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The Women's Circle
Sydney, present day. Anna is released into the world after six years in prison. The entirety of her possessions stuffed into a single plastic bag. The trauma of her past, a much heavier burden to carry. Feeling hopeless, isolated and deeply lonely, Anna attends an alternative support group; The Women’s Circle. But when she touches an ancient crystal, Anna connects to a woman she has never met, in a past she doesn’t recognise.
In 1770, a brutal regime torments the English village of Quarrendon and is determined to keep its women apart. Young villager Aisleen desperately seeks a way to defy the rules, reunite with her sister, and live life on her own terms, without her husband’s permission. The stakes are high and terror of punishment inescapable, but doing nothing comes at an even steeper price...
While separated by generations, Anna finds herself drawn to the spine-chilling and courageous plight of Aisleen and Quarrendon’s women. Can their bond help her to face her past and embrace her second chance at life?
A heart-warming and inspirational portrayal of inner strength and vulnerability, The Women’s Circle shows us the true power of female friendship in all its forms.
In 1770, a brutal regime torments the English village of Quarrendon and is determined to keep its women apart. Young villager Aisleen desperately seeks a way to defy the rules, reunite with her sister, and live life on her own terms, without her husband’s permission. The stakes are high and terror of punishment inescapable, but doing nothing comes at an even steeper price...
While separated by generations, Anna finds herself drawn to the spine-chilling and courageous plight of Aisleen and Quarrendon’s women. Can their bond help her to face her past and embrace her second chance at life?
A heart-warming and inspirational portrayal of inner strength and vulnerability, The Women’s Circle shows us the true power of female friendship in all its forms.
304 pages, Paperback
Published July 7, 2021
1 person is currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Karyn Sepulveda
6 books26 followersKaryn Sepulveda comes from a background in theatre and teaching. She enjoys working on many creative projects, including a podcast Letters To Our Yesterday, in which she interviews extraordinary women about their life journey. Karyn lives in Sydney with her husband and two children. If she had to pick the perfect day it would include: the beach, great music, family and a good book.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 30, 2021
⭐️4 .5-5 Stars⭐️
A highly enjoyable and enchanting read! Ladies you need to check this out, The Women's Circle by Karyn Sepulveda was a captivating story of how female friendships can help you find determination, strength and power. It was also a story of healing with mystical elements.
Present Day Sydney - Anna de la Mercedes is released from Silverwater prison after having been sentenced to eight years at the age of eighteen for drug supply and selling, she has nothing but a small plastic bag of possessions. This is a fresh start for Anna, she’s been provided temporary accomodation at a boarding house and the support of Jeanette a social worker. Part of her parole conditions are fifty hours of an approved therapy. She meets Nina who runs a support group and when Anna touches an ancient crystal she mysteriously connects to a woman in a previous era in the English village of Quarrendon, where it’s the year 1770!
The Past - Aisleen is living in a village where the women are tormented by a violent regime, forced to marry and not interact with other women, the punishment to disobey is death or prison. Ailseen is determined to defy the regime and forms a secret group for women. Will she escape death?
The stories for both timelines are unique and seamlessly woven together. I couldn’t put this book down and flew through it! Well constructed characters and relationships and such a beautiful book cover. Recommended read!
Publication date 7 July 2021
Thank you Karyn Sepulveda for sending me an ARC of the book.
A highly enjoyable and enchanting read! Ladies you need to check this out, The Women's Circle by Karyn Sepulveda was a captivating story of how female friendships can help you find determination, strength and power. It was also a story of healing with mystical elements.
Present Day Sydney - Anna de la Mercedes is released from Silverwater prison after having been sentenced to eight years at the age of eighteen for drug supply and selling, she has nothing but a small plastic bag of possessions. This is a fresh start for Anna, she’s been provided temporary accomodation at a boarding house and the support of Jeanette a social worker. Part of her parole conditions are fifty hours of an approved therapy. She meets Nina who runs a support group and when Anna touches an ancient crystal she mysteriously connects to a woman in a previous era in the English village of Quarrendon, where it’s the year 1770!
The Past - Aisleen is living in a village where the women are tormented by a violent regime, forced to marry and not interact with other women, the punishment to disobey is death or prison. Ailseen is determined to defy the regime and forms a secret group for women. Will she escape death?
The stories for both timelines are unique and seamlessly woven together. I couldn’t put this book down and flew through it! Well constructed characters and relationships and such a beautiful book cover. Recommended read!
Publication date 7 July 2021
Thank you Karyn Sepulveda for sending me an ARC of the book.
July 15, 2021
I loved this story!
Nothing happens for nothing, It reminded me of the circle of life.
It had me thinking me on the concept of bringing unresolved past life “baggage” into current life experiences, and grappling with ways to change ingrained generational cycles or patterns of behavior.
It certainly gave me food for thought and reminded me of how fortunate I am because, we always have choices, we may not always like the choices presented, but the choice is always there…there really are no bad choices because it’s how you react to the results of your choices that sets you apart…and when you come out the other side… Did you grow? I think that is the question.
You never stop growing, even through bad experiences, and that I believe, is how you break those cycles and effect positive change…by growing in a different direction…by recognizing the signs when you have been thrown a rope and taking the leap.
This is not a big book and I don’t want to spoil any of it by saying too much here about the story.
If you like time travel stories then I think this will appeal, with it’s real-time setting being a very credible account of how one young girl can quickly go from top of the ladder to bottom rung so fast that her descent was almost dizzying.
It shows just how easily it could happen to any young woman… (or man for that matter)
And then we see how she manages to recover herself…or not.
Anna is the protagonist in this story and you will be supporting her all the way, hoping she makes the right choice every time she is presented with a choice.
This is a story about the inherent strength that resides in the hearts of women and how much stronger they are when they bond, especially in friendship…how important that bond is, and how necessary it is to their survival.
This author,Karyn Sepulveda, has been very thorough in her examination of these characters and their expression. The story is convincing in every aspect.
I’m looking forward to reading more from this author!
5⭐️s from me.
Nothing happens for nothing, It reminded me of the circle of life.
It had me thinking me on the concept of bringing unresolved past life “baggage” into current life experiences, and grappling with ways to change ingrained generational cycles or patterns of behavior.
It certainly gave me food for thought and reminded me of how fortunate I am because, we always have choices, we may not always like the choices presented, but the choice is always there…there really are no bad choices because it’s how you react to the results of your choices that sets you apart…and when you come out the other side… Did you grow? I think that is the question.
You never stop growing, even through bad experiences, and that I believe, is how you break those cycles and effect positive change…by growing in a different direction…by recognizing the signs when you have been thrown a rope and taking the leap.
This is not a big book and I don’t want to spoil any of it by saying too much here about the story.
If you like time travel stories then I think this will appeal, with it’s real-time setting being a very credible account of how one young girl can quickly go from top of the ladder to bottom rung so fast that her descent was almost dizzying.
It shows just how easily it could happen to any young woman… (or man for that matter)
And then we see how she manages to recover herself…or not.
Anna is the protagonist in this story and you will be supporting her all the way, hoping she makes the right choice every time she is presented with a choice.
This is a story about the inherent strength that resides in the hearts of women and how much stronger they are when they bond, especially in friendship…how important that bond is, and how necessary it is to their survival.
This author,Karyn Sepulveda, has been very thorough in her examination of these characters and their expression. The story is convincing in every aspect.
I’m looking forward to reading more from this author!
5⭐️s from me.
November 21, 2021
*www.onewomansbbr.wordpress.com
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
The Women's Circle by Karyn Sepulveda. (2021).
Sydney, present day. Anna has just left prison after 6 years with her traumatic past a heavy burden. Feeling hopeless, isolated and lonely, she attends an alternative support group: The Women's Circle. But when she touches an ancient crystal, Anna connects to a woman she has never met in a past she doesn't recognise. In 1770, a brutal regime torments the English village of Quarrendon and keeps the women apart. Aisleen seeks to defy the rule, reunite with her sister, live life on her own terms. While separated by generations, Anna is drawn to the Anna's plight. Can their bond help her face her past and embrace her second chance at life?
I really enjoyed this book that combines a modern, contemporary timeline and a historical timeline. Anna has been thrust back into life after spending time in prison, and I found her struggle to stay away from drugs and get her life on track realistic. Aisleen's circumstances in 1770 was absolutely horrifying to imagine: women not allowed any contact whatsoever with each other. I thought the concept of the crystal connecting Anna and Aisleen was really cool, as was the descriptions of the Women's Circle; it sounded like a lovely non-judgemental comfort zone. I appreciated the overall tone and message of the novel, which I interpreted as showing the immense strength women can have when supporting one another. I would happily recommend.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
The Women's Circle by Karyn Sepulveda. (2021).
Sydney, present day. Anna has just left prison after 6 years with her traumatic past a heavy burden. Feeling hopeless, isolated and lonely, she attends an alternative support group: The Women's Circle. But when she touches an ancient crystal, Anna connects to a woman she has never met in a past she doesn't recognise. In 1770, a brutal regime torments the English village of Quarrendon and keeps the women apart. Aisleen seeks to defy the rule, reunite with her sister, live life on her own terms. While separated by generations, Anna is drawn to the Anna's plight. Can their bond help her face her past and embrace her second chance at life?
I really enjoyed this book that combines a modern, contemporary timeline and a historical timeline. Anna has been thrust back into life after spending time in prison, and I found her struggle to stay away from drugs and get her life on track realistic. Aisleen's circumstances in 1770 was absolutely horrifying to imagine: women not allowed any contact whatsoever with each other. I thought the concept of the crystal connecting Anna and Aisleen was really cool, as was the descriptions of the Women's Circle; it sounded like a lovely non-judgemental comfort zone. I appreciated the overall tone and message of the novel, which I interpreted as showing the immense strength women can have when supporting one another. I would happily recommend.
July 30, 2021
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
‘Even being here, at the Women’s Circle, was some kind of help.’
A story of the healing power of female friendships and support networks, The Women’s Circle is the latest novel from Australian author Karyn Sepulveda. Crossing Sydney in the present day, with England in 1770, this past to current day narrative traverses unique territory. The Women’s Circle is a rare and unexampled novel, that I greatly appreciated.
The Women’s Circle by Karyn Sepulveda follows the shared lives of a woman in present day Sydney and a historical female figure in the 1700s. Both are powerful stories that will resonate with you long after the final page has been turned. We meet Anna, who has recently been released from prison, after serving time for drug related offences. With little by way of support or possessions, Anna must try and re-enter society. However, the pain of the past seems to serve as a huge roadblock for Anna. With overwhelming feelings of loneliness, disconnection, isolation and pessimism, the future looks bleak for Anna. But a support group named The Women’s Circle proves to be a blessing in disguise for Anna. Anna’s outlook is changed when she comes into contact with an old crystal. This out of body experience takes Anna to a different time, allowing her to connect with the experiences of an unknown woman in the past. The Women’s Circle then travels to a harsh time in our history books, England in the 1700s. This narrative line exposes the injustices against women and their freedom. Highlighting the direct experiences of one particular female figure of this time, the reader learns of the tight rules imposed on women during this period. To break free is a high risk to take, as we learn through Aisleen’s incredible journey. Despite the place and time divide, a link forms between Anna and Aisleen, helping Anna to re-engage with society. The Women’s Circle is powerful testament to life, second chances and connections.
The first thing I noticed about The Women’s Circle was the glorious cover, I was immediately taken in by the aesthetic beauty of Karyn Sepulveda’s book. Once I delved beyond the exquisite front cover, I encountered a wonderful dual narrative title that offers a profound look at a range of important issues at the heart of life.
What I immediately found really interesting about The Women’s Circle were the two vastly different narratives that underscore Karyn Sepulveda’s new release. I was very curious about how it would be possible to link the experiences of a modern-day woman in Sydney to a woman living in a village in England in the 1700s. It turns out a connection can be made and a good one at that. I found this whole story to be very original. It is great to see books like The Women’s Circle released into the literary world, Sepulveda’s book is like a breath of fresh air. I admired the risks Sepulveda was able to take in layering two diverse experiences together in a conjoined effort. The result is a work of fiction that is remarkable, unique and considered.
