So Powerful

Saving Geraldine Corcoran by Hazel Ward is the third book in the Netta Wild series but can be read as a stand-alone. It was such a powerful read that totally consumed me. I did not so much read the book – I ‘lived’ it.

The story has a dual timeline – now and in the character’s past. It is a story developed over the lifetime of Geraldine Corcoran. It is a story crying out to be read.

Our pasts make us who we are today – but what happens if we remain frozen in a moment in time? An event, so traumatic, travels down the years. It has as much power to destroy lives as we give it.

We see the need for love and care to understand, and to heal and help. Sometimes our loved ones are just too close. We need the help of someone who has walked the same path earlier who can show tough love and empathy.

The reader witnesses the supernatural powers of a dog to sense when her owner is hurting. Minnie gives unconditional love as she senses what her owner needs to heal. Minnie has a charm that calls to the reader.

Words tear down. Or words build up. We see both in the novel. Words spoken in youth refuse to leave a mind sixty years later. Cruel lies have been believed and caused much damage as a character feels self-loathing, believing herself to be unworthy of love.

For almost a lifetime, a character has been sinking due to cruelty inflicted and hurt lodging deep within. An event in the past needs to be owned before recovery and healing can begin.

All the characters were well drawn, likable and realistic. They were easy to empathise with. Love and pain radiated from the pages of the book.

The setting is Birmingham which is my home town. There was a familiarity to the locations which enabled the book to come alive for me.

This was my first book by Hazel Ward but I want more, more, more! Her story and style really resonated with me.

 Saving Geraldine Corcoran was a marvellous read.

I received a free copy from the author. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

JULIA WILSON