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As the Crow Flies
Samantha Weller, a forensic scientist turned paranormal novelist, owes her life and writing career to a crow that saved her from certain death. When she buys an old bookend that looks like her avian muse, her world begins to resemble the plots of her novels.
Determined to find the mate to her bookend, Samantha and her antiquarian sidekick, Liz, go on a search leading them to the beautiful and wealthy Gwen Laraway. Samantha is instantly smitten, but the age difference has Gwen second-guessing Samantha’s interest.
Meanwhile, Liz is crushing on Gwen’s niece, Isabel. As clueless as she is sensuous, Isabel hasn’t had a date since her high school prom ten years ago, and she’s petrified to act on her sudden attraction to Liz.
Romance seems to be blooming all around, but problems arise when a restless ghost emerges from the ether to roam the dark corners of this haunting tale that explores the quantum mechanics of immortality.
Determined to find the mate to her bookend, Samantha and her antiquarian sidekick, Liz, go on a search leading them to the beautiful and wealthy Gwen Laraway. Samantha is instantly smitten, but the age difference has Gwen second-guessing Samantha’s interest.
Meanwhile, Liz is crushing on Gwen’s niece, Isabel. As clueless as she is sensuous, Isabel hasn’t had a date since her high school prom ten years ago, and she’s petrified to act on her sudden attraction to Liz.
Romance seems to be blooming all around, but problems arise when a restless ghost emerges from the ether to roam the dark corners of this haunting tale that explores the quantum mechanics of immortality.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 13, 2018
14 people are currently reading
401 people want to read
About the author
Karen F. Williams
7 books58 followersKaren F. Williams holds degrees in media studies, philosophy, and clinical social work, and is a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. In 2017, her novella Meeting Ms. Roman was a finalist for a Golden Crown Literary Society award. In addition to writing fiction, she has published numerous articles on nature, dogs, and the human animal bond, and was awarded the Maxwell Medallion from the Dog Writers Association of America. She divides her time between New York City and the Berkshires of Massachusetts where she can usually be found gardening, kayaking, or hiking with a pack of canines.
a.k.a Karen Williams
Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
a.k.a Karen Williams
Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
November 6, 2018
4.5 Stars. This book was wonderfully written. I have never read Williams before. I realized I have an old paperback copy of her book Nightshade. After reading this book and realizing the quality writer she is, I’m really intrigued to finally read Nightshade. This a wlw romance with a light paranormal flare.
An interesting twist, this book actually includes two romances; a younger potential couple and an older potential couple. This book is a nice long length so there is plenty of time for all four characters and their potential romances to shine. While all four characters are completely different, they are all likeable and you end up rooting for both pairs. I also have to mention, one of the characters is a writer. This felt like one of the truer author characters I have ever read before. The characters are really crafted and very realistic.
I do want to mention this book is a little more cerebral. It’s the kind of book you might learn a few things. There is some talk about philosophy, art, life after death, and even car racing. The really nice thing is the book never felt preachy. The topics were also explained on a level that didn’t talk down to us as readers, but it doesn’t go over your head either. It was a really nice balance. This is the kind of book that won’t get a lot of attention, but it really should because the quality or writing is that good.
I mentioned this does have some light paranormal aspects. There is a ghost in this story. It is not the kind of ghost you might normally expect and it’s only one part of the book. There are some of us who believe in ghosts, some who don’t, this was a take on a ghost that one could actually believe might be true. Besides the paranormal aspects there is even a little excitement so the story kept me turning the pages.
This was an excellent quality story that was really well written. I see paranormal anything, and I grab it. However, I honestly didn’t expect this to be so good. I’m very happy that I read it.
An ARC was given to me by BSB, for a honest review.
An interesting twist, this book actually includes two romances; a younger potential couple and an older potential couple. This book is a nice long length so there is plenty of time for all four characters and their potential romances to shine. While all four characters are completely different, they are all likeable and you end up rooting for both pairs. I also have to mention, one of the characters is a writer. This felt like one of the truer author characters I have ever read before. The characters are really crafted and very realistic.
I do want to mention this book is a little more cerebral. It’s the kind of book you might learn a few things. There is some talk about philosophy, art, life after death, and even car racing. The really nice thing is the book never felt preachy. The topics were also explained on a level that didn’t talk down to us as readers, but it doesn’t go over your head either. It was a really nice balance. This is the kind of book that won’t get a lot of attention, but it really should because the quality or writing is that good.
I mentioned this does have some light paranormal aspects. There is a ghost in this story. It is not the kind of ghost you might normally expect and it’s only one part of the book. There are some of us who believe in ghosts, some who don’t, this was a take on a ghost that one could actually believe might be true. Besides the paranormal aspects there is even a little excitement so the story kept me turning the pages.
This was an excellent quality story that was really well written. I see paranormal anything, and I grab it. However, I honestly didn’t expect this to be so good. I’m very happy that I read it.
An ARC was given to me by BSB, for a honest review.
March 5, 2019
I was so excited to read this book only to find myself bored and frustrated. I didn't like it. I know I'm swimming against the tide, as many others not only liked this story, they loved it so take my thoughts with a grain of salt.
What appealed to me? I thought it was interesting to incorporate two different couples into the story thereby giving us two romances. Gwen is fifty-nine going on sixty while Sam is forty-eight. In contrast, Isabel and Liz are twenty-eight and thirty-two, respectively. Gwen and Sam act as the seasoned couple that's been there, done that while Isabel is the perpetual virgin and Liz the promiscuous siren. It's an interesting contrast and I'm happy to see an older age romance represented. Also, most of the story is told through dialogue and interactions which I'm always in favor of.
But, my enjoyment pretty much stops there.
The book is around 300+ pages but it felt like 500. The first chapters grabbed me so I was raring to go but the book's steam petered out like the air from a balloon. I perked up somewhere around 17% but, like a dog that pops its head up from a nap to check something interesting and then quickly goes back to lounging when it realizes it was a false alarm, I did the same. Somewhere around 61% that same experience happened again...and the rest of the read I was booooooored.
Paradoxically, the interactions I so crave during a read were happening but the characters tended to talk about stuff more than themselves. Each of the four characters were these walking encyclopedias of knowledge that would spout out trivia or philosophy back and forth to each other. These interactions were spellbinding to the characters but they certainly weren't for me.
Also, Gwen, Sam, Liz, AND Isabel are all "beautiful" or "hot", all super talented in what they do, and money is no object for any of them. The world is basically at their fingertips at all times. Just when you think one of them might have a disadvantage, they whip out some long lost ability or are fast learners that puts them on par with being great at everything they do. This kind of set up does not excite me.
Granted, to be fair, the characters' physical attributes covers soft butch, femme, and androgyny in a skirt.
And then the book was flip flopping all the time whether that was in the characters' behaviors or in what the story was deciding it wanted to be.
For the romance, insta-love and "love at first sight" are both incorporated. The spiritual/paranormal aspect is supposed to account for some of this but then both couples waffle all over the place. Gwen is hung up about a twelve year age gap which I find super bizarre but if she believes in the intertwining of souls and reincarnation, why?! The author tried to use an insecurity as an explanation but that didn't jive to me. Both couples waver to the point that the romances weren't even fun. I found the connections troublesome for different reasons which I can't go into without spoilers.
Also, is the paranormal aspect supposed to be spooky? Sometimes it was written as such and other times it was benevolent. I guess that was supposed to add to the mystery of the story but instead it crippled the pacing for me. Am I supposed to be ramping up my anxiety because we're building up suspense or am I supposed to get warm fuzzies about the afterlife? Even the spirit itself half the time is this loving thing but then I'm supposed to believe its evil enough to cause harm? Pick a path and go with it. To be clear, I didn't find the book spooky AT ALL but I think it tries to be.
I was wondering what the reveal would finally be on the paranormal arc but, unfortunately, I found the climax and ending of the book to enter the realm of cheesy.
I have a list of other head scratchers but my review is already long.
On the whole, I think the book was juggling too much and, as a result, I found the story weirdly imbalanced. Between that and the Mary Sue characters this read was just not for me.
I wavered between two stars or three stars but I'm putting it at two. Three stars are "okay" books for me where I neither have a bad experience nor a great one. I'm just kind of "eh" or better. Since I was actually experiencing displeasure, I have to go with two stars.
What appealed to me? I thought it was interesting to incorporate two different couples into the story thereby giving us two romances. Gwen is fifty-nine going on sixty while Sam is forty-eight. In contrast, Isabel and Liz are twenty-eight and thirty-two, respectively. Gwen and Sam act as the seasoned couple that's been there, done that while Isabel is the perpetual virgin and Liz the promiscuous siren. It's an interesting contrast and I'm happy to see an older age romance represented. Also, most of the story is told through dialogue and interactions which I'm always in favor of.
But, my enjoyment pretty much stops there.
The book is around 300+ pages but it felt like 500. The first chapters grabbed me so I was raring to go but the book's steam petered out like the air from a balloon. I perked up somewhere around 17% but, like a dog that pops its head up from a nap to check something interesting and then quickly goes back to lounging when it realizes it was a false alarm, I did the same. Somewhere around 61% that same experience happened again...and the rest of the read I was booooooored.
Paradoxically, the interactions I so crave during a read were happening but the characters tended to talk about stuff more than themselves. Each of the four characters were these walking encyclopedias of knowledge that would spout out trivia or philosophy back and forth to each other. These interactions were spellbinding to the characters but they certainly weren't for me.
Also, Gwen, Sam, Liz, AND Isabel are all "beautiful" or "hot", all super talented in what they do, and money is no object for any of them. The world is basically at their fingertips at all times. Just when you think one of them might have a disadvantage, they whip out some long lost ability or are fast learners that puts them on par with being great at everything they do. This kind of set up does not excite me.
Granted, to be fair, the characters' physical attributes covers soft butch, femme, and androgyny in a skirt.
And then the book was flip flopping all the time whether that was in the characters' behaviors or in what the story was deciding it wanted to be.
For the romance, insta-love and "love at first sight" are both incorporated. The spiritual/paranormal aspect is supposed to account for some of this but then both couples waffle all over the place. Gwen is hung up about a twelve year age gap which I find super bizarre but if she believes in the intertwining of souls and reincarnation, why?! The author tried to use an insecurity as an explanation but that didn't jive to me. Both couples waver to the point that the romances weren't even fun. I found the connections troublesome for different reasons which I can't go into without spoilers.
Also, is the paranormal aspect supposed to be spooky? Sometimes it was written as such and other times it was benevolent. I guess that was supposed to add to the mystery of the story but instead it crippled the pacing for me. Am I supposed to be ramping up my anxiety because we're building up suspense or am I supposed to get warm fuzzies about the afterlife? Even the spirit itself half the time is this loving thing but then I'm supposed to believe its evil enough to cause harm? Pick a path and go with it. To be clear, I didn't find the book spooky AT ALL but I think it tries to be.
I was wondering what the reveal would finally be on the paranormal arc but, unfortunately, I found the climax and ending of the book to enter the realm of cheesy.
I have a list of other head scratchers but my review is already long.
On the whole, I think the book was juggling too much and, as a result, I found the story weirdly imbalanced. Between that and the Mary Sue characters this read was just not for me.
I wavered between two stars or three stars but I'm putting it at two. Three stars are "okay" books for me where I neither have a bad experience nor a great one. I'm just kind of "eh" or better. Since I was actually experiencing displeasure, I have to go with two stars.
September 4, 2024
I picked As the Crow Flies by Karen F. Williams because of crows. Corvids are the most intelligent birds in the world and I really like to observe them. These birds deserve an intelligent book like this one. With two parallel love stories, four captivating and likable main characters, very interesting and well-constructed plot -- even the ghost was special.
I am quite impressed with this author and her writing style. Kudos to her!
Sincerely recommended.
5 stars
November 11, 2018
I am quite impressed with this author and her writing style. Kudos to her!
Sincerely recommended.
5 stars
November 11, 2018
November 21, 2018
What a fantastic read! As the Crow Flies was everything I hoped for. Author Karen F. Williams delights with a fantastic urban fantasy novel and takes plenty of time to flesh out not one but two yummy romances. And it all starts with a crow bookend.
As soon as novelist Samantha Weller meets beautiful professor Gwen Laraway she’s instantly smitten with this woman. The attraction seems mutual but Gwen (who is about 15 years her senior) thinks she is too old for Sam and is extremely reluctant to let it go beyond friend level. That will prove to be very hard as Sam is persistently wooing her.
The other blossoming romance is between Sam’s young sister in law Liz who’s a bit of a player and Gwen’s niece Isabel, the eternal virgin. I think there was a nice contrast between both romances because there were different things at stake. All four main characters were very likeable.
So while this romance times two is nicely developing we are in the midst of some very interesting goings on with a ghost, a pet crow and a couple of loveable dogs. The author gives us something to put out teeth in and there was never a dull moment as the plot moves along. Intelligent writing is such a turn on so I can only highly recommend you read this.
f/f explicit but tastefully done
Themes: to marry a bookend, impressive collections, pet crow Bertha, age difference, ghost activity galore, wealthy heiress, fast cars, a suspicious house keeper, twin flames, lots of interesting tidbits to absorb, sweet romance.
5 stars
* A free copy was provided by Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books Inc. for an honest review.
As soon as novelist Samantha Weller meets beautiful professor Gwen Laraway she’s instantly smitten with this woman. The attraction seems mutual but Gwen (who is about 15 years her senior) thinks she is too old for Sam and is extremely reluctant to let it go beyond friend level. That will prove to be very hard as Sam is persistently wooing her.
The other blossoming romance is between Sam’s young sister in law Liz who’s a bit of a player and Gwen’s niece Isabel, the eternal virgin. I think there was a nice contrast between both romances because there were different things at stake. All four main characters were very likeable.
So while this romance times two is nicely developing we are in the midst of some very interesting goings on with a ghost, a pet crow and a couple of loveable dogs. The author gives us something to put out teeth in and there was never a dull moment as the plot moves along. Intelligent writing is such a turn on so I can only highly recommend you read this.
f/f explicit but tastefully done
Themes: to marry a bookend, impressive collections, pet crow Bertha, age difference, ghost activity galore, wealthy heiress, fast cars, a suspicious house keeper, twin flames, lots of interesting tidbits to absorb, sweet romance.
5 stars
* A free copy was provided by Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books Inc. for an honest review.
May 20, 2019
This two-couple story had a pretty decent grip on me from the beginning, mostly because of the wit, maturity and intelligence of the pairs. Sam and Gwen are both older with a 13 year age gap, yet Ms. Williams makes both MCs stylish, witty, beautiful and young and heart. At times I forgot Gwen was approaching 60. And Isabel, though innocent and naive, is hella smart, and this paired with Liz's extrovert nature hooked me in. The paranormal aspect is something that normally turns me off a book, but this was about ghosts and interesting enough to start with and kept me reading.
Where it ultimately lost me however, was the very thing that attracted me, which was the intelligence and maturity. These ladies end up having knowledge about goddamned everything. Seriously, I loved the Rookwood history and collections and antiques and the meeting of minds over this, however by about 45% I was like "Is there anything these ladies don't know?" One would randomly bring up something about obscure modern classical music, the other would consult her Wikipedia brain and give us 3 pages of history just like that. How about waltzes, lemme tell you about waltzes. You like metaphysics? I got metaphysics. Flowers in gardens, check, know it. The exact thread count in a true oriental rug made 500 years ago? They know the exact number! (ok I made that last one up).
I was in information overload for the last half and had to skim parts unfortunately. The paranormal angle lost my interest part-way though and I got a little bored, to be honest. Even the final scene involving ghosts and cars and crossing barriers and what-not, which should have been more riveting had me in "meh" zone.
However the chemistry between the pairs was pretty good, and even though the insta-love thing isn't my bag, I enjoyed this dance b/w Gwen and Sam. The fact they felt connected right away and did almost an old-fashioned courtship that was still laced with flirtation and fun, worked for me somehow. Liz deserves an award for her perseverance of stunted Isabel, and I uttered a "FINALLY" out loud when they connected. It would be cool to see a spin-off focusing more on them. This author has mega skills and I would read more of her stuff, though hopefully the next characters are lacking in knowledge of all things.
Where it ultimately lost me however, was the very thing that attracted me, which was the intelligence and maturity. These ladies end up having knowledge about goddamned everything. Seriously, I loved the Rookwood history and collections and antiques and the meeting of minds over this, however by about 45% I was like "Is there anything these ladies don't know?" One would randomly bring up something about obscure modern classical music, the other would consult her Wikipedia brain and give us 3 pages of history just like that. How about waltzes, lemme tell you about waltzes. You like metaphysics? I got metaphysics. Flowers in gardens, check, know it. The exact thread count in a true oriental rug made 500 years ago? They know the exact number! (ok I made that last one up).
I was in information overload for the last half and had to skim parts unfortunately. The paranormal angle lost my interest part-way though and I got a little bored, to be honest. Even the final scene involving ghosts and cars and crossing barriers and what-not, which should have been more riveting had me in "meh" zone.
However the chemistry between the pairs was pretty good, and even though the insta-love thing isn't my bag, I enjoyed this dance b/w Gwen and Sam. The fact they felt connected right away and did almost an old-fashioned courtship that was still laced with flirtation and fun, worked for me somehow. Liz deserves an award for her perseverance of stunted Isabel, and I uttered a "FINALLY" out loud when they connected. It would be cool to see a spin-off focusing more on them. This author has mega skills and I would read more of her stuff, though hopefully the next characters are lacking in knowledge of all things.
October 22, 2018
I loved reading this. It was a wonderful meandering journey of four women getting to know each other. Samantha Crowley is a paranormal mystery writer with a pet crow, Bertha, that she met by accident. Having found a beautiful bookend with a crow on it at a yard sale she takes it to her new in-law, Liz Bowes, for appraisal. Liz’s sister and Samantha’s brother were recently married and Liz and Sam find that they really enjoy each other’s company, more so than their own siblings. In a quest to find a matching bookend they’re referred to Dr Gwen Laraway, a collector, philosopher and heiress. She lives on her estate with her niece Isabel. Samantha is drawn to Gwen from their first ph0ne call and when they meet it feels like déjà vu.
Liz, confirmed player, has never met anyone quite like Isabel. They connect immediately through their shared love of antiquities. Gwen is reluctant to even consider anything beyond friendship with Sam because of their age difference. Isabel confuses Liz because she shuts down at the mention of anything related to relationships or intimacy. There are other things at play too, like the housekeeper who makes the sign of the cross when she sees Sam and the stray dog at the pond.
This was a really gentle read (for much of the novel) and I enjoyed its genteelness and elegance. I loved learning about a myriad of new things ranging from crows, to race cars, to Art Deco, to pottery and to aspects of philosophy. And mostly through the dialogue which is my favourite way to gain knowledge. I liked all four main characters; Sam with her odd relationship with a crow, Gwen with her obvious intellect and charm, Liz with her vibrancy and exuberance and Isabel with her love of speed but desperate fear of intimacy.
The paranormal aspect is subtle but strong enough that there’s always a subliminal tension and you just know that something is going to happen. The way it’s written thoroughly appealed to me but I’m not sure that it will have a wide appeal.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
Liz, confirmed player, has never met anyone quite like Isabel. They connect immediately through their shared love of antiquities. Gwen is reluctant to even consider anything beyond friendship with Sam because of their age difference. Isabel confuses Liz because she shuts down at the mention of anything related to relationships or intimacy. There are other things at play too, like the housekeeper who makes the sign of the cross when she sees Sam and the stray dog at the pond.
This was a really gentle read (for much of the novel) and I enjoyed its genteelness and elegance. I loved learning about a myriad of new things ranging from crows, to race cars, to Art Deco, to pottery and to aspects of philosophy. And mostly through the dialogue which is my favourite way to gain knowledge. I liked all four main characters; Sam with her odd relationship with a crow, Gwen with her obvious intellect and charm, Liz with her vibrancy and exuberance and Isabel with her love of speed but desperate fear of intimacy.
The paranormal aspect is subtle but strong enough that there’s always a subliminal tension and you just know that something is going to happen. The way it’s written thoroughly appealed to me but I’m not sure that it will have a wide appeal.
Book received from Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for an honest review.
May 21, 2019
What a fabulous book. It has some of the best story telling I have ever read, I simply couldn’t get enough.
This story follows the love story of two couples. Sam Weller, famous Novelist and the older Gwen Laraway. They meet over an antique book end that Sam is looking for the matching end. They find each other alluring from the beginning but between Gwen thinking she’s too old and a series of odd events happening that are keeping them apart, it was a rollercoaster ride for these two. A much slower romance is Liz and Isabel. Liz is related to Sam through marriage and comes with her on her quest to find the other book end. When Liz see’s Gwen’s niece, Isabel for the first time, all her casual relationship ways fall out the window as she can’t stop thinking about Isabel and wants much more than a meaningless fling. Isabel is so sweet and innocent she seems not to be seeing Liz’s affections for more than friendship but as time wears on we see that Isabel is just acting as a novice in love.
This book is so brilliantly written with great pacing and such interesting and enchanting characters. I was transfixed from the very beginning. I can’t believe it has taken me so long to read this authors works.
I enjoyed both romances thoroughly and kept thinking what a fantastic series this book would make. Sam and Gwen ticked my age-gap romance box big time. I enjoyed their conversations and how in tune they were. I have to say though that my favourite romance was between Isabel and Liz. I reckon those two were supposed to find each other no matter what. Isabel’s naivety and innocence really drove their story and I loved the way Liz became so protective over her even though normally Liz would normally be the aggressor in an relationship.
There is a scene where Isabel shows up at Liz’s door unexpectedly and it’s my favourite scene in the whole book because it funny, upsetting, endearing and gave me the butterflies all at once. Anyway, I digress…
All in all, this is a fabulous book and I would love for it to have a sequel. More please!
5 stars
This story follows the love story of two couples. Sam Weller, famous Novelist and the older Gwen Laraway. They meet over an antique book end that Sam is looking for the matching end. They find each other alluring from the beginning but between Gwen thinking she’s too old and a series of odd events happening that are keeping them apart, it was a rollercoaster ride for these two. A much slower romance is Liz and Isabel. Liz is related to Sam through marriage and comes with her on her quest to find the other book end. When Liz see’s Gwen’s niece, Isabel for the first time, all her casual relationship ways fall out the window as she can’t stop thinking about Isabel and wants much more than a meaningless fling. Isabel is so sweet and innocent she seems not to be seeing Liz’s affections for more than friendship but as time wears on we see that Isabel is just acting as a novice in love.
This book is so brilliantly written with great pacing and such interesting and enchanting characters. I was transfixed from the very beginning. I can’t believe it has taken me so long to read this authors works.
I enjoyed both romances thoroughly and kept thinking what a fantastic series this book would make. Sam and Gwen ticked my age-gap romance box big time. I enjoyed their conversations and how in tune they were. I have to say though that my favourite romance was between Isabel and Liz. I reckon those two were supposed to find each other no matter what. Isabel’s naivety and innocence really drove their story and I loved the way Liz became so protective over her even though normally Liz would normally be the aggressor in an relationship.
There is a scene where Isabel shows up at Liz’s door unexpectedly and it’s my favourite scene in the whole book because it funny, upsetting, endearing and gave me the butterflies all at once. Anyway, I digress…
All in all, this is a fabulous book and I would love for it to have a sequel. More please!
5 stars
May 30, 2021
A frustrating story and characters. Ultimately I guess I'm just glad I got it on sale...
I love the premise idea and I adored the 'pet' crow character! but it got bogged down in the minutiae of everyday, but also discussions that read more like encyclopedia entries, than natural conversation. I love that the women were all well educated, but it came off as pretentious and haphazard in the execution. I found myself skimming lengths of dialogue where they were just talking about their niche areas of expertise and spouting interesting facts like a general knowledge quiz.
I enjoyed the metaphysical elements with the paranormal, but felt it should have been more ramped up to really convey - well whatever the author was trying to convey with those elements!!!
Ultimately it is just a story about two sets of couples trying to get to know each other and hopefully making the two relationships work... but every single thing and interaction seemed to hold much more nuance and weight than what was really going on - and like the author was putting something more in place to discover later - and I just felt like it never really did come to fruition.
It started getting tedious, like swimming through thickened porridge, and exhausting yourself trying to reach the otherside, but finding more beige porridge trying to dress itself up with fruit that looks good, but ultimately has no real taste or flavor... Am I making sense in my metaphor? No? Well maybe that's a reflection on how I interpreted a lot of the analogies in the book.... very wordy, lots of stuff said, but the meaning ultimately failing and not connecting emotionally.
You ever know people who can talk around subjects so much that an otherwise 5 minute story ends up a 20 minute detailed account, but at the end it really could have been summed up shorter and would have been far more entertaining for it? Yeah that's how I felt overall.
I got super awkward about the relationship between Liz and Isabel. Liz is a huge player, different chick every night - admits they cannot hold her interest for longer than 72 hours before she is kicking them to the curb. She has a fun and brilliant personality and intelligence, but there's this shallow-ness to her and the way she treats women and her overall smug/overly confident attitude in being able to pull any woman she chooses, so when she sets her sights on the more demure Isabel and states she's definitely a dyke but doesn't know it - you can't help but feel it comes off predatory.
We're supposed to believe Isabel has had no interest in any sort of relationship after having kissed a dude - was it highschool or college? to the point where even her own Aunt is like "she needs to let loose with someone" and is pushing her into Liz's devilish arms, without concern for any potential heartbreak.... I'm just sitting over here like - does no one know about asexuality in this book? Or at the very least concerned that the player is going after this completely naive woman in such a manner? It felt too uncomfortable for me to get behind.
Other peoples reviews have mentioned other issues with the book, that I agree with. So I won't lengthen this anymore, except to say it was fairly disappointing.
I love the premise idea and I adored the 'pet' crow character! but it got bogged down in the minutiae of everyday, but also discussions that read more like encyclopedia entries, than natural conversation. I love that the women were all well educated, but it came off as pretentious and haphazard in the execution. I found myself skimming lengths of dialogue where they were just talking about their niche areas of expertise and spouting interesting facts like a general knowledge quiz.
I enjoyed the metaphysical elements with the paranormal, but felt it should have been more ramped up to really convey - well whatever the author was trying to convey with those elements!!!
Ultimately it is just a story about two sets of couples trying to get to know each other and hopefully making the two relationships work... but every single thing and interaction seemed to hold much more nuance and weight than what was really going on - and like the author was putting something more in place to discover later - and I just felt like it never really did come to fruition.
It started getting tedious, like swimming through thickened porridge, and exhausting yourself trying to reach the otherside, but finding more beige porridge trying to dress itself up with fruit that looks good, but ultimately has no real taste or flavor... Am I making sense in my metaphor? No? Well maybe that's a reflection on how I interpreted a lot of the analogies in the book.... very wordy, lots of stuff said, but the meaning ultimately failing and not connecting emotionally.
You ever know people who can talk around subjects so much that an otherwise 5 minute story ends up a 20 minute detailed account, but at the end it really could have been summed up shorter and would have been far more entertaining for it? Yeah that's how I felt overall.
I got super awkward about the relationship between Liz and Isabel. Liz is a huge player, different chick every night - admits they cannot hold her interest for longer than 72 hours before she is kicking them to the curb. She has a fun and brilliant personality and intelligence, but there's this shallow-ness to her and the way she treats women and her overall smug/overly confident attitude in being able to pull any woman she chooses, so when she sets her sights on the more demure Isabel and states she's definitely a dyke but doesn't know it - you can't help but feel it comes off predatory.
We're supposed to believe Isabel has had no interest in any sort of relationship after having kissed a dude - was it highschool or college? to the point where even her own Aunt is like "she needs to let loose with someone" and is pushing her into Liz's devilish arms, without concern for any potential heartbreak.... I'm just sitting over here like - does no one know about asexuality in this book? Or at the very least concerned that the player is going after this completely naive woman in such a manner? It felt too uncomfortable for me to get behind.
Other peoples reviews have mentioned other issues with the book, that I agree with. So I won't lengthen this anymore, except to say it was fairly disappointing.
April 10, 2020
I am so glad I got the chance to read As the Crow Flies by Karen Williams. It is a brilliantly written book.
This is a paranormal romance with not one but two couples; one a more mature couple with an age gap that becomes a complication, and the other a younger couple. Then we have Bertha the crow and at least one ghost making an appearance in the tale. All of the characters are cleverly written and definitely engaging. The dialogue between the characters is superb and kept me totally enthralled. And then there is Bertha. I really fell in love with Bertha the crow.
Ms. Williams has a truly amazing writing style. She makes her characters and the story itself come alive with her words. She also has a subtle and sometimes quirky sense of humor that makes her characters very likable and real.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, and both the author and book are firmly set in my favorites category. As the Crow Flies has my highest recommendation. You can find this book here.
I received this book as a gift from the author, and this is my honest review.
Rainbow Reflections: http://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
This is a paranormal romance with not one but two couples; one a more mature couple with an age gap that becomes a complication, and the other a younger couple. Then we have Bertha the crow and at least one ghost making an appearance in the tale. All of the characters are cleverly written and definitely engaging. The dialogue between the characters is superb and kept me totally enthralled. And then there is Bertha. I really fell in love with Bertha the crow.
Ms. Williams has a truly amazing writing style. She makes her characters and the story itself come alive with her words. She also has a subtle and sometimes quirky sense of humor that makes her characters very likable and real.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, and both the author and book are firmly set in my favorites category. As the Crow Flies has my highest recommendation. You can find this book here.
I received this book as a gift from the author, and this is my honest review.
Rainbow Reflections: http://rainbowreflections.home.blog/
February 8, 2019
Jeezus, I’ll never listen to “Once Upon a Dream” again without getting the creeps, not even the old Disney version. Rarely my genre anymore but I took a chance on so many positive reviews.
It was more than worth my restless nights. I know, I know, most paranormal fans would scoff and say there was nothing horrific here, nothing to be scared about and they would be right. But the book unsettled me. The thought of deceased loved ones, animals and humans, keeping close and attaching themselves to the living, unsettled me.
The author did not miss a single beat of detail. Main characters, places, relationships, everything so drawn out in full color and depth that nothing seemed left to chance or just thrown on the page as filler. Dialogue involving some heady subjects added even more tension to the story which dutifully marched along to an inevitable confrontation. Although the romance between Liz and Isabel is good, it’s the spectre of Gwen’s and Sam’s pasts in cheating death that add breadth to their love for each other. A very special book.
It was more than worth my restless nights. I know, I know, most paranormal fans would scoff and say there was nothing horrific here, nothing to be scared about and they would be right. But the book unsettled me. The thought of deceased loved ones, animals and humans, keeping close and attaching themselves to the living, unsettled me.
The author did not miss a single beat of detail. Main characters, places, relationships, everything so drawn out in full color and depth that nothing seemed left to chance or just thrown on the page as filler. Dialogue involving some heady subjects added even more tension to the story which dutifully marched along to an inevitable confrontation. Although the romance between Liz and Isabel is good, it’s the spectre of Gwen’s and Sam’s pasts in cheating death that add breadth to their love for each other. A very special book.
December 26, 2019
4.5. What a fantastic bloody book!!! Some parts gave me goosebumps. Highly recommend this one.
February 13, 2019
For how good the book is I'm surprised that not that many people read it. I really enjoyed it and will look forward to other books the author will publish.
October 13, 2022
Wow, I loved this book! So many twists and turns, I just hung on and kept going. I listened to the audio book and will listen to it again soon.
May 13, 2020
I hardly know where to start gushing about this book!
I expected a typical run-of-the-mill romance. I got so, so much more than that.
Ms. Williams is a superb writer, a story-teller in the finest sense of the word. She understands the fine dance of engaging your reader, sucking them in, capturing their heart and their imagination, and does not let go until the final word.
One of the central characters is Bertha the Crow, shown on the front cover. She is unique, smart, generous and loyal. More than I can say about some people I know. Sam, Liz, Gwen, and Isabel are all so well written that I want to go and have dinner with them. They have such captivating and intelligent conversations - they discuss everything from art history, quantum physics, string theory, the multi-verse, even possession and auric attachments. Even though I already knew about multi-verse theories and auric cameras, I did learn a great deal about other topics, so rest assured, this is not romantic fluff!
The level of writing is top-notch. It's not all seriousness either. Check out this passage,
"...Everything was fine in the straight world until, one day, while Ken was away on a business trip and Skipper was at camp, Midge came over for a swim and found Barbie by the pool. Midge made margaritas, Barbie put on music, one thing led to another - what can I say? - the whole Mattel household went to hell."
You can't help but laugh out loud!
The author's skill at writing visually enchanting passages is at a level rarely seen. In fact, her words painted such vivid pictures that my heart broke more than once. (Read the book, you'll see what I mean). There are books we read, others we are absorbed by - consumed by - but this novel drew me in until the world around me faded away and was replaced by one constructed of images painted by written words. I did not want to leave that world, and I was sorry to see the story end.
This is a rare and moving novel that will teach you, break your heart, and show you what true love is.
Read it. You won't regret it.
I expected a typical run-of-the-mill romance. I got so, so much more than that.
Ms. Williams is a superb writer, a story-teller in the finest sense of the word. She understands the fine dance of engaging your reader, sucking them in, capturing their heart and their imagination, and does not let go until the final word.
One of the central characters is Bertha the Crow, shown on the front cover. She is unique, smart, generous and loyal. More than I can say about some people I know. Sam, Liz, Gwen, and Isabel are all so well written that I want to go and have dinner with them. They have such captivating and intelligent conversations - they discuss everything from art history, quantum physics, string theory, the multi-verse, even possession and auric attachments. Even though I already knew about multi-verse theories and auric cameras, I did learn a great deal about other topics, so rest assured, this is not romantic fluff!
The level of writing is top-notch. It's not all seriousness either. Check out this passage,
"...Everything was fine in the straight world until, one day, while Ken was away on a business trip and Skipper was at camp, Midge came over for a swim and found Barbie by the pool. Midge made margaritas, Barbie put on music, one thing led to another - what can I say? - the whole Mattel household went to hell."
You can't help but laugh out loud!
The author's skill at writing visually enchanting passages is at a level rarely seen. In fact, her words painted such vivid pictures that my heart broke more than once. (Read the book, you'll see what I mean). There are books we read, others we are absorbed by - consumed by - but this novel drew me in until the world around me faded away and was replaced by one constructed of images painted by written words. I did not want to leave that world, and I was sorry to see the story end.
This is a rare and moving novel that will teach you, break your heart, and show you what true love is.
Read it. You won't regret it.
November 4, 2018
I LOVED this book! I was a little hesitant as made my way through the first chapter, but a few hours later it was all forgotten and the book was done and I was devastated I couldn't keep reading this beautiful world with lovely characters.
Samantha is a mystery writer on the hunt for a mate for her crow bookend. With her antiquarian friend and "out-law" Liz, they meet the beautiful Gwen Laraway and her niece Liz who might be the answer to all their prayers, bookends included. Gwen and Samantha, and Isabel and Liz, pair off and form fast friendships with undeniable sizzle's of attraction. Gwen is afraid of the age difference between herself and Samantha. Liz was never one to settle down with just one woman, but Isobel changes everything. Isobel has never been interested in a romantic relationship, let alone with a woman, but meeting Liz has been eye opening and life changing.
Gwen and Samantha together was such a beautiful meeting of minds, I loved the discussions they had. They fit together so perfectly those two, it was a beautiful love story. Isabel and Liz in another sense had that extra level of connection over art. It really deepened their friendship and eventual relationship. Isabel's journey and growth over the book was gorgeous to experience.
This was a gorgeously written book, the style, the characters, the beautiful setting, the beautiful women, add in some fascinating animal friends, as well as art and antiques. The culmination of all these elements created such a vibrant and warm book to read.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Samantha is a mystery writer on the hunt for a mate for her crow bookend. With her antiquarian friend and "out-law" Liz, they meet the beautiful Gwen Laraway and her niece Liz who might be the answer to all their prayers, bookends included. Gwen and Samantha, and Isabel and Liz, pair off and form fast friendships with undeniable sizzle's of attraction. Gwen is afraid of the age difference between herself and Samantha. Liz was never one to settle down with just one woman, but Isobel changes everything. Isobel has never been interested in a romantic relationship, let alone with a woman, but meeting Liz has been eye opening and life changing.
Gwen and Samantha together was such a beautiful meeting of minds, I loved the discussions they had. They fit together so perfectly those two, it was a beautiful love story. Isabel and Liz in another sense had that extra level of connection over art. It really deepened their friendship and eventual relationship. Isabel's journey and growth over the book was gorgeous to experience.
This was a gorgeously written book, the style, the characters, the beautiful setting, the beautiful women, add in some fascinating animal friends, as well as art and antiques. The culmination of all these elements created such a vibrant and warm book to read.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 28, 2022
This is a paranormal romance story but as good as that angle was, the parts that stay in memory and felt heart warming are those concerning animals.
We meet Bertha, Blue, Loosey and heart wrenching Alley. Towards the end I ought to have been wary of Alley but i only felt sorrow...
Enjoyable philosophical ponderings in here and in all, enjoyable time.
We meet Bertha, Blue, Loosey and heart wrenching Alley. Towards the end I ought to have been wary of Alley but i only felt sorrow...
Enjoyable philosophical ponderings in here and in all, enjoyable time.
August 30, 2019
I need to preface this by saying that I am a huge crow fan. Like, really huge. I go out a couple times a week and feed the wild crows a few minutes from my house because I just love watching them.
So imagine my excitement when I saw a wlw romance novel with a crow in its name and a crow on the cover and a nice setup with age gap, supernatural elements and two couples promised.
First impressions were good. Self-assured female characters who are skilled in their field of works, who are independent and have fulfilling friendships. Great! Main character has a friendship with a crow! Even better!
Sadly for me, the crow did not end up having a huge impact on the story. From the name and the cover, you would assume the crow is an important plot point - but isnt. In fact, swap the crow out for a dog and you'd barely have to change the story at all. (Well, except for the fact that "As the Dog Flies" would make for a rather surrela title).
My biggest issue, though, is something I saw another review mention.
The story is... toothless.
A story needs some measures of tension beyond the half-hearted "but our age difference" (which wasn't even that big). And the lack of this tension makes the story feel empty.
As mentioned, all four women are accomplished in their fields of work. In fact, they all seem TOO perfect. The couples share the same interest, or instantly discover the love for an interest when their love interest introduces them to it. They all have no trouble with money or means, or even connections. One of the women mentioned a love of fast cars? Hey, her love interest's father happens to have this really awesome car, and they could just hop there on a business trip that is in that direction. And the parents are all nice and super accepting and get along amazingly well with the love interest...it felt like a parody, or some stepford wives kinda thing.
There were no edges, no problems(the supernatural elements had no appreciable impact on the story either), no friction between the characters... it feels like they were made for each other, and if it is so obvious they were created to fit, suspension of disbelief is not enough to explain the manifactured "relationship development" that was supposed to happen.
Every time I thought "Yes! Finally, here comes my tasty tasty drama!" I was disappointed. Now, I am the first to cry foul when people don't communicate and have endless misunderstandings for ridiculously petty reasons.
But to be interesting, drama and tension are necessary.
Also, please include the crow more.
So imagine my excitement when I saw a wlw romance novel with a crow in its name and a crow on the cover and a nice setup with age gap, supernatural elements and two couples promised.
First impressions were good. Self-assured female characters who are skilled in their field of works, who are independent and have fulfilling friendships. Great! Main character has a friendship with a crow! Even better!
Sadly for me, the crow did not end up having a huge impact on the story. From the name and the cover, you would assume the crow is an important plot point - but isnt. In fact, swap the crow out for a dog and you'd barely have to change the story at all. (Well, except for the fact that "As the Dog Flies" would make for a rather surrela title).
My biggest issue, though, is something I saw another review mention.
The story is... toothless.
A story needs some measures of tension beyond the half-hearted "but our age difference" (which wasn't even that big). And the lack of this tension makes the story feel empty.
As mentioned, all four women are accomplished in their fields of work. In fact, they all seem TOO perfect. The couples share the same interest, or instantly discover the love for an interest when their love interest introduces them to it. They all have no trouble with money or means, or even connections. One of the women mentioned a love of fast cars? Hey, her love interest's father happens to have this really awesome car, and they could just hop there on a business trip that is in that direction. And the parents are all nice and super accepting and get along amazingly well with the love interest...it felt like a parody, or some stepford wives kinda thing.
There were no edges, no problems(the supernatural elements had no appreciable impact on the story either), no friction between the characters... it feels like they were made for each other, and if it is so obvious they were created to fit, suspension of disbelief is not enough to explain the manifactured "relationship development" that was supposed to happen.
Every time I thought "Yes! Finally, here comes my tasty tasty drama!" I was disappointed. Now, I am the first to cry foul when people don't communicate and have endless misunderstandings for ridiculously petty reasons.
But to be interesting, drama and tension are necessary.
Also, please include the crow more.
June 7, 2020
What an exhilarating read, 4.5 stars! This was the first book I read by this author and I will definitely read more. There are actually three storylines in this book, two romances and a light paranormal line. It’s quite difficult to put this all in one book it was very well done with an excellence balance and it is very cleverly written.
The romances are between Samantha (Sam) and Gwen an older couple (47 and 59, respectively) and Liz and Isabel, a younger couple (around 30). Sam, an author of paranormal mystery novels, and Gwen meet through Sam’s search for a matching crow bookend she found at a yard sale. Gwen, a wealthy sophisticated academic and pottery collector, might have this bookend in her collection. Sam and Liz are in-laws (or out-laws as they like to call themselves) and have a very young but special friendship. Liz is a free spirit with a passion for antiques, interior design and women, and through her connections she helps Sam in her search for the bookend. Isabel is Gwen’s niece and is shy, prude and lives very isolated, but has hidden depths. I found all characters likeable and also believable in the sense that their ages are widely different and thus their experiences and interests are different.
There are a lot of pets in the story as well, with Sam’s pet crow being an important character. I enjoyed this unusual choice for a pet and the story behind it. The only thing I had trouble adjusting to was the name Bertha, the name has a reason but still I can’t help associating Bertha with Bertha the cow and not Bertha the crow, but this is just my pet peeve. The paranormal storyline about a ghost was subtle, but I could feel the emotions when they experienced the ghost’s presence. I don’t experience these feelings very often and I have read quite some paranormal/horror books, so it is special for me when that happens.
Finally, a lot of knowledge is thrown around in this book varying from art to philosophy to science. Most was put in in a flowing manner but some of the philosophical and scientific discussions about our existence, what are we, what do we live for and what is our destiny felt a little bit scholarly. I found the topics quite interesting, so I didn’t mind, but I can imagine that this could be a bit off putting, especially if you’re not interested in the topics.
There is a lot to love about this book and I look forward to reading more of this author.
The romances are between Samantha (Sam) and Gwen an older couple (47 and 59, respectively) and Liz and Isabel, a younger couple (around 30). Sam, an author of paranormal mystery novels, and Gwen meet through Sam’s search for a matching crow bookend she found at a yard sale. Gwen, a wealthy sophisticated academic and pottery collector, might have this bookend in her collection. Sam and Liz are in-laws (or out-laws as they like to call themselves) and have a very young but special friendship. Liz is a free spirit with a passion for antiques, interior design and women, and through her connections she helps Sam in her search for the bookend. Isabel is Gwen’s niece and is shy, prude and lives very isolated, but has hidden depths. I found all characters likeable and also believable in the sense that their ages are widely different and thus their experiences and interests are different.
There are a lot of pets in the story as well, with Sam’s pet crow being an important character. I enjoyed this unusual choice for a pet and the story behind it. The only thing I had trouble adjusting to was the name Bertha, the name has a reason but still I can’t help associating Bertha with Bertha the cow and not Bertha the crow, but this is just my pet peeve. The paranormal storyline about a ghost was subtle, but I could feel the emotions when they experienced the ghost’s presence. I don’t experience these feelings very often and I have read quite some paranormal/horror books, so it is special for me when that happens.
Finally, a lot of knowledge is thrown around in this book varying from art to philosophy to science. Most was put in in a flowing manner but some of the philosophical and scientific discussions about our existence, what are we, what do we live for and what is our destiny felt a little bit scholarly. I found the topics quite interesting, so I didn’t mind, but I can imagine that this could be a bit off putting, especially if you’re not interested in the topics.
There is a lot to love about this book and I look forward to reading more of this author.
November 14, 2018
Long and satisfying
A writer with a pet crow meets a former professor and her niece when trying to find a match to a bookend she purchased at a garage sale. Strange things occur on the property that will change everything.
This was satisfyingly long. I enjoyed all of the characters and happenings so much that I just enjoyed the ride.
There were two blossoming relationships in this story and I was equally invested in both.
I also felt the mystery was carefully unraveled over time. And I was truly stunned at a point toward the end.
Completely loved this.
A writer with a pet crow meets a former professor and her niece when trying to find a match to a bookend she purchased at a garage sale. Strange things occur on the property that will change everything.
This was satisfyingly long. I enjoyed all of the characters and happenings so much that I just enjoyed the ride.
There were two blossoming relationships in this story and I was equally invested in both.
I also felt the mystery was carefully unraveled over time. And I was truly stunned at a point toward the end.
Completely loved this.
November 7, 2018
5 stars
A great paranormal romance with even four interesting leads and some well done characters of animals. A real page turner that kept me interested from start to finish. The story totally worked for me and I enjoyed it without any real complain. Recommended to all fans of paranormal romantic stories with ghosts especially for those who love animals, pottery, books, art, antiques, philosophy ... and interesting trivia and facts about it.
eARC via NetGalley
A great paranormal romance with even four interesting leads and some well done characters of animals. A real page turner that kept me interested from start to finish. The story totally worked for me and I enjoyed it without any real complain. Recommended to all fans of paranormal romantic stories with ghosts especially for those who love animals, pottery, books, art, antiques, philosophy ... and interesting trivia and facts about it.
eARC via NetGalley
November 11, 2018
Although there are paranormal elements (a curious and unexpected ghost), this is primarily a romance that entertains with both a middle age and young couple. It takes place between New York City and Massachusetts. The courtships are wonderful (certainly the way I’d like to be wined, dined, and seduced!) and the thought provoking themes that run through this easy-flow yet complex story are balanced with humor, an engaging plot/subplots, and endearing characters, including a crow named Bertha. There is nothing formulaic about this refreshing love story.
The author describes life as a game of connect-the-dots, and the main connection here is between a mystery writer, Sam Weller, who is in her 40s, and Gwen Laraway, a wealthy philosophy professor (the family owns a paper company) in her 50s. The secondary romance, which takes up almost as much time as the first, is between Sam’s 30 year-old side kick, Liz Bowes (Liz’s sister is married to Sam’s brother) and Gwen’s 28 year old virginal niece, Isabel. Isabel, who is half-Brazilian, dark and beautiful, and who possesses a natural sensuality, is totally unassuming and completely clueless when it comes to her sex appeal. Between running the family business with her father, collecting books and saving animals, Isabel has zero interest in men and no thoughts of romance—until she meets Liz. Liz, the charismatic and proverbial player, is an interior designer who owns an antique shop in Manhattan. She hasn’t met a woman she can stand being in the same room with for more than 48 hours, let alone one she wants to have a relationship with—until she meets Isabel.
The story begins with Sam asking Liz to appraise an old bookend she has just purchased. She thinks it might be worth more than what she paid, and she’s right. With Liz’s help she sets out to find a mate for it. Sam and Liz play off each other really well, and their search for a matching bookend is what leads them to the Laraway estate and to the women with whom they fall head over heels. The "chase" begins, and from there the story unfolds.
I love a good romance, but I’m also a trivia buff and do enjoy walking away from a book having learned things; in this case about crows, antiques, art pottery, philosophy, ballroom dancing, rally racing, auras, ghosts—even quantum physics! And for you readers who believe humans and animals have souls, or if you’ve ever wondered how life after death is possible (don’t worry, the ending is happy) the author offers some very interesting theories. Lots to ponder. And lots to love about this memorable romance.
The author describes life as a game of connect-the-dots, and the main connection here is between a mystery writer, Sam Weller, who is in her 40s, and Gwen Laraway, a wealthy philosophy professor (the family owns a paper company) in her 50s. The secondary romance, which takes up almost as much time as the first, is between Sam’s 30 year-old side kick, Liz Bowes (Liz’s sister is married to Sam’s brother) and Gwen’s 28 year old virginal niece, Isabel. Isabel, who is half-Brazilian, dark and beautiful, and who possesses a natural sensuality, is totally unassuming and completely clueless when it comes to her sex appeal. Between running the family business with her father, collecting books and saving animals, Isabel has zero interest in men and no thoughts of romance—until she meets Liz. Liz, the charismatic and proverbial player, is an interior designer who owns an antique shop in Manhattan. She hasn’t met a woman she can stand being in the same room with for more than 48 hours, let alone one she wants to have a relationship with—until she meets Isabel.
The story begins with Sam asking Liz to appraise an old bookend she has just purchased. She thinks it might be worth more than what she paid, and she’s right. With Liz’s help she sets out to find a mate for it. Sam and Liz play off each other really well, and their search for a matching bookend is what leads them to the Laraway estate and to the women with whom they fall head over heels. The "chase" begins, and from there the story unfolds.
I love a good romance, but I’m also a trivia buff and do enjoy walking away from a book having learned things; in this case about crows, antiques, art pottery, philosophy, ballroom dancing, rally racing, auras, ghosts—even quantum physics! And for you readers who believe humans and animals have souls, or if you’ve ever wondered how life after death is possible (don’t worry, the ending is happy) the author offers some very interesting theories. Lots to ponder. And lots to love about this memorable romance.
November 24, 2018
What a great story. It was a fun, romantic, clever, eerie and scary mystery. The characters are very colorful and likeable. You really care about their future. And the dialog is very clever, funny and natural. The romances are slow burns with a very comfortable pace. The first half was fun and very interesting and then the story starts to turn, bouncing between the 2 main romances and some strange happenings. And then the story really takes a turn and I couldn't read fast enough. I was not putting this book down until I found out what happens. Count on a very exciting ending AND it all comes together and makes sense....(If you suspend your disbelief...a bit) and isn't that what story telling is all about.
I recommend this book and I will be looking forward to Karen F. Williams next book.
I recommend this book and I will be looking forward to Karen F. Williams next book.
December 10, 2018
After seeing a highly recommended post from a member on The Lesbian Review Book Club, and a resounding shout-out from a mate from Twitter about Karen F. Williams' latest ghostly/paranormal book, "As The Crow Flies," obviously I couldn't pass up the opportunity to experience it meself. So glad I did because being a huge fan of ghost stories (albeit well-written ones are few and far between, at least in me reading experience), I really wanted to sink me teeth into one that would give me the shivers or ghostly chills (like, me all-time favourites, Shirley Jackson's "The Haunting of Hill House" or Henry James' "The Turn of the Screw" and Yvonne Heidt's "The Sisters of Spirits" trilogy). After reading this, I can attest to the fact that "As The Crow Flies" was a proper ghost story, a fantastically written one that not only succeeded in giving me the ghostly-feel chilling factor (AND, strangely, I must add, a feeling of peace and tranquillity which me all-time favourites didn't!), but also presenting me with something to ponder. And that is saying something because in the horror/paranormal/ghostly genre, I'm not easily satisfied, see.
Firstly, having not had any experience with Williams' writing or storytelling, I went in without any preconceived ideas or expectations about her style. I must say, from the start, I was taken by how she expressed herself in words! So utterly literary, I was drawn to the rhythm and flow of her expressions in richly formulated form! It was pure literary artistry. Now, being a fan of literary composition style that incorporates figurative language in storytelling, me intrigue with Williams' story increased tenfold. Yes, I have a weakness in lyrical, poetic language styles in fictional writing. PLUS, I have an instant soft spot for characters who're in academia or any field related to science and maths, tbh. So, it's safe to assume that I already made up me mind to check out Williams' other works whilst feasting on this book! Her anecdotes that paid homage to various poems, literary works by renowned authors, only endowed her story about Samantha and her life-saving crow, Bertha, with much more reverberating effect than ever, especially when it came to the incredibly serendipitous event that changed Samantha's life forever - fate in the name of Gwen.
Full commentary here... In Bugs' Own Words
Firstly, having not had any experience with Williams' writing or storytelling, I went in without any preconceived ideas or expectations about her style. I must say, from the start, I was taken by how she expressed herself in words! So utterly literary, I was drawn to the rhythm and flow of her expressions in richly formulated form! It was pure literary artistry. Now, being a fan of literary composition style that incorporates figurative language in storytelling, me intrigue with Williams' story increased tenfold. Yes, I have a weakness in lyrical, poetic language styles in fictional writing. PLUS, I have an instant soft spot for characters who're in academia or any field related to science and maths, tbh. So, it's safe to assume that I already made up me mind to check out Williams' other works whilst feasting on this book! Her anecdotes that paid homage to various poems, literary works by renowned authors, only endowed her story about Samantha and her life-saving crow, Bertha, with much more reverberating effect than ever, especially when it came to the incredibly serendipitous event that changed Samantha's life forever - fate in the name of Gwen.
Full commentary here... In Bugs' Own Words
December 22, 2018
A cute romance novel about two quite different couples. When Sam gets in touch with her brother’s sister-in-law, Liz, to get an antique piece appraised, she sparks off a chain of events that ends in happily ever after for the both of them.
I really enjoyed the romance plots for the couples. They both carried the same weight - Liz and Isabel’s relationship didn’t take backseat to Sam and Gwen’s at all. They were both equally romantic and sweet and sexy. I loved how the characters interacted with each other - I was smiling so hard at Sam and Gwen’s phone flirtation. Such a Gen Y move!
The meta mystery plot was what really pulled me out of the book. I’d be happily reading, wondering if Gwen was going to get over her hang ups on the age gap, when there would be this sudden unnecessary gothic plot point shoved into my face. I dropped my kindle a few times because it just had me rolling my eyes.
I wanted to like this book more than I actually did. I had a few qualms with how insensitively Rosa was written, as well as how Isabel wasn’t allowed to be asexual. Williams attempts to subvert some tropes but doesn’t quite always manage it. I’d definitely read another book by Williams, even if I wasn’t completely enchanted by As the Crow Flies.
I really enjoyed the romance plots for the couples. They both carried the same weight - Liz and Isabel’s relationship didn’t take backseat to Sam and Gwen’s at all. They were both equally romantic and sweet and sexy. I loved how the characters interacted with each other - I was smiling so hard at Sam and Gwen’s phone flirtation. Such a Gen Y move!
The meta mystery plot was what really pulled me out of the book. I’d be happily reading, wondering if Gwen was going to get over her hang ups on the age gap, when there would be this sudden unnecessary gothic plot point shoved into my face. I dropped my kindle a few times because it just had me rolling my eyes.
I wanted to like this book more than I actually did. I had a few qualms with how insensitively Rosa was written, as well as how Isabel wasn’t allowed to be asexual. Williams attempts to subvert some tropes but doesn’t quite always manage it. I’d definitely read another book by Williams, even if I wasn’t completely enchanted by As the Crow Flies.
February 15, 2021
Karen Williams brings many great characters and multiple storylines together with a bit of paranormal suspense weaved in. I really loved Sam & Gwen's relationship and the outlaw friendship between Sam & Liz. With all of the cerebral conversations and education I received in this book, I feel quite basic since the one thing that will stay with me forever is Don't Ever Touch a Ghost...no matter how sweet they seem.
May 28, 2019
Williams has a unique voice and style which makes this such a wonderful read and a nice change from the standard lesfic. There's some paranormal and some romance with characters who are intelligent, and humourous. Strongly recommend.
May 9, 2019
So look, you know the advice that nutritionists give about how you shouldn't deprive yourself of treats/desserts you love, otherwise you end up eating crappy substitutes that don't hit the spot. The worst part is you'll still crave what you wanted this whole time. Why didn't I heed this advice for reading too?! This year I've read a lot of free KU books that were usually middling, if not complete misses (okay that's mean, just not really my cup of tea and the authors are still honing their craft). And because they don't hit the spot, but instead make the craving even stronger and so I'd read another book that also doesn't scratch my itch (for all the emotional or laughy feels) and another and another and I'm still so damn hungry for a good story. So finally I'm like okay take my money, and as soon as I bit into this one it was an explosion of feels, the language rich, the banter witty and funny, and the characters nuanced. I'm SO happy to have savored this. Now I'm happy and content.
August 4, 2020
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I have to admit, I expected a little more paranormal from this book but it was still a very enjoyable read.
I have to admit, I expected a little more paranormal from this book but it was still a very enjoyable read.
November 1, 2018
This book has a little bit of everything and I mean that in a very good way. Williams has crafted a splendid romance that spins a story around two couples (one older and one younger) and their animal companions. The book brings a lot to the table beyond romance: intrigue, supernatural happenings, dramatic situations, deep philosophical conversations, and laugh-out-loud humor. What more could a reader want? Well, how about good writing, well-defined characters, and plot development? You've got that here, too. In the hands of a less skilled writer it would be a lot to juggle, but Williams makes it seem effortless. Her writing is smooth and elegant and it's very easy to get swept up in the story and forget about all those other things you're supposed to be doing. I've long been a fan of her work and I am delighted that she's published a new novel. If this description sounds at all good to you, give this book a chance. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
May 3, 2021
That's it, I'm adding Karen F. Williams into the pile of my favorite F/F writer.
She has a literary quality on par with Ann McMan's , a deep love and respect for nature and wild life, a quirky sense of humor and a knowledge of trivia and not trivia that is just fascinating.
And here I found myself truly enjoying paranormal. One part was even so creepy, I had to finish the book before turning the light off because I just couldn't imagine getting in the dark and letting one character in very paranormal situation that just, brr.
The double love story (and it's cast of four) was bewilderingly endearing : the mutual insta-attraction was beautifully tempered by realistic purely human issues (age difference, experience difference).
She has a literary quality on par with Ann McMan's , a deep love and respect for nature and wild life, a quirky sense of humor and a knowledge of trivia and not trivia that is just fascinating.
And here I found myself truly enjoying paranormal. One part was even so creepy, I had to finish the book before turning the light off because I just couldn't imagine getting in the dark and letting one character in very paranormal situation that just, brr.
The double love story (and it's cast of four) was bewilderingly endearing : the mutual insta-attraction was beautifully tempered by realistic purely human issues (age difference, experience difference).
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