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All The Colours In Between
Eva Jordan's much-anticipated follow up to the bestselling 183 Times a Year It's not a life, it's an adventure!
Lizzie is fast approaching 50. Her once angst ridden teenage daughters, now grown and in their twenties, have flown the nest, Cassie to London and Maisy to Australia. And, although Connor, Lizzie’s sulky, surly teenage son,is now on his own tormented passage to adulthood, his quest to get there, for the most part, is a far quieter journey than that of his sisters. The hard years, Lizzie believes, are behind her.
Embracing her new career as a writer; divorce, money worries and the constant battle to weather the stormy complexities of the blended family, are all but a distant memory. It’s time for Lizzie to focus on herself for a change. Stepdaughter Maisy is embracing life down under and daughter Cassie is working for a famous record producer in London. Lizzie’s only concern, albeit a mild one, is for the arrested development of her Facebook-Tweeting, Snapchatting, music and mobile phone obsessed, teenage son. With communication skills, more akin to an intermittent series of unintelligible grunts, conversation is futile. However, Lizzie is not particularly perturbed. With deadlines to meet and book tours to attend, Lizzie has other distractions to concentrate on. But all in all, life is good. Life is very good.
Only, things are never quite as black and white as they seem…
A visit to her daughter in London leaves Lizzie troubled. Cassie is still the same incessant chattering Queen of malaprops and spoonerisms she ever was, however something is clouding her normally cheery disposition. Not to mention her extreme weight loss. And that is just the start. Add to that an unexpected visitor, a disturbing phone call, a son acting suspiciously, a run in with her ex husband and a new man in her life who quite simply takes her breath away; Lizzie quickly realises life is something that happens while plans are being made.
Harsh but tender, thought provoking but light-hearted, dark but brilliantly funny, this is a story of contemporary family life in all its 21st century glory. A story of mothers and sons, of fathers and daughters, of brothers and sisters, and friends. A tale of love and loss, of friendships and betrayals and a tale of coming of age and end of life. Nobody said it would be easy and as Lizzie knows only too well, life is never straightforward when you see all the colours in between.
Lizzie is fast approaching 50. Her once angst ridden teenage daughters, now grown and in their twenties, have flown the nest, Cassie to London and Maisy to Australia. And, although Connor, Lizzie’s sulky, surly teenage son,is now on his own tormented passage to adulthood, his quest to get there, for the most part, is a far quieter journey than that of his sisters. The hard years, Lizzie believes, are behind her.
Embracing her new career as a writer; divorce, money worries and the constant battle to weather the stormy complexities of the blended family, are all but a distant memory. It’s time for Lizzie to focus on herself for a change. Stepdaughter Maisy is embracing life down under and daughter Cassie is working for a famous record producer in London. Lizzie’s only concern, albeit a mild one, is for the arrested development of her Facebook-Tweeting, Snapchatting, music and mobile phone obsessed, teenage son. With communication skills, more akin to an intermittent series of unintelligible grunts, conversation is futile. However, Lizzie is not particularly perturbed. With deadlines to meet and book tours to attend, Lizzie has other distractions to concentrate on. But all in all, life is good. Life is very good.
Only, things are never quite as black and white as they seem…
A visit to her daughter in London leaves Lizzie troubled. Cassie is still the same incessant chattering Queen of malaprops and spoonerisms she ever was, however something is clouding her normally cheery disposition. Not to mention her extreme weight loss. And that is just the start. Add to that an unexpected visitor, a disturbing phone call, a son acting suspiciously, a run in with her ex husband and a new man in her life who quite simply takes her breath away; Lizzie quickly realises life is something that happens while plans are being made.
Harsh but tender, thought provoking but light-hearted, dark but brilliantly funny, this is a story of contemporary family life in all its 21st century glory. A story of mothers and sons, of fathers and daughters, of brothers and sisters, and friends. A tale of love and loss, of friendships and betrayals and a tale of coming of age and end of life. Nobody said it would be easy and as Lizzie knows only too well, life is never straightforward when you see all the colours in between.
- GenresFictionContemporary
320 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2018
59 people are currently reading
824 people want to read
About the author
Eva Jordan
7 books102 followersEva Jordan was born in Kent but has lived most of her life in a small Cambridgeshire town. She describes herself as a lover of words, books, travel and chocolate, and is also partial to the odd glass of wine.
Her career has been varied and has included working for the library service and in a women's refuge. She is currently working on her 4th novel, writes a monthly column for a local magazine, and writes book reviews which she posts on her blog, where you'll also find some fascinating author interviews. Storytelling through the art of writing is her passion and as a busy mum and step mum, and grandmother, Eva says she is never short of inspiration for her family based dramas!
It was the women in Eva's life, including her mother, daughters, and good friends, that inspired her to write her debut novel, 183 TIMES A YEAR, which was then followed by ALL THE COLOURS IN BETWEEN, and finally TIME WILL TELL, all of which can be read as stand alone novels but are all part of THE TREE OF FAMILY LIFE TRILOGY. Modern stories exploring domestic love, hate, strength and friendship, set amongst the thorny realities of today’s divided and extended families.
Her career has been varied and has included working for the library service and in a women's refuge. She is currently working on her 4th novel, writes a monthly column for a local magazine, and writes book reviews which she posts on her blog, where you'll also find some fascinating author interviews. Storytelling through the art of writing is her passion and as a busy mum and step mum, and grandmother, Eva says she is never short of inspiration for her family based dramas!
It was the women in Eva's life, including her mother, daughters, and good friends, that inspired her to write her debut novel, 183 TIMES A YEAR, which was then followed by ALL THE COLOURS IN BETWEEN, and finally TIME WILL TELL, all of which can be read as stand alone novels but are all part of THE TREE OF FAMILY LIFE TRILOGY. Modern stories exploring domestic love, hate, strength and friendship, set amongst the thorny realities of today’s divided and extended families.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
October 19, 2017
Love, friendships and laughter, heartbreak, loss and tears, simply life in its full glory, the good and the bad, All The Colours In Between gives us it all and then some more. Eva Jordan's writing is pure magic, engaging and heartfelt. Writing from several points of view Jordan created an emotional, tender but real portrait of family life with all its ups and downs.
A truly beautiful and absorbing read, All The Colours In Between is one of my favourites books of 2017 and not to be missed.
A truly beautiful and absorbing read, All The Colours In Between is one of my favourites books of 2017 and not to be missed.
October 16, 2017
Every family is unique with it’s mishmash of characters, it’s own family dynamics, there will be good times and unfortunately there will be bad times, but these are the very things that define us as a family. All The Colours In Between explores the theme of families in a highly captivating read, full of laughter, tears, and bittersweet moments. Lizzie is fast approaching 50, life should be a breeze after all her children are grown up, she has the career she’s always wanted, but then life throws an epic curveball and Lizzie finds herself facing numerous challenges that will result in heartbreak, happiness and turmoil.
This is the first book I have read by Eva Jordan and I’m very impressed with her writing style. Reading about Lizzie you feel like you’re there alongside her through the good and the bad, she breathes life into her characters as the story is told in alternating chapters from Lizzie, Cassie (the daughter) and Connor (the Son) POV, you feel like this could be a book about many families up and down the country. The author has managed to balance the more serious side of this book with humour, at times I found myself laughing out loud at some of the dialogue and events. The author doesn’t make the mistake of providing the reader with the perfect family, but she does provide a snap shot of family life in the 21st century which includes the good, bad and damn right ugly.
I’m not sure what I was expecting when I picked up All The Colours In Between but one thing I wasn’t expecting was to find myself breaking my heart over a passage in this book that bought back memories of my own beloved grandparents. There are so many themes in this story that I could relate to some of them reflect my own anxieties as I grow older and numerous times as I read a passage from this book I couldn’t help but finding myself nodding in agreement, the worries of being a parent, watching our parents grow frail, trying to protect those we love, all these themes struck a chord.
All The Colours In Between took me by surprise I don’t know why but I was expecting it to be a “rom com”, but it’s anything but, its emotive, multi layered and a story that even the most hard hearted reader will find an highly emotional read. The story is a reminder that family life is never black and white there are so many “colours in between” the problems we face, the heartbreak we suffer, not only define us but make us stronger. Considering this was such a different book to my normal read I was surprised how much I loved All The Colours In Between, and if an author can evoke such strong emotions in me (sobbing uncontrollably at more than one point) she has done her job well. A fabulous and surprising read that I would highly recommend.
All my reviews can be found at http://thebookreviewcafe
This is the first book I have read by Eva Jordan and I’m very impressed with her writing style. Reading about Lizzie you feel like you’re there alongside her through the good and the bad, she breathes life into her characters as the story is told in alternating chapters from Lizzie, Cassie (the daughter) and Connor (the Son) POV, you feel like this could be a book about many families up and down the country. The author has managed to balance the more serious side of this book with humour, at times I found myself laughing out loud at some of the dialogue and events. The author doesn’t make the mistake of providing the reader with the perfect family, but she does provide a snap shot of family life in the 21st century which includes the good, bad and damn right ugly.
I’m not sure what I was expecting when I picked up All The Colours In Between but one thing I wasn’t expecting was to find myself breaking my heart over a passage in this book that bought back memories of my own beloved grandparents. There are so many themes in this story that I could relate to some of them reflect my own anxieties as I grow older and numerous times as I read a passage from this book I couldn’t help but finding myself nodding in agreement, the worries of being a parent, watching our parents grow frail, trying to protect those we love, all these themes struck a chord.
All The Colours In Between took me by surprise I don’t know why but I was expecting it to be a “rom com”, but it’s anything but, its emotive, multi layered and a story that even the most hard hearted reader will find an highly emotional read. The story is a reminder that family life is never black and white there are so many “colours in between” the problems we face, the heartbreak we suffer, not only define us but make us stronger. Considering this was such a different book to my normal read I was surprised how much I loved All The Colours In Between, and if an author can evoke such strong emotions in me (sobbing uncontrollably at more than one point) she has done her job well. A fabulous and surprising read that I would highly recommend.
All my reviews can be found at http://thebookreviewcafe
October 30, 2017
Damn you Eva Jordan! There was I all ready to go to work when I decided to just finish off All The Colours In Between as I only had 15% left to go. Big mistake!! Huge!! I was an emotional snotty mess for that last half an hour and had to dash to the bathroom to totally redo my makeup before I left the house! But thankfully everyone is full of cold at the moment so my red eyes blended in nicely with everyone else once I got to work! But those after sobs are a bitch!
I had read and loved 183 Times a Year which was Eva Jordan’s debut novel and although this book is a sequel I do think you could just about get away with reading it you haven’t read the first one. BUT…. you will probably want to read it anyway so do read them in the correct order if you can!
Now this author knows families!! She has perfectly captured the melting pot of the drama, love and laughter of the modern family plus that fierce protective shield that surrounds it. Although I adored the first book, this one really seemed to reach out further to me, possibly because it reflected a lot of what has gone on in my own family in recent times and I’m a similar age to Lizzie. I actually became part of this family myself whilst reading, involved in their highs and lows and nodding sagely as I did so, recognising those difficult areas of parenting that I have also experienced. Those funny, and sometimes poignant, observations punched me full on with their sentiments. I laughed, I cried and I got really angry too at times due to some very emotive issues raised! This is a book cleverly crafted to wring out every last drop of emotion from you as the author weaves her own magic into this tale of family life.
I am loving this whole new trend towards having older women and their lives taking centre stage in more “grown up” women’s fiction. It’s a difficult time for so many women when all those conflicting emotions start messing with your brain as you head towards menopause and when they combine with empty nest syndrome it so often heralds the start of that feeling of invisibility for many women. So for Lizzie to be seen as the sun around whom all the family “planets” revolved brought a warm glow to my heart. Ultimately this book is a rich and lustrous tapestry woven with love by its author, with her protagonist delicately poised for the next stage of her life or should I say….adventure!!
Highly recommended by me!
I had read and loved 183 Times a Year which was Eva Jordan’s debut novel and although this book is a sequel I do think you could just about get away with reading it you haven’t read the first one. BUT…. you will probably want to read it anyway so do read them in the correct order if you can!
Now this author knows families!! She has perfectly captured the melting pot of the drama, love and laughter of the modern family plus that fierce protective shield that surrounds it. Although I adored the first book, this one really seemed to reach out further to me, possibly because it reflected a lot of what has gone on in my own family in recent times and I’m a similar age to Lizzie. I actually became part of this family myself whilst reading, involved in their highs and lows and nodding sagely as I did so, recognising those difficult areas of parenting that I have also experienced. Those funny, and sometimes poignant, observations punched me full on with their sentiments. I laughed, I cried and I got really angry too at times due to some very emotive issues raised! This is a book cleverly crafted to wring out every last drop of emotion from you as the author weaves her own magic into this tale of family life.
I am loving this whole new trend towards having older women and their lives taking centre stage in more “grown up” women’s fiction. It’s a difficult time for so many women when all those conflicting emotions start messing with your brain as you head towards menopause and when they combine with empty nest syndrome it so often heralds the start of that feeling of invisibility for many women. So for Lizzie to be seen as the sun around whom all the family “planets” revolved brought a warm glow to my heart. Ultimately this book is a rich and lustrous tapestry woven with love by its author, with her protagonist delicately poised for the next stage of her life or should I say….adventure!!
Highly recommended by me!
March 13, 2019
Absolutely WOW, double wow, what a truly amazing, emotional and heartfelt read. The story was so brilliantly well written.
Having previously read the author's debut novel 183 Times a Year, it was a pleasure to be reacquainted with all of the characters and getting engrossed and absorbed within their yet lives again.
There was a fair few moments, where I was on tenterhooks and with a feeling of butterflies in my tummy, in anxious suspense and being emotionally charged, actually make that pretty much throughout the whole of the story. There was so much going on, it was like oh my gods, what's going to happen next or how is that situation/event going to resolve itself or play out. It was definitely a book that was impossible to put down.
There was also a couple of moments throughout the story, where it was quite emotional, so much so that it brought tears to my eyes.
I've always believed that if reading parts of a book brings tears to your eyes then it is one of many signs of just how outstandingly breath taking a book is and how talented the author must be to cause that to happen.
This bookis certainly going to stay with me for awhile. So I can highly highly recommend it. However do read the author's debut novel 183 Times a Year first if you can.
Having previously read the author's debut novel 183 Times a Year, it was a pleasure to be reacquainted with all of the characters and getting engrossed and absorbed within their yet lives again.
There was a fair few moments, where I was on tenterhooks and with a feeling of butterflies in my tummy, in anxious suspense and being emotionally charged, actually make that pretty much throughout the whole of the story. There was so much going on, it was like oh my gods, what's going to happen next or how is that situation/event going to resolve itself or play out. It was definitely a book that was impossible to put down.
There was also a couple of moments throughout the story, where it was quite emotional, so much so that it brought tears to my eyes.
I've always believed that if reading parts of a book brings tears to your eyes then it is one of many signs of just how outstandingly breath taking a book is and how talented the author must be to cause that to happen.
This bookis certainly going to stay with me for awhile. So I can highly highly recommend it. However do read the author's debut novel 183 Times a Year first if you can.
October 20, 2017
All The Colours In Between is the follow up to the fabulous 183 Times A Year, so I strongly recommend reading the books in order to get full enjoyment from these great books.
I absolutely loved the mother daughter relationship between Lizzie and Cassie in the first book and I couldn’t wait to catch up with them again. Even though the story mainly flicks between these two characters still, this time we also get to see things from Connor, the sons, point of view.
Things have moved on a bit since we were last with the family and as I have come to expect from this author, there was plenty of drama to keep me hooked throughout. It’s a bit like sitting down to your favourite soap opera as the author really focuses on all aspects of family life whilst keeping it all very real.
There really is so much I could write about this book and even then I don’t think I could do it justice. It feels like the author has opened up her heart and soul whilst allowing the reader to be one with the story. There was one part in particular that was so close to home for me that I had tears pouring down my face. As much as I tried to carry on, I just couldn’t see through the vast amount of tears and had to go back to it the next day. I was so overwhelmed by the emotions that I was feeling which truly has to be the sign of a great writer when their words touch you so deeply.
An emotive and beautifully written story of family life. One of the most powerful books I’ve read this year.
My thanks to the author and Urbane Publications for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
I absolutely loved the mother daughter relationship between Lizzie and Cassie in the first book and I couldn’t wait to catch up with them again. Even though the story mainly flicks between these two characters still, this time we also get to see things from Connor, the sons, point of view.
Things have moved on a bit since we were last with the family and as I have come to expect from this author, there was plenty of drama to keep me hooked throughout. It’s a bit like sitting down to your favourite soap opera as the author really focuses on all aspects of family life whilst keeping it all very real.
There really is so much I could write about this book and even then I don’t think I could do it justice. It feels like the author has opened up her heart and soul whilst allowing the reader to be one with the story. There was one part in particular that was so close to home for me that I had tears pouring down my face. As much as I tried to carry on, I just couldn’t see through the vast amount of tears and had to go back to it the next day. I was so overwhelmed by the emotions that I was feeling which truly has to be the sign of a great writer when their words touch you so deeply.
An emotive and beautifully written story of family life. One of the most powerful books I’ve read this year.
My thanks to the author and Urbane Publications for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
December 6, 2017
This is heart warming, heart breaking, growing up and leaving loved ones behind, this is family. I loved this book where I could recognise different members of my own family and no matter how old I get I still wing it, I just don’t know all the answers to life. All the Colours In Between is the second book in this series and although I am sure it could be enjoyed as a stand alone do read 183 Days a Year first.
The pace has increased in this book with Lizzie’s children and step child growing up and finding their own way in life but no matter how old your children get, they are still your children. It is just that their problems can’t always be made better with a kiss, cuddle and plaster anymore. Lizzie has to face some shocks in her own life and as her daughters and her come together each has to deal with their own paths in life, some from decisions they made themselves while others had no choice. It isn’t just facing their own problems but finding a way to be there for each other too and respecting their too.
Don’t get me wrong this is not a doom and gloom read, I smiled and giggled too but most of all it made me feel that my family is normal, ok probably an over exaggerated statement there but no family lives happy ever after. We just have celebrate the good and try to learn from the mistakes but always be there for each other. It is about talking to each other instead of second guessing, a time for little white lies in childhood when things are just so hard to deal with but learning to deal with the truth when there is no choice.
There is one thing for sure in this story I found so much that I could relate to beit family or relationships I and they had with other people. I even have a lump in my throat while I write this review. There is an emphasis on new life and death but of course there are All the Colours In Between.
A super second book from this author.
The pace has increased in this book with Lizzie’s children and step child growing up and finding their own way in life but no matter how old your children get, they are still your children. It is just that their problems can’t always be made better with a kiss, cuddle and plaster anymore. Lizzie has to face some shocks in her own life and as her daughters and her come together each has to deal with their own paths in life, some from decisions they made themselves while others had no choice. It isn’t just facing their own problems but finding a way to be there for each other too and respecting their too.
Don’t get me wrong this is not a doom and gloom read, I smiled and giggled too but most of all it made me feel that my family is normal, ok probably an over exaggerated statement there but no family lives happy ever after. We just have celebrate the good and try to learn from the mistakes but always be there for each other. It is about talking to each other instead of second guessing, a time for little white lies in childhood when things are just so hard to deal with but learning to deal with the truth when there is no choice.
There is one thing for sure in this story I found so much that I could relate to beit family or relationships I and they had with other people. I even have a lump in my throat while I write this review. There is an emphasis on new life and death but of course there are All the Colours In Between.
A super second book from this author.
April 29, 2019
All The Colours In Between is story told in the point of view of three members of one family, Lizzie, Cassie and Conner. Lizzie being mother to Cassie and Conner.
Each person is going through their own hardships, but also worry for one another.
I cried many times during this book as it just felt so real whilst reading it.
Each person is going through their own hardships, but also worry for one another.
I cried many times during this book as it just felt so real whilst reading it.
October 31, 2017
I could not contain my excitement when I heard that my favourite fictional family were back: Lizzie Lemalf and her crazy blended family stole my heart in 183 Times A Year and I couldn't wait to read more about them. It's so brilliant that you could definitely read All The Colours In Between as a standalone novel but it is made all the more poignant and emotional for having read 183 Times A Year and seen the characters develop before your eyes.
Never mind All The Colours In Between, I laughed, cried and experienced all the emotions in between. I admit that I have cried at a few books in my time, but never have I been sobbing so much that I had to put the book down to wipe the tears that had rolled down my face and blurred my vision. Looking back, I think I got to know Lizzie's family in 183 Times A Year but in All The Colours In Between I realised that I had fallen in love with them. I felt very protective of them, especially Cassie; when they were happy, I was smiling and when they were sad, I was crying.
Eva Jordan has written characters that we can all relate to: perhaps you see yourself in Lizzie, about to turn 50 and hoping that she can finally take a breather now her daughters have left home, or you might recognise some of Cassie's qualities as your own, keeping a terrible secret and suffering in silence. As the story unfolded, my heart was breaking for Cassie: I've always thought that a problem shared really is a problem halved but this is Lizzie's family I'm talking about so a problem shared is more likely to end up as a problem quadrupled!
What amazes me with Eva Jordan's writing is her ability to portray the unique voices of all of her characters, from teenage boy-man Connor to mysterious lynchpin of the family, Grandad Salocin. Their voices shine through so vividly and uniquely that it feels as if the book has been written by the characters themselves. I don't need a subscription to Audible for Eva's books, they speak to me through her beautiful emotive words.
Filled with emotion: you'll laugh and you'll cry but you'll never forget All The Colours In Between. The characters are so enchanting that I think of them as my own family and I'm sure many readers feel the same: they're my family and they're your family. I'll be singing Sister Sledge in a minute... Now you're singing 'We Are Family', aren't you? Sorry...
With such a memorable message: it's not a life, it's an adventure this is one book that I didn't want to end but my frown was turned upside down when I saw the final magical words: 'To Be Continued...' YAY!
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Never mind All The Colours In Between, I laughed, cried and experienced all the emotions in between. I admit that I have cried at a few books in my time, but never have I been sobbing so much that I had to put the book down to wipe the tears that had rolled down my face and blurred my vision. Looking back, I think I got to know Lizzie's family in 183 Times A Year but in All The Colours In Between I realised that I had fallen in love with them. I felt very protective of them, especially Cassie; when they were happy, I was smiling and when they were sad, I was crying.
Eva Jordan has written characters that we can all relate to: perhaps you see yourself in Lizzie, about to turn 50 and hoping that she can finally take a breather now her daughters have left home, or you might recognise some of Cassie's qualities as your own, keeping a terrible secret and suffering in silence. As the story unfolded, my heart was breaking for Cassie: I've always thought that a problem shared really is a problem halved but this is Lizzie's family I'm talking about so a problem shared is more likely to end up as a problem quadrupled!
What amazes me with Eva Jordan's writing is her ability to portray the unique voices of all of her characters, from teenage boy-man Connor to mysterious lynchpin of the family, Grandad Salocin. Their voices shine through so vividly and uniquely that it feels as if the book has been written by the characters themselves. I don't need a subscription to Audible for Eva's books, they speak to me through her beautiful emotive words.
Filled with emotion: you'll laugh and you'll cry but you'll never forget All The Colours In Between. The characters are so enchanting that I think of them as my own family and I'm sure many readers feel the same: they're my family and they're your family. I'll be singing Sister Sledge in a minute... Now you're singing 'We Are Family', aren't you? Sorry...
With such a memorable message: it's not a life, it's an adventure this is one book that I didn't want to end but my frown was turned upside down when I saw the final magical words: 'To Be Continued...' YAY!
I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
February 16, 2018
Lizzie, a mother, author, lover of her partner and life takes us with her on an emotive and enticing trip through her fascinating life filled with love and laughter, sadness and grief, and friendship and betrayal – all the colours in between black and white!
| Introduction |
Lizzie should feel proud that she has successfully weathered the storms of time, the emotions she went through each have their own colour such as ‘cranberry passion’ for first love, the ‘iridescent pink flush‘ of desire and the colour of ‘sulphur‘ for times of intense pain. So why should she not feel an abundant joy with its bright colours but, instead, sees everything fade to a mere shade of grey?
| Storyline |
Meet Lizzie, a middle-aged woman (in her own words!) who is stunned by her success as an author and is time and again amazed at how many people attend her book signings. If only she would feel a bit better… The fact that her publisher has brought with her the delicious Oliver, a man with the looks to make both women and men completely forget their composure, is not helping either. Lizzie, who has two children, Cassie, her daughter working and living in London and sixteen-year-old Connor, has gone through a difficult divorce and raised her children as a single parent. Now she is happy with Simon, whose daughter Maisy lives in Australia with her boyfriend, Cazee. Then there are Lizzie’s father, Salocin, and her mother and a few more members of this huge but lovely family each of them with their own, unique story to tell…
Where Lizzie feels nauseous almost all of the time, the first thoughts her son, Connor, relates to us are much more serious: he is sure he is about to die. As it turns out, Connor exaggerated just a little but alas for him, his friends have a ball teasing him. A lesson learned, you should think but Connor is, perhaps, a bit incorrigible. He loves his mother but, as any teenager, rebels against her with his behaviour. The same goes for Cassie – Lizzie is worried because her daughter is incredibly thin and she suspects that Cassie, like herself, is unable to eat when in stress. She wants to help Cassie but how to make a daughter open up to her mother? When Lizzie’s father, Salocin, is rushed to hospital, her ex-husband lies for dead on the floor and her step-daughter Maisy brings a surprise visit, life cannot get any better, right? Wrong!
Amidst the turmoil of it all, of everything that life throws at them, this amazing family has the ability to laugh at themselves and life. Welcome to the wonderful, crazy and colourful world of Lizzie Lemalf!
| My Thoughts |
‘All The Colours In Between’ is the first book of author Eva Jordan I had the pleasure to read and it was such a wonderful surprise, I love it! The mother, Lizzie, drives me crazy sometimes but her behaviour is oh so recognisable to me, as a mother – and yes, our children might be adults but we cannot stop worrying about them! If you, like me, have not read ‘183 Times A Year,’ it will take you a bit of time to get familiar with the characters, there are quite a few of them, and the narration alternates from the mother’s perspective to her daughter’s, Cassie, her son’s and the occasional other’s thoughts. Most of all, we perceive the events from Lizzie and Cassie, they are such great characters and strong women, shown to us with their flaws and vulnerabilities; perhaps it is because of that we love them and can relate to them so well.
What I loved most about this book (and was a bit envious of!) is the strong and remarkable ties that bind this family together – it feels as a privilege to have this peek into their lives. Who would not want a father like Lizzie’s? Salocin, “it’s not a life, it’s an adventure,” with his big, imaginative and loving heart is the family’s rock to lean on and I have got to tell you about his special gift for storytelling. The author has a way of describing her characters that makes you smile, such as the publisher’s personal assistant, Oliver, apparently a sight to behold. The red line of this beautiful work of fiction is the family and how they cope with all that happens – the good and the bad, the love and loss, friendship and betrayal on their rocky path through life.
Eva Jordan’s brilliant novel is like life itself, not black and white or a mere shade of grey but consists of all the magnificent colours in between.
Read the review on my website: https://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/all-th...
| Introduction |
Lizzie should feel proud that she has successfully weathered the storms of time, the emotions she went through each have their own colour such as ‘cranberry passion’ for first love, the ‘iridescent pink flush‘ of desire and the colour of ‘sulphur‘ for times of intense pain. So why should she not feel an abundant joy with its bright colours but, instead, sees everything fade to a mere shade of grey?
| Storyline |
Meet Lizzie, a middle-aged woman (in her own words!) who is stunned by her success as an author and is time and again amazed at how many people attend her book signings. If only she would feel a bit better… The fact that her publisher has brought with her the delicious Oliver, a man with the looks to make both women and men completely forget their composure, is not helping either. Lizzie, who has two children, Cassie, her daughter working and living in London and sixteen-year-old Connor, has gone through a difficult divorce and raised her children as a single parent. Now she is happy with Simon, whose daughter Maisy lives in Australia with her boyfriend, Cazee. Then there are Lizzie’s father, Salocin, and her mother and a few more members of this huge but lovely family each of them with their own, unique story to tell…
Where Lizzie feels nauseous almost all of the time, the first thoughts her son, Connor, relates to us are much more serious: he is sure he is about to die. As it turns out, Connor exaggerated just a little but alas for him, his friends have a ball teasing him. A lesson learned, you should think but Connor is, perhaps, a bit incorrigible. He loves his mother but, as any teenager, rebels against her with his behaviour. The same goes for Cassie – Lizzie is worried because her daughter is incredibly thin and she suspects that Cassie, like herself, is unable to eat when in stress. She wants to help Cassie but how to make a daughter open up to her mother? When Lizzie’s father, Salocin, is rushed to hospital, her ex-husband lies for dead on the floor and her step-daughter Maisy brings a surprise visit, life cannot get any better, right? Wrong!
Amidst the turmoil of it all, of everything that life throws at them, this amazing family has the ability to laugh at themselves and life. Welcome to the wonderful, crazy and colourful world of Lizzie Lemalf!
| My Thoughts |
‘All The Colours In Between’ is the first book of author Eva Jordan I had the pleasure to read and it was such a wonderful surprise, I love it! The mother, Lizzie, drives me crazy sometimes but her behaviour is oh so recognisable to me, as a mother – and yes, our children might be adults but we cannot stop worrying about them! If you, like me, have not read ‘183 Times A Year,’ it will take you a bit of time to get familiar with the characters, there are quite a few of them, and the narration alternates from the mother’s perspective to her daughter’s, Cassie, her son’s and the occasional other’s thoughts. Most of all, we perceive the events from Lizzie and Cassie, they are such great characters and strong women, shown to us with their flaws and vulnerabilities; perhaps it is because of that we love them and can relate to them so well.
What I loved most about this book (and was a bit envious of!) is the strong and remarkable ties that bind this family together – it feels as a privilege to have this peek into their lives. Who would not want a father like Lizzie’s? Salocin, “it’s not a life, it’s an adventure,” with his big, imaginative and loving heart is the family’s rock to lean on and I have got to tell you about his special gift for storytelling. The author has a way of describing her characters that makes you smile, such as the publisher’s personal assistant, Oliver, apparently a sight to behold. The red line of this beautiful work of fiction is the family and how they cope with all that happens – the good and the bad, the love and loss, friendship and betrayal on their rocky path through life.
Eva Jordan’s brilliant novel is like life itself, not black and white or a mere shade of grey but consists of all the magnificent colours in between.
Read the review on my website: https://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/all-th...
October 21, 2017
I just love a book that can take you to emotional extremes – you’ll laugh a lot, you’ll feel deeply for several members of this wonderful family at different times and in different ways. And at other times you will cry – the way this book and its writer handles grief is quite exceptional. I was so caught up with the characters – Lizzie “approaching 50” was closest to home for me, but every single character is drawn with a wonderful depth of detail, whether a difficult teen, a troubled young woman or a friend having problems of their own.
From its prologue full of kaleidoscopic colour, I loved everything about this book. The first person narration – whether it’s Lizzie, son Connor, daughter Cassie – works just perfectly, and allows you to climb inside the skins of the characters. I’m in absolute awe of how well the author writes in the “voice” of Connor – I’m no expert, but I thought it was just flawless. This is a family of real people living their lives on the page… and I might have missed out on reading the first book, but I’m ready now to put my name down for the next one. One I’d recommend to others? Absolutely!
From its prologue full of kaleidoscopic colour, I loved everything about this book. The first person narration – whether it’s Lizzie, son Connor, daughter Cassie – works just perfectly, and allows you to climb inside the skins of the characters. I’m in absolute awe of how well the author writes in the “voice” of Connor – I’m no expert, but I thought it was just flawless. This is a family of real people living their lives on the page… and I might have missed out on reading the first book, but I’m ready now to put my name down for the next one. One I’d recommend to others? Absolutely!
October 24, 2017
‘Life is never straightforward when you see all the colours in between….’
All the Colours In Between is the follow up book in a series by Eva Jordan, featuring what I can only describe as real people with very real lives. Book one, entitled 183 Times a Year, introduced the reader to Lizzie and her family. It is described as a ‘poignant, heartfelt look at that complex and diverse relationship between a Mother and daughter set amongst the thorny realities of today’s divided and extended families’.
Eva Jordan’s latest novel continues with Lizzie at a stage in her life when she is supposed to be getting back on track again. Her writing career is taking off, with her book having a very successful run. Her daughter Cassie is following her own path in the music industry in London. Her son Connor is a typical teen with attitude and her step-daughter Maisy is living in Australia with her partner, both involved in the tattoo business. Lizzie is happy.
‘..and so they left home…Grew up, sort of, spread their wings and flew the proverbial nest. The hard years were over. I weathered the storms, took the rough with the smooth and at the end of the day, family is family. I’ve embraced my colourful life……why then, is everything fading to grey…’
But life has a way of throwing out curve balls, as Lizzie soon discovers.
All the individual characters in this novel are just fabulously portrayed, with Lizzie being my favourite. Lizzie is approaching the big Five-O, with the menopause looming. Her children are flying the nest and her loving and wonderful parents are aging before her eyes.
‘I don’t want to be an adult. I want to be a child again. Where life is black and white. I hate all the colours in between….it’s only as I’ve started to grow up…I realise how complicated life is’
Who hasn’t woken up and felt like this at times when life gets us down?
Children may leave the nest but the concern for them, as a parent, is never ending. Such is the case for Lizzie, as Cassie is obviously hiding something. There is that fine line as a parent where you want your child to be independent and make their own decisions, yet you worry all the time. Lizzie knows something is up with Cassie and when she does eventually discover the truth, a mother bear springs to mind.
Cassie’s troubles are very topical in the current climate, as are all the issues dealt with in this novel.
I’m not going to lie. I had tears rolling down my face when reading from certain sections. The emotional impact of this book was huge for me. Anyone who has experienced grief and bereavement will understand this.
All The Colours In Between is truly an emotional rollercoaster.
Eva Jordan has captured the stark reality of life and laid it out bare for us all to read. Told with humour and honesty, there were times I felt like I was reading a private diary.
I’m going to leave my review now with a quote from the book from Jalaluddin Rumi, a 13th century Persian poet, that Eva Jordan included in the novel.
‘Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul there is no such thing as separation’
All the Colours In Between is the follow up book in a series by Eva Jordan, featuring what I can only describe as real people with very real lives. Book one, entitled 183 Times a Year, introduced the reader to Lizzie and her family. It is described as a ‘poignant, heartfelt look at that complex and diverse relationship between a Mother and daughter set amongst the thorny realities of today’s divided and extended families’.
Eva Jordan’s latest novel continues with Lizzie at a stage in her life when she is supposed to be getting back on track again. Her writing career is taking off, with her book having a very successful run. Her daughter Cassie is following her own path in the music industry in London. Her son Connor is a typical teen with attitude and her step-daughter Maisy is living in Australia with her partner, both involved in the tattoo business. Lizzie is happy.
‘..and so they left home…Grew up, sort of, spread their wings and flew the proverbial nest. The hard years were over. I weathered the storms, took the rough with the smooth and at the end of the day, family is family. I’ve embraced my colourful life……why then, is everything fading to grey…’
But life has a way of throwing out curve balls, as Lizzie soon discovers.
All the individual characters in this novel are just fabulously portrayed, with Lizzie being my favourite. Lizzie is approaching the big Five-O, with the menopause looming. Her children are flying the nest and her loving and wonderful parents are aging before her eyes.
‘I don’t want to be an adult. I want to be a child again. Where life is black and white. I hate all the colours in between….it’s only as I’ve started to grow up…I realise how complicated life is’
Who hasn’t woken up and felt like this at times when life gets us down?
Children may leave the nest but the concern for them, as a parent, is never ending. Such is the case for Lizzie, as Cassie is obviously hiding something. There is that fine line as a parent where you want your child to be independent and make their own decisions, yet you worry all the time. Lizzie knows something is up with Cassie and when she does eventually discover the truth, a mother bear springs to mind.
Cassie’s troubles are very topical in the current climate, as are all the issues dealt with in this novel.
I’m not going to lie. I had tears rolling down my face when reading from certain sections. The emotional impact of this book was huge for me. Anyone who has experienced grief and bereavement will understand this.
All The Colours In Between is truly an emotional rollercoaster.
Eva Jordan has captured the stark reality of life and laid it out bare for us all to read. Told with humour and honesty, there were times I felt like I was reading a private diary.
I’m going to leave my review now with a quote from the book from Jalaluddin Rumi, a 13th century Persian poet, that Eva Jordan included in the novel.
‘Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul there is no such thing as separation’
March 14, 2019
3.5 stars
Another fun, but at the same time heartbreaking journey with this madcap family.
If you are looking for a series to laugh and cry over, then I can heartily recommend this one.
Note: this is book 2 and they really need to be read in order.
Another fun, but at the same time heartbreaking journey with this madcap family.
If you are looking for a series to laugh and cry over, then I can heartily recommend this one.
Note: this is book 2 and they really need to be read in order.
October 20, 2017
Loved the first book in this series but think I loved this one just a little more . I love Lizzie and her blended , dysfunctional family . Believable Characters that bring the book alive had me laughing and crying in equal measures . Devoured in 2 days I look forward to the next episode in their lives . My thanks to tbc reviewers for the chance to read
Read
November 11, 2018Not read, passed on.
October 2, 2017
This was my second Eva Jordan book as well as the sequel to 183 Times a year. I loved the characters and how I could relate to some of their situations. This book tackles a lot of issues, like miscarriage, abortion and being Pro Life, forgiveness and saying goodbye to a loved one. I love how the characters love and enjoy one another. A great book, thank you again to TBConFB for the copy. I would recommend this book to readers of Woman Fiction. You can read this book as a standalone but don't deny yourself the pleasure of reading 183 Times a Year.
October 8, 2017
A very enjoyable book. By turns Lizzie left me infuriated, hysterical with laughter, dumbstruck and grief stricken. The family dynamics were very true to life and I really enjoyed the way the story is told from the different character's viewpoints. This is not a construct I normally like, but it worked very well in All the Colours In Between. The book is absorbing, the characters sympathetic and the plot fast moving. It is not a "fluffy" read and touches on some serious topics but I felt Eva dealt with them with a very careful touch. Highly recommended.
September 28, 2017
This is my 2nd Eva Jordan book, and it doesn't disappoint! I loved this book and found I couldn't put it down. For me personally I could identify with it so well, and I scarily relate to Lizzy!!!! This book has every emotion possible., from laughing to crying in a nano second. The dynamics of all the family is hysterical, and trying to keep a blended family together resonates extremely well with me. This book for me has it all.... Plus I can identify to most of the emotions for poor Lizzy.... It's a really easy read, and if you really want to get the real benefit from it, you must read 183 Times a Year first. But either way, I totally loved this book, and can't wait for book 3!!!!!!! So hurry up Eva Jordan, ima waitin............. ;)
October 29, 2017
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This was such a lovely book I really did enjoy reading every page!
The writing style was spot on for the book and it really made the story so heartfelt, you can tell that it was written with a passion that comes through and helps to give a genuine portrayal of believable characters. I was completely absorbed by the story and found it very hard to put it down. It was definitely an emotive read and one that will stay with me and love the tag line and think I need to adopt it myself - it's not a life, its an adventure!!
This book was definitely a highlight for 2017 for me and a book I cannot recommend highly enough - no hesitation in giving this one a 5 stars rating - truly enjoyable - I loved it xx
This was such a lovely book I really did enjoy reading every page!
The writing style was spot on for the book and it really made the story so heartfelt, you can tell that it was written with a passion that comes through and helps to give a genuine portrayal of believable characters. I was completely absorbed by the story and found it very hard to put it down. It was definitely an emotive read and one that will stay with me and love the tag line and think I need to adopt it myself - it's not a life, its an adventure!!
This book was definitely a highlight for 2017 for me and a book I cannot recommend highly enough - no hesitation in giving this one a 5 stars rating - truly enjoyable - I loved it xx
October 23, 2017
Wow, what a fabulous book this was! I didn't think that it could get any better than the first in the series, 183 Times a Year, and then it did. It well and truly ticks all the boxes of my criterion for 5 star book reviews - it make me laugh, it made me cry and it made me think, long after finishing it.
Lizzie and her blended, interesting family are back in this second instalment. Lizzie has become an author and the girls have grown up some but that doesn't mean that Lizzie gets to put her feet up and relax any time soon. There are plenty of ups and downs for her and the rest of her extended family to cope with, some of which I didn't see coming at all and some which left me with tears streaming down my face. Eva Jordan clearly knows how to tell a tale so this middle-aged mum can relate, that's for sure. I absolutely loved it all :)
I can't praise this book highly enough, if I could give it more than 5 stars, I certainly would. I can't wait for the next book!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Thank you to THE Book Club.
Lizzie and her blended, interesting family are back in this second instalment. Lizzie has become an author and the girls have grown up some but that doesn't mean that Lizzie gets to put her feet up and relax any time soon. There are plenty of ups and downs for her and the rest of her extended family to cope with, some of which I didn't see coming at all and some which left me with tears streaming down my face. Eva Jordan clearly knows how to tell a tale so this middle-aged mum can relate, that's for sure. I absolutely loved it all :)
I can't praise this book highly enough, if I could give it more than 5 stars, I certainly would. I can't wait for the next book!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Thank you to THE Book Club.
October 18, 2017
Families- love them or hate them- but we all have them one way or another. A daughter who is stick thin and troubled, a son who is being bullied but making his way in the world and Mum who strangely keeps being sick and getting hot flushes. Menopause she thinks, but sick all day? Dad left years ago and is now living in a hovel having been dumped by the “step-monster”. A Grandad that everyone loves and a son who thinks he knows who Grandad “really is”. Of life and love, of strengths and weaknesses,tragedy and justice, heartbreaks and triumphs. Eva has done it again and written a book that not only I can’t put down but makes me smile and sympathise with the characters and the antics they get up to. A brilliantly written tale of family life with its ups and downs , smiles and tears. I very much look forward to the next book from this truly talented author. An uplifting read.
I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased
I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased
October 17, 2017
I was fortunate to be given an ARC via The Book Club on Facebook in return for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I must be honest with you. When I asked to review this book I had not read the first book in the series, “183 Times A Year”, so my first stop was to do just that. I read the books back to back so it is possible I may muddle some events, BUT the first thing that I would recommend is that you do read the first novel before embarking on “All the Colours In Between” for both maximum background and enjoyment. I will try my best not to give any spoilers for the second book!
The modern blended, extended family. Marriage, divorce, teenagers, love, deceit, 3 generations, ex partners, friends, illness, flying the nest – this list is the tip of the iceberg of the life topics to be found in “All the Colours In Between”. Lizzie is the mum, step mum, lover, daughter, ex-wife, friend and mentor driving the story of her family and the individual members life journeys. She lives with her daughter, step daughter and son – all young adults by this book – and her partner Simon. Her parents play a huge role in the family, along with her brother and his family and not forgetting the rollercoaster that is best friend Ruby. The relationship with her ex, the father of Cassie and Connor, is strained at best. But at this point Lizzie has become an author against all the odds – selling real books and featuring in the best sellers list – whilst in the first book she dreamed of this whilst working with books as a librarian.
In this book Lizzie’s daughters Cassie and Maisie have grown up, ditched their teen disguises, spread their wings and left home. Her son Connor has evolved from a lovely pre-teen into a grunting, hoody wearing, sullen sixteen year old. I normally write a bit more about the plot in my reviews, but I really don’t want to give too much away. Reading both of Eva Jordan’s novels gave me the same feeling that I had when I first saw the BBC comedy Outnumbered. I was certain that someone had planted cameras in my household! Of course as mum I identify with Lizzie – so much. When she describes her conversations with her children and her own parents, I was shouting “Yes!” The feelings of exasperation trying to get through to a teenage boy who looks like a man, is the size of a man, sounds like a man, and thinks he is a man yet is really a man boy – these could have been penned by yours truly! The descriptions of her forays onto Social Media mirrored my own – my young adult kids shake their heads and ask themselves why they introduced me to it!
But Ms Jordan shakes up the commentary by writing different chapters with the voices of different family members. In the first book she writes as Lizzie and Cassie for the majority of the time, and in this book Connor features to a greater extent too. The Cassie of “All the Colours In Between” is older, slightly wiser, but still hilarious in her ability to use completely the wrong phrase or to misunderstand a saying. Whilst her story is extremely dark in places, her love for her family shines through from start to finish. Her description of a particularly stressful car journey with Maisy toward the end of the book is just hilarious – no spoilers, so no more! Connor is that teen who feels misunderstood by all adults, is just experiencing sexual attractions, the pull of alcohol, spliffs and parties, yet is still damaged from the rejection by his father as a young child. Maisy has moved across the world as true love struck, but when life took an unexpected turn (including a meeting with biological mum) it is her family who she returns to.
I really could write an essay about this book, but needless to say I LOVED IT! There is no sugar coating life here – relationships fail, family life is hard work to maintain, good things happen and shit happens. Eva Jordan gives us it all in a way that had me laughing out loud one minute – particularly with Salocin, the grandfather – and then crying the next. But no matter what life throws at them, this family will continue to grow and love each other….with some hiccoughs along the way. I cannot wait for the next instalment…..please, Eva Jordan!
Five golden stars from me.
I must be honest with you. When I asked to review this book I had not read the first book in the series, “183 Times A Year”, so my first stop was to do just that. I read the books back to back so it is possible I may muddle some events, BUT the first thing that I would recommend is that you do read the first novel before embarking on “All the Colours In Between” for both maximum background and enjoyment. I will try my best not to give any spoilers for the second book!
The modern blended, extended family. Marriage, divorce, teenagers, love, deceit, 3 generations, ex partners, friends, illness, flying the nest – this list is the tip of the iceberg of the life topics to be found in “All the Colours In Between”. Lizzie is the mum, step mum, lover, daughter, ex-wife, friend and mentor driving the story of her family and the individual members life journeys. She lives with her daughter, step daughter and son – all young adults by this book – and her partner Simon. Her parents play a huge role in the family, along with her brother and his family and not forgetting the rollercoaster that is best friend Ruby. The relationship with her ex, the father of Cassie and Connor, is strained at best. But at this point Lizzie has become an author against all the odds – selling real books and featuring in the best sellers list – whilst in the first book she dreamed of this whilst working with books as a librarian.
In this book Lizzie’s daughters Cassie and Maisie have grown up, ditched their teen disguises, spread their wings and left home. Her son Connor has evolved from a lovely pre-teen into a grunting, hoody wearing, sullen sixteen year old. I normally write a bit more about the plot in my reviews, but I really don’t want to give too much away. Reading both of Eva Jordan’s novels gave me the same feeling that I had when I first saw the BBC comedy Outnumbered. I was certain that someone had planted cameras in my household! Of course as mum I identify with Lizzie – so much. When she describes her conversations with her children and her own parents, I was shouting “Yes!” The feelings of exasperation trying to get through to a teenage boy who looks like a man, is the size of a man, sounds like a man, and thinks he is a man yet is really a man boy – these could have been penned by yours truly! The descriptions of her forays onto Social Media mirrored my own – my young adult kids shake their heads and ask themselves why they introduced me to it!
But Ms Jordan shakes up the commentary by writing different chapters with the voices of different family members. In the first book she writes as Lizzie and Cassie for the majority of the time, and in this book Connor features to a greater extent too. The Cassie of “All the Colours In Between” is older, slightly wiser, but still hilarious in her ability to use completely the wrong phrase or to misunderstand a saying. Whilst her story is extremely dark in places, her love for her family shines through from start to finish. Her description of a particularly stressful car journey with Maisy toward the end of the book is just hilarious – no spoilers, so no more! Connor is that teen who feels misunderstood by all adults, is just experiencing sexual attractions, the pull of alcohol, spliffs and parties, yet is still damaged from the rejection by his father as a young child. Maisy has moved across the world as true love struck, but when life took an unexpected turn (including a meeting with biological mum) it is her family who she returns to.
I really could write an essay about this book, but needless to say I LOVED IT! There is no sugar coating life here – relationships fail, family life is hard work to maintain, good things happen and shit happens. Eva Jordan gives us it all in a way that had me laughing out loud one minute – particularly with Salocin, the grandfather – and then crying the next. But no matter what life throws at them, this family will continue to grow and love each other….with some hiccoughs along the way. I cannot wait for the next instalment…..please, Eva Jordan!
Five golden stars from me.
October 12, 2017
Lizzie is fast approaching 50. Her once angst ridden teenage daughters, now grown and in their twenties, have flown the nest, Cassie to London and Maisy to Australia. And, although Connor, Lizzie’s sulky, surly teenage son, is now on his own tormented passage to adulthood, his quest to get there, for the most part, is a far quieter journey than that of his sisters. The hard years, Lizzie believes, are behind her.
Embracing her new career as a writer; divorce, money worries and the constant battle to weather the stormy complexities of the blended family, are all but a distant memory. It’s time for Lizzie to focus on herself for a change. Stepdaughter Maisy is embracing life down under and daughter Cassie is working for a famous record producer in London. Lizzie’s only concern, albeit a mild one, is for the arrested development of her Facebook-Tweeting, Snapchatting, music and mobile phone obsessed, teenage son. With communication skills, more akin to an intermittent series of unintelligible grunts, conversation is futile. However, Lizzie is not particularly perturbed. With deadlines to meet and book tours to attend, Lizzie has other distractions to concentrate on. But all in all, life is good. Life is very good.
Only, things are never quite as black and white as they seem…
A visit to her daughter in London leaves Lizzie troubled. Cassie is still the same incessant chattering Queen of malaprops and spoonerisms she ever was, however something is clouding her normally cheery disposition. Not to mention her extreme weight loss. And that is just the start. Add to that an unexpected visitor, a disturbing phone call, a son acting suspiciously, a run in with her ex-husband and a new man in her life who quite simply takes her breath away; Lizzie quickly realises life is something that happens while plans are being made.
Harsh but tender, thought provoking but light-hearted, dark but brilliantly funny, this is a story of contemporary family life in all its 21st century glory. A story of mothers and sons, of fathers and daughters, of brothers and sisters, and friends. A tale of love and loss, of friendships and betrayals and a tale of coming of age and end of life. Nobody said it would be easy and as Lizzie knows only too well, life is never straightforward when you see all the colours in between.
All The Colours In Between follows on from 183 Times A Year. It is not necessary to have read 183 Times a Year beforehand, but it’s probably better if you do.
This book is wonderful. It had me smiling in sympathy, laughing with the characters and also crying with them. It brings up many memories – some good, some not so good. It’s very well written and an easy read. The characters are very realistic. I felt as though I was part of the family, sharing in their sorrows and joys. 5*
Embracing her new career as a writer; divorce, money worries and the constant battle to weather the stormy complexities of the blended family, are all but a distant memory. It’s time for Lizzie to focus on herself for a change. Stepdaughter Maisy is embracing life down under and daughter Cassie is working for a famous record producer in London. Lizzie’s only concern, albeit a mild one, is for the arrested development of her Facebook-Tweeting, Snapchatting, music and mobile phone obsessed, teenage son. With communication skills, more akin to an intermittent series of unintelligible grunts, conversation is futile. However, Lizzie is not particularly perturbed. With deadlines to meet and book tours to attend, Lizzie has other distractions to concentrate on. But all in all, life is good. Life is very good.
Only, things are never quite as black and white as they seem…
A visit to her daughter in London leaves Lizzie troubled. Cassie is still the same incessant chattering Queen of malaprops and spoonerisms she ever was, however something is clouding her normally cheery disposition. Not to mention her extreme weight loss. And that is just the start. Add to that an unexpected visitor, a disturbing phone call, a son acting suspiciously, a run in with her ex-husband and a new man in her life who quite simply takes her breath away; Lizzie quickly realises life is something that happens while plans are being made.
Harsh but tender, thought provoking but light-hearted, dark but brilliantly funny, this is a story of contemporary family life in all its 21st century glory. A story of mothers and sons, of fathers and daughters, of brothers and sisters, and friends. A tale of love and loss, of friendships and betrayals and a tale of coming of age and end of life. Nobody said it would be easy and as Lizzie knows only too well, life is never straightforward when you see all the colours in between.
All The Colours In Between follows on from 183 Times A Year. It is not necessary to have read 183 Times a Year beforehand, but it’s probably better if you do.
This book is wonderful. It had me smiling in sympathy, laughing with the characters and also crying with them. It brings up many memories – some good, some not so good. It’s very well written and an easy read. The characters are very realistic. I felt as though I was part of the family, sharing in their sorrows and joys. 5*
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October 16, 2017Initially, I was attracted to All the Colours in Between by its beautiful cover design – isn’t it gorgeous? – and, secondly, because I’d heard good things about Eva Jordan’s debut 183 Times a Year.
All the Colours in Between is a sequel to 183 Times though in my opinion it is not necessary to have read the first book to follow and enjoy the second. Being women’s fiction, Jordan takes an ordinary woman – in this case almost-fifty-year-old new author Lizzie – with a blended family and shows us that there is no such thing as ordinary. The story is narrated, in turns, by our heroine Lizzie, her twenty-something daughter Cassie and troubled teenage son, Connor. Eva Jordan’s writing is fluent and easy to read. All three voices are conversational and intimate in tone (especially the women, unsurprisingly), giving the reader the sense that you could be reading a diary entry by each character. Lizzie and Cassie’s voices are more successful than Connor’s, who can feel a tad two dimensional on occasion.
I enjoyed this book – it’s undemanding and there’s plenty to relate to for approaching mid-life mothers. Jordan’s style is natural, witty and warm and it deals with some heavy-duty themes with an admirable lightness of touch. I would have enjoyed it more had Jordan been a more ruthless editor. It takes a long time – almost 100 pages – for the narrative to achieve lift-off. Up to this point, it feels meandering with too many purposeless scenes which affect pace adversely. That said, Eva Jordan is a talented author and I’d read her work again.
Overall, a pleasant, slice of life read.
All the Colours in Between is a sequel to 183 Times though in my opinion it is not necessary to have read the first book to follow and enjoy the second. Being women’s fiction, Jordan takes an ordinary woman – in this case almost-fifty-year-old new author Lizzie – with a blended family and shows us that there is no such thing as ordinary. The story is narrated, in turns, by our heroine Lizzie, her twenty-something daughter Cassie and troubled teenage son, Connor. Eva Jordan’s writing is fluent and easy to read. All three voices are conversational and intimate in tone (especially the women, unsurprisingly), giving the reader the sense that you could be reading a diary entry by each character. Lizzie and Cassie’s voices are more successful than Connor’s, who can feel a tad two dimensional on occasion.
I enjoyed this book – it’s undemanding and there’s plenty to relate to for approaching mid-life mothers. Jordan’s style is natural, witty and warm and it deals with some heavy-duty themes with an admirable lightness of touch. I would have enjoyed it more had Jordan been a more ruthless editor. It takes a long time – almost 100 pages – for the narrative to achieve lift-off. Up to this point, it feels meandering with too many purposeless scenes which affect pace adversely. That said, Eva Jordan is a talented author and I’d read her work again.
Overall, a pleasant, slice of life read.
October 18, 2017
I absolutely loved 183 times a year, and was so looking forward to the next book, once I realised there was going to be one. So I have been on tender hooks since.
Reading the blurb, I was pulled in straight away and wanting to find out more in-depth on the mechanics of what was going on in this modern day family, how they were going to move on from the last pages of 183,
I was soon pulled in and really felt for Lizzie, just when she feels empty nest, but hope for having some time to herself and what this means for her...well... reading this really was an adventure.
Eva Jordan, cleverly wrote from various points of view, ages, genders and had a brilliant family life line running through the story, which I do not want to give away.
All The Colours In Between is full of joy, sadness, fractious relationships and shows modern family in a very different light. With such amazing characters, heartfelt issues for them, and portrayed so life like. I could feel that I was there with them.
So I suggest you click the link and purchase to follow Lizzie and her family, on yet another life lesson or two and adventures. There is plenty to keep you absorbed, but in such a wonderful way that you want to curl up and read in one sitting.
You will be frustrated, laugh, cry and feel part of this quirky, nutty, but amazing family.
Reading the blurb, I was pulled in straight away and wanting to find out more in-depth on the mechanics of what was going on in this modern day family, how they were going to move on from the last pages of 183,
I was soon pulled in and really felt for Lizzie, just when she feels empty nest, but hope for having some time to herself and what this means for her...well... reading this really was an adventure.
Eva Jordan, cleverly wrote from various points of view, ages, genders and had a brilliant family life line running through the story, which I do not want to give away.
All The Colours In Between is full of joy, sadness, fractious relationships and shows modern family in a very different light. With such amazing characters, heartfelt issues for them, and portrayed so life like. I could feel that I was there with them.
So I suggest you click the link and purchase to follow Lizzie and her family, on yet another life lesson or two and adventures. There is plenty to keep you absorbed, but in such a wonderful way that you want to curl up and read in one sitting.
You will be frustrated, laugh, cry and feel part of this quirky, nutty, but amazing family.
October 13, 2017
Wow, well what a breath of fresh air this novel is. It's a book that deals with what life throws at you. As the book states, 'it's not a life, it's an adventure.' I laughed, I cried, and raced through the pages, savouring every word. It's an honest read about family life, and I loved it for its rawness. I'll just mention here that All the Colours in Between is the follow up novel to 183 Times a Year, which I haven't read, but that this book worked very well for me as a stand alone novel.
So, where do I begin? This book is told from first person multiple points of view. with each chapter stating who is talking, so it's very easy to follow the story. Having said this, each character has their own particular voice, and some use more colourful language than others, so if you are easily offended by swear words, then this may not be the book for you. The language used is current, especially the dialogue from the younger members of the family, but the language is needed to make these characters real. I'll admit that I had to google the word 'peng.'
Lizzie is a mother, a writer and is fast approaching fifty. She has a busy life and has many a drama in this novel that I can't go into without giving away spoilers, but I can say that I admired her greatly. She is a woman who worries about her children, her elderly father who is ill, all while trying to juggle a writing career. Many of her chapters are poignant, and brought a lump to my throat.
Connor is Lizzie's son and is also a central character. At fifteen his voice is incredibly fresh and utterly believable. Here is a boy on the brink of adulthood and I just wanted to give him a big hug, I really liked Connor. Cassie is Lizzie's daughter, who works in the music industry, a young woman who has to deal with a life changing event, and I found myself utterly gripped by this young woman's story, of which her emotional journey was very well written.
All the Colours in Between is a powerful, emotional, and fast paced story about modern life in a blended family. It was a pure joy to read and I can't wait for the next instalment in this family saga.
With thanks to the publisher for an Advanced Raeder Copy.
So, where do I begin? This book is told from first person multiple points of view. with each chapter stating who is talking, so it's very easy to follow the story. Having said this, each character has their own particular voice, and some use more colourful language than others, so if you are easily offended by swear words, then this may not be the book for you. The language used is current, especially the dialogue from the younger members of the family, but the language is needed to make these characters real. I'll admit that I had to google the word 'peng.'
Lizzie is a mother, a writer and is fast approaching fifty. She has a busy life and has many a drama in this novel that I can't go into without giving away spoilers, but I can say that I admired her greatly. She is a woman who worries about her children, her elderly father who is ill, all while trying to juggle a writing career. Many of her chapters are poignant, and brought a lump to my throat.
Connor is Lizzie's son and is also a central character. At fifteen his voice is incredibly fresh and utterly believable. Here is a boy on the brink of adulthood and I just wanted to give him a big hug, I really liked Connor. Cassie is Lizzie's daughter, who works in the music industry, a young woman who has to deal with a life changing event, and I found myself utterly gripped by this young woman's story, of which her emotional journey was very well written.
All the Colours in Between is a powerful, emotional, and fast paced story about modern life in a blended family. It was a pure joy to read and I can't wait for the next instalment in this family saga.
With thanks to the publisher for an Advanced Raeder Copy.
December 29, 2017
This was my 1st Eva Jordan book and it lived up to my expectations. It is based around Lizzie and how although her children are growing up and leaving the nest, the story that unfolds proves you always need your Mum no matter what. It is an emotional story that deals with grief in different forms and the importance of family. I loved the rollercoaster this story took me on and how I didn't know if I would laugh or cry next. Definitely a recommended read :)
October 11, 2017
I loved 183 Times a Year, the first book by Eva Jordan, and have been busy recommending it to anyone who would listen. So it was with trepidation that I embarked on book 2, especially as, to be honest, I found the opening chapters a little disappointing and I had difficulty reaffirming my investment in the characters. Then the story took off and I was back in the topsy turvy world of Lizzie and her madcap family with alternating chapters voiced so realistically by the different characters. Again Eva Jordan captures those voices so successfully the reader is totally immersed in the family, almost as if we were there, laughing, crying, arguing. Young Connor, at first the nightmare teenage boy, spouting ‘youth-speak’ so cringingly it was hard to sympathise with him. But slowly his character with all the insecurities of the young, penetrated my heart and I grew to understand his bravado and angst. And Granddad - what a truly fabulous, lovable character, all the more reason to share in the heartbreak of his storyline.
My one regret: those words ‘to be continued…’ at the end. Aaargh - so now I have to wait to find out what comes next!!
My one regret: those words ‘to be continued…’ at the end. Aaargh - so now I have to wait to find out what comes next!!
October 15, 2017
It's not a life, it's an adventure!
I was excited to learn that there was a sequel to 183 Times a Year as I had really enjoyed reading about Lizzie and her family. It didn’t take long to become familiar with the various characters again and while I’m pretty sure this would read well as a standalone book, why would you do that? At the time I was reading this part of the storyline strongly echoed an ongoing news story which made the book feel very real and up to date. There is a lovely balance between the lighthearted moments and humour and the darker elements of the story line. As usual I am mindful of spoilers but readers are advised to keep a tissue close by. I have definitely been left wanting more so I’m happy to see that book 3 is in progress.
I received an ARC of All The Colours In Between via NetGalley and my thanks to Urbane Publications for that.
I was excited to learn that there was a sequel to 183 Times a Year as I had really enjoyed reading about Lizzie and her family. It didn’t take long to become familiar with the various characters again and while I’m pretty sure this would read well as a standalone book, why would you do that? At the time I was reading this part of the storyline strongly echoed an ongoing news story which made the book feel very real and up to date. There is a lovely balance between the lighthearted moments and humour and the darker elements of the story line. As usual I am mindful of spoilers but readers are advised to keep a tissue close by. I have definitely been left wanting more so I’m happy to see that book 3 is in progress.
I received an ARC of All The Colours In Between via NetGalley and my thanks to Urbane Publications for that.
October 23, 2017
Even though I haven't read the first book of the series (183 Times a Year) I still thought this was a wonderful book. It can be read as a standalone story as its set a few years after the first one.
I loved the relationship between Lizzie and Cassie and felt the characters were really well thought out and I could really empathise with them and care about them, which is a sign of good writing.
Going to read the first book now as I enjoyed this one so much.
Thanks to TBConFB for an advanced copy in return for an honest review.
I loved the relationship between Lizzie and Cassie and felt the characters were really well thought out and I could really empathise with them and care about them, which is a sign of good writing.
Going to read the first book now as I enjoyed this one so much.
Thanks to TBConFB for an advanced copy in return for an honest review.
October 16, 2017
Wow, I absolutely adored this book! An emotional rollercoaster of a ride, it made me laugh and it made me cry. With characters you quickly come to care about, this is a story about the importance of family and how we need those closest to us no matter what stage of our lives we’re in.
Eva Jordan has written a beautiful book that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to anyone. A very easy 5 stars.
Thank you to TBC and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this wonderful book.
Eva Jordan has written a beautiful book that I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend to anyone. A very easy 5 stars.
Thank you to TBC and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of this wonderful book.
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