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Lithia Park
Ruby Birk, who lives in Ashland, Oregon, often comes to Lithia Park with her dog Yukon to sketch. She is the quintessential starving artist who never earns enough money through her artwork to pay the rent or purchase groceries. She seems to be filled with angst and is jealous of so-called normal people with normal nine-to-five jobs. Self-doubt is her biggest enemy, and because of her limited faith in the world of art, she is reluctant to leap into the job market and conform to the world around her. If she got a regular job, she protests, she would have to turn her back on everything she believes in. This is what has her filled with depression.
When Ruby’s ex-husband surprises her one day with a painting he bought for her, her life is suddenly turned upside down. The painting is more than a hundred years old, and yet painted on the canvas is the unmistakable image of Ruby, her dog, and an unknown man. As if the painting wasn't strange enough, it’s her signature in the corner that unsettles It’s her name, and she is convinced it was written by her hand.
While she doesn’t recognize the man in the painting, there is something familiar about him. And when she turns the painting over, she finds further mysteries taped to the back of the canvas and frame. This mysterious painting leads Ruby on a journey to find out how the painting came to exist in the first place. She also learns who the man with her is. Through the magic of Lithia Park, Ruby is able to travel through time and go back a hundred years to get the answers she seeks.
Lithia Park swirls together in elements of Bid Time Return, Lust for Life, and A Portrait of Jennie to give listeners an enchanting novel that takes on immense love, death, magic, and the power of the human mind to transform and transcend reality. Lithia Park will captivate listeners who fall under its spell.
When Ruby’s ex-husband surprises her one day with a painting he bought for her, her life is suddenly turned upside down. The painting is more than a hundred years old, and yet painted on the canvas is the unmistakable image of Ruby, her dog, and an unknown man. As if the painting wasn't strange enough, it’s her signature in the corner that unsettles It’s her name, and she is convinced it was written by her hand.
While she doesn’t recognize the man in the painting, there is something familiar about him. And when she turns the painting over, she finds further mysteries taped to the back of the canvas and frame. This mysterious painting leads Ruby on a journey to find out how the painting came to exist in the first place. She also learns who the man with her is. Through the magic of Lithia Park, Ruby is able to travel through time and go back a hundred years to get the answers she seeks.
Lithia Park swirls together in elements of Bid Time Return, Lust for Life, and A Portrait of Jennie to give listeners an enchanting novel that takes on immense love, death, magic, and the power of the human mind to transform and transcend reality. Lithia Park will captivate listeners who fall under its spell.
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Published September 22, 2023
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About the author
Ra Lynn LoneWalker
10 books4 followersBorn in Fort Collins, Colorado, Ra Lynn LoneWalker grew up in Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah. He served in three U.S. military services (Navy, Marines, and Army national guard) as a medic and earned an associate degree in respiratory therapy, a BS in organizational management, and an MBA. LoneWalker also spent time under the tutelage of two medicine men: one with the Uintah Ouray Res and the other with the Flathead reservation.
LoneWalker has traveled extensively getting to know the “ every day people” of the world and is s proud to have spent time in all 50 of the United States. He considers his life and traveling experience an advanced degree from what he refers to as “Trekker University.”
LoneWalker’s most recently published book is The Giggling Boy. In 2011 he published his first novel, Shades Of Gray, which he recently re-released under the new title, Personification Of Love. LoneWalker claims a new genre, which he calls “alternative spiritual fiction.” He says this because his characters and stories are of situations that are non-traditional and the spiritual characteristics come from various beliefs. For more information, visit www.RalynnLoneWalker.com.
LoneWalker has traveled extensively getting to know the “ every day people” of the world and is s proud to have spent time in all 50 of the United States. He considers his life and traveling experience an advanced degree from what he refers to as “Trekker University.”
LoneWalker’s most recently published book is The Giggling Boy. In 2011 he published his first novel, Shades Of Gray, which he recently re-released under the new title, Personification Of Love. LoneWalker claims a new genre, which he calls “alternative spiritual fiction.” He says this because his characters and stories are of situations that are non-traditional and the spiritual characteristics come from various beliefs. For more information, visit www.RalynnLoneWalker.com.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 26, 2024
Ruby Birk is a struggling artist in her 30's who lives with her loving and faithful dog Yukon in Ashland, Oregon, a place she has escaped to from her super religious and oppressive family in order to pursue her dream of an artis's bohemian life, free from the rules of a nine to five job and an existence dictated by expectations.
In spite of this, Ruby lacks something to help her achieve her dreams of becoming an artist who can do more than barely survive in the cruel and cold world around her. She has lost her joie de vivre and this is reflected in both her art and her mental health.
One day when visiting Lithia Park, Ruby has an unusual experience involving the park's fountain which makes her mind wander back to the time of its construction at the beginning of the 20th century. Shortly after this, her ex husband brings her a painting that is undeniably Ruby's, but it's about 100 years old. The painting shows Ruby, happy with a mystery man in Paris, a place that Ruby has never been to.
This kick starts Ruby's quest for happiness, for the man in the picture and for a way to unlock that life, in a parallel timeline and a different, less complicated time.
As Ruby's search goes on, her grip on the present weakens, while at the same time the present's grip on Ruby tightens through those people in it who love and support her, as those relationships develop.
Ruby will have to face a very big decision to find the love, happiness and fulfillment she so desperately craves, by attempting to swap her gothic existence in the 21st century with a bohemian life in the 20th, through the magic of Lithia Park.
There are times when my overstimulated or burnt out brain can only handle a rom com, novella or comic books and then there's Lithia Park. In hindsight I'm glad I have enough self-awareness to acknowledge this and now I know why I delayed picking up this book and in a way I am glad that I did, so that I could do it justice by giving it the focus and brain activity that it deserves.
I could tell straight from the prologue that this was going to be something else and I've thought long and hard about how to rate it, so as usual, pragmatism shall prevail.
The first thing to point out about Lithia Park is that Ra Lynn LoneWalker's writing is phenomenal. If anyone feels compelled to think that he tried hard, then as far as I'm concerned he succeeded. I put so many highlights in this book I'm sure I will go back to it for quotes whenever I need some grounding, so I feel really privileged not only to have come across this book, but also to have been sent it for free by the author, so thank you from the bottom of my heart. Although the writing gets quite intense in some points, dwelling on deeply spiritual musings, these are broken up and interwoven with the plot so well that it never felt like these parts have a negative effect on the pace.
Lithia Park is a book that made me want to binge, so I had to force myself to slow down to savour the story; one so deeply reflective that my mind will undoubtedly keep coming back to it.
If I was to compare Lithia Park to any other books, as far as the story is concerned it carries echoes of the likes of The Time Traveller's Wife and Outlander and also the connection to earth, and its spirits as entities reminded me of Japanese animé, which I am a huge fan of.
As I have probably made abundantly clear, I am a big lover of time travel and stories set across different timelines, which is undoubtedly what first attracted me to this book. Although time travel guided by the deep love of spiritual connection is the main pillar of the plot, the interpersonal relationships between the characters are what make this book a really wonderful read.
I really loved how cleverly the PoV and focus change onto other characters at a pivotal point in the story. I felt that this was a tremendously brave gamble that really pays, and one which makes the story a lot more interesting, showing how our drastic choices impact loved ones who are left behind.
The only thing I didn't love about this book is around a scene which I felt had a definite grey area in terms of consent around it all, and the not completely willing character's reaction upon finding out exactly what had happened felt unconvincing, particularly when considering that character's past experiences. Of course trauma manifests itself differently for everyone, but how quietly the event is accepted, when previously the same character had been shaken by a non-consensual kiss, didn't sit well with me. This however is my only criticism of this story, which I absolutely loved. It has a strong message that being yourself is absolutely the way to go, in spite of how much societal norms push against us, and you can't really go wrong with anything like that.
Thank you to Ra Lynn LoneWalker for sharing this magical book with me in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
In spite of this, Ruby lacks something to help her achieve her dreams of becoming an artist who can do more than barely survive in the cruel and cold world around her. She has lost her joie de vivre and this is reflected in both her art and her mental health.
One day when visiting Lithia Park, Ruby has an unusual experience involving the park's fountain which makes her mind wander back to the time of its construction at the beginning of the 20th century. Shortly after this, her ex husband brings her a painting that is undeniably Ruby's, but it's about 100 years old. The painting shows Ruby, happy with a mystery man in Paris, a place that Ruby has never been to.
This kick starts Ruby's quest for happiness, for the man in the picture and for a way to unlock that life, in a parallel timeline and a different, less complicated time.
As Ruby's search goes on, her grip on the present weakens, while at the same time the present's grip on Ruby tightens through those people in it who love and support her, as those relationships develop.
Ruby will have to face a very big decision to find the love, happiness and fulfillment she so desperately craves, by attempting to swap her gothic existence in the 21st century with a bohemian life in the 20th, through the magic of Lithia Park.
There are times when my overstimulated or burnt out brain can only handle a rom com, novella or comic books and then there's Lithia Park. In hindsight I'm glad I have enough self-awareness to acknowledge this and now I know why I delayed picking up this book and in a way I am glad that I did, so that I could do it justice by giving it the focus and brain activity that it deserves.
I could tell straight from the prologue that this was going to be something else and I've thought long and hard about how to rate it, so as usual, pragmatism shall prevail.
The first thing to point out about Lithia Park is that Ra Lynn LoneWalker's writing is phenomenal. If anyone feels compelled to think that he tried hard, then as far as I'm concerned he succeeded. I put so many highlights in this book I'm sure I will go back to it for quotes whenever I need some grounding, so I feel really privileged not only to have come across this book, but also to have been sent it for free by the author, so thank you from the bottom of my heart. Although the writing gets quite intense in some points, dwelling on deeply spiritual musings, these are broken up and interwoven with the plot so well that it never felt like these parts have a negative effect on the pace.
Lithia Park is a book that made me want to binge, so I had to force myself to slow down to savour the story; one so deeply reflective that my mind will undoubtedly keep coming back to it.
If I was to compare Lithia Park to any other books, as far as the story is concerned it carries echoes of the likes of The Time Traveller's Wife and Outlander and also the connection to earth, and its spirits as entities reminded me of Japanese animé, which I am a huge fan of.
As I have probably made abundantly clear, I am a big lover of time travel and stories set across different timelines, which is undoubtedly what first attracted me to this book. Although time travel guided by the deep love of spiritual connection is the main pillar of the plot, the interpersonal relationships between the characters are what make this book a really wonderful read.
I really loved how cleverly the PoV and focus change onto other characters at a pivotal point in the story. I felt that this was a tremendously brave gamble that really pays, and one which makes the story a lot more interesting, showing how our drastic choices impact loved ones who are left behind.
The only thing I didn't love about this book is around a scene which I felt had a definite grey area in terms of consent around it all, and the not completely willing character's reaction upon finding out exactly what had happened felt unconvincing, particularly when considering that character's past experiences. Of course trauma manifests itself differently for everyone, but how quietly the event is accepted, when previously the same character had been shaken by a non-consensual kiss, didn't sit well with me. This however is my only criticism of this story, which I absolutely loved. It has a strong message that being yourself is absolutely the way to go, in spite of how much societal norms push against us, and you can't really go wrong with anything like that.
Thank you to Ra Lynn LoneWalker for sharing this magical book with me in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
October 23, 2023
Lithia Park by Ra Lynn LoneWalker invites us to a mystical journey alongside its protagonist, Ruby. The story kicks off with an intriguing premise: a painting from over a hundred years ago mysteriously features Ruby, her dog, and an unknown man, which spirals her life into a series of unexpected events. As Ruby jumps into the depths of the unknown, the boundaries between the past and present become blurred, leading her through a rich mosaic of love, mystery, and magic.
The author skillfully blends elements of romance and enchantment with a bit of suspense, with a plot that is engaging and thought-provoking. The picturesque setting of Lithia Park, with its natural beauty and timeless ambiance, plays a significant role in the unfolding drama, acting almost as a character in itself. Here, Ruby's usual tranquil sketching sessions transcend into portals to the past, heartwarming but also thrilling.
LoneWalker's writing style is eloquent, presenting a lively picture of both the scenic park and the emotional storm Ruby finds herself in. The writing is rich and lyrical. Ruby, feeling her astonishment, her fears, and her longing as she reveals the mystery that binds her to a time long past. The characters are relatable, each with their own set of realistic emotions and reactions to the surreal events unfolding around them.
LoneWalker explores profound themes of love and mortality with a backdrop of magical realism. The book is a well-orchestrated blend of mystery, romance, and magic that made it a page-turner with a poetic charm.
The author skillfully blends elements of romance and enchantment with a bit of suspense, with a plot that is engaging and thought-provoking. The picturesque setting of Lithia Park, with its natural beauty and timeless ambiance, plays a significant role in the unfolding drama, acting almost as a character in itself. Here, Ruby's usual tranquil sketching sessions transcend into portals to the past, heartwarming but also thrilling.
LoneWalker's writing style is eloquent, presenting a lively picture of both the scenic park and the emotional storm Ruby finds herself in. The writing is rich and lyrical. Ruby, feeling her astonishment, her fears, and her longing as she reveals the mystery that binds her to a time long past. The characters are relatable, each with their own set of realistic emotions and reactions to the surreal events unfolding around them.
LoneWalker explores profound themes of love and mortality with a backdrop of magical realism. The book is a well-orchestrated blend of mystery, romance, and magic that made it a page-turner with a poetic charm.
November 15, 2023
Ra Lynn Lonewalker’s "Lithia Park" takes readers on a captivating journey through time and human experience. I found the initial chapters to be a little slow. However, it picked up the pace gradually in the following chapters. The characters are beautifully crafted, each with their own depth and complexities.
Ruby Birk, an artist residing in Ashland, Oregon struggles to fulfill her artistic passions and her life is a constant struggle. The story takes a turn when Ruby comes across a painting featuring herself, Yukon, her dog, and a strange man. While she doesn't recognize the man in the painting, there is something familiar about him. What makes this gift even more interesting is that Ruby finds her own signature on the painting. As she goes to investigate the origins of this, she travels through time to find the answers she seeks. The novel explores themes of love, death, magic, and the power of the human mind to transform and transcend reality.
In "Lithia Park" Lonewalker delivers a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant tale that seamlessly blends love and death with Lithia Park’s magic itself. With its rich character development, intricate plot, and a touch of the metaphysical, this novel is a good-read for anyone seeking a captivating and intellectually stimulating literary experience.
Ruby Birk, an artist residing in Ashland, Oregon struggles to fulfill her artistic passions and her life is a constant struggle. The story takes a turn when Ruby comes across a painting featuring herself, Yukon, her dog, and a strange man. While she doesn't recognize the man in the painting, there is something familiar about him. What makes this gift even more interesting is that Ruby finds her own signature on the painting. As she goes to investigate the origins of this, she travels through time to find the answers she seeks. The novel explores themes of love, death, magic, and the power of the human mind to transform and transcend reality.
In "Lithia Park" Lonewalker delivers a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant tale that seamlessly blends love and death with Lithia Park’s magic itself. With its rich character development, intricate plot, and a touch of the metaphysical, this novel is a good-read for anyone seeking a captivating and intellectually stimulating literary experience.
December 7, 2020
I really enjoyed Lithia Park. This was the first of Ra Lynn LoneWalker’s novels I read. The way LoneWalker paints a vivid picture of every aspect of the story is a true gift. Ruby, the main character, is living a life in both past and present, weaving a complex relationship with the few she allows close to her heart. I loved the realness of the struggle Ruby experienced as an artist trying to sell her work while trying not to cave to fit the mold society tried to impose on her. Even if time travel isn’t your genre, I would recommend you give this book a try because it is nothing like what I’d expect from the term “time travel.” I look forward to reading another one of Ra Lynn’s colorful novels!
October 23, 2023
Smooth stuff
"Lithia Park" by Ra Lynn Lonewalker is a masterpiece of words and emotions. Ruby Birk, an artist dwelling in the ethereal Ashland, Oregon, grapples with everything important, reflected in Lonewalker's lyrical prose. The enigmatic painting, an ancient echo of Ruby, her loyal companion Yukon, and an unknown soul, serves as a portal to unravel the intricate tapestry of existence. There are excellent themes, boundless realms of the human imagination. This work of art demands contemplation.
"Lithia Park" by Ra Lynn Lonewalker is a masterpiece of words and emotions. Ruby Birk, an artist dwelling in the ethereal Ashland, Oregon, grapples with everything important, reflected in Lonewalker's lyrical prose. The enigmatic painting, an ancient echo of Ruby, her loyal companion Yukon, and an unknown soul, serves as a portal to unravel the intricate tapestry of existence. There are excellent themes, boundless realms of the human imagination. This work of art demands contemplation.
November 17, 2023
Ra Lynn Lonwalker has created a captivating and poetic novel.
This book touches on some very heavy topics and thoughs of not belong but it is done very well.
This book makes you feel so many emotions as the story unravels
You follow Ruby through her journey of self discovery that she may not be of her present time just as her life is turning around.
This is a captivating supernatural love story and I really enjoyed reading it and would recommend any one who loves a good supernatural, paranormal Romance
This book touches on some very heavy topics and thoughs of not belong but it is done very well.
This book makes you feel so many emotions as the story unravels
You follow Ruby through her journey of self discovery that she may not be of her present time just as her life is turning around.
This is a captivating supernatural love story and I really enjoyed reading it and would recommend any one who loves a good supernatural, paranormal Romance
February 2, 2024
This was interesting and not completely on par with what I typically read. But it was really good nonetheless. The initial chapters were a little slow for me, but after that, it was quite intriguing.
The story revolves around “starving artist” Ruby who discovers a painting of herself, her dog, and a man who is familiar, but not familiar enough that she can place him. Plot twist…. Her signature is on that painting.
I won’t say anymore but this is definitely a fantastic read and I highly recommend it.
The story revolves around “starving artist” Ruby who discovers a painting of herself, her dog, and a man who is familiar, but not familiar enough that she can place him. Plot twist…. Her signature is on that painting.
I won’t say anymore but this is definitely a fantastic read and I highly recommend it.
September 14, 2024
I think there were good concepts here, which made me want to read it, but it was way too long, repetitive (how many times do you need to tell the reader someone has "cherry-chocolate hair"?), bloated to almost the point of erotica (which I have zero problem with, but not what I expected when I read this), characters that are way to difficult to relate to juxtaposed with some of the flattest second players, and the end was unreasonably fairy-tale. Little to no conflict; when it appeared, it was ridiculous. Too much whining from the main character.
October 24, 2023
Perfect Autumn Read
Lithia Park by Ra Lynn LoneWalker is a perfect read for this time of year! This story had such an ethereal feel to it with so many layers. The main character was well developed and very relatable. I also loved the way the author described the park and brought it to life. This one was a treat to read!
Lithia Park by Ra Lynn LoneWalker is a perfect read for this time of year! This story had such an ethereal feel to it with so many layers. The main character was well developed and very relatable. I also loved the way the author described the park and brought it to life. This one was a treat to read!
November 13, 2023
I couldn’t finish it. I wanted to like it. The concept was cool but it became too complicated and outlandish.
November 17, 2023
Some heavy stuff in this but so captivating. Really enjoyed this! Totally recommended.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews