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Coming Home
Evie has been away from home long enough to bury the pain that shaped her childhood. Now, with the sudden death of her father, she must return. Back to the same house. Back to the memories. Back to her mother.
At first, coming home feels unexpectedly comforting. But, as she goes through her father's files, Evie uncovers a secret that opens old wounds and changes her life forever.
That's only the beginning.
As Evie's world starts to shatter around her, she realises that those she loves most are also those capable of the deepest betrayal.
At first, coming home feels unexpectedly comforting. But, as she goes through her father's files, Evie uncovers a secret that opens old wounds and changes her life forever.
That's only the beginning.
As Evie's world starts to shatter around her, she realises that those she loves most are also those capable of the deepest betrayal.
384 pages, Paperback
First published March 3, 2015
49 people are currently reading
571 people want to read
About the author
Annabel Kantaria
11 books159 followersAnnabel Kantaria is a British journalist who’s written prolifically for publications throughout the Middle East. She lives in Dubai with her husband and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
March 6, 2015
This is a really good, intriguing read that turned out to be quite different from the common or garden women’s fiction that I was expecting, being quite a dark read at times. The cover makes the book look quite “light” and is quite deceiving.
Evie has returned to the UK from Dubai following the sudden death of her father, to help her mother sort out his affairs. Ever since the death of her brother Graham 20 years ago, Evie’s mother has needed delicate handling – she never really got over it and the author does an excellent job of showing how the loss of a child can affect a parent for the rest of their life.
When going through her father’s things, Evie uncovers secrets, secrets that have been kept from her for years and which change everything she thought she knew about her parents. Even then, when she thinks she knows everything and that all the lies, deceit and suspicions are finally all out in the open, there is even more to come out and this is when the story really turns dark. As revelation followed revelation I was glued to this read, particularly the last 50 or so pages, although I have to say I was left bereft at the ending, wanting to know what was going to happen next! Many thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
Evie has returned to the UK from Dubai following the sudden death of her father, to help her mother sort out his affairs. Ever since the death of her brother Graham 20 years ago, Evie’s mother has needed delicate handling – she never really got over it and the author does an excellent job of showing how the loss of a child can affect a parent for the rest of their life.
When going through her father’s things, Evie uncovers secrets, secrets that have been kept from her for years and which change everything she thought she knew about her parents. Even then, when she thinks she knows everything and that all the lies, deceit and suspicions are finally all out in the open, there is even more to come out and this is when the story really turns dark. As revelation followed revelation I was glued to this read, particularly the last 50 or so pages, although I have to say I was left bereft at the ending, wanting to know what was going to happen next! Many thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
March 25, 2016
Liar, liar pants on fire was the jingle in my head whilst I read this book.
You know those books that throw up a family secret then another until the line between truth and lies is so enmeshed you can't see straight? This is one of those rare books.
To be honest, based on the blurb I did not go in with high expectations, I thought it would be one of those "nice" women's fiction novels that cleanse the palate in between the complex, dark and heavy books I like to read. I was taken by surprise. This one is a hidden gem and I sure hope it gets a chance a shine.
After her father unexpectedly passes away, Evie leaves her life in Dubai behind, and returns to England. Her family home is the same as it ever was: perfectly pristine, but filled with her mother’s unspoken grief for Evie’s brother, who was killed as a child in a tragic accident.
Evie knew that coming home would be hard. But whatever she expected, she’s definitely not prepared for her whole life to unravel in front of her. And as one secret after another is uncovered, she begins to realize that everything she thought she knew about her family has been one big lie…
ONE BIG LIE...now that's the understatement of the year.
Starting off a little slow, sweet, with all the focus on Evie's feelings about returning home to England from Dubai and facing not only her Father's death but her Mother's well known erratic ways of dealing with grief.
The author cleverly throws in a few unanswered questions as Evie begin to help her Mother sort through her Father's paperwork and help get his affairs in order (well actually, Evie doe it all).
This is a book to read without hearing anything more about the plot, the outcome, or even all of the characters. I recommend just grabbing it and reading it, like I did, I had no idea what I was going to get. This book is written in a way that combines subtle moments followed by a hand grenade being thrown at you in the next sentence. I think my most common thing to say to the book was 'you have GOT to be kidding me right?'
Many of the characters in this book are complicated and damaged, Evie's Mother is one of them, as layers of her are peeled off before our eyes like an onion, you feel uncomfortable and have the temptation to throw down the slicing knife and give up on peeling off and chopping. It's awkward.
The plot is very well written, it builds in tension as more and more is added to it, lies upon lies come tumbling down that have been around this family until you can't tell what you are going to get next. A few times I thought I had some answers to things to find I was way off, other things I was right about but the author wrote them out in a much more detailed fashion than my boring imagination.
It's a really good read for a day on the sofa with chocolate and a cup of Lady Grey Tea or in a quaint coffee shop, ignoring everyone until you soon realise they are trying to close up and it's dark outside. I really enjoyed this book, it did not grab me fully right from the start but once I started to realise this was a book of mystery, lies, deception, and with each one revealed Evie's life as she knew it began to lay in tatters on the floor.
4.5 stars from me for this stand out work of fiction. I hope it falls into the hands of many as it's worthy of your time. You won't work out at the beginning or even part the way through where it will end up.
All of my reviews plus plenty of bookish things and discussions can be found on my book blog page, love to see you there.
https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
My huge thanks to the publisher and author via NetGalley for a copy of the book to read and review.
You know those books that throw up a family secret then another until the line between truth and lies is so enmeshed you can't see straight? This is one of those rare books.
To be honest, based on the blurb I did not go in with high expectations, I thought it would be one of those "nice" women's fiction novels that cleanse the palate in between the complex, dark and heavy books I like to read. I was taken by surprise. This one is a hidden gem and I sure hope it gets a chance a shine.
After her father unexpectedly passes away, Evie leaves her life in Dubai behind, and returns to England. Her family home is the same as it ever was: perfectly pristine, but filled with her mother’s unspoken grief for Evie’s brother, who was killed as a child in a tragic accident.
Evie knew that coming home would be hard. But whatever she expected, she’s definitely not prepared for her whole life to unravel in front of her. And as one secret after another is uncovered, she begins to realize that everything she thought she knew about her family has been one big lie…
ONE BIG LIE...now that's the understatement of the year.
Starting off a little slow, sweet, with all the focus on Evie's feelings about returning home to England from Dubai and facing not only her Father's death but her Mother's well known erratic ways of dealing with grief.
The author cleverly throws in a few unanswered questions as Evie begin to help her Mother sort through her Father's paperwork and help get his affairs in order (well actually, Evie doe it all).
This is a book to read without hearing anything more about the plot, the outcome, or even all of the characters. I recommend just grabbing it and reading it, like I did, I had no idea what I was going to get. This book is written in a way that combines subtle moments followed by a hand grenade being thrown at you in the next sentence. I think my most common thing to say to the book was 'you have GOT to be kidding me right?'
Many of the characters in this book are complicated and damaged, Evie's Mother is one of them, as layers of her are peeled off before our eyes like an onion, you feel uncomfortable and have the temptation to throw down the slicing knife and give up on peeling off and chopping. It's awkward.
The plot is very well written, it builds in tension as more and more is added to it, lies upon lies come tumbling down that have been around this family until you can't tell what you are going to get next. A few times I thought I had some answers to things to find I was way off, other things I was right about but the author wrote them out in a much more detailed fashion than my boring imagination.
It's a really good read for a day on the sofa with chocolate and a cup of Lady Grey Tea or in a quaint coffee shop, ignoring everyone until you soon realise they are trying to close up and it's dark outside. I really enjoyed this book, it did not grab me fully right from the start but once I started to realise this was a book of mystery, lies, deception, and with each one revealed Evie's life as she knew it began to lay in tatters on the floor.
4.5 stars from me for this stand out work of fiction. I hope it falls into the hands of many as it's worthy of your time. You won't work out at the beginning or even part the way through where it will end up.
All of my reviews plus plenty of bookish things and discussions can be found on my book blog page, love to see you there.
https://www.facebook.com/BookloverCat...
My huge thanks to the publisher and author via NetGalley for a copy of the book to read and review.
April 11, 2015
I have marked this as a tearjerker and an "unputdownable" read.
Evie has to return to her home in the UK from Dubai where she went to set up home and a life of her own after difficult family times. Her Father is now dead and she is returning to help her mother with the funeral arrangements and support her.
The thing is, you learn about Lucas, her boyfriend she had since young, but it didn't work out, you realize she is going to bump into him at some stage in this lovely novel, however, what I wasn't aware of, were all the lies, deceptions and 'hidden skeletons' in this families closet. WOW
Evie's brother died. We learn that early on, and it seems that her Mother had a mini breakdown.
She blamed her husband for their sons death.
Whilst Evie is in the loft sorting out so many things of her Fathers, there is also many boxes of belongings stored there of her dead brothers.
The author just knew how to bring emotions to the forefront in this book which took you deep within yourself.
I remember a distinct part in the first few pages where Evie is coming to terms that her Father has died.
She is looking out of the window and the world is just going on with its business, but her DAD IS DEAD.
I too remember when my Dad died, I was looking out our bedroom window, there was traffic on the roads, people walking up or down the street, life was just going along as normal, but it wasn't normal, I wanted to shout STOP, my dad has just died, my world has fallen apart.
So I related to Evie very well.
As she discovers more and more lies that surround her, things about her dad, things about her Mother. So many lies, just how much more can there be? Just how can she stand it?
Without Lucas to support her, I wondered if she would have gone over the edge.
We also have another sustaining person she can go to for advice, you will learn more about her and how she got to know her as you read this.
In my opinion the blurb does not do this justice, it was much much much more than I thought it would be.
Its a riveting read, lies upon lies upon more layers of lies. As you peel one away, theres another. The explosion comes at the end of the book, which I wasn't expecting as she is traveling home to Dubai
I really love this authors style of writing and as soon as I have pressed SEND on this review I am going to see what else she has written.
I would love to thank Harlequin (UK) Limited via Net Galley for my copy to read and review
Evie has to return to her home in the UK from Dubai where she went to set up home and a life of her own after difficult family times. Her Father is now dead and she is returning to help her mother with the funeral arrangements and support her.
The thing is, you learn about Lucas, her boyfriend she had since young, but it didn't work out, you realize she is going to bump into him at some stage in this lovely novel, however, what I wasn't aware of, were all the lies, deceptions and 'hidden skeletons' in this families closet. WOW
Evie's brother died. We learn that early on, and it seems that her Mother had a mini breakdown.
She blamed her husband for their sons death.
Whilst Evie is in the loft sorting out so many things of her Fathers, there is also many boxes of belongings stored there of her dead brothers.
The author just knew how to bring emotions to the forefront in this book which took you deep within yourself.
I remember a distinct part in the first few pages where Evie is coming to terms that her Father has died.
She is looking out of the window and the world is just going on with its business, but her DAD IS DEAD.
I too remember when my Dad died, I was looking out our bedroom window, there was traffic on the roads, people walking up or down the street, life was just going along as normal, but it wasn't normal, I wanted to shout STOP, my dad has just died, my world has fallen apart.
So I related to Evie very well.
As she discovers more and more lies that surround her, things about her dad, things about her Mother. So many lies, just how much more can there be? Just how can she stand it?
Without Lucas to support her, I wondered if she would have gone over the edge.
We also have another sustaining person she can go to for advice, you will learn more about her and how she got to know her as you read this.
In my opinion the blurb does not do this justice, it was much much much more than I thought it would be.
Its a riveting read, lies upon lies upon more layers of lies. As you peel one away, theres another. The explosion comes at the end of the book, which I wasn't expecting as she is traveling home to Dubai
I really love this authors style of writing and as soon as I have pressed SEND on this review I am going to see what else she has written.
I would love to thank Harlequin (UK) Limited via Net Galley for my copy to read and review
February 21, 2016
There's so much more to this book than first meets the eye.
When Evie was eight, her brother died in a tragic accident. Her mum had a breakdown and her dad sought solace in working long hours, so Evie was left to cope alone. After a recovery of sorts, her mum tried to give her a normal childhood but their relationship was always strained, and soon after Evie graduated from university, she left to work in Dubai; she's here when her mum phones to tell her her dad has died.
Evie is nervous of what she'll find back home - will her mum be in control or will she teetering on the brink again? On the face of it, she seems to be doing fine - perhaps a little too fine - and tasks Evie with sorting through her dad's paperwork, where it's found that several things in his life don't quite add up. Digging deeper for answers, Evie conceals the puzzle from her mother who is now displaying the expected erratic behaviour.
Most of this book reads as a contemporary novel dealing with human emotions and mental health issues, and is an engrossing and emotive tale in itself.
And then the truth begins to emerge, revelation upon revelation, and as we head towards the end the whole thing takes a much darker turn.
This is a very well written story of a family buried under lies, deceits and betrayals; I loved it.
When Evie was eight, her brother died in a tragic accident. Her mum had a breakdown and her dad sought solace in working long hours, so Evie was left to cope alone. After a recovery of sorts, her mum tried to give her a normal childhood but their relationship was always strained, and soon after Evie graduated from university, she left to work in Dubai; she's here when her mum phones to tell her her dad has died.
Evie is nervous of what she'll find back home - will her mum be in control or will she teetering on the brink again? On the face of it, she seems to be doing fine - perhaps a little too fine - and tasks Evie with sorting through her dad's paperwork, where it's found that several things in his life don't quite add up. Digging deeper for answers, Evie conceals the puzzle from her mother who is now displaying the expected erratic behaviour.
Most of this book reads as a contemporary novel dealing with human emotions and mental health issues, and is an engrossing and emotive tale in itself.
And then the truth begins to emerge, revelation upon revelation, and as we head towards the end the whole thing takes a much darker turn.
This is a very well written story of a family buried under lies, deceits and betrayals; I loved it.
March 3, 2015
I read this in a day as its an easy book to get sucked into and this did surprise me!
Evie has a great life in Dubai even though she has split up.from her boyfriend James. A phone call from her mother brings her back to England after her father's death. Evie has always been a daddy's girl and his death hits her hard. While sorting through her father's papers and emails it becomes obvious that secrets have been hidden and it looks like Evie is about to find out a few shocking facts about her family.
Evies quest to find out the truth is also interspersed with flashbacks to Evies therapy appointments where we find out more about the reasons that she has become the woman she is today.
There are a few twists and turn throughout this family drama and a touch of romance when Evie meets up again with her ex Luca.
No real surprises here but this is an enjoyable read.
I received a copy of this book via netgalley in return for an honest review.
Evie has a great life in Dubai even though she has split up.from her boyfriend James. A phone call from her mother brings her back to England after her father's death. Evie has always been a daddy's girl and his death hits her hard. While sorting through her father's papers and emails it becomes obvious that secrets have been hidden and it looks like Evie is about to find out a few shocking facts about her family.
Evies quest to find out the truth is also interspersed with flashbacks to Evies therapy appointments where we find out more about the reasons that she has become the woman she is today.
There are a few twists and turn throughout this family drama and a touch of romance when Evie meets up again with her ex Luca.
No real surprises here but this is an enjoyable read.
I received a copy of this book via netgalley in return for an honest review.
December 31, 2022
Evie returns home after the death of her father, to support her mother and to face the pain from her childhood that she had left behind. Her older brother Graham died in an accident aged 10 and Evie's life changed for ever. She moved to Dubai with a friend and rarely came home to see her family, nor did they visit her.
Whilst going through her father's files and bank statements Evie uncovers something shocking and realises that she didn't know her father at all. Her mother's fragile mental health has been the catalyst to all that had been so difficult in the past, especially after her brother Graham's death, so she cannot discuss this with her. Her dilemma is whether to pursue this new avenue and if to confide in her mother.
At the funeral she meets her boyfriend Luca from her school days. He had wanted something permanent but she felt she was too young. It is to him she turns, with his encouragement, to sort out fact from fiction.
Her journey takes things to another level and the secrets leave her astonished that she knew and understood so little about her father. Her mother also has a few surprises as well.
Whilst going through her father's files and bank statements Evie uncovers something shocking and realises that she didn't know her father at all. Her mother's fragile mental health has been the catalyst to all that had been so difficult in the past, especially after her brother Graham's death, so she cannot discuss this with her. Her dilemma is whether to pursue this new avenue and if to confide in her mother.
At the funeral she meets her boyfriend Luca from her school days. He had wanted something permanent but she felt she was too young. It is to him she turns, with his encouragement, to sort out fact from fiction.
Her journey takes things to another level and the secrets leave her astonished that she knew and understood so little about her father. Her mother also has a few surprises as well.
February 7, 2025
3.5 stars. Ellie returns from Dubai because hr father has died. She is needed by her mother to help sort out the house, financial matters etc and in doing so discovers a wealth of clues about her dad which don’t add up. Life fell apart for her aged eight when her brother was killed in an accident, her mother became suicidal and her switched off emotions. Suddenly Evie is discovering that her father had a secret life away from home, and perhaps her mother also has her own secrets. It sparks all kinds of questions and emotions for Evie. Who is Uncle David and why has she never met him? How did her grandfather die? Why did her dad have a standing order of £1000 per month? How did her dad die? Who was the woman at the funeral? How much did she really know about her family? Well worth a read.
April 25, 2015
As beautiful as this book cover is, don't for one moment be deceived into thinking this is a romantic family saga – it's dark, chilling and a real page turner.
Kantaria's writing style is pleasing and easy to read. She's written this in a dual timeline starting with Evie, the main character throughout the book, at the age of eight talking with her psychologist after the tragic death of her brother, Graham. We then move forward twenty years to Evie living her present life in Dubai, receiving a phone call from her mother that her father has just died. We move between the two timelines learning more of her mother's state of mind following Graham's death and the similarities and concerns of her mental state with her husband's death twenty years on. Or maybe her grief is not so similar, maybe she's more in control of both hers and Evie's actions, too much in control and a bit more manic.
Dealing with her father's paperwork and email accounts, Evie learns of her father's affair, lies and duplicity. At times she is overcome with emotion and seeks advice and solace with old flame, Luca.
There is a chilling final twist as Evie leaves the UK for Dubai. I'd guessed this twist fairly early on but that's not the point and it doesn't matter that you know what's coming. The delicious enjoyment of uncovering lies and discovering the truth is what makes this book a five star read for me. Revelation after deceitful revelation hit Evie and, to a lesser extent, her mother. Just as she thinks things couldn't be worse another body blow hits her with just enough time for Evie (and the reader) to digest this new situation before she's hit again.
I loved this book, it's one I'll be recommending to my friends and I'll certainly be watching for more by Annabel Kantaria.
I would like to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Kantaria's writing style is pleasing and easy to read. She's written this in a dual timeline starting with Evie, the main character throughout the book, at the age of eight talking with her psychologist after the tragic death of her brother, Graham. We then move forward twenty years to Evie living her present life in Dubai, receiving a phone call from her mother that her father has just died. We move between the two timelines learning more of her mother's state of mind following Graham's death and the similarities and concerns of her mental state with her husband's death twenty years on. Or maybe her grief is not so similar, maybe she's more in control of both hers and Evie's actions, too much in control and a bit more manic.
Dealing with her father's paperwork and email accounts, Evie learns of her father's affair, lies and duplicity. At times she is overcome with emotion and seeks advice and solace with old flame, Luca.
There is a chilling final twist as Evie leaves the UK for Dubai. I'd guessed this twist fairly early on but that's not the point and it doesn't matter that you know what's coming. The delicious enjoyment of uncovering lies and discovering the truth is what makes this book a five star read for me. Revelation after deceitful revelation hit Evie and, to a lesser extent, her mother. Just as she thinks things couldn't be worse another body blow hits her with just enough time for Evie (and the reader) to digest this new situation before she's hit again.
I loved this book, it's one I'll be recommending to my friends and I'll certainly be watching for more by Annabel Kantaria.
I would like to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
May 25, 2015
In one word- Boring!
I got into the book almost straight away, however as the novel progressed the pace slowed, until the final ten or so pages which didn't surprise me in the least- in fact none of it did- concluded. This book could have been written in half the pages (200) rather than 400+. Parts of the story were completely unbelievable. Including the 'love story' with Luca.
I actually guessed the novel from the moment the bank account invoice was found and was disappointed that this continued throughout, without any twists or turns to lead me to think otherwise.
It was well written, but at times described too much unnecessary detail and the characters were one dimensional and predictable. A little more emotion rather than vague descriptions of emotion could have been used to cover the important topic, which by the end didn't seem all that important: just rather 'oh well.'
I'd have also liked the two awful grammatical errors at the beginning of the book to have been cleared up before publishing, where missing words cause the sentence structure to make no sense at all.
I feel sorry for this author, having a debut novel published that's lacking so much in sincerity and care. I just didn't care about the characters enough but rushed on ahead to finish the book, hoping that it would soon be over.
I got into the book almost straight away, however as the novel progressed the pace slowed, until the final ten or so pages which didn't surprise me in the least- in fact none of it did- concluded. This book could have been written in half the pages (200) rather than 400+. Parts of the story were completely unbelievable. Including the 'love story' with Luca.
I actually guessed the novel from the moment the bank account invoice was found and was disappointed that this continued throughout, without any twists or turns to lead me to think otherwise.
It was well written, but at times described too much unnecessary detail and the characters were one dimensional and predictable. A little more emotion rather than vague descriptions of emotion could have been used to cover the important topic, which by the end didn't seem all that important: just rather 'oh well.'
I'd have also liked the two awful grammatical errors at the beginning of the book to have been cleared up before publishing, where missing words cause the sentence structure to make no sense at all.
I feel sorry for this author, having a debut novel published that's lacking so much in sincerity and care. I just didn't care about the characters enough but rushed on ahead to finish the book, hoping that it would soon be over.
April 24, 2015
I have to admit I’m a bit biased - I was lucky enough to read an early draft of Coming Home and I’ve been a big fan ever since.
The book is cleverly structured and wonderfully written - if you’re looking for a compelling page-turner you’ll find it in this gripping web of family secrets and lies.
Annabel has succeeded in creating a suspense-filled tale in which characters have depth, and serious themes like grief and mental health are sensitively explored, and yet the the narrative still manages to race along with an intelligence and lightness of touch that pulls all these elements together beautifully.
Since finishing Annabel’s book, I’ve been recommending it to everyone I know. And now I recommend it to you . . .
Buy Coming Home – it’s a great read!
The book is cleverly structured and wonderfully written - if you’re looking for a compelling page-turner you’ll find it in this gripping web of family secrets and lies.
Annabel has succeeded in creating a suspense-filled tale in which characters have depth, and serious themes like grief and mental health are sensitively explored, and yet the the narrative still manages to race along with an intelligence and lightness of touch that pulls all these elements together beautifully.
Since finishing Annabel’s book, I’ve been recommending it to everyone I know. And now I recommend it to you . . .
Buy Coming Home – it’s a great read!
May 29, 2015
*I received a free ARC of Coming Home from MIRA via Netgalley in exchange of an honest and unbiased review*
Coming Home is definitely a very different kind of contemporary story, what with the betrayal, the secrets and the lies. However, in several places, I would have liked a little bit more or maybe at least something a little different. Evie acted more on impulse than anything else, and this left her with some of the secrets still hidden, when she could have figured some things out much earlier than she did.
Full review to come soon.
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
Coming Home is definitely a very different kind of contemporary story, what with the betrayal, the secrets and the lies. However, in several places, I would have liked a little bit more or maybe at least something a little different. Evie acted more on impulse than anything else, and this left her with some of the secrets still hidden, when she could have figured some things out much earlier than she did.
Full review to come soon.
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
May 3, 2016
This was a bit on the ridiculous side. You know from the outset there has been some kind of family trauma when the brother died. A book dealing with the family emotions and fallout would have been ok and probably got more stars. There were parts of the plot - like understanding the dad - that just got touched upon and then dropped.
It felt a bit like curve balls were thrown in for the sake of curve balls and then written off in a way that left me thinking "really" by the end. It just tried to be too many things all at once and didn't quite hit the mark with any of them.
Personally I would go for a book that knows its own identity.
It felt a bit like curve balls were thrown in for the sake of curve balls and then written off in a way that left me thinking "really" by the end. It just tried to be too many things all at once and didn't quite hit the mark with any of them.
Personally I would go for a book that knows its own identity.
March 21, 2015
This was a refreshing read. More so because parts of it take place in Dubai. :)
But it's not about Dubai, or Woodside, or a any physical place for that matter. It's about family history, dark secrets, and cataclysmic turns of fate.
As a debut novel, this is as good as it gets. Looking forward to upcoming works of the author.
Highly recommended!
But it's not about Dubai, or Woodside, or a any physical place for that matter. It's about family history, dark secrets, and cataclysmic turns of fate.
As a debut novel, this is as good as it gets. Looking forward to upcoming works of the author.
Highly recommended!
February 24, 2015
Wow! What a book! Loved the storyline and all the lies and the deceit. I loved it that much that I finished it in an afternoon as it had me gripped and couldn't turn the pages quick enough. Will certainly be looking out for more books by this author.
March 25, 2015
A very clever and hugely enjoyable book full of sinister twists and turns. The wonderfully romantic subplot is beautifully juxtaposed with the fear and confusion of our central character as she struggles to cope with the dark family secrets that emerge after her father's death...
February 24, 2015
A gripping debut filled with ambiguous character that keep you guessing until the end! Nothing was done until I finished the book.
I read an advance reader copy of this book.
I read an advance reader copy of this book.
April 24, 2016
DAT END THO.
SO GOOD. I loved this book. SO dark and twisted and so many characters I couldn't trust.
SO GOOD. I loved this book. SO dark and twisted and so many characters I couldn't trust.
December 30, 2017
I came across this book as a recommendation on Goodreads after reading This Must Be The Place by Maggie O'Farrell. I enjoyed it as the book takes you on a journey into the past and present life of the central character Evie, who lost her brother at a young age and had to live with the painful aftermath as well as dealing with the added complication of her mother's reaction to that loss.
At the start of the book we meet both teenage Evie and adult Evie returning to the UK following the death of her father many years later. Essentially its a novel about grief but also about deception, family secrets and betrayal. What makes it enjoyable are the characters and the style of writing.
For me it was one of those books that keeps your attention and interest throughout. I enjoyed the exploration of how people deal with the unexpected and longed for, when those longings are thwarted and we are faced with truths that can be difficult to swallow and painful to digest.
Recommended.
"In sleep, her face was at peace, but the open packet of sleeping tablets on the bedside table told another story. She was a woman who, twenty years after the death of her son, still needed medication to get to sleep. Who knew what demons haunted her dreams? Or whole family had experienced Graham's death, lived with the aftermath, but it had left very different scars on each of our souls. Mum has surprised me so much since Dad died that I was beginning to wonder if I knew her at all. I'd always seen her as weak, as someone who needed protecting, but now I began to wonder. It must have taken a great deal of strength to live with the knowledge that she'd had. Could I have done the same?"
At the start of the book we meet both teenage Evie and adult Evie returning to the UK following the death of her father many years later. Essentially its a novel about grief but also about deception, family secrets and betrayal. What makes it enjoyable are the characters and the style of writing.
For me it was one of those books that keeps your attention and interest throughout. I enjoyed the exploration of how people deal with the unexpected and longed for, when those longings are thwarted and we are faced with truths that can be difficult to swallow and painful to digest.
Recommended.
"In sleep, her face was at peace, but the open packet of sleeping tablets on the bedside table told another story. She was a woman who, twenty years after the death of her son, still needed medication to get to sleep. Who knew what demons haunted her dreams? Or whole family had experienced Graham's death, lived with the aftermath, but it had left very different scars on each of our souls. Mum has surprised me so much since Dad died that I was beginning to wonder if I knew her at all. I'd always seen her as weak, as someone who needed protecting, but now I began to wonder. It must have taken a great deal of strength to live with the knowledge that she'd had. Could I have done the same?"
February 23, 2018
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
Evie has been away from home long enough to bury the pain that shaped her childhood.
Now, with the sudden death of her father, she must return. Back to the same house. Back to the memories. Back to her mother.
At first, coming home feels unexpectedly comforting. But, as she goes through her father’s files, Evie uncovers a secret that opens old wounds and changes her life forever.
As Evie’s world starts to shatter around her, she realises that those she loves most are also those capable of the deepest betrayal.
*3.5 stars*
This was a book I decided to read after reading a number of novels vastly different in themes and genres beforehand. I thought this would be like cleansing my reading palate...and, to some degree it was. Mostly though, I just needed something "different..."
What I got was a very well written - but not overly original - novel about family, secrets, betrayal and coming home. Evie returns home after the death of her father and discovers things about her family that could shatter her world.
What I did like: the writing style. The author wrote this story with a flowing style that kept me reading, hiding a few little secrets away from us so that the reveals that we got were (mostly) surprising and kept me engaged throughout.
What I didn't like: The "child returns home after the death of a parent/sibling and finds things that could change her life" storyline is now just at the point of overdone. As I said, it was well written but there was nothing in the plot itself that made me sit up and say "Wow, that's cool/different."
Would I recommend this? For sure - plenty of good quality writing. Give it a shot!
Paul
ARH
Evie has been away from home long enough to bury the pain that shaped her childhood.
Now, with the sudden death of her father, she must return. Back to the same house. Back to the memories. Back to her mother.
At first, coming home feels unexpectedly comforting. But, as she goes through her father’s files, Evie uncovers a secret that opens old wounds and changes her life forever.
As Evie’s world starts to shatter around her, she realises that those she loves most are also those capable of the deepest betrayal.
*3.5 stars*
This was a book I decided to read after reading a number of novels vastly different in themes and genres beforehand. I thought this would be like cleansing my reading palate...and, to some degree it was. Mostly though, I just needed something "different..."
What I got was a very well written - but not overly original - novel about family, secrets, betrayal and coming home. Evie returns home after the death of her father and discovers things about her family that could shatter her world.
What I did like: the writing style. The author wrote this story with a flowing style that kept me reading, hiding a few little secrets away from us so that the reveals that we got were (mostly) surprising and kept me engaged throughout.
What I didn't like: The "child returns home after the death of a parent/sibling and finds things that could change her life" storyline is now just at the point of overdone. As I said, it was well written but there was nothing in the plot itself that made me sit up and say "Wow, that's cool/different."
Would I recommend this? For sure - plenty of good quality writing. Give it a shot!
Paul
ARH
August 24, 2019
This was by far one of the best books I've read in a long time. I loved how the author had thought up a sophisticated web of lies that slowly became untangled. I found each of the characters very complex but also believable. It was refreshing that the plot was complicated and unique but the style and language was simple and easy. I just couldn't put it down! An excellent read for any mystery/thriller fan ❤❤
July 13, 2018
I agree with Judy Finigan’s comment: ‘An utterly compelling story of loss and betrayal’.
March 3, 2019
This was one of the most uninteresting, predictable books I’ve ever read. Not a page turner for me. Sorry!
July 30, 2021
Great read. Lots of twists and turns!!
November 15, 2023
The best Domestic fiction book i have read. Applause to Annabel Kantaria. The book really kept me guessing till the very end and then last 10 pages....HUGEEE plot twist.
January 16, 2024
Captivating
So many twists and turns, highs and lows, would be good if a follow-up book came out. Great story line.
So many twists and turns, highs and lows, would be good if a follow-up book came out. Great story line.
March 25, 2024
Loved this - wish there was a follow up
July 7, 2024
A well written book about a dysfunctional family but well told with enough context to make it fascinating.
September 19, 2025
Excellent. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
March 2, 2015
First, let me say that this is a beautifully written book. I was blown away to discover it is a debut novel. WOW! I look forward to what is to come in the future from Annabel Kantaria. I am already a fan.
This book is an exploration of so many things – grief, family dynamics, second chance romance, family secrets, lies, deception, betrayal and mystery…a gripping read - and sometimes heart-wrenching. Ms. Kantaria created well-developed characters and an emotion-packed story. The dialogue is easy to read and flows well. I love that the characters were human. They talked, felt and reacted like real people that you know.
Set aside some reading time before you pick up this book because it really is hard to put down. You will find yourself thinking about it even when you are not reading it. The plot-line is suspenseful. It kept me riveted to the pages after the introductory chapters. It grabbed me and didn’t let go. Nothing is what it seems – there are secrets and twists that surprise the reader – sometimes with a gut-punch! Annabel Kantaria ably draws us along to search for the answers right along with the characters.
A perfect read for a wintry day with something warm to drink – or under an umbrella on the beach. I highly recommend!
*An advance reading copy was generously provided by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is an exploration of so many things – grief, family dynamics, second chance romance, family secrets, lies, deception, betrayal and mystery…a gripping read - and sometimes heart-wrenching. Ms. Kantaria created well-developed characters and an emotion-packed story. The dialogue is easy to read and flows well. I love that the characters were human. They talked, felt and reacted like real people that you know.
Set aside some reading time before you pick up this book because it really is hard to put down. You will find yourself thinking about it even when you are not reading it. The plot-line is suspenseful. It kept me riveted to the pages after the introductory chapters. It grabbed me and didn’t let go. Nothing is what it seems – there are secrets and twists that surprise the reader – sometimes with a gut-punch! Annabel Kantaria ably draws us along to search for the answers right along with the characters.
A perfect read for a wintry day with something warm to drink – or under an umbrella on the beach. I highly recommend!
*An advance reading copy was generously provided by the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 2, 2017
Voici un livre qui vous retourne dans tout les sens.
Quand mensonges et trahisons ont parsemés votre vie entière, il n’est pas simple de pouvoir se reconstruire correctement après cela.
Evie qui a déjà eu une enfance qui n’est pas des plus simples, n’est pas au bout de ses surprises lorsqu’elle se voit contrainte de revenir dans la maison qui l’a vue grandir suite au décès de son père.
Elle qui au départ se sent plutôt bien d’être revenue malgré le passé, finira par douter de beaucoup de choses en triant les documents de son père. Combien de secrets cet homme cachait-il ? Que va t-elle découvrir ? Un homme qu’elle pensait connaître et qui au final semble devenir un parfait inconnu à la double vie.
Finira t-elle par regretter d’être revenue ? Ou au contraire se sentira t-elle libérée d’avoir découvert certaines choses ?
Un livre qu’il vaut mieux ne pas lire si vous êtes dans une période de dépression ou que vous avez le cafard, elle ne vous remontera pas le moral. Néanmoins c’est une belle histoire bien construite qui emmène le lecteur dans le passé de cet homme qui finalement n’était pas celui que tout le monde croyait connaître, pas même sa propre famille.
Pour ma part, j’ai aimé suivre Evy dans cette « enquête » qu’elle a menée pour comprendre qui était réellement son père.
Un livre que je vous recommande.
Quand mensonges et trahisons ont parsemés votre vie entière, il n’est pas simple de pouvoir se reconstruire correctement après cela.
Evie qui a déjà eu une enfance qui n’est pas des plus simples, n’est pas au bout de ses surprises lorsqu’elle se voit contrainte de revenir dans la maison qui l’a vue grandir suite au décès de son père.
Elle qui au départ se sent plutôt bien d’être revenue malgré le passé, finira par douter de beaucoup de choses en triant les documents de son père. Combien de secrets cet homme cachait-il ? Que va t-elle découvrir ? Un homme qu’elle pensait connaître et qui au final semble devenir un parfait inconnu à la double vie.
Finira t-elle par regretter d’être revenue ? Ou au contraire se sentira t-elle libérée d’avoir découvert certaines choses ?
Un livre qu’il vaut mieux ne pas lire si vous êtes dans une période de dépression ou que vous avez le cafard, elle ne vous remontera pas le moral. Néanmoins c’est une belle histoire bien construite qui emmène le lecteur dans le passé de cet homme qui finalement n’était pas celui que tout le monde croyait connaître, pas même sa propre famille.
Pour ma part, j’ai aimé suivre Evy dans cette « enquête » qu’elle a menée pour comprendre qui était réellement son père.
Un livre que je vous recommande.
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