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Die Winterfrauen
‘Tracy Buchanan writes moving, gripping, heartbreakingly real family drama.’ Susan Lewis, Sunday Times bestselling author
‘An ambitious and deeply poignant story that will take you into another world.’ Heat
‘Beautiful, heartbreaking, uplifting … Really worth a read.’ Hello!
How far would you go to find the truth?Since Amber lost her child ten years ago, her sole focus has been keeping her small business afloat. Her life seems to be on hold, until the morning she finds a girl on the beach outside her gift shop. A girl who has no shoes, no name, and no idea where she came from.
As a wildlife documentary maker, Gwyneth’s work has taken her all over the world. But when she has a terrible accident in the remote Scottish Highlands, she is saved by the McClusky family and taken into their home. However, there is more to this family than meets the eye, and a long-held secret is threatening to tear them apart…
Amber and Gwyenth are at the beginning of a journey that will change each of their lives forever in this twisting, emotional new novel, perfect for fans of Susan Lewis and Amanda Prowse.
448 pages, Paperback
First published January 25, 2019
1008 people are currently reading
668 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Buchanan
22 books596 followersHello! Fab to see you here. I live in Buckinghamshire, UK with my husband, my little girl and our (very naughty) puppy, Bronte.
I travelled extensively while working as a travel magazine editor, and have always been drawn to the sea after spending my childhood holidays on the south coast visiting family – a fascination that inspires my writing.
I now dedicate my time to writing and procrastinating on Facebook.
I'd love to hear from you so please come say hi on one of the following platforms... plus if you join The Reading Snug I've set up with fellow authors, Kelly Rimmer and Kerry Fisher, you might even bag yourself some freebies including an early copy of my latest novel, The Lost Sister!
https://www.facebook.com/TracyBuchana...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheRe...
https://www.instagram.com/TracyBuchan...
https://twitter.com/TracyBuchanan
https://www.tracy-buchanan.com
I travelled extensively while working as a travel magazine editor, and have always been drawn to the sea after spending my childhood holidays on the south coast visiting family – a fascination that inspires my writing.
I now dedicate my time to writing and procrastinating on Facebook.
I'd love to hear from you so please come say hi on one of the following platforms... plus if you join The Reading Snug I've set up with fellow authors, Kelly Rimmer and Kerry Fisher, you might even bag yourself some freebies including an early copy of my latest novel, The Lost Sister!
https://www.facebook.com/TracyBuchana...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheRe...
https://www.instagram.com/TracyBuchan...
https://twitter.com/TracyBuchanan
https://www.tracy-buchanan.com
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 136 reviews
February 16, 2019
This book should definitely come with a warning, that you will be totally addicted after the first page. So clear you’re diary as you will not want to put this amazing book down!!
When Amber finds a girl walking along the beach injured and not knowing who she is, She befriends her and starts to investigate who the girl is. The only clue is a notebook that she has with drawings of a lodge and a waterfall.
We also go back 20 years and are introduce to Gwyneth a wild life documentary maker who is estranged from her parents. She is used to going it alone, when she stumbles upon the fascinating McClusky’s and is invited to stay in their wonderful lodge. She has a taste of real family life and an instant attraction to Dylan.
Whilst reading this book you know the 2 storylines are connected, but it is done so beautifully and seamlessly with a brilliant twist at the end!!
A must read book. My favourite line was
“The Past doesn’t matter it’s what we do next that matters”
Thank you to Netgalley for giving me this book in exchange for a review.
When Amber finds a girl walking along the beach injured and not knowing who she is, She befriends her and starts to investigate who the girl is. The only clue is a notebook that she has with drawings of a lodge and a waterfall.
We also go back 20 years and are introduce to Gwyneth a wild life documentary maker who is estranged from her parents. She is used to going it alone, when she stumbles upon the fascinating McClusky’s and is invited to stay in their wonderful lodge. She has a taste of real family life and an instant attraction to Dylan.
Whilst reading this book you know the 2 storylines are connected, but it is done so beautifully and seamlessly with a brilliant twist at the end!!
A must read book. My favourite line was
“The Past doesn’t matter it’s what we do next that matters”
Thank you to Netgalley for giving me this book in exchange for a review.
December 10, 2018
The Family Secret by Tracy Buchanan is the story of Gwyneth in 1989 who is rescued from drowning in a frozen lake in Scotland. She is taken in and cared for by the land owners.
It is also the story of Amber in 2009 who owns a crafts shop near the beach and one day rescues a teenage girl who is injured, confused and has lost her memory.
I enjoyed this book. I was interested the characters and the duel storyline worked quite well.
This is the first book I have read from this author and I will be looking out for more of her books.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
It is also the story of Amber in 2009 who owns a crafts shop near the beach and one day rescues a teenage girl who is injured, confused and has lost her memory.
I enjoyed this book. I was interested the characters and the duel storyline worked quite well.
This is the first book I have read from this author and I will be looking out for more of her books.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 4, 2019
I received a free e-copy of The Family Secret by Tracy Buchanan from NetGalley for my honest review.
A story told between two different time lines. The first in 1989 and the other in 2009.
One day in 2009, while Amber is walking on the beach with her Mom, they come across a girl who has no memory of who she is or how she got there. Amber takes the girl to the hospital, and now she has found herself trying to help her recover her memory and and find out who she is. You will eventually find out how their two stories connect. (Don't want ruin it)
A story of families, secrets, loss, love and even regret. Wonderfully told and lovable characters that will pull on your heart strings.
A story told between two different time lines. The first in 1989 and the other in 2009.
One day in 2009, while Amber is walking on the beach with her Mom, they come across a girl who has no memory of who she is or how she got there. Amber takes the girl to the hospital, and now she has found herself trying to help her recover her memory and and find out who she is. You will eventually find out how their two stories connect. (Don't want ruin it)
A story of families, secrets, loss, love and even regret. Wonderfully told and lovable characters that will pull on your heart strings.
February 1, 2019
I have always had a bittersweet relationship with Tracy Buchanan's books. I have liked her books, but the relationship never reached love. But this broke the bindings of the old myth of a relationship. I LOVED THE BOOK!! Well, most of it... Read on...
2 stories, 2 POV, 20 years apart, one was Gwyneth in 1989 and the other Amber in 2009. Amber rescues a girl walking along the beach with no coat and shoes and no memory. In trying to help the amnesiac girl, Amber travels to Scotland with her. Gwyneth has her own tale to narrate. She is a cinematographer for a wildlife documentary. During one such shoot, post falling and nearly drowning in a frozen loch, she is rescued by Dylan, and her love story starts...
Tracy has done a fabulous job in weaving the stories in such a way that both run simultaneously without any confusion, each with a vivid visual which captures their life. Her words in this book have an unusual haunting vibe that made me close my eyes and imagine the snow-filled mountains, the frozen waterfall, the loch with ice slabs, and the snowflakes. Each was spellbinding.
Her characters have something so genuine in them that I could not stop my midnight reading. The women are strong, each have been knocked down by life and have gotten up, sometimes stumbling, sometimes stopping, yet the sheer verve and determination is visible in their core. I loved the narrations, the descriptions, the scenes, the dialogs, the suspense, the mystery, the past, and the present. The only niggle that arose was certain explanations felt a bit stretched in the end.. Just a tiny bit...
I loved the book, and the book captured me completely and loved me back.
2 stories, 2 POV, 20 years apart, one was Gwyneth in 1989 and the other Amber in 2009. Amber rescues a girl walking along the beach with no coat and shoes and no memory. In trying to help the amnesiac girl, Amber travels to Scotland with her. Gwyneth has her own tale to narrate. She is a cinematographer for a wildlife documentary. During one such shoot, post falling and nearly drowning in a frozen loch, she is rescued by Dylan, and her love story starts...
Tracy has done a fabulous job in weaving the stories in such a way that both run simultaneously without any confusion, each with a vivid visual which captures their life. Her words in this book have an unusual haunting vibe that made me close my eyes and imagine the snow-filled mountains, the frozen waterfall, the loch with ice slabs, and the snowflakes. Each was spellbinding.
Her characters have something so genuine in them that I could not stop my midnight reading. The women are strong, each have been knocked down by life and have gotten up, sometimes stumbling, sometimes stopping, yet the sheer verve and determination is visible in their core. I loved the narrations, the descriptions, the scenes, the dialogs, the suspense, the mystery, the past, and the present. The only niggle that arose was certain explanations felt a bit stretched in the end.. Just a tiny bit...
I loved the book, and the book captured me completely and loved me back.
October 29, 2019
When a young girl, freezing in the December weather and having lost all memories of who she is and where she comes from, stumbles upon Amber and her mother and aunt at their beach shop in Winterton Chine, Amber decides to take the girl under her wing and help her discover who she is. In doing so, they end up travelling to the Highlands of Scotland trying to find a waterfall and a lodge, the only things the girl can remember, in the hope of finding someone who knows who she is. As the journey continues, will Amber and the girl both discover long buried family secrets?
I loved the two time lines (1989 and the current 2009) and how the two entwined together the more the story progressed. Although the ‘love’ story was a bit corny and cheesy, (handsome strong Scotsman rescues attractive young woman) I adored the whole premise and found myself satisfyingly addicted to turning the pages. The coincidental denouement was a bit too convenient for a realistic outcome but it didn’t effect my overall enjoyment of the story and I’m going to make sure I read more by this author again. Well written, easy to follow and very atmospheric, I’d happily recommend ‘The Family Secret’ to readers of women’s fiction.
5 stars for pure enjoyment.
I loved the two time lines (1989 and the current 2009) and how the two entwined together the more the story progressed. Although the ‘love’ story was a bit corny and cheesy, (handsome strong Scotsman rescues attractive young woman) I adored the whole premise and found myself satisfyingly addicted to turning the pages. The coincidental denouement was a bit too convenient for a realistic outcome but it didn’t effect my overall enjoyment of the story and I’m going to make sure I read more by this author again. Well written, easy to follow and very atmospheric, I’d happily recommend ‘The Family Secret’ to readers of women’s fiction.
5 stars for pure enjoyment.
December 27, 2021
"Ambers Leben an der Küste Englands ist eintönig – bis an einem eiskalten Wintertag eine junge Frau vor Ambers kleinem Geschenkeladen auftaucht. Sie weiß nicht, wer sie ist und was mit ihr geschehen ist, doch Amber verspürt eine Verbindung zu der Namenlosen und beschließt, ihr zu helfen. 1989: Die Dokumentarfilmerin Gwyneth ist unabhängig und furchtlos, ihr Beruf hat sie an die entferntesten Ecken der Welt geführt. Doch als sie in den verschneiten Highlands fast ums Leben kommt, lässt sie sich von den McCluskys helfen. Gwyneth ist fasziniert von der Familie, vor allem von Dylan, dem rätselhaften und charismatischen Sohn. Aber die McCluskys verbergen ein Geheimnis, dass die Verbindung zwischen Gwyneth und Dylan gefährdet – und Gwyneth Leben für immer verändern wird."
Die Geschichte wird abwechselnd aus der Sicht von Amber und Gwyneth erzählt und ich wurde mit beiden Frauen nicht so warm.
Ich mochte dennoch die Sicht von Gwyneth lieber, da Amber einfach nur am jammern gewesen ist und sie sich wegen ihrer deformierten Hand nur am bemitleiden ist. Natürlich hat sie auch einen schlimmen Schicksalsschlag hinter sich , was auch nicht ohne ist, aber irgendwann ist doch gut und muss nicht ständig wiederholt werden.
Die Geschichte von Gwyneth war für mich aber zu sehr konstruiert uns zu sehr gewollt. Die Liebesgeschichte ging viel zu schnell (von 0 auf 180) und ich konnte den einen oder anderen Beweggrund nicht nachvollziehen. Man kann sich das Leben auch schwerer machen als es ist.
Puuuh das Ende. Owei Owei. Da kann man sich nur an den Kopf packen. So unrealistisch.
Ansonsten war der Schreibstil angenehm und die weihnachtliche Atmosphäre ist zwar da, aber irgendwie auch verloren gegangen. Schade ich hatte mir da wirklich mehr erhofft.
2,5 von 5 Ottis 🦦🦦
Die Geschichte wird abwechselnd aus der Sicht von Amber und Gwyneth erzählt und ich wurde mit beiden Frauen nicht so warm.
Ich mochte dennoch die Sicht von Gwyneth lieber, da Amber einfach nur am jammern gewesen ist und sie sich wegen ihrer deformierten Hand nur am bemitleiden ist. Natürlich hat sie auch einen schlimmen Schicksalsschlag hinter sich , was auch nicht ohne ist, aber irgendwann ist doch gut und muss nicht ständig wiederholt werden.
Die Geschichte von Gwyneth war für mich aber zu sehr konstruiert uns zu sehr gewollt. Die Liebesgeschichte ging viel zu schnell (von 0 auf 180) und ich konnte den einen oder anderen Beweggrund nicht nachvollziehen. Man kann sich das Leben auch schwerer machen als es ist.
Puuuh das Ende. Owei Owei. Da kann man sich nur an den Kopf packen. So unrealistisch.
Ansonsten war der Schreibstil angenehm und die weihnachtliche Atmosphäre ist zwar da, aber irgendwie auch verloren gegangen. Schade ich hatte mir da wirklich mehr erhofft.
2,5 von 5 Ottis 🦦🦦
March 9, 2019
Wow! This was good. I really liked how they connected the two stories together. I didn’t want to put it down and it grabbed me from the first page.
January 25, 2019
Wow, Wow, Wow! What is not to love about this brillant story?
From the very first page you are taken prison by the book. It's intriguing, interesting, emotional and throughout the whole story there is that something that pushes you forward because you want to know the secrets. And then, at last, everything is revealed. Oh, well, not everything, because the author has another surprise in store.
The writing style is very attractive. I love the conversations between Amber and her mother and aunt. It was also very nice to have alternating parts told by two main characters and it was wonderful to see the past and the present coming together.
My overall feeling about this one : wow! (or did I already mention that once or twice ...? LOL) 5 stars.
Thank you, Tracy Buchanan, Bookouture and Netgalley.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
From the very first page you are taken prison by the book. It's intriguing, interesting, emotional and throughout the whole story there is that something that pushes you forward because you want to know the secrets. And then, at last, everything is revealed. Oh, well, not everything, because the author has another surprise in store.
The writing style is very attractive. I love the conversations between Amber and her mother and aunt. It was also very nice to have alternating parts told by two main characters and it was wonderful to see the past and the present coming together.
My overall feeling about this one : wow! (or did I already mention that once or twice ...? LOL) 5 stars.
Thank you, Tracy Buchanan, Bookouture and Netgalley.
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
March 4, 2019
Set on two-time lines this follows the stories of two women, one in 1989 and the other in 2009.
When Amber and her mum are out walking on a bitterly cold day, they find a teenager wandering on the beach without coat or shoes and no memory of who she is. She is taken to a local hospital where Amber’s ex-husband is a doctor. Amber feels a moment of guilt about leaving the young women there on her own and decides that the quickest way for her to regain her memories is by more radical methods.
Back in 1989 Gwyneth has to be rescued from a frozen Loch she has fallen into by nothing short of a Prince Charming, Dylan, who is the son the local Scottish land owner. The whole family is so welcoming with a tradition of not turning strangers away and welcoming them to stay and eat. Chemistry isn’t long before it works between the pair.
Amber has many problems from her own past but the pull to help this young women is impossible for her not to listen to. What begins as a mission to help this young girl affects so many lives from the past to present day, including her own. The main characters in the story are so easy to like and get behind and will on to find out who the unknown girl is. Then the back drop story and love story made for the perfect balance.
It is very much a story where the more you find out the more questions it opens up. I loved the setting, a lot of which was in Scotland, that at times felt like it was further back in time than it was. It really is a story of discovery, far more than I ever thought it would be.
When Amber and her mum are out walking on a bitterly cold day, they find a teenager wandering on the beach without coat or shoes and no memory of who she is. She is taken to a local hospital where Amber’s ex-husband is a doctor. Amber feels a moment of guilt about leaving the young women there on her own and decides that the quickest way for her to regain her memories is by more radical methods.
Back in 1989 Gwyneth has to be rescued from a frozen Loch she has fallen into by nothing short of a Prince Charming, Dylan, who is the son the local Scottish land owner. The whole family is so welcoming with a tradition of not turning strangers away and welcoming them to stay and eat. Chemistry isn’t long before it works between the pair.
Amber has many problems from her own past but the pull to help this young women is impossible for her not to listen to. What begins as a mission to help this young girl affects so many lives from the past to present day, including her own. The main characters in the story are so easy to like and get behind and will on to find out who the unknown girl is. Then the back drop story and love story made for the perfect balance.
It is very much a story where the more you find out the more questions it opens up. I loved the setting, a lot of which was in Scotland, that at times felt like it was further back in time than it was. It really is a story of discovery, far more than I ever thought it would be.
December 16, 2018
Tracy Buchanan never fails to disappoint! The Family Secret had me hooked from the very first page until the last. Amber runs a seaside gift shop she inherited from her Mum and Aunt. A single lady with a past, her time is her own, until one day near Christmas Lumin walks injured along the beach. She is injured but can't remember anything about what happened or who she is.
As Amber toys to help, she finds herself getting involved to help Lumin track down her family, but who are they and why aren't they replying to the TV appeals.
We also follow the story of Gwyneth, the other main character in the book and her life as a teenager and now an adult. The book switches between characters and time frames, but it's so easy to follow.
I thought the prologue was brilliantly written and I was telling my own ending during the book, yet I was thrown off course so many times. The ending was brilliantly written and tied everything together nicely.
As Amber toys to help, she finds herself getting involved to help Lumin track down her family, but who are they and why aren't they replying to the TV appeals.
