The author sent me a copy of this book (mobi format) in exchange for an honest review.
My rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Plot
(by Goodreads)
“Annie’s Story, Blessed With A Gift” is based on life in Colonial Massachusetts from 1630 to 1648. Annie’s message is timeless. Her shining spirit reveals that “History Does Repeat Itself” as we watch the treatment, abuse, and bullying of women, children, and individuals with special needs in today’s modern society. In Annie’s lifetime, babies born with birth defects and their mothers were banished or put to death—their names cleansed from all church and legal records. Yet, have perceptions changed that all that much? Have they changed enough? The answer is a resounding, “No!”
Annie came to me in an age regression that somehow slipped into a past-life regression by an Instructor of The National Guild of Hypnotists. Instead of returning to my childhood—WHAM! like hitting a brick wall—I was in someone else’s body, crushed in a pitch black hole, surrounded by wood and earth. This is how I met Annie; or rather I should say, I became Annie.
The Colonists laughed at Annie’s dwarfed appearance and sluggish way of talking. My conscious mind of the 21st century, however, realized that Annie was mentally slow, stunted in growth, and lacking in social and emotional development. I also knew she was innocent and childlike as well as an incredible telepathic savant, blessed with a gift from the Spiritual Universe. Hence, began a quest that has spanned years. I made amazing discoveries about a time in American history that many generations have tried to eradicate or conceal as was done with the Witch Hysteria of 1692-93, nearly half-a-century “after” Annie lived. This story of love and faith, coupled with the inequality of different people—now called “special” people—begs to be told. “Annie’s Story” is about an unusual child growing up in Colonial America, who is “Blessed With A Gift.”
| Genre(s): | Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Metaphysical > Historical Fiction > Scottish Books > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Metaphysical & Visionary |
| Series: | #1 |
| Length: | 275 pages |
| Release date: | 2017-01-02 |
Teaser
“Does the wee one yet breathe?” Frances blurted out.
Agnes reached down – she just couldna’ help it – and wrapped the small babe in The Blackbain Plaid, cuddlin’ the wee lassie in her arms. “She’s burnin’ up with fever!” Agnes exclaimed. “Why have ya’ taken her from the Mutha‘? Ya’ said James and Mary? This is my? Mine own…”
“Granddaughter,” Lachlan finished for her.
The vision Agnes had seen a mere thread of, less than a minute before, came back to her full-force and crystal clear. She saw and recognized the two bodies in the soiled bed.
“Nay, naught my Mary!” she screamed. Lachlan grabbed The Tartan with the baby as Frances rushed forward to catch the old woman and ease her down to the packed earthen floor.
My Opinion
This book leads you back in time, introducing you to Agnes Blackbain and her granddaughter Annie.
With Annie’s Story, Blessed With A Gift, Deborah A. Bowman has written a story that will stay etched in your memory. It is a very unusual and captivating read, drawing you into Annie’s world. During a regression, Deborah A. Bowman encountered Annie – who then became a part of her. She carefully develops the story about Annie and the people around her, painting a clear picture of Annie and life in New England (1630 – 1648) while the story evolves. Annie is likeable, complex, and hopeful. The story comprises historical elements (among others the Puritans, Salem, witches); it has a steady pace, comprises interesting turns, and has a really good flow. I have been keeping my fingers crossed – hoping the best for Annie – sometimes smiling, sometimes having to cry.
This is a book for you if you like historical fiction, the metaphysical, food for thought, and if you like intense female characters.
A sequel has been announced and – I am looking forward to reading it.
In brief:
| Cover | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ |
| Writing | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ |
| Plot | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ |
| Characters | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ |
| Mood | Dark, hopeful |
| Pace | Steady |
| POV | Third person – past tense |
| Language | 😳 |
| Violence | 😳 – 😡 |
| Sexual content | 😳 |
About the author
Deborah has a 20+-year history as well as formal education in writing, editing, proofreading, and publishing. She believes strongly in helping first-time and seasoned writers alike create quality books and eBooks at clasidconsultantspublishing.com. She does free reviews and critiques. “Books are timeless; readers are forever.”
Deborah has various upcoming projects, but is always happy to hear from you and connect on social media.
Connect with the author:
Please take a look at my statement on reading in My train of thoughts on …reading. Now I am asking you. 🙂
My questions for you bibliophiles:
What about you? What did you think about Annie’s Story, Blessed With A Gift? Or – if you did not yet read Annie’s Story, Blessed With A Gift – are you now interested in reading it yourself?
I am looking forward to reading your comments. 🙂
My train of thoughts on... 
Wonderful to see Deb’s book getting attention here. 🙂
Absolutely. It is a great read, Debby. 🙂
🙂
Thank you, Karen. I appreciate your attention to detail and the parts of Annie’s Story you highlighted. I’ve started the sequel. Also working on second installment of YA series Delilah, Astral Investigator Infinity Series and the 5th novella in the Denny Ryder Paranormal Crime Series, which I know you appreciate. Hope to have the Delilah and Denny Ryder books done before the end of the year and Annie’s sequel by summer 2018. Thanks again for your interest.
“bevbou” please contact me on bowmaneditor@outlook.com. I could not find your blog. I really appreciate your comment.
My pleasure, Deborah. It is important to avoid spoilers, therefore I had to be very careful with my statements. I really liked how you portrayed Annie – your care for this character shows.
A few years ago, we visited Boston and made a trip to Salem. The Salem Witch Museum offered lots of interesting facts. This knowledge let me understand Annie’s story even better.
I might be repeating myself…I am looking forward to reading your upcoming books.
Thank you, Karen. It was at the Hawthorne House, the only structure still original from the Salem Witch Trials, that I first got a faint hint that Annie could have lived. A quiet man, dressed in period clothing was telling the story, of course, of Judge Hawthorne who sent 23 women to be hung and one man to be crushed to death, but the gentleman ventured out on another topic. He said the Hysteria of 1692-93 was not the only time witchcraft and demonology reared it ugly head in Massachusetts. Young women had been accused and hung for witchcraft since the very first Colonists. Also, (and why he said this, I will never know) that children with disabilities were considered conceived by the devil and such children, mere babes, and their mothers, who they believed lay with Satan, were banished to die in the harsh elements or the mothers hung and babies /children buried alive in unmarked graves with no records of their birth or death. They were stricken from the church Bible as if the never existed. I knew when I heard this that Annie may have lived. Past Lives? I have no idea. Maybe the spiritual universe decided her story must be told and I was chosen to give her the life she was denied. Interesting place, Salem. You wonder how it could have fostered such evil, running away yet creating the same treatment they received in England, tenfold. Okay, off my soapbox. #AnnieLives
It is truly incredible what human beings did – and still do – to other human beings.
It is wrong to always strive for perfection, to be greedy, wanting more money, more power, wanting to be better than the rest. We are all humans and – we should live in a respectful way.
I completely agree with you, Deborah: Annie’s story needed to be told. Thank you so much for writing it!
Wow, this sounds like an amazing book. SO glad I saw your review.
Thank you for your kind feedback. Enjoy reading.