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Destiny #2
À Bientôt
Set on the coast of Portsmouth and the beautiful Loire Valley, this is the story of Anna, married mother of three, the unremarkable rock of her family who is quite content with her life until by accident, she discovers that Matthew, her husband of 22 years is having an affair. Two months later he is dead.Consumed by hurt and tainted memories, Anna’s life is turned upside down by loss and betrayal, her confidence totally destroyed and the tormenting spectre of Matthew’s unknown lover is ever present;so whilst keeping the secret of his affair from her family, Anna must find her way alone. With one son on the other side of the world, another about to enter a war zone and her daughter off to university, her life gradually begins to crumble until she is saved by her feisty loyal childhood friend Jeannie.Step by step Anna embarks on an emotional and inspirational journey which takes her to rural France where she makes new friends, experiences country life and is unexpectedly given the chance to love again. Soon a whole new channel hopping adventure beckons but before she can truly move on, Anna must solve the mystery of the other woman, who is she and why did Matthew stray? When she finally discovers the truth, there is a twist in the tale and Anna realises she is not the only one keeping secrets. Nobody has the perfect family and this one has its fair share of dramas and conflict, as the tale unfolds we dip into the past seeking clues to the present, share their adventures and find out what makes them tick. There are laugh out loud moments from Anna’s cantankerous outspoken mother Enid and her gang of wayward OAP’s and posh pongy Paloma, the university pal from hell. The bond that ties mother and son is stretched to the limits when her new romance is revealed and tears fall as another son goes off to war. Anna faces many dilemmas along the way, not to mention climbing the mountain that is sleeping with a new man, but as she evolves, along with the secrets and lies, heartbreak and anger, we witness a woman becoming empowered in an uplifting story of love, loyalty and new beginnings.
412 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 2, 2014
80 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Dixon
21 books171 followersPublished by Bloodhound Books
Author of -
Over My Shoulder, They Don't Know, The Secrets of Tenley House, Liars, #MeToo, Blame. The Other Woman, Coming Home, Resistance, Birthright, Venus Was Her Name, A Good Mother, Rosie and Ruby, Anna, Tilly, Grace, Destiny, The Complete Destiny Series Box Set, The Suspense Boxset.
All titles available on Amazon -
amazon.co.uk/-/e/B00I1YV2RM
Author of -
Over My Shoulder, They Don't Know, The Secrets of Tenley House, Liars, #MeToo, Blame. The Other Woman, Coming Home, Resistance, Birthright, Venus Was Her Name, A Good Mother, Rosie and Ruby, Anna, Tilly, Grace, Destiny, The Complete Destiny Series Box Set, The Suspense Boxset.
All titles available on Amazon -
amazon.co.uk/-/e/B00I1YV2RM
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 22, 2023
The tag says a Heartwarming Story about Love, Family
Heartwarming: I did not get that from this book.
It's a story of a widow reeling from the fact that her husband had an affair as she hides her emotions from her family after he dies. So many people lie, deny etc.
Quite depressing.
Heartwarming: I did not get that from this book.
It's a story of a widow reeling from the fact that her husband had an affair as she hides her emotions from her family after he dies. So many people lie, deny etc.
Quite depressing.
February 19, 2021
Another good book in this series. It starts off about a death and a funeral which made me feel a little wary at first but, once you get past all that it turns into a very good story. This is part of a series but you can read them as a stand alone book.
January 29, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, a tender and touching story of betrayal, loss and new love.
Anna, our lead character, is attending the funeral of her husband who had tragically died in a crash. She is calm, not tearful or grieving, instead she is watchful of the congregation. Which one could have been having an affair with her husband? The story delves into the lives of Anna, her children and briefly dips in and out of Matthew's affair.
The book is set mainly in Portsmouth, Anna's home, and St Pierre, France where Anna initially took a few days break in the rural countryside to think, relax and reassess her life. Her descriptions of the landscape and scenery, food and lifestyle of her new French friends is so realistic that you could almost feel yourself carried away to rural France. The friendships she makes there are deep, true and lasting, giving Anna cause to return to France again and again.
This isn't a chick-lit story of affairs, although who the 'other woman' was is always in the back of your mind, it's a beautifully crafted two year diary of Anna coping with loss, children who are at times difficult and the guilt of finding someone she cares for after her husband's death.
I noticed another reviewer had said that the story was predictable and guessed who the 'other woman' was early in the book. I don't think the point of knowing who it was is the main element of the story, it's the suspense of the slow dawning and eventual revelation that gives strength to the story and also to Anna. I felt that there were almost two layers to the book depending on how fast you read it and the state of your mind. Fast and frivolous 'beach reading' gives a gratuitous light relationship story whereas a slower more thoughtful reading session gives a warm glow to the heart and an engrossing deep feeling for a woman's guilt at the lack of grief she's feeling after losing her husband and the urge to move her life on. All the characters are realistic and likeable, except the ones we're not supposed to like, and the story moves at a good pace without areas of boredom or over-description.
Overall, I think that Patricia Dixon is a talented and competent writer who has put together a great debut novel and has much more to offer. This is the first in her 'All For Love' series and having read all of them, each can be read as stand alone books but this one gives a good, deep background to Anna and Daniel as a couple as well as Anna's children and Daniel's ex-wife and daughter.
Anna, our lead character, is attending the funeral of her husband who had tragically died in a crash. She is calm, not tearful or grieving, instead she is watchful of the congregation. Which one could have been having an affair with her husband? The story delves into the lives of Anna, her children and briefly dips in and out of Matthew's affair.
The book is set mainly in Portsmouth, Anna's home, and St Pierre, France where Anna initially took a few days break in the rural countryside to think, relax and reassess her life. Her descriptions of the landscape and scenery, food and lifestyle of her new French friends is so realistic that you could almost feel yourself carried away to rural France. The friendships she makes there are deep, true and lasting, giving Anna cause to return to France again and again.
This isn't a chick-lit story of affairs, although who the 'other woman' was is always in the back of your mind, it's a beautifully crafted two year diary of Anna coping with loss, children who are at times difficult and the guilt of finding someone she cares for after her husband's death.
I noticed another reviewer had said that the story was predictable and guessed who the 'other woman' was early in the book. I don't think the point of knowing who it was is the main element of the story, it's the suspense of the slow dawning and eventual revelation that gives strength to the story and also to Anna. I felt that there were almost two layers to the book depending on how fast you read it and the state of your mind. Fast and frivolous 'beach reading' gives a gratuitous light relationship story whereas a slower more thoughtful reading session gives a warm glow to the heart and an engrossing deep feeling for a woman's guilt at the lack of grief she's feeling after losing her husband and the urge to move her life on. All the characters are realistic and likeable, except the ones we're not supposed to like, and the story moves at a good pace without areas of boredom or over-description.
Overall, I think that Patricia Dixon is a talented and competent writer who has put together a great debut novel and has much more to offer. This is the first in her 'All For Love' series and having read all of them, each can be read as stand alone books but this one gives a good, deep background to Anna and Daniel as a couple as well as Anna's children and Daniel's ex-wife and daughter.
June 5, 2019
I just love it when you read a book and the main character steals your heart.
Anna is someone you want either in your family or as a friend.
This book just ouzes great characters, especially Enid who makes you laugh out loud with her lovable and outgoing personality.
Patricia Dixon is on a roll with series and I am eager to get stuck into the next installment. Congratulations THE.
Anna is someone you want either in your family or as a friend.
This book just ouzes great characters, especially Enid who makes you laugh out loud with her lovable and outgoing personality.
Patricia Dixon is on a roll with series and I am eager to get stuck into the next installment. Congratulations THE.
September 26, 2023
3.5 stars...4 stars...still mulling...😂
I always fear these books where the H is cheating ,dies and can't be confronted! In this instance,she discovered the affair shortly before his fatal accident ,but the identity of the mistress and details of the affair looms a mystery that is to be played out in the back ground throughout the tale . Fortunately, the whole thing blows up in rather startling and compelling fashion close to the finale.Its not a perfect template,but the best resolution for the format that I've encountered,so far and thus I was glad I gave this one a chance!
It does drag in parts, but given the events, its messaging is refreshingly optimistic as the h does move on,find new love .....and most importantly ,actually does finally get a modicum of resolution which is so essential for this format ! The zenith of this infidelity venture occurred upon her discovery of who the mistress was and the various,revelatory second hand accounts that mapped out and or made privy certain details regarding the origins of the affair,its progression and its sequelae specifically the emotional effects upon the H as per the various third parties....including how closely related to his demise.
I always fear these books where the H is cheating ,dies and can't be confronted! In this instance,she discovered the affair shortly before his fatal accident ,but the identity of the mistress and details of the affair looms a mystery that is to be played out in the back ground throughout the tale . Fortunately, the whole thing blows up in rather startling and compelling fashion close to the finale.Its not a perfect template,but the best resolution for the format that I've encountered,so far and thus I was glad I gave this one a chance!
It does drag in parts, but given the events, its messaging is refreshingly optimistic as the h does move on,find new love .....and most importantly ,actually does finally get a modicum of resolution which is so essential for this format ! The zenith of this infidelity venture occurred upon her discovery of who the mistress was and the various,revelatory second hand accounts that mapped out and or made privy certain details regarding the origins of the affair,its progression and its sequelae specifically the emotional effects upon the H as per the various third parties....including how closely related to his demise.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2019
Anna Harrison says her final farewell to her husband Matthew as his wife at his funeral, she is wondering if the other woman is there? And Anna is ready for her. But her priorities are to her three children left without a father. It came a big shock to them and they have their own lives to lead now. After a well needed break to france, Anna makes some wonderful friends, and it becomes her second home. I loved reading Anna's story, lot's of secrets come out of the woodwork, its a story of family, friendships, love and commitment. This book has been wrote with so much passion by the author, and has gave me so much enjoyment.
May 22, 2019
This book was previously published with the title À Bientôt. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, a tender and touching story of betrayal, loss and new love.
Anna, our lead character, is attending the funeral of her husband who had tragically died in a crash. She is calm, not tearful or grieving, instead she is watchful of the congregation, wondering which one could have been having an affair with her husband? The story delves into the lives of Anna, her children and briefly dips in and out of Matthew's affair.
The book is set mainly in Portsmouth, Anna's home, and St Pierre, France where Anna initially took a few days break in the rural countryside to think, relax and reassess her life. Her descriptions of the landscape and scenery, food and lifestyle of her new French friends is so realistic that you could almost feel yourself carried away to rural France. The friendships she makes there are deep, true and lasting, giving Anna cause to return to France again and again.
This isn't a chick-lit story of affairs, although who the 'other woman' was is always in the back of your mind, it's a beautifully crafted two year diary of Anna coping with loss, children who are at times difficult, and the guilt of finding someone she cares for after her husband's death.
The suspense of the slow dawning and eventual revelation gives strength to the story and also to Anna. I felt that there were almost two layers to the book depending on how fast you read it and the state of your mind. Fast and frivolous 'beach reading' gives a gratuitous light relationship story whereas a slower more thoughtful reading session gives a warm glow to the heart and an engrossing deep feeling for a woman's guilt at the lack of grief she's feeling after losing her husband and the urge to move her life on. All the characters are realistic and likeable, except the ones we're not supposed to like, and the story moves at a good pace without areas of boredom or over-description.
Patricia Dixon is a talented and competent writer who has put together a great novel and has such a lot of emotion and love to offer the reader. This is part of a series but each can be read as stand alone books. This one gives a good, deep background to Anna and Daniel as a couple as well as Anna's children and Daniel's ex-wife and daughter.
Anna, our lead character, is attending the funeral of her husband who had tragically died in a crash. She is calm, not tearful or grieving, instead she is watchful of the congregation, wondering which one could have been having an affair with her husband? The story delves into the lives of Anna, her children and briefly dips in and out of Matthew's affair.
The book is set mainly in Portsmouth, Anna's home, and St Pierre, France where Anna initially took a few days break in the rural countryside to think, relax and reassess her life. Her descriptions of the landscape and scenery, food and lifestyle of her new French friends is so realistic that you could almost feel yourself carried away to rural France. The friendships she makes there are deep, true and lasting, giving Anna cause to return to France again and again.
This isn't a chick-lit story of affairs, although who the 'other woman' was is always in the back of your mind, it's a beautifully crafted two year diary of Anna coping with loss, children who are at times difficult, and the guilt of finding someone she cares for after her husband's death.
The suspense of the slow dawning and eventual revelation gives strength to the story and also to Anna. I felt that there were almost two layers to the book depending on how fast you read it and the state of your mind. Fast and frivolous 'beach reading' gives a gratuitous light relationship story whereas a slower more thoughtful reading session gives a warm glow to the heart and an engrossing deep feeling for a woman's guilt at the lack of grief she's feeling after losing her husband and the urge to move her life on. All the characters are realistic and likeable, except the ones we're not supposed to like, and the story moves at a good pace without areas of boredom or over-description.
Patricia Dixon is a talented and competent writer who has put together a great novel and has such a lot of emotion and love to offer the reader. This is part of a series but each can be read as stand alone books. This one gives a good, deep background to Anna and Daniel as a couple as well as Anna's children and Daniel's ex-wife and daughter.
May 21, 2019
Anna is sitting in a car heading to a funeral. The family are with her however her head is in various different places. The funeral is that of her husband Matthew, a man she has recently found out was keeping a secret from her. One she found out quite by accident and hasn’;t been able to tell anyone else about. Her mother is as usual being her awkward self and providing the frocky horror show. Her children, now young adults are doing their level best to keep everyone happy. When Anna hears her brother Phil whispering to her best friend, Anna has a lightbulb moment..After a while she decides to take herself on holiday having seen an ad in a magazine for a cooking course. She enjoys the trip more than she realises and finds that she is beginning to let go of the past. She still doesn't know who the woman is who she saw with Matthew but is determined to find out.
Oh my. Patricia is a master of words and at least twice brought me to tears (and more times with laughter) with this. A wonderful letter from a mother to her children and the description of the types of kisses. “outside the chippy with salt and vinegar on your lips..”. A little humour amongst the brilliant descriptions. I loved Anna ( and Daniel) and felt in a way that I knew them (or very much wanted to if they are based on real people). This is written from the heart, from experience of people and of life with all its ups and downs and how sometimes that smallest things, the tiniest gesture can make your heart sing. Sometimes when bad things happen you can’t for the life of you think how any good can ever come out of it” Wise words- and as many of us know things do make you stronger. A story of life, of love, of troubles, and overcoming them. One to remember and make you smile. Love life.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter@nicki’sbookblog
Oh my. Patricia is a master of words and at least twice brought me to tears (and more times with laughter) with this. A wonderful letter from a mother to her children and the description of the types of kisses. “outside the chippy with salt and vinegar on your lips..”. A little humour amongst the brilliant descriptions. I loved Anna ( and Daniel) and felt in a way that I knew them (or very much wanted to if they are based on real people). This is written from the heart, from experience of people and of life with all its ups and downs and how sometimes that smallest things, the tiniest gesture can make your heart sing. Sometimes when bad things happen you can’t for the life of you think how any good can ever come out of it” Wise words- and as many of us know things do make you stronger. A story of life, of love, of troubles, and overcoming them. One to remember and make you smile. Love life.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter@nicki’sbookblog
May 22, 2019
I loved this book! This is the story of Anna, beginning with the day of her husband Matthew's funeral. Anna knows Matthew had been having an affair, but her world begins to fall apart when she realises just how much he had betrayed her. She has to cope with her grief whilst continuing to support her three adult children through their loss. For a while she totally gives in to her devastation and takes to her bed - a situation not unfamiliar to myself! However, her best friend intervenes and gets her back on her feet. Anna decides on the spur of the moment to go on holiday to France, bringing her a whole new set of friends and a beginning to her new life.
This is a wonderful book, I love how the characters fit together and layers of secrets are revealed till we find out exactly what has been going on. There was one point I was getting annoyed at Anna and thinking come on woman just get on with things and get a grip - luckily she didn't disappoint me once she got into her stride! I love a good story with realistic families and friendships and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
This is a wonderful book, I love how the characters fit together and layers of secrets are revealed till we find out exactly what has been going on. There was one point I was getting annoyed at Anna and thinking come on woman just get on with things and get a grip - luckily she didn't disappoint me once she got into her stride! I love a good story with realistic families and friendships and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
June 6, 2019
Anna is on her way to her husband, Matthews funeral.
But she has a secret, Matthew had been seeing someone else, and she just doesn’t know where to turn to……
Anna decides its now her time, and sets off for a holiday, but Matthew’s secret is still playing on her mind all the time, just who was that woman she saw him with? She is tormenting herself, but who can she share her thoughts with? Can she ever truly trust anyone again?
Set mainly in the Loire valley, France, this is a tale of love, secrets, betrayal and friendships…beautifully emotional writing which will have you laughing and crying along with Anna…brilliant.
Thank you to Bombshell Publishing for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest, unbiased review
But she has a secret, Matthew had been seeing someone else, and she just doesn’t know where to turn to……
Anna decides its now her time, and sets off for a holiday, but Matthew’s secret is still playing on her mind all the time, just who was that woman she saw him with? She is tormenting herself, but who can she share her thoughts with? Can she ever truly trust anyone again?
Set mainly in the Loire valley, France, this is a tale of love, secrets, betrayal and friendships…beautifully emotional writing which will have you laughing and crying along with Anna…brilliant.
Thank you to Bombshell Publishing for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest, unbiased review
July 5, 2020
Another corking heartwarming story
Anna has the idyllic life, husband and 3 grown up children, who are just starting to go off on their own paths.
Then the rug is ripped from all of them when Matthew, Anna’s husband is killed in a car crash.
However Anna knows that he was cheating on her before he died.
What follows is not only a newly bereaved widow trying to navigate her way in the world despite knowing she was betrayed, but trying to protect her children from the truth.
Anna by chance happens to see an advert for a hotel in France, conveniently run by Rosie from book 1.
This book made me laugh out loud, and made me cry. It’s like a warm hug.
Anna has the idyllic life, husband and 3 grown up children, who are just starting to go off on their own paths.
Then the rug is ripped from all of them when Matthew, Anna’s husband is killed in a car crash.
However Anna knows that he was cheating on her before he died.
What follows is not only a newly bereaved widow trying to navigate her way in the world despite knowing she was betrayed, but trying to protect her children from the truth.
Anna by chance happens to see an advert for a hotel in France, conveniently run by Rosie from book 1.
This book made me laugh out loud, and made me cry. It’s like a warm hug.
May 29, 2019
I read this book when it was first out as À bientôt. I enjoyed it then and I think I enjoyed it even more the second time around. Patricia's love for France really shows through in the way she writes about it, and for me it is a double pleasure to read as I also live in the Loire area. Her attention to detail with her descriptions of France, are just perfect and I am sure everyone feels transported to this tranquil part of the country.
I have also travelled over on the Ferry from Portsmouth and love how Patricia describes Anna on the ship, looking for her apartment, I even found myself doing the same.
The story is one of betrayal, sadness and ultimately love. We start when Anna's husband has died, he was her world but then shortly before his death she finds out about the other woman. Anna desperately wants to know who she is, but her three children are her priority. She tries to keep the affair secret from her family, but it is difficult, even though they are now leading their own lives and she is left in the house alone. A chance article in a magazine leads Anna to go on a break to France, where she makes, what turns out to be, lifelong friends, and before long, France works it's magic and it becomes her second home, having also bought her apartment overlooking the ferrys in Portsmouth. With all the heartache she carries around, she didn't expect to find love, but that's the magic of France.
A beautiful book that you never want to end.
I have also travelled over on the Ferry from Portsmouth and love how Patricia describes Anna on the ship, looking for her apartment, I even found myself doing the same.
The story is one of betrayal, sadness and ultimately love. We start when Anna's husband has died, he was her world but then shortly before his death she finds out about the other woman. Anna desperately wants to know who she is, but her three children are her priority. She tries to keep the affair secret from her family, but it is difficult, even though they are now leading their own lives and she is left in the house alone. A chance article in a magazine leads Anna to go on a break to France, where she makes, what turns out to be, lifelong friends, and before long, France works it's magic and it becomes her second home, having also bought her apartment overlooking the ferrys in Portsmouth. With all the heartache she carries around, she didn't expect to find love, but that's the magic of France.
A beautiful book that you never want to end.
December 20, 2016
A pleasant read with a fairly good plot (won't give any spoilers!) but oh, how it could have done with some editing, both in length and proofreading - basic grammatical and punctuation errors popping up far too often for this pedant's enjoyment. Nevertheless, an untaxing and enjoyable read!
September 4, 2019
Overall: 3/5 Stars
Characters: 3/5 Stars
Believability: 3.5/5 Stars
Personal Opinion: 2.5/5 Stars
Trying to rate a book like this is incredibly difficult. There are parts I really enjoyed and parts that I really didn't and it is kind of difficult to separate them in the end because they are all tangled together.
If I look at the basic story line and the realistic nature of the characters, I can say that for the most part, I really enjoyed those pieces. There are points where the emotions are really drawn out and these points sucked me in and I was anxious about how it was going to move on. But if I look at the execution and how most of that was presented, there were a lot of times where I struggled with my own personal reaction to some of the situations and this frustrated me and made me not like certain aspects of Anna's character.
Those really good parts were also like bright spots in a very long and very drawn out story. According to Goodreads, the page count for this book is 470 pages, which is way too long for a story like this. There are so many parts that are deeply detailed that could have so easily been removed and you still would have had a really good story.
This gets exacerbated by the number of times the reader is subjected to Anna having to rehash what she knows about Matthew's affair. After about the third time, I was done with it and the emotions surrounding it all, but we get it again. And again. And... it was too much and started to lose the emotional impact and just slowed things down.
I kept thinking I'd hit a point where it looked like the story was winding down and wrapping up only to look down and I was only at 50% or 70% or still not even close to being done. When that happened yet again, I suddenly hit a point marked "Book 2". I think it is an epilogue or something, but it really isn't an actual break in the story, just a continuation of the exact same story so I was really frustrated and confused by the entire point of that break. And the fact that it wasn't actually the end of the story yet.
Don't get me wrong, I didn't dislike this story. I think the basis and the bones were really good, but the sheer length of this with all of these little pieces and oddly arranged timeline bounces of looking back when you really didn't have a purpose to do so in probably 90% of the instances made this drag. It is the kind of book that I really wish someone would have just stepped in and said "all these bits here really don't add anything to the overall story, you should consider cutting them". It would have kept the emotional flow going, uninterrupted, and allow the story to move forward without distracting the reader. By the time I got to the actual epilogue, I kind of no longer cared and only skimmed it.
Characters: 3/5 Stars
Believability: 3.5/5 Stars
Personal Opinion: 2.5/5 Stars
Trying to rate a book like this is incredibly difficult. There are parts I really enjoyed and parts that I really didn't and it is kind of difficult to separate them in the end because they are all tangled together.
If I look at the basic story line and the realistic nature of the characters, I can say that for the most part, I really enjoyed those pieces. There are points where the emotions are really drawn out and these points sucked me in and I was anxious about how it was going to move on. But if I look at the execution and how most of that was presented, there were a lot of times where I struggled with my own personal reaction to some of the situations and this frustrated me and made me not like certain aspects of Anna's character.
Those really good parts were also like bright spots in a very long and very drawn out story. According to Goodreads, the page count for this book is 470 pages, which is way too long for a story like this. There are so many parts that are deeply detailed that could have so easily been removed and you still would have had a really good story.
This gets exacerbated by the number of times the reader is subjected to Anna having to rehash what she knows about Matthew's affair. After about the third time, I was done with it and the emotions surrounding it all, but we get it again. And again. And... it was too much and started to lose the emotional impact and just slowed things down.
I kept thinking I'd hit a point where it looked like the story was winding down and wrapping up only to look down and I was only at 50% or 70% or still not even close to being done. When that happened yet again, I suddenly hit a point marked "Book 2". I think it is an epilogue or something, but it really isn't an actual break in the story, just a continuation of the exact same story so I was really frustrated and confused by the entire point of that break. And the fact that it wasn't actually the end of the story yet.
Don't get me wrong, I didn't dislike this story. I think the basis and the bones were really good, but the sheer length of this with all of these little pieces and oddly arranged timeline bounces of looking back when you really didn't have a purpose to do so in probably 90% of the instances made this drag. It is the kind of book that I really wish someone would have just stepped in and said "all these bits here really don't add anything to the overall story, you should consider cutting them". It would have kept the emotional flow going, uninterrupted, and allow the story to move forward without distracting the reader. By the time I got to the actual epilogue, I kind of no longer cared and only skimmed it.
September 17, 2020
So, here I am a long-term lover of gruesome and grizzly publicly owning up to enjoying another ‘nice’ book..... You are becoming my undoing, Ms Dixon!
I shout loudly that I don’t do ROMANCE in my reading life (though I do enjoy the acerbic humour of Marián Keyes) so maybe I’m rationalising. This author writes about people and life and love, romance is a bit player. Not everything is perfect. Yet again, there is a massive cloud at the core of this story which is, after all about a ‘widow woman.’ But....
..... Characters are at the core and most of them I’d love to have in my life. The warmth (and worry) of family life and the charming hotel whose place I would love to patronise keeps my attention and interest. OK, it all seems a bit too good to be true but even us seriously grownup folk need a sprinkling of stardust every now and then!
I never thought I would read and enjoy Maeve Binchy but I’m so glad I’ve found her (author) doppelgänger- though much of the story is set in France rather than Ireland. Thank you for a bit of sunshine amidst the challenge that is life in a Covid world.
I shout loudly that I don’t do ROMANCE in my reading life (though I do enjoy the acerbic humour of Marián Keyes) so maybe I’m rationalising. This author writes about people and life and love, romance is a bit player. Not everything is perfect. Yet again, there is a massive cloud at the core of this story which is, after all about a ‘widow woman.’ But....
..... Characters are at the core and most of them I’d love to have in my life. The warmth (and worry) of family life and the charming hotel whose place I would love to patronise keeps my attention and interest. OK, it all seems a bit too good to be true but even us seriously grownup folk need a sprinkling of stardust every now and then!
I never thought I would read and enjoy Maeve Binchy but I’m so glad I’ve found her (author) doppelgänger- though much of the story is set in France rather than Ireland. Thank you for a bit of sunshine amidst the challenge that is life in a Covid world.
August 14, 2019
I didn’t enjoy this one quite as much as “Rosie & Ruby” which follows on from this book (not that it matters to the story line) perhaps because I didn’t relate as well to Anna as I did to Ruby. I found it hard to understand Anna's guilt, it seems a strange emotion to me, hurt, betrayed, made a fool of, absolutely but not guilt.
I was also disappointed by the numerous grammatical errors, assorted typos, use of a word that does not exist and the misuse of another. I will blame it on poor editing/proof reading, in all other respects a lovely read. I can now go back to “Tilly”
I was also disappointed by the numerous grammatical errors, assorted typos, use of a word that does not exist and the misuse of another. I will blame it on poor editing/proof reading, in all other respects a lovely read. I can now go back to “Tilly”
July 30, 2023
I like the writing and the story but I don’t believe that the H was sorry,he was sorry he got caught by his daughter and had to face the consequences but I don’t think he was going to end it by himself and if he really loved the h why did he treat her like trash,also taking vacations with the ow and letting her think he was leaving his wife make him irredimible . I am happy she didn’t really forgive him and got herself a new man and life .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2019
Heartwarming
Anna, a housewife and mother who finds her husband has been having an affair, is bad enough, but then he dies and she is left with feelings of inadequacy, and betrayal, but mostly anger. This story is about how she finds her courage and gets on with a new life.
It was a page turner for me. I laughed and cried alternatively. Another great read from Patricia Dixon.
Anna, a housewife and mother who finds her husband has been having an affair, is bad enough, but then he dies and she is left with feelings of inadequacy, and betrayal, but mostly anger. This story is about how she finds her courage and gets on with a new life.
It was a page turner for me. I laughed and cried alternatively. Another great read from Patricia Dixon.
December 27, 2019
Getting through it
The story line was strong and didn’t shy from difficult subjects. Anna was allowed to be brave, vulnerable, fragile and very angry. Real life with it’s ups and downs
The story line was strong and didn’t shy from difficult subjects. Anna was allowed to be brave, vulnerable, fragile and very angry. Real life with it’s ups and downs
December 29, 2019
Another triumph
These books transport you to places like no other story can. They are amazing and speak of love and courage and friendships. The settings are lovely and would give hope to anybody who reads them. Beautifully written 🚢🏡💟
These books transport you to places like no other story can. They are amazing and speak of love and courage and friendships. The settings are lovely and would give hope to anybody who reads them. Beautifully written 🚢🏡💟
January 4, 2020
Having previously read "Rosie and Ruby" by Patricia Dixon, I wanted to read the next story in the series (which can be read as a stand alone book). I really don't want to go into the plot to create spoilers, but the story did not disappoint the reader, and many of the places in France that Patricia describes in the book are now on our bucket list, and we hope to go and visit them later this year.
I look forward to shortly reading the next book, by Patricia Dixon.
I look forward to shortly reading the next book, by Patricia Dixon.
January 21, 2021
First I read Rosie and Ruby, and now Anna. What wonderful books. Anna finds out that her husband of 22 years is cheating and they had a wonderful marriage. Then he is killed in a car crash and this wonderful book goes on. Now I will read Tilly, the next book.
May 24, 2022
wonderful refreshing read!
I’ve been reading so many mysteries about intrigue and death., this was just perfect and went on long enough to really get into the story and meet the people! I want to read more of this delightful author!
I’ve been reading so many mysteries about intrigue and death., this was just perfect and went on long enough to really get into the story and meet the people! I want to read more of this delightful author!
November 25, 2019
Loved this Story
This is my third book by, Patricia Dixon Ive enjoyed all of them,from the first page to the last, 100% recommend
This is my third book by, Patricia Dixon Ive enjoyed all of them,from the first page to the last, 100% recommend
March 10, 2020
I recommend it!
Yes,Anna really was a heart-warming story about love, family and friendship! I recommend this story, the first ( but not the last) I have read by Patricia Dixon.
Yes,Anna really was a heart-warming story about love, family and friendship! I recommend this story, the first ( but not the last) I have read by Patricia Dixon.
October 14, 2020
I loved this book very much. Thank you Patricia. I loved the characters and going back to France. I was totally absorbed by the story.
May 20, 2021
Heart warming happy ending
Another easy read from this author, lots of characters and twists and turns who doesn't love a happy ending right
Another easy read from this author, lots of characters and twists and turns who doesn't love a happy ending right
October 21, 2025
Loved this book from the very first page, I didn't want it to end,
Anna was the sort of person I would want as a friend
Anna was the sort of person I would want as a friend
September 30, 2021
A good read made me laugh and cry x
June 4, 2019
I knew the author had a rather special touch with the dark and gripping page turners, but what a lovely surprise this book was. It really couldn’t have been more different from the book I read before – other than in the fact that the writing’s equally excellent. This is quite a substantial book at 500+ pages, but it never felt like it for a moment – and it was rather a treat to escape into it for rather longer than the average book usually allows.
There’s a tremendous warmth to the writing, and maybe the best way I can describe it is as a romance and a family drama, with an ongoing mystery and a rather lovely touch of travel writing too. The pace is slow, but that’s far from being a complaint – it’s the kind of “slow” that means you can luxuriate in it, follow the sidetracks a little, reflect on what’s going on, maybe think about how some of the situations would make you feel.
At times it’s sad – it begins with the sudden death of Anna’s husband, examining her grief, and her predicament’s only made worse when his infidelity and a whole basketful of other issues begin to surface. The aftermath of her loss overshadows her new relationship – and the author captures so well those feelings of guilt around being happy and moving on.
The family relationships are excellent – Anna’s mother is wonderfully eccentric and demanding, such a well-drawn character, and I loved her own relationship with her three young adult children as she deals with the fall-out from her decision to move on and her new relationship. Every one of them is just perfectly fleshed out – and their reactions, although sometimes causing additional problems for Anna, have a feel of absolute authenticity. Her friendships are just wonderful too – particularly the fiercely protective Jeannie and the new friends she makes in France.
I’m guessing those who read the first book will already know Rosie, but I met her at the same time as Anna, loved the way their attachment grew, and really liked the way she experienced some happy moments of her own.
The sense of place in this book is exceptional – as well as the country hotel at St Pierre, we experience all the joys of French family life, follow Anna on her drives (accompanied by Daphne the sat nav), visit the vividly described tourist spots, feel the sunshine, see the rural scenery and taste all the wonderful food and drink (this is most definitely not a book to read while hungry). It’s all beautifully done, but that sense of place is equally strong when Anna’s at home in Portsmouth, particularly when she makes some changes in her life – I’d rather like to drink my coffee on that balcony overlooking the Solent, waving to the departing ferries.
The issue of husband Matthew’s infidelity simmers beneath the surface throughout, and there’s an ongoing intriguing mystery as Anna tries to find out who his lover was – with a few false trails and red herrings along the way. The emotional side of it is nicely done too – there’s that mixture of sadness and unresolved anger, and I just loved the final moment of truth when Anna’s personal performance is simply magnificent.
The developing love story is excellent too – the initial misunderstanding, those recurring moments of doubt and uncertainty about trust, the moments of “shall I/shan’t I”, all so authentically done. There’s one wonderful scene in the book when Anna finally becomes aware that she’s still a desirable woman – and one of the book’s funniest moments when she finds herself fighting off more than one determined suitor.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book – and really can’t imagine that anyone could fail to. Very much recommended by me.
There’s a tremendous warmth to the writing, and maybe the best way I can describe it is as a romance and a family drama, with an ongoing mystery and a rather lovely touch of travel writing too. The pace is slow, but that’s far from being a complaint – it’s the kind of “slow” that means you can luxuriate in it, follow the sidetracks a little, reflect on what’s going on, maybe think about how some of the situations would make you feel.
At times it’s sad – it begins with the sudden death of Anna’s husband, examining her grief, and her predicament’s only made worse when his infidelity and a whole basketful of other issues begin to surface. The aftermath of her loss overshadows her new relationship – and the author captures so well those feelings of guilt around being happy and moving on.
The family relationships are excellent – Anna’s mother is wonderfully eccentric and demanding, such a well-drawn character, and I loved her own relationship with her three young adult children as she deals with the fall-out from her decision to move on and her new relationship. Every one of them is just perfectly fleshed out – and their reactions, although sometimes causing additional problems for Anna, have a feel of absolute authenticity. Her friendships are just wonderful too – particularly the fiercely protective Jeannie and the new friends she makes in France.
I’m guessing those who read the first book will already know Rosie, but I met her at the same time as Anna, loved the way their attachment grew, and really liked the way she experienced some happy moments of her own.
The sense of place in this book is exceptional – as well as the country hotel at St Pierre, we experience all the joys of French family life, follow Anna on her drives (accompanied by Daphne the sat nav), visit the vividly described tourist spots, feel the sunshine, see the rural scenery and taste all the wonderful food and drink (this is most definitely not a book to read while hungry). It’s all beautifully done, but that sense of place is equally strong when Anna’s at home in Portsmouth, particularly when she makes some changes in her life – I’d rather like to drink my coffee on that balcony overlooking the Solent, waving to the departing ferries.
The issue of husband Matthew’s infidelity simmers beneath the surface throughout, and there’s an ongoing intriguing mystery as Anna tries to find out who his lover was – with a few false trails and red herrings along the way. The emotional side of it is nicely done too – there’s that mixture of sadness and unresolved anger, and I just loved the final moment of truth when Anna’s personal performance is simply magnificent.
The developing love story is excellent too – the initial misunderstanding, those recurring moments of doubt and uncertainty about trust, the moments of “shall I/shan’t I”, all so authentically done. There’s one wonderful scene in the book when Anna finally becomes aware that she’s still a desirable woman – and one of the book’s funniest moments when she finds herself fighting off more than one determined suitor.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book – and really can’t imagine that anyone could fail to. Very much recommended by me.
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