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One Night, Two Lives: Can the Past Be Forgiven?
Suzie, a widow with two grown-up daughters, has made a success of her life – until, at a public event, she is faced by the man she last saw as a teenager, forty years ago. James, once a history student, is now an Anglican priest in Oxford, battling his own demons and trying to mend the sins of the past.
When he says he wants to find the child Suzie gave up for adoption in the 1960s, her shock turns to fury. After what he did – and after such a betrayal – how dare he even ask? Determined to spell things out for James, Suzie has questions of her own. The answers change her perspective, but if she agrees to search for her adopted son, she must face her own guilt as well as fears that her son may, in turn, reject her. Over the succeeding months, she and James grow closer. The old attraction isn’t dead, and while desire battles with resentment on Suzie’s part, James is struggling with principle and belief.
From rural Yorkshire to the tragic world of mother-and-baby homes, the past takes Suzie to the bright lights of London, life with her artist husband, and back to recent times in York. But only when she’s faced with death in the high Pennines, can she begin to heal; and only when James has laid the past to rest, can he begin to forgive himself.
When he says he wants to find the child Suzie gave up for adoption in the 1960s, her shock turns to fury. After what he did – and after such a betrayal – how dare he even ask? Determined to spell things out for James, Suzie has questions of her own. The answers change her perspective, but if she agrees to search for her adopted son, she must face her own guilt as well as fears that her son may, in turn, reject her. Over the succeeding months, she and James grow closer. The old attraction isn’t dead, and while desire battles with resentment on Suzie’s part, James is struggling with principle and belief.
From rural Yorkshire to the tragic world of mother-and-baby homes, the past takes Suzie to the bright lights of London, life with her artist husband, and back to recent times in York. But only when she’s faced with death in the high Pennines, can she begin to heal; and only when James has laid the past to rest, can he begin to forgive himself.
Kindle Edition
Published June 13, 2019
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About the author
Ann Victoria Roberts
14 books39 followersAnn Victoria Roberts is the author of six historical novels, set mainly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As the wife of a sea-captain, her writing life has often been interrupted by voyages with her husband and children; she even received news of her first novel’s acceptance while on the bridge of an oil tanker entering port!
Her new book, ‘Housewife Writes Bestseller’, is a memoir, a light-hearted look back at the crazy days of the 1980s.
A keen reader and researcher, Ann enjoys painting pictures with words and regards historical fiction as an enjoyable way to discover the past. Born in York, Ann now lives in Southampton UK with her Master Mariner husband.
Her new book, ‘Housewife Writes Bestseller’, is a memoir, a light-hearted look back at the crazy days of the 1980s.
A keen reader and researcher, Ann enjoys painting pictures with words and regards historical fiction as an enjoyable way to discover the past. Born in York, Ann now lives in Southampton UK with her Master Mariner husband.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 25, 2019
I settled down to read One Night Two Lives with eager anticipation. The action is split between the 60’s when Suzie met James when they were young and present day – forty years later. Now Suzie is a semi-retired widow who has written a book about her pilgrimage to Spain and James (a widower) who became a clergyman. The action opens at Suzie’s book signing and James approaches her to speak to her.
The subject matter covers rape, teenage pregnancy and forced adoption – all harrowing, but the text also deals with the emotional turmoil of these factors but the ongoing pressure associated with two individuals approaching a difficult subject from separate but relevant viewpoints.
Unfortunately, I did not warm to the characters even though I was desperate to like them. I felt pressured to like them but I they just did not hit the right note for me. If anything, they irritated me and the interminable ‘walks’ and details of the ‘walks’ made the whole thing unbalanced for me.
Sorry Ms Roberts, there were elements that chimed well, but all in all, not for me. I must point out though, I did finish the book and I am confident that others will love it.
Thank you to the author, publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.
The subject matter covers rape, teenage pregnancy and forced adoption – all harrowing, but the text also deals with the emotional turmoil of these factors but the ongoing pressure associated with two individuals approaching a difficult subject from separate but relevant viewpoints.
Unfortunately, I did not warm to the characters even though I was desperate to like them. I felt pressured to like them but I they just did not hit the right note for me. If anything, they irritated me and the interminable ‘walks’ and details of the ‘walks’ made the whole thing unbalanced for me.
Sorry Ms Roberts, there were elements that chimed well, but all in all, not for me. I must point out though, I did finish the book and I am confident that others will love it.
Thank you to the author, publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.
June 25, 2019
Another great AVR book
Ann Victoria Roberts once again displays her innate ability to write a spell-binding book which accurately captures life in Britain over the years from the early ‘60s to the present day. The story clearly demonstrates how attitudes, and fortunately laws too, have changed over time. As in her previous books the author has researched her subject with care and is able to paint colourful images with her words.
Ann Victoria Roberts once again displays her innate ability to write a spell-binding book which accurately captures life in Britain over the years from the early ‘60s to the present day. The story clearly demonstrates how attitudes, and fortunately laws too, have changed over time. As in her previous books the author has researched her subject with care and is able to paint colourful images with her words.
December 3, 2019
Very indepth Author on the subject such involved dialogue and story so many details that one is sure she knows or has personal experience of.
Character are artisitc and From the Cleric and really brilliant that meet their son who is the asset to them and accepting.
Character are artisitc and From the Cleric and really brilliant that meet their son who is the asset to them and accepting.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews