SHEILA NORTON
BOOK REVIEWS
While none of us can hope to please everybody, we writers like to find out whether our stories are pleasing the majority - and that's where reviews come in. I'm grateful for all reviews, those from my readers as much as those by professional reviewers. Whether they absolutely love a book, or just want to make helpful comments, it's all good feedback.
But here, as you'd expect, I'm showcasing just a few of the best ones from my most recent novels.
THE SECRET OF ANGEL COVE
DEVON LIFE Magazine : 'When I pick up one of Sheila's novels I feel as if I've stepped into the pages
as if watching a play unfold.. . . award winning novelist Sheila takes a gentle yet wholly realistic approach. . . . I have such respect for her work. An engaging portrayal of a coastal village.'
Amazon/ Good Reads/ Net Galley reviews:
This is a gorgeous book of friendship, discovery and maybe along the way creating something that can last for generations to come.
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How happy reading this book made me feel. I really loved reading about characters of lots of different ages.
This is a lovely heart-warming story situated in a delightful area in Devon.
A lovely read with strong characters, good dialogue and a great setting.
WINTER AT CLIFF'S END COTTAGE
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DEVON LIFE magazine:
. . . The award for the best mid-winter-comfy-sofa-hot chocolate novel is most definitely Sheila's heart-warming book about friends, older age, kindness and homemade cakes. With romantic twists . . . By threading the lives of younger people into the story, Sheila creates the perfect foil for Stella, born in 1935 and resident of a precariously situated clifftop cottage. . . . Grab the book, a hot buttered crumpet, and enjoy!
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Amazon/ Good Reads/ Net Galley reviews:
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5 stars: This is the most adorable book I’ve read. EVER! . . . There is so much life in this story. It’s bursting with joy, laughter, sadness, hard times, love, secrets, heartaches absolutely everything. It’s moving, touching and a perfect read all year round, but especially at Christmas.
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5 stars: A warm hug of a book for all those that need it.
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5 stars: A delightful story to warm you on a winters evening. Magical.
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ESCAPE TO RIVERSIDE COTTAGE
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'Devon Life' magazine: ' . . . a perfect summer read . . . a warm, cosy glow runs through the pages.'
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Amazon reviews:
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5 stars: 'Very well-written, extremely moving story . . . a good deal of happiness, humour and love.'
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5 stars: One of the best books I have had in a while
I loved this book, it was quite a surprise, the romance came at a much later stage in the book as in her life.
The author took you to the depths of grief in the death of a villager and you journeyed with the village through their healing process. I have to admit, there were a few tears shed with this book as well as out loud laughter.
Thank you to the author for showing love is not only for the young
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Goodreads review:
5 stars: A charming and warm-hearted story set in South Devon. . . . A pleasant, light read.
WHAT I DIDN'T TELL YOU
Amazon reviews:
5 stars: 'I was drawn so deeply into this skilfully written story that I couldn’t bear to put the book down.'
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5 stars: 'I liked the fact that it switched between the past and the present, giving the whole story a fresh, vibrant feel, capturing the excitement of being young and the insight that comes with maturity.'
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THE LONELY HEARTS DOG WALKERS
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‘A thoroughly enjoyable, gentle snapshot of the lives of four generations, friends and lovers, with lots of adorably loyal pets.’ – ‘Devon Life’ magazine.
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Amazon reviews:
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5 stars: 'This book has all the delightful elements we've come to expect from one of Sheila Norton's books, likeable but flawed characters, a cosy but real-life setting that you can easily imagine yourself living in, plenty of adorable pets who play their part in the plot, a real community feel that draws everyone together, and lots of twists and turns that take you on a very enjoyable journey!'
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5 stars: 'This is a lovely heart-warming story with a particularly captivating ending. Sheila Norton is one of my favourite authors and I love the way she plots her books, with strong characters, great dialogue, and lots of surprises. I found this novel really moving and emotional, and the animals who play a vital role in the plot are absolutely delightful. It’s a most enjoyable read.'