I am thrilled to share my review today ~ thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for organizing.
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3.5āļø
Genre ~ women’s fiction
Setting ~ England, 2005 -2006
Publication date ~ January 20, 2025
Publisher ~ Storm Publishing
Est Page Count ~ 298 (35 titled chapters +e)
Audio length ~ 9 hours 40 minutes
Narrator ~ Alison Campbell
POV ~ single 3rd
Featuring ~ cheating, navigating a HIV diagnosis, alcoholic parent, family drama, old secrets, slow burn, no steamage
Victoria (35) has been with her boyfriend, Nate, for 6 years. She calls him while drunk one night and another woman answers his phone. She doesn’t think too much of it, but she does end up sleeping with another man named Danny. No one could have ever predicted that that one night would forever change Victoria’s life.
This is my first time reading fiction with a HIV character. I felt it was well done as Victoria goes through all of the motions. Why her? What did she do to deserve this? How will everyone react when she tells them? Will anyone ever love her again? It was interesting how each character reacted to the news. I wish that maybe some were handled differently, but I guess that made it more realistic on how people will react. It’s obvious the author is well versed on the topic.
Not only is she navigating her diagnosis, but there are side plots of family drama which added an extra layer to her journey. Cheating goes beyond just the main characters, so be aware of that.
Overall, this is straight women’s fiction with just a touch of slow burn romance. It wasn’t hard to figure out who she’d end up with, and I was pleased with that outcome.
Narration notes:
I did not listen to this one. Just giving the info above for reference,
Get your copy on Amazon Ā ā” https://amzn.to/4hpVjL7
Book blurb:
An uplifting, heart-warming story from the number one bestselling author.
How do you rebuild your life when it changes forever in an instant?
Thirty-five-year-old Victoria Sharpe has a decent job as an illustrator, a perfectly good if predictable relationship, and great friends. So why canāt she shake the feeling that something is missing?
Keen to let off steam, she sets off on a night out with her best friends. Next morning ā one reckless decision later ā she resolves to make some seriously overdue changes to achieve the fulfilment she craves.
Then she gets devastating news that shatters everything she ever wanted for her future.
Or so she thinks. Because as friends and family rally around to support her, and an unexpected new romance makes her heart skip a beat, Victoria discovers that sometimes in the deepest darkness the brightest light can shine through. But, after all sheās been through, can she let it in?
This uplifting, heart-warming story from number one bestselling author Nicola May will have you reaching for the tissues. An unputdownable, unforgettable read, perfect for fans of Shari Low, Jill Mansell and Amanda Prowse.
āNicola packs a punch in this joyous story about love and family, healing and hope. Singular, strong and sensitively written.ā Milly Johnson, author of The Happiest Ever After
Purchase Links
Author Bio ā
Nicola May is a bestselling author renowned for her heartwarming and humorous romantic comedies. With eighteen books to her name, her work has captured readers’ hearts around the world, has been translated into fifteen languages and consistently ranks in the top 100 of Amazon’s Kindle bestseller charts. As a self-published author, she achieved the remarkable feat of reaching number one on Amazon twice, and has been a strong advocate for indie authors, pushing for a dedicated chart for them in The Bookseller magazine. Now signed to Storm Publishing, Nicola continues to write heartfelt rom-coms with her signature blend of warmth and wit.
When sheās not writing, she enjoys cream teas in her beloved Devon, hikes through nature, and occasionally places a bet on the horses.
Social Media Links ā
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