Although Dystopian, a very enjoyable tale, of hope and strength in the face of adversity. A must for fans of escape/thriller fiction. The descriptions were good, pace continual, characters interesting and
three dimensional. Overall, I enjoyed this story. (Andrew Bell Book Tour Reviewer)
Overall journey’s begin Ora, is a very spiritual book about relying on ones’s faith amidst times of war, as well as being a book of necessary sacrifice. It’s very hard to put down and had me gripped as a young woman travels from Atlanta to New York on her own and encounters not only forces of nature but the risk of death and had me gripped the whole way through. (Hannah Smith Book Tour Reviewer)
The setting of the novella is in the American Civil War era, and the action begins in my own birth town of Atlanta, so I felt invested from the off – and admittedly hesitant at that investment. It’s a difficult subject matter, but one that I feel has been handled here well. This story is not about the brutality of the war (although there is some brutality within it) so much as it is about identity and the confrontation between reality and perception. The protagonist finds herself in a state of displacement, both in her physical
location, her sense of self, and her sense of others. It’s a well- written, easy read that examines a rapidly changing society from a personal level. (Tim Marshall Book Tour Reviewer)
A story that I enjoyed thoroughly from start to finish. It was easy to read, engaging and something I looked forward to getting back to reading. Though not as long as a traditional novel, it is lengthier
then a short story and therefore allows time for a well developed main character. The author has created a likeable main character who goes on a journey throughout the duration of the book, both in a literal and figurative sense. With each physical step she takes, her mind is opened further and she learns to trust her instincts. I’d recommend this to anyone who wants an entertaining and uplifting read with a well written and charismatic protagonist. It reads like a fairy story for an older audience and left me with the same feeling I would get from such stories as a child. (Michelle Marshall Book Tour Reviewer)
When sixteen-year-old Ora Harding’s parents are killed by Yankee soldiers outside of Atlanta, Georgia, Ora takes her younger sister’s hand and hides in a nearby forest. Once Ora finds a hiding place for herself and Leila. She keeps her hand over her sister’s mouth to keep her quiet. Of course, Leila doesn’t realiae they’re in danger; the four-year-old thinks it’s all a game. Thus begins Ora’s flight to
safety. This book was a pleasure to read. The author did quite a bit of research to prepare herself to write this historical fiction. ‘The Journeys Begin Ora’ was well edited, well written, and well-paced, putting the reader into the book. The author paints the Yankee soldiers as evil. This is how they were seen by people of the old south. The scenes are so well described that you feel the Ora’s frustration, weariness, and wariness from traveling the road north alone. The story line is fast paced and is one adventure after another. I was so impressed that the author included Ora’s learning about other races and cultures. In this book, she learns to accept people for who they are and to take to heart their wisdom. This book is perfect for readers aged twelve through eighteen. I was impressed that Ora is guided north by ‘Spirits’ who speak to her whenever it’s necessary. This mysticism only adds to the story. (Deb Hockenberry Book Tour Reviewer)
Ora’s journey is guided by the Spirits who guided her mother through her own journey, and we can’t help but feel it is something that continues through the Ages. We are taken on a roller-coaster of emotions throughout the book as we follow Ora’s journey to a new life of her own. Thrilling and captivating, this is an enjoyable read I’d have no hesitation to recommend. (Yvonne Marrs Book Tour Reviewer)
A fantastic prequel to Jenelyn’s Journey that takes the reader further back in time to the civil war period and the challenges that a young woman must face to find her true path, and rebuild her life when she is impacted by the harsh realities of war. Losing those she loves dearly, our female protagonist Ora Harding must trust in the spirits that guide her, and adapt to the circumstances she is thrown into, learning that not everything is at first seems. Her strength of heart and mind, her resilience, her selflessness in terms of the personal sacrifices she makes for another’s happiness, and the way she learns to embrace the differences of others, makes for a truly admirable and inspirational character, that readers can really connect to on an emotional level. Journeys Begin Ora is a beautifully written book, that captivates the reader from the beginning. The story moves at a good pace, with little that would distract a reader, and with credible dialogue, and characters that are enjoyable and relatable in the roles they serve to move Ora’s story onward to her final destination. I loved the story so much I was disappointed when it ended and would have welcomed more. (Kirsty McKay Book Tour Reviewer)
Overall we award 4.5 stars.
