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Worlds Apart
Two women worlds apart ...
one secret that changes everything.
Erin and Laura are cousins and best friends who share a love of languages and travel.
Erin, a French teacher in Dublin, reaches crisis point and drops everything to move to Australia. In Sydney, not only does she land the perfect job, but she meets the perfect man. Finally, her life is falling into place. Except Sydney isn't home, and never can be.
Back in Ireland, Laura is struggling. Her husband appears distant, her work life is spinning out of control and her daughter's strange new nanny is undermining her at every turn. She longs to travel in Erin's footsteps, to drop everything and run far away. But these are dangerous thoughts for a mother and wife.
As Erin and Laura desperately try to find their place in the world, a shocking family secret comes to light, and nothing will ever be the same again.
'Ber Carroll has given us a cast of warm, engaging characters in a sparkling story that crosses the globe between Ireland and Australia. I enjoyed every page of this touching, authentic novel.' - Liane Moriarty.
'This novel is a wonderful full-bodied read. Ber Carroll has a clever eye for characterisation and story.' - Cathy Kelly
'With all the humour and empathy of Binchy ... Carroll captures the conflicts and compromises women make.' - Daily Telegraph
one secret that changes everything.
Erin and Laura are cousins and best friends who share a love of languages and travel.
Erin, a French teacher in Dublin, reaches crisis point and drops everything to move to Australia. In Sydney, not only does she land the perfect job, but she meets the perfect man. Finally, her life is falling into place. Except Sydney isn't home, and never can be.
Back in Ireland, Laura is struggling. Her husband appears distant, her work life is spinning out of control and her daughter's strange new nanny is undermining her at every turn. She longs to travel in Erin's footsteps, to drop everything and run far away. But these are dangerous thoughts for a mother and wife.
As Erin and Laura desperately try to find their place in the world, a shocking family secret comes to light, and nothing will ever be the same again.
'Ber Carroll has given us a cast of warm, engaging characters in a sparkling story that crosses the globe between Ireland and Australia. I enjoyed every page of this touching, authentic novel.' - Liane Moriarty.
'This novel is a wonderful full-bodied read. Ber Carroll has a clever eye for characterisation and story.' - Cathy Kelly
'With all the humour and empathy of Binchy ... Carroll captures the conflicts and compromises women make.' - Daily Telegraph
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 14, 2014
40 people are currently reading
808 people want to read
About the author
Ber Carroll
9 books66 followersBer Carroll (also known as B.M. Carroll.) was born in Blarney, a small but rather famous village in Ireland. The third child of six, she often retreated from the chaos of family life by immersing herself in books.
Ber moved to Sydney in 1995 and began to climb the corporate ladder. Her dynamic work environment captured her imagination and inspired her first novel. Ber is now the author of twelve novels, which never fails to surprise her. In recent years, her writing has become darker and more twisted (reflecting her state of mind!). Her most recent novels are: The Missing Pieces of Sophie McCarthy (2018), Who We Were (2020), You Had It Coming (2021), The Other Side of Her (2023) and One of Us Is Missing (2024).
Ber gave up her finance career when she realised that she couldn’t hold down a demanding job, be mum to two small children and write books to contractual deadline. She lives in Sydney's Northern Beaches with her husband, children (who are adults now) and PJ, the family dog.
You can find out more about Ber by visiting her website or by checking out her Facebook page (@bercarrollbmcarroll) or Instagram (@bmcarrollauthor).
Ber moved to Sydney in 1995 and began to climb the corporate ladder. Her dynamic work environment captured her imagination and inspired her first novel. Ber is now the author of twelve novels, which never fails to surprise her. In recent years, her writing has become darker and more twisted (reflecting her state of mind!). Her most recent novels are: The Missing Pieces of Sophie McCarthy (2018), Who We Were (2020), You Had It Coming (2021), The Other Side of Her (2023) and One of Us Is Missing (2024).
Ber gave up her finance career when she realised that she couldn’t hold down a demanding job, be mum to two small children and write books to contractual deadline. She lives in Sydney's Northern Beaches with her husband, children (who are adults now) and PJ, the family dog.
You can find out more about Ber by visiting her website or by checking out her Facebook page (@bercarrollbmcarroll) or Instagram (@bmcarrollauthor).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
September 8, 2025
My third Ber Carroll book, another gem. Split between Dublin and Sydney and alternating narrators in cousins Erin and Laura living their separate lives with difficulties, family matters and work ones. Erin needed to get away for a break from caring for her Alzheimer affected mum and leaves her job teaching French at a high school to move to Sydney for a year's break. When a family bombshell hits, both are affected.
A sprawling family opus that delivers throughout with a satisfying ending. Library ebook, 4 stars.
A sprawling family opus that delivers throughout with a satisfying ending. Library ebook, 4 stars.
August 15, 2014
Worlds Apart is an intriguing story about two cousins, the complexity and drama of family relationships, and the buried secrets that come to the surface and changes their lives.
Author Ber Carroll weaves a fascinating tale that transports the reader between Dublin, Ireland and Sydney, Australia, as the reader follows the alternating life stories of two cousins: Erin Donovan and Laura Torres. This is an intriguing story that delves into the complexities and drama of the cousins' lives and family relationships wrought with trials and tribulations, drama and buried family secrets. A world apart, the reader gets drawn into Erin and Laura's story, as they both face challenges in their lives with tension, drama, and an unexpected touch of mystery thrown into the mix. The author does a great job of drawing the reader into the story by alternating between the lives of both cousins, while adding in surprising twists and turns, and intertwining the complex dynamic of the family's past and present that swirls with mystery and secrets.
The author takes the reader on a wonderful journey that is filled with an interesting cast of characters and enough drama, tension, and even a touch of romance, that easily keeps them turning the pages and wondering what will become of the cousins lives and their family's relationships when the buried secrets come to the surface. You can't help but get drawn in as the cousins learn to deal with the challenges, choices, disappointments, and successes of everyday life, and how they overcome them in order to find a happy medium in their lives.
I loved the author's rich description of the alternating settings of Dublin and Sydney. It feels like you are transported to these cities where you get to vicariously experience the sights and sounds and landmarks, it makes you want to visit them.
If you love to read stories about complex and dramatic family relationships interwoven with everyday life experiences, then Worlds Apart is a must read.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Author Ber Carroll weaves a fascinating tale that transports the reader between Dublin, Ireland and Sydney, Australia, as the reader follows the alternating life stories of two cousins: Erin Donovan and Laura Torres. This is an intriguing story that delves into the complexities and drama of the cousins' lives and family relationships wrought with trials and tribulations, drama and buried family secrets. A world apart, the reader gets drawn into Erin and Laura's story, as they both face challenges in their lives with tension, drama, and an unexpected touch of mystery thrown into the mix. The author does a great job of drawing the reader into the story by alternating between the lives of both cousins, while adding in surprising twists and turns, and intertwining the complex dynamic of the family's past and present that swirls with mystery and secrets.
The author takes the reader on a wonderful journey that is filled with an interesting cast of characters and enough drama, tension, and even a touch of romance, that easily keeps them turning the pages and wondering what will become of the cousins lives and their family's relationships when the buried secrets come to the surface. You can't help but get drawn in as the cousins learn to deal with the challenges, choices, disappointments, and successes of everyday life, and how they overcome them in order to find a happy medium in their lives.
I loved the author's rich description of the alternating settings of Dublin and Sydney. It feels like you are transported to these cities where you get to vicariously experience the sights and sounds and landmarks, it makes you want to visit them.
If you love to read stories about complex and dramatic family relationships interwoven with everyday life experiences, then Worlds Apart is a must read.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
November 29, 2014
~~I received this in exchange for an honest review~~
This was a book about learning what makes you the most happy in life, and finding out if you want what you are familiar with. This is the first book that I have read by Ber, and it isn't going to be the last. It is a nice change of pace to read something that has nothing to do about sex. This book is more the journey to happiness and making sure that you know who you are and where you come from. Now, this book does have a twist to it, one that I didn't see coming at all. Ber describes the scenery very well, so well, that I saw where Erin was at, and what it looked like.
I am glad that I read this book, and I can't wait until I read more of Ber's work!
This was a book about learning what makes you the most happy in life, and finding out if you want what you are familiar with. This is the first book that I have read by Ber, and it isn't going to be the last. It is a nice change of pace to read something that has nothing to do about sex. This book is more the journey to happiness and making sure that you know who you are and where you come from. Now, this book does have a twist to it, one that I didn't see coming at all. Ber describes the scenery very well, so well, that I saw where Erin was at, and what it looked like.
I am glad that I read this book, and I can't wait until I read more of Ber's work!
March 8, 2019
DNF at 10% - I'm supposed to read this for a new book club I've joined. But I just can't put myself through it. I have so many books I want to read, why bother begrudgingly going through one I don't?
August 11, 2014
Cousins Laura and Erin have a close relationship and there to give encouragement to each other, family, and friends as needed. Erin’s mother Moira has Alzheimer disease that causes Erin to have panic attacks when her mother has episodes. Erin has panic attacks when presented with any stressful situation that prompts Laura to convince Erin to take a trip abroad for a year to experience a different atmosphere and calmer surroundings.
Laura takes on the responsibility of Moira while running her household, working, and hiring a babysitter to care for her daughter Olivia who seems not to work out in the long run along with her husband constantly traveling for business.
While Erin is abroad and Laura takes over the care of Moira, Laura learns of different family secrets that Moira has kept for many years but one in particular that affects Laura, Erin, and the family as a whole.
Worlds Apart starts slow but picks up midway in the book revealing more of the interesting storyline to its audience. All families have some sort of secret not shared in the past but brought to the forefront in the present. You will enjoy reading about this family secret that unwittingly is uncovered through a person who has an illness and is recommended to readers of drama and family relationships.
I received this book free through CLP Blog Tours in exchange for an unbiased opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission guidelines.
Laura takes on the responsibility of Moira while running her household, working, and hiring a babysitter to care for her daughter Olivia who seems not to work out in the long run along with her husband constantly traveling for business.
While Erin is abroad and Laura takes over the care of Moira, Laura learns of different family secrets that Moira has kept for many years but one in particular that affects Laura, Erin, and the family as a whole.
Worlds Apart starts slow but picks up midway in the book revealing more of the interesting storyline to its audience. All families have some sort of secret not shared in the past but brought to the forefront in the present. You will enjoy reading about this family secret that unwittingly is uncovered through a person who has an illness and is recommended to readers of drama and family relationships.
I received this book free through CLP Blog Tours in exchange for an unbiased opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission guidelines.
July 18, 2020
I like Ber Carroll’s books. They are easy to read and embrace all family issues with the added bonus of being set between Australia and Ireland.
November 13, 2019
I read Worlds Apart as part of a Big Read through Wellington City Libraries. This book was work because I didn’t really like the main characters: they were entitled, patronising, demanding, and judgemental. The storyline was predictable and wasn’t surprised by the twist - just how the characters responded. When Erin finds out her biological mother is actually her aunt, she acts like the woman who raised her, loved her, saved her life, and treated her as a precious daughter isn’t her “mother” anymore? She also acts like now that she’s not as biologically tied to her, she doesn’t feel responsible for caring for her during her declining years and Alzheimer’s diagnosis. This is just cruel. There were also several dangerous myths about Alzheimer’s that were included that I found problematic. Erin acted like because she became a anxiety ridden hypochondriac after her Mother’s diagnosis, her distant aunt should have told her the secret of her biological parentage. I also found it completely unbelievable that Erin felt like an outsider her whole life and it’s completely explained away with the fact that her biological father is of French-Italian lineage?
Laura is a complete control freak who spends more time day dreaming about things than doing the things she claims she doesn’t have time to do. She says she’s overwhelmed but then will stay up until the wee hours cleaning the kitchen or vacuuming instead of just hiring someone to do it. She’s an uncommunicative bitch to her husband and her nanny. And she is not in touch with what her daughter actually likes, because their interactions revolve around her own needs as the mother.
There was plenty of other problematic issues for me in this book, but I’m not wasting anymore time on it. Of course, the world flips so that everyone else changes to predictably suit Erin and Laura’s needs and expectations so that they don’t have to actually change. Happily ever after.... 🙄
Now I’m off to find something good to read.
Laura is a complete control freak who spends more time day dreaming about things than doing the things she claims she doesn’t have time to do. She says she’s overwhelmed but then will stay up until the wee hours cleaning the kitchen or vacuuming instead of just hiring someone to do it. She’s an uncommunicative bitch to her husband and her nanny. And she is not in touch with what her daughter actually likes, because their interactions revolve around her own needs as the mother.
There was plenty of other problematic issues for me in this book, but I’m not wasting anymore time on it. Of course, the world flips so that everyone else changes to predictably suit Erin and Laura’s needs and expectations so that they don’t have to actually change. Happily ever after.... 🙄
Now I’m off to find something good to read.
August 16, 2014
Worlds Apart captivated me from the first page. Written from the perspectives of cousins Erin and Laura, the girls are struggling to find their place in life.
When Erin begins to crumble under the pressure of what ‘could have been’. What if her mother and father hadn’t fallen ill, and she hadn’t spent the last decade putting her life on hold? She takes a leap of faith, moving to Australia in the hope of finding where she is supposed to be in life. Laura, who loves her company and her little family, is surprised and ashamed to feel desperate to escape too. Overwhelmed by the hectic demands of busy life, her relationships start to suffer and she struggles to find balance and happiness.
Their stories are told in parallel, Erin in Australia and Laura in Ireland. Both women share a love of languages that influences their actions throughout the book; in many ways, their lives echo that of their mothers, who once escaped Ireland to live in the glamour of Paris, but are now both back in Ireland and have an intense impact on the girls. Herself a transplant from Ireland to Australia, Carroll captures the essence my home perfectly. I love it when Australia makes an appearance in a novel!
Beautifully written, Worlds Apart is a captivating novel; the characters are brought to life and immediately the reader feels a connection with them. As their stories unfold, and more of their past is brought to life, we see the girls make decisions that will shape the rest of their lives – I felt a kinship with both of them, myself being unsure of exactly what it is that I should be doing with my life! It was reassuring to read about these two women, after some heartache, working it out.
I would definitely recommend this book to those looking for a more mature version of chick lit; a bit deeper, a little longer, and a tad more thoughtful.
When Erin begins to crumble under the pressure of what ‘could have been’. What if her mother and father hadn’t fallen ill, and she hadn’t spent the last decade putting her life on hold? She takes a leap of faith, moving to Australia in the hope of finding where she is supposed to be in life. Laura, who loves her company and her little family, is surprised and ashamed to feel desperate to escape too. Overwhelmed by the hectic demands of busy life, her relationships start to suffer and she struggles to find balance and happiness.
Their stories are told in parallel, Erin in Australia and Laura in Ireland. Both women share a love of languages that influences their actions throughout the book; in many ways, their lives echo that of their mothers, who once escaped Ireland to live in the glamour of Paris, but are now both back in Ireland and have an intense impact on the girls. Herself a transplant from Ireland to Australia, Carroll captures the essence my home perfectly. I love it when Australia makes an appearance in a novel!
Beautifully written, Worlds Apart is a captivating novel; the characters are brought to life and immediately the reader feels a connection with them. As their stories unfold, and more of their past is brought to life, we see the girls make decisions that will shape the rest of their lives – I felt a kinship with both of them, myself being unsure of exactly what it is that I should be doing with my life! It was reassuring to read about these two women, after some heartache, working it out.
I would definitely recommend this book to those looking for a more mature version of chick lit; a bit deeper, a little longer, and a tad more thoughtful.
June 16, 2014
I was lucky enough to read Worlds Apart as part of a Goodreads Giveaway so a big thanks to Ber Carroll and Killard Publishing. This, however, only influenced this review in that I took small notes throughout my read to provide a more thorough description of my experience.
This book was a very easy read, comfortable and cosy for a winter's day. It was similar to a Monica McInerney book and readers of hers will enjoy this novel. I loved the characters but moreso I loved the settings - my home country of Australia and Paris and Dublin where I honeymooned star in this novel. I agree with and completely relate to the quote on the back of the book from the Daily Telegraph where it notes that the author 'captures the conflicts and compromises women make'.
I related to the character Erin more as a person but my situation more closely mirrors that of Laura so I was drawn to the two female protagonists equally. I enjoyed the supporting cast too, particularly Fizz and Kasia. The unravelling mystery is great in a book of this gentle nature - it's not all encompassing where you end up shocked for the next two chapters and don't take anything in, but it's sufficient to affect all the characters and change the dynamic nicely.
Something unusual about this book was strangely enough, not inside it! The cover has a waxy feel which is both lovely and off-putting at the same time; a bit like a yum-yuck dish you get served in a restaurant where you don't think you like it but you can't stop eating it anyway. Otherwise, I actually quite liked the cover art and I guiltily admit to often judging books by their covers.
This book was a very easy read, comfortable and cosy for a winter's day. It was similar to a Monica McInerney book and readers of hers will enjoy this novel. I loved the characters but moreso I loved the settings - my home country of Australia and Paris and Dublin where I honeymooned star in this novel. I agree with and completely relate to the quote on the back of the book from the Daily Telegraph where it notes that the author 'captures the conflicts and compromises women make'.
I related to the character Erin more as a person but my situation more closely mirrors that of Laura so I was drawn to the two female protagonists equally. I enjoyed the supporting cast too, particularly Fizz and Kasia. The unravelling mystery is great in a book of this gentle nature - it's not all encompassing where you end up shocked for the next two chapters and don't take anything in, but it's sufficient to affect all the characters and change the dynamic nicely.
Something unusual about this book was strangely enough, not inside it! The cover has a waxy feel which is both lovely and off-putting at the same time; a bit like a yum-yuck dish you get served in a restaurant where you don't think you like it but you can't stop eating it anyway. Otherwise, I actually quite liked the cover art and I guiltily admit to often judging books by their covers.
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August 14, 2014I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review on my blog. The full version of this review can be found at this link: http://writerinawheelchair.co.uk/2014...
I love books set in Ireland (and I’d love to go on a proper visit there). I love books with secrets. And I really loved my time in Austrailia when I was a teenager and would love to go back again so this was a win all round for me. I’ve visited some of the places Erin goes to in Sydney so it was cool to read about them and brought back some treasured memories. Especially as I’d completely forgotten about one of the places until it was mentioned in the book.
World’s Apart is really well written. I’d never heard of Ber Carroll before joining her blog tour. But I’m very keen to read more of her books and I feel at least one more will be finding it’s way onto my Kindle very, very soon.
I love books set in Ireland (and I’d love to go on a proper visit there). I love books with secrets. And I really loved my time in Austrailia when I was a teenager and would love to go back again so this was a win all round for me. I’ve visited some of the places Erin goes to in Sydney so it was cool to read about them and brought back some treasured memories. Especially as I’d completely forgotten about one of the places until it was mentioned in the book.
World’s Apart is really well written. I’d never heard of Ber Carroll before joining her blog tour. But I’m very keen to read more of her books and I feel at least one more will be finding it’s way onto my Kindle very, very soon.
September 25, 2016
3.5 stars
I've always loved Ber Carroll novels and it would be untrue to say anything had changed for this one. I read it because I noticed my library was doing an "All Read" challenge and figured it would be good to join in. Knowing that typically her novels are easy to read with likeable characters, often set in Australia and/or Ireland I thought it would make for an entertaining way to pass some hours on the long flight home. I was right. Whilst there were some family themes and interesting side stories there was nothing too heavy nor too taxing and yet I enjoyed the story and would still go back for more by this author.
I've always loved Ber Carroll novels and it would be untrue to say anything had changed for this one. I read it because I noticed my library was doing an "All Read" challenge and figured it would be good to join in. Knowing that typically her novels are easy to read with likeable characters, often set in Australia and/or Ireland I thought it would make for an entertaining way to pass some hours on the long flight home. I was right. Whilst there were some family themes and interesting side stories there was nothing too heavy nor too taxing and yet I enjoyed the story and would still go back for more by this author.
August 13, 2014
Ber Carroll is on tour now with CLP Blog Tours and Worlds Apart
Ber Carroll is a new author to me, and I love finding new authors to follow! Worlds Apart gives readers a complex story into one family, and I love how the past kept getting twisted into the present plot. The beginning started a little slow for me, but it was easy to get drawn in, especially when tensions start to run high. I’ll be on the lookout for more Ber Carroll books!
Ber Carroll is a new author to me, and I love finding new authors to follow! Worlds Apart gives readers a complex story into one family, and I love how the past kept getting twisted into the present plot. The beginning started a little slow for me, but it was easy to get drawn in, especially when tensions start to run high. I’ll be on the lookout for more Ber Carroll books!
August 30, 2014
This is my first Ber Carroll book and I loved it. Worlds Apart was just what I needed to read, a great book which was easy to read and written in a wonderfully soothing style. After reading the synopsis I knew there was a secret to be revealed, but I forgot about that and instead, I just enjoyed sharing Erin and Laura's story. This was a great find and I will definitely be reading more of Ber Carrol's books.
September 19, 2016
3.5-4*
I really liked this book yet something stopped me giving it a 4* rating ...
Erin's plight to be brave in this world resonated with me. There were enough seperate stories to keep Erin's story interesting for the whole book. I liked the 'sister's' and both of their individual lives. There was, also, a 'good' amount of romance without being over the top.
So - all in all, I would say this novel was 'good!'
I really liked this book yet something stopped me giving it a 4* rating ...
Erin's plight to be brave in this world resonated with me. There were enough seperate stories to keep Erin's story interesting for the whole book. I liked the 'sister's' and both of their individual lives. There was, also, a 'good' amount of romance without being over the top.
So - all in all, I would say this novel was 'good!'
July 22, 2014
I won this book as a Goodreads giveaway. This book held me fron start to finish. I loved the characters involved in the story line and how entwined they all were. It's a touching story of a strong family of women overcoming conflict yet finding a happy medium to their lives. I strongly recommend reading this book. And Ber, thank you for the personal contact prior to getting the book.
May 26, 2014
Welcome back Ber, I loved it and really related to the character of Laura (unfortunately!) Can't wait for the next one.
August 28, 2017
Erin and Laura are cousins and best friends who share a love of languages and travel.
Erin, a French teacher in Dublin, reaches crisis point and drops everything to move to Australia. In Sydney, not only does she land the perfect job, but she meets the perfect man. Finally, her life is falling into place. Except Sydney isn’t home, and never can be.
Back in Ireland, Laura is struggling. Her husband appears distant, her work life is spinning out of control and her daughter’s strange new nanny is undermining her at every turn. She longs to travel in Erin’s footsteps, to drop everything and run far away. But these are dangerous thoughts for a mother and wife.
Erin, a French teacher in Dublin, reaches crisis point and drops everything to move to Australia. In Sydney, not only does she land the perfect job, but she meets the perfect man. Finally, her life is falling into place. Except Sydney isn’t home, and never can be.
Back in Ireland, Laura is struggling. Her husband appears distant, her work life is spinning out of control and her daughter’s strange new nanny is undermining her at every turn. She longs to travel in Erin’s footsteps, to drop everything and run far away. But these are dangerous thoughts for a mother and wife.
March 11, 2024
Easy read
February 10, 2017
An interesting read but a little wordy and syrupy. The surprise twist was interesting, however.
September 29, 2016
I enjoyed this book, the pace was good and the story was interesting.
February 18, 2017
Its ok - not much really happens. Worlds Apart?? It's such a small point right at the very end blink and you miss it. Title is way off base really.
I'll still read the books by this author as her writing style is very easy to read.
I'll still read the books by this author as her writing style is very easy to read.
March 31, 2015
IT took me a little while to get into the Worlds Apart story (possibly because Erin is teaching a French class and I got transported back to my own happy French class memories) but once there, it was hard to leave.
Worlds Apart tells the story of cousins Erin (single, French teacher) and Laura (married, control freak business owner) and a family secret that will change their lives.
Carroll delivers the scorching sensation of Australia’s climate via a first-time Irish visitor and it’s fun to watch Erin not only find love in Sydney, but find the courage to stay true to her new path in life.
But it was Laura that I loved most… watching her anxiety surrounding a nanny who appeared to be undermining her, seeing her marriage strained in that ordinary, yet excruciating way that life can sometimes do. Carroll plucks at your heartstrings with the routine complexities of life.
The mystery running through all this is an old family secret bubbling up courtesy of an ill relative that keeps the story thrumming along nicely.
This is my first Ber Carroll book and definitely an author I plan to read again.
PS Thank you for the signed copy, Ber!
www.petajo.com
Worlds Apart tells the story of cousins Erin (single, French teacher) and Laura (married, control freak business owner) and a family secret that will change their lives.
Carroll delivers the scorching sensation of Australia’s climate via a first-time Irish visitor and it’s fun to watch Erin not only find love in Sydney, but find the courage to stay true to her new path in life.
But it was Laura that I loved most… watching her anxiety surrounding a nanny who appeared to be undermining her, seeing her marriage strained in that ordinary, yet excruciating way that life can sometimes do. Carroll plucks at your heartstrings with the routine complexities of life.
The mystery running through all this is an old family secret bubbling up courtesy of an ill relative that keeps the story thrumming along nicely.
This is my first Ber Carroll book and definitely an author I plan to read again.
PS Thank you for the signed copy, Ber!
www.petajo.com
September 24, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. Erin and Laura are cousins and are the main characters focused on in this book. Erin is single and decided to move to Australia while her cousin Laura is tied down with a family and increasing business commitments. While Laura loves every aspect of her life,
it is taking a toll on her emotionally and physically. Erin on the other hand has always felt disjointed in her family and would love to be las self assured as Laura. The other characters in theirs lives are so richly developed by the author, it was a pleasure to read. I would definitely read more of Ber Carroll's books.
it is taking a toll on her emotionally and physically. Erin on the other hand has always felt disjointed in her family and would love to be las self assured as Laura. The other characters in theirs lives are so richly developed by the author, it was a pleasure to read. I would definitely read more of Ber Carroll's books.
November 13, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book; the book tells a story of two cousins who are living in very different parts of the world, living very different lives and the contrast between these different characters keeps the pages being turned. It keeps you thinking about your own life and what your life could have been if I had done that? Carroll also tells us that during the course of our lives our needs and wants change so things that may seem 'perfect' at first may not actually be. I also particularly like the way Carroll describes the places that the girls live in; it makes the novel seem real.
December 6, 2014
I got this book as part of Goodreads giveaway. It took a surprisingly long time for me to read as I kept putting it aside, starting a new book, then getting back to it.
Overall I quite enjoyed the story, it was endearing, and very believable and relatable. A bit of a predictable 'happy ending', involving resolved relationships, marriage and kids etc. But hey, it's a feel-good easily read kinda book so the predictability was relevant.
Overall I quite enjoyed the story, it was endearing, and very believable and relatable. A bit of a predictable 'happy ending', involving resolved relationships, marriage and kids etc. But hey, it's a feel-good easily read kinda book so the predictability was relevant.
November 18, 2014
I won this book in Goodreads giveaway in June and finally had a moment to read it while having a week of holiday. I liked it from the moment I started till the very end and I must admit it was an easy and enjoyable read, perfect for the time by the pool. Great story line, interesting characters - I was sad to finish it! Well done and thank you Ber Carroll!
November 1, 2016
A great read about friendship, mothers, daughters, sisters & relationships. The story centres around two cousins, one a successful wife, mother & businesswoman in Dublin who is struggling to keep all the balls in the air during her daily juggling act. The other, who cuts ties with her old, miserable life in Dublin, makes a rewarding move to Sydney, on the other side of the world.
January 18, 2015
Two career minded cousins whose lives are entwined by their love for each other. However, they both yearn for some travel and adventure. One moves to Australia, the other remains in Ireland with her family. However, there is a family secret that, once exposed, has consequences.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews