Never Run Away

by Julie C. Round

Tony Sharp has lost his wife. She has run away to the coast. Can he find her - or will she be able to start a new life without him?

175 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Born Julie Christine Dundas.
Educated at Ealing Grammar School for Girls.
Trained as a teacher at Balls Park Training College, Herts.
Married Ben in 1966 and had two sons.
Became a tutor for dyslexics in Bromley.
Now living and writing novels in Worthing, West Sussex.

Reviews

[Veronica ⭐️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barbara Sharp has had enough of her present life and her husband, who criticizes everything and is never interested in anything she says or does. Without telling anyone she up and leaves to start a new life with a new look and a new name.
When Tony realises his wife has left and is not returning he is angry, how dare she. He is determined to find her and drag her home. As he asks questions and follows up on what he does know about his wife he soon realises that there is a lot about Barbara he doesn’t know. He knew little of her life outside the home. It hadn’t seemed important. Will Tony realise his indifference had something to do with Barbara’s leaving. I was left certainly “not” feeling sorry for him.

When the story began I thought “what a terrible thing for Barbara to do”. Just leave without telling her husband and especially her only daughter. However as I got to know the character better I could see that she felt trapped and there was no other way. It wasn’t only her life she didn’t like, she didn’t like herself.

Barbara’s outward change was sudden and dramatic an overnight change to a new self but she hadn’t changed inside.
Tony’s change was less dramatic it was a slow growth into a new Tony. His was more a change inside and out. As Tony changed I started to warm to him.

I loved the main characters and supporting characters. Ellen, what a fascinating old lady I would love to hear her stories.
There was no background story on the characters it was all in the here and now but I still felt like I knew them.
I was really pulled into Barbara’s and Tony’s story. The character development was excellent and by the end of the book I felt an attachment to all three main characters.

Sometimes we need to lose something to realise what we had in the first place.
An enjoyable story of growth!

With thanks to the author for my signed copy to read and review.

[Jack Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must confess that I have become a big fan of Julie Round's writing and have reviewed her excellent Lane trilogy (Lane's End, Un-stable Lane & The Third Lane) elsewhere in this blog. She is expert at describing the strains and stresses of married life. This is evident in the Lane series and is very evident when explored here. She gets to the heart of the flaws and the strengths of her characters that are all too apparent in the human condition.

The novel tells of how fifty year old Barbara leaves her husband after years of putting up with his bitterness and neglect for her feelings, and his attempts to find her and win her back. The inclusion of the "Lady Havisham" character, Ellen, in the story is a nice touch and acts as a great counterpoint to the other characters. It is a touching account of modern times and a good read. I highly recommend it.

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a find! Not only had I found a great author, but one that is virtually on my own doorstep. I do not like writing what the book is about, as one can read the blurb for themselves. This book immediately held my attention from the beginning and was read within 2 days. Being based on the area I live, I felt as if I knew the characters. I felt as if I was following Barbara, as I knew the buildings referred to and I could guess what type of house Barbara was living etc. Absolutely loved this book and shall certainly be reading more books by Julie C Round.

I would like to thank Julie Round for sending me a copy of her book in exchange for an honest review.

[Eccentric Editions · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice!! Liked it! The whole adventure was cool and liked how everything turned out. A relaxing read and the story hooked me and was going to miss my stop while travelling via bus lol! Really a good and enjoyable read.
*I got the book in exchange of an honest review.*

[Julie Round]

I do not rate my own works, although this one is the most popular.
Re read after a review. Comments taken on board for sequel.