What do you think?
Happiness Seeker
Would you lay down your life for a friend?
Budding playwright Allie prefers to keep her drama on the stage…
…until she goes on a week’s sixth-form trip to the stunning but treacherous Morecambe Bay where she meets a mysterious boy whose accent she can’t place.
Step by painful step, Allie finds out who Mareno really is. The more she learns about the dangers that ensnare him, the more determined she becomes to write him a happy story. But the drama that unfolds is all too real, with an ending no one would seek.
Content warning: exploitation; death of secondary characters including a dog.
Budding playwright Allie prefers to keep her drama on the stage…
…until she goes on a week’s sixth-form trip to the stunning but treacherous Morecambe Bay where she meets a mysterious boy whose accent she can’t place.
Step by painful step, Allie finds out who Mareno really is. The more she learns about the dangers that ensnare him, the more determined she becomes to write him a happy story. But the drama that unfolds is all too real, with an ending no one would seek.
Content warning: exploitation; death of secondary characters including a dog.
340 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2023
About the author
Jennifer Burkinshaw
5 books6 followersJennifer's second YA novel, Happiness Seeker, was released with Beaten Track Publishing on 1 Nov 23, following the warm reception of her debut, Igloo, in Nov 22.
After studying English and Classics at Cambridge University, Jennifer taught English, Drama and Classics for twenty years in several schools, including four years in Paris. She later completed an MA in Creative Writing for Children at Manchester Metropolitan University and is also an alumna of the Golden Egg Academy.
Now retired, at least from teaching, Jennifer lives with her husband in West Yorkshire but enjoys travelling to new places, particularly if they have mountains, including most recently to beautiful Romania. Igloo is her debut novel; her work-in-progress is Going West, a story for adults.
After studying English and Classics at Cambridge University, Jennifer taught English, Drama and Classics for twenty years in several schools, including four years in Paris. She later completed an MA in Creative Writing for Children at Manchester Metropolitan University and is also an alumna of the Golden Egg Academy.
Now retired, at least from teaching, Jennifer lives with her husband in West Yorkshire but enjoys travelling to new places, particularly if they have mountains, including most recently to beautiful Romania. Igloo is her debut novel; her work-in-progress is Going West, a story for adults.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 6, 2023
I read this almost at one sitting. Well, as close to that as I could get away with.
Jennifer Burkinshaw has these young adult characters exactly right.
She provides as well a very convincing setting. So, yes, all right, I know the sands in the story a little. She has these exactly right as well. If I hadn’t known a little of this place before I started reading I would have known it well anyway by the time I’d read a few chapters.
She keeps tension and pace throughout and we’re engaged all the way through.
All of this on a very pleasing and intriguing voice.
The story is touching and thought-provoking and looks at a 21st century problem – one that is perhaps also as old as the hills.
Jennifer Burkinshaw has these young adult characters exactly right.
She provides as well a very convincing setting. So, yes, all right, I know the sands in the story a little. She has these exactly right as well. If I hadn’t known a little of this place before I started reading I would have known it well anyway by the time I’d read a few chapters.
She keeps tension and pace throughout and we’re engaged all the way through.
All of this on a very pleasing and intriguing voice.
The story is touching and thought-provoking and looks at a 21st century problem – one that is perhaps also as old as the hills.
October 30, 2023
Wow! I anticipated a simple YA romance, but this book delivered far beyond my expectations. Its brilliant writing and vivid descriptions draw you into the characters’ world from the get-go. With real-life, genuine stakes and eye-opening drama, it poses profound questions that linger in your mind even after the last page.
A captivating book worth your time.
A captivating book worth your time.
November 10, 2023
This book, guys! I went into this fairly blind because having read and loved Jennifer's other book, Igloo, last year I knew I wanted to read this without even needing to read the blurb. Jennifer's writing style and stories was something I knew I wanted to read again! To begin with, it did in some ways remind me of Igloo but then omg it was so much more as well.
The setting of Morecambe Bay was really excellent, it was portrayed so well, the mix between the beauty and deadliness of the Sands. I LOVED the photos throughout too so you physically see the paces being talked about even better than just from the descriptions.
I really don't want to give anything away because a lot of things would spoiler huge parts of the book, but I don't think it's too spoilery to say that the book starts with a short section from later in the book. No character names are mentioned so you don't know who is involved or what the outcome will be, and when I tell you it keeps you guessing right until the end I really mean it! The whole way through I kept thinking "oh no this" and then "oh wait no that" and even when you reach the point of the thing happening, it's unclear exactly which of them it could be. Even so far as in the aftermath, it's a while before everything is fully revealed and my god did I cry a lot through the whole of that ending.
It was such a beautifully bittersweet story and I don't think I can talk plot-wise about any of the aspects of it really, but the bonds the characters formed were so lovely. I enjoyed the way the book was split up into the different days and also really liked the use of the play. I was about to say which play but given I'm about to say that I'm not familiar with it but it seemed like the story kind of followed the same paths throughout and that I liked the way it mirrored it, I probably shouldn't say which one for spoilers haha.
Honestly though, this was such a beautiful story, both for adults or teens, and I'd really recommend picking it up.
The setting of Morecambe Bay was really excellent, it was portrayed so well, the mix between the beauty and deadliness of the Sands. I LOVED the photos throughout too so you physically see the paces being talked about even better than just from the descriptions.
I really don't want to give anything away because a lot of things would spoiler huge parts of the book, but I don't think it's too spoilery to say that the book starts with a short section from later in the book. No character names are mentioned so you don't know who is involved or what the outcome will be, and when I tell you it keeps you guessing right until the end I really mean it! The whole way through I kept thinking "oh no this" and then "oh wait no that" and even when you reach the point of the thing happening, it's unclear exactly which of them it could be. Even so far as in the aftermath, it's a while before everything is fully revealed and my god did I cry a lot through the whole of that ending.
It was such a beautifully bittersweet story and I don't think I can talk plot-wise about any of the aspects of it really, but the bonds the characters formed were so lovely. I enjoyed the way the book was split up into the different days and also really liked the use of the play. I was about to say which play but given I'm about to say that I'm not familiar with it but it seemed like the story kind of followed the same paths throughout and that I liked the way it mirrored it, I probably shouldn't say which one for spoilers haha.
Honestly though, this was such a beautiful story, both for adults or teens, and I'd really recommend picking it up.
November 5, 2023
This was such a different read for me, but I found the blurb intriguing and I do like to step out of my fantasy read comfort zone when I can.
There is a lot I dont want to touch on in this review, certain aspects would totally spoil the little revelations we get throughout the book but... this book had me hooked.
And totally heartbroken in several places and ugly crying in pieces at the end so be warned, get the tissues ready!
I loved that it was a YA read set in the UK, this made it very relatable to me. Talk of sixth form field trips and the very British attitude we have to things was spot on.
Each of the main characters was someone I could feel for and I love that this book had a cute coming of age romance as well as suspense.
The prologue makes you think you are prepared for the ending, but boy was I not!! I loved the way the author set you up to KNOW something was going to happen, made you wonder throughout what it was, convinced you you KNEW, then threw you a curve ball at the end 😭
I actually couldnt put this down and spent the best part of the weekend reading it just to see what happened next.
I honestly was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book and totally enveloped in the story line.
Several things I loved that made this a five star read -
A sweet romance angel
The power of friendship
Character development
The inclusion of immigration and prejudice surrounding this
Plot twists I didn't see coming
Photos within the book (swipe to see one)
There is a lot I dont want to touch on in this review, certain aspects would totally spoil the little revelations we get throughout the book but... this book had me hooked.
And totally heartbroken in several places and ugly crying in pieces at the end so be warned, get the tissues ready!
I loved that it was a YA read set in the UK, this made it very relatable to me. Talk of sixth form field trips and the very British attitude we have to things was spot on.
Each of the main characters was someone I could feel for and I love that this book had a cute coming of age romance as well as suspense.
The prologue makes you think you are prepared for the ending, but boy was I not!! I loved the way the author set you up to KNOW something was going to happen, made you wonder throughout what it was, convinced you you KNEW, then threw you a curve ball at the end 😭
I actually couldnt put this down and spent the best part of the weekend reading it just to see what happened next.
I honestly was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book and totally enveloped in the story line.
Several things I loved that made this a five star read -
A sweet romance angel
The power of friendship
Character development
The inclusion of immigration and prejudice surrounding this
Plot twists I didn't see coming
Photos within the book (swipe to see one)
November 13, 2023
I really enjoyed this! I liked the way it was written and the plot. I can’t really say too much without giving anything away but at the start it made me reminisce about school trips I’ve been on (luckily not quite the same!) before. Some people may want to check the triggers before reading but be warned it does give away parts of the plot. I liked that there were maps etc which help build a better picture. All in all a very good read…
May 25, 2024
A gripping read. You know from the beginning that there's going to be a tragedy but Jennifer Burkinshaw keeps you guessing about how, when and who. I was in tears at the end of the story. Really well written, combining romance (not something I read lots of) with serious issues and vivid imagery of the shifting landscape of Morecambe Bay in all its beauty and menace.
November 17, 2023
An intense rollercoaster of emotions that rocked me to my core.
Clever, compelling and authentic, brilliantly bringing together love, friendship, joy, tragedy and sadness.
Clever, compelling and authentic, brilliantly bringing together love, friendship, joy, tragedy and sadness.
November 1, 2023
Happiness Seeker by Jennifer Burkinshaw
Review
A thriller. A love story. A political statement. A cleverly woven story of past and present, hopefully not of the future…
What has stayed with me during and after reading this clever YA novel, is the danger of Morecambe Bay and its surrounds. The threat of these sands and the tide is vivid and palpable, and we are highly aware of the perilous sands and incoming tide from beginning to end of this riveting book.
We are warned. We know the dangers. It is so well done that I felt I was there on those sinking sands, in the rolling mist, wading through a gushing river, waiting for the tide to creep in and cut me off from the shore and safety.
Only the shore isn’t safe. There are dangers there too and they quickly become apparent.
The story cleverly weaves fact and fiction, from the Arthur Miller play our group of A-level students are studying, to tensions between the teenagers.
The A-level drama students arrive to stay in Grange over Sands for a week, in order to research and write a play. The sand and tide don’t care who or what you are.
I felt kicked in the stomach at times, and I am only a reader!
We feel the pressure. We see the injustice. We plead for compassion. It is a tale of our time as much as the past and it makes us think about our attitude to strangers – foreigners – Happiness Seekers. As one of the characters asks: isn’t happiness what we all seek?
There are many shocking elements int the book. There is joy, tragedy, sadness and love. There is also friendship, humour and hope.
A clever, unique, important YA book that is as enthralling to read for adults as it is for young people.
I felt this book in my core. I still feel it.
This is a thriller as well as a love story and I haven’t read anything like it before. I haven’t felt this degree of emotion in a YA book before or seen a place described with such precision.
5 *****s
Review
A thriller. A love story. A political statement. A cleverly woven story of past and present, hopefully not of the future…
What has stayed with me during and after reading this clever YA novel, is the danger of Morecambe Bay and its surrounds. The threat of these sands and the tide is vivid and palpable, and we are highly aware of the perilous sands and incoming tide from beginning to end of this riveting book.
We are warned. We know the dangers. It is so well done that I felt I was there on those sinking sands, in the rolling mist, wading through a gushing river, waiting for the tide to creep in and cut me off from the shore and safety.
Only the shore isn’t safe. There are dangers there too and they quickly become apparent.
The story cleverly weaves fact and fiction, from the Arthur Miller play our group of A-level students are studying, to tensions between the teenagers.
The A-level drama students arrive to stay in Grange over Sands for a week, in order to research and write a play. The sand and tide don’t care who or what you are.
I felt kicked in the stomach at times, and I am only a reader!
We feel the pressure. We see the injustice. We plead for compassion. It is a tale of our time as much as the past and it makes us think about our attitude to strangers – foreigners – Happiness Seekers. As one of the characters asks: isn’t happiness what we all seek?
There are many shocking elements int the book. There is joy, tragedy, sadness and love. There is also friendship, humour and hope.
A clever, unique, important YA book that is as enthralling to read for adults as it is for young people.
I felt this book in my core. I still feel it.
This is a thriller as well as a love story and I haven’t read anything like it before. I haven’t felt this degree of emotion in a YA book before or seen a place described with such precision.
5 *****s
November 1, 2023
Where do I start? This was easily one of the best books that I've had the pleasure of reading this year. It is one of those excellent books that evokes a myriad of emotions from the very start. It covers some very heart wrenching subjects that are so relevant and current, that it could easily be a work of non fiction, rather than fiction. Allie is just a normal sixth-former experiencing a school trip to Morecambe Bay, when she finds herself caught up in something that becomes very dangerous and controversial. I really liked the fact that she has a strong moral compass and such a deep sense of duty to her friends even when facing certain death. The way she reacts when in the face of danger and her desire to help her friends is admirable. This book handles the subject of modern human slavery, illegal immigrants and threat to life very sensitively, yet honestly. There were several times when I found myself with tears streaming down my face without realising it; it's just that much of an emotional read. I found it quite refreshing that this book did not end the way you expect a book to end, with a happy ever after ending. Spoiler:it doesn't. However, I don't see how it could have ended any other way. Kudos to Jennifer Burkinshaw for such masterpiece of modern literature.
July 13, 2024
⭐️3.5 Stars⭐️
This story might not have been 100% for me, as it's just not the kind of story that keeps me interested. That being said, this novel is definitely well written and touching. It has plenty of positive points that I'd like to share in my review.
More than anything, this feels like a melancholic coming of age story. Allie, our protagonist, is a very sweet, compassionate person and a deep thinker. We meet her in a very meaningful time in her young life, being scared to lose a friend, falling in love, experiencing loss.
What I enjoyed a lot was that this book included photographs of Allies Experiences within those few days. It felt like reading a diary, and the photos certainly made me feel like I was there, with Allie.
The overall message and meaning behind the title were something, I absolutely appreciate. Without spoilers, I don't often hear people talk about this important topic, even though it is SO relevant.
All in all, this story felt a little slow, melancholic and gloomy. I feel like its a good book for a rainy day and as it is super short, it definitely can be finished in one too.
This story might not have been 100% for me, as it's just not the kind of story that keeps me interested. That being said, this novel is definitely well written and touching. It has plenty of positive points that I'd like to share in my review.
More than anything, this feels like a melancholic coming of age story. Allie, our protagonist, is a very sweet, compassionate person and a deep thinker. We meet her in a very meaningful time in her young life, being scared to lose a friend, falling in love, experiencing loss.
What I enjoyed a lot was that this book included photographs of Allies Experiences within those few days. It felt like reading a diary, and the photos certainly made me feel like I was there, with Allie.
The overall message and meaning behind the title were something, I absolutely appreciate. Without spoilers, I don't often hear people talk about this important topic, even though it is SO relevant.
All in all, this story felt a little slow, melancholic and gloomy. I feel like its a good book for a rainy day and as it is super short, it definitely can be finished in one too.
June 3, 2024
*Review featured in PaperBound Magazine*
A book filled with empathy and morality wrapped in an enthralling setting, Happiness Seeker tells Allie's story where secrets and tides get swept away in seconds by the deadly sands of Morecambe Bay.
When Allie visits the bay with her A-Level drama group, she is captivated by the sands, soon finding inspiration to write her own script. But when she discovers a boy as the tide is coming in, she knows she must act fast or leave him to the peril of the shifting landscape. As the pair get closer, Allie determines to find out exactly what her new friend, Mareno, was doing so close to the water despite knowing the danger, and slowly begins to realise that the sands hold more than just inspiration - they hold future tragedies too. Unless she stops them.
Inspired by true events and delicately told, Happiness Seeker is a YA novel that brings readers themes of compassion and the lengths we go to find happiness to the forefront of readers' minds.
A book filled with empathy and morality wrapped in an enthralling setting, Happiness Seeker tells Allie's story where secrets and tides get swept away in seconds by the deadly sands of Morecambe Bay.
When Allie visits the bay with her A-Level drama group, she is captivated by the sands, soon finding inspiration to write her own script. But when she discovers a boy as the tide is coming in, she knows she must act fast or leave him to the peril of the shifting landscape. As the pair get closer, Allie determines to find out exactly what her new friend, Mareno, was doing so close to the water despite knowing the danger, and slowly begins to realise that the sands hold more than just inspiration - they hold future tragedies too. Unless she stops them.
Inspired by true events and delicately told, Happiness Seeker is a YA novel that brings readers themes of compassion and the lengths we go to find happiness to the forefront of readers' minds.
November 10, 2024
Good without being spectacular this book. It is the authors second work and its a gripping fast paced story about modern slavery in Morecambe Bay. A Girl and her A level drama class are visiting Grange over sands to find inspiration to write a play. Here they meet the mysterious locals start mixing with tehm and then and find themselves placed in great danger. One of the major strengths of the book is the real life locations, the referencing of real life events, and the dangers of the sands itself. Whenever teh sands are mentioned i found myself thinking of the cockle pickers who died there about 20 years ago this event is regularly mentioned in the story too. The book is longlisted for Lancs book of the year this year. I don't think it will get shortlisted but its a good read and there is plenty of local interest for Lancastrian readers.
November 6, 2023
It was supposed to be a simple school trip, but this nail-biting story turns into a heart-in-mouth rollercoaster as Allie and her friends must navigate increasingly complex dilemmas fraught with danger and betrayal, where the stakes rocket out of control.
Romance blends with risk-taking and literally stepping off the edge into unknown terrain where each move triggers crisis after crisis. How can any teenager cope?
Facing the consequences of foolish blunders that spiral into crisis after crisis, Allie is pushed way beyond her limits and faces an ultimate test.
This white-knuckle ride sucked me into perilous depths alongside Allie and her friends – I actually chewed my thumbnail right down during the last 20 pages!
Romance blends with risk-taking and literally stepping off the edge into unknown terrain where each move triggers crisis after crisis. How can any teenager cope?
Facing the consequences of foolish blunders that spiral into crisis after crisis, Allie is pushed way beyond her limits and faces an ultimate test.
This white-knuckle ride sucked me into perilous depths alongside Allie and her friends – I actually chewed my thumbnail right down during the last 20 pages!
December 5, 2023
Its hard to believe that this is the same author that wrote Igloo as this book couldn't be more different, hats off for being so diverse and doing both types of books so brilliantly.
This has a real edge to it and kept me intrigued throughout. The subject of modern slavery is close to my heart, and this is a smart portrayal to bring into fiction. This has a real grit and lots of determination from Allie.
This made me think and at times was a thought provoking read in the subject matters but the author has created a truly compelling story here.
This has a real edge to it and kept me intrigued throughout. The subject of modern slavery is close to my heart, and this is a smart portrayal to bring into fiction. This has a real grit and lots of determination from Allie.
This made me think and at times was a thought provoking read in the subject matters but the author has created a truly compelling story here.
December 13, 2023
The story of a group of sixth form students and budding playwrights, who visit Morecombe Bay looking for inspiration for a storyline for their next play. Boy do they find it!
A beautiful, raw, believable and at times heart-breaking story that raises awareness of a very real and current issue, concerning modern day slavery. It's essentially a coming-of-age love story, a journey of discovery and exploration in dark and dangerous circumstances. A testing of friendship, courage and loyalty. This is suitable for both young adults and adults alike. A great read.
A beautiful, raw, believable and at times heart-breaking story that raises awareness of a very real and current issue, concerning modern day slavery. It's essentially a coming-of-age love story, a journey of discovery and exploration in dark and dangerous circumstances. A testing of friendship, courage and loyalty. This is suitable for both young adults and adults alike. A great read.
January 10, 2024
If I am honest, the first half of the book just moved too quickly to be believable. Too much happened too soon imo, and consequently, I didn't connect to most of the characters, but this might well suit the YA audience it is written for. However, the second half was gripping, emotionally charged, exciting and morally challenging. The story raced along like the tide in the story and I lost an afternoon to finishing it. Its a definite 3.5 stars.
November 16, 2024
fantastic read, which tells of the very real experience of the people caught up in human trafficking in the UK. So well written as seen through the eyes of a 6th form girl on a field trip from Leeds. It has lots of light, and
but overall tells of a very serious situation.
Don't let my review put you off, it is designed to encourage you to read a gripping, challenging but enjoyable story. Suitable for 14 years up to 114 years I would guess. Don't miss it!
but overall tells of a very serious situation.
Don't let my review put you off, it is designed to encourage you to read a gripping, challenging but enjoyable story. Suitable for 14 years up to 114 years I would guess. Don't miss it!
March 12, 2024
Timely and topical, this beautifully written YA novel is both thought provoking and heartbreaking in equal measure. Allie is a sympathetic teen protagonist with relatable conflicts to navigate.
Jennifer's scene setting is masterful - the descriptions of the bay clearly evocative of its beauty and danger. An engaging read with important themes of tolerance and compassion. Five stars.
Jennifer's scene setting is masterful - the descriptions of the bay clearly evocative of its beauty and danger. An engaging read with important themes of tolerance and compassion. Five stars.
March 1, 2024
I was not expecting this book to be so good! Thrilling ending and absolute plot twist! It started slowly as a romance novel with a hint of suspense and mystery, but turned out to be so much more! A great combination of elements for a YA Thriller, would highly recommend, especially to those living or know the South Cumbrian coastal town in which this set.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews