Nell Dixon was born and continues to live in the Black Country. Married to the same man for over thirty-five years she has three daughters, a cactus called Spike, a crazy cockapoo and a tank of tropical fish. She is allergic to adhesives, apples, tinsel and housework. Her addictions of choice are coffee and reality TV. She was winner of The Romance Prize in 2007 with her book Marrying Max, and winner of Love Story of the Year 2010 with her book, Animal Instincts. She also writes historical 1930’s set cozy crime as Helena Dixon.
I mean, read this review if you want to, but seriously, if you are a fan of suspenseful stories, this is the book for you.
I’m not even sure where to start with the twists in this one.
When you think you know what is happening.
You don’t.
When you think you’ve learned all of the secrets.
You haven’t.
When you think you’ve figured out all of the lies.
You’re not even close.
This book had layers upon layers of secrets, parallel story lines with similarities in timelines, and intricate relationships that may or may not be what they seem.
However, that being said, I also am struggling to figure out how to write this review without giving away any of the plot points, because it would be a shame if readers had a heads up. This is definitely one to read without any hints.
To say that Freya and Brooke have a shaky sisterhood is an understatement. I loved the way that their issues mirrored Alice and Diana’s. It was interesting to see how the author drew the parallels but not as clearly as one would imagine.
There was also great emphasis on family loyalties and how they can be misconstrued or misplaced. The question of “does history repeat itself” came to mind a few times, but with the caveat of “do we create our own destiny by our actions.”
I know that sounds heavy, and this book is anything but that. It is crisply written, with a tight plot, and lots of twists (literally up until the very last page).
I didn’t say a lot about the plot – you can get a synopsis elsewhere. But seriously: Do. Not. Miss. This. Book.
It just rocketed towards the top of my best reads of the year.
Author Bio: USA TODAY bestselling & multi-award winning author Nicola Marsh writes feel-good fiction with a twist! She has published 68 books with Harlequin, Amazon and indie, and sold over 8 million copies worldwide. She currently writes women’s fiction/rural romance for Harper Collins Australia Mira imprint, emotional domestic suspense for Bookouture and contemporary romance for Harlequin Dare.
She’s also a Waldenbooks, Bookscan and Barnes & Noble bestseller, a RBY and National Readers’ Choice Award winner, is a multiple finalist for awards including the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, HOLT Medallion, Booksellers’ Best, Golden Quill, Laurel Wreath, More than Magic and has won several CataRomance Reviewers’ Choice Awards.
A physiotherapist for 13 years, she now adores writing full time, raising her two dashing young heroes, sharing fine food with family and friends, barracking loudly for her beloved North Melbourne Kangaroos footy team, and her favourite, curling up with a good book!
