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Things We Do For Love
Daisy Bach, a therapist, has always been certain that she did not want to have children. Her childhood experiences with an overbearing and controlling mother, Verity, who tore the family apart, further cemented this decision. However, at the age of forty-five, Daisy finds herself reconsidering this choice.
Unfortunately, her decision to try and conceive is complicated by her mother's diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. With strained family relationships, Daisy faces the daunting task of caring for her elderly parents while also attempting to conceive.
As she navigates this challenging time, Daisy is forced to confront her deep-seated resentment towards Verity. This journey leads her to re-evaluate her beliefs about motherhood, forgiveness, and the true meaning of a "happy" family. Will Daisy find a way to reconcile with her past and make peace with her present? Only time will tell.
Unfortunately, her decision to try and conceive is complicated by her mother's diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. With strained family relationships, Daisy faces the daunting task of caring for her elderly parents while also attempting to conceive.
As she navigates this challenging time, Daisy is forced to confront her deep-seated resentment towards Verity. This journey leads her to re-evaluate her beliefs about motherhood, forgiveness, and the true meaning of a "happy" family. Will Daisy find a way to reconcile with her past and make peace with her present? Only time will tell.
298 pages, Paperback
Published June 15, 2023
About the author
Vered Neta
7 books9 followersVered Neta crafts stories where women refuse to be invisible.
As a screenwriter and script reader, she knows that the most powerful narratives don’t just entertain, they excavate the truths we’re not supposed to say out loud.
Her work lives in the messy, complicated spaces where women navigate impossible choices, societal expectations, and their own fierce determination to be seen and heard.
With sharp humour and unflinching honesty, Vered writes character-driven fiction that doesn’t look away from the challenges women face. These aren’t stories about perfect heroines or easy answers.
They’re about real women in all their complexity: flawed, funny, furious, and absolutely refusing to fade into the background. If you’re tired of women being sidelined in their own stories, you’ve come to the right place.
Her dark comedy novel CRIME CLEANERS follows four sixty-something women forced to clean crime scenes, born from her 2025 JumpStart Finalist TV pilot with Roadmap Writers.
She’s the author of Amazon bestseller THINGS WE DO FOR LOVE and FULL CIRCLE, both praised for emotional depth and authenticity.
Her nonfiction book FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE FOR WOMEN sold over 50,000 copies and earned her the TIAW World of Difference Award.
Follow Vered on:
Website - https://veredneta.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VeredNeta60
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/veredneta2023/
As a screenwriter and script reader, she knows that the most powerful narratives don’t just entertain, they excavate the truths we’re not supposed to say out loud.
Her work lives in the messy, complicated spaces where women navigate impossible choices, societal expectations, and their own fierce determination to be seen and heard.
With sharp humour and unflinching honesty, Vered writes character-driven fiction that doesn’t look away from the challenges women face. These aren’t stories about perfect heroines or easy answers.
They’re about real women in all their complexity: flawed, funny, furious, and absolutely refusing to fade into the background. If you’re tired of women being sidelined in their own stories, you’ve come to the right place.
Her dark comedy novel CRIME CLEANERS follows four sixty-something women forced to clean crime scenes, born from her 2025 JumpStart Finalist TV pilot with Roadmap Writers.
She’s the author of Amazon bestseller THINGS WE DO FOR LOVE and FULL CIRCLE, both praised for emotional depth and authenticity.
Her nonfiction book FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE FOR WOMEN sold over 50,000 copies and earned her the TIAW World of Difference Award.
Follow Vered on:
Website - https://veredneta.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VeredNeta60
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/veredneta2023/
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 5, 2024
When beginning this book I knew it was about families and how they are happy in their own ways but I wasn’t expecting the intense emotions I felt.
The story is about a husband and wife with three adult daughters, Daisy, Iris and Heather. The husband, Sol, is a well known, academic professional and his wife, Verity, is the rock that holds the family together. She plans and oversees their many parties and social functions that are necessary for their prestigious circle. Unfortunately, Verity, drives her daughters to perfection with severe criticism and no praise. Their childhood was emotionally charged with them constantly walking on eggshells.
The bulk of the story is told from Daisy’s point of view with chapters from each family member throughout.
I was really stuck by the relationship between the sisters. Things really came to a head when Verity is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. The family dynamic was so dysfunctional but at the same time they carried the trauma.
It made me think of my own family dynamics and how we would react in that situation. I just don’t know! I was torn. I found myself being able to understand each sister’s point of view. I would go back and forth agreeing and disagreeing. What would their solution be?
At the end, I cried. Happy and sad tears. The title of the book really rings true. “The Things We Do For Love, Happy families are not all alike.”
Of course there are people and “ families” who should not or can not work things out but this is a story where, against all odds, they try their best.
Many Thanks to Vered Neta and BookSirens for my free copy! This honest review is given voluntarily.
The story is about a husband and wife with three adult daughters, Daisy, Iris and Heather. The husband, Sol, is a well known, academic professional and his wife, Verity, is the rock that holds the family together. She plans and oversees their many parties and social functions that are necessary for their prestigious circle. Unfortunately, Verity, drives her daughters to perfection with severe criticism and no praise. Their childhood was emotionally charged with them constantly walking on eggshells.
The bulk of the story is told from Daisy’s point of view with chapters from each family member throughout.
I was really stuck by the relationship between the sisters. Things really came to a head when Verity is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. The family dynamic was so dysfunctional but at the same time they carried the trauma.
It made me think of my own family dynamics and how we would react in that situation. I just don’t know! I was torn. I found myself being able to understand each sister’s point of view. I would go back and forth agreeing and disagreeing. What would their solution be?
At the end, I cried. Happy and sad tears. The title of the book really rings true. “The Things We Do For Love, Happy families are not all alike.”
Of course there are people and “ families” who should not or can not work things out but this is a story where, against all odds, they try their best.
Many Thanks to Vered Neta and BookSirens for my free copy! This honest review is given voluntarily.
February 23, 2024
I chose to read Things We Do for Love as a member of Rosie’s Book Review Team and received a copy of the book from the author. This does not alter my review in any way.
This story mainly follows the three Bach sisters; Heather, Daisy and Iris who are planning their father, Sol’s, 80th birthday party. The sisters generally live their own independent lives each with their fair share of challenges and successes, good days and bad, such as normal lives are filled with.
It is always interesting to read stories where adult siblings are brought back together for some reason. When the story is told from the different characters points of view it is doubly interesting as their thoughts and feelings often slip back into childhood patterns. Old irritations and resentments rise to the fore as well as jealousies and perceived grievances over the different relationships each had with their parents. When these three sisters have to deal with the stroke that Sol is struck down by, as well as the gradual decline of their difficult mother, Verity, into Alzheimer’s, they face common situations that many who read this will recognise.
Things We Do for Love was a nice story about the interactions between family members and the impact childhood memories can have on the rest of our lives.
This story mainly follows the three Bach sisters; Heather, Daisy and Iris who are planning their father, Sol’s, 80th birthday party. The sisters generally live their own independent lives each with their fair share of challenges and successes, good days and bad, such as normal lives are filled with.
It is always interesting to read stories where adult siblings are brought back together for some reason. When the story is told from the different characters points of view it is doubly interesting as their thoughts and feelings often slip back into childhood patterns. Old irritations and resentments rise to the fore as well as jealousies and perceived grievances over the different relationships each had with their parents. When these three sisters have to deal with the stroke that Sol is struck down by, as well as the gradual decline of their difficult mother, Verity, into Alzheimer’s, they face common situations that many who read this will recognise.
Things We Do for Love was a nice story about the interactions between family members and the impact childhood memories can have on the rest of our lives.
September 30, 2023
I definitely wasn’t prepared for this book. I don’t think I was expecting quite how emotional it would make me while reading it. It broke my heart more than once and shattered it into tiny little pieces, what time are glad to say that the story put my heart back together again by the end and left me feeling better for it.
Vered Neta manages to portray a real representation of true family relationships, imperfect argumentative, and how people experiencing the same parenting can come out with different points of view and experience it completely differently. I liked the highlight on forgiveness, find ourselves and the search for fulfilment.
I truly found this to be completely captivating, even when it was destroying me , it was thought provoking and a really interesting exploration of family connections and that to look to the future, you have to deal with the past. A truly wonderful read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Vered Neta manages to portray a real representation of true family relationships, imperfect argumentative, and how people experiencing the same parenting can come out with different points of view and experience it completely differently. I liked the highlight on forgiveness, find ourselves and the search for fulfilment.
I truly found this to be completely captivating, even when it was destroying me , it was thought provoking and a really interesting exploration of family connections and that to look to the future, you have to deal with the past. A truly wonderful read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 14, 2023
"Things We Do For Love" by Vered Neta is a profoundly moving and emotionally resonant exploration of family, forgiveness, and the transformative power of love. With a narrative that delves deep into the complexities of human relationships, Neta crafts a compelling and thought-provoking story that will tug at the heartstrings of readers.
At the center of the narrative is Daisy Bach, a therapist who has made the firm decision not to have children, shaped by her traumatic experiences with her controlling and overbearing mother, Verity. However, when Daisy reaches the age of forty-five, she is confronted with the possibility of motherhood, a decision that is further complicated by her mother's diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. This unexpected twist sets the stage for a poignant exploration of the intricacies of family dynamics and the emotional toll of caregiving.
Neta's portrayal of Daisy's struggle to care for her ailing parents while also navigating the challenges of conceiving is both heartrending and authentic. The author expertly captures the emotional rollercoaster that Daisy embarks upon, as she confronts her own past and the deep-seated resentment she holds towards Verity. Daisy's journey is a testament to the author's ability to create complex and relatable characters who grapple with their inner demons while striving for personal growth.
The themes of forgiveness and reconciliation are at the heart of the novel, as Daisy is forced to confront her own biases and preconceived notions about motherhood and family. Neta's exploration of these themes is both nuanced and thought-provoking, offering readers a profound meditation on the power of empathy and understanding.
The narrative is beautifully crafted, with Neta's prose flowing effortlessly and evocatively. The pacing of the story is well-balanced, allowing readers to become fully immersed in Daisy's world and the emotional challenges she faces. The author's keen attention to detail and vivid descriptions bring the characters and settings to life, making it easy for readers to connect with the story on a visceral level.
"Things We Do For Love" is a novel that explores the depths of human emotion with sensitivity and insight. Vered Neta's storytelling is a testament to her ability to create a narrative that is not only engaging but also thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. This book is a compelling exploration of the complexities of family, forgiveness, and the enduring power of love. It is a must-read for anyone who appreciates literature that touches the heart and soul, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page is turned.
At the center of the narrative is Daisy Bach, a therapist who has made the firm decision not to have children, shaped by her traumatic experiences with her controlling and overbearing mother, Verity. However, when Daisy reaches the age of forty-five, she is confronted with the possibility of motherhood, a decision that is further complicated by her mother's diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. This unexpected twist sets the stage for a poignant exploration of the intricacies of family dynamics and the emotional toll of caregiving.
Neta's portrayal of Daisy's struggle to care for her ailing parents while also navigating the challenges of conceiving is both heartrending and authentic. The author expertly captures the emotional rollercoaster that Daisy embarks upon, as she confronts her own past and the deep-seated resentment she holds towards Verity. Daisy's journey is a testament to the author's ability to create complex and relatable characters who grapple with their inner demons while striving for personal growth.
The themes of forgiveness and reconciliation are at the heart of the novel, as Daisy is forced to confront her own biases and preconceived notions about motherhood and family. Neta's exploration of these themes is both nuanced and thought-provoking, offering readers a profound meditation on the power of empathy and understanding.
The narrative is beautifully crafted, with Neta's prose flowing effortlessly and evocatively. The pacing of the story is well-balanced, allowing readers to become fully immersed in Daisy's world and the emotional challenges she faces. The author's keen attention to detail and vivid descriptions bring the characters and settings to life, making it easy for readers to connect with the story on a visceral level.
"Things We Do For Love" is a novel that explores the depths of human emotion with sensitivity and insight. Vered Neta's storytelling is a testament to her ability to create a narrative that is not only engaging but also thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. This book is a compelling exploration of the complexities of family, forgiveness, and the enduring power of love. It is a must-read for anyone who appreciates literature that touches the heart and soul, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page is turned.
July 24, 2024
This book led me on an emotional roller coaster ride. At its center, it’s a story about an extremely dysfunctional family—two aged parents and their three adult daughters. In the beginning, I thought that most of the characters were dreadful human beings, constantly arguing and saying terrible things to one another. The root cause seems to be their difficult childhoods inflicted by an overly judgmental and critical mother, who thought nothing of lashing out at her daughters about anything and everything they did that disappointed her. WOW! Could I relate! This hit waaay too close to home for me.
However, as with my own life, the three daughters each are trying to come to terms with their difficult relationship with their mother and learning not only to forgive her but to love her as well. This becomes exceedingly easier as her mind succumbs to the ravages of Alzheimer’s. The last few chapters of the book had me crying silent tears. Some of the tears were from the overwhelming sadness of the events, but some of them were for the emotional and psychological growth each daughter experienced.
There were some aspects of the book that could have used some improved editing, as I didn’t think the story always flowed easily. Each chapter is told from the different points of view of most of the characters, but the tenses used didn’t always jive. Sometimes a chapter would begin in the third person and suddenly switch to the first, and other chapters were told from the start in the first person tense. This impeded the flow and made my reading less enjoyable. Nevertheless, the story was a good one, written with much insight into family dynamics, interpersonal relationships, and people’s thoughts and feelings.
The other aspect of the book that made me uncomfortable was that the middle daughter, who was a practicing clinical psychologist, couldn’t accurately diagnose herself or her siblings. While I understand that this is not uncommon to many in the fields of psychiatry and psychology, it seems overly exaggerated here. She was virtually the last person to understand both herself and her family, particularly her mother. She almost had to be hit over the head with written proof that her mother was a person struggling with her own issues and disappointments.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and am interested to read the historical novel written by the same author, Vered Neta, and published six months after this book was released. I am grateful to Ms. Neta and to BookSirens for giving me a free, advanced reader’s copy of this book. I am providing my opinion voluntarily.
However, as with my own life, the three daughters each are trying to come to terms with their difficult relationship with their mother and learning not only to forgive her but to love her as well. This becomes exceedingly easier as her mind succumbs to the ravages of Alzheimer’s. The last few chapters of the book had me crying silent tears. Some of the tears were from the overwhelming sadness of the events, but some of them were for the emotional and psychological growth each daughter experienced.
There were some aspects of the book that could have used some improved editing, as I didn’t think the story always flowed easily. Each chapter is told from the different points of view of most of the characters, but the tenses used didn’t always jive. Sometimes a chapter would begin in the third person and suddenly switch to the first, and other chapters were told from the start in the first person tense. This impeded the flow and made my reading less enjoyable. Nevertheless, the story was a good one, written with much insight into family dynamics, interpersonal relationships, and people’s thoughts and feelings.
The other aspect of the book that made me uncomfortable was that the middle daughter, who was a practicing clinical psychologist, couldn’t accurately diagnose herself or her siblings. While I understand that this is not uncommon to many in the fields of psychiatry and psychology, it seems overly exaggerated here. She was virtually the last person to understand both herself and her family, particularly her mother. She almost had to be hit over the head with written proof that her mother was a person struggling with her own issues and disappointments.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and am interested to read the historical novel written by the same author, Vered Neta, and published six months after this book was released. I am grateful to Ms. Neta and to BookSirens for giving me a free, advanced reader’s copy of this book. I am providing my opinion voluntarily.
October 3, 2023
I have to admit that when I signed up for this tour, I think I didn't read well all the details of the story. It sounded good but I must have skipped over the Alzheimer topic, the family struggle and that kind of scared me to read about. Over the last year I have experienced personally when someone you love in your family is diagnosed with advanced Alzheimer. So I was apprehensive about how it would make me feel reading a fiction book about it.
But, I didn't need to worry. Vered Beta does an amazing job with this story about the Bach family.
The Bach family is the typical big English family which seems from the outside like the perfect and happy, social family. Verity and Sol have three adult daughters who all have build up their own lives away from home. Verity and Sol are a happy couple who are like a puzzle to eachother and have a very social life. But when their daughters come home to prepare the eightieth person of their father, they are confronted with subtle, but still worrying changes in the house they grew up in and the behaviour of their parents.
Soon they noticed that their mother is forgetting more things than before, more names, events.... And soon after the girls understand that things have to change and action be taken. But what and how.
They are confronted with feelings, information they weren't aware of, ... which all weighs heavy on their personal lives too.
So many things were familiar to me and it actually felt good to read about it in a clear but fictional way. To see how each of the characters dealt with this in their own way and came up with thoughts and ideas different from each other. Personally I am very involved in my own experience but still I am a viewing it more from aside. This story felt good to read for me, as it felt like a friend who has been through it too at my side.
For anybody who has to go through this in their life I would absolutely advice to read this story.
But, I didn't need to worry. Vered Beta does an amazing job with this story about the Bach family.
The Bach family is the typical big English family which seems from the outside like the perfect and happy, social family. Verity and Sol have three adult daughters who all have build up their own lives away from home. Verity and Sol are a happy couple who are like a puzzle to eachother and have a very social life. But when their daughters come home to prepare the eightieth person of their father, they are confronted with subtle, but still worrying changes in the house they grew up in and the behaviour of their parents.
Soon they noticed that their mother is forgetting more things than before, more names, events.... And soon after the girls understand that things have to change and action be taken. But what and how.
They are confronted with feelings, information they weren't aware of, ... which all weighs heavy on their personal lives too.
So many things were familiar to me and it actually felt good to read about it in a clear but fictional way. To see how each of the characters dealt with this in their own way and came up with thoughts and ideas different from each other. Personally I am very involved in my own experience but still I am a viewing it more from aside. This story felt good to read for me, as it felt like a friend who has been through it too at my side.
For anybody who has to go through this in their life I would absolutely advice to read this story.
September 21, 2023
Originally reviewed for Chick Lit Central (www.chicklitcentral.com)
I appreciated the different viewpoints provided by key characters in Things We Do For Love. We delve into the inner workings of Daisy, along with her sisters Iris and Heather, and moments with both Verity and her husband Sol provide even more background into this family and the struggles that can come when managing a loved one with a brain disorder.
There is undeniable realism here. At one point, Daisy becomes insistent on finding a caregiver for her mother, because she doesn’t want to be the one who is “stuck” taking care of her. Her feelings stem from the resentment she has towards Verity, the way Daisy had been raised and never felt like she measured up to Verity’s impossible standards. I feel like a lot of media we see that shines a light on Alzheimer’s and other brain disorders will portray a strong family unit that despite everything, will pull together for the greater good. In reality, it isn’t always like that. Sometimes, there are stumbling blocks and a lot of deep-seated issues that need to be worked out first. It’s apparent there is a lot of that for Daisy.
It was also incredibly insightful to see Verity’s perspective. She highlights on just how much she focused solely on the family for decades, doing everything she could for her children and husband, with feeling loss at seeing those reins slip slowly from her fingers. Maybe she has been too hard on everyone, including herself, but it is tough not to feel for her and at some points, even identity with her point-of-view.
Things We Do For Love is a complex, relatable experience. Having a family member of my own who had dementia and seeing how that affected not just him but everyone around him, I could really relate to not only Daisy’s story, but Verity’s as well.
I appreciated the different viewpoints provided by key characters in Things We Do For Love. We delve into the inner workings of Daisy, along with her sisters Iris and Heather, and moments with both Verity and her husband Sol provide even more background into this family and the struggles that can come when managing a loved one with a brain disorder.
There is undeniable realism here. At one point, Daisy becomes insistent on finding a caregiver for her mother, because she doesn’t want to be the one who is “stuck” taking care of her. Her feelings stem from the resentment she has towards Verity, the way Daisy had been raised and never felt like she measured up to Verity’s impossible standards. I feel like a lot of media we see that shines a light on Alzheimer’s and other brain disorders will portray a strong family unit that despite everything, will pull together for the greater good. In reality, it isn’t always like that. Sometimes, there are stumbling blocks and a lot of deep-seated issues that need to be worked out first. It’s apparent there is a lot of that for Daisy.
It was also incredibly insightful to see Verity’s perspective. She highlights on just how much she focused solely on the family for decades, doing everything she could for her children and husband, with feeling loss at seeing those reins slip slowly from her fingers. Maybe she has been too hard on everyone, including herself, but it is tough not to feel for her and at some points, even identity with her point-of-view.
Things We Do For Love is a complex, relatable experience. Having a family member of my own who had dementia and seeing how that affected not just him but everyone around him, I could really relate to not only Daisy’s story, but Verity’s as well.
September 21, 2023
Things We Do For Love by Vered Neta is a beautiful contemporary novel about a family.
Families are made up of all sorts. No one model fits all. The family in the novel consists of octogenarian parents, three daughters and their partners and a granddaughter. The novel is told from alternating points of view.
We see the devastating diagnosis of Alzheimer’s as a strong woman loses herself bit by bit. “A ray of light enters the black hole of her memory.” As time passes, she reverts to a child-like state.
Old age is cruel. We witness a life struck down by a stroke but determined to carry on.
The three daughters grew up in the family home. Their lives echo down the hallways. “Ghosts from the past still occupy the room.” Memories are within the very fabric of the building. Their familiar relationship functions the same at fifty as at fifteen. There is the organized one, the quiet one and the one striving for motherhood. We see the difficulties of balancing their lives with taking care of elderly parents. All three still have the ability to rub each other up the wrong way.
We follow a character who has been so busy behaving in the way others want her to – wife, daughter, mother – that at sixty as the roles are diminishing, she feels adrift, wondering who she really is.
Many characters within the novel define themselves in relationship to others but need to know deep down, just who they really are.
This is a very beautiful novel exploring complex relationships within a family. I loved it. There are some difficult topics, sensitively portrayed. In the end, we can say that within this family, love wins.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
Families are made up of all sorts. No one model fits all. The family in the novel consists of octogenarian parents, three daughters and their partners and a granddaughter. The novel is told from alternating points of view.
We see the devastating diagnosis of Alzheimer’s as a strong woman loses herself bit by bit. “A ray of light enters the black hole of her memory.” As time passes, she reverts to a child-like state.
Old age is cruel. We witness a life struck down by a stroke but determined to carry on.
The three daughters grew up in the family home. Their lives echo down the hallways. “Ghosts from the past still occupy the room.” Memories are within the very fabric of the building. Their familiar relationship functions the same at fifty as at fifteen. There is the organized one, the quiet one and the one striving for motherhood. We see the difficulties of balancing their lives with taking care of elderly parents. All three still have the ability to rub each other up the wrong way.
We follow a character who has been so busy behaving in the way others want her to – wife, daughter, mother – that at sixty as the roles are diminishing, she feels adrift, wondering who she really is.
Many characters within the novel define themselves in relationship to others but need to know deep down, just who they really are.
This is a very beautiful novel exploring complex relationships within a family. I loved it. There are some difficult topics, sensitively portrayed. In the end, we can say that within this family, love wins.
I received a free copy via Rachel’s Random Resources for a blog tour. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
August 29, 2023
This captivating story delves into the complex emotions and difficult choices faced by protagonist Daisy Bach, a therapist, as she reconsiders her stance on motherhood.
The book presents an intriguing premise where Daisy's decision to have children becomes entangled with her mother's Alzheimer's diagnosis. This unexpected turn of events forces Daisy to confront her strained family relationships while navigating the challenges of caring for her elderly parents.
The author portrays Daisy's internal struggle with great sensitivity, highlighting the impact of her tumultuous childhood experiences with her controlling mother Verity. As Daisy confronts her deep-seated resentment, readers are invited to reflect on their own beliefs about forgiveness and the complexities of familial relationships.
Throughout the book, Daisy's journey is both relatable and heartrending. The author masterfully weaves together themes of motherhood, forgiveness, and the search for personal fulfillment. Readers will find themselves emotionally invested in Daisy's quest to reconcile with her past and find peace in her present circumstances.
Overall this is a captivating and deeply introspective exploration of family dynamics and personal growth. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, in order to move forward, one must confront the ghosts from their past.
The book presents an intriguing premise where Daisy's decision to have children becomes entangled with her mother's Alzheimer's diagnosis. This unexpected turn of events forces Daisy to confront her strained family relationships while navigating the challenges of caring for her elderly parents.
The author portrays Daisy's internal struggle with great sensitivity, highlighting the impact of her tumultuous childhood experiences with her controlling mother Verity. As Daisy confronts her deep-seated resentment, readers are invited to reflect on their own beliefs about forgiveness and the complexities of familial relationships.
Throughout the book, Daisy's journey is both relatable and heartrending. The author masterfully weaves together themes of motherhood, forgiveness, and the search for personal fulfillment. Readers will find themselves emotionally invested in Daisy's quest to reconcile with her past and find peace in her present circumstances.
Overall this is a captivating and deeply introspective exploration of family dynamics and personal growth. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, in order to move forward, one must confront the ghosts from their past.
September 22, 2023
My Thoughts: this book broke my heart into a million little pieces and then put it back together again.
Oh the emotions I felt, I don’t think I was quite prepared for it!
We’re following 3 sisters, Daisy, Heather and Iris, they’re organising an 80th birthday party for their dad Sol, when they all get together you see the past rear it’s ugly head.. nothing quite like sibling resentment..
We soon learn that they’re all going through their own struggles, some a lot deeper than others but yet all dealt with with the same sensitivity.
A very real representation of a family, nobody is perfect and they all take very different things away from the same childhood.
It’s a story that makes you be realise the fragility of life and how quickly it can all be taken away.
I lost my dad last year, very unexpectedly so found that I needed to put the book down, step away and collect myself more than once, I cried proper ugly tears, I smiled and found myself wanting to shake the characters or a regular basis and show them that in the grand scheme of things the aspect they’re focussing on isn’t that important.
There was a paragraph that has stuck with me, it’s not often I highlight things. But I physically felt this one. So I’ll leave you with it.. just know I wholeheartedly recommend that you read this book!
“I feel as if the world has turned upside down, and I’m spinning without a point of reference in the world. It’s as if I lost my North Pole and am lost in the universe.”
🐧🩷
Oh the emotions I felt, I don’t think I was quite prepared for it!
We’re following 3 sisters, Daisy, Heather and Iris, they’re organising an 80th birthday party for their dad Sol, when they all get together you see the past rear it’s ugly head.. nothing quite like sibling resentment..
We soon learn that they’re all going through their own struggles, some a lot deeper than others but yet all dealt with with the same sensitivity.
A very real representation of a family, nobody is perfect and they all take very different things away from the same childhood.
It’s a story that makes you be realise the fragility of life and how quickly it can all be taken away.
I lost my dad last year, very unexpectedly so found that I needed to put the book down, step away and collect myself more than once, I cried proper ugly tears, I smiled and found myself wanting to shake the characters or a regular basis and show them that in the grand scheme of things the aspect they’re focussing on isn’t that important.
There was a paragraph that has stuck with me, it’s not often I highlight things. But I physically felt this one. So I’ll leave you with it.. just know I wholeheartedly recommend that you read this book!
“I feel as if the world has turned upside down, and I’m spinning without a point of reference in the world. It’s as if I lost my North Pole and am lost in the universe.”
🐧🩷
September 30, 2023
This was a book that interested me due to the storyline centreing around the care of elderly parents which many of us have had to deal with as we navigate our way through life . The narrative is based around four women with different characters, strengths and weaknesses; Daisy, her two sisters and their mother and how their various partners support in different ways. As you read the story you will probably find yourself, as I did, relating to some of their characteristics,how they feel and also how they respond in different situations. Verity's progressing Alzheimer's, and the issues it entails, opens up many cans of worms within the family, many of which have been buried for decades only to resurface during this trying time. It is how they deal with these that will keep you intrigued and reading right to the very last word.
I must admit that I would like to see how different the story would have been if the sisters hadn't been in the privileged position of being able to pay for care in the home as ,in the real world, the vast majority of people in this situation have to cope without live in help.
However, this was a good read which was thought provoking in many ways and I would recommend it as a story about strong women.
I must admit that I would like to see how different the story would have been if the sisters hadn't been in the privileged position of being able to pay for care in the home as ,in the real world, the vast majority of people in this situation have to cope without live in help.
However, this was a good read which was thought provoking in many ways and I would recommend it as a story about strong women.
September 27, 2023
This book is a story that follows 3 sisters and their lives. The sisters are preparing a 80th birthday party for their father and it is an emotional time for all. Their mom is also on some side of Dementia as well and can not remember anything sometimes.
This was a good read for all of our older readers as the story is honest about what happens when you grow up and sometimes parents pass away unexpectedly. This was an emotional read and it is a good read overall. The author's writing style was engaging throughout the story.
The story is told in multiple POV's but easy to navigate between all the POV's. And there is a good message in this story of how families can be made up of all types of people but they can still hold the same family values.
This was a good read for all of our older readers as the story is honest about what happens when you grow up and sometimes parents pass away unexpectedly. This was an emotional read and it is a good read overall. The author's writing style was engaging throughout the story.
The story is told in multiple POV's but easy to navigate between all the POV's. And there is a good message in this story of how families can be made up of all types of people but they can still hold the same family values.
September 21, 2023
This book has my heart and soul! Daisy, Iris and Heather are sisters who are returning home to celebrate their father's 80th birthday and when tragedy strikes they are faced with many challenges one of them being caring for their mother who has Alzheimer's. The relationships between the characters is so complex and there are many different layers under the surface. It really touched my heart and provoked some feelings that I didn't even know I had. A thought provoking read and it explores the tough issues and the relationships we have with our family. I'm so excited to read more of this author's books because if this one is anything to go by they will be brilliant.
August 7, 2023
This book is real and raw. It makes you heart ache for all the pain and sorrow. If you have a relative with Alzheimer's you will recognise a lot. And it shows you how relationships form you. Very much worth the read.
February 7, 2024
This is a read which touches upon many difficult subjects, including Alzheimer’s and dementia, strained family relationships and infertility. The author manages to convey the array of associated emotions in a highly relatable way but it can make for an uncomfortable read at times.
I did initially find it hard to keep up with the different characters as each chapter is relayed by alternate family members, but eventually it becomes easier to recognise each personality and their individual traits.
Verity’s decline is portrayed sensitively and poignantly and with the added perspective of Sol trying to cope with this alongside his own debilitating stroke, it makes for emotional reading.
With thanks to the author and Rachel at Random Resources for the opportunity to participate in the tour.
I did initially find it hard to keep up with the different characters as each chapter is relayed by alternate family members, but eventually it becomes easier to recognise each personality and their individual traits.
Verity’s decline is portrayed sensitively and poignantly and with the added perspective of Sol trying to cope with this alongside his own debilitating stroke, it makes for emotional reading.
With thanks to the author and Rachel at Random Resources for the opportunity to participate in the tour.
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