The present-day figure of Anna living in modern day Australian society is captured very well by Sepulveda. I soon became aware of Anna’s issues, hang-ups, obstacles, vulnerabilities and regrets. I’m glad Sepulveda cast a flawed lead. I valued the chance to follow Anna’s hard quest to re-enter society, it was a tough one. I think Sepulveda does an excellent job in highlighting some important issues in this area in regards to drug use, unhealthy relationships, the law, the prison system, rehabilitation and support networks. The Women’s Circle also offers a great commentary on our current times and societal impressions, especially in regards to drug use and incarceration. The whole women’s circle initiative was fabulous to learn about and I enjoyed opening myself up to this network.
The Women’s Circle is also concerned about the historical experiences of women who have been silenced and oppressed in times past. The 1770 based storyline opens up an enlightening conversation about entitlements, freedom, choice, risk and connections for females living in this era. I can’t recall having read many books set in England during the 1700s time period, so The Women’s Circle offered a great opportunity for me to connect with this era. I actually would have loved some more air time in this narrative, it just gave me a taster of sorts. However, I will praise Sepulveda for her efforts in immersing the reader in this powerful time.
With a small nod towards the mystical, The Women’s Circle is a meditative read that I provided me with a newfound sense of understanding for women’s support network. High credit to Karyn Sepulveda for a thoughtful read.
*I wish to thank Ventura Press for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Women’s Circle, is book #71 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
‘Even being here, at the Women’s Circle, was some kind of help.’
A story of the healing power of female friendships and support networks, The Women’s Circle is the latest novel from Australian author Karyn Sepulveda. Crossing Sydney in the present day, with England in 1770, this past to current day narrative traverses unique territory. The Women’s Circle is a rare and unexampled novel, that I greatly appreciated.
The Women’s Circle by Karyn Sepulveda follows the shared lives of a woman in present day Sydney and a historical female figure in the 1700s. Both are powerful stories that will resonate with you long after the final page has been turned. We meet Anna, who has recently been released from prison, after serving time for drug related offences. With little by way of support or possessions, Anna must try and re-enter society. However, the pain of the past seems to serve as a huge roadblock for Anna. With overwhelming feelings of loneliness, disconnection, isolation and pessimism, the future looks bleak for Anna. But a support group named The Women’s Circle proves to be a blessing in disguise for Anna. Anna’s outlook is changed when she comes into contact with an old crystal. This out of body experience takes Anna to a different time, allowing her to connect with the experiences of an unknown woman in the past. The Women’s Circle then travels to a harsh time in our history books, England in the 1700s. This narrative line exposes the injustices against women and their freedom. Highlighting the direct experiences of one particular female figure of this time, the reader learns of the tight rules imposed on women during this period. To break free is a high risk to take, as we learn through Aisleen’s incredible journey. Despite the place and time divide, a link forms between Anna and Aisleen, helping Anna to re-engage with society. The Women’s Circle is powerful testament to life, second chances and connections.
The first thing I noticed about The Women’s Circle was the glorious cover, I was immediately taken in by the aesthetic beauty of Karyn Sepulveda’s book. Once I delved beyond the exquisite front cover, I encountered a wonderful dual narrative title that offers a profound look at a range of important issues at the heart of life.
What I immediately found really interesting about The Women’s Circle were the two vastly different narratives that underscore Karyn Sepulveda’s new release. I was very curious about how it would be possible to link the experiences of a modern-day woman in Sydney to a woman living in a village in England in the 1700s. It turns out a connection can be made and a good one at that. I found this whole story to be very original. It is great to see books like The Women’s Circle released into the literary world, Sepulveda’s book is like a breath of fresh air. I admired the risks Sepulveda was able to take in layering two diverse experiences together in a conjoined effort. The result is a work of fiction that is remarkable, unique and considered.
The present-day figure of Anna living in modern day Australian society is captured very well by Sepulveda. I soon became aware of Anna’s issues, hang-ups, obstacles, vulnerabilities and regrets. I’m glad Sepulveda cast a flawed lead. I valued the chance to follow Anna’s hard quest to re-enter society, it was a tough one. I think Sepulveda does an excellent job in highlighting some important issues in this area in regards to drug use, unhealthy relationships, the law, the prison system, rehabilitation and support networks. The Women’s Circle also offers a great commentary on our current times and societal impressions, especially in regards to drug use and incarceration. The whole women’s circle initiative was fabulous to learn about and I enjoyed opening myself up to this network.
The Women’s Circle is also concerned about the historical experiences of women who have been silenced and oppressed in times past. The 1770 based storyline opens up an enlightening conversation about entitlements, freedom, choice, risk and connections for females living in this era. I can’t recall having read many books set in England during the 1700s time period, so The Women’s Circle offered a great opportunity for me to connect with this era. I actually would have loved some more air time in this narrative, it just gave me a taster of sorts. However, I will praise Sepulveda for her efforts in immersing the reader in this powerful time.
With a small nod towards the mystical, The Women’s Circle is a meditative read that I provided me with a newfound sense of understanding for women’s support network. High credit to Karyn Sepulveda for a thoughtful read.
*I wish to thank Ventura Press for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Women’s Circle, is book #71 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
July 22, 2021
There is a lot to admire about Karyn Sepulveda’s latest release, The Women’s Circle, not least of all the fact that the main character is newly released from prison after serving a sentence for drug related crime. And she’s a recovering ice addict. Not your usual character profile but it immediately drew me in. Because not many novels take the reader on a journey like this, from the moment of exiting prison with a small plastic bag of basics, fear of the society that has moved on without you over the years of your imprisonment, the shadow of your addiction still flickering within you, and no support network whatsoever. There are many stereotypes that exist pertaining to drug addicts and people who have been in prison. Karyn does a carefully considered job within this novel of unpicking those stereotypes and offering us, as readers, the opportunity to challenge our own perceptions.
This novel rests heavily on the theme of female support networks, leaning in and accepting that other people are there for you, they want to be there for you, and they want you to let them support you. The female relationships within this novel go beyond friendship though, they are true support structures and the connections made were done so in a variety of ways, which just goes to show, you never know who is out there ready to lend you a hand when you need it most. Taking this back to Anna, our main character, who was very resistant at first to trusting and relying on people, you see how isolating being released from prison can be, how difficult the adjustment back into society is when you are also battling a history of substance abuse and/or toxic relationships.
There is an historical storyline woven into the narrative that focuses on a village in England in the 1770s that has become isolated from the rest of England and taken over by a brutal patriarchal regime. This storyline was really interesting and I actually would have loved for this to have been given more airtime, particularly as the foundations for this historical story were well developed. I was certainly left pining for more with unanswered questions by the end of this part. The manner in which the two storylines/timelines were connected wanders into the terrain of speculative fiction but its uniqueness sat well within the thematic structure of the novel.
All in all, The Women’s Circle is a moving and thoughtful novel that has wide appeal. Karyn Sepulveda is assuredly asserting herself as a valued presence within the Australian literary scene. Recommended reading.
Thanks to the author for providing me with a review copy.
This novel rests heavily on the theme of female support networks, leaning in and accepting that other people are there for you, they want to be there for you, and they want you to let them support you. The female relationships within this novel go beyond friendship though, they are true support structures and the connections made were done so in a variety of ways, which just goes to show, you never know who is out there ready to lend you a hand when you need it most. Taking this back to Anna, our main character, who was very resistant at first to trusting and relying on people, you see how isolating being released from prison can be, how difficult the adjustment back into society is when you are also battling a history of substance abuse and/or toxic relationships.
There is an historical storyline woven into the narrative that focuses on a village in England in the 1770s that has become isolated from the rest of England and taken over by a brutal patriarchal regime. This storyline was really interesting and I actually would have loved for this to have been given more airtime, particularly as the foundations for this historical story were well developed. I was certainly left pining for more with unanswered questions by the end of this part. The manner in which the two storylines/timelines were connected wanders into the terrain of speculative fiction but its uniqueness sat well within the thematic structure of the novel.
All in all, The Women’s Circle is a moving and thoughtful novel that has wide appeal. Karyn Sepulveda is assuredly asserting herself as a valued presence within the Australian literary scene. Recommended reading.
Thanks to the author for providing me with a review copy.
June 25, 2021
This is a deeply warm, beautiful and enchanting novel. It's about the power of women, female friendships and overcoming adversity. The main characters are richly drawn and raw and real and the dual timelines complement each other perfectly. It made for a rewarding reading experience to dip between the two timelines with such diverse characters but ones intrinsically linked. There's a little sprinkling of magic scattered throughout the book that adds to this wonderful and unique story.
July 23, 2022
23 July 2022 - YouTube Review
https://youtu.be/oPBRpgh6z38
Anna is 30, and has just come out of prison and starting over... she has been sent to a boarding house for 6 months, Jeanette her happy go lucky social worker also helps support Anna. Anna has a job at McDonalds, and everything goes reasonably well. Just one thing Anna craves, but still feels unsure of .... belonging.
The belonging of what? maybe The Womens Circle, Anna's choice of a therapy group who may have the answers to questions that don't come easy to her. Anna touches the quartz crystal and finds herself in another time and then ....
....we are in Buckinghamshire, England, 1770, not Anna, but a different girl named Aisleen. A brutal regime torments the village and determines to keep the women apart, although Aisleen has other ideas and dangerously sets up secret weekly meetings. Aisleen is desperate to find ways to reunite with her sister and live life on her own terms, without her husband’s permission. The stakes are high and terror of punishment inescapable, but doing nothing comes at an even steeper price.
.. .. ..
I want to thank Karyn Sepulveda, the author, for gifting a beautiful quartz crystal to me along with the ARC of her book.
.
This is an extremely interesting story, but a trigger warning has to be pinned to this review, it covers drug abuse/drug addiction. We not only get to know Anna the present, and how she adjusts to civil life, but within the story their are flashbacks of how she became a drug addict, with childhood and family history and how she got to where she is now.
A seperate story is weaved into this story as we meet Aisleen in 1770, which I found facinating and I would like to believe plausible back in that era (thinking back to Outlander). Those men, so called "Enforcers" were so ruthless and I ending up saying out loud how much I hated them like leaches, low lifes of men that you could get! Yes!! This was exciting! This is what I needed, a good talking to with a book!!
The author pulls you in so quickly the writing style very memorizing, totally hypnotic, prose that targets a very delicate issue. I highly praise this author for her delivery and approach and respect through writing such an important subject. It's a five star review from me and comes highly recommended to anyone interested in Contemporary Fiction, Past to Present books.
https://youtu.be/oPBRpgh6z38
Anna is 30, and has just come out of prison and starting over... she has been sent to a boarding house for 6 months, Jeanette her happy go lucky social worker also helps support Anna. Anna has a job at McDonalds, and everything goes reasonably well. Just one thing Anna craves, but still feels unsure of .... belonging.
The belonging of what? maybe The Womens Circle, Anna's choice of a therapy group who may have the answers to questions that don't come easy to her. Anna touches the quartz crystal and finds herself in another time and then ....
....we are in Buckinghamshire, England, 1770, not Anna, but a different girl named Aisleen. A brutal regime torments the village and determines to keep the women apart, although Aisleen has other ideas and dangerously sets up secret weekly meetings. Aisleen is desperate to find ways to reunite with her sister and live life on her own terms, without her husband’s permission. The stakes are high and terror of punishment inescapable, but doing nothing comes at an even steeper price.
.. .. ..
I want to thank Karyn Sepulveda, the author, for gifting a beautiful quartz crystal to me along with the ARC of her book.
.
This is an extremely interesting story, but a trigger warning has to be pinned to this review, it covers drug abuse/drug addiction. We not only get to know Anna the present, and how she adjusts to civil life, but within the story their are flashbacks of how she became a drug addict, with childhood and family history and how she got to where she is now.
A seperate story is weaved into this story as we meet Aisleen in 1770, which I found facinating and I would like to believe plausible back in that era (thinking back to Outlander). Those men, so called "Enforcers" were so ruthless and I ending up saying out loud how much I hated them like leaches, low lifes of men that you could get! Yes!! This was exciting! This is what I needed, a good talking to with a book!!
The author pulls you in so quickly the writing style very memorizing, totally hypnotic, prose that targets a very delicate issue. I highly praise this author for her delivery and approach and respect through writing such an important subject. It's a five star review from me and comes highly recommended to anyone interested in Contemporary Fiction, Past to Present books.
June 18, 2021
ARC received from Ventura Press/Karyn Sepulveda for an honest review
A beautiful story of women, separated by centuries, overcoming adversity and paving a way for themselves and those who follow.
Ms Sepulveda has woven a wonderful, inspiring story of female friendships, and of how when we band together instead of tearing each other down, we can do inexplicably linked, and you can't help but be a cheerleader for them both.
I feel that Aisleen's descendants could have been big movers and shakers in the Suffragette movement over a century later.
I was swept away in Anna and Aisleen's courageous stories, and once I picked up this book to start, I didn't want to put it down (darn that work thingy getting in the way of reading!)
Ms Sepulveda brings us strong, brave women who don't give up, and I can't wait to see what she brings us in the future.
a>
A beautiful story of women, separated by centuries, overcoming adversity and paving a way for themselves and those who follow.
Ms Sepulveda has woven a wonderful, inspiring story of female friendships, and of how when we band together instead of tearing each other down, we can do inexplicably linked, and you can't help but be a cheerleader for them both.
I feel that Aisleen's descendants could have been big movers and shakers in the Suffragette movement over a century later.
I was swept away in Anna and Aisleen's courageous stories, and once I picked up this book to start, I didn't want to put it down (darn that work thingy getting in the way of reading!)
Ms Sepulveda brings us strong, brave women who don't give up, and I can't wait to see what she brings us in the future.
a>
July 15, 2021
So delighted to endorse this book. What a fascinating story! Took me to experiences, countries and worlds I'd never experienced before... Highly recommend for a fresh, engaging read.
August 9, 2021
‘If Anna tried hard enough, she could imagine she was somewhere else.’
Sydney, Australia. After six years in prison for drug-related crime, Anna is released. While her possessions fit into a single plastic bag, her past weighs heavily. Anna moves into temporary accommodation feeling isolated and lonely, suspicious of anyone who offers help. While Anna would prefer to remain detached, she is required to attend a form of therapy as part of her release. While this is an obligation Anna would prefer to avoid, she connects with The Women’s Circle, an alternative support group.
Anna is fighting the demons of addiction as well as trying to find a new place in the world. She is certain that she has burned all her good connections with the past and is ashamed of her behaviour as an addict. And yet, escape is an ever-present temptation.
In The Women’s Circle, Anna finds the beginnings of acceptance. A crystal holds her attention, and touching it connects her with a woman, a stranger, in the past.
In 1770, a brutally misogynistic regime in the English village of Quarrendon imposes harsh rules on the women living there, keeping them apart from each other. Aisleen, a young married woman, looks for ways to defy these rules. Aisleen wants to see her sister and to speak with other women (both activities denied by the regime).
Anna’s knowledge of Aisleen’s struggles provides her with an additional motivation, but establishing a new life is challenging. Anna needs to believe in herself, to lower some of her defensive barriers and to learn who (and how) to trust. Can she?
I finished the novel admiring both the strength of the women’s network portrayed and the complexity of Anna’s character. Ms Sepulveda made me think about the support offered to people newly released from prison and about the assumptions we make and stereotypes we accept. And Aisleen’s story reminded me that freedom takes many forms.
Highly recommended.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Sydney, Australia. After six years in prison for drug-related crime, Anna is released. While her possessions fit into a single plastic bag, her past weighs heavily. Anna moves into temporary accommodation feeling isolated and lonely, suspicious of anyone who offers help. While Anna would prefer to remain detached, she is required to attend a form of therapy as part of her release. While this is an obligation Anna would prefer to avoid, she connects with The Women’s Circle, an alternative support group.
Anna is fighting the demons of addiction as well as trying to find a new place in the world. She is certain that she has burned all her good connections with the past and is ashamed of her behaviour as an addict. And yet, escape is an ever-present temptation.
In The Women’s Circle, Anna finds the beginnings of acceptance. A crystal holds her attention, and touching it connects her with a woman, a stranger, in the past.
In 1770, a brutally misogynistic regime in the English village of Quarrendon imposes harsh rules on the women living there, keeping them apart from each other. Aisleen, a young married woman, looks for ways to defy these rules. Aisleen wants to see her sister and to speak with other women (both activities denied by the regime).
Anna’s knowledge of Aisleen’s struggles provides her with an additional motivation, but establishing a new life is challenging. Anna needs to believe in herself, to lower some of her defensive barriers and to learn who (and how) to trust. Can she?
I finished the novel admiring both the strength of the women’s network portrayed and the complexity of Anna’s character. Ms Sepulveda made me think about the support offered to people newly released from prison and about the assumptions we make and stereotypes we accept. And Aisleen’s story reminded me that freedom takes many forms.
Highly recommended.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
July 8, 2021
I could have devoured it; it’s such a warm, beautiful kind read I stretched it right out 💕 I loved it x it’s all about second chances, connection and empathy ‘you did some really shit things..but you a good person…’ I loved and was so proud of the Anna we got to know. I want more! This is just such a wonderful and unique novel, I haven’t read anything like it
July 15, 2021
This book arrived beautifully wrapped with a little personal note and a rose quartz crystal attached, which I thought was such a fun touch, such a great connection to the story.
Anna has just been released from prison after a six year sentence. She has a social worker who has found her a place to stay in a boarding house and has provided meals and clothing vouchers for her. Anna has to get a job, save for her own place and undertake some therapy as part of her parole. Her social worker believes in her but Anna has a lot of anger and bitterness inside of her and every day is a struggle against the addiction that sent her on the path that led to jail.
This book is told in several different time periods – there’s the present, where Anna is learning to live life outside of jail again and then, after she attends an alternative therapy group and touches a mysterious crystal, Anna finds herself able to see a woman’s life in England in 1770. There’s also flashes back into Anna’s past, which help show how perhaps, her life went the way it did.
I found myself really liking Anna as a character – she’s tough, but has flashes of vulnerability. She left her home in South America and moved to Australia, after the death of the two women who had taken care of her her whole life. There in Australia, she met Jake and was drawn into his web of drugs. When Anna is released from jail, she has to rebuild the life she came here to make, getting a job and learning to save money and most importantly, resist the temptation to return to using. She is living in a boarding house with other women who have also spent time in prison and part of that is learning to get along with people who are difficult or that you might not like. At times, Anna is not always successful in this!
The glimpses she gets into 1770 showcase a small, cut off village where the women have been completely cowed by a group of men, who exert control over everyone, even executing those that do not comply with their rules. Women are not to speak to anyone, especially other women and are to be accompanied by their husbands. The powers that be decide who the women marry and when and the husbands are also punished if their wives misbehave. The woman Anna is able to connect with is Aisleen, who was separated from her mother and sister and married off. Her husband is kind and desperately wants her to abide by the rules so as to avoid any punishments but that’s not in Aisleen’s nature. She wants to be reunited with her mother and sister and she knows that if the women come together, if they show their strength in numbers, they might be able to rise up against the tyranny of the few and restore their freedoms.
I found this time period fascinating – and also, deeply frustrating and hard to read, because it was too easy to put myself in the position of the women and wonder what life would be like cut off from your family, pretty much every freedom stripped from you, beholden not just to your husband but also a group of men who had decided that they were in charge and could dominate every aspect of society. Aisleen got the spark of an idea, nurtured it and then implemented it, her desire to try and change things outweighing any fear of the repercussions. I felt like Anna had something to learn from Aisleen, even though their lives were very different.
I also really appreciated the way Anna’s struggle was showcased – both with fitting in back in society, in terms of getting a job, living with other people and also, avoiding or trying to avoid, the lure of drugs. Addiction is something that I feel a lot of people (including myself) don’t really understand on a deep level and Anna’s constant day to day resistance was something that I felt came through very clearly. I really liked her burgeoning friendship with Brayden and his earnest overtures and ability to overlook her past. But mostly I liked the way Anna found support and also, her own inner strength to change her life, to grasp a new opportunity and make a future.
***A copy of this book was provided by the publisher/author for the purpose of an honest review***
Anna has just been released from prison after a six year sentence. She has a social worker who has found her a place to stay in a boarding house and has provided meals and clothing vouchers for her. Anna has to get a job, save for her own place and undertake some therapy as part of her parole. Her social worker believes in her but Anna has a lot of anger and bitterness inside of her and every day is a struggle against the addiction that sent her on the path that led to jail.
This book is told in several different time periods – there’s the present, where Anna is learning to live life outside of jail again and then, after she attends an alternative therapy group and touches a mysterious crystal, Anna finds herself able to see a woman’s life in England in 1770. There’s also flashes back into Anna’s past, which help show how perhaps, her life went the way it did.
I found myself really liking Anna as a character – she’s tough, but has flashes of vulnerability. She left her home in South America and moved to Australia, after the death of the two women who had taken care of her her whole life. There in Australia, she met Jake and was drawn into his web of drugs. When Anna is released from jail, she has to rebuild the life she came here to make, getting a job and learning to save money and most importantly, resist the temptation to return to using. She is living in a boarding house with other women who have also spent time in prison and part of that is learning to get along with people who are difficult or that you might not like. At times, Anna is not always successful in this!
The glimpses she gets into 1770 showcase a small, cut off village where the women have been completely cowed by a group of men, who exert control over everyone, even executing those that do not comply with their rules. Women are not to speak to anyone, especially other women and are to be accompanied by their husbands. The powers that be decide who the women marry and when and the husbands are also punished if their wives misbehave. The woman Anna is able to connect with is Aisleen, who was separated from her mother and sister and married off. Her husband is kind and desperately wants her to abide by the rules so as to avoid any punishments but that’s not in Aisleen’s nature. She wants to be reunited with her mother and sister and she knows that if the women come together, if they show their strength in numbers, they might be able to rise up against the tyranny of the few and restore their freedoms.
I found this time period fascinating – and also, deeply frustrating and hard to read, because it was too easy to put myself in the position of the women and wonder what life would be like cut off from your family, pretty much every freedom stripped from you, beholden not just to your husband but also a group of men who had decided that they were in charge and could dominate every aspect of society. Aisleen got the spark of an idea, nurtured it and then implemented it, her desire to try and change things outweighing any fear of the repercussions. I felt like Anna had something to learn from Aisleen, even though their lives were very different.
I also really appreciated the way Anna’s struggle was showcased – both with fitting in back in society, in terms of getting a job, living with other people and also, avoiding or trying to avoid, the lure of drugs. Addiction is something that I feel a lot of people (including myself) don’t really understand on a deep level and Anna’s constant day to day resistance was something that I felt came through very clearly. I really liked her burgeoning friendship with Brayden and his earnest overtures and ability to overlook her past. But mostly I liked the way Anna found support and also, her own inner strength to change her life, to grasp a new opportunity and make a future.
***A copy of this book was provided by the publisher/author for the purpose of an honest review***
August 14, 2021
The Women’s Circle by Karyn Sepulveda
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
When I read the premise of The Women’s Circle by Karyn Sepulveda — dual timelines, one present day Sydney, the other an English village in 1770, I was intrigued. How could such a feat be accomplished when the only connection is a mystical ancient rose quartz crystal?
Sepulveda has skilfully woven the stories of two unrelated female protagonists into one very spellbinding story…
Anna is fresh from six years in prison when we meet her. She’s tough, angry and defensive, believing she’s ruined her life with little hope of redemption. She’s a recovering drug addict and her addiction proves an ongoing struggle throughout the story.
Anna is introduced to Nina and a support group called The Women’s Circle, where she forms rewarding new friendships. She’s also given access to an ancient crystal that inexplicably allows her glimpses into a world that’s unfamiliar and in stark contrast to her own.
Meanwhile, in the barbaric male-dominated village of Quarrendon, England 1770, a strong-willed and resilient Aisleen is intent on flouting the rules of the town’s self-appointed hierarchy of men calling themselves The Enforcers. These cruel, cowardly men have forbidden women from interacting with each other. But Aisleen pines desperately for her sister and mother, and after stumbling upon an ancient crystal in the woods, she finds an inner strength to stand up for the rights of the town’s women.
Sepulveda has created two convincing characters with Anna and Aisleen. Despite their polar opposite lives, I loved how their worlds intertwined seamlessly, with both women fighting for equality, freedom and a second chance at life.
While I enjoyed both timelines, I was particularly captivated by Aisleen’s world, and would’ve loved to spend more time with her fascinating character.
The Women’s Circle is an intimate, raw and emotional journey. It’s a story that beautifully captures the essence of female friendships and the need for women to stand united in a world where we continue to fight for true equality.
June 27, 2021
The fact I finished this book in a little over 24 hours says it all. This beautiful story surprised me so completely, my only complaint is that it wasn’t longer.
It follows the story of Chilean woman Anna de la Mercedes who arrives in Sydney at the age of 18 ready to build a new life after the deaths of her mother and grandmother. And for a few years she creates a promising start in inner city Sydney. Until she meets Jake, who introduces her to ice. We pick up Anna’s story as she is released from six years in Silverwater prison making the first tentative steps to a clean life on the outside. As part of her parole obligations to complete 50hrs of therapy, Anna starts attending a woman’s circle and when she touches a centuries-old rose quartz, connects with a woman living in an English village in 1770 where a brutal council has taken over, forbidding women to meet or even talk to each other.
This book was an unexpected joy for me because, unlike other dual timelines, it mostly focuses on the modern day story, which for me was the much stronger one. I absolutely loved Anna and all her sometimes-frustrating vulnerabilities mixed with honest strength. The cast of supporting characters were layered and believable adding strength to the main plot. It may have been interesting to perhaps learn a little more about the 1770 world Sepulveda created.
But all in all, I loved this raw and honest book about drug addiction, human frailty and the strength in female friendships to lift us up.
It follows the story of Chilean woman Anna de la Mercedes who arrives in Sydney at the age of 18 ready to build a new life after the deaths of her mother and grandmother. And for a few years she creates a promising start in inner city Sydney. Until she meets Jake, who introduces her to ice. We pick up Anna’s story as she is released from six years in Silverwater prison making the first tentative steps to a clean life on the outside. As part of her parole obligations to complete 50hrs of therapy, Anna starts attending a woman’s circle and when she touches a centuries-old rose quartz, connects with a woman living in an English village in 1770 where a brutal council has taken over, forbidding women to meet or even talk to each other.
This book was an unexpected joy for me because, unlike other dual timelines, it mostly focuses on the modern day story, which for me was the much stronger one. I absolutely loved Anna and all her sometimes-frustrating vulnerabilities mixed with honest strength. The cast of supporting characters were layered and believable adding strength to the main plot. It may have been interesting to perhaps learn a little more about the 1770 world Sepulveda created.
But all in all, I loved this raw and honest book about drug addiction, human frailty and the strength in female friendships to lift us up.
July 15, 2021
Anna is released from prison after served six years from selling drugs. She is now about to start fresh and placed in the boarding house with three other ladies. As part of her parole, she then join The Women's Circle, a support group lead by Nina, where hopefully she can strengthen her hope and overcome her loneliness. At the Women's Circle group, she touches an ancient crystal which connects her to past life in 1770 where Aisleen fought for women's freedom in Quarrendon.
It's dual timeline of present time and back in 1770; a beautiful story about female friendships and embracing second chance to pursue a better life.
🚩Definitely a #mustread for all women🚩
Thank you @karyn_sep for sending me ARC of this book. Here I go searching for her previous book Letters to My Yesterday.
It's dual timeline of present time and back in 1770; a beautiful story about female friendships and embracing second chance to pursue a better life.
🚩Definitely a #mustread for all women🚩
Thank you @karyn_sep for sending me ARC of this book. Here I go searching for her previous book Letters to My Yesterday.
July 16, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Two separate stories of woman who faced their own hardships and adversity. Karyn found a beautiful way to connect them whilst seamlessly flowing between the time periods. The book explored some heavy topics, the power of friendship and family. Absolutely loved it!
January 23, 2022
Loved this book. Found it intriguing and had to keep reading to see how it turned out
Sydney, present day. Anna is released into the world after six years in prison. The entirety of her possessions stuffed into a single plastic bag. The trauma of her past, a much heavier burden to carry. Feeling hopeless, isolated and deeply lonely, Anna attends an alternative support group; The Women’s Circle. But when she touches an ancient crystal, Anna connects to a woman she has never met, in a past she doesn’t recognise.
In 1770, a brutal regime torments the English village of Quarrendon and is determined to keep its women apart. Young villager Aisleen desperately seeks a way to defy the rules, reunite with her sister, and live life on her own terms, without her husband’s permission. The stakes are high and terror of punishment inescapable, but doing nothing comes at an even steeper price...
While separated by generations, Anna finds herself drawn to the spine-chilling and courageous plight of Aisleen and Quarrendon’s women. Can their bond help her to face her past and embrace her second chance at life?
A heart-warming and inspirational portrayal of inner strength and vulnerability, The Women’s Circle shows us the true power of female friendship in all its forms. (
Sydney, present day. Anna is released into the world after six years in prison. The entirety of her possessions stuffed into a single plastic bag. The trauma of her past, a much heavier burden to carry. Feeling hopeless, isolated and deeply lonely, Anna attends an alternative support group; The Women’s Circle. But when she touches an ancient crystal, Anna connects to a woman she has never met, in a past she doesn’t recognise.
In 1770, a brutal regime torments the English village of Quarrendon and is determined to keep its women apart. Young villager Aisleen desperately seeks a way to defy the rules, reunite with her sister, and live life on her own terms, without her husband’s permission. The stakes are high and terror of punishment inescapable, but doing nothing comes at an even steeper price...
While separated by generations, Anna finds herself drawn to the spine-chilling and courageous plight of Aisleen and Quarrendon’s women. Can their bond help her to face her past and embrace her second chance at life?
A heart-warming and inspirational portrayal of inner strength and vulnerability, The Women’s Circle shows us the true power of female friendship in all its forms. (
October 19, 2021
A story of positive messages by being strong, confident, getting help, acceptance of help, connecting with friends and family. Overall it’s showing that not giving up and fighting through the negatives life will get better and the light is there waiting.
Enjoyable, light and full of wisdom, many will enjoy.
Enjoyable, light and full of wisdom, many will enjoy.
July 25, 2021
4.5 stars
A beautiful story told over dual timelines..
The two strong female lead characters Anna and Aisleen were fabulous.. a story of female friendships, addiction, redemption and starting over .. a wonderful read and I highly recommend this book
A beautiful story told over dual timelines..
The two strong female lead characters Anna and Aisleen were fabulous.. a story of female friendships, addiction, redemption and starting over .. a wonderful read and I highly recommend this book
January 11, 2023
This story is about women who find the strength to overcome.
The Women's Circle is a place to meet, meditate, and find peace.
Anna has a wonderful mother who dies too early and then gets bought up by her grandmother.
Things change again when her grandmother dies and Anna finds herself in Australia.
Anna makes more bad than good choices, which lands her in jail.
When Anna finishes her sentence, she joins The Woman's Circle and finds support and a story through the crystal, which will change her life.
Loved reading this book as let's us know that the support of other women is important.
The Women's Circle is a place to meet, meditate, and find peace.
Anna has a wonderful mother who dies too early and then gets bought up by her grandmother.
Things change again when her grandmother dies and Anna finds herself in Australia.
Anna makes more bad than good choices, which lands her in jail.
When Anna finishes her sentence, she joins The Woman's Circle and finds support and a story through the crystal, which will change her life.
Loved reading this book as let's us know that the support of other women is important.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2021
Original tale - beautifully told.
Initially astonished by the premise - a dual tale of a young Chilean woman in modern day Sydney and a young wife in Buckinghamshire, England in 1770 - I marvelled at how the author made it work. Richly layered, the key theme is about the power of female friendships and the inherent strength they give and receive. Such strength and support has been shared by women through many generations and I believe, across all continents. Well done Karyn Sepulveda. A triumph!
Initially astonished by the premise - a dual tale of a young Chilean woman in modern day Sydney and a young wife in Buckinghamshire, England in 1770 - I marvelled at how the author made it work. Richly layered, the key theme is about the power of female friendships and the inherent strength they give and receive. Such strength and support has been shared by women through many generations and I believe, across all continents. Well done Karyn Sepulveda. A triumph!
August 9, 2021
We first meet Anna as she is released from prison into a Sydney share house, tasked with rebuilding her life. Anna endured a traumatic start to life in her home country, Chile. Seeking a brighter future she made a fresh start in Australia, enrolling in university. Sadly, Anna quickly found herself drawn into a dark world that would ultimately lead to her imprisonment. Anna must now reassemble herself and find a way to live with her past.
At the heart of this book are women’s networks, and this is mirrored in the dual storylines that entwine Anna’s life with that of Aisleen, a young woman living in an earlier century. They both find strength and courage through the connections they make with other women, and the support that they surround themselves with.
The Women’s Circle is heartwarming and thoughtful, it examines the inherent strength that women are capable of in the face of adversity. Karyn Sepulveda has created strong female characters that draw on their community and build strong female networks to both strengthen and empower them as individuals.
With a sprinkling of mystic energy , The Women’s Circle is definitely a unique and engaging read that will leave you with a warm hug.
At the heart of this book are women’s networks, and this is mirrored in the dual storylines that entwine Anna’s life with that of Aisleen, a young woman living in an earlier century. They both find strength and courage through the connections they make with other women, and the support that they surround themselves with.
The Women’s Circle is heartwarming and thoughtful, it examines the inherent strength that women are capable of in the face of adversity. Karyn Sepulveda has created strong female characters that draw on their community and build strong female networks to both strengthen and empower them as individuals.
With a sprinkling of mystic energy , The Women’s Circle is definitely a unique and engaging read that will leave you with a warm hug.
January 3, 2022
I connected with Anna from the first chapter which kept me wanting to read more every day. I was uplifted by the strength, connection and care of the women who walked various paths with Anna. Highly recommended read!
January 3, 2022
Too new agey, didn't get past half way.
December 22, 2021
I liked the attempt to do something different here with the crystals and the two timelines. I found Anna’s story fairly engaging as she dealt with the challenges of being recently released from prison. Aisleen’s storyline was far less interesting and felt very fake to me though, there were no details grounding the story in its time period and just no real explanation for why the town was in the position it was in, who are the Enforcers, where did they come from, why did no one fight back, is it only this town or other towns too, etc etc. The two storylines didn’t connect as neatly as I thought they would either, the connection felt clumsy and like an afterthought. For a book dealing with prison and ice abuse, the last third of it was so sickly sweet, with everything so nicely wrapped up and everyone getting their happy ending it just didn’t ring true. I preferred the darker parts at the beginning and it felt like two different books to me. And to have all the final action take place while Aisleen was in prison, and then have her husband just tell her about it after? Weird choice. Some good supporting characters, though I kept waiting for Jeannette to reveal some sort of hidden trauma.
March 19, 2023
This was a really enjoyable and moving read. Everything happens for a reason and as hard as it is when your in it, some lessons need to be learnt the hard way.
Following Anna's story was heartbreaking, as a second generation Chilean Australian myself I relate and understand the amazing opportunities granted to me by the hard work of previous generations that brought my family here. It was difficult to read the hardest parts of Anna's story reflecting on my real life examples of family that have both made the best of the opportunities available to us in Australia and got caught up in the worst situations. Juxtaposed to Aisleen's story at least made me grateful for the freedom we have. The sorrow and determination of the women in Aisleen's timeline made me think of the devastating histories of the Witch trials in the UK and USA that saw so many caring, intelligent women segregated and persecuted.
Following Anna's story was heartbreaking, as a second generation Chilean Australian myself I relate and understand the amazing opportunities granted to me by the hard work of previous generations that brought my family here. It was difficult to read the hardest parts of Anna's story reflecting on my real life examples of family that have both made the best of the opportunities available to us in Australia and got caught up in the worst situations. Juxtaposed to Aisleen's story at least made me grateful for the freedom we have. The sorrow and determination of the women in Aisleen's timeline made me think of the devastating histories of the Witch trials in the UK and USA that saw so many caring, intelligent women segregated and persecuted.
December 9, 2025
A book I won’t forget! I lived in Thailand at the time and there was a small bookstore close to where I lived, and I kept seeing this book. I remember actually not liking the look of the cover but I kept feeling drawn to it and ended up reading it and it was such an amazing book. Gave it to my mother to read to. Still remember the storyline and I LOVE how it jumps between timelines, jumps between centuries and almost between realms. Can recommend to any woman!!
November 9, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is an intriguing and imaginative story that sheds light on the perennial challenges women face in having to find the courage to believe in themselves in order to live a life that is true to their own ideals. Karyn weaves a historical narrative through a present day one using a special lens that crystallises the message for us. (So to speak!)
November 28, 2022
This book was a surprise. It was a really interesting and absorbing read that held my attention throughout.
I loved the unusual plot!
I loved the unusual plot!
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