August

by Carolyn Ward-Daniels

Orphaned at the age of seventeen, August Jackson put in practice what she had learned from her late mother. To work hard to keep a roof over your head and some food in the cupboard.

Pride doesn’t pay the bills, but it is a powerful fuel.

She thought life was cruel when her Mum died so young and her older brother abandoned her.

In 1986, a young but naive adult now, she finds out how despicable people can be. Yes, some people take advantage of nice worthy human beings. Is there any justice in this world ?

MAYBE.

285 pages, Paperback

Published October 9, 2013

Reviews

[Nora Wolfenbarger · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful read this book turned out to be. A story of determination, grit, and in the face of lifes brutality, kindness. It reads much like a mystery with many twists and turns but every word holds a purpose leading to a outstanding conclusion. There are scenes that made me laugh, others made want to stand up and cheer for the heroine. The overlap of characters is perfect and keeps the conflict intense. The first book I've read by this author, but will be searching more. I highly recommend this book.

[Amanda Sheridan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an excellent story of a young women down on her luck who pushes herself to make her life better, even when it seems everything is against her. I felt so sorry for August and what she had to endure.
The author has created wonderful characters and the 1980’s setting is authentic. Most importantly, it’s a cracking good read!

[Marcia Clayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! I enjoyed it all from beginning to end and it is one of the best books I have read for a while. August, the main character, was orphaned at the age of seventeen, and, abandoned by her elder brother, has had to fend for herself. August is a strong character and tries to uphold the values taught to her by her mother, but when she is badly let down by a despicable person whom she trusts, life becomes very difficult. All the characters are well-developed, and as the story progresses, they are all drawn together very cleverly. With short chapters and a fascinating storyline, it is an easy book to read and get lost in, and I strongly recommend it.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s a massive irony—whether intentional or not in the eponymous protagonist being named as such. In the sense of the seasons, August comes after the blazing glory of summer and the barrenness of winter—a time when everything’s past its best and on the way out. In another sense, it means respected, impressive—which is the absolute antithesis of the young woman whose story is set out here—one with such a low sense of self-worth that she’s allowed a creature named Sean into her life and into her home, with catastrophic consequences. It would be understandable if he were Adonis made flesh, but he isn’t—rather an unfit, overweight object whose breath reeks of the cigarettes and booze which appear to be his favourite hobbies, to which he devotes a considerable amount of time. When he isn’t trashing August’s home, that is, before he commits the ultimate betrayal at his departure. Good riddance to bad rubbish, despite what he’s done, and our heroine needs to work out why she ever allowed him inside in the first place.
 
The answer lies in the fact that she’s lost her mother and been abandoned by her brother—and when the latter turns up it’s obvious that August’s better off without him. She’s too young to be alone and hasn’t made a good choice of companion as a result—and things are about to get much, much worse. Issues with her home, issues at work—everywhere that a problem can arise it does, and August soon has a seemingly-insurmountable mountain of trouble to sort out in order to win through—with a little help from her friends. An interesting read.

[Gail McGuire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rooting for August from the Start
The character development in this book shines. I became emotionally engaged while the building mysteries kept me captivated. I rooted for August, and in some moments thought, “August, no!” A bit of an ugly duckling story, this book is moving and memorable. The conflicts are charged, and the friendships are endearing and relatable. I could picture the world these characters experienced. This is the second book I’ve read by this author. Without question, it will not be the last. A beautiful story that will leave you cheering. Bravo!

[Gill D. Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tale of hope and resilience about a young woman named August who finds out that when you hit rock bottom, the only way is up. Suffering with abandonment issues and having to live in a tiny room while working 3 jobs, August doesn't have much to smile about. But as always, with the ebb and flow of life, things to start to look a little rosier for August and being in the right place at the right time allows her to dream big and finally think positive. August learns the do's and dont's in relationships and becomes wiser as she blossoms into a young woman. A heart warming read.

[Lucas W Mayberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Grim But Powerful Tale - When we first meet August Jackson she is down on her luck, financially and romantically with her no good boyfriend. And she is at a low ebb and low in confidence due to nasty comments about her weight. But then when Shaun, the boyfriend leaves her and takes all her money and anything of value, August finds herself in dire trouble. Not able to pay the rent and in a serious amount of debt she’s in trouble of being homeless but when the rent collector comes he shows August an unexpected moment of kindness albeit misguided. She gets to move into the upstairs attic room but it’s in such a state August is better of homeless as proven by her failing health later on which is not helped by working two other jobs on top of her full time in order to survive. She thinks she couldn’t get any lower but she does in dramatic and heartbreaking fashion. But with the help of some unexpected friends especially the beautiful Alicia who has some troubles of her own she might just be able to pull through. This is a beautifully written and gripping read. Whoever else has struggled in life will empathise with the ordeals that August goes through. One of the best books I have read this year.

[Karen Inkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

August had her new found space invaded by Shaun Ratcliffe, who had no money of his own but drank away the little 'they' had! Shaun then ransacked the house, taking her possessions and maxed out her credit card. He was gone, she had nothing left, the rent had to be paid and the bank was on her back, could things get a my worse! This is the story of a woman's resilience and determination when everything she had has gone. Hitting rock bottom the only way has got to be up, hasn't it?
A brilliantly written story, containing love, hate, revenge, greed and comeuppance. It's a gripping and extremely indulging tale, realistic in many areas and has you rooting all the way for August Jackson as bad lucky seems to follow her everywhere.
All the smaller stories weave and intertwine with the main plot, with an ending that's so satisfying for the reader. Really enjoyed and look forward to reading more from this talented author.

[Katherine Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautiful novel captures the resilience of a young woman alone and on the bones of her backside. August Jackson lives in an attic hovel and works hard to maintain it.


The author’s narrative is brutal and honest as August faces adulthood with as much dignity as she can muster, but she hides herself to appear like everybody else. Circumstances and fragments of connection link her to another lady with her own set of problems. I like the Alicia and Sam characters, too.


The 1980s setting adds a touch of nostalgia, grounding the story in a vivid period that’s just far enough away from modern to be reminiscent of long hot summers and Ford cars. I loved the description, especially of the room where she lived, and the endeavours to make it habitable on a shoestring.


The author has created an empathetic protagonist who we can relate to. August deals with dark aspects of human nature, depicted with a realism that underscores the novel's themes of justice. Every time she tries to get on track, something else knocks her down. It’s a gritty, emotionally charged novel showcasing the spirit of a woman determined to carve out a better life despite the odds.


A great read.

[James Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Industrious but naïve August is trying to make her own way in the world as a responsible adult, but she considers herself an ugly duckling and has the mindset of one as she attempts to keep food on her table and a decent roof over her head.
Others are determined to get ahead by using August’s good nature to better themselves at her expense. When she seems down to her last bit of luck, her bad luck takes over and lands her in the hospital with a lengthy illness and no job.
When a successful and wealthy businesswoman takes her under her protection and guidance, August makes the decision to blossom to her full potential.
This is a story of loss and redemption and an example that good can win over the selfishness of so many people.
The story unfolds beautifully with lots of obstacles in the way to August becoming the woman she dreams she can be. It is a heartwarming tale of hope and a nice read.

[Hilly Barmby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect Ugly Duckling Fairy Tale.
We meet August, overweight, with low self-esteem and used as a doormat by her toe-rag of a thieving boyfriend. Believing herself to be at her lowest, she is dragged further down by her equally low-life brother. We follow her as she rises from being the ugly duckling to being a beautiful swan. We root for her, as the people around her realise her worth, even when she doesn’t. Then, with chance meetings, she encounters two women who will change her life. Alicia and Sammy can see who she really is. We follow her as she endures terrible things and experiences amazing new things, but will it be a fairy tale ending when this story is not all apple pie and roses? Villains abound, and the threads mesh and the threats mount up. If you want a thoroughly feel-good story, then this is for you.

[Anthony Hulse · Rating 5 out of 5]

A series of events plunge August into a world of despair. Financially insolvent and with the trheat of losing her home, she finds herself unable to cope. Even her boyfriend takes advantage of her and she plummets further into a state of depression. Forced into living in a hovel of a small attic room and unable to pay her bills when losing her job, her health deteriorates.
Fortunately, there are those who care for her and she begins the slow road to recovery. A host of wonderful, well defined characters; some scheming, greedy and evil. Beautifully written and I really did feel for this unfortunate girl. A really enjoyable read.

[Jodie F · Rating 4 out of 5]

love a good revenge story