
Sunday Book Review -The Swamp Fairy Book 1 – Colleen Chesebro
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.
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54 Comments
Adele Marie
Lovely review, Debby xx
dgkaye
Thanks Adele. 🙂 xx
Colleen Chesebro
Thanks for visiting, Adele. <3
Adele Marie
My pleasure xxx
Jacqui Murray
This does sound delightful. What tragedy for a young girl. I think a lot of YAs will relate to this sort of struggle.
dgkaye
I think so too Jacqui, but still a book for all ages. 🙂
Colleen Chesebro
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. <3
balroop2013
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.
dgkaye
Thanks so much Balroop. There is no age limit on believing in the fairies. 🙂
balroop2013
Oh! they are so fascinating…love than more than dreadful monsters, whom I can’t stand 🙂
dgkaye
Agreed! 🙂
Colleen Chesebro
Ballroom, the fairy nymphs are truly magical. I know you will enjoy Abby’s journey. ❤️
Colleen Chesebro
Many thanks. You will love Abby’s story. ❤️
D. Wallace Peach
Sounds so sweet, Debby. Congrats to Colleen on the lovely review. 🙂
dgkaye
Thanks Diana. 🙂
Colleen Chesebro
Thank you for your kind comments. ❤️
Colleen Chesebro
Debby, thank you for your amazing review. I love being on your blog! ?❤️
dgkaye
You’re most welcome Colleen. I love sharing your work. 🙂 <3
Colleen Chesebro
Same here… we will have to remedy that situation. 😀
dgkaye
🙂
Tina Frisco
Wonderful review, Deb ?
dgkaye
Thank you T. <3
Colleen Chesebro
Thanks for your support, Tina. <3
Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life.
Terrific of course Debby … and congratulations Colleen.. hugs to you both. xx
dgkaye
Thanks Sal. <3 xx
Colleen Chesebro
Many thanks to you, Sally. <3
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dgkaye
Thanks so much Sally for sharing my review of Colleen’s book on your beautiful blog. <3 xx
olganm
A lovely review for the book of a great writer, blogger, generous reviewer, devoted writer of poetry and advocate of fairies. Thanks, Debby!
dgkaye
Thank you Olga, and well said on all counts! 🙂
Colleen Chesebro
Olga, I’m blushing! Thank you for all the compliments. <3
Annika Perry
A beautiful review, Debby…magical! ? I love the idea of the haikus and a wonderful feature of the book to highlight! ?❤️
dgkaye
Thanks so much Annika. It was really one of those books that was a pleasure to read. 🙂 <3
Colleen Chesebro
Annika, thank you for stopping by. I wrote many of those Haiku on Ronovan’s challenge, where I met you. <3
Norah
Sounds like a lovely book, Debby. Thanks for sharing. Congratulations Colleen. How lovely to have a haiku to begin each chapter.
dgkaye
Thanks again Norah. Yes, Colleen is amazing with haiku and it was a nice addition to her stories. 🙂
Colleen Chesebro
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. <3
Norah
I’m intrigued. It sounds like an excellent read. 🙂
Colleen Chesebro
Thanks, Norah. <3
robbiesinspiration
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.
dgkaye
Yes there are. Thanks Robbie. Glad to hear you too are enjoying it. 🙂
Colleen Chesebro
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. <3
Sarah Brentyn
Nice to see Colleen’s fairies and calcite pendant have stolen your heart, Debby. 😉 Lovely review. Looking forward to reading this.
dgkaye
Thanks so much Sarah. 🙂
Terri Webster Schrandt
A great review! I loved the book and can’t wait til Colleen writes the sequel!
dgkaye
That’s great Terri. I’m sure Colleen is thrilled with the response to her book. So many are waiting for the next one. 🙂
macjam47
This is a wonderful book!
dgkaye
I agree! 🙂
anjali
Awesome book!…
Carol Balawyder
Enticing and thought-provoking review, Debby. 🙂
dgkaye
Thank you Carol. <3
srmallery
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!
dgkaye
So lovely to hear yet another happy reader with Colleen’s book. So many are awaiting the next one, no doubt. 🙂 Thanks for visiting. 🙂
srmallery
🙂 🙂