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The Twirler Quartet #1
Catch It Spinning
Head back to 1968 in this slice-of-life novel of a woman navigating friendship and love through high school and adulthood. Yvonne’s teenage life seems idyllic: twirling batons with her best friends in the school’s marching band, and plenty of boyfriends. But she soon learns that boys can wreak havoc on your long-term goals, when her friends start turning up pregnant.
Ten years later, she finds herself married and ready for children. But once again, happiness appears elusive. Her plans are spinning out of reach just like that baton she once tried to master.
Based on the author’s experiences growing up in Lincoln, Nebraska, Catch It Spinning is the first book of the Twirler Quartet. Four friends come of age while the fight for gender and racial equality, the War in Vietnam, and the sexual revolution simmer in the background.
Ten years later, she finds herself married and ready for children. But once again, happiness appears elusive. Her plans are spinning out of reach just like that baton she once tried to master.
Based on the author’s experiences growing up in Lincoln, Nebraska, Catch It Spinning is the first book of the Twirler Quartet. Four friends come of age while the fight for gender and racial equality, the War in Vietnam, and the sexual revolution simmer in the background.
291 pages, Paperback
Published February 7, 2021
2 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Claudia J. Severin
11 books70 followersAfter leaving the chaos of call-center management and graduating from child-rearing, I’d earned my peace and quiet. Time to write some romance.
I started writing novels in 2019, after spending the better part of the year researching genealogy. I published my first book about my ancestors in 2020. The Twirler Quartet romance series followed, set in Lincoln, Nebraska. It explored teen pregnancy and other social issues of the 1960s through 1980s.
The Romancing Our Roots series connects through a theme of DNA findings, and how it began affecting modern lives.
Some of my tales are set in the present day, others in decades or centuries gone by. Love is timeless. Romance should be endless.
Unfortunately, I’m stuck in the real world, splitting time between several states visiting family, enjoying the itinerant author life. Home base is a farm in Nebraska, smack dab in the middle of the fly-over states, where my husband’s ancestors homesteaded over 150 years ago. You’re welcome to visit. It’s as easy as opening the book cover.
Come join my newsletter at https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Claudia J. Severin
I started writing novels in 2019, after spending the better part of the year researching genealogy. I published my first book about my ancestors in 2020. The Twirler Quartet romance series followed, set in Lincoln, Nebraska. It explored teen pregnancy and other social issues of the 1960s through 1980s.
The Romancing Our Roots series connects through a theme of DNA findings, and how it began affecting modern lives.
Some of my tales are set in the present day, others in decades or centuries gone by. Love is timeless. Romance should be endless.
Unfortunately, I’m stuck in the real world, splitting time between several states visiting family, enjoying the itinerant author life. Home base is a farm in Nebraska, smack dab in the middle of the fly-over states, where my husband’s ancestors homesteaded over 150 years ago. You’re welcome to visit. It’s as easy as opening the book cover.
Come join my newsletter at https://landing.mailerlite.com/webfor...
Claudia J. Severin
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 16, 2021
Really enjoyable read. Although it covered some more serious issues, I found it a nice light-hearted read, and being an ex baton twirler loved those bits.
Had a slight Grease vibe to it.
Thanks to Voracious Readers for sending me a free copy to review. I'll look out for the others in the series.
Had a slight Grease vibe to it.
Thanks to Voracious Readers for sending me a free copy to review. I'll look out for the others in the series.
April 20, 2021
I received this book for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. Read an excerpt and follow the Goddess Fish tour here.
This was an interesting read. It amazes me what is considered “historical” today in fiction. I see stuff like this called “historical” and think “my parents were alive then…what is happening?!” Can’t wait ‘til the years of my childhood are considered historical (except they might be already…). Anyway, this was a neat look at this point in the history books, so to speak. I found the world to be well drawn and the issues of the time to be handled well.