We also follow the story of Gwyneth, the other main character in the book and her life as a teenager and now an adult. The book switches between characters and time frames, but it's so easy to follow.
I thought the prologue was brilliantly written and I was telling my own ending during the book, yet I was thrown off course so many times. The ending was brilliantly written and tied everything together nicely.
January 8, 2019
I really enjoyed this book and reading it from the dual POV's of Amber and Gwyneth worked really well.
A girl comes into Amber's life; she is without a coat or shoes on a very cold day and she has no idea who she is. As Amber tries to unravel the story of the girl, she finds herself playing detective with very few clues to go on.
This was a difficult book to categorise, I found. It was all about family, secrets and love and it almost had a sense of menace about it. I wasn't sure how all the threads were going to be tied up, but tied up they were, with a big twist at the end! It was a real thinker of a book that left me with my heart in my mouth on several occasions.
Fabulous read! 5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.
A girl comes into Amber's life; she is without a coat or shoes on a very cold day and she has no idea who she is. As Amber tries to unravel the story of the girl, she finds herself playing detective with very few clues to go on.
This was a difficult book to categorise, I found. It was all about family, secrets and love and it almost had a sense of menace about it. I wasn't sure how all the threads were going to be tied up, but tied up they were, with a big twist at the end! It was a real thinker of a book that left me with my heart in my mouth on several occasions.
Fabulous read! 5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.
January 10, 2019
This was a great book weaving two different time lines. Gwyneth was rescued in 1989 and is now a wildlife photographer and Amber , who runs a craft shop and rescues a girl who has lost her memory.
I loved the characters and the setting is wonderfully drawn, enabling you to imagine yourself right in the middle of the story. You wonder what secrets are going to come out.
I loved the characters and the setting is wonderfully drawn, enabling you to imagine yourself right in the middle of the story. You wonder what secrets are going to come out.
January 21, 2019
This book is an absolute must read.Its written over two timelines, but they have a connection. It is superbly written. The characters and the locations are wonderfully described. I found it hard to put down and was disappointed when it ended.
April 30, 2020
This was a book that was set up to be an absorbing rollercoaster of a read, but failed to fully deliver on its initial promise. The beginning was high on intrigue and I was excited to see where it would lead, but after multiple timelines, characters, and settings are introduced, the final outcome was a bit on the underwhelming side.
There were a number of positive aspects along the way, as the engaging writing touched upon many interesting themes and weaved together a decent family drama, while the characters were all very well developed. However, there was relatively little that I found genuinely compelling, and even a twist at the end did not leave a lasting impact.
The book is set over a 20-year time span. In late 2009, Amber is preparing for the Christmas market at her seaside gift shop in the South of England, when she sees a teenage girl walking alone and aimlessly along the beach. The girl has no memory of who she is, what happened to her, and how she got there, so Amber accompanies her to hospital.
We then go back to 1989, where wildlife documentary maker Gwyneth is filming a ptarmigan when she falls into an icy lake in the Scottish Highlands. She is rescued by a man called Dylan, and the two immediately share a physical attraction to one another, so Gwyneth eventually agrees to stay for Christmas with his family at an impressive lodge.
In the years that follow, the two occasionally meet, and it turns out that Gwyneth is keeping secrets about her present and her past. She has not seen her parents since she was fourteen and will not tell anybody why. Meanwhile, Amber continues to help the lost girl regain her memories.
Both of the storylines are told in the first person, from the perspectives of Amber and Gwyneth respectively. It is easy to tell where some of the story is going before the halfway mark, but other questions remain through to the end. More of the narrative follows Gwyneth, which was a slight shame because I much preferred the chapters told by Amber.
The reason for this is that Amber is simply a much more likeable character. She carries a lot of upset from her past, but she is strong-willed and adventurous, as well as very caring. The growing bond she develops with the girl is one of my favourite things about the book, and I also liked her mother and aunt, who were both entertaining to read.
On the other hand, I could just never warm to Gwyneth, whose relationship with Dylan became rather tiresome. While undoubtedly driven and determined, I found her overly selfish, and the ultimate revelation about why she left her parents behind seemed a little contrived to me. Dylan also had a number of flaws - there is one part of the book where his actions defy even the faintest logic.
However, there were still several things to like in the past storyline. It introduced numerous characters and at first I was concerned that it would be hard to tell them apart, but they were all so well developed that this was not a problem. Mairi was particularly fascinating, and it becomes apparent that there is more than just the one family secret in this book.
The settings were also a high point throughout. The lodge in Scotland had an imposing and highly evocative atmosphere, and the hostile weather conditions emphasised its isolated and oppressive feel. Snow and ice was a constant theme, and part of the book is even set in Iceland, where the descriptions of the wildlife was very informative.
There are several themes discussed during the story, in particular those of motherhood and grief, and those are handled quite well even if they do verge on repetitive at times. The ending was the biggest letdown for me, as some aspects did not make sense in places, and it also hinged on an unlikely coincidence.
Overall, I had very mixed feelings with this book. There were parts that were wonderful to read and I loved the present day storyline with Amber, but I just think that in other areas it got a bit too bogged down and my lack of warmth towards Gwyneth and Dylan did affect things. Tracy Buchanan is a great author and this one is well written too, but this did not match the standard of the two previous books I have read from her.
There were a number of positive aspects along the way, as the engaging writing touched upon many interesting themes and weaved together a decent family drama, while the characters were all very well developed. However, there was relatively little that I found genuinely compelling, and even a twist at the end did not leave a lasting impact.
The book is set over a 20-year time span. In late 2009, Amber is preparing for the Christmas market at her seaside gift shop in the South of England, when she sees a teenage girl walking alone and aimlessly along the beach. The girl has no memory of who she is, what happened to her, and how she got there, so Amber accompanies her to hospital.
We then go back to 1989, where wildlife documentary maker Gwyneth is filming a ptarmigan when she falls into an icy lake in the Scottish Highlands. She is rescued by a man called Dylan, and the two immediately share a physical attraction to one another, so Gwyneth eventually agrees to stay for Christmas with his family at an impressive lodge.
In the years that follow, the two occasionally meet, and it turns out that Gwyneth is keeping secrets about her present and her past. She has not seen her parents since she was fourteen and will not tell anybody why. Meanwhile, Amber continues to help the lost girl regain her memories.
Both of the storylines are told in the first person, from the perspectives of Amber and Gwyneth respectively. It is easy to tell where some of the story is going before the halfway mark, but other questions remain through to the end. More of the narrative follows Gwyneth, which was a slight shame because I much preferred the chapters told by Amber.
The reason for this is that Amber is simply a much more likeable character. She carries a lot of upset from her past, but she is strong-willed and adventurous, as well as very caring. The growing bond she develops with the girl is one of my favourite things about the book, and I also liked her mother and aunt, who were both entertaining to read.
On the other hand, I could just never warm to Gwyneth, whose relationship with Dylan became rather tiresome. While undoubtedly driven and determined, I found her overly selfish, and the ultimate revelation about why she left her parents behind seemed a little contrived to me. Dylan also had a number of flaws - there is one part of the book where his actions defy even the faintest logic.
However, there were still several things to like in the past storyline. It introduced numerous characters and at first I was concerned that it would be hard to tell them apart, but they were all so well developed that this was not a problem. Mairi was particularly fascinating, and it becomes apparent that there is more than just the one family secret in this book.
The settings were also a high point throughout. The lodge in Scotland had an imposing and highly evocative atmosphere, and the hostile weather conditions emphasised its isolated and oppressive feel. Snow and ice was a constant theme, and part of the book is even set in Iceland, where the descriptions of the wildlife was very informative.
There are several themes discussed during the story, in particular those of motherhood and grief, and those are handled quite well even if they do verge on repetitive at times. The ending was the biggest letdown for me, as some aspects did not make sense in places, and it also hinged on an unlikely coincidence.
Overall, I had very mixed feelings with this book. There were parts that were wonderful to read and I loved the present day storyline with Amber, but I just think that in other areas it got a bit too bogged down and my lack of warmth towards Gwyneth and Dylan did affect things. Tracy Buchanan is a great author and this one is well written too, but this did not match the standard of the two previous books I have read from her.
March 6, 2019
After experiencing every mother’s worst nightmare, Amber is doing her best to live through her loss with the help of her family and her business when a young girl stumbles into her life with no shoes, coat or memory. As the two women connect and work together to unpick their history, unexpected revelations come to light that bring both hurt and hope…
I was excited to read this after devouring ‘Her Last Breath’ some time ago. I was not disappointed as this book delivered everything I expected in spades. The rich setting descriptions transported me from scene to scene and each character was strong and interesting, even the background ones. The story takes place over two different timelines, weaving skilfully between two lead characters, keeping the reader guessing about the links between them and revealing enough at a time to make me stay up late to read ‘Just one more chapter.’
I preferred the present day timeline as I found Amber easier to relate to then Gwyneth. Amber has the perfect mix of strength and vulnerability and the nurturing nature invoked in her by the younger woman is poignant and lovely to read. Ultimately, it’s a story about loss, love and the hope that can be found in its midst.
The writing is wonderful, the dialogue sparkles and the plot’s intriguing — what’s not to love? Another great work by Tracy Buchanan.
I was given access to this ARC by Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. This opinions in this post are all my own.
I was excited to read this after devouring ‘Her Last Breath’ some time ago. I was not disappointed as this book delivered everything I expected in spades. The rich setting descriptions transported me from scene to scene and each character was strong and interesting, even the background ones. The story takes place over two different timelines, weaving skilfully between two lead characters, keeping the reader guessing about the links between them and revealing enough at a time to make me stay up late to read ‘Just one more chapter.’
I preferred the present day timeline as I found Amber easier to relate to then Gwyneth. Amber has the perfect mix of strength and vulnerability and the nurturing nature invoked in her by the younger woman is poignant and lovely to read. Ultimately, it’s a story about loss, love and the hope that can be found in its midst.
The writing is wonderful, the dialogue sparkles and the plot’s intriguing — what’s not to love? Another great work by Tracy Buchanan.
I was given access to this ARC by Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. This opinions in this post are all my own.
January 2, 2019
An intriguing story of a young girl who turns up on a beach one day with no memory of who she is or where she has come from. She meets Amber, who is determined to help the young lady recover her lost memories, and in doing so, uncovers family secrets of her own.
The plot was well woven, with beautifully described settings and wonderful characters that really drew me into the story. In fact, I read it in just two sittings as I couldn't wait to find out how it all concluded. An excellent read from beginning to end, it was just what I needed to start my New Year off!
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The plot was well woven, with beautifully described settings and wonderful characters that really drew me into the story. In fact, I read it in just two sittings as I couldn't wait to find out how it all concluded. An excellent read from beginning to end, it was just what I needed to start my New Year off!
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 25, 2019
This was an enjoyable read. I am a sucker for snow scenes and Christmas preparations. It was snowing as I read it. I loved the imagery the book conjured up of snow, frozen lakes and mountains despite their treachery. The wildlife parts were interesting too and Gwyneth's research. I was intrigued by the experiment about how to evoke memories without giving too much away. The characters have unusual issues. It was neat how the two parts of the stories came together although it's not my favourite format. Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK.
February 27, 2019
In Tracy Buchanan’s new page-turner “The Girl On The Beach”, Amber Caulfield finds a teenage girl wandering barefoot and confused along the frozen beach of Winterton Chine.
Best-selling author Tracy Buchanan has been very well known for her novels in the Contemporary, Fiction and Suspense genres for years. Tracy’s newest novel may well rank as one of her best books to date.
Readers are introduced to Amber, who has felt empty, ever since she lost her daughter. But when she finds the girl on the beach everything starts to change as her maternal instinct reawakens and she starts to feel a flicker of hope for the future, for the first time in years. Who is she? Where is she from? And what led her to this particular beach in the south of England, on the coldest day of the year? Amber knows she must help her find some answers. The girl’s only possession is a notebook, filled with notes, stories, and pictures that she claims not to recognise.
This book has a very strong start. Tracy Buchanan did a great job with the pacing and “The Girl On The Beach” contains some intriguing elements in the storyline, dealing with emotion and new beginnings, but also loss and misunderstanding. This gripping novel is well-written and packed with mystery and the characters’ portrayal are fantastic. The readers who will enjoy “The Girl On The Beach” the most are those who surrender themselves completely to Tracy Buchanan’s control.
[Thank you to #NetGalley, #Bookouture and #TracyBuchanan, for a free ARC of #TheGirlOnTheBeach in exchange for an honest review.]
Best-selling author Tracy Buchanan has been very well known for her novels in the Contemporary, Fiction and Suspense genres for years. Tracy’s newest novel may well rank as one of her best books to date.
Readers are introduced to Amber, who has felt empty, ever since she lost her daughter. But when she finds the girl on the beach everything starts to change as her maternal instinct reawakens and she starts to feel a flicker of hope for the future, for the first time in years. Who is she? Where is she from? And what led her to this particular beach in the south of England, on the coldest day of the year? Amber knows she must help her find some answers. The girl’s only possession is a notebook, filled with notes, stories, and pictures that she claims not to recognise.
This book has a very strong start. Tracy Buchanan did a great job with the pacing and “The Girl On The Beach” contains some intriguing elements in the storyline, dealing with emotion and new beginnings, but also loss and misunderstanding. This gripping novel is well-written and packed with mystery and the characters’ portrayal are fantastic. The readers who will enjoy “The Girl On The Beach” the most are those who surrender themselves completely to Tracy Buchanan’s control.
[Thank you to #NetGalley, #Bookouture and #TracyBuchanan, for a free ARC of #TheGirlOnTheBeach in exchange for an honest review.]
January 25, 2019
This is the first book I have read by Tracy Buchanan. I was interested in the plot when I read the summary of the book. The author is very talented and I enjoyed her writing style very much. This book was done in dual timelines. One timeline began in 1989 and the other in 2009. I do not want to reveal too much about the story, it is better to experience it as the author has written it.
At first, I honestly was confused by the timelines, but I brushed that aside and tried to just focus on what I was reading at the moment. That is not an issue with the book, it is more my issue, usually not reading this style of book. Once I cleared my mind and continued, I did not have a problem with the style. It actually added to the book, keeping me on edge, wanting to know what happened in the past, and what will happen in the future.
The author did an amazing job of character development. Characters of different ages and personalities are in this story. I can picture each one in my mind from the way they are portrayed in the written words. Scenery is described so well that I truly felt like I was there.
The book's core is that secrets are never buried and they come back to the surface eventually, some times at the most inopportune moment. The McClusky family secret has affected the lives of many people for years. Gwyneth's family has their own secret, which like the McClusky's has altered her and her child's lives.
I totally enjoyed this well written book and I will definitely be reading the other books that Tracy Buchanan has written. In my opinion a good book makes you think about it even when not reading it, and this book definitely was always on my mind.
At first, I honestly was confused by the timelines, but I brushed that aside and tried to just focus on what I was reading at the moment. That is not an issue with the book, it is more my issue, usually not reading this style of book. Once I cleared my mind and continued, I did not have a problem with the style. It actually added to the book, keeping me on edge, wanting to know what happened in the past, and what will happen in the future.
The author did an amazing job of character development. Characters of different ages and personalities are in this story. I can picture each one in my mind from the way they are portrayed in the written words. Scenery is described so well that I truly felt like I was there.
The book's core is that secrets are never buried and they come back to the surface eventually, some times at the most inopportune moment. The McClusky family secret has affected the lives of many people for years. Gwyneth's family has their own secret, which like the McClusky's has altered her and her child's lives.
I totally enjoyed this well written book and I will definitely be reading the other books that Tracy Buchanan has written. In my opinion a good book makes you think about it even when not reading it, and this book definitely was always on my mind.
December 25, 2018
Another lovely family drama from Tracy Buchanan, I have thoroughly enjoyed every one of her books.
This story centres on two time lines. In 2009, Amber is living a fairly solitary life, trying to make a living out of a gift shop and not having quite got over the death of her young daughter and the end of her marriage. One day while out walking with her Mother and Aunt on the beach, they come across a girl who has no recollection of who she is.
In 1989, Gwyneth is a photographer for a film documentary. She virtually stumbles on the McClusky Family on Christmas Eve, when she is rescued after falling through ice in the loch while trying to film a rare bird.
These two stories weave seamlessly together and at no time did I have trouble deciphering which time frame I was in. Amber takes it on herself to try and help the mystery girl whose name is Lumin, find her identity and together they go on a journey where much more than Lumen’s identity is found.
This was just a lovely easy read, I didn’t guess the end thread of the story at all. At times I did become a little annoyed at Amber and the continual mentioning of her ‘disability�� and the way she often put herself down but on reflection I think that is part of the character’s insecurity.
If you’re looking for a lovely read, with vivid descriptions of the Scottish Highlands during winter, you can’t go wrong with this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy to read.
This story centres on two time lines. In 2009, Amber is living a fairly solitary life, trying to make a living out of a gift shop and not having quite got over the death of her young daughter and the end of her marriage. One day while out walking with her Mother and Aunt on the beach, they come across a girl who has no recollection of who she is.
In 1989, Gwyneth is a photographer for a film documentary. She virtually stumbles on the McClusky Family on Christmas Eve, when she is rescued after falling through ice in the loch while trying to film a rare bird.
These two stories weave seamlessly together and at no time did I have trouble deciphering which time frame I was in. Amber takes it on herself to try and help the mystery girl whose name is Lumin, find her identity and together they go on a journey where much more than Lumen’s identity is found.
This was just a lovely easy read, I didn’t guess the end thread of the story at all. At times I did become a little annoyed at Amber and the continual mentioning of her ‘disability�� and the way she often put herself down but on reflection I think that is part of the character’s insecurity.
If you’re looking for a lovely read, with vivid descriptions of the Scottish Highlands during winter, you can’t go wrong with this book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy to read.
December 30, 2018
The early copy I read of this book is my first by this author, and I’m grateful to Avon Books UK for providing me a copy through NetGalley. It is extremely well written and beautifully edited, which I always appreciate. This story has a lot of emotion, fascinating family dynamics, and an interesting twist at the end. I also enjoyed the mix of past and present to give the needed background.
Amber certainly captured my heart, with the challenges and losses she suffered, and it was interesting to see her dormant protective instincts rise to the surface when she found the young girl with amnesia walking along the beach in winter with no coat or shoes. The story kept me engaged easily as the plot built to the climax of the story, but I was a bit disappointed in the conclusion.
Rather than showing the reader how new changes would be carried out, it was left to a short amount of internal dialogue, resulting in a decision, but there was little evidence that the positive changes took place. With as beautifully as the story was written and how well the plot was carried out, I was a bit let down to not see some follow-through on these resolutions. But if you’re the kind of reader who's more about the journey than the destination, I have no doubt this book will appeal to you.
*I reviewed this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.
Amber certainly captured my heart, with the challenges and losses she suffered, and it was interesting to see her dormant protective instincts rise to the surface when she found the young girl with amnesia walking along the beach in winter with no coat or shoes. The story kept me engaged easily as the plot built to the climax of the story, but I was a bit disappointed in the conclusion.
Rather than showing the reader how new changes would be carried out, it was left to a short amount of internal dialogue, resulting in a decision, but there was little evidence that the positive changes took place. With as beautifully as the story was written and how well the plot was carried out, I was a bit let down to not see some follow-through on these resolutions. But if you’re the kind of reader who's more about the journey than the destination, I have no doubt this book will appeal to you.
*I reviewed this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.
January 24, 2019
This story has an instant impact, something terrible has happened, but who is the victim and who is to blame?
Told in flashback chapters over a twenty year period the story follows Amber and Gwyneth's lives. Amber is a woman in her thirties who suffered a terrible accident when she was four, and a life-changing loss as an adult. Gwyneth is a loner, sent away by her parents, she follows her dreams after a chance encounter, and years later meets a strange family with a deeply buried secret.
The depth and realism of the characters make this story a spellbinding read. You empathise and want to know what happens to them. The plot winds around the characters like ivy on a tree. Burying them in grief, strangling their finer feelings, and forcing them to fight for the happiness and life they deserve.
Romance, family secrets, the bond between mothers and their children are explored, against the vivid and sometimes brutal setting of the Scottish Highlands and Iceland in Winter and the spectacular wildlife who make their lives there.
Family drama full of mystery and secrets with a subtle twist makes this story a perfect Winter read.
I received a copy of this book from Avon Books UK via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Told in flashback chapters over a twenty year period the story follows Amber and Gwyneth's lives. Amber is a woman in her thirties who suffered a terrible accident when she was four, and a life-changing loss as an adult. Gwyneth is a loner, sent away by her parents, she follows her dreams after a chance encounter, and years later meets a strange family with a deeply buried secret.
The depth and realism of the characters make this story a spellbinding read. You empathise and want to know what happens to them. The plot winds around the characters like ivy on a tree. Burying them in grief, strangling their finer feelings, and forcing them to fight for the happiness and life they deserve.
Romance, family secrets, the bond between mothers and their children are explored, against the vivid and sometimes brutal setting of the Scottish Highlands and Iceland in Winter and the spectacular wildlife who make their lives there.
Family drama full of mystery and secrets with a subtle twist makes this story a perfect Winter read.
I received a copy of this book from Avon Books UK via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
January 5, 2019
I really enjoyed this book and reading it from the dual POV's of Amber and Gwyneth worked really well.
A girl comes into Amber's life; she is without a coat or shoes on a very cold day and she has no idea who she is. As Amber tries to unravel the story of the girl, she finds herself playing detective with very few clues to go on.
This was a difficult book to categorise, I found. It was all about family, secrets and love and it almost had a sense of menace about it. I wasn't sure how all the threads were going to be tied up, but tied up they were, with a big twist at the end! It was a real thinker of a book that left me with my heart in my mouth on several occasions.
Fabulous read! 5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon.
A girl comes into Amber's life; she is without a coat or shoes on a very cold day and she has no idea who she is. As Amber tries to unravel the story of the girl, she finds herself playing detective with very few clues to go on.
This was a difficult book to categorise, I found. It was all about family, secrets and love and it almost had a sense of menace about it. I wasn't sure how all the threads were going to be tied up, but tied up they were, with a big twist at the end! It was a real thinker of a book that left me with my heart in my mouth on several occasions.
Fabulous read! 5 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon.
February 23, 2019
Amber runs a shop on the beach and when in the middle of winter she sees girl walking along the beach with no coat or shoes she realises something is wrong and goes to help. The girl it's suffering from amnesia and doesn't even know her name, so Amber decides to help her. Twenty years earlier Gwyneth is rescued by Dylan in Scotland and taken in by his family......... but what is the connection between these two women?
Another great book by this author, the story keeps you intrigued from the beginning and there are a lot of twists and turns before you realise the connections.
Another great book by this author, the story keeps you intrigued from the beginning and there are a lot of twists and turns before you realise the connections.
May 5, 2020
Great twist!
I loved this book! I read this quickly, couldn't put it down! Really enjoyed the dual timeline style. Definitely recommend.
I loved this book! I read this quickly, couldn't put it down! Really enjoyed the dual timeline style. Definitely recommend.
March 4, 2025
Very addictive couldn’t put it down, easy to read but interesting story with different characters. Each character had their own secret story with a unique twist and ending- definitely worth a read.
December 20, 2018
I loved this book!!! There were so many secrets between the families. I never expected the ending and would have never guessed. I honestly never saw that coming. I loved the characters, story and writing style. I loved getting to know Amber and Gwyneth and how the book alternated between the two. I kept trying to figure out how their stories would be connected. I also kept wondering what Gwyneth did to be have sent away and to never see her parents again. My biggest question was - who was that girl who had fallen through the ice in beginning of the book????
The book focuses on Amber and Gwyneth. Gwyneth's story begins in 1989. She is a wildlife-documentary-maker who happens to stumble upon the McClusky family one fateful night. Gwyneth has pretty much been on her own since she was fifteen, when her parents sent her away to work at her aunt's hotel. She has never been much for family until she meets Dylan and her life changes. Amber's story takes place in 2009. Amber rescues a young girl she finds on the beach in December. The girl is freezing since she isn't wearing a coat or shoes and has a gash on her head. Even worse she has no memory. Amber connects with the young girl due to a tragic loss in her life. Amber sets off with the girl on a trip to help her gain her memory. Eventually all the secrets are revealed and it isn't what Amber, Gwyneth or the young girl expected.
The ending of the book was amazing. I loved how all the pieces finally fit in place. It wasn't what I expected. I loved all the descriptions of the animals. Especially Duchess the seal and her baby. I felt like the book was a bit of a mystery with Amber trying to solve the identity of the young girl ad some romance. When Gwyneth celebrated her second Christmas with the McClusky family, I really thought they were going to kill her and steal the child. I never trusted that family, they gave off a creepy vibe. After reading this book I definitely know I will never walk over an icy loch(not that I ever planned to).
I definitely recommend this book. I was captivated from the very beginning until the last page. I can't wait to read more books by the author.
Thanks to NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author, Tracy Buchanan, for a free electronic ARC of this novel.
The book focuses on Amber and Gwyneth. Gwyneth's story begins in 1989. She is a wildlife-documentary-maker who happens to stumble upon the McClusky family one fateful night. Gwyneth has pretty much been on her own since she was fifteen, when her parents sent her away to work at her aunt's hotel. She has never been much for family until she meets Dylan and her life changes. Amber's story takes place in 2009. Amber rescues a young girl she finds on the beach in December. The girl is freezing since she isn't wearing a coat or shoes and has a gash on her head. Even worse she has no memory. Amber connects with the young girl due to a tragic loss in her life. Amber sets off with the girl on a trip to help her gain her memory. Eventually all the secrets are revealed and it isn't what Amber, Gwyneth or the young girl expected.
The ending of the book was amazing. I loved how all the pieces finally fit in place. It wasn't what I expected. I loved all the descriptions of the animals. Especially Duchess the seal and her baby. I felt like the book was a bit of a mystery with Amber trying to solve the identity of the young girl ad some romance. When Gwyneth celebrated her second Christmas with the McClusky family, I really thought they were going to kill her and steal the child. I never trusted that family, they gave off a creepy vibe. After reading this book I definitely know I will never walk over an icy loch(not that I ever planned to).
I definitely recommend this book. I was captivated from the very beginning until the last page. I can't wait to read more books by the author.
Thanks to NetGalley, Avon Books UK and the author, Tracy Buchanan, for a free electronic ARC of this novel.
May 15, 2019
The story was well written but I only liked it rather than loved it. It took me quite a while to get into the book as well.
The story revolves around a mystery surrounding the McCluskey family. Gwyneth, a young nature filmmaker's car breaks down in rural Scotland and she ends up spending Christmas with the McCluskies. She and their son Dylan share an immediate attraction but Gwyneth senses undercurrents beneath the surface as his family seem welcoming enough but all is not right. She feels she's intruding especially after Dylan's sister has an emotional meltdown.
It's over a year before Gwyneth and Dylan's paths cross again. The story is told from 2 different time lines. Gwyneth's takes place in 1989 and beyond and the other people in the story are in 2009.
The characters in 2009 are mostly Amber and a mysterious girl who turns up near Amber's gift shop, bleeding and suffering from amnesia. Amber feels close to the girl as she was the one who found her and shes determined to help the girl get her memory back.
All good ingredients for a story but like I said, I had trouble getting into it. It was only the last 100 pages that it really started to interest me.
The story revolves around a mystery surrounding the McCluskey family. Gwyneth, a young nature filmmaker's car breaks down in rural Scotland and she ends up spending Christmas with the McCluskies. She and their son Dylan share an immediate attraction but Gwyneth senses undercurrents beneath the surface as his family seem welcoming enough but all is not right. She feels she's intruding especially after Dylan's sister has an emotional meltdown.
It's over a year before Gwyneth and Dylan's paths cross again. The story is told from 2 different time lines. Gwyneth's takes place in 1989 and beyond and the other people in the story are in 2009.
The characters in 2009 are mostly Amber and a mysterious girl who turns up near Amber's gift shop, bleeding and suffering from amnesia. Amber feels close to the girl as she was the one who found her and shes determined to help the girl get her memory back.
All good ingredients for a story but like I said, I had trouble getting into it. It was only the last 100 pages that it really started to interest me.
April 14, 2019
This is the first book I’ve read by Tracy Buchanan but certainly won’t be the last. I found this book had just the right amount of intrigue to keep me wanting to turn the pages.
The book is centred around Amber who runs a quaint gift shop on the seafront form those wonderful huts you see in some seaside towns, and a mysterious girl who Amber, her mum and Aunt found one morning with no coat on and shoeless walking along the beach unsure where she is or even who she is.
The story is told in alternating chapters which also is two different timelines, one being 1989 and one in 2009.
The story follows the mystery of who the girl is and the lengths that Amber goes to, to help her.
All in all, a really interesting story and a book that I found had an ending that to me was perfect!
I read this book courtesy of a copy provided by NetGalley and Avon books and my review is my honest opinion.
The book is centred around Amber who runs a quaint gift shop on the seafront form those wonderful huts you see in some seaside towns, and a mysterious girl who Amber, her mum and Aunt found one morning with no coat on and shoeless walking along the beach unsure where she is or even who she is.
The story is told in alternating chapters which also is two different timelines, one being 1989 and one in 2009.
The story follows the mystery of who the girl is and the lengths that Amber goes to, to help her.
All in all, a really interesting story and a book that I found had an ending that to me was perfect!
I read this book courtesy of a copy provided by NetGalley and Avon books and my review is my honest opinion.
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