book review Archives - Page 4 of 5

I was lucky enough to be sent several books to read and review from a lovely publishing PR. Unfortunately I’ve struggled to get through them all as I have SO much to read with a Kindle that is full to the brim and a pile of books that could topple any minute. This is where my good friend, author, copywriter and previously a publishing editor, Martina Mercer comes in. Desperate for some new reads she was more than happy to take a few off my hand to read and review. Her first review is below.
(Thanks Martina!)

The Promise

Fans of Lesley Pearse will know that “The Promise” is the follow on to “Belle”, a story of prostitution and sex slavery in the early 19^th century. Without reading Belle first, The Promise may be a little confused; however Lesley Pearse still spins a tale with the talent she is renowned for. Her ability to marry actual historical facts with raw human emotion makes this an education and a delight, as we follow Belle through World War 1 as she works as a nurse in a world dominated by men. It’s truly enlightening and gritty in parts, often shocking but never unbelievable, and despite her history as a whore, Belle shines through as a strong young woman with characteristics we’d all be proud to own.

Perfect as a holiday read or for complete escapism, The Promise covers love, loss and lust in the way only Lesley Pearse knows how to portray.

MM x

Rather than jump straight in and do another book review I though this time I’d do things a bit differently.

I’m going to start by reviewing the author! Elizabeth Jackson, is a self diagnosed Twitter addict, a retired psychotherapist, half gypsy and has the most wicked sense of humour! I “met” Liz online (on Twitter obviously) a few months ago, having realised we lived only a few streets away from each other. When Liz told me she would be signing copies of her book, Language of Thieves, at the local bookshop I knew straight away I wanted to go. At this point I was more interested in meeting the good lady in person than the actual book (sorry Liz!). Lets face it it, if she was as much fun in real life as she was online, we’d have a hoot. And we did!

lizjackson — This is me with the lovely Elizabeth Jackson, shortly before I knocked a glassful of orange over her - but we'll not talk about that (clumsy sod I am!).

The event was a great success and having met Liz I couldn’t wait to see if her lively personality came through in her writing. I wasn’t disappointed.

What might seem at first glance as another story of love and intrigue (to be fair they are common themes), is in fact a fantastically well written book brimming with deep undercurrents that weave together to create the type of book you don’t want to put down yet can’t bear to finish.

Based in North Yorkshire where Liz has lived all her life we follow the story of Daisy Lamiter, the resident traveller girl and those she loves, fears and despises. Her story begins in 1949 in Appleby, Westmorland at the popular Appleby Fair where travellers would come from miles away to trade horses and other goods. When two cultures collide, those of the travellers and the Gorgios (non-travellers), Daisy is set upon a path from which there is no return… and that’s all I’m going to tell you.

Being half gypsy herself, Elizabeth has a unique perspective that comes out in this book. I am sad indeed to have finished and I am eagerly awaiting her second book.

Language of Thieves is a fantastic read, and you can read more about it and buy it from Amazon. Treat yourself this Christmas, you won’t regret it.

*I haven’t been asked to review this book but have written this brief account because reading it is something I thoroughly enjoyed and because I hope other people will read this write up and try the book themselves. Thanks to Elizabeth Jackson for letting me “borrow” the mug-shot of us both.

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Book Review: The Promise by Lesley Pearse

Language of Thieves by Elizabeth Jackson