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Eine kleine Insel, ein aufregender Sommer und ein geheimnisvoller Fremder ...
Bell liebt ihr Leben in Stockholm und ihren Job als Nanny bei der Familie Mogert. Vor allem aber liebt sie den schwedischen Sommer, den sie alle zusammen auf einer kleinen Schäreninsel verbringen. Doch in diesem Jahr ist alles anders: Seit einem verwirrenden Anruf ein paar Wochen zuvor ist die Stimmung angespannt, und Bell ahnt, dass die Mogerts ihr etwas verheimlichen. An Mittsommer findet sie Trost und Geborgenheit in den starken Armen von Emil, dem schönsten Mann, der ihr je begegnet ist. Aber auch Emil hat seine Geheimnisse …
Bell liebt ihr Leben in Stockholm und ihren Job als Nanny bei der Familie Mogert. Vor allem aber liebt sie den schwedischen Sommer, den sie alle zusammen auf einer kleinen Schäreninsel verbringen. Doch in diesem Jahr ist alles anders: Seit einem verwirrenden Anruf ein paar Wochen zuvor ist die Stimmung angespannt, und Bell ahnt, dass die Mogerts ihr etwas verheimlichen. An Mittsommer findet sie Trost und Geborgenheit in den starken Armen von Emil, dem schönsten Mann, der ihr je begegnet ist. Aber auch Emil hat seine Geheimnisse …
529 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 28, 2020
278 people are currently reading
2627 people want to read
About the author
Karen Swan
61 books2,391 followersKaren Swan began her career in fashion journalism before giving it all up to raise her three children and a puppy, and to pursue her ambition of becoming a writer. She lives in the forest in Sussex, writing her books in a treehouse overlooking the Downs. Her books include Christmas at Tiffany's, Summer at Tiffany's, The Perfect Present, Christmas in the Snow, The Summer Without You, The Paris Secret, and Christmas Under the Stars.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 480 reviews
August 30, 2023
After some crime and psychological thrillers, this was a decent light read.
Bell is a nanny, helping Max & Hanna Mogert manage their kids (Linus – 9 years old and twins Elise & Tilde less than 4 years old). One day she receives a call for Hanna where Dr Sorensen from Larna Klinik at Uppsala asks that Hanna come over to his clinic urgently. Hanna is a psychotherapist and busy with a patient. Later in the evening she comes to know that Emil, her husband has come out of a coma after 7 years. Hanna had decided to move on with life when Emil was in a coma; Max & Hanna are not married. Linus is Emil & Hanna’s son. Max, Hanna & Bell are worried about what will come next, as Linus knows only Max as his father. Emil is rich, influential and insists on joint custody of Linus.
While the situation outlined feels a bit convoluted, I appreciated that the story telling is fairly simple, focussed and straightforward. I also liked Bell’s brief backstory, where she had earlier dated Jack, who tragically died of pancreatic cancer. The pace is quite slow, but the character development of all the principal characters is good. There are some revelations on how Emil went into a coma towards the end, and it goes well with the rest of the story. Except for the unusual circumstances, there is nothing unique or novel about the story or the characters.
Overall, a decent relaxing read.
My rating: 3.5 / 5.
Bell is a nanny, helping Max & Hanna Mogert manage their kids (Linus – 9 years old and twins Elise & Tilde less than 4 years old). One day she receives a call for Hanna where Dr Sorensen from Larna Klinik at Uppsala asks that Hanna come over to his clinic urgently. Hanna is a psychotherapist and busy with a patient. Later in the evening she comes to know that Emil, her husband has come out of a coma after 7 years. Hanna had decided to move on with life when Emil was in a coma; Max & Hanna are not married. Linus is Emil & Hanna’s son. Max, Hanna & Bell are worried about what will come next, as Linus knows only Max as his father. Emil is rich, influential and insists on joint custody of Linus.
While the situation outlined feels a bit convoluted, I appreciated that the story telling is fairly simple, focussed and straightforward. I also liked Bell’s brief backstory, where she had earlier dated Jack, who tragically died of pancreatic cancer. The pace is quite slow, but the character development of all the principal characters is good. There are some revelations on how Emil went into a coma towards the end, and it goes well with the rest of the story. Except for the unusual circumstances, there is nothing unique or novel about the story or the characters.
Overall, a decent relaxing read.
My rating: 3.5 / 5.
June 11, 2020
*https://theburgeoningbookshelf.blogsp...
Each year I look forward to Karen Swan’s latest offerings with their mysterious plots and evocative locations. More than ever, this year, armchair travel is the way to be taken away and immersed in the beautiful atmosphere of faraway places.
Bell, a 26 year old Britain now living in Stockholm, works as a nanny for the Mogert family – Hanna, Max, 3yo twins Elise & Tilde and 9yo Linus. Bell loved the children and quite often went above and beyond the regular nanny role working overtime. The Mogerts were like the perfect family until the phone call that Hanna’s husband had awoken from a 7 year coma comes. A call that could tear them apart.
Set in the idyllic archipelago islands where the family head for their summer holidays. Karen Swan skilfully depicts the carefree summer lifestyle but there is an underlying ominous feeling as Hanna goes out one night and Bell finds the children asleep, alone in the house.
Through The Hidden Beach Karen Swan explores the theme of family, what makes a family, the loss of family and a parent’s right to see their child. Bell feels the Mogerts are like family, she loves the children. But does she go above her nanny status when thinking there is making bad decisions regarding the children.
I loved that throughout the story we also had a good look at Bell’s personal life, outside her nanny job. Her friends were a fun lot and really cared about her.
Flash backs to earlier years built on the mystery and the twists come on subtley but have no less of an impact when revealed.
At times compelling and at other times heart-wrenching the anticipation and not knowing what was to come makes The Hidden Beach a captivating read.
*I received my copy from the publisher.
Each year I look forward to Karen Swan’s latest offerings with their mysterious plots and evocative locations. More than ever, this year, armchair travel is the way to be taken away and immersed in the beautiful atmosphere of faraway places.
Bell, a 26 year old Britain now living in Stockholm, works as a nanny for the Mogert family – Hanna, Max, 3yo twins Elise & Tilde and 9yo Linus. Bell loved the children and quite often went above and beyond the regular nanny role working overtime. The Mogerts were like the perfect family until the phone call that Hanna’s husband had awoken from a 7 year coma comes. A call that could tear them apart.
Set in the idyllic archipelago islands where the family head for their summer holidays. Karen Swan skilfully depicts the carefree summer lifestyle but there is an underlying ominous feeling as Hanna goes out one night and Bell finds the children asleep, alone in the house.
Through The Hidden Beach Karen Swan explores the theme of family, what makes a family, the loss of family and a parent’s right to see their child. Bell feels the Mogerts are like family, she loves the children. But does she go above her nanny status when thinking there is making bad decisions regarding the children.
I loved that throughout the story we also had a good look at Bell’s personal life, outside her nanny job. Her friends were a fun lot and really cared about her.
Flash backs to earlier years built on the mystery and the twists come on subtley but have no less of an impact when revealed.
At times compelling and at other times heart-wrenching the anticipation and not knowing what was to come makes The Hidden Beach a captivating read.
*I received my copy from the publisher.
November 14, 2022
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I had the most amazing opportunity this month! Thanks to the team at Tandem Collective UK, I participated in a #Readalong on Instagram for The Hidden Beach by Karen Swan. The book is published by the amazing team at Pan Macmillan.
And I can immediately say - this experience was, so far, the highlight of my reading year!
Together with a number of amazing bookstagrammers, we read this book in 5 days, chatting about the plot twists and the ending. By the end of the second day, we were all in love with Karen Swan's writing and decided to do another read along for August. I also had the chance to participate in a Live Q&A session with Karen Swan herself and win a prize for being a runner-up to the quiz. And on top of everything, I visited my mum on the weekend, and we talked about books we're reading. And to my surprise, she owns FOUR books of Karen Swan already! So we decided to swap some books, and I came home with four more books I want to read!
We will be reading The Greek Escape by Karen Swan in August - so please shout if you have this book and want to join us!
I shared my readalong journey on my Instagram, and the highlights are still up, in case you want to have a look at my journey! I always share posts and stories of the books I am currently reading - so don't forget to follow for more updates.
Synopsis:
In the oldest part of Stockholm, Bell Everhurst is working as a nanny for an affluent family. Hanna and Max Von Greyerz are parents to 7 year-old Linus, and 5-year old twins Ellinor and Tilde, and Bell has been with the family for over two years.
One early Spring morning, as she’s rushing out to take the children to school, she answers the phone – and everything changes. A woman from a clinic she’s never heard of asks her to pass on the message that Hanna’s husband is awake.Bell is confused. She clearly just saw Max walking out of the house a few minutes earlier, but the woman mentioned Hanna by name...
When she gets hold of her employer, the truth is revealed: Hanna’s first husband fell into a coma seven years earlier, following a terrible accident. He has been in a Persistent Minimally Conscious State since and there was very little hope of further improvement. But now he’s awake. And life is going to change for them all.
My Thoughts:
I absolutely adored this book! I loved it so much, that I am unsure how to contain all my impressions in a well-written review.
Let's start with the setting.
It is set in Stockholm, on the coast, during summer. The descriptions about the place and the season really fit the mood. There is also a midsummer festival in the book which made me feel as if I was transported there, dancing with people from the town and enjoying the sunshine.
The characters have that aura about them, that makes you want to know them. Or they happen to remind you of someone you know, but you can't just recall where you know them from. They are so familiar, but distant at the same time. Each of them carrying their weight on their shoulders and each of them having their separate story.
We meet Bell - the nanny, who has her own reasons of why she decides to become a nanny and stay in Stockholm longer than she needed to. Her love for the children, especially for Linus is so adorable, and I can understand why she is so protective of him.
I felt for Linus.
The trauma he is going through in this book is heartbreaking, he's introduced to his real father, but he doesn't remember him. The way some situations are handled also doesn't do him any favours and just contributes to his confusion and anger, and I completely understand him. It is a very difficult situation to be in.
The most intriguing character in this book is definitely the husband that was in coma. Losing seven years of your life is devastating. One day - you have everything, and then you wake up to find out that your wife is with another person, happy, and has more children of her own with another man. And all you want to do is bring them back. Just like it was. Like time never passed. But time did pass. And people continued living...
Very emotional read.
I had all emotions flowing in me at certain moments. Sometimes I had conflicted opinions about some decisions the characters made. I had suspicions, hopes and anticipated a lot. And I loved it. It ended on a very (for me) satisfying ending, and I got the result I was hoping to get.
I definitely recommend you pick up this book straight ahead - it's simply amazing! The perfect summer read with thriller elements, plot twists like you've never seen before and a subtle touch of romance.
Wishlist | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
I had the most amazing opportunity this month! Thanks to the team at Tandem Collective UK, I participated in a #Readalong on Instagram for The Hidden Beach by Karen Swan. The book is published by the amazing team at Pan Macmillan.
And I can immediately say - this experience was, so far, the highlight of my reading year!
Together with a number of amazing bookstagrammers, we read this book in 5 days, chatting about the plot twists and the ending. By the end of the second day, we were all in love with Karen Swan's writing and decided to do another read along for August. I also had the chance to participate in a Live Q&A session with Karen Swan herself and win a prize for being a runner-up to the quiz. And on top of everything, I visited my mum on the weekend, and we talked about books we're reading. And to my surprise, she owns FOUR books of Karen Swan already! So we decided to swap some books, and I came home with four more books I want to read!
We will be reading The Greek Escape by Karen Swan in August - so please shout if you have this book and want to join us!
I shared my readalong journey on my Instagram, and the highlights are still up, in case you want to have a look at my journey! I always share posts and stories of the books I am currently reading - so don't forget to follow for more updates.
Synopsis:
In the oldest part of Stockholm, Bell Everhurst is working as a nanny for an affluent family. Hanna and Max Von Greyerz are parents to 7 year-old Linus, and 5-year old twins Ellinor and Tilde, and Bell has been with the family for over two years.
One early Spring morning, as she’s rushing out to take the children to school, she answers the phone – and everything changes. A woman from a clinic she’s never heard of asks her to pass on the message that Hanna’s husband is awake.Bell is confused. She clearly just saw Max walking out of the house a few minutes earlier, but the woman mentioned Hanna by name...
When she gets hold of her employer, the truth is revealed: Hanna’s first husband fell into a coma seven years earlier, following a terrible accident. He has been in a Persistent Minimally Conscious State since and there was very little hope of further improvement. But now he’s awake. And life is going to change for them all.
My Thoughts:
I absolutely adored this book! I loved it so much, that I am unsure how to contain all my impressions in a well-written review.
Let's start with the setting.
It is set in Stockholm, on the coast, during summer. The descriptions about the place and the season really fit the mood. There is also a midsummer festival in the book which made me feel as if I was transported there, dancing with people from the town and enjoying the sunshine.
The characters have that aura about them, that makes you want to know them. Or they happen to remind you of someone you know, but you can't just recall where you know them from. They are so familiar, but distant at the same time. Each of them carrying their weight on their shoulders and each of them having their separate story.
We meet Bell - the nanny, who has her own reasons of why she decides to become a nanny and stay in Stockholm longer than she needed to. Her love for the children, especially for Linus is so adorable, and I can understand why she is so protective of him.
I felt for Linus.
The trauma he is going through in this book is heartbreaking, he's introduced to his real father, but he doesn't remember him. The way some situations are handled also doesn't do him any favours and just contributes to his confusion and anger, and I completely understand him. It is a very difficult situation to be in.
The most intriguing character in this book is definitely the husband that was in coma. Losing seven years of your life is devastating. One day - you have everything, and then you wake up to find out that your wife is with another person, happy, and has more children of her own with another man. And all you want to do is bring them back. Just like it was. Like time never passed. But time did pass. And people continued living...
Very emotional read.
I had all emotions flowing in me at certain moments. Sometimes I had conflicted opinions about some decisions the characters made. I had suspicions, hopes and anticipated a lot. And I loved it. It ended on a very (for me) satisfying ending, and I got the result I was hoping to get.
I definitely recommend you pick up this book straight ahead - it's simply amazing! The perfect summer read with thriller elements, plot twists like you've never seen before and a subtle touch of romance.
Wishlist | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest
June 17, 2020
Bell is an English nanny based in Stockholm working for the Mogert family of father Max, mother Hanna, son Linus and twins Elise and Tilde. One day Bell answers the phone taking a message for Hanna that makes no sense as the caller tells her to say ‘Your husband has just woken up’. What??? It transpires that Hanna is married to Emil who has just woken from a coma after seven long years. The shockwaves aren’t just felt by Bell but also for the couple as Bell finds herself caught up in the family drama as an angry Emil tries to reclaim his son Linus.
I really like the premise that life can change on a sixpence. It is well written with some stunningly good descriptions of Stockholm but especially the archipelago where many Swedes spend their summers, the lucky things! These descriptions are so vivid that you feel like you are there savouring the wonders and delights of the setting. Note to self: take a trip there one summer! The story has a number of interesting elements such as family and the often complicated dynamics, sadness and loss, friendship and secrets and love and deception. The characters are largely likeable especially Bell and Linus. At times it is emotional whether that’s between the adults or the adults and the children.
There are without doubt some very good sections in the storytelling but it is very slow in places, often ponderous as we get caught up in descriptions often of place. Thus it takes a long time to get to the climax which is good but by the same token it also seems rushed with a couple of things glossed over in haste. I dare say too, that the book is somewhat predictable although I don’t necessarily think that’s a bad thing as it’s the frequent trademark of a romance!
Overall, it’s a good summer read and a piece of escapism especially if you would love to be transported abroad to a wonderful setting especially as it’s become all too likely we’ll only be able to visit places like the Swedish archipelago in our imaginations!
With thanks to NetGalley and Elle Gibbons at Pan MacMillan for the ARC.
3-4 stars rounded up.
I really like the premise that life can change on a sixpence. It is well written with some stunningly good descriptions of Stockholm but especially the archipelago where many Swedes spend their summers, the lucky things! These descriptions are so vivid that you feel like you are there savouring the wonders and delights of the setting. Note to self: take a trip there one summer! The story has a number of interesting elements such as family and the often complicated dynamics, sadness and loss, friendship and secrets and love and deception. The characters are largely likeable especially Bell and Linus. At times it is emotional whether that’s between the adults or the adults and the children.
There are without doubt some very good sections in the storytelling but it is very slow in places, often ponderous as we get caught up in descriptions often of place. Thus it takes a long time to get to the climax which is good but by the same token it also seems rushed with a couple of things glossed over in haste. I dare say too, that the book is somewhat predictable although I don’t necessarily think that’s a bad thing as it’s the frequent trademark of a romance!
Overall, it’s a good summer read and a piece of escapism especially if you would love to be transported abroad to a wonderful setting especially as it’s become all too likely we’ll only be able to visit places like the Swedish archipelago in our imaginations!
With thanks to NetGalley and Elle Gibbons at Pan MacMillan for the ARC.
3-4 stars rounded up.
December 7, 2020
Bell Everhurst is working in picturesque Stockholm for Hannah and Max Von Greyers. Bell is nanny to nine year old Linus and four year old twins Elise and Tilde. She enjoys her job even though it is demanding of her time and she has come to feel a part of the family. So when a phone call comes with the urgent message that Hannah’s husband is awake from a coma, Bell is left confused. As Max just left the house moment before. The truth is nothing like she expected and turns Hanna’s life, those of all her family and Bell’s into a tail spin. Whichever way things go more than one person will be hurt. But it ends up in an even more complicate situation than Bell ever expected.
I wasn’t sure initially I would keep reading this book as I didn’t like Bells’ friends and flatmates but once it moved away from them and got into the heart of the story it improved and got me in. Like in so many stories with fractured families, the children are the poor ones caught in the middle and yet the ones who really have no say in events and how they turn out. Poor Linus in particular is put in an impossible situation. My heart went out to him.
The summer setting in the islands of the Archipelago is beautifully portrayed and the characters are interesting, if not always likable or make wise decisions. But there are often reasons behind their actions which are revealed as the story progresses. Apparently the story was inspired by a real life news story of a man who woke up after a coma. What happens when a man, Emil, finds his world and family have moved on without him? It make for interesting and thought provoking reading. An entertaining read that took a while to catch my attention but when it did, it then held it firmly to the end. A great story of family, secrets, friendship and duty.
I wasn’t sure initially I would keep reading this book as I didn’t like Bells’ friends and flatmates but once it moved away from them and got into the heart of the story it improved and got me in. Like in so many stories with fractured families, the children are the poor ones caught in the middle and yet the ones who really have no say in events and how they turn out. Poor Linus in particular is put in an impossible situation. My heart went out to him.
The summer setting in the islands of the Archipelago is beautifully portrayed and the characters are interesting, if not always likable or make wise decisions. But there are often reasons behind their actions which are revealed as the story progresses. Apparently the story was inspired by a real life news story of a man who woke up after a coma. What happens when a man, Emil, finds his world and family have moved on without him? It make for interesting and thought provoking reading. An entertaining read that took a while to catch my attention but when it did, it then held it firmly to the end. A great story of family, secrets, friendship and duty.
April 28, 2020
Pensive, mysterious, and multilayered!
The Hidden Beach is a heartwarming, compelling story that sweeps you away to the idyllic archipelagos islands of Sweden and immerses you into the lives of Bell Everhurst and the Von Greyers family as their world is turned upside down when a miracle brings the past into the present and triggers a whirlwind of emotions, strains on relationships new and old, and secrets long-buried to become unearthed.
The prose is expressive and vivid. The characters are complex, confused, troubled, and intriguing. And the story is a beguiling tale of life, loss, love, familial drama, friendship, secrets, infidelity, forgiveness, heartbreak, deception, and romance.
Overall, The Hidden Beach is a thoughtful, emotive, charming tale by Swan that is absorbing, entertaining, and perfect for any sunny day.
Thank you to Publishers Group Canada for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Hidden Beach is a heartwarming, compelling story that sweeps you away to the idyllic archipelagos islands of Sweden and immerses you into the lives of Bell Everhurst and the Von Greyers family as their world is turned upside down when a miracle brings the past into the present and triggers a whirlwind of emotions, strains on relationships new and old, and secrets long-buried to become unearthed.
The prose is expressive and vivid. The characters are complex, confused, troubled, and intriguing. And the story is a beguiling tale of life, loss, love, familial drama, friendship, secrets, infidelity, forgiveness, heartbreak, deception, and romance.
Overall, The Hidden Beach is a thoughtful, emotive, charming tale by Swan that is absorbing, entertaining, and perfect for any sunny day.
Thank you to Publishers Group Canada for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 14, 2021
I absolutely love Karen Swan’s books. I have read only two of her novels and I cannot wait to read the rest. They have this uplifting effect that we all crave in a book. The Hidden Beach is a lovely summery novel featuring the likable main character Bell. She nannies for a family in Sweden and spends her summer on a idyllic island. However, as in most stories, all is not as it seems.
There is drama, romance, intrigue and comedy in this book all with a stunning backdrop. I was awake till 2am desperate to read on and find out what happens. In some places I did predict what was going to happen, but that did not stop me from enjoying the story. I think it is an uplifting book you can get lost in and enjoy whether on holiday or in the comfort of your home. 4 stars from me.
There is drama, romance, intrigue and comedy in this book all with a stunning backdrop. I was awake till 2am desperate to read on and find out what happens. In some places I did predict what was going to happen, but that did not stop me from enjoying the story. I think it is an uplifting book you can get lost in and enjoy whether on holiday or in the comfort of your home. 4 stars from me.
December 29, 2023
Alweer een topper van deze schrijfster.
Een erg originele verhaallijn zoals we van haar gewend zijn.
Leuke personages.
Alleen het einde was wat slordig, vandaar de 4 sterren.
Een erg originele verhaallijn zoals we van haar gewend zijn.
Leuke personages.
Alleen het einde was wat slordig, vandaar de 4 sterren.
July 7, 2020
It took me a little while to get into the story but then I was hooked! The characters will stay with you, long after you have finished reading. Bell is the nanny and she is rather taken advantage of by her employer Hanna. Bell has a kind heart and loves the children she looks after. There is so much in this story, the description of the city and the islands for the summer retreat, really makes me want to visit there. Then, there are Bell’s exuberant friends and something that has happened in Bell’s past, from which she hasn’t fully recovered. I couldn’t take to Hanna, she was definitely ‘me first’, the way she handled her husband’s recovery with her son, Linus was shocking. There are flashbacks to provide the background to the present day. This has family relationships and all the joy and heartbreak that can bring, romance and a few surprises but definitely a happy ending. I went through a whole gamut of emotions reading this book! I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 13, 2022
5⭐
Dar ir dar kartą įsitikinau, kad ši autorė būtent mano skonio romanus kuria. Ir ši knyga įtraukė, sužavėjo, atrodo gyvenau kartu su visais veikėjais Švedijoje. Jutau tą įtampa, įvykių sūkurius, kai tai vienu tai kitų atveju galvojau, o ką aš daryčiau, kaip pasielgčiau. Ir aišku meilė, kuri atrodo lyg trenkė iš dangaus, ne laiku ir ne vietoje, bet taip gerai viską sudėliojo... O kai perskaičiau, kad istorija dalinai tikrais įvykiais paremta, užvertusi giliai įkvėpiau, nes kažkas visa tai iš tikrųjų išgyventi turėjo...
Dar ir dar kartą įsitikinau, kad ši autorė būtent mano skonio romanus kuria. Ir ši knyga įtraukė, sužavėjo, atrodo gyvenau kartu su visais veikėjais Švedijoje. Jutau tą įtampa, įvykių sūkurius, kai tai vienu tai kitų atveju galvojau, o ką aš daryčiau, kaip pasielgčiau. Ir aišku meilė, kuri atrodo lyg trenkė iš dangaus, ne laiku ir ne vietoje, bet taip gerai viską sudėliojo... O kai perskaičiau, kad istorija dalinai tikrais įvykiais paremta, užvertusi giliai įkvėpiau, nes kažkas visa tai iš tikrųjų išgyventi turėjo...
November 21, 2021
Bell arbeitet als Nanny und darf mit der Familie den Sommer auf einer kleinen Insel verbringen. Sie lernt eines Tages einen Mann kennen, der ihr den Kopf verdreht, doch zu diesem Zeitpunkt weiß sie leider nicht wer er ist und dass sich ihre Wege nochmal kreuzen werden. Auch die Familie, für die sie arbeitet, scheint ein Geheimnis zu haben, welche sie in eine Situation katapultiert, die wohl unangenehmer nicht sein kann.
Das Cover gefällt mir richtig gut. Vor allem die Farbkombination gefällt mir sehr gut und versprüht Sommergefühle. Es zeigt Bell, die den Sommer und die Nähe zum Wasser genießt. Ich weiß nicht, ob es Absicht ist. Die Farben spiegeln die Farben der schwedischen Flagge wieder. Der Schreibstil ist leicht und angenehm. Das Buch lässt sich flüssig lesen. Im Laufe der Geschichte gibt es immer wieder Kapitel aus der Vergangenheit, die die Dreiecksbeziehung beschreibt. Leider haben mich die Kapitel eher verwirrt, denn mir ist nicht immer direkt klar gewesen, um wen es geht und in welchem Zeitstrahl ich mich befinde. Erst im Laufe der Geschichte, als einiges klarer wird, werden auch diese Kapitel klarer.
Bell ist eine junge Frau, die ein schweres Schicksal schultert und dennoch erhobenen Hauptes nach vorne blickt. Sie arbeitet als Nanny und liebt ihren Job. Die Kinder liegen ihr zu Füßen. Hanna wirkt wie eine kluge, gut organisierte arbeitende Mutter, jedoch wird ihr Bild im Laufe der Geschichte geändert. Emil ist ebenfalls ein Charakter dessen Verhalten sich im Laufe der Geschichte ändert. Er kann ein toller und einfühlsamer Mann sein. Jedoch hat er in seinem Leben stets alles erhalten, ohne dafür arbeiten zu müssen. Auch sein Geld steht ihm im Weg, denn er denkt, dass er mit Geld alles haben kann. Diese Rechnung geht jedoch nicht für ihn auf, was er schmerzlich erfahren muss. Max ist ein Mann, den man direkt in sein Herz schließt. Er scheint leider genau zwischen die Fronten geraten zu sein. Für ihn habe ich dauerhaft mitgefiebert, denn er tut mir unfassbar Leid. Linus ist für seine 10 Jahre schon sehr weit. Er durchlebt eine wahre Achterbahn der Gefühle, denn für ihn ist die gesamte Situation vollkommen neu und er schlittert auch unvorbereitet in die Situation. Zum Glück hat er Bell als Anker.
Das Setting ist traumhaft schön, frisch und sommerlich. Ich mag die Insel total gerne. Ich hatte direkt Sommergefühle und Lust auf Urlaub in der Sonne. Das Setting hat auch sehr gut für die Geschichte gepasst, denn die Geschichte entwickelt sich nicht zu schnell oder zu langsam. Es ist genau richtig. Die Geschichte kann atmen und sich ausdehnen und bekommt den Platz, den sie verdient. Vor allem gibt es einige Wendungen, die für mich unvorhersehbar waren. Es passiert immer wieder etwas Neues, welches mich überrascht hat. Ich finde es schön herausgearbeitet wie die einzelnen Geheimnisse nach und nach ans Licht kommen. Vor allem das Ende hat mir gut gefallen, wie sich alles aufgelöst hat und wie alle ihren Platz innerhalb der Geschichte finden.
Ich kann das Buch wärmstens empfehlen. Es verspricht viele schöne Lesestunden, die einen in seinen Bann ziehen.
Das Cover gefällt mir richtig gut. Vor allem die Farbkombination gefällt mir sehr gut und versprüht Sommergefühle. Es zeigt Bell, die den Sommer und die Nähe zum Wasser genießt. Ich weiß nicht, ob es Absicht ist. Die Farben spiegeln die Farben der schwedischen Flagge wieder. Der Schreibstil ist leicht und angenehm. Das Buch lässt sich flüssig lesen. Im Laufe der Geschichte gibt es immer wieder Kapitel aus der Vergangenheit, die die Dreiecksbeziehung beschreibt. Leider haben mich die Kapitel eher verwirrt, denn mir ist nicht immer direkt klar gewesen, um wen es geht und in welchem Zeitstrahl ich mich befinde. Erst im Laufe der Geschichte, als einiges klarer wird, werden auch diese Kapitel klarer.
Bell ist eine junge Frau, die ein schweres Schicksal schultert und dennoch erhobenen Hauptes nach vorne blickt. Sie arbeitet als Nanny und liebt ihren Job. Die Kinder liegen ihr zu Füßen. Hanna wirkt wie eine kluge, gut organisierte arbeitende Mutter, jedoch wird ihr Bild im Laufe der Geschichte geändert. Emil ist ebenfalls ein Charakter dessen Verhalten sich im Laufe der Geschichte ändert. Er kann ein toller und einfühlsamer Mann sein. Jedoch hat er in seinem Leben stets alles erhalten, ohne dafür arbeiten zu müssen. Auch sein Geld steht ihm im Weg, denn er denkt, dass er mit Geld alles haben kann. Diese Rechnung geht jedoch nicht für ihn auf, was er schmerzlich erfahren muss. Max ist ein Mann, den man direkt in sein Herz schließt. Er scheint leider genau zwischen die Fronten geraten zu sein. Für ihn habe ich dauerhaft mitgefiebert, denn er tut mir unfassbar Leid. Linus ist für seine 10 Jahre schon sehr weit. Er durchlebt eine wahre Achterbahn der Gefühle, denn für ihn ist die gesamte Situation vollkommen neu und er schlittert auch unvorbereitet in die Situation. Zum Glück hat er Bell als Anker.
Das Setting ist traumhaft schön, frisch und sommerlich. Ich mag die Insel total gerne. Ich hatte direkt Sommergefühle und Lust auf Urlaub in der Sonne. Das Setting hat auch sehr gut für die Geschichte gepasst, denn die Geschichte entwickelt sich nicht zu schnell oder zu langsam. Es ist genau richtig. Die Geschichte kann atmen und sich ausdehnen und bekommt den Platz, den sie verdient. Vor allem gibt es einige Wendungen, die für mich unvorhersehbar waren. Es passiert immer wieder etwas Neues, welches mich überrascht hat. Ich finde es schön herausgearbeitet wie die einzelnen Geheimnisse nach und nach ans Licht kommen. Vor allem das Ende hat mir gut gefallen, wie sich alles aufgelöst hat und wie alle ihren Platz innerhalb der Geschichte finden.
Ich kann das Buch wärmstens empfehlen. Es verspricht viele schöne Lesestunden, die einen in seinen Bann ziehen.
July 3, 2020
- thanks to @macmillanaus for sending the book my way!
If you are here for the drama, you came to the right place.
The intensity is palpable from the first chapter. Hannah, a successful and beautiful mother of three, has been hiding a never-mentioned-before husband for almost a decade. When Bell, the nanny, finds this out accidentally, she gets irrevocably involved in the family drama. Bell loves the kids and would do anything for them, and it's that profuse and robust love that gets her in an impossible situation.
I wasn't a big fan of Bell, or Hannah, or sadly anyone else, but the plot was fascinating and entertaining. I enjoyed reflecting on all the impossible decisions that the characters have to make, and how difficult their situation was; I kept wondering, what would I do in their shoes? The plot development was utterly thought-provoking, but I must remark that, unfortunately, it was entirely predictable.
Descriptive writing styles are not my favourite, but undoubtedly, the most substantial element of this novel is the imagery. The author does an excellent job at thoroughly describing places, which alleviates the reader's imaginative effort.
Overall, The Hidden Beach is an easy read, full of family drama, and an emotional roller-coaster that deals with acceptance, forgiveness, romance and impossible family choices. Perfect for readers that enjoy descriptive and evocative writing styles.
If you are here for the drama, you came to the right place.
The intensity is palpable from the first chapter. Hannah, a successful and beautiful mother of three, has been hiding a never-mentioned-before husband for almost a decade. When Bell, the nanny, finds this out accidentally, she gets irrevocably involved in the family drama. Bell loves the kids and would do anything for them, and it's that profuse and robust love that gets her in an impossible situation.
I wasn't a big fan of Bell, or Hannah, or sadly anyone else, but the plot was fascinating and entertaining. I enjoyed reflecting on all the impossible decisions that the characters have to make, and how difficult their situation was; I kept wondering, what would I do in their shoes? The plot development was utterly thought-provoking, but I must remark that, unfortunately, it was entirely predictable.
Descriptive writing styles are not my favourite, but undoubtedly, the most substantial element of this novel is the imagery. The author does an excellent job at thoroughly describing places, which alleviates the reader's imaginative effort.
Overall, The Hidden Beach is an easy read, full of family drama, and an emotional roller-coaster that deals with acceptance, forgiveness, romance and impossible family choices. Perfect for readers that enjoy descriptive and evocative writing styles.
July 11, 2020
Some books just sing to you, this is one of those books. The description of a Swedish summer in the Archipelago sounds idyllic. I think the mark of a good book is when you get totally drawn in and feel like you’re right there beside them and this book certainly does that.
Bell is the nanny to Hanna and Max’s three children, Linus and twins Elise and Tilde. She loves her job often to the detriment to her personal life and loves the children, especially Linus, like they were her own. On a hectic morning trying to get the kids out to school Bell takes a phone call for Hanna that changes all their lives.
Bell is a lovely character, very likeable and her friends Kris, Tove and Mark all fit together nicely with her, you can see why they are all friends. I changed my opinion throughout the book of Hanna, Emil and even Max but I liked how they were written. All the characters are well written and realistic.
This book would make a wonderful film for the stunning scenery alone let alone the story!
This is one of those books for me, that when you finish you can’t just throw yourself into another book, you want to remain in this world for just a little longer ….
Thanks to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for the ARC
Bell is the nanny to Hanna and Max’s three children, Linus and twins Elise and Tilde. She loves her job often to the detriment to her personal life and loves the children, especially Linus, like they were her own. On a hectic morning trying to get the kids out to school Bell takes a phone call for Hanna that changes all their lives.
Bell is a lovely character, very likeable and her friends Kris, Tove and Mark all fit together nicely with her, you can see why they are all friends. I changed my opinion throughout the book of Hanna, Emil and even Max but I liked how they were written. All the characters are well written and realistic.
This book would make a wonderful film for the stunning scenery alone let alone the story!
This is one of those books for me, that when you finish you can’t just throw yourself into another book, you want to remain in this world for just a little longer ….
Thanks to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for the ARC
November 20, 2020
4.5 stars. I tend to enjoy Karen Swan books. Bell is a nanny working for a family when news hits that her employer's husband has woken up from a 7 year coma. It turns out that the oldest son is actually his but nobody outside of the family knew. The resulting aftermath of how the family will cope is the focus of the rest of the story.
January 4, 2022
Nepamenu knygos, kuri mane taip daug kartų būtų privertusi atsidaryti Google Maps ir ieškoti romane aprašomų vietų, kad įsitikinčiau, jog jos tikrai egzituoja ir yra tokios unikalios! Dievaži, norėsiu ten nuvykti!
Puikus romanas, įtraukiantis, su išaukštintomis šeimyninėmis vertybėmis ir daug MEILĖS ❤
Puikus romanas, įtraukiantis, su išaukštintomis šeimyninėmis vertybėmis ir daug MEILĖS ❤
June 1, 2021
So far this is my least favorite Karen Swan novel. It is very strong in creating a sense of place and history but the plot is just too cliche for me. The only thing I liked about this book is the location, which isn’t enough to sustain a novel.
June 18, 2020
I'm really torn about this book, on one hand I found the beginning a bit slow and I wasn't quite sure where the story was going, but then at about 40% (on my Kindle) the story picked up and I couldn't stop reading to find out what happened.
The story was about Hanna and Max and their three children (10 year old Linus and 3 year old twins Elise & Tilde) along with Bell who was employed as the nanny and looked after the children, and the story revolved around Bell a lot of the time. She may have been 'just' the nanny but she did so much more for the family, and I think they did take advantage of that, but then again she let them.
At the beginning of the book we find out that Hanna's husband, Emil, has been in a coma for 7 years, and a phone call out of the blue from the clinic he has been in gives the shocking news that he has come out of his coma. We also find out that Linus is actually Emil's son, but Linus doesn't initially know this.
Then it jumps six months down the line when the family is off on holiday to one of the Stockholm archipelago islands where they own a house and have always holidayed over the years. So all quite cut off and a real get away from it all sort of holiday. The setting was just fascinating. I'd never even heard of the islands before but after Googling them they look really fabulous and something that bit different. Definitely a place to put on your unusual destinations holiday list. I'm not surprised some families have had holiday homes on them for years and spend their whole summers there. They look beautiful.
This is when the story started picking up a lot. Emil, who has had six months to recover and is doing extremely well, decides he wants his son for the summer, even though he has never spent time with him before, and he is also summering on one of the islands (very rich/his family owns the whole island). Hanna persuades Bell to give up her entire summer, no days off, to go with Linus and be a chaperone. But there's something not quite right with Hanna's easy acquiescence, and whilst Emil initially sounded like a bit of a tyrant there are definitely two sides to the story, and Bell did get a bit of a shock when she saw him and realised she'd met him before.
Over the rest of the story there are lots of undercurrents between Hanna, Max and Emil, with the children and Bell in the middle of it. Emil trying to get to know his son again, his son not really knowing what is going on, and 'poor' Max stuck on the outside. But there was definitely something not quite right, which is slowly revealed as the story goes on.
The only trouble was I didn't really like many of the main characters in the book, especially Hanna, although I did really like Bell's friends, and even Emil's snarky sister, Nina.
So I've got really mixed feelings as I just couldn't warm to the characters, but the story was definitely much more intriguing and interesting in the second half, and quite unpredictable with various happenings when you really didn't know what the final outcome was going to be. It's certainly a book I'll remember though as it was just that bit different.
The story was about Hanna and Max and their three children (10 year old Linus and 3 year old twins Elise & Tilde) along with Bell who was employed as the nanny and looked after the children, and the story revolved around Bell a lot of the time. She may have been 'just' the nanny but she did so much more for the family, and I think they did take advantage of that, but then again she let them.
At the beginning of the book we find out that Hanna's husband, Emil, has been in a coma for 7 years, and a phone call out of the blue from the clinic he has been in gives the shocking news that he has come out of his coma. We also find out that Linus is actually Emil's son, but Linus doesn't initially know this.
Then it jumps six months down the line when the family is off on holiday to one of the Stockholm archipelago islands where they own a house and have always holidayed over the years. So all quite cut off and a real get away from it all sort of holiday. The setting was just fascinating. I'd never even heard of the islands before but after Googling them they look really fabulous and something that bit different. Definitely a place to put on your unusual destinations holiday list. I'm not surprised some families have had holiday homes on them for years and spend their whole summers there. They look beautiful.
This is when the story started picking up a lot. Emil, who has had six months to recover and is doing extremely well, decides he wants his son for the summer, even though he has never spent time with him before, and he is also summering on one of the islands (very rich/his family owns the whole island). Hanna persuades Bell to give up her entire summer, no days off, to go with Linus and be a chaperone. But there's something not quite right with Hanna's easy acquiescence, and whilst Emil initially sounded like a bit of a tyrant there are definitely two sides to the story, and Bell did get a bit of a shock when she saw him and realised she'd met him before.
Over the rest of the story there are lots of undercurrents between Hanna, Max and Emil, with the children and Bell in the middle of it. Emil trying to get to know his son again, his son not really knowing what is going on, and 'poor' Max stuck on the outside. But there was definitely something not quite right, which is slowly revealed as the story goes on.
The only trouble was I didn't really like many of the main characters in the book, especially Hanna, although I did really like Bell's friends, and even Emil's snarky sister, Nina.
So I've got really mixed feelings as I just couldn't warm to the characters, but the story was definitely much more intriguing and interesting in the second half, and quite unpredictable with various happenings when you really didn't know what the final outcome was going to be. It's certainly a book I'll remember though as it was just that bit different.
November 21, 2021
Karen Swan never ceases to amaze me with her creativity and truly spectacular storylines.
And she has done so once more with The Hidden Beach which is set in Stockholm and on the archipelago of islands too.
It is a stunning backdrop to a story that kept me on the edge of my seat unsure which directions it could possibly turn in next and being continually surprised.
I was completely drawn into the lives of all these characters, and had a real soft spot for Linus especially, for the incredibly tricky position he is now in.
And Emil is a rather complicated character and he felt well researched with regards his medial needs.
An very enjoyable and entertaining book from Karen Swan who has recently been surpassing her already excellent standards with each new release she puts out.
Thank you to Pan and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
And she has done so once more with The Hidden Beach which is set in Stockholm and on the archipelago of islands too.
It is a stunning backdrop to a story that kept me on the edge of my seat unsure which directions it could possibly turn in next and being continually surprised.
I was completely drawn into the lives of all these characters, and had a real soft spot for Linus especially, for the incredibly tricky position he is now in.
And Emil is a rather complicated character and he felt well researched with regards his medial needs.
An very enjoyable and entertaining book from Karen Swan who has recently been surpassing her already excellent standards with each new release she puts out.
Thank you to Pan and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
April 16, 2023
A bunch of messed up lives in a beautiful location. All starting before the accident which left Emil in a coma for seven years unlikely to ever wake up. Against all odds he does throwing curveballs for Hanna, Max and the kids. Bell is more than just the nanny. Bell and Linus were my favourites. Emil grew on me when with Bell. Even his sister liked her and she does not like people.
February 12, 2023
Istorija neįtikinama, šiek tiek perspausta. Viduryje knygos buvo tikrai įdomu, bet pabaiga lėkštoka.
Pats parašymo stilius, kai grįžta į praeitį ir pasakoja kažkieno įvykius, bet neina suprasti kieno - erzina.
Pats parašymo stilius, kai grįžta į praeitį ir pasakoja kažkieno įvykius, bet neina suprasti kieno - erzina.
September 7, 2022
I absolutely love Karen Swan’s books. I have read only two of her novels and I cannot wait to read the rest. They have this uplifting effect that we all crave in a book.
The Hidden Beach is a lovely summery novel featuring the likable main character Bell. She nannies for a family in Sweden and spends her summer on a idyllic island. However, as in most stories, all is not as it seems.
The characters have depth to them, and each of them have their own story to tell. I didn’t always understand their decisions and had conflicted opinions about them but this only made them so much more real for me. I loved Bell, she was easy – going but she also knew what she wants and her love for the children was special, they really were in good hands, I think there wasn’t a thing she wouldn’t do for them to protect them and keep them safe.
Linus’s trauma and heartbreak in this book is incredibly well written and handled. His confusion, uncertainty, being torn was so brilliantly captured that you will really fell for this boy.
You can’t not like the characters, no matter what. Emil tried really much to be unlikeable but he was such a complex character and there was so much more to him than meets the eye. Maybe it’s not easy to warm to him immediately, but quickly you start to feel sorry for him, for all that has happened to him and seeing how much he has lost. I didn’t approve all his decisions, but I also understood that he has suffered a traumatic head injury and lost 7 years of his life – just imagine it, everything and everybody moving on and you staying at the same place as 7 years ago.
I didn’t know what to think about Hanna, she was like enigma to the end of the story. She seemed deceitful, don’t you think? Almost her every move and decision took me by surprise and no, I didn’t warm to her but I fell for her, just wait till the end with judging her.
As usual, the plot is complex and also filled with mysteries. The author brings the setting effortlessly to life again, showing us the beauty of Sweden in all its glory, with beautiful islands and traditions. Also, I always adore the career paths she chooses for her characters, they’re so different and refreshing.
This was a captivating read exploring family dynamics, loss and grief, thought – provoking and evocative and you’ll be asking yourself all the time what would you do in the same situation and will be happy that you don’t have to decide. This is what I like in Karen Swan’s novel, that she’s not shy of writing about difficult and taboo things without judging them herself.
The story is full of surprises and twists and often you simply don’t know what’s going to come, as the author takes you on a rollercoaster and heart – wrenching journey.
Review: https://clife.blog/2022/09/11/book-re...
The Hidden Beach is a lovely summery novel featuring the likable main character Bell. She nannies for a family in Sweden and spends her summer on a idyllic island. However, as in most stories, all is not as it seems.
The characters have depth to them, and each of them have their own story to tell. I didn’t always understand their decisions and had conflicted opinions about them but this only made them so much more real for me. I loved Bell, she was easy – going but she also knew what she wants and her love for the children was special, they really were in good hands, I think there wasn’t a thing she wouldn’t do for them to protect them and keep them safe.
Linus’s trauma and heartbreak in this book is incredibly well written and handled. His confusion, uncertainty, being torn was so brilliantly captured that you will really fell for this boy.
You can’t not like the characters, no matter what. Emil tried really much to be unlikeable but he was such a complex character and there was so much more to him than meets the eye. Maybe it’s not easy to warm to him immediately, but quickly you start to feel sorry for him, for all that has happened to him and seeing how much he has lost. I didn’t approve all his decisions, but I also understood that he has suffered a traumatic head injury and lost 7 years of his life – just imagine it, everything and everybody moving on and you staying at the same place as 7 years ago.
I didn’t know what to think about Hanna, she was like enigma to the end of the story. She seemed deceitful, don’t you think? Almost her every move and decision took me by surprise and no, I didn’t warm to her but I fell for her, just wait till the end with judging her.
As usual, the plot is complex and also filled with mysteries. The author brings the setting effortlessly to life again, showing us the beauty of Sweden in all its glory, with beautiful islands and traditions. Also, I always adore the career paths she chooses for her characters, they’re so different and refreshing.
This was a captivating read exploring family dynamics, loss and grief, thought – provoking and evocative and you’ll be asking yourself all the time what would you do in the same situation and will be happy that you don’t have to decide. This is what I like in Karen Swan’s novel, that she’s not shy of writing about difficult and taboo things without judging them herself.
The story is full of surprises and twists and often you simply don’t know what’s going to come, as the author takes you on a rollercoaster and heart – wrenching journey.
Review: https://clife.blog/2022/09/11/book-re...
July 17, 2020
Every summer I look forward to the new novel from Karen Swan, so was excited when my copy of The Hidden Beach dropped through my letter box. As always Karen Swan takes the reader to a stunning location and this time it is Stolckholm in Sweden. After the death of her fiancé Bell Appleshaw finds herself living in Stockholm and working as nanny for the Mogert family, looking after nine year old Linus and four year old twins Elise and Tilde. What seems to be the perfect family begins to fracture after a phone call for Hanna letting her know her husband has woken from a seven year coma. Hanna and partner Max face their family being torn apart as her husband, Emil, wants his family back and a relationship with his son. Over the summer it is Bell who tries to keep the family from falling apart, but as the family changed, secrets are revealed and Bell finds herself in the middle with her feelings compromised. This is a story of secrets, lies tragedy and betrayal set on the beautiful Islands of the archipelago of Sweden.
The Hidden Beach is one of those novels that just sweeps you on a journey that you don’t want to end. Karen Swan always chooses such wonderful locations for her books and she didn’t disappoint with her choice of Stockholm. Its not a place I have ever visited, but it is certainly on my list now. I never knew of Stockholm’s archipelago, apparently the largest in the Baltic Sea, but Karen Swan’s descriptive prose made it sound heavenly especially as there are is no Wifi or Televison, imagine all that peaceful reading time. The beautiful location, where the midsummer sun never sets, is the stage for a more darker story, of loss, grief and tragedy.
Most of the characters in this book have suffered loss at sometime that has a lasting effect on them. Bell was sailing around the world with her boyfriend when he became ill and died, which is why she finds herself living in Stockholm and working for the Mogert family. Since loosing her fiancé, she has closed herself of from love, spending long hours at work and spending the weekends with her friends, that is until she her summer on the islands where she meets a tall dark handsome stranger who has also suffered loss. Bell has to be my favourite character, she had such a natural way with the children, being like a second mother. She is also the one to try and help Hanna and Max navigate their way through the obstacles in front of them, putting the family before herself. As a reader I was heartbroken for the situation Hanna, Max and her husband Emil find themselves in. Hanna never thought her husband would recover, so she moved on with Max and now they have the perfect family. Even though Emil is painted in a bad light at first with his demands, again I really felt for his situation, realising he has missed out on seven years with his son and now calls someone else papa. The whole sitiuation is unbearable, but as plot progresses Karen Swan uses this to show how things are not always what they first seem, and that there are many different sides to a story and to people. The result is well rounded, three dimensional characters with many different sides to their personalities that make them more human.
The Hidden Beach is one of the best books that Karen Swan has written. At it’s centre is a loving family whose life is fractured by tragedy and a little boy, Linus, you can’t help but love and want to protect. The emotions fall from the pages and into your heart as do the characters. The addition of potential romance for Bell and her relationship with her young Linus, bring light to this book. This is the perfect summer escapist read to get lost in, it really has it all; love, secrets, tragedy and memorable characters. So what are you waiting for, get clicking and be swept away this summer to the beautiful islands of Stockholm.
The Hidden Beach is one of those novels that just sweeps you on a journey that you don’t want to end. Karen Swan always chooses such wonderful locations for her books and she didn’t disappoint with her choice of Stockholm. Its not a place I have ever visited, but it is certainly on my list now. I never knew of Stockholm’s archipelago, apparently the largest in the Baltic Sea, but Karen Swan’s descriptive prose made it sound heavenly especially as there are is no Wifi or Televison, imagine all that peaceful reading time. The beautiful location, where the midsummer sun never sets, is the stage for a more darker story, of loss, grief and tragedy.
Most of the characters in this book have suffered loss at sometime that has a lasting effect on them. Bell was sailing around the world with her boyfriend when he became ill and died, which is why she finds herself living in Stockholm and working for the Mogert family. Since loosing her fiancé, she has closed herself of from love, spending long hours at work and spending the weekends with her friends, that is until she her summer on the islands where she meets a tall dark handsome stranger who has also suffered loss. Bell has to be my favourite character, she had such a natural way with the children, being like a second mother. She is also the one to try and help Hanna and Max navigate their way through the obstacles in front of them, putting the family before herself. As a reader I was heartbroken for the situation Hanna, Max and her husband Emil find themselves in. Hanna never thought her husband would recover, so she moved on with Max and now they have the perfect family. Even though Emil is painted in a bad light at first with his demands, again I really felt for his situation, realising he has missed out on seven years with his son and now calls someone else papa. The whole sitiuation is unbearable, but as plot progresses Karen Swan uses this to show how things are not always what they first seem, and that there are many different sides to a story and to people. The result is well rounded, three dimensional characters with many different sides to their personalities that make them more human.
The Hidden Beach is one of the best books that Karen Swan has written. At it’s centre is a loving family whose life is fractured by tragedy and a little boy, Linus, you can’t help but love and want to protect. The emotions fall from the pages and into your heart as do the characters. The addition of potential romance for Bell and her relationship with her young Linus, bring light to this book. This is the perfect summer escapist read to get lost in, it really has it all; love, secrets, tragedy and memorable characters. So what are you waiting for, get clicking and be swept away this summer to the beautiful islands of Stockholm.
June 29, 2022
Life is so much simpler when people just talk honestly.
After a major life event, England native Bell settles down in Sweden. The job as a nanny was dropped into her hands... After meeting Hanna, a mom of three in the cafe, ad giving her a little hand of help, Belle found herself with a well-paying and purposeful job. One of the perks of working for the family was a summer getaway on the beautiful island, outside of the civilization. This year the summer holiday is very different. The family that she loves and works for keeps a very major secret hidden from Bell, and their children. Bell's job got a lot more difficult, especially since her own feelings got involved in the family's affair.
It feels so good to go back to romance novels, and Karen Swan's novels are the best. She puts a lot of effort into her research, hence her books are always unique and filled with so many details of the foreign places, their beauty, and history. This is not my most favorite novel by this author, but I did enjoy the story and the intriguing twists that it came with.
After a major life event, England native Bell settles down in Sweden. The job as a nanny was dropped into her hands... After meeting Hanna, a mom of three in the cafe, ad giving her a little hand of help, Belle found herself with a well-paying and purposeful job. One of the perks of working for the family was a summer getaway on the beautiful island, outside of the civilization. This year the summer holiday is very different. The family that she loves and works for keeps a very major secret hidden from Bell, and their children. Bell's job got a lot more difficult, especially since her own feelings got involved in the family's affair.
It feels so good to go back to romance novels, and Karen Swan's novels are the best. She puts a lot of effort into her research, hence her books are always unique and filled with so many details of the foreign places, their beauty, and history. This is not my most favorite novel by this author, but I did enjoy the story and the intriguing twists that it came with.
Read
July 25, 2022DNF @ 15% unrated
This started with intrigue but the pace and style of story telling wasn't for me. After the initial intrigue I felt like the narrative was a day in the life of a family, in great detail and I was just so bored. I wasn't willing to stick this one out.
This started with intrigue but the pace and style of story telling wasn't for me. After the initial intrigue I felt like the narrative was a day in the life of a family, in great detail and I was just so bored. I wasn't willing to stick this one out.
Read
May 20, 20223.5 / 4!
Didn’t enjoy as much as my last Swan book but a nice fast paced story that was great to enjoy on the dock. Many surprises which made it hard to guess where the story might head
Didn’t enjoy as much as my last Swan book but a nice fast paced story that was great to enjoy on the dock. Many surprises which made it hard to guess where the story might head
May 31, 2022
The story was good. For me, there were too many surrounding details for a lot of the book, but towards the last quarter of the book, there became less and more of the story itself.
July 16, 2021
Simo_Mica - per RFS
.
Ho sempre trovato i libri di Karen Swan carini, divertenti e leggeri. Mi piace leggere quello che pubblica, sono letture ideali per le vacanze, che mi lasciano sempre di buon umore.
La spiaggia segreta è stata una sorpresa… non pensate subito male, parlo di una bella sorpresa. Ho persino difficoltà a esprimere la sensazione che mi ha regalato. Mi è proprio piaciuto e ho apprezzato tanto come l’autrice sia riuscita a introdurre una situazione familiare difficile in un ambiente quasi fiabesco.
La storia è ambientata a Copenaghen, nei suoi dintorni e negli arcipelaghi danesi, ai giorni nostri.
La Swan è riuscita a creare una bellissima atmosfera, viene la voglia di visitare i luoghi e conoscere meglio la cultura della Danimarca.
I protagonisti, che normalmente quando si tratta di una storia d’amore sono sempre i due coinvolti, in questo caso sono tutti i personaggi del libro. Tanto per fare una battuta, persino il maggiordomo!!!
Comunque al centro della narrazione c’è Belle, ragazza inglese che la casualità porta a Copenaghen, dove poi mette radici. Ha trovato una famiglia tutta sua, formata dai suoi amici e dalle persone che accudisce. Ho usato la parola “accudisce” perché ufficialmente lei è la tata, ma in realtà ha adottato i Mogert: Hanna, Max e i loro tre figli Linus e le gemelle Elise e Tilde. L’amore che prova per tutti loro e specialmente per i bambini è un piacere ma anche una necessità.
Di primo impatto Belle sembra spensierata, libera, felice ma come tanti, ha sofferto e sta provando a ricrearsi una vita nuova per andare avanti.
La storia esplode quando si viene a conoscenza di un segreto di Hanna che coinvolge l’intera famiglia, inclusa Belle. In scena entra Emil Von Greyers, reduce di un miracolo: si è svegliato dal coma dopo sette anni. Non voglio raccontare tanto sui personaggi singoli e le loro vicissitudini perché è bello scoprirli leggendo il libro, ma ci tengo a dire che ho trovato di tutto nel romanzo.
Ci sono storie d’amore, rapporti di amicizia, legami familiari ingarbugliati, lealtà verso il datore di lavoro portata agli estremi, conflitti fra genitori e figli, fra marito e moglie, amore fraterno…
Vi lascio trarre le vostre conclusioni da un pensiero di Belle:
Aveva pensato che in quella storia non ci fossero cattivi, ma in realtà lo erano tutti. Ciascuno di loro si era comportato in modo orrendo e aveva tradito, a modo suo. (Tratto dal libro)
Nonostante si tratti di un volume abbastanza lungo di circa 400 pagine si legge velocemente e la scrittura è scorrevole, lo stile dell’autrice è mantenuto, anche se questo libro è più profondo e tratta temi più delicati.
La morale è che non sempre la vita è rose e fiori, ma tutto dipende da come ognuno imposta la sua esistenza.
[…] “la vita non è quello che ti capita, ma come scegli di reagire”. Così, all’indomani di quelle orribili settimane d’estate, aveva innanzitutto scelto la libertà e ora stava scegliendola felicità. Non erano ancora inestricabilmente collegate, ma sperava che un giorno lo potessero diventare. (Tratto dal libro)
.
Ho sempre trovato i libri di Karen Swan carini, divertenti e leggeri. Mi piace leggere quello che pubblica, sono letture ideali per le vacanze, che mi lasciano sempre di buon umore.
La spiaggia segreta è stata una sorpresa… non pensate subito male, parlo di una bella sorpresa. Ho persino difficoltà a esprimere la sensazione che mi ha regalato. Mi è proprio piaciuto e ho apprezzato tanto come l’autrice sia riuscita a introdurre una situazione familiare difficile in un ambiente quasi fiabesco.
La storia è ambientata a Copenaghen, nei suoi dintorni e negli arcipelaghi danesi, ai giorni nostri.
La Swan è riuscita a creare una bellissima atmosfera, viene la voglia di visitare i luoghi e conoscere meglio la cultura della Danimarca.
I protagonisti, che normalmente quando si tratta di una storia d’amore sono sempre i due coinvolti, in questo caso sono tutti i personaggi del libro. Tanto per fare una battuta, persino il maggiordomo!!!
Comunque al centro della narrazione c’è Belle, ragazza inglese che la casualità porta a Copenaghen, dove poi mette radici. Ha trovato una famiglia tutta sua, formata dai suoi amici e dalle persone che accudisce. Ho usato la parola “accudisce” perché ufficialmente lei è la tata, ma in realtà ha adottato i Mogert: Hanna, Max e i loro tre figli Linus e le gemelle Elise e Tilde. L’amore che prova per tutti loro e specialmente per i bambini è un piacere ma anche una necessità.
Di primo impatto Belle sembra spensierata, libera, felice ma come tanti, ha sofferto e sta provando a ricrearsi una vita nuova per andare avanti.
La storia esplode quando si viene a conoscenza di un segreto di Hanna che coinvolge l’intera famiglia, inclusa Belle. In scena entra Emil Von Greyers, reduce di un miracolo: si è svegliato dal coma dopo sette anni. Non voglio raccontare tanto sui personaggi singoli e le loro vicissitudini perché è bello scoprirli leggendo il libro, ma ci tengo a dire che ho trovato di tutto nel romanzo.
Ci sono storie d’amore, rapporti di amicizia, legami familiari ingarbugliati, lealtà verso il datore di lavoro portata agli estremi, conflitti fra genitori e figli, fra marito e moglie, amore fraterno…
Vi lascio trarre le vostre conclusioni da un pensiero di Belle:
Aveva pensato che in quella storia non ci fossero cattivi, ma in realtà lo erano tutti. Ciascuno di loro si era comportato in modo orrendo e aveva tradito, a modo suo. (Tratto dal libro)
Nonostante si tratti di un volume abbastanza lungo di circa 400 pagine si legge velocemente e la scrittura è scorrevole, lo stile dell’autrice è mantenuto, anche se questo libro è più profondo e tratta temi più delicati.
La morale è che non sempre la vita è rose e fiori, ma tutto dipende da come ognuno imposta la sua esistenza.
[…] “la vita non è quello che ti capita, ma come scegli di reagire”. Così, all’indomani di quelle orribili settimane d’estate, aveva innanzitutto scelto la libertà e ora stava scegliendola felicità. Non erano ancora inestricabilmente collegate, ma sperava che un giorno lo potessero diventare. (Tratto dal libro)
July 7, 2021
Recensione presente nel blog www.ragazzainrosso.wordpress.com
2.5 stelline
La giovane Bell dopo aver vissuto un periodo difficile e doloroso, sembra aver ritrovato la serenità lavorando come baby sitter presso una benestante famiglia di Stoccolma. Il suo compito è infatti quello di badare a Linus di dieci anni e alle piccole Elise e Tilde di tre anni. Una mattina, mentre sono pronti per uscire di casa, suona il telefono. Bell risponde e resta senza parole: dall’altra parte della cornetta una dottoressa chiede di riferire ad Hanna, la sua datrice di lavoro, che suo marito si è svegliato dal coma dopo sette anni. Com’è possibile se Max, il marito di Hanna, è appena uscito per andare a lavoro? Quale segreto nasconde l’apparente famiglia perfetta?
“Senza di loro, lui che aveva sempre avuto tutto, non aveva più niente.”
Talvolta è sufficiente un attimo per sconvolgere l’esistenza di un’intera famiglia. È questo il concetto sul quale si fonda l’intreccio narrativo, un “ritorno” inaspettato che crea scompiglio in un equilibrio ormai consolidato.
Bell si ritrova a essere, suo malgrado, più coinvolta nelle vicende di quanto avrebbe mai potuto immaginare. Sì, perché lei non è solo la tata ma si considera quasi un componente della famiglia. Nell’arco dell’estate assisterà a profondi mutamenti, quasi come se il suo ruolo fosse diventato quello di porsi tra i due fuochi provando la via della mediazione.
Hanna, Max ed Emil rappresentano i tre vertici di un triangolo fatto di rivalità e screzi che affondano le loro radici nel passato. Se da una parte Max ha ridato ad Hanna la stabilità, dall’altra Emil è colui che, grazie alla sua ricchezza, l’ha viziata. Scissa tra l’affetto che prova per entrambi, la donna vive momenti di confusione che andranno inevitabilmente a influenzare la stessa Bell, la quale, già psicologicamente fragile, non può che sentire su di sé tutte queste vibrazioni negative.
Mentre lo stile della prosa è semplice e diretto, il ritmo della narrazione, secondo me, risulta piuttosto altalenante. Dopo una prima parte incalzante, si appiattisce notevolmente per tornare a essere incalzante nel finale, di conseguenza a rimetterci, a mio parere, è il coinvolgimento emotivo da parte del lettore che attraversa una fase di stasi.
Un romanzo ricco di segreti e tradimenti. Una lettura che in alcuni momenti narrativi è in grado di lasciare a bocca aperta.
2.5 stelline
La giovane Bell dopo aver vissuto un periodo difficile e doloroso, sembra aver ritrovato la serenità lavorando come baby sitter presso una benestante famiglia di Stoccolma. Il suo compito è infatti quello di badare a Linus di dieci anni e alle piccole Elise e Tilde di tre anni. Una mattina, mentre sono pronti per uscire di casa, suona il telefono. Bell risponde e resta senza parole: dall’altra parte della cornetta una dottoressa chiede di riferire ad Hanna, la sua datrice di lavoro, che suo marito si è svegliato dal coma dopo sette anni. Com’è possibile se Max, il marito di Hanna, è appena uscito per andare a lavoro? Quale segreto nasconde l’apparente famiglia perfetta?
“Senza di loro, lui che aveva sempre avuto tutto, non aveva più niente.”
Talvolta è sufficiente un attimo per sconvolgere l’esistenza di un’intera famiglia. È questo il concetto sul quale si fonda l’intreccio narrativo, un “ritorno” inaspettato che crea scompiglio in un equilibrio ormai consolidato.
Bell si ritrova a essere, suo malgrado, più coinvolta nelle vicende di quanto avrebbe mai potuto immaginare. Sì, perché lei non è solo la tata ma si considera quasi un componente della famiglia. Nell’arco dell’estate assisterà a profondi mutamenti, quasi come se il suo ruolo fosse diventato quello di porsi tra i due fuochi provando la via della mediazione.
Hanna, Max ed Emil rappresentano i tre vertici di un triangolo fatto di rivalità e screzi che affondano le loro radici nel passato. Se da una parte Max ha ridato ad Hanna la stabilità, dall’altra Emil è colui che, grazie alla sua ricchezza, l’ha viziata. Scissa tra l’affetto che prova per entrambi, la donna vive momenti di confusione che andranno inevitabilmente a influenzare la stessa Bell, la quale, già psicologicamente fragile, non può che sentire su di sé tutte queste vibrazioni negative.
Mentre lo stile della prosa è semplice e diretto, il ritmo della narrazione, secondo me, risulta piuttosto altalenante. Dopo una prima parte incalzante, si appiattisce notevolmente per tornare a essere incalzante nel finale, di conseguenza a rimetterci, a mio parere, è il coinvolgimento emotivo da parte del lettore che attraversa una fase di stasi.
Un romanzo ricco di segreti e tradimenti. Una lettura che in alcuni momenti narrativi è in grado di lasciare a bocca aperta.
July 26, 2020
Review to follow
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