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The Postcard
When Ivy Everton, a children's book illustrator, moves to Cornwall to start a new life with her husband Stuart, she's given her mother's old writing desk, a bittersweet token from a mother who made childhood magical.
When she clears it, she finds that the desk holds an unexpected surprise; one she wishes, in a way, that she hadn't found, as hidden inside is a blank, faded postcard addressed to her, in her mother's hand. At first, the postcard serves only to haunt her; as she can't help but wonder what unwritten secret lies unsaid.
Yet, as the days pass mysterious things begin to happen, odd items go missing from her studio, only to reappear, ethereally transformed in the seemingly empty desk.
Soon Ivy realises that the postcard was never really blank, it was simply waiting ... waiting for her to find it.
Part ghost story, part romantic Christmas tale, The Postcard is about finding hope, even in the darkest times, and about the kind of love that transcends time and space to heal.
Praise for Lily Graham
"If you like Mitch Albom stories this has a touch of that kind of magic, mixed with real love, laughter, and the kind of romance we all yearn for. Lovely." Rebecca Raisin, bestselling author of The Gingerbread Café series.
When she clears it, she finds that the desk holds an unexpected surprise; one she wishes, in a way, that she hadn't found, as hidden inside is a blank, faded postcard addressed to her, in her mother's hand. At first, the postcard serves only to haunt her; as she can't help but wonder what unwritten secret lies unsaid.
Yet, as the days pass mysterious things begin to happen, odd items go missing from her studio, only to reappear, ethereally transformed in the seemingly empty desk.
Soon Ivy realises that the postcard was never really blank, it was simply waiting ... waiting for her to find it.
Part ghost story, part romantic Christmas tale, The Postcard is about finding hope, even in the darkest times, and about the kind of love that transcends time and space to heal.
Praise for Lily Graham
"If you like Mitch Albom stories this has a touch of that kind of magic, mixed with real love, laughter, and the kind of romance we all yearn for. Lovely." Rebecca Raisin, bestselling author of The Gingerbread Café series.
ebook
First published December 9, 2014
About the author
Lily Graham
19 books429 followersLily Graham grew up in South Africa and is a former journalist.
As a child she dreamt of being an author, and had half-finished manuscripts bulging out of her desk drawers, but it wasn't until she reached her thirties that she finally finished one of them. Her first books were written for children, but when her mother was diagnosed with cancer she wrote a story to deal with the fear and pain she was going through - this became her first women's fiction novel, which was published by Bookouture (Hachette) in 2016.
Since then she has written six novels, covering many topics, her first four novels were a blend of light hearted women's fiction and drama, but in recent years she has found her niche in historical fiction, after she wrote The Island Villa - a story about a secret community of Jews, who some believed were living on the island of Formentera during the Inquisition. It is a story about love, betrayal, and courage.
It took getting to her mid-thirties for her to realise that these were the types of stories she truly wanted to write. Since then she has written two other historical fiction novels, including The Paris Secret, a story about a woman, a bookshop and a secret that goes back to the occupation, and most recently, her most daunting book to date - The Child of Auschwitz, which was a story she never meant to write, but found herself compelled to after reading a story about a woman who gave birth to a child after surviving a concentration camp.
As a child she dreamt of being an author, and had half-finished manuscripts bulging out of her desk drawers, but it wasn't until she reached her thirties that she finally finished one of them. Her first books were written for children, but when her mother was diagnosed with cancer she wrote a story to deal with the fear and pain she was going through - this became her first women's fiction novel, which was published by Bookouture (Hachette) in 2016.
Since then she has written six novels, covering many topics, her first four novels were a blend of light hearted women's fiction and drama, but in recent years she has found her niche in historical fiction, after she wrote The Island Villa - a story about a secret community of Jews, who some believed were living on the island of Formentera during the Inquisition. It is a story about love, betrayal, and courage.
It took getting to her mid-thirties for her to realise that these were the types of stories she truly wanted to write. Since then she has written two other historical fiction novels, including The Paris Secret, a story about a woman, a bookshop and a secret that goes back to the occupation, and most recently, her most daunting book to date - The Child of Auschwitz, which was a story she never meant to write, but found herself compelled to after reading a story about a woman who gave birth to a child after surviving a concentration camp.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 30, 2015
The Postcard is an emotional and magical novella.
It is about a woman who hasn’t fully got over the death of her mother. When sorting through her mother’s old desk, she discovers a postcard written to her, which begins a series of mystical events.
A lovely festive read with an element of Christmas spirit, and I don’t mean of the infused with alcohol kind.
The Postcard has a good balance of both happy and tear jerker moments. A touching story to read during the run up to Christmas.
I would like to thank the publisher, Starfell Books for allowing me a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
It is about a woman who hasn’t fully got over the death of her mother. When sorting through her mother’s old desk, she discovers a postcard written to her, which begins a series of mystical events.
A lovely festive read with an element of Christmas spirit, and I don’t mean of the infused with alcohol kind.
The Postcard has a good balance of both happy and tear jerker moments. A touching story to read during the run up to Christmas.
I would like to thank the publisher, Starfell Books for allowing me a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 19, 2014
First posted on Dreaming With Open Eyes
Rating 4.5
I kindly received The Postcard in exchange of an honest review by the author.
"Five years ago, after she passed, I believed that I'd never stop. A friend had told me that 'time heals all wounds.' Time, couldn't heal this type of wound. Death is not something you get over. It's a rip that exposes life in a before and after chasm, and all you can do is try to exist as best you can in after. Time could only really offer a moment when the urge to scream would become a little less."
After living many years in London, which has been very exciting but also tiring, Ivy Everton decides to go back to Cornwall to start a new life with her husband Stuart. Ivy is a successful children's book illustrator. Cornwall is a fresh start with her first ever art studio in the attic. She is planning to finish writing and illustrating her first solo childrens book there.
Who believes in the inexplicable, in magic?
When Ivy gets given her mothers old writing desk, she finds that the desk holds an unexpected surprise; Ivy found a blank postcard, adressed to her, in her mothers handwriting. As the days pases,
mysterious inexplicable things begin to happen. Things have gone missing, only to reappear in her desk. Is her mother trying to tell her something? Soon Ivy realises that the postcard was never really blank, it was simply waiting … waiting for her to find it and this is where a part ghost story, part magical Christmas tale about a love that transcends time and space to transform and heal begins.
This novella was a quick but touching and entertaining read, and a wonderful introduction to Lily Graham's work! I rarly read a more beautiful and unique writing style than hers. The Postcard is one of those hidden gems you must try. I was really curious and excited to read it because the blurb already told me it's partly a ghost story. This topic has always fascinated me and I couldn't wait to see how the author would deal with it. Thankfully, Lily Graham did a brillaint job.
The Postcard involves heart-warming charatcers who you feel with, a remarkable storyline with a twist. I really enjoyed it and already look forward to hopefully reading and reviewing more of Lily Graham's work in the future!
Rating 4.5
I kindly received The Postcard in exchange of an honest review by the author.
"Five years ago, after she passed, I believed that I'd never stop. A friend had told me that 'time heals all wounds.' Time, couldn't heal this type of wound. Death is not something you get over. It's a rip that exposes life in a before and after chasm, and all you can do is try to exist as best you can in after. Time could only really offer a moment when the urge to scream would become a little less."
After living many years in London, which has been very exciting but also tiring, Ivy Everton decides to go back to Cornwall to start a new life with her husband Stuart. Ivy is a successful children's book illustrator. Cornwall is a fresh start with her first ever art studio in the attic. She is planning to finish writing and illustrating her first solo childrens book there.
Who believes in the inexplicable, in magic?
When Ivy gets given her mothers old writing desk, she finds that the desk holds an unexpected surprise; Ivy found a blank postcard, adressed to her, in her mothers handwriting. As the days pases,
mysterious inexplicable things begin to happen. Things have gone missing, only to reappear in her desk. Is her mother trying to tell her something? Soon Ivy realises that the postcard was never really blank, it was simply waiting … waiting for her to find it and this is where a part ghost story, part magical Christmas tale about a love that transcends time and space to transform and heal begins.
This novella was a quick but touching and entertaining read, and a wonderful introduction to Lily Graham's work! I rarly read a more beautiful and unique writing style than hers. The Postcard is one of those hidden gems you must try. I was really curious and excited to read it because the blurb already told me it's partly a ghost story. This topic has always fascinated me and I couldn't wait to see how the author would deal with it. Thankfully, Lily Graham did a brillaint job.
The Postcard involves heart-warming charatcers who you feel with, a remarkable storyline with a twist. I really enjoyed it and already look forward to hopefully reading and reviewing more of Lily Graham's work in the future!
December 22, 2014
“But it was the half-finished tasks that made the breath catch in my throat. A hand-painted Christmas card, with Santa’s sleigh and reindeer flying over the chimney tops, poor Rudolph eternally in wait for his little watercolour nose. Mum had always made her own, more magical and whimsical than any you could buy. My fingers shook as I held the card in my hand, my throat tight. It’s little wonder I became a children’s book illustrator. I put it on top of the pile, so that later I could paint in Santa’s missing guiding light.”
While packing up her late mother’s writing desk, Ivy happens across an unfinished postcard addressed to her from her mom. After settling the desk in her new studio, Ivy experiences a number of peculiarities and makes a powerful discovery, one that helps to ease her fear and worries as she begins a new chapter in her life.
Lily Graham’s debut Novella is a beautifully crafted narrative of hope and second chances as told by Ivy, a children’s book illustrator, struggling with the loss of her mother. Ivy and her husband, Stuart, have relocated from London to Cornwall in search of a more simple life. They share their country home with an assortment of pets, and Stuart’s rather unfortunate penchant for varieties of vegetable jam.
Through beautiful diction, a delightful setting, and characters you can’t help fall a little bit in love with, Lily Graham has created an enchanting novella: a story of loss, love and hope gently infused with a hint of magic.
While packing up her late mother’s writing desk, Ivy happens across an unfinished postcard addressed to her from her mom. After settling the desk in her new studio, Ivy experiences a number of peculiarities and makes a powerful discovery, one that helps to ease her fear and worries as she begins a new chapter in her life.
Lily Graham’s debut Novella is a beautifully crafted narrative of hope and second chances as told by Ivy, a children’s book illustrator, struggling with the loss of her mother. Ivy and her husband, Stuart, have relocated from London to Cornwall in search of a more simple life. They share their country home with an assortment of pets, and Stuart’s rather unfortunate penchant for varieties of vegetable jam.
Through beautiful diction, a delightful setting, and characters you can’t help fall a little bit in love with, Lily Graham has created an enchanting novella: a story of loss, love and hope gently infused with a hint of magic.
January 26, 2015
Ivy Everton is a children’s book illustrator and she still, some years later, hasn’t got over her mother’s early death from cancer. Her husband gives up his high-powered but stressful job and they move to the country where he grows fruit and vegetables and makes, sometimes weird, preserves. Ivy brings her mother’s old writing desk to her new home and finds a postcard in it. This is the catalyst for some strange, supernatural communications which renew Ivy’s hope.
I really enjoyed this novella with its unusual twists and the little glimmer of hope from the postcard. It was nicely written and drew me in to the story, which I read in just two sittings. The only downside for me was that the story ended at 85% and the rest was early chapters from a new work. I really hate this and I know I’m not the only reader to do so. With Amazon’s ‘Look Inside’ feature, a link will suffice. I feel cheated when I think I’ve still got a fair bit of the book to read and it ends with so much ‘back-stuffing’. Don’t let that put you off the story, though. It’s very good! Just be prepared.
I really enjoyed this novella with its unusual twists and the little glimmer of hope from the postcard. It was nicely written and drew me in to the story, which I read in just two sittings. The only downside for me was that the story ended at 85% and the rest was early chapters from a new work. I really hate this and I know I’m not the only reader to do so. With Amazon’s ‘Look Inside’ feature, a link will suffice. I feel cheated when I think I’ve still got a fair bit of the book to read and it ends with so much ‘back-stuffing’. Don’t let that put you off the story, though. It’s very good! Just be prepared.
February 2, 2015
This is probably the best novella I have ever read and my short review will do it no justice.
The postcard it is a beautiful and emotional story It pulled at my heartstrings I was in tears throughout and after I read the postcard I was an emotional wreck thankfully there was only a chapter left after reading this as I was sobbing like a baby.
I fell in love with Ivy and Stuart I thought they was a great couple and that they was there for each other no matter how busy their lives got.
For me the postcard is like a modern day fairy tale about hope and second chances with hint of magic involved. As if one does not have hope a person has nothing.
This would be a perfect read over Xmas and I'm sure to revisit this book again and I'm hoping to experience all the emotions I had on my first read again. I will recommend this book to others
I'm looking forward to more of Lily's work as I think she is a beautiful writer and will go far.
The postcard it is a beautiful and emotional story It pulled at my heartstrings I was in tears throughout and after I read the postcard I was an emotional wreck thankfully there was only a chapter left after reading this as I was sobbing like a baby.
I fell in love with Ivy and Stuart I thought they was a great couple and that they was there for each other no matter how busy their lives got.
For me the postcard is like a modern day fairy tale about hope and second chances with hint of magic involved. As if one does not have hope a person has nothing.
This would be a perfect read over Xmas and I'm sure to revisit this book again and I'm hoping to experience all the emotions I had on my first read again. I will recommend this book to others
I'm looking forward to more of Lily's work as I think she is a beautiful writer and will go far.
December 4, 2015
The Postcard by Lily Rose Graham is a magical novella. Ivy Rose Everton mother passed away five years ago. Her father wishes her to have her mother’s writing desk which is bringing back many memories. In addition, Ivy is pregnant and really could use her mother’s advice. After the desk is installed in Ivy’s studio, she finds a postcard addressed to her from her mother. The postcard was not finished. Then mysterious things start happening in Ivy’s studio (she is a children’s book illustrator). First all her red paints disappear. Then someone paints the red nose on Rudolph on a Christmas postcard that her mother never finished. This is just the beginning of the magical things that take place. Ivy gets exactly what she needed when she needed it.
The Postcard is a lovely story. I truly enjoyed reading this delightful story. It is not long, but it turns out to be just the right length. I read The Postcard straight through and loved every minute of it. The Postcard is well written, engaging, and fun to read. There are a couple of sad parts, but the overall story is magical. I give The Postcard 5 out of 5 stars. I liked Ivy and her journey. The Postcard will make you laugh, cry, and sigh. I wish all books were like The Postcard.
I received a complimentary copy of The Postcard from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...
The Postcard is a lovely story. I truly enjoyed reading this delightful story. It is not long, but it turns out to be just the right length. I read The Postcard straight through and loved every minute of it. The Postcard is well written, engaging, and fun to read. There are a couple of sad parts, but the overall story is magical. I give The Postcard 5 out of 5 stars. I liked Ivy and her journey. The Postcard will make you laugh, cry, and sigh. I wish all books were like The Postcard.
I received a complimentary copy of The Postcard from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...
December 23, 2014
Originally posted on Paris Baker's Book Nook.
The Postcard is Lily Graham’s debut novella, and I was only too happy when she asked me to read and review it.
When I read that it was a Christmas novella and part ghost story, I was both incredibly intrigued and a little skeptical. I love a bit of paranormal reading now and again, but I do think you have to be careful to make it work in women’s fiction.
However, for me Lily’s book was not so much part ghost story as it was sprinkled with magic. What I discovered was a beautifully written and truly moving book, that had my eyes well up on several occasions.
The writing is tender and emotive, the story sweet and whimsical, and the characters loveable. I adored the relationship between Ivy and her husband Stuart, and the supporting cast were equally endearing. The book is scattered with moments ranging from sweet, moving and funny to heart-stopping and terrifying, and is sure to get your emotions going. There’s a twist that had my heart in my throat – I definitely did not see it coming!
Lily has done a fantastic job of creating a touching and beautiful Christmas book, that I thoroughly recommend this Christmas, about the love of family and raising the question: do the ones we love ever truly leave us?
The Postcard is Lily Graham’s debut novella, and I was only too happy when she asked me to read and review it.
When I read that it was a Christmas novella and part ghost story, I was both incredibly intrigued and a little skeptical. I love a bit of paranormal reading now and again, but I do think you have to be careful to make it work in women’s fiction.
However, for me Lily’s book was not so much part ghost story as it was sprinkled with magic. What I discovered was a beautifully written and truly moving book, that had my eyes well up on several occasions.
The writing is tender and emotive, the story sweet and whimsical, and the characters loveable. I adored the relationship between Ivy and her husband Stuart, and the supporting cast were equally endearing. The book is scattered with moments ranging from sweet, moving and funny to heart-stopping and terrifying, and is sure to get your emotions going. There’s a twist that had my heart in my throat – I definitely did not see it coming!
Lily has done a fantastic job of creating a touching and beautiful Christmas book, that I thoroughly recommend this Christmas, about the love of family and raising the question: do the ones we love ever truly leave us?
April 28, 2015
A touching story sprinkled with magic!
I was offered a copy of this novel by the author in exchange for an honest review. The postcard is a delightful story of women’s fiction that had just the right amount of humor, sentiment and quirkiness thrown into the mix to make it just perfect for my tastes. It reminded me a lot of my favorite novels by Irish author Cecilia Ahern, whose stories are sprinkled with the same kind of magic. Lily Graham has written a very touching story. The spirit of a deceased mother makes an appearance in the life of her daughter—as to protect and comfort her--via unexplainable writings on an old postcard. It was a wonderful way to speak about the connection between a mother and her children, how precious it is, so much that not even death really breaks it. The book is well written when it comes to use of language, but I thought it requires a proper copy edit; I refer mainly to the commas and quotes, which I kept finding in the wrong place or missing where they should be. Without this flaw, the book would be simply perfect. I will definitely look out for the next book by this author.
I was offered a copy of this novel by the author in exchange for an honest review. The postcard is a delightful story of women’s fiction that had just the right amount of humor, sentiment and quirkiness thrown into the mix to make it just perfect for my tastes. It reminded me a lot of my favorite novels by Irish author Cecilia Ahern, whose stories are sprinkled with the same kind of magic. Lily Graham has written a very touching story. The spirit of a deceased mother makes an appearance in the life of her daughter—as to protect and comfort her--via unexplainable writings on an old postcard. It was a wonderful way to speak about the connection between a mother and her children, how precious it is, so much that not even death really breaks it. The book is well written when it comes to use of language, but I thought it requires a proper copy edit; I refer mainly to the commas and quotes, which I kept finding in the wrong place or missing where they should be. Without this flaw, the book would be simply perfect. I will definitely look out for the next book by this author.
February 19, 2015
Lily Graham weaves together a tale of magic, love, hope, and charm. I was captivated by this story and it flowed beautifully throughout. I even cried a couple of times and it takes a lot for a book make me do that. I highly recommend The Postcard. Since it's a novella, if you have even an hour to spare in your day, you could easily read the whole story in one sitting. Just bring your suspension of disbelief along with you.
February 7, 2015
Oh how I enjoyed this novella, it was full to the brim on every page. I was happy to totally believe in this read, anybody who has lost somebody so close will probably hang on to any glimmer of *hope*. It was written so beautifully, almost magical and with such sensitivity. I devoured every single page.
March 11, 2015
Lily has crafted a gorgeous gem of a book, bursting with heartfelt emotion. In less-skilled hands the story could be sacharine, but that is never the case here. What you come away with is the powerful sense of love that Lily conveys in the novella. Highly recommended.
February 6, 2015
*Book provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
The Postcard follows the story of Ivy and her husband Stuart. Ivy has just found an old postcard addressed to her, in her mother’s hand. What she doesn’t know then: The postcard has a significant message for her. I was really intrigued by the blurb and I like the idea of a part ghost story and a wonderful tale. I have to say Lily found a wonderful way to combine the two.
I can’t put the book down, because the mystery around the postcard was magical and gripping. Ivy’s mother’s voice was always with us, somehow guiding Ivy through life.
I loved reading about Stuart and Ivy, they make such a cute couple and I was just so happy for them and for what they had ahead.
On NYE Ivy awakes with a weird feeling, but nobody takes her seriously. But then she gets bad news... about Stuart. I can’t tell you more here, but let me tell you this: Her mother is involved as well.
This book is a heart-warming, touching, dramatic, sweet and memorable gem. Lily’s writing is wonderful and takes you right into Ivy’s world. The storyline is great and it includes the right amount of drama. I can’t wait to read more by this talented author.
The Postcard follows the story of Ivy and her husband Stuart. Ivy has just found an old postcard addressed to her, in her mother’s hand. What she doesn’t know then: The postcard has a significant message for her. I was really intrigued by the blurb and I like the idea of a part ghost story and a wonderful tale. I have to say Lily found a wonderful way to combine the two.
I can’t put the book down, because the mystery around the postcard was magical and gripping. Ivy’s mother’s voice was always with us, somehow guiding Ivy through life.
I loved reading about Stuart and Ivy, they make such a cute couple and I was just so happy for them and for what they had ahead.
On NYE Ivy awakes with a weird feeling, but nobody takes her seriously. But then she gets bad news... about Stuart. I can’t tell you more here, but let me tell you this: Her mother is involved as well.
This book is a heart-warming, touching, dramatic, sweet and memorable gem. Lily’s writing is wonderful and takes you right into Ivy’s world. The storyline is great and it includes the right amount of drama. I can’t wait to read more by this talented author.
February 1, 2015
Ivy loves to draw and to paint. She's a children's book illustrator and she has several projects going on. One of which is a secret she doesn't want to share with anyone. She and her husband Stuart wanted to change their way of life and they moved to Cornwall. There Stuart is filling his days with food. Ivy has inherited her mother's old writing desk to put in her new house and her nights are being filled with wonderful meetings because of it. There's a special postcard that's helping Ivy to go through whatever it is she's struggling with. Then something life altering happens and she needs all the support she can get.
The Postcard is a beautiful story about love, life and loss. The writing is really good and the same goes for the editing. I very much enjoyed this story that is like a fairytale. There's a bit of mystery and magic and I liked that a lot. The main characters are likable and sympathetic and their creativity is inspiring. The Postcard is a Christmas tale, but it's perfectly suitable to read in another time of the year as well. Sometimes hope is all that keeps people going and this story shows you how important it is to keep having faith that everything will be all right.
The Postcard is a beautiful story about love, life and loss. The writing is really good and the same goes for the editing. I very much enjoyed this story that is like a fairytale. There's a bit of mystery and magic and I liked that a lot. The main characters are likable and sympathetic and their creativity is inspiring. The Postcard is a Christmas tale, but it's perfectly suitable to read in another time of the year as well. Sometimes hope is all that keeps people going and this story shows you how important it is to keep having faith that everything will be all right.
July 19, 2015
A poignant, magical debut novella.
This story embraced me, pulled me cozily into the characters' idyllic life in Cornwall, from the very first page. It begins slowly, sweetly, and through layers reveals more and more about the narrator, a children's book author and illustrator, and her completely adorable husband Stuart...and the sorrows they haven't allowed to come between them.
Since I prefer to let authors tell me their stories instead of reviewers, and the book description says enough, I'll just say that the sweetness is underpinned by a sense of impending tragedy, wispy at first, but the tension keeps building. And when it happened I actually gasped, because I expected something else entirely.
It's an intensely emotional tale of hope, crushing loss, sweetness, and pain, and I loved every minute! Oh, and there's a ghost.
The only things I could possibly criticize are the endearingly haphazard use of commas, and the occasional breaking of a current rule about first person POV descriptions. But you know what? It's earned five stars in my book, period. And I'll eagerly await the next book from Ms. Graham.
This story embraced me, pulled me cozily into the characters' idyllic life in Cornwall, from the very first page. It begins slowly, sweetly, and through layers reveals more and more about the narrator, a children's book author and illustrator, and her completely adorable husband Stuart...and the sorrows they haven't allowed to come between them.
Since I prefer to let authors tell me their stories instead of reviewers, and the book description says enough, I'll just say that the sweetness is underpinned by a sense of impending tragedy, wispy at first, but the tension keeps building. And when it happened I actually gasped, because I expected something else entirely.
It's an intensely emotional tale of hope, crushing loss, sweetness, and pain, and I loved every minute! Oh, and there's a ghost.
The only things I could possibly criticize are the endearingly haphazard use of commas, and the occasional breaking of a current rule about first person POV descriptions. But you know what? It's earned five stars in my book, period. And I'll eagerly await the next book from Ms. Graham.
February 14, 2016
What a lovely book. I got this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review, the blurb intrigued me the author not known to me before now and someone I will now be looking into.
The story follows the lives of Ivy Everest who having inherited her deceased mum's writing desk following a move to Cornwall she then has a series of bizzare events and messages from her mum from beyond the grave.
I loved the general magical feel of this story but so much more as well. Lots of combined little things really pulled the story together for me. The Everest scale of pain being one that made me chuckle and the descriptive text of the scenes from Ivy's job illustrating children's story books brought my imagination alive with colourful scenes. Topped off with her husbands weird jams it's a full combination that kept me smiling.
The idea of messages left on a postcard during the witching hour will depend on your personal views as to whether you go with it or find it unbelievable but as a firm believer of guardian angels I absolutely adored this story and would recommend to several friends and family who believe in the same and would fall into the magic of this tale as I did.
The story follows the lives of Ivy Everest who having inherited her deceased mum's writing desk following a move to Cornwall she then has a series of bizzare events and messages from her mum from beyond the grave.
I loved the general magical feel of this story but so much more as well. Lots of combined little things really pulled the story together for me. The Everest scale of pain being one that made me chuckle and the descriptive text of the scenes from Ivy's job illustrating children's story books brought my imagination alive with colourful scenes. Topped off with her husbands weird jams it's a full combination that kept me smiling.
The idea of messages left on a postcard during the witching hour will depend on your personal views as to whether you go with it or find it unbelievable but as a firm believer of guardian angels I absolutely adored this story and would recommend to several friends and family who believe in the same and would fall into the magic of this tale as I did.
December 1, 2015
This is a sweet story with just the right touch of magic, and proves that a mother never truly abandons her children. It's the perfect story about grief, love, and the things we keep secret for fear. Ivy's husband Stuart is such a gem, he just tickled me with his silly food concoctions that made him more real somehow. If only we all could have a someone leading us in life, the way Ivy's mother does. The fact that she uses a writing desk in the story worked great, for me there is something magically charming about writing desks. The story is full of characters that anyone would love to be surrounded by. Sometimes you just need a tender story about love and it's many forms. Because while it is about Ivy's marriage, and what she is keeping from Stuart it's also about her death defying bond with her mother.
This is a delightful confection of a short story just in time for Christmas. Would make a sweet stocking stuffer for your mother.
This is a delightful confection of a short story just in time for Christmas. Would make a sweet stocking stuffer for your mother.
February 19, 2015
What a whimsical and wonderful story about loss, tragedy and hope!
Ivy Everton is a children's book illustrator, who is married to a sweet, wonderful man names Stuart.
She inherit's her mother's old writing desk and from the first day that it was brought into their home, strange and mysterious acts begin to take place...Ivy tries to understand them at first but just can't fathom what is going on.
She cleans up the desk and finds a postcard wedged inside and it's addressed to her with nothing else written on it...What had her mother meant to say? Was this left on purpose or by accident?
Then Ivy starts to visit her studio at 3am in the morning and magical events begin to take place...She is able to communicate with her mother....Is this really happening?
Each page turned leads the reader through a journey and it keeps you wanting more...
Ivy Everton is a children's book illustrator, who is married to a sweet, wonderful man names Stuart.
She inherit's her mother's old writing desk and from the first day that it was brought into their home, strange and mysterious acts begin to take place...Ivy tries to understand them at first but just can't fathom what is going on.
She cleans up the desk and finds a postcard wedged inside and it's addressed to her with nothing else written on it...What had her mother meant to say? Was this left on purpose or by accident?
Then Ivy starts to visit her studio at 3am in the morning and magical events begin to take place...She is able to communicate with her mother....Is this really happening?
Each page turned leads the reader through a journey and it keeps you wanting more...
November 11, 2015
Is it possible to give a book a 6/7 star review? Thanks to Netgalley and Starfell Books for giving me the opportunity to review this book. Words can not describe how I feel about this love story. This is a story about love, magic, Christmas and hope. This Novella was over much to soon but it is the best story that I have read in a very long time. I was sad when I came to the last page and had to say goodbye to all the characters. At no stage was I bored or wanted the story to move at a faster pace. A truly heartbreaking but enchanting read. Keep a tissue or two ready when reading.
January 3, 2016
I didn't want to put this book down! Ivy decides to take her moms old writing desk home, after she passed away, only to find a postcard addressed to her. Throughout the course of the book her mom communicates with her through this postcard at 3am every night. It sounds hokey, but it was so magical! I feel like I would give ANYTHING for a message from my mom after her passing. She's still alive and kicking, but I can only imagine how desperate I would be for a message from he after years without her!
I want to read more books by Lily Rose Graham!
I want to read more books by Lily Rose Graham!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 21, 2015
What a wonderfully magical love story. Set in England over the holidays, Ivy still misses her mother. Five years after her death she is ready to move her mom's desk to her home painting studio. Inside the desk she finds a blank postcard that isn't really blank but a means of communication with her mother. One can only hope that this story could be based on truth, not fantasy but in reality this is truly a magical book. A perfect length, not to long but very fulfilling this tale is an evening's enchantment.
November 23, 2015
A tale of loss, rediscovery, wishes and dreams. A family stuck in place after the magical member of the family passes. But then arrives the time to move forward. Life cannot be lived without taking on the challenges that are presented. Our strengths are just waiting to be tested. We all enjoy a bit of a fanciful tale that includes the magic we all believed in once upon a time.
Thanks Net Galley for the chance to review this tale.
Thanks Net Galley for the chance to review this tale.
January 5, 2016
Ivy has never really got over her mothers death and so when she finds a handcrafted postcard in her mothers old writing desk it has a very special meaning.
Her life with her husband Stuart is starting a new chapter as they want to change their life and move to Cornwall and it seems that the postcard is providing her with strange communications
A lovely heartwarming story with a great story with a few twists
Her life with her husband Stuart is starting a new chapter as they want to change their life and move to Cornwall and it seems that the postcard is providing her with strange communications
A lovely heartwarming story with a great story with a few twists
April 25, 2016
Normally I don't really like stories with magic in them but this one was an exception to my rule. It was so beautiful and heartfelt. I felt every emotion as if I lived the story myself. I think it takes a real writing talent to be able to create that kind of atmosphere for your readers. I laughed with Ivy, cried with her. It was certainly one of the best book I've read this year. It deserves, in my opinion, even more than 5 stars.
March 26, 2020
Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings
What the sweetest little book! Ivy Everton's mother passed away and she has decided to take her mother's old writing table with her to use to illustrate the children's books she has been working on. Upon moving the desk she finds a postcard from her mother that isn't finished. This postcard will be an avenue to talk to her mother and to get some guidance from the beyond.
What the sweetest little book! Ivy Everton's mother passed away and she has decided to take her mother's old writing table with her to use to illustrate the children's books she has been working on. Upon moving the desk she finds a postcard from her mother that isn't finished. This postcard will be an avenue to talk to her mother and to get some guidance from the beyond.
April 4, 2015
A four-hanky Richard Evans-esque wonder
Britain's answer to The Christmas Box and a reminder that the people we love never truly leave us. I loved Ivy and Stewart and Alice and Catherine and most especially Detective Sergeant Fudge and Mr. Tibbles.....a wonderful up
Firing story you'll want to read again and again.
Britain's answer to The Christmas Box and a reminder that the people we love never truly leave us. I loved Ivy and Stewart and Alice and Catherine and most especially Detective Sergeant Fudge and Mr. Tibbles.....a wonderful up
Firing story you'll want to read again and again.
June 29, 2015
A sweet little story
Ivy Rose has been mourning her mother. She finally brings her mother's writing desk home to her own studio, and then strange things start to happen.
This is a nice, touching little story, and a pleasant read for anyone who has wished to connect with a departed loved one.
Ivy Rose has been mourning her mother. She finally brings her mother's writing desk home to her own studio, and then strange things start to happen.
This is a nice, touching little story, and a pleasant read for anyone who has wished to connect with a departed loved one.
November 15, 2015
A whimsical novella about a young, pregnant woman whose deceased mother communicates with her from a Christmas postcard. Kind of reminded me a little of Nancy Atherton's "Aunt Dimity" series. A cute, short read.
January 17, 2016
This is a very sweet little novella, a perfect holiday read. It is the story of a holiday miracle and love that transcends all. I found it very well written and the characters quite well developed. It would make a great Hallmark movie! I'll definitely be looking for more from Lily Rose Graham.
March 28, 2015
Such a fantastic book. filled with love, whimsy, magic, love and hope. I can't wait to see what the author writes next! I was sad when it ended. I totally recommend this book. Loved it.
April 9, 2015
Loved this magical, lovely LOVELY story.
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