No Wings To Fly

by Jess Foley

If you like Catherine Cookson, Dilly Court and Katie Flynn, then you will love this breath-taking saga of one of love, passion, betrayal, tragedy and longing by much loved author Jess Foley. This unmissable and unputdownable saga is one you will never forget...'Compulsive and well-paced' -- Wiltshire Times'A gripping saga... What makes this particular novel such compelling reading is its expertly researched background... The author writes with exuberance and style, and the central characters are totally convincing.' -- Northampton Chronicle & Echo'A stunning read' -- ***** Reader review'Excellent read - I couldn't put in down' -- ***** Reader review'This book is really it's sad, exciting, tragic - you have it all in this book' -- ***** Reader review*******************************************************************ONE WOMAN'S STRUGGLE FOR HAPPINESSHaving spent her childhood with a cold, unfeeling stepmother, Lily Clair's life is changed for ever when she is sent as general maid to old friends of her family. When Joel - handsome son of a wealthy entrepreneur - enters her life, their meeting is for Lily, young and vulnerable, a revelation.Riding high on the crest of her new-found happiness she is in no way prepared for the violent attack that comes in the night, or for its devastating, life-changing consequences. But she must live with the consequences as, with a shattered heart, she deals with one hand of fate after another.In her search for happiness, Lily is a woman who will capture your heart and stay with you forever...

624 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2006

Reviews

[Juliana Graham · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'd read the other reviews of this book and thought to myself it can't possibly be as depressing as they suggested - surely every book has a glimmer of hope, a ray of sunshine, a happy - or at least slightly less miserable - ending? Apparently not.

I can honestly say that this is the most miserable book I have ever read. Another talking book so not one I would have necessarily chosen to read but choice is more limited with audio books from the library and I'll try most things. After a relatively positive start with only a wicked step-mother to contend with, it was downhill all the way for poor Lily. Without giving too much away, boy was this girl unlucky!

However, the main problem with the book was the completely unrealistic way in which the main character reacted towards the disasters that befell her seemingly every other chapter. I found myself snorting with laughter after one particularly unpleasant event provoked Lily to say something along the lines of 'we must play the cards we are dealt in this life' when a normal person would at least have had a bit of a cry or a bit of a tantrum or maybe have got just a little bit cross. Another scene that was supposed to be heartbreaking just made me chuckle as it was verging on the ludicrous.

I think that because the main character was so emotionless through the vast majority of the book I found it very hard to feel anything about the tragic events unfolding in this very very long book. I'm not heartless (I don't think...) but never has a tale of death and misery had such little effect on me. Not recommended!

[Courtney · Rating 1 out of 5]

If I could give this book negative stars, I would.

I don't know that I have read a more depressing book, EVER, and that's saying a lot seeing as how I loved the One Last Wish books as a kid- full of stories of terminal kids getting their make-a-wish dream.

The book starts as a typical epic novel, spanning years. You can predict a lot of what's going to happen. But then, in the last third of the book, everything in this poor girl's life goes wrong. Her dad dies, she loses her job, her brother commits suicide in front of her, and the love of her life bails on her to marry someone else. THEN, THEN, THEN (I'm yelling here, because this book made me angry) the son born of rape from the beginning of the book that she was recently reunited with DIES of influenza (or smallpox, or something, I can't remember what now) and then INFECTS her with it. The love of her life returns to say he wants to be with her only to find out that... she's dead.

The end.

SERIOUSLY?

So angry.

[Janice Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a difficult book to rate as the story was very sad and tragic, but I think the reason it had such impact was that it is very well written. With a lesser writer, the storyline could lead to the book being abandoned, but I was gripped to the very end. The characters were believable and the way I identified with the main character has made it a book hard that will be hard to forget.

[Carolanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

It started out allright but got very depressing and with a tragic ending, it disturbed me, I didn't like it

[Cheri Cobb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written book, which is why i give 4 stars. Totally captivating throughout. But as others have shared, the most unexpected and depressing ending. I guess everyone expects a happy uplifting end. But when you think there could be a glimmer of hope you find out no, theres not. I still enjoyed the entire read, and the last quarter just made me really teary and so sad!! Kind of finished the book feeling empty!.
Buut I will say a good read. And after the last tragic event to happen (the worst ever!) I can see why the author ended as she did. She could not have given it a happy ending at all after that unfortunately :,( I cant say I will ever read it again and its too upsetting (especially as a mother) but i have given 4 stars as was well written and im still interestee in reading other novels by this author.

[Ashleigh · Rating 1 out of 5]

Good Lord. One of the most disappointing books I’ve ever read — I’d give it no stars if I could. The book lacks detail and the rich descriptions good books (in my opinion) need, and is just a series of events, almost like a Wikipedia page. The main character is hopelessly dull with no personality, it’s impossible to connect with her. Her dialogue consists of the same 20 phrases and is altogether lacking creativity. I hardly felt sorrow for her despite everything she went though because she’s just so boring. Like many other reviewers have said, the whole narrative is super depressing with no light at the end of the tunnel.

I’m genuinely confused as to why this book has so many good reviews. Don’t waste your money.

[Debra Reedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tragic!

Oh my goodness! This book was just filled with tragedy after tragedy. The book was very well written and I couldn’t stop reading and hoping that the main character Lily would find some kind of happiness. “Terms of Endearment” depressing.

[Kokila · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tragic

Most depressing ever. Couldn't wait for it to end. Didn't expect but felt a bit low and sad after reading.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Depressing

I know the characters are trying to reflect how people behaved in this period, but I found the main characters to be door mats. No backbone. This story was disappointing.

[lindyloo P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

I choose 4 stars because of the ending, too sudden and left me bewildered. I will recommend it to my friend though, until the ending I could not put it down.

[Mrs Maureen Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping story which I found addictive and very emotional at times. Thoroughly recommended.

[Lindsey Trusler · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well written story but so tragic. Horrible ending. Wouldn’t recommend.

[Shahenda · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very depressing novel, all the unfortunate things happen in one short life, and the tragic ending is even more depressing.. I finished the novel in less than a week but didn't feel satisfied only depressed..

[Ria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book, a captivating story that keeps you going from beginning to end.
Very moving at times.
Definitely worth a read.