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Chapel Field
A psychological suspense about silence and its sinister effects on a family and a village from the author of Blackthorn Wood.
When Laurie Helm’s mother dies, Laurie must return to the village where she grew up. It’s a place she left twenty years ago, and she’s hardly seen her mother since. With no siblings or other family, Laurie is left to sort out the house and estate, and to face some of the reasons she left Chapel Field in the first place.
Ed Diamond grew up in Chapel Field—but it hasn’t been much of a life. After his father passed away, Ed was the last person left who could care for his disabled sister. But the villagers have their own opinions on that . . .
Laurie and Ed met when they were kids, and as a disillusioned teenager, she joined in with the systematic tormenting of the Diamond family under the guidance of her friend, charismatic Marcus Butcher—until one of his pranks went too far. Now, reunited as adults, Laurie and Ed have lingering feelings of hatred, guilt, and resentment stirring between them—while being inexplicably drawn to each other . . .
When Laurie Helm’s mother dies, Laurie must return to the village where she grew up. It’s a place she left twenty years ago, and she’s hardly seen her mother since. With no siblings or other family, Laurie is left to sort out the house and estate, and to face some of the reasons she left Chapel Field in the first place.
Ed Diamond grew up in Chapel Field—but it hasn’t been much of a life. After his father passed away, Ed was the last person left who could care for his disabled sister. But the villagers have their own opinions on that . . .
Laurie and Ed met when they were kids, and as a disillusioned teenager, she joined in with the systematic tormenting of the Diamond family under the guidance of her friend, charismatic Marcus Butcher—until one of his pranks went too far. Now, reunited as adults, Laurie and Ed have lingering feelings of hatred, guilt, and resentment stirring between them—while being inexplicably drawn to each other . . .
- GenresFiction
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2024
49 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
November 10, 2024
As I was reading this book, one of my favorite sayings stayed in the forefront of my mind—“In a world where you can be anything, be kind!” Something so simple, but often so elusive in the crazy world we live in today, can make all the difference.
The character development in CHAPEL FIELD is nothing short of brilliant. We are introduced to our protagonists, Laurie Helm and Ed Diamond, bound together by life circumstances beginning when they were very young. The evolution of their relationship plays center stage in this poignant story, taking place in a small town rife with secrets, prejudice, and ignorance. Other characters in the book stand out, as well, playing a smaller role, but no less important in driving the plot forward, for better or for worse.
But Ed Diamond stands out for me in CHAPEL FIELD, an endearing individual whom you can’t help but root for with all your heart. As a reader, we see the insidious impact of bullying through the eyes of Ed, and the long-term ramifications of the trauma it causes. Instances of bullying are always difficult to read for me, forcing us to bear witness to the cruelty and inhumanity one person can inflict on another for no other reason than pleasure and hate.
Paula Hillman does a fantastic job of showing how long-held misconceptions can turn into prejudice, and how prejudice inevitably transforms into hate, manifesting itself into not only pitilessly cruel behaviors but contemptuous mindsets. But ultimately and most importantly, CHAPEL FIELD is a story of redemption, second chances, and the difference one person can make in the life of another. The power of kindness, friendship, and forgiveness can never be underestimated!
I want to thank Paula Hillman and Bloodhound Books for gifting me the ARC of CHAPEL FIELD! It was such a privilege to read this before publication. And I appreciate you trusting me with an honest review!
The character development in CHAPEL FIELD is nothing short of brilliant. We are introduced to our protagonists, Laurie Helm and Ed Diamond, bound together by life circumstances beginning when they were very young. The evolution of their relationship plays center stage in this poignant story, taking place in a small town rife with secrets, prejudice, and ignorance. Other characters in the book stand out, as well, playing a smaller role, but no less important in driving the plot forward, for better or for worse.
But Ed Diamond stands out for me in CHAPEL FIELD, an endearing individual whom you can’t help but root for with all your heart. As a reader, we see the insidious impact of bullying through the eyes of Ed, and the long-term ramifications of the trauma it causes. Instances of bullying are always difficult to read for me, forcing us to bear witness to the cruelty and inhumanity one person can inflict on another for no other reason than pleasure and hate.
Paula Hillman does a fantastic job of showing how long-held misconceptions can turn into prejudice, and how prejudice inevitably transforms into hate, manifesting itself into not only pitilessly cruel behaviors but contemptuous mindsets. But ultimately and most importantly, CHAPEL FIELD is a story of redemption, second chances, and the difference one person can make in the life of another. The power of kindness, friendship, and forgiveness can never be underestimated!
I want to thank Paula Hillman and Bloodhound Books for gifting me the ARC of CHAPEL FIELD! It was such a privilege to read this before publication. And I appreciate you trusting me with an honest review!
April 2, 2024
This is the 2nd book I have read by the author , it is a writing style I can easily get used too. This book is a psychological thriller, it is one that will absolutely have you hooked!
This book is writing in the style of a diary with different people's views, from teenagers to adults seeing the moments through their eyes. Chapel Field is a place where everyone knows everyone and knows everything about everyone ! Looking back into the main characters past could change things for her future.
A really gripping read , with characters that you get to know deeply by how well the author has built up their backstories.
This book is writing in the style of a diary with different people's views, from teenagers to adults seeing the moments through their eyes. Chapel Field is a place where everyone knows everyone and knows everything about everyone ! Looking back into the main characters past could change things for her future.
A really gripping read , with characters that you get to know deeply by how well the author has built up their backstories.
May 1, 2024
This is my first book by this author, and it didn't disappoint!
I did find it a bit slow to begin with, but it did keep me interested as the storyline was building, and i didn't want to put it down. I found that the dual timeline of the past and the present worked so well with this plot as we really got to see how past actions/decisions can affect the future and how we as people are affected by them as well!
The character development throughout this was so well written, and you couldn't help but feel and get emotional with them. There were twists, turns, and suspense, which makes for a great Thriller.
If you are looking for a Crime/Thriller with emotion, then this is the book for you! I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
I did find it a bit slow to begin with, but it did keep me interested as the storyline was building, and i didn't want to put it down. I found that the dual timeline of the past and the present worked so well with this plot as we really got to see how past actions/decisions can affect the future and how we as people are affected by them as well!
The character development throughout this was so well written, and you couldn't help but feel and get emotional with them. There were twists, turns, and suspense, which makes for a great Thriller.
If you are looking for a Crime/Thriller with emotion, then this is the book for you! I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
March 13, 2024
Laurie left her home village to work in London, it wasn’t a happy place for her and didn’t hold happy memories so it was an easy decision. But when she has to return to sort out her Mothers house after her death she soon remembers why she left. One of those reasons being an incident with the Diamond family. As she tries to put right what happened with Ed Diamond a whole can of worms is disturbed.
March 14, 2024
This is the second book I have read by this author and it enraptured me just as much as the first. Well written but in a different vein to the other one, and a different genre to my usual read, it drew me. in There are some twists and turns, unexpected outcomes but it's a great read right to the end. Look forward to reading more from Paula
March 14, 2024
A really beautifully written mystery that will keep you guessing. Thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading more from Paula Hillman.
March 17, 2024
A brilliant read - I love this author. The characters are really real and the story line kept me gripped. I had worked out some of the ending before I read it but that didn’t make it less enjoyable.
March 4, 2024
Anyone who has read Paula Hillman's previous books will know how well she writes, so I was sure this new novel was going to be good. Infact, I was sure it was going to be very good. Now, I can't find a superlative that even begins to do justice to how damn good it is.
Ed is an unforgettable character. He is right at the heart of this unsettling, brilliantly plotted, emotional rollercoaster. The small town setting is touching, affecting and at times terrifying; memories are moving and challenging; it's a place full of secret passions, fear and loathing; but also tenderness, love and devotion, and redemption.
John Steinbeck created something extraordinary with 'Of Mice and Men'; Harper Lee did likewise with 'To Kill A Mockingbird'; and now Paula Hillman joins those esteemed authors and their classic novels with 'Chapel Field' proving - omne trium perfectum.
Ed is an unforgettable character. He is right at the heart of this unsettling, brilliantly plotted, emotional rollercoaster. The small town setting is touching, affecting and at times terrifying; memories are moving and challenging; it's a place full of secret passions, fear and loathing; but also tenderness, love and devotion, and redemption.
John Steinbeck created something extraordinary with 'Of Mice and Men'; Harper Lee did likewise with 'To Kill A Mockingbird'; and now Paula Hillman joins those esteemed authors and their classic novels with 'Chapel Field' proving - omne trium perfectum.
April 1, 2024
‘Chapel Field’ is an emotional read that will pull at your heartstrings and is a story of redemption and second chances! After reading and loving ‘Blackthorn Wood’ I was excited to read this book and it didn't disappoint - it was full of love, empathy and hope. There is a real beating heart in the narratives that Paula tells and I instantly fell in love with Ed and Laurie.
Ed and Laurie are bound to each other due to an incident in their adolescence but haven't seen each other for over twenty years. When Laurie’s mother dies to returns to the island to handle the affairs and when she sees Ed she is determined to apologise for her actions when she was younger. It's how this relationship forms and progresses that is the main thread in the book and it's a very poignant story. I was rooting for them right from the start and was so anxious that the past and their history were going to block them.
This is mainly a story about how trauma travels down the generations, especially in a small place like Chapel Field where everyone is interconnected. Ed has suffered a life full of bullying and when Laurie questions why people hate him they have no real answers. It shows that misconceptions and wrong ideas can form hatred and trauma. I felt heartbroken for Ed and the life he had been living. Thankfully Laurie is the light and catalyst this story needs!
This is a story about redemption and when you finish that last page you are left feeling a sense of hoping that everyone has found peace.
Let me know if you pick this one up!
Ed and Laurie are bound to each other due to an incident in their adolescence but haven't seen each other for over twenty years. When Laurie’s mother dies to returns to the island to handle the affairs and when she sees Ed she is determined to apologise for her actions when she was younger. It's how this relationship forms and progresses that is the main thread in the book and it's a very poignant story. I was rooting for them right from the start and was so anxious that the past and their history were going to block them.
This is mainly a story about how trauma travels down the generations, especially in a small place like Chapel Field where everyone is interconnected. Ed has suffered a life full of bullying and when Laurie questions why people hate him they have no real answers. It shows that misconceptions and wrong ideas can form hatred and trauma. I felt heartbroken for Ed and the life he had been living. Thankfully Laurie is the light and catalyst this story needs!
This is a story about redemption and when you finish that last page you are left feeling a sense of hoping that everyone has found peace.
Let me know if you pick this one up!
April 4, 2024
You can always rely on Paula to weave a tale full of thrilling twists and turns. Chapel Field did not disappoint.
I found all of the characters to be quite complex. Laurie did some horrible things as a teenager, but I'm sure for many of is, peer pressure was a real thing and we may have done things we aren't proud of.
I really felt for Ed. I kept thinking "that wouldn't happen these days." But actually the main character were only a few years older than me.
The multi POV way of writing works so well for this kind of book. We really get to know what people are thinking without the story repeating itself. And the multi timeline means the past is revealed slowly so that the present makes sense.
If you're a fan of psychological thrillers with fantastic endings then this book is for you.
I found all of the characters to be quite complex. Laurie did some horrible things as a teenager, but I'm sure for many of is, peer pressure was a real thing and we may have done things we aren't proud of.
I really felt for Ed. I kept thinking "that wouldn't happen these days." But actually the main character were only a few years older than me.
The multi POV way of writing works so well for this kind of book. We really get to know what people are thinking without the story repeating itself. And the multi timeline means the past is revealed slowly so that the present makes sense.
If you're a fan of psychological thrillers with fantastic endings then this book is for you.
March 29, 2024
I like how smoothly the author transitions from past to present and how the story is told from each characters perspective. She really has a way with keeping you engaged as the story progresses. It really tugs at your heart and drives home exactly how much damage can be done by another person/persons. With bullying running rampant in our school systems, I think reading this as a class would put things into perspective for a lot of kids. Not only does it show the intricacies of human life and how it's connected, it also shows how far you can go forward no matter the pain of the past. I am very glad I read this and I would like to say a huge thank you to Paula Hillman for not only writing such a beautiful story but for allowing me to do this ARC read.
April 2, 2024
Paula Hillman curates an alluring vision of Chapel Hill, a quaint village in the English countryside where the people and world around it may change, but the village remains charmingly unchanged. When Laurie returns to Chapel Field after her estranged mother’s death, she is propelled into an introspective walk down memory lane in this almost foreign yet so familiar place. An absolutely beautifully written book filled to the brim with a quiet suspense that builds perfectly throughout the story. A deep dive into the past leaves with the burning question of how to reconcile with mistakes made…can we change who we are?
March 27, 2024
Following the death of her estranged mother, Laurie returns to her home town of Chapel Field to put her affairs in order. Chapel Field is a very town full of resentment, particularly towards recluse Ed Diamond, who locals feel must atone for his father’s sins. But Laurie has sins of her own, and soon finds herself developing feelings for Ed.
Another enjoyable book by Paula Hillman. Her writing style is engaging, and her description of locations makes it easy to imagine being there. Thank you to Bloodhound Books for allowing me the chance to read Chapel Field.
Another enjoyable book by Paula Hillman. Her writing style is engaging, and her description of locations makes it easy to imagine being there. Thank you to Bloodhound Books for allowing me the chance to read Chapel Field.
April 5, 2024
What an absolute gem of a book! This is the second book I've read by Hillman, and I devoured it in one sitting. The writing style doesn't disappoint you. Ed is definitely my favourite character, and Laurie wasn't too far behind.
Chapel Field is a very enjoyable read and focuses on how trauma is reflected throughout the generations. The amount of heartache Ed went through will break your heart.
For me, the strength of Chapel Field is definitely Hillman's writing. I highly recommend this book.
Chapel Field is a very enjoyable read and focuses on how trauma is reflected throughout the generations. The amount of heartache Ed went through will break your heart.
For me, the strength of Chapel Field is definitely Hillman's writing. I highly recommend this book.
March 23, 2024
I don't know what I can say about Paula's writing that I haven't already said when reviewing her previous books. She writes real stories with such sensitivity that sometimes it's like reading poetry. I think that this is my favourite of her books. The struggles the characters have and how they are overcome left me feeling uplifted. Thank you Paula for another great read.
May 5, 2024
This book really gripped me and as I started it I felt it was building up slowly but not so slow that sure enough and soon enough the character development, switching dialogue between past and present and the ability to capture my emotions and intrigue has it on my list of my tops for 2024!! Thoroughly enjoyable and engrossing a story that captures your time and mind in the best of ways!
March 30, 2024
I received this book for free from Bloodhound Books.
This was a powerful book about a town's hatred of a family that no one understood the reason for but most participated in.
It was beautifully written.
This was a powerful book about a town's hatred of a family that no one understood the reason for but most participated in.
It was beautifully written.
March 31, 2024
I really enjoyed this book as with the others that I’ve read by Paula. Once I was into the story I had to keep reading., I felt the emotions of the characters, as if I was there with them . I hope there is a sequel as would like to know more of their story.
April 4, 2024
An excellent read
This book is a true mystery. The author held my attention from beginning to end. The secrets, twists and turns, and suspense made me unable to put the book down. A true thriller from beginning to end.
This book is a true mystery. The author held my attention from beginning to end. The secrets, twists and turns, and suspense made me unable to put the book down. A true thriller from beginning to end.
March 18, 2024
I enjoyed this one I liked the way the past and present came together and you can't help but love Ed Diamond and also Laurie and how their story came together
March 30, 2024
I loved every single thing about this book. it was such an enjoyable read, I am seriously considering reading it again today. The characters were so wonderful and the story itself was absolutely beautiful. I cannot wait to read more by Paula Hillman, she has such a way with words.
March 30, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyable read.
Because I knew most of the locations it was easy to visualise the surroundings and it was easy to concentrate on the characters and story line.
Because I knew most of the locations it was easy to visualise the surroundings and it was easy to concentrate on the characters and story line.
April 4, 2024
What an emotional tale, I genuinely felt so so sorry for Ed (one of the main characters) throughout this whole book but it also filled me with joy seeing how his character developed through the story. This book is told from multiple pov’s but pretty easy to follow once you get to know each character. I enjoyed this book and delving into the secrets of chapel fields and its residence. I would definitely pick up more books from this author as I found the story interesting, easy to read, I felt strongly about the main characters and I enjoyed the writing style. 4 stars for this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 3, 2024
This is the fourth book that I've read by this author now and having loved all of them so far, I was excited to dive straight into this one.
Laurie is forced to return to Chapel Field after her mother dies - dredging up old memories and trauma of a childhood growing up in the small village.
When she reaquaints with Ed, she feels strangely drawn to him and as the relationship builds, Laurie finds that she needs to atone for her past actions.
Once again, I found the setting for this book to be most atmospheric. Hillman seems to be able to create settings which enhance the storylines so well that they almost become a character themselves!
Laurie and Ed prove to be an intriguing pair - with a great backstory - and their reuniting now allows each of them to reflect on the past and the intervening years too.
This was packed with suspense and had me gripped from start to finish.
I loved the then and now format which fed us little snippets and linked the storylines together with a good flow.
Another great read which has me excited to see what will be coming next....
Laurie is forced to return to Chapel Field after her mother dies - dredging up old memories and trauma of a childhood growing up in the small village.
When she reaquaints with Ed, she feels strangely drawn to him and as the relationship builds, Laurie finds that she needs to atone for her past actions.
Once again, I found the setting for this book to be most atmospheric. Hillman seems to be able to create settings which enhance the storylines so well that they almost become a character themselves!
Laurie and Ed prove to be an intriguing pair - with a great backstory - and their reuniting now allows each of them to reflect on the past and the intervening years too.
This was packed with suspense and had me gripped from start to finish.
I loved the then and now format which fed us little snippets and linked the storylines together with a good flow.
Another great read which has me excited to see what will be coming next....
March 15, 2024
Diamond Hall built by Lennie Diamond in Chapel Field woods in 1945 is central to this story. Lennie Diamond is an “Offcomer” to the island and the people of Chapel Field are never going to let him or future generations forget that as distrust and superstition follow the Diamond family and become entrenched in the minds of the townsfolk.
Ritchie Diamond, Lennie’s son leaves Chapel Field to live in Spain to pursue his career as a potter and painter, artistic talents he has inherited from his father. He has no intention of ever returning to Chapel Fields as he and his brother Ronnie have never been made to feel part of the town. However, fate has other plans and when his mother May dies and his father’s health deteriorates he returns to Diamond Hall with Alina who carries his twin babies. The couple marry and decide to settle in Chapel Town but when tragedy strikes it becomes clear that the townsfolk have long memories and strong prejudice against the Diamond family.
Laurie Helm has a past connection with Ed Diamond that causes her to feel shame at her treatment of him when she was a teenager growing up in Chapel Field. When she returns to Chapel Town nearly twenty years later on the death of her mother she feels the need to try and put things right with Ed, Ritchie Diamond’s son. She finds that Ed is still ostracised and treated with distrust by the people of Chapel Town and is saddened by the way the Diamond family have been treated. As she tries to apologise to Ed for her past actions and those of her friends she starts to discover more about the Diamond family and a connection that her own mother had to the family years ago.
As Laurie clears her mother’s house ready for sale she finds a painting by Ritchie Diamond and becomes even more intrigued by her mother’s past. A meeting with Gina O’Connor who is married to Pete, one of her old gang leads her to Olivia, Gina’s grandmother who used to clean at Diamond Hall when Ritchie came back from Spain. As Laurie tries to make amends to Ed for both her and the town’s mistreatment of him and his family many startling revelations start to be uncovered which will change their lives forever.
This is the third book that I have read by Paula Hillman and I am blown away by her way of writing that draws you into the story and characters so completely. Whilst Laurie and Ed are so convincing as the main characters there are so many other characters from the past and present that give this story so much depth. I loved how the book covered different time periods so that you felt you knew all the characters from the past and present. That Laurie and Ed have such a special bond that cannot be denied makes this an even more compelling read as I needed to keep reading to find out how their story would end.
Many thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Ritchie Diamond, Lennie’s son leaves Chapel Field to live in Spain to pursue his career as a potter and painter, artistic talents he has inherited from his father. He has no intention of ever returning to Chapel Fields as he and his brother Ronnie have never been made to feel part of the town. However, fate has other plans and when his mother May dies and his father’s health deteriorates he returns to Diamond Hall with Alina who carries his twin babies. The couple marry and decide to settle in Chapel Town but when tragedy strikes it becomes clear that the townsfolk have long memories and strong prejudice against the Diamond family.
Laurie Helm has a past connection with Ed Diamond that causes her to feel shame at her treatment of him when she was a teenager growing up in Chapel Field. When she returns to Chapel Town nearly twenty years later on the death of her mother she feels the need to try and put things right with Ed, Ritchie Diamond’s son. She finds that Ed is still ostracised and treated with distrust by the people of Chapel Town and is saddened by the way the Diamond family have been treated. As she tries to apologise to Ed for her past actions and those of her friends she starts to discover more about the Diamond family and a connection that her own mother had to the family years ago.
As Laurie clears her mother’s house ready for sale she finds a painting by Ritchie Diamond and becomes even more intrigued by her mother’s past. A meeting with Gina O’Connor who is married to Pete, one of her old gang leads her to Olivia, Gina’s grandmother who used to clean at Diamond Hall when Ritchie came back from Spain. As Laurie tries to make amends to Ed for both her and the town’s mistreatment of him and his family many startling revelations start to be uncovered which will change their lives forever.
This is the third book that I have read by Paula Hillman and I am blown away by her way of writing that draws you into the story and characters so completely. Whilst Laurie and Ed are so convincing as the main characters there are so many other characters from the past and present that give this story so much depth. I loved how the book covered different time periods so that you felt you knew all the characters from the past and present. That Laurie and Ed have such a special bond that cannot be denied makes this an even more compelling read as I needed to keep reading to find out how their story would end.
Many thanks to the author and Bloodhound Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2024
Here is my review of Chapel Field by Paula Hillman
I got into this slow burn psychological thriller straight away and found it to be an enchanting read. It’s written in a diary format, in the past i.e. Summer 1997, Summer 2018 etc, then broken down into Laurie, Ed etc. All of it is in the past but it is very interesting to read from a teenager’s point of view into the adult point of view and how a family can be outed. It is excellently well written and superbly plotted, with the descriptive text giving a superb backdrop of an explanation into everything else and making it come alive. Chapel Field is a little village that is part of an island where everyone knows everyone else and their business. The author has done a great job of building up the back stories of her characters and they seem real. You are just waiting for something to happen between Laurie and Ed as there seems to be an attraction between them? Laurie wants friendship but Ed still doesn’t trust her, what will happen? A fantastic read which I really enjoyed as it’s something you can really get interested in.
Blurb :
A psychological suspense about silence and its sinister effects on a family and a village from the author of Blackthorn Wood.
When Laurie Helm’s mother dies, Laurie must return to the village where she grew up. It’s a place she left twenty years ago, and she’s hardly seen her mother since. With no siblings or other family, Laurie is left to sort out the house and estate, and to face some of the reasons she left Chapel Field in the first place.
Ed Diamond grew up in Chapel Field—but it hasn’t been much of a life. After his father passed away, Ed was the last person left who could care for his disabled sister. But the villagers have their own opinions on that . . .
Laurie and Ed met when they were kids, and as a disillusioned teenager, she joined in with the systematic tormenting of the Diamond family under the guidance of her friend, charismatic Marcus Butcher—until one of his pranks went too far. Now, reunited as adults, Laurie and Ed have lingering feelings of hatred, guilt, and resentment stirring between them—while being inexplicably drawn to each other . . .
I got into this slow burn psychological thriller straight away and found it to be an enchanting read. It’s written in a diary format, in the past i.e. Summer 1997, Summer 2018 etc, then broken down into Laurie, Ed etc. All of it is in the past but it is very interesting to read from a teenager’s point of view into the adult point of view and how a family can be outed. It is excellently well written and superbly plotted, with the descriptive text giving a superb backdrop of an explanation into everything else and making it come alive. Chapel Field is a little village that is part of an island where everyone knows everyone else and their business. The author has done a great job of building up the back stories of her characters and they seem real. You are just waiting for something to happen between Laurie and Ed as there seems to be an attraction between them? Laurie wants friendship but Ed still doesn’t trust her, what will happen? A fantastic read which I really enjoyed as it’s something you can really get interested in.
Blurb :
A psychological suspense about silence and its sinister effects on a family and a village from the author of Blackthorn Wood.
When Laurie Helm’s mother dies, Laurie must return to the village where she grew up. It’s a place she left twenty years ago, and she’s hardly seen her mother since. With no siblings or other family, Laurie is left to sort out the house and estate, and to face some of the reasons she left Chapel Field in the first place.
Ed Diamond grew up in Chapel Field—but it hasn’t been much of a life. After his father passed away, Ed was the last person left who could care for his disabled sister. But the villagers have their own opinions on that . . .
Laurie and Ed met when they were kids, and as a disillusioned teenager, she joined in with the systematic tormenting of the Diamond family under the guidance of her friend, charismatic Marcus Butcher—until one of his pranks went too far. Now, reunited as adults, Laurie and Ed have lingering feelings of hatred, guilt, and resentment stirring between them—while being inexplicably drawn to each other . . .
March 29, 2024
Thank you @lovebookstours for the copy of Chapel Field by Paula Hillman. Thjs was an engrossing story with rich characters. It had a strong sense of place which I loved. The author immersed the reader into the town of Chapel Field. It was part suspense and part drama. The characters were complex and you didn’t know if you should dislike them or empathize with them. It is told by multiple characters with multiple time lines that explained the dark girls the families that were involved. It was gripping without a lot of action, violence, or gore, which kept you wanting to turn the page. I look forward to more books by this author.
Blurb
A psychological suspense about silence and its sinister effects on a family and a village from the author of Blackthorn Wood.
When Laurie Helm’s mother dies, Laurie must return to the village where she grew up. It’s a place she left twenty years ago, and she’s hardly seen her mother since. With no siblings or other family, Laurie is left to sort out the house and estate, and to face some of the reasons she left Chapel Field in the first place.
Ed Diamond grew up in Chapel Field—but it hasn’t been much of a life. After his father passed away, Ed was the last person left who could care for his disabled sister. But the villagers have their own opinions on that . . .
Laurie and Ed met when they were kids, and as a disillusioned teenager, she joined in with the systematic tormenting of the Diamond family under the guidance of her friend, charismatic Marcus Butcher—until one of his pranks went too far. Now, reunited as adults, Laurie and Ed have lingering feelings of hatred, guilt, and resentment stirring between them—while being inexplicably drawn to each other…
April 2, 2024
1945 Walney Island, Lenny Diamond had a dream of starting his family here and giving them everything they wanted. He was not accepted there and was bullied and shunned. Fast forward to 1996 and we meet Laurie Helm (and her friends) and Ed Diamond. The village and the people there still like to bully and ostracize the Diamond family. With alternating timelines between 96/97 and 2018/19 the reader is able to see the long lasting ramifications of the way the Diamond family was treated.
How much do the people in Walney Island really know about the Diamond Family? How much do Laurie and her friends know about Ed and why are they doing what they do to him? The misconceptions that these people have against the Diamond Family and the trauma it causes never leaves them.
Honestly, I feel like this is the kind of book that should be read in a classroom and I plan on sharing this with my teacher friends. This would make a great bookclub book. There is so much I want to talk about! I loved every single page. It pulled so many emotions from me. What I saw in this book is what at my house we call the ‘ripple effect’. Throw a rock into a pond and watch it. It keeps getting bigger and bigger and bigger.
How much do the people in Walney Island really know about the Diamond Family? How much do Laurie and her friends know about Ed and why are they doing what they do to him? The misconceptions that these people have against the Diamond Family and the trauma it causes never leaves them.
Honestly, I feel like this is the kind of book that should be read in a classroom and I plan on sharing this with my teacher friends. This would make a great bookclub book. There is so much I want to talk about! I loved every single page. It pulled so many emotions from me. What I saw in this book is what at my house we call the ‘ripple effect’. Throw a rock into a pond and watch it. It keeps getting bigger and bigger and bigger.
March 8, 2024
I have to say, I'm not sure that I agree with the designation of this book as a psychological thriller, but I do agree that it is an amazing mystery with touches of romance, family secrets, twists, unexpected revelations, and a setting that is as much a part of the story as any character mentioned. At first, I was concerned that the back-and-forth timeline would interrupt the flow of the story, but it didn't. Ms. Hillman constructs it so that it flows together seamlessly. She creates such a realistic story and explores her characters' emotions so well that there were times I found myself hesitant to turn the page because I knew what was coming was going to break my heart along with the character involved. But I couldn't stop. I had to keep going and I'm so glad I did. This is a complex, engaging, and intriguing story about small town life and how lies can develop a life of their own. The book will uplift you, break your heart, hold your attention, and surprise you before you have reached the last page. I highly recommend it.
I received a review copy from the author via Bloodhound Books and this is my honest opinion.
I received a review copy from the author via Bloodhound Books and this is my honest opinion.
March 14, 2024
This is a moving and gripping story about prejudice, misunderstanding and forgiveness. The Diamonds have a bad reputation which has lasted for several generations, but, on what is it based. Is it simply that they were outsiders, and that they built their home on an unpopular site, or is there more to it? Is Ed living alone and dressing up as a woman, or, is he actually living with a woman? Who is she? What was Laurie’s role in Ed’s unhappiness, and can there be a happy future. This is a beautifully written book, where goodness shines through despite the bullying and the unpleasantness. The characters are skilfully drawn and developed. I really enjoyed reading it and found it compassionate and uplifting.
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