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Ripley
Her first love left without explanation. When she learns the truth, can she survive another round of heartbreak?Ripley Bradford never recovered from her pain. After being abandoned by her childhood sweetheart, she opts for a quiet life as a florist and settles for second best in a reluctant marriage. But when her husband discovers a different man stole her heart and becomes violently jealous, fate intervenes and leaves Ripley widowed.
Suspecting her father has had an unpleasant hand in steering her destiny, Ripley tries to rebuild her future as a single woman. But when she hears her old soulmate may have returned, a dark secret threatens to rip her world apart…
Can Ripley escape her dramatic past and find her way again to passion?
Ripley is an exhilarating women’s fiction mystery. If you like strong characters, star-crossed lovers, and unexpected twists, then you’ll adore Jacqui Penn’s epic second-chance tale.
Buy Ripley to let fortune play its cards today!
Suspecting her father has had an unpleasant hand in steering her destiny, Ripley tries to rebuild her future as a single woman. But when she hears her old soulmate may have returned, a dark secret threatens to rip her world apart…
Can Ripley escape her dramatic past and find her way again to passion?
Ripley is an exhilarating women’s fiction mystery. If you like strong characters, star-crossed lovers, and unexpected twists, then you’ll adore Jacqui Penn’s epic second-chance tale.
Buy Ripley to let fortune play its cards today!
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2015
188 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 20, 2017
"Lost and found"
This has a naive quality, which will attract a legion of readers. Not particularly my favourite genre, but the story is well-constructed and delivered in an easy readable style.
This has a naive quality, which will attract a legion of readers. Not particularly my favourite genre, but the story is well-constructed and delivered in an easy readable style.
March 27, 2018
A story of a young girl (Ripley). Life is complicated. I enjoyed the book! And watch out for some surprises....
October 27, 2019
The main character in this story is a young woman called Ripley, who ends up staying at her aunt’s home with her parents after her dad makes some disastrous choices in business. She ends up having a forbidden romance with a youth called Joe, some two years older than her that works on her aunt May’s gardens and stables. Her mother hates living in the country and her father goes back to his normal methods of trying to make money and Ripley is left mostly with May and Joe. When her father catches her in a relationship with Joe, he does something and Joe disappears completely from her life, without saying a word.
Ripley is left wondering what happened and doesn’t find out anything from her father and just thinks the worst. Years later she attends Cambridge University but needs a side job and ends up working in a nearby florist, which she ends up loving. Once her degree is over, she ends up taking over the running of the florist shop and when the owner retires, she ends up buying the shop from him, with a little landfall she receives after the death of her aunt. She starts getting unsigned deliveries of flowers and gifts to the shop and even those she asks the taxi driver who brings them each week, who is responsible, he has no idea.
This eventually ends up in a new romance with her new beau, Alex, who is wealthy and has a good job, is very organised and likes to choose everything for her when they go out. What she doesn’t realise is quite how controlling he is until it’s too late. They get married on a surprise holiday and this throws things into a spin. Ripley has to ask her best friend and fellow worker in her shop, Suzie, what her opinion is and is encourage to marry this ‘perfect’ man as Suzie thinks of him. On their return, when they meet both sets of parents, there are immediate signs of how each has been brought up and this gives Ripley clues to his behaviour.
Her father has refused to look into her aunt’s will, as he had to declare bankruptcy and needs to wait a few more years until he can gain from her death, or so he believes. They move on yet again and Ripley now has Alex, but problems will soon rear their head. Meanwhile, Joe has ended up working on a ship and sailing the world to escape from his past. He has never forgotten Ripley and has been unable to love another but he hasn’t lived as a hermit. He has a few fireworks in his new life and ends up where he doesn’t want to be.
There are quite a few twists in the story of each of the main characters and sudden events occur, which change their paths accordingly. A good read, with young love, spoilt by a parent who thinks their child deserves better. Their idea of what their future life should be, vastly differs from Ripley’s and leads to disastrous events and differing paths for those concerned. Whether nature or nurture is more important in a child’s life, is well advertised by the characters in this book and show what can seriously damage a child’s future self. A damaged child becomes a damaged adult and carries on what they think a relationship should be. Not the sort of person you may want to mix with.
I will look forward to reading some more books by this author, as they certainly know how to make such complicated lives, seem real and interesting. The book has its ups and downs and is very realistic in its portrayal of the characters and what happens to them. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Ripley is left wondering what happened and doesn’t find out anything from her father and just thinks the worst. Years later she attends Cambridge University but needs a side job and ends up working in a nearby florist, which she ends up loving. Once her degree is over, she ends up taking over the running of the florist shop and when the owner retires, she ends up buying the shop from him, with a little landfall she receives after the death of her aunt. She starts getting unsigned deliveries of flowers and gifts to the shop and even those she asks the taxi driver who brings them each week, who is responsible, he has no idea.
This eventually ends up in a new romance with her new beau, Alex, who is wealthy and has a good job, is very organised and likes to choose everything for her when they go out. What she doesn’t realise is quite how controlling he is until it’s too late. They get married on a surprise holiday and this throws things into a spin. Ripley has to ask her best friend and fellow worker in her shop, Suzie, what her opinion is and is encourage to marry this ‘perfect’ man as Suzie thinks of him. On their return, when they meet both sets of parents, there are immediate signs of how each has been brought up and this gives Ripley clues to his behaviour.
Her father has refused to look into her aunt’s will, as he had to declare bankruptcy and needs to wait a few more years until he can gain from her death, or so he believes. They move on yet again and Ripley now has Alex, but problems will soon rear their head. Meanwhile, Joe has ended up working on a ship and sailing the world to escape from his past. He has never forgotten Ripley and has been unable to love another but he hasn’t lived as a hermit. He has a few fireworks in his new life and ends up where he doesn’t want to be.
There are quite a few twists in the story of each of the main characters and sudden events occur, which change their paths accordingly. A good read, with young love, spoilt by a parent who thinks their child deserves better. Their idea of what their future life should be, vastly differs from Ripley’s and leads to disastrous events and differing paths for those concerned. Whether nature or nurture is more important in a child’s life, is well advertised by the characters in this book and show what can seriously damage a child’s future self. A damaged child becomes a damaged adult and carries on what they think a relationship should be. Not the sort of person you may want to mix with.
I will look forward to reading some more books by this author, as they certainly know how to make such complicated lives, seem real and interesting. The book has its ups and downs and is very realistic in its portrayal of the characters and what happens to them. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
October 8, 2019
Ripley: Lost in a Sea of Secrets - a review by Rosemary Kenny
*slight spoilers*
A tale of two not quite 'star-crossed', rather parental secrets-crossed, (if there were such a thing) young lovers, unusually set in Cambridge, UK. Jacqui Penn skilfully sets the prologue with MCs Ripley and Joe, well-known to each other from their early years fall from friendship into love, only to have that love torn apart by Ripley's father. who causes Joe to vanish from his daughter's life as if by black magic!
Years pass and having no barriers imposed by her Dad for once and having decided to move on with her life, Ripley makes a disastrous marriage to a similarly-controlling wealthy businessman, Alex. Blinkered by her rose-tinted glasses, Ripley makes excuses for Alex to herself and immerses herself in the local florist's she owns and runs with her best friend Susie. When she becomes pregnant, Alex goes off at the deep end, beating and abusing his distraught wife until the worst happens and he causes her to lose her baby, after which, with Susie's help she escapes and is hospitalised.
Will Fate finally give Ripley the break she so deserves and bring her love and an HEA?
What happened to Joe all those years ago? Did Ripley's father kill Alex?
Where does Ripley go to live, after leaving hospital? Who's the unexpected benefactor?
When does Joe come back into her life - and what devastating news does he bring with him?
An epic romance with a twist, twinned with second-chance love, Ripley will tug at your heart strings and smile when you think of how she overcame the odds to prove that love conquers all.
Get your copy of Jacqui Penn's beautiful novel today - and tell all your friends!
I received a free copy of this book from Booksprout and this is my honest review.
*slight spoilers*
A tale of two not quite 'star-crossed', rather parental secrets-crossed, (if there were such a thing) young lovers, unusually set in Cambridge, UK. Jacqui Penn skilfully sets the prologue with MCs Ripley and Joe, well-known to each other from their early years fall from friendship into love, only to have that love torn apart by Ripley's father. who causes Joe to vanish from his daughter's life as if by black magic!
Years pass and having no barriers imposed by her Dad for once and having decided to move on with her life, Ripley makes a disastrous marriage to a similarly-controlling wealthy businessman, Alex. Blinkered by her rose-tinted glasses, Ripley makes excuses for Alex to herself and immerses herself in the local florist's she owns and runs with her best friend Susie. When she becomes pregnant, Alex goes off at the deep end, beating and abusing his distraught wife until the worst happens and he causes her to lose her baby, after which, with Susie's help she escapes and is hospitalised.
Will Fate finally give Ripley the break she so deserves and bring her love and an HEA?
What happened to Joe all those years ago? Did Ripley's father kill Alex?
Where does Ripley go to live, after leaving hospital? Who's the unexpected benefactor?
When does Joe come back into her life - and what devastating news does he bring with him?
An epic romance with a twist, twinned with second-chance love, Ripley will tug at your heart strings and smile when you think of how she overcame the odds to prove that love conquers all.
Get your copy of Jacqui Penn's beautiful novel today - and tell all your friends!
I received a free copy of this book from Booksprout and this is my honest review.
October 2, 2019
Ripley - This is my first read by this author and I like it. This well-written, quickly read book contains storylines that are interesting and substantial without the usual stupidity or boring drama.
The story flows smoothly while the journey Ripley takes keeps the reader glued to the pages. The range of characters and emotions run the gamut. Never did boredom or frustrations about copycat themes enter this story.
I like Ripley's strength and while she made mistakes she grew into a strong, independent woman. Aunt May is my favorite character. I found this book on Booksprout. 4*
The story flows smoothly while the journey Ripley takes keeps the reader glued to the pages. The range of characters and emotions run the gamut. Never did boredom or frustrations about copycat themes enter this story.
I like Ripley's strength and while she made mistakes she grew into a strong, independent woman. Aunt May is my favorite character. I found this book on Booksprout. 4*
April 8, 2019
Romance is not my normal genre, but this had a sort of mystery and suspense bent so it worked for me. It was well written and proofed. The characters were fleshed out and very human.
It was an emotional ride. Ripley and Joe were great! May and the Major were a hoot. Some great people along the way as well. Of course there was the typical snooty women I would love to slap, and some really flawed humans as well.
It is a good read.
It was an emotional ride. Ripley and Joe were great! May and the Major were a hoot. Some great people along the way as well. Of course there was the typical snooty women I would love to slap, and some really flawed humans as well.
It is a good read.
October 14, 2019
This was an interesting read with lots to keep you interested. There were some great parts, especially between Joe and Ripley. Jerry was a complete tool and you will keep hoping along with them that he is found. There were some very interesting things happening to this family and the two that are in love. Really like this author's.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 14, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it is eminently readable, with romance, intrigue and a touch of whimsy. The characters are all authentically portrayed and Ripley in particular captured my heart...which alternately ached and rejoiced several times over as her tale unfolded.
I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 14, 2019
Very interesting piece.
I love this phrase ”A haunting mystery of shattered dreams” and that was just on the cover. Inside the words were so well-written with a smooth and wonderful pace to them. I believe as a reader you will enjoy your trip into Ripley’s world. There are great characters like Aunt May and Joe and I am so pleased with the ending. It was a good book worth the time to read. I recommend it. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
I love this phrase ”A haunting mystery of shattered dreams” and that was just on the cover. Inside the words were so well-written with a smooth and wonderful pace to them. I believe as a reader you will enjoy your trip into Ripley’s world. There are great characters like Aunt May and Joe and I am so pleased with the ending. It was a good book worth the time to read. I recommend it. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
August 8, 2018
It was a heart felf story that dragged out....
The mother I would leave if i was her husband. The husband I would leave at a later stage if I was his wife. As for the daughter I prob move out.
Would I recommend : been harsh but yeah if I want that warm fuzzy feeling before I go to sleep
Would I read another book from author: no
The mother I would leave if i was her husband. The husband I would leave at a later stage if I was his wife. As for the daughter I prob move out.
Would I recommend : been harsh but yeah if I want that warm fuzzy feeling before I go to sleep
Would I read another book from author: no
October 13, 2019
The life and loves of a young woman growing up. How her Dad losing his money changes her life forever. Is her Dad really just a businessman? Does her Mom love her Dad or just the money? What will happen after the business is in trouble? Wouldn't you like to know? I read the ARC and I know but I'm not telling.
October 17, 2019
Ripley: Lost in a sea of secrets. A Haunting Mystery of Shattered Dreams. The title says it all; this story has secrets, mystery, heartbreak, and Ripley's search for happiness. A heartbreaking and emotional story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 19, 2019
Ripley and Joe’s love kept me on my toes! From when they fell in love to when he left to their separate lives and then when they reconnected to the horrible reveal only for it to maybe not be what they thought. Really great read
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 13, 2019
People keep secrets for all sorts of reasons. This PG15 tale has several secrets and takes up part of a day. Neither school teachers nor that infamous book are involved in this one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 16, 2019
I enjoyed this book from its well developed and engaging characters. To the smooth flowing storyline that had me turning each page
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 9, 2021
She still does not know why he left when they meet up again. Will he tell her why he left? Will it make it worse for her? Can they work through it? See is she can reconnect with him
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 10, 2017
Good
it's an a all about how life in England and there different ways that how people except class been part of their lives.
it's an a all about how life in England and there different ways that how people except class been part of their lives.
July 26, 2017
Great love conquers all story
Loved this book couldn't put it down. There's love missed hurts and ghost and good friendships found along the way.
Loved this book couldn't put it down. There's love missed hurts and ghost and good friendships found along the way.
December 26, 2018
Didn't want to put this down
Read this book in two days I just didn't want to put it down and it left me feeling...... Well I won't tell you that as it might ruin the end.
Read this book in two days I just didn't want to put it down and it left me feeling...... Well I won't tell you that as it might ruin the end.
March 30, 2019
Convoluted
LOVED it !!!!! Lots of twists and turns. Could not figure it out until the last couple of chapters. Very nice thank you. Looking forward to more !
LOVED it !!!!! Lots of twists and turns. Could not figure it out until the last couple of chapters. Very nice thank you. Looking forward to more !
October 13, 2019
Ripley: lost in a sea of secrets
I received this book from the author in exchange of an honest review. I've read other books from Jacqui Penn but this one made a great read. Ripley finds her father's faults out, yet loves him . Until his lies and secrets tear her appart. Well developed characters and story line. Plenty of surprises, little twists and turns that keep you entertained.
I received this book from the author in exchange of an honest review. I've read other books from Jacqui Penn but this one made a great read. Ripley finds her father's faults out, yet loves him . Until his lies and secrets tear her appart. Well developed characters and story line. Plenty of surprises, little twists and turns that keep you entertained.
October 14, 2019
Not my usual fare but a good read. Lots of twists and turns and young love angst. Good characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 16, 2019
Wonderful book that I enjoyed reading from start t finish. Wonderful Characters and plot. Loved reading....
Want to read
October 26, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/26/2020)! 🎁
November 17, 2022
A winding road
I loved the storyline of this book, and all of the suspense along the way. This book is a wonderful love story.
I loved the storyline of this book, and all of the suspense along the way. This book is a wonderful love story.
March 6, 2024
This storyline was pretty good. There were lots of twists and turns I wasn't expecting.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews