Would you believe the rumours of your new neighbour?

Synopsis

The mysterious Dr. Steele has taken up residence next door, and scandalous rumors about him are spreading through Margaret Landeau’s small Massachusetts town. Rumors of women he’s ill-used and exploited for his experimental surgeries. Never one to believe gossip, Margaret arms herself with a basket of baked goods and ventures to discover the truth from the man himself.

John Steele has lost everything. His parents, his aunt, too many women he intended to save, and his good name. All he has left is his aunt’s home in a far-flung village and a library he’s stocked with whiskey. He has nothing to offer anyone. Especially not the bold woman next door whose passion for healing reminds him of the man he once was.

But when a dangerously ill girl arrives on his doorstep, pleading for help, Margaret is thrust into his world. She will learn who the real Dr. John Steele truly is, and soon, not even his dark past can stop her from fighting for the brilliant doctor she now loves. But he must deny his crushing desire for her—loving a man like him can only cast a shadow over her own bright future.

My review

Margaret Landeau is a curious young woman. So when Doctor Steele takes up residence next door, her curiosity wins over the fear of the rumours spread in town.
And not just gossip, but scandalous rumours about women he performed experimental surgery on.
It’s obvious that John Steele has lost everything, people he cared about, his patients and also his good name.
He is surely not looking for interfering neighbours, but Margaret is not so easily chased away. and when he needs someone to help him in time of need, he sees no other option asking Margaret for help, as she seems to share the same passion for healing.
Will the truth about Dr. Steele come out or are the gossips true? And will Margaret jeopardize her own future by being linked to Dr. Steele?

I love reading stories about the past. And when it’s not such a faraway past I’m always intrigued to know how things took place.

When we first meet Margaret, it’s obvious she is a bit naïve in some ways, but she also has this curiosity and eagerness to learn.
Her passion is medicine, but living in a time where women cannot have a medical training is making it difficult for her to follow truly her dreams.
But through the story it’s clear how determined she is. Her way of thinking is admirable. It’s not because something has never happened before, that it will never happen.

Dr. John Steele is someone who intrigued me, so I perfectly understand Margaret and her determination.
It’s obvious that he is keeping secrets of his past, and he surely is not looking for a nosey neighbour.
Yet when he gives in, and we start to see the real John, my curiosity changed into admiration. What he did and is doing, is surely not standard procedure. But his true desire is to help people, and when knowledge and technology is not so advanced, he is finding his own ways.

I must say, there are some gruesome details in it, but this also shows us how lucky we can be in our present that technology truly has advanced.
I have to admit that I had some doubts when the operations were performed, as I was not sure if it could be all that “easy”, but then again, I’m not a doctor, so what do I know?

I loved reading about Margaret and John getting closer, as they do have the same passion. Also the way the encourage each other was lovely to read. Margaret encourages John to fight for his own cause and show what an amazing doctor he truly is. Her faith and belief in him are so strong and lovely to read.
And John encourages Margaret to chase her dreams and not let society stop her.

A beautiful story about doing in what you belief, having the right people by your side and love. Also showing how rumours can ruin someone’s reputation, when not all facts are known.
But with determination the truth will come out and people will find a way to make all the pieces of the puzzle fall into place.

When one meeting is just the start.

Synopsis

Having escaped an abusive relationship, Chloe MacGregor is determined to put the past behind her. The little cottage high up on the cliffs overlooking the beautiful North Yorkshire town of Whitby is her safe haven, somewhere she is free to be herself.

When the arrival of her new neighbour and boss, Luke Warwick, threatens her peaceful, sheltered life, Chloe is forced to confront her past and to re-evaluate who she really is. Falling in love with Luke is not part of her plan but, to her surprise, Luke is falling for her too. The only thing preventing their happy ever after is Chloe herself. Will she ever truly learn to leave the past where it belongs?

My review

Chloe MacGregor has escaped an abusive relationship. Now she wants to put the past behind her and enjoy her little cottage on the cliffs of Whitby, where she is free to be herself.
She loves being alone on the beach, having fun with her dog Jasper. But when suddenly she has a new neighbour, she has to share her peaceful place.

Yet Luke Warwick is not only her new neighbour, but also her new boss. and even if Chloe wants to maintain her sheltered life, Luke is making her confront her past and see who she truly is as feelings are starting to grow.

From the start I had an idea of how this story would evolve. Young woman escapes abusive relationship, meets new man, they fall in love and have their happily ever after.
But the further along I got into the story, the more I realized I was wrong.

Okay, from the first chapter I felt sorry for Chloe. When it became clear what an a**h*le her boyfriend was, I was happy when she got away.
And when she finally finds her own peaceful place, I thought it was all going to be okay.

But it was not only her boyfriend that I immediately disliked. There are more characters in the story having a negative effect on Chloe.
While growing up, Chloe had to hear how men are useless, and that she herself isn’t worthy of a man.
And then I’m not talking about some of her friends or one specific colleague…
When I got to know more about Chloe, the more I felt sorry for her, because it is clear to anyone in the story and to us readers that in fact, Chloe is a wonderful person. She truly cares about people, even if she doesn’t always dares to show it.

The moment Luke appears in the story, I fell in love with him… even if he doesn’t know Chloe, he helps her out. and from there on, he cannot stay away from her (not in a creepy way, just in the sweetest way! 😄).
He is also not afraid to reprimand her, just because he cares.

I found this a lovely story, but not only a romance. It shows us how much words can hurt us, and that it can come from the people we care the most.
But also that getting away from a violent relationship is the right step to take, even if it is a difficult one.

This story shows how the abusers can change your own view of things and can make you doubt yourself, even if you aren’t doing anything wrong.
But this is also about strength, because we see Chloe grow and even dares to face the demons of her past. 

A beautiful story about starting over, growing and daring to love.

Difficult times for our beloved Harper Girls…

Synopsis

From the bestselling author of the Welcome to Harpers Emporium and The Mulberry Lane Series.
The Harpers Girls come face to face with the harsh reality of the cruelty of war.

Oxford Street, London 1915

Sally Harper quietly battles to keep Harpers afloat in the difficult days of the war, whilst husband Ben is working all hours for the War Office.

Beth Burrow is fighting concern for her husband Jack, now at sea with the Merchant Navy, and the fear she may never see him again and be blessed with a child.

Driven to exhaustion, Maggie Gibbs, is now working as a nursing assistant on the battlefields in France. With the everyday horrors of the casualties of war to contend with she suffers her own personal tragedy when her fiancé’s plane ditches in the sea.

Can the Harpers Girls and their loved ones survive the perils of war and find a path to future happiness?

A heart-warming saga following the lives, loves and losses of the Harpers Girls. Perfect for fans of Nadine Dorries, Pam Howes and Dilly Court.

My review

World War 1 is full ahead and each of our Harper Girls is facing her own problems.

Sally Harper does whatever she can to keep Harpers running, despite the hard times. But it’s not only the shop that worries her, as her husband Ben is working for the War Office and cannot share any whatever decision is being made.

Beth Burrow is also worried as her husband Jack is at Sea with the Merchant navy. Each time he departs, she is afraid he won’t come back, and she will be left alone, without the blessing of a child.

Maggie Gibbs is now working as a nursing assistant on the battlefields in France. She sees the true horrors of the war, yet she finds herself fulfilled as she is making a real difference.

Yet tragedies are ahead for our girls. Will they and their loved ones all find a way to their happiness? Or will the War tear their hopes and dreams apart?

When you read a saga consisting of several books, you really start to care and love all the characters. And I found myself wishing all the best for these amazing girls and their family and friends.

Yet the War cannot be the bringer of good news, so I was afraid what would happen to my dear friends…

I found so many heart-breaking moments, I was on the verge of crying for the injustice of it all.
This story is absolutely not sugar-coating the horrors of the War. There are tragedies for everyone, nobody is being spared.

But it’s not only about the terrors everyone is enduring. This story showed me again what great women our Harper girls are. They are courageous, fighting on their own ways, never giving up. Even when the worst of tragedies strikes, there is always the greater picture in mind.
No matter how big the despair is, there is the realisation that they cannot just sit down and weep, but there are people depending on their help.

Maybe this part of the series is one of the sadder ones, but there is also a message of not giving up, being there for each other, respecting each other’s way of grieving.
Despite the War, Sally, Beth and Maggie are the same girls as before. Of course they mature, but their characters aren’t changing suddenly. They remain these kind, caring and helping friends.

There are also some lighter moments, which we truly needed, otherwise it would be a too depressing story. And these moments showed me that even in the hardest time, there can be time for happiness and love.

I found this a bittersweet story, showing reality about the War, but also about true friendship, love and courage. And I hope that there will be more in store for the harper girls and that a happy ending will be lurking around the corner!

Where can I find this Fountain Of Love????

Synopsis

On a dare, Faith Daniels tosses a coin into the infamous “Fountain of Love” and wishes for the perfect man, laughing it off as the dumbest thing she’s ever done. Like magic, her quiet life turns upside-down when men begin to appear out of nowhere. There’s a doctor, a lawyer, a firefighter, and a swimwear model, for starters. All of them are kind, generous, successful, and drop-dead gorgeous. All of them are interested in Faith. But who is Mr. Right?

A feel-good romance novel about love, friendship, and living life to the fullest!

My review

Faith Daniels has been dared by her best friends to toss a coin in the Fountain of Love, wishing to find the perfect man. But of course, it total nonsense, right! And also, she already had the perfect man, so no one can be compared to the man she loved but lost…
Yet when suddenly men begin to appear out of nowhere and are asking her out on a date, it must be coincidence, and not the magic of the fountain?
But is Mr. Right coming in the shape of a doctor, a lawyer, a firefighter or a model? Or is there another option lurking behind the corner?

I just love Rich Amooi and his books!
No matter how much I loved the other books that I have already read, I think this one is the one I love the most!

From the start I liked Faith. She is a kind charming and warm person, despite having a broken heart after losing the love of her life.
I just wanted to step in the book and give her a hug and tell her that everything would be okay.
But luckily for her, she has her friends doing that for her. And they also give her a gently push to let her see that there still may be someone out there for her.

When she tosses that coin in the fountain, I knew I would be having fun reading the things that would happen to her.

The moment men start talking to her, and asking her out, I was taking decision in her place, for reasons I liked that particular guy or not.
Each man surely has his charm, and I enjoyed going on a date with him and Faith, but secretly I had my favourite already…

I loved the simplicity of this story. No extreme drama, just a story about a woman getting back out there. The characters are so recognizable, and even if some of the men sounded too good to be true, it shows the reader that sometimes no matter how good the total package looks like, the heart cannot be said who to like and love.

This story totally knew what I needed, and even exceeded my already very high expectations!

I loved it, I loved it, I L-O-V-E-D it!!!!!!

Today it’s time for a new cover reveal!

Synopsis

When Summer meets Wynter…

With enough rooms to fill a Cluedo board several times over, Montague House has often been the subject of rumour and gossip. Tales of strange goings on, an owner who disappeared one day and was never seen again, not to mention the treasure that rumour has it lies at its heart… But now the present owner has died and the house is to be sold. It looks as if the opportunity has come to finally settle the stories once and for all.

Clodagh Wynter doesn’t believe in ghostly goings on and tall tales of secrets. She has her feet very firmly on the ground and, tasked with the job of valuing and cataloguing the house and all its contents, she’s simply looking forward to working in such a glorious setting. And if she happens across a priceless painting, well, that’s just icing on the cake.

Andie Summer is a Finder of Things and desperately needs this job; she’s down to her last few tins of baked beans. Solooking for hidden treasure sounds right up her street, even if there was something very fishy about the mysterious Mr Mayfair who hired her. Because it’s just like she said to her faithful Basset Hound, Hamish; I saw something out of the corner of my eye as I was leaving, and you know what that means. It’s never good news when I see something out of the corner of my eye…

As the unlikely pair are thrown together, it soon becomes very clear however that they are not the only ones searching for the treasure. And they’re going to need all their ingenuity, resourcefulness, not to mention chocolate biscuits, if they’re ever going to untangle the web of secrets that surrounds Montague House. One that reaches even further than they ever thought possible…

About the author

After a varied career, Emma Davies once worked for a design studio where she was asked to provide a fun and humorous (and not necessarily true) anecdote for their website. She wrote the following: ‘I am a bestselling novelist currently masquerading as a thirty-something mother of three.’ Well the job in the design studio didn’t work out but she’s now a fifty-something mother of three and is happy to report the rest of her dream came true.

After many years as a finance manager she now writes full time, and is far happier playing with words than numbers. She lives with her husband and three children in rural Shropshire where she writes in all the gaps in between real life.

THE COVER

Again perfection!

Synopsis

Newly promoted head teacher Anna Dalton needs a Christmas miracle – and fast! After years of sitting through excruciatingly dull Christmas productions, complete with crying children and sleeping parents, she’s determined Riddlescomb Primary School will put on a Nativity to remember.

Enter bad boy actor Dan Ramsey, recently axed from the lead role in a TV drama and in desperate need of cleaning up his image or he’ll never work again.

Dan can flash those heart-stopping dimples all he likes, Anna tells herself she isn’t going to fall for them. She knows why he’s decided to volunteer at the school, and it’s for the good of his career…not his soul. 

But as Anna and Dan are forced to work together for the sake of a truly magical Christmas for the children, sparks fly and they can’t help but wonder what will happen once the festive season is over…

My review

Dan Ramsey is an actor who found himself without a job, after his lead role in a TV drama has been axed.
Also his reputation is one of a bad boy, so he needs a way to change his image in a good one, or he will never find another acting gig again.
What better way to make him look like one of the good guys than helping out his former Primary School with the Nativity play?

Head teacher Anna Dalton realizes that Dam is not being purely altruistic and knows he uses her school to make him look better. But she won’t fall for his charms. Yet she needs to do something to avoid another dull Nativity play, so reluctantly she accepts Dan’s help.

While working together, the sparks fly all around the place. But what will happen once the play is over and Dan goes back to his “normal” life?

Do I really have to say AGAIN how much I enjoyed reading a book of this author? REALLY???? Okay then, if you insist…

No matter how many books I read from Kathryn Freeman, she always succeeds in surprising me and making me binge – read!

Anna is a single mum, after she lost her love of her life. Her focus is purely on her daughter Maisie and her job. Relationships are the last thing on her mind.
And this year she wants that her school’s nativity play is better than those of the past years.
Her determination and her passion are so obvious during the whole story. She will not allow anyone to use her school for own purposes.
Whatever she does, she has always the best interest of the children in mind. Who wouldn’t have loved to have such a teacher / head teacher?
Even the children know that Anna is strict, but she has her heart at the right place. She is ready to give you a second chance when you show remorse. And she sees the potential in each of the children.

When Dan appears in the story, I already had this vision of a real bad boy in my mind. But as often with famous people, what we see is not always the truth. There is more to Dan than I initially thought. He is not a superficial man at all, he just has had a lot to endure and is finding a way to show the world who he really is, and get closer to his son Max again.

Of course this story screams romance all over the place. But I had so much fun and laughs! There wasn’t one chapter I found a bit boring or that didn’t fit in.
Even the moments where the focus was more on the sadder side, I found myself feeling the emotions the characters were having.
There are so many people in this story I enjoyed reading about. Of course Anna and Dan, but also Maisie, Max, Anna’s in – laws who just are amazing, every child in the play and let’s not forget about Sid!

The author managed to write a beautiful story about second chances. And not only a second chance for a better career, but for love (between man  and a woman, father and a son,…).
I loved this Christmas story for the very start until the end! For me, this was perfection!

Today I am treating you with a guest post of A Wing And A Prayer.

Synopsis

When Betty Palmer’s sister dies under suspicious circumstances whilst landing her Tiger Moth, Betty and three other women pilots of the Air Transport Auxiliary in WWII England unite to discover who killed her and why.
Estranged from her family, Penny Blake wants simply to belong. American Doris Winter, running from a personal tragedy, yearns for a new start. Naturally shy Mary Whitworth-Baines struggles to fit in. Together though, they are a force to be reckoned with as they face the mystery that confronts them.

Against the backdrop of war, when ties of friendship are exceptionally strong, they strive to unravel the puzzle’s complex threads, risking their lives as they seek justice for Betty’s sister.

Guest Post

Hands up who’s heard someone say, I could write a book…only I don’t have the time. I always want to shout at them. Well, make the time!

My new book, ‘A Wing and a Prayer’ isn’t one of those. Saying this, I also have to say, it wasn’t planned. At no point in my relatively short writing life had I ever planned to write in this genre. I thought I’d be writing, or attempting to write, Women’s Fiction/Romances. Next thing I know, I’ve written a World War 2 Historical Saga –actually, as I write this, book 2 is with my publishers and book 3 is a quarter done – and received a publishing deal. Isn’t life strange?

Honestly, the last thing I expected to be doing during this mad time we’ve been going through was to sign my second writing contract. After the best part of a couple of years of quite ill health, I was getting things back together and had started to follow my author friend’s advice who’d been through the same trouble, and was picking up the ‘pen’ again – it’s not quite the same as, picking up the laptop. I’d tried to start up again where I’d left off with a couple of half-finished stories, but it was proving difficult to get some enthusiasm going for them. Then, one advised me to try something new, something that would get me in a place I hadn’t been before. I happened to be watching a television program called, The Spitfire Girls, about the women who served in the Air Transport Auxiliary and this sparked something inside me.

I’d served 16 years on the Royal Air Force, visiting many places around the world and I’d always loved history, especially what occurred on the Home Front in the Second World War. In a day, I’d put together a rough, very rough as I’m not much of a planner, outline of a story about 3 disparate lady pilots. A little to my surprise, the story evolved into a bit of a mystery. Perhaps saying it was a little surprise is to put it mildly. Before writing this book, I could count on the fingers of one hand how many mysteries I’ve read, let alone WW2 sagas, so where the mystery came from, I’ve no idea. Mind you, it’s often said that books acquire a life of their own as they’re written and that was certainly the case of this one; I’m very happy it did too!

I’m a very proud member of the Romantic Novelists Association and indeed, have had a Romantic Drama published before my illness. Since I began the work that became A Wing and a Prayer’, I’ve received nothing but support both from this wonderful organization and also various WW2 – and other era’s – saga authors. I have found another group of friends just when they were needed the most and I cannot wait for things to get back to normal so I can thank as many of them as possible in person. It’s quite an experience being a male author in what is vastly a female dominated genre, and I want all those who have willingly helped me to know how much I appreciate them all.

Which brings me to, what I’m up to now? Well, book 2 is now with my editor and book 3 is somewhere between a quarter and a third of the way into that one. Book 3 is to be a Christmas one and for someone who really didn’t have anything much to do with Christmas before he got married, this is bringing me an entirely new perspective on this time of year. Also, researching a wartime Christmas is fascinating!

Thank you very much for being a part of the blog tour for ‘A Wing and a Prayer’, it’s been a joy to be here.

When old friendships feel like no time has passed.

Synopsis

In their secret tree house, nine-year-old Emma and her best friend Chris made a promise: ‘You and me forever’. 

It’s been five years since Emma left her hometown with her soon to be ex-husband and eight years since the tragedy that taught her and Chris that nothing lasts forever.  

Now thirty, Emma is an unemployed nurse living back on her parents’ farm, her life in tatters. Chris, however, is finally healing and making a success of his family’s country estate. 

They step into their old friendship as if it were yesterday, but as Emma sets out to rebuild her life, will their past and Chris’s future throw her further off balance? 

Or will she find the happiness she left behind by returning to the treehouse?

My review

Now that Emma her marriage has ended, she goes back to her hometown, looking for a new job and trying to rebuild her life.
Going back home means also see her old friends again, Chris included.
During their childhood, Emma and Chris were best friends, and spent a lot of time in their treehouse. But of course, as often, growing older meant for them also growing more distant.
Yet seeing each other again, feels so natural and it doesn’t feel like their friendship was on hold for a long time.

While Emma is trying to pick up the pieces of her life back together, Chris is now finally putting the tragedy in his past behind him and is becoming rather successful.
Will coming home mean for Emma that she can find happiness again?

From the fist moment, I found the bond that Emma and Chris had, so sweet to read about! Even as just children, they make a promise to be there for each other, forever. If you don’t find that sweet, well, then it’s your fault and not mine!

Yet even if I had some clue about how this story would end, I had no idea everything that would happen before!

When Emma comes back to her hometown, she is not happy. Who would be happy when your marriage is over? Luckily for her, her old friends are still there for her, even if they lost contact over the years. talking about real friends!

During the story we get to know also about the loss Chris had to endure and how it has defined him. And my heart broke for him, reading how much it had hurt him and how guilty he felt for it… Yet I found him amazing!

I have to say, there were some twists in the story I didn’t like so much. Not because it was badly written, but just because I wanted to happen what I wanted to happen. And when it went the total opposite way, I got a bit frustrated.
But of course the author did this for a good cause, as it all had a purpose and it all turned to be a real eye-opener.

I had conflicting emotions while reading. I felt sympathy for both Emma and Chris. Yet I got angry too when some secrets came out. I got mad at Chris, for keeping something from Emma. I got angry at other people (no spoilers from my side!) for playing with people’s emotions. I also had happy emotions though! I was content when Emma and Chris got closer and found their friendship still intact.
And I was proud how Emma moved on and dared to take a chance for love.

Despite the beautiful story, I found the last chapters a bit hasted. There were things going suddenly so quickly, that I started to feel I missed something. But maybe (keep in mind that I am NOT an author so I have no clue about writing a book myself!) a few extra pages with some more details would have made this even a more perfect story?

But even with the high speed on those chapters, I enjoyed reading this heart – warming story about starting over again, true friendship, forgiving not only others but yourself and love. I found this a great debut novel!

Having read the previous parts, I surely am intrigued for Part Nr. 3! Let’s give a little tease by having a Cover Reveal!

Synopsis

Withholding the Key, Third and Final Book of With Emma Trilogy.

Will Emma unlock her heart and truly allow herself the happiness she deserves?

Emma Andrews finds herself and everyone she cares about within the walls of the penthouse. Only, this time, it was her who locked the door and threw away the key. Emma finds herself not only planning to take Jarret out for good, but trying to destroy his empire and all who are within it.

Jarret won’t know what hit him…

What Emma doesn’t expect is to see a face that before had only appeared in her dreams.

With Chance’s life holding on by a thread, Emma is pulled to him. Will he prove his love to her, allowing Emma to completely unlock her heart to him? Or, will the man that has taught her to accept her strength, be the man Emma finds her true-self in the bounds of his love…

There is one thing for certain, in order to take Jarret out, Emma will need to rely upon the bond formed from an unexpected friendship.

About the author

T. L. Mahrt is a former business owner, where she utilized her education in cosmetology, barbering and massage therapy for several years. She was raised on and is currently living on a farm in Nebraska, where you can find her running barefoot in the country side with her loving husband and inspiring children and massive dogs. 

After having her son, who was born with Cerebral Palsy and DYRK1A, she made the life altering decision to stay home to care for her two children and pursue her love for writing. She has a love for romance and poetry where, her overactive imagination, along with her adventures and up beat lifestyle drives her inspiration for her writing. 

T. L. Mahrt has a thirst for knowledge, and is currently working on her Bachelor of Applied Science in Communication Studies degree.

The Cover!

Can someone escape from a violent marriage in Victorian times?

Synopsis

Having lost her father, Thea Goodson is alone in the world.

It is true she has a husband, but Ernie is a brutal man, more inclined to use his fists to keep Thea in line than to build on their marriage. And besides, Ernie Goodson has secrets – secrets that even his wife cannot share.
But in Victorian Yorkshire, appearances must be kept up, so Thea goes on powdering her bruises and forcing a smile as she toils in Ernie’s home and tobacco shop. There seems to be no other option.
That is, until a handsome and well-bred stranger arrives to set up shop next door…
Can Thea escape her misery and break from the conventions of society? Or will the clutches of her abusive husband confine her forever?

My review

After losing her father, Thea hoped she could find happiness by marrying Ernie Goodson. He seemed a nice man when he visited and was very kind to her when her father died. So accepting his marriage proposal made sense and Thea hoped she would learn to love Ernie in time.
But once married, Ernie shows his true face. He is not a kind man at all. He prefers to use violence to keep Thea in line and does not accept any contradiction. And then the secrets he is keeping from Thea.

Thea has no other choice than covering her bruises and plaster a fake smile on her face. Because that’s what women are supposed to do in Victorian Yorkshire.

Yet when a new neighbour appears, under the form of a handsome stranger, Thea finds herself feeling what love truly supposed to be like.
But can she escape her abusive marriage? Or will she be bound to her husband forever?

This story captured my complete attention immediately.

I felt sympathy for Thea, after losing her father and finding herself stuck in one of the worst marriages…
I found it terrible how Ernie played a charade and change into a brutal, despicable man after he gained ‘his prize’.
if I knew a Ernie myself, ooh how I would kick him in a not so nice manly place!

Thea has no other choice to endure everything, and that made me reflect on how lucky we are now that things have changed so much for women.
Even if it seems like Thea is only a victim, I found her a strong woman. She is determined to find out what secrets her husband is keeping. She also makes it clear that she wants more responsibilities in the shop, and that she can do more than just cleaning.

When Adam comes in the story, I found it nice to read how slowly Thea is changing and dares to stand up even more to her husband.
No matter how different Adam and Thea are, somehow they were both suffering and lacking on receiving love.
It was beautiful to read how these two kind people became closer during the story.

But the story is by long not quickly over. There are so many things going on. and the moment you think it’s all coming to an end, there is another twist and the consequences are even terrifying!

I found this an intriguing story, as I never knew what would be happening next to Thea. I was so hard hoping she would find happiness, but so often it seemed a dream too far away.
Despite the dark edges of this book, there are so many sweet and tender moments that made me smile.

The author wrote a story showing the brutalities women had to endure in the past. But also showing that not all men are the same, something that sometimes we have to remind this ourselves even in our own present.