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Saltwater and Driftwood
The tragic story of The Great Storm in Galveston, Texas in 1900 comes to life once more.
The year is 1900, Galveston flourishes in the Gilded Age. It hails as the pride of Texas exports.
On the morning of September 8th, 1900, the hopes and dreams of Galvestonians will come to a tragic halt. In a time before storms were named, The Great Storm of Galveston, Texas has all but become a legend.
Through the eyes of Clara and the Gladys family, the past comes alive with love and hope, sorrow and tragedy. A historical novel that encompasses the scope of the storm, and the people affected by it.
A chilling re-telling of the day when mother nature would bring an island to the floor of the Gulf waters. A triumph of human spirit, and a testament to the great people who rose up amidst tragedy to rebuild against all odds.
The year is 1900, Galveston flourishes in the Gilded Age. It hails as the pride of Texas exports.
On the morning of September 8th, 1900, the hopes and dreams of Galvestonians will come to a tragic halt. In a time before storms were named, The Great Storm of Galveston, Texas has all but become a legend.
Through the eyes of Clara and the Gladys family, the past comes alive with love and hope, sorrow and tragedy. A historical novel that encompasses the scope of the storm, and the people affected by it.
A chilling re-telling of the day when mother nature would bring an island to the floor of the Gulf waters. A triumph of human spirit, and a testament to the great people who rose up amidst tragedy to rebuild against all odds.
211 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 30, 2022
122 people are currently reading
334 people want to read
About the author
Anna J. Walner
11 books39 followersAnna writes under both under Vanessa Morris and Anna J. Walner.
Anna is the author of two fantasy series, The Enrovia Series, and The Uluru Legacy.
She is an International Bestseller, B&N Bestseller, and Amazon.com Bestseller. She is also the Executive Producer of The Author Library Network on YouTube.
You can find out more on her website: AnnaJWalner.com and follow her on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
Anna is the author of two fantasy series, The Enrovia Series, and The Uluru Legacy.
She is an International Bestseller, B&N Bestseller, and Amazon.com Bestseller. She is also the Executive Producer of The Author Library Network on YouTube.
You can find out more on her website: AnnaJWalner.com and follow her on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
May 2, 2023
Walner writes a good story and the book cover is gorgeous, but the pages inside are in desperate need of a good editor. Out of 225 pages in this novel, 143 had typos or some type of error. It reads as a first draft that has yet to be edited and was rushed to publication. Typos that astounded me were asses (instead of assess), skit (instead of skirt), stive (instead of strive), petit fore (instead of petit four), desert (instead of dessert), longue (instead of lounge), Maitre-de (instead of Maitre d') spitz bath (instead of sitz bath) flehm (instead of phlegm) and dourer (instead of dour).
There were so many awkwardly written or incomplete sentences that I had to reread them several times to understand their meaning correctly. For example: "Some girls find themselves boarding trains with their small sum and hoping for a new beginning, postcards from all over have been received offer gratitude for their time at St. Mary's." "Paul has been a guest in our home only twice this year. Once when the match was made, Paul's father Mr. McAndrews is the head of The Galveston Chamber of Commerce, and the proud father to a son destined for greatness." "I waste no time, taking off as fast as I came back the way I had come toward the men far down the beach tasked with the fires." "...he slowly began to communicate lesser and lesser..."
It appears that the only time dialogue is written correctly for the most part is when it comes from Clara, who is telling the story in her journal. Otherwise everyone else's dialogue is written like "'...I need to go.' He rambles..." or "'...I don't want you to get trapped under the carriage.' Father says..."
The author waffles between using Mother and Father as proper nouns, sometimes simply calling them mother and father. In one sentence the horse changes from a female to a male - "Her back legs sending up salt spray as he desperately tries to break free." There are tense changes on the same page, sometimes within the same paragraph, or the same sentence. The story is written in first person as the granddaughter is reading the events of the flood from Clara's journal. How could Clara possibly know what was happening at Grant's home? Or at the weather building with Joseph and Isaac? Or at the orphanage?
I have no doubt that Walner can write a captivating story, but her characters (and the people of Galveston whose lives were shattered by the true life events of the flood) deserve better representation. I write honest reviews because I believe the authors and readers deserve to know the truth. It is never my intention to hurt anyone's feelings, nor do I get pleasure in doing so. I would have no problem giving this book a higher rating if a proper edit was done.
Some of my favorite passages from the book:
"Grant only speaks simply, letting the confirmation of father's suspicions hang above the table like the still lingering smells of the baked redfish."
"The sky above reeks of anger, the swirling waves already licking at the road."
"...the steady rain never relenting as the wind finds cracks in the windowsill, making noises like ghosts screaming above the silence."
There were so many awkwardly written or incomplete sentences that I had to reread them several times to understand their meaning correctly. For example: "Some girls find themselves boarding trains with their small sum and hoping for a new beginning, postcards from all over have been received offer gratitude for their time at St. Mary's." "Paul has been a guest in our home only twice this year. Once when the match was made, Paul's father Mr. McAndrews is the head of The Galveston Chamber of Commerce, and the proud father to a son destined for greatness." "I waste no time, taking off as fast as I came back the way I had come toward the men far down the beach tasked with the fires." "...he slowly began to communicate lesser and lesser..."
It appears that the only time dialogue is written correctly for the most part is when it comes from Clara, who is telling the story in her journal. Otherwise everyone else's dialogue is written like "'...I need to go.' He rambles..." or "'...I don't want you to get trapped under the carriage.' Father says..."
The author waffles between using Mother and Father as proper nouns, sometimes simply calling them mother and father. In one sentence the horse changes from a female to a male - "Her back legs sending up salt spray as he desperately tries to break free." There are tense changes on the same page, sometimes within the same paragraph, or the same sentence. The story is written in first person as the granddaughter is reading the events of the flood from Clara's journal. How could Clara possibly know what was happening at Grant's home? Or at the weather building with Joseph and Isaac? Or at the orphanage?
I have no doubt that Walner can write a captivating story, but her characters (and the people of Galveston whose lives were shattered by the true life events of the flood) deserve better representation. I write honest reviews because I believe the authors and readers deserve to know the truth. It is never my intention to hurt anyone's feelings, nor do I get pleasure in doing so. I would have no problem giving this book a higher rating if a proper edit was done.
Some of my favorite passages from the book:
"Grant only speaks simply, letting the confirmation of father's suspicions hang above the table like the still lingering smells of the baked redfish."
"The sky above reeks of anger, the swirling waves already licking at the road."
"...the steady rain never relenting as the wind finds cracks in the windowsill, making noises like ghosts screaming above the silence."
September 5, 2022
The amount of typos in this book are irritating and distracting. Did anyone proofread the manuscript before publication?
July 15, 2022
We know Anna J Walner (all reviews here) as a Romance, fictional romance, fantasy author – The Uluru Legacy Series – , (that writes pretty cool erotica as well btw), but, we, as her loyal readers would never, not even in our wildest dreams, imagine, fathom, that she would write an Historic Fiction book. BUT, just like in her plot-twists, she surprised us once again with Saltwater & Driftwood. Was it a good surprise or a bad surprise? Well let me tell you like this:
In the first paragraph, she invites us into the story with an introduction you cannot resist. In the second paragraph she blows us a way with THIS:
“Nothing remains but things written down, memories, thoughts and feelings all captured on paper that itself may eventually turn to dust.”.
In the third paragraph, Anna J Walner plants questions in our heads, questions that we barely can craft properly, because in the fourth paragraph, we are like: “WAIT, who, what, wait, are we already in the story? Already?!” THAT is the first impression that I got from this book, and in less than a minute, I could completely understand why Saltwater & Driftwood is already a bestseller in pre-order. This is a book no sane mind would refuse to read, or have the guts to stop reading. Tremendously well done by Anna. What an introduction!
THE DETAIL OF DESCRIPTION! Oh my god… every sense is invited into the story by this narrative that keeps pulling, and keeps demanding. Oh my god… You know what? Authors should consult with Anna to learn this trait. How can, in less than 20 words, the story invite you to see, smell, and touch something that isn’t physically there?! Oh my… Ok. You might think that I’m hyping this up, but, once you read it you will fully agree with me when you reach page 2 of the book. Yes! Everything said so far is just the content of TWO pages! Yes, it’s THAT impressive.
“The absence of him rings silently from every open door, and every piece of furniture.”
Oh this book is gorgeous. I was expecting a lot from this book, but not this level of beauty and delicacy in framing the words, and another sneeky thing that Anna did, was to build so much tension upon the reader about that book in the first 3 pages that if the reader doesn’t have a heart attack by the end of them, then the reader is completely encapsulated in it’s own curiosity to the point that one is determined to finish this book, no matter what. Anna J Walner is a master writer, and she knows what she is doing. Oh she does, ahahhahaha. Nice!
So, what is the story about? Well, from what we can read, the story is about a memoir of Andrea’s Grandmother, that she found days before they started to leave Colorado. Apparently, this mysterious book, which held important and precious memories that needed to be written down no matter what. And what were those memories about? A deadly storm.
As the story is told about that time, the 1900’s, the language, and social standard is quite well put indeed, sewn in the story flawlessly and taken pretty much as standard once you get cozy with it, which doesn’t take long. Terms such as “the interim”, “parlor” , “smitten”, ” beau” and “lovelorn” make quite the stark remark about how different the time was, and how Anna took exquisite care of bringing back the past eras to current readers through this book.
The pace of the book is good. Engaging. Not fast per se, but rhythmic and steady as the scenes are described, the views, the social standards, the life of the girls, and time passes in the blink of an eye as you read, and continues to gallop its way forward, but never in a sense, or style, that we as readers cannot keep up with, as we do enjoy the book itself and the reading experience. The contrasts of thought between our main character and her mother, the views that create the always present tension between them and if not, the main constrast of this book. The wants of a mother versus the choices of an independent daughter.
Now imagine this: It’s the 1900’s, literally, and a climatologist comes to a Texas town filled with highly religious, high prestige people that think that he is a weather sorcerer, when there is a a possibility of a huge storm coming their way. Let that simmer for a while. Yep, it will be an interesting development indeed, hahahaha. I mean:
“ “Seems to be no end to this heat.” Isaac comments idly, standing and walking to the barometer on the wall of the office. “Damned high-pressure system won’t budge from over top of us. The heat is driving people nearly mad. Only this morning, a woman in near hysterics begging me to bring some relief to the swelter.” “People think you can control the weather.” Joseph laughs, receiving a chuffed response of grumbles. “
I enjoyed the consistency of the characters in the story. Most times, one would find that the fluidity of the characters is enjoyable, and this may be true when it comes to normal fiction books and romances, but here, in a historical fiction, the stability of the characters, their thoughts and motives did indeed add to the believability of the story. They, the characters aren’t “cast in stone”, but there is little movement in terms of “character progress”, or in the shift in their own ways from the first impression we are given, and this is something that might pass unnoticed to most readers, but it is there. It IS there and it’s an important part of the narrative which adds a subtle texture and flavour to the book that readers will enjoy.
There will be well put shifts in time and technologies, the origins of cars in the buggy & horse world, and the in use of electricity! HA! It’s quite the food for the imagination. Love it.
There is another quite interesting conflict here to address, and this time is of Romeo and Juliet’s proportions, if one is so to say, but in a old-fashioned and contrasted way. Let me explain: We have our MC, in love with a person of “lower” status compared to the MC’s, and yet it’s a love that is so pure that we readers fall in love with. IT might seem, to some, something very, old-timey (and it IS old-timey) yet, incredibly romantic, to the point that one just wishes things were more… like that.
Another thing that makes readers come back to, and enjoy the works of Anna J Walner is the way that she puts poignant and deep cutting social criticism in all of her works seamlessly and without causing ire from the reader.
““Oh but it is. They puff and boast of Galveston’s economic splendor, the grand city that can never fall. Of their own good fortune and prosperity, while they speak little of the people who are the backbone of that good fortune.” I lament.
“You mean people like me?” He asks, and I nearly stop short. I hadn’t meant to include him in that category, but I suppose I unknowingly had. “I hadn’t meant you specifically, but the captains of the barges, and the men who load and unload tons of merchandise. The shop owners who help to provide necessities for the poor and the wealthy alike. They do not see them as real people, only part of the social lesser. And it infuriates me. “To pass over people who work their days away for a fraction of what they make, only to look down their nose at them. They do not realize that without the men who they see as unequal, Galveston would be nothing at all. Houston would have won, and this would be a fishing village, like Indianola or Corpus Christi. “It is only on the backs of men who work the docks or the railcars that this city prospers. Not because of their pointless Supper clubs, High Teas, and political agendas.”
How about the storm? Isn’t this book about a storm? Well… The storm is there. Pacing, slowly…. silently advancing its way, forgotten in the background, hinted here and there to the point that you completely forget about it. Just a reminder, just a tone, just a note, and the story carries on… and you fall into the narrative’s lullaby, until, it’s too late. And let me tell you something now, that will not be enough to prepare you, but still: When Anna J Walner decides to put tension, she will steal the breath from you. THAT is some thriller right there. OH my. Damn, damn, damn. We are not ready for all of this. Damn, damn damn. and as the icing upon the cake, we have a powerful reminder of our human condition, and the frivolities of life. Saltwatear & Driftwood is a book that, if you dare to read, will only let you go after the story ends. I guaranteed you. Incredible job by Anna J Walner.
Pros:
Excellent Narrative.
Perfect pace in every section of the book. When things needed to be calm, Anna shows you the scenes, the town the people, but when things need to go down, she puts the pedal to the metal and tests the limits of the story to the point of breaking our hearts, haahahahh.
Stable characters that surprise us time an time again.
MASTERFUL control of the plot. It’s jsut unpredictable, even when we know that there is a storm coming. Anna got us there real good. Oh, she did.
The lessons we learn are powerful and the book hits its target the deadly force, right in the bull’s-eye.
It did validate the reason of being a bestseller in pre-order. This book is excellent, will not disappoint the hype behind it.
Cons:
None I can think of.
Lessons of the book: Do not think that you are above others in any way.
Favourite character: Isaac.
Cover Score: 8.8/10
Book score: 9.1/10
This review was made on Scribble's Worth @ https://scribblesworth.wordpress.com/...
Read the FIRST review, made by Bunny about the same book @ - https://scribblesworth.wordpress.com/...
In the first paragraph, she invites us into the story with an introduction you cannot resist. In the second paragraph she blows us a way with THIS:
“Nothing remains but things written down, memories, thoughts and feelings all captured on paper that itself may eventually turn to dust.”.
In the third paragraph, Anna J Walner plants questions in our heads, questions that we barely can craft properly, because in the fourth paragraph, we are like: “WAIT, who, what, wait, are we already in the story? Already?!” THAT is the first impression that I got from this book, and in less than a minute, I could completely understand why Saltwater & Driftwood is already a bestseller in pre-order. This is a book no sane mind would refuse to read, or have the guts to stop reading. Tremendously well done by Anna. What an introduction!
THE DETAIL OF DESCRIPTION! Oh my god… every sense is invited into the story by this narrative that keeps pulling, and keeps demanding. Oh my god… You know what? Authors should consult with Anna to learn this trait. How can, in less than 20 words, the story invite you to see, smell, and touch something that isn’t physically there?! Oh my… Ok. You might think that I’m hyping this up, but, once you read it you will fully agree with me when you reach page 2 of the book. Yes! Everything said so far is just the content of TWO pages! Yes, it’s THAT impressive.
“The absence of him rings silently from every open door, and every piece of furniture.”
Oh this book is gorgeous. I was expecting a lot from this book, but not this level of beauty and delicacy in framing the words, and another sneeky thing that Anna did, was to build so much tension upon the reader about that book in the first 3 pages that if the reader doesn’t have a heart attack by the end of them, then the reader is completely encapsulated in it’s own curiosity to the point that one is determined to finish this book, no matter what. Anna J Walner is a master writer, and she knows what she is doing. Oh she does, ahahhahaha. Nice!
So, what is the story about? Well, from what we can read, the story is about a memoir of Andrea’s Grandmother, that she found days before they started to leave Colorado. Apparently, this mysterious book, which held important and precious memories that needed to be written down no matter what. And what were those memories about? A deadly storm.
As the story is told about that time, the 1900’s, the language, and social standard is quite well put indeed, sewn in the story flawlessly and taken pretty much as standard once you get cozy with it, which doesn’t take long. Terms such as “the interim”, “parlor” , “smitten”, ” beau” and “lovelorn” make quite the stark remark about how different the time was, and how Anna took exquisite care of bringing back the past eras to current readers through this book.
The pace of the book is good. Engaging. Not fast per se, but rhythmic and steady as the scenes are described, the views, the social standards, the life of the girls, and time passes in the blink of an eye as you read, and continues to gallop its way forward, but never in a sense, or style, that we as readers cannot keep up with, as we do enjoy the book itself and the reading experience. The contrasts of thought between our main character and her mother, the views that create the always present tension between them and if not, the main constrast of this book. The wants of a mother versus the choices of an independent daughter.
Now imagine this: It’s the 1900’s, literally, and a climatologist comes to a Texas town filled with highly religious, high prestige people that think that he is a weather sorcerer, when there is a a possibility of a huge storm coming their way. Let that simmer for a while. Yep, it will be an interesting development indeed, hahahaha. I mean:
“ “Seems to be no end to this heat.” Isaac comments idly, standing and walking to the barometer on the wall of the office. “Damned high-pressure system won’t budge from over top of us. The heat is driving people nearly mad. Only this morning, a woman in near hysterics begging me to bring some relief to the swelter.” “People think you can control the weather.” Joseph laughs, receiving a chuffed response of grumbles. “
I enjoyed the consistency of the characters in the story. Most times, one would find that the fluidity of the characters is enjoyable, and this may be true when it comes to normal fiction books and romances, but here, in a historical fiction, the stability of the characters, their thoughts and motives did indeed add to the believability of the story. They, the characters aren’t “cast in stone”, but there is little movement in terms of “character progress”, or in the shift in their own ways from the first impression we are given, and this is something that might pass unnoticed to most readers, but it is there. It IS there and it’s an important part of the narrative which adds a subtle texture and flavour to the book that readers will enjoy.
There will be well put shifts in time and technologies, the origins of cars in the buggy & horse world, and the in use of electricity! HA! It’s quite the food for the imagination. Love it.
There is another quite interesting conflict here to address, and this time is of Romeo and Juliet’s proportions, if one is so to say, but in a old-fashioned and contrasted way. Let me explain: We have our MC, in love with a person of “lower” status compared to the MC’s, and yet it’s a love that is so pure that we readers fall in love with. IT might seem, to some, something very, old-timey (and it IS old-timey) yet, incredibly romantic, to the point that one just wishes things were more… like that.
Another thing that makes readers come back to, and enjoy the works of Anna J Walner is the way that she puts poignant and deep cutting social criticism in all of her works seamlessly and without causing ire from the reader.
““Oh but it is. They puff and boast of Galveston’s economic splendor, the grand city that can never fall. Of their own good fortune and prosperity, while they speak little of the people who are the backbone of that good fortune.” I lament.
“You mean people like me?” He asks, and I nearly stop short. I hadn’t meant to include him in that category, but I suppose I unknowingly had. “I hadn’t meant you specifically, but the captains of the barges, and the men who load and unload tons of merchandise. The shop owners who help to provide necessities for the poor and the wealthy alike. They do not see them as real people, only part of the social lesser. And it infuriates me. “To pass over people who work their days away for a fraction of what they make, only to look down their nose at them. They do not realize that without the men who they see as unequal, Galveston would be nothing at all. Houston would have won, and this would be a fishing village, like Indianola or Corpus Christi. “It is only on the backs of men who work the docks or the railcars that this city prospers. Not because of their pointless Supper clubs, High Teas, and political agendas.”
How about the storm? Isn’t this book about a storm? Well… The storm is there. Pacing, slowly…. silently advancing its way, forgotten in the background, hinted here and there to the point that you completely forget about it. Just a reminder, just a tone, just a note, and the story carries on… and you fall into the narrative’s lullaby, until, it’s too late. And let me tell you something now, that will not be enough to prepare you, but still: When Anna J Walner decides to put tension, she will steal the breath from you. THAT is some thriller right there. OH my. Damn, damn, damn. We are not ready for all of this. Damn, damn damn. and as the icing upon the cake, we have a powerful reminder of our human condition, and the frivolities of life. Saltwatear & Driftwood is a book that, if you dare to read, will only let you go after the story ends. I guaranteed you. Incredible job by Anna J Walner.
Pros:
Excellent Narrative.
Perfect pace in every section of the book. When things needed to be calm, Anna shows you the scenes, the town the people, but when things need to go down, she puts the pedal to the metal and tests the limits of the story to the point of breaking our hearts, haahahahh.
Stable characters that surprise us time an time again.
MASTERFUL control of the plot. It’s jsut unpredictable, even when we know that there is a storm coming. Anna got us there real good. Oh, she did.
The lessons we learn are powerful and the book hits its target the deadly force, right in the bull’s-eye.
It did validate the reason of being a bestseller in pre-order. This book is excellent, will not disappoint the hype behind it.
Cons:
None I can think of.
Lessons of the book: Do not think that you are above others in any way.
Favourite character: Isaac.
Cover Score: 8.8/10
Book score: 9.1/10
This review was made on Scribble's Worth @ https://scribblesworth.wordpress.com/...
Read the FIRST review, made by Bunny about the same book @ - https://scribblesworth.wordpress.com/...
July 8, 2022
Saltwater and Driftwood by Anna Walner is an engrossing and unforgettable historical fiction novel. We follow a young girl named Andrea as she is cleaning out her grandmother Clara’s items and stumbles upon her journal she has written as a teen. As Andrea reads Clara’s journal, we learn of the tragedy she endured and surviving The Great Galveston Hurricane.
Author Anna Walner has written a powerful and gripping tale of the terrible event that happened to Clara and her family. The author expertly jumps from Andrea’s perspective and then to Clara’s perspective without confusing the reader. I enjoyed that the author built up Clara’s story allowing us to connect with her and to understand her life before the hurricane hit.
Once the reader is deeply invested in Clara’s character, tragedy strikes, making it hard to put the book down. I was taken on an emotional journey alongside Clara and the losses she faced due to this unforeseen natural disaster. The author does a great job of allowing the reader to feel what Clara is feeling. You feel hopeless because there is nothing Clara can do, and you also feel sympathy and heartache for her as she grieves over the loss of her town and people.
Walner paints a vivid picture of the scenes down to the smell of the saltwater and describes the emotions the townspeople felt in the aftermath of the hurricane, making this a terrifyingly real read. However, this story is not all melancholy, as there are joyful moments that Clara experiences when she falls in love.
Saltwater and Driftwood is a brilliantly written historical novel that will appeal to history buffs and those who enjoy romance and triumph over natural disasters. I highly recommend this book as you will not want to put it down until the end.
Author Anna Walner has written a powerful and gripping tale of the terrible event that happened to Clara and her family. The author expertly jumps from Andrea’s perspective and then to Clara’s perspective without confusing the reader. I enjoyed that the author built up Clara’s story allowing us to connect with her and to understand her life before the hurricane hit.
Once the reader is deeply invested in Clara’s character, tragedy strikes, making it hard to put the book down. I was taken on an emotional journey alongside Clara and the losses she faced due to this unforeseen natural disaster. The author does a great job of allowing the reader to feel what Clara is feeling. You feel hopeless because there is nothing Clara can do, and you also feel sympathy and heartache for her as she grieves over the loss of her town and people.
Walner paints a vivid picture of the scenes down to the smell of the saltwater and describes the emotions the townspeople felt in the aftermath of the hurricane, making this a terrifyingly real read. However, this story is not all melancholy, as there are joyful moments that Clara experiences when she falls in love.
Saltwater and Driftwood is a brilliantly written historical novel that will appeal to history buffs and those who enjoy romance and triumph over natural disasters. I highly recommend this book as you will not want to put it down until the end.
October 4, 2022
I loved reading about Galveston when it was thriving. If not for the storm of 1900, Houston may have never been able to top Galveston as a major port city.
The book moved a bit slow until the storm hit. I stayed up late reading once the storm was under way. It's so hard to imagine what the citizens went through during this time and the loss of life was horrendous. It was especially sobering to be reading this as Hurricane Ian was bearing down on Florida.
I highly recommend this to anyone who loves historical fiction and reading about the Texas Gulf coast. Now I'm off to find pictures of the Galveston of 1900 before the storm and compare to the Galveston of today.
The book moved a bit slow until the storm hit. I stayed up late reading once the storm was under way. It's so hard to imagine what the citizens went through during this time and the loss of life was horrendous. It was especially sobering to be reading this as Hurricane Ian was bearing down on Florida.
I highly recommend this to anyone who loves historical fiction and reading about the Texas Gulf coast. Now I'm off to find pictures of the Galveston of 1900 before the storm and compare to the Galveston of today.
June 9, 2022
This was so beautiful written and the story was so captivating and heart breaking. Is was incredible Anna!!!
September 28, 2022
Stormy Relationships
Too many misspelled words, story to short, no character development characters are not really likable. The book really needs more work.
Too many misspelled words, story to short, no character development characters are not really likable. The book really needs more work.
September 23, 2022
This is the first book review I have ever written. I have never before encountered so many typos, misspelled words, incomplete sentences, run-on sentences, dangling participles, and gross misuse of pronouns. And I paid for it! Amazon touted it so highly that I pre-ordered it. Ugh.
I have read and enjoyed several other novels about the Galveston storm of 1900. (Isaac’s Storm, Galveston, The Windows of Heaven) Having grown up in Houston and lived in Galveston for 3 years, this event has always held my interest.
I would have given it fewer stars, but I liked the subject matter. Jumping to the present day was totally unnecessary. There are so many novels out there, which begin with a granddaughter/grandson finding the ancestor’s diary, or correspondence, while cleaning out the attic.
I have read and enjoyed several other novels about the Galveston storm of 1900. (Isaac’s Storm, Galveston, The Windows of Heaven) Having grown up in Houston and lived in Galveston for 3 years, this event has always held my interest.
I would have given it fewer stars, but I liked the subject matter. Jumping to the present day was totally unnecessary. There are so many novels out there, which begin with a granddaughter/grandson finding the ancestor’s diary, or correspondence, while cleaning out the attic.
November 1, 2022
Good story but the typos distract
This was a good story, but the editing is terrible. There were times the typos were very distracting. I hope they can be corrected so typos are not what the book is known for.
This was a good story, but the editing is terrible. There were times the typos were very distracting. I hope they can be corrected so typos are not what the book is known for.
February 7, 2024
I have never read a more poorly edited novel. I was incredibly bored with the whole thing. Definitely don’t recommend.
October 3, 2022
Loved this book. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres. Sweet but sad story about a family in the year 1900 living in Galveston. Interesting about the time period, where appearance was everything to high society. Two sisters, a difficult mother and a hard-working father. Society had demands on certain members and it was unheard of to buck the system. Interesting information about Galveston which I assume is true, since the author did her research, I am sure.
October 4, 2022
Disaster waiting to happen
I love historical fiction based on enough truth to carry you into the life of the time. Family values , stress, tension, love and the folly of keeping up.appearances is shown to be useless. And one woman's ability to survive & thrive. Painful experience but real life.
I love historical fiction based on enough truth to carry you into the life of the time. Family values , stress, tension, love and the folly of keeping up.appearances is shown to be useless. And one woman's ability to survive & thrive. Painful experience but real life.
September 23, 2022
Excellent blend of history and fiction
This is a well written story of Clara Gladys a survivor or the 1900 hurricane. I never knew that Galveston was such a upscale community before the hurricane. Debutant Clara’s journal is read by her granddaughter and weaves a heart breaking tale of survival of the US’s worst national Disaster to this day. Viva La Galveston! One of my fav places on earth!!
