Visions

Same Face Different Place #2

by Helen J. Christmas

This is an alternate Cover Edition for ASIN: B00EPDN41U.

Visions is a psychological thriller mystery set in rural England. The year is 1985. It’s been 12 years since Eleanor escaped London, discarding the fragments of her tragic past to discover a new life. She is hiding in a remote country village, a place where she truly believes she will be safe.

Her neighbour, James Barton-Wells is desperate to save his beautiful historic country house from ruin; but this has attracted the attention of a wealthy property developer from London whose seemingly altruistic offer to bankroll the restoration masks a sinister game plan. Jarred by suspicion, Eleanor consults her friend, Charles Bailey. Charlie has his own story - fearful that Perry Hampton is the man who undoubtedly ruined his future.

Against all odds, the characters are drawn together in a battle to save Westbourne House, oblivious to the menace that surrounds them. Yet it is not until Eleanor comes face to face with a deadly adversary, she finally understands the dangers that threatens those she loves.

Can Eleanor unravel the clues that conceal an evil crime from the 70s? This book will draw you into a world of suspense with shocking psychological twists you will never see coming...

484 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 21, 2013

About the author

Powerful sagas with great characters are the stories I most love to write and my own series 'Same Face Different Place' promises to be a real page turner. Set around the counties of London and Kent, in England, the story takes place across 4 decades.

The first book, titled Beginnings is a fast paced thriller set in the dark criminal underworld of 1970s London, of 2 young people caught up in a sinister conspiracy. With several scenes of intense action, my debut novel has been described as 'impossible to put down'.

The second book, Visions, set in the 80s, is a dark psychological thriller based around the restoration of an English country house. In Pleasures the story moves into the 1990s, followed by the concluding books in the series Retribution Phase One and Retribution End Game. Rosebrook Chronicles is a book of interwoven character back stories.

In 2021 I published a standalone psychological thriller. Lethal Ties is a story of friendship, in which 2 former children's home residents find each other, desperate to find out what happened to their 3rd friend, a boy who disappeared 20 years ago.

So that’s a bit about the books - now a little about myself. I am in my 50s and love writing. I met my husband Peter in 1996 who I married in 2003 and we escaped the rat race to start our own business in web design. We are lucky to have the beach on our doorstep, where we frequently walk our dog and belong to a walking group based in West Sussex. Simple pleasures which make for a satisfying life. I love books - both writing them and reading them.

Reviews

[Dash fan · Rating 5 out of 5]

5☆ Fantastic Sequel, highly recommend

Visions is the second book of the beginnings series.
After reading the first book I became a HUGE Fan.
So when I got the opportunity to read the second book I was so excited, and Helen J Christmas didn't disappoint.

Visions is a slower paced read that creates excellent character development, builds suspense and drama.

We are back where Eleanor was left will Eli.  Safe and about to start her new life in Aldwyck living in a caravan in Westbourne House land with James Barton-Wells.

It's now 12years on and Eleanor and Eli had settled into village life so well. She has become a pillar of the community.
Never forgetting her past she has been able to settle.

However things are about to be shaken up when James is struggling to keep Westbourne House. With major restoration needed he has no where to turn and with his health becoming effected he is seriously considering selling up.

Well that is until Perry Hampton arrives. There is something just not quiet right about Perry. He tries to con James, he tells James he will pay for all of the refurb on the understanding he owns the business and takes a profit.

But when he finds our Eleanor is the person living on James land his interest is even more sinister.
Who is Perry Hampton??? He is not a person to cross he knows dangerous people in high places.
Could he be connected to Eleanor's lover murder at the hands of the sadistic and dangerous Dominic Theakston?? 

Can Eleanor help James save Westbourne House and still keep her and Eli safe or will she never be truly safe.
Whilst she is alive secrets that should be dead and buried may threaten to expose powerful players! These people will stop at nothing to protect themselves.

There is plenty of references to the 80s. Which I could relate to although I was born in 81 I still appreciated all the little added touches making it relatable.

I can't wait to see what is next for Eleanor in book 3.
She is one of my favourite characters.
I was so relieved that she might of found happiness and freedom. But I guess it wasn't meant to be when you leave behind a dangerous past like Eleanor's.

Visions didn't have the same fast paced thrilling brutal feel as Beginnings did.
But it wasn't meant to.
It was very much character driven.
It was still suspenseful and eerie, dangerous and unnerving.
I thoroughly appreciated how all the stories weaved together perfectly.
Giving the reader little insider peaks at what was going on behind the scenes.
Building up the suspense.

I highly recommend reading book 1 first then to read this fantastic book next you won't regret it.
I can't wait to read the next book to see what is in-store for Eleanor.

Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

My Review is also on my blog website:

https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2018/0...

[Claire Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helen J. Christmas
Visions
Same Face Different Place #2

By the time I had finished reading Beginnings, I had become emotionally attached to the characters and longed to see what was to come of Eleanor and her son. Within pages of Visions I was completely immersed back in their story, despite it being years later, and I was surprised at how much I missed Jake throughout the whole book. It is obvious that the author has done their research and with the descriptive nature along with the writing style I was transported right back into the 1980's.

The author really knows how to draw the reader in, and the characters became so real to me that I had to remind myself it was just a book. Every character has their place in the story, even the minor ones, and it's like they are all pieces in a jigsaw puzzle, you need all of them to see the whole picture. I can't wait to see where the story is going to lead, and if they finally manage to bring Jake's killer to justice.

I received an e-copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

With thanks to the author for the copy received.
This is book two in the Visions series. Eleanor has moved on the best that she can with her young son Elijah. She has built a strong friendship with James and his two children, Avalon and William. She finally feels safe. But James has severe financial issues combined with various structural problems with his home and his attempts at solving these places Eleanor, Elijah and his own family in danger.
I found this novel to be a lot more intimidating than the previous one. But there are also more people who are willing to help, some of whom have already had dealings with the Hamptons. This family and some of the other powerful and wealthy people who appear are very unpleasant and will stop at nothing to get what they want. The control that they have over business, local decisions and people’s lives is frightening.
I enjoyed reading about the 1980s. I was the same age as Avalon and I listened to the same music, although I had completely forgotten about the singer Divine, and shopped in the same high street stores. I could also remember with prompting various political issues at the time
Many of the characters who appear were also in book one, their storylines are ongoing but much of the storyline is addressed so you could read this and follow it even if you hadn’t read the earlier book.
There are further books in the series, it isn’t a cliff hanger ending as such but there is still plenty for Eleanor and the ones she loves to deal with. And I hope that at least one member of the Hampton family get what they deserve.

[Christoph Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Visions" by Helen J. Christmas is the second in her inspired decade-spanning "Same Face, Different Place" series.
The book is a dark but subtle psychological thriller with an authentic setting in the British 1980s.
The story jumps twelve years from 1973 in the last book to 1985. In the first book our heroine Eleanor Chapman only just escaped a very dangerous situation in London and now resides - presumably safe - in rural Rosebrook, hoping to lead a peaceful life there.
Unfortunately for her however she cannot escape the shadowy characters that messed up her life back then. Their paths cross once again and the same villains are watching her, fearing that she still might pose a threat to them.
In a separate storyline her neighbour James and his family experiences problems with his ancestral Westbourne House and he is forced to either restore the building or sell his house which is his pride and joy.
Eleanor and her new partner Charlie are getting involved to help him to prevent the house from falling into the hands of greedy villain and property developer Perry.

The subtle suspense and the looming threats make for a very atmospheric read and the unknown and the suspected is woven into the story lines very well, making you feel as unsettled as the characters at times.

For those who don't know about the British History of that time, housing and mortgage payment were a huge issue under the Thatcher government and a massively prominent theme on everyone's mind. Uncontrollable interest rates cost many their homes and fortune and for the decade to come this was a very sensitive issue.
Christmas does an excellent job at capturing those times, not just with the property aspect of the story, but also in the many other excellently chosen details of the story that describe the era so well - for me the most enjoyable of these were the many musical references.

The characters are very relate-able to, this is a great story and a gripping read.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

Visions is the second book in the Same Face Different Place series, and after reading the first book, Beginnings I was certainly looking forward to this one!!

This is an excellent sequel and I really do recommend that you read book one before this story, I was certainly emotionally involved with the characters and couldn't wait to see what had happened to them! It is a great series with some brilliant characters and excellent story-telling.

This is another five star read from Helen Christmas - very highly recommended!!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not read the first book in this series, but I found this book to cover most of what the reader needs to know to read this book. Such a great story and great writing. This book will take you on a journey back in time, as well as an emotional roller coaster. It is called a Psychological Thriller, and it most definitely is that, but it’s much more. For me it was a time travel, love story, emotional thriller, as well as psychological thriller.

Peregrine Hampton, a ruthless business man, who always gets what he wants and he let’s no one stand in his way to get it. He will stoop to many lows to get the Westbourne House that he wants in the countryside of England. The time is the 1980’s and the reader is put in the time with this story. He has big ideas of how he can make money with this property, but he has to acquire it first.

James Barton-Wells, the original owner of the Westbourne House is determined to make the necessary repairs to keep the hotel up and running while still making money. It’s his families heritage after all. He wants the house and property to go to his children when he passes on. Avalon and William, James’ children are both in their teens. William is still in school and helps out when he is home on vacations from school, but Avalon works with her father daily and is very proud of what they have in the hotel and surrounding grounds to offer their guests.

Eleanor Chapman, a young woman who came to Aldwyck to hide from a tragic past and survive. She lives in a caravan on the surrounding property of Westbourne House and is a very good friend to James and is children. Eleanor has a son who she is protecting by living in an unconventional way. She works as a nurse and is very caring. She will do anything she can to help those that she cares about. Unbeknownst to Eleanor, she has met Peregrine Hampton before, and she worries about his motives in trying to acquire Westbourne House. Her past will come back to haunt her in more ways than she is prepared for.

I really enjoyed this story and look forward to the continuation of it in the near future. If you like a book that will take you on an emotional and psychological thrill ride, then you should pick up this book. Great job with this story, Ms. Christmas. I look forward to reading more of your work. I give this book a 5 star review.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Crammed with Eighties references from Margaret Thatcher, Echo & the Bunnymen and Jane Fonda aerobics to Laura Ashley décor, Visions quickly immerses you in the world of Eleanor Chapman. ‘Visions’ is part two of Eleanor’s story which started in the 1970s in ‘Beginnings’ and will ultimately end far into the future. ‘Same Face Different Place’ by Helen J Christmas is an ambitious thriller series focussing on a single gangland incident which has reverberations across the decades. It is a study of how to react to threats and violence, the nature of victimhood, and the power of fighting back.
There are times in ‘Visions’ when it covers old ground from book one, but nevertheless the story slowly reeled me in. After the events of ‘Beginnings’, Eleanor and her son Elijah live in a caravan in a Kent village, safe from the London criminals who threatened them. Their neighbours, James Barton-Wells and his children Avalon and William become close friends. However Westbourne House, the ancestral home of the Barton-Wells family, is crumbling. When the house is declared a ruin and the repairs too expensive for James to pay, a sinister property developer offers to help. All too soon, his nasty son and equally nasty sidekick bring terror to the quiet village as the tentacles of threat from the past find Eleanor’s hiding place.
There are scenes of nasty violence which remind the reader this is not simply a story of petty crime. Eleanor, her family and new friends must face intimidation, assault, sinister stalking and abduction. At the heart of their survival is a defiance born of knowing they are right.
Read more of my book reviews at http://www.sandradanby.com/book-revie...

[Angela Petch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helen Christmas is adept at weaving sub-plots into her second in the series of “Same Face, Different Place” and dropping in enough subtle explanation of the back story. It is very smoothly done. There is plenty of action to keep momentum going. I enjoyed the descriptions of English countryside and country mansions. She’s thoroughly researched the 1980’s and the flavour of the era shines through. It was nostalgic for me to glimpse fashions, décor and music of the time.
Despite the pleasant country snapshots, there is always an undercurrent evil and menace in the background, with sinister gangster game plans, deadly adversaries from the past, as well as a couple of horrifically violent episodes against the youngsters in the book. Eleanor is a convincing, empathetic character, which is just as well, as the story continues with some of the main protagonists for another three volumes.
I would have given this book 5 stars, but I felt I had to deduct one, as I feel the language is at times over-written. “Less is more” should be the rule, and some adverbs and complicated verbs could be simplified to make more impact. It is, after all, an action story and I feel the pace would be maintained to the maximum if some of the wordiness was cut down.
However, I applaud this author for the general concept and her ideas that keep coming from all directions. I can imagine the story on film. I wish her good luck with her writing.

[Shell Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Visions is the second book in Same Face Different Place series after reading the first book Beginnings and loving it I couldn't wait to get stuck in.

Following on from Beginnings we are transported into the 1980's (which is my favourite decade). Where we catch up with the main character Eleanor. The prologue starts off in 1986 setting the scene for what's to come. There are plenty of references to the 80's making me actually feel like I was there.

So the story more or less carry's on from where we left off with the first book set in the 70's.But for those of you who haven't read book one this can easily be read has a standalone the author gives plenty of references in this story about what happened before.

I love the author's writing she style she certainly knows how to make the characters jump out the pages. Full of people that you will love and hate but Eleanor is one of those characters that you cannot help but love.

For me I found this a slow burner to begin with, but then the story soon picks up speed and takes a turn that I wasn't expecting where I found myself well and truly hooked. The author has done a brilliant job of building up tension making this another gripping read.

This is a series not to be missed which I highly recommend giving it 4 stars

[Eclectic Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

It had been 12 years since a young, frightened and pregnant Eleanor had fled London to escape the men who had murdered the man she loved.  She vowed to "create a society where everyone will be able to live in safety", and thought she had found just the place to raise her son until several deadly men "stepped out of one horrific chapter in her life only to jump into another without warning".  They were determined to ruin the lives of the people she loved and who helped her when she needed them most.  How can she repay their kindness when her knowledge of a deadly conspiracy in the 70s could put everyone in danger?

See my complete review at The Eclectic Review

[Teresa Kander · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series, and takes place over a decade after the first. This story is slower paced than the first, allowing for deeper character development and slow-building suspense and drama.

Eleanor and her son Eli have built a decent life for themselves in the English countryside. While Eleanor stays on guard, she hopes they have put all the danger of the past behind them. Unfortunately, her friend James Barton-Wells has financial problems and becomes involved with someone who can change all of that in an instant.

While the ending is not a cliffhanger, it does leave the door open for the next installment of the series. I for one will be anxiously waiting for it to be available.

[S.P. Dawes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

This story carries on from the first, only a decade later. Showing their lives at present and then having them re-enter each others worlds, causes much drama and heartache. But you can't help but follow the lives of everyone involved and hope for a better ending.

[Janine Rozon]

Anyone know if the author intends to turn the Same Face Different Place series into audiobooks?

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eleanor is desperate to keep away from her past that was in 1970’s London. This book set in the 1980’s and see’s Eleanor keeping her head down, out of trouble so that her son Elijah remains safe from the trouble that she ran away from.

Firstly you really do want to read the first book in the series, it is set in the 70’s and tells the story of Eleanor and why she had to leave London. This story is set in the 1980’s and there are loads of references that keep you in the time and place of the story. This book took me a while to get into as I have not read the first, heed my warning! But once I started to get a feel for the characters and some of the previous stories I was gripped by what I was reading. There are three families that have different pasts, losses and struggles and they do have a connecting factor. That connection is a manipulative, dangerous, power mad business man. He is wanting to take over the properties in a local village and he does not like being told No.

The author has definitely invested a lot of time and thought into this book, it has a fantastic story line that has so many different layers, these are beautifully entwined and take you through a journey of emotions. As things start to unfold you realise that this is a psychological thriller and also mystery, suspense, romance and crime. The synopsis is intriguing, but I was surprised by this story, it was totally captivating, addictive and I thoroghly enjoyed it.

I would highly recommend this book for readers of intense and deeply woven psychological crime, suspense and mystery novels. Please read the series in order, you won’t be disappointed.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Visions is a suspenseful story of a woman who relocates to leave her past behind her. As she works to move forward with her son her old enemies resurface. Visions can be read as a stand-alone. I feel there was enough background about the first book that I did not feel lost.

The author has an engaging prose that keeps you captivated. The characters are well-developed and they pop up from the pages with their evil ways. I really enjoyed this descriptive thriller. Well-done!

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a gripping tale of suspense. The dread sets in almost immediately, and deepens as the complexities of the plot unfold. This is the second in a series of thrillers that revolve around the central figure of Eleanor. A woman of firm resolve, faced with tragic loss and almost overwhelming challenges, she has made a life for herself and her son Eli. Her fortitude and courage stands in stark contrast to the self-centered malevolence of Perry Hampton and his family.

Good and evil collide as the two families are brought together by the desperate circumstances of a third family trying to save their home. The Westbourne House, a lovely old mansion turned boutique hotel, on 2000 acres of unblemished countryside, is an apt setting for the battle that ensues. The greedy developer, Perry Hampton, will stop at nothing to defeat the desperate Wells-Barton family hoping to preserve their ancestral estate as an essential part of their lives and the life of the local community. The author does a wonderful job of conveying the malicious motives and actions of the loathsome Perry Hampton and his disturbed son. She is able to evoke a sense of outrage at the suspense and terror these two men are able to inflict on others. That Eleanor has something on him from an episode in their past, [a story told in Book 1 of this series] makes Perry Hampton all the more ruthless in his pursuit of his ambition to destroy the families that have joined forces against him.

How far will the Hamptons go to achieve their aims? Will they succeed in vanquishing Eleanor, the Well-Burton family and others who stand in their way? You'll have to read this taut, well-written saga to find out. There's a third book, too, that demands to be read once you've begun to pull for Eleanor, her son, and those at her side.

[Delinda McCann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas pours on the suspense from the first page and doesn’t let up until the very end in this classic good verses evil tale set outside of London. This is the second book in a series, but it stands alone just fine as the author fills in enough back story to carry this novel to its wonderful conclusion. Between beginning and end we find a little romance, a lot of mystery, some humor and community.

The story opens with our heroine, Eleanor, living in a caravan on a country estate. Her host is a gentle generous man. James is devoted to hospitality and his beautiful home. When that home is threatened, his generosity pays off when Eleanor recommends Charlie as a contractor to help him with his needed repairs. Will the repairs be all he needs to save his home? What will happen to his family if they are forced to leave? Will the evil Hamptons get their greedy hands on the house? Does the house become haunted?

We finally learn most of the answers to our questions but evil is pervasive enough to fill a third volume in this series. I recommend this book to lovers of suspense.

[Bodicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Visions is a book you can really get your teeth into. It is the second part of a series which follows Eleanor and the people around her over several decades. I enjoyed 'Beginnings', the first book in the series which was set in the criminal world of 1970's London immensely and was eager to see what Ms Christmas had done with my favourite decade, the 80's.

Written with an surprising air of menace, the author has managed to convey the characters darkest sides, deepest fears and greatest hopes. Whilst keeping Eleanor strong enough to show true courage and make her a likeable character, the author has managed to show the dark side of what some people are willing to do to keep the power they crave. The author has done her research well and has skillfully reflected the attitudes, prejudices and ignorances of the 1980's.

A worthy continuation and I am looking forward to more with the next installment.

[D.K. Cassidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Thriller

Author Helen Christmas knows how to take a reader for a thrilling ride! This is the second book of her series, I highly recommend you read that as well. You can read this first as a stand-a-alone, but when you finish I know you'll want to continue. The first book takes place in the 1970's, this one is set during the 1980's.

The description of the plot by the author gives you a good idea about where the story is going. What you don't know is how you'll feel while reading this wonderful and exciting story. You will be mesmerized, surprised, and completely engaged! I connected with and rooted for Eleanor to save Westbourne House.

This book is immensely enjoyable and captivating!

[Suzi Albracht · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thrilling Suspense to Be Savored
The characters in this book are very clearly developed. So are the scenes – it takes place in the beautiful countryside outside of London. There is so much detail so that you feel you are right there, standing next to Eleanor or Charlie as the suspense ratchets up. Visions is a battle between good and evil, served with side dishes of mystery, romance, and humor. By the end of Visions, I was so immersed in the story and characters that I couldn’t stop reading until I found out what happened. I liked how the author gave you just enough backstory that it did not matter whether you read book 1 or not. Of course, once you finish the book, you‘ll want to immediately read Book 1.

[Alathia Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Eleanor first learned of the trouble at the main house, she had no idea it was her past coming to confront her. When Perry is thwarted from buying the house he wants, he makes and underhanded deal to steal James' home away from him. James' daughter Avalon is being stalked by Perry's son Ben. While trying to save her adopted family, Eleanor finds love with widower, Charlie and his two children. As she finds a happy ending more disasters strike and she is unable to protect those she loves. Can she stop the evil that has followed her from destroying future generations?

[Tammie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Eleanor continues with the hamptons taking more of challenges she has to face. Nothing this lady does is to the pleasing of Perry and he will do anything to get what he wants.