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Enlightened: Evaline's Journey
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz meets Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.
Evaline only knew bad days until a tragic crash- a seemingly terrible event- brought hope and restored life.
After Evaline awakes from the crash, she finds herself in the World of Darkness, unable to remember anything about the day before her arrival. She meets the Sun who asks what the one thing is that she desires the most. Evaline wants to find a home, a place she feels safe and secure, unsure if she had one before. The Sun honors her request by taking her on an arduous journey through the country, sky, and sea to find a home- but what she really finds is the courage to be her true self.
With fantastical worlds filled with wicked gnomes, floating pals, argumentative constellations, colorful friends and wayward sea creatures, Evaline must be braver than she’s ever been and learn what it means to follow Good, despite Evil’s attempts to tear her down.
Only when she arrives somewhere-in-between, is her entire journey’s purpose revealed.
Evaline only knew bad days until a tragic crash- a seemingly terrible event- brought hope and restored life.
After Evaline awakes from the crash, she finds herself in the World of Darkness, unable to remember anything about the day before her arrival. She meets the Sun who asks what the one thing is that she desires the most. Evaline wants to find a home, a place she feels safe and secure, unsure if she had one before. The Sun honors her request by taking her on an arduous journey through the country, sky, and sea to find a home- but what she really finds is the courage to be her true self.
With fantastical worlds filled with wicked gnomes, floating pals, argumentative constellations, colorful friends and wayward sea creatures, Evaline must be braver than she’s ever been and learn what it means to follow Good, despite Evil’s attempts to tear her down.
Only when she arrives somewhere-in-between, is her entire journey’s purpose revealed.
94 pages, Paperback
Published March 1, 2019
2 people are currently reading
549 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Eckhardt
10 books73 followersLauren Eckhardt is an award-winning and best-selling author, ghostwriter, and book coach and the CEO of Burning Soul Press. Her life purpose is helping people capture their life journey through a book, whether just for them, their family, or to share it with the world. She’s also the mama to two little guys who are her why that drives her every day to create a better world through the stories that inspire and empower others, while bringing light to those who need it the most. Lauren lives in Nashville, TN surrounded by many, many books.
Every story I write is inspired by a song or full album. When I listen to to music, I automatically see a story unfold and if it sticks, those are the ones that enter my dreams and later, show up on paper. I also love to read, cook, and travel when I can- and hang out with my family who motivates me every single day.
Every story I write is inspired by a song or full album. When I listen to to music, I automatically see a story unfold and if it sticks, those are the ones that enter my dreams and later, show up on paper. I also love to read, cook, and travel when I can- and hang out with my family who motivates me every single day.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 26, 2015
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to author Lauren Eckhardt)
“How do I get back to where I came from?”
This was an entertaining middle-grade story, and I liked the Alice-in-Wonderland feel.
I liked Evaline, and I liked the way she thought about other people first, and attached value to things. It was nice that she immediately felt like the bobble-headed woman was being very rude, and nice that she could pick the good people from the bad.
“After several quiet minutes of Bobblehead Haras evaluating Evaline’s faded yellow sundress and brown tattered Mary Jane shoes, she finally declared, “You are not good enough for this town.””
The storyline in this was good, and I liked Evaline’s journey, and the imagination in the different places that she travelled to and the different people she met.
“I am searching for my home. Or, maybe not my home, but a place I can call home.”
The ending ot this was a little different, but it was a satisfying ending. I thought it was good that we were left knowing that Evaline would have a happy future.
7 out of 10
“All I want is to find a place I feel safe and happy… I want to find a real home.”
“How do I get back to where I came from?”
This was an entertaining middle-grade story, and I liked the Alice-in-Wonderland feel.
I liked Evaline, and I liked the way she thought about other people first, and attached value to things. It was nice that she immediately felt like the bobble-headed woman was being very rude, and nice that she could pick the good people from the bad.
“After several quiet minutes of Bobblehead Haras evaluating Evaline’s faded yellow sundress and brown tattered Mary Jane shoes, she finally declared, “You are not good enough for this town.””
The storyline in this was good, and I liked Evaline’s journey, and the imagination in the different places that she travelled to and the different people she met.
“I am searching for my home. Or, maybe not my home, but a place I can call home.”
The ending ot this was a little different, but it was a satisfying ending. I thought it was good that we were left knowing that Evaline would have a happy future.
7 out of 10
“All I want is to find a place I feel safe and happy… I want to find a real home.”
May 14, 2019
"It all started with the lightning bug. Evaline watched it floating in the air, flirting with the wind like its life was the best thing in the world."
Enlightened: Evaline's Journey is a book written beautifully - producing images that dance around in your head long after reading.
While the story for Evaline starts with a lightning bug, for the reader it begins with Evaline in a car crash. When she opens her eyes again, she doesn't remember anything of her past except for impressions left upon her - impressions of 'pain and heartache.' We never learn specifically what her past is, but the author provides gentle impressions that perhaps her home was not happy and that she may have been mistreated. However, she meets the Sun who asks her what 'home' would be to her. To her a home would be 'a place with people who care about me and won't hurt me.' The Sun tells her he will help her on her journey and to keep an open mind.
From there she goes to land, sky, and sea. She meets various types of people? creatures? I'm not sure how to classify them all as. But, along her journey she meets those who would warmly embrace her as well as those who make her feel unwanted, unloved. However, the story is one of hope. Hope that even as an adult reading this can feel. The hope that just because your past is one thing that it does not mean you cannot rise above it and be someone better. The hope that just because you are shown meanness and spitefulness and jealousy and anger does not mean you have to be that too. You can choose to be kind and gentle and merciful and thankful.
Back in your high school English classes you learned about symbolism, allegories, metaphors, etc. It does not take too long to discover this book will remind you of everything you learned back then.
It's a beautiful story with a positive message and although the target age is for children, I can see adults wanting to read it for the lessons the book can shine a light on.
I also really love the cover. The evening backdrop with a girl and fireflies is gorgeous.
Thank you to GoodReads and to the author, Lauren Eckhardt, for the book. I won this in a GoodReads giveaway and this is my honest opinion.
September 8, 2019
A huge thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free ecopy in exchange for an honest review.
This little book is such a breeze to read, with a lovely message of hope for everyone reading: It will get better, you will be better. (Did I just quote Shinedown there? Maybe. It's just too perfect.)
It has the same kind of feel like Alice in Wonderland but with less weird-ness, it's a lot more straightforward, which I enjoyed.
The only thing that creeped me out a bit was (seemingly) adult sea creatures vying for Evaline, like proper preying. I felt that entire bit of plot wasn't entirely necessary, and I loved Cinch's quote about just wanting friends and a home was more than enough. As an ace person that quote resonated with me even more.
Two other quotes that I absolute adored were:
No one forces another person to be unkind to another. Everyone chooses their own intentions and whether they're driven by gentleness or malice.
&
Trust you can do anything you set out to do.
I feel both of those quotes are very important to kids these days, for a multitude of reasons.
The only thing I had wished for was that this book was a bit longer. It felt very rushed, especially at the end, which was a shame. I would have loved to explore her journey a bit more, and the Lands, and to have a clearer view of the end, because it still confuses me a lot, but that's a personal thing.
This is just a really cute little book (with a simply stunning cover) that I think would be great for kids to read!
This little book is such a breeze to read, with a lovely message of hope for everyone reading: It will get better, you will be better. (Did I just quote Shinedown there? Maybe. It's just too perfect.)
It has the same kind of feel like Alice in Wonderland but with less weird-ness, it's a lot more straightforward, which I enjoyed.
The only thing that creeped me out a bit was (seemingly) adult sea creatures vying for Evaline, like proper preying. I felt that entire bit of plot wasn't entirely necessary, and I loved Cinch's quote about just wanting friends and a home was more than enough. As an ace person that quote resonated with me even more.
Two other quotes that I absolute adored were:
No one forces another person to be unkind to another. Everyone chooses their own intentions and whether they're driven by gentleness or malice.
&
Trust you can do anything you set out to do.
I feel both of those quotes are very important to kids these days, for a multitude of reasons.
The only thing I had wished for was that this book was a bit longer. It felt very rushed, especially at the end, which was a shame. I would have loved to explore her journey a bit more, and the Lands, and to have a clearer view of the end, because it still confuses me a lot, but that's a personal thing.
This is just a really cute little book (with a simply stunning cover) that I think would be great for kids to read!
July 11, 2019
Interesting Characters
This story definitely has an “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” feel to it. Evaline meets all kinds of unusual characters while on her quest to find a home. She learns that first impressions can be deceiving, and nothing is quite as it seems in this in-between world where she has suddenly found herself. The Bobblehead society is ruled by those who have total control of what information is given to the citizens, and this information may not be the truth.
Evaline is tested and finds that she is stronger than she ever imagined. She feels compelled to help and be of service to the people she meets. While seeking a new home (and love), she unexpectedly finds her life purpose.
I particularly liked the positive message the book imparts to young people. “Trust you can do anything you set out to do,” Dr. Z encouraged. “Sometimes our only limits are our imagined inabilities.”
This story definitely has an “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” feel to it. Evaline meets all kinds of unusual characters while on her quest to find a home. She learns that first impressions can be deceiving, and nothing is quite as it seems in this in-between world where she has suddenly found herself. The Bobblehead society is ruled by those who have total control of what information is given to the citizens, and this information may not be the truth.
Evaline is tested and finds that she is stronger than she ever imagined. She feels compelled to help and be of service to the people she meets. While seeking a new home (and love), she unexpectedly finds her life purpose.
I particularly liked the positive message the book imparts to young people. “Trust you can do anything you set out to do,” Dr. Z encouraged. “Sometimes our only limits are our imagined inabilities.”
March 31, 2019
Oh, this was a fun, enjoyable read for me. The characters and the story were so unique and interesting. The message was thought-provoking- I made several highlights and notes, more than I typically do! The ending was a surprise to me- I didn’t see it unfolding the way it did, and it’s always nice when an author can surprise the reader. Overall, I thought this was so creative and the writing was remarkably clean- no distracting typos here! I’d recommend it for any young adult who likes an imaginative, descriptive story with a meaningful message.
June 11, 2019
Purpose
This books took me on a journey that I was not expecting. The possibilities and eye opening depth to the words remind me of second chances, choices and God’s Love.
I won this ebook from a Goodreads giveaway!
This books took me on a journey that I was not expecting. The possibilities and eye opening depth to the words remind me of second chances, choices and God’s Love.
I won this ebook from a Goodreads giveaway!
March 29, 2019
A well written book that holds your attention. It's a light easy read. Thank you Burning Soul Press via NetGalley for the free copy. This is my honest opinion.
February 16, 2015
Imaginative
Lauren I so enjoyed reading this tale of Evaline. You guided her through the chaos of her own mind and brought her to the reality we should all seek. This was a great short read.
Lauren I so enjoyed reading this tale of Evaline. You guided her through the chaos of her own mind and brought her to the reality we should all seek. This was a great short read.
May 15, 2020
This book is confusing. It has beautiful prose and starts out as a positive middle-age / all ages quick fantasy / psychological read.
For about half of the book we have no reason to believe that Evaline is not a child. On the contrary, her behaviour would indicate that she must be. Then this happens:
...So, out of nowhere we are suddenly hit with what at first glance appears to be an anthropomorphized pedophile ?!
Then: . So, ok, then I guess our protagonist is an adult.
Except, then:
So is she a little girl innocently imagining this being as a boy, or a creepy woman?
Why couldn't this have been made clear before the flirting? It's not like it would have been difficult. A simple mention of age earlier in the book would have solved this goof.
Other than this, the book was good. But it loses two stars for unnecessary confusion and creepiness.
For about half of the book we have no reason to believe that Evaline is not a child. On the contrary, her behaviour would indicate that she must be. Then this happens:
...So, out of nowhere we are suddenly hit with what at first glance appears to be an anthropomorphized pedophile ?!
Then: . So, ok, then I guess our protagonist is an adult.
Except, then:
So is she a little girl innocently imagining this being as a boy, or a creepy woman?
Why couldn't this have been made clear before the flirting? It's not like it would have been difficult. A simple mention of age earlier in the book would have solved this goof.
Other than this, the book was good. But it loses two stars for unnecessary confusion and creepiness.
August 17, 2019
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A lot of people who have read Enlightened: Evaline's Journey have said that the book gave them a nice Alice in Wonderland vibe. Well, sadly for me, that is not what I thought about it when I read it. Instead, it gave me more of a Gulliver's Travels vibe and let me tell you, that is not a nice vibe for a person like me. I read Jonathan Swift back in school and I have always found that series unbearably boring. And that's exactly what I felt while reading this book as well. (But then, I guess being compared to Jonathan Swift will be a privilege for quite a few.)
The first thing that let me down was the annoying journey that Evaline was having. It didn't have a point and it didn't even mean anything. I liked that all of her journeys were "connected" in one way or the other but they simply did not have a point.
It's like this: there is a fantasy that is great. And there is a fantasy that simply doesn't have a point or doesn't make any sense. This book was a part of the latter. Perhaps, that was why writing this review took such a long time as well.
A lot of people who have read Enlightened: Evaline's Journey have said that the book gave them a nice Alice in Wonderland vibe. Well, sadly for me, that is not what I thought about it when I read it. Instead, it gave me more of a Gulliver's Travels vibe and let me tell you, that is not a nice vibe for a person like me. I read Jonathan Swift back in school and I have always found that series unbearably boring. And that's exactly what I felt while reading this book as well. (But then, I guess being compared to Jonathan Swift will be a privilege for quite a few.)
The first thing that let me down was the annoying journey that Evaline was having. It didn't have a point and it didn't even mean anything. I liked that all of her journeys were "connected" in one way or the other but they simply did not have a point.
It's like this: there is a fantasy that is great. And there is a fantasy that simply doesn't have a point or doesn't make any sense. This book was a part of the latter. Perhaps, that was why writing this review took such a long time as well.
May 26, 2021
I really enjoyed reading Enlightened.
This book is much better and an easy read. In this story from tragedy, hope is born. Evaline unable to remember anything after a tragic accident awakens to find the Sun asking her what she wants the most. Her answer, a home. As her wish is granted the journey begins and along the way she finds the courage to be her true self.
Overall, it was a an easy read that captivated me.
This book is much better and an easy read. In this story from tragedy, hope is born. Evaline unable to remember anything after a tragic accident awakens to find the Sun asking her what she wants the most. Her answer, a home. As her wish is granted the journey begins and along the way she finds the courage to be her true self.
Overall, it was a an easy read that captivated me.
May 13, 2019
A kind of author's Alice in Wonderland. The author is in a car wreck, finds themselves in a weird reality chasing the Sun for guidance on who they are and how to find love???
June 4, 2019
I won this Kindle edition book in a GoodReads
Giveaway. Thank you to everyone involved.
This book was a fun read. It is like an Alice in
Wonderland novel.
Giveaway. Thank you to everyone involved.
This book was a fun read. It is like an Alice in
Wonderland novel.
November 10, 2024
This was a cute story. It made me think of Alice in Wonderland a little. It's very imaginative and is a great story of hope and personal growth.
March 31, 2015
I received this book from Goodreads.
When I first started this book I did not think I'd like it. That quickly changed into dreading the end of the book because I enjoyed it so much. Enlightened made me feel like a child reading a fairytale, where absolutely anything could happen.
Somehow Lauren Eckhardt managed to create an addictive wonderland with just sixty six pages while others have failed to do so with a thousand.
When I first started this book I did not think I'd like it. That quickly changed into dreading the end of the book because I enjoyed it so much. Enlightened made me feel like a child reading a fairytale, where absolutely anything could happen.
Somehow Lauren Eckhardt managed to create an addictive wonderland with just sixty six pages while others have failed to do so with a thousand.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews