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Echoes of Grace
Even in death, love survives
Grace Molloy was the darling of the theatre scene. Young and dazzling, she gave it all up to marry the playwright Henry Sinclair, thirty years her senior. Then, one stormy night, she died giving birth to her daughter, Aurora.
Left with no memory of her mother, Aurora is raised by Henry and her nanny, Maggie, in a huge old house on the Cornish coastline. All the little girl has of Grace is a portrait – a painting of a woman in a white dress, her beautiful face frozen in time.
Aurora grows up, resembling Grace in looks and talent. She pursues her dream of being on the stage and soon achieves great success in the world of theatre, like her mother before her. Then a secret unfolds – a secret that could threaten all that she holds dear . . .
Echoes of Grace is the story of a young woman who, having overcome a painful past, must now embrace it to find her real self.
Grace Molloy was the darling of the theatre scene. Young and dazzling, she gave it all up to marry the playwright Henry Sinclair, thirty years her senior. Then, one stormy night, she died giving birth to her daughter, Aurora.
Left with no memory of her mother, Aurora is raised by Henry and her nanny, Maggie, in a huge old house on the Cornish coastline. All the little girl has of Grace is a portrait – a painting of a woman in a white dress, her beautiful face frozen in time.
Aurora grows up, resembling Grace in looks and talent. She pursues her dream of being on the stage and soon achieves great success in the world of theatre, like her mother before her. Then a secret unfolds – a secret that could threaten all that she holds dear . . .
Echoes of Grace is the story of a young woman who, having overcome a painful past, must now embrace it to find her real self.
564 pages, Paperback
Published January 9, 2019
About the author
Caragh Bell
8 books18 followersCaragh Bell is an Irish author from west Cork who has published seven books. She enjoys writing fiction as it offers escapism in a world saturated with bad news - her books are light, funny and addictive. All the titles link and the result is a literary world where familiar characters pop up in unexpected places. Her trilogy - INDECISION, REGRETS and PROMISES - is set in Ireland; ECHOES OF GRACE is set in the wilds of Cornwall. Her fifth book, GABRIELLA, is based in New York. Her sixth book, MOSAIC, begins in Ireland and moves into the exciting world of music and fame. Fortuna is her seventh book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 9, 2019
I found this to be a delightfully absorbing story of a young woman striving to find herself in a world where those around her try to shield her from the truth The story of Aurora starts in Cornwall as a young girl. Her mother died in childbirth so she's been brought up by her grieving father, and she's learnt to cope by creating a fantasy world through playing with her dolls. The housekeeper Maggie has become a surrogate mother to her, but she still seems eager to find out more about the glamorous mother she didn't get to know, especially as she is always told how much she looks like Grace, She was an actress, her father a playwright so it seems a creative life lies ahead for young Aurora. When her father finds love again, she is quickly taken in by the loving new family which is so different to what she experienced with her older half brothers She builds up a very strong bond with all her new brothers and sister, especially James.
The story then fast forwards to years later when she's working in London and her own acting career is really taking off. She still has an extremely close bond with her family and it's fascinating to see how their own lives have progressed as they all lead such different lives.Tragedy soon strikes though and it really rocks Aurora and all she has known, and she is really torn especially with her career just about to hit the big time.
I really enjoyed how this story looks at the complicated relationships that can be thrown up with families - some can be extremely supportive, others thrive on jealousy and looking to belittle one another. Aurora is one of those characters too that you can easily connect with considering the start she had in life, and how she deals with things and doesn't ever seem to get bitter with what life has thrown her way. The story flowed really nicely and there was always some drama or a twist to keep your interest throughout.
The story then fast forwards to years later when she's working in London and her own acting career is really taking off. She still has an extremely close bond with her family and it's fascinating to see how their own lives have progressed as they all lead such different lives.Tragedy soon strikes though and it really rocks Aurora and all she has known, and she is really torn especially with her career just about to hit the big time.
I really enjoyed how this story looks at the complicated relationships that can be thrown up with families - some can be extremely supportive, others thrive on jealousy and looking to belittle one another. Aurora is one of those characters too that you can easily connect with considering the start she had in life, and how she deals with things and doesn't ever seem to get bitter with what life has thrown her way. The story flowed really nicely and there was always some drama or a twist to keep your interest throughout.
January 16, 2019
Even in death, love survives...
Echoes of Grace is the fourth novel from Irish Writer Caragh Bell.
Just published with Poolbeg Press, it tells the story of ‘a young woman who, having overcome a painful past, must now embrace it to find her real self.’ From the Cornish coastline to the islands off the coast of West Cork, via London, New York and more, Caragh Bell takes her reader on journey with her vast use of settings in many locations.
Aurora Sinclair woke up every morning in a drafty mansion overlooking the Cornish coastline. Her father, the great playwright, Henry Sinclair, spent his days working on his next manuscript, leaving Aurora with plenty of free time and very little to do. But Aurora wanted friends, she wanted to spend her days on the local beaches with the wind in her hair. She was a child and she wanted what all kids want…she wanted to have fun.
Aurora’s mother, Grace Molloy, was a theatre actress on the cusp of great success. For reasons unknown, she suddenly stepped down off the stage for the last time. The next the world knew, she was marrying the well-respected Henry Sinclair and moving to his family home in Cornwall. Henry Sinclair had been married previously, but his wife had passed away leaving him with two young boys, Sebastian and George, to rear. Following the dramatic birth of Aurora and the subsequent death of Grace after childbirth, Henry was distraught. It was the solid presence of a woman called Maggie, the housekeeper of their Cornish home, that kept some form of normality in the household for Aurora. Her two step-brothers were very difficult to be around, constantly bullying her and making life very difficult but Aurora was able to find peace every time she looked upon a large painting of her mother that was hanging on a wall within the family home.
The years passed and life changed very dramatically for Aurora. Her father remarried, moving Aurora to London and into the home of Gloria and her children, where Aurora thrived under the protection and guidance of her new family, in particular James, her new step brother. Aurora’s talent as a performer was obvious from an early age and her career on stage was inevitable, following on in the footsteps of her mother.
Her family life filled up with plenty of drama over the years, as the lives of her step-siblings kept her on her toes, but she always held out that some day she would learn more about her mother, the enigmatic Grace Molloy.
Echoes of Grace is a romantic novel set against an international backdrop of locations. Being from Cork, I was delighted to see many mentions of my home county, but the reader is also taken to New York, London, Venice, Cote Azur and more. Aurora Sinclair is a lost soul, always searching for something or someone to belong to. With no memory of her mother, she latches onto any snippet of information she can find in her search for the truth about her past.
Now I have to admit that I did find the constant use of expensive brand names, high-end locations and the use of known celebrity names a little over-bearing at times. It was just one Chanel suit too many for me!! But this is just a very personal quibble, as I’m sure for many readers, this escapism will be exactly what is looked for.
Overall Echoes of Grace is a charming and delightful tale, exploring love, relationships and family dynamics. It is a book full of yearning and hope but it also touches on many other themes, including grief, bullying, jealousy and loneliness, feelings that we all, unfortunately, experience at some time in our lives.
Echoes of Grace is the fourth novel from Irish Writer Caragh Bell.
Just published with Poolbeg Press, it tells the story of ‘a young woman who, having overcome a painful past, must now embrace it to find her real self.’ From the Cornish coastline to the islands off the coast of West Cork, via London, New York and more, Caragh Bell takes her reader on journey with her vast use of settings in many locations.
Aurora Sinclair woke up every morning in a drafty mansion overlooking the Cornish coastline. Her father, the great playwright, Henry Sinclair, spent his days working on his next manuscript, leaving Aurora with plenty of free time and very little to do. But Aurora wanted friends, she wanted to spend her days on the local beaches with the wind in her hair. She was a child and she wanted what all kids want…she wanted to have fun.
Aurora’s mother, Grace Molloy, was a theatre actress on the cusp of great success. For reasons unknown, she suddenly stepped down off the stage for the last time. The next the world knew, she was marrying the well-respected Henry Sinclair and moving to his family home in Cornwall. Henry Sinclair had been married previously, but his wife had passed away leaving him with two young boys, Sebastian and George, to rear. Following the dramatic birth of Aurora and the subsequent death of Grace after childbirth, Henry was distraught. It was the solid presence of a woman called Maggie, the housekeeper of their Cornish home, that kept some form of normality in the household for Aurora. Her two step-brothers were very difficult to be around, constantly bullying her and making life very difficult but Aurora was able to find peace every time she looked upon a large painting of her mother that was hanging on a wall within the family home.
The years passed and life changed very dramatically for Aurora. Her father remarried, moving Aurora to London and into the home of Gloria and her children, where Aurora thrived under the protection and guidance of her new family, in particular James, her new step brother. Aurora’s talent as a performer was obvious from an early age and her career on stage was inevitable, following on in the footsteps of her mother.
Her family life filled up with plenty of drama over the years, as the lives of her step-siblings kept her on her toes, but she always held out that some day she would learn more about her mother, the enigmatic Grace Molloy.
Echoes of Grace is a romantic novel set against an international backdrop of locations. Being from Cork, I was delighted to see many mentions of my home county, but the reader is also taken to New York, London, Venice, Cote Azur and more. Aurora Sinclair is a lost soul, always searching for something or someone to belong to. With no memory of her mother, she latches onto any snippet of information she can find in her search for the truth about her past.
Now I have to admit that I did find the constant use of expensive brand names, high-end locations and the use of known celebrity names a little over-bearing at times. It was just one Chanel suit too many for me!! But this is just a very personal quibble, as I’m sure for many readers, this escapism will be exactly what is looked for.
Overall Echoes of Grace is a charming and delightful tale, exploring love, relationships and family dynamics. It is a book full of yearning and hope but it also touches on many other themes, including grief, bullying, jealousy and loneliness, feelings that we all, unfortunately, experience at some time in our lives.
January 13, 2019
I misunderstood what this book was going to be about and wouldn't have read it if I had known. It is full of people cheating on each other and those relationships are portrayed as romantic. The beginning seemed sweet and innocent about a little girl who is old fashioned and naive and gains a stepfamily that is loving and I thought this might be good though there were hints of some dark mystery (which ended up being so predictable that I thought that couldn't possibly be the mystery). But then it's all about who is sleeping with who and messed up relationships for the rest of the book. I want to wash out my brain.
Content warning: lots of swearing that gets more frequent as the book progresses, an attempted rape scene, and a lot of adultery.
I recieved a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Content warning: lots of swearing that gets more frequent as the book progresses, an attempted rape scene, and a lot of adultery.
I recieved a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 6, 2019
I absolutely adore this book! It was such an enjoyable read. The beginning was slow but once I reached the middle everything started to get much better! I adore all of the characters but I must admit that Aurora holds a place in my heart. It’s a must read for any romance fanatics out there!
December 29, 2018
Wonderful book, following the life of Aurora Sinclair whose mother Grace died at her birth.
Aurora follows in her mother’s footsteps as an actress/singer, and the story follows the relationships Aurora has with her father, step family and theatre director. She learns of her mother’s secret past and Aurora must discover who she really is.
A very engaging brilliant read.
Aurora follows in her mother’s footsteps as an actress/singer, and the story follows the relationships Aurora has with her father, step family and theatre director. She learns of her mother’s secret past and Aurora must discover who she really is.
A very engaging brilliant read.
March 18, 2019
This is one of my new favourite books. I’ve always been one for love and romance, but apart from a couple of books nothing has really been the best romance novel- well, until I read this. From the very first page I felt I was in the story. There alongside Aurora in her pain and grief, Laura during her tantrums and James in his adoration of Aurora. This book just was everything I look for in a book. Just a side note- Can we please get Will his own spin off novel (he’s just amazing!)
February 9, 2019
Aurora's mother died when she was born, and she was raised by Henry. When he remarries, Aurora's life changes and she begins to follow in her mother's footsteps.
To be honest, I thought this was going to be about Aurora growing up and how she resembled her mother (in personality and character and life choices). Instead, we not only follow her, first as a child and then mostly as an adult, but we also follow her step-siblings in their romantic entanglements. Adultery is not romantic in my book, which made up one such relationship.
There were frequent four-letter words, which also lessened what little enjoyment I had with this book. Also, an attempted rape scene. I could have overlooked these last two if I had enjoyed the characters. I just didn't care about any of them.
The only thing I did enjoy was the settings. The descriptions of each scene made me feel like I was right there.
Overall, this book was not my cup of tea and I honestly don't know who I would recommend it to. I received a free copy from the publisher for reviewing purposes.
To be honest, I thought this was going to be about Aurora growing up and how she resembled her mother (in personality and character and life choices). Instead, we not only follow her, first as a child and then mostly as an adult, but we also follow her step-siblings in their romantic entanglements. Adultery is not romantic in my book, which made up one such relationship.
There were frequent four-letter words, which also lessened what little enjoyment I had with this book. Also, an attempted rape scene. I could have overlooked these last two if I had enjoyed the characters. I just didn't care about any of them.
The only thing I did enjoy was the settings. The descriptions of each scene made me feel like I was right there.
Overall, this book was not my cup of tea and I honestly don't know who I would recommend it to. I received a free copy from the publisher for reviewing purposes.
January 1, 2020
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from LibraryThing in return for an honest review.
This story follows the life of Aurora Sinclair. It opens on Aurora as a child living with her father, Henry, and nanny, Maggie in a large old home on the Cornish coastline. Aurora's mother, Grace, was a famous actress and singer who died giving birth to her. When Henry falls in love and remarries Aurora's life changes for the better. She gets a new life in London with two new step-brothers and a step-sister.
Fast forward ten years and Aurora's career is starting to take off. Like her mother, Aurora is a talented singer and actress. She is still close with her family, especially her older step-brother James. After tragedy strikes, Aurora learns a secret about her past that could change her future.
While the book primary follows the life of Aurora it does also explore the lives of her step-siblings. I did find it could be slow and drag in parts but I still enjoyed the story overall.
This story follows the life of Aurora Sinclair. It opens on Aurora as a child living with her father, Henry, and nanny, Maggie in a large old home on the Cornish coastline. Aurora's mother, Grace, was a famous actress and singer who died giving birth to her. When Henry falls in love and remarries Aurora's life changes for the better. She gets a new life in London with two new step-brothers and a step-sister.
Fast forward ten years and Aurora's career is starting to take off. Like her mother, Aurora is a talented singer and actress. She is still close with her family, especially her older step-brother James. After tragedy strikes, Aurora learns a secret about her past that could change her future.
While the book primary follows the life of Aurora it does also explore the lives of her step-siblings. I did find it could be slow and drag in parts but I still enjoyed the story overall.
March 14, 2019
I received this book as an ARC and I really wanted to like it. In fact I found the first part describing Aurora's life as a child interesting but after she met her new family, it became tedious. Way too much description of what everyone was wearing, how the women did their hair, who was sleeping with whom, and on and on. After chapter 20 I really skipped through the rest hoping against hope that the ending wasn't going to be as predictable as I thought it might be. Hopes were dashed. Many other reviewers have summarized the story and really that's all you need. Unless you enjoy a "romance" with a lot of messed up relationships. Even the ones I thought were likely okay were not in the end. The only person I liked was Maggie, the housekeeper. She seemed like a real person.
April 25, 2020
I found this a thoroughly enjoyable read, very much an old-fashioned romance but with a fresh, modern style which carried me through the story. With a fairly traditional story line, and with some of the characters (particularly the wicked stepbrothers) verging on cliche, I did hesitate once or twice and wonder if it was going to have sufficient depth to keep me reading. The liveliness of the narrative was appealing, though, and I couldn't leave the story until it had been wrapped up in a happy ending, however predictable! My only slight disapppointment was that Aurora's childhood home didn't really come into the bigger picture, as it figured so strongly at the start and I felt it could have played a part somehow.
March 30, 2019
I won this book as an Early Reviewer at LibraryThing
I liked the story and the main subjects, the interplay of families coming together and their ways when they are getting older. The two eldest stepbrothers were very flat characters, but I did not mind that too much.
I liked the heroine, I really did, but in the end she was too childish for my liking.
The story of her past is being unfolded too slow for my liking and really, I do like a slow pace in a book.
Sometimes the author writes to cliché, that is a pity.
Notwithstanding that all, it was a nice read.
I liked the story and the main subjects, the interplay of families coming together and their ways when they are getting older. The two eldest stepbrothers were very flat characters, but I did not mind that too much.
I liked the heroine, I really did, but in the end she was too childish for my liking.
The story of her past is being unfolded too slow for my liking and really, I do like a slow pace in a book.
Sometimes the author writes to cliché, that is a pity.
Notwithstanding that all, it was a nice read.
January 22, 2019
Book about relationships and how some work while others are strained . This book also deals with blended families and how they require much love and commitment to work. A book of jealousy and unrequited love as well. The book gets bogged down at times and I struggled to complete . The beginning was the best part , the middle was muddled in strange relationships and the ending was predictable. Lots of characters to keep track of. A decent but not an understanding read.
February 18, 2019
I really really enjoyed this novel, a gripping story filled with love and loss. The characters seemed to come to life on the page, and I was transported seamlessly into the world of the novel.
I loved the story’s progression, and the various twists and turns that kept it interesting. I would recommend this to any fan of romantic fiction, or anyone looking for an escape in the form of a book!
I loved the story’s progression, and the various twists and turns that kept it interesting. I would recommend this to any fan of romantic fiction, or anyone looking for an escape in the form of a book!
March 18, 2019
This book is absolutely AMAZING!!!! I was recommended it by a friend who also adored it so I thought ‘Hey, why not? What if I like it,’ and that was one of the best decisions I’ve EVER made! This book ticked all of the boxes: Love (check), Drama (a-check), Characters I Absolutely ADORE (a-checkedy, check check). I love this book SO much and HIGHLY recommend. Ooh and one last thing- I NEED A MOVIE STAT!!!
February 18, 2019
A gripping story, I just couldn’t put it down. Following Aurora’s life through the years kept me up at night wanting to know what happened next, and the characters just seemed so real!
I would definitely recommend this novel - the heartwarming story, the beautiful descriptions and the amazing characterisation come together to make this a delightful read! I loved it.
I would definitely recommend this novel - the heartwarming story, the beautiful descriptions and the amazing characterisation come together to make this a delightful read! I loved it.
March 6, 2019
Just finished after two days. Yes TWO!! Probably going to lose my job, but do you know what, something’s in life are more important than work. Superbly written piece, flowing exquisitely from page to page, a real hidden gem. Look forward to the next chapter in this talented young authors repertoire.
February 18, 2019
I absolutely adored this book! Great story, great characters - just an overall pleasure to read. The story really moved me and the descriptions of the various characters and settings were wonderful! Would highly recommend to anyone!
January 16, 2019
Review to follow...
February 7, 2019
I won this book as part of a giveaway on another website. This is an honest review.
A very alluring read. Although a bit long at times, the premise was good. I would recommend this book.
A very alluring read. Although a bit long at times, the premise was good. I would recommend this book.
February 14, 2019
So I'm gonna say for now I can not get into this book. I made it to chapter 8 and that's as far as I can go. At this point it's very lagging. I will try again at a later date to read it again.
March 6, 2019
Quite a fantastic read. So delighted to read this. Please maintain this high standard. I can see many more happy moons. Ciara. Xx
June 16, 2019
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August 30, 2019
Such a lovely book! So easy to read. Loved James and the love story. Would recommend x
June 13, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. The story kept me enthralled, so much I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to read more by this author.
February 24, 2019
This was given to me as an ARC for my review.
I feel like it started off slow with the mystery easy to see but I enjoyed the story as a whole and read it fairly quickly. I didn’t know it was part of a world with 3 books already but it was a great stand alone novel. I had to use context clues for some of the British slang since I’m not familiar with it but it wasn’t a turn off. A couple of things that bugged me: The repetitiveness of telling me that Aurora was “the spitting image of her mother” or “answered in a clear voice”. I’m also not too sure about the relationship at the end. I saw it coming but didn’t feel it.
I feel like it started off slow with the mystery easy to see but I enjoyed the story as a whole and read it fairly quickly. I didn’t know it was part of a world with 3 books already but it was a great stand alone novel. I had to use context clues for some of the British slang since I’m not familiar with it but it wasn’t a turn off. A couple of things that bugged me: The repetitiveness of telling me that Aurora was “the spitting image of her mother” or “answered in a clear voice”. I’m also not too sure about the relationship at the end. I saw it coming but didn’t feel it.
January 14, 2019
This book is so lovely. I couldn’t put it down. I feel like I know the characters and it kept my interest throughout. The perfect book for escaping everyday life. Would highly recommend.
July 25, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. It was probably a little longer than it needed to be and all the characters seemed to be perfect but I became quite invested in the story and wanted to know how it was going to end.
Aurora, a young girl growing up in a cold outdated Manor house in Cornwall with her father and maid has a life changing moment when her father marries a lady from London and moves there to live with her new step mother three step siblings. The siblings all have their own identities and flaws but in the end they are all lovely people. James the eldest has a very special relationship with Aurora, always being by her side and protecting her from lifes harms.
Auroras mother died the night Aurora was born and there is a mysteries figure lurking in the shadows of the book. The mystery unfolds near the end of the book and the story has a nice resolution.
An enjoyable read.
Aurora, a young girl growing up in a cold outdated Manor house in Cornwall with her father and maid has a life changing moment when her father marries a lady from London and moves there to live with her new step mother three step siblings. The siblings all have their own identities and flaws but in the end they are all lovely people. James the eldest has a very special relationship with Aurora, always being by her side and protecting her from lifes harms.
Auroras mother died the night Aurora was born and there is a mysteries figure lurking in the shadows of the book. The mystery unfolds near the end of the book and the story has a nice resolution.
An enjoyable read.
November 7, 2020
Oh Caragh Bell's books just seem to get better and better - a total must have for all the romantics out there, the people who want to escape from it all and dive into some chiclit. I LOVE James - a rival to my biggest literary hero of all time -Luke Alderton. The story starts off setting the scene of the heroine's childhood when a life decision changes her world for good. Jump forward to her as an adult as she pursues her dreams to follow in her mothers footsteps. Characters from the other 3 books appear, which I loved, but this is a stand alone novel, and just incase there was a gaping hole left by not having much of Colin to read about - We get Bertie! Attention to detail is second to none, there is gratuitous name dropping and some fabulous scenery to read about. There is a little twist to keep you interested and some adult themes. My favourite book to date from Caragh Bell - buy and read this and escape the daily humdrum.
February 16, 2019
An absolutely amazing read! I couldn’t put it down. The characters were beautifully crafted and real, and I felt I could really empathise with them throughout the book. The story was heartwarming and gripping, and the description of the various settings transported me I instantly into Aurora’s world.
Would absolutely recommend this book to anyone looking to be uplifted or just looking for an all-round good read!!
Would absolutely recommend this book to anyone looking to be uplifted or just looking for an all-round good read!!
February 1, 2019
Brilliant book! Warm, funny, romantic and a real page turner. Loved Aurora and really rooted for her. Read this book! Fab!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews