Belle

BELLEBY: LESLEY PEARSEThis was a 600 page long book that was a little on the long side (which page length doesn't matter) as long as the book moves along and doesn't repeat itself, which I am so sorry to say that this one did. And for that reason I didn't give it the full five stars. Otherwise, this was an engaging read that I did enjoy. I hope that the publisher doesn't mind that I am sending this in well after the second and third book in this series has come out. I don't know how it is possible that I missed this but I am hoping that better late than never is the case with Lesley Pearse's first installment called, "Belle," (Belle #1). I hope for forgiveness on this one and please excuse the above cliche. I know it is bad writing form to use them, I learned that many, many years ago in College with my first English class.Belle is a fifteen year old as this story begins and its setting begins in London's East End. After witnessing a murder upstairs in her mother's brothel, she learns that she is living among prostitution during 1910. The murderer keeps said identity a secret and therefore avoiding apprehension from the authorities. Abducted off the London Streets and sold into prostitution in the less than glamorous parts of Paris and for a time in New Orleans and then back to Paris this historical fiction novel has several interesting settings. It also brings up the Titanic, which sunk in 1912. Belle decides to become the best and highest paid courtesan in the business, which I found that choice and line of work for a relatively innocent young girl who suffered all of the trauma Belle has stretching credibility and I had to decide to suspend belief in order to stay invested in this story.I think that Lesley Pearse, did a great job in writing this and I was kept interested enough to want to not put down my Kindle, but I found it impossible to comprehend that a fifteen year old young girl could escape the trauma she endured and just move on so quickly. Maybe it was the Author's intent that Belle was able to persevere and make a career choice such as the one that she witnessed for the first time, never mind a murder and being sold and still be able to recover so quickly. Definitely she was a lot stronger than I was. At my age, fifteen seems like a young age to make such quick decisions about one's future. Then again, back around in 1910 fifteen year old's were living shorter life expectancy's than today. People were getting married at that age, but for this reason also I deducted this to be four stars to an otherwise page turning novel.Lesley Pearse sure writes brave character's in Belle and I found even with above reservations I am going to read the next two books in the series. Lesley Pearse has written many novels and is one of my favorite Author's among many others from the United Kingdom. This Historical fiction book one was very compelling and deserving of four stars, in my humble opinion. This is also marketed as Literary Fiction and Women's Fiction, but if reader's want to give this one a try I would recommend it to Women who enjoy a fast paced literary read that is historically set in the past--hence also marketed as Historical Fiction.

Lesley Pearse’s dedication to the cause of women who are badly treated but through strength of will and character ultimately win the day, is so predictable, one can tell the story before one reads it. However in saying that, I have never been able to put down one of her books and this was no different. Her attention to the detail of the period and historical fact makes her stories an education as well as a port of escapism. We know the heroine will survive despite the horrors she endures but we are fascinated by the realism of the setting and the horror of the characters life. Belle is an example in point, where the heroine endures the worst of the horrors and injustices inflicted on women of her day but she rises above her experiences and finds happiness for herself and her loved ones. Touching and comforting but hardly realistic. A great read as always but with the ever present sense of Déjà vu.

If it weren't for authors like Lesley we wouldn't have the honor of taking a peek into an era that is long gone, and she does it so beautifully. I love her books and this one was fantastic. To some, it may seem that Belle went through far too much tragedy for one person to bear and thereby making the character seem unrealistic. Personally I think Lesley has managed to get across what it was like for a bought prostitute in those days and just how many things could go tragically wrong for a young girl who lands up in the wrong time at the wrong place.I loved it.

From the moment I started this book, I couldn't put it down. The story totally engaged me, with great character development and a captivating story line. The lead character, Belle, starts off as a young, naive but bright girl and through the story you see her adapt to her circumstances and become a street smart, beautiful woman. The story centres around the seedy world of brothels, as Belle's mother unbeknown to her runs a brothel. Upon a tragic event, Belle's life is turned upside down and I was on the edge of my seat reading all that happens during this turmulent time. The story is also told in such a way that the key character's movements, emotions and points of view are illustrated.Great read! You won't put it down.

Out of all the Lesley Pearse books I have read this is one of my top favourite books of hers.She never fails to have you hooked into all the different people who she either makes you love some and hate others.She has a way of describing people and scenes that makes you picture them as if you were there.You could feel the pain of the person when then been done wrong by. I have now started Belle 2 and the same applies with this story Every time you pick it up you just want to read until you get to the end,but by the same token you are enjoying the book so much you don't want them to end. .

When I started reading this book I felt there was background information missing but expected that it would be revealed later in the story. It was not until later that I realised I was reading book two of a series. The book was an excellent read so I have since purchased the first book and am ready to begin that shortly. Recommended reading if you enjoy historical novels, as I do - especially when they mention New Zealand in them!

Belle Cooper has spent her whole living in the basement of her mother's brothel. After witnessing a murder, Belle finds herself in Paris and then New Orleans working in a house. But Belle was not be defeated, as she struggles to get back to those she love. In England her sweetheart Jimmy and her closest friend Mog never lose hope in seeing Belle again."Belle" by Lesley Pearse was an okay book but I have admit that it was not as good as hope. There were times that Belle just made me flat out angry with the choice that she made. I am hoping the follow up books "The Promise" and "Survivor" are better.

Buona

Fascinating story, which sometimes made me think how strange to read of somebody who must endure hardship like this and me sitting comfortably in my armchair reading. Lesley Pearce has a very gripping style and sweeps the reader into her world. I couldn't put the book down, once I started.

Love Leasly Pearce

This book was pretty good I quite liked the story but it was just too long for me plus it ended maybe too well

A good read.