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No Greater Strength #5
I Won't Be Home For Christmas
A FESTIVE TREAT FROM THE #1 BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF MY HUSBAND'S WIFE.
While her free-spirited daughter travels the world, Vivienne prepares for a lonely Christmas in Bristol, with her best friend Ellen and her ancient dog Bob.
Then a letter arrives that changes everything. Vivienne's daughter is getting married in New Zealand, and she wants her mum and Ellen by her side.
But out on the rugged coast of Tutukaka, the sea sparkles, romance beckons – and Vivienne falls under the spell of another life. Will she leave everything she holds dear for a chance at happiness? Or will her daughter be the only one to fall in love this Christmas?
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2016
623 people are currently reading
484 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Prowse
83 books1,942 followersPrevious Book: 'Swimming to Lundy', published th August 2024'.
Latest Book: 'This One Life', published 7th January 2025.
Next Book: 'Ever After' published 7th August 2025.
Amanda Prowse is an International Bestselling author whose thirty-two novels, two non-fiction titles and ten novellas have been published in dozens of languages around the world. Published by Lake Union, Amanda is the most prolific writer of bestselling contemporary fiction in the UK today; her titles also consistently score the highest online review approval ratings across several genres. Her books, including the chart topping No.1 titles 'What Have I Done?', 'Perfect Daughter', 'My Husband's Wife', 'The Girl in the Corner' and ‘The Things I Know’ have sold millions of copies across the globe.
A popular TV and radio personality, Amanda has appeared on numerous shows where her views on family and social issues strike a chord with viewers. She also makes countless guest appearances on BBC national and independent Radio stations including LBC, Times Radio and Talk FM, where she is well known for her insightful observations and her infectious humour. Described by the Daily Mail as ‘The queen of family drama’ Amanda’s novel, 'A Mother's Story' won the coveted Sainsbury's eBook of the year Award and she has had two books selected as World Book Night titles, 'Perfect Daughter' in 2016 and 'The Boy Between' in 2022.
Amanda is a huge supporter of libraries and having become a proud ambassador for The Reading Agency, works tirelessly to promote reading, especially in disadvantaged areas. Amanda's ambition is to create stories that keep people from turning the bedside lamp off at night, great characters that ensure you take every step with them and tales that fill your head so you can't possibly read another book until the memory fades...
Praise for Amanda Prowse:
'A powerful and emotional work of fiction' - Piers Morgan
'Deeply moving and emotional, Amanda Prowse handles her explosive subjects with delicate skill' - Daily Mail
'Uplifting and positive, but you will still need a box of tissues' - Hello!
'A gut-wrenching and absolutely brilliant read' - The Irish Sun
'You'll fall in love with this...' - Cosmopolitan
'Deeply moving and eye opening. Powerful and emotional drama that packs a real punch.' - Heat
'Magical' - Now magazine
Latest Book: 'This One Life', published 7th January 2025.
Next Book: 'Ever After' published 7th August 2025.
Amanda Prowse is an International Bestselling author whose thirty-two novels, two non-fiction titles and ten novellas have been published in dozens of languages around the world. Published by Lake Union, Amanda is the most prolific writer of bestselling contemporary fiction in the UK today; her titles also consistently score the highest online review approval ratings across several genres. Her books, including the chart topping No.1 titles 'What Have I Done?', 'Perfect Daughter', 'My Husband's Wife', 'The Girl in the Corner' and ‘The Things I Know’ have sold millions of copies across the globe.
A popular TV and radio personality, Amanda has appeared on numerous shows where her views on family and social issues strike a chord with viewers. She also makes countless guest appearances on BBC national and independent Radio stations including LBC, Times Radio and Talk FM, where she is well known for her insightful observations and her infectious humour. Described by the Daily Mail as ‘The queen of family drama’ Amanda’s novel, 'A Mother's Story' won the coveted Sainsbury's eBook of the year Award and she has had two books selected as World Book Night titles, 'Perfect Daughter' in 2016 and 'The Boy Between' in 2022.
Amanda is a huge supporter of libraries and having become a proud ambassador for The Reading Agency, works tirelessly to promote reading, especially in disadvantaged areas. Amanda's ambition is to create stories that keep people from turning the bedside lamp off at night, great characters that ensure you take every step with them and tales that fill your head so you can't possibly read another book until the memory fades...
Praise for Amanda Prowse:
'A powerful and emotional work of fiction' - Piers Morgan
'Deeply moving and emotional, Amanda Prowse handles her explosive subjects with delicate skill' - Daily Mail
'Uplifting and positive, but you will still need a box of tissues' - Hello!
'A gut-wrenching and absolutely brilliant read' - The Irish Sun
'You'll fall in love with this...' - Cosmopolitan
'Deeply moving and eye opening. Powerful and emotional drama that packs a real punch.' - Heat
'Magical' - Now magazine
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
December 31, 2022
This is one of those Christmas-titled books that aren't Christmas-themed at all.
Viv has spent her entire life in the same house. Left with two kids after her husband popped out and never returned, it hasn't been an easy ride.
When she receives a letter from her daughter inviting her to her wedding in New Zealand things get exciting for Viv.
This book was fine. Easy reading for a time of year that's difficult.
Three stars.
At the time of posting this book is available on Kindle Unlimited.
Viv has spent her entire life in the same house. Left with two kids after her husband popped out and never returned, it hasn't been an easy ride.
When she receives a letter from her daughter inviting her to her wedding in New Zealand things get exciting for Viv.
This book was fine. Easy reading for a time of year that's difficult.
Three stars.
At the time of posting this book is available on Kindle Unlimited.
November 17, 2018
Just an “okay” read, so yeah, I’m a bit disappointed for my very first Christmas book read. But my hot cocoa was five star!
The beginning was slow, and redundant, whiny and redundant! Two older women who are best friends for years, just rehashing and rehashing things, life, past, present, people, things. Ugh! I was ready to yell out, “okay! let’s move on out of this self-defeating vicious cycle!” Kind of a bummer way to begin a Christmas/holiday story, don’t you think? Yeah, I thought so too.
Anyway, it’s chick-lit in an ordinary sort of way. The characters were “meh.”
The two women friends were like cats tied in a sack with their back and forth innuendos and pushing each other, hugging then tussling. Through thick and thin, good times and bad, these two, while having plenty of fun amongst themselves and sort of looking after each other, have an almost unhealthy close friendship and really needed to create some boundaries and grow up already. They were too much into each other’s business and had an opinion on everything which between the two of them was an unrelentess banter, back and forth.
Theres a portion of the story of their stop in Hong Kong on their way to New Zealand. I literally had to keep flipping through this part as it was basically nonsense filler. There was really nothing exciting about this section of the story except to prove what good friends they were out on a new adventure and how out of their element they were, but they managed, because they were together.
It actually took a wedding invite that plucked them out of their home town to visit New Zealand and get a whole new perspective on their lives. It’s caused them and other characters to reevaluate their lives, their relationships, their priorities, take new chances and fix or walk away from some unresolved ones.
Mid-way into the book, the story line sped up and improved (finally) and it actually was okay to the end. The title of the book is correct in that one character wasn’t home for Christmas. (I’m sarcastically stating the obvious.)😬
If you are looking for snow covered fir trees and wreaths, frosted pine cones, Christmas cookie, icicles, fireplaces a-roaring, jingle Bells, candy canes, Santa appearances, horse pulled sleighs, twinkling lights and visions of sugarplums in your head, you won’t find those in the New Zealand part of the story and you only get the briefest bit of holiday cheer in Bristol. So I kind of felt cheated a little bit?
Ah well, there are plenty more cozy Holiday stories out there on the shelves. So onward and forward - hoping my next read is everything I’m expecting it to be!
The beginning was slow, and redundant, whiny and redundant! Two older women who are best friends for years, just rehashing and rehashing things, life, past, present, people, things. Ugh! I was ready to yell out, “okay! let’s move on out of this self-defeating vicious cycle!” Kind of a bummer way to begin a Christmas/holiday story, don’t you think? Yeah, I thought so too.
Anyway, it’s chick-lit in an ordinary sort of way. The characters were “meh.”
The two women friends were like cats tied in a sack with their back and forth innuendos and pushing each other, hugging then tussling. Through thick and thin, good times and bad, these two, while having plenty of fun amongst themselves and sort of looking after each other, have an almost unhealthy close friendship and really needed to create some boundaries and grow up already. They were too much into each other’s business and had an opinion on everything which between the two of them was an unrelentess banter, back and forth.
Theres a portion of the story of their stop in Hong Kong on their way to New Zealand. I literally had to keep flipping through this part as it was basically nonsense filler. There was really nothing exciting about this section of the story except to prove what good friends they were out on a new adventure and how out of their element they were, but they managed, because they were together.
It actually took a wedding invite that plucked them out of their home town to visit New Zealand and get a whole new perspective on their lives. It’s caused them and other characters to reevaluate their lives, their relationships, their priorities, take new chances and fix or walk away from some unresolved ones.
Mid-way into the book, the story line sped up and improved (finally) and it actually was okay to the end. The title of the book is correct in that one character wasn’t home for Christmas. (I’m sarcastically stating the obvious.)😬
If you are looking for snow covered fir trees and wreaths, frosted pine cones, Christmas cookie, icicles, fireplaces a-roaring, jingle Bells, candy canes, Santa appearances, horse pulled sleighs, twinkling lights and visions of sugarplums in your head, you won’t find those in the New Zealand part of the story and you only get the briefest bit of holiday cheer in Bristol. So I kind of felt cheated a little bit?
