Boon's Bookcase

Guest Review

from

Julie Williams

of

Out Of The Darkness 

By

 Katy Hogan

DOES EVERYTHING IN LIFE HAPPEN PURELY BY CHANCE? OR ARE WE GUIDED TOWARDS PEOPLE WHO CAN HELP US IN OUR HOUR OF NEED? Following the sudden death of her beloved mother, Jessica Gibson's world falls apart. But after meeting a man who seems heaven-sent, she starts to feel she has something to live for again, and soon discovers that their connection holds far more significance than she could ever have imagined. And when Jessica strikes an unlikely bond with Alexandra Green, the two new friends are taken on an emotional journey into the world of the supernatural, where psychic mediums pass on messages from beyond the grave. What -- or who -- is causing the strange goings-on in Alex's home? What secret is she keeping from Jessica? And who is the young woman who so badly needs their help? In a series of surprising twists and turns, the pieces of the puzzle finally fall into place and a mystery is unwittingly solved -- with life-changing consequences for all involved. 'Out of the Darkness' is an uplifting tale of friendship and redemption; of love and loss. And life...after death.

Review

I was fortunate to win this intriguing novel on a book bloggers Twitter competition. I must admit that after reading the blurb on the back cover I wasn’t sure how I would feel about this story as I lost my own Mum 18 months ago. However I was completely addicted by the second chapter and couldn’t wait to turn the next page!

This book tells the story of three young women living in the vibrant seaside town of Brighton who are brought together in what appears to be unconnected coincidences.  Jessica is still very much grieving the sudden death of her beloved mother and is finding life extremely challenging. Alex too is facing difficulties in her life as she is facing lifelong health issues. Hannah a newly single mum of two delightful girls is struggling to come to terms with the death of her brother Sean, as she feels responsible as she was the driver of the car that crashed killing him.

The author cleverly gives us each individual characters story and then, as the climax for me as the book progresses, the connection between the three is revealed. Their friendship brings both happiness and peace not only to Jessica, Alex and Hannah but also to their families and friends. 

Death is a strange subject yet all the emotions that it brings, guilt,anger,sadness and acceptance is dealt with in a sensitive and compassionate way proving that there is life after death!