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Lucy Mitchell #2
Beneath these Stars
Happily ever after isn’t always so simple…
Lucy and Adam have everything they’ve ever wanted – a beautiful home, promising careers, and a love that feels unshakable.
But in an instant, their world is turned upside down.
When tragedy strikes, Adam becomes the guardian of his two young nieces, and the life they’d envisioned is suddenly filled with sleepless nights, overwhelming responsibility, and impossible decisions.
As grief and pressure take their toll, Lucy and Adam find themselves drifting apart. Can their love survive the weight of their new reality? Or will the future they dreamed of slip through their fingers?
Lucy and Adam have everything they’ve ever wanted – a beautiful home, promising careers, and a love that feels unshakable.
But in an instant, their world is turned upside down.
When tragedy strikes, Adam becomes the guardian of his two young nieces, and the life they’d envisioned is suddenly filled with sleepless nights, overwhelming responsibility, and impossible decisions.
As grief and pressure take their toll, Lucy and Adam find themselves drifting apart. Can their love survive the weight of their new reality? Or will the future they dreamed of slip through their fingers?
385 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2017
About the author
Hannah Ellis
74 books456 followersHannah Ellis spent many years working in childcare before deciding she'd like to write books. When she's not busy writing she likes to read, drink tea and eat chocolate. She also enjoys yoga and jogging.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
March 28, 2017
Recently I was bemoaning the fact that there is a plethora of so-called ‘romance’ stories where some gratuitously violent incident deprives young children of their parents. The romance is usually between some hunky US Seal/marine/FBI agent etc etc and the temporary aunt/cousin/neighbour of the aforementioned children and of course it is all hunky-dory after a couple of months and the children just carry on with life as if nothing had happened.
Thank heavens for this book. It’s a breath of fresh air compared to those improbable tales of ‘Oh dear, your mummy and daddy are dead, now let’s all live happily ever after!
This was a ‘no-holds barred, tell it as it really would be’ story about devastated children and a relationship brought to the brink of disaster. It’s bloody painful to read, and yet there are moments of real tenderness and beautiful writing. A couple of things jarred but I haven’t read the first book about Lucy and Adam so I may be missing some background.
However, this is a stand-alone story and the reader is dropped right into it. It works. (And kudos to the author - I was devastated when I realised where Lucy was going when she went to visit Tom. Brilliant writing.)
I just WISH some of those other writers – who so casually kill off parents – would have the guts to write a story as honest and brutal and gritty as this.
To be honest, I wondered about whether this was 5 star or 4 - I only give 5 stars to a book I will read and reread over and over again. I don’t think I will read this again - it was a bit too painful, but damn, it was such a pleasure to read a ‘real’ account and it really does deserve 5 stars for saying it as it probably would be.
I am now going to read the first story in the series.
Thank heavens for this book. It’s a breath of fresh air compared to those improbable tales of ‘Oh dear, your mummy and daddy are dead, now let’s all live happily ever after!
This was a ‘no-holds barred, tell it as it really would be’ story about devastated children and a relationship brought to the brink of disaster. It’s bloody painful to read, and yet there are moments of real tenderness and beautiful writing. A couple of things jarred but I haven’t read the first book about Lucy and Adam so I may be missing some background.
However, this is a stand-alone story and the reader is dropped right into it. It works. (And kudos to the author - I was devastated when I realised where Lucy was going when she went to visit Tom. Brilliant writing.)
I just WISH some of those other writers – who so casually kill off parents – would have the guts to write a story as honest and brutal and gritty as this.
To be honest, I wondered about whether this was 5 star or 4 - I only give 5 stars to a book I will read and reread over and over again. I don’t think I will read this again - it was a bit too painful, but damn, it was such a pleasure to read a ‘real’ account and it really does deserve 5 stars for saying it as it probably would be.
I am now going to read the first story in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2017
This is the second book in Lucy Mitchell series. The first book of the series titled ‘Beyond the lens’ based on a TV reality show. You can read the review on my blog.
This book begins from where the first book ends. After the show, Lucy and Adam fell for each other. Adam was among one of the cameramen on the show. Lucy shifted with Adam but Adam’s life fall apart when his sister Becky and her husband died in an accident leaving two daughters behind, and after few days of the tragedy, Adam’s father Tom died of heart attack in his home.
Adam dreams to have his own photo studio and left his job of a cameraman, but after the devastating incident, he abandons his dream and resumes his previous job to support and give a better life to the girls. Their relationship has only gone downwards since the girls started staying with them.
The story is about the relationship of Adam and Lucy and hardships they face to bring their family on one page. It is a sweet and loving story, and relatable. I loved the first book of the series and this book too is lovable. The characterization is so real and natural, that you feel lost with them. The most impressive thing of author ‘Hannah Ellis’ is her peerless style of storytelling. The book is an impressive and pleasant reading.
If you haven’t read the first book yet and thinking to read this second one, then go ahead, all the characters in this book is same as of first and you will get to know them as the story proceeds. You do not need to go all over the first book, before starting this book, the characters are well explained, that the book stands distinct but related.
https://thereviewauthor.wordpress.com/
This book begins from where the first book ends. After the show, Lucy and Adam fell for each other. Adam was among one of the cameramen on the show. Lucy shifted with Adam but Adam’s life fall apart when his sister Becky and her husband died in an accident leaving two daughters behind, and after few days of the tragedy, Adam’s father Tom died of heart attack in his home.
Adam dreams to have his own photo studio and left his job of a cameraman, but after the devastating incident, he abandons his dream and resumes his previous job to support and give a better life to the girls. Their relationship has only gone downwards since the girls started staying with them.
The story is about the relationship of Adam and Lucy and hardships they face to bring their family on one page. It is a sweet and loving story, and relatable. I loved the first book of the series and this book too is lovable. The characterization is so real and natural, that you feel lost with them. The most impressive thing of author ‘Hannah Ellis’ is her peerless style of storytelling. The book is an impressive and pleasant reading.
If you haven’t read the first book yet and thinking to read this second one, then go ahead, all the characters in this book is same as of first and you will get to know them as the story proceeds. You do not need to go all over the first book, before starting this book, the characters are well explained, that the book stands distinct but related.
https://thereviewauthor.wordpress.com/
February 18, 2017
I really enjoyed "Beneath the stars" by Hannah Ellis. This is the follow up to "Beyond the Lens" and I was blown away by this book. It was well written, the storyline was unique and told a heart felt journey of a family coming together after tradegy strikes. I was so moved by the real life and the struggles that we all find ourselves dealing with. I was on the edge of my seat throughout not sure how it was going to all turn out. I was pleasantly surprised and not disappointed. Well done.
Happy Reading..enjoy!
Happy Reading..enjoy!
Read
April 28, 2018I can't rate this book. This is a four-star that could very easily have been a two-star, but definitely not a 3-star. I love the beginning and the end. The middle dragged.
It is an everyday sort of story, with Lucy struggling to help her boyfriend Adam raise his two nieces after their parents died in a car accident. I like the domesticity of the story and understand being overwhelmed by the pressure to juggle between a job, house chores, the care of the children and keeping a relationship alive. What I did not understand was why Lucy took so much onto herself to the breaking point. I also like how the happy ending wasn't a quick fix.
It is chick-lit more than romance. The book is entirely centered around Lucy.
It is an everyday sort of story, with Lucy struggling to help her boyfriend Adam raise his two nieces after their parents died in a car accident. I like the domesticity of the story and understand being overwhelmed by the pressure to juggle between a job, house chores, the care of the children and keeping a relationship alive. What I did not understand was why Lucy took so much onto herself to the breaking point. I also like how the happy ending wasn't a quick fix.
It is chick-lit more than romance. The book is entirely centered around Lucy.
September 15, 2018
Beneath the stars
I finished this story nearly a week ago and it's taken me a while to think about the way this story tore my heart apart and then squeezed it relentlessly. Poor Lucy and Adam's lives were so torn apart that you couldn't help feeling their pain. Well written Hannah Ellis, I need to replace my tissue supply.
I finished this story nearly a week ago and it's taken me a while to think about the way this story tore my heart apart and then squeezed it relentlessly. Poor Lucy and Adam's lives were so torn apart that you couldn't help feeling their pain. Well written Hannah Ellis, I need to replace my tissue supply.
February 3, 2017
This is a beautiful story of family and relationships, which explores the dynamic of a seemingly nuclear family, who've suddenly found themselves together. The plans and futures of each character changes in an instant and cracks begin to form, putting the entire family set-up in jeopardy.
I read this book without having read the first book in the series (Beyond the Lens) and it worked as a standalone. I loved the warm writing style of the book so much I will definitely be reading Beyond the Lens too.
A warm and cosy, much recommended read!
I read this book without having read the first book in the series (Beyond the Lens) and it worked as a standalone. I loved the warm writing style of the book so much I will definitely be reading Beyond the Lens too.
A warm and cosy, much recommended read!
February 17, 2017
A slightly different offering from Hannah Ellis this time, but still with her wonderfully warm turn of phrase. The second in the Lucy Mitchell series and Lucy's life has taken another turn for the unexpected. I laughed and I cried, then I read it again. I would thoroughly recommend.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book.
April 23, 2017
When Lucy and Adam become guardians to their two young nieces, they're smothered by Adam's mother, who's grieving the loss of her daughter, and overwhelmed by the responsibilities before them. Their relationship and careers face serious challenges.
April 6, 2025
After the first book "Beyond the Lens" I was expecting a mostly happy go lucky book with the same characters. When Lucy and Adam (one of the cameramen in the reality show set in Spain) end up tliving ogether, their lives seem to be on track toward a happily ever after. However, tragedy strikes in Adam's family, and he becomes the legal guardian of his two young nieces all of which disrupts his relationship with Lucy, threatens their commitment to each other, the stability of their new family responsibilities and brings so much sadness into their lives
I was thoroughly committed to these characters, especially the children, and found myself reading in the middle of the night and anxiously continued to read till I finished it today to find out how it ended. Many of the other characters were also alumni of the reality show and were an important friendship network for both Lucy and Adam and helped them come out the other side. I have no qualms about recommending this book but caution the readers to start with book 1 to help sustain them through the sadness in the second book.
I was thoroughly committed to these characters, especially the children, and found myself reading in the middle of the night and anxiously continued to read till I finished it today to find out how it ended. Many of the other characters were also alumni of the reality show and were an important friendship network for both Lucy and Adam and helped them come out the other side. I have no qualms about recommending this book but caution the readers to start with book 1 to help sustain them through the sadness in the second book.
March 7, 2021
Will Adam and Lucy Find Their Happily Ever After?
Adam and Lucy met on a TV reality show. Their relationship blossoms and soon Lucy moved on with Adam, and things couldn't get better.
But, they did get worse. Adam's sister and her husband are killed in a car accident, and the shock brings on a massive heart attack that kills his beloved father.
Suddenly Lucy is balancing a job, a workaholic depressed husband, two utterly bereft children and a constantly interfering mother in law. Suddenly everything she hoped for seems unachievable.
Hannah Ellis is a brilliant author. Her characters are amazingly real. Reading her books is a rollercoaster ride turning the pages to see what happens next, and feeling heart ache when you get to the end of the book.
100% one of the best authors I have ever read, of the probably, 1000's in my life time. 😍😍
Adam and Lucy met on a TV reality show. Their relationship blossoms and soon Lucy moved on with Adam, and things couldn't get better.
But, they did get worse. Adam's sister and her husband are killed in a car accident, and the shock brings on a massive heart attack that kills his beloved father.
Suddenly Lucy is balancing a job, a workaholic depressed husband, two utterly bereft children and a constantly interfering mother in law. Suddenly everything she hoped for seems unachievable.
Hannah Ellis is a brilliant author. Her characters are amazingly real. Reading her books is a rollercoaster ride turning the pages to see what happens next, and feeling heart ache when you get to the end of the book.
100% one of the best authors I have ever read, of the probably, 1000's in my life time. 😍😍
November 3, 2017
E-Reader. Romance
Lucy & Adam are a happy couple living together in Manchester, England. Tragedy strikes when his sister Becky and husband are killed in a auto accident in France.
Shortly after he and his Mom Ruth come back, his father dies of a massive heart attach. Adam is now the legal guardian of his two young nieces, Hailey and Emily.
This turns their lives upside down. The girls need counseling to try and deal the loss of their parents. Emily does quite well with sessions and becomes happier. But even after over a year Hailey seems to be worse.
There is so much more to this story you need to read this book. Will their relationship make it though all these difficulties of this situation. And will they ever tell each other I love you?
Lucy & Adam are a happy couple living together in Manchester, England. Tragedy strikes when his sister Becky and husband are killed in a auto accident in France.
Shortly after he and his Mom Ruth come back, his father dies of a massive heart attach. Adam is now the legal guardian of his two young nieces, Hailey and Emily.
This turns their lives upside down. The girls need counseling to try and deal the loss of their parents. Emily does quite well with sessions and becomes happier. But even after over a year Hailey seems to be worse.
There is so much more to this story you need to read this book. Will their relationship make it though all these difficulties of this situation. And will they ever tell each other I love you?
January 6, 2019
Surprising
After reading the Friends Like These series and the first Lucy Mitchell book, I was a bit taken back by how sad this book was. I definitely wasn’t expecting it after how fun the first book was. I actually had to look ahead to the end to make sure it all turned out okay so that I could calm my nerves while I kept reading. That being said, I still enjoyed it. I just think I enjoyed that the lightheartedness of the other books was more of a constant whereas in this book it just turns out happy in the end. I would love to see a book where the lives of Marie from Friends like These and Lucy Mitchell intertwine.
After reading the Friends Like These series and the first Lucy Mitchell book, I was a bit taken back by how sad this book was. I definitely wasn’t expecting it after how fun the first book was. I actually had to look ahead to the end to make sure it all turned out okay so that I could calm my nerves while I kept reading. That being said, I still enjoyed it. I just think I enjoyed that the lightheartedness of the other books was more of a constant whereas in this book it just turns out happy in the end. I would love to see a book where the lives of Marie from Friends like These and Lucy Mitchell intertwine.
April 13, 2025
The reality of grief
I felt the reality of this book deep in my heart. The anger, denial, confusion, and sadness when someone experiences a sudden loss are all on display for Lucy, Adam, and others. The author did a good job of letting the rawness of the moments show through, the unpredictability of emotions and the helplessness to get back on track again. But then comes relief, help in the form of communication, friendships, taking positive steps toward a new future, and lots of good therapy! The ending was so sweet and worth all the struggles it took to get there. I’m smiling imagining the future this family has together.
I felt the reality of this book deep in my heart. The anger, denial, confusion, and sadness when someone experiences a sudden loss are all on display for Lucy, Adam, and others. The author did a good job of letting the rawness of the moments show through, the unpredictability of emotions and the helplessness to get back on track again. But then comes relief, help in the form of communication, friendships, taking positive steps toward a new future, and lots of good therapy! The ending was so sweet and worth all the struggles it took to get there. I’m smiling imagining the future this family has together.
April 8, 2019
Love love love this book,didn't want it to end
I very rarely write a review of books but just had to comment.
I started behind the lens and went straight on to this book. The best two books I've read for a while. I really enjoyed the first book but haven't been able to put this one down. I shed many tears while reading this story and absolutely fell in love with the characters, I would have loved this book to carry on forever! This is the 5th Hannah Ellis book I've read and will now make my way through more!
I very rarely write a review of books but just had to comment.
I started behind the lens and went straight on to this book. The best two books I've read for a while. I really enjoyed the first book but haven't been able to put this one down. I shed many tears while reading this story and absolutely fell in love with the characters, I would have loved this book to carry on forever! This is the 5th Hannah Ellis book I've read and will now make my way through more!
March 21, 2020
Couldn’t wait to finish...
I very rarely put a book down for good without finishing it but I almost did this one several times. I really wanted to like this one. Maybe it would have been different if I had read the first book already. I honestly didn’t even know this was a sequel until just a few minutes ago.
It just seemed to drag on and without having read the first book, I was lost on several smaller storylines that affected the main one.
I very rarely put a book down for good without finishing it but I almost did this one several times. I really wanted to like this one. Maybe it would have been different if I had read the first book already. I honestly didn’t even know this was a sequel until just a few minutes ago.
It just seemed to drag on and without having read the first book, I was lost on several smaller storylines that affected the main one.
May 28, 2022
Beneath these Stars
What an outstanding book. So well written, so well thought out. I thought I was living the lives inside the book. It was believable, it could have happened in real life. I laughed, I filled up with emotion. I urged the characters on. What a couple of days of reading. Thank you so much Hannah Ellis for writing this book. I can recommend this beautiful story to everyone.
What an outstanding book. So well written, so well thought out. I thought I was living the lives inside the book. It was believable, it could have happened in real life. I laughed, I filled up with emotion. I urged the characters on. What a couple of days of reading. Thank you so much Hannah Ellis for writing this book. I can recommend this beautiful story to everyone.
July 29, 2019
Tear jerker
Life seems to be going so well for Adam and Lucy when trade by strikes them not once but twice. Their lives are turned into a whirlwind with two kids that are thrust into their lives by the first tragedy, is their live for each other strong enough to survive grief and every thing else that life throughs at them?
Life seems to be going so well for Adam and Lucy when trade by strikes them not once but twice. Their lives are turned into a whirlwind with two kids that are thrust into their lives by the first tragedy, is their live for each other strong enough to survive grief and every thing else that life throughs at them?
September 23, 2020
Not my favourite
Normally love Hannah Ellis's books but found this quite depressing and dark at times. I felt for Lucy and how everyone treated her like a servant. Lacked the quirky, laugh out load humour you normally find in Hannah's books. Matt seemed to be the only character with a fun personality. Liked the first book better.
Normally love Hannah Ellis's books but found this quite depressing and dark at times. I felt for Lucy and how everyone treated her like a servant. Lacked the quirky, laugh out load humour you normally find in Hannah's books. Matt seemed to be the only character with a fun personality. Liked the first book better.
September 21, 2022
That was a difficult journey but still worth it.
Hannah Ellis has a gift for poking at the ugly side of life. A lot of romance writers won't touch these topics, but she does it with class and humour. It felt like an emotional roller-coaster at times. But the journey is still worth taking, just like all the best things in life.
Hannah Ellis has a gift for poking at the ugly side of life. A lot of romance writers won't touch these topics, but she does it with class and humour. It felt like an emotional roller-coaster at times. But the journey is still worth taking, just like all the best things in life.
October 20, 2017
Charming two book series that quickly won me over. I picked up the first book free on a daily deal and couldn’t wait to start the second. Easy enjoyable read that portrays life full of joys and trials and how we persevere through them. I look forward to reading more from this author.
November 22, 2018
Great romance
Not your typical romcom! I love the focus on commitment, and adding the complicated dynamic of children was brilliant. Lucy and Adam are lovable and believable. Great book. Great ending. Great journey. Totally recommend.
Not your typical romcom! I love the focus on commitment, and adding the complicated dynamic of children was brilliant. Lucy and Adam are lovable and believable. Great book. Great ending. Great journey. Totally recommend.
January 15, 2020
A wonderful read!
I have read almost every book that Hannah has written and this was my favorite by far. She writes in a way that gives you what you need to know from the previous story in the series, but doesn’t over do it. You could actually feel the struggles and pain that the characters were experiencing, which made it even more fun to celebrate with them. I loved this book!
I have read almost every book that Hannah has written and this was my favorite by far. She writes in a way that gives you what you need to know from the previous story in the series, but doesn’t over do it. You could actually feel the struggles and pain that the characters were experiencing, which made it even more fun to celebrate with them. I loved this book!
June 1, 2021
Really like Lucy as a character. Nice short chapters as I like to read only a few before bed and hate starting in the middle of a chapter. Read as a stand alone book as didn’t fancy the first one.
Liked the reality of this book.
Liked the reality of this book.
October 4, 2017
Great Read
I enjoy character studies and relationships in my novels. This book delivered both in a rich mix and I highly recommend this book!
I enjoy character studies and relationships in my novels. This book delivered both in a rich mix and I highly recommend this book!
June 5, 2018
Nice Story
Nice story, but one I'll not think back on. Very predictable story and an easy read book. The characters are likeable.
Nice story, but one I'll not think back on. Very predictable story and an easy read book. The characters are likeable.
June 21, 2018
This is the story of people trying to form a family after a tragedy. It's well written and the characters are very real.
September 5, 2018
Not as good as the first in the series. More grown up romance, as it deals with more grown up problems.
June 13, 2019
Fantastic
The first two books have been fascinating. Be sure to read them. Love the characters and the plots. Enjoy them.
The first two books have been fascinating. Be sure to read them. Love the characters and the plots. Enjoy them.
August 23, 2019
Breaking but loving story
Very sad but loving and happiness too enjoyed every bit of it .hope I read more of these books and happy times
Very sad but loving and happiness too enjoyed every bit of it .hope I read more of these books and happy times
November 5, 2019
Good book
Good book. Lucy is very frustrating at times, at least to me she was, but I enjoyed the book and was glad I read it
Good book. Lucy is very frustrating at times, at least to me she was, but I enjoyed the book and was glad I read it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews