While I enjoyed this book, I do not think I can give a true review without reading the previous three books in the series. I will add to the review when I have more background to make sure I do justice to the writing.

I did enjoy this book, THIS book I give a 5 star rating.
I was given the opportunity to read this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book speaks to the challenging times we live in. It addresses reclaiming the Divine Feminine as a force for positive change amidst the failing systems of our patriarchal society. It chronicles the courage and perseverance required to reclaim one’s voice in the cacophony of our collective consciousness.

Pearl Swinton, now in her early thirties, has struggled her whole life with her metaphysical gifts, which may seem more a curse than a blessing. Born into an abusive and generally dysfunctional family she shut down her insights, became “invisible” and began a life-long search for a sense of belonging…in other words…home. After traveling the globe, Pearl has now settled in Seattle, struggling to support herself physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Her heroine’s journey unfolds as a soul-inspired healing journey to reclaim all the lost parts of herself sacrificed since childhood. As she struggles with crippling depression and isolation, she begins to realize that all her efforts to “fit in” and be “successful” have led to the painful denial of her true identity as a mystic, an empath and an artist. How she comes to a place of self-acceptance is the thrust of the story.

Caroline Allen is a remarkable wordsmith. I savored this book as I read it while simultaneously wanting to hurry along to discover the outcome of Pearl’s journey. Anyone who has struggled with integrating their metaphysical/spiritual life with third dimensional reality will appreciate the protagonist’s sensitivity and vulnerability. The author has excelled at drawing the reader into Pearl’s world to experience her suffering and her deep connection with nature. The prose is full of wisdom without being preachy and there is even a bit of sardonic comic relief in Gem, Pearl’s next door neighbor.

Water is the fourth book of the five-book Elemental Journey series. I have not read the previous three (Earth, Air, and Fire), and after devouring this novel I plan to track them down. I was able to grasp most of the significant nuances on this story, but I think I would have greatly benefited from the historical context of the first three. I am definitely looking forward to the fifth installment in the series.

My thanks to the author, BooksGoSocial, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This review is being posted immediately to my GoodReads account and will be posted on Amazon and Barnes and Noble upon publication.