When an author makes a gift of a book, it is a generous gesture. Joy wood gave me a copy of her new novel, Whatever it Takes, without expectation of a review and, as I have always enjoyed her books I was excited to receive it and read it.
The Blurb
THE WIFE: Lorna lives with her husband in her dream home, loves socialising and has a passion for the finer things in life.
THE HUSBAND: Dan owns a successful accountancy business, enjoys golf and exercise, and loves Lorna deeply.
Life is good. Until new neighbours move in to the house next door.
Perry, a property developer is charismatic and friendly, with a beautiful young wife, Ingrid. They become friends, sharing intimate dinners, trips away and ultimately a holiday together in Greece. But all is not as friendly as it seems.
While there, a fatal accident occurs that changes their lives.
They don’t all return. But those that do, are hiding a huge secret . . . and there’s someone who will do whatever it takes to make sure that it never comes to the surface.
The Review
First of all, an up front admission, I am a huge fan of Joy Woods books, and this one did not disappoint. The characters are well-rounded, and the plot draws you in from the beginning.
The seemingly perfect couple with their enviable lifestyle and wonderful friends feature in this intriguing story. However all is not as it seems - dark secrets lurk beneath the surface in this tale of intrigue and suspense. Whatever It Takes is difficult to put down because you want to keep reading to see what happens next. (As I read at night before I go to sleep, my guess is this author owes me several hours rest!)
Even when I put the book down, I was trying to work out in my head how the story was going to pan out. It is a gripping and cleverly drafted story that will keep you enthralled. I thoroughly enjoyed Whatever It Takes and I highly recommend it.
The Author
I’ve always loved the many facets of the English Language. At school, my favourite lesson was English Literature. I used to read a specific story, imagine I’d written it and then formulate a different ending. Delighted with my own efforts, I’m not so sure the renowned authors’ would have appreciated my slant on their work.
Poetry was a particular favourite of mine, and I’d use any excuse to dabble. I trained as a nurse, and whenever I left a period of employment such as working on a ward or in an operating theatre, I would leave behind a witty poem about my colleagues, turning them into humorous characters, which were always well received.
I progressed to consumer competitions, and enjoyed a significant amount of success writing slogans. Nothing would please me more than to receive a long white envelope through the post, announcing a prize I’d won for an innovative slogan. I was very lucky with most of the prizes, although a runner up reward of a year’s supply of dog food wasn’t the best prize, especially when I didn’t have a dog!
I once wrote a simple romantic story for a competition run by a clothing catalogue. I did the usual, boy meets girl, conflict between the two of them which was eventually resolved, and they both lived happily ever after. However, I featured the male and female characters wearing brand names of outfits from the catalogue range, and used appealing descriptive phrases about the garments. To my amazement, I was rewarded by winning first prize of an all-inclusive holiday.
Even though I knew that the reference to the catalogue clothing range most probably sealed the win, it gave me the encouragement to try my hand at actually writing a romance novel. Two years ago, I moved with my husband to Cleethorpes in Lincolnshire. Watching the tide turn daily, gave me the idea for the story, ‘For the Love of Emily’. I would develop the characters in my head, and create the chapters on my laptop when I returned home. Although this story is now finished, I still have plenty of ideas still whirling around in my brain, yet to be sealed in ink.
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