Natalie’s Comments (group member since Mar 07, 2023)

Natalie’s comments from the Reviews and feedback for self-published/indie authors - fiction group.

1. Hi, my name is Natalie and this is the first novel I've finished! It started out as a work aimed at exploring issues commonly experienced by young female adults, but became a bit of romance/life lessons story in the end. I'm happy with how it turned out, but am desperate for some independent, unbiased opinions! I have submitted to literary agents, but have had no real feedback thus far and would really love some honest constructive feedback if anyone has any!
2. The book is called, 'The Ruins of Her'.
3. Warnings: eating disorder trigger warning
4. Word count: 170,828
5. No specified turnaround time/release date
6. Requested feedback: a beta/advanced reader to give plot review insights (story, character development, continuity, etc)
7. Blurb:
Eleanor – a jaded, yet naïve, 27-year-old - trades her toxic life in London for a fresh start in the Herefordshire countryside, leaving behind heartbreak but bringing all her baggage with her. Her chance to flee the City comes when her Great Aunt dies, making her the sole heir to her fortune & modest estate – a loaded inheritance Eleanor blindly accepts in order to escape the haunting memories of her ex. Eleanor is emerging from a directionless life, in the first stage of recovery following a deeply unhealthy relationship. She’d slowly been moulded to his shape, only for that still not be enough for him. She unpacks that, trying to figure out who she is without him, & who she wants to be.
Eleanor’s past & current struggles fuel her personal journey from exploited naivety to wisened confidence, with the overall aim for her character to grow into womanhood by the end of book. The house left to her by her Great Aunt Bea has been left in a state of disrepair and she finds herself burdened with the responsibility of sorting it out. Her decisions are initially riddled with a childish-like reluctance, under the assumption she can use the situation to hide from her old London life for a year, then sell the property off. She also inherits an impossibly friendly housekeeper (Mrs P) & her grumpy gardener partner (Fez), as well as a lively, untrained, disobedient spaniel (Bertie). It is through the unlikely companionship found in Mrs P and Fez, & the responsibility of looking after Bertie and repairing the house, that she realises that having duties and a community isn’t a burden but is actually what gives life value and meaning. Throughout the course of the book, she navigates her relationships with family (both past and present), friends, love interests, her anxiety, & her sense of self-image.

Regarding reading format: It's currently not published anywhere online, but I am happy to either upload chapters onto goodreads, send a manuscript word file, or share a Google Docs link!