Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #181117 in Books
• Published on: 1998-11-05
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 250 pages

Customer Reviews

A good read and page turner
An unusual relationship between girl Alison Read and guardian Paul Almyer which turns into love, is set in the background of the antique world, around the time of the 50s or 60s although the book is not clear on this. One could tell it is pre 70s because pounds, shillings and pence are mentioned and that the period is post war.

Into their cosy set up, a woman from Paul's past threatens what they have setting off a chain of events.

Even though Alison sees the 'other side' of Paul who nearly knocks her around for 'spying' on him, she is still determined to marry him?

But Catherine Cookson was always a more a complex writer than a straightforward romantic writer. I've read her other books by her about heroines who still married the men they loved, even when they returned from the war disfigured or crippled which I find moving and she seems to point out that love conquers all. But is she likewise protraying that love conquers all when the heroine decides to make a go of it with a man who was nearly violent to her, even though there was no mention of an apology from the his side? - there is no guarantee that he may not be violent towards her in the future either. But then it was in the days when women were expected to put up with a lot from their men and still love them.

Apart from the relationship between Alison and Paul, the mystery keeps you in suspence until the end so in a way, this book is different from her other books.

A Good Read!
I'm not a huge fan of Catherine Cookson's other novels but I enjoyed reading this book. In this book, Ms.Cookson will keep you turning the pages as well as touch your heart. Clearly Catherine Cookson has surpassed herself with this novel!