What do you think?
Rate this book
You'll Never See Me Again
Betty is running for her life . . . The gripping Sunday Times bestseller about one woman doing whatever it takes to survive
'You are in the story within minutes of opening the book . . . A brilliant story full of twists and turns' 5***** Reader Review
'Compelling, rich in detail and vividly told. Storytelling at its best' Daily Express
'A gripping read. It kept me hooked from the start' 5***** Reader Review
FROM THE MULTI-MILLION COPY BESTSELLING AUTHOR LESLEY PEARSE
_________
When her husband returns from the war broken and haunted, Betty knows her marriage is doomed.
So she escapes.
On the run and armed with a new identity, Betty becomes penniless and alone, quickly realising that starting again is much harder than she thought.
And she never imagined it could end in murder . . .
But sometimes you have to keep running if you want to survive.
_________
'A pacy page-turner' Woman & Home
'Don't miss this suspenseful and emotional read' My Weekly
Praise for Lesley
'Gripping and suspenseful' Daily Express
'Evocative, compelling, told from the heart' Sunday Express
'Gripping and full of twists' My Weekly
'You are in the story within minutes of opening the book . . . A brilliant story full of twists and turns' 5***** Reader Review
'Compelling, rich in detail and vividly told. Storytelling at its best' Daily Express
'A gripping read. It kept me hooked from the start' 5***** Reader Review
FROM THE MULTI-MILLION COPY BESTSELLING AUTHOR LESLEY PEARSE
_________
When her husband returns from the war broken and haunted, Betty knows her marriage is doomed.
So she escapes.
On the run and armed with a new identity, Betty becomes penniless and alone, quickly realising that starting again is much harder than she thought.
And she never imagined it could end in murder . . .
But sometimes you have to keep running if you want to survive.
_________
'A pacy page-turner' Woman & Home
'Don't miss this suspenseful and emotional read' My Weekly
Praise for Lesley
'Gripping and suspenseful' Daily Express
'Evocative, compelling, told from the heart' Sunday Express
'Gripping and full of twists' My Weekly
391 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2019
655 people are currently reading
2861 people want to read
About the author
Lesley Pearse
71 books2,212 followersLesley Pearse is one of the UK's best-loved novelists with fans across the globe and sales of over 2 million copies of her books to date. A true storyteller and a master of gripping storylines that keep the reader hooked from beginning to end, Pearse introduces you to characters that it is impossible not to care about or forget. There is no formula to her books or easily defined genre. Whether crime as in 'Till We Meet Again', historical adventure like 'Never Look Back', or the passionately emotive 'Trust Me', based on the true-life scandal of British child migrants sent to Australia in the post war period, she engages the reader completely.
Truth is often stranger than fiction and Lesley's life has been as packed with drama as her books. She was three when her mother died under tragic circumstances. Her father was away at sea and it was only when a neighbour saw Lesley and her brother playing outside without coats on that suspicion was aroused - their mother had been dead for some time. With her father in the Royal Marines, Lesley and her older brother spent three years in grim orphanages before her father remarried - a veritable dragon of an ex army nurse - and Lesley and her older brother were brought home again, to be joined by two other children who were later adopted by her father and stepmother, and a continuing stream of foster children. The impact of constant change and uncertainty in Lesley's early years is reflected in one of the recurring themes in her books: what happens to those who are emotionally damaged as children. It was an extraordinary childhood and in all her books, Lesley has skilfully married the pain and unhappiness of her early experiences with a unique gift for storytelling.
Truth is often stranger than fiction and Lesley's life has been as packed with drama as her books. She was three when her mother died under tragic circumstances. Her father was away at sea and it was only when a neighbour saw Lesley and her brother playing outside without coats on that suspicion was aroused - their mother had been dead for some time. With her father in the Royal Marines, Lesley and her older brother spent three years in grim orphanages before her father remarried - a veritable dragon of an ex army nurse - and Lesley and her older brother were brought home again, to be joined by two other children who were later adopted by her father and stepmother, and a continuing stream of foster children. The impact of constant change and uncertainty in Lesley's early years is reflected in one of the recurring themes in her books: what happens to those who are emotionally damaged as children. It was an extraordinary childhood and in all her books, Lesley has skilfully married the pain and unhappiness of her early experiences with a unique gift for storytelling.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 437 reviews
July 3, 2019
Betty Wellows, is a fisherman’s daughter who has lived her whole life in the little fishing hamlet of Hallsands in Devon. Her husband Martin has recently returned from the horrors of World War One’s trenches on The Somme. However, the personality who returned isn’t the one who went away - the terrible events that he witnessed have left him terrified at the slightest noise, and he appears not to recognise his loved ones - it’s clear that he’s suffering from shell shock, or what is more commonly known these days as PTSD.
Martin’s mother Agnes insists on looking after him, and the couple move in with her and Martin’s grandfather, but she’s spiteful and cruel towards Betty. One night, a storm that is unprecedented threatens to destroy the houses nearest the seashore including Betty and Martin’s, so Agnes insists that Betty goes to retrieve whatever belongings she can. As Betty reaches the house, she only just manages to get out of the house before the sea claims it and she believes Agnes sent her in the hope that she would be killed. Betty decides to leave her miserable life behind and leaves her home without telling anyone, in the hope that they’ll all think she was drowned during the dreadful storm. She does however feel guilty about leaving Martin, but she knows he doesn’t recognise her as his wife, and even though Agnes treated her badly, she knows that she loves her son and will care for him in a sympathetic manner.
From here on in Betty decides to call herself Mabel Brook as she seeks a new life where she can be free to be whatever and whoever she wants to be. She’s about to start on the biggest adventure of her life, one that’s not only fraught with difficulties, but also with much happier events alongside
This was beautifully written and the time period in which it was set added extra dimension and interest. Mabel was a great character, one who you rooted for, although secondary characters were equally as interesting, and were so well described that it was as if they were acquaintances. The storyline was tense and full of emotion, and I liked the fact that Mabel discovered that she had the ability to communicate with the dead after a traumatic event - that certainly gave it a push into another direction altogether. From trials and tribulations to gloriously happy times - it was a joy to share each and every one of them with Mabel Brook!
*Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin UK - Michael Joseph for my ARC. I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
Martin’s mother Agnes insists on looking after him, and the couple move in with her and Martin’s grandfather, but she’s spiteful and cruel towards Betty. One night, a storm that is unprecedented threatens to destroy the houses nearest the seashore including Betty and Martin’s, so Agnes insists that Betty goes to retrieve whatever belongings she can. As Betty reaches the house, she only just manages to get out of the house before the sea claims it and she believes Agnes sent her in the hope that she would be killed. Betty decides to leave her miserable life behind and leaves her home without telling anyone, in the hope that they’ll all think she was drowned during the dreadful storm. She does however feel guilty about leaving Martin, but she knows he doesn’t recognise her as his wife, and even though Agnes treated her badly, she knows that she loves her son and will care for him in a sympathetic manner.
From here on in Betty decides to call herself Mabel Brook as she seeks a new life where she can be free to be whatever and whoever she wants to be. She’s about to start on the biggest adventure of her life, one that’s not only fraught with difficulties, but also with much happier events alongside
This was beautifully written and the time period in which it was set added extra dimension and interest. Mabel was a great character, one who you rooted for, although secondary characters were equally as interesting, and were so well described that it was as if they were acquaintances. The storyline was tense and full of emotion, and I liked the fact that Mabel discovered that she had the ability to communicate with the dead after a traumatic event - that certainly gave it a push into another direction altogether. From trials and tribulations to gloriously happy times - it was a joy to share each and every one of them with Mabel Brook!
*Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin UK - Michael Joseph for my ARC. I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
December 9, 2019
Lesley Pearse is a fabulous storyteller with a great gift for depicting a historical period with rich descriptions, capturing the culture, social norms and attitudes of the time, the heartbreak and tragedy, with the turbulence and change encapsulated beautifully in the narrative. In a fishing village, Hallsands, in Devon, Betty Wellows sees the return of her beloved husband, Martin, from the horrors of WW1. Martin is not the man he went to war, he is suffering from trauma, shell shocked, and struggles to even recognise his family. His mother, Agnes, wants to look after him, and Betty and Martin move to live with her. Agnes makes Betty's life a living hell and sends Betty out into the danger of stormy weather, the most inclement of weather to rescue belongings from her home. Having had enough, Betty takes the opportunity to escape her dismal life and start again.
Taking on a new identity, that of Mabel Brook, she makes her way to Bristol, finding herself out of her depth, having both good and bad experiences, even feeling a certain happiness. She finds employment in Dorchester, Dorset and discovers she has an unexpected gift, but leaving the past behind is not so easy, and Betty finds herself returning home. Pearse writes a gripping story of the repercussions of the Great War, the prejudices, class, economic deprivations and a country experiencing great change. Her characters are so well drawn and developed, particularly Betty, so resourceful, compassionate and resilient in the face of the challenging circumstances that life has dealt her. This is a wonderful read, so immersive, with some supernatural elements, that I just could not stop reading. Those who love their historical fiction with well written family dramas are likely to enjoy this. Many thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for an ARC.
Taking on a new identity, that of Mabel Brook, she makes her way to Bristol, finding herself out of her depth, having both good and bad experiences, even feeling a certain happiness. She finds employment in Dorchester, Dorset and discovers she has an unexpected gift, but leaving the past behind is not so easy, and Betty finds herself returning home. Pearse writes a gripping story of the repercussions of the Great War, the prejudices, class, economic deprivations and a country experiencing great change. Her characters are so well drawn and developed, particularly Betty, so resourceful, compassionate and resilient in the face of the challenging circumstances that life has dealt her. This is a wonderful read, so immersive, with some supernatural elements, that I just could not stop reading. Those who love their historical fiction with well written family dramas are likely to enjoy this. Many thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph for an ARC.
July 2, 2019
Betty lived with her father in a small village. Her mum had died when she was just eight years old. Her dad was a fisherman who worked on a boat. When Betty was fourteen she met MARTIN and fell in love. She married him when she was sixteen. Betty's father had been washed overboard, lost at sea. Then war broke out and Martin felt it was his duty to sign up. But when Martin returned home, he was shell shocked. He goes to stay with his mother, Agnes, who is a bully. The night there is a massive storm, Betty makes a rash decision, she decides to,leave her husband behind. Hoping Martin and Agnes would believe that she has been swept away by the sea. Betty changes her name to Mabel and her new life and adventure begins.
I am a huge fan of Lesley Pearse, her books never disappoint. The book is easy to read as its so well written. The story covers Mabel's new life and the people who befriend her along the way. There is a lot of sadness and joy along the way. Lesley once again has written a fabulous story that fans old and new will love. I highly recommend this book.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Penguin UK - Michael Joseph and the author Lesley Pearse for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I am a huge fan of Lesley Pearse, her books never disappoint. The book is easy to read as its so well written. The story covers Mabel's new life and the people who befriend her along the way. There is a lot of sadness and joy along the way. Lesley once again has written a fabulous story that fans old and new will love. I highly recommend this book.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Penguin UK - Michael Joseph and the author Lesley Pearse for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 14, 2023
You"ll Never See Me Again by Lesley is a great novel. The Novel is about a woman who had to have chosen to run away from her home because she could not bear the situation with her husband who came back from WWI suffering from PTSD and her mother in Law. She runs down creating a new life with a new identity. She finds love and danger. She has a character. Eventually, everything is solved mysteriously.
September 10, 2019
When I start one of these authors books I know I’m going to be in for a treat.
I discovered Lesley Pearse books when I was in my late 20’s, way before I had the Internet, way before I wrote reviews and way before I became a blogger.
I used the local library a lot and would preorder each of her books as soon as I knew of their release.
Today, I just “one click” it. I never have to think twice it’s an automatic purchase.
Now to the book.
I’m not about to spoil the plot but as all fans know, there is always much more depth to one of these authors stories.
Mabel is the main character, she wasn’t always called “Mabel” and you will see how and why almost right at the beginning.
This is set around 1914 onwards. Men were going off to war, youngsters going off to fight for their Country and many returning home injured. Mabel’s husband one of them.
The twist is there where Mabel has to “runaway” and from there we follow her.
It’s not an easy life.
The characters she makes friends with along the way and things that happen in her life were sometimes great, other times tragedy would strike.
There is romance and romance that cannot come to anything.
Mabel has to return home. She hears something she needs to confirm and if it’s true, she has a great sense of honesty and justice.
I really loved Mabel. We all need someone like her in our lives.
The characters are so well developed that they become part of your life as you read this. It’s intense.
You are rooting for different individuals and shocked and appalled by other scenes. This will stay with me long after I put this book on my shelf.
Like I say, Lesley Pearse is an expert at bringing out fictional characters who could indeed existed in reality.
I just have to give this 5*
I discovered Lesley Pearse books when I was in my late 20’s, way before I had the Internet, way before I wrote reviews and way before I became a blogger.
I used the local library a lot and would preorder each of her books as soon as I knew of their release.
Today, I just “one click” it. I never have to think twice it’s an automatic purchase.
Now to the book.
I’m not about to spoil the plot but as all fans know, there is always much more depth to one of these authors stories.
Mabel is the main character, she wasn’t always called “Mabel” and you will see how and why almost right at the beginning.
This is set around 1914 onwards. Men were going off to war, youngsters going off to fight for their Country and many returning home injured. Mabel’s husband one of them.
The twist is there where Mabel has to “runaway” and from there we follow her.
It’s not an easy life.
The characters she makes friends with along the way and things that happen in her life were sometimes great, other times tragedy would strike.
There is romance and romance that cannot come to anything.
Mabel has to return home. She hears something she needs to confirm and if it’s true, she has a great sense of honesty and justice.
I really loved Mabel. We all need someone like her in our lives.
The characters are so well developed that they become part of your life as you read this. It’s intense.
You are rooting for different individuals and shocked and appalled by other scenes. This will stay with me long after I put this book on my shelf.
Like I say, Lesley Pearse is an expert at bringing out fictional characters who could indeed existed in reality.
I just have to give this 5*
June 28, 2019
Lesley Pearse has written another beautifully written, heartfelt story. This time it involves Betty a daughter of a fisherman, living in the town on Hallsands, near Plymouth. Married to Martin and living with their Mother in law Agnes. Martin came back France from the war with not just a severely damaged leg but, also a broken shell of the man she once knew. So, Betty worked not only to look after her husband Martin but to help Agnes.
A great storm was brewing, and the threat of her home being swept away by the sea because of shingle being taken away. Agnes advises her to collect some belongings. The storm is so bad outside that Betty thinks Agnes wishes her dead. So, Betty runs away and reinvents herself as Mabel Brook so she can have a better life and get away from an overbearing mother in law. On the way she meets lots different characters, some good, some bad and always there to help other people more than herself.
This is another 5-star read from Lesley Pearce. The author doesn’t disappoint. I loved this from the very first page. There is lots of twists and turn and ups and downward struggles in this book but, a very satisfying ending. I don’t want to give anymore away. You will have to read it yourself.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Michael Joseph for a copy of this book.
A great storm was brewing, and the threat of her home being swept away by the sea because of shingle being taken away. Agnes advises her to collect some belongings. The storm is so bad outside that Betty thinks Agnes wishes her dead. So, Betty runs away and reinvents herself as Mabel Brook so she can have a better life and get away from an overbearing mother in law. On the way she meets lots different characters, some good, some bad and always there to help other people more than herself.
This is another 5-star read from Lesley Pearce. The author doesn’t disappoint. I loved this from the very first page. There is lots of twists and turn and ups and downward struggles in this book but, a very satisfying ending. I don’t want to give anymore away. You will have to read it yourself.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Michael Joseph for a copy of this book.
July 26, 2019
Oh dear! I’m probably going to be very unpopular with this review but hey ho.
Betty/ Mabel runs away and fakes her own death from her shell shocked husband who has just returned from WW1 and his abusive mother.
After a series of misfortunes she finds a job with a rich kind woman in the city and meets other helpful friends. When the rich woman dies she finds new employment with an artist called Clara who is also kind and the two become good friends.
While at this employ she meets and falls in love with a German pow who is murdered in front of her before the two of them can do anything about their mutal attraction.
The story winds on about her life here, and includes a few psychic experiences and eventually she meets another returned soldier, lawyer Thomas.
Although Lesley Pearce can definitely write well, and tell a good story, I wish her protagonist was a bit more flawed instead of this perfect, goody goody, beauty who everyone loves as soon as they meet her. I find it all completely unrealistic and the formula of these kinds of books make them so very predictable.
Clearly I am in the minority, judging by the other reviews here. This was my first Lesley Pearce foray and sadly it will be my last.
Betty/ Mabel runs away and fakes her own death from her shell shocked husband who has just returned from WW1 and his abusive mother.
After a series of misfortunes she finds a job with a rich kind woman in the city and meets other helpful friends. When the rich woman dies she finds new employment with an artist called Clara who is also kind and the two become good friends.
While at this employ she meets and falls in love with a German pow who is murdered in front of her before the two of them can do anything about their mutal attraction.
The story winds on about her life here, and includes a few psychic experiences and eventually she meets another returned soldier, lawyer Thomas.
Although Lesley Pearce can definitely write well, and tell a good story, I wish her protagonist was a bit more flawed instead of this perfect, goody goody, beauty who everyone loves as soon as they meet her. I find it all completely unrealistic and the formula of these kinds of books make them so very predictable.
Clearly I am in the minority, judging by the other reviews here. This was my first Lesley Pearce foray and sadly it will be my last.
June 28, 2019
Lesley Pearse returns with her best and most compelling novel to date. Her books are always so full of heart and emotion whilst also dishing out suspense and excitement for the reader to simply lap up. The story revolves around Betty and Martin Wellows who are married but Martin's mother, and Betty's mother-in-law, Agnes, loves to interfere; this makes her the famed mother-in-law from hell. Agnes makes Betty depressed and anxious as they live together, all three, in the house due to Martin returning shell shocked from war and needing care. When Betty gets the opportunity to escape away from the toxic atmosphere at home she takes it. She changes her name and starts her life over. Yet very soon she will have to return to the nightmare she left behind.
This is a solid, emotive read and there's never a dull moment or any filler. I was captivated from the start and Pearse has absolutely no problem keeping your attention throughout. She is a terrific storyteller who has created a cast of likeable and very relatable characters and the twists and turns are unpredictable and well thought out. This is an engrossing yarn but once picked up, be warned, you'll be reading right to the denouement to find out what actually happens to Betty. After all the negative incidents that happen she deserves to find happiness; therefore I was very happy when we got a positive ending. I've read every one of Pearse's books and this blows the others out of the water. She seems to excel with every novel. Many thanks to Michael Joseph for an ARC.
This is a solid, emotive read and there's never a dull moment or any filler. I was captivated from the start and Pearse has absolutely no problem keeping your attention throughout. She is a terrific storyteller who has created a cast of likeable and very relatable characters and the twists and turns are unpredictable and well thought out. This is an engrossing yarn but once picked up, be warned, you'll be reading right to the denouement to find out what actually happens to Betty. After all the negative incidents that happen she deserves to find happiness; therefore I was very happy when we got a positive ending. I've read every one of Pearse's books and this blows the others out of the water. She seems to excel with every novel. Many thanks to Michael Joseph for an ARC.
July 12, 2019
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
You’ll Never See Me Again is the stirring new novel from bestselling author Lesley Pearse. A tale of secrets, survival, love, sacrifice, status and hardship, You’ll Never See Me Again enthralls from the first page, to the final parting words of this absorbing historical novel.
You’ll Never See Me Again introduces the reader to Betty, a young woman who resides in the seaside locale of Hallsands. Betty’s husband was once a seafaring man until the Great War robbed him of his life. Betty’s husband survived the war, but he is just a shell of the man he once was. Ravaged by the mental and physical scars of war, he is no longer the man Betty married. With her marriage lost, Betty’s life is made even more unbearable by the presence of her wicked mother in law. When Hallsands is struck by a devastating storm, Betty is deliberately thrust into danger by her mother in law. Betty decides to take the opportunity to vanish from her painful life. Betty secretly flees to the confines of Bristol, a larger city, far from home. Betty drops her name and reinvents herself as Mrs Mabel Brook, a war widow. Betty/Mabel tries to hide under the cover of her new employ, but disaster strikes and she is dealt with a huge blow. Mabel is rescued by a kind stranger who nurses her back to health. Mabel’s time with Nora, the woman who helped her, puts her in touch with a unique gift. Mabel discovers she can converse with the dead, and it is a shocking realisation that has her reeling. When Mabel decides to leave Nora’s side and go her own way, she meets some important figures who will shape her destiny. However, Mabel continues to carry the heavy burden of her former life as Betty, which she must keep under wraps. When a message from the past becomes too strong to ignore, Mabel must make the dreadful trek back home… with surprising, as well as heartbreaking results.
In terms of historical fiction, Lesley Pearse is one of the best. Her engaging plots, detailed historical backgrounds and memorable characters make each book she releases a genuine delight to read. I consider myself a loyal fan of Lesley Pearse. I do still have fair few books in her back catalogue to catch up on, but I always look forward to her annual new release. I rate You’ll Never See Me Again to be the best title I have read from this author. This proves that Lesley Pearse is a writer who seems to get better which each new book she releases.
You’ll Never See Me Again is a book I can easily award five stars to, it was simply an amazing read. It hooked me in from the every opening scene, and I found I could not draw myself away for even a minute to make myself a cup of tea! That’s a big indication of how much I enjoyed this novel! I really loved the lead character in the book, Betty – who also becomes Mabel. She experienced so much unhappiness, disappointment and hardship, yet she toiled on. Betty is character who demonstrates strength in the face of adversity. Betty is determined to do good in the world, and she cannot forgive herself for abandoning her husband. It is a secret she keeps very close to her chest for the majority of the novel. I did wonder at times just how much heartbreak Pearse could issue her main character with, but it seemed to work in this storyline. I held on for dear life at many points of the novel, my physical grip on this novel was so hard at times, I could feel the tension seething through my bones! However, after a big story, defined by plenty of trying moments, Betty redeems herself and I’ll stop there for fear of breaking into spoiler territory.
There were many shining star moments in this book that work to lift You’ll Never See Me Again to great heights. For me, my love of this book came from two main areas. The first was the depiction of the historical time period. Pearse did an absolutely outstanding job of recreating the years of the Great War. Everything that followed around the time period was displayed with immense clarity, authenticity and attention to detail. From the food restrictions, to the fashions, general customs and much more. Pearse more than adequately conveys the problems that defined this time. The racism directed towards the Germans, the soldiers returning home left ravaged by PTSD and physical injuries/deformities, the push for women to take on men’s role in their absence, the lack of welfare and the sheer helplessness of some on the poverty line. There is also a full account of the Spanish Flu epidemic, which is one of the most comprehensive and heartbreaking versions of this devastating time that I have come across. I’d like to thank Lesley Pearse for this aspect of the novel.
The true highlight of this book has to be in the characterisation, with special mention to the figure of Carsten, a German POW who works as a gardener for Betty/Mabel’s employer. Carsten was such a memorable and loveable character. I know I won’t forget him in a hurry. He occupied a big place in my heart.
Lastly, I want to mention that Lesley Pearse does branch off on a thread involving the supernatural. This is a little different for her, but be rest assured, the theme is perfectly matched to the lead and her journey. Knowing a little bit about the context of this time period and the desperation experienced by those who lost their loved ones in the war, this was an excellent sub theme. I felt it was portrayed extremely well and I enjoyed the experience of following this aspect of Betty/Mabel’s life.
There is just so much more I could continue to comment on, but I am conscious that my review of You’ll Never See Me Again may never see an end point! To cut a long story short, I loved this book and I can state, without hesitation, that this is the greatest novel penned by Lesley Pearse – to date. Magnificent!
*I wish to thank Penguin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
You’ll Never See Me Again is the stirring new novel from bestselling author Lesley Pearse. A tale of secrets, survival, love, sacrifice, status and hardship, You’ll Never See Me Again enthralls from the first page, to the final parting words of this absorbing historical novel.
You’ll Never See Me Again introduces the reader to Betty, a young woman who resides in the seaside locale of Hallsands. Betty’s husband was once a seafaring man until the Great War robbed him of his life. Betty’s husband survived the war, but he is just a shell of the man he once was. Ravaged by the mental and physical scars of war, he is no longer the man Betty married. With her marriage lost, Betty’s life is made even more unbearable by the presence of her wicked mother in law. When Hallsands is struck by a devastating storm, Betty is deliberately thrust into danger by her mother in law. Betty decides to take the opportunity to vanish from her painful life. Betty secretly flees to the confines of Bristol, a larger city, far from home. Betty drops her name and reinvents herself as Mrs Mabel Brook, a war widow. Betty/Mabel tries to hide under the cover of her new employ, but disaster strikes and she is dealt with a huge blow. Mabel is rescued by a kind stranger who nurses her back to health. Mabel’s time with Nora, the woman who helped her, puts her in touch with a unique gift. Mabel discovers she can converse with the dead, and it is a shocking realisation that has her reeling. When Mabel decides to leave Nora’s side and go her own way, she meets some important figures who will shape her destiny. However, Mabel continues to carry the heavy burden of her former life as Betty, which she must keep under wraps. When a message from the past becomes too strong to ignore, Mabel must make the dreadful trek back home… with surprising, as well as heartbreaking results.
In terms of historical fiction, Lesley Pearse is one of the best. Her engaging plots, detailed historical backgrounds and memorable characters make each book she releases a genuine delight to read. I consider myself a loyal fan of Lesley Pearse. I do still have fair few books in her back catalogue to catch up on, but I always look forward to her annual new release. I rate You’ll Never See Me Again to be the best title I have read from this author. This proves that Lesley Pearse is a writer who seems to get better which each new book she releases.
You’ll Never See Me Again is a book I can easily award five stars to, it was simply an amazing read. It hooked me in from the every opening scene, and I found I could not draw myself away for even a minute to make myself a cup of tea! That’s a big indication of how much I enjoyed this novel! I really loved the lead character in the book, Betty – who also becomes Mabel. She experienced so much unhappiness, disappointment and hardship, yet she toiled on. Betty is character who demonstrates strength in the face of adversity. Betty is determined to do good in the world, and she cannot forgive herself for abandoning her husband. It is a secret she keeps very close to her chest for the majority of the novel. I did wonder at times just how much heartbreak Pearse could issue her main character with, but it seemed to work in this storyline. I held on for dear life at many points of the novel, my physical grip on this novel was so hard at times, I could feel the tension seething through my bones! However, after a big story, defined by plenty of trying moments, Betty redeems herself and I’ll stop there for fear of breaking into spoiler territory.
There were many shining star moments in this book that work to lift You’ll Never See Me Again to great heights. For me, my love of this book came from two main areas. The first was the depiction of the historical time period. Pearse did an absolutely outstanding job of recreating the years of the Great War. Everything that followed around the time period was displayed with immense clarity, authenticity and attention to detail. From the food restrictions, to the fashions, general customs and much more. Pearse more than adequately conveys the problems that defined this time. The racism directed towards the Germans, the soldiers returning home left ravaged by PTSD and physical injuries/deformities, the push for women to take on men’s role in their absence, the lack of welfare and the sheer helplessness of some on the poverty line. There is also a full account of the Spanish Flu epidemic, which is one of the most comprehensive and heartbreaking versions of this devastating time that I have come across. I’d like to thank Lesley Pearse for this aspect of the novel.
The true highlight of this book has to be in the characterisation, with special mention to the figure of Carsten, a German POW who works as a gardener for Betty/Mabel’s employer. Carsten was such a memorable and loveable character. I know I won’t forget him in a hurry. He occupied a big place in my heart.
Lastly, I want to mention that Lesley Pearse does branch off on a thread involving the supernatural. This is a little different for her, but be rest assured, the theme is perfectly matched to the lead and her journey. Knowing a little bit about the context of this time period and the desperation experienced by those who lost their loved ones in the war, this was an excellent sub theme. I felt it was portrayed extremely well and I enjoyed the experience of following this aspect of Betty/Mabel’s life.
There is just so much more I could continue to comment on, but I am conscious that my review of You’ll Never See Me Again may never see an end point! To cut a long story short, I loved this book and I can state, without hesitation, that this is the greatest novel penned by Lesley Pearse – to date. Magnificent!
*I wish to thank Penguin Books Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
July 11, 2019
I’m quite partial to Lesley Pearse’s historical fiction. It’s reminiscent of past favourites Catherine Cookson and Josephine Cox: stories of strong women overcoming adversity and forging new paths for themselves against a backdrop of British history.
You’ll Never See Me Again was an engaging read from start to finish. Betty/Mabel was a kind-hearted and considerate woman, and in a moment of extreme anguish and fear, she makes a decision to disappear from her existing life and begins another. This decision is not without consequence for Mabel and it weighs on her heavily, never really leaving her conscience. Even long after she’s settled into her new life, a situation unfolds where she is faced with a moral dilemma that puts her new life at risk and she acts unselfishly by returning to the home she fled to help a person who really doesn’t deserve Mabel’s consideration. As far as characters go, Mabel was well fleshed out, not without her flaws but infused with a sense of morality that served her well on many occasions.
The novel is set against the backdrop of the Great War in regional England. It deals with many themes: soldiers returning with shell shock; the Spanish flu epidemic; the changing class dynamics; and the discontent associated with the large numbers of German soldiers kept in POW camps in the countryside. There’s a shocking scene of hatred in which a man receives the telegram to let him know of his son’s death and he reacts by brutally attacking a German prisoner working on his farm. It’s one of those moments that steal your breath: the volatility of grief and having the enemy on your doorstep, working your land in the way that your son should be. It was such a clear moment of trauma within the story and handled very well within the context of the times in which the story was set.
This was a time of social change throughout England, yet much of it was out of necessity rather than progression, which was still to come. Justice wasn’t always aligned with the crime, not just in the above example in the case of the farmer, but again, later in the novel, when Mabel herself is brutally attacked. She is discouraged by the police and counselled to just quietly get on with her life lest she make herself look bad by pressing charges. Another area touched on was the notion of spiritual mediums hosting large-scale communions with the dead. England had never seen such loss, men dead from the war and even more people dying from Spanish flu. I thought this was an interesting angle to introduce into the story, less about whether you believe in this sort of thing or not and more about the morality of taking money to ease people’s suffering by providing them with messages from their dearly departed. It certainly seemed like a profitable industry. I liked how Mabel grappled with her unwanted talent in this area.
So, there were certainly a lot of themes explored with some depth throughout this novel. It’s a very busy story but it all moves along and comes together in the end quite well. The second half of the novel put me in mind of Downton Abbey, just the setting, era, and issues, along with some of the characters, sans the opulence and wealth. I really enjoyed this one and I recommend it highly to fans of historical fiction set during WWI with a focus on life on the home front and the changing social issues of the era.
Thanks is extended to Penguin Random House Australia for providing me with a copy of You’ll Never See Me Again for review.
You’ll Never See Me Again was an engaging read from start to finish. Betty/Mabel was a kind-hearted and considerate woman, and in a moment of extreme anguish and fear, she makes a decision to disappear from her existing life and begins another. This decision is not without consequence for Mabel and it weighs on her heavily, never really leaving her conscience. Even long after she’s settled into her new life, a situation unfolds where she is faced with a moral dilemma that puts her new life at risk and she acts unselfishly by returning to the home she fled to help a person who really doesn’t deserve Mabel’s consideration. As far as characters go, Mabel was well fleshed out, not without her flaws but infused with a sense of morality that served her well on many occasions.
The novel is set against the backdrop of the Great War in regional England. It deals with many themes: soldiers returning with shell shock; the Spanish flu epidemic; the changing class dynamics; and the discontent associated with the large numbers of German soldiers kept in POW camps in the countryside. There’s a shocking scene of hatred in which a man receives the telegram to let him know of his son’s death and he reacts by brutally attacking a German prisoner working on his farm. It’s one of those moments that steal your breath: the volatility of grief and having the enemy on your doorstep, working your land in the way that your son should be. It was such a clear moment of trauma within the story and handled very well within the context of the times in which the story was set.
This was a time of social change throughout England, yet much of it was out of necessity rather than progression, which was still to come. Justice wasn’t always aligned with the crime, not just in the above example in the case of the farmer, but again, later in the novel, when Mabel herself is brutally attacked. She is discouraged by the police and counselled to just quietly get on with her life lest she make herself look bad by pressing charges. Another area touched on was the notion of spiritual mediums hosting large-scale communions with the dead. England had never seen such loss, men dead from the war and even more people dying from Spanish flu. I thought this was an interesting angle to introduce into the story, less about whether you believe in this sort of thing or not and more about the morality of taking money to ease people’s suffering by providing them with messages from their dearly departed. It certainly seemed like a profitable industry. I liked how Mabel grappled with her unwanted talent in this area.
So, there were certainly a lot of themes explored with some depth throughout this novel. It’s a very busy story but it all moves along and comes together in the end quite well. The second half of the novel put me in mind of Downton Abbey, just the setting, era, and issues, along with some of the characters, sans the opulence and wealth. I really enjoyed this one and I recommend it highly to fans of historical fiction set during WWI with a focus on life on the home front and the changing social issues of the era.
Thanks is extended to Penguin Random House Australia for providing me with a copy of You’ll Never See Me Again for review.
September 2, 2023
When Betty’s husband returns from the war he is not the same man she fell in love with. The war has changed him physically and mentally and this is not good for their marriage. Betty can see her marriage is in trouble. Her life has been full of so much unhappiness and Betty knows it’s only going to go from bad to worse. Betty’s only chance of a better life is to escape from her husband and start again, but Betty soon discovers this will be a lot more difficult than she thought.
You’ll Never See Me Again by Lesley Pearse is a compelling and gripping read and one I thoroughly enjoyed.
You’ll Never See Me Again by Lesley Pearse is a compelling and gripping read and one I thoroughly enjoyed.
November 21, 2021
Betty lives in a small fishing village in England. Her husband returns from World War I with PTSD and he doesn't even seem to recognise her. Now she's stuck with her mother-in-law who hates her and treats her terribly.
She decides that she can't continue to live this way and she runs away and assumes a new identity. But starting over is difficult. And lying has consequences.
This was decent chick lit. This author's writing style doesn't really blow me away, but the story was enjoyable enough.
She decides that she can't continue to live this way and she runs away and assumes a new identity. But starting over is difficult. And lying has consequences.
This was decent chick lit. This author's writing style doesn't really blow me away, but the story was enjoyable enough.
December 20, 2019
This was a difficult read for me to get into. It was the sort of book I really had to battle through, but it was much easier after the halfway point.
I was originally interested in this book due to the beautiful cover and very interesting premise - and those still stand. The concept and plot are very intriguing, I just felt the execution could have been stronger.
I found Mabel rather unlikable, I couldn't find her sympathetic and disliked the fact everyone she met instantly loved. her. I think a great deal of my ambivalence towards the main character was due to rushed pacing. The book flies through a rather lengthy period of time in a short space of pages, and this means no time to really get to know characters and plot lines.
Overall, an okay book. An easy read, with some flaws.
Thank you to Netgalley and Michael Joseph for providing this copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was originally interested in this book due to the beautiful cover and very interesting premise - and those still stand. The concept and plot are very intriguing, I just felt the execution could have been stronger.
I found Mabel rather unlikable, I couldn't find her sympathetic and disliked the fact everyone she met instantly loved. her. I think a great deal of my ambivalence towards the main character was due to rushed pacing. The book flies through a rather lengthy period of time in a short space of pages, and this means no time to really get to know characters and plot lines.
Overall, an okay book. An easy read, with some flaws.
Thank you to Netgalley and Michael Joseph for providing this copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 15, 2020
Betty, a young woman who resides in the seaside locale of Hallsands. Betty’s husband was once a seafaring man until the Great War robbed him of his life. Betty’s husband survived the war, but he is just a shell of the man he once was. Ravaged by the mental and physical scars of war, he is no longer the man Betty married. With her marriage lost, Betty’s life is made even more unbearable by the presence of her wicked mother in law. When Hallsands is struck by a devastating storm, Betty is deliberately thrust into danger by her mother in law. Betty decides to take the opportunity to vanish from her painful life. Betty secretly flees to the confines of Bristol, a larger city, far from home. Betty drops her name and reinvents herself as Mrs Mabel Brook, a war widow. Betty/Mabel tries to hide under the cover of her new employ, but disaster strikes and she is dealt with a huge blow. Mabel is rescued by a kind stranger who nurses her back to health. Mabel’s time with Nora, the woman who helped her, puts her in touch with a unique gift. Mabel discovers she can converse with the dead, and it is a shocking realisation that has her reeling. When Mabel decides to leave Nora’s side and go her own way, she meets some important figures who will shape her destiny. However, Mabel continues to carry the heavy burden of her former life as Betty, which she must keep under wraps. When a message from the past becomes too strong to ignore, Mabel must make the dreadful trek back home… with surprising, as well as heartbreaking results.
March 13, 2021
Definitely in the minority on this one but I found this book really slow and struggled to get through it.
I seriously dislike the “do no wrong, beloved by everyone” character type - I find it unrealistic and bland. And I actually did not find the main character likeable, but rather irritating.
I also feel like the author rushed through too many events and characters, so I was unable to form a strong bond with any of the characters and was unaffected by the situations that were intended to elicit strong emotional reaction from the reader.
Disappointing as I had high expectations for this novel and have heard great things about the author!
I seriously dislike the “do no wrong, beloved by everyone” character type - I find it unrealistic and bland. And I actually did not find the main character likeable, but rather irritating.
I also feel like the author rushed through too many events and characters, so I was unable to form a strong bond with any of the characters and was unaffected by the situations that were intended to elicit strong emotional reaction from the reader.
Disappointing as I had high expectations for this novel and have heard great things about the author!
March 24, 2020
To start with the positives, I really like the time period the novel was set in. I enjoyed the old language the characters spoke in and the "hardships of life" theme the book followed.
Unfortunately, I found this book incredibly predictable, tedious and really unrealistic. I wish there was more of a character arc with the protagonist, instead of her being this do-no-wrong angel that everyone seems to fall in love with. Also, one of the main reasons I picked up the book is because of the spiritual powers she possessed, which maybe came into the story a few times with absolutely no relation to the plot? So I'm wondering why this was even a part of the novel? Sometimes (especially towards the end) I felt like the author was just trying to fill up as many pages as she could to reach some sort of quota because most chapters were so redundant and predictable.
Overall, it was an easy read but nothing to rave about. That being said, I'd still like to try another one of Lesley Pearse's books before I throw in the towel!
Unfortunately, I found this book incredibly predictable, tedious and really unrealistic. I wish there was more of a character arc with the protagonist, instead of her being this do-no-wrong angel that everyone seems to fall in love with. Also, one of the main reasons I picked up the book is because of the spiritual powers she possessed, which maybe came into the story a few times with absolutely no relation to the plot? So I'm wondering why this was even a part of the novel? Sometimes (especially towards the end) I felt like the author was just trying to fill up as many pages as she could to reach some sort of quota because most chapters were so redundant and predictable.
Overall, it was an easy read but nothing to rave about. That being said, I'd still like to try another one of Lesley Pearse's books before I throw in the towel!
February 17, 2022
Another excellent novel by Lesley Pearse. This is a little more slow moving than others that I’ve read but none less engaging. gripping
The style is refreshing and easy to read.
The plot develops into an intrigue about what will happen to our main character, Mabel. It will maintain your interest throughout.
Lesley Pearse wonderfully develops her sub theme that explores class and the vulnerability of women in an accessible and readable way.
The author cascades this changing story and sub theme with the main storyline extremely well.
There is not too much that is confronting or difficult to read and the book ends in a satisfying, if perhaps predictable manner.
Although I did have some doubts as to how the ending would pan out.
I really quite enjoyed the book.
If you enjoy crime/mystery and human drama you should really try Lesley Pearse. You won’t be disappointed.
The style is refreshing and easy to read.
The plot develops into an intrigue about what will happen to our main character, Mabel. It will maintain your interest throughout.
Lesley Pearse wonderfully develops her sub theme that explores class and the vulnerability of women in an accessible and readable way.
The author cascades this changing story and sub theme with the main storyline extremely well.
There is not too much that is confronting or difficult to read and the book ends in a satisfying, if perhaps predictable manner.
Although I did have some doubts as to how the ending would pan out.
I really quite enjoyed the book.
If you enjoy crime/mystery and human drama you should really try Lesley Pearse. You won’t be disappointed.
August 23, 2021
A typical Lesley Pearse book of hardship, tragedy and emotion with a predictable ending. A pleasant read.
October 30, 2019
Another absolutely epic tale from LP - just WOW! I don't know how, time after time, she writes such beautiful, heartwretching, interesting historical stories...but she does!
November 10, 2020
You'll Never See Me Again is a historical novel of love, hate and forgiveness. When Betty Grainger married Martin Wellows, she thought her life was complete. However, that was not the case. After a terrible storm destroyed her home, and her husband came back war-damaged she decided to flee and start a new life. The readers of You'll Never See Me Again will follow Betty to find out what happens.
You'll Never See Me Again is the first book I have read of Lesley Pearse, and I will read another of her books. You'll Never See Me Again is an enjoyable book to read. I love Lesley Pearse portrayed her characters and the way they intertwine with each other throughout this book. You'll Never See Me Again is well written and researched by Lesley Pearse. I like the description of the settings of You'll Never See Me Again that allow me to image been part of the plot of this book.
The readers of You'll Never See Me Again will learn about the consequences of war on soldiers and their families. Also, the readers of You'll Never See Me Again will learn about the role of a housemaid in Victorian England.
I recommend this book.
You'll Never See Me Again is the first book I have read of Lesley Pearse, and I will read another of her books. You'll Never See Me Again is an enjoyable book to read. I love Lesley Pearse portrayed her characters and the way they intertwine with each other throughout this book. You'll Never See Me Again is well written and researched by Lesley Pearse. I like the description of the settings of You'll Never See Me Again that allow me to image been part of the plot of this book.
The readers of You'll Never See Me Again will learn about the consequences of war on soldiers and their families. Also, the readers of You'll Never See Me Again will learn about the role of a housemaid in Victorian England.
I recommend this book.
October 8, 2020
This must have been a gift since it is an historical romance with a hint of the supernatural - a combination of genres I have no interest in.
With that caveat, I think it's still a 0 starred effort. None of the characters nor their conversations are remotely plausible; everyone is either purely good or completely evil. The writing is clunky and sometimes she repeats swathes of exposition. Despite the setting towards the end of the first world war, their attitudes and opinions are uniformly modern and there is never any doubt that the plucky heroine will overcome all setbacks to live happily ever after.
With that caveat, I think it's still a 0 starred effort. None of the characters nor their conversations are remotely plausible; everyone is either purely good or completely evil. The writing is clunky and sometimes she repeats swathes of exposition. Despite the setting towards the end of the first world war, their attitudes and opinions are uniformly modern and there is never any doubt that the plucky heroine will overcome all setbacks to live happily ever after.
September 8, 2019
Rather bland slow story, pretty average.
May 18, 2019
Lesley Pearse has created another superbly entertaining book with a very engaging heroine in Betty/ Mabel who I couldn't help rooting for.
Have things ever got so bad for you that you wish you could just run away from your life and start again? Well, that's what happens to Betty Wellows. The daughter of a fisherman, she lives in a small coastal hamlet, where her husband has returned from world war one a shaken shell of an invalid who never speaks, doesn't recognise his wife and needs 24 hour care and spoon feeding. Bettys Mother in law Agnes is a harsh harridan from hell who detests her daughter in law and makes every second of her life a misery. The only escape Betty has is her late fathers tumbledown old cottage. When this is being demolished by a ferocious storm Agnes pushes Betty to go and get her belongings despite it being extremely dangerous.
In a split second Betty decides she's had enough and decides to run seizing the chance of escape. Ending up in Bristol things at first get worse for her. Changing her name to Mabel she finds work and tentatively makes new friends. Gradually we see her take control of her new life, nevertheless always looking over her shoulder in the fear of being found out, The world thinks she perished in the sea as her old home was swept away, but she lived to battle on and this is the story of her new life.
Lesley Pearse has, as always, created some wonderful characters, put them in desperate situations and made me believe their stories with all my heart. Mabel has to face some truly terrible awful events yet for every dreadful person she meets there is another who is wonderful. I was rapt in her story from start to finish, and when she finds someone else to love who is cruelly taken from her in a dreadful way I thought she was destined to be alone forever.
Pure escapism and a joy to read, I wholeheartedly recommend this lovely novel by this deservedly acclaimed author.
Have things ever got so bad for you that you wish you could just run away from your life and start again? Well, that's what happens to Betty Wellows. The daughter of a fisherman, she lives in a small coastal hamlet, where her husband has returned from world war one a shaken shell of an invalid who never speaks, doesn't recognise his wife and needs 24 hour care and spoon feeding. Bettys Mother in law Agnes is a harsh harridan from hell who detests her daughter in law and makes every second of her life a misery. The only escape Betty has is her late fathers tumbledown old cottage. When this is being demolished by a ferocious storm Agnes pushes Betty to go and get her belongings despite it being extremely dangerous.
In a split second Betty decides she's had enough and decides to run seizing the chance of escape. Ending up in Bristol things at first get worse for her. Changing her name to Mabel she finds work and tentatively makes new friends. Gradually we see her take control of her new life, nevertheless always looking over her shoulder in the fear of being found out, The world thinks she perished in the sea as her old home was swept away, but she lived to battle on and this is the story of her new life.
Lesley Pearse has, as always, created some wonderful characters, put them in desperate situations and made me believe their stories with all my heart. Mabel has to face some truly terrible awful events yet for every dreadful person she meets there is another who is wonderful. I was rapt in her story from start to finish, and when she finds someone else to love who is cruelly taken from her in a dreadful way I thought she was destined to be alone forever.
Pure escapism and a joy to read, I wholeheartedly recommend this lovely novel by this deservedly acclaimed author.
March 1, 2020
Betty Wellow was born and brought up in the fishing village of Hallsands. She and her husband Martin lived happily in the small cottage left to her by her father. Martin goes off to fight in the Great War and returns a completely different man; broken and suffering from shell shock, he doesn’t recognise Betty as his wife.
Martin’s mother makes Betty’s life even more of a misery; insisting on caring for Martin and sending Betty out to work.
When a devastating storm sweeps through Hallsend, Betty takes the opportunity to flee; leaving her home and her husband. Whilst the community of Hallsend assume she was washed out to sea during the storm, she’s creating a new life for herself in Bristol; as a maid calling herself Mabel Brook.
Life as a maid in the city is not easy, but Mabel is free from the misery she endured in Hallsend. Tragedy strikes once more when her mistress dies suddenly and Mabel finds herself homeless. The Bristol streets are harsh and Mabel is brutally attacked before finding refuge with psychic Nora Nightingale. Nora recognises Mabel’s own gift for receiving messages from the dead, and invites her to become part of her act. Once more Mabel is let down by those closest to her and heads back to Hallsend where she has to confront the events from her past in order to concentrate on a happy future.
Once more Lesley Pearse has produced a powerful story headed up by a strong female lead character. Mabel’s story is compelling, rich in detail and vividly told. This author sensitively deals with issues such as post traumatic shock disorder, and the effects of this on family.
With characters that it is impossible not to care about, this is storytelling at its very best.
Martin’s mother makes Betty’s life even more of a misery; insisting on caring for Martin and sending Betty out to work.
When a devastating storm sweeps through Hallsend, Betty takes the opportunity to flee; leaving her home and her husband. Whilst the community of Hallsend assume she was washed out to sea during the storm, she’s creating a new life for herself in Bristol; as a maid calling herself Mabel Brook.
Life as a maid in the city is not easy, but Mabel is free from the misery she endured in Hallsend. Tragedy strikes once more when her mistress dies suddenly and Mabel finds herself homeless. The Bristol streets are harsh and Mabel is brutally attacked before finding refuge with psychic Nora Nightingale. Nora recognises Mabel’s own gift for receiving messages from the dead, and invites her to become part of her act. Once more Mabel is let down by those closest to her and heads back to Hallsend where she has to confront the events from her past in order to concentrate on a happy future.
Once more Lesley Pearse has produced a powerful story headed up by a strong female lead character. Mabel’s story is compelling, rich in detail and vividly told. This author sensitively deals with issues such as post traumatic shock disorder, and the effects of this on family.
With characters that it is impossible not to care about, this is storytelling at its very best.
August 3, 2020
An absolutely brilliant book, really well written. As Betty flees her homeland from her nasty mother-in-law and her husband who is gravely ill from the war, she begins a wild journey being penniless, alone and having to start all over again. The book follows Betty’s adventure and is set towards the end of World War One where the Spanish Flu pandemic hit. The story goes in all sorts of different directions and is unpredictable which kept me guessing to the end. Would highly recommend!
June 14, 2025
2-2,5 ⭐️
Man pasirodė paprasta, lengvai skaitoma knyga, tačiau kiek per daug nuspėjama. Rašymo stilius taip pat savotiškas - kai kurios svarbios šios istorijos vietos (nors galima sakyt visa knyga) parašytos tarsi paskubomis, prabėgom. Pasigedau gilesnio veikėjų vidinių išgyvenimų perteikimo.
Visgi visai patiko vietovių aprašymai, puikiai įsivaizdavau tuometinės Anglijos priemiesčių kraštovaizdį bei tuometinį pastatų interjerą.
Man pasirodė paprasta, lengvai skaitoma knyga, tačiau kiek per daug nuspėjama. Rašymo stilius taip pat savotiškas - kai kurios svarbios šios istorijos vietos (nors galima sakyt visa knyga) parašytos tarsi paskubomis, prabėgom. Pasigedau gilesnio veikėjų vidinių išgyvenimų perteikimo.
Visgi visai patiko vietovių aprašymai, puikiai įsivaizdavau tuometinės Anglijos priemiesčių kraštovaizdį bei tuometinį pastatų interjerą.
July 8, 2019
Only my second Lesley Pearse book but definitely not my last. The author writes such a beautiful yet haunting story that you can't help but be captivated by every word she writes along with her strong willed character that has you rooting for her from the first page.
I can't wait to read more.
I can't wait to read more.
July 27, 2024
História envolvente e, com um final feliz.
May 10, 2025
I really did enjoy this story 😊
August 31, 2024
*3,8
Quando o marido de Betty Wellows regressa a casa após combater na Primeira Guerra Mundial, vem um homem diferente. Confuso e atormentado, está claramente a sofrer os efeitos da devastação que testemunhou nas trincheiras. A verdade, é que a sogra de Betty também não ajuda o jovem casal com os seus comentários maldosos e atitudes gananciosas.
Num momento de coragem, Betty aproveita uma oportunidade para fugir, deixando tudo para trás. Com uma nova identidade, sem dinheiro e sem ninguém, Betty repensa todas as suas escolhas, pois começar de novo não é tarefa fácil.
Este livro tem todos os ingredientes a que Lesley Pearse nos habituou. Uma personagem feminina principal corajosa e determinada, que parte em busca de uma vida melhor. A procura leva-a por caminhos que testam os seus limites.
No entanto, comparando com outros livros da autora, este não é um dos melhores, e a parte dos "poderes mediúnicos" simplesmente não funcionou para mim.
Quando o marido de Betty Wellows regressa a casa após combater na Primeira Guerra Mundial, vem um homem diferente. Confuso e atormentado, está claramente a sofrer os efeitos da devastação que testemunhou nas trincheiras. A verdade, é que a sogra de Betty também não ajuda o jovem casal com os seus comentários maldosos e atitudes gananciosas.
Num momento de coragem, Betty aproveita uma oportunidade para fugir, deixando tudo para trás. Com uma nova identidade, sem dinheiro e sem ninguém, Betty repensa todas as suas escolhas, pois começar de novo não é tarefa fácil.
Este livro tem todos os ingredientes a que Lesley Pearse nos habituou. Uma personagem feminina principal corajosa e determinada, que parte em busca de uma vida melhor. A procura leva-a por caminhos que testam os seus limites.
No entanto, comparando com outros livros da autora, este não é um dos melhores, e a parte dos "poderes mediúnicos" simplesmente não funcionou para mim.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 437 reviews