Sisters and Husbands by Amanda Brookfield

 

                                              

Ebook:  386 pages Kindle Edition

Genre:  Fiction, Family Saga, 

Publisher:  Boldwood Books December 12th 2024 (Originally published in 2002)

Source: My Kindle 

First Sentences: The best part of the dream was slipping from her grasp, buckling under the pressure of an uncomfortable urgency connected to the outside world, a dim sense of guilt.

Review Quote: 'If Joanna Trollope is the queen of the Aga Saga, then Amanda Brookfield must be a strong contender for princess.' Oxford Times

My Opinion: 

I feel cheated as it was not until I started 'Sisters and Husbands' that I discovered that it was originally published in 2002 and I read it first back then! From the late 90's until 2009 I was a regular reader of Amanda Brookfields novels and have read around half of her published books. Since then for some reason none of her books have come my way. My memories of having enjoyed her writing in the past were stirred when I saw this title advertised, not a hint reached me that it was a republished title though.

A family saga of two sisters, Anna and Becky, sibling love at its best and worst.  The dynamics of their relationships with each other, their parents and husbands are at the core of this character driven story. Life doesn't always go the way we hope or intend it to.

Despite my personal initial disappointment I still recommend this to a new generation of womens fiction readers.  If however you are old timer like me who has been reading Amanda Brookfield for over twenty years, check first that you have not already read this one. I will also be reading more of her books in the future I hope!

Thanks to Net Galley, Boldwood Books and the author for the opportunity to read and review.

Précis Courtesy of Goodreads: 

Ever since the death of their father twenty years before, beautiful thirty-two-year-old Anna has acted as her younger sister Becky’s support, playing the peace-maker in her stormy relationship with their mother, and counselling her through the traumas of a life that has always appeared charmless and problematic in comparison to her own.

Now married to wealthy, handsome David Lawrence, with a luxurious country home and a successful career in broadcasting, Anna’s good fortune looks set to continue. But when she unexpectedly falls pregnant and Becky’s marriage runs into trouble, the door to the sisters past suddenly swings open, exploding all their long-held perceptions both of each other and themselves.

Perfect for fans of Erica James, Elizabeth Noble, Joanna Trollope and Anita Shreve, Amanda Brookfield gets to the heart of what it means to be a family and the power of sibling love.

Author Profile:         

                                                                                                         

                                                                                                              

                                              Courtesy of Amazon Profile

About the author in her own words from Amazon Profile.

'From The Cat in The Hat onwards I was mad about reading. I studied English at uni and then worked in advertising for three years. Seeking bigger adventures, I took myself to Argentina as a freelance journalist which is where I also wrote my first novel, Alice Alone. 19 books later, and I am still pinching myself...

My driving inspiration is relationships, because they lie at the heart of our search for happiness, and because I love trying to make sense of the trillion ways in which they can go wrong, or right.

I am a realist, but also a true romantic, always panning for the gold in the mud.

Thank you for hearing me, and Happy Reading, whatever it is.

Photographs and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites:

Amazon Author Page.       Goodreads Author Profile.     Author Official Website

Twitter Profile

The Book Of Beginnings by Sally Page

 

                                              

Paperback:  384 pages      

Genre:  Contemporary Literary Fiction,                                          

Publisher: Harper Collins 2023

Source: Tywyn Public Library

First Sentence: Sometimes a heartbeat is all the time it takes to reach a decision.

Review Quote: ‘Filled with compassion and insight … a true ode to friendship’ HAZEL PRIOR

Favourite Quote: “A place for everything and everything in its place.”

Main Characters: Jo, Ruth and Malcolm

Setting:  England.

My Opinion: 

Sally Page has recently published her third novel 'The Secrets of Flowers'. As this title is already on my Wishlist I decided to read her two previous novels first, as her writing was recommended to me. So glad as I have throughly enjoyed them both and am now looking forward to reading her most recent.  

'The Book of Beginnings' is predominantly about friendship and how much contentment one can gain from those we surround ourselves with, both family and friends. The protagonists Jo, Ruth and Malcolm form a friendship which initially seems so unlikely. They all have stories to tell that transform each others lives and make them firm friends. The story is written with compassion, strong characters and some fascinating insights into some of the residents of Highgate Cemetery.

Sally Page's writing is original and I highly recommend her writing to all readers. This latest novel is such a heart warming read. 

Précis Courtesy of Goodreads: 

From the author of the phenomenal bestseller The Keeper of Stories, comes the next uplifting story of how the most unexpected friendships are forged in the most unlikely of places . . .

Jo Sorsby knows she is hiding from her past when she steps in to look after her uncle’s stationery shop. Glimpsing the lives of her customers between the warm wooden shelves, as they scribble notes with fountain pens and browse colourful notebooks, distracts her from the life she has left behind.

Yet far from home, Jo feels adrift . . .

When she meets Ruth, a vicar running from a secret, and Malcolm, a septuagenarian struggling to write his first book, she realises that she isn’t alone.

It’s the beginning of a friendship that can transform Jo’s life . . . if only she can let them in.

Previous Review:  The Keeper of Stories

Author Profile: 

Courtesy of Author Website

After studying history at university, Sally moved to London to work in advertising. In her spare time she studied floristry at night school and eventually opened her own flower shop. Sally came to appreciate that flower shops offer a unique window into people’s stories and she began to photograph and write about this floral life in a series of non-fiction books. Later, she continued her interest in writing when she founded her fountain pen company, Plooms.co.uk.

In her debut novel, The Keeper of Stories, Sally combines her love of history and writing with her abiding interest in the stories people have to tell. Sally now lives in Dorset. Her eldest daughter, Alex, is studying to be a doctor and her younger daughter is the author, Libby Page. Both are keen wild swimmers.

Photograph, Trailer and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites:

Amazon Author Page.    Author's Official Website.   Instagram Profile  Twitter Profile

Facebook - SallyPageAuthor.   Goodreads Profile

Nothing to See Here by Susan Lewis

                                             

Ebook:   506 pages Kindle Edition

Genre:  Fiction, Crime, Thriller, 

Publisher:  HarperCollins (21 Nov. 2024)

Source: My Kindle Library via NetGalley

First Sentences: Cristy Ward was engrossed in her task and not giving a moment's thought to how she looked or was being perceived.

Review Quote: 'Gripping. All through the book I had it in my head who I thought the killer was and was completely shocked to find out the truth. Absolutely amazing.' Reader Review

My Opinion: 

It was twenty-five years ago that I first read a novel by Susan Lewis and I have continued to read her writing from time to time over the years. She is a prolific author, who writes across a broad range of genre, crime, thrillers, suspense and family drama. Last year I read  A Sicilian Affair which I found captivating and I promised myself to read more of her novels.

With 'Nothing To See Here' the author has written a bumper thriller of just over 500 pages!  A cold case, an apparently unsolvable crime is at the centre of the story. Cristy Ward has decided to feature this particular case in her next True Crime Podcast. The Kellon Case Murders is particularly mysterious as sixteen years previously the police appeared to have solved the case. Then suddenly without explanation it was cited that there was not enough evidence to pursue the case against the husband. Will fresh eyes be able to unravel this complicated story?

I loved this such a C21 idea to create story around a podcast theme and it works well. One feels that Cristy, Connor and the team could feature in more novels if the author feels so inclined. With great character portrayal and so many twists and turns that will keep you guessing, this is recommended for any thriller fans that enjoy a substantial read.

Thanks to Net Galley, Harper Collins UK and the author for the opportunity to read and review.

Previous Review:   A Sicilian Affair by Susan Lewis

Précis Courtesy of Goodreads: 

Christy Ward is the lead producer of Hindsight, a true crime podcast, and she has stumbled across an unresolved triple murder case that will make the perfect next feature.

Sixteen years ago, the police were convinced that they had found their killer. But the case was unexpectedly shut down, it never went to trial and their main suspect walked free.

Will Christy and her team be able to solve the case, or will they be silenced too…

Author Profile:         

                                                                                                         

                                                                         

                                       Courtesy of Official Author Website 

I was born in 1956, in Bristol.  My father was a Welsh miner, a poet, an engineer and a thinker.  My mother was one of 13 children who, at 20, persuaded my father to spend his bonus on an engagement ring instead of a motorbike.  We were a normal, happy, nuclear family, living in a spanking new council house on the outskirts of town – my mother’s pride and joy.  But we were going to do better, my mother had made up her mind about that.  My father, an unabashed communist, was writing a book, I was signed up for ballet, elocution, piano and eventually a private boarding school, and my brother, (the real great love of my mother’s life) was going to succeed at everything he set his mind to.

The rest of this fascinating biography can be read on the authors Official Author Website

Photographs and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites:

Official Author Website  Twitter Profile.   Instagram Profile.    Facebook Profile

Amazon Profile.   Goodreads Profile

The Secret Inheritance by Rachel Lynch

                                  

Ebook:   357 pages Kindle edition

Genre:  Mystery Thriller, Psychological Thriller, 

Publisher: October 2024 by Storm Publishing

Source: My Kindle Library via NetGalley

First Sentences: 'It won't be long now,' the doctor whispered. Clara dipped a mouth-swab into a bowl of cold water and was reminded of giving out lollipops to the children when they were small.

Review Quote: ‘So many family, secrets, so many twists, and turns, I absolutely loved this book!’ Reader Review, 

My Opinion: 

To be completely honest, this is the first book I have read by this author, because until now the titles/genre haven't appealed to me. 'The Secret Inheritance' stood out as a departure from her Crime Series, as it is a stand alone psychological thriller. Having read the blurb I liked the sound of this novel and must say I was not disappointed.

The protagonists Hettie, Jamie and Rosie are estranged siblings, forced to spend time together at the family home, after the death of their father. After a miserable and traumatic childhood it soon appears that they are all seeking revenge on each other in dark and devious ways.

A country house setting in the English countryside with betrayal and tragedy, for the family has made for a very readable psychological thriller. Can certainly recommend this page turner to fans of the genre.

With thanks to Netgalley, Storm Publishers and the author for the opportunity to read and review.

Précis Courtesy of Goodreads: 

The day her brother Christian died, Rosie Fitzherbert left her family home and never came back. Until now.

When her father dies, Rosie returns to Warbury House after decades away. To secure her share of the fortune, she must endure seven days with her estranged siblings, Hettie and James. But the sprawling estate holds more than money – it guards the truth about her brother’s tragic death.

As old wounds reopen, Rosie realises silence won't protect her anymore. With millions at stake and family secrets threatening to surface, can Rosie confront her past before it consumes her future? Rosie hasn't spoken in years. Will returning to Warbury House finally give her a voice?

Author Profile:         

                                                     

                                                    

                                                  Courtesy of Amazon Profile

Rachel Lynch grew up in Cumbria and regularly hiked the fells from a young age.

After studying history at the University of Lancaster, Rachel trained to become a teacher in London.

She began writing full time in 2016 and is represented by Peter Buckman of the Ampersand Agency.

Canelo signed the first three novels in the Kelly Porter series in 2018 and number 12 was published in 2024. 

Rachel lives near London with her husband and two children, and Poppy the terrier.

Photographs and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites:

Amazon Author Profile.    Twitter Profile.   Goodreads Profile