Passing Shadows

by Della Galton

Maggie faces an impossible dilemma when she discovers that Finn, the man she loves, is also the father of her best friend's child. Should Maggie betray her best friend, who never wanted him to know? Or lie to Finn, the first man she's ever trusted enough to love? The decision is complicated by the shadows of her past.

329 pages, Paperback

First published January 3, 2006

About the author

Della Galton (aka Della Parker) writes novels set in Dorset, featuring quirky characters and very often a dog or two. She's had more than 2000 short stories published and she's run out of fingers to count her books on.

She is a popular speaker at writing conventions and the agony aunt for Writers' Forum Magazine.

When she is not writing she enjoys walking her dogs around the beautiful Dorset countryside and beaches.

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down. It was a smooth reading and flowed very well. Each page I wanted to know more and read more. Awesome book!

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the idea of the book but it turned out to be a little bit dull and stagnant. It took quite a while for the plot to unravel and I was unattached to all of the characters - hence why it took me so long to finish.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘Passing Shadows’ is about a young woman called Maggie who runs an animal rescue centre. She desperately needs a handyman to mend broken fences and keep the place well maintained. Into her life comes Finn; by rather a huge circumstantial leap, he turns out to have been involved, many years previously, with one of Maggie's close friends.

The revelation of exactly what part Finn played in Sarah’s past takes quite a while to unravel, although it was obvious what it was going to be. But there's a lot of secret-keeping and, in some cases, deliberate lies, which seem out of character.

Still, overall I enjoyed the novel. The writing is good, and the conversation sparkles. I liked the unusual setting, and loved Maggie’s compassion and integrity. The ending is perhaps a bit too tidy, and the epilogue a little fluffy, but I like stories where all the loose ends are tied up.

There’s a slight layout problem in the Kindle edition, in that the name of Maggie’s mother’s hotel appears to have been set as a subheading, but it didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the book (and may have been corrected in subsequent editions).

I would give this three and a half stars if I could.

[Katrina Walker · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was easy to read (hence why I boosted it up to 2 stars) but incredibly dull and predictable. I didn't feel particularly close to any of the characters, and often felt they behaved in ways that were out of character for them. It was also very slow moving; I got halfway through the book and realised nothing had actually happened yet.

[Alyson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very easy read with good flowing text. The problem, Maggie being torn between love and friendship worked well as the main catalyst but overall the plot line was quite predictable - but then it is romance.
Well written and a comfortable read.

[Rosemary Kind · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable and gentle read.

[Jo Notary]

how do you decide between friendship and love, is also the father of her best friend's child, the man she loves, she discovers that finn

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely light read with some very likeable characters. Thoroughly enjoyed.