Susan has done it again wow what a thought inspiring read i really enjoyed the way the story developed the merry-go-round of emotions.....i lived this story as i read it would i be so forgiving i hope so but who knows
if you want a thought inspiring well written enjoyable but not able to put down book then this is definitely the one to read loved it....

I'm new to this author but having absolutely loved her previous book 'My lies Your Lies' I was looking forward to this one with nervous excitement - would it be as good?

The answer is YES but it's really not comparable as it's completely different. Expecting another twisty, turny thriller I was a little disappointed at first that there was nothing to work out and as a result it felt a little slow. But, once I realised there wasn't meant to be and it was more of a psychological family drama than thriller, I realised it was just as good but just in a completely different way.

And, the reason it was just as good despite not being what I expected was Susan Lewis. Her writing is so powerful, so emotive, so descriptive and so well thought out and researched that it totally immerses you. Her characters are so well developed and relatable with both strengths and weaknesses, evoking strong feelings of anger and empathy for them. Once again I loved the multi-generational relationships and the way the characters support and forgive each other even those who've done some truly terrible things.

Her books always have a habit of staying with you for a long time afterwards. I guess the moral of this one was that not everything is black and white, there's so many shades of grey.

Once I started reading this book I couldn't put it down.
The characters and storyline had me gripped, it even had me question myself about how I would behave in that situation!
As always Susan Lewis writes in a way that truly gets you involved with the characters.
Thank you netgalley.

Goodness me, if I could give more than 5 stars, I would!!!!
Susan Lewis has done it again!! What a story!!
I'd heard of 'Restorative Justice' or something similar before, and I would never have thought in a million years, that I would be thinking in the way I am now, after reading this book!!
The evil that is obviously out there, that can ruin lives is frightening!! Not only for the victims but also those that are dragged into the perpetrators clasp, just to save themselves and their nearest and dearest!!
This is a wonderful, heart rending, thought provoking story, that could happen to any of us!!
I feel very honoured to have read this book, and I have learnt a lot from it too!!
Thank you for such a brilliant story!!!!

From the outset, this book is filled with family love and loyalty. Stalking alongside though, is fear of retribution.
I read this book in trepidation of what was going to happen to the family trying to escape their past.
Very interestingly, there is a story running concurrently about someone on the wrong side of the path and we’re given snippets of what is going on there. I wondered how they fit together and was 3/4 through the book before the penny dropped!
As I made my way through the story, sad at what I thought was going to happen - I was in for a surprise.
The story is really moving. What wonderful things compassion and caring are.
This is the sort of book that when you turn the last page, makes you feel sad it’s over and leaves you wondering what happened next.

I have always enjoyed the novels by Susan Lewis and this did not disappoint. From the first chapter it had me gripped and I was hooked on finding out more about the life of the 3 main characters
The book is as well written as usual and easy to follow.
Thanks to#NetGalley for the advance copy in return for an honest review
#susanlewis

A really great read . After being in an abusive relationship and having changed their names Claudia and her daughter Jasmine as they are now known move away to start a new life for themselves. They eventually find a forever home and along with her mother, try to forget the unhappiness of the past but a terrible incident happens which has a serious impact on all their lives. As they try to come to terms with what's happened and why, they realise it's all connected to her ex and with the help of all there many new friends can they finally feel safe again and can they find it in their hearts to forgive before finally finding happiness. A brilliant 5⭐read again from Susan Lewis

I just loved this book, one of the best reads and a book you didn't want to finish and when you did kept thinking about it. So powerful with so many characters to love or hate and so realistic. Brilliant

Claudias escape from an abusive marriage is merely the beginning of what is a beautifully written and sensitively handled book covering a range of difficult subjects from abuse to criminal acts, restorative justice and recovery from harm.
Restorative justice is not something I have ever had to really consider (thankfully) but the topic was well described and supported factually without spoiling the flow of the story. Although aware from the blurb that the story will take a turn for the sinister the initial chapters cover the rebuilding of a life for three women all affected by one abusive man and things seem to be going so well for them with their beautiful house, new business ventures and new friendships developing.
As the story unfolds and a fire changes things forever so we are introduced to the concept of restorative justice and the benefits it can offer to some victims of crime.
The interactions between the perpetrator and the victim are really eye opening both from a repentance and a forgiveness point of view.
A really though provoking read.

I really enjoyed this dramatic story of doing whatever it takes to protect yourself and your family. The second part of the story with the justice programme I found really interesting and applauded
Marcy for her bravery. I really great read that I would definitely recommend.

I was so pleased to be given the opportunity to read Susan Lewis's latest book, I've only recently discovered her novels but haven't been disappointed with one yet.

This book explores the power of restorative justice, through the eyes of both the victims and the perpetrator. It raised some interesting moral questions and I for one was not sure if I could have taken the same path as Marcy but felt it to be believable as the story unfolded.

As ever with Susan's books, the book is full of lovely, well rounded characters who are all round decent human beings. I really wanted to be a part of their lovely grown-up circle for the support and camaraderie through some tough scenarios. It also shows that not everything is black and white, with so many grey shades.

The book has some themes of domestic abuse, but covered sensitively. It is also infinitely readable - I couldn't put this down once I started it, it drew me in from the very beginning.

I would wholeheartedly recommend it, and also want to thank Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC..

Having read previous books by Susan Lewis, I expected a good read and wasn’t disappointed. This gripping thriller draws you in from the very first page. As Claudia’s family escape from her brutal, abusive marriage trying to make a new life, the threatening sense of tension leaps off the page.
The story explores Chloe’s new life away from Marcus (her husband), trying to start again with a new name. I felt empathy with the family as they try to settle down and ensure that no-one discovers their new identity. The book also shows how difficult it is to begin again, especially with social media and its wide ranging influence.
Although written mainly from Claudia’s viewpoint, several chapters are told by other characters, her mother and daughter, Marcie and Jasmine. Also from Archie’s viewpoint, whom we learn more about as the story unfolds. The book is a real page turner as the family begin to find new friendships and develop work opportunities, but Claudia is always fearful that although Marcus has become imprisoned, he has thugs and acquaintances desperately searching for her.
The book is powerfully yet sensitively written, and you feel strong empathy for the characters, as their life becomes threatened and new friends and relationships help them. The story is brutal and heartbreaking at times, but with occasional light touches of self deprecating humour in the letters sent to Marcie during the restorative justice system. This is a real page turner which I couldn’t put down until I had finished reading. Highly recommended.

I couldn't put this book down once I started it. What a tremendous story of love and forgiveness. I loved all the characters especially Claudia who went through so much what an amazing woman she was as was her mother whose power of forgiveness was incredible. That took so much courage. This was a tremendous read which was difficult and heartbreaking at times but beautifully written.

I found this book to be a compelling read and the idea of restorative justice was very new and interesting.
I felt at times it was somewhat surreal and although Claudia's emotions were very believable, it was hard at times to believe the depth of forgiveness that her mother had towards Archie, when his terrible choices had disfigured her and changed her life. Archie's remorse was genuinely portrayed, although as the reader you were aware he had a vested interest in gaining leniency through this.
Overall I rate this as a very good read, 4 stars plus but not 5 because at times I felt unsure if in real life the level of forgiveness could be real.

What can I say I was hooked from the very first page such a heartwarming story about a family that had been through so much then have the courage to do what they did was truly amazing and gives you confidence in the human race. Her books get better and better can’t wait for the next one I would definitely recommend this book it was fabulous and want to thank the publisher and Netgalley for letting me review this amazing book,

Wow, what a book, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I was confused in the beginning as I couldn’t understand where or what the story was about, but when it clicked it was amazing even though I still couldn’t predict what the ending was going to be.
It was definitely a rollercoaster of emotions.
The book is brilliantly written and I found it hard to put it down.

My one criticism about this book is the prologue - the letter from Archie. I thought about not carrying on, but once I got into the first chapter I was hooked. There were some twists I didn't see coming. One thing I would have liked a bit more time spent on was the main romance (Dan's lovely by the way). Otherwise, I thought all the characters were well-written (Claudia's attitude annoyed me a little at times, but she had been through a lot). Well-paced, good sense of place - all in all a good read. With thanks to Net Galley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

An interesting story about restorative justice. I found some of it slow and repetitive. I know Claudia is an interior designer, but in some parts there were so many details about fireplaces or curtains ( or drapes!) that I felt as if I'd strayed into an issue of Homes and Gardens, and found myself skipping large sections.

On the other hand, the character of Archie is finely drawn. He is supposed to be less literate than the other characters, but that gives his letters to Marcy more power, as they are succinct.

On the whole, a good story, but it could do with some incisive editing.

Absolutely fascinating story that involves restorative justice - a subject I knew very little about.

When Claudia and her daughter flee their home, leaving behind all traces of their past lives including their names, they hoped they would be able to build new lives away from Claudia's controlling criminal husband. However, any feelings of safety soon start to ebb away.

I loved this book and absolutely ploughed through it.

I enjoyed this book, the story flowed and the characters were likeable - with obvious exceptions. I liked the fact that it moved pretty quickly through the timeline and didn't drag things out. It moved on, you caught up with developments and then it dealt with the present.
It did seem a little too good to be true in parts so I'm not sure how realistically it portrayed RJ in the real world but this is fiction and so it did not spoil a good read.