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Rose Petal Beach #1
Les pétales de sang
Tami pensait avoir une famille parfaite. Jusqu'à ce soir tragique où la jeune femme, impuissante, voit son mari Scott se faire menotter sous les yeux de leurs deux fillettes terrifiées. Le choc est total : Scott est accusé d'un acte odieux, impensable. Et c'est sa meilleure amie Mirabelle qui a porté plainte. Qui croire ? L'homme qu'elle aime depuis toujours, le père de ses enfants ? Ou celle en qui elle plaçait une confiance aveugle, sa presque soeur ? Alors que Scott nie tout en bloc et que Mirabelle fuit les explications, Tami enquête. Et bientôt, le passé trouble de Mirabelle se dévoile… Mais aussi les nombreux secrets que Scott dissimule depuis tant d'années.
Il est des vérités plus difficiles à supporter que le mensonge. Et si le pire, pour Tami et les siens, était à venir ?
« Un thriller psychologique tout à fait brillant. » The Sun
Il est des vérités plus difficiles à supporter que le mensonge. Et si le pire, pour Tami et les siens, était à venir ?
« Un thriller psychologique tout à fait brillant. » The Sun
715 pages, Pocket Book
First published December 1, 2012
253 people are currently reading
5080 people want to read
About the author
Dorothy Koomson
50 books3,264 followersHello, my name's Dorothy Koomson and I'll try to make this bit that's all about me as interesting as possible.
I wrote my first novel called There's A Thin Line Between Love And Hate when I was 13. I used to write a chapter every night then pass it around to my fellow convent school pupils every morning, and they seemed to love it.
I grew up in London and then grew up again in Leeds when I went to university. I eventually returned to London to study for my masters degree and stayed put for the following years. I took up various temping jobs and eventually got my big break writing, editing and subbing for various women's magazines and national papers.
Fiction and storytelling were still a HUGE passion of mine and I continued to write short stories and novels every spare moment that I got. In 2001 I had the idea for The Cupid Effect and my career as a published novelist began. And it's been fantastic. In 2006, third novel, My Best Friend's Girl was published. It was incredibly successful - selling nearly 90,000 copies within its first few weeks on sale. Six weeks later, it was selected for the Richard & Judy Summer Reads Book Club and the book went on to sell over 500,000 copies. Oh, there I go again, this is meant to be about me, not my novels.
Okay, back to me. I recently spent two years living in Sydney Australia, and now I'm back in England. But I can't say for how long I'll be in the UK for because I've been well and truly bitten by the travel bug
I wrote my first novel called There's A Thin Line Between Love And Hate when I was 13. I used to write a chapter every night then pass it around to my fellow convent school pupils every morning, and they seemed to love it.
I grew up in London and then grew up again in Leeds when I went to university. I eventually returned to London to study for my masters degree and stayed put for the following years. I took up various temping jobs and eventually got my big break writing, editing and subbing for various women's magazines and national papers.
Fiction and storytelling were still a HUGE passion of mine and I continued to write short stories and novels every spare moment that I got. In 2001 I had the idea for The Cupid Effect and my career as a published novelist began. And it's been fantastic. In 2006, third novel, My Best Friend's Girl was published. It was incredibly successful - selling nearly 90,000 copies within its first few weeks on sale. Six weeks later, it was selected for the Richard & Judy Summer Reads Book Club and the book went on to sell over 500,000 copies. Oh, there I go again, this is meant to be about me, not my novels.
Okay, back to me. I recently spent two years living in Sydney Australia, and now I'm back in England. But I can't say for how long I'll be in the UK for because I've been well and truly bitten by the travel bug
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 732 reviews
July 14, 2025
“Have you heard the story of the rose petal beach?”
Dorothy Koomson-"The Rose Petal beach".
This is the kind of enthralling book that can put you into a trance. It is also how I discovered Dorothy Koomson who is a wonderful writer.
This is the type of book that seems to come from another century. Everything about it is ethreal..even when dealing with some pretty heavy subject matter.
Tami is stunned when one night the police come calling. It turns out they are there to arrest her husband Scott. He is accused of a terrible crime which Tami knows he could not have possibly committed..until she discovers who his accuser is. Then Tami's world is thrown into chaos as she does not know who to trust.
THIS IS NOT YOUR STANDARD PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER.
I have read many a Koomson book. Her works are always magnificent but this maybe her masterpiece.
This book is really about love..and trust..and it is about the legend of the Rose Petal Beach.
Have you heard of it? The mystical Rose Petal beach..where is it? And what role does it play in this book?
So I am not going to post any spoilers. I remember once, during the time I when I had just finished reading this, my mom asked me what I was reading or had read lately. I told her about this book and started going into details. Her eyes got that look that I am sure mine had while reading this.
Like something beautiful and rare was being discussed.
I would encourage anyone to read this book. It is absolutely luminous and the story will enthrall you and pull you in. You too will be beguiled by The Rose Petal Beach...
The "Rose Petal Beach"..both the book and the beach itself have stayed with me. I am happy to give this five stars and I'd give it even more if I could.
Dorothy Koomson-"The Rose Petal beach".
This is the kind of enthralling book that can put you into a trance. It is also how I discovered Dorothy Koomson who is a wonderful writer.
This is the type of book that seems to come from another century. Everything about it is ethreal..even when dealing with some pretty heavy subject matter.
Tami is stunned when one night the police come calling. It turns out they are there to arrest her husband Scott. He is accused of a terrible crime which Tami knows he could not have possibly committed..until she discovers who his accuser is. Then Tami's world is thrown into chaos as she does not know who to trust.
THIS IS NOT YOUR STANDARD PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER.
I have read many a Koomson book. Her works are always magnificent but this maybe her masterpiece.
This book is really about love..and trust..and it is about the legend of the Rose Petal Beach.
Have you heard of it? The mystical Rose Petal beach..where is it? And what role does it play in this book?
So I am not going to post any spoilers. I remember once, during the time I when I had just finished reading this, my mom asked me what I was reading or had read lately. I told her about this book and started going into details. Her eyes got that look that I am sure mine had while reading this.
Like something beautiful and rare was being discussed.
I would encourage anyone to read this book. It is absolutely luminous and the story will enthrall you and pull you in. You too will be beguiled by The Rose Petal Beach...
The "Rose Petal Beach"..both the book and the beach itself have stayed with me. I am happy to give this five stars and I'd give it even more if I could.
June 3, 2022
You know it's a good book when you actually feel you're part of it.
I'm going to miss the characters, they felt like old friends.
Wasn't the ending I was hoping for but I guess that's life, I'll take it on the chin.
Five stars.
I'm going to miss the characters, they felt like old friends.
Wasn't the ending I was hoping for but I guess that's life, I'll take it on the chin.
Five stars.
November 9, 2017
4.5 BIG STARS
"As amizades fazem se de pequenos gestos de bondade, bem como de grandes favores."
*
“Friendships grow from small acts of kindness as well as from big favours.”
- Tamia Challey
* * *
"Pergunto-me se as outras pessoas também se sentem assim. Se também se sentem completamente dissociadas do mundo em que vivem."
*
“I wonder if other people feel like this? If they feel completely removed from the world they are living in.”
- Tami
* * *
"(O que eu preciso) é de lucidez. Preciso de pensar. De ouvir. De entender. Porque nada faz sentido."
*
“What I need – is clarity. I need to think. To listen. To understand. Because nothing is making sense.”
- Tami
* * *
"Porque será que as pessoas mentem? Para nos magoar ou para nos proteger? Porquê?
Acaba sempre em lágrimas. Sempre."
*
“Why do people lie? Do they want to hurt you or protect you? Why?
It always ends in tears. Always.”
- Fleur
* * *
"Não escolhemos as pessoas por quem nos apaixonamos. E, às vezes, é impossível não magoar alguem durante o processo. Espero que, quando souber, ela compreenda isso, espero mesmo.
*
“You can’t help who you fall in love with. And you can’t help, sometimes, who you hurt in the process. I hope she understands that when she finds out, I really do.”
- Beatrix
* * *
"Pela primeira vez desde há muito tempo tudo começa a fazer sentido, o mundo já não parece estar cheio de absurdos, incongruências que aparentemente só eu via, o que devia querer dizer que a doida era eu, que andava desfasada da realidade. Agora sinto-me lúcida. Afinal, não estava a enlouquecer, não era paranoia, não estava a ser egoísta e apagada ao passado, não estava a travar o processo de reconciliação por excesso de zelo. Todas as minhas reações eram normais, porque ainda andavam a trair-me, a desrespeitar-me. A MENTIR-ME."
*
“For the first time in a long time everything makes sense, the world does not seem to be full of things that don’t add up, with inconsistencies that only I seem to see, which must mean it is me who is crazy, out of step with the real world. I have clarity. I was not going mad, I wasn’t paranoid, I wasn’t selfish and clinging to the past, I wasn’t holding up the process of moving on by being cautious and on edge. All of my reactions were normal because I was still being cheated on, disrespected. LIED TO.”
- Tami
* * *
"Temos sempre escolhas. Todos nós. Alguns são demasiado cegos para perceber isso. Alguns não as aproveitam. Alguns não sabem aproveitá-las. E outros são privados delas, encurralados numa situação da qual não podem escapar. Mas ainda assim, temos escolhas."
*
“We all have choices. Every single one of us. Some of us are too blind to see them. Some of us don’t make use of them. Some of us don’t use them correctly. And some us are completely robbed of them because we are trapped in a situation we can’t escape. We still have choices, though.”
- Beatrix
* * *
Sou egoísta, arrogante e uma desgraça enquanto ser humano. Não tem sido fácil lidar com estas verdades. Mas sê França contigo própria. Quando olhas para trás, para o que se passou entre nós, se estava mesmo apaixonado por ti como dizia estar, porque é que nunca deixei a minha mulher? Sou egoísta, as minhas necessidades vêm sempre em primeiro lugar."
*
“I am selfish, entitled and a disgrace as a human being. I am struggling to deal with all these truths. But be honest with yourself. When you look back over what went on between us, if I was as truly in love with you as I claimed to be, why did I never leave my wife? I am selfish, my needs and wants always come first.”
- Scott
* * *
Fiquei destroçada. E o pior foi quando vi ... quando vi a devastação que tinha causado. Era muito fácil convencer-me de que estava a agir bem quando não tinha de encarar de perto as consequências dos meus atos.
*
“It did break me when I saw—When I saw the devastation I’d caused. It was always so easy to convince myself of what I was doing when I didn’t have to experience the fallout up close.”
- Mirabelle
"As amizades fazem se de pequenos gestos de bondade, bem como de grandes favores."
*
“Friendships grow from small acts of kindness as well as from big favours.”
- Tamia Challey
* * *
"Pergunto-me se as outras pessoas também se sentem assim. Se também se sentem completamente dissociadas do mundo em que vivem."
*
“I wonder if other people feel like this? If they feel completely removed from the world they are living in.”
- Tami
* * *
"(O que eu preciso) é de lucidez. Preciso de pensar. De ouvir. De entender. Porque nada faz sentido."
*
“What I need – is clarity. I need to think. To listen. To understand. Because nothing is making sense.”
- Tami
* * *
"Porque será que as pessoas mentem? Para nos magoar ou para nos proteger? Porquê?
Acaba sempre em lágrimas. Sempre."
*
“Why do people lie? Do they want to hurt you or protect you? Why?
It always ends in tears. Always.”
- Fleur
* * *
"Não escolhemos as pessoas por quem nos apaixonamos. E, às vezes, é impossível não magoar alguem durante o processo. Espero que, quando souber, ela compreenda isso, espero mesmo.
*
“You can’t help who you fall in love with. And you can’t help, sometimes, who you hurt in the process. I hope she understands that when she finds out, I really do.”
- Beatrix
* * *
"Pela primeira vez desde há muito tempo tudo começa a fazer sentido, o mundo já não parece estar cheio de absurdos, incongruências que aparentemente só eu via, o que devia querer dizer que a doida era eu, que andava desfasada da realidade. Agora sinto-me lúcida. Afinal, não estava a enlouquecer, não era paranoia, não estava a ser egoísta e apagada ao passado, não estava a travar o processo de reconciliação por excesso de zelo. Todas as minhas reações eram normais, porque ainda andavam a trair-me, a desrespeitar-me. A MENTIR-ME."
*
“For the first time in a long time everything makes sense, the world does not seem to be full of things that don’t add up, with inconsistencies that only I seem to see, which must mean it is me who is crazy, out of step with the real world. I have clarity. I was not going mad, I wasn’t paranoid, I wasn’t selfish and clinging to the past, I wasn’t holding up the process of moving on by being cautious and on edge. All of my reactions were normal because I was still being cheated on, disrespected. LIED TO.”
- Tami
* * *
"Temos sempre escolhas. Todos nós. Alguns são demasiado cegos para perceber isso. Alguns não as aproveitam. Alguns não sabem aproveitá-las. E outros são privados delas, encurralados numa situação da qual não podem escapar. Mas ainda assim, temos escolhas."
*
“We all have choices. Every single one of us. Some of us are too blind to see them. Some of us don’t make use of them. Some of us don’t use them correctly. And some us are completely robbed of them because we are trapped in a situation we can’t escape. We still have choices, though.”
- Beatrix
* * *
Sou egoísta, arrogante e uma desgraça enquanto ser humano. Não tem sido fácil lidar com estas verdades. Mas sê França contigo própria. Quando olhas para trás, para o que se passou entre nós, se estava mesmo apaixonado por ti como dizia estar, porque é que nunca deixei a minha mulher? Sou egoísta, as minhas necessidades vêm sempre em primeiro lugar."
*
“I am selfish, entitled and a disgrace as a human being. I am struggling to deal with all these truths. But be honest with yourself. When you look back over what went on between us, if I was as truly in love with you as I claimed to be, why did I never leave my wife? I am selfish, my needs and wants always come first.”
- Scott
* * *
Fiquei destroçada. E o pior foi quando vi ... quando vi a devastação que tinha causado. Era muito fácil convencer-me de que estava a agir bem quando não tinha de encarar de perto as consequências dos meus atos.
*
“It did break me when I saw—When I saw the devastation I’d caused. It was always so easy to convince myself of what I was doing when I didn’t have to experience the fallout up close.”
- Mirabelle
September 7, 2016
A minha opinião em vídeo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btjH-...
Que surpresa tão boa! Adoro quando isso acontece.
Esperava um drama e saiu-me um thriller viciante que não descansei enquanto não cheguei ao fim.
Embora não tenha gostado de algumas coisas da personagem principal, fiquei fã da Dorothy Koomson e quero ler mais livros dela.
Que surpresa tão boa! Adoro quando isso acontece.
Esperava um drama e saiu-me um thriller viciante que não descansei enquanto não cheguei ao fim.
Embora não tenha gostado de algumas coisas da personagem principal, fiquei fã da Dorothy Koomson e quero ler mais livros dela.
May 6, 2014
I wasn’t sure what to expect from The Rose Petal Beach. The blurb above doesn’t give an awful lot away as to the subject matter and I’m going to resist from revealing any spoilers throughout my review so as not to ruin it when (not if) you read it.
I’ve been a fan of Dorothy Koomson’s novels since a friend sent me Goodnight, Beautiful several years ago and I read The Ice Cream Girls shortly afterwards. Since then I’ve read all but one of Dorothy Koomson’s releases and they’ve all been amazing.
I will start by saying that The Rose Petal Beach did not disappoint.
Tamia and Scott Challey have known each other since they were young, have been in love since they were teens, have been married for twelve years and have a nice house, on a nice road, with nice neighbours, two perfect children and what appears to be the perfect life. Then the police knock at the door and arrest Scott, having been accused of something truly awful, and their world is turned upside down.
The action starts from the outset and within just a few pages comes the first twist of many. I literally don’t think I’ve ever read a book containing so many twists and turns.
This is more than just a story, it is a collection of stories intertwined. The story of of Tamia and Scott in the present, the story of Tamia and Scott’s path to where they are now, stories of their friends and neighbours, of their families and the story of The Rose Petal Beach.
"Have you heard the story of The Rose Petal Beach? Is it a story worth killing for?"
The Rose Petal Beach continuously moves between each story. New characters are introduced along the way, some are completely unexpected and each offers their own story – bringing a new piece to the puzzle, helping to connect the dots.
I was truly shocked at every revelation, I honestly didn’t guess what was going to happen with the turn of each page. This book is clever, intriguing, crammed with suspense and will keep you guessing right until the very end. You will doubt each of the characters just as much as the are doubted by themselves and each other. You will struggle to figure out who is telling the truth and to decide who you believe.
No matter how many puzzle pieces you’re offered, how many dots are connected, I’m pretty sure you won’t predict what happens throughout the book never mind figure out the ending.
Maybe it’s just me, but I very much doubt it. I guessed the twist in The Sixth Sense before the movie was even half way through!
This book plays host to a number of disturbing elements and on many occasions it does not make for an easy read but it is the epitome of the term “page turner”. It’s easily the best book I’ve read so far this year and possibly my favourite Dorothy Koomson novel to date.
"Have you heard the story of The Rose Petal Beach?"
You really should.
My Rating: 5/5 – Yet another masterpiece from Dorothy Koomson. An original, compelling combination of characters and stories are blended together perfectly to create a gripping novel that will hold your attention and keep you guessing until the final page.
I’ve been a fan of Dorothy Koomson’s novels since a friend sent me Goodnight, Beautiful several years ago and I read The Ice Cream Girls shortly afterwards. Since then I’ve read all but one of Dorothy Koomson’s releases and they’ve all been amazing.
I will start by saying that The Rose Petal Beach did not disappoint.
Tamia and Scott Challey have known each other since they were young, have been in love since they were teens, have been married for twelve years and have a nice house, on a nice road, with nice neighbours, two perfect children and what appears to be the perfect life. Then the police knock at the door and arrest Scott, having been accused of something truly awful, and their world is turned upside down.
The action starts from the outset and within just a few pages comes the first twist of many. I literally don’t think I’ve ever read a book containing so many twists and turns.
This is more than just a story, it is a collection of stories intertwined. The story of of Tamia and Scott in the present, the story of Tamia and Scott’s path to where they are now, stories of their friends and neighbours, of their families and the story of The Rose Petal Beach.
"Have you heard the story of The Rose Petal Beach? Is it a story worth killing for?"
The Rose Petal Beach continuously moves between each story. New characters are introduced along the way, some are completely unexpected and each offers their own story – bringing a new piece to the puzzle, helping to connect the dots.
I was truly shocked at every revelation, I honestly didn’t guess what was going to happen with the turn of each page. This book is clever, intriguing, crammed with suspense and will keep you guessing right until the very end. You will doubt each of the characters just as much as the are doubted by themselves and each other. You will struggle to figure out who is telling the truth and to decide who you believe.
No matter how many puzzle pieces you’re offered, how many dots are connected, I’m pretty sure you won’t predict what happens throughout the book never mind figure out the ending.
Maybe it’s just me, but I very much doubt it. I guessed the twist in The Sixth Sense before the movie was even half way through!
This book plays host to a number of disturbing elements and on many occasions it does not make for an easy read but it is the epitome of the term “page turner”. It’s easily the best book I’ve read so far this year and possibly my favourite Dorothy Koomson novel to date.
"Have you heard the story of The Rose Petal Beach?"
You really should.
My Rating: 5/5 – Yet another masterpiece from Dorothy Koomson. An original, compelling combination of characters and stories are blended together perfectly to create a gripping novel that will hold your attention and keep you guessing until the final page.
August 3, 2015
Portanto, estou eu debruçada sobre um puzzle, muito atenta e a sentir-me bastante competente por ter conseguido encaixar a maioria das peças quando chega Dorothy e não só embaralha, sem misericórdia, as minhas pecinhas todas (!) como ainda me diz, malvada e presunçosa, que tem estado a manter outras tantas peças escondidas no bolso... E não é a primeira vez que me faz isto...!
Adoro!
Não tenho dúvidas em relação ao talento de Dorothy Koomson como escritora. Atenta e competente na construção dos seus romances, vai avançando e recuando no tempo, construindo no passado apenas para podermos presenciar o respectivo desmoronamento no presente, sob diferentes pontos de vista.
A caracterização das personagens é excelente e a forma como desenvolve a protagonista, Tami, aproxima-nos bastante da mesma. Mas, claro, se já lemos um livro de Koomson vamos manter-nos saudavelmente desconfiados desta tal Tami e companhia.
Ao criar personagens multidimensionais como estas, que parecem esconder particularidades - inocentes ou não - e viver por detrás de máscaras, a autora mantém-nos em dúvida constante, divididos e muito, muito curiosos.
O desfecho pareceu-me um bocadinho forçado mas o resto do livro é tão bom que estou completamente disposta a ignorar isso. Como se não bastasse ter que equilibrar na sua bandeja amizade, maternidade, lealdade, amor, fidelidade, carreira e casamento Tami tem agora que lidar com crimes graves... Fenomenal!
Adoro!
Não tenho dúvidas em relação ao talento de Dorothy Koomson como escritora. Atenta e competente na construção dos seus romances, vai avançando e recuando no tempo, construindo no passado apenas para podermos presenciar o respectivo desmoronamento no presente, sob diferentes pontos de vista.
A caracterização das personagens é excelente e a forma como desenvolve a protagonista, Tami, aproxima-nos bastante da mesma. Mas, claro, se já lemos um livro de Koomson vamos manter-nos saudavelmente desconfiados desta tal Tami e companhia.
Ao criar personagens multidimensionais como estas, que parecem esconder particularidades - inocentes ou não - e viver por detrás de máscaras, a autora mantém-nos em dúvida constante, divididos e muito, muito curiosos.
O desfecho pareceu-me um bocadinho forçado mas o resto do livro é tão bom que estou completamente disposta a ignorar isso. Como se não bastasse ter que equilibrar na sua bandeja amizade, maternidade, lealdade, amor, fidelidade, carreira e casamento Tami tem agora que lidar com crimes graves... Fenomenal!
July 27, 2013
I honestly didn't finish this book, that's the first thing I should say. It was laboured, derivative and most of all boring. I was rleucatnt to pick this up as it looked like plain old chick lit to me, and not too interesting eiother but having been drawn in to the Ice Cream Girls on the tv recently thought I'd try out the books as they generally tend to be better. Well I was wrong.The book didn't seem to know what it was, belaboured too much the issue of race beteen the main characters and had too little suspense, Tamia's husband is arrested for a crime but there is no reveal of it, and to be honest, ages afetr he was arrested I still couldn't care less and thought he'd actually be better off away form his insipid wife. It has taken me a very long time to realise that i don't HAVE to finish every book I read, some just aren't worthy of the time taken at all (cheers for that lesson Dan Brown!) and I quite happily returned this to the library unfinished. There are too many good books out there to waste time with just 'meh' ones.
October 6, 2012
I'm a huge fan of Dorothy Koomson and, despite only discovering her wonderful books last year, she is one of my favourite authors and The Rose Petal Beach is another example of why. Dorothy Koomson's writing is exquisite, seemingly simple and flowing yet powerful, bringing the reader into the very centre of her characters' lives. I always feel as though I am there, feeling every emotion they are going through. Her characters are complex - nobody is perfect or bad to the core - but that only makes them more believable, more real.
Tamia is at the centre of the story, pulling everybody together. I really felt for her as her life crumbled around her as yet more secrets came to light. Whether the assault actually happened or whether it was revenge for a rejected advance, Tamia's life will change. She is caught in the middle and, through no fault of her own, she will lose someone important to her. Though she may not have always felt like one, Tamia is an extremely strong woman. She showed great strength and restraint as she dealt with the horrific turn her life was taking and had an amazing amount of compassion for those around her, whether they deserved her kindness or not.
Dorothy Koomson's writing and storytelling is as beautiful and full of raw emotion as ever but as well as being an emotional tale, The Rose Petal Beach is a gripping thriller that keeps you guessing with each new event and revelation. Who had it in them to kill and why? I absolutely loved The Rose Petal Beach and it took great effort to put it down as I was desperate to know who the murderer was and what would become of Tamia.
Tamia is at the centre of the story, pulling everybody together. I really felt for her as her life crumbled around her as yet more secrets came to light. Whether the assault actually happened or whether it was revenge for a rejected advance, Tamia's life will change. She is caught in the middle and, through no fault of her own, she will lose someone important to her. Though she may not have always felt like one, Tamia is an extremely strong woman. She showed great strength and restraint as she dealt with the horrific turn her life was taking and had an amazing amount of compassion for those around her, whether they deserved her kindness or not.
Dorothy Koomson's writing and storytelling is as beautiful and full of raw emotion as ever but as well as being an emotional tale, The Rose Petal Beach is a gripping thriller that keeps you guessing with each new event and revelation. Who had it in them to kill and why? I absolutely loved The Rose Petal Beach and it took great effort to put it down as I was desperate to know who the murderer was and what would become of Tamia.
August 29, 2016
***4,5 estrelas***
Adorei!
