Appreciation for Keeping Tabs
A story that will leave you thinking about your own life, dreams and choices
“Every woman who has struggled with making herself a priority or who has allowed negative statements from others to occupy their thoughts will enjoy reading this book. Many themes can be found in the chapters of this book, making it a perfect read for book clubs. My advice is to get this book and spend a wonderful weekend reading it!
A fun read with an important message for women of all ages. I look forward to future books from this author.
Sometimes the only thing holding us back from achieving our dreams is ourselves. This is a wonderful story that explores the journey the main character, Tabitha, took from questioning her own value to becoming a self-confident businesswoman. A bombshell statement from her husband is the impetus that propels Tabitha forward in her transformation to her true self. Only when she is forced to make decisions and take responsibility for her choices can Tabitha begin to receive the opportunities that life has waiting for her. As the story unfolds, several other characters are able to make positive changes in their lives as well, showing the connection and impact we have on others. As an added bonus, Melanie, a dog-trainer in the story, offers insights into working with dogs that parallels Tabitha’s techniques for working with her drama students at her school, Shooting Stars.”
S. Brandenburg
What a great book!
“I love this book! It’s is well written with enough detail to keep you interested but not too much that you skip a few lines. The storyline is inspiring, captivating and truly enjoyable. It is the perfect book to unwind with. The print font is a great size - not too big and not too small! Small print puts me right off a book! I can’t wait to see if there will be more. Sit back, relax, unwind and enjoy!”
Sue Palmer
A heart-warming and engaging read
"I really enjoyed this novel and found it a page-turner, from the vivid opening scene right through to the conclusion. I very easily became involved with the protagonist, Tabitha, wanting to cheer and encourage her on to fulfil her potential, have a happy life and remove the obstacles in her way. The story is peppered with interesting characters, real multi-sided people not clichés. Not least of these characters are the dogs who feature strongly in Tabitha's life. The descriptions of the solace and comfort Tabitha gets from her dogs are very touching and enrich the story. The details about the dogs, Tabitha's approach to them and her delight and engagement with the dog trainer give the writing authenticity. Only to be expected of course from this author whose love and depth of experience with dogs shines through! Another highlight for me was the evocative description of different landscapes. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a heart-warming and engaging read."
Judy
Insightful, thought-provoking and uplifting
”I was immediately engrossed in this very readable novel. Following Tabitha's journey through struggles, awakenings and active steps taken during her process of taking control of her life, was engaging and heartwarming. The author gives us insight into Tabitha's thought processes and emotions, helping us to understand just what significant changes she manages to make and the courage it takes to achieve these. Events and other characters are woven sympathetically into the mix to support and enrich the story. I found this an insightful, thought-provoking and uplifting book.”
Angie L
Appreciation for Seeking Clarity
A feeling of suspense!
“I liked that some of the characters from Keeping Tabs were in this book as well although the focus was on a different character. But also this book could be read on its own without people having read your previous book.
I enjoyed the story arc and the way it starts with Clare seeming like she is having a great time and finally achieving what she wants from her life but then a nagging feeling develops in the reader, or at least in this reader, that something is going to happen to burst her bubble ... and why on earth doesn't she look at that text from her daughter!
This resulted in a feeling of suspense and wanting to know what happened next.
Clare's job and how she develops her own way of looking at the people she interviews and depicting them was an unusual and interesting angle. Then the way her feelings about her daughter's arrival and needs trigger a massive reflection on Clare's part and how that is followed through in the book. I think it puts across very well how having the life you want is something that is always subject to review and how unexpected events can lead to a change in your view of things including your history.
It goes without saying that I enjoyed the dog-related parts and learning more about dog trainer Melanie!”
J. Lamb
A great read from start to finish!
"The first book was brilliant, in my opinion, and this book doesn’t disappoint either. Many times the first book in a series is great and when the second one comes out and I start to read it I get disappointed that it isn’t as enjoyable as the first and then I rarely finish it. This book however keeps you interested and when I got to the end I just wanted to know if there was going to be another one and when!
Beverley seems to be a down to earth person who writes in a way that people understand and you can also imagine the characters. The people in the book have a very real feel to the reader and are relatable. The subjects and storyline of her books shows that she has a good grasp of people and the different lives that people lead.
The books are not only a great read and story but also seems to aim to teach you something and make you look at situations differently.
So grab yourself your favourite drink, sit back and relax and enjoy a break from stresses of the
Sue P.
Making yourself a priority after the children are grown isn't as easy as it seems
"The wait is over, Seeking Clarity is Book 2 in a series of women’s fiction novels (Keeping Tabs is Book 1). Both books can be read as stand-alone stories; however, it is much more fun to know the back story of the characters.
In this story, Clare, the main character, feels she can finally be in control of her own life after raising two children and leaving her husband. Her dream of being a great writer, like her father, is finally starting to transpire. Clare is happily focused on her career and only her career, no children, no commitments.
Everything is going as planned, until life happens, and her dreams begin to crumble. Clare does much soul searching with the help of long walks and talks with her friends, Tabitha and Melanie. While reading, you almost feel like you are going on the walk with them as the fourth friend ready to share your own personal stories. Throughout the book, Clare learns many lessons about her beliefs, her relationships, and her decisions. She learns how other people impacted her life and how she fears she is passing this on to her daughter. She learns what needs to be done to get her life back on track.
Beverley Courtney’s books address real-life issues we all face as women. She is a master at writing stories that have an emotional impact on the reader who cannot help but relate the story to their own life on some level. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys spending their weekend savoring a good book."
Sue B
Entertaining and thought-provoking
"Beverley Courtney is a skilled storyteller. In her second novel, she introduces us to a family with a rich cultural history and painful personal secrets. She weaves a complicated tapestry of competing priorities to show that there is always a way forward. Beverley tackles a controversial ethical issue with sensitivity and compassion. Whether readers agree or disagree with the characters’ choices, Seeking Clarity is an entertaining, thought-provoking read."
LK
"Seeking Clarity is an easy and enjoyable read. Your teaching about being true to yourself, perfectionism, prioritising, sacrificing some aspects to pursue other goals, is clearly illustrated and very accessible to the reader.
I like how you include characters from the first novel, but both novels are stand alone entities in their own right. I think it's a brilliant way to introduce and explain some of the concepts which are fundamental to coaching, growth and development, as the reader will identify with and accept whatever they are ready to recognise and work with."
A. Lezar
Reviews
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