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Salvation
When you fall in love, if it’s real, it’s forever. But what happens if the woman who gave your life meaning now hates you, for all the wrong reasons? Do you walk away? Claire chooses to stay, knowing her partner will never love her again. Her happiness has been stolen, and her future seems unclear.
That is until Regan arrives.
Regan is an angry woman running from problems. Faced with challenges, she moves to Devon to sort out her dead brother’s estate. From the moment she meets Claire, they seem destined to clash. As they do, secrets begin to unravel that test them both but which offer the chance for love.
That is until Regan arrives.
Regan is an angry woman running from problems. Faced with challenges, she moves to Devon to sort out her dead brother’s estate. From the moment she meets Claire, they seem destined to clash. As they do, secrets begin to unravel that test them both but which offer the chance for love.
264 pages, Paperback
First published April 12, 2016
3 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
I. Beacham
5 books27 followersI. Beacham grew up in the heart of England, a green and pleasant land, mainly because it rains so much. This is probably why she ran away to sea, to search for dry places. Over the years, and during long periods away from home constantly travelling to far away places, she has balanced the rigidity of her professional life with her need and love to write. Blessed with a wicked sense of humor (not all agree), she is a lover of all things water, a dreadful jogger and cook, a hopeless romantic who roams antique stores, an addict of old black and white movies, and an adorer of science fiction. In her opinion, a perfect life. She is recently retired from the Royal Navy and went back to her hobby of writing.
Read the Bold Strokes Books Interview with I. Beacham
Read the LeftLion Magazine Interview with I. Beacham
Read the Bold Strokes Books Interview with I. Beacham
Read the LeftLion Magazine Interview with I. Beacham
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 5, 2019
'Netgalley ARC provided by The Publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review'
Fantastic read!
This was such a great story from the very 1st page with relatable and well defined characters involved in an easy to read and also something creative that will leaves us/readers with a believably established relationship between the leads,maybe or hopefully. Both ladies had so many bad things happen to them,its almost like they were both cursed(suicide,Alzheimer disease,bullying etc) -that more than anything else,push the boundaries of believability for me but let us not forget of all the angst and misunderstanding that made this story flow even better. Enjoyed with interest the rest of the supporting cast who also gave this storyline a little boost and some entertainment along with the help of the two leading ladies because it really made the writing to come alive and the ending worthwhile. Highly recommend to everyone!
Fantastic read!
This was such a great story from the very 1st page with relatable and well defined characters involved in an easy to read and also something creative that will leaves us/readers with a believably established relationship between the leads,maybe or hopefully. Both ladies had so many bad things happen to them,its almost like they were both cursed(suicide,Alzheimer disease,bullying etc) -that more than anything else,push the boundaries of believability for me but let us not forget of all the angst and misunderstanding that made this story flow even better. Enjoyed with interest the rest of the supporting cast who also gave this storyline a little boost and some entertainment along with the help of the two leading ladies because it really made the writing to come alive and the ending worthwhile. Highly recommend to everyone!
March 18, 2020
I really like Sanctuary by I. Beacham. So, I had high expectations for this one which weren't met in the least. The writing was good and that's the only reason I stuck around till the end.
First I didn't feel the connection between the MCs. It felt like I was waiting for something to happen which never did. Next Regan, who's supposedly falling in love with Claire decides to believe whatever Cyn the snob, tells her about Claire without giving poor Claire a chance to explain. Of course, it makes complete sense to listen to the woman you dislike over the one true love of your life.
First I didn't feel the connection between the MCs. It felt like I was waiting for something to happen which never did. Next Regan, who's supposedly falling in love with Claire decides to believe whatever Cyn the snob, tells her about Claire without giving poor Claire a chance to explain. Of course, it makes complete sense to listen to the woman you dislike over the one true love of your life.
May 19, 2018
Oh wow ! It’s been a while since I felt so good after being done with a book. Even though it’s a very deep one with a lot of heartbreak and angst, this has been a beautiful story! I Highly recommend this one..
July 17, 2016
Considering the first two published books by I. Beacham are both among my favorites, I was a bit worried that her third book might spoil that. I needn't have worried, because the book was great -- a beautiful, warm story of loss, grief, family, devotion, and love.
In this lovely book Beacham created two memorable main characters, and revealed a story which tugs at the reader's heartstrings. If you are looking for some nicely done and convincing angst, with a fine dose of human kindness, loyalty and love, in a fight against life defeats, hopelessness, malicious gossip and past regrets -- this is your book.
Highly recommended.
5 stars
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
In this lovely book Beacham created two memorable main characters, and revealed a story which tugs at the reader's heartstrings. If you are looking for some nicely done and convincing angst, with a fine dose of human kindness, loyalty and love, in a fight against life defeats, hopelessness, malicious gossip and past regrets -- this is your book.
Highly recommended.
5 stars
*ARC provided by publisher via NetGalley*
April 16, 2016
Salvation is a story about love, loss and the possibility of finding love again. Regan's brother's tragic suicide brings her out to Devon to settle his affairs, where she meets the resident gardener Claire. They overcome a testy start to develop a burgeoning friendship that seems destined to lead to something more. But malicious whispers, unspoken secrets and angry accusations soon threaten to tear them apart.
The pain of losing a possible, once-in-a-lifetime love may be too much to bear, not to mention the awkwardness of having to live/work in close proximity with each other.
The author gives us some really interesting and intriguing characters to sink our teeth into. I can't really delve too deep into their backgrounds because it's all part of the mystery. The entire premise of the book rests on unspoken secrets. A bit flimsy as a foundation but it works for the most part. Enough for the angst to bring me to tears at one point. I'm not a big fan of angst that can be squared away with some adult conversation but I thought this book managed to *just* make it believable enough for me to not roll my eyes. Am I getting too jaded? Maybe. Or maybe all that assuming by the characters that the other is such and such felt just a bit too much like a trope. . The resulting angst was delicious though so no complaints there. :) I love everything about Claire but especially her devotion to Rosie. She's the kind of character that lesfic readers wish they could bring home and keep forever. But how does an
ARC from Netgalley and BSB
4.25 stars
PS. One of the supporting characters, Karen, could use her own book. Hint. Hint. ;)
The pain of losing a possible, once-in-a-lifetime love may be too much to bear, not to mention the awkwardness of having to live/work in close proximity with each other.
The author gives us some really interesting and intriguing characters to sink our teeth into. I can't really delve too deep into their backgrounds because it's all part of the mystery. The entire premise of the book rests on unspoken secrets. A bit flimsy as a foundation but it works for the most part. Enough for the angst to bring me to tears at one point. I'm not a big fan of angst that can be squared away with some adult conversation but I thought this book managed to *just* make it believable enough for me to not roll my eyes. Am I getting too jaded? Maybe. Or maybe all that assuming by the characters that the other is such and such felt just a bit too much like a trope. . The resulting angst was delicious though so no complaints there. :) I love everything about Claire but especially her devotion to Rosie. She's the kind of character that lesfic readers wish they could bring home and keep forever. But how does an
ARC from Netgalley and BSB
4.25 stars
PS. One of the supporting characters, Karen, could use her own book. Hint. Hint. ;)
April 12, 2016
Salvation by I. Beacham is heartbreakingly beautiful book about two women who meet at during a painful period in both their lives. Beacham weaves a tale of strength, determination and reminds us that love really can conquer all. Angst lovers rejoice, this is another book that will make your heart ache, but it is totally worth it.
Claire de Vit is the gardener for an old mansion that was turned into upscale apartments in a small community in the southern region of England. Working with plants and landscaping gives her solace, and a chance to interact with the wonderful, eclectic tenants. Claire lives a life of loneliness, living alone, and accepting to this will be her fate until Regan Canning shows up and shakes her world up.
Regan Canning has moved from Yorkshire to Devon. Her life is literally in shambles. Her older brother Simon has just committed suicide, her lover Karen has decided to go back to her ex-husband, and her career in teaching mathematics has hit a dead end. Regan leaves her old life behind, to try to figure out why Simon decided to end his life, and why he never reached out to her. Regan meets Claire, a friend of her brother’s, and tries to put all the pieces back together.
I. Beacham has created two characters, Claire and Regan that are absolutely magnificent. Regan can act like a little baby jackass at times and Claire needs to speak up, but while flawed, they are both so very kind and charming. Personal revelations, along with misunderstandings prevent these two from an early hookup, but the roadblocks are plausible and they keep you interested in the overall story. This is a fantastic read! 4.5 stars.
I kindly received this book from Netgalley & Bold Strokes books in return for an honest review.
Claire de Vit is the gardener for an old mansion that was turned into upscale apartments in a small community in the southern region of England. Working with plants and landscaping gives her solace, and a chance to interact with the wonderful, eclectic tenants. Claire lives a life of loneliness, living alone, and accepting to this will be her fate until Regan Canning shows up and shakes her world up.
Regan Canning has moved from Yorkshire to Devon. Her life is literally in shambles. Her older brother Simon has just committed suicide, her lover Karen has decided to go back to her ex-husband, and her career in teaching mathematics has hit a dead end. Regan leaves her old life behind, to try to figure out why Simon decided to end his life, and why he never reached out to her. Regan meets Claire, a friend of her brother’s, and tries to put all the pieces back together.
I. Beacham has created two characters, Claire and Regan that are absolutely magnificent. Regan can act like a little baby jackass at times and Claire needs to speak up, but while flawed, they are both so very kind and charming. Personal revelations, along with misunderstandings prevent these two from an early hookup, but the roadblocks are plausible and they keep you interested in the overall story. This is a fantastic read! 4.5 stars.
I kindly received this book from Netgalley & Bold Strokes books in return for an honest review.
May 29, 2016
A moving beautiful love story!
Claire has a partner but there are no moments of joy, no hope of love. She cherishes precious memories and to forget her sorrows and her loneliness, she burries her pain in gardening. Claire has moved away from her friends to be able to support her partner with the dignity and compassion she so deserves. Friends who couldn't understand why she stays in this relationship. Would she finally open up to a second chance of happiness or will the guilt always be a big turn off? Regan has a lot on her plate and is near a breakdown. She doesn't know where to start, how to start with cleaning up all her shit. Her life doesn't sail along smoothly. She is devastating when tragedy strikes. This book is very emotional and did affect me a lot. It's a roller coaster of emotions, misunderstandings and distrust. A story of unconditionally love, acceptance, grief, compassion and redemption. It was sweet, maddening, hopeful and very well written. The storyline is brilliant and it was hard to put down once you started reading it.
Claire has a partner but there are no moments of joy, no hope of love. She cherishes precious memories and to forget her sorrows and her loneliness, she burries her pain in gardening. Claire has moved away from her friends to be able to support her partner with the dignity and compassion she so deserves. Friends who couldn't understand why she stays in this relationship. Would she finally open up to a second chance of happiness or will the guilt always be a big turn off? Regan has a lot on her plate and is near a breakdown. She doesn't know where to start, how to start with cleaning up all her shit. Her life doesn't sail along smoothly. She is devastating when tragedy strikes. This book is very emotional and did affect me a lot. It's a roller coaster of emotions, misunderstandings and distrust. A story of unconditionally love, acceptance, grief, compassion and redemption. It was sweet, maddening, hopeful and very well written. The storyline is brilliant and it was hard to put down once you started reading it.
May 10, 2016
I love I Beacham's work and her ability to portrait love, emotions and angst with simple words and very realistic characters whom you can relate to. I love her previous work and this book did not disappoint either. This is a story about loss, regret, loyalty and opening up to the possibility to love again. Both Claire and Regan are at the bottom of their lives emotionally when they first met, and not to mention - their first acquaintance went very badly. This is quite a slow burn, but each part of the journey you go through with these characters will make you feel for them, I'm glad they've found their way to each other. If you'd like to read a slightly angsty romance, I'd recommend this book.
*Review copy received from NetGalley
*Review copy received from NetGalley
May 11, 2016
"Life is full of chances, Regan, except we don't often see them. They can pass us by in the blink of an eye an thrn they are gone. Sometimes you jusr have to grab yhe chance and hang on for dear life, see where it takes you."
I like the story. It has a good amount of angst. The story is filled with anger, loss, hope and love. I also like it because of the unique situation that Claire has. It is the first story that I've read that touch that kind of situation.
Although the first half of the story is a bit slow, when it hit the conflicts it flow more natural.
ARC provided by NetGalley
I like the story. It has a good amount of angst. The story is filled with anger, loss, hope and love. I also like it because of the unique situation that Claire has. It is the first story that I've read that touch that kind of situation.
Although the first half of the story is a bit slow, when it hit the conflicts it flow more natural.
ARC provided by NetGalley
March 4, 2019
I have yet to be disappointed by this author's work because her novels are so incredibly good. This time around, though, I find myself (overall) disappointed.
Though (thankfully) it changes somewhat, one of the character's attitude about suicide really bothers me. The belief that suicide is selfish has always bothered me because it shows a lack of awareness (sometimes even shows ignorance) of just how serious and heartbreaking mental health issues can be. People who have truly deep suicidal thoughts and who attempt it are not being selfish, but are terribly suffering, often much more than their loved ones, friends and acquaintances realize.
The other detraction (more persistent throughout the whole book) is how angry Regan is and how much she judges and is not willing to listen to Claire. Frankly, I do not get what Claire sees in her. Any good qualities she has are completely overshadowed by her ongoing biases and temper tantrums.
I am never averse to deep angst or conflict within lesfic, but here...well, it's all a bit too much. If Regan and Claire were seeking counseling as a couple I would tell them to give up and seek other potential mates.
Rosie's backstory and character are so much more compelling and compassionate than either of the two leads' are...it would be impossible, of course, given Rosie's health conditions, but I would have loved to see her somehow recover and be reunited with Claire. Their love story...now that is something worthy of great romance.
My own biases are coming into play here, I think, because there are few things that get to me more than people who are quick to anger and to judgment without the facts.
