NOW AVAILABLE IN ONE VOLUME – THE TENTH THROUGH TWELFTH BOOKS IN THE YEAR OF DISCOVERY IN ONE BOX SET. Get books ten through twelve in the Year of Discovery series in one box October, November and December. Over 350 pages of tragedy, tribulation and triumph in one volume. Twelve women connected by the death of another, realizing what they most want from life and reaching for it – this is the year of discovery, the year of new beginnings. This compilation includes the October, November and December.
ML Hamilton taught high school English and journalism in Central California for 32 years.
Teaching students to appreciate literature made her career rewarding; however, she always dreamed of publishing her own novel.
In 2010, the dream came true. Her first novel, Emerald, was published by Wild Wolf Publishing. The sequel to Emerald, The Heirs of Eldon, followed the next year.
In addition to teaching and writing, she has three sons, two daughters-in-law, two dogs, and three amazing grandbabies.
Sign up for her newsletter at www.authormlhamilton.net for free offers and the latest book information.
This is my review of the audio version as posted on Audible:
I first listened to the stories in the box set separately - here's what I wrote about them (my full reviews for each book can be found on their individual sites)
OCTOBER - 'The Year of Discovery' series takes a little turn into the genre of crime/mystery this time - not really surprising as Ms Hamilton is a master in that genre, too:) Up till now doctor Moira Sykes and her clinic have only been mentioned as a background to the other women's tales, so it's finally time for her story:) (...) Moira's story is again a tale of a strong woman who needs to let go to find her true self, though it differs from the previous books in that the focus is more on the mystery/crime to be solved... But it's similar in that again it talks about an important issue societies try to avoid discussing or bringing into light - home violence and its consequences, not only for the abused women but also those who try to help them, people like Dr Sykes... It's a good tale; the plot is fast, the threat to Moira's life grows with every page and the solution is a bit surprising. The relationship between Moira and Nate may seem a bit rushed, but on the other hand it's not improbable and feels real. Generally it's another good addition to the series.
NOVEMBER - The 11th book in the series tells the story of Dr Mariko Saito, the psychiatrist who has been helping all the other women we've met since 'January' - but who will help her? (...) It's a heartbreaking tale; it shows the depth of motherly love and the impossibility of choosing between her child and the rest of her family... It also shows the destructive power of drugs both on the users and on their families. As in all the other books in the series, there is not an easy answer to the problem at hand. Ms Hamilton doesn't give you a solution, doesn't tell you what the right choice in a given situation is... But she does make you understand a bit more how difficult it is to love a person obviously beyond redemption and how helpless it makes you feel... It's one of the best books in the series.
DECEMBER - It's the last, closing book in the series and we finally get Mika's story... (...) It's another great tale in the series. We finally get to know the real Mika, not the one everyone else sees; we get to know her feelings, her anxieties, her fears through her own eyes. And we accompany her when she finally admits she needs help... Again, the book touches on an issue that is so important and so often ignored or misunderstood by societies in general: alcoholism... It's so easy to judge an alcoholic or discard them as trash... What Ms Hamilton does is remind us that behind each alcohol abuser there is a story - a tale of despair, a tale of grief, a tale of depression, a tale of helplessness, a tale of hopelessness... But she also reminds us there is hope for everyone if we only allow it to enter our lives...
It's a wonderful closure to the wonderful series of tales of women who face so many different problems, but come out of their turmoils stronger, wiser, more powerful in mind... Thank you for the journey, Ms Hamilton, it was a real pleasure to meet all of them:)
Narration by Ms Hazen was wonderful throughout the whole series; so many women got their feelings, anxieties, fears, but also joys and triumphs voiced out thanks to her:) Her interpretations of all the stories were very well done, making the women seem real to us. And there's a real treat at the end of this final book in the series: Ms Hazen tells us what the journey with 'The Year of Discovery' series meant for her personally, how it influenced her as an actor, as a narrator and as a person. Thank you for that, too, Ms Hazen:)
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
This is such a great series. So many women with issues with which we all struggle: the search for self, the desire for strength to stand up straight and reach for the stars, the courage to turn away when our heart knows it's time. THE FALL OF DISCOVERY brings the last three stories together into one convenient download - the better to binge with, My Dear. OCTOBER sees Dr. Moira Sykes stymied and frightened by hidden forces in her attempt to run a women's shelter for her community. NOVEMBER brings us Dr. Mariko Saito - brilliant professor and understanding clinician - as she struggles to withstand the expectations of her heritage and the challenges of a son in trouble and denial. DECEMBER closes this tremendous year long journey with a return to the Yates girls as the youngest, Mika, confronts her self destruction brought on by her sister's death. I was deeply moved and saddened when this wonderful journey came to an end. Fans have shared that being able to fluidly listen to all these stories has offered strength, hope, and the opportunity for deep introspection and change. All that from an audiobook. What do you know?
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the narrator and found it inspiring. I don't listen to much fiction, instead I prefer more action and suspense, which is now happening as the series grows. It all started with a death of a daughter, sister, and friend, when she leaves a personal message to every family member to be read after her death. In book 10, 11 and 12, Meredith's death has brought twelve women together, each drawing strength from the very tragic time for the Yale family. Her death has touched all these women, many through her youngest sister. December is her story after she watches other women take control of their own lives. Every type of emotion is on display as the stories of three very different women are told. Each book is inspiring and uplifting, as each women struggles to be what they want to be. This combination of author and narrator never fails to draw you into their world. Very much worth listening too.
The Year of Discovery is a powerful series... the stories of twelve women, all connected by the death of another. This box set covers the fall, October, November, and December.
Three women who are strong , but at the same time face situations that break them down. Experience the strength and resilience of Moira, Mariko, and Mika.
Pairing the writing talents of M. L. Hamilton and the voice talents of Kelley Hazen leads to an incredible, emotional, experience. I highly recommend this series.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
The Fall of Discovery Box Set: Volume Four was another great box set by M.L. Hamilton. This box set consists of the books ten through twelve of the Year of Discovery set; October, November and December. October followed Moira Sykes, November followed Mariko Saito and December follows Mika. These are the last three women that were connected by the death of Meredith. I really enjoyed this box set and can’t wait to read more by M.L. Hamilton.
As with many people we all have things in our life that seem overpowering, non achievable and sorrowful. I’m not going to say these books will change my life and make me remarkable, but they were written so selflessly, believable and heartfelt. It makes you think about and open up to so many things we and are children must learn to face. Thank you ML Hamilton for going on this adventure and letting us come with you.