Acquiescence

by Velya Jancz-Urban

When Pamina Campbell learns of a murder committed over two hundred years ago in her Connecticut farmhouse in order to avenge an unforgivable crime, she accepts that she has no idea how the universe works, except that it requires acquiescence at every point. Two plot threads twine as one woman calls to another across three centuries. One story, featuring Susannah Mathews, takes place in the late 1700s, while Pamina's story is set in modern day. Pamina learns that disaster - the sort of disaster that leaves you numb on a park bench or aching for your husband to come back to you - can be a freaky thing of beauty. As Pamina and her family try to piece their lives back together in their 1770 home, little do they know that secrecy, homophobia, and a ghastly confession await.
http://www.amazon.com/Acquiescence-Ve...
www.acquiescencethebook.com

Genres: Contemporary

250 pages, Paperback

First published March 13, 2015

About the author

Velya Jancz-Urban lives her life by the adage, “there is no growth without change.” Rather than curl up in a corner and give up after her family's Brazilian betrayal, she used it as a springboard to encourage people to live boldly and uncertainly. She is the co-author of How to Survive a Brazilian Betrayal, Dare to Be a Green Witch: The Grounded Goodwife's Guide to Wellness & Holistic Healing, and Antidote Baby. Outgoing and gregarious, Velya is a proponent of medical freedom, and said adios to all allopathic medicine 35 years ago. A former high school English/History teacher and Gifted elementary teacher, she is also a public speaker and history nut. Moving into a 1770 Connecticut farmhouse ignited her obsession with taboo women's history (herstory unsanitized). Velya lives in Mexico with her family.

Reviews

[Carole Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

The historical information in this book is mesmerizing. Other elements of the book are, too, but it was the history that was uniquely fascinating. What a clever plot device (don't want to say what it was because of spoilers) to integrate the history and to keep it relevant. I’m not ordinarily drawn to this genre (again, I can’t say why because it would involve a spoiler), but I’m so glad I dug in. And the way she ties it all together at the end is great. If only history had been this interesting in school....

[Kathy Maher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. I read it after I took a tour of the house and got to spend time with the author. It is a fascinating story.

Susannah lived in the house during the colonial period yet continues to make her presence known when the home is purchased during modern times.

[Amanda Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story of the hardships of two women who lived hundreds of years apart, yet helped each other heal.

Acquiescence is a wonderful read that blends the life of a modern-day woman with the past of a colonial era wife. Velya writes so well I wasn't sure if I was reading a memoir-like fiction, or if I was becoming the character I was reading about. Acquiescence does touch on some sensitive subjects that might be offensive or uncomfortable for some people. If you read it with an open mind as the wonderful story it is, you won't regret it!
The main character, Pamina Campbell is a confident, self-assured mother and wife that pushes through some very difficult circumstances; from a verbally and emotionally abusive father, to being conned by a family friend and losing everything. With an amazing husband and two wonderful children, they pull through the obstacles and their family ends up settling in a colonial era farmhouse in Connecticut.

Once in their new home, we get to meet a new character, Susannah, the spirit of a colonial era mother. Susannah's story is a sad one, full of heartbreak and hardships, but as more of her story is uncovered, she provides more healing for Campbell family. Pamina focuses on uncovering what happened to Susannah and her family, uncovering some gruesome and shocking truths. With events that eerily parallel their own unique family, Susannah's tragic life shows the Campbell family how blessed they are.

Reading through Acquiescence had me vowing to stop evil people like Pamina's father or Susannah's husband. It made me want to be supportive and understanding like Pamina's husband Jim. And I want to be as open, loving, and caring as Pamina.

I loved the colonial details and history Velya added to her story without it sounding like an info dump. It flowed with the story so well, I didn't realize I was being taught! ;)

Great, great job Velya!

I recommend this book for ages 18 and up due to some adult language and content. I was given a copy of Acquiescence in exchange for an honest review.

[Leticia Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kudos to Ms. Jancz-Urban on her debut novel! I won't be a spoiler, but I did not see it coming; ANY of it. I'm not sure if I just read mainstream, historical, paranormal, or women's fiction but I want to read more from this new author. I fell in love with the Campbell family, and clearly, so did Susannah Mathews. All the plot twists led to a powerful and shocking conclusion. Unsparing, honest, powerful, and insightful, this novel will help anyone who has gone through a difficult time consider the notion that a gift is sometimes disguised as an obstacle. Both Pamina Campbell and Susannah Mathews were strong women who overcame adversity and wisely took the advice of Pamina's mother when they "walked away from destructive people," ...too bad she didn't heed her own advice! The whole time I was reading, I saw the story as a film.

[MaryAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a book and its characters remain long after you put the book down, you know you've encountered a special story. I finished Acquiescence well over a month ago and I still think about all the themes of family, survival, perseverance and the richly developed characters. The way Velya intertwined present-day lives with the history of a house/home and its surroundings keeps you wanting to read more and ponder what's gone in your own town. Reading Acquiescence felt like a long sweet conversation with a friend, as comfortable as your favorite sweater and longing for the next get together to learn more about Pamina and Susannah.

[Kkop12 · Rating 4 out of 5]

TOTALLY outside my genre. But it was a good book. It obviously was a therapeutic book for the writer, as she openly acknowledged that she was working through things while writing this. The only bummer for me is that Susannah is gone?!?!? I was hoping the spirit was still in the house. I wanted to hear more about what she was up to :-) The history detailed in this book was another piece that I loved. I knew little about how colonial women lived, and still feel like I only have a snapshot. I was impressed by how much research she put into her book.

[Susan Allegrini · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with this book!!! One of my favorites!! This book has a little of everything, love , suspense, mystery , history ,relationships you name it it has it!!! Plus I met the author at a book reading and took a picture with her and she sign my book!!!! Please read her book you won't be disappointed !!!!!!!

[Nicole Shecora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I found it difficult to put down!!
Velya made your feel as though you were right there in the story with her and her family!
A must read

[Laura Demko shail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story with fascinating history. I hope there will be an update on this story in the form of another book; hint, hint!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. Yes I believe in spirits and this book is about a woman and her family who move into a house that is haunted. Haunted in the sense that it's a spirit that comes through and wants the new owner to uncover the secrets of the spirit's past and set her free. Terrific story. Tomorrow I will be meeting the author (along with my "gym girls" who, like me, love to read) to discuss the book. I can't wait!!

[Tina Dahm · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice read, especially as I live in the area and it was fun to recognize places. The history was also interesting. My only complaint was that things were a little too pat.

[Jay Ma · Rating 4 out of 5]

DNF. Started so promising but soon evolved into a poor soap opera