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07/09/2014

AWAY FROM YOU ~ Kay Langdale






Publication date: 
11th September 2014, Hodder & Stoughton
My thanks to the publisher and Bookbridgr for my review copy. 

When Monica is offered a three-month placement in L.A, she knows that for the sake of her career she must accept it - even though it means leaving behind nine-year-old Ruby, toddler Luca and her husband Daniel.

She hires Ursula as a housekeeper and nanny during her absence, although the older woman is oddly reluctant to agree to a childcare position. What is the dark secret in Ursula's past, which has left her so closed-off and reserved? Will her growing attachment to Ruby bring it to the surface? And will Monica regret leaving the children in her care?

This story explores, grief, parenthood and our emotional relationships with others.  The writing is beautiful, the characters are vividly drawn and likeable. The author manages to create some beautiful imagery of happier times, particularly for Ursula.

The book really centres around Ursula and the secret of her past, that makes her so sad and unable to allow herself emotional involvement with anyone. I found it interesting that Ruby has a connection with Ursula and can somehow see the pain behind her eyes. Maybe it takes a childlike innocence to know that something isn't right.

Such a poignant and emotional read, I have to admit to shedding a tear or two. It is difficult to go any further into the plot as I feel to do so would spoil it for others. However I do urge people to read it.

This is the first novel I have read by this author and I have no idea why I haven't come across her before. This book has sailed straight into my best of the year and quite possibly a contender for the top spot. I cannot enthuse about it enough.

A truly beautiful piece of writing, with wonderful characters that captured my heart, and left me hoping for a happy ending.

About the Author:

Kay Langdale is the author of four previous novels. Her novels have explored subjects such as surrogacy, adoptions and the ties that bind us. She is married, with three sons and a daughter, and lives in Oxfordshire. Find out more: www.kaylangdale.com


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