Thank you to all who have submitted book reviews, here is just a selection of your responses.
Dear Anne-Marie,
I wanted to tell you how much I have enjoyed reading Second Chances. I have had the novel for quite a while now and have lost count of how many times I have read it – once I start reading it is very difficult to put down!
Your ability to entice the reader’s imagination to become fully engrossed throughout the chapters, and to see and live through the events that the characters do is nothing short of amazing. I won’t lie, the chapter in which we were introduced to Genevieve I thought to myself sarcastically, “Wow she seems such a lovely young lady!” However, by the time I finished the book I loved Jenny, hated Cedric, missed Grandfather and had gone through an entire box of tissues!
Anne-Marie, your novel stirred up so many emotions within me; I felt the joy, excitement, anger and pain that Genevieve and Peter experienced throughout the book. Like Jenny, I too went through a similar childhood trauma but through your character I have found some closure and realised that everyone shall receive their comeuppance; it’s karma after all.
Thank you so much for creating such a spell-binding, heart-warming story and here’s to more publications in the years to come.
Kindest Regards,
J Hurst (South Carolina, USA) 28th November 2011
A great story quite emotional to read at times. I'd hate to be in Cedric's shoes but he got what he deserved.
K Smith-Benning 16th September 2011
An amazing book, with an amazing storyline and an amazing cast of characters. I did tear-up a few times followed by screams of delight and manic laughter at the mischievous nature of the troublesome duo. A great read and a wonderful keepsake for me. Well done chick when is the next one due?
J. Knight 3rd September 2011
AMarie all I can say is WOW! I loved each chapter and that fiery Jenny, she's my kinda girl. The classic lines ‘How do you like me now’& ‘It’s Karma’ were fantastic. I cried with laughter when Jenny and Peter went to church of all places. Such a great summer novel, so amazing and funny but underlies a serious message of what can happen when we don’t care about those in our care. Your novel is the biz. I’m such a fan and I can’t wait for your next one. Blooming fantastic.
P.Thomas (London) 14th August 2011
"I loved the book, It was so deep."
Leonie Beckford (United States) 12th June 2011
“Anna-Maria,
An exceptionally stirring narrative interspersed with a first-rate brand of humour that only you know how, when and where to sprinkle. Simply put Anne-Marie, I adore this book. From its inception to its conclusion your novel maintained its intensity and the characters with their problematic lives added depth and a deeper meaning to your novel.
Second Chances is and will always be memorable to me for such inspired characters, an exciting plot but for the most part being written by an intelligent, gifted and witty young lady who I am delighted to call a dear friend."
A.A.Francis (London) 30th April 2011
"AMarie,
I am loving your work. The book is great and very very funny. More of the same please. I am going to use the line "It's Karma" when I get to work tomorrow. I loved Peters poem, good job, well done."
Carol. H (London) 26th April 2011
"Hi AMarie,
Your book is awesome truly awesome! I read all three hundred and twenty–four amazing pages. You have such a remarkable gift of drawing the reader in and making them feel completely absorbed in the storyline and held utterly spell bound by your characters in the intense account that is Jenny’s life. I felt each raw emotion as Jenny grew stronger and found her centre, what a remarkable novel.
I laughed when I read about Canterbury and cried when I also learned about Splendour. With each turn of the page I experienced such different emotions from elation, anger, fear and joy to name a few. Never have I read a book that has kept me utterly fascinated like Second Chances has. I wholly agree with your reviewers you have an exceptional talent and an incredible writing style and I cannot wait until your next book."
S. Mellor (Auckland) 22nd April 2011
"Anne-Marie I must congratulate you on your novel Second Chances. It kept me sitting on the edge of my seat.It is a fantastic book. Can't wait for the next one."
L. MacKenzie (New York) 15th April 2011
“Hi AMarie,
I picked your book up while on holiday and read it from cover to cover. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was so fascinated by the storyline and captivated by the characters that I cried. The relationship between the main characters was so intense, thrilling and very very entertaining. This book completely absorbed me making me laugh and cry with each turn of the page. You created such real characters that I screamed with laughter when you described the school bully Paul. (I remember my Paul was also a ginger bully named Paula afflicted with the same speech impediment would you believe) and had she read your book back then Paula might have had more options in life other than making babies and collecting unemployment benefits, she could even have finished her secondary education. Perhaps it’s not too late I will send her a copy of your book (anonymously of course) as she is currently residing in one of Her Majesty’s finest establishments.
I really love your characters in fact the whole book. Please write another one, I am dying to read more and I am sure Paula will be interested too if it contained diagrams and pictures. Just a little something to consider next time"
D.Williams (Coventry) 1st March 2011
"Ok never mind the fact that I had to travel over 30 miles under stressing conditions, perform ninja acrobatics, swiftly and cunningly. I did manage to remove it from the sharp, watchful eyes and tightly clutch grasp of a 80 yr old woman. Yes, yes I must say Second Chances is worth all the cussing. She was about to give it but if she finds out it's missing!! It is a page turner and I’ve given it my official writer’s stamp of approval.” (Smiles)
S.Barclay (Jamaica) 17th February 2011
"Hi I have just finished reading Second Chances. ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!!!!! Thank you so much. I am so proud of you and I can't wait for your next novel. Amarie YOU ROCK!!!!"
A. Jeffrey (London) 7th January 2011
"Congratulations Anne-Marie! You have an amazing writing style that totally captured my imagination and personally involved me with your larger-than-life characters. I felt completely immersed in the storyline and couldn't wait to find out what happened next. I found the main character Jenny totally believable. She's a bright, spirited and earnest child, surrounded by so much dysfunction it causes her to mature beyond her years. She is fiercely independent yet vulnerable at the same time.
Second Chances had me completely enrapt, often shrieking with laughter sometimes reaching for the tissue box. Like any good book it left me thirsting for more - so I eagerly await your next literary offering."
M.T (London) 5th June 2010
"Second Chances is a gripping, powerful and an incredibly amazing novel. The Author Anne-Marie truly gave me the unexpected, lead me in another direction and made me change my preconceived ideas and opinions with this inspiring and realistic story. This book is a must read for those who need that pick me up or just a fantastically good read. The characters are so real that they leap off the page and lure you into their world. Second Chances is an unexpected story that will make you absolutely laugh with enjoyment and also move you to tears.
To Anne-Marie Barclay-Morrison, I doff my cap and salute you, your first novel is a stunning success.”
C.B (USA New York) 3rd October 2010
"This book grabs you and draws you in within the first couple of pages, so much that I couldn't put it down and had to read on. Second Chances made me laugh made me really think about life and I am not ashamed to say it made me cry. The lost years between a weak father and out of necessity strong daughter and the resolution between them in the end gave depth to the book. I thoroughly recommend this book to everyone. Congratulations and I cannot wait until the next books I am looking forward to reading them."
Ruth ORourke (Wellingborough)13th April 2010
"It is electrifying and so magnetic that it draws you in from start to finish. It is an emotional yet beautiful story that I could not help but read again and again. Thank you, thank you, thank you."
Frederica Harris (Wellingborough) 3rd April 2010
"Once you start reading this book you will not be able to put it down. It is absolutely superb, a work of art."
KGM (Wellingborough) 29th June 2010
"A compulsively readable novel. Very enjoyable, it brings you that certain kind of pleasure only a born storyteller can offer."
Sarah M (Wellingborough) 1st December 2010
"A very excellent read this lovely novel second to none is second chances. It will take you through the lanes, alleyways, streets, rivers and oceans of human life culminating in a voyage of human emotion at its best."
G. Edwards 5th November 2010.
Dear Anne-Marie,
I just had to write and let you know how much your book Second Chances moved me. It eerily mirrored parts of my childhood perhaps not the money aspect but enduring a childhood trauma so horrific that I literally cried when I read your words. I felt you were writing about me. I wish I had had Jenny’s spirit, strength and humour and I love the way she dealt with her demons past and present.
This is one of the most amazing books I have ever read, you took my thoughts and feelings transferred them onto paper and throughout the journey also made me laugh. In the end it left me with hope and a sense of calmness.
Thank you Anne-Marie for making me smile. Anonymous (London) 26th July 2010
"It was amazing, I loved it. I am not a bookworm but this book had me hooked. I have never known a book to have such a variety of emotions.”
Brenda K-King (London) 17th November 2010
"I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading your next one. I thought I lived at Craiggorne but I do realise now it is only a fictional place.
M. Mather (Wellingborough) 3rd May 2010
"A fantastic piece of work, I loved it from start to finish, I was so engrossed I did not have time to do anything else. Genevieve is the girl you want onside, she was just fantastic. I love it and am reading it again can't wait for the next instalment."
K. Winter 24th April 2010
"I haven't laughed so much in ages. Jenny was thoroughly exciting and enjoyable, the supporting characters were incredible especially John loved him, his humour reminded me of my grandfather. I would love to see this played out on film. Congratulations your first novel is a masterpiece, keep it up."
Lester Ryan (Birmingham) 19th April 2010
"Cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this book. The main character sounds remarkably like my ex! I love your novel Second Chances it had me totally absorbed and completely hooked from the moment I started to read the cover. Well done Anne-Marie, I wish you every success with your other books and I look forward to reading them all." R.Walters 16th April 2010.
"I read the first page and made up my mind, what a b...h! The next few pages I loved her and her antics. A moving story from start to finish and the delicate subjects dealt with superbly. I have finished reading this book but I still can't put it down. My friend wants to borrow it but I am not letting it out of my sight."
D (Northampton) 18th April 2010
"I don't really read much but because you wrote it I thought I'd give it a go. Loved it babe, xxxxxx fantastic I didn't realise it had no pictures until I finished reading it. Nice one!"
Stevie B (London) 18th April 2010
"After wrestling my husband for the book I sat down with a glass of wine to read this much anticipated story. I was carried away with Jenny's character. She was mischievous, intelligent, evil, funny and yet totally lovable. I loved the positive way how the 'dark secrets' were dealt with & the repercussions. I LOVED THIS WONDERFULLY TOUCHING STORY and look forward to reading more. Congratulations."
Diana Ryan (Birmingham) 18th May 2010
"What an amazing book. I have been privileged to read some of your earlier work but this is by far the most inspirational and moving novel I have read in years. Just like a cold drink on a hot day you want more. Fabulous darling just fabulous."
Kim Marshall (Coventry) 1st October 2010
"Such a moving story with many great characters. What can I say about Genevieve except that she is wonderfully splendid and yet highly dangerous. We just loved the way Cedric got his comeuppance it was all so well thought out and executed (forgive the pun). Is there going to be a sequel? We want more." S Daniels (Northampton) 18th October 2010