Foi o meu primeiro contacto com a escritora. Fiquei fascinada com a forma tão pungente nas descrições das emoções, dos sentimentos. Adorei as personagens, tanto que não me apetece largá-los, deixá-los é separar-me de vez, significa perdê-los e isso eu não queria mesmo...
Adorei o sentido de humor em alguns diálogos assim como o contraste de outros com uma carga tão dramática, tão forte que ficamos com o coração apertado.
Perguntamo-nos inúmeras vezes: "E se fosse a mim? E se fosse eu?"
É poderosa a forma como nos sentimos envolvidos na história, acreditem.
Se há algo a apontar, seria relativamente, aos acontecimentos se desenrolarem a um ritmo um pouco lento. Pela gravidade da situação, esperava mais rebuliço, reações mais intempestivas e intransingentes por parte da Tami, mas na verdade ela é um poço de resiliência, de uma capacidade para engolir toda a dor e sofrimento atroz em prole do que considera acima de tudo, ou seja, o bem estar das filhas. Ela vai dando tempo ao tempo enquanto continua a remoer, a assimilar tudo o que se está a passar e é como se tudo decorresse em câmara lenta. Nós próprios somos confrontados com este passo a passo, mastigando cada acção, vivendo e interiorizando num crescendo de intensidade de sensações.
O fim é absolutamente inesperado mas ao contrário das características de todo o livro somos atirados de uma forma abrupta para a resolução do mistério.
Já comprei mais 2 livros da escritora e tenho a certeza que não ficarei por aqui.
Recomendo, obviamente.i
Adorei!
Foi o meu primeiro contacto com a escritora. Fiquei fascinada com a forma tão pungente nas descrições das emoções, dos sentimentos. Adorei as personagens, tanto que não me apetece largá-los, deixá-los é separar-me de vez, significa perdê-los e isso eu não queria mesmo...
Adorei o sentido de humor em alguns diálogos assim como o contraste de outros com uma carga tão dramática, tão forte que ficamos com o coração apertado.
Perguntamo-nos inúmeras vezes: "E se fosse a mim? E se fosse eu?"
É poderosa a forma como nos sentimos envolvidos na história, acreditem.
Se há algo a apontar, seria relativamente, aos acontecimentos se desenrolarem a um ritmo um pouco lento. Pela gravidade da situação, esperava mais rebuliço, reações mais intempestivas e intransingentes por parte da Tami, mas na verdade ela é um poço de resiliência, de uma capacidade para engolir toda a dor e sofrimento atroz em prole do que considera acima de tudo, ou seja, o bem estar das filhas. Ela vai dando tempo ao tempo enquanto continua a remoer, a assimilar tudo o que se está a passar e é como se tudo decorresse em câmara lenta. Nós próprios somos confrontados com este passo a passo, mastigando cada acção, vivendo e interiorizando num crescendo de intensidade de sensações.
O fim é absolutamente inesperado mas ao contrário das características de todo o livro somos atirados de uma forma abrupta para a resolução do mistério.
Já comprei mais 2 livros da escritora e tenho a certeza que não ficarei por aqui.
Recomendo, obviamente.i
August 7, 2016
I have enjoyed every single book I have read by Dorothy Koomson. I also enjoyed this one but I had some problems with it. I had problems with oversimplifications and absurd generalizations (every man who watches porn is a traitorous pig). I had problems with almost every character, to be honest. Tamia and her passive-agressive shit instead of just recognizing that she wed someone she really didn't know. Beatrix, because her selfishness is something that makes me want to throw up. Scott, just BECAUSE.
This would probably be a good story for me if I didn't feel like there were a lot of things that were there because they were expected to be - I mean, they were clichés. I was never really surprised (except in the end and even then I didn't actually feel the intensity of the moment) and I didn't feel the story, if that makes any sense. I didn't FEEL it.
I am somewhat conflicted with this change in Dorothy's books - they used to be about relationships and the pursuit of love with some drama in between. But lately they have been more about mystery and about destroying the notion of a perfectly content relationship that has everything to survive and thrive but instead is ripped apart without mercy or chance of survival. I know love isn't always the fairy-tale-ish variety buttt it was good to read one of her books and feel reassured that I would find a couple that, in the middle of adversity, always found its way back to each other. Now, I don't know what I will find.
This would probably be a good story for me if I didn't feel like there were a lot of things that were there because they were expected to be - I mean, they were clichés. I was never really surprised (except in the end and even then I didn't actually feel the intensity of the moment) and I didn't feel the story, if that makes any sense. I didn't FEEL it.
I am somewhat conflicted with this change in Dorothy's books - they used to be about relationships and the pursuit of love with some drama in between. But lately they have been more about mystery and about destroying the notion of a perfectly content relationship that has everything to survive and thrive but instead is ripped apart without mercy or chance of survival. I know love isn't always the fairy-tale-ish variety buttt it was good to read one of her books and feel reassured that I would find a couple that, in the middle of adversity, always found its way back to each other. Now, I don't know what I will find.
April 10, 2013
Dorothy Koomson é mestre no romance. Criadora de personagens fortes e marcantes, Koomson foi ainda mais além neste "a praia das pétalas de rosa", porque introduziu o suspense, com a suspeita de vários crimes que me fascinaram ainda mais.
Opinião completa: http://marcadordelivros.blogspot.pt/2...
Opinião completa: http://marcadordelivros.blogspot.pt/2...
September 2, 2015
Mogla je tu priču srediti bez puno odugovlačenja, dobila bi na dinamičnosti i većoj zanimljivosti. Jedva sam čekala da ju završim koja trakavica od svega i svačega.
December 20, 2012
Dorothy Koomson is a really good writer. I was drawn into this book within a few chapters and could not put it down.
I generally don't like POV novels and the fact that the various narrators in this story are unreliable was a bit frustrating but I enjoyed this book enough to seek out more of Koomson's books.
The pros for me are the previously mentioned readability of the work and the relatable characters. Koomston's descriptions of the internal struggles of a former professional woman who gives up her career for family were completely realistic without being stereotypical.
What I disliked about the novel was the characterization of Mirabelle. Even at the end of story, I never quite believed that she would have made many of the choices she did in the book.
I also thought there were entirely too many chapters devoted to Beatrix. At the beginning, I had no idea why her POV was even presented, since she seemed like such a non-factor. By the end I cringed every time I turned the page and found yet another chapter devoted to her inner thoughts. Frankly, I just didn't care about her at all.
Lastly, I think the ending was a disappointment and quite literally a cop out. That said, I'd still recommend the book, especially for someone looking for a page turner.
I generally don't like POV novels and the fact that the various narrators in this story are unreliable was a bit frustrating but I enjoyed this book enough to seek out more of Koomson's books.
The pros for me are the previously mentioned readability of the work and the relatable characters. Koomston's descriptions of the internal struggles of a former professional woman who gives up her career for family were completely realistic without being stereotypical.
What I disliked about the novel was the characterization of Mirabelle. Even at the end of story, I never quite believed that she would have made many of the choices she did in the book.
I also thought there were entirely too many chapters devoted to Beatrix. At the beginning, I had no idea why her POV was even presented, since she seemed like such a non-factor. By the end I cringed every time I turned the page and found yet another chapter devoted to her inner thoughts. Frankly, I just didn't care about her at all.
Lastly, I think the ending was a disappointment and quite literally a cop out. That said, I'd still recommend the book, especially for someone looking for a page turner.
July 28, 2015
4+
I tako ja Plažu ružinih latica dugu 622 strane pročitah na plaži za 2 dana :) Roman prati Tamiju i njenu porodicu, a zaplet počinje već na samom početku kada njen muž Skot biva optužen za... (to neću otkriti). U priču su umiješane njene dvije najbolje prijateljice Beatriks i Mirabel, a Tamija i ne sluti šta se iza svega krije. Roman je veoma napet, brzo i lako se čita, likovi su dobro razrađeni. Ocjena 4+ je zbog dužine romana koji je mogao biti kraći nekih 150 strana, ali ta dužina je pomogla da se izazve tolika napetost kod čitalaca i želja da se što prije sazna rasplet. Sve u svemu, moj četvrti pročitan roman od ove autorice i opet me nije razočarala. :)
I tako ja Plažu ružinih latica dugu 622 strane pročitah na plaži za 2 dana :) Roman prati Tamiju i njenu porodicu, a zaplet počinje već na samom početku kada njen muž Skot biva optužen za... (to neću otkriti). U priču su umiješane njene dvije najbolje prijateljice Beatriks i Mirabel, a Tamija i ne sluti šta se iza svega krije. Roman je veoma napet, brzo i lako se čita, likovi su dobro razrađeni. Ocjena 4+ je zbog dužine romana koji je mogao biti kraći nekih 150 strana, ali ta dužina je pomogla da se izazve tolika napetost kod čitalaca i želja da se što prije sazna rasplet. Sve u svemu, moj četvrti pročitan roman od ove autorice i opet me nije razočarala. :)
August 26, 2016
Este foi o segundo livro que li da autora e com certeza não será o último. Esta história prendeu-me do início ao fim. Apenas não dou a classificação máxima porque o final não me cativou tanto quanto o resto do livro. Já estou a ponderar qual será o próximo livro da autora que hei de ler. Recomendo!!!
June 24, 2013
Na minha opinião, existem poucas autoras que conseguem transmitir tão bem os sentimentos e emoções como Dorothy Koomson. Quando pego num livro desta autora, já sei à partida que é uma aposta ganha: vou gostar da história, vou criar empatia com as personagens e vou ter material para pensar e analisar sobre diferentes prismas. A única coisa que altera é o nível a que isso acontece.
A Praia das Pétalas de Rosa é o mais recente livro da autora e foi o que mais mexeu comigo: houve partes em que me senti assolada pela dor, partes em que me senti seriamente enojada [doente até], partes em que me senti comovida e partes em que me senti revoltada. Foi um livro que me desgastou, mas foi um desgastar bom. E não, não estou maluca. O livro é um drama, certo? Então deve puxar-nos para baixo e deve desgastar-nos nem que seja um pouquinho. Afinal, um drama que nos deixa indiferentes não é drama não é nada!
Foi também um livro que me deixou a pensar bastante: pensei que nunca chegamos realmente a conhecer uma pessoa, no quão podemos mudar com o tempo, no quão baixo podemos descer e no quão fácil é magoar e atraiçoar aqueles que supostamente amamos e arranjar desculpas para o fazer. No quão cara-de-pau e egoístas algumas pessoas podem ser e em como, se tivermos força de vontade suficiente, conseguimos assumir os nossos erros e ‘regenerar’ [embora existam coisas que não se podem remediar, nem recuperar]
Em suma é um livro muito completo e arrebatador. Amei e recomendo!
A Praia das Pétalas de Rosa é o mais recente livro da autora e foi o que mais mexeu comigo: houve partes em que me senti assolada pela dor, partes em que me senti seriamente enojada [doente até], partes em que me senti comovida e partes em que me senti revoltada. Foi um livro que me desgastou, mas foi um desgastar bom. E não, não estou maluca. O livro é um drama, certo? Então deve puxar-nos para baixo e deve desgastar-nos nem que seja um pouquinho. Afinal, um drama que nos deixa indiferentes não é drama não é nada!
Foi também um livro que me deixou a pensar bastante: pensei que nunca chegamos realmente a conhecer uma pessoa, no quão podemos mudar com o tempo, no quão baixo podemos descer e no quão fácil é magoar e atraiçoar aqueles que supostamente amamos e arranjar desculpas para o fazer. No quão cara-de-pau e egoístas algumas pessoas podem ser e em como, se tivermos força de vontade suficiente, conseguimos assumir os nossos erros e ‘regenerar’ [embora existam coisas que não se podem remediar, nem recuperar]
Em suma é um livro muito completo e arrebatador. Amei e recomendo!
June 11, 2025
What an amazing read! I read so many times when people say "I couldn't put this book down" now I know what they mean, I was up all hours of the night trying to finish this book, it kept my attention throughout, what a fantastic plot and story.————————
2nd read review
This was the book voted on by the majority of of readers/ bloggers who attend the authors edit book club monthly
I remembered I loved this book but it was a very good experience reading it again as yes the reveal at the end was still a shock as I’d read this the first time back in 2019
It’s a chunker of a read but not once does it ever feel a chore to read how don’t know how she does it but the flow and interest just keeps on coming as we get to know more and more of certain characters.
Beatrix was one of my favourite as she was so secretive and sly, she’s definitely not best friend material.
This is the first book I’ve ever ever read read and I’ve learnt a lesson, re reading is good as you get the experience all over again and if it’s been a few years then we get it from a older heads perspective
Don’t ever underestimate this author as she should be on your thriller genre list of authors for Sure!
2nd read review
This was the book voted on by the majority of of readers/ bloggers who attend the authors edit book club monthly
I remembered I loved this book but it was a very good experience reading it again as yes the reveal at the end was still a shock as I’d read this the first time back in 2019
It’s a chunker of a read but not once does it ever feel a chore to read how don’t know how she does it but the flow and interest just keeps on coming as we get to know more and more of certain characters.
Beatrix was one of my favourite as she was so secretive and sly, she’s definitely not best friend material.
This is the first book I’ve ever ever read read and I’ve learnt a lesson, re reading is good as you get the experience all over again and if it’s been a few years then we get it from a older heads perspective
Don’t ever underestimate this author as she should be on your thriller genre list of authors for Sure!
April 26, 2013
Há autores que nos marcam pela intensidade da sua escrita, pela forma como nos agarram em cada livro. Para mim, Dorothy Koomson é sinónimo de não precisar de ler a sinopse para querer ler os seus livros.
A capa deste A Praia das Pétalas de Rosa é soberba e, de uma forma mágica, adensa o mistério que envolve a própria lenda. Envolveu-me por completo.
As mais de quinhentas páginas foram percorridas num só dia, tal era a ânsia de conhecer o desfecho.
O facto de o final ser deveras surpreendente foi a cereja no topo do bolo. Não pude deixar de sorrir perante a “audácia” da autora. Nunca me teria passado pela cabeça. Adorei esta faceta da autora, pois neste livro ela aumentou a dose de suspense e mistério, revelando-se uma aposta ganha.
Tamia tem a sua vida organizada e feliz. É casada e mãe de duas filhas que são o centro do seu universo. Quando o marido, Scott, é levado de forma inesperada pela polícia e, quando consegue finalmente saber de que crime ele é acusado, todos os seus alicerces se quebram, toda a sua vida se desmorona.
No que pode ela acreditar? Ela já não sabe em quem confiar, até as amigas que julgava ter, lhe parecem esconder algo muito grave. Quando surge um assassinato, uma filha que ninguém sabia existir e uma tendência sexual que pode desmistificar muita coisa, as verdades começam a vir ao de cima. Estará Tami preparada para aguentar este furacão de novas verdades que desconhecia? Conhecemos alguém completamente?
Além da traição, da revolta, do desespero, a autora consegue mostrar-nos, de uma forma absolutamente maravilhosa, a capacidade surpreendente que o ser humano tem de perdoar e de seguir em frente.
Tamia, Scott, Mirabelle e Beatrix fizeram deste livro uma leitura imperdível e absolutamente inesquecível.
Um dos meus preferidos da autora e altamente recomendado.
July 11, 2015
Knjiga se čita lako i brzo i pored velikog broja stranica (dobro možda ih je moglo biti i malo manje, a da opet ukupan dojam ostane isti ali...), uglavnom priča je vrlo zanimljiva, puna dramatičnih preokreta, a psihološki profili likova izvrsno razrađen. Roman veoma podsjeća na Suprugovu tajnu Liam Moriarty, tako da onima kojima se ta knjiga dopala dopast će se i ova. Moram reći da je ovo pravi ženski roman, ali ipak ne baš za mlađe čitateljice kojima bi mogao možda biti i malo dosadan, puno je u romanu analize bračnih odnosa i pitanja kamo ljubav za sva vremena ode i da li zapravo ode ili njen dio ipak ostaje...a znam i da Koomson i nakon ovog romana ostaje jedna od mojih omiljenih autorica romana koji imaju sve što volim - elemente psihološkog trilera, porodične drame, romanse...
August 30, 2012
Myself, and my Nan are huge fans of Dorothy Koomson, so I was very excited when a copy of her latest book The Rose Petal Beach arrived in the post! Actually, I think my Nan was more excited than I was, she tore off the packaging and practically started reading it on the spot!
I must say firstly, the cover is STUNNING!!! I was very intrigued by it, and I absolutely loved how there was a story and background to The Rose Petal Beach. I love little tales and old stories and the story of The Rose Petal Beach was brilliant, it was fascinating and Dorothy Koomson cleverly tied it in to the book. I won’t go into the tale as I don’t want to ruin it, but it was a great addition, and one of my favourite bits of the book.
The story opens with a dramatic scene: All is well in the Challey household, the children are playing before bed, one in their pyjamas already, the other showing her father Scott Challey something she had learnt at school that day. Tamia Challey is happily watching them. Then comes a knock at the door: Police march in and arrest Scott, who seemingly already knows what he is being handcuffed for and quietly goes with them. Tamia is left with crying and frightened children, confused and unaware of what her husband has been arrested for, and even more puzzled that he knew more than what he was letting on.
What follows after is Tamia taking us back and forth between the past and the present, reliving important moments of her life which link up to what is happening in the present day. This was a fantastic idea of Dorothy’s, and it kept me hooked to the pages. I was very interested in Tamia and Scott’s background story, how they met, and what happened in their life leading up to that moment. As well as reading things from Tamia’s perspective, we are also given chapters from Beatrix (or Bea, to all her friends), the Challey’s neighbour and one of Tamia’s best friends. This really works well as the reader gains extra information from a different set of eyes, and it’s very intriguing to see things from her point of view.
Dorothy Koomson has created some complex and interesting characters, and it is fascinating to read about and watch their development throughout the story. I thought in particular Tamia and Scott were brilliantly written characters, they both seemed to jump from the pages into real life. I also really loved Mirabelle as a character, she really grew on me. The Rose Petal Beach has many surprises, twists and turns that definitely kept me constantly on the edge of my seat, wanting to know more.
I won’t spoil it for all of you but this is a truly thrilling and gripping book. Throughout the story I kept repeating one word to myself: Wow. Dorothy has again excelled in her storytelling and I’m certain this one is going to be a big hit! I strongly urge you all to check it out!!! Fantastic.
I must say firstly, the cover is STUNNING!!! I was very intrigued by it, and I absolutely loved how there was a story and background to The Rose Petal Beach. I love little tales and old stories and the story of The Rose Petal Beach was brilliant, it was fascinating and Dorothy Koomson cleverly tied it in to the book. I won’t go into the tale as I don’t want to ruin it, but it was a great addition, and one of my favourite bits of the book.
The story opens with a dramatic scene: All is well in the Challey household, the children are playing before bed, one in their pyjamas already, the other showing her father Scott Challey something she had learnt at school that day. Tamia Challey is happily watching them. Then comes a knock at the door: Police march in and arrest Scott, who seemingly already knows what he is being handcuffed for and quietly goes with them. Tamia is left with crying and frightened children, confused and unaware of what her husband has been arrested for, and even more puzzled that he knew more than what he was letting on.
What follows after is Tamia taking us back and forth between the past and the present, reliving important moments of her life which link up to what is happening in the present day. This was a fantastic idea of Dorothy’s, and it kept me hooked to the pages. I was very interested in Tamia and Scott’s background story, how they met, and what happened in their life leading up to that moment. As well as reading things from Tamia’s perspective, we are also given chapters from Beatrix (or Bea, to all her friends), the Challey’s neighbour and one of Tamia’s best friends. This really works well as the reader gains extra information from a different set of eyes, and it’s very intriguing to see things from her point of view.
Dorothy Koomson has created some complex and interesting characters, and it is fascinating to read about and watch their development throughout the story. I thought in particular Tamia and Scott were brilliantly written characters, they both seemed to jump from the pages into real life. I also really loved Mirabelle as a character, she really grew on me. The Rose Petal Beach has many surprises, twists and turns that definitely kept me constantly on the edge of my seat, wanting to know more.
I won’t spoil it for all of you but this is a truly thrilling and gripping book. Throughout the story I kept repeating one word to myself: Wow. Dorothy has again excelled in her storytelling and I’m certain this one is going to be a big hit! I strongly urge you all to check it out!!! Fantastic.
October 14, 2012
This was a very tense and quite difficult read in some parts.
Narrated in turn by several different women - 3 of them best friends.
Tamia kicks off the story as police enter her home and in front of her 2 young daughters arrest her husband for a crime so bad they won't even speak it aloud in front of the children, Tamia remains the main narrator and common thread throughout the book.
The second female narrator is Mirabelle, Tamias good friend, neighbour, running companion and workmate of her husband, deeply integrated into the storyline Mirabelle is the owner and subject of a painting the Rose Petal beach - from which this novel takes its name.
The 3rd friend in this female trio is Tamias best friend Beatrix, divorced, looking for love, lonely and vulnerable she is heavily reliant on her friendship with Tamia.
As the story jumps back and forth in time, introducing new characters all the time including Fleur, whose identity I will leave you to discover and the arrested husband Scott, who begins as the love of Tamias life until our perceptions of him change irrevocably when we discover just what it is he has been accused of and secret sides of his character are gradually revealed.
This is very much a who dunnit type mystery but its also very much about people, emotions and female friendship. Many of the things some of the characters did are beyond my comprehension and I got seriously frustrated with Tamia at times for her sheer ability to bury her head in the sand and put up with shit nobody I know would put up with!
Deeply flawed as most of the characters truly are they are mostly shaped by circumstances and the storyline grips you and won't let go. A few parts were a touch repetitive and I think I'd have preferred the story to be a little tighter, briefer and more concise.
If, like me you loved The Ice Cream Girls Do give the Rose Petal beach a try, its very different and very cleverly written and I think you'll have a hard time not to get wrapped up in this riveting and thought provoking and sometimes pretty distasteful story. Superb writing.
Narrated in turn by several different women - 3 of them best friends.
Tamia kicks off the story as police enter her home and in front of her 2 young daughters arrest her husband for a crime so bad they won't even speak it aloud in front of the children, Tamia remains the main narrator and common thread throughout the book.
The second female narrator is Mirabelle, Tamias good friend, neighbour, running companion and workmate of her husband, deeply integrated into the storyline Mirabelle is the owner and subject of a painting the Rose Petal beach - from which this novel takes its name.
The 3rd friend in this female trio is Tamias best friend Beatrix, divorced, looking for love, lonely and vulnerable she is heavily reliant on her friendship with Tamia.
As the story jumps back and forth in time, introducing new characters all the time including Fleur, whose identity I will leave you to discover and the arrested husband Scott, who begins as the love of Tamias life until our perceptions of him change irrevocably when we discover just what it is he has been accused of and secret sides of his character are gradually revealed.
This is very much a who dunnit type mystery but its also very much about people, emotions and female friendship. Many of the things some of the characters did are beyond my comprehension and I got seriously frustrated with Tamia at times for her sheer ability to bury her head in the sand and put up with shit nobody I know would put up with!
Deeply flawed as most of the characters truly are they are mostly shaped by circumstances and the storyline grips you and won't let go. A few parts were a touch repetitive and I think I'd have preferred the story to be a little tighter, briefer and more concise.
If, like me you loved The Ice Cream Girls Do give the Rose Petal beach a try, its very different and very cleverly written and I think you'll have a hard time not to get wrapped up in this riveting and thought provoking and sometimes pretty distasteful story. Superb writing.
August 12, 2016
Foi o primeiro livro que li da escritora e fiquei rendida com as reviravoltas que ela conseguiu criar. Todos os capítulos são parte de uma grande teia metafórica que, inicialmente, é pequena, com fios que ainda não criaram nenhum tipo de ligação. No fim, esta teia alcança um tamanho notável e todos os seus fios se interligam, tudo faz sentido, todas as personagens encaixam como as peças de um puzzle.
Não considero que seja um livro pesado, penso que esta talvez não seja a palavra certa para o descrever. No entanto, deixou-me com a garganta seca por diversas vezes.
Estava com altas expectativas em relação a este livro por todos os comentários positivos que fui lendo em relação ao mesmo. Talvez tenha sido por esse motivo que quando o terminei, me senti dividida.
Por um lado, senti que tinha gostado imenso já que sentia vontade de o levar comigo para todo o lado para ler sempre que pudesse.
Por outro, senti que precisava de algo mais, precisava de um desfecho menos abrupto, rápido, não querendo com isto dizer que foi previsível, completamente longe disso. Senti que não estava pronta para voltar a guardar o livro na minha estante. Senti que precisava de saber mais, principalmente de ficar a conhecer completamente a personagem da Mirabelle, sem mistérios, sem segredos, sem mais histórias ocultas e penso que a escritora não o faz claramente, ou pelo menos, como eu o pretendia.
Apesar disso, é sem dúvida uma história envolvente, viciante e recheada de surpresas :)
Não considero que seja um livro pesado, penso que esta talvez não seja a palavra certa para o descrever. No entanto, deixou-me com a garganta seca por diversas vezes.
Estava com altas expectativas em relação a este livro por todos os comentários positivos que fui lendo em relação ao mesmo. Talvez tenha sido por esse motivo que quando o terminei, me senti dividida.
Por um lado, senti que tinha gostado imenso já que sentia vontade de o levar comigo para todo o lado para ler sempre que pudesse.
Por outro, senti que precisava de algo mais, precisava de um desfecho menos abrupto, rápido, não querendo com isto dizer que foi previsível, completamente longe disso. Senti que não estava pronta para voltar a guardar o livro na minha estante. Senti que precisava de saber mais, principalmente de ficar a conhecer completamente a personagem da Mirabelle, sem mistérios, sem segredos, sem mais histórias ocultas e penso que a escritora não o faz claramente, ou pelo menos, como eu o pretendia.
Apesar disso, é sem dúvida uma história envolvente, viciante e recheada de surpresas :)
September 3, 2016
Uma agradável surpresa!
Tammya é casada com Scott Challey e ambos são empresários de sucesso. Ela é uma stay-at-home mom, trabalhando a partir de casa enquanto que Scott dirige a empresa in situ, exercendo todo o seu poder. Um serão, que á partida seria normal como todos os outros a policia bate a porta e apos entrarem levam Scott presa por uma acusação que não revelam na altura em que o levam para a esquadra, para ser interrogado. Toda a vida perfeita e estruturada de Tammy vai levar um reviravolta de 180º. Será que era tudo assim tão perfeito? Em que se pode confiar? Qua os "esqueletos" que um casamento aparentemente perfeito pode ter?
Este é o ponto de partida pra um livro alucinante que me agarrou desde a primeira página até a ultima. Queria constantemente saber o que mais se poderia passar e não me desiludiu. O ritmo é fantástico, sempre em crescendo, só havendo uma parte em que parou um pouco, mas que mesmo assim não foi significativa a tal ponto que quebrasse o entusiasmo.
Já tinha lido A Filha da Minha Melhor Amiga também por esta autora, mas a vibe é diferente: este livro é um thriller, apesar de ir abordando tema bastante atuais e que fazem pensar e refletir.
Viagem alucinante é só o que posso dizer.
Tammya é casada com Scott Challey e ambos são empresários de sucesso. Ela é uma stay-at-home mom, trabalhando a partir de casa enquanto que Scott dirige a empresa in situ, exercendo todo o seu poder. Um serão, que á partida seria normal como todos os outros a policia bate a porta e apos entrarem levam Scott presa por uma acusação que não revelam na altura em que o levam para a esquadra, para ser interrogado. Toda a vida perfeita e estruturada de Tammy vai levar um reviravolta de 180º. Será que era tudo assim tão perfeito? Em que se pode confiar? Qua os "esqueletos" que um casamento aparentemente perfeito pode ter?
Este é o ponto de partida pra um livro alucinante que me agarrou desde a primeira página até a ultima. Queria constantemente saber o que mais se poderia passar e não me desiludiu. O ritmo é fantástico, sempre em crescendo, só havendo uma parte em que parou um pouco, mas que mesmo assim não foi significativa a tal ponto que quebrasse o entusiasmo.
Já tinha lido A Filha da Minha Melhor Amiga também por esta autora, mas a vibe é diferente: este livro é um thriller, apesar de ir abordando tema bastante atuais e que fazem pensar e refletir.
Viagem alucinante é só o que posso dizer.
December 18, 2018
4.5 🌟 Dorothy raramente desilude. Muito bom thriller não consegui adivinhar o final.
April 18, 2014
Este é o quarto livro que leio de Dorothy Koomson.
Não há um único até agora que não tenha gostado, são sempre histórias envolventes e esta autora, conquista pela sua escrita e pela sua simpatia (Já a conheci pessoalmente).
No entanto, este livro, é o meu favorito.
Se tenho dado sem variar 4 estrelas aos que li anteriormente, este, conquista-me e retira de mim as 5 estrelinhas, passando a livro favorito para mim.
Começando pela personagem Tami e acabando em Mirabelle, não sei de qual eu gosto mais ou com quem me identifico mais.
A Mirabelle é um espírito livre, activa e com uma personalidade forte, com uma história por trás que vai envolver e embeber a história toda. . .
Tami, uma mulher que vive para o marido e para as filhas, faz tudo por eles.
Ao longo do livro vai deparar-se com muitas infelicidades e as dúvidas dela, vão ser as minhas dúvidas.
Acompanhamos a evolução do relacionamento de Tami com Scott e assim a história vai alternando entre o passado e o presente, como eles se conheceram apesar de ambas as famílias não se darem, a passagem pela adolescência sempre juntos e como isso tudo deu origem. . . ao presente. Sendo eles casados e com filhos.
Tudo se desenvolve e Mirabelle faz parte da vida de ambos.
Beatrix. Outra personagem super marcante e pela qual simpatizei a partir do momento em que entrou. Adorei-a.
Este sentimento. . . mudou à medida que ia avançando pelas páginas fora. . .
Temos a polícia envolvida nesta história. E os agentes que vão andar a sondar, são agentes que se dão muito bem, já se conhecem tão bem que completam as frases um do outro. . .
Não digo mais pois tenho medo de tirar o elemento de surpresa a este livro excelente. . .
Refiro apenas que, a lenda por trás do título deste livro é belíssima. . . e também só saberemos tudo o que ela significa no fim de tudo.
Ah.
Todo o mistério por onde o livro caminha, só se sabe nos últimos capítulos. . . eu, não cheguei lá. . .
Um livro que não nos dá tréguas. Queremos ler e ler e reler.
Recomendo, recomendo e recomendo.
Não há um único até agora que não tenha gostado, são sempre histórias envolventes e esta autora, conquista pela sua escrita e pela sua simpatia (Já a conheci pessoalmente).
No entanto, este livro, é o meu favorito.
Se tenho dado sem variar 4 estrelas aos que li anteriormente, este, conquista-me e retira de mim as 5 estrelinhas, passando a livro favorito para mim.
Começando pela personagem Tami e acabando em Mirabelle, não sei de qual eu gosto mais ou com quem me identifico mais.
A Mirabelle é um espírito livre, activa e com uma personalidade forte, com uma história por trás que vai envolver e embeber a história toda. . .
Tami, uma mulher que vive para o marido e para as filhas, faz tudo por eles.
Ao longo do livro vai deparar-se com muitas infelicidades e as dúvidas dela, vão ser as minhas dúvidas.
Acompanhamos a evolução do relacionamento de Tami com Scott e assim a história vai alternando entre o passado e o presente, como eles se conheceram apesar de ambas as famílias não se darem, a passagem pela adolescência sempre juntos e como isso tudo deu origem. . . ao presente. Sendo eles casados e com filhos.
Tudo se desenvolve e Mirabelle faz parte da vida de ambos.
Beatrix. Outra personagem super marcante e pela qual simpatizei a partir do momento em que entrou. Adorei-a.
Este sentimento. . . mudou à medida que ia avançando pelas páginas fora. . .
Temos a polícia envolvida nesta história. E os agentes que vão andar a sondar, são agentes que se dão muito bem, já se conhecem tão bem que completam as frases um do outro. . .
Não digo mais pois tenho medo de tirar o elemento de surpresa a este livro excelente. . .
Refiro apenas que, a lenda por trás do título deste livro é belíssima. . . e também só saberemos tudo o que ela significa no fim de tudo.
Ah.
Todo o mistério por onde o livro caminha, só se sabe nos últimos capítulos. . . eu, não cheguei lá. . .
Um livro que não nos dá tréguas. Queremos ler e ler e reler.
Recomendo, recomendo e recomendo.
March 21, 2016
Confesso que o primeiro livro que li desta autora me dececionou. No entanto, depois disso, já li outros e começo a ficar fã.
Ela consegue retratar a vida quotidiana da gente britânica, nas suas rotinas normais e é das poucas autoras que conheço cujas protagonistas são de cor, sendo também ela de cor.
Esta história é lindíssima, cheia de mistérios e dramas que se vão adensando até um ponto que nunca imaginaríamos. Não se consegue mesmo parar de ler. É viciante.
"Vagueei pela zona de North Laines durante um bocado, a olhar para as montras das lojinhas à procura de coisas que encaixassem, como faço às vezes. Às vezes, preciso de comprar coisas que possam encaixar naquela parte de mim que se sente incompleta. Deve haver algures qualquer coisa que preencha o vazio, que me complete."
- Fleur, pág. 334
Ela consegue retratar a vida quotidiana da gente britânica, nas suas rotinas normais e é das poucas autoras que conheço cujas protagonistas são de cor, sendo também ela de cor.
Esta história é lindíssima, cheia de mistérios e dramas que se vão adensando até um ponto que nunca imaginaríamos. Não se consegue mesmo parar de ler. É viciante.
"Vagueei pela zona de North Laines durante um bocado, a olhar para as montras das lojinhas à procura de coisas que encaixassem, como faço às vezes. Às vezes, preciso de comprar coisas que possam encaixar naquela parte de mim que se sente incompleta. Deve haver algures qualquer coisa que preencha o vazio, que me complete."
- Fleur, pág. 334
May 6, 2019
Was hard hitting, truthful, blunt and fast. Tamia Challey has hadto fight for her relationship with scott...more than you could ever imagine. When love turns to murder, their lives and the people involved unravels. This book touches on every thing you can think of that comes with marriage, relationships, friendships, motherhood, love and death. A very good story...but one that leaves you with an unpleasant taste in your mouth. If you read this, make sure you can handle it! 😉
July 21, 2022
Mnogo me potresla ova porodična drama sa elementima psihološkog trilera. Neki dijelovi su nepotrebno razvučeni i zbog toga zvjezdica manje.
July 4, 2017
4,5 estrelas
A praia das pétalas de rosa é um romance muito complexo, razão pela qual é bastante difícil de falar sobre ele. Quando peguei nele esperava encontrar um livro semelhante a A filha da minha melhor amiga. Duro, emotivo, com a lágrima presa ali no canto do olho mas, no fim, absolutamente encantador. O que encontrei foi algo muito diferente: foi tudo menos encantador, foi duro, complexo, muito misterioso e absolutamente confuso.
Misterioso e confuso porquê? Ora bem porque não é um daqueles típicos romances rápidos, tristes ainda que fofinhos. Até quase meio livro não sabemos muito bem o que na realidade se passa. De quem gostar, de quem odiar e, em particular, em quem acreditar. É um rol de mentiras e segredos que nos deixam a cabeça a mil, intrigados e confusos. Ora acreditamos numas personagens num capítulo ora acreditamos noutra versão completamente oposta no capítulo anterior, pondo em causa aquilo que tínhamos dado como certo.
Complexo porquê? É um romance bastante sombrio, devido à história e, em particular devido às personagens. São personagens profundas, complexas, tridimensionais, extremamente bem desenvolvidas e caracterizadas. Não são boas nem más, absolutamente nada é preto no branco. São desenvolvidas e muito bem trabalhadas. Conseguimos odiá-las, mas acabar por ama-las ao mesmo tempo (ou pelo menos a dar-lhes o beneficio da dúvida), conseguimos aceita-las tal como aceitamos pessoas reais, com as suas qualidades e defeitos. Acabamos por ir tolerando certos comportamentos, por amor.
É um romance sobre a complexidade humana, sobre o amor, desde o melhor que tem para oferecer até à sua pura e mais dura crueldade, sobre cegueira, crença absoluta, confiança e ilusão nas relações humanas, sobre tolerância e, sobretudo sobre a procura de identidade. É complexo, é duro e é cruel não só para as personagens mas também para o leitor, que irá continuar a pensar sobre o livro e sobre a sua mensagem duramente muito tempo.
Aconselho!
A praia das pétalas de rosa é um romance muito complexo, razão pela qual é bastante difícil de falar sobre ele. Quando peguei nele esperava encontrar um livro semelhante a A filha da minha melhor amiga. Duro, emotivo, com a lágrima presa ali no canto do olho mas, no fim, absolutamente encantador. O que encontrei foi algo muito diferente: foi tudo menos encantador, foi duro, complexo, muito misterioso e absolutamente confuso.
Misterioso e confuso porquê? Ora bem porque não é um daqueles típicos romances rápidos, tristes ainda que fofinhos. Até quase meio livro não sabemos muito bem o que na realidade se passa. De quem gostar, de quem odiar e, em particular, em quem acreditar. É um rol de mentiras e segredos que nos deixam a cabeça a mil, intrigados e confusos. Ora acreditamos numas personagens num capítulo ora acreditamos noutra versão completamente oposta no capítulo anterior, pondo em causa aquilo que tínhamos dado como certo.
Complexo porquê? É um romance bastante sombrio, devido à história e, em particular devido às personagens. São personagens profundas, complexas, tridimensionais, extremamente bem desenvolvidas e caracterizadas. Não são boas nem más, absolutamente nada é preto no branco. São desenvolvidas e muito bem trabalhadas. Conseguimos odiá-las, mas acabar por ama-las ao mesmo tempo (ou pelo menos a dar-lhes o beneficio da dúvida), conseguimos aceita-las tal como aceitamos pessoas reais, com as suas qualidades e defeitos. Acabamos por ir tolerando certos comportamentos, por amor.
É um romance sobre a complexidade humana, sobre o amor, desde o melhor que tem para oferecer até à sua pura e mais dura crueldade, sobre cegueira, crença absoluta, confiança e ilusão nas relações humanas, sobre tolerância e, sobretudo sobre a procura de identidade. É complexo, é duro e é cruel não só para as personagens mas também para o leitor, que irá continuar a pensar sobre o livro e sobre a sua mensagem duramente muito tempo.
Aconselho!
April 13, 2013
I can’t remember the last time I was ever this divided by a book. I don’t think any has ever offered such a ride, filled with more ups and downs than a rollercoaster. Not in a good way.
I started off loving it. I couldn’t put it down, I was hooked. But then it took a turn and I had to force myself to keep reading. Then it would change again – on and on and on until the very last page. The middle was the worst for me, it was a big struggle to read even a single page. The characters, and their actions, bothered me in a truly enormous way. I couldn’t stand them, felt no sympathy, disagreed with most of what they said, did, thought. And the way certain events were stringed together, to better play up the mystery, felt ridiculous to me. At a certain point, nothing surprised me, every plot twist had me rolling my eyes, feeling disappointed in how Koomson chose to spin it.
Full disclosure: I don’t like mystery. I don’t really enjoy it much. And this took a big turn towards mystery, more so than her previous books (the ones I’ve read, that is). But even taking that into account, the rest didn’t make up for it either.
Still. She writes beautifully, and towards the end I found myself liking the story more and more, thinking that the characters had finally turned real. Of course, on the next chapter everything was ruined again. I kept swinging from enjoying it and hearing a voice in my head going oh, come on, now!
This book exasperated me. Maybe it was the wrong time to read it, I just wasn’t in the proper mood for it, or maybe Dorothy Koomson's magic is just lost to me now. Whatever it was, I have never found one of hers so hard to read. It did not seem cohesive to me, in the sense that certain events and twists felt realistic but others just felt plain stupid.Like that ending.
I can’t say it was all bad, but I think I will give it some time before reading another Koomson book.
I started off loving it. I couldn’t put it down, I was hooked. But then it took a turn and I had to force myself to keep reading. Then it would change again – on and on and on until the very last page. The middle was the worst for me, it was a big struggle to read even a single page. The characters, and their actions, bothered me in a truly enormous way. I couldn’t stand them, felt no sympathy, disagreed with most of what they said, did, thought. And the way certain events were stringed together, to better play up the mystery, felt ridiculous to me. At a certain point, nothing surprised me, every plot twist had me rolling my eyes, feeling disappointed in how Koomson chose to spin it.
Full disclosure: I don’t like mystery. I don’t really enjoy it much. And this took a big turn towards mystery, more so than her previous books (the ones I’ve read, that is). But even taking that into account, the rest didn’t make up for it either.
Still. She writes beautifully, and towards the end I found myself liking the story more and more, thinking that the characters had finally turned real. Of course, on the next chapter everything was ruined again. I kept swinging from enjoying it and hearing a voice in my head going oh, come on, now!
This book exasperated me. Maybe it was the wrong time to read it, I just wasn’t in the proper mood for it, or maybe Dorothy Koomson's magic is just lost to me now. Whatever it was, I have never found one of hers so hard to read. It did not seem cohesive to me, in the sense that certain events and twists felt realistic but others just felt plain stupid.
I can’t say it was all bad, but I think I will give it some time before reading another Koomson book.
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