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Zij, jij en ik
Sinds het overlijden van haar zoon Stephen, tien jaar geleden, heeft Honor nauwelijks contact met zijn vrouw Jo en haar kleindochter Lydia. Maar als Honor haar heup breekt, ziet ze zich gedwongen tijdelijk bij Jo in te trekken. Een ongemakkelijke situatie, want tussen Honor en Jo heeft het nooit geboterd en Lydia is inmiddels een nukkige puber. Bovendien zijn ze alle drie meer bezig met dingen voor elkaar geheim te houden dan met elkaar steunen. Is dit het laatste zetje dat deze familie uit elkaar drijft, of weten ze elkaar weer te vinden?
352 pages, Paperback
First published September 10, 2015
65 people are currently reading
1940 people want to read
About the author
Julie Cohen
61 books571 followersJulie Cohen (also writing as Julie Mae Cohen) is an award-winning, bestselling author and a popular teacher of creative writing. She was born in Maine in the USA, and currently lives in the UK with her family and a terrier of dubious origin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews
April 14, 2017
My mom and I share and discuss books. We have our own mini book club! :) I have noticed as I've gotten older, and she's now in her 70s, that there are not many protagonists in her age group. After The Fall has a main character similar in age to Mom, and what a prickly character she was! With strong themes of family bonds, hidden secrets, and forgiveness, three generations of Honor's family come together to see if second chances really do exist. Julie Cohen is skilled at writing plot. I am grateful I have her book Dear Thing waiting on my shelf to read soon. Thanks to the author, publisher, and Goodreads' Firstreads, for the complimentary copy of this book.
February 24, 2023
After the Fall tells the story of three generations of women and the secrets they hide from the people they love Grandmother Honor, daughter-in-law, Jo, and granddaughter, Lydia is all at a crossroads in their lives. Honor, a successful professor of physics sustains a serious fall that causes the hospital to reach out to her daughter-in-law, Jo, a single mother of three, to take Honor into her home. Although Jo has always struggled to sustain a relationship with Honor, Jo knows that it's something her late husband, Stephen would have wanted her to do for his mother. Jo and Stephen's daughter, Lydia, is happy to have her grandmother, Honor, visit as she desperately needs a confidant and has an angst-ridden relationship with her mother. Lydia is struggling with her sexual identity and is afraid to step outside the norms of her private school and her friends.
After the Fall is a contemporary family drama that explores the relationships women have with each other. I have a very close relationship with my grandmother and during my teen years, she was certainly the person I felt was easier to talk to. My mom not so much (well, from ages 12-15 at least). So I could totally relate to Honor and Lydia. On the other hand, I felt some of Jo's choices in the course of the novel were a bit strange. I loved the dialogue between Honor and Jo and how Honor takes charge of a few annoying issues, but felt the relationship with the younger and hot neighbor was a bit predictable. Is this every 40-year-old woman's fantasy? Doesn't this woman have enough on her plate? Just curious...
All in all, I loved the story and finished it in one sitting. Thanks to NetGalley for an uncorrected digital galley in exchange for an honest review.
Goodreads review published 07/05/17
After the Fall is a contemporary family drama that explores the relationships women have with each other. I have a very close relationship with my grandmother and during my teen years, she was certainly the person I felt was easier to talk to. My mom not so much (well, from ages 12-15 at least). So I could totally relate to Honor and Lydia. On the other hand, I felt some of Jo's choices in the course of the novel were a bit strange. I loved the dialogue between Honor and Jo and how Honor takes charge of a few annoying issues, but felt the relationship with the younger and hot neighbor was a bit predictable. Is this every 40-year-old woman's fantasy? Doesn't this woman have enough on her plate? Just curious...
All in all, I loved the story and finished it in one sitting. Thanks to NetGalley for an uncorrected digital galley in exchange for an honest review.
Goodreads review published 07/05/17
April 13, 2020
After the Fall is a truly beautiful, marvelous, contemporary book!
I was truly impressed by this book. Women's fiction and contemporary novels don't normally blow my socks off: I typically read them for a bit of escape from my normal dramas. And then Julie Cohen walks into my life, metaphorically presenting me this book on a silver platter and crushes the stereotype.
After the Fall, the name itself, is a play on words for many parts of this novel (it's rather smart, but I can't tell you the true meaning... you'll have to read and make it to the ending to find out!). What I can tell you, is after Dr. Honor's fall in her house, the older woman must move in with her former daughter-in-law and her family to heal. This move will be a major change and cause some dominoes to fall within the household. Jo, Honor's former daughter-in-law and widow of Honor's son, is reeling after a divorce and trying to figure out how to be a single mother. Lydia, Honor's granddaughter and Jo's daughter, is dealing with some personal turmoil on how to be herself. The secrets these women hide are going to rock the boat, like in any good dramatic novel.
At first, I didn't enjoy Honor as much. She seemed very stubborn and I didn't understand why. Then, like any great literary creator, Julie slowly released information about everyone and their situations. It's a slow build, but eventually you have empathy and feel for these characters. It was rather smart, because I could honestly see my opinion changing throughout the novel. The more information that was released, the more you understood the story. I truly appreciated how Julie did this - it really packed a punch and made the story more enjoyable for me. It was like unwinding a mystery, but in a women's fiction novel.
Jo was a very empathetic character, but I felt like she was doing her own "falling" throughout this book. This woman is so cheerful and does her best, but she clearly has made not the wisest of decisions at some points of her life. She is truly trying her best and just wants to live her best life - so she's pretty much the ideal woman character in a book. Jo is not flawless and she has her faults, but she's trying. I can see many people relating to her, even if they can't relate to her situation. Her second (now ex) husband running off with the au pair they hired to help with their daughter? BRUTAL.
Lydia is reeling over being herself. She has fallen for her best friend and is trying to process these feelings and what to do with them. To top it off, like most high-schoolers she's also dealing with personal issues and exams to get into some prestigious post-secondary school. All of this can be quite difficult for youth, and man was it hard for Lydia. She's a moody teenager from the point of view of her Mother's chapters, but when you read hers you can see why she acts out and understand her behaviour. I LOVE books that show the actual side of why people behaviour the way they do. It really hits home well for me.
There's also some great one liners in this book, my favourite being about an unsolicited dick pic. The comedy just hits the right way and had me giggling.
I can easily say this is one of my favourite reads for the year. It's impressing and has some truly important themes (and I love themes!!). Some of the plot points are predictable, but that didn't effect my read at all. I truly was glued to this book and binged it in a day. It's absolutely delightful and Julie Cohen deserves many high fives. I hope I get the opportunity to pick her books up in the future, because WOW. Just WOW!
Overall, this book is a gem. I'd highly recommend it for fiction lovers, women's fiction bingers, if you're looking for something with some deeper messages but still a light read, or if you want something contemporary. This book doesn't require major "mind power", it's a very easy read with some simple yet beautiful themes. Brava!
Five out of five stars.
In addition to all of this, the cover is stunning. It's one of my favourite covers I've seen lately, but I'm a sucker for flowers.
I received a free advanced reviewers copy from Goodreads First Reads.
I was truly impressed by this book. Women's fiction and contemporary novels don't normally blow my socks off: I typically read them for a bit of escape from my normal dramas. And then Julie Cohen walks into my life, metaphorically presenting me this book on a silver platter and crushes the stereotype.
After the Fall, the name itself, is a play on words for many parts of this novel (it's rather smart, but I can't tell you the true meaning... you'll have to read and make it to the ending to find out!). What I can tell you, is after Dr. Honor's fall in her house, the older woman must move in with her former daughter-in-law and her family to heal. This move will be a major change and cause some dominoes to fall within the household. Jo, Honor's former daughter-in-law and widow of Honor's son, is reeling after a divorce and trying to figure out how to be a single mother. Lydia, Honor's granddaughter and Jo's daughter, is dealing with some personal turmoil on how to be herself. The secrets these women hide are going to rock the boat, like in any good dramatic novel.
At first, I didn't enjoy Honor as much. She seemed very stubborn and I didn't understand why. Then, like any great literary creator, Julie slowly released information about everyone and their situations. It's a slow build, but eventually you have empathy and feel for these characters. It was rather smart, because I could honestly see my opinion changing throughout the novel. The more information that was released, the more you understood the story. I truly appreciated how Julie did this - it really packed a punch and made the story more enjoyable for me. It was like unwinding a mystery, but in a women's fiction novel.
Jo was a very empathetic character, but I felt like she was doing her own "falling" throughout this book. This woman is so cheerful and does her best, but she clearly has made not the wisest of decisions at some points of her life. She is truly trying her best and just wants to live her best life - so she's pretty much the ideal woman character in a book. Jo is not flawless and she has her faults, but she's trying. I can see many people relating to her, even if they can't relate to her situation. Her second (now ex) husband running off with the au pair they hired to help with their daughter? BRUTAL.
Lydia is reeling over being herself. She has fallen for her best friend and is trying to process these feelings and what to do with them. To top it off, like most high-schoolers she's also dealing with personal issues and exams to get into some prestigious post-secondary school. All of this can be quite difficult for youth, and man was it hard for Lydia. She's a moody teenager from the point of view of her Mother's chapters, but when you read hers you can see why she acts out and understand her behaviour. I LOVE books that show the actual side of why people behaviour the way they do. It really hits home well for me.
There's also some great one liners in this book, my favourite being about an unsolicited dick pic. The comedy just hits the right way and had me giggling.
I can easily say this is one of my favourite reads for the year. It's impressing and has some truly important themes (and I love themes!!). Some of the plot points are predictable, but that didn't effect my read at all. I truly was glued to this book and binged it in a day. It's absolutely delightful and Julie Cohen deserves many high fives. I hope I get the opportunity to pick her books up in the future, because WOW. Just WOW!
Overall, this book is a gem. I'd highly recommend it for fiction lovers, women's fiction bingers, if you're looking for something with some deeper messages but still a light read, or if you want something contemporary. This book doesn't require major "mind power", it's a very easy read with some simple yet beautiful themes. Brava!
Five out of five stars.
In addition to all of this, the cover is stunning. It's one of my favourite covers I've seen lately, but I'm a sucker for flowers.
I received a free advanced reviewers copy from Goodreads First Reads.
August 22, 2016
I won a physical ARC copy of Falling on Twitter!
What a story, that's all I can say. It revolves around the life of three women, Honor, Jo and her daughter Lydia, each of them hold a big secret that if revealed could change friendships and relationships with each other forever. Honor suffers a fall at her home and for recovery, she moves into her daughter-in-law Jo's house. Jo has had it rough as well, getting over a divorce from her 2nd husband while Lydia is in her final year at school about to sit her GCSEs. I love that each of the characters had their own quirks and traits which stood out in character development terms. There are some moments close to the end that made my pulse that little bit faster.
Overall, it's a gorgeous adult contemporary novel with a well-developed plot. Looking forward to reading Julie's next work!
What a story, that's all I can say. It revolves around the life of three women, Honor, Jo and her daughter Lydia, each of them hold a big secret that if revealed could change friendships and relationships with each other forever. Honor suffers a fall at her home and for recovery, she moves into her daughter-in-law Jo's house. Jo has had it rough as well, getting over a divorce from her 2nd husband while Lydia is in her final year at school about to sit her GCSEs. I love that each of the characters had their own quirks and traits which stood out in character development terms. There are some moments close to the end that made my pulse that little bit faster.
Overall, it's a gorgeous adult contemporary novel with a well-developed plot. Looking forward to reading Julie's next work!
August 18, 2020
Eine ganz wundervolle Geschichte über Frauen,aus 3 Generationen, alle mit eigenen Geschichten, Sorgen, Ängsten und Geheimnissen. Julie Cohen schafft es hier auf der ersten Seite mich in den Bann zu ziehen mit Herz, Schmerz, Witz und Spannung. Absolute Leseempfehlung❤️
April 4, 2017
There are all sorts of falls.
For Honor, it is an actual fall. An intelligent, proud woman, Honor raised her son, Stephen, alone. But Stephen married and then unexpectedly passed away, and Honor lives by herself. A fall down the stairs of her stately home lands her in the hospital with a broken hip and her pride deeply wounded. Suddenly, Honor is at the mercy of her former daughter-in-law, Jo, who was Stephen's wife, to help care for her.
For Jo, her fall may not be physical, but she feels as if she's always trying to catch up. Perpetually optimistic, Jo is constantly cheerful for those around her, but she cannot always hide her own doubts about where her life is headed, or if she's doing right by her three children. She's a busy mom to Lydia, Oscar, and Iris, and recently divorced from Oscar and Iris' father. She also fears she may be falling... for another man.
And for Lydia, she too has fallen in love. But she's also a teenager, who lost her father young, and she's dealing with the trials of school and exams. Lydia has a secret, as well: one that threatens her ability to blend in at school and home.
This book, oh this book. I adored this book so much. I fell for these characters (so sorry for that awful pun) hard. From the moment I started reading about feisty Honor, cheery Jo, and teenage Lydia, I loved them. I loved their problems, their sense of humor, and their family. This novel is beautifully written, achingly touching, and often laugh out loud funny.
It alternates between the points of view of our three main women: Honor, Jo, and Lydia. Honor and Jo have never been close, as Honor resented Jo marrying her son, and Jo felt intimidated by the intelligent and strong Honor. But after Honor's fall, she's forced to move in with Jo, her granddaughter Lydia, and Jo's young children with her second husband. The book slowly unfolds the details of how Stephen (Honor's son) passed away and the effect it had on all three women. The entire novel, really, is about little life details and how each they've impacted the three in various ways. In fact, you learn that while we are hearing these stories from three connected people, they really don't know each very well at all. Cohen captures so well how much they need each other, but can't admit it.
As such, there is a poignancy to the novel, as we watch the women navigate life and keep a variety of secrets and hidden sadness from each other. But unlike so many novels, where I want to just scream at the characters to communicate, or where it seems like the entire plot could have been avoided by someone simply talking to another character, this novel is real and true. For instance, Lydia's teen angst and the trials of her adolescence are also so beautifully (although heartbreakingly) portrayed.
It also captures the trials of having children so perfectly. There are some hilarious scenes as Jo navigates caring for her two younger children. Even better are the moments of prickly Honor interacting with young Iris and Oscar. You cannot help but laugh. There is a moment with Oscar and Honor that made me laugh and nearly cry; it was just so funny and touching. The novel is filled with many of these wonderful and witty moments.
I loved how these characters never failed to surprise me. Yes, there were some plot points you could see coming, but they didn't diminish my joy for the book or the depth of the characters. Nothing felt too cliche, and I remained captivated and intrigued. I felt a part of their story and lives. The novel really makes you think; its plot is not just "fluff."
By the end, I still loved all three so much, and my only disappointment was that the book ended. A beautiful 4.5+ stars.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley (thank you!) in return for an unbiased review.
Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Google+
For Honor, it is an actual fall. An intelligent, proud woman, Honor raised her son, Stephen, alone. But Stephen married and then unexpectedly passed away, and Honor lives by herself. A fall down the stairs of her stately home lands her in the hospital with a broken hip and her pride deeply wounded. Suddenly, Honor is at the mercy of her former daughter-in-law, Jo, who was Stephen's wife, to help care for her.
For Jo, her fall may not be physical, but she feels as if she's always trying to catch up. Perpetually optimistic, Jo is constantly cheerful for those around her, but she cannot always hide her own doubts about where her life is headed, or if she's doing right by her three children. She's a busy mom to Lydia, Oscar, and Iris, and recently divorced from Oscar and Iris' father. She also fears she may be falling... for another man.
And for Lydia, she too has fallen in love. But she's also a teenager, who lost her father young, and she's dealing with the trials of school and exams. Lydia has a secret, as well: one that threatens her ability to blend in at school and home.
This book, oh this book. I adored this book so much. I fell for these characters (so sorry for that awful pun) hard. From the moment I started reading about feisty Honor, cheery Jo, and teenage Lydia, I loved them. I loved their problems, their sense of humor, and their family. This novel is beautifully written, achingly touching, and often laugh out loud funny.
It alternates between the points of view of our three main women: Honor, Jo, and Lydia. Honor and Jo have never been close, as Honor resented Jo marrying her son, and Jo felt intimidated by the intelligent and strong Honor. But after Honor's fall, she's forced to move in with Jo, her granddaughter Lydia, and Jo's young children with her second husband. The book slowly unfolds the details of how Stephen (Honor's son) passed away and the effect it had on all three women. The entire novel, really, is about little life details and how each they've impacted the three in various ways. In fact, you learn that while we are hearing these stories from three connected people, they really don't know each very well at all. Cohen captures so well how much they need each other, but can't admit it.
As such, there is a poignancy to the novel, as we watch the women navigate life and keep a variety of secrets and hidden sadness from each other. But unlike so many novels, where I want to just scream at the characters to communicate, or where it seems like the entire plot could have been avoided by someone simply talking to another character, this novel is real and true. For instance, Lydia's teen angst and the trials of her adolescence are also so beautifully (although heartbreakingly) portrayed.
It also captures the trials of having children so perfectly. There are some hilarious scenes as Jo navigates caring for her two younger children. Even better are the moments of prickly Honor interacting with young Iris and Oscar. You cannot help but laugh. There is a moment with Oscar and Honor that made me laugh and nearly cry; it was just so funny and touching. The novel is filled with many of these wonderful and witty moments.
I loved how these characters never failed to surprise me. Yes, there were some plot points you could see coming, but they didn't diminish my joy for the book or the depth of the characters. Nothing felt too cliche, and I remained captivated and intrigued. I felt a part of their story and lives. The novel really makes you think; its plot is not just "fluff."
By the end, I still loved all three so much, and my only disappointment was that the book ended. A beautiful 4.5+ stars.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley (thank you!) in return for an unbiased review.
Blog ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Google+
July 28, 2016
I have my daughter to thank for discovering Julie Cohen when she picked up Dear Thing at the airport last year and the whole family ended up reading and loving it. It's now one of my favourite books and I didn't think the author could top it but Falling has pretty much done it! My heart is still recovering from the gasp out loud moment near the end and I feel emotionally wrung out!
This story is told by 3 generations of woman from the same family, all with something to hide. Honor, a standoffish 80 year old has had a fall and has to go and live with her daughter in law, Jo, while she recovers. Jo was married to Stephen, Honors son, who died 10 years ago, leaving Jo to bring up Lydia their daughter. Jo is now going through a divorce from her second husband and Lydia is now 16 and sitting her exams. But things are about to chance in all their lives.
I loved all three of these characters and was gripped by watching them face the challenges in their lives since Stephen died. I wasn't sure about Honor to start with, she seemed very cold and distant with the only family she had but you soon come to realise why. I actually read this book again recently (it was called Day of Second Chances when I first came across it) as I've had some personal experience of the things that Honor is going through. And I got even more from it second time around especially as it gave me a different understanding of why Honor acts the way she does. Jo was lovely, the sort of friend everyone wants in a crisis (all that cake!!) and her relationship with her children was so beautifully written that it showed all the warmth and vulnerability of her character. I was very emotional when the book finished as I felt I was saying goodbye to some dear friends and I wasn't quite ready to let them go.
A very highly recommended 5* from me.
I received a copy of this book via netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
This story is told by 3 generations of woman from the same family, all with something to hide. Honor, a standoffish 80 year old has had a fall and has to go and live with her daughter in law, Jo, while she recovers. Jo was married to Stephen, Honors son, who died 10 years ago, leaving Jo to bring up Lydia their daughter. Jo is now going through a divorce from her second husband and Lydia is now 16 and sitting her exams. But things are about to chance in all their lives.
I loved all three of these characters and was gripped by watching them face the challenges in their lives since Stephen died. I wasn't sure about Honor to start with, she seemed very cold and distant with the only family she had but you soon come to realise why. I actually read this book again recently (it was called Day of Second Chances when I first came across it) as I've had some personal experience of the things that Honor is going through. And I got even more from it second time around especially as it gave me a different understanding of why Honor acts the way she does. Jo was lovely, the sort of friend everyone wants in a crisis (all that cake!!) and her relationship with her children was so beautifully written that it showed all the warmth and vulnerability of her character. I was very emotional when the book finished as I felt I was saying goodbye to some dear friends and I wasn't quite ready to let them go.
A very highly recommended 5* from me.
I received a copy of this book via netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
April 24, 2017
Honor is now in her seventies and living alone so when she has a bad fall down the stairs she ends up with the hospital calling her next of kin... her daughter in law, Jo. Jo had married Honor's son years before but unfortunately he had passed away and Honor and Jo had never been close so it came as quite the surprise when Jo gets the phone call from the hospital.
Jo knows that Honor has no one else in her life to help her out and wants her to get to know her granddaughter Lydia better so she wants Honor to stay with them while she recovers and develop a relationship with Honor again. What happens are the three generations come together to get to know one another and discover the secrets between them as they grow closer together.
After the Fall is one of those books there were some things I loved and some others that I wasn't a huge fan of during the read leading me to rate this one at 3.5 stars. I loved the idea of the three generations of women learning more about one another and bringing their family back together after being separated by the death of Jo's husband. Honor herself also quickly became a favorite of mine with her spunky attitude and learning about her background only made me love her more.
As for what I wasn't a fan of in the book I really would have preferred more to the discovering of secrets in the book. I didn't really find anything all that shocking but more of just the growth of the characters and bringing them together. And starting off the read I wasn't a huge fan of Jo, while I was glad she did the right thing bringing Honor back into her life she was just a bit too meek and timid to get behind her personality quickly, luckily she grew one me though. In the end I did enjoy this read simply for the family being brought back together and learning about one another.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
Jo knows that Honor has no one else in her life to help her out and wants her to get to know her granddaughter Lydia better so she wants Honor to stay with them while she recovers and develop a relationship with Honor again. What happens are the three generations come together to get to know one another and discover the secrets between them as they grow closer together.
After the Fall is one of those books there were some things I loved and some others that I wasn't a huge fan of during the read leading me to rate this one at 3.5 stars. I loved the idea of the three generations of women learning more about one another and bringing their family back together after being separated by the death of Jo's husband. Honor herself also quickly became a favorite of mine with her spunky attitude and learning about her background only made me love her more.
As for what I wasn't a fan of in the book I really would have preferred more to the discovering of secrets in the book. I didn't really find anything all that shocking but more of just the growth of the characters and bringing them together. And starting off the read I wasn't a huge fan of Jo, while I was glad she did the right thing bringing Honor back into her life she was just a bit too meek and timid to get behind her personality quickly, luckily she grew one me though. In the end I did enjoy this read simply for the family being brought back together and learning about one another.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
June 12, 2016
4.5 stars
"Falling" tells the story of three different generations of women. Three very different women. The youngest of them is Lydia, who's sixteen years old and gay, but nobody knows it, as she's very good at pretending.
Her mum, Jo, is forty, a widow and divorced from her second husband, who fell in love with their very young au-pair. So now, Jo has a moody teenager and two kids under four to deal with.
Dr Honor Levingston is Jo's mother-in-law, the mother of her deceased first husband and Lydia's grandmother. Because she broke her hip, she has to come live with Jo and her family.
Honor is an academic and she never liked Jo, whom she had always considered not worthy of her only child.
Out of options, Honor has to put up with Jo's insufferable cheerfulness and positivity.
Things start happening with the people living in the house on Keats St. Secrets start coming out to the surface.
This was a stupendous novel, with very realistic protagonists, presented with realistic life conundrums. The characters develop and grow throughout the novel. I shed a few tears, but ultimately, this is a life reaffirming kind of novel.
One of the main points I drew was about how easy it is to hide in plain sight and that we never really know someone fully.
A thoroughly satisfying read. Highly recommended.
I've received this novel via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to the publishers, Transworld Digital, for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
Cover: 4 stars
"Falling" tells the story of three different generations of women. Three very different women. The youngest of them is Lydia, who's sixteen years old and gay, but nobody knows it, as she's very good at pretending.
Her mum, Jo, is forty, a widow and divorced from her second husband, who fell in love with their very young au-pair. So now, Jo has a moody teenager and two kids under four to deal with.
Dr Honor Levingston is Jo's mother-in-law, the mother of her deceased first husband and Lydia's grandmother. Because she broke her hip, she has to come live with Jo and her family.
Honor is an academic and she never liked Jo, whom she had always considered not worthy of her only child.
Out of options, Honor has to put up with Jo's insufferable cheerfulness and positivity.
Things start happening with the people living in the house on Keats St. Secrets start coming out to the surface.
This was a stupendous novel, with very realistic protagonists, presented with realistic life conundrums. The characters develop and grow throughout the novel. I shed a few tears, but ultimately, this is a life reaffirming kind of novel.
One of the main points I drew was about how easy it is to hide in plain sight and that we never really know someone fully.
A thoroughly satisfying read. Highly recommended.
I've received this novel via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to the publishers, Transworld Digital, for the opportunity to read and review this novel.
Cover: 4 stars
June 6, 2022
A minha opinião em vídeo https://youtu.be/VLnGY6N17iI
April 27, 2022
9 de 10*
Opinião:
https://abibliotecadajoao.blogspot.co...
Opinião:
https://abibliotecadajoao.blogspot.co...
January 5, 2017
I read and loved Dear Thing years ago but since then I have moved on to dark psychological thrillers as my go to genre. I started reading this as a break from all the thrillers and was immediately gripped and transported into the world of Jo, Honor and Lydia. 3 generations of the same family forced to live together with their secrets and fears. Julie Cohen has an incredible talent for bringing these characters to life and making you care and believe in each one. A truly heartwarming book which I highly recommend and reminds me to step away from the darkside more often
July 8, 2016
What a wonderful story this is.
With three main characters, Honor the mother in law/grandmother, Jo the daughter in law/mother and Lydia the daughter/grand daughter.
Each character is quite strong in their own way and are all keeping secrets as well as still dealing with the loss of the man who unites them all.
This is very much a story of relationships, being truthful and realising that life really is to short and to live for the day.
Can't recommend highly enough.
With three main characters, Honor the mother in law/grandmother, Jo the daughter in law/mother and Lydia the daughter/grand daughter.
Each character is quite strong in their own way and are all keeping secrets as well as still dealing with the loss of the man who unites them all.
This is very much a story of relationships, being truthful and realising that life really is to short and to live for the day.
Can't recommend highly enough.
November 30, 2015
I've read some lovely books recently and this is another brilliant read which blew my socks right off!
It's difficult to praise a book I loved without resorting to cliches and overuse of superlatives, so I won't even try and avoid them. I found it to be incredibly enjoyable, terrifically captivating and wonderfully heart warming.
It's an absorbing and moving story of relationships, and love and secrets. Focussing on the interconnected lives of 3 women, 3 generations, 3 very different secrets. Theres a lot of warmth and love and hugely believable relationships yet there are a few gritty issues faced by the characters keeping it firmly grounded in realism.
Between these pages we meet Jo, she's 40 with 2 marriages behind her and 3 children, a teenage daughter and 2 lively, loveable, handfuls of toddler Oscar and Iris around whom her whole world revolves.
Jo is so ordinary, so normal and so very special! When life offers her a glimpse of happiness for her alone she finds it hard to put herself first for once. We meet her when she is struggling onto a busy bus, overladen with shopping, a buggy and 2 very lively toddlers, this scene paints her life so realistically I was there on the bus with her and despite never having been in this situation myself I could SO feel her frustration, exhaustion and desire to remain smiling. She deserves some happiness.
Lydia is her teenage daughter, bright, with a great future ahead of her, many friends including her bff Avril, exams are looming and her secret threatens to spill over, she battles to keep it hidden despite the fact its almost killing her not to reveal it. She is a typical angst ridden teenager whom Jo finds it increasingly bewildering and difficult to deal with, her sweet loving little girl is rapidly growing into a woman concealing a life altering awareness she can't bring herself to face head on.
Into this family comes Honor, Jo's Mother in law from her first marriage the 2 women have never seen eye to eye in fact they can barely toerate each other. When Honor falls downstairs she is reluctant to ask for support, but having been completely alone for many years Jo is the person she is forced to turn to. Honor is feisty, intractable, irascible and fiercely independent, she's not a warm cuddly Nana, isn't used to children and likes her own company, so it's unthinkable that she could fit in with Jo's noisy slapdash household.
Honor is the character I most closely related to, when she is first introduced to a noisy family meal with toddlers screaming and a sulky teenager I cringed with her.
The lives and pasts of these 3 incredibly real women are so stunningly written, believable and incredibly moving, that what could be an everyday family drama is transformed into a page turner I just couldn't put down. I was so deeply immersed in their lives, I emerged at the end, blinking and wondering who and where I was!
By featuring 3 women equally each of a different generation the book will assuredly appeal to women of any age from Teen, to Mum to Grandmother so if you're a woman - I think you'll relate more to one character than the others but I'm certain you'll love them all.
Author Julie Cohen has already written 2 previous fabulous novels which I loved, the Richard and Judy choice Dear Thing and the wonderful Where Love Lies which I just heard today has won a prestigious award The Romantic Novelists' Association's Best Romantic Read 2015. Very well deserved, congratulations Julie. I have no doubt in my mind that this, The Day of Second chances will be as great a success.
My thanks go to the super https://www.netgalley.com/ for providing my copy to review and the wonderful publisher http://www.transworldbooks.co.uk/
It's difficult to praise a book I loved without resorting to cliches and overuse of superlatives, so I won't even try and avoid them. I found it to be incredibly enjoyable, terrifically captivating and wonderfully heart warming.
It's an absorbing and moving story of relationships, and love and secrets. Focussing on the interconnected lives of 3 women, 3 generations, 3 very different secrets. Theres a lot of warmth and love and hugely believable relationships yet there are a few gritty issues faced by the characters keeping it firmly grounded in realism.
Between these pages we meet Jo, she's 40 with 2 marriages behind her and 3 children, a teenage daughter and 2 lively, loveable, handfuls of toddler Oscar and Iris around whom her whole world revolves.
Jo is so ordinary, so normal and so very special! When life offers her a glimpse of happiness for her alone she finds it hard to put herself first for once. We meet her when she is struggling onto a busy bus, overladen with shopping, a buggy and 2 very lively toddlers, this scene paints her life so realistically I was there on the bus with her and despite never having been in this situation myself I could SO feel her frustration, exhaustion and desire to remain smiling. She deserves some happiness.
Lydia is her teenage daughter, bright, with a great future ahead of her, many friends including her bff Avril, exams are looming and her secret threatens to spill over, she battles to keep it hidden despite the fact its almost killing her not to reveal it. She is a typical angst ridden teenager whom Jo finds it increasingly bewildering and difficult to deal with, her sweet loving little girl is rapidly growing into a woman concealing a life altering awareness she can't bring herself to face head on.
Into this family comes Honor, Jo's Mother in law from her first marriage the 2 women have never seen eye to eye in fact they can barely toerate each other. When Honor falls downstairs she is reluctant to ask for support, but having been completely alone for many years Jo is the person she is forced to turn to. Honor is feisty, intractable, irascible and fiercely independent, she's not a warm cuddly Nana, isn't used to children and likes her own company, so it's unthinkable that she could fit in with Jo's noisy slapdash household.
Honor is the character I most closely related to, when she is first introduced to a noisy family meal with toddlers screaming and a sulky teenager I cringed with her.
The lives and pasts of these 3 incredibly real women are so stunningly written, believable and incredibly moving, that what could be an everyday family drama is transformed into a page turner I just couldn't put down. I was so deeply immersed in their lives, I emerged at the end, blinking and wondering who and where I was!
By featuring 3 women equally each of a different generation the book will assuredly appeal to women of any age from Teen, to Mum to Grandmother so if you're a woman - I think you'll relate more to one character than the others but I'm certain you'll love them all.
Author Julie Cohen has already written 2 previous fabulous novels which I loved, the Richard and Judy choice Dear Thing and the wonderful Where Love Lies which I just heard today has won a prestigious award The Romantic Novelists' Association's Best Romantic Read 2015. Very well deserved, congratulations Julie. I have no doubt in my mind that this, The Day of Second chances will be as great a success.
My thanks go to the super https://www.netgalley.com/ for providing my copy to review and the wonderful publisher http://www.transworldbooks.co.uk/
October 15, 2016
https://anaslair.wordpress.com/2016/1...
I was quite apprehensive before I started reading Falling, especially because it was defined as chick lit and I never read any book by that category because I felt it would not appeal to me. Having finished the book, I can honestly say that not only did I enjoy it tremendously but this was some of the finest character development I have ever seen.
This novel fully grasped my attention for the get-go. The chapters are composed of alternating views between the three main characters, told in third person, although Lydia's has some entries in first person, of when she writes in her journal. I found this very dynamic and made me want to keep reading.
I still don't understand how such normal situations and issues would have me so mesmerised but the fact is they did. I fell in love with all three female characters. My involvement with the story progressively increased as some aspects of their character and actions which had previously not made sense or came across as so off-putting finally came into place and I realised that there was so much more depth to the characters than I had originally perceived. There were actually reasons for them to act the way they did and the fact that I had judged them when I did not know made me think about how easy it is to do it in real life.
The ARC does have some errors that need to be correct and there were a couple of things here and there that I did not love. For instance, I felt there was a bit of insta-love (but then again romance is not my cup of tea) and a couple of things felt off character (but mostly for the secondary characters). However, since the parallel stories were so enthralling it didn't hinder my commitment to the book, or my enjoyment of the experience.
Mostly I wanted to keep reading and I was sad when I finished, which is always a good sign of a terrific work of fiction. I think that I had been so wrapped in the story, getting to know the characters and watching them evolve as the narrative progressed that the ending felt somewhat rushed. However, I do believe it was mostly me wanting to keep reading the book; I did not want to part with Falling, I wanted to keep knowing about these characters and where life took them.
Falling is an extremely thought-provoking book and I hope you will pick it up. A solid 4.5 stars.
Disclaimer: I would like to thank the publisher and Netgalley for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I was quite apprehensive before I started reading Falling, especially because it was defined as chick lit and I never read any book by that category because I felt it would not appeal to me. Having finished the book, I can honestly say that not only did I enjoy it tremendously but this was some of the finest character development I have ever seen.
This novel fully grasped my attention for the get-go. The chapters are composed of alternating views between the three main characters, told in third person, although Lydia's has some entries in first person, of when she writes in her journal. I found this very dynamic and made me want to keep reading.
I still don't understand how such normal situations and issues would have me so mesmerised but the fact is they did. I fell in love with all three female characters. My involvement with the story progressively increased as some aspects of their character and actions which had previously not made sense or came across as so off-putting finally came into place and I realised that there was so much more depth to the characters than I had originally perceived. There were actually reasons for them to act the way they did and the fact that I had judged them when I did not know made me think about how easy it is to do it in real life.
The ARC does have some errors that need to be correct and there were a couple of things here and there that I did not love. For instance, I felt there was a bit of insta-love (but then again romance is not my cup of tea) and a couple of things felt off character (but mostly for the secondary characters). However, since the parallel stories were so enthralling it didn't hinder my commitment to the book, or my enjoyment of the experience.
Mostly I wanted to keep reading and I was sad when I finished, which is always a good sign of a terrific work of fiction. I think that I had been so wrapped in the story, getting to know the characters and watching them evolve as the narrative progressed that the ending felt somewhat rushed. However, I do believe it was mostly me wanting to keep reading the book; I did not want to part with Falling, I wanted to keep knowing about these characters and where life took them.
Falling is an extremely thought-provoking book and I hope you will pick it up. A solid 4.5 stars.
Disclaimer: I would like to thank the publisher and Netgalley for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 12, 2016
Three generations of women. Three secrets kept. Each secret has different meaning but all have knock-on effect.
Honor has a nasty fall in her own home and finally realizes that she cannot manage her elderly-self without help. Jo takes control and moves her mother-in-law into the home she shares with her three children and memories of her dead husband. Lydia resents her Grandmother taking her room and she silently battles her own demons. Three women, under one roof yet hiding from each other...
We are all good at hiding the truth. Little white lies can hide a multitude of secrets and sometimes the truth can hurt more than deceit. But inevitably things unravel and escalate, often with unexpected repercussions. While Honor has managed to hide her secret for decades, it surfaces through the unlikely source of a letter discovered by her granddaughter. Maybe it's time to come clean. Jo tries to forget the accident that killed her young husband, while also protecting his perfect personae. Lydia struggles to contain her feelings for her best friend and yet wonders could they be reciprocated. A new arrival in her class sets off a chain of events that no one could have anticipated.
Julie Cohen introduces us to one family with fractured links. Each character has equal status and each narrative is equally compelling. How many of us would love to offload our secrets to a grandmother rather than a mother? Stepping away by one generation can ease the weight of the secret. Honor is a proud and spirited woman who hops off the page. Jo is not as strong, but her life has not been easy. Lydia is a teen who needs her mother more than she knows. It could be any family, in any street, in any modern city. The writing is gentle yet effective, warm and inspiring and extremely memorable. This is a novel that I read in two days, connecting with the story more than I anticipated. Cohen is a talented writer of female fiction and one that I would definitely recommend. Ideal for fans of Jojo Moyes and Diane Chamberlain.
Honor has a nasty fall in her own home and finally realizes that she cannot manage her elderly-self without help. Jo takes control and moves her mother-in-law into the home she shares with her three children and memories of her dead husband. Lydia resents her Grandmother taking her room and she silently battles her own demons. Three women, under one roof yet hiding from each other...
We are all good at hiding the truth. Little white lies can hide a multitude of secrets and sometimes the truth can hurt more than deceit. But inevitably things unravel and escalate, often with unexpected repercussions. While Honor has managed to hide her secret for decades, it surfaces through the unlikely source of a letter discovered by her granddaughter. Maybe it's time to come clean. Jo tries to forget the accident that killed her young husband, while also protecting his perfect personae. Lydia struggles to contain her feelings for her best friend and yet wonders could they be reciprocated. A new arrival in her class sets off a chain of events that no one could have anticipated.
Julie Cohen introduces us to one family with fractured links. Each character has equal status and each narrative is equally compelling. How many of us would love to offload our secrets to a grandmother rather than a mother? Stepping away by one generation can ease the weight of the secret. Honor is a proud and spirited woman who hops off the page. Jo is not as strong, but her life has not been easy. Lydia is a teen who needs her mother more than she knows. It could be any family, in any street, in any modern city. The writing is gentle yet effective, warm and inspiring and extremely memorable. This is a novel that I read in two days, connecting with the story more than I anticipated. Cohen is a talented writer of female fiction and one that I would definitely recommend. Ideal for fans of Jojo Moyes and Diane Chamberlain.
January 28, 2016
*Book provided by the publisher on NetGalley for an honest review*
Three women, three generations, three stories, three ranges of emotions. All of them under one roof – that’s going to be interesting. All three women have a secret…
Honor is in her eighties and lives all alone. She is very clever and independent. When she falls, she goes to live with her daughter-in-law Jo.
Jo lost her first husband Stephen, married for the second time, had two kids with Richard and is now alone again. Turns out Richard was a jerk.
Lydia misses her Dad badly and I wouldn’t say her relationship to her mum is the best. Lydia is the typical teenager and her secret doesn’t make it easier.
Having all three women under one roof, makes them interact more and get to know each other in a different way. They alternate telling the story, so we get inside in each women’s emotions. We learn a lot about their past as well. Also when it comes to Stephen’s death.
The story is bound to a lot of deep and moving feelings. Julie’s writing expresses that beautifully. All characters have something special. This novel has it all: humour, emotions, suspense, family bonds and romance.
Yes, I don’t believe I’m saying this, but The Day of Second Chance was my first Julie Cohen book. I have some on my bookshelf, can’t wait to read them.
Rating: 4.5/5
Three women, three generations, three stories, three ranges of emotions. All of them under one roof – that’s going to be interesting. All three women have a secret…
Honor is in her eighties and lives all alone. She is very clever and independent. When she falls, she goes to live with her daughter-in-law Jo.
Jo lost her first husband Stephen, married for the second time, had two kids with Richard and is now alone again. Turns out Richard was a jerk.
Lydia misses her Dad badly and I wouldn’t say her relationship to her mum is the best. Lydia is the typical teenager and her secret doesn’t make it easier.
Having all three women under one roof, makes them interact more and get to know each other in a different way. They alternate telling the story, so we get inside in each women’s emotions. We learn a lot about their past as well. Also when it comes to Stephen’s death.
The story is bound to a lot of deep and moving feelings. Julie’s writing expresses that beautifully. All characters have something special. This novel has it all: humour, emotions, suspense, family bonds and romance.
Yes, I don’t believe I’m saying this, but The Day of Second Chance was my first Julie Cohen book. I have some on my bookshelf, can’t wait to read them.
Rating: 4.5/5
May 1, 2017
Thought-provoking, reflective and deeply moving!
This is an intriguing novel that emphasizes the enduring mental and emotional anguish that can be caused by underlying grief, secrets, guilt, family dynamics, sexuality struggles, friendship and loneliness and emphasizes the importance of acceptance, closure, forgiveness and love.
The prose is expressive and clear. The characters are consumed, troubled, wounded and real. And the character-driven plot interweaves the lives of these three generations of women as they learn to cope, survive, support and love each other unconditionally.
This truly is an absorbing, emotional novel that is incredibly captivating and will tug at your heartstrings from start to finish.
This is the first novel I have ever read from Julie Cohen but I can tell you it definitely won't be my last.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at http://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
This is an intriguing novel that emphasizes the enduring mental and emotional anguish that can be caused by underlying grief, secrets, guilt, family dynamics, sexuality struggles, friendship and loneliness and emphasizes the importance of acceptance, closure, forgiveness and love.
The prose is expressive and clear. The characters are consumed, troubled, wounded and real. And the character-driven plot interweaves the lives of these three generations of women as they learn to cope, survive, support and love each other unconditionally.
This truly is an absorbing, emotional novel that is incredibly captivating and will tug at your heartstrings from start to finish.
This is the first novel I have ever read from Julie Cohen but I can tell you it definitely won't be my last.
All my reviews can be found on my blog at http://whatsbetterthanbooks.com
March 3, 2016
Jo is a single mother of three, once widowed, and once divorced.
Lydia is her teenage daughter going through final school exams.
Honor is Jo's mother in law, Lydia's grandmother, and an imposing presence who likes to be left alone.
Told through the eyes of these three women, the characters are wonderfully real and likeable. This is a book about families and the secrets we all keep. It is most certainly a "feel good" novel full of romance, anxiety, tears, laughter, and of course - second chances.
I highly recommend this lovely book, and agree that it will appeal to readers of Jojo Moyes and Liane Moriarty.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Lydia is her teenage daughter going through final school exams.
Honor is Jo's mother in law, Lydia's grandmother, and an imposing presence who likes to be left alone.
Told through the eyes of these three women, the characters are wonderfully real and likeable. This is a book about families and the secrets we all keep. It is most certainly a "feel good" novel full of romance, anxiety, tears, laughter, and of course - second chances.
I highly recommend this lovely book, and agree that it will appeal to readers of Jojo Moyes and Liane Moriarty.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 3, 2017
This is a great read about three strong women with secrets. I recommend this one. I cannot
wait to read another novel by this author.
wait to read another novel by this author.
July 28, 2018
This is a sweet little book but ultimately not very memorable.
February 25, 2023
4.5⭐️ Este livro surpreendeu-me tanto pela positiva. Conta-nos a história de 3 mulheres de idades diferentes,cujas vidas se cruzam. Cheio de ação e momentos dolorosos, mas também bonitos.
Adorei!! Fiquei triste quando acabou.
Adorei!! Fiquei triste quando acabou.
January 10, 2016
Three very different secrets, three generations of women in the same family. One day where it will all come out, and a cracking story even leading up to that point. The Day of Second Chances is simply amazing, Julie Cohen has managed to weave three stories together, with very little overlap, in such a way that you are drawn in and want to keep reading.
Honor, is in her eighties and after a fall, has to move in with Jo, her daughter in law. Honor is hiding a few secrets. Honor is a proud woman, and doesn't want to accept any help, despite knowing she possibly may need it.
Jo, is a single mother with three children, the youngest two are under five and then there is Lydia who is sixteen. Jo has been incredibly unlucky in love, although that could be about to change.
With Lydia we see her diary entries, as well as third person narrative, and I felt the most sympathy with Lydia. Lydia's secret is revealed early to the readers, in her diary, but she keeps it hidden from everyone, but thanks to the diary, you really get a great insight into her mind.
As they all adjust to the new living arrangement, you can see their relationships change, and see the family dynamics adjust.
The secrets although they are important, aren't going to shock you, as you are in on them all quite early on, but because the book is written in alternating perspectives between the three ladies, you need to be aware of who knows what.
The single dramatic moment mentioned in the blurb, is towards the end of the book, and where you may think that could be clever wording to get you to buy the book, it really is a highly dramatic moment, my heart was pounding, as it was playing out.
I'm so glad I read The Day of Second Chances at a weekend as I couldn't put it down. It was compelling story telling, and the slightly tougher subjects were clearly well researched, and dealt with in a sensitive manner.
The Day of Second Chances is easily one of my favourite books by Julie Cohen, as she continues deliver thought provoking stories.
Thank you to Netgalley and Transworld for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
Honor, is in her eighties and after a fall, has to move in with Jo, her daughter in law. Honor is hiding a few secrets. Honor is a proud woman, and doesn't want to accept any help, despite knowing she possibly may need it.
Jo, is a single mother with three children, the youngest two are under five and then there is Lydia who is sixteen. Jo has been incredibly unlucky in love, although that could be about to change.
With Lydia we see her diary entries, as well as third person narrative, and I felt the most sympathy with Lydia. Lydia's secret is revealed early to the readers, in her diary, but she keeps it hidden from everyone, but thanks to the diary, you really get a great insight into her mind.
As they all adjust to the new living arrangement, you can see their relationships change, and see the family dynamics adjust.
The secrets although they are important, aren't going to shock you, as you are in on them all quite early on, but because the book is written in alternating perspectives between the three ladies, you need to be aware of who knows what.
The single dramatic moment mentioned in the blurb, is towards the end of the book, and where you may think that could be clever wording to get you to buy the book, it really is a highly dramatic moment, my heart was pounding, as it was playing out.
I'm so glad I read The Day of Second Chances at a weekend as I couldn't put it down. It was compelling story telling, and the slightly tougher subjects were clearly well researched, and dealt with in a sensitive manner.
The Day of Second Chances is easily one of my favourite books by Julie Cohen, as she continues deliver thought provoking stories.
Thank you to Netgalley and Transworld for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
April 7, 2017
I read Julie Cohen's book "Dear Thing" and I loved it. I saw this book offered on Net Galley and I basically skimmed over the description. I mean I was already pushing the button to request the book.
Lo and behold, she's got another winner, in my book.
I absolutely loved this one. Talk about the worst mother-in-law you've ever heard of. This book has it. Poor Jo (the daughter-in-law), not only is the son (husband) they shared dead, but Jo has moved on and married and divorced another man. Which, of course, mother-in-law thinks Jo just needs a man. She always thinks the negative. Then there is the matter of the two small children Jo had with the new man. The ones Jo can't control.
And then the worst happens, mother-in-law falls down her stairs, breaks her hip and can't live alone. Where will she go? She has to move in with Jo and live with her. Oh, the pain! Meanwhile, the toddlers run around, leave their toys everywhere, food is thrown, and you know toddlers. The oldest is a teenager, she's having her angst and she has a special problem she's going through. Oh such is family life.
And what a great book this all makes. An entertaining, sometimes sad, very sad, enjoyable and sometimes you just want to slap these characters and definitely a book you don't want to put down. The issues are real and for me the characters became real.
I thoroughly reading this book and want to thank St. Martin's Press and Net Galley for providing me the opportunity to read and review it.
Lo and behold, she's got another winner, in my book.
I absolutely loved this one. Talk about the worst mother-in-law you've ever heard of. This book has it. Poor Jo (the daughter-in-law), not only is the son (husband) they shared dead, but Jo has moved on and married and divorced another man. Which, of course, mother-in-law thinks Jo just needs a man. She always thinks the negative. Then there is the matter of the two small children Jo had with the new man. The ones Jo can't control.
And then the worst happens, mother-in-law falls down her stairs, breaks her hip and can't live alone. Where will she go? She has to move in with Jo and live with her. Oh, the pain! Meanwhile, the toddlers run around, leave their toys everywhere, food is thrown, and you know toddlers. The oldest is a teenager, she's having her angst and she has a special problem she's going through. Oh such is family life.
And what a great book this all makes. An entertaining, sometimes sad, very sad, enjoyable and sometimes you just want to slap these characters and definitely a book you don't want to put down. The issues are real and for me the characters became real.
I thoroughly reading this book and want to thank St. Martin's Press and Net Galley for providing me the opportunity to read and review it.
July 17, 2016
I read and loved Dear Thing years ago but since then I have moved on to dark psychological thrillers as my go to genre. I started reading this as a break from all the thrillers and was immediately gripped and transported into the world of Jo, Honor and Lydia. 3 generations of the same family forced to live together with their secrets and fears. Julie Cohen has an incredible talent for bringing these characters to life and making you care and believe in each one. A truly heartwarming book which I highly recommend and reminds me to step away from the darkside more often
September 17, 2024
Um drama familiar, cada personagem com os seus segredos e o seu feitio… Gostei da forma como autora explorou o relacionamento entre elas, levando-nos por vezes a pensar que esta história poderia ser nossa ou de alguém conhecido, de tão semelhante com situações vividas por nós no dia a dia.
Adorei a Honor, por ser rezingona. Daquelas personagens com um carácter forte e difícil de dar a volta, mas também aquela que tem um coração de manteiga.
Gostava de ter visto mais esmiuçado certos relacionamentos ou que a autora tivesse dado mais destaque ao desenvolvimento da Honor.
🌹”Quando passamos a maior parte do nosso tempo com uma pessoa, raramente conseguimos vê-la. Porque estamos ambas ocupadas a olhar para outras coisas. Mesmo quando falamos uma com a outra, nunca nos olhamos verdadeiramente. Olhamo-nos de esguelha, afastamos o olhar, olhamos em nosso redor, para outras coisas.”
Adorei a Honor, por ser rezingona. Daquelas personagens com um carácter forte e difícil de dar a volta, mas também aquela que tem um coração de manteiga.
Gostava de ter visto mais esmiuçado certos relacionamentos ou que a autora tivesse dado mais destaque ao desenvolvimento da Honor.
🌹”Quando passamos a maior parte do nosso tempo com uma pessoa, raramente conseguimos vê-la. Porque estamos ambas ocupadas a olhar para outras coisas. Mesmo quando falamos uma com a outra, nunca nos olhamos verdadeiramente. Olhamo-nos de esguelha, afastamos o olhar, olhamos em nosso redor, para outras coisas.”
June 24, 2022
opinião no instragram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CfMjAqLjK...
June 13, 2017
This book was an unexpected pleasure for me. I don’t know what I actually thought this book was about…but I was bowled over with the characters, the story and the myriad of emotions. This is some amazing writing. I was so wrapped up in EACH character. It was like I was right there with them experiencing the same feelings.
Honor is a cranky old woman who takes a pretty bad spill. She moves in with Jo and her family. Honor is irritable and hard to get along with for many reasons. Basically, she is hurt on many levels. Not only does she hurt because she is getting old and cannot do what she once did, but the hurt over her son’s death….stays with her forever and affects the way she relates to everyone around her.
Jo is a special woman. Not only is she raising three children by herself, she takes in her mother-in-law after the fall. She is one of the most giving characters and has the patience of a saint…Many times I wanted to YELL for her because she wouldn’t lose her temper and temper-losing was so warranted. There is a part in this book where Jo just has a doozy of a day! As a mother, I remembered what it was like. I almost got as stressed as Jo did. But don’t worry, she handled it like a trooper. I would’ve lost it on the first episode of poop!! Very well written and her feelings came right off the page to me!
Lydia is Jo’s daughter and Honor’s only granddaughter. She is pulled in many different directions. I am not about to give her story away. Just know, she is much tougher than she appears.
This story was an absolute treasure for me in many ways! Highly recommend if you need a book to get totally absorbed!
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review
Honor is a cranky old woman who takes a pretty bad spill. She moves in with Jo and her family. Honor is irritable and hard to get along with for many reasons. Basically, she is hurt on many levels. Not only does she hurt because she is getting old and cannot do what she once did, but the hurt over her son’s death….stays with her forever and affects the way she relates to everyone around her.
Jo is a special woman. Not only is she raising three children by herself, she takes in her mother-in-law after the fall. She is one of the most giving characters and has the patience of a saint…Many times I wanted to YELL for her because she wouldn’t lose her temper and temper-losing was so warranted. There is a part in this book where Jo just has a doozy of a day! As a mother, I remembered what it was like. I almost got as stressed as Jo did. But don’t worry, she handled it like a trooper. I would’ve lost it on the first episode of poop!! Very well written and her feelings came right off the page to me!
Lydia is Jo’s daughter and Honor’s only granddaughter. She is pulled in many different directions. I am not about to give her story away. Just know, she is much tougher than she appears.
This story was an absolute treasure for me in many ways! Highly recommend if you need a book to get totally absorbed!
I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review
May 22, 2017
Such a cute read! Am left with a shite ton of questions though????
Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews