IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR IN ANNE CARTER’S PICK OF THE BEST NEW PAGE-TURNERS
WHERE WE BELONG
★★★★ Anstey Harris
Simon & Schuster, £14.99 CATE Morris has been made redundant, meaning she and son Leo can no longer afford to stay in their London home. It has been four years since her beloved husband Richard died and Cate can think of no better plan than a temporary stay in Richard’s family home in Kent.
Richard’s grandfather was a traveller and collector who amassed artefacts from all over the world and opened the Hatters Museum Of The Wide World, exhibiting everything from art to taxidermy.The family home is in the same building.
Cate and Leo have never visited before. Cate knows Richard and his grandfather were once close but, after a mysterious falling out, the pair hadn’t spoken for years. Now both are dead and the museum is maintained by the unwelcoming Araminta, a woman of indefinite age who has devoted her life to the place.Although Hatters is packed with interesting and unusual artefacts, money is tight and the board of trustees are keen to sell.
However Cate gradually finds herself caught up in the local campaign to save the museum. And, as Cate and Leo become increasingly invested in the campaign, long-kept family secrets are gradually uncovered. Cate learns unexpected truths about the man she loved and how the tragedy that befell her family came about.
This original and atmospheric novel is perfectly crafted and, set against the vivid backdrop of the museum, it’s an enchanting tale of families, secrets and lies with an exquisite love story running through it.
JUST MY LUCK
★★★
Adele Parks
HQ, £12.99
LEXI and Jake have been friends with two other couples, the Heathcotes and the Pearsons, for over 15 years.They met when they were all expecting their first child and have spent Saturday nights together ever since.
Throughout that time, they have looked out for one another, cared for each other’s children and gone on holiday together. They have also been part of a lottery syndicate, buying a ticket every week but never winning. However a week ago, the group fell out. And now Lexi and Jake have a winning lottery ticket worth over £18million.They insist that the Heathcotes and the Pearsons left the syndicate before the win.The Heathcotes and the Pearsons insist they did nothing of the sort. Adele Parks puts family and friendship under scrutiny in this tale of domestic disharmony.The effects of sudden wealth are cleverly portrayed and the characters learn that money does not bring happiness.
It is addictive, gripping and fast-paced with some devilish twists. In parts, the plot is implausible and veers into dark territory. But Parks makes the reader question their own morals and ask: “What would you do?”