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Behind the Smile
An emotionally charged, totally gripping story that will keep you turning the pages late into the night..
Lowri is pregnant, looking forward to a new life with her lover, Simon. But her plans are shattered. She finds herself alone, her face scarred, her future uncertain
Her estranged husband, Jack, proposes they “settle” for each other, and raise Lowri’s unborn child on the Isle of Wight, in the idyllic village of Elmstone.
Lowri is befriended by Carina, the beautiful Italian woman living in Elmstone Manor, and Heather, the popular local café proprietor. However, she soon discovers that no-one is the person they appear.
What dark secrets is Heather hiding from her family and from the village?
Why is Carina desperate for Lowri to fail in her new life and prepared to go to increasingly desperate lengths to destroy her?
As she confronts her own insecurities, and faces another devastating loss, will Lowri find the courage to be proud of the person she is hiding behind the smile? Will she find true love amid the confusion and intrigue?
Lowri is pregnant, looking forward to a new life with her lover, Simon. But her plans are shattered. She finds herself alone, her face scarred, her future uncertain
Her estranged husband, Jack, proposes they “settle” for each other, and raise Lowri’s unborn child on the Isle of Wight, in the idyllic village of Elmstone.
Lowri is befriended by Carina, the beautiful Italian woman living in Elmstone Manor, and Heather, the popular local café proprietor. However, she soon discovers that no-one is the person they appear.
What dark secrets is Heather hiding from her family and from the village?
Why is Carina desperate for Lowri to fail in her new life and prepared to go to increasingly desperate lengths to destroy her?
As she confronts her own insecurities, and faces another devastating loss, will Lowri find the courage to be proud of the person she is hiding behind the smile? Will she find true love amid the confusion and intrigue?
- GenresFictionContemporary
ebook
First published March 22, 2018
67 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
About the author
Mary Grand
20 books272 followersI grew up in Wales. Later I taught in London and then worked with Deaf Children in Hastings. I now live on the beautiful Isle of Wight with my family.
I am published by Boldwood Books and write murder mystery, whodunnits, set on the Isle of Wight. The House Party was published in July 2020
The next 'The Island' will be published on June 24th, 2021.
Previously I published three novels, Free to Be Tegan, Hidden Chapters and Behind the Smile. I have also written two anthologies of short stories, Making Changes and Catching the light is a FREE download.
I would love to hear from you on my blog here on Goodreads.
I am published by Boldwood Books and write murder mystery, whodunnits, set on the Isle of Wight. The House Party was published in July 2020
The next 'The Island' will be published on June 24th, 2021.
Previously I published three novels, Free to Be Tegan, Hidden Chapters and Behind the Smile. I have also written two anthologies of short stories, Making Changes and Catching the light is a FREE download.
I would love to hear from you on my blog here on Goodreads.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 13, 2018
Check out my interview with Mary Grand here: https://readalongwithsue.blogspot.com...
I admit. I fully admit I love a good book cover and title. The title did intrigue me. It made me think of how we can hide behind a smile even though our emotions or thoughts are otherwise.
That we portray ourselves as one person but 'behind that smile' other things are going on.
And this is exactly right.
Lowi was involved in a terrible accident, it scarred half of her beautiful face.
I couldn't help but wonder how I would feel or even if I could brave the outside world again.
If that wasn't enough to cope with she had to cope with a miscarriage, finding herself lied to, the breakdown of her marriage.
Lowri was Jacks secound wife, Holly was his first.
Another person we meet is Carina, she features a lot in many others lives within the pages of this fantastic read. Her husband's name is Ken, hes older than her, wealthy, and she tells everyone how much she adores her Ken.
Lowri has impressive language skills, but to get out there now, how will people view her, will they judge her by her scare? So she hides behind a Facebook account.
That part made me think about life on Facebook. I thought about how some just put up on their wall everything, any emotional thing in life they are going through, venting etc, then there are lots of others who 'hide behind the smile' and just keep things to themselves and make others laugh and feel good about themselves.
Yes I think I thought a bit too much but it really did hit home some questions. I know its a novel, but this is what makes it such a fabulous book, its realism.
I loved the style and ease of this thriller. I enjoyed the journey I went on with all the characters.
This author was unknown to me, and shes left an impression so much so I am checking out her other books.
I read my copy from a book club and enjoyed chatting about it.
I admit. I fully admit I love a good book cover and title. The title did intrigue me. It made me think of how we can hide behind a smile even though our emotions or thoughts are otherwise.
That we portray ourselves as one person but 'behind that smile' other things are going on.
And this is exactly right.
Lowi was involved in a terrible accident, it scarred half of her beautiful face.
I couldn't help but wonder how I would feel or even if I could brave the outside world again.
If that wasn't enough to cope with she had to cope with a miscarriage, finding herself lied to, the breakdown of her marriage.
Lowri was Jacks secound wife, Holly was his first.
Another person we meet is Carina, she features a lot in many others lives within the pages of this fantastic read. Her husband's name is Ken, hes older than her, wealthy, and she tells everyone how much she adores her Ken.
Lowri has impressive language skills, but to get out there now, how will people view her, will they judge her by her scare? So she hides behind a Facebook account.
That part made me think about life on Facebook. I thought about how some just put up on their wall everything, any emotional thing in life they are going through, venting etc, then there are lots of others who 'hide behind the smile' and just keep things to themselves and make others laugh and feel good about themselves.
Yes I think I thought a bit too much but it really did hit home some questions. I know its a novel, but this is what makes it such a fabulous book, its realism.
I loved the style and ease of this thriller. I enjoyed the journey I went on with all the characters.
This author was unknown to me, and shes left an impression so much so I am checking out her other books.
I read my copy from a book club and enjoyed chatting about it.
June 10, 2018
Behind the Smile by Welsh author Mary Grand is Contemporary Literary Fiction, that will have you hooked right from page one and will have you flipping the pages as fast as you can to see what is going to happen. This novel will touch the soul. Within the pages there will be lies and coverups, deception, desire, pain and conspiracy. An emotional rollercoaster! This was my first Mary Grand book and it won't be my last.
Lowri is pregnant, looking forward to a new life with her lover, Simon. But her plans are shattered. She finds herself alone, her face scarred, her future uncertain
Her estranged husband, Jack, proposes they “settle” for each other, and raise Lowri’s unborn child on the Isle of Wight, in the idyllic village of Elmstone.
So they moved to the Isle of Wight where he had lived with his first wife. Not a great beginning to a new future!
Lowri, the female protagonist, is forced to come to terms with her past and with herself. My heart went out to her, with all her struggles…but she is strong and a survivor. She is reinforced by a range of well-developed characters, who each have their own baggage and demons.
Carina, the beautiful Italian woman living in Elmstone Manor who befriends Lowri, and Heather, the popular local café proprietor, are not who they appear to be.
Lowri must learn to love herself again, and find the courage to be proud of the person she is hiding behind the smile? Will she find true love among the confusion and conspiracy?
Many thanks to the author and the TBC Reviewer Request Group for my copy.
Lowri is pregnant, looking forward to a new life with her lover, Simon. But her plans are shattered. She finds herself alone, her face scarred, her future uncertain
Her estranged husband, Jack, proposes they “settle” for each other, and raise Lowri’s unborn child on the Isle of Wight, in the idyllic village of Elmstone.
So they moved to the Isle of Wight where he had lived with his first wife. Not a great beginning to a new future!
Lowri, the female protagonist, is forced to come to terms with her past and with herself. My heart went out to her, with all her struggles…but she is strong and a survivor. She is reinforced by a range of well-developed characters, who each have their own baggage and demons.
Carina, the beautiful Italian woman living in Elmstone Manor who befriends Lowri, and Heather, the popular local café proprietor, are not who they appear to be.
Lowri must learn to love herself again, and find the courage to be proud of the person she is hiding behind the smile? Will she find true love among the confusion and conspiracy?
Many thanks to the author and the TBC Reviewer Request Group for my copy.
July 27, 2018
A village on the Isle of Wight is the setting for this entertaining novel. The author paints a vivid and charming picture of both the beauty of the island and village life. But behind the friendly local gossip, the cake making and pottery classes there is much drama.
Lowri, the central character has returned to the island after suffering severe facial injuries that will disfigure her for life. She hides behind her computer until she is finally coaxed into meeting people again. Then there is Heather, a motherly figure, who has a secret addiction to on-line gambling that threatens to destroy her whole life. Most memorable of all though is the devious and malicious Carina, the Italian beauty, who is intent on claiming Jack for herself.
This is Mary Grand at her very best and I have no hesitation in recommending this book.
Lowri, the central character has returned to the island after suffering severe facial injuries that will disfigure her for life. She hides behind her computer until she is finally coaxed into meeting people again. Then there is Heather, a motherly figure, who has a secret addiction to on-line gambling that threatens to destroy her whole life. Most memorable of all though is the devious and malicious Carina, the Italian beauty, who is intent on claiming Jack for herself.
This is Mary Grand at her very best and I have no hesitation in recommending this book.
August 29, 2019
Lowri is involved in a car accident and her face has become scarred for life. But this is not the only scar that Lowri will carry as she tries to make a new life for herself upon the Isle of Wight.
I really enjoyed reading Behind the Smile and in the back of my head was the song by Fleetwood Mac in 1987 which went “Tell me lies, tell me sweet little lies.” Many characters in this novel told lies and right from the start my empathy was with Lowri as lots of people were stringing her along.
Behind the Smile explored a lot of issues, not just honesty and lies. It explored how people cope with disfigurement, miscarriage, Facebook and gambling. Lowri’s smile had been destroyed because of her facial injuries but this story showed how people can be very different Behind the Smile they present to the world. The inclusion of Facebook in this novel is good. People use Facebook in many different ways and we should all be aware that Facebook posts do not give the full story. Facebook is a channel that can be used in many different ways, some are very subtle. Behind the Smile of your Facebook page, you can influence peoples’ opinions. It can be tempting to play the Facebook game and tease people too. Because there are so many lurkers on Facebook who do not click the “Like” button, you can be sure to get your message across. Facebook can be a very good back channel to work within the workplace. I am amazed at how long our supervisors spend on Facebook checking what our drivers have been posting.
I like Mary Grand’s writing style and she tells a good story in that lovely way that Welsh women have. There is something very homely I find about her novels, even though Behind the Smile is set in her new patch on the Isle of Wight. Yet again the lead character has a cocker spaniel, just like the author! It’s the old thing, write about what you know, in Mary’s case, Wales, the Isle of Wight and cocker spaniels.
Lowri even had a trip back to Merthyr Tydfil…
...She looked at the departure board, found the platform for Merthyr and began her ascent up the steps. Standing on the platform, she listened to the valleys voices: the harsh consonants, and long soft vowels. ‘What you been buying then?’ said one girl.
‘Oh, been to Primark. You know, for thirty quid I got three skirts and two tops. Lush eh?’
‘You going to that band in The Red House tonight?’
‘Guess so. You?’
‘Yea.’
Lowri smiled, already feeling at home.
...And I thought I was listening to the cleaners in Llantrisant depot.
Behind the Smile is Mary’s 3rd novel and I found it to be a BRILLIANT read. Her quality writing gets the top score of 5 stars from me. The story has a happy ending and the last paragraph will have you crying for Lowri.
I really enjoyed reading Behind the Smile and in the back of my head was the song by Fleetwood Mac in 1987 which went “Tell me lies, tell me sweet little lies.” Many characters in this novel told lies and right from the start my empathy was with Lowri as lots of people were stringing her along.
Behind the Smile explored a lot of issues, not just honesty and lies. It explored how people cope with disfigurement, miscarriage, Facebook and gambling. Lowri’s smile had been destroyed because of her facial injuries but this story showed how people can be very different Behind the Smile they present to the world. The inclusion of Facebook in this novel is good. People use Facebook in many different ways and we should all be aware that Facebook posts do not give the full story. Facebook is a channel that can be used in many different ways, some are very subtle. Behind the Smile of your Facebook page, you can influence peoples’ opinions. It can be tempting to play the Facebook game and tease people too. Because there are so many lurkers on Facebook who do not click the “Like” button, you can be sure to get your message across. Facebook can be a very good back channel to work within the workplace. I am amazed at how long our supervisors spend on Facebook checking what our drivers have been posting.
I like Mary Grand’s writing style and she tells a good story in that lovely way that Welsh women have. There is something very homely I find about her novels, even though Behind the Smile is set in her new patch on the Isle of Wight. Yet again the lead character has a cocker spaniel, just like the author! It’s the old thing, write about what you know, in Mary’s case, Wales, the Isle of Wight and cocker spaniels.
Lowri even had a trip back to Merthyr Tydfil…
...She looked at the departure board, found the platform for Merthyr and began her ascent up the steps. Standing on the platform, she listened to the valleys voices: the harsh consonants, and long soft vowels. ‘What you been buying then?’ said one girl.
‘Oh, been to Primark. You know, for thirty quid I got three skirts and two tops. Lush eh?’
‘You going to that band in The Red House tonight?’
‘Guess so. You?’
‘Yea.’
Lowri smiled, already feeling at home.
...And I thought I was listening to the cleaners in Llantrisant depot.
Behind the Smile is Mary’s 3rd novel and I found it to be a BRILLIANT read. Her quality writing gets the top score of 5 stars from me. The story has a happy ending and the last paragraph will have you crying for Lowri.
June 7, 2018
Tragedy just seems to joy ride on some people as they can never seem to get off the forever downward spinning spiral of everything going wrong. That was Lowri at the moment I met her and ok some may say that part of her misfortune was of her own making but no-one wants to feel this hurt or abandoned. Lowri felt all that. Lowri was more gullible than anything so when Simon had told her he loved her, she believed him. When he said he had told his wife, she believed him. When Lowri was involved in a horrific car accident that disfigured her and she told Simon she was pregnant, she believed him when he said he wanted nothing to do with her or the baby. What a mess but Lowri’s estranged husband Jack wanted to make it right for the wrong reasons and so they moved to the Isle of Wight where he had lived with his first wife. Where she had never been and where Jack’s first wife had been quite a central character and all her family still were.
We really mess up sometimes I know I have when I look back at my life I cringe at some of the choices I made, I think that is why I liked Lowri so much. I loved this story and trying to work out who were the nice guys, the obsessive, the liars and real stab you in the back type of characters. This story has it all. Whoa this was good but tragedy is never far away from Lowri but who can she really trust?
Although Lowri is the central character the story does also spider off into the lives of the other characters. All of them connected to each other in one way or another and all with their own problems. The common factor for them all is that they are all leading a life full of lies and each day the lies just fester and grow. There are a couple of bombshells that are going to go off spectacularly as time ticks on.
Mary Grand is extremely creative with her beautiful writing, this is the second book of hers that I have read and I have already fallen in love with the Isle of Wight. The characters she creates feel very real, they have substance. Love is a very powerful emotion that evokes other emotions both good and bad and that’s what I got. A super story where I felt involved and connected. Loved it!
We really mess up sometimes I know I have when I look back at my life I cringe at some of the choices I made, I think that is why I liked Lowri so much. I loved this story and trying to work out who were the nice guys, the obsessive, the liars and real stab you in the back type of characters. This story has it all. Whoa this was good but tragedy is never far away from Lowri but who can she really trust?
Although Lowri is the central character the story does also spider off into the lives of the other characters. All of them connected to each other in one way or another and all with their own problems. The common factor for them all is that they are all leading a life full of lies and each day the lies just fester and grow. There are a couple of bombshells that are going to go off spectacularly as time ticks on.
Mary Grand is extremely creative with her beautiful writing, this is the second book of hers that I have read and I have already fallen in love with the Isle of Wight. The characters she creates feel very real, they have substance. Love is a very powerful emotion that evokes other emotions both good and bad and that’s what I got. A super story where I felt involved and connected. Loved it!
March 18, 2018
‘There is a time for all things: to grieve, to dance, to cry, to sing.’
Welsh author Mary Grand worked as a nursery teacher in London and later taught Deaf children in Croydon and Hastings, but now writes her books from her home on the Isle of Wight. She has published a collection of short stories, CATCHING THE LIGHT, MAKING CHANGES, her successful novels FREE TO BE TEGAN and HIDDEN CHAPTERS and now BEHIND THE SMILE – a new story of intrigue set on the Isle of Wight.
Mary’s eloquent writing is immediately placed before us in a meaningful moment simply titled ‘March 2016’ - He found her early that morning on Mottistone Down. From a distance she looked dramatic, beautiful even, draped across the smaller Longstone, the mellow, yellow-red morning light softening the image. However, closer to, he saw her face, traces of tears on her cheeks. For the first time, he saw the woman behind the smile.’ And so she sets the title into action wit those few words.
Mary’s opening chapter opens in September 2015, the prequel above begins to take hold: ‘Lowri’s stilettos clicked on the marble floor of Orly airport. She tipped up her chin, pushed her shoulders back, put on her calm, in control smile. Ignoring the luxury shops, she walked quickly, guilt making her petrified she would meet someone she knew. Finally she arrived at the agreed café, and paused. The front of the café opened on to the concourse. Peering inside, she saw a sea of people. Her eyes darted around: where was he? The thin veneer of confidence started to crack and she panicked. Maybe he hadn’t come? Then, breaking though the din, she heard, ‘Lowri, over here.’ Twisting round, she saw him sitting across the café at a small red table by the counter, partially hidden behind the queue. She had been imagining this moment for weeks; pictured him wearing casual clothes but, of course, he’d come from the hospital. He was wearing his neat grey suit which matched the flecks of grey in his hair; he grinned over at her. Blinking away tears of relief, she pushed her way apologetically past the occupied seats and clambered over bags strewn over the floor. He calmly folded his newspaper, stood up, leant forward and took her case. ‘It’s chaos here today,’ he said. Taking her arm, he gently pulled her towards him and kissed her on the cheek. Simon was short like her. He didn’t have to bend down awkwardly and try to aim a kiss at her, like throwing a dart at a board. Instead their faces touched and lingered. ‘You made it.’ He held her close. The relief in his voice surprised Lowri. For once, she realised, he hadn’t been sure of her. Simon usually wore an air of someone who expected life to go his way. ‘It’s been a long six weeks,’ he said, tracing her face with his fingers as if reminding himself of every detail. The lightness of his fingers made her shiver. As she looked deep into his eyes she felt a wave of relief. She had allowed a nightmare scenario to build up in her mind: him being furious when she told him, but it seemed silly now.’
Mary’s ability to spin tales that incorporate unusual characters and circumstances is uncanny. Her prose, while eloquent, is at time difficult to follow – until the reader realizes that Mary has placed pertinent stumbling blocks in her story to propel the tension. The plot is distilled for us – ‘Lowri is pregnant, looking forward to a new life with her lover, Simon. But her plans are shattered. She finds herself alone, her face scarred, her future uncertain. Her estranged husband, Jack, proposes they “settle” for each other, and raise Lowri’s unborn child on the Isle of Wight, in the idyllic village of Elmstone. Lowri is befriended by Carina, the beautiful Italian woman living in Elmstone Manor, and Heather, the popular local café proprietor. However, she soon discovers that no one is the person they appear. What dark secrets is Heather hiding from her family and from the village? Why is Carina desperate for Lowri to fail in her new life and prepared to go to increasingly desperate lengths to destroy her? As she confronts her own insecurities, and faces another devastating loss, will Lowri find the courage to be proud of the person she is hiding behind the smile? Will she find true love amid the confusion and intrigue?’
In the end the tale shares with the reader the importance of hope and the durability of courage in facing the path to mold the future well. Tough story, exceptionally well related.
Welsh author Mary Grand worked as a nursery teacher in London and later taught Deaf children in Croydon and Hastings, but now writes her books from her home on the Isle of Wight. She has published a collection of short stories, CATCHING THE LIGHT, MAKING CHANGES, her successful novels FREE TO BE TEGAN and HIDDEN CHAPTERS and now BEHIND THE SMILE – a new story of intrigue set on the Isle of Wight.
Mary’s eloquent writing is immediately placed before us in a meaningful moment simply titled ‘March 2016’ - He found her early that morning on Mottistone Down. From a distance she looked dramatic, beautiful even, draped across the smaller Longstone, the mellow, yellow-red morning light softening the image. However, closer to, he saw her face, traces of tears on her cheeks. For the first time, he saw the woman behind the smile.’ And so she sets the title into action wit those few words.
Mary’s opening chapter opens in September 2015, the prequel above begins to take hold: ‘Lowri’s stilettos clicked on the marble floor of Orly airport. She tipped up her chin, pushed her shoulders back, put on her calm, in control smile. Ignoring the luxury shops, she walked quickly, guilt making her petrified she would meet someone she knew. Finally she arrived at the agreed café, and paused. The front of the café opened on to the concourse. Peering inside, she saw a sea of people. Her eyes darted around: where was he? The thin veneer of confidence started to crack and she panicked. Maybe he hadn’t come? Then, breaking though the din, she heard, ‘Lowri, over here.’ Twisting round, she saw him sitting across the café at a small red table by the counter, partially hidden behind the queue. She had been imagining this moment for weeks; pictured him wearing casual clothes but, of course, he’d come from the hospital. He was wearing his neat grey suit which matched the flecks of grey in his hair; he grinned over at her. Blinking away tears of relief, she pushed her way apologetically past the occupied seats and clambered over bags strewn over the floor. He calmly folded his newspaper, stood up, leant forward and took her case. ‘It’s chaos here today,’ he said. Taking her arm, he gently pulled her towards him and kissed her on the cheek. Simon was short like her. He didn’t have to bend down awkwardly and try to aim a kiss at her, like throwing a dart at a board. Instead their faces touched and lingered. ‘You made it.’ He held her close. The relief in his voice surprised Lowri. For once, she realised, he hadn’t been sure of her. Simon usually wore an air of someone who expected life to go his way. ‘It’s been a long six weeks,’ he said, tracing her face with his fingers as if reminding himself of every detail. The lightness of his fingers made her shiver. As she looked deep into his eyes she felt a wave of relief. She had allowed a nightmare scenario to build up in her mind: him being furious when she told him, but it seemed silly now.’
Mary’s ability to spin tales that incorporate unusual characters and circumstances is uncanny. Her prose, while eloquent, is at time difficult to follow – until the reader realizes that Mary has placed pertinent stumbling blocks in her story to propel the tension. The plot is distilled for us – ‘Lowri is pregnant, looking forward to a new life with her lover, Simon. But her plans are shattered. She finds herself alone, her face scarred, her future uncertain. Her estranged husband, Jack, proposes they “settle” for each other, and raise Lowri’s unborn child on the Isle of Wight, in the idyllic village of Elmstone. Lowri is befriended by Carina, the beautiful Italian woman living in Elmstone Manor, and Heather, the popular local café proprietor. However, she soon discovers that no one is the person they appear. What dark secrets is Heather hiding from her family and from the village? Why is Carina desperate for Lowri to fail in her new life and prepared to go to increasingly desperate lengths to destroy her? As she confronts her own insecurities, and faces another devastating loss, will Lowri find the courage to be proud of the person she is hiding behind the smile? Will she find true love amid the confusion and intrigue?’
In the end the tale shares with the reader the importance of hope and the durability of courage in facing the path to mold the future well. Tough story, exceptionally well related.
June 10, 2018
I was fortunate to be given this book by The Book Club on Facebook in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Lowri, recently separated after husband Jack admits to loving another and pregnant by a new partner, finds herself in hospital in France following a major car crash. Far from the new life she had pictured for herself, her child and partner, she now finds that her partner has left her, she has serious facial injury and scarring, and her estranged husband is on his way to be at her side. She can’t look at herself and her confidence is pulled from beneath her in the moment that she does look in the mirror.
Events overtake her, leaving Lowri to be taken back to the Isle of Wight where husband Jack has a house that he used to share with his ex-wife, Holly. Jack, a painter and university art lecturer, suggests that they resume a platonic marriage and that he will raise the child as his own and Lowri accepts this arrangement as she attempts to recover and regain some confidence. She finds that she is able to start going out on the island with her dog and this helps her to meet new people. Heather, local café owner and sister of Holly, Dave, a potter, Nicola the local hospital chaplain, and owner of the local manor house, Ken & his Italian wife, Carina.
Carina pays particular attention to Lowri and seems to take her under her wing, inviting her to visit the manor where Jack has undertaken a painting commission. Is it possible for Lowri to move forward in her recovery when she is confronted each day by the “perfect” and beautiful Carina, not only in person but also in a painting that Jack has hanging in the house? As Lowri regains her strength and begins her work again as a translator, she ventures out and finds that all may not be as perfect as it first seems. Jack is distant and completely immersed in his work, Heather is desperately trying to hold things together as she plans her daughter’s wedding, and Lowri overhears snippets of conversation that convince her Jack is having an affair again. Slowly Lowri begins to doubt herself and those around her, particularly her “friend” Carina, when first another tragedy strikes and then she comes face to face with her ex-lover and his wife.
Lowri must allow herself to unravel truths from the lies being fed to her and to make the right decisions for her future.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I was captivated from start to finish. I found it to be an easy read and had my kindle with me constantly for the couple of days that I was reading it! Taking a trip back to the Isle of Wight was always going to be a winner for me. Personally, I enjoyed to first half of the book the most as the characters took on their places in the story and the reader was introduced to the different back stories that were all in some way interlinked. I had a “family tree” in my mind that I kept adding to in order to work out who was related to whom and how – not in the familial sense, although some are actually blood relatives.
Lowri, as the main character, grows throughout the story and I think that the reader witnesses a metamorphosis, albeit at times slow and frustrating. I did grow to like Lowri and was really routing for her, but at times I wanted to shout at her that she was seeing the world through rose tinted glasses. There was that old panto feel of shouting out “she’s behind you”! But I do believe that this is indicative of good writing as the author made me, the reader, feel a whole range of emotions towards this character. The phrase that “beauty is only skin deep” takes on a life of its own in this novel and I appreciated how this worked within the characters of Lowri and Carina. One is physically beautiful and the other now physically scarred, yet as the story progresses the beauty and the scarring manifest in very different ways.
Online gambling is a very topical subject that envelops one character and whilst a secondary storyline, I admired the way that it was portrayed for both the individual and the knock-on effects for the family. Lies and deceit play a major role in this book, enveloping marriages, family relationships, and friendships. There was so much going on in the different strands of the book, that I would have liked to have a little more development of certain characters in the second half of the book and maybe fewer tying up of loose ends. I am being picky here with a book that I really enjoyed, but some of the outcomes suddenly became maybe a little cliched as the endings became rushed. I wanted slightly more – greedy, I know! There are however little gems in here for everyone – the descriptions of the dogs playing, the wonderful Isle of Wight countryside and the sensitive handling of loss in early pregnancy.
This is a book full of human emotion and learning – self-love, trust, grief, communication, obsession and not taking life at face value. 4 stars!
Lowri, recently separated after husband Jack admits to loving another and pregnant by a new partner, finds herself in hospital in France following a major car crash. Far from the new life she had pictured for herself, her child and partner, she now finds that her partner has left her, she has serious facial injury and scarring, and her estranged husband is on his way to be at her side. She can’t look at herself and her confidence is pulled from beneath her in the moment that she does look in the mirror.
Events overtake her, leaving Lowri to be taken back to the Isle of Wight where husband Jack has a house that he used to share with his ex-wife, Holly. Jack, a painter and university art lecturer, suggests that they resume a platonic marriage and that he will raise the child as his own and Lowri accepts this arrangement as she attempts to recover and regain some confidence. She finds that she is able to start going out on the island with her dog and this helps her to meet new people. Heather, local café owner and sister of Holly, Dave, a potter, Nicola the local hospital chaplain, and owner of the local manor house, Ken & his Italian wife, Carina.
Carina pays particular attention to Lowri and seems to take her under her wing, inviting her to visit the manor where Jack has undertaken a painting commission. Is it possible for Lowri to move forward in her recovery when she is confronted each day by the “perfect” and beautiful Carina, not only in person but also in a painting that Jack has hanging in the house? As Lowri regains her strength and begins her work again as a translator, she ventures out and finds that all may not be as perfect as it first seems. Jack is distant and completely immersed in his work, Heather is desperately trying to hold things together as she plans her daughter’s wedding, and Lowri overhears snippets of conversation that convince her Jack is having an affair again. Slowly Lowri begins to doubt herself and those around her, particularly her “friend” Carina, when first another tragedy strikes and then she comes face to face with her ex-lover and his wife.
Lowri must allow herself to unravel truths from the lies being fed to her and to make the right decisions for her future.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and I was captivated from start to finish. I found it to be an easy read and had my kindle with me constantly for the couple of days that I was reading it! Taking a trip back to the Isle of Wight was always going to be a winner for me. Personally, I enjoyed to first half of the book the most as the characters took on their places in the story and the reader was introduced to the different back stories that were all in some way interlinked. I had a “family tree” in my mind that I kept adding to in order to work out who was related to whom and how – not in the familial sense, although some are actually blood relatives.
Lowri, as the main character, grows throughout the story and I think that the reader witnesses a metamorphosis, albeit at times slow and frustrating. I did grow to like Lowri and was really routing for her, but at times I wanted to shout at her that she was seeing the world through rose tinted glasses. There was that old panto feel of shouting out “she’s behind you”! But I do believe that this is indicative of good writing as the author made me, the reader, feel a whole range of emotions towards this character. The phrase that “beauty is only skin deep” takes on a life of its own in this novel and I appreciated how this worked within the characters of Lowri and Carina. One is physically beautiful and the other now physically scarred, yet as the story progresses the beauty and the scarring manifest in very different ways.
Online gambling is a very topical subject that envelops one character and whilst a secondary storyline, I admired the way that it was portrayed for both the individual and the knock-on effects for the family. Lies and deceit play a major role in this book, enveloping marriages, family relationships, and friendships. There was so much going on in the different strands of the book, that I would have liked to have a little more development of certain characters in the second half of the book and maybe fewer tying up of loose ends. I am being picky here with a book that I really enjoyed, but some of the outcomes suddenly became maybe a little cliched as the endings became rushed. I wanted slightly more – greedy, I know! There are however little gems in here for everyone – the descriptions of the dogs playing, the wonderful Isle of Wight countryside and the sensitive handling of loss in early pregnancy.
This is a book full of human emotion and learning – self-love, trust, grief, communication, obsession and not taking life at face value. 4 stars!
May 31, 2018
A novel about learning to love yourself, not to trust others and the secrets people hide behind their smiles.
I loved the first half of this book then felt it became a little clichéd and predictable. Some of the characters were not fully developed and as such were unbelievable. Enjoyed hearing about the Isle of Wight and the references to Wales.
An easy holiday read.
Thanks to Mary and TBC Reviewer group for my copy 😊
I loved the first half of this book then felt it became a little clichéd and predictable. Some of the characters were not fully developed and as such were unbelievable. Enjoyed hearing about the Isle of Wight and the references to Wales.
An easy holiday read.
Thanks to Mary and TBC Reviewer group for my copy 😊
June 3, 2018
Wow..... I was totally consumed by this story. Thank goodness I was off work so I could dive into it and keep reading. The story is about deceipt and lies and the intrigue. Lots of characters all intertwined in a web of love and dishonesty. This was my first Mary Grand book and it won't be my last. Loved every word of this book and feel bereft now it's ended.
May 19, 2018
Wow - I was given a free copy of this book to review and have to say I loved it. This book starts off as a story about the aftermath of an affair and a husband who agrees to take on another mans child and look after his wife after a nasty life changing accident and turns into a story’s about obsesssion and love on the Isle of White. I found the book totally engaging and as a welsh girl loved the link from the author and the lead character to Wales it’s always comforting to see local places in books.
June 4, 2018
A new author to me and this one kept me entertained right till the end. Can remember a family holiday to the Isle of Wight as a child and I think this is the first book I have read set on the island. Lots of intrigue and deviousness from certain characters but I'm not so sure Lowri would have jumped from partner to partner so quickly in real life. Felt quite sorry for Lowri and she seemed to take black from all angles. Highly recommended. Thank you to TBC and to the author for the chance to read this title in exchange for a honest review.
June 3, 2018
A great, fast paced and brilliant read. This book is well written and I loved the way all the characters intertwined.
Lowrie had a lot to go through and the twists and turns kept me interested all the way - brilliant!
Lowrie had a lot to go through and the twists and turns kept me interested all the way - brilliant!
March 22, 2018
Another brilliant book by author Mary Grand. I really enjoyed 'Behind the Smile' and felt for Lowri. A real page turner, I highly recommend.
June 17, 2018
Behind the smile by Mary Grand
Lowri is pregnant, looking forward to a new life with her lover, Simon. But her plans are shattered. She finds herself alone, her face scarred, her future uncertain
Her estranged husband, Jack, proposes they “settle” for each other, and raise Lowri’s unborn child on the Isle of Wight, in the idyllic village of Elmstone.
Lowri is befriended by Carina, the beautiful Italian woman living in Elmstone Manor, and Heather, the popular local café proprietor. However, she soon discovers that no-one is the person they appear.
What dark secrets is Heather hiding from her family and from the village?
Why is Carina desperate for Lowri to fail in her new life and prepared to go to increasingly desperate lengths to destroy her?
As she confronts her own insecurities, and faces another devastating loss, will Lowri find the courage to be proud of the person she is hiding behind the smile? Will she find true love amid the confusion and intrigue?
An absolutely fantastic read. Very moving. I loved lowri. I really didn't like carina from the start. I loved Dave and I loved Heather too. I loved the ending too. 5*.
Lowri is pregnant, looking forward to a new life with her lover, Simon. But her plans are shattered. She finds herself alone, her face scarred, her future uncertain
Her estranged husband, Jack, proposes they “settle” for each other, and raise Lowri’s unborn child on the Isle of Wight, in the idyllic village of Elmstone.
Lowri is befriended by Carina, the beautiful Italian woman living in Elmstone Manor, and Heather, the popular local café proprietor. However, she soon discovers that no-one is the person they appear.
What dark secrets is Heather hiding from her family and from the village?
Why is Carina desperate for Lowri to fail in her new life and prepared to go to increasingly desperate lengths to destroy her?
As she confronts her own insecurities, and faces another devastating loss, will Lowri find the courage to be proud of the person she is hiding behind the smile? Will she find true love amid the confusion and intrigue?
An absolutely fantastic read. Very moving. I loved lowri. I really didn't like carina from the start. I loved Dave and I loved Heather too. I loved the ending too. 5*.
June 13, 2018
An entertaining read about learning to be yourself and see people for what they are.
Lowri finds herself all alone and pregnant when her estranged husband proposes they stay together again in his house on the Isle of Wight. This sets off a chain of events with Lowri coming into contact with Carina, the rich mistress of the manor, and Heather, who takes her under her wing.
But no one is as they seem and that's what Lowri needs to figure out.
The relationships got a little too predictable towards the end but otherwise it was a good read.
Lowri finds herself all alone and pregnant when her estranged husband proposes they stay together again in his house on the Isle of Wight. This sets off a chain of events with Lowri coming into contact with Carina, the rich mistress of the manor, and Heather, who takes her under her wing.
But no one is as they seem and that's what Lowri needs to figure out.
The relationships got a little too predictable towards the end but otherwise it was a good read.
June 11, 2018
The story line is centres around Lowri as the lead female character.
All the women in the book feature strongly from the nasty one to the naïve one.
I found it hard to believe in most of the characters as they all seem to be rather stupid. The book lurches from an affair to a near tragedy to addiction and anything else that seems to pop in to the author’s head to try and make the book more interesting.
Having said that the writing was good and the book did flow. It may just be that the storyline wasn't for me.
All the women in the book feature strongly from the nasty one to the naïve one.
I found it hard to believe in most of the characters as they all seem to be rather stupid. The book lurches from an affair to a near tragedy to addiction and anything else that seems to pop in to the author’s head to try and make the book more interesting.
Having said that the writing was good and the book did flow. It may just be that the storyline wasn't for me.
June 2, 2018
This was a good read in the first half, and i enjoyed the individual storyline.
The main themes of love, betrayal, intrigue and the secrets people hold were well done initially, the characters to begin with engaging. The scenes created were easy to read, if at times the story seemed to stumble.
There were several points i found it difficult to concentrate on what was going on as the prose became a bit tricky, and as mentioned before, seemed to stumble over thoughts, but overall found it to be quite interesting a read. That being said, it has taken me a while to get through, purely because i found the second half quite predictable, and at times just couldn’t find myself fully engaged.
It almost felt the first half of the book had much thought, and the second half was more of a rush to finish, making elements predictable.
It was an enjoyable read for the first half though, and i DID finish it because I wanted to see how it turned out. But not something I would personally reread, so I couldn’t bring myself to give 3 stars.
The main themes of love, betrayal, intrigue and the secrets people hold were well done initially, the characters to begin with engaging. The scenes created were easy to read, if at times the story seemed to stumble.
There were several points i found it difficult to concentrate on what was going on as the prose became a bit tricky, and as mentioned before, seemed to stumble over thoughts, but overall found it to be quite interesting a read. That being said, it has taken me a while to get through, purely because i found the second half quite predictable, and at times just couldn’t find myself fully engaged.
It almost felt the first half of the book had much thought, and the second half was more of a rush to finish, making elements predictable.
It was an enjoyable read for the first half though, and i DID finish it because I wanted to see how it turned out. But not something I would personally reread, so I couldn’t bring myself to give 3 stars.
June 10, 2018
A real page turner of a book, Lowri is pregnant and believes that her love Simon will look after her and the baby. However this isn’t the case and she ends up back with her estranged husband “settling” with him and moving to the Isle of Wight.
The book is so well written and the descriptions of the Isle of Wight are really beautiful.
The book is so well written and the descriptions of the Isle of Wight are really beautiful.
June 9, 2018
After a good start, this story seemed to slow right down and had a pretty predictable ending..
May 25, 2018
This is the first book I have read from Mary Grand.
"Behind The Smile" is a book full of deceit, obsession and lies.
This was a great read inbetween my usual psychological thrillers. By the time I'd got to fairly near the end I was crying ~ I got some concerned looks on the bus that day!
A good combination of characters, many I disliked but that just added to the thrill of the read!
I look forward to reading more by Mary Grand especially as I've spent many Happy holidays on The Isle of Wight where this one was mainly set.
"Behind The Smile" is a book full of deceit, obsession and lies.
This was a great read inbetween my usual psychological thrillers. By the time I'd got to fairly near the end I was crying ~ I got some concerned looks on the bus that day!
A good combination of characters, many I disliked but that just added to the thrill of the read!
I look forward to reading more by Mary Grand especially as I've spent many Happy holidays on The Isle of Wight where this one was mainly set.
May 1, 2018
A gripping and tense Island story
Lowri's marriage is crumbling, then she meets Simon. He lures her to France but a tragic car accident ruins her chance of a future. Her facial injuries are horrific, but her husband stands by her. They move to the Isle of White and start over, but Lowri had not reckoned on having to fight Carina, the beautiful Italian at the manor house, for her man's attention. Then things become sinister. Will Lowri survive all the odds stacked up against her?
June Finnigan - Writer
Lowri's marriage is crumbling, then she meets Simon. He lures her to France but a tragic car accident ruins her chance of a future. Her facial injuries are horrific, but her husband stands by her. They move to the Isle of White and start over, but Lowri had not reckoned on having to fight Carina, the beautiful Italian at the manor house, for her man's attention. Then things become sinister. Will Lowri survive all the odds stacked up against her?
June Finnigan - Writer
March 29, 2018
Much more than a romance, a wonderful novel for our time.
This is Mary Grand’s third full-length novel and each one takes us to even greater emotional heights. The characters are drawn with clarity and precision and cover the good, the bad, the mad and the dangerous to know. Lowri, the female lead, learns through terrible physical and emotional trauma, to comes to terms with her past and with herself. You cannot help but love her. She is supported and thwarted along the way by a colourful cast who each struggle with their own demons.
But this is also a novel in the great tradition of English female writers such as Charlotte Brontë. The author is not afraid to spend time evoking the spirit of place: The Isle of Wight, the Downs and Compton Bay; nor is she shy of tackling important issues of today such as Facebook and online gambling. Life is a struggle for Lowri just as it was for Jane Eyre, and although they live nearly two hundred years apart in time, they are both modern women facing the challenges of their times, honestly and without flinching. There is a moral backbone to this book which will make it last.
This is Mary Grand’s third full-length novel and each one takes us to even greater emotional heights. The characters are drawn with clarity and precision and cover the good, the bad, the mad and the dangerous to know. Lowri, the female lead, learns through terrible physical and emotional trauma, to comes to terms with her past and with herself. You cannot help but love her. She is supported and thwarted along the way by a colourful cast who each struggle with their own demons.
But this is also a novel in the great tradition of English female writers such as Charlotte Brontë. The author is not afraid to spend time evoking the spirit of place: The Isle of Wight, the Downs and Compton Bay; nor is she shy of tackling important issues of today such as Facebook and online gambling. Life is a struggle for Lowri just as it was for Jane Eyre, and although they live nearly two hundred years apart in time, they are both modern women facing the challenges of their times, honestly and without flinching. There is a moral backbone to this book which will make it last.
April 3, 2018
Great read
I saw that Mary had written this book and setting was my favourite place ! Aside from lots of references to places that I have visited ,the story is excellent with twists and turns throughout.
I saw that Mary had written this book and setting was my favourite place ! Aside from lots of references to places that I have visited ,the story is excellent with twists and turns throughout.
February 10, 2019
You know what? I can't be certain but this is possibly the first book I have read that has been set on the Isle of Wight. It's a place I have visited a couple of times, quite enjoyed it to be fair, and so some of the places that are described in the book are familiar to me. I love it when that happens as I find it draws you into the story even more. Not that this story needed that sense of the familiar, not at all. This was a book that once I picked it up I found myself pretty well racing through it, completely engrossed in the story as well as engaged by the characters.
The story is focused upon the character of Lowri, a woman who finds her whole life turned upside down by one random, and devastating event. Estranged from her husband, Lowri heads to France to meet her new lover, Simon. Whilst there she is involved in an accident which changes everything, leaving her with life altering injuries and choices to make which she had once thought she and Simon would make together. Thankfully, she is not left alone, her husband Jack rushing to her side and making her a proposal which sees her moving her life form her home in Southampton to Jack's family home on the island. The home has history, but that history does not belong to Lowri and Jack. The question is, can she really settle there and be happy?
Now without giving too much away, I will say that this is quite a complicated family drama, where unexpected relationships and links add to the overwhelming sense that, sooner or later, everything is going to come crashing down around Lowri's ears. There is no doubt that she suffers unbelievable loss and devastation in this story, and for that she had my full sympathy. She was a very likeable character who has made some very questionable choices, her naivety a little astounding at times and perhaps the only thing to niggle at me about her. But the more of the story I read, the more I grew to like her, and the more I wanted her to find her moment of happiness. It would be hard for any woman knowing that you were your husband's second choice - their safe option. Someone they had settled for rather than someone they loved. And this is part of the mystery of this book. Just who is it that Jack really loves, as there are perhaps some more obvious candidates amongst the residents of the small village of Elmstone that Lowri now calls home.
I really liked the way in which the author has created and developed the characters in the story. From Lowri, with her reluctance to engage with others and her struggle to accept all that has happened to her, through to those she comes to know and call friends, they all add colour to the text. Jack's obsession with his artwork and with the renovations he is completing up at the great hall all ring true, especially how he loses himself in the work to the expense of everything else around him, as well as being completely oblivious to things that are obvious to the readers. Then you have the people at the cafe, Jack's former sister in law, Heather, and her assistant, Carina. Heather was instantly likeable and her choices and actions, as they were revealed. Carina was charming and beautiful - exactly the kind of person to ring alarm bells form the start - but just how fair was that judgement? Well, you'll need to read to find out.
If there is one other character, aside from Lowri, that I really did like, it was Dave, the guy who ran a pottery class at Heather's cafe. Quite possibly the best reason why you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, despite his quite serious and intimidating looking exterior, he has a heart of gold and was someone it was very easy to grow to love. He has hidden depths, and an innate understanding which helps Lowri to come to terms with her situation and move on from her past. I think we could all do with a Dave in our lives to be fair.
Now this book isn't simply a study in relationships, and there is an undercurrent of mystery and threat which flows through the book, almost from the moment Lowri arrives in Elmstone. As a reader you slowly see the picture start to evolve. You are privy to the deceptions in a way that the character's aren't, and you can feel everything building to the books surprising and dramatic conclusion. This is really a story of obsession, the kind that shows itself in many different ways, from gambling, to pursuit of art, to plan old fashioned love and passion. But at the heart of the story there is also the sense of people searching for forgiveness and understanding - for second chances. Whether they all manage to find that - well, that's another matter entirely.
I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be looking out for more from the author in the future. I'm just sorry it took me so long to read it but am so glad I sought to put that right.
The story is focused upon the character of Lowri, a woman who finds her whole life turned upside down by one random, and devastating event. Estranged from her husband, Lowri heads to France to meet her new lover, Simon. Whilst there she is involved in an accident which changes everything, leaving her with life altering injuries and choices to make which she had once thought she and Simon would make together. Thankfully, she is not left alone, her husband Jack rushing to her side and making her a proposal which sees her moving her life form her home in Southampton to Jack's family home on the island. The home has history, but that history does not belong to Lowri and Jack. The question is, can she really settle there and be happy?
Now without giving too much away, I will say that this is quite a complicated family drama, where unexpected relationships and links add to the overwhelming sense that, sooner or later, everything is going to come crashing down around Lowri's ears. There is no doubt that she suffers unbelievable loss and devastation in this story, and for that she had my full sympathy. She was a very likeable character who has made some very questionable choices, her naivety a little astounding at times and perhaps the only thing to niggle at me about her. But the more of the story I read, the more I grew to like her, and the more I wanted her to find her moment of happiness. It would be hard for any woman knowing that you were your husband's second choice - their safe option. Someone they had settled for rather than someone they loved. And this is part of the mystery of this book. Just who is it that Jack really loves, as there are perhaps some more obvious candidates amongst the residents of the small village of Elmstone that Lowri now calls home.
I really liked the way in which the author has created and developed the characters in the story. From Lowri, with her reluctance to engage with others and her struggle to accept all that has happened to her, through to those she comes to know and call friends, they all add colour to the text. Jack's obsession with his artwork and with the renovations he is completing up at the great hall all ring true, especially how he loses himself in the work to the expense of everything else around him, as well as being completely oblivious to things that are obvious to the readers. Then you have the people at the cafe, Jack's former sister in law, Heather, and her assistant, Carina. Heather was instantly likeable and her choices and actions, as they were revealed. Carina was charming and beautiful - exactly the kind of person to ring alarm bells form the start - but just how fair was that judgement? Well, you'll need to read to find out.
If there is one other character, aside from Lowri, that I really did like, it was Dave, the guy who ran a pottery class at Heather's cafe. Quite possibly the best reason why you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, despite his quite serious and intimidating looking exterior, he has a heart of gold and was someone it was very easy to grow to love. He has hidden depths, and an innate understanding which helps Lowri to come to terms with her situation and move on from her past. I think we could all do with a Dave in our lives to be fair.
Now this book isn't simply a study in relationships, and there is an undercurrent of mystery and threat which flows through the book, almost from the moment Lowri arrives in Elmstone. As a reader you slowly see the picture start to evolve. You are privy to the deceptions in a way that the character's aren't, and you can feel everything building to the books surprising and dramatic conclusion. This is really a story of obsession, the kind that shows itself in many different ways, from gambling, to pursuit of art, to plan old fashioned love and passion. But at the heart of the story there is also the sense of people searching for forgiveness and understanding - for second chances. Whether they all manage to find that - well, that's another matter entirely.
I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be looking out for more from the author in the future. I'm just sorry it took me so long to read it but am so glad I sought to put that right.
June 15, 2018
I enjoyed this book. I felt it began slowly but then it did pick up pace, I guess it may be because we had to learn about all the characters and how they all connected together.
Lowrie really went through it and I was rushing to find out if she would have a happy ending when confronted by a few characters in the book. A great read.
Lowrie really went through it and I was rushing to find out if she would have a happy ending when confronted by a few characters in the book. A great read.
June 29, 2021
It's not very often I give up on a book but this book just has no flow and is going nowhere. There is nothing to keep you gripped to want to no more. I don't like to give negative reviews as a rule, I tried to get into it but it was like reading a book that a child has written, the writing just seemed all so muddled. Apologies to the auther but I will not be reading any more of her books....
December 1, 2022
Great read
At first I was fussing at all these weak women, so gullible!
But each one came around, and were stronger for it. Just took them a while, men and women, to see the conniving, fake and evil person behind the beautiful smile. Yuck, I spotted her first thing. I am really enjoying Mary Grand’s books! I have four more in my library to read. 😊
At first I was fussing at all these weak women, so gullible!
But each one came around, and were stronger for it. Just took them a while, men and women, to see the conniving, fake and evil person behind the beautiful smile. Yuck, I spotted her first thing. I am really enjoying Mary Grand’s books! I have four more in my library to read. 😊
May 10, 2021
Unbelievable
Writing style is fine. And no typos. Plot was imaginative but it was so obvious that there was a devious mind at play.
Writing style is fine. And no typos. Plot was imaginative but it was so obvious that there was a devious mind at play.
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