The Kindness of Strangers

by Julie Newman

Deception abounds in Julie Newman's breath-taking new novel. Widow Helen is desperate for a perfect family life, and will do everything she can to get what she wants. A veteran of the Afghanistan conflict Martin is adrift and seemingly without hope – can he ever win back his estranged family?Pregnant teenager Charley is striking out on her own to create a new life for her unborn child, but her mother Lizzie has other ideas. When three seemingly disparate lives connect, the past and the present collide to reveal secrets, lies and how far people are willing to go to hide the truth. Following the gripping and controversial Beware the Cuckoo, Julie Newman's thrilling new novel lifts the lid on the dark past that haunts a seemingly happy household.

320 pages, Paperback

First published May 31, 2021

Reviews

[Bookread2day · Rating 4 out of 5]

The secret that I found out while reading the paperback The Kindness of strangers is too much of a big secret that it would spoil the fun for you, so I'm not going to spoil the story and tell you. Family secrets and a dark past seem to haunt a family. Lies deceit and dark secrets are all hidden away in this well written story. I was shocked when I found out the big secret and although I have finished reading this book, I still can't shake off the big secret. Beware of the Cuckoo by Julie Newman reached the number 1 in woman's fiction kindle chart? I read Beware of the Cuckoo in paperback

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some people are generous of nature, but not in monetary terms or for recognition. Simply extending a hand to steady someone after seeing them stumble from the wreckage of their life can make the world seem like better place. Yet this story shows how the consequences of kindness cannot be predicted, especially when it involves a trio of strangers and their complexities.

An evolving whirlwind of unfortunate events tears across the paths of these achingly desperate folks, razing their lives to the ground: a snarky and recently widowed lady with a fondness for wine, a homeless ex-soldier fighting a personal losing battle, and a young girl with artistic flair but facing seemingly zero prospects.

Initially, the only thing they have in common is that they are unlikely ‘survivors’ of what life may throw at them. As their desperation morphs into something resembling a light at the end of the tunnel, a startling pattern of coincidence begins to emerge.

By seamlessly switching between each character during the same scene their roles and connections develop subtly and stealthily – it’s quite brilliantly done. It was very easy to settle into the varying threads of the trio’s stories, and ashamedly find myself wordlessly judging them!

A twisted tale of the unexpected that successfully pokes people’s morals with a very pointy stick at perfectly timed intervals.

[Anne Z. · Rating 3 out of 5]

The consequences of kindness are not always predictable and even less always positive.
I haven't read a mystery/thriller book in a very long time and this was a nice change of pace.
It was hard to get into because you first get a good look at the life of three separate individuals and don't know how they will connect. But as the story progressed it got more and more interesting.
And that ending was great! I did not see that coming. Very clever.

Full review will be available on my blog Glimpses of my Books and my Instagram from May 5th as part of a book blog tour.

[Robyn Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Julie Newman and love books tours for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.

Wow, this book left me on the edge of my seat literally. From what seems a sweet story about Helen moving on from her husband's death, Martin getting back on his feet, and Charley learning to stand on her own feet unravelled into so much more. It was definitely unexpected, even from reading the synopsis ( I have included this in the comments) what I got was so much more and I absolutely loved it n. I love how Julie seamlessly manages to switch between characters in this story, and it genuinely makes you think about how small this World is that we live in. It is so hard to write this review, as I’m trying to do it spoiler free but so much happens in this story that I’m really struggling!
I would definitely recommend this book, and since finishing it last night I cannot get it out of my head! I will definitely be looking into reading Julies other books

[Ioanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three people, three different stories.

The book follows the lives of three separate people, each one of them with a painful past and striving to change their lives, or regain what was lost. But these people have things that connect them, and, eventually, their lives will get tangled together.

The Kindness of Strangers is a very well written book that comes slowly, but surely, together. Even though the reader wonders, at first, what these people have in common, the author manages to connect everything in a very clever way later on, creating a very interesting and moving story.

[Lacy Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a little apprehensive as my first initial thought was, this would be about a romance and it wouldn’t be one I would personally choose to read.
I did read the synopsis of the book before starting and I still felt it was based around peoples lives and what they do, so I honestly wasn’t expecting such a fantastic book (baring in mind I saw the front cover and didn’t really look properly – you will see when you read this book why). I wont spoil this by giving away any major plots and it would truly spoil your reading enjoyment! I found that I enjoyed the book to start with, it was easy to read and the various characters; as there are quite a few, which didn’t complicate the simplicity of the story with their lives and how they become to know each other, whether they liked it or not!
My initial thoughts are how well the story is laid out, there are headings with characters names that help you to follow through their part of the story, each character seems to have their own introduction into the book and how they connect with the other characters, I found it fascinating how each character came to meet each other by chance or coincidence, how they affected each other in different ways and you only get to understand this as the story unravels.
I found the story easy to follow, in the fact that some books you read, you can find some parts are not necessary or provide too much information. You want to just get on with knowing more about the characters, so for me it was really enjoyable. There were parts where it skipped to what you needed to know, which were shown as a snippet of the next part of the story, these parts were necessary for the story to continue, but you didn’t need to know the bits in-between, what I would call time wasting and hole fillers, some parts in a book you may just read, but not digest what you are reading.
As I read through the various parts of their lives you get to guess where they link up and how it could go, I did have a little guess at what could happen next and most of the story was going to what I thought, which was an interesting, believable, every day life stories that we could all relate to, in one way or another and a joy to read.
However, to go straight to the point I was amazed and shocked as I got close to the end, as I couldn’t understand and wanted to know more on how their intertwined stories would end, whether it was going to be good or bad. What I didn’t expect was what happened next as I read on…. I’m so sorry but I’m not going to give you any spoilers! It gripped me in a way that was unbelievably surprising, it wasn’t the feeling you might get, if you read a thriller and you were gripped on what the murderer might do to his next victim, etc. It was more of a ‘WOW!’ moment, I wasn’t expecting the rest of the book to continue like it did. You get to learn a lot more about a certain character, which explains how things have turned out and why, with extra twists!
This author is fascinating, I’ve read great books before that have gripped me from the beginning, but this one is interesting throughout the majority of the book and makes you want to know more and is a great read, but when you get to this moment that makes your eyes pop and you say, “I did not see that coming!!” it makes this book fantastic! It also makes you remember more about where each of the characters, fall into place with each other and what people will do to ensure closure in their lives.
This is definitely a must read, I don’t always keep my books but this one is definitely staying on my bookshelf and I’m hoping to read the authors other book – Beware the Cuckoo.
I recommend that you read and enjoy this book, this is one you will read yourself and then recommend to others.

[Stacey Parducci · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, I loved how initially the storyline was sectioned off giving you a good chunk of information and delve into the 3 characters life. I instantly connected with all the characters and deeply felt for them with what they were going through and was eager to find out how their lives would collide .
The authors writing style is perfect for me she creates endearing, courageous characters who have gone through heartache and life struggles and really pulls the reader into these emotions.

I wrote above after reading the first section and I have kept it this way for the review because wow !! This book sucked me in it gave me a sense of security that it was going to be a nice ending! It lured me in to thinking the characters were kind, empathetic and vulnerable ... Then BAM ! The rug got pulled from underneath me so quickly and sharply I literally had my mouth open like oh my god ! What just happened ! And I mean this in a good way.

Brilliant writing she wrote this in first person to introduce the characters which appears intentional to first get you connected to the characters but it seems also to lure you into a false sense of compassion for a certain character I won’t say which ... but this almost totally makes sense when I’m the real world evil people appear so normal and I felt this through the book I felt I was nieve I was sucked into their “heartache” I rooted for them , I felt for them to just find out my empathy for one was misplaced ! So unexpected !

I finished this book in two sittings, I loved the character development I loved the unexpected twist for me Personally , I loved the elements of revenge yet it didn’t delve into this too much so left the mystery open which don’t get me wrong I like to know everything but these missing pieces are needed at times with booms and this one definitely does when at the end you stop and just take a moment and think ... GOSH !

Great book! I will be looking at her previous book to see if the blurb is what I fancy as I really enjoyed her writing I enjoyed that the book made me think of many different genres and books/films popping into my head making it a rollercoaster of thoughts the two themes for me fluidly being introduced yet still creating a great unexpected twist !

Well done Julie Newman !

[Chelle W (teaandplottwists) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow – this turned out to be so much more than I expected!

This follows the lives of the three main characters, Helen, Martin and Charley. Helen is recently widowed and struggling to come to terms with the loss of her Husband. But whilst sorting through her Husband’s things she stumbles upon a secret he has been keeping from her…….Her life has been missing something, and she is determined to do whatever it takes to get what she wants.

Martin is a veteran, homeless and hopeless. But then he realises that he has so much to live for and sets out to pull his life back together and get his family back…..but is it too late? And what happened to get them to this point?

Charley is a teenager who’s recently found out she’s pregnant. She knows her Mum will be livid but gets a completely unexpected reaction. She realises she must set out to give her baby the life she never had, and things start going her way. But will she find out the secrets to her past?

As well as the three main characters we also have Audrey – who plays an important role, as well as Martin’s children. The characters all have their own problems, but slowly the connections between some of them become apparent. I couldn’t’ have been more shocked at some of them, and the way the book heads in the second half!

The first half is where you really get to know the characters – who they are, what has happened to them and why they’re where they are. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about each one of them, and my feelings towards them individually changed throughout the book.

And the second half blew me away and took me on a completely unexpected journey – one I will say no more on as I don’t want to give anything away!!

I really enjoyed the writing style, it was easy to follow and enjoyable to read. The pages in the paperback are beautiful with watermarks on each page which made it a luxury to read.

So overall, I throughly enjoyed this! If you’re looking for something a bit different where you can really get to know the characters, and then. get blown away by the storyline and twists, then this is for you! Highly recommended by me! I can’t wait to read more from this author.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book. Where do I start? It's a fantastic read that lulled me in with it's tales of kindness, grief, and sorrow in the first half of the book, and then completely blew me away in the second half. I found myself racing through the pages, of which turned out to be a dark and slick psychological teaser of a read.

The first half of the book is divided into three sections, each section  dedicated to the three central characters of Helen, Martin, and Charley. Each of these stories is told in first person which I really liked, as it helped me to crawl under their skin, and by the first half of the book I felt as if I knew each of then fairly well. Helen, who is coming to terms with the death of her husband, Robert. Martin, who is suffering from PTSD, and Charley, who finds herself pregnant. I needed to understand these characters, so as to better understand what would happen in the second half of the book. All I will say, is expect the unexpected.

The Kindness of Strangers is such a clever and dark read. It uses the common theme of Kindness and a linking character to explore human nature and our need to survive at all costs. All of the three central characters engaged me and I felt quite differently to each and everyone of them, with my views drastically changing as I made my way through the book. However, Charley I liked from the very beginning to the final pages. A young girl trying to to do her best under the most difficult of circumstances. I had a lot of empathy for her.

Although at first these three stories seem to be  in isolation, the author slowly brings these stories together and characters together, with the most unexpected consequences. What is interesting is that the second half of the book us told in third person narrative, weaving from one character to another, and that gave a completely different spin on events.

The unpredictability of Kindness and its repercussions are beautifully explored within this book. It's a dark and twisted tale which asks the reader many morality based questions. An intricate web of love, deceit, and kindness is slowly weaved as we finally learn the truth. Highly recommended.

The Kindness of Strangers was published by Urbane Publication on the 19th April. It can be found on Amazon here.

With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the Advance Reader Copy.

[Misfits farm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helen has just lost her husband and is trying to get back to normal life, whatever that means. She comes across a locked cabinet. Once opened it reveals far more than she ever thought possible. Secrets and lies are not a good start to being a widow. Martin is homeless. He left the army and has struggled with his memories of Helmand. He has PTSD and needs a new start. With an helping hand he finds somewhere to stay and a job, but what he wants more than anything is to put things right with his wife and children who are now rather fearful of him. Charley is a teenager who stands on her own two feet as her Mother takes life lying down- in every sense of the word. When a thin blue line appears and Charley’s boyfriend joins the army, her life takes on a very different turn. This is a well told story that draws you in from the start. Characters that you take to even if you don’t particularly like (if that makes sense) and wonder how they are going to come together. We like it when people are kind. Generous perhaps, not always in a monetary fashion, but with time and effort and care. However some of these people may have their own hidden agenda. This is the story of three people inextricably linked but don’t yet know it. Expect the unexpected. A comfortable read to begin with but then…. I won’t spoil it, but I didn't expect what happened. An interesting memorable read.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nickijmurphy1

[Heather Copping · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first impression of this book when I looked at the front cover was "whats that about" by the time I had progressed through the book I understood it completely.
This book reminds me of a saying that everything is connected on this life and no spoilers here but when you read it you will know what I mean. There are three.main characters Helen who is recently widowed. Martin who is suffering greatly after serving in the Afghan conflict in the army. Charley is a teenage girl who when we first meet her is the daughter of a prostitute and she has recently found out she is pregnant. This story very cleverly intertwined these people and their lives in a way that makes you want to read on and find out what happens to each person. My only criticism is that I thought the ending was rather abrupt, I would have liked it to have gone on a bit further with what happened.
A great read that had me hooked, this is the second book by Julie Newman and I think she is definitely an author to look out for. 5☆ read.

[theweebookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, where do I start with this book. I loved the way the author started the bok by splitting the book up into the three main characters allowing us to get to know them and their individual troubles. As the story unfolded I felt I connected with them and they all had my sympathies. I was totally gripped with this book and didn't want to put it down.

I kept trying to guess when and where their paths may cross and got one bit right. However, the twist happened and wow I was not expecting that and I guess in real life evil people can come across as very nice.

This is the first Julie Newman book I've read but will need to check out her other one. For me, I feel this deserves 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I wax gifted a copy of the book in exchange for an honest opinion.

[Daisy Hollands · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I LOVED everything about this book. From the cover, to the premise to the actual story itself, I was completely drawn in. Make no mistake, this is not frothy, disposable chick lit - there is nothing formulaic about this book at all. It’s very hard to review without even inadvertently giving away any spoilers. But trust me - you will absolutely love this story. It’s got it all and I was torn between desperately wanting to get to the last page to see how it all turned out and at the same time not wanting it to end at all. One of the best books I’ve read this year. Buy it for yourself or as a present for someone who loves to read. Massively recommended.

[Danielle Amor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodness me.... this book was the complete opposite to what I expected, but I absolutely loved it because of it!

Each Character is written so at the beginning you really like them, or empathise, have sympathy etc and then the deceit, the lies, the manipulation has the whole thing turned on its head!

I simply couldn’t put this book down, because when the lies started catching up on them all, the need to know what was going to happen next was insatiable!

I would absolutely recommend this book!

[Celeste Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off the cover is adorable. It captures my attention and the title. Sometimes the unexpected kindness comes from strangers and this book is surprisingly interesting. It has a various of stories and will take you into a roller coaster of emotions. It will also test you heart and what makes you feel the connection. The author did a wonderful job in writing this book and I won’t be able to get over it any time soon.

[Alice Blackham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Loved this one, kept me reading even when I was very tired. Finally finished early this morning. Looking for her other books.

[Zu Y · Rating 5 out of 5]

An eye for an eye.

It started with 3 different stories but the author is amazing in creating a storyline to sync all 3 stories into 1 unexpected plot twist.

[Stephen Atkinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I tried.

Started off well but descended into the absurd. Quite disappointing. I really wanted to enjoy it all but couldn’t as the plot was just too far fetched. First book I’ve read on Kindle unlimited in a while. I hope it isn’t a sign of things to come.

[Nancy Graben · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley for an honest review.

Yikes. The last third of the book was totally unexpected--Helen was identifiable and sympathetic until then.

Great read.

[Jade Boory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley for an honest review.

Wow, just wow! The depth of the characters and the emotional connection that is developed is amazing. I could not put this book down.

The books is divided into two parts, "The Strangers" and "The Kindness."
In part one we are introduced to 3 character sections. Helen - a recent widow who uncovers devastating secrets her husband had kept from her. Martin - a homeless veteran struggling with PTSD and trying to reconcile with his family. Charlie - a teenage artist with a complicated home life and an even larger challenge ahead of her.
Without delving too much into the plot, the three destinies are intertwined in a beautifully complicated, and unexpected way.

Part 2 "The Kindness" is told from all three perspectives seamlessly. As the story unfolds and the truths emerge the characters you have begun to empathize with expose themselves in a shocking new light.

The ending is perfect.

[Aitza]

3.5 stars

This book was well written but I had a hard time connecting with all of the characters. Don't get me wrong, they experienced some very real issues that I feel need to be addressed more. I was trying to step out of my comfort box in terms on crime and humanity books and it didn't sit right. That said, I did appreciate the character building and balance of all three characters. The perceived notion of kindness and how us humans perform it really spoke to me as someone coming from an interpersonal communication background.

Thanks NetGalley for letting me read this and leave an honest review