Writings of Gail Ylitalo

Gail Ylitalo was born in Richmond, Virginia. A freelance writer of novels, short stories, essays, plays, and poetry, her works have appeared in various literary journals. Her novel, Blackberry Summer, was published in 2003. Five additional novels, Auntie, Finlander, Sunday's Rose, The Fellow Servants, and A Twisted Nod were published in 2004; along with an anthology of short stories, essays, and poetry, Life In Prose; and an anthology of plays, Life In Theater. Her novels, A Flicker From Afar, Scarlet Sage, and Ugly Opal were published in 2005. Convoluted Ramblings, a poetry anthology, was published in 2006. An additional anthology of poetry, Then Said Solomon, was published in 2007. She resides in Powhatan County with her husband David and numerous rescued animals.

I welcome any and all comments regarding my works!

My email address is: dylitalo@hotmail.com

Reviews for Ugly Opal:

Rating: Four Lighthouses (Great Read) "If you're looking for a pleasant diversion, this isn't it. It's depressing, harsh and disturbing. That said, it's also worth reading. Opal, the narrator is dying. As she lies in a coma, she reviews memories from her childhood into adulthood. Her life has not been easy...she is constantly tormented by her peers and even members of her family...Yet, Opal grows into a decidedly human and compassionate person...[and] becomes a person anyone should be proud to call a friend." Lighthouse Literary Reviews

"...Ugly Opal is a touching novel filled with the pain and hurt of feeling different and never quite fitting in. I can't say I really enjoyed this story because it is rather dark and the character rather desperate being on her deathbed and all, not really the type of story that one is entertained by. Nonetheless, I felt that the author amply and realistically described the cruelty of children and adults alike when it comes to those perceived as somehow different." Tami Brady, TCM Reviews

Review for A Twisted Nod:

"...A Twisted Nod is a great romance with a lot of very difficult obstacles for each of the characters to negotiate. Amanda [Jackson] has to deal with her broken heart and painful memories from her youth. Scott [Flynn] has to deal with his guilt over letting go of his deceased wife, as well as his stepdaughter's unhealthy expectations of him. This story has a nice smooth, gentle pace that is perfect for a lazy afternoon read. There's also an interesting psycho twist with the stepdaughter." Tami Brady, TCM Reviews

Review for The Fellow Servants:

"...The Fellow Servants is a very active, entertaining story with lots of depth. I like the added wrinkle of Whitney [Noland] having cancer as it makes her circumstances less black and white and more human. I also thought that the tantalizing cat and mouse relationship between Whitney and Dr. Kilvington added an intriguing dimension to the overall plot as well as illustrating important characteristics of both individuals that made the story that much more captivating and realistic." Tami Brady, TCM Reviews

Review for Sunday's Rose:

"...Sunday's Rose takes an intimate look at the attitudes and expectations of upper class individuals during this period of history [Civil War]. The author also takes a look at how those rules of conduct were often ignored and the consequences covered up, only to surface as rumor and gossip spoken in hushed tones. She also illustrates the difference between old money and new money in the social standings, attitudes, and general conduct. I believe these aspects give the story greater depth, making the story appear more realistic." Tami Brady, TCM Reviews

Review for Auntie:

"...Auntie is a dark story that illustrates the fine line between survival and imprisonment as well as good versus evil. As in real life, these lines are often blurred and difficult to define, especially when our own survival is on the line. This story is also about trust. Trust in our own decisions. Trust in what we feel is right. Trust in ourselves to make the "right" choice. As I started reading this book, I expected this story to show a negative point of view of Druids, a very typical "witch, witch" reaction. However, I was surprised that the good versus evil aspect was directed not at the belief system itself but at the choices of those practicing these beliefs." Tami Brady, TCM Reviews

Reviews for Blackberry Summer:

"Like the wild blackberries of my childhood summers, I found Blackberry Summer bittersweet. And as I couldn't stop eating the blackberries in my grandmother's backyard, no matter the scratches, I couldn't stop reading this novel. My teenage son also read this book for review purposes, finding it compelling and thought provoking. We both were impressed with Gail's straightforward handling of violence and abuse, all the while tempering the negative with open-mindedness and compassion." Cindy Penn, Word Weaving

"A great short read in the style and voice of Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird." Sheila S. Hudson, Sharpwriter.com

"I recommend this one for ages thirteen and up only! It has mystery, excitement, danger, and many surprises! I believe it especially great for teens! Author Gail Ylitalo created a wonderful story that will remain in your memory long after you have finished reading it." Detra Fitch, Huntress Book Reviews

"Blackberry Summer is more than a scary adventure story. It is powerful, deeply troubling, and bittersweet...There is much goodness and love in Blackberry Summer but physical hardship, abuse, deceit, and death are present as well...The author tells her story simply and clearly, never flinching from the violent scenes but handling them delicately." Ilene Sirocca, The Running River

"If you are interested in psychological truth, family secrets, and reflections, mixed with action, adventure and the unexpected, check out Blackberry Summer." B. Lynn Goodman, Inscriptions Magazine