Favorite Quotes:

Joe had long hair and John Lennon glasses and wasn’t her type at all. He looked as if he listened to old hippy music and played a guitar.

Our eyes meet and her smile flickers at me. It’s one of those unpleasant smiles that looks like it hides a mouthful of rotten teeth.

Our eyes meet and I bat away that sliver of uncertainty about her that wriggles inside me like a tapeworm.


My Review:

This slowly evolving tale was maddeningly paced and zigzagged through two timelines which were thirteen years apart, with frequent vague mentions of a significant event, although we aren’t given the exact details until much later of what that significant antecedent entailed. And I was all about the knowing. So many shifty trick cards this canny author pulled from her sly sleeves. I was totally crushed amidst all the ruthless twists and turns to learn that no one was trustworthy, everyone had their own agenda, and most ended up a bit screwed over, hmm, sounds a lot like real life come to think of it…

I struggled to get into this book. I found the storyline great but I didn't like the execution. It felt like more could have been done to lift the story. Some parts were also a bit unbelievable but maybe it's just me. For 1 thing my phone is attached to me like an extra limb!
I was unfortunately underwhelmed.
Thank you to Netgally and Bookouture for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Two friends, an accident 13 years ago, an estranged sister and a leaving party .......... what could go wrong ?

Ava is packing up her life in the UK and getting ready to move to America with her boyfriend Ben. Her housemate and best friend, Lena, throws Ava a surprise leaving party. Everyone has been invited, even people that Ava is not keen on ....... what could go wrong ?

13 years ago, at another party, something terrible happened but the event has led to Ava and Lena having an unbreakable bond but can their friendship survive another party.

Martha, Ava’s estranged sister turns up at the leaving party as she doesn’t want Ava leaving the country without them making up. Lena and Martha have never got on but can they finally put their differences aside for the sack of Ava ?

This is a great story that over the past and present shows the friendship between Ava and Lena, as well as the events leading to the destruction of two sisters relationship. The story is told over two timelines as well as from Lena and Ava’s perspective in alternating chapters.

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for a digital copy of this book.

This one really left me surprised! I did not know what to expect but I am very happy that I was able to read this one... truly it captured my attention and in such a way that I was not expecting! A must read! Bravo to Lesley Sanderson.

Tiny Synopsis: Ava receives a single black rose every single year - everyday on the same day and has been for 13 years. Reminding her of the past. Wants to start a new life and packs up her bag in attempt to leave London all behind. Her best friend Lena throws her a leaving party and one by one, guests start show up. Then another rose appears. Someone at the party knows her secret. And they are there at her house. Which guest is it? And what is her secret?

Thank you to @netgalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy for my honest review!

This book is out Jan 31, 2020!

My Review:⭐️⭐️.5 / 5 stars

First off, the cover art is so attractive. The premise is also very intriguing. Please note that it is a british novel so the slang and language takes a bit to get used . Then does anyone else read the book in a british accent in their head too? That would be me. However that kind of is about it. I really wanted to like this but as I started to read this, I found myself not caring about who even sent her black roses and why she was leaving to move to America. I felt indifferent to the character and only mildly interested in knowing why she has this big old secret from 2005. And I already predicted the ending early on. Very different than some other books I’ve read where it jolts me awake. I kept reading though so that I could make sense of it as it does get confusing from the multiple point of views & past/present timelines. Aside from the eye-catching cover, I would not recommend.

Ava has received a black rose on an anniversary each year. We don’t know what happened other than an accident. She is about to leave and begin a new life in New York with her fiance Ben - the engagement being something she hasn’t told Lena about yet. Again on the mat sits the box that holds another black rose. She doesn’t know who the sender is. She just has to get through her leaving party and a meal the following evening then she can escape. Alternate chapters take us back to 2205 with Ava, Lena, Gareth and other friends- and how their relationships developed- or not. The current chapters are told from either Lena or Ava’s point of view, each with their own secrets. A tension is building between the pages. Who is sending the roses and why.? There are several suspects and I kept alternating who I thought it was. I liked the concept however for me there wasn’t enough tension/umph, something was unfortunately slightly lacking. An enjoyable read however- just could do with a little more suspense. One to build on.
(rest of links as part of blog tour) am done-= misfits farm

This story felt a little disjointed to me. The chapters changed between different points of view and timeline. I feel as if drastic changes took place without much of a reason and it left me to wanting to know more of the “why”. Even though it was didn’t end up being a favorite, I appreciate being given the opportunity to read and review this E-ARC.

This is the story of two friends, Ava and Lena. One night 13 years ago, there was a tragedy which they were both involved in. Every year since, on the anniversary of that night, Ava has been sent an anonymous black rose. Trying to put what happened behind her, the memories of that night are brought back up again every year, but when Ava has the opportunity to move to New York to live with her boyfriend she thinks she will finally be free from it all. However, when Lena throws her a leaving party, strange things happen with more black roses appearing and Ava’s personal belongings going missing. Just who is behind it all?

This was a chilling read which had me hooked from the first page. Told from two different timeframes, the story switches backwards and forwards from present day to 13 years previously. The story from the past fills in the gaps as to what happened to Ava and Lena, and it was tantalisingly drip-fed in little snippets throughout the whole book. The switches between timeframes was done smoothly and at no point did the story become confusing, if anything the tension and suspense of what was happened increased as the chapters passed. The characters were great and Ava and Lena’s characters particularly added to the mystery of the story. I have to admit, I didn’t particularly like either of them – there was just something about them which I couldn’t put my finger on!! – but this is what made the storyline so addictive!

The author did a cracking job of leading me down dead ends and throwing red herrings right at me. It definitely kept me thinking of who it could be, and there were plenty of characters for me to accuse! I did eventually work it out before it was revealed, but this didn’t detract from the enjoyment of the book one little bit. I did however love how it kept you guessing as the story moved on though, and I don’t know about you but there is certainly something creepy about a black rose!! This was a suspenseful thriller of a read, filled with lots of lies and mistrust. Would definitely recommend!

This was a one day read for me, so I can say it was definitely a page turner, but it wasn't the best book I've read. I'd give it a solid three stars. While it kept me turning the pages, the story itself was a bit implausible and I felt like we never got any depth to the characters, especially Ben.

The book was slow to jog my interest and curiosity. I think it was Chapter Four before I felt a frisson of low-key suspense. My biggest problem was that I couldn't relate well to the two main characters Ava and Lena and felt disconnected. I suspect it may have been a generation difficulty and possibly more suitable to younger readers than me. I found the characters so frivolous and superficial that they got on my nerves. The ending was predictable long before it came, so the suspense was lost. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.

This is a great psychological thriller that had me hooked from the first few pages.
When I realised the whole book is about one party I wondered how it would keep my interest, but believe me, there’s plenty to keep you gripped.
There’s also some flashback chapters to 2005 when something happened that affected Ava’s life, and we find out the truth as the story unfolds.
In the present day, Lena has organised a party for her close friend, Ava as she is moving to New York to be with her fiancé.
Lena is desparate for her not to go - but how far will she go?
Ava’s sister arrives at the party and deep buried hatred between her and Lena comes to the surface.
I did feel sorry for Ava as this happy occasion soon starts to crumble around her.
You’ll have to make your own mind up about Lena but for me, her behaviour is not that of a best friend and whilst Ava doesn’t know who to trust, Lena continues to influence her.
This is a great read that had me racing through the pages to find out what happens next.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

I liked this book. The timelines were a bit confusing but it was still an interesting read. I found the ending a bit predictable but I feel like it would be surprising to people new to thrillers.

The Leaving Party by Lesley Sanderson was an excellent chilling and suspenseful read. I was hooked from the very first few pages. You will find that this book is told in two different timelines, by two different narrators, However it did get confusing at times but stick with it..............it will all come together at the end and it will leave you shocked!!! Promise

This brilliant book is a between two close friends Ava and Lena. They have been school friends since their school days and are like sisters. Lena has arranged a surprise leaving party for Ava as she is moving to New York with her fiance Ben.
However,

They both share a dark secret from their past. Will this secret come out in the open?

Every year since 2005 Ava receives a Black 🌹rose with dark petals, jagged thorns, on the anniversary of a mysterious accident that happened when they were teenagers. There's no note with the rose.

Who is sending Ava these Black 🌹roses?

Ava just wants to get on the plane, start her new life with Ben and forget her past and hope's she never gets a black 🌹rose sent to her again.

But, things do no go to plan as she receives another black 🌹rose with not note attached to it. She throws this 🌹in the bin and hope no one finds it!

This book is full of twists and turns and will have you shocked at the end...........Just brilliant!!!!!

I highly recommend this book.

Big Thank you to Lesley Sanderson and Bookouture for a arc of this book via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review

I found this story to be predictable and not as good as I hoped it would be.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

3.5 stars

The Leaving Party by Lesley Sanderson is a psychological thriller.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
 

My Synopsis:   (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)

Ava is moving to New York to be with her boyfriend Ben, and her best friend Lena is throwing her a going away party.  Ava and Lena have been friends forever, and this move is going to be rough on both of them.

However, Ava will finally be able to start a new life, and maybe even forget the past.  New York should be far enough away from England.   She can leave everything behind.

But as the day of the party dawns, Ava receives a black rose, the reminder of that dreadful day that she doesn't want, much less need.   She will never forget the past.  Yet for 13 years,  she has receives a black rose on that anniversary.  As the day and party progresses,  more black roses appear, her phone goes missing, as does her passport, and her fiance Ben doesn't show up.  Could this day get any worse?


My Opinions:  

The book was about friendship and love.  It was also about lies, deceit, co-dependency, obsession and revenge.

The story alternates time-lines and points of view.  This is done very well, and nothing gets confused.  The chapters are relatively short, which makes the pace fast.   It is a quick read.  There were a lot characters, most of which were deep enough to understand, but unfortunately very few were actually likable.

The overall premise of the story is quite good, but somehow it lacked a final punch.  Everything was expected, and delivered, but no major "WOW" moments developed, not for me anyway. I did still enjoy it!

4-5 stars!
I had a very hard time putting this book down, as it was well written, intriguing, thrilling, and shocking! It kept me tangled up in the twisted web of lies that the character had created and had me yearning to find out how she planned to untangle herself from it! Lots of twists and turns, thrills, and chills! I highly recommend to those who love a quick, fun, chilling read!
Will make sure I buzz it up on all the different platforms!

A simple leaving party. That is all Ava wants. That is what Lena promised. Leaving London and heading to New York to marry Ben is all she is hoping for. However, as she is getting ready for the party, she receives a black rose. This is very frightening to her, because it is not her first.

Meanwhile, she has been friends with Lena for years and Lean is not about to let her go. Will the party go okay or has what Lena plans for Ava really throw everything off kilter?

The story then shifts between the past and the present, with the past story also being a party. As the stories develop it is clear to see that the long friendship between Lena and Ava is more than a bit off. As things took time to develop I became a bit antsy for Ava. And I wanted to meet Ben. Instead, readers are seeing what the real drama that exists between Lena and Ava.

This is a well-crafted story that kept the suspense level tight, especially with the dual point of view. It is a marvelous thriller that captured my attention from the start. I do look forward to reading more of her work in the future.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

I’d like to thank Bookouture and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘The Leaving Party’ by Lesley Sanderson in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Over the past thirteen years Ava has been sent a black rose on the anniversary of an accident that took place in 2005. Ava has decided to move to New York to be with her boyfriend Ben and her best friend Lena has arranged a farewell party on the night before she leaves. Ava is convinced that the person sending the black roses will be at the party, but who is it?

From the description I was looking forward to reading ‘The Leaving Party’ but I’m afraid I found it hard to get into the story which to my mind was slow with no mystery, excitement or suspense, and I wondered if perhaps it was intended for a younger reader than myself. I couldn’t empathise with Ava and Lena who I thought were shallow and unlikeable and the other characters flat, lifeless and uninspiring. I really wanted to like this novel and kept reading in the hope that something would fire up my imagination but I’m sorry to say that I found little in it to enjoy.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book as I’d never read Lesley Sanderson and it was my first Netgalley book, but I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed it! I loved the flow of this book and the different perspectives in the timelines. It gave just enough away to keep you curious and interested without giving away too much so as to be completely predictable. It was paced well and did not take long to get interesting. I also liked that the main characters were like able but also somewhat untrustworthy so it kept you guessing.

The Leaving Party is a story about how one night can change your life. About what can happen when long-held secrets and toxic obsession collide. And makes us question how well we really know those we consider closest to us/around us.

Ava is on the cusp of a new life. in two days she's joining her boyfriend Ben in New York and she can finally leave behind the awful thing she did that's been haunting her for thirteen years. She's tried to move on but so far it's followed wherever she goes with the appearance of a single black rose on the same day every year. she's never told anyone, not even her best friend Lena who saved her life terrible, fateful night. But today one appears out of sequence, terrifying Ava and convincing her that her tormenter will be at the party and might just be planning their revenge.

The backstory is slowly told in flashbacks of another party thirteen years ago. What happened that night cast a dark shadow over their lives and bound the pair together for the rest of their lives. Ava feels beholden to Lena for her actions that night and it’s clear that Lena plays on this, using it to keep Ava close and guilt her into accepting how she clings to her and wants her all to herself. The dynamic is unhealthy but Ava feels so indebted to Lena that she can’t see it clearly.

I didn’t find Ava or Lena particularly likeable. Ava was a character I felt a bit indifferent about and I never particularly took to her or feel the connection you need with a character to really care about what happens to them. Though she talks about having done something awful and secretive, I never felt that tension or got the feeling she had done anything wrong, but sensed she felt a huge amount of guilt for causing an accident that ended in tragedy. Lena was different. I didn’t like or trust her from early on, and though she unnerved me I was able to feel her pain more keenly. As more of her character was revealed it was clear she had an unhealthy attachment to Ava and might benefit from some psychiatric help. She was a great character to read as though she's clearly unhinged we're never sure if she's the good or bad guy.

I loved the premise of this book. It was full of mystery and started with tension in the air as Ava receives the rose that morning. Though it never reached a level where I was on the edge of my seat, tension was added to the story with the mystery of what had happened to Ben, the influx of sinister, unwanted party gifts and Ava trying to figure out who she could trust and which guest was behind it all. I had suspicions about the suspect early on that ultimately proved true, but the author kept me on my toes with a number of viable suspects that each seemed to have equal merit and made it had to be sure who was the perpetrator.

The Leaving Party was a quick, easy and engaging read. It is perfect for those who enjoy mysteries that don’t have the gruesome element you often find in this genre.

Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.