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Stella won't give up, but she doesn't know how to go on.
Stella North, a rising star in the police, has her life torn apart by a gunman's bullets. She has often faced danger, but these injuries mean she must give up the job she loves. Her grandmother Beth is her rock. And Beth is no ordinary woman. At 70, she runs marathons and has a past that Stella knows very little about.
Beth calls in her friend, Michael, to help with Stella's recovery. But this man means a lot more to Beth than she reveals. And Stella's ex-husband, Edward, and old police partner, Robbie, want to help, but Stella puts up emotional barriers, and they have problems of their own. Her old friends from her days of Urbex (exploring old abandoned buildings) offer a glimmer of hope for the future.
Stella North, a rising star in the police, has her life torn apart by a gunman's bullets. She has often faced danger, but these injuries mean she must give up the job she loves. Her grandmother Beth is her rock. And Beth is no ordinary woman. At 70, she runs marathons and has a past that Stella knows very little about.
Beth calls in her friend, Michael, to help with Stella's recovery. But this man means a lot more to Beth than she reveals. And Stella's ex-husband, Edward, and old police partner, Robbie, want to help, but Stella puts up emotional barriers, and they have problems of their own. Her old friends from her days of Urbex (exploring old abandoned buildings) offer a glimmer of hope for the future.
Audiobook
First published April 25, 2017
763 people are currently reading
317 people want to read
About the author
Joy Ellis
60 books2,426 followersJoy Ellis grew up in Kent but moved to London when she won an apprenticeship with the prestigious Mayfair florist, Constance Spry Ltd. Having run her own flower shop in Weybridge for many years, Ellis then worked as a bookseller until a trip to the Greek island of Skyros, where she took part in a writer's workshop with Sue Townsend, encouraged her to write her own books. Joy soon after moved to the Lincolnshire Fens, where she has spent many of years living among the countryside accompanied by her partner, Jacqueline, and her variety of springer spaniels. After many years of writing, Jasper Joffe, from Joffe Books, discovered Joy's work and approached her with the offer of becoming her new publisher. This new relationship introduced Joy's work to the fascinating world of ebooks and audible listening. Since their partnership, Joy's success has grown further than she could have ever imagined. She has recently celebrated her 10th UK No.1 book on the Amazon 'Best Sellers' chart, with her 9th instalment in the Jackman & Evans series, Solace House. Joy boasts a staggering estimated total over 3.4 million copies sold worldwide, and became a short-listed nominee at the British Book Awards, 2021.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
April 20, 2017
Stella North was a rising star in the police but her life was torn apart after being shot. Her injuries meant she must give up her job.
Stella's grandmother Beth is her rock. Beth is seventy years old and still runs marathons. She has had an exciting that Stella knows very little about. Will Stella overcome the challenge of her new life and will her grandmother resolve the turmoil of her past.
The story cleverly combines Stella's recovery and Beth's past together. The characters are both believable and likeable. This is not the authors usual genre but I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Loved it.
I would like to thank Joffe Books and the author Joy Ellis for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Stella's grandmother Beth is her rock. Beth is seventy years old and still runs marathons. She has had an exciting that Stella knows very little about. Will Stella overcome the challenge of her new life and will her grandmother resolve the turmoil of her past.
The story cleverly combines Stella's recovery and Beth's past together. The characters are both believable and likeable. This is not the authors usual genre but I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Loved it.
I would like to thank Joffe Books and the author Joy Ellis for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 25, 2017
This is not one of Joy Ellis' crime series, although it is set in the fens and the main character was with the police until serious injuries changed her life course.
As much as I've love Ellis' fen series, this book doesn't fall in my typical choice of genre. It is classified as Women's Fiction. I didn't dislike it by any means, but I was hoping for more of Nikki Galena and her crew.
I was already familiar with urban exploration and urban decay from seeing photos on different sites for the last several years, but the novel does an interesting job in discussing this pastime/obsession. Many of the photos urban explorers take are gorgeous, but most of the locations have a an air of desolation that is hard to shake. The explorations range from the grand to the industrial. There is always that combination of fascinating and sad about abandoned buildings.
NetGalley/Joffe Books
Women's Fiction. Apr. 28, 2017.
As much as I've love Ellis' fen series, this book doesn't fall in my typical choice of genre. It is classified as Women's Fiction. I didn't dislike it by any means, but I was hoping for more of Nikki Galena and her crew.
I was already familiar with urban exploration and urban decay from seeing photos on different sites for the last several years, but the novel does an interesting job in discussing this pastime/obsession. Many of the photos urban explorers take are gorgeous, but most of the locations have a an air of desolation that is hard to shake. The explorations range from the grand to the industrial. There is always that combination of fascinating and sad about abandoned buildings.
NetGalley/Joffe Books
Women's Fiction. Apr. 28, 2017.
February 11, 2024
I got into it eventually, and I blame my concentration so ... quite good in the end.
April 20, 2017
Having read many of the crime fiction novels by Joy Ellis, I was keen to see how she writes this slightly different genre.
I was pleasantly surprised. I liked the fact that Stella, the main character is an ex-detective. I also liked the use of DI Rowan Jackman and DS Marie Evans as characters within this story.
The journey of self-discovery for Stella following a life changing injury is cleverly knitted in with the story of Beth, her grandmothers past.
This is not a genre which I read frequently, but it makes a change. Joy Ellis manages to create an entertaining story using a setting and style with which she is familiar.
Thanks once again to Netgalley and Joffe Books for a copy in exchange for this review.
I was pleasantly surprised. I liked the fact that Stella, the main character is an ex-detective. I also liked the use of DI Rowan Jackman and DS Marie Evans as characters within this story.
The journey of self-discovery for Stella following a life changing injury is cleverly knitted in with the story of Beth, her grandmothers past.
This is not a genre which I read frequently, but it makes a change. Joy Ellis manages to create an entertaining story using a setting and style with which she is familiar.
Thanks once again to Netgalley and Joffe Books for a copy in exchange for this review.
August 1, 2019
I usually enjoy this author, but this was B-O-R-I-N-G!
March 2, 2020
My very first audiobook and by default my first audiobook review so I will start by saying I don't have anything to compare it to so this is completely unbiased and my own personal opinion.
Stella is a successful detective, happy with her life until she wakes up in hospital. She is lucky to be alive but was shot in the head and side so she has brain damage and a long road to physical recovery and an even longer one to mental wellbeing.
Her life as it was is in shreds she can no longer do the job she loves and is mad at the world. Taking it out on her friends and family is not helping. At her wits end Stella's grandmother. Beth, picks up the phone and rings the one person who may be able to help but the one person who will crack open the break in her heart. But she will do anything for Stella.
As the tag line says this book is an emotional rollercoaster but not so much in the romantic sense. It follows a young woman's struggle to rebuild her life and it is told with such compassion and knowledge it had me in tears at times and smiling at other times.
As Stella struggles to find the way forward she contacts her old Urbexing friend, Tom. Now urbexing is something I knew nothing about so I was immediately drawn in to learn more. Photographing decaying buildings to capture something that will be slightly different every time is, I felt, amazing. The idea of having a physical record of wonderful old buildings preserved for future generations must be so rewarding and this brought a new level of interest to the story.
I loved the narration I think the narrator 'got' the accents perfectly especially Michael - not German not English but something that worked perfectly. Also the other characters each voice slightly different. I thought it all worked brilliantly.
5 stars for the awesome writing and 5 stars for the audio - A very enjoyable book in every way.
Stella is a successful detective, happy with her life until she wakes up in hospital. She is lucky to be alive but was shot in the head and side so she has brain damage and a long road to physical recovery and an even longer one to mental wellbeing.
Her life as it was is in shreds she can no longer do the job she loves and is mad at the world. Taking it out on her friends and family is not helping. At her wits end Stella's grandmother. Beth, picks up the phone and rings the one person who may be able to help but the one person who will crack open the break in her heart. But she will do anything for Stella.
As the tag line says this book is an emotional rollercoaster but not so much in the romantic sense. It follows a young woman's struggle to rebuild her life and it is told with such compassion and knowledge it had me in tears at times and smiling at other times.
As Stella struggles to find the way forward she contacts her old Urbexing friend, Tom. Now urbexing is something I knew nothing about so I was immediately drawn in to learn more. Photographing decaying buildings to capture something that will be slightly different every time is, I felt, amazing. The idea of having a physical record of wonderful old buildings preserved for future generations must be so rewarding and this brought a new level of interest to the story.
I loved the narration I think the narrator 'got' the accents perfectly especially Michael - not German not English but something that worked perfectly. Also the other characters each voice slightly different. I thought it all worked brilliantly.
5 stars for the awesome writing and 5 stars for the audio - A very enjoyable book in every way.
July 8, 2017
Guide star by joy ellis.
Who do you turn to when life goes wrong?
Stella’s life has changed forever. Her only support is her amazing grandmother, Beth. But Beth also faces the biggest challenge of her life.
Stella North, a rising star in the police, has her life torn apart by a gunman’s bullets. All her life she has faced danger, but these injuries mean she must give up the job she loves. Her grandmother Beth is her rock. And Beth is no ordinary woman. At seventy, she runs marathons and has an exciting past that Stella knows very little about.
Will Stella find the strength to overcome the challenges of her new life, and will her grandmother at last resolve the deep emotional turmoil of her past?
A Fantastic read with brilliant characters. I loved Stella and her grandmother. Wow. What her grandmother did for the war. I was shocked. This book is fall of surprises. A lovely read. 5*. Netgalley and Joffe books.
Who do you turn to when life goes wrong?
Stella’s life has changed forever. Her only support is her amazing grandmother, Beth. But Beth also faces the biggest challenge of her life.
Stella North, a rising star in the police, has her life torn apart by a gunman’s bullets. All her life she has faced danger, but these injuries mean she must give up the job she loves. Her grandmother Beth is her rock. And Beth is no ordinary woman. At seventy, she runs marathons and has an exciting past that Stella knows very little about.
Will Stella find the strength to overcome the challenges of her new life, and will her grandmother at last resolve the deep emotional turmoil of her past?
A Fantastic read with brilliant characters. I loved Stella and her grandmother. Wow. What her grandmother did for the war. I was shocked. This book is fall of surprises. A lovely read. 5*. Netgalley and Joffe books.
June 16, 2017
Wowzers, I enjoyed that one. 5 super starts from me.
This is certainly a change from all the other books I have read from Joy Ellis, but a brilliant change too.
I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this book.
Stella North was a police officer until she was shot. This book is Stella's journey on trying to rebuild her life, trying to adapt to all that she has lost and trying to find herself again.
Memory loss, mood swings are just a couple of the things that Stella has to endure on a daily basis, alongside this she has lost the job that she loved doing. To Stella there is nothing left for her. It takes a long time to come to terms with life changing events.
As well as the impact this has had on Stella we also see how it has affecter her grandmother who she is living with while trying to get her life back. I loved these two characters and I could have read a whole lot more about them.
A truly enjoyable read, and although I was a little apprehensive about the change, at the end of this book I realised that Joy Ellis is one hell of a writer and even with the change can hold my attention throughout any book she has written.
This one is well worth reading in my opinion, and I don't think anyone reading this would be disappointed.
I certainly look forward to reading more from Joy and can't wait for the next book in the Fens series.
A big fat 5/5 from me.
This is certainly a change from all the other books I have read from Joy Ellis, but a brilliant change too.
I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this book.
Stella North was a police officer until she was shot. This book is Stella's journey on trying to rebuild her life, trying to adapt to all that she has lost and trying to find herself again.
Memory loss, mood swings are just a couple of the things that Stella has to endure on a daily basis, alongside this she has lost the job that she loved doing. To Stella there is nothing left for her. It takes a long time to come to terms with life changing events.
As well as the impact this has had on Stella we also see how it has affecter her grandmother who she is living with while trying to get her life back. I loved these two characters and I could have read a whole lot more about them.
A truly enjoyable read, and although I was a little apprehensive about the change, at the end of this book I realised that Joy Ellis is one hell of a writer and even with the change can hold my attention throughout any book she has written.
This one is well worth reading in my opinion, and I don't think anyone reading this would be disappointed.
I certainly look forward to reading more from Joy and can't wait for the next book in the Fens series.
A big fat 5/5 from me.
April 3, 2018
I have very much enjoyed both series and a stand alone by Joy Ellis but thought this book was pretty poor compared to the others. Seemed to be an attempt at romance rather than police procedural and not a very good one.
April 23, 2017
4 stars
Stella wakes up in the hospital. She is told she has been shot. Beth, her grandmother, is by her side.
Recovery is difficult and Stella is heartbroken at the prospect of giving up her policing job. She considers suicide. Meanwhile, Beth’s old friend, Michael Lindenfeld, returns from Germany. She tells Stella about their relationship. Beth is a remarkable woman. She still runs marathons and engages in other very active pastimes.
Michael is a neuropsychologist whose specialty is brain damaged persons. He is perfect for Stella. If only Beth can bear having her old friend in the area. He is of great help to Stella.
At the same time, Stella’s former partner, Robbie, is having severe difficulties at work. He is lost without her. Lexi is having problems with Ed. Ed is Stella’s former husband. What is going on? These are two important subplots. A tie in is a cameo by DS Marie Evans and DI Will Jackman.
This is a very well written and plotted novel. While it is not Joy Ellis’ usual fare, it is still very enjoyable. It flows nicely and the words are well chosen. It did have some points in it that did not follow well. I said to myself, “And just how did that happen?” a couple of times. It bothered me a little that Stella felt she had to rescue/take care of everyone.
I want to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for forwarding to me a copy of this nice little novel for me to read.
Stella wakes up in the hospital. She is told she has been shot. Beth, her grandmother, is by her side.
Recovery is difficult and Stella is heartbroken at the prospect of giving up her policing job. She considers suicide. Meanwhile, Beth’s old friend, Michael Lindenfeld, returns from Germany. She tells Stella about their relationship. Beth is a remarkable woman. She still runs marathons and engages in other very active pastimes.
Michael is a neuropsychologist whose specialty is brain damaged persons. He is perfect for Stella. If only Beth can bear having her old friend in the area. He is of great help to Stella.
At the same time, Stella’s former partner, Robbie, is having severe difficulties at work. He is lost without her. Lexi is having problems with Ed. Ed is Stella’s former husband. What is going on? These are two important subplots. A tie in is a cameo by DS Marie Evans and DI Will Jackman.
This is a very well written and plotted novel. While it is not Joy Ellis’ usual fare, it is still very enjoyable. It flows nicely and the words are well chosen. It did have some points in it that did not follow well. I said to myself, “And just how did that happen?” a couple of times. It bothered me a little that Stella felt she had to rescue/take care of everyone.
I want to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for forwarding to me a copy of this nice little novel for me to read.
May 29, 2017
This book was about getting on your feet again after a traumatic experience, it is also about second chances. This was the first time that I've heard about urban exploration and decay photography and this part of the story was really intriguing, this is something that I also now want to explore a bit further in the future. Joy Ellis is a gifted story teller and not once in the book did I wish for it to end. Lots of twists and turns that keeps you glued to the pages with really likable down to earth characters.
I would really recommend this book.
Thanks to Joffe books via Netgalley for the copy.
I would really recommend this book.
Thanks to Joffe books via Netgalley for the copy.
April 28, 2017
This book is a deviation from the usual crime fiction that Joy writes and I was therefore unsure what to expect.
The book begins when Stella is in the hospital recovering from gunshot wounds and that is where the suspense begins on what develops as a rollercoaster ride through every emotion you have. Joy has very cleverly managed to portray the characters so the reader really gets into their head and can feel all the emotions. It is gripping and the reader just turns page after page until the ending which is a real curve ball. Every time I thought I had worked out where the book was going another twist appeared I can honestly say this is one of the best most gripping reads I have had the pleasure to read for a long time that wasn’t a 'thriller'. It was a very refreshing change from the norm and it shows the author is talented at more than one genre.
Stella is a policewoman who ended up in a life threatening situation while off duty and ends up putting her own life in danger in an attempt to save the lives of innocent civilians. She ends up seriously injured in hospital with life changing injuries.
Her partner, Robbie also suffers as a result of Stella's injuries as he feels guilty that he wasn’t able to save her. Their boss is an unfeeling woman who abandons Stella in spite of her bravery and gives Robbie a hard time pushing him over the edge.
The book has many characters. All of them unique and well developed and Joy has also managed to bring characters from one of her crime fiction series' into this book making it an excellent side story.
Stella struggles with her recovery as she tries to find a way forward through a difficult rehabilitation pysically and mentally as she sees the job she worked towards and loved so much is out of reach. Her beloved Gran puts her heart at risk to help Stella by contacting an old friend.
I was very interested to learn about Urbexing and again Joy opened my eyes to things I hadn't considered such as how Urbexers document decay before it is lost forever. At first this seemed a very strange and pointless thing to do but now my eyes have been opened and I have found I look at old buildings in a completely different light.
This is an excellent book and well worth the 5 stars. I would like to read more of this type of book as spin offs to the crime fiction as it brings the people to life and makes a refreshing change from the bad things in life.
The title is perfect but I will let you read the book to find out why that is.
A very big thank you to Joffe Books for providing me with an advance copy of this book.
#joyellis #joffebooks #5stars #booksnall @joffebooks @books_n_all
Merged review:
This book is a deviation from the usual crime fiction that Joy writes and I was therefore unsure what to expect.
The book begins when Stella is in the hospital recovering from gunshot wounds and that is where the suspense begins on what develops as a rollercoaster ride through every emotion you have. Joy has very cleverly managed to portray the characters so the reader really gets into their head and can feel all the emotions. It is gripping and the reader just turns page after page until the ending which is a real curve ball. Every time I thought I had worked out where the book was going another twist appeared I can honestly say this is one of the best most gripping reads I have had the pleasure to read for a long time that wasn’t a 'thriller'. It was a very refreshing change from the norm and it shows the author is talented at more than one genre.
Stella is a policewoman who ended up in a life threatening situation while off duty and ends up putting her own life in danger in an attempt to save the lives of innocent civilians. She ends up seriously injured in hospital with life changing injuries.
Her partner, Robbie also suffers as a result of Stella's injuries as he feels guilty that he wasn’t able to save her. Their boss is an unfeeling woman who abandons Stella in spite of her bravery and gives Robbie a hard time pushing him over the edge.
The book has many characters. All of them unique and well developed and Joy has also managed to bring characters from one of her crime fiction series' into this book making it an excellent side story.
Stella struggles with her recovery as she tries to find a way forward through a difficult rehabilitation pysically and mentally as she sees the job she worked towards and loved so much is out of reach. Her beloved Gran puts her heart at risk to help Stella by contacting an old friend.
I was very interested to learn about Urbexing and again Joy opened my eyes to things I hadn't considered such as how Urbexers document decay before it is lost forever. At first this seemed a very strange and pointless thing to do but now my eyes have been opened and I have found I look at old buildings in a completely different light.
This is an excellent book and well worth the 5 stars. I would like to read more of this type of book as spin offs to the crime fiction as it brings the people to life and makes a refreshing change from the bad things in life.
The title is perfect but I will let you read the book to find out why that is.
A very big thank you to Joffe Books for providing me with an advance copy of this book.
#joyellis #joffebooks #5stars #booksnall @joffebooks @books_n_all
The book begins when Stella is in the hospital recovering from gunshot wounds and that is where the suspense begins on what develops as a rollercoaster ride through every emotion you have. Joy has very cleverly managed to portray the characters so the reader really gets into their head and can feel all the emotions. It is gripping and the reader just turns page after page until the ending which is a real curve ball. Every time I thought I had worked out where the book was going another twist appeared I can honestly say this is one of the best most gripping reads I have had the pleasure to read for a long time that wasn’t a 'thriller'. It was a very refreshing change from the norm and it shows the author is talented at more than one genre.
Stella is a policewoman who ended up in a life threatening situation while off duty and ends up putting her own life in danger in an attempt to save the lives of innocent civilians. She ends up seriously injured in hospital with life changing injuries.
Her partner, Robbie also suffers as a result of Stella's injuries as he feels guilty that he wasn’t able to save her. Their boss is an unfeeling woman who abandons Stella in spite of her bravery and gives Robbie a hard time pushing him over the edge.
The book has many characters. All of them unique and well developed and Joy has also managed to bring characters from one of her crime fiction series' into this book making it an excellent side story.
Stella struggles with her recovery as she tries to find a way forward through a difficult rehabilitation pysically and mentally as she sees the job she worked towards and loved so much is out of reach. Her beloved Gran puts her heart at risk to help Stella by contacting an old friend.
I was very interested to learn about Urbexing and again Joy opened my eyes to things I hadn't considered such as how Urbexers document decay before it is lost forever. At first this seemed a very strange and pointless thing to do but now my eyes have been opened and I have found I look at old buildings in a completely different light.
This is an excellent book and well worth the 5 stars. I would like to read more of this type of book as spin offs to the crime fiction as it brings the people to life and makes a refreshing change from the bad things in life.
The title is perfect but I will let you read the book to find out why that is.
A very big thank you to Joffe Books for providing me with an advance copy of this book.
#joyellis #joffebooks #5stars #booksnall @joffebooks @books_n_all
Merged review:
This book is a deviation from the usual crime fiction that Joy writes and I was therefore unsure what to expect.
The book begins when Stella is in the hospital recovering from gunshot wounds and that is where the suspense begins on what develops as a rollercoaster ride through every emotion you have. Joy has very cleverly managed to portray the characters so the reader really gets into their head and can feel all the emotions. It is gripping and the reader just turns page after page until the ending which is a real curve ball. Every time I thought I had worked out where the book was going another twist appeared I can honestly say this is one of the best most gripping reads I have had the pleasure to read for a long time that wasn’t a 'thriller'. It was a very refreshing change from the norm and it shows the author is talented at more than one genre.
Stella is a policewoman who ended up in a life threatening situation while off duty and ends up putting her own life in danger in an attempt to save the lives of innocent civilians. She ends up seriously injured in hospital with life changing injuries.
Her partner, Robbie also suffers as a result of Stella's injuries as he feels guilty that he wasn’t able to save her. Their boss is an unfeeling woman who abandons Stella in spite of her bravery and gives Robbie a hard time pushing him over the edge.
The book has many characters. All of them unique and well developed and Joy has also managed to bring characters from one of her crime fiction series' into this book making it an excellent side story.
Stella struggles with her recovery as she tries to find a way forward through a difficult rehabilitation pysically and mentally as she sees the job she worked towards and loved so much is out of reach. Her beloved Gran puts her heart at risk to help Stella by contacting an old friend.
I was very interested to learn about Urbexing and again Joy opened my eyes to things I hadn't considered such as how Urbexers document decay before it is lost forever. At first this seemed a very strange and pointless thing to do but now my eyes have been opened and I have found I look at old buildings in a completely different light.
This is an excellent book and well worth the 5 stars. I would like to read more of this type of book as spin offs to the crime fiction as it brings the people to life and makes a refreshing change from the bad things in life.
The title is perfect but I will let you read the book to find out why that is.
A very big thank you to Joffe Books for providing me with an advance copy of this book.
#joyellis #joffebooks #5stars #booksnall @joffebooks @books_n_all
February 17, 2021
Optimism wins out
Despite the gruesome beginning this is a book where (almost) everything turns out good in the end. Ideal for anyone feeling down and having difficulty in seeing the way forward.
Despite the gruesome beginning this is a book where (almost) everything turns out good in the end. Ideal for anyone feeling down and having difficulty in seeing the way forward.
April 25, 2017
An absolutely fascinating and riveting storyline which had me engrossed from the first chapter. I love this authors style of writing, she totally connects with her readers.Thanks also to the publishers who allowed me access to this book. 5* without hesitation, this book comes highly recommended.
January 17, 2020
Definitely a different book to the other Joy Ellis books I have read but really enjoyable and heartwarming.
Joy's writing flows so easily that it makes it easy to follow the story and become involved, unlike some authors' works that make the reader have to stop and re-read a section to get the gist of what is being said.
Keep writing, Joy! I love your work!
Joy's writing flows so easily that it makes it easy to follow the story and become involved, unlike some authors' works that make the reader have to stop and re-read a section to get the gist of what is being said.
Keep writing, Joy! I love your work!
January 20, 2018
OMG how I loved this book. As an avid crime reader, this was such a lovely book, and it made a difference to read something without dead bodies!!! I'm not a huge fan of romance, but this is a beautiful, well written sort of romance with oodles of compassion, if you see what i mean, without the slush.
I really warmed to the characters, and especially Beth who is an all round good egg, highly intelligent and probably has a few regrets in her life. Michael is a lovely man who comes back into her life after all these years, and obviously their feelings are reunited.
Stella her only granddaughter is suffering after an horrendous incident at work and Beth looks after her, not only her physical, but also her mental wellbeing. This is where Michael, the love of her life returns.
Her friends both new and old add another dimension to this story and they were all well thought out and likeable. There was no-one, even Jack who you could take a dislike to.
I was so pleased to see that Marie and DCI Jackman were also integrated into the storyline, it was nice to see familiar faces.
It is such a lovely read, I wonder if Joy would do a sequel just to let us know how everyone is doing.
Joy has a rare talent, she can write morbid, gritty murder books, but at the same time she writes beautiful, sensitive stories with real feeling behind them. I know the publishers said this was a story close to her heart, I would love to know which part. I do hope Joy is going to Harrogate CWA this year, I would love to meet her.
Thank you to Joffe publishers and Joy for letting me have an advanced copy of this book.
I really warmed to the characters, and especially Beth who is an all round good egg, highly intelligent and probably has a few regrets in her life. Michael is a lovely man who comes back into her life after all these years, and obviously their feelings are reunited.
Stella her only granddaughter is suffering after an horrendous incident at work and Beth looks after her, not only her physical, but also her mental wellbeing. This is where Michael, the love of her life returns.
Her friends both new and old add another dimension to this story and they were all well thought out and likeable. There was no-one, even Jack who you could take a dislike to.
I was so pleased to see that Marie and DCI Jackman were also integrated into the storyline, it was nice to see familiar faces.
It is such a lovely read, I wonder if Joy would do a sequel just to let us know how everyone is doing.
Joy has a rare talent, she can write morbid, gritty murder books, but at the same time she writes beautiful, sensitive stories with real feeling behind them. I know the publishers said this was a story close to her heart, I would love to know which part. I do hope Joy is going to Harrogate CWA this year, I would love to meet her.
Thank you to Joffe publishers and Joy for letting me have an advanced copy of this book.
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January 21, 2024It's unfair of me to give this book a star rating, so I'm hoping I'm not going to be requested to add one after I write this.
I got this book because I'm a Joy Ellis thriller fan, and this is anything but a thriller. I did, in fact, keep waiting for something to happen until about an hour before the end of the book. Then I had an actual look at the description, and although the genre in Goodreads is given as mystery/crime, it's absolutely not. It is, in fact, my least favorite genre of all genres...a romance. The only little zing for me was when characters in her (really excellent) thrillers were mentioned...
If you are a Joy Ellis thriller fan, I hope you will not be caught by surprise and as disappointed as I was. It's not a bad romance, I guess, but I don't read them so.... but a YA for sure romance. So you have to like that kind of thing. Really YA. Okay, so I'll stop now.
For me, if I would have known what it was actually about, it would have been a DNF. As it is, I'd wasted all that time so I did finish it...and 1/2 star is pushing it.
I got this book because I'm a Joy Ellis thriller fan, and this is anything but a thriller. I did, in fact, keep waiting for something to happen until about an hour before the end of the book. Then I had an actual look at the description, and although the genre in Goodreads is given as mystery/crime, it's absolutely not. It is, in fact, my least favorite genre of all genres...a romance. The only little zing for me was when characters in her (really excellent) thrillers were mentioned...
If you are a Joy Ellis thriller fan, I hope you will not be caught by surprise and as disappointed as I was. It's not a bad romance, I guess, but I don't read them so.... but a YA for sure romance. So you have to like that kind of thing. Really YA. Okay, so I'll stop now.
For me, if I would have known what it was actually about, it would have been a DNF. As it is, I'd wasted all that time so I did finish it...and 1/2 star is pushing it.
November 28, 2020
I am a massive fan of Joy Ellis' detective stories and I was eager to read and listen to this book which falls into a slightly different genre. This is a wonderful story of courage and determination, beautifully written and full of warm and caring characters. It was a lovely surprise to see an appearance by DI Rowan Jackman & DS Marie Evans from the hugely popular detective series, and their personalities were as great as ever. Although the story is basically about Stella, it is the support and loyalty of her friends, such as Tom and Robbie, and grandma Beth which makes the story what it is and helps Stella flourish. Beth is a tremendous lady and could probably have a book all to herself. I have to say I knew nothing about urbexing before this book, so I have learned something new into the bargain! A great story full of life's ups and letdowns, which I have read as paperback and also listened to as audiobook, where the narrator made it so easy to listen to that it simply flew by!
April 19, 2017
Though Joy Ellis is known for her crime fiction this book is a departure from this genre.
It is filled with likeable, believable characters whose stories intertwine. The main one is about Stella, a police officer shot in the line of duty and her efforts to come to terms with the fact that her life has changed and she must give up the job she loves.
Her recovery is aided by her grandmother Beth and friends from the past together with a forgotten passion for exploring and photographing derelict buildings.
Thanks to Joffe books for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.
I enjoyed this book and would recommend you try it.
It is filled with likeable, believable characters whose stories intertwine. The main one is about Stella, a police officer shot in the line of duty and her efforts to come to terms with the fact that her life has changed and she must give up the job she loves.
Her recovery is aided by her grandmother Beth and friends from the past together with a forgotten passion for exploring and photographing derelict buildings.
Thanks to Joffe books for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.
I enjoyed this book and would recommend you try it.
Read
January 5, 2021This is adjacent to the Jackman and Evans series. It discusses Stella North, her accident and recovery, which is mentioned in the third or fourth book in the series.
I have to admit that I kept waiting for something terrible to happen, but nothing ever did. This is a story of a young woman whose life is irrevocably changed and how she moves forward. It is really well written and interesting.
I have to admit that I kept waiting for something terrible to happen, but nothing ever did. This is a story of a young woman whose life is irrevocably changed and how she moves forward. It is really well written and interesting.
November 13, 2024
Always good to take a step sideways and get the backstories of some of the other characters of the main series.
I enjoyed hearing Stella’s story and it definitely didn’t have the ending I thought I remembered her having from the main series.
I thought it was a bit odd how she went from not having any feelings for a certain person to suddenly deciding he was going to be the one she spent her life with and had a family with. Throughout the whole book they were just friends, then all of a sudden he’s “the one”. It felt rushed and almost like the author couldn’t figure out how to get from point A to point B.
I enjoyed hearing Stella’s story and it definitely didn’t have the ending I thought I remembered her having from the main series.
I thought it was a bit odd how she went from not having any feelings for a certain person to suddenly deciding he was going to be the one she spent her life with and had a family with. Throughout the whole book they were just friends, then all of a sudden he’s “the one”. It felt rushed and almost like the author couldn’t figure out how to get from point A to point B.
January 9, 2019
I admit I was a little unsure about reading this as it is much different to the other Joy Ellis books, but I should have known it would be a great read. The name Joy Ellis means this is a great book and not to be missed. As always well developed and likable characters plus a tale it is very easy to become a part of. The only thing wrong with this book is that it finished.
July 4, 2020
Mill's and Boon
I'm sure there are lots of romantic Mill's and Book lovers out there who would appreciate this utter drivel. Cannot believe it's the same author of the Fen series.
I'm sure there are lots of romantic Mill's and Book lovers out there who would appreciate this utter drivel. Cannot believe it's the same author of the Fen series.
February 9, 2021
A stand-alone that I almost missed. It concerns a detective who was shot and her efforts to recover her life, knowing that her career in the police force has come to an end. This is a terrible blow to Stella, whose whole life was wrapped up in her role in the force. Still a youngish woman, what can she do with her life? She has her amazing grandmother, Beth, to help her and Beth’s old love, Martin. The title is clever, because it could refer to the play on the name of Stella, but also to the guiding stars who help facilitate her recovery and those to whom she becomes the guiding star.
Joy Ellis is an author whose books I will always read without knowing what others think of it. She never disappoints; all her works are good. She has such a depth of understanding of what people go through and the emotions they experience along with their physical suffering. But this is not a sad story, it’s a mostly happy story of a woman’s fight to come back to herself, to find that there is a point to her life in spite of her former life being completely centred around her career in the police force. It is sad in one place though, and such is the skill of the author that you feel the sadness around the situation and wish it wasn’t happening. Don’t let that put you off because this is a book about triumph and seeing the way forward, in different ways, for others beside Stella
Joy Ellis is an author whose books I will always read without knowing what others think of it. She never disappoints; all her works are good. She has such a depth of understanding of what people go through and the emotions they experience along with their physical suffering. But this is not a sad story, it’s a mostly happy story of a woman’s fight to come back to herself, to find that there is a point to her life in spite of her former life being completely centred around her career in the police force. It is sad in one place though, and such is the skill of the author that you feel the sadness around the situation and wish it wasn’t happening. Don’t let that put you off because this is a book about triumph and seeing the way forward, in different ways, for others beside Stella
October 21, 2020
Gripping and Emotional Roller-Coaster? No! I've read most of Joy Ellis' books and that's why I bought this one. Joy Ellis usually writes in the crime/detective/thriller genre. This was actually quite the opposite; it was more of a love story. Personally, I think she should stick with her normal genre. The narrator was awful. Her voice was gravelly and monotonous. I won't be listening to any of the books she narrates. It was a struggle to finish the book and I only did because 1- I usually try my best to finish books I don't like and 2- I wanted to give Joy Ellis the benefit of the doubt... maybe it would get better. Audiobooks are quite unique in that you need both the author and narrator to be awesome in order to create a fantastic product. This was not the case. While I don't recommend this book, I will give her new books in this genre another try. But label it as it is: It's not crime, not thriller, and not a roller-coaster. This was more of a 'Danielle Steele' or 'Nora Roberts' feel good/love story rather than a 'Joy Ellis'. Nothing wrong with these authors, just not what I was expecting to read.
May 7, 2017
What an absolutely wonderful book. Joy Ellis has captured the heartache, distress and depression of a life changing accident and walked Stella through her recovery to a new understanding of what life can be. Stella was sure her life ended along with her career as a police officer when she was shot in the head. Her grandmother Beth will not allow her to wallow in self pity and brings her home and loves and heals her with exercise. Beth recruits help from an old flame who is a doctor and Tom, an old boyfriend of Stella's who was her Urbex partner(explored old abandoned factories )when they were younger. This great story captures the love of a Grandmother for her granddaughter but also recounts the love story that covers 50 years. It appears that Ms. Ellis has several police/crime procedural series that I'll have to explore. This is one great novel.
May 14, 2021
JUST OK
I think the description with the title is very misleading. No way is it "a gripping and emotional rollercoaster." It was just a nice pleasant read but nothing like the Joy Ellis that I thought I knew through Nikki Galena, Joseph Easter, Jackman , etc....Those books ARE gripping and page-turning excitement. If I know there's one of these coming out I immediately pre-order. I recognised some of the characters in this book from her other series, which was a lovely touch, but this book did not have the depth nor thrill that her other stories have that keep me awake into the small hours unable to abandon.
I think the description with the title is very misleading. No way is it "a gripping and emotional rollercoaster." It was just a nice pleasant read but nothing like the Joy Ellis that I thought I knew through Nikki Galena, Joseph Easter, Jackman , etc....Those books ARE gripping and page-turning excitement. If I know there's one of these coming out I immediately pre-order. I recognised some of the characters in this book from her other series, which was a lovely touch, but this book did not have the depth nor thrill that her other stories have that keep me awake into the small hours unable to abandon.
April 1, 2018
Another Great book; Guide Star from Joy Ellis. This is not a book from her crime Detective Series she has out at the moment. I am a avid reader of a good crime book and not a fan of romance etc however I found this book beautifully written and a lovely read. I really warmed to all the characters and enjoyed the way Joy told the story of their lives.
I found this book hard to put down once I read a few pages.
Thank you to Joffe publishers and Joy for letting me have an advanced copy of this book.
5 star read from me.
I found this book hard to put down once I read a few pages.
Thank you to Joffe publishers and Joy for letting me have an advanced copy of this book.
5 star read from me.
November 8, 2023
I loved this novel. When Stella and Tom were introduced in another Jackman novel, I found their story in that novel a tantalizing tidbit that made me intrigued of their world. It was such a beautifully written story that filled all the empty spaces I felt when I read about them in the other novel. It was a very heart wrenching and painful experience, but I felt complete when I completed it. There is a little less of the crime drama that is normally in the Jackman books but again just a beautiful story and so glad it was told. High recommend!
July 17, 2024
I did not enjoy this book by Joy Ellis as much as I have enjoyed her other two crime series that take place on the Fens. Stella North was a police detective but had to give up her career when she was shot and suffered a terrible brain injury. She is staying with her grandmother, Beth, a fit marathon running 70 year old. An old friend of Beth’s from Germany, Michael, comes for a visit and helps Stella with her depression, and rekindles his relationship with Beth. Stella rekindles her interest in decay photography and Urb-Xing, and reconnects with an old friend Tom.
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