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Blueberry Dragon wrote: ↑18 Oct 2024, 12:50 Yes, the cover is intriguing, indeed, apart from the title, of course. Could it be that the photographs represent some of the companions she has met over the years and the woman is reminiscing about them while looking at the photos? Thanks for the lovely review, @Diana Lowery.

Diana Lowery wrote: ↑12 Oct 2024, 07:08 [Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Hunt the Beloved" by JessieMay Kessler.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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JessieMay Kessler's book Hunt the Beloved describes her search to find a lifetime partner. Her narration is unique because many of her stories from her past are followed by notes she made after revealing these anecdotes to her therapist, Rev. Eaton. Kessler, also a therapist, is able to explain the significance that those events had on her present life.

This book is also unique because Hunt the Beloved is the middle book of a series, but they are not being published in order. This book is a coming-of-age story starting around age 14, but there are some backstories of the author's earlier childhood. I agree with the author that the books can be read in any order.

I liked the juxtaposition of the writer's memoir and the notes from her therapy. Kessler was able to capture the essence of a teenage girl's emotions with all the drama, passion and hormones that come with that age. Following each story with a psychological interpretation was intriguing. I also liked the original photographs, which added credibility.

Kessler's 44 chapters outline her quest to find a mate beginning in the fourth grade. She details her encounters with various male companions through her formative years. One negative for me is that half-way through this saga, the excitement wanes, the author matures, and the therapist notes lessen. The pace picks up again around the thirtieth chapter when wedding preparations begin.

Another negative for me is the ending. Even though the author explains that the reason for ending abruptly is because "the details are woven into the next book," I felt unsettled. Because of these two negatives, I am deducting one star. My rating is four out of five stars. There is no reason to deduct points for grammar errors because it has been impeccably edited. There is some sexual content, but it is tastefully described and not pornographic. Profanity is minimal. Readers who are bothered by spousal abuse descriptions might want to skip this book. I am still trying to understand the components of the cover. I may need to reread the book to figure it out.

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Hunt the Beloved
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Stephen Christopher 1 wrote: ↑21 Oct 2024, 22:57 I like these kinds of memoirs, and adding the therapy session notes is a unique touch. What isn't unique, however, is the rushed ending to set up book 2. I'm encountering this more often than I'd like at the moment. The thing is that it doesn't always endear me to want to read the sequel.

Lawrence Stein wrote: ↑24 Oct 2024, 02:04 I think this book will have some fist-hand experience in the search for love for those that might find themselves in the same situation. Thanks for this thorough review.