Book Reviews

What a difference in style from your previous book! A great tale. I read it and could not wait to find out what happens next. I disappeared into it and read it in three sessions, reluctantly closing it as my eyes became too tired. There is now room for the next book as a follow on.

I appreciate the work that has gone into this novel and know what it is like to re-read many times the same prose and the research!

Let’s hope there is not too long to wait for the next book!

Jim Walton, UK

5 out of 5 stars. Captivating setting and intriguing relationships – a great read!

This book is not just about romance but also a fascinating read about human relationships and behaviours. Ellen puts her life on hold to support a family she hasn’t known for long. She also had to navigate a new community and expectations while trying to establish the life she wants. Highly recommended.

Zoe Midwinter, Central Coast NSW – AU

I finished the book on Sunday. It was very good. You created a page tuner with a good ending.

Pete Harris, UK

My task for today is to load kindle onto my tablet, buy my first e-book and start reading. Love cover photo. Brings back memories of my time in the Sounds. Glad I finished the novel I was reading and that today I have ‘quiet time’ for reading.

I’m up to chapter 20. Your story is deepening and becoming more compelling. Not only the evolving individual characters of Ellen and Tom but also their developing relationship. And then Ellen’s writing project. Plus, delightful character of Aaron and the warmth and gentling steadiness of Meegan. All underpinned by a rustic/rural/coastal setting.

Have finished your book. Loved it. The more I see of Life and humans, the more I realise their failures and foibles are the real ‘normal’. Thought your treatment of this was very thoughtful. Sensitive rather than sensational. Evocative rather than provocative. A great read. Well done Val.

Ian Weekly, Adelaide- AU

Reading Valerie’s book, Play of Light on Water made me realise what a pleasure it is to read novels. I usually feel I need to value-add to my time invested in reading and I should always read what I find to be educational biographies or true stories. I aim to read more novels now!

This book is readable to me as it comes across like a detailed memoir and has the romantic tension of realistic characters. Ellen is running from her past and meets Tom who is also caught up by his past. Ellen and Tom dance around each other as living their lives in a small fishing village continues to get in the way.

Valerie has described the various personality traits with reliable consistency throughout the narrative thus strengthening the realism of these characters.

Having myself visited New Zealand three times and thoroughly fallen in love with its coasts and forests, I especially enjoyed the descriptions of these, but the focus is naturally on relationships and if you are a romantic then this book is definitely for you.


Myfanwy Webb, Australia