New Year, New Book, and New Review

A Journey Through Time…and Time Again

I’m taking a break from my break to bring you a highly recommended series and new release from blogger and writer, Kennedy J. Quinn (aka Sheri). I’ve read the first two books in The Unwitting Journeys of the Witty Miss Livingstone series and bugged Kennedy for a year regarding the third. Finally it’s out. My review is below, but before going there, I was curious:

My Question for Kennedy: One thing that I noticed (and loved) in the very first book, as well as in subsequent reads, is Miss Livingstone’s distinctive voice. I’d swear a proper and very witty young lady was whispering her thoughts and dialog into your ear. Where did this voice come from and why does it feel so authentic? Are you secretly Miss Livingstone?

Kennedy’s Answer: This question (or questions) made me laugh. I’m delighted Miss Livingstone comes through to you with the unique verve I feel from her as I write. I confess most of my characters live vibrantly for me. They appear to me fully formed with vivid personalities, and I usually know their names without hesitation.

But Miss Livingstone is special. In a sense she does whisper to me, because if I struggle to write her lines here and there, she instantly demands correction when I stray – as forcefully as her in-story character demands everything else. She abides no weakness, though she gives room for innate faults and quirks with no need for apology. Her wit surprises me – perhaps as much as it surprises you – jumping out from all directions as I’m writing (or you’re reading) along. She doesn’t miss much and, again, demands I add in her brilliance.

Where her voice comes from, you may think you know at this point… sheer lunacy on the part of the writer, perhaps? But no, I think I’m as sane as any other fiction writer who ‘hears’ their characters. That leaves plenty of room for speculation on where any story originates in human psyche.

But a bit of insight on my background: My Canadian mum raised my brother and I with proper manners infused into daily living. My household was atypically quiet, and we did a lot of reading, art projects and other creative things – so imagination always loomed large and clear for me. Conservative values fused with dry or absurd humor. My well-read family thrived on astute observations and witty turns of phrase. I came to love British literature, music, drama and humor. I read mostly classics as a child and often still choose them for ‘light reading.’ So older style English and grammar come naturally. Though I purposely fuse simpler, more direct phrasing into the Miss Liv Adventures series while working to maintain a classic-nostalgic feel to the style.

So am I secretly Miss Livingstone? Her respect for proper behavior, yet inability to fully abide within it, lives in me. And I’d like to think I carry her boldness of spirit lit with a genuine heart. But I wouldn’t do some of the things she does… What fun to imagine I could! This boisterous, impetuous Miss Caprice Livingstone has a life of her own that bursts from the page and keeps me wanting to turn the next one. I’m thrilled to present Book III: Dreams Key. And I can’t wait until she tells us all more!

Thanks for asking, Diana! I’m pleased you enjoy the books, and it’s my pleasure to be spotlighted on your blog. Much appreciated!

Diana’s Review:

Miss Livingstone’s steampunk world includes time travel as well as dimensional travel, and the butterfly-effect gets everything incredibly tangled. Hold on to your petticoats! Lizzie’s access to magical gemstones and keys drops her into her past and future as well as into other versions of her life. Imagine her shock at suddenly finding herself in Scotland, about to give birth.

Several things stood out for me with this read. One is the complex plot created by the time/dimensional travel. Miss Livingstone might be witty, but she also has to use her wits to avoid causing a mess. She’s not the only one traveling which adds layers to the mysteries and shenanigans.

As in all the books, the characterization is fun and beautifully authentic. I enjoy Miss Livingstone’s personality which is genteel while it pushes at the boundaries of propriety with her sneakiness, guffaws, and occasional snorts. In voice, language, and good manners she is straight out of 1910. The same authenticity applies to the secondary characters though she is the most entertaining as she barges full steam ahead into any and every situation.

Book 3 picks up at the moment Book 2 ends, and Quinn doesn’t waste any pages catching the reader up. I’d recommend reading the books without too much time between them in order to avoid confusion. Recommended to readers who enjoy steampunk and fantasy with a turn-of-the-century flair.

Sheri’s Links:

Amazon Author page for Kennedy J Quinn: https://www.amazon.com/Kennedy-J-Quinn/e/B01M7TO14L

Miss Liv Adventures website: https://misslivadventures.com/

Kennedy J Quinn Twitter: https://twitter.com/KennedyJQuinn

Kennedy J Quinn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KennedyJQuinn

FreeValley Publishing / FVP Books website: https://freevalleypublishing.com/

The Unwitting Journeys of Miss Livingstone Global Links:

Book OneBook TwoBook Three!

Happy Reading!

152 thoughts on “New Year, New Book, and New Review

  1. sue clancy says:

    What an absolutely fun post!! Thank you!! I’m following you now, at least I think I’ve pushed the correct button to “follow”, and I look forward to seeing more of your work!

    Liked by 2 people

    • Thanks so much for stopping by, Sue. I was just at you site, enjoying some leave, coffee cups, and rabbits. 🙂 I’m so glad you enjoyed this post. Sheri is a wonderful writer and I was delighted to pick her brain. Lol. I’m happy to return the follow with bloggers who enjoy interacting. Thanks for much! Have a wonderfully creative week.

      Liked by 1 person

      • sue clancy says:

        And thank you for stopping by too!! I enjoyed your way of picking a writer’s brain! I will look forward to more of what you do on your blog! And thank you for your kind words about my own blog. I hope you have a very good week too! 😊

        Liked by 2 people

  2. Dalo 2013 says:

    You also have mad interviewing skills too, Diana 🙂 This looks like a great read to get lost in ~ wishing you a wonderful start to the New Year!

    Liked by 2 people

  3. Prior... says:

    D
    It is me again!
    I ordered This series and also ordered one of your books, D.
    But wanted to leave a side note for you D
    I just reread Kelvin M. Knight’s book Flashes of Weather – read it last year and then again this last week
    And there was a quote from you !
    I am
    Sure I read it the first time – but here it was a year later and I was like “hey – I know D Wallace Peach” and I can see why Kelvin added the quote –
    Anyhow – smiled to see that and also really
    Enjoyed your muse challenge at the end of last year
    Happy new year to you
    And best wishes to all this year

    Liked by 2 people

    • Wow. That’s so cool and very sweet of Kelvin. Thanks for letting me know. And thank you for giving Sheri’s and my books a try. I’m doing a happy dance. 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      • Prior... says:

        Happy dances are cool- and I will take a screen shot of the page
        And better yet- I have one more code for a kindle copy and will email that to you tomorrow –
        So you can see the quote for yourself –
        And be prepared – I will probably be quoting you

        Liked by 1 person

  4. Sarah says:

    Sounds like a very fun series! 😀

    Liked by 2 people

  5. acflory says:

    I’ve learned to trust Diana’s recommendations implicitly, and this one is no exception. I’ve only just started reading about Miss Liv, but the character and the style have drawn me in already. And I love the fact that there are three books in the series. Once I love something I want to read it /all/. lol

    Liked by 2 people

  6. This is a strong recommendation, Diana. I do love British humour.

    Liked by 3 people

    • It really is a fun read, Robbie. I got such a kick out of the main character right from the beginning, and have wanted to ask Sheri that question for years. If you decide to pick the book up, I hope you enjoy it. 🙂 Thanks for the visit and Happy Reading.

      Liked by 2 people

  7. Great interview with Sheri and the review of her book. It must be lovely to read about the characters’ proper manner and eloquent speech that the author is so familiar with. Thank you for sharing, Diana!

    Liked by 2 people

  8. Reblogged this on FreeValley Publishing and commented:
    A great book review and fun interview of Author, Kennedy J. Quinn by fantasy Author, D. Wallace Peach…

    Liked by 2 people

  9. Jennie says:

    It sounds really interesting, Diana. My very best to you!

    Liked by 2 people

  10. DutchIl says:

    Thank you for sharing and Happy New Year!!.. May 2021 be all that you and yours wish for it to be and each and every day be filled with peace, love and happiness… 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  11. Sounds intriguing Diana and love the background to the voice and Sheri’s childhood.. we were brought up with ‘proper’ manners and even at 68 I watch my elbows on the table… I will certainly check the series out.. x

    Liked by 2 people

  12. Sean says:

    Sounds like a good read and thanks for sharing that very interesting Q&A exchange! It makes me sure I am not a writer of fiction. There are no characters whispering anything to me!

    Liked by 2 people

  13. Well, you know you had me at “Steampunk.” 🙂 I enjoyed this discussion of the character’s voice, Diana and Sheri.
    Diana, thanks for this lovely introduction to Sheri/Kennedy’s work. I’m definitely hooked. Happy New Year and hugs on the wing.

    Liked by 3 people

  14. Prior... says:

    Not sure I like steam punk and fantasy too much but I sure do like journeys and adventures – and a well developed character! And it sounds like Quinn offers a rich experience with this series
    Thanks for the author snippets and review Diana

    Liked by 3 people

  15. Reblogged this on Miss LiV Adventures ~A Journey Through Time…and Time Again and commented:
    I’m delighted to share this short interview and review of Miss Liv III that D. Wallace Peach posted on her blog. What fun to be featured by this amazing author! Thanks, Diana!!

    Liked by 3 people

  16. Widdershins says:

    What a wonderful new author I’ve found here! 😀

    Liked by 3 people

  17. such a great review and compelling to read.. nice! ❤️❤️❤️

    Liked by 4 people

  18. Jan Sikes says:

    I loved Sheri’s answer to your question, Diana. These books sound like awesome reads! Thank you for sharing and introducing me to a new author!

    Liked by 3 people

  19. Meg says:

    Those were great questions and it’s so interesting to know how authors see their characters. Happy New Year Diana!

    Liked by 3 people

  20. Your reviews are always fantastic and marvelous at all times, Diana. The book sounds very interesting. Thanks so much.

    Liked by 3 people

  21. Teri Polen says:

    These sound wonderful! I’m always a sucker for a good time travel story, and Miss Livingstone sounds like quite a character.

    Liked by 3 people

    • I’ve enjoyed the reads, Teri. The combination of time travel and dimensional travel adds a whole other level of complexity and fun. I think I enjoyed the character most of all. Thanks for stopping by to read. Happy Reading and Happy New Year!

      Liked by 2 people

    • Thanks for your interest, Teri! I’m a sucker for good time travel stories too. It’s been fun and very challenging to write one. Lots of twists and turns. If you decide to give it a try, I hope you’ll let me know if you enjoy the journey and the feisty Miss Livingstone.

      Liked by 2 people

  22. Annika Perry says:

    Diana, this sounds like a terrific series and one I’m adding to my books for the year! I loved your review and your question(s) to Kennedy. It was fascinating to learn about her unusual quiet cerebral childhood and how Miss Livingstone not only speaks to her but corrects her writing! Wonderful!

    Liked by 3 people

  23. Chel Owens says:

    😀 I, too, have characters with distinct accents and manners form as I write. I don’t think I’d be able to master a terribly witty one, however.

    Liked by 3 people

  24. D.L. Finn, Author says:

    I love when the character speaks to you! I added the first book to my TBR list after reading this review. Congrats on your new release, Sheri.

    Liked by 3 people

  25. Sounds like an interesting read (steampunk is a pretty cool genre), but not sure if it’s really MY genre. Still, though, I trust the fab Ms. D’s recommendations so I might have to give it a look 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

  26. I had no idea reading the Q & A that we were going in the direction of steam punk. What fun!

    Liked by 3 people

  27. dgkaye says:

    Fantastic review Diana, and I enjoyed the question answer with Kennedy. Nice to see you pop by while on break (Exactly what I’m doing here LOL ) ❤ xx

    Liked by 3 people

  28. Tessa says:

    This book sounds like so much more than I imagined when I looked at the cover. Very intriguing. Definitely one for the TBR ❤️

    Liked by 3 people

  29. I wonder if being Canadian is part of the language thing? I’m always getting told I use old-fashioned lingo but to me, it’s normal 🙂
    I love these covers and the interesting review you wrote, Diana. Will definitely be checking Miss Livingstone out!

    Liked by 3 people

    • That’s so interesting, Jacquie. It wouldn’t surprise me. Language variations are regional in the US too. The Miss Liv books are a lot of fun with a very distinct “Jane Austen-ish” voice and zany spec fiction plot. I hope you had a wonderful holiday and wish you and yours a Happy New Year. ❤

      Liked by 2 people

    • Jacquie, I definitely think the Canadian influence is part of it. I went to university in Canada as well as being raised by a Canadian, and I noticed a marked difference in writing style between my Canadian peers and the other Americans I went to college with. My Canadian friends were taught English differently, and often their homes required better speaking manners – less slang and more precise word use. It’s fun to write a series where I can let the vocabulary loose! Although I usually provide context to help less ‘old-fashioned’ readers get the gist without a dictionary at their elbow.
      Thanks for your interest in Miss Livingstone. And I’m so pleased you like the covers. I do my own cover and book design as well as writing, and I’ve had a lot of fun creating these covers. Enjoy!

      Liked by 3 people

  30. Darlene says:

    Thanks for the great review. The book sounds wonderful. I loved your question and the author’s answer. xo

    Liked by 3 people

  31. balroop2013 says:

    Miss Livingstone sounds like a real character! Thank you for peeping out of your hibernation and sharing this series with us. 🙂

    Liked by 4 people

  32. This sounds fun. And great review, Diana. Good luck with the book launch!

    Liked by 3 people

  33. Diana Raluca says:

    Congratulations for this wonderful article!
    Happy New Year!❤

    Liked by 3 people

  34. Miss Livingston sounds like a delightful character and I loved the background from Sheri. Thanks for the intro Diana (and Sheri) and Happy New Year!

    Liked by 3 people

  35. This sounds like a great series. Thanks for the review, Diana. Happy New Year to you and our family! I hope your parents are well. xo

    Liked by 3 people

  36. mistermuse says:

    Miss Livingstone may not be as witty as Dame May Whitty
    Of English acting fame
    But I’d say she’s even more pretty than Dame May Whitty
    Or Mistermuse isn’t my name.

    Liked by 4 people

  37. mydangblog says:

    Sounds like a great read! Happy New Year!

    Liked by 3 people

    • It’s kept me entertained for sure, Suzanne. I like complex plots with lots of tangles, and the “voice” of the character is a hoot. Thanks for the visit and wishing you a happy, healthy, creative new year. 😀

      Liked by 3 people

  38. Happy New Year! Enjoyed this great review, this sounds like a fabulous book. We really need these escapes now a days.

    Liked by 3 people

  39. Diana, thank you for the recommendation, the interview, and the review. I hope 2021 will bring you lots of happiness and success.

    Liked by 3 people

  40. Looking forward to reading this series! Also enjoyed hearing about the character whisperer. 😉

    Liked by 3 people

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