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The Double
Beth is mistaken for rock star Sonita La Cruz, and ends up on a billionaire-dollar yacht. As a shift-worker in Glasgow, Beth has only known hardship. Now she's in a world of uniformed stewards, delicious French food and rows of gorgeous designer clothes. Beth keeps quiet about the mix-up, determined to wear every outfit in her wardrobe before she's sent home. What's wrong with a little play-acting? Beth takes to the role of rock diva like a duck takes to water.
Aleksandr, the captain, arrives and is astonished to see a beautiful raven-haired girl lying on deck issuing orders through a loud-hailer. After talking to Beth, Aleksandr realises what has happened. His smuggling buddies, knowing Aleksandr needs to speak to Sonita about a kid’s crisis, grabbed Beth by mistake. Aleksandr is desperate. To save those children, he needs money, but Sonita has disappeared.
Beth rises to the challenge. She looks like Sonita, so why not BE Sonita? Beth does a magazine interview for one million dollars, and ransoms herself for another million. Beth saves the kids … but can she save herself? Too late, Beth discovers why Sonita disappeared.
Aleksandr, the captain, arrives and is astonished to see a beautiful raven-haired girl lying on deck issuing orders through a loud-hailer. After talking to Beth, Aleksandr realises what has happened. His smuggling buddies, knowing Aleksandr needs to speak to Sonita about a kid’s crisis, grabbed Beth by mistake. Aleksandr is desperate. To save those children, he needs money, but Sonita has disappeared.
Beth rises to the challenge. She looks like Sonita, so why not BE Sonita? Beth does a magazine interview for one million dollars, and ransoms herself for another million. Beth saves the kids … but can she save herself? Too late, Beth discovers why Sonita disappeared.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 19, 2016
42 people want to read
About the author
Alison Brodie
6 books190 followers7 book bloggers have chosen ZENKA in their *Best Reads of 2017* -Being Anne, Ali the Dragon Slayer, Dash Fan Reviews, Book Dragon Girl, Wall-to-Wall Books, Lauren Sapala, A Reader's Review.
THE DOUBLE: “Proof of her genius in writing fiction” -San Francisco Book Review.
BRAKE FAILURE: “Masterpiece of humor”–Midwest Book Review
THE DOUBLE: “Proof of her genius in writing fiction” -San Francisco Book Review.
BRAKE FAILURE: “Masterpiece of humor”–Midwest Book Review
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 12, 2016
Book – The Double
Author – Alison Brodie
Publication Date – January 19, 2016
Genre – Chick Lit
Type – Stand Alone
Cliffhanger – No
Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars
Complimentary copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
My Thoughts - Story
Wow…what a world to get transported into! I so loved the characters in this book and Ms. Brodie did a spectacular job of bringing them to life.
OMG…don’t even get me started on Beth…she stole my heart and mind and had me laughing/crying the whole way through.
The story line, the characters and the content flow all were spot on and I can’t wait to read more from this author!
Re-Cap
This author takes us on a journey with Beth and Aleksandr – a world full of war, suspense, funny moments and so much more.
So much to summarize, the only thing I can say is to pick up a copy and see for yourself!
Reason for Reading – Author Request/Blog Tour
Story – 5 out of 5 Stars
Steam – 5 out of 5 Stars
Angst – 5 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 5 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 5 out of 5 Stars
HEA (Spoiler) –
Would Read More from Author? Definitely
Recommend To – Anyone who loves to be captivated from the first page.
Author – Alison Brodie
Publication Date – January 19, 2016
Genre – Chick Lit
Type – Stand Alone
Cliffhanger – No
Rating – 5 out of 5 Stars
Complimentary copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
My Thoughts - Story
Wow…what a world to get transported into! I so loved the characters in this book and Ms. Brodie did a spectacular job of bringing them to life.
OMG…don’t even get me started on Beth…she stole my heart and mind and had me laughing/crying the whole way through.
The story line, the characters and the content flow all were spot on and I can’t wait to read more from this author!
Re-Cap
This author takes us on a journey with Beth and Aleksandr – a world full of war, suspense, funny moments and so much more.
So much to summarize, the only thing I can say is to pick up a copy and see for yourself!
Reason for Reading – Author Request/Blog Tour
Story – 5 out of 5 Stars
Steam – 5 out of 5 Stars
Angst – 5 out of 5 Stars
Writing – 5 out of 5 Stars
Content Flow – 5 out of 5 Stars
HEA (Spoiler) –
Would Read More from Author? Definitely
Recommend To – Anyone who loves to be captivated from the first page.
Want to read
January 9, 2017It's HERE! Celebrate the release of BRAKE FAILURE! Click on Banner to enter! Intl where allowed
March 18, 2016
A very fun read. I enjoyed The Double very much. Alison Brodie gives an entertaining tale and provides the reader with an interesting twist to the many doppelganger type stories. I think the Beth character was written smartly from her growth as a naive, drifting kidnapped victim - who at that point in her life needed to be shaken up by something even being abducted - to her rebirth as the story unfolds. The pace of each chapter was kept throughout and left me wanting to read more. I am not a chick flick guy, and read this on a whim, and was happy to do so. Definitely worth it.
April 5, 2016
Rating: 4.5/5
Originally reviewed for Bookaholic Confessions
On the surface, world famous rock Goddess Sonita La Cruz appears to have the perfect life. She is set to blow all competition out of the water with her latest performance, she has a loving fiancé who would do anything for her and she is rich, successful and glamorous. However there is something (or someone) in Sontia’s life who is making it far from perfect..
Aleksandr Shtcherbatsky Zhivago is travelling to Transnistria to visit his nephew Pavlo and is shocked with what he finds. The Ukraine is suffering after the invasion by Moldova and Aleksandr discovers Pavlo is one of many children suffering from tuberculosis and is living in a disused mine. The few nurses who are looking after Pavlo don’t have the medicines that they need to help these children recover. Aleksander realises he needs to do something – and fast.
He tries contacting various pop stars in a bid to get them to help his cause. He receives a response back from none other than Sontia La Cruz saying that she wants to help, however when he tries to follow up on her correspondence he has difficulty getting hold of her. There’s only one thing for it…Sonita can’t be that hard to find, surely?
Then we have auxiliary nurse Beth. Trapped in a loveless marriage and fed up with the drudgery of her day-to-day life, Beth is dismayed to find out that one of her gorgeous colleagues Enrico is returning to Spain. Little does he realise but Enrico has been the one who gets Beth through changing bed-pans, how can she carry on without him? However, when Beth attends his leaving do a series of unfortunate events lead to a classic case of mistaken identity. Things start to look really odd when Beth awakes the next day finding herself on a boat in the middle of nowhere. As for the men who ‘kidnapped’ her and put her on the boat in the first place? Well, they think she’s none other than the one and only Sonita La Cruz…
This is the first novel of Alison Brodie’s that I have read and I can say with sheer certainty that it won’t be the last because I absolutely loved it.
You can’t help but quickly become intrigued by this quirky story and the direction that it seems to be taking. There’s so many layers to the plot and the more you read, the more you discover and the more desperate you become to find out what’s going to happen. Because of the complexity of the story I don’t think you could pigeon hole this novel into one category. It’s a kind of romance/thriller/mystery/historical with humour, intrigue and plenty of drama thrown in for good measure.
The format of the novel works SO well. The story is told from various characters viewpoint’s and I liked this because I felt as though you could build up a stronger picture of each character and their situation. The way everything then comes together is done brilliantly, with plenty of surprises along the way. It’s amazing that all the characters are interlinked in some way or another and Alison has been so clever with her writing to make this work.
I also enjoyed hearing from each character in turn and they became very real to me, possibly one of the reasons for this is that Alison writes for each character using their accent. So there’s plenty of Russian and Scottish tinged dialogue and this really added to the authenticity to me. I had no trouble picturing these characters and it also enabled me to differentiate between all the characters a lot easier.
Alison has obviously put a huge amount of research into this novel. Being based in so many different countries helps the story to move at a fast-pace and I feel as though I learnt a lot from this novel. I felt for the children in Transnistria and the living conditions they had been subjected to – all because of war. It makes for shocking and upsetting reading at times, but with Aleksander fighting the children’s corner you know that he will find a way to make things right.
Character-wise Beth was probably my favourite. The way she handled being mistaken for Sontia was sheer brilliance, even if she did take to using a megaphone and having someone cater to her every whim a little too easily… The way her story starts is also heartbreaking, only in a completely different way. It soon becomes clear that she has been worn down by life and the way her husband treated her was disgusting. I was desperate for her to gain the confidence to kick him to the kerb, but couldn’t realistically see how she was going to do this…
Aleksander was also a joy to read about. Passionate and caring, he wasn’t afraid to stand up for what he believed in and I really liked him. I also liked the real Sontia La Cruz. She had come from such a horrific background and was going through a really difficult and rather frightening time. There is a part of the story where she escapes to Scotland and this was such a thought-provoking, wonderful part of the story. (Especially the relationship she builds with ‘Thunderbrows’.) It’s almost like she re-discovers herself and it’s a fascinating part of the story. Sonita is a million miles away from being a diva and I warmed to her really quickly. It’s clear that both she and Beth are polar opposites – but it’s amazing what a case of mistaken identity could do for each of their lives…
The Double was a cracking read which I struggled to put down. It’s funny, fascinating and one which has characters who will play on your mind long after you’ve finished reading. I couldn’t wait to see how things were going to pan out and Alison certainly didn’t let me down with the ending. I couldn’t have asked for a more fitting end to a compelling and captivating read.
Originally reviewed for Bookaholic Confessions
On the surface, world famous rock Goddess Sonita La Cruz appears to have the perfect life. She is set to blow all competition out of the water with her latest performance, she has a loving fiancé who would do anything for her and she is rich, successful and glamorous. However there is something (or someone) in Sontia’s life who is making it far from perfect..
Aleksandr Shtcherbatsky Zhivago is travelling to Transnistria to visit his nephew Pavlo and is shocked with what he finds. The Ukraine is suffering after the invasion by Moldova and Aleksandr discovers Pavlo is one of many children suffering from tuberculosis and is living in a disused mine. The few nurses who are looking after Pavlo don’t have the medicines that they need to help these children recover. Aleksander realises he needs to do something – and fast.
He tries contacting various pop stars in a bid to get them to help his cause. He receives a response back from none other than Sontia La Cruz saying that she wants to help, however when he tries to follow up on her correspondence he has difficulty getting hold of her. There’s only one thing for it…Sonita can’t be that hard to find, surely?
Then we have auxiliary nurse Beth. Trapped in a loveless marriage and fed up with the drudgery of her day-to-day life, Beth is dismayed to find out that one of her gorgeous colleagues Enrico is returning to Spain. Little does he realise but Enrico has been the one who gets Beth through changing bed-pans, how can she carry on without him? However, when Beth attends his leaving do a series of unfortunate events lead to a classic case of mistaken identity. Things start to look really odd when Beth awakes the next day finding herself on a boat in the middle of nowhere. As for the men who ‘kidnapped’ her and put her on the boat in the first place? Well, they think she’s none other than the one and only Sonita La Cruz…
This is the first novel of Alison Brodie’s that I have read and I can say with sheer certainty that it won’t be the last because I absolutely loved it.
You can’t help but quickly become intrigued by this quirky story and the direction that it seems to be taking. There’s so many layers to the plot and the more you read, the more you discover and the more desperate you become to find out what’s going to happen. Because of the complexity of the story I don’t think you could pigeon hole this novel into one category. It’s a kind of romance/thriller/mystery/historical with humour, intrigue and plenty of drama thrown in for good measure.
The format of the novel works SO well. The story is told from various characters viewpoint’s and I liked this because I felt as though you could build up a stronger picture of each character and their situation. The way everything then comes together is done brilliantly, with plenty of surprises along the way. It’s amazing that all the characters are interlinked in some way or another and Alison has been so clever with her writing to make this work.
I also enjoyed hearing from each character in turn and they became very real to me, possibly one of the reasons for this is that Alison writes for each character using their accent. So there’s plenty of Russian and Scottish tinged dialogue and this really added to the authenticity to me. I had no trouble picturing these characters and it also enabled me to differentiate between all the characters a lot easier.
Alison has obviously put a huge amount of research into this novel. Being based in so many different countries helps the story to move at a fast-pace and I feel as though I learnt a lot from this novel. I felt for the children in Transnistria and the living conditions they had been subjected to – all because of war. It makes for shocking and upsetting reading at times, but with Aleksander fighting the children’s corner you know that he will find a way to make things right.
Character-wise Beth was probably my favourite. The way she handled being mistaken for Sontia was sheer brilliance, even if she did take to using a megaphone and having someone cater to her every whim a little too easily… The way her story starts is also heartbreaking, only in a completely different way. It soon becomes clear that she has been worn down by life and the way her husband treated her was disgusting. I was desperate for her to gain the confidence to kick him to the kerb, but couldn’t realistically see how she was going to do this…
Aleksander was also a joy to read about. Passionate and caring, he wasn’t afraid to stand up for what he believed in and I really liked him. I also liked the real Sontia La Cruz. She had come from such a horrific background and was going through a really difficult and rather frightening time. There is a part of the story where she escapes to Scotland and this was such a thought-provoking, wonderful part of the story. (Especially the relationship she builds with ‘Thunderbrows’.) It’s almost like she re-discovers herself and it’s a fascinating part of the story. Sonita is a million miles away from being a diva and I warmed to her really quickly. It’s clear that both she and Beth are polar opposites – but it’s amazing what a case of mistaken identity could do for each of their lives…
The Double was a cracking read which I struggled to put down. It’s funny, fascinating and one which has characters who will play on your mind long after you’ve finished reading. I couldn’t wait to see how things were going to pan out and Alison certainly didn’t let me down with the ending. I couldn’t have asked for a more fitting end to a compelling and captivating read.
Read
February 1, 2016The Double is another addition to author Alison Brodie’s body of work, and proof of her genius in writing fiction. The novel is set against the backdrop of a civil war in the Eastern States, and is a story of loyalty, love, and personal conflict.
Sonita La Cruz has it all—a loving fiancé, fame, success—and is ready to get back on a concert tour, jet setting her career with a fresh start. Yet, she is haunted by a stalker, who sends her blood-tinged notes, who has vowed to end her life. Her childhood friend Paolo is concerned for her safety, and wants her to take a vacation. While still in doubt, an accident at her concert scares her numb, and she follows through Paolo’s suggestion despite her manager’s warnings. On her cruise en route to Scotland, she has no idea what is in store for her.
Aleksandr is a man marred by loneliness, and addiction to alcohol. He wants to do more for his crime-ridden country, but cannot find the willpower to do so. Upon his trip to visit his nephew, he realizes how badly his country has been affected by invasion by Moldova. When he reaches the refugee camps, he is shocked to find that his beloved nephew Pavlo is kept in isolation. Pavlo along with other kids were victims of tuberculosis, and the scarce hospital staff had no resources for treatment. Angered by this, he decides to write to the American singer Sonita, and gets a positive response from her that she will help them upon contact. When her manager informs Aleksandr that Sonita is on a break, he and his friends hatch a plan to get her attention.
Beth is tired. Tired of her ongoing tirades with her husband, and her laborious job. Forced into motherhood and marriage at an early age, Beth longs for a life of contentment and love. When her colleague Enrico announces that he’s leaving, she realizes she has feelings for him. Beth reaches Enrico’s farewell bash, she barely misses him. She tries to follow his taxi, but two men appear out of nowhere. She wakes up in a bobbing boat, and realizes she’s been mistaken for Sonita La Cruz.
The lives of these three people cross in this gripping story. The only major flaw is the lack of character development, and the introduction of new characters gradually in the book. It’s an engaging novel, which keeps the reader hooked till the end, making for an excellent effort by Alison Brodie.
Sonita La Cruz has it all—a loving fiancé, fame, success—and is ready to get back on a concert tour, jet setting her career with a fresh start. Yet, she is haunted by a stalker, who sends her blood-tinged notes, who has vowed to end her life. Her childhood friend Paolo is concerned for her safety, and wants her to take a vacation. While still in doubt, an accident at her concert scares her numb, and she follows through Paolo’s suggestion despite her manager’s warnings. On her cruise en route to Scotland, she has no idea what is in store for her.
Aleksandr is a man marred by loneliness, and addiction to alcohol. He wants to do more for his crime-ridden country, but cannot find the willpower to do so. Upon his trip to visit his nephew, he realizes how badly his country has been affected by invasion by Moldova. When he reaches the refugee camps, he is shocked to find that his beloved nephew Pavlo is kept in isolation. Pavlo along with other kids were victims of tuberculosis, and the scarce hospital staff had no resources for treatment. Angered by this, he decides to write to the American singer Sonita, and gets a positive response from her that she will help them upon contact. When her manager informs Aleksandr that Sonita is on a break, he and his friends hatch a plan to get her attention.
Beth is tired. Tired of her ongoing tirades with her husband, and her laborious job. Forced into motherhood and marriage at an early age, Beth longs for a life of contentment and love. When her colleague Enrico announces that he’s leaving, she realizes she has feelings for him. Beth reaches Enrico’s farewell bash, she barely misses him. She tries to follow his taxi, but two men appear out of nowhere. She wakes up in a bobbing boat, and realizes she’s been mistaken for Sonita La Cruz.
The lives of these three people cross in this gripping story. The only major flaw is the lack of character development, and the introduction of new characters gradually in the book. It’s an engaging novel, which keeps the reader hooked till the end, making for an excellent effort by Alison Brodie.
June 1, 2016
At first i wasnt too sure about this book, maybe because so much was happening with so many characters i was trying to get my head around it all and i found it a bit confusing. I wanted to keep going as it sounded like a good read. For me it picked up after about 30% in. I was then hooked and kept on turning to see how it all panned out. Its worth sticking with it.
Aleksandr travels to Transnistria to see his nephew Pavlo, upon arriving he is shocked at what he finds. The Ukraine is suffering after the invasion by Moldova and Aleksandr discovers Pavlo is one of many children suffering from tuberculosis and is living in a disused mine. Sadly the nurses there dont have the medicines or means to help these children get better. Aleksander needs to do something fast as time is running out. In a desperate bid of help he contacts some pop stars hoping they will help. One pop star, Sontia La Cruz replies saying that she wants to help but when he tries to follow her up on the offer he has a hard job getting hold of her. There must be something he can do to find Sontia.
Next we have Beth, an auxiliary nurse. She is fed up of her day to day life and no longer loves her husband. On attending the leaving party of her co worker Enrico, Beth gets caught up in a mistaken identity episode and is kidnapped because some men think she is none other than the famous Sonita La Cruz. As we follow along with Beth's adventure, there are many twists and turns to come.
I like the way Alison Brodie explored the countries mentioned and i felt good rapport with the characters as it was told from various points of view. This was great to escape for the night on a luxury yacht and act like a superstar. From little dog Pookie to prawns and cavier this is one story you wont want to put down. I look forward to Alison's next book.
Aleksandr travels to Transnistria to see his nephew Pavlo, upon arriving he is shocked at what he finds. The Ukraine is suffering after the invasion by Moldova and Aleksandr discovers Pavlo is one of many children suffering from tuberculosis and is living in a disused mine. Sadly the nurses there dont have the medicines or means to help these children get better. Aleksander needs to do something fast as time is running out. In a desperate bid of help he contacts some pop stars hoping they will help. One pop star, Sontia La Cruz replies saying that she wants to help but when he tries to follow her up on the offer he has a hard job getting hold of her. There must be something he can do to find Sontia.
Next we have Beth, an auxiliary nurse. She is fed up of her day to day life and no longer loves her husband. On attending the leaving party of her co worker Enrico, Beth gets caught up in a mistaken identity episode and is kidnapped because some men think she is none other than the famous Sonita La Cruz. As we follow along with Beth's adventure, there are many twists and turns to come.
I like the way Alison Brodie explored the countries mentioned and i felt good rapport with the characters as it was told from various points of view. This was great to escape for the night on a luxury yacht and act like a superstar. From little dog Pookie to prawns and cavier this is one story you wont want to put down. I look forward to Alison's next book.
April 27, 2016
I was in for a fun wild ride with this read. There was more than one storyline to follow and each proved to be as engaging as the other. Serious issues are also presented and addressed along with the fun stuff.
The mix of mystery, thriller and romance intermingle through the story in an even flow which kept me glued to get to the end. It was interesting to see how things intersected at the end to either create havoc or resolution.
The characters were colorful and varied which also added as fun elements of this story. The Scottish accent from some of the characters caught my attention as I love listening to it.
The travel and location setting descriptions provided some entertaining arm-chair traveling.
Overall, this story got me thinking about doppelgangers.
The mix of mystery, thriller and romance intermingle through the story in an even flow which kept me glued to get to the end. It was interesting to see how things intersected at the end to either create havoc or resolution.
The characters were colorful and varied which also added as fun elements of this story. The Scottish accent from some of the characters caught my attention as I love listening to it.
The travel and location setting descriptions provided some entertaining arm-chair traveling.
Overall, this story got me thinking about doppelgangers.
June 16, 2016
There is not a lot to add to the plot given the details that the blurb gives. Sonita is a humanitarian rock star who is starting to feel the pressure of being famous. Beth is a nurse who is married to an asshole and is always putting the needs of other's before her own. When Beth decides to have a night out, and maybe explore some naughty feelings with a work-mate, she is kidnapped in a case of mistaken identity.
Full review: http://bookedupandbossy.blogspot.com/...
Full review: http://bookedupandbossy.blogspot.com/...
May 14, 2016
I received advanced copy from United Indie Book Blog for my honest review. You dream to have some direction in life but what if being mistaken by a singer take you down a path were you seem to know that changed your dream a little by truly finding real love. Every character has found their real path to understand what love really means to show how you can understand your other equal partner is to show that you really care for others and stand up for what you believe that make you happy. Love this story and what adventure it was to explore through each other journey to find their right path.
May 14, 2016
You dream to have some direction in life but what if being mistaken by a singer take you down a path were you seem to know that changed your dream a little by truly finding real love. Every character has found their real path to understand what love really means to show how you can understand your other equal partner is to show that you really care for others and stand up for what you believe that make you happy. Love this story and what adventure it was to explore through each other journey to find their right path.
review by Ashley
review by Ashley
April 13, 2016
So The Double
Okay, when you read a book and you get everything from one single POV, usually from the heroine you're like 'oh wow, that's nice; then there's book 2 where you get the guy's POV and we all go like: "Love it, now i have the whole thing together", right?
So here we have like 4 POV's if I'm not mistaken. So good that you will not only have the whole picture together, but at some point you'll be feeling like if you were playing
so you can follow the lead of each one of the characters.
so The place?
Let's see we have: The States, of course then Ireland, and Transnitria & Moldova close to Ukraine, And they do exist
see?
But making it shorter, everything happens here:
So Characters?
we have SONITA LA CRUZ
A brazilian rock diva living in the States that is coming down in her repertoir and is looking for a change by the hand of her billonaire and superficial boyfriend, but she also was a philantropist which led to some heavy discussions among them:
She wanted too put bread in hungry mouths, he wanted to wine and dined the rich
So what was the best thing she could do?
yep! she disappeared!
CARLOS
He's a crazy guy that believes that rock is bad and apparently Sonita here is the evil itself, so he goes into I'm-the-avenger-of-God-mode so
yep!
now, BETH
She's an abnegated mother and wife, actually she's an abnegated wife, 'cause her daughter are already grown ups and out of the house, while she goes like a submissive mouse, letting her hubby do whatever the f*ck he wants.
so she's also studying for being a certificate nurse and also trying to have a great time with her friends, while at the same time is harboring a huge crush on the spanish guy:
So when it's time for this guy to go back to his country they do a costume party, wellsort of amd she goes as diva rock star of course.
ALEKSANDER SHTCHERBATSKY or something like that XD
He's a taugh ukrainian , that has been on jail, and now works capitaining different ships to stay away from problems, but when he come home to see his family , he comes with the surprise that the politic situation of his country is taking the lives of the kids in danger, as physical as their health, so he would do everything in his power to stop it.
So ...what? were you expecting me to tell you what will happen next?! HA! NOT a chance! READ THE BOOK
Let's just say that the lives of all these character mix together in one point where, then they'll al have to give the best of themselves, being:
even though, in the middle of it comes enlightment for one of our characters:
+
so they go like:
and everything happens on a...
So, we have a confussion of identities, a murderer, a mafia strike, an invasion, a barriere of defense from part of the god ones, and new self-discovering for everyone else.
So if you're looking something that would give you a little history lesson , without getting boring, a romance and the sea journey of your life where you'll be able to have every little whim you can imagine ...then come and get this one!
XD
-------------------------------------------------------
Okay! I know this is not one of my regular readings here, but you know what?! I liked it and I pretty much enjoyed it a lot
The story is told from different POV's ( different like more than 2, yeah!!), add to it, that it also happen in more than one location and, of course, it also has more than just one language...(which BTW I looooved it,XD) even though I know nothing of ukrainian XP
Now the story is like a thread that goes slowly twisting more and more every single time you keep reading. So at first you're like : oh, ok that's good, yeah, that's interesting but also ...what does any of that has any to do with any of the other...until suddenly KABOON! yep! ohhhhhhhhhhhhh..that's where you were heading to. XD
It was a really nice reading, perfect for a rainy or lazy day where you feel like you wanna do absolutely nothing physcally, but you totally won't mind that you do everything mentally.
So we have drama, suspense, a bit of thriller and bathe in comedy and a bit of romance as well...all in the name of a very, very GOOD CAUSE.
I won't say more further, 'cause this is just a tiny bit...my full review is already in process.
But for everyone that would like to read something new and out of their regular book genders... this is a great option
Full rev coming
July 5, 2016
Alison Brodie’s The Double has it all; from diva Sonita, the rock star, being stalked and threatened, to a gritty, realistic housing estate in Glasgow where nurse Beth is trying to make sense of her life, right through to a kidnapping followed by a luxurious adventure on a billionaire’s yacht on the Côte d’Azur. Meanwhile, Aleksandr, the captain, has had to deal with the effects of a civil war in the Eastern Bloc, and is now fighting to save many children suffering with tuberculosis as medical supplies cannot reach them and warfare is threatening their makeshift hospital site. Yes, if you’re looking for a little drama and mystery in a well-constructed romance story this is perfect for you!
The opening chapter sparks the interest of the reader immediately as we find a seemingly dark character acting secretly and wants Sonita La Cruz dead! This is a dark start for a fun, romance novel, but it captures a sense of fear and suspense from the offset, making the curious reader need to find out what becomes of both parties.
Although written in third person, the reader has an in-depth take on each main character as whole chapters are focussed on one at a time, as we discover their current situations as well as their background. My favourite character has to be Beth, partly for wanting the escape that she is able to have from her average life, and partly as she is the one that takes many risks throughout the story.
Beth is at the point in her life where, even though a mum, she is still young. Her kids are independents now, and aside from her nursing job, all she has is a selfish man in Andy, and a shabby tower-block flat. Once the initial kidnapping is realised, Beth begins to come round to the idea, choosing to go along with it. I mean, after all, when does she ever feel free; free from routine, free from work, free from Glasgow, free from Andy and his controlling ways. Surely she deserves some luxury and freedom at last. Why not pose as beautiful superstar Sonita La Cruz? Beth begins to think that maybe her dreams could come true, and she doesn’t have to feel so trapped in her life. She adapts quickly and learns how to relax, to enjoy life, rather than stressing about her work, Andy, money, etc.
“This was so different to sunbathing at home. There, she had a tiny balcony, just about big enough for four plastic stools, a bike repair box and a scrawny plant….. In the summer, between five and six in the evening, the sun would touch one corner of the balcony – high up. Desperate for sunshine, she’d stand in her knickers and bra, one foot on a stool, one foot on the railings, her hand holding onto the washing line for support….
… Now, instead of teetering on the edge of a council block in saggy grey knickers, she lay on a cushioned sun-lounger alongside a luxurious pool, on a gorgeous yacht with a champagne re-fuelling depot nearby and an army of uniformed stewards, out of sight, but close at hand, ready to be summoned by the tinkling of a little bell.” (Beth)
That said, it is also clear that Sonita La Cruz is also looking for an escapism. Although a rock star, she is not recording the style of music she favours, she is very much subjected to media attention constantly, and her real feelings lie with being charitable to those, especially children, in need – something that her partner ignores. During the course of the story, ignorant of Beth’s situation, Sonita tries to find a relaxing moment herself, as she keeps her head down low from any threat, and her busy lifestyle.
It is a certain read in particular for the summer and holiday season. And, one of the most exciting and fascinating parts of the story were, for me, the way in which it provides a largely relaxing read despite the dark drama/mystery that lies beneath the surface. I just loved imagining myself to be in Beth’s shoes sunbathing on a luxurious yacht on the Med, blue skies, blue sea, with fine dining and clothes, etc, and not worrying too much about the consequences until I’d have to.
The icing on the cake is the knowledge that Beth is quite aware, certainly as the story progresses, that it is all in the name of charity; in being able to hopefully provide many children with the treatment that they need, during an absolutely crucial time when no one else can! Mix that in with a chance of romance and it is perfect. But will Beth realise where her heart is really at before it’s too late?
If you’d like a book to transport you on a relaxing holiday, with fun, drama and romance The Double is just the one!
A copy of The Double was provided by Alison Brodie in return for a fair and honest review.
The opening chapter sparks the interest of the reader immediately as we find a seemingly dark character acting secretly and wants Sonita La Cruz dead! This is a dark start for a fun, romance novel, but it captures a sense of fear and suspense from the offset, making the curious reader need to find out what becomes of both parties.
Although written in third person, the reader has an in-depth take on each main character as whole chapters are focussed on one at a time, as we discover their current situations as well as their background. My favourite character has to be Beth, partly for wanting the escape that she is able to have from her average life, and partly as she is the one that takes many risks throughout the story.
Beth is at the point in her life where, even though a mum, she is still young. Her kids are independents now, and aside from her nursing job, all she has is a selfish man in Andy, and a shabby tower-block flat. Once the initial kidnapping is realised, Beth begins to come round to the idea, choosing to go along with it. I mean, after all, when does she ever feel free; free from routine, free from work, free from Glasgow, free from Andy and his controlling ways. Surely she deserves some luxury and freedom at last. Why not pose as beautiful superstar Sonita La Cruz? Beth begins to think that maybe her dreams could come true, and she doesn’t have to feel so trapped in her life. She adapts quickly and learns how to relax, to enjoy life, rather than stressing about her work, Andy, money, etc.
“This was so different to sunbathing at home. There, she had a tiny balcony, just about big enough for four plastic stools, a bike repair box and a scrawny plant….. In the summer, between five and six in the evening, the sun would touch one corner of the balcony – high up. Desperate for sunshine, she’d stand in her knickers and bra, one foot on a stool, one foot on the railings, her hand holding onto the washing line for support….
… Now, instead of teetering on the edge of a council block in saggy grey knickers, she lay on a cushioned sun-lounger alongside a luxurious pool, on a gorgeous yacht with a champagne re-fuelling depot nearby and an army of uniformed stewards, out of sight, but close at hand, ready to be summoned by the tinkling of a little bell.” (Beth)
That said, it is also clear that Sonita La Cruz is also looking for an escapism. Although a rock star, she is not recording the style of music she favours, she is very much subjected to media attention constantly, and her real feelings lie with being charitable to those, especially children, in need – something that her partner ignores. During the course of the story, ignorant of Beth’s situation, Sonita tries to find a relaxing moment herself, as she keeps her head down low from any threat, and her busy lifestyle.
It is a certain read in particular for the summer and holiday season. And, one of the most exciting and fascinating parts of the story were, for me, the way in which it provides a largely relaxing read despite the dark drama/mystery that lies beneath the surface. I just loved imagining myself to be in Beth’s shoes sunbathing on a luxurious yacht on the Med, blue skies, blue sea, with fine dining and clothes, etc, and not worrying too much about the consequences until I’d have to.
The icing on the cake is the knowledge that Beth is quite aware, certainly as the story progresses, that it is all in the name of charity; in being able to hopefully provide many children with the treatment that they need, during an absolutely crucial time when no one else can! Mix that in with a chance of romance and it is perfect. But will Beth realise where her heart is really at before it’s too late?
If you’d like a book to transport you on a relaxing holiday, with fun, drama and romance The Double is just the one!
A copy of The Double was provided by Alison Brodie in return for a fair and honest review.
June 18, 2016
The Double by Allison Brodie is a highly entertaining story with some interesting twists to the doppelganger premise. This unique work of fiction does have a basis in truth; I had not heard of some of the small Eastern European countries in the story, and it was interesting to get a few facts about them. The Double defies genre categorization as it is at times fun and mad-cap, and at other times thought-provoking with a sprinkle of history and romance.
The Double is told from four points of view, each of which tells a different thread of the story. The setting changes from the UK to Eastern Europe. Poverty and luxury are sharply contrasted as the story moves from St. Tropez yacht harbors and closets filled with haute couture to sick children in impoverished and war-torn Eastern European mining towns. The beginning of the book is a bit confusing, but stick with it as all will be revealed in a very delightful way. Brodie brought together the complex introduction of the multiple story threads and characters admirably. The interwoven plots provide for an exciting read. There is never a dull moment in this book!
The cast of characters is huge. From boorish husbands, to pop-chart stars to smugglers and revolutionaries, Brodie’s quirky characters are well developed. I loved Beth, the unappreciated wife and nurse, who is mistaken for singing sensation, Sonita La Cruz. Her life needed a good shaking up, and she certainly gets one when she is accidentally kidnapped. Beth takes those lemons and makes a giant batch of lemonade. She finds inner strength and self-appreciation while taking every twist and turn in stride. Most of the main characters have experiences that also lead them to personal growth, success, and love.
It is obvious that in addition to skilled storytelling, Ms. Brodie excels at researching the people and setting of her book. The Double is filled with geographic details and current issues. Brodie’s witty sense of humor shines through each hair-brained idea the characters hatch. The writing quality, story complexity, and unique premise make The Double a captivating, light-hearted tale.
Thanks to the author for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Visit the Book Junkie Reviews blog for more recommendations: https://abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
The Double is told from four points of view, each of which tells a different thread of the story. The setting changes from the UK to Eastern Europe. Poverty and luxury are sharply contrasted as the story moves from St. Tropez yacht harbors and closets filled with haute couture to sick children in impoverished and war-torn Eastern European mining towns. The beginning of the book is a bit confusing, but stick with it as all will be revealed in a very delightful way. Brodie brought together the complex introduction of the multiple story threads and characters admirably. The interwoven plots provide for an exciting read. There is never a dull moment in this book!
The cast of characters is huge. From boorish husbands, to pop-chart stars to smugglers and revolutionaries, Brodie’s quirky characters are well developed. I loved Beth, the unappreciated wife and nurse, who is mistaken for singing sensation, Sonita La Cruz. Her life needed a good shaking up, and she certainly gets one when she is accidentally kidnapped. Beth takes those lemons and makes a giant batch of lemonade. She finds inner strength and self-appreciation while taking every twist and turn in stride. Most of the main characters have experiences that also lead them to personal growth, success, and love.
It is obvious that in addition to skilled storytelling, Ms. Brodie excels at researching the people and setting of her book. The Double is filled with geographic details and current issues. Brodie’s witty sense of humor shines through each hair-brained idea the characters hatch. The writing quality, story complexity, and unique premise make The Double a captivating, light-hearted tale.
Thanks to the author for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Visit the Book Junkie Reviews blog for more recommendations: https://abookjunkiereviews.wordpress.com
February 23, 2016
This is the kind of book I like to think of as a “treat yourself” book. Great for when you have that long weekend at the beach, or the snowstorm that demands you curl up inside with a steaming mug of tea and a good story. This is that kind of book. It’s got a little bit of everything: romance, suspense and mystery, lots of humor and excellent characters. Much of the storyline also involves a luxury yacht complete with the finest dining and closets filled with gorgeous clothes and shoes, which was really fun. It made me feel the same way I do when I watch Pretty Woman (a total favorite) because it I felt like I was vicariously living out a beautiful vacation in these decadent surroundings.
I also felt a strong connection with one of the main characters because her journey takes her from a depressed, burnt-out woman with low self esteem, to a woman who is empowered, capable, and begins living the life she really wants. And I loved the sparks that flew between her and the leading man. This author is really good at writing romantic scenes.
Wonderful book and I’d definitely read it again.
I also felt a strong connection with one of the main characters because her journey takes her from a depressed, burnt-out woman with low self esteem, to a woman who is empowered, capable, and begins living the life she really wants. And I loved the sparks that flew between her and the leading man. This author is really good at writing romantic scenes.
Wonderful book and I’d definitely read it again.
January 24, 2016
Having read several of this author's book s already I was looking forward to reading this new book. I was not disappointed. This book is one big adventure, making it an exciting read although there is much poignancy in it.
I particularly liked the character of Beth , a hard-working auxiliary nurse, exhausted by life and all the challenges it presents to her.
Aleksandr and Beth embark on a steamy romance providing much interest.
Although there are many serious aspects to this, with intriguing twists and turns, this book is not without humour making it a fully-rounded and deeply engaging read.
I particularly liked the character of Beth , a hard-working auxiliary nurse, exhausted by life and all the challenges it presents to her.
Aleksandr and Beth embark on a steamy romance providing much interest.
Although there are many serious aspects to this, with intriguing twists and turns, this book is not without humour making it a fully-rounded and deeply engaging read.
March 3, 2016
Really gripping read, didn't want to put it down from the moment I started reading. The evolving relationship between the three main characters was funny, heart-warming and unexpected. Definitely recommend!
December 31, 2016
A cute story on an old premise, the body double. I enjoyed this so much and am looking forward to more books from Alison Brodie.
May 10, 2016
WOW!!! There is so much going on in this book, you really have to wrap your head around all the characters involved, take the time to read so you don't miss a single thing. I do like that we get all the main characters POV's, even the villain, which when you put all together the story flows through. There is no way I am giving the plot away you have to read the story, especially with all the events that unfold. This was an ok book for me. But it might be a great book for you!!! Reviewed for HeadTripping Books by Carolyn.
January 28, 2016
This was a great read. I highly enjoyed it and would definitely recommend to other romance readers.
January 29, 2016
Gripping read
Drama, humour, excitement glamour and plenty of twists all rolled into one highly enjoyable story of two women with two very different lives
Drama, humour, excitement glamour and plenty of twists all rolled into one highly enjoyable story of two women with two very different lives
February 27, 2016
Don't read this book unless you're prepared to put your life on hold. Brilliant!
March 7, 2016
A thrilling ride!
March 18, 2016
What a great read! Glamour, romance, mistaken identity and humor that made me smile and laugh out loud. I highly recommend THE DOUBLE, and am looking forward to reading Alison Brodie's other books!
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