BOOK REVIEWS & PRAISES

 

"I just finished 'She Who Holds the Wind' by Kiersten Dunbar Chace and I am honestly still carrying the feeling of this book with me. It is one of those rare stories that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and truly listen to the quiet spaces between the words. Rather than rushing through the plot, it gently unfolds, allowing every emotion and reflection to settle naturally.

Birgit's journey touched me in such a profound way. Her search for belonging, healing, and understanding felt incredibly authentic, and I loved watching her reconnect with herself through the people, traditions, and landscapes of San Aluna. Her relationship with Luca was beautifully written. Their shared moments, especially those centered around food and family, felt warm, intimate, and filled with love.

The writing is absolutely stunning. Every page is rich with vivid imagery, poetic reflections, journal entries, and moments of quiet wisdom. I could almost feel the desert wind, smell the comforting meals being prepared, and sense the deep spiritual connection woven into the land itself. The atmosphere was so immersive that it felt less like reading a novel and more like living inside it.

What I appreciated most was the book's exploration of identity, ancestry, feminine strength, and the courage to remain present even when life offers no easy answers. It reminded me that healing often begins in silence and that sometimes simply staying is the bravest choice we can make.

If you enjoy lyrical literary fiction filled with emotional depth, beautiful prose, and unforgettable characters, I wholeheartedly recommend "She Who Holds the Wind". It is a thoughtful, moving, and deeply memorable novel that will stay in my heart for a long time. "
 

                                       Ava in Virginia, Bookworm Choice Reviewer
Goodreads 5-star review

August 2026

 

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"A lush and atmospheric concoction of a woman's longing made tangible and the exploration of her own intrinsic essence.  Dunbar Chace's characters are at once palpable and poetic, and Birgit's story blends a yearning for the sustenance of belonging with the beckoning of ancestral connection that underpins it. "

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      Mimi Rea - Writer, Foodie, Culture Lover   

 

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"I thought your book was fantastic. I read a lot. Some books I love just for the written word. Some to learn something. What I got most from yours was how I have gone for so long without really feeling. I used to feel so connected to the universe but for some time now just been emotionally cruising on autopilot. Your writing really made me realize that and seemed to bring me back to the ground. We are connected, but its easy to lose that. I'm sure it will touch many others as well. Congrats on a mighty achievement and most of all - thank you."

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Michael - California

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"Chace has painted a beautiful story with many unforgettable characters and sprinkled it with many family traditions and sayings that I want to incorporate into my own family. Her love of Southwest America with all its mystical beauty and unique qualities, shine throughout from start to end. The story moves quickly and pulls you into the next chapter making the book absolutely hard to put down. I thoroughly enjoy this book and think you will too."

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​Debra N - Ohio

 

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"What a beautifully written novel depicting an endearing love story, with undertones of a poetic and mysterious supernatural touch.

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The reader is taken through a culinary journey of Caribbean cuisine set in the fictional town of San Aluna in Southern Arizona.  The beautiful descriptions of the desert landscape as the reader journeys to their destination fill the reader with awe.

 

The characters are fully developed, such that the reader can feel a kinship with each person depicted.

 

The unexpected ending leaves the reader wondering many "what ifs", but also exhibits a totally satisfying solution to this 'slice of life' experience.  

 

I loved it!"

 

Monica S - Tucson, AZ

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"Dunbar Chace has a talent to create beautiful images with words. A quiet book that talks."

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Zulia Gotay - Fine Art Artist - Tucson, AZ​

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​"I found this book to be outstanding!!! The writing flowed from one sentence to the next and before I knew it I was at the end but I didn’t want it to end. My favorite character was Alicia and her transformation. Each character has there own unique place in the novel. I hope there will be another novel from this author soon."

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Sheila S - Tucson, AZ

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"I just finished your book. It was incredible!! I rarely read a book hearing a voice other than my own, but it was like having you narrate the whole time! Any plans to revisit these characters in future writings?? Would love to hear more about Javier’s journey at some point.

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Kevin D - Chicago, Illinois

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 "I have finished your book and I’ve never read a book like that. You have such a beautiful way of writing. I have dreams every night and I just wanna thank you so much for blessing me with your words and the way you so artfully put them together Absolutely beautiful, thank you, thank you , thank you. I hope it’s a big success for you. I will pass this book to my friends book clubs

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Kim S - Tucson, AZ

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