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Soul Keeper
Juniper Taylor knew a few things in life. Eric Hampton was her best friend. University of South Carolina was the best school in the nation. She did not like to lose.
A twist of fate in the form of a semi truck takes everything away, with only one hope for her survival—the love of her best friend Eric.
Eric loved Juniper, like stupid, deeply, he can’t breath kind of love, but Juniper is going through the biggest loss a family could deal with. She can’t take care of herself let alone fall in love with her best friend. Eric knows this but he can’t stop himself from falling deeper.
Will she ever be ready to share her soul with him?
A twist of fate in the form of a semi truck takes everything away, with only one hope for her survival—the love of her best friend Eric.
Eric loved Juniper, like stupid, deeply, he can’t breath kind of love, but Juniper is going through the biggest loss a family could deal with. She can’t take care of herself let alone fall in love with her best friend. Eric knows this but he can’t stop himself from falling deeper.
Will she ever be ready to share her soul with him?
243 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2022
10 people are currently reading
996 people want to read
About the author
J.L. Bowman
12 books54 followersJL Bowman grew up imagining, dreaming, reading, and writing. She is a wife to the Captain of Fun, mother to a freethinking spawn, inspirerer of young minds, organizer for employee rights, and at night, a writer of adventures, love, and sadness.
Teacher
Writer
Avid reader, hiker, baseball watcher and adventurer.
You can often find Ms. Bowman at her computer weaving her next novel.
Teacher
Writer
Avid reader, hiker, baseball watcher and adventurer.
You can often find Ms. Bowman at her computer weaving her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 29, 2021
Thank you to Book Sirens for providing me with an advance reader copy in the form of an ebook for an honest review in exchange.
The book initially had so much promise for me from it's happy bright yellow cover to the unique title's name and the description of what the book was going to be about. I was truly excited to read it until I finally sat down with my tablet and opened the book up.
The plot and writing seemed rushed in some places and left me confused on what was actually going on with some of the scenes and characters. It was pretty jumbled up in places and I felt there was too much going on without any written support that was needed for all the character introduced or elements put into this book.
Juniper Taylor had just learned about the tragic loss in her family. Death of loved ones at any age is hard, but at a young age it definitely should have impacted her immensely. Initially, I took her reaction as just shock since all her body would allow her to feel was nothing and she needed to run to feel something other than empty in that moment. Yet, she was so focused on running that she wasn't allowing herself to get the support she needed from her family, friends or even her doctor! I understand that running is her life, but she injured herself to the point both her ankles are sprained and her feet are in boots! She really needed to be told to rest from her doctor and that there was no way around that and if she continued to be stubborn it could lead to permanent damage. This young girl had barely any supervision and the adults in her life were too caught up in their own grief and problems to helping her and themselves.
Juniper was repressing her grief and trying to use her best friend, Eric as a distraction to her grief. I couldn't connect with any of the characters besides Eric from him being as patient as he possibly could since his best friend was going through one of the hardest times other life, but it's unexcusable for how she told him the things they did were just things and did not matter. That poor boy was chasing after a girl he knew wasn't ready to chase him back.
If some of the sub-plots were taken out and he characters could be built up better while showing their development throughout the book. Juniper could be put into possibly grief counseling or therapy to deal with the loss while trying to navigate love, being a teenager and how to process all these emotions in a positive and safe way then I think this book would have lived up to that promise.
The book initially had so much promise for me from it's happy bright yellow cover to the unique title's name and the description of what the book was going to be about. I was truly excited to read it until I finally sat down with my tablet and opened the book up.
The plot and writing seemed rushed in some places and left me confused on what was actually going on with some of the scenes and characters. It was pretty jumbled up in places and I felt there was too much going on without any written support that was needed for all the character introduced or elements put into this book.
Juniper Taylor had just learned about the tragic loss in her family. Death of loved ones at any age is hard, but at a young age it definitely should have impacted her immensely. Initially, I took her reaction as just shock since all her body would allow her to feel was nothing and she needed to run to feel something other than empty in that moment. Yet, she was so focused on running that she wasn't allowing herself to get the support she needed from her family, friends or even her doctor! I understand that running is her life, but she injured herself to the point both her ankles are sprained and her feet are in boots! She really needed to be told to rest from her doctor and that there was no way around that and if she continued to be stubborn it could lead to permanent damage. This young girl had barely any supervision and the adults in her life were too caught up in their own grief and problems to helping her and themselves.
Juniper was repressing her grief and trying to use her best friend, Eric as a distraction to her grief. I couldn't connect with any of the characters besides Eric from him being as patient as he possibly could since his best friend was going through one of the hardest times other life, but it's unexcusable for how she told him the things they did were just things and did not matter. That poor boy was chasing after a girl he knew wasn't ready to chase him back.
If some of the sub-plots were taken out and he characters could be built up better while showing their development throughout the book. Juniper could be put into possibly grief counseling or therapy to deal with the loss while trying to navigate love, being a teenager and how to process all these emotions in a positive and safe way then I think this book would have lived up to that promise.
January 25, 2022
2.5⭐ rounded up.
For the most part I enjoyed Juniper and Eric's love story. BFF's since birth. Families close-knit.
Eric has been in love with her forever and she is oblivious. He is such a sweetheart and would do absolutely anything for her! He's #highschoolboyfirstlovegoals.
Juniper, however, was a mess ~ back and forth, up and down ~ and not really ever grieving for her mother and brother. At times, I found the words chosen for the teenagers to say very unlikely in real life.
Things I liked:
~ dual point of view writing
~ Granny
~ Eric's demeanor, patience and love for Juniper
~ Strong bond and friendship between the Taylor's and the Hampton's
Things I did not like:
~ Juniper seemed to push herself too far, especially when injured
~ excessive underage alcohol use
~ the parents lack of interest in their 16 year old's drinking and partying
I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
For the most part I enjoyed Juniper and Eric's love story. BFF's since birth. Families close-knit.
Eric has been in love with her forever and she is oblivious. He is such a sweetheart and would do absolutely anything for her! He's #highschoolboyfirstlovegoals.
Juniper, however, was a mess ~ back and forth, up and down ~ and not really ever grieving for her mother and brother. At times, I found the words chosen for the teenagers to say very unlikely in real life.
Things I liked:
~ dual point of view writing
~ Granny
~ Eric's demeanor, patience and love for Juniper
~ Strong bond and friendship between the Taylor's and the Hampton's
Things I did not like:
~ Juniper seemed to push herself too far, especially when injured
~ excessive underage alcohol use
~ the parents lack of interest in their 16 year old's drinking and partying
I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 4, 2022
Thank you to Book Sirens for the ebook in exchange for an honest, heartfelt review.
The Soul Keeper is a beautifully written story following Juniper and Eric, longtime friends since birth, whose connection grows deeper following a tragic accident.
I was really looking forward to this book, being immediately drawn in from the description. However, overall it was a bit of a let down.
There was so much potential to show how loss and grief can affect not only the family, but also those closest to them as well.
The story although great in the beginning, seemed to get rushed more and more the further in it went. That and the abundance of secondary characters who for the most part I found to be unnecessary are what really brought the book down for me.
The one thing I really enjoyed from this was the character Eric Hampton. He was written as a true southern gentleman who would do anything for those he cares deeply about. Which definitely shows when dealing with Juniper throughout her ups and downs.
The Soul Keeper is a beautifully written story following Juniper and Eric, longtime friends since birth, whose connection grows deeper following a tragic accident.
I was really looking forward to this book, being immediately drawn in from the description. However, overall it was a bit of a let down.
There was so much potential to show how loss and grief can affect not only the family, but also those closest to them as well.
The story although great in the beginning, seemed to get rushed more and more the further in it went. That and the abundance of secondary characters who for the most part I found to be unnecessary are what really brought the book down for me.
The one thing I really enjoyed from this was the character Eric Hampton. He was written as a true southern gentleman who would do anything for those he cares deeply about. Which definitely shows when dealing with Juniper throughout her ups and downs.
February 1, 2022
This book was so good. I cannot even fathom how this book broke my heart just to mend it back up, just to break it again! JL Bowman is such an AMAZING author. I loved the love story and background into their life’s growing up together. My favorite line from the book? “Please don’t leave, Eric. I need you.” Cue the TEARS!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2022
Spoiler alert
Okay this is a typical teen romance. It took me a while to finish the book. It wasn't one that I couldn't put down.
Let's start with Juniper.... she never dealt with her mom and brothers death. I honestly don't know if she's healed. Does she get into the college she wants too?
Mr. Taylor, there was no resolution between him and Juniper, him and his parents, him and the death of his wife and son. She just chose to work him to death.
Eric, he was almost to good of a guy. She tried overly hard to show how good of a guy he is. I was disappointed about the accident with him and Juniper. They hit a deer, talked then he's in the hospital. I wanted more emotion. Why was there no reaction from Mr. Taylor? So does he completely heal and play football? Does he get into college?
I am just missing so much from this book. So many unanswered questions. So many unfinished stories. Tucker, Eric, Juniper, Mr. Taylor, The Taylor's all have unfinished stories.
I'm adding more to my review... I agree with some of the other reviews that said to many characters and subplots, but not enough about each character is known.
I also agree with all the underage drinking and kids having sex. While I appreciate that the parents had talks with their kids about sex, I kinda felt like they were encouraging their kids to do it.
Please write another book and finish their stories or rewrite this one.
I got an advance copy of this book to review.
Okay this is a typical teen romance. It took me a while to finish the book. It wasn't one that I couldn't put down.
Let's start with Juniper.... she never dealt with her mom and brothers death. I honestly don't know if she's healed. Does she get into the college she wants too?
Mr. Taylor, there was no resolution between him and Juniper, him and his parents, him and the death of his wife and son. She just chose to work him to death.
Eric, he was almost to good of a guy. She tried overly hard to show how good of a guy he is. I was disappointed about the accident with him and Juniper. They hit a deer, talked then he's in the hospital. I wanted more emotion. Why was there no reaction from Mr. Taylor? So does he completely heal and play football? Does he get into college?
I am just missing so much from this book. So many unanswered questions. So many unfinished stories. Tucker, Eric, Juniper, Mr. Taylor, The Taylor's all have unfinished stories.
I'm adding more to my review... I agree with some of the other reviews that said to many characters and subplots, but not enough about each character is known.
I also agree with all the underage drinking and kids having sex. While I appreciate that the parents had talks with their kids about sex, I kinda felt like they were encouraging their kids to do it.
Please write another book and finish their stories or rewrite this one.
I got an advance copy of this book to review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I feel like this book had so much potential, a teenager navigating grief and love, and yet it fell flat for me. The writing is definitely geared towards pre-teens/teens. Ericson is a loveable character, he is responsible, funny and has a Southern charm. Juniper on the other hand, not as likeable. I found it difficult to connect with her grief as it felt superficial. She often comes across as spoiled and bratty in the book. The were so many characters that were introduced and yet you never get to truly known them, they're used as devices to move along several sub-plots.
I think the book would have greatly benefited if the author took more time to explore why Juniper struggled to grieve and how competition, the need to run, felt like her only saving grace.
I feel like this book had so much potential, a teenager navigating grief and love, and yet it fell flat for me. The writing is definitely geared towards pre-teens/teens. Ericson is a loveable character, he is responsible, funny and has a Southern charm. Juniper on the other hand, not as likeable. I found it difficult to connect with her grief as it felt superficial. She often comes across as spoiled and bratty in the book. The were so many characters that were introduced and yet you never get to truly known them, they're used as devices to move along several sub-plots.
I think the book would have greatly benefited if the author took more time to explore why Juniper struggled to grieve and how competition, the need to run, felt like her only saving grace.
January 29, 2022
2.5 rounded up. I enjoyed this book and it was a quick read. There are a few places were I think some editing needs to take place and maybe remove a few characters to make it not so characters heavy. I wish the two big things in this book weren’t basically the same thing. At the beginning of the book I though the character were much older than 16 with the way they talked and acted and by the end I was having a hard time believing they were 16. I wish Juniper and her dad talked more the second half of the book and the relationship in between Eric and his parents was amazing. As the parent of a 15 year old I found the attitude toward teen drinking to be a bit hard to believe.
Something that kept cracking me up was the authors tendency to tell me how long each trip took. Everything in this town was 2-5 minutes away.
I received this book in a giveaway in goodreads.
Something that kept cracking me up was the authors tendency to tell me how long each trip took. Everything in this town was 2-5 minutes away.
I received this book in a giveaway in goodreads.
January 30, 2022
The cover of this book drew my eye. It looks bright and fun! I was so looking forward to reading this. Unfortunately, I was disappointed.
The story itself was a cute story about a friendship turning into something more. However, many parts of the story were very unrealistic. I struggle to believe that Juniper's father would not be more concerned for her wellbeing after losing her mother and brother.
I have concerns about this being a young adult book. The parents in the book have a lack of concern about underage drinking and sex. This is not a book I would want my teenager reading.
This book needs to be edited. There are many errors throughout the entire book; spelling, puncuation, and grammatical.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story itself was a cute story about a friendship turning into something more. However, many parts of the story were very unrealistic. I struggle to believe that Juniper's father would not be more concerned for her wellbeing after losing her mother and brother.
I have concerns about this being a young adult book. The parents in the book have a lack of concern about underage drinking and sex. This is not a book I would want my teenager reading.
This book needs to be edited. There are many errors throughout the entire book; spelling, puncuation, and grammatical.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 27, 2021
I got an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This book is definitely for teenagers probably 14-16 year olds. I found it very cliche. One of the main reasons I wanted to read it was because it was set in a state I live in. It had various plots and themes, it all kind of got jumbled up.
The novel kept switching back between love and grief. The grief was also never fully addressed, just kind of repressed. I disliked junipers character and saw her sort of a problematic crazy girl.
I feel like a lot was just happening at once and there wasn’t really closure of anything at the end.
The novel kept switching back between love and grief. The grief was also never fully addressed, just kind of repressed. I disliked junipers character and saw her sort of a problematic crazy girl.
I feel like a lot was just happening at once and there wasn’t really closure of anything at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2022
Rate 3.5
This is a new author to me, and this is Juniper and Eric’s story. Juniper and Eric were best friends, and when she is hit with a tragic loss, which is difficult at any age, but the impact which it has on a teenager is detrimental, especially when trying to cope alone, and navigate through life as well. The only downside, in my opinion only, is that this is a fast-paced story which felt rushed and disjointed in places, and I struggled to connect to the characters. However, I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a new author to me, and this is Juniper and Eric’s story. Juniper and Eric were best friends, and when she is hit with a tragic loss, which is difficult at any age, but the impact which it has on a teenager is detrimental, especially when trying to cope alone, and navigate through life as well. The only downside, in my opinion only, is that this is a fast-paced story which felt rushed and disjointed in places, and I struggled to connect to the characters. However, I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 11, 2022
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway. This story was so promising at the beginning. It began a story of dealing with grief in a profound and relatable way.
Unfortunately, it went down a different path and some of the beauty got lost. Eric was an interesting constant. However, his smug demeanor, and overbearing protection crossed a line for me. He became condescending and rude rather than friendly. The ideas of drinking responsibly and making good choices were good ideas but didn't quite hit the mark.
Overall, this felt rushed with a lot of editing mistakes that became distracting.
Unfortunately, it went down a different path and some of the beauty got lost. Eric was an interesting constant. However, his smug demeanor, and overbearing protection crossed a line for me. He became condescending and rude rather than friendly. The ideas of drinking responsibly and making good choices were good ideas but didn't quite hit the mark.
Overall, this felt rushed with a lot of editing mistakes that became distracting.
January 20, 2024
'The Soul Keeper' was enthralling, at first. The interesting plot was filled with friendships, loss, high school antics, competition, protectiveness, bits of levity, a crushing blow, and love. Eric and Juniper, the protagonists, had a lot of feelings to sort out and to work through. Juniper's Aunt Tucky was something else, especially when she captured Juniper's soul to keep in a safe place. However, the book could have been edited better. Overall, I somewhat liked the captivating narrative.
I received a copy for free and am voluntarily giving my honest review.
I received a copy for free and am voluntarily giving my honest review.
January 17, 2022
Juniper and Eric has been best friends since they were born. But a tragic accident in Juniper’s family and an electrifying kiss start to change the dynamic between them. Will Eric support Juniper even if it brakes his heart? Will Juniper acknowledge her true feeling about Eric?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 31, 2022
I enjoyed the storyline it’s interesting and entertaining with a smooth flow throughout the pages.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
March 5, 2022
You end up feeling for the male character. I'll be honest the female character while she is going through a lot. Not happy she ended up being the victim 24/7 and still got her way in the end.
March 7, 2022
I struggled getting through this one.
At about 30% read, I am setting it down and adding to the "DNF" pile.
At about 30% read, I am setting it down and adding to the "DNF" pile.
June 12, 2024
Very sweet read for such a heavy topic
June 5, 2023
There were parts of this book that were truly moving, but they were sandwiched in between pieces that felt hastily thrown at the reader to create a basis for an action without fully exploring plot points such as death and abandonment, etc. the main male character was difficult for me, coming across as both too virtuous at times and given too many freedoms and being too much of a player the next. I appreciate the opportunity to read this book and wish it well finding it’s just-right reader.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews