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Hazel (2934 KP) rated Who Did You Tell? in Books

Dec 20, 2019  
Who Did You Tell?
Who Did You Tell?
Lesley Kara | 2020 | Mystery, Thriller
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Compelling and engrossing
From the Sunday Times bestselling author of "The Rumour" comes another cracking story from Lesley Kara.

I was looking forward to reading this after having read and enjoyed Ms Kara's debut novel "The Rumour" and I certainly wasn't disappointed although this was sometimes a difficult read due to the main character, Astrid, being a recovering alcoholic with a chequered history.

Initially, Astrid was a difficult character to like but as the novel moved on, I found myself rooting for her to succeed against the inner voices in her head pulling her back towards the demon drink and although I am not an alcoholic, recovering or current, it does feel authentic. The way Ms Kara describes the impact addiction has not only on the person themselves but also on the family and wider relationships is well captured in this book.

Astrid is trying to rebuild her life - moving back to her childhood home to live with her mum, attending AA meetings, trying to rekindle her gift of painting, rebuilding the trust of her mum but she is full of shame and guilt regarding events she recalls from her past drinking days; events that only she and her ex-boyfriend know about or so she thought ... someone is watching her, someone is sending her notes, someone is going out of their way to try and prevent her from moving on.

The book is told mainly from Astrid's point of view with snippets included from the "stalker's" perspective. This, I think, was genius as it not only immersed me into Astrid's thought processes and daily struggles with addiction but also gave me an idea of what she was up against.

The story starts quite slowly but develops in intensity and pace with twists along the way and although you would think it would be heavy-going given the subject matter, it isn't as there are lighter moments sprinkled throughout. All of the characters are well developed and interesting and the setting of the small coastal town is perfect.

This is a compelling and engrossing read dealing with a difficult subject matter with sensitivity and one I would definitely recommend to readers who like to get their teeth into something a bit different.

Many thanks to RandomHouse UK, Transworld Publishers via NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest and unbiased review.
  
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Merissa (12019 KP) rated Matched Mates (Sanctuary Coven #3) in Books

Dec 17, 2018 (Updated Jun 8, 2023)  
Matched Mates (Sanctuary Coven #3)
Matched Mates (Sanctuary Coven #3)
Hazel Hunter | 2016 | Paranormal, Romance
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
With every edition, this story gets better and better. Heather and Lucas survive a wolf attack, mainly due to the help given by Sander and Astrid in their cougar forms. While they spend time with the cougars as they recover, other people are moving closer to the coven and everyone in it.

With hot and spicy scenes between the main four, plus danger on all sides, the Sanctuary Coven series is definitely warming up and becoming another feather in Hazel Hunter's cap. Definitely recommended.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
May 23, 2016
  
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BethZ (6 KP) rated The Orphan's Tale in Books

Dec 25, 2017  
The Orphan's Tale
The Orphan's Tale
Pam Jenoff | 2017 | Fiction & Poetry
9
8.8 (6 Ratings)
Book Rating
storyline (0 more)
Absolutely Must Read
I found this story to be very touching. Noa is a 16 year girl who was impregnated by a Nazi Officer and then thrown out by her father and forced to give up her baby. She finds herself living at a train station and working there cleaning when she discovers a railcar filled with Jewish babies. She decides to take one and runs into the woods with him, where she comes across a traveling circus who agrees to take her in as one of their aerialists. She meets Astrid, a rival at first, but bound by the secrets they each keep, forge an unforgettable friendship.

It is a beautiful story of loss, love, friendship, and loyalty set in a time when life was dangerous and difficult.