The Escape

by Hilary Boyd

Bel Carnegie's life is not perfect. Still recovering from her ex-husband's betrayal she lives with her narcissistic father in the family flat in Earl's Court.

Then one summer she decides to swap the sweltering city for beautiful Cornwall. While renting a little cottage she finds that the sea, sunshine and new friends help heal her damaged heart.

But Bel soon learns that you can't run from the past and it isn't long before it comes knocking once more . . .

Genres: Fiction

386 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 20, 2023

About the author

Boyd was born and spent the first six months of her life in Prestatyn, North Wales, where her father, an army major, was stationed after the war. She was later educated in London, then at the boarding school Roedean. She trained as a nurse at Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, and subsequently as a marriage guidance counsellor with Relate before reading English Literature at London University in her late 30s.

After college, Boyd became a health journalist, writing about depression, step-parenting and pregnancy. She began writing fiction as a hobby whilst raising three children and working at various day jobs including running a cancer charity, Survive Cancer, working for an engineering company, and an online vitamin site.

Reviews

[Gill]

Explores a difficult, controlling relationship between father and daughter which had me shouting at the book at times. The beautiful backdrop of Cornwall and the compassionate and inclusive friendships made the book a lovely read.

[Mel Garraghan-Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escape to Cornwall

This story is set in the new post-pandemic world. The effects of which it has on some of the characters will strike a chord with many people.
In her late 50's and feeling trapped by her ageing dad after her long-term partner left for a younger woman, Bel is longing for an escape route. A phone call from Cornwall with some surprising news gives her the impetus she needs to put her plan in motion. But having the guts to tell her father proves harder than she expected.

[Claire Dyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved so many things about this new book from Hilary Boyd, but I guess most of all I was struck by how she tackled the difficult subject of a middle-aged child's relationship with a tricky parent, and the conflicted emotions this brings in its wake, with such understanding and compassion. This is also a book where a cottage and Cornwall itself are almost like characters in their own right. An absolute 5 star read!

[Tessa Buckley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hilary Boyd is especially good at creating complex, flawed male characters. This is the story of Bel, who is trying to escape from both her domineering father and her selfish ex-husband. Would she finally manage to create a new life for herself without either of them messing things up for her? I very much enjoyed finding out.

[Rachel Axford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read apart from the fact that I’m the same age as Bel, but she’s got so much more energy than I have and her personality seems younger than me.
I love the idea of escaping, but I certainly wouldn’t want other people following me!
The people of Cornwall appear to be welcoming and supportive.

[Lily Mulholland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was beautifully written but a hard read, as our protagonist had so much unresolved trauma from the coercive men in her life that she struggled to achieve agency.

The Cornish setting gave a real sense of place to this book.

A gentle story about a woman finally claiming a life for herself after sacrificing her needs to men. Four stars.

[Glampuss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love all Hilary Boyd books and this one did not disappoint. Lovely story, characters so true to life and lucky lady having the “attention” of a surfer.

Being of similar age and trying paddle boarding for the first time last year i applause older beginners x

[christine rees · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy reading with a feel good factor

Loved this book from beginning to end. We ride the tide of emotions along with Bel. Anger,despair,humiliation,sadness, then in turn realisation joy love and triumph. A wonderful book I read in the heat of my Portuguese holiday. Recommended.

[Laura Rayson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was an easy read. Nice relatable story, it’s hard to deal with family that maybe doesn’t treat you the best but you still want the best for them. Her character growth was wonderful, glad there was a happy ending.

[Wendy Langham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love Hilary Boyd and this one did not disappoint

[clifford baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy reading,enjoyable story with suspence all way through.Will try the Author again,
Worth 5 star

[Pamela Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant Hilary Boyd story

The best Boyd yet. Read it in two days. All her stories are different. How does she do it? Bring on the next book!

[Jane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sentimental, unbelievable, mainly about 59 year woman with a failed relationship who goes home to her bullying dad. 3 men want a relationship with her, as I said unbelievable.

[Margit Hanko · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book.
Every woman must read this book!
You will not regret it.
M. Lindeman
Finland

[Amy W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing much happens but it was pleasant