As for the characters, I wound up with a mixed bag of feelings. Some of them were purposefully unlikeable, and those came across strongly. Others were likeable, and I did like them. But there were a few that were supposed to be likeable, and I just had a very tough time connecting with them—Yvonne in particular. Multifaceted and well-rounded characters are a major part of a book. Yvonne definitely had a lot of parts to her, but many of them didn’t feel explored enough. They came together less like a personality and more like a group of things she could put effort behind when it worked for her and the story. I struggled to really get behind her as a protagonist. She struck me as judgmental and, at points, just not very bright for someone who was actually very smart. She cried a lot to the point where tears started to lose their meaning a bit, and she seemed very fussy. She wanted to have her cake and eat it to about pretty much everything, which made her feel high maintenance. I think one of the characters says she has a well-developed sense of indignation at one point, and that seemed to wrap her up well. It was great to see her being strong and opinionated about things, but after a while, I almost felt like asking her if there was anything she didn’t get mad about.
I really liked the group-of-friends dynamic. That’s a favorite of mine in fiction, and it was cool to see a group of girlfriends in a YA book who weren’t driven apart by petty things. They did all seem very boy-crazy, even for teenage girls. When I was a teenager, boys were definitely something I thought about, but that said, never quite so much as the girls in this book. It felt a bit unbelievable that they would spend so much time thinking/talking about boys and how to impress them. There were also a couple of other little things that I would read and think “wait, what?” It wasn’t necessarily a lot, but it did pull me out of the story when it happened.
All in all, this touched on a lot of big issues in a good way. The characters could have been a bit more developed, which would have helped this feel more like a book about kids growing up amidst background tensions and less like background tensions with characters attached. The spinning aspect felt underplayed, and I would have loved to see more of that and really feel how it influenced and represented Yvonne’s life. To sum up, lots of great stuff in here, but the execution didn’t quite work for me. Others may definitely feel differently.
This was an interesting read. It amazes me what is considered “historical” today in fiction. I see stuff like this called “historical” and think “my parents were alive then…what is happening?!” Can’t wait ‘til the years of my childhood are considered historical (except they might be already…). Anyway, this was a neat look at this point in the history books, so to speak. I found the world to be well drawn and the issues of the time to be handled well.
As for the characters, I wound up with a mixed bag of feelings. Some of them were purposefully unlikeable, and those came across strongly. Others were likeable, and I did like them. But there were a few that were supposed to be likeable, and I just had a very tough time connecting with them—Yvonne in particular. Multifaceted and well-rounded characters are a major part of a book. Yvonne definitely had a lot of parts to her, but many of them didn’t feel explored enough. They came together less like a personality and more like a group of things she could put effort behind when it worked for her and the story. I struggled to really get behind her as a protagonist. She struck me as judgmental and, at points, just not very bright for someone who was actually very smart. She cried a lot to the point where tears started to lose their meaning a bit, and she seemed very fussy. She wanted to have her cake and eat it to about pretty much everything, which made her feel high maintenance. I think one of the characters says she has a well-developed sense of indignation at one point, and that seemed to wrap her up well. It was great to see her being strong and opinionated about things, but after a while, I almost felt like asking her if there was anything she didn’t get mad about.
I really liked the group-of-friends dynamic. That’s a favorite of mine in fiction, and it was cool to see a group of girlfriends in a YA book who weren’t driven apart by petty things. They did all seem very boy-crazy, even for teenage girls. When I was a teenager, boys were definitely something I thought about, but that said, never quite so much as the girls in this book. It felt a bit unbelievable that they would spend so much time thinking/talking about boys and how to impress them. There were also a couple of other little things that I would read and think “wait, what?” It wasn’t necessarily a lot, but it did pull me out of the story when it happened.
All in all, this touched on a lot of big issues in a good way. The characters could have been a bit more developed, which would have helped this feel more like a book about kids growing up amidst background tensions and less like background tensions with characters attached. The spinning aspect felt underplayed, and I would have loved to see more of that and really feel how it influenced and represented Yvonne’s life. To sum up, lots of great stuff in here, but the execution didn’t quite work for me. Others may definitely feel differently.
May 4, 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.
Catch it Spinning is a delightful vintage tale of a young lady’s temptations and struggles in high school. Yvonne is surrounded by friends with the same types of issues, but they handle their situations in a much different way than does Yvonne.
Yvonne’s boyfriend Dick Dunn pressures her, and when she stands her ground, there are consequences. She finds herself with ever-increasing difficulties. Her true love, Daniel, the brother of Yvonne’s best friend, Debbie, is at arm’s length. The way Yvonne interacts with her friends and young men provides for a noteworthy story. She could quite easily land herself in great trouble as she watches others she cares about have to deal with the serious results of their decisions. Events unfold in such a natural way, readers will be immersed in this earlier era, and the characters are realistic in the way they act, think, and talk.
A dual story is created when we are presented with Yvonne’s future, her married life, and her struggle to have a baby. This story is expertly interwoven with Yvonne’s teen years, adding complexity to the novel. Much food for thought adds another level of depth to events while themes of friendship, courtship, love, and family come into play.
The big picture and the way it is presented is quite entertaining. The story is enjoyable and worth the read. Recommended for fans of vintage stories with memorable characters.
Catch it Spinning is a delightful vintage tale of a young lady’s temptations and struggles in high school. Yvonne is surrounded by friends with the same types of issues, but they handle their situations in a much different way than does Yvonne.
Yvonne’s boyfriend Dick Dunn pressures her, and when she stands her ground, there are consequences. She finds herself with ever-increasing difficulties. Her true love, Daniel, the brother of Yvonne’s best friend, Debbie, is at arm’s length. The way Yvonne interacts with her friends and young men provides for a noteworthy story. She could quite easily land herself in great trouble as she watches others she cares about have to deal with the serious results of their decisions. Events unfold in such a natural way, readers will be immersed in this earlier era, and the characters are realistic in the way they act, think, and talk.
A dual story is created when we are presented with Yvonne’s future, her married life, and her struggle to have a baby. This story is expertly interwoven with Yvonne’s teen years, adding complexity to the novel. Much food for thought adds another level of depth to events while themes of friendship, courtship, love, and family come into play.
The big picture and the way it is presented is quite entertaining. The story is enjoyable and worth the read. Recommended for fans of vintage stories with memorable characters.
April 10, 2021
After binge watching the heavy themes of current news, and overdoing reading of self-help books, this was a refreshing read. The setting time period is of my vintage and I found myself realizing over and over that there are always social challenges and that human nature does not learn as much as one would hope from history.
I value the straightforward dialogue of the author. Her characters seemed believable and the plot kept my interest.
I suggest a more definite transition from time period to time period as in beginning a new chapter. I re read a paragraph because I hadn't made the jump to the future. This is a publishing thing in terms of having more blank space and pages and not a criticism of content.
Just when I thought I knew where the plot was going I was also surprised by developments and kept reading even though it was late at night. I am very interested in the next books in the quartet
Judi Cook
I value the straightforward dialogue of the author. Her characters seemed believable and the plot kept my interest.
I suggest a more definite transition from time period to time period as in beginning a new chapter. I re read a paragraph because I hadn't made the jump to the future. This is a publishing thing in terms of having more blank space and pages and not a criticism of content.
Just when I thought I knew where the plot was going I was also surprised by developments and kept reading even though it was late at night. I am very interested in the next books in the quartet
Judi Cook
September 14, 2022
Definitely an easy read in terms of flow but not necessarily in terms of emotion and storyline. A few hard hitting issues throughout and it was refreshing that though the protagonist Yvonne was faced with some of them directly, she was able to see through the hurt and remove herself before her life would have to change drastically. I was not a huge fan of the fact that every one of her friends had the exact same challenge, I would have liked some variety to their characters' issues.
I liked the back and forth between past and present (though the formatting in the version I was reading was a little clunky and wasn't always obvious when going back and forth).
Unfortunately overall it just didn't resonate with me the way I was hoping it would. Though part of me wants to read the next in the series because of the way this one ended, I'm not sure if if I will pick it up.
I received a copy of this book for free in return for my honest review.
I liked the back and forth between past and present (though the formatting in the version I was reading was a little clunky and wasn't always obvious when going back and forth).
Unfortunately overall it just didn't resonate with me the way I was hoping it would. Though part of me wants to read the next in the series because of the way this one ended, I'm not sure if if I will pick it up.
I received a copy of this book for free in return for my honest review.
May 8, 2021
Yvonne wanted to hold on to her virginity until the time was right, but her boyfriend, Dicky Dunn, may not feel the same way. In fact, he may have been lying about his love for her, which he proved the night he tried to force something more and stops speaking to her. This leaves Yvonne heartbroken and wondering if she was still going to the prom. Then she gets invited by her best friend’s little brother. Her life revolves around themes such as friendship, harassment, competition, pregnancy, and a turbulent married life. As topsy-turvy as her life is, it’s no wonder why there so many references to the spinning baton.
This is a simple and relatable tale that spans the time from high school to adulthood. It carries a slow, even pace as it narrates the fun, awkward, and serious times of love.
A nice read.
This is a simple and relatable tale that spans the time from high school to adulthood. It carries a slow, even pace as it narrates the fun, awkward, and serious times of love.
A nice read.
March 8, 2021
I often find myself reading books with heavy topics that I become emotionally invested in. While I love books like that, sometimes I am not in a place where I want to share in the characters’ sadness. Enter Catch it Spinning. This book was a fun and easy read. It’s the perfect beach read or break from reality.
Severin has a gift for description. You can visualize the characters but are not inundated with information that doesn’t enhance the story. I enjoyed the familiarity of the setting of my hometown. I look forward to reading the second book in the series.
Severin has a gift for description. You can visualize the characters but are not inundated with information that doesn’t enhance the story. I enjoyed the familiarity of the setting of my hometown. I look forward to reading the second book in the series.
April 8, 2021
An engaging story with very real, very flawed characters addressing real issues of the time and now including teen pregnancy, gender roles and discrimination. Some interesting comparisons between times in history. An ending to lead you into the next book.
The story kept me interested and made me hold my breath a few times. I didn’t live any of the characters but I could sometimes relate to them.
The story kept me interested and made me hold my breath a few times. I didn’t live any of the characters but I could sometimes relate to them.
February 28, 2021
Catch it Spinning is a very engaging and enjoyable book. I stayed up way too late reading it the day I received it. The descriptions of the settings are rich, and the imagery was vivid. The characters were likable, especially Yvonne, who feels deeply and loves her friends. Altogether, it's a great book. Fun to read, satisfying and charming.
March 18, 2021
I found the time period (1960s) very interesting, as the characters were the same ages as my parents at that time. This story gives insight to the things teens were going thru at that time, and continues their story into adulthood with difficult topics that are still relevant today. Looking forward to the next in the series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 13, 2021
This book brought me back to high school with all the emotional angst and relationships. The author has done a good job portraying the main characters from teenagers to married adults. Yvonne seems to be more mature than anyone I knew back in the day but is believable. Overall, it is an engaging storyline.
I received a free ebook via Voracious Readers Only for my honest review.
I received a free ebook via Voracious Readers Only for my honest review.
April 15, 2021
This is the 1st book I've read written by Claudia Severlin; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
She has written a good book about a young high school girl and how her boyfriend was only using her.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
She has written a good book about a young high school girl and how her boyfriend was only using her.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
April 18, 2021
I received a free copy of this book from Voracious Readers. I was really enjoying this book but once it started flipping from the past (the 1960s) to the present (the 1980s) I felt like the story got a little muddled.
March 12, 2021
What a fun read!! I love to have a good book in hand when I fly and this one did not disappoint.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews