Being Here

by Jennifer Lynn

Bree MacLeod's Story begins... Seattle is the last place-in This World or the Otherworld-Bree MacLeod, wise woman, druid, and Daughter of the goddess Bríghid, would like to be. When her aunt and foster-mother falls into a coma of unknown origin, Bree is dragged back to the city of her childhood. As the family Bean feasa , Bree must work with her Otherworldly Allies to reach Emily and convince her soul to choose-to make Transition or to return to life on This Side of the Veil. But, being back in Seattle puts Bree within reach of her uncle, the man from whom she fled for her life years ago. Can Bree and her Allies find the way? Glimpse the world through the eyes of a modern-day druid. Bree MacLeod and her story are waiting for you.

192 pages, Paperback

First published February 10, 2017

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author beautifully and poetically illustrated the life of a modern-day shaman in this wonderful story about family, love, loss, healing, acceptance, and our connection with the Otherworld. I started reading, meaning to merely "get started" then move on with my day, but I just kept reading, and reading! Suddenly, I was done and wanted the next book in the series!

Beautifully written with such charming little images, such as adjusting a tea cup to a safer position before a child's incoming hug, that I found myself smiling as if I were there with the characters. Her ability to transport the reader to ever-changing settings was impressive. Perhaps due to my relationship with spiritual allies of my own, I felt immersed in Bree's flight with Raven and swim with Salmon.

I loved the cover art, both stunning and symbolic of our soul's journey, spiritual guidance, and access to the Otherworld if we are open to the Mystery.

I LOVED this.

[T.W. Fendley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to read an early version of this book and was immediately impressed by Jennifer's ability to convey the life of a modern-day shaman in a way that's a joy to read.

BEING HERE weaves fact and fiction to portray the subtle balance of those who dance through life between this and the Otherworld. Bree MacLeod faces the challenge of helping her critically ill aunt while dealing with unresolved family issues.

Beware--your ideas about reality may never be the same.

[Kathy Brown]

This is a book about Celtic spirituality in a fiction-story form. An abused young woman has made a new life estranged from most of her family, but returns to her hometown when the aunt who reared her is in a near death coma. The story consists of her astral journey to assist the aunt, heal her own wounds, and be reconciled with family members she misjudged. My way into this book was to think of it like The Celestine Prophecy---another book that looks like a novel but is really teaching a spiritual lesson. I'm not doing stars these days, but if you want ideas about how modern Celtic goddess spirituality is practiced, you might enjoy this book. Some of the book design choices are unusual and distracted me.

[Keith Edward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lynn taps into the realms of shamanistic magic, growth and acceptance in this tale that spans our world and the "otherworld". The dialogue is crisp and believable, building her characters well and naturally. Details and explanations were masterfully written to encapsulate the reader's imagination, making me feel what Bree felt. Her writing style is easy to follow and she shows real talent with words as she moves scenes along, giving ample attention to the characters' emotions and thoughts throughout. I would definitely recommend Being Here.