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The Darling Girls
Three women, one man, and a tangle of lies.
When the world famous music conductor Leo Bruck dies suddenly, the three women who loved him meet for the first time at his graveside.
Victoria, his partner of twenty years and mother of two of his children; Maddy, mother of Leo’s daughter Phoebe; and twenty-four year old Cat. Can these three very different women, whose lives become inextricably bound, break free from the masterful control Leo exerts - even from the grave - once and for all?
THE DARLING GIRLS is a moving story of love, loss, and the prevailing power of female friendship.
When the world famous music conductor Leo Bruck dies suddenly, the three women who loved him meet for the first time at his graveside.
Victoria, his partner of twenty years and mother of two of his children; Maddy, mother of Leo’s daughter Phoebe; and twenty-four year old Cat. Can these three very different women, whose lives become inextricably bound, break free from the masterful control Leo exerts - even from the grave - once and for all?
THE DARLING GIRLS is a moving story of love, loss, and the prevailing power of female friendship.
464 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2013
62 people are currently reading
554 people want to read
About the author
Emma Burstall
28 books138 followersEmma is the author of nine novels including her bestselling Cornish series, Tremarnock. These books in order are - Starting Over In Cornwall, Christmas At The Cornish Guest House, A Summer in Cornwall, A Cornish Secret and The Girl Who Came Home To Cornwall.
Her latest book, The House On Rockaway Beach, came out in September 2022 and she's currently working on the next one.
Emma read English at Cambridge University and began her career as a cub reporter on the Western Morning News in Plymouth, later becoming features editor of Woman and Family Circle.
She loves films and the theatre, yoga, pilates, wild swimming, hiking and spending time with family and friends.
She lives in South West London and has three children and two grandchildren.
Her latest book, The House On Rockaway Beach, came out in September 2022 and she's currently working on the next one.
Emma read English at Cambridge University and began her career as a cub reporter on the Western Morning News in Plymouth, later becoming features editor of Woman and Family Circle.
She loves films and the theatre, yoga, pilates, wild swimming, hiking and spending time with family and friends.
She lives in South West London and has three children and two grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
January 23, 2015
“Things come apart so easily when they have been held together with lies.”
----Dorothy Allison an American writer, speaker, and member of the Fellowship of Southern Writers
Emma Burstall, the English author's, latest book, The Darling Girls explores the lives of three women held together by a common relationship- a man shared by all three.
Synopsis:
Three women, one man, and a tangle of lies.
When the world famous music conductor Leo Bruck dies suddenly, the three women who loved him meet for the first time at his graveside.
Victoria, his partner of twenty years and mother of two of his children; Maddy, mother of Leo’s daughter Phoebe; and twenty-four year old Cat. Can these three very different women, whose lives become inextricably bound, break free from the masterful control Leo exerts - even from the grave - once and for all?
Cat, Victoria and Maddy shared the same man in their lives- two was Leo's mistress and one was Leo's unmarried partner and what was common between them- Leo used to address them all as his "Darling Girls", but on the day of Leo's funeral, their perfectly loving worlds collide, crash and shatter forever, thus leaving them heart-broken for the rest of their lives, when they realize that they were all his "darling girls- instead of the one darling girl!" Hatred, rage and jealously were their first reaction towards each other, but when more of Leo's lies started to formulate in their lives, they gradually started to trust each other, hence Leo's lies might have ruined their love and trust towards Leo, but his lies brought together three very different women and ultimately friendship.
This is Burstall's third novel and in this novel, the author crafted a story about infidelity and how it ruins someone's life. And we see the story from the eyes of the victims to infidelity by the world famous music conductor, Leo. How he used them because of his own personal needs and in that way forgetting that he was actually hurting them, instead of making them happy. I loved the first chapter how compassionately the author brought together the three women of Leo's lives together on the day of his funeral, my heart ached for them at that moment! I loved Burstall's writing style, from the first page, I felt myself absorbing deeply into her story. Moreover, the friendship that the author featured in this story between three different women is absolutely lovely and sweet and something to cherish for.
What I couldn't come to terms with the story was the plot- as I was reading, I felt something was going to happen- something major especially about Leo, but unfortunately the plot felt very monotonous in the mid-way, in fact the prologue sounds really intriguing, but while reading the book, I never felt that the prologue was anyway justified in the story. Moreover, I can't picture or draw Leo's demeanor very well on to my mind, since the author's sketchy and hazy picture of Leo left me feeling that I never got to know about Leo or about his valid and strong reasons behind his infidelity and lies.
The characterization is absolutely fantastic, except Leo. The three women are equally striking and fragile at the same time and their children are something to look out for in their book, especially Victoria's teenager son, Ralph, and the way the author portrayed his pain due to his father's death is brilliant. The ups and downs in Ralph's life is very believable and the author featured them with enough love and compassion. The characters had their own flaws and those flaws made them perfect in a reader's eyes. The pain that they undergo after Leo's death is something really beautifully, heart-breaking and deeply moving.
The author's prose is crisp and clear and with such a free-flowing narrative style, I felt myself drawn to the very core of the story. The background that the author painted in the canvas of her story is very vivid and mesmerizing, and at times, I felt myself transported to those amazing locations across United Kingdom.
Verdict: A really engaging book about love, loss and friendships to cherish forever!
Courtesy: Thanks to the author, Emma Burstall, for giving me the opportunity to read and review her book.
----Dorothy Allison an American writer, speaker, and member of the Fellowship of Southern Writers
Emma Burstall, the English author's, latest book, The Darling Girls explores the lives of three women held together by a common relationship- a man shared by all three.
