Betty lived with her father in a small village. Her mum had died when she was just eight years old. Her dad was a fisherman who worked on a boat. When Betty was fourteen shee met Martin and fell in love. She married him when she was sixteen. Betty's father had been washed overboard, lost at sea. The war broke out and Martin felt it epwas his duty to sign up. But when Martin returned home he was shell shocked. He goes to stay with his mother, Agnes, who is a bully. The night there is a massive storm, Betty makes a rash decision, she decides to leave her husband behind. Hoping Martin and Agnes would believe that she has been swept away by the sea. Betty changes her name to Mabel and her new life and adventure begins.

I am a huge fan of Lesley Pearse, her books never disappoint. The book is easy to read as its so well written. The story covers Mabel's new life and the people who befriend her along the way. There is a lot of sadness and joy forMabel. Lesley has once again written a fabulous story that fans old and new will love. I highly recommend this book.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Penguin UK - Michael Jiseph and the author Lesley Pearse for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Lesley Pearse is one of my favourite authors. I have read and enjoyed all of her previous books and highly recommend them all so I was really looking forward to reading this book.

I wasn't disappointed - Lesley has done it again. What a fantastic book - I just couldn't put it down and raced through the pages. I was hooked from the first page and drawn straight into the story. A dramatic start pulled me straight in and I was compelled to keep reading on to find out what would happen to Betty. I really liked the character Betty and was rooting for her throughout the book. A wonderful cast of surrounding characters - some lovely, some very unpleasant but all adding to the story. So many twists and turns, ups and downs, sadness and happiness leading to a very satisfying ending.

A fantastic book which kept me hooked until the end. Beautifully written, this is Lesley Pearse at her very best. I highly recommend this book - fabulous, a massive five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Lesley Pearce is a wonderful author. Her books get better and better. This book is a page turner and I kept wanting to read more. Betty is a young women wanting more from her life and to get away from a unhappy family life. She is in charge of her own life.

You'll Never See Me Again is easily the best book I have read by my favourite author Lesley Pearse in several years. It really felt like she was going back to the tone and atmosphere of her earlier novels where the title was always the main characters name. I was hooked from page one as there was such a dramatic opening and I couldn't leave it out of my hands until I had finished the final page. This was a deeply satisfying read packed full of emotion, tension, danger, suspicion and heart and I loved every minute of it. I really felt that I had been on a journey with our main character Betty who within the first chapter or two is forced to change her identity and call herself Mabel.

It's evident Mabel is a courageous, brave and determined girl who when faced with a life altering choice and is given the chance to escape from a life of drudgery, mental cruelty and lack of sympathy or passion that she then just grabs the bull by the horns and goes for it. It was an admirable decision given the nature of her situation but little did she really realise the consequences of it. What follows is a story with so many twists and turns balanced nicely with periods of calm, rest and happiness before upheaval, fear, unease and angst rear their ugly heads. Can Mabel battle through and emerge successfully out the other side? Can she find the happiness she so desperately seeks? Can kindness and integrity triumph over adversity? Or will the past come back to haunt her and threaten the idyll she wishes to create for herself?

I loved the opening to the story as the setting and weather really played an important role in establishing the reasons and motives behind the main plot-line of the story. In 1917, Betty lives in a very small coastal fishing village. Her father has died and her husband Martin has returned home injured from the war and he is no longer the same man he once was. Shell shock plays a major role in his character and he remains locked away mentally from Betty, their love and marriage apparently forgotten. His mother Agnes is spiteful, ignorant and treats Betty like a skivvy. Betty feels she is at breaking point and wonders can she continue with the situation that faces her on a daily basis.

One night a storm of epic proportions hits the coast and Betty is forced by Agnes to go her cottage to retrieve some of her belongings as she had been staying with her mother-in-law Agnes as her home would best suit Martin in his recuperation. Betty feels she has been put in a perilous situation for no reason as it's clear the severe nature and force of the storm will soon wash away her home. But as she makes it upstairs to her cottage she seizes an opportunity. A spur of the moment decision where she can see freedom beckoning although it will not be without its challenges, confrontations, upset and despair. But she goes for it and grabs a few things and slips away into the night not knowing where the path will take her but desperately hoping it will be into a future that is brighter and more content than her deeply unhappy existence these last few months and in the years since she lost her father. With the words -You'll never see me again - she forges a new direction for herself.

I didn't judge Betty who changes her name to Mabel to conceal her identity and background story for leaving her husband. What could she do given Agnes was so cold blooded, callous and heartless? Martin was a wreck of a man who didn't know even where he was nor could he identify people. Mabel does feel a sense of duty but given the very short time frame she has to make the decision, I felt she made the right one. I felt such a powerful and impressive opening really made me identify and feel for Mabel and I was hoping she would find what had evaded her for so long. There are many stages to her journey and although she shoulders the burden of concealing her identity I enjoyed that her true nature and character began to emerge. She was full of grit and determination and although she hadn't much to offer in the way of qualifications she was willing to take on jobs that would further her that little bit more. She had aspirations, enthusiasm and was keen and interest and hopefully she would put these traits to good use.

Mabel had left with very little but she was dogged and decisive with a more of a purposeful plan slowly starting to emerge. I loved all the characters she met upon her journey, well apart from those who were evidently from the rougher side of life with ulterior motives and who in turn ultimately created setbacks for Mabel. But I thought she became a different person once she left the hamlet of Hallsands and that in a way a weight or burden had lifted from her shoulders even though always at the back of her mind was the worry her true identity would be discovered. She feared that if that had been the case that people would judge her for her choice but that was something she had to just live with and come to an acceptance with if the truth did emerge. Would she be strong enough to deal with the fallout if this did become a reality?

The people Mabel meets can sense there is something dark in her past that she is trying to conceal but it isn't a dominant trait of her personality. Mabel enjoys being answerable to no one and she becomes a different person. She works hard and wants to excel and its when she reaches Willow Cottage in Dorchester and the home of illustrator Clara then I thought the book took on another tone and feel altogether. It really came across as this was a settling period in Mabel's new life and I loved the setting that Lesley Pearse created. Even though the war was raging on and the threat of the Spanish flu edged ever closer Clara's home seemed like a little oasis of calm amidst the madness and destruction. It became a safety net for Mabel where she could relax to some extent and the friendship that developed between herself and Clara was something that Mabel needed in her life. Something unusual and life changing which would have significant consequences began to make itself known to Mabel. Normally I would throw my eyes up to heaven at such a strand emerging in a story but here it felt genuine and it slotted perfectly into the overall plot and I felt its inclusion was necessary and pivotal.

It was never all plain sailing for Mabel even though I thought she found this for a time at Clara's cottage. At one point it appeared as if she could never catch a break that she deserved far more than she had been given. Then it was so cruelly and graphically snatched from her hands that I felt every bit of sorrow and loss emanating from the pages. But Mabel is strong, resourceful and competent and I knew she had the capabilities of pulling herself up from the bottom and emerging triumphant out the other side but the manner in which she attempted to do so would never be easy or plain sailing.

I thoroughly enjoyed the romance element that began to emerge. It was leisurely and paced very well and never too in your face as Mabel always had at the back of her mind her real identity and her reasons for her upheaval. The last quarter of the story once again ramped up the action and I was on the edge of my seat and aghast at some of the things that were unfolding. Mabel is faced with the greatest challenge of all and I think other people would have turned a blind eye and continued on the way they were but Mabel has a conscience and a deep and abiding loyalty and she proves her worth. I wouldn't have chosen the root she did but perhaps she needned redemption and to see her journey through right to the bitter end.

You'll Never See Me Again was a brilliant read that kept me guessing right until the very end. It's definitely a book that you should read this summer as it is Lesely Pearse at her very best. This story will bring plenty of new readers to Lesley's work and long term fans will be deeply satisfied. I'm just gutted I'll have to wait another year for something new from Lesley.

Lesley Pearse returns with her best and most compelling novel to date. Her books are always so full of heart and emotion whilst also dishing out suspense and excitement for the reader to simply lap up. The story revolves around Betty and Martin Wellows who are married but Martin's mother, and Betty's mother-in-law, Agnes, loves to interfere; this makes her the famed mother-in-law from hell. Agnes makes Betty depressed and anxious as they live together, all three, in the house due to Martin returning shell shocked from war and needing care. When Betty gets the opportunity to escape away from the toxic atmosphere at home she takes it. She changes her name and starts her life over. Yet very soon she will have to return to the nightmare she left behind.

This is a solid, emotive read and there's never a dull moment or any filler. I was captivated from the start and Pearse has absolutely no problem keeping your attention throughout. She is a terrific storyteller who has created a cast of likeable and very relatable characters and the twists and turns are unpredictable and well thought out. This is an engrossing yarn but once picked up, be warned, you'll be reading right to the denouement to find out what actually happens to Betty. After all the negative incidents that happen she deserves to find happiness; therefore I was very happy when we got a positive ending. I've read every one of Pearse's books and this blows the others out of the water. She seems to excel with every novel. Many thanks to Michael Joseph for an ARC.

Das ist - mal wieder - ein absolutes Wohlfühlbuch, denn mit dieser Autorin kann man nicht falsch machen. Sie mischt geschichtliches mit einer tollen Story und es fällt ihr wirklich immer etwas besonderes ein, um den Leser zu überraschen. GENIAL! LESEN!

3.5 *
Lesley Pearse is such a great storyteller which kept me turning the pages! However, for me there was just not enough depth. So many incidents were skimmed over but I guess the book would have been twice the size if more information had been written. On the plus side there are not loads of characters so it is easy to keep track of everyone. This book would be great as a beach read as it's not too taxing and a great page turner.

I loved this book. I have read all this author’s books and couldn’t wait for this one .. and it didn’t disappoint. I was hooked from the first page. Highly recommended. Five stars!!

Many thanks to Netgalley and Lesley Pearse for the copy of this book. I agreed to give my unbiased opinion voluntarily.

Betty Wellows feels she has it all, even though she’s suffered heartache from a very young age. She married the man she loved and they live in her family’s fisherman’s cottage in Hallsands. When Martin returns broken and a different man from the Great War she finds herself persecuted by his mother and longs to escape.

When a storm destroys their home Betty decides to leave all that she’s known and re-invent herself. She becomes Mabel Brook. She’s randomly attacked and loses all her money and is helped by a psychic named Nora Nightingale. Nora looks after her and she believes she may have the power herself.

Things change and she has to flee and begin again. She meets some good people and starts a live in job as a housekeeper. Can things really be this idyllic she wonders…. but she has to go back and face things from the past, whether she likes it or not…

A brilliant read which I thoroughly enjoyed with interesting characters and storylines. Would highly recommend.

Lesley Pearse is one of my all time favourite authors. Once again Lesley has written a wonderful enthralling story with strong characters set in a realistic background.
Lesley can really make you feel that you know all the characters and I just could not put it down as it kept me so engrossed. I would love to see a sequel to this book. Highly recommended as a great historical fiction novel to get lost in.
As with Lesley's other books, this story would also make an excellent TV drama series.

Lesley Pearse has written another beautifully written, heartfelt story. This time it involves Betty a daughter of a fisherman, living in the town on Hallsands, near Plymouth. Married to Martin and living with their Mother in law Agnes. Martin came back France from the war with not just a severely damaged leg but, also a broken shell of the man she once knew. So, Betty worked not only to look after her husband Martin but to help Agnes.
A great storm was brewing, and the threat of her home being swept away by the sea because of shingle being taken away. Agnes advises her to collect some belongings. The storm is so bad outside that Betty thinks Agnes wishes her dead. So, Betty runs away and reinvents herself as Mabel Brook so she can have a better life and get away from an overbearing mother in law. On the way she meets lots different characters, some good, some bad and always there to help other people more than herself.
This is another 5-star read from Lesley Pearce. The author doesn’t disappoint. I loved this from the very first page. There is lots of twists and turn and ups and downward struggles in this book but, a very satisfying ending. I don’t want to give anymore away. You will have to read it yourself.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Michael Joseph for a copy of this book.

I've read all of Lesley Pearce's previous books, so I was thrilled to be fortunate to receive an ARC from Netgalley.
This book is set towards the end of WW1, and features Betty, and how she decides to run away from her cruel Mother-In-law, and start a new life, changing her name to Betty.
This book was easy to read, and I really enjoyed it. The writing flows well, and I was engrossed, right from the start of the book. The book itself is not as long as previous books by this author, and it does not feature as many dark subjects, as her other books often have. I nevertheless found it to be a good and interesting read. I like the way that the author delves into the past, and this book in particular focused on changes in society after the War. The characters in this book were likeable, and relatable. It is definitely a book that I recommend reading.

Another great story with believable characters, set just towards the end of the first world war. Very descriptive and sympathetic.

Such an easy book to get into , in the sense you were hooked straight away, twists and turns with different situations along the way we’re brilliant , characters realistic , really enjoyed and would love a sequel .

Oh my word what an absolutely fantastic read this was . Lesley Pearse is one of my favourite authors and never have I been disappointed with any of her books. This one has to be one of her best yet. A wonderful story with wonderful characters . A massive five star read from me .

Betty was born and brought up the Daughter of a fisherman, living in the village of Hallsands. Returning from the Great War, Betty’s Husband is a shadow of his former self. He returns to live with his harridan Mother, requiring constant care having suffered from shell shock.
During a severe storm in the village, Betty takes flight, escaping from the miserable life she currently leads. She changes her name and vows to start over again. Landing in Bristol, the story follows Betty/Mabel having reinvented herself. As time passes she is made to put her new life aside and revisit her past.
This is a fabulous story, following the main characters new life, with much sadness and joy. The plot hooks you in from page one and keeps you enthralled until the final page. Yet again Lesley Pearse delivers an exceptional story, which I can easily give 5 stars.

This book is about a Young girl Betty,who dreams of settling down to an ordinary life with her husband. But when he returns broken and haunted from the Great War, she finds herself persecuted by his distraught mother - and yearns to escape. The story has quite a few twists and turns of poor Betty’s struggles with life In general ,changing her name and starting anew and without giving away too much it does reach a nice tied up conclusion.

I really enjoyed reading it and Lesley Pearse never fails to draw you into the characters and storyline

I am a long time fan of Lesley Pearse and was really looking forward to the new book.

Whilst I found it enjoyable, I didn't enjoy it as much as previous books by the author. This one seemed more predictable with less surprises and with less 'dark' moments than previous books. I still enjoyed it, but found myself skipping pages at the end as I already knew what was going to happen. The writing style, although typical Lesley Pearse, just feels less intriguing than before,

I think I have been spoilt having read every single book by the author before, most of them a lot more than once! I am such a fan that it is easy for me to compare, but for a first time reader, I would recommend this book for some holiday reading.

The cover looks like it's going to be a thriller - it's not! A nice book, nothing special - average.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this amazing book

a story about a young girl growing up near the sea, falling in love, and marrying only to have her husband go to war and come back suffering from ptsd...only back then they didnt know what do with men suffering from the after effects of war...

but betty/mabel was left to the mercy of her mother in law who treated her so badly that when betty/mabel was sent to her house to get her things even though it was dangerous, she ran away...

and this is her compelling story, her journey through life and how she walked and walked and eventually found work...

lesley pearse has done it again...her description of a evil mother in law to the flight of betty and what she suffered to the finding of her gift...all well thought out and brilliantly written, a brilliant storyline that will have you reading to the end to find out what happens

I have read almost all Lesley's books in the past and enjoyed each and every one of them and this was no exception.

An excellent, story, descriptive characters and I felt I knew them all personally. I enjoy how Lesley writes, she gets you involved in the story line from the first page and I can thoroughly recommend this book, well worthy of five stars.

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin UK Michael Joseph publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this excellent book.