If you like reading women’s fiction novels about starting over, then this is the book for you!

Imogen, who lives in Dublin has been married for five years. During that time her husband Vince has changed her so much that she is unrecognizable – even to herself. He has manipulated her, undermined her every thought and opinion, alienated her friends and family, tracked her phone and email, destroyed her self-confidence, and even dictates the clothes she is ‘allowed’ to wear. He has never physically harmed her, but he has scarred her psyche. When Imogen cannot take it any more, she flees. She goes to the Aquitaine region of the south of France (near the border to Spain) which is where she spent some of her youth, and where she remembers being happy.

Once she begins her new life, she procures a job as a cleaner. The work is plentiful due to the large number of tourists who frequent the area. She begins to make friends, and she relishes her newfound freedom. Though…. she is constantly vigilante of not doing anything that would let Vince know where she is. She knows he will be looking for her.

The entire book is taken up with Imogen settling in to her new life, while Vince is doing everything in his power to find her. Though the reader knows that he eventually is likely to do just that, the story is a compelling one. Will she be forced to return to Dublin with him? Or, will she draw on her newfound strength to resist his efforts – treating her like one of his possessions.

I enjoyed my time spent in Imogen’s company and rooted for her throughout the entire book. The peripheral characters were interesting to get to know.

Highly recommended for fans of the genre who adore sublime settings and strong female protagonists.This review was written voluntarily and my rating was in no way influenced by the fact that I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel from Grand Central Publishing via NetGalley.

ISBN: 9781538760543 –  ASIN:  ‎ B015X056M8 –  481 pages

Published February 6, 2018 (this title is from my NetGalley backlist)

Sheila O’Flanagan pursued a very successful career in banking, foreign exchange dealing and treasury management before becoming a full-time writer based in Dublin. She also writes a weekly column for the Irish Times and in her spare time plays badminton at competition level.

She was born in Dublin, Ireland and is the best-selling and award-winning author of over thirty novels.

Connect with Sheila via her website, Twitter, and/or Instagram.