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Where Two Streams Join
Traveling over the globe, through six decades, wending through tragedy, darkness, and devotion, two sisters confront and survive malice and love and the devastation both can cause.A story of resilience and sisterhood, following both the bright and dark moments in the life of a family. Manning Aker writes beautifully about natural wonders and what keeps people grounded, while never losing sight of the enchanted and mystical.
575 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 17, 2020
1 person is currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Manning Aker
2 books7 followersAlthough I've written all my life, I'm also an avid reader and history buff. I've traveled far and wide, I've been a designer, a decorator and a tour guide. I am happy to say I am doing what I love best.
I hope to have my new novel out soon. Follow me for snippets and teasers.
I hope to have my new novel out soon. Follow me for snippets and teasers.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 23, 2021
This is such a beautifully crafted novel. The never-a-dull-moment plot keeps things moving right along, but the vividly evoked places and marvelous details are worth lingering over -- as the story travels from Connecticut to New York, Florida, England, France, the Bahamas and northern California.
Most of all, the characters will live with you forever after -- the brave and beautiful sisters; the rest of their small, unique family; their warmly depicted friends and lovers; and even the horrible adversaries who cannot defeat them.
A wonderful debut!
Most of all, the characters will live with you forever after -- the brave and beautiful sisters; the rest of their small, unique family; their warmly depicted friends and lovers; and even the horrible adversaries who cannot defeat them.
A wonderful debut!
July 20, 2021
This novel, with its richly drawn characters and gripping plot lines, kept me enthralled from beginning to end. Kudos to Ms. Aker for painting such a fascinating portrait of two sisters whose story starts in a bucolic New England hamlet within easy commuting distance to Manhattan. Having grown up in a similar area, I found Ms. Aker’s descriptions spot-on. In a pitch-perfect tone, she sets the early scenes in the bubble of preppy, small-town Connecticut in the `70s, when life for adolescents could seem like one grand, joyful adventure, but also when the specter of faltering parents and unraveling families might easily darken the landscape.
As the story evolves, the author offers breathtaking plot twists and absorbing characters – from profoundly beloved to shockingly deplorable – spinning a version of life far removed from the early idyll. At different times and across varying backdrops, everything goes terribly wrong for the pretty sisters and their stunning, yet very imperfect mother. Ms. Aker grabs our full attention as she takes us on a wild ride through the main characters’ ever-changing circumstances, including long stretches of poverty or close to it, in vividly drawn settings from Manhattan to California, Europe and the Caribbean. Between the fascinating plot lines and people, I could not put down this novel that runs more than 500 pages. The author delivers a beautifully satisfying ending to a riveting journey.
As the story evolves, the author offers breathtaking plot twists and absorbing characters – from profoundly beloved to shockingly deplorable – spinning a version of life far removed from the early idyll. At different times and across varying backdrops, everything goes terribly wrong for the pretty sisters and their stunning, yet very imperfect mother. Ms. Aker grabs our full attention as she takes us on a wild ride through the main characters’ ever-changing circumstances, including long stretches of poverty or close to it, in vividly drawn settings from Manhattan to California, Europe and the Caribbean. Between the fascinating plot lines and people, I could not put down this novel that runs more than 500 pages. The author delivers a beautifully satisfying ending to a riveting journey.
February 28, 2022
Beautifully written story by Kimberly Manning Aker. I love her descriptive writing, she takes you on a journey that excites your imagination. There is passion, tragedy and survival. I was so inspired by the strength of the women down through the generations. I definitely recommend this book. It will keep your interest throughout.
January 16, 2022
What a page turner!
Ms Aker weaves a compelling story of two enchanted sisters, so close, yet so very different, with a secret language all their own. Eventually the sisters leave the safety of their home and the nearby woods, as their family experiences tragedies and joys that will shape them forever. Like the ancestors before them, and through sheer will, the main characters will face those fears, and come to a kind of triumph. There are lots of twists and turns and unexpected highs and lows. I really enjoyed Where Two Streams Join because the story is filled with interesting likeable characters (and a few real creeps!), beautiful descriptions, and the it focused on the importance of family; both those you chose and those you are born into. I could really identify with them and their choices. All in all a very enjoyable read. It's hard to fathom this is her first novel, I can't wait to read more!
Ms Aker weaves a compelling story of two enchanted sisters, so close, yet so very different, with a secret language all their own. Eventually the sisters leave the safety of their home and the nearby woods, as their family experiences tragedies and joys that will shape them forever. Like the ancestors before them, and through sheer will, the main characters will face those fears, and come to a kind of triumph. There are lots of twists and turns and unexpected highs and lows. I really enjoyed Where Two Streams Join because the story is filled with interesting likeable characters (and a few real creeps!), beautiful descriptions, and the it focused on the importance of family; both those you chose and those you are born into. I could really identify with them and their choices. All in all a very enjoyable read. It's hard to fathom this is her first novel, I can't wait to read more!
July 7, 2023
Where Two Streams Join by Author Kimberley Manning Aker is a beautifully written and emotive story of two sisters whose lives are drastically altered by a tragedy. The sisters who share a close bond and a seemingly happy childhood find themselves parted, and each sent down a path filled with darkness and devastation. A consequence of decisions and choices made by the naivety of youth.
The story’s narrative is well written however mostly descriptive in its delivery, certainly in the first part of the book, and so it did take me a little time to settle into the story. However it is apparent that the Author takes this time to build credibility by introducing the characters and scenes at a slower pace, and enable the reader to truly appreciate and understand the sisters personalities, the dynamics of their relationship with others, and in turn their actions & behaviour, as each confront their antagonists and fight for survival. The level of dialogue gradually increases as the two are introduced and interact with secondary characters who shape their fate and journey, and is believable and engaging. Overall the book is well edited, with little to distract or pull the reader out of the story.
I really enjoyed, Where Two Streams Join, and really connected with the characters, riding the rollercoaster of emotions with them. I therefore award a deserved 5 stars.
The story’s narrative is well written however mostly descriptive in its delivery, certainly in the first part of the book, and so it did take me a little time to settle into the story. However it is apparent that the Author takes this time to build credibility by introducing the characters and scenes at a slower pace, and enable the reader to truly appreciate and understand the sisters personalities, the dynamics of their relationship with others, and in turn their actions & behaviour, as each confront their antagonists and fight for survival. The level of dialogue gradually increases as the two are introduced and interact with secondary characters who shape their fate and journey, and is believable and engaging. Overall the book is well edited, with little to distract or pull the reader out of the story.
I really enjoyed, Where Two Streams Join, and really connected with the characters, riding the rollercoaster of emotions with them. I therefore award a deserved 5 stars.
July 10, 2022
I was riveted! I was immediately drawn in by the beautiful descriptive writing and action as I followed the story of family, culture and resilience! Manning Aker crafts a detailed and intricate story that is both relatable and mystical at the same time! Layered and nuanced, Where Two Streams Join is a page turner and a satisfying read! I can't wait to follow this author as she continues to draw readers into her story telling.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews