Virginia Lane Is Not a Hero

by Rosalind Stopps

Ever since her beloved Jed died, all Virginia wants is to be left alone. But the little girl who lives down the street is so sweet, that even in her grief-fuelled state Virginia’s heart softens whenever she sees her.

And that’s why Virginia knows there’s something wrong in the little girl’s house. So when the mother asks Virginia to take her child far away, somewhere safe, Virginia says yes.

The last thing Virginia would call herself is a hero. She’s just doing what anyone else would do, right? But when she realises how much danger the child is in, she knows she needs to do everything she can to keep her safe . . . Because sometimes it’s the most ordinary people who do the most extraordinary things.

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Audiobook

346 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 29, 2024

Reviews

[Jayme C (Brunetteslikebookstoo) · Rating 3 out of 5]

⚠️ Outlier Opinion

Virginia Lane is not a Hero is NOT the light, heartwarming book that the cute book cover would have you believe.

In fact it has about every trigger you could possibly imagine- Child Abuse, Domestic Violence, Incest, Animal Cruelty, Racism, Bullying, thoughts of Suicide and Cancer-so tread carefully! ⚠️

Synopsis:

There isn’t much to do, since Virginia’s beloved husband Jed died, so she spends a lot of time looking out of her window and contemplating whether or not she has anything left to live for.

But, seeing the sweet baby next door always brings a smile to her face. Until, she begins to recognize the changes in Mum Cate, and baby Ocean that indicate that something is VERY wrong in the house next door.

She tries to talk to Cate-to convince her to leave with the baby-but Cate is convinced that her partner Steve can change…

But, finally one day, in desperation, Cate asks Virginia to take the baby away and keep her safe. And, Virginia does-finding help from strangers who become family, as they try to do what’s best for baby Ocean despite accusations of kidnapping.

This IS the story of ordinary people doing extraordinary things-as the book cover promises! And, I admire that the author, a self proclaimed passionate believer in Social Justice wants to shed light on the more vulnerable members of society, and also the many animals who need rescuing…

But, for me personally, the DARK was much more prevalent than the LIGHT, and I found the book to be too depressing. DO read a sample of reviews to determine if this will be a better fit for you. 💔

Thank You to my dear friend Susan who gifted me a copy- hoping for something more humorous and heartwarming! ❤️

[Ceecee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Virginia is deeply grieving the loss of her beloved husband Jed and all she wants is to be left alone with her memories. However, every time she sees her little neighbour Ocean, her heart melts. She’s so sweet and cute, but Virginia becomes increasingly concerned as she just knows deep in her heart that something is very wrong in that household. Virginia tries to help but meets hostility and her son Will advises her to get on with her life as you can’t always help those who need it. She can’t, she simply can’t as every time she sees Ocean, she gets more and more worried. She asks for help and advice and gets nowhere, in fact, she’s stonewalled. One day to her shock. Ocean’s mother Cate is at her door asking her to take her daughter somewhere safe. Well, what would you do? Maybe you would do the same as Virginia who is determined to do the right thing as she’s in way more danger than she first appreciated. Sometimes ordinary people like Virginia can do extraordinary things because they have big hearts. A hero? That’s up to you to decide.

Rosalind Stopps Is a born storyteller with a gift of balancing the gritty and dark with humour and the novel never loses sight of humanity despite what occurs. This is all about adorable Ocean and what’s best for her and it’s amazing what bravery people can summon up when push comes to shove.

What makes this such a wonderful read of the amazing characters that the author has created here. Much is from Virginia’s perspective and it’s as if she’s talking to us, sharing the confidences, her honesty, the ups and downs and letting her personality shine through. There are a host of characters who rise to the occasion to help her when she flees to Margate. There’s Annie, whose backstory will make you weep but she’s the most wonderful and warm hearted human being. There’s fantastic but deeply anxious Jackson and his younger brother Noah and their grandma ‘Panna’ who are all equally fabulous. I fall in love with Noah who is utterly gorgeous and wise beyond his years. Out of the mouths of babes and a laugh for two comes out of mine. The racism these two face is a disgrace.

This is a terrific, well plotted tale of dark and light and the balance between the two is spot-on. It makes you want to cry, but equally it makes you laugh. There are moments of such tension and fear that it is palpable and then the author lightens the mood to highlight the awfulness of one, versus the kindness of others. It has a great ending, it’s very suspenseful and dramatic which feels just right.

Virginia doesn’t think she’s a hero, she’s so is and are all of her new friends. This is a blooming marvellous page turner which I highly recommend.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HQ for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

[Susan (on hiatus)]

Exceptionally written but too many triggers and points of depression for this time in my life.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really think many readers will love this book, and for good reason,it explores the best and the worst of people and shows then the best having the worst time
and finding hope and a reason to live

Now I’ve mentioned that I will say the book contains themes ( amongst others ) of suicidal intentions, child parental physical abuse ( the aftermath not the actual ), racism, bullying and slowly dying from illness…..to counter this it also includes kindness, selflessness, friendship, joy and inter generational understanding

It does at times suffer from a bit of preachyism and everyone is so correct it feels a bit untrue, at one point Virgina apologises for being sexist as she asks another character ( male ) if he knows how the heating works, that kind of thing

It is a dark yet at times light read and I did favour the first quarter of the book as we got to know Virgina, after that it could at times be a bit fanciful in its story

Yet I am glad I read it, in some ways powerful and gave food for thought on various subjects

As for is Virgina a hero? I would say yes she is but every reader will come to their own conclusion

[Beccabeccabooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this amazing story about human resilience and compassion, we meet 70 year old Virginia Lane. She just became a widow after her beloved Jed lost his cancer battle. With her only son, William, living overseas and lack of socialism, all Virginia can do is wallow away in her grief

There is a bit of sunshine in Virginia's day though. Each time the baby Ocean passes Virginia's front window, she waves. Ocean is a happy contented baby and her mum, Cate, is besotted.

Until one day, they're not. Virginia can't put her finger on their sudden despair but she does know what a struggling mum looks like. All Virginia wants to do is help, but her pleas of concerns fall on deaf ears. Meanwhile, things become worse and worse for Cate and Ocean.

Then Virginia returns home from a walk, only to find Ocean waiting for her in the back garden. Alongside her is a packed bag and a note asking Virginia to take her to a safe place.

Off to Margate they go, where Virginia has a holiday home. There, they meet neighbours Panna, Jackson and Noah, who have issues of their own. Former paramedic and acquaintance Annie comes to stay as well. Between the five adults, Ocean becomes bright and happy once more, giving everyone joy.

But there's trouble afoot. Despite following desperate orders, Virginia becomes aware that she's potentially in danger. The only thing she needs to do is to keep Ocean hidden and safe whilst she makes a plan to reunite mother and daughter.

It turns out that Virginia Lane IS a hero after all.

Rosalind Strops is a magnificent storyteller. I quite enjoyed getting to know this cast of characters, who in any other situation, wouldn't have the chance to form a friendship. This is certainly a tale of found family, each member bringing their own personal battles to the foray. The saying, A problem shared is a problem halved has never been so apt.

Abuse, death, depression, grief and social stigma are topics that are discussed and highlighted in this book. If these subjects bring about triggers, maybe this isn't the book for you as they make up the key components of Virginia's tale.

4.5 🌟

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love books about found family, make sure you add “Virginia Lane is not a hero” to your TBR pile immediately.
I really enjoyed this book and the plot grabbed hold of me straight away. With one notable exception, the characters in this book are amazing. You know, the type where you feel you’ve befriended them as you read and come to care for them deeply. My heart was broken and warmed in equal measures by the events of the book and I did not want to stop reading. I’ll definitely read other books by this writer. I’d certainly recommend it to fans of Claire Pooley, Liane Moriarty and Jesse Sutanto.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a chance to review an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Charlotte Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a lovely book!

The story hooked me from the start and I thought it was beautifully written. Virginia is a wonderful lead character and the author really brings to life her emotional pain following the death of her husband, Jed. She is drawn to a little girl in the local area who is clearly suffering. Here begins her story of being a 'hero'.

The author does a fabulous job of dealing with some quite difficult and triggering themes but in a sensitive way; also bringing humour to the fore to soften - but not undermine - the impact of this. As the story switches locations, more characters are introduced, with their own very different challenges and life experiences. However, all are wonderfully warm and rounded and introduce light where the story becomes dark. I thoroughly enjoyed this read.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kerrie Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh so many emotions

In this book we meet Virginia, grieving widow of Jed. She has spent many months, during Jed’s illness describing to him the happenings on the street below. Shortly after his death, she notices the change in the little girl across the road. They have witnessed Ocean growing into a beautiful little girl, who always waves as she passes. Suddenly Virginia notices that she has become withdrawn. Worried she tries to speak with her mother and partner but is met with rudeness and abuse. Virginia tries to share her concerns with child welfare but is dismissed as a lonely widow and advised to get out amd make friends!
One day she finds young Ocean in her back garden with a note around her neck, asking Virginia to take her to safety. Virginia doesn’t hesitate, she immediately packs up and takes the baby to her holiday home in Margate. There she meets neighbours Panna, Jackson and Noah, who are also struggling with their own issues. She also enlists the help of one of Jed’s pen pals and the unlikely group become firm friends as they try to work out how best to save and help Ocean.

I absolutely loved this book. I felt so many emotions as I read it, the author truly captured the events, making you the readers feel as if you were there with them all.

I cannot wait to read more from this author. Thanks Netgalley and publisher for allowing me to read this title

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Amazing characters x

[Shona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever since her beloved Jed died, all Virginia wants is to be left alone. However, the little girl who lives down the street is so sweet, that even in her grief-fuelled state Virginia’s heart softens whenever she sees her. So when, Virginia senses there’s something wrong in the little girl’s house, and the girl’s mum begs her to take her child far away, somewhere safe, Virginia can’t stop herself from saying yes. The last thing Virginia would call herself is a hero as she’s just doing what anyone else would do, right? When she realises how much danger the child is in, she knows she needs to do everything she can to keep her safe, sometimes it’s the most ordinary people who do the most extraordinary things…

This book covers some very serious issues and is a vivid, and scary, reminder of some of the horrible things that happen in the world, but told through the eyes of an unexpected heroine, a seventy year old woman. Quite a few titles this year have elderly characters that you can’t help but love, and I must say that Virginia is also a very endearing character added to this list.

The supporting cast of a very unlikely group of strangers coming together is a heartwarming element of this title, conveying the importance of life, relationships and doing the right thing, no matter what dangers could lie ahead. The contrast of the older characters and the younger ones is very cleverly executed, providing an outlook from both sides of the age spectrum, with the wisdom of naivety and experience shining through.

Despite the serious content in this title, this is a book filled with emotion and loveable characters that give you hope that good can overpower evil. A thoroughly enjoyable read with an important underlying message.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Virginia Lane is a lonely widow whose interest in life is rekindled by concern for her neighbour, a young woman with a toddler, Ocean, both being abused by a cruel partner. When Virginia takes matters into her own hands, she embarks on an adventure that involves a young family who have problems of their own, and another elderly woman with a tragic past. Can they all help each other? And more importantly, can they save Ocean from a lifetime of abuse?
This was a page-turning read- the idea of an old woman and a young baby on the run is an exciting plot in itself, and the secondary plot of Jackson, his younger brother Noah, and grandma Panni kept the pace going well.
The characters are superb. I empathised with Virginia so much, but it was Jackson my heart really went out to - a young lad struggling to keep his family together but unable to turn his back on other people's problems, too. If Virginia Lane IS a hero, then Jackson IS a superhero, conquering his own fears to act in the right way, always,
With themes of childhood abuse, both physical and sexual, grief, illness and racism, this is not always an easy read, but the warmth of the characters alleviates the sometimes distressing narrative, and there is plenty of underlying humour with the easy-going presence of Jackson's wise-beyond-his-years brother, Noah.
A well written and orginal story, and it was good to see three older woman in key roles. There are no stereotypes here, just gentle goodhearted people with their own faults, fears and failings, striving to do the best for the most vulnerable in their care.

[Ella (The Story Collector) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since her beloved husband died, all Virginia wants is to be left alone. But the little girl who lives down the street is so sweet, and something is clearly very wrong at home, which Virginia can’t ignore. So when the girl’s mother asks her to take her little girl away, somewhere safe, Virginia says yes. But how can one grief-stricken old lady possibly protect and take care of a baby that isn’t hers to keep?

Honestly, this book is so good. Rosalind Stopps manages to create a really delicate balance between entertaining, slightly comedic story-telling and some very heavy topics. There are themes of racism, abuse, violence, murder, and rape, but none of these are described explicitly or graphically. The story is told in alternating chapters from Viriginia’s point of view, and following the lives of Jackson, Noah and Panna, who she crosses paths with later in the book.

I loved all the characters, but especially Virginia and Noah, whose insightful view of the world provides some much needed relief during the drama. And there is a lot of drama. There is a palpable tension which is built throughout the book and a lot of general awfulness, but the true focus is on the extraordinary lengths some people will go to in order to help others and do the right thing. It’s a hopeful, inspirational story and incredibly well written.

I also really enjoyed the discreet reference to one of Stopp’s other novels, A Beginner’s Guide to Murder.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - what can I can say! This might be one of the best books I’ve read this year! I couldn’t put it down! The characters were all so wonderful- I’d love to meet them in real life, particularly Virginia! What an accolade for the author that she can produce such realistic characters!!
Virginia is a lady in her seventies, recently widowed who can barely function. Her only son lives in Australia and rarely visits- she plans to end it all in a few weeks.
When she suspects that the woman and baby who live opposite her are in trouble she tries to help but to no avail. Cate and baby Ocean are in thrall to a violent man
One day Cate leaves her child with Virginia, asking her to keep her safe and that is exactly what Virginia does with the help of her neighbours who live in the block of flats in Margate where she flees with Ocean.
I particularly liked Jackson and Noah, two young boys who are living with a lot of worry- both are old beyond their years. Annie, Virginia’s pen friend from Scotland also comes to help and somehow they manage to formulate a plan. However danger lurks as Ocean’s stepfather is determined to get her back and continue to terrorise the child.
This is a very moving story which centres on some very serious themes including loneliness, death, grief and child abuse.
However there is also some humour, particularly as we hear from Virginia and Noah, an 11 year old with a big heart.
I must admit I had tears in my eyes as I got to the last few pages- there were several twists and I felt the ending was satisfactory, not completely happy but realistic. There are some dark parts but also some lighter sections.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it as a compelling read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Virginia Lane Is Not A Hero by Rosalind Stopps is a beautiful contemporary novel about love and caring, life and loss as we see that friendship comes in many different forms.
This is a novel that tackles some difficult and upsetting themes but in a way that shows that love is the light that still shines in the darkness. It is a book that will have you reaching for the tissues as your heart breaks for the innocent.
The novel deals with loss as lead character Virginia is learning to live again after her lifelong partner has died. “I couldn’t believe that he’d gone, or that the world would be able to carry on as normal.” The love shines through. Life has lost its’ meaning. It is to be endured rather than enjoyed until that day when life once more, has a purpose.
Anyone who hurts the innocent breaks the reader’s heart whilst awakening the lead characters to do what they can in order to protect the vulnerable. We see the effects of cruelty on the innocent – one with two legs and one with four. Both have known cruelty but a group of previous strangers are determined to show love whatever the cost. The vulnerable open up and learn to trust again. “This dog… has not been treated right. But he still knows how to love.”
It is an eclectic group who pull together to protect the innocent. “No one can pull it on their own but when they all get together they can.” Strength comes from being in numbers not in isolation.
People are cruel. Eleven year old Noah has suffered at the hands of bullies. “What happens… if it [bullying] never stops? If everywhere I go people think I’m odd?” Noah proves himself to be wise beyond his years, with his reading of situations and his advice.
All the characters are realistic and believable. They are an eclectic bunch from grannies to babies, all from various ethnicities. Their love and determination to protect shines through. In contrast there are some horribly menacing characters who strike fear into the heart of the reader.
I really enjoyed Virginia Lane Is Not A Hero. It is a book of love, of friendship and of care. Truth will out. Family is everything, whether it is blood-related or those who are united by a common goal. You will definitely need the tissues.
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
A note: If you are affected by any of the themes or content, please tell someone and seek help.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely sensitive story of grief, quiet heroism, and love. I found it both absorbing and moving, and surprisingly enjoyable given it has some dark themes.

Virginia is a really believable character, self aware in many ways but still unaware of her own strength and courage until they’re needed. Like many people, she wants to help but hesitates to interfere, and isn’t quite sure where the line is.

There are dark themes in this novel – Virginia’s grief, for example, and the many griefs and abuses that various other characters gradually reveal. Racism, child abuse, domestic violence, and power wielded inappropriately all have an outing here. These are handled sensitively and without voyeuristic depictions.

Equally importantly though, this is a story that ultimately has a lot of hope. It’s about connections, and quite ordinary people doing extraordinary things to help other people. There’s a lot of love and kindness in these pages.

The plot is largely concerned with Virginia’s quest to protect the little girl, and it will absorb most readers. It’s not long before we care a lot about the little girl, Virginia, and the motley crew that step up to help. I was really absorbed in the question of how things would turn out. This isn’t precisely unputdownable, but it’s hard to stop thinking about it until you’ve finished it.

All of the characters – and quite a variety they are – are believable and empathetic. You’ll feel for each of them, with their different challenges, and frankly I’d love to meet some of them in real life.

This is a really enjoyable novel, highly recommended for readers who enjoy novels that explore serious issues but leave you feeling good about the characters (if not the world).

If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since her beloved Jed died, all Virginia wants is to be left alone. But the little girl down the street is so sweet, that even in her grief-fuelled state, Virginia's heart softens whenever she sees her. And that's why Virginia knows there is something wrong in the little girl's house. So when the mother asks Virginia to take the child far away, somewhere safe, Virginia says yes. The last thing Virginia would call herself is a hero. She's just doing what anyone else would do, right? But when she realises how much danger the child is in, she knows she needs to do everything she can to keep her safe.... Because sometimes it's the most ordinary people who do the most extraordinary things

Virginia is in her seventies. Since her husband Jed died, all Virginia wants is to be left alone. Her only son, William, lives in Australia. But Virginia's heart softens when she sees baby Ocean, who lives across the street. Ocean's mother, Cate, lives in fear of her partner. She asks Virginia to take care of Ocean, and to get away as far as possible with her.

This story is told from Virginia's perspective. It's sensitively written and an emotional read. The characters are beautifully portrayed in this character driven story. We learn of Virginia's hopes and fears. It covers some huge topics sensitively. Virginia takes Ocean to her flat in Margate, and we meet some new characters. I loved Jackson and especially his younger brother Noah, two very endearing young boys. This story is going to stay with me for a while, especially the ending. Virginia Lane is a hero to me.

Published 29th August 2024

I would like to thank #NetGalley #HQStories and the author #RosalindStopps for my ARC of #VirginiaLaneIsNotAHero in exchange for an honest review.

[Lauren Davidson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m sad to say, this book wasn’t for me unfortunately. The storyline was good but I just thought it was a bit boring and slow.

It was about a grieving, pensioner called Virginia, struggling to find a reason to survive. That is until she notices the usual happy toddler that lives a couple houses down looks sad and withdrawn. She notices that her mum has a new boyfriend on the scene and he doesn’t seem like the nicest character. Virginia lets the mother know she is worried and she is there if she needs help. The toddler ends up being abandoned in Virginia’s garden, with a note asking Virginia to take her some place safe. She chooses to take her to a flat she owns at the seaside. This is where her path crosses with a family downstairs. The group form a closely knitted bond, with the toddler at the centre. They have found they will all do everything to keep this baby safe, even if their lives depend on it.

This book focused on lots of important themes; racism and domestic violence. It highlighted the fears of individuals who are victims to these examples of abuse. It is horrible to think these forms of abuse happen every day in front of our eyes.

“No one gets out of here alive and yet it always seems a tragedy. Even if the person dying was one hundred years old without a friend in the world, it would still be a sad thing. It’s the missed opportunities, I guess, and the loss of those memories, all those links. You take one person, any person, out of the network of life and all those links they have with other people, other things, animals, teapots, they all snap and then reattach themselves elsewhere.”

[Liz Skipper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Virginia is a lady in her seventies grieving for her beloved husband Jed who has just passed away. She's terribly lonely and has even come up with a plan on how she can join Jed. After all she only has William her son and he lives in Australia now and she hardly sees him. But then a little girl who lives close by catches her eye. Ocean lives with her mummy and a bully man. Virginia has a real bad feeling that something isn't right and it bothers her.

One morning Virginia hears crying in her back garden. It's Ocean, she's sitting in her buggy with a lanyard around her neck. The words ask Virginia to please keep Ocean safe, take her away from the bully. Virginia knows she must act to save Ocean. She flees to Margate where she has a flat by the sea. Virginia confines in Jed's penpal Annie, a lovely lady from Oban in Scotland. Annie decides to travel down to join Virginia and agrees that they must keep this little one safe.

In the flat above Virginia lives another elderly lady Panna with her two grandsons Jackson and Noah. This little family have their own problems but they offer their help to Virginia and Annie. United together they are all determined to keep little Ocean safe.

What an emotional rollercoaster this one was! The story covers many dark issues, triggers that at times made for very difficult reading. But the author does a wonderful job at handling everything with sensitivity. All the characters are interesting and some won't fail to melt your heart. Is Virginia Lane a hero...she most certainly is!

[Maggie Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Virginia Lane is for me an absolute hero in this book which I absolutely loved from the descriptively tense actions, depth of the characters and brilliant storyline.
After her husband dies Virginia prepares to end her life, losing contact with her previous friends whilst nursing her husband and a son that
has his own life in Australia there is little point to her life.
One of the highlights though when nursing her husband was to see a new baby called Ocean arrive across the road and watch her starting to grow. Gradually she saw a complete change in mother and child, the mother looking sad and unkempt the child no longer smiling and happy. The new partner of this young mother is extremely aggressive, Virginia offers to help mother and child which is refused until one day Ocean is on her doorstep with a note from the mother asking her to take Ocean to a place of safety and she will collect her when she can.
The story takes a dramatic turn introducing new characters who are a joy. They live in a flat in Margate below where Virginia has taken Ocean to.
It’s a storyline that does not shy away from child neglect and the authorities that often ignore and miss warning signs.
The ending is exciting and heartbreaking but satisfying, my only quibble which is entirely personal I would of loved an epilogue to see into the future of the other main characters .
My thanks to netgalley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Virginia Lane is still grieving the death of her husband. They were together forever and his loss has left a huge gap in her life. So much so that she, on occasion, can't see a way through the hurt and pain. But she has a plan and a deadline and that, perversely enough, is sufficient to keep her going in the meantime.
One bright spark in her life is Ocean, the little girl who lives down the street to her. She loves to watch her go past with her mum, Cate. Until, that is, one day she starts to see things that worry her. Things that concern the mum's boyfriend's behaviour and she starts to fear for them both. She does what she can to try and keep them safe, to help them, but to no avail. Until, one day, Cate asks Virginia to take her baby away to safety. To go far away... Virginia agrees...
And so begins a rather charming story containing some wonderful characters that Virginia meets along the way as she shelters little Ocean. Especially Jackson, Noah and their grandmother who live near where Virginia hides. But I will leave you to meet them all at your leisure, as the author intends. Suffice to say it's heartwarming and heartbreaking, shocking and funny, the whole gamut of emotions. And, well, whether Virginia is a hero or just doing the decent thing, I'll also leave that up to you... I know which camp my feet are in!
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

[P · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is rare that I cry at books, but the ending of this one did make me tear up!

It has such a unique plot line, with a lovable elderly lady as the MC and many other significant characters, particularly elderly ladies (not usually significant characters in books I read, but I loved them all very much) as well as a couple of entirely endearing preteen-teenage boys.

There is a significant found family theme to this novel with many heartfelt and lighthearted moments, but with a rather serious plot-line tying all the characters together and motivating them, as they work to save an abused baby girl.

There are serious themes included, such as child abuse and racism. These are written about sensitively and in a way that makes the reader think and leaves a lasting impression.

I absolutely loved the two boys and their ‘panna’ grandma (characters who assist the MC) and all characters were written so beautifully, fleshed out in a meaningful way, and were important to the plot.

Overall, I rate this 4.5 out of 5 stars, rounded up to 5.

I received an advance reader copy of this book, which in no way affects my review. This review is voluntary.

[beckys_book_blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. I was completely invested in Virginia from the first page. What a brilliant character! I loved all of the people in this story, though (except Steve!). They were all such believable, well written characters that were so easy to emphasise and identify with.
The loss felt by Virginia, following the recent death of her husband Jed is so vividly portrayed. There is a lot of pain and suffering through the novel felt by many of the characters at the hands of bullies or as a result of abusive relationships or grief. At the same time there are such happy, funny moments as friendships are formed and developed. I loved the dual narration by Virginia and Jackson and the way the two different worlds came together to help the little girl! I also loved the relationship between Virginia, Noah and little Ocean!

If you like a character driven story with family and friendship at the heart, I would highly recommend this. It will definitely be in my top ten reads of the year. I also can't wait to read the previous two novels by this author.

[Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I didn't want to kidnap that baby, and if I could have helped her any other way I would have."
What a beginning to a fantastic book that will have your emotions in a spin. Virginia is 70, very recently widowed and contemplating ending her life. She has concerns that the mother and baby next door are being abused and offers to help. Meanwhile in Margate 18 year old Jackson and younger brother Noah are living with their terminally ill grandmother. Along with Annie from Oban this unlikely 'gang' are ready to help save baby Ocean. Rosalind Stopps does not shy away from some very difficult and emotional subjects which she skillfully incorporates into the story. It's a book that will have you smiling one minute and perhaps shedding a tear the next but it's also one that you'll be glad you've read. Highly recommend. Thank you to netgalley, the author and publisher for an early read.

[Cleopatra Pullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic character driven story.

Virginia Lane has recently lost her beloved husband Jed to cancer. Struggling to make it through the day as she gazes out of her window she catches sight of baby Ocean and her mother Cate. Deep in grief though she is Virginia is concerned that baby Ocean is not as happy as when she'd first seen her as a baby and as her concern grows so does her involvement in the child's life.

This is a story with a dark subject at its heart, a great deal of grief but some oh so wonderful characters that leap off the page. It is a lesson in never writing someone off because they are too old, or too young.

Much of the novel is narrated by the eponymous character Virginia, we hear her fears and then as she grows, her hopes. Her interactions with the cast of brilliant characters are authentic, I don't think I'll forget any of them for some time!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Virginia is still in the depths of grief after the recent death of her beloved husband Jed and, with her only child living over in Australia, she is feeling very isolated. The only brightness in her days comes from the beautiful little girl Ocean who lives a few doors down who her and Jed used to love waving and chatting to when they passed each other. But she has noticed that both the little girl and her mum have started to look withdrawn lately, and when she finds Ocean with a note attached asking Virginia to get her away from here and look after her, she does what anyone would do, right?

This was a great read, especially if you are a fan of found family/unlikely friendship-type stories (which I am!). There are lots of funny, lighthearted moments that do well to counteract the serious issues that are dealt with throughout, making it an easy and enjoyable read.

[Megs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since losing her husband, all Virginia wants is to be left alone. The little girl who lives down the street is so sweet,Virginias heart melts every time she sees her. Virginia knows something is up within the little girls home. Something isn't right, so when the girls mother asks Virginia to take the child, she says yes.

A pure ride of emotions!

A set of people going through some challenging times in their own lives but still go out of the way to help others in their time of suffering. Virginia Lane, you are a hero!

This book covers quite a dark theme, but Rosalind manages to balance it out with dry humour, which was incredibly done.

This is my first book by Rosalind Stopps, and it won't be my last. I've already added A Beginners Guide To Murder to my tbr.

[Diana Santoso · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first few opening sentences captivated me so I decided to give the book a go. It didn't disappoint. First part was beautiful and touching, truly made me immersed in the world of Virginia Lane which at the time was unstable and seems full of emotional turmoil. I didn't enjoy when suddenly in the middle it changed POV but I plowed through thinking it must be connected somehow. And it did, though I enjoyed Virginia's part more. All in all I enjoyed the book immensely and was rooting for her. Something that irked me though that several characters seems to have same voice and feeling especially in how they try to be brave and I feel it'd be better if the author could differentiate those so it doesn't feel just like the same character but given different age/gender/etc.

[Lane Giles · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time rating this book, I’ve landed somewhat in the middle whilst it wasn’t objectively bad I was expecting a bit more of a light hearted read, I picked this book up as my name is Lane and I am pregnant so naturally the cover caught my eye. With ‘but sometimes ordinary people do extraordinary things’ also lead me to think it was going to be a more ‘Emily Henry’ style book rather than a mystery or thriller. Full of dark subject matter there were points that honestly made me feel very icky. Objectively good books make you feel something right? I think I would have accepted the storyline and writing a lot more had I not gone into this blind and had seen some trigger warnings on the content matter. I recommend reading some of the other Goodreads reviews before reading.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Virginia has just lost her husband and is lonely then she observes a mother and new baby Ocean two doors down, but something doesn`t seem right to her even after talking to the mother and one day the mother asks Virginia tom take Ocean away from harm.
So Virginia takes her to her flat in Margate where she is befriended by the family downstairs and the help her with the baby.
The family is a great help and I just love Noah and his magical way with people and his attitude.
It`s a great read.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC and I give my honest review.

[Cheryl Bellingham · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a beautiful book. One lady on her own following the death of her husband. A grandma raising two boys and a lady in Scotland who is isolated. What an unlikely group of friends but they come together fighting for one little baby.

The story of friendship, courage, love and loss.

The book tackles some difficult issues around judgement and looking out for what happens around you

I spent half the book at least on the edge of my seat hoping everything would be ok.

Thank you for allowing me to read this book in advance of publication.