THE SECRETS BETWEEN US by LOUISE DOUGLAS

THE SECRETS BETWEEN US

BY LOUISE DOUGLAS

THE BLURB:-

When Sarah meets dark, brooding Alex, she grasps his offer of a new life miles away from her own. They've both recently escaped broken relationships, and need to start again. Why not do it together?

But when Sarah gets to the tiny village of Burrington Stoke, something doesn't add up. Alex's beautiful wife Genevieve was charming, talented and adored by all who knew her. And apparently, she and Alex had a successful marriage complete with a gorgeous son, Jamie. Why would Genevieve walk out on her perfect life? And why has no one heard from her since?

Genevieve's family and all her friends think that Alex knows more about her disappearance than he's letting on. But Sarah's fallen in love with him and just knows he couldn't have anything to hide. Or could he?

THE REALITY:-

Definitely an interesting tale, but I'm not sure that I pick up much in the way of passion between the two main characters- more a clinging desperation as they each try and get their lives together in the face of the separate tragedies they have endured. I'm sure this was probably the intention of the author, considering what these two people have gone- and are still going- through.

Hailed as a story reminiscent of Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca, it's a sadder love story; far more basic, less haunting and nowhere near as romantic.

The one character that shines through is the one you never see, and that's Genevieve. I suppose this is an obvious conclusion- as she's left totally to the imagination of the reader, she's the person that can become almost exactly you want her to be. The supernatural way she haunts Avalon- Alex's cottage- adds a spooky and atmospheric suspense of drama that draws you to her character and makes you sympathetic to her. She's also the kind of person that's not all she appears to be on the surface, which makes her intriguing.

She's not the only character who's not on the level, and the real villain of the piece turns out to be a someone you really didn't expect. The way human emotions and relationships ebb and flow is wonderfully displayed, (especially between Sarah and Jamie) as is the theme of healing and forgiveness. The storyline is very good, the plot a well-thought-out page turner and a sharp, and often unpleasant, insight into village life.

I would certainly recommend this novel, but would have maybe liked a bit of a happier ending?