I am not leaving a review due to the fact that this book did not interest me enough to finish the story.

This reminds me so much of Jane Austen's style of writing. An entertaining story with well described characters. Definitely worth reading

First published in 2003 (but set at the turn of the millennium) and now available as an ebook.

Helen Westover loses her job, her mother, and her home simultaneously. Left on her own with low funds and only an unpleasant older half-brother for family, she answers an ad for a carer to an old woman. Beatrice Tressikker is even more alone, a dying woman in an isolated house. Helen originally plans to stay only a few weeks, until other arrangements can be made, but she finds herself drawn in to Beatrice's life and predicament. Over the next few months, Helen builds bridges with the local doctor, a local lawyer, and to her college-age niece, all the while watching and fearing Beatrice's decline. The unexpected arrival of a long-lost relative complicates matters enormously.

This has the outward appearance of a Gothic romance, but is more of a character study. Well-written and low-key; not really my genre.

This was just a really good book. Great story and wonderful characters that l felt like I got to know well. I love how all of their stories unfolded. I’ll definitely look for more books written by her.

I love this book. I thought the characters were easy to relate to. The storyline was easy to follow.

I loved the book...up until the ending. The relationship between Helen and the doctor felt forced and crammed into the end to give it a conclusion. I wish more had been discussed with the writings, with the husband. Maybe built their relationship up more? It was an interesting read. I especially loved how much Helen and Jan irritated her brother/her dad.

I'm ashamed to admit that it took me far too long to see that Deathline is a homage to those Austen novels we all know and love. Helen is shafted out of her only home by her much older brother when her mother passes away. Having spent the majority of her life (and lets remember she's in her 30's, not in her 50's like the writing would have you believe) caring for her mother, Helen is left with little plans and cash to move and looks to an ad in a ladies magazine for inspiration.

From the pages of this archaic magazine comes an advertisement for an 'angry old lady seeking assistance'. Helen decides YOLO, and hops on a train to live with an elderly stranger.

As soon as you realise who the love interest is for Helen, the Pride and Prejudice similarities pop right up. Keep an eye out for Helen's Mr Darcy, and the rest of the plot will fall into place rather quickly for you.

I think the best way to describe Deathline is that it is rather twee. It's sweet, rather inoffensive and well written. If you're an Austen fan, I'm sure you'll enjoy a somewhat modern interpretation.

I finished reading Deathline by Jane Aiken Hodge. When Helen’s mother passes away, her childhood house goes up on the market and she needs new place to live. She answers an ad in the paper - “Angry old woman with house seeks companion with some money.” Helen is on her doorstep the next day. Neither of them have much of a family left, so they create their own. I enjoyed this book and thank you to @netgalley for the copy in exchange for a review.

As I began reading I expected to be bored with the characters, subject and setting. I couldn’t be more wrong. Beatrice, Helen, Jan and Francis create a family of strangers with humor and love. I especially love the ending. The last laugh

Deathline by Jane Aiken Hodge
Reminiscence of an earlier time, a sweet cozy read. Heartwarming to read this author again after so many years. She used to write Gothic suspense novels during the 1970s.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

After reading the description for Deathline, I had a feeling it was exactly what I was in the mood to read! Jane Aiken Hodge did a great job writing an entertaining women’s fiction (with a little romance mixed in) that warmed my heart. The characters were endearing and the storyline was well paced, so much so that I finished the book in about a day! I really enjoy cozy reads and this novel definitely fit the bill! Being that this is the first book I’ve read from Jane Aiken Hodge, I am looking forward to reading more from her in the future!

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. It was originally published in 2003 but I assume is being republished.

The book begins with Helen Westley nursing her elderly mother. She has given up her job to move home and care for her. In compensation, her mother has advised Helen that she is leaving her the house in her will. Unfortunately when Helen’s mother does pass away, she quickly learns that she has received nothing other than a small allowance with the house being left to her brother, with whom she does not get along. Her brother wants her out of the house as soon as possible so that he can sell it and she is forced to take a position of being a carer again – this time to an elderly lady called Beatrice Tresikker who has a home in a small village.
Soon the two become more than employer/employee and they form a friendship. Helen also becomes friends with residents in the village including the village doctor and a legal partner in the law firm that handles Beatrice’s affairs. This book reminds me very much of Rosamunde Pilcher’s writing style and story lines. While I enjoyed the book, I think it was a little too old fashioned. It was set in 1999 and unless things were very different in England than in Canada or the USA, people were not this “old fashioned” in 1999. However, if you enjoy Rosamunde Pilcher or Maeve Binchy, I believe you would like this book.

This book is actually a reprint of a much older book (at least 15 years ago). I had no idea when I requested it, but it’s a pretty well known British women’s novel about a hospice carer.

Anyhow, it’s a sweet book that touches upon death, as the title implies, but without too much sentiment or treacle. It’s sweet