Weathering Old Souls

by James J. Cudney, Didi Oviatt

Abigail has always struggled with the voices. From the relentless tyranny a woman faces on an antebellum plantation to the unknown prison camps in America during World War II, our heroine discovers the past in a way that changes her future. Moments from the past serve as guiding posts for the country's growth, and also mark the transitions for Abigail's own personal history. Her best friend, Margaret, partners with Abigail to discover the identity of the mysterious voices, while focusing on her passion and quest to become a United States senator. Through it all, a serial killer torments the country, romance blossoms between people they meet during the journey, and long-buried secrets come to light in devastating ways. As elements twist, numbers align and spiritual powers connect, no one will be the same again.

Genres: Fiction

326 pages, Paperback

First published May 15, 2021

About the author

James is my given name; most call me Jay. I grew up on Long Island and currently live in Connecticut, but I've traveled all across the US and various parts of the world. After college, I accepted roles working in technology, program management, and business operations in the retail, sports, entertainment, and media industries. Although I enjoy my career, I began to focus on other passions in 2016: telling stories and connecting people through words. My debut novel is 'Watching Glass Shatter,' a contemporary fiction family drama with elements of mystery, suspense, humor, and romance. From there, I've written other family dramas and an eight-book mystery series. To see samples or receive news from my current and upcoming books, please subscribe with your email address at my website: https://jamesjcudney.com

I'm an avid genealogist (discovered 2K family members going back about 250 years) and cook (I find it so hard to follow a recipe). I love to read; between Goodreads and my blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, I have ~1800 book reviews which will give you a full flavor for my voice and style. On my blog, I started the 365 Daily Challenge, where I post a word each day that has some meaning to me, then converse with everyone about life. There is humor, tears, love, friendship, advice, and bloopers. Lots of bloopers where I poke fun at myself all the time. Even my dogs have segments where they complain about me. All these things make up who I am; none of them are very fancy or magnanimous, but they are real and show how I live every day.

Reviews

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since this is my own book, I'm not going to write a review. I'm using this space to let you know when there are discounts or marketing promotions, as well as share some thoughts on how the book came to be.

Weathering Old Souls is beautiful shared writing experience with the amazing Didi Oviatt. What we've accomplished together is a seamless and poignant story about a wonderfully compelling woman named Abigail who just happens to suffer from a complex series of past lives who need her to do something for them.

To buy this book, please visit Amazon where it's available for purchase as a Kindle, hard cover, or paperback. Audiobook coming soon too. It's also available from Barnes and Noble as an order from their online system. If you're not convinced yet, check out the blog tour for this book where you can see each blogger's posts with author Q&A, special features, videos, and future release information. You can visit my author page for more details. Thank you for considering our work.

[Candace Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this unique story so much! It was such a cool experience with gorgeous writing and so much more! Abigail was the main character, but you also get to be inside other characters’ heads which gave a full view of everything. I also couldn’t tell that this was written by two authors. Two authors who I love all their previous works as well! Even after finishing, this was one of those kinds of stories that left me still thinking about it!

[Kathi Defranc · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Intriguing Experience With A Young Girl Fighting Through A Life Filled With The Past...

I absolutely Loved this fascinating story! These two authors write an intriguing tale following a young girl, Abigail, from birth through a lifetime filled with fear, happiness and wonder...As she feels and experiences the past of several people that are deep within her...Such a different perspective on 'past souls' living in one person, beautifully written and takes you right there through every reaction, amazing find, and long search to find happiness for the four troubled souls residing with Abigail...
There is wild action, travel and love ...Love for self, a job, and all those who believe in a girl who is a little different...A unique story, totally different from what I usually read, but had me completely invested from start to finish... I encourage You to open this amazing book...Bet you will Not close it before living an experience of a lifetime!!!

[Didi Oviatt]

Ugly cry.
Don't read this unless you're ready for an ugly cry.
Perhaps I'm bias, but I've cried over this book with each (dozens at least) read! ❤😭❤😭❤

[Michael McLellan · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a lot going on in this interestingly-written and conceptually-unique story by James Cudney and Didi Oviatt. A blending of murder mystery, fantasy, spiritual, and historical that somehow all work well together, there should be something worthwhile in this book for just about every reader’s taste.

[Bernard Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The symbiosis of two respectable authors yielded a timeless literary work. James J. Cudney and Didi Oviatt have created a story that, like sand in an hourglass, seeps through time and never stops. Leaving the marks on the reader’s soul with the grains of history, mystery, suspense, metaphysics, and romance. I tried to recognize James’ writing, but it was difficult. Jay and Didi complement each other with perfect harmony in a symphony that will resonate through the corridors of history flowing from one life to another, indefinitely.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weathering Old Souls is definitely different from anything I’ve read before. It has a twisting of elements, numerical alignments, unusual weather phenomena, and the trauma of spiritual entanglements, along with a serial killer and family relationship issues. The story begins with a murder. The serial killer, The Fashionista strikes and young Margaret is in danger. He thinks she has seen him, so Margaret and her family move. Meanwhile in Concepcion, South Carolina, Oliver as met and married his soulmate, Nadia. She is expecting when Margaret's family moves in to the other side of the duplex. It is a stormy night when Nadia goes into labour and Abigail is born. Unfortunately, Nadia does not survive. As Abigail grows she exhibits strange behaviour as well as knowledge of things a child her age should not have. She also has an imaginary friend, May. She eventually learns to pretend to "be normal" so she doesn't have to keep seeing doctors and psychologists. It is Margaret and her parents that come to her rescue, basically raising Abigail, while her father gladly gives up his single father duties.

I really liked the relationship that develops between Abigail and Margaret. They are like sisters and become best friends as they get older. Her mother tries to help Abigail and convince Oliver to get her help using regression hypnotism, but he refuses. They are more like her parents than Oliver. I had mixed feelings about Oliver. He seemed very selfish to me, yet still wanted to be the one to make decisions for Abigail. When they finally begin to develop a parent/child relationship, I give Abigail credit, as it would have been too late for me. I don't really believe in reincarnation, so had to suspend belief for this story, but reading about previous lives and how the spirit moves into a new body was very interesting. As Abigail and those helping her research find more answers, the interwoven families was wonderful. This story is unique, well-written and very intriguing. I really enjoyed it, even though it is completely out of my comfort zone. There are so many twists and turns you have to pay attention while reading this story, or you might miss something that is important later. There were a lot of storylines throughout as Abigail finds out about her previous lives, but the authors neatly tied them all up into a wonderful ending. I am shocked at how well James Cudney and Didi Oviatt came together to write this novel. You would never know that this book was a collaborative effort. Bravo!

[Suzanne Nemec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weathering Old Souls is an insightful and intriguing journey that weaves a complex mystery. James J. Cudney and Didi Oviatt, teamed up to write this novel and they did a great job of seamlessly guiding us though this story with their cohesive writing.

I found myself being drawn to Abigail’s character and her reactions, as her mind began to experience past memories of former lifetimes. With each new discovery and piece of the puzzle revealed, I found myself staying up late into the night to find out what happens next.

[M.J. Mallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blog Tour Review - ARC Copy - Thank you to the authors/publishers for a copy - All opinions are my own.

Weathering Old Souls is definitely different from anything I’ve read before. It begins with a murder ( there is a serial killer, called the Fashionista.) An undercurrent of uncertainty and fear continues – there is a murderer on the loose but Abigail’s behaviour is so odd too, driving her father to distraction. I was particularly drawn to how Abigail could connect to her past lives in such a striking way.

The relationship she has with her father is not an easy one and she relies heavily on neighbours for emotional support. She becomes especially close to Margaret and the two women are both strong, interesting characters.

I liked the spiritual/metaphysical aspect of this novel and it is not something I have come across before. Perhaps I should read more books like this!

A detailed novel, written by two authors James Cudney and Didi Oviatt and yet the writing is seamless as if it were just one person writing.

I’d recommend this novel if you enjoy stories that combine more than one genre – in a way that is different from the norm.

Highly recommended. My rating 5 stars.

[K.L. Loveley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I should confess that I have never read a story quite like this before and unsure what genre I would place this unusual piece of writing in.
The collection of mysteries combined to form the whole story is very complex and yet centers on a pivotal mystery all relating back to the protagonist Abigail Perry, born during a severe lightning storm. Sadly, her mother Nadia dies of an aneurysm shortly after giving birth. The story briefly outlines Abigail as a child and in particular her close relationship with the Staunton family who become surrogate parents as her father struggles with his grief.
Margaret Staunton is a few years older than Abigail and becomes a lifelong friend, supporting Abigail throughout her quest to understand the metaphysical experiences she has that connect her to the lives of troubled spirits.
Written by two authors I did detect subtle differences in the writing style at times, however, the story blended together and was certainly full of surprises.

[Roberta Cheadle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book starts with the vicious murder of a man called Edward Smythe. The reader quickly learns that the victim has a young daughter and that he is an abusive husband. It is also clear that the murderer has committed the crime to appease an unnamed other person.

Abigail Perry is born during an electrical storm in an ill-equipped hospital in a small town called Concepción in South Carolina. The power fails intermittently, and Abigail’s mother dies moments after her birth, leaving her motherless.

On the same day, a family of three had moved into the twin house joined to Abigail’s parents’ home. This family take over raising Abigail and become her extended family.

It soon becomes evident that Abigail is not an ordinary child. She is haunted by disturbing memories of her past lives which are so powerful, they insert themselves physically into her daily life.

The only way Abigail can find her own spiritual peace is by unravelling the stories of her four past lives which seem to interlink with the activities of a serial killer, called the Fashionista.

Abigail is an interesting character, intelligent but very conflicted and confused by her terrible memories and poor health. Her father, Oliver, never recovers from the death of her mother and is not able to adjust to caring for a child until Abigail is much older. As a result, Abigail’s care falls to their kindly neighbours and their twelve-year old daughter, Margaret.

Oliver does not believe his daughter’s stories about her past lives and the ‘people’ who take over her mind and body. This attitude, together with his poor fathering, leave her feeling unloved and rejected. These feelings are compounded when the neighbours, who have cared for her all her life, have to move away.

She shows incredible strength and overcomes all the disbelief and dislike that come her way from her fellow students, teachers and eventually her father, learning to control her ‘difference’ in public and becoming an excellent student. Abigail’s determination and strength of character are demonstrated several times during the book.

Margaret is also a strong and determined female character with a quick mind and an excellent work ethic. She pursues a career in law and then politics. Margaret’s intelligence come to Abigail’s aid during her childhood as she researches ways of helping Abigail control her frightening and physically threatening memories. Margaret gives Abigail a quart’s necklace which keep these tormentors at bay while she is wearing it. Margaret is a devoted friend and is Abigail’s supporter, confidant, and protector.

This story is unique and clever, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. There are so many twists and turns you have to pay attention while reading this story. This is not a book you can semi snooze through. The ending is complex, and I found myself quite amazed at how neatly all the threads were tied up into a complete picture.

[Jennifer Hopkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a Kindle copy of this book on a Goodreads Giveaway. Thank you Goodreads and Amazon for the opportunity to read Weathering Old Souls.

When I began reading this book, I had no idea what to expect as I hadn’t read the description recently. I read most genres, so it could have been anything. It proved to be a little bit of everything: fiction, historical, fantasy, spiritual/paranormal, a bit of romance, lgbtq+, and more. It seems a bit of a whack a doodle concept, but it works. They story is well written, pacing is good, descriptions are very well done, and the stories stay aligned. The style is consistent. In fact, I didn’t know it was a collaboration of two authors until about halfway through; then, only because I wanted some background information on the author.

The multiple storylines was well thought out and not hard to follow. They must have had a “murder”board type storyboard to keep track of all the links amongst the characters and storylines. One would expect to find holes with this set-up, but none were blatant (I didn’t find any). There’s a summary of sorts via a character’s journal towards the end to help remind you of the connectedness. Some of the discoveries by the characters seemed a bit too coincidental, but maybe that was the point. The idea that the universe puts us where it wants us to be. (I kept thinking of The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo).

I’ve really struggled with how to rate and review Weathering Old Souls. Initially, when I finished, I thought three stars which to me means I enjoyed it and would wait in line to talk with the author(s), but I’m not going to run out and buy a copy or tell my friends they have to read it. However, it’s better than that. It has wormed its way into my head and I can stop thinking about it and wanting to know more. I would love to discuss it with someone and I do have questions.

Therefore, I’ve decided on 3.75-4 stars. Thanks again for the copy and to the authors for their creation.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a completely unique story. I’ve never read anything like it and I loved it! The ability of the authors to weave such a story so effortlessly is amazing and a talent that I wish I had. Absolutely wonderful!

[joannawiles]

I really loved this book. Was hard to put down cause I wanted to know why these things were happening to her. Lots of twists and turns but I loved it was all wrapped up in the end.

[Balroop Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weathering Old Souls is an excellent collaboration, in which two styles of James and Didi blend in a perfect manner. I have read many stories about reincarnation but this one has a unique angle with more than one soul speaking through Abigail, who slowly learns to set aside her fears and resolves to find the answers. Deeply embedded in a shroud of mystery, all the stories of the past have been woven in a brilliant manner, as nothing seems out of place.

A powerful beginning sets the tone and ignites your curiosity about ‘Fashionista,’ whose identity is revealed just at the right time. Then the death of Abigail’s mother adds another dimension to her story, which unfolds slowly, with so many connections! It left me spellbound; it demands your attention at each step, as it doesn’t give you a moment to flutter your eye-lids!

James is a master-crafter of building relationships and his skill shines in this book too. Margaret grows up to be the angel sister of Abigail, supports her at each step and their love for each other is exemplary. Elizabeth and Bradford understand her better than her biological father and their relationship with Abigail is heart-warming. Each character displays a distinct characteristic and makes a significant contribution to taking the story forward. Even secondary characters have been crafted with incredible insight.

I marvel at the joint venture of two writers who have produced this coruscating work in a cohesive expression. I really enjoyed this book. Highly recommended!

[E. Billups · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two of my favorite authors have come together, blending their unique talents into one story. And they’ve accomplished magic together. I tried to recognize each of their voices while reading this wonderful story filled with metaphysical (reincarnation, numerology, visions, and dreams), family drama, and historical fiction that I love. Brilliant co-authoring should be a cohesive voice. I found this to be true in Weathering Old Souls.

Weathering Old Souls is beautifully and imaginatively written, a fantastic weaving of past lives that takes the reader from one historical age to another-souls that give Abigail her mystical abilities (Naniwa, Emilio, Maxwell, Penelope, and Billie). A murderer known as the Fashionista foreshadows Abigail’s life, adding sinister vibes to an ominous storyline. Who is the Fashionista? What is his relationship with Abigail? Is it someone she knows, a friend, a family member? The storyline kept me fully engrossed, wanting to unearth the Fashionista’s identity, Abigail’s visions, and connection to past lives.

There’s much to love about this story, besides super-intelligent Abigail, an enigma to her family and friends. Oliver, her widowed father, struggles to do well for his child after losing his wife, Nadia, during childbirth. The Staunton family takes Abigail under their wings like adoptive parents, loving her just as they do their own daughter, Margaret, who treats Abigail as a sister. Throwing these family dynamics into the fold engenders more emotions for these amazing characters.

Mr. Cudney and Mrs. Oviatt concluded the story by tying everything together thoroughly, bringing to light Abigail’s visions, souls she’s spiritually connected to, and her ties to the Fashionista murderer. Weathering Old Souls is a page-turner that gripped my attention and heart to the end. Thanks for the excellent story, Mr. Cudney and Mrs. Oviatt!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weathering Old Souls tells the tales of Abigail. Abigail sees things. Abigail hears things. Abigail feels things. Abigail tastes things. Abigail knows things. Abigail knows things about which she should have no knowledge, so many things. Come along on her journey of self-realization and actualization as Abigail tries to discover who she really is.

This is the twelfth book I’ve read by James Cudney and the very first book I’ve read by Didi Oviatt. It was very complicated, very involved, with lots of twists and turns but I felt like I was following along alright. Until I got to about three-quarters of the way through the book, probably when things would normally be about ready to start wrapping up (and they were.) But that was when I started getting more and more confused. There were many similarly named characters in the book and unfortunately I kept getting confused about whom was whom or whom was doing what. The climax of the book was all sewn up tight but I was grateful for the denouement because it spelled out most of the relationships. I am still unclear about how some characters relate to others but I think that this is due to my own ignorance of such things and not a failing of the authors’. All in all, this was an incredible read that I much enjoyed and I’d encourage people to give it a try.

[D.L. Finn · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Weathering Old Souls” is a unique collaboration that was seamlessly written. Abigail was living with an emotionally distant father, but luckily the family next door is there. Abigail has some issues that doctors believe need to be medicated, but that doesn’t happen. This allows a journey for Abigail to explore what is happening to her. Her research and insights not only take her to the south during slavery, the Titanic, and Japanese internment camps during WW2, but she finds a serial killer in the mix. Margaret, who was there for her growing up, became her big sister and biggest supporter. Told through more than one POV and several settings allows a complete look into what Abigail is dealing with throughout her youth into adulthood. I enjoyed the mystery and examining the idea of past lives. Although I recognized the serial killer when introduced, I was still drawn into how that would play out. The use of crystals and psychics was a nice addition to the story as she seeks answers. Good blend of genres and authors. If you enjoy a mystery with an uncommon other-worldly twist, this is for you.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it ! It was such a unique and intriguing story. I was pleasantly surprised how quickly I was hooked into the story. All the characters were written with very unique traits and personalities and I had no problem keeping them all straight.

Trying to figure out all of the connections between Abigail and the other characters kept me interested to the end. I felt compassion towards Abigail and wanted her to find peace.

There were so many small details that were superbly written into the story - like the music box and its meaning. It was a beautiful touch.

I want to avoid spoilers - so will just say that I couldn't have wished for a better ending. It was written perfectly and wrapped up the story in a way that I found very satisfying. It was a bittersweet ending, but a beautiful balance of emotions and a reflection of the symmetry of life.

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars
*ARC provided by the author/publisher via Goodreads in exchange for an honest review*

I don't think I've ever read a book quite like this one. It was emotionally fulfilling. You get to experience all of your emotions with this one. You will laugh, you will cry, you will get upset even. Confusion and happiness all at the same time

[Lisa Wisner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read about reincarnation and how lives overlap.

[Mallorie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting and unique story that's a mix of historical and paranormal. There are so many different characters in this story and you get to see how they are all connected. The historical parts are what I thought made the story interesting, but at times it felt slow paced.

[Mari · Rating 5 out of 5]

A child is born and her mother dies the day of her birth. The mother warns the baby to beware of thirty-three and a half years. Fortunately, the father has help from the other owners of the duplex in raising her. Their daughter takes on the biggest chore of babysitting. Over the years they will grow extremely close as the authors develop the girl into strange mixture of knowing things about history that she has never studied. She doesn’t dare tell anyone about the tragic people that inhabit her world. Nothing is ever resolved until she is struck down in the streets by vehicular traffic and then the messages begin to come through clear. Will Abigail ever know peace of mind? Will her friend and early babysitter be there for her? The writers do an excellent job of building the character and careers of these two vastly different people. Then one of their researches into reincarnation dies the day that one delivers a baby. You have to wonder will this child suffer the same fate growing up?

[Gina Rae Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weathering Old Souls is the perfect blend of two storytelling styles. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish.

Abigail’s visions of past lives present a unique take on reincarnation. The possibilities were engrossing to imagine. She’s a very precocious child that is definitely an “old soul.”

Threads of different important events weave through the tale capturing vignettes of history in a unique setting.

Weathering Old Souls is an entertaining and thought provoking tale told by two masterful writers.

[Patricia Furstenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weathering Old Souls is a remarkable collaboration, where the combined styles of James J Cudney and Didi Oviatt fuse in a flawless manner.

I have perused numerous tales revolving around rebirth, but this one presents a distinct perspective with multiple spirits expressing themselves through Abigail. As she gradually discards her apprehensions and embarks on a quest for answers, the narrative becomes immersed in an enigmatic aura, flawlessly weaving together the tapestry of past stories.

This is an unparalleled and captivating narrative. I was pleasantly taken aback by how swiftly I became engrossed in the plot. Each character possessed a myriad of distinct qualities and personas, and I encountered no difficulties in distinguishing between them. I felt a profound empathy for Abigail and yearned for her to discover inner serenity.

Weathering Old Souls is an unparalleled and astutely crafted tale that I wholeheartedly relished. Its labyrinthine plot keeps readers on their toes, demanding unwavering attention. This is not a book one can casually breeze through. The denouement is intricate, and I found myself astounded by the seamless convergence of all the narrative threads, forming a complete and enthralling tapestry.

Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing world of Weathering Old Souls, a unique and intricately woven tale that will leave you captivated from start to finish. James and Didi's collaboration is a testament to their remarkable storytelling abilities, blending different perspectives into a cohesive narrative. Prepare to be enthralled by the twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the final pages. If you're seeking a thought-provoking and immersive reading experience, this book comes highly recommended.

[Nikki Sowell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway. I DNF at 25%. The book did not hold my attention.