Synopsis:
Three women, one man, and a tangle of lies.
When the world famous music conductor Leo Bruck dies suddenly, the three women who loved him meet for the first time at his graveside.
Victoria, his partner of twenty years and mother of two of his children; Maddy, mother of Leo’s daughter Phoebe; and twenty-four year old Cat. Can these three very different women, whose lives become inextricably bound, break free from the masterful control Leo exerts - even from the grave - once and for all?
Cat, Victoria and Maddy shared the same man in their lives- two was Leo's mistress and one was Leo's unmarried partner and what was common between them- Leo used to address them all as his "Darling Girls", but on the day of Leo's funeral, their perfectly loving worlds collide, crash and shatter forever, thus leaving them heart-broken for the rest of their lives, when they realize that they were all his "darling girls- instead of the one darling girl!" Hatred, rage and jealously were their first reaction towards each other, but when more of Leo's lies started to formulate in their lives, they gradually started to trust each other, hence Leo's lies might have ruined their love and trust towards Leo, but his lies brought together three very different women and ultimately friendship.
This is Burstall's third novel and in this novel, the author crafted a story about infidelity and how it ruins someone's life. And we see the story from the eyes of the victims to infidelity by the world famous music conductor, Leo. How he used them because of his own personal needs and in that way forgetting that he was actually hurting them, instead of making them happy. I loved the first chapter how compassionately the author brought together the three women of Leo's lives together on the day of his funeral, my heart ached for them at that moment! I loved Burstall's writing style, from the first page, I felt myself absorbing deeply into her story. Moreover, the friendship that the author featured in this story between three different women is absolutely lovely and sweet and something to cherish for.
What I couldn't come to terms with the story was the plot- as I was reading, I felt something was going to happen- something major especially about Leo, but unfortunately the plot felt very monotonous in the mid-way, in fact the prologue sounds really intriguing, but while reading the book, I never felt that the prologue was anyway justified in the story. Moreover, I can't picture or draw Leo's demeanor very well on to my mind, since the author's sketchy and hazy picture of Leo left me feeling that I never got to know about Leo or about his valid and strong reasons behind his infidelity and lies.
The characterization is absolutely fantastic, except Leo. The three women are equally striking and fragile at the same time and their children are something to look out for in their book, especially Victoria's teenager son, Ralph, and the way the author portrayed his pain due to his father's death is brilliant. The ups and downs in Ralph's life is very believable and the author featured them with enough love and compassion. The characters had their own flaws and those flaws made them perfect in a reader's eyes. The pain that they undergo after Leo's death is something really beautifully, heart-breaking and deeply moving.
The author's prose is crisp and clear and with such a free-flowing narrative style, I felt myself drawn to the very core of the story. The background that the author painted in the canvas of her story is very vivid and mesmerizing, and at times, I felt myself transported to those amazing locations across United Kingdom.
Verdict: A really engaging book about love, loss and friendships to cherish forever!
Courtesy: Thanks to the author, Emma Burstall, for giving me the opportunity to read and review her book.
August 14, 2012
Victoria is first and foremost a mother to Ralph, a surly teenager in the midst of his A levels and Salome. Eight years old and full of life. Victoria used to be a cellist, it was this that brought her into contact with the father of her children and the man she loves, her husband.
Maddy is the epitome of strong independent single mother. Her daughter Phoebe, has the best of everything that Maddy can provide. No one is going to help her, she is a successful event manager and thinks nothing of buying the best when she wants because she can. Maddy does not need handouts from the man she loves and the father of her daughter.
Cat, is very young and struggling to find her place in the world. Looking after her sick mother who has never got over the death of her husband, Cat's father. Something which even Cat is still struggling with means Cat has never focused on anything in her life other than her job, in a book shop where she is not going to go anywhere. Then someone comes in and asks her a question and suddenly Cat is experiencing something else. Cat falls in love with the man.
Victoria's man is called Leo.
Maddy's man is called Leo.
Cat's man is called Leo.
But Leo has died.
These three women are suddenly forced together after his funeral.
Victoria knew about the 'other' women and accepted it. But now Leo is dead and left more than a legacy behind she may need to think about what she has put up with the last twenty years and accept the real reason why Leo would not marry her despite her protestations.
Maddy, knew about Victoria and accepted it. She knew nothing about Cat.The legacy Leo leaves is the daughter he fathered and wonderful memories, but is that enough to sustain Maddy. She continues with her life, not relying on anything from anyone, but then something happens to her and she finds herself brought down to a different level.
Cat, knew about them both and believed Leo when he said that they meant nothing. Leo leaves a legacy which no one can believe and Cat suddenly has a whole different future to worry about.
Leo managed to split himself at least three different ways with these women. Experiencing only certain things with each of them; a love of takeaways; Amy Winehouse music; Classical Music to name a few. But Leo's legacy is the trust that he obviously never truly had with these women and complete honesty and intimacy which meant he behaved as he did.
This book follows the three main female characters as they come to terms with grief, dishonesty and the acceptance of love in differing circumstances. Life has to go one for many reasons and Victoria, Maddy and Cat suddenly find the strength to do this through the support and help of each other. A unique situation.
The characters are strong, wilful and believable and although Leo could have been cast as the 'baddie' because of his actions there came a fleeting moment or too when I actually felt sorry for him. Fleeting though, as I personally could not excuse such behaviour but then that is easy for me to say, being on the outside looking in. Being the reader totally absorbed by this story.
All three of Emma Burstall's books are excellent and they deal with such differing dynamics of groups of people, in the main women. They are more than fluffy chick lit they make you want to think, they make you want to cry and laugh in equal measures, they are simply good well structured and constructed books.
Maddy is the epitome of strong independent single mother. Her daughter Phoebe, has the best of everything that Maddy can provide. No one is going to help her, she is a successful event manager and thinks nothing of buying the best when she wants because she can. Maddy does not need handouts from the man she loves and the father of her daughter.
Cat, is very young and struggling to find her place in the world. Looking after her sick mother who has never got over the death of her husband, Cat's father. Something which even Cat is still struggling with means Cat has never focused on anything in her life other than her job, in a book shop where she is not going to go anywhere. Then someone comes in and asks her a question and suddenly Cat is experiencing something else. Cat falls in love with the man.
Victoria's man is called Leo.
Maddy's man is called Leo.
Cat's man is called Leo.
But Leo has died.
These three women are suddenly forced together after his funeral.
Victoria knew about the 'other' women and accepted it. But now Leo is dead and left more than a legacy behind she may need to think about what she has put up with the last twenty years and accept the real reason why Leo would not marry her despite her protestations.
Maddy, knew about Victoria and accepted it. She knew nothing about Cat.The legacy Leo leaves is the daughter he fathered and wonderful memories, but is that enough to sustain Maddy. She continues with her life, not relying on anything from anyone, but then something happens to her and she finds herself brought down to a different level.
Cat, knew about them both and believed Leo when he said that they meant nothing. Leo leaves a legacy which no one can believe and Cat suddenly has a whole different future to worry about.
Leo managed to split himself at least three different ways with these women. Experiencing only certain things with each of them; a love of takeaways; Amy Winehouse music; Classical Music to name a few. But Leo's legacy is the trust that he obviously never truly had with these women and complete honesty and intimacy which meant he behaved as he did.
This book follows the three main female characters as they come to terms with grief, dishonesty and the acceptance of love in differing circumstances. Life has to go one for many reasons and Victoria, Maddy and Cat suddenly find the strength to do this through the support and help of each other. A unique situation.
The characters are strong, wilful and believable and although Leo could have been cast as the 'baddie' because of his actions there came a fleeting moment or too when I actually felt sorry for him. Fleeting though, as I personally could not excuse such behaviour but then that is easy for me to say, being on the outside looking in. Being the reader totally absorbed by this story.
All three of Emma Burstall's books are excellent and they deal with such differing dynamics of groups of people, in the main women. They are more than fluffy chick lit they make you want to think, they make you want to cry and laugh in equal measures, they are simply good well structured and constructed books.
August 18, 2012
When world famous conductor Leo Bruck dies, he leaves behind three grieving women with a mass of unanswered questions. Victoria, the mother of his two children, sees herself as his rightful widow and is relying on a legacy to keep her children and herself comfortable. But when she begins to uncover some shocking secrets from Leo’s past, she wonders if she ever really knew him at all.
Maddy has been Leo’s mistress for eight years, and they have a daughter together. She seems to be an independent woman, with her life sorted, until she gets involved with Victoria’s teenage son, and her hard earned security begins to fall apart.
Cat had been Leo’s lover for just a year, but as she is already coping with her sick mother and troubled childhood, she takes Leo’s death quite hard. And when tragedy strikes her again, she finds it hard to hold it together. The three women are brought together by Leo’s death, but can they move on with their lives or will they continue to be under Leo’s control?
This was an interesting take on adultery, viewing it from the perspective of wife (in all but name), mistresses and the children involved. It delved into how infidelity can affect so many lives in varying ways, and made for an interesting read.
The three women involved with Leo are left to pick up the pieces of their lives after his death, and explore exactly what he meant to each of them. As we watch the story unfold, it is touching to see their friendships blossom even under impossible circumstances. An inspiring story of how unexpectedly good things can arise from bad situations.
Maddy has been Leo’s mistress for eight years, and they have a daughter together. She seems to be an independent woman, with her life sorted, until she gets involved with Victoria’s teenage son, and her hard earned security begins to fall apart.
Cat had been Leo’s lover for just a year, but as she is already coping with her sick mother and troubled childhood, she takes Leo’s death quite hard. And when tragedy strikes her again, she finds it hard to hold it together. The three women are brought together by Leo’s death, but can they move on with their lives or will they continue to be under Leo’s control?
This was an interesting take on adultery, viewing it from the perspective of wife (in all but name), mistresses and the children involved. It delved into how infidelity can affect so many lives in varying ways, and made for an interesting read.
The three women involved with Leo are left to pick up the pieces of their lives after his death, and explore exactly what he meant to each of them. As we watch the story unfold, it is touching to see their friendships blossom even under impossible circumstances. An inspiring story of how unexpectedly good things can arise from bad situations.
February 20, 2013
I think it's okay. I didn't get bored but I wasn't too moved by the story.
This is a story of unusual friendship, forged by circumstances after the death of Leo. Leo was the lover of the three main characters of the story. All three believed Leo, until the lies unraveled themselves.
I liked that this has a happy ending and the author was able to tell their stories in a manner that is not confusing.
This is a story of unusual friendship, forged by circumstances after the death of Leo. Leo was the lover of the three main characters of the story. All three believed Leo, until the lies unraveled themselves.
I liked that this has a happy ending and the author was able to tell their stories in a manner that is not confusing.
August 22, 2017
A well-measured tale, with lots of plot twists in the complex interactions between the three main characters. I particularly liked the changes in confidence and sentiment that carried the story through, although it's hard to see the scenario as real, the author did her best to make it so. Given the inauspicious start, the ending was a little too neat maybe, but then again, his darling girls did their best to recover from some pretty dreadful betrayals.
July 9, 2012
This was a lovely read, plenty of pace and characters to care about. It was an interesting exploration into infidelity, the motivations and the damage it can cause across an incredibly wide age and socio-economic range. It also showed how kindness and forgiveness can bring good out of a dreadful situation.
July 3, 2019
Fabulous from start to finish
3 women all in love with the same man, completely different yet are thrown together. I think Cat was the most relatable character whereas I found Victoria very cold and clinical. Nevertheless I really enjoyed the book.
3 women all in love with the same man, completely different yet are thrown together. I think Cat was the most relatable character whereas I found Victoria very cold and clinical. Nevertheless I really enjoyed the book.
January 3, 2019
A most enjoyable read, I liked the three characters, one dependant, one independent and the third younger and insecure.
September 18, 2017
This book had everything
I loved the characters and how their lives became interwoven. Funny and poignant. Shows there is great strength in numbers. Lovely.😊
I loved the characters and how their lives became interwoven. Funny and poignant. Shows there is great strength in numbers. Lovely.😊
January 29, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyable
The story was great. It paved along jumping in different directions, but had a lovely feel good factor to it. Very enjoyable.
The story was great. It paved along jumping in different directions, but had a lovely feel good factor to it. Very enjoyable.
July 2, 2023
A lovely read.
January 25, 2013
The Darling Girls is the poignant story about three women who are in love with the same man, who meet for the first time at his funeral. From that meeting, the women are left to pick up the pieces of their lives after his death. As they explore the time that they each had shared with him, they discover unanswered questions and secrets about him, only to learn to separate the lies from the truth and face the reality of what their relationships really had been with him, while an unlikely friendship blossoms between them.
Leo Bruck was a world famous music conductor who had orchestrated the juggling of his brilliant career with that of engaging in simultaneous relationships with three women. When he dies unexpectedly from a massive heart attack, he leaves a tangled web of deceit, secrets and unanswered questions for his "Darling Girls" to uncover.
Three very different women, three very different relationships, one same sentiment: Leo had called each one of them his "Darling Girl."
Victoria has been Leo's partner / wife-in-all-but name for the past twenty years. From their relationship came two children: seventeen year old Ralph and eight year old Salome. Victoria knew of the other two women, but had always considered herself the woman whom he had chosen first and loved the most. As Leo's secrets are revealed, she questions who Leo was and if she had ever really known him at all. All she can see is the trouble, pain and possible scandal that lies ahead.
Maddy has been Leo's mistress for the past eight years, and from their relationship came a daughter, seven year old Phoebe. Maddy has always been an independent career woman who was capable of taking care of herself, and didn't need to rely on money from Leo to live the lifestyle that she wanted. Maddy knew about Victoria and her children, but she did not know about the third woman. She has her memories and thinks she will be able to move on in her life until Victoria's son Ralph contacts her and she walks the fine line of deciding if it is appropriate to get involved with him.
Cat is the youngest of the three women, at twenty-four, she is struggling to make her way in the world. She had a troubled childhood, and is taking care of her ill mother. She has been Leo's second mistress for a little over a year. She had met Leo at a bookshop where she worked, he became a second father, a lover, and the man who educated her about music, encouraged her to write, and to learn to enjoy the fine things in life. She knew about Victoria, Maddy and their children. She believes that Leo loved her and only stayed with the other two women because of the children. Now feeling lost and alone, she worries about her future.
Leo's legacy of control over the three women's lives will be tested as they each come to terms with their grief, Leo's dishonesty, and the unfortunate reality of their individual relationships with him. An unlikely friendship blossoms among the three women as they provide mutual support and strength to each other, and learn to accept that life goes on.
Author Emma Burstall weaves a moving story of love, loss, heartbreak, and friendship. Set in London, England, the story is written in the third person narrative, alternating between the present time with flashbacks on each relationship. The reader follows along with the development of the Victoria, Maddy and Cat's unlikely friendship as they struggle to come to terms with the reality of their shared relationship and loss of one man that they each loved. This emotional story alternates between the three women and it thoughtfully describes how their lives are interwoven as they deal with their heartbreak and uncertain futures. The reader experiences the full gamut of emotions as the womens' stories unfold, it will pull at your heartstrings. I really enjoyed the differences in each of the women and their respective relationship with Leo, I was fascinated by the unique dynamic of each relationship, it was like Leo was three different men rolled into one. I really enjoyed the development of the women's blossoming friendship, their connection and ability to pull together and help one another was truly inspiring.
The Darling Girls is a riveting story of infidelity and the bond of friendship that is formed between three women through mutual kindness, strength, support and forgiveness borne out of an unfortunate and tragic circumstance.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Leo Bruck was a world famous music conductor who had orchestrated the juggling of his brilliant career with that of engaging in simultaneous relationships with three women. When he dies unexpectedly from a massive heart attack, he leaves a tangled web of deceit, secrets and unanswered questions for his "Darling Girls" to uncover.
Three very different women, three very different relationships, one same sentiment: Leo had called each one of them his "Darling Girl."
Victoria has been Leo's partner / wife-in-all-but name for the past twenty years. From their relationship came two children: seventeen year old Ralph and eight year old Salome. Victoria knew of the other two women, but had always considered herself the woman whom he had chosen first and loved the most. As Leo's secrets are revealed, she questions who Leo was and if she had ever really known him at all. All she can see is the trouble, pain and possible scandal that lies ahead.
Maddy has been Leo's mistress for the past eight years, and from their relationship came a daughter, seven year old Phoebe. Maddy has always been an independent career woman who was capable of taking care of herself, and didn't need to rely on money from Leo to live the lifestyle that she wanted. Maddy knew about Victoria and her children, but she did not know about the third woman. She has her memories and thinks she will be able to move on in her life until Victoria's son Ralph contacts her and she walks the fine line of deciding if it is appropriate to get involved with him.
Cat is the youngest of the three women, at twenty-four, she is struggling to make her way in the world. She had a troubled childhood, and is taking care of her ill mother. She has been Leo's second mistress for a little over a year. She had met Leo at a bookshop where she worked, he became a second father, a lover, and the man who educated her about music, encouraged her to write, and to learn to enjoy the fine things in life. She knew about Victoria, Maddy and their children. She believes that Leo loved her and only stayed with the other two women because of the children. Now feeling lost and alone, she worries about her future.
Leo's legacy of control over the three women's lives will be tested as they each come to terms with their grief, Leo's dishonesty, and the unfortunate reality of their individual relationships with him. An unlikely friendship blossoms among the three women as they provide mutual support and strength to each other, and learn to accept that life goes on.
Author Emma Burstall weaves a moving story of love, loss, heartbreak, and friendship. Set in London, England, the story is written in the third person narrative, alternating between the present time with flashbacks on each relationship. The reader follows along with the development of the Victoria, Maddy and Cat's unlikely friendship as they struggle to come to terms with the reality of their shared relationship and loss of one man that they each loved. This emotional story alternates between the three women and it thoughtfully describes how their lives are interwoven as they deal with their heartbreak and uncertain futures. The reader experiences the full gamut of emotions as the womens' stories unfold, it will pull at your heartstrings. I really enjoyed the differences in each of the women and their respective relationship with Leo, I was fascinated by the unique dynamic of each relationship, it was like Leo was three different men rolled into one. I really enjoyed the development of the women's blossoming friendship, their connection and ability to pull together and help one another was truly inspiring.
The Darling Girls is a riveting story of infidelity and the bond of friendship that is formed between three women through mutual kindness, strength, support and forgiveness borne out of an unfortunate and tragic circumstance.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
June 5, 2014
Firstly a quick thank you to Becci at Head of Zeus for sending me a copy of this book to review. The Darling Girls follows the lives of 3 women who become linked because the man they were all in love with dies. Victoria, the mother to Leo’s two children Ralph and Salome and his partner of 20 years sees herself as the rightful owner of his legacy but soon discovers secrets which indicate that Leo wasn’t the man she thought he was. Maddy is the mother of Leo’s other daughter, Phoebe and is the epitome of a strong, single mum, giving Phoebe everything she needs. She doesn’t take charity, especially from her dead lover. Cat is young and naïve and believed that she was the only woman Leo really loved. She works in a dead-end job and has to take care of her sick mother which is about as dramatic as her life gets until she’s confronted by Victoria and Maddy and finds out the truth. All three women are forced together to confront not only each other, but their pasts with Leo. As secrets get discovered and lies get unravelled the 3 women soon discover that Leo isn’t who they thought he was.
Right from the opening chapter, you’re introduced to ‘Darling Girls’ Victoria, Maddy and Cat as they all attend Leo’s funeral. You’re dropped straight into the story and there’s no hanging about before these woman end up confronting each other. All 3 of them are exceptionally different from one another – they all lead very different lives which I liked about this book as there’s no risk of getting confused between the storylines. They were all very well developed and you begin to get an insight into how each of them feel about Leo; before and after his death. All the women seemed a bit reliant and dependent on Leo – particularly Cat who had only known him a year which I would have been able to get to grips with but Leo seemed unbelievable to me. In flashbacks, I didn’t find him irresistible, charming or appealing which is what I would have expected considering 3 women were in love with him.
As the story progressed, I couldn’t work out where it would go and I was expected something really big and dramatic to happen but thinking back, this stories main focus is on the relationship between the 3 women. It was an interesting premise and although I felt like there could have been a bit more too it and it took a while to get into, Emma’s style of writing is easy to read and get fully absorbed in. I loved the setting of the story as they’re all places which are very close to me so I found it easy to picture in my head. I did notice a few typos and inconsistencies throughout the book which potentially could have been avoided. Overall, an engaging book about love, loss, infidelity but most of all friendship of all kinds. The relationships that blossomed between Victoria, Maddy and Cat was absolutely beautiful considering the circumstances in which they were thrown together. This book shows the highs, the lows, the jealousy and really does capture the essence of female friendship.
Find all my reviews here: www.jennyinneverland.wordpress.com
Right from the opening chapter, you’re introduced to ‘Darling Girls’ Victoria, Maddy and Cat as they all attend Leo’s funeral. You’re dropped straight into the story and there’s no hanging about before these woman end up confronting each other. All 3 of them are exceptionally different from one another – they all lead very different lives which I liked about this book as there’s no risk of getting confused between the storylines. They were all very well developed and you begin to get an insight into how each of them feel about Leo; before and after his death. All the women seemed a bit reliant and dependent on Leo – particularly Cat who had only known him a year which I would have been able to get to grips with but Leo seemed unbelievable to me. In flashbacks, I didn’t find him irresistible, charming or appealing which is what I would have expected considering 3 women were in love with him.
As the story progressed, I couldn’t work out where it would go and I was expected something really big and dramatic to happen but thinking back, this stories main focus is on the relationship between the 3 women. It was an interesting premise and although I felt like there could have been a bit more too it and it took a while to get into, Emma’s style of writing is easy to read and get fully absorbed in. I loved the setting of the story as they’re all places which are very close to me so I found it easy to picture in my head. I did notice a few typos and inconsistencies throughout the book which potentially could have been avoided. Overall, an engaging book about love, loss, infidelity but most of all friendship of all kinds. The relationships that blossomed between Victoria, Maddy and Cat was absolutely beautiful considering the circumstances in which they were thrown together. This book shows the highs, the lows, the jealousy and really does capture the essence of female friendship.
Find all my reviews here: www.jennyinneverland.wordpress.com
January 20, 2013
Cat had only been with Leo for a little over a year, but it was the most passionate relationship she has ever been in. Attending his funeral she has to face the other parts of his life though. Victoria, who Leo had two children with a 17 year old and an 8 year old. Victoria was for all purposes Leo’s wife yet he never would marry her. There is also Maddy, who is also the mother of Leo’s youngest, and also Leo’s mistress. These women all seemed to kind of know about each other, though Cat is news to Maddy at first, but hadn’t meet each other before. Through together to figure out how each of them are going to survive without Leo, who they all seemed to depend on in a way especially financially. Piecing together how they fit into Leo’s life and maybe each other lives now.
The narrative rotates between focusing on each of the women, Cat, Victoria and Maddy. How each of them are effected by not only the change and lose of Leo, but also these new other women who all seem to find themselves becoming a part of each other’s lives and depended on each other in way they never would have thought possible before. Victoria goes about learning about Leo and more of his past that she feels compelled to share with the others. Maddy is finding that Ralph, Victoria’s oldest, is seeking comfort from the change in situation with her and his youngest half-sister. With changes in financial situation and growing closer to Ralph, Maddy finds herself walking a fine line of what she wants to do and what might be appropriate. Cat is just trying to tread water and figure out what direction to go. With these new women in her life she is getting help that she didn’t exactly ask for, but with her own Mother having checked out maybe it is just what she needs.
I enjoyed reading this book. I liked how all the characters were individuals yet there stories are woven together. I personally felt that I could relate to the character of Cat a bit more, maybe because she was closer to my own age, but at the same time I felt connected to the other women too. It felt a bit like Little Women in that way to me, where different readers feel the book is about a particular character based on who they related too. The flow between character here and how they each grew, learned and help each other is what really appealed to me on this book. I would give it 4 stars and would suggest it to others. This was a great book to start the new year with.
This review is part of chick lit plus blog tours.
I was provided a copy of the book for review, but the summary and thoughts on the book are mine.
The narrative rotates between focusing on each of the women, Cat, Victoria and Maddy. How each of them are effected by not only the change and lose of Leo, but also these new other women who all seem to find themselves becoming a part of each other’s lives and depended on each other in way they never would have thought possible before. Victoria goes about learning about Leo and more of his past that she feels compelled to share with the others. Maddy is finding that Ralph, Victoria’s oldest, is seeking comfort from the change in situation with her and his youngest half-sister. With changes in financial situation and growing closer to Ralph, Maddy finds herself walking a fine line of what she wants to do and what might be appropriate. Cat is just trying to tread water and figure out what direction to go. With these new women in her life she is getting help that she didn’t exactly ask for, but with her own Mother having checked out maybe it is just what she needs.
I enjoyed reading this book. I liked how all the characters were individuals yet there stories are woven together. I personally felt that I could relate to the character of Cat a bit more, maybe because she was closer to my own age, but at the same time I felt connected to the other women too. It felt a bit like Little Women in that way to me, where different readers feel the book is about a particular character based on who they related too. The flow between character here and how they each grew, learned and help each other is what really appealed to me on this book. I would give it 4 stars and would suggest it to others. This was a great book to start the new year with.
This review is part of chick lit plus blog tours.
I was provided a copy of the book for review, but the summary and thoughts on the book are mine.
November 12, 2012
Rated 2.5 Stars
Originally reviewed at Novel Escapes
The Darling Girls started interestingly enough, but gradually unravelled for me. Three women share only one common element, their lover, Leo and it is only at his funeral that they meet and discover he had affairs with all three of them, living part of the time in one place and part in another and having a third girl on the side. Devastated by both his death, and the revelation that their lives with Leo were far from perfect like they had thought, they are left to pick up the pieces.
The three women couldn’t have been more different, which was great as they were relatively easy to tell apart. I enjoyed watching the relationships develop between the women. And I particularly loved how Burstall doesn’t shy away from showing the impact of infidelity on the children, and I think this was my favourite aspect of the novel. I found Ralph’s character was the most interesting to follow. And maybe Leo, as all his secrets are gradually uncovered. Cat was my favourite of the women – possible because she has the most action surrounding her from her job at the book store to tending to her ill mother.
I found some telling in this novel where I wanted showing. “My son is mad at me again” was told from Victoria’s point of view, but I thought a scene would have been more appropriate. We could have seen it from each character’s perspective and, in my opinion, it would had much more impact. We could have seen Victoria’s heartbreak and angst as she deals with the situations she comes across as a grieving, now single, mother and her son’s grief and confusion over the situation. And this wasn’t the only occurrence.
Overall, I just couldn’t seem to grasp onto much emotion in this novel. And the above showing, not telling, might be the reason why for me. So unfortunately I started skimming bits, wanting to find out what happens, but never got really invested and discovered it was pretty predictable, with a few little surprises. I kept reading to find out a few things, particularly the relationship between Maddy and Victoria’s son, Ralph.
I’ve discovered that there are plenty of rave reviews out there for The Darling Girls, so don’t let this deter you. Maybe it was just me.
Thank you to Emma Burstall for our review copy. All opinions are our own.
Originally reviewed at Novel Escapes
The Darling Girls started interestingly enough, but gradually unravelled for me. Three women share only one common element, their lover, Leo and it is only at his funeral that they meet and discover he had affairs with all three of them, living part of the time in one place and part in another and having a third girl on the side. Devastated by both his death, and the revelation that their lives with Leo were far from perfect like they had thought, they are left to pick up the pieces.
The three women couldn’t have been more different, which was great as they were relatively easy to tell apart. I enjoyed watching the relationships develop between the women. And I particularly loved how Burstall doesn’t shy away from showing the impact of infidelity on the children, and I think this was my favourite aspect of the novel. I found Ralph’s character was the most interesting to follow. And maybe Leo, as all his secrets are gradually uncovered. Cat was my favourite of the women – possible because she has the most action surrounding her from her job at the book store to tending to her ill mother.
I found some telling in this novel where I wanted showing. “My son is mad at me again” was told from Victoria’s point of view, but I thought a scene would have been more appropriate. We could have seen it from each character’s perspective and, in my opinion, it would had much more impact. We could have seen Victoria’s heartbreak and angst as she deals with the situations she comes across as a grieving, now single, mother and her son’s grief and confusion over the situation. And this wasn’t the only occurrence.
Overall, I just couldn’t seem to grasp onto much emotion in this novel. And the above showing, not telling, might be the reason why for me. So unfortunately I started skimming bits, wanting to find out what happens, but never got really invested and discovered it was pretty predictable, with a few little surprises. I kept reading to find out a few things, particularly the relationship between Maddy and Victoria’s son, Ralph.
I’ve discovered that there are plenty of rave reviews out there for The Darling Girls, so don’t let this deter you. Maybe it was just me.
Thank you to Emma Burstall for our review copy. All opinions are our own.
September 30, 2012
The Darling Girls by Emma Burstall begins as Leo, a world famous conductor, dies and his three lovers meet for the first time at his funeral. The three women realize that they have an abdundant amount of unanswered questions and wonder about the man who was capable of juggling his brilliant career and his secrets all at the same time, whilst none of them ever had a clue.
Victoria, his partner of twenty years and mother of two of his children, relishes the fact that she thinks she knew Leo best, but when secrets start to come forward, she begins to question whether or not she knew him in the first place. Maddy, mother of Phoebe, is a typical career woman who creates trouble of her own when she becomes involved with someone off limits. And then there is Cat, the youngest of the trio. She is dealing with some emotional family issues and seems to be the most wounded of the three. All three of the “Darling Girls” couldn’t be more different … but you soon realize that they couldn’t be more alike as well.
The Darling Girls is a heartbreaking story that touches on loss, heartache, love and friendship and I absolutely adored every second of it. Emma magically orchestrates the tale of the three women in a way that makes them like puppets in the grand scheme of things in Leo’s world, and you wonder if he will forever control their worlds. Luckily for us, and for the trio, everything works out for the best, but we see how connected everything in the story truly is. I found myself putting pieces of the puzzle together until the very end. Beautifully written, heartbreaking and honest – a truly magical tale.
Victoria, his partner of twenty years and mother of two of his children, relishes the fact that she thinks she knew Leo best, but when secrets start to come forward, she begins to question whether or not she knew him in the first place. Maddy, mother of Phoebe, is a typical career woman who creates trouble of her own when she becomes involved with someone off limits. And then there is Cat, the youngest of the trio. She is dealing with some emotional family issues and seems to be the most wounded of the three. All three of the “Darling Girls” couldn’t be more different … but you soon realize that they couldn’t be more alike as well.
The Darling Girls is a heartbreaking story that touches on loss, heartache, love and friendship and I absolutely adored every second of it. Emma magically orchestrates the tale of the three women in a way that makes them like puppets in the grand scheme of things in Leo’s world, and you wonder if he will forever control their worlds. Luckily for us, and for the trio, everything works out for the best, but we see how connected everything in the story truly is. I found myself putting pieces of the puzzle together until the very end. Beautifully written, heartbreaking and honest – a truly magical tale.
February 20, 2013
Despite the improbable scenario the story is based on, this story intrigued me and the characters drew me into the story. I enjoyed it!
''Three women in love with the same man meet for the first time at his funeral. Can they separate the truth from the lies and learn to trust - and even love - again?
When world famous music conductor Leo Bruck dies suddenly, he leaves behind three grieving women and a mass of unanswered questions.
Did the man who juggled these simultaneous relationships while thrilling audiences around the globe, direct The Darling Girls like an orchestra?
Victoria, his partner of twenty years and mother of two of his children, regards herself as his rightful widow and keeper of his legacy. However, a series of shocking discoveries forces her to re-examine the man she thought she knew and query the very foundation of their relationship.
Maddy, mother of Leo’s daughter Phoebe, has a high-powered job and seems independent and sorted. But events take a sinister turn when Maddy becomes involved with Victoria’s troubled teenage son, and her safe world starts to go awry.
Finally there’s Cat who, at just 24, is Leo’s youngest lover. Coping with a sick mother and battling demons from her childhood, she is finding it increasingly hard to hold it together. Will grief, anger and bitterness blind her to the possibility of ever finding happiness, career fulfilment - and even, perhaps, new love?
The Darling Girls is a moving story of love, loss, and the prevailing power of female friendship. Can these three very different women, whose lives become inextricably bound, break free from the masterful control Leo exerts - even from the grave - once and for all?''
''Three women in love with the same man meet for the first time at his funeral. Can they separate the truth from the lies and learn to trust - and even love - again?
When world famous music conductor Leo Bruck dies suddenly, he leaves behind three grieving women and a mass of unanswered questions.
Did the man who juggled these simultaneous relationships while thrilling audiences around the globe, direct The Darling Girls like an orchestra?
Victoria, his partner of twenty years and mother of two of his children, regards herself as his rightful widow and keeper of his legacy. However, a series of shocking discoveries forces her to re-examine the man she thought she knew and query the very foundation of their relationship.
Maddy, mother of Leo’s daughter Phoebe, has a high-powered job and seems independent and sorted. But events take a sinister turn when Maddy becomes involved with Victoria’s troubled teenage son, and her safe world starts to go awry.
Finally there’s Cat who, at just 24, is Leo’s youngest lover. Coping with a sick mother and battling demons from her childhood, she is finding it increasingly hard to hold it together. Will grief, anger and bitterness blind her to the possibility of ever finding happiness, career fulfilment - and even, perhaps, new love?
The Darling Girls is a moving story of love, loss, and the prevailing power of female friendship. Can these three very different women, whose lives become inextricably bound, break free from the masterful control Leo exerts - even from the grave - once and for all?''
September 3, 2016
First of all I love Head of Zenus books. I have read many, recommending all of these that I have read. What Have I done by Amanda Prowse is about a wife Katherine who kills her husband then serves a prison sentence. What Have I done is a deeply emotional story. I have also read Clovers Child about Dot who meets Sol which is set in 1961 when East End girls did not date west Indian boys. This is modern love story. Head of Zenus have a new release The Lie Of You by Jane Lythell which I can promise all thriller fans that you will not be able to put this thriller novel down. The Lie Of You is about a wife Kathy who is stalked by her husbands ex girlfriend. Very chilling.The Darling Girls by Emma Burstall published by Head of Zenus is about Leo Bruck a world - famous conductor dies suddenly from a heart attack. Victoria his wife of twenty years all but in the name, with two children meet up with two of Leo's other women in his life at his funeral. Each of the three women in Leo's life were so very different in every way. Leo called each one of the three women his darling girls., but each one thought they were the only one that Leo called his darling girl. Twist and turns about Leo's past take us through this terrific story. The Darling Girls is a story of love, loss, and friendship.
I hope that may other readers will enjoy reading The Darling Girls as much as I have.
I hope that may other readers will enjoy reading The Darling Girls as much as I have.
January 21, 2013
* Originally posted on Lost in Literature
Three women that couldn't be more different all had one thing in common: the same lover. The women were each living their own lives, aware their lover had other women, but decided not knowing was better than facing the truth. At his funeral the three women meet... and from there they uncover secrets and lies that will forever change them.
An extremely moving and emotional story, The Darling Girls takes you on a tour through the lives of these three women, each dealing with their heartache in their own way. This story truly shows what devastation can come from an affair from all angles. Beautifully written and emotional, this story is sure to tug at the heartstrings and leave you flipping the pages quickly.
I would recommend this book to women. It has it all, touching upon love, loss, and friendship. It is very different from what I normally read, but I'm happy I gave it a chance.
Three women that couldn't be more different all had one thing in common: the same lover. The women were each living their own lives, aware their lover had other women, but decided not knowing was better than facing the truth. At his funeral the three women meet... and from there they uncover secrets and lies that will forever change them.
An extremely moving and emotional story, The Darling Girls takes you on a tour through the lives of these three women, each dealing with their heartache in their own way. This story truly shows what devastation can come from an affair from all angles. Beautifully written and emotional, this story is sure to tug at the heartstrings and leave you flipping the pages quickly.
I would recommend this book to women. It has it all, touching upon love, loss, and friendship. It is very different from what I normally read, but I'm happy I gave it a chance.
October 23, 2015
I can't decide on the review for this book. I really liked it at times, and I loved the female characters and their blossoming relationship, but really disliked the character that brought them all together! I suppose that makes it a good story, but aside from that, although enjoyable, I wasn't as gripped as I was hoping to be.
May 28, 2013
Predictable if quite engaging story of the three women in the life of a composer who has recently died. The characters lack any real depth and I found myself impatient by the end as the outcome is never really in any doubt.
Having said that it is an easy poolside read.
Having said that it is an easy poolside read.
June 6, 2013
I totally agree with most of the other reviews.... This book has a really good plot which slowly drew me in. The Three female characters although all different we're likeable and easy to believe. This was a very easy book to get into but not so easy to put down! Highly recommend!
August 8, 2013
Thus was a little bit soppy for me, did not really care about any of the girls just thought that the women were spineless and should have know better. They all came across as women who were always in the end if the phone waiting for their man who they all shared. Nope this book not for me
October 9, 2014
Three women meet at the funeral of their lover, the Austrian conductor Leo. Over the next year they form a friendship, supporting each other as they discover that Leo was not all he seemed. Sounds trite but proved to be an entertaining if somewhat predictable read.
September 14, 2012
Read previously - predictable but reasonably good read abt 3 women who despite having been unknown rivals in love become friends.
May 8, 2013
I liked the three main characters but found the storyline weak and unbelievable.
July 12, 2014
Absorbing book about family relationships and deceit. If you like Joanna Trollope you will like this.
June 2, 2013
A good summer read, not very taxing and perfect as a holiday read that isn't too demanding.
June 9, 2013
Great storyline, couldn't put it down!
June 22, 2013
I couldn't decide whether to give it a 3 or 4 . It is a good idea for a story and there's we're some lovely aspects but at times it was a little shallow . Worth a read though
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