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Because I Was Lonely
Meet Rachel. She is caught in a spiral of endless crying, dirty nappies, and sleepless nights. She fears for her sanity and the safety of her children.
She's lonely.
Meet Adam. Suffering from the pain and trauma of a terrible accident that he blames himself for, he stays at home, unable to bring himself to leave the house.
He's lonely.
So when Rachel and Adam rekindle their long lost friendship online, what starts as a little harmless flirtation, soon becomes an unhealthy obsession, and slowly the threads of their lives unravel before them.
Four lonely people . Two unhappy marriages . One dangerous, but inevitable climax.
She's lonely.
Meet Adam. Suffering from the pain and trauma of a terrible accident that he blames himself for, he stays at home, unable to bring himself to leave the house.
He's lonely.
So when Rachel and Adam rekindle their long lost friendship online, what starts as a little harmless flirtation, soon becomes an unhealthy obsession, and slowly the threads of their lives unravel before them.
Four lonely people . Two unhappy marriages . One dangerous, but inevitable climax.
- GenresThriller
304 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2017
23 people are currently reading
338 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
November 24, 2017
* 3.5 stars
Because I Was Lonely starts off introducing every character in great detail, with a chapter entirely dedicated to each of them in Part 1, giving the reader a sense of intimately knowing the flawed and very human characters before the story starts moving along. This in-depth character detail did slow down the pace of the book however, and I had to encourage myself to push through, but I'm glad I did as the book kept getting better and better the further along I got.
The disturbing truths of post natal depression is significantly highlighted when it comes to the story of Rachel and David - how lonely it can be without the required support system as well as how it impacts each person in the family. We get to see both Rachel's as well as David's point of view, which was an eye opener for sure.
Then we also have Adam and Julia's story, with Adam still suffering the consequences from a tragic car accident, with his marriage suffering as a result.
Around halfway through the story, the pace picks up in part two, when Adam and Rachel ( former friends) befriend each other via Facebook. Their relationship and feelings begin to escalate, causing the reader to flip each page a little faster in order to discover how this will all turn out.
The conclusion however did have me feeling somewhat dissatisfied, as I'm not a fan of loose ends and unanswered questions, I'd much rather prefer all the loose ends tied up in a pretty little bow. Perhaps a sequel is on the cards?
Overall a tense, eye opening read, with incredibly believable characters, shedding light on important topics of mental illness and the hidden dangers of social media that had me thinking about it long after I had turned the final page.
Many thanks to the author, Netgalley and RedDoor Publishing for the opportunity to read an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.
Because I Was Lonely starts off introducing every character in great detail, with a chapter entirely dedicated to each of them in Part 1, giving the reader a sense of intimately knowing the flawed and very human characters before the story starts moving along. This in-depth character detail did slow down the pace of the book however, and I had to encourage myself to push through, but I'm glad I did as the book kept getting better and better the further along I got.
The disturbing truths of post natal depression is significantly highlighted when it comes to the story of Rachel and David - how lonely it can be without the required support system as well as how it impacts each person in the family. We get to see both Rachel's as well as David's point of view, which was an eye opener for sure.
Then we also have Adam and Julia's story, with Adam still suffering the consequences from a tragic car accident, with his marriage suffering as a result.
Around halfway through the story, the pace picks up in part two, when Adam and Rachel ( former friends) befriend each other via Facebook. Their relationship and feelings begin to escalate, causing the reader to flip each page a little faster in order to discover how this will all turn out.
The conclusion however did have me feeling somewhat dissatisfied, as I'm not a fan of loose ends and unanswered questions, I'd much rather prefer all the loose ends tied up in a pretty little bow. Perhaps a sequel is on the cards?
Overall a tense, eye opening read, with incredibly believable characters, shedding light on important topics of mental illness and the hidden dangers of social media that had me thinking about it long after I had turned the final page.
Many thanks to the author, Netgalley and RedDoor Publishing for the opportunity to read an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.
February 15, 2017
I think that Hayley Mitchell is an excellent author writing about characters that I really cared about, that is why I am now following Hayley Mitchell on Goodreads.
Rachel is a woman who I can identify she has a baby that cries non stop and my first daughter was the same to the point where I was exhausted.
Rachel's husband David takes her to the doctors where she is diagnosed with depression and given anti- depressants.
Their marriage might not seem all it should, but David starts talking to Emma who works at the pub where David often goes. Emma starts giving David a lot of attention.
Adam out of the blue starts to message Rachel on Facebook. Adam and Rachel had been the best of friends at college in their A- level years.
So much goes on in the story with multiple view point with each character.
I recommend Because I Was Lonely it is a must read with emotions carefully planned for each character.
Rachel is a woman who I can identify she has a baby that cries non stop and my first daughter was the same to the point where I was exhausted.
Rachel's husband David takes her to the doctors where she is diagnosed with depression and given anti- depressants.
Their marriage might not seem all it should, but David starts talking to Emma who works at the pub where David often goes. Emma starts giving David a lot of attention.
Adam out of the blue starts to message Rachel on Facebook. Adam and Rachel had been the best of friends at college in their A- level years.
So much goes on in the story with multiple view point with each character.
I recommend Because I Was Lonely it is a must read with emotions carefully planned for each character.
February 14, 2017
I had seen some stunning reviews of this book before I picked it up to read so I was rather worried after the first forty or so pages that it wasn’t going to be for me! The description of Rachel and her descent into mental illness, a severe case of post natal depression, was so achingly lifelike and realistic that I found it very hard to read and my own mood dipped accordingly. Added to the mix was my pure rage and frustration at David and his inability to cope with, or even really see, what was happening to his wife. His total lack of support and understanding was tough to read but then my feelings started to shift. I heard David’s side of the story and realised maybe things weren’t quite as straightforward as I had first concluded. And when Adam and Julia’s story started to unfold, the book began to weave its spell over me. Adam’s mental health issues hit me in the face with such a deeply fierce and raw emotion that I was then utterly hooked. So do make sure you don’t give up on this book because the more you read, the most unputdownable it becomes!
Both Adam and Rachel are lonely in their marriages due to the problems overwhelming their everyday lives. But a chance “like” on a Facebook post starts an online relationship between the two old friends. And part two of the book is when it becomes a hugely powerful psychological suspense that I physically couldn’t put down and my initial reaction was forgotton. Once the two of them start to private message, I was gripped, watching with a fascination and mounting horror as these two damaged individuals began a potentially dangerous obsession.
This is a dark and disturbing book, perfectly pitched and filled with characters I mostly disliked, but it was absolutely riveting with its “car crash” of a storyline that I couldn’t tear my eyes away from. Hayley Mitchell has completely captured the feelings experienced by her characters in this snapshot of modern day loneliness. Her intelligent and probing writing style has produced a very self assured debut novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. I can’t wait to read more from Hayley Mitchell and she is definitely a name to watch out for in the future.
My thanks to Anna at Red Door Publishing for my review copy of Because I Was Lonely.
Both Adam and Rachel are lonely in their marriages due to the problems overwhelming their everyday lives. But a chance “like” on a Facebook post starts an online relationship between the two old friends. And part two of the book is when it becomes a hugely powerful psychological suspense that I physically couldn’t put down and my initial reaction was forgotton. Once the two of them start to private message, I was gripped, watching with a fascination and mounting horror as these two damaged individuals began a potentially dangerous obsession.
This is a dark and disturbing book, perfectly pitched and filled with characters I mostly disliked, but it was absolutely riveting with its “car crash” of a storyline that I couldn’t tear my eyes away from. Hayley Mitchell has completely captured the feelings experienced by her characters in this snapshot of modern day loneliness. Her intelligent and probing writing style has produced a very self assured debut novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. I can’t wait to read more from Hayley Mitchell and she is definitely a name to watch out for in the future.
My thanks to Anna at Red Door Publishing for my review copy of Because I Was Lonely.
February 12, 2017
I am kicking off the blog tour for this book on my blog! Check out: www.marriedtobooksreviewsandblog.word... and subscribe. My twitter handle for all things books and writing is @marriedtobooks3!
Because I Was Lonely is Hayley's debut novel about old school friends Rachel and Adam getting back in touch with each other after a period of absence. During this time, both have married and have children. Rachel is dealing with the struggles of depression and securing a stable marriage while Adam is recovering with PTSD after a car accident that killed both of his parents. The story also revolves around Rachel's husband David and Adam's wife Julia, both hiding secrets of their own. The writing style is told through the form of Facebook messages as well as the POVs of all four characters. From this, the reader can identify clearly which viewpoint is being shown and journey into the characters' minds. The novel was a good length, being adult fiction, there are scenes that younger readers may find uncomfortable but for world-building and character development, this is a great read!
Only other thing is that I am 18 and have not experienced some of the things Rachel and Adam have gone through but for someone trying to read more adult fiction, this was a nice start to my new reading journey. I would recommend this novel to anyone on this reading journey or those who really like stories that open up characters actions and mindsets throughout.
Because I Was Lonely is Hayley's debut novel about old school friends Rachel and Adam getting back in touch with each other after a period of absence. During this time, both have married and have children. Rachel is dealing with the struggles of depression and securing a stable marriage while Adam is recovering with PTSD after a car accident that killed both of his parents. The story also revolves around Rachel's husband David and Adam's wife Julia, both hiding secrets of their own. The writing style is told through the form of Facebook messages as well as the POVs of all four characters. From this, the reader can identify clearly which viewpoint is being shown and journey into the characters' minds. The novel was a good length, being adult fiction, there are scenes that younger readers may find uncomfortable but for world-building and character development, this is a great read!
Only other thing is that I am 18 and have not experienced some of the things Rachel and Adam have gone through but for someone trying to read more adult fiction, this was a nice start to my new reading journey. I would recommend this novel to anyone on this reading journey or those who really like stories that open up characters actions and mindsets throughout.
November 18, 2017
This was a perfect look at how social media can influence, disrupt, and corrupt a marriage even when people believe it's a harmless distraction from the realities of everyday life. Take two marriages, four discontented adults, and throw in Facebook and watch the tension escalate! I loved how the author showed the once-innocent flirtation take on an ominous tone as both Rachel and Adam--initially only friends--begin an online relationship as Rachel shows signs of depression after being a stay-at-home mother to two children who is sleep-deprived and lonely. She has no idea how her obsession will blossom as she begins to rely on Adam as an outlet for her revelations and urges. Both get caught up in the whirlwind virtual romance that is bound to spiral downward as neither realizes the consequences of their actions on each other or their spouses. This novel is relevant and a roller-coaster ride of social media nightmares waiting to happen!
November 29, 2019
*thank you to Netgalley, Hayley Mitchell and RedDoor Publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
1 star.
What did I just read? It felt like there was no story but just constant background information with the present thrown in at times. I also didn't like the style of writing. I'm not sure what to call it but it felt so odd. The story also read like Woman's fiction yet it's marketed as a Psychological Suspenseful Thriller. Huh? That is not what I got and made me wonder if I have the wrong book. This definitely wasn't for me which is upsetting because I was really looking forward to it. The sypnosis sounded brilliant and the cover is eye catching, yet the story was not a hit at all. I'm still rather confused about it all.
1 star.
What did I just read? It felt like there was no story but just constant background information with the present thrown in at times. I also didn't like the style of writing. I'm not sure what to call it but it felt so odd. The story also read like Woman's fiction yet it's marketed as a Psychological Suspenseful Thriller. Huh? That is not what I got and made me wonder if I have the wrong book. This definitely wasn't for me which is upsetting because I was really looking forward to it. The sypnosis sounded brilliant and the cover is eye catching, yet the story was not a hit at all. I'm still rather confused about it all.
April 30, 2017
Rachel and David used to have a lot of fun together and they were very close. After starting a family and having two kids things changed. Rachel is no longer the confident woman she used to be. She's depressed, doesn't care about her looks any longer and is struggling with the care of two small children. She's on her own as David has withdrawn himself from their family. He works long hours and doesn't support his wife at all. He comes home every night, but isn't really there in spirit.
Adam used to be a jovial man who got along with everyone. He's married to the ambitious and critical Julia and they have a family. After a terrible accident their life changed. He was too traumatized to be the person he once was and he's now obsessively compulsive and has nothing to look forward to. Julia escaped this life of doom and gloom and is working and living somewhere else during the week. Adam can do nothing right and this doesn't help him heal.
Adam and Rachel used to be best friends when they were students. When Adam sends Rachel a friendship request on Facebook she accepts. They discover that talking to each other is easy. It makes the loneliness and boredom disappear. Because they live far away from each other they keep themselves happy with texts, but for how long can it continue without consequences, what effect does their renewed connection have on their daily life?
Because I Was Lonely is a raw emotional story. Adam and Rachel are both depressed and Hayley Mitchell writes about their problems in an open and honest way. I was surprised by the amount of detail she gives and sometimes it shocked me, but I also admired the way the information is being presented. Adam and Rachel's text message are versatile, sometimes they are sad and sometimes flirtatious, but from time to time they're mean and jealous too. They have many different emotional layers and that makes the story interesting to read.
Adam is a good guy who has lost himself and Rachel is lost inside herself, which makes them have a lot in common. There was already a connection a long time ago, but now it's even deeper because of everything they've been through. Hayley Mitchell's story is realistic, it's something that could easily have happened to two people who are alone and desperate. I loved that she's chosen such a serious and difficult topic for her book and think she's turned it into an excellent story. I learned about a side of Facebook I'd never given any consideration and I loved the originality of it.
Hayley Mitchell's writing flows easily. I liked that there are four points of view, which makes it possible to get to know all the main characters through and through. Most of the story focuses on Adam and Rachel, but their spouses, Julia and David, have a voice as well. This gives an objective insight in the situation. Hayley Mitchell doesn't judge, she just tells their story, which is something I applaud. She writes about the black and the white and the many shades of grey in between in an equally fascinating way and there's never any blame and there aren't imposed opinions. To me that felt like being enabled to look through someone's window while being able to hear and see their conversations. I think that's fantastic. Because I Was Lonely is very special and I absolutely loved this unusual, complex story.
Adam used to be a jovial man who got along with everyone. He's married to the ambitious and critical Julia and they have a family. After a terrible accident their life changed. He was too traumatized to be the person he once was and he's now obsessively compulsive and has nothing to look forward to. Julia escaped this life of doom and gloom and is working and living somewhere else during the week. Adam can do nothing right and this doesn't help him heal.
Adam and Rachel used to be best friends when they were students. When Adam sends Rachel a friendship request on Facebook she accepts. They discover that talking to each other is easy. It makes the loneliness and boredom disappear. Because they live far away from each other they keep themselves happy with texts, but for how long can it continue without consequences, what effect does their renewed connection have on their daily life?
Because I Was Lonely is a raw emotional story. Adam and Rachel are both depressed and Hayley Mitchell writes about their problems in an open and honest way. I was surprised by the amount of detail she gives and sometimes it shocked me, but I also admired the way the information is being presented. Adam and Rachel's text message are versatile, sometimes they are sad and sometimes flirtatious, but from time to time they're mean and jealous too. They have many different emotional layers and that makes the story interesting to read.
Adam is a good guy who has lost himself and Rachel is lost inside herself, which makes them have a lot in common. There was already a connection a long time ago, but now it's even deeper because of everything they've been through. Hayley Mitchell's story is realistic, it's something that could easily have happened to two people who are alone and desperate. I loved that she's chosen such a serious and difficult topic for her book and think she's turned it into an excellent story. I learned about a side of Facebook I'd never given any consideration and I loved the originality of it.
Hayley Mitchell's writing flows easily. I liked that there are four points of view, which makes it possible to get to know all the main characters through and through. Most of the story focuses on Adam and Rachel, but their spouses, Julia and David, have a voice as well. This gives an objective insight in the situation. Hayley Mitchell doesn't judge, she just tells their story, which is something I applaud. She writes about the black and the white and the many shades of grey in between in an equally fascinating way and there's never any blame and there aren't imposed opinions. To me that felt like being enabled to look through someone's window while being able to hear and see their conversations. I think that's fantastic. Because I Was Lonely is very special and I absolutely loved this unusual, complex story.
May 6, 2018
This was 2.75 stars for me...it would have been 3 + stars but I was so discouraged by the ending...
So here it goes...
"Four lonely people . Two unhappy marriages . One dangerous, but inevitable climax." quoted directly from the summary of the book. This quote pretty much sums up the book in its entirety. However, I was still waiting for the climax. Literally! I was 96% in the book and still waiting...thinking...wow this isn't going to happen.
First 30-40% of the book was 4 star book! Mitchell has done her research of post partum depression and post traumatic stress disorders. Great writing! Loved it! About 50% to 70% of the book I was so bored waiting for things to happen. I understand the build of two characters being lonely is secondary to unresolved mental health issues, which in turn left to poor communication with their spouses regarding wants and needs individually, and as a couple/family. But I was wanting the main characters' (Adam and Rachel) relationship to be a little less static and more dynamic. I actually took a break a couple weeks to get back into the story. I thought I could change my own perspective on how I felt the book was going. Rather it be mood or what not. However, I came to find out that my view of this has not changed, especially when I got to the ending. Which bugged me...it was "So what" factor that I realized was missing from the story. Meaning, where was the resolution? Either it "good" or "bad". The way it ended was disappointing. I appreciated the slight twist where you thought it was going to lead our characters in another direction out of Rachel's desperation for Adam's attention. (These little moments I craved!) Then again, veered back to me feeling discouraged.
I enjoyed both spouse's POV who weren't "lonely" at home but were "lonely" within themselves. This being wrapped up in their job or the bar tart. lol.
Long story short, this story could be so much better. I definitely wanted more and got a lot of the same.
So here it goes...
"Four lonely people . Two unhappy marriages . One dangerous, but inevitable climax." quoted directly from the summary of the book. This quote pretty much sums up the book in its entirety. However, I was still waiting for the climax. Literally! I was 96% in the book and still waiting...thinking...wow this isn't going to happen.
First 30-40% of the book was 4 star book! Mitchell has done her research of post partum depression and post traumatic stress disorders. Great writing! Loved it! About 50% to 70% of the book I was so bored waiting for things to happen. I understand the build of two characters being lonely is secondary to unresolved mental health issues, which in turn left to poor communication with their spouses regarding wants and needs individually, and as a couple/family. But I was wanting the main characters' (Adam and Rachel) relationship to be a little less static and more dynamic. I actually took a break a couple weeks to get back into the story. I thought I could change my own perspective on how I felt the book was going. Rather it be mood or what not. However, I came to find out that my view of this has not changed, especially when I got to the ending. Which bugged me...it was "So what" factor that I realized was missing from the story. Meaning, where was the resolution? Either it "good" or "bad". The way it ended was disappointing. I appreciated the slight twist where you thought it was going to lead our characters in another direction out of Rachel's desperation for Adam's attention. (These little moments I craved!) Then again, veered back to me feeling discouraged.
I enjoyed both spouse's POV who weren't "lonely" at home but were "lonely" within themselves. This being wrapped up in their job or the bar tart. lol.
Long story short, this story could be so much better. I definitely wanted more and got a lot of the same.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2017
The first three pages of this novel are terrifying! I think my heart practically stopped at one point. It certainly grabbed my attention from the get go and I found myself fully immersed in this story from start to end.
The story is told from multiple viewpoints, but mostly from Rachel's and Adam's.
Rachel is a stay-at-home mother of two children, Maisie and Jamie. She thoroughly enjoyed motherhood when Maisie was born, but has found things more difficult since having Jamie. She is suffering from postnatal depression at the same time as grieving for her mother, who passed away whilst she was pregnant. This is a very raw and honest account of what must an horrendous thing to go through. Rachel is married to David and David doesn't seem to know what to do with Rachel other than take her to the doctors, who just seem to keep fobbing them off. His answer to the problem is to stay later at work or stop at the pub for a pint to delay going home. He also sleeps in his study as Rachel doesn't sleep well and he only seems to aggravate her with his presence. It isn't long before David's head is turned by a young barmaid at the pub.
Adam is a stay-at-home Dad. He has been for four years, since his parents died in a car crash. He was the one driving the car and he's never forgiven himself, even though it wasn't his fault. He has older children and is married to Julia. Julia is very ambitious and works away during the week. She has also struggled to cope with Adam's mental health issues. He suffers from severe anxiety and has developed OCD. This puts serious limitations on his life and as a result he spends a lot of time confined to their house. Facebook becomes his lifeline and he takes some comfort in, what he considers, harmless flirting with women he chats to on there. When he comes across Rachel's profile he sends her a friend request. He always had a thing for Rachel at college and has always regretted not taking things further at the time. They were good friends, but it never went beyond that.
Once Rachel and Adam start chatting via Facebook messenger, things soon start to be become flirty. Rachel is flattered by the attention, given that David pays her very little, and Adam is swept along with the fantasy of the Rachel he used to know, his biggest regret. Their conversations become quite steamy! They are extremely risky conversations for two married people to be having and they almost become an addiction for them both. They seem to help each other through their monotonous days. Are they worth risking everything for though?
David and Julia have their suspicions, but neither can access the Facebook accounts to confirm their suspicions. They are both aware that they could have done more to support their spouses and hope to make up for it in future, but is it too late?
Because I Was Lonely is an excellent debut novel, brilliantly written with very real characters with very real lives and problems. I can't say I particularly liked any of the characters (and I certainly don't condone any kind of infidelity), but they had my sympathy (all for different reasons) and I was fascinated by their stories.
A story of love, loss, loneliness and wonder about if the grass might just be greener.....
I'd love to know what happened next!
Many thanks to the author and Anna, at RedDoor Publishing, for my advance paperback copy of Because I Was Lonely. I will be more than happy to recommend!
Blog post - https://chataboutbooks.wordpress.com/...
The story is told from multiple viewpoints, but mostly from Rachel's and Adam's.
Rachel is a stay-at-home mother of two children, Maisie and Jamie. She thoroughly enjoyed motherhood when Maisie was born, but has found things more difficult since having Jamie. She is suffering from postnatal depression at the same time as grieving for her mother, who passed away whilst she was pregnant. This is a very raw and honest account of what must an horrendous thing to go through. Rachel is married to David and David doesn't seem to know what to do with Rachel other than take her to the doctors, who just seem to keep fobbing them off. His answer to the problem is to stay later at work or stop at the pub for a pint to delay going home. He also sleeps in his study as Rachel doesn't sleep well and he only seems to aggravate her with his presence. It isn't long before David's head is turned by a young barmaid at the pub.
Adam is a stay-at-home Dad. He has been for four years, since his parents died in a car crash. He was the one driving the car and he's never forgiven himself, even though it wasn't his fault. He has older children and is married to Julia. Julia is very ambitious and works away during the week. She has also struggled to cope with Adam's mental health issues. He suffers from severe anxiety and has developed OCD. This puts serious limitations on his life and as a result he spends a lot of time confined to their house. Facebook becomes his lifeline and he takes some comfort in, what he considers, harmless flirting with women he chats to on there. When he comes across Rachel's profile he sends her a friend request. He always had a thing for Rachel at college and has always regretted not taking things further at the time. They were good friends, but it never went beyond that.
Once Rachel and Adam start chatting via Facebook messenger, things soon start to be become flirty. Rachel is flattered by the attention, given that David pays her very little, and Adam is swept along with the fantasy of the Rachel he used to know, his biggest regret. Their conversations become quite steamy! They are extremely risky conversations for two married people to be having and they almost become an addiction for them both. They seem to help each other through their monotonous days. Are they worth risking everything for though?
David and Julia have their suspicions, but neither can access the Facebook accounts to confirm their suspicions. They are both aware that they could have done more to support their spouses and hope to make up for it in future, but is it too late?
Because I Was Lonely is an excellent debut novel, brilliantly written with very real characters with very real lives and problems. I can't say I particularly liked any of the characters (and I certainly don't condone any kind of infidelity), but they had my sympathy (all for different reasons) and I was fascinated by their stories.
A story of love, loss, loneliness and wonder about if the grass might just be greener.....
I'd love to know what happened next!
Many thanks to the author and Anna, at RedDoor Publishing, for my advance paperback copy of Because I Was Lonely. I will be more than happy to recommend!
Blog post - https://chataboutbooks.wordpress.com/...
February 21, 2017
The Blurb :
Meet Rachel. She's trapped in a sleep-deprived world of misery and grief. She used to love being a wife and mum, but now life is a grown-up mess.
Meet Adam. He's trapped in a world of grief and confusion. It wasn't always like this, but since the accident, things have never been the same.
Rachel and Adam used to be friends, back in the days before marriage and babies… in the days before loneliness set in. Then along came Facebook. So when Rachel and Adam rekindle their online friendship, what starts as a little harmless flirtation soon becomes an obsession, and slowly the threads of their lives unravel before them.
My Thoughts :
This is one of those books that you pick up and really dont want to put down. I find it hard to believe that it is also Hayley Mitchell's first book, as it seems she could have been writing for years.
From the off, I was transported into the life of Rachel and Adam. We get thrown straight into how Rachel isnt coping with life, and her post natal depression. As Rachel decends into Mental Illness, she has no help or support from husband Adam. Both feeling lonely they seek support and comfort in other areas. I enjoyed reading this story from different points of view and you really get to know the charactors. Ms Mitchell, has written with great understanding and empathy. The story has been well thought out and paced perfectly. Its hard to write a review without giving away too much, but this is one read I recommend and one you wont want to put down.
February 19, 2017
Finished this last night and it was for sure a special read. It’s Hayley Mitchell’s debut novel with Red Door Publishing but it will not be her last. The first chapter had me sitting with my chin on my chest, scared to read the next page. The best opening to a book I have ever read. The intense build up has you screaming at Rachel!
The book is in two parts and I have to say there is a subtle change in theme between the two. Part two of the book threw me a little, I was expecting it to take a different route. So that was also a great play by Hayley Mitchell.
My favourite character was Julie. I felt incredibly sorry for her and would love to have taken her to lunch and say leave!!!
Hayley Mitchell has a great talent of setting the scene and mood without using unnecessary long-winded words. The pace of the book is super and you are always on your toes from beginning to end.
I would encourage you to snap this up and add Hayley to your watch list!
Buy your copy here ~ Amazon
Follow Hayley on Twitter@HayleyMitchellc
The book is in two parts and I have to say there is a subtle change in theme between the two. Part two of the book threw me a little, I was expecting it to take a different route. So that was also a great play by Hayley Mitchell.
My favourite character was Julie. I felt incredibly sorry for her and would love to have taken her to lunch and say leave!!!
Hayley Mitchell has a great talent of setting the scene and mood without using unnecessary long-winded words. The pace of the book is super and you are always on your toes from beginning to end.
I would encourage you to snap this up and add Hayley to your watch list!
Buy your copy here ~ Amazon
Follow Hayley on Twitter@HayleyMitchellc
November 14, 2017
Wow. A psychological novel with a difference. Interesting for sure.
Rachel is finding motherhood difficult resulting in her marriage suffering as well. Her second child was not a sleeper. Exhaustion became insurmountable. With her mother dying at about the same time, she had post natal depression. It took time for her husband Dan to take it seriously and go with her to their GP.
Adam has his own demons, depression and PTSD as a result of a car accident which killed both parents. The fact he was driving and blameless, has not lessened the blow and guilt. His life had become a series of panic attacks, agoraphobia and a tight schedule of behaviour to keep himself in control of things. His wife and two sons had been patient, up to a point, but their relationship was suffering, especially as Julia worked away all week in order to earn enough money to maintain their lifestyle.
Adam and Rachel knew each other when they were 17 years old but had lost touch. They both developed an interest in Facebook and got in touch with each other. They had been friends, and not in a relationship at the time. Gradually they opened up to each other as lonely people, and began an online flirtatious relationship. They both could see that the other was unhappy and that life was difficult. This they had in common and began to tell each other their secret hopes. Neither felt that they could say what exactly had happened for them to be as they were, but that didn't matter.
Thus, an online affair, with sexting, begins.. They were texting each other numerous times a day, keeping their relationship secret from others. It began to get serious, on Rachel's part at least, and the reader could see what a disaster this was going to be. Their partners saw a change in them but could not understand what was making them more light-hearted, easier to live with and generally happier.
Hayley Mitchell has a real penchant for describing people and their darkest thoughts. She has captured family life, and the daily round of chores well, and makes these two come alive. Mental health is a difficult subject but she encapsulates their own worlds so well. Their fantasies were what gave them a reason to look forward, but of course, fantasies only work so long. This is a really good read.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity,
Rachel is finding motherhood difficult resulting in her marriage suffering as well. Her second child was not a sleeper. Exhaustion became insurmountable. With her mother dying at about the same time, she had post natal depression. It took time for her husband Dan to take it seriously and go with her to their GP.
Adam has his own demons, depression and PTSD as a result of a car accident which killed both parents. The fact he was driving and blameless, has not lessened the blow and guilt. His life had become a series of panic attacks, agoraphobia and a tight schedule of behaviour to keep himself in control of things. His wife and two sons had been patient, up to a point, but their relationship was suffering, especially as Julia worked away all week in order to earn enough money to maintain their lifestyle.
Adam and Rachel knew each other when they were 17 years old but had lost touch. They both developed an interest in Facebook and got in touch with each other. They had been friends, and not in a relationship at the time. Gradually they opened up to each other as lonely people, and began an online flirtatious relationship. They both could see that the other was unhappy and that life was difficult. This they had in common and began to tell each other their secret hopes. Neither felt that they could say what exactly had happened for them to be as they were, but that didn't matter.
Thus, an online affair, with sexting, begins.. They were texting each other numerous times a day, keeping their relationship secret from others. It began to get serious, on Rachel's part at least, and the reader could see what a disaster this was going to be. Their partners saw a change in them but could not understand what was making them more light-hearted, easier to live with and generally happier.
Hayley Mitchell has a real penchant for describing people and their darkest thoughts. She has captured family life, and the daily round of chores well, and makes these two come alive. Mental health is a difficult subject but she encapsulates their own worlds so well. Their fantasies were what gave them a reason to look forward, but of course, fantasies only work so long. This is a really good read.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity,
March 21, 2018
Oh how we love our social media! Are people really as happy as they appear? Did the amazing egg omelet they made with love and care for their oh-so-perfect spouse/child/parent/friend really taste as good as the edited picture they took made it look? How are we ever to know? At the end of the day we can't. We can only take with a grain of salt that the online persona of the people we follow is the truth at face value. Why is it so easy to get lost for hours in the lives of people that aren't us? Do we do it to feel better about ourselves or to we just need to punish ourselves by wallowing in the Oh Woah Is Me, The Grass Is Always Greener, version of it all? Two couples, four people, seemingly unhappy with their lives but no clue how to fix it. Or is it that their just to lazy to try? This book will have you question your own FB post, your twitter feeds, your Instagram, your Snapchap...and everyone else's as well. I would of given this book a 5 star rating but I simply HATE when I don't know exactly how everything ended! So please tell me there will be a follow up book!
January 28, 2019
This is a character heavy book and the author did a skillful job of breathing life into each of the four main characters. The story demonstrates that even if we are surrounded by people, even if we are anchored in a relationship, we still can be overwhelmed by loneliness. The third person perspective showcases how damaging it can be to live inside your own head, to not apportion a part of yourself to your spouse. When 2 of these characters reconnect via Facebook their dialogue is very authentic; but soon the seemingly innocent banters slides into dangerous territory. I anticipated disaster, I was a voyeur to the possible destruction of a marriage; but whose? I appreciate how the author showed restraint with the outcome; it felt genuine. At first I hated the end but after letting it simmer, I thought it was perfect. Like the end of the Sopranos- it was abrupt but spot on.
March 21, 2018
Please write a sequel!
Well... I am always dubious about unlimited kindle titles because why are they free?! Does that mean nobody else wants to read them?! Not at all. I would read this book again and again and recommend it highly to others. All four characters completely imperfect but so completely relatable. Every story needs a weaker character and a stronger character, I suppose like a marriage. I loved every minute. My only annoyance that there was no resolution to it. So please write more 😊
Well... I am always dubious about unlimited kindle titles because why are they free?! Does that mean nobody else wants to read them?! Not at all. I would read this book again and again and recommend it highly to others. All four characters completely imperfect but so completely relatable. Every story needs a weaker character and a stronger character, I suppose like a marriage. I loved every minute. My only annoyance that there was no resolution to it. So please write more 😊
March 29, 2018
Noooooo!
I can't believe it has just ended like that!!! What happens next, is there a second book?! I'm in too much shock, I need more closure!!!!
I can't believe it has just ended like that!!! What happens next, is there a second book?! I'm in too much shock, I need more closure!!!!
June 22, 2019
Definitely not a psychological thriller, more of a chick lit with a bit of soft porn and an ending that is fairly inevitable.
March 6, 2017
Rachel is your typical suburban housewife who is underpaid and under appreciated. She is looking for love from her husband but doesn't quite get it. After their second baby was born and Rachel stopped sleeping, her life has become one big sleepless night with no help at all from anyone.
Adam is lost. A tragic event happened four years ago and changed his life forever. Although he has two beautiful kids, a wife who is working her ass off to help in every way she can, he still can't let himself stop his repetitive routine day in and day out. It is the only thing that keeps him sane at times.
Julia loves Adam but doesn't quite get why he hasn't gotten back to normal yet. She longs for the old Adam she loved but knows deep down that he is gone forever so she spends her days working far away to earn money for them because Adam is not capable of working anymore.
Then one day by accident, Adam comes across Rachel's profile on Facebook and starts remembering her from his college days. Boy do those days seem long gone. He misses her and their talks so he sends an innocent request for friendship. Little does he know what happens next.
This was such an amazing novel about midlife and how sad and lonely we can get. It is about remembering what's important and loving the ones that matter. It is about those old regrets and wondering what if. But mostly it is about finding your way through without destroying everything you have. Suspenseful, exciting and sexy. This book had me from the beginning and didn't quite let go till the end.
Adam is lost. A tragic event happened four years ago and changed his life forever. Although he has two beautiful kids, a wife who is working her ass off to help in every way she can, he still can't let himself stop his repetitive routine day in and day out. It is the only thing that keeps him sane at times.
Julia loves Adam but doesn't quite get why he hasn't gotten back to normal yet. She longs for the old Adam she loved but knows deep down that he is gone forever so she spends her days working far away to earn money for them because Adam is not capable of working anymore.
Then one day by accident, Adam comes across Rachel's profile on Facebook and starts remembering her from his college days. Boy do those days seem long gone. He misses her and their talks so he sends an innocent request for friendship. Little does he know what happens next.
This was such an amazing novel about midlife and how sad and lonely we can get. It is about remembering what's important and loving the ones that matter. It is about those old regrets and wondering what if. But mostly it is about finding your way through without destroying everything you have. Suspenseful, exciting and sexy. This book had me from the beginning and didn't quite let go till the end.
March 15, 2017
I’ll be honest and admit that I found the first part of this book – where we get to know Rachel, and watch her, sleep-deprived and with her life falling apart – very difficult to read. Nothing to do with the writing – it’s a wonderful insight into someone very close to the edge – but it really wasn’t the right book for me when I really needed my reading to be a little lighter.
But then came the introduction to Adam, and I found the pages turning more quickly – despite his situation, suffering with PTSD after the death of his parents. Then came the introduction to their partners – David and Julia (I really liked her) – and their lives, and I was hooked. This is an author with real skill at bringing her characters vividly to life – not necessarily people you like, but individuals that you feel you really know, getting into their damaged minds and sharing their inner thoughts.
The book really takes off with the Facebook private messages between Rachel and Adam. I thought the whole thing was perfectly paced, the message exchanges punctuated by real life and the perspectives of the different characters. Very cleverly done… and very realistic. And just a little frightening too, with an edginess that keeps you distinctly unsettled, a great examination of the blurring between fantasy and reality with a perfect touch of obsession. I really did enjoy this one – an extremely accomplished debut.
But then came the introduction to Adam, and I found the pages turning more quickly – despite his situation, suffering with PTSD after the death of his parents. Then came the introduction to their partners – David and Julia (I really liked her) – and their lives, and I was hooked. This is an author with real skill at bringing her characters vividly to life – not necessarily people you like, but individuals that you feel you really know, getting into their damaged minds and sharing their inner thoughts.
The book really takes off with the Facebook private messages between Rachel and Adam. I thought the whole thing was perfectly paced, the message exchanges punctuated by real life and the perspectives of the different characters. Very cleverly done… and very realistic. And just a little frightening too, with an edginess that keeps you distinctly unsettled, a great examination of the blurring between fantasy and reality with a perfect touch of obsession. I really did enjoy this one – an extremely accomplished debut.
February 3, 2018
Really good debut novel. Two couples, two failing marriages. Rachel and Adam were friends back in the day and rekindle their relationship on Facebook. Texting soon becomes sexting. This book is about four peoples perspectives and I found myself empathising with them all. At first in thought this was going to be too chick-kitty for me but it went much deeper than that. I really enjoyed this book.
November 26, 2017
Because I Was Lonely by Hayley Mitchell is a recommended domestic thriller about four people/two couples and their unhappy marriages.
Rachel is suffering from postpartum depression and sleep deprivation. She's unable to cope and gets little reprieve from taking care of the kids 24/7. She also never had time to properly grieve the loss of her mother. David is married to Rachel. He's tired of her inability to cope. He's taken her to the doctor. Now he wants to come home to a clean house, clean kids, and a wife who has bothered to take a shower. Of course it's not helping that he's sleeping in his study and eyeing the barmaid where he stops off after work to avoid going home.
Adam is also depressed, suffering from severe anxiety, and trying to mentally recover from an accident that killed his parents. He blames himself for their deaths. Adam is unable to hold a job and currently stays home, taking care of the house. He is has developed strict routines and rituals to help him through his day. Julia is Adam's wife. She is currently supporting the family by working away in the city during the week and comes home on weekends. While she is ambitious and can be critical, Julia also wants Adam to get better, She knows his routines and flaws.
Rachel and Adam used to be friends years ago in school and have recently renewed their friendship on Facebook. Adam spends his days following his routines and part of that is chatting with women on Facebook, a little flirting, sometimes more adult content, but all removed and from a distance. Adam and Rachel are thrilled, but cautious in their reunion on Facebook. They are both very careful to not share what is really going on in their lives for quite a while. Both David and Julia know that their spouses are conducting some kind of secret chat/sex talk on Facebook, but feel it is not serious. They have their own responsibilities to attend to and frankly are glad in some respect that the two seem to be getting a bit better, even though they are secretive about what is going on.
The book is divided into two parts. In the first you get to know the characters. In the second you see the Facebook obsession developing and escalating. All the characters are well developed and the obsession plays out naturally. Mitchell introduces her characters and then has chapters from each individual character's point-of-view, which makes it much more difficult for the reader to start the blame-game against the spouses who initially seem unsupportive and impatient with their partner's illnesses. The novel is well written and the tension mounts as the obsession escalates. Mitchell certainly shines a spotlight on the dangers that can lurk when using social media.
I'll have to admit, however, that I'm rather surprised at the number of high ratings Because I Was Lonely has received. Certainly there is suspense and building tension in the plot, but, while I liked it, I didn't love it. I also could have lived my whole life without reading the explicit Facebook messages Rachel sends to Adam. From the description I wasn't expecting this novel to head quite so much in the adult direction. I also would have preferred a definite conclusion, with all loose ends tied up.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of RedDoor Publishing via Netgalley
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2017/1...
Rachel is suffering from postpartum depression and sleep deprivation. She's unable to cope and gets little reprieve from taking care of the kids 24/7. She also never had time to properly grieve the loss of her mother. David is married to Rachel. He's tired of her inability to cope. He's taken her to the doctor. Now he wants to come home to a clean house, clean kids, and a wife who has bothered to take a shower. Of course it's not helping that he's sleeping in his study and eyeing the barmaid where he stops off after work to avoid going home.
Adam is also depressed, suffering from severe anxiety, and trying to mentally recover from an accident that killed his parents. He blames himself for their deaths. Adam is unable to hold a job and currently stays home, taking care of the house. He is has developed strict routines and rituals to help him through his day. Julia is Adam's wife. She is currently supporting the family by working away in the city during the week and comes home on weekends. While she is ambitious and can be critical, Julia also wants Adam to get better, She knows his routines and flaws.
Rachel and Adam used to be friends years ago in school and have recently renewed their friendship on Facebook. Adam spends his days following his routines and part of that is chatting with women on Facebook, a little flirting, sometimes more adult content, but all removed and from a distance. Adam and Rachel are thrilled, but cautious in their reunion on Facebook. They are both very careful to not share what is really going on in their lives for quite a while. Both David and Julia know that their spouses are conducting some kind of secret chat/sex talk on Facebook, but feel it is not serious. They have their own responsibilities to attend to and frankly are glad in some respect that the two seem to be getting a bit better, even though they are secretive about what is going on.
The book is divided into two parts. In the first you get to know the characters. In the second you see the Facebook obsession developing and escalating. All the characters are well developed and the obsession plays out naturally. Mitchell introduces her characters and then has chapters from each individual character's point-of-view, which makes it much more difficult for the reader to start the blame-game against the spouses who initially seem unsupportive and impatient with their partner's illnesses. The novel is well written and the tension mounts as the obsession escalates. Mitchell certainly shines a spotlight on the dangers that can lurk when using social media.
I'll have to admit, however, that I'm rather surprised at the number of high ratings Because I Was Lonely has received. Certainly there is suspense and building tension in the plot, but, while I liked it, I didn't love it. I also could have lived my whole life without reading the explicit Facebook messages Rachel sends to Adam. From the description I wasn't expecting this novel to head quite so much in the adult direction. I also would have preferred a definite conclusion, with all loose ends tied up.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of RedDoor Publishing via Netgalley
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2017/1...
February 16, 2017
Life and all of its complexities and complications are deftly and beautifully dealt with in this gripping novel about human emotions. We meet Rachel and Adam, who briefly knew each other when they were adolescents, who reconnect online at a pinnacle point in their adult lives. They are both suffering from deeply traumatic events in their lives, trying to recover some semblance of normality and control for the sake of their families and their own sanity - trying desperately to reach outside of the void of depression and loneliness, even though it is easier not to feel anything. And through messaging each other they find some aspect of who they used to be and who they want to be again, and they cling to their communication like a lifeboat in a stormy sea. But to be human is to make mistakes and as they justify their addiction to each other by letting us see themselves and their spouses in all of their chaos, the author also shows us what life is like for those in the background, by giving us a real insight to David and Julia, Rachel and Adam's other halves. But when does something relatively straight-forward like reconnecting with the past, step over the boundary into obsession? And what do you do when virtual reality and reality collide?
You know a book is a triumph when you neglect doing the housework for the day just so you can get to the ending, and when you get to the ending you're screaming - "Oh my God, I want more!!" BECAUSE I WAS LONELY by Hayley Mitchell is an unbelievably gripping read, that will drag every possible emotion from the reader, as you are compelled to find out what is happening between Rachel and Adam. I love the fact that the book is written from different points of view as it really lets you get to know Rachel and Adam, as well as David and Julia, who are so much more than just uncaring spouses. The characterisation, the plot, the pacing of the story, is all top notch, and I cannot wait to read more from Hayley Mitchell. BECAUSE I WAS LONELY is a must-read for 2017 and I am certain we are going to be hearing a lot about this stunning debut.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher
You know a book is a triumph when you neglect doing the housework for the day just so you can get to the ending, and when you get to the ending you're screaming - "Oh my God, I want more!!" BECAUSE I WAS LONELY by Hayley Mitchell is an unbelievably gripping read, that will drag every possible emotion from the reader, as you are compelled to find out what is happening between Rachel and Adam. I love the fact that the book is written from different points of view as it really lets you get to know Rachel and Adam, as well as David and Julia, who are so much more than just uncaring spouses. The characterisation, the plot, the pacing of the story, is all top notch, and I cannot wait to read more from Hayley Mitchell. BECAUSE I WAS LONELY is a must-read for 2017 and I am certain we are going to be hearing a lot about this stunning debut.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher
November 23, 2017
This was actually a frightening book, not because I was scared.....but because in reality I can imagine this scenario happening a bit.
Rachel has been suffering from postnatal depression since the birth of her second child. This was most likely exacerbated by the death of Rachel’s mother prior to his birth. Her husband David has been distancing himself because he can’t cope with her moods/depression. His effort to help her is to take her to the Dr! And he’s also attracted to the younger barmaid who works at the local pub that he’s been stopping at on his way home.
Adam is suffering from PTSD and obsessive behaviours since his parents were killed in a car accident four years previously. He blames himself as he was driving but it wasn’t his fault. Since then he has stopping working, he stays at home to look after their teenage kids while his wife Julia has taken a job in Edinburgh to make ends meet and she returns home for the weekends.
Adam has dabbled in online flirtations through Facebook and Julia is aware of these and she believes their harmless (he does it because he’s bored). But things take a much deeper turn when Adam and Rachel reconnect through Facebook. Loneliness and despair, finding an old flame on Facebook, then the wish for something that may or may not have been years ago and suddenly the road is taken to the destruction of a relationship, especially when sexting begins and the obsession of messaging takes hold. Obviously the respective marriages weren’t great but I can’t say that I really liked any of the characters, especially Rachel. I felt she was the one pushing Adam past his usual flirtations. I could sense him hanging back with the realisation they had a lot to lose.
As I mentioned before, what’s frightening is that I’m sure this happens all so readily in real life today with the constant need for social media and virtual friendships. Think of it as a little reality check.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy to read and review.
Rachel has been suffering from postnatal depression since the birth of her second child. This was most likely exacerbated by the death of Rachel’s mother prior to his birth. Her husband David has been distancing himself because he can’t cope with her moods/depression. His effort to help her is to take her to the Dr! And he’s also attracted to the younger barmaid who works at the local pub that he’s been stopping at on his way home.
Adam is suffering from PTSD and obsessive behaviours since his parents were killed in a car accident four years previously. He blames himself as he was driving but it wasn’t his fault. Since then he has stopping working, he stays at home to look after their teenage kids while his wife Julia has taken a job in Edinburgh to make ends meet and she returns home for the weekends.
Adam has dabbled in online flirtations through Facebook and Julia is aware of these and she believes their harmless (he does it because he’s bored). But things take a much deeper turn when Adam and Rachel reconnect through Facebook. Loneliness and despair, finding an old flame on Facebook, then the wish for something that may or may not have been years ago and suddenly the road is taken to the destruction of a relationship, especially when sexting begins and the obsession of messaging takes hold. Obviously the respective marriages weren’t great but I can’t say that I really liked any of the characters, especially Rachel. I felt she was the one pushing Adam past his usual flirtations. I could sense him hanging back with the realisation they had a lot to lose.
As I mentioned before, what’s frightening is that I’m sure this happens all so readily in real life today with the constant need for social media and virtual friendships. Think of it as a little reality check.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy to read and review.
January 29, 2018
Thank you to Hayley Mitchell, RedDoor Publishing and Netgalley for providing a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Meet Rachel. She is caught in a spiral of endless crying, dirty nappies, and sleepless nights. She fears for her sanity and the safety of her children.
She's lonely.
Meet Adam. Suffering from the pain and trauma of a terrible accident that he blames himself for, he stays at home, unable to bring himself to leave the house.
He's lonely.
So when Rachel and Adam rekindle their long lost friendship online, what starts as a little harmless flirtation, soon becomes an unhealthy obsession, and slowly the threads of their lives unravel before them.
Four lonely people . Two unhappy marriages . One dangerous, but inevitable climax
This book was described as a thrill with an "inevitable climax". I think I read a different book!!
The first half (nearly 50%) is split into 4 chapters, one for each of the main characters. It goes into way too much detail, which is often repeated more than once and I did start to skip read a lot of it, and even then I found it a struggle. I was expecting the tension and suspension to increase when Part 2 started, so I carried on. But I was still waiting for something good to happen. It was mostly sexting between two of the main characters and them bitching about their other halves while the other two moaned about their other halves.
And as for the ending.... what ending, it just stopped!! I'm not sure if this is leading into a sequel but there was no ending, no resolution to the situation. No "inevitable climax" that was promised, unless I'm missing part of the book. So disappointed in what could have been a great book.
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Meet Rachel. She is caught in a spiral of endless crying, dirty nappies, and sleepless nights. She fears for her sanity and the safety of her children.
She's lonely.
Meet Adam. Suffering from the pain and trauma of a terrible accident that he blames himself for, he stays at home, unable to bring himself to leave the house.
He's lonely.
So when Rachel and Adam rekindle their long lost friendship online, what starts as a little harmless flirtation, soon becomes an unhealthy obsession, and slowly the threads of their lives unravel before them.
Four lonely people . Two unhappy marriages . One dangerous, but inevitable climax
This book was described as a thrill with an "inevitable climax". I think I read a different book!!
The first half (nearly 50%) is split into 4 chapters, one for each of the main characters. It goes into way too much detail, which is often repeated more than once and I did start to skip read a lot of it, and even then I found it a struggle. I was expecting the tension and suspension to increase when Part 2 started, so I carried on. But I was still waiting for something good to happen. It was mostly sexting between two of the main characters and them bitching about their other halves while the other two moaned about their other halves.
And as for the ending.... what ending, it just stopped!! I'm not sure if this is leading into a sequel but there was no ending, no resolution to the situation. No "inevitable climax" that was promised, unless I'm missing part of the book. So disappointed in what could have been a great book.
For more reviews follow me at:
https://crimeandmysterybookreview.wor...
www.twitter.com/crimemysteryboo
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April 13, 2018
This book starts with introducing Rachel. She is a mum for the second time with a new baby and is deep in post natal depression. Her husband David is withdrawing further away from her whilst she spirals further.
Rachel connects with an old college friend on Facebook; Adam. The man she never had a relationship with but always wondered what could be. Adam is a damaged man. He's been unable to work for 4 years since a horrific accident that killed his parents.
Rachel and Adam embark on what can only be described as a virtual affair. They start off talking as friends and it quickly escalates into something more.
The first half of this book was a little too long in my opinion. Whilst I enjoyed hearing the story from both sides of the Marriages (we get chapters in Rachel's, David's, Adam and Julia's point of view), I felt it went on a little too long.
The second half of the book picked up the pace. The messaging between Adam and Rachel ramps up. This was definitely a little addictive, and I wanted to know if this was something that would materialise into an actual affair or would remain an illicit flirtation that would stay in the virtual confines of Facebook.
This book is full of unlikeable characters - this in itself doesn't bother me, but I didn't have much to connect to, which made me not care very much about the outcome for each character. We had 2 very unhappy couples who didn't do anything to help their respective partners in some incredibly challenging times - David pretty much buried his head in the sand whilst seeing his wife sink into depression and Julia had very little patience for her husband whilst experiencing PTSD after the horrific accident that killed his parents.
The writing is good, I just don't think this book was a good fit for me.
A 3 star read for me.
I would like to thank Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Rachel connects with an old college friend on Facebook; Adam. The man she never had a relationship with but always wondered what could be. Adam is a damaged man. He's been unable to work for 4 years since a horrific accident that killed his parents.
Rachel and Adam embark on what can only be described as a virtual affair. They start off talking as friends and it quickly escalates into something more.
The first half of this book was a little too long in my opinion. Whilst I enjoyed hearing the story from both sides of the Marriages (we get chapters in Rachel's, David's, Adam and Julia's point of view), I felt it went on a little too long.
The second half of the book picked up the pace. The messaging between Adam and Rachel ramps up. This was definitely a little addictive, and I wanted to know if this was something that would materialise into an actual affair or would remain an illicit flirtation that would stay in the virtual confines of Facebook.
This book is full of unlikeable characters - this in itself doesn't bother me, but I didn't have much to connect to, which made me not care very much about the outcome for each character. We had 2 very unhappy couples who didn't do anything to help their respective partners in some incredibly challenging times - David pretty much buried his head in the sand whilst seeing his wife sink into depression and Julia had very little patience for her husband whilst experiencing PTSD after the horrific accident that killed his parents.
The writing is good, I just don't think this book was a good fit for me.
A 3 star read for me.
I would like to thank Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
November 1, 2017
Because I Was Lonely reads like a book of two halves.
The first half is an introduction to the characters, with every detail of their lives put under the microscope. The author certainly has a knack for in-depth characterisation. I really felt like I knew each character by the time the story itself began.
Because I Was Lonely highlights post natal depression and the loneliness it can cause, especially if there's a lack of help when it's needed most, and how this can impact on relationships. Rachel, as a new mother, was portrayed very realistically. It was interesting to read her husband David's point of view too. Then there was Adam and Julia's story. Adam, an old friend of Rachel, is suffering with severe mental health issues after a tragic accident and his marriage is also falling apart.
Starting the book off in this way did, I felt, slow down the pace. Yet having seen some great reviews, I knew I had to keep reading to find out where this story was going. And I would urge others to do the same.
Around halfway through the book, the present day story began and the pace picked up. The characters' lives collided when Rachel and Adam found each other on Facebook. And they certainly collided with a huge bang. The narrative was tense and unsettling, as Rachel and Adam began to send messages to one another and their feelings escalated. I was nervous, worrying how this would end.
If you like loose ends tied up in the books you read, you may be a bit frustrated. The book ends on a cliffhanger, with many questions remaining unanswered, and makes me wonder if a sequel is on the way.
The first half is an introduction to the characters, with every detail of their lives put under the microscope. The author certainly has a knack for in-depth characterisation. I really felt like I knew each character by the time the story itself began.
Because I Was Lonely highlights post natal depression and the loneliness it can cause, especially if there's a lack of help when it's needed most, and how this can impact on relationships. Rachel, as a new mother, was portrayed very realistically. It was interesting to read her husband David's point of view too. Then there was Adam and Julia's story. Adam, an old friend of Rachel, is suffering with severe mental health issues after a tragic accident and his marriage is also falling apart.
Starting the book off in this way did, I felt, slow down the pace. Yet having seen some great reviews, I knew I had to keep reading to find out where this story was going. And I would urge others to do the same.
Around halfway through the book, the present day story began and the pace picked up. The characters' lives collided when Rachel and Adam found each other on Facebook. And they certainly collided with a huge bang. The narrative was tense and unsettling, as Rachel and Adam began to send messages to one another and their feelings escalated. I was nervous, worrying how this would end.
If you like loose ends tied up in the books you read, you may be a bit frustrated. The book ends on a cliffhanger, with many questions remaining unanswered, and makes me wonder if a sequel is on the way.
December 16, 2017
A Whirlwind of a Book
Hayley Mitchell writes a fascinating story, it ended just when it became creepily good. The tale is that of two couples: Rachel and David's marriage is on the rocks. Rachel is depressed, has been ever since the birth of her second child and, David just doesn't get it. Then there's Julie and Adam: they're pretty stuck too. Adam is stuck in the past, in obsessive routines, Julie has left him in the dust. Rachel and Adam are old friends, who lost touch but they find each other and a source of happiness on Facebook. They are lonely, their days are no longer meaningful unless they exchange a message daily... Or maybe, eleven. Is their newly kindled friendship healthy? Everyone has secrets, can they trust one another?
The online messages exchanged between them, slowly venture towards dangerous territory- veering off course: from just friends to uncharted waters.... Can they be each other's 'something more?' With every message sent, comes the question: will the other reply or does this cement the end?
This was a brilliant story, if a little slow at times and a little de-motivating. Mitchell has a talent in writing a feasible story designed to capture your attention and suck you into a world that can only end in disaster. I didn't particularly enjoy the virtual sexual chats but I am quite the prude, I felt it better to skip that but otherwise this book really was incredibly emotive.
I received this book through NetGalley.
Hayley Mitchell writes a fascinating story, it ended just when it became creepily good. The tale is that of two couples: Rachel and David's marriage is on the rocks. Rachel is depressed, has been ever since the birth of her second child and, David just doesn't get it. Then there's Julie and Adam: they're pretty stuck too. Adam is stuck in the past, in obsessive routines, Julie has left him in the dust. Rachel and Adam are old friends, who lost touch but they find each other and a source of happiness on Facebook. They are lonely, their days are no longer meaningful unless they exchange a message daily... Or maybe, eleven. Is their newly kindled friendship healthy? Everyone has secrets, can they trust one another?
The online messages exchanged between them, slowly venture towards dangerous territory- veering off course: from just friends to uncharted waters.... Can they be each other's 'something more?' With every message sent, comes the question: will the other reply or does this cement the end?
This was a brilliant story, if a little slow at times and a little de-motivating. Mitchell has a talent in writing a feasible story designed to capture your attention and suck you into a world that can only end in disaster. I didn't particularly enjoy the virtual sexual chats but I am quite the prude, I felt it better to skip that but otherwise this book really was incredibly emotive.
I received this book through NetGalley.
February 3, 2017
I would have read this book within 24 hours if I didn't have to go to work. As early as 40 pages in, I knew that I was going to enjoy it. It is well written, with characters that I found it easy to identify with. The relationships were very authentic, painting a picture that allowed you to see both how the couple had first been attracted to one another and how this attraction and/ or connection might have changed or been lost since then. The day to day relationship and family dynamics are very realistic.
It is hard to talk about the storyline without any spoilers, which I don't want to do, and the blurb sets the scene nicely for what it is about. Two teenage friends who fancied one another, now lonely people now in their forties with relationship issues, reconnect through Facebook.
There are issues of mental illness which are dealt with in a refreshingly empathetic manner. The book is neither simply about mental health issues or with mental issues explaining an out of character plot twist.
It is hard to talk about the storyline without any spoilers, which I don't want to do, and the blurb sets the scene nicely for what it is about. Two teenage friends who fancied one another, now lonely people now in their forties with relationship issues, reconnect through Facebook.
There are issues of mental illness which are dealt with in a refreshingly empathetic manner. The book is neither simply about mental health issues or with mental issues explaining an out of character plot twist.
November 29, 2017
Oh my. I'm not quite sure what just happened, but I'm quite certain I enjoyed this book!
Rachel clearly has some severe Postpartum Depression and overwhelming grief.
Adam has a bad case of PTSD and overwhelming grief.
David - Rachel's husband - gave an effort. He tried to get her help, but he's kind of half-cocked about everything he does it seems.
Julia - Really tried to help Adam and then just went back to putting herself first.
Everyone kind of wants to image of the perfect marriage, perfect life. No one is getting what they ultimately want. AND then....It freaking ends with an eyebrow-raising what-does-that-mean moment.
So good. Great character development. Fantastic read.
Not even really sure where to shelve this one....kind of defies my genres.
Rachel clearly has some severe Postpartum Depression and overwhelming grief.
Adam has a bad case of PTSD and overwhelming grief.
David - Rachel's husband - gave an effort. He tried to get her help, but he's kind of half-cocked about everything he does it seems.
Julia - Really tried to help Adam and then just went back to putting herself first.
Everyone kind of wants to image of the perfect marriage, perfect life. No one is getting what they ultimately want. AND then....It freaking ends with an eyebrow-raising what-does-that-mean moment.
So good. Great character development. Fantastic read.
Not even really sure where to shelve this one....kind of defies my genres.
February 28, 2018
Three and a half star rating.
Two couples, Rachel/David and Adam/Julia with marriage problems. None of them talk to each other much or are in any way helpful. So when Adam and Rachel who knew each other years ago rekindle their friendship on Facebook, they are delighted. At last someone who will actually listen and understand - oh dear! Told from four points of view and there's LOTS of details about their lives in the first part which almost put me off going any further but I did and am glad as the book was so much more interesting and creepy with a hint of menace. The characters? Well none of them had any likeable traits. Wonder if there will be a follow on to this story? I was given this ARC by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Two couples, Rachel/David and Adam/Julia with marriage problems. None of them talk to each other much or are in any way helpful. So when Adam and Rachel who knew each other years ago rekindle their friendship on Facebook, they are delighted. At last someone who will actually listen and understand - oh dear! Told from four points of view and there's LOTS of details about their lives in the first part which almost put me off going any further but I did and am glad as the book was so much more interesting and creepy with a hint of menace. The characters? Well none of them had any likeable traits. Wonder if there will be a follow on to this story? I was given this ARC by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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