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Between the Sheets
Dana De Lacey, bestselling romance novelist, has the world at her feet. The words on the page flow easily; an exciting new book deal beckons, and life at home in Dublin is good.
But Dana's self-confidence and success depend on one her gorgeous husband, Gus. Without him, she has no fall-back. No children, no close family of her own to call upon. When Gus leaves her, she is devastated. The words fail to come. The alcohol flows too freely. She cannot sleep.
Then her estranged brother, Ed, arrives to take care of her out of the blue, and memories which she has buried for many years begin to startling recollections of a childhood and a little girl long-forgotten, which inspire Dana at last to write from the heart.
Which Dana was it that Gus walked out on -- the glamorous party girl, whose romantic novels always have a happy ending? Or someone with a different name, whose life tells a very different story? Forced to face up to the past, can she find the real Dana, recover her career, and try to make Gus love her for the person she really is?
But Dana's self-confidence and success depend on one her gorgeous husband, Gus. Without him, she has no fall-back. No children, no close family of her own to call upon. When Gus leaves her, she is devastated. The words fail to come. The alcohol flows too freely. She cannot sleep.
Then her estranged brother, Ed, arrives to take care of her out of the blue, and memories which she has buried for many years begin to startling recollections of a childhood and a little girl long-forgotten, which inspire Dana at last to write from the heart.
Which Dana was it that Gus walked out on -- the glamorous party girl, whose romantic novels always have a happy ending? Or someone with a different name, whose life tells a very different story? Forced to face up to the past, can she find the real Dana, recover her career, and try to make Gus love her for the person she really is?
377 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2008
16 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Colette Caddle
31 books88 followersBorn, bred and still living in Dublin's fair city...
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 9, 2013
Well now!
First of all, I'm sure I wasn't the only one to notice the slightly anagramatic (is that a word? I've a feeling it mighn't be but I haven't had enough coffee yet to rouse myself to check my dictionary) name the central character is given. Is there a bit of 'meta fiction' going on here? Obviously, Dana de Lacey *isn't* Colette Caddle and that the story isn't based on her life, but having a novellist as a central character does make one think along those lines.
I loved this book. I was left genuinely shocked by some parts and found certain characters (no spoilers) so believeably unlikeable that I was actually convinced I knew them from somewhere. Gus was all too believeable, and when Ed comes into the story and we start to see some of the hidden layers and aspects to Dana's life story, I was totally gripped. I wont go into too much of the plot here because I hate spoilers and you really need to read it for yourself.
Lots of insights about the publishing world, editors and that most foul of conditions (for writers anyway) 'Writers Block'. I can't praise this book highly enough. I'm a fan of Colette Caddle's work and with 'Between The Sheets' I sensed a different type of Caddle at work here. There's a lot in here, and it's a rich and multi-layered piece of work.
Highly, highly recommeneded.
First of all, I'm sure I wasn't the only one to notice the slightly anagramatic (is that a word? I've a feeling it mighn't be but I haven't had enough coffee yet to rouse myself to check my dictionary) name the central character is given. Is there a bit of 'meta fiction' going on here? Obviously, Dana de Lacey *isn't* Colette Caddle and that the story isn't based on her life, but having a novellist as a central character does make one think along those lines.
I loved this book. I was left genuinely shocked by some parts and found certain characters (no spoilers) so believeably unlikeable that I was actually convinced I knew them from somewhere. Gus was all too believeable, and when Ed comes into the story and we start to see some of the hidden layers and aspects to Dana's life story, I was totally gripped. I wont go into too much of the plot here because I hate spoilers and you really need to read it for yourself.
Lots of insights about the publishing world, editors and that most foul of conditions (for writers anyway) 'Writers Block'. I can't praise this book highly enough. I'm a fan of Colette Caddle's work and with 'Between The Sheets' I sensed a different type of Caddle at work here. There's a lot in here, and it's a rich and multi-layered piece of work.
Highly, highly recommeneded.
August 16, 2011
To be fair - I am giving it five stars not for the book itself.
I did enjoy reading it. It was a cute story and I didn't mind the weird father/weird family part. After hearing about some catholic upbringing, it seems quite reasonable. Although prior to me growing up, I would not have guessed it. Maybe it has something to do with that easy repentance thing. Forgive me father for I have sinned.
The reason I gave this book 5 stars is because my 3 month old son was being grouchy today. I tried all his normal things and it still wasn't making him happy. After giving up, we went and layed down on my bed and I read out loud to him. The entire time I read he was either totally quiet, or talking back to me in his little baby language. I don't think there is anything better :D
I will make my boy a reader. So, thank you book!
I did enjoy reading it. It was a cute story and I didn't mind the weird father/weird family part. After hearing about some catholic upbringing, it seems quite reasonable. Although prior to me growing up, I would not have guessed it. Maybe it has something to do with that easy repentance thing. Forgive me father for I have sinned.
The reason I gave this book 5 stars is because my 3 month old son was being grouchy today. I tried all his normal things and it still wasn't making him happy. After giving up, we went and layed down on my bed and I read out loud to him. The entire time I read he was either totally quiet, or talking back to me in his little baby language. I don't think there is anything better :D
I will make my boy a reader. So, thank you book!
February 4, 2016
Full review to follow.
March 28, 2025
This book took me a while to get into and I thought it was going to be a DNF but I persisted and it did get better the further through that I got. The character of Dana frustrated me to start with but I think as more was revealed about her past it made more sense the way she acted, and by the end of the book I felt quite sorry for her. As per most Colette Caddle books, it did end with a happy ending
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2019
I was curious about where the story was going the entire book and that kept me glued to the end. i was rooting for Ryan the entire time amd was sad they had had to portay Ryan at the end. I didn't like Gus the entire book and kept hoping they didn't reconcile because. his reaction just annoyed me. by the end of the book made me realize I don't understand marriage one bit even in real lifr
February 4, 2019
This book was good. I felt it dragged on in places.
March 8, 2015
A truly unique and well written novel
I read this book from beginning to end in one day. I couldn't put it down. The story was a story in itself. I know I will 're-read it in months to come.
It's amazing to have the author keep you suspended. I felt all the joy and turmoil back and forth and over again.
I'm quite sure for some readers it would be like taking their own lives and putting it to the page.
I am an addicted reader. Reading countless books. Hundreds a year. Finding something to read with such powerful emotion is a joy.
I read this book from beginning to end in one day. I couldn't put it down. The story was a story in itself. I know I will 're-read it in months to come.
It's amazing to have the author keep you suspended. I felt all the joy and turmoil back and forth and over again.
I'm quite sure for some readers it would be like taking their own lives and putting it to the page.
I am an addicted reader. Reading countless books. Hundreds a year. Finding something to read with such powerful emotion is a joy.
December 31, 2014
Not normally a book I would pick (my sister lent it to me, as it is her favourite), but I did enjoy it after reading for a bit. It was hard to get into at first, but after a couple of chapters it flowed better. The characters in this book are very loveable and relatable, all very realistic. I could feel the pain of Dana and her brother.
The end was very good, and made me feel warm and fuzzy inside! A good summer read?
The end was very good, and made me feel warm and fuzzy inside! A good summer read?
June 23, 2015
Okay so I really don't know how I feel about this book. It's light and fluffy, exactly what I'm looking for when I read chicklit, but at the same time there are so many layers to each of the characters.
I didn't entirely warm to Dana, and feel that she should have been able to trust Gus with her past. It is in fact Ed that I feel sorry for. To me it seems that Ed is the real victim in all of this and my heart really goes out to him.
This is definitely worth a read.
I didn't entirely warm to Dana, and feel that she should have been able to trust Gus with her past. It is in fact Ed that I feel sorry for. To me it seems that Ed is the real victim in all of this and my heart really goes out to him.
This is definitely worth a read.
May 11, 2011
I didn't really "get into" this book and the last five chapters was probably it's saving grace. A book that made me appreciate my boring but relatively well adjusted childhood, and my wonderful, communicative, loving husband. I realise I am very lucky that the lines of communication are always open.
October 7, 2012
I found the first couple of chapters really hard to get into. As the story started to unfold a bit more I really began to enjoy it. Not a favourite but I will probably read it again in a couple of years.
December 29, 2013
Lovely book. To think someone could go through so much heartache and still be able to live. This story does drag a little bit and could have finished a few pages earlier. But still a good read altogether!
February 10, 2012
Great book. Took a long time to read for me as I was always busy but found time to finish it. One of the best endings I've read so far!
May 17, 2012
I liked the idea behind it but honestly, it was badly written with clunky dialogue and some seriously shaky plot developments.
July 17, 2013
Really enjoyed this book, perfect summer reading, kept me interested, liked the story although got a little drawn out towards the end.
May 10, 2022
I loved the first 3/4 of the book, felt like I didn’t want to put it down. I found the end was predicted and quick. Overall a good easy read full of drama
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews