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The Weekends of You and Me
Can your final fling become your Happy Ever After?
When Jo Coulson finds herself single again in her late thirties, she finally resigns her membership to Last of the Hopeless Romantics, fully intending to tackle midlife and motherhood alone. First, she plans one legendary last fling...
In walks Harry Inchbold, and the connection is electric. Passionate, unpredictable and messily divorced, Harry is the perfect antidote to cosy coupledom. Known as The Sinner, drama follows him around with a clapper board.
Harry's favourite holiday hideaway in the wilds of South Shropshire puts the mud and fun into the perfect dirty weekend. But at the cottage Harry reveals a very different side, melting Jo's resolve. What better combination to face an uncertain future than two cynics who have learned from their mistakes?Together they make a pact; 'same time next year'; they can promise no more than that.
Through life's most stressful decade, Harry and Jo return to the Shropshire hills for one weekend each year to rediscover passion and make peace. As career, family and home crises all threaten to bring them unstuck, the cottage is their glue. Here, different rules the day to day world is not allowed to intrude.With Harry and Jo, however, it's only a matter of time before rules get broken. As real life gets increasingly complicated, can they keep renewing their promise?
When Jo Coulson finds herself single again in her late thirties, she finally resigns her membership to Last of the Hopeless Romantics, fully intending to tackle midlife and motherhood alone. First, she plans one legendary last fling...
In walks Harry Inchbold, and the connection is electric. Passionate, unpredictable and messily divorced, Harry is the perfect antidote to cosy coupledom. Known as The Sinner, drama follows him around with a clapper board.
Harry's favourite holiday hideaway in the wilds of South Shropshire puts the mud and fun into the perfect dirty weekend. But at the cottage Harry reveals a very different side, melting Jo's resolve. What better combination to face an uncertain future than two cynics who have learned from their mistakes?Together they make a pact; 'same time next year'; they can promise no more than that.
Through life's most stressful decade, Harry and Jo return to the Shropshire hills for one weekend each year to rediscover passion and make peace. As career, family and home crises all threaten to bring them unstuck, the cottage is their glue. Here, different rules the day to day world is not allowed to intrude.With Harry and Jo, however, it's only a matter of time before rules get broken. As real life gets increasingly complicated, can they keep renewing their promise?
432 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2016
30 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
May 29, 2020
For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...
I was so desperate to engage with this story. Whilst I found it better than some of the other Fiona Walker books I have read in the past, the lack of plot development, repetition and extended narrative meant that I struggled to get as excited as the main characters!
For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...
I was so desperate to engage with this story. Whilst I found it better than some of the other Fiona Walker books I have read in the past, the lack of plot development, repetition and extended narrative meant that I struggled to get as excited as the main characters!
For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...
March 23, 2016
Not my favourite Fiona Walker book by a long way. I felt it missed the sparkle of her other books and I felt it went on for a bit too long. I found it frustrating in places and I wanted to put it down on more than one occasion. Sorry but this wasn't for me
August 18, 2016
Loved loved loved this book. Perfect mix of romance, humour, English countryside. Couldn't put it down. If you loved "One Day" you will love this one
August 29, 2016
I wanted to read this book so badly cause from the summary it sounded similiar to the movie (or play) "Same time next year". Imagine my disappointment when I realized this book is nothing like it. Harry and Jo meet, have a fling, but imemdiately end up deciding they want to give this thing between them a try. So they return every year, but as a couple, and omg it's so boring. The beginning was kind of nice, but then they got together and I kept wondering if it was going anywhere. It's a typical story between two people who get married, have babies and somehow can't make it work - boring. Because their issues are not even all that original. A rather disappointing read.
October 25, 2019
Thank you Little Brown UK, Netgalley and Fiona Walker for allowing me to review this book xx
The cover is adorable, I am a sucker for a pretty book cover and having read Fiona’s work before, knew I would enjoy this book.
It was a comfortable read but a little darker than her usual books
https://thereadingshed.wordpress.com/
The cover is adorable, I am a sucker for a pretty book cover and having read Fiona’s work before, knew I would enjoy this book.
It was a comfortable read but a little darker than her usual books
https://thereadingshed.wordpress.com/
July 2, 2016
Jo has not been single long. Neither has Harry. They meet... they fall in lust... and so it goes on. What was a one night stand turns into a weekend away and they agree to return the same place once a year every year from then on.
This they do. We see them changing as their relationship ebbs and flows, as do the lives of the characters all around them.
I found this book very readable and I *wanted* to love it but couldn't quite get there... I'm not sure why. I know people will... and I did keep picking it up... but honestly during the first few chapters I almost gave up on it. I'm glad I didn't... and I can give it an honest 4 stars.
I received this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This they do. We see them changing as their relationship ebbs and flows, as do the lives of the characters all around them.
I found this book very readable and I *wanted* to love it but couldn't quite get there... I'm not sure why. I know people will... and I did keep picking it up... but honestly during the first few chapters I almost gave up on it. I'm glad I didn't... and I can give it an honest 4 stars.
I received this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 12, 2016
Originally reviewed on Becca's Books.
When Fiona Walker's The Weekends of You and Me caught my eye on NetGalley, I really couldn't stop myself from hitting the request button. The beautifully serene cover drew me to this book immediately, and my mind came alive as I took in the image portrayed. Those lush green hills and woodland, the cottage and the surrounding countryside with its streams spoke to straight to my heart, and I knew that a story set in a place that looked like this would be a truly enjoyable read. Top marks for cover design, guys, because this one has got to be one of my all-time favourites, without a doubt. As for the blurb itself, I thought it sounded wonderful, and couldn't wait to see what Fiona Walker had in store for me within this novel.
The Weekends of You and Me follows Jo and Harry's whirlwind lives and relationship as they retreat yearly to the cottage known as Morrow, nestled in the gloriously picturesque Shropshire hills. Here, life is lived in an entirely different way. There's no room for real life and troubles when you step through the door. It's a place of healing and seems to have a magic all of its own, holding those who spend their time there in a sort of delicious bubble until it comes to leaving. Walkers descriptions of Morrow, and of the village and hills surrounding it, were beautiful. I could picture it all so perfectly in my mind, right down to the very last exquisite detail. From the visual descriptions to the sights and smells and noises of nature, I felt as if I, too, were enjoying a retreat at Morrow and shutting the real world outside until I was ready to face it again. The author truly brought the place to life for me, no doubt about it. In fact, I'd be sorely tempted now to head to Morrow myself, so convinced am I that it exists.
Walker's focus on Jo and Harry's relationship was like no other I've read in a very long time. Walker takes us right back to when Jo and Harry first meet at a friend's dinner party, and then edges us forward in time, year by year, as their past is gradually built up behind them, full of memories and love and warmth. Despite the loveliness of it all though, reality plays a major role, and the reader is witness to the highs and lows, the ups and downs, of real love and everything that comes alongside it. From family life to careers, Walker portrays stunningly the balancing act of life and how easily it is to let everything pile up until it is too much to bear. Heartbreaking and raw at times, but ultimately a novel that tugs at your heartstrings, I was compelled by the truth and tenderness in which Jo and Harry's relationship was pulled apart by. It was a gentle yet bitter dissection of romance and what comes after that. It was fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed being witness to the secret conversations between Jo and Harry, loved watching as Walker peeled away each of their layers, revealing something surprising every time. There were moments of hot passion, contrasting greatly with moments of sadness and loss. The very best parts of life captured within Morrow.
All in all, The Weekends of You and Me by Fiona Walker was a captivating tale of life, love and family, and of what comes after the passion and the lust. Fiona Walker picks apart the relationship so focused on within this book and ensures the reader is witness to the results as the novel, and the characters' lives, march on. Becca's Books is awarding The Weekends of You and Me by Fiona Walker with four of my bookish cupcakes. The perfect novel to curl up with and lose yourself in, without a doubt. Special thanks to Fiona Walker and Sphere for providing me with a review copy of The Weekends of You and Me in exchange for a fair and honest review.
When Fiona Walker's The Weekends of You and Me caught my eye on NetGalley, I really couldn't stop myself from hitting the request button. The beautifully serene cover drew me to this book immediately, and my mind came alive as I took in the image portrayed. Those lush green hills and woodland, the cottage and the surrounding countryside with its streams spoke to straight to my heart, and I knew that a story set in a place that looked like this would be a truly enjoyable read. Top marks for cover design, guys, because this one has got to be one of my all-time favourites, without a doubt. As for the blurb itself, I thought it sounded wonderful, and couldn't wait to see what Fiona Walker had in store for me within this novel.
The Weekends of You and Me follows Jo and Harry's whirlwind lives and relationship as they retreat yearly to the cottage known as Morrow, nestled in the gloriously picturesque Shropshire hills. Here, life is lived in an entirely different way. There's no room for real life and troubles when you step through the door. It's a place of healing and seems to have a magic all of its own, holding those who spend their time there in a sort of delicious bubble until it comes to leaving. Walkers descriptions of Morrow, and of the village and hills surrounding it, were beautiful. I could picture it all so perfectly in my mind, right down to the very last exquisite detail. From the visual descriptions to the sights and smells and noises of nature, I felt as if I, too, were enjoying a retreat at Morrow and shutting the real world outside until I was ready to face it again. The author truly brought the place to life for me, no doubt about it. In fact, I'd be sorely tempted now to head to Morrow myself, so convinced am I that it exists.
Walker's focus on Jo and Harry's relationship was like no other I've read in a very long time. Walker takes us right back to when Jo and Harry first meet at a friend's dinner party, and then edges us forward in time, year by year, as their past is gradually built up behind them, full of memories and love and warmth. Despite the loveliness of it all though, reality plays a major role, and the reader is witness to the highs and lows, the ups and downs, of real love and everything that comes alongside it. From family life to careers, Walker portrays stunningly the balancing act of life and how easily it is to let everything pile up until it is too much to bear. Heartbreaking and raw at times, but ultimately a novel that tugs at your heartstrings, I was compelled by the truth and tenderness in which Jo and Harry's relationship was pulled apart by. It was a gentle yet bitter dissection of romance and what comes after that. It was fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed being witness to the secret conversations between Jo and Harry, loved watching as Walker peeled away each of their layers, revealing something surprising every time. There were moments of hot passion, contrasting greatly with moments of sadness and loss. The very best parts of life captured within Morrow.
All in all, The Weekends of You and Me by Fiona Walker was a captivating tale of life, love and family, and of what comes after the passion and the lust. Fiona Walker picks apart the relationship so focused on within this book and ensures the reader is witness to the results as the novel, and the characters' lives, march on. Becca's Books is awarding The Weekends of You and Me by Fiona Walker with four of my bookish cupcakes. The perfect novel to curl up with and lose yourself in, without a doubt. Special thanks to Fiona Walker and Sphere for providing me with a review copy of The Weekends of You and Me in exchange for a fair and honest review.
January 21, 2019
I struggled with this ... came back to it several times but it just didn't hold my interest. I didn't care for either of the main characters, and thought the plot a bit strange. The cottage and surroundings were much more interesting than the constant sex going on with the two main characters, Harry and Jo. I'm afraid I did not finish this.
Thanks to the publisher for a review copy.
Thanks to the publisher for a review copy.
July 27, 2017
I have a bit of a love/hate thing going on with this book. I think it's the first Fiona Walker book that I haven't demolished within a few days or hours. It certainly didn't have me on the edge of my seat. Possibly because it's a little too close to home..? I like escaping into fictional worlds, I usually love it when I find myself relating to the characters a little. A lot of this made for uncomfortable reading though. Relationships aren't all sweet and happy memories all the time, long relationships are damned hard to keep going. Sticking together through difficult real life crap when sometimes you wonder if it'd be less hassle to walk away takes a lot of strength. This book is pretty reflective of a long term warts and all relationship and reading it kept making me think about hard times and on-going arguments in my own life. So for me, although it was a pretty good representation of real life, it didn't feel like escapism the way I wanted it to. In saying that though, there were some good belly laugh moments and real tear jerker bits that I would expect from one of her books. I know I'll still pounce straight into the next book FW brings out but I hope it's a bit more light hearted than this one!
August 15, 2020
This was the first book I read after not reading for probably a decade. I loved it so much I cried when it ended because I felt like I was saying goodbye to two friends! I just wanted more. Fiona wrote it incredibly well, so real, raw and captivating. This is, a year on, one of the only books I have re read AND listened to on audio book (which I then realised how much raunchier it is when I had to run to turn it down while listening in the garden in earshot of my neighbours! Haha!!). Thank you for captivating my heart Fiona.
August 24, 2017
I really struggled with this book and didn't enjoy it. The blurb on the back sounded interesting and as if Harry and Jo only met on one weekend a year, however this didn't turn out to be the plot at all. After the initial excitement of them first getting together the rest felt too long and too depressing. Jo seemed too much of a doormat for me to sympathise with her and I wasn't interested in what happened to either of them. A disappointment.
February 9, 2020
Not the best Walker book I’ve read, loved the setting - but Jo annoyed me, Harry sounded divine, but Jo would have drove him away I feel. I can see a lot of things that draw two people together at first are the very things that tear them apart at the end. I still don’t know what happened at the end of the book-were they back together or not for another year? Worse part of the book-loosing her mum’s dog, we never found out what happened to the poor pooch.
October 24, 2016
I received this book for an honest review. I really enjoy Fiona's books they always leave me feeling comforted. The two main characters in this story are Harry and Jo and it is about what happens to a relationship over time and how it changes. It may be a predictable ending but I enjoyed going on Jo and Harry's journey nether the less. A nice easy read that you will not want to put down.
June 13, 2021
This isn’t your typical love story chic lit. There’s a thread weaved through the book that on a deeper level looks at relationships, who we are as people and who we become when we are with others. I enjoyed the story, but loved the setting more and I’ve been craving delicious Indian curry all through the book. My only gripe is the bad editing. Really sloppy work on such a sweet read.
November 22, 2017
Definitely not my favourite of FW's. Thought the concept was an odd one and took me a while to warm to the characters. Did grow on me a little by the end...
Not sure what else to say this time....
Not sure what else to say this time....
September 8, 2022
Annoying book. I forgot that I had read this and took it on holiday. After the first couple of pages I realised the classic cliches. Thought it would be easy to just carry on but couldn’t do it. Got sick of the” amazing”sex and the stereotypical characters. Not a fan.
September 15, 2024
Loved the story of a relationship, marriage and kids. The only issue I have is the cover in the book in Australia has a couple in deck chairs on the beach. As it takes place in England and there are stories of snow and rain you can see why that is confusing. Much prefer this cover on Goodreads.
January 20, 2017
Considering it took me a while to warm up to the main characters at the start I actually liked the book and wanted to find out how their weekends and lives turned out together.
June 7, 2017
Very slow start at first but the ending leaves you feeling warm and happy! Typical ending for a chick lit but that's the best thing about them!
Also a lot of typos
Also a lot of typos
September 3, 2017
Was a storyline told over about 10 years, but really concerned only the weekends & revolved around the two central characters, with their ups & downs. An unusual way to write a novel.
January 5, 2018
My new favourite after Snap Happy. Fiona Walker back to her best. Wonderful holiday read.
February 21, 2018
Trash but great trash!
September 20, 2018
Hard work
Just finished after what must be nearly a year..
I didn't really gel with the characters
Some witty parts..but I guess I didn't really care..
Just finished after what must be nearly a year..
I didn't really gel with the characters
Some witty parts..but I guess I didn't really care..
May 2, 2019
Longer than it needed to be. Constant sex was actually a bit tedious. Concept was great, just went on and on.
June 16, 2019
I love fiona Walker books, this one was a bit darker charting a relationship with all its ups and downs, but ultimately optimistic.
June 30, 2019
A good story, I'm looking forward to trying to reading some of her others books.
Read
June 26, 2021Reading about other people's relationship issues can be really dull.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2021
I got too attached to the main chractures. Willing them to work it out and wanting to slap some of them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2022
A solid, escapist read with likeable main characters and an interesting premise.
Read
May 21, 2025Didn’t actually finish this - not my cup of tea although l’ve enjoyed some of her other books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews