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The Book of Eve
19 year old Melissa doesn't realise how bored she is with her dead-end life until she meets the beautiful renowned author, Annaliese, and her friends. Seduced by their easy glamour and apparently golden lifestyle, when an opportunity arises to become part of their charmed circle, Melissa desperately grabs it. However, she quickly suspects all is not as it seems within this beautiful world she now inhabits. Exactly who is Annaliese, where does she come from, and why does Melissa feel her new home is a house of secrets? Dismissing her initial doubts, Melissa willingly shrugs off her old persona to become Eve, talented and sophisticated, a valued member of Annaliese's inner circle of friends, accepted and loved by them all, except Caro, Annaliese's oldest friend and trusted confidante. She alone despises Eve with an intense hatred that seems to have its roots buried deep in the past. Years pass and Eve accepts that she will never be more than a friend to Scott, one of the circle and himself an enigma. Taciturn and withdrawn, seemingly emotionless, he too has his secrets. Despairing she will ever break through Scott's solid outer shell to the man within, Eve buries her love for him beneath a layer of friendship. But even Annaliese cannot protect her friends from everything and, when a terrible tragedy strikes, it cracks the perfect facade, threatening to split the circle apart. Having far reaching consequences, bizarrely, it gives Eve a tantalising taste of the happiness she so desperately craves. But then a calculated act of betrayal shatters Eve's world. Destroyed, she leaves, running as far away as she can to a lonely and self-imposed exile, until a message of love from beyond the grave brings her home where, in a shocking twist, the truth is finally revealed and Eve at last understands the true story of her life with Annaliese.
245 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 16, 2014
3 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Julia Blake
19 books176 followersI was born and raised in the beautiful historic market town of Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, where I live still with my kid, one crazy cat and a succession of even crazier lodgers. I'm a multi-genre author which basically means I write whatever story floats into my head and worry about what genre it fits into afterwards. So far, I have written in contemporary fiction, romantic suspense, YA fantasy, folklore fantasy, sci-fi, short stories, poetry, and even a fabulous steampunk retelling of the Snow White story.
I have been writing stories and poems since I could first pick up a pen, and I promise there are many more books in the pipeline. I write the kind of books that I like to read myself. Books I can escape into and that make me laugh, cry and really connect with the characters. I also like my books to have a very satisfying ending, where all is explained and no string is left untied, well, not unless I'm planning a sequel that is.
www.juliablakeauthor.co.uk
Instagram: juliablakeauthor
YouTube: Julia Blake Author
Facebook: Julia Blake Author
I have been writing stories and poems since I could first pick up a pen, and I promise there are many more books in the pipeline. I write the kind of books that I like to read myself. Books I can escape into and that make me laugh, cry and really connect with the characters. I also like my books to have a very satisfying ending, where all is explained and no string is left untied, well, not unless I'm planning a sequel that is.
www.juliablakeauthor.co.uk
Instagram: juliablakeauthor
YouTube: Julia Blake Author
Facebook: Julia Blake Author
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July 22, 2019
Book Review
.
Title - The Book of Eve
Author - Julia Blake
Book details - ebook, purchased through Amazon.com
.
Melissa arriving back in England (home) from a year in Montego Bay, Jamaica. No one is to know that Melissa was at Annaliese, her best friends, funeral.... no one, that's why the disguise came in handy... she made it through to the end, well, nearly, until Scott called her name, but it was "THE" name. Scott convinced her to come back to the house, the house where one of the rooms were hers for nine years... After the service a special announcement made from Annaliese from a pre recorded video .... at the end ... Annaliese says "THE" name ........
"And in a flash, I am back in that day, nearly a decade before, to page one, chapter one, of the book of my life with Annaliese." (Quote).
.
It is there that we see the beginning chapters of the story of Annaliese and Melissa, who bonded over a pair of uncomfortable shoes ...... we also have a look to see how the colourful group came to be, introducing us to the likes of Scott, Mimi, Robert (just to name a few) ... we also meet, Ruth Amberson-Smythe, who knows what she wants and doesn't give two hoots about what anyone thinks (in another words, she speaks her mind). We also discover the relationship between Scott and Melissa.... most of the story is actually based going back in time and how Melissa meets all these people and the dramas that hold for some of them.
.
I was drawn in right away into the depth of Julia Blake's writing, as the prologue lead me so quickly in, that I almost forgot... that ... I should be taking notes. As the first chapter opened up, it opened up at a sermon at a church ... Julia's writing makes even a funeral at a church, sound pleasant. The characters were so facinating and colourful, I really applaud Julia for her sense of creativity. Julia's descriptive writing even more so, for example ........
"They’d looked at each puzzled, the same thought simultaneously striking and hurtled back through the trees, skidding to a halt at the lakes edge" (Quote).
I absolutely adored the chapter headings, for example, Exodus, Genesis, Cronicles, to name a few. The whole book is made up of twists and turns that keeps you on a rollercoaster ride. There was an enormous plot twist nearing the end, which I didnt see comming, and I said "What?" as well, so much so, that the hairs on my arms stood up on end, as I cant believe what I had just read...then, woah, a second plot twist, plonked right near the end ... made me take the bait, hook, line and sinker, this is definitely one hum dinger I never saw comming either and I'm pretty good at guessing what is what.
.
I recommend The Book of Eve, to anyone who is in for a fast paced book, with a tremendous amount of activity, twists and turns and adventures that would make your hair curl. I rated it 5 stars on Goodreads. I now want to take this opportunity in thanking Julia for the most entertaining and gripping book.
.
.
Title - The Book of Eve
Author - Julia Blake
Book details - ebook, purchased through Amazon.com
.
Melissa arriving back in England (home) from a year in Montego Bay, Jamaica. No one is to know that Melissa was at Annaliese, her best friends, funeral.... no one, that's why the disguise came in handy... she made it through to the end, well, nearly, until Scott called her name, but it was "THE" name. Scott convinced her to come back to the house, the house where one of the rooms were hers for nine years... After the service a special announcement made from Annaliese from a pre recorded video .... at the end ... Annaliese says "THE" name ........
"And in a flash, I am back in that day, nearly a decade before, to page one, chapter one, of the book of my life with Annaliese." (Quote).
.
It is there that we see the beginning chapters of the story of Annaliese and Melissa, who bonded over a pair of uncomfortable shoes ...... we also have a look to see how the colourful group came to be, introducing us to the likes of Scott, Mimi, Robert (just to name a few) ... we also meet, Ruth Amberson-Smythe, who knows what she wants and doesn't give two hoots about what anyone thinks (in another words, she speaks her mind). We also discover the relationship between Scott and Melissa.... most of the story is actually based going back in time and how Melissa meets all these people and the dramas that hold for some of them.
.
I was drawn in right away into the depth of Julia Blake's writing, as the prologue lead me so quickly in, that I almost forgot... that ... I should be taking notes. As the first chapter opened up, it opened up at a sermon at a church ... Julia's writing makes even a funeral at a church, sound pleasant. The characters were so facinating and colourful, I really applaud Julia for her sense of creativity. Julia's descriptive writing even more so, for example ........
"They’d looked at each puzzled, the same thought simultaneously striking and hurtled back through the trees, skidding to a halt at the lakes edge" (Quote).
I absolutely adored the chapter headings, for example, Exodus, Genesis, Cronicles, to name a few. The whole book is made up of twists and turns that keeps you on a rollercoaster ride. There was an enormous plot twist nearing the end, which I didnt see comming, and I said "What?" as well, so much so, that the hairs on my arms stood up on end, as I cant believe what I had just read...then, woah, a second plot twist, plonked right near the end ... made me take the bait, hook, line and sinker, this is definitely one hum dinger I never saw comming either and I'm pretty good at guessing what is what.
.
I recommend The Book of Eve, to anyone who is in for a fast paced book, with a tremendous amount of activity, twists and turns and adventures that would make your hair curl. I rated it 5 stars on Goodreads. I now want to take this opportunity in thanking Julia for the most entertaining and gripping book.
.
October 10, 2020
The Book of Eve is, without a doubt, one of those books you pick up when you need to escape. Not for reasons of fantasy and adventures, but for the sheer lavish and beauty within its pages, for a damn fine cast of characters and twisted plot, and a swoon-worthy leading man.
Especially in its new incarnation with a stunning new cover that adds to the experience.
For lovers and obsessors of real drama, thrills and the essential romantic element to sweep you away, The Book of Eve is beautifully lavish in parts, with wonderful rich locations and scenery to tantalise the senses, with a multilayered plotline, that twist and turns until the inevitable shocker hits—a great read to immerse yourself, a true page-turner.
Julia Blake talent is never in question; her numerous 5-star reviews are a testament to her skills in world-building. But she also has an innate sense of character creation; her casts are always many with diverse personalities, bestowing on them believable emotions and qualities, The Book of Eve is no exception.
Especially in its new incarnation with a stunning new cover that adds to the experience.
For lovers and obsessors of real drama, thrills and the essential romantic element to sweep you away, The Book of Eve is beautifully lavish in parts, with wonderful rich locations and scenery to tantalise the senses, with a multilayered plotline, that twist and turns until the inevitable shocker hits—a great read to immerse yourself, a true page-turner.
Julia Blake talent is never in question; her numerous 5-star reviews are a testament to her skills in world-building. But she also has an innate sense of character creation; her casts are always many with diverse personalities, bestowing on them believable emotions and qualities, The Book of Eve is no exception.
January 19, 2018
The Book of Eve by Julia Blake
I very much enjoyed this gripping drama. The central character Annaliese is a beautiful, glamourous author who surrounds herself with an eclectic group of friends, who share her lavish lifestyle and magnificent home. When Melissa is drawn into the circle, she undergoes a rapid transformation to become Eve.
There’s a mystic quality about Annaliese. As layer upon layer of the story is revealed, and we learn about the various friends and how they met, intrigue grows.
Julia Blake uses the drama of an impending storm to mirror the increasing tension of the story’s climax until everything reaches its peak and explodes.
I wholeheartedly recommended this book. The Characters are well portrayed and believable. The story is well-written. I can see me rereading this at some stage.
Well-done Julia Blake.
I very much enjoyed this gripping drama. The central character Annaliese is a beautiful, glamourous author who surrounds herself with an eclectic group of friends, who share her lavish lifestyle and magnificent home. When Melissa is drawn into the circle, she undergoes a rapid transformation to become Eve.
There’s a mystic quality about Annaliese. As layer upon layer of the story is revealed, and we learn about the various friends and how they met, intrigue grows.
Julia Blake uses the drama of an impending storm to mirror the increasing tension of the story’s climax until everything reaches its peak and explodes.
I wholeheartedly recommended this book. The Characters are well portrayed and believable. The story is well-written. I can see me rereading this at some stage.
Well-done Julia Blake.
February 14, 2019
READ THIS BOOK IMMEDIATELY!!
I love to read but get very little time and want to love what I am reading. Sometimes you read books and feel its a total waste of time. You will NOT feel that way with this book. You won’t want to put it down! You will fall in love with Eve and with every turn of the page forfeit time for other duties just to read this book! God please let there be more is all I can say. I need more Eve and Scott in my life!! READ THIS BOOK!! Go now. Buy it. Read it. Go now!!!!
I love to read but get very little time and want to love what I am reading. Sometimes you read books and feel its a total waste of time. You will NOT feel that way with this book. You won’t want to put it down! You will fall in love with Eve and with every turn of the page forfeit time for other duties just to read this book! God please let there be more is all I can say. I need more Eve and Scott in my life!! READ THIS BOOK!! Go now. Buy it. Read it. Go now!!!!
March 14, 2017
The Book Of Eve is a gripping and powerful drama about a group of friends, centering around the one who binds them all together- the charming and beautiful Annaliese.
Melissa, the narrator, begins by only seeing a small glimpse of Annaliese's inner circle, but immediately she passionately wishes to be part of it. So she couldn't be happier when a minor accident catapults her right into its heart, but everything isn't as it seems...
Each character in the book comes beautifully together to form the one, harmonious group. But, in Annaliese's own words: 'what a strange group we are. Everyone's in love with the wrong person.'
The book uses the imagery of a building storm, which is very apt. The reader gets the feeling of halcyon days, gradually building to the moment when it all breaks up into pieces. It's a story that will stay with me for a long time.
In short, I really loved it and definitely recommend it!
Melissa, the narrator, begins by only seeing a small glimpse of Annaliese's inner circle, but immediately she passionately wishes to be part of it. So she couldn't be happier when a minor accident catapults her right into its heart, but everything isn't as it seems...
Each character in the book comes beautifully together to form the one, harmonious group. But, in Annaliese's own words: 'what a strange group we are. Everyone's in love with the wrong person.'
The book uses the imagery of a building storm, which is very apt. The reader gets the feeling of halcyon days, gradually building to the moment when it all breaks up into pieces. It's a story that will stay with me for a long time.
In short, I really loved it and definitely recommend it!
December 8, 2018
I love Julia Blake’s writing so much. Her characters are so interesting and endearing. Sometimes characters are so flawed and you hate them for it...Julia’s characters are flawed and I love them. They have distinct voices and are well fleshed out.
The Book of Eve have elements of mystery, romance, contemporary fiction...all those things combine to make a really intriguing and thoughtful story. I was hanging on every word right up till the end.
The Book of Eve have elements of mystery, romance, contemporary fiction...all those things combine to make a really intriguing and thoughtful story. I was hanging on every word right up till the end.
July 13, 2019
Unusual and quite captivating
I found this very easy to get engrossed in because both the plot and the characters were so fascinating. I did hesitate a little on a five star rating as I found the time line a little strange/confusing. It didn’t quite fit with the actions and ages of the characters. It is hard to explain without spoilers and I am not prepared to do this as it was such a good twist at the end.
Great flow, and great pace.
I found this very easy to get engrossed in because both the plot and the characters were so fascinating. I did hesitate a little on a five star rating as I found the time line a little strange/confusing. It didn’t quite fit with the actions and ages of the characters. It is hard to explain without spoilers and I am not prepared to do this as it was such a good twist at the end.
Great flow, and great pace.
September 1, 2020
I never quite know how to go about reviewing my own work. I could gush on about how wonderful it is, how well written and imaginative, how much you'll love it. But, I wrote it, so of course I'm going to say all those things, after all, I'm hardly going to criticize my own novel!
Instead, I'll tell you the why's of Eve and maybe introduce you to the characters who people her world. The inspiration for Eve first struck at a funeral, believe it or not. I sat there looking around at all those people dressed in black, embracing, weeping, softly talking to each other, and realised that for many it was a reunion, that funerals are great bringers together of people, maybe even more so than weddings. A germ of an idea took root that day, a funeral - whose? A main character - ooh, brave move, killing off a main character in the first chapter! Someone has come to the funeral who's been away for a long time - why? She doesn't want the others to know she's there, some kind of devastating event occurred to make her run far away - what?
From these small seeds, plot lines and characters began to demand attention, a group of friends, blessed by so much - rich, successful, happy - what can possibly go wrong? But it does go wrong, hideously, catastrophically wrong. The circle shatters, smashed apart by tragedy, betrayal and long buried secrets. Then, I had an awful nightmare of blood spilling down a white marble staircase, it was the pivotal moment for the whole plot that I had been looking for. After that, it was easy, the book more or less wrote itself and, less than five months from the funeral, The Book of Eve was complete.
Eve doesn't begin the book as Eve, instead she's Melissa, young, gauche and very disappointed with her life so far. Then, she gets a glimpse into the privileged world of Annaliese and her friends, a world of easy luxury and seemingly unbreakable friendships. She wants to be a part of this world, craves entry to the golden kingdom, thrilled beyond belief when a seemingly random act allows her to shed the persona of Melissa and become Eve - bright, beautiful, sophisticated and talented Eve - a valued member of Annaliese's inner circle.
Within this inner circle there's also Miles - educated, literate, kind and thoughtful, he's in love with Mimi but will never, ever tell because she's in love with Andrew. Ferdie - group clown, adores Annaliese, yet has a secret that could devastate her. Caro - Irish, blunt and hostile, worships Annaliese, detests everybody else in the circle except Eve, and her she loathes for reasons that seem to have their roots far back in the past. Scott - handsome, sophisticated and taciturn, Eve loves him to distraction, yet can never get past his thick outer shell to the damaged man within, and what exactly is his relationship with Annalise? And then there's Annaliese herself - angel, the glue that holds the whole group together, but, a woman without a past, where did she come from and who are her family?
So many secrets bubbling beneath the surface, so many things left unsaid. A storm is brewing, and, when it breaks, no one will be left intact.
Eve has been compared by some reviewers to a modern day "Downton Abbey", and I'm not sure how I feel about that. I'm taking it as a compliment because I know how popular Downton is, yet don't really want that label applied to the novel as, in terms of "upstairs downstairs" if there are servants in this world, they remain very much out of sight - well, with the exception of Mrs Briggs of course, who considers herself part of the family having been with Annaliese and Robert, Annaliese's husband, for so many years.
The main bulk of the plot takes place in the Hall, a beautiful Georgian stately home, it forms the backdrop for the triumphs and tragedies that occur, and is the golden kingdom with Annaliese holding court as the sun queen, around whom the members of her inner circle revolve. Always happy, always beautiful and sophisticated, this world seems inviolate, untouchable and Eve believes nothing bad can ever happen to them there. Yet, even Annaliese cannot protect her friends from everything and, when the oncoming storm finally breaks over them, nothing and no one is safe.
The Book of Eve is a novel about secrets and relationships. About how the first can complicate and ultimately destroy the second. It's also a novel about love: love - unrequited; love - eternal; love - maternal. As Annaliese herself puts it - "what a strange group we are, everyone's in love with the wrong person."
Instead, I'll tell you the why's of Eve and maybe introduce you to the characters who people her world. The inspiration for Eve first struck at a funeral, believe it or not. I sat there looking around at all those people dressed in black, embracing, weeping, softly talking to each other, and realised that for many it was a reunion, that funerals are great bringers together of people, maybe even more so than weddings. A germ of an idea took root that day, a funeral - whose? A main character - ooh, brave move, killing off a main character in the first chapter! Someone has come to the funeral who's been away for a long time - why? She doesn't want the others to know she's there, some kind of devastating event occurred to make her run far away - what?
From these small seeds, plot lines and characters began to demand attention, a group of friends, blessed by so much - rich, successful, happy - what can possibly go wrong? But it does go wrong, hideously, catastrophically wrong. The circle shatters, smashed apart by tragedy, betrayal and long buried secrets. Then, I had an awful nightmare of blood spilling down a white marble staircase, it was the pivotal moment for the whole plot that I had been looking for. After that, it was easy, the book more or less wrote itself and, less than five months from the funeral, The Book of Eve was complete.
Eve doesn't begin the book as Eve, instead she's Melissa, young, gauche and very disappointed with her life so far. Then, she gets a glimpse into the privileged world of Annaliese and her friends, a world of easy luxury and seemingly unbreakable friendships. She wants to be a part of this world, craves entry to the golden kingdom, thrilled beyond belief when a seemingly random act allows her to shed the persona of Melissa and become Eve - bright, beautiful, sophisticated and talented Eve - a valued member of Annaliese's inner circle.
Within this inner circle there's also Miles - educated, literate, kind and thoughtful, he's in love with Mimi but will never, ever tell because she's in love with Andrew. Ferdie - group clown, adores Annaliese, yet has a secret that could devastate her. Caro - Irish, blunt and hostile, worships Annaliese, detests everybody else in the circle except Eve, and her she loathes for reasons that seem to have their roots far back in the past. Scott - handsome, sophisticated and taciturn, Eve loves him to distraction, yet can never get past his thick outer shell to the damaged man within, and what exactly is his relationship with Annalise? And then there's Annaliese herself - angel, the glue that holds the whole group together, but, a woman without a past, where did she come from and who are her family?
So many secrets bubbling beneath the surface, so many things left unsaid. A storm is brewing, and, when it breaks, no one will be left intact.
Eve has been compared by some reviewers to a modern day "Downton Abbey", and I'm not sure how I feel about that. I'm taking it as a compliment because I know how popular Downton is, yet don't really want that label applied to the novel as, in terms of "upstairs downstairs" if there are servants in this world, they remain very much out of sight - well, with the exception of Mrs Briggs of course, who considers herself part of the family having been with Annaliese and Robert, Annaliese's husband, for so many years.
The main bulk of the plot takes place in the Hall, a beautiful Georgian stately home, it forms the backdrop for the triumphs and tragedies that occur, and is the golden kingdom with Annaliese holding court as the sun queen, around whom the members of her inner circle revolve. Always happy, always beautiful and sophisticated, this world seems inviolate, untouchable and Eve believes nothing bad can ever happen to them there. Yet, even Annaliese cannot protect her friends from everything and, when the oncoming storm finally breaks over them, nothing and no one is safe.
The Book of Eve is a novel about secrets and relationships. About how the first can complicate and ultimately destroy the second. It's also a novel about love: love - unrequited; love - eternal; love - maternal. As Annaliese herself puts it - "what a strange group we are, everyone's in love with the wrong person."
September 27, 2020
I have read a handful of books by Julia Blake and loved all of them. This one not only intrigued me; but managed to capture me within the first eight pages of the prologue! Eve has been gone a year and now she finds she must return. This brings to mind two questions. Why did she leave in the first place and what has happened to make her return? There comes a time when you’ve got to face your demons and go home. So this is the story of Eve’s journey home starting at the beginning before Annaliese. The journey back is painful and filled with uncertainty, anger, despair, hope, love and secrets. Blake will take you to the brink...the rest is up to you.
As I’ve mentioned, I have read five of Blake’s books and every single one has a five star rating. She is a diverse author who has successfully crossed genres (contemporary fiction, romance, sagas, poetry/short stories, sci-fi, fantasy, myths and legends); but also the age spectrum from adults and YA to even middle grade and tweens as Erinsmore is certainly appropriate for my granddaughters ages 9 and 13 and, of course, grandmothers.
The Book of Eve sounded biblical to me so I wasn’t surprised that the cover had a “bible” look. What I wasn’t expecting were little nugget surprises like the chapters titled as books from the Bible. Another little penchant of Blake is that she likes to include cameo appearances of characters from her other books. I was reading along, and there’s Ruth from Chaining Daisy! Note: The Book of Eve was originally written prior to Chaining Daisy and takes place 10 years or so earlier. Oh! Robert and Annaliese also happen to pop in Becoming Lili!
Blake’s books are the whole package. Every detail, the cover, the pages, characters come to life on the page, the story waxes and wanes and twists and turns. Just when you think you figured it all out; you don’t. She keeps you on the edge until the very last page is turned and the last sentence is read. Well done! (This is where you are supposed to applaud!) 🙌🏻😃
As I’ve mentioned, I have read five of Blake’s books and every single one has a five star rating. She is a diverse author who has successfully crossed genres (contemporary fiction, romance, sagas, poetry/short stories, sci-fi, fantasy, myths and legends); but also the age spectrum from adults and YA to even middle grade and tweens as Erinsmore is certainly appropriate for my granddaughters ages 9 and 13 and, of course, grandmothers.
The Book of Eve sounded biblical to me so I wasn’t surprised that the cover had a “bible” look. What I wasn’t expecting were little nugget surprises like the chapters titled as books from the Bible. Another little penchant of Blake is that she likes to include cameo appearances of characters from her other books. I was reading along, and there’s Ruth from Chaining Daisy! Note: The Book of Eve was originally written prior to Chaining Daisy and takes place 10 years or so earlier. Oh! Robert and Annaliese also happen to pop in Becoming Lili!
Blake’s books are the whole package. Every detail, the cover, the pages, characters come to life on the page, the story waxes and wanes and twists and turns. Just when you think you figured it all out; you don’t. She keeps you on the edge until the very last page is turned and the last sentence is read. Well done! (This is where you are supposed to applaud!) 🙌🏻😃
May 31, 2017
This book falls outside my comfort zone for fiction, being a drama, and yet I still enjoyed it.
As the main character, Eve/Melissa undergoes a great transformation almost akin to a coming of age story though she is nineteen at the start of it. It is her arc that defines the plot and makes her a relatable protagonist. She struggles with love, her past, becoming her own person and as a reader you cheer for her success.
The secondary cast of characters is expansive and make for an eclectic band to support Eve's growth. They are well drawn and fascinating additions to the story
The plot itself carries hope with it though at one point I felt myself slipping into a sympathetic depression as the characters seemed to suffer one tragedy after another. It was emotionally draining.
A well written and poignant human drama, it is a good sign of the potential of Miss Julia Blake.
As the main character, Eve/Melissa undergoes a great transformation almost akin to a coming of age story though she is nineteen at the start of it. It is her arc that defines the plot and makes her a relatable protagonist. She struggles with love, her past, becoming her own person and as a reader you cheer for her success.
The secondary cast of characters is expansive and make for an eclectic band to support Eve's growth. They are well drawn and fascinating additions to the story
The plot itself carries hope with it though at one point I felt myself slipping into a sympathetic depression as the characters seemed to suffer one tragedy after another. It was emotionally draining.
A well written and poignant human drama, it is a good sign of the potential of Miss Julia Blake.
December 15, 2018
Melissa is desperate to escape her boring life working in an office and worrying about her boyfriend's shady new job. When she meets the renowned author, Annaliese, she falls into another life and a completely new identity. She becomes Eve and finds her true self. Annaliese becomes more than her friend, she is a window into a new glamours existence and job, fitted with a new circle of friends that adore her and make her feel at home for the first time in her life.
When a tragedy tears the friend group apart more than one secret comes to light, threatening everything Eve has built for herself.
Blake does an amazing job of creating a world that feels unbelievably decadent while still being incredibly relatable.
When a tragedy tears the friend group apart more than one secret comes to light, threatening everything Eve has built for herself.
Blake does an amazing job of creating a world that feels unbelievably decadent while still being incredibly relatable.
September 1, 2020
It's no secret that I'm a fan of Julia Blake's contemporary novels and am not surprised that her first, revamped, book is equally as good as her later ones.
Written in first person, mostly in flashback, the erstwhile Melissa morphs into the successful Eve under the tutelage of the extraordinary Anneliese from the beautiful surrounds of her fabulous stately home. But just who is Eve, really?
Like all of Blake's writing, the novel is full of quirky and damaged characters you want to hug or slap upside the head in equal measure, not the least of whom being the inscrutable Scott.
Talking of Scott, although the book has a modern setting in England, there was more than a whiff of The Great Gatsby about this and I own to loving it.
5 stars for the character interplay and the gorgeous Scott.
Written in first person, mostly in flashback, the erstwhile Melissa morphs into the successful Eve under the tutelage of the extraordinary Anneliese from the beautiful surrounds of her fabulous stately home. But just who is Eve, really?
Like all of Blake's writing, the novel is full of quirky and damaged characters you want to hug or slap upside the head in equal measure, not the least of whom being the inscrutable Scott.
Talking of Scott, although the book has a modern setting in England, there was more than a whiff of The Great Gatsby about this and I own to loving it.
5 stars for the character interplay and the gorgeous Scott.
July 11, 2018
This was my holiday read and a fabulous one it was to take through Thailand. Not the type of genre I normally read but that’s the great thing about supporting indie authors.... you try something a little different. I loved Eve Her story was engaging, the characters in her life each had wonderful stories of their own and it had a wonderful reveal at it its conclusion. Enough face blushing love to keep me shyly turning the pages. Ha ha !! Wonderful pace and a story I can very happily and genuinely recommend
December 16, 2018
I enjoyed Julia Blake's book The Forest so much, that I immediately followed with The Book of Eve. Melissa finds herself in an unlikely community with a famous and successful author. She is taken in by a complex community at the hall. At times I would be aggravated with her choices until I remembered her age then I understood. Great characters and unique story. If you love a twist, hang on because you will learn to love and understand the complex characters. I suggest this for readers of multiple genres.
June 5, 2017
This is a beautiful book! Eve was easy to relate to, which made for a pull-me-in-from-the-beginning read. This is an emotional story, but also twisty. Several things happened that I did not see coming, and I love that. There is romance, but it's not over-powering. It's that light, butterflies in the tummy style that I really enjoy. The characters are well-developed and she does a great job of building a back history on them. It's a great cast of characters, and I would love to see a sequel!!
September 1, 2018
Powerful and dramatic.... this is the second book that I have read by Julia and it was stunning.
Glorious descriptions and characters that you truly feel a connection with.
Eve’s story is one that will remain with me. The misunderstandings, the heartbreak, the emotion and the truly satisfying ending.
If you are looking for a book where the writing completely draws you in, then this is the book for you. Just beautiful.
Well done Julia.
Glorious descriptions and characters that you truly feel a connection with.
Eve’s story is one that will remain with me. The misunderstandings, the heartbreak, the emotion and the truly satisfying ending.
If you are looking for a book where the writing completely draws you in, then this is the book for you. Just beautiful.
Well done Julia.
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March 17, 2019I am not a great reader, but received this book as a gift. Absolutely loved it from page one and twist at the end was great. Thoroughly recommend.
September 10, 2020
Delightful story about a young woman's life, that changes overnight.
A huge surprise at the end of the book, which I did not foresee.
A huge surprise at the end of the book, which I did not foresee.
November 20, 2022
How complicated is this world of ours, how complex the people who inhabit it. Author Julia Blake uses the end-at-the-beginning technique to show us Eve, living in Jamaica, receiving an email which forces her to return to England to lay the ghosts she left behind there.
She's made to confront Melissa, an ordinary, small-town girl who, despite loving the middle-class parents who encouraged her to do well at school, nevertheless perpetrated an act of teenage rebellion and moved in with Mike, the bad boy of the school. She managed to get a start on a local newspaper in her chosen career of journalism, but the gloss wore off through her having to support the serially-unemployed Mike.
When boredom and financial necessity led Mel to take an evening's work waitressing at The Hall, chance and Fate led her to become a part of the glamorous and seductive lifestyle of celebity author Annaliese Macleod. Why then did she flee, more than nine years later, to hide out overseas? Why does she return?
The author manages to convey the shadow of mystery over this story, the outward glitz of the enchanted lifestyle of Annaliese seeming to hide so many secrets. I thought I'd found the answer early on, then I was sure I had--and then I wasn't. There's champagne and seduction of the reader alongside Mel, and a need to work out the secrets that lie behind it all. I recommend it without hesitation.
She's made to confront Melissa, an ordinary, small-town girl who, despite loving the middle-class parents who encouraged her to do well at school, nevertheless perpetrated an act of teenage rebellion and moved in with Mike, the bad boy of the school. She managed to get a start on a local newspaper in her chosen career of journalism, but the gloss wore off through her having to support the serially-unemployed Mike.
When boredom and financial necessity led Mel to take an evening's work waitressing at The Hall, chance and Fate led her to become a part of the glamorous and seductive lifestyle of celebity author Annaliese Macleod. Why then did she flee, more than nine years later, to hide out overseas? Why does she return?
The author manages to convey the shadow of mystery over this story, the outward glitz of the enchanted lifestyle of Annaliese seeming to hide so many secrets. I thought I'd found the answer early on, then I was sure I had--and then I wasn't. There's champagne and seduction of the reader alongside Mel, and a need to work out the secrets that lie behind it all. I recommend it without hesitation.
September 3, 2019
I am a fan of British author Julia Blake’s work and this book did not disappoint. Melissa the main character leaves her old life behind and enters a life she could only have dreamed of. The story takes many twists and turns. There are secrets lurking. Without giving any more away I really enjoyed this book. It moves along at a nice pace and I recommend it.
March 24, 2021
Prepare to be whisked away to a lavish country manor, where the champagne flows and the secrets are aplenty.
This book was exactly what I needed on a cloudy weekend. It's full of glitz, glamour and most importantly, intrigue. The story follows a teenage girl and her evolution into a young women named Eve, a likeable at times frustrating character. We see her enter a world she'd only ever dreamed being a part of and quickly make it her own. But everything's not as it seems and those suspicions that nagged at her gut from the very first moment she laid eyes on her new 'friends' bubble to the surface. The secrets of the manor erupt, resulting in a series of tragic revelations, a few of which I suspected and a few of which I didn't.
If you liked the TV show Gossip Girl then you will absolutely love this! A 5 star, thoroughly enjoyable weekend read.
This book was exactly what I needed on a cloudy weekend. It's full of glitz, glamour and most importantly, intrigue. The story follows a teenage girl and her evolution into a young women named Eve, a likeable at times frustrating character. We see her enter a world she'd only ever dreamed being a part of and quickly make it her own. But everything's not as it seems and those suspicions that nagged at her gut from the very first moment she laid eyes on her new 'friends' bubble to the surface. The secrets of the manor erupt, resulting in a series of tragic revelations, a few of which I suspected and a few of which I didn't.
If you liked the TV show Gossip Girl then you will absolutely love this! A 5 star, thoroughly enjoyable weekend read.
October 16, 2020
Julia Blake’s The Book of Eve is a sophisticated, sexy psychological drama with thrills and mystery. The lavish scenes of the rich offer an updated British version of the decadent scenes in Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. As in the Gatsby, what lies beneath this glossy surface is coming undone too. But there the parallels end.
Eve, whose real name is Melissa, has fled this lavish lifestyle to Montego Bay, where the book opens with our protagonist living a simple life, working as a waitress at a beach bar and restaurant; having fled from something so disturbing that she wonders if she will ever dare return to England. But the death of her friend and benefactor, Annaliese, (the famous author and beloved socialite who who gave Melissa the nickname Eve and enabled her to be part of the charmed life she has fled), is the one thing that will bring Eve back to England. Eve learns of Annaliese’s death through her friend Ruth, part of Annaliese’s inner circle. Eve has sent to Ruth a draft of a book she has written while in self-inflicted exile. She should have known it would bring that world back. But she never expected to learn that Annaliese had died!
So Eve returns to England, Annaliese’s funeral and the story and its mysteries begin to unfold: Eve’s, Annaliese’s and those of Annaliese’s inner circle. The characters, who are all part of each other’s lives, are also sophisticated with depth, flaws and engaging personal histories that add to the story’s dimension and enjoyment. The passions, conflicts and flaws of the characters show us that we are all human despite our outer trimmings. Ms. Blake’s male characters are as well-developed as her females. Scott and Robert will stay with me. And Caro, Annaliese’s “bulldog” secretary will remain with me too. The plot offers plenty of surprises, sexy scenes and dark secrets. You will adore the ending!
Eve, whose real name is Melissa, has fled this lavish lifestyle to Montego Bay, where the book opens with our protagonist living a simple life, working as a waitress at a beach bar and restaurant; having fled from something so disturbing that she wonders if she will ever dare return to England. But the death of her friend and benefactor, Annaliese, (the famous author and beloved socialite who who gave Melissa the nickname Eve and enabled her to be part of the charmed life she has fled), is the one thing that will bring Eve back to England. Eve learns of Annaliese’s death through her friend Ruth, part of Annaliese’s inner circle. Eve has sent to Ruth a draft of a book she has written while in self-inflicted exile. She should have known it would bring that world back. But she never expected to learn that Annaliese had died!
So Eve returns to England, Annaliese’s funeral and the story and its mysteries begin to unfold: Eve’s, Annaliese’s and those of Annaliese’s inner circle. The characters, who are all part of each other’s lives, are also sophisticated with depth, flaws and engaging personal histories that add to the story’s dimension and enjoyment. The passions, conflicts and flaws of the characters show us that we are all human despite our outer trimmings. Ms. Blake’s male characters are as well-developed as her females. Scott and Robert will stay with me. And Caro, Annaliese’s “bulldog” secretary will remain with me too. The plot offers plenty of surprises, sexy scenes and dark secrets. You will adore the ending!
September 28, 2020
Melissa feels trapped in her dull life with a dead-end boyfriend and lousy job. One fateful afternoon she meets the charming author, Annaliese and her delightful group of friends. With a glimpse of how her grey life could be turned golden, Melissa takes the opportunity to visit Annaliese again and soon finds herself reborn as Eve.
The Book Of Eve, another gripping read by Julia Blake, steals your attention from page one and doesn’t let go. Intrigue builds early when Eve learns all is not as it seems amongst Annaliese’s seemingly perfect world. Blake has created endearing, believable characters, but with secrets bubbling just under the surface that I did and didn’t want to know for fear of all the splendour tumbling down.
With superb dialogue and wonderful descriptions that drew me right in to Annaliese’s beautiful world, Blake will have you dizzy with the twists and turns of this tale. When I thought it was going way, it took me in another, and just when I thought I’d figured it out, another twist arrived. This is one of my favourite titles from this author. It has a wonderfully British feel with all those stiff upper lips doing their best to stay the course under the weight of unfolding drama. Blake excelled in capturing this to perfection, and when the truth does out, it’s spectacular.
While I loved all the characters, Eve and Scott deserve a special mention, although I did want to slap Scott on more than one occasion. Fans of Blake will also recognise a few characters who appear in her other titles.
If you’re looking for mystery, romance and superbly constructed plot packed with memorable characters, then this one is for you. An easy five stars.
The Book Of Eve, another gripping read by Julia Blake, steals your attention from page one and doesn’t let go. Intrigue builds early when Eve learns all is not as it seems amongst Annaliese’s seemingly perfect world. Blake has created endearing, believable characters, but with secrets bubbling just under the surface that I did and didn’t want to know for fear of all the splendour tumbling down.
With superb dialogue and wonderful descriptions that drew me right in to Annaliese’s beautiful world, Blake will have you dizzy with the twists and turns of this tale. When I thought it was going way, it took me in another, and just when I thought I’d figured it out, another twist arrived. This is one of my favourite titles from this author. It has a wonderfully British feel with all those stiff upper lips doing their best to stay the course under the weight of unfolding drama. Blake excelled in capturing this to perfection, and when the truth does out, it’s spectacular.
While I loved all the characters, Eve and Scott deserve a special mention, although I did want to slap Scott on more than one occasion. Fans of Blake will also recognise a few characters who appear in her other titles.
If you’re looking for mystery, romance and superbly constructed plot packed with memorable characters, then this one is for you. An easy five stars.
May 5, 2018
I think I need to be hospitalized after reading the Book of Eve. I can't remember the last time a book managed to grab me so emotionally and twist me to the point where I literally sobbed. You can't help but relate to every character on some deep, psychological level. I believe that each of us has been guilty of wanting to exchange who we are for something else, someone else. Most of us have at some point haboured a secret, had a private desire that went un-shared or loved the wrong person for the wrong reasons. This book takes you there to those velvety, red satin places and it plies you with expensive wine before pushing you naked into dark and painful places. Then it collects you again, putting your scattered pieces back together like Russian dolls just before releasing you into the wild. I loved this book. I am going to purchase a bottle of Juan Paul Gautier to remind me that we can all triumph regardless of disaster.
I find myself wishing that I was in the movie business so that I could turn this book into a film and stand with Julia Blake on the red carpet for an outstanding and brilliant masterpiece.
This book broke me in places I was not aware of and my life has been enriched because of it. One day I will visit that Hall and walk its corridors in the finest clothes that I can find. A powerful and beautiful story that is cutting, chilling and sensational beyond words.
Julia Blake, you are a master story teller!
I find myself wishing that I was in the movie business so that I could turn this book into a film and stand with Julia Blake on the red carpet for an outstanding and brilliant masterpiece.
This book broke me in places I was not aware of and my life has been enriched because of it. One day I will visit that Hall and walk its corridors in the finest clothes that I can find. A powerful and beautiful story that is cutting, chilling and sensational beyond words.
Julia Blake, you are a master story teller!
November 27, 2020
Calgon didn't take me away, but Julia Blake did. This was my first read by Blake and I can't say that I was surprised that I would enjoy her work even though I had only interacted with her online. Her wittiness and creativity even a quick post or comment comes through in those often hilarious moments.
Blake pulled me in from the prologue. Who else knows the feeling of knowing your dreaming, but can't pull yourself out of it? At any rate, our heroine, or who I initially thought to be her, Melissa awakens in Jamaica where she was in a self-imposed exile. I could taste the rich cup of morning brew she sipped on despite being warned that she wasn't quite ready for it. This rich descriptive word usage really sets the tone of how the author brings the readers into the story of Melissa, Analise, a host of supporting characters, and their lavish world. She takes us from Melissa seeing a group of friends she wanted to be a part of, reinventing herself to be someone she would like to be, to an ending that had me hoping that there might be more. In between that is romance (Scott 😍)a funeral, betrayal, and mystery. Blake delivers a solidly developed plot with twists and equally engaging and entertaining characters. I recommend this book if you enjoy lavish drama, betrayal, and action with just enough romance to have you hoping you'll see more of Scott.
Blake pulled me in from the prologue. Who else knows the feeling of knowing your dreaming, but can't pull yourself out of it? At any rate, our heroine, or who I initially thought to be her, Melissa awakens in Jamaica where she was in a self-imposed exile. I could taste the rich cup of morning brew she sipped on despite being warned that she wasn't quite ready for it. This rich descriptive word usage really sets the tone of how the author brings the readers into the story of Melissa, Analise, a host of supporting characters, and their lavish world. She takes us from Melissa seeing a group of friends she wanted to be a part of, reinventing herself to be someone she would like to be, to an ending that had me hoping that there might be more. In between that is romance (Scott 😍)a funeral, betrayal, and mystery. Blake delivers a solidly developed plot with twists and equally engaging and entertaining characters. I recommend this book if you enjoy lavish drama, betrayal, and action with just enough romance to have you hoping you'll see more of Scott.
September 5, 2019
I've read a few Julia Blake books, and every time I've enjoyed her writing abilities that stretch across various genres. She can give us fast paced, edge of your seat books, magical adventures, heartwrenching romance, trilling love affairs. But I can safely says, so far, this has been my favourite Julia Blake novel. There's something quintessencially British about this one, but at the same time, something so overly done, exaggerated, even - and it's purposeful! We'r thrown into a lavish lifestyle that seems to be cracking up at the edges, and there, around the borders, we can sometimes glimpse those rips at the seams, as if we're watching a carefully put together act, where what we see is not quite real, but isn't a show either. There's twists and turns that'll make you slack jawed, or feel vindicated, there's memorable characters and memorable lines, there's above all else a sophistication in the writing that will leave you wanting for more. I do reccomend this novel to everyone who likes a book that's well thought of, well written and unputdownable!!! - yes, I made that one up.
February 24, 2019
What would you do if you could become someone else?
In The Book of Eve, Blake expertly crafts a story following a character that does just that. After a chance encounter with an elite, tight-knit group, every day Melissa is absorbed into their inner circle and emerges as Eve.
From the shedding of her old life to the hurdles she faces in her new, you continuously find yourself being drawn deeper and deeper into that world right along with Eve. Through her vividly penned characters, Blake touches on a variety of topics, including fear, jealousy, love and friendship, to name only a few, in an unapologetic and fearless way I’ve already grown to admire in her writings.
And while I thought I had it figured out at one point, I was wrong. Which just made me love this book even more.
Blake is quickly becoming a favorite author and I am looking forward to reading more of her books.
In The Book of Eve, Blake expertly crafts a story following a character that does just that. After a chance encounter with an elite, tight-knit group, every day Melissa is absorbed into their inner circle and emerges as Eve.
From the shedding of her old life to the hurdles she faces in her new, you continuously find yourself being drawn deeper and deeper into that world right along with Eve. Through her vividly penned characters, Blake touches on a variety of topics, including fear, jealousy, love and friendship, to name only a few, in an unapologetic and fearless way I’ve already grown to admire in her writings.
And while I thought I had it figured out at one point, I was wrong. Which just made me love this book even more.
Blake is quickly becoming a favorite author and I am looking forward to reading more of her books.
July 17, 2018
Phenomenal Storytelling
A masterfully woven tale, The Book of Eve has so many layers of stunning detail that build to an altogether astonishing conclusion. With several jumps between past and present, Blake reveals the relationships and events that are Eve’s life, artfully leading the reader along a journey of discovery, understanding, and emotion. It’s impossible not to feel along with Eve and her friends trough the good times, the horrifying times, and the ultimate revelations underlying it all. And now that I know what happens I won’t be able to help reading it again. And then possibly again after that. Especially given that, though this is no fairy tale, the ending is just as satisfying as if it were.
A masterfully woven tale, The Book of Eve has so many layers of stunning detail that build to an altogether astonishing conclusion. With several jumps between past and present, Blake reveals the relationships and events that are Eve’s life, artfully leading the reader along a journey of discovery, understanding, and emotion. It’s impossible not to feel along with Eve and her friends trough the good times, the horrifying times, and the ultimate revelations underlying it all. And now that I know what happens I won’t be able to help reading it again. And then possibly again after that. Especially given that, though this is no fairy tale, the ending is just as satisfying as if it were.
April 24, 2019
This is the kind of novel that a reader can escape into. The characters wrap around each other as if they're moving in and out of a dance in some candlelit ballroom of the imagination. It's like weaving through a high-hedged maze on a summer's day - a pleasure to get lost in! I read the Book of Eve over a sunny weekend sitting in the garden, and it was the perfect place to do so. Julia Blake paints characters well and keeps you wanting to know what happens next. And - without wishing to spoil it for anyone - I certainly didn't guess what was coming at the end! I look forward to discovering more of this writer's work.
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