An engrossing tale of new beginnings and second chances from an ever-popular author. Miranda Fox has devoted much of her life to caring for her elderly father. After his tragic death, she starts to make plans for her future, funded by the inheritance she is sure will be coming her way, but it seems her arrogant and domineering half-brother has very different ideas . . . Then a chance encounter with a man who has been given months to live boosts Miranda’s confidence, and as their friendship grows she finally learns to stand up for herself and her dreams. Can Miranda find the happiness that she deserves?
Anna Jacobs has 87 novels published as of April 2019. She writes historical sagas and modern novels alternately, and in the past has written historical romances and fantasy novels (the latter as Shannah Jay).
She's addicted to story-telling and writes three novels a year. You can find a list of books and series on her website at www.annajacobs.com
Anna reads 3 novels a week. Happy reading, everyone.
I loved this book! Miranda Fox lives under the thumbs of her father and brother in Australia. Her younger sister has established her life in England. Miranda was put in an insane asylum when she became pregnant and wasn't married. Her baby was adopted away and she was kept drugged for years. When her father dies, her brother is determined to continue to control her life; she manages to find outside support.
It's a study in controlling families and the insecurities of people. By a chance encounter, she connects with others who help her escape her nightmarish life.
Very thought provoking to think there a bullies out there just like Sebastian controlling everyone and everything. Thank goodness for strong women. Wonderful story a real page turner. Anna don't stop writing. Loved all your stories so far. On to the next one
This is hardly a story of Shakespearean proportions, however there is a universal truth in this story, even if it is set a long way from towers and castles.
Anna Jacobs has focused on a dysfunctional family from regional Australia to reveal how people with power can manipulate and ruin other people's lives. Maybe not so removed from Shakespeare after all.
The main character, Miranda, blossoms as the story progresses and her nemesis is finally vanquished..In between there is a lot of love and sadness.
The characters are very easy to relate to, except maybe the bad guys, unless you're a sadist.
I found it a bit soapy and there are way too many coincidences, however it is a good tale well told. I noted that the author doesn't spend a lot of time describing surroundings which also probably gives the book a more universal feel.. Everything is conveyed through the interaction between the characters.
The subject of domestic violence and unfair treatment of women generally is handled well and woven into the narrative. Often in real life people who perpetuate cruelty don't receive their comeuppance, but this is a feel good story. As I said, All's well that ends well.
I loved this book. It’s written simply, is realistic, but every chapter is exciting, not boring.
Miranda lost herself because of the restrictions of her father, her responsibilities, and because of her manipulative brother. The life that she should have, she didn’t get. She lost her lover, her daughter.
Then, she met Lou. He taught her to stand up, to bring back her confidence. He treated her how she should be treated.
There were lots of court cases here. I enjoyed it!
Her lover knew nothing about what happened except for what her family told him. And those were all lies. More than 3 decades passed until they were able to talk about what really happened. They gave each other a second chance.
Her daughter also gave her birth parents second chances. She listened to their sides. I learned about the importance of not just looking at the tip of the iceberg of people’s actions.
Pre-marital pregnancies, some consequences, were also discussed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The characters are built around some classic, gender stereotypes and romantic archetypes, with clear lines drawn between good and evil. The conflicts were inevitable, but engaging. The personal reflections were drummed in too repetitively, and conveniently reinforcing blatant misunderstanding and rigid personal opinions. But I wanted Miranda to succeed against the malignant influence of her brother Sebastian. The plot kept driving me forward as Jacobs kept dropping in new complications and multi-layers of unfolding relationships, spun together like a spider's web. The pieces of the dysfunctional, family dynamic puzzle fitted together neatly with good abrasive qualities between the nasty, narrow, patronising, patriarchal character decisions and the self exploration of characters seeking out more modern, more nuanced solutions.
DNF. Stopped reading this book when the author used "conservative" as a bad word just a few pages in.
"Here's this massive piece of sh*t human who only cares about money and himself. Here he is disrespecting me and insulting me. He's such a sexist. He's so chauvinistic. He's the villain of this story. I have no idea when he became so conservative."
Well Ms. Jacobs, I say this as a conservative woman who is tired of being insulted and demonized for having a divergent opinion from the MSM and mega corporations, and knows none of those things you listed represent conservative people; you can take your book and shove it.
This book opens with Miranda complaining about caring for her extremely difficult father. As he is complaining & she is attempting to help him he suddenly dies. They read the will & she realizes the her father & brother, Sebastian, left the money unavailable in a trust. So the story begins about abuse, distrust, anger, mental institutions & even romance. I couldn't put it down. LOVED the court cases & discussions about the trust & wills. Good book for me to read at this time in my life.
I love Anna Jacobs! She is such a great writer! I can devour her books in no time (took a little longer than usual as we have a new puppy for me to look after!). I love her historical books, and this was a contemporary one, and it was just as well written. Very good story. A story of injustice and overcoming. I liked all the characters.
Another 5 STAR review this book was a great read Miranda had been repressed first by her father then her brother locked in a mental institution for being pregnant and years later she was still suffering fantastic story .
It really is a very good story, different but completely absorbing. All of Anna Jacobs books have the ability to hold your interest and make it difficult to stop reading because each page leads you through the story.
I found this to be a moving story full of drama and courage. About a woman who changed her life around after her father's death. She became her own hero eventually and lived her life the way she ought to have lived.
Another great novel by Anna, this author knows how to keep you engrossed in her books. Loved it would recommend it, had tears in my eyes at times sad and happy.
I could not put this book down. Even though the plot and the characters seemed to be almost be your everyday people the writing style and events just kept me engrossed.
Interesting book about how Women's Rights were non-existent during this time period of history, and how one woman fought to get her Rights under Australian Law.