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Miranda's Fortune
Orphaned, struggling with her grief, and a burden on her aunt, Miranda Fisher is sent to a boarding school on the Welsh border, miles from her native London. When a new house-mistress arrives at the school, Miranda's life becomes a living nightmare. Events lead her to believe her life is in danger, she has no proof, and it proves difficult to convince even her closest friend. However, she has an unknown ally and friend closer than she thinks. With character and determination she searches for answers, but who, or what, is she in danger from? Is the danger real, or simply the creation of a traumatised mind?
Audiobook
First published July 2, 2012
About the author
H.E. Joyce
11 books322 followersAlthough having had a variety of jobs during my life, some very interestIng, some not so interesting, I have, throughout the years, always had a burning desire to be a writer. I was a firefighter for eighteen years which was extremely rewarding, and I could, and perhaps will at some point, write about certain events I witnessed. I also worked for a newspaper, as a photographer, and later as a freelance artist.
It is a strange thing to want to do in many ways, shutting oneself away for hours and hours at at time, until finally reaching the end of your current book, months, or even years later. Yet it hardly seems like work - the hours and days go by almost unnoticed, and where would we be without books? It seems unthinkable, doesn't it?
I hope you enjoy reading my books as much as I enjoyed writing them. I am currently busy working on my next books, a series of psychological thrillers.
Thank you for reading this, and I really do welcome any feedback, and I'll be delighted to answer any questions you may have. Visit www.hejoyce.com and drop me a line.
If you read my book , please take a little time to leave a review - good, or bad. I would really appreciate it.
It is a strange thing to want to do in many ways, shutting oneself away for hours and hours at at time, until finally reaching the end of your current book, months, or even years later. Yet it hardly seems like work - the hours and days go by almost unnoticed, and where would we be without books? It seems unthinkable, doesn't it?
I hope you enjoy reading my books as much as I enjoyed writing them. I am currently busy working on my next books, a series of psychological thrillers.
Thank you for reading this, and I really do welcome any feedback, and I'll be delighted to answer any questions you may have. Visit www.hejoyce.com and drop me a line.
If you read my book , please take a little time to leave a review - good, or bad. I would really appreciate it.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 12, 2016
I enjoyed reading Miranda's Fortune. The story read somewhere in between a coming of age novel and a mystery, two genres that I like.
The storytelling is very straightforward. The protagonist, Miranda, is introduced in the beginning as a slightly defiant but likable character. It is revealed that she has recently suffered from some type of accident, and that the new school year is just beginning.
From here, the mystery unfolds. Well, I should say mysteries. This author is particularly good at building suspense. Miranda's accident is a mystery, the disappearance of a teacher is a mystery, the nature of her replacement, the antagonist, Mrs. Grainger is a mystery. All of which are revealed in reasonable, believable ways.
The setting is very much 'coming of age'. Most of the action takes place at a beautifully described boarding school. The character of Miranda also seems typical for this type of novel. Throughout the story she deals with several problems: the death of her parents, conflicts with other girls at the school, etc.
My favorite part of the story was the author's use of dialogue. Much was revealed about the characters through the subtle nuances of speech.
I also liked the narrator's voice. He was very empathetic towards both the protagonists and antagonists. His use of prose was sometimes playful but never annoying or flowery.
As the story progressed, so did the suspense. The author used flashbacks to the accident, revealing more each time. In the second half of the book, the point of view began to shift from protagonist to antagonist. I love when authors do this, particularly in mysteries. I found the second half to be quite the page turner.
I don't want to spoil the ending because the author used a neat little twist that was unpredictable, but very believable.
Overall, I would say that this story is very well written, and that I look forward to reading books by this author in the future.
Highly Recommended.
The storytelling is very straightforward. The protagonist, Miranda, is introduced in the beginning as a slightly defiant but likable character. It is revealed that she has recently suffered from some type of accident, and that the new school year is just beginning.
From here, the mystery unfolds. Well, I should say mysteries. This author is particularly good at building suspense. Miranda's accident is a mystery, the disappearance of a teacher is a mystery, the nature of her replacement, the antagonist, Mrs. Grainger is a mystery. All of which are revealed in reasonable, believable ways.
The setting is very much 'coming of age'. Most of the action takes place at a beautifully described boarding school. The character of Miranda also seems typical for this type of novel. Throughout the story she deals with several problems: the death of her parents, conflicts with other girls at the school, etc.
My favorite part of the story was the author's use of dialogue. Much was revealed about the characters through the subtle nuances of speech.
I also liked the narrator's voice. He was very empathetic towards both the protagonists and antagonists. His use of prose was sometimes playful but never annoying or flowery.
As the story progressed, so did the suspense. The author used flashbacks to the accident, revealing more each time. In the second half of the book, the point of view began to shift from protagonist to antagonist. I love when authors do this, particularly in mysteries. I found the second half to be quite the page turner.
I don't want to spoil the ending because the author used a neat little twist that was unpredictable, but very believable.
Overall, I would say that this story is very well written, and that I look forward to reading books by this author in the future.
Highly Recommended.
October 13, 2020
Good story
This actually felt like a teen story. The writing was immature and story easy to figure out. I did enjoy it and liked the ending.
This actually felt like a teen story. The writing was immature and story easy to figure out. I did enjoy it and liked the ending.
October 18, 2016
I was gifted this audio book with the understanding I would give an honest review. I loved this story. The narrator did a great job. Love her accent :-) The story kept me wanting to listen to just a little more. I didn't guess the ending and I always like that. I don't give many 5 stars but this audio book deserved it.
February 15, 2013
Heart-warming, thrilling, with characters that come alive
It is rare for characters to come alive so vividly in a book, but in ‘Miranda’s Fortune’, they leap from the page. From the sweet natured heroine Miranda, her friend Becky and lovable Archie, to the Machiavellian schoolmistress, all the characters are people you care about, and right from the start you are on Miranda’s side, wondering just what is happening to her and why. Who is the mysterious man on the train? Where do chunks of Miranda’s time vanish to? Something sinister is going on, but just what is it? This book lures you in and keeps your attention, and even when you think everything is done and dusted there’s yet another interesting twist that I never expected, and certainly could not have anticipated. With the gift of creating realistic, likeable characters, villains you can enjoy hating, the skill to weave a tortuous plot, and the knack of conjuring up an atmosphere of deep suspense, this is a writer who was born to spin a tale.
It is rare for characters to come alive so vividly in a book, but in ‘Miranda’s Fortune’, they leap from the page. From the sweet natured heroine Miranda, her friend Becky and lovable Archie, to the Machiavellian schoolmistress, all the characters are people you care about, and right from the start you are on Miranda’s side, wondering just what is happening to her and why. Who is the mysterious man on the train? Where do chunks of Miranda’s time vanish to? Something sinister is going on, but just what is it? This book lures you in and keeps your attention, and even when you think everything is done and dusted there’s yet another interesting twist that I never expected, and certainly could not have anticipated. With the gift of creating realistic, likeable characters, villains you can enjoy hating, the skill to weave a tortuous plot, and the knack of conjuring up an atmosphere of deep suspense, this is a writer who was born to spin a tale.
October 15, 2016
"Miranda's Fortune
: H E Joyce
The publisher's summary caught my attention. We have an orphaned girl sent to a distant boarding school, her favorite teacher leaves suddenly and new head seems to dislike her instantly. That sets up a good plot, enter mysterious characters, strange happenings, and lots of suspense mixed with teenage angst. This was a good listen, with some unexpected twists.
The narration was well done.The characters were well portrayed. I almost always enjoy a good UK accent, Nano Nagle provided just that.
"I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator,in exchange for an unbiased review."
: H E Joyce
The publisher's summary caught my attention. We have an orphaned girl sent to a distant boarding school, her favorite teacher leaves suddenly and new head seems to dislike her instantly. That sets up a good plot, enter mysterious characters, strange happenings, and lots of suspense mixed with teenage angst. This was a good listen, with some unexpected twists.
The narration was well done.The characters were well portrayed. I almost always enjoy a good UK accent, Nano Nagle provided just that.
"I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator,in exchange for an unbiased review."
February 26, 2013
Fantastic story that draws you in from the word go. Full of twists that keep you guessing from start to finish. The ending was a complete surprise to me, would never have guessed it. Recommened this to anyone who enjoys a really good psychological thriller.
December 27, 2016
I wanted to like this book, it got good reviews but I could not like it. It was so predictable and the characters so unbelievable...it just sounded like a bad lifetime movie.
Not for me!
Not for me!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews