I settled down to read One Night, Two Lives with eager anticipation. The action is split between the 60’s when Suzie met James when they were young and present day – forty years later. Now Suzie is a semi-retired widow who has written a book about her pilgrimage to Spain and James (a widower) who became a clergyman. The action opens at Suzie’s book signing and James approaches her to speak to her.

The subject matter covers rape, teenage pregnancy and forced adoption – all harrowing, but the text also deals with the emotional turmoil of these factors but the ongoing pressure associated with two individuals approaching a difficult subject from separate but relevant viewpoints.

Unfortunately, I did not warm to the characters even though I was desperate to like them. I felt pressured to like them but I they just did not hit the right note for me. If anything, they irritated me and the interminable ‘walks’ and details of the ‘walks’ made the whole thing unbalanced for me.

Sorry Ms Roberts, there were elements that chimed well, but all in all, not for me. I must point out though, I did finish the book and I am confident that others will love it.

Thank you to the author, publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC via my Kindle in return for an honest review.