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BOOK REVIEW BLOG :As you know if you have read my other blogs I am an avid reader and love a good book. I also run a Readers & Writers group (see Facebook: Readers & Writers, Tamworth). We listen to authors and learn about their journey to publication and then we eat cake, drink coffee and chat about our latest reads.
I have just finished White Lies and Wishes by Cathy Bramley (having previously read Wickham Hall and loved that too). I feel sure every reader will connect with the three main characters in this tale of making dreams come true. It is about the journey and process that goes on in many a person's life when you set yourself a goal. It seems inevitable that obstacles, negative thinking and/or other people, test your grit and determination.
The friendship of the 3 women develops after meeting at a funeral, although with very different characters they encounter some tensions and misgivings.
Carrie is my favourite character as I have more than one friend who struggle with weight and body image issues. Even those who don't over-eat will recognise some of Carrie's patterns of behaviour; her self comforting; self put-downs, self degrading activities.
For working mothers you will empathise with Sarah and stay at home dad, Dave. And for the ambitious, Jo's single and sacrificial life tells of the stress of parent-pleasing over one's own happiness.
Conquering her fear of heights Jo brings the story to a wonderful end. Although the Wishes have twists and turns, all 3 women have life changing experiences that leave the reader on a high - almost as high as the Empire State Building.
The 86th FLOOR!!!!! No way. I can't say I am frightened of heights but a recurring dream of going up in a lift that high, then waking up before it reaches its destination in a hot sweat, obviously has me panicking at the thought. The highest I have been in London and Athens is the 14th floor and that was well high enough for me thank you.
Well done Cathy Bramley - an excellent 5* read. Ps. Since publishing this blog I can now say I have been on the 25th floor of a building. Who knows maybe I'll reach dizzier heights soon!
