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The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up
Brand new from the #1 bestselling author of The Last List of Mabel Beaumont comes a powerful story of memory, loss, love, and new beginnings…
When Shelley Woodhouse wakes up in hospital from a coma, the first thing she says is that her husband must be arrested.
He’s the reason she’s in here. She knows it. She remembers what he did. Clearly as anything.
But there are things Shelley has forgotten too, including parts of her childhood. And as those start to come back to her, so do other memories. Ones with the power to change everything.
But can she trust these new memories, or what anyone around her is telling her? And who is the mysterious hospital volunteer who brings her food and keeps making her smile? Is it possible to find your future when you're confused about your past?
When Shelley Woodhouse wakes up in hospital from a coma, the first thing she says is that her husband must be arrested.
He’s the reason she’s in here. She knows it. She remembers what he did. Clearly as anything.
But there are things Shelley has forgotten too, including parts of her childhood. And as those start to come back to her, so do other memories. Ones with the power to change everything.
But can she trust these new memories, or what anyone around her is telling her? And who is the mysterious hospital volunteer who brings her food and keeps making her smile? Is it possible to find your future when you're confused about your past?
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2024
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March 4, 2024
My Reviews Can Also Be Found On:
The Storygraph and The Book Review Crew Blog
I love Laura Pearson's books so much, both I Wanted You To Know and Missing Pieces were simply wonderful and The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up is no different. Pearson always manages to tug at my heartstrings and she tackles important, tough topics in a realistic and sensitive manner. This one is about a woman named Shelley Woodhouse who wakes from a coma believing her husband has tried to kill her by pushing her down the stairs. What follows is a dual timeline of Shelley's life from childhood to the event that landed her in the hospital.
I caught on to what was going on and going to happen pretty quickly. I don't know if that was the author's intention or not but I didn't care because I enjoyed watching Shelley catch up and figure it out too. It brought so much satisfaction to this reader to see her realize how her life can still be a happy one. There is some major domestic abuse throughout the book and I liked that it showed how abuse or acceptance of it can be generational. After suffering from the abuse of her stepfather Shelley finds herself in a similar situation as her mother. Can she find the strength to leave?
The characters in this book were exceptionally well drawn out, even the side ones. I loved Granny Rose so much. She reminded me of my own grandmother because she was feisty, helpful, strong and loving. Dee was another side character I adored. Dee is Shelley's best friend and it is of my humble opinion that everyone should have a best friend like that. Dee was always there to support and help and was always in Shelley's corner cheering her on.
I have to point out a couple of little niggles because this would have been a five-star read for me but two things threw me off. That really had me shaking my head.
On a more personal note: It was really weird reading a book with a character who has the same name as me with the same spelling and the same nickname, it kind of freaked me out. Thank you Laura Pearson for spelling Shelley the correct way.
The Storygraph and The Book Review Crew Blog
I love Laura Pearson's books so much, both I Wanted You To Know and Missing Pieces were simply wonderful and The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up is no different. Pearson always manages to tug at my heartstrings and she tackles important, tough topics in a realistic and sensitive manner. This one is about a woman named Shelley Woodhouse who wakes from a coma believing her husband has tried to kill her by pushing her down the stairs. What follows is a dual timeline of Shelley's life from childhood to the event that landed her in the hospital.
I caught on to what was going on and going to happen pretty quickly. I don't know if that was the author's intention or not but I didn't care because I enjoyed watching Shelley catch up and figure it out too. It brought so much satisfaction to this reader to see her realize how her life can still be a happy one. There is some major domestic abuse throughout the book and I liked that it showed how abuse or acceptance of it can be generational. After suffering from the abuse of her stepfather Shelley finds herself in a similar situation as her mother. Can she find the strength to leave?
The characters in this book were exceptionally well drawn out, even the side ones. I loved Granny Rose so much. She reminded me of my own grandmother because she was feisty, helpful, strong and loving. Dee was another side character I adored. Dee is Shelley's best friend and it is of my humble opinion that everyone should have a best friend like that. Dee was always there to support and help and was always in Shelley's corner cheering her on.
I have to point out a couple of little niggles because this would have been a five-star read for me but two things threw me off. That really had me shaking my head.
On a more personal note: It was really weird reading a book with a character who has the same name as me with the same spelling and the same nickname, it kind of freaked me out. Thank you Laura Pearson for spelling Shelley the correct way.
May 1, 2024
EXCERPT: How is it possible that just three days ago we were standing in a cold church, promising to love each other forever, and now we are here, in the kitchen, and I am holding my face where the imprint of his hand is forming? It's a line he hasn't crossed before, but now that he has, it's like I can see that perhaps it was always headed in this direction. Had I known? Had I been aware of the type of man he was and married him anyway? I am a fool.
ABOUT 'THE DAY SHELLEY WOODHOUSE WOKE UP': When Shelley Woodhouse wakes up in hospital from a coma, the first thing she says is that her husband must be arrested.
He’s the reason she’s in here. She knows it. She remembers what he did. Clearly as anything.
But there are things Shelley has forgotten too, including parts of her childhood. And as those start to come back to her, so do other memories. Ones with the power to change everything.
But can she trust these new memories, or what anyone around her is telling her? And who is the mysterious hospital volunteer who brings her food and keeps making her smile? Is it possible to find your future when you're confused about your past?
MY THOUGHTS: Laura Pearson tackles the important topic of domestic violence realistically and sensitively. Apparently one in three women are subject to some form of domestic violence. That information stunned me. The information that this type of abuse is frequently generational, didn't. If a person grows up in an abusive situation, they are more than likely to perpetuate that cycle. It's a frightening reality.
Shelley has grown up in an abusive situation. Her mother tolerated the abuse, so is it any wonder Shelley finds herself in a similar situation?
The story is not a complex one, and I figured out what was going on well ahead of the reveals. It is told over a dual timeline, NOW, with Shelley in hospital after coming out of a coma, and THEN which covers Shelley's childhood and events up to this point.
Shelley is lucky that she has had people to support her - her Granny Rose in her childhood, and her friend and co-worker Dee once she leaves home. Not everyone is that lucky. It is a common trait of abusers that they isolate the victim from their friends and supporters. And then there's Matt - the 'volunteer' at the hospital - what a marvellous character he is!
I don't think this is the best book that Laura Pearson has written - in my eyes, that honor goes to I Wanted You To Know. It is a little clumsy in parts, but the motivation behind the writing can't be faulted. A great book for anyone who is in an abusive relationship - it may just provide the motivation to get out.
⭐⭐⭐.5
#TheDayShelleyWoodhouseWokeUp #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Laura Pearson has an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Chichester. She lives in Leicestershire with her husband and their two children.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Boldwood Books via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up by Laura Pearson for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
ABOUT 'THE DAY SHELLEY WOODHOUSE WOKE UP': When Shelley Woodhouse wakes up in hospital from a coma, the first thing she says is that her husband must be arrested.
He’s the reason she’s in here. She knows it. She remembers what he did. Clearly as anything.
But there are things Shelley has forgotten too, including parts of her childhood. And as those start to come back to her, so do other memories. Ones with the power to change everything.
But can she trust these new memories, or what anyone around her is telling her? And who is the mysterious hospital volunteer who brings her food and keeps making her smile? Is it possible to find your future when you're confused about your past?
MY THOUGHTS: Laura Pearson tackles the important topic of domestic violence realistically and sensitively. Apparently one in three women are subject to some form of domestic violence. That information stunned me. The information that this type of abuse is frequently generational, didn't. If a person grows up in an abusive situation, they are more than likely to perpetuate that cycle. It's a frightening reality.
Shelley has grown up in an abusive situation. Her mother tolerated the abuse, so is it any wonder Shelley finds herself in a similar situation?
The story is not a complex one, and I figured out what was going on well ahead of the reveals. It is told over a dual timeline, NOW, with Shelley in hospital after coming out of a coma, and THEN which covers Shelley's childhood and events up to this point.
Shelley is lucky that she has had people to support her - her Granny Rose in her childhood, and her friend and co-worker Dee once she leaves home. Not everyone is that lucky. It is a common trait of abusers that they isolate the victim from their friends and supporters. And then there's Matt - the 'volunteer' at the hospital - what a marvellous character he is!
I don't think this is the best book that Laura Pearson has written - in my eyes, that honor goes to I Wanted You To Know. It is a little clumsy in parts, but the motivation behind the writing can't be faulted. A great book for anyone who is in an abusive relationship - it may just provide the motivation to get out.
⭐⭐⭐.5
#TheDayShelleyWoodhouseWokeUp #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Laura Pearson has an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Chichester. She lives in Leicestershire with her husband and their two children.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Boldwood Books via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up by Laura Pearson for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
May 10, 2024
In a Nutshell: A dramatic story about a woman who wakes up from a coma and realises that some of her memories aren’t exactly accurate. A great option if you know what to expect from this genre. Trigger warning for domestic abuse, though the writing handles it sensitively.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
I had first read this author in last year’s popular title, 'The Last List of Mabel Beaumont'. While the book was pretty good, I couldn’t find anything that elevated it to a memorable level. It did all the right things, but didn’t push the bar in any way.
This book follows a slightly different route, with a younger lead character, some twisty turns, and an ending built on hope than perfection. Regardless, it is still predictable and the ending is still too good to be true – both of which bring down the overall impact.
The cover might fool you into thinking that this is a light read. But it is very heavy on domestic abuse and gaslighting. This kind of content is not part of just one scene but a steady occurrence in the story, partly because of how it shows the cycle of violence in families and the generational impact of living in such conditions. If domestic abuse is a triggering factor for you as a reader, better to stay away from the book. But I appreciated the way it was utilised by the narrative, showing not just the physical impact but also the long-term mental trauma of living with such a partner. The stats about domestic violence mentioned in the course of the story are sobering.
Shelley Woodhouse can be called an unreliable narrator, but not the way modern thrillers use this trope. Her memory is genuinely affected because of her coma, and as we hear the story in her first person, we see only what she sees. However, the writing offers ample clues to help us figure out that there are chunks of missing information in Shelley’s memory. This makes many reveals guessable.
I liked the use of the dual timelines in the plot. Though a bit convenient as a plot device, these two perspectives help us understand what in Shelley’s past might have led to her present. And the perspectives aren’t as straightforward as you’d imagine. Shelley’s past and present have enough thought-provoking scenes might make you wonder what you’d do in her place.
As common in the women’s fiction genre, the male characters had no depth. They are either good or bad, with no in-between. I wish this genre had believable men; it is not just women who are complex characters. However, the key women in the book are well-defined, be it the struggling eponymous lead who is trying to figure out what’s happening, or her best friend Dee who is her rock in every moment of trial, or even Shelley’s mother who is torn over her own tricky feelings. I liked the decision of making Shelley the landlady of a pub – an unusual career to read about in fiction.
The ending was as expected, and yet it offered some minor novelties. I liked how it combined despair and hope, and didn’t forcefully fit everything into a neat HEA. However, there’s one key reveal made towards the end, which I simply couldn’t accept; it was so farfetched!
Again, this is not a bad book at all, but it sticks to the formula pretty closely. Women’s fiction readers are anyway used to the stories being predictable, so this can’t be considered a negative trait of the book. However, this approach also means that the story isn’t going to stick around in my head for long.
Recommended to those who enjoy women’s fiction. This is a good-enough one-time read. Watch out for the trigger though. The ending might make it feel-good fiction, but the journey has some painful moments.
3.5 stars, rounding up because I know it will work better for the right reader.
My thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the DRC of “The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
The digital version of this book is currently available free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers.
Note: If you are a fan of this author and liked this book as well as ‘The Last List of Mabel Beaumont’, you can subscribe to her newsletter and get a free short story titled ‘A Chance Encounter’. This story blends the world between the two books, and is set after the events of Mabel Beaumont. It’s a sweet enough story, but not a must-read.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
As soon as thirty-year-old Shelley wakes up from a coma, she insists that the police arrest her husband David as he was the reason she ended up in hospital. The medical staff advise her to calm down while the necessary is being done, but somehow, Shelley gets the feeling that she’s not being told something. As Shelley lies in bed, her mind goes wandering through the memories of her childhood, and through that exploration, she realises that her current memory is not exactly accurate. But what’s the truth? Why isn’t anyone telling her anything definite about her situation?
The story comes to us in Shelley’s first-person perspective, in alternating timelines of Then and Now.
I had first read this author in last year’s popular title, 'The Last List of Mabel Beaumont'. While the book was pretty good, I couldn’t find anything that elevated it to a memorable level. It did all the right things, but didn’t push the bar in any way.
This book follows a slightly different route, with a younger lead character, some twisty turns, and an ending built on hope than perfection. Regardless, it is still predictable and the ending is still too good to be true – both of which bring down the overall impact.
The cover might fool you into thinking that this is a light read. But it is very heavy on domestic abuse and gaslighting. This kind of content is not part of just one scene but a steady occurrence in the story, partly because of how it shows the cycle of violence in families and the generational impact of living in such conditions. If domestic abuse is a triggering factor for you as a reader, better to stay away from the book. But I appreciated the way it was utilised by the narrative, showing not just the physical impact but also the long-term mental trauma of living with such a partner. The stats about domestic violence mentioned in the course of the story are sobering.
Shelley Woodhouse can be called an unreliable narrator, but not the way modern thrillers use this trope. Her memory is genuinely affected because of her coma, and as we hear the story in her first person, we see only what she sees. However, the writing offers ample clues to help us figure out that there are chunks of missing information in Shelley’s memory. This makes many reveals guessable.
I liked the use of the dual timelines in the plot. Though a bit convenient as a plot device, these two perspectives help us understand what in Shelley’s past might have led to her present. And the perspectives aren’t as straightforward as you’d imagine. Shelley’s past and present have enough thought-provoking scenes might make you wonder what you’d do in her place.
As common in the women’s fiction genre, the male characters had no depth. They are either good or bad, with no in-between. I wish this genre had believable men; it is not just women who are complex characters. However, the key women in the book are well-defined, be it the struggling eponymous lead who is trying to figure out what’s happening, or her best friend Dee who is her rock in every moment of trial, or even Shelley’s mother who is torn over her own tricky feelings. I liked the decision of making Shelley the landlady of a pub – an unusual career to read about in fiction.
The ending was as expected, and yet it offered some minor novelties. I liked how it combined despair and hope, and didn’t forcefully fit everything into a neat HEA. However, there’s one key reveal made towards the end, which I simply couldn’t accept; it was so farfetched!
Again, this is not a bad book at all, but it sticks to the formula pretty closely. Women’s fiction readers are anyway used to the stories being predictable, so this can’t be considered a negative trait of the book. However, this approach also means that the story isn’t going to stick around in my head for long.
Recommended to those who enjoy women’s fiction. This is a good-enough one-time read. Watch out for the trigger though. The ending might make it feel-good fiction, but the journey has some painful moments.
3.5 stars, rounding up because I know it will work better for the right reader.
My thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the DRC of “The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
The digital version of this book is currently available free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers.
Note: If you are a fan of this author and liked this book as well as ‘The Last List of Mabel Beaumont’, you can subscribe to her newsletter and get a free short story titled ‘A Chance Encounter’. This story blends the world between the two books, and is set after the events of Mabel Beaumont. It’s a sweet enough story, but not a must-read.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
May 11, 2024
Shelley Woodhouse wakes up from a coma with injuries she claims to have sustained after a violent confrontation with her husband. With only Dee, her friend and coworker from the pub Shelley runs, and a kind hospital volunteer named Matt as her only outside visitors, she doesn’t have much input into what is going on outside her hospital room. She is surprised that the police haven't approached her for a statement and the hospital staff and Dee aren't giving straight answers to her probing questions. Despite her conviction about the events that led to her hospitalization, she senses that something is off, compounded by flashes of memories that seem unreal to her. As the narrative progresses, we follow Shelley as she tries to reclaim her memories and fill in the blank spaces, embarking on a journey of hope and healing in order to move forward.
The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up by Laura Pearson is a well-written novel that delves into the issue of domestic violence and how the same impacts not only victims but also their friends and family members. The story emphasizes the importance of a support system for those who carry the emotional scars of abuse long after their physical wounds might have healed. The author paints a heartbreaking picture of the social and emotional factors that prevent victims from breaking the cycle of domestic violence. This is a sensitive issue and the author addresses it with maturity and compassion. The narrative is presented from past and present timelines – “Then” and “Now”- in alternating chapters. The past timeline allows us to get to know more about Shelley’s backstory, her childhood and the events leading up to her hospitalization while the present timeline follows Shelley as she interacts with those around her. The author deftly weaves the two timelines into a well-paced fluid narrative. Shelley is an endearing protagonist who you would not hesitate to cheer on, though you might question a few of her choices. It was heartbreaking reading about Shelley’s pain and confusion, but you have to admire her resolve and her kindness toward others. The supporting characters are well-fleshed-out (even those you would be inclined to dislike). There was one particular aspect revealed toward the end of the novel that I found terribly unrealistic and virtually impossible in the real world, but I’ll refrain from going on about that here (despite my eye-rolling and vigorous head-shaking reaction to the same). I wasn’t completely surprised by a few of the revelations (there were enough hints strewn throughout the narrative) but I did enjoy following Shelley’s journey and was happy that the author chose to end the story on a positive note.
"Whether you’re aware of it or not, you all know women whose lives have been affected by domestic violence."
This is my second time reading Laura Pearson after The Last List of Mabel Beaumont, which I loved, and I’m eager to read more from her in the future. Many thanks to the publisher for the digital copy of the short story A Chance Encounter which as the name suggests revolves around a chance meeting between Shelley and a character we met in Mabel’s story.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on April 6, 2024.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up by Laura Pearson is a well-written novel that delves into the issue of domestic violence and how the same impacts not only victims but also their friends and family members. The story emphasizes the importance of a support system for those who carry the emotional scars of abuse long after their physical wounds might have healed. The author paints a heartbreaking picture of the social and emotional factors that prevent victims from breaking the cycle of domestic violence. This is a sensitive issue and the author addresses it with maturity and compassion. The narrative is presented from past and present timelines – “Then” and “Now”- in alternating chapters. The past timeline allows us to get to know more about Shelley’s backstory, her childhood and the events leading up to her hospitalization while the present timeline follows Shelley as she interacts with those around her. The author deftly weaves the two timelines into a well-paced fluid narrative. Shelley is an endearing protagonist who you would not hesitate to cheer on, though you might question a few of her choices. It was heartbreaking reading about Shelley’s pain and confusion, but you have to admire her resolve and her kindness toward others. The supporting characters are well-fleshed-out (even those you would be inclined to dislike). There was one particular aspect revealed toward the end of the novel that I found terribly unrealistic and virtually impossible in the real world, but I’ll refrain from going on about that here (despite my eye-rolling and vigorous head-shaking reaction to the same). I wasn’t completely surprised by a few of the revelations (there were enough hints strewn throughout the narrative) but I did enjoy following Shelley’s journey and was happy that the author chose to end the story on a positive note.
"Whether you’re aware of it or not, you all know women whose lives have been affected by domestic violence."
This is my second time reading Laura Pearson after The Last List of Mabel Beaumont, which I loved, and I’m eager to read more from her in the future. Many thanks to the publisher for the digital copy of the short story A Chance Encounter which as the name suggests revolves around a chance meeting between Shelley and a character we met in Mabel’s story.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This novel was published on April 6, 2024.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
March 5, 2024
Shelley Woodhouse wakes up in ICU. All she knows is her name, that it’s 2017, that she’s 30 and the landlady of the Pheasant pub and that her husband David has tried to kill her. She just knows it, her memory of it is clear. However, there are many things that Shelley has forgotten, including memories from long ago, but can she trust those memories? Has the past confused the present or vice versa. In addition, who is the hospital volunteer called Matt? Why does he seem familiar? The story is told in dual timelines, Then and Now.
I really like the way that Laura Pearson tells the story as it seems to fit with Shelley trying to grab hold of her memories and to understand her situation. The two timelines fuse well and there’s a flow to the writing. It’s a puzzle at times, but just imagine what it must’ve been like for Shelley, as she tries to establish the truth about David. It must feel like she’s trying to grab hold of fog. Her past and the recent present are not easy stories for obvious reasons, but it is sensitively told, allowing the reader to understand the truth without overplaying it. Shelley’s story is complex and complicated and you really feel for her as she’s such a lovely character.
Although this is a tough subject, there are some truly wonderful characters whose support of Shelley gladdens your heart. From her childhood, there is the protective rock in Granny Rose and in the present day, a truly fantastic friend in Dee. I enjoy the way the Matt part of the story is told too.
The novel has its shocks, but it’s never gratuitous and it tells us enough. It’s also poignant, moving and heartwarming, and although I like the ending I think it might be a stretch in terms of accuracy but it’s fiction and I’m happy to go with the flow!
Overall, it’s another winner from this talented author who sure can weave a good story.
With thanks to NetGalley, and especially to Boldwood Books for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
I really like the way that Laura Pearson tells the story as it seems to fit with Shelley trying to grab hold of her memories and to understand her situation. The two timelines fuse well and there’s a flow to the writing. It’s a puzzle at times, but just imagine what it must’ve been like for Shelley, as she tries to establish the truth about David. It must feel like she’s trying to grab hold of fog. Her past and the recent present are not easy stories for obvious reasons, but it is sensitively told, allowing the reader to understand the truth without overplaying it. Shelley’s story is complex and complicated and you really feel for her as she’s such a lovely character.
Although this is a tough subject, there are some truly wonderful characters whose support of Shelley gladdens your heart. From her childhood, there is the protective rock in Granny Rose and in the present day, a truly fantastic friend in Dee. I enjoy the way the Matt part of the story is told too.
The novel has its shocks, but it’s never gratuitous and it tells us enough. It’s also poignant, moving and heartwarming, and although I like the ending I think it might be a stretch in terms of accuracy but it’s fiction and I’m happy to go with the flow!
Overall, it’s another winner from this talented author who sure can weave a good story.
With thanks to NetGalley, and especially to Boldwood Books for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
April 8, 2024
I loved this book and could not put it down. Shelley wakes up at the hospital from a coma and she is certain her husband put her there. Slowly, with each passing day her memories come back to her. The chapters alternate between the present and the past where we see Shelley remember bits of her childhood and the events leading up to her coma. The author does this so seamlessly. I really cared about Shelley, she is such a sweet and strong character, a person who spreads her light to people around her wherever she goes. Her friendship with Dee was especially heartwarming. Overall, a wonderful book and I am glad I read it.
The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke up is the first book I read by this author. I will be seeking out her previous books as well as her future ones.
The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke up is the first book I read by this author. I will be seeking out her previous books as well as her future ones.
September 11, 2024
*Survival*
This is my third Laura Pearson book and so far I have to say I am a huge fan of her writing.
We meet Shelley Woodhouse, she is in hospital and just coming out of a coma. She keeps wondering why the police have not visited her. In her mind her husband put her in hospital due to history repeating itself.
When she receives a couple of visitors the conversations seem a bit stilted until we find out why.
Over the course of time Shelley starts to remember snippets of her past life but not a great deal about her present life. As she recalls her past we see what happens when her mother dates a man who moves in and is very handy with his fists. It does not stop there as he is not shy of using his fists against Shelley.
Shelley leaves home when she can and is soon running a pub with her best friend. She has always sworn she would never let a man hit her and when she meets what seems like the perfect man things do not go to plan.
So as Shelley is slowly piecing things together she is shocked when she sees the date and year. She is missing so much more of her life than she thought.
The story is very easy to follow and some of it you can easily see what is going to happen. In this case a hospital volunteer starts to visit her and he brings her food and makes her smile. She finds that she likes his company and she finds herself imagining taking holidays with him and more - why?…
As parts of her memories are starting to come back, can she trust them and how will she move forward when she is released from hospital?
Shelley will find out a lot more than she bargained for and we see her taking a leap of Faith with a whole new adventure.
I love how such serious subjects are dealt with and I know from experience the fear you feel growing up with violence in the household. It makes it difficult to trust and Laura Pearson, handles it in a sensitive way.
There is one part of the story involving a customer who virtually becomes part of the furniture. He never has a lot to say and when he hears Shelley discussing her new adventure, he offers to help. He has a heartbreaking 💔 story of his own.
Thank you so much ‘Shelley’s Book Nook’ for your review, I just had to read it
This is my third Laura Pearson book and so far I have to say I am a huge fan of her writing.
We meet Shelley Woodhouse, she is in hospital and just coming out of a coma. She keeps wondering why the police have not visited her. In her mind her husband put her in hospital due to history repeating itself.
When she receives a couple of visitors the conversations seem a bit stilted until we find out why.
Over the course of time Shelley starts to remember snippets of her past life but not a great deal about her present life. As she recalls her past we see what happens when her mother dates a man who moves in and is very handy with his fists. It does not stop there as he is not shy of using his fists against Shelley.
Shelley leaves home when she can and is soon running a pub with her best friend. She has always sworn she would never let a man hit her and when she meets what seems like the perfect man things do not go to plan.
So as Shelley is slowly piecing things together she is shocked when she sees the date and year. She is missing so much more of her life than she thought.
The story is very easy to follow and some of it you can easily see what is going to happen. In this case a hospital volunteer starts to visit her and he brings her food and makes her smile. She finds that she likes his company and she finds herself imagining taking holidays with him and more - why?…
As parts of her memories are starting to come back, can she trust them and how will she move forward when she is released from hospital?
Shelley will find out a lot more than she bargained for and we see her taking a leap of Faith with a whole new adventure.
I love how such serious subjects are dealt with and I know from experience the fear you feel growing up with violence in the household. It makes it difficult to trust and Laura Pearson, handles it in a sensitive way.
There is one part of the story involving a customer who virtually becomes part of the furniture. He never has a lot to say and when he hears Shelley discussing her new adventure, he offers to help. He has a heartbreaking 💔 story of his own.
Thank you so much ‘Shelley’s Book Nook’ for your review, I just had to read it
April 14, 2024
I had to pinch myself to stay awake while listening to "The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up".
Yes, it was that S-L-O-O-O-O-W!
TW: Domestic violence.
There have been many, many "wife wakes up from a coma with fuzzy or no memory" books recently released and although I enjoyed the book's twist at the end, this book was not a standout from other titles in its genre.
Quite frankly, it simply lacked the element of suspense that I was seeking.
I listened to the audiobook read by Julie Maisey.
This 8-hour audiobook easily could have been a 5-hour audiobook.
It was Julie Maisey's outstanding narration that helped me make it to the finish line.
1 star, rounded up.
April 20, 2024
This book could have been a four star until the very last page. Then it blew itself apart. It was an interesting story, kept my interest, but was quite predictable. A little bit too much of a fairy tale.
September 24, 2024
Another good read from Laura Pearson.
This time she tackles domestic violence - a huge topic, and more widespread than many realise, unfortunately, as much of it is hidden away, and certainly not discussed.
The characters are all believable, not caricatures, and the story is told in two time periods, which works very well.
Despite the subject, there is much that is uplifting to be found in this story, and an important message to all abused women: "It is not your fault".
This time she tackles domestic violence - a huge topic, and more widespread than many realise, unfortunately, as much of it is hidden away, and certainly not discussed.
The characters are all believable, not caricatures, and the story is told in two time periods, which works very well.
Despite the subject, there is much that is uplifting to be found in this story, and an important message to all abused women: "It is not your fault".
April 26, 2024
There’s something special about this one.
July 15, 2024
This was a 4 star read most of the book. THEN, there was no intrigue. I liked that the reader is trying to figure out what is going on so I assumed the revelation would be BIG. It wasn’t. Then the ending made me ROLL MY EYES. NO. NO. absurd.
TW:DV
TW:DV
February 12, 2024
TW: Domestic Abuse
Oh, what a sensitively written, tragically beautiful book!
We start off with the main character, Shelley, slowly waking up in the hospital.
As she comes around, she slowly pieces together information regarding how she ended up in the ICU of her local hospital.
But a huge chunk of her life has been erased. In fact, she believes it is 2017 when it is actually 2024.
There is a dual timeline as we see how Shelley's life progresses, from childhood to the cyclical life patterns that abusive relationships can trigger.
I don't want to go into much detail, but it is truly sad to see how she finds herself in a situation much like her mother and the end result. However, as we read on, there are silver linings which give us and her hope.
There are some wonderful supporting characters that grace the pages of this book, from Granny Rose to Shelley's best friend, Dee, and then there's Matt. Another beautiful soul whose importance in her life becomes clearer as the story progresses.
I loved this so much I read it in a day!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.
Oh, what a sensitively written, tragically beautiful book!
We start off with the main character, Shelley, slowly waking up in the hospital.
As she comes around, she slowly pieces together information regarding how she ended up in the ICU of her local hospital.
But a huge chunk of her life has been erased. In fact, she believes it is 2017 when it is actually 2024.
There is a dual timeline as we see how Shelley's life progresses, from childhood to the cyclical life patterns that abusive relationships can trigger.
I don't want to go into much detail, but it is truly sad to see how she finds herself in a situation much like her mother and the end result. However, as we read on, there are silver linings which give us and her hope.
There are some wonderful supporting characters that grace the pages of this book, from Granny Rose to Shelley's best friend, Dee, and then there's Matt. Another beautiful soul whose importance in her life becomes clearer as the story progresses.
I loved this so much I read it in a day!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.
March 10, 2024
Get your box of tissues ready when you read this book. Laura Pearson has written another beautiful story with a great emotional punch, and I loved every minute of it. A tough, eye opening and important story told with compassion and sensitivity and characters who came alive on the page. An absolute must read.
November 4, 2024
I am clearly in the minority with my 2 star rating for this book, however, after reading The Last List of Mabel Beaumont, this novel was a huge disappointment. Two episodes of domestic abuse, two comas, confusing memories, and no pivotal moments. All resolutions occur behind-the-scenes of the reader in a "just take our word for it" way. Insert face plant here.
April 4, 2024
I loved this book, it had everything mystery, sadness a lovely character and happiness thrown in. Worth 5 stars. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
November 7, 2025
I really enjoyed this book, but the first thing to say is check out the triggers warnings as a major part of the book is about domestic abuse, but if it helps, just one woman it's worth it. Shelley Woodhouse wakes up in hospital, confused as she believes her husband tried to kill her. She has lost her memory, and the book has a dual timeline of her gradually remembering her life from childhood. I loved the supporting characters of Dee, her best friend, and her grandma. It is written sensitvely with the author balancing the topic wonderfully. Shelley's regaining her memories is very compelling. One of the reveals I could see coming, which I hope was deliberately written in the way, but it was lovely seeing Shelley gradually remember. It's a great read.
July 7, 2025
Shelley Woodhouse wakes up missing memories, time and yet, there are some things she's as sure of as she ever was. . .
Before we go too far, this is a book about domestic abuse and its aftereffects:
‘Whether you’re aware of it or not, you all know women whose lives have been affected by domestic violence.’
Laura Pearson. The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up (Kindle Locations 3644-3645). Kindle Edition.
A story about recovering memories that were banished in self-defense, and coping mechanisms. A tender tale worth the read - there are hard and difficult parts, but there are sweet parts for balance, and a conclusion with a path on which readers and Shelley can part well-comforted.
*A sincere thank you to Laura Pearson, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #TheDayShelleyWoodhouseWokeUp #NetGalley
Before we go too far, this is a book about domestic abuse and its aftereffects:
‘Whether you’re aware of it or not, you all know women whose lives have been affected by domestic violence.’
Laura Pearson. The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up (Kindle Locations 3644-3645). Kindle Edition.
A story about recovering memories that were banished in self-defense, and coping mechanisms. A tender tale worth the read - there are hard and difficult parts, but there are sweet parts for balance, and a conclusion with a path on which readers and Shelley can part well-comforted.
*A sincere thank you to Laura Pearson, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.* #TheDayShelleyWoodhouseWokeUp #NetGalley
April 3, 2024
A big thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC!
After having read and adored the Last List of Mabel Beaumont by Laura Pearson, I knew I just had to get my hands on her latest book and it certainly did not disappoint!
The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up is a tenderly told tale that centres around the very difficult, but tragically all too prevalent topic of domestic abuse. Laura Pearson writes the story with incredible insight, tackling the endless complexities of the issue with a stark empathy and palpable passion.
The novel centres around Shelley, a woman who wakes up from a coma after her husband tried to kill her, only to find that not everything is quite as it seems. Emotional, confronting and ultimately uplifting, not only are the dark corners of the female experience explored, but also the light; showcasing strong female characters, and fierce friendships between women. Whilst this book was certainly emotionally gruelling at times, there was an ever persistent thread of hope throughout.
An empathetic and hopeful story, Shelly Woodhouse is an important book about womanhood, with an incredibly strong and lovable protagonist.
After having read and adored the Last List of Mabel Beaumont by Laura Pearson, I knew I just had to get my hands on her latest book and it certainly did not disappoint!
The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up is a tenderly told tale that centres around the very difficult, but tragically all too prevalent topic of domestic abuse. Laura Pearson writes the story with incredible insight, tackling the endless complexities of the issue with a stark empathy and palpable passion.
The novel centres around Shelley, a woman who wakes up from a coma after her husband tried to kill her, only to find that not everything is quite as it seems. Emotional, confronting and ultimately uplifting, not only are the dark corners of the female experience explored, but also the light; showcasing strong female characters, and fierce friendships between women. Whilst this book was certainly emotionally gruelling at times, there was an ever persistent thread of hope throughout.
An empathetic and hopeful story, Shelly Woodhouse is an important book about womanhood, with an incredibly strong and lovable protagonist.
May 17, 2024
3.5 stars.
Shelley woodhouse awakens from a coma in a hospital bed, and all she can remember is being attacked by her abusive husband. When she later finds out that it’s actually years after that attack, she must slowly recover her memories of the intervening years, and why she again awakened from a coma. She begins remembering her childhood, and the complex relationship she had with her mother, her loving grandmother, and the abusive man her mother invited into her life.
Luckily, Shelley gradually recovers all her memories, and discovers there has been much love and rewarding accomplishments in her life since her husband pushed her down the stairs of their home years ago.
In this novel, author Laura Pearson attempts to grapple with a few of the reasons why women may stay in abusive home situations, using titular character Shelley Woodhouse, and her mother.
Pearson does not attempt to tackle the whole societal mess that allows domestic abuse to not be universally deplored. Instead, she shows two generations of women who find themselves betrayed and beaten repeatedly by their supposedly loving partners, whose anger and hard fists are tolerated and excused by first Shelley’s mother, who refuses to confront her terrible situation, citing these are just difficulties in marriage and one just needs to get on. Then, later by Shelley, who is too ashamed to tell anyone, especially as she had seen the same thing happen to her mother.
Pearson writes heartwarming stories, but this book one was pretty dark, dealing with abuse and gaslighting by the women's partners. Pearson shows how abuse affects not just one member of a family, but also later generations. Pearson also shares some of the depressing statistics for domestic abuse.
I really liked how Pearson's use of the two timelines, one during Shelley's past, the other starting from the book's opening in the hospital. The author skillfully shows how Shelley's choices in the past inform her present.
While this books subject matter was a little surprising, I still enjoyed it, even though I found the incidents of abuse a little difficult to get through.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Boldwood Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Shelley woodhouse awakens from a coma in a hospital bed, and all she can remember is being attacked by her abusive husband. When she later finds out that it’s actually years after that attack, she must slowly recover her memories of the intervening years, and why she again awakened from a coma. She begins remembering her childhood, and the complex relationship she had with her mother, her loving grandmother, and the abusive man her mother invited into her life.
Luckily, Shelley gradually recovers all her memories, and discovers there has been much love and rewarding accomplishments in her life since her husband pushed her down the stairs of their home years ago.
In this novel, author Laura Pearson attempts to grapple with a few of the reasons why women may stay in abusive home situations, using titular character Shelley Woodhouse, and her mother.
Pearson does not attempt to tackle the whole societal mess that allows domestic abuse to not be universally deplored. Instead, she shows two generations of women who find themselves betrayed and beaten repeatedly by their supposedly loving partners, whose anger and hard fists are tolerated and excused by first Shelley’s mother, who refuses to confront her terrible situation, citing these are just difficulties in marriage and one just needs to get on. Then, later by Shelley, who is too ashamed to tell anyone, especially as she had seen the same thing happen to her mother.
Pearson writes heartwarming stories, but this book one was pretty dark, dealing with abuse and gaslighting by the women's partners. Pearson shows how abuse affects not just one member of a family, but also later generations. Pearson also shares some of the depressing statistics for domestic abuse.
I really liked how Pearson's use of the two timelines, one during Shelley's past, the other starting from the book's opening in the hospital. The author skillfully shows how Shelley's choices in the past inform her present.
While this books subject matter was a little surprising, I still enjoyed it, even though I found the incidents of abuse a little difficult to get through.
Thank you to Netgalley and to Boldwood Books for this ARC in exchange for my review.
April 7, 2024
An intense and powerful read, emotional and disturbing at times – but also quite beautifully written, entirely compelling, and impossible to put down until I’d read to its perfect end.
As Shelley wakes in intensive care, she knows her husband tried to kill her – she’s confused, and unable to understand why the police haven’t followed through. Until she realises that it’s 2024, and that seven years of her life have been erased – assured that she’s safe, she’s unable to contact her mother, and best friend Dee and the hospital staff refuse to help her fill in the gaps. They tell her that she’s expressed the clear wish that they allow her memories to return – and, very slowly and sometimes painfully, they do. In alternate chapters, we revisit Shelley’s life from childhood as we also witness her slow recovery – her memories often painful, her life blighted by abusive relationships, but with moments of joy and lightness in the other relationships that really mattered to her. And she’s helped on her journey by hospital visitor Matt, who becomes the one constant in her life, an anchor for her thoughts and emotions.
I desperately don’t want to spoil the story – there are many surprises along the way, and the book’s themes are particularly challenging at times, but it’s also a story filled with love and moments of unexpected joy, with a wonderfully drawn supporting cast each of whom play their parts in the unfolding story. The dual timeline works quite perfectly, and does afford the reader some welcome time to breathe amid the mounting tension – I’ve never been a particular fan of alternating chapters, but there was never a single moment when I felt a wrench at leaving one timeframe for the other, and I’ve never seen a structure like this managed as well and as seamlessly as it is by this particularly gifted author. The emotional depth is stunning, the developments perfectly paced, the handling of the cycles of domestic abuse incredibly real and affecting, the moments of frustration and despair totally heartbreaking – but she also succeeds in making Shelley’s story heartwarming and uplifting, with real hope for a happier future.
This really was an exceptional read, and an achievement the author should be justifiably proud of – and a very special book I’d highly recommend to others.
As Shelley wakes in intensive care, she knows her husband tried to kill her – she’s confused, and unable to understand why the police haven’t followed through. Until she realises that it’s 2024, and that seven years of her life have been erased – assured that she’s safe, she’s unable to contact her mother, and best friend Dee and the hospital staff refuse to help her fill in the gaps. They tell her that she’s expressed the clear wish that they allow her memories to return – and, very slowly and sometimes painfully, they do. In alternate chapters, we revisit Shelley’s life from childhood as we also witness her slow recovery – her memories often painful, her life blighted by abusive relationships, but with moments of joy and lightness in the other relationships that really mattered to her. And she’s helped on her journey by hospital visitor Matt, who becomes the one constant in her life, an anchor for her thoughts and emotions.
I desperately don’t want to spoil the story – there are many surprises along the way, and the book’s themes are particularly challenging at times, but it’s also a story filled with love and moments of unexpected joy, with a wonderfully drawn supporting cast each of whom play their parts in the unfolding story. The dual timeline works quite perfectly, and does afford the reader some welcome time to breathe amid the mounting tension – I’ve never been a particular fan of alternating chapters, but there was never a single moment when I felt a wrench at leaving one timeframe for the other, and I’ve never seen a structure like this managed as well and as seamlessly as it is by this particularly gifted author. The emotional depth is stunning, the developments perfectly paced, the handling of the cycles of domestic abuse incredibly real and affecting, the moments of frustration and despair totally heartbreaking – but she also succeeds in making Shelley’s story heartwarming and uplifting, with real hope for a happier future.
This really was an exceptional read, and an achievement the author should be justifiably proud of – and a very special book I’d highly recommend to others.
March 28, 2024
Didn’t care for this. 100% predictable from the beginning, just no point in reading since everything was pretty much laid out. I felt the back and forth time jumping style of writing did not work well here. Some of the last stories could have been edited out, lent nothing to the story itself. Some of the story just didn’t make any logical sense.
July 1, 2024
Another super read from Laura Pearson, who is fabulous at getting to the heart of issues that women face, in this case domestic abuse. Not always an easy read but always engaging and often uplifting.
4.25 from me :)
4.25 from me :)
April 14, 2024
This book was a disappointment after reading the author's previous novel. Did not like the writing style or flow and felt the story dragged.
May 27, 2024
Eh…..predictable book. Boring. Not my cuppa. Quick read.
November 3, 2024
So unbelievably dull
November 10, 2024
I cannot begin to tell you how many times I’ve rolled my eyes.
May 21, 2024
When Shelley wakes up in the hospital, all she knows is that her husband David puts her there. As she tries to make sense of her situation, we learn about her childhood and adult life through Shelley's memories as they come back to her.
I enjoyed this book very much. It has a wonderful plot filled with Shelley's strength and resilience as she survives the domestic violence in her marriage to David. She builds towards a new and happy future. It was an inspiring read! I also loved the plot twist. Even though I did see it coming, I still thought it added a lot to the story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I enjoyed this book very much. It has a wonderful plot filled with Shelley's strength and resilience as she survives the domestic violence in her marriage to David. She builds towards a new and happy future. It was an inspiring read! I also loved the plot twist. Even though I did see it coming, I still thought it added a lot to the story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
April 13, 2024
I went into this book with blinders, I didn't know what it was about or what to expect. It grabbed my interest very quickly.
The theme of this story is generational abuse and violence. Naturally, this can be a trigger warning to many readers. The author handled it in a very professional and respectful manner.
Shelley, the main character wakes up in a hospital thinking that her abusive husband had put her there. She has no idea how convoluted her past actually has been. It takes time for everything to fall into place.
Every story has heroes and villains. The heroes for Shelley are Dee, her long-time best of the besties; her Grandmother Rose who loved her and protected her; and Matt, a man who visits her in the hospital. Well-developed characters, very likable. David and her stepfather were the villains. Enough said.
While the subject matter was heavy, the book is easy to read. It is divided into Now and Then, alternating chapters. Self explanatory. The Then brings us up to speed with the Now. Quite the journey. It flowed well.
The story demonstrates the effects of abuse. The abuse may stop but the physical and mental aftermath stays with victims for a long time. Lack of trust, low self-esteem, fear…..these things take time to overcome.
This is my second book by Laura Pearson. I enjoyed both books, I will have to hunt down the other ones.
The theme of this story is generational abuse and violence. Naturally, this can be a trigger warning to many readers. The author handled it in a very professional and respectful manner.
Shelley, the main character wakes up in a hospital thinking that her abusive husband had put her there. She has no idea how convoluted her past actually has been. It takes time for everything to fall into place.
Every story has heroes and villains. The heroes for Shelley are Dee, her long-time best of the besties; her Grandmother Rose who loved her and protected her; and Matt, a man who visits her in the hospital. Well-developed characters, very likable. David and her stepfather were the villains. Enough said.
While the subject matter was heavy, the book is easy to read. It is divided into Now and Then, alternating chapters. Self explanatory. The Then brings us up to speed with the Now. Quite the journey. It flowed well.
The story demonstrates the effects of abuse. The abuse may stop but the physical and mental aftermath stays with victims for a long time. Lack of trust, low self-esteem, fear…..these things take time to overcome.
This is my second book by Laura Pearson. I enjoyed both books, I will have to hunt down the other ones.
August 31, 2024
oh my god. it takes a lot for me to cry now (thanks zoloft) but this book had me tearing up. it’s about a woman named shelley who wakes up from a coma and the only thing she remembers is her husband trying to kill her. the chapters switch back and forth from present to past with her memories slowly coming back to her. you’re following along with shelley as she pieces her life back together and things get revealed to her. a heavy book with heavy topics but well written and fast paced.
trigger warning: this book deals with domestic abuse but i do think it handles it well and in a sensitive way.
trigger warning: this book deals with domestic abuse but i do think it handles it well and in a sensitive way.
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