All I Ever Wanted: Lucy Dillon

All I Ever Wanted: Lucy Dillon

Tuesday, 24 January 2017

Author: Lucy Dillon

ISBN: 978114736300260

Pub. Date: November 29th 2016

Publisher: Hachette Australia

Genre: Fiction, Romance, Contemporary

Source: Hachette Australia

Summary

Caitlin and Patrick had not been happy with each other for some time, Patricks’ habit of micro managing her every move smothered Caitlin and stifled her free spirited and impulsive nature. Patrick thought her to be too irresponsible to be trusted with managing the house and raising the children alone.

When he had to move to another city for his work, he fully expected Caitlin and the children to accompany him. Not so, she came up with many reasons to not move but Patrick believed that she was making just making excuses to not be with him, they decided on a separation.

Eva, Patricks sister, agreed to host Patrick and the children, Joel and Nancy for their weekend visits. Eva was recently widowed and now lived alone in a beautiful house with only her two little pugs for company.

Review

I have to admit, when this book was sent to me for review I was put off by the “romance” label, however, I gave it a go.

I would say it is more a story about relationships rather than romance. You know the writing is good when the actions of the characters provoke a response from the reader. 

Time after time I felt that Caitlin and Patrick needed their silly heads banging together! If readers take one thing from this book it should be to realise the stupidity of underestimating the ability of children to sense trouble.

You see, Caitlin and Patrick decided not to tell the children of their separation until yes, you’ve guessed it, “The time was right”. Of course, the time was never right and they were then at a loss at what problem could be causing Nancy’s mutism.

Eva has her own story in this book, of how having the children in her house gradually turned it in to a home and brought warmth and love to her heart.

If you enjoy well written, warm, feel good stories you will love this one from author Lucy Dillon who is renowned for her heartwarming stories.

Review copy from Hachette Australia 

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The Husbands Secret

The Husbands Secret

Wednesday, 22 April 2015

 

• Written by: Liane Moriarty
• Narrated by: Caroline Lee
• Length: 13 hrs and 44 mins
• Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:07-30-13

Publisher: Penguin Audio

Audible

FIVE STAR REVIEW

Publishers' Summary

"My darling Cecilia, if you’re reading this, then I’ve died...."

Imagine that your husband wrote you a letter, to be opened after his death. Imagine, too, that the letter contains his deepest, darkest secret - something with the potential to destroy not just the life you built together, but the lives of others as well. Imagine, then, that you stumble across that letter while your husband is still very much alive....

Cecilia Fitzpatrick has achieved it all - she's an incredibly successful businesswoman, a pillar of her small community, and a devoted wife and mother. Her life is as orderly and spotless as her home. But that letter is about to change everything, and not just for her: Rachel and Tess barely know Cecilia - or each other - but they too are about to feel the earth-shattering repercussions of her husband’s secret.

Acclaimed author Liane Moriarty has written a gripping, thought-provoking novel about how well it is really possible to know our spouses - and, ultimately, ourselves.

©2013 Liane Moriarty (P)2013 Penguin Audio

MY REVIEW

The Husbands Secret is labelled a Contemporary Novel, yes it is but there's more to it than that or I wouldn't have given it a listen. I was attracted by that word, "Secret", yes, a bit of a mystery here and a bit of romance, but most impressive though is the authors percipient interpretation of the characters' actions. Yes, some of their deeds are a tad unbelievable, but it's a novel, fiction, meant to entertain us, this it does in spades. I am in awe of Liane Moriartys' ability to explain the thinking process of her characters, of how they rationalise their somewhat unrational actions. What sort of crazy man would leave his wife a note like that? Well, have a listen and find out!

The "secret" of the title is revealed fairly early on in the story, this is what makes it a little different, makes it more interesting hooks you, then reels you in as you simply have to discover how on earth these situations were resolved. That's not all though, the final chapter is quite a surprise in itself, just when you think it's over the author serves up more surprises.

This book did exactly what a good book should, it engrossed me, entertained me and involved me.

Narrator

This has been my first Caroline Lee listen, and very impressive she is too. She has all of those qualities we want and expect of narrators, the pleasant voice, good timing, nuance and rythym. The characters were distinct, you know exactly which one you are listening to and I thought she captured their personalities perfectly. Her male voices were just right with none of that over the top gruffness. The sound quality and editing were excellent.

This audiobook was won from Tekreads monthly draw. The review is not a requirement for entry, but is my honest opinion

 

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