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The Secret Life of Beatrice Alright: Can a Broken Heart Lead You Home?
🎧Listening Length = 9 hours and 55 minutes
Beatrice Alright is the queen of silver linings. She can find a spark of hope in any situation. Even when her partner delivers earth-shattering news that leaves Bea and their four-year-old, Ellie, without a home, she refuses to panic.
Because Bea believes that what she does have is more important–her job at St Helen’s Hospital, which offers a warm, dry shelter for her and Ellie to stay while she figures things out. By day Bea cleans the wards, by night she tucks her daughter into bed between mops and buckets.
And tries so hard to hold on to hope.
When Bea sees an old man sitting on a cold and lonely bench outside the hospital, she really doesn’t have time to stop. She should be clearing up her own mess, not worrying about this cantankerous stranger. But Bea can’t help herself…
As she slowly starts to draw out Malcolm’s heartbreaking story, could this simple act of kindness begin to heal a decades-old pain? And might finding peace for Malcolm help Bea in ways she didn’t even know she needed?
A moving, emotional and uplifting story about second chances and chosen families guaranteed to break your heart and patch it back up again. The perfect book for fans of The Last List of Mabel Beaumont , A Man Called Ove and The Keeper of Stories .
Beatrice Alright is the queen of silver linings. She can find a spark of hope in any situation. Even when her partner delivers earth-shattering news that leaves Bea and their four-year-old, Ellie, without a home, she refuses to panic.
Because Bea believes that what she does have is more important–her job at St Helen’s Hospital, which offers a warm, dry shelter for her and Ellie to stay while she figures things out. By day Bea cleans the wards, by night she tucks her daughter into bed between mops and buckets.
And tries so hard to hold on to hope.
When Bea sees an old man sitting on a cold and lonely bench outside the hospital, she really doesn’t have time to stop. She should be clearing up her own mess, not worrying about this cantankerous stranger. But Bea can’t help herself…
As she slowly starts to draw out Malcolm’s heartbreaking story, could this simple act of kindness begin to heal a decades-old pain? And might finding peace for Malcolm help Bea in ways she didn’t even know she needed?
A moving, emotional and uplifting story about second chances and chosen families guaranteed to break your heart and patch it back up again. The perfect book for fans of The Last List of Mabel Beaumont , A Man Called Ove and The Keeper of Stories .
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Published February 7, 2025
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About the author
Brooke Harris
10 books265 followersAlso writes as Laura Anthony - The Women on Platform Two out now!!
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January 22, 2025
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The Book Review Crew Blog
This book was so sad and so scary, it just goes to show how quickly things can change. The author managed to write multiple difficult situations in a realistic and sensitive manner, as many of these characters have some very distressing issues going on in their lives, but I never felt them give in to self-pity. The book didn't feel depressing even though it was heartbreakingly sad it was also full of optimism, hope and joy but mostly it was filled with love, the love these characters had for each other and the love they had for themselves. The author wrote the child character very well with realistic dialogue and behaviours. I am always in awe when an author can do that so well.
Although this story takes place in December and January it isn't a Christmas story but I would recommend it as a holiday read. This tale will have you counting your blessings while you read it. This is such a moving story of a mother's love, her resilience and determination. It really does take a village to raise a child and she learns to lean on her community.
These characters and their different situations broke my heart but by the end, the pieces were put back together again. I have Memories of You by this author on my to-be-read pile I can't wait to crack it open and check out her other books.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
The Book Review Crew Blog
This book was so sad and so scary, it just goes to show how quickly things can change. The author managed to write multiple difficult situations in a realistic and sensitive manner, as many of these characters have some very distressing issues going on in their lives, but I never felt them give in to self-pity. The book didn't feel depressing even though it was heartbreakingly sad it was also full of optimism, hope and joy but mostly it was filled with love, the love these characters had for each other and the love they had for themselves. The author wrote the child character very well with realistic dialogue and behaviours. I am always in awe when an author can do that so well.
Although this story takes place in December and January it isn't a Christmas story but I would recommend it as a holiday read. This tale will have you counting your blessings while you read it. This is such a moving story of a mother's love, her resilience and determination. It really does take a village to raise a child and she learns to lean on her community.
These characters and their different situations broke my heart but by the end, the pieces were put back together again. I have Memories of You by this author on my to-be-read pile I can't wait to crack it open and check out her other books.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
February 7, 2025
Your heart will break and be put back together by the end! 💔
Beatrice Alright lost her parents at a young age, and spent her teen years in Foster Care. But, she now has a family of her own with her four year old daughter, Ellie and her partner, Declan, who may not be around much because of his career as a pilot, but who has provided them with a cozy apartment to live in.
It doesn’t matter to her that she gave up on her dream of becoming a Doctor when she unexpectedly became pregnant. Or that she now works as a Cleaner at St Helen’s Hospital, instead of as a physician, because a true family is what she has yearned for most.
But, Declan walks away from them both, and doesn’t even leave her the apartment-forcing her to hide their daughter in a supply closet overnight, tucking her into a makeshift bed, between the mops and brooms. At least it’s warm, and dry, unlike the frigid Winter outside-and after all-it’s only temporary, while she saves enough money for the deposit for a Flatshare.
When Bea sees an old man sitting on a cold bench outside the hospital, wearing no hat-she doesn’t really have time to stop-she must pick up Ellie from daycare, but she always notices those who may need help-so she does. And, as his presence becomes a constant, in her now unrecognizable world, an unlikely friendship develops.
Perhaps they can heal each other?!
If you enjoy character driven novels which have you reaching for tissues, 🤧 this is a book to add to your TBR! You will shed sad tears and happy tears, as the book is part melancholy and heartbreaking and part heartwarming and hopeful.
I had never read anything by Irish author, Brooke Harris, but now that I have, I am excited to explore her back catalogue!
This book is AVAILABLE NOW!
Thank You to Storm Publishing for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, I am sharing my candid thoughts.
Beatrice Alright lost her parents at a young age, and spent her teen years in Foster Care. But, she now has a family of her own with her four year old daughter, Ellie and her partner, Declan, who may not be around much because of his career as a pilot, but who has provided them with a cozy apartment to live in.
It doesn’t matter to her that she gave up on her dream of becoming a Doctor when she unexpectedly became pregnant. Or that she now works as a Cleaner at St Helen’s Hospital, instead of as a physician, because a true family is what she has yearned for most.
But, Declan walks away from them both, and doesn’t even leave her the apartment-forcing her to hide their daughter in a supply closet overnight, tucking her into a makeshift bed, between the mops and brooms. At least it’s warm, and dry, unlike the frigid Winter outside-and after all-it’s only temporary, while she saves enough money for the deposit for a Flatshare.
When Bea sees an old man sitting on a cold bench outside the hospital, wearing no hat-she doesn’t really have time to stop-she must pick up Ellie from daycare, but she always notices those who may need help-so she does. And, as his presence becomes a constant, in her now unrecognizable world, an unlikely friendship develops.
Perhaps they can heal each other?!
If you enjoy character driven novels which have you reaching for tissues, 🤧 this is a book to add to your TBR! You will shed sad tears and happy tears, as the book is part melancholy and heartbreaking and part heartwarming and hopeful.
I had never read anything by Irish author, Brooke Harris, but now that I have, I am excited to explore her back catalogue!
This book is AVAILABLE NOW!
Thank You to Storm Publishing for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, I am sharing my candid thoughts.
February 10, 2025
In a Nutshell: An emotional contemporary drama tackling an important issue faced by Dublin today. A loveable but overly naïve main character, excellent supporting characters, great themes, beautiful ending. Not a light read. NOT A ROMANCE!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
Bookish Yays:
😍 The fictional age-gap friendship between an old man and a young woman might leave you thinking of Ove and Parvaneh from ‘A Man Called Ove’, but this is not at all similar. The connection between Beatrice and Malcolm works with their mutual effort, and neither is badgered into a forced affiliation.
😍 Malcolm – Most senior citizens in fiction are either curmudgeonly or charming or vulnerable. Malcolm manages to be all three in turn. An excellent supporting character.
😍 Ellie – such a darling! I love how she was treated as a vital part of the narrative instead of being an afterthought as most fictional children are. More importantly, she always sounded and behaved her age.
😍 The rest of the characters come in a variety of behavioural shades. Shayne is too good to be true. Cora is a fabulous friend. Elaine is a tough boss. Declan is a jerk as you might have guessed. Except for Declan, the rest have personalities that make you want to know them more.
😍 The first-person narration is used excellently to show us Beatrice’s thoughts without too much rambling. There is a little bit of repetition, but that’s more because of her character than the writing. I think this story worked better because of this writing choice.
😍 While there is a tiny shade of romance in the book, at no point does the book become about the romance. The focus is always on Beatrice’s situation and how she handles her experiences. I always appreciate books that stick to their core plotline right till the end.
😍 Several relevant themes such as loneliness in the elderly, relationship troubles, foster care problems, day-care constraints, but what I appreciated the most is the focus on the homelessness issue in Ireland, specifically Dublin. It is quite jarring to learn how severe the problem is.
😍 Another theme I loved was the stress on having a strong support system (whether family or found family) and asking for help when needed. Mothers especially have a bad habit of assuming that they can do it all alone. But for our own sanity, it is always better to learn to accept help when offered. (Oh, and also to know household finances instead of leaving everything monetary to the *man of the house*.)
😍 The use of the location, not just for the social issue but also in its routine life and its wintry feels. A realistic depiction by highlighting the city’s strengths without glossing over its flaws.
😍 The ending – perfect for the story. Emotional and a bit too convenient, as is normal for the genre, but no forced HEA.
Bookish Mixed Bags:
🤔 The title somehow makes the book sound quaint and fun, not sad or emotional. The pastel cover also adds to the lighthearted feel. However, most of the story is more distressing than feelgood. I appreciated the book better for this reason, but those who want a light read might not be so happy.
🤔 Beatrice is not an unlikeable character by any means, but she certainly is a frustrating character! Overly naïve for her age, she keeps making choices that she thinks are for the good of everyone, but are neither logical nor practical. A part of me excused her ignorance as an outcome of growing up in foster care, but for a twenty-nine-year-old, her ignorance was jarring. Her behaviour was also contradictory at times. For a long time, I couldn’t see Beatrice growing in maturity or self-respect. So while she was still a gem of a person in many ways and I was still rooting for her mess to be sorted out soon, I couldn’t support her unreservedly. The toughest task for me was to stop judging her for her mothering. Don’t get me wrong: she adored Ellie, but taking hasty decisions without thinking about how they would impact Ellie, lying to Ellie and even asking her to lie to others about their situation, drinking even when alone with Ellie, offering chocolate cookies and apple juice for dinner, buying whatever Ellie asked for and justifying it as a necessary purchase to make Ellie happy… All parenting red-flags. I’d have rated this book higher had Beatrice been more reasonable overall. Then again, so many women are like her… 🙁
🤔 A couple of cuss words and an uncomfortable scene in the final quarter sullied the vibes for a bit. This might have been a realistic depiction, but I would have liked the content to be toned down a little considering the genre and the overall clean tone of the book.
Bookish Nays:
😕 Many plot points that weren’t sorted out neatly and left me with numerous questions. How could a child of foster care afford medical school? How do characters keep purchasing alcohol even when they don't have money? Why no follow-up on the 500 euros? How are Malcolm and Shayne the “closest thing to a family” Beatrice has ever had when her parents had been a loving part of her life till age eleven? (Many more questions, but those venture in major-spoiler territory.) Basically, logic doesn't help while reading some genres, but I never learn. 🤷🏻♀️
All in all, I did have a great time reading this, despite how many times I came close to shaking Beatrice and saying, “Enough! Start thinking with your head now!” Malcolm and Ellie were more than enough to keep me contented. The themes were also to my taste, and the lack of a forced romantic arc was an added bonus.
This was my first Brooke Harris, and based on this experience, I’d definitely love to explore more works by her as she stuck to the essence of women’s fiction without turning it into a melodramatic romance.
Much recommended to those looking for an emotional story that balances 'heartrending' and 'heartwarming'. If you have read/watched ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’ and liked it, this novel offers similar vibes. Not for those looking for a light romance or a relaxing uplit.
4 stars. (Which could have been higher but for Beatrice.)
My thanks to Storm Publishing for providing the DRC of “The Secret Life of Beatrice Alright” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
The digital version of this book is currently available on Kindle Unlimited.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Threads || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
Dublin. Twenty-nine-year-old Beatrice thought that her future was set. But when her partner Declan delivers some unexpected news, Beatrice and their-four-year-old daughter Ellie are left without a home. Ever the optimist, Beatrice believes that she will find a new place soon, as long as she can manage the house hunt in between her hectic work schedule as a cleaner at St. Helen’s hospital.
As is evident, Beatrice Alright isn't alright. But when Beatrice bumps into an old man sitting on a park bench outside the hospital, she doesn’t realise that her life is about to change yet again.
The story comes to us in Beatrice’s first-person perspective.
Bookish Yays:
😍 The fictional age-gap friendship between an old man and a young woman might leave you thinking of Ove and Parvaneh from ‘A Man Called Ove’, but this is not at all similar. The connection between Beatrice and Malcolm works with their mutual effort, and neither is badgered into a forced affiliation.
😍 Malcolm – Most senior citizens in fiction are either curmudgeonly or charming or vulnerable. Malcolm manages to be all three in turn. An excellent supporting character.
😍 Ellie – such a darling! I love how she was treated as a vital part of the narrative instead of being an afterthought as most fictional children are. More importantly, she always sounded and behaved her age.
😍 The rest of the characters come in a variety of behavioural shades. Shayne is too good to be true. Cora is a fabulous friend. Elaine is a tough boss. Declan is a jerk as you might have guessed. Except for Declan, the rest have personalities that make you want to know them more.
😍 The first-person narration is used excellently to show us Beatrice’s thoughts without too much rambling. There is a little bit of repetition, but that’s more because of her character than the writing. I think this story worked better because of this writing choice.
😍 While there is a tiny shade of romance in the book, at no point does the book become about the romance. The focus is always on Beatrice’s situation and how she handles her experiences. I always appreciate books that stick to their core plotline right till the end.
😍 Several relevant themes such as loneliness in the elderly, relationship troubles, foster care problems, day-care constraints, but what I appreciated the most is the focus on the homelessness issue in Ireland, specifically Dublin. It is quite jarring to learn how severe the problem is.
😍 Another theme I loved was the stress on having a strong support system (whether family or found family) and asking for help when needed. Mothers especially have a bad habit of assuming that they can do it all alone. But for our own sanity, it is always better to learn to accept help when offered. (Oh, and also to know household finances instead of leaving everything monetary to the *man of the house*.)
😍 The use of the location, not just for the social issue but also in its routine life and its wintry feels. A realistic depiction by highlighting the city’s strengths without glossing over its flaws.
😍 The ending – perfect for the story. Emotional and a bit too convenient, as is normal for the genre, but no forced HEA.
Bookish Mixed Bags:
🤔 The title somehow makes the book sound quaint and fun, not sad or emotional. The pastel cover also adds to the lighthearted feel. However, most of the story is more distressing than feelgood. I appreciated the book better for this reason, but those who want a light read might not be so happy.
🤔 Beatrice is not an unlikeable character by any means, but she certainly is a frustrating character! Overly naïve for her age, she keeps making choices that she thinks are for the good of everyone, but are neither logical nor practical. A part of me excused her ignorance as an outcome of growing up in foster care, but for a twenty-nine-year-old, her ignorance was jarring. Her behaviour was also contradictory at times. For a long time, I couldn’t see Beatrice growing in maturity or self-respect. So while she was still a gem of a person in many ways and I was still rooting for her mess to be sorted out soon, I couldn’t support her unreservedly. The toughest task for me was to stop judging her for her mothering. Don’t get me wrong: she adored Ellie, but taking hasty decisions without thinking about how they would impact Ellie, lying to Ellie and even asking her to lie to others about their situation, drinking even when alone with Ellie, offering chocolate cookies and apple juice for dinner, buying whatever Ellie asked for and justifying it as a necessary purchase to make Ellie happy… All parenting red-flags. I’d have rated this book higher had Beatrice been more reasonable overall. Then again, so many women are like her… 🙁
🤔 A couple of cuss words and an uncomfortable scene in the final quarter sullied the vibes for a bit. This might have been a realistic depiction, but I would have liked the content to be toned down a little considering the genre and the overall clean tone of the book.
Bookish Nays:
😕 Many plot points that weren’t sorted out neatly and left me with numerous questions. How could a child of foster care afford medical school? How do characters keep purchasing alcohol even when they don't have money? Why no follow-up on the 500 euros? How are Malcolm and Shayne the “closest thing to a family” Beatrice has ever had when her parents had been a loving part of her life till age eleven? (Many more questions, but those venture in major-spoiler territory.) Basically, logic doesn't help while reading some genres, but I never learn. 🤷🏻♀️
All in all, I did have a great time reading this, despite how many times I came close to shaking Beatrice and saying, “Enough! Start thinking with your head now!” Malcolm and Ellie were more than enough to keep me contented. The themes were also to my taste, and the lack of a forced romantic arc was an added bonus.
This was my first Brooke Harris, and based on this experience, I’d definitely love to explore more works by her as she stuck to the essence of women’s fiction without turning it into a melodramatic romance.
Much recommended to those looking for an emotional story that balances 'heartrending' and 'heartwarming'. If you have read/watched ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’ and liked it, this novel offers similar vibes. Not for those looking for a light romance or a relaxing uplit.
4 stars. (Which could have been higher but for Beatrice.)
My thanks to Storm Publishing for providing the DRC of “The Secret Life of Beatrice Alright” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
The digital version of this book is currently available on Kindle Unlimited.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || Threads || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
February 7, 2025
Do you need an Up Lit book? A lighter read with substance? Look no further!
This book promises to break your heart and stitch it back together again and it does just that.
Bea’s partner delivers a bombshell that leaves her and their 4-year-old daughter Ellie, homeless. She has a housekeeping job at a hospital, St Helen’s, which becomes their safe haven as Bea is desperate to find a solution to their dilemma.
One day as she’s leaving work, anxious to pick up her daughter from day care before she’s charged a late fee she can’t afford, she sees an older gentleman sitting on a bench in the cold.
But soft-hearted Bea can’t walk by without trying to help. She befriends Malcolm and discovers he’s holding onto some hurts too. As they get to know one another they are able to help each other in surprising ways.
I love a good underdog story and Bea, who is knocked down repeatedly by life, is a great character to root for, even as she makes some frustrating decisions. Ellie is adorable and realistic, neither precocious nor annoying (both of which are pet peeves of mine). Ellie is refreshingly normal.
It’s a lighthearted book but it really brings home how people with no safety net can so easily fall into homelessness.
This was a buddy read with my friend Marialyce, a read we both enjoyed. I appreciated that the story wasn’t completely predictable and had some surprises in store. Despite the serious situations depicted, the story is full of optimism and hope which left me with a full heart as I closed the last page.
* I received a digital copy of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
This book promises to break your heart and stitch it back together again and it does just that.
Bea’s partner delivers a bombshell that leaves her and their 4-year-old daughter Ellie, homeless. She has a housekeeping job at a hospital, St Helen’s, which becomes their safe haven as Bea is desperate to find a solution to their dilemma.
One day as she’s leaving work, anxious to pick up her daughter from day care before she’s charged a late fee she can’t afford, she sees an older gentleman sitting on a bench in the cold.
But soft-hearted Bea can’t walk by without trying to help. She befriends Malcolm and discovers he’s holding onto some hurts too. As they get to know one another they are able to help each other in surprising ways.
I love a good underdog story and Bea, who is knocked down repeatedly by life, is a great character to root for, even as she makes some frustrating decisions. Ellie is adorable and realistic, neither precocious nor annoying (both of which are pet peeves of mine). Ellie is refreshingly normal.
It’s a lighthearted book but it really brings home how people with no safety net can so easily fall into homelessness.
This was a buddy read with my friend Marialyce, a read we both enjoyed. I appreciated that the story wasn’t completely predictable and had some surprises in store. Despite the serious situations depicted, the story is full of optimism and hope which left me with a full heart as I closed the last page.
* I received a digital copy of this book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own
February 15, 2025
You could call this a feel good story because there are characters here who care and help each other in need and that in itself makes this a hopeful story. However, it’s not a light one with themes of loneliness, regret, abandonment, family estrangement, homelessness. Oh, there are some funny and sweet moments, but there’s a lot of sadness and heartbreak. I’m not going to say much about the plot because the book description tells most of that. I’ll just say that a revelation early on turns a woman’s and her four year old daughter’s lives upside down. It’s one that I had assumed before it was revealed even though only in the third chapter, but the story isn’t always predictable.
This is the second novel I’ve read recently that portrays an unexpected and unlikely friendship between a younger woman and an elderly man, a friendship that changes both of their lives. Connecting with these characters, I couldn’t help but feel that they changed mine in some way, too.
I received a copy of this book from Storm Publishing through NetGalley.
This is the second novel I’ve read recently that portrays an unexpected and unlikely friendship between a younger woman and an elderly man, a friendship that changes both of their lives. Connecting with these characters, I couldn’t help but feel that they changed mine in some way, too.
I received a copy of this book from Storm Publishing through NetGalley.
February 11, 2025
Beatrice Alright’s life is far from all right!
Bea was a college student studying to be a doctor when she met Declan, a man twenty-one years her senior. She quickly felt pregnant to him, moving into his Dublin flat, and quitting school to raise her daughter, Ellie. Bea loves being a mother, but four years later, the rest of her life is far from ideal – Declan is emotionally distant, stingy with money, and rarely home since he travels a lot for his career, and Bea is struggling to make ends meet working all hours as a hospital cleaner. But always one who looks on the bright side and sees the best in people, Bea is convinced that Declan is only days away from proposing. But instead Declan drops a devastating bombshell, one that sees Bea and little Ellie, broke and alone with nowhere to go on the snowy streets of Dublin weeks before Christmas.
Bea’s journey to find stability and a place to call home for herself and her young child was as heart-wrenching as it was heartwarming. As strong and resilient as she was, losing her parents at a young age and growing up in the foster care system meant her search for love and need to be cared for left Bea vulnerable to being taken advantage of by others. There were several characters I wanted to punch! Bea had the kindest, gentlest nature, it only took the first few pages of the book to understand how altruistic, thoughtful, genuine and generous with her time she was. Unfortunately, she naively thought those she surrounded herself with would give back the same in return, but as we know sadly that isn’t always the case. Thankfully, there were characters in this novel who were willing to reach out and lend a helping hand and heart.
A main theme of this novel was the shock of sudden and hidden homelessness and the shame, embarrassment, and sense of failure associated with it, and I thought the author handled a serious social problem in a realistic and sensitive way. A second prominent theme was new unexpected friendship, burgeoning new romance, and found family. And these parts were a delight. I adored all the bonds that formed. Four-year-old Ellie was also adorable, and her dialogue and behaviour was age appropriate. Which brings me to the third theme – motherhood. Bea was an incredible mother, always putting her daughter’s needs ahead of her own, and it was always abundantly clear that she loved Ellie more than anyone, and would sacrifice anything to protect her.
There were some dark, tense moments, a truckload of emotional ones, several tears shed, but overall The Secret Life of Beatrice Alright was a warm, enveloping hug. Included in the kindle version is an excerpt from Brooke Harris’ 2023 novel – Memories of You, which sounds just as moving. I look forward to reading it and everything else she’s written. It only took me a day to read this. - I think that speaks for itself!
Bea was a college student studying to be a doctor when she met Declan, a man twenty-one years her senior. She quickly felt pregnant to him, moving into his Dublin flat, and quitting school to raise her daughter, Ellie. Bea loves being a mother, but four years later, the rest of her life is far from ideal – Declan is emotionally distant, stingy with money, and rarely home since he travels a lot for his career, and Bea is struggling to make ends meet working all hours as a hospital cleaner. But always one who looks on the bright side and sees the best in people, Bea is convinced that Declan is only days away from proposing. But instead Declan drops a devastating bombshell, one that sees Bea and little Ellie, broke and alone with nowhere to go on the snowy streets of Dublin weeks before Christmas.
Bea’s journey to find stability and a place to call home for herself and her young child was as heart-wrenching as it was heartwarming. As strong and resilient as she was, losing her parents at a young age and growing up in the foster care system meant her search for love and need to be cared for left Bea vulnerable to being taken advantage of by others. There were several characters I wanted to punch! Bea had the kindest, gentlest nature, it only took the first few pages of the book to understand how altruistic, thoughtful, genuine and generous with her time she was. Unfortunately, she naively thought those she surrounded herself with would give back the same in return, but as we know sadly that isn’t always the case. Thankfully, there were characters in this novel who were willing to reach out and lend a helping hand and heart.
A main theme of this novel was the shock of sudden and hidden homelessness and the shame, embarrassment, and sense of failure associated with it, and I thought the author handled a serious social problem in a realistic and sensitive way. A second prominent theme was new unexpected friendship, burgeoning new romance, and found family. And these parts were a delight. I adored all the bonds that formed. Four-year-old Ellie was also adorable, and her dialogue and behaviour was age appropriate. Which brings me to the third theme – motherhood. Bea was an incredible mother, always putting her daughter’s needs ahead of her own, and it was always abundantly clear that she loved Ellie more than anyone, and would sacrifice anything to protect her.
There were some dark, tense moments, a truckload of emotional ones, several tears shed, but overall The Secret Life of Beatrice Alright was a warm, enveloping hug. Included in the kindle version is an excerpt from Brooke Harris’ 2023 novel – Memories of You, which sounds just as moving. I look forward to reading it and everything else she’s written. It only took me a day to read this. - I think that speaks for itself!
January 8, 2025
Brooke Harris has a new fan right here!! This was my first time reading a novel by her, but I’m sure it won’t be my last. A bittersweet emotional novel that had me thinking about the characters even when I wasn’t reading.
Bea is a young mother to a four year old daughter. She dropped out of medical school and works as a hospital janitor, but their lifestyle is quite good because her boyfriend is a pilot and makes a decent wage. Bea is expecting a proposal and gets dumped instead. She finds herself a single mother, with no support struggling to find a home. A series of events leave the pair homeless forced to seek refuge in a hospital closet to sleep. Bea clearly has enough problems of her own, but she can’t help befriending an elderly man she sees sitting outside the hospital on a bench in the cold daily. His loneliness was palpable, while his zingers delivered the laughs. She and Malcolm begin an unlikely friendship that made my heart ❤️ smile!😊
This novel tackles hard themes, but manages to feel uplifting. My emotions were all over the place and I loved every minute of it!
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an Advanced Readers Copy. These are my unbiased opinions.
Bea is a young mother to a four year old daughter. She dropped out of medical school and works as a hospital janitor, but their lifestyle is quite good because her boyfriend is a pilot and makes a decent wage. Bea is expecting a proposal and gets dumped instead. She finds herself a single mother, with no support struggling to find a home. A series of events leave the pair homeless forced to seek refuge in a hospital closet to sleep. Bea clearly has enough problems of her own, but she can’t help befriending an elderly man she sees sitting outside the hospital on a bench in the cold daily. His loneliness was palpable, while his zingers delivered the laughs. She and Malcolm begin an unlikely friendship that made my heart ❤️ smile!😊
This novel tackles hard themes, but manages to feel uplifting. My emotions were all over the place and I loved every minute of it!
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an Advanced Readers Copy. These are my unbiased opinions.
February 3, 2025
The Secret Life of Beatrice Alright by Brooke Harris
Synopsis /
Beatrice Alright is the queen of silver linings. She can find a spark of hope in any situation. Even when her partner delivers earth-shattering news that leaves Bea and their four-year-old, Ellie, without a home, she refuses to panic.
Because Bea believes that what she does have is more important – her job at St Helen’s Hospital, which offers a warm, dry shelter for her and Ellie to stay while she figures things out. By day Bea cleans the wards, by night she tucks her daughter into bed between mops and buckets.
And tries so hard to hold on to hope.
When Bea sees an old man sitting on a cold and lonely bench outside the hospital, she really doesn’t have time to stop. She should be clearing up her own mess, not worrying about this cantankerous stranger. But Bea can’t help herself…
As she slowly starts to draw out Malcolm’s heartbreaking story, could this simple act of kindness begin to heal a decades-old pain? And might finding peace for Malcolm help Bea in ways she didn’t even know she needed?
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and author, Brooke Harris for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review. Publication date is currently set for February 07, 2025.
I have a favourite t-shirt which I wear all the time around the house; it's a little old and well worn, and on the front are just two words – "BE KIND". And every time I wear it, it's a reminder that kindness costs us nothing to give but might mean the world to the intended recipient.
Some stories you read just sock you right in the feels and this one did that to me.
I cried. I laughed. I felt sad. I felt happy. I felt angry and frustrated. At times, I wanted to shake Bea vigorously and shout 'wake up to yourself!' and others, I just wanted to hug her so tightly and not let her go and tell her it will get better. This character driven novel will have you reaching for the tissues; so stock up generously before you read this.
As you might have already guessed from the book's title, the story revolves around a young woman whose name is Beatrice Alright. At the start of the story the reader learns that Beatrice (Bea) is living with her partner, Declan, and their four-year-old daughter, Ellie. Although Bea and Ellie don't see as much of Declan as they'd like (he's a pilot and is away quite a lot), Bea is happy with their relationship and, with the addition of Ellie, has come to think of the three of them as a happy little family unit.
But Bea's happy family bubble bursts spectacularly one night, when, in the lead up to Christmas, Declan drops the bombshell that he's leaving Bea and Ellie, he no longer wants anything to do with either of them. And, that same night, as Declan turns his back on them and walks away, Bea is left wondering how she's going to cope financially to keep her head above water.
As a character, Beatrice Alright always looks on the bright side; always looks at the silver linings; and, ever the optimist, always finds a spark of joy in any dark situation. Bea is empathetic and loving - a caring soul with a huge heart. But sometimes, life conspires against us, and it seems that no matter how hard you try or how hard you work, you can't seem to catch a break. I'm reminded of that saying 'when one door closes, another door opens'. Well a door's about to open for you Bea!!
There are plenty of posted reviews which go into the plot in more detail than I have so you can read these at your leisure. Life can change for us in one second – in one moment our lives have the potential to be upended. Are you ready for that? Could you cope? It's scary just to think how quickly your life could change.
I loved the author's portrayal of her characters. I felt a connection to all of them.
As much as I'd like to think I'm a lone wolf, I realise that as humans we have been evolutionary wired to crave social connection. Evolution has hardwired us to thrive in groups. Groups provide support, protection and a sense of belonging and feeling connected to others improves both our mental and physical health. It's a win/win. Oh dear, it looks as though I might have to get off the couch and go talk to people!!!!
If you enjoy character driven novels then I highly recommend you add this to your TBR now! This has been my first book by this author and I feel to blessed to have been given an early copy to read. I will definitely be checking out her backlist. There will be more Brooke Harris book reviews in my future.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Storm Publishing for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for February 07, 2025.
Synopsis /
Beatrice Alright is the queen of silver linings. She can find a spark of hope in any situation. Even when her partner delivers earth-shattering news that leaves Bea and their four-year-old, Ellie, without a home, she refuses to panic.
Because Bea believes that what she does have is more important – her job at St Helen’s Hospital, which offers a warm, dry shelter for her and Ellie to stay while she figures things out. By day Bea cleans the wards, by night she tucks her daughter into bed between mops and buckets.
And tries so hard to hold on to hope.
When Bea sees an old man sitting on a cold and lonely bench outside the hospital, she really doesn’t have time to stop. She should be clearing up her own mess, not worrying about this cantankerous stranger. But Bea can’t help herself…
As she slowly starts to draw out Malcolm’s heartbreaking story, could this simple act of kindness begin to heal a decades-old pain? And might finding peace for Malcolm help Bea in ways she didn’t even know she needed?
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and author, Brooke Harris for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review. Publication date is currently set for February 07, 2025.
I have a favourite t-shirt which I wear all the time around the house; it's a little old and well worn, and on the front are just two words – "BE KIND". And every time I wear it, it's a reminder that kindness costs us nothing to give but might mean the world to the intended recipient.
Some stories you read just sock you right in the feels and this one did that to me.
I cried. I laughed. I felt sad. I felt happy. I felt angry and frustrated. At times, I wanted to shake Bea vigorously and shout 'wake up to yourself!' and others, I just wanted to hug her so tightly and not let her go and tell her it will get better. This character driven novel will have you reaching for the tissues; so stock up generously before you read this.
As you might have already guessed from the book's title, the story revolves around a young woman whose name is Beatrice Alright. At the start of the story the reader learns that Beatrice (Bea) is living with her partner, Declan, and their four-year-old daughter, Ellie. Although Bea and Ellie don't see as much of Declan as they'd like (he's a pilot and is away quite a lot), Bea is happy with their relationship and, with the addition of Ellie, has come to think of the three of them as a happy little family unit.
But Bea's happy family bubble bursts spectacularly one night, when, in the lead up to Christmas, Declan drops the bombshell that he's leaving Bea and Ellie, he no longer wants anything to do with either of them. And, that same night, as Declan turns his back on them and walks away, Bea is left wondering how she's going to cope financially to keep her head above water.
As a character, Beatrice Alright always looks on the bright side; always looks at the silver linings; and, ever the optimist, always finds a spark of joy in any dark situation. Bea is empathetic and loving - a caring soul with a huge heart. But sometimes, life conspires against us, and it seems that no matter how hard you try or how hard you work, you can't seem to catch a break. I'm reminded of that saying 'when one door closes, another door opens'. Well a door's about to open for you Bea!!
There are plenty of posted reviews which go into the plot in more detail than I have so you can read these at your leisure. Life can change for us in one second – in one moment our lives have the potential to be upended. Are you ready for that? Could you cope? It's scary just to think how quickly your life could change.
I loved the author's portrayal of her characters. I felt a connection to all of them.
As much as I'd like to think I'm a lone wolf, I realise that as humans we have been evolutionary wired to crave social connection. Evolution has hardwired us to thrive in groups. Groups provide support, protection and a sense of belonging and feeling connected to others improves both our mental and physical health. It's a win/win. Oh dear, it looks as though I might have to get off the couch and go talk to people!!!!
If you enjoy character driven novels then I highly recommend you add this to your TBR now! This has been my first book by this author and I feel to blessed to have been given an early copy to read. I will definitely be checking out her backlist. There will be more Brooke Harris book reviews in my future.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Storm Publishing for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for February 07, 2025.
January 30, 2025
Such a lovely delightful story!
Beatrice Allright believes herself and her daughter, Ellie have a perfect life right up to the point where her partner, Declan, (the cur), reveals his secret and more or less tosses Beatrice and Ellie to the wind.
Bea works at St Helen's Hospital as a cleaner having given up her dream of becoming a doctor when she became pregnant. It's here, outside the hospital, she meets an old man sitting on a bench, hat less, and her natural empathy and care for others kicks in and low and behold a friendship begins.
Malcolm, becomes a face she sees practically every day and although in a rush to pick up her child at daycare, she always have time for Malcolm.
When tragedy strikes and Bea finds herself homeless, she secretly makes a life for herself and Ellie in a cleaning closet in the hospital. Although people are concerned for Bea, she is too embarrassed to tell them her situation.
This tender hearted story is one to read when you need a boost and think that most people are obnoxious, rude, and too consumed in themselves to care about others. It's a quick story making you root for Bea who sure does need a happy ending to her tale.
Jan and I find peaceful times with this one!
Beatrice Allright believes herself and her daughter, Ellie have a perfect life right up to the point where her partner, Declan, (the cur), reveals his secret and more or less tosses Beatrice and Ellie to the wind.
Bea works at St Helen's Hospital as a cleaner having given up her dream of becoming a doctor when she became pregnant. It's here, outside the hospital, she meets an old man sitting on a bench, hat less, and her natural empathy and care for others kicks in and low and behold a friendship begins.
Malcolm, becomes a face she sees practically every day and although in a rush to pick up her child at daycare, she always have time for Malcolm.
When tragedy strikes and Bea finds herself homeless, she secretly makes a life for herself and Ellie in a cleaning closet in the hospital. Although people are concerned for Bea, she is too embarrassed to tell them her situation.
This tender hearted story is one to read when you need a boost and think that most people are obnoxious, rude, and too consumed in themselves to care about others. It's a quick story making you root for Bea who sure does need a happy ending to her tale.
Jan and I find peaceful times with this one!
February 2, 2025
Ooh wow…I just loved this one. So much heart and emotion and some humor too. So sweet. Brooke Harris created a perfectly warm story that broke my heart and put it back together again. It reminds me of how I felt when I read A MAN CALLED OVE.
Bea grew up in foster care after losing her parents. She had bigger plans for her future but ended up getting pregnant and now has an apartment with her daughter Ellie, and boyfriend Declan. She's completely blindsided when Declan leaves them. Now she's trying to work at her cleaning job at the hospital to save money for a new place and is putting her daughter to sleep in the storage closet while she works. It's better than the freezing cold outside. Then she meets an unlikely friend. An old man, Malcolm, that she sees on a bench outside the hospital….in the cold. Malcolm has a story that will also tug at your heart. But the friendship that Bea and Malcolm have is just beautiful.
This is a character driven book, and it's so well done. I loved these characters and I felt so sad for things that they have had to endure in their lives. You will want to grab some tissues for this one, but it's so worth it. I'm happy to have found a new author and can't wait to check out her backlist in the future.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Bea grew up in foster care after losing her parents. She had bigger plans for her future but ended up getting pregnant and now has an apartment with her daughter Ellie, and boyfriend Declan. She's completely blindsided when Declan leaves them. Now she's trying to work at her cleaning job at the hospital to save money for a new place and is putting her daughter to sleep in the storage closet while she works. It's better than the freezing cold outside. Then she meets an unlikely friend. An old man, Malcolm, that she sees on a bench outside the hospital….in the cold. Malcolm has a story that will also tug at your heart. But the friendship that Bea and Malcolm have is just beautiful.
This is a character driven book, and it's so well done. I loved these characters and I felt so sad for things that they have had to endure in their lives. You will want to grab some tissues for this one, but it's so worth it. I'm happy to have found a new author and can't wait to check out her backlist in the future.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
February 9, 2025
This book follows Beatrice, a single mother facing homelessness after her partner leaves her. Despite the challenges, Bea maintains a positive outlook and finds ways to make the best of her situation for herself and her young daughter, Ellie. I loved Bea's resilience and her determination to create a better life for herself and Ellie. The story is heartwarming and uplifting, showing that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. I loved all the characters and it is a “feel good” kind of book.
February 17, 2025
I wish that I could have given this book even more stars! It was definitely one one of my favorite books so far this year. Review to follow.
July 27, 2025
Loved this book! A single mom breaks up with her married boyfriend and becomes homeless with a four year old. Bea tries everything to get back on track with her life. She would do anything for her little girl, but things are just so challenging. Finally she meets an elderly man and things start to change in her life. Sweet characters.
January 17, 2025
This is the uplifting story of Beatrice (Bea) who is at a bad point in her life but keeps pushing through. While it is sad throughout, it is uplifting to watch Bea find solutions. It is endearing to see how much she loves her 4 year old Ella.
They meet up with a grumpy, old man in the park. He becomes a central character in their life, along with his grandson, Shayne.
It's hard for me to describe the story and the writing style. So much of me thinks it’s corny and predictable. But the other part of me keeps turning pages, cheering for Bea, wanting everything to turn out well for Bea and Ella.
This is a quick read, an easy read. It demonstrates kindness, friendship, love, resilience. The importance of family is stressed. Small things matter. These are such important characteristics to observe with all the disasters and wars happening. This book is a reminder that there is still good in the world.
Though I was satisfied by the ending, there may have been a couple of tears.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
They meet up with a grumpy, old man in the park. He becomes a central character in their life, along with his grandson, Shayne.
It's hard for me to describe the story and the writing style. So much of me thinks it’s corny and predictable. But the other part of me keeps turning pages, cheering for Bea, wanting everything to turn out well for Bea and Ella.
This is a quick read, an easy read. It demonstrates kindness, friendship, love, resilience. The importance of family is stressed. Small things matter. These are such important characteristics to observe with all the disasters and wars happening. This book is a reminder that there is still good in the world.
Though I was satisfied by the ending, there may have been a couple of tears.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
January 25, 2025
What a lovely story. So, sweet and at times sad as well as funny. Set in Ireland it follows the ups and downs of Bea after a tragic break-up with her boyfriend. This story really captured my attention and I enjoyed every page. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
May 18, 2025
I wanted to love this book. The main character was likable enough, but the terrible decisions she constantly made - refusing to try to get child support from the man who left her even though she can’t afford rent, groceries, a coffee, and the bus; refusing to be honest with her best friend regarding how dire her situation was so that her friend could actually help; not making a police report after being scammed; agreeing to get back together with a terrible man rather than asking him to contribute financial support for their child; not telling her boss why she left a violent environment at the shelter - had me shaking my head at every turn, especially when I reminded myself that the character is almost 30 vs 20. And the description that she “refuses to panic”?? She was panicking at every opportunity (as she should have been), and it landed her in the hospital. This could have been such a good book for me if I wasn’t constantly faced with stupidity in decision making.
January 1, 2025
The Secret Life of Beatrice Alright is a profoundly moving story of resilience, love, and the unexpected ways human connections can heal even the deepest wounds. Brooke Harris masterfully weaves a tale that balances heartbreak with hope, creating a narrative that is as uplifting as it is poignant.
Beatrice "Bea" Alright is a character who embodies quiet strength and determination. When her partner Declan drops a devastating bombshell, leaving her and their four-year-old daughter, Ellie, homeless, Bea’s world is turned upside down. With no family to turn to and her best friend's generosity stretched thin, Bea resorts to living in a hospital storage closet, where she works as a cleaner. Despite her dire circumstances, Bea’s love for Ellie and her unwavering hope drive her forward, making her journey both heart-wrenching and inspiring.
The story takes a beautiful turn when Bea befriends Malcolm, an elderly man who spends his days sitting on a bench outside the hospital. Their growing friendship, though initially unlikely, becomes a source of healing for both Bea and Malcolm, offering them solace and support during their respective struggles. Malcolm’s grandson, Shayne, adds another layer of warmth and complexity to the story, as his presence begins to open doors Bea never thought possible.
Harris’s writing is heartfelt and compassionate, bringing her characters to life in a way that makes them feel deeply relatable. Bea’s unwavering dedication to Ellie, Malcolm’s hidden pain, and Shayne’s quiet kindness all contribute to a rich tapestry of emotions that will leave readers both tearful and hopeful.
Final Thoughts:
The Secret Life of Beatrice Alright is a bittersweet yet uplifting story about the power of kindness, the strength of a mother’s love, and the unexpected ways people can come together to help each other heal. With its richly drawn characters and emotional depth, this book is a must-read for fans of heartfelt, character-driven stories. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest times, light can be found through connection and compassion.
Thank you to Storm Books and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Beatrice "Bea" Alright is a character who embodies quiet strength and determination. When her partner Declan drops a devastating bombshell, leaving her and their four-year-old daughter, Ellie, homeless, Bea’s world is turned upside down. With no family to turn to and her best friend's generosity stretched thin, Bea resorts to living in a hospital storage closet, where she works as a cleaner. Despite her dire circumstances, Bea’s love for Ellie and her unwavering hope drive her forward, making her journey both heart-wrenching and inspiring.
The story takes a beautiful turn when Bea befriends Malcolm, an elderly man who spends his days sitting on a bench outside the hospital. Their growing friendship, though initially unlikely, becomes a source of healing for both Bea and Malcolm, offering them solace and support during their respective struggles. Malcolm’s grandson, Shayne, adds another layer of warmth and complexity to the story, as his presence begins to open doors Bea never thought possible.
Harris’s writing is heartfelt and compassionate, bringing her characters to life in a way that makes them feel deeply relatable. Bea’s unwavering dedication to Ellie, Malcolm’s hidden pain, and Shayne’s quiet kindness all contribute to a rich tapestry of emotions that will leave readers both tearful and hopeful.
Final Thoughts:
The Secret Life of Beatrice Alright is a bittersweet yet uplifting story about the power of kindness, the strength of a mother’s love, and the unexpected ways people can come together to help each other heal. With its richly drawn characters and emotional depth, this book is a must-read for fans of heartfelt, character-driven stories. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest times, light can be found through connection and compassion.
Thank you to Storm Books and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
February 7, 2025
Oh My! This book was EXACTLY what I needed. So sweet! Perfectly predictable and I have zero complaints about it! Getting there was the absolute sweetest and heart wrenching journey. The relationship forged between Ellie and Malco melted my heart from the very beginning, while Bea's journey had me rooting for her the whole time. This was my first novel by Brooke Harris. The writing style was perfect and I loved every minute of it!
Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
May 31, 2025
4.5/5⭐️
June 29, 2025
4.25
Great for a page turning Sunday.
Great for a page turning Sunday.
February 7, 2025
Every time I start reading a book by Brooke Harris I just know I’m in for a wonderful read. This was most certainly true with this one. I was glued to this book from the very start. Beatrice Alright (known as Bea) lives happily with her partner Declan and their young daughter Ellie. As far as Bea is concerned life is good and she is in a loving and happy relationship. When things take a turn for the worst Bea finds herself homeless and she is left struggling to find somewhere to live. At the hospital where she works she often sees an elderly gentleman called Malcom sitting on a bench outside the hospital and she starts to speak to him and get to know him a bit more. This is the start of a wonderful and poignant friendship and Malcom in turn introduces her to his grandson. The characters were wonderful apart from one or two who were the complete opposite. This book will tug at your heart strings and it certainly did mine at times. It’s both an uplifting but emotional read and I was sad to finish it . Yet again Brooke Harris has written a story that brought tears to my eyes but also had me smiling at times. I adored it.
December 19, 2024
I don’t always give great reviews for books that make you cry, but this
is such a nice story with strong characters and the best ending ever!
My thanks to Storm Publishing via NetGalley for the download of this
book for review purposes.
is such a nice story with strong characters and the best ending ever!
My thanks to Storm Publishing via NetGalley for the download of this
book for review purposes.
January 8, 2025
Oh my, where do I begin! First I will say that Brooke Harris has an incredible gift to take difficult situations in life and create a story from the ashes and bones of trauma. Through highly detailed descriptions, exquisite atmosphere and moving dialogue, she paints such a vivid picture you are pulled into the storyline immediately. While she exposes the characters’ source of pain, our empathy ramps up to such a level we find ourselves choking back tears. We are drawn into an authentic drama, transported into the very shoes of the characters, to experience their emotional upheaval.
At times while reading The Secret Life of Beatrice Alright I felt physically ill. This poor woman Bea had to endure such disappointments. Her diligence to protect and care for her child is admirable. This plot grabbed my heart so fiercely I had to take breaks and step outside in the sun to level out my emotions. But, of course, I could not stay away very long as I wanted to keep reading—even when I guessed the outcome. For my heart was invested in the characters. They came across as people any of us could know. These sorts of events happen in the real world. Many become homeless for various reasons: loss of income, not enough income, high cost of living, abandonment, infidelity, betrayal to name a few—even death of loved ones are all common occurrences.
Bea had a rough childhood which is why she fought so hard to give her child a normal and secure life. She always wanted Ellie to feel wanted and loved. When Bea is betrayed by her much older boyfriend, pilot Declan, father of her child, she becomes homeless. She cannot afford to pay the costly rent while trying to feed and cover child care fees for Ellie. Her job at the hospital, as a cleaner, obviously pays small returns. Her financial dependence on Declan for major living expenses puts her in a bad position. For now that he is gone, she is unable to fill the financial gap. And worse, it is just before Christmas when he leaves her stranded. She has made mistakes, yes, and trusted the wrong man but it becomes obvious she is a good person with a caring heart for others in distress: some qualities that would have gone far in the profession she originally had chosen. We learn that Bea dropped out of university when she was studying to be a doctor to care for her daughter.
Cora, Bea’s best friend, tries to help but her boyfriend is not happy to have Bea and her daughter as guests. So Bea moves into a storage closet at the hospital with her daughter and tries to dodge her boss and co-workers from discovering her sleeping arrangements. A lot happens during this time and the trials keep mounting. Then she meets an elderly man, Malcolm, and his grandson Shayne who radically alter her life. Bea has a lot of compassion and when she sees an elderly man outside the hospital sitting on a bench in the cold with no hat, she is worried for his health. She tries to help him. Yet he insists he is fine. But as she gradually gets to know him and the reasons he is there, her heart becomes heavily invested in his predicament. And though things are grim, Malcolm is full of surprises. He has a wicked sense of humour, is somewhat stubborn but has a heart of gold and helps her in ways she’d never imagine. He is good with her daughter, too, and they all build a warm and rewarding relationship that fills gaps in their lives. Bea actually works for his daughter, Elaine, at the hospital but the relationship between father and daughter is not good. And, of course, Bea tries to do something about that. Then caring grandson, Shayne, enters the picture. He is back in Dublin from New York. He has been very worried about his grandfather and continues to check on him. When he meets Bea and Ellie through their time with Malcolm, a warmth develops between them and you know they are going to be good for each other, if given the chance. This ‘family’ of relatives and friends is truly beautiful and their joyful moments of kite flying represent a freeing of their cares to become a time of healing and restoration. There are a few sad outcomes but the ending also shows how new life can spring from the traumas and trials of the past.
I loved this novel. It moved me in so many directions emotionally with its powerful, passionate and triumphant delivery. Be prepared for your heart to shatter and your eyes to fill with tears for this is moving, magical and mesmerising fiction that reflects the serious truths of life. The novel covers the good and bad of relationships. But also the reality of homelessness for many. And Brooke Harris paints a vivid unforgettable picture of those who have experienced it and overcome the odds. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for a review copy.
At times while reading The Secret Life of Beatrice Alright I felt physically ill. This poor woman Bea had to endure such disappointments. Her diligence to protect and care for her child is admirable. This plot grabbed my heart so fiercely I had to take breaks and step outside in the sun to level out my emotions. But, of course, I could not stay away very long as I wanted to keep reading—even when I guessed the outcome. For my heart was invested in the characters. They came across as people any of us could know. These sorts of events happen in the real world. Many become homeless for various reasons: loss of income, not enough income, high cost of living, abandonment, infidelity, betrayal to name a few—even death of loved ones are all common occurrences.
Bea had a rough childhood which is why she fought so hard to give her child a normal and secure life. She always wanted Ellie to feel wanted and loved. When Bea is betrayed by her much older boyfriend, pilot Declan, father of her child, she becomes homeless. She cannot afford to pay the costly rent while trying to feed and cover child care fees for Ellie. Her job at the hospital, as a cleaner, obviously pays small returns. Her financial dependence on Declan for major living expenses puts her in a bad position. For now that he is gone, she is unable to fill the financial gap. And worse, it is just before Christmas when he leaves her stranded. She has made mistakes, yes, and trusted the wrong man but it becomes obvious she is a good person with a caring heart for others in distress: some qualities that would have gone far in the profession she originally had chosen. We learn that Bea dropped out of university when she was studying to be a doctor to care for her daughter.
Cora, Bea’s best friend, tries to help but her boyfriend is not happy to have Bea and her daughter as guests. So Bea moves into a storage closet at the hospital with her daughter and tries to dodge her boss and co-workers from discovering her sleeping arrangements. A lot happens during this time and the trials keep mounting. Then she meets an elderly man, Malcolm, and his grandson Shayne who radically alter her life. Bea has a lot of compassion and when she sees an elderly man outside the hospital sitting on a bench in the cold with no hat, she is worried for his health. She tries to help him. Yet he insists he is fine. But as she gradually gets to know him and the reasons he is there, her heart becomes heavily invested in his predicament. And though things are grim, Malcolm is full of surprises. He has a wicked sense of humour, is somewhat stubborn but has a heart of gold and helps her in ways she’d never imagine. He is good with her daughter, too, and they all build a warm and rewarding relationship that fills gaps in their lives. Bea actually works for his daughter, Elaine, at the hospital but the relationship between father and daughter is not good. And, of course, Bea tries to do something about that. Then caring grandson, Shayne, enters the picture. He is back in Dublin from New York. He has been very worried about his grandfather and continues to check on him. When he meets Bea and Ellie through their time with Malcolm, a warmth develops between them and you know they are going to be good for each other, if given the chance. This ‘family’ of relatives and friends is truly beautiful and their joyful moments of kite flying represent a freeing of their cares to become a time of healing and restoration. There are a few sad outcomes but the ending also shows how new life can spring from the traumas and trials of the past.
I loved this novel. It moved me in so many directions emotionally with its powerful, passionate and triumphant delivery. Be prepared for your heart to shatter and your eyes to fill with tears for this is moving, magical and mesmerising fiction that reflects the serious truths of life. The novel covers the good and bad of relationships. But also the reality of homelessness for many. And Brooke Harris paints a vivid unforgettable picture of those who have experienced it and overcome the odds. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for a review copy.
February 3, 2025
Beatrice leads happy life, with her boyfriend Declan and her lovely 4 year old Ellie. But everything comes crumbling down when she finds out Declan's dark secret. While working at St Helen's Hospital, Beatrice meets an older man named Malcom who sits out in the cold hoping to speak to his daughter who he hasn't seen in a while. Beatrice strikes up a friendship with this man who seems to be as lonely as she is. With the help of her best friend Cora, and some unlikely characters,Beatrice will navigate the holiday season and put her life back together, and who knows perhaps maybe even find love.
The Secret Life of Beatrice Alright will have you cheering for Beatrice and little Ellie!
Thank you Netgalley and Storm Publishing for this lovely and hopeful read.
The Secret Life of Beatrice Alright will have you cheering for Beatrice and little Ellie!
Thank you Netgalley and Storm Publishing for this lovely and hopeful read.
February 7, 2025
Sometimes you just read a book and love it from the very first page and this was definitely one of those. Beatrice Alright was one of the most lovable characters I’ve ever read about and I found myself getting really upset for her throughout the story. I did love all of the characters (except Declan and Finton) and I think this was written so well. The ending was a perfect fit for the book too. A firm 5⭐️ from me.
February 27, 2025
I loved this book. The characters, especially Lizzie and Malco, were believable. Bea was very naive, with little survival skills. Any mother would seek help in keeping her child safe. Still, it still made a good story, with so much content.
May 15, 2025
What a delight!❤️
December 1, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
March 7, 2025
Absolutely loved this book. Could not put it down. Certainly tugs at the heart strings….
June 1, 2025
I had high hopes for this book with all high ratings and I still can’t figure out why. Bea is quite gullible and eager to please and everything and everyone is just peachy. But then she meets Malcolm and Shayne and she gets all ‘who are you and what do you want’ stand off-ish and rude. Like she is two different people. Story wasn’t very original nor were the characters. Disappointing.
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