If you like reading women's fiction novels about starting over, then this is the book for you!

Imogen, who lives in Dublin has been married for five years. During that time her husband Vince has changed her so much that she is unrecognizable - even to herself. He has manipulated her, undermined her every thought and opinion, alienated her friends and family, tracked her phone and email, destroyed her self-confidence, and even dictates the clothes she is 'allowed' to wear. He has never physically harmed her, but he has scarred her psyche. When Imogen cannot take it any more, she flees. She goes to the Aquitaine region of the south of France (near the border to Spain) which is where she spent some of her youth, and where she remembers being happy.

Once she begins her new life, she procures a job as a cleaner. The work is plentiful due to the large number of tourists who frequent the area. She begins to make friends, and she relishes her newfound freedom. Though.... she is constantly vigilante of not doing anything that would let Vince know where she is. She knows he will be looking for her.

The entire book is taken up with Imogen settling in to her new life, while Vince is doing everything in his power to find her. Though the reader knows that he eventually is likely to do just that, the story is a compelling one. Will she be forced to return to Dublin with him? Or, will she draw on her newfound strength to resist his efforts - treating her like one of his possessions.

I enjoyed my time spent in Imogen's company and rooted for her throughout the entire book. The peripheral characters were interesting to get to know.

Highly recommended for fans of the genre who adore sublime settings and strong female protagonists.

Though I liked the book, I made the decision when I finished not to review it on my site because it didn't fit into my editorial schedule. I may include it in a review post or possibly a book list post in the future.

Imogen Naughton is married to Vince. But now, the Plan she has had for some time is ready to be put into motion. She has traveled from her home in Dublin to Paris for a business trip. But rather than returning home, she takes a zigzag route finally escaping to her childhood home in France.

Vince is a controlling, selfish, arrogant man who has always been critical of Imogen and tries to get her to know her place and keep her there. Over their marriage, she realizes how difficult it is to please him all the time and also that trying to get out from under his control might be impossible. But she wants to be free so she can finally do what she wants. As she becomes stronger, she know she can be free and starts to plan for it.

As Imogen settles in Hendaye, she takes a job as a house cleaner. Her mother used to do the same work. She finds great satisfaction in her work and having her independence. She goes by her maiden name and strives to stay incognito. When she gets a cleaning job in a large villa, she is delighted because it is where she and her mother lived for years and where she was happiest. When she is recognized by the owners of the home, they are gracious and welcoming to her but she wants to keep a distance. In no time, Imogen has made many friends and is so very happy with her new life.

Meanwhile, Vince, in his stubborn way, begins a search for Imogen as he plans to bring her home.

Will he find her? If so, will she return to Dublin with him?

I liked this book as it details the struggles that many verbally abused women face every day. I think the author’s depiction of Vince is outstanding. She truly pegged him! This is a good story and I hope readers will enjoy Imogen’s journey.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Running away may not always be the option, but sometimes its the only option. In this book Imogen takes off and tries to find herself and the is looking for answers to what went wrong in her life. When her husband wonders what went wrong and where she took off to.
This book is not a love story. I found there story very intense for a large portion of the book. I did enjoy the behind story and the trials that has and is facing Imogen. I did not like Vince at all in there was no portion in the book I did not want to scream. This story faces some tough subjects and has some strong language. I also enjoyed the friendships that were forged in this book. It shows no matter what your going through friends and family can be there for you. I really enjoyed reading Celine and Rene's portion of the story and would love to know more of them.

This book was ok but it was predictable and not something I would read again