Contemporary
Sarah Williams is a talented copywriter, finally landing her dream job in a top-notch London Advertising Agency. The year is 1997. Christopher Hobson is the newly appointed Creative Director, whose reputation precedes his arrival. Despite herself, Sarah falls for this handsome man, with his Pools of Blue eyes.
They are clearly in love, but it's not long before Chris's obvious drinking habit begins to impact their relationship. Sarah tries her best to manage the problem.... or ignore it. However, Chris's abuse, together with his jealousy of her industry awards, becomes increasingly difficult to tolerate. We learn too that Chris's family harbours a secret regarding his absent father.
In a bid to move past their problems, Chris attends AA meetings and the couple go to counselling. A move to the countryside provides a brief respite but other problems soon manifest themselves. Chris joins their neighbour in a weekly game shoot and eventually acquires his own rifle. His behaviour at work gets out of hand, and he becomes disproportionately jealous of Sarah's relationship with a colleague, convinced she's having an affair. Just when Sarah decides she’s had enough and their relationship must come to an end, a shooting takes place.
Chris is now in the courtroom facing a charge of attempted murder. The odds are stacked against him, but the trial soon takes an interesting turn...
Here's what readers have to say about this book....
Review Pools of Blue This is a debut novel by a very promising author. Sue Ryan takes on a challenging theme in Pools of Blue published by Troubadour Publishing. Domestic violence is depicted in a sensitive and skilful way, the author managing to align us with the main protagonist Sarah as she negotiates this perilous territory. The subtleties of the various stages in the process of her awakening realisation are realistically portrayed. Like her best friend Becky we want Sarah to walk away, but like many victims of this type of abuse the road to acknowledgement and action is a fraught one. The control of her husband over her is seductive and potentially life threatening. A thrilling read and a must read
Sue Ryan has hit on a winning formula here. She depicts the issues of domestic & alcohol abuse so vividly. The continuing theme is how much one is prepared to accept and even perpetuate this treatment purely for undying love with drastic consequences. An illustration of a an excellent read to me is if the characters occupy my mind when I'm not turning the pages . This debut novel certainly ticks that box . More novels please Sue Ryan.
Absolutely loved this debut novel from Sue Ryan. I inhaled it in 3 sittings, kept on the edge of my seat by the gripping storytelling and wonderful character building. Would recommend to all.
A real page turner, very enjoyable
Fabulous story telling about a troubled relationship. Detailing the highs and lows of love. Written with humour and insight. A great read. Highly recommend it