Where The Story Starts

Wow! I really enjoyed this book. The secrets hidden in these two families were easy to work out but the book is actually about the characters and how they handle themselves and the situations they find themselves in. Very well written, the characters have great depth and really came to life for me, as did the descriptions of Whitley Bay and Hartsford. I read most of this book on a lazy Sunday afternoon and it became a bit un-put-downable which is always an indication of a great read!

Yet another great novel from Imogen Clark. From start to finish, I was hooked. The characters are very well drawn and I could see them as I followed their stories, jumping from the past to the present. Told in the first person by each character, it brought me ever closer to them all.
The book covers a topic that very few of us have experienced, but Clark has made it all too clear what the consequences could be.
Already looking forward to the next one.

This is the third novel I have read by this author. Having loved her first, “Postcards from a stranger”, but not been won over by the second, I’m delighted to say that this new novel won me over from the first chapter.

A mystery surrounds a chance arrival of a stranger on the doorstep of a family house, and a new friendship unexpectedly ensues. The book flicks back and forwards in time to the previous generation of these two characters, and the family that surround them, and the tension builds and mystery deepens as many new questions are woven into the plot.

This book is responsible for my missing the first day of my recent holiday as I just could not put it down! The mystery held true till late in the book, and all the ideas and events were well planned and thought out, with convincing settings and characters. It is written in a lighter style, easy to read for instant diversion, however with some nice literary motives and metaphors.

I hope this author continues to produce enjoyable work – I look forward to reading her next one.

I’ve given a review on Goodreads (which I thought I could copy here but can’t!) so please have a look at that too.

I really enjoyed this book, with its strong characters and engaging storyline. A tale of 4 women and the man who links them all, Where the story starts is the story of Leah and her unexpected friendship with Clio. The reader knows far more about Leah’s story than anyone else and what really stood out for me was that where Imogen gives you that clue to a twist, I didn’t find myself trying too hard to second guess what would come next. I was so interested in letting the story play out that I found myself just enjoying the story - it’s not often I find that.

Every bit as good as Postcards (and I enjoyed it much more than The Thing about Claire), this story of love, friendship and loss is a joy to read.

Where The Story Starts is a fantastic storyline with great characters. Imogen Clark is a wonderful author who gets better with each book.

A wealthy woman shows up on Leah's doorstop and ends up becoming her friend. She is wonderful to Leah's two children. But Leah can't figure out why she'd pick her to be friends with. When she first showed up she said she remembered something about her house, thought she'd been there before. Leah and Clio become very close. Clio isn't telling Leah everything however. Such as, who she really is. Great suspenseful book!

From the beginning of the book, I thought I knew the story and the likely outcome but far from it. The book is well written with unexpected twists and turns that capture your heart. The book reflects a mother’s unconditional love for her children in an intriguing and thought provoking manner.
Difficult to put this book down!

Frankly speaking, I should not have liked the book as much as I did. I understood the storyline from the beginning, knew the events before they happened and generally not a fan of the topic being handled. Despite all of the above conditions, I liked the book, enough to give it four stars!

I do not know what to credit for this strange occurrence, but it might have been the four women of the tale. There are more strong women, but four of them are our main focus. Two women in the past and two in the present cross paths with intent on one side and no ulterior motives on the other. There are men in the story as well, but only a handful are worth talking about in terms of inherent goodness or even the proper behaviour, the others are what form the bones of the story. I do not want to say anything further regarding them, but if you are even remotely like me you will know what you are heading into few chapters in. The author has written well and drawn vivid enough characters to make that possibility very strong. I was not fond of the main 'villain(s)' of the piece, but I do not think we are meant to. 

I recommend this to those people looking for a well-written piece of family drama, spanning multiple decades and two families.

thank you for allowing me to read this book. it was very easy to read. i enjoyed the story line and the characters. look forward to reading more from this author.

Leah and Clio meet outside Leah's front door. And they are so far apart in society but end up becoming the best of friends, bringing out the best in each other and supporting the weak parts in each other.
I clicked the story-line quite fast, although I had a few doubts every now and then.
The author has taken a rather predictable story-line, added twists and turns and colourful characters that make it a most enjoyable read.
No matter how deep you try to bury a secret it has a way of coming out when least expected and hurting the innocent.
A tender, goose bump-inducing read that really made a predictable story totally unpredictable.

Well written story. Great character development. This is a lovely story about the love of family. Keeps you in suspense until the end. I really enjoyed this novel!!

Imogen Clark is a wonderful writer each book is special.I was drawn right into Where The Story starts.The characters the emotions past and present the strength of a mothers love.a beautiful read.#netgalley #lakeunionpublishing.

Really enjoyable read. I guessed early on in the book what drew Clio to Leah but that did not stop my enjoyment of the story. The whole story is really well written and the characters are believable. Both sides of the story come together really well. It was a pleasure to read this book and I would definitely recommend it.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

Where the Story Starts is on page one. With the body of a woman being found washed up on the beach at Whitley Bay. Who was this dead woman? And what connects her to the other characters met later in the book?

Next, stressed single mum Leah answers her doorbell to a mysterious woman, sure she had stayed in Leah’s cottage years before when it was a holiday let. But what are her true intentions and why is she there?

I wouldn’t want to spoil the intricate plot by revealing too much of the story but suffice to say Imogen Clark is a technically very skilled novelist, deftly creating tensions between Leah, told in the first person, and Clio, the stranger, told in the third, a technique that I thought I wouldn’t like, but in fact works very well.

I am not the target reader, but I enjoyed this story greatly. And whether she is handling the characters or the setting, her prose is always colourful and easy to read. Fans of Postcards from a Stranger will not be disappointed.

I received this novel pre-publication from Net Galley, with the hope that I would write a review. No one, including the author, has had any input into my review nor the rating that I have given.

I have just started reading the first book of this trilogy so will post a proper review when I have read them all

5 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow! I just didn’t want to put this down and I kept holding my breath waiting for it to all unravel! Lies, lies and more lies!! This is suspenseful and I couldn’t believe what I was reading. Great writing! I wonder if they’ll do a movie about this one?

I don’t want to give anything away but, what a tangled web we weave! Things got really crazy in this one and I couldn’t wait to find out how it all went down. Lies, mystery and friendship all tied up together! What’s not to love about that? I loved it and will definitely read another by this author.

I really enjoyed this book and loved the way the characters developed over the pages. Although it was a storyline that I predicted there were still a few surprises long the way and I thoroughly enjoyed the book.

In a rush to leave the house with her two children, Leah is surprised when a strange woman is standing on her doorstep. Clio remembers the house from a family holiday and following the death of her father she has decided to visit for old times sake. But the house has never been used as a holiday home so is Clio mistaken or is there more to the story ?

Despite their differences the two strangers hit it off straight away and gradually become the best of friends. But will the truth drive them apart ?

This is a lovely book with some fantastic characters that keep you engaged throughout. The story is told from the present and also the past so we get to find out the truth gradually overtime, as well as finding out more about the individuals involved.

Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for a digital copy of this book.

Where The Story Starts is the story of how two very different women became unlikely friends. Clio is the heiress daughter of a baroness while Leah is a single mum bringing up two children in a small terraced house. When Clio knocks on her door one day a connection is forged and as the book unfolds the two women help and support each other in many ways.
Even though the ending of this book is obvious from the beginning I still really enjoyed watching the story unfold, and this I put down to wonderfully believable characters created by Imogen Clark. The book moves between the past and the current day to reveal the full story but as I said, it really is not hard to figure out what is going to happen. There is a real sense of warmth throughout the book and I think that is what kept me reading.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher,all opinions are my own.

The author is very perceptive in the way she describes her characters thoughts but I struggled to finish this book as the story was very predictable and one I had read many times before. I will definitely check out this authors other books as she is a very strong writer; I just couldn't enjoy this story which has been told so many times before.

Really enjoyed this story. The characters were likable and well written. The story drew me in and was very interesting.

Loved this book- the characters, story and writing style!! I loved the previous books by the author, but this is my new favorite. I just love the way Imogen Clark tells a story. I get caught up and feel like I'm a part of it. Clio, Leah and Grace were my favorite characters. They were all amazing in their own way. Charles was simply a terrible. All he thought about was himself. Did he even love his wife? He honestly thought he got away with everything and was great at keeping secrets/lying. I'm not sure how he was able to keep up his charade for so long. Leah ended up being alone because both of her parents were only thinking about their own feelings. I can't believe how her father never contacetd her. Leah struggled but she ended up being able to take care of herself and two children. I loved the friendship she created with Clio. They were exactly what each other needed. I enjoyed how the book alternated between characters and the past and present. Loved the ending.

Definitely recommend the book and all of the author's previous books!!! I look forward to reading more. Loved the cover of the book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Amazon Publishing UK through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

How are Leah and Clio connected? No spoilers. This is a gentle, well told story of four women- two sets of mothers and daughters- and a secret that unites them. The alternating narration works well as the truth spools out because you'll get the idea as they do. I enjoyed this one more than I anticipate because of the quality of the writing. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Perfect for fans of domestic British novels. A very good read.

What a "page turner", definitely 5 stars. So hard to review without spoilers though. The characters really drew me in. Each chapter written from the point of view of one of the characters, skipping backwards and forwards in time. Sounds complicated but written so well it's seamless and just makes you want to continue reading! One of the best books I've read in a long time.
I received an early review copy from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an unbiased review.

With thanks to Netgalley and Amazon for this ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.

I mostly read thrillers but I also enjoy women's fiction. This is the first book I have read written by Imogen Clark. If you enjoy Amanda Prowse, I highly recommend this book. Based on Where The Story Starts I think I have discovered a great new author.

I was drawn into this book from the first page. The plot was intriguing even though it was obvious early on how Charles and Ray were connected.

The book was told from the POV of Leah, Clio, Grace and Melissa. It was a nice touch to make Leah and Clio so similar but come from different classes. I liked all four women but I especially liked Leah and Grace. I liked Grace and I could understand why she kept Charles`s secret. However if the story came to light in 2019 about the aristocracy it would probably shock no one.

Charles was an interesting baddie. Charles was a `commoner` so i would of liked to have read about his background. I don't think Charles was a bad man but he was definitely weak and probably scared of losing his status in life. I can't believe Melissa didn't question why Ray went away for long periods of time. I was annoyed that Ray walked out on Leah when she was 18 and never saw her again.

I will definitely catch up on Imogen Clark`s other titles.

First, thanks to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read an e-galley of this book.

I loved this story! I couldn't put it down! The way it was written, I kept saying, "I need to find out what happens next.....just one more chapter!"

Melissa-then, is married to Ray and mother to Leah. Grace-then, is married to Charles and mother to Hector and Clio. Clio-today, has become friends with Leah.

It's a big circle as to how they all come to know each other.
#NetGalley #WhereTheStoryStarts

I just love anything Imogen Clark puts on paper! The characters in this book felt like friends right from the start. I was drawn in and wanted to follow their stories as their lives and connections began to reveal themselves. I rooted for happy endings for them all! The complexity of choices that were made throughout will make you wonder whether honesty is always the best policy.

Clio and Leah grew up in two different worlds of society. However, their lives become intertwined when Clio stumbles on a family secret. Although you figure out early in the story in what the big secret is, you can'take help to see how this story unfolds.
This story is about loves, loss, betrayal and forgiveness.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this book! It is well written and keeps you interested in the story. Each chapter is written in the first person with their name and time period as the title (then & now). This was a great format for the story as it was easy to follow and kept you wanting to find out what would happen next. Believable likeable characters from the outset had me interested and curious as to the outcome of events. It didn’t feel like there were any filler sections, it all just flowed. I am looking forward to reading more books by this amazing author. Thank you #netgalley

I am looking forward to reading more by this author.

Loved this book - the characters, the story and the writing style.
I have read other books by this author but this is my favourite
I would definitely recommend this book and any others written by her

A fabulous family saga. Written in the voices of four women we found out why Clio is knocking on Leah's door. A gripping, twisty read to a great finale. Great characters with lots of secrets and lies.

I read a free copy from netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters are very strong, Clio and Leah are great. The story starts with Clio appearing on Leah's doorstep, but we don't know why or what she wants. The story follows the two women as they begin a friendship, and through chapters titled 'Then' and 'Now, we find out what happened to lead them here.
I figured out the basic premise fairly early on but there were a few things I couldn't work out which added to my enjoyment. I didn't expect the ending, is how it came about. The romance with Marlon added an extra touch, and I really liked the epilogue explaining what had happened to the characters. Great read!

Thanks to #netgallery for the eARC!

This was my first read of Imogen Clark, and I loved it. A twisted tale. Two women who meet by coincidence (well it seemed so at the start) and but then develop a beautiful strong friendship. While Clio knows a bit, Leah is still surprised how she gets to be friends with Clio.

The four women, Grace, Melissa, Clio and Leah - The four pillars of the story and all connected by one single person - Charles/Ray. I cannot even come to think of how Grace was silent for her whole life. And how Clio soon adapter that as a legacy. Like mother like daughter. Melissa being Melissa never questioned anything/anyone and just went happily with what was there on her plate. What she did to Leah was wrong, but how else could she have made peace with what had happened. And finally Leah. There was no fault of her. There was nothing she could do. And still she was the one who was in most pain and had struggled. Come to think of it, Grace and Clio have only done what they could think of to reduce that struggle of Leah.

The writing and narration has been great. The story has been presented from each person’s perspective and from different timelines. It jumps from one time to another making it all the more relevant and connected for the reader.

I would definitely recommend this book. I loved reading this!

What a brilliant book. I really enjoyed this. It was a really well written story of Clio and Leah and their lives and how their lives were affected by one man. I’m trying to write this without any spoilers so maybe I shouldn’t write any more. But a great book and definitely recommend it.

I enjoyed this book. Even thought I felt it was predictable at times , I was keen to know how it ended. I though the characters worked well . I would recommend this novel to anyone who is looking for a easy enjoyable read

If you are looking for an easy read then this could be the book for you.

It is a predictable story with likable characters and it all falls neatly into place with a H.E.A.

Wow what a story,liked the way it alternates from character to character in each chapter.
The storyline is really about how each character evolves during the story as secrets are revealed slowly through the book.
Put this book on your reading list.

This is such a lovely read. Without giving the plot away I knew the ‘story ‘early on, however, this did not detract from the ebb and flow of these beautiful characters. Life can be funny at times and unfortunately some readers will be able to connect with this book as will know of a similar real life situation

I really liked the characters and agree that sometimes we are the bigger person to just let things go

With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for ARC in return for an honest review

When Clio’s father dies suddenly she is thrown off kilter and in her grief she discovers some of the pieces don’t add up. Returning to a seaside home from a childhood memory, Clio befriends Leah and finds In her a true and honest friendship. But is there more to this seaside town that draws Clio in? What secrets lie in her and Leah’s pasts and how did this cottage draw them together? I enjoyed this story by Imogen Clark. I am giving it four stars only because it was a bit predictable, and the ending perhaps a little too tidy for a messy situation. I enjoyed the storyline and characters. The multi character narrative was well written and the perspectives appreciated. I highly enjoyed this book. I received an ARC of this book, all opinions are my own.

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. Highly recommend!

I really enjoyed this book even though after a couple of chapters I could predict how the central characters were connected. However it didn't really matter, I was interested to how the story would play out. Imogen Clark has a lovely style of writing and makes her characters easy to connect with .I look forward to reading more from the author in the future.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

Two families who come from very different backgrounds connect when Clio knocks on Leah's door. At this point, they have no idea that their lives are interwoven. This book follows two generations as they learn about each other and themselves. It is a fascinating character study. The story is told in the first person by the four main women. This allows the reader insight into their thoughts and feelings.

A gentle, beautifully written book that just creeps up on you. Each character is totally believable and the multiple voice storyline laces together effortlessly. A charming read and one I will certainly recommend.

I really enjoyed this book. The way the author managed to weave the storyline’s together was faultless. Great writing, sad, yet heart warming story. I will recommend this book to others. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review.

This is a fascinating story about two families with two mothers who each have a daughter Clio and Leah. However, unknowingly, they share one husband and therefore one father. This man Charles is able to keep his double life for 18 years till one of the wives finds out and gives him an ultimatum. After the death of Charles, his other daughter Clio makes it her task to find out more about her half-sister and to come closer. It is well narrated while not all character are equally well developed. It brings up several questions about what is right and what is wrong which is always good when reading a book, therefore I would recommend reading it.

Having read Imogen Clark’s Postcard from a Stranger I know she delves into family secrets,, the struggle to keep them and the physical and emotional toll they wreak. The authors writing style from the previous novel is similar in this one - and its wonderful how she brings out the nuances of her characters in a way that you visualize them immediately and begin to feel that you have already met some of them in your day to day life. Two very different people,e meet and the choices they have made in the past haunt them (and us) as we learn their truths. Beautifully written and highly recommended

It is obvious where this story is heading but this doesn't detract from enjoying the story as it unfolds. We follow two very different women who are related (half-sisters) but don't know it. We step into the tow very different lives of one man who has two wives and two families in two different places. I love the way the story weaves in and out of the past and the present, tracing the beginning of and development of love and parenthood and what happens when two worlds collide. It is a testament to duplicity, for knowing but choosing a very different course of action, of sticking to decisions and trying to help others. It is warm, interesting and the characters are delightful.
Follow Leah, a single parent and Clio a very privileged but bored individual keen to make things right and throw love Leah's way. Instead of long buried secrets blasting the friendship apart the truth actually liberates these two women and something very special is nurtured, forgiveness, acceptance and finally a sense of belonging.
I will read more of Imogen Clark!

Secrets, lies and friendship is the crux of this story. The story flows well considering there's a lot of background history that needs to be told.
A great book that has some great characters.

This is my first book by this author but I will definitely search for more. The story was like a puzzle with all of the pieces connecting one by one. There was family drama and secrets., and secrets always come to the surface. I really liked the characters of Clio and Leah.
Many thanks to Amazon UK and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a great novel about a pair of young women who discover friendship through a complicated series of events. I love the ending .

Within the first few pages of this book, I knew I was going to become totally immersed in the characters.
Centred around four female characters in a past and present format, they are bound by a secret...one that was held together for more than 20 years.
As I was reading the book, I figured out the secret very early on..as I’m sure your meant too. But this was very much a character driven story and I loved these characters, especially Leah and Clio in the present day. I could have easily kept following their story and was quite sad to finish.
The author Imogen Clarke has been on my radar for a little while and I’m so glad I can add her to my list of authors to watch, as well as read her past books.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to read.

Lovely cover that drew me to the book. The book was lovely. A feel good read perfect for this time of year lazing on holiday or in the garden. It was easy to read and well written. Great read

Where the Story Starts was a mesmerizing novel! I enjoyed how the characters were presented and their relationships. One day Clio visits Leah's house. The two women form a friendship and begin to spend time together. Leah has two children she is raising by herself. Clio lives in a huge house with her mother and her brother. The two women lead two different life styles. Leah struggles to raise her children while Clio has it made. As the days go on, the two women together will become involved in something that will forever change their lives. The story alternates between the days now and the past when they were young children. The story is full of emotion and written beautifully!

Can anyone truly love two people? Can anyone really live two lives?

This book does a nice job of setting up a believable tale of those who get caught in the cross fire when someone they love keeps some deep dark secrets. I enjoyed the way the book goes through time and the believable reactions and differences in what we all decide we need to be happy. Two points for a very clear picture that simply having oodles of money doesn't make you happy or ensure you get what you want.

Imogen Clark’s Where the Story Starts introduces us to two spunky women who have had completely different upbringings yet are connected in ways neither could have anticipated. Leah, a single mom with two young children, has been on her own since she was 18. Faced with some tough life decisions, she hunkered down, found stable work and is raising her children as best she can given limited resources. Clio has lived in luxury and as such, has not encountered too many of life’s difficulties as she grew up and became an adult. Though privileged, Clio does her best to not adopt a pampered air and truly wants to be a good person who has value and worth.

Once the two women meet, both of their lives are irrevocably changed. Leah starts to live a life beyond ‘single mom,’ and Clio learns about work and real friendship. Along the way, secrets are formed and ultimately revealed, forcing the two women to acknowledge and accept each other despite the information they discover. There are interesting and relevant side characters who enhance the story quite well. Though the reader will figure out the secret long before the two main characters, the really interesting element is learning how they handle it and make their future.

I have read other books by this author and loved them. This was the same it's an easy read bok which draws you in from the start and not stop till the end. It was easy to follow from past to present. It was emotional on parts and made you really feel for the characters.

Clio finds an excuse to meet Leah after uncovering a secret about both of their families. They become close friends, with chapters alternating between their thoughts, as well as those of their mothers, Grace and Melissa. From the beginning you will know where the story is heading, but that does not take away from the enjoyable journey. Social class, marriage as well as the definition of family are themes in this well written piece of women’s fiction . Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

Are unique plot line. I enjoyed the story and the characters as well. I look forward to the next story from this author.

A charming read for sure! While it was pretty easy to figure out what was going on in the story pretty early on it was nice to see how it unfolded and get to the know the characters more! I really enjoyed this book.

I utterly adored this book from start to finish! It had a really fantastic, innovate storyline which was engaging, encapsulating and enthralling at every step of the way! I was gutted that it finished so here's hoping there may be a sequel...

This is a new to me author - not sure if this was her debut or not - but I enjoyed this a lot. It was a nice refreshing emotional story. Easy to read and well defined characters.

AMAZING! Very well written, a genuine can't put down book! You follow the emotional and twisting lives of the characters past & present!

I absolutely loved this book!
Even if i figured out some of the subjects along the way, I remained engaged with one of the characters: Grace. And I wasn't disappointed about the epilkgue.
The story gains strength along the pages, and the read turned out to be very satisfying. It's wonderful to find characters able to captivate souls. And this book was full of them.
I hope to read more from this author soon.

Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Leah has a tough life with two young children to bring up on her and when the wealthy Clio turns up out of the blue on her doorstep she is surprised and unsure of her motives and why she seems to want to get know her. As the secrets begin to unravel can the fledgling friendship survive the revelations?

A great story with good characters and plenty of twists and turns to keep your interest, perfect summer beach read

Thanks to Netgalley for my copy 3.5*

A tab predictable but a light and enjoyable read. One that would be good as a beach read.

I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced copy of Imogen Clark's latest book and having read all of her other titles was very much looking forward to reading this, her latest. I'm delighted to say I was not disappointed. Ms Clark has cemented her reputation as an excellent writer, able to weave an engaging tale from her clear appreciation and understanding of the nuances of the family dynamic. I devoured it pretty much in one go! Although, I confess, I guessed where the storyline was headed from fairly early on, this did not detract in any way from my enjoyment of the book. The four main female characters are equally strong and the relationships between them are skilfully crafted such that you remain eager to find out how things will pan out for each of them. They each have their flaws which make them all the more convincing and relatable. As with Ms Clark's previous books, there is a cracking pace to the story and the different narrative strands, alternating both between characters and time periods, provide drive and interest. Thoroughly recommended but clear a space in your diary to read it - you won't want to put it down!

I usually struggle with books with so many main characters but I loved this. The individual characters and their arcs were well thought out and developed.

I'm struggling to figure out why I liked this story as much as I did. It is fairly cliched, and it is clear where it is heading early on...so no mystery or surprise to be found here! But even though I knew, I was interested in how it would play out. I also liked the women characters. I didn't find them completely believable, but I wanted to. They pulled at my heartstrings a bit.. This isn't a deep read, but it is an enjoyable one, a welcome and uplifting distraction where everything convoluted works out in the end. Sometimes we need these books. Thank you NetGalley and publishers for providing a digital ARC for review.

With thanks to Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an open and honest review. I was drawn into this book from the first page. Although VERY predictable, it was a well written and satisfying read.