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Write My Name Across the Sky
The USA Today bestselling author of When We Believed in Mermaids returns with a tale of two generations of women reconciling family secrets and past regrets.
Life’s beautiful for seventysomething influencer Gloria Rose, in her Upper West Side loft with rooftop garden and scores of Instagram followers—until she gets word that her old flame has been arrested for art theft and forgery, and, knowing her own involvement in his misdeeds decades earlier, decides to flee. But that plan is complicated when the nieces she raised are thrown into crises of their own.
Willow, overshadowed by her notorious singer-songwriter mother, has come home to lick her wounds on the heels of a failed album and yet another disastrous relationship. Sam, prickly and fiercely independent, is on the verge of losing not only her beloved video game company but the man she loves, thanks to her inability to keep her always-simmering anger in check.
With the FBI closing in, Willow’s career in shambles, and Sam’s tribulations reaching a peak, each of the three woman will have to reckon with and reconcile their interwoven traumas, past loves, and the looming consequences that could either destroy their futures or bring them closer than ever.
Life’s beautiful for seventysomething influencer Gloria Rose, in her Upper West Side loft with rooftop garden and scores of Instagram followers—until she gets word that her old flame has been arrested for art theft and forgery, and, knowing her own involvement in his misdeeds decades earlier, decides to flee. But that plan is complicated when the nieces she raised are thrown into crises of their own.
Willow, overshadowed by her notorious singer-songwriter mother, has come home to lick her wounds on the heels of a failed album and yet another disastrous relationship. Sam, prickly and fiercely independent, is on the verge of losing not only her beloved video game company but the man she loves, thanks to her inability to keep her always-simmering anger in check.
With the FBI closing in, Willow’s career in shambles, and Sam’s tribulations reaching a peak, each of the three woman will have to reckon with and reconcile their interwoven traumas, past loves, and the looming consequences that could either destroy their futures or bring them closer than ever.
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First published August 10, 2021
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About the author
Barbara O'Neal
28 books4,444 followersBarbara O'Neal is the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and #1 Amazon Charts bestselling writer of women's fiction. She lives in Colorado with her partner, a British endurance athlete.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,384 reviews
August 1, 2022
Gloria, Sam, and Willow are in different stages of their lives. The book starts with tumultuous love life of the three. One just had a break up, other is moaning over the loss of "the one", while third's love brought FBI on her doorstep.
I liked Gloria and Willow's storylines. They're caring, loving and didn't deserved what they got. I can't say the same about Sam. A lot of story revolved around her but I just couldn't connect to her like the other two. Also, I found the end to be rushed.
Mediocre.
I liked Gloria and Willow's storylines. They're caring, loving and didn't deserved what they got. I can't say the same about Sam. A lot of story revolved around her but I just couldn't connect to her like the other two. Also, I found the end to be rushed.
Mediocre.
August 12, 2021
Perhaps my expectations were too high after reading some stellar books from this author in the past, or perhaps I was just not in the right mood, but this book was mostly just okay for me.
It is the story of three women: Willow is a folk singer/musician struggling to find a place for herself in the world of music and direction for her life. Samantha is her sister, a video game designer whose company is struggling since she and her long term partner Asher split after a big fight. Their aunt Gloria is a retired flight attendant who took care of the girls after their famous musician mother died of an overdose. As the three each struggle to overcome their personal issues, an older hidden secret of Gloria's threatens to come to light and she might have to make a life-altering decision.
I didn't really connect with any of the characters and overall I didn't find any of the storylines particularly resonant or memorable. Part of the problem was that with three major storylines we never got any depth from any of them, they didn't come close to the emotion of When We Believed in Mermaids . O'Neal does know how to write captivating stories of sisters, and the confrontation between Willow and Sam toward the end of the book gave a small glimpse at what I was hoping for the entire time.
This was a pleasant read, just nothing I will probably remember a month from now.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
It is the story of three women: Willow is a folk singer/musician struggling to find a place for herself in the world of music and direction for her life. Samantha is her sister, a video game designer whose company is struggling since she and her long term partner Asher split after a big fight. Their aunt Gloria is a retired flight attendant who took care of the girls after their famous musician mother died of an overdose. As the three each struggle to overcome their personal issues, an older hidden secret of Gloria's threatens to come to light and she might have to make a life-altering decision.
I didn't really connect with any of the characters and overall I didn't find any of the storylines particularly resonant or memorable. Part of the problem was that with three major storylines we never got any depth from any of them, they didn't come close to the emotion of When We Believed in Mermaids . O'Neal does know how to write captivating stories of sisters, and the confrontation between Willow and Sam toward the end of the book gave a small glimpse at what I was hoping for the entire time.
This was a pleasant read, just nothing I will probably remember a month from now.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
August 24, 2021
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
WRITE MY NAME ACROSS THE SKY by Barbara O’Neal is a Women’s fiction story featuring two sisters and the aunt who raised them. They are all complex, independent, artistic women at crossroads in their lives. I read this book in one sitting and was engrossed with the women’s history and lives, both as a family unit and individually.
Gloria Rose has led an adventurous life as one of the first professional airline stewardesses, but she is ready to leave that life when her younger sister dies of an overdose and leaves her two young daughters alone. Now that the girls are grown, Gloria has become a septuagenarian influencer on Tik Tok, but her past actions have come back to haunt her and possibly land her in prison.
Sam is the eldest sister and has a brilliant mind for creating and coding computer games, but she has always had difficulty socially. She alienated her business co-founder and life-long best friend, Asher last year and now her business is foundering. As she searches for solutions, she becomes ill, and this may be the only thing that makes Sam realize what is truly important before it is gone.
Willow is an extremely talented musician, like her mother. She has avoided the pitfalls of her mother’s life but has a lack of confidence in herself after the low sale numbers of her first album. She returns home to regroup and finds the strength and confidence to continue with her dream when she meets another musician who sends her confidence and music soaring even as she deals with a lifetime of jealousy from her older sister.
I love these characters and all their realistic interactions. Even when they are fighting, they have each other’s backs. Gloria’s life is fascinating. She lived her life as she wanted too even before that was popular or even acceptable. Willow is a character that everyone can get behind and cheer on. Her early life was so chaotic and all she wants to do is be happy, make music and make others happy. Sam is as prickly as a cactus and pushes everyone away due to her upbringing and feelings. I was glad she had her revelations and HEA before it was too late, and I feel the author made it realistic by stating that she needed professional help to deal with and overcome her negative traits and feelings.
I read this book in one sitting and fell in love with these characters. It is an engaging story of family, love and the choices made by family members for their creativity. I am definitely looking forward to reading more of this author’s other books.
I can highly recommend this story of strong, independent women!
WRITE MY NAME ACROSS THE SKY by Barbara O’Neal is a Women’s fiction story featuring two sisters and the aunt who raised them. They are all complex, independent, artistic women at crossroads in their lives. I read this book in one sitting and was engrossed with the women’s history and lives, both as a family unit and individually.
Gloria Rose has led an adventurous life as one of the first professional airline stewardesses, but she is ready to leave that life when her younger sister dies of an overdose and leaves her two young daughters alone. Now that the girls are grown, Gloria has become a septuagenarian influencer on Tik Tok, but her past actions have come back to haunt her and possibly land her in prison.
Sam is the eldest sister and has a brilliant mind for creating and coding computer games, but she has always had difficulty socially. She alienated her business co-founder and life-long best friend, Asher last year and now her business is foundering. As she searches for solutions, she becomes ill, and this may be the only thing that makes Sam realize what is truly important before it is gone.
Willow is an extremely talented musician, like her mother. She has avoided the pitfalls of her mother’s life but has a lack of confidence in herself after the low sale numbers of her first album. She returns home to regroup and finds the strength and confidence to continue with her dream when she meets another musician who sends her confidence and music soaring even as she deals with a lifetime of jealousy from her older sister.
I love these characters and all their realistic interactions. Even when they are fighting, they have each other’s backs. Gloria’s life is fascinating. She lived her life as she wanted too even before that was popular or even acceptable. Willow is a character that everyone can get behind and cheer on. Her early life was so chaotic and all she wants to do is be happy, make music and make others happy. Sam is as prickly as a cactus and pushes everyone away due to her upbringing and feelings. I was glad she had her revelations and HEA before it was too late, and I feel the author made it realistic by stating that she needed professional help to deal with and overcome her negative traits and feelings.
I read this book in one sitting and fell in love with these characters. It is an engaging story of family, love and the choices made by family members for their creativity. I am definitely looking forward to reading more of this author’s other books.
I can highly recommend this story of strong, independent women!
September 7, 2021
Write My Name Across The Sky is a unique and heartwarming story about family, friends and relationships in a world of art, music and video games.
Two generations of women at a crossroads in their lives are struggling with consequences over the decisions they have made in the past.
Author Barbara O'Neal's characters, storyline and writing is superb.
Highly Recommended!
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Two generations of women at a crossroads in their lives are struggling with consequences over the decisions they have made in the past.
Author Barbara O'Neal's characters, storyline and writing is superb.
Highly Recommended!
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for an arc of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
June 20, 2021
Do you ever read a book as far as 50% realizing it’s not for you and you don’t connect to any of the characters or the story line? And wonder if you are reading the same book as everyone else did who gave it 4-5 stars? This one is it for me. I tried SEVERAL times to start over and it just didn’t keep me interested enough to finish it. You may love it! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.
November 3, 2021
4 stars. I went into this one with slightly high expectations and it did not disappoint.
"The great tragedy of ageing is not the loss of the supple body but the illusions we are forced to leave behind, one after the other, like a string of pearls from a necklace. That all will be well, that dreams can come true, that we can always do what we wish, that sacrifice and sorrow are not inevitable."
Write My Name Across The Sky expertly tells the complicated story of Gloria, a seventy-year-old, stewardess-turned-influencer and her nieces, Sam and Willow, who are the daughters of her late sister, Billie Thorne, an iconic rockstar of her time.
The main plot of the story seems to be Gloria finding out that the great love of her life (who she left behind to chase her dreams), Isaak, had been arrested for art theft and forgery. Young Gloria was heavily involved in the crime and it was only a matter of time until the authorities uncovers her connection to Isaak.
This plotline was extremely engaging but it definitely became more of a subplot than anything as more pages passed because...
this book actually uses the three women's extremely distinct journeys to finding love to explore the characters' own personal growth and especially, the theme of grief. So yes, there is romance and it's written so so beautifully with so much wistfulness. The way the grief from losing Billie affected her loved ones that she left behind was written extremely well. This book also deals with the intricacies of a broken family and how that can damage a child subtly on the inside, slowly festering and becoming something uglier as the child matures.
In a nutshell, this book is something that can be taken apart as it has so many layers that covers many elements of human life.
Another aspect of this book that I love was how rich the characters were. The characterisations were almost flawless and I could see each woman clearly in my mind's eye. They were extremely distinct and so larger-than-life. Gloria with her quiet determination, Willow with her mesmerising love for music and Sam with her fear of vulnerability. Gloria's love story was G-L-O-R-I-O-U-S. Her love for Isaak was so all-consuming I unconsciously gasp every time I read their scenes together. It the love of the century.
Here's an excerpt from the book that can give you a glimpse of the personalities of these three women, written from the perspective of Willow.
"People discount me. Manic pixie dream girl, as Sam always says, but I'm not. Nothing like that. By nature, I'm less like my mother and my delicately wired sister and much more like the sensible Gloria, who sees what needs doing and just does it."
The writing was perfect. I never got confused despite switching between three POVs constantly. The writing captured the distinct voices of the characters perfectly. I loved the prose so much I have over 20 highlights for this book purely because of the writing.
So why -0.75 stars?
I thought the ending was perfect -- it's the kind of ending that parallels with something that was mentioned earlier and it leaves you stunned BUT the conflict with the stolen art was resolved too easily, it was very disappointing. It was built up so intensely and then, it just completely fell flat.
I also would've wanted to see more of the relationships between the three women explored more. I feel like these three women had such interesting dynamics and it was really sad that their relationships with each other lacked the depth I was looking for. Sam and Willow's conflict could've been developed further and especially Gloria's dynamics with her two nieces were barely delved into at all. So that was another thing I would've liked to see.
Overall, I highly recommend this one to readers who enjoy complex character-driven stories with underlying themes of personal growth and grief.
Thank you Lake Union Publishing & Netgalley for providing a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
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August 11, 2021
When life hands you lemons, make lemonade. That is what each of these characters does in this book. Each woman has her own trials and tribulations and all have an issue with trust, at least with each other.
Gloria hasn't let life slow her down, even when her sister dies and she takes charge of her nieces, Willow and Samantha (Sam). She raises them in an apartment in New York that sounds amazing. Thankfully, it was purchased and not a rental..can you even imagine the cost? Gloria has traveled the world as a flight attendant and still has gatherings with those that she started with at the airline. Those are the kinds of friends to have, the ones that stick by you through thick and thin. Gloria is about to find that out when her past comes to light and she has to come clean about some of her actions that involve these friends. Art forgery and theft is nothing to sneeze at but there is more to the story.
Willow is a talented musician and she inherited that talent from her mother, a world-famous singer. I think that Willow isn't as confident in herself and her talents and it takes a journey home to realize that maybe she does have what it takes once she grounds herself. I enjoy her interactions with Josiah and how he brings out the best in her, especially when it comes to her music. I know this is fiction, but anyone that can create music is amazing to me.
Sam is also a whizkid when it comes to gaming. She and her friend, Asher, wrote a game when they were teenagers that made them millionaires. However, an incident causes them to part ways and Sam's business is floundering, so much that she is considering getting an outside investor. You know what happens when that occurs, nothing good. However, an illness might bring Sam to realize what she has lost or is on the verge of losing before it is too late.
These three women have grit but are also vulnerable in one way or another. Despite their differences in the past, they can come together to support one another and move forward with life. I liked all of these characters and could understand why they were reserved with one another at times. Even the best of relationships need work and can flounder when not tended. Because of their flawed relationships, I think many could relate to one of them in one form or fashion.
Overall, we enjoyed this book and give it 5 paws up. I will be seeking out some of her other works to enjoy.
Gloria hasn't let life slow her down, even when her sister dies and she takes charge of her nieces, Willow and Samantha (Sam). She raises them in an apartment in New York that sounds amazing. Thankfully, it was purchased and not a rental..can you even imagine the cost? Gloria has traveled the world as a flight attendant and still has gatherings with those that she started with at the airline. Those are the kinds of friends to have, the ones that stick by you through thick and thin. Gloria is about to find that out when her past comes to light and she has to come clean about some of her actions that involve these friends. Art forgery and theft is nothing to sneeze at but there is more to the story.
Willow is a talented musician and she inherited that talent from her mother, a world-famous singer. I think that Willow isn't as confident in herself and her talents and it takes a journey home to realize that maybe she does have what it takes once she grounds herself. I enjoy her interactions with Josiah and how he brings out the best in her, especially when it comes to her music. I know this is fiction, but anyone that can create music is amazing to me.
Sam is also a whizkid when it comes to gaming. She and her friend, Asher, wrote a game when they were teenagers that made them millionaires. However, an incident causes them to part ways and Sam's business is floundering, so much that she is considering getting an outside investor. You know what happens when that occurs, nothing good. However, an illness might bring Sam to realize what she has lost or is on the verge of losing before it is too late.
These three women have grit but are also vulnerable in one way or another. Despite their differences in the past, they can come together to support one another and move forward with life. I liked all of these characters and could understand why they were reserved with one another at times. Even the best of relationships need work and can flounder when not tended. Because of their flawed relationships, I think many could relate to one of them in one form or fashion.
Overall, we enjoyed this book and give it 5 paws up. I will be seeking out some of her other works to enjoy.
June 13, 2021
When I saw that Barbara O’Neal had a new book coming out, I immediately requested to read it. Once I started reading it, I couldn’t put it down. Her characters are engrossing and so real.
The book is about 2 sisters, Sam (Samantha) and Willow and their aunt, who for the most part raised them, Gloria. The story takes place with alternating points of view and each of these interesting women tell their side of their story. Willow is a musician who has come home to Manhattan, to the apartment where her aunt lives. The apartment belongs to the two sisters and was a legacy that was left to them by their famous mother. Willow’s passion is her music and that passion is reignited when fellow musician and professor Josiah walks into her life. Sam is prickly, can sometimes be mean but with a good heart underneath it all. She seems to drive away the people she cares about most with her sharp tongue. Her video gaming business is in trouble. If she could only get an original idea out there. When her life-long friend Asher was her partner, everything went smoothly but since he’s not speaking to her and left the business, Sam just can’t create the magic that she once could with Asher by her side. Gloria is the 74 year old aunt. She’s a former flight attendant that has travelled extensively. She’s glamorous and worldly but in a little bit of trouble as the FBI seems to be looking into a forgery and stolen paintings case that her former lover was the mastermind behind. Gloria had a bit of hand in moving the paintings. The story takes place over the course of a few days as everything comes together to give us a great pace and keep us wondering what will become of Sam, Willow but especially Gloria.
This was really such an enjoyable book with likable characters (mostly), I came around to one of them after a little while and I’m sure this was the aim all along. I shed a tear or two as well which always means that I’ve been touched by the words written and the characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for allowing me to read this great story in advance for my honest review.
The book is about 2 sisters, Sam (Samantha) and Willow and their aunt, who for the most part raised them, Gloria. The story takes place with alternating points of view and each of these interesting women tell their side of their story. Willow is a musician who has come home to Manhattan, to the apartment where her aunt lives. The apartment belongs to the two sisters and was a legacy that was left to them by their famous mother. Willow’s passion is her music and that passion is reignited when fellow musician and professor Josiah walks into her life. Sam is prickly, can sometimes be mean but with a good heart underneath it all. She seems to drive away the people she cares about most with her sharp tongue. Her video gaming business is in trouble. If she could only get an original idea out there. When her life-long friend Asher was her partner, everything went smoothly but since he’s not speaking to her and left the business, Sam just can’t create the magic that she once could with Asher by her side. Gloria is the 74 year old aunt. She’s a former flight attendant that has travelled extensively. She’s glamorous and worldly but in a little bit of trouble as the FBI seems to be looking into a forgery and stolen paintings case that her former lover was the mastermind behind. Gloria had a bit of hand in moving the paintings. The story takes place over the course of a few days as everything comes together to give us a great pace and keep us wondering what will become of Sam, Willow but especially Gloria.
This was really such an enjoyable book with likable characters (mostly), I came around to one of them after a little while and I’m sure this was the aim all along. I shed a tear or two as well which always means that I’ve been touched by the words written and the characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for allowing me to read this great story in advance for my honest review.
April 24, 2021
4.5
This is the first book by this author that I’ve read and I will be seeking out more! I enjoyed being in the character’s lives. The sisters relationship reminds me a bit of me and my sister because our personalities are so different and we fight a lot. This book helped me think about how things have been from her perspective. This was a comforting read for me.
Thank you to Barbara O’Neal, Lake Union Publishing, and Net Galley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book by this author that I’ve read and I will be seeking out more! I enjoyed being in the character’s lives. The sisters relationship reminds me a bit of me and my sister because our personalities are so different and we fight a lot. This book helped me think about how things have been from her perspective. This was a comforting read for me.
Thank you to Barbara O’Neal, Lake Union Publishing, and Net Galley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 26, 2021
3 1/2 Stars
"I take a breath, close my eyes, and let the music rise through me, run through my veins and into my hands, and then emerge from the instrument itself. It’s unlike music I’ve written before, woven with a thread of melancholy that surprised me when it first arrived."
I really enjoyed reading the creative process and joy in making music and definitely enjoyed the book, not quite as much as When We Believed in Mermaids. It's not necessarily a fast paced book but I enjoyed it. OK food delivery just arrived...will compile my thoughts.
"I take a breath, close my eyes, and let the music rise through me, run through my veins and into my hands, and then emerge from the instrument itself. It’s unlike music I’ve written before, woven with a thread of melancholy that surprised me when it first arrived."
I really enjoyed reading the creative process and joy in making music and definitely enjoyed the book, not quite as much as When We Believed in Mermaids. It's not necessarily a fast paced book but I enjoyed it. OK food delivery just arrived...will compile my thoughts.
January 23, 2022
This book squandered so much potential. It never addresses the details of the art theft or why the FBI never pressed charges. The failure to explain essential components of the plot makes this book just silly.
January 12, 2022
I should've written this review last summer when I read the book, but I always love this author's beautiful writing. This book was particularly interesting because of Gloria--what a character. Her age, her history, her gigantic mistakes and theft! Bold choices from an author at the top of her game. I also loved how each of the three women in the story were so distinct and different from each other, yet were clearly bound together by love and tragic loss.
January 28, 2022
This book was just okay honestly, I enjoyed reading the growth of Willow as well as the loyalty and love that Gloria and her lover possessed. However, Sam! Smh! She got on my. Last. Nerve. She had some deep rooted issues she needed to deal with and went about life just fine but her personal relationships were trash! I hated the way she used and treated her longtime best friend. I didn’t think she deserved how much he gave himself for her. With that being said, they basically had their own storylines. There’s not much to say than I just wasn’t captivated. Decent read, but wasn’t very moving in my opinion.
June 21, 2021
Barbara O'Neil excels at creating larger-than-life characters in compelling situations and yet somehow making them authentic and relatable. A great sisters' story, evocatively written with great heart.
April 15, 2021
Two very different sisters, previously raised by an incredible aunt after the death of their rock star mother, discover themselves and each other at a turning point in each of their lives. The characters are rich with elements that make them multi-dimensional, likeable and unlikeable at times, but always identifiable. In the end, because we are also human, we sympathize with their short comings and failures, and rejoice in their successes. The plot is rich, with unexpected twists, and surprisingly slightly suspenseful. Manhattan came alive, almost turning into a character of it's own--the sounds, the scents, the old neighborhoods, and the hustle. The author creates this so seamlessly the reader is totally immersed in the sensual world of art, gaming, and music.
Every time I read this author's work, I'm pleasantly surprised by the rich and enveloping emotion she creates. I'm not a crier but she manages to bring out the tears for so many unexpected reasons. Happiness, sympathy, anger, pain, but most of all because I'm suddenly transported so deeply into the characters' heads I can't help being in the moment. My response to this book is no exception. Wasn't I a friendly spectator observing the events or an old friend invited in along the way? I thought so.
I received an ARC from the publisher.
Every time I read this author's work, I'm pleasantly surprised by the rich and enveloping emotion she creates. I'm not a crier but she manages to bring out the tears for so many unexpected reasons. Happiness, sympathy, anger, pain, but most of all because I'm suddenly transported so deeply into the characters' heads I can't help being in the moment. My response to this book is no exception. Wasn't I a friendly spectator observing the events or an old friend invited in along the way? I thought so.
I received an ARC from the publisher.
August 10, 2021
Write My Name Across the Sky is an intimate portrait of three women, each at a life-changing crossroad—a floundering business, a disappointing musical career, and the prospect of jail. Samantha, Willow, and Gloria are extraordinary characters, with so many layers colored by regret and loss, hope and passion. From the first page, I was drawn into all of their fascinating stories, feeling so many emotions as I got to know them, their dreams, their flaws, and their talents. These are three women who in many ways couldn’t be more different, and even through their struggles and fights their love for each other rang true. I couldn’t stop turning pages as I read this compelling book, with its twists and turns and raw emotion throughout.
August 21, 2025
O'Neal's latest is an emotional adventure.
Kinda hard to say who I liked more. Was it Willow, the songwriter who's trying to come to terms with her famous mother's past as well as get over a past relationship? Or Sam who's in danger of losing both her company and the man she loves? Or is it Gloria, the former fight attendant and current influencer who has a gorgeous rooftop apartment and tales of an amazing lover?
Okay, it's Gloria. I'm a sucker for older ladies doing the damn thing.
Even so, Write My Name Across the Sky has a little bit of intrigue, a little bit of romance, and a whole lot of heart.
Kinda hard to say who I liked more. Was it Willow, the songwriter who's trying to come to terms with her famous mother's past as well as get over a past relationship? Or Sam who's in danger of losing both her company and the man she loves? Or is it Gloria, the former fight attendant and current influencer who has a gorgeous rooftop apartment and tales of an amazing lover?
Okay, it's Gloria. I'm a sucker for older ladies doing the damn thing.
Even so, Write My Name Across the Sky has a little bit of intrigue, a little bit of romance, and a whole lot of heart.
August 18, 2021
This cover is so interesting, I wanted to love this one. Story of sisters - as they struggle to find themselves in the world and what they want to do and how to grow up. Also we have the POV of the aunt that raised them. I wish I'd loved one of them - enough to feel drawn in to the story and really hooked. But I just couldn't find it. I found the story interesting but I didn't love it. I found some of the drama over the top and I was done with one of the sisters really early on, so it was a struggle to keep going. I wish I'd loved it more.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
August 10, 2021
Write My Name Across the Sky is an exquisitely crafted novel of three remarkable women from two generations grappling with decisions of the past and the consequences of where those young, impetuous choices have led. A heartfelt story of passion, devotion, and family told as only Barbara O’Neal can. –Suzanne Redfearn, #1 Amazon bestselling author of In an Instant
May 12, 2021
I have loved every book Barbara O'Neal / Barbara Samuel / Ruth Wind has ever written, and this one starts strong. Write My Name is about three amazing women who are at critical junctures in their lives. Gloria is a seventy-year-old Instagram influencer who stepped in to mother the girls when their famous rock star mother overdosed. Samantha is the highly sensitive genius game developer whose out of control temper and tongue eviscerate relationships. Willow is the daughter who inherited her mother's voice, loves life, and takes care of people, but doesn't know how to stand up for herself.
Gloria's such a rich character, I could read a whole novel just about her. She's a former TWA "stewardess" from the glamorous world of international travel when women were typically kept home. She never married, preferring instead her jet-setting life. Based in NYC, she developed lifetime friendships with other stewardesses who share her memories into old age. Although Gloria enjoyed the benefits of being young, spectacularly beautiful, and sophisticated, falling in and out of beds as she chose during her travels, there was one man she fell in love with. She hasn't heard from him in decades, yet never forgot him. Then, suddenly, he reaches out to her. Facing prison, his crimes threaten to take her down, too.
Sam's game development business is on the ropes, and with extreme abandonment issues from her difficult childhood, she lashes out at everyone who loves her. Now she's facing business failure and estrangement. A lone wolf who alienates the people she desperately needs, Sam has must learn to trust love.
Willow loses herself in every relationship she has. With her ethereal voice, she can be a great success, but first she has to learn to stand up for herself.
O'Neal is a genius writer. Others can't compare. But in this attempt at a masterwork, she didn't quite deliver on promises that were so huge, maybe it was impossible. The end wraps up too quickly. I would have liked to read more about Sam's new gaming character (hinted to be based on Willow!), Willow's finding her power--and love. And the possibility of Gloria's resolution with the sexy Israeli artist. But that would have taken another hundred pages. Maybe it's too much to ask. Still, a great read. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in advance of publication.
Gloria's such a rich character, I could read a whole novel just about her. She's a former TWA "stewardess" from the glamorous world of international travel when women were typically kept home. She never married, preferring instead her jet-setting life. Based in NYC, she developed lifetime friendships with other stewardesses who share her memories into old age. Although Gloria enjoyed the benefits of being young, spectacularly beautiful, and sophisticated, falling in and out of beds as she chose during her travels, there was one man she fell in love with. She hasn't heard from him in decades, yet never forgot him. Then, suddenly, he reaches out to her. Facing prison, his crimes threaten to take her down, too.
Sam's game development business is on the ropes, and with extreme abandonment issues from her difficult childhood, she lashes out at everyone who loves her. Now she's facing business failure and estrangement. A lone wolf who alienates the people she desperately needs, Sam has must learn to trust love.
Willow loses herself in every relationship she has. With her ethereal voice, she can be a great success, but first she has to learn to stand up for herself.
O'Neal is a genius writer. Others can't compare. But in this attempt at a masterwork, she didn't quite deliver on promises that were so huge, maybe it was impossible. The end wraps up too quickly. I would have liked to read more about Sam's new gaming character (hinted to be based on Willow!), Willow's finding her power--and love. And the possibility of Gloria's resolution with the sexy Israeli artist. But that would have taken another hundred pages. Maybe it's too much to ask. Still, a great read. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in advance of publication.
April 8, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my digital copy in exchange for an honest review. I requested this book because every single book I have read by this author so far has made it to my favorites list. I will read anything she decides to put out. :) I'm not going to lie, this one might be my favorite so far. The main characters are two somewhat estranged sisters and the aunt who raised them after their rock star mother died. I fell in love with each character for different reasons but the blend of all of them together (even the memories of the ones they have lost) was magical for me.
May 2, 2021
I have enjoyed many of this author’s previous works that have focused on baking and food service. Unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed in her latest offering.
Willow and Samantha are half-sisters who lost their famous singer/composer mother to a heroin overdose. Raised by their great aunt Gloria, they are now, as adults, each struggling with issues of romantic relationships, careers and their self-worth. It is clear that the long shadow cast by their mother’s premature death has impacted their lives despite having been well-loved and cared for by their aunt. To complicate matters even more, some questionable activities from Gloria’s past have been resurrected with possible serious legal consequences.
The story is told from the perspectives of each of the three main characters. I struggled to engage with each of them, although it was much easier to relate to Willow. Samantha’s prickly personality, while understandable, made it difficult to embrace her and her long-standing jealousy of Willow poisoned all her relationships. I also didn’t feel invested in Gloria’s thread. Besides the character development issues, the uneven pacing of the storyline made it challenging to read.
What I enjoyed most about the book were the descriptions of the creative processes as Willow created music and Samantha developed a new idea for a video game. In particular, I was drawn into Willow’s synergistic relationship with Josiah, a college professor/poet/musician, as they collaborated on a new song.
My thanks to the author, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing a digital ARC in exchange for an independent, honest review.
Willow and Samantha are half-sisters who lost their famous singer/composer mother to a heroin overdose. Raised by their great aunt Gloria, they are now, as adults, each struggling with issues of romantic relationships, careers and their self-worth. It is clear that the long shadow cast by their mother’s premature death has impacted their lives despite having been well-loved and cared for by their aunt. To complicate matters even more, some questionable activities from Gloria’s past have been resurrected with possible serious legal consequences.
The story is told from the perspectives of each of the three main characters. I struggled to engage with each of them, although it was much easier to relate to Willow. Samantha’s prickly personality, while understandable, made it difficult to embrace her and her long-standing jealousy of Willow poisoned all her relationships. I also didn’t feel invested in Gloria’s thread. Besides the character development issues, the uneven pacing of the storyline made it challenging to read.
What I enjoyed most about the book were the descriptions of the creative processes as Willow created music and Samantha developed a new idea for a video game. In particular, I was drawn into Willow’s synergistic relationship with Josiah, a college professor/poet/musician, as they collaborated on a new song.
My thanks to the author, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing a digital ARC in exchange for an independent, honest review.
April 16, 2021
Write My Name Across the Sky quickly became a page turner. Set in NYC, this book covers a story from three different point of views. Gloria, is a retired TWA flight attendant, bold, charismatic, and an Instagram influencer in her 70s. Willow is her wispy niece, that was born with a deep rooted love and need for music. After her life in LA didn't pan out, she's moving back to her childhood home with nothing but a bag of possessions and big decisions about what to do with her life. Sam is her older half-sister, who after finding early success in the digital game making arena, has a company that's on the verge of collapse and friendships that are already there. These three stories become increasingly more complicated as an international art forger is caught in Europe with ties to Gloria, an unexpected sickness strikes, and strained relationships are put under even more pressure. Overall, great characters and a story that pulls the reader in.
It took me a little while to find flow with the different narratives. At first I'd find myself jarred at the end of a chapter, not ready to change to a different point of view. However, the story pulled me in quickly. When I had to set it down I found myself waiting in anticipation to when I could sit and read more. I truly enjoyed!
Thank you to NetGalley, Barbara O'Neal, and Lake Union Publishing for an advanced copy of Write My Name Across the Sky in exchange for an honest review.
It took me a little while to find flow with the different narratives. At first I'd find myself jarred at the end of a chapter, not ready to change to a different point of view. However, the story pulled me in quickly. When I had to set it down I found myself waiting in anticipation to when I could sit and read more. I truly enjoyed!
Thank you to NetGalley, Barbara O'Neal, and Lake Union Publishing for an advanced copy of Write My Name Across the Sky in exchange for an honest review.
April 24, 2021
When I requested this book from Netgalley, I was not expecting to fall in love with it as much as I have. Barbara O'Neal has crafted such a beautiful, interesting story that I needed to read right now. I will definitely be picking up some of her other reads soon!
This story features three strong, independent women at different stages in their lives who are facing very different issues. Their circumstances reunite the three women and force them to reconcile with their shared past traumas. I loved reading about Gloria, the enigmatic, 70-something year-old social media influencer with a past in illegal art trading and the kind of love story that makes you believe in love again. She is truly an icon. We can't sleep on her two nieces though--Willow, a singer/songwriter searching for her breakout album, and Sam, a genius video game developer who started her own company with her best friend in high school who is smashing through the glass ceiling.
Every woman needs to read this, I have no words.
Thank you Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the e-ARC.
This story features three strong, independent women at different stages in their lives who are facing very different issues. Their circumstances reunite the three women and force them to reconcile with their shared past traumas. I loved reading about Gloria, the enigmatic, 70-something year-old social media influencer with a past in illegal art trading and the kind of love story that makes you believe in love again. She is truly an icon. We can't sleep on her two nieces though--Willow, a singer/songwriter searching for her breakout album, and Sam, a genius video game developer who started her own company with her best friend in high school who is smashing through the glass ceiling.
Every woman needs to read this, I have no words.
Thank you Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for the e-ARC.
May 18, 2021
Thank you to Net Galley for the eARC. Actual rating 4.5 stars, rounded up.
This may be my favorite Barbara O’Neal book. As in her previous books, I admire O’Neal’s ability to set scenes and deliver beautifully developed characters, using “regular” words. No long, flowery, over-wrought descriptions, yet the settings, people, scents and tastes are easy to experience. More than any of her other books, I felt as though the characters were aware of their surroundings, and the impact of their emotions and health, and that awareness was shared with the reader.
Frankly, I can’t describe why or how I loved this book - I just did. It was an experience.
This may be my favorite Barbara O’Neal book. As in her previous books, I admire O’Neal’s ability to set scenes and deliver beautifully developed characters, using “regular” words. No long, flowery, over-wrought descriptions, yet the settings, people, scents and tastes are easy to experience. More than any of her other books, I felt as though the characters were aware of their surroundings, and the impact of their emotions and health, and that awareness was shared with the reader.
Frankly, I can’t describe why or how I loved this book - I just did. It was an experience.
March 18, 2022
The word that came to mind for me when I finished this book was engaging. From start to finish I wanted to know where each of these women's stories would take them. You get alternating POV'S from Willow, Sam, and Gloria and I enjoyed each one. However, to describe Sam's character as prickly was a major understatement - to me, she was downright mean. I was entertained by Gloria's references to her Instagram account and keeping up engagement etc. Where this lost the mark for me was the ending. I knew the direction it was heading in, but it was just all wrapped up so quickly and easily after all the angst leading up to it... and then it went to an epilogue. I almost needed a couple chapters more in between.
Thank you @talesbysel for buddy reading this with me.
Thank you @talesbysel for buddy reading this with me.
May 10, 2023
When Gloria's decades-old lover, Isaak, is arrested for art theft and forgery, she worries she might be next. How will she explain her past transgressions to her nieces (who are more like daughters), Sam and Willow?
After loving When We Believed in Mermaids (4 stars) by this author, I immediately ordered this one. Although I enjoyed the story, characters (especially 70 something Gloria) and the sweet ending, Mermaid remains my favorite.
Location: NYC
After loving When We Believed in Mermaids (4 stars) by this author, I immediately ordered this one. Although I enjoyed the story, characters (especially 70 something Gloria) and the sweet ending, Mermaid remains my favorite.
Location: NYC
December 2, 2021
My first Barbara O'Neal but it won't be my last.
October 5, 2021
It had a good story line. Not my typical read but I felt it was well worth it to learn about Gloria!
March 26, 2021
I recently read the author’s story “When we believed in Mermaids” and was totally absorbed. This new book of Barbara O’Neal’s had echoes of the earlier book in the themes and also the way I totally couldn’t put it down!
Such a beautiful story of two sisters, Samantha a game designer and Willow, the younger sister a violinist. Both are haunted in different ways by the legacy of their late mother, a rock star musician who died from a heroine overdose when the girls were young. They were brought up by their aunt Gloria, a former air hostess.
The story is set in New York and the apartment that their mother Billie bought at the height of her success. One thing I love about this story is that apartment feels like a character in the story, holding Gloria and the sisters after Billie is no longer around.
The story captures a point in time where things are really difficult for all three of the characters, but they are forced to rely on each other and deal with past emotional barriers. I loved this story!
Such a beautiful story of two sisters, Samantha a game designer and Willow, the younger sister a violinist. Both are haunted in different ways by the legacy of their late mother, a rock star musician who died from a heroine overdose when the girls were young. They were brought up by their aunt Gloria, a former air hostess.
The story is set in New York and the apartment that their mother Billie bought at the height of her success. One thing I love about this story is that apartment feels like a character in the story, holding Gloria and the sisters after Billie is no longer around.
The story captures a point in time where things are really difficult for all three of the characters, but they are forced to rely on each other and deal with past emotional barriers. I loved this story!
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