I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author William R. Waddell shares the experiences and stories that kept him and his partner, Linda, together in a strong and healthy relationship for over three decades in the book “Woven as One.”

The Synopsis

Even good relationships (particularly marriages) have temperatures, varying from almost unbearable passion to steady devotion to uncertainty or worse. Woven as One recounts the successes and foibles of a nearly sixty-five-year bond between two lifelong partners, describing the magic that can come of truly merging the humdrum of everyday life with their feelings for each other. Bill and Linda “met” under somewhat unusual circumstances, and their way of dealing with bumps in their road wasn’t always by the book, but they grew to understand that real intimacy often grows more out of sharing prosaic experiences than out of grand gestures, and they learned to appreciate the importance of things like hard work (together or apart), inclusion, genuine tolerance, and the sheer chemistry between two kindred spirits.

The Review

This was such a personal, intimate, and compelling nonfiction read. The author did an excellent job of writing in a way that felt almost conversational, as if the stories and experiences found in this book were shared over a drink or two after dinner with friends. The detail the author put into not only the shared experiences he had with his late wife, Linda, but also into the era and settings their journey took them, was so vivid that it allowed the reader to feel transported in time as the book progressed.

The honesty with which the author conveyed these experiences not only showcased the deep love and affection he and Linda had for one another but also how they found a way to live truthfully and boldly for every moment. The author’s life with his late wife is infused with humor and heart, and even in the moments following her loss, a sense of hope and celebration for the life they lived together lingers in the air, serving as a tribute to the enduring love that transcends everything, even death.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, thoughtfully portrayed, and engaging, author William R. Waddell’s “Woven as One” is a must-read nonfiction memoir that doubles as a love story. The way the author lovingly looks back on the life he and his wife shared, and the way they faced both trials and adventures together, will keep readers both emotionally invested and engaged in the author’s story until the book’s final pages. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

William R. Waddell grew up in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, and earned degrees from Williams College and the University of Virginia School of Law. Over a 50-year career with McGuireWoods, he practiced business law in Richmond and Norfolk, holding leadership roles within the firm and representing it internationally. He also served as an adjunct professor at UVA Law, teaching Alternative Dispute Resolution and authoring a casebook for his course. His prior publications include Virginia Practice, Business Entities, a legal treatise for business lawyers.

Now retired, Bill enjoys supporting charitable causes, reading, walking, and cheering on his favorite sports teams. He is the proud father of three sons. His debut book, Woven as One, is a tribute to his late wife, Linda, and a reflection on life, love, and resilience.

https://www.williamrwaddell.com/