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Deceived
Deceived is the story of a woman who loses everything, including her children and husband in the space of twenty four hours. Her search takes her from the English countryside to the vibrant, kaleidoscopic contrast of Florida.
- GenresFiction
152 pages, Paperback
First published June 14, 2014
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40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 4, 2023
The only good bit was when Mike died. 👎👎👎
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2015
Deceived is a book about British housewife Julia Weston, a lady who currently lives a privileged lifestyle near Cambridge. She has staff to run her household, her children in private education and a bottomless bank balance. That is until she finds her top of the range mobile phone no longer works, the staff are missing and so are her husband and children.
Unable to go to the police because her children are supposed to be on a family holiday with their father and in no apparent danger, Julia discovers the family house has been sold and she has just four days to move out. Her husband's business partner is in the dark as much as Julia, until he gets a visit from the Inland Revenue who are after the £4.7 million owed to them in back taxes.
Luckily Julia finds a forgotten bank account and puts together details of where her husband may have gone with the children and she makes a lucky guess finding them in Florida. She'll go to any lengths to get her girls back.
The book is very well written, and although the actions of Julia's husband are shocking, I would have liked to see a lot more drama in the book. I found it hard to connect to Julia the victim, she wasn't penniless, she found money, she easily found a trail to her husband, got a flight upgrade and found generous people to help her. Perhaps an element of danger hovering more obviously throughout or even mild violence may take the book to another level. At the moment it is a safe unfortunate tale of how the privilege may fall, but not for long.
Unable to go to the police because her children are supposed to be on a family holiday with their father and in no apparent danger, Julia discovers the family house has been sold and she has just four days to move out. Her husband's business partner is in the dark as much as Julia, until he gets a visit from the Inland Revenue who are after the £4.7 million owed to them in back taxes.
Luckily Julia finds a forgotten bank account and puts together details of where her husband may have gone with the children and she makes a lucky guess finding them in Florida. She'll go to any lengths to get her girls back.
The book is very well written, and although the actions of Julia's husband are shocking, I would have liked to see a lot more drama in the book. I found it hard to connect to Julia the victim, she wasn't penniless, she found money, she easily found a trail to her husband, got a flight upgrade and found generous people to help her. Perhaps an element of danger hovering more obviously throughout or even mild violence may take the book to another level. At the moment it is a safe unfortunate tale of how the privilege may fall, but not for long.
January 10, 2015
Julia is a British housewife that loves shopping and her twin girls, Alice and Phoebe. All she has to do is the school run and remember her beauty appointments.
Mike is Julia's husband, he runs a lucrative business with his partner Alex , Julia's best friend Marcia's husband.
It all starts when Julia's mobile phone stops working after she takes the girls to school and in 24 hours her life gets turned upside down. She arrives home after a shopping trip to find all the household staff have disappeared and the home phone has no dial tone. Panicking she drives to her best friends, there she finds out that her husband is on a business trip in NY, her mobile bill has not been paid for for a few months and her husband had the home phone disconnected because their house has been sold, and there is no way to get in touch with her husband. She goes to pick the girls up from school and discovers their father already had and had taken them on holiday to god-knows-where. Later that evening her husbands business partner turns up to tell her that her husband has been embezzling money from the company, owing the Inland Revenue £4.7 million. so now penniless and a devastated Julia has to find a way to get her girls back.
From the synopsis i was not expecting what i got, i haven't read a book with a storyline like this before and it was a nice refreshing change. I was engulfed in the story from beginning to end and read it in one sitting. The book was written fantastically. I loved the way we saw snippets of others characters point of view's
I would defiantly recommend the book to readers.
Mike is Julia's husband, he runs a lucrative business with his partner Alex , Julia's best friend Marcia's husband.
It all starts when Julia's mobile phone stops working after she takes the girls to school and in 24 hours her life gets turned upside down. She arrives home after a shopping trip to find all the household staff have disappeared and the home phone has no dial tone. Panicking she drives to her best friends, there she finds out that her husband is on a business trip in NY, her mobile bill has not been paid for for a few months and her husband had the home phone disconnected because their house has been sold, and there is no way to get in touch with her husband. She goes to pick the girls up from school and discovers their father already had and had taken them on holiday to god-knows-where. Later that evening her husbands business partner turns up to tell her that her husband has been embezzling money from the company, owing the Inland Revenue £4.7 million. so now penniless and a devastated Julia has to find a way to get her girls back.
From the synopsis i was not expecting what i got, i haven't read a book with a storyline like this before and it was a nice refreshing change. I was engulfed in the story from beginning to end and read it in one sitting. The book was written fantastically. I loved the way we saw snippets of others characters point of view's
I would defiantly recommend the book to readers.
December 16, 2014
RATING: 4.5 STARS
Brenda Burling has delivered a brilliant book that shows just how far one person will go for something that means the world to her.
The story introduces us to a carefree and entitled Julia Weston, painting a picture of a perfect life, with wonderful children and dutiful husband. And then we're shown how quickly everything can be torn away from you, with you being none-the-wiser. Brenda has created a storyline that is original and intriguing. It kept me interested from the very beginning while Julia's world is unraveled, and we watch her put it all back together again, piece by piece.
With strong characters, a great story line and fantastic delivery, this book should be on your to-be-read list for sure!
Keri
(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.)
Brenda Burling has delivered a brilliant book that shows just how far one person will go for something that means the world to her.
The story introduces us to a carefree and entitled Julia Weston, painting a picture of a perfect life, with wonderful children and dutiful husband. And then we're shown how quickly everything can be torn away from you, with you being none-the-wiser. Brenda has created a storyline that is original and intriguing. It kept me interested from the very beginning while Julia's world is unraveled, and we watch her put it all back together again, piece by piece.
With strong characters, a great story line and fantastic delivery, this book should be on your to-be-read list for sure!
Keri
(ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.)
December 15, 2014
Deceived
By: Author Brenda Burling
This story hurt my heart, enraged me, made me laugh, made me cry and was uplifting just as much as it was drenched in disappear and fear. Author Brenda Burling takes us on one Moms journey as life as she knows it completely falls apart. Julia is put in the position of one of every spouse and parents worse nightmare. Her sheer fear and determination not to be parted from her children. We get to see her find her will, her strength, and her transformation from victim to survivor! Bonds are formed, new love is found. Each achievement, each step forward is a bittersweet victory!! Tilly is an amazing friend to Julia the kind of friend who's friendship spans across distance and time. Paul (sighs) what an amazing man! Caring, selfless, loving, protective and did I mention amazing!!
My only slight protest was I wish there was more! Like what was the outcome from the end, what happened next (pouting) you know the normal reaction to a good book ending.
~~~~Five Stars~~~~~
I recommend this book 18+
Due to adult situations.
I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for a honest review, all thoughts and feelings are my own.
By: Author Brenda Burling
This story hurt my heart, enraged me, made me laugh, made me cry and was uplifting just as much as it was drenched in disappear and fear. Author Brenda Burling takes us on one Moms journey as life as she knows it completely falls apart. Julia is put in the position of one of every spouse and parents worse nightmare. Her sheer fear and determination not to be parted from her children. We get to see her find her will, her strength, and her transformation from victim to survivor! Bonds are formed, new love is found. Each achievement, each step forward is a bittersweet victory!! Tilly is an amazing friend to Julia the kind of friend who's friendship spans across distance and time. Paul (sighs) what an amazing man! Caring, selfless, loving, protective and did I mention amazing!!
My only slight protest was I wish there was more! Like what was the outcome from the end, what happened next (pouting) you know the normal reaction to a good book ending.
~~~~Five Stars~~~~~
I recommend this book 18+
Due to adult situations.
I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for a honest review, all thoughts and feelings are my own.
January 28, 2015
I really enjoyed this story. The storyline seemed to begin immediately, no waiting around for things to happen. My mind was already contemplating all the potential outcomes by about page 15. It all just seemed so--plausible. There were a few predictable elements with regard to the "unexpected love interest", but where would we be without a good love story? All in all, what an excellent read! Brenda Burling, I'll be seeking out your future stories!
June 24, 2021
**TW**
Separation of mother and child, illegal activity concerning money
"He had become an object - no longer my husband, but my opponent, someone who has stolen from me and deceived me."
This book was a whole roller-coaster! I started this really late at night after finishing a book previous to this. I told myself "just the first chapter" and then I'll go to sleep. But, this never happened. I read the whole book that night... My eyes were not happy the next day but it was so worth it!
This book was captivating in more ways than one. The main character, Julia and the way her entire life was flipped over in the space of a day had really caught my attention. I felt pity for her, her kids, her husband, her home and her best friend, gone. My goodness, I have no idea how Julia remained so strong, I would have fallen apart.
The style of writing in this book was so easy to flick through and read. The words just flowed together so smoothly. The story was both heartbreaking yet inspirational. It shows just how far a mother's love really goes.
The school teacher in this book had my respect straight away. My she was wonderful! I shed a few tears in that scene with Julia. An absolutely wonderful human being is that teacher!
Brenda Burling has written a beautiful book that will leave the readers in tears, but with a smile upon their faces. A flipping fantastic book! Much better than ever expected!
Separation of mother and child, illegal activity concerning money
"He had become an object - no longer my husband, but my opponent, someone who has stolen from me and deceived me."
This book was a whole roller-coaster! I started this really late at night after finishing a book previous to this. I told myself "just the first chapter" and then I'll go to sleep. But, this never happened. I read the whole book that night... My eyes were not happy the next day but it was so worth it!
This book was captivating in more ways than one. The main character, Julia and the way her entire life was flipped over in the space of a day had really caught my attention. I felt pity for her, her kids, her husband, her home and her best friend, gone. My goodness, I have no idea how Julia remained so strong, I would have fallen apart.
The style of writing in this book was so easy to flick through and read. The words just flowed together so smoothly. The story was both heartbreaking yet inspirational. It shows just how far a mother's love really goes.
The school teacher in this book had my respect straight away. My she was wonderful! I shed a few tears in that scene with Julia. An absolutely wonderful human being is that teacher!
Brenda Burling has written a beautiful book that will leave the readers in tears, but with a smile upon their faces. A flipping fantastic book! Much better than ever expected!
March 24, 2021
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Deceived
Author: Brenda Burling
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: mystery, thriller
Publication Date: December 16, 2014
Genre: Mystery
Recommended Age: 14+ (kidnapping)
Publisher: Limitless Publishing LLC
Pages: 265
Synopsis: Julia’s privileged and ordered world is turned upside down in a single day…
The start of the catastrophic turn of events begins with a seemingly simple mobile phone malfunction, culminating in the disappearance of her children and husband.
Against the backdrop of Cambridgeshire countryside, Florida’s relentless heat, and millions of tourists, Julia’s search begins.
A story of one woman’s strength, ingenuity, and relentless courage to get back what’s been taken from her.
By whatever means necessary…
Review: Overall, I thought this book was really well written. The book flowed well and was well paced. I also liked the world building. I really liked the mystery behind this book and the book was compelling. It kept me coming back for more.
However, I did feel like the book didn’t develop the characters well. They just felt flat and didn’t really interact with each other as I would have liked them to.
Verdict: It was good, just not for me.
Book: Deceived
Author: Brenda Burling
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: mystery, thriller
Publication Date: December 16, 2014
Genre: Mystery
Recommended Age: 14+ (kidnapping)
Publisher: Limitless Publishing LLC
Pages: 265
Synopsis: Julia’s privileged and ordered world is turned upside down in a single day…
The start of the catastrophic turn of events begins with a seemingly simple mobile phone malfunction, culminating in the disappearance of her children and husband.
Against the backdrop of Cambridgeshire countryside, Florida’s relentless heat, and millions of tourists, Julia’s search begins.
A story of one woman’s strength, ingenuity, and relentless courage to get back what’s been taken from her.
By whatever means necessary…
Review: Overall, I thought this book was really well written. The book flowed well and was well paced. I also liked the world building. I really liked the mystery behind this book and the book was compelling. It kept me coming back for more.
However, I did feel like the book didn’t develop the characters well. They just felt flat and didn’t really interact with each other as I would have liked them to.
Verdict: It was good, just not for me.
March 20, 2018
One day everything will change. Julia's day starts with her dropping of her twin girls at their upper class school, then off to do some shopping. You see Julia has it all a loving husband, two beautiful daughters and everything she could want but all is about to change. She finds out that she has no money, her house has been sold and her husband has taken the children away on holiday. There is no way that she is allowing the girls to disappear now that she has learnt the truth about her husband's wrongdoings. But can she go and find the girls and bring them back home? She does her best and with the help of two new friends she finds the girls but can she be really honest with them and what is going to happen with her husband?
Can Julia bring them home to a life without a home, money & everyone knowing about their business?
A good read.
Can Julia bring them home to a life without a home, money & everyone knowing about their business?
A good read.
April 6, 2021
The blurb of this book intrigued me and pulled me in, the overall plot line and premise of the book was a somewhat unique one that I have not read about before which was refreshing.
Unfortunately there are some areas which let it down. There are several repetition of phrases and sentences that got annoying. The ending felt somewhat rushed after a long build up of the chase. And some of the character relationships that developed felt unrealistic.
With the above being said the locations were described well and if the book was developed and extended to give more time for later characters to develop and those relationships to also develop then I believe that the book would have been stronger.
There are strong parts of this book but also for me many weak points. I would recommend if you want a quick beach read that doesn't need a lot of concentration for, it will easily fill your time.
Unfortunately there are some areas which let it down. There are several repetition of phrases and sentences that got annoying. The ending felt somewhat rushed after a long build up of the chase. And some of the character relationships that developed felt unrealistic.
With the above being said the locations were described well and if the book was developed and extended to give more time for later characters to develop and those relationships to also develop then I believe that the book would have been stronger.
There are strong parts of this book but also for me many weak points. I would recommend if you want a quick beach read that doesn't need a lot of concentration for, it will easily fill your time.
February 25, 2020
Julia is a wealthy, carefree housewife who spends her time shopping and enjoying the finer things in life. She lives with her husband Mike and their twin daughters Phoebe and Alice in the Cambridgeshire countryside. Julia has no reason to believe anything is wrong with her picture-perfect lifestyle until one day, everything falls apart. Brenda Burling has delivered an intriguing story that captured me from the very beginning, I haven’t read a storyline like this before and was impressed with the attention to detail given to describe each place Julia visits. I also liked the snippets of the other characters perspectives throughout and the overwhelming determination Julia had to get her family back. I highly recommend you add this book to your reading list.
February 26, 2017
Good story
I liked this story very much . The story line ,was not predictable at all. I wish there was more of an epilogue.
I liked this story very much . The story line ,was not predictable at all. I wish there was more of an epilogue.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews