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Evolve: Is destiny a matter of chance or a matter of choice?
Evolve - a story of life, love, loss and wanting more.
Three generations of women all on a journey to change their circumstances and find the life they believe they were destined for…and a terrible secret, that changes it all.
Maggie Treacy has always wanted more. Living in the leafy town of Knockmore in 1960’s Ireland, Maggie morphs into someone new. The transformation does not come without cost, but she isn’t going to let anything or anyone stand in her way.
Felicity, Maggie’s daughter, endures a lonely and neglected existence. She longs for the simple life that her mother ‘rose up’ from. A prisoner in her own life in the 1980’s, she wants to escape, to be part of the life that she looks out at. Will she find the love and belonging that she has been denied all her life?
Felicity’s daughter is lost. She doesn’t know who she is anymore - married into a wealthy Dublin family, she has everything she ever wanted, except the love she once knew. When her husband turns out not to be the man, she thought he was, she makes the journey back to Knockmore to uncover the truth about the past. Can she evolve beyond the secret that has torn them all apart?
A story that transcends time and proves it is not our circumstances that define us but the power within to change and… Evolve.
Judith Cuffe lives in Co. Wicklow, Ireland with her husband, three children and faithful writing companion, Wilbur the Boxer. An avid reader, a dedicated follower of fashion and a lover of words - Judith has had more careers than is entirely necessary in one lifetime, but after many years of threatening to write a book and follow her dreams – she finally did. ‘Evolve’ is her first novel and she is currently working on her second. When she is not writing, she is either in the gym, running up a steep hill behind her husband, scouring the internet for the latest fashions, or in the car, acting as a glorified taxi-service for her beloved children. But she wouldn’t change it for anything.
To find out more Judith, follow her on Facebook (judyinthemiddle) and Instagram (@judy_middle) or on www.judyinthemiddle.com To contact Judith email: judithcuffeauthor@gmail.com
Three generations of women all on a journey to change their circumstances and find the life they believe they were destined for…and a terrible secret, that changes it all.
Maggie Treacy has always wanted more. Living in the leafy town of Knockmore in 1960’s Ireland, Maggie morphs into someone new. The transformation does not come without cost, but she isn’t going to let anything or anyone stand in her way.
Felicity, Maggie’s daughter, endures a lonely and neglected existence. She longs for the simple life that her mother ‘rose up’ from. A prisoner in her own life in the 1980’s, she wants to escape, to be part of the life that she looks out at. Will she find the love and belonging that she has been denied all her life?
Felicity’s daughter is lost. She doesn’t know who she is anymore - married into a wealthy Dublin family, she has everything she ever wanted, except the love she once knew. When her husband turns out not to be the man, she thought he was, she makes the journey back to Knockmore to uncover the truth about the past. Can she evolve beyond the secret that has torn them all apart?
A story that transcends time and proves it is not our circumstances that define us but the power within to change and… Evolve.
Judith Cuffe lives in Co. Wicklow, Ireland with her husband, three children and faithful writing companion, Wilbur the Boxer. An avid reader, a dedicated follower of fashion and a lover of words - Judith has had more careers than is entirely necessary in one lifetime, but after many years of threatening to write a book and follow her dreams – she finally did. ‘Evolve’ is her first novel and she is currently working on her second. When she is not writing, she is either in the gym, running up a steep hill behind her husband, scouring the internet for the latest fashions, or in the car, acting as a glorified taxi-service for her beloved children. But she wouldn’t change it for anything.
To find out more Judith, follow her on Facebook (judyinthemiddle) and Instagram (@judy_middle) or on www.judyinthemiddle.com To contact Judith email: judithcuffeauthor@gmail.com
340 pages, Paperback
First published January 16, 2020
337 people are currently reading
582 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
March 13, 2020
I LOVED this book!! Thank you to the publishing company for offering me a free copy in return for an honest review.
What a story! Told from multiple viewpoints comes a heartbreaking tale of abuse at the hands of greed and its rise to something better. What I loved is that in the midst of it all I literally laughed out loud at some of the hilarious ways the author described things. 5 star writing. 5 star format. Never a dull moment. What lost it its overall 5 star review was honestly the end. Which was in no way bad it just didn't hold up to the rest. Cant quite put my finger on it.
Looking into this novel and reading the acknowledgment it's a debut for this author. Judith Cuffe please keep writing!
Overall 4 stars and highly recommend.
What a story! Told from multiple viewpoints comes a heartbreaking tale of abuse at the hands of greed and its rise to something better. What I loved is that in the midst of it all I literally laughed out loud at some of the hilarious ways the author described things. 5 star writing. 5 star format. Never a dull moment. What lost it its overall 5 star review was honestly the end. Which was in no way bad it just didn't hold up to the rest. Cant quite put my finger on it.
Looking into this novel and reading the acknowledgment it's a debut for this author. Judith Cuffe please keep writing!
Overall 4 stars and highly recommend.
June 18, 2019
Just finished reading your debut novel there! Congrats a great achievement. I really enjoyed it! Looking forward to your next one. Will be recommending it to my family and friends.
Brietta.
Brietta.
February 9, 2020
A moving story of life
I won this kindle book on Goodreads. It was a wonderful story revolving around three generations of women. It told a tale of love, betrayal, lies and much pain in a lush and moving story. It was a fascinating story.
I won this kindle book on Goodreads. It was a wonderful story revolving around three generations of women. It told a tale of love, betrayal, lies and much pain in a lush and moving story. It was a fascinating story.
January 29, 2020
Loved this book- Full of brilliant characters , plot twists and turns and at its heart- a really great story. Thoroughly recommend
August 12, 2019
This book just blew me away. Judith is a new up and coming Irish author and for a first novel it was simply unputdownable. I read all the time; I'm never without a book and there are so many good books out there I never read one twice-until now! I have read Evolve three times. I love the characters; their stories stayed with me long after I put the book down. Judith created a wonderful tale of Love, Family, Friendship, Mystery, Triumph, Betrayal and Hope. You are taken on a Journey through the experiences of three generations and the decisions and choices that have shaped these women along the way. Lots of love, laughter, tears and twists that I promise you wont see coming. Add this to your 'to read' pile you won't be disappointed.
August 5, 2020
After finishing this book, I had to put it aside for a day to really think through what I wanted to say about it.
I devoured this book. I read more than 3/4 of it in one sitting, having a hard time putting it down, and then rushed to get back to it the next morning. I don’t know if it’s the compelling story of Felicity, or the anguishing way Ann comes full circle, or even the bitter taste Margot left in my mouth, but whatever held me captivated by this book was magic. And I need more of it.
Not only is this a story of circles, how one life can definitely affect (in both the positive and negative ways) another, and how families can be much messier than we want to believe, but it’s also a story of second chances. New beginnings. And roots so deep, and so touching, that we have a hard time muddling through them.
I can say one thing for sure. I am so excited to read the sequel - and I am in love with Cuffe’s writing.
I received an advance review copy for free book via BookSirens and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
I devoured this book. I read more than 3/4 of it in one sitting, having a hard time putting it down, and then rushed to get back to it the next morning. I don’t know if it’s the compelling story of Felicity, or the anguishing way Ann comes full circle, or even the bitter taste Margot left in my mouth, but whatever held me captivated by this book was magic. And I need more of it.
Not only is this a story of circles, how one life can definitely affect (in both the positive and negative ways) another, and how families can be much messier than we want to believe, but it’s also a story of second chances. New beginnings. And roots so deep, and so touching, that we have a hard time muddling through them.
I can say one thing for sure. I am so excited to read the sequel - and I am in love with Cuffe’s writing.
I received an advance review copy for free book via BookSirens and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
February 27, 2020
This is a beautiful debut novel by Judith Cuffe that spanned three generations, of a family in Ireland. While it is tragic in so many way, it brings home the fact that we all have people in our lives that provide what family can not.
The author has created strong characters that I just loved and several that were beyond despicable.
This book has everything, strong women that had the ability to survive, despite the worst obstacles imaginable, that were placed in their way. Sometimes it’s not the family that provides the child with the tools and ability to survive. Some parents are not meant or able to nurture a child and the burden falls to someone else.
This writer reminds me very much of one of my favorite Irish authors, Maeve Binchy. Judith Cluffe also writes of the Irish culture, picturesque surroundings and family. I will certainly watch for what’s coming next. A five star ⭐️ effort, on her first try.
My thanks to #BookSirens #PoolbegPressLTD and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.
The author has created strong characters that I just loved and several that were beyond despicable.
This book has everything, strong women that had the ability to survive, despite the worst obstacles imaginable, that were placed in their way. Sometimes it’s not the family that provides the child with the tools and ability to survive. Some parents are not meant or able to nurture a child and the burden falls to someone else.
This writer reminds me very much of one of my favorite Irish authors, Maeve Binchy. Judith Cluffe also writes of the Irish culture, picturesque surroundings and family. I will certainly watch for what’s coming next. A five star ⭐️ effort, on her first try.
My thanks to #BookSirens #PoolbegPressLTD and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.
October 5, 2020
This book was bought as a gift for my mum. I was recommended the author when I was having a promotion on BookBub, and as the author was inspired by the late Maeve Binchy, also because I wanted my mum to keep reading books and discovering new authors, I purchased When Destiny Sings in paperback.
My mum said the book was hilarious, a real joy to read and she wants more from this author......so I purchased the next two books in the series.
Thank you for bringing such a bright and big literary light to my mother. Bless you Judith.
My mum said the book was hilarious, a real joy to read and she wants more from this author......so I purchased the next two books in the series.
Thank you for bringing such a bright and big literary light to my mother. Bless you Judith.
March 4, 2020
Really enjoyed this. Good story. Kept me interested throughout.
March 4, 2020
I won this Kindle edition book in a Goodreads
Giveaway. Thank you to everyone involved.
A wonderful story about 3 generations of
women. Beautifully written!!
Giveaway. Thank you to everyone involved.
A wonderful story about 3 generations of
women. Beautifully written!!
February 23, 2020
Absolutely loved this book!!!!! Read it in a weekend, just couldn’t put it down. A story of true love and sometimes what you think is right for you actually isn’t.
January 29, 2020
Loved it! Can’t wait for her next one....
January 25, 2020
Goodreads Kindle Copy Win
It is a story centering on family; especially, the females in three generation. How each is affected by each other as it plays out in their lives. They realized that a family secret will change what they were destined to believe.
It could have dealt deeper into each character more. Found them kind of ordinary people.
It is a story centering on family; especially, the females in three generation. How each is affected by each other as it plays out in their lives. They realized that a family secret will change what they were destined to believe.
It could have dealt deeper into each character more. Found them kind of ordinary people.
January 21, 2020
Oh wow I LOVED this book!!
I snuggled down with it over a whole weekend of blissful reading. I got so engrossed in the stories of these women that the kids and husband had to fend for themselves.
A true delight; brilliant characters, gripping storyline with some great surprises and ‘didn’t see that coming’ along the way. I cried, I laughed, I fell in love with Sammy. A great story with plenty of intrigue,humour, depth and great characters. They’re all still on my mind!
I feel as though I have been to knockmore; it’s part of me now.
I am thrilled there’s to be more books in this series as I want to see what happens next ....
I snuggled down with it over a whole weekend of blissful reading. I got so engrossed in the stories of these women that the kids and husband had to fend for themselves.
A true delight; brilliant characters, gripping storyline with some great surprises and ‘didn’t see that coming’ along the way. I cried, I laughed, I fell in love with Sammy. A great story with plenty of intrigue,humour, depth and great characters. They’re all still on my mind!
I feel as though I have been to knockmore; it’s part of me now.
I am thrilled there’s to be more books in this series as I want to see what happens next ....
June 25, 2019
Evolve is the debut book from Irish author, Judith Cuffe. It tells of three generations of women from the same family throughout the years, Maggie, Felicity and Bella.
Maggie is unhappy with her lot living on the "Estates" with her mum and sisters. She thinks she's better than that and connives to marry the local vicar and move up to the big house of the village. She delights in lording it over the people of the village and closes her heart and her doors to her family and who she was before. Maggie, or Margot as she has reinvented herself, evolves over the years into a bitter, twisted and cruel woman when she realises that she is stuck in a situation quite possibly worse than that from which she came.
From here we read about Margot's daughter Felicity and granddaughter, Bella.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's a good story telling of social ambition, snobbery, bitterness and greed. I was fascinated by Margot, a ruthless, nasty piece of work, who stops at nothing to gain social status and likes control over everything, including her husband and daughter. Things backfire on her spectacularly, however, as she fails to acquire status, money or indeed happiness, for herself or anyone around her. 4/5*
Maggie is unhappy with her lot living on the "Estates" with her mum and sisters. She thinks she's better than that and connives to marry the local vicar and move up to the big house of the village. She delights in lording it over the people of the village and closes her heart and her doors to her family and who she was before. Maggie, or Margot as she has reinvented herself, evolves over the years into a bitter, twisted and cruel woman when she realises that she is stuck in a situation quite possibly worse than that from which she came.
From here we read about Margot's daughter Felicity and granddaughter, Bella.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It's a good story telling of social ambition, snobbery, bitterness and greed. I was fascinated by Margot, a ruthless, nasty piece of work, who stops at nothing to gain social status and likes control over everything, including her husband and daughter. Things backfire on her spectacularly, however, as she fails to acquire status, money or indeed happiness, for herself or anyone around her. 4/5*
October 22, 2024
When Destiny sings
Really enjoyed this book, it really involved you and you're emotions are tested! Highly recommend
Have ordered the next book to see what happens
Really enjoyed this book, it really involved you and you're emotions are tested! Highly recommend
Have ordered the next book to see what happens
August 1, 2020
When Destiny Sings is a saga of women caught in a world that is not of their making, but trying to push it into a semblance of what they see as a good life. Mother, Maggie; her daughter, Felicity; and her daughter, Ann are the characters around whom others, male and female revolve. The stories are set in Ireland, in a small Irish town and Dublin, with a nod to one character's journey and residence in Australia.
Most dramatically trying to improve her life is Maggie whom, upon adopting a façade aimed at winning the vicar also adopts the name Margot. Maggie comes from a family from the Estates, but aims to join those perceived as better in the wealthier part of town. Marriage to the vicar with his huge home, complete with chandelier, helps her achieve her aim. The house is Margot's pride, the material example of her success. She is less successful at achieving motherhood, but also accomplishes this feat. Maggie/Margot's story is that of an unpleasant woman who, while publicly successful is privately a failure. Felicity and Ann's stories are largely the outcome of Maggie/Margot's intransigence and desperation.
The novel, while seemingly attempting to give Felicity and Ann's stories part of saga of women achieving against the odds, is firmly located in Maggie/Margot's life. Where her almost obscene behaviour impacts on other characters, they are hard to see as anything other than sounding boards for observing Margot's severe short comings. Even when Felicity is the butt of her mother's behaviour, it is hard to get into Felicity's inner life. Her character does not move beyond a mild redemption of the past. Ann is part of that redemption. But again, while the puzzle of what happened at the end of Felicity's life and the end of Margot's tale are resolved in the telling of Ann's story there is little else to give this character, like that of her mother, real development.
While I was happy enough to read to the end, I do not feel compelled to follow the story further. I would have had to have felt so much more tied up in the lives of Felicity and Ann, the pleasant characters in the saga. Unfortunately Margot's rather overdrawn nasty character overrides the possibilities that could have been developed in Felicity, and later, Ann's stories.
Most dramatically trying to improve her life is Maggie whom, upon adopting a façade aimed at winning the vicar also adopts the name Margot. Maggie comes from a family from the Estates, but aims to join those perceived as better in the wealthier part of town. Marriage to the vicar with his huge home, complete with chandelier, helps her achieve her aim. The house is Margot's pride, the material example of her success. She is less successful at achieving motherhood, but also accomplishes this feat. Maggie/Margot's story is that of an unpleasant woman who, while publicly successful is privately a failure. Felicity and Ann's stories are largely the outcome of Maggie/Margot's intransigence and desperation.
The novel, while seemingly attempting to give Felicity and Ann's stories part of saga of women achieving against the odds, is firmly located in Maggie/Margot's life. Where her almost obscene behaviour impacts on other characters, they are hard to see as anything other than sounding boards for observing Margot's severe short comings. Even when Felicity is the butt of her mother's behaviour, it is hard to get into Felicity's inner life. Her character does not move beyond a mild redemption of the past. Ann is part of that redemption. But again, while the puzzle of what happened at the end of Felicity's life and the end of Margot's tale are resolved in the telling of Ann's story there is little else to give this character, like that of her mother, real development.
While I was happy enough to read to the end, I do not feel compelled to follow the story further. I would have had to have felt so much more tied up in the lives of Felicity and Ann, the pleasant characters in the saga. Unfortunately Margot's rather overdrawn nasty character overrides the possibilities that could have been developed in Felicity, and later, Ann's stories.
April 18, 2020
Ann Fitzgerald's new life starts when her mam sent her away from their tiny town to find her fortune in Dublin. Years later, after her marriage has crumbled, she returns, hoping to find the missing pieces of her story and herself.
The tale runs back and forth through several different life stories, at several different points in their lives. Honestly at first I had no idea how they might intertwine, though I knew that they must. But that's the mastery that Cuffe brings to this sometimes sordid, sometimes wonderful, always gripping saga. When she begins weaving her threads into that tapestry, it all falls into place.
An absolutely brilliant debut novel, I cannot wait to read more from this author!
[Many thanks to Booksirens and the author for the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. This is my honest review, the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.]
The tale runs back and forth through several different life stories, at several different points in their lives. Honestly at first I had no idea how they might intertwine, though I knew that they must. But that's the mastery that Cuffe brings to this sometimes sordid, sometimes wonderful, always gripping saga. When she begins weaving her threads into that tapestry, it all falls into place.
An absolutely brilliant debut novel, I cannot wait to read more from this author!
[Many thanks to Booksirens and the author for the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. This is my honest review, the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.]
October 9, 2021
This is not typical of the type of books I read, but my thanks to Library Thing and Poolbeg Publishers for the advance reader copy. I wasn’t sure how to categorize this book and finally settled on Historical Fiction, although some of it takes place in recent years. I didn’t think it merited being in Literary Fiction, where I sort books at a better quality of writing than this.
The positive: engaging story, characters who are elicit strong reactions from the reader, Irish setting.
The negative: sometimes difficult to follow because of changing timelines and multiple points of view from characters; pedantic writing style - that more than anything kept me from rating higher; in fact, this is more of a 2.5 Star read. It’s the first in a trilogy, but I have no desire to read more.
The positive: engaging story, characters who are elicit strong reactions from the reader, Irish setting.
The negative: sometimes difficult to follow because of changing timelines and multiple points of view from characters; pedantic writing style - that more than anything kept me from rating higher; in fact, this is more of a 2.5 Star read. It’s the first in a trilogy, but I have no desire to read more.
February 1, 2021
It took me to long to read this book. For a few reasons....one suppppper busy and two I just couldn't get into it until the end. Towards the end was the best part. I honestly struggled to understand the back and forth (probably more on me than the author).
A girl hated how she grew up and moved away and married a Reverend. She tried hard to get pregnant and never could. She faked a pregnancy and arranged an "adoption" that she never told her husband. He treated her daughter very badly. The daughter grew up and got pregnant. Had her baby and moved away. Had the fairytale love everyone dreams of. ....the rest....you can read to find out
A girl hated how she grew up and moved away and married a Reverend. She tried hard to get pregnant and never could. She faked a pregnancy and arranged an "adoption" that she never told her husband. He treated her daughter very badly. The daughter grew up and got pregnant. Had her baby and moved away. Had the fairytale love everyone dreams of. ....the rest....you can read to find out
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2020
I follow the author on Instagram and after seeing book #2 was being launched and wanting to support local Irish authors, decided to get both books 1 (this one: When Destiny Sings) and 2 (Sing me Home).
When destiny sings is book one on the Evolve Trilogy and the debut novel for authors Judith Cuffe.
The book is written through multiple points of view that help tell the story of 3 generations of women through life in Ireland.
I read the book in one day, since I had a hard time putting it down. It is one of those books that`s stay with you, even after you put it down.
As someone who has been psychologically abused by her mother in my childhood, I can sometimes find it hard to read about stories that touch on this topic (like this one), but in this case it was beautifully written and I saw myself and my past reflected on some of the pages.
I loved this book and can`t wait to read the next two books on this trilogy. I will definitely be reading anything this author writes in the future, given this was her debut novel I can`t wait for her next books!!!
When destiny sings is book one on the Evolve Trilogy and the debut novel for authors Judith Cuffe.
The book is written through multiple points of view that help tell the story of 3 generations of women through life in Ireland.
I read the book in one day, since I had a hard time putting it down. It is one of those books that`s stay with you, even after you put it down.
As someone who has been psychologically abused by her mother in my childhood, I can sometimes find it hard to read about stories that touch on this topic (like this one), but in this case it was beautifully written and I saw myself and my past reflected on some of the pages.
I loved this book and can`t wait to read the next two books on this trilogy. I will definitely be reading anything this author writes in the future, given this was her debut novel I can`t wait for her next books!!!
June 30, 2020
When Destiny Sings is a very enjoyable read, telling the story of Maggie/Margot who decides she wants a better life for herself. She is obsessed with class and always wanting to be the best. However as the story progresses it becomes clear that she does not care who she hurts or damages in the process. She manipulates and deceives those who are closest to her but will she get away with it?
Thanks to Book Sirens for an advance reading copy in return for a honest review.
Thanks to Book Sirens for an advance reading copy in return for a honest review.
May 6, 2021
a brilliant family saga how one adopted daughters for survival in a big house the childhood trauma that felicity faces against her stepmother cruel treatment only makes her stronger,kinder and makes the reader realise that love makes the world go around and to think before you make any decision carefully. It's a shame of the tragic end of felicity's death and makes you realise that good people suffer as well.
August 5, 2020
Compelling Story.
I recommend this well-written and compelling story. The characters were interesting and well fleshed out. There were definitely parts that made me uncomfortable regarding child and animal abuse. I would think "how could this possibly be happening when so many suspected?" But then I couldn't wait to get back reading.
I recommend this well-written and compelling story. The characters were interesting and well fleshed out. There were definitely parts that made me uncomfortable regarding child and animal abuse. I would think "how could this possibly be happening when so many suspected?" But then I couldn't wait to get back reading.
July 25, 2020
Such a heartbreaking story. Very well written story of tragedy and in the end true love. I wish the ending would have allowed for Felicity to find out the truth, though in the end she was a peace with her life.
February 13, 2024
I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
Definitely not for me, though it might just be that I'm not a fan of books that read like soap operas. I couldn't stand the pettiness of the main character's mother and didn't find much to be interested in. DNF.
Definitely not for me, though it might just be that I'm not a fan of books that read like soap operas. I couldn't stand the pettiness of the main character's mother and didn't find much to be interested in. DNF.
February 28, 2020
Absolutely fantastic book 😍😍. From the first page I knew I was in for a real page turner. Move over Cathy Kelly Judith Cuffe is in the house 🤗🤗🤗
April 16, 2020
Fantastic debut novel, can’t wait for the next in this series.
September 24, 2020
Must read!
I loved this book. I read it so quickly to got onto book number two. Just starting number 3 right now. Buy the 3 of them you won't be sorry!
I loved this book. I read it so quickly to got onto book number two. Just starting number 3 right now. Buy the 3 of them you won't be sorry!
January 19, 2021
A Great Book!
I so enjoyed this book! It was both a sad and uplifting story of a young girl's journey got find happiness and love.
I so enjoyed this book! It was both a sad and uplifting story of a young girl's journey got find happiness and love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews