The Making of Us

by Debbie Howells

Preorder the BRAND NEW heartfelt book club pick from bestseller Debbie Howells Two people are about to take off on a journey that could change their whole lives… As the plane surges up into the clouds, Stevie finds herself clutching the hand of the stranger sitting in the seat next to her.

It is a moment that will change everything. But Ned is heading to see his dying mother, and Stevie is returning to France to escape a terrible loss in her past. Neither of them can think about that tiny flame that just flickered between them.

But then their paths keep crossing, leading them both to the same beautiful community garden in a small French village; run by a mysterious old man named Zeke – a man with many of his own secrets.

As it becomes clear that fate is going to keep bringing them together – the two of them have to ask – are they ready for a happy-ever-after? Do they even know how to find it?

As the seeds grow into plants and flowers all around them, Stevie begins to wonders if Zeke – and his garden – might just have the answers…

The Making Of Us is a heart-warming, uplifting novel about love, heartbreak, and living your truest life. Perfect for fans of Lucy Diamond, Beth Moran, and Nicholas Sparks.

Readers love Debbie ‘Wow… this book. It’s very rare that a book captivates me from the first few pages alone, but this one definitely did. This was so beautifully written and so well thought out. I flew through it. It’s a raw story of friendship, love, grief, and so much more… Incredible.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A massive WOW!… An emotional journey of heartbreak, grief and loss… A powerful, magical and quite simply beautiful read… You will lose your heart to this wonderfully touching and bittersweet tale.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Oh boy! It’s poignant, it’s raw, it’s blooming emotional. Tissues at the ready… We don’t know what may be around the corner… A stunning read, one that took my breath away. Very highly recommended.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A beautifully written tearjerker, and worth every single one of my tears! I’m not prone to getting sentimental, so that’s saying a lot… It was sad and heartbreaking, but there was beauty… [It] reminds us of the power of love and what it can do… A five-star experience!’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A book that made me cry so much… about acceptance of loss and death… about soulmates and friendship. I loved it.’ Goodreads reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genres: Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Adult, Romance, Fiction

432 pages, Paperback

Published October 13, 2024

About the author

Debbie self-published three women's fiction novels before writing The Bones of You, her first psychological thriller. It was a Sunday Times bestseller and selected for the Richard and Judy book club.
Since, she was written The Beauty of the End, The Death of Her, Her Sister's Lie, the e-book bestseller The Vow, and her latest, The Secret.
Her women's fiction novel, The Life You Left Behind will be published on 23rd February.

Follow her on Facebook at Debbie Howells writer and on Instagram @_debbiehowells.

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, The Making of Us, by Debbie Howells, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Stevie is deathly afraid of flying but she has to fly, on the plane she clutches the passenger next to her hand, and feels a spark, Ned is flying to visit his mom who is not doing well. Stevie and Ned keep running into each other in France. This was a cute story, I enjoyed the sparks between Stevie and Ned. Stevie is braver then she thinks she is.

[Sherri Thacker · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book 10 stars, I would. This book was phenomenal from the very first page and I found myself reading it late at night when I was wide awake and I could not put it down. It's written so beautifully and is all about friendships, close families, love, grief .. Loved it so much!! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this widget - I will recommend it to everyone.

[itsallaboutbooksandmacarons · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book pulled me in far more than I ever anticipated. From the first page, I was immersed in the world of two broken souls who seemed destined to find each other. The way destiny wove their lives together felt like a story I had imagined in my dreams.

The author skillfully kept me on an emotional rollercoaster throughout. Just when I thought I had the story figured out, unexpected twists and turns deepened the narrative, keeping me on the edge of my seat. The suspense was gripping, and I found myself desperately hoping that the characters would find the happiness they deserved, despite the many obstacles in their path.

The ending was what truly surprised me. It was nothing like what I had envisioned—completely different from what I expected. And yet, it was perfect in its own way. The conclusion was bittersweet, surprising, and deeply moving, leaving me with a sense of closure that felt both satisfying and thought-provoking.

This book reminded me that life, much like love, is unpredictable. It's full of twists, suspense, and moments that challenge our expectations. Sometimes, the best endings are the ones we never saw coming. This story will stay with me for a long time, and I can't recommend it enough to anyone who loves a tale of fate, love, and the beautiful unpredictability of life.

[Lisa]

This was gifted to me and wasn’t even on my list. Unfortunately I only got to 8% and cannot finish it. Ned’s mother has secondary breast cancer and it doesn’t look good. I’m two years out from my diagnosis, one year out from finishing treatment. If I get through this next year without it coming back, it won’t come back. So this is the last thing I need right now!

Sorry, but thank you Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank NetGalley, Debbie Howells and Boldwood books for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

3 ⭐ - do you believe in fate or destiny?
Stevie has a fear of flying but this time she has to fly. During the flight she grips the hand of her neighbor Ned who just lost his mother. This chance encounter leads them to a small french town.

This was a cute read with likeable characters, told from multiple POV's which can get a little confusing at times.

[Karen Axnick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like her previous novel (The Last Days of You and Me) this storyline addresses love, loss, grief and second chances as the lives of four people converge in a small charming French village. The novel explores all these issues with the author’s signature warmth, sensitivity, and compassion.

While the story has an undertone of sadness and struggle, it also offers insight and wisdom in facing challenges in love and life. Stevie is trying to get her life back on track after tragically losing her parents in a plane crash. Fay has fled to her summer home while she sorts out her feelings about her failing marriage as she realizes she has sacrificed her own needs for her family. Ned has been struggling to launch his music career but returns home to spend time with his dying mother. Zeke and his mysterious garden become a pivotal point in all their lives. The author artfully weaves together their stories and their intertwining relationships through chapters of alternating perspectives.

Overall, I found The Making of Us heart-felt and engaging.

My thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Isabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very pleasant surprise from an author I didn’t know but who I shall be looking out for again.
Such a lovely, heartwarming, engaging light ( but never shallow ) story, set in an idyllic setting. The writing style is smooth and flowing, the characters relatable and believable, their stories plausible and real. Most definitely recommended.

[Jazz .☘︎ ݁˖ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming story about love and fate! When I turned the last page, I quite honestly wanted to cry because this was out-of-this world amazing.
 
The storyline was just oh so perfect! My favorite thing about it was the beautiful reminder that no matter what, no matter how many signs you ignore, fate will always step in and show you something you have no choice but to acknowledge. It’s like the red string theory; it’s beautiful and emotional and heartfelt. It warmed my heart in so many ways.
 
While I loved this, I’m rating it a 4.5 because it just doesn’t quite feel like a five-star read, but I may come back and change my mind! I’m very indecisive about these things.

𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙂𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮!

[alya adlina]

sorry i have to dnf it i can’t get into it at all…..

[Sara Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an interesting read - like nothing I’ve read before. However, it fell a bit flat for me.

According to the synopsis we are following Stevie and Ned and they both end up in France under less than happy circumstances. The two keep running into each other at the community garden and soon a love between them blooms.

The synopsis fails to detail this book is told through multiple POVs with little side plots that become cumbersome after some time. It just didn’t feel right to go from Stevie to Ned to Fay to Zeke and just have everything jumbled. I could be biased because I don’t really like books with more than two POVs.

I didn’t 100% feel the chemistry between Stevie and Ned, but I also wasn’t mad at the love found there. They had both been through so much that it just kind of worked.

Ultimately, the slow moving storyline and multiple POVs are what led to my low rating.

*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.

[Sven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Call it fate, call it destiny, but Ned and Stevie are just meant to be together.

Two broken wandering souls meet on an airplane and just are thrown together in a small town in France. They come together over a community plot, and their relationship grows from their plane ride to something more meaningful, deeper, and sweeter.

Written very well with a cast of good main and side characters and an enchanting location, this book was a good read.

#netgalley #TheMakingOfUs

[Deanna Loves to Read!!:) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is actually a 3.75 star read for me.

Stevie and Fay are both women who are trying to discover who they are and what they want to do, or what their purpose is. Stevie is an only child, and lost both her parents a year ago. Her fiance also broke up with her. Fay is married to a man that is career driven and has no time for he. They have raised their two children, and she is drifting along, trying to figure her life out now. Both women have ties to a small village in France, and both decide (separately) to stay in this village while they figure out their lives. Meanwhile, Ned is coming home after breaking up with his fiance. He is a musician, and his parents do not agree with his choice of career. He is at a standstill in the career area, when he is summoned home for his mother's birthday. It is at this birthday that a bombshell is dropped on him- his mother is dying of cancer. He decides to stay and help her and his family.

Stevie and Fay both meet a man named Zeke. He is older and runs the "allotments"- a community garden, Each women meets Zeke on the same day, but at a different time. They are both sad, lonely and seeking what they are supposed to do with their life. Zeke is a wise gentleman, and helps each woman figure things out.

There are parts of this story that I really liked, and some parts I struggled a bit with! So I will break it down that way!

Likes:
1. I loved the development of the characters, especially Stevie and Fay! We see them at a very low time, when each of their confidence is at a low. They are struggling to figure out who they are, what they want to do, and how to leave a "legacy". The author writes an authentic and carefully developed character arc. We see how the women grow, and their discovery of what passion they want in their lives.

2. The theme of community runs strong! It is this ideal that people work together trying to give back, support and nurture the people and land around them that really drew me into the story. I love how she used gardening to demonstrate the ebb and flow of life- the struggles, sorrows and triumphs.

3. The way the author writes about relationships was well done. There is no black and white, but a lot of give and take, forgiving, love, and readjustment in relationships as time moves forward.

4. The way Ned struggles to reconnect with his parents, and especially his mother. He feels guilt and uncertainty about her cancer, and has decisions to make. The author portrayed this part of the story beautifully, and I cried a few times.

Struggles:
1. I struggled with the romance of Ned and Stevie. Both were lovely characters, but I really did not feel a strong connection between the two. They seemed more like best friends than possible lovers. There were times when the relationship seemed a bit juvenile, especially when Ned said the line, "Will you be my girlfriend?" It was a little strange for a 30 ish man to ask of a woman!

2. I liked the community and the way all the characters tied together. However, there were a few times it felt forced and overdone.

3. The constant reminder of every character that they do not believe in God. OK- I get it! I do believe in him, but have no problem reading stories where characters do not. But the reader was reminded of this over and over, I felt ike once we knew this about the characters, the author should have continued to focus on the connections between the main characters and how those relationships grew to be a big part of the community.

Overall, I really liked the story, especially when it focused on the women. I am going to check out some of here other books!

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[R Mmm · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Making of us is a heartfelt story about unexpected friendships, personal growth, and finding one’s place in the world. The story begins with Stevie and Ned meeting on a plane to a small French town. Stevie, who has a deep fear of flying after losing her parents in a plane crash, is nervous and on edge. Ned, traveling for his mother’s birthday, offers a calming presence as they strike up a conversation. Their shared hometown of London gives them an instant connection, and the flight becomes the start of a unique bond.

Stevie’s story is both touching and relatable. She is learning to navigate life after loss and faces her fears head-on by boarding the plane. Ned, on the other hand, is struggling with his own challenges. As a musician, he is passionate about his career, but his parents disapprove, wishing he had chosen something more traditional. His trip to France is as much about celebrating his mother as it is about seeking acceptance from his family.

In the same French village, Fay, an empty nester from England, is working through her own struggles. Feeling unappreciated by her husband, she decides to focus her energy on a garden plot, taking a hands on approach. Under the guidance of Zeke, a wise older local with a gift for gardening and life advice, Fay rediscovers her confidence and sense of purpose. Her storyline adds a rich, reflective layer to the novel, reminding readers that it’s never too late to embrace change and take control of one’s happiness.

The author skillfully weaves the lives of these characters together, creating a story that is both warm and meaningful. The conversations between the characters—whether between Stevie and Ned, or Fay and Zeke—are heartfelt and often filled with wisdom.
Thank you to NetGalley for this free advanced copy in exchanged for my honest review

[Farwa Khanzada · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Net Galley and Publisher for approving the request for the upcoming Debbie Howells book.
.
3.75 stars
I fell in love with her writing when I read the ARC of "The Last Days of You and Me" back in February so when I saw this one I instantly requested it and I swear it did not disappoint me. I love how Debbie captures every emotion so perfectly especially anxiety and stress or even the normal thoughts we all have. Her characters feel so relatable because they all face such real problems.
.
The Making of Us is about people living in a small French village. It mostly revolves around 4 characters Stevie, Ned, Fay, and Zeke.
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Stevie, after losing her parents decided to move to the village, trying to live a quiet and peaceful life where she met Ned who was struggling with his music career and expressing his emotions. Their conversations are relaxing, motivating, and healing.
.
While Fay came on a trip to the village after finding her true self she decided to stay a bit longer.
Zeke was a gardener who rented people allotments for gardening. As he gives one of the allotments to Fay, They start spending a lot of time with each other.
.
The best thing about this book was how great listener everyone was. Each of them helps the other heal themselves it made me cry I will definitely request the next Debbie Howells because it's worth the time.
Give it a read if you enjoy it:
-slow-burn
-small-town romance
-healing and self-care

[Misfits farm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is centred around a group of British strangers in France who find each other by chance and about paying things forward.
Stevie lost her parents tragically a year ago and has no-one so has come to find her happy place, one she remembered from childhood, really having nowhere else to go. Fay has a holiday home here but finds she would like to stay longer, have a garden of her own and not be dictated to by her husband. Ned has just found out about his mother and is rather lost. Zeke has lived here for almost forty years and has allotments which he rents out but no-one knows much about him. They bump into each other one way and another,, a mix of generations and find that helping others more than helps themselves.

I devoured this, there was a kind of magic between the pages, something I can't quite put my finger on rather like Madame Picard's herbs. Chapters are told from the different main characters point of view which works very well.
A dream of a read, one that restores faith in human nature and how sometimes it’s the little things that can make the biggest impact. Being kind, paying it forward are like the ripples of a pebble on water- you really don’t quite know how far they can reach. Loved it.
For more reviews please follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @nickisbookblog
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[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally reviewed for Chick Lit Central (www.chicklitcentral.com)

If there is one word that I could use to describe The Making of Us, it’s life. There is a lot of focus on the importance of life; appreciating the tiny little nuances that we often take for granted. At times struggling to accept the choices and decisions we’ve made that often change the course of our lives. For every character within this story, they are at a crossroads within their own lives, trying to figure it out and navigate what’s in front of them, the best they can.

At the center is Stevie and Ned, two people who meet by chance, even though neither of them believe in anything that is serendipitous. As their story unfolds, we discover that Stevie has been where Ned is going to be, becoming a much-needed support. Ned has a difficult time with showing any emotion or expressing how he really feels, while Stevie is unsure of whether she has the allowance to feel the way she does. It made for an interesting connection.

Another chance encounter brings Zeke into Stevie’s life, or is it the other way around? Zeke provides a simplistic viewpoint that helps to temper Stevie, and when out-of-towner Fay is looking for respite from the uncertainties of her life, Zeke becomes a grounded realist, helping Fay in making some really important decisions that could potentially change the path for her going forward.

Sometimes the primary characters become part of each other’s worlds, all connected in ways that none of them can see or even understand, and it was done so beautifully. The reflective moments that they all have at one time or another really helped to buoy me, especially because I’m feeling a little bit wayward with some situations I have going on–it was nice to gain some perspective on things. I could see a little bit of myself within everyone! The love, the loss, feeling stuck, feeling hopeful. Wanting to try to find ways to live life to the fullest, and reminding myself that it’s not so bad to take it all a day at a time, in order to fully appreciate what I have, even when it can be tough to reflect on that. The Making of Us was an inspirational, touching experience; a definite five-star read!

[Hijabi_booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a rom-com type book, is set in France, and it follows Ned and Stevie as they meet on a plane, when Stevie is forced to fly which, she is terrified to do. During takeover Stevie grapples Ned's hand and things start to unwind from there. Stevie is learning to begin a new life, after the loss of her parents. On the flight she meets Ned, and they start talking on the flight. Ned is going to visit family for a celebration, where he will discover someone close to him is very terminal. Both characters are working hard to make a good future for themselves, and find happiness, when their paths cross again after the flight, they begin to believe its meant to be.

Will Stevie and Ned find what they need and healing in each other or will they go their separate ways? This rom com moves the reader through a variety of emotions, dealing with familial and family relationships. This book allows you into the life of other characters as well and weaves their stories together as we travel through the emotional roller-coaster of love. This novel has a strong sense of community and friendship themes throughout too, and it makes this an even more beautiful read.

Tis the season for a warm hug of a good emotional, love book, why not make this one of the ones on your TBR list this holiday season.

Thank you Boldwood books, Netgalley and the author for an advanced readers copy of this book.

[Rona · Rating 5 out of 5]

First we meet Stevie who has lost both parents in a plane crash. After sorting out everything she feels lost. She is at the airport going to France where she went on holiday with her parents when she was younger. She is terrified to fly.
She meets Ned and finds he is also on the flight sitting next to her. She gives him the boom she is reading when they land in France.
Ned is going to his Mother's birthday party. He is an aspiring musician but feels his parents disapprove.
He and his sister discover their mother is ill and doesnt have long left. Ned cdecides to spend as much time as he can sith her.
This story is told in 4 pov. Stevie, Ned also Fay who has a holiday home there and has always been the dutiful wife but wants something for herself now and Zeke who has the allotments he is also living with a tragedy.
Gradually these people's lives intertwine..
I really loved the characters and the way the story flowed and the way people helped one another. It was heartwarming to see them grow.
I liked Olivier and Nicole and also the way Nicole rescued Merlot the abused dog.
I liked the multiple pov. The book reflected hope, love and a sense of belonging. It was also tinged with sadness.
I really loved this book.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this charming and new modern romance novel, readers join Stevie and Ned on the same flight as they prepare for journeys that will change both their lives in different ways. Stevie is returning to France to escape from and cope with a terrible loss, while Ned is flying home to see his dying mother. Expecting to never see each other again once they get off the plane, their paths keep crossing in the same small and beautiful community garden run by Zeke, a man of many secrets. As they continue to interact at different points in their life and cope with the challenges of existence, readers continue to follow Stevie and Ned’s interactions as their lives, stories, and the garden grow. With its beautiful location in the south of France and the charm of coincidences and a small village garden, readers will love the heartwarming narrative that Howells has brought to life in this charming romance novel. The characters are the star of the novel, and the interactions between Stevie, Ned, and Zeke really draw readers into the story and bring it to life. With its brilliant characters and fascinating narrative basis of strangers’ repeated interactions, fans of the romance genre will love Debbie Howells’ new book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.

[Jenny McClinton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an E-ARC with a request for my honest review.

This moving romance is set in France and follows the lives of Stevie and Ned, along with a few other friends they make along the way.

Stevie is starting a new life, after the loss of her parents. On the flight she meets Ned, and they start talking on the flight. Ned is going to visit family for a celebration, where he will learn that someone close to his heart is ill.

Both try to work out how they are going to move forward in their future, and as their paths continue to cross when going their separate ways after the flight, they start to believe it might be fate.

Will Stevie and Ned become more than friends? Will they find what will make them happy in the future?

This romance is moving throughout with emotional drama with friends and family of both characters. I love the fate feel to the romance side of the storyline, as I’ve always believed in this myself.

You get to hear from some of the other characters too, which adds even more emotion and uplifting moments as they try to also work out their futures.

There is a strong community and friendship theme throughout too, and it makes this an even more beautiful read.

Overall, a moving romance where two people’s lives collide, helping them to work out their future.

[juli · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

Now, wow this was beautiful.

This story takes us to a small village in France, where 4 strangers cross paths. Yes, 4. I was not expecting this book to be a multiple pov kind of story, but let me tell you I actually ended up loving it.
There’s such a beautiful sense of belonging in this beautiful village, that you just want to stay there forever. One of the most beautiful things of this book is that every character has their own moment in the story, they’re so unique.

There’s so much generosity in the people of this story that my heart really melted 😭❤️‍🩹

The author captivates us in this journey of love, grief, friendship and the complexities of relationships. The pacing starts as slow but it’s well-balanced as Debbie prepares us for a few moments of tension and sadness.

The main reason for my decision to rate this book was that it remained me, that life is unpredictable, and that you don’t have to be afraid of it, you just have to embrace it as much as you can. So thank you Debbie, great job 👏🏻

[Mandiisbooked08 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Boldwood books and NetGalley for the E-ARC of this title.
This book weaves the story of 4 strangers all on intersecting paths. Each person searching for a source of contentment in their lives. They find it in a small town bound together by the sense of community and the generosity of others.
The essence of this book is living a life of abundance. An abundance of generosity, kindness, and love.

Each character's life is in a state of change and instability, all of them seeking refuge and peace.

Gardening is weaved throughout the book as a metaphor for the seasons of life. The black weeds grow deep roots that wreak havoc, symbolizing illness and death. While flowers and produce represent a new beginning and even life after death.

This book started slow as the author introduced each character, but by 50%, I was heavily invested in each character and how they were all fated to meet each other. This book was a beautiful and thoughtful passage of time. It reminded me to slow down and enjoy each moment while we have it. We can all use that reminder.

[Elaine - Splashes Into Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Little choices can have a huge impact,
This brilliant read portrays that fact.
It follows folk who didn't know each other
But links grow readers soon discover.

A flight to escape grief and memories, too,
A journey to make a start that is new.
Looking for happy thoughts from the past
Hoping to move on to the future at last.

A stranger's hand to hold on the flight
Somehow that feels just so right.
When fate brings them together once more
Maybe they'll be things they need to explore.

A story where links develop, new friends and more
A sense of community and life twists to explore.
A truly heartwarming read despite grief and heartbreak
Making the most of opportunities you can take.

A story of life, full of its twists and turns, too,
Sharing joy, grief, feelings and possibilities that are new.
A moving, emotional and uplifting read
A look at how experiences help in times of need.

For my copy of this brilliant book I say a huge thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.

[SH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stevie is terrified of flying and on a flight to France, she finds herself clutching the hand of Ned, a stranger sitting in the seat next to her. Meanwhile, Ned is heading to see his dying mother, and Stevie is returning to France to escape a terrible loss in her past. Neither Stevie nor Ned is in the right place, to act of any chance of romance. Yet when their paths keep crossing, it becomes clear that fate is going to keep bringing them together.
A heartfelt story, written with such elegance. I found the characters of Stevie and Ned quite realistic and I loved the backdrop that this romance was built upon. The secondary characters gave such added depth to this story and the use of gardening throughout the book, highlighted the different stages of life so eloquently.
This book I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debbie Howells is a fantastic writer and The Making of Us proved to me yet again why I keep returning to her books. This is such a beautiful tale, full of heartbreak, loss, being true to yourself, grasping at the life you are given. I couldn’t put this down, it’s had a hold of my heart abd wouldn't let me go.

I appreciated the multiple point of views used by the author, as I always adore seeing the story for multiple perspectives as well as getting it to the heart of the characters more too. This was a joy to read, literally, a it put hope back into my heart and lately I’ve really needed that’s.

The Making of Us is a story full of heart, seizing new chances, loveand of hope. Debbie Howell’sgivesus a story that is moving abd deals with challenging issues abs she treats them with such sensitivity and feeling. Simply beautiful.


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Simply_Bibliotaphs · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easy read with a powerful message

This book centres around several main characters that are all living in a French village and find themselves at a crossroads in their lives, these strangers end up impacting each others stories in big and small ways. This book is written in four different POV's however it is done very well and reads smoothly without any confusion.

This is a very easy read and even though it is on the shorter side, each character story is completely unique and has there own standout moment its a beautifully written well rounded book. Sometimes a book comes along that makes you sit back and think about life in general and that was this book for me, it was emotional and sweet and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

overall this book covers several topics including fragility of life, death, community, kindness and unknowingly having an impact in somebody's life, family dynamics, love and how we can help give back. I look forward to reading more from this author

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debbie Howells is a go to author for me, I don’t need to read the blurb, I just need to read the book as, in my experience, they are all fabulous. This one is no exception.

With a beautiful setting of rural France in the summertime, Debbie depicts the countryside and its characters so vividly the reader is transported into their lives. This book has a totally gorgeous range of believable characters you find you really care about: Stevie, a young woman still reeling from a family loss and trying to find herself; Ned, a budding musician; Zeke, an elderly member of the community with a thriving allotment, hiding away from facing his own history; Fay, a wife and a mother who needs now to find herself and Remy, a local resident and fellow allotment owner.

The author is brilliantly skilled at entwining her characters lives and there are always a few unpredictable turns that I don’t foresee. What I really enjoy though is that through what can seem like a simple story, the reader finds their views on life and it’s value and purpose challenged.

Debbie Howells never shies away from difficult subjects, showing real understanding, I would guess from personal experience, tackling challenging areas with empathy, sensitivity and feeling.

Another glorious read, thank you.

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Connections

This is a story of a small town and the group of people who revolve around in it, paths sometimes crossing.

A book crafted of combining stories of people’s lives into one book. The main characters all have struggles of their own, but occasionally their stories intersect with each other. The bar, the allotment, the huge house where Ned’s family lived…these are the central locations. Stevie, Ned, Fay, Zeke, Nicole, Olivier and Madame Picard are the main characters.

I liked the book but didn’t quite gel with the individual stories. Their intersections felt a bit forced to me. I think this book would have been better as a selection of short stories. Nothing wrong with the book, just missed the mark a bit for me.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

[Shawna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stick with it as the start is a little slow but necessary to build the backgrounds of each character. On her way to France where she and her family vacationed, Stevie is seated next to a gorgeous stranger (Ned) who helps her with her fear of flying. Ned's on his way to visit with his family after a nasty breakup, only to find out that there's tragedy forthcoming.

A local called Zeke, who runs a community garden space, manages to help bring them together. The examples of true community (which seem to be rare these days) were heartwarming, and Zeke seemed like the wise grandfather figure everyone wants (needs?) in their life.

Thanks to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and Debbie Howells for the eARC.

[Storied Conversation · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first page, I was captivated by the story of two broken souls whose paths seemed destined to intertwine. The way fate wove their lives together felt like a dream unfolding before me. The author kept me on an emotional rollercoaster, with unexpected twists that deepened the narrative and kept me hooked. The ending was a complete surprise—bittersweet, unexpected, and yet perfectly fitting. This book is a beautiful reminder that both life and love are unpredictable, and it’s the unforeseen moments that make the story unforgettable.



Thank you NetGalley, Boldwood Books, Rachel's Random Resources, and the author for providing with an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.