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Bring Me To Life
Grace works for a national newspaper where life is fast and unforgiving. While she thrives under the pressure, she is slowly being crushed by her relentless bully of a boss, her cheating ex-boyfriend and her fiercely controlling mother.
When Grace decides it’s time to regain some control, her innocent approach to a life coach propels her into the middle of two people’s desire for revenge.
Both have a plan to get even.
Grace simply gets in the way.
When Grace decides it’s time to regain some control, her innocent approach to a life coach propels her into the middle of two people’s desire for revenge.
Both have a plan to get even.
Grace simply gets in the way.
361 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 2, 2022
43 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Elaine Robertson North
3 books3 followersElaine spent 25 years working in marketing and communications in the media and entertainment industries. This included seven years marketing national newspapers and a variety of senior executive roles in TV, radio and film.
I've Been Waiting For You is Elaine's third novel. Her previous titles, I Can’t Tell You Why and Bring Me To Life are also available.
Elaine lives in North London with her husband and their two sons.
I've Been Waiting For You is Elaine's third novel. Her previous titles, I Can’t Tell You Why and Bring Me To Life are also available.
Elaine lives in North London with her husband and their two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 15, 2022
Bring Me to Life is a very fun read which centres around Grace and Anna as the two leading characters. Grace is at a difficult point in her life where she isn’t happy in her work and when she gets to go home, there is no break from the pressure. Her friends are there to support her and keep her going through the tough times. Anna is a very successful professional who has built a flourishing business and appears to be living the good life. When Anna takes on Grace as a client, everything seems to start slotting into place and life should be getting easier… but events take an unusual turn and suddenly things aren’t going quite so well anymore.
I found this a really easy story to get into and invested in. Grace is written as a highly likeable young women who has had a difficult upbringing with a stifling mother, yet overcome this to create a happy life for herself. Her friends Emily and Phil come in and out of the story and help Grace through many tough times at work and home. Anna is a more intense character who has some similarities to Grace but has developed a harder centre with emotions being largely hidden. There are parts of the story where we get to look back at key events from each of their lives and this helps to explain some of their actions in the present day. There aren’t many flashbacks but I thought the ones we read were well chosen and worked nicely alongside the main plot.
There were a lot of unexpected moments within the story – I am choosing my words as carefully as I can here as there’s such a balance between commenting on certain scenes to give a flavour of the book but not ruin it for new readers. I felt like Grace’s actions, particularly in the final third of the book were very different to what I might have done in a similar situation, and I felt it demonstrates her maturity and wisdom. Conversely, where Grace seemed to grow throughout the story, Anna seemed to lose some of the attributes which had made her such a force to be reckoned with at the beginning of her career.
Although things go wrong for each character at different points, the story is actually quite amusing and very enjoyable to read. I could quite easily see the events in my mind’s eye, and actually think it might make quite a good mini series.
I found this a really easy story to get into and invested in. Grace is written as a highly likeable young women who has had a difficult upbringing with a stifling mother, yet overcome this to create a happy life for herself. Her friends Emily and Phil come in and out of the story and help Grace through many tough times at work and home. Anna is a more intense character who has some similarities to Grace but has developed a harder centre with emotions being largely hidden. There are parts of the story where we get to look back at key events from each of their lives and this helps to explain some of their actions in the present day. There aren’t many flashbacks but I thought the ones we read were well chosen and worked nicely alongside the main plot.
There were a lot of unexpected moments within the story – I am choosing my words as carefully as I can here as there’s such a balance between commenting on certain scenes to give a flavour of the book but not ruin it for new readers. I felt like Grace’s actions, particularly in the final third of the book were very different to what I might have done in a similar situation, and I felt it demonstrates her maturity and wisdom. Conversely, where Grace seemed to grow throughout the story, Anna seemed to lose some of the attributes which had made her such a force to be reckoned with at the beginning of her career.
Although things go wrong for each character at different points, the story is actually quite amusing and very enjoyable to read. I could quite easily see the events in my mind’s eye, and actually think it might make quite a good mini series.
January 6, 2022
📚 The Story:
Grace is spiralling out of control. Her cheating gaslighter of an ex won't leave her alone, her boss at the newspaper is a bully and her Mother still wants to make her choices as though she's a child. Everyone is trying to own her, to control her - but she's desperate to take back her life at any cost.
Anna is a life coach - she's meant to help people like Grace get their lives under control despite the fact hers definitely isn't. And soon enough, she's set Grace on a dangerous path of revenge and the crossfire could be deadly.
💭 My Thoughts:
Bring Me To Life is a story about survival and self discovery - we start with Grace in a place that many of us will find all too familiar. She's overworked, underappreciated and about to either burn out or explode.
For her and the other characters we meet along the way, life isn't on the right course and there's too many obstacles in the way - but they need to figure out exactly what they're willing to do to jump over them.
Twisty and tense, this story is told through multiple perspectives as the reader waits to find out where the next crossroads will connect.
For some reason I couldn't fully connect with any of the characters but I could definitely pick up on their distinct personalities. I found some of their bad decisions almost too much at times - but there's no denying Elaine brought these characters well and truly to life.
📚Quote:
"She hadn't meant to kill her. Not initially, anyway. She'd entered the room knowing only that this woman was ruining her life and that, as a consequence, something had to be done about it."
⚠️ CW:
Abusive relationships, stalking, cheating, pregnancy, abortion.
Grace is spiralling out of control. Her cheating gaslighter of an ex won't leave her alone, her boss at the newspaper is a bully and her Mother still wants to make her choices as though she's a child. Everyone is trying to own her, to control her - but she's desperate to take back her life at any cost.
Anna is a life coach - she's meant to help people like Grace get their lives under control despite the fact hers definitely isn't. And soon enough, she's set Grace on a dangerous path of revenge and the crossfire could be deadly.
💭 My Thoughts:
Bring Me To Life is a story about survival and self discovery - we start with Grace in a place that many of us will find all too familiar. She's overworked, underappreciated and about to either burn out or explode.
For her and the other characters we meet along the way, life isn't on the right course and there's too many obstacles in the way - but they need to figure out exactly what they're willing to do to jump over them.
Twisty and tense, this story is told through multiple perspectives as the reader waits to find out where the next crossroads will connect.
For some reason I couldn't fully connect with any of the characters but I could definitely pick up on their distinct personalities. I found some of their bad decisions almost too much at times - but there's no denying Elaine brought these characters well and truly to life.
📚Quote:
"She hadn't meant to kill her. Not initially, anyway. She'd entered the room knowing only that this woman was ruining her life and that, as a consequence, something had to be done about it."
⚠️ CW:
Abusive relationships, stalking, cheating, pregnancy, abortion.
January 26, 2022
4.5/5 review rounded up to 5 stars.
This book follows two women: Grace and Anna. Grace works for a national newspaper and every day she is intimidated and bullied by her boss, Peter. Her confidence is in tatters and recently she has endured a traumatic break-up. Her ex, John, cheated on her, and now is harassing her to take him back. Grace reaches out for help from a life coach, Anna.
To start with, the professional relationship between Anna and Grace is great. Soon things take a turn for the better in Grace’s life: she starts a new relationship with someone she’s known for a while, a man called Warren.
One evening, Anna sees Grace and Warren holding hands and kissing. It turns out that Warren and Anna used to be together, she loved him deeply, but he left her suddenly and vanished without a trace. Now, Anna wants Warren back and she will do anything to achieve her goal…
What Anne doesn’t know is that her every move is being watched, too…
I really enjoyed the characters in this book: controlling perfectionist Anna, who would hurt others to get what she wanted. Her non-existent relationship with her children was very sad to read, but at the same time it was her own doing. I felt that she was all or nothing.
On the other hand, Grace used to be controlled by her mother, even when she went to university. She tried to reclaim her life, but working with her demanding boss wasn’t easy, and then meeting John, who abused her trust must have been very tough for her.
I loved learning the backstory of the two women, it really explained a lot for me as a reader. And the ending? Just great!
This was the first book that I read by this author, but it won’t be last! I definitely recommend it.
This book follows two women: Grace and Anna. Grace works for a national newspaper and every day she is intimidated and bullied by her boss, Peter. Her confidence is in tatters and recently she has endured a traumatic break-up. Her ex, John, cheated on her, and now is harassing her to take him back. Grace reaches out for help from a life coach, Anna.
To start with, the professional relationship between Anna and Grace is great. Soon things take a turn for the better in Grace’s life: she starts a new relationship with someone she’s known for a while, a man called Warren.
One evening, Anna sees Grace and Warren holding hands and kissing. It turns out that Warren and Anna used to be together, she loved him deeply, but he left her suddenly and vanished without a trace. Now, Anna wants Warren back and she will do anything to achieve her goal…
What Anne doesn’t know is that her every move is being watched, too…
I really enjoyed the characters in this book: controlling perfectionist Anna, who would hurt others to get what she wanted. Her non-existent relationship with her children was very sad to read, but at the same time it was her own doing. I felt that she was all or nothing.
On the other hand, Grace used to be controlled by her mother, even when she went to university. She tried to reclaim her life, but working with her demanding boss wasn’t easy, and then meeting John, who abused her trust must have been very tough for her.
I loved learning the backstory of the two women, it really explained a lot for me as a reader. And the ending? Just great!
This was the first book that I read by this author, but it won’t be last! I definitely recommend it.
May 4, 2022
Now the thought of unloading all my inner thoughts and feelings is so not me, but I get that sometimes you need to do it, but Grace - her thoughts just got me down. And her life coach? Wow, that Anna - she is nasty.
A good twisty turny book but a few things were a bit inconceivable for me.
But don't let this stop you from reading this book. It had a good ending and the first chapter really makes sense when you finish the book. I liked that, it tied everything together. I will be reading another of her books at some time in the future and I look forward to getting a better feel for her writing style.
A good twisty turny book but a few things were a bit inconceivable for me.
But don't let this stop you from reading this book. It had a good ending and the first chapter really makes sense when you finish the book. I liked that, it tied everything together. I will be reading another of her books at some time in the future and I look forward to getting a better feel for her writing style.
April 14, 2025
Somewhat Confusing Story That I Couldn't Put Down
Bring Me to Life punched me squarely in the gut. I occasionally got lost and had to backtrack, the story was so full of characters and action. During descriptions of growing-up years, essential to understanding the motivation of different characters, I would sometimes confuse which character was involved. It took a bit of rereading to straighten myself out. This story is quite rich in psychology and drama. Just my cup of tea. I'm so glad I stuck it out to get to the ending. I'm going to read more of Elaine Ribertson North's books. This one captured my interest for sure.
Bring Me to Life punched me squarely in the gut. I occasionally got lost and had to backtrack, the story was so full of characters and action. During descriptions of growing-up years, essential to understanding the motivation of different characters, I would sometimes confuse which character was involved. It took a bit of rereading to straighten myself out. This story is quite rich in psychology and drama. Just my cup of tea. I'm so glad I stuck it out to get to the ending. I'm going to read more of Elaine Ribertson North's books. This one captured my interest for sure.
January 13, 2022
A powerful line up of diverse characters, clever and surprising twists, and intelligent plotting.
Grace is a loveable character - at times fragile and vulnerable (a product of her past) with moments of fierce determination and an overwhelming desire to thrive. Robertson North writes with such flare and intensity, making this a real page turner.
You're kept guessing right to the end - and you'll need a sit down and a G&T once you get there!
The perfect holiday read - ten out of ten.
Grace is a loveable character - at times fragile and vulnerable (a product of her past) with moments of fierce determination and an overwhelming desire to thrive. Robertson North writes with such flare and intensity, making this a real page turner.
You're kept guessing right to the end - and you'll need a sit down and a G&T once you get there!
The perfect holiday read - ten out of ten.
April 23, 2022
A plot with twists and turns and well written characters made this book easy to read. The use of multiple perspectives kept the plot moving well in the beginning and I felt desperate to read on. However, during the later part of the story this was not quite as good, with parts I questioned the need for.
I engaged with the basic storyline about Grace and Anna and the characters that touched their lives, but I was left feeling confused about whether overall I liked the book or not.
I engaged with the basic storyline about Grace and Anna and the characters that touched their lives, but I was left feeling confused about whether overall I liked the book or not.
January 11, 2022
A fantastic slow burning read, which held its pace & my attention throughout it's pages. It's the first book I've read by Elaine & I will be looking to read her other works.
A very well written drama, it has some well developed characters, with Grace being so flawed, yet the further you dig you can see glimpses of a heart & the real Grace.
Such a fantastic, compelling plotline, so different to anything I've read before.
A very well written drama, it has some well developed characters, with Grace being so flawed, yet the further you dig you can see glimpses of a heart & the real Grace.
Such a fantastic, compelling plotline, so different to anything I've read before.
April 10, 2022
This was in interesting read, following the motivations of Grace & Anna, learning why these things happened, made this an engrossing read.
I've not read this author before but will be looking out for more by her in future
I've not read this author before but will be looking out for more by her in future
April 23, 2022
Bring Me To Life was an interesting book which had me gripped throughout. There were a lot of twists. Some which I saw coming and others unexpected. The characters were interesting although sometimes their actions were not fully explained. I enjoyed the book and would recommend as a quick read.
May 3, 2022
I read this in one sitting !! I could not put it down. It sucked me into the lives of the characters and I loved the way they became inter twined.
Very entertaining and well written. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Very entertaining and well written. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
June 8, 2022
It was an exciting read sometimes it was difficult to keep track of characters as they switched between the different perspectives. The storyline was dramatic and kept me reading, I couldn’t put it down.
June 5, 2025
That beginning is what had me spinning throughout the storyline trying to figure out who it is SMDH. This was really good, not over the top but just right. I can't believe you got me with that plot twist lol!
January 15, 2022
Great read. Throughly enjoyed this book. Brilliant characters and plenty of twists throughout. Really well written and unputdownable!
May 3, 2022
surprisingly enjoyed this read definitely not what i’d normally go for but was worth it
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May 3, 2022Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Gripping from the start. Some coincidences which were not quite believable but did not spoil the enjoyment. Will definitely read something else by this author.
June 28, 2022
This book was a great read with lots of twists and turns. Not something I would usually go for but I did enjoy it.
January 15, 2022
The book starts with a bang which almost made me question if I had picked the wrong book. But the story flows really around the main characters.Grace,Anna and Emily.
Working in a corporate has it’s own set of stories. Some topics I felt a bit difficult but the writing style makes it easy to see past and stay with the character’s story. All the chapters seem like scenes of a show and as a reader it feels like walking from one scene to the other.
There is subtle drama that continues till the end. A good easy read I would say.
Have you read it yet? Who was your favourite character?
Working in a corporate has it’s own set of stories. Some topics I felt a bit difficult but the writing style makes it easy to see past and stay with the character’s story. All the chapters seem like scenes of a show and as a reader it feels like walking from one scene to the other.
There is subtle drama that continues till the end. A good easy read I would say.
Have you read it yet? Who was your favourite character?
May 16, 2022
Grace has an awful boss who's a dreadful bully and an ex who won't take no for an answer. She decides to see a life coach. Enter Anna who has her own problems which come back to haunt her.
It takes a while to get going but once their lives start to entwine the story really develops.
It's an easy read and although far fetched at times the character development of Grace is done well.
I can recommend this book. I received this book for free and the views expressed are entirely my own.
It takes a while to get going but once their lives start to entwine the story really develops.
It's an easy read and although far fetched at times the character development of Grace is done well.
I can recommend this book. I received this book for free and the views expressed are entirely my own.
May 18, 2022
I enjoyed this book. Not the story I thought it would be.
Just one question. How did Anna track down Warren? No explanation was given, almost as if the author wanted the plot twist but no idea how to write it.
Just one question. How did Anna track down Warren? No explanation was given, almost as if the author wanted the plot twist but no idea how to write it.
May 30, 2022
I read this book as a part of the Book Sirens review team. Thank you for the opportunity.
I really enjoyed the style of writing and the reading experience as a whole.
There were some unexpected twists and turns that were genuinely surprising which is no mean feat in a book like this, I’ve read plenty that were far too predictable, and I’m pleased to say that this one was not.
I really enjoyed the style of writing and the reading experience as a whole.
There were some unexpected twists and turns that were genuinely surprising which is no mean feat in a book like this, I’ve read plenty that were far too predictable, and I’m pleased to say that this one was not.
December 29, 2022
This is my first book by this author and certainly won't be my last. She has a very unique way of writing that has you captured from the very start.
Great characters, plot and plenty of twists to the storyline. A book you just can't put down till it's finished.
My thanks to Book Network for the copy of the book, this is my honest unbiased review.
Great characters, plot and plenty of twists to the storyline. A book you just can't put down till it's finished.
My thanks to Book Network for the copy of the book, this is my honest unbiased review.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews