Happy Publication Day!!
Sometimes I wonder what life is all about, and then I read a book like this which deals with tough topics like suicide, loss of a sister, and devastating lies. This might seem to be a fictional tale, but with billions living in this earth, it might have happened to someone.
S. D. Robertson has taken this slice of life about a wickedness, a jealousy, and the need to feel better about oneself and written a story about two sisters Hannah and Diane. The story goes thus, Hannah and Mark lead a happy childless life when Hannah’s sister Diane, out of the blue, leaves her daughter Mia with them apparently for a few days as she sorts out her life. Both the sisters have had a fallout years ago and no longer speak to each other till this day.
A tragedy occurs and secrets are revealed, some innocent, some played. The whole story deals with the repercussions of it all. The book which has vibes of a thriller, is a family story and it just squeezes the heart at some points. The only niggle I had was some parts felt slow, but that may be because I am used to the thriller pace.
S D Robertson’s writing felt smooth for most parts, the last few pages made me cry… One can’t hate the other who is dead, it’s a waste of energy. Love surpasses all that.
I went blind into the story, but I came out with a film of tears. Such is life, things happen, and one has to find the beauty in it. All my love for the book is for the dialogues written as messages of Diane to Hannah and Mia.. That touched my heart. I am writing this review with my heart still heavy.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher Avon Books UK, and this is my journey into its pages, straight from the heart!!
All my reviews can be found here
How do you write a review when your heart is sad?
Former journalist S.D. Robertson quit his role as a local newspaper editor to pursue a lifelong ambition of becoming a novelist. He lives in a village near Manchester with his wife and daughter and now writes full-time – and it’s safe to say the career move paid off!
For a decade, Hannah’s life has been pretty close to perfect – she has a great job, she’s married to Mark, and her child-free existence means she’s free as a bird. The only sadness in her life is a fall-out with her sister Diane, who hasn’t spoken to her in over ten years. But now Diane is on her doorstep – and this time, she’s got her teenage daughter Mia in tow.
When Diane asks if Mia can stay with Hannah and Mark for a few days, Hannah is glad of the chance to get to know her niece. But as the days turn into weeks and Diane doesn’t return, Hannah begins to worry. Why hasn’t her sister been in touch?
Diane is carrying a devastating secret that will destroy Hannah’s carefully constructed life. But how much is she willing to reveal – and when will she pick her moment?
Publication Date: 21st March 2019
Publisher: Avon Books UK
28 Responses
Lovely review, Shalini. This story sounds so beautiful. You’ve had some nice, emotional reads of late. Adding this one.
I thought this would be a thriller but turned out to be so emotional.. Last few chapters I was sobbing… 😔❤️
You know, you’re the reason my TBR is so long my great, great grandchildren are going to still be reading from it. 🤣 Great review! ❤
Yayy now it is great great grandchildren.. Baby, you increased by one generation 😂😂
Wow, this sounds so marvelous!! I would have thought it was a thriller as well. I definitely will check it out Shalini!
The last couple of chapters made me cry… It was quite an unexpected book
I am constantly taken by the quality and liveliness of your reviews, you have such an agile and enviable mastery.
Can I show you a mirror, your Magnificence?
Thank you so much ❤️
I feel blue just reading your review. I think I have seen the blurb of this book before… 🤔 sweet review 😃
Thank you… This book was unexpectedly emotional ❤️
This looks good! Thanks for the thoughtful review, Shalini. I like books that put me through the wringer 🙂
This was unexpected.. I went in thinking it to be a thriller ❤️
Wonderful review Shalini. This sounds like a great read and a bit of a tear jerker 😊
Thank you so much Rose… I agree this was. How are you doing?
Oh I forgot to mention I do like a bit of bawling while reading sometimes, which unfortunately for me happens while reading on my commute 😂 😂
😂😂😂 That sure would lead to questions 😂😂
😅
Lovely review! This looks like an emotional read!
Oh this was Berit. Quite unexpected.. I cried 💖
I think family separations are as painful as death in their own way. It is like ripping the bandaid off very slowly. Good review, Shalini.
I hate separations goodbyes etc. In the past 4 months, all my best friends have left the city and some have left the country. My heart is broken. I wish everyone well, but my heart is extremely heavy. My friend across the street is leaving tomorrow and I have no idea how to say goodbye to them 😔
Oh, I’m sorry you have had so many goodbyes in such a short time. Somehow it seems easier if you are the one leaving because you get caught up in your transitions. If you are the one left behind, you feel the hole more. I was thinking of the kind of separation you mentioned in your review where one person doesn’t want to have anything to do with another person. Both kinds of separations are difficult.
I hate all separations 😔❤️
OMG I love your opening, and this entire review! I have this book on my TBR and now I know I need to prepare for this ride…
Meggy, this book was so unexpected.. I went in thinking thriller and came out with tears.. Hope you like it too…