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A Place for Us #2
A Place for Us Part 2
The SECOND of four exclusive part-serialisations of a A Place for Us by Harriet Evans will reunite you with the Winter family ...
The day Martha Winter decided to tear apart her family began like any other day.
So opens A Place for Us by Sunday Times bestselling author Harriet Evans, a book you'll dive into, featuring a family you'll fall in love with ... and never want to leave. If you devour Rosamund Pilcher and Maeve Binchy and have discovered Jojo Moyes, you'll be thrilled to add Harriet Evans to your collection of favourite authors.
The house has soft, purple wisteria twining around the door. You step inside.
The hall is cool after the hot summer's day. The welcome is kind, and always warm.
Yet something makes you suspect life here can't be as perfect as it seems.
After all, the brightest smile can hide the darkest secret.
But wouldn't you pay any price to have a glorious place like this?
Welcome to Winterfold.
Martha Winter's family is finally coming home.
The day Martha Winter decided to tear apart her family began like any other day.
So opens A Place for Us by Sunday Times bestselling author Harriet Evans, a book you'll dive into, featuring a family you'll fall in love with ... and never want to leave. If you devour Rosamund Pilcher and Maeve Binchy and have discovered Jojo Moyes, you'll be thrilled to add Harriet Evans to your collection of favourite authors.
The house has soft, purple wisteria twining around the door. You step inside.
The hall is cool after the hot summer's day. The welcome is kind, and always warm.
Yet something makes you suspect life here can't be as perfect as it seems.
After all, the brightest smile can hide the darkest secret.
But wouldn't you pay any price to have a glorious place like this?
Welcome to Winterfold.
Martha Winter's family is finally coming home.
108 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 28, 2014
15 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
About the author
Harriet Evans
109 books1,207 followersI was born in London and grew up there. I was very bookish, and had a huge imagination which used to cause me to get rather anxious at times. Now I know it's a good thing for a writer to have. I loved musicals, and playing imaginative games, and my Barbie perfume making kit. Most of all I loved reading. I read everything, but I also read lots of things over and over, which I think is so important.
At university I read Classical Studies, which is a great way of finding out that the world doesn't change much and people make the same mistakes but it's interesting to look at why. I was at Bristol, and i loved the city, making new friends, being a new person.
After university I came back to London and got a job in publishing. I loved working in publishing so much, and really felt for the first time in my life that when I spoke people understood what I was saying. Book people are good people. I became an editor after a few years, working with many bestselling novelists, and in 2009 I left to write full time.
I've written 13 novels and several short stories and one Quick Read, which is an excellent way of getting people into reading more. I've acquired a partner and two children along the way.
In 2019 we moved to Bath, out of London, and I am very happy there. We live opposite a hedgerow, and I can be boring about gardening, and there's room for my collection of jumpsuits and all our books. We have lots of books. Apart from anything else they keep the house warm. xxx
At university I read Classical Studies, which is a great way of finding out that the world doesn't change much and people make the same mistakes but it's interesting to look at why. I was at Bristol, and i loved the city, making new friends, being a new person.
After university I came back to London and got a job in publishing. I loved working in publishing so much, and really felt for the first time in my life that when I spoke people understood what I was saying. Book people are good people. I became an editor after a few years, working with many bestselling novelists, and in 2009 I left to write full time.
I've written 13 novels and several short stories and one Quick Read, which is an excellent way of getting people into reading more. I've acquired a partner and two children along the way.
In 2019 we moved to Bath, out of London, and I am very happy there. We live opposite a hedgerow, and I can be boring about gardening, and there's room for my collection of jumpsuits and all our books. We have lots of books. Apart from anything else they keep the house warm. xxx
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 1, 2014
I endure a real love/hate thing with these short serialised stories. I love the way they pull me in, get me reading avidly and leave me desperate for more, but I hate being left hanging, not least because I read so many books in between parts that I leave the characters behind and forget most everything I read.
That wasn't a problem for once in this story. Even though there are lots of characters and so much going on with them all, as soon as I picked this up, I was back with them and hooked in all over again. I'd like to say this is a sign that my memory is improving, but alas, I suspect it's more to do with the fact that the characters and the setting was so vividly set up in the first part and it flowed seamlessly into this second part. It's a very visual story, beautifully crafted. I have such a clear image and 'feel' for the house and characters in my mind, it's one of those stories you can really get lost in.
Where the first part hinted at lots of things and teased the reader without giving much away, this part begins to reveal some of the family's dark secrets. And wow, some of those secrets are much darker than I suspected, a couple of things really took me by surprise.
Practically everyone in this story is hiding something, there's so much going on under the surface, contained in the carefully controlled ways characters behave with one another:
It's another short read that ends on a cliffhanger and once again I'm dying to read more and find out what happens next. There's really no second guessing this one.
**I received an arc from the publisher via netgalley in return for my honest opinion.**
That wasn't a problem for once in this story. Even though there are lots of characters and so much going on with them all, as soon as I picked this up, I was back with them and hooked in all over again. I'd like to say this is a sign that my memory is improving, but alas, I suspect it's more to do with the fact that the characters and the setting was so vividly set up in the first part and it flowed seamlessly into this second part. It's a very visual story, beautifully crafted. I have such a clear image and 'feel' for the house and characters in my mind, it's one of those stories you can really get lost in.
Where the first part hinted at lots of things and teased the reader without giving much away, this part begins to reveal some of the family's dark secrets. And wow, some of those secrets are much darker than I suspected, a couple of things really took me by surprise.
Practically everyone in this story is hiding something, there's so much going on under the surface, contained in the carefully controlled ways characters behave with one another:
Martha looked out over the dining room to the garden. Poised, calm. She spoke as though reciting lines from a script. 'I think we raised you well. I think we gave you everything, tried to keep you safe, to plant you in the world. But we tried so hard I think we went wrong, somewhere along the way. What seemed like small things grew and - they've overtaken us now.'
It's another short read that ends on a cliffhanger and once again I'm dying to read more and find out what happens next. There's really no second guessing this one.
**I received an arc from the publisher via netgalley in return for my honest opinion.**
November 10, 2015
Originally posted on This Chick Reads
*Copy provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
And we're once again united with the Winter family. This is the second book in the serialisation by Harriet Evans and I was dying to read it. After reading the first part which ended with a major cliff hanger, I couldn't wait to start this one and learn more about the Winter family and their big secrets.
Winters are a strange bunch, but they get under your skin. Martha is celebrating her birthday and wants the whole family around because she has a LOT of confessions to make. Loads of secrets will be revealed and maybe some members could even get hurt. At the beginning, it felt a bit strange to be introduced to so many characters, but Harriet does this effortlessly, guiding you step by step into her characters' psyche, pealing a layer after layer allowing you to see the big picture. After reading the first part, I honestly thought the story couldn't get any better and more gripping. But I was wrong, because whatever it was that I was expecting, I sure didn't expect this part to be so so good. It's probably my favourite part in the serialisation, as it reveals so many things about Daisy, who's in my opinion, one of the most mysterious and intriguing characters. It's through Martha's and the other members' memory we get to learn more about her, about all the reasons she's been so strange since the beginning. Compared to the other parts, I think this is the one when the book gets it's climax and reaches a point no one's been able to predict. I sure didn't and I pride myself on my ability to easily predicting events or books' endings. But in this case I simply couldn't, which is one of the reasons why I'm fascinated with this part.
Intriguing and gripping, this is the book that you'll devour in one sitting. I strongly recommend reading A Place For Us Part 1 first, as this part as well as 3 and 4 are all parts of a same novel and can't be read as stand-alones. Terrific, from the beginning to the end, I highly recommend it.
July 28, 2015
Synopsis
Being part of the Winter clan is something incredibly special. Equally, being part of the Winter clan can be an albatross. The Winter’s, like most families, harbour many dark secrets; stories that they have failed to share. For although they are a close family there are some things that you just keep to yourself.
When Martha Winter, mother and matriarch of the family, calls all her children and grandchildren back to the family home Winterfold everyone is beyond curious. Hidden as an excuse to celebrate Martha’s 80th birthday, the family know that there is more than meets the eye to this party.
The house of Winter is about to be rocked to its very foundations.
Review
In the second instalment of A Place for Us Harriet Evans reunites the family and the secrets start to fall about like autumn leaves to the ground. Cat’s family find out about Luke, her secret love child; the scorned Florence returns from Italy plotting her revenge; David and Karen’s relationship hits the stumbling blocks when her illicit affair with local chef, Joe. Add to this the big reveal from Martha and you get one shocked family.
The secrets and lies are being peeled away slowly, each revelation providing shock and awe for the reader. Harriet Evans sure knows how to keep her readers wanting more especially as she leaves part two on an almighty cliff hanger.
A Place for Us Part Two by Harriet Evans is available now.Synopsis
Being part of the Winter clan is something incredibly special. Equally, being part of the Winter clan can be an albatross. The Winter’s, like most families, harbour many dark secrets; stories that they have failed to share. For although they are a close family there are some things that you just keep to yourself.
When Martha Winter, mother and matriarch of the family, calls all her children and grandchildren back to the family home Winterfold everyone is beyond curious. Hidden as an excuse to celebrate Martha’s 80th birthday, the family know that there is more than meets the eye to this party.
The house of Winter is about to be rocked to its very foundations.
Review
In the second instalment of A Place for Us Harriet Evans reunites the family and the secrets start to fall about like autumn leaves to the ground. Cat’s family find out about Luke, her secret love child; the scorned Florence returns from Italy plotting her revenge; David and Karen’s relationship hits the stumbling blocks when her illicit affair with local chef, Joe. Add to this the big reveal from Martha and you get one shocked family.
The secrets and lies are being peeled away slowly, each revelation providing shock and awe for the reader. Harriet Evans sure knows how to keep her readers wanting more especially as she leaves part two on an almighty cliff hanger.
A Place for Us Part Two by Harriet Evans is available now.
Being part of the Winter clan is something incredibly special. Equally, being part of the Winter clan can be an albatross. The Winter’s, like most families, harbour many dark secrets; stories that they have failed to share. For although they are a close family there are some things that you just keep to yourself.
When Martha Winter, mother and matriarch of the family, calls all her children and grandchildren back to the family home Winterfold everyone is beyond curious. Hidden as an excuse to celebrate Martha’s 80th birthday, the family know that there is more than meets the eye to this party.
The house of Winter is about to be rocked to its very foundations.
Review
In the second instalment of A Place for Us Harriet Evans reunites the family and the secrets start to fall about like autumn leaves to the ground. Cat’s family find out about Luke, her secret love child; the scorned Florence returns from Italy plotting her revenge; David and Karen’s relationship hits the stumbling blocks when her illicit affair with local chef, Joe. Add to this the big reveal from Martha and you get one shocked family.
The secrets and lies are being peeled away slowly, each revelation providing shock and awe for the reader. Harriet Evans sure knows how to keep her readers wanting more especially as she leaves part two on an almighty cliff hanger.
A Place for Us Part Two by Harriet Evans is available now.Synopsis
Being part of the Winter clan is something incredibly special. Equally, being part of the Winter clan can be an albatross. The Winter’s, like most families, harbour many dark secrets; stories that they have failed to share. For although they are a close family there are some things that you just keep to yourself.
When Martha Winter, mother and matriarch of the family, calls all her children and grandchildren back to the family home Winterfold everyone is beyond curious. Hidden as an excuse to celebrate Martha’s 80th birthday, the family know that there is more than meets the eye to this party.
The house of Winter is about to be rocked to its very foundations.
Review
In the second instalment of A Place for Us Harriet Evans reunites the family and the secrets start to fall about like autumn leaves to the ground. Cat’s family find out about Luke, her secret love child; the scorned Florence returns from Italy plotting her revenge; David and Karen’s relationship hits the stumbling blocks when her illicit affair with local chef, Joe. Add to this the big reveal from Martha and you get one shocked family.
The secrets and lies are being peeled away slowly, each revelation providing shock and awe for the reader. Harriet Evans sure knows how to keep her readers wanting more especially as she leaves part two on an almighty cliff hanger.
A Place for Us Part Two by Harriet Evans is available now.
September 9, 2014
Firstly, thank you to Headline for approving me for a review copy of the second part of this serialised novel. This will be my second Harriet Evans novel when I’ve read all four parts! Part 1 left us on a bit of a cliffhanger so I was eager to find out what was next for the family.
Briefly, so far we’ve been introduced to all of the family members and heard a little from them in past and present narrative scenes. Martha, the head of the family has called everyone together under the guise of her 80th birthday but with the intention of sharing a secret with them all.
As I’ve said part 1 left us on a cliff hanger and that was after Martha dropped one part of the secret she’s planning on telling the family. With that in mind I began part 2 anticipating the reactions of the other family members. Instead I found that more and more secrets were being kept from relatives, about relatives and all of them suddenly seemed to be at boiling point ready to spill over.
The anticipation kept me turning the pages turning this family tale into a gripping story. This part of the novel was incredibly emotional as we get to see a bit further into each family member’s lives and we get to understand them a bit more.
I think my favourite characters so far are Cat and Lucy, Martha’s two granddaughters. They are both quite different, Cat seeming to be more mature and Lucy the opposite and I think it’s partly their immediate family situations that caused them to be this way. I also love the addition of Cat’s son Luke to the story here as he brings some innocence to the story.
Some of the secrets suddenly become not so secret and this causes more drama towards the end of this part culminating in Martha’s big reveal. The full story that Martha has been hiding has the family in turmoil and is a bit more than can be handled by some.
Left on another cliff hanger I am already excited for part 3!
Briefly, so far we’ve been introduced to all of the family members and heard a little from them in past and present narrative scenes. Martha, the head of the family has called everyone together under the guise of her 80th birthday but with the intention of sharing a secret with them all.
As I’ve said part 1 left us on a cliff hanger and that was after Martha dropped one part of the secret she’s planning on telling the family. With that in mind I began part 2 anticipating the reactions of the other family members. Instead I found that more and more secrets were being kept from relatives, about relatives and all of them suddenly seemed to be at boiling point ready to spill over.
The anticipation kept me turning the pages turning this family tale into a gripping story. This part of the novel was incredibly emotional as we get to see a bit further into each family member’s lives and we get to understand them a bit more.
I think my favourite characters so far are Cat and Lucy, Martha’s two granddaughters. They are both quite different, Cat seeming to be more mature and Lucy the opposite and I think it’s partly their immediate family situations that caused them to be this way. I also love the addition of Cat’s son Luke to the story here as he brings some innocence to the story.
Some of the secrets suddenly become not so secret and this causes more drama towards the end of this part culminating in Martha’s big reveal. The full story that Martha has been hiding has the family in turmoil and is a bit more than can be handled by some.
Left on another cliff hanger I am already excited for part 3!
September 12, 2014
A big thank you to Headline Publishing for approving me for a review copy on Net Galley, in return for an honest review. This review is for Part Two in the four-part serialisation.
You can read my review for part one here
The first part left you on one hell of a cliffhanger, and wow, Part 2 did not disappoint!
Evans has seriously picked up the pace for the second part, and I absolutely devoured this book, eagerly flicking through each page, desperate to know more.
We're getting under the skin of the family a little more. There's friction in Bill & Karen's marriage. Cat has come home from Paris with her son, Luke, who no one knew existed. We're learning more about Daisy - which is a part I have particularly enjoyed - and how there's always been something a little wrong with her. Joe is getting a little too involved with the family. Florence is starting to come out of herself a bit more. Martha is still trying to keep her cool as head of the family, while desperately trying to keep everyone together, though preparing to make an announcement that is sure to cause some rifts. Poor David just doesn't want to face any of it.
It's a book of many reveals, excellently paced and beautifully written. I love how the chapters switch between the view points of all the characters, so you really get to know them all, and the characters themselves are so wonderfully written, so very human. They really developed well in this second instalment. It was a whirlwind of emotions to read, and I'll admit, a tear or two may have been shed.
I loved it, and I'm desperate to get my hands on Part 3! (Released September 25th!)
Just as I predicted, A Place For Us has now claimed it's rightful place with 5 lovely stars!
You can read my review for part one here
The first part left you on one hell of a cliffhanger, and wow, Part 2 did not disappoint!
Evans has seriously picked up the pace for the second part, and I absolutely devoured this book, eagerly flicking through each page, desperate to know more.
We're getting under the skin of the family a little more. There's friction in Bill & Karen's marriage. Cat has come home from Paris with her son, Luke, who no one knew existed. We're learning more about Daisy - which is a part I have particularly enjoyed - and how there's always been something a little wrong with her. Joe is getting a little too involved with the family. Florence is starting to come out of herself a bit more. Martha is still trying to keep her cool as head of the family, while desperately trying to keep everyone together, though preparing to make an announcement that is sure to cause some rifts. Poor David just doesn't want to face any of it.
It's a book of many reveals, excellently paced and beautifully written. I love how the chapters switch between the view points of all the characters, so you really get to know them all, and the characters themselves are so wonderfully written, so very human. They really developed well in this second instalment. It was a whirlwind of emotions to read, and I'll admit, a tear or two may have been shed.
I loved it, and I'm desperate to get my hands on Part 3! (Released September 25th!)
Just as I predicted, A Place For Us has now claimed it's rightful place with 5 lovely stars!
September 17, 2014
I received a free ebook copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A Place for Us Part 2 was slightly better than Part 1. We finally find out why Martha (almost wrote Martha Kent, lol) plans this huge birthday celebration and what she was going to tell the whole family. We also find out what happened to Daisy and where she is... However, we are still left hanging at the end with more family drama.
I finished it quite quickly and was a little surprised by the way things turned out near the end. Looking forward to the next installment.
Thank you to Headline and Netgalley for providing me with this copy.
A Place for Us Part 2 was slightly better than Part 1. We finally find out why Martha (almost wrote Martha Kent, lol) plans this huge birthday celebration and what she was going to tell the whole family. We also find out what happened to Daisy and where she is... However, we are still left hanging at the end with more family drama.
I finished it quite quickly and was a little surprised by the way things turned out near the end. Looking forward to the next installment.
Thank you to Headline and Netgalley for providing me with this copy.
September 10, 2014
A PLACE FOR US PART 2 BY HARRIET EVANS
THE BLURB
The SECOND of four exclusive part-serialisations of a A Place for Us by Harriet Evans will reunite you with the Winter family ...
The day Martha Winter decided to tear apart her family began like any other day.
So opens A Place for Us by Sunday Times bestselling author Harriet Evans, a book you'll dive into, featuring a family you'll fall in love with ... and never want to leave. If you devour Rosamund Pilcher and Maeve Binchy and have discovered Jojo Moyes, you'll be thrilled to add Harriet Evans to your collection of favourite authors.
The house has soft, purple wisteria twining around the door. You step inside.
The hall is cool after the hot summer's day. The welcome is kind, and always warm.
Yet something makes you suspect life here can't be as perfect as it seems.
After all, the brightest smile can hide the darkest secret.
But wouldn't you pay any price to have a glorious place like this?
Welcome to Winterfold.
Martha Winter's family is finally coming home.
WHAT I SAY
I liked this book better i did find part 1 a bit slow as we just go to know the characters . Part 2 we learn the truth and who comes to the party ?
This book was more gripping i enjoy it a lot more we get to hear more about each family members lives , more secrets are being told
Cat back from paris with Luke who was he ( that one secret out in the open now )
Daisy not a the party why ?
Florence has turn up to me she very weird i can not work her out i not really sure of her
Bill and karen are there to there seem to be lot of tension between them as karen been having a affair
Joe the chef made all the food it looked fab he the talk of the town for doing this big party to me he seem to be getting to involved with the family ( i think he one of them i may be wrong ) i feel that some thing very bad has happen in the past i not sure what each person has a bit of sadness about them but why ? You just get hooked into this story it very clever the way is done it full of emotions all the family speak their minds which i liked it still full of mysteries
Some of the family members are hiding things i feel but they will come out soon i think the cliffhangers are happening a few times now end left me wanting to know more again i got to say i would of like as one whole book not in four parts as i was just getting into the plot we get a big cliffhanger again now i left waiting for part 3 a fab book this time so well written left me want more i enjoy the plot this time to
4 stars read enjoy pass on
I like to thank net gallery for letting me read this great second part
THE BLURB
The SECOND of four exclusive part-serialisations of a A Place for Us by Harriet Evans will reunite you with the Winter family ...
The day Martha Winter decided to tear apart her family began like any other day.
So opens A Place for Us by Sunday Times bestselling author Harriet Evans, a book you'll dive into, featuring a family you'll fall in love with ... and never want to leave. If you devour Rosamund Pilcher and Maeve Binchy and have discovered Jojo Moyes, you'll be thrilled to add Harriet Evans to your collection of favourite authors.
The house has soft, purple wisteria twining around the door. You step inside.
The hall is cool after the hot summer's day. The welcome is kind, and always warm.
Yet something makes you suspect life here can't be as perfect as it seems.
After all, the brightest smile can hide the darkest secret.
But wouldn't you pay any price to have a glorious place like this?
Welcome to Winterfold.
Martha Winter's family is finally coming home.
WHAT I SAY
I liked this book better i did find part 1 a bit slow as we just go to know the characters . Part 2 we learn the truth and who comes to the party ?
This book was more gripping i enjoy it a lot more we get to hear more about each family members lives , more secrets are being told
Cat back from paris with Luke who was he ( that one secret out in the open now )
Daisy not a the party why ?
Florence has turn up to me she very weird i can not work her out i not really sure of her
Bill and karen are there to there seem to be lot of tension between them as karen been having a affair
Joe the chef made all the food it looked fab he the talk of the town for doing this big party to me he seem to be getting to involved with the family ( i think he one of them i may be wrong ) i feel that some thing very bad has happen in the past i not sure what each person has a bit of sadness about them but why ? You just get hooked into this story it very clever the way is done it full of emotions all the family speak their minds which i liked it still full of mysteries
Some of the family members are hiding things i feel but they will come out soon i think the cliffhangers are happening a few times now end left me wanting to know more again i got to say i would of like as one whole book not in four parts as i was just getting into the plot we get a big cliffhanger again now i left waiting for part 3 a fab book this time so well written left me want more i enjoy the plot this time to
4 stars read enjoy pass on
I like to thank net gallery for letting me read this great second part
September 18, 2014
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The second part of the serialization of 'A Place for Us' starts historically with Daisy the middle child and the crux of the mystery that shrouds the family. It's clear from the outset that Daisy is different from her other siblings Bill and Flo. She feels everything more acutely and reacts often violently, even if it is only in her mind. The deterioration of Daisy's mental health in her childhood and teenage is ignored by her parents Martha and David. This leaves Daisy exposed to addiction and manipulation once she leaves the cloistered family home.
Flo's decision to fight for her career mitigates the melancholy feel of the opening chapter. There is more positivity about Flo in this part of the book. A contrast to the sadness you feel about Daisy. Cat temporarily escapes her unhappy life but will she have the courage to stay? Bill and Karen's secret becomes public knowledge at Martha's birthday cocktail party but it is over shadowed by Martha's terrible secret revealed at her family birthday meal.
This part of the book is poignant and Daisy and Martha's points of view are particularly heartrending. Cat's homecoming, the cocktail party and the birthday meal are beautifully realistic and atmospheric. You can hear the silence and feel the discomfort of the family as their matriarch tears the family apart.
The pacing and character development of the first part of the book comes good because you know how the characters feel and react and it makes the reading experience more enjoyable. I am definitely hooked by the characters and setting and looking forward to part 3.
I received a copy of this book from Headline via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
My 4* Review of A Place for Us Part 1
Harriet Evans
September 1, 2014
Ooh, the intrigue and mystery! This is the second of a four part serialisation of this book. I am not a big fan of books being released in parts, as once I get hooked I hate to be left handing, and I also sometimes struggle to remember what had happened in earlier parts. However, that didnt happen in this case as I found it easy to get back into the storyline.
The book is telling the story of the Winter family. The family appear to be quite disjointed and complex. However, Martha, the Mother / Grandmother of the family is about to celebrate her birthday, and has sent each of them invitations revealing that she has an announcement to make.
The first part was us being introduced to each of the characters. This second part gets far meatier as the family begin to descend on Winterfold and the family home. A key character in this is Cat who left home for France years before. She returns home with her son. A son the family knew nothing about. We also see more of Joe who has been employed by Martha to provide the catering for her drinks and birthday lunch. However, it seems Joe may be closer to the family than just the caterer.
This second installment gave me quite a few 'ohhhhh' moments, where something happened, or I learnt information that I didn't see coming. I was really becoming absorbed in the storyline and desperate to know what happens next. I just want the next part so I can get stuck in.
I am enjoying the way this book is written. I wasn't totally sure if it was for me at the end of the first part, but I have loved reading the way the second one flows. I enjoy the way each chapter flits between characters so you get to see how the plot is developing from each of their perspectives, as well as the impact on them. I like that so much time was spent outlining each character and their story as it all seems to fit together more easily for me now the plot is deepening. I particularly like Cat and Joe and am intrigued as to what will happen with them. It has left me waiting with baited breath for more and would definitely look to read more of Harriet Evan's books in the future.
Thank you to Headline for providing a copy of the novella in return for an honest review.
The book is telling the story of the Winter family. The family appear to be quite disjointed and complex. However, Martha, the Mother / Grandmother of the family is about to celebrate her birthday, and has sent each of them invitations revealing that she has an announcement to make.
The first part was us being introduced to each of the characters. This second part gets far meatier as the family begin to descend on Winterfold and the family home. A key character in this is Cat who left home for France years before. She returns home with her son. A son the family knew nothing about. We also see more of Joe who has been employed by Martha to provide the catering for her drinks and birthday lunch. However, it seems Joe may be closer to the family than just the caterer.
This second installment gave me quite a few 'ohhhhh' moments, where something happened, or I learnt information that I didn't see coming. I was really becoming absorbed in the storyline and desperate to know what happens next. I just want the next part so I can get stuck in.
I am enjoying the way this book is written. I wasn't totally sure if it was for me at the end of the first part, but I have loved reading the way the second one flows. I enjoy the way each chapter flits between characters so you get to see how the plot is developing from each of their perspectives, as well as the impact on them. I like that so much time was spent outlining each character and their story as it all seems to fit together more easily for me now the plot is deepening. I particularly like Cat and Joe and am intrigued as to what will happen with them. It has left me waiting with baited breath for more and would definitely look to read more of Harriet Evan's books in the future.
Thank you to Headline for providing a copy of the novella in return for an honest review.
August 30, 2014
As soon as the second part of A Place for Us landed on my kindle, I have started reading it. It has kept me awake for half of the night but I couldn't put this story down, and yes, I finished it in one go.
I am not a big fan of books being published in parts because my memory is like a sieve and I just forget what happened in the previous parts. However, the previous installment of a Place for Us was so interesting and so expressive written that I had all the characters and important events in my mind and had no problems to read #2, I started the story as if there was no break in my reading.
Part 2 starts with Daisy and her memories, and the more I read her reminiscing about the past, doesn't matter if she was a child or already an adult, I couldn't warm to this woman. There was something devil in her and while we had one big secret with Daisy revealed in this part, I'm guessing there must be more to her than we already know! And yes, some secrets saw the light of day but my gut feeling is telling me that we are still for a treat! The family that looks pretty as a picture seems to be not as perfect as Martha would like people to think, and there is so much grudge, sorrow and sadness in all of them to each other, I really have a feeling something big (bigger!) is going to happen. There happened something really bad in the past, didn't it?
The writing is again very captivating, very clever, very human, full of emotions and the way the characters are speaking totally suits the age of them. When it's young Daisy, she speaks like young Daisy, when it's adult Cat, she speaks like an adult, when it's Luke - then he speaks like a child in his age. Abso - bloody - brilliant.
Dropping bombshell after bombshell in this second part we are again left on such cliff - hanger! I hate the fact that I must again wait to find out what's going to happen next, so roll on Part 3! Quickly!
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
I am not a big fan of books being published in parts because my memory is like a sieve and I just forget what happened in the previous parts. However, the previous installment of a Place for Us was so interesting and so expressive written that I had all the characters and important events in my mind and had no problems to read #2, I started the story as if there was no break in my reading.
Part 2 starts with Daisy and her memories, and the more I read her reminiscing about the past, doesn't matter if she was a child or already an adult, I couldn't warm to this woman. There was something devil in her and while we had one big secret with Daisy revealed in this part, I'm guessing there must be more to her than we already know! And yes, some secrets saw the light of day but my gut feeling is telling me that we are still for a treat! The family that looks pretty as a picture seems to be not as perfect as Martha would like people to think, and there is so much grudge, sorrow and sadness in all of them to each other, I really have a feeling something big (bigger!) is going to happen. There happened something really bad in the past, didn't it?
The writing is again very captivating, very clever, very human, full of emotions and the way the characters are speaking totally suits the age of them. When it's young Daisy, she speaks like young Daisy, when it's adult Cat, she speaks like an adult, when it's Luke - then he speaks like a child in his age. Abso - bloody - brilliant.
Dropping bombshell after bombshell in this second part we are again left on such cliff - hanger! I hate the fact that I must again wait to find out what's going to happen next, so roll on Part 3! Quickly!
Copy received from publisher in exchange for a review.
September 2, 2014
Martha's family members are home and chef Joe is helping her with the food and the drinks. Everything is going according to plan. Unfortunately things don't stay that way. Martha's son Bill and his wife Karen are having marital problems. Her granddaughter Cat has taken her son Luke for his first family visit, only they had no idea he even existed. Joe is getting involved with the Winter family more and more, but not in a very positive way. Piece by piece a few of the family's well kept secrets are being revealed.
I read the second part of A Place for Us in one sitting. The Winter family is intriguing and I was really curious to find out some of their mysteries. Of course I want to know all of them, so I'm anxiously waiting for the next part to come out. I liked that in this novella the author's showing a more assertive side of both Bill and Florence. Even though things are a mess there's still a lot of love and the family members are happy to see each other again. All families have secrets, which makes this story believable, while it's spectacular at the same time. Some people have more things to hide than others though and the Winter family is good at it. This story makes me wonder all the time, which is something I admire very much. I also love Harriet Evan's beautiful writing style. A Place for Us is a fantastic read!
August 13, 2017
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 28/08/2014
This book is a little unusual in that they are releasing this books in 4 parts. I read an ARC of part one (review can be found at https://tumblingintowonderlandbooks.w...) and received this part as an ARC thanks to NetGalley.
Briefly, so far we have been introduced to all the members of the family and have heard parts of their past and present from different narrative scenes. Martha, the head of the family, has gathered everyone to her house to celebrate her 80th birthday and to share with everyone the secret she has been holding on to for the past few years.
I definitely preferred this part to the previous, probably because it didn't have to do all the scene setting and description that part one had to. I thought that it might be hard to fall back into the book, but found that I still remembered everything that had happened before, and due to the flicking between view points, each of the elements were covered throughout. I found that characters were developed a lot more throughout this part, with characters who were quieter or more minor in part one becoming more predominant.
A brilliant second part, and I will definitely be reading part 3!
For this review, and others like it, see: https://tumblingintowonderlandbooks.w...
Release Date: 28/08/2014
This book is a little unusual in that they are releasing this books in 4 parts. I read an ARC of part one (review can be found at https://tumblingintowonderlandbooks.w...) and received this part as an ARC thanks to NetGalley.
Briefly, so far we have been introduced to all the members of the family and have heard parts of their past and present from different narrative scenes. Martha, the head of the family, has gathered everyone to her house to celebrate her 80th birthday and to share with everyone the secret she has been holding on to for the past few years.
I definitely preferred this part to the previous, probably because it didn't have to do all the scene setting and description that part one had to. I thought that it might be hard to fall back into the book, but found that I still remembered everything that had happened before, and due to the flicking between view points, each of the elements were covered throughout. I found that characters were developed a lot more throughout this part, with characters who were quieter or more minor in part one becoming more predominant.
A brilliant second part, and I will definitely be reading part 3!
For this review, and others like it, see: https://tumblingintowonderlandbooks.w...
September 16, 2014
After how much I adored Part 1, I was so excited when I saw Part 2 available for review. Although it wasn't long ago I read the first part it feels like I have been waiting forever seeing as how part 1 left us hanging! This is the first Harriet Evans novel I have read and am loving it so far.
I don't want to say too much as you need to read the first part to understand what is going on but in the short first part we briefly met Martha and her family as she has invited them all home to celebrate her 80th birthday. However, she has other intentions, which we were left on at the end of the first part of the story. This made me so excited to start part 2 because I wanted to see what would happen next and how the family would react.
Harriet's writing style helps you to glide through the story with such ease and the story just instantly has you hooked. I think this part is the best so far as we get to see more of the family and get to know them further, we also feel a lot more emotion in the story and with the story.
I am now so excited to read Part 3 has yet again we are left on a cliffhanger!
I don't want to say too much as you need to read the first part to understand what is going on but in the short first part we briefly met Martha and her family as she has invited them all home to celebrate her 80th birthday. However, she has other intentions, which we were left on at the end of the first part of the story. This made me so excited to start part 2 because I wanted to see what would happen next and how the family would react.
Harriet's writing style helps you to glide through the story with such ease and the story just instantly has you hooked. I think this part is the best so far as we get to see more of the family and get to know them further, we also feel a lot more emotion in the story and with the story.
I am now so excited to read Part 3 has yet again we are left on a cliffhanger!
April 12, 2020
Reviews can also be found on my blog Escapades of a Bookworm
The epic second part to this wonderful book has arrived and what a cracker it is!
In this part the secrets are slowly coming out, some we already knew about, some we already guessed and yet there are some which come as a complete surprise. Despite the enormity of the secrets being revealed, there is a shadow of dread remaining on the action, a lingering feeling that the worst is yet to come.
In part one the majority of the family spoke of their actions separately, now the family has come together and it is quite a change in atmosphere. Before everyone longed to be part of Winterfold once more, now, was their return really the best idea?
Before I considered the characters to be intriguing but now I have more empathy for them. How will they cope when the final bombshell is revealed? Actually how will I cope? And what will happen next?
Luckily we won’t have to wait too long for the next installment!
The epic second part to this wonderful book has arrived and what a cracker it is!
In this part the secrets are slowly coming out, some we already knew about, some we already guessed and yet there are some which come as a complete surprise. Despite the enormity of the secrets being revealed, there is a shadow of dread remaining on the action, a lingering feeling that the worst is yet to come.
In part one the majority of the family spoke of their actions separately, now the family has come together and it is quite a change in atmosphere. Before everyone longed to be part of Winterfold once more, now, was their return really the best idea?
Before I considered the characters to be intriguing but now I have more empathy for them. How will they cope when the final bombshell is revealed? Actually how will I cope? And what will happen next?
Luckily we won’t have to wait too long for the next installment!
April 12, 2018
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.After finishing Part 1 I had to read the next part.
Part 2 is about the Party. The build up to it, the preparations with some flashbacks woven in.
Part 2 was just as gripping as part 1. While some secrets were revealed in part 1 there are still so many that are yet to be revealed.
The format was the same as Part 1 with each chapter focusing on one character. In this part we got to know the characters better. The flashback chapters provided some interesting background.
I'm keeping this review fairly short because I don't want to give anything away.
This book was gripping and addictive. I read it in almost one sitting and instantly started the next part. Harriet is an excellent writer and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
Part 2 is about the Party. The build up to it, the preparations with some flashbacks woven in.
Part 2 was just as gripping as part 1. While some secrets were revealed in part 1 there are still so many that are yet to be revealed.
The format was the same as Part 1 with each chapter focusing on one character. In this part we got to know the characters better. The flashback chapters provided some interesting background.
I'm keeping this review fairly short because I don't want to give anything away.
This book was gripping and addictive. I read it in almost one sitting and instantly started the next part. Harriet is an excellent writer and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
December 7, 2014
I had received the first part of this series as a review copy from NetGalley and had thoroughly enjoyed it. When I found part 2 on Amazon, I just had to order it.
I was a tiny bit worried that I might have to go back to part 1 to refresh my memory, but as I started to read, everything just fell into place. Martha Winters has asked her entire family to come back to Winterfold, for her birthday. Everyone seems to know that there is something Martha wants to share. Each of the family have their own baggage with them. Some with scars from their past, some with new issues and problems. What will Martha's announcement do to them? You will have to read to find out.
All I can say is that I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved the way the author has created her characters, each with very distinct personalities, each character stands out. Whether you relate or empathize with them or not, despite a vast array of characters in the story, each of them are memorable.
A 4/5 read for me.
I was a tiny bit worried that I might have to go back to part 1 to refresh my memory, but as I started to read, everything just fell into place. Martha Winters has asked her entire family to come back to Winterfold, for her birthday. Everyone seems to know that there is something Martha wants to share. Each of the family have their own baggage with them. Some with scars from their past, some with new issues and problems. What will Martha's announcement do to them? You will have to read to find out.
All I can say is that I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved the way the author has created her characters, each with very distinct personalities, each character stands out. Whether you relate or empathize with them or not, despite a vast array of characters in the story, each of them are memorable.
A 4/5 read for me.
October 10, 2014
Another enthralling edition to this series, Martha, the family matriarch finally tells the family her dark secret but Bill and Karen have to face some hard facts about their marriage.
I don't often gravitate to serialised books as I find it hard to break concentration waiting for the next instalment and even very good writers cannot recapture the mood in a reader after a prolonged break, but Harriet Evans has managed to keep the flow and interest flowing. However, I don't think reading hook 2 first would give the impact the story has when read in sequence and as good as it was to finally find out Martha's secret, it lacked the suspense and mystique of book 1 in my opinion. I already have book 3 lined up and after the revelation in book 2, I am filled with anticipation of what could be waiting for us...
I don't often gravitate to serialised books as I find it hard to break concentration waiting for the next instalment and even very good writers cannot recapture the mood in a reader after a prolonged break, but Harriet Evans has managed to keep the flow and interest flowing. However, I don't think reading hook 2 first would give the impact the story has when read in sequence and as good as it was to finally find out Martha's secret, it lacked the suspense and mystique of book 1 in my opinion. I already have book 3 lined up and after the revelation in book 2, I am filled with anticipation of what could be waiting for us...
September 1, 2014
I'm not a great one for serialisations, mainly because I'm not too good at holding onto characters and plots once I've finished a book, but I really enjoyed Part 1 and was desperate to see where it was all going. Well, it's more of the same really and again, I'm left hanging until the next instalment becomes available in a few weeks.
Without giving any spoilers, one huge family secret is revealed, Daisy's true character is shown in much more detail and further cracks are starting to appear. I'm sure there's much more to come as the perfect family becomes unravelled. My only question is how have they managed to keep it all under wraps for so long?
It remains a gripping read and I enjoy family sagas.
Thank you to Netgalley and Headline for my review copy.
Without giving any spoilers, one huge family secret is revealed, Daisy's true character is shown in much more detail and further cracks are starting to appear. I'm sure there's much more to come as the perfect family becomes unravelled. My only question is how have they managed to keep it all under wraps for so long?
It remains a gripping read and I enjoy family sagas.
Thank you to Netgalley and Headline for my review copy.
August 28, 2014
Dang it, this serialisation thing is killing me. Not literally of course. But after a mega bombshell for the reader at the end of Part 1, Part 2 sees the bombshell well and truly dropped on the family and then you're left on another cliffhanger.
I'm really enjoying this book - although I hate not being able to find out what happens next - I like the characters and the plot twists and turns have taken me by surprise. I'm really looking forward to part 3 - although I suspect it may get weepy...
I'm really enjoying this book - although I hate not being able to find out what happens next - I like the characters and the plot twists and turns have taken me by surprise. I'm really looking forward to part 3 - although I suspect it may get weepy...
September 1, 2014
Part two and we find out the big family secret.
I couldn't put my Kindle down, as I was so keen to find out what was going to happen. There were twists and turns and personal dramas and scandals happening everywhere!
I felt more empathy with the Winter family in this part of the book; it was almost like I was joining in with the family reunion!
Beautifully written and intriguing, I can't wait to find out how the family will cope with the fall out from this drama!
Thank you to Netgalley and Headline for allowing to read this.
I couldn't put my Kindle down, as I was so keen to find out what was going to happen. There were twists and turns and personal dramas and scandals happening everywhere!
I felt more empathy with the Winter family in this part of the book; it was almost like I was joining in with the family reunion!
Beautifully written and intriguing, I can't wait to find out how the family will cope with the fall out from this drama!
Thank you to Netgalley and Headline for allowing to read this.
December 1, 2018
Book 2 of 4.
All the family apart from Daisy arrive home to Winterfold for Martha’s 80th birthday party & the important announcement.
Everyone seems to be bringing home secrets which, along with Martha’s shock announcement, create tension & arguments. The discovery of why Daisy hasn’t come home is the biggest shock of them all - and the fallout is too much for Martha’s husband David.
Well written, each chapter focused on a different member of the family cleverly keeps the reader interested and I wanted to keep turning the page to see what would happen next.
Onto Part 3....
All the family apart from Daisy arrive home to Winterfold for Martha’s 80th birthday party & the important announcement.
Everyone seems to be bringing home secrets which, along with Martha’s shock announcement, create tension & arguments. The discovery of why Daisy hasn’t come home is the biggest shock of them all - and the fallout is too much for Martha’s husband David.
Well written, each chapter focused on a different member of the family cleverly keeps the reader interested and I wanted to keep turning the page to see what would happen next.
Onto Part 3....
October 1, 2014
After reading part 1 i couldn't wait for part 2 and it didn't disappoint. We finally find out what happened to daisy and you really sympathize with her poor mum, thankfully cat escapes France and joins the family with her son Luke which is great as the whole first book had me quite angry at cat, i cannot wait for the 3rd in the series to see how Florence's life takes on and also to find out more about Lucy's job i read this in a day and i'm eagerly awaiting part 3
November 2, 2014
In part two of this serialisation the big secret is revealed with tragic consequences. The family is affected as a unit and as with part one we find out how each family member is coping and their feelings about what has been revealed. Each chapter focuses on a different person and it is very easy to read.
I think Cat is a great character, she has great strength and I enjoy the parts of the serialisation that involve her the most.
I think Cat is a great character, she has great strength and I enjoy the parts of the serialisation that involve her the most.
November 7, 2015
Another fabulous installment of the A Place for Us series by Harriet Evans. I'm not overly keen on the publishing of books in installments but so far it seems to work fine with this story.
This was another wonderful easy to read book with an excellent story line and an interesting cast of characters and I'm really looking forward to reading part 3.
This was another wonderful easy to read book with an excellent story line and an interesting cast of characters and I'm really looking forward to reading part 3.
October 16, 2014
A totally different way to read a book in four parts. After reading part 1, I knew I wanted to see how the book progressed. Part 2 is certainly full of interesting plot twists.
I have a feeling that part 3 will not disappoint either.
I have a feeling that part 3 will not disappoint either.
April 13, 2019
I read part 1 quite some time ago so I thought I should finish the other 3. They're quite sweet books but I cannot see for the life of me why they needed to be in 4 parts since they only make one very short novel between all four of them
October 12, 2014
Continuing on from Part 1. This book joins the family as they arrive back to the family home. This part focuses on the Marthas party and end with revealing the big family secret
October 22, 2014
woah! part one had me begging for more part two has me distraught. need part threee
March 4, 2015
The story (four books in the series) is not gripping me at all but will stick with it.
Read
November 22, 2017Still enjoying this saga I am pleased to find out at last Martha's secret beginning to think it wasn't going to happen. I have already purchased number 3
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