Ah well, there are plenty more cozy Holiday stories out there on the shelves. So onward and forward - hoping my next read is everything I’m expecting it to be!
December 9, 2019
This is another feelgood, heartwarming story from this author.
Vivienne is in her mid-fifties and living with her dog Bob. Her daughter Emma has been travelling and 'finding herself' overseas for the past four years. Her son Aaron is married to an ambitious woman who manages to always make Viv feel inadequate. Although still married, Viv is estranged from her husband Ray who walked out on her when her children were small. The one dependable constant for Viv is her best friend Ellen who she met in primary school and who lives around the corner.
When a wedding invite arrives for Viv for her daughter Emma who is getting married to a New Zealander that she has never heard mentioned let alone met, it is the first of a series of surprises that will start to change everything for Vivienne.
A most enjoyable read, and highly recommended for this silly season.
Vivienne is in her mid-fifties and living with her dog Bob. Her daughter Emma has been travelling and 'finding herself' overseas for the past four years. Her son Aaron is married to an ambitious woman who manages to always make Viv feel inadequate. Although still married, Viv is estranged from her husband Ray who walked out on her when her children were small. The one dependable constant for Viv is her best friend Ellen who she met in primary school and who lives around the corner.
When a wedding invite arrives for Viv for her daughter Emma who is getting married to a New Zealander that she has never heard mentioned let alone met, it is the first of a series of surprises that will start to change everything for Vivienne.
A most enjoyable read, and highly recommended for this silly season.
December 15, 2020
3.5 ⭐️ Nice feel good story 😊
September 21, 2025
*Heartwarming*
**4.5 Stars**
This is book five of six in the ‘No Greater Strength’ series, which centres on women discovering the strength they never knew they possessed.
In this story, we meet Vivienne, who believed she had found her perfect husband. However, he turned out to be a terrible husband. Despite everyone’s love for him, after having two children, his life with Vivienne no longer suited him. Suddenly, he vanished without a trace.
In the meantime, Vivienne was forced to move back in with her parents, who helped her pick up the pieces as she was completely broken. Fortunately, she has a childhood best friend, Ellen, who is loud, outspoken, and the person you would want on your side in times of trouble. Vivienne, on the other hand, is quieter, and they work together as there is genuine love between them.
Vivienne’s daughter, Emma, struggles to settle and has been travelling for 4 years and is living in Australia. Unexpectedly, Vivienne receives an invitation to Emma’s wedding.
As Vivienne decides to travel with Ellen, she has no idea that her life will be forever changed, and there’s a very unwelcome blast from the past.
At the heart of this book is friendship, love, and many laughs along the way.
**4.5 Stars**
This is book five of six in the ‘No Greater Strength’ series, which centres on women discovering the strength they never knew they possessed.
In this story, we meet Vivienne, who believed she had found her perfect husband. However, he turned out to be a terrible husband. Despite everyone’s love for him, after having two children, his life with Vivienne no longer suited him. Suddenly, he vanished without a trace.
In the meantime, Vivienne was forced to move back in with her parents, who helped her pick up the pieces as she was completely broken. Fortunately, she has a childhood best friend, Ellen, who is loud, outspoken, and the person you would want on your side in times of trouble. Vivienne, on the other hand, is quieter, and they work together as there is genuine love between them.
Vivienne’s daughter, Emma, struggles to settle and has been travelling for 4 years and is living in Australia. Unexpectedly, Vivienne receives an invitation to Emma’s wedding.
As Vivienne decides to travel with Ellen, she has no idea that her life will be forever changed, and there’s a very unwelcome blast from the past.
At the heart of this book is friendship, love, and many laughs along the way.
November 21, 2017
Vivienne is preparing for a lonely Christmas without her son Aaron or her daughter Emily. But then an invitation from her daughter gives her something to look forward to before Christmas, a wedding. True, Emily is being married in New Zealand but Emily wants her mother and her mother’s best friend Ellen there. Emily would also like her brother Aaron and his wife to come, but that looks far less likely. Filled with excitement and a little trepidation, Vivienne and her long time friend Ellen set off overseas. When they arrive the place at Tutukaka is a picturesque dream and her daughter seems happy. Yet, something doesn’t quite seem right to Viv. And what about the strange emotions she is feeling? Having been left by her husband Ray, when Emily and Aaron were young, Viv has had little time or inclination for romance. Surely these feelings she is now experiencing cannot lead anywhere? There are too many reasons for it not to, aren’t there?
