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Lakeview #6
The Getaway
Another unputdownable book club read from the Irish Times #1 bestselling author.
'A gulp-in-one-go page-turner' (Evening Herald)
Careful what you wish for...
Three women routinely take the same coastal train service to the city. All they have in common is that each is desperate for an escape.
Newly-wed Dara would give anything to go back in time and make a different choice. But she's married now and nothing can change that. Can it?
Louise always wanted to be slim, pretty, and popular. So she can’t believe it when her luck seems to be changing. But is it all too good to be true?
Widow Rosie has always tried her best to make her children happy. Even though they're both grown adults, they seem to expect more from her than ever.
But one summer morning, a shock incident on the train allows each woman an opportunity to alter life's trajectory. Will they have the courage to grasp it?
'A gulp-in-one-go page-turner' (Evening Herald)
Careful what you wish for...
Three women routinely take the same coastal train service to the city. All they have in common is that each is desperate for an escape.
Newly-wed Dara would give anything to go back in time and make a different choice. But she's married now and nothing can change that. Can it?
Louise always wanted to be slim, pretty, and popular. So she can’t believe it when her luck seems to be changing. But is it all too good to be true?
Widow Rosie has always tried her best to make her children happy. Even though they're both grown adults, they seem to expect more from her than ever.
But one summer morning, a shock incident on the train allows each woman an opportunity to alter life's trajectory. Will they have the courage to grasp it?
360 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 22, 2005
1810 people are currently reading
1015 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Hill
129 books1,276 followersMelissa Hill is a USA Today bestselling author living in Ireland’s beautiful County Wicklow. Her page-turning contemporary novels of family, friendship and romance are published worldwide and have been translated into twenty-six languages.
A Hollywood adaptation of her international bestseller Something from Tiffany's, by Reese Witherspoon's production company Hello Sunshine and Amazon Studios, was released worldwide in Dec 2022.
Other novels including A Gift to Remember and The Charm Bracelet have been adapted for screen by Hallmark Channel USA, with multiple other titles currently also in development for film and TV.
For more info, visit her website at www.melissahill.info
Facebook: facebook.com/melissahillbooks
Instagram: @melissahillbooks
Melissa also co-writes forensic thrillers with her husband under the pseudonym Casey Hill. http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
A Hollywood adaptation of her international bestseller Something from Tiffany's, by Reese Witherspoon's production company Hello Sunshine and Amazon Studios, was released worldwide in Dec 2022.
Other novels including A Gift to Remember and The Charm Bracelet have been adapted for screen by Hallmark Channel USA, with multiple other titles currently also in development for film and TV.
For more info, visit her website at www.melissahill.info
Facebook: facebook.com/melissahillbooks
Instagram: @melissahillbooks
Melissa also co-writes forensic thrillers with her husband under the pseudonym Casey Hill. http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
October 8, 2018
Are people really as gullible as Melissa Hill thinks and writes? Two of the three main characters allowed themselves to be bullied by others, the extent to which I found disturbing. And one excuse was that vegetarianism had turned him irritable and he just needed to get some meat down him to be nice again. What a despicable suggestion and pathetic excuse for seriously bad behaviour. Tedious writing with shallow characterisation.
August 30, 2011
After reading The Bronze Horseman, I needed something light and easy. Wishful Thinking is a quick and easy chick lit read. The story was entertaining and the characters were likeable. I would recommend this book as a perfect light travel read.
November 16, 2015
4.5 stars from me. Full review to follow. Definitely one of my must-read authors now.
June 5, 2025
I often love books with chance meetings, survival and changing course in life and The Getaway promises all three. Despite that it fell under what I look for in a book. Granted it may be me and unrealistic expectations. because I can see that a large percentage of people rated it more highly than I did.
We learn at the very start of the book that there has been a horrible train derailment which some of the people in the book are involved in. The book then retreats in time to fill in their back stories. I did not find all their stories interesting nor did I warm to all of the characters.
The portion of the book before the accident was overly long and then wrapped up quickly after.
We learn at the very start of the book that there has been a horrible train derailment which some of the people in the book are involved in. The book then retreats in time to fill in their back stories. I did not find all their stories interesting nor did I warm to all of the characters.
The portion of the book before the accident was overly long and then wrapped up quickly after.
February 2, 2019
This book probably deserves closer to a five star rating because it addresses so many of life's truths but, and probably because of that, I found the first half of this book depressing and uncomfortable... Everyone had problems, and instead of actively trying to fix them, they were just plodding along and making them worse with every choice they made... Much like many of us do every day. So, it was disturbing. But then clarity struck, sometimes with the help of friends, fate or circumstances, and once that happened, seeing the larger pictured helped folks begin again. We all need to see that there is, indeed, a bigger picture. Thank you, Ms. Hill.
September 10, 2012
All the 3 characters were extremists!
Dara is a “lost” woman, idealistic and ungrateful of what she has – till it is gone. Am glad that she didn’t choose her “ideal” man and that her hubby didn’t die.
Louise is young, trying to fit in and is trying to be someone she is not.
Rosie is pathetic, allowing her kids to step all over her – the ending was good. Overheard her kids talk abt her as if she were already dead! That made her realise what sort of kids she has.
Dara is a “lost” woman, idealistic and ungrateful of what she has – till it is gone. Am glad that she didn’t choose her “ideal” man and that her hubby didn’t die.
Louise is young, trying to fit in and is trying to be someone she is not.
Rosie is pathetic, allowing her kids to step all over her – the ending was good. Overheard her kids talk abt her as if she were already dead! That made her realise what sort of kids she has.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2013
Very good book, defiantly one to recommend! Keeps you guessing all the way through, very good ending and easy to read. I think I also liked it because I could relate to a lot of it so if you don't have a perfect life read it. This book will defiantly make you appreciate your life and look at it differently xxx
August 5, 2011
I loved this book. Easy to read.There were so many surprises in store it ended up being a very addictive book that left me gasping out loud. I was quite sad to finish it to be honest.
October 18, 2017
This was one of those books that I couldn't put down - it had me totally absorbed but at the same time made me seethe & my blood boil!
First example, Rosie's children...the way Rosie's daughter treats her mother - give me strength! Open your eyes woman you're been taken for a right mug!! Not that her son appears to be any better...
Next, Louise & her "friends"....they're not true friends if you have to buy their friendship now are they?
But thankfully it's only a story (though I do know of someone whose daughter treats her a bit like Rosie's does but here's not the place to rant about that) & I guess it's the sign of a good storyteller if she's evoked such emotion in me - & anyway, it's chick-lit so it's all going to end happily (although in Louise's case not very credibly to my mind!) isn't it?.....
First example, Rosie's children...the way Rosie's daughter treats her mother - give me strength! Open your eyes woman you're been taken for a right mug!! Not that her son appears to be any better...
Next, Louise & her "friends"....they're not true friends if you have to buy their friendship now are they?
But thankfully it's only a story (though I do know of someone whose daughter treats her a bit like Rosie's does but here's not the place to rant about that) & I guess it's the sign of a good storyteller if she's evoked such emotion in me - & anyway, it's chick-lit so it's all going to end happily (although in Louise's case not very credibly to my mind!) isn't it?.....
August 28, 2019
Have the tissues handy!
Although I have been known to cry at movies, it takes an exceptional book to bring on the years. No spoiler, but one scene was very emotional for me, bringing back my own memories and feelings. Sometimes a good cry is good for the soul, though, and clears the mind.
These books can be read in any order. However, I am one of those people who has to read from book one. I am glad i did and find myself looking forward to the next story with a great deal of anticipation.
Although I have been known to cry at movies, it takes an exceptional book to bring on the years. No spoiler, but one scene was very emotional for me, bringing back my own memories and feelings. Sometimes a good cry is good for the soul, though, and clears the mind.
These books can be read in any order. However, I am one of those people who has to read from book one. I am glad i did and find myself looking forward to the next story with a great deal of anticipation.
August 2, 2023
Different Story Than I Expected.
Reading the Prologue about the train derailment, I couldn’t quite figure out what these three main characters had to do with that event. Although I really liked Dara, Louise and Rosie, I think Rosie was my favorite. Maybe because her kids were so horrible I kept rooting for her to put them in their place. Of course, the dog, Twix, won my heart too, being the huge dog lover I am.
I really did like how the story turned out. All of these women were vindicated in one way or another.
Reading the Prologue about the train derailment, I couldn’t quite figure out what these three main characters had to do with that event. Although I really liked Dara, Louise and Rosie, I think Rosie was my favorite. Maybe because her kids were so horrible I kept rooting for her to put them in their place. Of course, the dog, Twix, won my heart too, being the huge dog lover I am.
I really did like how the story turned out. All of these women were vindicated in one way or another.
Read
February 5, 2024Não estava gostando muito da leitura, mas foi melhorando no decorrer da história.
Em suma, há três personagens principais: uma mãe que sempre arruma justificativas por seus filhos tratarem-na mal; uma jovem que vive gastando mais do que pode, tem consciência disso e ainda assim não para de gastar; e uma mulher que terminou um relacionamento e se ''contentou'' com um colega, casando-se com ele.
As três vão errando ao longo do livro, mas no final amadurecem e começam a fazer a coisa certa. É um livro ok, comecei a leitura irritada com todas elas e terminei torcendo para que desse tudo certo.
Em suma, há três personagens principais: uma mãe que sempre arruma justificativas por seus filhos tratarem-na mal; uma jovem que vive gastando mais do que pode, tem consciência disso e ainda assim não para de gastar; e uma mulher que terminou um relacionamento e se ''contentou'' com um colega, casando-se com ele.
As três vão errando ao longo do livro, mas no final amadurecem e começam a fazer a coisa certa. É um livro ok, comecei a leitura irritada com todas elas e terminei torcendo para que desse tudo certo.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2020
Wishful Thinking, another interesting read by Melissa Hill. A mother that is being taken for granted by her grown up children, a young lady who gives in to peer pressure and a married woman who is torn between two lovers. There is also a dog in this storyline (for you dog lovers). And is featured in my favorite Dublin. Love the characters and storyline. A wonderful book to read. Always my favorite author.
May 22, 2025
emotional read
The emotions. Spoiler alert. Death in book.
The ups and downs emotional. A story about 3 main characters and their lives.
I don’t understand how the title came about, it’s a getaway for a few pages.
I needed something uplifting to read about readying about murders. This wasn’t the light hearted happy book. It could be regular life and everything doesn’t always end on a happily ever after. It was quick and easy read.
The emotions. Spoiler alert. Death in book.
The ups and downs emotional. A story about 3 main characters and their lives.
I don’t understand how the title came about, it’s a getaway for a few pages.
I needed something uplifting to read about readying about murders. This wasn’t the light hearted happy book. It could be regular life and everything doesn’t always end on a happily ever after. It was quick and easy read.
May 12, 2025
I wouldn’t describe this as unput downable, it took most of the book to get in to. It wasn’t clear how all the characters linked until the end so jumping from one snapshot to another of a different character made it feel a bit disjointed. Some despicable behaviour too which wasn’t entirely believable.
This isn’t the first I’ve read by this author and usually enjoyed the Lakeview series more.
This isn’t the first I’ve read by this author and usually enjoyed the Lakeview series more.
June 6, 2025
Faced with a near death situation, suddenly the problems of the world seem so small. Enjoyed this book and its many characters. At first it was hard going back and forth between their different stories. I kept wondering how all of it was going to be weaved together. Kept me frantically reading until the end.
August 28, 2018
I enjoyed this book. By starting with the train crash was a very clever way to begin the book because you had to keep going till the end to find out what happened to Louise, Rosie and Dara. Really enjoyed this book.
August 4, 2023
Excellent! FIVE STARS for sure!
This book was amazing. I so enjoyed every single page of it. I can't wait to read another by Melissa Hill. If was easy and the story line was very realistic.
This book was amazing. I so enjoyed every single page of it. I can't wait to read another by Melissa Hill. If was easy and the story line was very realistic.
August 30, 2023
Different
From the cover I expected something totally different. Great characters! Interesting stories that just barely intersect each other. Really messy lives that !make you feel better about your own!!!
From the cover I expected something totally different. Great characters! Interesting stories that just barely intersect each other. Really messy lives that !make you feel better about your own!!!
August 7, 2024
Great page turner
Loved the mutli-character storyline. This was interesting and kept me engaged. I was actually frustrated with some of the characters!
Somewhat realistic of day to day life.
Will read others by thus author for sure.
Loved the mutli-character storyline. This was interesting and kept me engaged. I was actually frustrated with some of the characters!
Somewhat realistic of day to day life.
Will read others by thus author for sure.
May 20, 2025
I couldn't put it down, even though the separate story lines and multiple characters were confusing at the beginning, and nothing comes together until the end. Altogether it was an enjoyable, quick read.
December 26, 2025
trite ending
This is one of those books that drags you into the lives of these characters- complicated, engaging and you emotionally invest in them. Only to yank the rug out from under you with an abbreviated climax, followed quickly by the end of the book.
This is one of those books that drags you into the lives of these characters- complicated, engaging and you emotionally invest in them. Only to yank the rug out from under you with an abbreviated climax, followed quickly by the end of the book.
August 28, 2017
Few things are as they seem when it comes to affairs of the heart. A good read. Looking forward to the next book!
March 5, 2021
A light read that kept me interested to the end. Suitable for teenagers too.
December 29, 2022
Read many years ago. But was before I started reviewing and recording books read on Goodreads.
July 31, 2023
The Getaway (Escape to the Islands - Book 4)
Sara is marring Robert soon -
Sara is marring Robert soon -
January 17, 2024
Such a good read !! Loved the characters and seeing into their lives I would give this book more than 5 stars if I could
July 8, 2024
the getaway
A wonderful reading that I enjoyed immensely. I’m looking forward to reading more by this great authoress Melissa Hill. Thank you
A wonderful reading that I enjoyed immensely. I’m looking forward to reading more by this great authoress Melissa Hill. Thank you
September 10, 2024
Interesting stories about residents in a town in Ireland. Many characters showed their worst characteristics. Rosie should have spoken to her selfish children sooner than she did.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews