Essie's Way in Aussie Readers

Jan 09, 2021 Brenda rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: aussie-authors, 2021-release, reviewing-by-request, 5000-2021, read-on-kindle, contemporary-fiction, gift-from-author, arc, own-read, historical-fiction

Miranda McIntyre met up with her mother after her wedding dress fitting and as they ate lunch in the QVB (Queen Victoria Building) in Sydney’s CBD, Miranda approached the subject of an antique necklace which she remembered from her childhood. She was sure it would go with her wedding dress. But her mother denied knowing anything about it, leaving Miranda shocked at her abrupt departure. Investigating further – curiosity had her desperate to find out more – she discovered a newspaper article and ...more

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Jan 11, 2015 Brenda rated it it was amazing

Shelves: aussie-authors, contemporary-fiction, own-read, romantic-suspense, gift-from-gr-friend, 2013-release

Miranda McIntyre found her stomach in knots when she was trying on her wedding dress for the dressmaker to finalise; only seven weeks until her and James were married – she was sure it was just nerves; wasn’t it? When she met up with her mother afterwards (she was supposed to be there but had missed the train) they lunched at a café in the Queen Victoria Building in Sydney. Miranda loved the building – the gorgeous lines of it, the peace she always felt when she ventured inside. But it wasn’t pe Miranda McIntyre found her stomach in knots when she was trying on her wedding dress for the dressmaker to finalise; only seven weeks until her and James were married – she was sure it was just nerves; wasn’t it? When she met up with her mother afterwards (she was supposed to be there but had missed the train) they lunched at a café in the Queen Victoria Building in Sydney. Miranda loved the building – the gorgeous lines of it, the peace she always felt when she ventured inside. But it wasn’t peace she felt with her mother Kathleen – she always felt she was treading on eggshells, watching everything she said. The explosion when Miranda mentioned the long forgotten antique necklace she had seen briefly as a child was completely unexpected. She had thought it would look perfect with her wedding dress – what on earth was her mother hiding?

After finding some long hidden information that had her interest peaked even more, Miranda decided to discover the truth for herself. The grandmother that her mother wouldn’t talk about – the family that was lost to her; she wanted to know more. She needed to know more…

Taking a week off work and with James’ blessing, Miranda headed down the South Coast of NSW to a little place called Pelican Point. Immediately she felt more relaxed; freer; under less stress and pressure – again, she decided it must only be nerves about her upcoming wedding – the road trip would be good for her. And if she could find out more information about the lady in the faded photograph, it would be an added bonus.

Pelican Point was a sleepy little town with not much to see or do – perfect! But as Miranda started poking around and asking questions, the answers she was receiving only gave her more questions. The beauty of the beach, the whiteness of the sand – but what was hidden behind the animosity of some of the locals? Determined to discover more, Miranda was nevertheless shocked at what happened. Would she solve the family mystery? Would she find some peace?

I absolutely loved Essie’s Way by Aussie author Pamela Cook. I previously read Blackwattle Lake , her debut, and loved it as well. So I’ll definitely be looking out for her third book. The suspense and mystery in Essie’s Way was outstanding; the plot was executed well. It was a great story of family, hidden secrets that can affect many lives and the love that brings families together again. I have no hesitation in recommending Essie’s Way highly.
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Jan 09, 2021 Helen rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: review-copy-from-author

I loved this story, so many emotions flowing through the pages, two woman who have had their lives turned upside down. Can they now find each other, can they open up and get answers? Miranda McIntyre remembers a memory about a necklace from when she was a child and now with her wedding approaching she would like to wear it but her mother is distraught when the question is asked. Will Miranda uncover the truth from the past?

Miranda is a lawyer in Sydney her world is all set to what she has always I loved this story, so many emotions flowing through the pages, two woman who have had their lives turned upside down. Can they now find each other, can they open up and get answers? Miranda McIntyre remembers a memory about a necklace from when she was a child and now with her wedding approaching she would like to wear it but her mother is distraught when the question is asked. Will Miranda uncover the truth from the past?

Miranda is a lawyer in Sydney her world is all set to what she has always wanted, she is engaged to be married she has the job she always wanted, but there is something pulling her back, she is on edge and remembering the necklace opens a up a can of worms when she discovers not only the necklace but a wedding photo and a newspaper clipping and Miranda needs to find answers, maybe a trip to Pelican Point on the South Coast of NSW will give her the answers she needs.

Miranda takes a walk on the beach in Pelican Point and discovers a woman, Esther Wilson injured, she is cantankerous and in pain, getting her to her beachside shack is not easy but they get there and Miranda stays to help her and starts to unravel a mystery that is years old with daring rescues, secret loves and a shocking betrayal. Miranda is wary of opening up to Esther as her health worsens.

Miranda meets a local on the beach Vincent Kennedy who apparently is one of the only people in town who is close to Esther, he also works for Esther’s nephew who would like to see Esther move out, but when Esther really needs help Vincent and Miranda get her to the hospital and Miranda discovers a lot of truths from the past and lot of what Miranda should do with her future.

This is a beautifully written story about families and the secrets that hurt and change people’s lives. Dreams play a big part in this story, nighttime dreams and dreams for the future, this is a poignant and touching story that bought three generations of woman together when they should never have been pulled apart. A fabulous read and one that I highly recommend.

This is an updated version of Essie’s Way published in 2013, which was one I hadn’t read and devoured this one savouring every word, Pamela Cook has never disappointed me with one of her stories.

Thank you to the author Pamela Cook for my digital copy to read and review
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Jan 14, 2019 Janine rated it it was amazing

Wow what a great story - a multi generational story about families lost and found. Miranda is engaged to be married and chasing a partnership at her legal firm. She appears to have it all, but nagging doubts that start with a bit of blood on her wedding dress at a fitting and her mother’s continuing health issues and moodiness lead her to take time away to think things out. She comes across some photos and clippings and a beautiful necklace in her mother’s bedroom and this sets her on a mission ...more

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