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Andee Lawrence #5
Believe In Me
Leanne and her teenage daughter Abby have recently been forced to move from London back to Kesterley-on-Sea, to Ash Morley Farm where Leanne grew up. Leanne's husband Jack, Abby's father, killed himself over a year ago, and the pair is still reeling from the shock waves caused by the tragedy.
Also living at Ash Morley farm is Leanne's mother Wilkie, who is a rock for everyone, and family friend Klaudia and her two children. Klaudia has to face the backlash of the xenophobic feeling post the Brexit vote and is on tenterhooks to hear whether she and her children will be sent home to Poland.
Hoping to move forward and mend the wounds her family has suffered, Leanne decides to foster a child. And when she's told that Daniel's father is in prison for murder, she hardly bats an eyelid. But as Daniel becomes integrated into the family, Leanne starts asking herself questions about his father's conviction. Is he really guilty? With the help of friend and ex-detective Andee Lawrence, Leanne sets out to right the wrongs of the past.
Also living at Ash Morley farm is Leanne's mother Wilkie, who is a rock for everyone, and family friend Klaudia and her two children. Klaudia has to face the backlash of the xenophobic feeling post the Brexit vote and is on tenterhooks to hear whether she and her children will be sent home to Poland.
Hoping to move forward and mend the wounds her family has suffered, Leanne decides to foster a child. And when she's told that Daniel's father is in prison for murder, she hardly bats an eyelid. But as Daniel becomes integrated into the family, Leanne starts asking herself questions about his father's conviction. Is he really guilty? With the help of friend and ex-detective Andee Lawrence, Leanne sets out to right the wrongs of the past.
394 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2018
176 people are currently reading
410 people want to read
About the author
Susan Lewis
67 books1,216 followersLibrarian Note:
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Susan Lewis is the bestselling author of over forty books across the genres of family drama, thriller, suspense and crime. She is also the author of Just One More Day and One Day at a Time, the moving memoirs of her childhood in Bristol during the 1960s. Following periods of living in Los Angeles and the South of France, she currently lives in Gloucestershire with her husband James, stepsons Michael and Luke, and mischievous dogs Coco and Lulu.
There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Susan Lewis is the bestselling author of over forty books across the genres of family drama, thriller, suspense and crime. She is also the author of Just One More Day and One Day at a Time, the moving memoirs of her childhood in Bristol during the 1960s. Following periods of living in Los Angeles and the South of France, she currently lives in Gloucestershire with her husband James, stepsons Michael and Luke, and mischievous dogs Coco and Lulu.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
January 28, 2019
EXCERPT: Remember to live in the moment, she told herself firmly, as she left the shop. If you don't, all these special times with these very special people will pass you by, and you'll never get them back again.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Leanne and her teenage daughter Abby have recently been forced to move from London back to Kesterley-on-Sea, to Ash Morley Farm where Leanne grew up. Leanne's husband Jack, Abby's father, killed himself over a year ago, and the pair is still reeling from the shock waves caused by the tragedy.
Also living at Ash Morley farm is Leanne's mother Wilkie, who is a rock for everyone, and family friend Klaudia and her two children. Klaudia has to face the backlash of the xenophobic feeling post the Brexit vote and is on tenterhooks to hear whether she and her children will be sent home to Poland.
Hoping to move forward and mend the wounds her family has suffered, Leanne decides to foster a child. And when she's told that Daniel's father is in prison for murder, she hardly bats an eyelid. But as Daniel becomes integrated into the family, Leanne starts asking herself questions about his father's conviction. Is he really guilty? With the help of friend and ex-detective Andee Lawrence, Leanne sets out to right the wrongs of the past.
MY THOUGHTS: As with every other book I have read by this author, Believe In Me by Susan Lewis contains little reminders about how we should appreciate our lives and live them to the fullest. But it's not done in a preachy way. Instead, it is wrapped in a story that most of us can relate to in one way or another.
Abby reminds me of myself as a teenager, passionate and prickly, subject to sudden mood swings, and of the opinion that if mum couldn't guess what was wrong with me, then she didn't deserve to know. I was a nightmare, just as Abby is, and equally as certain as Abby that my mother loved everyone else more than me, or even but me.
Believe In Me deals with many issues; single motherhood, suicide, fostering, racial intolerance, and bullying to name a few, with a little mystery thrown in for good measure.
Lewis has a beautiful turn of phrase. One particular passage that I loved was ' Today, when she looked in the mirror, she saw a kind of bad watercolor of herself, blurred about the edges, no longer defined as a confident, capable woman, more like someone who'd been left out in the rain.'
I love Lewis' characters. They are honest and forthright, and the type of people who I would like to have for friends.
😊😊😊😊
THE AUTHOR: I was born in 1956, in Bristol. My father was a Welsh miner, a poet, an engineer and a thinker. My mother was one of 13 children who, at 20, persuaded my father to spend his bonus on an engagement ring instead of a motorbike. We were a normal, happy, nuclear family, living in a spanking new council house on the outskirts of town – my mother’s pride and joy. But we were going to do better, my mother had made up her mind about that. My father, an unabashed communist, was writing a book, I was signed up for ballet, elocution, piano and eventually a private boarding school, and my brother, (the real great love of my mother’s life) was going to succeed at everything he set his mind to.
I was 9 and my brother 5 when my mother died of cancer. She was 33, my father was 37, and he never married again.
I went to the boarding school, a rogue little pupil in amongst all the posh girls, with their plummy voices, rich parents and exotic tales of faraway places. I yearned for my mother and father, but it was for the best, I was told. My father couldn’t bring me up on his own. However, I believed he could, and because no one would listen to my pleas for freedom, I took it upon myself to get expelled. It took a while, and I had rather a fabulous time achieving it, and by the time I was thirteen I was back in our little council house with my father and brother.
The teenage years are too painful to go into.
When I was 18 I got a job at HTV in Bristol, and at 22 I moved to London to work for Thames. I began as a secretary in news and current affairs, then trained as a production assistant and moved on to light entertainment and drama. It was a love of drama, combined with a fierce ambition, that got me knocking on the Controller’s door to ask what steps to take to become a producer. “Oh, go away and write something,” came the reply. So I did.
Over 30 books later, my only regret is that none of them have yet made it to the screen. I left TV eighteen years ago to do the “novelist thing” of buying a house with a swimming pool in the South of France. Bliss! For the first summer! After that came a disastrous love affair with one of the FBI’s most wanted, the plunge of the pound, and the dawning realization that life full-time in France was very, very different to a two week holiday frolicking around on millionaire’s yachts on the sunny Riviera. Sure it was glamorous, and the yachts – along with the interesting people – all came back in the summer, but the endless months in between were not far short of hell.
So, off to sunny California and Hollywood. After equipping myself with a Mercedes estate for my beloved dogs Casanova and Floozie, a home in the hills complete with pool and perfect sunsets every night, I set about completing the obstacle course of cowboy agents, big-talking producers and wannabe directors. Once I realised that Hollywood was NOT waiting for me, I put the struggle behind me and from thereon life in Tinsel Town became just plain thrilling. From star-studded screenings and glitzy parties, to moonlit dinners on the beach and edgy nightclubs, it was the perfect town to be single. George Clooney was my neighbour, Jennifer Anniston, Charlize Theron and Julianne Moore shopped in the same places, Nick Cage was a guest at my house, and Steve Martin was a regular on our dog walks. Romances flourished and faded, some dreams came true and others were crushed.
After seven happy years of taking the best from Hollywood and avoiding the rest, I had to face up to the fact that I was losing touch with being English. I needed a fix of my own country, so once again my dogs and I were on the move. We returned to Wiltshire for two years where making the adjustment from Manolo Blahniks to Wellies, cocktails at sunset to nights in by the fire, and no more glittery invites to liven up the mail proved too crushing for a still young and lively spirit.
So, we returned to the South of France, not to the same village, but to an even prettier one than before, perched high above the Riviera with glorious views of the sea. It was wonderful to be back amongst old friends, and to make so many new ones – the stress of living in a language that wasn’t mine was still an issue, but seemed slightly easier to deal with second time around. Alas Casanova and Floozie both died aged 13 and 15 during our first few years there, but Coco and Lulabelle are doing a valiant job of taking over their places – and my bed!
Everything changed again three months after my 50th birthday when, having given up hope of ever finding the right man, I met James my now husband, who lived and worked in Bristol. For a couple of years we had a very romantic and enjoyable time of it flying back and forth to see one another at weekends, but at the end of 2010 I finally sold my house on the Riviera and we are now living on the edge of the Cotswolds in a delightful old barn with Coco and Lulabelle. James’s sons Michael and Luke are regular visitors; it’s been quite exhilarating and educational having a young musician and dedicated sportsman in my life!
Should you be interested to know a little more about my early life why not try Just One More Day, which is a memoir about me and my mother. The follow up book One Day at a Time continues the story with my father.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Random House UK, Cornerstone Century via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Believe In Me by Susan Lewis for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on my page sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Leanne and her teenage daughter Abby have recently been forced to move from London back to Kesterley-on-Sea, to Ash Morley Farm where Leanne grew up. Leanne's husband Jack, Abby's father, killed himself over a year ago, and the pair is still reeling from the shock waves caused by the tragedy.
Also living at Ash Morley farm is Leanne's mother Wilkie, who is a rock for everyone, and family friend Klaudia and her two children. Klaudia has to face the backlash of the xenophobic feeling post the Brexit vote and is on tenterhooks to hear whether she and her children will be sent home to Poland.
Hoping to move forward and mend the wounds her family has suffered, Leanne decides to foster a child. And when she's told that Daniel's father is in prison for murder, she hardly bats an eyelid. But as Daniel becomes integrated into the family, Leanne starts asking herself questions about his father's conviction. Is he really guilty? With the help of friend and ex-detective Andee Lawrence, Leanne sets out to right the wrongs of the past.
MY THOUGHTS: As with every other book I have read by this author, Believe In Me by Susan Lewis contains little reminders about how we should appreciate our lives and live them to the fullest. But it's not done in a preachy way. Instead, it is wrapped in a story that most of us can relate to in one way or another.
Abby reminds me of myself as a teenager, passionate and prickly, subject to sudden mood swings, and of the opinion that if mum couldn't guess what was wrong with me, then she didn't deserve to know. I was a nightmare, just as Abby is, and equally as certain as Abby that my mother loved everyone else more than me, or even but me.
Believe In Me deals with many issues; single motherhood, suicide, fostering, racial intolerance, and bullying to name a few, with a little mystery thrown in for good measure.
Lewis has a beautiful turn of phrase. One particular passage that I loved was ' Today, when she looked in the mirror, she saw a kind of bad watercolor of herself, blurred about the edges, no longer defined as a confident, capable woman, more like someone who'd been left out in the rain.'
I love Lewis' characters. They are honest and forthright, and the type of people who I would like to have for friends.
😊😊😊😊
THE AUTHOR: I was born in 1956, in Bristol. My father was a Welsh miner, a poet, an engineer and a thinker. My mother was one of 13 children who, at 20, persuaded my father to spend his bonus on an engagement ring instead of a motorbike. We were a normal, happy, nuclear family, living in a spanking new council house on the outskirts of town – my mother’s pride and joy. But we were going to do better, my mother had made up her mind about that. My father, an unabashed communist, was writing a book, I was signed up for ballet, elocution, piano and eventually a private boarding school, and my brother, (the real great love of my mother’s life) was going to succeed at everything he set his mind to.
I was 9 and my brother 5 when my mother died of cancer. She was 33, my father was 37, and he never married again.
I went to the boarding school, a rogue little pupil in amongst all the posh girls, with their plummy voices, rich parents and exotic tales of faraway places. I yearned for my mother and father, but it was for the best, I was told. My father couldn’t bring me up on his own. However, I believed he could, and because no one would listen to my pleas for freedom, I took it upon myself to get expelled. It took a while, and I had rather a fabulous time achieving it, and by the time I was thirteen I was back in our little council house with my father and brother.
The teenage years are too painful to go into.
When I was 18 I got a job at HTV in Bristol, and at 22 I moved to London to work for Thames. I began as a secretary in news and current affairs, then trained as a production assistant and moved on to light entertainment and drama. It was a love of drama, combined with a fierce ambition, that got me knocking on the Controller’s door to ask what steps to take to become a producer. “Oh, go away and write something,” came the reply. So I did.
Over 30 books later, my only regret is that none of them have yet made it to the screen. I left TV eighteen years ago to do the “novelist thing” of buying a house with a swimming pool in the South of France. Bliss! For the first summer! After that came a disastrous love affair with one of the FBI’s most wanted, the plunge of the pound, and the dawning realization that life full-time in France was very, very different to a two week holiday frolicking around on millionaire’s yachts on the sunny Riviera. Sure it was glamorous, and the yachts – along with the interesting people – all came back in the summer, but the endless months in between were not far short of hell.
So, off to sunny California and Hollywood. After equipping myself with a Mercedes estate for my beloved dogs Casanova and Floozie, a home in the hills complete with pool and perfect sunsets every night, I set about completing the obstacle course of cowboy agents, big-talking producers and wannabe directors. Once I realised that Hollywood was NOT waiting for me, I put the struggle behind me and from thereon life in Tinsel Town became just plain thrilling. From star-studded screenings and glitzy parties, to moonlit dinners on the beach and edgy nightclubs, it was the perfect town to be single. George Clooney was my neighbour, Jennifer Anniston, Charlize Theron and Julianne Moore shopped in the same places, Nick Cage was a guest at my house, and Steve Martin was a regular on our dog walks. Romances flourished and faded, some dreams came true and others were crushed.
After seven happy years of taking the best from Hollywood and avoiding the rest, I had to face up to the fact that I was losing touch with being English. I needed a fix of my own country, so once again my dogs and I were on the move. We returned to Wiltshire for two years where making the adjustment from Manolo Blahniks to Wellies, cocktails at sunset to nights in by the fire, and no more glittery invites to liven up the mail proved too crushing for a still young and lively spirit.
So, we returned to the South of France, not to the same village, but to an even prettier one than before, perched high above the Riviera with glorious views of the sea. It was wonderful to be back amongst old friends, and to make so many new ones – the stress of living in a language that wasn’t mine was still an issue, but seemed slightly easier to deal with second time around. Alas Casanova and Floozie both died aged 13 and 15 during our first few years there, but Coco and Lulabelle are doing a valiant job of taking over their places – and my bed!
Everything changed again three months after my 50th birthday when, having given up hope of ever finding the right man, I met James my now husband, who lived and worked in Bristol. For a couple of years we had a very romantic and enjoyable time of it flying back and forth to see one another at weekends, but at the end of 2010 I finally sold my house on the Riviera and we are now living on the edge of the Cotswolds in a delightful old barn with Coco and Lulabelle. James’s sons Michael and Luke are regular visitors; it’s been quite exhilarating and educational having a young musician and dedicated sportsman in my life!
Should you be interested to know a little more about my early life why not try Just One More Day, which is a memoir about me and my mother. The follow up book One Day at a Time continues the story with my father.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Random House UK, Cornerstone Century via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of Believe In Me by Susan Lewis for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on my page sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
January 28, 2018
Having read Susan Lewis for a few years now, I expected this book too, to follow the same premise. Emotions and suspense. This book too has them but at a slightly lower flame. There are no intense moments of emotions or suspense. This book surfs gently on all the waves.
Leanne comes to stay with her mother, Wilkie with her daughter Abby, after her husband’s suicide. They are the inner core of the characters in this book. Soon surrounding them, there are others who join in as the story continues. Leanne then decides to take up fostering, and Daniel, whose father is in prison, comes to stay with them. The story then revolves on proving Daniel’s father innocent of the crime, dealing with the consequences of Brexit, trying to smoothen out her relationship with her daughter Abby, Leanne finds herself in the centre of all this.
I generally love Susan Lewis books, and I have bought quite a number of them over the years. But this book fell short for me. There were too many characters, though it was nice to see the friends rallying around Leanne, I found that emotions got diluted. There are few scenes in the book, where Susan weaves her magic, and emotions emerge suddenly. But sadly, this brilliance is seen rarely in the book.
Susan has never been the one to shy away from difficult topics, heart rendering ones. In this book too, she writes them with a sensitivity that pulls the threads of the heart. But this was seen only in a few places.
The book was an entertaining family saga, I found the plot lacking, and the book was at a slightly slower pace. I found it dragging most times. There was no suspense at all.
The only part where I found that the book shone was in all the scenes involving Daniel, there was something so heartbreakingly sad about his sorrow and something so heartbreakingly joyful about his reunion with his father. Also Susan Lewis’s worldbuilding in describing Ash Morley was fabulous, I could just imagine it as it was.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher Random House UK Cornerstone, and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Leanne comes to stay with her mother, Wilkie with her daughter Abby, after her husband’s suicide. They are the inner core of the characters in this book. Soon surrounding them, there are others who join in as the story continues. Leanne then decides to take up fostering, and Daniel, whose father is in prison, comes to stay with them. The story then revolves on proving Daniel’s father innocent of the crime, dealing with the consequences of Brexit, trying to smoothen out her relationship with her daughter Abby, Leanne finds herself in the centre of all this.
I generally love Susan Lewis books, and I have bought quite a number of them over the years. But this book fell short for me. There were too many characters, though it was nice to see the friends rallying around Leanne, I found that emotions got diluted. There are few scenes in the book, where Susan weaves her magic, and emotions emerge suddenly. But sadly, this brilliance is seen rarely in the book.
Susan has never been the one to shy away from difficult topics, heart rendering ones. In this book too, she writes them with a sensitivity that pulls the threads of the heart. But this was seen only in a few places.
The book was an entertaining family saga, I found the plot lacking, and the book was at a slightly slower pace. I found it dragging most times. There was no suspense at all.
The only part where I found that the book shone was in all the scenes involving Daniel, there was something so heartbreakingly sad about his sorrow and something so heartbreakingly joyful about his reunion with his father. Also Susan Lewis’s worldbuilding in describing Ash Morley was fabulous, I could just imagine it as it was.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and publisher Random House UK Cornerstone, and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
May 25, 2019
Whenever I have a Susan Lewis book I always make sure the tissues are nearby as her stories always tug at my heart strings!!
When Leanne’s husband commits suicide she and her daughter Abbie return to their family home of Ash Morley. Abbie is soon playing up and taking it out on her mother, moving away from her friends hasn’t helped Abbie’s mood.
I want to stay at Ash Morley as it seems idyllic with people arriving constantly, everyone is welcome.
Klaudia and her 2 children are living in a rented cottage, originally coming from Poland she is on tender hooks as to whether she will get her residency or will be sent home even though her children were born in England and she has a job and family. I couldn’t begin to image how that would feel like to be waiting for news that could turn you’re life upside down and to have no say in it.
The story mostly revolves around Daniel whose dad is in prison for a crime that he is convinced he could never have done. Daniel has been moved around several foster families until he arrives at Ash Morley, as Leanne wants to foster children.
The family soon grow to love Daniel, me too to be honest!! The more Daniel talks about his dad the more Leanne starts to think he may be innocent, along with a close friend they start to dig deeper.
What wasn’t there to not love about this book, the characters felt real and all had interesting stories to tell. I must admit to having a tear in my Eye at times ( thank god the tissues were close)
Would love to revisit this wonderful family in another book to see how they are all getting on.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
When Leanne’s husband commits suicide she and her daughter Abbie return to their family home of Ash Morley. Abbie is soon playing up and taking it out on her mother, moving away from her friends hasn’t helped Abbie’s mood.
I want to stay at Ash Morley as it seems idyllic with people arriving constantly, everyone is welcome.
Klaudia and her 2 children are living in a rented cottage, originally coming from Poland she is on tender hooks as to whether she will get her residency or will be sent home even though her children were born in England and she has a job and family. I couldn’t begin to image how that would feel like to be waiting for news that could turn you’re life upside down and to have no say in it.
The story mostly revolves around Daniel whose dad is in prison for a crime that he is convinced he could never have done. Daniel has been moved around several foster families until he arrives at Ash Morley, as Leanne wants to foster children.
The family soon grow to love Daniel, me too to be honest!! The more Daniel talks about his dad the more Leanne starts to think he may be innocent, along with a close friend they start to dig deeper.
What wasn’t there to not love about this book, the characters felt real and all had interesting stories to tell. I must admit to having a tear in my Eye at times ( thank god the tissues were close)
Would love to revisit this wonderful family in another book to see how they are all getting on.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
March 15, 2018
This is a story of love, community, grief, worries and the impact of racial hatred and Brexit! Following the suicide of her husband, Leanne has had to move from London with her daughter back to her childhood home, Ash Morley Farm at Kesterley on Sea. The farm buildings now also house a Polish family Klaudia and her two children as well as Leanne’s mother, Wilkie. This mini-community of friends are helping protect and nurture each other. When Leanne decides to foster a young boy, Daniel, little did they realise that this would impact so dramatically on their group. Daniel’s father, Patrick, is in prison, accused of an infamous murder that Daniel is convinced he didn’t do. As Leanne learns more about events, she also starts to doubt the conviction and sets out to investigate it with the help of a friend who used to be a detective. Will they help each other heal? What will they discover about the murder - will they free Patrick?
This is a family fighting for their own futures after traumatic grief and doing so whilst still endeavouring to help others. It is an easy, delightful read, packed with family drama and held together by the glue that is family love. There are several different threads running through the story and these are interwoven and join together in the end to create the final picture. It is an enjoyable and memorable read.
I requested and received a copy of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.
This is a family fighting for their own futures after traumatic grief and doing so whilst still endeavouring to help others. It is an easy, delightful read, packed with family drama and held together by the glue that is family love. There are several different threads running through the story and these are interwoven and join together in the end to create the final picture. It is an enjoyable and memorable read.
I requested and received a copy of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.
September 28, 2018
What a total dissapountment...usually i enjoy Susan Lewis books...can't even be bothered to finish this....very poor storyline...unresearched...a child as difficult to place as this young man...because of his history..wojld not be placed with a family just because someone high up in Social Services knew the family...no fostering assessment or training....and the carer sharing his personal history with every person she talks too!......on many levels a tedious and predictable book...such a shame as have loved her other books...
January 22, 2018
Leanne and her daughter Abby haven’t had an easy time, Leanne’s husband, Abby’s Dad Jack, committed suicide and struggling mother and daughter have moved to Ash Morley Farm where Leanne grew up. Leanne’s mum Wilkie stays at Ash Morley too and is a fantastic character. Also staying there is Klaudia and her two children, Klaudia having originally come from Poland is having to wait to see if she will be permitted to stay in the country while facing the backlash of xenophobic feeling post the Brexit vote.
Straight away I fell in love with the setting of Ash Morley Farm, a cosy family hub where everyone has their own space but never needs to feel alone. Obviously this would only work if everyone gets on and thankfully nearly everyone does.
Leanne and Abby have a tense relationship, Abby carries a lot of anger which is understandable considering her Dad has committed suicide, she’s been moved away from where she grew up and has had to leave behind all her friends. There’s also a bit of jealousy towards the relationship her Mum and older sibling Kate have. Although Kate has a different Dad and is living in America, Abby can’t help feeling jealous. Leanne is trying her best for Abby but Abby being a typical teenager isn’t making things easy at all.
I have to say the character that stood out for me was Wilkie, she’s everybody’s friend and the heart and soul at Ash Morley. She’s not afraid to stand up for what she believes in, even if it might get her into a wee bit of trouble from time to time. She’s very passionate about her causes and she just seemed to shine and jump straight off the pages.
Although Believe in Me does tackle some difficult issues it’s a very easy book to read. It’s written so beautifully that you just seem to slip inside the story and get washed away. It’s a story that really gets under your skin and isn’t easy to put down. It focuses on so many subjects like, family, loss, love, trust with added suspense and mystery. It really is an all-rounder that I think will appeal to many.
This is the first book I have read by Susan Lewis and one thing that really struck me about the book was that I felt like I could have been reading a real life story. It all just felt so realistic and easy to picture in my mind as I was reading, like a film going through my head.
After finishing the book I had to go and look up other books by the same author and was surprised to see Susan Lewis is the author of thirty-eight novels, why have I not come across them before? I honestly thoroughly enjoyed Believe in Me so much its a must that I catch up with some of the others.
Believe in Me is a fantastically compelling story that will sweep you up and drop you right in the middle of Ash Morley Farm. The Daily Mail say’s its spellbinding and I think I’d have to agree.
Straight away I fell in love with the setting of Ash Morley Farm, a cosy family hub where everyone has their own space but never needs to feel alone. Obviously this would only work if everyone gets on and thankfully nearly everyone does.
Leanne and Abby have a tense relationship, Abby carries a lot of anger which is understandable considering her Dad has committed suicide, she’s been moved away from where she grew up and has had to leave behind all her friends. There’s also a bit of jealousy towards the relationship her Mum and older sibling Kate have. Although Kate has a different Dad and is living in America, Abby can’t help feeling jealous. Leanne is trying her best for Abby but Abby being a typical teenager isn’t making things easy at all.
I have to say the character that stood out for me was Wilkie, she’s everybody’s friend and the heart and soul at Ash Morley. She’s not afraid to stand up for what she believes in, even if it might get her into a wee bit of trouble from time to time. She’s very passionate about her causes and she just seemed to shine and jump straight off the pages.
Although Believe in Me does tackle some difficult issues it’s a very easy book to read. It’s written so beautifully that you just seem to slip inside the story and get washed away. It’s a story that really gets under your skin and isn’t easy to put down. It focuses on so many subjects like, family, loss, love, trust with added suspense and mystery. It really is an all-rounder that I think will appeal to many.
This is the first book I have read by Susan Lewis and one thing that really struck me about the book was that I felt like I could have been reading a real life story. It all just felt so realistic and easy to picture in my mind as I was reading, like a film going through my head.
After finishing the book I had to go and look up other books by the same author and was surprised to see Susan Lewis is the author of thirty-eight novels, why have I not come across them before? I honestly thoroughly enjoyed Believe in Me so much its a must that I catch up with some of the others.
Believe in Me is a fantastically compelling story that will sweep you up and drop you right in the middle of Ash Morley Farm. The Daily Mail say’s its spellbinding and I think I’d have to agree.
February 15, 2018
What a brilliant book. The characters were all likeable and I loved little Daniel. It is one of those stories that make you think about how lucky you are to have or have had a close loving family. It does also make us think too about the justice system, life sentances and hanging/death penalty. I know many still believe in it for the atrocious crimes we see especially around children and there really should be no question in this day and age of DNA and equipment used however sometimes mistakes can be made and things not investigated thoroughly. I just wished without giving too much away, there had been a more detailed ending for Daniel and Patrick as it was as though they had been so prominent throughout it just trailed off but on the whole a really good read and thoroughly recomnend it - and it will make you cry too.
January 19, 2025
Thank you to the publishers for providing an ARC of the book through NetGalley.
2018 52 Book Challenge - 25) A Book Published In 2018
I haven't read another Susan Lewis book, but this one is enough to put me off. There are so many characters, and they all have poor character development. I honestly didn't care about any of them.
The police and social services procedures are also vastly overinflated. The police apparently reopen cases on the whim of a friend asking them to, with no change in evidence and social services allow people to foster within a week of applying without any assessments or anything, and then telling anybody they meet about the personal history of one of their charges.
2018 52 Book Challenge - 25) A Book Published In 2018
I haven't read another Susan Lewis book, but this one is enough to put me off. There are so many characters, and they all have poor character development. I honestly didn't care about any of them.
The police and social services procedures are also vastly overinflated. The police apparently reopen cases on the whim of a friend asking them to, with no change in evidence and social services allow people to foster within a week of applying without any assessments or anything, and then telling anybody they meet about the personal history of one of their charges.
March 24, 2022
Excellent book. Could not put it down.
January 25, 2018
This warm hearted story really caught my imagination and by the end of the first chapter I was completely immersed in the lives of those who live at Morley Farm. It's quite an unusual set up with different generations and different nationalities all living in close proximity but it allows them to be supportive of each other and to share in each other's sadness and successes.
However, the story is about more than just friendship and family as it covers some quite deep and emotional issues, particularly about fostering and how children cope with loss, and also how tragedy and trauma can have lasting repercussions. The story also touches on people's attitudes towards racism and certainly gets its point across in a way which is both meaningful and heartfelt.
To counteract the darker elements of the story, there are some lovely light moments which made me smile, I especially liked how all the residents and friends all came together at Morley Farm for entertaining evenings. So descriptive was the idea of all these lovely people spending time together, I really felt like I was sitting with them sipping wine on a bright summer evening.
The author clearly writes about what she knows and this comes across in the ease of storytelling which combines a blend of family drama, with a story about love and loss, and the healing power of friendship.
August 2, 2019
Shame it could have been a good read People too perfect and many issues dealt with unrealistically eg fostering
June 16, 2023
Round up to 4.5 stars.
October 4, 2025
lovely read has everything family story mystery and who done it
January 24, 2018
4* review for Believe In Me by Susan Lewis. This is the first book by Susan Lewis I have read and was passed a pre-publication edition by Kelly Lacey to read and review.
The back of the book tells you that “Leanne and her family have many issues, but they all believe in second chances, so when the opportunity arises to foster a child, Leanne is quick to open her doors. However, Daniel Marks the foster child is a 10 year old boy whose father is in prison for murder”.
I was really looking forward to reading this book because I think we all deserve at least one second chance and I don’t believe that the sins of the father should be visited upon the son. In my eyes, Daniel is an innocent boy looking for a loving home and more than deserving of a chance to be a child without the weight of his father’s prison sentence hanging over him.
The beginning of the book draws you into the bosom of the family from Leanne who is doing her best after her husband Jack’s suicide, to her teenage stroppy daughter Abby, her absent in America daughter Kate, her aging but still so full of life and vitality Mother Wilkie and her friend and business partner Klaudia and her 2 children, all living in various properties including an old farmhouse, converted barn, stables and old bakery that make up Ash Morley Farm. I absolutely loved all the characters and they were all so well painted that I pictured them all straightaway and loved reading about them and I worried about them when I wasn't reading, and was eager to read on.
There is a love interest for Leanne along the way in the form of Tom but this is such a minor storyline and for me wasn’t really necessary, but I really enjoyed the inclusion of Klaudia as a Polish refugee and her 2 British born children and the story of their campaign for “Kindness For All” to demonstrate that we are all the same and deserve love and kindness and a safe home and her fight for permanent residency.
We meet Daniel on the first page, but then he doesn’t come to live with the Delaney family until almost half way through the book and for me, this was a disappointment in the story. I wanted more of how Daniel was welcomed and integrated into this normal loving family than just half of the book, because for me he was the central character of the book. When he was fostered with Leanne and her family it was such a joy to read that it gave me a warm feeling about how foster parents and their families are such wonderful members of society and take on children that have often been passed around from one abusive home to another. They welcomed Daniel into their family without hesitation and prejudice about his previous behaviour or situation and literally turned his life around, especially when Leanne takes up the case of his Father’s court case and prison sentence and actually believes in Daniel when he tells her his Dad could not and did not harm that child in question. I won’t say anymore, but get your tissues ready for the end of the book.
I would give this book a 4* rating, and the only reasons for that are that I wanted Daniel to live with his foster family for more than half of the book and the cover of the book, in my humble opinion, does not reflect the story. I prefer a cover to either give you a sense of what the story is about or draw you into picking the book up, and this did not happen for me, (sorry Susan Lewis).
The back of the book tells you that “Leanne and her family have many issues, but they all believe in second chances, so when the opportunity arises to foster a child, Leanne is quick to open her doors. However, Daniel Marks the foster child is a 10 year old boy whose father is in prison for murder”.
I was really looking forward to reading this book because I think we all deserve at least one second chance and I don’t believe that the sins of the father should be visited upon the son. In my eyes, Daniel is an innocent boy looking for a loving home and more than deserving of a chance to be a child without the weight of his father’s prison sentence hanging over him.
The beginning of the book draws you into the bosom of the family from Leanne who is doing her best after her husband Jack’s suicide, to her teenage stroppy daughter Abby, her absent in America daughter Kate, her aging but still so full of life and vitality Mother Wilkie and her friend and business partner Klaudia and her 2 children, all living in various properties including an old farmhouse, converted barn, stables and old bakery that make up Ash Morley Farm. I absolutely loved all the characters and they were all so well painted that I pictured them all straightaway and loved reading about them and I worried about them when I wasn't reading, and was eager to read on.
There is a love interest for Leanne along the way in the form of Tom but this is such a minor storyline and for me wasn’t really necessary, but I really enjoyed the inclusion of Klaudia as a Polish refugee and her 2 British born children and the story of their campaign for “Kindness For All” to demonstrate that we are all the same and deserve love and kindness and a safe home and her fight for permanent residency.
We meet Daniel on the first page, but then he doesn’t come to live with the Delaney family until almost half way through the book and for me, this was a disappointment in the story. I wanted more of how Daniel was welcomed and integrated into this normal loving family than just half of the book, because for me he was the central character of the book. When he was fostered with Leanne and her family it was such a joy to read that it gave me a warm feeling about how foster parents and their families are such wonderful members of society and take on children that have often been passed around from one abusive home to another. They welcomed Daniel into their family without hesitation and prejudice about his previous behaviour or situation and literally turned his life around, especially when Leanne takes up the case of his Father’s court case and prison sentence and actually believes in Daniel when he tells her his Dad could not and did not harm that child in question. I won’t say anymore, but get your tissues ready for the end of the book.
I would give this book a 4* rating, and the only reasons for that are that I wanted Daniel to live with his foster family for more than half of the book and the cover of the book, in my humble opinion, does not reflect the story. I prefer a cover to either give you a sense of what the story is about or draw you into picking the book up, and this did not happen for me, (sorry Susan Lewis).
February 14, 2018
Leanne Delaney finds herself and daughter Abby back at Ash Morley Farm, Leanne’s childhood home, following the suicide of her husband and the death of her Aunt Glory. She is the main beneficiary of Glory’s will and, along with Glory’s home, also inherited her vintage shop, Glory Days. Abby is not coping well with recent events and the corresponding adjustments in her life, making her relationship with her mother a volatile one at best. She is angry, feeling guilty and confused, unable to get to grips with, much less articulate especially to her mother, her destructive underlying feelings and lashes out, with her mother bearing the brunt of her angst.
Wilkie, Leanne’s mother, and Leanne share the farm with family friend Klaudia and her children, Mia and Adam, each family having their own space. Klaudia is suffering the backlash from Brexit and is unsure whether she will be sent back to Poland or be given permission to stay in the country.
When the opportunity arises to foster a child, Leanne, who has inherited her mother’s tendency to reach out and help those in need, needs no urging to put herself forward. Ten year old Daniel Marks has been in care since his father had been tried and convicted of murdering a young girl. There had only been the two of them since Daniel’s mother died and Daniel is thrust into a world that doesn’t treat him kindly.
Believe In Me is a story of new starts and second chances, peopled by engaging and sympathetic characters who draw the reader in. Wilkie is a wonderful example, warm, caring and not afraid to stand up for her beliefs. Daniel’s story, on the other hand, is heart breaking but sensitively handled. Even though his name is changed he’s bullied and abused, moving from foster home to foster home, until he arrives at Ash Morley and slowly becomes absorbed into the family. I love how he never loses his belief in his father’s innocence no matter what people think or say to him.
This touching story incorporates several important and emotional issues, including racism, the justice system and children coping, or not, with tragedy and loss. I loved the concept of Ash Morley Farm and the little community of family and friends that lived there.
I chose to read and review Believe In Me courtesy of NetGalley and the author/publisher.
Wilkie, Leanne’s mother, and Leanne share the farm with family friend Klaudia and her children, Mia and Adam, each family having their own space. Klaudia is suffering the backlash from Brexit and is unsure whether she will be sent back to Poland or be given permission to stay in the country.
When the opportunity arises to foster a child, Leanne, who has inherited her mother’s tendency to reach out and help those in need, needs no urging to put herself forward. Ten year old Daniel Marks has been in care since his father had been tried and convicted of murdering a young girl. There had only been the two of them since Daniel’s mother died and Daniel is thrust into a world that doesn’t treat him kindly.
Believe In Me is a story of new starts and second chances, peopled by engaging and sympathetic characters who draw the reader in. Wilkie is a wonderful example, warm, caring and not afraid to stand up for her beliefs. Daniel’s story, on the other hand, is heart breaking but sensitively handled. Even though his name is changed he’s bullied and abused, moving from foster home to foster home, until he arrives at Ash Morley and slowly becomes absorbed into the family. I love how he never loses his belief in his father’s innocence no matter what people think or say to him.
This touching story incorporates several important and emotional issues, including racism, the justice system and children coping, or not, with tragedy and loss. I loved the concept of Ash Morley Farm and the little community of family and friends that lived there.
I chose to read and review Believe In Me courtesy of NetGalley and the author/publisher.
May 3, 2018
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Believe In Me by Susan Lewis. (2018).
Leanne and her family have various issues but all believe in second chances. Leanne makes a decision to foster a child and her first foster child is Daniel. Daniel is 10 and his father is in prison for murdering a little girl. Will Leanne's home still be safe when Daniel arrives?
I quite enjoyed this book but did find the blurb a bit misleading and think it could have been worded differently. The description makes it sound like the novel is about the possibility that Daniel will be dangerous (actually to be honest the blurb almost put me off because I thought it sounded a bit silly).
What the novel is actually about is family and friends coming together to deal with various issues in their lives. Leanne's husband committed suicide a year ago which has traumatized their teenage daughter Abby (to the point where she is cruel to her mother on a daily basis) so Leanne moved home to live on the same property as her mother. Also living on the property is Klaudia with her two young children, Klaudia is trying to gain her permanent residency and facing racist attitudes from some people on the neighbouring estate. The family seem to have an open door policy for the property and constantly have friends dropping in and joining in with the family. Leanne decides to foster a child and so Daniel is placed with the family. Daniel has had to move foster placements a few times already due to people finding out who his father is and punishing Daniel for his father's crime; Daniel is convinced his father is innocent.
This novel is a good read. It flows smoothly, perhaps slightly dramatically in some plot points. I feel like this would be a great book to take with you if you were going on holiday or a trip. I'm certainly glad that I ended up picking it up despite the misleading blurb on the back - 'don't judge a book by it's cover'...or the blurb sometimes....haha!
Believe In Me by Susan Lewis. (2018).
Leanne and her family have various issues but all believe in second chances. Leanne makes a decision to foster a child and her first foster child is Daniel. Daniel is 10 and his father is in prison for murdering a little girl. Will Leanne's home still be safe when Daniel arrives?
I quite enjoyed this book but did find the blurb a bit misleading and think it could have been worded differently. The description makes it sound like the novel is about the possibility that Daniel will be dangerous (actually to be honest the blurb almost put me off because I thought it sounded a bit silly).
What the novel is actually about is family and friends coming together to deal with various issues in their lives. Leanne's husband committed suicide a year ago which has traumatized their teenage daughter Abby (to the point where she is cruel to her mother on a daily basis) so Leanne moved home to live on the same property as her mother. Also living on the property is Klaudia with her two young children, Klaudia is trying to gain her permanent residency and facing racist attitudes from some people on the neighbouring estate. The family seem to have an open door policy for the property and constantly have friends dropping in and joining in with the family. Leanne decides to foster a child and so Daniel is placed with the family. Daniel has had to move foster placements a few times already due to people finding out who his father is and punishing Daniel for his father's crime; Daniel is convinced his father is innocent.
This novel is a good read. It flows smoothly, perhaps slightly dramatically in some plot points. I feel like this would be a great book to take with you if you were going on holiday or a trip. I'm certainly glad that I ended up picking it up despite the misleading blurb on the back - 'don't judge a book by it's cover'...or the blurb sometimes....haha!
April 1, 2018
Leanne returns to her childhood home of Ash Morely after the suicide of her husband and the death of her aunt, who has left everything to her in her will. Returning home is not without its trials as her teenage daughter is not dealing with her father's death & is taking it out on her mother.
Ash Morely seems to be a lovely place. Leanne's mother, Wilkie, is at the heart of the place. She is always ready to protest and protect the underdog. Also living in one of the rental cottages is Klaudia and her two children. Coming originally from Poland she is suffering from the Brexit backlash and is scared she is going to be deported.
The story also revolves around Daniel, a young boy who is being passed around the foster system after his father was imprisoned for abducting and presumably murdering a little girl.
When Leanne (and the rest of the family) decide to foster and are told about this it does not put them off. They soon grow fond of Daniel & the more Leanne hears the more she begins to doubt that the man who brought up this child with such love and good attitudes could be guilty. Along with a friend they try to find out the truth.
This was an enjoyable read. The characters were really interesting- although I think Leanne was a saint for putting up with her daughter sometimes!! The atmosphere of Ash Morely was so nice I wanted to visit! Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
Ash Morely seems to be a lovely place. Leanne's mother, Wilkie, is at the heart of the place. She is always ready to protest and protect the underdog. Also living in one of the rental cottages is Klaudia and her two children. Coming originally from Poland she is suffering from the Brexit backlash and is scared she is going to be deported.
The story also revolves around Daniel, a young boy who is being passed around the foster system after his father was imprisoned for abducting and presumably murdering a little girl.
When Leanne (and the rest of the family) decide to foster and are told about this it does not put them off. They soon grow fond of Daniel & the more Leanne hears the more she begins to doubt that the man who brought up this child with such love and good attitudes could be guilty. Along with a friend they try to find out the truth.
This was an enjoyable read. The characters were really interesting- although I think Leanne was a saint for putting up with her daughter sometimes!! The atmosphere of Ash Morely was so nice I wanted to visit! Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
March 19, 2018
I'm a fan of Susan Lewis so I lapped up the opportunity to review Believe in Me. However I almost gave up at the first chapter but I'm glad that I did persist as the story developed quickly and grabbed my attention.
Set in the bustling Ash Morley Leanne, her grieving daughter Abby and her activist mother Wilkie. Having returned to the family home after her alcoholic husband's suicide Leanne is finding that adjusting to her new reality will not come without a fight. Her best friend Klaudia, who in my opinion was the most fascinating character in the book, is fighting for the right to British citizenship and Leanne's business is struggling to stay afloat. Wanting to inject some positivity into her life Leanne decides to start fostering children but little does she know that her first assignment will turn out to be the son of convicted murderer Patrick Marks.
The most fascinating aspect of the book definitely was the reference to the EU referendum and the impact that it had on immigrants in the country. It truly is heartbreaking to see how Klaudia and her other Polish friends feel so threatened and endangered by the decision to leave the EU.
I would recommend reading Believe in Me but if you do find yourself struggling at the beginning please keep with it as it will soon grab a hold of your emotions.
Set in the bustling Ash Morley Leanne, her grieving daughter Abby and her activist mother Wilkie. Having returned to the family home after her alcoholic husband's suicide Leanne is finding that adjusting to her new reality will not come without a fight. Her best friend Klaudia, who in my opinion was the most fascinating character in the book, is fighting for the right to British citizenship and Leanne's business is struggling to stay afloat. Wanting to inject some positivity into her life Leanne decides to start fostering children but little does she know that her first assignment will turn out to be the son of convicted murderer Patrick Marks.
The most fascinating aspect of the book definitely was the reference to the EU referendum and the impact that it had on immigrants in the country. It truly is heartbreaking to see how Klaudia and her other Polish friends feel so threatened and endangered by the decision to leave the EU.
I would recommend reading Believe in Me but if you do find yourself struggling at the beginning please keep with it as it will soon grab a hold of your emotions.
February 8, 2018
This book grabbed my attention just from reading the synopsis and I knew that it would be a great book.
This is the first book of Susan’s I have read and was given a copy for free to review for the blog tour.
As soon as I started reading this book I fell in love with it and didn’t want to stop reading.
I really liked the characters, and their back stories, which we learn about through the story. I also liked the descriptions of the locations and the way they were written about puts you deep in the middle of it, making the whole story that much believable and easier to read.
The story itself follows Leanne and Abbey as the move back to Ash Morley Farm to live with Leanne’s mother and a group of other minor characters. The main points in this story involve the relationship the three of them have along with how they cope with the loss of Abbey’s father the previous year. It also features Daniel who is fostered by Leanne and her family, and how they all learn to get along with each other in the second half of the book.
Overall it is a very good read, which I would recommend you read on your own, especially the ending.
This is the first book of Susan’s I have read and was given a copy for free to review for the blog tour.
As soon as I started reading this book I fell in love with it and didn’t want to stop reading.
I really liked the characters, and their back stories, which we learn about through the story. I also liked the descriptions of the locations and the way they were written about puts you deep in the middle of it, making the whole story that much believable and easier to read.
The story itself follows Leanne and Abbey as the move back to Ash Morley Farm to live with Leanne’s mother and a group of other minor characters. The main points in this story involve the relationship the three of them have along with how they cope with the loss of Abbey’s father the previous year. It also features Daniel who is fostered by Leanne and her family, and how they all learn to get along with each other in the second half of the book.
Overall it is a very good read, which I would recommend you read on your own, especially the ending.
December 15, 2018
Best book I've read in a while. Slow start but once I was into it I could not put it down. Such an interesting storyline made me laugh and nearly cry a few times.
March 6, 2018
I have always enjoyed Susan Lewis's books, so looked forward to reading the new book Believe In Me, but sadly was disappointed, this didn't have the fascinating storyline that are usual for Susan Lewis and when getting to page 150 and still the story hadn't seemed to move very far.
The concept of the family living at Ash Morley was a nice idea, but letting out the other buildings to people in need, how are all the bills paid this story fell very short.
I know people like to fight for the underdog, but being involved in so many Marches, and when ever available the other campaigns is a lovely idea, but how to you own so many properties with no money coming in, the story just felt very unrealistic.
The concept of the family living at Ash Morley was a nice idea, but letting out the other buildings to people in need, how are all the bills paid this story fell very short.
I know people like to fight for the underdog, but being involved in so many Marches, and when ever available the other campaigns is a lovely idea, but how to you own so many properties with no money coming in, the story just felt very unrealistic.
April 8, 2018
Another enjoyable read from Susan Lewis.
For most of the book, I could just about forget that it was once again set in Kesterley-on-Sea, a very regular setting for Lewis novels over recent years! Of course, Andee Lawrence was conveniently on hand to assist with bringing this story to a conclusion.
I'm afraid that as much as I have enjoyed large numbers of novels by this author I would welcome a new setting and a novel that doesn't include once again characters met before.
That said this is a standalone novel - in that you wouldn't think you had missed anything if you read it in isolation. It introduced some great new characters and covered some interesting topics and issues.
Thank you to Netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest review.
For most of the book, I could just about forget that it was once again set in Kesterley-on-Sea, a very regular setting for Lewis novels over recent years! Of course, Andee Lawrence was conveniently on hand to assist with bringing this story to a conclusion.
I'm afraid that as much as I have enjoyed large numbers of novels by this author I would welcome a new setting and a novel that doesn't include once again characters met before.
That said this is a standalone novel - in that you wouldn't think you had missed anything if you read it in isolation. It introduced some great new characters and covered some interesting topics and issues.
Thank you to Netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest review.
January 30, 2018
I really enjoyed this heartwarming story of different generations of one family and friends of different nationalities all living at Ash Morley Farm .I was totally immersed into the trials and tribulations that befell this family and friends .I felt I would like to become part of their family as the warmth and love and fun was tangible .There were different little stories running through the book which all tied up to make the ending perfect .
February 5, 2018
A book of love, loss, family, friendships and family angsts. However, there is a darker side with the after affects of the referendum and race hate. Throw in a murderer and his adorable son who is passed from foster home to foster home and this really completes this family saga. I thought some of the book was a little over the top with the good this one family does for the world but overall a good read. Some characters appear from previous books which were lovely to be reacquainted with.
February 23, 2018
Susan Lewis is one of my favourite authors. I rarely read the blurb on the back of her books I just start reading.
The characters are all likeable. You get to know them all. It was an easy read. I wanted to know how the book ended so carried on reading but ....
Its a light read, not taxing. A decent holiday read.
The characters are all likeable. You get to know them all. It was an easy read. I wanted to know how the book ended so carried on reading but ....
Its a light read, not taxing. A decent holiday read.
September 15, 2018
I really enjoyed this book.it was a nice steady read.I loved the way the characters were all so close and helped each other like one big happy family.If only more people were like this in the world.it would be a happier place.I m going to miss them all now Iv finished this book!they were all so life like.
March 2, 2018
It wasn't a book that grabbed me from page one, but once it got going it was a really enjoyable read. The way it is written you soon get drawn into the family life ups and downs. I really felt for the characters and their problems. A book that I will be recommending to my friends.
March 10, 2018
I've read all of Susan's books and loved them all and this one is as fantastic as all the others, I couldn't put this down from the moment I started reading it. I now have to wait impatiently for her next book.
March 21, 2018
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
I found this to be so slow with very poor character depth.
It really struggled to hold my interest.
I did manage to finish it though.
So Two Stars.
I found this to be so slow with very poor character depth.
It really struggled to hold my interest.
I did manage to finish it though.
So Two Stars.
April 3, 2018
I usually love Susan Lewis books but this one didn't quite hit the mark for me. A bit too much like a family saga with some of the characters too good to be true. I really liked the characters of Abby and Daniel and was rooting for them all the way through but I did feel the story fell a bit flat.
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