What do you think?
Rate this book
Saving Geraldine Corcoran
One shameful secret. One hidden letter. Two unlikely guardian angels.
Geraldine Wilde has been afraid for as long as she can remember.
Mostly, it’s the little things that frighten her. Little things like putting flowers on her mum’s grave. But Geraldine gets by. She has a secret system to calm her nerves and keep everything hidden so that no one suspects she’s not normal.
But when her daughter, Netta, stumbles upon a hidden letter, a terrible secret returns to haunt her. She’s tormented by the memory of Geraldine Corcoran, the tragic girl who was once saved by the remarkable Ada Wilde and her son, Arthur.
Suddenly, the system is unravelling. Geraldine’s fear is spiralling out of control and, this time, there’s no one left to rescue her. Ada is dead, and her beloved Arthur is an old man who tiptoes around her as if he’s treading on eggshells. Netta can’t help her and, to make matters worse, that mouthy Kelly Payne insists on befriending her.
Geraldine is sinking and she can’t find a way back up to the surface.
Can anyone save her now?
Not all guardian angels have wings and halos. Sometimes they come in the most unlikely packages.
Geraldine Wilde has been afraid for as long as she can remember.
Mostly, it’s the little things that frighten her. Little things like putting flowers on her mum’s grave. But Geraldine gets by. She has a secret system to calm her nerves and keep everything hidden so that no one suspects she’s not normal.
But when her daughter, Netta, stumbles upon a hidden letter, a terrible secret returns to haunt her. She’s tormented by the memory of Geraldine Corcoran, the tragic girl who was once saved by the remarkable Ada Wilde and her son, Arthur.
Suddenly, the system is unravelling. Geraldine’s fear is spiralling out of control and, this time, there’s no one left to rescue her. Ada is dead, and her beloved Arthur is an old man who tiptoes around her as if he’s treading on eggshells. Netta can’t help her and, to make matters worse, that mouthy Kelly Payne insists on befriending her.
Geraldine is sinking and she can’t find a way back up to the surface.
Can anyone save her now?
Not all guardian angels have wings and halos. Sometimes they come in the most unlikely packages.
Unknown Binding
First published August 20, 2022
48 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Hazel Ward
5 books27 followersHazel writes thoughtful, uplifting fiction with a splash of humour thrown in. Whether it's about the present day or the past, it’s always contemporary and realistic.
Her stories are about ordinary people being generally marvellous, extraordinary, and less than perfect. She has a particular fondness for characters her readers can see in themselves in.
If you’d like to know more about Hazel and what she's working on you can join Hazel's Readers' Club at:
https://hazelwardauthor.com/readers-c...
As a member of her Readers' Club you'll receive a monthly newsletter and exclusive material, including a free book.
You can also follow Hazel in all of the usual places:
https://www.facebook.com/hazelwardauthor
https://twitter.com/hazelward
https://www.instagram.com/hazel.ward
www.tiktok.com/@hazelwardauthor
Her stories are about ordinary people being generally marvellous, extraordinary, and less than perfect. She has a particular fondness for characters her readers can see in themselves in.
If you’d like to know more about Hazel and what she's working on you can join Hazel's Readers' Club at:
https://hazelwardauthor.com/readers-c...
As a member of her Readers' Club you'll receive a monthly newsletter and exclusive material, including a free book.
You can also follow Hazel in all of the usual places:
https://www.facebook.com/hazelwardauthor
https://twitter.com/hazelward
https://www.instagram.com/hazel.ward
www.tiktok.com/@hazelwardauthor
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 5, 2022
Saving Geraldine Corcoran by Hazel Ward is the third book in the Netta Wild series but can be read as a stand-alone. It was such a powerful read that totally consumed me. I did not so much read the book – I ‘lived’ it.
The story has a dual timeline – now and in the character’s past. It is a story developed over the lifetime of Geraldine Corcoran. It is a story crying out to be read.
Our pasts make us who we are today – but what happens if we remain frozen in a moment in time? An event, so traumatic, travels down the years. It has as much power to destroy lives as we give it.
We see the need for love and care to understand, and to heal and help. Sometimes our loved ones are just too close. We need the help of someone who has walked the same path earlier who can show tough love and empathy.
The reader witnesses the supernatural powers of a dog to sense when her owner is hurting. Minnie gives unconditional love as she senses what her owner needs to heal. Minnie has a charm that calls to the reader.
Words tear down. Or words build up. We see both in the novel. Words spoken in youth refuse to leave a mind sixty years later. Cruel lies have been believed and caused much damage as a character feels self-loathing, believing herself to be unworthy of love.
For almost a lifetime, a character has been sinking due to cruelty inflicted and hurt lodging deep within. An event in the past needs to be owned before recovery and healing can begin.
All the characters were well drawn, likable and realistic. They were easy to empathise with. Love and pain radiated from the pages of the book.
The setting is Birmingham which is my home town. There was a familiarity to the locations which enabled the book to come alive for me.
This was my first book by Hazel Ward but I want more, more, more! Her story and style really resonated with me.
Saving Geraldine Corcoran was a marvellous read.
I received a free copy from the author. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The story has a dual timeline – now and in the character’s past. It is a story developed over the lifetime of Geraldine Corcoran. It is a story crying out to be read.
Our pasts make us who we are today – but what happens if we remain frozen in a moment in time? An event, so traumatic, travels down the years. It has as much power to destroy lives as we give it.
We see the need for love and care to understand, and to heal and help. Sometimes our loved ones are just too close. We need the help of someone who has walked the same path earlier who can show tough love and empathy.
The reader witnesses the supernatural powers of a dog to sense when her owner is hurting. Minnie gives unconditional love as she senses what her owner needs to heal. Minnie has a charm that calls to the reader.
Words tear down. Or words build up. We see both in the novel. Words spoken in youth refuse to leave a mind sixty years later. Cruel lies have been believed and caused much damage as a character feels self-loathing, believing herself to be unworthy of love.
For almost a lifetime, a character has been sinking due to cruelty inflicted and hurt lodging deep within. An event in the past needs to be owned before recovery and healing can begin.
All the characters were well drawn, likable and realistic. They were easy to empathise with. Love and pain radiated from the pages of the book.
The setting is Birmingham which is my home town. There was a familiarity to the locations which enabled the book to come alive for me.
This was my first book by Hazel Ward but I want more, more, more! Her story and style really resonated with me.
Saving Geraldine Corcoran was a marvellous read.
I received a free copy from the author. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
September 15, 2022
The third in the Netta Wilde series, this is about Netta’s mother, Geraldine, who has a secret which she has kept for years and is so frightened it will be discovered, she has found certain ways of coping. So when Netta finds a letter hidden behind an old photo, it opens up a whole can of worms. Can Geraldine be saved before it is too late?
Another cracking episode in this delightful series. It was lovely to revisit some of the characters from previous books, it was like meeting up with old friends! They’re so realistic and credible. Saving Geraldine is a heartwarming and poignant story of family, friendship, love and the secrets we keep. It’s beautifully written in an easy to read style. It made me laugh and cry. I have thoroughly enjoyed travelling with Geraldine on her journey as she learns to let go of the past and begins to look forward to the future with hope in her heart. Can’t wait for the next instalment!
Another cracking episode in this delightful series. It was lovely to revisit some of the characters from previous books, it was like meeting up with old friends! They’re so realistic and credible. Saving Geraldine is a heartwarming and poignant story of family, friendship, love and the secrets we keep. It’s beautifully written in an easy to read style. It made me laugh and cry. I have thoroughly enjoyed travelling with Geraldine on her journey as she learns to let go of the past and begins to look forward to the future with hope in her heart. Can’t wait for the next instalment!
September 18, 2022
The third in the series but as I was lucky to receive a copy [from TBR on Facebook and the author/publisher] and hadn't read the first two I do think it is possible to read it as a stand-alone; having said that I do want to go back and read the others so try to read in order if you can!!
This is a moving story and deals with some very difficult topics in a sensitive way and the story of how Geraldine has been impacted by events from her teenage years is compelling. Obviously some of the characters will be familiar from the earlier books but the dual time frame with present day and early 60's the main focus focusses on Geraldine's story but other threads add depth to the story.
It isn't always an easy read but it is a touching tale with great characters.
This is a moving story and deals with some very difficult topics in a sensitive way and the story of how Geraldine has been impacted by events from her teenage years is compelling. Obviously some of the characters will be familiar from the earlier books but the dual time frame with present day and early 60's the main focus focusses on Geraldine's story but other threads add depth to the story.
It isn't always an easy read but it is a touching tale with great characters.
September 4, 2023
Unfortunately i can't rate it more than 5 stars
I will say that there is a trigger warning in this particular book so if you find abuse hard to read then this book is not for you,but you cant still read the rest of the series.
This series of books is absolutely amazing and I really couldn't stop once i started. The characters are so life like that you can imagine being part of this unusual family. We have all known someone that we can think of who relates to the characters while reading these books. They are so life like that you feel as if you are right there beside them and can imagine their surroundings so vividly. I absolutely love this and can't wait to read more, a 20 star rating for me.
I will say that there is a trigger warning in this particular book so if you find abuse hard to read then this book is not for you,but you cant still read the rest of the series.
This series of books is absolutely amazing and I really couldn't stop once i started. The characters are so life like that you can imagine being part of this unusual family. We have all known someone that we can think of who relates to the characters while reading these books. They are so life like that you feel as if you are right there beside them and can imagine their surroundings so vividly. I absolutely love this and can't wait to read more, a 20 star rating for me.
October 5, 2022
This is the third book in the Netta Wilde series which I am loving. I do think it works well as a standalone title if you haven't read the previous titles.
This book is about Netta's grandmother Geraldine and I have to say I found it a totally immersive read. Geraldine has been hiding a secret and has managed her life whilst coping with the secret. But then Netta finds a letter - and will the can of worms be opened? And what will be the repercussions?
I found it a moving read but enjoyed meeting some of the characters from the earlier books.
Will there be more books in thie series?? Fingers crossed.
This book is about Netta's grandmother Geraldine and I have to say I found it a totally immersive read. Geraldine has been hiding a secret and has managed her life whilst coping with the secret. But then Netta finds a letter - and will the can of worms be opened? And what will be the repercussions?
I found it a moving read but enjoyed meeting some of the characters from the earlier books.
Will there be more books in thie series?? Fingers crossed.
September 14, 2022
I have been enthralled by all three of the Netta Wilde novels but for me this was my favourite by far. I think it’s because I knew all the characters and to meet them again was like catching up with old friends. Geraldine’s story is one of sadness but also resounding hope. I devoured this in two sittings and spent the whole time I wasn’t reading it, thinking about the characters and the unfolding story. The author has done a tremendous job in creating characters that you will adore.
If you’re a fan of a heartwarming story then I cannot recommend this book enough.
If you’re a fan of a heartwarming story then I cannot recommend this book enough.
September 18, 2022
Although this is the 3rd in a series and I haven’t read any of the others, I don’t feel I missed any of the backstory. This was a beautiful, heartwarming story and I stayed up too late because I just could not put it down.
I loved this story and the characters. I laughed and cried and want to hang out and spend more time with them. It was so well written and you really feel as if you know them. I loved that they incorporated the COVID lockdown into the story. I look forward to more books by this author
I loved this story and the characters. I laughed and cried and want to hang out and spend more time with them. It was so well written and you really feel as if you know them. I loved that they incorporated the COVID lockdown into the story. I look forward to more books by this author
September 8, 2022
brilliant
I have read all of the books in this series and have loved them all. As a native of Birmingham I recognise lots of the areas mentioned and it makes it more homely. I would highly recommend them
I have read all of the books in this series and have loved them all. As a native of Birmingham I recognise lots of the areas mentioned and it makes it more homely. I would highly recommend them
October 3, 2022
Another beautifully written novel in this series. Poignant and heart-warming, life-affirming and honest. Can be read as a stand alone novel but would recommend reading the others first as the characters are revisited.
December 30, 2022
I’ve enjoyed all of the Netta Wilde series so far but this story was probably my favourite, I read it in under two days - although it was the post Christmas hols!
It can be read as a standalone book too.
It can be read as a standalone book too.
June 29, 2023
This book should be handed out for free to women who are looking for a way out.
Women who have been through issues mostly not talked about out loud.
Well done Hazel Ward, you have offered a great story with a reaslistic view on
human behaviour in many ways!
Women who have been through issues mostly not talked about out loud.
Well done Hazel Ward, you have offered a great story with a reaslistic view on
human behaviour in many ways!
September 17, 2022
Saving Geraldine Corcoran is the 3rd in the series but can be read as a stand alone. Boy what a book not all angels have wings. Would recommend a read.
October 10, 2022
This is the third book in the series but explains so much about the previous 2.
Beautifully written with characters that really tug your heart strings
A fabulous read!
Beautifully written with characters that really tug your heart strings
A fabulous read!
November 12, 2022
Brilliant
Gentle insightful narrative about human nature and it's ability to triumph over adversity. Characters that are real and easy to connect with can't wait for more .
Gentle insightful narrative about human nature and it's ability to triumph over adversity. Characters that are real and easy to connect with can't wait for more .
November 23, 2022
Enjoy the characterisation in this series.
May 2, 2023
This series gets better with each book. Geraldine's story was both heartbreaking and heartwarming.
May 28, 2024
Another fantastic book from the Netta Wilde series and it didn’t fail to disappoint. Loved every minute of it and very inspiring. Well worth a read.
July 10, 2025
Great story - tough to read at times but very positive message.
October 5, 2022
I loved this! Having read the other two in the series, it was great to continue .
I love that although they’re all Netta Wild books, each subsequent novel expands on the Netta universe and we learn about a different character .
Geraldine comes across as quite a cold character, but when you delve deeper you find out why this is. Loved it.
I love that although they’re all Netta Wild books, each subsequent novel expands on the Netta universe and we learn about a different character .
Geraldine comes across as quite a cold character, but when you delve deeper you find out why this is. Loved it.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews