Ever After

by Amanda Prowse

If you’re given another chance at love, shouldn’t you take it?

Enya’s life has become small. Her husband’s death has left her bereft, and though she’s only in her early fifties, she’s happiest looking after her son, Aiden, his childhood sweetheart, Holly, and her beloved cat, Pickle.

So the spark she feels for the stranger who bumps into her car in the airport car park is a complete shock. But Enya can’t stop thinking about him.

Then, when Aiden makes a life-changing decision, Enya suddenly finds her close-knit community thrown into chaos. Her best friend, Jenny, isn’t speaking to her, Aiden’s future hangs in the balance, Holly is devastated, and the stranger from the car park is suddenly in her life.

Torn between family, love and loyalty, Enya faces a stay safely where she is, or take a leap into the unknown? Because maybe her happily-ever-after could have one more chapter yet…

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Audiobook, Family, Family Drama, Chick Lit, Contemporary

416 pages, Paperback

Published August 12, 2025

About the author

Previous Book: 'Swimming to Lundy', published th August 2024'.

Latest Book: 'This One Life', published 7th January 2025.

Next Book: 'Ever After' published 7th August 2025.

Amanda Prowse is an International Bestselling author whose thirty-two novels, two non-fiction titles and ten novellas have been published in dozens of languages around the world. Published by Lake Union, Amanda is the most prolific writer of bestselling contemporary fiction in the UK today; her titles also consistently score the highest online review approval ratings across several genres. Her books, including the chart topping No.1 titles 'What Have I Done?', 'Perfect Daughter', 'My Husband's Wife', 'The Girl in the Corner' and ‘The Things I Know’ have sold millions of copies across the globe.

A popular TV and radio personality, Amanda has appeared on numerous shows where her views on family and social issues strike a chord with viewers. She also makes countless guest appearances on BBC national and independent Radio stations including LBC, Times Radio and Talk FM, where she is well known for her insightful observations and her infectious humour. Described by the Daily Mail as ‘The queen of family drama’ Amanda’s novel, 'A Mother's Story' won the coveted Sainsbury's eBook of the year Award and she has had two books selected as World Book Night titles, 'Perfect Daughter' in 2016 and 'The Boy Between' in 2022.

Amanda is a huge supporter of libraries and having become a proud ambassador for The Reading Agency, works tirelessly to promote reading, especially in disadvantaged areas. Amanda's ambition is to create stories that keep people from turning the bedside lamp off at night, great characters that ensure you take every step with them and tales that fill your head so you can't possibly read another book until the memory fades...

Praise for Amanda Prowse:

'A powerful and emotional work of fiction' - Piers Morgan

'Deeply moving and emotional, Amanda Prowse handles her explosive subjects with delicate skill' - Daily Mail

'Uplifting and positive, but you will still need a box of tissues' - Hello!

'A gut-wrenching and absolutely brilliant read' - The Irish Sun

'You'll fall in love with this...' - Cosmopolitan

'Deeply moving and eye opening. Powerful and emotional drama that packs a real punch.' - Heat

'Magical' - Now magazine

Reviews

[Krystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is the very definition of a three-star read as it's just ok. I know I'm an early outlier; it has a very high rating as I'm writing this, but it wasn't something I was eager to pick back up. There's a lot of drama which is fine, but the in many of the circumstances the characters' behavior seemed unbelievable.

The death of Enya's husband left her devastated. Although now she's filled her life with friends and family she adores. Her job is coming to an end and she's looking forward to a new beginning with her best friend. However, her son Aiden makes a decision that throws a curveball into everyone's life. Enya is struggling to be a supportive parent despite not understanding her son's reasoning. A small fender bender puts an unforgettable guy in her path and their attraction is immediate. Nothing is simple though.

The writing style is smooth and a big reason this was a three-star read for me instead of a two-star. I can't go into specifics due to spoilers, but a simpler story probably would've resonated more. This felt too soapy.

Take my review with a grain of salt. Most reviewers are loving this, so I encourage you to check out their reviews if you're curious about this one.

Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK for providing an ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore Amanda Prowse's books... and when a new one releases, I happily grab a copy. Often, they are longer than I expect and sometimes intimidating... as was this one. I started it and put it down because I couldn't totally get into the characters. But when I picked it back up and focused on the story and the beauty of the emotions Amanda includes, I realize how much I truly am affected by her writing style. Her characters are so spot on, so real, so vivid. I love the quaint English settings and dialog. In this one... the generations of relationships are the highlight. Give it a chance!

[Jo Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t really want to detract too much from the synopsis for Ever After, I feel like I’ll accidentally spoiler. So a brief review, for that reason.

Enya is happy with her life, though it’s very small since her husband passed away. She has her son Aiden, his long term girlfriend Holly, her best friend and neighbour Jen and her sister. She is a natural worrier, and we meet her mid worry, she’s waiting to take Aiden to the airport for a business trip and worrying about all the disasters that could befall him. She’s worried about losing her job, she’s worried about going into business with Jen, she’s worried that Aiden and Holly haven’t lived enough to be so serious.

Aiden safely dispatched at the airport, someone accidentally bumps into Enya’s car and as if by magic all the reasons to worry are suddenly about to change.

Lovely character development, relatable relationships and some real big life experiences all wrapped up in an it’s never too late to change shaped bow.

I enjoyed the narration a lot, I was a little bit confused over the choice of sone of the accents but it actually didn’t matter or impact my enjoyment.

Many thanks to Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧

[Ivana - Diary of Difference · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Ever After” is an emotional rollercoaster of a book, but in the most beautiful way. It had so much emotion poured into it, and I couldn’t help getting invested in Enya’s story.

Enya is a widow that is still grieving her husband. I mean, do you ever really stop grieving a loved one, especially your soulmate? Her son, Aiden is in a relationship with Enya’s best friend and next-door-neighbour’s daughter, and everything seems to be going well. Except that, one day, Aiden returns from a work conference and has news that will change everyone’s lives forever.

Enya finds herself in a very difficult situation that she neither chose, nor does she have control over. What doesn’t help is that she also keeps a secret that she can’t tell anyone, and this burdens her for multiple reasons. The support network she used to have is now gone, leaving her very lonely, and she reverts to her default setting - making sure everyone around her is okay and happy, even to the detriment of her happiness.

I found it painful, but refreshing, that the characters didn’t shy away from difficult topics and voiced how they were feeling, even though sometimes this took much longer than it should have for them to open up.

The writing was beautiful and raw, every chapter leaving you satisfied and craving for more at the same time. Amanda Prowse is now on my list of authors whose books I will instantly get as soon as I spot the next one. I already have “This One Life” on my TBR to get to it as soon as I possibly can.

If you are looking for a book that makes you feel things and care for the characters, please pick this book! It will take you on a real and raw adventure and make you open a new tissue box whilst at it. How can you say no to a good old healthy cry?

Favourite quotes:

“I can’t remember what I used to think about before my head was full of you!”

“Speaking for myself, it has always been rooted in love. Loving those that love me a bit too much and not loving myself enough, I guess.”

“His expression, she feared, matched her own; it was that potent mix of longing and regret that, had it been expressed in music, would have been loud and building, a crescendo that carried you along with its passion and its beauty, a trailing rapture that could pierce her very soul. Feelings that had the ability to floor her, to be her undoing, and her salvation. A moment of connection, knitting all the strands of desire and roping her to him, this man who had come into her life in the most unconventional of ways and had turned things upside down.”

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[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever After by Amanda Prowse was a challenging read. Amanda Prowse’s narration is exceptional, and I thoroughly enjoy her writing style. Her stories transport me emotionally and visually to various settings with vivid imagery and heartfelt moments.

This particular story revolves around themes of loss, betrayal, and new beginnings. I found myself feeling uncomfortable and sad throughout most of the narrative. While the writing was brilliant, the overall atmosphere of the story was unsettling.

Rating: 4⭐️

Thanks, Brilliance Audio via NetGalley

[dropitlikeitshotx · Rating 3 out of 5]

Omg what did I just read? The trauma/angst porn in this gives unhinged Wattpad energy but like for old people. Don’t let the Jolly, rom com-esque cover fool you.

Heavy spoilers ahead, but bear with me cause this is gonna take a little bit of set up so you can understand the insane levels of fucked up this all is.

So the FMC is Enya. She’s a youngish widow in her early fifties. Her late husband passed about three years ago. She’s at a strange stage in life. On one hand, she’s too young to just stop living for herself altogether but also she’s already had a fulfilling relationship with her deceased husband Johnathon. Understandably, she struggles to move on. Like she still sees the man and has full length conversations with him, discussing ongoing struggles with him like he’s still around. The woman is riddled with anxiety and is so avoidant of conflict, it’s quite painful to watch.

She has an adult son, Aiden (the villain and shitbag of the story imo). He’s some kind of surgeon/healthcare professional. I honestly barely remember now because the other aspects of his personality completely overshadow whatever merits he may have, you’ll see. He’s been in a relationship with Holly essentially forever. Holly is the daughter of Enya’s BFF/neighbor Jenny. Enya secretly worries about this couple, like she worries about everything. She thinks they’ve fallen into a relationship more out of pattern then actual desire/true partnership since they’re all the other has ever really known. They’ve never really dated other people. Holly is an influencer and is kind of serious about her job, she earnestly loves Aiden and wants to build a life with him. She talks about wanting kids and although Enya loves her and can tell she genuinely loves her son too, but is also kind of dismissive of Holly, her aspirations, and her desire to build a family with her son. She thinks they’re too young and Holly is too unserious because of her choice of career (not because Holly truly is, but because Enya is just plain old and doesn’t actually understand the nuance of what social media centered career building actually entails).

Anyways, this whole story kicks off when Enya needs to drop Aiden off at the airport. He’s going to be away for a three week conference in Rome to learn about some advanced robotic knee arthroscopy. While sitting in her car going though her daily episode of panic, with a shot of extra travel anxiety for her nasty, golden boy son, another driver hits her. This is Dominic (the MMC), who is dropping a purse off at the airport. They exchange details and Enya has the lovebug, which shocks her because she’s has experienced this like ever.

She can’t stop thinking about the stranger and her sister encourages her to go for it if she’s got the feels. She’s unsure because she knows nothing about the man and she’s still talking aloud to Johnathon. But her sister is all you come off as an ice queen, what’s the worst that could happen. Well hey flirt over the phone and Dominic goes I’m married full disclosure. It’s not working out, as a matter of fact, I just got a new apartment today to start the decoupling process. Enya tells him that’s a likely story, take a hike.

So life goes on and Aiden is about to return. He wants Enya to come grab him and hasn’t even told Holly when his flight is coming in. Enya is worried because that’s what she does lol, and Aiden ends up dropping a bomb. He wants to get married and the date is set! Not to Holly, his partner of several years but some random woman he met on the flight to Rome, Iris. They hit it off so well, she changed her trip and spent the last few weeks in Rome with him. So this exemplary specimen of man only needed a few hours to days apart from his long term gf to start getting his rocks off with another. I guess Enya’s constant anxiety did start to make sense around this point.

So to be clear this man does not give a single flying fuck about how his actions affect anyone. Not Holly, not his mom, not his mom’s relationships with her BFF/ex’s mother. No one. He’s insistent that he’s in love and is crestfallen at the prospect anyone might think otherwise given the dubious, rapid timeline of this relationship. Admittedly he wasn’t even unhappy in his relationship with Holly before he left, he just didn’t know what he was missing till he met Iris! It’s really his selfishness that fueled my disgust for Aiden’s character and skepticism of Enya. She is so afraid to give him the cold hard truth and avoids confrontation, it was giving doormat. But odd at the same time because she wasn’t a doormat for a love interest but her son. It had me wondering if her marriage was really as rosy as she made it seemed or if she went with her husband’s flow.

And let me tell you this man needed a good verbal beating (maybe even physical beating), because guess what? Holly is pregnant with Aiden’s kid. She planned to tell him on the day he returned but he told her cheated and they were over instead. This man child continues his reign of terrorism and withholds this information from his fiancée for MONTHS. Like he doesn’t even reveal his until literal weeks before the wedding. Even asks his mom if he could maybe just tell her over a call or text 💀. I genuinely had to check if I was reading a comedy/parody at this point. Because the idea that a fully grown man who works as a physician and deals with death/suffering all the time could be so DAFT just exploded by brains a bit.

Anyways, we’ve strayed from the plot a bit, Dominic renters the story because turns out he’s Iris’s dad/ Aiden’s future FIL. We also meet Trish, his wife/future ex. And of course careful Enya, won’t pursue him now because that would throw Aiden’s life in disarray. Notice how he didn’t give her that consideration? Also as if he hasn’t already thrown his stable personal life to the wind?

So the two relationships are kind of explored in parallel. Aiden and Iris’s world-wind affair which is such a far cry from stable loving partnership that Enya slowly built with his father Johnathon and this intense connection she feels with Dominic but won’t explore because it may burn her world down further.

Her son continues to be a shitbag and she has to implore him to grow up. He literally states, that he doesn’t want his baby with Holly, so he continues to avoid having to tell Iris anything because he knows their relationship might not stand that test. In his true manipulative nature, he gives Iris his whole monologue about how much he loves her and then burns her world down when he tells her that Holly is pregnant and he’s kept it from her. Everything is OK though, because it turns out Iris has a big heart and ends up telling Holly and Aiden that there is a path forward with all three of them.

Enya also gets to know Dominic’s ex-wife, Trish throughout the wedding planning process. It feels a little manipulative as well because she keeps the fact that she’s romantically interested in Dominic from all of them throughout this. But truly, they’re the boring triangle in all of this.

In the end, Aiden and Iris marry. Holly has her baby and Aiden leaves Iris with Enya while she delivers. The two of them bond during this time and she essentially just accepts the situation because what’s she gonna do really? Aiden falls in love with his baby at first sight despite months of denying wanting to be a father to Holly’s baby and saying the most vile things. He now admits that he loves both Iris and Holly but differently. Something clicks for Enya and she’s like oh that’s what Dominic was saying! He loves Trish but isn’t IN love with her.

Side note. After the birth, Iris asks what they has as if she contributed anything to this joint project? Like babe you’re the OW who destabilized this poor baby’s life before the second trimester, STFU. 😑 honestly felt both Holly and Iris were good women who deserved better than Aiden but I digress. Also the fact that Enya continues to call Aiden a good, loyal kid after all of this just made me burst out laughing? Are we talking about the same person?

There’s an epilogue where we found out Iris is pregnant. Dominic and Enya get together officially. Their romance really takes backseat to her sons’s fuckery even though they’re the main couple. The last scene is her seeing a smiling Johnathon in the distance and he’s happy for her.

I probably missed a lot in between but I’m tired. I would say 2.75 stars overall. I think someone else mentioned this book is the definition of 3 stars and I agree. The writing is pretty good and I can appreciate the complexity of what the author tried to convey. If you enjoy angst, this is for you. I personally couldn’t identify with, disliked, or was flat out disgusted by most of the characters so I found myself disengaged with the story. I also feel ambivalent about the take home message, because to me it felt like the author was saying if you’re unhappy, screw your anxiety, be selfish in love, burn it all down to ashes, and try to build a house on top of what remains. Aiden really nuked her relationships after she already lost her husband for a fling of three weeks and she just smiled through it all because she was too afraid to confront his selfishness. I do applaud the author for teaching me you can also be doormat to your children and stunt their maturity out of fear of conflict. But I suppose it’s ok because everyone wants to feel special in their own story no matter the circumstances their love was built on. 🤷‍♀️

[Maddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amanda Prowse has long held a spot on my favourites list — and with good reason. Often hailed as the Queen of Family Drama, she has a knack for turning everyday domestic life into gripping, emotionally charged narratives. Just when you think you know where the story’s headed, she lobs in a perfectly plausible twist that upends everything, keeping you hooked until the final page.

Enya’s world has shrunk in the wake of her husband’s death. Now in her early fifties, she finds comfort in the familiar: caring for her son Aiden, his childhood sweetheart Holly, her lifelong friend Jenny — Holly’s mother — and her loyal cat, Pickle. But when a chance encounter in an airport car park sparks an unexpected connection with a stranger, Enya is caught off guard. The moment lingers, and she finds herself unable to shake the feeling that something is shifting.

What do you do when the life you built crumbles overnight — and the one person you’d usually lean on turns away? Amanda Prowse explores this heart-wrenching question with raw honesty and emotional depth. This is a story of rediscovery, resilience, and the unexpected paths that lead us home. This beautifully told, emotionally rich novel will stay with you long after the final page.

[andshe.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever After is not just a story about family but about love too. As we meet Enya, in her early 50s, she's figuring out life without her husband Jonathan, who passed away 3 years prior. She has many people around her who love her, and she loves them just as much. Just when she thinks she's turning a corner, one event unsettles everything she has known. Enya now has to confront this new chapter in her life, including who she is and what her future holds.

Enya is a lovely character. She felt truly relatable. Amanda Prowse really captured the essence of what it feels like to be a widow and a mother and to be only 50 with a whole world in front of you. I found Aiden to be quite frustrating at times, but his actions and personality were that of a 24 year old. I kept having to remind myself he was only 24 and definitely didn't think like I did.

The family dynamics were managed with such care and compassion, highlighting both the good and the bad in such strong bonds.

Honestly, just a really lovely heartfelt and uplifting story that shows change, although difficult, can actually be a good thing.

Thank you to Tandem Collective, Amazon Publishing, and Amanda Prowse for a copy of the book.

[Johanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

What if the next chapter of your life started at 50?

Ever After by Amanda Prowse is a warm and heartfelt read that’s as much about family as it is about love. It follows Enya, in her early fifties, as she navigates life after losing her husband a few years earlier. Just when her world feels settled, one unexpected moment sets off ripples through her close-knit family, forcing her to face old tensions, shifting relationships and her own sense of identity.

What I loved is how real Enya feels, her doubts, her fears, her hope, it’s so relatable. Amanda Prowse captures family dynamics with such tenderness and honesty, showing how complicated, frustrating and beautiful those bonds can be.

This is a gentle, uplifting story about change, resilience and finding your voice at any age. A cosy, heartfelt read that stayed with me.


AD: thanks to Tandem Collective for gifting me a copy of this book.

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!

This is the first book I’ve read by Amanda Prowse, and I can already see why she’s so loved—her writing is simply beautiful. The story flows effortlessly, and she has an incredible gift for evoking deep, genuine emotion.

While I found some characters difficult to like—particularly the men, whose selfish actions caused so much pain—it only added to the book’s realism. Families are complicated, and Prowse captures that complexity so well. We don’t choose who we love, and sometimes love exists right alongside heartbreak and chaos.

Enya’s journey was especially powerful. The turmoil she faced from those closest to her left me feeling anxious and deeply empathetic. My heart truly ached for her.

A moving and emotionally layered read—I'm looking forward to discovering more of Amanda Prowse's work.

[˖˳·˖ ִֶָ ⋆ rach ⋆ ִֶָ˖·˳˖ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Holly deserved better.

[Sonja Charters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second read by Amanda and I absolutely love how relatable and realistic her characters are - jumping right off the page and sucking us right into their world and storylines.

 

In Ever After, we follow Enya and watch as she navigates her life through it's many different changes, layers and stages.

 

After losing her husband a few years ago, her son off setting up his own future and her job about to come to a natural ending, Enya's life has reached a hiatus.

However, a chance meeting with a handsome stranger sees the start of a period of chaos.

 

I was definitely expecting this to then follow the progression of this new relationship, but we actually head off in a few different directions exploring loss and love in every form.

 

I wasn't too sure how I felt about Dominic at first as given his status, I felt his feelings for Enya were a little too full on much too fast - but putting that aside whilst we explore all the other elements in the book had me revisiting my feelings for him many times.

 

I loved watching all the different interactions and the dynamics that each different group had with each other.

I think the biggest things for me were the loss of jenny's friendship (which must have been so, so hard!) and also the dynamics and navigation of the Aiden triangle.

This was so well written and really showed that for all that pressure we put on our youngsters now, they actually can prove to be very mature at times.

 

I love Amanda's writing and the way we explore lots of real-life events and situations.

It really feels like there would be something for everyone to connect with and relate to in this book.

 

A very enjoyable read which I feel I'll be thinking about for quite some time.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever After by Amanda Prowse is a gripping novel of forbidden love, at least in the view of the protagonist, Enya Brown. She had just dropped her son off at the airport when another car dented the passenger side door. When she looked up, is was if lightening had struck. This man. What a gorgeous man. Enya had been a widow for three years, but these feelings were new to her.
They exchanged phone numbers so the repair could be affected. She spoke to him on the phone and the feelings returned. He revealed he was married. He said he had just rented a flat as the first step in leaving his wife, but HE WAS MARRIED. It was a no-go. Her son, Aiden returned three weeks later, stating he was going to be married. She knew that. He had been in love with the girl down the street for years, Holly. They lived together. But, no, he had met someone. Oh, my what a mess this turned into. For everyone, especially her and her best friend, Jenny, who was Holly’s mom. And then, the parents of the bride, Iris, came to dinner. Her father was HIM. This is a story about lives and how they can change on a dime. Also how complicated they are.

Prowse has written a gripping, multi-facted book including topics like survivor’s guilt, love at first sight, friendship, and how to navigate a truly sticking situation. It was a stunning story of a woman’s life when her feet were stick firmly in the past. It took a lot to get her moving. It is also a story about trust and how important it is to believe in others and in what they built, as well as yourself. It got so complicated but, as life does, it all worked out. It was a stunning tour through someone else’s life, through aging, and not letting chances pass one buy. I loved it.

I was invited to read Ever After by Amazon Publishing UK. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #AmazonPublishingUK #AmandaProwse #EverAfter

[Beatrice · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely meditation on life after grief. Enya is a 55yr old Widow, having lost her beloved Jonathan 3yrs ago. She finds herself, no longer in deep mourning, but somewhat prematurely faded. She finds herself caught in the rut of habit, living a life that if suddenly resurrected, Jonathan would recognize completely. And the few impending changes to her life, like her bosses announcing that they will close up their firm before the end of the year, causes her to panic. Even a peaceful walk ends in heart pounding anxiety and fear. Enya understands on some level that she is too young to give into a small life, in her small home, all alone but is at a loss as what to do about it.

Bright spots include best friend and neighbor, Jenny, who is always up for a spontaneous visit and some laughs, Enya's beloved adult son Aidan and his girlfriend Holly, who happens to be Jenny's daughter. Jenny and Enya look forward to someday being best friend grandmothers but are in no hurry for this to happen. Aidan and Holly having grown up together, have been a couple since their school days and Enya secretly fears that the fact that they've never been apart might not be wise for the young couple. But she enjoys having their youthful energy around and maintains an open door policy, welcoming pop ins by either or both of the young people and is grateful for the thoughtful gifts and treats that Holly always brings.

The story begins when Enya is tasked with driving Aidan to the airport for a business trip and finds herself sitting in her car trying to rid herself of panicked thoughts about Aidan's flight and time in Italy being marred by problems that she wont be able to fix from home in Brighton. While trying to calm herself, she is suddenly rocked by a car running into her driver side door. Fortunately as she was parked, she isn't injured but her car does suffer a dent and she reluctantly steps out to deal with the driver of the other car.

In the ensuing year, Enya goes on to have her quiet, settled life completed up ended by a Cupid's arrow that strikes two couples at once, though one couple races towards love, the other takes time to accept it. And somehow, Enya finds herself in the middle of everything, without having actually done anything. And eventually this outpouring of stress from everyone around her, actually leads to her standing up and saying, this can't be the rest of my life and doing something about it.

Enya ends up literal miles away from where she was at the start and having expanded her life in every way imaginable. This was a nice reminder that life isn't over until it is actually over, and that everyone wants to be special in their own lives, it doesn't stop just because you are of a certain age.

[Teya - theteabooknook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever After is absolutely an emotional rollercoaster - from love, to grief, to anger, and every raw, messy feeling in between. Enya's story is both heartbreaking and inspiring, and honestly, it's one that many of us can truly see ourselves in.

The characters are beautifully crafted - especially Enya - and watching her journey unfold was both moving and powerful. I was drawn in by how her story would progress, particularly because the situation she finds herself in isn't your typical one. Aiden, on the other hand, really surprised me. His growth throughout the book was subtle but so rewarding; by the end, he had matured into such a layered, compelling character, and I found myself really rooting for him.

At its core, this novel highlights the complexities of grief - showing us that it looks different for everyone, and that there's no set timeline or "right" way to move forward. What Ever After does so beautifully is remind us that even in the face of unimaginable loss, love and joy can still find their way back into our lives. It's a story of pain, healing, and ultimately, hope.

This was kindly gifted to me for an honest review.

[Sumaira Salana · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re give another chance at love, should you take it?

This question lingered in my mind throughout this story. This was my first Amanda Prowse book and I was honestly blown away. Not only by the story plot but the amazing kindness and generosity of the author.

Enya’s life has changed. After her husband’s death she meets an unexpected person. I really like the way characters were portrayed in this story. Her lovely son Aiden and childhood sweet heart Pickle. She feels a spark for the stranger and then the stranger is suddenly in her life.

Trying to navigate family life with this unexpected turn seemed a lot but Enya managed to work her way through this. Torn between family, love and loyalty. This story was easy to follow and I felt the characters were so relatable. This story taught me it’s never too late for a fresh start. Thank you Amanda Prowse

I’ll definitely be reading more in the future from Amanda Prowse.

I’d recommend this book to everyone! It’s such an enjoyable read. An easy 5⭐️ rating

[Hemmie Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the many reasons why I love reading this author's novels is that she writes such relatable characters I can invest in, and I adore the protagonist in this novel.
Enya is still grieving for her husband, who died three years ago. She lives in the same house, full of memories, with her cat and still loves looking after her son, Aiden, and his girlfriend, Holly. Her best friend lives two doors down.
When dropping off Aiden at the airport, a stranger bumps into her car, and Enya feels a shift in her emotions, something she never thought she would feel again.
However, when Aiden returns from abroad, he has made a life-changing decision, which throws Enya's life into chaos. I can't say anymore, as I don't want to spoil it for future readers, but I will say that I shed a few tears when reading the last few pages.

[Bookread2day · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a very huge fan of the queen of best selling fiction author Amanda Prowse. The new novel, Ever After is my top favourite novel, involving two families, but then again every time Amanda Prowse, writes a new novel it instantly becomes my favourite. I know the next novel that Amanda Prowse publishes it will become my next favourite again. But I do think so far that Ever After is my top favourite. You know it’s very difficult to have top favourite books by Amanda Prowse as each book is written full of page-turning family drama and characters, with plots that feel like real life, that I also get so glued to. Enya is married to Jonathan who she nursed all through his illness up to the day he died. I must confess I loved the fact Enya has a chocolate addiction, that makes me feel a whole lot better. Life now, for Enya is just with her only son Aiden. It’s nice to have best friends, Enya and Jenny are the best of friends, because Aiden is dating his childhood sweetheart heart, Jenny’s daughter Holly. Aiden has a shock for his mum Enya, he has found a new girlfriend who he claims he is going to marry. Now the fireworks have kicked off. Jenny won’t speak to Enya, after Aiden upsetting her Holly. Enya has a car crash in a car park, but Enya, is surprised by how handsome the guy is who she has crashed into. She decides to phone him. My favourite line which made me laugh out loud! ‘Oh! Gosh! Yes, erm…it’s…it’s me…car park woman. Without a doubt I hundred percent recommend reading Ever After by Amanda Prowse, as well as all the other books Amanda Prowse has written

[tals · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy, unputdownable read! Relatable characters, believable plot! Nobody does family drama quite like Amanda Prowse!
She is quickly becoming one of my favourite go-to authors, I only discovered her earlier this year but I’ve loved every single book I’ve picked up since. Her unique and beautifully smooth writing style has such an emotional pull, making every story both touching and memorable.

I flew through it in no time!

★★★★½ (rounded up ⭐️⬆️)

[Vicki (MayhemBoundBookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Amanda Prowse, Netgalley and Brilliance Audio for the opportunity to listen to this ALC. I have only previously read one other Amanda Prowse book and I think what strikes me again here as did there, is her ability to really capture grief and how it isn't one size fits all but also that it's not fleeting. It sticks with you and shapes who you become down the road. This book combined themes of grief from death, grief from broken relationships, and grief from a sense of self in such a deep way. I also am repeatedly blown away by Prowse's ability to narrate so impeccably in addition to writing such beautiful stories. This was a non-traditional romance where the happily ever afters are much shaped by circumstance. Ultimately, I really loved this one.

[Ritu Bhathal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, what can I say? That fabulous author, Amanda Prowse, has done it again with her latest book, Ever After.
Enya is a widow with one grown-up son. His life seems all set, with a fantastic girlfriend, who is also the daughter of Enya's best friend, Jen.
A car accident causes Enya to have feelings for a person when she never thought she would feel again. Just as she is bucking up the courage to act upon this unforeseen impulse, possibly, her son hits her with another blindside, and all her thoughts of, maybe, moving on herself get put on the back burner.
As a wife and mother, this resonated with me. We sometimes find ourselves trapped in a situation that is not of our choosing, but it is the best for everyone else. As a result, many women end up in this same situation, doing nothing they wish, out of fear of rocking everyone else's boat.
Enya has a shot at happiness, but she loses grasp of it as she fights with her inner instincts to do right by so many of the others in her life, forgoing her second chance at happiness.
However, sometimes there are others out there who do observe, and note things, and who will act in your benefit, rather than let you continue to wallow, and hold yourself back.
I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful story.

[Georgina Candy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another absolute page turner from Amanda. I was on a readalong for this, started a little early and finished on the first day! Such a good book, full of all the emotions, as well as heartache, love and grief. So much packed into this one and just stunning.

Enya is a force, she’s suffering from the loss of her husband and then her son drops a bombshell. Then her best friend stops talking to her, her future plans lost and the world seemingly crumbling around her - and everyone blaming her for the situation that is nothing to do with her at all! Slowly life starts to get better, but at what cost.

Amanda certainly is the Queen of family drama and knows how to pack as much into a story as she can without it being too much or overwhelming. I love reading her books and there’s a huge back catalogue to get through!

[Nafeesa ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first read by this author but definitely not my last!

[Shakara Hanley · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️ An emotional, feel-good book. But there was just a whole lot of predictable over-the-top drama!

[Trish Hills · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the .most incredible book I have ever read. I will try and write a more comprehensive review soon. Just trust me, read it.

[Gail Atkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enya, a widow has a full circle of friends. Her son is due to marrying her childhood sweetheart; her best friend's daughter. Life couldn't get any better
But a chance encounter for Enya and her son, changes everyone's life.
Does love at first sight really happen?

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amanda Prowse is the alchemist of our emotions! She is so accurate in capturing her characters' feelings and thoughts, and we take her lead. Initially I didn't like Iris or Trish, or even Holly as she seemed so needy. But as the story develops, we change our opinion. As always Amanda perfectly captures the stuck feeling of many mid life women when they are widowed or divorced. A feel good novel, perfect summer reading.

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A somewhat romantic story that isn't sickly sweet and has a few moments that will make the reader smile, laugh and cry all within pages of the book, my usual genre is crime fiction and the glitter, the better but occasionally I do like to take a break and read something like this book which I describe as a soothing balm.

[Lainy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time taken to read - 1.5 days

Pages - 416

Publisher - Lake Union

Source - ARC

Blurb from Goodreads

If you’re given another chance at love, shouldn’t you take it?

Enya’s life has become small. Her husband’s death has left her bereft, and though she’s only in her early fifties, she’s happiest looking after her son, Aiden, his childhood sweetheart, Holly, and her beloved cat, Pickle.

So the spark she feels for the stranger who bumps into her car in the airport car park is a complete shock. But Enya can’t stop thinking about him.

Then, when Aiden makes a life-changing decision, Enya suddenly finds her close-knit community thrown into chaos. Her best friend, Jenny, isn’t speaking to her, Aiden’s future hangs in the balance, Holly is devastated, and the stranger from the car park is suddenly in her life.

Torn between family, love and loyalty, Enya faces a stay safely where she is, or take a leap into the unknown? Because maybe her happily-ever-after could have one more chapter yet…



My Review

Enya is still in the throws of grief, her husband died a few years ago but still she is getting by with life as it is. Her bestie Jenny lives practically next door and often nips in, day or middle of the night for a cuppa and gab. They are going into business together, their kids are growing up, in love and living with each other, despite her loss her life is content and she still sees her husbands "ghost" so she isn't lonely. She also has her wee cat Pickle and despite job upheaval everything seems to be going well. UNTIL.........she is at the airport dropping Aiden (her son) off when someone hits her car, a handsome man, the first to capture her attention since the lose of her husband. That moment changes things for Enya more than she could ever know!

Strap in guys, if you haven't read Prowse before you are in for a treat, if you have, grab your comfies and settle in! Aiden is Enya's pride and joy, her bestie's daughter and him have been destined to be together and done just that. When Aiden gets home from his trip he has made a decision that rips apart their cozy little community and Enya finds herself between a rock and a hard place.

This book captures so much of the everyday issues, love, grief, friendships, family and with Enya she has so much going on and trying to put out all the fires caused by one decision. I felt for her at times, other times I wanted to shake her GURL WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?!? She made me feel for her, want to hug her, questioning why she would do/say XYZ. I think one of the talents Prowse has is making her characters quite real to life, even the ones making wild choices and behaviours. Life is like that sometimes, people behave selfishly, erratically, some are so good and kind that you wouldn't believe it unless you met them.

There are so many themes explored, friendships, fractured friendships, grief, how to react when you are loyal to so many people but they are on opposing sides. Feeling attraction after losing your other half and trying to navigate one crisis and or surprise after another. It is a bit chaos, sad, funny and a very good look at how much a mother can and does sacrifice for her loved ones, 4/5 for me this time.

[Emma Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will start this by saying I truly Love Amanda Prowse's writing - her easy writing voice and well rounded characters are pure joy. This book, like all the others of hers that I have read was an easy one to get hooked into and had me genuinely invested in the characters. I honestly think Amanda's books just fit me like a cosy, much loved cardigan, or an album I could play on repeat.

Ever After is an emotional charged family drama and we start by meeting Enya, a widowed mum of one in her early 50's, navigating life without her much loved husband Jonathan who died 3 years ago. Enya is questioning who she is and what defines her as a person lately - change is ever present, her job is ending due to the business she works for closing, she is about to go into business with her best friend Jenny - oh, and very soon another huge event is about to tip her world onto its side. No spoilers here though so I'll not elaborate on that...

Enya is extremely relatable and likeable as a character, I could imagine her completely and could fully understand her thought processes and decision making...I have to add that I also felt incredibly frustrated by her son Aiden (which just shows how invested I became so quickly in the story), I did have to keep reminding myself he was in his early-mid 20's, especially as he did occasionally act incredibly immaturely for the large life events he too was navigating, especially as much of it was due to his own decision making - he seemingly couldn't care less for how he was impacting anyone else (especially Enya), and he lacked a lot of empathy - again, an immaturity possibly expected due to his age.

I loved the navigation and exploration of the huge drama that was unfolding throughout the book, and how fully it was explored for the reader - the book was well weighted to show multiple sides of the story that was unfolding with much consideration for the impact these events were having on the different main characters.

This book comes recommended for people who love books that are character focused, explore family drama and are generally a cosy read - I could absolutely imagine this as a 6 part drama, most likely shown on a Sunday evening on the BBC.