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No Greater Love #7
A Mother's Story
From million-copies-sold author Amanda Prowse, the queen of heartbreak fiction. Amanda Prowse is the author of The Coordinates Of Loss and the no.1 bestsellers Perfect Daughter, My Husband's Wife and What Have I Done? I deserve all this because I did the worst thing a woman can do. The very worst. Jessica's wedding was like a fairytale. Her dress strewn with crystals. Her dad made a tearful speech. Her husband Matthew declared himself the luckiest man alive. But when their beautiful baby girl is born, Jessica is gripped by panic. She can't tell anyone how she feels. Even when her life starts to spiral out of control... This is her story. A mother's story. Reviews for Amanda Prowse: 'Prowse handles her explosive subject with delicate skill... Deeply moving and inspiring' DAILY MAIL. 'Powerful and emotional family drama that packs a real punch' HEAT. 'A gut wrenching and absolutely brilliant read' IRISH SUN. 'Captivating, heartbreaking, superbly written' CLOSER. 'Very uplifting and positive, but you may still need a box (or two) of tissues' HELLO. 'An emotional, unputdownable read' RED. 'Prowse writes gritty, contemporary stories but always with an uplifting message of hope' SUNDAY INDEPENDENT.
369 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 12, 2015
754 people are currently reading
1935 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Prowse
83 books1,964 followersPrevious Book: 'Swimming to Lundy', published th August 2024'.
Latest Book: 'This One Life', published 7th January 2025.
Next Book: 'Ever After' published 7th August 2025.
Amanda Prowse is an International Bestselling author whose thirty-two novels, two non-fiction titles and ten novellas have been published in dozens of languages around the world. Published by Lake Union, Amanda is the most prolific writer of bestselling contemporary fiction in the UK today; her titles also consistently score the highest online review approval ratings across several genres. Her books, including the chart topping No.1 titles 'What Have I Done?', 'Perfect Daughter', 'My Husband's Wife', 'The Girl in the Corner' and ‘The Things I Know’ have sold millions of copies across the globe.
A popular TV and radio personality, Amanda has appeared on numerous shows where her views on family and social issues strike a chord with viewers. She also makes countless guest appearances on BBC national and independent Radio stations including LBC, Times Radio and Talk FM, where she is well known for her insightful observations and her infectious humour. Described by the Daily Mail as ‘The queen of family drama’ Amanda’s novel, 'A Mother's Story' won the coveted Sainsbury's eBook of the year Award and she has had two books selected as World Book Night titles, 'Perfect Daughter' in 2016 and 'The Boy Between' in 2022.
Amanda is a huge supporter of libraries and having become a proud ambassador for The Reading Agency, works tirelessly to promote reading, especially in disadvantaged areas. Amanda's ambition is to create stories that keep people from turning the bedside lamp off at night, great characters that ensure you take every step with them and tales that fill your head so you can't possibly read another book until the memory fades...
Praise for Amanda Prowse:
'A powerful and emotional work of fiction' - Piers Morgan
'Deeply moving and emotional, Amanda Prowse handles her explosive subjects with delicate skill' - Daily Mail
'Uplifting and positive, but you will still need a box of tissues' - Hello!
'A gut-wrenching and absolutely brilliant read' - The Irish Sun
'You'll fall in love with this...' - Cosmopolitan
'Deeply moving and eye opening. Powerful and emotional drama that packs a real punch.' - Heat
'Magical' - Now magazine
Latest Book: 'This One Life', published 7th January 2025.
Next Book: 'Ever After' published 7th August 2025.
Amanda Prowse is an International Bestselling author whose thirty-two novels, two non-fiction titles and ten novellas have been published in dozens of languages around the world. Published by Lake Union, Amanda is the most prolific writer of bestselling contemporary fiction in the UK today; her titles also consistently score the highest online review approval ratings across several genres. Her books, including the chart topping No.1 titles 'What Have I Done?', 'Perfect Daughter', 'My Husband's Wife', 'The Girl in the Corner' and ‘The Things I Know’ have sold millions of copies across the globe.
A popular TV and radio personality, Amanda has appeared on numerous shows where her views on family and social issues strike a chord with viewers. She also makes countless guest appearances on BBC national and independent Radio stations including LBC, Times Radio and Talk FM, where she is well known for her insightful observations and her infectious humour. Described by the Daily Mail as ‘The queen of family drama’ Amanda’s novel, 'A Mother's Story' won the coveted Sainsbury's eBook of the year Award and she has had two books selected as World Book Night titles, 'Perfect Daughter' in 2016 and 'The Boy Between' in 2022.
Amanda is a huge supporter of libraries and having become a proud ambassador for The Reading Agency, works tirelessly to promote reading, especially in disadvantaged areas. Amanda's ambition is to create stories that keep people from turning the bedside lamp off at night, great characters that ensure you take every step with them and tales that fill your head so you can't possibly read another book until the memory fades...
Praise for Amanda Prowse:
'A powerful and emotional work of fiction' - Piers Morgan
'Deeply moving and emotional, Amanda Prowse handles her explosive subjects with delicate skill' - Daily Mail
'Uplifting and positive, but you will still need a box of tissues' - Hello!
'A gut-wrenching and absolutely brilliant read' - The Irish Sun
'You'll fall in love with this...' - Cosmopolitan
'Deeply moving and eye opening. Powerful and emotional drama that packs a real punch.' - Heat
'Magical' - Now magazine
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 241 reviews
July 4, 2020
I find Amanda Prowse’s books such easy reading, that’s not to say the subject is easy but the style in which she writes makes them feel easy, they flow, you can read them fast. Another difficult subject the author has tackled but tackled well I think. I did find the ending quite rushed and I can’t say I agreed with the ending but isn’t that a sign of a good book, one that gets under your skin enough to leave you with feelings?
July 28, 2015
I received this book for free via Goodreads First Reads.
Before I review a book (and after I have read it) I quite often look at the names of the people who have reviewed it before me. In this case (and rather unsurprisingly) they are all women.
So, I will add my own male (asexual and autistic) voice to the things people can use to decide if they want to read this book. My response is 'yes, you should read this book'. If you are an expectant mother, an expectant father, a new mother, a new father, an older child to a new baby or anyone who wants an emotional read (seriously... anyone) then you should read this.
Postnatal depression is a hushed up issue too often. It should not need to be and I hope that this book raises awareness of this issue. The writing put me in the main characters shoes (of which I probably own less than one percent of what she did) and I honestly understood her actions (without condoning them). I never give spoilers but if you have not cried before the last 50 pages then you will.
A quite brilliant read. One I will pass on to those I feel might need it. Becoming a mother is more than giving birth and not easy and even this Aspie can realise that from this book.
I will apologise for the late review to the author but the title did not grab me the way the book did.
So, I would recommend it. Not to a group of people but young parents, old parents and those who might be parents (or might never be) should read it.
5 stars.
Before I review a book (and after I have read it) I quite often look at the names of the people who have reviewed it before me. In this case (and rather unsurprisingly) they are all women.
So, I will add my own male (asexual and autistic) voice to the things people can use to decide if they want to read this book. My response is 'yes, you should read this book'. If you are an expectant mother, an expectant father, a new mother, a new father, an older child to a new baby or anyone who wants an emotional read (seriously... anyone) then you should read this.
Postnatal depression is a hushed up issue too often. It should not need to be and I hope that this book raises awareness of this issue. The writing put me in the main characters shoes (of which I probably own less than one percent of what she did) and I honestly understood her actions (without condoning them). I never give spoilers but if you have not cried before the last 50 pages then you will.
A quite brilliant read. One I will pass on to those I feel might need it. Becoming a mother is more than giving birth and not easy and even this Aspie can realise that from this book.
I will apologise for the late review to the author but the title did not grab me the way the book did.
So, I would recommend it. Not to a group of people but young parents, old parents and those who might be parents (or might never be) should read it.
5 stars.
February 22, 2015
A Mother's story is a powerful, emotionally heart wrenching story, about Jessica, a young mother in post natal depression and how she tries to cope.
The chapters are alternating between Jessica's first person perspective of where she currently is, and constantly hints at something awful that happened, and chapters written in the third person, about Jessica's life. About her relationship with Matthew, her husband, and her best friend Polly.
We see how Jessica and Matthew are loves young dream, are incredibly in-love with each other, but also get a sense of potentially unresolved issues in Jessica's past.
It's during the pregnancy and subsequent difficult birth, where Jessica becomes a mother, that the book goes from something interesting, to something completely gripping and compelling to read.
I can't even begin to think how difficult a topic this must have been for Amanda Prowse to research in this level of details, as I honestly felt like I was with Jessica at every step of the journey.
A Mother's Story takes a very tough subject and deals with it in a very sensitive and respectful manner, and turns into an incredibly addictive to read. I would happily recommend this story to others.
This was my first book I have read by Amanda Prowse, and certainly won't be my last.
The chapters are alternating between Jessica's first person perspective of where she currently is, and constantly hints at something awful that happened, and chapters written in the third person, about Jessica's life. About her relationship with Matthew, her husband, and her best friend Polly.
We see how Jessica and Matthew are loves young dream, are incredibly in-love with each other, but also get a sense of potentially unresolved issues in Jessica's past.
It's during the pregnancy and subsequent difficult birth, where Jessica becomes a mother, that the book goes from something interesting, to something completely gripping and compelling to read.
I can't even begin to think how difficult a topic this must have been for Amanda Prowse to research in this level of details, as I honestly felt like I was with Jessica at every step of the journey.
A Mother's Story takes a very tough subject and deals with it in a very sensitive and respectful manner, and turns into an incredibly addictive to read. I would happily recommend this story to others.
This was my first book I have read by Amanda Prowse, and certainly won't be my last.
January 16, 2022
A Mother's Story is another fantastic book by Amanda Prowse that I fully enjoyed. If you haven't read any books by Amanda Prowse I highly recommend them all to you.
July 13, 2015
A very emotional and moving story about a post natal depression and the effect it has on the entire family. Another great and powerful book by Amanda Prowse.
June 15, 2015
I loved this book. I enjoyed Amanda Prowse's writing style and was drawn into the book very quickly. I wanted to know exactly what had happened and the book cleverly weaves Jessica's diary entries with her earlier life.
Jessica and Matthews wedding day was lovely, and their friends were well written. Topaz was a particular treasure and the way he fitted into already well established friendships. Both families are lovely and the scene at the baby shower particularly amusing.
They are so in love that the news that they are expecting a baby should be the best news ever. But will things run smoothly- exactly what has happened to Jessica and where is she now?
The book covers post natal depression and the traumatic way it can affect lives and how misunderstood it can be.
I can't wait to read more by Amanda Prowse.
With many thanks to LoveReading for a copy of this book.
Jessica and Matthews wedding day was lovely, and their friends were well written. Topaz was a particular treasure and the way he fitted into already well established friendships. Both families are lovely and the scene at the baby shower particularly amusing.
They are so in love that the news that they are expecting a baby should be the best news ever. But will things run smoothly- exactly what has happened to Jessica and where is she now?
The book covers post natal depression and the traumatic way it can affect lives and how misunderstood it can be.
I can't wait to read more by Amanda Prowse.
With many thanks to LoveReading for a copy of this book.
March 29, 2016
I should start this review by saying this isn't normally the sort of book I would read, but my mobile phone provider ran a series of giveaways in the run-up to Christmas and I won a couple of vouchers for free Kindle books. You could only choose from a very limited selection and this is one of the ones I ended up choosing.
So... I'm really torn on how to review this book. To try to explain, first I should describe the structure of the narrative. The prologue depicts the main character, Jess, being admitted to a psychiatric facility because she's been sectioned. From then on, the chapters alternate between flashbacks in the third person to Jess's life leading up to this point and diary entries written in the first person whilst she is incarcerated.
The flashback chapters really didn't work for me, they came across as clichéd chick-lit which is most definitely not my thing. The story starts with Jess and Matt's engagement then wedding. Her family are not very well off, not exactly poor but certainly they have to budget carefully. Despite not having much money, her parents are really happy and love each other very much. His family are rich and well-educated. Despite all their money, his parents don't have a particularly happy marriage. Literally straight off the romance-by-numbers checklist.
Other clichés included Jess's best friend meeting a hippie, yoga-teaching, vegetarian called Topaz who everyone mocked for being a hippie, yoga-teaching, vegetarian but who actually turned out to be a great guy who everyone loved. SO CHEESY.
As soon as they are married, Jess and Matt are constantly referred to as as "wife" or "husband". The narrative voice does it ("Matt watched his wife...", "Jess asked her husband...") and the characters also do it, referring to each other as "husband of mine" or whatever. It got really annoying after a while, they are independent functioning people not entirely defined by now being married! Maybe it was done on purpose to exaggerate the closeness of their marriage and thereby contrast later with when their marriage gets into trouble, but it really grated on me.
Matt's character was really confusing. Sometimes he was a really great guy, very understanding and thoughtful. But sometimes he was a complete dick, cases in point:
* When Jess finds out she is pregnant, she's literally just peed on a stick when Matt gets home from work. She's nervous and excited and confused, as you'd expect as a young newlywed who has unexpectedly found out she's expecting a baby. Jess asks Matt that they don't tell anyone yet because she's not ready. He literally gets his phone out behind her back and texts his best friend, who then tells her best friend. She's angry with him (as she should have been!), he tells her it was perfectly fine for him to do that, and she immediately backs down and agrees it was OK. Argh!
* Jess is a freelance illustrator and Matt does not take her job seriously AT ALL. Within maybe a week or two of finding out she's pregnant, he tells her she should quit her job so she can be a homemaker. Again she's indignant and offended (duh!) but just like before, he tells her that it's totally find and so she backs down and agrees.
* Matt chooses a different name for the baby while Jess is out cold post-delivery and has already told the name to their parents before she even comes round. It was a name from their shortlist, but not the one they'd actually decided on. OH HELL NO.
* Possibly worst of all, when Jess starts struggling with postnatal depression , a friend suggests that they speak to the family doctor. Matt refuses because he doesn't want "a do-gooder coming round and interfering". For god's sake man, you've seen your wife , and you won't even consider having a doctor get involved? RAWR!
On the other hand, when Jess did freak out about things Matt would always tell her that they were in it together, he'd always be there for her, not to shut him about because he wants to help and he can't if she won't tell him what's wrong, etc... And when the depression set in he would do the housework and other things to keep the house running. Not only did I hate him when he was an awful human being, but it also didn't make sense because at other times he was a great husband so as a reader I just didn't understand him.
All that said, this book did have real merit. Firstly in depicting a happy young woman sliding slowly and terrifyingly into post-natal depression. I've suffered with mild depression in the past, but nothing as bad as what happens to Jess and obviously not postnatal specifically. The author did an amazing job of taking us into black hole that slowly swallows Jess and her whole life, it was really compelling, scary and entirely relatable.
Secondly, the diary entry chapters were much better than the flashback chapters. They felt real and not at all clichéd, like a complete mirror image of the cheesy romance and pregnancy story weaved between it. Maybe this was intentional to create such a stark contrast between the before and the after, I don't know. Also very cleverly handled throughout was that you knew something bad had happened to get Jess locked away, but you don't really know what for quite a long way through the book. When you eventually do find out, in fact there are still facets of the story that you don't know, so the book holds back a little surprise till right near the end.
The writing wasn't amazing but the story was compelling. I did have to grit my teeth through the early cheesy romance chapters, and Jess agreeing when Matt tells her to quit her job was almost enough to make me delete the book off my Kindle that second, but in the end I am glad that I persevered.
So... I'm really torn on how to review this book. To try to explain, first I should describe the structure of the narrative. The prologue depicts the main character, Jess, being admitted to a psychiatric facility because she's been sectioned. From then on, the chapters alternate between flashbacks in the third person to Jess's life leading up to this point and diary entries written in the first person whilst she is incarcerated.
The flashback chapters really didn't work for me, they came across as clichéd chick-lit which is most definitely not my thing. The story starts with Jess and Matt's engagement then wedding. Her family are not very well off, not exactly poor but certainly they have to budget carefully. Despite not having much money, her parents are really happy and love each other very much. His family are rich and well-educated. Despite all their money, his parents don't have a particularly happy marriage. Literally straight off the romance-by-numbers checklist.
Other clichés included Jess's best friend meeting a hippie, yoga-teaching, vegetarian called Topaz who everyone mocked for being a hippie, yoga-teaching, vegetarian but who actually turned out to be a great guy who everyone loved. SO CHEESY.
As soon as they are married, Jess and Matt are constantly referred to as as "wife" or "husband". The narrative voice does it ("Matt watched his wife...", "Jess asked her husband...") and the characters also do it, referring to each other as "husband of mine" or whatever. It got really annoying after a while, they are independent functioning people not entirely defined by now being married! Maybe it was done on purpose to exaggerate the closeness of their marriage and thereby contrast later with when their marriage gets into trouble, but it really grated on me.
Matt's character was really confusing. Sometimes he was a really great guy, very understanding and thoughtful. But sometimes he was a complete dick, cases in point:
* When Jess finds out she is pregnant, she's literally just peed on a stick when Matt gets home from work. She's nervous and excited and confused, as you'd expect as a young newlywed who has unexpectedly found out she's expecting a baby. Jess asks Matt that they don't tell anyone yet because she's not ready. He literally gets his phone out behind her back and texts his best friend, who then tells her best friend. She's angry with him (as she should have been!), he tells her it was perfectly fine for him to do that, and she immediately backs down and agrees it was OK. Argh!
* Jess is a freelance illustrator and Matt does not take her job seriously AT ALL. Within maybe a week or two of finding out she's pregnant, he tells her she should quit her job so she can be a homemaker. Again she's indignant and offended (duh!) but just like before, he tells her that it's totally find and so she backs down and agrees.
* Matt chooses a different name for the baby while Jess is out cold post-delivery and has already told the name to their parents before she even comes round. It was a name from their shortlist, but not the one they'd actually decided on. OH HELL NO.
* Possibly worst of all, when Jess starts struggling with postnatal depression , a friend suggests that they speak to the family doctor. Matt refuses because he doesn't want "a do-gooder coming round and interfering". For god's sake man, you've seen your wife , and you won't even consider having a doctor get involved? RAWR!
On the other hand, when Jess did freak out about things Matt would always tell her that they were in it together, he'd always be there for her, not to shut him about because he wants to help and he can't if she won't tell him what's wrong, etc... And when the depression set in he would do the housework and other things to keep the house running. Not only did I hate him when he was an awful human being, but it also didn't make sense because at other times he was a great husband so as a reader I just didn't understand him.
All that said, this book did have real merit. Firstly in depicting a happy young woman sliding slowly and terrifyingly into post-natal depression. I've suffered with mild depression in the past, but nothing as bad as what happens to Jess and obviously not postnatal specifically. The author did an amazing job of taking us into black hole that slowly swallows Jess and her whole life, it was really compelling, scary and entirely relatable.
Secondly, the diary entry chapters were much better than the flashback chapters. They felt real and not at all clichéd, like a complete mirror image of the cheesy romance and pregnancy story weaved between it. Maybe this was intentional to create such a stark contrast between the before and the after, I don't know. Also very cleverly handled throughout was that you knew something bad had happened to get Jess locked away, but you don't really know what for quite a long way through the book. When you eventually do find out, in fact there are still facets of the story that you don't know, so the book holds back a little surprise till right near the end.
The writing wasn't amazing but the story was compelling. I did have to grit my teeth through the early cheesy romance chapters, and Jess agreeing when Matt tells her to quit her job was almost enough to make me delete the book off my Kindle that second, but in the end I am glad that I persevered.
March 1, 2022
Simply written. Engaging characters. A lovely young couple that has everything to be happy and yet things turn dark and dangerously emotional with the arrival of their first baby.
Treating the subject of postpartum depression with skill and sensitivity, this is a good read, raising an important topic.
Treating the subject of postpartum depression with skill and sensitivity, this is a good read, raising an important topic.
March 26, 2015
A very difficult read but a good one. The author tacked the issue of post natal depression really well. I felt part of the main characters story but also appreciated the viewpoint of the others. Well worth reading.
June 27, 2015
Just not my book. I got to the stage of flicking pages and chapters to get to the end.
March 28, 2022
This was a hard story to read. Not because it wasn’t good, because it is good. Powerfully so. It deals with post natal depression and it made my heart break so many times.
Jessica and Matt are insanely loved up and happy when we meet them. I couldn’t imagine anything changing that. Upcoming parenthood of course has you excited as well as anxious and it was lovely to see this couple all ready to welcome their child into the world. Sadly the unexpected joy of becoming a mother is squashed with feelings that Jessica had never expected to feel.
Gosh, I felt like I was hit with wave after wave of emotions reading of the thoughts that were running through Jessica’s head and how everyone around her was trying to help her and Matt and their little family. The author writes confidently and was empathetic when it came to the characters. I loved their friend Polly as she brought some light into the story and any girl who has a best friend like her would be extremely lucky.
A Mother’s Story is an emotionally gripping read that had me feeling so much empathy for what each of the characters were going through. Post natal depression doesn’t just affect the person suffering with it but also the people around them. I have to applaud the author for raising awareness on the subject and am sure it will no doubt help give people a better understanding. This was such a raw and moving novel and would give it a hundred stars if I was able to.
Jessica and Matt are insanely loved up and happy when we meet them. I couldn’t imagine anything changing that. Upcoming parenthood of course has you excited as well as anxious and it was lovely to see this couple all ready to welcome their child into the world. Sadly the unexpected joy of becoming a mother is squashed with feelings that Jessica had never expected to feel.
Gosh, I felt like I was hit with wave after wave of emotions reading of the thoughts that were running through Jessica’s head and how everyone around her was trying to help her and Matt and their little family. The author writes confidently and was empathetic when it came to the characters. I loved their friend Polly as she brought some light into the story and any girl who has a best friend like her would be extremely lucky.
A Mother’s Story is an emotionally gripping read that had me feeling so much empathy for what each of the characters were going through. Post natal depression doesn’t just affect the person suffering with it but also the people around them. I have to applaud the author for raising awareness on the subject and am sure it will no doubt help give people a better understanding. This was such a raw and moving novel and would give it a hundred stars if I was able to.
March 18, 2015
*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
A Mother’s Story was my first book by Amanda Prowse and I instantly fell in love with her writing! This book is amazing, make sure you keep the tissues close though.
The story follows Jessica, who is happily married to Matthew. I loved reading about the two of them, such an adorable couple.
Their life changes when daughter Lilly is born, or should I rather say Jess changes?! Her maternal feelings are not there and she doesn’t really feel anything. Dealing with her postnatal depression is hard for Jessica and she tries to hide it from everybody, even Matt.
Matt was amazing though and he was so sweet with his daughter.
I was happy they both had their parents and friends. They were like a rock, helping out wherever they could. Matt needed a lot of patience and I was curious how much he needed to loose it.
The chapters were always followed by a journal entry of Jess being in a clinic. We don’t know why she is there (yet), so it makes the story more interesting and dramatic. I wanted to find out the whole story and I loved going on that journey. The ending was kept open, I never knew in which direction the whole story could develop and that is what makes a storyline enthralling and fascinating.
In the chapters we read about their everyday life and how Jess is coping with the whole situation, only step by step the truth is revealed.
Amanda has a delicate and touching style of writing and I couldn’t put the book down, it’s so gripping! The story is thought provoking and very emotional. Amanda has found a gentle way to deal with a really difficult topic, but it’s still opening eyes and talking about something unusual, something people don’t talk about. I really admire Amanda for writing about it. The characters were genuine and real, their feelings were described in a wonderful way and it made me feel so close to the characters.
The epilogue was one of the sweetest ones I’ve ever read!
A Mother’s Story is an outstanding and remarkable book, with a lot of depth and strength. I can’t wait to read more of her stories!!!
A Mother’s Story was my first book by Amanda Prowse and I instantly fell in love with her writing! This book is amazing, make sure you keep the tissues close though.
The story follows Jessica, who is happily married to Matthew. I loved reading about the two of them, such an adorable couple.
Their life changes when daughter Lilly is born, or should I rather say Jess changes?! Her maternal feelings are not there and she doesn’t really feel anything. Dealing with her postnatal depression is hard for Jessica and she tries to hide it from everybody, even Matt.
Matt was amazing though and he was so sweet with his daughter.
I was happy they both had their parents and friends. They were like a rock, helping out wherever they could. Matt needed a lot of patience and I was curious how much he needed to loose it.
The chapters were always followed by a journal entry of Jess being in a clinic. We don’t know why she is there (yet), so it makes the story more interesting and dramatic. I wanted to find out the whole story and I loved going on that journey. The ending was kept open, I never knew in which direction the whole story could develop and that is what makes a storyline enthralling and fascinating.
In the chapters we read about their everyday life and how Jess is coping with the whole situation, only step by step the truth is revealed.
Amanda has a delicate and touching style of writing and I couldn’t put the book down, it’s so gripping! The story is thought provoking and very emotional. Amanda has found a gentle way to deal with a really difficult topic, but it’s still opening eyes and talking about something unusual, something people don’t talk about. I really admire Amanda for writing about it. The characters were genuine and real, their feelings were described in a wonderful way and it made me feel so close to the characters.
The epilogue was one of the sweetest ones I’ve ever read!
A Mother’s Story is an outstanding and remarkable book, with a lot of depth and strength. I can’t wait to read more of her stories!!!
June 16, 2015
I loved this book and couldn't put it down. A Mother's Story triggered so many of my emotions as I read - I laughed, I cried, I felt angry, I felt sad ...
The book's prologue pulled me in straight away, as Jessica enters into her new 'home', clearly distraught, scared and broken by recent events. The rest of the book carefully weaves together two parallel stories. There's Jessica and Matthew in past, getting married, setting up home and planning their future together. Then there's Jessica writing in her present day diary (starting after the prologue), which spans nearly three years.
Jessica and Matthew seem so normal - no different to any other couple about to become parents for the first time. Yet when their baby is born, after a difficult labour and birth, Jessica struggles to cope. She refuses to ask for help, and Matthew and her family believe that she just needs to pull herself out of her 'baby blues'.
A Mother's Story is written beautifully. While it's a fictional account, the underlying issue of post-natal depression is a serious one for many women, and Amanda Prowse has tackled it with great sensitivity. I read the last couple of chapters hiding from my family, so they didn't see the tears running down my cheeks. This was one of the most moving books I have read for some time - maybe because it tackles such a 'real' issue and has such 'normal' characters.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the publisher through the Lovereading Review Panel in exchange for an honest review.
The book's prologue pulled me in straight away, as Jessica enters into her new 'home', clearly distraught, scared and broken by recent events. The rest of the book carefully weaves together two parallel stories. There's Jessica and Matthew in past, getting married, setting up home and planning their future together. Then there's Jessica writing in her present day diary (starting after the prologue), which spans nearly three years.
Jessica and Matthew seem so normal - no different to any other couple about to become parents for the first time. Yet when their baby is born, after a difficult labour and birth, Jessica struggles to cope. She refuses to ask for help, and Matthew and her family believe that she just needs to pull herself out of her 'baby blues'.
A Mother's Story is written beautifully. While it's a fictional account, the underlying issue of post-natal depression is a serious one for many women, and Amanda Prowse has tackled it with great sensitivity. I read the last couple of chapters hiding from my family, so they didn't see the tears running down my cheeks. This was one of the most moving books I have read for some time - maybe because it tackles such a 'real' issue and has such 'normal' characters.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the publisher through the Lovereading Review Panel in exchange for an honest review.
January 15, 2021
As someone who suffers with postnatal depression, this book was incredible. Thankfully I don’t suffer to the degree that Jess did, but to hear some of my own thoughts echoed in this book was reassuring to hear. I’m not the only one who regrets having a baby. I’m not the only one who misses her old life. I’m not the only one who dreads the moment her baby wakes up, whose heart plummets when they start crying.
I’m recovering, and a big part of that is medication, something that may not be for everyone, but can make a big difference. Support isn’t an option for me at the minute, given COVID, but it’s such a good thing to have.
Jess should’ve received help much much sooner than she did, and she should’ve learned to communicate her thoughts more. Wise lesson for all of us in life.
A difficult subject, handled expertly.
To any new mum out there with thoughts like these, just keep going. You’ll have good days and bad days, but it will get better in time. Take joy from whatever little moments you can, and know that you’re not alone in your feelings.
I’m recovering, and a big part of that is medication, something that may not be for everyone, but can make a big difference. Support isn’t an option for me at the minute, given COVID, but it’s such a good thing to have.
Jess should’ve received help much much sooner than she did, and she should’ve learned to communicate her thoughts more. Wise lesson for all of us in life.
A difficult subject, handled expertly.
To any new mum out there with thoughts like these, just keep going. You’ll have good days and bad days, but it will get better in time. Take joy from whatever little moments you can, and know that you’re not alone in your feelings.
January 17, 2023
A captivating story about post natal depression and how stigma and shame affect a mother.
The author addressed the challenges of post natal depression in an informative, creative and emotive way. The development of the characters kept the story interesting.
The structure was confusing at first but made sense as the story developed, particularly the last part that you wouldn't have anticipated.
Beautifully written.
Speaking about the unspoken.
The author addressed the challenges of post natal depression in an informative, creative and emotive way. The development of the characters kept the story interesting.
The structure was confusing at first but made sense as the story developed, particularly the last part that you wouldn't have anticipated.
Beautifully written.
Speaking about the unspoken.
February 20, 2017
I'm a little torn over this book. There were parts of it that I found so sad and gut wrenching and I think that Amanda Prowse has a real talent for taking difficult and emotional subjects and dealing with them in a sympathetic and sensitive manner. Whilst it is hard to imagine post natal depression unless you have been through it yourself, I felt that the diary entries in particular were extremely well researched and were the strongest part of the book.
I haven't rated the book as highly as the others I have read by this author because of the characters more than the plot. Jess and Matt are portrayed as this ideal couple, so besotted with each other. Yet as soon as Jess becomes pregnant Matt seems to turn into some kind of cave man. He tells her to stop working and she meekly agrees, even though at the time she is only 3 months pregnant. She discovers very quickly how little respect he has for her work. When it is clear that she has real problems, he refuses to even consider getting her help, that's down to her friends efforts. I liked him less and less as the story went on.
I also get a little annoyed when books finish well before the 100% mark. This one finishes at 87%. I realise that this probably has nothing to do with author but I wish publishers didn't do it.
Anything that highlights this terrible illness can only be good and I do admire anyone who can take these sensitive issues and make them accessible to the wider public.
I haven't rated the book as highly as the others I have read by this author because of the characters more than the plot. Jess and Matt are portrayed as this ideal couple, so besotted with each other. Yet as soon as Jess becomes pregnant Matt seems to turn into some kind of cave man. He tells her to stop working and she meekly agrees, even though at the time she is only 3 months pregnant. She discovers very quickly how little respect he has for her work. When it is clear that she has real problems, he refuses to even consider getting her help, that's down to her friends efforts. I liked him less and less as the story went on.
I also get a little annoyed when books finish well before the 100% mark. This one finishes at 87%. I realise that this probably has nothing to do with author but I wish publishers didn't do it.
Anything that highlights this terrible illness can only be good and I do admire anyone who can take these sensitive issues and make them accessible to the wider public.
February 19, 2016
Jessica has it all – gorgeous husband, beautiful house, no money worries. What should have been a high point in her life – the birth of a beautiful child – starts a downward spiral that leads to horrific consequences.
The subject of post-natal depression is very personal to me. I have suffered myself and for a few years I volunteered for an organisation that helps mothers who feel isolated and depressed after the birth of a baby. A friend who also used to work for that organisation recommended this book to me, and I have to admit I was afraid to read it. Afraid of being taken back to those dark days. But then I felt cowardly and thought I ought to try, and if it got too difficult I’d have to stop reading.
I couldn’t stop reading. I had to find out exactly what Jessica has done, and how she goes from a warm-hearted young woman to the depths of despair.
I think the structure works well, with first person and third person narrators. However, the pre-baby scenes are written in a style that some may find too fluffy and light. As a result they may, like me, find zany, sweet Jessica difficult to relate to, which rather undermines the later post-baby scenes.
I’m pleased this author has chosen to write about an illness that affects so many women, and if it encourages more openness about post-natal depression then that’s a worthy thing for fiction to do.
The subject of post-natal depression is very personal to me. I have suffered myself and for a few years I volunteered for an organisation that helps mothers who feel isolated and depressed after the birth of a baby. A friend who also used to work for that organisation recommended this book to me, and I have to admit I was afraid to read it. Afraid of being taken back to those dark days. But then I felt cowardly and thought I ought to try, and if it got too difficult I’d have to stop reading.
I couldn’t stop reading. I had to find out exactly what Jessica has done, and how she goes from a warm-hearted young woman to the depths of despair.
I think the structure works well, with first person and third person narrators. However, the pre-baby scenes are written in a style that some may find too fluffy and light. As a result they may, like me, find zany, sweet Jessica difficult to relate to, which rather undermines the later post-baby scenes.
I’m pleased this author has chosen to write about an illness that affects so many women, and if it encourages more openness about post-natal depression then that’s a worthy thing for fiction to do.
June 21, 2015
This was my first Amanda Prowse novel, and its not going to be my last - a little different to my usual read, I thought I would struggle to get into it but the story line pulled me in from the beginning. In the beginning I couldn't take to Jess's character at all - she comes across as fairly childish and almost a little selfish, but I did enjoy seeing her grow up through out the story and once she became pregnant I found her a lot more likeable.
The characters are all well-written, and I liked the way Paz and Polly were supportive of Jessica all the way through the story, without giving away any spoilers. The subject was handled incredibly sensitively, and I think there are many aspects to the novel that many first-time mums can relate to, I know that there were certain times through Jess' pregnancy when I stopped and thought, "I know that feeling!".
The ending is heartbreaking and emotional, and not quite what I expected - a good thing, and I am impressed with the way Amanda Prowse has dealt with Jess' story.
The characters are all well-written, and I liked the way Paz and Polly were supportive of Jessica all the way through the story, without giving away any spoilers. The subject was handled incredibly sensitively, and I think there are many aspects to the novel that many first-time mums can relate to, I know that there were certain times through Jess' pregnancy when I stopped and thought, "I know that feeling!".
The ending is heartbreaking and emotional, and not quite what I expected - a good thing, and I am impressed with the way Amanda Prowse has dealt with Jess' story.
September 18, 2015
Wow, her last one I read ended at 86% BUT this one was shocking in that it finished 64% in !! I've marked it down a star for this. Don't get me wrong, I was greatly enjoying the story but I felt robbed. That's a little excessive to use 36% of a book for more self-promotion and for me it only succeeded in getting my back up.
There were some funny lines in this-I really enjoyed Matthew and Jessica's happy relationship before things went south. It was one to envy. I laughed aloud at Margaret's remark about Majorca as well. Priceless. Some little girl's sayings were sweet, funny and touching, too.
I did spot at one point that Polly yelled and it was meant to be Jess which was careless, and I did tire a little at the amount of "flaring up" occurring-it was a little repetitive, then of was used when off was meant and one line I didn't understand as all-"You'll never sucked in"....huh ??
These mistakes and the abrupt ending to my reading experience aside it is a cracking story......despite the grim content. I really enjoyed it.
There were some funny lines in this-I really enjoyed Matthew and Jessica's happy relationship before things went south. It was one to envy. I laughed aloud at Margaret's remark about Majorca as well. Priceless. Some little girl's sayings were sweet, funny and touching, too.
I did spot at one point that Polly yelled and it was meant to be Jess which was careless, and I did tire a little at the amount of "flaring up" occurring-it was a little repetitive, then of was used when off was meant and one line I didn't understand as all-"You'll never sucked in"....huh ??
These mistakes and the abrupt ending to my reading experience aside it is a cracking story......despite the grim content. I really enjoyed it.
December 15, 2015
I have really struggled with the "chick lit" categorisations applied to books like this.. Is it purposefully meant to put male readers off? If so that's a real shame, as there is so much here I enjoyed. I found it a very powerful and compelling read, tackling the subject of post natal depression with insight and empathy. A double narrative, one historical, the other more up to date was skilfully woven together through the pages and created a wonderful tension which then had, for me, a surprising twist late on in the book. My only gripe was the overly sugary description of Matthew and Jessica's early married years- is that typical of this genre? Overall I was enthralled, informed, and moved by this carefully crafted story.
June 30, 2015
This was a very moving, powerful story of how a seemingly perfect family can fall apart without anyone really noticing the signs. Amanda Prowse has created believable characters & I was willing Jessica all the way through to get better. This book does a lot to highlight post natal depression. I would love to read a sequel to see what happens next. Thank you to love reading for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 23, 2016
20/20
La dépression post-natale, une maladie fréquente et pourtant très peu connue. Cette histoire, à la tension présente dès la première page nous permet de comprendre cette maladie et ses conséquences. Une magnifique lecture qui a su me toucher en plein coeur.
Ma chronique : https://myprettybooks.wordpress.com/2...
La dépression post-natale, une maladie fréquente et pourtant très peu connue. Cette histoire, à la tension présente dès la première page nous permet de comprendre cette maladie et ses conséquences. Une magnifique lecture qui a su me toucher en plein coeur.
Ma chronique : https://myprettybooks.wordpress.com/2...
February 14, 2015
Review to follow on novelicious.com
August 27, 2015
Wow wonderful read couldn't put it down
August 8, 2017
I have just finished this book and I have to say it was exceptional. The description of feelings just brought me into the full characters moods and made the book feel alive like I was living it myself. Just brilliant.
February 27, 2015
Warning: Make sure you have tissues within easy reach before you start this amazing book. Amanda Prowse is certainly not one for resting on her laurels and knows not to keep her dedicated fans eagerly waiting for too long between each release. Amanda's last release Christmas for One was only published in December (and was reviewed by myself for the blog) but luckily for us she is back with what is undoubtedly her best book yet and will keep all her readers hooked on such a sensitive subject which was dealt with in a superb way. A Mother's Story is a thought provoking, well written, if at times hard to read (through the tears that is), book that after a run of not so great books had me enthralled right from the prologue where we encounter a character being checked into some sort of unit or clinic. We don't know what the circumstances are but from reading just a few paragraphs I was keen to keep going and find the answers to numerous questions.
The book opens as we meet Jessica Maxwell and Matthew Deane as they are celebrating their wedding day, sometime later Jessica is recalling what a wonderful day she had as she married the man of her dreams. Coming from two totally different upbringings she feels she has the met the man she was destined to spend the rest of her life with. Matthew has made her complete and her love for him radiates from the pages, she needs him and just can't get enough of him. Jessica maybe more so than Matthew has a real need for strength and love in her life. I'm not saying Matthew doesn't love Jessica but she can be very up and down. Jessica requires Matthew to be in her life and she clings to him, he is her safety blanket as once her parents had been for her all through her childhood. She seems so stuck on Matthew like she can't exist without him taking the term rock a bit too far.
Soon the story is interspersed with diary extracts from Jessica's time in some unit. We don't know why she is there but I was left confused as to what could have happened that caused such a turnaround in her once apparently fantastic life. The writing in the diary is of stark contrast to the Jessica the reader initially becomes familiar with. The differences are distinctive between the Jessica we now read about compared to the young woman experiencing the first heady days as a newlywed. It's like we are reading about two totally different characters but yet we know they are the same person but something devastatingly traumatic has brought such a turnaround in Jessica and as we progress we slowly unravel the clues. It was a clever method to use the diary entries throughout the book as it gave real hints at the drama that was to come.
We discover how Jessica becomes pregnant but the birth does not go to plan but yet she still has a beautiful daughter Lily. From here the book took a whole new level of just absolutely mind blowing writing filling me with emotions I never thought I could experience whilst reading a book. Not having any children myself (teaching five year olds is enough for me at the moment) it is the sign of a truly talented author who can have you identifying with and feeling such strong emotions for what Jessica is going through. You have great empathy for her as post-natal depression can affect any woman who has given birth. Yet Matthew, her parents, in laws and best friend Polly are always there for Jessica. It is admirable how they stick through her through thick and thin doing their best to support Jessica and try to bring her out from under this black cloud. But this description really just sums up how she is feeling 'She stared out of the window and felt awkward, like a guest that didn't know or understand the rhythm of the house'.
Too say anymore would ruin the story but it is clear Amanda is passionate about the subject matter of this book . The writing flows seamlessly throughout and she divulges the story with such compassion for her main character. At no point does the narrative become stagnant or come to a stand still. As a reader we are kept hooked and turning the pages wanting to know what will happen but at the same time reluctant to discover if our conclusions can be confirmed or denied. The author was brave to tackle the subject of postnatal depression but she has done it with such a genuine sensitivity and care that you really would hope any woman reading this book and experiencing the same feelings and issues would take heart and seek help as this is not something that can be dealt with alone but rather with the help of experts and those around you.
A Mother's Story is an outstanding piece of work that has without doubt doubt catapulted Amanda Prowse into a new league and will unquestionably earn her plenty of new readers as well as deeply satisfy her loyal followers. She had me in the palm of her hand from the word go right through to the conclusion where amidst tears aplenty I was reluctant to leave the characters behind. This is not easy for an author to do but Amanda has achieved this having written such a remarkable story that deserves to be read by many.
The book opens as we meet Jessica Maxwell and Matthew Deane as they are celebrating their wedding day, sometime later Jessica is recalling what a wonderful day she had as she married the man of her dreams. Coming from two totally different upbringings she feels she has the met the man she was destined to spend the rest of her life with. Matthew has made her complete and her love for him radiates from the pages, she needs him and just can't get enough of him. Jessica maybe more so than Matthew has a real need for strength and love in her life. I'm not saying Matthew doesn't love Jessica but she can be very up and down. Jessica requires Matthew to be in her life and she clings to him, he is her safety blanket as once her parents had been for her all through her childhood. She seems so stuck on Matthew like she can't exist without him taking the term rock a bit too far.
Soon the story is interspersed with diary extracts from Jessica's time in some unit. We don't know why she is there but I was left confused as to what could have happened that caused such a turnaround in her once apparently fantastic life. The writing in the diary is of stark contrast to the Jessica the reader initially becomes familiar with. The differences are distinctive between the Jessica we now read about compared to the young woman experiencing the first heady days as a newlywed. It's like we are reading about two totally different characters but yet we know they are the same person but something devastatingly traumatic has brought such a turnaround in Jessica and as we progress we slowly unravel the clues. It was a clever method to use the diary entries throughout the book as it gave real hints at the drama that was to come.
We discover how Jessica becomes pregnant but the birth does not go to plan but yet she still has a beautiful daughter Lily. From here the book took a whole new level of just absolutely mind blowing writing filling me with emotions I never thought I could experience whilst reading a book. Not having any children myself (teaching five year olds is enough for me at the moment) it is the sign of a truly talented author who can have you identifying with and feeling such strong emotions for what Jessica is going through. You have great empathy for her as post-natal depression can affect any woman who has given birth. Yet Matthew, her parents, in laws and best friend Polly are always there for Jessica. It is admirable how they stick through her through thick and thin doing their best to support Jessica and try to bring her out from under this black cloud. But this description really just sums up how she is feeling 'She stared out of the window and felt awkward, like a guest that didn't know or understand the rhythm of the house'.
Too say anymore would ruin the story but it is clear Amanda is passionate about the subject matter of this book . The writing flows seamlessly throughout and she divulges the story with such compassion for her main character. At no point does the narrative become stagnant or come to a stand still. As a reader we are kept hooked and turning the pages wanting to know what will happen but at the same time reluctant to discover if our conclusions can be confirmed or denied. The author was brave to tackle the subject of postnatal depression but she has done it with such a genuine sensitivity and care that you really would hope any woman reading this book and experiencing the same feelings and issues would take heart and seek help as this is not something that can be dealt with alone but rather with the help of experts and those around you.
A Mother's Story is an outstanding piece of work that has without doubt doubt catapulted Amanda Prowse into a new league and will unquestionably earn her plenty of new readers as well as deeply satisfy her loyal followers. She had me in the palm of her hand from the word go right through to the conclusion where amidst tears aplenty I was reluctant to leave the characters behind. This is not easy for an author to do but Amanda has achieved this having written such a remarkable story that deserves to be read by many.
March 19, 2015
Review first posted on my blog: http://spoonfulofhappyendings.blogspo...
Jessica simply knows she and her new husband Matthew were meant to end up together. From the first moment she looked into his eyes, Jessica has been head over heels madly in love with Matthew, and luckily he feels the exact same way about her. The two of them are truly happy together, which is also why Jessica can’t wait to start their lives as wife and husband together. When Jessica unexpectedly gets pregnant at the age of twenty-three, Matthew is over the moon and can’t wait to go on this new adventure together. Yet, as soon as the baby is born after a complicated birth, Jessica can’t seem to find the maternal feelings and strong love she is supposed to feel. Instead, she starts to feel worse and worse and she can’t help but think about how her and Matthew’s life was supposed to be and what she could possibly do to make things better.
This novel deals with an incredibly sensitive and quite controversial topic, namely post-natal depression. Amanda Prowse is a wonderful author and she deals with this subject in an incredibly realistic and touching way. This novel really tugged on my heartstrings and I couldn’t help but feel for the characters and what they go through. Jessica is a heroine that really spoke to me; from the start it is obvious that she and Matthew make such a great couple and the love between them just warmed my heart. It was almost the perfect kind of love which is often portrayed in films and you somehow know something is going to come and ruin it all, which of course also happens to Matthew and Jessica. What they go through is told in an incredibly gripping and heartbreaking way, and I can’t even imagine what it would be like to go through something like this.
The story is told from the perspective of main protagonist Jessica, but in two different ways. On the one hand we see diary extracts from Jessica in the here and now, and on the other hand we get to see everything that has happened to Jessica in the past, mainly told from her own point of view. I personally thought the switches between these different chapters was very strong and really showed the development of Jessica’s character. The book has a lovely cast of characters which are all well-developed, such as Jessica’s husband Matthew and her best friend Polly. Amanda Prowse is a great author, there’s no doubt about that. This story really gripped me and I haven’t been able to get it out of my head since I finished the book. If you’re looking for a feel-good read, this is not the book to pick up. But if you’re looking for a heart wrenching, gripping and well-written women’s fiction title, then ‘A Mother’s Story’ definitely won’t disappoint.
Jessica simply knows she and her new husband Matthew were meant to end up together. From the first moment she looked into his eyes, Jessica has been head over heels madly in love with Matthew, and luckily he feels the exact same way about her. The two of them are truly happy together, which is also why Jessica can’t wait to start their lives as wife and husband together. When Jessica unexpectedly gets pregnant at the age of twenty-three, Matthew is over the moon and can’t wait to go on this new adventure together. Yet, as soon as the baby is born after a complicated birth, Jessica can’t seem to find the maternal feelings and strong love she is supposed to feel. Instead, she starts to feel worse and worse and she can’t help but think about how her and Matthew’s life was supposed to be and what she could possibly do to make things better.
This novel deals with an incredibly sensitive and quite controversial topic, namely post-natal depression. Amanda Prowse is a wonderful author and she deals with this subject in an incredibly realistic and touching way. This novel really tugged on my heartstrings and I couldn’t help but feel for the characters and what they go through. Jessica is a heroine that really spoke to me; from the start it is obvious that she and Matthew make such a great couple and the love between them just warmed my heart. It was almost the perfect kind of love which is often portrayed in films and you somehow know something is going to come and ruin it all, which of course also happens to Matthew and Jessica. What they go through is told in an incredibly gripping and heartbreaking way, and I can’t even imagine what it would be like to go through something like this.
The story is told from the perspective of main protagonist Jessica, but in two different ways. On the one hand we see diary extracts from Jessica in the here and now, and on the other hand we get to see everything that has happened to Jessica in the past, mainly told from her own point of view. I personally thought the switches between these different chapters was very strong and really showed the development of Jessica’s character. The book has a lovely cast of characters which are all well-developed, such as Jessica’s husband Matthew and her best friend Polly. Amanda Prowse is a great author, there’s no doubt about that. This story really gripped me and I haven’t been able to get it out of my head since I finished the book. If you’re looking for a feel-good read, this is not the book to pick up. But if you’re looking for a heart wrenching, gripping and well-written women’s fiction title, then ‘A Mother’s Story’ definitely won’t disappoint.
February 12, 2015
The Last Word Review:
‘Deeply moving and sensitive, keep the tissues handy ’
This is by far Amanda Prowse’s best novel to-date. She is not afraid of tackling a sensitive issue such creating a character in Jessica and the perfect World that has just been created and then watch in dramatic fashion how it came crashing down through post-natal depression. Like I said a very sensitive subject it is packed with emotion and so very delicately handled.
As you read through this powerful book you enter the world of the ‘perfect couple’ in Jessica and Matthew, a young couple whose lives together as a married couple has just started, not planning to have a family until Matthew has gained promotion and Jessica has proved herself in her chosen career as an illustrator. Their passion for each other is moves from page to page, then suddenly Jessica is pregnant not at all as per their perfect plan, but they are young and in love and want to become parents even at this early stage of their marriage.
Their Daughter is born through a Caesarean but this is where the story really takes on that of a thriller. At first as you begin to see Jessica drift away from her daughter and her life as a young Mother becomes distressing as you move across each page Jessica gets medical help and for a little while you see improvement but you always fear something is coming and then Jessica’s life really begins to fall apart.
Over the course of each chapter you move from real hatred for Jessica but you will be moved by the story as it really unfolds in front of your eyes, and they will water as you feel real pain and heartache for everyone involved in this outstanding book. At the end I felt a sense of loss and helplessness as you just wanted to be involved. That is what Amanda has brought to the reader here a real personal tragedy unfolding and there is nothing you can do.
The one thing that I really liked from the start was the diary entries that come throughout the book it add a real sense of reality and it starts to tell you a story of the drama to come.
Amanda’s prose makes the story flow and you will find it very difficult to put this book down when you first open it. Be warned make sure you have a box of tissues to hand as you will almost certainly need them.
This is a book that should be read wildly as it has opened my eyes to post-natal depression more than ever.
This will without doubt become Amanda Prowse’s biggest novel to-date and the passion she shows in this book will make this a book that will carry on selling for some time to come.
VERDICT: COMMENDED AND HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
‘Deeply moving and sensitive, keep the tissues handy ’
This is by far Amanda Prowse’s best novel to-date. She is not afraid of tackling a sensitive issue such creating a character in Jessica and the perfect World that has just been created and then watch in dramatic fashion how it came crashing down through post-natal depression. Like I said a very sensitive subject it is packed with emotion and so very delicately handled.
As you read through this powerful book you enter the world of the ‘perfect couple’ in Jessica and Matthew, a young couple whose lives together as a married couple has just started, not planning to have a family until Matthew has gained promotion and Jessica has proved herself in her chosen career as an illustrator. Their passion for each other is moves from page to page, then suddenly Jessica is pregnant not at all as per their perfect plan, but they are young and in love and want to become parents even at this early stage of their marriage.
Their Daughter is born through a Caesarean but this is where the story really takes on that of a thriller. At first as you begin to see Jessica drift away from her daughter and her life as a young Mother becomes distressing as you move across each page Jessica gets medical help and for a little while you see improvement but you always fear something is coming and then Jessica’s life really begins to fall apart.
Over the course of each chapter you move from real hatred for Jessica but you will be moved by the story as it really unfolds in front of your eyes, and they will water as you feel real pain and heartache for everyone involved in this outstanding book. At the end I felt a sense of loss and helplessness as you just wanted to be involved. That is what Amanda has brought to the reader here a real personal tragedy unfolding and there is nothing you can do.
The one thing that I really liked from the start was the diary entries that come throughout the book it add a real sense of reality and it starts to tell you a story of the drama to come.
Amanda’s prose makes the story flow and you will find it very difficult to put this book down when you first open it. Be warned make sure you have a box of tissues to hand as you will almost certainly need them.
This is a book that should be read wildly as it has opened my eyes to post-natal depression more than ever.
This will without doubt become Amanda Prowse’s biggest novel to-date and the passion she shows in this book will make this a book that will carry on selling for some time to come.
VERDICT: COMMENDED AND HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
February 12, 2015
The Last Word Review:
‘Deeply moving and sensitive, keep the tissues handy ’
This is by far Amanda Prowse’s best novel to-date. She is not afraid of tackling a sensitive issue such creating a character in Jessica and the perfect World that has just been created and then watch in dramatic fashion how it came crashing down through post-natal depression. Like I said a very sensitive subject it is packed with emotion and so very delicately handled.
As you read through this powerful book you enter the world of the ‘perfect couple’ in Jessica and Matthew, a young couple whose lives together as a married couple has just started, not planning to have a family until Matthew has gained promotion and Jessica has proved herself in her chosen career as an illustrator. Their passion for each other is moves from page to page, then suddenly Jessica is pregnant not at all as per their perfect plan, but they are young and in love and want to become parents even at this early stage of their marriage.
Their Daughter is born through a Caesarean but this is where the story really takes on that of a thriller. At first as you begin to see Jessica drift away from her daughter and her life as a young Mother becomes distressing as you move across each page Jessica gets medical help and for a little while you see improvement but you always fear something is coming and then Jessica’s life really begins to fall apart.
Over the course of each chapter you move from real hatred for Jessica but you will be moved by the story as it really unfolds in front of your eyes, and they will water as you feel real pain and heartache for everyone involved in this outstanding book. At the end I felt a sense of loss and helplessness as you just wanted to be involved. That is what Amanda has brought to the reader here a real personal tragedy unfolding and there is nothing you can do.
The one thing that I really liked from the start was the diary entries that come throughout the book it add a real sense of reality and it starts to tell you a story of the drama to come.
Amanda’s prose makes the story flow and you will find it very difficult to put this book down when you first open it. Be warned make sure you have a box of tissues to hand as you will almost certainly need them.
This is a book that should be read wildly as it has opened my eyes to post-natal depression more than ever.
This will without doubt become Amanda Prowse’s biggest novel to-date and the passion she shows in this book will make this a book that will carry on selling for some time to come.
VERDICT: COMMENDED AND HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
‘Deeply moving and sensitive, keep the tissues handy ’
This is by far Amanda Prowse’s best novel to-date. She is not afraid of tackling a sensitive issue such creating a character in Jessica and the perfect World that has just been created and then watch in dramatic fashion how it came crashing down through post-natal depression. Like I said a very sensitive subject it is packed with emotion and so very delicately handled.
As you read through this powerful book you enter the world of the ‘perfect couple’ in Jessica and Matthew, a young couple whose lives together as a married couple has just started, not planning to have a family until Matthew has gained promotion and Jessica has proved herself in her chosen career as an illustrator. Their passion for each other is moves from page to page, then suddenly Jessica is pregnant not at all as per their perfect plan, but they are young and in love and want to become parents even at this early stage of their marriage.
Their Daughter is born through a Caesarean but this is where the story really takes on that of a thriller. At first as you begin to see Jessica drift away from her daughter and her life as a young Mother becomes distressing as you move across each page Jessica gets medical help and for a little while you see improvement but you always fear something is coming and then Jessica’s life really begins to fall apart.
Over the course of each chapter you move from real hatred for Jessica but you will be moved by the story as it really unfolds in front of your eyes, and they will water as you feel real pain and heartache for everyone involved in this outstanding book. At the end I felt a sense of loss and helplessness as you just wanted to be involved. That is what Amanda has brought to the reader here a real personal tragedy unfolding and there is nothing you can do.
The one thing that I really liked from the start was the diary entries that come throughout the book it add a real sense of reality and it starts to tell you a story of the drama to come.
Amanda’s prose makes the story flow and you will find it very difficult to put this book down when you first open it. Be warned make sure you have a box of tissues to hand as you will almost certainly need them.
This is a book that should be read wildly as it has opened my eyes to post-natal depression more than ever.
This will without doubt become Amanda Prowse’s biggest novel to-date and the passion she shows in this book will make this a book that will carry on selling for some time to come.
VERDICT: COMMENDED AND HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
March 21, 2015
Originally posted on:> http://lauraslittlebookblog.blogspot....
4.5/5
Out of all the Amanda Prowse stories I have read, I personally think A Mother's Story is her best.
I don't even know where to begin in writing this review. I have never read a book that has completely and utterly moved me so much before.
Jessica is one of the happiest people around, she is vibrant and so chatty. She is about to marry her best friend Matthew. She really couldn't be happier and then she gets pregnant, her life really does feel like a fairytale. But when her baby girl is born, Jessica is only gripped with panic and fear, she just can't seem to bond with her daughter. She can't tell anyone this though otherwise they will think she is a terrible Mother, but as Jessica tries to hide what's really going on, things start to spiral out of control.
A Mother's Story gets off to such a gripping start, and will have you desperate to read on. This is such a powerful, emotional story. Amanda has dealt with and portrayed the trauma and sadness that women suffering from Post Natal Depression go through. I felt so desperate for Jessica. No one truly understood what she was going through and when her husband Matthew was starting to lose patience with her, I could feel her pain and sorrow like it was my own. Her friends and family thought it was something that would just pass eventually and just kept wanting her to pull herself together, but she was suffering from an illness that she could not just get through.
This was really hard to read at times as it was just so sad. It takes a lot to make me cry, but this actually made me cry big, fat, gasping tears. I was really affected by this story and I think a part of that reason was because I kept imagining that Jessica's little girl was my niece and it just really seemed to hit home.
I really don't want to say anything more as this is a story that you just have to read!
A Mother's Story is an incredible, powerful and emotional story that will have you gripped from the very first page.
4.5/5
Out of all the Amanda Prowse stories I have read, I personally think A Mother's Story is her best.
I don't even know where to begin in writing this review. I have never read a book that has completely and utterly moved me so much before.
Jessica is one of the happiest people around, she is vibrant and so chatty. She is about to marry her best friend Matthew. She really couldn't be happier and then she gets pregnant, her life really does feel like a fairytale. But when her baby girl is born, Jessica is only gripped with panic and fear, she just can't seem to bond with her daughter. She can't tell anyone this though otherwise they will think she is a terrible Mother, but as Jessica tries to hide what's really going on, things start to spiral out of control.
A Mother's Story gets off to such a gripping start, and will have you desperate to read on. This is such a powerful, emotional story. Amanda has dealt with and portrayed the trauma and sadness that women suffering from Post Natal Depression go through. I felt so desperate for Jessica. No one truly understood what she was going through and when her husband Matthew was starting to lose patience with her, I could feel her pain and sorrow like it was my own. Her friends and family thought it was something that would just pass eventually and just kept wanting her to pull herself together, but she was suffering from an illness that she could not just get through.
This was really hard to read at times as it was just so sad. It takes a lot to make me cry, but this actually made me cry big, fat, gasping tears. I was really affected by this story and I think a part of that reason was because I kept imagining that Jessica's little girl was my niece and it just really seemed to hit home.
I really don't want to say anything more as this is a story that you just have to read!
A Mother's Story is an incredible, powerful and emotional story that will have you gripped from the very first page.
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