About Seeking Eden
'50 is the new 30 - haven't you heard?' Or so says Ben Wilde's record producer on the eve of his comeback. If only Ben could win back ex-girlfriend, Kate, he'd be a happy man. But married Kate has moved on, and moved out - to Eden Hill, a quiet housing estate in the suburbs. Lonely and homesick for London, can Kate resist ego-maniac Ben's advances and save her own flagging marriage? Streets away, Kate's new friend Lisa, a Chihuahua toting ex-WAG, is primed for a fresh start - until her footballer ex-husband is found dead and she is vilified in the gutter press. But Kate, Lisa and Ben aren't the only ones having a midlife crisis; local shop owner Martin dreams of escaping his dutiful marriage, and develops an unhealthy obsession with Lisa and her friends in Eden Hill. Alongside a colourful cast of friends and family, Kate, Lisa, Ben and Martin are living proof that older does not always mean wiser because in Eden Hill, there's temptation around every corner.
My review of Seeking Eden
Seeking Eden was such a joy to read. I loved the premise of this book. That of being able to gain an insight into the lives of the neighbours who live in Eden Hills, an upper class housing estate. It was a fascinating and enjoyable read.
The novel begins when Kate and Neil move from their inner city London home to Eden Hills. They want a fresh start, a quieter life, but can this really happen? I was hooked from the very beginning, and instantly felt as if I knew both Kate and Neil, they were like old friends. I really warmed to them and wanted to know how they would get on once they moved to their new home on the Eden Hills 'estate'.
The surprise for me was that I also got to follow the lives of other characters who lived in Eden Hills, all of whom were as equally interesting as Kate and Neil. All with their own unique story to tell. Martin owns the carpet shop in the area and is married to Jan. He is the typical 'midlife crisis' and I loved this character. Another equally engaging character is that of Lisa, ex WAG, now divorced, who is living her life once again. She truly amazed me in her generosity of spirit and toughness.
The plot is delightful, weaving together all of these different stories under one common theme, that of approaching your fifties and trying to work out what life is all about. All of the characters are trying to find their place in the world, forming relationships and friendships both old and new. As the book description states, growing 'older does not always mean wiser,' and these wonderful characters make a fair few mistakes, that make for an absorbing and interesting read.
Seeking Eden tackles some serious issues, of which I don't want to write about as they would be spoilers. I just mention this as the book is incredibly deep at times, it made me think about my own life. I really began to care for all of these characters and wanted the absolute best for them. I really felt that I got to know them, and all of their secrets.
Seeking Eden is a hugely enjoyable and easy book to read, I flew through the pages. It is lighthearted in places and incredibly thought provoking in others. What I loved most about it though was the fact that it featured middle aged adults falling in love, dealing with messy relationships and life changing decisions. This was hugely refreshing. I look forward to reading more books by Beverley Harvey.
With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an Advanced Reader Copy.
Seeking Eden published by Urbane Publications on 6 July 2017 can be found on Amazon here.
About the author
For almost thirty years Beverley Harvey has worked in the communications industry, initially in advertising in a variety of support roles, and later in PR where she trained in a London agency before becoming a freelance consultant in 2001. Beverley (Bev to her friends) recently swapped PR campaigns for plot lines and completed her first novel; she continues to supply words for businesses across a number of sectors. When not writing - or reading, Bev enjoys listening to rock and indie music, cooking, baking, and keeping fit. An animal lover (her heart belongs to doggies) she is inspired by nature, art and life's daily trials and tribulations. Born in Yorkshire, and raised in South London, Beverley now lives in Kent with her partner.
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