Runaway Wife

by Rowan Coleman

Sometimes you have to have the courage to start over...

A heartfelt and uplifting story perfect for fans of Jojo Moyes from the author of Sunday Times bestseller The Memory Book and Zoe Ball Book Club pick, The Summer of Impossible Things

Rose Pritchard has fled her home and her abusive husband with little more than the clothes on her back – and her most precious possession, her seven year old daughter Maddie.

But Rose does have one other thing left – a glimmer of hope that she can build a better life for herself and her daughter, whatever it takes…

• ISBN10: 009195682X
• ISBN13: 9780091956820
• Publish Date: 12 March 2015 (first published 12 November 2013)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: GB
• Publisher: Ebury Publishing
• Imprint: Ebury Press
• Format: Paperback (B-Format (198x129 mm))
• Pages: 480
• Language: English

Reviews

[Cocktails and Books]

This is the first book I have read by Rowan Coleman. It will not be my last! I enjoyed her style of writing, how she reveals a bit of "backstory" at a time & makes it flow right along with the present story being told.

Rose is a troubled character and readers will be captured by her & her daughter Maddie from the start. As I was reading, I put myself in her shoes--to leave home with my small child and nothing but the clothes on my back? I am not sure I would have the courage to do what Rose does in this story. For much of the book, Rose also doubts herself and that is mostly due to her years spent with her abusive husband. Her dysfunctional childhood did nothing to boost her confidence either. Rose has pinned all of her hopes on one chance encounter with a stranger that leads her to small village far away from her abusive husband.

I hate to simplify this story, but I also don't want to give too much away. I will say that Rose learns a lot about herself--her self-worth, her strength, her true capabilities on this journey. Just as importantly (or maybe because of her self-discovery?) she improves her relationships with family members, men and new friends. Readers might find themselves examining some relationships in their own lives that require reconciliation or repair--I know I did. This book has a "happy ending", but it's also very realistic. There is a lot of heartache beofre Rose finds happiness and a sense of purpose.

Read it, it's definitely worth it!

Reviewed by Joelle for Cocktails and Books