#bookreview ~ In Her Wake by Amanda Jennings @MandaJJennings @OrendaBooks

‘A perfect life….until she discovered it wasn’t her own’

In Her Wake is a novel written by Amanda Jennings and was published by Orenda Books in April 2016.

Now I’m a bit of a latecomer to Orenda books, only recently discovering the jewels that they publish and it was with great optimism that I jumped into In Her Wake, losing myself quickly in it’s wonderful pages.

Please read on for my full review…..

Book Blurb:

A tragic family event reveals devastating news that rips apart Bella’s comfortable existence. Embarking on a personal journey to uncover the truth, she faces a series of traumatic discoveries that take her to the ruggedly beautiful Cornish coast, where hidden truths, past betrayals and a 25-year-old mystery threaten not just her identity, but also her life.

Chilling, complex and profoundly moving, In Her Wake is a gripping psychological thriller that questions the nature of family – and reminds us that sometimes the most shocking crimes are committed closest to home.

Bella Campbell has lived a very closeted existence. Reared behind high walls, closed curtains and home schooled, Bella grew up thinking that this was the norm for all children.

Her parents, Henry and Elaine, always provided well for her and Bella’s relationship with her mother, while stifling, was very strong.

Bella’s relationship with Henry was rather reserved but Bella put it down to many reasons. He was a doctor, spending many hours in his study and after he retired, he spent more and more time alone. When Bella was younger, it was here that she loved to join Henry and learn about the sciences and mathematical equations necessary for her schooling.

As the years pass, Elaine tragically dies.

Bella, now married to David, arrives back for the funeral. Her hesitation in approaching the family home is palpable in the opening chapter

‘A feeling of foreboding gathers inside me as we round the familiar bends in the road and I wait for the tick tick tick of the indicator that will mean we’ve arrived.’

Bella and David have a very unusual relationship. David is senior to Bella by quite a number of years, having met while he was a lecturer in college. From the get-go David took control of everything, from the bank accounts to the cooking, with Bella perfectly happy to let him do so. Bella has been looked after and very protected all her life, so this was a natural progression for her marriage.

As Bella struggles to come to terms with her mother’s death she is suddenly faced with an even bigger trauma. A secret is passed on to her, one that changes everything she has ever known to be true.

Bella embarks on a journey, a very personal one, that takes her to the Cornish coast where she attempts to unravel the truth. She makes this trip alone meeting many folk who assist her in her search, but who also reveal certain truths that Bella is forced to face up to.

What follows is a captivating and enthralling story that will have you turning the pages faster than you thought possible.

In Her Wake is a sensational psychological thriller.

This is story with a heinous crime at it’s core. The story-line is gripping and complex, with multiple layers, unveiling a frightening truth and the depths that people will go to hide a wrongdoing.

In Her Wake has been my first novel by Amanda Jennings and also my first novel from the Orenda stable. I can honestly say I’m already excited at the prospect of picking up my next one.

In the meantime may I suggest you follow the link and find out yourself…

Purchase Link : In Her Wake 

To check out some more books from Orenda Publishers click HERE

About Amanda Jennings:

Sworn Secret, her first novel, was published in the UK in August 2012. It hit the kindle #4 position in the UK, was a Top 100 bestseller in the US and reached the #1 spot in Italy in translation. Her second book, The Judas Scar, was published in May 2014, and shortly after was optioned by a film and television production company. In Her Wake, her third, was published in April 2016.

Amanda is a regular guest presenter on BBC Berkshire’s weekly Book Club, is a judge for the Henley Youth Festival writing competition, and is involved in the WoMentoring Project, which offers mentoring support for talented female writers with women who work in the literary world.

Amanda lives just outside Henley-on-Thames with her husband, three daughters and a varied menagerie.

She is currently writing her fourth book.

Twitter

Amanda Jennings Website