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A Way to Escape
Just three weeks before her wedding, Anna finds out a secret her soon-to-be husband has been hiding.
Needing to escape her old life, Anna embarks on a road trip of discovery to find herself again.
Only when her road trip is unexpectedly cut short, does she find sanctuary at her Aunts in the North East of England. Where she meets the mysterious and alluring Jake Turnbull.
But Jake has a secret of his own. A hidden past which cost him everything he loved the most. A past, that was about to return. And a secret that would put them both in mortal danger...
Needing to escape her old life, Anna embarks on a road trip of discovery to find herself again.
Only when her road trip is unexpectedly cut short, does she find sanctuary at her Aunts in the North East of England. Where she meets the mysterious and alluring Jake Turnbull.
But Jake has a secret of his own. A hidden past which cost him everything he loved the most. A past, that was about to return. And a secret that would put them both in mortal danger...
243 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2017
9 people want to read
About the author
Sheree Smith
5 books2 followersSheree Smith was born in Doncaster. In 2000 she met her husband, Dean and moved to Nottingham where she lived for a further 15 years. They both now live in a beautiful part of Northumberland where Sheree enjoys tropical fish keeping, walking, reading and of course, writing books.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 20, 2017
I like the way the author built an atmospheric suspense at the very beginning between the two characters Anna and Robert. The interaction between them was engaging and compelling as well as relatable. The chemistry between Anna and Jake seemed more profound and was well written. I like the sexual tension and how gradually it developed making the connection very natural and fitting. I think the storyline was flawless and very descriptive in all the right places, which gave me insight where I wanted it as a reader and where needed to create depth. Awesome read!
April 23, 2017
Maybe we take life too seriously, and get stuck in a groove without exploring all the world has to offer. This romantic suspense story reads like a guided tour, starting in Ealing to the west of London and - once our heroine Anna has righteously dumped the controlling banker who was cheating on her - taking off for Northumberland, which is a rural area up near Scotland. I'm all in favour of taking books to lesser used settings.
I enjoyed the vivid scenes, from the confrontation in the apartment to the smallholding and the cheerful VW camper van. Mind you, I'm very surprised that having dumped a man called Robert, Anna should name something Bertie, which is so similar. The adventure is full of characters and even the location is quirky, with a causeway which gets covered by the tide, and a wandering, bullying sow. One of the strongest characters is Anna's Aunt May.
The suspense element seems far-fetched but it's fiction, and really if you wanted to hide out, Northumberland would be a smart location. Jake the local mechanic is not all he seems, but I won't spoil it by saying any more. I must add that if someone comes to your door and claims to be police, you are entitled to ask them for ID, which in Britain is the warrant card. If you believe they are not police, or they can't produce ID (especially if they say they are from the Met, all the way up in Northumbria) you ring the local station, right away. I can't see why Anna didn't.
While I'd love to give this exciting and friendly book five stars, I can't due to grammar, spelling and punctuation issues. However I am very fussy and other readers may not mind. I was also reading an Advance Review Copy and those issues may have been tidied up by the time the book went on sale. Formalities surrounding weddings do not allow someone to get married on the spur of the moment in Britain; they need to give a month's notice, show proof of ID, and state the location to the registrar's office. The author is clearly still learning her craft and I'm sure will improve in later books; I'd suggest she read good police procedurals. Most crime readers do read these and will pick up on any inconsistencies.
Some strong language makes this an adult read but older teens could read it too. I was supplied with an ARC. This is an unbiased review.
I enjoyed the vivid scenes, from the confrontation in the apartment to the smallholding and the cheerful VW camper van. Mind you, I'm very surprised that having dumped a man called Robert, Anna should name something Bertie, which is so similar. The adventure is full of characters and even the location is quirky, with a causeway which gets covered by the tide, and a wandering, bullying sow. One of the strongest characters is Anna's Aunt May.
The suspense element seems far-fetched but it's fiction, and really if you wanted to hide out, Northumberland would be a smart location. Jake the local mechanic is not all he seems, but I won't spoil it by saying any more. I must add that if someone comes to your door and claims to be police, you are entitled to ask them for ID, which in Britain is the warrant card. If you believe they are not police, or they can't produce ID (especially if they say they are from the Met, all the way up in Northumbria) you ring the local station, right away. I can't see why Anna didn't.
While I'd love to give this exciting and friendly book five stars, I can't due to grammar, spelling and punctuation issues. However I am very fussy and other readers may not mind. I was also reading an Advance Review Copy and those issues may have been tidied up by the time the book went on sale. Formalities surrounding weddings do not allow someone to get married on the spur of the moment in Britain; they need to give a month's notice, show proof of ID, and state the location to the registrar's office. The author is clearly still learning her craft and I'm sure will improve in later books; I'd suggest she read good police procedurals. Most crime readers do read these and will pick up on any inconsistencies.
Some strong language makes this an adult read but older teens could read it too. I was supplied with an ARC. This is an unbiased review.
February 26, 2017
What a great romance. The heroine Anna thinks her life is perfect. She's set to marry the love of her life only to find out he's a cheating rat. This news uproots Anna's world and she sets out to take her life back, purchasing an old camper van she calls Bertie. She spends some time recovering at her sisters, then takes off across England to go visit her elderly aunt on her little farm. Still trying to put her life into order, she meets handsome Jake Turnbull a man who works a neighboring farm. She's instantly attracted to him, but fears getting too close because she's recently had her heart broken by her fiance. But true love weaves it's way into these two people's lives. Unfortunately, Jake is hiding a dark secret from his past. He was an undercover intelligence agent that got caught up with some nasty people who are out to exterminate him. So he leaves Anna to keep her safe, but in the end can't bring himself to do it. He comes back for her in just the knick of time. Smith weaves a good romantic tale in her story A Way to Escape. I highly recommend this read to those who love a traditional contemporary romance.
April 27, 2017
A Way to Escape was kind of a new for me because I rarely read romantic suspense books, not because I don't like them, but because I just rarely have the opportunity. After reading this one though, maybe I'll squeeze a few more into my reading list.
A Way to Escape was a story full of heart break, emotions, love and adventure. It's unfortunate for Anna and her first relationship in this book, but as she travels, runs into obstacles, meets new people, finds a new love, and more, she learns that she isn't really who she thought she was. She realizes she's grown, even with everything that happened in her last relationship and the secrets that are embedded in her new relationship.
Two things that seems powerful in this book to me: the suspense and the locations. From the opening chapter the suspense seems like a loaded spring, ready to release any time. The locations are almost like characters in this story because they have their own unique characterizations and personalities.
A Way to Escape was a story full of heart break, emotions, love and adventure. It's unfortunate for Anna and her first relationship in this book, but as she travels, runs into obstacles, meets new people, finds a new love, and more, she learns that she isn't really who she thought she was. She realizes she's grown, even with everything that happened in her last relationship and the secrets that are embedded in her new relationship.
Two things that seems powerful in this book to me: the suspense and the locations. From the opening chapter the suspense seems like a loaded spring, ready to release any time. The locations are almost like characters in this story because they have their own unique characterizations and personalities.
February 9, 2017
I really enjoyed reading "A Way to Escape". It's a common tragedy with a broken heart. The story of love, lie and searching ways to live after such a big drama.
The style of the author is very beautiful and easy to read. You can read this book "on one breathe". But I would add something really unexpected, something you won't find in any book.
Overall, the book is very nice.
The style of the author is very beautiful and easy to read. You can read this book "on one breathe". But I would add something really unexpected, something you won't find in any book.
Overall, the book is very nice.
February 28, 2017
Intriguing and heralding from the start, A Way to Escape began as a great woman scorned to a self-awareness road trip. As the story built and the plot began to broaden as more and more chapters had become read, the story escalated into so much more. A Way to Escape became a tonic of heartwarming find-love-again romance to an exciting game of hide-from-the unstable, revenge seeking, knife-wielding ex. The characters, especially the free-spirited Aunt May, were well developed and added so much spark into the story. Everything flowed wonderfully into such a remarkable book.
February 27, 2017
I really enjoyed A Way to Escape by Sheree Smith it had everything I was looking for in a compelling tale. Action, adventure, romance, overcoming adversity, and sheer bravery are just a few stops in the gauntlet in human emotions Sheree Smith packed into this novel.
Our story for the most part follows of our main protagonist, Anna and in the very opening scene of the book; her life suddenly comes to a crashing halt. Robert her fiancé and bigger provider than she had ever realized turns out to not be the man she thought he was and now the wedding is off.
Now, at this point, you might think this is going to turn into a whoa-is-me story for Anna, but that’s not what she does at all. Instead, she finds a courage that she never knew had existed and takes to the road, hoping to find what will make her happy and begin a new life minus Robert.
With the purchase of an RV camper-van, Anna visits her family, her sister Ava and her niece Elsie and then hangs out with her sweet old Aunt May who lives out on a homestead in the country.
Anna’s intentions are to stay on the highway, though, but some auto troubles lead to her meeting Jacob and the potential of a new romance is spawn for Anna, although she may still be a little reluctant to pursue a new relationship so soon after Robert.
However, what Anna doesn’t know is that Jacob may have a checkered past that has the potential to place her in danger.
I will leave any more of the plot there, so as to not spoil the book. But, I will say the excitement is rampant throughout and this story is a tough one to put down. All the characters in the book are relatable and down to earth, you really feel for them. The pace of this book is moderate for the most part, but can really pick up, too, even get pretty steamy.
Sheree Smith’s writing is top notch and the story is easy to follow. I loved how she weaved into the plot several turning points that will leave you guessing just how things are going to turn out for Anna.
As far as a modern contemporary romance goes, I’ll give A Way to Escape a solid A rating, I was thoroughly impressed. Great job, Sheree.
Our story for the most part follows of our main protagonist, Anna and in the very opening scene of the book; her life suddenly comes to a crashing halt. Robert her fiancé and bigger provider than she had ever realized turns out to not be the man she thought he was and now the wedding is off.
Now, at this point, you might think this is going to turn into a whoa-is-me story for Anna, but that’s not what she does at all. Instead, she finds a courage that she never knew had existed and takes to the road, hoping to find what will make her happy and begin a new life minus Robert.
With the purchase of an RV camper-van, Anna visits her family, her sister Ava and her niece Elsie and then hangs out with her sweet old Aunt May who lives out on a homestead in the country.
Anna’s intentions are to stay on the highway, though, but some auto troubles lead to her meeting Jacob and the potential of a new romance is spawn for Anna, although she may still be a little reluctant to pursue a new relationship so soon after Robert.
However, what Anna doesn’t know is that Jacob may have a checkered past that has the potential to place her in danger.
I will leave any more of the plot there, so as to not spoil the book. But, I will say the excitement is rampant throughout and this story is a tough one to put down. All the characters in the book are relatable and down to earth, you really feel for them. The pace of this book is moderate for the most part, but can really pick up, too, even get pretty steamy.
Sheree Smith’s writing is top notch and the story is easy to follow. I loved how she weaved into the plot several turning points that will leave you guessing just how things are going to turn out for Anna.
As far as a modern contemporary romance goes, I’ll give A Way to Escape a solid A rating, I was thoroughly impressed. Great job, Sheree.
February 13, 2017
Is it a romance? is it a thriller? Actually it's both! 5*
I'm not a fan of the romance genre so I approached Sheree Smith's second book 'A Way To Escape' with an open mind as it had been sent to me to give an honest and fair review and the blurb says it mixes a crime thriller with romance. And it does indeed do that with competent skill so thriller readers will not be disappointed at all. The book opens with Anna a thirty something writer in London about to marry fiance Robert who stuns her with an admission of a work place affair. Anna's world falls to pieces and she seeks solace by moving in with her sister Ava. She can't stay there for ever so she decides to buy an old camper van that she christens 'Bertie' and go visit her aunt May who she hasn't seen for years and who lives in a remote part of Northumberland. There she hopes to recharge her batteries and sort out her life. She has are a few adventures on the way and then more at aunt May's smallholding which I won't spoil here. Then along comes Jake, the knight in white armour, to steal her heart and repair Bertie when he conks out! Anna is not sure about Jake after her experience with Robert and keeps him at arms length. Aunt May and her male friend Malcolm take off for a holiday themselves leaving Anna in charge of the smallholding. This is where accidents happen and the plot thickens. Two Police Detectives arrive asking after Jake but Anna is suspicious. Are they really Police? So she denies any knowledge of him or his whereabouts and begins to wonder who Jake really is? The twists and turns come thick and fast now as the truth about Jake gradually surfaces. Will it all end nicely for Anna or is there a nasty ending coming down the track to Aunt May's remote smallholding? You'll have to read the book to find out. I recommend you do.
I'm not a fan of the romance genre so I approached Sheree Smith's second book 'A Way To Escape' with an open mind as it had been sent to me to give an honest and fair review and the blurb says it mixes a crime thriller with romance. And it does indeed do that with competent skill so thriller readers will not be disappointed at all. The book opens with Anna a thirty something writer in London about to marry fiance Robert who stuns her with an admission of a work place affair. Anna's world falls to pieces and she seeks solace by moving in with her sister Ava. She can't stay there for ever so she decides to buy an old camper van that she christens 'Bertie' and go visit her aunt May who she hasn't seen for years and who lives in a remote part of Northumberland. There she hopes to recharge her batteries and sort out her life. She has are a few adventures on the way and then more at aunt May's smallholding which I won't spoil here. Then along comes Jake, the knight in white armour, to steal her heart and repair Bertie when he conks out! Anna is not sure about Jake after her experience with Robert and keeps him at arms length. Aunt May and her male friend Malcolm take off for a holiday themselves leaving Anna in charge of the smallholding. This is where accidents happen and the plot thickens. Two Police Detectives arrive asking after Jake but Anna is suspicious. Are they really Police? So she denies any knowledge of him or his whereabouts and begins to wonder who Jake really is? The twists and turns come thick and fast now as the truth about Jake gradually surfaces. Will it all end nicely for Anna or is there a nasty ending coming down the track to Aunt May's remote smallholding? You'll have to read the book to find out. I recommend you do.
April 30, 2017
Independent Reviewer for Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This was a great little gem of a read. It’s got a little bit of everything; romance, suspense, great details, and a thrilling plot line. The characters will keep you on your toes and will provide you an emotional roller coaster.
I really enjoyed Anna’s character in this story. She experienced something no spouse, husband or wife, never deserves to experience. While she might have responded a little less violently than I would have, I truly enjoyed reading her journey is finding herself again. She really turns out to be such a strong character.
The relationships between the characters are the type of relationships we strive to achieve. While they might have been less than perfect at times, what they become really warms the soul. The author really did a great job writing the characters, developing their stories, and finding a way to combine them all again, no matter the number of years that kept them apart or the miles that separated each character.
There is enough detail and descriptions to keep you interested, to keep you invested, but just enough missing to keep you guessing. There is an easy visualization of each scene and an intriguing smoke shield that keeps from all the details from being discovered until the right time.
Overall, I definitely enjoyed reading the story. The emotions were strong and the relationships were even stronger. It kept me interested from start to finish. I was pleased with the ending and with the overall storytelling. I definitely think it deserved a recommendation from me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
This was a great little gem of a read. It’s got a little bit of everything; romance, suspense, great details, and a thrilling plot line. The characters will keep you on your toes and will provide you an emotional roller coaster.
I really enjoyed Anna’s character in this story. She experienced something no spouse, husband or wife, never deserves to experience. While she might have responded a little less violently than I would have, I truly enjoyed reading her journey is finding herself again. She really turns out to be such a strong character.
The relationships between the characters are the type of relationships we strive to achieve. While they might have been less than perfect at times, what they become really warms the soul. The author really did a great job writing the characters, developing their stories, and finding a way to combine them all again, no matter the number of years that kept them apart or the miles that separated each character.
There is enough detail and descriptions to keep you interested, to keep you invested, but just enough missing to keep you guessing. There is an easy visualization of each scene and an intriguing smoke shield that keeps from all the details from being discovered until the right time.
Overall, I definitely enjoyed reading the story. The emotions were strong and the relationships were even stronger. It kept me interested from start to finish. I was pleased with the ending and with the overall storytelling. I definitely think it deserved a recommendation from me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and my comments here are my honest opinion. *
February 9, 2017
I really enjoy stories like this where there is a lot of personal growth for the character. We start with a character (Anna) who thinks she has everything and is happy, but she quickly finds out that things aren't as they seem with her soon-to-be husband and everything falls apart around her. This situation is well-handled in the story and really helps us relate to Anna, and then when she goes on her trip around the world we get a chance to go with her and experience the same things she does.
I thought Jake Turnball was an interesting character, and he was presented in a way that made him a little bit of an enigma, which was good. There are some really powerful moments in this book and the author does a great job of bringing it all together. all in all, a great read!
I thought Jake Turnball was an interesting character, and he was presented in a way that made him a little bit of an enigma, which was good. There are some really powerful moments in this book and the author does a great job of bringing it all together. all in all, a great read!
February 7, 2017
Smith knows how to create an enjoyable pace for a book. It was neither too fast or slow, and she kept up the pace.
I found A Way to Escape written well, but there were a couple of errors, usually revolving around dialog. With that said, it didn't distract me, and I wholly enjoyed the story.
I pitied Anna from the first introduction, understanding the whirlwind emotions that she had experienced, ranging from anger to blaming herself. I found the feelings to be realistic to the character, and I am sure that anyone who went through what she did would feel the same way. At the same time, I liked that she had the courage to move on.
The intrigue in the plot kept my attention. I kept rooting for Anna and Jake. After I began to read it, I could not put it down.
I would recommend A Way to Escape to anyone who enjoys a good romance, as well as a decent suspense. It is the perfect way to spend time, embroiled in the main plot's intrigue. A must read.
I found A Way to Escape written well, but there were a couple of errors, usually revolving around dialog. With that said, it didn't distract me, and I wholly enjoyed the story.
I pitied Anna from the first introduction, understanding the whirlwind emotions that she had experienced, ranging from anger to blaming herself. I found the feelings to be realistic to the character, and I am sure that anyone who went through what she did would feel the same way. At the same time, I liked that she had the courage to move on.
The intrigue in the plot kept my attention. I kept rooting for Anna and Jake. After I began to read it, I could not put it down.
I would recommend A Way to Escape to anyone who enjoys a good romance, as well as a decent suspense. It is the perfect way to spend time, embroiled in the main plot's intrigue. A must read.
February 7, 2017
A Way to Escape
By Sheree Smith
A Way to Escape is an interesting story of a broken relationship, heartbreak, and healing. Anna takes an old van on the road to escape her problems; she decides to travel and writes of her travels. What an adventure! She falls in love again but this time with the right man, a man of mystery, Jake. When she attends the wedding to be of her Aunt, a shocking revelation occurs. But, events end happily for Anna and Jake.
Josephine Calabrese
Writer, lyricist, publisher, and teacher
By Sheree Smith
A Way to Escape is an interesting story of a broken relationship, heartbreak, and healing. Anna takes an old van on the road to escape her problems; she decides to travel and writes of her travels. What an adventure! She falls in love again but this time with the right man, a man of mystery, Jake. When she attends the wedding to be of her Aunt, a shocking revelation occurs. But, events end happily for Anna and Jake.
Josephine Calabrese
Writer, lyricist, publisher, and teacher
February 4, 2017
This was an enjoyable story that really drew me in and kept me engaged throughout.
The story itself was well written and paced well. Although there were a few errors, mainly just letters missed from words, certainly nothing major and honestly it never distracted me or stopped me from enjoying this book.
As for the two main characters Anna and Jake they were both very likable and they worked well as a couple. Although it does take a while for them to get together and as for the suspense element. That really does not kick in until about half way through but it does build really nicely and adds to the overall intrigue that is prevalent throughout. I would therefore happily recommend this story to others. Especially if you are a fan of authors such as Jen Talty or Claire Francis.
***I was kindly provided with a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review***
The story itself was well written and paced well. Although there were a few errors, mainly just letters missed from words, certainly nothing major and honestly it never distracted me or stopped me from enjoying this book.
As for the two main characters Anna and Jake they were both very likable and they worked well as a couple. Although it does take a while for them to get together and as for the suspense element. That really does not kick in until about half way through but it does build really nicely and adds to the overall intrigue that is prevalent throughout. I would therefore happily recommend this story to others. Especially if you are a fan of authors such as Jen Talty or Claire Francis.
***I was kindly provided with a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review***
April 7, 2017
Another enjoyable story by the author. A Way to Escape was an interesting story of heartbreak and healing. The pacing and plot of the story was well written. From the first chapter I was hooked. Anna’s (the heroine) life completely changes in the worse way and she decided to escape from her problems. She has many adventures and meets a man named Jake, who has a past of his own. I do not wish to spoil the book for anyone and will leave the details there. I will say that the book is filled with emotions and personal growth for the character, Anna. All the characters were well developed and interesting. Overall, it is a book that I would recommend to any book lover. Once again, the author did a great job at providing another book that I found difficult to put down.
February 4, 2017
Well written. The author has done a great job writing a story about a strong woman who got into a relationship with a wrong person, trying to find a way to come out from that. Good flow from the beginning to the end of the story, kept me read through entire book without getting bored. Even though relationship with a wrong person hurts, there is always a way to escape. The story clearly focuses to convey the title of the book "A Way to Escape".
February 7, 2017
Stunning
This is an absolute amazing story.
Anna is a strong woman who has been wronged in the worst way, her fiancé has been having an affair.
In a journey to find herself she happens along Jake. Talk about swoon!
The two battle difficult challenges only to find out they are in love with one another.
This is a phenomenal story about following your hear and your dreams with sprinkles of love along the way.
I absolutely adore the strong women showcased in this story.
This is an absolute amazing story.
Anna is a strong woman who has been wronged in the worst way, her fiancé has been having an affair.
In a journey to find herself she happens along Jake. Talk about swoon!
The two battle difficult challenges only to find out they are in love with one another.
This is a phenomenal story about following your hear and your dreams with sprinkles of love along the way.
I absolutely adore the strong women showcased in this story.
February 13, 2017
A Way To Escape is an enjoyable read about a woman, Anna, healing from heartbreak and finding herself – and new love – along the way. The characters are likeable, particularly Jake who I was really rooting for. There are several twists and turns throughout the story to keep up the suspense, and the romance is believable. Recommended for anyone who enjoys love stories, with some danger and suspense mixed in.
February 5, 2017
I really enjoy this author. Review to come!
February 22, 2017
Anna leaves London after discovering her (ex) fiancé had been cheating on her. She buys a camper and drives to her aunt's, where she meets Jake. He has a difficult past with people after him for retribution. As both get involved with each other, they will have to come to terms with their past. The style is fluent and it ensures a couple of entertaining hours. I recommend it.
March 7, 2017
The story involves a women that realises that she is not happy and goes on a journey to find herself and along the way but when a new love attraction comes along she has to decide if the timing is right. The book has a few twists that I didn't expect which made the book even better.
Reviewed for Amo and Sarah corner gifted for an honest review
Reviewed for Amo and Sarah corner gifted for an honest review
February 11, 2017
A Way To Escape had everything I expected in a good book - action, romance, full of surprises and twists. I favour the author's writing style - was pinned from page to page. Certainly a recommended read and gift idea.
March 29, 2017
This was my first read by Sheree Smith. The plot was fantastic and the first chapter sucked me in. Unfortunately, that's where it stopped. In my opinion, the book would have been 5 stars if it had gotten rid of the non-pertinent info that wasn't applicable to the story line.
As I stated, the plot itself was great. I love how Anna is forced to find herself again and do what she truly loves. I admire her strength to walk away when necessary. I adore her family and how she's determine to have them whole once again. Jake is a gorgeous lad that has a hidden past that affects everyone he loves.
As I stated, the plot itself was great. I love how Anna is forced to find herself again and do what she truly loves. I admire her strength to walk away when necessary. I adore her family and how she's determine to have them whole once again. Jake is a gorgeous lad that has a hidden past that affects everyone he loves.
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