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Little Boxes
Suddenly bereaved, Molly White realises that she has never really known her feisty husband Jake when random boxes begin to appear through the post, each one containing a tantalising clue to the secrets of Jake and Molly’s past. Someone who knows them both well, for reasons of their own, has planned a trail of discovery. The clues seem to be designed to change Molly’s life completely, leading her around Britain and then onwards to rural France and deepest Bavaria.
Meanwhile, waiting in the wings is Tom, a charismatic artist who runs a gallery in the same town. Strong, independent and wheelchair-bound from the age of fifteen, he leads a solitary life and has no idea how devastatingly attractive he is to women. When Tom meets curvy, beautiful and funny Molly, he knows that she is his dream woman, but she seems way out of his orbit until the boxes start to weave their spell and the two of them are thrown right out of their comfort zones.
Little Boxes is a story of love in a variety of guises - mother-love, unrequited passion, infatuation and the shadow-love held in memories that refuse to go away.
Meanwhile, waiting in the wings is Tom, a charismatic artist who runs a gallery in the same town. Strong, independent and wheelchair-bound from the age of fifteen, he leads a solitary life and has no idea how devastatingly attractive he is to women. When Tom meets curvy, beautiful and funny Molly, he knows that she is his dream woman, but she seems way out of his orbit until the boxes start to weave their spell and the two of them are thrown right out of their comfort zones.
Little Boxes is a story of love in a variety of guises - mother-love, unrequited passion, infatuation and the shadow-love held in memories that refuse to go away.
291 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 4, 2014
100 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Celia J. Anderson
6 books12 followersAfter years of searching for the perfect job, I think I’ve finally found it in teaching, especially since changing to part-time hours to leave more space for writing. Let’s face it, where else do you get paid for reading stories, playing with glue and paint and making small people laugh? Over the years I’ve child-minded very contentedly, taught cycling proficiency (forgot to mention at the interview that I was still learning to ride a bike, but they found out quite soon), stamped books in a library, sold second-hand maternity clothes, dabbled in mental health care, to name but a few of my jobs.
When I’m not marking books or writing, I spend far too much time on Facebook talking to other, much cleverer writer people. I also blog as part of The Romaniacs online writers’ group. These are the ladies that make me laugh and keep me sane when I think I’ve run out of steam. My ultimate dream is to have children’s books published too.
The rest of my non-writing time is taken up with running Upstage – a children’s drama group – cooking, eating and walking off the damage. I live with my husband and deranged cats in South Derbyshire but, sea-starved in the depths of the Midlands, I can often be found striding over the Quantocks or wandering happily around Brighton visiting my two daughters and pretending to collect ideas for my next book.
When I’m not marking books or writing, I spend far too much time on Facebook talking to other, much cleverer writer people. I also blog as part of The Romaniacs online writers’ group. These are the ladies that make me laugh and keep me sane when I think I’ve run out of steam. My ultimate dream is to have children’s books published too.
The rest of my non-writing time is taken up with running Upstage – a children’s drama group – cooking, eating and walking off the damage. I live with my husband and deranged cats in South Derbyshire but, sea-starved in the depths of the Midlands, I can often be found striding over the Quantocks or wandering happily around Brighton visiting my two daughters and pretending to collect ideas for my next book.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
November 5, 2014
I really enjoyed this author's previous novel, so when I heard she was releasing another, I knew I would read it. I very much liked the sound of the premise, too, on reading the blurb.
I'm glad to say I was not disappointed. The author's light, humorous and yet realistic writing style pulled me in, and I whizzed through the book in a couple of days. It's intriguing, funny, unique and romantic. I'd definitely recommend it to contemporary romance fans.
I'm glad to say I was not disappointed. The author's light, humorous and yet realistic writing style pulled me in, and I whizzed through the book in a couple of days. It's intriguing, funny, unique and romantic. I'd definitely recommend it to contemporary romance fans.
November 11, 2014
**Thanks to the author who gifted me an e-copy of this story in exchange for an honest review.**
I was intrigued by the blurb for Little Boxes, then followed my usual routine of taking a peek inside the book via Amazon's "Look Inside" feature. I liked what I read, so I requested a copy to review during Celia's blog tour.
Celia J. Anderson's Little Boxes pulled me in from the start and kept drawing me back every time life interrupted my reading time. The characters were multi-faceted and interesting, the pace steady and the plot twists unexpected. The little boxes in the story were ingenious, each one a revelation, adding another layer to the story like a lovely tiered cake.
I thoroughly enjoyed Little Boxes and hope to read more of Anderson's work soon.
I was intrigued by the blurb for Little Boxes, then followed my usual routine of taking a peek inside the book via Amazon's "Look Inside" feature. I liked what I read, so I requested a copy to review during Celia's blog tour.
Celia J. Anderson's Little Boxes pulled me in from the start and kept drawing me back every time life interrupted my reading time. The characters were multi-faceted and interesting, the pace steady and the plot twists unexpected. The little boxes in the story were ingenious, each one a revelation, adding another layer to the story like a lovely tiered cake.
I thoroughly enjoyed Little Boxes and hope to read more of Anderson's work soon.
December 30, 2014
Tom is an artist with a longing to meet the woman of his dreams. But she is married with a family. Can he find the courage to declare his love?
Molly a music therapist who married too young. Makes the reader ask, how much do we really know about our partners? Each little box she receives contains a clue to a personal quest. But this journey forces her learn the truth about her husband and herself.
Stories collide, strangers cross paths and romance blossoms with heart warming consequences.
It is so difficult to review this heart warming book without putting in spoilers. A great read!
Molly a music therapist who married too young. Makes the reader ask, how much do we really know about our partners? Each little box she receives contains a clue to a personal quest. But this journey forces her learn the truth about her husband and herself.
Stories collide, strangers cross paths and romance blossoms with heart warming consequences.
It is so difficult to review this heart warming book without putting in spoilers. A great read!
February 1, 2026
DNF @ 60%. The further I read, the less I respected Molly's character - in both senses of the word. I understood her confused emotions when Jake died; the marriage was crumbling, after all. Shaun's approach of sending her little boxes - hence the book's original title - made sense in that it required Molly to investigate and discover answers on her own. He prompted her, of course, by sending her clues and pointing her in a direction. As Molly uncovered Jake's secrets, though, she exposed her own to us, the readers. It's an interesting approach to character development, allowing the reader to watch as the layers of her character revealed themselves.
I admire the way the author introduced Tom as the MC, with his wheelchair and "sticks" as tools he uses to navigate the way his injury changed his world.
His character development unfolded as his feelings about Molly changed. We reached the point in the plot where the Conflict came into focus, with the angst that arose as the lives of the FMC and MC began to entwine. This is where it started falling apart for me.
I kept reading for a few more pages, but I'd lost interest. I wish them well in whatever direction their lives take them, but quite frankly, I no longer give a damn. Too many enticing books on my TBR shelf. You kids go ahead and do whatever it is that you decide to do.
I'll be over here in my comfy recliner, dachsie dozing in my lap, reading a book that interests me.
I admire the way the author introduced Tom as the MC, with his wheelchair and "sticks" as tools he uses to navigate the way his injury changed his world.
His character development unfolded as his feelings about Molly changed. We reached the point in the plot where the Conflict came into focus, with the angst that arose as the lives of the FMC and MC began to entwine. This is where it started falling apart for me.
I kept reading for a few more pages, but I'd lost interest. I wish them well in whatever direction their lives take them, but quite frankly, I no longer give a damn. Too many enticing books on my TBR shelf. You kids go ahead and do whatever it is that you decide to do.
I'll be over here in my comfy recliner, dachsie dozing in my lap, reading a book that interests me.
November 21, 2014
The blurb intrigued me. The story charmed me. In the past I have not been much of a fan of “chick lit”. I find it a bit too emotional for my taste. Not enough escapism for me. However, either I am “growing up” or this was an exceptional story. Both may work, but this is definitely an exceptional story.
From the very beginning, I could not decide how I felt about best friend Shaun. Either he was the best kind of friend in the world or just a total fiend! Who sends their best friend on a “quest” through the past and then not be there for moral support? Diabolical!
Molly White’s “quest” of discovery after Jake’s – her husband – sudden death was . . . So many terms come to mind. Devastating. Enlightening. Empowering. Surreal. Heart stopping. Scary. Frustrating. Angry. Giddy. Yes, emotions tended to be all over the place, but that is to be expected when one is going through the grieving process. But add in the receipt of the “little boxes” and the ongoing “quest” and emotions swung even more.
Learning things about the man she had been married to for going on twenty years, and thought she knew was an eye opener for Molly. Watching her muddle through life after Jake’s death was inspiring. Molly was already a pretty strong woman – raising four children is not easy, whether alone or with a partner. But watching her grow even stronger as she learned these unexpected things about the man she loved – amazing!
Molly’s “romance” with Tom was slow and steady. None of the instant falling in bed to appease lustful attraction. First there was friendship. I liked that. The slow building of their relationship was refreshing, not to mention so much more real.
These characters were well written. They were real and believable. I enjoyed getting to know each and every one. The story was real and believable, and moved along at a nice pace that held my interest and kept me engaged. I was excited and interested when each box appeared. I couldn’t wait to find out what new adventure there would be and what new piece of information would be uncovered – whether it was good or not so good. Something was always learned, and not always just about Jake.
A most enjoyable read that I would recommend to anyone.
I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
From the very beginning, I could not decide how I felt about best friend Shaun. Either he was the best kind of friend in the world or just a total fiend! Who sends their best friend on a “quest” through the past and then not be there for moral support? Diabolical!
Molly White’s “quest” of discovery after Jake’s – her husband – sudden death was . . . So many terms come to mind. Devastating. Enlightening. Empowering. Surreal. Heart stopping. Scary. Frustrating. Angry. Giddy. Yes, emotions tended to be all over the place, but that is to be expected when one is going through the grieving process. But add in the receipt of the “little boxes” and the ongoing “quest” and emotions swung even more.
Learning things about the man she had been married to for going on twenty years, and thought she knew was an eye opener for Molly. Watching her muddle through life after Jake’s death was inspiring. Molly was already a pretty strong woman – raising four children is not easy, whether alone or with a partner. But watching her grow even stronger as she learned these unexpected things about the man she loved – amazing!
Molly’s “romance” with Tom was slow and steady. None of the instant falling in bed to appease lustful attraction. First there was friendship. I liked that. The slow building of their relationship was refreshing, not to mention so much more real.
These characters were well written. They were real and believable. I enjoyed getting to know each and every one. The story was real and believable, and moved along at a nice pace that held my interest and kept me engaged. I was excited and interested when each box appeared. I couldn’t wait to find out what new adventure there would be and what new piece of information would be uncovered – whether it was good or not so good. Something was always learned, and not always just about Jake.
A most enjoyable read that I would recommend to anyone.
I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 30, 2014
Little Boxes is a special read as it addresses adult issues in a serious and thought-provoking way. It leaves you weighing your future and questioning your past. It's a story for adults and takes you on a roller coaster of emotions that keeps you immersed in the story from start to finish.
Molly is an immensely likable woman who's been with the same man for over twenty years. While she can admit things have grown stale she's still loyal to the family they created. Upon his unexpected death though she discovers things about her husband and herself that leave her forever changed, a woman strengthened by the truth. Molly dealt with the slow unveiling of her husband's past in a believable way that left behind a wide range of emotions and me admiring her emotional fortitude. She never wallowed from her loss for long as she had children left to raise and this too made her admirable and a story that was ultimately uplifting.
Tom was another character that stuck with me long after the story was done as he doesn't let his disability define him. He's made a life for himself that he 's content with, but that doesn't stop him from wanting more once he sees Molly. Tom's disability was portrayed in a realistic and self-deprecating way that showed Tom to be a strong-willed man. His relationship with Molly progressed slowly as their friendship morphed into something deeper. I enjoyed their sweet uncertainty at the start and how their ease grew with one another as they spent more time together and they ultimately became the epitome of friends to lovers.
This was a well-paced story that put readers through the emotional wringer. It was emotionally powerful and engaging with its only flaw being the rather stilted dialogue between Molly and Tom early on. It spoke of awkwardness but also pulled me out of the cozy web this story wove around me. The secondary characters were all distinctive and as memorable as Molly and Tom. Molly's children especially expressed real emotions and actions, and though they sometimes annoyed me, that too added to the story's realism. All in all this was a satisfying and inspirational story about living in the here and now and leaving behind the past and I recommend it to those looking for an emotionally engaging read.
Molly is an immensely likable woman who's been with the same man for over twenty years. While she can admit things have grown stale she's still loyal to the family they created. Upon his unexpected death though she discovers things about her husband and herself that leave her forever changed, a woman strengthened by the truth. Molly dealt with the slow unveiling of her husband's past in a believable way that left behind a wide range of emotions and me admiring her emotional fortitude. She never wallowed from her loss for long as she had children left to raise and this too made her admirable and a story that was ultimately uplifting.
Tom was another character that stuck with me long after the story was done as he doesn't let his disability define him. He's made a life for himself that he 's content with, but that doesn't stop him from wanting more once he sees Molly. Tom's disability was portrayed in a realistic and self-deprecating way that showed Tom to be a strong-willed man. His relationship with Molly progressed slowly as their friendship morphed into something deeper. I enjoyed their sweet uncertainty at the start and how their ease grew with one another as they spent more time together and they ultimately became the epitome of friends to lovers.
This was a well-paced story that put readers through the emotional wringer. It was emotionally powerful and engaging with its only flaw being the rather stilted dialogue between Molly and Tom early on. It spoke of awkwardness but also pulled me out of the cozy web this story wove around me. The secondary characters were all distinctive and as memorable as Molly and Tom. Molly's children especially expressed real emotions and actions, and though they sometimes annoyed me, that too added to the story's realism. All in all this was a satisfying and inspirational story about living in the here and now and leaving behind the past and I recommend it to those looking for an emotionally engaging read.
March 19, 2015
A wonderful read and such a glorious book. Widow Molly is on a quest. Her best friend, Shaun, sends Molly a series of little boxes, each containing clues which lead to destinations and realisations as to who Jake, Molly's recently deceased husband, really was, which Shaun hopes will enable Molly to understand aspects of her life and put to rest her fears and insecurities. Throw into the mix a young family, a coffee bar to run, Tom, a handsome artist, with issues and difficulties of his own, and a dog called Marion, and the reader is taken on a journey that will stay with them for some time.
There are beautiful moments of tenderness, laugh-out-loud scenes, and questions that will take the reader beyond the story of Molly and Tom. I found myself very much in the characters' shoes, thinking, 'What would I have done if ...?'
A lovely warm, witty and emotional read. Highly recommended.
There are beautiful moments of tenderness, laugh-out-loud scenes, and questions that will take the reader beyond the story of Molly and Tom. I found myself very much in the characters' shoes, thinking, 'What would I have done if ...?'
A lovely warm, witty and emotional read. Highly recommended.
October 26, 2025
I wanted to like this but it irritated the hell out of me. It just felt cringey and naff. It dragged on and on, with literally nothing happening until the last few pages and the big reveal wasn’t even that big. Neither was the inevitable romantic ending, I was so bored and frustrated with them that I really didn’t care if they got together or not. I honestly don’t know why I persisted, I think I just wanted to see if it got better.
June 9, 2017
Lovely writing... occasionally a little elaborate descriptions. Nice characters and a storyline that is intriguing enough to keep you reading.
A didn't feel a while or of the connection between the two main love interests (and no sex) but story kept the book going.
A didn't feel a while or of the connection between the two main love interests (and no sex) but story kept the book going.
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January 4, 2026Another thoroughly enjoyable novel
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more of her work.I am recommending this author to my friends .
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more of her work.I am recommending this author to my friends .
January 27, 2026
Great adventure
It would have had 5 stars but it ended so abruptly. I wanted to know more! Loved it a lot though
It would have had 5 stars but it ended so abruptly. I wanted to know more! Loved it a lot though
February 6, 2026
Wonderful read
Wonderful read, I did it in a day. I guessed the ending of this one, but I did not anticipate how Jake was.
Wonderful read, I did it in a day. I guessed the ending of this one, but I did not anticipate how Jake was.
January 25, 2026
Well written, easy read with characters it was easy to like and want to know how life developed for them. Explored the fact that we really don’t always know the truth about those closest to us. Good use of humour and exploring lack of confidence from different angles. Well worth a read.
March 21, 2015
Chick lit with a twist! This is an easy to read book, which at first seems to be a typical chick lit novel. However, it soon becomes an intriguing story of discovery, in which the characters spring to life. Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews