Tempest by Violet Iverson
Violet Iverson’s novel, Tempest is a Cinderella-like story filled with drama, romance, heartbreak and joy. It takes place in a contemporary setting where a hero can live through a violent storm, a bit damaged, but stronger for surviving the ordeal. Iverson’s theme of a “tempest” aptly describes the story of her protagonist, who overcomes many obstacles to reach her much-deserved happiness.
A YOUNG WOMAN WITH A TEMPESTUOUS LIFE
The book begins with twenty-year-old Jaiden Carter living in the drafty and leaky attic of her family’s home. She has seven siblings, four brothers and three sisters. The oldest brother shames Jaiden and spins lies about her to their parents, while her sisters ridicule her for her appearance. They are tall, blonde and blue-eyed, but Jaiden is not. Her youngest brother, Seth, acts as her only ally in the family. Even Jaiden’s mother remains silent as her husband punishes Jaiden for failing to follow stringent “family rules” that seem to only apply to her.
Along with a tumultuous home life, Jaiden suffers similar indignities in her professional life. At the company where she works, her supervisor bullies and berates her. When we first encounter Jaiden, her world is void of any emotional reprieve.
SILVER LININGS OF ROMANCE AND FRIENDSHIP
With this premise, Tempest turns out to be a novel that is hard to put down as Violet Iverson waits until the very end to disclose why Jaiden’s circumstances are such in the beginning. Early into the novel, her personal storm involving her home and work life seems to subside momentarily as a new company vice president, Darius Markhum first arrives in the office. He immediately notices and appreciates Jaiden, soon promoting her within the company.
As they come to know one another, their courtship becomes the centerpiece of the story. There are plenty of rough times ahead, including a series of health issues for Jaiden, an emergence of Darius’ former devious fiancé, and a frightening reckoning with members of Jaiden’s family.
The likable and multidimensional people who befriend Jaiden through her journey enrich the story. Deb, a nurse married to Darius’ brother, meets Jaiden in the hospital when she suffers her first medical emergency. As their relationship develops, Deb both challenges and supports Jaiden — helping her to gain self-confidence. For instance, when shopping for dresses, they have this interaction as Jaiden emerges from the dressing room and asks her new friend, “Do you think Darius will like it?” Deb replies, “I think what he likes doesn’t matter. The correct question Jaiden, is do you like it?”
Another friend, artist Simon Gregg, meets Jaiden at his mother’s estate sale. Jaiden is looking for art to decorate her new apartment after she separates from her family. She is standing in front of a photo depicting a solitary tree planted in a field, while behind it a dark storm heads toward the horizon. Simon approaches her to tell her that the photograph is not for sale, because his mother took the picture.
Through the conversation that follows, Jaiden explains her interpretation of the storm metaphor, emerging from life’s blows wiser, more powerful. Their relationship progresses through the story, and in the end, Simon and his partner David become part of Jaiden’s new and “chosen” family.
BRAVING THE STORM TO FIND THE SUN
Jaiden develops more agency as the plot progresses and gets more complicated. She pursues her talent as an artist, rents a place of her own, and narrowly escapes the danger brought upon her by her family. As she acquires more experience and gains more confidence, Jaiden comes to make choices that are in her best interest, even risking her most valued relationship in the process.
Easily fitting into the women’s fiction genre, Tempest is Jaiden’s story told with strength and heart. Written with authority, the author’s background as a registered nurse lends authenticity to the moving scenes involving Jaiden’s health issues. Through it all, the writing keeps the reader intrigued and rooting for Jaiden’s happiness.
Tempest is available for purchase on Amazon as an ebook or a paperback, and at Barnes and Noble.
About Violet Iverson:
Violet was born in eastern Oregon and grew up all over the Northwest region of the United States. Twenty years ago she relocated to Wisconsin where she lived until her recent relocation to Kentucky to be closer to family. She has one daughter who lives in Kentucky with her husband and three wonderful, energetic grandchildren.
Violet graduated high school and put herself through college. She is a practicing Registered Nurse who loves to fill her downtime with writing and travel. She hopes one day to write and travel full-time. She even has a list of where she wants to go. When not working as an RN you will find her at her computer typing away.
Join her in her Facebook group Romantics R Us and Romantics Unite. You can follow her on TikTok here or on Instagram here.
