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Swimming to Lundy
A poignant and inspiring story from million-copy bestselling author Amanda Prowse about how it’s never too late to follow your dreams and find your way back to happiness.
Tawrie Gunn feels stuck. She’s spent her whole life in the same seaside town with her beloved Nana and grief-stricken mum, all of them still reeling in different ways from the tragic loss of Tawrie’s dad at sea. Desperate for a change, she challenges herself to take up wild swimming—every morning, no excuses, from March till September.
Daring to take the plunge with the ‘Peacock Swimmers’, Tawrie feels alive in a way she’s never known. Suddenly it seems she might be able to step outside her comfort zone after all and let life surprise her—perhaps even dream of a future beyond the shores of Ilfracombe? Especially when, one day, she spots a man in a pink linen shirt who seems as eager for a new start as she does.
But it turns out taking risks on land is a little different from wading into the sea. Can Tawrie face her fears head-on and find her way to happiness? She knows it’s never too late to pursue your hopes and dreams, but it might be easier said than done…
Tawrie Gunn feels stuck. She’s spent her whole life in the same seaside town with her beloved Nana and grief-stricken mum, all of them still reeling in different ways from the tragic loss of Tawrie’s dad at sea. Desperate for a change, she challenges herself to take up wild swimming—every morning, no excuses, from March till September.
Daring to take the plunge with the ‘Peacock Swimmers’, Tawrie feels alive in a way she’s never known. Suddenly it seems she might be able to step outside her comfort zone after all and let life surprise her—perhaps even dream of a future beyond the shores of Ilfracombe? Especially when, one day, she spots a man in a pink linen shirt who seems as eager for a new start as she does.
But it turns out taking risks on land is a little different from wading into the sea. Can Tawrie face her fears head-on and find her way to happiness? She knows it’s never too late to pursue your hopes and dreams, but it might be easier said than done…
408 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2024
2009 people are currently reading
5496 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Prowse
87 books1,999 followersPrevious Book: 'Swimming to Lundy', published th August 2024'.
Latest Book: 'This One Life', published 7th January 2025.
Next Book: 'Ever After' published 7th August 2025.
Amanda Prowse is an International Bestselling author whose thirty-two novels, two non-fiction titles and ten novellas have been published in dozens of languages around the world. Published by Lake Union, Amanda is the most prolific writer of bestselling contemporary fiction in the UK today; her titles also consistently score the highest online review approval ratings across several genres. Her books, including the chart topping No.1 titles 'What Have I Done?', 'Perfect Daughter', 'My Husband's Wife', 'The Girl in the Corner' and ‘The Things I Know’ have sold millions of copies across the globe.
A popular TV and radio personality, Amanda has appeared on numerous shows where her views on family and social issues strike a chord with viewers. She also makes countless guest appearances on BBC national and independent Radio stations including LBC, Times Radio and Talk FM, where she is well known for her insightful observations and her infectious humour. Described by the Daily Mail as ‘The queen of family drama’ Amanda’s novel, 'A Mother's Story' won the coveted Sainsbury's eBook of the year Award and she has had two books selected as World Book Night titles, 'Perfect Daughter' in 2016 and 'The Boy Between' in 2022.
Amanda is a huge supporter of libraries and having become a proud ambassador for The Reading Agency, works tirelessly to promote reading, especially in disadvantaged areas. Amanda's ambition is to create stories that keep people from turning the bedside lamp off at night, great characters that ensure you take every step with them and tales that fill your head so you can't possibly read another book until the memory fades...
Praise for Amanda Prowse:
'A powerful and emotional work of fiction' - Piers Morgan
'Deeply moving and emotional, Amanda Prowse handles her explosive subjects with delicate skill' - Daily Mail
'Uplifting and positive, but you will still need a box of tissues' - Hello!
'A gut-wrenching and absolutely brilliant read' - The Irish Sun
'You'll fall in love with this...' - Cosmopolitan
'Deeply moving and eye opening. Powerful and emotional drama that packs a real punch.' - Heat
'Magical' - Now magazine
Latest Book: 'This One Life', published 7th January 2025.
Next Book: 'Ever After' published 7th August 2025.
Amanda Prowse is an International Bestselling author whose thirty-two novels, two non-fiction titles and ten novellas have been published in dozens of languages around the world. Published by Lake Union, Amanda is the most prolific writer of bestselling contemporary fiction in the UK today; her titles also consistently score the highest online review approval ratings across several genres. Her books, including the chart topping No.1 titles 'What Have I Done?', 'Perfect Daughter', 'My Husband's Wife', 'The Girl in the Corner' and ‘The Things I Know’ have sold millions of copies across the globe.
A popular TV and radio personality, Amanda has appeared on numerous shows where her views on family and social issues strike a chord with viewers. She also makes countless guest appearances on BBC national and independent Radio stations including LBC, Times Radio and Talk FM, where she is well known for her insightful observations and her infectious humour. Described by the Daily Mail as ‘The queen of family drama’ Amanda’s novel, 'A Mother's Story' won the coveted Sainsbury's eBook of the year Award and she has had two books selected as World Book Night titles, 'Perfect Daughter' in 2016 and 'The Boy Between' in 2022.
Amanda is a huge supporter of libraries and having become a proud ambassador for The Reading Agency, works tirelessly to promote reading, especially in disadvantaged areas. Amanda's ambition is to create stories that keep people from turning the bedside lamp off at night, great characters that ensure you take every step with them and tales that fill your head so you can't possibly read another book until the memory fades...
Praise for Amanda Prowse:
'A powerful and emotional work of fiction' - Piers Morgan
'Deeply moving and emotional, Amanda Prowse handles her explosive subjects with delicate skill' - Daily Mail
'Uplifting and positive, but you will still need a box of tissues' - Hello!
'A gut-wrenching and absolutely brilliant read' - The Irish Sun
'You'll fall in love with this...' - Cosmopolitan
'Deeply moving and eye opening. Powerful and emotional drama that packs a real punch.' - Heat
'Magical' - Now magazine
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 262 reviews
August 13, 2024
EXCERPT: Tawrie found herself stuck in the middling lane of mediocrity, plodding, looking left and right without the first clue where or how to turn. Life at this stage was, for her, a little disappointing. Stuck in a familiar groove and aware that she'd left school, blinked, and suddenly she'd be turning twenty-eight next birthday.
She carried the nagging feeling that she was missing out. She had loved to study and never found her school work a chore. With good grades and a love of biology, she'd dreamed of becoming a midwife. But responsibilities and circumstances had conspired against her. Her cousin Connie had offered her a job in her café, only ever as a temporary measure, so she could be close to home. Now here she was, about to clock up a decade of service at the Café on the Corner. Life had side-tracked her, and the fact that it was easy, familiar, meant she had seen no real reason to change. Until recently, when the walls that had kept her confined, safe, suddenly seemed a little oppressive and she was finally plucking up the courage to peer over them.
ABOUT 'SWIMMING TO LUNDY': Tawrie Gunn feels stuck. She’s spent her whole life in the same seaside town with her beloved Nana and grief-stricken mum, all of them still reeling in different ways from the tragic loss of Tawrie’s dad at sea. Desperate for a change, she challenges herself to take up wild swimming—every morning, no excuses, from March till September.
Daring to take the plunge with the ‘Peacock Swimmers’, Tawrie feels alive in a way she’s never known. Suddenly it seems she might be able to step outside her comfort zone after all and let life surprise her—perhaps even dream of a future beyond the shores of Ilfracombe? Especially when, one day, she spots a man in a pink linen shirt who seems as eager for a new start as she does.
But it turns out taking risks on land is a little different from wading into the sea. Can Tawrie face her fears head-on and find her way to happiness? She knows it’s never too late to pursue your hopes and dreams, but it might be easier said than done…
MY THOUGHTS: Amanda Prowse ripped my heart out of my chest and kicked it around the floor a few times before giving it back to me severely bruised and battered but, thankfully, in working condition. Emotional doesn't even begin to cover it!
Swimming to Lundy is a story about grief, tragedy and our different responses to it, and how easy it is to become a slave to responsibility. It is also a story about grabbing hold of second chances and learning to live and trust again.
The story is told in alternating chapters by Tawrie Gunn in 2023/24 and by Harriet Stratton in 2002. Tawrie has lived with her grandmother and mother since the death of her father many years earlier, an event which devasted their little family and from which they have never fully recovered. Harriet has also experienced a devastating event in her life. Their lives run on parallel tracks some 20 years apart until a pair of broken hearts brings them together in the present time to reveal a beautiful and magical history that is both heartbreaking and heartwarming.
I have seen Amanda Prowse variously described as the Queen of family drama, and the Queen of heartbreak fiction. I'm going to fully endorse both. I have never been able to read one of her books without shedding a torrent of tears and without ending up smiling and feeling emotionally fulfilled at the end. Even the dedication of this book had me in tears before I started the actual story!
I am a chocolate lover, a very fussy one, but right now if you offered me the choice of an unlimited supply of my favorite chocolate forever or a copy of every one of Amanda Prowse's books - I'd take her books. NO CONTEST.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐+
#SwimmingtoLundy #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: A popular TV and radio personality, Amanda is a huge supporter of libraries and having become a proud ambassador for The Reading Agency, works tirelessly to promote reading, especially in disadvantaged areas. Amanda's ambition is to create stories that keep people from turning the bedside lamp off at night, great characters that ensure you take every step with them and tales that fill your head so you can't possibly read another book until the memory fades...
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC pf Swimming to Lundy by Amanda Prowse for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
She carried the nagging feeling that she was missing out. She had loved to study and never found her school work a chore. With good grades and a love of biology, she'd dreamed of becoming a midwife. But responsibilities and circumstances had conspired against her. Her cousin Connie had offered her a job in her café, only ever as a temporary measure, so she could be close to home. Now here she was, about to clock up a decade of service at the Café on the Corner. Life had side-tracked her, and the fact that it was easy, familiar, meant she had seen no real reason to change. Until recently, when the walls that had kept her confined, safe, suddenly seemed a little oppressive and she was finally plucking up the courage to peer over them.
ABOUT 'SWIMMING TO LUNDY': Tawrie Gunn feels stuck. She’s spent her whole life in the same seaside town with her beloved Nana and grief-stricken mum, all of them still reeling in different ways from the tragic loss of Tawrie’s dad at sea. Desperate for a change, she challenges herself to take up wild swimming—every morning, no excuses, from March till September.
Daring to take the plunge with the ‘Peacock Swimmers’, Tawrie feels alive in a way she’s never known. Suddenly it seems she might be able to step outside her comfort zone after all and let life surprise her—perhaps even dream of a future beyond the shores of Ilfracombe? Especially when, one day, she spots a man in a pink linen shirt who seems as eager for a new start as she does.
But it turns out taking risks on land is a little different from wading into the sea. Can Tawrie face her fears head-on and find her way to happiness? She knows it’s never too late to pursue your hopes and dreams, but it might be easier said than done…
MY THOUGHTS: Amanda Prowse ripped my heart out of my chest and kicked it around the floor a few times before giving it back to me severely bruised and battered but, thankfully, in working condition. Emotional doesn't even begin to cover it!
Swimming to Lundy is a story about grief, tragedy and our different responses to it, and how easy it is to become a slave to responsibility. It is also a story about grabbing hold of second chances and learning to live and trust again.
The story is told in alternating chapters by Tawrie Gunn in 2023/24 and by Harriet Stratton in 2002. Tawrie has lived with her grandmother and mother since the death of her father many years earlier, an event which devasted their little family and from which they have never fully recovered. Harriet has also experienced a devastating event in her life. Their lives run on parallel tracks some 20 years apart until a pair of broken hearts brings them together in the present time to reveal a beautiful and magical history that is both heartbreaking and heartwarming.
I have seen Amanda Prowse variously described as the Queen of family drama, and the Queen of heartbreak fiction. I'm going to fully endorse both. I have never been able to read one of her books without shedding a torrent of tears and without ending up smiling and feeling emotionally fulfilled at the end. Even the dedication of this book had me in tears before I started the actual story!
I am a chocolate lover, a very fussy one, but right now if you offered me the choice of an unlimited supply of my favorite chocolate forever or a copy of every one of Amanda Prowse's books - I'd take her books. NO CONTEST.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐+
#SwimmingtoLundy #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: A popular TV and radio personality, Amanda is a huge supporter of libraries and having become a proud ambassador for The Reading Agency, works tirelessly to promote reading, especially in disadvantaged areas. Amanda's ambition is to create stories that keep people from turning the bedside lamp off at night, great characters that ensure you take every step with them and tales that fill your head so you can't possibly read another book until the memory fades...
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC pf Swimming to Lundy by Amanda Prowse for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
May 10, 2024
Amanda Prowse has been a favorite author of mine for a while. A friend once had a book signed by the author for me, and it was such a wonderful connection. Over the years, Prowse tackles tons of emotional storylines, and this one is another example of how her writing can move you to tears. The Gunn family lost a father, and it's caused ripples in their bonds. Twenty years earlier, a man had an affair and split with his wife, leaving their two children confused. In the future the families come together in a surprising way, and one woman's diary brings back the memories of what life used to be like. Definitely needed to read this one, and I recommend it for others too.
August 24, 2024
4.5★s
Swimming To Lundy is a stand-alone novel by best-selling British author, Amanda Prowse. In early 2023, Tawrie Gunn, not yet twenty-eight, has lived in Ilfracombe all her life and is feeling the need to challenge herself, to change her routine, and to commit to something, so she gives wild swimming a go.
Almost a year and a half later, she’s loving her early morning swim with the Peacock Swimmers: talking to her dad in the ocean that took him when she was eight helps to settle her. So when she falls in love at first sight with a man she sees in the street, it’s natural to tell her dad. By their second encounter, she’s thoroughly smitten by Edgar from London, even though her boss at the Café on the Corner, her cousin, Connie, warns her to be careful. Ed seems to reciprocate her feelings.
But could a relationship work? There’s a good reason that Tawrie never followed her dream to become a midwife, instead staying at Signal House with her nan, Freda, and her mum, Annalee. And while they were sharing facts about themselves, Ed never got to tell her the third thing…
In mid-2002, a shocking betrayal sees Harriet Stratton and her husband Hugo moving away from friends, neighbours, the job she loves, and the school in which her children are happy in Berkshire, to a seaside cottage in North Devon. She hopes that removing her family to a new location might save her marriage. She hopes Bear and Dilly can come to terms with the upheaval in their lives.
Her younger sister and best friend, Ellis has given her a diary, suggesting she put her rage on the page. But despite Hugo’s outward contrition, his tears and his apologies, Harriet is having trouble convincing herself it’s wholly genuine, especially when Ellis raises a certain uncomfortable point.
Prowse gives the reader a very relatable tale that features grief and trust, perceived duty and taking a chance on happiness, presented over a dual timeline that includes diary entries. Her protagonists are easy to love, and the reader can’t help being concerned for their fate. Some of her secondary characters offer good advice: “Nothing is likely unless you chase it, unless you make it happen”. A sweet and moving feel-good read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing.
Swimming To Lundy is a stand-alone novel by best-selling British author, Amanda Prowse. In early 2023, Tawrie Gunn, not yet twenty-eight, has lived in Ilfracombe all her life and is feeling the need to challenge herself, to change her routine, and to commit to something, so she gives wild swimming a go.
Almost a year and a half later, she’s loving her early morning swim with the Peacock Swimmers: talking to her dad in the ocean that took him when she was eight helps to settle her. So when she falls in love at first sight with a man she sees in the street, it’s natural to tell her dad. By their second encounter, she’s thoroughly smitten by Edgar from London, even though her boss at the Café on the Corner, her cousin, Connie, warns her to be careful. Ed seems to reciprocate her feelings.
But could a relationship work? There’s a good reason that Tawrie never followed her dream to become a midwife, instead staying at Signal House with her nan, Freda, and her mum, Annalee. And while they were sharing facts about themselves, Ed never got to tell her the third thing…
In mid-2002, a shocking betrayal sees Harriet Stratton and her husband Hugo moving away from friends, neighbours, the job she loves, and the school in which her children are happy in Berkshire, to a seaside cottage in North Devon. She hopes that removing her family to a new location might save her marriage. She hopes Bear and Dilly can come to terms with the upheaval in their lives.
Her younger sister and best friend, Ellis has given her a diary, suggesting she put her rage on the page. But despite Hugo’s outward contrition, his tears and his apologies, Harriet is having trouble convincing herself it’s wholly genuine, especially when Ellis raises a certain uncomfortable point.
Prowse gives the reader a very relatable tale that features grief and trust, perceived duty and taking a chance on happiness, presented over a dual timeline that includes diary entries. Her protagonists are easy to love, and the reader can’t help being concerned for their fate. Some of her secondary characters offer good advice: “Nothing is likely unless you chase it, unless you make it happen”. A sweet and moving feel-good read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing.
June 20, 2024
Amanda Prowse has been described as the Queen of Family Drama, and the description is so apt. She can take relatable situations and turn them into something extraordinary. Her characterisations are spot on, and the settings are described so beautifully that you feel like you have been there.
The story is told in alternating chapters. One of current day - Tawrie who lives with her mother and Grandchildren since her father died. She decides to take up ‘wild swimming’ with the Peacock Swimmers and one morning on the beach meets a gorgeous man in a pink shirt with whom she feels an instant connection. The alternating chapters are set 20 years earlier when Harriet finds out that her marriage isn’t as perfect as she thought when her husband has an affair, derailing her and her two children. The stories are carefully crafted, until they finally converge in a magic moment.
Amanda Prowse is one of my very favourite authors, and one of those I would most love to have around my fantasy dinner party. I know before I start reading that I will love her books.
The story is told in alternating chapters. One of current day - Tawrie who lives with her mother and Grandchildren since her father died. She decides to take up ‘wild swimming’ with the Peacock Swimmers and one morning on the beach meets a gorgeous man in a pink shirt with whom she feels an instant connection. The alternating chapters are set 20 years earlier when Harriet finds out that her marriage isn’t as perfect as she thought when her husband has an affair, derailing her and her two children. The stories are carefully crafted, until they finally converge in a magic moment.
Amanda Prowse is one of my very favourite authors, and one of those I would most love to have around my fantasy dinner party. I know before I start reading that I will love her books.
June 23, 2024
This story is set in beautiful Devon and has 3 generations of women who are still mourning the loss of a Son Husband and Father 20 years after his death. Tawrie has put her life on hold as she feels she needs to stay for her mum and gran but feels that maybe the time is right to put her own feelings and happiness first.
This is a dual timeline novel as twenty years ago Harriet also has to decide which way her life decisions are going to take her.
Amanda Prowse always delivers a great read her characters are relatable and likeable. And her stories are poignant and deal with subjects we've all experienced in our own lives
This is a dual timeline novel as twenty years ago Harriet also has to decide which way her life decisions are going to take her.
Amanda Prowse always delivers a great read her characters are relatable and likeable. And her stories are poignant and deal with subjects we've all experienced in our own lives
July 9, 2024
Another delightful heartwarming book by this lovely author.
August 24, 2024
**spoilers**
I think I will have to give up on Amanda Prowse books (see my review of the last one). This one had a lot that I liked but I couldn't get past the main love story where the guy lied and cheated and somehow this was just treated as ok?! and he was forgiven without ever really apologising or taking responsibility for his actions. Nope.
I think I will have to give up on Amanda Prowse books (see my review of the last one). This one had a lot that I liked but I couldn't get past the main love story where the guy lied and cheated and somehow this was just treated as ok?! and he was forgiven without ever really apologising or taking responsibility for his actions. Nope.
December 24, 2024
God that was so boring. I loved the premise and the plot but it just dragged on sooooo much. Every chapter was the same boring sob story. Get me the juicy bits and the rest can go
November 23, 2023
I took my time reading this. The story was a wonderful heartwarming one. Everyone was written perfectly, The good the bad the heartbreak and heartache is all felt when you read this book.
Amanda Prowse has such a way to draw you into the story and leave it lingering still in your mind long after you are done.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an early release of this book.
Amanda Prowse has such a way to draw you into the story and leave it lingering still in your mind long after you are done.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an early release of this book.
December 19, 2023
As always, Mrs Amanda Prowse doesn't disappoint, a slow burner for me this one, but yet another heartwarming family read, loved it
August 8, 2024
This was such a thought provoking, beautifully written book. I adored the two different points of view from two different tunes and how they were connected. There is heartbreak, love, friendship and family between these pages making it feel very real. It was emotionally charged at times, and took me from happy, sad, angry and in love!
July 27, 2024
BEAUTIFUL!
I say it every time I read an Amanda Prowse book, and I'm not scared to say it again: What a WONDERFUL story!
Swimming to Lundy is a dual-timeline story that converges at the end in a happy marriage of not necessarily happy events.
Told in the POVs of two women, we see two stories slowly unravel and reveal the ultimate knot that ties them together for good.
Tawrie Gunn is one of three generations of women who have lived in her home. Along with her loving grandma, Tawrie has her mother there with her. But she is in limbo. All three women are mourning the loss of over twenty years ago of Tawrie's father. Unable to move forward, because of ties holding her back, Tawrie begins wild swimming, and the following events all tie in with her swimming.
Over twenty years back, we have the story of Harriet, whose life is turned upside down when she finds out about her husband's infidelity. The upheaval of a family move to Ilfracombe seals the fate of her marriage and somehow sets a stone rolling which doesn't rest for another two decades.
Amanda has a way with words, crafting real stories, tugging at the reader's heartstrings, finding moments that are so believable, settings that will resonate with people, and sucking us into her 'real' fictional world.
I say it every time I read an Amanda Prowse book, and I'm not scared to say it again: What a WONDERFUL story!
Swimming to Lundy is a dual-timeline story that converges at the end in a happy marriage of not necessarily happy events.
Told in the POVs of two women, we see two stories slowly unravel and reveal the ultimate knot that ties them together for good.
Tawrie Gunn is one of three generations of women who have lived in her home. Along with her loving grandma, Tawrie has her mother there with her. But she is in limbo. All three women are mourning the loss of over twenty years ago of Tawrie's father. Unable to move forward, because of ties holding her back, Tawrie begins wild swimming, and the following events all tie in with her swimming.
Over twenty years back, we have the story of Harriet, whose life is turned upside down when she finds out about her husband's infidelity. The upheaval of a family move to Ilfracombe seals the fate of her marriage and somehow sets a stone rolling which doesn't rest for another two decades.
Amanda has a way with words, crafting real stories, tugging at the reader's heartstrings, finding moments that are so believable, settings that will resonate with people, and sucking us into her 'real' fictional world.
August 2, 2024
It was raw and beautiful and I cherish this feeling. With a satisfying sigh and a full heart I just want to tell everyone how much I loved this. It was a story about love, life and loss and it was so good. I listened to it as a audiobook and it was narrated by the author and she was brilliant! I think she should do more. She was perfect for it of course and I felt everything. The writing is touching and heartfelt with a beautiful ending. I highly recommend it and hope you pick it up.
Thanks Brilliance Audio via NetGalley.
Thanks Brilliance Audio via NetGalley.
July 24, 2024
Swimming to Lundy. Well, I feel like I’ve been to Ilfracombe now, although I’d still like to return there and feel the sun on my face, the sand around my toes while spotting dolphins out towards Lundy. I need to drop by the cafe on the corner and walk along the beautiful walkways and scenery in my minds eye for real!
A family who have lived here forever in generations, with love and tragedy learn to love again. Each other and themselves.
Lives can change so quickly and this story tells it so well I felt for the characters and loved how everything interweaved together.
Amanda has out done herself this time for me, loved it 🥰
Thank you for my chance to review early before release.
A family who have lived here forever in generations, with love and tragedy learn to love again. Each other and themselves.
Lives can change so quickly and this story tells it so well I felt for the characters and loved how everything interweaved together.
Amanda has out done herself this time for me, loved it 🥰
Thank you for my chance to review early before release.
September 4, 2024
A good opening chapter, a reasonable second chapter. It takes over 20% of the book before the two tales are linked.
The next few chapters sink into a soft, soggy, morass which continues until the story starts to it's all too predictable happy ever after ending.
A neat idea for a 250 page long book over padded to 400 pages.
The next few chapters sink into a soft, soggy, morass which continues until the story starts to it's all too predictable happy ever after ending.
A neat idea for a 250 page long book over padded to 400 pages.
December 19, 2024
Lovely book and very heartfelt. We used to stay in Woolacombe and Ilfracombe every year for my family summer hol when we were younger and its sooo nice reading a story set there ❤️❤️
March 13, 2026
2.5 ★. It was ok.
I kind of feel bad for the two starts because it's a sweet book, but... it's just too sugary-sweet, and way too predictable. I kept waiting for something to happen, but it was simply going on and on, being a bit repetitive and resulting in a very expected happily ever after. It was a faitytale kind of happy end for literally every single one of the characters in the book.
PS. I listened to it on Audible and I'm pretty sure I heard the exact same paragraph, with the exact same words, wirtten twice a few chapters apart.
I kind of feel bad for the two starts because it's a sweet book, but... it's just too sugary-sweet, and way too predictable. I kept waiting for something to happen, but it was simply going on and on, being a bit repetitive and resulting in a very expected happily ever after. It was a faitytale kind of happy end for literally every single one of the characters in the book.
PS. I listened to it on Audible and I'm pretty sure I heard the exact same paragraph, with the exact same words, wirtten twice a few chapters apart.
July 3, 2025
Very much enjoyed how the different storylines were interwoven. A nice wholesome read that has me wanting to take a daily dip in the sea.
October 18, 2025
Two women, two stories, two different generations, and an unexpected connection between them. I enjoyed the unique way in which these stories came together to provide closure and healing. This was a worthwhile book!
July 5, 2025
Rating 3.5/5
This is the first Amanda Prowse book that I've read and I feel conflicted about it. I liked her writing style; it was easy to read with some lovely descriptions and well padded out characters. However, this book was very average to me.
The blurb implies that it is going to be a very uplifting book, and I suppose in parts it is, and there is an element of self discovery and being brave enough to make a life changing decision, but most of the book is quite depressing. There is a lot of family drama and there is also a second POV which wasn't mentioned in the blurb which seemed a bit random at first. The link with the two characters comes to light eventually, but I don't think Harriet's POV added much to this book. Furthermore, Harriet's whole story is about how her husband cheated on her and broke their family and their son, Bear/ Ed, is quite affected by the broken home. He is then the love interest for our main character Tawrie, but what I really disliked about this story is that when he kisses Tawrie and they have sex, he's engaged to someone else! I found it so hypocritical of his character, and also unnecessary to the plot. He also kept saying "I'm not a liar" and "I'm not like my dad", but he basically is. His mum states that he wasn't intentionally cheating, but the bottom line is that he did and I don't think it was a good way to start their relationship - a relationship that ultimately Prowse wants you to root for.
I might give Prowse's books another try, but sadly this one wasn't the uplifting book I was hoping for.
This is the first Amanda Prowse book that I've read and I feel conflicted about it. I liked her writing style; it was easy to read with some lovely descriptions and well padded out characters. However, this book was very average to me.
The blurb implies that it is going to be a very uplifting book, and I suppose in parts it is, and there is an element of self discovery and being brave enough to make a life changing decision, but most of the book is quite depressing. There is a lot of family drama and there is also a second POV which wasn't mentioned in the blurb which seemed a bit random at first. The link with the two characters comes to light eventually, but I don't think Harriet's POV added much to this book. Furthermore, Harriet's whole story is about how her husband cheated on her and broke their family and their son, Bear/ Ed, is quite affected by the broken home. He is then the love interest for our main character Tawrie, but what I really disliked about this story is that when he kisses Tawrie and they have sex, he's engaged to someone else! I found it so hypocritical of his character, and also unnecessary to the plot. He also kept saying "I'm not a liar" and "I'm not like my dad", but he basically is. His mum states that he wasn't intentionally cheating, but the bottom line is that he did and I don't think it was a good way to start their relationship - a relationship that ultimately Prowse wants you to root for.
I might give Prowse's books another try, but sadly this one wasn't the uplifting book I was hoping for.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2025
Listened to audio book, 3.25⭐️
I wanted an easy listen for some difficult road trips and this fitted the bill perfectly. Set in the Devon coastal town of Ilfracombe. This novel tells the story of two women Tawrie Gunn and Harriet Stratton. Tawrie is a young woman who has lived in the town her whole life, she is stuck and a little disillusioned with life. To try and shake things up a bit she’s takes up daily sea swimming with her local group the Peacocks. This results in a stranger coming into her life that might provide the change she needs. Harriet is a woman fighting for her marriage after her husband’s infidelity, they have moved to the town to try and repair the damage to their relationship.
The story deals with grief, infidelity, family dynamics, moving between the two women and two timelines and does so nicely. It was perfect read, for what I wanted, an easy listen, not challenging or difficult to follow. I knew where it was going and I was just along for the how they get there.
I wanted an easy listen for some difficult road trips and this fitted the bill perfectly. Set in the Devon coastal town of Ilfracombe. This novel tells the story of two women Tawrie Gunn and Harriet Stratton. Tawrie is a young woman who has lived in the town her whole life, she is stuck and a little disillusioned with life. To try and shake things up a bit she’s takes up daily sea swimming with her local group the Peacocks. This results in a stranger coming into her life that might provide the change she needs. Harriet is a woman fighting for her marriage after her husband’s infidelity, they have moved to the town to try and repair the damage to their relationship.
The story deals with grief, infidelity, family dynamics, moving between the two women and two timelines and does so nicely. It was perfect read, for what I wanted, an easy listen, not challenging or difficult to follow. I knew where it was going and I was just along for the how they get there.
October 22, 2024
It’s been a few years since I last read Amanda Prowse. This one was a lovely, heartwarming read, with a bumpy journey for a number of characters, and a satisfying ending ☺️
August 18, 2024
Thank you to @randomthingstours for inviting us onto this book tour.
This book had me in tears a fair few times it's such a complex story that is told and it entertwines beautifully its told in 2 timelines 2002 and 2024 with Harriet who is trying to get through finding out her husband has cheated on her and she thinks moving away from their home to illfracombe will be good for them but very quickly discovers this is not the case. In 2024 we follow tawrie who is trying to cope with life without her dad after he died when she was a child although in her mind she thinks he's hiding on lundy Island and after losing my dad in 2015 and never getting a chance to say good bye at times I got completely how she felt and my heart broke for her.
She falls for a guy called Ed or bear but not everything is how it seems and when she enters his house she feels like she has been here before they are both struggling with very different family issues.
This story was beautifully told and I really felt for all the characters and what they were going through it's strange how things that happen in the past make a reappearance later in your life and like they always say people enter your life and if they are meant to stay they will. I read this book in just over a day I just couldn't put it down I would highly recommend everyone reads this book some of the phrases that are said are ones that will stay with you for a while. At times I laughed out loud especially with Charles and how he is described in the kitchen and other times I cried when tawrie realised how much her mum and dad loved each other and he didn't run away like she thought.
Lovely book.
This book had me in tears a fair few times it's such a complex story that is told and it entertwines beautifully its told in 2 timelines 2002 and 2024 with Harriet who is trying to get through finding out her husband has cheated on her and she thinks moving away from their home to illfracombe will be good for them but very quickly discovers this is not the case. In 2024 we follow tawrie who is trying to cope with life without her dad after he died when she was a child although in her mind she thinks he's hiding on lundy Island and after losing my dad in 2015 and never getting a chance to say good bye at times I got completely how she felt and my heart broke for her.
She falls for a guy called Ed or bear but not everything is how it seems and when she enters his house she feels like she has been here before they are both struggling with very different family issues.
This story was beautifully told and I really felt for all the characters and what they were going through it's strange how things that happen in the past make a reappearance later in your life and like they always say people enter your life and if they are meant to stay they will. I read this book in just over a day I just couldn't put it down I would highly recommend everyone reads this book some of the phrases that are said are ones that will stay with you for a while. At times I laughed out loud especially with Charles and how he is described in the kitchen and other times I cried when tawrie realised how much her mum and dad loved each other and he didn't run away like she thought.
Lovely book.
September 16, 2024
Tawrie is a character you will take to heart. She lives a quiet life in Ilfracombe but has big dreams. The loss of her dad in an accident at sea has had a profound effect on Tawrie and her family. Her mum’s grief manifested in a way which caused Tawrie much despair. Her lovely Nana, despite having lost her son, was really the one who kept the family together. Tawrie felt such responsibility to these two women and of course was dealing with her own grief. Rather than following her dreams, she lives at home and works with her cousin in the local cafe. Deciding to break out of her comfort zone and join with The Peacock Swimmers really was a turning point in her life. There is so much to identify with in the Gunn family and that is one of Amanda Prowse’s skills. she writes so insightfully about the challenges and emotions experienced by many families across all generations.
The other strand of the family takes us back around 20 years where we meet Harriet Stratton. Harriet and her family have moved to Ilfracombe to make a fresh start after upheaval in their life. Again, this is something many readers will be able to identify with. At first it’s unclear how the stories are related but gradually the author reveals the connection and it’s rather poignant. Through Harriet’s diary entries we learn more about the community of Ilfracombe at that time which, when revisted years later, will be of help and comfort to so many.
Swimming to Lundy is a story of grief and betrayal, of moving on and finding love. Another moving and engaging story from, as it says on the front of the book, ‘the queen of family drama’.
The other strand of the family takes us back around 20 years where we meet Harriet Stratton. Harriet and her family have moved to Ilfracombe to make a fresh start after upheaval in their life. Again, this is something many readers will be able to identify with. At first it’s unclear how the stories are related but gradually the author reveals the connection and it’s rather poignant. Through Harriet’s diary entries we learn more about the community of Ilfracombe at that time which, when revisted years later, will be of help and comfort to so many.
Swimming to Lundy is a story of grief and betrayal, of moving on and finding love. Another moving and engaging story from, as it says on the front of the book, ‘the queen of family drama’.
July 28, 2024
Holy smokes! Amanda Prowse gets better with each book! Loved this story of a woman, a little bit lost, but guiding herself toward a life-changing revelation!
August 15, 2024
This was my first Amanda book and a readalong with Tandem Collective.
I am in awe of this book, the relationships, the lessons, the hope.. everything.
The lessons I’ve learnt from this will stay with me.
I genuinely enjoyed it all!
The writing was beautiful!
I couldn’t get enough, the lessons that came out of this will stick with me for life. Just goes to show that it’s never too late to make a change and to pick yourself!
I am in awe of this book, the relationships, the lessons, the hope.. everything.
The lessons I’ve learnt from this will stay with me.
I genuinely enjoyed it all!
The writing was beautiful!
I couldn’t get enough, the lessons that came out of this will stick with me for life. Just goes to show that it’s never too late to make a change and to pick yourself!
June 30, 2025
Sweet characters who I wanted to pull for. I love happy endings- especially for light summer reads!
December 22, 2025
it was Ok as a light read but too saccharin sweet for my taste
October 23, 2024
A story about love, friendship, family and grief. A beautiful book that was written well but also so easy to read. Kept me hooked from the start. 4.5 stars - I probably gave the higher rating also because of family in North Devon, so places mentioned were all familiar to me which made me be able to imagine the scenery all the more ❤️
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