Happy release day to Elle McKenzie, carry on reading to find out more about her latest novel Dear Darling and to see my full review of the book.
Book: Dear Darling
Author: Elle Mckenzie
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Hosted By:Francessca’s Romance Reviews
Author: Elle Mckenzie
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Hosted By:Francessca’s Romance Reviews
Synopsis
Saffron Vale has a letter to write—a letter telling her husband she is leaving.
Yet, the moment her pen touches the paper, her heart starts to ache. A lifetime of love and promises swim in the first stroke of ink, making her doubt herself. Every smear of punctuation becomes a joy shared by lovers who were always meant to be. Every heartache drowns in the blank space, which tells a far greater story than her pen ever could.
With over twenty years of memories tying her to the man she loves and the children her heart beats for, Saffron has to make the hardest choice of her life. Will she find the strength to write the letter that will end it all, or will she face a future of the unknown?
Dear Darling is a novel about love and loss, happiness and anguish, and one woman’s struggle to find an answer to an impossible question.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of the book before its release, here's my review :
This story definitely had all the feels and it certainly didn't end how I expected it too which is a good thing I might add.
Saffron is writing a letter to her husband, she's leaving him and her children. From what she's writing it sounds like she still truly loves this man so the reason for her leaving must be a big one, an affair perhaps?
"Every smear of punctuation becomes a joy shared by lovers who were always meant to be. Every heartache drowns in the blank space, which tells a far greater story than her pen ever could."
As Saffron writes her letter we delve into her past. How she comes to meet Eli all those years ago and how she has ended up where she is right now, twenty years later penning this letter.
"Our lives aren't written in the stars, we make our own future. We may never touch those stars but if we follow them they'll lead us to our own destinies"
It really is a beautifully written story, some of the paragraphs read like poetry, flowing so simply but of course it is one that comes with a few ups and downs, but then whose life doesn't come with a bit of baggage?
I think I connected more with this one because the places she mentions like Maidstone, Kent are ones that I know well.
There is so much emotion that comes with every word that is to be read and each turn of the page reveals just that bit more detail, allowing you to really connect with the characters, not only the protagonist but the secondary characters too.
Like any good book there is a twist which I won't spoil for you but I will say it was not what I guessed it to be when I'd begun with the prologue.
"how quickly life can turn around in an instant"
Dear Darling is definitely heartfelt and is certainly for all you romantics out there to read!
Purchase Links
About The Author
When she was a child, Elle wrote several stories and had a dream of becoming a journalist. Unfortunately, life changed her course and she didn't get to fulfil her dream. Two years ago, Elle decided to start writing again and Figure 8 was born. Released in 2015, Figure 8 was her first novel, a romantic thriller set in Manchester, England. Since then, Elle has written two more books, Lust and Dear Darling. Elle resides in Cheshire with her husband, three children, and two dogs.
Stalker Links
I suspect this isn't easy reading enough for me but great review! :-)
ReplyDeleteThis is lovely, thank you! Looks like a great dupe too!! :)
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't really be into romantic books, except for the anguished supernatural ya sort lol but this is a good review #readwithme
ReplyDeleteI like the sound of the twist, but I don't think this book would be my cup of tea. I'm not keen on romantic books and words that read like poetry are a real turn-off for me!
ReplyDeleteThat's fair enough as with most things not everyone is going to love them :)
Delete**That last comment was from me - I accidentally used the wrong account. Doh!
ReplyDeleteLovely review, the writing in this book sounds beautiful too.
ReplyDelete#readwithme
This sounds like I would enjoy it. Already wondering about the twist
ReplyDeleteI too am intrigued about the twist! Great review Chantelle - now I'm going to have to read the book :o)
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A great review Chantelle, it sounds like a great read. It's not one that would ordinarily appeal to me but you make it sound so good I may give it a try. :)
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I do think this is a book i would read. It looks like one of those books that really takes you into the story and hard to forget after. xx
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I don't really read romances but I'm intrigued by this one, I mean, why would she leave him when she loves him so much?! I want to know now! Thanks for sharing xx
ReplyDeleteIt sounds beautifully written! I love that it doesn't end how you expect it to. It can be disappointing when a book is predictable. #ReadWithMe x
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