Product Description

Brodie Logan's seemingly idyllic life with her once-loving husband is suddenly turned upside down - so she moves to a big shared house in Liverpool, and there meets a remarkable group of people. Twenty-five-year-old Diana seems so innocent and childlike, yet she was responsible for raising her three younger brothers. But suddenly there is no place for her in the only home she has ever known. Vanessa, once a successful career woman, still can't get over the shock of an unexpected rejection. And Rachel, barely fifteen, with her baby daughter, Poppy, is determined to keep the child who some people seem determined to take away from her. As they while away the brilliant summer under the trees in the lovely garden of the big house, friendships form that will last a lifetime - but there are troubles on the horizon; after all nothing lasts forever...

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1944 in Books
• Published on: 2009-12-10
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 400 pages

Review
'definitely a heartwarming tale' (BIG ISSUE IN THE NORTH )

About the Author
Maureen Lee was born in Liverpool and had numerous short stories published and a play professionally staged before her first novel was published. She is an RNA winner, and writes full time.

Customer Reviews

Yet another fantastic book from Maureen Lee

I loved this book, I've read all Maureens books, they have all been great and this book is no exception. The tale of 4 different women who share a lovely old house is captivating from the very first page. Each women has her own problems and the house becomes a place where they heal before moving forward. I wont spoil it for those who haven't read it, but it really is beautifully written. My only complaint with this book is that I wanted it to go on longer.

This book will last forever
I am a great fan of Maureen Lee and I have yet to be disappointed, there is something rich, colourful and warming about her stories. Lee has moved away from the 'wartime' story of Liverpool and sets this novel in the present day.

Brodie moves to the house her mother gave her, Chestnuts a house that badly needs some work doing to it and has bedrooms available for Brodie to rent out to other women. However, Brodie is leaving behind her husband Colin, who will not accept the destruction of their daughter by drugs and the ever presence of his father.

Brodie, with her mother's help changes the house so it is fit to live in, for at least a year to give her time to think but also the varying different women who move in are given a place to think as well.

Diana, having had to bring up her three younger brothers when their mother leaves them aged 18. Finally moves out of the house because of her Brother Damian's girlfriend Emma has her feet well and truly `under the table'. Diana embarks on a new life, a new place to live and a new job at the local refugee centre. Her life is transformed as she blossoms whilst living at Chestnuts.

Vanessa does not want to blossom anymore. She has moved from a successful career woman to being jilted at the altar and starts again with her life but first of all must lose the weight which she is hiding behind. Finally Vanessa after being at Chestnuts for a while, comes out of her shell, her weight and also into the garden that draws all the characters together as she finds her artistic muse and paints her way to a new life.

Finally there is Rachel and baby Poppy. There is something not quite right and Brodie knows something is wrong but is happy for them to stay. Chestnuts brings them out of their room and Vanessa is the least likely companion for them but she somehow defends Rachel in her hour of need and everyone starts to help Rachel.

Everyone's life is starting to blossom and bloom at Chestnuts as other characters including Diana's brothers and Brodies mother become involved in the story. But then as the title goes, nothing lasts forever and things start to change for each of the women in turn and new starts and endings happen for all of them. Living at Chestnuts is the beginning for everyone.

A must read, that is still with you when you finish the book, I do not want to give everything away so you will just have to read it for yourself.

nothing lasts for ever
I have to agree with all the other reviews did,nt want this book to finish. I have read all Maureens books and loved everyone of them. Cant wait for the next one.