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The Divine Pumpkin
Forensic Nurse Paloma Parker seems to have her life in order. She is a successful career woman who is intelligent and confident in her abilities, but she just can't seem to have a meaningful romantic relationship. Her newest patient, an incarcerated juvenile named Ella, has a connection to her that is fully realized when Paloma's family secret is revealed. As Ella yearns for inner peace and Paloma searches for love, these two women may just hold the key to each other's very different kinds of freedom.
334 pages, Paperback
First published May 16, 2012
3 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Hemmie Martin
15 books88 followersI spent most of my professional life as a Community Nurse for people with learning disabilities and a Family Planning Nurse in London. I was also a Forensic Mental Health Nurse working with young offenders in Hertfordshire. I spent six years living in the south of France and now live on the Norfolk border. A rescue cat owns me, and I now write full-time.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 3, 2012
This is women's fiction with a twist. If you expect it all to be mills and boon romance then you would be mistaken. While the issue of relationships is covered in Paloma's affairs there is so much more to the story. Issues such as sanity, madness and badness are interwoven with the strong dose of reality. The book challenges our notions of what it means to be a child and asks questions that often we would rather avoid.
March 7, 2013
Hemmie’s novel revolves around Paloma Parker, a counsellor who has been assigned the unenviable task of reforming Ella Cavendish, a young offender who committed a crime that pretty much anyone would find hard to forgive, yet as the story unfolds, and more is revealed about Paloma’s family life and history, the reader begins to see an uncanny tie between the two.
Before I give the wrong impression, it needs to be pointed out that there’s nothing supernatural about this story, but there are moments when Paloma’s intuition is supplemented by a mysterious inky mist that drifts around some people she has a connection with. I won’t give away any spoilers, but I was impressed by the way in which she takes this in her stride, as if it’s a perfectly natural thing to see – she’s been living with that all her life.
But the mist is only incidental to the focus of the novel, and to some extent, so is Paloma’s heartfelt struggle with her parents and with Ella. The real problem for Paloma is the men in her life. She’s torn between a guy called Daniel (who I repeatedly wanted to beat over the head with something heavy) and Simon. One is a total womanizer whose strongest relationship is with himself, and the other is a dependable, nice, safe guy. The trouble is, the nice guy is... well, he’s too nice for her. So Paloma bounces from pillar to post uncertain who she should settle for. I wasn’t sure either. Though there were moments when I thought, ‘Paloma, what the hell are you doing? Drop this idiot,’ I couldn’t help but fall into the same trap, thinking that she might actually be able to tame the bad guy (though he isn’t actually bad – just a pratt).
Thrown into the mix is Paloma’s struggle with her mother who is mentally unstable and there’s quite a lot for our girl to deal with.
Throughout the novel we’re treated to several counselling sessions (not just Paloma and Ella’s sessions) which reflect the author’s considerable experience and adds believability and credibility to the story. We see the gradual transformation of all the characters, learn to sympathise with those we thought we couldn’t (except for Daniel, the ass, I’m still not fond of him), and finish with a smile. Now, anyone that knows me, knows I’m a sci-fi and fantasy geek, but I do occasionally venture into other territories from time to time, and I don’t regret doing so on this occasion. It was an enjoyable read.
Before I give the wrong impression, it needs to be pointed out that there’s nothing supernatural about this story, but there are moments when Paloma’s intuition is supplemented by a mysterious inky mist that drifts around some people she has a connection with. I won’t give away any spoilers, but I was impressed by the way in which she takes this in her stride, as if it’s a perfectly natural thing to see – she’s been living with that all her life.
But the mist is only incidental to the focus of the novel, and to some extent, so is Paloma’s heartfelt struggle with her parents and with Ella. The real problem for Paloma is the men in her life. She’s torn between a guy called Daniel (who I repeatedly wanted to beat over the head with something heavy) and Simon. One is a total womanizer whose strongest relationship is with himself, and the other is a dependable, nice, safe guy. The trouble is, the nice guy is... well, he’s too nice for her. So Paloma bounces from pillar to post uncertain who she should settle for. I wasn’t sure either. Though there were moments when I thought, ‘Paloma, what the hell are you doing? Drop this idiot,’ I couldn’t help but fall into the same trap, thinking that she might actually be able to tame the bad guy (though he isn’t actually bad – just a pratt).
Thrown into the mix is Paloma’s struggle with her mother who is mentally unstable and there’s quite a lot for our girl to deal with.
Throughout the novel we’re treated to several counselling sessions (not just Paloma and Ella’s sessions) which reflect the author’s considerable experience and adds believability and credibility to the story. We see the gradual transformation of all the characters, learn to sympathise with those we thought we couldn’t (except for Daniel, the ass, I’m still not fond of him), and finish with a smile. Now, anyone that knows me, knows I’m a sci-fi and fantasy geek, but I do occasionally venture into other territories from time to time, and I don’t regret doing so on this occasion. It was an enjoyable read.
July 8, 2012
Have you ever picked up a book, and part way through you think to yourself: “Wow, this resembles my life?” This is one of them. As an avid reader, I am in constant search for fiction which resonates with me, and The Divine Pumpkin surely found it’s way to my heart. Not only did I feel great love for Paloma, every single character brought up emotions in me ranging from compassion, sadness and even revolt! (ok I was angry at a couple!) This book truly hit home, and I believe many of you will relate.
If you are looking for Part II of It’s a Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, this isn’t it, as no Divine pumpkin raises from the dead. As you read, you will discover the subtle meaning of this book’s title.
This novel is about Paloma Parker, Paloma, a Forensic Nurse, who finds herself secretly comparing her life to one of her “newest patients Ella, an incarcerated, yet endearing juvenile. Not only does the book explore the particular relationship these two share, it speaks about family, most importantly dysfunctional families and those notorious “skeleton’s in the closet” and family secrets, which if not divulged early enough, can haunt a child into adulthood.
The relationship between Paloma and Ella, is one I will always remember. The parallels of their lives, brings the reader to look forward to their talks, as both of them grow simultaneously. I love the way they both help each other harmoniously (which I think surprises Paloma on her end), thus leading them to actually look at themselves, as if they were a reflection of each other.
Not only do the main characters mirror each other, but their lives and family as well. Hemmie writes her story in a way which allows you to see two different generations repeat certain patterns which, in turn, permits the reader to evaluate cycles in their own family lives. The days of family dysfunction is not a rarity in this world, and I love the way Hemmie Martin brings out these issues without making me feel like I am watching an episode of Jerry Springer who is notorious for making some families (in my opinion) look bad.
Oh Night in Shining Armor come to me!
Whether Paloma seems to be desperately seeking love or feeling the pressure from family to do so, Hemmie carries you through a woman’s search not only for true love, but for the love of herself. Right away I felt attracted to the relationships she tries to establish. Yet, I feel Paloma would prefer to do things her way, without the outside pressure and constant self-judgement.
Lust r bust, bad vs good!
The lust for the “bad boy”, the lack of respect for herself in the name of sex, continuing an unhealthy relationship despite the obvious red flags, thus closing her eyes due to a need to be loved. You can sense, as you read, Paloma’s tremendous pangs of guilt over having other people’s needs come before her own. Hemmie’s story telling really brings you right into Paloma’s life and turmoil. You can sense Paloma’s gut wrenching anxiety about doing the “right thing” vs listening to her own needs. A common trait among women.
Hemmie’s metaphorical descriptions throughout the entire book are absolutely brilliant! I found myself smiling, thus the narration, enveloped me like a baby snuggling in the arms of it’s mother. She (Hemmie) really brings you to the feeling and into the moment, leading the reader into the exact instant a particular event is taking place. This is quite appealing, as I felt Hemmie really wanting her reader to bridge each paragraph and sentence to keep you mindfully present.
The Divine Pumpkin allowed me to reflect, relate, and feel as if I was part of the story. I love the way Hemmie also explored, mental illness, a subject which is very close to my heart. How someone perceives themselves, self-worth, guilt and the constant feeling of judgement from others, but most importantly the judgement of oneself.
If you want a book which speaks to you as you kick back on a rainy Sunday afternoon, or just sitting in your hammock on a sunny Saturday, The Divine Pumpkin will surely bring you home, and leave you feeling pretty good inside.Hemmie Martin
If you are looking for Part II of It’s a Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, this isn’t it, as no Divine pumpkin raises from the dead. As you read, you will discover the subtle meaning of this book’s title.
This novel is about Paloma Parker, Paloma, a Forensic Nurse, who finds herself secretly comparing her life to one of her “newest patients Ella, an incarcerated, yet endearing juvenile. Not only does the book explore the particular relationship these two share, it speaks about family, most importantly dysfunctional families and those notorious “skeleton’s in the closet” and family secrets, which if not divulged early enough, can haunt a child into adulthood.
The relationship between Paloma and Ella, is one I will always remember. The parallels of their lives, brings the reader to look forward to their talks, as both of them grow simultaneously. I love the way they both help each other harmoniously (which I think surprises Paloma on her end), thus leading them to actually look at themselves, as if they were a reflection of each other.
Not only do the main characters mirror each other, but their lives and family as well. Hemmie writes her story in a way which allows you to see two different generations repeat certain patterns which, in turn, permits the reader to evaluate cycles in their own family lives. The days of family dysfunction is not a rarity in this world, and I love the way Hemmie Martin brings out these issues without making me feel like I am watching an episode of Jerry Springer who is notorious for making some families (in my opinion) look bad.
Oh Night in Shining Armor come to me!
Whether Paloma seems to be desperately seeking love or feeling the pressure from family to do so, Hemmie carries you through a woman’s search not only for true love, but for the love of herself. Right away I felt attracted to the relationships she tries to establish. Yet, I feel Paloma would prefer to do things her way, without the outside pressure and constant self-judgement.
Lust r bust, bad vs good!
The lust for the “bad boy”, the lack of respect for herself in the name of sex, continuing an unhealthy relationship despite the obvious red flags, thus closing her eyes due to a need to be loved. You can sense, as you read, Paloma’s tremendous pangs of guilt over having other people’s needs come before her own. Hemmie’s story telling really brings you right into Paloma’s life and turmoil. You can sense Paloma’s gut wrenching anxiety about doing the “right thing” vs listening to her own needs. A common trait among women.
Hemmie’s metaphorical descriptions throughout the entire book are absolutely brilliant! I found myself smiling, thus the narration, enveloped me like a baby snuggling in the arms of it’s mother. She (Hemmie) really brings you to the feeling and into the moment, leading the reader into the exact instant a particular event is taking place. This is quite appealing, as I felt Hemmie really wanting her reader to bridge each paragraph and sentence to keep you mindfully present.
The Divine Pumpkin allowed me to reflect, relate, and feel as if I was part of the story. I love the way Hemmie also explored, mental illness, a subject which is very close to my heart. How someone perceives themselves, self-worth, guilt and the constant feeling of judgement from others, but most importantly the judgement of oneself.
If you want a book which speaks to you as you kick back on a rainy Sunday afternoon, or just sitting in your hammock on a sunny Saturday, The Divine Pumpkin will surely bring you home, and leave you feeling pretty good inside.Hemmie Martin
September 22, 2012
I won this book as a FirstRead.
The Divine Pumpkin follows forensic nurse Paloma Parker, as she counsels 16-year-old Ella, a convicted baby killer, as well as tries to work through the issues in her own life.
The book was a little darker than I expected it to be, but I enjoyed reading it. I kept wanting to tell Paloma to stop making such poor decisions in her love life and was quite happy at the end when she finally made a good decision. I really enjoyed the character of Ella and was glad to see the progress she made by the end of the book.
The Divine Pumpkin follows forensic nurse Paloma Parker, as she counsels 16-year-old Ella, a convicted baby killer, as well as tries to work through the issues in her own life.
The book was a little darker than I expected it to be, but I enjoyed reading it. I kept wanting to tell Paloma to stop making such poor decisions in her love life and was quite happy at the end when she finally made a good decision. I really enjoyed the character of Ella and was glad to see the progress she made by the end of the book.
Read
July 30, 2012In this psychological novel, Ms. Martin, shows the intense drama her two characters, Paloma a forensic nurse and Ella, her client who has been convicted of murdering a child must face before they can come to forms of self-acceptance. Paloma, who is the true focus of the book, faces additional challenges from a difficult family and a complicated dating landscape. As in real life, these women must muddle through their challenges, learning from each other to grow.
July 10, 2019
Paloma Parker is a forensic nurse working in a Young Offenders Institute. Her latest case is Ella Cavendish. Ella has been convicted of a terrible crime, one that anyone would find hard to forgive.
The Divine Pumpkin looks not only Ella’s journey of dealing with the ramifications of her crime, it also looks at Paloma’s work and personal life too. As we follow this story it becomes apparent that Paloma and Ella have a lot more in common than first meets the eye.
I’m not saying more with regards to the plot because I don’t want to post any spoilers.
This book has been written extremely well. It’s clear to see that Hemmie Martin has put a lot of time, care and attention into her writing. The way the counselling sessions are written show the knowledge that Hemmie has from her own time doing that job and for me that adds another layer of believability to this book. Hemmie’s writing is incredibly informative, it allows a clear image to be formed in your minds eye as your reading, but at the same time leaves you guessing as to how and what will happen next.
The characters growth and progression is gradual, they seem to learn from the events they face. These characters are well thought out, they have depth, emotion (except maybe Daniel) and are realistic.
The overall storyline is interesting, gripping, emotional and a little bit dark in places. He grabs a hold of your attention from the very beginning and pulls you further in the more you read.
Hemmie has a knack of bringing you a book that will make you question certain aspects of your own life as you read about her characters and stories.
The Divine Pumpkin is a gripping, enjoyable, thought-provoking tale!
The Divine Pumpkin looks not only Ella’s journey of dealing with the ramifications of her crime, it also looks at Paloma’s work and personal life too. As we follow this story it becomes apparent that Paloma and Ella have a lot more in common than first meets the eye.
I’m not saying more with regards to the plot because I don’t want to post any spoilers.
This book has been written extremely well. It’s clear to see that Hemmie Martin has put a lot of time, care and attention into her writing. The way the counselling sessions are written show the knowledge that Hemmie has from her own time doing that job and for me that adds another layer of believability to this book. Hemmie’s writing is incredibly informative, it allows a clear image to be formed in your minds eye as your reading, but at the same time leaves you guessing as to how and what will happen next.
The characters growth and progression is gradual, they seem to learn from the events they face. These characters are well thought out, they have depth, emotion (except maybe Daniel) and are realistic.
The overall storyline is interesting, gripping, emotional and a little bit dark in places. He grabs a hold of your attention from the very beginning and pulls you further in the more you read.
Hemmie has a knack of bringing you a book that will make you question certain aspects of your own life as you read about her characters and stories.
The Divine Pumpkin is a gripping, enjoyable, thought-provoking tale!
December 14, 2016
I picked this book up after seeing it on Facebook and I loved it. It's my first of Hemmie Martin's and I plan now to make my way through her works. The story starts with Paloma who works as a forensic nurse at the Young Offenders prison. She comes across Ella, a young girl who's crime is hard to stomach. Throughout the book, the parallels between Paloma and Ella are apparent as we see both work through their therapy, and family dramas. It's well written and an engaging story that keeps the reader interested and the pages turned. I really did enjoy it and recommend it to anyone who likes a good book.
June 11, 2016
I was fascinated by the main character’s job, as a Forensic Nurse, and the dysfunctional family lives portrayed within the story and was pulled into the world of Paloma in just the first few pages. There’s no point in me saying too much and spoiling the story, but let me say, it was a very satisfying read.
Hemmie has a talent for creating characters with real depth and meaning, interwoven into interesting, gripping, storyline's, and this one does not disappoint. I have read ‘Attic of the Mind’ which was stunning and next is ‘Garlic and Gauloises’. I simply love this authors writing!
Hemmie has a talent for creating characters with real depth and meaning, interwoven into interesting, gripping, storyline's, and this one does not disappoint. I have read ‘Attic of the Mind’ which was stunning and next is ‘Garlic and Gauloises’. I simply love this authors writing!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews