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How To Mend a Broken Heart
Life is good for nurse Kat. That is until the man she intended to marry legs it, she’s unexpectedly promoted to a position with too much responsibility, and a patient arrives on her ward under strange circumstances.
Susan is a mystery. She refuses to speak or interact with anyone, she’s obsessed with a book of fairy tales, and the only name in her diary is that of Rhys – a plumber she barely knows.
Down-to-earth Rhys is trying to get his life back on track after the death of his beloved brother. His mum is his priority, and she needs him as much as he needs her. Or at least she did, until she starts disappearing, leaving him to find comfort in the form of his brother’s girlfriend.
Complicated is an understatement.
As the lives of these three lost strangers intertwine, will they find a way to lay ghosts past, present and future to rest? And when the chance comes to mend their broken hearts, will they be brave enough to take it? A compelling, heartbreaking tale perfect for fans of Jojo Moyes, Lucy Dillon and Mhairi McFarlane.
Anna spent almost twenty years trying to shoehorn writing into her career as a marketing manager for dance and theatre companies. Eventually, she did what you are not supposed to do and walked away from an excellent job in order to try and become a published author. Three years, lots of tears and some slightly hairy bank balance moments later, she met Kirsty Greenwood and the rest, as they say, is history. Anna lives on a dairy farm in Cornwall with her husband and two children. She is the bestselling author of Her Best Friend's Secret and The Lost Wife.
Susan is a mystery. She refuses to speak or interact with anyone, she’s obsessed with a book of fairy tales, and the only name in her diary is that of Rhys – a plumber she barely knows.
Down-to-earth Rhys is trying to get his life back on track after the death of his beloved brother. His mum is his priority, and she needs him as much as he needs her. Or at least she did, until she starts disappearing, leaving him to find comfort in the form of his brother’s girlfriend.
Complicated is an understatement.
As the lives of these three lost strangers intertwine, will they find a way to lay ghosts past, present and future to rest? And when the chance comes to mend their broken hearts, will they be brave enough to take it? A compelling, heartbreaking tale perfect for fans of Jojo Moyes, Lucy Dillon and Mhairi McFarlane.
Anna spent almost twenty years trying to shoehorn writing into her career as a marketing manager for dance and theatre companies. Eventually, she did what you are not supposed to do and walked away from an excellent job in order to try and become a published author. Three years, lots of tears and some slightly hairy bank balance moments later, she met Kirsty Greenwood and the rest, as they say, is history. Anna lives on a dairy farm in Cornwall with her husband and two children. She is the bestselling author of Her Best Friend's Secret and The Lost Wife.
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First published March 1, 2017
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About the author
Anna Mansell
6 books40 followersAnna had a brush with 'fame' as a magician’s assistant back in 1977. She later decided that being sawn in half by her father, at barely 6 months old, was too submissive a role, vowing to channel the trauma in to something much more pro-actively creative. Having failed at acting, singing and professional murder mystery parties (she was ALWAYs the one to die!), she fell to something much more solitary: writing. How To Mend a Broken Heart was her first novel and her life was not on the line in order to write it, or The Lost Wife. Anna lives on a dairy farm in Cornwall with her two children, her husband, and her ex-racing greyhound, Olive Dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
March 4, 2017
All of my reviews can be found on www.novelgossip.com
This was an altogether different type of read than what I was expecting it to be. From the blurb/cover combination I assumed that it would be a lighthearted, chick lit type of read, but instead it was heavier, dealing with darker subject matter than I was expecting. It was a very emotional read, one that moved me and touched my heart.
There are three main players; Kat a nurse who has just been dumped by her boyfriend of several years who she saw as her future husband, Susan a new patient of Kat’s who refuses to utter a word, and Rhys a plumber who is the only connection anyone can find in Susan’s life. All three are dealing with their own heartaches, losses and loneliness and I was eager to see how their lives would intertwine.
Mansell delves into several heavy issues from suicide, adoption, loss, forgiveness, and ultimately love. I felt some sort of attachment to all three of the characters, they were all able to tug at my heartstrings. Kat is so lonely after her breakup and needs to find her way again. Rhys lost his brother and the grief is overwhelming, I wanted to hug him so many times. Susan was visibly broken and after learning why she’s so devastated I shed some tears. All of them have detached themselves from the world for different reasons and it was easy to understand why. Ultimately they lean on and learn from each other in order to begin to heal. As much as I love a tidy ending, I appreciated the way Mansell left things. There was closure, but it was messy and true to real life. While this was a highly emotional read, in the end it was inspiring and left me with a smile on my face.
This was an altogether different type of read than what I was expecting it to be. From the blurb/cover combination I assumed that it would be a lighthearted, chick lit type of read, but instead it was heavier, dealing with darker subject matter than I was expecting. It was a very emotional read, one that moved me and touched my heart.
There are three main players; Kat a nurse who has just been dumped by her boyfriend of several years who she saw as her future husband, Susan a new patient of Kat’s who refuses to utter a word, and Rhys a plumber who is the only connection anyone can find in Susan’s life. All three are dealing with their own heartaches, losses and loneliness and I was eager to see how their lives would intertwine.
Mansell delves into several heavy issues from suicide, adoption, loss, forgiveness, and ultimately love. I felt some sort of attachment to all three of the characters, they were all able to tug at my heartstrings. Kat is so lonely after her breakup and needs to find her way again. Rhys lost his brother and the grief is overwhelming, I wanted to hug him so many times. Susan was visibly broken and after learning why she’s so devastated I shed some tears. All of them have detached themselves from the world for different reasons and it was easy to understand why. Ultimately they lean on and learn from each other in order to begin to heal. As much as I love a tidy ending, I appreciated the way Mansell left things. There was closure, but it was messy and true to real life. While this was a highly emotional read, in the end it was inspiring and left me with a smile on my face.
March 28, 2017
3,5 stars.
The book was good, the plot was interesting but I didn't like the end. I didn't like it because I thought other things would be done.
Anyway, the point is that I could empathise so much with one of the character (Kat) with a way that I could understand her a little better.
This story was a little sad but a lot hopeful. It talks about Kat, a nurse that although in work is ready to promoted to Ward Nurse in her personal life doesn't go so well ... her 5 years old relationship ends and that makes her to feel disappointed and misery.
It also talks about Rhys a 39 years old plumpber who lost his brother and who trying to cope with the way his brother died. Who he is trying to cope with all things with his mother and his life in general.
Untill he get a call from Kat who tells him that a woman is in hospital and on her pesronal things the only number that found it was his.
So... Rhys believing that this woman was his mother run to hospital to see her...
And last but not least its Susan, a woman that is in hospital. Whith no one near her. She is alone, hurt and with no mood to help herself or the staff. Untill she saw Rhys.
As I said it was a good book that it makes you to reading untill you finished...
The book was good, the plot was interesting but I didn't like the end. I didn't like it because I thought other things would be done.
Anyway, the point is that I could empathise so much with one of the character (Kat) with a way that I could understand her a little better.
This story was a little sad but a lot hopeful. It talks about Kat, a nurse that although in work is ready to promoted to Ward Nurse in her personal life doesn't go so well ... her 5 years old relationship ends and that makes her to feel disappointed and misery.
It also talks about Rhys a 39 years old plumpber who lost his brother and who trying to cope with the way his brother died. Who he is trying to cope with all things with his mother and his life in general.
Untill he get a call from Kat who tells him that a woman is in hospital and on her pesronal things the only number that found it was his.
So... Rhys believing that this woman was his mother run to hospital to see her...
And last but not least its Susan, a woman that is in hospital. Whith no one near her. She is alone, hurt and with no mood to help herself or the staff. Untill she saw Rhys.
As I said it was a good book that it makes you to reading untill you finished...
February 16, 2017
Firstly, I adore the cover of this book.
Although this book does include a couple of heavy subjects, the overall feel of the story is hopeful and uplifting.
I thought the characters were very likeable and I loved the way they were connected to each other. I thoroughly enjoyed this story as it unravelled and I found it hard to put down. I was there with each of the characters, feeling what they were feeling. This story definitely touched my heart.
If you’re wanting a very light chick lit read full of happiness and no sadness, then I wouldn’t recommend choosing this, but if you fancy a lighter read to your usual hold-your-breath-thriller type books, then this is the perfect in-between book that tells the story at a comfortable pace to calm you a little before your next psychological thriller. I would say this book falls into the categories of women’s fiction and romance.
Although this book does include a couple of heavy subjects, the overall feel of the story is hopeful and uplifting.
I thought the characters were very likeable and I loved the way they were connected to each other. I thoroughly enjoyed this story as it unravelled and I found it hard to put down. I was there with each of the characters, feeling what they were feeling. This story definitely touched my heart.
If you’re wanting a very light chick lit read full of happiness and no sadness, then I wouldn’t recommend choosing this, but if you fancy a lighter read to your usual hold-your-breath-thriller type books, then this is the perfect in-between book that tells the story at a comfortable pace to calm you a little before your next psychological thriller. I would say this book falls into the categories of women’s fiction and romance.
March 9, 2017
3,5 stars
The story follows three main characters Kat, Rhys and Susan. Kat works as a nurse and she was recently dumped by her long term boyfriend, Susan is a Kate's new patient, who refuses to speak to anybody. Rhys works as a plumber and he is the only contact they can connect with Susan. They are all dealing with their own problems and personal issues, but for a reason their lives intertwine. How are they connected and what does life hold out for them?
It was a story I did not expect, especially based on the cover I thought it's going to be an easy and fun story, but it was deep and thought provoking instead. The first half of the book was rather slower paced and I did not connect with the characters very well, but the second half changed that considerably. It's a well written, heartfelt and emotional novel.
The story follows three main characters Kat, Rhys and Susan. Kat works as a nurse and she was recently dumped by her long term boyfriend, Susan is a Kate's new patient, who refuses to speak to anybody. Rhys works as a plumber and he is the only contact they can connect with Susan. They are all dealing with their own problems and personal issues, but for a reason their lives intertwine. How are they connected and what does life hold out for them?
It was a story I did not expect, especially based on the cover I thought it's going to be an easy and fun story, but it was deep and thought provoking instead. The first half of the book was rather slower paced and I did not connect with the characters very well, but the second half changed that considerably. It's a well written, heartfelt and emotional novel.
February 7, 2017
I've been trying to figure out what to say about this book for a couple of days now (side effect of reading a lot of material in a short period of time, I think). I've been failing miserably, that's why this is going to be so vague.
How to Mend a Broken Heart is nothing like than what I thought it would be. I expected a typical chick-lit novel, but it's so much more. It's heartfelt and realistic. It's amazingly written and very intriguing.
I think this is a must read for anyone who ever had their heart broken.
How to Mend a Broken Heart is nothing like than what I thought it would be. I expected a typical chick-lit novel, but it's so much more. It's heartfelt and realistic. It's amazingly written and very intriguing.
I think this is a must read for anyone who ever had their heart broken.
March 3, 2017
Originally posted on This Chick Reads
'How to Mend a Broken Heart' is Anna Mansell's debut and a book I was really excited to read. I have to say, like so many reviewers here, that I did expect something else. When you look at the cover you expect a fluffier and funnier chick lit. But on the contrary, this is one emotional women's fiction/drama that will have your heart wrenched and make you go through a roller coaster of emotions.
There aren't really much characters and the story is focused on the lives of Kat, Susan and Rhys. The book opens when Susan is hit by a motorcycle and rushed to the hospital. No one really knows the reasons for the accident. Could be a suicide attempt maybe? Kat is a 28 year old nurse who's on her shift when Susan is rushed to the hospital. Rhys is a plumber who's still grieving for his brother, David who recently committed suicide. Among the few possessions of Susan, Rhys' number is found so the hospital calls him thinking they are related. However, Susan seems to much young to have Rhys as a son. Then why is the only number in the phone book those of Rhys?
Three complete strangers, three completely different stories will be interwoven into one. They all meet by chance, but there are ties they are not able to see. They are all grieving and searching for a way to mend their broken hearts. Susan is 56 and till recently has lived with her parents. She seems so sad, like the whole world is on her shoulders. Kat has just recently broken up wuth her boyfriend of 5 years. Seems like the exotic holiday won't help her heal. Rhys is mourning the loss of his brother, trying to understand why would he do such a thing. Why would anyone decide to take their own life?
As you see, this is not the easiest book to read. There are too many emotional moments and if you're looking for a tear jerker or perhaps you're grieving the loss of someone dear, then this is the book for you. While their stories blended nicely, what I didn't like is how much time it took for me to get inside of it. I wasn't really impressed with the first couple of chapters and felt pretty early on I will have trouble with the pace. It does pick up later on, but I had to be rather patient and keep on reading. I am glad I did though!
The characters didn't leave such a great impression on me. I must say I was rather interested in their stories, how they are connected and how everything will turn out. But I wasn't crazy about any of the characters because they didn't feel that real to me.
However, the story is told from different POVs and we all know how hard that is. Anna did an amazing job on that, showing each of her characters perspective and giving them interesting pasts. I also loved how their stories were delicately and masterfully intertwined and how the characters grew thanks to each other.
Overall, if you're looking for an emotional women's fiction and don't mind the slower pace, this is definitely the book for you. I think it's a good debut and I'll definitely be reading more by Anna.
February 11, 2017
I have taken a week to try and decide what to write in my review of this book, and I'm still at a loss...I'll do my best...
To start with, the cover is deceptive. I was in the mood for a light, chick-lit type book and the cover seemed to suggest to me that this would fulfill my needs. Well, it is actually *nothing* like that. (I should have realized this by the name of the book, right?) It is a pretty heavy and deep book. Sad, but definitely well-written. There is a lot going on here, and none of it is light. If you have had your heart broken in any of a variety of ways, you will enjoy this heartfelt and honest book about just that. Forgiveness, kindness, and moving on are keys to take away from this reading experience for me. Not what I expected, but good and worth the read (just be in the mood for it). You'll cry, sigh and laugh (a little) as this tale unfolds for Rhys, Susan & Kat. This will be just what the doctor ordered for many readers struggling to move on in their lives. Last words--Believe in the kindness of strangers!!
**Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC to read and review!**
To start with, the cover is deceptive. I was in the mood for a light, chick-lit type book and the cover seemed to suggest to me that this would fulfill my needs. Well, it is actually *nothing* like that. (I should have realized this by the name of the book, right?) It is a pretty heavy and deep book. Sad, but definitely well-written. There is a lot going on here, and none of it is light. If you have had your heart broken in any of a variety of ways, you will enjoy this heartfelt and honest book about just that. Forgiveness, kindness, and moving on are keys to take away from this reading experience for me. Not what I expected, but good and worth the read (just be in the mood for it). You'll cry, sigh and laugh (a little) as this tale unfolds for Rhys, Susan & Kat. This will be just what the doctor ordered for many readers struggling to move on in their lives. Last words--Believe in the kindness of strangers!!
**Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an ARC to read and review!**
February 9, 2017
A compelling and beautiful heartbreaking read. This book had me in floods of fear and left me with a massive smile across my face. It will make you believe that there is a chance for humanity if we can take the messages of kindness that this book is portraying and use them in our lives. It is a must read for all. It will make you believe in love and it will make you believe that things can get better no matter what happens. And that life is a lovely place full of lovely people who are kind and generous and wonderful.
Thank for yhe opportunity to read this book. It is a must read for all.
Happy reading everyone
Thank for yhe opportunity to read this book. It is a must read for all.
Happy reading everyone
June 14, 2025
This book may trigger some readers as the topics of suicide, depression, adoption and loss are a part of the story. This story made me feel all the feels learning about Rhys and his grief over losing his brother, meeting Susan and the life she lived and the loneliness she has felt throughout her life and Kat, struggling with the loss of her long term relationship and insecurity in her skills as a newly promoted ward nurse at the hospital where Susan is brought after her accident. I felt immense empathy for these characters and how this story would play out.
Rhys’s connection to Susan was confusing in the beginning as it appears she is a former customer of his plumbing business. She has no other family member or friend listed in her address book other than Rhys. His confusion about being called felt realistic and his reaction and sense of wanting to help was heartwarming to see.
Through the majority of this story, Susan is nonverbal and the only person she demonstrates a reaction to is Rhys. I felt a lot of confusion about this character and wondered what happened to her in her life that has made her isolate herself. As the story continues and more was revealed, it broke my heart and I cried numerous times.
I admired Kat, the nurse overseeing Susan’s care at the hospital. I felt an immediate connection to her. She is healing from a breakup of her five-year relationship and feels immense uncertainty in her ability to perform at the new expected level that comes with her pending promotion. She also demonstrates an immense compassion for all of her patients. Her concern for Susan exceeds what would normally be considered as just doing her job.
I loved these characters and felt like I was walking alongside them rooting for them and crying at the pain and loss they have been given. This story flowed at a wonderful pace and I love this author’s voice. This was my first experience with this author and I am looking forward to reading more from her.
My Final Verdict: A book that tells a moving story with characters that a reader can connect with and empathize with cannot be recommended highly enough. In addition to readers who enjoy women’s fiction, this story will appeal to fans of general fiction and contemporary romance as well.
Thank you to the publisher, Bookouture, who provided an advance reader copy of this book via NetGalley.
Rhys’s connection to Susan was confusing in the beginning as it appears she is a former customer of his plumbing business. She has no other family member or friend listed in her address book other than Rhys. His confusion about being called felt realistic and his reaction and sense of wanting to help was heartwarming to see.
Through the majority of this story, Susan is nonverbal and the only person she demonstrates a reaction to is Rhys. I felt a lot of confusion about this character and wondered what happened to her in her life that has made her isolate herself. As the story continues and more was revealed, it broke my heart and I cried numerous times.
I admired Kat, the nurse overseeing Susan’s care at the hospital. I felt an immediate connection to her. She is healing from a breakup of her five-year relationship and feels immense uncertainty in her ability to perform at the new expected level that comes with her pending promotion. She also demonstrates an immense compassion for all of her patients. Her concern for Susan exceeds what would normally be considered as just doing her job.
I loved these characters and felt like I was walking alongside them rooting for them and crying at the pain and loss they have been given. This story flowed at a wonderful pace and I love this author’s voice. This was my first experience with this author and I am looking forward to reading more from her.
My Final Verdict: A book that tells a moving story with characters that a reader can connect with and empathize with cannot be recommended highly enough. In addition to readers who enjoy women’s fiction, this story will appeal to fans of general fiction and contemporary romance as well.
Thank you to the publisher, Bookouture, who provided an advance reader copy of this book via NetGalley.
May 2, 2019
A lovely, touching, easy read, with relatable characters, each on their own journey of self-discovery. Their lives intertwine through a series of seemingly random events, and they help one another break through the barriers of self-preservation each has built up around them.
February 14, 2017
Interesting debut novel, that should have been heart breaking in its emotion, but just didn't reach me the way I would have hoped or expected.
I think I am lacking in the correct sorts of empathy to truly realise the emotion in this story, but even without shedding a tear, I could see just what a great story it is.
We have on the surface three strangers, with one thing in common, they all have broken hearts and are dealing with them in different ways.
Kat is trying to come to terms with her long term boyfriend cheating on her, and returns to work as an acting ward sister, after a few weeks break. She is instantly intrigued by the newest patient on the ward.
Meet Susan, she is refusing to talk, and is dealing with her own problems in not the best way, and its lucky she is still alive and in hospital. She has no close friends or family, and the only contact in her diary is for Rhys, her plumber.
Rhys, is grieving his brother's death, but when he is contacted to see his connection to Susan, and to see if he can help, goes above and beyond to try to help her. He is the only person she tries to connect to, and all of their lives are changed initially by the book of fairy tales.
I was interested in the lives of the characters, and how they were dealing with the circumstances that author, Anna Mansell was producing for them. This is not a light and fluffy read, but equally there are some moments of levity, but on the whole if feels quite an even novel. I could see there was definitely emotion to be had, I just didn't seem to feel any of it.
I liked the way the story had been crafted, and the differing points of view, especially Susan's story who I was most intrigued by. The way she has been written especially while in hospital, is sad, while also giving snippets into her psyche.
Kat, Rhys and Susan's lives really do converge in this book, and it is fascinating to see how they developed and started to cope as the story progressed. How to Mend a Broken Heart is a great story, that I enjoyed reading.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
I think I am lacking in the correct sorts of empathy to truly realise the emotion in this story, but even without shedding a tear, I could see just what a great story it is.
We have on the surface three strangers, with one thing in common, they all have broken hearts and are dealing with them in different ways.
Kat is trying to come to terms with her long term boyfriend cheating on her, and returns to work as an acting ward sister, after a few weeks break. She is instantly intrigued by the newest patient on the ward.
Meet Susan, she is refusing to talk, and is dealing with her own problems in not the best way, and its lucky she is still alive and in hospital. She has no close friends or family, and the only contact in her diary is for Rhys, her plumber.
Rhys, is grieving his brother's death, but when he is contacted to see his connection to Susan, and to see if he can help, goes above and beyond to try to help her. He is the only person she tries to connect to, and all of their lives are changed initially by the book of fairy tales.
I was interested in the lives of the characters, and how they were dealing with the circumstances that author, Anna Mansell was producing for them. This is not a light and fluffy read, but equally there are some moments of levity, but on the whole if feels quite an even novel. I could see there was definitely emotion to be had, I just didn't seem to feel any of it.
I liked the way the story had been crafted, and the differing points of view, especially Susan's story who I was most intrigued by. The way she has been written especially while in hospital, is sad, while also giving snippets into her psyche.
Kat, Rhys and Susan's lives really do converge in this book, and it is fascinating to see how they developed and started to cope as the story progressed. How to Mend a Broken Heart is a great story, that I enjoyed reading.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
February 6, 2017
This review can also be found on my blog at: https://diminishingthoughts.wordpress...
I received this book from the publisher on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
How to Mend a Broken Heart is a story that revolves around three people and how their lives are interwoven whether they see it or not. I felt that this story tell us that even a person who is a complete stranger can have an impact on your life. Not always for the better, but not necessarily for the worst either.
"We can store a memory away, but it never truly dies. We can ignore its existence, we can hide from the emotions it provokes, but it will return when the soil of life is overturned."
We start out the story with Kat. I rather liked her even if she wasn't my favourite in the book. I felt that with her, the most work had to be done in that she was the character who I would look to see if any development occurred. Kat worked as a nurse in a hospital and for a while she is placed with the responsibility of acting Ward Sister. With her boyfriend dumping her after 5 years together, then getting an almost promotion at work, she already has a lot on her plate, but of course the universe has to throw in a complicated patient that nobody can get through to.
Susan started out as a mystery. I assumed the prologue was from her point of view. It was quite confusing and I wasn't sure what was happening but I went with the flow but curiosity got the better of me. Susan herself doesn't have many POV's in the book but what we do get, gives that little bit of suspense and keeps us asking questions.
Rhys, this character was my favourite of the book. He made me want to reach in and hug him or something. From the beginning of the book it was made clear that he was upset and we knew why but the problem was...we didn't know how to make him feel better and I think that made his story all the more sad.
None of these three characters individually are the main character because all of them collectively make up the main part of the story. As the story goes on we find out how and why they, in particular, are tied together by the fates or whoever it may be.
"-Why do we hide from the things that might make us?
-Because they can just as easily break us."
This book was described as being heart wrenching but I didn't feel that my heartstrings were being pulled at. My friend says it's because I don't have a heart but I think it's because I didn't go in with all my emotions and feelings laid bare.
I did like what the story offered and after the initial confusing part, I got pretty into it. Once you let yourself go, the book is a pretty quick read. The book got a bit predictable near the middle to the end bit but that was okay because it didn't take anything away from the story as a whole. I loved the writing and the author's talent of drawing one in. I'll definitely be keeping a lookout for more of her work.
Blog | Twitter | Instagram | Wattpad
I received this book from the publisher on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
How to Mend a Broken Heart is a story that revolves around three people and how their lives are interwoven whether they see it or not. I felt that this story tell us that even a person who is a complete stranger can have an impact on your life. Not always for the better, but not necessarily for the worst either.
"We can store a memory away, but it never truly dies. We can ignore its existence, we can hide from the emotions it provokes, but it will return when the soil of life is overturned."
We start out the story with Kat. I rather liked her even if she wasn't my favourite in the book. I felt that with her, the most work had to be done in that she was the character who I would look to see if any development occurred. Kat worked as a nurse in a hospital and for a while she is placed with the responsibility of acting Ward Sister. With her boyfriend dumping her after 5 years together, then getting an almost promotion at work, she already has a lot on her plate, but of course the universe has to throw in a complicated patient that nobody can get through to.
Susan started out as a mystery. I assumed the prologue was from her point of view. It was quite confusing and I wasn't sure what was happening but I went with the flow but curiosity got the better of me. Susan herself doesn't have many POV's in the book but what we do get, gives that little bit of suspense and keeps us asking questions.
Rhys, this character was my favourite of the book. He made me want to reach in and hug him or something. From the beginning of the book it was made clear that he was upset and we knew why but the problem was...we didn't know how to make him feel better and I think that made his story all the more sad.
None of these three characters individually are the main character because all of them collectively make up the main part of the story. As the story goes on we find out how and why they, in particular, are tied together by the fates or whoever it may be.
"-Why do we hide from the things that might make us?
-Because they can just as easily break us."
This book was described as being heart wrenching but I didn't feel that my heartstrings were being pulled at. My friend says it's because I don't have a heart but I think it's because I didn't go in with all my emotions and feelings laid bare.
I did like what the story offered and after the initial confusing part, I got pretty into it. Once you let yourself go, the book is a pretty quick read. The book got a bit predictable near the middle to the end bit but that was okay because it didn't take anything away from the story as a whole. I loved the writing and the author's talent of drawing one in. I'll definitely be keeping a lookout for more of her work.
Blog | Twitter | Instagram | Wattpad
January 29, 2017
3,5 stars
First, let me point out one thing: HTMABH is not a chick lit as the cover might indicate, so if you are looking for an easy and funny romance novel, I'm sorry but this is not that kind of book. If you want something that catch your interest, that intrigues you and at the same time makes you care about three (if not more) different characters, then this is perfect.
I confess that the first thing that made me chose this book was mainly the cover, because it has the same style as those of my lovely Moyes, plus add that in the description there is also written "for lovers of Jojo Moyes" and I was already completely gone. Taken.
Returning to the novel, I don't want to spoiler anything because the book is an ARC, then has yet to come out, so I will just comment in general without going into details (or I'll try). This is a love story, but not the love story where somebody fall in love, this is a love that's been lost, torn or given up. A painful love, overvalued or unexpected. There are so many different adjectives that you can adapt to it and change as the story progresses. It's a story that starts slowly and in a certain way and that in the end is anything compared to what you expected, it's a pleasant surprise. I definitely suggest it for people over 25 but I think that even younger people could appreciate it. The style is very British (which I love), with lots of words and idioms definitely English, that makes you love it. Blimey!
The protagonists are three: Kat, Rhys and Susan. 29, 38 and 56 years old (if I remember correctly). Three different people so different from each other that meet and whose lives are intertwined, and in the end it doesn't look like they were so different. Three characters that mature and change over the course of the story, that surprised me and also disappointed me sometimes (yes, I admit it). Obviously they didn't come alone, and I confess I loved even those secondary characters - not everyone, of course. The ending left me with a bitter taste about one thing (hence the 3.5 stars) but it's something personal, I think for the others is not a problem. I can't write it because it's very spoiler-ish, maybe I'll add it when the book will be released, but then again it's not big deal.
In conclusion, it was a good read, I recommend it. And I think I'll keep an eye on this author.
P.S. I'm pretty sure I wrote down a lot of grammar mistakes, have mercy, I'm not used to write so much in English.
Disclaimer: ARC Copy provided by NetGalley for an unbiased review
First, let me point out one thing: HTMABH is not a chick lit as the cover might indicate, so if you are looking for an easy and funny romance novel, I'm sorry but this is not that kind of book. If you want something that catch your interest, that intrigues you and at the same time makes you care about three (if not more) different characters, then this is perfect.
I confess that the first thing that made me chose this book was mainly the cover, because it has the same style as those of my lovely Moyes, plus add that in the description there is also written "for lovers of Jojo Moyes" and I was already completely gone. Taken.
Returning to the novel, I don't want to spoiler anything because the book is an ARC, then has yet to come out, so I will just comment in general without going into details (or I'll try). This is a love story, but not the love story where somebody fall in love, this is a love that's been lost, torn or given up. A painful love, overvalued or unexpected. There are so many different adjectives that you can adapt to it and change as the story progresses. It's a story that starts slowly and in a certain way and that in the end is anything compared to what you expected, it's a pleasant surprise. I definitely suggest it for people over 25 but I think that even younger people could appreciate it. The style is very British (which I love), with lots of words and idioms definitely English, that makes you love it. Blimey!
The protagonists are three: Kat, Rhys and Susan. 29, 38 and 56 years old (if I remember correctly). Three different people so different from each other that meet and whose lives are intertwined, and in the end it doesn't look like they were so different. Three characters that mature and change over the course of the story, that surprised me and also disappointed me sometimes (yes, I admit it). Obviously they didn't come alone, and I confess I loved even those secondary characters - not everyone, of course. The ending left me with a bitter taste about one thing (hence the 3.5 stars) but it's something personal, I think for the others is not a problem. I can't write it because it's very spoiler-ish, maybe I'll add it when the book will be released, but then again it's not big deal.
In conclusion, it was a good read, I recommend it. And I think I'll keep an eye on this author.
P.S. I'm pretty sure I wrote down a lot of grammar mistakes, have mercy, I'm not used to write so much in English.
Disclaimer: ARC Copy provided by NetGalley for an unbiased review
December 26, 2016
Wow! This book is just so beautiful in every way. The author has such a wonderful way with words. I was crying, laughing and rooting for the characters while reading this lovely, emotional story. Susan, Rhys, Kat - all these fabulous characters burrowed into my heart in the course of this story and will stay with me for a long time, of that I am sure. I loved every word of this tale and am in awe of this author who incited so many emotions within me in the process of telling this story. So thrilled to have discovered her and I cannot wait to read more from her.
March 25, 2017
For the full review, please visit paytonsbookthoughts.wordpress.com
I must admit, I was a bit skeptical about even requesting this book. The title itself was enough to scare me because in my personal life I am still recovering from a bad relationship/break-up. I finally talked myself into requesting it and was approved. I will also admit, I had a ton of expectations for this book before I ever opened it as well.
That being said, I was pleased and disappointed all at the same time. I really enjoyed the book and the path it took. I was slightly disappointed by it because I think I wanted something more from it. I wanted it ‘to mend (my) broken heart’ and it didn’t do that.. Unrealistic expectation? Probably, but it was still what I wanted. I was hoping for some magical insight. That is not what you get here and that is completely ok.
This book had so much potential to be extremely heavy. It dealt with extremely sensitive subjects such as abandonment, adoption, suicide, reuniting with birth parents, secrets, and so much more. While it had all this potential, Anna Mansell didn’t choose to go down that path. This read was so much lighter than I was expecting and the subject matter at hand. However, it was still captivating and kept me turning page after page.
Of course I’m trying not to give too many details away. But I was so aggravated with Rhys. He was this grown man that acted like a HUGE BABY in almost every aspect of his life. He was annoying and I just wanted him to grow up.
I was extremely thankful for Kat in this story because she was the one I could most relate to. She had just gotten out of a really long relationship that was going absolutely no where and was trying to figure out where her life was going from there. I definitely feel like I’m in her shoes. So I was really hoping she got a happy ending. I won’t say whether or not act actually happened…
I gave this book 3.5 stars, as you can see from my rating explanations, that means I enjoyed the book but it didn’t seem to drive home a point. That was completely true about this book. It didn’t seem to drive home any type of point or even show the readers what she thought the answers were to her own questions. Let me explain.
One of the major premises in this book was about what makes people choose to OPT OUT OF LIFE. Whether that be physically or emotionally. I found that completely intriguing. I don’t have an answer formulated in my head either, but I was hoping that Anna Mansell would at least present what she thought the answer was.
The more I think about it, maybe it was better she didn’t. Because to be honest, we will never know why people choose to opt out of life. The answer could be different for different people. I just feel like more could have been done that what was done in this book.
I would still recommend this book to people who don’t have triggers related to any of these topics. It was a good read and I definitely look forward to Anna Mansell’s next book because this was a great one for her debut!
I must admit, I was a bit skeptical about even requesting this book. The title itself was enough to scare me because in my personal life I am still recovering from a bad relationship/break-up. I finally talked myself into requesting it and was approved. I will also admit, I had a ton of expectations for this book before I ever opened it as well.
That being said, I was pleased and disappointed all at the same time. I really enjoyed the book and the path it took. I was slightly disappointed by it because I think I wanted something more from it. I wanted it ‘to mend (my) broken heart’ and it didn’t do that.. Unrealistic expectation? Probably, but it was still what I wanted. I was hoping for some magical insight. That is not what you get here and that is completely ok.
This book had so much potential to be extremely heavy. It dealt with extremely sensitive subjects such as abandonment, adoption, suicide, reuniting with birth parents, secrets, and so much more. While it had all this potential, Anna Mansell didn’t choose to go down that path. This read was so much lighter than I was expecting and the subject matter at hand. However, it was still captivating and kept me turning page after page.
Of course I’m trying not to give too many details away. But I was so aggravated with Rhys. He was this grown man that acted like a HUGE BABY in almost every aspect of his life. He was annoying and I just wanted him to grow up.
I was extremely thankful for Kat in this story because she was the one I could most relate to. She had just gotten out of a really long relationship that was going absolutely no where and was trying to figure out where her life was going from there. I definitely feel like I’m in her shoes. So I was really hoping she got a happy ending. I won’t say whether or not act actually happened…
I gave this book 3.5 stars, as you can see from my rating explanations, that means I enjoyed the book but it didn’t seem to drive home a point. That was completely true about this book. It didn’t seem to drive home any type of point or even show the readers what she thought the answers were to her own questions. Let me explain.
One of the major premises in this book was about what makes people choose to OPT OUT OF LIFE. Whether that be physically or emotionally. I found that completely intriguing. I don’t have an answer formulated in my head either, but I was hoping that Anna Mansell would at least present what she thought the answer was.
The more I think about it, maybe it was better she didn’t. Because to be honest, we will never know why people choose to opt out of life. The answer could be different for different people. I just feel like more could have been done that what was done in this book.
I would still recommend this book to people who don’t have triggers related to any of these topics. It was a good read and I definitely look forward to Anna Mansell’s next book because this was a great one for her debut!
March 4, 2017
The first thing that grabbed my attention was the cover of this book. It is beautiful, and as I came to find out, sometimes you can judge a book by its cover, because the story told in the pages were also beautiful.
I must admit that I didn’t fully take in the synopsis before starting to read. I was expecting a light story of someone who has had a break up and has to get back on her feet. But what I found was far more than that. It was deeper, more heartfelt and compelling.
The blurb tells you what you need to know about the book without giving too much away, and that is part of what I found powerful, not knowing the characters stories, and having them revealed to me as I read. Yes, ok, it isn’t too long before you put the pieces of the jigsaw together, but for me it didn’t take away from the book as this is a work that as described on the cover is an emotional, uplifting page turner about love, loss and hope. I felt all those emotions during the course of the story, and as I write this review, just hours after finishing it, I find myself feeling that I have taken a message away that will stay with me.
Susan is a complex and troubled character and like Rapunzel, trapped in a tower of her troubled and sad life, she needs rescuing. When an event happens Rhys is the only contact number they can find on her and so Rhys gets a call which leads to him racing to the hospital thinking his Mum has been injured. Whilst relieved that his family is ok, he is compelled by Susan, and having lost his brother he has an urge to see if by helping Susan he can bring some closure and answers to his grief.
One character not mentioned in the blurb is Kat who is a nurse working at the hospital. She is also key to the story and I loved her. She has her own past that she is battling, but she is strong, caring and compassionate. A little bit of a lost and damaged soul I could relate to her.
I wasn’t initially sure how I felt about Susan and Rhys. Whilst I was reading the words and could understand them it took me time to get inside their heads and emotions, but for me it was worth the wait. Their stories are moving and absorbing, as is Kats. I loved the way that the author has made each of their situations and feelings compliment eachother.
Each chapter is narrated by a different character which gave it an added dimension for me as I was able to look at the how the story evolved from each of their perspectives, in particular Kat and Rhys. Susan is definitely far more closed and surrounded by more mystery which by the end really left me wondering how things would pan for her. I would love to hear her story with her as narrator.
I have just seen that this the debut novel from Anna Mansell which didn’t even occur to me whilst reading. Full of character, depth and emotional writing this book is fantastic, and I can’t wait to read more of her work.
I must admit that I didn’t fully take in the synopsis before starting to read. I was expecting a light story of someone who has had a break up and has to get back on her feet. But what I found was far more than that. It was deeper, more heartfelt and compelling.
The blurb tells you what you need to know about the book without giving too much away, and that is part of what I found powerful, not knowing the characters stories, and having them revealed to me as I read. Yes, ok, it isn’t too long before you put the pieces of the jigsaw together, but for me it didn’t take away from the book as this is a work that as described on the cover is an emotional, uplifting page turner about love, loss and hope. I felt all those emotions during the course of the story, and as I write this review, just hours after finishing it, I find myself feeling that I have taken a message away that will stay with me.
Susan is a complex and troubled character and like Rapunzel, trapped in a tower of her troubled and sad life, she needs rescuing. When an event happens Rhys is the only contact number they can find on her and so Rhys gets a call which leads to him racing to the hospital thinking his Mum has been injured. Whilst relieved that his family is ok, he is compelled by Susan, and having lost his brother he has an urge to see if by helping Susan he can bring some closure and answers to his grief.
One character not mentioned in the blurb is Kat who is a nurse working at the hospital. She is also key to the story and I loved her. She has her own past that she is battling, but she is strong, caring and compassionate. A little bit of a lost and damaged soul I could relate to her.
I wasn’t initially sure how I felt about Susan and Rhys. Whilst I was reading the words and could understand them it took me time to get inside their heads and emotions, but for me it was worth the wait. Their stories are moving and absorbing, as is Kats. I loved the way that the author has made each of their situations and feelings compliment eachother.
Each chapter is narrated by a different character which gave it an added dimension for me as I was able to look at the how the story evolved from each of their perspectives, in particular Kat and Rhys. Susan is definitely far more closed and surrounded by more mystery which by the end really left me wondering how things would pan for her. I would love to hear her story with her as narrator.
I have just seen that this the debut novel from Anna Mansell which didn’t even occur to me whilst reading. Full of character, depth and emotional writing this book is fantastic, and I can’t wait to read more of her work.
March 11, 2021
Ah the feelings! How to Mend a Broken Heart follows three characters who have lost all hope at happiness. Grief and heartache is strong. Even though, the topics are quite heavy, it is told in such a sweet and hopeful way that it softens them. Really enjoyed this one!
TW: death of a loved one, suicide
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the free ebook copy.
TW: death of a loved one, suicide
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the free ebook copy.
July 30, 2017
Lovely read
March 6, 2017
I'm really pleased to be part of the Blog Tour for How to Mend a Broken Heart by Anna Mansell.
The cover instantly drew me to this book- so pretty. This is a debut novel by Anna Mansell and I will definitely be keen to read more by this author.
We meet the three main characters early on and they have a tenuous connection and are all suffering some degree of heartbreak. Kat recently broke up with her long term boyfriend, Rhys lost his brother to suicide and Susan is in hospital refusing to speak .
When Kat finds Rhys telephone number is Susan’s handbag the connection between the three characters starts. He was her plumber but when he gets the phonecall, thinks that the lady in hospital might be his mum and rushes to see her.
When he realises that he vaguely remembers her he then feels a sense of responsibility that seems unusual and his feelings are triggered by the fact that she seems so vulnerable and alone. There are some touching scenes when he visits.
We hear from each of the three characters point of view which gives us a greater insight into how they all feel and more about their history.
With a daughter who has selective mutism I felt drawn to the character of Susan and we want to learn more about why she’s refusing to speak and what has happened to her.
I loved the way that the characters developed as the relationship between them continued. I’ll admit that this wasn’t the type of book I was expecting from the cover- but I was instantly drawn into its pages and couldn’t put it down until I discovered what happened to them all.
With many thanks to Bookoutre and Net Galley for an Arc of this book which I voluntarily read.
The cover instantly drew me to this book- so pretty. This is a debut novel by Anna Mansell and I will definitely be keen to read more by this author.
We meet the three main characters early on and they have a tenuous connection and are all suffering some degree of heartbreak. Kat recently broke up with her long term boyfriend, Rhys lost his brother to suicide and Susan is in hospital refusing to speak .
When Kat finds Rhys telephone number is Susan’s handbag the connection between the three characters starts. He was her plumber but when he gets the phonecall, thinks that the lady in hospital might be his mum and rushes to see her.
When he realises that he vaguely remembers her he then feels a sense of responsibility that seems unusual and his feelings are triggered by the fact that she seems so vulnerable and alone. There are some touching scenes when he visits.
We hear from each of the three characters point of view which gives us a greater insight into how they all feel and more about their history.
With a daughter who has selective mutism I felt drawn to the character of Susan and we want to learn more about why she’s refusing to speak and what has happened to her.
I loved the way that the characters developed as the relationship between them continued. I’ll admit that this wasn’t the type of book I was expecting from the cover- but I was instantly drawn into its pages and couldn’t put it down until I discovered what happened to them all.
With many thanks to Bookoutre and Net Galley for an Arc of this book which I voluntarily read.
March 11, 2017
This is more women's fiction than chick lit. The subject matter much deeper than I first expected but with a positive outlook. I enjoyed the entwining stories of the main characters, the different types of love and the different types of broken hearts that needed to be healed.
January 3, 2017
I was lucky enough to receive a ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review which I am more then happy to give.
How to mend a broken heart had me at the cover! I thought that this was going to be a fantastic Chick Lit read but got more then I bargained for and was pleasantly surprised..
I would compare this book to the likes of Dani Atkins and Jojo Moyes.
Without giving away too many spoilers this book follows the stories of three main characters Kat, Rhys and Susan and how their lives become intertwined. With them we share many highs, lows, tears and heartache. We watch the characters as they grow and you are there with them through every step of their journeys.
I would recommend ready this book and found it to be an enjoyable easy read.
How to mend a broken heart had me at the cover! I thought that this was going to be a fantastic Chick Lit read but got more then I bargained for and was pleasantly surprised..
I would compare this book to the likes of Dani Atkins and Jojo Moyes.
Without giving away too many spoilers this book follows the stories of three main characters Kat, Rhys and Susan and how their lives become intertwined. With them we share many highs, lows, tears and heartache. We watch the characters as they grow and you are there with them through every step of their journeys.
I would recommend ready this book and found it to be an enjoyable easy read.
February 20, 2017
I was expecting a chick-lit, light-hearted read despite the title.
It’s definitely not.
What I found was a wonderful, deep story taking in some very serious topics.
Relationship break-ups, adoption, suicide. All tackled perfectly by the author.
Some very thought provoking situations.
I liked the pace of the story and the chapters told from the perspective of each of the main characters, and during a busy week I was able to pick it up and not lose my way.
The characters were really likeable and had good depth.
Things from the past were uncovered, and I felt I knew the path the story would take.
I was right, but in a good way I was glad I was. I don’t always want to read a twisty-turny story.
What the author gives is a story of friendship, kindness and a togetherness of strangers brought together.
I’m a great advocate of being nice to people and this shows it off to its full advantage.
Thank you Anna for writing such a lovely story.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the review copy.
https://steflozbookblog.wordpress.com...
It’s definitely not.
What I found was a wonderful, deep story taking in some very serious topics.
Relationship break-ups, adoption, suicide. All tackled perfectly by the author.
Some very thought provoking situations.
I liked the pace of the story and the chapters told from the perspective of each of the main characters, and during a busy week I was able to pick it up and not lose my way.
The characters were really likeable and had good depth.
Things from the past were uncovered, and I felt I knew the path the story would take.
I was right, but in a good way I was glad I was. I don’t always want to read a twisty-turny story.
What the author gives is a story of friendship, kindness and a togetherness of strangers brought together.
I’m a great advocate of being nice to people and this shows it off to its full advantage.
Thank you Anna for writing such a lovely story.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the review copy.
https://steflozbookblog.wordpress.com...
June 2, 2017
There’s a carriage clock on the mantelpiece. Its pendulum swings the seconds clockwise, then anti; a mirror reflects our faces. On noticing each other, we look away.
“How broken is someone who’d do this?” she whispers.
How broken are any of us, I think. And that’s when I have to close my eyes.
This book is quite deceptive; the cover looks like something you would find on a light-hearted romance novel and the blurb made me think that it would have a comedic element to it. All I can say is I have never been so happy to be deceived. This is a very deep and emotional read that deals with tough subjects, and I was so glad that it turned out to be something much better and more substantial that I was expecting.
The story is told from all three perspectives, which I thought was brilliant because it helped to piece things together better. I liked that we didn’t hear as much from Susan though as it added to the mystery surrounding her but gave you enough glimpses into her thoughts so that you still felt connected to her. It was also nice that each character was explored separately as well being part of the main storyline, I feel that added a real depth to the characters, and at points I wished I could find out even more about them.
The characters were wonderful, and I enjoyed the way their stories weaved in together, how they manage to help each other and have an impact in each other’s lives in both small and big ways. I found myself getting upset for them, rooting for them, and hoping that they would manage to get to better places. The only little problem I had was that I thought Rhys acted somewhat childishly at points and I forgot that he was supposed to be the age that he was.
I was really invested in the story, it was a little slow at points, but I found that I couldn’t tear myself away because I wanted to know how each of the characters got on.
How To Mend A Broken Heart is an amazing but emotional book, with characters that you can’t help but love, I would highly recommend it.
Originally posted on everywhere and nowhere
November 16, 2017
This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews Firstly I would like to thank Bookouture for providing me with a copy of this book via Netgalley. This is the first book by Anna but the premise and cover intrigued me. This book is written from 3 perspectives Rhys, Susan and Kat.
I have to be honest, I found the pace of this book very slow and I found it quite difficult to connect with Rhys at the beginning. I found him to be quite selfish. I wanted him to be happy for his mum and think about her feelings and not just his own. However I think at the beginning of this book he is still grieving and that can change people's behaviour quite significantly.
Susan has lived her whole adult life alive but not living. Since she was in her late teens Susan has felt like there was something missing in her life. She feels like she is only half a person. She goes through the day to day routine of going to work, coming home, eating, sleeping but while she has been breathing she hasn't been enjoying life. She hasn't been truly living.
Kat has recently been dumped and is still struggling to come to terms with her newly single life. Kat has low self-esteem. She doesn't realise how amazing she really is. At times I wanted to scream at Kat to be a bit more assertive and ballsy but I don't think she is that kind of person.
All three of these people are broken but in different ways. i enjoyed the altering perspectives. I like seeing things from lots of different mindsets so this is always something I enjoy. As I said I found the pace to be slow but I did race through the ending of this book.
Like a lot of people this book was not what I expected. It was a lot deeper and more heartfelt than the story I was anticipating. That said the ending was very uplifting and the last few chapters were some of the best in this book. I look forward to seeing Anna's work grow in future books as is evidenced through the progression of this book.
I have to be honest, I found the pace of this book very slow and I found it quite difficult to connect with Rhys at the beginning. I found him to be quite selfish. I wanted him to be happy for his mum and think about her feelings and not just his own. However I think at the beginning of this book he is still grieving and that can change people's behaviour quite significantly.
Susan has lived her whole adult life alive but not living. Since she was in her late teens Susan has felt like there was something missing in her life. She feels like she is only half a person. She goes through the day to day routine of going to work, coming home, eating, sleeping but while she has been breathing she hasn't been enjoying life. She hasn't been truly living.
Kat has recently been dumped and is still struggling to come to terms with her newly single life. Kat has low self-esteem. She doesn't realise how amazing she really is. At times I wanted to scream at Kat to be a bit more assertive and ballsy but I don't think she is that kind of person.
All three of these people are broken but in different ways. i enjoyed the altering perspectives. I like seeing things from lots of different mindsets so this is always something I enjoy. As I said I found the pace to be slow but I did race through the ending of this book.
Like a lot of people this book was not what I expected. It was a lot deeper and more heartfelt than the story I was anticipating. That said the ending was very uplifting and the last few chapters were some of the best in this book. I look forward to seeing Anna's work grow in future books as is evidenced through the progression of this book.
March 12, 2017
I would like to thank NetGalley, the Publisher and Author for this copy.
This was an intense, touching and at some point heart-breaking story about 3 strangers, 3 broken lives, finding each other under unexpected circumstances.
Kat, the nurse, had just come out from a devastating relationship. Rhys was still trying, after more than 6 months, to survive the pain caused by his brother's death. And Susan, a patient who came to Kat's hospital after she had an accident, or was it really an accident?
Among all the complicated characters and their relationships, Susan seems to be the one most fascinating. She refuses to speak or interact with anybody except for Rhys. A complete stranger, brought by chance by her side. She was the one who, in a certain way, brought them all together with a Fairy Tales book.
The story was told alternatively by those three characters, and i liked that about it. The different perspectives offered on each situation, the different problems expressed, the different complicated situations that come with life.
In some ways, it was a difficult story to read. All that hurt, guilt and broken lives and dreams. But it was also about forgiveness and second chances.
I really enjoyed it and i liked the different characters.
I would recommend it.
This was an intense, touching and at some point heart-breaking story about 3 strangers, 3 broken lives, finding each other under unexpected circumstances.
Kat, the nurse, had just come out from a devastating relationship. Rhys was still trying, after more than 6 months, to survive the pain caused by his brother's death. And Susan, a patient who came to Kat's hospital after she had an accident, or was it really an accident?
Among all the complicated characters and their relationships, Susan seems to be the one most fascinating. She refuses to speak or interact with anybody except for Rhys. A complete stranger, brought by chance by her side. She was the one who, in a certain way, brought them all together with a Fairy Tales book.
The story was told alternatively by those three characters, and i liked that about it. The different perspectives offered on each situation, the different problems expressed, the different complicated situations that come with life.
In some ways, it was a difficult story to read. All that hurt, guilt and broken lives and dreams. But it was also about forgiveness and second chances.
I really enjoyed it and i liked the different characters.
I would recommend it.
February 7, 2017
An unexpected pleasure, that had more of an emotional impact on me than I dreamed possible.
In this debut Mansell focuses on three individuals - Kat, Rhys and Susan - and explores how each of them manages to deal with their own broken heart.
I expected a frothy romance, but this was far more than that. Yes, there's talk of relationships but the novel focuses also on dealing with grief, abandonment and simply learning to love yourself enough to face what life throws at you.
Chick lit with real heart.
If I was being picky I might criticise this for going down the obvious feel-good route on occasion, but there's enough here to appeal which means that can be overlooked.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
In this debut Mansell focuses on three individuals - Kat, Rhys and Susan - and explores how each of them manages to deal with their own broken heart.
I expected a frothy romance, but this was far more than that. Yes, there's talk of relationships but the novel focuses also on dealing with grief, abandonment and simply learning to love yourself enough to face what life throws at you.
Chick lit with real heart.
If I was being picky I might criticise this for going down the obvious feel-good route on occasion, but there's enough here to appeal which means that can be overlooked.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
March 1, 2017
This is a beautiful book - written with a clear, easy-to-read style, but with great emotional depth to the plot. Anna Mansell explores difficult emotions with care and sensitivity, and uses gently endearing characters to suck the reader into the story. This is the perfect book to pick up if you're in the mood for a cathartic cry and searching for a brave, uplifting read.
October 14, 2017
Kat was a nurse and had just been dumper by her boyfriend of five years that she thought she would marry. Kat is also acting as acting Ward Sister. Kat was also dealing with the break up and has to find her way and place in life not that she is single again after so long. Then Kat gets Susan as a patient and she won’t say a word. Susan had been hit by a motorcycle and ended up in the hospital and as Kat’s patient. There was some question if Susan had been attempted suicide, Susan was a broken lonely woman of fifty six who had lived with her parents until recently. When going through Susan’s purse they saw a piece of paper with Rhys’s number on it Rhys was the only person they could find with any kind of connection to Susan.Rhys is a plumber an Rhys’s brother David had committed suicide over six months ago and Rhys is having problems dealing with the loss and why David decided to kill himself.. Rhys gets a call from the hospital and was told by Kat that they had found his number in a purse of the patient. Rhys thinks his mother got hurt and rushes there. Susan had given up until she sees Rhys. Rhys sees a lom=nely lost woman when he sees Susan and Rhys felt if he could help Susan maybe he could find some answers as well as closure. All three people are suffering from heartaches, loneliness and loss. As time goes on they learn from each other and start to heal.
I did enjoy this book but it did have a lot of pain and loss so I am not sure if enjoy is the right word. I am very happy I read this and it kept my attention all through the story’ I did choke up at times. Many emotions are portrayed in this book. There was so much covered in this book: Loss, adoption, suicide, love, and forgiveness to name some. I felt this was fairly realistic. I didn’t want to put this down. I liked the plot but didn’t really care for the ending. The pace was a little slow for me at times but not enough that I didn’t want to finish the story. I am glad I read this. I liked the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I recommend.
I did enjoy this book but it did have a lot of pain and loss so I am not sure if enjoy is the right word. I am very happy I read this and it kept my attention all through the story’ I did choke up at times. Many emotions are portrayed in this book. There was so much covered in this book: Loss, adoption, suicide, love, and forgiveness to name some. I felt this was fairly realistic. I didn’t want to put this down. I liked the plot but didn’t really care for the ending. The pace was a little slow for me at times but not enough that I didn’t want to finish the story. I am glad I read this. I liked the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I recommend.
February 19, 2017
How to mend a Broken Heart is a tale based around three complete strangers, Kat, Rhys and Susan who all come into each others lives at the strangest of times. Kat is the recently promoted to ward sister and is finding her feet after she is newly single and her life seems to be falling apart in front of her. A mystery arises when Susan is admitted to hospital after an accident she has no contact with anybody, refuses to speak and the only thing that can be found to link her to anybody is a phone number in a diary. It turns out that the phone number belongs to Rhys, a local plumber that has done the odd job here and there for whilst trying to get his life in order after the death of his brother. The story shows how three different people can be broken on different ways and that there is always a chance at happiness and explores the effects of the impact people have in others lives.
Straight away the story is told from 3 points of view so there isn't one main character buy instead 3 journeys being told simultaneously. At first it can be a little difficult to follow and know who is who but once you are a little way in it is easy to tell from whose point or view each chapter is from as there is three different writing styles clearly being shown.
The way that Mansell has structured the book is clever because it kept me as a reader interested as from the different characters backgrounds and lives are revealed there is a different perspective from each chapter as it flits from Kat to Rhys to Susan and then back between the three you feel like you need to keep reading to find out more.
When I first started to read the novel I was expecting the common chic lit style I think mainly because of the cover and it says the book is perfect for fans of JoJo Moyes so I personally expected some similarities rightly or wrongly. Id say for me it was more about heartache rather than heartbreak but its still quite clear that they 3 characters are hurting as there are some quite dark and difficult topics talked about but its different from others as each have their own story to tell and all have their personal elements to each character.
One of the main things I liked about the book was the relationship between Rhys and Susan. You know that they are connected straight away and that there is some sort of hidden friendship/relationship between the two of them but you don't know what it is. Then Susan shows that Rhys is the one to help her and that there was an element of trust there from the beginning. Susan gives Rhys a key to her house and asks for him specifically to collect a fairy tale book from her house. Inside the book is a newspaper cutting. I will admit once I read the newspaper article I did guess the link between the two characters and I did find it a little predictable from then on.
I think that the book does have a few elements of chic lit especially when the reader delves into Kats side of the story. Every girl has been in her situation in some way and can relate to they way that she feels especially when she sees Daniel (her ex boyfriend) with his new stunning and very pregnant girlfriend. The way Mansell describes how Kat feels and they realisation that her and Daniel are over and that's where her element of heartache takes over and you really begin to feel for Kat. When you look at the difference in Kat at the starts of the novel and when you read about her at her lowest moments the message behind the novel really shines and you know that will be happy again and that the broken pieces can be out back together again.
Rhys is a really likeable character and may be my favourite for half of the book. He comes across as protective and his caring nature is shown from the beginning as he panics as he worries for his mum. It is clear that Rhys is lost and seems to be stuck in a rut with no idea where his life will take him.
I enjoyed most of the book but there were a few elements that I wasn't keen on. At a certain point in the book (I don't want to give too much away) but you see an angry side of Rhys and I think that that really spoils him as a character. It was a side of him that I really didn't like and totally put me off him for the rest of the book if I'm honest. I was also really disappointed with the ending. No that way that they book finished because all the links were connected and the ends tied up but I really wanted there to be something more between Kat and Rhys and then there was nothing. Maybe because I was expecting Chic Lit or because I read too many chic lit books, I don't know but the ending was a bit of anti-climax for me I just thought that it didn't finish with an end if that makes sense.
Anna Mansell's debut novel is well written, an interesting read and I really do like her writing style. It wasn't quite what I expected and I would advise other readers not to be expecting the typical chic lit book, which I think that a lot of readers would be expecting because of the cover, but I did enjoy the book and I will be defiantly be keeping an eye out for more of her work and will be happy to give them a read.
Straight away the story is told from 3 points of view so there isn't one main character buy instead 3 journeys being told simultaneously. At first it can be a little difficult to follow and know who is who but once you are a little way in it is easy to tell from whose point or view each chapter is from as there is three different writing styles clearly being shown.
The way that Mansell has structured the book is clever because it kept me as a reader interested as from the different characters backgrounds and lives are revealed there is a different perspective from each chapter as it flits from Kat to Rhys to Susan and then back between the three you feel like you need to keep reading to find out more.
When I first started to read the novel I was expecting the common chic lit style I think mainly because of the cover and it says the book is perfect for fans of JoJo Moyes so I personally expected some similarities rightly or wrongly. Id say for me it was more about heartache rather than heartbreak but its still quite clear that they 3 characters are hurting as there are some quite dark and difficult topics talked about but its different from others as each have their own story to tell and all have their personal elements to each character.
One of the main things I liked about the book was the relationship between Rhys and Susan. You know that they are connected straight away and that there is some sort of hidden friendship/relationship between the two of them but you don't know what it is. Then Susan shows that Rhys is the one to help her and that there was an element of trust there from the beginning. Susan gives Rhys a key to her house and asks for him specifically to collect a fairy tale book from her house. Inside the book is a newspaper cutting. I will admit once I read the newspaper article I did guess the link between the two characters and I did find it a little predictable from then on.
I think that the book does have a few elements of chic lit especially when the reader delves into Kats side of the story. Every girl has been in her situation in some way and can relate to they way that she feels especially when she sees Daniel (her ex boyfriend) with his new stunning and very pregnant girlfriend. The way Mansell describes how Kat feels and they realisation that her and Daniel are over and that's where her element of heartache takes over and you really begin to feel for Kat. When you look at the difference in Kat at the starts of the novel and when you read about her at her lowest moments the message behind the novel really shines and you know that will be happy again and that the broken pieces can be out back together again.
Rhys is a really likeable character and may be my favourite for half of the book. He comes across as protective and his caring nature is shown from the beginning as he panics as he worries for his mum. It is clear that Rhys is lost and seems to be stuck in a rut with no idea where his life will take him.
I enjoyed most of the book but there were a few elements that I wasn't keen on. At a certain point in the book (I don't want to give too much away) but you see an angry side of Rhys and I think that that really spoils him as a character. It was a side of him that I really didn't like and totally put me off him for the rest of the book if I'm honest. I was also really disappointed with the ending. No that way that they book finished because all the links were connected and the ends tied up but I really wanted there to be something more between Kat and Rhys and then there was nothing. Maybe because I was expecting Chic Lit or because I read too many chic lit books, I don't know but the ending was a bit of anti-climax for me I just thought that it didn't finish with an end if that makes sense.
Anna Mansell's debut novel is well written, an interesting read and I really do like her writing style. It wasn't quite what I expected and I would advise other readers not to be expecting the typical chic lit book, which I think that a lot of readers would be expecting because of the cover, but I did enjoy the book and I will be defiantly be keeping an eye out for more of her work and will be happy to give them a read.
February 17, 2022
"Aber falls sie versucht hat, sich umzubringen, kann sie nicht glücklich gewesen sein. Und er auch nicht." S.68
Die Leben von drei unterschiedlichen Menschen werden zufällig zusammengeführt, als Susan versucht, sich das Leben zu nehmen.
Im Krankenhaus schweigt sie und redet mit niemandem ein Wort. Die Stationskrankenschwester Kat verzweifelt bei zahllosen Versuchen ihrer neuen Patientin zu helfen. Doch dann taucht Rhys auf und findet einen Weg, mit Susan in Verbindung zu treten.
Die Geschichte wird aus drei verschiedenen Perspektiven erzählt und erhält dadurch ganz unterschiedliche Eindrücke und Emotionen. Wie es sich für einen richtigen Liebesroman gehört, ist natürlich alles ziemlich kompliziert und gipfelt in dem ein oder anderen Drama. Irgendwann sind alle sehr verwirrt mit ihrem Leben. Für mich war es aber keineswegs "zu viel". Auf eine charmante Art und Weise wird erzählt, wie man als Erwachsener vor Entscheidungen steht oder wie man sich selbst fragt, ob man den täglichen Aufgaben gewachsen ist. Es ist auch an keiner Stelle triefend kitschig. In dem Buch werden Themen wie Familie, die Herkunft/unsere "Wurzeln", Wünsche, Träume, Liebe, Freundschaft, starke Frauen, richtige/falsche Entscheidungen angesprochen. Im Zentrum steht immer wieder die Frage, was das Geheimnis der schweigenden Susan ist - auch wenn ich ziemlich zeitig eine Ahnung hatte, wohin es gehen könnte und damit letztendlich richtig lag, fand ich es sehr spannend zu erfahren, wie sich alles bis zur Auflösung entwickelt. Und auch das Ende ist nicht komplett kitschig.
Die Leben von drei unterschiedlichen Menschen werden zufällig zusammengeführt, als Susan versucht, sich das Leben zu nehmen.
Im Krankenhaus schweigt sie und redet mit niemandem ein Wort. Die Stationskrankenschwester Kat verzweifelt bei zahllosen Versuchen ihrer neuen Patientin zu helfen. Doch dann taucht Rhys auf und findet einen Weg, mit Susan in Verbindung zu treten.
Die Geschichte wird aus drei verschiedenen Perspektiven erzählt und erhält dadurch ganz unterschiedliche Eindrücke und Emotionen. Wie es sich für einen richtigen Liebesroman gehört, ist natürlich alles ziemlich kompliziert und gipfelt in dem ein oder anderen Drama. Irgendwann sind alle sehr verwirrt mit ihrem Leben. Für mich war es aber keineswegs "zu viel". Auf eine charmante Art und Weise wird erzählt, wie man als Erwachsener vor Entscheidungen steht oder wie man sich selbst fragt, ob man den täglichen Aufgaben gewachsen ist. Es ist auch an keiner Stelle triefend kitschig. In dem Buch werden Themen wie Familie, die Herkunft/unsere "Wurzeln", Wünsche, Träume, Liebe, Freundschaft, starke Frauen, richtige/falsche Entscheidungen angesprochen. Im Zentrum steht immer wieder die Frage, was das Geheimnis der schweigenden Susan ist - auch wenn ich ziemlich zeitig eine Ahnung hatte, wohin es gehen könnte und damit letztendlich richtig lag, fand ich es sehr spannend zu erfahren, wie sich alles bis zur Auflösung entwickelt. Und auch das Ende ist nicht komplett kitschig.
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