Yesterday's Shadows

by Rosie Goodwin

A powerful and moving new saga from this popular author

Kate Cleary feels no sorrow when her brutal father dies. At last she will be free from him, even though she and Nuala, the sister who depends on her for everything, must now leave his miners cottage. Then Kate discovers they have an aunt in the Midlands whom their father had kept secret, and who now offers them a home.

Despite leaving her heart in Durham with Matthew, a young artist, Kate feels loved and safe with Aunt Beth. But her peace is shattered by an astonishing revelation from Nuala, and a series of brutal attacks on the women of Nuneaton. Kate turns to a handsome widower, Martin Denby, but is his kindness too good to be true?

413 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Before becoming a writer, I was a Placement Support Worker and foster carer, and worked in the social services department after completing a teacher training course. Many children have joined my family over the years. I still live in Nuneaton, where many of my books are set, with my husband, Trevor, and our beloved dogs.

I was thrilled to discover that I'd become one of the top 250 most-borrowed library authors in the UK, and would like to thank all of you who have taken out my books over the last few years! I love meeting my readers and am always pleased to hear from you. I hope you will all continue to get in touch and please do sign up for my newsletter!

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although easy to work out the plot still compelling to read and unputdownable

[Renae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though the story told had alot of death, it was a really light and easy to read book. One of the types that everything always falls into place and the bad person always gets caught.
Kate's life has never been easy and things go from bad to worse after her father dies. After protecting her younger sister, Nuala, from their father she hopes that now they can move on and have a better life. Unfortunately having a sulking and cunning sister to look after causes troubles at every turn. With a few happy things thrown in to make it a bit brighter here and there

[Jaki · Rating 1 out of 5]

Infuriatingly predictable with dull, lifeless characters that seem to come right out of a book of clichés ... along with the dialogue. I don't know if the ending was rushed or if it was just my effort to get through the laborious text that was trying to make me sympathetic to the idiotic main character. I think she was supposed to be a 'strong' woman, but in reality she didn't have a leg to stand on, let alone a backbone.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in a small English town, this story has poor Kate beset by every type of misfortune; she is bolstered by relatives and friends but things for her go from one disaster to another. There seems to be no reason for some of the action which occurs but the story rolls along to a cheerful conclusion as expected. Not wonderful but not terrible either. 3 stars, 353 pages

[Kate Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read.

[Natalie Pounder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant read but worked out the ending about a third into the book a still worth reading though

[Ali Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my I say it every time but I do love a Rosie Goodwin. This was brilliant the way it was interspersed with short chapters when the killer struck. I guessed who it was but even so, it made a really enjoyable read once more and kept me up till the small hours all week.

[Mike Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

brilliant

[doris oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enthralling

This book has to be the best book I have ever read , twist and turns ,heartache ,suspense, should be made into a film ,brilliant

[Louise Mitchell]

Another good read from rosie Goodwin

[Sarah Barron]

Gripping, plenty of twists and turrns

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate Cleary is just 19 when she and her younger sister learn their father has perished in the mines. He was a brutal father and she has always protected her sister Nuella who is 'a little slow'. She knows the house belongs to the mine and after the funeral, she learns they have one month to vacate. She has no idea where they can live but when they go through their father's belongings they discover a package of letters that were written to her years earlier. They discover their mother had a sister they never knew about.

When they contact her, she invites them to live with her. Kate is sad to leave her good friend, Matthew behind and even though he asks her to marry him, she knows he must use his money to fulfill his dream of attending art school. When they arrive at their aunt's home, they are welcomed with open arms except for their cousin, David who believes they are there to take advantage of his mother.
No-one ever seems to warm to Nuella and her behavior seems to turn everyone off. Kate is so kind and soft-hearted she continually makes excuses for her sister's behavior.

Then there are some disturbing events happening in the community, women are disappearing never to be found again. Her aunt cautions her about walking home in the dark after her shift at the pub.

When Kate encounters one tragedy after another, she finally accepts the proposal of marriage from a man who lives in the area and is financially comfortable. But soon after they marry, she realizes she made a mistake. She vows to be the best wife she can and to make their marriage succeed.

The author did a good job of drawing the reader into the story as the main character had so many things thrown at her, you wanted there to be a happy outcome.

[mois reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate and Nuala

This from rosie was a great read full of suspense and drama I honestly don't know how Kate coped with her life moving from Durham to Nuneaton but cope she did with everything life through at her . Nuala on the other hand was completely different and even though she had problems and learning difficulties she was very sly . anyway I will give this book 5 STARS it was a fantastic read .

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rosie Goodwin is such a good writer that she rarely disappoints. Like the other reviewers, I worked out who the culprit was, however, working that out is not what this story is all about. For me, this story was about someone with a trusting nature who was taken advantage of. A story about physical and mental abuse and it's consequences.

[Beverley Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a brilliant page turner. Even though I soon sussed out who the murderer was., I still found the book griping. I felt so sorry for Kate and all the deaths she endured I felt like shouting at her for sticking by Nualar and not realising she was not so "slow" but jealous and conniving throughout!! I was so glad it turned out well in the end .

[Jane Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Author

This book was absolutely amazing. When I started to hear of the deaths I knew who it was straight away. Kate’s life was full of misery as the people she loved disappeared from her life. This book you will not want to put down as you hear of the people Kate loved and her sister hated. Enjoy reading this book.

[susan gleed · Rating 5 out of 5]

yesterdays shadows.

This was an excellent book that I couldn’t put down and read in 2 days. I had gathered that Martin was the murderer but was confused by his motives. I was surprised by the revelations surrounding Kate’s sister and certainly didn’t expect that. An excellent read.

[Geraldine Wadsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book.had me 'oohing and aghing' out loud as I was so engrossed.
As always an amazing book. The first book of Rosie Goodwin that I read was from a holiday library a few years ago, and I haven't stopped since.
I also love the epilogue as you see the future happiness of the family. Brilliant ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

[gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Was so much better than I expected! I knew who the murder was part way through the story and I was so frightened for Kate, it actually gave me a couple of sleepless nights, that's how real it seemed. Thoroughly enjoyed it!

[mrs g m wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant book

I enjoyed this book so very much all the twists and turns but I did now when Kate met her husband that was the one doing the killing but did not think that Matthew was the father of the. Baby

[debbie styler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

This book had me gripped from the very beginning,what a fantastic book,beautifully written,it was as though every step of the way I was part of it,absolutely fantastic,and sad that its finished,well done Rosie,xxxxx

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my you have to love a Rosie Goodwin book, I love every book I've read of hers. The characters are just so real and make you feel like you are there with them. Wow how you disliked the horrible sister in this book from the start, but no spoilers here just no this is a must read book

[tracey savage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

Beautifully written and had me gripped from the beginning....can't wait to read another Rosie Goodwin book.....one of my favourite authors

[Brenda Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read, brilliant author.

[ann davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had a job putting it down brilliant story

[Garry Marlton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story that kept me turning the pages. I like this author. I have read better by her but still a good story.

[Annemarie Farthing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Women had it so hard, we are so lucky nowadays

[Nicola Regan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me intrigued throughout , i enjoyed this book it certainly kept me on the edge of my seat, once i started reading, just couldn't put it down.

[Linda Leedham · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good read by Rosie Goodwin one of my favourite authers. There was entry of suspense Fear , Heartache. Misery on every page .a book hard to put down

[Mrs J Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book stayed up late last night to finish it. Loved Ruby and Kate lovely characters. Made me laugh cry and smile would recommend x