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The Holey Land by Laura Koerber – Review by Shannen Kern

The Holey LandThe Holey Land by Laura Koerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve picked up books by this author before, so I knew when I picked it up that I was in for a wonderful read. Despite its brevity, this is a story rich in discovery and insight as the author blurs the line between fantasy and reality. We journey with Molly as she seeks a retreat from the mundane but isn’t quite sure why. What unfolds is a tapestry of magical realism where spirits, art, and the desert landscape intertwine to explore themes of love, grief, and personal discovery.

This book invites readers to ponder how the past influences our present, and how sometimes stepping away from our familiar lives can lead to profound realizations. The author masterfully crafts a narrative filled with whimsy and depth. I don’t want to give too much away because I would be robbing you of a phenomenal read! It’s a delightful escape that is perfect for readers looking for a gentle yet thought-provoking experience. This novella encapsulates the beauty of taking time for oneself and embracing the unknown. I highly recommend picking this up as a mini vacation for the soul. You don’t want to miss it!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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The Holey Land by Laura Koerber – Review by Jennifer Gordon

The Holey LandThe Holey Land by Laura Koerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was captivated throughout by this magical realism novella. The main character Molly, a lady in her early fifties, is such a likeable and relatable character that I felt instantly invested in her journey. Wanting a new experience Molly decides to take a well earned vacation to the tiny town of Holy Land in New Mexico. Her time away turns out to be both “surprising” and “interesting” as she goes on a journey of self-discovery. The intriguing storyline is a mix of the real and the magical as Molly encounters petroglyphs, rattlesnakes and vultures, alongside spirits and ghosts. The setting was brought vividly to life through the descriptive narrative which made me feel immersed in the story. This was an enjoyable and inspiring read and one which I recommend reading!

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The Holey Land by Laura Koerber- Review by Brandy Vaughn

The Holey LandThe Holey Land by Laura Koerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This novel has captivating characters that pull you into magical realism, and they have fantastic tales to tell. Even though the tribe is fictional, the author did a fantastic job blending supernatural and fantasy. This story makes the everyday and mundane seems magical and filled with possibilities. Excellent story!

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The Holey Land by Laura Koerber – Review by Angela Hayes

The Holey LandThe Holey Land by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

4 Stars

 

The Holey Land by Laura Koerber is, as I expected, another original story with plenty of thought-provoking content. Ms. Koerber weaves magical realism with deft fingers, bringing complete believability to her work.
This could be just another mid-life crisis story- but Ms. Koerber and her FMC Molly take us on much more of a journey of self-discovery- finding far more than she (Molly) expected- resulting in another well-woven tale with plenty of mysteriousness, magical realism, discovery/self-discovery, spirit guardians, drama, quirky characters, and emotion.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Laura Koerber!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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The Holey Land by Laura Koerber – Review by Jenni Bishop

The Holey LandThe Holey Land by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Holy Land is a cleverly written charming and fun tale full of unique and quirky characters some like spirit guides and guardians both seen and not seen that have been around since the start of time. OMG AL is just hysterical. A place where time seems to stand still and the past and present intwine. There is a mystery, a peace, a sense of belonging and most of all discoveries.
Molly isn’t herself and not sure why and taking a holiday by herself and not with hubby is not something she usually does. What she needs can only be found in the Holy Land she just doesn’t know it yet. Did she pick the place, or did it pick her? You only have to look, really look to see what is there and what she discovers is exactly what she needs. Now I know that is all cryptic, but I don’t want to spoil things for you. You will need to read it to find out.
Laura is known for her unconventional tales and The Holy Land is just that, but it is so much more, it is an intriguing read and full of mystery and magical realism. It may be a short story, but it is packed full.
Journey along with Molly as she discovers some wonders in the world.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Raven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

Raven Woman's TavernRaven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Raven is a Raven shifter, as her name suggests and she is in charge of the small logging town which has seen better day, but those living within its boundaries have all found themselves there for a reason and kindled a kinship with the others living there. This place, however, is like no other and you will only find your way in or out if Rachel allows it and the road can be as long, short, twisted or straight as she desires, that is until one day when the local Militia find their way in.

All who live there have found there way in unusual circumstances and are not the youngest of pioneers, they have all lived a good life, but like the town have become all but forgotten, they are disconnected from the outside world, but they are happy and make do with what they can, whether that is legally, or by stretching the law, just a little. Baylor is one of these people, although, he isn’t as young as the rest, he has also heard the cry of a raven and followed it, little does he know that this will save his life and that his skills will help this small town survive the turmoil to come.

Can Baylor and the other residents of this small out of the way town keep their way of life, or will the Militia come in and take away everything they are working hard to build? This is a fantastical dystopian take on some pertinent themes including climate change and the flaws and triumphs which combine in all of humanity, while injecting magic and humour throughout in this enchanting novella.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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Weep, Woman, Weep: A Gothic Fairytale about Ancestral Hauntings by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Brandy Vaughn

Weep, Woman, WeepWeep, Woman, Weep by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

From the first sentence I was pulled into this fabulous story. This is a story of survival, healing, and rebirth. Mercy, the main character, is our narrator and tells us the story in a down-to-earth way with spunk. Finding happiness in a world designed to do otherwise gives the story some light in the heaviness of the plot. The focus on brujeria via plant medicine was an interesting slant for me; it’s not something I normally read. The story has vivid imagery about New Mexico and life the women have to survive though in Sueno. I enjoyed this story so much, that I wish it was longer!

Review by @bilberrysweet
Brandy Vaughn,NNovember 2022

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River Witch by Cheryl Burman – Review by Brandy Vaughn

River WitchRiver Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story starts out letting the reader know that Hester is no ordinary girl, just like the river is no ordinary river. The river nymphs call to her to join them in the water, and she’s pulled away by a mysterious stranger before she can fall in. I love her wonderful description of the setting (I’m not sure of time and place) and character interaction within the text. Magical realism, history, folklore, green witchery, and adventure line the pages of this wonderful story!

Review by @bilberrysweet
Brandy Vaughn,September 2022

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Grace Digger Academy by C.A. King – Review by crystal mcconnell

Grave Digger AcademyGrave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

While young adult fantasy books are not my typical “go-to”, I do enjoy them from time to time (diehard HP fan here🤗). I chose this book based on the quick synopsis I read and was NOT disappointed! It quickly sucked me in and had me staying up well past my bedtime trying to get further and further into it.
Quick backstory: there are 4 paranormal academies and Grave Digger Academy is staged as the last resort if the other 3 deny you. Makayla, the youngest of 7, is sent here. While she’s focused on ways to be able to transfer out upon the end of her first year, she learns why is she there and so much more about herself. As you read the book, you begin to bond with Makayla as you are engulfed in finding out what new secrets she will discover about herself and her classmates.
Definitely do NOT pass this one up! I’m off to start on the second book of the series and cannot wait!!

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Goddess of Everything: A Blood-Curdling Tale of Truth, Freedom, and Love by Paul DeBlassie III – Review by Brandy Vaughn

Goddess of EverythingGoddess of Everything by Paul DeBlassie III
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Goddess of Everything is jam packed full of magical realism, horror, suspense and religious ferver. DeBlassie brings the desert of New Mexico alive in the mind of the reader. His judicious use of metaphorical writing brings the characters and setting to life in the story. This is a beautifully written psychological thriller and I couldn’t put it down! I look forward to more work by this author!
Reviewed by @bilberrysweet
Brandy Vaughn, August 2022
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Raven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber – Review by Helen Woodhull Parsons

Raven Woman's TavernRaven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is set slightly in the future in Warrentown. A baren place with very few residents and they are mostly the elderly.

One night the tavern gets a visit from a few militia members and that when things get stirred up. They get drunk and annoying and try to make a scene to spice up the boring evening.

The militia members get lost on the way home on the same road they drove to get to Warrentown. They are left battling each other and their surroundings to survive. As one member gets removed from the group he doesn’t realize it will forever change his life.

Raven Woman’s Tavern is the first book I have read from Laura Koerber but definitely will not be the last. Thanks for an Intriguing read.

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Raven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber – Review by Angela Renee Diaz

Raven Woman's TavernRaven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A tight knit community who has each other’s back. I really related to Charlie the poet. Considering I write poetry. So I really enjoyed those parts my favorites actually. There a very resourceful bunch.

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Raven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber – Review by S. Bittles

Raven Woman's TavernRaven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Koerber has a unique and original writing style that draws you in; she has a way of smoothly melding her characters points of view and creates a fascinating visual and plot.

I feel like there should have been longer chapters on some parts as I found myself rereading most of the book to make sure I didn’t miss anything. There should have more to the characters brief introductions in the first chapters.

Even though I feel that the book left me with unanswered questions, I did enjoy reading it. I have actually reread it a few times. There is a lot of potential for more amazing reads by Koerber, I will be watching for more titles!

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Raven’s Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber – Review by Jennifer Reimer

Raven Woman's TavernRaven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is set 10 years into the future, it painted a dark bleak picture of what humanity has done to the earth, and what it would look like if we kept on the same path as we do now. The Raven Woman is a shapeshifting tavern owner who cares and looks out for her community, while watching humans destroy her habitat. An interesting group come into town accusing the people here of something they apparently did, the town stands together and these people leave, they end up lost and not knowing where they were going, while one guy leaves to make it on his own, he comes across some disturbing things that make you wonder if what he’s seeing is real or if he is imagining it all. the viewpoint of the story changed from so many different characters; it took me a bit to get a handle on who was who. but It is a well-written and thought-out story that I enjoyed and was worth sticking with it till the end. This book had lots of twists and turns. I am not fully sure if I understood what was real and what was illusion, I am not sure if that was the author’s intention, but it made for an interesting story.

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Raven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber – Review by Heather Goodman

Raven Woman's TavernRaven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was very interesting. It was a little bit hard to follow at first but it’s just because it is different peoples stories that weave together for an entrancing story. It had a twist at the end. Definitely worth the read.

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Raven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

raven-woman-s-tavern” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”>Raven Woman's TavernRaven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Raven Woman’s Tavern is set in the near future in an abandoned mining town that is occupied by a small group of survivalists eking out a meagre existence. Many, but not all, of the community’s citizens are law abiding folks so when a small group of militia members converge upon the town it sets some of the community members on edge.

The story is centered on Raven Woman, a shapeshifter, and her tavern. When the militia members enter Raven’s tavern it sets off a chain of events that forever changes the life of one of its members, Baylor. After a night of heavy drinking and obnoxious behaviour the militia leave the tavern and head for home. The four members end up lost which baffles them because they have travelled that very same stretch of road on numerous occasions in the past. Somehow though, the road looks different, and time seems to be standing still. The four young militia are left to battle with each other as well as the harsh elements. Baylor is banished from the group, and he must venture through the woods and try to survive on his own. As he wanders through the forest, Baylor spots a raven in nearby treetop and swears that it is talking to him and leading the way for him. He quickly brushes this off as from fatigue and malnourishment and plods on, hoping that he can find shelter before he is too weak to continue.

Raven Woman’s Tavern is the first book that I have read by Laura Koerber, but it will not be the last. The author did a marvelous job of describing the characters, their lives, and the world they were struggling to survive in. The book gave a glimpse into how lives would be if we were suddenly stripped of all the modern conveniences, we have grown accustomed to having and often take for granted. This is something that I have though of often and found myself wanting a simpler life. Learning to fend for myself and be more self sustainable started with growing and canning my own food. These are skills that seem to have become lost through the years and I am hoping to pass these skills onto the next generation. Kudos to Laura Koerber, I look forward to reading more of your books!

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Raven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber – Review by Megan Watson

Raven Woman's TavernRaven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The setting is 10 years in the future in and around a little town called Warrentown in Washington…  It’s not hard to believe the dystopian world Laura Koerber has built as many of the issues mentioned have been current events for so long.
Generally, I do not struggle to read from multiple point of views, but I did struggle to know what was going on during this read. It may have been too often of a transition because the author did a fabulous job of getting into the mood of multiple head spaces. I could definitely hear the differences between transitions; maybe it was just too frequent for me to keep a steady track of what was happening.
Warrentown is aptly described as a small, isolated town that made me recall my own history in a town similar. All in all, the imagery of this story is great and the characters of this book have potential, I’m just not entirely sure what the plot of this book was. I did like reading about Charlie and Val and enjoyed the character progression of Baylor.

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Raven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber – Review by Ashley McMillon

Raven Woman's TavernRaven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Raven Woman’s Tavern was a book that interested me in the story background. I wanted to find out more about this tavern and what was going on. The book gave some very interesting details in this dystopic near future, and was actually quite creepy! Some of the book was a bit harder to follow and by the end, I was not sure of what was happening next. Nice writing, but the end of the book did not leave me as interested as I had hoped.

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Raven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber – Review by Candida Hopper

Raven Woman's TavernRaven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Raven Woman’s Tavern
By Laura Koerber

I was pulled in this story as soon as I started reading it. This was an interesting and intriguing read. There were times in this story that I felt a little confused but overall it was well written. We get introduced to a few different characters in this book and each of them are living with their own struggles, some just struggling to feed themselves. The author was very descriptive in her words so that I was able to picture life in this dystopian world. I am hoping for another book in which some questions might be answered and we get to go into more depth with some of the characters. I gave this book 4 stars.

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Raven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber – Review by Alexis Laidlaw

Raven Woman's TavernRaven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book had a rollercoasters amount of twist and turns! I am not fully sure if I understood what was real and what was illusion, and I am also not sure if that was the author’s intention but it made for an interesting story!
I would have liked a bit more of a conclusion on a few things though, as the story’s end does seem to come abruptly and not necessarily leaving a cliffhanger for a sequel. Despite this, the book was entrancing and it was difficult to tear away from! I almost managed to finish it in one sitting – which is difficult with multiple small children around!

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Raven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber – Review by Stephanie Nicole

Raven Woman's TavernRaven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Raven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber was a great short read and I’m looking forward to more from Ms. Koerber. Raven Woman’s Tavern keeps a very surreal feeling through the book leaving her readers feeling as if they are in a dreamlike state. Ms. Koerber gives us quick glimpses into most of the lives of her character and focuses more on the vivid details of her main characters, the plot, and the town. She weaves all of her characters stories together flawlessly like a spider weaving a delicate web. With just enough drama and suspense that the readers will continue flipping the pages as fast as they can read Ms. Koerber pulls her readers in hook, line, and sinker.

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Raven Womans Tavern by Laura Koerber – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Raven Woman's TavernRaven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was beautifully well written. The first chapter is what drew me in. You could see from her eyes the progress of what her little river was like before humans came and mucked everything up and then the sad decline and the after affects of us leaving. That chapter alone makes you stop and think about real life. We are cutting trees down at an alarming rate, are we destined to have a future like that of the book? It gets your mind going and thinking, and then it introduces the main characters of the book and takes you along for the story. Every small town is not what it seems. I loved this story so much, it’s being added to my bookshelf.

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Raven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber – Review by Tia Martel

Raven Woman's TavernRaven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Raven Woman’s Tavern spins a tale of shapeshifters, outcasts, corruption, and more.

Raven Woman’s Tavern was a delight to experience. From the beginning when we hear about Warrentown through the eyes of the Raven to the story lines of Rachel, Valerie, Baylor and the others, this story is told in a way that is beautiful and enchanting. While reading most of it, I could imagine sitting around a campfire or in large room listening to a tale of how the world came to be. It’s a quick, interesting read but leaves me wishing for a little more to the story. I wish to hear more about the birth of Warrentown and how the Raven pictures the world’s growth. This book feels more like the start of an in-depth novel or series and I really hope to see more about this world of shapeshifters, Rainier, and Warrentown.

As you read, it brings a lot of thoughts to mind about what you’d do if in different situations, many of which may feel a tad too close to home in some parts of the world. How willing are you to break the law to make the world a better place? How far are you willing to go to protect the ones you care about from a justice system that’s corrupt? Raven Woman’s Tavern takes a look inside the minds of Warrentown’s remaining citizens and the lengths they’re willing to go to survive. I definitely think you should take a chance on this story and then beg for more!

Ready for more from Laura Koerber!

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Raven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber – Review by Karen (Melody) Marsh

Raven Woman's TavernRaven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Raven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber was very weird in a good way. Whenever you pick up a book you think you know what you are getting into, but this book takes turns and twists that I would never ever have thought about. As I abstain from most politics, it didn’t occur to me until farther in that many of the aspects of this book were incredibly introspective about American Politics. It gives a sense of how truly bad the world is and can get.

Following each story of the people of Warrentown and the militia members gets you more and more invested in their lives. The craziness they brought and that they get into changes perspective, especially following the older generation throughout the book. The personalities of the town aren’t completely clear all the time, and some of them feel like they mix together. But Koerber brings a really unique experience with this book! It is a must read!!
@karenmmarsh

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Raven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber – Review by Kerry Baker

Raven Woman's TavernRaven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Raven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber is a short dystopian novel that has some truly interesting characters. The story is well thought and so intriguing. I honestly think it would have benefited from being a full length novel to really be able to explore these ideas even further.
I was really taken in by the story as a whole. I think the ending lacked a bit of conviction but as a whole the book was a great read. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and this author.

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Raven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber – Review by Kerry Carr

Raven Woman's TavernRaven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a really interesting story. It will keep you gripped from beginning to end and is full of twists and turns. I like how at the beginning of the story we get introduced to each individual character and find out how they work and fit into this town.

Warrentown  is a small place with very few residents left. The ones that are left are getting old and are struggling to live each day and survive in their town. The town is watched over by Rachel the owner of Raven’s Tavern.
However Racheal isn’t what she appears to be and when a group of people from the local militia come into the town the residents start to panic. Some of them aren’t exactly doing things that are legal and some of them aren’t even human residents.

You are taken on a story through a dying town and the struggles of it residents. You also learn about community and connection when they are faced with an enemy which threatens their way of life.
This book is a good supernatural story which touches on elements of our life today.

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Raven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber – Reviewed by Corine Lombardi

Raven Woman's TavernRaven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Raven Woman’s Tavern By: Laura Koerber
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Pages: 172

This book was a good read, the first few chapters suck you in and then it hits a bit of a plateau.
The story is overall rounded to complete its POV however the plot seems a bit scattered.
This story focuses much on life lessons by highlighting realistic points that keep you engrossed in the read.
This book is the definition of don’t judge a book by its cover, the story is not so much Raven Woman’s Tavern even though that is a point imperative to the main characters story.
If you are interested in unanswered questions or a cliff hanger then yes you will not be disappointed.
This story was open and shut, easy and enticing I wish it had a bit more direction.
What does the future hold for humankind?
A story with adventurous danger with a realistic twist.
This is a four-star read worth the thought of the possible future.

“This is my bar, and I will run it however I damn well please. We’re closed because I say so.”

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Raven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber – Review by Erica Shoebridge

Raven Woman's TavernRaven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an interesting story of a rag-tag group of survivalists scraping out an existence in a dead mining town. Set only 10 years in the future, it paints a bleak picture of what humanity, and the Earth, might look like for people living in 2031. Hosted by the Raven Woman, a shapeshifting tavern owner who has lived for millenia, watching humans destroy her habitat. She is an odd character, but she does look out for her community in her own way. As the story’s viewpoint changed from so many different characters, it took me a bit to get a handle on who was who, and why we were privy to information… it took a good chunk of the book to understand what Koerber was saying with this work. It is a well-written and thought-out piece that I enjoyed, and was worth sticking with it til the end. I’ll be looking at what other things this authour has written.

Reviewed by @ericalorraine
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Raven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber – Review by Hailey Hop

Raven Woman's TavernRaven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Raven Women’s Tavern by Laura Koerber was a book I got sucked into. Everything in this book is easy to grasp, but has great details. The reader can imagine the scenes, whether it be a frail old man walking down the road with his dog or a terrified bar keeper trying to keep calm in front of militia.
I had a very tough time putting this book down when it got to Baylor and his struggles to survive. The author did such a great job portraying the character’s emotions that I felt like I was there with him!
The only thing I wish to have from this book was more! I’d love to see the characters develop more or see more into the beginning chapters so that I felt more immersed. Overall, a great read!

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Raven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber – Review by Shelly Kittell

Raven Woman's TavernRaven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Definitely worth buying, this book ends up making you think about what’s life really about. It’s a little weird but the characters are so wonderfully built up and eclectic that you feel like your in futuristic community. Rachel, the tavern owner; Charlie, and his cats; Val, and all the others. The community sounds like a run down town after everything is destroyed by companies pulling out. The description of the town by the Raven is fantastic. Kind of a bird’s eve view. It truly is a good book that you have to read. Too good to describe in words, you have to experience it. Highly recommend!!!!

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