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My Name Is
Kit Mason is a brittle ex-prostitue trying to outrun a past of abuse and cruelty.
Frances Thornton is a lawyer from a privileged background shrouded in secrets.
Alcohol could be their destruction.
My Name Is follows the unlikely friendship between two very different women fighting their addiction to alcohol. Kit Mason is a hardened ex prostitute fighting a growing attraction to a caring man while trying to outrun her past of abuse and cruelty. Frances Thornton is a wealthy, privileged lawyer who grew up in a cold, loveless home full of secrets. Her relationships have been unsatisfying until she meets a woman named Martine. The story follows the journey of these two women as they build a friendship while trying to battle their addiction.
Frances Thornton is a lawyer from a privileged background shrouded in secrets.
Alcohol could be their destruction.
My Name Is follows the unlikely friendship between two very different women fighting their addiction to alcohol. Kit Mason is a hardened ex prostitute fighting a growing attraction to a caring man while trying to outrun her past of abuse and cruelty. Frances Thornton is a wealthy, privileged lawyer who grew up in a cold, loveless home full of secrets. Her relationships have been unsatisfying until she meets a woman named Martine. The story follows the journey of these two women as they build a friendship while trying to battle their addiction.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2013
989 people are currently reading
1104 people want to read
About the author
Angela Marsons
45 books4,939 followersAngela is the author of the Kim Stone Crime series. She discovered a love of writing at Primary School when a short piece on the rocks and the sea gained her the only merit point she ever got.
Angela wrote the stories that burned inside and then stored them safely in a desk drawer.
After much urging from her partner she began to enter short story competitions in Writer's News resulting in a win and three short listed entries.
She used the Amazon KDP program to publish two of her earlier works before concentrating on her true passion - Crime.
Angela is now signed to write a total of 16 Kim Stone books for http://bookouture.com and has secured a print deal with Bonnier Zaffre Publishing.
Angela wrote the stories that burned inside and then stored them safely in a desk drawer.
After much urging from her partner she began to enter short story competitions in Writer's News resulting in a win and three short listed entries.
She used the Amazon KDP program to publish two of her earlier works before concentrating on her true passion - Crime.
Angela is now signed to write a total of 16 Kim Stone books for http://bookouture.com and has secured a print deal with Bonnier Zaffre Publishing.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 187 reviews
August 14, 2016
My reviews can also be seen at: http://deesradreadsandreviews.wordpre...
This is the first book I've read by Angela Marsons. Coincidentally it's also the first novel she wrote. It was previously published as "My Name Is" in 2013. I came across it on NetGalley. I thought it sounded really interesting, so I requested it. I'm really glad I did!
As the book opens we meet 23 year old Kim Mason as she's on her way to her very first AA meeting. She's late and thinks about turning around and going back to the safety of the hostel. But she knows she HAS to do this. In her rush she doesn't check closely for traffic and is splashed and almost hit by a very fancy car. She finally gets to the meeting and she's surprised by all of the different people she sees. There are people from all walks of life, including doctors and lawyers. "Miss Fancy Pants" the driver of the BMW that almost mowed her down is also there to Kit's dismay.
Kit had an extremely difficult childhood. After an extremely traumatic experience, Kit decided she was better off on her own and left home for good. However, it wasn't long before she was locked into another nightmare. A nightmare that lasted 8 years. Lasted until 3 months ago when she was finally able to escape. Kit reassures herself she's safe now. But when she sleeps she still sees the face of pure evil that doesn't want to let her go. While the bruises have faded, the mental scars and physical scars are still there, making sure she never forgets. And now that she doesn't have the escape of alcohol, she has to find a new way of living with the memories of all that she's been through.
Frances Thornton is a lawyer and hasn't ever lost a case. Fran had the best of everything growing up... food, clothing, a great education. But the things that Fran needed more than anything, acceptance and love were never available. As she got older she found that a drink or two (or more) could make some of those bad feelings go away. She could forget about her mother and the other things that caused so much pain to think about. She functioned quite well for a long time and no one suspected a thing. Even though she drank she was still great at her job. That is until she passes out while defending a client in a very important case. She can't remember the courtroom or the judge...anything. It's just gone.
It's at the first AA meeting that Kit and Fran meet. Kit and Fran couldn't be more different. The come from completely different backgrounds but share the common bond of struggling with alcoholism. While their first meeting doesn't go well, it's not long before they realize they just may be exactly what each other needs. Their friendship goes through it's own struggles, just as they are struggling in their new sober lives.
But secrets and demons from their past threaten to come forward and destroy the lives they are both trying so hard to re-build.
This book isn't just about one person's story. We have Kit's story, Fran's story as well as the story of their friendship. The author told these stories so well. The challenges and struggles that they faced, as individuals and within their friendship.
***Warning*** There are parts of the book that are very violent. These could be triggering for some readers. However, I don't feel like the author went overboard with the descriptions of what happened, but provided enough detail for the reader to understand just how horrible these situations were.
I had a lot of trouble putting this one down. It was well-written and incredibly gripping. I was so emotionally invested into these characters, I wanted so badly for them to succeed. You can be sure I am now a huge fan, and I look forward to reading more from Angela Marsons.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Angela Marsons for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
This is the first book I've read by Angela Marsons. Coincidentally it's also the first novel she wrote. It was previously published as "My Name Is" in 2013. I came across it on NetGalley. I thought it sounded really interesting, so I requested it. I'm really glad I did!
As the book opens we meet 23 year old Kim Mason as she's on her way to her very first AA meeting. She's late and thinks about turning around and going back to the safety of the hostel. But she knows she HAS to do this. In her rush she doesn't check closely for traffic and is splashed and almost hit by a very fancy car. She finally gets to the meeting and she's surprised by all of the different people she sees. There are people from all walks of life, including doctors and lawyers. "Miss Fancy Pants" the driver of the BMW that almost mowed her down is also there to Kit's dismay.
Kit had an extremely difficult childhood. After an extremely traumatic experience, Kit decided she was better off on her own and left home for good. However, it wasn't long before she was locked into another nightmare. A nightmare that lasted 8 years. Lasted until 3 months ago when she was finally able to escape. Kit reassures herself she's safe now. But when she sleeps she still sees the face of pure evil that doesn't want to let her go. While the bruises have faded, the mental scars and physical scars are still there, making sure she never forgets. And now that she doesn't have the escape of alcohol, she has to find a new way of living with the memories of all that she's been through.
Frances Thornton is a lawyer and hasn't ever lost a case. Fran had the best of everything growing up... food, clothing, a great education. But the things that Fran needed more than anything, acceptance and love were never available. As she got older she found that a drink or two (or more) could make some of those bad feelings go away. She could forget about her mother and the other things that caused so much pain to think about. She functioned quite well for a long time and no one suspected a thing. Even though she drank she was still great at her job. That is until she passes out while defending a client in a very important case. She can't remember the courtroom or the judge...anything. It's just gone.
It's at the first AA meeting that Kit and Fran meet. Kit and Fran couldn't be more different. The come from completely different backgrounds but share the common bond of struggling with alcoholism. While their first meeting doesn't go well, it's not long before they realize they just may be exactly what each other needs. Their friendship goes through it's own struggles, just as they are struggling in their new sober lives.
But secrets and demons from their past threaten to come forward and destroy the lives they are both trying so hard to re-build.
This book isn't just about one person's story. We have Kit's story, Fran's story as well as the story of their friendship. The author told these stories so well. The challenges and struggles that they faced, as individuals and within their friendship.
***Warning*** There are parts of the book that are very violent. These could be triggering for some readers. However, I don't feel like the author went overboard with the descriptions of what happened, but provided enough detail for the reader to understand just how horrible these situations were.
I had a lot of trouble putting this one down. It was well-written and incredibly gripping. I was so emotionally invested into these characters, I wanted so badly for them to succeed. You can be sure I am now a huge fan, and I look forward to reading more from Angela Marsons.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Angela Marsons for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 17, 2016
I received a copy of The Forgotten Woman by Angela Marsons through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Bookouture and to Angela Marsons for the opportunity.
"I am being encouraged to explore the person inside me. My biggest fear remains: what if there's no one there?"
Kit Mason has lived a life within a wide spectrum of experiences......mostly on the downside and mostly in the defensive mode. But the Piper has come for his comeuppance and his hand is held with palm side up. Kit knows that the jig is up and survival means admitting that the proverbial deadend has been met. She has hung up her days of prostitution, drugs, and booze on a hook on the wall like the tattered clothes that she can no longer wear. With 35 minutes of sobriety under her belt, she enters an AA meeting unprepared for what the future may hold.
It's here that Kit meets Frances Thornton, a young woman coerced into life as an attorney by her parents at the price of her creative artistic side. Frances turns to the bottle to try to numb the layers of pain and regret within her. Kit and Frances step forward into an unlikely friendship with both women being at different ends of the tangent. But it is their deep desire to break free from the tangled clutches of their past lives that provides the solid footing that they both are desperately in need of.
The Forgotten Woman is the first book written by Angela Marsons. It is a story of redemption as only Ms. Marsons can tell. No streets of gold. No air filled with the fragrance of rosebuds. Marsons presents a story with the painful bruises and scars of real life. Brutally honest people with brutally honest scenarios: "The shutters on her face slammed shut." Survival mode with no frills.
Angela Marsons is becoming one of my favorite authors because she stares at life and doesn't blink. I am delighted with Bookouture for bringing her talents to us. And that is a gift that keeps on giving.
"I am being encouraged to explore the person inside me. My biggest fear remains: what if there's no one there?"
Kit Mason has lived a life within a wide spectrum of experiences......mostly on the downside and mostly in the defensive mode. But the Piper has come for his comeuppance and his hand is held with palm side up. Kit knows that the jig is up and survival means admitting that the proverbial deadend has been met. She has hung up her days of prostitution, drugs, and booze on a hook on the wall like the tattered clothes that she can no longer wear. With 35 minutes of sobriety under her belt, she enters an AA meeting unprepared for what the future may hold.
It's here that Kit meets Frances Thornton, a young woman coerced into life as an attorney by her parents at the price of her creative artistic side. Frances turns to the bottle to try to numb the layers of pain and regret within her. Kit and Frances step forward into an unlikely friendship with both women being at different ends of the tangent. But it is their deep desire to break free from the tangled clutches of their past lives that provides the solid footing that they both are desperately in need of.
The Forgotten Woman is the first book written by Angela Marsons. It is a story of redemption as only Ms. Marsons can tell. No streets of gold. No air filled with the fragrance of rosebuds. Marsons presents a story with the painful bruises and scars of real life. Brutally honest people with brutally honest scenarios: "The shutters on her face slammed shut." Survival mode with no frills.
Angela Marsons is becoming one of my favorite authors because she stares at life and doesn't blink. I am delighted with Bookouture for bringing her talents to us. And that is a gift that keeps on giving.
July 28, 2016
THE FORGOTTEN WOMAN by Angela Marsons and was previously published as My Name Is, and is her debut novel completely different to her popular crime series, showing her versatility as an author. This is a story about two women, from different backgrounds, both with secrets coming to terms with their agonising experiences. This story will pull at your heart strings, and you will never forget. I loved it!
Two women form an unlikely friendship, the girls meet for the first time at their Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, and together they begin their journey to heal....
Their friendship would save their damaged lives.
Kit Mason, an ex-prostitute, has escaped from her abusive pimp and now finds herself living on the streets of London, with no friends and no help.
Frances Thornton, a lawyer comes from a privileged family, but one with no love. She still hides secrets and demons from her past that still disturb her.
Will they both find strength to move on with their lives?
This was a very moving and emotionally inspiring novel about overcoming adversities and starting over. It’s message and time frame are endless. I felt a real connection with the women, and loved the way their friendship grew and matured…while they battled their addition. They were always there for one another.
I would like to thank Angela Marsons, Net Galley and my favourite publisher, Bookouture for supplying me with an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. Now, having read all her books, I wait patiently for the next!
Two women form an unlikely friendship, the girls meet for the first time at their Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, and together they begin their journey to heal....
Their friendship would save their damaged lives.
Kit Mason, an ex-prostitute, has escaped from her abusive pimp and now finds herself living on the streets of London, with no friends and no help.
Frances Thornton, a lawyer comes from a privileged family, but one with no love. She still hides secrets and demons from her past that still disturb her.
Will they both find strength to move on with their lives?
This was a very moving and emotionally inspiring novel about overcoming adversities and starting over. It’s message and time frame are endless. I felt a real connection with the women, and loved the way their friendship grew and matured…while they battled their addition. They were always there for one another.
I would like to thank Angela Marsons, Net Galley and my favourite publisher, Bookouture for supplying me with an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. Now, having read all her books, I wait patiently for the next!
June 18, 2016
I read the first 2 books in Angela Marson’s Kim Stone series (Silent Scream and Evil Games) earlier this year and gave them both 5 well-deserved stars. These books are in my top 3 reads (maybe even top 2) for 2015, and I have read some superb novels this year. Immediately after reading Silent Scream, I decided I was going to read everything Ms. Marsons writes and downloaded her first 2 books, both nonthrillers. My Name Is is her debut novel. I didn’t dare hope to enjoy it as much as Silent Scream, but guess what? I did!
My Name Is is nothing like Silent Scream, except for its ability to snare me in. This novel is a masterful character study (my favorite kind of book along with thrillers) of 2 young women who become close friends. Kit has recently escaped her life as a prostitute; Fran is a lawyer. These two sound pretty different, right? Yes, but they also have two common denominators: neither one of them has ever experienced love from anyone, including parents; and both are desperately trying to kick their addiction to alcohol.
I was captivated by these women from the start, though I didn’t begin to love them until I learned more about why they acted and felt the way they did. Kit and Fran, on the surface, remind me of some people in my life, and it makes me wonder what is really behind their exterior façades? Why do I find myself not caring for them? What are their stories? It’s tragic to realize that the lack of love in childhood can transform people into miserable unlikeables and can push them into drug and alcohol addiction. What a sad concept to contemplate. The story of Kit and Fran also demonstrates that a human being really only needs one close friend to make life much more bearable, and in some instances, much happier.
The plot is powerfully character-driven. From the first chapter onwards, the pull to keep reading was intense. Kit and Fran share the point of view in alternating fashion. This is one of my favorite story-telling techniques. Ms. Marsons starts off in the present, then goes back and feeds us information bit by bit regarding how the characters got to that point. She then takes both forward, separately and together, to a satisfying, but not truly “Hollywood-style” ending (a good thing).
There is not much I didn’t care for in the book. There are a couple of instances where I wished something had been played out rather than told to me. I also thought the ending was just a tad rushed. These issues were not enough, however, to make me budge from a 5 star rating.
Overall, I found My Name Is to be an outstanding debut novel from the brilliant Angela Marsons. I cannot wait to read her other nonthriller, The Middle Child, and of course, her 3rd Kim Stone book, Lost Girls, which should be coming out in November 2015. If you have not read any of Ms. Marsons’ novels, you are really missing out, and I urge you to give her a try. Now.
My Name Is is nothing like Silent Scream, except for its ability to snare me in. This novel is a masterful character study (my favorite kind of book along with thrillers) of 2 young women who become close friends. Kit has recently escaped her life as a prostitute; Fran is a lawyer. These two sound pretty different, right? Yes, but they also have two common denominators: neither one of them has ever experienced love from anyone, including parents; and both are desperately trying to kick their addiction to alcohol.
I was captivated by these women from the start, though I didn’t begin to love them until I learned more about why they acted and felt the way they did. Kit and Fran, on the surface, remind me of some people in my life, and it makes me wonder what is really behind their exterior façades? Why do I find myself not caring for them? What are their stories? It’s tragic to realize that the lack of love in childhood can transform people into miserable unlikeables and can push them into drug and alcohol addiction. What a sad concept to contemplate. The story of Kit and Fran also demonstrates that a human being really only needs one close friend to make life much more bearable, and in some instances, much happier.
The plot is powerfully character-driven. From the first chapter onwards, the pull to keep reading was intense. Kit and Fran share the point of view in alternating fashion. This is one of my favorite story-telling techniques. Ms. Marsons starts off in the present, then goes back and feeds us information bit by bit regarding how the characters got to that point. She then takes both forward, separately and together, to a satisfying, but not truly “Hollywood-style” ending (a good thing).
There is not much I didn’t care for in the book. There are a couple of instances where I wished something had been played out rather than told to me. I also thought the ending was just a tad rushed. These issues were not enough, however, to make me budge from a 5 star rating.
Overall, I found My Name Is to be an outstanding debut novel from the brilliant Angela Marsons. I cannot wait to read her other nonthriller, The Middle Child, and of course, her 3rd Kim Stone book, Lost Girls, which should be coming out in November 2015. If you have not read any of Ms. Marsons’ novels, you are really missing out, and I urge you to give her a try. Now.
July 23, 2016
5 Poignant Stars
I'm a huge fan of the talented Angela Marsons thrillers in the D.I Kim Stone series.
So when I saw that her first book, not in the thriller genre, was being given a makeover, I was intrigued.
Could it be as entertaining and keep me engrossed as much as her others books? ...
The answer is yes
It's been awhile that a story about two women, from different backgrounds, both with secrets and trying to come to terms with their painful experiences can leave me feeling so moved and inspired.
Two women that become unlikely friends, but together they begin their journey to heal....
Kit
Katrina knew she was different to her sisters, born to Roman Catholic mother who showed little interest in her daughter. She loved nothing more than to play outside with her friends rather than hang around the house with her sisters.
But Kits life was about to change forever.......
Years later, she has a chance to start again.
Fran
Born into a privileged life, you would think Frances had everything she could ever want, top schooling and beautiful home and parents that wanted the best for her....
But the one thing she wants she can't have, no matter how much she wants it.
A Mothers love.
You see for Frans mother image is everything. Achieving the best is everything.
Don’t be such a child, Frances. You were taught years ago how to treat service people.
At 16 Fran will have a life changing experience, but also one that will see her life start to spin out of control no matter how she attempts to hide it.
This is a touching story, well written and brought out my emotions. It consumed me till the end.
I loved the characters in this story and I felt connected with them. Kit was witty, strong and opinionated. Fran seemed controlled but was that just a farce? keeping how she really felt locked away inside.
Although at times it pulled at my heart strings the author was still able to add her usual humour into this story.
Hello, darlin, come and put your mouth round this! shouted a receding voice behind her. If he’d been talking about the can of lager she might have considered it.
Kit and Fran
When the girls meet for the first time at their Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, friendship for these two would be the last thing on their minds....
Frances Thornton, the woman said, offering her hand. ‘Kit Mason,’ she replied, ignoring the outstretched hand, wishing this alcoholic would remain anonymous.
Fran seemed totally under her mother's cold control, as much as she wanted to be her own person, she felt her mother was always in the background watching, disapproving.
I really liked Fran, I just wanted to hug her. She was so different to Kit but their friendship worked.
What I also got from this story is what a wonderful versatile writer this author is and what wonderful characters she creates.
***ARC provided by Netgalley via Bookouture in return for an honest review***
I'm a huge fan of the talented Angela Marsons thrillers in the D.I Kim Stone series.
So when I saw that her first book, not in the thriller genre, was being given a makeover, I was intrigued.
Could it be as entertaining and keep me engrossed as much as her others books? ...
The answer is yes
It's been awhile that a story about two women, from different backgrounds, both with secrets and trying to come to terms with their painful experiences can leave me feeling so moved and inspired.
Two women that become unlikely friends, but together they begin their journey to heal....
Kit
Katrina knew she was different to her sisters, born to Roman Catholic mother who showed little interest in her daughter. She loved nothing more than to play outside with her friends rather than hang around the house with her sisters.
But Kits life was about to change forever.......
Years later, she has a chance to start again.
Fran
Born into a privileged life, you would think Frances had everything she could ever want, top schooling and beautiful home and parents that wanted the best for her....
But the one thing she wants she can't have, no matter how much she wants it.
A Mothers love.
You see for Frans mother image is everything. Achieving the best is everything.
Don’t be such a child, Frances. You were taught years ago how to treat service people.
At 16 Fran will have a life changing experience, but also one that will see her life start to spin out of control no matter how she attempts to hide it.
This is a touching story, well written and brought out my emotions. It consumed me till the end.
I loved the characters in this story and I felt connected with them. Kit was witty, strong and opinionated. Fran seemed controlled but was that just a farce? keeping how she really felt locked away inside.
Although at times it pulled at my heart strings the author was still able to add her usual humour into this story.
Hello, darlin, come and put your mouth round this! shouted a receding voice behind her. If he’d been talking about the can of lager she might have considered it.
Kit and Fran
When the girls meet for the first time at their Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, friendship for these two would be the last thing on their minds....
Frances Thornton, the woman said, offering her hand. ‘Kit Mason,’ she replied, ignoring the outstretched hand, wishing this alcoholic would remain anonymous.
Fran seemed totally under her mother's cold control, as much as she wanted to be her own person, she felt her mother was always in the background watching, disapproving.
I really liked Fran, I just wanted to hug her. She was so different to Kit but their friendship worked.
What I also got from this story is what a wonderful versatile writer this author is and what wonderful characters she creates.
***ARC provided by Netgalley via Bookouture in return for an honest review***
June 26, 2022
I had a very hard time putting this one down to get anything done other than reading it from start to finish.
Angela Marsons does a fantastic job setting the scene.
Kit Mason is or was a “woman of the streets” who had a very painful life, she’s managed to flee from her pimp.
Frances Thornton a well to do upper class Lawyer don’t you know! Whose living the life.
But not everything in Frances life is what it seems to be looking from the reveals.
As these women form a unique bond through they’re attending AA ground to overcome their addiction more and more the authors revelations unravel.
I really loved how this book was written and the gusto it set for me as a reader to eagerly keep turning the pages.
It’s a backlist book that slipped its way down my kindle and I’m so glad I picked it up.
Angela Marsons does a fantastic job setting the scene.
Kit Mason is or was a “woman of the streets” who had a very painful life, she’s managed to flee from her pimp.
Frances Thornton a well to do upper class Lawyer don’t you know! Whose living the life.
But not everything in Frances life is what it seems to be looking from the reveals.
As these women form a unique bond through they’re attending AA ground to overcome their addiction more and more the authors revelations unravel.
I really loved how this book was written and the gusto it set for me as a reader to eagerly keep turning the pages.
It’s a backlist book that slipped its way down my kindle and I’m so glad I picked it up.
May 3, 2017
It was great to read something different from Angela Marsons after reading and loving her successful crime series. This book took me in a different direction and I really enjoyed the journey.
This is a book with a lot of emphasis put on the characters and the interactions between many of them. We have two women who have grown up in very different ways and lived very different lives yet one vice joins them - alcohol addiction.
They meet at an AA meeting and the friendship gets off to a rocky start thanks to years of defence mechanisms and mistrust, however as the book evolves they share with us their friendship journey of growth. I did find that the plot did not hold true to the path walked for those attending AA meetings and some recovery timeframes and how easy it seemed are probably unrealistic.
One character is moving away from a life of prostitution, the other is moving away as much as she can from the dysfunctional relationship she has with her ice-queen of a mother. One does data entry now in a small dingy office, the other is a successful lawyer known for never losing a case.
Each is tempted by a new life love interest and the book explores really well the reality of how hard it can be to let someone in when you've been used and abused by men. Our lawyer faces strong feelings for a women she has met and the book tackles same sex attraction without needing to put labels on any of it beautifully. Love has no need for labels and boxes.
This is an emotional read with characters that grow and change with you as you read the book. It shows that true friendship can blossom between very unlikely people if there is a common ground link cementing it together. It's quite fascinating watching each woman face her own demons, fears, secrets from the past and finally what truth is for them.
If you enjoy a character focused novel that gives you the chance to get alongside the characters you will really enjoy this. There are some great messages shared from both women - both strong ladies, yet so different. I truly liked both of them equally.
The book reads at a consistent steady pace and to enjoy it best, set aside your expectations in regards to Angela's successful crime series as this book really is of a different nature and purpose in the message it delivers. It's great to see the diversity with which Angela writes with. I'm keen for more.
Overall a good read that had depth, heart and some really likeable main players. I give it 4/4.5 stars.
Many thanks to the author and Bookouture for my review copy to read and professionally review.
Thanks for reading my review! For more of my book reviews, plenty of awesome books to win, author interviews and features come over to join me for book fun at: https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
To follow me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/promotethatbook
To enquire about joining my reviewers team: http://goo.gl/forms/GWMOvlofZg
Finally to enquire about my book publicity services: http://goo.gl/forms/eVwa2HFKnK
This is a book with a lot of emphasis put on the characters and the interactions between many of them. We have two women who have grown up in very different ways and lived very different lives yet one vice joins them - alcohol addiction.
They meet at an AA meeting and the friendship gets off to a rocky start thanks to years of defence mechanisms and mistrust, however as the book evolves they share with us their friendship journey of growth. I did find that the plot did not hold true to the path walked for those attending AA meetings and some recovery timeframes and how easy it seemed are probably unrealistic.
One character is moving away from a life of prostitution, the other is moving away as much as she can from the dysfunctional relationship she has with her ice-queen of a mother. One does data entry now in a small dingy office, the other is a successful lawyer known for never losing a case.
Each is tempted by a new life love interest and the book explores really well the reality of how hard it can be to let someone in when you've been used and abused by men. Our lawyer faces strong feelings for a women she has met and the book tackles same sex attraction without needing to put labels on any of it beautifully. Love has no need for labels and boxes.
This is an emotional read with characters that grow and change with you as you read the book. It shows that true friendship can blossom between very unlikely people if there is a common ground link cementing it together. It's quite fascinating watching each woman face her own demons, fears, secrets from the past and finally what truth is for them.
If you enjoy a character focused novel that gives you the chance to get alongside the characters you will really enjoy this. There are some great messages shared from both women - both strong ladies, yet so different. I truly liked both of them equally.
The book reads at a consistent steady pace and to enjoy it best, set aside your expectations in regards to Angela's successful crime series as this book really is of a different nature and purpose in the message it delivers. It's great to see the diversity with which Angela writes with. I'm keen for more.
Overall a good read that had depth, heart and some really likeable main players. I give it 4/4.5 stars.
Many thanks to the author and Bookouture for my review copy to read and professionally review.
Thanks for reading my review! For more of my book reviews, plenty of awesome books to win, author interviews and features come over to join me for book fun at: https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
To follow me on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/promotethatbook
To enquire about joining my reviewers team: http://goo.gl/forms/GWMOvlofZg
Finally to enquire about my book publicity services: http://goo.gl/forms/eVwa2HFKnK
December 25, 2016
Oh my! I’ve had Angela Marsons’ My Name Is in my sights for quite some time now, and I finally decided that I was going to end the year right. Did I ever! TEN STARS!
My Name Is (later called The Forgotten Woman) features two women from opposite sides of the tracks: Kit Mason, a prostitute whose father left her when she was a young girl and whose mother died a short while later. Kit escaped an abusive pimp. Can she escape her dependence on alcohol? Frances Thornton is a skilled lawyer with an advantaged upbringing. Her mother committed her for treatment after she witnessed her presenting a case while drunk and incoherent in court one morning. Fate brings Kit and Fran together; they are two women whose only real love in life has been alcohol.
Kit and Fran meet at an AA meeting after Fran nearly runs over Kit on her way to the meeting, splashing her with mud. Kit is sarcastic and defensive, and she wears a chip on her shoulder the size of a 2 x 10-foot floor joist. She’s been used and abused as a child and as a street worker, and she’s not going to take it any more. But can she actually get a job, live on her own, and stay sober? Fran is refined, dignified, and controlled. She was raised in a large home, received a first-rate education, and rose quickly through the ranks of her law firm, all with the firm “assistance” of her mother. Saying “No” was never an option.
After a messy and uneasy first impression, Kit and Fran slowly break down the barriers that protect them from outsiders and begin to let one another in. Ms. Marsons lets us into the women’s lives slowly, taking us through each story a chapter at a time. We see Kit as a girl as she is treated differently by family and then abused, which leads her to run away. We see Fran’s lonely childhood and her longing for affection and praise from parents who cannot, will not let her simply be a child.
As the women grow stronger in their sobriety, they attempt to form relationships, not with the help of liquid courage, but real human relationships by being themselves. It is both painful and heartwarming to see them struggling, taking risks. Sometimes they succeed; sometimes they don’t. Through it all, their friendship remains strong, steady, and supportive. They share their fears, their plans, and their dreams. They laugh together and cry together.
I’ve read five of Angela Marsons’ Kim Stone novels, but this was the first of her standalone non-thriller novels that I’ve read. Since I was already a fan, I expected a lot. But the story of these two women, their sorrows and their joys, and their wonderful friendship surpassed my expectations. If The Forgotten Woman is on your list, be sure to read it soon. If it’s not on your list, you might consider adding it. Just do it.
5 stars
July 18, 2016
I was introduced to the writing of Angela Marsons earlier this year when I started reading the 'Kim Stone' thriller series. I was instantly a fan and have gone on to read all of her books both in that series and more recently her earlier writing which is more about relationships. Although my usual reading genre is more suited to the thrillers I have also enjoyed the relationship books. The author is very accomplished and brings the characters to life in well paced plots.
This book focuses around the unlikely friendship of two women from completely different backgrounds. Kit Mason is a prostitute who is trying to escape from her past full of abuse and cruelty. and Frances Thornton is a lawyer from a privileged background who has a lived a life shrouded in secrets. Their common link is alcohol and when they meet there is a strange bond that links an ex prostitute and a lawyer from an entirely different life style.
The story follows the journey of these two women as they build a friendship while trying to battle their addiction.
This book is Angela Marsons debut novel and is completely different to her successful crime series, which just shows the versatility of this excellent author. This book is about relationships and it will pull at your heart strings as every emotion is experienced.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Bookouture for supplying me with a copy of this novel in exchange for a honest review.
This book focuses around the unlikely friendship of two women from completely different backgrounds. Kit Mason is a prostitute who is trying to escape from her past full of abuse and cruelty. and Frances Thornton is a lawyer from a privileged background who has a lived a life shrouded in secrets. Their common link is alcohol and when they meet there is a strange bond that links an ex prostitute and a lawyer from an entirely different life style.
The story follows the journey of these two women as they build a friendship while trying to battle their addiction.
This book is Angela Marsons debut novel and is completely different to her successful crime series, which just shows the versatility of this excellent author. This book is about relationships and it will pull at your heart strings as every emotion is experienced.
I would like to thank Net Galley and Bookouture for supplying me with a copy of this novel in exchange for a honest review.
October 24, 2016
I loved The Forgotten Woman, despite it making me cry so many times I was an emotional wreck by the time I got to the end of it. I even felt tearful for a couple of days after finishing it, each time I thought about it. It left me feeling like I had a fountain of emotion waiting to pour out of me. I’m pleased to say I now feel emotionally stable enough to write a review without crying.
This is a story about two unlikely friends, brought together by alcoholism. Kit and Frances come from two completely different walks of life, but both carry with them dark pasts and a suitcase full of emotional baggage.
This is now officially my favourite book by Angela Marsons. I know this was her very first novel, but me falling in love with this book confirms my suspicions that the main reason I love her crime series, despite not being a fan of crime, is the author’s ability to create wonderful characters with strong emotions that fall off the pages and sneak into the reader’s heart.
While the characters are the strongest part of this novel, the storyline itself was one that surprised me and kept me turning the pages. Finding it especially hard to put down in the second half of the novel.
It also brought back specific memories. One of my time living in Bradford while at university in the 90s, and seeing prostitutes on street corners while I walked to my favourite rock club. I remember one specific night seeing a teenage prostitute and feeling so shocked that she looked so young, possibly not even 16. One night, I was almost picked up myself, while waiting to cross the road. It turns out being a rock chick and wearing boots, black tights, and a black PVC dress can have you mistaken for a prostitute in Bradford!
Another memory was of the dream job I got in my mid 20s, working in a residential college for teenagers with a specific disorder. Unfortunately I was unable to take the job, as being a Navy wife, we were made to move shortly after my security checks came through. I still remember feeling really nervous while waiting in reception for my interview, then all of a sudden being very closely surrounded by a handful of teenagers who wanted to know everything about me, and were all excitedly telling me their names. My nerves disappeared instantly. Not being able to take that job is one of my biggest regrets, as I know I would have found it so fulfilling.
If you enjoy a tear-jerker with great characters, then I definitely recommend this book.
This is a story about two unlikely friends, brought together by alcoholism. Kit and Frances come from two completely different walks of life, but both carry with them dark pasts and a suitcase full of emotional baggage.
This is now officially my favourite book by Angela Marsons. I know this was her very first novel, but me falling in love with this book confirms my suspicions that the main reason I love her crime series, despite not being a fan of crime, is the author’s ability to create wonderful characters with strong emotions that fall off the pages and sneak into the reader’s heart.
While the characters are the strongest part of this novel, the storyline itself was one that surprised me and kept me turning the pages. Finding it especially hard to put down in the second half of the novel.
It also brought back specific memories. One of my time living in Bradford while at university in the 90s, and seeing prostitutes on street corners while I walked to my favourite rock club. I remember one specific night seeing a teenage prostitute and feeling so shocked that she looked so young, possibly not even 16. One night, I was almost picked up myself, while waiting to cross the road. It turns out being a rock chick and wearing boots, black tights, and a black PVC dress can have you mistaken for a prostitute in Bradford!
Another memory was of the dream job I got in my mid 20s, working in a residential college for teenagers with a specific disorder. Unfortunately I was unable to take the job, as being a Navy wife, we were made to move shortly after my security checks came through. I still remember feeling really nervous while waiting in reception for my interview, then all of a sudden being very closely surrounded by a handful of teenagers who wanted to know everything about me, and were all excitedly telling me their names. My nerves disappeared instantly. Not being able to take that job is one of my biggest regrets, as I know I would have found it so fulfilling.
If you enjoy a tear-jerker with great characters, then I definitely recommend this book.
July 28, 2016
MY NAME IS by Angela Marsons was recently published as The Forgotten Woman, and is her debut novel completely different to her popular crime series, showing her versatility as an author. This is a story about two women, from different backgrounds, both with secrets coming to terms with their agonising experiences. This story will pull at your heart strings, and you will never forget. I loved it!
Two women form an unlikely friendship, the girls meet for the first time at their Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, and together they begin their journey to heal....
Their friendship would save their damaged lives.
Kit Mason, an ex-prostitute, has escaped from her abusive pimp and now finds herself living on the streets of London, with no friends and no help.
Frances Thornton, a lawyer comes from a privileged family, but one with no love. She still hides secrets and demons from her past that still disturb her.
Will they both find strength to move on with their lives?
This was a very moving and emotionally inspiring novel about overcoming adversities and starting over. It’s message and time frame are endless. I felt a real connection with the women, and loved the way their friendship grew and matured…while they battled their addition. They were always there for one another.
I would like to thank Angela Marsons, Net Galley and my favourite publisher, Bookouture for supplying me with an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. Now, having read all her books, I wait patiently for the next!
Two women form an unlikely friendship, the girls meet for the first time at their Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, and together they begin their journey to heal....
Their friendship would save their damaged lives.
Kit Mason, an ex-prostitute, has escaped from her abusive pimp and now finds herself living on the streets of London, with no friends and no help.
Frances Thornton, a lawyer comes from a privileged family, but one with no love. She still hides secrets and demons from her past that still disturb her.
Will they both find strength to move on with their lives?
This was a very moving and emotionally inspiring novel about overcoming adversities and starting over. It’s message and time frame are endless. I felt a real connection with the women, and loved the way their friendship grew and matured…while they battled their addition. They were always there for one another.
I would like to thank Angela Marsons, Net Galley and my favourite publisher, Bookouture for supplying me with an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. Now, having read all her books, I wait patiently for the next!
August 23, 2016
Great writing!
This is not my first read from Angela Marsons, I have become a huge fan of hers through reading her D.I. Kim Stone series which I cannot get enough of!
Whilst waiting for book #5 in that series to be released I started to read this, her first book.
I am in awe of this author's quiet skill at holding me captive while she tells her stories. This was her very first book and you would expect to find some signs of inexperience...none at all! This is credible, relatable, intelligent and at times very witty writing.
This book tells the gripping stories of several women, three in particular, who's lives are so very different from each other...polar opposites in some cases...yet when they cross paths in separate but extraordinary circumstances, they unwittingly play accomplices as the catalysts of change in each other's lives which are long overdue and sorely needed.
I found this book very hard to put down.
I'm giving this one 5★s not just because it is well earned, but also because for a debut novel it is superior storytelling...I thoroughly enjoyed every page and had I not already been a big fan, this book alone would have me chasing up anything by this author.
Angela Marsons delivers again!
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my copy to read and review.
June 15, 2019
The Forgotten Woman by Angela is a work of fiction.
My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Two women. So different. When Kit and Fran meet, friendship seems unlikely, but they bond.
One rich, one poor. One a lawyer, one an ex-prostitute. One straight, one gay. Yet their similarities bring them together. Both alcoholics. Both from a family filled with coldness. Both trying to find happiness.
An abusive pimp, a domineering mother. Alcohol. The two women battle their demons, sometimes together and sometimes alone, and they both grow stronger, knowing their friendship is constant. They finally have someone in their corner. They each find love, but sometimes love of oneself must come first.
My Opinions:
WOW, simply amazing book. I love the Kim Stone series, but this shows the diversity and strength of Angela Marsons' writing ability. This is actually her debut novel, originally published in 2013 under the title “My Name Is”.
Marsons tackled alcoholism, prostitution, a woman’s decision to accept her sexuality, and even a disabled child. She handled every topic with grace and integrity. But the book is about so much more. It is about friendship, and love, and family, and courage.
It is a compelling read which will have you cheering for these women long after the book ends.
August 11, 2016
I managed to finish this book, but it wasn’t easy. Marsons seemed like the kind of writer I would like and the premise seemed promising—a woman trying to get sober and away from her abusive pimp meets another woman, a lawyer, who is also trying to sober up, and their friendship helps them keep away from alcohol.
Unfortunately, Marsons makes one beginner mistake after another. I thought through the entire book that this must be her first try at novel writing, and indeed in the acknowledgements she says this is her first book.
One of the first things people who are serious about trying to write fiction learn is to SHOW and not TELL. Don’t report how people are feeling, show through their actions and words. Paint scenes with words. Virtually this entire book is a huge information dump of explaining to us how these women became alcoholics in the first place and how they are dealing with life now.
Kit is molested by her stepfather and goes on the run, unfortunately into the clutches of Bando, a pimp who, no surprise here, abuses the women he forces to work for him. Girls who are molested often turn to drugs and alcohol as a way to self-medicate for PTSD.
Fran, on the other hand, had an unloving mother who wouldn’t allow her to engage in painting or anything creative and just focus on her studies so she could become a successful lawyer like both her parents. She manages to become a successful lawyer despite her problem with alcohol, right up until she shows up in court drunk and is whisked away to rehab.
The two meet early in the book and call themselves friends pretty quickly, but you don’t really FEEL like they’re friends, primarily because you are TOLD they are friends and not SHOWN it.
The story meanders and you never know exactly where things are heading, but the main thing is that this should have been critiqued by critique partners, beta readers, and editors who really know novel writing. If Marsons had done this, she could have avoided writing things like, the “toothache in her heart needed anesthetic.” There is no such thing as a toothache of the heart. It would, however, make sense to say she needed anesthetic for the “ache in her heart.” Things like this made the book painful to get through.
For more of my reviews, please visit http://theresaalan.net/blog/
Unfortunately, Marsons makes one beginner mistake after another. I thought through the entire book that this must be her first try at novel writing, and indeed in the acknowledgements she says this is her first book.
One of the first things people who are serious about trying to write fiction learn is to SHOW and not TELL. Don’t report how people are feeling, show through their actions and words. Paint scenes with words. Virtually this entire book is a huge information dump of explaining to us how these women became alcoholics in the first place and how they are dealing with life now.
Kit is molested by her stepfather and goes on the run, unfortunately into the clutches of Bando, a pimp who, no surprise here, abuses the women he forces to work for him. Girls who are molested often turn to drugs and alcohol as a way to self-medicate for PTSD.
Fran, on the other hand, had an unloving mother who wouldn’t allow her to engage in painting or anything creative and just focus on her studies so she could become a successful lawyer like both her parents. She manages to become a successful lawyer despite her problem with alcohol, right up until she shows up in court drunk and is whisked away to rehab.
The two meet early in the book and call themselves friends pretty quickly, but you don’t really FEEL like they’re friends, primarily because you are TOLD they are friends and not SHOWN it.
The story meanders and you never know exactly where things are heading, but the main thing is that this should have been critiqued by critique partners, beta readers, and editors who really know novel writing. If Marsons had done this, she could have avoided writing things like, the “toothache in her heart needed anesthetic.” There is no such thing as a toothache of the heart. It would, however, make sense to say she needed anesthetic for the “ache in her heart.” Things like this made the book painful to get through.
For more of my reviews, please visit http://theresaalan.net/blog/
July 31, 2016
‘The Forgotten Woman’ by Angela Marsons is the story of two women and their sometimes painful struggle against an alcohol addiction. From two very different worlds, a former prostitute and a defence solicitor, their friendship shouldn’t work and yet they are to find out that behind the gloss and breeding, the leather jackets and the scars, they have more in common than just the desire to forget their pasts in the bottom of a bottle.
Kit Mason has lived a very difficult and traumatic life. Abused by her mother’s partner and forgotten by her sisters, she fled to London, falling into the world of an abusive pimp. She barely escaped with her life and has made a new start in Birmingham, where she is encouraged to attend the local AA Meeting. Her life has been filled with rejection, her drinking just another symptom of a deep rooted pain.
Frances Thornton appears to have it all. Money, breeding and a top career. Her drinking is seen as a sign of her burn out, her perfect trial record pushing her a touch too far as she tries to maintain it. But the truth is a darker, a secret which no one other than her family knows about, one which has slowly destroyed her life ever since she was a teenager.
The two meet at AA, and there is an immediate tension between them as their differences are hard to ignore. And yet as their friendship grows, they become to rely upon each other for guidance and support as they try to find a way to beat their addiction and leave their past behind them. But life is never that simple is it?
Marsons has created a very interesting dynamic between the two characters. They wear a mask, a façade, the public persona designed to keep people away. Yet these masks slowly slip as they begin to open up to each other, and Marsons shows us the truth, and the beauty, of the person within. They each possess a characteristic that the other lacks, be it fire and strength, or subtlety and diplomacy. You get a real sense of the growth of their friendship, the way in which they come to rely on each other and the way in which they become a surrogate for the alcohol on which they depend. Their journey is moving, and sometimes harrowing, and both have a lot of emotional growth to achieve before they can really move on.
The pace of this story is more measured than fans of Marsons’ Kim Stone series will be used to, with just the occasionally tense scene, notably when Kit is faced with the threat from her pimp. More often it is slower and reflective, indicative of the mood of the piece. While Kit’s past is violent, Fran’s is no less shocking and as the truth of it is revealed, you are left feeling as sympathetic towards her as you are to the abuse Kit suffered. It is hard not to like, or to feel for, the two characters, no matter how prickly or stand-offish they may appear at first. Marsons’ beautiful writing builds them up in such a way that the optimism of the closing chapters seems the only fitting way to end the story. There is no clear resolution, it is not all wrapped up with a perfect HEA ending. But there is a sense of hope. A feeling that both women have the chance to become more than the legacy of their pasts would dictate.
A very moving 4 stars.
My thanks to Net Galley and publishers Bookouture for the copy of ‘The Forgotten Woman’ by Angela Marsons in exchange for my review.
Kit Mason has lived a very difficult and traumatic life. Abused by her mother’s partner and forgotten by her sisters, she fled to London, falling into the world of an abusive pimp. She barely escaped with her life and has made a new start in Birmingham, where she is encouraged to attend the local AA Meeting. Her life has been filled with rejection, her drinking just another symptom of a deep rooted pain.
Frances Thornton appears to have it all. Money, breeding and a top career. Her drinking is seen as a sign of her burn out, her perfect trial record pushing her a touch too far as she tries to maintain it. But the truth is a darker, a secret which no one other than her family knows about, one which has slowly destroyed her life ever since she was a teenager.
The two meet at AA, and there is an immediate tension between them as their differences are hard to ignore. And yet as their friendship grows, they become to rely upon each other for guidance and support as they try to find a way to beat their addiction and leave their past behind them. But life is never that simple is it?
Marsons has created a very interesting dynamic between the two characters. They wear a mask, a façade, the public persona designed to keep people away. Yet these masks slowly slip as they begin to open up to each other, and Marsons shows us the truth, and the beauty, of the person within. They each possess a characteristic that the other lacks, be it fire and strength, or subtlety and diplomacy. You get a real sense of the growth of their friendship, the way in which they come to rely on each other and the way in which they become a surrogate for the alcohol on which they depend. Their journey is moving, and sometimes harrowing, and both have a lot of emotional growth to achieve before they can really move on.
The pace of this story is more measured than fans of Marsons’ Kim Stone series will be used to, with just the occasionally tense scene, notably when Kit is faced with the threat from her pimp. More often it is slower and reflective, indicative of the mood of the piece. While Kit’s past is violent, Fran’s is no less shocking and as the truth of it is revealed, you are left feeling as sympathetic towards her as you are to the abuse Kit suffered. It is hard not to like, or to feel for, the two characters, no matter how prickly or stand-offish they may appear at first. Marsons’ beautiful writing builds them up in such a way that the optimism of the closing chapters seems the only fitting way to end the story. There is no clear resolution, it is not all wrapped up with a perfect HEA ending. But there is a sense of hope. A feeling that both women have the chance to become more than the legacy of their pasts would dictate.
A very moving 4 stars.
My thanks to Net Galley and publishers Bookouture for the copy of ‘The Forgotten Woman’ by Angela Marsons in exchange for my review.
July 14, 2016
Being a massive fan of Angela Marson’s Kim Stone series, I was very excited to read The Forgotten Woman, the first novel by this very talented author.
A heartrending story about two women who meet through an AA meeting and form an unlikely and lifelong friendship.
The Forgotten Woman is full of secrets, lies, betrayal, friendship and healing.
I absolutely adored Fran and Kit, especially once their stories were revealed and as they got closer and trusted one another.
A brilliant book that I can highly recommend.
Now straight onto The Middle Child by Angela Marsons.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture
A heartrending story about two women who meet through an AA meeting and form an unlikely and lifelong friendship.
The Forgotten Woman is full of secrets, lies, betrayal, friendship and healing.
I absolutely adored Fran and Kit, especially once their stories were revealed and as they got closer and trusted one another.
A brilliant book that I can highly recommend.
Now straight onto The Middle Child by Angela Marsons.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture
July 19, 2021
After reading all the DI Kim Stone series and loving every book, I was a little disappointed in this one. I felt the plot was rather simplistic and didn't grab me like her crime novels.
July 17, 2016
Wow! Angela Marsons is one talented author! I was completely blown away by this story and kept having to remind myself that this is actually her debut! An accomplished, assured and amazing story from a wonderful author! A tale of friendship and overcoming, of addiction and bravery, of hurt and forgiveness, love and acceptance. I absolutely loved the way the author showed us the real stories behind the facades that Kit and Fran - two very different women - had adopted to face the world. Loved the way their friendship grew and matured - it is so beautifully portrayed. Written with heart, this is a truly special story. I am in awe of this brilliant author and cannot wait to read her next offering, be it crime or women's fiction - she is master of both!
March 26, 2019
If this had been the first Angela Marson book I'd read, I doubt I'd have ever read another one. It was only because I've read all the Kim Stone series that I kept going in the hope that it might improve. ... it didn't .
August 22, 2016
Kit Mason endures a childhood of poverty and hardship. Escaping from a violent step father in her teens, she ends up on the streets and gets dragged into prostitution with an equally violent pimp. Hooked on drugs and alcohol she once again escapes and the story opens with a young twenty something Kit living in a group home with no one to lean on for support.
Frances Thornton has led a life of privilege. She has gone to all of the proper schools and has been groomed by her parents to become a lawyer like themselves. Any independence or free thinking has been quashed by her cold and unfeeling mother. When told by a teacher that Frances has natural artistic talent, all art supplies are removed from their home. Frances has done everything her parents demanded. She never loses a case. Her work is her life. There is no room for anyone or anything. She drinks to cope with her lonely existence. When she shows up drunk at a trial she is shipped off to rehab and endures the withering looks of her controlling mother.
These two women meet at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting and end up building a support system of their own over coffee. It’s an unlikely friendship. Kit is angry, defensive and defiant when she discovers Frances is a lawyer. Frances has been forced to suppress her own emotions for so long she doesn’t know how to interact with the people she meets. Over time and many cups of coffee the two women begin to rely on each other to listen as one or the other relates the horrors of their pasts and the struggles each have with building emotional relationships with others.
I am a big Angela Marsons fan so was happy to get the opportunity to read her first published novel. I’ve read and enjoyed all of her DI Stone murder mystery novels. This general fiction novel is a good first effort by the author. It is primarily a character study which examines the effects of a loveless childhood and the impact that has on a person whether rich or poor. While the two women do become a support system of sorts for each other, their stories run parallel to one another, each dealing with the challenges and relationships they are beginning to form with others. Kit’s life mirrors the dark and gritty world we see in the future DI Stone novels. Frances life while financially more stable is filled with so much heartache it’s hard for the reader to understand how she has been able to endure everything her parents have done to her psyche. The ending for her story thread was telegraphed fairly early on but handled well.
Lots of angst and hard lives lived with some redemption at the end to keep the reader from throwing up their hands and tossing the novel. A good start for an author who has learned to write leaner and tighter plots while maintaining the grit, grim and compelling reads we have come to expect in her novels.
ARC received from Bookouture with thanks via NetGalley for review.
Frances Thornton has led a life of privilege. She has gone to all of the proper schools and has been groomed by her parents to become a lawyer like themselves. Any independence or free thinking has been quashed by her cold and unfeeling mother. When told by a teacher that Frances has natural artistic talent, all art supplies are removed from their home. Frances has done everything her parents demanded. She never loses a case. Her work is her life. There is no room for anyone or anything. She drinks to cope with her lonely existence. When she shows up drunk at a trial she is shipped off to rehab and endures the withering looks of her controlling mother.
These two women meet at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting and end up building a support system of their own over coffee. It’s an unlikely friendship. Kit is angry, defensive and defiant when she discovers Frances is a lawyer. Frances has been forced to suppress her own emotions for so long she doesn’t know how to interact with the people she meets. Over time and many cups of coffee the two women begin to rely on each other to listen as one or the other relates the horrors of their pasts and the struggles each have with building emotional relationships with others.
I am a big Angela Marsons fan so was happy to get the opportunity to read her first published novel. I’ve read and enjoyed all of her DI Stone murder mystery novels. This general fiction novel is a good first effort by the author. It is primarily a character study which examines the effects of a loveless childhood and the impact that has on a person whether rich or poor. While the two women do become a support system of sorts for each other, their stories run parallel to one another, each dealing with the challenges and relationships they are beginning to form with others. Kit’s life mirrors the dark and gritty world we see in the future DI Stone novels. Frances life while financially more stable is filled with so much heartache it’s hard for the reader to understand how she has been able to endure everything her parents have done to her psyche. The ending for her story thread was telegraphed fairly early on but handled well.
Lots of angst and hard lives lived with some redemption at the end to keep the reader from throwing up their hands and tossing the novel. A good start for an author who has learned to write leaner and tighter plots while maintaining the grit, grim and compelling reads we have come to expect in her novels.
ARC received from Bookouture with thanks via NetGalley for review.
August 13, 2016
In the last couples of years i heard a lot about Angela Marsons, and many of my friends recommended her books to me, of course i already have them all in my to read list, but somehow i did not manage to read any of them. Until now.
And Thanks to netGalley, i started from the very beginning since The Forgotten Woman is her first book.
Kit and Fran are two very different women. One is an ex-prostitute who just managed to escape her pimp, the other is a very successful, rich lawyer. one had a very dysfunctional family, the other had apparently the perfect one. But they both have one thing in common: their struggle against their addiction, when they meet in Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.
From that point an unlikely friendship starts between them and in a way help them both go through that fight.
In this story we explore also the past of both women, and we can see what a well built facade hides in the perfect family of Fran , and how neglect, wrong decisions and tragedies can break the life and soul of young Kit.
It was fascinating, going in this journey with two damaged lives, two broken women who were brave enough to explore other alternatives to their lives and strong enough to go into new paths.
I really enjoyed this story, the revelations, the small victories they had everyday they fought against their addiction, the changes that started with small things until affecting the whole way they see life!
At the end of the book, the author said that left "loose ends" on purpose. For me, they were not loose ends, they were perfect. In a way, i can't really expect a tight perfect happy end, it is not logical, this end suggested that there is more in both their futures, and i can easily picture the rest of the path for both of them.
There was only one part that seemed to me hastily wrapped, and it concerned Kit and her pimp, i expected more details in that part, but it did not affect my enjoyment of the story.
This can be the story of any woman, in a small way we all have our own dose of fear, indecision, wrong decisions made out of fear, and also that glimpse of hope we can't live without.
It is a book worth discovering and i recommend it to my friends
And Thanks to netGalley, i started from the very beginning since The Forgotten Woman is her first book.
Kit and Fran are two very different women. One is an ex-prostitute who just managed to escape her pimp, the other is a very successful, rich lawyer. one had a very dysfunctional family, the other had apparently the perfect one. But they both have one thing in common: their struggle against their addiction, when they meet in Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.
From that point an unlikely friendship starts between them and in a way help them both go through that fight.
In this story we explore also the past of both women, and we can see what a well built facade hides in the perfect family of Fran , and how neglect, wrong decisions and tragedies can break the life and soul of young Kit.
It was fascinating, going in this journey with two damaged lives, two broken women who were brave enough to explore other alternatives to their lives and strong enough to go into new paths.
I really enjoyed this story, the revelations, the small victories they had everyday they fought against their addiction, the changes that started with small things until affecting the whole way they see life!
At the end of the book, the author said that left "loose ends" on purpose. For me, they were not loose ends, they were perfect. In a way, i can't really expect a tight perfect happy end, it is not logical, this end suggested that there is more in both their futures, and i can easily picture the rest of the path for both of them.
There was only one part that seemed to me hastily wrapped, and it concerned Kit and her pimp, i expected more details in that part, but it did not affect my enjoyment of the story.
This can be the story of any woman, in a small way we all have our own dose of fear, indecision, wrong decisions made out of fear, and also that glimpse of hope we can't live without.
It is a book worth discovering and i recommend it to my friends
August 6, 2016
I have read Angela's Marsons DI Kim stone series which are an excellent read. So I was curious to know how well Angela wrote in a different genre and I needn't have worried.
This is a story about 2 woman from very different backgrounds. One a prostitute and the other a lawyer. Who become friends after meeting each other in AA meeting. This is an unlikely relationship but, they help each other overcome the problems they have in their lives. The story tells of each others childhood and how they came to their points in their lives. Its a very emotional and heart breaking story. But Angela writes in a way that the story flows easily, and also keeps you entertained throughout. I loved reading the book. I cant wait for her next book.
This is a story about 2 woman from very different backgrounds. One a prostitute and the other a lawyer. Who become friends after meeting each other in AA meeting. This is an unlikely relationship but, they help each other overcome the problems they have in their lives. The story tells of each others childhood and how they came to their points in their lives. Its a very emotional and heart breaking story. But Angela writes in a way that the story flows easily, and also keeps you entertained throughout. I loved reading the book. I cant wait for her next book.
August 28, 2022
I have read all of Angela Marsons' Kim Stone series which I've really enjoyed. This and another stand alone Dear Mother were available on NetGalley so I applied for them.
Oh my! What a roller coaster ride reading this book was. The two main characters, Fran and Kit are unlikely friends with the only thing in common being that they are recovering alcoholics. They meet at an AA meeting and the story follows their growing friendship, alongside revealing their personal lives in chapters that are written alternately. The story was captivating and I was reduced to tears a couple of times. A definite must read!
Oh my! What a roller coaster ride reading this book was. The two main characters, Fran and Kit are unlikely friends with the only thing in common being that they are recovering alcoholics. They meet at an AA meeting and the story follows their growing friendship, alongside revealing their personal lives in chapters that are written alternately. The story was captivating and I was reduced to tears a couple of times. A definite must read!
June 12, 2015
enjoyable enough and good characterisation. The alcoholism recovery stories aren't credible especially the timeframes. Nor are the encounters eg when she encounters pimp later, I wouldn't imagine his character backing off so easily.
Kindle version I read had typos and weird formatting on the page
Kindle version I read had typos and weird formatting on the page
April 13, 2015
Wow. Beautifully written. Challenging characters and a compeling story which kept me reading till I was at the end. I loved it.
March 8, 2023
There's nothing I like more than reading about the strength and resilience of people who have been dealt a bad hand in childhood and, through grit and determination, work their way through it all to self-empowerment and happiness. Such is the story of The Forgotten Woman, which actually features two strong women -- Kit and Fran. This is one of those rare books that I hug when finished.
I am a major Angela Marsons fan and The Forgotten Woman turns out to have been her first novel. Hence, it has a few flaws, but ignore them and immerse yourself in the story.
I am a major Angela Marsons fan and The Forgotten Woman turns out to have been her first novel. Hence, it has a few flaws, but ignore them and immerse yourself in the story.
May 31, 2018
This book was recommended by another goodreads author. After I downloaded the book and realized I had read two other books and really enjoyed each one. I am not disappointed, this one kept my interest until the last page. It was happy and sad at the same time. I grew up in a hornets nest, so I can identify with the girls when it comes to their childhood. I would definitely recommend this book. Don't let some of the negative reviews keep you from reading this one. Be your own judge.
April 11, 2017
I enjoyed this book very much. I didn't have to concentrate to read it but found myself engrossed in the story. Kit and Fran are the main characters that meet at AA and their lives unspiral! A nice easy read
April 29, 2019
I had read all Angela Marsons Kim Stone series and loved every one. so thought I would try this. Wow so glad I did it blew me away 2 women from different lives both facing terrible times but from that came the most wonderful friendship. wonderful book
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