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THE BROKEN PIECES OF US
Matt can't get over his guilt at the death of his young wife. It's broken him, and he's determined to protect his heart from falling in love again. He promises himself he'll never have another serious relationship.
Rosie also knows the pain of losing someone she loves. But she's ready for a fresh start and her bubbly personality makes her the perfect choice to be the new nanny for Matt's son.
As they get to know each other, Matt gradually opens up about his past. But it isn't until Rosie does the same that Matt questions if he's made the right decision to give up on love.
Rosie wants to embrace life and her future, but is it too late for Matt to do the same?
And can they both finally find happiness and heal all their broken pieces?
A heart-warming, humorous love story set in the beautiful Cotswolds with an unexpected plot twist.
Rosie also knows the pain of losing someone she loves. But she's ready for a fresh start and her bubbly personality makes her the perfect choice to be the new nanny for Matt's son.
As they get to know each other, Matt gradually opens up about his past. But it isn't until Rosie does the same that Matt questions if he's made the right decision to give up on love.
Rosie wants to embrace life and her future, but is it too late for Matt to do the same?
And can they both finally find happiness and heal all their broken pieces?
A heart-warming, humorous love story set in the beautiful Cotswolds with an unexpected plot twist.
- GenresRomance
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 30, 2023
3 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 4, 2024
A sweet slow burn romance between single dad Matt, and new nanny Rosie. On the search for new job opportunities Rosie unexpectedly gets hired as nanny to Toby, hired by the serious and grumpy Matt. They try to keep things strictly professional but their chemistry is undeniable, until the bombshell arrival of Matt's girlfriend Belle.
Things become tense, and Belle makes her disapproval of Rosie clear.
I enjoyed the snippets of drama, the small town vibes, the groups of friends and the way they supported each other, and the bond between Rosie and Toby.
The story explores miscommunication across the 2 POV showing their complex relationship, and I liked the twists and added tension.
A touching romance that explores healing and passion.
✨"Her full pink lips glossy and kissable. Jesus - I sound like a sex starved teenager"
✨"I wonder what it would be like to feel her mouth against mine, to steal her breath...but then I come to my sense. She's my employee and completely off limits"
✨"I stride towards her, pulling her roughly into my arms, and kiss the ever living life out of her"
✨ She deserves someone who will always put her above the sun, the moon and the stars. Someone who isn't broken like me"
✨ I seem to have fallen for a hungover, opinionated nanny who's incredibly beautiful despite her smudged mascara panda eyes"
Things become tense, and Belle makes her disapproval of Rosie clear.
I enjoyed the snippets of drama, the small town vibes, the groups of friends and the way they supported each other, and the bond between Rosie and Toby.
The story explores miscommunication across the 2 POV showing their complex relationship, and I liked the twists and added tension.
A touching romance that explores healing and passion.
✨"Her full pink lips glossy and kissable. Jesus - I sound like a sex starved teenager"
✨"I wonder what it would be like to feel her mouth against mine, to steal her breath...but then I come to my sense. She's my employee and completely off limits"
✨"I stride towards her, pulling her roughly into my arms, and kiss the ever living life out of her"
✨ She deserves someone who will always put her above the sun, the moon and the stars. Someone who isn't broken like me"
✨ I seem to have fallen for a hungover, opinionated nanny who's incredibly beautiful despite her smudged mascara panda eyes"
July 11, 2024
I'm delighted to take part in the @Lovebookstours Book Tour of the new romance The Broken Pieces of Us by @celiatandybooks
The Broken Pieces Of Us is Celia Tandy's wonderfully written debut contemporary romance. It was a quick and enjoyable read that I read over one evening. It is told in alternating point of view between single father Matt and his new nanny Rosie as their budding relationship unfolds. I thought the storyline was so heartwarming and loved Rosie's artistic side and how easily she befriends Matt's son Toby. The beautiful Cotswold countryside setting and the friends Rosie makes after moving there really added something special to this story. The unexpected twist was such a nice touch. This is a perfect Summer read!
You will love this if you like:
🩷Found Family Stories
☕️Small Town Romance
🩷Great Summer Reads
☕️Single Dad/Nanny Tropes
The Broken Pieces Of Us is Celia Tandy's wonderfully written debut contemporary romance. It was a quick and enjoyable read that I read over one evening. It is told in alternating point of view between single father Matt and his new nanny Rosie as their budding relationship unfolds. I thought the storyline was so heartwarming and loved Rosie's artistic side and how easily she befriends Matt's son Toby. The beautiful Cotswold countryside setting and the friends Rosie makes after moving there really added something special to this story. The unexpected twist was such a nice touch. This is a perfect Summer read!
You will love this if you like:
🩷Found Family Stories
☕️Small Town Romance
🩷Great Summer Reads
☕️Single Dad/Nanny Tropes
July 24, 2024
This kicks off with an opening scene that might be a bit triggering for some. It's an attempted sexual assault. When something happens that early, it can sometimes turn me right off a book. And I'll admit I hesitated and went to read the blurb again - like what the heck am I reading. But I'll also reassure you that it's absolutely worth the read!
This read is full of romance book tropes, so if those aren't your cup of tea pass this one up. But if you're looking for a good romance to sink your teeth into on your vacation next to the pool or beachside, this is a good, solid read. If you need a break from light and fluffy, this one deals with a lot of complex subjects. It also makes it clear who you should like and who you shouldn't. There are loveable support characters - my favorite - and absolutely awesome main characters. And there's a little boy who will win your heart. An equally disdainful villain proves the writing chops of the author in my opinion.
While I think the story technically utilizes the much-hated miscommunication trope, the author actually does it in such a way that you don't find yourself screaming in utter annoyance at the characters. Instead, it seemed like reasonable human misunderstanding. It was a fresh take on the issue.
I haven't read a nanny book, as far as I can remember. This was a good read, but I don't think it's sold me on the genre. I guess I have seen movies and TV shows though. Overall, it has a bit of a #metoo problematic nature, but if done well, it can be okay. It's done well here. I also explore the abuse of power relationship dynamic in my works, and it can be complicated and has room for lots of shades of grey that don't always mean someone did something wrong
If you're a horse lover, there is a good bit of equestrian love to find in this book as well! The horses don't get a ton of page time, but considering I'm not a big horse lover, that isn't a bad thing for me. They support the action and move the plot along, which is the perfect use in my opinion.
The spice level is subtle, will-they, won't-they with any action behind closed doors. A little spicy language, but nothing explicit out in the open. If you're looking for that, this is what I'd consider a clean romance. I wouldn't personally consider it religious romance though, if that's what you're looking for, because there is definitely extramartial intercourse occurring.
Who's It For?
If you love a good, clean romance with some drama, some intrigue, and some more complex issues, this is definitely a read for you. Horse lovers, nanny trope, and single dad trope lovers will also enjoy this read.
Content Warnings: Adult Situations, Adult Language, Death, Parent Loss, Pregnancy, Infidelity, Betrayal, Attempted Sexual Assault, Poverty, Homelessness
This read is full of romance book tropes, so if those aren't your cup of tea pass this one up. But if you're looking for a good romance to sink your teeth into on your vacation next to the pool or beachside, this is a good, solid read. If you need a break from light and fluffy, this one deals with a lot of complex subjects. It also makes it clear who you should like and who you shouldn't. There are loveable support characters - my favorite - and absolutely awesome main characters. And there's a little boy who will win your heart. An equally disdainful villain proves the writing chops of the author in my opinion.
While I think the story technically utilizes the much-hated miscommunication trope, the author actually does it in such a way that you don't find yourself screaming in utter annoyance at the characters. Instead, it seemed like reasonable human misunderstanding. It was a fresh take on the issue.
I haven't read a nanny book, as far as I can remember. This was a good read, but I don't think it's sold me on the genre. I guess I have seen movies and TV shows though. Overall, it has a bit of a #metoo problematic nature, but if done well, it can be okay. It's done well here. I also explore the abuse of power relationship dynamic in my works, and it can be complicated and has room for lots of shades of grey that don't always mean someone did something wrong
If you're a horse lover, there is a good bit of equestrian love to find in this book as well! The horses don't get a ton of page time, but considering I'm not a big horse lover, that isn't a bad thing for me. They support the action and move the plot along, which is the perfect use in my opinion.
The spice level is subtle, will-they, won't-they with any action behind closed doors. A little spicy language, but nothing explicit out in the open. If you're looking for that, this is what I'd consider a clean romance. I wouldn't personally consider it religious romance though, if that's what you're looking for, because there is definitely extramartial intercourse occurring.
Who's It For?
If you love a good, clean romance with some drama, some intrigue, and some more complex issues, this is definitely a read for you. Horse lovers, nanny trope, and single dad trope lovers will also enjoy this read.
Content Warnings: Adult Situations, Adult Language, Death, Parent Loss, Pregnancy, Infidelity, Betrayal, Attempted Sexual Assault, Poverty, Homelessness
August 14, 2024
The Broken Pieces Of Us by Celia Tandy
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Love Books Tours and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Blurb
Matt can't get over his guilt at the death of his young wife. It's broken him, and he's determined to protect his heart from falling in love again. He promises himself he'll never have another serious relationship.
Rosie also knows the pain of losing someone she loves. But she's ready for a fresh start and her bubbly personality makes her the perfect choice to be the new nanny for Matt's son.
As they get to know each other, Matt gradually opens up about his past. But it isn't until Rosie does the same that Matt questions if he's made the right decision to give up on love.
Rosie wants to embrace life and her future, but is it too late for Matt to do the same?
My Opinion
The Broken Pieces Of Us is a relatively short book at less than 250 pages. Going into this Celia Tandy was a new author to me so I wasn't sure what to expect - what I got was a sweet, slow-burn romance. The opening pages were difficult to read but I am glad that I stuck with it. Both Matt and Rosie were characters that I liked reading about, and as an animal lover I appreciated the equestrian centre.
Celia Tandy alternates chapters between Matt and Rosie but with clear chapter headings it is very easy to follow. If you are looking for a book that is well-written with short chapters then look no further.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Love Books Tours and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Blurb
Matt can't get over his guilt at the death of his young wife. It's broken him, and he's determined to protect his heart from falling in love again. He promises himself he'll never have another serious relationship.
Rosie also knows the pain of losing someone she loves. But she's ready for a fresh start and her bubbly personality makes her the perfect choice to be the new nanny for Matt's son.
As they get to know each other, Matt gradually opens up about his past. But it isn't until Rosie does the same that Matt questions if he's made the right decision to give up on love.
Rosie wants to embrace life and her future, but is it too late for Matt to do the same?
My Opinion
The Broken Pieces Of Us is a relatively short book at less than 250 pages. Going into this Celia Tandy was a new author to me so I wasn't sure what to expect - what I got was a sweet, slow-burn romance. The opening pages were difficult to read but I am glad that I stuck with it. Both Matt and Rosie were characters that I liked reading about, and as an animal lover I appreciated the equestrian centre.
Celia Tandy alternates chapters between Matt and Rosie but with clear chapter headings it is very easy to follow. If you are looking for a book that is well-written with short chapters then look no further.
Rating 4/5
July 8, 2024
So there were a lot of things I liked about this book, the blurb sounded so up my street it definitely is my kind of romance to read and I liked how Celia Tandy writes. She has a really easy-to-read writing style that made this a book that you can just sit and read in one sitting if you want to. The chapters are really short, sort of no more than 5 pages to a chapter which meant that the pace was really quick and you moved through the story relatively quickly. Whilst I enjoy a quick-paced book at times, I felt this was far too quick for me. I really struggled to connect with either main character because it was so speedy that I just didn't get to know them, and it meant that I wasn't as invested in their relationship as I felt I was meant to be. I finished the book and I liked that we had a happy ending but it didn't give me the feels I normally get from this kind of romance. Having said that I would happily read another book by Celia Tandy, I really liked how she wrote, especially the alternating chapters I would just have liked the pace to be a tad slower for me.
July 27, 2024
Great book
What a lovely cover!
The story follows Rosie and Matt, each with a traumatic background as Rosie ends up being the Nanny for Matt's young son.
This is a grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract book!
Rosie is a great character - strong and determined while Matt is the typical broody, grump who's past haunts him.
There were so many elements of this book that were lovely but for me, it was the learning difference representation of Janine that was brilliant!
I loved how Rosie helped Janine get the support she needed to enable her to learn her way and get to a point where she can help her son woth her homework.
That was lovely!
There's drama, romance and crossed wires along the way.
If you love Contemporary Romance then you will enjoy this!
What a lovely cover!
The story follows Rosie and Matt, each with a traumatic background as Rosie ends up being the Nanny for Matt's young son.
This is a grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract book!
Rosie is a great character - strong and determined while Matt is the typical broody, grump who's past haunts him.
There were so many elements of this book that were lovely but for me, it was the learning difference representation of Janine that was brilliant!
I loved how Rosie helped Janine get the support she needed to enable her to learn her way and get to a point where she can help her son woth her homework.
That was lovely!
There's drama, romance and crossed wires along the way.
If you love Contemporary Romance then you will enjoy this!
August 23, 2024
I am definitely in my Romance Era. I loved the sweet and emotional story that our two main characters go through in finding their love for each other and who do they have to thank - the sweetest little 6 year old bean Toby. Oh yeah and one disgusting human from Rosie's previous job which leads her to take up the job with Matt and Toby. This is a story of grief and how it can cause people to become shut off from the possibility of falling in love. The author has an unique way of writing her story which had me invested from the moment Rosie and Matt meet. Yes they have issues along the way from communication to an persistent force in Matts life however love ultimately prevails. You need to read this if you need a cozy hug of a book.
August 25, 2024
I absolutely loved this book. After reading it I was just ranting and reaching to my family about how sweet this book was. This was a romcom with a single dad and a nanny that brought the sunshine back into his life. Of course the book started with the drama of her being late for the interview after having left the last family in a not too amicable fashion. The FMC and the MMC both have baggage that make a romance of any kind difficult. The MMC in particular is a widower with a casual hookup that make it very difficult for a relationship to bloom. I love his character growth and I love how the FMC was just so able to help him while also bringing so much joy to the son's life. This was light and fun and sweet and just what I needed.
August 2, 2024
This book was a really quick read. Being 100% honest (as I always am with my reviews) I spent much of the first half thinking "this book isn't for me". That doesn't mean it's not good, just that it didn’t grab my attention, and I found that I just didn't care about any of the characters. But then that all changed when Rosie opened up to Matt and I found my heart breaking along with hers. So I'm glad I stuck with the book.
Itv really picked to from that point and I found some of the conversations about loss to be really quite poignant. Ultimately I'm a romantic at heart and I hope that one day I'll meet someone who will fix all my broken pieces.
Itv really picked to from that point and I found some of the conversations about loss to be really quite poignant. Ultimately I'm a romantic at heart and I hope that one day I'll meet someone who will fix all my broken pieces.
August 21, 2024
Single dad Matt has been through so much, that he doesn't want to go through anything like it again. Toby, Matt's son is the most important thing to him. Rosie has also been through a lot but has a different look on life than Matt. When Matt takes on a nanny for Toby, it's Rosie that becomes Toby's nanny. Even through it's strictly professional, you can feel that it's not the more you read on. Rosie forms a special bond with Toby, which is lovely to see.
The story is told in two POV between Matt and Rosie. Set in the beautiful Cotswold countryside in a small town. A beautiful romance that will warm your heart
The story is told in two POV between Matt and Rosie. Set in the beautiful Cotswold countryside in a small town. A beautiful romance that will warm your heart
July 30, 2024
I could not put this book down and read it in a day!
I fell in love with the characters and was rooting for them from the start. Rosie has had some rotten luck in life but when she becomes nanny to Toby she really seems to find herself. Matt is still grieving for his wife but it’s not as straightforward as all that.
Everything stood in their way but they also had a lot in common both having experienced grief. I enjoyed following their journey.
There were a couple of twists in the story that kept it interesting and made for an excellent read.
I fell in love with the characters and was rooting for them from the start. Rosie has had some rotten luck in life but when she becomes nanny to Toby she really seems to find herself. Matt is still grieving for his wife but it’s not as straightforward as all that.
Everything stood in their way but they also had a lot in common both having experienced grief. I enjoyed following their journey.
There were a couple of twists in the story that kept it interesting and made for an excellent read.
August 12, 2024
This book. It was incredible! A perfect slow burn romance but at times it was also really emotional too.
Straight away I loved Rosie! And her relationship with Toby was just so cute. Matt was also such a relatable character and seeing their relationship develop was lovely to read.
I loved the writing style that made you want to keep reading, the dual POVs and such a lovely book that you couldn’t help but get invested in from the start.
This is my first book from Celia Tandy but I honestly think it won’t be my last.
Straight away I loved Rosie! And her relationship with Toby was just so cute. Matt was also such a relatable character and seeing their relationship develop was lovely to read.
I loved the writing style that made you want to keep reading, the dual POVs and such a lovely book that you couldn’t help but get invested in from the start.
This is my first book from Celia Tandy but I honestly think it won’t be my last.
August 23, 2024
I love books of this genre and tropes. Boss/employee, grumpy x sunshine, redemption.
It's a really lovely read, the characters are wonderful, and the relationships between them all are built so well, despite it being a relatively short book. I love Toby, of course. His innocent outlook on life really warmed me throughout.
There was some humour, but mostly, it was a warm, emotional read, watching Matt come to terms with his feelings, and Rosie learned she was deserving.
I finished this in less than 24hours because I didn't want to put it down, I'd love to read more by this author.
It's a really lovely read, the characters are wonderful, and the relationships between them all are built so well, despite it being a relatively short book. I love Toby, of course. His innocent outlook on life really warmed me throughout.
There was some humour, but mostly, it was a warm, emotional read, watching Matt come to terms with his feelings, and Rosie learned she was deserving.
I finished this in less than 24hours because I didn't want to put it down, I'd love to read more by this author.
July 3, 2024
Honestly the storyline of this was so cute! I wasn't the biggest fan of the twist that happened involving Bella towards the end and what made it worse was that it was then a really short twist. However, loved their characters and the fact that Toby loved Rosie so much, that was so cute! And the ending in the epilogue was just the sweetest thing ever! Definitely recommend if you want a cutesy romance to read!
August 10, 2024
I was instantly drawn to this one because of the gorgeous front cover.
It's not you usual generic cover for a summer romance and with the title too, I thought this might be a bit of an emotional one.
Both our main characters had their own trauma to come to terms with and as their stories play out, it's easy to see why Matt reacted as he did.
After his wife died, he struggled to to keep it together and care for his young son alone.
He vowed never to love again!
When he hires Rosie to be his son's nanny to help out, she opens up about her own past and we see the positive way in which she is dealing with her trauma.
As the two get to know each other better, their relationship gradually develops as Rosie brings Matt over to her way of thinking.
I loved the alternating pov's over the chapters as it gave us such a great insight into what each was thinking and feeling on the inside even though they struggled to get through to each other on occasion.
I also loved the setting which was described beautifully.
I've never been to the Cotswolds, but the writing transported us to the beautiful landscape and I'd love to visit and see for myself.
A lovely, heart-warming summer romance and an enjoyable read.
It's not you usual generic cover for a summer romance and with the title too, I thought this might be a bit of an emotional one.
Both our main characters had their own trauma to come to terms with and as their stories play out, it's easy to see why Matt reacted as he did.
After his wife died, he struggled to to keep it together and care for his young son alone.
He vowed never to love again!
When he hires Rosie to be his son's nanny to help out, she opens up about her own past and we see the positive way in which she is dealing with her trauma.
As the two get to know each other better, their relationship gradually develops as Rosie brings Matt over to her way of thinking.
I loved the alternating pov's over the chapters as it gave us such a great insight into what each was thinking and feeling on the inside even though they struggled to get through to each other on occasion.
I also loved the setting which was described beautifully.
I've never been to the Cotswolds, but the writing transported us to the beautiful landscape and I'd love to visit and see for myself.
A lovely, heart-warming summer romance and an enjoyable read.
April 19, 2025
This book was beautiful. It was an easy read with short chapters. The story line was lovely, the characters were great. I loved the journey that Rosie and Matt took to over come their grief and to move on with their lives.
I felt Celia talked about a few subjects, ie grief, lack of literacy skills etc very tactfully and hopefully it will help others in this situation.
I felt Celia talked about a few subjects, ie grief, lack of literacy skills etc very tactfully and hopefully it will help others in this situation.
September 3, 2024
It was such a sweet and moving read. I do hope that we get to see from these characters.
September 3, 2023
Beautifully written with great characters. I was rooting for Rosie right from the start and I was so invested in finding out what happened, I read it in less than 24 hours. Highly recommended if you love a good contemporary romance with twists and turns.
July 21, 2024
This was a great read. It was heartwarming and highly emotional.
It had a few plot twists that had me gasping out loud and a few scenes that had me tearing up.
It was so beautifully written, very vivid, and very well paced, and it was so easy to read.
Matt and Rosie's story was truly touching and not one I am going to forget anytime soon.
You are definitely gonna need your tissues ready for this read.
It had a few plot twists that had me gasping out loud and a few scenes that had me tearing up.
It was so beautifully written, very vivid, and very well paced, and it was so easy to read.
Matt and Rosie's story was truly touching and not one I am going to forget anytime soon.
You are definitely gonna need your tissues ready for this read.
July 24, 2024
This story was such a heartfelt and loving read, I managed to read this in one single setting as I simply couldn’t stop. We have a nanny romance and I loved seeing the instant bond between Rosie & Toby they instantly had a bond that felt like coming home.
Within our story we have Rosie who initially is late for a job interview with Matt to be his little boys new nanny- he’s sour as she’s running rather late but she’s an instant hit with Toby, he agrees to give a two week trial and it goes off swimmingly.
There is such a cosy feel for this sweet slow burn romance, the setting of the small town is so cosy and I loved that were based on an equestrian centre. I would be very interested in reading more from this town as I’d love to read how Caz & Harry got together or about Janine & Liam.
Within our story we have Rosie who initially is late for a job interview with Matt to be his little boys new nanny- he’s sour as she’s running rather late but she’s an instant hit with Toby, he agrees to give a two week trial and it goes off swimmingly.
There is such a cosy feel for this sweet slow burn romance, the setting of the small town is so cosy and I loved that were based on an equestrian centre. I would be very interested in reading more from this town as I’d love to read how Caz & Harry got together or about Janine & Liam.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews