A tenderly-written but nonetheless tough love story

A tenderly-written but nonetheless tough love story, February 6, 2013

By 

Kim

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This review is from: One Last Love (Paperback)

Derek Haines very capably puts the reader in front of one of life's imponderables, death - coming swiftly face-to-face with the reality of the unavoidable and immense finality of our lives and discovering a last love at the same time whose beneficial effects would ease the inexorability of the final days.

Delicate, touching yet matter-of-fact as to what was happening and what would happen. Heart-wrenching, although I cried inside - this book made me reconsider my own life, how would I react in similar circumstances (can never be ruled out), how would I face it, how would I look back on days past, what regrets would I have? Made me reflect a lot, which is no bad thing.

It also made me feel hope for people in these circumstances, the knowledge that it was still possible to find some happiness, which in itself can bring relief, albeit temporary.

This book left me with a feeling of, difficult to describe, emptiness in knowing that for the hospice inmates, there was no foreseeable future, and understanding their need to live each minute of each day to the full while they could.

A tough but very worthwhile read, and one that I highly recommend - some Kleenex necessary.

I might come back to this review later, as my thoughts are still fairly jumbled.

A Heartwarming Read

5.0 out of 5 stars A heartwarming read..., 

By 

Irish Eyes 

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This review is from: One Last Love (Kindle Edition)

I adore a good love story and One Last Love is an excellent one though so very different from the norm.
Bonnie has only days left to live and as you would expect, he is thinking back over his life and examining his conscience. The other inhabitants of the hospice also cause him to acknowledge his prejudices and faults but he realises that even now, at the 11th hour, it is not too late to change or to make amends.
The strongest thing about this story is its simplicity. When Bonny first arrives he is shocked when a man he saw at dinner is being taken away in a hearse the following morning and that no one seems too upset about the fact. This stark, honest and raw treatment of death is very effective. As is the fact that within twenty-four hours Bonnie too has come to accept that death is simply a normal part of life in the hospice. Yet, every time Bonnie said 'see you tomorrow' to another patient I wondered - as I'm sure the author wanted me to - would he. This alone kept me turning the pages to see who would be next.
As the title suggests, Bonnie finds love with another patient, Madeline and this is so beautifully written. Where other authors might have been tempted to over-dramatise the relationship, Haines keeps it so low-key and honest that it is much more profound and touching.
It was in my mind from the first page that this book could only end in one way but, yet again, Haines did not opt for the easy or predictable finale and I closed the book feeling satisfied and very happy that I had got to know Bonnie.
I will, without doubt, be reading more from Mr Haines!

Review - Sons of Cleito

Kathleen's Goodreads review
Jan 12, 13

As I sit here at my writing desk, one word comes to mind. "Brilliant"
From the start of the first chapter, my gut told me that this was going to be an intriguing, fast paced and exciting book.
I felt as though I was right there along with Langley Garret during his thrilling, terrorizing, suspenseful and sensual journey. There were even times that I just wanted to reach out and console poor Langley. "sniff"
Once again Derek Haine's unique imagination and sterling writing skills do not disappoint.
It was a one night read for me.
I loved it!

A Sweet Lovely Read

A Sweet Lovely Read

By 

Michelle Daly (Liverpool. UK.)This review is from: One Last Love (Paperback)

I wasn't sure what to expect when I began reading One Last Love by Derek Haines. My sister and also a good friend ended their days in a hospice, which left me with very sad memories. However, Derek Haines book revealed a lighter side of life in a hospice, where friendships and even love can blossom.
Derek Haines is a born writer and I never know what to expect from him except to expect the unexpected.
One Last Love by Derek Haines is a sweet, lovely read and I highly recommend it.

What's the deal Lang?

 What's the deal Lang?

By 

Mary Crocco "book reviewer / writer"

This review is from: The Sons Of Cleito (Kindle Edition)

A reader may choose The Sons of Cleito because they enjoy reading mysteries about ancient Greek and its mythology, maybe even Latin mythology, but even if that isn't the case, Chapter One will hook any reader immediately. It is one of the most intriguing first chapters I've ever read.

The main character, Langley Garret, is viewed as a regular run of the mill guy at one point, then becomes a complicated part of a political scheme when he is kidnapped.

Readers have no idea what is going on because poor Langley doesn't have a clue either. In Derek Haines true form developing his characters, his phenomenal writing style keeps his readers questioning the same things Langley is confused about.

In The Sons of Cleito, Langley becomes our best friend. We route for him to figure out his predicament, that is while we are internalizing (pun intended) why he thinks in terms of his internal organs, especially during some of his less friendly kidnapping ordeals.

Derek Haines showcases his expertise in letting his readers decide for themselves what his characters are all about. He is at his best writing The Sons of Cleito because it has the most unpredictable ending for Langley Garret.

Mystery lovers will appreciate reading The Sons of Cleito by Derek Haines, especially if they want to know if Langley Garret is successful unraveling his kidnapping.

Very Intriguing and Fascinating

By 

Doctor Dee

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This review is from: The Sons Of Cleito (Kindle Edition)

I was enthralled from the beginning as the story is written as if you are there right next to Langley as the events are unfolding. You don't have any more of a clue than he does during his ordeal. I think this method in the beginning of the book is what hooked me. I mean, you just got to know what is going on. I liked it.

Another point I liked was this book as a cerebral feel to it as it makes several references to languages and mythology. For someone with a working knowledge of Atlantis, ancient Greek, Latin and Greek mythology, they are going to have fun reading this book. This book represents the meaning of a "Mystery"

Well written with a great plot, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Listening to your inner voice

By 

Nataliya Field "Mummyfied"

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This review is from: The Sons Of Cleito (Kindle Edition)

I never had the inner voice placed somewhere within internal organs. Not to mention having them speak quite so eloquently to me - however it does make sense on some purely physical / instinctive level.

The unfortunate target of Derek's imagination struggles with a very strange case of kidnapping, (seemingly) bit of brain washing and torture (with repeated kidnappings) while trying to make sense of it and hopefully die, or live as the case may be.

I must say it's a very intriguing read. All the events make the main character's prospects of
'happily ever after' so bleak that even I got depressed for a minute. But Derek exercises his will as the main creator of the story once more and ... well. I can't tell you. But I must say the ending IS interesting. And it's one of those "darn I wish I had the sequel right here".

Definitely loved this interesting story and looking forward to reading the sequel.