Blossoming of Truth
By Susan Gray
Publication Date: 12th February 2024
Publisher: UK Book Publishing
Page Length: 303 Pages
Genre: Historical Romantic Thriller
If the truth is denied...an identity is hidden...
a trust is eroded and a shocking betrayal ensues...
can love truly blossom?
A tragic accident...a bitter betrayal...a baffling mystery.
When an attractive young woman seeks refuge in his home during a blizzard, Tom Smallwood is convinced they have met before.
As their friendship develops, her persistent denial of their previous connection threatens to shake the bedrock of Tom's 'life code'.
A tragic accident robs Tom of his beloved brother, leaving him devastated.
His world implodes further when he is arrested...
HIS ONLY CRIME WAS TO FALL IN LOVE.
Can Tom's strong pillars of truth and integrity hold fast and enable him to win the heart of the woman he adores?
Rachel Brooks was supposed to be on her way to her new job as a governess for Dr. Rossiter’s two unruly boys. However, fate took a turn when her car broke down in the midst of a raging storm. With no choice but to abandon her vehicle, she set out in search of help. She finds refuge at Meckleridge House, a small hotel that is closed for the winter. Here she meets the hotel’s owner and manager, Tom Smallwood.
Tom is convinced he has met Rachel before. Her mannerisms and gestures reminded him of a little girl who once spent the Easter holidays with his family. However, Rachel is adamant that they have never met. As Tom and Rachel’s relationship develops, he grows increasingly convinced that she is, in fact, Darcy Shackleton, despite her vehement denials.
Tom feels a pressing need to unearth the truth if he ever hopes to move forward in his relationship with Rachel. With a heavy heart, he turns to a trusted friend for assistance, and together, they delve into the shadows of Rachel’s secretive past. As they peel back the layers, long-buried truths come to light, revealing a history that Rachel never intended to share. Yet, some secrets hold a weight too heavy to bear, and the fallout from their discoveries threatens to bring more heartache and turmoil to all of their lives.
With its compelling character development, striking descriptions, and masterfully controlled pacing, “Blossoming of Truth” by Susan Gray offers an unforgettable journey to 1920s England. This enthralling historical romantic thriller, filled with suspenseful cliffhangers at every turn, will keep readers riveted. This remarkable story shines with both its charm and brilliance, making it a must-read for enthusiasts of the genre.
Gray masterfully employs evocative language to paint a vivid picture of the setting, as well as the protagonists as they struggle with their emotions and the events they are faced with. An enchanting hotel with a manicured rose garden seems like the perfect place for a romance to blossom. The village, the farm, and the quaint country pubs give a sense of foreverness. The descriptions of Lasham Cragg, characterised by its breathtakingly panoramic views and cascading crystal-clear waterfall, are particularly striking and convey a deep sense of peacefulness and wonder. When the story moves briefly to London, there is a sense of energy, with everything moving much faster than the slower pace of the countryside. When the story takes the reader to the South of France, there is an added sense of romance. More than just a backdrop, the immersive settings depicted in this novel are integral to the narrative, enhancing its mood, character development, and plot.
With skill, Gray has crafted a captivating thriller that grabs the reader’s attention from the start and holds it until the very end. The interactions between the characters create tension as well as mystery, largely fuelled by Rachel’s guarded demeanour and the elusive hints of her enigmatic past. This air of mystery not only intrigues the reader but also intensifies the longing to uncover her secrets. Moreover, the slow-burn romance between Tom and Rachel adds another layer of complexity to the story. As their relationship unfolds, the deepening emotional connection between them generates an exciting sense of anticipation. The romantic tension is masterfully portrayed, creating a deliciously suspenseful atmosphere that leaves readers eagerly anticipating what will happen next, although what does happen is completely unexpected. It seems Gray is the master of plot-twists!
The characters in the story are richly developed, each embodying distinct traits, motivations, and intricate emotional landscapes. The story uses a third-person point of view to explore both Tom’s and Rachel’s internal lives, helping readers understand their choices and their emotions.
At first glance, Tom Smallwood comes across as a compassionate man, exuding an aura of empathy. However, beneath this facade lies a more troubling reality. When he encounters Angela following their breakup, his indifference to her emotional turmoil is striking; he seems more bothered by the prospect of seeing her than concerned for her well-being. This dismissive attitude offers a revealing glimpse into his true character. As the narrative unfolds, it centres on Tom’s relationship with Rachel, which quickly morphs into a toxic dynamic fuelled by his unsettling behaviour. Rachel does not want to share anything about her past with Tom. Unfortunately, Tom’s impatience leads him to seek the answers she is unwilling to provide. Instead of fostering open communication as the trust between them grows, he enlists his journalist friend, Zac, to dig into Rachel’s history, therefore crossing boundaries that should never be breached. This tactic creates a palpable tension, resulting in some deeply uncomfortable moments for the reader as well as the characters. Despite the allure of Rachel’s intriguing backstory, Tom’s cunning and manipulative methods cast a long shadow, forcing one to question the ethics of his pursuits and the authenticity of his compassion. His love for Rachel, at times, feels more like an obsession, and this is especially true near the novel’s conclusion. Although this story does have a happy ending, there are moments when the reader questions whether it should.
Rachel Brooks is an intriguing character with a dark and mysterious backstory. She is a competent governess and exceedingly likeable, especially at the beginning of the novel. However, as the story progresses, Rachel’s actions reveal a troubled soul, and she grapples with the many unanswered questions in her past. She desires a relationship with Tom, but it must be on her terms. When he breaks her trust, she seeks to hurt him in unimaginable ways. The toxicity of both Rachel and Tom transforms the narrative from a typical love story into a complex meeting of two very different people who, in their unconventional way, complement each other. Rachel is a character who evokes both sympathy and disgust in equal measure. At times, the reader may wonder if she is more of an antagonist than a protagonist, as her actions are truly appalling. However, by the end of the novel, the reader gains a better understanding of her motivations and the reasons behind her actions.
There are several supporting characters in this novel, particularly Tom’s sister, Peg. Peg is always steadfast in her support of Tom, even when she doesn’t necessarily agree with him. Peg is genuinely warm and lovable, easily earning the admiration of the reader. Tom’s other sibling, Jonty, is quite the character! Jonty is outgoing, highly confident, and has a clear sense of what he wants. At times, this confidence can lead to conflicts with Tom, but their bond is so strong that nothing seems capable of causing a permanent rift between them. Although not close to his parents, Tom’s family is very important to him, and they do rally around in times of crisis.
The historical backdrop of this novel is stunningly vivid, painting a picture of an era filled with rich detail and vibrant life. Gray has masterfully captured the spirit of the time, immersing readers in its complexities and beauty. The countless hours Gray has spent conducting thorough research are evident in her writing, which flows gracefully and exudes confidence, inviting readers to experience the past in all its glory.
“Blossoming of Truth” by Susan Gray is a sweeping epic that weaves together themes of love, betrayal, and the complexities of family bonds. Set against richly detailed backdrops, the novel immerses readers in the intertwined lives of its characters, each of whom faces their own struggles and choices. With every page, the story unfolds into a tapestry of emotions that lingers long after the last chapter is read, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde
Yarde Reviews & Book Promotion
Blossoming of Truth
Susan Gray
'Never to old to follow your dreams' has become Susan Gray's mantra since beginning to write novels after celebrating a significant birthday. Susan endeavours to entwine the genres of mystery and romance and sets her novels in the early Twentieth Century. She lives with her husband in northeast England, setting her books in this picturesque area. She has a son and daughter, both married, two granddaughters and a grand dog. When not writing she loves to spend time reading, puzzling, walking and catching up with friends over a coffee. She enjoys travelling and tries to include many of the places she has visited in her books. Her plots are inspired by 'life' and how her characters navigate the waters. She loves to 'people watch' and creates her characters based on the many strangers she has observed. She has written six novels. SPANISH HOUSE SECRETS was her debut novel and is now joined by another standalone novel BLOSSOMING OF TRUTH.
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A massive congratulations on your review, Susan. Your book sounds utterly brilliant and I cannot wait to read it.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations.
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