Review + Giveaway: The Other Side by Kaylor Ward

The Other Side by Kaylor Ward

Release Date: 14th May 2017
Publisher: Parker Press Publishing

Genres: Contemporary Fiction

Lauren is locked in a cell. She knows she shouldn’t be there.

When Lauren and Rick are left an allotment they embark on a lifestyle change that is supposed to bring their step-family closer together. They embrace the chance for a slice of the good life, fresh air and family times together. Lauren and Rick are in love and happy but sometimes their past issues surface. For Lauren it’s the affair that her first husband had before he left her. For Rick it’s the children he was alienated from and forced to leave behind seven years ago.

One day a new family move into a cottage behind the allotment. That day changes everything. That day they start falling apart.

Praise for The Other Side

‘A  wonderful new voice in cross-genre women's fiction that will keep you spellbound’ Best-selling author, Catrin Collier

'A thoroughly enjoyable, bittersweet read' Helen Carey

EXTRACT

Prologue

The door shut with a cold, hard slam sending harsh metallic echoes around her. Her eyes shot warily from left to right as she raked her fingers through her hair and tried to make sense of her situation. She was in a cell. She had asked them not to lock her in, but they hadn’t paid her any attention. Where there had been a face a few seconds ago, there was now a slammed metal door with peeling grey paint showing the cracking blue paint beneath. She hated confined spaces. They told her there was a buzzer if she needed anything. Needed anything?

Panic welled in her chest, her throat and her brain as the grey walls and the naked single white light closed around her. Breathe...breathe...slow...down... This was not the place for a panic attack. Not here, not today. She was alone. She had to get through this. Focus...focus... Think yourself somewhere else.

She thought of her daughters, their smiles and their joy. She lay on the hard thin plastic mattress on the concrete bed, and pulled a thin blue blanket over her head to block out the light, to block out the room, and to block out now.

Rick and Lauren appear to have the perfect marriage. Having both been married before they seemed to have settled into a trusting and loving second marriage with Rick feeling more and more part of Lauren and her children's lives. The couple can't seem to get enough of one another and Lauren's two girls have accepted Rick into their lives. And, while this pleases Rick, he can't help but start to feel regret over his own children who he no longer sees. Then, one day they are left an allotment and soon their dreams of creating a little bit of heaven out in the country soon turns into a nightmare and the allotment changes their lives in so many ways. Rick's behaviour becomes erratic and he spends all his time there. Lauren suspects the worst and sets about trying to uncover the truth.  Only its far worse than anyone could ever have suspected.

Well, I actually read this book in one sitting. I was totally engrossed. A really interesting mix of characters, each with their own problems that poor Lauren always seemed to find herself in the middle of. Trying to support her sister and her best friend through difficult times despite Lauren's own life falling apart, Lauren feels the pressure of her suspicious mind bearing down on her. She becomes totally driven to find out what the secret is that Rick is hiding from her. Despite his reassurances that all is ok within their marriage, Lauren isn't so sure and she feels that history is repeating itself and her new husband is having an affair. His behaviour becomes more and more erratic and Lauren fears the worst. And, in the background is friendly bar owner Jack, always ready to offer a shoulder to cry on. 

The Other Side explores what its like to have secrets in a marriage and the devastation those secrets can lead to. Suspicion and mistrust can erode even the strongest of couples. However, the secret that Rick is keeping is definitely not what Lauren suspects. And, Lauren herself finds that such mistrust of someone she loves may lead her down a path that she herself shouldn't take. The sting in the tail at the very end of this story is both unexpected, shocking and very sad and Lauren wasn't the only one surprised! I did have an open mouthed moment! Kaylor Ward has written an absolutely brilliant book and its a highly recommended read from me.

 

GIVEAWAY!!

Kindle Fire!

Lolita Wine Glass from Jack’s wine bar

Bottle of vino from Jack’s

Scarf from Puffin Island

JUST FOLLOW THE LINK TO ENTER THE COMP!

http://kaylorward.com/index.php/kaylors-sign-up-contest/

AND, AS IF THAT WASN’T ENOUGH………….There’s a free 6 week novel writing course for everyone run by Kaylor Ward herself! Here’s the link to access it!

   http://kaylorward.com/index.php/free-course-lp/

ABOUT KAYLOR WARD

Kaylor Ward, originally from London, now lives in South Wales. She worked for many years as a management consultant and trainer, writing part-time until her first book was published under the name, Michaela Weaver (Manic Mondays). She has studied creative writing at Masters level, and in addition to her writing she is a qualified Writing Coach. Michaela is a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association, and a reader for their New Writers' Scheme. Michaela writes cross genre contemporary fiction with psychological twists often about the darker side of family and domestic life.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kaylorward

Twitter: @kaylorward

Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16812960.Kaylor_Ward?from_search=true

Website: www.kaylorward.com