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Swimming Upstream #2
His Perfect Lies
His Perfect Lies was previously published as Swimming Home .
'The first time I laid eyes on Sky Donoghue, I knew there was trouble ahead.'
Eaubonne, Paris. 2010.
Lizzie Taylor's life hasn't exactly gone to plan. Eighteen years ago, she made the difficult decision to leave London for Paris to escape her best friend's fiancé, the man who'd attacked her and turned her world upside down . Secure in the belief that she and her daughter, Helena, are now safe from harm, Lizzie contemplates her future. But is the nightmare really over?
When the captivating Sky Donoghue comes along, pulling Helena into dangerous waters , Lizzie's strength and judgement are put to the test. Just how far should she go to save her daughter? How far will she go to save herself?
What readers are saying about His Perfect Lies :
'I really enjoyed the first book in this series but this one was even better! I was hooked and had to find out more... There are twists until the end , and ultimately, the truth does win! Great read' Laura N Bren.
' A gripping story that does not follow the path that you imagine it to. Twists and turns and you hear yourself thinking "oh heck" "Oh no!"... This is an excellent book' Misfits Farm.
'First time I have read this author, and it won't be the last. Gripped with an excellent storyline from the word go , like other reviewers, could not put the book down – excellent story, excellent writer , and I look forward to reading more of her books' Helen DJ.
'What a fantastic book. Really got me hooked, I could not put it down . Never read anything be this author before. Such a believable story line. Thought there was no hope for poor Lizzie, who was just being a mum. Fab ending, when all the odds where stacked against her ' DMc.
'The first time I laid eyes on Sky Donoghue, I knew there was trouble ahead.'
Eaubonne, Paris. 2010.
Lizzie Taylor's life hasn't exactly gone to plan. Eighteen years ago, she made the difficult decision to leave London for Paris to escape her best friend's fiancé, the man who'd attacked her and turned her world upside down . Secure in the belief that she and her daughter, Helena, are now safe from harm, Lizzie contemplates her future. But is the nightmare really over?
When the captivating Sky Donoghue comes along, pulling Helena into dangerous waters , Lizzie's strength and judgement are put to the test. Just how far should she go to save her daughter? How far will she go to save herself?
What readers are saying about His Perfect Lies :
'I really enjoyed the first book in this series but this one was even better! I was hooked and had to find out more... There are twists until the end , and ultimately, the truth does win! Great read' Laura N Bren.
' A gripping story that does not follow the path that you imagine it to. Twists and turns and you hear yourself thinking "oh heck" "Oh no!"... This is an excellent book' Misfits Farm.
'First time I have read this author, and it won't be the last. Gripped with an excellent storyline from the word go , like other reviewers, could not put the book down – excellent story, excellent writer , and I look forward to reading more of her books' Helen DJ.
'What a fantastic book. Really got me hooked, I could not put it down . Never read anything be this author before. Such a believable story line. Thought there was no hope for poor Lizzie, who was just being a mum. Fab ending, when all the odds where stacked against her ' DMc.
341 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 4, 2014
149 people are currently reading
844 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Mancini
8 books462 followersRuth Mancini is an author and criminal defence lawyer. Her background as a solicitor adds authenticity to her crime and psychological fiction. She has spent two decades representing those accused of crimes, navigating courtrooms and police stations. Her storytelling prowess and legal background combine to create thrilling reads that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Ruth was born in London and now lives in Oxfordshire with her husband and two children.
Her fifth novel, THE WOMAN ON THE LEDGE was published by Penguin (UK) and HarperCollins (US) in January 2024.
She'd love to connect with you on FB https://www.facebook.com/ruth.mancini... or Twitter https://twitter.com/RuthMancini1
Ruth was born in London and now lives in Oxfordshire with her husband and two children.
Her fifth novel, THE WOMAN ON THE LEDGE was published by Penguin (UK) and HarperCollins (US) in January 2024.
She'd love to connect with you on FB https://www.facebook.com/ruth.mancini... or Twitter https://twitter.com/RuthMancini1
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
January 9, 2015
Succeeding...
I gave this 2nd book a 5 star rating, although I gave Swimming Upstream a 4. I really enjoyed both books but found myself "in" this book more....more emotional, pissed off at what Martin was doing, almost in tears at how Lizzie's life has been ever since meeting Martin since the very first time. This book is about learning to go on in life through all the turmoil, having life-long best friends that are truly that, and motherly love. A beautiful story...Hope there is a 3rd book and Lizzie finds true love...and lives happily ever after!!!!
I gave this 2nd book a 5 star rating, although I gave Swimming Upstream a 4. I really enjoyed both books but found myself "in" this book more....more emotional, pissed off at what Martin was doing, almost in tears at how Lizzie's life has been ever since meeting Martin since the very first time. This book is about learning to go on in life through all the turmoil, having life-long best friends that are truly that, and motherly love. A beautiful story...Hope there is a 3rd book and Lizzie finds true love...and lives happily ever after!!!!
February 28, 2015
Wow! What a nice surprise. The story definitely picked up compared to the first book. Lizzie's voice and stance were both noticeably stronger throughout the story, battling such sexist and misogynistic behaviors from nearly everyone in this book.
Definitely worth the read!
Definitely worth the read!
August 28, 2025
A comparatively dull and predicatble book. I had picked up the author's The women on the ledge and it had some major twists and relevations at the end of it, so decided to go ahead wiht another book by the same author only to be disappointed because this book is slow paced and does not give justice to the thriller category.
The storyline was good as it deals with major topics like rape and the essence of finding freedom in the aftermath of trauma suffered, and the urge to protect thier own children from the trauma that they have suffererd.
I feel the author should mayb stick to the romance genre as his book does not have any major highs and lows. Only a love triangle unnecessarily invented to just keep the reader hooked up, Anyways I didnt see any sense in further lenghtning the story at all since it is not needed. one word for the review if any --AVOID
The storyline was good as it deals with major topics like rape and the essence of finding freedom in the aftermath of trauma suffered, and the urge to protect thier own children from the trauma that they have suffererd.
I feel the author should mayb stick to the romance genre as his book does not have any major highs and lows. Only a love triangle unnecessarily invented to just keep the reader hooked up, Anyways I didnt see any sense in further lenghtning the story at all since it is not needed. one word for the review if any --AVOID
June 13, 2017
I really enjoyed the first book in this series but this one was even better! I was hooked and had to find out more. You will dislike certain characters and love others. There are twists until the end, and ultimately, the truth does win! Great read. Would recommend.
January 24, 2018
Very good read
I would love to find more books by this author, and have recommended it to my library. I want to read more "Swimming" books!
I would love to find more books by this author, and have recommended it to my library. I want to read more "Swimming" books!
March 29, 2024
What a story!
This book was a rollercoaster to read. I could not put it down. A great read.
I'm looking forward to the next one.
This book was a rollercoaster to read. I could not put it down. A great read.
I'm looking forward to the next one.
April 4, 2024
This book has such good reviews but it really wasn't for me.
January 29, 2025
I liked this 2nd book in the series much more than the 1st book.
March 18, 2017
It is a while since I read the first book but I was soon back into the story line I liked the way it was written and the mix of characters. Clever twists in the story line added to my enjoyment
January 20, 2016
This was a horrible book, and by horrible, I mean that I got so engrossed in it that I wanted to cry tears of frustration with the main character, scream at the injustice, and delight when there was finally something to delight in. I struggled to put this down and wound up finishing it in only two days. it is horrible, because I read the second book first and now I not only have to read the first one, but have to check out any other books in the series as well.
It was very well written. The story or plot did not lag in any area, the characters were well-written, and I loathed Martin, his son also started getting there for me too. Beyond a very captivating and tragic story, it moved me as well and resonated within me. Though I have never gone through exactly what Lizzie and the other women have, I know what it is like to be abused and it was like I was reading exact parallels between the characters and what I have gone through. The smooth-talkers who present this perfect image to others making a stark contrast between the honest ones who aren't perfect, then how society tends to cling to that person with the perfect image who plays mind games, believing them over the actual innocent one. I know that all too well, so it was difficult to read this book, and also regarding the relationship between Lizzie and Helena's father and all those fears and concerns. I know that story well too and that brought me to tears. Never has a book moved me so much in my personal life and also re-instilled in me the importance of my own writing to share ugly but necessary truths.
As I was reading some points, I thought how wonderful it would be for a person who is actually suffering through domestic violence to read this book and see it clearly drawn out for them what it looks like, feels like, and the importance of getting out of it, of fighting against it, especially for the sake of the children. Despite some language and premarital sex, this is a very important book.
It was very well written. The story or plot did not lag in any area, the characters were well-written, and I loathed Martin, his son also started getting there for me too. Beyond a very captivating and tragic story, it moved me as well and resonated within me. Though I have never gone through exactly what Lizzie and the other women have, I know what it is like to be abused and it was like I was reading exact parallels between the characters and what I have gone through. The smooth-talkers who present this perfect image to others making a stark contrast between the honest ones who aren't perfect, then how society tends to cling to that person with the perfect image who plays mind games, believing them over the actual innocent one. I know that all too well, so it was difficult to read this book, and also regarding the relationship between Lizzie and Helena's father and all those fears and concerns. I know that story well too and that brought me to tears. Never has a book moved me so much in my personal life and also re-instilled in me the importance of my own writing to share ugly but necessary truths.
As I was reading some points, I thought how wonderful it would be for a person who is actually suffering through domestic violence to read this book and see it clearly drawn out for them what it looks like, feels like, and the importance of getting out of it, of fighting against it, especially for the sake of the children. Despite some language and premarital sex, this is a very important book.
September 12, 2015
Usually I pick a book because the concept is unusual, or for shallow reasoning like the cover speaks to me, and the title is clever. Swimming Home by Ruth Mancini did none of this. I chose Mancini’s book because I’m a protective mother to my own daughter. In the story, Lizzie and her daughter, Helena, which by the way is my daughter’s name, have lived a happy life together with Lizzie as a single mom struggling to give Helena the things she needs and desires. Lizzie, is a strong character that is easily admired from the very beginning. The story spends a lot of time in Lizzie’s head which is often repetitive and drawn-out. This is the only reason I gave it a four star rating. Everything else worked.
The plot twists and turns felt like ‘Winter’ in Antonio Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and ending in his ‘Spring’. The foreshadowing in the beginning of this story paralleled an icy rain outside a house constructed in glass, that feeling is how I feel when I listen to Winter by Vivaldi. It traps me, keeping me inside my own fear and unable to act. This was Lizzie, so afraid the horror that happened to her would also happen to her Helena. Mancini did a fantastic job of filling the reader with this ominous tone. It’s why I kept reading, rooting for Lizzie.
As I said, she was a great character, well-developed with other characters that highlighted her through love and friendship in a real way I found enriching. Lizzie’s friends were flawed like herself, accepting and understanding her through their own narrow flawed view points. Lizzie’s romantic interest(s) felt the same way, but geared itself towards larger trepidation and guilt. All of these, plot, characters, lastly the intense literary device of foreshadowing worked splendidly for me. I read it in two days. I highly recommend this book.
The plot twists and turns felt like ‘Winter’ in Antonio Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and ending in his ‘Spring’. The foreshadowing in the beginning of this story paralleled an icy rain outside a house constructed in glass, that feeling is how I feel when I listen to Winter by Vivaldi. It traps me, keeping me inside my own fear and unable to act. This was Lizzie, so afraid the horror that happened to her would also happen to her Helena. Mancini did a fantastic job of filling the reader with this ominous tone. It’s why I kept reading, rooting for Lizzie.
As I said, she was a great character, well-developed with other characters that highlighted her through love and friendship in a real way I found enriching. Lizzie’s friends were flawed like herself, accepting and understanding her through their own narrow flawed view points. Lizzie’s romantic interest(s) felt the same way, but geared itself towards larger trepidation and guilt. All of these, plot, characters, lastly the intense literary device of foreshadowing worked splendidly for me. I read it in two days. I highly recommend this book.
February 7, 2015
Swimming Home
Swimming Home is the sequel to Swimming Upstream. The story picks up eighteen years later in France where Lizzie has gone to raise the child she is carrying. I do recommend reading Swimming Upstream first even though Swimming Home can be read as a stand alone.
I was anxious to read about what happened to Lizzie and her child and I was not disappointed. Their story was interesting and I was happy all the supporting players were back. There were some good surprises and the plot advanced without a single false note.
Ms Mancini is adept at developing strong female characters who will fight for not only themselves and their friends but also for what is right. Of course the story would not have been complete without the male antagonist, Martin. I spent half the time waiting for him to show up and the other half wishing for him to disappear. I will be waiting too see what Ruth Mancini has in store for us in book #3.
Swimming Home is the sequel to Swimming Upstream. The story picks up eighteen years later in France where Lizzie has gone to raise the child she is carrying. I do recommend reading Swimming Upstream first even though Swimming Home can be read as a stand alone.
I was anxious to read about what happened to Lizzie and her child and I was not disappointed. Their story was interesting and I was happy all the supporting players were back. There were some good surprises and the plot advanced without a single false note.
Ms Mancini is adept at developing strong female characters who will fight for not only themselves and their friends but also for what is right. Of course the story would not have been complete without the male antagonist, Martin. I spent half the time waiting for him to show up and the other half wishing for him to disappear. I will be waiting too see what Ruth Mancini has in store for us in book #3.
November 21, 2015
This is an excellent book. A gripping story that does not follow the path that you imagine it to. Twists and turns and you hear yourself thinking “oh heck” “Oh no!” A very long time since that has happened!!
Lizzie having been living in France finds herself and her daughter back in England for different reasons which appears like the ideal scenario, until the past catches up with them. Lizzie is paranoid for her own good reasons which then conspire against her. Her ex is clever, very clever. But is he the “nutcase” “psychopath” or is it Lizzie??? Sometimes you find yourself swimming upstream against everything and everyone you thought you could trust and know. The outcome? Well, you will have to read it for yourself, let’s just say it kept me turning pages- and what better recommendation that that could I give.
Lizzie having been living in France finds herself and her daughter back in England for different reasons which appears like the ideal scenario, until the past catches up with them. Lizzie is paranoid for her own good reasons which then conspire against her. Her ex is clever, very clever. But is he the “nutcase” “psychopath” or is it Lizzie??? Sometimes you find yourself swimming upstream against everything and everyone you thought you could trust and know. The outcome? Well, you will have to read it for yourself, let’s just say it kept me turning pages- and what better recommendation that that could I give.
February 25, 2022
The story takes a while to get going. I thought it took too long to get to the real action, although when we did get there, it was fast and furious and brought out uncomfortable emotions. I read this book first and found myself easily caught up without reading Swimming Upstream. It's a good beach read and book to pass along to friends.
I found the two male love interests somewhat flat, and perhaps that was intentional, but would have liked to see them more developed to show the difference between Martin (Bad Guy) and them (Good Guys), but we're not even sure they are good guys. Just guys in the wings.
I enjoyed it, but probably will not go back to get the first one.
I found the two male love interests somewhat flat, and perhaps that was intentional, but would have liked to see them more developed to show the difference between Martin (Bad Guy) and them (Good Guys), but we're not even sure they are good guys. Just guys in the wings.
I enjoyed it, but probably will not go back to get the first one.
March 15, 2015
Lots of drama and great writing. I didn't read the first book in the series, but was still able to understand what lead to Liz's decisions she made to protect her daughter. The author explained very well what happened and why she was so upset for her daughter to meet her father. So many times I wanted to scream at her not to do something because I knew she was playing right into his hands. Very good read!
October 7, 2015
I think I enjoyed this book. It was a psychological thriller and I did feel the victim's pain when no one, not even her own daughter, would believe what had happened to her in the past and was happening to her now. But, I skimmed so many pages. I don't usually do this, and I don't know why I did. I can only think that there were some redundant areas. I would recommend this book to others, but with reservations.
February 27, 2015
Really a waste of my time, unfortunately, but I try to finish every book I read. The story line was good (woman raped at 28, becomes pregnant, leaves town, daughter at 18 finds real father, trouble ensues)but the writing style was so simplistic and flowery, I felt like I was reading a romance novel. Just not my cup of tea.
September 14, 2015
A mother's fears recognized
Lizzie seems a bit overprotective of her daughter, Helena. After living in France for 18 years they both end up back in London. Friendships are renewed and new family relationships are started. Lizzie gets sucked back into a nightmare with Martin. The end is quite a twist.
Lizzie seems a bit overprotective of her daughter, Helena. After living in France for 18 years they both end up back in London. Friendships are renewed and new family relationships are started. Lizzie gets sucked back into a nightmare with Martin. The end is quite a twist.
November 9, 2015
This was the rare case where the second book of a series was better than the first. I would have done well to read it right after Swimming Upstream, as it took me a little time to get up to speed on the characters and situation. That said, Swimming Home was excellent, with well developed characters and a story line that had me eager to get back to the book as often as possible. 4. something.
February 4, 2015
Boring at times.
This was a good story however it was very long and drawn out. The constant repeating regarding the reason for her incarceration was unnecessary in my opinion. I found myself doing a lot of skimming without losing the essence of the stor
This was a good story however it was very long and drawn out. The constant repeating regarding the reason for her incarceration was unnecessary in my opinion. I found myself doing a lot of skimming without losing the essence of the stor
November 13, 2015
Woman leaves her home in England and after 18 years returns and confronts her demons. The story was good, but I felt very frustrated by Liz's judgement throughout the book. The ending was way too Ra Ra woman power for me. The psychological part kept me turning the pages. 3 1/2 stars
October 3, 2015
The story caught me and won't let me go.
I liked how the story began. It seemed as if would be a "quiet, calm" read. However, the more I read the more I could not put it down. I wanted one of the characters to receive the punished they deserved.
I liked how the story began. It seemed as if would be a "quiet, calm" read. However, the more I read the more I could not put it down. I wanted one of the characters to receive the punished they deserved.
January 10, 2016
Disturbing but excellent.
Enjoyed book 2 of this series. Having worked in Domestic Violence cases, this book covers it well. More women need to be aware of how they can end such relationships. Author is excellent.
Enjoyed book 2 of this series. Having worked in Domestic Violence cases, this book covers it well. More women need to be aware of how they can end such relationships. Author is excellent.
February 25, 2015
I actually like this better than the first one. Good read.
February 28, 2015
I enjoyed this book just as much as the first in the series. Would definitely read more by this author.
March 31, 2015
Would actually give 3-1/2 stars.
May 30, 2015
Loved this book! Only thing I could find so called wrong was not knowing what happened to "the pig". Otherwise I really felt the emotions. I was angry at points crying my eyes out at other times.
July 30, 2015
Couldn't put down
Once I got into it I became furious that Martin was having this much control. Definitely want to read the next book in this series
Once I got into it I became furious that Martin was having this much control. Definitely want to read the next book in this series
August 3, 2015
Good story line but plodding.
October 3, 2015
Didn't care for it much. Predictable. I hurried to get through it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews