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Secrets of Windy Springs
In the Presence of Knowing
Keisha is pregnant and on the run from an abusive ex-boyfriend. Hiding out at Windy Springs Renaissance Festival, she discovers a world of magic.
Stepping into new and unfamiliar territory, she finds herself among people different from any she’s met before. Though she feels she’ll never fit in, Keisha finds hope when she meets Rogan, who plays the troll. As friendship blossoms into romance, she soon discovers that Rogan, as well as others at Windy Springs, have abilities beyond the average individual – abilities that the child growing within her shares as well. When danger comes to Windy Springs, she’ll need the combined powers of Rogan and his friends to keep her and the baby safe.
In the Presence of Knowing is the first book in the Secrets of Windy Springs series. Grab your copy today and find out what mysteries await within the magical forest at Windy Springs.
Stepping into new and unfamiliar territory, she finds herself among people different from any she’s met before. Though she feels she’ll never fit in, Keisha finds hope when she meets Rogan, who plays the troll. As friendship blossoms into romance, she soon discovers that Rogan, as well as others at Windy Springs, have abilities beyond the average individual – abilities that the child growing within her shares as well. When danger comes to Windy Springs, she’ll need the combined powers of Rogan and his friends to keep her and the baby safe.
In the Presence of Knowing is the first book in the Secrets of Windy Springs series. Grab your copy today and find out what mysteries await within the magical forest at Windy Springs.
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Published March 15, 2017
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About the author
Valarie Savage Kinney
17 books68 followersValarie Savage Kinney is a writer, fiber artist, and Renaissance festival junkie with a wicked caffeine addiction. She resides in Michigan with her husband, grown children, two slightly hysterical dogs, and eight (yes, eight) guinea pigs. She is the author of Slither, Heckled, Consumption and The Secrets of Windy Springs Series. She puts the “I” in weird.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 6, 2017
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First of all, I am a HUGE fan of this cover! It’s so pretty and it directly relates to the entire story. Second of all, HOW IS THIS THE FIRST BOOK I’M READING BY VALARIE KINNEY!!!
I’ve been FB friends with her for while and I own a book or two by her already. But for some reason I never got around to reading one…until now. TBH, I am always a bit leary of reading authors after I have friend them because I don’t want to have to tell them I don’t like their book. Fortunately, that is not the case with this one.
I loved the subtlety of the magic in this story. It wasn’t overpowering but had just enough to keep me engaged. The setting is amazing. I love Ren Faires! I have been to several and have an outfit and everything. The atmosphere is always so unique and fun.
One of my favorite things about this book are all the non-conventional characters. Especially Rogan and Captain Dash. Even Keisha is pretty non-conventional herself. I totally fell for all of them and can’t wait to dive back into the next installment of this series!
First of all, I am a HUGE fan of this cover! It’s so pretty and it directly relates to the entire story. Second of all, HOW IS THIS THE FIRST BOOK I’M READING BY VALARIE KINNEY!!!
I’ve been FB friends with her for while and I own a book or two by her already. But for some reason I never got around to reading one…until now. TBH, I am always a bit leary of reading authors after I have friend them because I don’t want to have to tell them I don’t like their book. Fortunately, that is not the case with this one.
I loved the subtlety of the magic in this story. It wasn’t overpowering but had just enough to keep me engaged. The setting is amazing. I love Ren Faires! I have been to several and have an outfit and everything. The atmosphere is always so unique and fun.
One of my favorite things about this book are all the non-conventional characters. Especially Rogan and Captain Dash. Even Keisha is pretty non-conventional herself. I totally fell for all of them and can’t wait to dive back into the next installment of this series!
April 27, 2017
After reading the ARC for this, I have to be completely honest: I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The story was compelling and fun. The characters felt three dimensional with worries, fears, and flaws along with the parts that were easy to love and relate to.
I can't wait for the next book in the series to find out more about Knowing.
I can't wait for the next book in the series to find out more about Knowing.
April 26, 2017
***** 5 Cranky Stars *****
When Keisha discovers that she is pregnant she decides to leave her abusive alcoholic boyfriend for both her and her baby's safety. She goes to her lifelong friend Layla where she is received with open arms and unconditional acceptance. Layla earns a living primarily from making intricate fairy wings and selling them at the renaissance fair. The fair is peopled by friendly eccentric people who all dress as fantasy characters, as Layla's new assistant Keisha is dressed as a fairy.
On the first day of the fair, while carrying stock to their stall, Keisha gets her wings caught up in the branch of a tree and is rescued by Gibble the troll, aka Rogan O'Connor. Rogan is short, very short, bald and has crooked teeth, but he is kind and funny and protective and tender and knowing.
During that summer, after Keisha initially only seeing the short ugly troll, she starts to see the person behind the character and slowly like turns to love, with Rogan fully accepting her baby. Rogan explains to Keisha that while she herself is not knowing she comes from a line of knowing people and that her baby is knowing.
This was such a refreshing book where the hero is not this dashing, handsome, rich individual, but a very ordinary man, rather underwhelming in the looks department. I find myself looking forward to the next installment of their story.
I rate this book with 5 stars.
October 25, 2019
When her alcoholic ex-boyfriend Vince beats her while she’s pregnant, Keisha runs away from home and into the safety of her best friend Layla. Layla helps her get a job at the Windy Springs renaissance faire, a seasonal home for trolls, faeries, gnomes, witches, and other magical creatures that oftentimes blur the lines between fantasy and reality. During one of her treks into the forest, Keisha meets a troll named Gibble (real name Rogan O’Connor) and the two of them form a protective and healthy friendship with each other, something Keisha needed in her life ever since splitting from Vince. Speak of the devil, he’s still out there somewhere and could show up any minute to finish the beating he started at the beginning of the story.
One of the main reasons why I decided to give this book a full five stars was because of how much I loved the relationship between Keisha and Rogan. Their friendship development moves along too fast for some people’s comfort, but none of it feels forced or hokey. These two are perfect for each other. They use their demons to become better people instead of bitter and angry like Vince. Whenever they do get into an argument or two, it makes them stronger and better able to face adversity. They share secrets with each other not out of obligation, but because it’s what they genuinely want. If two people are this good for each other, who cares how fast everything moves? If anything, the readers will want them to get together sooner. While Keisha doesn’t have the martial arts know-how that Rogan does, I still consider these two to be equals in other areas of their relationship. Those are the best kinds of couples, the ones whose love you can believe in.
While Keisha can fend off her demons long enough to be in a healthy relationship with Rogan, she still has those demons in the first place and it shows in her thought processes. Her self-punishment is incredibly realistic of someone who’s been in a previously abusive relationship. Her anxiety and possible PTSD are written in a way that makes me believe the author had some kind of experience with these mental illnesses. Her constant worry over her child is nerve-wracking to read about at times, but it goes to show how much of a loving mother she’ll eventually become when the baby is born. Keisha is a top example of a flawed character whose weaknesses don’t ruin the character development or make them unlikable. Other authors could learn something from this. I know I did.
And then we have the renaissance faire, which aside from the evil witch Cordelia sounds like a fun place to spend a day or even work at. Whether it’s the comedic and lighthearted aura of the trolls and gnomes, the eccentricity of the pirates, the class and elegance of the faeries, or anything else that has to do with the fantasy genre, I’m giving my due props to the author for her undying creativity and passion for putting together this world. People come to medieval conventions to get away from the harsh realities of real life. They can be anything they want and be welcomed with open arms. The sense of community among the workers along with their hatred for mediocre conformity makes this tale of escaping abuse that much easier to digest. These people aren’t just coworkers or friends to Keisha. They’re family. They protect each other physically and creatively. That’s a healthy family dynamic everyone deserves to have.
This was a short and easy piece of reading made easier by Valarie Savage Kinney’s undying creativity and passion for what she writes about. She preaches anti-conformity online quite often and practices it to the fullest extent. We all deserve a chance to expand our imaginations beyond the ordinary and Valarie makes us feel safe enough to do that through her writing and online presence. An extra credit grade goes to this wonderful book, the first in a series and boy, what a beginning it was! She’ll no doubt carry this momentum into the rest of the Windy Springs novels.
One of the main reasons why I decided to give this book a full five stars was because of how much I loved the relationship between Keisha and Rogan. Their friendship development moves along too fast for some people’s comfort, but none of it feels forced or hokey. These two are perfect for each other. They use their demons to become better people instead of bitter and angry like Vince. Whenever they do get into an argument or two, it makes them stronger and better able to face adversity. They share secrets with each other not out of obligation, but because it’s what they genuinely want. If two people are this good for each other, who cares how fast everything moves? If anything, the readers will want them to get together sooner. While Keisha doesn’t have the martial arts know-how that Rogan does, I still consider these two to be equals in other areas of their relationship. Those are the best kinds of couples, the ones whose love you can believe in.
While Keisha can fend off her demons long enough to be in a healthy relationship with Rogan, she still has those demons in the first place and it shows in her thought processes. Her self-punishment is incredibly realistic of someone who’s been in a previously abusive relationship. Her anxiety and possible PTSD are written in a way that makes me believe the author had some kind of experience with these mental illnesses. Her constant worry over her child is nerve-wracking to read about at times, but it goes to show how much of a loving mother she’ll eventually become when the baby is born. Keisha is a top example of a flawed character whose weaknesses don’t ruin the character development or make them unlikable. Other authors could learn something from this. I know I did.
And then we have the renaissance faire, which aside from the evil witch Cordelia sounds like a fun place to spend a day or even work at. Whether it’s the comedic and lighthearted aura of the trolls and gnomes, the eccentricity of the pirates, the class and elegance of the faeries, or anything else that has to do with the fantasy genre, I’m giving my due props to the author for her undying creativity and passion for putting together this world. People come to medieval conventions to get away from the harsh realities of real life. They can be anything they want and be welcomed with open arms. The sense of community among the workers along with their hatred for mediocre conformity makes this tale of escaping abuse that much easier to digest. These people aren’t just coworkers or friends to Keisha. They’re family. They protect each other physically and creatively. That’s a healthy family dynamic everyone deserves to have.
This was a short and easy piece of reading made easier by Valarie Savage Kinney’s undying creativity and passion for what she writes about. She preaches anti-conformity online quite often and practices it to the fullest extent. We all deserve a chance to expand our imaginations beyond the ordinary and Valarie makes us feel safe enough to do that through her writing and online presence. An extra credit grade goes to this wonderful book, the first in a series and boy, what a beginning it was! She’ll no doubt carry this momentum into the rest of the Windy Springs novels.
April 19, 2017
Good read
Overall story was a 4.5 stars for me but rounded up. I had so many questions, and I know the answers are coming but it's abrupt ending didn't really leave you happy, it left you saying what the heck?!?
This was a great introduction into the Secrets of Windy Springs series. We meet a myriad of characters that I speculate will have more involvement as the series goes on.
Keisha is pregnant and alone. She left her boyfriend and now is living with her only other friend Layla. Refusing to let her wallow or worry, Layla takes her to the renaissance fair where she encounters so many strange people. While strange she realizes that she is more at peace and feels safer than she has felt in a while.
Rogan portraying a troll comes into her life and is just what she needs. He has a strong presence and makes her feel protected, cherished, and loved. He has his own past that we get to dive into briefly but there is so much more that I feel we have yet to uncover. Both have similarities in their upbringing that led them to where they are now.
The supporting characters are entertaining, protective, and honorable. There is so much more to come with this series, but for now we are left waiting with a multitude of questions.
If you like fantasy romances, then check this story out. It's different and unique to any I have read. I'm anxious to see how this all resolves and what the answers to some very important questions are.
Overall story was a 4.5 stars for me but rounded up. I had so many questions, and I know the answers are coming but it's abrupt ending didn't really leave you happy, it left you saying what the heck?!?
This was a great introduction into the Secrets of Windy Springs series. We meet a myriad of characters that I speculate will have more involvement as the series goes on.
Keisha is pregnant and alone. She left her boyfriend and now is living with her only other friend Layla. Refusing to let her wallow or worry, Layla takes her to the renaissance fair where she encounters so many strange people. While strange she realizes that she is more at peace and feels safer than she has felt in a while.
Rogan portraying a troll comes into her life and is just what she needs. He has a strong presence and makes her feel protected, cherished, and loved. He has his own past that we get to dive into briefly but there is so much more that I feel we have yet to uncover. Both have similarities in their upbringing that led them to where they are now.
The supporting characters are entertaining, protective, and honorable. There is so much more to come with this series, but for now we are left waiting with a multitude of questions.
If you like fantasy romances, then check this story out. It's different and unique to any I have read. I'm anxious to see how this all resolves and what the answers to some very important questions are.
April 22, 2017
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This is the first story that I have read by this author, but she is on my radar and I will be reading more by this author.
This story at first made me think that it was going to be just another story of abuse and I wasn't really connecting with the story, but I kept on reading because the stories can be deceiving. The more I kept reading the more the story just seemed to pull me in. I found that the book had some mystery and magic within its pages and the author did a fantastic job of keeping me interested and wanting to find out more. The characters were awesome and I did feel a connection with the main character, Keisha. The story-line, which was kind of slow at the beginning, was phenomenal and though I have a few questions, I found this book to be remarkable. I hope this author goes on with the story, because I am interested to know more about Keisha. I highly recommend this read.
The author provided me with a digital ARC copy of the book for review purposes only. No remuneration was exchanged.
This is the first story that I have read by this author, but she is on my radar and I will be reading more by this author.
This story at first made me think that it was going to be just another story of abuse and I wasn't really connecting with the story, but I kept on reading because the stories can be deceiving. The more I kept reading the more the story just seemed to pull me in. I found that the book had some mystery and magic within its pages and the author did a fantastic job of keeping me interested and wanting to find out more. The characters were awesome and I did feel a connection with the main character, Keisha. The story-line, which was kind of slow at the beginning, was phenomenal and though I have a few questions, I found this book to be remarkable. I hope this author goes on with the story, because I am interested to know more about Keisha. I highly recommend this read.
The author provided me with a digital ARC copy of the book for review purposes only. No remuneration was exchanged.
September 20, 2017
I really loved this book. It was mysterious and touching with well fleshed out characters and a story line that will keep you entranced. My favorite character by far is Rogan. He's not your typical hero but he proves to be the perfect one for Keisha. Set in the world of Ren Faires, this book is not typical in any way. It's odd and fanciful and fun and I wouldn't change one word of it. I can't wait for the next installment!
June 28, 2017
The concept of this book is really creative and I love the idea. Early on, there were a few little things that confused me or didn't quite seem to add up from a psychological perspective, but I gave it a chance because I really liked the idea. As the story played out, I realized that what I wasn't totally connecting with was the first person style of narration simply because I felt like we didn't get to know things about Keisha as thoroughly as I would've liked to. Being dropped into the head of a character I'm not familiar with generally leaves me asking a lot of questions that either won't be answered until later in the book or won't be answered at all. Once I adjusted to it, though, and the story got moving (a little more slowly than I would've liked), I ended up connecting with Keisha and I didn't mind the style so much.
On the whole, I enjoyed the development of relationships and the many different types of characters throughout this story. I liked that not everyone really was what they first appeared to be and I enjoyed the common bond and family atmosphere of the Ren Fair. The development of Keisha and Rogan's relationship was interesting to follow and I especially loved that they weren't victims of insta-love the way that so many are in romantic fiction. I will say, though, that I felt like some relatively important factors weren't mentioned early enough in the book. Personally, I was taken completely by surprise when, halfway through the book, we learned that Keisha is half black. As a reader, I have a tendency to form mental images of characters early on, and they typically reflect the world I live in. As a white woman, that means I often imagine them white unless I've been given reason not to. I think a person's racial identity is pretty important to the development of their character and I would've liked to know that sooner rather than later.
The ending of this book kind of threw me for a loop, as well. Don't worry. You can keep reading. I'm not spoiling it for you. See, I'd just gotten super invested and really sucked into the story. I was waiting on bated breath, afraid to breathe as I turned the page. And then? Right in the middle of a scene? The story just dropped off and ended. I'm all for leaving the reader with a few unanswered questions or introducing the possibility for a sequel. I'm all for foreshadowing and some form of a cliffhanger to keep people invested for the next installment. This book freaking better have a sequel, though, and it better pick up right in the middle of the scene this one left off in because I feel like there are still a lot of loose ends to tie up. It took me a bit to get totally drawn into this story and once I did, I probably would've offered a 5 star review if I hadn't felt so completely blindsided by the mid-scene ending.
On the whole, I enjoyed the development of relationships and the many different types of characters throughout this story. I liked that not everyone really was what they first appeared to be and I enjoyed the common bond and family atmosphere of the Ren Fair. The development of Keisha and Rogan's relationship was interesting to follow and I especially loved that they weren't victims of insta-love the way that so many are in romantic fiction. I will say, though, that I felt like some relatively important factors weren't mentioned early enough in the book. Personally, I was taken completely by surprise when, halfway through the book, we learned that Keisha is half black. As a reader, I have a tendency to form mental images of characters early on, and they typically reflect the world I live in. As a white woman, that means I often imagine them white unless I've been given reason not to. I think a person's racial identity is pretty important to the development of their character and I would've liked to know that sooner rather than later.
The ending of this book kind of threw me for a loop, as well. Don't worry. You can keep reading. I'm not spoiling it for you. See, I'd just gotten super invested and really sucked into the story. I was waiting on bated breath, afraid to breathe as I turned the page. And then? Right in the middle of a scene? The story just dropped off and ended. I'm all for leaving the reader with a few unanswered questions or introducing the possibility for a sequel. I'm all for foreshadowing and some form of a cliffhanger to keep people invested for the next installment. This book freaking better have a sequel, though, and it better pick up right in the middle of the scene this one left off in because I feel like there are still a lot of loose ends to tie up. It took me a bit to get totally drawn into this story and once I did, I probably would've offered a 5 star review if I hadn't felt so completely blindsided by the mid-scene ending.
April 18, 2017
Valarie Kinney’s book, In the Presence of Knowing, is a fun read and fairly quick read. The eccentric cast of characters makes are well rounded often times provided for some of the more heartwarming and deeply funny moments during some of the more tense scenes, even if it is mainly due to how quickly and abruptly the scene changes due to a new character barging in.
Often times this is a literal situation.
While I usually don’t care for first person point of view, Valarie makes it work in large part because the main character is a fairly likeable person. Even if some of her choices at the start made me wonder if they would come back to bite her in the ass, and they did. And while there were some slow parts over all, the story moved along quickly for the most part with a number of things wrapped up by the end while still managing to give you a possible cliff hanger or two.
All in all I would highly recommend the story for anyone who enjoys fantasy and the Ren Faire.
Often times this is a literal situation.
While I usually don’t care for first person point of view, Valarie makes it work in large part because the main character is a fairly likeable person. Even if some of her choices at the start made me wonder if they would come back to bite her in the ass, and they did. And while there were some slow parts over all, the story moved along quickly for the most part with a number of things wrapped up by the end while still managing to give you a possible cliff hanger or two.
All in all I would highly recommend the story for anyone who enjoys fantasy and the Ren Faire.
April 21, 2017
Oh my gosh this was a New for me!
BUT I LOVED IT!
I loved it loved it loved it and I'm already waiting for the second one!
In this book we find a vulnerable woman, Keisha who's victim of her own husband. One day she decides she's had enough and leaves him, for the sake of her and the baby. She faces the challenges of her pregnancy and goes through some rough patches, she worries her baby isn't fine, and she will find out why she felt that way, there is a solid reason that defies logic behind it.
And then she steps into a different world where the things she thought were a myth, became reality in front of her.
The reasons this book is a different one , it's because it approaches a variety of subjects: domestic violence, paranormal and second chance love (which is my favorite)
I adored Gibble and I felt such a connection to him and Keisha it warmed my heart!
Definitely a must read, adorable story, intriguing and magical!
BUT I LOVED IT!
I loved it loved it loved it and I'm already waiting for the second one!
In this book we find a vulnerable woman, Keisha who's victim of her own husband. One day she decides she's had enough and leaves him, for the sake of her and the baby. She faces the challenges of her pregnancy and goes through some rough patches, she worries her baby isn't fine, and she will find out why she felt that way, there is a solid reason that defies logic behind it.
And then she steps into a different world where the things she thought were a myth, became reality in front of her.
The reasons this book is a different one , it's because it approaches a variety of subjects: domestic violence, paranormal and second chance love (which is my favorite)
I adored Gibble and I felt such a connection to him and Keisha it warmed my heart!
Definitely a must read, adorable story, intriguing and magical!
April 20, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this new book by the author. It combines supernatural elements with a renaissance fair type of event and creates a magical atmosphere that I was easily lost in. I sat down and read the whole thing in one evening. Keisha's story sucked me right in. I love how strong her character is and yet she shows her vulnerabilities and the want to have someone be strong for her for once. Rogan is such a kind and compassionate soul. He is a great character that brings a romantic spin to the book. Captain Dash might be one of my favorites in the entire book. He is very strange, but also fun and loyal. There's more to him than meets the eye. As for the witch, I would like to know more about her story as well as this thing with Layla and Jack. Such a great read! Can't wait to see what's next!
April 30, 2018
Excellent Read!
This book is far from my usual choice in genre, but it was worth the read! I loved everything about this book: the characters, the setting, the flow, the magic, the mystery. I could go on and on. This was a story that I had trouble putting away. I thought about it often throughout the days as I worked and couldn't wait to get home and read more. I've read several books by Valarie Savage Kinney, and this is one of my favorite. I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
This book is far from my usual choice in genre, but it was worth the read! I loved everything about this book: the characters, the setting, the flow, the magic, the mystery. I could go on and on. This was a story that I had trouble putting away. I thought about it often throughout the days as I worked and couldn't wait to get home and read more. I've read several books by Valarie Savage Kinney, and this is one of my favorite. I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
April 23, 2017
I loved this story! Pregnant girlfriend runs from abusive boyfriend into the arms of a Renaissance Festival. Hell yeah! That's my kind of story. The story is well written with all of the people you love at festivals. The characters were fun to get to know and you did get to know them. The plot kept you turning the pages just to see what would happen next.
Awesome job as always by Valarie Savage Kinney!
Awesome job as always by Valarie Savage Kinney!
April 23, 2017
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I received this book to give an honest review.
I have read other books by this author and I have to say I do like her writing style so I expected this book to be a bit different but yet good at the same time. I can honestly say I almost threw my kindle when I got to the very end of the book and there was a HUGE cliffhanger. We are introduced to Layla who is in an abusive relationship and pregnant. When she runs away from her ex-boyfriend she joins her friend at a Renaissance Festival and helps her and her business out. Though it seems that this Festival is more than just a festival. While Layla is there she finds love with an unlikely character and we watch as their friendship blossoms into something more.
When we get towards the end we learn about what exactly the knowing is about and how Layla is apart of it.
As far as characters go I thought they were well developed. I think my favorite character was Rogan and just how sensitive and a gentleman that he was, really called to me. It seems that Rogan will do anything for Layla and go to great depths to protect her.
I think this is going to become a good series as I am hoping to read more about the Knowing and maybe Cordelia and why she gives off bad vibes. I really enjoyed the magical element from the Renaissance Festival that the author brought to life. It makes for a good setting.
I received this book to give an honest review.
I have read other books by this author and I have to say I do like her writing style so I expected this book to be a bit different but yet good at the same time. I can honestly say I almost threw my kindle when I got to the very end of the book and there was a HUGE cliffhanger. We are introduced to Layla who is in an abusive relationship and pregnant. When she runs away from her ex-boyfriend she joins her friend at a Renaissance Festival and helps her and her business out. Though it seems that this Festival is more than just a festival. While Layla is there she finds love with an unlikely character and we watch as their friendship blossoms into something more.
When we get towards the end we learn about what exactly the knowing is about and how Layla is apart of it.
As far as characters go I thought they were well developed. I think my favorite character was Rogan and just how sensitive and a gentleman that he was, really called to me. It seems that Rogan will do anything for Layla and go to great depths to protect her.
I think this is going to become a good series as I am hoping to read more about the Knowing and maybe Cordelia and why she gives off bad vibes. I really enjoyed the magical element from the Renaissance Festival that the author brought to life. It makes for a good setting.
October 24, 2018
This was the first of Valarie Kinney's books I've read. It won't be the last. I really liked her characters. Keisha is a strong woman, I think. She's surviving in a place she never expected to be, and while there are some bumps on the road, she does settle in and find what works for her. It's a slow burn story, and one that is very sweet and romantic.
April 22, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! I loved the Renaissance Faire atmosphere, the characters, the storyline - it was all, well, Magical!
April 19, 2017
In The Presence of Knowing by Valarie Savage Kinney is fantastical. The story revolves around Keisha who recently escaped an abusive relationship. She has just learned that she is pregnant and wants to protect her baby at all costs. Keisha also discovers that there is more to life than what she knows.
Valarie Savage Kinney outdid herself on this story. A majority of the story takes place at a Ren-Fest. A unique cast of characters help Keisha deal with everything that is going on in her life. I really fell in love with the people at Windy Springs. Which is absolutely pure genius on her part. The bond between Keisha and her best friend Layla is perfect. We all need a Layla in our lives. The plot is believable. The dynamic between the characters is amazing. The dialogue is sheer perfection and realistic. This story really made me believe in magic.
I really like how there are subplots in the story. This makes me really want the second book in the series. I will be recommending this book to others.
I give it 5/5 Platypires.
Valarie Savage Kinney outdid herself on this story. A majority of the story takes place at a Ren-Fest. A unique cast of characters help Keisha deal with everything that is going on in her life. I really fell in love with the people at Windy Springs. Which is absolutely pure genius on her part. The bond between Keisha and her best friend Layla is perfect. We all need a Layla in our lives. The plot is believable. The dynamic between the characters is amazing. The dialogue is sheer perfection and realistic. This story really made me believe in magic.
I really like how there are subplots in the story. This makes me really want the second book in the series. I will be recommending this book to others.
I give it 5/5 Platypires.
May 24, 2017
This is an exceptionally beautifully written book. The characters are vivid as is each setting. I've never been to a Ren Faire, but I feel like I could step onto the grounds of one now and feel quite at home. Valarie has a wonderful way of expressing her characters' emotions in a way that you feel sad or frightened when they're feeling those emotions. She also has a wonderful sense of humor. Despite some of the things going on, I often found myself laughing at poor down-on-her-luck Keisha and the things that would happen to her. That being said, there were times when my heart pounded when she was in danger. Such an excellent book. Thus far, this is my favorite by Ms. Kinney. Then again, I say that every time I finish a new one of hers.
June 19, 2017
In the Presence of Knowing is the opening, enjoyable book in the Windy Springs saga - a book of battling demons, coming to terms with yourself, of accepting others, and crafting beautiful fairy wings in a magical forest.
As the mysterious elements of Windy Springs and its inhabitants reveal themselves, the one constant is Keisha’s gradual acceptance of herself, and her acceptance of others’ acceptance. It’s a heart-warming tale, but feels as though the weight of it is quite heavily on the inner-self, rather than of plot moving forward. It could quite easily have been a longer book, but then since book two will hopefully be coming out, it serves as a successful introduction to the world, even if it does leave a few more unanswered questions then you would like.
Full review: https://culturedvultures.com/presence...
As the mysterious elements of Windy Springs and its inhabitants reveal themselves, the one constant is Keisha’s gradual acceptance of herself, and her acceptance of others’ acceptance. It’s a heart-warming tale, but feels as though the weight of it is quite heavily on the inner-self, rather than of plot moving forward. It could quite easily have been a longer book, but then since book two will hopefully be coming out, it serves as a successful introduction to the world, even if it does leave a few more unanswered questions then you would like.
Full review: https://culturedvultures.com/presence...
July 18, 2017
Received ARC copy so glad because the Whole book is
Compelling,
Magick, has a beautiful flow,
Characters who take hold of You
as they lead You through the Journey of life. Cannot wait for the series to Continue !
Highly Recommend Everyone take the time to read.
Compelling,
Magick, has a beautiful flow,
Characters who take hold of You
as they lead You through the Journey of life. Cannot wait for the series to Continue !
Highly Recommend Everyone take the time to read.
October 12, 2019
This was a fun and interesting read and I can't wait for the next book in the series. The author draws pictures with words so well that you feel like you are there. Highly recommend
March 11, 2018
An interesting read with a great premise and lovable characters. Pregnant and alone Keisha learns what friends are and what it feels like to have love and support. Looking past the exterior package she finds love in unexpected places and learns some things about her past that were kept from her. As her life changes she has lots to learn. Great story well written and my first from this author. Still loads of questions but that';s he great thing about this series the more you learn the more you want to know.
This isn't what you think and that's what keeps you wanting more. the author lays out bread crumbs and feeds it to you a little at a time and yup you are hooked. No this isn't a standalone series you will need to read the books in order but with this authors style it seems to be getting better with each page.
This isn't what you think and that's what keeps you wanting more. the author lays out bread crumbs and feeds it to you a little at a time and yup you are hooked. No this isn't a standalone series you will need to read the books in order but with this authors style it seems to be getting better with each page.
March 4, 2018
Note: I recieved a copy of the ebook in exchange for a fair review.
The story had lots of drama to keep the plot moving, and I read it straight through in the afternoon I recover the book.
The main character, Keisha, flees an abusive boyfriend and finds shelter at a summer long Renaissance Fair. But secrets haunt the fair, secrets that draw Keisha and her unborn child into a world she does not comprehend. This world seems dangerous to her, particularly from the warnings she keeps getting. As she enters this world, strange occurences pile up, and she does not know what is happening, or what it means for her growing family.
The story had lots of drama to keep the plot moving, and I read it straight through in the afternoon I recover the book.
The main character, Keisha, flees an abusive boyfriend and finds shelter at a summer long Renaissance Fair. But secrets haunt the fair, secrets that draw Keisha and her unborn child into a world she does not comprehend. This world seems dangerous to her, particularly from the warnings she keeps getting. As she enters this world, strange occurences pile up, and she does not know what is happening, or what it means for her growing family.
September 12, 2018
Valarie Savage Kinney knows how to spin a tale and draw in the reader. From the moment you meet the main character, Keisha, you are instantly walking in her shoes at times suffering complete anguish all the way to experiencing pure joy. Those who have experienced the unique flavor of a Renaissance Faire will find this series especially enjoyable. I highly recommend this first installment in the Secrets of Windy Springs series.
July 14, 2018
It’s easy to tell it was written by an amateur author, but the storyline has promise.
March 10, 2018
In the Presence of Knowing is an amazing introduction to the Secrets of Windy Springs series.
We meet an amazing cast of fleshed out, unique, and non-conventional characters.
Keisha is strong and yet vulnerable. Rogan is kind and compassionate, and not the typical handsome hero.
Captain Dash is eccentric and is one of my favourite characters.
The setting was beautifully described. I've never been to a Renaissance Faire, but it's now somewhere I'd love to go. I loved the 'family' bond and the atmosphere that was depicted in the book.
This is a wonderfully written book, with a mysterious storyline that kept me engaged.
I'm sure there are plenty of ups and downs still to come in this series and, after the sudden cliff-hanger at the end of the book, I am desperate to know more!
We meet an amazing cast of fleshed out, unique, and non-conventional characters.
Keisha is strong and yet vulnerable. Rogan is kind and compassionate, and not the typical handsome hero.
Captain Dash is eccentric and is one of my favourite characters.
The setting was beautifully described. I've never been to a Renaissance Faire, but it's now somewhere I'd love to go. I loved the 'family' bond and the atmosphere that was depicted in the book.
This is a wonderfully written book, with a mysterious storyline that kept me engaged.
I'm sure there are plenty of ups and downs still to come in this series and, after the sudden cliff-hanger at the end of the book, I am desperate to know more!
May 16, 2018
Amazing story! This book grabbed me on page one and I couldn't put it down until I finished it! Keisha is hiding from her ex, Vince. She has just found out she is pregnant and he has hit her again. She went to her friend Layla, and together they go work Layla's booth at the Renaissance festival. While there, Keisha's life changes for the better, even as she starts learning there are things she never knew.
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