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Three Perfect Gifts: An uplifting and life-affirming book about the power of unlikely friendship
Three very different women with three very different secrets meet at a Pilates class and form an unlikely friendship.
Frankie is unexpectedly pregnant, and this issue is causing problems in her marriage that she doesn’t know how to solve. Miranda has terminal cancer and recently tried to kill herself. Golda is a survivor of an abusive marriage and is haunted by the memory of who she once was.
Can the three women trust each other enough to share their secrets and, if they do, will they ever find peace?
Perfect for fans of uplifting friendship fiction.
"I highly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates stories of friendship, resilience, and healing. Its well-paced narrative ensures a compelling reading experience, leaving readers feeling uplifted and inspired." (5-star Goodreads review)
Frankie is unexpectedly pregnant, and this issue is causing problems in her marriage that she doesn’t know how to solve. Miranda has terminal cancer and recently tried to kill herself. Golda is a survivor of an abusive marriage and is haunted by the memory of who she once was.
Can the three women trust each other enough to share their secrets and, if they do, will they ever find peace?
Perfect for fans of uplifting friendship fiction.
"I highly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates stories of friendship, resilience, and healing. Its well-paced narrative ensures a compelling reading experience, leaving readers feeling uplifted and inspired." (5-star Goodreads review)
- GenresFictionContemporary
370 pages, Paperback
Published May 9, 2024
11 people want to read
About the author
Anne Brooke
132 books229 followersAnne is a super-keen book lover, and a multi-genre author & poet. She also loves gardens, swimming & the theatre.
Her fiction has been shortlisted for the Harry Bowling Prize (for novels set in London) and the Royal Literary Fund Scheme.
Her website can be found at: www.annebrooke.com
She can be found on social media as @annebrookebooks
Her fiction has been shortlisted for the Harry Bowling Prize (for novels set in London) and the Royal Literary Fund Scheme.
Her website can be found at: www.annebrooke.com
She can be found on social media as @annebrookebooks
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 21, 2025
This was such an unexpectedly beautiful story of friendship and overcoming adversity together. The book deals with challenging themes such as loss, domestic abuse, unwanted pregnancy, and being a looked after child. But the author does this in such a skilful way. I'm not going to lie, this one had me crying!
We follow three women, Frankie, Golda, and Miranda, who all attend a local Pilates class, and they are very unlikely to become friends with one another until an incident pulls them together. I do not want to give too much away as I think this book is best to go into blind. It is so lovely watching the relationship between these women unfold, and as the trust builds amongst them, they share their secrets. Each woman carries a burden that they have been holding onto, but with the love and support of one another, they slowly learn to move on.
I loved each of the women as although vastly different in character and social status, each had something that made them relatable and likeable. Despite the tears, this is such a feel-good and uplifting book about women supporting each other in difficult times. It really is what friendship is all about.
This book is so nicely written, and I liked how we get to see the story from each woman's point of view as their secrets are slowly revealed.
This is the first book I've read by this author, but I will be looking out for more!
With thanks to the author and Hygge Book Tours for providing a copy of the book. This is my honest review, which I'm leaving voluntarily.
We follow three women, Frankie, Golda, and Miranda, who all attend a local Pilates class, and they are very unlikely to become friends with one another until an incident pulls them together. I do not want to give too much away as I think this book is best to go into blind. It is so lovely watching the relationship between these women unfold, and as the trust builds amongst them, they share their secrets. Each woman carries a burden that they have been holding onto, but with the love and support of one another, they slowly learn to move on.
I loved each of the women as although vastly different in character and social status, each had something that made them relatable and likeable. Despite the tears, this is such a feel-good and uplifting book about women supporting each other in difficult times. It really is what friendship is all about.
This book is so nicely written, and I liked how we get to see the story from each woman's point of view as their secrets are slowly revealed.
This is the first book I've read by this author, but I will be looking out for more!
With thanks to the author and Hygge Book Tours for providing a copy of the book. This is my honest review, which I'm leaving voluntarily.
January 20, 2025
"Funny how with some people - no matter how unlikely in terms of age or life experience - you just clicked. It was a gift, Frankie supposed. A real gift."
This was such an incredibly beautiful book that had me absolutely crying my eyes out for the last 50 pages! And I mean full-on sobbing, not my usual tears of a subtle trickle. Sam actually noticed I was crying it was so bad. Our three perfect gifts are three very different women who become unlikely friends and help each other through some rally tough times. I won't say what they're each going through as their stories are revealed gradually and I don't want to give anything away but each circumstance is completely different and yet they listen and help each other to cope with their own difficulties despite it. You have widowed 62-year-old Golda, happily-married Frankie who I think is in her late 30s and single Miranda in her 20s so they're all at very different stages in their lives but after they happen to get chatting at a Pilates class they all attend there's no gap that can't be bridged by coffee and cake. They had their differences of opinion too but it made their friendship all the more special.
I thoroughly enjoyed every second of this book, as sad as it was, and would love to read more of Anne Brooke's books. The writing style was really quick and easy to read, it flowed so well. The only part I thought I wouldn't enjoy was Frankie's storyline because I thought I knew which was it would go and that it would annoy me. It did go that way, but the way it happened was slightly different to what I'd expected so actually didn't annoy me. And I loved the conclusion of Golda's tale. A fantastic read that's a serious contender for my favourite this month! (It's top so far...!)
January 25, 2025
Thank you @hyggebooktours for letting me be part of this tour and reviewing this book. Three perfect gifts is a contemporary fiction genre. I love the front cover and title. It works very well together. I would definitely be drawn to this book if it was in a bookshop because it’s my favorite color, and it’s got gardening on it. Wow, what a fantastic read. I absolutely adored this book and was so sad when I finished reading the Three perfect gifts. I must admit the first couple chapters I was founding it difficult to get into and then all of a sudden, I was lost in the characters and could not put the book down. The story about three very different women who meet at a Pilates class. There is Frankie who founds out she’s pregnant and this may cause problems in her marriage. Then there is Miranda who has cancer and is in her twenties and my favorite character was Golda who married a man that was abusive to her. This book is all about friendship and being supportive to each other and being able to be free to tell your secrets to one another. This is a touching and heartfelt read that will make you smile and cry. The story written brilliantly and holds the readers' attention until the end of the book. I would love a second book. It was sad to finish the book due to loving the story and the characters. When I read this book, it made me miss going outside and gardening in the summer and made me realize this is my passion too. I could really see me being friends with all the characters and having good natter and eating cake and coffee with them. Right up my straight. This is the first book I have read by Anna Brooke and I can't wait to read more. This is a remarkable read and I strongly recommend this book. It's a spectacular read 5 stars
May 12, 2024
Discovering how to heal from an abusive marriage, navigating the unexpected twists of an unwanted pregnancy, or facing the harsh reality of a terminal illness can be emotionally heavy topics. I was hesitant to read the book, fearing it might overwhelm me.
However, I'm happy to report that while these themes do indeed tug at the heartstrings, the uplifting moments more than makeup for the sorrow.
I found myself particularly captivated by Frankie's inner turmoil as she grappled with the decision of whether to keep her baby. It made me nervous thinking about what she'd eventually decide because I wanted her to make the right decision.
Golda's story was the most heartbreaking. But the narrative flowed beautifully and we already know she's going to be fine so I was okay reading about her past.
I think Miranda's story and the ending was realistic and beautiful. The bond of friendship depicted in the book and how they look after each other made me miss my friends (who are oceans away!). I appreciated how the author seamlessly wove her love for gardening into the story, offering delightful tips and insights along the way!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates stories of friendship, resilience, and healing. Its well-paced narrative ensures a quick and compelling reading experience, leaving readers feeling uplifted and inspired. And be sure to check out Anne Brooke's social media channels after finishing the book, where you can catch glimpses of the real-life inspirations behind its settings!
However, I'm happy to report that while these themes do indeed tug at the heartstrings, the uplifting moments more than makeup for the sorrow.
I found myself particularly captivated by Frankie's inner turmoil as she grappled with the decision of whether to keep her baby. It made me nervous thinking about what she'd eventually decide because I wanted her to make the right decision.
Golda's story was the most heartbreaking. But the narrative flowed beautifully and we already know she's going to be fine so I was okay reading about her past.
I think Miranda's story and the ending was realistic and beautiful. The bond of friendship depicted in the book and how they look after each other made me miss my friends (who are oceans away!). I appreciated how the author seamlessly wove her love for gardening into the story, offering delightful tips and insights along the way!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates stories of friendship, resilience, and healing. Its well-paced narrative ensures a quick and compelling reading experience, leaving readers feeling uplifted and inspired. And be sure to check out Anne Brooke's social media channels after finishing the book, where you can catch glimpses of the real-life inspirations behind its settings!
January 28, 2025
I definitely read this at the wrong time of month - and whilst coming down with some horrid bug - which both made me extra emotional and boy did I weep during this book.
Despite those conditions - this was such an emotional read that really came and grabbed my heart!
When our three main characters meet during a pilates class, they form an unlikely bond over coffee and cake.
Each with their own worries in life and a wide spread of ages, they start to open up to each other and offer support and advice that was inspiring and heartwarming.
I absolutely love this concept as it shows that despite our own worries and across all ages, we can come together and help each other to overcome anything!
Our ladies were so relatable, despite their different ages and circumstances - I found that their lives and stories were so believable and I just couldn't help investing in each story.
I also loved the wealth of advice that each offered to the others, helping them to view their own situations in a different way and to overcome them.
But, we also see some tension at times too, which made this feel authentic and more representative of friendships of this nature.
The character development here was brilliant and I absolutely raced through this read. I was so immersed that I just couldn't put it down and read late into the evening.
The writing style was really beautiful and made for a really enjoyable, if emotional, read.
I'd love to read more by this author in the future.
Despite those conditions - this was such an emotional read that really came and grabbed my heart!
When our three main characters meet during a pilates class, they form an unlikely bond over coffee and cake.
Each with their own worries in life and a wide spread of ages, they start to open up to each other and offer support and advice that was inspiring and heartwarming.
I absolutely love this concept as it shows that despite our own worries and across all ages, we can come together and help each other to overcome anything!
Our ladies were so relatable, despite their different ages and circumstances - I found that their lives and stories were so believable and I just couldn't help investing in each story.
I also loved the wealth of advice that each offered to the others, helping them to view their own situations in a different way and to overcome them.
But, we also see some tension at times too, which made this feel authentic and more representative of friendships of this nature.
The character development here was brilliant and I absolutely raced through this read. I was so immersed that I just couldn't put it down and read late into the evening.
The writing style was really beautiful and made for a really enjoyable, if emotional, read.
I'd love to read more by this author in the future.
January 21, 2025
With a huge heart warmed thank you to Hygge Tours for having me as always and to Anne Brooke for letting us all review this wonderful read.
It's the first time I've ever came across Anne Brookes work and I'm not disappointed.
We come across three women, with different walks of life, all with a deep story to tell us. Each woman has a heartfelt story, which will leave you saddened, and those heart strings pulled for sure.
Frankie, Miranda and Golda each lived a perfect life, but soon turned to struggles and tears, and they'd met each other by chance at a Pilates class, but that chance made them friends, and they realised they wasnt alone and that someone else was going through a similar situation from one another.
An absolute immense read and very heart warming, a must read for 2025.
It's the first time I've ever came across Anne Brookes work and I'm not disappointed.
We come across three women, with different walks of life, all with a deep story to tell us. Each woman has a heartfelt story, which will leave you saddened, and those heart strings pulled for sure.
Frankie, Miranda and Golda each lived a perfect life, but soon turned to struggles and tears, and they'd met each other by chance at a Pilates class, but that chance made them friends, and they realised they wasnt alone and that someone else was going through a similar situation from one another.
An absolute immense read and very heart warming, a must read for 2025.
January 24, 2025
This is not my usual read but I like trying new genres. The 3 main characters got talking in unusual circumstances, which I liked: they are probably not a trio who would naturally be friends. They were all likeable in their own individual ways & there were some lovely tender moments between them. They each bought with them very serious subject matters (terminal cancer, an unwanted pregnancy & a past abusive relationship) so there could be triggers for readers. It was written beautifully, especially considering the tough topics and I have already passed on the book to a reader friend who was after it as soon as she read the blurb!
Thank you @hyggebooktours for introducing @annebrookebooks to my bookshelf!
Thank you @hyggebooktours for introducing @annebrookebooks to my bookshelf!
January 23, 2025
When Miranda, Golda and Frankie meet at pilates class their differences quickly become apparent. They are each reluctant to spend time getting to know the others, but despite their differences they soon become firm friends.
Each of them has hidden secrets which they reveal and this is a story of friendship, supportive women, and finding hope in the darkness.
The book covers some heavy topics (see content warnings below), but they are written about sensitively. The characters were realistic and I loved how they muddled together even when they didn't seem to have much in common. This is a story of loss, but also of hope. I really loved this book and will look out for more by this author.
Content warnings: terminal illness/cancer treatment, talk of suicide, domestic abuse, talk of abortion/unwanted pregnancy
Each of them has hidden secrets which they reveal and this is a story of friendship, supportive women, and finding hope in the darkness.
The book covers some heavy topics (see content warnings below), but they are written about sensitively. The characters were realistic and I loved how they muddled together even when they didn't seem to have much in common. This is a story of loss, but also of hope. I really loved this book and will look out for more by this author.
Content warnings: terminal illness/cancer treatment, talk of suicide, domestic abuse, talk of abortion/unwanted pregnancy
January 20, 2025
My favourite book of the year to date! It's enjoyable, emotional and I couldn't put it down.
It's the first I've read from Brooke and I'm positive it's not going to be my last!
Three women from different walks of life, all with a story to tell. Stories that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you an emotional mess.
Frankie, Miranda and Golda were such wonderful characters, they were real, relatable and they all had endearing qualities.
Three Perfect Gifts is an immensely enjoyable and uplifting novel.
It's the first I've read from Brooke and I'm positive it's not going to be my last!
Three women from different walks of life, all with a story to tell. Stories that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you an emotional mess.
Frankie, Miranda and Golda were such wonderful characters, they were real, relatable and they all had endearing qualities.
Three Perfect Gifts is an immensely enjoyable and uplifting novel.
January 23, 2025
Definitely recommend.
Three Perfect Gifts by Anne Brooke.
I did love the cover of this book. This was a beautiful story. It deals with loss, domestic abuse, and unwanted pregnancy. I did love the three women, Golda, Miranda, and Frankie. I liked the writing style. I read this in two sittings. I couldn't put it down. It was very moving. I loved the friendship Golda, Frankie, and Miranda had. I even liked Diana and Jake. Even though I went in blind I'm glad I gave this book a go. I would definitely recommend this book.
Three Perfect Gifts by Anne Brooke.
I did love the cover of this book. This was a beautiful story. It deals with loss, domestic abuse, and unwanted pregnancy. I did love the three women, Golda, Miranda, and Frankie. I liked the writing style. I read this in two sittings. I couldn't put it down. It was very moving. I loved the friendship Golda, Frankie, and Miranda had. I even liked Diana and Jake. Even though I went in blind I'm glad I gave this book a go. I would definitely recommend this book.
June 17, 2024
Well Anne, your book was a real page-turner, and I enjoyed getting to know Golda, Miranda and Frankie in the familiar setting of Elstead. I don't think it's a spoiler to say that the ending was quite a tear-jerker! Congratulations on a thought-provoking book populated by believable characters. Maybe that Pilates class has some more stories to tell...
March 31, 2025
A heart warming story about three wonderful women. Their stories are gradually told as Anne wove the threads intricately together. An emotional rollercoaster that makes this book do hard to put down.
January 24, 2025
I'm reviewing this as part of a tour with Hygge Book Tours.
“Three Perfect Gifts” follows three women, Golda, Frankie, and Miranda, who meet at a Pilates class. I felt that while I was reading, I had the opportunity to connect with each character. On first impressions, Golda was the one who interested me the most, Frankie was the one I connected with the most emotionally, and Miranda made me smile the most.
The three women all had their own personal journey to navigate, but it was heartwarming to see how they all bonded and supported each other through everything. By the end of the book, I was tearful, but the story left me with a warm feeling. I thought about how extraordinary friendship can be, the surprising ways in which a friendship may begin, and how everyone we connect with makes a difference to us in some way or another.
I don't think I expected this book to be such a tearjerker, or the emotional rollercoaster that it was. Parts of it were heartbreaking, but it was also a joy to read.
Thank you to Hygge Book Tours, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
“Three Perfect Gifts” follows three women, Golda, Frankie, and Miranda, who meet at a Pilates class. I felt that while I was reading, I had the opportunity to connect with each character. On first impressions, Golda was the one who interested me the most, Frankie was the one I connected with the most emotionally, and Miranda made me smile the most.
The three women all had their own personal journey to navigate, but it was heartwarming to see how they all bonded and supported each other through everything. By the end of the book, I was tearful, but the story left me with a warm feeling. I thought about how extraordinary friendship can be, the surprising ways in which a friendship may begin, and how everyone we connect with makes a difference to us in some way or another.
I don't think I expected this book to be such a tearjerker, or the emotional rollercoaster that it was. Parts of it were heartbreaking, but it was also a joy to read.
Thank you to Hygge Book Tours, and to the author and publisher, for the opportunity to read and review this.
January 8, 2026
An engrossing and uplifting story of an unlikely friendship
I stumbled across this book on social media, and I enjoyed it so much I've already bought another by author Anne Brooke. The smooth writing and heartwarming plot made this a really enjoyable reading experience. Three very different women of dissimilar age and background form a most unlikely friendship that kept me turning the pages. Author Anne Brooke unfolded each woman's story in a way that's completely in sync with their personality and some scenes brought a tear to my eye. There was nothing predictable about the plot and the epilogue made a perfect and satisfying ending. If you enjoy well-written and finely observed women's fiction rooted in real life scenarios with believable characters, you're sure to enjoy this uplifting tale. I highly recommend Three Perfect Gifts, and I can't wait to start my next book by this author.
I stumbled across this book on social media, and I enjoyed it so much I've already bought another by author Anne Brooke. The smooth writing and heartwarming plot made this a really enjoyable reading experience. Three very different women of dissimilar age and background form a most unlikely friendship that kept me turning the pages. Author Anne Brooke unfolded each woman's story in a way that's completely in sync with their personality and some scenes brought a tear to my eye. There was nothing predictable about the plot and the epilogue made a perfect and satisfying ending. If you enjoy well-written and finely observed women's fiction rooted in real life scenarios with believable characters, you're sure to enjoy this uplifting tale. I highly recommend Three Perfect Gifts, and I can't wait to start my next book by this author.
June 11, 2024
Three Perfect Gifts: An uplifting and life-affirming book about the power of unlikely friendship by Anne Brooke explores the transformative bond between three women facing significant personal struggles. Frankie deals with marital issues stemming from an unexpected pregnancy, Miranda battles terminal cancer and recent suicidal thoughts, and Golda copes with the trauma of an abusive past. Their chance meeting at a Pilates class blossoms into a supportive friendship where sharing secrets brings healing. This heartwarming narrative celebrates resilience, kindness, and the strength found in companionship. Readers have praised its compelling storytelling and inspiring message, making it a must-read for fans of uplifting fiction.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews