PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS BOOK AND THE RIGHTS TO THE STORY NO LONGER BELONG TO THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR DEVIKA FERNANDO AS IT HAS BEEN SOLD
Cathy has had enough. Having run away from her abusive husband, she tries to pick up the broken pieces of her life in a remote village, focusing on her dream to start her own cake business. Finding true love is the last thing on her mind. When she comes face to face with a man who looks exactly like the one she is struggling to forget, life throws the biggest challenge yet at her: Should she give in to his charm and care or is history going to repeat itself?
Almost as soon as Devika Fernando could write, she imagined stories and poems. After finishing her education in Germany and returning to her roots in Sri Lanka, she got a chance to turn her passion into her profession. Having lived in Germany and in Sri Lanka with her husband has made her experience the best (and the worst) of two totally different worlds – something that influences her writing. Her trademark are sweet, yet deeply emotional romance stories where the characters actually fall in love instead of merely falling in lust. She draws inspiration from everyone and everything in life. Besides being a romance novel author, she works as a self-employed German web content writer, as a translator, and as a faithful servant to all the cats, dogs, fish and birds in her home. What she loves most about being an author is the chance to create new worlds and send her protagonists on a journey full of ups and downs that will leave them changed. When she’s not writing, she’s reading or thinking about writing.
When I See Your Face by Devika Fernando reminds me of Cecelia Ahern's book, P.S. I Love You.
An extremely sweet and romantic love-story based on trust, faith and letting go of the past.
Devika Fernando has woven this tale so gorgeously that at times you'll find tears welling up your eyes and smile crossing your face like a flash within a very short period of time. Although this is a short story, but still the author has managed to keep the air of feeling romantic till the very end and in these short stories, generally, it becomes the main objective for the authors to get a grip on their characters, but still within these few short words, the characters have managed to make a mark upon the reader's minds. The author has a deep psychological grip on her characters, which are portrayed as multifaceted, flawed and sympathetic human beings, all achingly vulnerable, all wracked by fear and need.
Leaving behind her abusive husband, Cathy, didn't expect that she would once again find hope in her life. Coming to live in this village, she busies herself by setting up her cake business. But soon she comes across a man who looks like her husband whom she is trying to forgive and forget. Eventually she gets suspicious of this man named Michael. But soon his character reveals a dark side and a window to another chance opens up in Cathy's heart. And will she be able to let go of her ex-husband, Mark?
In a sad, gloomy afternoon, this book might cheer you up completely. Gripping and intriguing tale and Cathy and Michael's chemistry is what you should look out for in this book.
Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of her book.
The book teaches us how to trust our own feelings and thoughts and interpreting them positively and how we need to let go of the hard and painful things to achieve happiness. A beautiful book and the story is bound to be etched into your hearts for a very long time.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Devika Fernando's debut romance, When I See Your Face. The author possesses a keen insight into the workings of the human mind and heart, as well as a gift for language. Her writing has a poetic touch about it that is perfectly suited for a love story, and her clever use of metaphor and simile allows the reader to glimpse the world in intriguing new ways. If I had any quibble with the story, it would be that the end was a bit abrupt. While it leaves the characters -- and the reader -- with a lovely promise, I would have liked a little more assurance that the promise would be fulfilled and that the happiness Cathy and Michael found would be long-lived. Even so, the final scene was beautifully-written and will linger in my memory for a long time to come. I look forward to reading more stories from this talented new author.
I wrote in an older review that I’m pretty shy when it comes to contemporary literature, because I’m not very accustomed to its genres, styles and new trends; plus, I don’t always know what I’m getting into. However, after recently discovering a few Romanian and foreign book tubers and after creating my Goodreads and Twitter accounts, my interest and appetite for contemporary books began to grow. It’s more like a combination of curiosity and the need to know what’s new and good to read.
For today’s review, I’m going to talk about a romance novel entitled When I See Your Face: A Second Chance At Love written by Sri Lankan-born German author Devika Fernando, who sent me a link to the free Kindle Edition of her book, that also contains an unexpected bonus. She has also published other contemporary and paranormal romance books and series, which are very tempting for any book lover of these genres.
When I See Your Face: A Second Chance At Love follows the story of Cathy Nolan, the wife of real estate manager Mark Nolan. She runs away from home, in order to escape the beatings and suffering caused by her abusive husband. She flees to a quiet village, where she plans to begin a new life. However, Cathy panics and has a nervous breakdown when she encounters Michael Newland, a man who looks exactly like her husband. Talking about freaky coincidences, huh? The other man’s face brings back to life Cathy’s traumatic memories and fears regarding her husband through vivid nightmares.
Though Michael and Cathy's first encounter is far from polite, because of her improper behaviour towards him, the man introduces her to his passion for gardening, his artworks, because he also enjoys painting, and he overall makes Cathy feel useful happy and free. Compare this to the times when she was forced by her husband to behave in a certain manner, to always dress elegantly, wear make-up and talk very little as if she were his puppet. Michael, on the other hand, will help Cathy figure out a way to fulfil her dream of opening her own business, baking and decorating cakes, and he will be her biggest supporter. Cathy feels attracted to Michael, but she doesn't know if it's okay to fall in love with someone whose face she feared so much in the past. Though Mark and Michael are almost identical, Cathy realises that the latter is less self-centered than the former, he is truly caring, honest, funny and he's very attentive towards her — these are qualities that Cathy never found in Mark.
Though it's a bit odd for someone to fall in love with a man physically identical with one's abusive and controlling husband, I presume that Cathy's attraction to Michael can be interpreted as her longing for a better version of Mark. Even if Michel boosts her confidence, Cathy is reluctant to tell him about her past. Giving into his love for her it will not be easy, because of her shadowy memories regarding her husband and the fear of making the same mistakes again. However, Michael wants Cathy to leave the past and her fears behind and start afresh because he also went through a bitter life experience before moving to this small village and before working as a gardener. What secret will be revealed?
In short, the story is light – more like a summer read – fast paced and a cocktail of emotions ranging from fear, pain, and vulnerability... to love. The characters are relatable because each of them has both a good and a bad side. It's a story about love, pain and happiness... about the strength to leave the past behind and chase your dreams. Enjoy!
When I See Your Face by Devika Fernando is a short and sweet story of hope and second chances. The characters are very likeable and believable because they are flawed but charming with it! Devika’s writing is very evocative and has very powerful insights into the human condition in the midst of a very cute contemporary romance. When Cathy Nolan, finally gathers her courage to leave her abusive husband...it’s a spontaneous and desperate decision. She finds refuge in a picturesque rural setting, well away from the glittery urban life her real-estate tycoon of a husband used so effortlessly to cloak his darkness. But even so far away from her hellish life she runs into her husband’s lookalike! Gorgeous Michael Newland may look like Cathy’s husband’s doppelganger and exercise just as much charm but his character is dramatically different. The artist/gardener is supportive and helps Cathy shape a new life and a new career as a baker before Cathy’s hubby makes another appearance to shatter her new-found peace. The happy-ending is there...but to find out the path to that Happily Ever After read Devika Fernando’s novella When I See Your Face. It’s the perfect light escape into the world of romance and second chances. I got the feel that we have another Nora Robert’s when reading this debut author’s first offering. Her next book is a paranormal romance so I guess I was right. And if her writer’s-track app is any indication she is as prolific as well! Happy Reading!
Breezy prose, expressive dialogues, detailed description and lazy, patient motion is how 'When I see your face' progresses. I swear I almost saw 'Cathy' outside my window once, while reading the book; such is the detailing that the author went into. Devika Fernando, might just be the next big thing in the literary world. Good luck Ms. Fernando.
Devika Fernando’s “When I See Your Face” is a story that I was eager to read, even though eking out time to read it was a bit of a problem. This story is particularly close to my heart, for many reasons, not least of which is the yummy guy-next-door hero, Michael Newland. This debutant romance author (who is also foraying into paranormal romance now) spins a tale of true love between the unlikeliest pair. They find love in a hopeless situation and place, which could have been disastrous considering the very strong theme that runs through the story. But Devika Fernando manages to weave a rich, emotional tapestry that makes for a sweet journey. Cathy Nolan is that likely girl who lives next door. Except, the next door is a mansion and she is married to a real-estate mogul who is the very epitome of rich, handsome and successful: Mark Nolan. He is also that very ordinary creature. A man who abuses his wife just because she is there. “When I See Your Face” opens with a very strong scene where Cathy has finally gathered the guts to leave her abusive husband and start a new life somewhere else. She is full of determination, even though her situation and her control over it is so precarious. She is in a daze yet she is hopeful, I fell for Cathy immediately. She arrives in the proverbial charming village full of helpful village folk and soon settles down into her new life. It is not the best or wisest choice to have your hero look like the villain but Devika’s Michael is the carbon copy of Cathy’s tormentor, which, of course, has her reacting predictably when she spies him for the first time. When the misunderstanding (and of course, it is one, Michael is not Mark!) is cleared up, she knows she has to make amends to this stranger whose face is a constant reminder of all that she had lost. What begins as a simple apology turns into a beautiful friendship mixed with a few nasty surprises along the way, all of which I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Cathy could have come off as weak, sniveling, willing to latch onto the next available protector who appears in her life, but instead she is strong, makes her own decisions, even though they may not be visible even to the reader as we go through the pages. Her idea of becoming a baker is executed with some amount of panache, which is just right, because Cathy is not flashy at all. She is simple, a homemaker who got a raw deal and is now learning to be independent using the limited but talented skills she has. Which woman cannot identify with such a heroine? Add in, the dilemma of falling for the wrong man, not once but twice! And you have a story that is full of pathos, drama and a fair bit of mystery too. Deft touch that, Devika! Michael’s gardener-artist turn is fairly believable mostly because of the easygoing manner in which he has been portrayed. As his instant attraction to the delicate Cathy. And the supporting cast of characters, (including the aforementioned villain) have been sketched out well too. If the pace of the story lags a bit in the middle, for lack of passionate interludes, it is because I am used to reading romance of a different kind. Fast-paced, filled with physical gratification and high-voltage drama. The end, when it came, was devoured by me because the story does pick up once the author really gets into the skin of her characters. “When I See Your Face” is a love story. Period. Old-fashioned, filled with truisms that resonate in my heart even now, and the vivid descriptions of flowers, foliage, nature and gardening had me concluding that the writer knows her flowers and is in love with them. It shows. Read it on a lazy summer-afternoon when you need sweet, dreamy thoughts and an ending that can only be described as a new-beginning! Recommended to all fans of sweet-romance!
Clean romance, so be warned! The title fits the story exquisitely - the story is, in fact, about a woman who runs from an abusive husband straight into a man who looks just like abusive husband. The issue of abuse is handled sensitively; the way Cathy rises from the ashes of her battered life is realistically portrayed. Aunty Grindle is an unbelievable character; she could have been drawn straight from the neighborhood of a village in Punjab, India, where warm, generous women will make it their business to do-good! Only one thing disappointed me - the fact that Devika did not share the recipe of Cathy's delicious carrot cake with us, her readers!
This is my first book which I read my a Sri Lankan author and I was so impressed with Devika's imagination and the way she have mastered the story with pain and happiness and it makes the reader glued to the story till the end. To me this was not just a story, but bitter reality in words which exist around us, unseen and unheard and Cathy becomes an innocent victim who bravely reaches out for her own freedom and unexpectedly find love.....
I was really touched by the story and how beautifully it captures the heart of the reader and as a Sri Lankan I'm proud of this amazingly talented author and will read all her books which she has lined up.
When I See Your Face is a well written good story that draws one in right from the start. Cathy is a young woman who has been married to an abusive selfish husband, Mark Nolan. One day she finally finds the courage to pack her suitcase and leaves. She ends up in a remote small friendly village where everyone still has time for one another. Cathy is trying to pick up the pieces of her wounded soul, but alas she soon runs into a man who is the spitting image of her ex-husband! However inside artistic and kind Michael is the total opposite of Mark and Cathy is trying very hard to ignore her confusing feelings and close her heart not to get hurt again, especially so soon.
What follows is a realistic heart warming story of one woman trying to let go of the past but how can she if the man she is falling for shares the same face as someone she is trying so hard to forget?
This is a very well written story and I loved the detail and description Ms Fernando uses to make us feel we're there with Cathy. This is not just a simple romance, girl meets boy story where you can guess what is going to happen next, but an intriguing well told story with suspense that makes you want to read on. A lot of women, I think, can relate to Cathy and this story goes beyond the physical attraction and is actually very romantic and sensual and works with deeper issues such as letting go of the past, being independent and trying to trust again to be able to love.
I especially loved this line: “Don’t hate when you can love instead.” This is so true, even though sometimes it takes a lot of courage to do so if all you've ever received and known was hate.
Well done, Ms Fernando! I will be looking out for more books by this author.
I received a free copy for review purposes. Review by Natasja Hellenthal, author of 'Call Off The Search'
The story starts on a sad note but the change that is happening glues you to the book. The author has written the story with a lot of reality thrown in; It is a romance novel but has all the elements of a true story.
It speaks of courage, resilience and how we can overcome any negatives in our life with a little faith & a lot of hard work. What I really liked is the positive tone of the book, it is a central theme and helps keep the main characters working towards their goals.
The premise of the book is intriguing enough with Cathy getting more and more involved with a guy who looks surprisingly similar to his abusive husband Mark Nolan. The real twist is why the new guy Micheal Newland is so similar yet so different from her husband. How all three of them are connected yet apart, unaware yet affected.
Devika has managed to spin and interesting story without resorting to the usual doze of commercial must haves. It only makes the book a good example of the sweet side of love, reminding me that true love is patient and giving. The story moves on its own steam and after a few chapters you start to wait for the next connection and the next step in the relationship.
She has triumphed in her description of the sweet yet innocent Cathy as well as the caring yet cautious Michael. You can almost feel that you have met them somewhere.
Read the story of Cathy to admire the strength of a woman and the love of a man. Love truly is the catalyst in this story; reminding me of the M&B’s of the good old days.
Buy your copy now to applaud the resilient yet innocent Cathy.
This is Devika Fernando’s debut novel. Considering that, I must say it’s simple awesome. I loved the village background, the descriptions of the place and the atmosphere.
The characters are very well drawn. While Cathy is petrified of her soon-to-be ex-husband, that does not stop her from creating a niche for herself and getting on with her life.
Mark has been drawn out to be an excellent bad character. Well-etched!
I liked Michael best of all. He’s perfect hero material - a guy who has chosen to give up his rich business life to lead a quiet one in a village amidst nature and preferring a creative life to his prestigious one in the city. This character is superbly developed.
The storyline is beautiful and very well written. The cover is perfectly suited for the book and so is the title. I enjoyed reading this one by Devika Fernando. Looking forward to reading more from the author!
There are a couple of things I would have liked to see in this book though. I have travelled to almost all over the globe through books. There is no name mentioned of the city or village where Cathy is put up, not even a country. She takes a bus to another town with no name. I really missed that. It would have helped better visualise the setting.
When Cathy narrates her life story to Michael, it would have been nice if we could have seen the scenes instead of a list of occurrences. Anyway, this is just my opinion and it does not in any way deter one from the read, which is very good.
Congratulations Devika Fernando, way to go!
Disclaimer: I received this book in the form of PDF from the author in return for my honest review.
Many romance stories focus exclusively on the physical aspects of attraction, but in When I See Your Face, the greatest obstacle in Cathy’s unexpected romance is his face, and who it reminds her of. Escaping the controlling, abusive hand of her husband, she takes solace in a small village outside the city and soon runs into a man who looks identical to the one she was trying to escape. The more she gets to know this man, the more traits she finds that her husband never had: artistic, compassionate, generous. He makes her feel special and appreciated, but how can she start a new life when the face she wants to kiss brings back so many painful memories? This is a question I enjoyed watching Cathy explore and battle throughout the course of the book.
When I See Your Face is a short read with a quick pace, packed with sudden emotion. A contemporary romance that isn’t obsessed with superficiality or white stallions with six-packs, but one woman's journey to find herself and learn to love again.
"When I see your face" is a true romance, this is a short story, which will leave you wanting more.
I want more, This story is filled with romance, pure clean true romance. i was expecting more in climax, maybe some drama but i was wrong the end ended as it shown be, just perfect.
"why wouldn't you have thought so? Don't I look like an artist?" "no, you don't" "Then what do i look like? A gardener?" "You look like some one i know"
Cathy ran away from her past, in a present where nothing is left of her but only to collect her self, discover herself as she gave her everything to a man, her husband, who was not worth it. Just when she was living her present, "bang" comes the man who has the same face as her husband, what will happen of her, will her life going to end the same way as before, or she will find her true love, but how, when her past keep appearing in front of her.
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I really enjoyed this book and the half book that was added as a bonus. Cathy has left her abusive husband and run away to a small village only to find another man there who looks remarkably like her abusive husband. She hates her husband but has found herself falling for the stranger that looks like him, from here the mystery deepens and readers are in for a romance with suspense and mystery. I really enjoyed this author's writing style making this a fun easy to read tale that was also compelling. Great job!
‘When I see your face’ is like a breath of fresh morning spring air. The romance and chemistry between the two protagonists is sweet, innocent and extremely touching.
Devika Fernando has woven the magic of words as if a movie is playing, with fantastic scenery at the background. I finished the book and wanted more. An entertainer and a must read.
Sweet story about finding love again after being hurt very badly. I loved the way the town and scenery were depicted. Would recommend this book to anyone who loves to read romance novels.
There are some books which evoke a sense of nostalgia, passion and love, of raindrops and balmy breezes, of light predicaments and romantic trysts! ‘When I See Your Face’ is one of those. It is the story of Cathy, who resolves to start life over, “without a husband who didn’t love her and whom she had grown to fear and avoid, if not hate.” Mark is the scheming charmer who treats her like a possession, and thinks it is his right to abuse her, whenever he is drunk. She falls in love with the picturesque little village that gives her sanctuary, as also with the intrepid Mrs. Grindle, who is like a ray of sunshine, wanting to mother and feed the young girl who has suffered so much. When she meets a stranger, Michael, who is the spitting image of her husband, Mark, her heart skips a beat in panic. The story twists and turns in most interesting ways, keeping the reader wondering as Cathy tries to come to terms with new relationships, which make her feel happy and secure. She concentrates on her own talents, so that she can make a living, all the while overwhelmed by feelings she has never felt before. One evocative line talks of how “hope was starting to grow inside her, a timid, light green shoot reaching a slim arm out of the soil and into the sunlight”. What happens when Mark and Michael come face to face? What are the conflicts that have marred Michael’s past, and threaten to undermine his present as well? Has Cathy made an error in judgment all over again? Numerous questions tickle the mind of the readers, as events meander by. Devika has a real flair for choosing the right words and phrases to embellish the romance in her story. Never ever is there a moment when the reader feels disappointed in her style, for it remains consistently beautiful and easy to read. There is an innocence in the narrative that tugs at one’s heartstrings, and an old world charm that is missing in most modern books. It is also a story of progression, as Cathy grows stronger as a person, losing her vulnerability and low self esteem, as she finds herself able to live an independent and fulfilling life. The cover picture is perfect, as it reveals the serenity and the deep love between the characters. If you love romance, do read ‘When I see your Face’! If you enjoy a twist in your tale, stretch your hand out and pick this book up! And finally, if you want to read something that makes you feel warm and happy inside, this is definitely the book for you!
Cathy Nolan is a twenty-seven year old woman living a nightmare. Once she thought she had it all. A handsome husband who was on the fast track to real estate stardom helped her get fancy clothes, expensive jewelry, a monthly allowance deposited directly into her own account and all the niceties she wanted. However, just a few years into their marriage he also gives her slaps across the face, emotional damage and very low self-esteem. Finally she sees that enough is enough, packs her things and leaves him in a drunken stupor one night. With nowhere to go she heads out. Arriving in a small neighborhood almost two hundred miles away Cathy finally thinks she has escaped. She moves into a small cottage that is owned by a sweet old lady who wants Cathy to call her Aunt Grindle. On a routine trip to the local grocery store Cathy meets a young man but is scared to death. She thinks it is her husband. Michael Newland used to have a job in the city but got tired of it. He moved to this little town and became the local gardener and handyman for the townsfolk. He was well known and liked … but he had a secret. These two people who are trying so hard to put the past behind them meet in the most unusual way … That’s where I stop before I give too much away. This story hits home with anyone trying to restart their life for whatever reason. There is laughing, there is crying. There are nightmares and there are new memories. I enjoyed this book. It was well written and flowed rather easily. I recommend it to anyone wanting to start fresh.
Enough was enough! Cathy was married for only a short time but after being physically abused once again she had reached the end. Leaving quickly she had no real idea of what she was going to do but knew she needed to get out. Ending up in a quiet village, she found a place to stay and began to heal. A surprising encounter in the local grocery store threw her for a loop and her strong reaction surprised even herself. Michael looked exactly like her abusive husband but she quickly began to see they were not the same person. Despite her caution, Cathy began to care for him and rely on the support and friendship he gave her. She had friends, a plan and goals; she was… happy. When her past life intruded once again, Cathy was thrown into chaos once more. Would she be able to weather another storm?
I really enjoyed this book. In easy, conversational style, the story seemed to be a retelling of a common tale but the twists and turns brought a fresh spin that kept me reading anxiously to the end. Cathy was insecure and seemed a bit lost but she grew into her own as she faced some setbacks with the help of Michael and her new friend Aunt Grindle. She did not fold at each challenge but kept persevering through it all. Michael was a sensitive and caring hero who, though flawed, was doing what he could to make his life thoughtful, meaningful and positive. I couldn’t help but hope they could work things out. Everyone should have an Aunt Grindle!
A beautiful love story that acknowledges even fairy tale romances have nightmare moments. The title of this clean romance has double meanings.
Cathy Langley couldn't believe her luck when wealthy, charming and oh so handsome Mark Nolan asked her on a date. What made her different from all the others swooning over Mark? Soon after the wedding she finds out and before their second anniversary the Nolans were headed for divorce with Cathy hiding from her once "dream man." Shockingly, she fears Mark has tracked her down and she goes ballistic on a man who,at first, appears identical to her husband.
This is a story about starting over, about learning to trust, and about building strength in one's own self belief. Cathy and the identical stranger named Michael haltingly attempt to build a friendship. He also has had a devastatingly difficult past and is reinventing his future. It makes life many times more difficult to start over with someone who continually makes you think of your past. This applies to all parties in a relationship.
I liked the ending. As a reader I can decide for myself if there will be a HEA ending. I would not mind reading a continuation of their situation. I was pleased that the characters I came to care about grew and continued to work towards their dreams. Some times a meddling friend is good to have.
I’ll try to write an original review, as I saw that a lot of people already shared their opinions and I don’t want to repeat what they said. I started reading “When I See Your Face” after having read some promising excerpts from the book which sounded great. I wasn't sure if the author would manage to make the story compelling considering the fact that the novella is quite brief. Yet it happened very naturally and smoothly: I felt like a spectator who observed the characters from a short distance. I saw Cathy finally finding the strength to leave her abusive husband and eventually starting a new life elsewhere. I saw her baffled when she met her husband’s clone. I also saw her confused because of what feelings that stranger awoke in her! And I could visualize the rest of the story unfolding and leading to the inevitable happy ending that I was waiting for. But I also had some pleasant surprises on the way! This sweet little story is about learning from our mistakes and about moving on. It’s about not losing hope and believing in ourselves and our dreams. And it’s also about seeing people for what they are and not how they look like. It is neatly written and can also be a very enjoyable read for the young, as it has no coarse language or explicit scenes.
*I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review*
This was a charming novella that was easy to read and touched the reader. Cathy was a great character to relate to and feel for. Escaping from her abusive husband and starting over is something we can all imagine doing if we found ourselves in her situation. She finds a quaint village to live in and meets Michael, a man who looks just like her soon to be ex husband.
As someone who has lived the experience of leaving an abusive husband, I can only imagine if I saw him a few days after I left. I don't know how I could even react now and it's been 4 years! Cathy handled it about as expected, but then learns the man she screamed at his not her husband!
Michael does seem a little to good to be true at first. He seems to say all the right things to make Cathy look over the fact that he looks like her ex husband. This bothered me a little, but it turns out Michael isn't perfect, so I liked the fact the author didn't make him perfect. That fact made this whole story seem more realistic.
If your looking for a quick romance read that will leave you with warm fuzzes then you have to read this novella!
This was an innocent, powerful read. The romance was soft and gauzy, the plot tight, and the story delivered a nice twist that I didn`t see coming. Quite an enjoyable read when you`re looking for a sweet love story.
When I See Your Face is Devika Fernando's romance novel. I read "Saved in Srilanka" first as I won a giveaway by the author. I started this book with enough anticipation for a good read, and I must say am not disappointed at all. I loved reading every alphabet of the book, to cut the long story short. Devika Fernando has the best style of writing romance and the way she writes make us all fall in love with the novel.
The story is about a woman falling in love for the second time with another person having gone through a hard hitting past. The story yet again proves the capability of pain and love, and a burning passion that will outlive everything else. It is more of a 'chick-lit' & 'Romance' Genre.
First Impression: I was not happy with the cover, I thought the cover speaks nothing of what's inside the story. The cover and title are not as catchy as the story is, which makes the novel not pick worthy if found in a store. Luckily, it is Kindle publishing, and I know the pulse of Devika as I read one other novel. I just wish she ensures to present a good cover next time.
Overall Impression: Am amazed totally and awe-struck with the minute and tiny little microscopic writing that just brings out sheer love from within. A woman in love would enjoy this book more. Utterly cute and lovely.
My review: The book is sweeter than one can ever explain. It is a woman's world in short, the descriptions and details are totally close to my heart. Hand-picked words that serve the purpose, I marked the beautiful sentences I crossed to read it all again. Few phrases where Cathy flinches at the touch of his hand, the way she feels when Mark stands close, the way she sits on the couch and every other detail is written right from the heart. I lived Cathy's life, and I loved to see myself as Cathy at the back of my mind. I have not read any other book that details the warmth and delicacy of a kiss so well and genuinely. Devika does it at ease; she is worth a million bucks for this work.
What did I love about the book? The microscopic details of Cathy's feelings. The success of a woman who went through hell and were ready to face the world. The sternness that a woman would portray when all she wants is to prove to the world.
Ratings: 4.5/5
Wow Factor: 1) The simple story and strength of emotions handles. 2) Vocabulary - The best words that fulfill the puzzle all at once
Frown Factor: 1) The cover 2) I missed the aunt in the end who played a major role - nevertheless, that's what I felt and has nothing to do with the story.
My opinion: Woman's world - read this book and you'll find yourself in Devika's world. You see your face in the book. Never miss this lovely book, I promise soul-stirring feel throughout the book. The book will make you feel the way you would when a newborn holds your finger tight.
Thoughts: Would love to see paperbacks and full-fledged novels from Devika.
To the author: I will read all your novels diligently, and I bow literally.
Cathy is running from her abusive husband and seeks refuge in a remote village but is shocked to see a man who looks just like her husband. She is suspicious if he is her husband feigning to be someone else or a stranger who just shares the same face as her abusive ex. How will Cathy handle this new twist? Can she start her life again away from abuse and heartbreak?
When I see your Face is Devika Fernando's debut book. I was attracted towards the story when I first heard about the book sometime back and had been meaning to read it ever since. A scarred woman, an abusive husband and his look alike who is worlds apart in nature from him made me want to read the book. I had read a similar plot line book by Miranda Lee called "The Fugitive Bride" and had loved it.
While Devika's When I see your Face initially looked similar to Miranda's book but it is a completely different story. The plot is well conceived and executed. The Blurb is interesting and catches the readers' interest. The cover is average and I did feel that it could have been made more captivating.
The story is medium paced and the author sketches beautiful settings of a remote village without giving away the exact location so that the readers are able to connect the place to any place that they know without confining the surroundings to a particular geography. I loved this idea because it made me feel more connected to the story.
The characters of the village like Aunt Grindle are simple, hardworking people who know each other, support each other and I would love to meet them someday. Cathy and Michael are both grappling with their painful past and trying to build a new life for themselves. Their frustrations, fears and uncertainties of their feelings for each other are well brought out by the author. Cathy's abusive husband, Mark is a character who inspires hate and despite his God like good looks manages to make you feel like hitting him hard.
Devika has a simple yet powerful talent to string together words to form a story that is rich in settings, characterization and a story that feels real and touches your heart.
I was hooked in the book right from the start and could not keep the book down until I had read it. A heart touching romance that affected me deeply and made me root for Cathy and Michael. When I see your Face is a book that can be read and will be enjoyed by everyone. A clean romance, I give When I see your Face 4 out of 5 and strongly recommend that you read the book. I look forward to reading more from Devika in the future.
This is an honest review written by a romance suspense writer. I dare say that in this capacity I have a good ability to judge a romance suspense novel. I find this book to be exquisite. Without wanting to divulge the plot, I will analyze Devika’s numerous and potent talents. Her writing is smooth and it flows easily like a gentle stream. In the beginning of the book and in an indirect and oblique way she fills the reader with suspense. The same holds true very strongly till the middle of the book. And indeed the lurking danger appeared and scared me to death. She further has an excellent ability to vividly paint a slowly building flirting relationship as it pertains to herself and to the other side too. During this flirting she strongly describes how her inner feelings are torn apart. I don’t know, during all this flirting I felt as if I was actually in Cathy’s psyche. Again, around the middle of the book Devika takes the reader by total surprise. A shock about her lover devastates the reader in a clever twist. The end is awesome. Romantic and sensitive people will definitely cry, I don’t know about the others. Her writing skills are further honed by a plethora of “show, not tell” use, like when she refers to Cathy’s heart beats as they relate to her emotional upbeats during flirting. An excellent book that will pleasantly overwhelm the reader. Dimitri Sarantis Author When I see your Face
Cathy finds the courage to walk away from her abusive husband, Mark. She relocates in a small village in the middle of nowhere where she is befriended by a kind, elderly woman who insists Cathy call her Aunt Grindle.
But the big shock in Cathy's new life is when she runs into a man named Michael, who looks just like her ex-husband! Michael convinces her that he is not her ex and Cathy, although guarded, starts spending time with Michael to get to know him. She learns quickly that his character is nothing like her ex-husband and finds herself completely drawn to him. Little by little, her walls begin to come down and she finally gives way to the relationship that is developing and moves in with Michael.
All is well until Mark, her ex-husband, shows up on Michael's doorstep.
Does Michael actually know Mark after all? Did Mark deceive Cathy, and if so why? Will Cathy end up with Mark or Michael or will she move on?
I enjoyed this sweet love story and how it plays out for Cathy. I was a little confused with Michael's personality at times, but the story is great and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good love story.
# “When I See Your Face” by Devika Fernando is a very nicely written sweet & short love story.
# I am very much impressed by Author’s imagination of keeping pain & happiness at the same time and mastered it with min words having maximum meaning , makes the reader glued to the story.
# It’s a Romantic story of a girl “Cathy” who is abused by her husband “Mark” and ran away from him. Reaching at the place far away from where she belong ,find a person “Michael” who is doppelganger of her husband & fall in love with him.
# Language used by Author is very breezy , expressive & poetic.
# I really enjoy stories with all happy ending & this is the one them.
# Recommended to all who love to read romantic novels.
What are the odds of a husband having a doppelgänger? This cute story is about a woman who runs away from her prestigious yet abusive husband, and sets out to live her own life. She immediately takes the bus into a village and meets some nice people but there is a surprise waiting for her. I enjoyed the story but I feel it could have been longer with better details, like the name of the villages.
You sit down with a cup of coffee and yearn for a light read of love and second chances and alternative explanations to things that hurt. Out comes Devika's book to sail you through. She doesn't try to purposefully inject steam, agony or twists for the sake of spice. That perhaps is the most refreshing aspect of her writing.