Tag Archive | Hazel Ward

Calling Frank O’Hare by Hazel Ward

Apr1

Surviving

Calling Frank O’Hare by Hazel Ward is a marvellous dual timeline novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is part of The Netta Wild series but can be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed catching up with familiar faces and getting to know Frank O’Hare better.

The novel is set in present day and returning to Frank O’Hare’s youth in 1980’s Belfast and moving forwards and also to the UK. We see his relationships with his family and friends over the years. Most are true friends but some are fair weather friends who take advantage of Frank O’Hare’s kind heart.

We learn about the troubles in Belfast when Frank O’Hare was growing up. There were no-go areas as Catholics and Protestants lived separate lives. Life was lived in fear and on the edge. Trust was in short supply.

A gang of four friends from their youth, persists into adulthood. They are united by memories and music.

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Saving Geraldine Corcoran by Hazel Ward

Aug20

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.

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