Release date - 6th September 2018 (UK Paperback)
Book length - 448 pages Publisher - Headline Review Book Depository - www.bookdepository.com Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com I want to thank Becky from www.headline.co.uk for providing me with a copy of this book for review. ABOUT THIS BOOK 1956 It's Ellen Crosby's first day at work as a student nurse at Ambergate County Lunatic Asylum. When she meets a young girl committed by her father, and a pioneering physician keen to try out the various 'cures' available for mental illness, little does Ellen know that a choice she will make is to change all their lives for ever... 2006 Sarah is drawn to the abandoned Ambergate Asylum and whilst exploring the old corridors she discovers a suitcase in an attic belonging to a female patient who was admitted to the asylum fifty years earlier. The shocking contents of the suitcase lead Sarah to unravel a forgotten story of tragedy, lost love and an old wrong that only Sarah may have the power to put right. MY REVIEW THE KEY by Kathryn Hughes is an enthralling and emotional story that shows a time in history that will never leave your mind, with characters that will never leave your heart. While this is a dual timeline story, most of the book tells the story of Ellen in 1956 as she becomes a nurse in the local lunatic asylum on the same day that Amy, a girl that is the same age as Ellen, becomes a patient. As Ellen tries to find her bearings in this strange, often cruel, new world, she will also find love but when something awful happens will she be able to right a wrong that could change so many lives forever? The parts of the novel that are set in 2006 centre around Sarah who is determined to write a historical book about the Ambergate County Lunatic Asylum as there is a personal connection - her father who doesn't like to dwell on his time there. Sarah is currently going through her own personal issues as she deals with a breakup but when she finds a bunch of old suitcases while she is sneaking around the derelict asylum, she soon finds a whole new story about those that were incarcerated there for so long. Will a simple note hold the key to the truth? THE KEY by Kathryn Hughes is a powerful story highlighting the harsh and often cruel treatment used on the most vulnerable people of society, most of whom needed kindness and compassion, not drugs and electric shock therapy. This story doesn't shy away from the often horrible conditions that existed and there were many times when my eyes filled with tears because sadly what is described was not fiction, but reality. But this is not only a dark tale as there are moments of selflessness, friendship, and love nestled amongst its pages too. The characters are full of depth and soul, and while they are not always likeable or reasonable, they are certainly compelling and you will care for each and every one. THE KEY by Kathryn Hughes is an absorbing and potent tale about learning from the past and finding the strength to start a new chapter and I could not put this book down. I cannot wait to read more from this talented author. AUTHOR BIO Kathryn Hughes was born in Altrincham, near Manchester. After completing a secretarial course, Kathryn met her husband and they married in Canada. For twenty-nine years they ran a business together, raised two children and travelled when they could to places such as India, Singapore, South Africa and New Zealand. Kathryn and her family now make their home in a village near Manchester. The Letter, Kathryn's first novel, was an international bestseller, and her second The Secret has been highly acclaimed. For more information: Website - kathrynhughesauthor.com Twitter - twitter.com/KHughesAuthor Facebook - www.facebook.com/KHughesAuthor
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Release date - 1st September 2018
Book length - 312 pages Publisher - Hearts and Minds Publishing Ltd Amazon UK - www.amazon.co.uk Amazon US - www.amazon.com I want to thank Rachel from www.rachelsrandomresources.com for the opportunity to take part in this blog tour and for providing me with an e-copy of this book for review. ABOUT THIS BOOK A terminal diagnosis. A life-saving sacrifice. A love letter written on the walls of her heart. Alice Richards looked forward to watching the seeds of love she and her husband planted bloom and grow well into their old age. But her plans for the future shrivel up and die when she learns she has an inoperable brain tumour. Determined that she won’t die in vain, she decides to become an organ donor. With a few precious months left, Alice begins documenting her fairytale romance—from their first meeting to the children they dreamed of having. She’ll pass on every detail to her heart’s next owner… along with careful instructions to send her husband reminders of her undying love. Before her time runs out, Alice must find the perfect candidate to guide her husband through unimaginable grief and hold the memory of their love in her heart. MY REVIEW This book is very special. From reading the description I had a fair idea that this was going to be an emotional story that was sure to make me ugly cry (and it did!!) but I didn't expect the unbelievable spirit of strength and hope and inspiration that lies between these wonderful pages that will make you reassess how you view life and what is truly important. Alice Richards was lucky to find her soulmate, the love of her life so soon in her life and they have plans for the future that will end with them old and grey watching their grandchildren play some day. Well, that's the plan. But as we all know life can be cruel and when Alice, at twenty-six, discovers that she has a terminal illness with less than a year left to live, it destroys everyone around her and shakes them all to their core. How on earth do you deal with such a diagnosis? Well if you are Alice you start making plans. Plans to save as many people as she can by arranging the donation of all of her organs, plans to help her family and those she loves to cope with her loss, and plans for her heart (the organ that holds all of her love, emotions, and life story) to be given to someone so special that they may just be able to shine a little light in the darkness after she is gone. You really will ball your eyes out when you read I GIVE YOU MY HEART by Sarah Jane Ford but you will smile, you will feel love and hope shining through each page, and you will feel so grateful for this stunning story when you turn the final page. The characters are truly amazing and the writing is eloquent and emotional in all of the right places. I GIVE YOU MY HEART by Sarah Jane Ford is a novel that deserves to be read by the masses and is one that will linger in my mind for a long time to come. AUTHOR BIO SarahJane is the debut author of ‘I Give You My Heart’ which is due to be published on September 1st 2018. SarahJane was born in Scotland but grew up in the Cheshire countryside, which is home to her. After a few years living in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, where she went to secondary school, she has now settled back in Cheshire in a quirky flat surrounded by trees, birds and rolling fields. A marketing professional since finishing her formal education SarahJane is delighted to be following her writing dream. She still works part-time as a Marketing Manager, whilst furiously penning her second novel. Harbouring an adventurous spirit, SarahJane loves to travel, be surrounded by the wilderness or be riding Cornish waves. SarahJane loves to read (ideally by the sea!). She was raised on the greatest love stories, which is where her romantic soul comes from. She is in love with love...Mr Darcy's brooding looks in Pride and Prejudice; Julia Roberts and Richard Gere's arresting chemistry in Runaway Bride; the intensely emotional Titanic; going weak at the knees for Danny Zuko in Grease; Cecilia Ahern's heartbreaking P.S. I Love You and Patrick Swayze's mega moves in Dirty Dancing. For more information: Website - www.sarahjaneford.com Facebook - www.facebook.com/sarahjanefordauthor/ DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT ALL OF THE OTHER STOPS ALONG THE WAY!! |
WelcomeHi fellow bookworms. My name is Linda and I'm a reviewer & blogger, wife & mother who loves all things books! Currently ReadingUPCOMING BLOG TOURS
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