Today’s book review is on Colleen Chesebro’s, The Swamp Fairy, Book 1 of The Heart Stone Chronicles. Although this book is in the genre of YA/Fantasy, I found it an enjoyable read for all ages because of the compassionate storyline that I feel anyone with heart will enjoy.
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Blurb:
Fourteen-year-old Abigale Forester, recently orphaned and a ward of the State of Illinois moves from Chicago to Florida to live with her aunt, her last living relative. Magnolia Forester becomes her legal Guardian, and together they claim an ancient inheritance; land that belonged to Abby’s mother’s family for generations.
Holding onto the only piece of her mother Abby has left, a calcite pendant and her mother’s most sacred possession, she discovers the truth of her legacy. The pendant is more significant than she could possibly imagine. Forged from a giant mystical heart-shaped stone found on the very swamp land Abby now owns, it holds the power of her ancestors.
But with that power comes greater responsibility, one that pits her against Rafe Cobb, a greedy land developer, who will stop at nothing to own Abby’s swamp land.
As Abby learns to be part of a family again and explores her love of horses with friends, Savanna, and Blake, the swamp slowly gives up some of its secrets. She is summoned by a primeval nymph, who teaches Abby that her true destiny is to protect the nymphs from evil in an ever-changing modern world.
Can Abby save the swamp and the Naiad Nymph Clan from certain destruction before it is too late?
My 5 Star Review:
This book is a wonderful story about a beautifully spirited child, Abigale, who was orphaned at a young age when her mother died and consequentially, her father disappeared shortly afterward.
Abby was left in the capable and loving care of her mom’s best friend and later sent to live with her dad’s only living sister, uprooting her from Chicago to Pensicola, Florida, where she begins a new life and is taken back to the place of her mother’s legacy – a gifted parcel of land Abby’s mother left her. The land is filled with magical properties and fairies, and of course, an evil man who threatens to take away Abby’s legacy at any cost.
The story will have you turning the pages, eager to keep up with Abby as well as an eye on her, hoping she can overcome the ominous doom of Rafe Cobb who will go to any lengths to take Abby’s birthright land away from her.
Through the journey, we’ll cheer for Abby’s triumphs as she forms new friendships and deals with mean-spirited others who don’t accept the new girl in town, and feel our hearts tugged at as Abby shares tender memories about her life. One can’t help but root for Abby who deserves happiness in her life.
A perfect read and beautifully written characters who will draw us in, for young girls and boys alike, and anyone who loves to read a good story where we cheer for the underdog.
Noteworthy, to pay attention to the wonderful haikus written to introduce each chapter. This book was heartwarming and a most enjoyable read.
Lovely review, Debby xx
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Thanks Adele. 🙂 xx
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Thanks for visiting, Adele. ❤
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My pleasure xxx
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This does sound delightful. What tragedy for a young girl. I think a lot of YAs will relate to this sort of struggle.
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I think so too Jacqui, but still a book for all ages. 🙂
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Thank you, Jacqui. Although I write for young adults, I find many adults enjoy the book also. It was so nice to see you again. ❤
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I like your review Debbie and it is inspiring enough to add this book to my reading list! The world of fairies still captivates me! Lol! Thanks for sharing. 🙂 Wishing you great success with this book, Colleen.
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Thanks so much Balroop. There is no age limit on believing in the fairies. 🙂
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Oh! they are so fascinating…love than more than dreadful monsters, whom I can’t stand 🙂
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Agreed! 🙂
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Ballroom, the fairy nymphs are truly magical. I know you will enjoy Abby’s journey. ❤️
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Many thanks. You will love Abby’s story. ❤️
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Sounds so sweet, Debby. Congrats to Colleen on the lovely review. 🙂
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Thanks Diana. 🙂
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Thank you for your kind comments. ❤️
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Debby, thank you for your amazing review. I love being on your blog! ?❤️
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You’re most welcome Colleen. I love sharing your work. 🙂 ❤
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Same here… we will have to remedy that situation. 😀
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🙂
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Wonderful review, Deb ?
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Thank you T. ❤
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Thanks for your support, Tina. ❤
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Terrific of course Debby … and congratulations Colleen.. hugs to you both. xx
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Thanks Sal. ❤ xx
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Many thanks to you, Sally. ❤
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Thanks so much Sally for sharing my review of Colleen’s book on your beautiful blog. ❤ xx
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A lovely review for the book of a great writer, blogger, generous reviewer, devoted writer of poetry and advocate of fairies. Thanks, Debby!
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Thank you Olga, and well said on all counts! 🙂
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Olga, I’m blushing! Thank you for all the compliments. ❤
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A beautiful review, Debby…magical! ? I love the idea of the haikus and a wonderful feature of the book to highlight! ?❤️
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Thanks so much Annika. It was really one of those books that was a pleasure to read. 🙂 ❤
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Annika, thank you for stopping by. I wrote many of those Haiku on Ronovan’s challenge, where I met you. ❤
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Sounds like a lovely book, Debby. Thanks for sharing. Congratulations Colleen. How lovely to have a haiku to begin each chapter.
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Thanks again Norah. Yes, Colleen is amazing with haiku and it was a nice addition to her stories. 🙂
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Thank you, Norah. I thought the Haiku added to each chapter. I didn’t use a chapter title. I let the prose set the mood. Appreciate your visit. ❤
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I’m intrigued. It sounds like an excellent read. 🙂
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Thanks, Norah. ❤
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A lovely review of this book, Debby. I am currently reading it and I am enjoying it very much. There are some beautiful descriptive passages in this book.
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Yes there are. Thanks Robbie. Glad to hear you too are enjoying it. 🙂
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Robbie, I am excited that you are enjoying Abby’s story. The swamp in Florida was indeed a magical place. Just goes to show that magic is everywhere. ❤
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Nice to see Colleen’s fairies and calcite pendant have stolen your heart, Debby. 😉 Lovely review. Looking forward to reading this.
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Thanks so much Sarah. 🙂
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A great review! I loved the book and can’t wait til Colleen writes the sequel!
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That’s great Terri. I’m sure Colleen is thrilled with the response to her book. So many are waiting for the next one. 🙂
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This is a wonderful book!
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I agree! 🙂
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Awesome book!…
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Enticing and thought-provoking review, Debby. 🙂
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Thank you Carol. ❤
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I totally agree with your review about Colleen’s wonderful book debut. I was very touched by the main character, impressed with her beautiful descriptions, and enjoyed the pacing of this page-turning book!
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So lovely to hear yet another happy reader with Colleen’s book. So many are awaiting the next one, no doubt. 🙂 Thanks for visiting. 🙂
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🙂 🙂
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