɴᴀᴛᴜʀᴇ ɪꜱ ꜰᴏʀʙɪᴅᴅᴇɴ. ꜱʜᴇ ᴍᴜꜱᴛ ꜰʟᴇᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ꜱᴀᴠᴇ ʜᴇʀꜱᴇʟꜰ ᴀɴᴅ ʜᴇʀ ᴅᴀᴜɢʜᴛᴇʀ. ɪɴᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡᴏᴏᴅꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴇ ᴜɴᴋɴᴏᴡɴ ᴛʜᴇʏ ꜱᴇᴛ ᴏꜰꜰ ᴏɴ ꜱᴇᴀʀᴄʜ ᴏꜰ ᴅᴏᴍɪɴᴇ, ꜱᴇʀᴇɴꜱ ʟᴏꜱᴛ ʟᴏᴠᴇ.
🄳🄸🄲🄷🄾🅃🄾🄼🅈 🄸🄽 🅆🄾🅁🄳🅂:
• 𝕀𝕟𝕤𝕡𝕚𝕣𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕒𝕝 • ℝ𝕦𝕝𝕖𝕤
• 𝕊𝕦𝕣𝕧𝕚𝕧𝕒𝕝 • 𝕊𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕚𝕝𝕖
• ℝ𝕖𝕗𝕦𝕘𝕖 • 𝕃𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝𝕖𝕤𝕤
• ℂ𝕠𝕞𝕡𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕠𝕟 • ℙ𝕣𝕚𝕤𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕣
ᴀʟʟ ɪɴ ᴀʟʟ ɪ ᴀᴍ ᴀ ʜᴜɢᴇ ꜰᴀɴ ᴏꜰ ᴊᴇɴɴɪꜰᴇʀ'ꜱ ᴡᴏʀᴋ. ᴇᴠᴇʀʏ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ɪ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʙʏ ʜᴇʀ ɪꜱ ᴀɴ ᴇxᴘᴇʀɪᴇɴᴄᴇ ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ᴄʜᴇʀɪꜱʜᴇᴅ. ᴀʙꜱᴏʟᴜᴛᴇʟʏ ʙʀᴇᴀᴛʜ ᴛᴀᴋɪɴɢ ᴡᴏʀᴋ.
November 21, 2023
Another incredible read from Pezzano.
Although different from previous books I've read by this author, it's just as great a read.
The author immerses you into an all too real dystopian world not all too far from ours, and with it brings an array of emotions. It's easy to get carried away and lost in the writing of this author, she writes incredible characters that you bond deeply with, and Seren is one of my favourites, she's a true fighter, and her fight for freedom is one that lingers long after reading. She takes her daughter and flees her oppressive situation and in turn finds a second chance with the love of her life, Dom. A real and raw depiction of sacrifice, survival and fighting for more in a world that refuses to provide. I really dont want to spoil the book for readers, so will end by saying, please read it, read all of this author's work and I guarantee you wont be disappointed.
Although different from previous books I've read by this author, it's just as great a read.
The author immerses you into an all too real dystopian world not all too far from ours, and with it brings an array of emotions. It's easy to get carried away and lost in the writing of this author, she writes incredible characters that you bond deeply with, and Seren is one of my favourites, she's a true fighter, and her fight for freedom is one that lingers long after reading. She takes her daughter and flees her oppressive situation and in turn finds a second chance with the love of her life, Dom. A real and raw depiction of sacrifice, survival and fighting for more in a world that refuses to provide. I really dont want to spoil the book for readers, so will end by saying, please read it, read all of this author's work and I guarantee you wont be disappointed.
November 28, 2023
I loved reading this book and I highly recommend it. Dystopian novels and romance novels are not my usual go-to genres, but I fell in love with this story from the beginning and it simply captivated me throughout.
The main character, Seren, is faced with a life of restrictions and uniformity in a futuristic, government-controlled society, but her talents and love of natural remedies force her to become an outcast. She reconnects with a past love who shares her love of individuality and they, along with Seren’s young daughter, embark on a difficult journey through treacherous terrain and weather to live in a new society where they can live the life they imagined.
This story is one of struggles, sacrifice, and obstacles to overcome, but it is also a story of strength, passion, and hope to achieve one’s ultimate goals. I found the story inspiring and the characters so relatable. It's a truly wonderful read.
The main character, Seren, is faced with a life of restrictions and uniformity in a futuristic, government-controlled society, but her talents and love of natural remedies force her to become an outcast. She reconnects with a past love who shares her love of individuality and they, along with Seren’s young daughter, embark on a difficult journey through treacherous terrain and weather to live in a new society where they can live the life they imagined.
This story is one of struggles, sacrifice, and obstacles to overcome, but it is also a story of strength, passion, and hope to achieve one’s ultimate goals. I found the story inspiring and the characters so relatable. It's a truly wonderful read.
November 2, 2023
If you enjoy escaping into books this one is for you. Hiraeth is a story that reads like a meditation, like a breath of fresh air, like a black sky full of stars that you just want to get lost in.
As you follow the story of Seren and her quest for freedom you embark upon the same awakening journey away from from busy life, into the quiet corners of our humanity. The story is inspiring, full introspection and beautiful scenery, and I am a sucker for a FMC that can take care of herself (even if she doesn’t want to. Lol.) A dozen times I wondered what I’d do if I was in Seren’s shoes, and I love books that make me think like that. Beautifully written, well edited I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend! I read the paperback and FYI the physical copy is gorgeous!😍 Will definitely be reading more by her!
As you follow the story of Seren and her quest for freedom you embark upon the same awakening journey away from from busy life, into the quiet corners of our humanity. The story is inspiring, full introspection and beautiful scenery, and I am a sucker for a FMC that can take care of herself (even if she doesn’t want to. Lol.) A dozen times I wondered what I’d do if I was in Seren’s shoes, and I love books that make me think like that. Beautifully written, well edited I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend! I read the paperback and FYI the physical copy is gorgeous!😍 Will definitely be reading more by her!
May 17, 2024
A love letter to the wilderness within us and around us. Hiraeth warns us of all that’s at stake when we lose our connection to the natural world, and what risks are worth taking in order to truly flourish!
I so enjoyed going on this journey and felt very invested in these characters, and felt that I was with them every step of the way. Pezzano is in true form at what she does best - tapping into the humanity that connects us all, while painting a vivid landscape for the reader to sink into. It is at times both heartbreaking and heartwarming.
I tend to be a slow reader but this book was engaging and pleasurable to read, and I couldn’t wait to pick it up again when I set it down at night. It made me want to get lost in the woods!
Kudos to Jennifer Leigh Pezzano on what I dare say is her best novel yet!
I so enjoyed going on this journey and felt very invested in these characters, and felt that I was with them every step of the way. Pezzano is in true form at what she does best - tapping into the humanity that connects us all, while painting a vivid landscape for the reader to sink into. It is at times both heartbreaking and heartwarming.
I tend to be a slow reader but this book was engaging and pleasurable to read, and I couldn’t wait to pick it up again when I set it down at night. It made me want to get lost in the woods!
Kudos to Jennifer Leigh Pezzano on what I dare say is her best novel yet!
December 1, 2024
This was a beautifully written book (truly enhanced by the audio version, which was superbly well narrated and really brought Jennifer Leigh Pezzano's words to life)
This is a dystopian-romance - set in a world where nature has been practically criminalised, we follow Seren, a woman living on the grid as a Dr. When caught practicing methods of healing that is against their laws, she runs to the one place, the one person, she thinks she'll find safety, daughter in tow.
Achingly sweet and following characters you can't help but adore, you'll find yourself revelling in their experiences as they leave the rigid structures of this new society behind and embrace nature.
It's slower paced, but some on the edge of your seat moments keep your feelings in a vice the whole time. My only critique is that I'd have liked to see more of the grid and the strife that caused.
This is a dystopian-romance - set in a world where nature has been practically criminalised, we follow Seren, a woman living on the grid as a Dr. When caught practicing methods of healing that is against their laws, she runs to the one place, the one person, she thinks she'll find safety, daughter in tow.
Achingly sweet and following characters you can't help but adore, you'll find yourself revelling in their experiences as they leave the rigid structures of this new society behind and embrace nature.
It's slower paced, but some on the edge of your seat moments keep your feelings in a vice the whole time. My only critique is that I'd have liked to see more of the grid and the strife that caused.
September 28, 2023
“ℒ𝒾𝒻𝑒 𝒸𝑜𝓊𝓁𝒹 𝒷𝑒 𝒷𝓇𝓊𝓉𝒶𝓁 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒻𝓊𝓁𝓁 𝑜𝒻 𝓁𝑜𝓈𝓈, 𝒷𝓊𝓉 𝒾𝓉 𝓌𝒶𝓈 𝒶𝓁𝓈𝑜 𝓂𝒶𝑔𝒾𝒸. 𝒜 𝒷𝓇𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉 𝓈𝓅𝒶𝓇𝓀 𝑜𝒻 𝒷𝑒𝒶𝓊𝓉𝓎 𝓌𝒶𝒾𝓉𝒾𝓃𝑔 𝓉𝑜 𝑒𝓃𝒻𝑜𝓁𝒹 𝓊𝓈. 𝒯𝒽𝑒 𝒹𝑒𝓁𝒾𝒸𝒶𝓉𝑒 𝒹𝒶𝓃𝒸𝑒 𝒷𝑒𝓉𝓌𝑒𝑒𝓃 𝒹𝒶𝓇𝓀𝓃𝑒𝓈𝓈 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓁𝒾𝑔𝒽𝓉.“
Hiraeth is a beautiful tale about struggle, pain, love and survival.
The characters of the story were reliable, their journey was inspiring and didn’t matter how difficult it was they never gave up. I’m so glad that I get to know Seren, Lilica and Domine they’re incredible characters.
I really enjoyed this book, the writing style was magical, it transported me to the woods, to this life changing adventure.
I highly recommend reading this book to everyone!
Thank you so much @booksprout for letting me read this title in exchange for my honest review.
Hiraeth is a beautiful tale about struggle, pain, love and survival.
The characters of the story were reliable, their journey was inspiring and didn’t matter how difficult it was they never gave up. I’m so glad that I get to know Seren, Lilica and Domine they’re incredible characters.
I really enjoyed this book, the writing style was magical, it transported me to the woods, to this life changing adventure.
I highly recommend reading this book to everyone!
Thank you so much @booksprout for letting me read this title in exchange for my honest review.
September 28, 2023
This book had me enraptured---there's really no other way to say it. From page one, I was all caught up in the flowing and, yet, tense writing. So much pressure and danger lurks in the air as we're swept into a dystopian, futuristic world where the lives of our favorite main characters are at stake. The budding romance (which--whew! Get's fiery, I might add!!), coupled with the addition of a very well-written child character, make the action and plot pop. I was invested all the way till the end! I originally read this novel when it came out in Kindle Vella form and am so happy to see that it is now available in other forms. You have to pick this one up; it's a must-read.
March 10, 2024
Absolutely wonderful!
If I could give this book ten stars then I would. I've read some amazing books in my time but this has to be the best!
The storyline compelled me to keep reading as it took me on a beautiful and breathtaking journey with the main characters.
Determination and a longing to break free from a country whose government controlled not only their lives, but also their minds drove them on and on. I so wanted them to survive the long and harrowing journey.
A beautiful love story that will make your heart soar. Beautiful! Wonderful! I couldn't put it down, and sat up until the early hours to finish it.
Highest recommendations!
If I could give this book ten stars then I would. I've read some amazing books in my time but this has to be the best!
The storyline compelled me to keep reading as it took me on a beautiful and breathtaking journey with the main characters.
Determination and a longing to break free from a country whose government controlled not only their lives, but also their minds drove them on and on. I so wanted them to survive the long and harrowing journey.
A beautiful love story that will make your heart soar. Beautiful! Wonderful! I couldn't put it down, and sat up until the early hours to finish it.
Highest recommendations!
August 12, 2024
2150, and Seren, our protagonist, has to make a decision: remain with her husband and fall in line with the existing society ‘grid’, or flee for what she hopes to be a better future for her and her daughter.
With the help of Domine, her once lover, they decide to run to the forest where they have to survive.
After an introduction to the story, showing why and how Seren decides to leave, the main part of the book is how the three of them survive in the wild.
I won’t say anymore apart from the fact that there are quite a few ups and downs. I’ll leave it with the reader to discover how their adventure ends.
With the help of Domine, her once lover, they decide to run to the forest where they have to survive.
After an introduction to the story, showing why and how Seren decides to leave, the main part of the book is how the three of them survive in the wild.
I won’t say anymore apart from the fact that there are quite a few ups and downs. I’ll leave it with the reader to discover how their adventure ends.
August 7, 2025
Touched My Soul
I loved this book and didn’t want it to end. I could have spent more time in the world created in it. This is a beautiful story with a dystopian backdrop that is eerily conceivable in the times in which we live. It grounded the book in a reality I’ve long hoped humanity can avoid. And Seren and her daughter Lilica’s escape kicks off layers of suspense that had me flipping pages, even while I wanted to slow down and breathe in the beautiful writing and vivid world building. Seren, Domine, and Lilica come to life, and their relationship is deeply moving and authentic. The author has created a beautiful book here that touched my very soul. Bravo! Highly recommended!
I loved this book and didn’t want it to end. I could have spent more time in the world created in it. This is a beautiful story with a dystopian backdrop that is eerily conceivable in the times in which we live. It grounded the book in a reality I’ve long hoped humanity can avoid. And Seren and her daughter Lilica’s escape kicks off layers of suspense that had me flipping pages, even while I wanted to slow down and breathe in the beautiful writing and vivid world building. Seren, Domine, and Lilica come to life, and their relationship is deeply moving and authentic. The author has created a beautiful book here that touched my very soul. Bravo! Highly recommended!
September 28, 2023
This book had me wanting to read 24/7 until I finished it was so good. Jennifer does such an amazing job portraying the environment, feelings, and mood of what is going on, and it's so easy to imagine you're right there in the scene. Seren has a longing for the past, and once her present life blows up, she goes running back - for all the right reasons. The journey of her becoming her own person again, fighting for her and her daughters life, and living in fear after escaping a government controlled world is everything you can want in a book. Highly recommend, you won't be disappointed!
March 25, 2024
Wow! Beautifully written dystopian novel
Wow! This was such a beautifully written book. I was captivated. The story takes the reader on a dystopian journey, one where people are not free, the government controls everything, even how to parent and rules cannot be broken. The people's mind are controlled, no longer able to dream like they once could in a free world, eradicating creatives and free thinkers. This is a story of breaking free from a system and falling in love during an impossible time. I cannot express enough how amazing this book is.
Wow! This was such a beautifully written book. I was captivated. The story takes the reader on a dystopian journey, one where people are not free, the government controls everything, even how to parent and rules cannot be broken. The people's mind are controlled, no longer able to dream like they once could in a free world, eradicating creatives and free thinkers. This is a story of breaking free from a system and falling in love during an impossible time. I cannot express enough how amazing this book is.
October 4, 2025
Hiraeth is a beautifully written, deeply emotional journey of survival, identity, and the quiet power of love. I was fully immersed in Seren’s world—the tension, the longing, the resilience—and found the writing style captivating from start to finish.
The mix of dystopian elements, earthy magic, and raw emotion makes this story feel both timely and timeless. It explores motherhood, freedom, and the wild strength we carry inside us when all else is stripped away. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves bold, poetic storytelling with heart and depth.
The mix of dystopian elements, earthy magic, and raw emotion makes this story feel both timely and timeless. It explores motherhood, freedom, and the wild strength we carry inside us when all else is stripped away. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves bold, poetic storytelling with heart and depth.
February 25, 2025
Fantastic!
Jennifer Leigh Pezzano has written a breathtaking tribute to the beauty of survival.
Would you be able to leave all you have to face the unknown for the chance of something better? Could you leave absolutely everything behind to save your child? Even knowing the chances of survival are slim. Read and find out!
I loved every page of this book. You must read it and take the journey yourself!
Jennifer Leigh Pezzano has written a breathtaking tribute to the beauty of survival.
Would you be able to leave all you have to face the unknown for the chance of something better? Could you leave absolutely everything behind to save your child? Even knowing the chances of survival are slim. Read and find out!
I loved every page of this book. You must read it and take the journey yourself!
November 1, 2023
This story will stick with me for a while because of all the various feels it gave me.
Not only was Seren and Domine's journey amazing, but my God, it was petrifiing at points. I'm tempted to say more, but I hate spoilers, so I'll stop here.
However, i will say you just gotta respect a writer whose creative juices flowed enough to write this masterpiece.
Highly, highly recommended.
Not only was Seren and Domine's journey amazing, but my God, it was petrifiing at points. I'm tempted to say more, but I hate spoilers, so I'll stop here.
However, i will say you just gotta respect a writer whose creative juices flowed enough to write this masterpiece.
Highly, highly recommended.
August 27, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. The love between Seren, Lilica, and Dom shines. The writing is silky smooth and it's a pleasure to read. With multiple, and well anticipated sex scenes, the book kept me interested and engaged.
September 29, 2023
This book took me two days . I couldn’t put it down. The author did amazing job the words written and as well the characters fantastic. I felt like I was part of the story. My moods change so much I recommend this book I give it a 5 .
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