“With lovingly flawed characters and a touch of the paranormal, SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER is a heartfelt story about the complicated relationships within a family and the healing power of truth. — Kelli Estes, USA Today bestselling author of TODAY WE GO HOME and THE GIRL WHO WROTE IN SILK.

William’s debut novel, Someone to Watch Over, won the Rising Star award from the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. The book tells the story of Eleanor “Lennie” Riley, who returns home hoping to learn the whereabouts of a child her estranged father made her give up for adoption 25 years ago, only to learn he has died, taking to his grave the answer she craves.

Desperate to find her only child, seat-of-her-pants Lennie sets out on an emotionally charged childhood vacation re-creation with her fastidious brother to find a mythical angel in the Appalachian Mountains who can supposedly put children in touch with their departed parents.

Love weaves families together across generations. But can it stitch the divide between life and death? Lennie’s answer hinges on a make-or-break risk that either will lead to inconsolable heartbreak or a second chance at love with the child she never knew.

NetGalley Reviews

I really don’t know where to start with this book but I’ll begin with my feelings after reading it… bereft, happy and I absolutely need to see it made into a film! Back in her hometown, Mosely, Tennessee, after living a largely nomadic life, Lennie is back to see if she can change her future. She ran away from home at seventeen after getting pregnant and being forced to give up her baby by her father, she believes she is ready to make amends with him. Unfortunately this is cut short by an unexpected phone call from her estranged brother, John. This begins the journey for Lennie and John.

This book is contemporary fiction with the sub-genre of magical realism… i.e., right up my alley and oh boy, did I love this book! I cannot tell you how beautiful this book is – I adored Lennie. I wanted so much happiness for her and her journey broke my heart. I enjoyed the plot so much and absolutely bawled crying in a few spots. Honestly, this book made a wreck of me. I feel like a part of me will always carry a little bit of Lennie.

I don’t want to give too much away, but there are difficult themes in the book. I thought Schreiber did a fantastic job writing a female character – she was so tenderly written. Male writers writing female parts can be dubious at best but this was an immaculately written character.

I could go on and on and on about the book but honestly, I could never do it enough justice. Just please read this book. It’s heartbreakingly endearing. – Jeannine B.

As someone who normally reaches for thrillers, true crime novels, and classic whodunits, I would not consider myself someone who would be leaping for joy over a book about love, loss, soul-finding journeys, and above all family. I was delightfully surprised with this novel.

Throughout this book, I found myself agreeing whole-heartedly with two characters that are diametrically opposed at every crossroads. I rooted for them, I loved them, I grieved with them, I laughed with them. Ignore what genres you usually reach for, I promise this book will suck you in so fast you realize you’re late for work (a true story). Schreiber reaches all parts of your soul through his well-research writing and his ability to develop characters so genuine you believe they’ll walk through your door any minute.

Reconnect with your loved ones, take risks, don’t forget to breathe, and pick up a copy of this book as soon as you can! – Jacquie B.

This was the first book I have read from this author and will definitely not be the last. This author has an amazing grip on imagery and dialogue that made this book a delight to read. In the book, Lennie has lived a life on the run after she suffered a loss in her early adulthood. After her father passes, she returns home and reunites with her brother John and tries to make sense of her loss. They take a road trip that changes everything. There is an immense amount of heart in this book and I feel blessed that I had a chance to read this. – Jennifer J.