This is exactly, as you would expect, a light Christmas themed book. So don’t go into it expect heavy themes and problems to be solved. The characters and setting are well portrayed. Vivienne is great and so is her free spirited, if at times naïve, daughter Emily. Ellen is loud, brash, annoying at times but the type of friend you could always turn to in a crisis, and one you could certainly share the good times with too, even though she has a tendency to be embarrassing.
I don’t normally read Christmas themed books. But I have liked other books by this author and just wanted something light after the heart stopping tension of my previous read. This filled the bill perfectly. It is an easy read, feel good, novel. The canine character, Bob, is a very cute addition.
Initially I wasn’t convinced about the book and there were times Ellen annoyed me but the longer it went on, the more I became involved. With a lot of laughs, a stray tear or two it was all in all an enjoyable read about true friendship, romance and relationships of parents and their adult children.
I really don't think the cover fits the book as well as it could but that is not the author's decision.
This is exactly, as you would expect, a light Christmas themed book. So don’t go into it expect heavy themes and problems to be solved. The characters and setting are well portrayed. Vivienne is great and so is her free spirited, if at times naïve, daughter Emily. Ellen is loud, brash, annoying at times but the type of friend you could always turn to in a crisis, and one you could certainly share the good times with too, even though she has a tendency to be embarrassing.
I don’t normally read Christmas themed books. But I have liked other books by this author and just wanted something light after the heart stopping tension of my previous read. This filled the bill perfectly. It is an easy read, feel good, novel. The canine character, Bob, is a very cute addition.
Initially I wasn’t convinced about the book and there were times Ellen annoyed me but the longer it went on, the more I became involved. With a lot of laughs, a stray tear or two it was all in all an enjoyable read about true friendship, romance and relationships of parents and their adult children.
I really don't think the cover fits the book as well as it could but that is not the author's decision.
December 11, 2024
What a wonderful, feel good, slightly alternative festive read! And by alternative I meant set in warmer settings! This had such a lovely storyline, but it was the characters that really made it for me. The author created such real, authentic people that made you care about them, want to know them or even that they were part of your life already which is a really special ability in a book! Personally, I saw so much of myself and my best friend in the two main characters with their brilliant banter and sense of humour that it added another layer of enjoyment! What a great read!
September 19, 2022
A nice story.
December 23, 2023
Cheese fest and loved every second
December 9, 2017
This was a light read, which is what I wanted. Not a great story, but it was entertaining. Vivienne and Ellen have been best friends since they were little girls. They ended up marrying two guys who were also friends. Vivienne was immediately drawn to Ray and Ellen to Trev. Ray ended up being a complete jerk and walked out on Vivienne and their two children, Aaron and Emma, when they were very young. Vivienne raised her kids by herself, well, with the help of her parents and Ellen and Trev.
So now it 27 years later and Emma has been traveling the world. But Viv gets an invitation, Emma is getting married to a man named Michael in New Zealand before Christmas. So Viv and Ellen head to New Zealand (by way of Hong Kong). I should mention that Ellen is described as being a larger woman with an even larger voice.
They arrive in New Zealand and Viv finds herself attracted to Michael's dad, Gil. Gil is a sheep farmer and owns a beautiful house overlooking the ocean. This is where the wedding will take place. But it doesn't take long for Viv to see that while Michael is a very nice man, Emma isn't herself around him.
And now we come to the part of the story I had the most trouble with. Emma decides to surprise Viv... with Ray. She recently 'found' him (he'd been living in Australia with the woman he left Viv for and their children). And now she brought him over to the wedding to walk her down the aisle. And never thought that this would be upsetting to Vivienne. I found that mind-blowing. And why in the world would you be so eager to have the man who abandoned you your entire life have such a place of honor in your big day? This truly made no sense.
This was obviously Prowse's way of bringing Ray and Viv back together, so they could finally close that 'chapter' and let Viv be ready to start a new one. I mean, I get it... I just think there could have been a better way to bring them together to make that happen.
Emma finally realizes that Michael is great, but not right for her so she calls off the wedding. Gil invited Viv to stay with him through Christmas but she declines saying she wants to get home. But ultimately, at the airport she realizes she can't let him go so she stays and Emma goes back to England with Ellen.
A year goes by. Viv and Gil are getting married. Aaron and Lizzie have a baby girl and Lizzie has finally warmed up to the rest of the family. Emma got together with her old friend Shaun and now they are expecting a baby. And Ellen and Trev are doing well. Happy ending.
Two small annoyances I had. Vivienne cried over everything. It got annoying. The second was I really didn't like that Viv had to give up her life for Gil's life. And yes, I know Gil had this paradise of a home but it was just beautiful. Vivienne's home had her family and friends. So she moves across the world to be with a man and leaves behind her children, grandchildren, and dearest best friend? I thought she spent 30+ years trapped under the effects of a man, to 'free' herself only to trap herself under a different man? Romantic maybe, but at the sacrifice of family.
So now it 27 years later and Emma has been traveling the world. But Viv gets an invitation, Emma is getting married to a man named Michael in New Zealand before Christmas. So Viv and Ellen head to New Zealand (by way of Hong Kong). I should mention that Ellen is described as being a larger woman with an even larger voice.
They arrive in New Zealand and Viv finds herself attracted to Michael's dad, Gil. Gil is a sheep farmer and owns a beautiful house overlooking the ocean. This is where the wedding will take place. But it doesn't take long for Viv to see that while Michael is a very nice man, Emma isn't herself around him.
And now we come to the part of the story I had the most trouble with. Emma decides to surprise Viv... with Ray. She recently 'found' him (he'd been living in Australia with the woman he left Viv for and their children). And now she brought him over to the wedding to walk her down the aisle. And never thought that this would be upsetting to Vivienne. I found that mind-blowing. And why in the world would you be so eager to have the man who abandoned you your entire life have such a place of honor in your big day? This truly made no sense.
This was obviously Prowse's way of bringing Ray and Viv back together, so they could finally close that 'chapter' and let Viv be ready to start a new one. I mean, I get it... I just think there could have been a better way to bring them together to make that happen.
Emma finally realizes that Michael is great, but not right for her so she calls off the wedding. Gil invited Viv to stay with him through Christmas but she declines saying she wants to get home. But ultimately, at the airport she realizes she can't let him go so she stays and Emma goes back to England with Ellen.
A year goes by. Viv and Gil are getting married. Aaron and Lizzie have a baby girl and Lizzie has finally warmed up to the rest of the family. Emma got together with her old friend Shaun and now they are expecting a baby. And Ellen and Trev are doing well. Happy ending.
Two small annoyances I had. Vivienne cried over everything. It got annoying. The second was I really didn't like that Viv had to give up her life for Gil's life. And yes, I know Gil had this paradise of a home but it was just beautiful. Vivienne's home had her family and friends. So she moves across the world to be with a man and leaves behind her children, grandchildren, and dearest best friend? I thought she spent 30+ years trapped under the effects of a man, to 'free' herself only to trap herself under a different man? Romantic maybe, but at the sacrifice of family.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2017
Oh dear, not sure what happened with this book . This wasn't the usual Mrs Prowse book I have come to know and love. It didn't have the hard hitting subjects she normally tackles. I would usually be gripped from the very first page, not so with this. Perhaps she was trying a different style, perhaps it was because I myself am in a similar situation to the characters, similar age, daughter living abroad. I don't know. For me it failed to hit the mark, I began skimming and then gave up. Sorry but this one wasn't for me.
December 10, 2017
This book did very little other than remind me why I usually avoid “chick lit”....ridiculously cringeworthy characters (who were supposed to be in their 50’s but were portrayed as if they were 80+), next to no storyline and a very basic writing style...to name just a few reasons why I wouldn’t read anything by this author again. Naff nonsense (if I was to sum it up in a nutshell!)
July 21, 2020
I agree with most everyone else. OK read. Not as good as most Amanda Prowse's other books. The first several chapters were just fill-in useless background and conversations between Viviene and Ellen. Viviene was sort off boring. Ellen had her moments but mostly she as annoying. The last few chapters became more interesting, but I still skipped some pages.
The descriptions of New Zealand brought back many good memories. I went for three weeks to see my daughter who went there for a semester of college . And you really DO NOT WANT TO COME HOME For me, that was the best part of the book.
The descriptions of New Zealand brought back many good memories. I went for three weeks to see my daughter who went there for a semester of college . And you really DO NOT WANT TO COME HOME For me, that was the best part of the book.
December 13, 2016
This book was an okay read but not your typical amanda prowse novel as the subject matter was to soft and gentle not like the hard hitting subjects featured in her other novels
June 28, 2020
I would give this book a 3.5 out of 5 stars because even though some plot development appeared unconvincing, reading it gave me a sense of positivity and good vibes.
How Prowse portrayed Emma, a 32-year-old woman, just did not seem real. Her mannerism and dialogue with her mother only served to make her appear rather childish and immature, which I felt was unfair to this character as a whole and I believe that she could be better portrayed. This is especially so when she surprised her mother with her birth father's sudden appearance, I was like what????? As a woman in her early thirties, who is well-liked by people around her, I was dumbfounded by her action. How could someone be so thoughtless and insensitive? I know that this is a way for Prowse to bring Ray back into the picture and allow Vivienne to get over him completely in order to have a fresh start with Gil, but this plot twist is so weak and unbelievable.
Other than that, I actually do enjoy the other characters. I love how the beautiful New Zealand scenery was described, and I appreciate the deep friendship between Viv and Ellen. Ellen is one of my favourite characters as she is unabashedly direct and funny, and the chemistry between her and Viv lent humour to the novel.
This book is a different type of festive read (without all your snow and cold and Christmas trees), but I would definitely say that it's worth a read!
How Prowse portrayed Emma, a 32-year-old woman, just did not seem real. Her mannerism and dialogue with her mother only served to make her appear rather childish and immature, which I felt was unfair to this character as a whole and I believe that she could be better portrayed. This is especially so when she surprised her mother with her birth father's sudden appearance, I was like what????? As a woman in her early thirties, who is well-liked by people around her, I was dumbfounded by her action. How could someone be so thoughtless and insensitive? I know that this is a way for Prowse to bring Ray back into the picture and allow Vivienne to get over him completely in order to have a fresh start with Gil, but this plot twist is so weak and unbelievable.
Other than that, I actually do enjoy the other characters. I love how the beautiful New Zealand scenery was described, and I appreciate the deep friendship between Viv and Ellen. Ellen is one of my favourite characters as she is unabashedly direct and funny, and the chemistry between her and Viv lent humour to the novel.
This book is a different type of festive read (without all your snow and cold and Christmas trees), but I would definitely say that it's worth a read!
December 21, 2017
I Won’t Be Home for Christmas by Amanda Prowse is a light hearted read perfect for that long drive or plane ride. Vivienne has had a long stale life since her husband left suddenly two decades before. The house she inherited from her parents looks like it is a time capsule of the 60’s, her walks with Bob are the highlight of the day, and she enjoys a steady job at the supermarket Asda. It isn’t until she gets a letter from her daughter Emma inviting Vivienne to her Christmas wedding in New Zealand do things take a turn.
Together with her hilarious best friend Ellen Vivienne will travel halfway around the world, departing from her comfort zone and in the process have the adventure of her life. In New Zealand love is calling, but will Vivienne break out of the box she has built around herself and say yes, leaving everything she knows behind?
This book was a fun read, filled with humor that recalls the TV sitcom Golden Girls. Ellen and Viv are the type of people you wish were your friends in real life. There are some issues: 50 year old women who act like they’re 70, not much in the way of a plot, and 2-D characters. By no means is this book a literary masterpiece. But if you are looking for a laugh out loud, to shut down your brain, or to leave cold winters behind for a warm Christmas in New Zealand, this is the perfect getaway.
Together with her hilarious best friend Ellen Vivienne will travel halfway around the world, departing from her comfort zone and in the process have the adventure of her life. In New Zealand love is calling, but will Vivienne break out of the box she has built around herself and say yes, leaving everything she knows behind?
This book was a fun read, filled with humor that recalls the TV sitcom Golden Girls. Ellen and Viv are the type of people you wish were your friends in real life. There are some issues: 50 year old women who act like they’re 70, not much in the way of a plot, and 2-D characters. By no means is this book a literary masterpiece. But if you are looking for a laugh out loud, to shut down your brain, or to leave cold winters behind for a warm Christmas in New Zealand, this is the perfect getaway.
October 6, 2017
I usually enjoy Mrs Prowse's works but there must always be one book you find yourself feeling a bit flat with..
This is mine. I can tell you now, someone won't be home for Christmas. Someone is going away. I really don't think it fair to start dishing out names as well, otherwise what's the point in reading this?
There is some good writing from Amanda Prowse, I can say that. As always she doesn't disappoint in sentence structure, however, it was too soft, no real awkward, difficult subjects in this book, no real passion, nitty gritty distraught, desperate page flicking, dying to know what would happen next.
Chicklit is great for some people, but it doesn't seem to suit with me. In some ways this book seemed a little on the thin side for the average book, and that leads me to feel it could have been a deadliner. I purely picked this book up because it said "Amanda Prowse" on it and it mentioned Christmas, it's a real hit with me especially as the jumpers and tights are flying out the cupboard. But that's as far as it went for me.
I look forward to getting my teeth into some real intense reading from Mrs Prowse by seeking her other hard at handling subjects!
This is mine. I can tell you now, someone won't be home for Christmas. Someone is going away. I really don't think it fair to start dishing out names as well, otherwise what's the point in reading this?
There is some good writing from Amanda Prowse, I can say that. As always she doesn't disappoint in sentence structure, however, it was too soft, no real awkward, difficult subjects in this book, no real passion, nitty gritty distraught, desperate page flicking, dying to know what would happen next.
Chicklit is great for some people, but it doesn't seem to suit with me. In some ways this book seemed a little on the thin side for the average book, and that leads me to feel it could have been a deadliner. I purely picked this book up because it said "Amanda Prowse" on it and it mentioned Christmas, it's a real hit with me especially as the jumpers and tights are flying out the cupboard. But that's as far as it went for me.
I look forward to getting my teeth into some real intense reading from Mrs Prowse by seeking her other hard at handling subjects!
January 4, 2024
This story opens with Vivienne and Ellen in 1971, best friends discussing life. Move onto the next chapter and it's Viv, she now has 2 children, her daughter currently living in New Zealand after having been travelling for the last 4 years. She opens a letter from her daughter who tells her actually she won't be coming home for Christmas, as she is in fact getting married and she wants her mum to be there!
Viv and Elle are still best friends all those years later, and live not far from each other. They meet weekly in their local cafe and this is what they are doing now after Viv calls to tell Elle the news. It's shocking for both of them since this partner is relatively new, but the pair decides to go to New Zealand and this is how the story commences and really gets going.
The pair go on this big adventure, including a stop in Hong Kong, before getting to New Zealand and finding Viv's daughter and her husband to be at his family home. Viv's brought the children up on her own after her husband walked out, so when her daughter decides to surprise her by revealing her dad has turned up, things go wrong! It seems her daughter has forgiven her father for not being in her life but Viv can't do that so quickly after all she has been through. The book is a whirlwind of emotions, and goes to show a mother's instinct is usually correct, when Viv thinks her daughter isn't as happy as she makes out.
Viv goes on an emotional journey herself, and it's funny and emotional in many places. I really enjoyed this and found it easy to read.
Viv and Elle are still best friends all those years later, and live not far from each other. They meet weekly in their local cafe and this is what they are doing now after Viv calls to tell Elle the news. It's shocking for both of them since this partner is relatively new, but the pair decides to go to New Zealand and this is how the story commences and really gets going.
The pair go on this big adventure, including a stop in Hong Kong, before getting to New Zealand and finding Viv's daughter and her husband to be at his family home. Viv's brought the children up on her own after her husband walked out, so when her daughter decides to surprise her by revealing her dad has turned up, things go wrong! It seems her daughter has forgiven her father for not being in her life but Viv can't do that so quickly after all she has been through. The book is a whirlwind of emotions, and goes to show a mother's instinct is usually correct, when Viv thinks her daughter isn't as happy as she makes out.
Viv goes on an emotional journey herself, and it's funny and emotional in many places. I really enjoyed this and found it easy to read.
November 28, 2017
This book captures your heart from the off with the fantastic friendship captured between Elle & Viv who have been best friends since childhood and the way in which Amanda Prowse has bought to life the characters of these ladies with feisty Elle & quieter Viv. The way in which the friendship is delivered makes you feel warm and fuzzy and fills you with laughter as they set off on their adventure to New Zealand.
Once I had snuggled down I was transported to their world and barely put the book down until I had finished as I was desperate to know the destiny of all these fantastic characters. I picked this up expecting it to be a Christmas book, however although it is based in the lead up to the festive holidays it is a story about love, friendship, tradition and how sometimes you just have to give life another chance.
Once I had snuggled down I was transported to their world and barely put the book down until I had finished as I was desperate to know the destiny of all these fantastic characters. I picked this up expecting it to be a Christmas book, however although it is based in the lead up to the festive holidays it is a story about love, friendship, tradition and how sometimes you just have to give life another chance.
June 4, 2018
Viv and her friend Ellen fly to New Zealand for Viv's daughter Emma's wedding. An interesting storyline, and some good characters although I found Ellen loud, annoying, and not really believable.
There's too much description of places for my tastes, particularly during the flight and stopover in Hong Kong. And while the book stays clear of violence, bad language or intimate scenes, the prologue, which sets the scene, is crude and (as far as I could see) irrelevant to the storyline. Without the prologue, I'd have given this three and a half stars.
I appreciate books that have middle-aged characters as main protagonists, and could empathise with Viv (other than her choice of friends). On the whole I liked it, though not as much as the other novel I read by this author.
There's too much description of places for my tastes, particularly during the flight and stopover in Hong Kong. And while the book stays clear of violence, bad language or intimate scenes, the prologue, which sets the scene, is crude and (as far as I could see) irrelevant to the storyline. Without the prologue, I'd have given this three and a half stars.
I appreciate books that have middle-aged characters as main protagonists, and could empathise with Viv (other than her choice of friends). On the whole I liked it, though not as much as the other novel I read by this author.
November 15, 2018
This is only my second by Amanda Prowse and it is fortunate that it was not my first. I adored “How to fall in love again” and promptly bought three more titles by this author feeling assured I would enjoy them too, so it was with much enthusiasm that I began “I won’t be home for Christmas”.
I was very disappointed by the first third of the book and struggled to carry on, I would probably have given up but having found out what a great author AP is, I pressed on. It wasn’t until Vivienne and reached New Zealand that I began to get involved in the characters. Had this happened sooner I would probably have given it a higher rating.
I didn’t care much for Ellen and Emma seemed extremely immature for a woman of 31 who had spent several years globetrotting.
I was very disappointed by the first third of the book and struggled to carry on, I would probably have given up but having found out what a great author AP is, I pressed on. It wasn’t until Vivienne and reached New Zealand that I began to get involved in the characters. Had this happened sooner I would probably have given it a higher rating.
I didn’t care much for Ellen and Emma seemed extremely immature for a woman of 31 who had spent several years globetrotting.
March 4, 2022
Not my usual first choice but got this in a one-off subscription box a while ago, so thought it was time to give it a read.
Very nicely written and super easy to just keep reading (read it over the course of around 16 hours).
I felt like the title was a bit of a giveaway as to what happens at the end. When Viv decided to stay in New Zealand, it didn't come as such a shock as I felt like the title foreshadowed that.
It was recommended as a 'warm winter read', but I didn't get that impression. I know it was set at Christmas time but didn't feel very festive.
Nice storyline and enjoyable overall.
Very nicely written and super easy to just keep reading (read it over the course of around 16 hours).
I felt like the title was a bit of a giveaway as to what happens at the end. When Viv decided to stay in New Zealand, it didn't come as such a shock as I felt like the title foreshadowed that.
It was recommended as a 'warm winter read', but I didn't get that impression. I know it was set at Christmas time but didn't feel very festive.
Nice storyline and enjoyable overall.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2019
I do love a Amanda Prowse book and this typically had the emotional impact of her fabulous writing style. Her real strength is writing gorgeous friendships, ones you find yourself envious of! Once more some emotional topics, that draw you in, you really feel the heartbreak of Vivienne, how her marriage broke her spirit and heart.
However it does become uplifting and positive, and you end the story feeling satisfied with the ending.
Not a huge Christmassy story but enjoyable to read none the less.
However it does become uplifting and positive, and you end the story feeling satisfied with the ending.
Not a huge Christmassy story but enjoyable to read none the less.
December 28, 2021
I loved this and was surprised i liked it so much after reading so many bad reviews however i have only read one other Amanda Prowse book so wasn't comparing it to her past books. Its typically a romance, and of 2 older woman going to the other side of the world to attend a wedding. I loved the descriptions of Hong Kong and New Zealand, 2 places id love to visit, it was predictable, after reading the back cover i knew what was going to happen anyway but didn't make it any less enjoyable for a festive happy holiday read.
January 1, 2018
It is my first “Christmas” book and I am glad I read it just around Christmas time. Not sure if very realistic (I would like to have a friend who drops everything and buys ticket to New Zeland to go with me to witness my kid wedding), but something to cheer up for sure. It makes you thinking that all dream come true if we change our way of thinking and make some effort to change our life. Maybe it is worth to try it.
December 27, 2017
Another winner
What I love about this author, is how she winds her story down a path and takes you along with her!! and I love the fact that when you catch up the outcome may not be what you expect (in this story I had a different path for Bob!) it is still satisfying. I love Amanda Prowse and highly recommend ALL her books
What I love about this author, is how she winds her story down a path and takes you along with her!! and I love the fact that when you catch up the outcome may not be what you expect (in this story I had a different path for Bob!) it is still satisfying. I love Amanda Prowse and highly recommend ALL her books
February 9, 2019
Another lovely read from one of my fave authors.
This wasn't my favourite of her books. It one that dealt with hard hitting issues. However, an easy read that had an important lesson within. One my mother has always hammered into me. You shouldn't ever change yourself for anyone. Love should be based upon a true knowledge of each other, not a facade.
Thank you Mandy.
This wasn't my favourite of her books. It one that dealt with hard hitting issues. However, an easy read that had an important lesson within. One my mother has always hammered into me. You shouldn't ever change yourself for anyone. Love should be based upon a true knowledge of each other, not a facade.
Thank you Mandy.
June 13, 2019
Viviene is startled to receive a wedding invitation from her free-spirited daughter, Emma. Attending would mean leaving her lifelong home of Bristol, England and flying halfway around the world to New Zealand. Enter her best friend Ellen and the adventure begins! I thought the plot was rather slow but I stuck it out to see how it ended.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. It was such a light hearted easy read and the characters were just great. I think everyone knows an Ellen and her character was so well written and had me cracking up at everything she did. I loved how the book was partly set in New Zealand, and contrasted the differences between Christmas time here and Bristol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2017
Another brilliant book by Mrs Prowse. All her books are written about real people and their lives and you can imagine yourself as a friend of the characters as they are so realistic. A gorgeous love story which doesn't run in the normal way (what good love story does) but has a fabulous ending.
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