From
Scotland to San Francisco Ahern’s story mixes mystery with humor in her
captivating tale of secrets and sisterhood in her first novel, The Skye
in June. Daniel Hallford, "Upper Noe" & "Pelican Bay"
We
need more J. Ahern’s in this world…smart, irreverent, sassy and deeply
dedicated to her wisdom and the natural encouragement of intuition in
all children. Her fictional novel portrays her understanding of the
psychic world woven around a magical mystery. -
Litany Burns, "The
Sixth
Sense of Children" & "Develop Your Psychic Abilities"
No
matter what June writes, her work is colorful, entertaining and
insightful. She has a gift for holding the reader’s attention. I’ve
enjoyed her writing in all its forms – books, columns, studies - since
1988 and it only gets better. Suzette
Martinez Standring
"The Art of Column Writing: Insider Secrets from Art
Buchwald,
Dave Barry, Arianna Huffington, Pete Hamill and Other Great Columnists"
I
wasn't sure what to expect when I began reading "The Skye in June." I
soon found myself caught up in June's life. J. Ahern has a talent for
vivid characters and out-of-the ordinary plots. "The Skye in June" is
fraught with emotions: sadness, laughter, tearfulness, anger. I was
left wanting more. I want to know more about June's life. What
happens next in the MacDonald family? If I could have given this book a
10, I would. Debra Gaynor
Very highly recommended and a great
gift for all book lovers. The
story is set both in Scotland and San Francisco and is about the
adventures of a Scottish family who move to USA to change their life.
The story unfolds in Glasgow, the author's birthplace, where the
MacDonald family live. The author is very skillful at her descriptions
of the setting and the Scottish culture, thus making this novel vivid
and real. This novel is a wonderful story. Lia Metal
Rated an overall Five Stars
on Amazon ~ Readers are saying about the story: A Scottish Magic, Wonderfully Delightful, Are We born Psychic? A Great
Summer and Winter Read!, Truly a Must Read, A Heartwarming Story on
Self Discovery and Enlightenment, Captivating, Brings Back Memories, Charming Page Turner, A San Francisco Truth, Wonderful Read, Unable to put it Down, Should be a Movie, and, more.
More on Amazon where you too can write a review.
Other readers sent these comments:
If
you enjoyed Armistead Maupin and his "Tales of the City", you will love
sitting down with "The Skye in June." The author, J. Ahern, has an
enchanting way of taking you up and down the hills of San Francisco.
You could hear the clacking rosary beads of the religious penguins,
feel your lace mantilla tickling your shoulders and recall the nausea
from the heavy incense of the Stations of the Cross. If you weren't
lucky enough to experience the live San Francisco Sound, flower power
of the pungent smell of patchouli oil and marijuana on the streets of
"Baghdad by the Bay" or the "City that know how", June will take you
there. She will also give you the strength to stand up for your
beliefs, get in touch with your intuitive powers, appreciate the love
and force of family, but most importantly, accept and embrace that
which makes one a unique individual. I wait with impatience for a
sequel. Madeleine P., Paris, France.
A pal of mine is related to the author and when she said she was
ordering some books, (and we could get a shipping discount,) I joined
in. The use of the Scottish language (some from days gone by) was
an excellent way to start I thought, for the Scottish readers. The
relationships in the family like the grandparents being over the house a lot
and how the grandmother naturally took over cooking and caring for the
children reminded me of own Granny and Granda. That part pulled me
into the story emotionally. As the story progressed I especially
enjoyed learning about San Francisco, a place I've always wanted to
visit. Since the author immigrated there, I believe she gave me a true
image of it. I really found The Skye in June engaging and would like to
talk to the author. When you coming home, hen? Doris K, Scotland.
I LOVED this book so much. It is very well written and excellent for my English. I couldn't put it down and stayed up late reading.
It was as though I was near June all the time. I could hear her replying to my endless questions
such as wanting to hear all those Scottish words that I discovered. They made me giggle.
I wanted to know more about the religious conflicts going on in
Scotland in those days and how June could live with such strict
ways her father brought her up by. Tears came to my eyes on several
occasions. I did not find the book funny like perhaps some other
readers would. I was inhibited by June's sorrows and loneliness.
Luckily she also had a lot of cheerfulness, was full of resources and
could be a mischief. - Francoise, Paris France.
This
is a wonderful story of a woman's journey in life and shows the impact
she has on her daughters. It is an
exciting read that grips the readers' attention from the start to the
past pages. This novel is certainly a work of art on the issues of Scottish culture and language. The author is very skillful at her descriptions of the setting thus
making this novel vivid and real. The colloquialism
throughout the story adds to the plot and ample cultural aspects enrich
the story. It caters to everyone loving family stories, mystery and
learning about the spiritual world. It's a
worth read and a great gift for all book lovers. Lia Metal, author, Greece - Complete book review
Everyone wants to hit the lottery and The Skye in June
has accomplished it as J. Ahern weaves us through life in a Catholic
school and Scottish family living in Eureka Valley (now known as The
Castro.) Her eye for detail lets us experience what it was like
and how to remain calm between the storms. The struggle to remain
independent and true to oneself is the strength of this wonderful read.
- Karen, Eureka Valley, San Francisco, CA.
I have to tell you, I picked up your book the other day and LOVED IT. I
couldn't put it down! I read 250 pages in one sitting and didn't want it to end. I am truly impressed. Jean, West Palm Beach, Fl
I read truly enjoyed J. Ahern's novel. The insight of the
struggles that Catholics suffered after World War II in Glasgow,
Scotland was informative. The flavor of her descriptions drew me
into
the raw emotions of the MacDonald family and their relatives.
I enjoyed the Glaswegian burr of their dialogue. But the
best part was the immigration to San Francisco and all the
complexities of that adaption with such unique characters.
I also grew up in San Francisco and it thrilled me to go
down memory lane of the 1950's & 1960's. I laughed, I cried,
I could not put the book down. The only good thing about having a
summer flu was that I had The Skye in June in bed with me!! Can't wait for the sequel. MAC, Corte Madera, CA
Couldn't
put it down and I am a reader, just loved it, hope there will be many
more to follow. Was really interesting. Loved
reading about
different places there in SF. - Gail,
Delray Beach, Fl
I
met this author at a book reading and bought her book. The Skye in June
is such a thought-provoking, interesting, and kind of sad
book. Actually it brought up a lot of emotions in me as I read it
-- humor, frustration, anger, resignation, joy, sorrow -- are the ones
that come to mind immediately. I will probably think about it
more from time to time. Lin, Pacifica CA
I
read
this book in three days. I just couldn't stop. The story compelled me,
it never lagged, seemed to start and end at precise slices of life, so
it didn't really begin, or end. It was just a revealed segment of life,
holographic with history, personal issues sociological and
metaphysical issues with deeply spiritual realities––very visual, visceral,
heartfelt, beautiful and memorable. I just love the accuracy of life
in SF in the 50's and 60's. I could relate because I was there! The
places, the products, the TV shows, the dress, the conversations and
figures of speech. I loved every word. I hope
that people read this book are empowered in their own sense of
themselves. - Patricia, Santa Rosa, CA
Intriguing,
captivating. Hard to put down. J. Ahern did an exceptional job of drawing
the reader into this family’s day-to-day life. She has the wonderful
insight to keep you visually engaged and turning each page thirsting
for more. At the end of the book you wonder will there be another and when? MF, SF, CA
I
absolutely loved this book. It's one of the best books I've read in a
while. When's the sequel? - Suzie, Pacifica, CA
What a
wonderful story. I could hardly put it down! It reminded me so much of
my family. The characters are so real to me; the sister fights and the
Catholic nuns. I can't wait for the sequel. - Lavonne, San Francisco, CA
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