This is a well written story of Clara Gladys a survivor or the 1900 hurricane. I never knew that Galveston was such a upscale community before the hurricane. Debutant Clara’s journal is read by her granddaughter and weaves a heart breaking tale of survival of the US’s worst national Disaster to this day. Viva La Galveston! One of my fav places on earth!!
September 15, 2022
Saltwater and Driftwood Doesn’t Leave You Adrift
Having read “A Weekend in September” and “Isaac’s Storm,” I didn’t expect this treatment of the Galveston Hurricane of 1900 to be very interesting. Those other books were historical accounts; this a novel. But the characters were engaging and believable, and the plot was history itself. Some of the same emotions I experienced with first two books were awakened by this book. I’d have to say, this a good effort that I’m glad to have read!
Having read “A Weekend in September” and “Isaac’s Storm,” I didn’t expect this treatment of the Galveston Hurricane of 1900 to be very interesting. Those other books were historical accounts; this a novel. But the characters were engaging and believable, and the plot was history itself. Some of the same emotions I experienced with first two books were awakened by this book. I’d have to say, this a good effort that I’m glad to have read!
September 6, 2022
Excellent read. The characters are three dimensional, the story and plot move at a good pace. The storm is the climax, but the subplots are engaging as well. I found myself unable to put this book down and weeping for the characters. This book moved me. Having lived in Houston the past 25 years and visited to Galveston a handful of times, I find myself wanting to go back to the island and see it through Clara’s eyes. If that’s even possible anymore. Just one question: what happened to Bernice?
September 8, 2022
This book will stay in your mind a long time. I loved the details of life in Galveston society in 1900 and all the historical information. I really enjoyed the story, but the book had a lot of typographical errors. I think most people will enjoy this book and be glad they read it.
August 29, 2022
Saltwater and Driftwood by Anna J. Walner is a heartbreaking look at one of the greatest natural disasters on the Gulf Coast. The Great Storm of Galveston hit on September 8th, 1900 and killed more than 6,000 people. Saltwater and Driftwood follows Cara Gladys, a Texas debutante, as she fights for her life as a terrible hurricane arrives in her hometown with no warning. Cara is a remarkable character, full of heart and southern grit, and her personal take on the storm and it's after effects is breathtaking and raw. Author Anna J. Walner did an amazing job of bringing the characters, location, and natural history to life with vivid descriptions and a dual timeline that shows the continued impact on the Galveston of today.
This ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ read comes out this Tuesday, August 30. It's a perfect end of summer historical fiction read!
This ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ read comes out this Tuesday, August 30. It's a perfect end of summer historical fiction read!
August 30, 2022
I've been waiting on the release of this book and today was the day. I almost put it down several times because the first 2/3 of the book is about the lifestyle of the wealthy elite of Galveston. That may fascinate many readers but I wanted to read about the Big Storm, the hurricane of 1900. I'm glad I kept on reading because the author does an excellent job of describing the utter unpreparedness of the Galveston residents and the brutality of the storm. You can feel the waters rising in the night as you're trapped in a house, hearing windows breaking from the waves and debris slamming into the walls before you are also swept away. This book makes me grateful for the NWS, even if I grumble about poor weather forecasts.
August 30, 2022
Saltwater And Driftwood is a heartbreakingly beautiful story about The Great Storm of Galveston, Texas in 1900.
This is my very first historical romance and I was swept off my feet.
Anna J. Walner can do no wrong in my eyes. No matter what genre she writes, it’s phenomenal.
I read this book months ago and I still think about it all the time. It will be a story that I read over and over again.
I highly suggest reading this book even if you aren’t a historical romance reader. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised! Give it a shot & thank me later. ;)
This is my very first historical romance and I was swept off my feet.
Anna J. Walner can do no wrong in my eyes. No matter what genre she writes, it’s phenomenal.
I read this book months ago and I still think about it all the time. It will be a story that I read over and over again.
I highly suggest reading this book even if you aren’t a historical romance reader. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised! Give it a shot & thank me later. ;)
October 12, 2022
I wanted to love this book but found that I had some issues during the reading. I did enjoy the story and appreciated the historical aspects of the book but found multiple spelling and grammatical errors. Also the personal journal, which was a large part of the book, included narratives that the journal writer was not witness to and could not have known.
February 16, 2023
This novel was not ready for publication.
I was drawn to the beautiful cover, historical topic, and promising storyline, but was stunned by the array of typos and grammatical errors in this book. It was sorely in need of editing.
NOTE: This review is specific to the ebook version of this novel.
I was drawn to the beautiful cover, historical topic, and promising storyline, but was stunned by the array of typos and grammatical errors in this book. It was sorely in need of editing.
NOTE: This review is specific to the ebook version of this novel.
August 30, 2022
This book is different from Anna’s previous books, Garkain, but her writing style is still the same and it was a beautifully written historical fiction novel. This book is heartbreaking but well worth the read!
September 19, 2022
What a heart wrenching and captivating read! It gives a human perspective to the worst natural disaster to ever hit the U. S., The Great Galveston Hurricane of 1900. The author does an exceptional job with the description of the times, the events and the emotions of the characters.
October 28, 2022
She'll blow again...
What a wonderful read. As a lifelong Houstonian, who has lived through multiple hurricanes, it's hard to fathom how you'd handle one unannounced. Hurricane Carla hit just before I was born, my Mom often talks about the sound that she'll never forget. These hurricanes sound like a freight train on steroids. The book reads oh so much better than what the aftermath would have been like. The heat and humidity that follows is brutal, the smells would have been unbearable. This would have truly been Hell on earth to live through, probably much easier to just perish with the rest. Galveston is less than an hour from Houston, and is probably taken for granted by most. It probably can never be what it once was, because unlike back then, we know another is coming and we know just what it will do.
What a wonderful read. As a lifelong Houstonian, who has lived through multiple hurricanes, it's hard to fathom how you'd handle one unannounced. Hurricane Carla hit just before I was born, my Mom often talks about the sound that she'll never forget. These hurricanes sound like a freight train on steroids. The book reads oh so much better than what the aftermath would have been like. The heat and humidity that follows is brutal, the smells would have been unbearable. This would have truly been Hell on earth to live through, probably much easier to just perish with the rest. Galveston is less than an hour from Houston, and is probably taken for granted by most. It probably can never be what it once was, because unlike back then, we know another is coming and we know just what it will do.
April 16, 2025
Clara Gladys isn’t like any other young Victorian woman, she doesn’t like the snooty, prudish women of her era, and her mother is not exempt from this high society attitude. When the family moved from Houston to Galvenston, Clara had no idea that this town was so snobbish. When the Storm of Galvenston hit their island and no one was excluded from nature’s wrath, it leveled the societal playing field. Unfortunately, over 6,000 people perished and friends & family were included in this statistic. I really enjoyed the history and storyline of Clara, but I found plenty of typos which always drives me nuts!
May 3, 2025
Everything Fades Away
When everything is stripped from you, we are all the same. No better, no worse. Recounting events of the Galveston hurricane and the lives that were taken so easily. Sadly, the importance of life and how things were gets lost within generations and commercialization and forgotten forever. The souls and landmarks lose meaning when there is no one left to carry on the memories. I recommend this book to all historical fiction readers and the unforgettable hurricane of Galveston, Texas.
When everything is stripped from you, we are all the same. No better, no worse. Recounting events of the Galveston hurricane and the lives that were taken so easily. Sadly, the importance of life and how things were gets lost within generations and commercialization and forgotten forever. The souls and landmarks lose meaning when there is no one left to carry on the memories. I recommend this book to all historical fiction readers and the unforgettable hurricane of Galveston, Texas.
November 1, 2022
Great Story
I enjoyed this story full of tense family dynamics involving a social climbing mother, a financially successful father, the dismay they felt over a daughter who went her own way instead of bowing to her mother's expectations, and the two remaining daughters...one more independent and the other more inclined to please. All expectations changed when faced with a life altering disaster. A thought-provoking read I recommend.
I enjoyed this story full of tense family dynamics involving a social climbing mother, a financially successful father, the dismay they felt over a daughter who went her own way instead of bowing to her mother's expectations, and the two remaining daughters...one more independent and the other more inclined to please. All expectations changed when faced with a life altering disaster. A thought-provoking read I recommend.
May 14, 2023
This book was so good and so moving about the Great Storm of 1900 in Galveston. I really connected with the characters. One reason I feel this way is because I live close to Galveston and personally know the areas where the story took place but it changed my perspective on the history of the island and the Great Story. I felt so sorry for all of the loss of life. A good story for every Texas but especially every Houstonian and Galvestonian to read.
July 10, 2023
Harrowing! The story is gripping. It starts a little slowly but once the hurricane hit, it was nearly impossible to put down. There were numerous mistakes of various kinds that were annoying but not enough to ruin the story. It’s hard to know if the mistakes were the author’s, the editor’s, or the publisher’s, but it would be nice if someone could make the corrections. But, my goodness, what a story! A fictionalized true and tragic story.
January 19, 2024
This was a good story, good storytelling, and an interesting bit of history that I didn't know. However, the number of grammatical errors, misspellings, misused words, and erratic use of apostrophes was so distracting that it took me out of the story frequently--nearly every page. The storytelling kept me engaged enough to keep going, otherwise I would have been too annoyed with the errors and put it down.
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