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Where Love Lies
Lately, Felicity just can’t shake a shadow of uncertainty. Her husband Quinn is the kindest person she knows and loves her peculiarities more than Felicity feels she deserves. But suddenly it’s as if she doesn’t quite belong.
Then Felicity experiences something extraordinary: a scent of perfume in the air which evokes memories that have been settled within her for a long time, untouched and undisturbed. As it happens again and again, the memories of a man Felicity hasn’t seen for ten years also flutter to the surface. And so do the feelings of being deeply, exquisitely in love . . .
Overwhelmed and bewildered by her emotions, Felicity tries to resist sinking blissfully into the past. But what if something truly isn’t as it should be? What if her mind has been playing tricks on her heart?
Which would you trust?
Then Felicity experiences something extraordinary: a scent of perfume in the air which evokes memories that have been settled within her for a long time, untouched and undisturbed. As it happens again and again, the memories of a man Felicity hasn’t seen for ten years also flutter to the surface. And so do the feelings of being deeply, exquisitely in love . . .
Overwhelmed and bewildered by her emotions, Felicity tries to resist sinking blissfully into the past. But what if something truly isn’t as it should be? What if her mind has been playing tricks on her heart?
Which would you trust?
384 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
36 people are currently reading
1664 people want to read
About the author
Julie Cohen
61 books570 followersJulie Cohen (also writing as Julie Mae Cohen) is an award-winning, bestselling author and a popular teacher of creative writing. She was born in Maine in the USA, and currently lives in the UK with her family and a terrier of dubious origin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
December 17, 2016
This was a stunning novel, one that captured both my heart and mind as I progressed through the journey of words, it was a book I could not stop reading, so beautifully written and with such a fantastic plot. This is a great novel.
What's it about?
Lately, Felicity just can't shake a shadow of uncertainty. Her husband Quinn is the kindest person she knows and loves her peculiarities more than Felicity feels she deserves. But suddenly it's as if she doesn't quite belong.
Then Felicity experiences something extraordinary: a scent of perfume in the air which evokes memories that have been settled within her for a long time, untouched and undisturbed. As it happens again and again, the memories of a man Felicity hasn't seen for ten years also flutter to the surface. And so do the feelings of being deeply, exquisitely in love . . .
Overwhelmed and bewildered by her emotions, Felicity tries to resist sinking blissfully into the past. But what if something truly isn't as it should be? What if her mind has been playing tricks on her heart?
Which would you trust?
My Review:
Felicity has been married to Quinn for a year when she starts experiencing the moments of smelling a familiar fragrance and having it evoke strong feelings of deep love in her. Quinn is a devoted husband, madly in love with Felicity, and it shows.
Before he met Felicity, Quinn had never known a lot of things. For example, how you could feel as if you understood your wife better when you were watching her across the garden, than when you were talking with her in the home you shared.
Quinn finds there is a part of Felicity closed off to him, he's desperate to know all of her, but she keeps thoughts and feelings to herself, and he knows it. Felicity is trying to process this fragrance that pops up from nowhere and overtakes her heart and emotions, creating confusion and old memories, it's fascinating!
It's about someone else, a man in my memory who smelled of frangipani, who tucked a blossom behind my ear that summer.
This novel explores the depths and crevices of the human heart in the most stunning of ways, you will be pulled along and pulled apart by hearing both the story of Felicity and the story of Quinn, as we hear from both of them. It's heartbreaking, poignant, special and so very clever. I absolutely cannot rave enough about this book. I am not normally one for any type of book involving romance, but this book runs deeper, it tackles the very heart of marriage, what it is/isn't, it stirs up feelings in the reader of our past relationships, it did in me anyway, made me think what I would do if I was Felicity. She's not sure herself.
I love him. But do I love him with my whole heart and body, with a hunger and a need that don't leave room for anything else?
Sigh....those intense feelings of being in love, so deeply in love you forget to eat, you struggle to breathe, your life is nothing but the other person and they can do no wrong. Been there? Felicity has. Or so it seems.
To share too much more would totally spoil the brilliant plot and the outstanding finale to this beautiful novel. This is not a wishy-washy novel by any means, it will challenge your own beliefs and thoughts. The characters are deep and tangible, I related to all of them including the peripheral characters in the novel. I could picture them, hear them and was right there with all of them.
Felicity can stir mixed feelings as a character, I liked that, I flipped back and forth on my like/dislike for her and her choices. I both sympathised with her and got angry at her. But the final conclusion, the run-up to the end of the book WILL just blow you away. I was stunned, would not have expected it, thought of it or imagined it. Very clever and intriguing.
As for Quinn? I just LOVED Quinn, what a man! I hope you love him too. He's an endearing character, memorable in many ways.
You have got to read this book if you have a heart, or are even a bit curious. Don't be fooled into thinking it's all lovey-dovey stuff, this is deeper, it tackles the very mysteries of the human heart and the connected mind. It's a darn good read and I am better for it. One of my most loved books I have read this year. Julie Cohen is clearly a talented author and I will be eager to read some more of her books as soon as I can.
I received a copy of this novel thanks to the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, my thanks for the opportunity.
What's it about?
Lately, Felicity just can't shake a shadow of uncertainty. Her husband Quinn is the kindest person she knows and loves her peculiarities more than Felicity feels she deserves. But suddenly it's as if she doesn't quite belong.
Then Felicity experiences something extraordinary: a scent of perfume in the air which evokes memories that have been settled within her for a long time, untouched and undisturbed. As it happens again and again, the memories of a man Felicity hasn't seen for ten years also flutter to the surface. And so do the feelings of being deeply, exquisitely in love . . .
Overwhelmed and bewildered by her emotions, Felicity tries to resist sinking blissfully into the past. But what if something truly isn't as it should be? What if her mind has been playing tricks on her heart?
Which would you trust?
My Review:
Felicity has been married to Quinn for a year when she starts experiencing the moments of smelling a familiar fragrance and having it evoke strong feelings of deep love in her. Quinn is a devoted husband, madly in love with Felicity, and it shows.
Before he met Felicity, Quinn had never known a lot of things. For example, how you could feel as if you understood your wife better when you were watching her across the garden, than when you were talking with her in the home you shared.
Quinn finds there is a part of Felicity closed off to him, he's desperate to know all of her, but she keeps thoughts and feelings to herself, and he knows it. Felicity is trying to process this fragrance that pops up from nowhere and overtakes her heart and emotions, creating confusion and old memories, it's fascinating!
It's about someone else, a man in my memory who smelled of frangipani, who tucked a blossom behind my ear that summer.
This novel explores the depths and crevices of the human heart in the most stunning of ways, you will be pulled along and pulled apart by hearing both the story of Felicity and the story of Quinn, as we hear from both of them. It's heartbreaking, poignant, special and so very clever. I absolutely cannot rave enough about this book. I am not normally one for any type of book involving romance, but this book runs deeper, it tackles the very heart of marriage, what it is/isn't, it stirs up feelings in the reader of our past relationships, it did in me anyway, made me think what I would do if I was Felicity. She's not sure herself.
I love him. But do I love him with my whole heart and body, with a hunger and a need that don't leave room for anything else?
Sigh....those intense feelings of being in love, so deeply in love you forget to eat, you struggle to breathe, your life is nothing but the other person and they can do no wrong. Been there? Felicity has. Or so it seems.
To share too much more would totally spoil the brilliant plot and the outstanding finale to this beautiful novel. This is not a wishy-washy novel by any means, it will challenge your own beliefs and thoughts. The characters are deep and tangible, I related to all of them including the peripheral characters in the novel. I could picture them, hear them and was right there with all of them.
Felicity can stir mixed feelings as a character, I liked that, I flipped back and forth on my like/dislike for her and her choices. I both sympathised with her and got angry at her. But the final conclusion, the run-up to the end of the book WILL just blow you away. I was stunned, would not have expected it, thought of it or imagined it. Very clever and intriguing.
As for Quinn? I just LOVED Quinn, what a man! I hope you love him too. He's an endearing character, memorable in many ways.
You have got to read this book if you have a heart, or are even a bit curious. Don't be fooled into thinking it's all lovey-dovey stuff, this is deeper, it tackles the very mysteries of the human heart and the connected mind. It's a darn good read and I am better for it. One of my most loved books I have read this year. Julie Cohen is clearly a talented author and I will be eager to read some more of her books as soon as I can.
I received a copy of this novel thanks to the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, my thanks for the opportunity.
October 8, 2014
Jeffrey Stepakoff, an American television writer, producer, and author, has captured the definition of any particular “scent" in his remarkable words, as;
“A good fragrance is really a powerful cocktail of memories and emotion.”
Julie Cohen, the English author has crafted a beautiful tale about scents and fragrances triggering any particular memory in her new novel, Where Love Lies. I'm pretty sure that while reading the book, you too are going to get engulfed by the beauty of this tale and also get lost in the beautiful fragrance underlying in this tale.
I'd like to thank the author's publicist, Tess Henderson, of Transworld Publishers, for sending me over a copy of the author's book, in return for an honest review.
Felicity, a children's book author, is married to her husband, Quinn for just a year and within her 1 year of marriage, Felicity's mind remains always clouded by doubt and uncertainty about Quinn, love and marriage. Quinn wants Felicity to try for a baby, but her mind is clogged with her book's protagonist's next adventure and with the idea of love. But suddenly, Felicity and only Felicity can smell the fragrance of frangipani flowers wherever she went, but when she consulted her GP, he confirms it to be due to her migraine pains and that particular smell is related to a man that Felicity once loved almost 10 years ago. As Felicity falls one more for that beautiful man from her past, her marriage to Quinn seems so bleak and uncertain. Will Felicity hold onto the smell of frangipani flowers? Will Felicity come to term with a simple smell that's almost haunting her marriage?
I know from the blurb itself, the book sounds beautiful and I don't know how many times I cried for Felicity and Quinn. One moment, I hated Felicity terribly for hurting her loving husband, Quinn and the next moment I'm praying for Felicity's speedy recovery from pain. Felicity almost made be hate-to-love her, and Quinn made me love him from the very first page to the very last page and I so wish my boyfriend to address me like Quinn does to Felicity;
Hello Love
Quinn is etched on to my mind forever and Felicity is a confused woman who day-dreams about her protagonist, Igor, the Owl, almost all day, loved her mother, got traumatized by her artist mother's death and that left her uncertain with herself, and also quite amusing the way she behaved and talked. She adored her in-laws and hated her publicist (Which author doesn't hate?). Her 10years ago boyfriend, didn't make any mark upon my mind, frankly speaking, I did not like him, too casual in his world, always had this 'don't care' attitude. These were the primary characters and the rest like, Felicity's bestie, who loved jumping off from one rich-guy to another, Felicity's sister-in-law, and the rest were quite striking and the author have made them quite believable in nature. Felicity's bliss of being in love is what drowned me into the ocean of intense feelings and I attached so emotionally with Felicity. The author's style of writing is impeccable, and loved the way she narrated down those feelings and emotions attached with each and every moment of the book.
It's a must read for everyone who enjoys a blissful feeling in the very deep core of their heart! From the cover image to the title of the book, it is a 5star rating book!
“A good fragrance is really a powerful cocktail of memories and emotion.”
Julie Cohen, the English author has crafted a beautiful tale about scents and fragrances triggering any particular memory in her new novel, Where Love Lies. I'm pretty sure that while reading the book, you too are going to get engulfed by the beauty of this tale and also get lost in the beautiful fragrance underlying in this tale.
I'd like to thank the author's publicist, Tess Henderson, of Transworld Publishers, for sending me over a copy of the author's book, in return for an honest review.
Felicity, a children's book author, is married to her husband, Quinn for just a year and within her 1 year of marriage, Felicity's mind remains always clouded by doubt and uncertainty about Quinn, love and marriage. Quinn wants Felicity to try for a baby, but her mind is clogged with her book's protagonist's next adventure and with the idea of love. But suddenly, Felicity and only Felicity can smell the fragrance of frangipani flowers wherever she went, but when she consulted her GP, he confirms it to be due to her migraine pains and that particular smell is related to a man that Felicity once loved almost 10 years ago. As Felicity falls one more for that beautiful man from her past, her marriage to Quinn seems so bleak and uncertain. Will Felicity hold onto the smell of frangipani flowers? Will Felicity come to term with a simple smell that's almost haunting her marriage?
I know from the blurb itself, the book sounds beautiful and I don't know how many times I cried for Felicity and Quinn. One moment, I hated Felicity terribly for hurting her loving husband, Quinn and the next moment I'm praying for Felicity's speedy recovery from pain. Felicity almost made be hate-to-love her, and Quinn made me love him from the very first page to the very last page and I so wish my boyfriend to address me like Quinn does to Felicity;
Hello Love
Quinn is etched on to my mind forever and Felicity is a confused woman who day-dreams about her protagonist, Igor, the Owl, almost all day, loved her mother, got traumatized by her artist mother's death and that left her uncertain with herself, and also quite amusing the way she behaved and talked. She adored her in-laws and hated her publicist (Which author doesn't hate?). Her 10years ago boyfriend, didn't make any mark upon my mind, frankly speaking, I did not like him, too casual in his world, always had this 'don't care' attitude. These were the primary characters and the rest like, Felicity's bestie, who loved jumping off from one rich-guy to another, Felicity's sister-in-law, and the rest were quite striking and the author have made them quite believable in nature. Felicity's bliss of being in love is what drowned me into the ocean of intense feelings and I attached so emotionally with Felicity. The author's style of writing is impeccable, and loved the way she narrated down those feelings and emotions attached with each and every moment of the book.
It's a must read for everyone who enjoys a blissful feeling in the very deep core of their heart! From the cover image to the title of the book, it is a 5star rating book!
August 27, 2014
This is a romance book that just took my breath away. It is a very atmospheric, almost mystical read, the story of Felicity and Quinn. They have been married for a year after quite a whirlwind romance and Quinn must really be the most considerate, kindest man ever. Felicity is so lucky to have him. Felicity’s mother had died not long before she met Quinn and now she really feels that she doesn’t quite deserve Quinn, and a bit swamped by his very close knit family.
Strange things start to happen to Felicity, a recurring strong fragrant aroma leads her to memories of her first love, Ewan and rekindles feelings she thought long buried, and which lead her to question her life with Quinn.
All the way through I was on tenterhooks to find out what would happen between Felicity, Quinn and Ewan. I know what I wanted to happen, but would I be lucky? The story was beautifully written, with characters you really cared for and worried about, wanting a happy ending for everyone.
About two thirds of the way the story takes a very unexpected turn and I was totally glued to the screen for the resolution of the story. I loved the way the author rounded everything off with an extremely satisfying ending. This was a really, really good book and thanks to the publishers for the review copy.
Strange things start to happen to Felicity, a recurring strong fragrant aroma leads her to memories of her first love, Ewan and rekindles feelings she thought long buried, and which lead her to question her life with Quinn.
All the way through I was on tenterhooks to find out what would happen between Felicity, Quinn and Ewan. I know what I wanted to happen, but would I be lucky? The story was beautifully written, with characters you really cared for and worried about, wanting a happy ending for everyone.
About two thirds of the way the story takes a very unexpected turn and I was totally glued to the screen for the resolution of the story. I loved the way the author rounded everything off with an extremely satisfying ending. This was a really, really good book and thanks to the publishers for the review copy.
September 8, 2014
I received an advance copy from Random House UK, Transworld Publishers via Net Galley which I was very happy to get as I so wanted to read this book. I loved the cover, I'm a bit of a 'see with your eyes' kind of reader/reviewer, I think if an effort is put into a cover, it show how much the author puts into their book and how they see it, they want to dress it up for the world. OK, if that makes me shallow, then I am shallow, but after saying this, I have read books with not great covers and they've been awesome, but for the cover.
We have a young girl here named Felicity and her adorable new husband named Quinn. Quinn loved every inch of his new wife, they have been married for a year. It starts where Felicity is to meet up with her husband at a restaurant; she remembers the color, where about's it is, or she thought she did. However, she can't find it, she's worried because Quinn will wonder where she is as he's a bit of a stickler for time. They are opposites when it comes to this, as Felicity goes through life thinking there is plenty of time, and Quinn is prompt.
On the way to finding the restaurant, she smells this wonderful smell that reminds her of her Mother, wait a minute, there's a lady that looks just like her, but it can't be.......
This is how the book draws you in, you are sunk in this book unable to put it down until you have it finished. This is what happened to me today.
Felicity has a flair of her own, she is an artist, so she's individual too. Those are all the things that Quinn fell in love with.
However, later we find that this aroma, this sweet lovely smell reminds her of.........
and this opens a lot of memories and thoughts.
As you can tell, this book by Julie Cohen has kept me entertained for hours, and I look forward very much so to reading her next book.
This book is due for release the end of this month [31st July 2014]
We have a young girl here named Felicity and her adorable new husband named Quinn. Quinn loved every inch of his new wife, they have been married for a year. It starts where Felicity is to meet up with her husband at a restaurant; she remembers the color, where about's it is, or she thought she did. However, she can't find it, she's worried because Quinn will wonder where she is as he's a bit of a stickler for time. They are opposites when it comes to this, as Felicity goes through life thinking there is plenty of time, and Quinn is prompt.
On the way to finding the restaurant, she smells this wonderful smell that reminds her of her Mother, wait a minute, there's a lady that looks just like her, but it can't be.......
This is how the book draws you in, you are sunk in this book unable to put it down until you have it finished. This is what happened to me today.
Felicity has a flair of her own, she is an artist, so she's individual too. Those are all the things that Quinn fell in love with.
However, later we find that this aroma, this sweet lovely smell reminds her of.........
and this opens a lot of memories and thoughts.
As you can tell, this book by Julie Cohen has kept me entertained for hours, and I look forward very much so to reading her next book.
This book is due for release the end of this month [31st July 2014]
September 2, 2016
Felicity does a lot of stupid assholey things and then she's excused from taking any responsibility.
Also, her husband is a saint and never gets mad about anything ever.
Also, her husband is a saint and never gets mad about anything ever.
June 19, 2016
*ARC provided by St. Martin's Griffin in exchange for an honest review*
I can't rate this book. 5 measly stars is not, and will never, be enough to capture the overwhelming love and appreciation I have for this novel and this author now. This novel has become one of the most amazing books I've read in my entire lifetime and I will never tire of recommending it.
This story follows Felicity, a woman happily married to a man named Quinn. They live in a small town and their marriage has been comfortable at best. But one day, everything is thrown up in the air the moment she smells a scent that takes her back to when she was deeply in love with someone else: Ewan.
The story follows all 3 and their journey as they try to fight for a love they can't explain. This is one of the most intense love triangles I've had the pleasure of reading about and my tears can testify to that. I wanted the best for all of them but in different ways.
Felicity's has always been dealing with more than meets the eye. She's a writer and seems to be late for everything. We follow her as she makes the decision to dwell in the past no matter what consequences arise in the present.
Quinn was my favorite character in this entire story, hands down. He's incredible in so many ways and he didn't deserve the things he had to deal with. My heart broke for him time and time again... 98% of my tears were for him. He's patient to a fault and likes to be early everywhere he goes. He's also kind, loving, sweet, thoughtful, and his point of views were the most heart-felt of them all. I was beyond protective of him and it was torture to keep reading while I witnessed his heart break.
Ewan has changed completely from the man Felicity used to know but their encounter proves extremely necessary for many reasons.
The stories between all 3 of them ended better than I could've imagined them myself. I found myself laughing from immense relief in the end. I thought the story wasn't going to go my way but it definitely did!
All of these characters managed to steal my heart and make me root for each one of them in the end. One of them I didn't like in the beginning, but I finished the story loving her... Okay, yes, it was Felicity. She managed to make me change my opinion of her and I always love when that happens. She made the best decision she could make out of the situation she was going through and for that, I'm immensely proud of her.
In the past, I've read books that have destroyed me but the stories usually end completely different than what I wanted them to. But this wasn't the case here and I'm forever grateful to Julie. Jesus Christ. This story was ten times the heartbreak but in the end, it as all worth it. All because the author reached into my soul, and gave me what I most wanted out of the story. I was left raw and exposed by the end but also complete and proud.
Julie's talent with words was magnificent. It pulled every single heart string my heart had to give and it was one of the most intense roller coasters of my life. I spent almost the entire story in tears. Fair warning, just have tissues at hand. Whenever I had to put the book down to do simple daily tasks, I couldn't get the characters out of my head. I felt like a drug addict while my fingers itched to crack the spine again. I started having withdrawals the second my eyes strayed from the page and it was torture. So, it comes as no surprise that I finished this book in little over a day.
This story took so many tragic twists and beautiful turns that I never saw coming. The moment we find out the meaning behind the title was so perfect and powerful that it felt like a tremendous punch to the heart. There's nothing I love more than the perfect title and Julie gives us that.
I still can't wrap my head around how much these (almost) 400 pages made me cry. I wouldn't believe it but since I was doing all of the crying, I have to take my word for it. I loved how the way Julie writes makes you crawl deep within the character's hearts and witness their raw emotions. It enables you to sympathize to their feelings and feel as they do.
It's not often when I read a book that makes me fall in love with reading all over again but this one managed to do that and so much more. The fact that we get a glimpse to the inspiration behind the story was an added bonus. This was one of the most unique love stories I've ever read and Julie has become one of my favorite authors of all time because of it. I can't wait to read more of what she has to offer.
Infinity/5 stars!
I can't rate this book. 5 measly stars is not, and will never, be enough to capture the overwhelming love and appreciation I have for this novel and this author now. This novel has become one of the most amazing books I've read in my entire lifetime and I will never tire of recommending it.
This story follows Felicity, a woman happily married to a man named Quinn. They live in a small town and their marriage has been comfortable at best. But one day, everything is thrown up in the air the moment she smells a scent that takes her back to when she was deeply in love with someone else: Ewan.
The story follows all 3 and their journey as they try to fight for a love they can't explain. This is one of the most intense love triangles I've had the pleasure of reading about and my tears can testify to that. I wanted the best for all of them but in different ways.
Felicity's has always been dealing with more than meets the eye. She's a writer and seems to be late for everything. We follow her as she makes the decision to dwell in the past no matter what consequences arise in the present.
Quinn was my favorite character in this entire story, hands down. He's incredible in so many ways and he didn't deserve the things he had to deal with. My heart broke for him time and time again... 98% of my tears were for him. He's patient to a fault and likes to be early everywhere he goes. He's also kind, loving, sweet, thoughtful, and his point of views were the most heart-felt of them all. I was beyond protective of him and it was torture to keep reading while I witnessed his heart break.
Ewan has changed completely from the man Felicity used to know but their encounter proves extremely necessary for many reasons.
The stories between all 3 of them ended better than I could've imagined them myself. I found myself laughing from immense relief in the end. I thought the story wasn't going to go my way but it definitely did!
All of these characters managed to steal my heart and make me root for each one of them in the end. One of them I didn't like in the beginning, but I finished the story loving her... Okay, yes, it was Felicity. She managed to make me change my opinion of her and I always love when that happens. She made the best decision she could make out of the situation she was going through and for that, I'm immensely proud of her.
In the past, I've read books that have destroyed me but the stories usually end completely different than what I wanted them to. But this wasn't the case here and I'm forever grateful to Julie. Jesus Christ. This story was ten times the heartbreak but in the end, it as all worth it. All because the author reached into my soul, and gave me what I most wanted out of the story. I was left raw and exposed by the end but also complete and proud.
Julie's talent with words was magnificent. It pulled every single heart string my heart had to give and it was one of the most intense roller coasters of my life. I spent almost the entire story in tears. Fair warning, just have tissues at hand. Whenever I had to put the book down to do simple daily tasks, I couldn't get the characters out of my head. I felt like a drug addict while my fingers itched to crack the spine again. I started having withdrawals the second my eyes strayed from the page and it was torture. So, it comes as no surprise that I finished this book in little over a day.
This story took so many tragic twists and beautiful turns that I never saw coming. The moment we find out the meaning behind the title was so perfect and powerful that it felt like a tremendous punch to the heart. There's nothing I love more than the perfect title and Julie gives us that.
I still can't wrap my head around how much these (almost) 400 pages made me cry. I wouldn't believe it but since I was doing all of the crying, I have to take my word for it. I loved how the way Julie writes makes you crawl deep within the character's hearts and witness their raw emotions. It enables you to sympathize to their feelings and feel as they do.
It's not often when I read a book that makes me fall in love with reading all over again but this one managed to do that and so much more. The fact that we get a glimpse to the inspiration behind the story was an added bonus. This was one of the most unique love stories I've ever read and Julie has become one of my favorite authors of all time because of it. I can't wait to read more of what she has to offer.
Infinity/5 stars!
February 5, 2015
In some ways, I can tell how much I love a book by how many Goodreads categories I shelve it under. Where Love Lies, by Julie Cohen, ticked the boxes of a lot of shelves for me, including "sense of place," "comforting," and "big issues." More than this, though, it captured my heart, and continues to linger in my mind days after I finished reading it.
I've got a nightstand next to my bed where I like to pile the books I'm reading, or about to read. Much like a literary dragon with a hoard, I take unabashed pleasure in looking at the covers of novels that are my great pleasure when I first wake up in the morning, or before I turn out the light at night.
Where Love Lies remains on my nightstand even though I've finished reading it. It is a novel with a truly gorgeous cover, and with an even better story within its pages.
Where Love Lies tells the story of Felicity Bloom, a young woman, married for just a year to her steady, handsome, thoughtful husband Quinn. The two live in a fairytale cottage in the Cotswolds, just across the green from his warm (if slightly over-involved) family, and all seems ideal.
In the first few chapters of Where Love Lies, I was alternately enchanted by the utter escapist beauty of Felicity's life, and put off by the seeming perfection. I wasn't sure if this was a novel that my eight-year-old self would have loved, but which, as an adult who eschews the twee, I wouldn't be able to stick with.
I am so glad that I didn't put the book down. Where Love Lies is very definitely a novel about a couple blessed with many gifts, and living in a first-world, upper-middle-class environment. But that said, it is also a book that touches on surprisingly dark subjects. Where Love Lies could be categorized as the very best kind of chic-lit (a term I hope can be reclaimed). It is gorgeous, and touching, and manages to be escapist (oh would I love to live in Felicity's cottage in the Cotswolds, and spend my days following my artistic passions!), and also, to take the reader with Felicity into the darker realms of grief, loss, and uncertainty.
The basic premise is that Felicity begins to have episodes in which she smells the scent of Frangipani, and feels an overwhelming sense of love. She comes to believe that this is a sense memory of her first true love, Ewan, who she has not seen for 10 years. The consequences of Felicity's feeling, and how she chooses to act on it, are nothing that I expected.
Author Julie Cohen deftly takes the reader along with Felicity into uncertain territory, places in which Felicity encounters the big questions of what love really is, how much our feelings matter, and ultimately, what that means to how we choose to live our lives.
Cohen also shows great insight in her handling of these ideas. The story she tells is utterly absorbing, often emotional, but never preachy, or wrapped up with easy, pat answers.
Through much of the last third of the story, I had no idea how things could end well for Felicity, Quinn, and Ewan. I wanted the best for all of them, even as they each did things that frustrated the heck out of me. But I couldn't see how they could all be okay. Somehow, brilliantly, Cohen manages to pull this story off. And the thing is, Where Love Lies is based on strong characters, so the plot develops organically from their actions.
In this way, Where Love Lies is the best kind of novel. Although it is technically, fiction, it tells a story with characters who one can imagine, in some parallel universe, truly exist. They feel real, and we, vicariously, and with relish, sit down in our own armchairs and then step into their shoes. We walk with them through the beautiful paths of an English village, and through the dark and terrifying spaces of their minds. As they stumble, and eventually, pull themselves upright, we learn more about ourselves.
Felicity, Quinn, and Ewan are surprised by what life throws at them. Their particular story may be imaginary, but the confusion, loss, and grief they face, and the love that they ultimately find, are true in a way which will touch, and stay with, many readers.
I've got a nightstand next to my bed where I like to pile the books I'm reading, or about to read. Much like a literary dragon with a hoard, I take unabashed pleasure in looking at the covers of novels that are my great pleasure when I first wake up in the morning, or before I turn out the light at night.
Where Love Lies remains on my nightstand even though I've finished reading it. It is a novel with a truly gorgeous cover, and with an even better story within its pages.
Where Love Lies tells the story of Felicity Bloom, a young woman, married for just a year to her steady, handsome, thoughtful husband Quinn. The two live in a fairytale cottage in the Cotswolds, just across the green from his warm (if slightly over-involved) family, and all seems ideal.
In the first few chapters of Where Love Lies, I was alternately enchanted by the utter escapist beauty of Felicity's life, and put off by the seeming perfection. I wasn't sure if this was a novel that my eight-year-old self would have loved, but which, as an adult who eschews the twee, I wouldn't be able to stick with.
I am so glad that I didn't put the book down. Where Love Lies is very definitely a novel about a couple blessed with many gifts, and living in a first-world, upper-middle-class environment. But that said, it is also a book that touches on surprisingly dark subjects. Where Love Lies could be categorized as the very best kind of chic-lit (a term I hope can be reclaimed). It is gorgeous, and touching, and manages to be escapist (oh would I love to live in Felicity's cottage in the Cotswolds, and spend my days following my artistic passions!), and also, to take the reader with Felicity into the darker realms of grief, loss, and uncertainty.
The basic premise is that Felicity begins to have episodes in which she smells the scent of Frangipani, and feels an overwhelming sense of love. She comes to believe that this is a sense memory of her first true love, Ewan, who she has not seen for 10 years. The consequences of Felicity's feeling, and how she chooses to act on it, are nothing that I expected.
Author Julie Cohen deftly takes the reader along with Felicity into uncertain territory, places in which Felicity encounters the big questions of what love really is, how much our feelings matter, and ultimately, what that means to how we choose to live our lives.
Cohen also shows great insight in her handling of these ideas. The story she tells is utterly absorbing, often emotional, but never preachy, or wrapped up with easy, pat answers.
Through much of the last third of the story, I had no idea how things could end well for Felicity, Quinn, and Ewan. I wanted the best for all of them, even as they each did things that frustrated the heck out of me. But I couldn't see how they could all be okay. Somehow, brilliantly, Cohen manages to pull this story off. And the thing is, Where Love Lies is based on strong characters, so the plot develops organically from their actions.
In this way, Where Love Lies is the best kind of novel. Although it is technically, fiction, it tells a story with characters who one can imagine, in some parallel universe, truly exist. They feel real, and we, vicariously, and with relish, sit down in our own armchairs and then step into their shoes. We walk with them through the beautiful paths of an English village, and through the dark and terrifying spaces of their minds. As they stumble, and eventually, pull themselves upright, we learn more about ourselves.
Felicity, Quinn, and Ewan are surprised by what life throws at them. Their particular story may be imaginary, but the confusion, loss, and grief they face, and the love that they ultimately find, are true in a way which will touch, and stay with, many readers.
June 24, 2014
Every now and then, you come across a book that you're just so desperate to share with others. One of those books that you've enjoyed so much that you might burst if you don't tell anyone else about it. It's so rude though, isn't it? You're enthusing about a book that no-one can get their hands on until it's published at the end of July. But then again, people might be pre-ordering, planning their future reading... and I know the book's already available to reviewers on netgalley.
Anyway, let me tell you about this wonderful book. It's my second read by Julie Cohen - I reviewed her previous novel, Dear Thing, back in August last year and really loved it. And now we have Where Love Lies, due for publication on 31st July by Bantam Press/Transworld - this book is quite simply one of the very best books I've read this year.
It draws you in from the first few pages - as Felicity searches for a restaurant she knows well, painted yellow, with a sign made of curly wrought iron, while a busker plays "Walking on Sunshine", then catches a scent of perfume in the air - then it sweeps you up, you laugh and cry through its pages, you experience exactly what it feels like to be blissfully in love. This is a book that will move you at the deepest emotional levels - it's an experience you'll enjoy, immensely original, with the author's deft touch for observation and humour, but at times your heart will ache so unbearably that you can barely keep on reading. It has people at its centre who you get to know so well that you feel everything they feel, however painful, however joyous... It will also make you think deeply about what love is, whether to follow your heart or your head, all about memories and what they mean to you, the fragility of life, and the way in which actions can let people down or save them.
I'll say no more - I don't want to spoil it for anyone, I want you to experience this book the same way I did. Please, just make sure you get your hands on this book.
My thanks to Tess Henderson at Transworld for my advance reading copy.
Anyway, let me tell you about this wonderful book. It's my second read by Julie Cohen - I reviewed her previous novel, Dear Thing, back in August last year and really loved it. And now we have Where Love Lies, due for publication on 31st July by Bantam Press/Transworld - this book is quite simply one of the very best books I've read this year.
It draws you in from the first few pages - as Felicity searches for a restaurant she knows well, painted yellow, with a sign made of curly wrought iron, while a busker plays "Walking on Sunshine", then catches a scent of perfume in the air - then it sweeps you up, you laugh and cry through its pages, you experience exactly what it feels like to be blissfully in love. This is a book that will move you at the deepest emotional levels - it's an experience you'll enjoy, immensely original, with the author's deft touch for observation and humour, but at times your heart will ache so unbearably that you can barely keep on reading. It has people at its centre who you get to know so well that you feel everything they feel, however painful, however joyous... It will also make you think deeply about what love is, whether to follow your heart or your head, all about memories and what they mean to you, the fragility of life, and the way in which actions can let people down or save them.
I'll say no more - I don't want to spoil it for anyone, I want you to experience this book the same way I did. Please, just make sure you get your hands on this book.
My thanks to Tess Henderson at Transworld for my advance reading copy.
July 8, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. Felicity writes children's books and she's a bit quirky. She's married to loyal, dependable Quinn. But she starts thinking about a 'rock star' she knew when she was 20. She keeps smelling things that remind her of people and transport her back in time. She worries she may be ill and books a doctors appointment that she misses. She decides that she needs to seek out her past love and the book deals with the fall out of her decisions, the hurt caused and the way she deals with her decisions.
I guessed part of the story line- but not everything turned out the way I expected. I loved the writing and can't wait to read more by this author. I would really recommend this book.
I received a copy of this book for review by Net Galley.
I guessed part of the story line- but not everything turned out the way I expected. I loved the writing and can't wait to read more by this author. I would really recommend this book.
I received a copy of this book for review by Net Galley.
March 13, 2023
I mean, this was definitely something different..
July 11, 2014
I requested this novel on NetGalley on a whim, despite having a 'to read' pile a mile long. I'm glad I did request it, and I'm even more glad that I dove in virtually straightaway. Julie Cohen's 'Where Love Lies' is a corker of a book and goes beyond Women's Fiction and takes into account mental health/illness, family issues and the consequences of emotional infidelity.
The main character, Felicity, is an a stereotypical artist--flighty and hard to reach. Her husband Quinn dotes on her and does everything he can to make her happy. When Felicity smells the scent of frangipani in the air at random one day, the scent brings back the memory of her first love, Ewan. The scent keeps returning and bringing on the memory of Ewan, along with the distinct emotions and physical feelings of falling in love. She decides to go to London to find him and to see if the feelings she has for him are real.
I won't delve much further into the plot than that as it's quite fast paced.
One thing that really struck me about this book was that I actually, for the first time in a while, genuinely cared about the characters on the page. I wanted things to work out for Felicity, Quinn and Ewan. Out of all of the characters I cared the most for Quinn--I saw so much of my own husband in him that I couldn't help but feel a tenderness and empathy towards him. Quinn was superbly written and may be my first (slight) book crush.
Anytime I put the book down I had to fight the impulse to pick it back up and continue reading! 'Where Love Lies' isn't to be missed.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing a digital copy for review.
The main character, Felicity, is an a stereotypical artist--flighty and hard to reach. Her husband Quinn dotes on her and does everything he can to make her happy. When Felicity smells the scent of frangipani in the air at random one day, the scent brings back the memory of her first love, Ewan. The scent keeps returning and bringing on the memory of Ewan, along with the distinct emotions and physical feelings of falling in love. She decides to go to London to find him and to see if the feelings she has for him are real.
I won't delve much further into the plot than that as it's quite fast paced.
One thing that really struck me about this book was that I actually, for the first time in a while, genuinely cared about the characters on the page. I wanted things to work out for Felicity, Quinn and Ewan. Out of all of the characters I cared the most for Quinn--I saw so much of my own husband in him that I couldn't help but feel a tenderness and empathy towards him. Quinn was superbly written and may be my first (slight) book crush.
Anytime I put the book down I had to fight the impulse to pick it back up and continue reading! 'Where Love Lies' isn't to be missed.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for providing a digital copy for review.
March 9, 2015
This book is fantastic. It's about love. Not necessarily about romance, but about the nature of love. What makes up that wonderful swooping, magical feeling of being in love? Is it feelings? Memories? Something magical? Something visceral? If the feeling of being in love was killing you, would you chose to get rid of it?
Felicity occasionally smells frangipani and with the smell comes a very vivid sensation of being in love. At first she thinks the feeling is directed towards her husband, Quinn (who is adorable, by the way). Later, the feeling links more specifically, a memory of Ewan, whom she was in love with ten years ago. I like that even Felicity isn't a hundred per cent sure what she feels and how much she should trust it. Suddenly, there are two important men in her life. At different times of the day she's in love with both of them. How can you choose?
I cried at the end, but then I do that a lot nowadays.
This is a wonderful book. Everyone should read it.
Felicity occasionally smells frangipani and with the smell comes a very vivid sensation of being in love. At first she thinks the feeling is directed towards her husband, Quinn (who is adorable, by the way). Later, the feeling links more specifically, a memory of Ewan, whom she was in love with ten years ago. I like that even Felicity isn't a hundred per cent sure what she feels and how much she should trust it. Suddenly, there are two important men in her life. At different times of the day she's in love with both of them. How can you choose?
I cried at the end, but then I do that a lot nowadays.
This is a wonderful book. Everyone should read it.
August 8, 2018
⭐️⭐️ 2 stars.
Not for me sorry. Felicity - annoying. Quinn - suffocating. Quinn’s family - over bearing. Story - about a smell.
The end.
Not for me sorry. Felicity - annoying. Quinn - suffocating. Quinn’s family - over bearing. Story - about a smell.
The end.
December 3, 2018
Poignant. Loved and felt for Quinn
January 28, 2015
Review posted originally http://www.reviewedthebook.co.uk/2014...
Where Love Lies is the first Julie Cohen book I’ve ever read and what an incredible author I’ve been missing out on. This book was simply stunning – a fascinating, gripping plot pieced together cleverly and always heart-wrenching and beautiful to read.
Felicity is married to the seemingly perfect Quinn, who’s loving, devoted and faultlessly loyal to her. But doubts are there for Felicity, doubts which make her feel like her love for Quinn isn’t enough and even stronger than that is a scent, one which gives her the feeling of the deepest love, only not directed towards her husband but towards Ewan, a lover from her past. This was an extraordinary concept and I loved how Julie made me feel for all three of these characters – none of them are built up so the reader is forced to dislike them and it was made so easy to connect with them all and want the best for them.
I sympathised with Quinn because he tried so hard to make Felicity happy and his love was so genuine but this didn’t make me resent Ewan one bit. Ewan’s emotions and his past were written in an exquisite manner – in fact learning his story was one of my favourite parts of this book and I did have a lump in my throat reading bits of it. Felicity herself was such an interesting character and I found her easy to like. Seeing how out of control her feelings were and being left in suspense as to how things had got that way and how things were going to turn out – it was a really thought-provoking concept which gradually became more and more flawless to read.
The novel is written in three parts and we get the story from the perspective of all three main characters. Each part was more spectacular than the one before and although I found it difficult to stop reading this book from the first chapter, by the third part it was practically impossible. Julie’s descriptive writing of Felicity’s feelings and memories and the way she reacted was just a joy to read. The gorgeous, charming writing makes me believe that this is a special novel and one I’ll never read anything like again. It was one of the most captivating stories I’ve ever read and definitely one of my favourites. That I never quite knew where this book was going left me a little broken for each of the characters at individual points but I am still completely in love with this novel.
*Book gifted for honest review.
March 12, 2016
Nachdem ich bereits "Mit den Augen meiner Schwester" und "All unsere Träume" von der Autorin gelesen habe und sie mir gefielen, war ich auf diesen Roman natürlich ziemlich neugierig.
Als ich anfing zu lesen, kam leider nicht direkt Lesefreude bei mir auf. Anfangs dachte ich noch, die würde schon noch kommen. Aber dem war dann leider nicht so.
Ich hatte direkt zu Beginn meine Probleme mit der Hauptfigur Felicity und diese legten sich auch im Laufe des Romans nicht wirklich. Sie wirkte mir einfach zu unnahbar und distanziert, als das sie sympathisch rüberkommen kann. Obwohl sie es im Leben nicht immer ganz leicht hatte, konnte ich nicht unbedingt Mitgefühl für sie empfinden. Und auch als sie eine schreckliche Diagnose erhält, hielt sich dies in Grenzen, da sie ständig andere für ihre Situationen verantwortlich macht. So ist das Zusammenleben mit ihrem Mann Quinn beispielsweise plötzlich für ihre Schreibblockade verantwortlich und sie ist auch nur bedingt bereit dessen Kinderwunsch zu verstehen. Allerdings versucht sie sich auch nicht wirklich mit ihm auseinanderzusetzen, sondern flüchtet - nicht nur in ihrer Fantasie, sondern auch räumlich.
Allerdings muss man auch sagen, dass die anderen Figuren teilweise auch nicht besonders hervorstechend sind. Es sind relativ normale Menschen wie du und ich und bieten dadurch immerhin die Möglichkeit sich besser in sie hineinzuversetzen. Am sympathischsten von allen Figuren kamen bei mir immer noch Quinns Mutter und seine Schwester rüber. Seine Mutter, einfach weil sie total mütterlich, mit einer großen Prise Neugier ist. Und Quinns Schwester, weil sie sich immer stehts in diskreter Rücksicht übt, gleichzeitig jedoch auch Dinge in die Hand nimmt.
Generell bietet dieser Roman eine Menge Potential, der leider nicht vollkommen ausgeschöpft wird. Der Handlung fehlt es an echter Dramatik, so dass nur an wenigen Stellen richtige Spannung aufkommt. Stattdessen dümpelt die Handlung ziemlich vor sich hin. Oftmals konnte man Dinge bereits vorausahnen, wodurch nur wenige Überraschungsmomente auftauchten.
Leider kam bei mir auch kein Gefühl von echter Liebe bei diesem Roman über.
Leider musste ich mich etwas durchs Buch quälen, weil keine Sympathien für die Hauptfigur aufgekommen sind! Ich bin auf jeden Fall besseres von Julie Cohen gewöhnt und hoffe, dass mich ihr nächster Roman wieder überzeugen kann.
Daher bekommt der Roman von mir leider nur 2 (von 5) Punkte.
Als ich anfing zu lesen, kam leider nicht direkt Lesefreude bei mir auf. Anfangs dachte ich noch, die würde schon noch kommen. Aber dem war dann leider nicht so.
Ich hatte direkt zu Beginn meine Probleme mit der Hauptfigur Felicity und diese legten sich auch im Laufe des Romans nicht wirklich. Sie wirkte mir einfach zu unnahbar und distanziert, als das sie sympathisch rüberkommen kann. Obwohl sie es im Leben nicht immer ganz leicht hatte, konnte ich nicht unbedingt Mitgefühl für sie empfinden. Und auch als sie eine schreckliche Diagnose erhält, hielt sich dies in Grenzen, da sie ständig andere für ihre Situationen verantwortlich macht. So ist das Zusammenleben mit ihrem Mann Quinn beispielsweise plötzlich für ihre Schreibblockade verantwortlich und sie ist auch nur bedingt bereit dessen Kinderwunsch zu verstehen. Allerdings versucht sie sich auch nicht wirklich mit ihm auseinanderzusetzen, sondern flüchtet - nicht nur in ihrer Fantasie, sondern auch räumlich.
Allerdings muss man auch sagen, dass die anderen Figuren teilweise auch nicht besonders hervorstechend sind. Es sind relativ normale Menschen wie du und ich und bieten dadurch immerhin die Möglichkeit sich besser in sie hineinzuversetzen. Am sympathischsten von allen Figuren kamen bei mir immer noch Quinns Mutter und seine Schwester rüber. Seine Mutter, einfach weil sie total mütterlich, mit einer großen Prise Neugier ist. Und Quinns Schwester, weil sie sich immer stehts in diskreter Rücksicht übt, gleichzeitig jedoch auch Dinge in die Hand nimmt.
Generell bietet dieser Roman eine Menge Potential, der leider nicht vollkommen ausgeschöpft wird. Der Handlung fehlt es an echter Dramatik, so dass nur an wenigen Stellen richtige Spannung aufkommt. Stattdessen dümpelt die Handlung ziemlich vor sich hin. Oftmals konnte man Dinge bereits vorausahnen, wodurch nur wenige Überraschungsmomente auftauchten.
Leider kam bei mir auch kein Gefühl von echter Liebe bei diesem Roman über.
Leider musste ich mich etwas durchs Buch quälen, weil keine Sympathien für die Hauptfigur aufgekommen sind! Ich bin auf jeden Fall besseres von Julie Cohen gewöhnt und hoffe, dass mich ihr nächster Roman wieder überzeugen kann.
Daher bekommt der Roman von mir leider nur 2 (von 5) Punkte.
July 14, 2014
Having read and enjoyed the authors previous novel, "Dear Thing" I was delighted when her latest book, due to be published at the end of July was made available for review on Netgalley. I was even more delighted when a fellow book blogger whose tastes are similar to mine posted a rave review, this accolade alone made me keen to read it.
I wasn't disappointed one bit. This is an easy romantic read with a little darker twist to it. The authors skill lies in creating very real characters and putting them in a mixture of both familiar and "what if" situations. She bares their flaws as well as their strengths and makes both traits part of what you love about them.
Felicity and Quinn are a happily married young couple, despite very different backgrounds. She is a dreamy, artistic soul who was brought up by her rather unreliable but hugely talented artist Mother. Quinn her devoted husband, is a pragmatic businessman with a close and caring tight knit family. They are still settling into married life when memories of an early love affair return to haunt Felicity and make her begin to question whether what she feels for her husband is the real thing or if she could possibly still be in love with Ewan her lover of 10 years earlier.
The scent of Frangipani brings back long lost feelings of her time with him and causes the foundations of her marriage to begin to shake. She needs time to sort out her feelings but will it really help?
The book is beautifully written it draws you into their lives and you just can't put it down until you know what happens next making it quite a quick read for me.
I kind of guessed where it was going but wasn't sure how everything would pan out and must confess, I knew I was hankering for an ending that just could never be. What does happen to the characters is very authentic and real, you feel their hurt and bewilderment at the turns of events and you share the joy and heartache of love and loss.
Superb women's fiction by an immensely talented author, definitely one to add to your tbr (to be read) list. It's the perfect holiday read too, so pack it in your case with your bikinis and sundresses.
I wasn't disappointed one bit. This is an easy romantic read with a little darker twist to it. The authors skill lies in creating very real characters and putting them in a mixture of both familiar and "what if" situations. She bares their flaws as well as their strengths and makes both traits part of what you love about them.
Felicity and Quinn are a happily married young couple, despite very different backgrounds. She is a dreamy, artistic soul who was brought up by her rather unreliable but hugely talented artist Mother. Quinn her devoted husband, is a pragmatic businessman with a close and caring tight knit family. They are still settling into married life when memories of an early love affair return to haunt Felicity and make her begin to question whether what she feels for her husband is the real thing or if she could possibly still be in love with Ewan her lover of 10 years earlier.
The scent of Frangipani brings back long lost feelings of her time with him and causes the foundations of her marriage to begin to shake. She needs time to sort out her feelings but will it really help?
The book is beautifully written it draws you into their lives and you just can't put it down until you know what happens next making it quite a quick read for me.
I kind of guessed where it was going but wasn't sure how everything would pan out and must confess, I knew I was hankering for an ending that just could never be. What does happen to the characters is very authentic and real, you feel their hurt and bewilderment at the turns of events and you share the joy and heartache of love and loss.
Superb women's fiction by an immensely talented author, definitely one to add to your tbr (to be read) list. It's the perfect holiday read too, so pack it in your case with your bikinis and sundresses.
August 1, 2014
www.iheart-chicklit.blogspot.com
After reading Julie Cohen's phenomenal novel, Dear Thing, last year, I knew she would be the one to watched. Cleverly balancing the fine line between realness and fiction, she delved into the complexities and complications of childbirth. When I got the chance to review Where Love Lies, I jumped at the chance and surely, it didn't disappoint!
In Where Love Lies, the heroine, Felicity Bloom seems to have the life everyone wants. She's married to the sweetest, most caring man and they live in a beautiful little cottage in the countryside. That is, if you overlook her painful past. Then she gets a whiff of a very strong scent which triggers memories of her past, a very special man who got away and left her heartbroken.
I won't go into details but I will let you know that this book has a very intriguing plot. You'll be wondering about Felicity's sudden urge to act on impulse and follow her emotions, resulting in her life unravelling. Right from the first chapter, I got hooked on the story. Julie Cohen never failed to amaze me in her latest book and I was riveted by Felicity's story and her mysterious bouts.
The characters were well-written, I really liked the heroine, Felicity and her husband, Quinn who is such a sweetheart. The little attention to the details of their relationship really made me root for them and I was charmed by how loving Quinn was. The "mystery man" from Felicity's memories is Ewan and I really enjoyed reading about his role in the book and how he fell in love with Felicity.
Julie Cohen delivers another compelling, thought-provoking book that will leave you wondering about the choices in your life and really appreciate everything you have. Life-affirming and touching, I stayed up late to finish this wonderful book and I don't doubt that you will too. I urge you to pick up Where Love Lies as it is super charged with emotion and a story that will be imprinted in your heart.
After reading Julie Cohen's phenomenal novel, Dear Thing, last year, I knew she would be the one to watched. Cleverly balancing the fine line between realness and fiction, she delved into the complexities and complications of childbirth. When I got the chance to review Where Love Lies, I jumped at the chance and surely, it didn't disappoint!
In Where Love Lies, the heroine, Felicity Bloom seems to have the life everyone wants. She's married to the sweetest, most caring man and they live in a beautiful little cottage in the countryside. That is, if you overlook her painful past. Then she gets a whiff of a very strong scent which triggers memories of her past, a very special man who got away and left her heartbroken.
I won't go into details but I will let you know that this book has a very intriguing plot. You'll be wondering about Felicity's sudden urge to act on impulse and follow her emotions, resulting in her life unravelling. Right from the first chapter, I got hooked on the story. Julie Cohen never failed to amaze me in her latest book and I was riveted by Felicity's story and her mysterious bouts.
The characters were well-written, I really liked the heroine, Felicity and her husband, Quinn who is such a sweetheart. The little attention to the details of their relationship really made me root for them and I was charmed by how loving Quinn was. The "mystery man" from Felicity's memories is Ewan and I really enjoyed reading about his role in the book and how he fell in love with Felicity.
Julie Cohen delivers another compelling, thought-provoking book that will leave you wondering about the choices in your life and really appreciate everything you have. Life-affirming and touching, I stayed up late to finish this wonderful book and I don't doubt that you will too. I urge you to pick up Where Love Lies as it is super charged with emotion and a story that will be imprinted in your heart.
February 17, 2017
4,5 stars.
May 17, 2015
"Where love lies". A story of memories and love.
Felicity - married to Quinn - suddenly smells a familiar scent which instantly takes her back to her first love. This familiar scent haunts her until she can't ignore it. Does she still love ex, Ewan? What will become of her marriage to Quinn?
This book isn't as it first appears. This isnt a typical "who will she choose?" chick flick. I wasn't expecting the plot to develop how it did and without giving too much away, the fact that science is featured strongly throughout as opposed to a spiritual "fate/destiny" story line surprised me. Overall, this was a good little read. Didn't particularly liked the characters (especially Felicity - anyone agree?) but worth a go.
Felicity - married to Quinn - suddenly smells a familiar scent which instantly takes her back to her first love. This familiar scent haunts her until she can't ignore it. Does she still love ex, Ewan? What will become of her marriage to Quinn?
This book isn't as it first appears. This isnt a typical "who will she choose?" chick flick. I wasn't expecting the plot to develop how it did and without giving too much away, the fact that science is featured strongly throughout as opposed to a spiritual "fate/destiny" story line surprised me. Overall, this was a good little read. Didn't particularly liked the characters (especially Felicity - anyone agree?) but worth a go.
March 2, 2015
I have just finished reading this book and was utterly enthralled with it. I have to say I haven't ever read a book like this before. I think from this book I have found out something that I never knew existed, but I did find it very interesting to learn about. Julie has written such a beautiful but thought provoking story that focuses on family relationships, love and loss. This story is written in three parts so you really get to understand how all three main characters are feeling, which I really liked. Such a wonderful read.
January 4, 2015
A beautiful, tender, thought-provoking and exquisitely crafted novel about the nature of love - where it originates, how long it lasts and how deeply it imprints on us - and the way in which a scent can transport us back in time to another life, and another love. Romantic, philosophical and moving this is the sort of book that will stay with you, lingering like the scent of frangipani, long after you've closed the pages. Highly recommended.
November 22, 2017
Once again, in a world of amazing 5 star reviews, I'm eh about this. Which really ticks me off because I WAS SO EXCITED to finally buy this and read it. I didn't care for the layout of the story. The alternating between POV wasn't consistent. The main character was getting on my nerves like crazy. All in all, I skimmed through some and really wanted it to be over, but it did have a decent ending, so it gained a few points there.
August 30, 2016
This book.... This book. Such a gem, so heartbreaking and rewarding. More than a book, a journey, truth, love, life. It tore at my heart out at times, made me hate Felicity at times, love Quinn always, but in the end, it will always be a treasure to me. A reminder of why I'm an avid reader.
August 30, 2017
Ich konnte mich bis zum 3. Teil des Buches nicht wirklich mit der Protagonistin anfreunden. Im dritten Teil wurde sie mir allmählich sympathischer, aber Quinn blieb bis zum Ende hin mein Favorit.
Teilweise musste ich mich durchkämpfen, aber im Großen und Ganzen eine schöne Geschichte.
Teilweise musste ich mich durchkämpfen, aber im Großen und Ganzen eine schöne Geschichte.
June 13, 2019
Gave up ... couldn't get into it at all. Felicity was irritating ... following this wafting perfume that she eventually worked out reminded her of her ex ... yawn. I know that the plot developed beyond this but I just couldn't be bothered. Just not for me.
February 11, 2016
This was a dreamlike and beautifully written novel about what love really is. I loved the unreliable narrator in Felicity and the unfolding of what was actually happening with her.
December 21, 2018
So So . . .
It was okay. Nothing great for me. But some might like it better than me. I will probably forget what it is about in a few months.
It was okay. Nothing great for me. But some might like it better than me. I will probably forget what it is about in a few months.
October 13, 2017
I struggled with this book. The protagonist, Felicity, is so annoying with her vagueness and general lack of consideration of those around her that I couldn't have cared less what happened to her. And when I worked out very early on what the final reveal would be I just thought, concerning the author, "Please do not cop out with that ending." And then she did! Very disappointing indeed.
April 26, 2020
To be honest, I almost stopped reading after the first few chapters - I just couldn't relate to Felicity, the narrator. But I'm so glad I persevered. It's difficult to say much about the book without giving away spoilers but it ended up being an amazing story, heartwarming and one that will stay with me for a long time.
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