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The Somerley Collection #4
Moving On
Welcome to the market town of Somerley, with an emotional, feel-good story about acceptance, family values and the importance of feeling safe and loved.
Maria has a wonderful life. Together with her daughters, Lucy and Clara, she runs a successful estate agency, priding herself in matching the right properties to the right people - even if she has yet to find the ideal home for herself.
But behind the happy exterior, Maria is anxious about her fiftieth birthday coming up. She's feeling, well, less excited and more than a little terrified about how life is running away from her.
For a birthday treat, Lucy and Clara have planned five 'nostalgic' dates for her and their dad, to remind them of when they first fell in love. But Maria barely has time for the here and now, never mind a cringeworthy wistful jump back to the past. All she wants is to find that perfect nest to settle down in, no matter how many moves it takes.
The Wilshaw women are a close-knit family, so when tragedy strikes at the heart of the home, Maria is shocked at how easy the potential to lose everything becomes.
Will Maria realise that perhaps it's better to accept herself as she is rather than move house again? And in doing so, can she change her outlook on life for good?
While this is the fourth book in The Somerley Series, It can also be enjoyed as a standalone. If you love an uplifting story, then Moving On is the perfect read. For fans of Milly Johnson, Jill Mansell, Hannah Ellis, Imogen Clark, Rachael Lucas and Susanne O'Leary.
Discover The Somerley Series, full of friendship, family and love - treat yourself today!
Maria has a wonderful life. Together with her daughters, Lucy and Clara, she runs a successful estate agency, priding herself in matching the right properties to the right people - even if she has yet to find the ideal home for herself.
But behind the happy exterior, Maria is anxious about her fiftieth birthday coming up. She's feeling, well, less excited and more than a little terrified about how life is running away from her.
For a birthday treat, Lucy and Clara have planned five 'nostalgic' dates for her and their dad, to remind them of when they first fell in love. But Maria barely has time for the here and now, never mind a cringeworthy wistful jump back to the past. All she wants is to find that perfect nest to settle down in, no matter how many moves it takes.
The Wilshaw women are a close-knit family, so when tragedy strikes at the heart of the home, Maria is shocked at how easy the potential to lose everything becomes.
Will Maria realise that perhaps it's better to accept herself as she is rather than move house again? And in doing so, can she change her outlook on life for good?
While this is the fourth book in The Somerley Series, It can also be enjoyed as a standalone. If you love an uplifting story, then Moving On is the perfect read. For fans of Milly Johnson, Jill Mansell, Hannah Ellis, Imogen Clark, Rachael Lucas and Susanne O'Leary.
Discover The Somerley Series, full of friendship, family and love - treat yourself today!
- GenresFiction
314 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 17, 2023
29 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
About the author
Marcie Steele
11 books56 followersHi, I'm Marcie Steele and I can be found hanging around any good coffee shop, drinking copious amounts of coffee and nibbling on double chocolate muffins. Whilst doing this I'll be discreetly people watching or not so discreetly enjoying good gossip with my friends.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 19, 2023
Landmark birthdays are a big deal; they frequently make you reflect on your life so far and what’s to come. Maria is on a bit of a downer about her marriage and her daughters’s birthday present of enforced dates with her husband when she’s running a successful business puts a dampener on proceedings. And that’s before the dates start!! But it’s not just about Maria, her two daughters also go through some unstable ground.
I loved getting to know the Wilshaw family and go through their trials and tribulations. Each part of this close-knit family has a different problem to deal with but all with one thing in common, love ❤️. They are a gorgeous family, perfectly created to be a normal loving family. Everything they went through, I’ve got a feeling we all know someone who’s been through the same predicament or something very similar.
Moving On is a feel good read about a family who could be living next door. Marcie Steele has written another blinder of a read and I loved it. It kept me company for an afternoon with my feet up feeling rather sorry for myself. It’s the perfect tonic when the world around seems dark and dismal.
I loved getting to know the Wilshaw family and go through their trials and tribulations. Each part of this close-knit family has a different problem to deal with but all with one thing in common, love ❤️. They are a gorgeous family, perfectly created to be a normal loving family. Everything they went through, I’ve got a feeling we all know someone who’s been through the same predicament or something very similar.
Moving On is a feel good read about a family who could be living next door. Marcie Steele has written another blinder of a read and I loved it. It kept me company for an afternoon with my feet up feeling rather sorry for myself. It’s the perfect tonic when the world around seems dark and dismal.
February 9, 2023
Maria and Jim met when they were very young and have been together over thirty years, living in Somerley. They are happily married with two beautiful daughters, Lucy and Clara and two granddaughters. Maria, along with her daughters, runs a very successful estate agents and Jim owns a thriving builder's merchants but their lives revolve mainly around work, with not much time for themselves. Maria is about to turn fifty and is feeling rather disheartened by it all but, when an accident occurs affecting one of her family, she begins to re-evaluate things and wonders if this is the wake up call she needs to accept things as they are and could it be that home really is where the heart is?
Oh how I've loved reconnecting with the town of Somerley and it's residents. Moving On is the latest in the Somerley series by this author and opening this book (or my kindle to be more precise) was like finding one of my favourite jumpers at the back of the wardrobe and wrapping myself in its warmth. I'm of a similar age to Maria, with a lot of this story being very relatable, so I understood how she was feeling and felt a kindred spirit towards her. I loved every part of this very emotional tale which had its highs and lows throughout, resulting in me laughing one minute and crying the next. I love the short chapters and the excerpts from each of their house moves over the years which Steele captured beautifully. Anyone that knows me will know that psychological thrillers are my go to genre but every so often I need a palate cleanser and being a huge fan of Steele's books this series will always hold a special place in my heart. I highly recommend Moving On but be warned, you'll need tissues!
I'd like to thank the author for sending me an advanced copy of this book, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
Oh how I've loved reconnecting with the town of Somerley and it's residents. Moving On is the latest in the Somerley series by this author and opening this book (or my kindle to be more precise) was like finding one of my favourite jumpers at the back of the wardrobe and wrapping myself in its warmth. I'm of a similar age to Maria, with a lot of this story being very relatable, so I understood how she was feeling and felt a kindred spirit towards her. I loved every part of this very emotional tale which had its highs and lows throughout, resulting in me laughing one minute and crying the next. I love the short chapters and the excerpts from each of their house moves over the years which Steele captured beautifully. Anyone that knows me will know that psychological thrillers are my go to genre but every so often I need a palate cleanser and being a huge fan of Steele's books this series will always hold a special place in my heart. I highly recommend Moving On but be warned, you'll need tissues!
I'd like to thank the author for sending me an advanced copy of this book, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
February 15, 2023
The fourth instalment of The Somerley Series, it can be read as a standalone.
A feel-good story that I adored.
Marcie Steele has created some lovely characters that you can easily relate to.
A delightful book about the ups and downs, ins and outs of family life. And all set in the lovely town of Somerley, a town that has a village-feel about it. Somerley is a market town full of warm people, loving relationships, and charming friends – well, most of the time. Where the high street shops and businesses are mainstays of the community.
A couple of familiar places if you’ve read the other books in the series. The Coffee Stop cafe. It has a book shop attached and sounds like the perfect place for coffee and cake.
Maria and Jim Wilshaw are childhood sweethearts. They both have their own successful businesses, Maria an estate agency and Jim a builder’s merchants. They have a close family with two grown up daughters. The book follows the family, but it’s Maria that I really related to. She is approaching fifty and is going through all the hang ups and hormonal changes that I’ve been through, feeling uncomfortable in a changing and ageing mind and body. The ‘nostalgic dates’ birthday gift from the girls throws Maria off, she can’t stop thinking about work and how the dates take up time where she could be working. I think it’s a common problem, and we should be enjoying the moment rather than thinking about what else we could be doing. It was quite an emotional read, especially when something happened that made everyone sit up an realise what they could have lost.
I loved the ‘house move’ chapters, we were able to see how the family progressed.
Marcie Steele has the knack of drawing me in from the first page and I just couldn’t stop reading.
Thank you to Marcie/Mel for the early review copy, it was an honour to read it
A feel-good story that I adored.
Marcie Steele has created some lovely characters that you can easily relate to.
A delightful book about the ups and downs, ins and outs of family life. And all set in the lovely town of Somerley, a town that has a village-feel about it. Somerley is a market town full of warm people, loving relationships, and charming friends – well, most of the time. Where the high street shops and businesses are mainstays of the community.
A couple of familiar places if you’ve read the other books in the series. The Coffee Stop cafe. It has a book shop attached and sounds like the perfect place for coffee and cake.
Maria and Jim Wilshaw are childhood sweethearts. They both have their own successful businesses, Maria an estate agency and Jim a builder’s merchants. They have a close family with two grown up daughters. The book follows the family, but it’s Maria that I really related to. She is approaching fifty and is going through all the hang ups and hormonal changes that I’ve been through, feeling uncomfortable in a changing and ageing mind and body. The ‘nostalgic dates’ birthday gift from the girls throws Maria off, she can’t stop thinking about work and how the dates take up time where she could be working. I think it’s a common problem, and we should be enjoying the moment rather than thinking about what else we could be doing. It was quite an emotional read, especially when something happened that made everyone sit up an realise what they could have lost.
I loved the ‘house move’ chapters, we were able to see how the family progressed.
Marcie Steele has the knack of drawing me in from the first page and I just couldn’t stop reading.
Thank you to Marcie/Mel for the early review copy, it was an honour to read it
February 15, 2023
Maria has a milestone birthday coming up of which is reminding her of how old she is getting and along with age, the issues that comes with it. I have to applaud the author for bringing up the topic of the menopause. It’s something for years that hasn’t been much talked about and finding out recently for myself what it is like, I couldn’t relate to Maria and her best friend Sal more. Whilst some parts make light of the subject, I think Maria especially highlights the changes it can bring on and how hard it can be for someone trying to make sense of it all and deal with it.
The story flicks between Maria and her two daughters, Clara and Lucy. All three women have their own things going on in their lives but what really stands out is the bond and true meaning of family. I loved how close knit they are all especially as Maria and her daughters all work together which sometime can be a recipe for disaster.
I loved a lot of the characters in the story and I found I could relate so much to Maria and was envious of her job as well as her “itchy feet”. It had me wanting to put my house up for sale and start searching the internet as visions of a new home entered my head. Once I finished the book, it actually hit me that the title couldn’t be more perfect and that there was real meaning in the storyline that a lot of us could take heed of and learn from.
Moving On was such a heart-warming read that I didn’t want to end. It’s a real feel good read that is a reminder of what is important in life and will leave you feeling on a high. Whilst this is part of The Somerley Series, its a complete standalone novel and I am praying that the author writes more as the characters always manage to steal the reader’s heart and I love the pure escapism it gives me. A wonderful story that left me feeling all warm and rosy inside,
The story flicks between Maria and her two daughters, Clara and Lucy. All three women have their own things going on in their lives but what really stands out is the bond and true meaning of family. I loved how close knit they are all especially as Maria and her daughters all work together which sometime can be a recipe for disaster.
I loved a lot of the characters in the story and I found I could relate so much to Maria and was envious of her job as well as her “itchy feet”. It had me wanting to put my house up for sale and start searching the internet as visions of a new home entered my head. Once I finished the book, it actually hit me that the title couldn’t be more perfect and that there was real meaning in the storyline that a lot of us could take heed of and learn from.
Moving On was such a heart-warming read that I didn’t want to end. It’s a real feel good read that is a reminder of what is important in life and will leave you feeling on a high. Whilst this is part of The Somerley Series, its a complete standalone novel and I am praying that the author writes more as the characters always manage to steal the reader’s heart and I love the pure escapism it gives me. A wonderful story that left me feeling all warm and rosy inside,
February 8, 2023
Home is where the heart is.
Thirty four years ago Maria Clifton met Jim Wilshaw at the roller rink and fell in love.
To the present day their home is now in Lilac Grove.
Maria's business is Wilshaw estate agents and Jim is the owner of a building merchant.
Both are them are well known and both so busy they hardly had anytime together.
With two daughters, Clara works with her mother and is both their marketing manager and is having marriage problems and Lucy single mum works part time in the estate agents. A whole family business.
And all the Wilshaw women are made of strong stuff.
Maria is hitting the big fifty tomorrow and feels frumpy and glum and old feels Jim does not fancy her anymore.
Clara and her husband split up he leaves but there's more shocks instore for her.
Lucy and her new partner who are settled both have a child each and crave on of their own and we read more in store on that story too.
For her birthday, Clara receives the most unusual gift of a white silver box for her from the two girl's but this is five little notes of dates like they are courting all over again for her and Jim to do together to rekindle their love for one another, sounds like fun but Clara is not so sure, as we read on we find out what they are.
Oh I loved this story that has ups and downs with lots of fun and humour but a few set backs for this family, it is so full of wholesome goodness that you feel you just need to read one more chapter forgetting the time. Well done to this author for bringing so much laughter and sparkle back into their busy lives and those little five notes just put the icing back on the birthday cake for Clara and Jim full of memories of how much they feel their love for each other. Five big stars.
Thirty four years ago Maria Clifton met Jim Wilshaw at the roller rink and fell in love.
To the present day their home is now in Lilac Grove.
Maria's business is Wilshaw estate agents and Jim is the owner of a building merchant.
Both are them are well known and both so busy they hardly had anytime together.
With two daughters, Clara works with her mother and is both their marketing manager and is having marriage problems and Lucy single mum works part time in the estate agents. A whole family business.
And all the Wilshaw women are made of strong stuff.
Maria is hitting the big fifty tomorrow and feels frumpy and glum and old feels Jim does not fancy her anymore.
Clara and her husband split up he leaves but there's more shocks instore for her.
Lucy and her new partner who are settled both have a child each and crave on of their own and we read more in store on that story too.
For her birthday, Clara receives the most unusual gift of a white silver box for her from the two girl's but this is five little notes of dates like they are courting all over again for her and Jim to do together to rekindle their love for one another, sounds like fun but Clara is not so sure, as we read on we find out what they are.
Oh I loved this story that has ups and downs with lots of fun and humour but a few set backs for this family, it is so full of wholesome goodness that you feel you just need to read one more chapter forgetting the time. Well done to this author for bringing so much laughter and sparkle back into their busy lives and those little five notes just put the icing back on the birthday cake for Clara and Jim full of memories of how much they feel their love for each other. Five big stars.
February 27, 2023
Moving On is just the cutest read. I loved it!
I love feel-good stories about families, the ups and downs of life, and the complexity of human relationships.
This book is so full of love. The love between a husband and wife. The love between a mother and her daughters. The love between sisters….
There are some lovely characters throughout this story. Maria is very likeable and will likely be very relatable to many. I can understand her anxiety about turning 50. I’m less than 5 years away from that age myself. Life flies by far too quickly and it’s scary! Every birthday should be celebrated though. Some people don’t get many.
I loved the idea of nostalgic dates for her and her husband as a way of celebrating her birthday and spending precious quality time together. Some of these moments are quite amusing! I didn’t really understand Maria’s reluctance to participate. I did feel a bit sorry for her husband at times. I imagine it’s quite difficult to switch off though when you own busy businesses and have fallen into the habit of prioritising work over each other. We’re all guilt of taking each other for granted sometimes.
This story highlights the fragility of life and how quickly things can change.
Some things have a way of putting a new perspective on life, making us realise what we already have rather than always wanting the next best thing whether that be houses or otherwise.
Gorgeous book! I can’t recommend highly enough.
http://chataboutbooks.blog/2023/02/27...
I love feel-good stories about families, the ups and downs of life, and the complexity of human relationships.
This book is so full of love. The love between a husband and wife. The love between a mother and her daughters. The love between sisters….
There are some lovely characters throughout this story. Maria is very likeable and will likely be very relatable to many. I can understand her anxiety about turning 50. I’m less than 5 years away from that age myself. Life flies by far too quickly and it’s scary! Every birthday should be celebrated though. Some people don’t get many.
I loved the idea of nostalgic dates for her and her husband as a way of celebrating her birthday and spending precious quality time together. Some of these moments are quite amusing! I didn’t really understand Maria’s reluctance to participate. I did feel a bit sorry for her husband at times. I imagine it’s quite difficult to switch off though when you own busy businesses and have fallen into the habit of prioritising work over each other. We’re all guilt of taking each other for granted sometimes.
This story highlights the fragility of life and how quickly things can change.
Some things have a way of putting a new perspective on life, making us realise what we already have rather than always wanting the next best thing whether that be houses or otherwise.
Gorgeous book! I can’t recommend highly enough.
http://chataboutbooks.blog/2023/02/27...
February 17, 2023
Maria runs a successful estate agency & she is fast approaching 50 - she isn’t happy. Maria and Jim were childhood sweethearts and she doesn’t think that Jim loves her anymore, how could he when she’s aged and put on weight?
The story is set in Somerley and is centred around Maria, Jim and their two grown-up daughters, Lucy and Clara. Clara’s marriage is unstable and very much on the rocks. Lucy is in a loving relationship and has a daughter and a stepdaughter. I don’t want to say any more as you need to read this book for yourself.
It was lovely to be back in Somerley with some of the other characters from the previous stories. The family are all believable characters and well written. I loved Maria & Jim’s relationship and enjoyed following their journey together.
I found this book deeply resonated with me. I am a similar age to Maria and I understood her fears and concerns as some were so similar to mine. The author has written a moving story that involves the menopause and it has been handled well and sensitively.
The book made me rather emotional, one minute I would be laughing and the next, I would be in tears. I do hope there will be more books in this wonderful series.
My thanks to the author for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
The story is set in Somerley and is centred around Maria, Jim and their two grown-up daughters, Lucy and Clara. Clara’s marriage is unstable and very much on the rocks. Lucy is in a loving relationship and has a daughter and a stepdaughter. I don’t want to say any more as you need to read this book for yourself.
It was lovely to be back in Somerley with some of the other characters from the previous stories. The family are all believable characters and well written. I loved Maria & Jim’s relationship and enjoyed following their journey together.
I found this book deeply resonated with me. I am a similar age to Maria and I understood her fears and concerns as some were so similar to mine. The author has written a moving story that involves the menopause and it has been handled well and sensitively.
The book made me rather emotional, one minute I would be laughing and the next, I would be in tears. I do hope there will be more books in this wonderful series.
My thanks to the author for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
February 19, 2023
It really was lovely to have a change of pace from my usual choice of genre, and being back in Somerley felt comfortable.
This latest in the series seemed to resonate with me, Maria being only slightly older than me and contemplating her work and family situation. When an accident changes things, she is forced to reevaluate her life.
Having been brought to tears once or twice didn’t deter me, just showed how these characters grip hold of you. This is a lovely read, and I know when I pick up Marcie Steele’s books I know I won’t be disappointed.
This latest in the series seemed to resonate with me, Maria being only slightly older than me and contemplating her work and family situation. When an accident changes things, she is forced to reevaluate her life.
Having been brought to tears once or twice didn’t deter me, just showed how these characters grip hold of you. This is a lovely read, and I know when I pick up Marcie Steele’s books I know I won’t be disappointed.
March 10, 2023
‘Maria is reaching the age of 50 and her life is changed when her husband has a life changing accident’ is the gist of this book.
What a boring, twee, predictable, disappointing read. Maria does nothing but moan, moan, moan, I could have slapped her. Her long suffering husband Jim’s ‘life changing’ accident was falling off a ladder & breaking his arm!
The only reason I gave this book one star was that I actually managed to finish it, was waiting for something exciting to happen but it didn’t.
No real storyline, just dull & boring.
Give this one a miss !
What a boring, twee, predictable, disappointing read. Maria does nothing but moan, moan, moan, I could have slapped her. Her long suffering husband Jim’s ‘life changing’ accident was falling off a ladder & breaking his arm!
The only reason I gave this book one star was that I actually managed to finish it, was waiting for something exciting to happen but it didn’t.
No real storyline, just dull & boring.
Give this one a miss !
May 16, 2023
Although part of a series this was a perfect standalone read .Telling the story of Maria who's turning 50 and her husband Jim asking with their 2 grown up daughters. Loved it
March 21, 2023
A heartfelt book which gave me all the emotions, and was a nice break from reading crime. Everyone should read at least one Marcie Steele book. They're a tonic.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews