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These Days of Ours
*** From the acclaimed author of ebook bestseller The Sunday Lunch Club *** This is a beautiful novel about what happens when the person you love cannot be yours, perfect for fans of Rowan Coleman, Jane Green and David Nicholls. Kate and Becca are cousins and best friends. They have grown up together and shared all the most important milestones in their childhood birthday parties, eighteenth birthdays, and now a wedding day as they each marry their childhood sweethearts, Charlie and Julian. Kate has always loved Charlie - they were meant to be. Then she discovers that life never turns out quite how you expect it to. And love doesn't always follow the journey it should. But best friends are forever, and true love will find a way, won't it…? Praise for Juliet Ashton ‘Gloriously and irresistibly romantic, I devoured These Days of Ours in a single sitting. There's not just one compelling love story here but two; the twenty-year love story of Kate and Charlie, and also the lifelong friendship between Kate and her cousin Becca. It's like One Day with all the additional trials and tribulations of female friendship’ HANNAH BECKERMAN ‘Juliet Ashton dramatises the landmarks of a young woman’s life with an irresistible lightness of touch. Warm, witty and surprising’ LOUISE CANDLISH ‘A delicious story of love and loss that had me utterly entranced. It made me laugh and it made me weep, but most of all it made me relish the warmth of the human heart’ KATE FURNIVALL 'Funny, original and wise' KATIE FFORDE 'Cecelia Ahern fans will love this poignant yet witty romance' SUNDAY MIRROR 'You'll laugh and cry your way through this original and touching love story' CLOSER
335 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 22, 2016
93 people are currently reading
1061 people want to read
About the author
Juliet Ashton
13 books129 followersI write books. I'm an introverted extrovert, a homebody who loves going out, a nosey parker who can keep secrets. I live by the Thames. My study feels like the centre of the universe. I share my house with Matthew, who writes songs and composes film music in his studio upstairs, and our daughter, Niamh. Two dogs sleep at my feet all day, Mavis and Zelda, both pedigree idiots.
I'm five foot six, mostly Irish. I find humans fascinating, whether they're evil or sweet or saintly or annoying or ... I just like humans, and that's why I write about them.
I'm five foot six, mostly Irish. I find humans fascinating, whether they're evil or sweet or saintly or annoying or ... I just like humans, and that's why I write about them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
January 1, 2016
When Books And The City revealed the glorious cover for These Days Of Ours I was extremely excited! The cover represented everything I love and the tagline had me wanting to know more straight away. I was over the bloody moon when I received a signed proof copy of this book (thank you SO much SJ and Juliet) I truly wasn’t expecting it and it was such a beautiful thing to open! Impatience is my middle name and so I started to read straight away and oh boy…what a book.
Have you ever read Where Rainbows End (Love, Rosie) by Cecelia Ahern? If you have then you may draw a slight parallel between that novel and this one. They have a very similar basic premise: what happens when your first love remains your only true love? Can true love prevail when fate throws other things your way?
Kate and Charlie, Charlie and Kate - two halves of a whole. Ever since Charlie declared his love for Kate at her fifth birthday party, they’ve been inseparable. They are smitten with each other and imagine years spent by each other’s side – fate agrees…somewhat. When teenage angst and major life decisions pull them apart, the idyllic life they had planned vanishes and instead they are destined for a life of platonic friendship. Through marriages, children, travelling and career changes the two remain firm friends. But, can you really, truly ever fall out of love with your first love?
Well, damn. This book was beautiful. Told through various events (marriages, parties, hen nights etc) we see Kate and Charlie’s relationship develop and blossom. We watch as they come apart and seem to drift off along different paths, each taking a step further away from what they both desire most – each other. Supported by a lively cast of characters including Becca (Kate’s cousin) and Julian, a childhood friend, Kate and Charlie’s story spans decades and asks whether being friends can ever really be enough?
The characters of Kate and Charlie were beautifully drawn and I especially loved their development over the course of the novel. We really see them grow both as individuals and together through adolescence, early adulthood and then through events that would break any heart. Their continuous bond was electric and jumped off of the pages – I craved scenes where they were together as everything just came alive in glorious technicolour and shone brightly. I think anyone who reads this book will envy the bond between the pair; Juliet has written their relationship so perfectly.
Kate’s relationship with her cousin Becca bought a whole new dimension to the plot and it was intriguing to watch them grow together too. There were times when I loathed Becca and then times when I just felt sorry for her but as the book drew to a close I realised she really is a good egg – just one that perhaps did the wrong thing sometimes! Kate’s relationship with her father was just beautiful too and scenes where they were together warmed my heart entirely and bought a tear to my eye.
Juliet’s writing is so engrossing and involving. I felt like a real part of the story and became incredibly attached to the characters both whilst I was reading and the moments in between reading. The characters really took up space in my mind and there were moments where I was contemplating what could happen to them next. The ending of These Days Of Ours was SO GOOD. It was the most satisfying, unrushed, well written ending I could have hoped for. I punched the air in delight and had the most ecstatic smile on my face for ages afterwards. (Well done Juliet!)
I truly adored this book and highly recommend it. If you love Cecelia Ahern or David Nicholls then I think you will enjoy this. Heart-breaking and wise, These Days Of Ours is the definition of perfection.
Have you ever read Where Rainbows End (Love, Rosie) by Cecelia Ahern? If you have then you may draw a slight parallel between that novel and this one. They have a very similar basic premise: what happens when your first love remains your only true love? Can true love prevail when fate throws other things your way?
Kate and Charlie, Charlie and Kate - two halves of a whole. Ever since Charlie declared his love for Kate at her fifth birthday party, they’ve been inseparable. They are smitten with each other and imagine years spent by each other’s side – fate agrees…somewhat. When teenage angst and major life decisions pull them apart, the idyllic life they had planned vanishes and instead they are destined for a life of platonic friendship. Through marriages, children, travelling and career changes the two remain firm friends. But, can you really, truly ever fall out of love with your first love?
Well, damn. This book was beautiful. Told through various events (marriages, parties, hen nights etc) we see Kate and Charlie’s relationship develop and blossom. We watch as they come apart and seem to drift off along different paths, each taking a step further away from what they both desire most – each other. Supported by a lively cast of characters including Becca (Kate’s cousin) and Julian, a childhood friend, Kate and Charlie’s story spans decades and asks whether being friends can ever really be enough?
The characters of Kate and Charlie were beautifully drawn and I especially loved their development over the course of the novel. We really see them grow both as individuals and together through adolescence, early adulthood and then through events that would break any heart. Their continuous bond was electric and jumped off of the pages – I craved scenes where they were together as everything just came alive in glorious technicolour and shone brightly. I think anyone who reads this book will envy the bond between the pair; Juliet has written their relationship so perfectly.
Kate’s relationship with her cousin Becca bought a whole new dimension to the plot and it was intriguing to watch them grow together too. There were times when I loathed Becca and then times when I just felt sorry for her but as the book drew to a close I realised she really is a good egg – just one that perhaps did the wrong thing sometimes! Kate’s relationship with her father was just beautiful too and scenes where they were together warmed my heart entirely and bought a tear to my eye.
Juliet’s writing is so engrossing and involving. I felt like a real part of the story and became incredibly attached to the characters both whilst I was reading and the moments in between reading. The characters really took up space in my mind and there were moments where I was contemplating what could happen to them next. The ending of These Days Of Ours was SO GOOD. It was the most satisfying, unrushed, well written ending I could have hoped for. I punched the air in delight and had the most ecstatic smile on my face for ages afterwards. (Well done Juliet!)
I truly adored this book and highly recommend it. If you love Cecelia Ahern or David Nicholls then I think you will enjoy this. Heart-breaking and wise, These Days Of Ours is the definition of perfection.
March 11, 2016
These Days of Ours is one of those slow-burning emotional books you absolutely devour. It might not be fast-paced, but the emotion is raw and real, and I quite enjoyed how gentle of a book it was and it doesn't half pack a punch. Everyone wonders if they had moments they let go, or people they let go, because of misunderstandings or miscommunication, and this whole novel is about the great love of Kate's life. It was very How I Met Your Mother, in the way that Ted and Robin were clearly meant for each other, even through ten years and Barney, etc, in the same way Kate and Charlie were clearly meant for each other, but life isn't like that. Things get in the way, times change, new relationships occur.
I loved how These Days of Our focused on specific moments in Kate's life. We didn't see the minutiae of her life, just the most important bits, and it was always interesting how life had moved on between each little chapter. Time had always moved on a little bit, there were new tragedies, new hopes, new fears, but the one constant thing in Kate's life was her cousin Becca, and her friend Charlie. I had mixed feelings about Becca. I'm sure she had the best of intentions, but she came across like a puppet master with her puppets, never really thinking through the consequences (because as far as Becca was concerned there's no such thing as a consequence). But I could see why Kate never gave up on her, because they were just too close to ever really be apart for any length of time.
I really liked Kate. And you would need to like Kate to really feel the emotions of this book, because this is Kate's life and we see her go through so much, for so many years, it's like an epic look into someone's life, something you would only normally be privy to if you were a friend. It felt like everything that happened to Kate was really, truly happening, it was that real, and intense. You just wanted Kate to have the best life possible, and aside from the whole Charlie thing, she did. She was awesome! And I kind of feel like if she hadn't gone through everything she had gone through, her relationship with Charlie might not have lasted, if they had gotten together decades ago.
These Days of Ours was such a good read. It was filled to the brim with so much emotion, so much heart, it's like Juliet poured her entire soul into this book, and we get to reap the reward as readers. It was such a satisfying book, too. There's nothing like finishing a story and just being so HAPPY. Like the story has done the full circle.
I loved how These Days of Our focused on specific moments in Kate's life. We didn't see the minutiae of her life, just the most important bits, and it was always interesting how life had moved on between each little chapter. Time had always moved on a little bit, there were new tragedies, new hopes, new fears, but the one constant thing in Kate's life was her cousin Becca, and her friend Charlie. I had mixed feelings about Becca. I'm sure she had the best of intentions, but she came across like a puppet master with her puppets, never really thinking through the consequences (because as far as Becca was concerned there's no such thing as a consequence). But I could see why Kate never gave up on her, because they were just too close to ever really be apart for any length of time.
I really liked Kate. And you would need to like Kate to really feel the emotions of this book, because this is Kate's life and we see her go through so much, for so many years, it's like an epic look into someone's life, something you would only normally be privy to if you were a friend. It felt like everything that happened to Kate was really, truly happening, it was that real, and intense. You just wanted Kate to have the best life possible, and aside from the whole Charlie thing, she did. She was awesome! And I kind of feel like if she hadn't gone through everything she had gone through, her relationship with Charlie might not have lasted, if they had gotten together decades ago.
These Days of Ours was such a good read. It was filled to the brim with so much emotion, so much heart, it's like Juliet poured her entire soul into this book, and we get to reap the reward as readers. It was such a satisfying book, too. There's nothing like finishing a story and just being so HAPPY. Like the story has done the full circle.
March 11, 2016
Oh wow. The first book since a long time that I wanted to devour every single word. Marvellous, magnificent read! It reminded me so much oo the books by Lucy Robinson or Jimmy Rice and Laura Tait - the writing style, the story - but it's a great thing, as I am a huge fan of the above mentioned authors. And now Juliet Ashton has just blown my mind with her new novel.
First things first, I have this extreme pleasure to be the owner of a very special signed proof copy of this book (thank you so, so much, Sara Jade and Juliet!), and I am already in love with the cover of this proof, but when I've seen the final cover, I've just fallen head over heels in love again. It's beautiful. It's so simple yet so sophisticated and just let me repeat that I love it.
"These Days of Ours" is a book about love. Simple like that. But can love be simple at all?
We follow here stories of Kate, Charlie and Becca, from when they were 5 - year - old kids, through they teenage years, through marriages, children, work, troubles and happiness, travelling and many, many changes, but all of them stay in touch and are thick as thieves. Especially Kate and Charlie. Thanks to these vignettes in Kate's life, those most important moments in everyone's lives, such as weddings, Christenings, births and funerals, parties, we are taken through twenty years of relationship - can you imagine?
What I simply adored in this story is the fact that the author managed to take me by surprise, more than once, with the twists and turns in the story. I know, it sounds so simple, but believe me, those twists and turns were amazing and I wasn't able to see them until they came and slapped me in the face.
What was also great is that the story is told through different events, at the turn of many, many years, and concentrates on the most significant points and events in the characters' lives. Each chapter starts with an invitation to the events that are like milestones in the characters' lives, so there is really no a lot of blah, blah, blah - ing, we're mostly presented with a fait accompli, but I didn't have for a single second a feeling that I've missed on some information, that the author skipped something important. The time, and together with the time the pace, were passing so quickly, and we accompanied Kate and Becca on the journey through the years and were witnesses to their lives' changing.
There is no dragging on, there is no feeling that the reading is like chewing a tasteless, dragging bubble gum, and it made the pace feel so quick. But there was one thing stable, permanent and not changing: the feeling between Charlie and Kate. It was developing, it was blossoming, it was mourning, it was in hell, but it was always there. It was in fact this relationship, this unfulfilled love that made the book so captivating - when you've seen Kate and Charlie together you had a feeling they just belong together, and it made me feel so helpless seeing how they're ways drift away.
As for the characters, wow. I'm sure you know this feeling when you feel a part of the characters' world so much that you want to turn and start to talk with them, to tell them what you're thinking - it was like this when I was reading the book. I felt a part of this novel, and I wanted to shake Kate, Becca and Charlie sometimes and tell them what I think. They were all brilliantly drawn, they felt so realistic and I adored the way they developed and matured, it was so genuine. The bond between Kate and Charlie was lovely and unique. The relationship between Kate and her cousin Becca was realistic and genuine, and the author has captured all the smallest details that built such relationship. Sure, I think we were supposed to dislike Becca in this relationship, as she was the Beautiful One, always getting what she wanted, she was spoiled and very self - centred and she was the one to ruin everything, but there was also much more to Becca than meets the eye. This relationship between Kate and Becca was both intriguing and annoying, and yes, it was Becca's the annoying part mostly, but in the end I think that all of us are going to forgive Becca for all the mistakes she's made, as she really, deep down, wasn't a bad person. And even though the story concentrates mostly on Kate, we are also introduced to other characters, such as the girls' families and partners, and I truly loved here the subplot of the orphanage in China and Kate's father, the orphanage that might have seen as only a subplot, but in the end turned out to be an incredibly important part of the story and it pained me that Kate's father couldn't follow his dream.
So yes, the characters were brilliant. Greatly developed, with their own personalities and voices, and - what's always so important to me - they were moving. They were developing, growing and changing, and the relationships between them were really, truly complicated.
The writing style is beautiful. It is full of emotions and feelings. The author has no problems to draw the readers direct into the heart of the story and to make them feel like a part of the characters' world. The author, just like Lucy Robinson, has this incredible talent to describe all possible feelings. She just knows how people feel and can wonderfully put it into words. "These Days of Ours" is bitter - sweet, funny and simultaneously sad, beautiful and unique love story that will stay with you for long. Juliet Ashton has an incredible talent for storytelling and I was immediately hooked to the story, I didn't want to put the book down for a single second. She has written a novel that I was sure I knew what's going to happen next, but after turning the page I could only gasp and see that there is a surprise waiting for me. It is this kind of book that you not only read, but LIVE. Amazing. And highly recommended. My first Hall of Fame review this year.
Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for a review.
March 14, 2016
Although some parts were a little far-fetched, I really enjoyed this will-they-won't-they romance and even shed a few tears at the end!
March 2, 2016
Ever had those friends where you just want to scream at them to kiss already? Even after twenty years and a marriage or more to different people? If you don't, you're about to and they're called Kate and Charlie.
Charmingly presented through vignettes of Kate's life (weddings, birthday parties, a book launch), These Days of Ours takes us through the twenty years of relationships, the ups downs, births and deaths, that make up a life until middle age. Although the focus is on how Kate's relations with Charlie develops over time there's much more to it, the scenes with her ailing father for example, or the friendly but fractious dealings with cousin Becca. It's a really wonderful display of how a person changes over time, their feelings and ideas mature along with the lines on their face, how adversity can bloom opportunity (even if I am more than a little sad that Kate's dad never got to China), and how regardless of all that there can be the constant force of love, even if that does make a person sacrifice their feelings for the sake of someone else's happiness.
Without sounding pretentious, and mainly because I finished the BBC series at the same time as I read this book, it kind of felt like the Bridget Jones-ised version of War and Peace (if you ignore all the socio-political Tolstoy stuff and focus only on the relationships). Two characters, both obviously in love with one another and meant to be together, constantly getting waylaid and misdirected away from each other by interference and happenstance. Basically Kate and Charlie are Pierre and Natasha; and I was as every bit involved in willing Kate and Charlie to run in to each other's arms as much as I was for their depressing Russian counter parts.
From the first page I was there, this feeling only intensified the more I read. Juliet Ashton is fantastic at engrossing her reader in the characters' lives, to the point I became so utterly attached to the characters that I had to read until 4am just to see if [spoiler] Becca's "mishap" with the letter was resolved. The ending was brilliant, like a satisfying dessert after a good meal; indulgent without being sickly, satisfying, not at all rushed, and ending with a toe curling grin as you finally get what you want.
It's easy to write this off as a typical chic-lit/airport paperback, and okay it's not super revolutionary, but really really don't. While the main character might be female (apparently that's a no-sale for some male readers?) the relationships, the feelings, the love, is entirely human and if you can't empathise with that then I can only assume you are a rock that has learnt to read.
These Days of Ours by Juliet Ashton, paperback £7.99 (expected release April 7, 2016), also available in ebook formats.
Disclaimer: I was given this to read/review as part of a Goodreads/Firstreads giveaway.
I read an ARC edition, there may be slight differences in the final release.
Minor content warning for sex (it's very brief and not at all graphic, but I know what some of you babies are like).
Minor for discussion of non-violent alcoholism.
Minor for cancer. Respectfully treated though, didn't trigger me and I was reading this a few weeks after my mothers death, sooo....
Charmingly presented through vignettes of Kate's life (weddings, birthday parties, a book launch), These Days of Ours takes us through the twenty years of relationships, the ups downs, births and deaths, that make up a life until middle age. Although the focus is on how Kate's relations with Charlie develops over time there's much more to it, the scenes with her ailing father for example, or the friendly but fractious dealings with cousin Becca. It's a really wonderful display of how a person changes over time, their feelings and ideas mature along with the lines on their face, how adversity can bloom opportunity (even if I am more than a little sad that Kate's dad never got to China), and how regardless of all that there can be the constant force of love, even if that does make a person sacrifice their feelings for the sake of someone else's happiness.
Without sounding pretentious, and mainly because I finished the BBC series at the same time as I read this book, it kind of felt like the Bridget Jones-ised version of War and Peace (if you ignore all the socio-political Tolstoy stuff and focus only on the relationships). Two characters, both obviously in love with one another and meant to be together, constantly getting waylaid and misdirected away from each other by interference and happenstance. Basically Kate and Charlie are Pierre and Natasha; and I was as every bit involved in willing Kate and Charlie to run in to each other's arms as much as I was for their depressing Russian counter parts.
From the first page I was there, this feeling only intensified the more I read. Juliet Ashton is fantastic at engrossing her reader in the characters' lives, to the point I became so utterly attached to the characters that I had to read until 4am just to see if [spoiler] Becca's "mishap" with the letter was resolved. The ending was brilliant, like a satisfying dessert after a good meal; indulgent without being sickly, satisfying, not at all rushed, and ending with a toe curling grin as you finally get what you want.
It's easy to write this off as a typical chic-lit/airport paperback, and okay it's not super revolutionary, but really really don't. While the main character might be female (apparently that's a no-sale for some male readers?) the relationships, the feelings, the love, is entirely human and if you can't empathise with that then I can only assume you are a rock that has learnt to read.
These Days of Ours by Juliet Ashton, paperback £7.99 (expected release April 7, 2016), also available in ebook formats.
Disclaimer: I was given this to read/review as part of a Goodreads/Firstreads giveaway.
I read an ARC edition, there may be slight differences in the final release.
Minor content warning for sex (it's very brief and not at all graphic, but I know what some of you babies are like).
Minor for discussion of non-violent alcoholism.
Minor for cancer. Respectfully treated though, didn't trigger me and I was reading this a few weeks after my mothers death, sooo....
January 24, 2016
But best friends are forever, and true love will find a way, won’t it…?
Look at this cover. It’s so pretty! It gives me hope that Spring is just around the corner, and we can leave this miserable month behind…
I was lucky enough to receive a signed ARC from the publisher (thank you, SJ, you wonderful woman, you!) in exchange for an honest review. (though obviously I never do dishonest reviews – that would miss the point ha ha!).
Their story is told through milestone events, and we learn how true love sometimes can be so frustratingly out of synch, keeping apart two people who should so be together. They’d never make good musicians; their timing is so off!
The characters are drawn perfectly. I loved Kate, with her passion for her job and her desire to be the perfect wife, and her relationship with her father. Becca, I found for the most part to be infuriating and narcissistic, but underneath her breezy facade beats a heart of gold, even if her intents are misguided at times. And Charlie… oh how I am in love with Charlie! Though I did want to slap him at times…
I can’t wait to read more by Juliet Ashton. I was drawn in from the beginning, and laughed and cried with the characters. There’s great storytelling in this book, and the scene with the unconventional dinner table is just simply hysterical. I loved it!
The fact that Kate and Charlie have managed to stay friends throughout their lives is beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. It just goes to show, sometimes true love does work itself out.
These Days of Ours is due for publication on Kindle on 1st March 2016 and paperback 7th April 2016, but for anyone desperate to get their hands on it before then there is a giveaway on Goodreads. I highly recommend it!
Look at this cover. It’s so pretty! It gives me hope that Spring is just around the corner, and we can leave this miserable month behind…
I was lucky enough to receive a signed ARC from the publisher (thank you, SJ, you wonderful woman, you!) in exchange for an honest review. (though obviously I never do dishonest reviews – that would miss the point ha ha!).
Their story is told through milestone events, and we learn how true love sometimes can be so frustratingly out of synch, keeping apart two people who should so be together. They’d never make good musicians; their timing is so off!
The characters are drawn perfectly. I loved Kate, with her passion for her job and her desire to be the perfect wife, and her relationship with her father. Becca, I found for the most part to be infuriating and narcissistic, but underneath her breezy facade beats a heart of gold, even if her intents are misguided at times. And Charlie… oh how I am in love with Charlie! Though I did want to slap him at times…
I can’t wait to read more by Juliet Ashton. I was drawn in from the beginning, and laughed and cried with the characters. There’s great storytelling in this book, and the scene with the unconventional dinner table is just simply hysterical. I loved it!
The fact that Kate and Charlie have managed to stay friends throughout their lives is beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. It just goes to show, sometimes true love does work itself out.
These Days of Ours is due for publication on Kindle on 1st March 2016 and paperback 7th April 2016, but for anyone desperate to get their hands on it before then there is a giveaway on Goodreads. I highly recommend it!
February 11, 2016
I received this book for free via Goodreads First Reads.
5 stars.
It deserves 5 stars.
I also hate the book.
I have never hated a book more or started a review in sentences rather than paragraphs.
So, I suppose I should explain.
I have never cried so much over a book before. The best author in the world could write every tragedy in my life and make them a little sadder but not reach the level of tears I shed reading this book. The author seems to have found most of my tragedies and put them into words using other people anyway.
It was not the characters that broke me. I liked the main one but not to the extent that she could affect me. It was the writing. I hate Juliet Ashton for being right and knowing people. She sees love, loss, life and relationships in a way few ever will but in a way that most will understand.
This book nearly broke this 35 year old man. It is definitely not 'chick-lit'. It is 'great-lit'. If you get the chance you should read it. Just don't coming crying to me as I shed too many tears reading it already.
5 stars.
It deserves 5 stars.
I also hate the book.
I have never hated a book more or started a review in sentences rather than paragraphs.
So, I suppose I should explain.
I have never cried so much over a book before. The best author in the world could write every tragedy in my life and make them a little sadder but not reach the level of tears I shed reading this book. The author seems to have found most of my tragedies and put them into words using other people anyway.
It was not the characters that broke me. I liked the main one but not to the extent that she could affect me. It was the writing. I hate Juliet Ashton for being right and knowing people. She sees love, loss, life and relationships in a way few ever will but in a way that most will understand.
This book nearly broke this 35 year old man. It is definitely not 'chick-lit'. It is 'great-lit'. If you get the chance you should read it. Just don't coming crying to me as I shed too many tears reading it already.
July 27, 2019
I liked the theme of enduring love that runs throughout the novel and the main characters were well developed but I did feel that Kate was far too forgiving of Becca and that their relationship as cousins/friends would not have been so smooth in ‘real life’. I also felt that a lot of events around the periphery of the main story were very far-fetched. Having said all that it was an enjoyable read.
3-4 stars
3-4 stars
June 11, 2018
Fabulous read. Had me a bit teary at the end!
March 7, 2016
Firstly I’d like to thank the publisher for sending me this fabulous signed proof. There was a real buzz surrounding this book and I couldn’t wait to delve beneath the beautiful cover to find out more.
Getting to know Kate and Becca was lots of fun, they were great characters who kept me on my toes throughout – I should have known that when it came to a wedding, things wouldn’t be as they first appeared! This was a fab twist that really got me thinking.
The storyline took me through some major life events with a series of invitations (a brilliant touch) and inevitably some of those events were desperately sad and left me in tears.
As I was reading, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t quite right and when it became apparent why I felt like that I was keen to find out where it would lead.
A very natural writing style meant I flew through the pages. The author had a wonderful way of delivering the unexpected and keeping me guessing.
This was a lovely read filled with characters who were easy to care for.
Getting to know Kate and Becca was lots of fun, they were great characters who kept me on my toes throughout – I should have known that when it came to a wedding, things wouldn’t be as they first appeared! This was a fab twist that really got me thinking.
The storyline took me through some major life events with a series of invitations (a brilliant touch) and inevitably some of those events were desperately sad and left me in tears.
As I was reading, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t quite right and when it became apparent why I felt like that I was keen to find out where it would lead.
A very natural writing style meant I flew through the pages. The author had a wonderful way of delivering the unexpected and keeping me guessing.
This was a lovely read filled with characters who were easy to care for.
July 27, 2016
I won this lovely little book in a Goodreads giveaway so thank you to the publishers for sending me a copy of this book.
I've just finished this book sat in my garden, in the sunshine, and as I'm a sucker for a happy ending, this book has given me that warm, fuzzy feeling inside (or maybe it's the sun!).
This book is beautifully written and can I just say what a gorgeous cover this book has. I found the characters interesting and sometimes funny and the story itself is utterly heartwarming. A charming, beautiful book with true love at its heart.
'I'm not an opportunist and I'm not a gentleman. I'm just me, and you're just you, and this just happened'.
'I can see what you're going through. You still love the silly git'.
Not everything that looks like love is love, or is it??
I've just finished this book sat in my garden, in the sunshine, and as I'm a sucker for a happy ending, this book has given me that warm, fuzzy feeling inside (or maybe it's the sun!).
This book is beautifully written and can I just say what a gorgeous cover this book has. I found the characters interesting and sometimes funny and the story itself is utterly heartwarming. A charming, beautiful book with true love at its heart.
'I'm not an opportunist and I'm not a gentleman. I'm just me, and you're just you, and this just happened'.
'I can see what you're going through. You still love the silly git'.
Not everything that looks like love is love, or is it??
March 11, 2016
I recieved this book in a goodreads giveaway.
This book is set out by lifes party invitations. Each chapter is an invitation to the next life event in best friends and cousins kate and becca. We follow their lives, and charlies from kates 5 th birthday party right till around her 40th. Theres weddings engagements births and funerals.
I didnt want this book to end, i could have read about their lives forever. This book is pure chick lit. Full of love and romance.
This book is set out by lifes party invitations. Each chapter is an invitation to the next life event in best friends and cousins kate and becca. We follow their lives, and charlies from kates 5 th birthday party right till around her 40th. Theres weddings engagements births and funerals.
I didnt want this book to end, i could have read about their lives forever. This book is pure chick lit. Full of love and romance.
September 27, 2018
I've had this one knocking about on my Kindle for over a year now but I only get to romances or chicklit-style books when I fancy a break from my murderation and thriller stories, which really isn't too often !! I'm pleased I finally got to read it, though, as I greatly enjoyed it AND there isn't a single punctuation or spelling mistake........now THAT is bloody impressive, trust me, so I'll definitely be reading more by any author who can manage this marvellous feat !
I think my favourite character in this book was Charlie. Both the girl cousins managed to irritate me for different reasons here and there throughout but I retained a fondness for Charlie the whole way through, and for Kate's dad as well. He was another smashing bloke.
There are some very funny lines peppered throughout but also a couple of times I was properly sniffy. She has some terrific analogies, be it observing a mother-in-law's "assertive way with a pashmina" or writing "With the smell of burning bridges in her nostrils...."
The only little niggles I had was missing a hyphen from eye roll, fair isles didn't need a space and using divorcee when referring to a male, though I don't know what the equivalent is myself so I can't shout too loudly.....I also wasn't keen on how her mum ended up in the story itself.
I learned about baby hatches in China which I found pretty shocking but Googled and read up on them. Terribly sad but a good idea, I suppose.
All in all, there's something for everyone here though nothing too strange or startling.
I think my favourite character in this book was Charlie. Both the girl cousins managed to irritate me for different reasons here and there throughout but I retained a fondness for Charlie the whole way through, and for Kate's dad as well. He was another smashing bloke.
There are some very funny lines peppered throughout but also a couple of times I was properly sniffy. She has some terrific analogies, be it observing a mother-in-law's "assertive way with a pashmina" or writing "With the smell of burning bridges in her nostrils...."
The only little niggles I had was missing a hyphen from eye roll, fair isles didn't need a space and using divorcee when referring to a male, though I don't know what the equivalent is myself so I can't shout too loudly.....I also wasn't keen on how her mum ended up in the story itself.
I learned about baby hatches in China which I found pretty shocking but Googled and read up on them. Terribly sad but a good idea, I suppose.
All in all, there's something for everyone here though nothing too strange or startling.
November 24, 2019
To be fair, I think my one-star rating reflects my lack of appreciation for this genre - is it chick lit? - more than anything else. But I found the characters implausible and the plot awkward and contrived. I persevered as the narration held my attention, but I am afraid my reaction when I had finished was not one of joy at having found a new author. I expect many people will find this book intriguing. Me, not so much.
February 17, 2023
3,5 Sterne
February 23, 2016
" 'Seit jener Nacht habe ich eine Menge über die Liebe nachgedacht. Sie ist keine Entscheidung, die man trifft. Sie muss nicht logisch sein. Sie ist oft unbequem und schmutzig und gnadenlos in dem, was sie von einem fordert.' "S. 188
Die Geschichte von Kate und Charlie beginnt mit einem Prolog, der ein kleines Stück vom Ende wegnimmt, dabei aber nicht zu viel verrät. Danach springt die Handlung 35 Jahre zurück zu Kates 5. Geburtstag. Über drei Jahrzehnte bekommt man dann mit, wie sich die Beziehung von Kate und Charlie entwickelt, wie sie sich lieben aber immer wieder aufs Neue verpassen.
Kate war mir zu Beginn eine sympathische Protagonistin, auch wenn ihre Denkweisen in Kinder-und Jugendjahren eher zu einem Erwachsenen passten. Das ändert sich jedoch, als Kate älter wird. Je älter Kate wurde, desto distanzierter wurde ich ihr gegenüber allerdings auch, da sie sich immer alles gefallen hat lassen, sich nie gewehrt und sich selbst immer runtergestuft hat. Eigentlich habe ich immer auf den Moment gewartet, an dem Kate mal ordentlich mit der Faust auf den Tisch haut. Charlie gegenüber war ich ebenfalls distanziert. Zwar taucht er logischerweise immer wieder auf, aber einen Zugang konnte ich nicht zu ihm finden. Hier hätte ich einen Perspektivenwechsel, in dem auch Charlies Gedanken zur Geltung kommen, gut gebrauchen k��nnen. Aber das war nichts gegen die wirklich nervigen Nebencharaktere, die zum Teil eine konstante Linie in Kates Leben bilden oder zum Teil auch wieder verschwinden. Kates Mutter? Die reinste Katastrophe. Kates jeweilige Partner? Eine schlimmer als der andere. Kates Cousine Becca? Wünscht man nicht einmal seinem Feind. Eigentlich mochte ich nur Kates Vater, der aber leider eine zunehmend kleinere Rolle einnimmt.
Das Buch an sich hat eine absolut gelungene Aufmachung, da jedes Kapitel mit einer Einladung beginnt. So weiß man als Leser immer genau, in welchem Jahr man sich befindet und worum es gerade jeweils geht. Mit den Einladungen lockte die Autorin mich sogar zwei, dreimal auf die falsche Fährte. Durch die Zeitsprünge wurden aber einige wichtigen Ereignisse übersprungen, die dann nur am Rand rückblickend erwähnt wurden. Zudem wirkte die Handlung an sich ab der Mitte zu überladen, da sich plötzlich ein Ereignis nach dem anderen aneinandereiht. Trotz allem ist „Immer wieder du und ich“ eine Geschichte, die ein paar nette Stunden bietet, bei dem der große Wow-Effekt aber leider ausblieb.
ABSCHLUSSWORT
Im Grunde habe ich „Immer wieder du und ich“ gerne gelesen. Aber die distanzierten Protagonisten, nervigen Nebencharakte und eine ab der Hälfte zu überladende Handlung schmälerten mein Lesevergüngen wieder. Dafür konnte die gelungene Aufmachung in Form der Einladungen an jedem Kapitelanfang punkten. Es ist keine schlechte Geschichte, aber einige – teils starke – Schwächen hatte es dennoch leider vorzuweisen.
Die Geschichte von Kate und Charlie beginnt mit einem Prolog, der ein kleines Stück vom Ende wegnimmt, dabei aber nicht zu viel verrät. Danach springt die Handlung 35 Jahre zurück zu Kates 5. Geburtstag. Über drei Jahrzehnte bekommt man dann mit, wie sich die Beziehung von Kate und Charlie entwickelt, wie sie sich lieben aber immer wieder aufs Neue verpassen.
Kate war mir zu Beginn eine sympathische Protagonistin, auch wenn ihre Denkweisen in Kinder-und Jugendjahren eher zu einem Erwachsenen passten. Das ändert sich jedoch, als Kate älter wird. Je älter Kate wurde, desto distanzierter wurde ich ihr gegenüber allerdings auch, da sie sich immer alles gefallen hat lassen, sich nie gewehrt und sich selbst immer runtergestuft hat. Eigentlich habe ich immer auf den Moment gewartet, an dem Kate mal ordentlich mit der Faust auf den Tisch haut. Charlie gegenüber war ich ebenfalls distanziert. Zwar taucht er logischerweise immer wieder auf, aber einen Zugang konnte ich nicht zu ihm finden. Hier hätte ich einen Perspektivenwechsel, in dem auch Charlies Gedanken zur Geltung kommen, gut gebrauchen k��nnen. Aber das war nichts gegen die wirklich nervigen Nebencharaktere, die zum Teil eine konstante Linie in Kates Leben bilden oder zum Teil auch wieder verschwinden. Kates Mutter? Die reinste Katastrophe. Kates jeweilige Partner? Eine schlimmer als der andere. Kates Cousine Becca? Wünscht man nicht einmal seinem Feind. Eigentlich mochte ich nur Kates Vater, der aber leider eine zunehmend kleinere Rolle einnimmt.
Das Buch an sich hat eine absolut gelungene Aufmachung, da jedes Kapitel mit einer Einladung beginnt. So weiß man als Leser immer genau, in welchem Jahr man sich befindet und worum es gerade jeweils geht. Mit den Einladungen lockte die Autorin mich sogar zwei, dreimal auf die falsche Fährte. Durch die Zeitsprünge wurden aber einige wichtigen Ereignisse übersprungen, die dann nur am Rand rückblickend erwähnt wurden. Zudem wirkte die Handlung an sich ab der Mitte zu überladen, da sich plötzlich ein Ereignis nach dem anderen aneinandereiht. Trotz allem ist „Immer wieder du und ich“ eine Geschichte, die ein paar nette Stunden bietet, bei dem der große Wow-Effekt aber leider ausblieb.
ABSCHLUSSWORT
Im Grunde habe ich „Immer wieder du und ich“ gerne gelesen. Aber die distanzierten Protagonisten, nervigen Nebencharakte und eine ab der Hälfte zu überladende Handlung schmälerten mein Lesevergüngen wieder. Dafür konnte die gelungene Aufmachung in Form der Einladungen an jedem Kapitelanfang punkten. Es ist keine schlechte Geschichte, aber einige – teils starke – Schwächen hatte es dennoch leider vorzuweisen.
May 25, 2016
5 star Review These Days Of Ours By Juliet Ashton
This was a new author to me.
I will admit that I was a tad confused at first, but once I got myself and the partners sorted out it was all good from there. To be totally honest, when I first started the book, I really wasn’t sure that it was for me. However I dived in and read the first half of the book in just over two hours and became totally immersed in the book. Kate and Becca are cousins who are more like best friends. They do everything together.
Have you ever wondered what might have been? If that one instance in your life, which you really regret, hadn’t happened, would your first true love have stayed? Would it have stood the test of time or withered and died?
Everyone believes that Charlie and Kate are meant to be; including Charlie and Kate. Charlie has loved Kate since he was 5 years old. Inseparable and destined to be together, or that’s what everyone thought.
Becca wants to get engaged to Julian and whatever Becca wants, she gets. I have to say there were times that I really disliked both Becca and Julian.
A small argument, two phone calls, between Charlie and Kate changed and altered not only their lives but those of Julian and Becca.
This is an extremely well written book that takes us through Kate’s life throughout the years, through parties, marriages, babies, secrets and death. There were certainly a few twists and turns that surprised me.
At the heart of this book is the story of Charlie and Kate and how their relationship develops, falters and re develops. Kate’s love and caring for her father moved me to tears. The emotions were working overtime and Ms. Ashton really brought the characters to life for me.
This was a story of love and friendship through good times and bad; not only romantic love, but love of family. An emotional and at times angst written book that captivated me from start to finish.
I highly recommend you read this book.
This was a new author to me.
I will admit that I was a tad confused at first, but once I got myself and the partners sorted out it was all good from there. To be totally honest, when I first started the book, I really wasn’t sure that it was for me. However I dived in and read the first half of the book in just over two hours and became totally immersed in the book. Kate and Becca are cousins who are more like best friends. They do everything together.
Have you ever wondered what might have been? If that one instance in your life, which you really regret, hadn’t happened, would your first true love have stayed? Would it have stood the test of time or withered and died?
Everyone believes that Charlie and Kate are meant to be; including Charlie and Kate. Charlie has loved Kate since he was 5 years old. Inseparable and destined to be together, or that’s what everyone thought.
Becca wants to get engaged to Julian and whatever Becca wants, she gets. I have to say there were times that I really disliked both Becca and Julian.
A small argument, two phone calls, between Charlie and Kate changed and altered not only their lives but those of Julian and Becca.
This is an extremely well written book that takes us through Kate’s life throughout the years, through parties, marriages, babies, secrets and death. There were certainly a few twists and turns that surprised me.
At the heart of this book is the story of Charlie and Kate and how their relationship develops, falters and re develops. Kate’s love and caring for her father moved me to tears. The emotions were working overtime and Ms. Ashton really brought the characters to life for me.
This was a story of love and friendship through good times and bad; not only romantic love, but love of family. An emotional and at times angst written book that captivated me from start to finish.
I highly recommend you read this book.
March 4, 2016
What a magnificent story of friendship, relationships and long lasting love. With each chapter being preceded by an invitation to a specific life event, be it 5th birthday party, wedding party, hen night etc... this is the tale of Kate and Becca, from when they were young right up until now.
They are cousins and the best of friends, and share everything, even it turns out partners. Their initial childhood sweethearts feature heavily in the book, as does their family.
These Days of Ours proves that blood is thicker than water, and that despite what is going on in each others lives, Kate and Becca are almost always there for each other. That is not to say they haven't had ups and downs, but they do have each others best interests at heart.
Kate nursing her father, brings them closer together, and gets Kate really inspired to help the orphanage in China that her father has always raised funds. This is a rather profound time for Kate, and one that ultimately changes her life.
I loved the passing of time with each chapter, and thanks to the year being handily on each invitation, you always knew how far further forward you were with their story, and you would get told anything key that happened in the time that isn't featured in a chapter.
With fabulous writing, great storytelling, and clearly a close friendship, and of course a story of true love, These Days of Ours is a fantastic novel, and one that I really enjoyed reading. Towards the last quarter or so, I was so involved with the story, I couldn't put it down at all.
Thank you to SJV at Simon & Schuster for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
They are cousins and the best of friends, and share everything, even it turns out partners. Their initial childhood sweethearts feature heavily in the book, as does their family.
These Days of Ours proves that blood is thicker than water, and that despite what is going on in each others lives, Kate and Becca are almost always there for each other. That is not to say they haven't had ups and downs, but they do have each others best interests at heart.
Kate nursing her father, brings them closer together, and gets Kate really inspired to help the orphanage in China that her father has always raised funds. This is a rather profound time for Kate, and one that ultimately changes her life.
I loved the passing of time with each chapter, and thanks to the year being handily on each invitation, you always knew how far further forward you were with their story, and you would get told anything key that happened in the time that isn't featured in a chapter.
With fabulous writing, great storytelling, and clearly a close friendship, and of course a story of true love, These Days of Ours is a fantastic novel, and one that I really enjoyed reading. Towards the last quarter or so, I was so involved with the story, I couldn't put it down at all.
Thank you to SJV at Simon & Schuster for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
April 17, 2017
I was disappointed to discover that this book contains cheating and furthermore, a major 'no-no' in my eyes a wife who deliberately gets pregnant by another man and lets her husband believe the child is his. That is unforgivable.
I couldn't like either Kate or Becca. They came across as shallow and selfish, and to be honest the only character I really wanted to read more about was Julian.
There were some odd changes of tense that threw me at first:
She listened hard, but heard only the silence of an empty house, a silence that is actually a gentle soundtrack of ticks and creaks.
and some weird flashbacks within flashbacks so that in the end I really didn't know what was happening.
'We did it,' agreed Kate, suddenly tearful. She hesitated, then folded Becca down to her level, finding her ear to whisper. 'You can try again.'
Becca squeezed Kate brutally tight. 'Oh Kate,' she whispered.
Kate had been holding Becca's hand when the sonographer couldn't find a heartbeat.
'Come, wife!' Julian asserted himself with a kingly shout.
Becca pulled away, apparently recovered. 'Time to drag my Charlie to the bridal suite.'
One star, mostly because of the cheating (and everyone seemed to be doing it!)
I couldn't like either Kate or Becca. They came across as shallow and selfish, and to be honest the only character I really wanted to read more about was Julian.
There were some odd changes of tense that threw me at first:
She listened hard, but heard only the silence of an empty house, a silence that is actually a gentle soundtrack of ticks and creaks.
and some weird flashbacks within flashbacks so that in the end I really didn't know what was happening.
'We did it,' agreed Kate, suddenly tearful. She hesitated, then folded Becca down to her level, finding her ear to whisper. 'You can try again.'
Becca squeezed Kate brutally tight. 'Oh Kate,' she whispered.
Kate had been holding Becca's hand when the sonographer couldn't find a heartbeat.
'Come, wife!' Julian asserted himself with a kingly shout.
Becca pulled away, apparently recovered. 'Time to drag my Charlie to the bridal suite.'
One star, mostly because of the cheating (and everyone seemed to be doing it!)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2017
Autorka si mě podmanila. Dokázala všechny strasti a slasti života dostat na nějakých 300 stránek, pořadně je promíchat jako dobrý koktejl a naservírovat to i s paraplíčkem! :-) Dala bych 5 hvězd, ale některé myšlenkové pochody byly trochu zdlouhavější.. nebyly nudné, ale i přesto byly zbytečné. Ovšem to nic nemění na tom, že to bylo supr trupr počtení! :-)
March 2, 2016
First things first I absolutely loved this story of Kate and Charlie. These days of ours is a story which will give a lifetime of emotions compacted and powerfully delivered in its 400 odd pages. It is a love story, a story about life, family and friends. There is going through life just for the sake of it and then there is life in which we try to make sense of it. Kate's journey in this story is beautifully described and is supported by some fabulous characters. This story literally gave a book hangover and I cant recommend it enough. Pick it up and experience a lifetime of love, emotions and friendship in its 400 odd pages of a beautiful, emotional story. A detailed review on my blog: http://wp.me/p6THg1-3s
August 6, 2024
My main problem is that this had overdone the “ plain intelligent” vs “attractive and spontaneous” in a female friendship book.
I hated Becca in particular, for this reason who was horrible and selfish in a narcissistic disgusting way. I stopped caring whether Kate would end up with Charlie or not as he was weak and spineless ( for reasons which will become apparent).
Unfortunately so annoyed I DNF.
I hated Becca in particular, for this reason who was horrible and selfish in a narcissistic disgusting way. I stopped caring whether Kate would end up with Charlie or not as he was weak and spineless ( for reasons which will become apparent).
Unfortunately so annoyed I DNF.
March 1, 2016
Very enjoyable read.
While not my first choice of genre I really enjoyed this book & the subject matter. It felt real, relatable & warm. A nice feel good story, that deals with sensitive issues like sexuality, parenthood & adoption in a respectful ,as well as humorous way. Would definitely recommend.
While not my first choice of genre I really enjoyed this book & the subject matter. It felt real, relatable & warm. A nice feel good story, that deals with sensitive issues like sexuality, parenthood & adoption in a respectful ,as well as humorous way. Would definitely recommend.
April 17, 2016
Enjoyed most of the characters in this book but I felt that it did go on a bit too long and it took me nearly a week to finish. On the positive side I did enjoy the way the story was told through invitations to the characters special life events
February 6, 2018
2 stars seems soo harsh, but it just seemed to go on and not sure it was for me as put me in a mini slump. Full review to follow.
Oh and full disclaimer. I put this down in September (2017) and then decided to pick it up on Feb (2018), to try and get my GoodReads pile down.
Oh and full disclaimer. I put this down in September (2017) and then decided to pick it up on Feb (2018), to try and get my GoodReads pile down.
January 23, 2020
DNF @164
There is nothing particulary wrong with the book, well, except for the sometimes very bad czech translation, I just didn't feel any special connection to the characters or the story. I had to force myself to pick it up, so I decided today that I am going to move to something I enjoy.
There is nothing particulary wrong with the book, well, except for the sometimes very bad czech translation, I just didn't feel any special connection to the characters or the story. I had to force myself to pick it up, so I decided today that I am going to move to something I enjoy.
July 19, 2016
Struggled to get through this, the story felt so disjointed. Would have rated 2 stars but I'm a sucker for a happy ending.
October 23, 2016
Thoroughly enjoyed this. Really liked the characters although Kate was a bit too forgiving of Becca in many situations.
Really easy enjoyable read
Really easy enjoyable read
September 16, 2021
Hated nearly all of the characters, their actions, and their motives. The story meanders through what is really difficult to understand on simply a language level, but also a plot level. One star.
April 28, 2023
No not for me quite boring, tried my best to keep going but nothing happening so skimmed the last quarter I’m afraid
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews