Book Review
Wow! This tiny powerhouse reads like a full-length novel!
Tess and Tattoos (Release Date: May 30, 2017)
‘Tess and Tattoos’ is the first story of a novella collection called ‘Manipulated Lives’ that centres on psychological manipulation.
She is facing the last phase of her life, where the days stretch out like a yawn and she is alone, with her only son and grandchildren far away on the other side of the globe.
Meet Tess, an elderly lady living in a care home apartment in the outskirts of Edinburgh, whose past is haunted by a wrong decision. She meets Nurse Sandra, a warm and bubbly single mother of three, who is instantly intrigued by Tess’s personality and the mystery that surrounds her.
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My Thoughts…
Such a powerful story!
There was just something about the synopsis of ‘Tess and Tattoos’ that peaked my interest and I really liked the title. However, it no way prepared me for the amazing story I was about to read. The fact that it’s a short story, makes it that much more impressive.
The author fleshed out her characters so well and all with the use of a memory here and there or some daily activity. Clever ways to make them come alive for readers without having a full-length novel in which to do it in.
In addition to having deeply flawed, beautifully human characters, she also pens a really touching and often sad story that I couldn’t put down. It’s difficult to write anything about the plot because it is a short story but it was very unique and one that I wasn’t expecting.
Exquisitely written, evocative and enthralling, ‘Tess and Tattoos’ will leave you wishing there was more to the story.
Rating… A+
Buy Here universally and on Amazon UK
About the Author
Helene Andrea Leuschel grew up in Belgium where she gained a Licentiate in Journalism & Communication, which led to a career in radio and television in Brussels, London and Edinburgh. She now lives with her husband and two children in Portugal and recently acquired a Master of Philosophy with the OU, deepening her passion for the study of the mind. When she is not writing, Helene works as a freelance journalist and teaches Yoga.
Twitter | Goodreads | Helene Leuschel
Reads & Reels 
Great review! I hear great things about this author’s ability to write anything related to manipulation! 😛
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She’s fantastic! I’m really enjoying her collection, ” Manipulated Lives” which Tess and Tattoos is part of.
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Oh yes, I read this, it’s such a powerful story!! Great review!
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Thank you! I loved it. Helene is a fabulous storyteller! Now I’m organizing a blog tour for “My Sweet Friend” Have you read that one?
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You’re welcome!! She really is- I have actually got the ARC, but I’m really really behind on these things at the moment unfortunately *hangs head in shame*.
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Do you want to save your review for the blog tour in February? Then there would be a giveaway for your readers 😉 I would love it if you could 😊
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Oh yes actually- that’d be really good- I don’t generally do these things, but it sounds like a great idea 😀 (plus it gives me more time to read it 😉 )
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That would be fantastic! What’s your email address and I will send you the details?
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No problem! My email is theorangutanlibrarian@gmail.com 😀
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It’s so wonderful! It seems many of us have read it. Have you read My Sweet Friend? I’m doing a blog tour for Helene so if you wanted to participate, I’d love to have you ☺
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Oh, I’ve read My Sweet Friend and what a brilliant book it is! As part of the blog tour- is it just reviews or other content up on offer as well? I wouldn’t mind getting involved with another Guest Post from Helene if that was an option?
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There are excerpt posts, book spotlights and I’m sure she would be open to a an interview or guest post
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I think an excerpt would be cool… where do I sign up? 😀
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Right here! 👇
https://readsandreels.com/blog-tour-sign-up-my-sweet-friend-by-h-a-leuschel/
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Cool… sorry for being a lazy cow.. with a bit of looking around I could have probably found it in 2 mins and saved you the hassle! 😀 Cheers!
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It’s not a problem lol
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Wonderful and deserving review! Helene has an uncanny ability with the human psych and capturing all that she does in novellas. I always know I am in for a real treat with her work 😊
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She’s fabulous! I have a few more titles to read and I’m planning a blog tour for “My Sweet Friend” I’m so excited! Have you read it?
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Yes! I have a review up 🙂 It was a fantastic read. I can never turn down a chance to explore her work.
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I’m looking forward to it 😊
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Thank you so much for reading and reviewing my novella!! 🙂
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It was my pleasure. I enjoyed it so much 🙂
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