Diana Wallace Peach’s Tale of the Seasons’ Weaver — a review by Joni Caggiano

On By Mike U.In Previews / Reviews

Hello, friends. Today I’d like to share one dear friend’s wonderful review of another dear friend’s amazing novel. These two authors are pillars in our writing community, and it’s my pleasure to highlight both of them here. I hope you enjoy Joni Caggiano’s review of Diana Wallace Peach’s new book, Tale of the Seasons’ Weaver.…..

Image © Diana Wallace Peach

Joni’s Review

D. Wallace Peach has crafted a prologue in an exquisitely breathtaking setting– a winter forest marked by the harshness of an extreme mix of challenges.  She weaves an enchanting tale rich with every imaginable metaphor and color.  With a thrilling introduction to various creatures we will come to know throughout the chapters, Peach triumphantly guides us to each new page in this captivating adventure.

We also quickly realize that humans struggle to feed their families during what seems to be an interminably long winter. We learn that some creatures in the woods are dangerous and exist on an island where a Winter King resides. What we understand to be the beginning of the book may signify the dissolution of the human world as they know it. The hunters commit an unforgivable mistake, and their desperate actions will lead to severe consequences.  With this information, we delve into the ethereal yet fragile world that a young woman must learn to navigate.  She is tasked with weaving the seasons of their world onto her tapestry as we follow her through twists and enchantments that only the wildest imagination could conjure.

As lovers of nature’s seasons, all creatures, and the immeasurable beauty that the living world brings to all our lives, we often held our breath during the reading of Tale of the Seasons’ Weaver.   (I buddy read this book with my husband, which was our treat at the end of the day.)

The main character is “The Seasons’ Weaver,” who is called Erith.  Everything about Erith was remarkable.  I loved the coziness of her woodsy abode and the visionary creatures that lived with her.   She was half charmed and half human.  Within Erith’s force of personality, I saw a lot of myself.  Much of what made her such a lovable, captivating, and disarming character was, in many ways, the challenges we all deal with in life.  Many unanswered questions about what happened to her and her family and the great expectations inflicted upon such a young woman made her anxious, untrusting, and often unsure of herself.  I found a lot of today’s world in this captivating book.

Throughout the chapters, we meet extraordinary characters, some of whom we come to adore, but many of whom we know are foreshadowing.  The entirety of the book is written imbued with mystical and dangerous quests.  D. Wallace Peach’s ability to write with such ease and flow, with her formidable use of creative description in each sentence, is particularly noteworthy.  Her imagination is found while building a world that is both in trouble and one in which the protagonist, Erith, has many secrets to which she is not privy.

As a poet who does not often read fantasy, I found a considerable amount to be learned from reading this genre if you find a writer with a vision that lights a spark on every page.   I will quote a few lines to show you an example of D. Wallace Peach’s sensational descriptive vein of writing.

“Gynnessett’s corona of buttercup curls bounced below a circlet of golden pansies. Her silk apparel boasted a garden of embroidered irises, and despite the wintery weather, living flowers trimmed her neckline and the hem of her ruffled skirt. She was as light as sunshine, as mercurial as a butterfly, and when she passed by me, the scent of lilacs lingered in the air. I wondered if she tucked wings beneath her finery.”

Peach, D. Wallace. Tale of the Seasons’ Weaver (p. 16). (Function). Kindle Edition.”

“Wind clattered through the bare branches. Twigs chafed like eager fingers. A banshee swept into the clearing and whipped the falling snow into funnels that raced into the blue fire and spat cold sparks at the sky. Nelithi drifted from the evergreens, a phantom spirit of murder and mercy, crystal irises peering at me above a seductive smile.”

Peach, D. Wallace. Tale of the Seasons’ Weaver (p. 177). (Function). Kindle Edition.

“Your true strength lies here.” He rested two fingertips on my temple and then tucked a stray hair from my face with a touch as light as a galiwhig’s wings, the gesture so tender I leaned into his hand. “Your magic far exceeds the limited illusions of the charmed. You must believe it, welcome it.”

Peach, D. Wallace. Tale of the Seasons’ Weaver (p. 250). (Function). Kindle Edition.

The last quote is one from a particularly spectacular character in every way.  A member of the charmed.  Even though many possess staggering powers, one such person remains a true gentleman in every sense.   He is a man every woman would love to know who holds her heart most valuable, even more than life itself.  A tender romance added to the tension and fear felt while reading each time they headed into the night.

There has to be a hero in every story, and in this book, I saw a community of heroes in the end—people who wanted to conduct themselves morally. This was another inducement to my sheer delight in reading this book. An individual with an overwhelming sense of humanity wrapped this enthralling story with every aspect of the challenges one eventually encounters.

This book is a gift to those who love nature and find its very fabric something we need in which to exist – oh wait, we do, don’t we!   D. Wallace Peach is a treasure to read, and if you are a writer of poetry or prose you may learn a lot while enjoying every page.  I know I did.

At the end of the book is a poem that will touch your heart and speak to your soul through the visuals of the earth’s beauty and riches. The author chose to end with a poem called “Wisdom” by a brilliant poet, Michael Utley.  I don’t think she could have picked anything that would have summed up this fantastical journey to preserve the earth’s natural bounty than by listening to the love of nature pour out so splendidly by Michael Utley.

I highly recommend Tale of the Seasons’ Weaver.  I can honestly say I enjoyed every page and appreciate the love of nature the author herself must cherish.

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Image © Diana Wallace Peach

Tale of the Seasons’ Weaver is available in Kindle and paperback formats at Amazon.

Visit Diana’s blog at Myths of the Mirror to view her complete library of extraordinarily brilliant fantasy novels.

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Joni Caggiano’s blog is Rum and Robots, and features her exquisite and deeply moving poetry and prose.

41 thoughts on “Diana Wallace Peach’s Tale of the Seasons’ Weaver — a review by Joni Caggiano”

  1. Thank you, Mike, for posting this review. There are many things that I could have talked about in addition to what I said, but I would have given away too many things. So many twists and turns in this spellbinding book. What a magnificent writer D. Wallace Peach is, and I noticed you didn’t mention your lovely contribution to this book. A perfect ending to an adventure that one dreaded to see end. “Wisdom” sums up the love this author shares with both of us of our precious planet. Big hugs and gratitude, Mike

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    1. Kindest thanks, Joni. Your review is superb, as is Diana’s splendid novel. I’ve never felt comfortable drawing attention to myself–I’d much rather focus on your wonderful review and Diana’s fantastic book, you know? It was very kind of you to mention my poem in your review, and I’ll always be indebted to Diana for her graciousness in including it in her book. The two of you represent the absolute best of this community and humanity in general. It’s a pleasure to call both of you my friends. 😊

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      1. Mike that is just so sweet. I know you don’t draw attention to yourself, that is not who you are as you are humble as is Diana and Mich. However, there may be people who don’t know Diana included your amazing poem which truly was a brilliant choice. Thank you for your kind remarks my friend.

        Diana’s book’s main character I truly related to. Thank you to Diana and to you Mike.

        Have an amazing week my friend. ❤️

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    2. I was thrilled that you called out Mike’s poem in your review, Joni. “Wisdom” is one of my favorite all time poems, and there is a part of me that will always believe it outshines the book! An exquisite end to the story, and that’s just fine with me. And your kindness was over the top, my friend. I appreciate every word in your beautiful review. ❤ ❤ ❤

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      1. Thank you, Diana. I felt it was an amazing choice to use Mike’s brilliant poem. However, I have also learned something else about writers, myself included, that I believe that none of us think that our writing is as good as anyone else’s that is really talented.

        I care deeply about Mike and his ability to have compassion after all that he has been through. However, the poem does not outshine the book. It shows your splendid judgment in finding a unique and different way to end a fantasy book. Within your book, one of the things that drew me in and continued throughout the book to baffle me, was your neverending ability for phenomenal descriptive phrases in every line. You can smell, feel, hear and taste much of your story. That takes a rare talent.

        Comparing story telling to poetry is not something one can do, at least I don’t think so, and I think Mike would agree with me.

        Mike is a brilliant poet and you are an extraordinary story teller. This is an exceptionally crafted book, and as a nature lover myself, I found myself on the edge of my seat the entirety of the book.

        Also, there are so many styles of poetry that even that makes it difficult to compare one’s own poetry to any other poet. I too, however, have found myself comparing my poetry with Mike’s.

        Mike has an amazing gift and I am glad you saw that, I can’t read his work without crying and getting emotional. It is hard for any poem to have the same effect his work does on me. Any publisher would be fortunate indeed to make a deal with this crazy talented individual. As a poet myself, I know that Mike is the “real deal”.

        Please don’t marginalize the beauty you have sewn into the captivating pages of each paragraph, page and chapter in “Tale of The Seasons’ Weaver.” You are both extraordinarily talented.

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      1. Thank you Mike for your kind words. You know how much I cherish your poetry. I am grateful for your introduction to D. Wallace Peach. Thank you for your kindness and for posting the review. Hugs and love from the both of us. ❤️

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      2. It’s my pleasure, Joni. It’s a sterling review of a fantastic novel. I was happy to share it here, my friend. All the best to you and Scott. 😊

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    2. Thank you so much, Jane. And I thought my smile couldn’t get any wider. I’m grateful to Joni for her amazing review, and to Mike for spreading the word. Two of the most big-hearted people I know. 🙂 🙂 Have a fabulous week and Happy Reading.

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  5. I also enjoyed Diana’s book exceedingly, Mike! I knew her as a blogger and now she’s my friend and my Portland neighbor. Thank you for sharing your friend’s review and I’m pleased Joni mentioned your poem being included at the end of Tale of the Seasons’ Weaver. I wouldn’t have met you without Diana’s introduction on Sally’s blog.

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    1. Kindest thanks, Miriam. Yes, Diana’s such a fantastic writer and human being. And her writing…oh boy! Sheer brilliance! I’m so glad she invited me to Sally’s for coffee and scones. I made some new friends that day and it was a fun experience. Joni’s such a superb writer and her review is a wonderful testament to both her and Diana’s mastery of writing. I’m happy to shine the light on both of them here today.

      Have a good week, my friend! 😊

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    2. I was thrilled that Joni mentioned Mike’s poem, Miriam. It deserved the recognition. It’s one of my favorite all time poems, and I’m grateful that Mike agreed to let me include it. And, of course, now you’re connected, and that makes me happy too. Hugs, my friend and neighbor. When the weather warms up a bit, I’d love to get together and see your garden! ❤

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    1. Mike’s poem is the cherry on the frosting on the cake, Maggie and I’m so glad that Joni mentioned it in her review. I was honored to include it. And Joni is, of course, the epitome of kindness. Thanks for the lovely comment.

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    2. It’s my pleasure, Maggie. Diana and Joni are both so deserving of all the accolades they receive. I’m happy to spread the love, you know? Thanks for stopping by, my dear friend. A happy week ahead to you. 😊

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  9. How lovely to find this on my notifications this morning, Mike. I was so warmed and grateful for Joni’s review (and the fact that she buddy-read the book with her husband was extra special). She was very kind to give me feedback along the way – little glimpses of sunlight that brought a smile each time, even on these dark days. And I’m so glad she gave some attention to your poem “Wisdom.” It’s the perfect accompaniment and I’m honored to have it included.

    Thank you for sharing her review here on your blog. That was immensely kind of you, and lifted my spirits once again. I’ve been in such a funk lately, and this wonderful community continues to remind me why I need to be present and accounted for. Hugs, my friend. ❤

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    1. It’s absolutely my pleasure, Diana. I consider you and Joni among the very best writers I’ve ever had the joy of reading, and it’s all the more wonderful because you’re both genuinely kind, authentic people. Even in these bleakest of days, both of you are candles in the window, showing there is still goodness in this world.

      Sending you every bit of light and hope I possess, from my little world to yours, my friend. 😊🕯️❤️

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    1. I certainly agree, Liz. Diana’s wordsmithing skill is singularly mind-blowing. I read her work and I think of Tolkien. Joni’s review is thoughtful and deep and a wonderful tribute to Diana’s book. Two amazingly kind and talented people, for sure. 😊

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