Reviews – A Life of Their Own

 

2nd Edition

I was thrilled that A Life of Their Own was reissued as part of DVAM…

and with a stunning new cover…

Pauline Tait Author A Life of Their Own Romantic Suspense Romance

Purchasing Options

All reviews for A Life of Their Own have been received officially via NetGalley, Goodreads, or Amazon. A selection can be found below…

 

Julia Shkolnik (Reviewer) UK

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

It was a beautifully written novel by an extremely talented writer. Excellent character depiction, plus an exciting storyline make for a roaring success. Highly recommended.

 

Patricia Mackay (Writer & Poet) Cananda

Reviewed as part of Romance Awareness month 2023

Pauline Tait is a spellbinding storyteller whose ability to transport readers inside the twists and turns of Kate’s plight leaves readers breathless. She word-paints, in vivid detail, the splendor of the Colorado landscape and she creates characters who are raw and real.

I ‘became’ Kate and viscerally experienced a rollercoaster of emotions. I felt helpless yet hopeful, fearful yet brave, sorrowful yet joyful and was filled with determination to find love.

A Life of Their Own addresses the current epidemic of abusive relationships and through Kate’s thoughts, feelings and actions, readers are able to witness how endings and new beginnings are possible, regardless of how dire the circumstances.

A Life of Their Own is an unforgettable novel. I admire and respect Pauline Tait’s artistry and cannot wait to read more of her work.

She is simply amazing!

 

Herding Cats (Reviewer)

A Life of Their Own is such a tender and touching novel which is so well written.  It completely pulled me in and I became so invested in Kate, her little family and their journey to a safe, new life. 

Kate’s story is harrowing and emotional but I often found myself inspired by this strong, brave woman and her determination to make a better life for herself and the children.   Despite everything she had been through – I never felt sorry for her, I just wanted to help and make sure she was ok but never pitied.  Pauline Tait did such a fabulous job of writing Kate’s character to the point where I often forgot I was reading a fictional book and Kate did not actually exist. 

The journey Kate takes is such a heartwarming one.  I adored the community that rallied around her to help and support and this made me feel so happy she was safe and secure in their arms.  Colorado Springs sounds so beautiful and a perfect place to heal and I loved the description of the little town and then endless countryside.  At times I felt as though I was there. 

A Life of Their Own is such a triumphant and uplifting story and focusses on the resilience of Kate and her children.  I definitely recommend this book.   

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Bookish Dreamer (Reviewer)

A Life of their Own is about Kate who was physically and emotionally abused by her husband, Adam and her children, Jake (8) and Lucy (5), who were verbally abused by their father.  Kate breaks free of Adam and her life in New York and takes her children to Colorado Springs where she had visited a long time ago…

The book is a truly heartfelt piece of writing.  It explores what it means to put your love for your children above all else, knowing that because of your actions you might not survive, yet their wellbeing is worth the risk. It is a lovely short read yet tear jerking in parts. It shows true resilience and that love, kindness and respect will conquer evil when we’re determined to succeed.   A Life of Their Own is a  book about hope and the healing power of love. 

I enjoyed this heartwarming story of love and trust, kindness and patience.  It is an emotional read but I still would recommend this book. 

Click here to visit blog post with review and just scroll down the list until you find me

 

Twighlight Reader (Reviewer) UK

It’s been a while since I’ve read such a moving novel. This felt a little bit close to home but one that was emotionally fulfilling. There’s a bit of a trigger warning for anyone who has experienced domestic abuse. The feeling of what I would do if I was Kate really captured me. It was easy to relate to having two children of my own. The emotion allows this to progress at its own individual pace and how the reader processes the words.

I’m a hopeless romantic so I really loved getting sucked into the pages of this. The building on this relationship took its time and I did enjoy this. It’s a refreshing read if you need and crave that positivity even if life doesn’t always turn out that way for some individuals. Everyone deserves a dream and I think I would love finding myself in Kates shoes on a new path of knowing my worth, working on my strengths and of course the American dream of being part of a ranch. I’d 100% be an American country girl if I could.

The writing style is easily to take to, it flows easily from one chapter to the next and completely motivates and inspires. When an author can give so much encouragement and strength just from written words to the reader that’s when you know it’s a truly incredible novel. Loved it.

Click here to visit blog post with review

 

One Creative Artist (Reviewer) UK

I’m so happy that I took part on this blog tour as I really liked this novel.
This novel is a great read, it explores love, mother’s love, what being in a family means and also deals with more difficult issues such as coercive and bullying behaviour. I’m so happy that for the main character there is love and happiness after so much heartache. I really liked how strong the main character was, her strength and courage shone through throughout. What a mother wouldn’t do for her children.


I liked the character development and the author’s writing style. It was great to discover a new author for me whose writing style I like. I read this novel from start to finish in one go as I found it quite hard to put down after I started it. It gripped my interest and attention from page one, and held it until the last. I liked learning more about ranch life and I really liked Colorado Springs as a location for this novel, as I like travelling to beautiful and exotic locations via novels and this one did not disappoint. I’m giving this woman’s fiction novel 5 stars as I really liked reading it. 

 

Cristie Underwood (Reviewer) USA

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Full Text:
Great read. The author wrote a story that was interesting and moved at a pace that kept me engaged. The characters were easy to invest in.

 

Annette Herbst (Librarian) USA

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Full Text:
I found this book to be a heartwarming story. I would absolutely recommend this book and look forward to the next book by this author

Links:

Additional Questions:

Is your library likely to purchase this title? Yes
Will you recommend this title through Readers’ Advisory, book clubs, events, etc? Yes
Do you nominate this title for the LibraryReads List? Yes

 

Layla Penfold (Reviewer)

 This is a lovely break through story, this has happened many times in my childhood, so I can relate to this family. It takes guts to make that step, and most of the time you do get a happy ending.

Such a wonderful story that is written beautifully in my opinion, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The author writes smoothly, so you can read this novel in one sitting.
This book has deep meanings and it has a lovely warmth to it.
A great read.

 

Anthony C, (Reviewer) UK

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Full Text:

I especially want to thank SilverWood books and the Netgalley website for allowing me to read this book.

I love the blurry cover of this book where I see the heroine almost in profile.

It features Kate running away from home with her two young children. Will she be able to keep them safe and ensure that they are never found? She wants to start a new life away from New York, starting from scratch. What she didn’t know when she arrived in her new environment is that she would find herself in a life that she had abandoned long ago.

A book read in one go, so much so that I hung on to the story, so moving at certain passages, captivating, full of suspense and twists and turns with very endearing characters. I love the author’s writing so addictive.

 

As part of a Random Things Blog Tour, Handwritten Girl has reviewed A Life of Their Own. The full review can be read via Twitter in the link below.

“I loved this story, Kate’s a lovely character, a kind and warm person. It’s lovely to see her blossom and grow in confidence as the story progresses and she grows to find happiness. Her scenes with Matthew make for tender reading as the pair begin to get to know each other all over again.”

https://handwrittengirl.com/book-reviews/a-life-of-their-own-by-pauline-tait

 

Amber Villanueva (Reviewer) USA

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Full Text:
This novel was hard-hitting and a great book if you want something that will hit you hard. We follow and mother and daughter trying to flee from domestic abuse. Very captivating.

 

A Books by Bindu review via a Random Things Blog Tour can be read in full here via Twitter. But here’s a little teaser…

“This book was exactly what I was needing to read at this moment in time.”

 

 

This lovely little pic was posted on my social media platforms in March 2020! Great news, I hope the students enjoy it!

 

Shirley McAllister (Reviewer) USA

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Full Text:
Happiness at last

Kate and her two small children Jake and Lucy were living a very secluded and controlled life with her abusive husband Adam in New York.

Kate decides to leave Adam and takes her children with only a change of clothes in their school bag and instead of catching the school bus they catch the greyhound bus. Leaving letters with her friend Alice for Adam and the school she and the children slip away. She goes all the way to Colorado Springs where she heard so much about from her former boyfriend in collage Matthew.

This starts a new life for Kate and the children Matthew is still in Colorado Springs. It takes a long time for Kate to trust anyone again, however, when Matthew stands up for her to Adam she knows she is where she needs to be. Her little family have found a place to belong, a place they are loved, a life of their own.

I loved this heartwarming story of love and trust, kindness and patience. I would recommend this book.

 
 

D.H. (Reviewer) USA

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Full Text:
The most dangerous time in a domestic violence situation is upon leaving!
Kate wants out with her two children fleeing Adam and leaving everything she’s ever known in NYC for Colorado.
Her past soon collides with her present as she finds her former college boyfriend & the feelings that she long since thought she buried.
Now she must make a choice and quick!
Once a woman flees it’s often not the end!
The marriage was never dissolved nor was closure ever offered!
What she decides to do next is not A-Typical of what many in the same situation face.
It’s a process that takes time to heal old wounds as the wounds are not merely physical.
Abuse is so much more than mere words.
I absolutely enjoyed this on many aspects especially in regards to the ending and using those wings to fly.
As a survivor of abuse I’ve never felt comfortable with the term ‘victim’ because you can always seek hope, healing, and love.
Love always wins over hate!
A-L-W-A-Y-S~!
Thank you to Pauline, the publisher, NetGalley, and Amazon Kindle for this ARC in exchange for this honest review.

 

Sabrina USA rated it – it was amazing
5 Stars
Shelves: women-s-fiction
 
A mother’s love knows no bounds. Kate literally risks her life to save the lives of her two children, Jake and Lucy. Little does she know it at the time, but she will end up saving herself. This little book is big on love, trust and forgiveness. Great read. Thank you Netgalley for introducing me to my new favorite author!

 

Kade Gulluscio (Reviewer) USA

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Full Text:
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you NetGalley.

Sorry for the delay in my review, life has gotten in the way.

Unfortunately, there is a large number of us women that can relate to the storyline here… escaping an abusive situation is NEVER easy… and we always fear the outcome or what may happen.

This story was beautifully and accurately written. it touched my heart, that’s for sure.

 

Faith Wilson (Reviewer) USA

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Full Text:
I enjoyed the book and getting to know the characters. Would recommend. Once I started I didn’t want to put it down

 

Janice Lombardo (Educator) USA

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Full Text:
Kate was physically and emotionally abused by her husband, Adam. Her children, Jake (8) and Lucy (5), were verbally abused by their father – Adam. Eventually, Kate breaks free of Adam and her life in New York and takes her children to Colorado Springs where she had visited a long time ago.

Eventually she sees Matthew, a long lost love she hadn’t seen for 9 years. They are the love of each other’s lives. Yet, Kate has been so hurt by Adam that she is slow to begin again with Matthew, again. Matthew is patient and helps Kate assimilate into his life. Eventually, Kate works for Matthew and his father’s ranch on the business end. Her children adapt to the ranch and the people and Kate is almost ready to move on with Matthew…..

Of course, the story returns to Adam and…..

A wonderful suspense story with a few interesting twists.

HIGHLY recommend!!!

Many Thanks to Pauline Tait and NetGalley for a fast, wonderful read!

 

Annemarie Seeger (Reviewer) GERMANY

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Full Text:
This book I find very well written, since the first page you can dive deep into the storyline. I also liked the cover very well. It is nice designed in the color and in the design itself. The writing style is very good and very pleasant and fluently to read. The book has been very clearly structured and the plot is traceable and very interesting. The characters look very authentic and traceable to me. The author succeeds in writing very detailing about the scenery, characters, surroundings and emotions. This story is fascinating and consistent at the same time and keeps the tension until the end.

 

Dawn Byers (Reviewer) USA

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Full Text:
I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review –
I absolutely devoured this book –
Kate and her children grab a bus and run from an abusive husband and father. With little funds she finds herself in Colorado at a guest house run by a lovely older couple. Then she runs into her old flame and even tho they each had married others the feelings for each other still run deep.
Can Kate leave her horrible past and begin again?

 

Clara Carter (Educator) Ireland

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Full Text:
This book, A Life of Their Own, by Pauline Tait, was a truly heartfelt piece of writing. It explored what it means to put your love for your children above all else, knowing that because of your actions you might not survive, yet their wellbeing is worth the risk. Fearing for her life she flees New York leaving her abusive past behind her. She reaches Colorado and begins a new life, experiencing the first acts of kindness that she has experienced in a very long time showing that second chances are within everybody’s reach. Her past hasn’t totally disappeared however and does come back to haunt her, however Matthew, her former love, who she never truly forgot about defends her. This is a lovely short read yet tear jerking in parts. It shows true resilience and that love, kindness and respect will conquer evil when we’re determined to succeed. It’s an excellent emotional read.

 

Book Of The Week in the Courier’s Weekend Magazine 

Reviewed along with others, it was lovely to see it get such as wonderful review concluding with “Tait has created a real page-turner and shown herself to be a successful adult fiction novelist.”…

 

Available worldwide from all good book shops and online.