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Of His Bones
“Gabe and I are happy this way. We don’t need anyone else in our lives.”
Mariana feels like a pawn in other people’s games. Her birth mother is ill and opportunities for them to be reconciled are running out.
Despite being adopted, Mariana has always felt secure with who she is. But both sides of her birth family are now closing in, and whatever she decides will irrevocably alter many lives; most of all the man and woman who created her.
Of His Bones is about predestination and choices. It explores themes of familial love, identity and the powerful hold of the past. Set in the seascapes of East and North Yorkshire, this novel is the sister-book to The Last Time We Saw Marion .
Mariana feels like a pawn in other people’s games. Her birth mother is ill and opportunities for them to be reconciled are running out.
Despite being adopted, Mariana has always felt secure with who she is. But both sides of her birth family are now closing in, and whatever she decides will irrevocably alter many lives; most of all the man and woman who created her.
Of His Bones is about predestination and choices. It explores themes of familial love, identity and the powerful hold of the past. Set in the seascapes of East and North Yorkshire, this novel is the sister-book to The Last Time We Saw Marion .
228 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2017
90 people want to read
About the author
Tracey Scott-Townsend
11 books23 followersAuthor of FESTIVAL IN TIME (2022) The Vagabond Mother (2020) Sea Babies (2019) The Eliza Doll (2016). Her previous novels include The Last Time We Saw Marion (2014) Of His Bones (stand-alone sequel to The Last Time We Saw Marion, 2017) and Another Rebecca: originally published by Inspired Quill in 2015 but re-released in September 2018 by Wild Pressed Books. Tracey’s novels have been described as both poetic and painterly.
Tracey is also a poet and a visual artist. All her work is inspired by the emotions of her own experiences and perceptions. She has a Fine Art MA (University of Lincoln) and a BA Hons Visual Studies (Humberside Polytechnic). She has exhibited throughout the UK (as Tracey Scott).
Tracey is a volunteer for a charity which offers support to refugees and asylum seekers. She is a passionate allotment gardener and an avid traveller.
Most importantly, she is the mother of four grown-up children and is now also a granny.
Tracey is also a poet and a visual artist. All her work is inspired by the emotions of her own experiences and perceptions. She has a Fine Art MA (University of Lincoln) and a BA Hons Visual Studies (Humberside Polytechnic). She has exhibited throughout the UK (as Tracey Scott).
Tracey is a volunteer for a charity which offers support to refugees and asylum seekers. She is a passionate allotment gardener and an avid traveller.
Most importantly, she is the mother of four grown-up children and is now also a granny.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 3, 2017
I was very intrigued with the opening chapters of "Of His Bones" written by Tracey Scott - Townsend enticing me into a highly captivating novel.
Beautifully written and with some truly brilliant descriptions of the beach and commanding sea, I could quite easily have been standing on the beach myself listening to the seagulls and the crashing waves.
This was quite a complex story in my opinion to keep track of at times and I did get a little confused due to the differing variations of the name Mariana/Maria/Marion and Alice/Angel/Angie. However, I did enjoy this enchanting story completely, it explored the difficult situations family and relations can bring, complicated with love and destiny.
"Of His Bones" is a elegantly written book, haunting and poignant with a very emotional and fitting ending. Would not hesitate to recommend. 4 stars.
Beautifully written and with some truly brilliant descriptions of the beach and commanding sea, I could quite easily have been standing on the beach myself listening to the seagulls and the crashing waves.
This was quite a complex story in my opinion to keep track of at times and I did get a little confused due to the differing variations of the name Mariana/Maria/Marion and Alice/Angel/Angie. However, I did enjoy this enchanting story completely, it explored the difficult situations family and relations can bring, complicated with love and destiny.
"Of His Bones" is a elegantly written book, haunting and poignant with a very emotional and fitting ending. Would not hesitate to recommend. 4 stars.
May 20, 2017
What a gem that book is! Beautifully written, the language almost poetic, fluid on pages, drew me in and I was completely captivated by the story right from the very first page. Well-written characters feel real and compelling. Tracey Scott-Townsend crafted a haunting, emotional tale of complicated and difficult relationships within families and how much past events can mark the future. I couldn't recommend that book higher. I will definitely be reading more books by Tracey Scott-Townsend.
February 4, 2017
Tracey Scott-Townsend has done it again. Of His Bones surpassed my very high expectations. It’s a glorious, melodic, haunting and beautiful book, exploring themes of family, choice, destiny and love. While the language was so exquisite I longed to read slowly, the page-turning plot had me steaming ahead. The characters are gorgeously painted, pulsating and real. Mariana held me the most. I went through every emotion with her. The backdrop, I felt I was there. And the ending. Oh, the ending. You’ll never forget it. I won’t. This one I’ll definitely read again; this one I will recommend to all.
September 30, 2021
⭐️ 3 ⭐️
Beautifully written.
Tracey Scott-Townsend really knows how to create a wonderful sense of atmosphere.
I really enjoyed the descriptive, detailed prose which conjured up images of the setting and the landscape perfectly.
Unfortunately I found the plot and the characters extremely hard to follow. There are just too many characters with very similar names (Mariana, Maria, Marion); I found myself constantly recapping (memory like a sieve ) to remember who they all were, sadly this spoilt the book somewhat for me.
That said, I really did like the authors writing style, so I will definitely read more of her work.
Many thanks to the publisher for the copy, in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Beautifully written.
Tracey Scott-Townsend really knows how to create a wonderful sense of atmosphere.
I really enjoyed the descriptive, detailed prose which conjured up images of the setting and the landscape perfectly.
Unfortunately I found the plot and the characters extremely hard to follow. There are just too many characters with very similar names (Mariana, Maria, Marion); I found myself constantly recapping (memory like a sieve ) to remember who they all were, sadly this spoilt the book somewhat for me.
That said, I really did like the authors writing style, so I will definitely read more of her work.
Many thanks to the publisher for the copy, in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
June 22, 2017
I enjoyed this haunting tale of love lost and found, family and secrets. I hadn't read The Last Time we Saw Marion so read a synopsis which I think helped me keep track of all the characters. I was intrigued as to how the story would resolve itself and wasn't disappointed. Will definitely read more from this author.
May 19, 2017
There is much to enjoy in this dark and atmospheric read about family, loyalties, secrets and adoption plus the haunting, supernatural element that adds another layer.
Mariana was the heart of the book for me as she struggles between her parents that adopted her and her birth mother. The was a real truth and honesty to the relationship dilemmas and the loving nature of the connection with her son, Gabe, is beautifully told.
Although I did enjoy this book but I can see that there are aspects which would have made it even more enjoyable for me:
It is a little too jumpy in style between various different characters, with similar names, and thus I found it slightly disjointed in places;
There are a couple of real 'coincidence' moments and I felt that made that aspect of the story a little too far-fetched; and
It felt a little odd pace-wise near the end, building to one ending then going back to other strands.
Despite the reservations I did enjoy the story and will look out more by the author. Thanks to TBC and the author for the chance to read this atmospheric story set in my home county of Yorkshire.
Mariana was the heart of the book for me as she struggles between her parents that adopted her and her birth mother. The was a real truth and honesty to the relationship dilemmas and the loving nature of the connection with her son, Gabe, is beautifully told.
Although I did enjoy this book but I can see that there are aspects which would have made it even more enjoyable for me:
It is a little too jumpy in style between various different characters, with similar names, and thus I found it slightly disjointed in places;
There are a couple of real 'coincidence' moments and I felt that made that aspect of the story a little too far-fetched; and
It felt a little odd pace-wise near the end, building to one ending then going back to other strands.
Despite the reservations I did enjoy the story and will look out more by the author. Thanks to TBC and the author for the chance to read this atmospheric story set in my home county of Yorkshire.
October 12, 2021
Thank you Love Books Tours and Wild Pressed Books for my gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.
This is a beautifully written book about family and making the right choices. Tracey Scott-Townsend definitely knows how to write an atmospheric story transporting the reader to the setting.
I enjoyed reading about Mariana and her struggles with deciding if she should meet her dying birth mother knowing how it would make her adoptive mother feel. I loved her relationship with her son Gabe and seeing how much she loved and needed him. Gabe was a brightness in an otherwise dark story.
Mariana’s choice is the main focus of the book, but it is told from multiple points of view. I usually love this in a book, but did feel there were too many perspectives for this story. Although this book is a standalone, I wish I had read the author’s previous book, The Last Time We Saw Marion, to get some more of the back story. I did find myself confused at times especially with so many similar names - Mariana, Marianne, Marion, and Maria. Once I was able to figure out who was who, the book did flow better though.
This is a beautifully written book about family and making the right choices. Tracey Scott-Townsend definitely knows how to write an atmospheric story transporting the reader to the setting.
I enjoyed reading about Mariana and her struggles with deciding if she should meet her dying birth mother knowing how it would make her adoptive mother feel. I loved her relationship with her son Gabe and seeing how much she loved and needed him. Gabe was a brightness in an otherwise dark story.
Mariana’s choice is the main focus of the book, but it is told from multiple points of view. I usually love this in a book, but did feel there were too many perspectives for this story. Although this book is a standalone, I wish I had read the author’s previous book, The Last Time We Saw Marion, to get some more of the back story. I did find myself confused at times especially with so many similar names - Mariana, Marianne, Marion, and Maria. Once I was able to figure out who was who, the book did flow better though.
May 21, 2017
Being an adopted child I was very keen to read this and , from me , Marianas struggle with her birth mother and adopted parents was skilfully written and true of many adoptees . This book is well written and kept me turning the pages however my criticism is that it became to complicated and confusing with so many characters with similar names . I wasn't overly fond of the supernatural element either . In saying all this I still enjoyed the read and give my thanks to tbc reviewers for the opportunity
October 18, 2021
There is a real melancholy throughout this book. It covers some heavy subjects (anorexia, suicide, grief). But there is also an uplifting and spiritual element to the story, which I enjoyed. The writing is beautiful, and the characters have depth.
When I first started reading, I did get a bit confused as some of the character names are very similar, it took me out of my flow as I tried to figure out who I was reading about, but that was all fine once I had all that clear in my head.
I’m really glad that I read Of His Bones. It’s the ‘sister’ book to ‘The Last Time We Saw Marion’, which I didn’t know before reading, but it works well as a standalone book.
I found it to be a sad read, but I thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful writing style.
When I first started reading, I did get a bit confused as some of the character names are very similar, it took me out of my flow as I tried to figure out who I was reading about, but that was all fine once I had all that clear in my head.
I’m really glad that I read Of His Bones. It’s the ‘sister’ book to ‘The Last Time We Saw Marion’, which I didn’t know before reading, but it works well as a standalone book.
I found it to be a sad read, but I thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful writing style.
June 19, 2017
Of his bones by Tracy Scott Townsend.
“Gabe and I are happy this way. We don’t need anyone else in our lives.”
Mariana feels like a pawn in other people’s games. Her birth mother is ill and opportunities for them to be reconciled are running out.
Despite being adopted, Mariana has always felt secure with who she is. But both sides of her birth family are now closing in, and whatever she decides will irrevocably alter many lives; most of all the man and woman who created her.
This was a lovely moving read. Bought me to tears. I loved the story and the characters. 5*. Tbc on fb.
“Gabe and I are happy this way. We don’t need anyone else in our lives.”
Mariana feels like a pawn in other people’s games. Her birth mother is ill and opportunities for them to be reconciled are running out.
Despite being adopted, Mariana has always felt secure with who she is. But both sides of her birth family are now closing in, and whatever she decides will irrevocably alter many lives; most of all the man and woman who created her.
This was a lovely moving read. Bought me to tears. I loved the story and the characters. 5*. Tbc on fb.
April 6, 2017
This is my favourite book by this author so far! There is intrigue from the first two pages and I was itching to find out how Mariana was connected to Marion, or if she was at all. A tender first chapter where new characters are introduced and then we meet Maria and things start to click into place for me. I loved finding out how the lives of the characters from 'The Last Time We Saw Marion' had evolved and discovering the clever way their stories are intertwined. I also love the way she present all the feelings of hopelessness in amongst honest love, I think this is what drives the sense of hope to the fore. Brimming with heartbreak and tragedy this is such a compelling read. You can't help but become involved with the characters lives and immersed in the realism of it all. Poignant and wistful, I ended the book feeling better for having known these characters and their complex stories. Tracey shows us that life doesn't have to be perfect to be filled with beautiful moments, and this is why I am drawn to her novels.
March 19, 2017
When I saw that there was a book launch party scheduled for this local author, I was eager to give this intriguing novel a chance. I downloaded the kindle version and made my way through its twisty plot and character revelations. I did not at first realize that this book is actually a sequel. The first part of the story, The Last Time We Saw Marion, was published in 2014. Reading a brief synopsis of the first novel clarified a few puzzling aspects of the story for me, but even without that I would have championed Scott-Townsend as a very capable author. She is really quite the wordsmith; creating a haunting narrative for her very three-dimensional characters to inhabit.
I am glad to have acquainted myself with Scott-Townsend's work. She is a credit to the local area.
I am glad to have acquainted myself with Scott-Townsend's work. She is a credit to the local area.
May 14, 2017
Firstly I must thank the TBC review group, Tracey Scott-Townsend and Inspired Quill publishung for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
Tacey Scott-Townsend has written a moving follow-up to The Last Time We Saw Marion. Her characterisation is spot on, Marina adopted as a young baby is secure in who she is and has no interest in meeting her real mum. But the writer skillfully manages to strip away at her supposed indifference and explores her confused feelings about the mother who gave her up as a baby. She explores the very real struggle faced by adopted children, between their loyalty to their adopted parents and the need to understand the family that gave them up for adoption.
She also gives us an insight into how the past can hold us in its grip, often shaping who we become in adulthood. In Cal we have a deeply tortured man, broken by the loss of his twin sister, who has grown into a man haunted by the connection they shared. His very soul is still connected to her, the familial tie of love, forcing him to continually seek out a way to reconnect with her.
Its a book that explores the idea that when the body dies the soul lives on. Those lost to us stay connected to us by the memories we shared. With the suggestion that the death may be only the beginning of another existence, it shares similar themes in one of my favourite books his year, The Forgetting Time by Sharon Guskin.
Its a haunting read that deserves to be anyone's reading pile.
Tacey Scott-Townsend has written a moving follow-up to The Last Time We Saw Marion. Her characterisation is spot on, Marina adopted as a young baby is secure in who she is and has no interest in meeting her real mum. But the writer skillfully manages to strip away at her supposed indifference and explores her confused feelings about the mother who gave her up as a baby. She explores the very real struggle faced by adopted children, between their loyalty to their adopted parents and the need to understand the family that gave them up for adoption.
She also gives us an insight into how the past can hold us in its grip, often shaping who we become in adulthood. In Cal we have a deeply tortured man, broken by the loss of his twin sister, who has grown into a man haunted by the connection they shared. His very soul is still connected to her, the familial tie of love, forcing him to continually seek out a way to reconnect with her.
Its a book that explores the idea that when the body dies the soul lives on. Those lost to us stay connected to us by the memories we shared. With the suggestion that the death may be only the beginning of another existence, it shares similar themes in one of my favourite books his year, The Forgetting Time by Sharon Guskin.
Its a haunting read that deserves to be anyone's reading pile.
June 5, 2017
A fabulously haunting, atmospheric tale that I couldn't put down. I did get a little confused due to the similar names of the characters, but the author's style of writing is mesmerising so I can let that go! The ending was perfect. I love to read a book and feel as if I have closure, and with this I did.
I hadn't realised this is a sequel so will now download The Last Time We Saw Marion. Highly recommended.
I hadn't realised this is a sequel so will now download The Last Time We Saw Marion. Highly recommended.
October 13, 2021
Review
"Its weird how everything's connected, isnt it?"
Oh Tracey how you've broken me. This is by far my most favourite of Tracey's books that I've read.
This book took me on a rollercoaster of emotions. I smiled, I cried, I felt pain and I felt joy. It's a book that will stay with me for a lifetime.
I've felt honoured to have been part of the journey this book has taken me on.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Its weird how everything's connected, isnt it?"
Oh Tracey how you've broken me. This is by far my most favourite of Tracey's books that I've read.
This book took me on a rollercoaster of emotions. I smiled, I cried, I felt pain and I felt joy. It's a book that will stay with me for a lifetime.
I've felt honoured to have been part of the journey this book has taken me on.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
October 19, 2021
This book is beautifully written and captivating to read.
I struggled a little with the story line - reincarnation is not something that I believe in so this aspect of the story I really struggled to connect with.
Lots of trigger warnings including self harm, anorexia and interesting familial relationships.
I enjoyed reading this book as it is always good to widen your reading horizons - however if I had known about the reincarnation part of this story I probably would not have asked to be a part of the tour.
I struggled a little with the story line - reincarnation is not something that I believe in so this aspect of the story I really struggled to connect with.
Lots of trigger warnings including self harm, anorexia and interesting familial relationships.
I enjoyed reading this book as it is always good to widen your reading horizons - however if I had known about the reincarnation part of this story I probably would not have asked to be a part of the tour.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2017
I wanted to live this book so much more than i did for its multi faceted characters, atmospheric and intriguing writing but it's complicated plot just let it down for me. when I thought I was getting to grips with what was happening something happened to confuse me again and it never seemed fully explained. still 3 star worthy just missed out on a 4!
August 17, 2017
When I saw this book up for review I was intrigued by the blurb and cover.
I was unaware that it's actually the sequel to The Last Time We Saw Marion, so I highly recommend reading that first.
The story kept me gripped from the start and kept me interested throughout. Highly recommended and I will be reading more from Tracey.
I was unaware that it's actually the sequel to The Last Time We Saw Marion, so I highly recommend reading that first.
The story kept me gripped from the start and kept me interested throughout. Highly recommended and I will be reading more from Tracey.
February 5, 2022
Of His Bones by Tracey-Scott Townsend is a haunting literary fiction novel. It mainly follows Mariana as she discovers her birth family and the devastating history and secrets they hold.
The story is beautifully written, very descriptive and draws you in from the first chapter. The plot is full of twists and turns so you don't quite know what has happened until it is revealed.
I really enjoyed the characters developing and each characters story unfolding. Every character in it is well developed with an interesting back story. I also love that it is set on the Yorkshire coast, one of my all time favourite places! Both the writing style and twists kept my attention throughout the novel.
There is a strong theme of eating disorders and self-harm throughout the book so that definitely needs a content warning and pointing out. Without giving anything away there is an underlying theme to the story that I'm just not sure is something I believe in.
Despite the general theme being so dark and haunting Of His Bones is an enjoyable read with a (generally) happy ending that feels fitting to the story.
The story is beautifully written, very descriptive and draws you in from the first chapter. The plot is full of twists and turns so you don't quite know what has happened until it is revealed.
I really enjoyed the characters developing and each characters story unfolding. Every character in it is well developed with an interesting back story. I also love that it is set on the Yorkshire coast, one of my all time favourite places! Both the writing style and twists kept my attention throughout the novel.
There is a strong theme of eating disorders and self-harm throughout the book so that definitely needs a content warning and pointing out. Without giving anything away there is an underlying theme to the story that I'm just not sure is something I believe in.
Despite the general theme being so dark and haunting Of His Bones is an enjoyable read with a (generally) happy ending that feels fitting to the story.
October 15, 2021
This is my third book by Tracey Scott-Townsend in a month, and the standalone sequel to The Last Time We Saw Marion (which I recently reviewed), with some of the same characters and a continuation of the story around the fictional, remote village of Pottersea, an Blackberry House. In all honesty, had I not read the other book first, there would have been a few lingering questions, but on the whole, Of His Bones works perfectly well as a standalone novel.
The way the author described the scenery around Pottersea was so crisp and vivid, that I felt I could envision every scene, every conversation, every wave crashing against the shore, every step in the harsh wind and rain. Simply beautifully written. It sounds like the kind of place I want to go with my dogs in my campervan.
If I had to find any minor criticism, it would be the juxtaposition of the names Marianne, Marion, Maria, and Mariana. One two occasions, I had to go back a number of chapters to make sure I hadn’t confused the names when things stopped making sense. But the link between the names is undeniably important to the story.
I liked most of the characters, and even those to whom I initially took a dislike. Their prickly personalities were understandable and, in many ways, completely excusable. Maria is distraught that the daughter she put up for adoption at six months old, refuses to have any contact with her once she is 18 despite her attempts at reaching out. Mariana’s happy with her family. As far as she is concerned, the couple who adopted her are her real family, and she doesn’t want any contact with the woman who abandoned her. The families came crashing together several times, becoming linked permanently, changing them forever.
Not many books can elicit a real emotional response from me, but this book did exactly that. Another example of the author’s skill at writing. I think this was an improvement on it’s predecessor, and I’m happy to recommend it to any reader of beautifully written fiction. I’ll add the recommendation to read The Last Time We Saw Marion first, if only for better context and backstory. I gave Of His Bones, by Tracey Scott-Townsend five stars.
The way the author described the scenery around Pottersea was so crisp and vivid, that I felt I could envision every scene, every conversation, every wave crashing against the shore, every step in the harsh wind and rain. Simply beautifully written. It sounds like the kind of place I want to go with my dogs in my campervan.
If I had to find any minor criticism, it would be the juxtaposition of the names Marianne, Marion, Maria, and Mariana. One two occasions, I had to go back a number of chapters to make sure I hadn’t confused the names when things stopped making sense. But the link between the names is undeniably important to the story.
I liked most of the characters, and even those to whom I initially took a dislike. Their prickly personalities were understandable and, in many ways, completely excusable. Maria is distraught that the daughter she put up for adoption at six months old, refuses to have any contact with her once she is 18 despite her attempts at reaching out. Mariana’s happy with her family. As far as she is concerned, the couple who adopted her are her real family, and she doesn’t want any contact with the woman who abandoned her. The families came crashing together several times, becoming linked permanently, changing them forever.
Not many books can elicit a real emotional response from me, but this book did exactly that. Another example of the author’s skill at writing. I think this was an improvement on it’s predecessor, and I’m happy to recommend it to any reader of beautifully written fiction. I’ll add the recommendation to read The Last Time We Saw Marion first, if only for better context and backstory. I gave Of His Bones, by Tracey Scott-Townsend five stars.
October 27, 2021
How Tracey Scott-Townsend writes about such devastating stories in a way of such conflicting beauty i will never know. She captivates her reader in such a delicate way. There is such truth in her stories, Of His Bones could happen to any of us. So real, relatable, sad.
Of His Bones was overwhelmingly raw, mystical, spiritual and confusing. It is the second book of a duo, but not having read the first book, made no difference. It was unique despite being a duo, a little like the two main characters of the book. Cal & Marian/Marriane/Maria. A duo, unbreakable but unique to themselves. Of His Bones is impossible to describe unless you have experienced it, therefore I won't try. What I will say is, if you are looking for an all consuming out of body fictional experience, this is it. I am unsure what I have read, i am unsure what I understand, but I felt every word, and can believe what happened fictionally, truly does happen in real life.
This featured heavy storylines of Grief, Anorexia, Suicide, Adoption and the Afterlife. A book I read in one sitting, unable to put it down. As will all of her novels, this is an absolute must read.
"Mariana feels like a pawn in other people's games. Her birth mother is ill and opportunities for them to be reconciled are running out. Despite being adopted, Mariana has always felt secure with who she is. But both sides of her birth family are now closing in, and wherever she decides will irrevocably alter many lives, most of all the man and woman who created her"
Of His Bones was overwhelmingly raw, mystical, spiritual and confusing. It is the second book of a duo, but not having read the first book, made no difference. It was unique despite being a duo, a little like the two main characters of the book. Cal & Marian/Marriane/Maria. A duo, unbreakable but unique to themselves. Of His Bones is impossible to describe unless you have experienced it, therefore I won't try. What I will say is, if you are looking for an all consuming out of body fictional experience, this is it. I am unsure what I have read, i am unsure what I understand, but I felt every word, and can believe what happened fictionally, truly does happen in real life.
This featured heavy storylines of Grief, Anorexia, Suicide, Adoption and the Afterlife. A book I read in one sitting, unable to put it down. As will all of her novels, this is an absolute must read.
"Mariana feels like a pawn in other people's games. Her birth mother is ill and opportunities for them to be reconciled are running out. Despite being adopted, Mariana has always felt secure with who she is. But both sides of her birth family are now closing in, and wherever she decides will irrevocably alter many lives, most of all the man and woman who created her"
October 11, 2021
I’m so lucky to have had the opportunity to read two of these authors beautiful books. This being the first one I read of the two.
Although an emotional read that touches on adoption and birth families plus so much more. The words are so raw and heart felt written that you appreciate every paragraph you read. I absolutely loved that this book started in the past and took you into the future. There was such a variety of different characters that you find yourself overwhelmed at first. But as soon as these characters stick with you, you appreciate every single one of them. Everyone is unique and individual.
Oblivious to the fact that this was the second book in a series. I didn’t read the first one, but this is 100% a book you can pick up and not need to read the first.
The author does an outstanding job at scene setting and you find yourself embedded into the atmosphere of the words written.
Although this book may cause a bit of emotional discomfort to a few readers it’s definitely one that will stay with you for a very long time. Loved this and I was broken when got to the last page I didn’t want this journey to come to an end.
Although an emotional read that touches on adoption and birth families plus so much more. The words are so raw and heart felt written that you appreciate every paragraph you read. I absolutely loved that this book started in the past and took you into the future. There was such a variety of different characters that you find yourself overwhelmed at first. But as soon as these characters stick with you, you appreciate every single one of them. Everyone is unique and individual.
Oblivious to the fact that this was the second book in a series. I didn’t read the first one, but this is 100% a book you can pick up and not need to read the first.
The author does an outstanding job at scene setting and you find yourself embedded into the atmosphere of the words written.
Although this book may cause a bit of emotional discomfort to a few readers it’s definitely one that will stay with you for a very long time. Loved this and I was broken when got to the last page I didn’t want this journey to come to an end.
May 31, 2017
I was captivated with this from the very beginning only struggling on the odd occasion with Mariana/Maria and Marion etc but I soon got into the swing of it. The characters are so engaging and my views on each of them kept changing as the book went along as their highly emotional and definitely intriguing lives change and intertwine. I loved the various settings for each family and could almost actually smell the sea when I was reading it. This is actually a sequel to The Last Time We Saw Marion but I read this as a standalone as I didn’t realise there was a book before but still thoroughly enjoyed it, in fact I am about to start the first in the series so I can read this again after. As I got closer and closer to the end the later and later I stayed up reading and boy what a finale!
October 13, 2021
Another masterpiece from the pen of Tracey Scott-Townsend, this one slightly more confusing for me than the others because of all the M names.
It's preferable that you read The last time we saw Marion first, otherwise you won't get to appreciate the continuation of the story.
Beautifully written as always, very much a character driven read with some complex faces old & new.
Captivating, haunting & compelling, you will be drawn in, not wanting to stop till you've turned the final page.
A fantastic tale of love, family, relationships & fate.
Many thanks to Love Books Tours for my tour spot & gifted copy.
𝗜 𝗴𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮 4 ⭐ 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
It's preferable that you read The last time we saw Marion first, otherwise you won't get to appreciate the continuation of the story.
Beautifully written as always, very much a character driven read with some complex faces old & new.
Captivating, haunting & compelling, you will be drawn in, not wanting to stop till you've turned the final page.
A fantastic tale of love, family, relationships & fate.
Many thanks to Love Books Tours for my tour spot & gifted copy.
𝗜 𝗴𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮 4 ⭐ 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
October 14, 2021
This was such a beautifully written book , right from the very first line I knew I was going to enjoy it! It's a book with a couple of different themes running throughout however they compliment each other beautifully and really tie the book together.
This was the first book I have read by this author and it certainly won't be my last! At times it is a really deep book that will pull on your emotions , the characters are very well described , there is quite a few of them so sometimes you do have to look back and try figure out who is who. The storyline itself is very well written , fast paced and doesn't go off on unnecessary tangents.
This was the first book I have read by this author and it certainly won't be my last! At times it is a really deep book that will pull on your emotions , the characters are very well described , there is quite a few of them so sometimes you do have to look back and try figure out who is who. The storyline itself is very well written , fast paced and doesn't go off on unnecessary tangents.
October 17, 2021
Set in East Yorkshire this book has a really moody feel to it. It's spiritual, slightly supernatural and at times a little spooky. Mostly though it's about familial love, self discovery and the bond between loved ones.
Mariana lives happily with her son Gabriel and her parents. Soon into the book she learns she is adopted and her birth mother will soon die. We follow Mariana as she grapples with her emotions and the series of events that follow this discovery.
For me this book contained too many coincidences, I won't spoil the plot for any who plan to read it but there were just a few too many chance encounters for me to find it believable. The supernatural element also confused me somewhat. This is why I have given 3 and not 4 stars.
Having said that, I couldn't put it down. Mariana and Gabriel make for the most endearing pair. Both of them full of love and their bond is so special to read about. All of the characters were so well developed.
If you're a fan of family dramas then I would definitely recommend this one. I enjoyed it so much I have signed up for another blog tour featuring the same author.
TW's - Self Harm, Suicide, Anorexia, Depression, Grief
Mariana lives happily with her son Gabriel and her parents. Soon into the book she learns she is adopted and her birth mother will soon die. We follow Mariana as she grapples with her emotions and the series of events that follow this discovery.
For me this book contained too many coincidences, I won't spoil the plot for any who plan to read it but there were just a few too many chance encounters for me to find it believable. The supernatural element also confused me somewhat. This is why I have given 3 and not 4 stars.
Having said that, I couldn't put it down. Mariana and Gabriel make for the most endearing pair. Both of them full of love and their bond is so special to read about. All of the characters were so well developed.
If you're a fan of family dramas then I would definitely recommend this one. I enjoyed it so much I have signed up for another blog tour featuring the same author.
TW's - Self Harm, Suicide, Anorexia, Depression, Grief
May 23, 2017
Such a beautifully written book so much so I could place myself at each and every setting in the story. A predominantly sad story which if I'm honest I found quite difficult to follow. I'm unsure if this was because of the amount of characters/similar names or just because I wasn't fully engaged in the characters themselves. Despite this it was still an enjoyable book and we'll worth a read.
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September 5, 2025Of his bones by messermoon
February 22, 2022
This was such a beautiful book. The writing is exquisite; descriptive and emotive and it drew me right in from the start. I loved the different characters and seeing how they all fitted into the storytelling. The thoughts of family and broken bonds and spiritual connection.
“Gabe and I are happy this way. We don’t need anyone else in our lives.”
Mariana feels like a pawn in other people’s games. Her birth mother is ill and opportunities for them to be reconciled are running out.
Despite being adopted, Mariana has always felt secure with who she is. But both sides of her birth family are now closing in, and whatever she decides will irrevocably alter many lives; most of all the man and woman who created her.
This is the sister book to Townsends novel; The Last Time We Saw Marion, and while you do not need to have read this one I definitely wish I had because there is a running theme throughout the book (no spoilers) that I think would have made more sense to me if I had read the first book. That being said although that part of the book lost me a little bit, it didn't stop me from enjoying the story of love, loss and heart-breaking choices.
“Gabe and I are happy this way. We don’t need anyone else in our lives.”
Mariana feels like a pawn in other people’s games. Her birth mother is ill and opportunities for them to be reconciled are running out.
Despite being adopted, Mariana has always felt secure with who she is. But both sides of her birth family are now closing in, and whatever she decides will irrevocably alter many lives; most of all the man and woman who created her.
This is the sister book to Townsends novel; The Last Time We Saw Marion, and while you do not need to have read this one I definitely wish I had because there is a running theme throughout the book (no spoilers) that I think would have made more sense to me if I had read the first book. That being said although that part of the book lost me a little bit, it didn't stop me from enjoying the story of love, loss and heart-breaking choices.
January 31, 2018
Complicated
The novel is complicated, but that's what gives it turns and discoveries. Nothing is quite as you expect. A good read.
The novel is complicated, but that's what gives it turns and discoveries. Nothing is quite as you expect. A good read.
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