Even so, I remain convinced that I. Beacham is one of the best writers in lesfic...or in fiction, in general. It is often very hard to find novels within this genre that focus more on plot and emotions and character and steer away from any unnecessary sex scenes and I value that very much when that happens.
Though (thankfully) it changes somewhat, one of the character's attitude about suicide really bothers me. The belief that suicide is selfish has always bothered me because it shows a lack of awareness (sometimes even shows ignorance) of just how serious and heartbreaking mental health issues can be. People who have truly deep suicidal thoughts and who attempt it are not being selfish, but are terribly suffering, often much more than their loved ones, friends and acquaintances realize.
The other detraction (more persistent throughout the whole book) is how angry Regan is and how much she judges and is not willing to listen to Claire. Frankly, I do not get what Claire sees in her. Any good qualities she has are completely overshadowed by her ongoing biases and temper tantrums.
I am never averse to deep angst or conflict within lesfic, but here...well, it's all a bit too much. If Regan and Claire were seeking counseling as a couple I would tell them to give up and seek other potential mates.
Rosie's backstory and character are so much more compelling and compassionate than either of the two leads' are...it would be impossible, of course, given Rosie's health conditions, but I would have loved to see her somehow recover and be reunited with Claire. Their love story...now that is something worthy of great romance.
My own biases are coming into play here, I think, because there are few things that get to me more than people who are quick to anger and to judgment without the facts.
Even so, I remain convinced that I. Beacham is one of the best writers in lesfic...or in fiction, in general. It is often very hard to find novels within this genre that focus more on plot and emotions and character and steer away from any unnecessary sex scenes and I value that very much when that happens.
March 31, 2016
I feel like I've been giving more 5 star ratings for books in recent months, it's probably partly due to my tastes changing but I do think there has been a huge leap in the quality and quantity of lesfic work out there. Long may it continue...
What a beautifully told story.
I loved both of the main characters of this book but I especially loved Claire. She is a woman who is living her life but not really living it to the full extent, her future is up in the air now that her partner no longer loves her. She comes across as such a kind selfless person, the kind you'd want to take home to your family. Regan is forced to travel south to manage her brothers estate and issues following his death. She is changing jobs, ending a relationship and grieving for her brother.
There are some sad/angsty elements to this book, depression, Rosie's illness(which really struck a cord with me), meddling individuals, the damage secrets can have and poorly timed revelations. Despite this, I found myself smiling a lot while reading this story. The interactions between Claire and Regan move from anger driven to sweet and meaningful. There were times I wanted to kick Regan for being a bit self obsessed and times I wanted to kick Claire for not speaking up which proves how invested I was in their story.
Well worth your time.
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley.
What a beautifully told story.
I loved both of the main characters of this book but I especially loved Claire. She is a woman who is living her life but not really living it to the full extent, her future is up in the air now that her partner no longer loves her. She comes across as such a kind selfless person, the kind you'd want to take home to your family. Regan is forced to travel south to manage her brothers estate and issues following his death. She is changing jobs, ending a relationship and grieving for her brother.
There are some sad/angsty elements to this book, depression, Rosie's illness(which really struck a cord with me), meddling individuals, the damage secrets can have and poorly timed revelations. Despite this, I found myself smiling a lot while reading this story. The interactions between Claire and Regan move from anger driven to sweet and meaningful. There were times I wanted to kick Regan for being a bit self obsessed and times I wanted to kick Claire for not speaking up which proves how invested I was in their story.
Well worth your time.
ARC received from publisher via NetGalley.
May 24, 2016
Regan Canning moves to Devon because her brother killed himself and she needs to sort out his estate. While taking care of things, she meets the gardener, Claire, of the surrounding apartments and they get to a bit of a rocky start. As they become friends and start to become something more, several events occur that causes misunderstandings and drives them further apart.
I. Beacham did a good job with writing about the disease which Rosie had. I liked the fact that the author didn't diminish the love they had for each other, only that it was difficult as the disease progressed. More often than not, I've read stories where they mention some sort of fault with the relationship in the first place when a lover has died. I also learned something new about Alzheimer's disease which I didn't know before.
Although it was a good read, I didn't find it to be particularly memorable and probably wouldn't read it again.
Review also posted here: http://wp.me/p4Pp9O-i8
I was given a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I. Beacham did a good job with writing about the disease which Rosie had. I liked the fact that the author didn't diminish the love they had for each other, only that it was difficult as the disease progressed. More often than not, I've read stories where they mention some sort of fault with the relationship in the first place when a lover has died. I also learned something new about Alzheimer's disease which I didn't know before.
Although it was a good read, I didn't find it to be particularly memorable and probably wouldn't read it again.
Review also posted here: http://wp.me/p4Pp9O-i8
I was given a copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 10, 2016
Detailed score: 1.75
I took a while to write this review because, unfortunately, my initial response was more a Uuuuuugggghhhhahdfhhdughghahsdfhsdfd type noise than actual, coherent words that explained in a more rational way the reasons I really did not enjoy this book.
To try and put some words around this now:
- It was all tell. ALL TELL. No show.
- The author holds off on the reveal of the source of Claire's angst/sadness/pain [and her resultant actions] until half way through the book. Unfortunately it was obvious about 10% in what it was going to be. So then it was just annoying
- Angst that could have been easily resolved with an adult conversation but wasn't trope
- As Morgan pointed out in her review, it has the 'character who's sole purpose is to tell the lead that she's in love with the other lead' trope.
- One of the worst pwoar scenes I have ever read. The prose was so formal and antiquated. It might have been ok if we were reading something set in the 1800s but we weren't.
So, suffice to say, I didn't have many positive feels on finishing this book. But I was very curious to note that a couple of other reviewers that I follow and respect had put it on their 'favourites', '5 star', 'must read' lists. So I have put a little thought into trying to understand the discrepancy between their views and mine...
I think I am particularly sensitive to the 'tell not show' factor. It stops me connecting with the characters and if I can't connect with the characters, especially in the lesrom genre, then to a degree it's all over red rover ... only going to get a 3 star at best. Whereas, I think others are perhaps able to connect direct to the story itself - rather than having to have character connection to have story connection like I seem to need.
In short, I think this is one of those books where you are in or out with little grey in between.Try before you buy.
I took a while to write this review because, unfortunately, my initial response was more a Uuuuuugggghhhhahdfhhdughghahsdfhsdfd type noise than actual, coherent words that explained in a more rational way the reasons I really did not enjoy this book.
To try and put some words around this now:
- It was all tell. ALL TELL. No show.
- The author holds off on the reveal of the source of Claire's angst/sadness/pain [and her resultant actions] until half way through the book. Unfortunately it was obvious about 10% in what it was going to be. So then it was just annoying
- Angst that could have been easily resolved with an adult conversation but wasn't trope
- As Morgan pointed out in her review, it has the 'character who's sole purpose is to tell the lead that she's in love with the other lead' trope.
- One of the worst pwoar scenes I have ever read. The prose was so formal and antiquated. It might have been ok if we were reading something set in the 1800s but we weren't.
So, suffice to say, I didn't have many positive feels on finishing this book. But I was very curious to note that a couple of other reviewers that I follow and respect had put it on their 'favourites', '5 star', 'must read' lists. So I have put a little thought into trying to understand the discrepancy between their views and mine...
I think I am particularly sensitive to the 'tell not show' factor. It stops me connecting with the characters and if I can't connect with the characters, especially in the lesrom genre, then to a degree it's all over red rover ... only going to get a 3 star at best. Whereas, I think others are perhaps able to connect direct to the story itself - rather than having to have character connection to have story connection like I seem to need.
In short, I think this is one of those books where you are in or out with little grey in between.Try before you buy.
April 3, 2016
Well first the good--there are some real moments of humor in the dialogue, which is much appreciated amongst all of the melodrama. They story was okay, although I always tend to squirm a bit when one of these romance stories take place amid the backdrop of a murder, suicide, pedophile ring (seriously--that one was VERY weird). In this case, it's the suicide and subsequent clean up--so to speak-- of one of the leads' brother. Anyway, as the story progresses, there are the usual twists and turns, misunderstandings, etc that serve to keep the two leads apart until the final pages. However, this is where the real problem is for me--the big misunderstanding is just blown completely out of proportion, bordering on verbal abuse. When the makeup/forgiveness finally came, I just wanted the "victim" to tell this woman to piss off. Maybe the author shouldn't have gone SO overboard with the obstacles to keep these two apart. Aside from all of that...it always irritates me when authors feel the need to throw in a character whose only purpose seems to be to tell each woman how in love the other one is with them because apparently everyone is too dense to come to these realizations on their own. If I need someone to tell me the girl I'm hot for is also hot for me, then I'm obviously too stupid to be trusted in a relationship on my own. The same goes for characters in a story. Show, don't tell. And for the love of god, please authors, stop with this trope.
ARC provided by NetGalley
ARC provided by NetGalley
April 5, 2016
There are a lot of good things to say about this book. I liked the humour which I wasn't expecting in this book when I started. I thought the interactions between the two (when they weren't fighting) were really enjoyable. I liked how the story was spaced out where we slowly were given information which made you wanting to keep reading this book so that you could find out the full story. I liked the beautiful concept of Claire staying on till the end to look after her first love through illness even though they no longer have a relationship.
I will however say that I did struggle with Regan at times wanting to strangle her for not learning from her mistakes. She could have learnt from Karen that if you just let the person speak that you could see that there is always another side to the story. However if she learnt from that we wouldn't really have a book. The angst in this book was borderline believable for me, I did feel at one point it was being dragged on a little too long.
I really enjoyed the journey that we were taken on with these two characters. This book wasn't perfect for me but I did think it was well done.
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
I will however say that I did struggle with Regan at times wanting to strangle her for not learning from her mistakes. She could have learnt from Karen that if you just let the person speak that you could see that there is always another side to the story. However if she learnt from that we wouldn't really have a book. The angst in this book was borderline believable for me, I did feel at one point it was being dragged on a little too long.
I really enjoyed the journey that we were taken on with these two characters. This book wasn't perfect for me but I did think it was well done.
I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
March 21, 2016
I Beacham done it again with another great story I was invested in all characters and loved the devotion that Claire shown Rosie and the understanding of Regan.
Arc given by NetGalley for a honest review
Arc given by NetGalley for a honest review
February 28, 2025
A multi layed story that was not frightened to look at big subjects: suicide, early onset of Alzheimer’s etc. It was, for all that, an entertaining book which is worth the angst. Thank you.
June 3, 2016
This is the first novel I have read by I Beacham. I received this ARC from BSB via NetGalley for an honest review.
The author has a formal but effective way with words, painting a world that is easy to visualize. I liked the way she took her time revealing the back stories of Regan and Claire leaving the reader to guess the circumstances and events leading up to the moment when Regan arrives at her brother’s apartment and has her first run in/argument with the estate gardener, Claire.
Right away we readers are amazed at the anger and prejudice displayed by Regan towards a total stranger. Even more, Claire’s acceptance and kindness in the face of this irate sister of her late friend sets the reader up to sit back and watch this story unfold. Both women are damaged and the author excels at demonstrating the options we all have in dealing with the challenges we face in life.
It’s unfortunate that the lack of communication, misunderstandings and untruths form the basis for conflict in the budding relationship between Regan and Claire. Both carry a lot of baggage but both are intelligent and capable women. This emotional divide between the two leading ladies takes a long time to resolve and I found myself losing interest in both their issues and the outcome.
An interesting if frustrating read which suggests that there are times when a character can be drawn with so few redeeming qualities that the reader struggles to care about their happy ever after. Placing that character against a saint just makes the difference all the more glaring.
3.5 stars
The author has a formal but effective way with words, painting a world that is easy to visualize. I liked the way she took her time revealing the back stories of Regan and Claire leaving the reader to guess the circumstances and events leading up to the moment when Regan arrives at her brother’s apartment and has her first run in/argument with the estate gardener, Claire.
Right away we readers are amazed at the anger and prejudice displayed by Regan towards a total stranger. Even more, Claire’s acceptance and kindness in the face of this irate sister of her late friend sets the reader up to sit back and watch this story unfold. Both women are damaged and the author excels at demonstrating the options we all have in dealing with the challenges we face in life.
It’s unfortunate that the lack of communication, misunderstandings and untruths form the basis for conflict in the budding relationship between Regan and Claire. Both carry a lot of baggage but both are intelligent and capable women. This emotional divide between the two leading ladies takes a long time to resolve and I found myself losing interest in both their issues and the outcome.
An interesting if frustrating read which suggests that there are times when a character can be drawn with so few redeeming qualities that the reader struggles to care about their happy ever after. Placing that character against a saint just makes the difference all the more glaring.
3.5 stars
May 22, 2016
The story brings together Claire and Regan at a very vulnerable time in their lives. Regan has recently walked away from a relationship that was going nowhere as well as a job that lacked the challenge she needed to come down to Devon to sort out her dead brother's affairs. Claire has given up a lucrative career to care, all be it from a distance, for her partner, dying from Alzheimer's. Claire is very defensive, Regan very angry.
Their friendship does not get off to a very good start and is fraught with misunderstandings, Chinese whispers and lack of trust. Eventually, things sort themselves out, but not before both women put themselves through the mill emotionally.
I. Beacham weaves a lovely story of two generally nice women who are at the lowest point of their lives and I really felt empathy for both characters. The author also touches on the pain of losing a loved one to both suicide and Alzheimer's with thought and tact. The story as a whole kept you gripped into how Claire and Regan were going to finally get it together and their emotional turmoil came at you from off the page. The writing just flows and before you know it you have read the evening away.
The only downside with the book for me was the annoying editorial policy that Bold Strokes Books has of insisting in Americanising everything! This is a story set in the lovely county of Devon, England about two English women, written by an English author, yet to see words like ‘gasoline’ and ‘parking lot’ used goes against the grain. It is for this reason I have only given the story 4 stars, though the writing and content, in my opinion, deserve the full 5 stars. Perhaps they will learn to leave normal day to day English alone and let us Brits enjoy reading books set in our own country using OUR language. Until then I may give BSB a wide berth.
Their friendship does not get off to a very good start and is fraught with misunderstandings, Chinese whispers and lack of trust. Eventually, things sort themselves out, but not before both women put themselves through the mill emotionally.
I. Beacham weaves a lovely story of two generally nice women who are at the lowest point of their lives and I really felt empathy for both characters. The author also touches on the pain of losing a loved one to both suicide and Alzheimer's with thought and tact. The story as a whole kept you gripped into how Claire and Regan were going to finally get it together and their emotional turmoil came at you from off the page. The writing just flows and before you know it you have read the evening away.
The only downside with the book for me was the annoying editorial policy that Bold Strokes Books has of insisting in Americanising everything! This is a story set in the lovely county of Devon, England about two English women, written by an English author, yet to see words like ‘gasoline’ and ‘parking lot’ used goes against the grain. It is for this reason I have only given the story 4 stars, though the writing and content, in my opinion, deserve the full 5 stars. Perhaps they will learn to leave normal day to day English alone and let us Brits enjoy reading books set in our own country using OUR language. Until then I may give BSB a wide berth.
April 2, 2016
Angry at her brother for killing himself, Regan is also fleeing from her own issues. She takes her anger out on Claire, the gardener who befriended Regan’s brother. Claire hides her own secrets. She is unsettled by their hostile interactions but cannot deny the attraction. Misunderstandings and withheld truths fracture the promising potential relationship. The fault of the other may not be as critical as forgiving one’s own past. Delightful neighbors celebrate that a good English summer can overcome even a normally miserable nation. Will the sunny days help cultivate a relationship for two complex people and allow them to unearth the past, forgive and maybe find love? Salvation is an engaging story.
November 21, 2017
Wonderful story, great plot...loved the characters!!
April 2, 2016
3.5 Stars
In this novel we meet Regan and Claire, who after a rocky start become friends. Both women are on different emotional roller coasters, one due to a recently deceased brother and the other due to a significant other that doesn't even recognize her. After yet another misunderstanding, and a few false assumptions, the women that were drawing ever closer are now at odds with one another. When the time comes, will they set things right?
I enjoyed getting to know both women and watching them both rise from the ashes that their lives had become. Claire’s love for Rosie was beautiful and I could not imagine going through something similar; she is so strong. Regan was so bitter and angry at her brother over him leaving her without saying anything; however, I’m glad that she was able to learn more about her brother and get the closure she needed. The characters’ emotions were captured well and clear for the reader to pick up on.
I wasn’t a fan of the major conflict; Regan handled things poorly and I don’t know that I would have been able to forgive a person that said those terrible things to me. I think Regan blew things way out of proportion and I found myself almost hoping that Claire wouldn’t take her back. I also wasn’t a fan of how their first time together started; I’m not sure exactly why, but it just didn’t sound genuine.
Having said that, it was a nice story about growing emotionally, making mistakes, and living one’s life.
I received an unedited copy of this book and my review assumes that the errors will be corrected prior to publication. I received the book from Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
In this novel we meet Regan and Claire, who after a rocky start become friends. Both women are on different emotional roller coasters, one due to a recently deceased brother and the other due to a significant other that doesn't even recognize her. After yet another misunderstanding, and a few false assumptions, the women that were drawing ever closer are now at odds with one another. When the time comes, will they set things right?
I enjoyed getting to know both women and watching them both rise from the ashes that their lives had become. Claire’s love for Rosie was beautiful and I could not imagine going through something similar; she is so strong. Regan was so bitter and angry at her brother over him leaving her without saying anything; however, I’m glad that she was able to learn more about her brother and get the closure she needed. The characters’ emotions were captured well and clear for the reader to pick up on.
I wasn’t a fan of the major conflict; Regan handled things poorly and I don’t know that I would have been able to forgive a person that said those terrible things to me. I think Regan blew things way out of proportion and I found myself almost hoping that Claire wouldn’t take her back. I also wasn’t a fan of how their first time together started; I’m not sure exactly why, but it just didn’t sound genuine.
Having said that, it was a nice story about growing emotionally, making mistakes, and living one’s life.
I received an unedited copy of this book and my review assumes that the errors will be corrected prior to publication. I received the book from Inked Rainbow Reads in exchange for an honest review.
May 8, 2017
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review, so here goes.
Claire has lost her partner is every way but the physical. Where she was once loved, she is not hated and feared, but she stays and tries to take care of her former lover the best way she can. When Claire's friend, Simon, commits suicide and his sister, Regan arrives to settle his estate, sparks fly in all the worst ways. Regan seems short tempered and not at all friendly, but when the two women agree to start over and try to be friends, will something more develop?
I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick and delightful read. There's plenty of plot action for fellow melodrama fans as well as some funny moments. The romantic tension between the two main characters is perfect and builds at a great pace.
Both characters have interesting backstories and I think they were weaved into the current story nicely. Sometimes in novels, I feel like I either get too much or not enough, but Beacham weaved old and new in a readable and interesting way, revealing major revelations at just the right time.
If you've got a few days and like a good love story mixed with a good human story, check this one out.
Claire has lost her partner is every way but the physical. Where she was once loved, she is not hated and feared, but she stays and tries to take care of her former lover the best way she can. When Claire's friend, Simon, commits suicide and his sister, Regan arrives to settle his estate, sparks fly in all the worst ways. Regan seems short tempered and not at all friendly, but when the two women agree to start over and try to be friends, will something more develop?
I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick and delightful read. There's plenty of plot action for fellow melodrama fans as well as some funny moments. The romantic tension between the two main characters is perfect and builds at a great pace.
Both characters have interesting backstories and I think they were weaved into the current story nicely. Sometimes in novels, I feel like I either get too much or not enough, but Beacham weaved old and new in a readable and interesting way, revealing major revelations at just the right time.
If you've got a few days and like a good love story mixed with a good human story, check this one out.
April 18, 2016
Salvation is a story about loss, and new love, and even new beginnings. I have never read any the previous books written by this author and was completely unaware of her writing until this book. At first I was unsure, as I felt as if too many things were left unsaid. This of course did not last and at some point the story and characters took hold of me. While starting out uncommitted by the end I was a believer.
Claire and Reagan apart are not amazing, but together they really made the book. I love second chance love stories. Beacham did such a marvelous job at showing the love lost, and the bonds between the lost and the love growing between the two characters. This is no simple story. I really enjoyed the story, and it was a nice change to what I regularly read. I am going to read other books by this author. I did feel as though the book was a bit slow in a couple of places, but it didn’t overall take away from the amazing job. I highly recommend this book.
~copy provided by NetGalley for honest review~
Claire and Reagan apart are not amazing, but together they really made the book. I love second chance love stories. Beacham did such a marvelous job at showing the love lost, and the bonds between the lost and the love growing between the two characters. This is no simple story. I really enjoyed the story, and it was a nice change to what I regularly read. I am going to read other books by this author. I did feel as though the book was a bit slow in a couple of places, but it didn’t overall take away from the amazing job. I highly recommend this book.
~copy provided by NetGalley for honest review~
April 15, 2016
For Netgalley
This book wasn't engaging and the main reason for that was that it was all tell and no show. When the characters started expressing romantic feelings it seemed out of the blue for me, I didn't know where or how they got those feelings. It also didn't help that some angsty misunderstanding between the two main characters kept them apart for a good chunk of the book. That misunderstanding was drawn out too much. It made one of the main character Reagan just so unlikeable, I was not sympathetic to her or her issues (even though the author tried her hardest to paint her as some martyr saint partner). I kinda checked out near the end of the book when the main characters finally got together, I didn't care and was just happy to finish the book.
This book wasn't engaging and the main reason for that was that it was all tell and no show. When the characters started expressing romantic feelings it seemed out of the blue for me, I didn't know where or how they got those feelings. It also didn't help that some angsty misunderstanding between the two main characters kept them apart for a good chunk of the book. That misunderstanding was drawn out too much. It made one of the main character Reagan just so unlikeable, I was not sympathetic to her or her issues (even though the author tried her hardest to paint her as some martyr saint partner). I kinda checked out near the end of the book when the main characters finally got together, I didn't care and was just happy to finish the book.
May 11, 2016
An honest review thanks to NetGalley. The only reason I did not give this a 1 star is that I finished it. I may have skimmed a lot, but I didn't throw it down and forget about it. I did not like this book, not at all. Regan made me want to strangle her, she just wasn't a likable character, and every move she made had me the reader grinding my teeth. The style of this book and the characters did not work for me. It might work for someone else, but in my opinion do not waste your time with this book.
May 24, 2016
Once you get into it is is a heartwarming story...2women in
their own "survival" modus...Beacham describes their road to each other through the English countryside very smoothly. They both have broken hearts..it is a nice read on a rainy afternoon...kudos to the author for attempting a really difficult subject and writing about it in a heartwarming way.
their own "survival" modus...Beacham describes their road to each other through the English countryside very smoothly. They both have broken hearts..it is a nice read on a rainy afternoon...kudos to the author for attempting a really difficult subject and writing about it in a heartwarming way.
April 18, 2021
This novel was certainly mad complicated! I found myself both loving and hating Claire at different points in the story, which was interesting. I loved the unique concept that Beacham brought. It was lovely to watch as the characters developed.
April 15, 2016
a rich tale of loss, love and revival
5 stars
5 stars
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