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A Borrowed Path
From the million-copy bestselling author of
In a Single Moment
and
Where the Story Starts
comes a gripping tale of secrets, lies, and the unbreakable bonds of family.
When Eve returns to her family home Fox House, the tension with her mother, Agatha, is palpable. But when Eve’s daughter, Lyra, and her granddaughter, Skye, arrive unexpectedly, four generations of women under one roof set the stage for explosive revelations. Lyra seems troubled, but refuses to explain why. And when she lays claim to the crumbling cottage on the estate, Agatha drops a bombshell–she’s already promised it to a mysterious man named Dylan.
Who is Dylan, and why has Agatha kept him hidden? As the family unravels, so do their closely-guarded secrets. But when the truth finally comes to light, will it heal the wounds between them–or tear their fragile bonds apart forever?
A Borrowed Path is an unforgettable novel that will leave you wondering just how well we really know the ones we love.
When Eve returns to her family home Fox House, the tension with her mother, Agatha, is palpable. But when Eve’s daughter, Lyra, and her granddaughter, Skye, arrive unexpectedly, four generations of women under one roof set the stage for explosive revelations. Lyra seems troubled, but refuses to explain why. And when she lays claim to the crumbling cottage on the estate, Agatha drops a bombshell–she’s already promised it to a mysterious man named Dylan.
Who is Dylan, and why has Agatha kept him hidden? As the family unravels, so do their closely-guarded secrets. But when the truth finally comes to light, will it heal the wounds between them–or tear their fragile bonds apart forever?
A Borrowed Path is an unforgettable novel that will leave you wondering just how well we really know the ones we love.
Audible Audio
First published September 24, 2024
2288 people are currently reading
5166 people want to read
About the author
Imogen Clark
14 books879 followersInternationally bestselling author Imogen Clark has sold over one million books. She writes contemporary fiction about families and secrets. Her books have topped Amazon storewide charts eight times and her third book, Where the Story Starts, was shortlisted in the UK for Contemporary Romantic Novel of the year 2020.
Imogen initially qualified as a lawyer but after leaving her legal career behind to care for her four children, she returned to her first love - books. She went back to University, studying English Literature part-time whilst the children were at school. It was a short step from there to writing novels.
Imogen's great love is travel and she is always planning her next adventure. She lives in Yorkshire with her husband and children.
If you'd like to connect then please visit her website at www.imogenclark.com where you can sign up to her monthly newsletter. Imogen can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as Imogen Clark Author.
Imogen initially qualified as a lawyer but after leaving her legal career behind to care for her four children, she returned to her first love - books. She went back to University, studying English Literature part-time whilst the children were at school. It was a short step from there to writing novels.
Imogen's great love is travel and she is always planning her next adventure. She lives in Yorkshire with her husband and children.
If you'd like to connect then please visit her website at www.imogenclark.com where you can sign up to her monthly newsletter. Imogen can also be found on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as Imogen Clark Author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
January 13, 2025
A fairly predictable story line with some interesting characters. Not the most well written book, and felt like the plot only really got going in the last few chapters
November 23, 2024
Lyra is an unsympathetic character, just a self-entitled brat, wanting everything her own way. Very annoying.
December 1, 2024
It's not a book you can't put down, but an enjoyable read.
December 1, 2024
Beautiful story about generational trauma and motherhood! It felt like a slow build in the beginning but I was entranced by the third chapter and couldn’t put it down!!!!
October 14, 2024
Liked this story. Multigenerational - which I can well relate to. Interesting how people can "get stuck in themselves." I appreciated Agatha's dilemma, and how Eve handled it all in the end.
I also recognized the discussion Imogen had at her Writer's Retreat in Italy, on "generational trauma." This is a discussion we "in-laws" have in my family, with regard to the Armenian Diaspora and Genocide of 1915. Family Trauma, by and large, affects all parties, born and unborn.
I also recognized the discussion Imogen had at her Writer's Retreat in Italy, on "generational trauma." This is a discussion we "in-laws" have in my family, with regard to the Armenian Diaspora and Genocide of 1915. Family Trauma, by and large, affects all parties, born and unborn.
January 31, 2025
I found this book very boring and shallow. The idea of transgenerational trauma is good, but the story is very weak! The characters are difficult to identify with, especially Lyra, an immature person. I strugled to finish it.
October 18, 2025
Thanks to Amazon Prime and Lake Union Publishing for a digital copy. All comments and opinions are my own.
This is a well-written story about strong women – mothers, daughters, grandmothers – told both in the past and present. There are secrets and family dramas, with the theme of what makes a good mother, plus how it’s never to late to start over. I liked several of the characters, and the story alternates between the three primary women. I did guess the main secret/drama early on, but that didn’t make the book any less enjoyable.
This is the second novel I’ve read by this author, and she is now one of my “must-reads.” Luckily she’s written several so I have lots more to chose from.
This is a well-written story about strong women – mothers, daughters, grandmothers – told both in the past and present. There are secrets and family dramas, with the theme of what makes a good mother, plus how it’s never to late to start over. I liked several of the characters, and the story alternates between the three primary women. I did guess the main secret/drama early on, but that didn’t make the book any less enjoyable.
This is the second novel I’ve read by this author, and she is now one of my “must-reads.” Luckily she’s written several so I have lots more to chose from.
November 23, 2024
very good
Good storyline and enjoyable book, would recommend. Characters easy to relate to, I listened to the book on kindle narration and it was easy to follow throughout
Good storyline and enjoyable book, would recommend. Characters easy to relate to, I listened to the book on kindle narration and it was easy to follow throughout
August 17, 2025
Genuinely enjoyed this book & plot
November 25, 2024
As a fan of multi generational books, I liked this book. However, I would not recommend to my friends who like a faster pace of intrigue and action story line.
February 8, 2025
A good trashy novel. Predictable. Characters weren’t bad. Only negative feedback is that it dragged on too long, in my opinion.
October 17, 2025
A beautifully written, family saga, by Imogen Clark. It is about the challenges and joys of being a mother, and how it’s never too late to start over. There is also a little bit of mystery interwoven throughout and that kept me guessing. I loved it. 5 stars.
*********************************
Home is where the heartache is.
Eve has always had a tricky relationship with her mother, Agatha, and returning to Fox House, the family home, hasn’t made it any easier. When Eve’s daughter, Lyra, and granddaughter, Skye, unexpectedly turn up, it becomes clear that four generations of women under one roof is a recipe for trouble. Not least because Lyra clearly needs help but refuses to say why.
Lyra decides she wants to live in the ramshackle cottage in the grounds, but when Agatha announces she’s promised it to a man called Dylan, Eve and Lyra are mystified. Who is he, and what reason could Agatha possibly have for giving him the cottage?
Because it seems that it’s not only Lyra hiding things. Agatha has secrets she has never had the courage to tell Eve. Is now the right time to finally reveal the truth? And if she does, will it give them the relationships they’ve all longed for—or will it drive them further apart?
*********************************
Home is where the heartache is.
Eve has always had a tricky relationship with her mother, Agatha, and returning to Fox House, the family home, hasn’t made it any easier. When Eve’s daughter, Lyra, and granddaughter, Skye, unexpectedly turn up, it becomes clear that four generations of women under one roof is a recipe for trouble. Not least because Lyra clearly needs help but refuses to say why.
Lyra decides she wants to live in the ramshackle cottage in the grounds, but when Agatha announces she’s promised it to a man called Dylan, Eve and Lyra are mystified. Who is he, and what reason could Agatha possibly have for giving him the cottage?
Because it seems that it’s not only Lyra hiding things. Agatha has secrets she has never had the courage to tell Eve. Is now the right time to finally reveal the truth? And if she does, will it give them the relationships they’ve all longed for—or will it drive them further apart?
October 27, 2025
An emotional "mystery"
This book was agood.read with a lot of emotional baggage. Could it all be realistic? Not entirely but the message is clear on how your upbringing makes a difference in your life. I would recommend it to certain friends.
This book was agood.read with a lot of emotional baggage. Could it all be realistic? Not entirely but the message is clear on how your upbringing makes a difference in your life. I would recommend it to certain friends.
October 19, 2025
I love a book that tells a story with flashbacks and follows a family through time so the style of this book was great for me.
The character of Eve was a little twee and sometimes a touch irritating but I enjoyed the delve into what motherhood meant to the four generations and what the first 3 mothers had lost and if it could be recovered, and finally the fourth mother Lyra who had less confusion about the role.
The plot was gentle and fairly predictable but this didn’t matter, as you joined the characters. A few scenes were quite poignant such as Agatha’s mother feeding the ducks and the theme of loneliness and connection explored.
An easy and gentle read that kept my interest.
The character of Eve was a little twee and sometimes a touch irritating but I enjoyed the delve into what motherhood meant to the four generations and what the first 3 mothers had lost and if it could be recovered, and finally the fourth mother Lyra who had less confusion about the role.
The plot was gentle and fairly predictable but this didn’t matter, as you joined the characters. A few scenes were quite poignant such as Agatha’s mother feeding the ducks and the theme of loneliness and connection explored.
An easy and gentle read that kept my interest.
October 14, 2025
4 generations of women in one house
This book tells a story about history, family, love, mystery, and perhaps most importantly about motherhood. The story pulls you in from the first chapter.
This book tells a story about history, family, love, mystery, and perhaps most importantly about motherhood. The story pulls you in from the first chapter.
March 11, 2025
It is 3.5 stars, mainly because I don’t quite grasp how Lyra failed to grow at all or to learn from her behaviour.
September 25, 2025
Absolutely loved this books depiction of generational trauma, and it was heartwarming to see the character Eve understand her mother’s experiences allowing her to forgive the way she was treated by her. I really didn’t like Lyra as a character though, she came across as entitled and irresponsible. I had hoped by the end she would have some needed character growth, but it all felt a bit superficial.
September 22, 2025
I loved this book! It’s a beautiful story of the complexities of motherhood and generational trauma. I adored how the story details the relationship of 4 generations of women living together and explores the intricacies of both their shared relationships and their own personal lives separate from one another. I feel like sometimes it’s easy to forget that your mother was also once a child who also had her own mother-daughter relationship. A moving insight!
January 16, 2025
another winner from Imogen
A tale of strong women, the bonds (and binds) of family and a secret that has clouded a lifetime.
Imogen has created a cast of characters we grow very quickly to care about in this generational story of motherhood.
Agatha, the matriarch, a little distant, seemingly confused by her role as a mother; Eve, the daughter who has always struggled to feel her mother’s love; Lyra, Eve’s daughter, who initially appears to be a bit quirky and undisciplined and little Skye, Lyra’s young daughter, are all housed at Fox House, the family home, to be passed down the generations of women. Until, Agatha announces that the cottage in the grounds of Fox House is to be given to Dylan… someone Eve, Lyra and Skye are unaware of.
What unfolds is a story of unity, friendship, love and relationships.
It’s thoroughly enjoyable and beautifully crafted.
Well worth setting aside hours of your life to enjoy.
A tale of strong women, the bonds (and binds) of family and a secret that has clouded a lifetime.
Imogen has created a cast of characters we grow very quickly to care about in this generational story of motherhood.
Agatha, the matriarch, a little distant, seemingly confused by her role as a mother; Eve, the daughter who has always struggled to feel her mother’s love; Lyra, Eve’s daughter, who initially appears to be a bit quirky and undisciplined and little Skye, Lyra’s young daughter, are all housed at Fox House, the family home, to be passed down the generations of women. Until, Agatha announces that the cottage in the grounds of Fox House is to be given to Dylan… someone Eve, Lyra and Skye are unaware of.
What unfolds is a story of unity, friendship, love and relationships.
It’s thoroughly enjoyable and beautifully crafted.
Well worth setting aside hours of your life to enjoy.
June 18, 2025
very good book
This book is about four generations of women. Agatha, Eve, Lyra and Skye. Agatha lives at Fox House which has been passed down to the family matriarch for generations. Her daughter Eve has recently come to live with her in order to care for Agatha after she broke her hip. They suddenly find Eve‘s daughter Lyra and her daughter Skye returning to temporarily move into the house. Lyra hopes to live into the cottage on the property with Skye. These plans suddenly change when Lyra discovered a man at the cottage lurking outside. She mentioned it to her grandmother and her grandmother Agatha says the house has been promised to him, and he will most likely be moving in. None of the women understands Agatha‘s logic behind this, but soon discover secrets where everything comes to make sense.
▪️Language - mild
▪️Sex scenes - none
▪️Violence - domestic abuse and a subsequent murder, but not graphic.
This book is about four generations of women. Agatha, Eve, Lyra and Skye. Agatha lives at Fox House which has been passed down to the family matriarch for generations. Her daughter Eve has recently come to live with her in order to care for Agatha after she broke her hip. They suddenly find Eve‘s daughter Lyra and her daughter Skye returning to temporarily move into the house. Lyra hopes to live into the cottage on the property with Skye. These plans suddenly change when Lyra discovered a man at the cottage lurking outside. She mentioned it to her grandmother and her grandmother Agatha says the house has been promised to him, and he will most likely be moving in. None of the women understands Agatha‘s logic behind this, but soon discover secrets where everything comes to make sense.
▪️Language - mild
▪️Sex scenes - none
▪️Violence - domestic abuse and a subsequent murder, but not graphic.
September 18, 2025
Listened to this on audible. Quite an enjoyable story about a family of strong women who have not always communicated well or expressed their love for each other. A powerful secret has been kept when it is eventually uncovered the communication between improves immensely
October 4, 2024
Agatha lives in Fox House. When she breaks her hip, her daughter, Eve, moves in to help her. Eighteen months later, Eve's daughter, Lyra, and granddaughter, Sky, unexpectedly move in, too. When Lyra tells Agatha that she wants to move into the ramshackle cottage on the property, she's informed that it's been promised to a stranger named Dylan. Who is he, and what secrets is Agatha hiding?
I love this author, but this one wasn't a favorite. The characters felt very one dimensional, except for Skye. She was the only one I liked. Agatha was quite unlikable, although I think she wasn't supposed to be. The big plot reveal felt very anticlimactic. This was an average read for me.
I love this author, but this one wasn't a favorite. The characters felt very one dimensional, except for Skye. She was the only one I liked. Agatha was quite unlikable, although I think she wasn't supposed to be. The big plot reveal felt very anticlimactic. This was an average read for me.
December 12, 2024
Four generations of women living under the same roof—not by choice. Eve has moved into Fox House to care for her mother, Agatha, after a fall. Although Agatha has been recovering well, Eve still hasn’t managed to move out even eighteen months later. Meanwhile, Eve's daughter, Lyra, has made a huge mess of her own life. As she struggles to put things back on track, she has no choice but to bring her five-year-old daughter, Skie, to Fox House as well. As they navigate their intertwined lives and attempt to coexist, long-buried secrets begin to surface, leaving none of them prepared for what is about to unfold.
April 9, 2025
Solid 4. Maybe a 4.5.
This is not a novel for everyone. It is paced slower. And you don't necessarily like any of the protagonists. However, as you journey through the story and see into their minds and start to see the history of each mother and daughter and granddaughter, the picture of each respectively forms and you begin to understand why they are the way they are. There is some character arc, which i do love to see. And some healing. And I think some introspection on the reader's part into what we or our parents may have done to form us and what their parents may have done to form them, and more importantly, how do we forgive and move forward.
This is not a novel for everyone. It is paced slower. And you don't necessarily like any of the protagonists. However, as you journey through the story and see into their minds and start to see the history of each mother and daughter and granddaughter, the picture of each respectively forms and you begin to understand why they are the way they are. There is some character arc, which i do love to see. And some healing. And I think some introspection on the reader's part into what we or our parents may have done to form us and what their parents may have done to form them, and more importantly, how do we forgive and move forward.
April 25, 2025
3.5 stars
A Borrowed Path was an easy, enjoyable read with a pretty solid storyline. It was one of those books that’s simple to follow, which made it a nice choice for when you just want something easy.
I liked the multi-generational aspect and the themes of motherhood.
However, there were moments where the pacing dragged a bit, and at times it felt a little predictable. That said, the characters and plot still kept me interested enough to see it through to the end.
It might not be the most surprising or fast-paced book out there, but it’s a good read if you’re after something straightforward. Overall, I’d say it was a pleasant and easy read.
A Borrowed Path was an easy, enjoyable read with a pretty solid storyline. It was one of those books that’s simple to follow, which made it a nice choice for when you just want something easy.
I liked the multi-generational aspect and the themes of motherhood.
However, there were moments where the pacing dragged a bit, and at times it felt a little predictable. That said, the characters and plot still kept me interested enough to see it through to the end.
It might not be the most surprising or fast-paced book out there, but it’s a good read if you’re after something straightforward. Overall, I’d say it was a pleasant and easy read.
August 25, 2025
I quite enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the story telling and unfolding of the family history and secrets. I personally felt that all loose ends were neatly tied up too and I felt satisfied finishing the book.
I did get emotional when Eve realised she had always actually been cared about by Agatha and that she was loved. I liked most of the characters. Lyra’s character did feel a bit repetitive to me, but I could look passed that.
The only thing that actually would’ve made this better for me is if there was some sort of romantic development for Eve or Lyra, but understand that that wasn’t the point of the book. I just like a fuzzy, heartwarming romantic ending.
I did get emotional when Eve realised she had always actually been cared about by Agatha and that she was loved. I liked most of the characters. Lyra’s character did feel a bit repetitive to me, but I could look passed that.
The only thing that actually would’ve made this better for me is if there was some sort of romantic development for Eve or Lyra, but understand that that wasn’t the point of the book. I just like a fuzzy, heartwarming romantic ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2024
another Great Story from a Great Author
I have always said that it takes more than great characters to make a great story, it also takes a compelling storyline. A storyline that makes you want to keep reading, to know the entirety of the lives of the people involved. Imogen Clark seems to have the perfect knack for this, she creates an interesting world and then gives them an interesting life path. And she has certainly been successful with this book, I am looking forward to the next one right now.
I have always said that it takes more than great characters to make a great story, it also takes a compelling storyline. A storyline that makes you want to keep reading, to know the entirety of the lives of the people involved. Imogen Clark seems to have the perfect knack for this, she creates an interesting world and then gives them an interesting life path. And she has certainly been successful with this book, I am looking forward to the next one right now.
January 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was interesting to say the least.
Multi-Generational women, generational trauma, secrets and tradition. It’s different to see grandma, mom and daughter living together and learning to interact with each other. Cool to see the perspectives of all three women and how they interpret what’s going on. Curiosity doesn’t kill the cat.
This is a slower paced book but if you stick with it I promise it’s worth it. This has a great story and is very relatable in many different ways. This is also my first read by this author!
This was interesting to say the least.
Multi-Generational women, generational trauma, secrets and tradition. It’s different to see grandma, mom and daughter living together and learning to interact with each other. Cool to see the perspectives of all three women and how they interpret what’s going on. Curiosity doesn’t kill the cat.
This is a slower paced book but if you stick with it I promise it’s worth it. This has a great story and is very relatable in many different ways. This is also my first read by this author!
January 28, 2025
Don't miss this especially good read
This was quite a story filled with drama and a mystery dying to be revealed. There are characters to love and those that will frustrate readers. The two younger girls captured my heart immensely. Readers will reach a point in the book where stopping will be impossible. I just had to find out what happened in the past. The author tied everything together so beautifully with an ending that deserves applause. Bravo to Imogen Clark for her gift of writing that makes readers rush to read all books she has written.
This was quite a story filled with drama and a mystery dying to be revealed. There are characters to love and those that will frustrate readers. The two younger girls captured my heart immensely. Readers will reach a point in the book where stopping will be impossible. I just had to find out what happened in the past. The author tied everything together so beautifully with an ending that deserves applause. Bravo to Imogen Clark for her gift of writing that makes readers rush to read all books she has written.
January 6, 2025
Great story about mothers, daughters and family secrets
I really enjoyed this book. The characters all felt real. It wasn't sappy or gratuitously emotional. It's well-written and I only noticed one error when the name Eve should have been Agatha (page 319), but that was easily forgiven, and there were no typos, spelling or grammatical errors that stopped me. Everything about this story felt true and real.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters all felt real. It wasn't sappy or gratuitously emotional. It's well-written and I only noticed one error when the name Eve should have been Agatha (page 319), but that was easily forgiven, and there were no typos, spelling or grammatical errors that stopped me. Everything about this story felt true and real.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews