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The Feud
Matthew Trevelyar leaves his job in London to return to his Cornish roots in the village of St Agnes. After losing his wife to leukaemia, he wants to make a fresh start.
His new life is going well until Matt returns to his cottage to discover a grim warning on his doorstop. The message is clear – Leave now and go back to London.
Not wanting to give up his new life, Matt eventually discovers that there has been a 200-year-old feud between his family, the Trevelyars, and another local family, the Penhallows.
When Matt learns that one of his ancestors burned down a barn belonging to the Penhallows, and that a child died in the fire, he understands why his family name is mud. But why is Matt paying for the sins of his ancestors now? And is there more to the feud than meets the eye?
His new life is going well until Matt returns to his cottage to discover a grim warning on his doorstop. The message is clear – Leave now and go back to London.
Not wanting to give up his new life, Matt eventually discovers that there has been a 200-year-old feud between his family, the Trevelyars, and another local family, the Penhallows.
When Matt learns that one of his ancestors burned down a barn belonging to the Penhallows, and that a child died in the fire, he understands why his family name is mud. But why is Matt paying for the sins of his ancestors now? And is there more to the feud than meets the eye?
- GenresBritish Literature
242 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 2019
60 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Amanda James
24 books221 followersAmanda James (aka Mandy) was born in Sheffield and now lives in Cornwall with her husband and a cat. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, singing, and spending lots of time with her grandchildren. She also admits to spending far too much time chatting on Twitter and Facebook! Amanda feels most at home walking on the beach and making plots up in her head. A fair amount of these have made it onto paper, and been turned into books.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 20, 2019
I just love Amanda James' books. The Feud did not disappoint.
Murder, love and centuries old Feud, this book grabs you and won't let go until the end.
4.5 stars
Murder, love and centuries old Feud, this book grabs you and won't let go until the end.
4.5 stars
April 15, 2019
This is the first book I have read by this author and it certainly won't be the last. The Feud had a great blurb and the book certainly lived up to it. The Cornwall setting was like a breath of fresh air in this intriguing mystery of past deeds, family feuds, lies and revenge. I was immediately drawn to the characters, well the likeable ones. The plot flowed really well and I became really anxious for the safety of Matt. The Feud is very different to what I usually read yet I was enthralled by the storyline.
May 25, 2019
Chapter One opens with Kenver Penhallow and his family escaping from their home during the night which is well ablaze. Kenver and Wenna do a quick head count of their children and realise that little Jago is missing, last seen in the barn looking after a sick puppy. The barn is a pile of charred wood and the little boy is perished. The language in this chapter is old Cornish, told of the olden days, of a time 200 years ago when the Feud began.
Matt Trevelyar moves to St Agnes in Cornwall after giving up teaching in London following the sad death of his wife. Within days, he receives messages in no uncertain terms that he is not welcome and that he should return to London. Not easily put off, Matt takes up his teaching position in the local school and starts to make enquiries with the locals about who might want him to leave. He learns of a feud between two families, one of which he is a descendent.
The characters are a delight to read about and are realistic for small village life. Lavender is typical artist-hippy, and when Matt and Lavender first meet it's obvious that love will blossom – but how do they overcome the fact that he is a Trevelyar and she is a Penhallow.
This starts out as a vicious crime but is ultimately a romantic suspense novel. Amanda James is a talented writer and writes beautifully about her beloved Cornwall.
Matt Trevelyar moves to St Agnes in Cornwall after giving up teaching in London following the sad death of his wife. Within days, he receives messages in no uncertain terms that he is not welcome and that he should return to London. Not easily put off, Matt takes up his teaching position in the local school and starts to make enquiries with the locals about who might want him to leave. He learns of a feud between two families, one of which he is a descendent.
The characters are a delight to read about and are realistic for small village life. Lavender is typical artist-hippy, and when Matt and Lavender first meet it's obvious that love will blossom – but how do they overcome the fact that he is a Trevelyar and she is a Penhallow.
This starts out as a vicious crime but is ultimately a romantic suspense novel. Amanda James is a talented writer and writes beautifully about her beloved Cornwall.
April 15, 2019
A feud between two Cornish families has gone on for 200 years. The Trevelyar and Penhallow families have built up years of hatred and mistrust, though not every family member holds firm to the hereditary grudge as others do. So when Matt moves back to the village, he soon learns how deeply rooted The Feud runs.
There is such an underlying sense of malice throughout this story, it gives it such a suspenseful edge. Using the feud as the basis for the story, then adding and expanding on it makes it such a compelling read. The malice gradually increases as the story progresses and it made me wonder how far a person would actually go.
I loved the way this author took the feud to various extremes. She uses family members and friends like chess pieces and has a fabulous way of moving and manipulating them into place. I found friends were manipulated, the truth was distorted and twisted in this old vendetta. On Matt’s arrival in the village sparks off the revenge and family honour and it is just the tip of the iceberg as revenge turns in vengeance.
The pacing of the story is such a good fit for the plot, it sits very nicely with the characters and the story. I found it very easy to get caught up in as the author wove a dark and somewhat mysterious tale.
There are several things I have come to expect from this author based on previous books I have read. I have found she always delivers on a very compelling story-line, has interesting characters, atmospheric descriptions that work well with the characters and plot and at least a couple of good twists along the way. The Feud ticked all the boxes and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this dark and twisted story of revenge.
It’s one I would definitely recommend.
There is such an underlying sense of malice throughout this story, it gives it such a suspenseful edge. Using the feud as the basis for the story, then adding and expanding on it makes it such a compelling read. The malice gradually increases as the story progresses and it made me wonder how far a person would actually go.
I loved the way this author took the feud to various extremes. She uses family members and friends like chess pieces and has a fabulous way of moving and manipulating them into place. I found friends were manipulated, the truth was distorted and twisted in this old vendetta. On Matt’s arrival in the village sparks off the revenge and family honour and it is just the tip of the iceberg as revenge turns in vengeance.
The pacing of the story is such a good fit for the plot, it sits very nicely with the characters and the story. I found it very easy to get caught up in as the author wove a dark and somewhat mysterious tale.
There are several things I have come to expect from this author based on previous books I have read. I have found she always delivers on a very compelling story-line, has interesting characters, atmospheric descriptions that work well with the characters and plot and at least a couple of good twists along the way. The Feud ticked all the boxes and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this dark and twisted story of revenge.
It’s one I would definitely recommend.
April 15, 2019
A Feud, Unrequited Love, Lies and Murder!
The Feud by Amanda James – This is the first book I have read by this author, and I’m intrigued to discover more.
The Feud is set in Cornwall and has the deliciously enticing theme of ancient bad blood between two families rumbling through each chapter. This story leads you by the hand and exposes the sinister ramifications of unrequited love.
Matt Trevelyar, a recent widower, returns to the Cornish village of his families roots to begin anew. There’s trouble afoot from the beginning when Matt is deviously warned off. Brushing it aside, Matt goes about his business of settling into his new teaching role and surroundings.
Morvoren Penhallow, an elderly local, has other plans for Matt. She conspires with her granddaughter and uses her knowledge of herbal potions in an attempt to humiliate Matt - thus forcing him to leave St Agnes.
Morvoren has a painful history; one that Matt is innocently reminding her of, one that drives her outlandish actions at any cost.
There’s a romantic thread cutting through this cleverly woven story, and each character is of interest. I loved the setting, the ‘locals’ and their gossipy way of imparting incorrect information, Morvoren being the master at this!
Prepare for the tension as the story develops. There's nothing like bad blood to fuel some devastating consequences!
I’d recommend The Feud – I always rate on the skill of the writer in both plot and characters and the readability of a book. I did not find this lacking – Bravo.
The Feud by Amanda James – This is the first book I have read by this author, and I’m intrigued to discover more.
The Feud is set in Cornwall and has the deliciously enticing theme of ancient bad blood between two families rumbling through each chapter. This story leads you by the hand and exposes the sinister ramifications of unrequited love.
Matt Trevelyar, a recent widower, returns to the Cornish village of his families roots to begin anew. There’s trouble afoot from the beginning when Matt is deviously warned off. Brushing it aside, Matt goes about his business of settling into his new teaching role and surroundings.
Morvoren Penhallow, an elderly local, has other plans for Matt. She conspires with her granddaughter and uses her knowledge of herbal potions in an attempt to humiliate Matt - thus forcing him to leave St Agnes.
Morvoren has a painful history; one that Matt is innocently reminding her of, one that drives her outlandish actions at any cost.
There’s a romantic thread cutting through this cleverly woven story, and each character is of interest. I loved the setting, the ‘locals’ and their gossipy way of imparting incorrect information, Morvoren being the master at this!
Prepare for the tension as the story develops. There's nothing like bad blood to fuel some devastating consequences!
I’d recommend The Feud – I always rate on the skill of the writer in both plot and characters and the readability of a book. I did not find this lacking – Bravo.
March 21, 2019
I was delighted to be offered an advance copy of The Feud for review.
When widower Matt Trevelyar takes up a teaching post in a Cornish village school, he's hoping for a new beginning, with maybe a new love, too. But sexy, predatory fellow teacher Jess is certainly not his ideal woman, even though she clearly fancies Matt - and, to make matters worse, he soon finds that some people don't want to welcome him in St Agnes at all.
Morvoren Penhallow, a member of a family that bears a long-standing grudge against the Trevelyars, sets out to drive Matt away from St Agnes by telling lies about him and making his existence very uncomfortable, finally setting him up with her grand-daughter Lavender with a view to ruining his life. But Lavender falls in love with Matt and Moroven is furious, redoubling her efforts to destroy him.
Moroven is a brilliantly evil creation, a woman whose anger and jealousy inspire her to target an innocent man. This twisting, turning story kept me hooked and at times I feared that Moroven might literally get away with murder. Who can help to put things right for Matt and end the feud once and for all? Read this gripping story and find out.
When widower Matt Trevelyar takes up a teaching post in a Cornish village school, he's hoping for a new beginning, with maybe a new love, too. But sexy, predatory fellow teacher Jess is certainly not his ideal woman, even though she clearly fancies Matt - and, to make matters worse, he soon finds that some people don't want to welcome him in St Agnes at all.
Morvoren Penhallow, a member of a family that bears a long-standing grudge against the Trevelyars, sets out to drive Matt away from St Agnes by telling lies about him and making his existence very uncomfortable, finally setting him up with her grand-daughter Lavender with a view to ruining his life. But Lavender falls in love with Matt and Moroven is furious, redoubling her efforts to destroy him.
Moroven is a brilliantly evil creation, a woman whose anger and jealousy inspire her to target an innocent man. This twisting, turning story kept me hooked and at times I feared that Moroven might literally get away with murder. Who can help to put things right for Matt and end the feud once and for all? Read this gripping story and find out.
March 22, 2019
I'm a big fan of Amanda James's books so was delighted to get my hands on an early copy of this one. While, it's very different from her usual domestic noir stories, it had me firmly under its spell until the last page. I loved the setting and the Cornish names. Matt's a very sympathetic character with some great, dry lines and the antagonist is a thoroughly nasty piece of work who you'll love to hate!
January 6, 2020
This is my fourth outing with Ms James and it is another belter set in Cornwall. I am going there in May, so I am going to be wary of every single person – will be watching you all.
I was not sure where the story was going at one point and it felt like we might be stepping into the supernatural side with witches and feuds, but it instead we stayed with a taut thriller that moved at a thrilling pace. So much happened in a short space of time, I finished this in one and a half sittings (I say half because I was picking it up and down throughout the day surrounded by my little one) it was just so exciting! Plus you just did not know what was going to happen next! All I can say is, I was so happy to be back in crazy town again!
One woman, Morvoren Penhallow, holding a grudge in this little sleepy village of St Agnes, takes up issues with Matt Trevelyar returning, the surname bringing up bad memories for her and she is hell-bent on destroying him. I will admit I suspected so many different endings for this book, I suspected everyone and some of the events were shocking, especially the finale.
What I love about Ms James books, they are believable and I don’t think they are over the top. I could envisage these things could (and do) happen, maybe the police need to be a bit more clued up, but again, who would believe this crazy out of towner with the predicaments he ends up in!
I was sucked into The Feud straight from the get-go, the writing is so fluid you find it so easy to sit back and watch everything unfurrow in front of you. Through the manipulation of one person to the innocent bystanders who all get caught up in the feud the outcome is quite haunting and destructive. Like the other books I have read by Ms James, she spins your head around and around where you suspect everyone and everything and just when you think everything is calm, you get the biggest dizzy spell of them all.
As soon as I see “Amanda James” I don’t bother reading the blurb, all I say is “Yes please!”
April 12, 2019
When Matt Treveleyar leaves London for a teaching post at the village school in the Cornish village of St Agnes he doesn't realize he is walking into a whole lot of trouble.
Outside his rented cottage is a badger's head on a pole together with a nasty message telling him to go back to London. Matt decides he won't be scared into leaving. This was the village where his grandparents and their parents were born, this village is where his roots are and he wants to belong here.
What Matt doesn't know is that there is an age old feud between his family and the Penhallows and one of them is out for revenge. In the village he bumps into Lavender Penhallow and is immediately besotted with her but is he putting himself in more danger with her friendship, is she involved in the battle to make him leave? Can he trust her?
The opening chapter of this book is dramatic. It gripped me straightaway and demanded my attention. I could imagine it being the opening scene from a film it was so descriptive.
I loved the village and all the supporting characters. Most were lovely and helpful to Matt, only a few were so crazy they needed to be locked up. The tension throughout the book about what was going to be the outcome for the lovely Matt kept me from my housework and made me not want to put this book down. And Matt was lovely, who would want to do him harm?
This book had everything you need for a good read, suspense, witchcraft, romance, revenge and it was written by Amanda James who never fails to tell a good story.
Outside his rented cottage is a badger's head on a pole together with a nasty message telling him to go back to London. Matt decides he won't be scared into leaving. This was the village where his grandparents and their parents were born, this village is where his roots are and he wants to belong here.
What Matt doesn't know is that there is an age old feud between his family and the Penhallows and one of them is out for revenge. In the village he bumps into Lavender Penhallow and is immediately besotted with her but is he putting himself in more danger with her friendship, is she involved in the battle to make him leave? Can he trust her?
The opening chapter of this book is dramatic. It gripped me straightaway and demanded my attention. I could imagine it being the opening scene from a film it was so descriptive.
I loved the village and all the supporting characters. Most were lovely and helpful to Matt, only a few were so crazy they needed to be locked up. The tension throughout the book about what was going to be the outcome for the lovely Matt kept me from my housework and made me not want to put this book down. And Matt was lovely, who would want to do him harm?
This book had everything you need for a good read, suspense, witchcraft, romance, revenge and it was written by Amanda James who never fails to tell a good story.
March 25, 2019
I was thrilled to get the chance to read an advanced copy of this book. Amanda James is a new author to me and I was very excited. A truely captivating read. From the very first chapter I knew that I would not be able to put it down. Set in a beautiful location on the Cornish Coast. I could feel and smell the freshness of the sea....the waves crashing down and filling me with tranquility. How beautiful. However....a novel filled with history and mystery, love and hate, deceit and lies. Is blood thicker than water? Hmmm...I was there...I lived it. Because the book absorbed me and I absorbed the book. To be honest I could have loved and married in this book....I also could have killed! An excellent story teller you are Amanda James. All credit to you for this amazing book.
April 29, 2019
While Matt moves to the Cornish village of St Agnes hoping for a fresh start, escaping the sadness of his loss, he most certainly never expected to be subjected to an escalating campaign of revenge and hatred that threatens his life. It was a really refreshing change to see a male main character and viewpoint – and I very much liked Matt with his wry humour as the events that befall him become increasingly bizarre and threatening.
There’s a love story here – not with predatory fellow teacher Jess (an excellent character, a touch over-the-top but totally believable), but with artist Lavender. But Lavender’s a Penhallow, and Matt’s a Trevelyar – and the book’s dramatic opening scenes have already shown us the long-standing enmity between the two families. But the current campaign is inspired by a rather more recent “wrong”, something more personal – and its twisted and evil perpetrator will stop at nothing to ensure that Matt’s days at St Agnes are numbered.
I do suspect this book might have more appeal for readers of romantic suspense than a fan of hard-edged thrillers, but that’s in no way a criticism of a story, full of unexpected twists and turns and more than a touch of evil manipulation that I found compelling. The writing is excellent, the author a superb story-teller, the pacing absolutely spot-on as the early warnings increase in danger and threat and become something considerably more dangerous.
I began by being intrigued, a little aghast at the extent of hatred and manipulation – and the tension continues to build, the atmosphere thickens, and the dramatic scenes that follow are both shocking and gripping. The twist in the story towards its end is cleverly done – and all the better for being entirely unexpected.
And I particularly enjoyed the setting – vividly described, a strong sense of place, the small Cornish village where stories spread in an instant by word-of-mouth, peopled with eccentric and well-drawn lesser characters, the shadow of past history, and the touch of everyday witchery.
I’m really pleased to have tried the author’s writing again. Although I’ll admit this was a book I wouldn’t usually be attracted to, I very much like the direction her writing has taken – this was an engrossing story told with confidence and great assurance, but still with those original and quirky touches that have always distinguished her writing.
There’s a love story here – not with predatory fellow teacher Jess (an excellent character, a touch over-the-top but totally believable), but with artist Lavender. But Lavender’s a Penhallow, and Matt’s a Trevelyar – and the book’s dramatic opening scenes have already shown us the long-standing enmity between the two families. But the current campaign is inspired by a rather more recent “wrong”, something more personal – and its twisted and evil perpetrator will stop at nothing to ensure that Matt’s days at St Agnes are numbered.
I do suspect this book might have more appeal for readers of romantic suspense than a fan of hard-edged thrillers, but that’s in no way a criticism of a story, full of unexpected twists and turns and more than a touch of evil manipulation that I found compelling. The writing is excellent, the author a superb story-teller, the pacing absolutely spot-on as the early warnings increase in danger and threat and become something considerably more dangerous.
I began by being intrigued, a little aghast at the extent of hatred and manipulation – and the tension continues to build, the atmosphere thickens, and the dramatic scenes that follow are both shocking and gripping. The twist in the story towards its end is cleverly done – and all the better for being entirely unexpected.
And I particularly enjoyed the setting – vividly described, a strong sense of place, the small Cornish village where stories spread in an instant by word-of-mouth, peopled with eccentric and well-drawn lesser characters, the shadow of past history, and the touch of everyday witchery.
I’m really pleased to have tried the author’s writing again. Although I’ll admit this was a book I wouldn’t usually be attracted to, I very much like the direction her writing has taken – this was an engrossing story told with confidence and great assurance, but still with those original and quirky touches that have always distinguished her writing.
April 20, 2019
Lovely Cornwall is where this is set, as is usual for Amanda James. There are wonderful descriptions of Cornwall, and this does not disappoint. Matt moves to Cornwall for a fresh start after losing his wife to leukemia.
A long-standing feud between the families Penhallow and Trevelyar have not been forgotten when Matt Trevalyar is appointed as a teacher to the village school. His Grandparents had lived in the village, but rumour has it that they were driven out. Not that he knew this when he accepted the job offer and rents a cottage nearby.
Soon after his arrival, a chance meeting in the pub with Morvoren Penhallow sealed his fate. A badgers head was next to this house the following day, and so it began.
He discovered that his grandmother Elowen met and fell in love with her husband Terry. Unbeknownst to her, best friend Morvoren was also in love with him. He chose Elowen and Morvoren never got over it.
Grand-daughter Lavender has been handed her Grandmother's gift for making potions, much like a white witch. Morvenor also assumes that she would also understand the feud between Matt's family and her own. After tell some lies about him, Lavender believed what she was told, until she knew better.
This is a love story with a difference.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity.
A long-standing feud between the families Penhallow and Trevelyar have not been forgotten when Matt Trevalyar is appointed as a teacher to the village school. His Grandparents had lived in the village, but rumour has it that they were driven out. Not that he knew this when he accepted the job offer and rents a cottage nearby.
Soon after his arrival, a chance meeting in the pub with Morvoren Penhallow sealed his fate. A badgers head was next to this house the following day, and so it began.
He discovered that his grandmother Elowen met and fell in love with her husband Terry. Unbeknownst to her, best friend Morvoren was also in love with him. He chose Elowen and Morvoren never got over it.
Grand-daughter Lavender has been handed her Grandmother's gift for making potions, much like a white witch. Morvenor also assumes that she would also understand the feud between Matt's family and her own. After tell some lies about him, Lavender believed what she was told, until she knew better.
This is a love story with a difference.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity.
April 15, 2019
The Feud starts with a fire many years ago, that resulted in the death of a young boy…..Kenver believes he knows who’s responsible…..
Then we are taken to the present day and Matt Trevelyar has left London to move to Cornwall and a new job as a teacher. A new start, a new life….
He arrives at his rented home, Badgers Holt, only to find a badgers head on a pole and a written warning…to F*** off back to London. Unsettled he calls the local police, but feels a waste of time…
He then meets the beautiful Lavender and is smitten….but is she interested ? Or is there something odd in the way she looks at him….her Grandmother, Morvoren believes he is an evil Trevelyar…..and plots to make him leave the village….anyway she can…
This is an easy read, with some nice twists and a clever plot…I enjoyed the relationship between Matt and Lavender, the doubts and secrets. It shows how perceived hurts can fester over years, all that emotional baggage and hate bring nothing but sadness, loneliness and pain…a very engrossing read….
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.
Then we are taken to the present day and Matt Trevelyar has left London to move to Cornwall and a new job as a teacher. A new start, a new life….
He arrives at his rented home, Badgers Holt, only to find a badgers head on a pole and a written warning…to F*** off back to London. Unsettled he calls the local police, but feels a waste of time…
He then meets the beautiful Lavender and is smitten….but is she interested ? Or is there something odd in the way she looks at him….her Grandmother, Morvoren believes he is an evil Trevelyar…..and plots to make him leave the village….anyway she can…
This is an easy read, with some nice twists and a clever plot…I enjoyed the relationship between Matt and Lavender, the doubts and secrets. It shows how perceived hurts can fester over years, all that emotional baggage and hate bring nothing but sadness, loneliness and pain…a very engrossing read….
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.
April 30, 2019
I was introduced to Amanda James purely by chance, by an Author friend.
From the first page, I was captivated.
A conniving Grandmother and adoring Granddaughter bound by herbs & potions.
A long~standing feud of the Grandmothers, kept by many full~moons, passed through the generations.
It’s always there in the background, never really “put to bed”.
Love & karma have a way of coming up trumps.
A grudge is a grudge. One that needs to be settled, right?
Revenge is best served cold.
Even if it takes decades.
Looking forward to the next one.
From the first page, I was captivated.
A conniving Grandmother and adoring Granddaughter bound by herbs & potions.
A long~standing feud of the Grandmothers, kept by many full~moons, passed through the generations.
It’s always there in the background, never really “put to bed”.
Love & karma have a way of coming up trumps.
A grudge is a grudge. One that needs to be settled, right?
Revenge is best served cold.
Even if it takes decades.
Looking forward to the next one.
April 1, 2019
Delighted to have had the opportunity to read this book in advance of publication. I've read and enjoyed all of Amanda James' books and this one did not disappoint - no two books are ever the same!
I was intrigued by the somewhat gullible Lavender from the start and didn't know where her character was going for a while....all part of Amanda's twisting and turning....keeps you guessing until the end.
Feeling somewhat bereft now I've finished the book but looking forward to the next.
I was intrigued by the somewhat gullible Lavender from the start and didn't know where her character was going for a while....all part of Amanda's twisting and turning....keeps you guessing until the end.
Feeling somewhat bereft now I've finished the book but looking forward to the next.
March 21, 2019
I was privileged to be able to read an advanced copy of this book and it is the first one if Amanda James’ books I’ve read. It did not disappoint!
A Cornish feud that has spanned years comes to a head with the latest generation of two families.
I read it in a day as I couldn’t put it down! It would make s good holiday or rainy day read!
A Cornish feud that has spanned years comes to a head with the latest generation of two families.
I read it in a day as I couldn’t put it down! It would make s good holiday or rainy day read!
April 8, 2019
A definite must read!
I loved everything about it, the story, the twists, the plot and the romance.
If you want a book which is that good it makes you carry on reading past your bedtime this is the one. I didn’t want to put it down.
Looking forward to reading the next one.
I loved everything about it, the story, the twists, the plot and the romance.
If you want a book which is that good it makes you carry on reading past your bedtime this is the one. I didn’t want to put it down.
Looking forward to reading the next one.
March 23, 2019
Loved this book! Setting St Agnes in Cornwall was brilliant. The grandmother WAS a witch. Really! Loved the ending!
April 25, 2019
Once upon a time, the Trevelyars burned down a barn belonging to the Penhallow’s family which sets of a feud between the two families which has been ongoing for over 200 years. The Cornish coast where the story is set adds a very eerie and gothic flavour to this very dark tale.
Matthew Trevelyar has just moved to Cornwall from London after losing his wife to leukaemia. He is to teach in the local school and wants to interact with the Cornish locals, some of whom are his ancestors but unbeknown to him, a couple are his enemy. The day after he arrives, he finds an unsavoury gift that someone has left in his garden and as he tries to find the culprit he quickly realises that not only do they want to ruin his reputation as a teacher but they are also out to murder himalso have murder on their minds!
Is it the beautiful Lavender who he is falling in love with? Is it her grandmother Morvoren? Or is it Jessica, the teacher who he has spurned?
Amanda James’ weaves a mysterious tale of treachery and jealously which ultimately leads to murder. Her love of Cornwall is apparent in the way she writes so lovingly and in intricate detail of the landscape which made me feel that if I looked out of the window I would actually be able to see the Cornish coast.
This book is full of folklore and spells and Morvoren is one person you would not want to meet on a dark night, or even in the daylight. She to me, is the ultimate witch who will stop at nothing to get what she thinks is hers and you will be locking your door and checking your windows to make sure she does not come to get you!
Matthew Trevelyar has just moved to Cornwall from London after losing his wife to leukaemia. He is to teach in the local school and wants to interact with the Cornish locals, some of whom are his ancestors but unbeknown to him, a couple are his enemy. The day after he arrives, he finds an unsavoury gift that someone has left in his garden and as he tries to find the culprit he quickly realises that not only do they want to ruin his reputation as a teacher but they are also out to murder himalso have murder on their minds!
Is it the beautiful Lavender who he is falling in love with? Is it her grandmother Morvoren? Or is it Jessica, the teacher who he has spurned?
Amanda James’ weaves a mysterious tale of treachery and jealously which ultimately leads to murder. Her love of Cornwall is apparent in the way she writes so lovingly and in intricate detail of the landscape which made me feel that if I looked out of the window I would actually be able to see the Cornish coast.
This book is full of folklore and spells and Morvoren is one person you would not want to meet on a dark night, or even in the daylight. She to me, is the ultimate witch who will stop at nothing to get what she thinks is hers and you will be locking your door and checking your windows to make sure she does not come to get you!
April 17, 2019
Romance with a bit of mystery
Well I wanted this book to be more mystery than romance but lost out on that. Live and learn.
Matt comes “home” to Cornwall, his ancestral home, to start a new teaching job. Turns out there is some long festering hatred towards Matt’s family. His ‘kind’ is still hated in these parts.He meets and falls for the granddaughter of the nastiest, oldest hater in town. How will it all end?
I didn’t find Matt all that likeable...I just found him to be reactive and at affect most of the time. He and his sweetheart go from zero to 100 in their emotions constantly. This was exhausting to me.
And why do the English think their nastiest insult to a woman is to call her a COW? Seriously?
Minor snigs...author takes turns calling TIRES TYRES, back and forth...stick to one or the other. Another minor point...I have no problem with cussing, and there is some in this book...maybe it is a cultural thing but back in the 50s the F word wasn’t used much, if at all in everyday speech. Or in mixed company. Anachronism here which was glaring to me.
But if you prefer romance with a mystery, this is the book for you.
Well I wanted this book to be more mystery than romance but lost out on that. Live and learn.
Matt comes “home” to Cornwall, his ancestral home, to start a new teaching job. Turns out there is some long festering hatred towards Matt’s family. His ‘kind’ is still hated in these parts.He meets and falls for the granddaughter of the nastiest, oldest hater in town. How will it all end?
I didn’t find Matt all that likeable...I just found him to be reactive and at affect most of the time. He and his sweetheart go from zero to 100 in their emotions constantly. This was exhausting to me.
And why do the English think their nastiest insult to a woman is to call her a COW? Seriously?
Minor snigs...author takes turns calling TIRES TYRES, back and forth...stick to one or the other. Another minor point...I have no problem with cussing, and there is some in this book...maybe it is a cultural thing but back in the 50s the F word wasn’t used much, if at all in everyday speech. Or in mixed company. Anachronism here which was glaring to me.
But if you prefer romance with a mystery, this is the book for you.
April 28, 2019
The Feud is yet another brilliant edge-of-you-seat page-turner from Amanda James.
Not only does Amanda write gripping suspense stories, her characters so real, the likeable ones as well as the scary ones! And then there's the setting, gorgeous Cornwall. I want to live there too!
A feud that began 200 years ago between the Penhallow and Trevelyan families is still alive with mistrust and hatred today for some family members. When Matt Trevelyan moves down to Cornwall from London to take a teaching post in St Agnes, the village of his ancestors it’s not long before he learns of the Feud and how deep-rooted it is.
Morvoran Penhallow wants Matt and his constant reminder of the long-standing feud and her own painful past with a Trevelyan, out of the village. She will stop at nothing, not even murder, to make it happen.
Of all the girls in all of Cornwall, Matt finds himself drawn to Lavender, Morvoran's granddaughter. This romantic angle weaves its way through the story, along with good old village gossip, true or otherwise, as the feud escalates with devastating consequences.
All-in-all a great read with a twist at the end I really didn’t see coming.
Not only does Amanda write gripping suspense stories, her characters so real, the likeable ones as well as the scary ones! And then there's the setting, gorgeous Cornwall. I want to live there too!
A feud that began 200 years ago between the Penhallow and Trevelyan families is still alive with mistrust and hatred today for some family members. When Matt Trevelyan moves down to Cornwall from London to take a teaching post in St Agnes, the village of his ancestors it’s not long before he learns of the Feud and how deep-rooted it is.
Morvoran Penhallow wants Matt and his constant reminder of the long-standing feud and her own painful past with a Trevelyan, out of the village. She will stop at nothing, not even murder, to make it happen.
Of all the girls in all of Cornwall, Matt finds himself drawn to Lavender, Morvoran's granddaughter. This romantic angle weaves its way through the story, along with good old village gossip, true or otherwise, as the feud escalates with devastating consequences.
All-in-all a great read with a twist at the end I really didn’t see coming.
April 17, 2019
The protagonist is Matt Trevelyar, a teacher who leaves behind his life in London to start a new job in a school in St. Agnes in Cornwall. After losing his wife to leukemia, Matt is looking for a new start and he thinks that St. Agnes is the perfect place for it. But, right from the beginning, it’s clear that someone doesn’t want him there and that they are ready to do anything to send him away. As a few innocent pranks turn into something more serious that could ruin Matt’s life, he has to figure out who he can trust, how to stop his enemy, and how to win the love of local artist Lavander.
The author craftily mixes various elements to create a story that it is twisty, sinister, and captivating. There is the small town atmosphere full of gossip that spreads quickly. There is a centuries-old feud between two local families that has dramatic consequences. There is a bit of magic, witchcraft, and folklore with the presence of love potion and magic herbs. There is murder and obsession. And there is a love story and love triangle as Matt has the chance to find love again with Lavander, but he has also to deal with the unrequited love of a colleague.
THE FEUD has realistic characters, a brilliant storyline, and it is set in a small town in beautiful Cornwall that takes on a dark and suspenseful atmosphere for a story about love, revenge, jealousy, and forgiveness.
The author craftily mixes various elements to create a story that it is twisty, sinister, and captivating. There is the small town atmosphere full of gossip that spreads quickly. There is a centuries-old feud between two local families that has dramatic consequences. There is a bit of magic, witchcraft, and folklore with the presence of love potion and magic herbs. There is murder and obsession. And there is a love story and love triangle as Matt has the chance to find love again with Lavander, but he has also to deal with the unrequited love of a colleague.
THE FEUD has realistic characters, a brilliant storyline, and it is set in a small town in beautiful Cornwall that takes on a dark and suspenseful atmosphere for a story about love, revenge, jealousy, and forgiveness.
March 25, 2019
Thank you NetGalley and Bloodhound Books for the eARC.
After losing his wife to leukemia, heartbroken Matthew Trevely leaves London for St. Agnes in Cornwall to a new teaching job and to return to his Cornish roots. His new life starts badly; his first morning in his new cottage has him find the bloodied head of a badger on a pile with a nasty note telling him to get the f... back to London. The person responsible for this and several other nasty acts is a white 'witch' who hates him enough to drive him out of the village, dead or alive. She involves her niece Lavender by telling her dreadful lies about Matthew and reminding her of the ancient feud the two families still have.
I enjoyed this read a lot, it reminded me of the gothic fiction I was addicted to years ago, but with the modern technology of smart phones and Netflix. Definitely recommended!
After losing his wife to leukemia, heartbroken Matthew Trevely leaves London for St. Agnes in Cornwall to a new teaching job and to return to his Cornish roots. His new life starts badly; his first morning in his new cottage has him find the bloodied head of a badger on a pile with a nasty note telling him to get the f... back to London. The person responsible for this and several other nasty acts is a white 'witch' who hates him enough to drive him out of the village, dead or alive. She involves her niece Lavender by telling her dreadful lies about Matthew and reminding her of the ancient feud the two families still have.
I enjoyed this read a lot, it reminded me of the gothic fiction I was addicted to years ago, but with the modern technology of smart phones and Netflix. Definitely recommended!
May 29, 2019
This atmospheric tale caught my attention straight away. Matt, a young school teacher, moves to Cornwall for a fresh start after the death of his wife. He has Cornish roots, but isn't aware of the longstanding feud between his family and the Penhallows, and he soon learns that their matriarch, Morvoren, will go to any lengths to drive him out of the village. I won't reveal any more of the plot, but I will add it is a beautifully drawn story and the author does a great job of bringing Cornwall to life. It is a real tale of good versus evil and you get caught up in Matt's plight and really hoping Morvoren gets her comeuppance, and as the noose tightened it was difficult to put down. Definitely a five star read for me.
April 15, 2019
Spellbinding!
Once again Amanda James managed to cast a spell over me with her tale of family feuds and revenge. Not only does the story draw you in, the setting is so beautifully described you feel like you are there.
Her characters are as usual, rounded and believable. She also writes the baddie so well that I really didn’t care what happened to them, as long as justice was served. There is a very clever twist as the end which I didn’t see coming but even without that, it was a spellbinding story, well told and definitely memorable. A must read.
Once again Amanda James managed to cast a spell over me with her tale of family feuds and revenge. Not only does the story draw you in, the setting is so beautifully described you feel like you are there.
Her characters are as usual, rounded and believable. She also writes the baddie so well that I really didn’t care what happened to them, as long as justice was served. There is a very clever twist as the end which I didn’t see coming but even without that, it was a spellbinding story, well told and definitely memorable. A must read.
September 10, 2019
A great read
The Feud is a story ,that lives up to,it's expectations , of being a gripping Cornish tail. you can believe in , the characters ,their motives there dreams , would love to draw certain episodes out for comment, but , it would give away,too many plot lines, and spoilers , better to leave, the new reader , the path chosen by A J , she brings it all ,to a very, satisfactory end,
The Feud is a story ,that lives up to,it's expectations , of being a gripping Cornish tail. you can believe in , the characters ,their motives there dreams , would love to draw certain episodes out for comment, but , it would give away,too many plot lines, and spoilers , better to leave, the new reader , the path chosen by A J , she brings it all ,to a very, satisfactory end,
August 12, 2019
The Richest characters I've read
I wish the title was The Curse of The Feud. Seemed to start off a little slow, but then hang onto your seats! Recommend story/book highly.
I wish the title was The Curse of The Feud. Seemed to start off a little slow, but then hang onto your seats! Recommend story/book highly.
April 15, 2019
An exciting, intelligent read set in Cornwall encompassing great ocean views and tantalising tales of the folklore and feuds for which that county is renowned.
Having lost his wife to cancer, Matt Trevelyar decides a fresh start is needed and where better than back to his Cornish roots? A teacher, Matt secures a job in St. Agnes - exactly where his grandparents lived decades ago. Happy with his rented cottage and his new position at Penhallow School, Matt is shocked to find a message waiting outside his home .. one which makes it very clear he is not welcome! But this is only the beginning of his troubles . . .
What a story! Beautifully crafted and skilfully-plotted, this intriguing novel kept my attention solidly throughout. When I wasn't actually reading, I was mulling over the events, dreaming about the characters and considering the possibilities of what was going to happen next. The residents of St. Agnes range from being enchanting to nasty and obnoxious making this a substantive and suspenseful read as we follow Matt through various ups and downs and ruminate as to how it's all going to end. Trust me, the final pages are worth waiting for and, like me, you may well feel as if you've had a lively Cornish break, meeting the locals and drinking in the scenery. This is a fine novel, one I thoroughly enjoyed and well worth each one of the five shining stars I'm happy to give it.
Having lost his wife to cancer, Matt Trevelyar decides a fresh start is needed and where better than back to his Cornish roots? A teacher, Matt secures a job in St. Agnes - exactly where his grandparents lived decades ago. Happy with his rented cottage and his new position at Penhallow School, Matt is shocked to find a message waiting outside his home .. one which makes it very clear he is not welcome! But this is only the beginning of his troubles . . .
What a story! Beautifully crafted and skilfully-plotted, this intriguing novel kept my attention solidly throughout. When I wasn't actually reading, I was mulling over the events, dreaming about the characters and considering the possibilities of what was going to happen next. The residents of St. Agnes range from being enchanting to nasty and obnoxious making this a substantive and suspenseful read as we follow Matt through various ups and downs and ruminate as to how it's all going to end. Trust me, the final pages are worth waiting for and, like me, you may well feel as if you've had a lively Cornish break, meeting the locals and drinking in the scenery. This is a fine novel, one I thoroughly enjoyed and well worth each one of the five shining stars I'm happy to give it.
April 17, 2019
You know you’re in for a treat when you read an Amanda James book. The Feud is no exception.
I love a good old revenge story, where that characters go to any lengths to indulge in a bit of tit for tat. That element is clearly present in this story. I loved how Matt stood his ground and replied back as much as he could. I loved how Morvoren Penhallow kept pestering Matt and therefore kept things interesting for the readers. And the twist of the actual reason why Morvoren was so hell-bent to hurt Matt made me go, “Ah! That is why!”
Things started to take an interesting turn from there on and I was completely engaged to see this through. I loved how the book ended, a different and satisfying way of leaving a story.
Special mention regarding the characters – They felt so real and I could find examples of such characters from my life. Even Morvoren and also the most irritating Jessica.
For more reviews please visit www.rubinareads.com
I love a good old revenge story, where that characters go to any lengths to indulge in a bit of tit for tat. That element is clearly present in this story. I loved how Matt stood his ground and replied back as much as he could. I loved how Morvoren Penhallow kept pestering Matt and therefore kept things interesting for the readers. And the twist of the actual reason why Morvoren was so hell-bent to hurt Matt made me go, “Ah! That is why!”
Things started to take an interesting turn from there on and I was completely engaged to see this through. I loved how the book ended, a different and satisfying way of leaving a story.
Special mention regarding the characters – They felt so real and I could find examples of such characters from my life. Even Morvoren and also the most irritating Jessica.
For more reviews please visit www.rubinareads.com
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