I went blind into this book because it was written by author Faith Hogan. I don’t need to read the blurb to know the women in this novel would be strong and brave, they would face life and inspire me to find the girl I used to know too.
The first half of the book was slow where the author laid down the foundations of both the main characters. 35 year old Amanda with her husband and kids had a great, well-settled life where the 66 year old Tess, her tenant at the basement, was the only thorn on her side. The women lived in the same house but hated each other with a vengeance. Life was good and moving like a well-oiled machine.
But every bright picture had a darker tinge if you looked closely. One day, Amanda too looked closely into her husband’s pockets and came out knowing a fact which shattered her. Tess tripped on a cat, and with a fractured hand, came to know how lonely she was. Slowly, Amanda’s daughter Robyn became her friend along with the doctor who treated her. Amanda too had to take some important decisions regarding her life.
Approximately, at the mid-half of the book, the story took a deep breath and settled down over me, enveloping me like a warm, cozy blanket as if these characters were a part of my life. I saw myself in them. I saw my fears reflected in their stories. Their dreams had been lost like mine. Their loneliness seemed exactly like the one in my heart.
Faith’s writing took me to a place deep into myself where my wishes had once taken flight. Her portrayal of these brave women who forged a tentative friendship, then became each other’s staunchest support, saw my courage seeping into me. Their determination to live their lives on their terms made me believe in mine. Their emotions simply became mine. Such was the power of Faith’s words.
I had forgotten who I had been when I started my life
I had forgotten the tiny buds of hope my dreams had been
I had forgotten the courage I showed when I faced abuse
I had forgotten the wishes that once flew the skies…
I remembered them all when I read the book
I heard them all when I looked at the words
I felt them all like the promises they were
I knew them all like the girl I once had been…
The poem above has no ending because my dreams are just beginning…
I love Faith’s stories as every word speaks of strength, every sentence talks of a hope. The emotions conveyed touch my heart, the feelings in them calms my mind. Her stories are like long lost friends and the new ones, both bringing joy and happiness.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher Aria, and this is my journey into its pages, straight from the heart!!
All my reviews can be read here
Amanda King and Tess Cuffe are strangers who share the same Georgian house, but their lives couldn’t be more different.
Amanda seems to have the perfect life. But the reality is a soulless home, an unfaithful husband and a very lonely heart.
While Tess has spent a lifetime hiding and shutting her heart to love.
But if they can open up to one another, these two women may just learn that sometimes letting go is the first step to moving forward and new friendships can come from the most unlikely situations.
Publication Date: 1st December 2017
Publisher: Aria
45 Responses
Great review! 🙂
Thank you ❤️
💛
Great review, Shalini! So heartfelt…I haven’t read anything by Faith Hogan, but I love books with strong female characters.
Are there any other books by the same author you’d recommend?
I have read 2 of hers, the one today and what happened to us. My husband’s wives is in kindle unlimited so that is to be read.
Ooooo. Sigh…I don’t need more books on my TBR. 😘
Oh… Well.. Quick close eyes
Sounds lovely, Shalini. Wonderful review. ❤
Thanks Stephanie… It was great
You’re welcome, Shalini!
Such a lovely review – I love when books can both transport you into the lives of the characters but also deeply relate to your own life and experiences. This sounds like such a heartwarming read and I’ll definitely have to check it out at some point
Thank you so much ❤️ I hope you love it if and when you get to it
This sounds great! Amazing review,. Shalini!
Thank you Yesha ❤️😘
I adored this one too – lovely heartfelt review Shalini!
Awww thank you so much ❤️ Faith is a fabulous writer
grwaaaaaat review 💕💕💕
Awww… I was blocked for words… The words wouldn’t come for odd reasons
Sounds like a wonderful novel, not every author can write emotions so well. Great review!
Thank you so much Inge ❤️
Lovely, lovely review, Shalini!
Thank you so much Jonetta ❤️
Fab review!! I can’t wait start this one. I really love her writing x
I agree. I love her too 😍
My husbands wives was awesome!
I gotta read that…it is on kindle unlimited 💃
That I really enjoyed!! Was a touching story x
Wow, brilliant review! I need this comfy blanket and story of strong women!
I love Faith’s writing. There is something so calm about it.. Some parts are a bit slow, especially after reading a thriller, but the women are so strong
Beautiful review, Shalini! I really love this author too and you have nailed her talents!
Thank you Jennifer. I have got to read her other books
Beautiful darling. I hope you do remember the girl with the dreams and fire and hope. I hope to remember mine too 🙂 😘❤️
Aww thank you 😘 ❤️
Great review Shalini ! Haven’t read anything by Faith Hogan but will definitely try to get hold of one after reading your review
The women in her book are strong, so some of the incidents feel so much like real life
Powerful review. I need to read something by this author!
She is a fab author
Wonderful review, Shalini. The characterization sounds good and I like that you were able to relate with the women. That poem that you shared is both deep and beautiful.
Aww thank you Diana you were the first to read it.. 😘❤️
Wow! Great review! I will have to add this to my TBR!
And your review makes me want to read it right away.
Aww thank you so much ❤️
Thank you so much ❤️. Sorry for delayed reply. You were in spam
This is a beautiful review, Shalini! A perfect description of what it’s like to read anything by Faith Hogan. <3
I agree… She writes such beautiful books