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Getaway #1
Uncharted Waters
“Speak your truth.” An icebreaker leads to unintended consequences for two strangers aboard a luxury yacht in this seductively twisty short story by the New York Times bestselling author of The Good Sister.
When Ella boards a sumptuous charter off the coast of Australia, she feels…dread. Her husband, Mac, the social butterfly who makes these wellness retreats so much easier to navigate, is stuck at work, leaving her exposed to the other passengers. Luckily, she forms an instant bond with the charismatic Chloe, a newly single woman salving a broken heart. But as the friendship grows, Ella discovers they share more than the need for an escape, and their devastating connection has the power to forever alter their lives.
Uncharted Waters by Sally Hepworth is part of Getaway, a collection of six stories about dream escapes that take unimaginable, even sinister, turns. Each piece can be read or listened to in a single sitting.
When Ella boards a sumptuous charter off the coast of Australia, she feels…dread. Her husband, Mac, the social butterfly who makes these wellness retreats so much easier to navigate, is stuck at work, leaving her exposed to the other passengers. Luckily, she forms an instant bond with the charismatic Chloe, a newly single woman salving a broken heart. But as the friendship grows, Ella discovers they share more than the need for an escape, and their devastating connection has the power to forever alter their lives.
Uncharted Waters by Sally Hepworth is part of Getaway, a collection of six stories about dream escapes that take unimaginable, even sinister, turns. Each piece can be read or listened to in a single sitting.
49 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2022
5224 people are currently reading
8487 people want to read
About the author
Sally Hepworth
22 books48k followersSally Hepworth is the New York Times bestselling author of nine novels, most recently Darling Girls. Sally’s novels have been called “darkly charming” and praised by authors Emily Giffin and Liane Moriarty as “totally absorbing” and “fiction at its finest.”
Sally's novels are available around the globe in English and have been translated into over 30 languages. She has sold over two million books worldwide.
Sally lives in Melbourne, Australia with her family.
Sally's novels are available around the globe in English and have been translated into over 30 languages. She has sold over two million books worldwide.
Sally lives in Melbourne, Australia with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,194 reviews
September 5, 2022
If you have Amazon Prime-there is a new short story collection included with your membership-THE GETAWAY series.
The common theme of each is that they are all about dream escapes that take an unimaginable or sinister turn. Each can be read or listened to, in a single sitting.
I always find these collections to be a great way to sample the work of an author you have not read, or a way to enjoy bonus content from a favorite author between full length novels.
This collection includes:
Uncharted Waters-Sally Hepworth
His Happy Place-Zakiya Dalila Harris
Stockholm-Catherine Steadman
Belle Mer-Luanne Rice
Catch Her in a Lie-Jess Lourey
She’ll Game-Rumaan Alam
You can also get “Uncharted Waters” as a bonus if you download a Kindle First Read for September.
Uncharted Waters:
The Lady Emerald offers 7 day wellness retreats off the coast of Australia, complete with sumptuous meals for your body and exercises designed to make you explore your psyche such as the opening icebreaker challenge to : “Speak Your Truth”.
Was everyone really forthright?
And, is it true that women are more likely to bond over a shared “dislike” than over a shared “passion”?
I listened to the AUDIBLE and as always, Sally Hepworth saves her LAST twist until the LAST page!
She consistently delivers for me!
The common theme of each is that they are all about dream escapes that take an unimaginable or sinister turn. Each can be read or listened to, in a single sitting.
I always find these collections to be a great way to sample the work of an author you have not read, or a way to enjoy bonus content from a favorite author between full length novels.
This collection includes:
Uncharted Waters-Sally Hepworth
His Happy Place-Zakiya Dalila Harris
Stockholm-Catherine Steadman
Belle Mer-Luanne Rice
Catch Her in a Lie-Jess Lourey
She’ll Game-Rumaan Alam
You can also get “Uncharted Waters” as a bonus if you download a Kindle First Read for September.
Uncharted Waters:
The Lady Emerald offers 7 day wellness retreats off the coast of Australia, complete with sumptuous meals for your body and exercises designed to make you explore your psyche such as the opening icebreaker challenge to : “Speak Your Truth”.
Was everyone really forthright?
And, is it true that women are more likely to bond over a shared “dislike” than over a shared “passion”?
I listened to the AUDIBLE and as always, Sally Hepworth saves her LAST twist until the LAST page!
She consistently delivers for me!
September 8, 2022
Uncharted Waters By Sally Hepworth
Narrated by Candice Moll
When Ella's husband, Mac, can't attend the wellness retreat on a luxury yacht, Ella feels very uncomfortable. He wanted her to go anyway and now she is here without her social butterfly of a husband. In the end, she gets so much more from this retreat than she ever has gotten before.
The title is Uncharted Waters but in many ways, they've been charted before. It's strange how I felt like I knew what was going to happen in this story and I was correct. Knowing gave this story a laid back feeling, as if this really was a vacation, an interlude, even though Ella comes home changed.
Part of Getaway, a collection of six short stories about dream escapes that take unimaginable, even sinister, turns, available through Kindle Unlimited
Narrated by Candice Moll
When Ella's husband, Mac, can't attend the wellness retreat on a luxury yacht, Ella feels very uncomfortable. He wanted her to go anyway and now she is here without her social butterfly of a husband. In the end, she gets so much more from this retreat than she ever has gotten before.
The title is Uncharted Waters but in many ways, they've been charted before. It's strange how I felt like I knew what was going to happen in this story and I was correct. Knowing gave this story a laid back feeling, as if this really was a vacation, an interlude, even though Ella comes home changed.
Part of Getaway, a collection of six short stories about dream escapes that take unimaginable, even sinister, turns, available through Kindle Unlimited
September 4, 2022
Part 1 of 6 short stories in the "Getaway" collection from Prime/KU.
I grabbed this one right away because I saw Sally Hepworth! This isn't a thriller but more low-spice romantic suspense (teeny tiny suspense if that). It's only 50 pages long, so I won't get into the plot. I don't know how I feel about it but I expected more effort from Hepworth. 2.5⭐
The audiobook was pretty bad, I read instead.
I grabbed this one right away because I saw Sally Hepworth! This isn't a thriller but more low-spice romantic suspense (teeny tiny suspense if that). It's only 50 pages long, so I won't get into the plot. I don't know how I feel about it but I expected more effort from Hepworth. 2.5⭐
The audiobook was pretty bad, I read instead.
September 19, 2022
It’s not easy to write a thought-provoking story with fleshed out characters in short story form, but leave it to Sally Hepworth to do just that. This one from the Amazon Original Stories Getaway collection, narrated by Candice Moll, manages to address some pretty deep ethical and relational questions in just under two hours of listening.
Centered around a weeklong wellness retreat aboard the cruise ship Lady Emerald, we have Captain Tom, the leader of said retreat, and his eight guests: Ella, an accountant and wife of dermatologist, Mac, Chloe, a pediatric oncology nurse, Meera and her husband Jonathan, both investment bankers, cancer-survivor Stephanie and her daughter Vanessa, and newlyweds Karl and Magnus. It’s an eclectic bunch, but their diverse personalities keep things entertaining.
Though strangers to one another, the old adage “It’s a small world” comes into play when secrets are exposed in the course of therapy that involve more than one relationship amongst the group. How will these revelations impact some of the guests? Well, it’s a short story, so I can’t say too much more, but if you have an hour or two to read or listen, give it a try!
Did it blow me out of the water? No. (Sorry - I couldn’t resist!) It was more relationship-driven and not the domestic suspense I’ve grown used to from this author, but it certainly made me think, and sometimes that’s enough!
★★★ ½ (rounded to 3)
Centered around a weeklong wellness retreat aboard the cruise ship Lady Emerald, we have Captain Tom, the leader of said retreat, and his eight guests: Ella, an accountant and wife of dermatologist, Mac, Chloe, a pediatric oncology nurse, Meera and her husband Jonathan, both investment bankers, cancer-survivor Stephanie and her daughter Vanessa, and newlyweds Karl and Magnus. It’s an eclectic bunch, but their diverse personalities keep things entertaining.
Though strangers to one another, the old adage “It’s a small world” comes into play when secrets are exposed in the course of therapy that involve more than one relationship amongst the group. How will these revelations impact some of the guests? Well, it’s a short story, so I can’t say too much more, but if you have an hour or two to read or listen, give it a try!
Did it blow me out of the water? No. (Sorry - I couldn’t resist!) It was more relationship-driven and not the domestic suspense I’ve grown used to from this author, but it certainly made me think, and sometimes that’s enough!
★★★ ½ (rounded to 3)
September 19, 2022
I must admit, I'm not much of a short story person, but I've seen this one all over the place lately, and I love Sally Hepworth, so I decided to give it a try. I don't think this was the book to convert me into a short story fan, mostly because I dislike cheating storylines and that's what this one centered on.
I liked how it was cohesive and answered all of my questions in the end, but overall this book was just ok for me. It's difficult to develop characters in a short story, and I didn't really warm to any of these characters.
I'll still give the others in the collection a try at some point, hopefully they will be more up my alley plot-wise.
I liked how it was cohesive and answered all of my questions in the end, but overall this book was just ok for me. It's difficult to develop characters in a short story, and I didn't really warm to any of these characters.
I'll still give the others in the collection a try at some point, hopefully they will be more up my alley plot-wise.
September 25, 2022
Taking a trip on a luxury yacht should be fun, right?
Not so much for Ella who is mostly a shy person. Her husband Mac, a dermatologist, is usually the one who makes friends with everyone. Mac couldn't make it so Ella is alone on this trip. Although, she does meet a young woman named Chloe. Chloe has a magnetic personality but is she hiding something from Ella?
This was a short story that is part of six-short stories in the Getaway series written by different authors. Uncharted Waters is a good bridge while we wait for Sally Hepworth's next book.
The audio narrator, Candice Moll, did a great job navigating through these characters' time on the boat.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
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Not so much for Ella who is mostly a shy person. Her husband Mac, a dermatologist, is usually the one who makes friends with everyone. Mac couldn't make it so Ella is alone on this trip. Although, she does meet a young woman named Chloe. Chloe has a magnetic personality but is she hiding something from Ella?
This was a short story that is part of six-short stories in the Getaway series written by different authors. Uncharted Waters is a good bridge while we wait for Sally Hepworth's next book.
The audio narrator, Candice Moll, did a great job navigating through these characters' time on the boat.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
April 20, 2023
Ella takes her yearly “wellness cruise” on board the yacht “Lady Emerald,” but this year she has to go without her husband Mac (who has to stay home to tend to some business). While on board, she meets lovely Chloe who is sweet, pretty, and friendly and who seems to know some personal things about Ella’s husband…
I didn’t really enjoy this story. I was sort of expecting a thriller-mystery-suspense. And there were some plot developments I didn’t care for. A short, boring, and disappointing read.
I didn’t really enjoy this story. I was sort of expecting a thriller-mystery-suspense. And there were some plot developments I didn’t care for. A short, boring, and disappointing read.
December 8, 2022
Very domestic. Very Hepworth.
I liked this one more than I thought I would. It wasn’t very thrilling or edge of your seat, but I still feel it delivered a solid story.
I really liked the ending and I thought it played out very well for a short story.
Hepworth didn’t create this insanely elaborate story that needs to be quickly tied up which is probably why I liked this as a short story better than the others in the series.
I liked this one more than I thought I would. It wasn’t very thrilling or edge of your seat, but I still feel it delivered a solid story.
I really liked the ending and I thought it played out very well for a short story.
Hepworth didn’t create this insanely elaborate story that needs to be quickly tied up which is probably why I liked this as a short story better than the others in the series.
November 3, 2025
Well, that was fun...
Uncharted Waters is a short story about a week-long retreat aboard the Lady Emerald, a chartered yacht, cruising off the coast of Australia. On board are Captain Tom and his attractive and attentive crew, along with eight passengers—the two most important to this story being Ella, an accountant, and Chloe, a nurse.
The accommodations are luxurious, the food is to die for, and the activities are planned to challenge the passengers to tip-toe outside their comfort zones. When the cocktails begin to flow nonstop>, that's exactly what happens...
Uncharted Waters is part of the Getaway Collection offered exclusively through Amazon and Audible. Each of the six short stories about dream escapes is meant to be read or listened to in one sitting. I chose both options, and the audiobook, narrated by Candice Moll, was my preferred format for this immersive experience.
A little seductively twisted and playfully entertaining, this is not the domestic-suspense story you'd expect from this author, but I did enjoy Hepworth's fun change of pace!
3.75⭐
Uncharted Waters is a short story about a week-long retreat aboard the Lady Emerald, a chartered yacht, cruising off the coast of Australia. On board are Captain Tom and his attractive and attentive crew, along with eight passengers—the two most important to this story being Ella, an accountant, and Chloe, a nurse.
The accommodations are luxurious, the food is to die for, and the activities are planned to challenge the passengers to tip-toe outside their comfort zones. When the cocktails begin to flow nonstop>, that's exactly what happens...
Uncharted Waters is part of the Getaway Collection offered exclusively through Amazon and Audible. Each of the six short stories about dream escapes is meant to be read or listened to in one sitting. I chose both options, and the audiobook, narrated by Candice Moll, was my preferred format for this immersive experience.
A little seductively twisted and playfully entertaining, this is not the domestic-suspense story you'd expect from this author, but I did enjoy Hepworth's fun change of pace!
3.75⭐
September 6, 2022
Uncharted Waters is Sally Hepworth's addition to the Getaway series of short stories which also include:
Quiet Ella never imagined she'd be going on this luxury charter boat alone but that is exactly what happens when Mac, her husband, is called away to work.
During introductions on this wellness cruise Ella meets fellow passenger Chloe and they hit it off immediately.
During one of their conversations an internal alarm bell rings in Ella. Is it possible that Chloe may have ulterior motives for being here?
This short story gets a short review because I don't want to spoil this for anyone. Lets just say this is the perfect little amuse-bouche to binge on while your waiting for Hepworth's new novel to hit shelves. Simply delectable! 4 stars!
Quiet Ella never imagined she'd be going on this luxury charter boat alone but that is exactly what happens when Mac, her husband, is called away to work.
During introductions on this wellness cruise Ella meets fellow passenger Chloe and they hit it off immediately.
During one of their conversations an internal alarm bell rings in Ella. Is it possible that Chloe may have ulterior motives for being here?
This short story gets a short review because I don't want to spoil this for anyone. Lets just say this is the perfect little amuse-bouche to binge on while your waiting for Hepworth's new novel to hit shelves. Simply delectable! 4 stars!
October 3, 2022
A short story about relationships and complications.
Introverted Ella dreads boarding the Lady Emerald (“a charter that's a wellness retreat on water”) alone. While this is her sixth time aboard the liner, it is her first time alone as her husband Max was stuck at the work at the last minute. There are seven more guests on the charter, but as most are couples, Ella ends up with the only other passenger travelling alone, Chloe, who is newly single and has taken a break to recover from her broken heart. The bond between the two women is almost instant, and Ella finds her charismatic companion irresistible. However, all good things do come to an end, and in this case, it is a unforeseen secret that shatters Ella’s composure. What was that secret, and how will things progress aboard the ship? Read and find out.
Pros:
+ The title is apt for the story. Not only does it hint at the setting of the plot, but it also reflects several novel events that take place in the plot, as many of the character dive into “uncharted waters” during the course of the story.
+ Despite being just 49 pages long, the story allows its characters to make an impact as they are sketched fairly well within their limited page space.
+ Again, despite the short length, all the tracks are tied together neatly. There are no loose ends.
Cons:
- This is classified as a mystery-thriller. It was more of a contemporary drama.
- The “twist” was predictable. I don’t enjoy “thrillers” where I am not surprised even once.
- The writing didn't keep me hooked.
Regardless of the tiny length, there are some truly impactful lines in the content. I loved the below two:
“Nothing worthwhile happens in the comfort zone.” – So true!
“Women were twice as likely to bond over mutual dislike than over shared passion.” - I don’t know how far this is true but it certainly is an interesting thought.
I picked this story up only for the author. I must admit, I have never read any of her works and thought that this would give me a good glimpse into her writing style. In that sense, I am satisfied because I am a character person, and she sketches realistic characters in situations that you can empathise with. I will judge her “thrill skills” only after reading her full-length works, because this little story certainly doesn’t do her reputation any favours due to the utter lack of edge-of-the-seat moments.
2.75 stars.
This book is part of the Getaway collection and is available to Amazon prime subscribers.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Facebook | Twitter
Introverted Ella dreads boarding the Lady Emerald (“a charter that's a wellness retreat on water”) alone. While this is her sixth time aboard the liner, it is her first time alone as her husband Max was stuck at the work at the last minute. There are seven more guests on the charter, but as most are couples, Ella ends up with the only other passenger travelling alone, Chloe, who is newly single and has taken a break to recover from her broken heart. The bond between the two women is almost instant, and Ella finds her charismatic companion irresistible. However, all good things do come to an end, and in this case, it is a unforeseen secret that shatters Ella’s composure. What was that secret, and how will things progress aboard the ship? Read and find out.
Pros:
+ The title is apt for the story. Not only does it hint at the setting of the plot, but it also reflects several novel events that take place in the plot, as many of the character dive into “uncharted waters” during the course of the story.
+ Despite being just 49 pages long, the story allows its characters to make an impact as they are sketched fairly well within their limited page space.
+ Again, despite the short length, all the tracks are tied together neatly. There are no loose ends.
Cons:
- This is classified as a mystery-thriller. It was more of a contemporary drama.
- The “twist” was predictable. I don’t enjoy “thrillers” where I am not surprised even once.
- The writing didn't keep me hooked.
Regardless of the tiny length, there are some truly impactful lines in the content. I loved the below two:
“Nothing worthwhile happens in the comfort zone.” – So true!
“Women were twice as likely to bond over mutual dislike than over shared passion.” - I don’t know how far this is true but it certainly is an interesting thought.
I picked this story up only for the author. I must admit, I have never read any of her works and thought that this would give me a good glimpse into her writing style. In that sense, I am satisfied because I am a character person, and she sketches realistic characters in situations that you can empathise with. I will judge her “thrill skills” only after reading her full-length works, because this little story certainly doesn’t do her reputation any favours due to the utter lack of edge-of-the-seat moments.
2.75 stars.
This book is part of the Getaway collection and is available to Amazon prime subscribers.
———————————————
Connect with me through:
My Blog | The StoryGraph | Facebook | Twitter
November 30, 2022
I DNFed The Soulmate (might revisit later but my November has been poorly enough I don't need to torture myself anymore) but I was curious to test out Sally in a small dose.
The writing style wasn't unique. With a gun to my head I couldn't discern it from Catherine Steadman's prose in Stockholm lol. It wasn't terrible either, just middle of the road.
I can see why I had trouble with The Soulmate. Didn't really care for any of the characters; they all seemed irrational. Once again we have a wife who's one sole purpose on this planet is to be a wife and play second fiddle to her husband. I'm also not on board (Har Har) with the whole "ok now we even" approach to cheating. Chants: get a divorce! Get a divorce!
3 stars because points were made, even if I disagree with them.
The writing style wasn't unique. With a gun to my head I couldn't discern it from Catherine Steadman's prose in Stockholm lol. It wasn't terrible either, just middle of the road.
I can see why I had trouble with The Soulmate. Didn't really care for any of the characters; they all seemed irrational. Once again we have a wife who's one sole purpose on this planet is to be a wife and play second fiddle to her husband. I'm also not on board (Har Har) with the whole "ok now we even" approach to cheating. Chants: get a divorce! Get a divorce!
3 stars because points were made, even if I disagree with them.
September 17, 2022
Move over Love Boat, come set sail on the The Lady Emerald!
Ella and Mac have taken the same vacation on the same yacht for six years. However, this year, Mac is unexpectedly detained at work when his dental partner has an accident. Mac insists that Ella go on the trip alone and she reluctantly accepts.
However, this trip is different. It’s the same captain, same chef, and same wellness retreat, but this time she meets a single passenger named Chloe, who is nursing a broken heart.
Ella is about to embark on a journey into “unchartered territory.” What she learns from Chloe will give her new perspective on her own life.
Sally Hepworth, how I adore your writing! Unchartered Waters is a fantastic short story, which is part of the Getaway series on Amazon.
Amazon describes the series like this:
“Perfect vacation or last resort? In this collection of short psychological thrillers, bestselling authors bring trouble to paradise. Today’s itinerary: surfing, sailing, hiking, facing your worst fears... Most dream vacations never live up to expectations—but few cause this many nightmares.”
Authors who also have stories included in this series are Catherine Steadman, Zakiya Dalila Harris, Luanne Rice, Belle Mer, Jess Lourey, and Rumaan Alam.
If you are a fan of Hepworth’s domestic suspense novels, you must read Unchartered Waters. At just over an hour and a half, impossible as it seems, I feel like I already know these characters and they are part of my life. Hepworth has an absolute gift for storytelling. The length of the story is irrelevant, as she always delivers well-rounded believable characters and the plot and its execution are superb!
I’m so excited to dive into her next novel, The Soulmate, which will be released next April!
Available now and free with Amazon Prime Reading!
5/5 stars
Ella and Mac have taken the same vacation on the same yacht for six years. However, this year, Mac is unexpectedly detained at work when his dental partner has an accident. Mac insists that Ella go on the trip alone and she reluctantly accepts.
However, this trip is different. It’s the same captain, same chef, and same wellness retreat, but this time she meets a single passenger named Chloe, who is nursing a broken heart.
Ella is about to embark on a journey into “unchartered territory.” What she learns from Chloe will give her new perspective on her own life.
Sally Hepworth, how I adore your writing! Unchartered Waters is a fantastic short story, which is part of the Getaway series on Amazon.
Amazon describes the series like this:
“Perfect vacation or last resort? In this collection of short psychological thrillers, bestselling authors bring trouble to paradise. Today’s itinerary: surfing, sailing, hiking, facing your worst fears... Most dream vacations never live up to expectations—but few cause this many nightmares.”
Authors who also have stories included in this series are Catherine Steadman, Zakiya Dalila Harris, Luanne Rice, Belle Mer, Jess Lourey, and Rumaan Alam.
If you are a fan of Hepworth’s domestic suspense novels, you must read Unchartered Waters. At just over an hour and a half, impossible as it seems, I feel like I already know these characters and they are part of my life. Hepworth has an absolute gift for storytelling. The length of the story is irrelevant, as she always delivers well-rounded believable characters and the plot and its execution are superb!
I’m so excited to dive into her next novel, The Soulmate, which will be released next April!
Available now and free with Amazon Prime Reading!
5/5 stars
December 6, 2022
Not really sure how I felt about this. It was not bad, but not particularly good either.
April 8, 2023
Uncharted Waters is part of the Getaway collection. Ella boards a charter off the coast of Australia. She instantly makes a connection with the “magnetic” Chloe. The story then took an unexpected and very intriguing turn. This is a tale of self-discovery and introspection. Chloe and Ella’s friendship leads to events that change their lives forever. The narrator expertly brings the characters to life while adding an element of mystery and foreboding. This is an unforgettable getaway. I highly recommend this quick, original, and fast-paced adventure.
September 19, 2022
the setup…
Every year, Ella and husband Mac take a 7-day wellness cruise on a yacht chartered in the waters of Northeast Australia. This year, however, he’s had to beg off to cover for his ailing partner and, since the trip is non refundable, Ella must go alone. She’s a little nervous about it as Mac is the social butterfly of the two and she depends on him to keep things lively. The captain does this “Speak Your Truth” game everyday to help passengers bond and Ella finds common ground with Chloe, a young oncology nurse, after the first turn. Little did she know that they’d find more to bond over in these uncharted waters.
the heart of the story…
It’s a short story so I’ll spare you too much detail. I had a feeling where the story would lead and I wasn’t wrong but there was still something fresh in how it played out. And, I liked how Ella being on her own led to some self discoveries as she ventured forth is several uncharted waters (yes, I loved the connections).
the narration…
The narrator is new to me and I enjoyed her performance. She made it feel like I was listening to Ella speak and it wasn’t just storytelling. And, I think there was a little something more in delivering the subtle messages of the story in this format.
the bottom line…
One of the things I like about short stories when they’re executed well is the succinct delivery of a particular theme or message that leaves you hanging, just a little. This one checked all of my boxes and left me smiling (a wry one at that). I had this categorized as a mystery but changed it to contemporary fiction. There’s a teeny bit of mystery but that would be misleading. I liked this one, a lot, and am looking forward to exploring the entire collection.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Every year, Ella and husband Mac take a 7-day wellness cruise on a yacht chartered in the waters of Northeast Australia. This year, however, he’s had to beg off to cover for his ailing partner and, since the trip is non refundable, Ella must go alone. She’s a little nervous about it as Mac is the social butterfly of the two and she depends on him to keep things lively. The captain does this “Speak Your Truth” game everyday to help passengers bond and Ella finds common ground with Chloe, a young oncology nurse, after the first turn. Little did she know that they’d find more to bond over in these uncharted waters.
the heart of the story…
It’s a short story so I’ll spare you too much detail. I had a feeling where the story would lead and I wasn’t wrong but there was still something fresh in how it played out. And, I liked how Ella being on her own led to some self discoveries as she ventured forth is several uncharted waters (yes, I loved the connections).
the narration…
The narrator is new to me and I enjoyed her performance. She made it feel like I was listening to Ella speak and it wasn’t just storytelling. And, I think there was a little something more in delivering the subtle messages of the story in this format.
the bottom line…
One of the things I like about short stories when they’re executed well is the succinct delivery of a particular theme or message that leaves you hanging, just a little. This one checked all of my boxes and left me smiling (a wry one at that). I had this categorized as a mystery but changed it to contemporary fiction. There’s a teeny bit of mystery but that would be misleading. I liked this one, a lot, and am looking forward to exploring the entire collection.
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Brilliance Audio for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
September 17, 2023
3.5 rounded down. An okay short, but it wasn’t quite what I expected from Hepworth. No real suspense just a domestic - kind of a morality tale? Sure glad I finished my latest cruise before reading it though!!
September 26, 2022
Uncharted Waters by Sally Hepworth is one of six short stories in the Getaway collection available from Amazon Prime. Each of the stories by different writers explores ways in which dream vacations take an unexpected and sinister turn.
I have found Hepworth's psychological thrillers to contain psychological suspense and family drama and have always been entertained. Some authors only strive for the suspense and tension contained in this short story. In my opinion, this would have been more effective had it been expanded into a novel. It takes place on a luxurious wellness cruise where the captain introduces ice-breaking revealing questions and exercises that tend to cause discomfort. The minor characters were diverse and interesting enough to explore their personalities fully. The final act of betrayal and deceit left me wanting to know its repercussions.
I have found Hepworth's psychological thrillers to contain psychological suspense and family drama and have always been entertained. Some authors only strive for the suspense and tension contained in this short story. In my opinion, this would have been more effective had it been expanded into a novel. It takes place on a luxurious wellness cruise where the captain introduces ice-breaking revealing questions and exercises that tend to cause discomfort. The minor characters were diverse and interesting enough to explore their personalities fully. The final act of betrayal and deceit left me wanting to know its repercussions.
July 18, 2024
2/5 ⭐️ I’m still making my way through Sally Hepworth’s backlist and this little short story was just meh. I could see where the story was going from a mile away. Very predictable and not at all interesting.
February 5, 2023
If short stories are your thing, then this one might be what you are looking for.
People meet on a short cruise and find their views challenged when living on a ship surrounded by water. It a short trip touched with a bit of surprise and an awakening. Some held beliefs are abandoned and perhaps people are changed for the better.
People meet on a short cruise and find their views challenged when living on a ship surrounded by water. It a short trip touched with a bit of surprise and an awakening. Some held beliefs are abandoned and perhaps people are changed for the better.
November 5, 2022
I love Sally Hepworth and I loved this story too. This is the first in the Amazon Original Getaway Series, available on Kindle Unlimited with Audible. To be brief, plans change for a couple's annual (luxurious mega-yacht) retreat getaway. When Ella's perfect (that was not a spoiler) husband cannot make it this year, he tells her to go on her own and enjoy herself. On the retreat, Ella meets Chloe, who has also come by herself. Upon introducing themselves to each other, Chloe tells the group that she is a nurse and that she is taking this getaway to clear her head after being dumped by her married lover. It soon transpires that ex-lover and Ella's husband have a lot in common......
This is another one of Hepworth's stories that have a somewhat ambiguous ending. I don't mind ambiguous endings and in any event, although some might find the ending inconclusive, I thought it was pretty easy to connect the dots. The story was interesting and since the MC, Ella was pragmatic, I assume her future actions would be the same.
This is another one of Hepworth's stories that have a somewhat ambiguous ending. I don't mind ambiguous endings and in any event, although some might find the ending inconclusive, I thought it was pretty easy to connect the dots. The story was interesting and since the MC, Ella was pragmatic, I assume her future actions would be the same.
September 7, 2022
This short story about a woman on a short yacht retreat and the relationship she strikes up with another woman was a just okay. I felt it was a bit longer than it needed to be to do what it needed to do. I can't say I saw any real surprise and no real suspense. On the other hand, that cover image really pulled me in.
This is the second I've read in the Getaway collection by Amazon Original Stories and the first I've read of Hepworth. I have some of her books on my TBR and will be getting to her longer works that are hopefully better than this.
This is the second I've read in the Getaway collection by Amazon Original Stories and the first I've read of Hepworth. I have some of her books on my TBR and will be getting to her longer works that are hopefully better than this.
December 15, 2023
This story takes place on a luxury yacht, but could as easily be on a playhouse stage. We are firmly placed in the body of Ella, one of the privileged few who is onboard for a week of relaxation and reflection. Her husband, and companion on this “vacation” in previous years, can’t avoid a work assignment so she decides to make the best of a non-refundable reservation. She isn’t expecting either seduction or betrayal but both are stirred into the mix.
What starts out as a mélange of different characters quickly shifts to a consideration of any relationship between Ella and Chloe, a woman recovering from an affair. The other characters and the Captain’s self-examination agenda are quickly shunted to the background. This might be necessary in a shorter piece, but what starts out as an exploration of Ella’s perceptions and inferences concludes with a series of cliches and open questions.
The author tells us, too often, whom we should like and dislike and that felt manipulative rather than helpful.
2.5
What starts out as a mélange of different characters quickly shifts to a consideration of any relationship between Ella and Chloe, a woman recovering from an affair. The other characters and the Captain’s self-examination agenda are quickly shunted to the background. This might be necessary in a shorter piece, but what starts out as an exploration of Ella’s perceptions and inferences concludes with a series of cliches and open questions.
The author tells us, too often, whom we should like and dislike and that felt manipulative rather than helpful.
2.5
December 12, 2022
Ella, wife to dermatologist Dr. Thomas ’Mac’ McAllister, joins a charter on a luxurious yacht off the coast of Australia. But, at the last minute, Mac has to stay at home for work leaving Ella alone on their vacation. Without her confident, extrovert of a husband, she feels uncertain, anxious, and consumed by a sense of foreboding despite the sumptuous surroundings. When she bonds with the only other lone guest, Chloe, over an icebreaker challenge, they quickly form a friendship. But within twenty-for hours, she discovers that she and her new companion are connected by more than simply wanting to enjoy a luxury charter. And Chloe may be hiding an ulterior motive for being there. As the world as she knows it crumbles, Ella learns to trust in herself and becomes a more self-reliant individual.
The first of six short stories in the Getaway series, Uncharted Waters provides a great opportunity to test out Sally Hepworth’s writing without having to tackle a full-length novel. But while it grabbed my attention and held it, I found it unlike the other books I’ve read by her in the past. Without a particularly suspenseful plot, it felt more like a romantic suspense storyline rather than a thriller. Additionally, none of characters had much depth, but this is understandable considering its length (48 pages). Ultimately, however, I found myself disappointed. Perhaps this is a story that Hepworth is planning on turning into a novel with more character development, but it simply wasn’t what I was expecting. Rating of 3 stars.
Trigger warning: cheating and alcohol use
The Getaway Series:
Book One: Uncharted Waters by Sally Hepworth
Book Two: His Happy Place by Zakiya Dalila Harris
Book Three: Stockholm by Catherine Steadman
Book Four: Belle Mer by Luann Rice
Book Five: Catch Her in a Lie byJess Lourey
Book Six: Shell Game by Rumaan Alam
The first of six short stories in the Getaway series, Uncharted Waters provides a great opportunity to test out Sally Hepworth’s writing without having to tackle a full-length novel. But while it grabbed my attention and held it, I found it unlike the other books I’ve read by her in the past. Without a particularly suspenseful plot, it felt more like a romantic suspense storyline rather than a thriller. Additionally, none of characters had much depth, but this is understandable considering its length (48 pages). Ultimately, however, I found myself disappointed. Perhaps this is a story that Hepworth is planning on turning into a novel with more character development, but it simply wasn’t what I was expecting. Rating of 3 stars.
Trigger warning: cheating and alcohol use
The Getaway Series:
Book One: Uncharted Waters by Sally Hepworth
Book Two: His Happy Place by Zakiya Dalila Harris
Book Three: Stockholm by Catherine Steadman
Book Four: Belle Mer by Luann Rice
Book Five: Catch Her in a Lie byJess Lourey
Book Six: Shell Game by Rumaan Alam
December 10, 2023
Hmmmm......NOT what I was expecting from this author!
Eight eager passengers board the Lady Emerald yacht for a seven-day island hop of the Whitsunday Islands in Northeastern Australia. Hoping to experience the transformative powers of this charter, they settle in for a welcomed wellness retreat on the water. They are reminded that it's not a vacation, but a voyage and encouraged to cast off the moorings and hoist the mainsail of their life.
Ooooohhhh, boy. Some cast of everything...morals included!
Quotes I enjoyed:
"Nothing looks better in your fifties than good sunscreen in your twenties." (made me think of that Baz Luhrmann song)
"Do one thing that scares you."
"Speak your truth."
"Nothing worthwhile happens in the comfort zone."
"Life is like a boat - you move when you paddle, and you drift when you don't."
Quotes that had me reading and re-reading them, unsure about what I'd just read:
"There's no right or wrong, Meera," Captain said, trying to steer the conversation out of dangerous waters. "The thing that makes ethics interesting is that no two individuals see things the same. We all have our own internal barometer of what's right and wrong."
All I'm going to say is that a couple of these passengers blurred the lines between what "I" think is ethical.
Have you read it? Did you think it was revenge to the extreme? Ethical?
This is another short story courtesy of Amazon Prime Reading.
Eight eager passengers board the Lady Emerald yacht for a seven-day island hop of the Whitsunday Islands in Northeastern Australia. Hoping to experience the transformative powers of this charter, they settle in for a welcomed wellness retreat on the water. They are reminded that it's not a vacation, but a voyage and encouraged to cast off the moorings and hoist the mainsail of their life.
Ooooohhhh, boy. Some cast of everything...morals included!
Quotes I enjoyed:
"Nothing looks better in your fifties than good sunscreen in your twenties." (made me think of that Baz Luhrmann song)
"Do one thing that scares you."
"Speak your truth."
"Nothing worthwhile happens in the comfort zone."
"Life is like a boat - you move when you paddle, and you drift when you don't."
Quotes that had me reading and re-reading them, unsure about what I'd just read:
"There's no right or wrong, Meera," Captain said, trying to steer the conversation out of dangerous waters. "The thing that makes ethics interesting is that no two individuals see things the same. We all have our own internal barometer of what's right and wrong."
All I'm going to say is that a couple of these passengers blurred the lines between what "I" think is ethical.
Have you read it? Did you think it was revenge to the extreme? Ethical?
This is another short story courtesy of Amazon Prime Reading.
July 9, 2023
3.5 stars. I liked the concept and the messaging but one of the major plot points, which if I say would be a spoiler and the acceptance of it as being OK really was not for me. In addition, for a novella I found I was a bit bored in the small amount of time I was reading.
August 23, 2022
Loved this spicy little morsel of a story - can’t wait to read the others !
July 9, 2023
A short, somewhat interesting read. After having just finished The Mother's Promise also by Ms Hepworth, which was very intense and emotional, this was a nice short vacation read. The fact that the actual vacation took place in the Whitsundays, islands half way up the Queensland coast and on the Great Barrier Reef, was a bonus as I spent some time there 30+ years ago with my oldest stepdaughter on a visit from the US and my wife spent a week on a cruise like this one with her mum before I met her. Sense of place is always important to me in books.
Anyway a nice light read with a naughty interlude to make it all more interesting. 3.5 stars.
Anyway a nice light read with a naughty interlude to make it all more interesting. 3.5 stars.
September 26, 2022
Although I was intrigued at the beginning, my interested fizzled as the story progressed. I didn't like that the story kept hinting at what would happen next, which took away from the drama or suspense. Since the drama was low and the ending wasn't as eventful as I'd expected, this story turned out to be ok but not as good as I'd expected.
Full review at LucyKnowsThings.com.
Full review at LucyKnowsThings.com.
December 21, 2023
Didn’t like it.
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