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The Year that Changed Everything
'Warm, witty and wise' Marian KeyesThree women, three birthdays, one year that will change everything...Ginger isn't spending her thirtieth the way she would have planned. Tonight might be the first night of the rest of her life - or a total disaster.Sam is finally pregnant after years of trying. When her waters break on the morning of her fortieth birthday, she forget labour, how is she going to be a mother?Callie is celebrating her fiftieth at a big party in her Dublin home. Then a knock at the door mid-party changes everything...Treat yourself to the heartwarming and life-affirming new story from international bestseller Cathy Kelly ***Everyone loves Cathy 'This book is full of joy - and I devoured every page of it gladly' - Milly Johnson'Filled with nuggets of wisdom, compassion and humour, Cathy Kelly proves, yet again, that she knows everything there is to know about women' - Patricia Scanlan'Packed with Cathy's usual magical warmth' - Sheila O'Flanagan'A lovely story of life and change' - Prima'Comforting and feel-good, the perfect treat read' - Good Housekeeping
394 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2017
1015 people are currently reading
2353 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Kelly
115 books1,085 followersBorn in Belfast but raised in Dublin, Cathy initially worked for thirteen years as a newspaper journalist with a national Irish Sunday newspaper, where she worked in news, features, along with spending time as an agony aunt and the paper’s film critic. However, her overwhelming love was always fiction and she published her first international bestseller, Woman To Woman, in 1997. She did not become a full-time writer until she had written another two books (She’s The One and Never Too Late) and finally decided to leave the world of journalism in 2001, moving to HarperCollins Publishers at the same time.
Someone Like You and What She Wants followed in successive years. Her sixth novel, Just Between Us, was her first Sunday Times number one bestseller, while her eighth novel, Always and Forever, topped the UK bestseller lists in October 2005, displacing Dan Brown and J. K. Rowling. In 2007, Past Secrets in was also a number one paperback bestseller.
Lessons in Heartbreak was shortlisted for the Eason Irish Popular Fiction Book of the Year at the Irish Book Awards in April 2009. In September 2009, Once in a Lifetime topped the UK bestseller lists for three weeks. In March 2011, Homecoming achieved the same feat. Her latest novel is It Started With Paris, published by Orion in 2014.
In Autumn 2011, Cathy headlined a search for a new writer on ITV’s The Alan Titchmarsh Show.
Cathy’s trademark is warm story-telling and she consistently tops the bestseller lists around the world with books which deal with themes ranging from relationships and marriage to depression and loss, but always with an uplifting message and strong female characters at the heart.
Cathy also has a passionate interest in children’s rights and is an ambassador for UNICEF Ireland. Her role for UNICEF is a Global Parent, which means raising funds and awareness for children orphaned by or living with HIV/AIDs.
She lives with her husband, John, their twin sons, Dylan and Murray, and their three dogs in Enniskerry, Co Wicklow.
To contact Cathy email info@cathykelly.com
Someone Like You and What She Wants followed in successive years. Her sixth novel, Just Between Us, was her first Sunday Times number one bestseller, while her eighth novel, Always and Forever, topped the UK bestseller lists in October 2005, displacing Dan Brown and J. K. Rowling. In 2007, Past Secrets in was also a number one paperback bestseller.
Lessons in Heartbreak was shortlisted for the Eason Irish Popular Fiction Book of the Year at the Irish Book Awards in April 2009. In September 2009, Once in a Lifetime topped the UK bestseller lists for three weeks. In March 2011, Homecoming achieved the same feat. Her latest novel is It Started With Paris, published by Orion in 2014.
In Autumn 2011, Cathy headlined a search for a new writer on ITV’s The Alan Titchmarsh Show.
Cathy’s trademark is warm story-telling and she consistently tops the bestseller lists around the world with books which deal with themes ranging from relationships and marriage to depression and loss, but always with an uplifting message and strong female characters at the heart.
Cathy also has a passionate interest in children’s rights and is an ambassador for UNICEF Ireland. Her role for UNICEF is a Global Parent, which means raising funds and awareness for children orphaned by or living with HIV/AIDs.
She lives with her husband, John, their twin sons, Dylan and Murray, and their three dogs in Enniskerry, Co Wicklow.
To contact Cathy email info@cathykelly.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 366 reviews
March 4, 2018
Three women. Three milestone birthdays. Three different lives. And yet so much in common, and not just the shared birthday.
The Year That Changed Everything is just wonderful. Comforting, heart-warming, emotional with believable characters, it's everything you want from a good read.
Cathy Kelly wrote a beautiful and wise book about three women faced with life-changing experiences. Callie, Sam and Ginger are relatable and I could easily identify with them. Through their lives we get to experience and deal with many issues affecting modern women - fertility problems, post-natal depression, body image issues, menopause, betrayal, work-place challenges, loss, family life and so much more.
That beautiful book celebrates power of true friendships and strong bonds within families. Kelly gave us characters who through different struggles learn how strong they really are and I'm sure we can all relate to that.
The Year That Changed Everything is an enjoyable and compelling read and I loved it.
The Year That Changed Everything is just wonderful. Comforting, heart-warming, emotional with believable characters, it's everything you want from a good read.
Cathy Kelly wrote a beautiful and wise book about three women faced with life-changing experiences. Callie, Sam and Ginger are relatable and I could easily identify with them. Through their lives we get to experience and deal with many issues affecting modern women - fertility problems, post-natal depression, body image issues, menopause, betrayal, work-place challenges, loss, family life and so much more.
That beautiful book celebrates power of true friendships and strong bonds within families. Kelly gave us characters who through different struggles learn how strong they really are and I'm sure we can all relate to that.
The Year That Changed Everything is an enjoyable and compelling read and I loved it.
December 2, 2018
This was a complete mixed bag but I rather enjoyed it, overall.
Three women, three birthdays:
Callie, 50, who is betrayed and has to re-write life for herself and her 14-year-old daughter.
Sam, 40, who gives birth to her first child and is faced with the challenge of being a mother.
Ginger, 30, who is dealt a crushing blow and consequently has to face all of her self-doubt.
The storyline that hooks you the most is likely to be the one you can most relate to - for me, that was Ginger, who is a larger girl trying to deal with the pressure of living in a 'skinny girl' world. I'm not gonna lie - I could easily be described as 'curvy', and I saw a lot of myself in the way Ginger thinks of herself. Things like not eating in front of people because you know they'll attribute it to the way you look, things like hiding your shape under baggy clothes and trying to think yourself skinny in certain situations. But I also loved the way her experience at the gym was described, because that was very real - no one is judging you, and not everyone there is ripped or stick thin. It's just average people going there to work out. I guess, in summary, I just really appreciated how real Ginger's storyline was. My heart really ached for her at times, but I loved when she accomplished things, and stood up for herself. Not entirely sure how I feel about the romance angle, though, because I think such an important part of her story is that emergence of self-love, and that got a little tangled in being loved by someone else. However, I appreciated his reasons for loving her.
Sam's story bored the heck out of me. I am nowhere near having babies of my own so all this drama about becoming a mother was a yawn-fest to me. That being said, I know there are so many mothers who will read this book and love how they can relate to Sam's story. It just did nothing for me.
Callie's story had me on the fence. It was intriguing, but also a bit of an anti-climax. In fact, overall, the book felt pretty shallow. Like, there's all these dramas but nothing hugely of note happens, there's not too much suspense or big moments, and time passes pretty fast. The way everything connected towards the end felt like a bit of a sham, particularly compared to how real some of the other parts felt. Poppy was horrible in the first two chapters but then did a miracle 180? Everyone's problems were resolved so easily. Bit disappointing, really. I feel like this novel would have been better if the three stories were given their own novels with more detail and drama.
It was a decent enough read, but nothing particularly profound came out of it. I suppose it was a light romp that will hook you in depending on the degree you associate with one or more of the characters. Ginger was the absolute saving grace for me (Even if she was a bit of an idiot towards the end).
I've never read Cathy Kelly before, but I did enjoy this enough to consider picking up more by this author. I'm grateful for winning this in a giveaway, as it gave me the chance to read something I wouldn't normally pick out for myself.
Three women, three birthdays:
Callie, 50, who is betrayed and has to re-write life for herself and her 14-year-old daughter.
Sam, 40, who gives birth to her first child and is faced with the challenge of being a mother.
Ginger, 30, who is dealt a crushing blow and consequently has to face all of her self-doubt.
The storyline that hooks you the most is likely to be the one you can most relate to - for me, that was Ginger, who is a larger girl trying to deal with the pressure of living in a 'skinny girl' world. I'm not gonna lie - I could easily be described as 'curvy', and I saw a lot of myself in the way Ginger thinks of herself. Things like not eating in front of people because you know they'll attribute it to the way you look, things like hiding your shape under baggy clothes and trying to think yourself skinny in certain situations. But I also loved the way her experience at the gym was described, because that was very real - no one is judging you, and not everyone there is ripped or stick thin. It's just average people going there to work out. I guess, in summary, I just really appreciated how real Ginger's storyline was. My heart really ached for her at times, but I loved when she accomplished things, and stood up for herself. Not entirely sure how I feel about the romance angle, though, because I think such an important part of her story is that emergence of self-love, and that got a little tangled in being loved by someone else. However, I appreciated his reasons for loving her.
Sam's story bored the heck out of me. I am nowhere near having babies of my own so all this drama about becoming a mother was a yawn-fest to me. That being said, I know there are so many mothers who will read this book and love how they can relate to Sam's story. It just did nothing for me.
Callie's story had me on the fence. It was intriguing, but also a bit of an anti-climax. In fact, overall, the book felt pretty shallow. Like, there's all these dramas but nothing hugely of note happens, there's not too much suspense or big moments, and time passes pretty fast. The way everything connected towards the end felt like a bit of a sham, particularly compared to how real some of the other parts felt. Poppy was horrible in the first two chapters but then did a miracle 180? Everyone's problems were resolved so easily. Bit disappointing, really. I feel like this novel would have been better if the three stories were given their own novels with more detail and drama.
It was a decent enough read, but nothing particularly profound came out of it. I suppose it was a light romp that will hook you in depending on the degree you associate with one or more of the characters. Ginger was the absolute saving grace for me (Even if she was a bit of an idiot towards the end).
I've never read Cathy Kelly before, but I did enjoy this enough to consider picking up more by this author. I'm grateful for winning this in a giveaway, as it gave me the chance to read something I wouldn't normally pick out for myself.
February 22, 2018
I thought this book had potential at the start with major events shaping the lives of three different characters, and I read the first few chapters happily. Sadly it went downhill though and turned into a rather drawn out and unexciting read. The characters stories were very cliched, larger lady finds man, downtrodden woman finds life after husband leaves, a new mum struggles, and I found it hard to care about the ladies enough to root for any of them. I knew I'd read all this somewhere before and felt it needed a major injection of 'oomph' to lift the trio of stories away from being average chicklit.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 15, 2020
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It’s Callie’s 50th Birthday. The day her whole life will implode and she, and her rebellious 14 year old daughter, will need to completely reassess their lives.
It is also Sam’s 40th Birthday. A day that will see all Sam’s dreams come true but will slao open up every insecurity she has ever felt.
Ginger should be celebrating her 30th Birthday but instead she is attending best firend Liza’s wedding. She really doesn’t mind, her birthday can wait and there is a cute guy that has been very attentive. A chance overheard conversation has Ginger’s whole idea of friendship, and her own self image, shattered.
Told in alternating point of view of Callie, Sam and Ginger. Three complete strangers all sharing the same birthday and all found their lives changed forever in The Year That Changed Everything.
This is not only a story of how these three women fell apart and slowly rebuilt their lives and their confidence but also about family and finding true friendship where you least expect it. Each of the women, in their time of need, were supported by loving family.
I really enjoyed each woman’s journey and the anticipation of how they were going to meet but it is hard not to connect more with one character than another and Ginger was definitely my favourite.
We see, through Ginger, that body image is a real threat to someone’s self esteem and viscous comments by people posing as friends can reinforce this but when she has supportive people around her Ginger’s confidence soared.
There were also many wonderful supporting characters that were there to provide comfort, humour and even a love interest throughout the book.
The Year That Changed Everything is a feel good story of self discovery.
It’s Callie’s 50th Birthday. The day her whole life will implode and she, and her rebellious 14 year old daughter, will need to completely reassess their lives.
It is also Sam’s 40th Birthday. A day that will see all Sam’s dreams come true but will slao open up every insecurity she has ever felt.
Ginger should be celebrating her 30th Birthday but instead she is attending best firend Liza’s wedding. She really doesn’t mind, her birthday can wait and there is a cute guy that has been very attentive. A chance overheard conversation has Ginger’s whole idea of friendship, and her own self image, shattered.
Told in alternating point of view of Callie, Sam and Ginger. Three complete strangers all sharing the same birthday and all found their lives changed forever in The Year That Changed Everything.
This is not only a story of how these three women fell apart and slowly rebuilt their lives and their confidence but also about family and finding true friendship where you least expect it. Each of the women, in their time of need, were supported by loving family.
I really enjoyed each woman’s journey and the anticipation of how they were going to meet but it is hard not to connect more with one character than another and Ginger was definitely my favourite.
We see, through Ginger, that body image is a real threat to someone’s self esteem and viscous comments by people posing as friends can reinforce this but when she has supportive people around her Ginger’s confidence soared.
There were also many wonderful supporting characters that were there to provide comfort, humour and even a love interest throughout the book.
The Year That Changed Everything is a feel good story of self discovery.
December 6, 2018
Δεν θ' ανοίξω το στόμα μου επειδή πλησιάζουν Χριστούγεννα και αποφάσισα να είμαι καλούλα.
February 22, 2018
I was really looking forward to reading this book as love the author so much and she certainly didn't disappoint me at all very well written with three main characters who have to find happiness with themselves and life's. Excellent characters and has you hooked from the first page and I struuggled to put it down.
It's based on three main characters Sam, Callie and Ginger and they all share the same birthday but all are unhappy with life. You have Sam who has always wanted a baby and finally she arrives on her 40th birthday but she panics and really isn't sure if she can be a good mother she wasn't given a very good example from her own mother so how does she cope. Then you have Callie who is 50 and lives a high life but has a massive big party for her 50th and the police turn up and turns her life upside down can she chance how things are and be happy then you have Ginger who isn't happy with her weight but always thought her best friend was a best friend till on her 30th she's a bridesmaid and I've relaxed hears her friends talking about her and can she move move away from them and be happy or can she just not change.
Fate brings all three girls together and can they move forward and be happy either with themselves or on their own. This is a perfect book for curling up and reading to cheer you up.
It's based on three main characters Sam, Callie and Ginger and they all share the same birthday but all are unhappy with life. You have Sam who has always wanted a baby and finally she arrives on her 40th birthday but she panics and really isn't sure if she can be a good mother she wasn't given a very good example from her own mother so how does she cope. Then you have Callie who is 50 and lives a high life but has a massive big party for her 50th and the police turn up and turns her life upside down can she chance how things are and be happy then you have Ginger who isn't happy with her weight but always thought her best friend was a best friend till on her 30th she's a bridesmaid and I've relaxed hears her friends talking about her and can she move move away from them and be happy or can she just not change.
Fate brings all three girls together and can they move forward and be happy either with themselves or on their own. This is a perfect book for curling up and reading to cheer you up.
March 25, 2019
Well this was ultimately a delightful read. I really got a kick out of following Ginger, Sam, and Callie. I thought it was an odd writing choice that had Kelly go back one month before their birthdays and then jump forward again. Other than that, I enjoyed this book and found Ginger to be the character that I felt for and wanted to read more about. That said, I still enjoyed the characters of Sam and Callie.
"The Year Everything Changed" follows Ginger, Sam, and Callie, on their 30th, 40th, and 50th birthdays and the year that follows.
Ginger is 30 years old and has never been kissed. She's a larger woman who no matter what she tried has never been able to find a man to be with. Now she's a bridesmaid in her best friend's wedding and hoping that she may meet a man that can be the one.
Sam is expecting her first baby after years of thinking she would never be a mother. Turning 40 has her feeling older and even though it's her first child, not ready for her new baby at all.
Callie is dreading her 50th birthday party that her husband Jason is insisting that they throw. She's constantly fighting with her 14 year old daughter Poppy and has started taking a Xanax to deal.
So Ginger's story is wonderful. Working for a newspaper where she rocks her job, she wishes she can be just as strong as confident outside of work. She also has a secret at said job which I got a total kick out of too. When she overhears her so called friend talking about her weight and her clothing she decides to she is going to make some changes to her life. There is some romance that Kelly interjects that I thought worked quite well in the story. I also loved Ginger's family, especially her great aunt.
Sam....hmmm. Honestly it took me me a while to warm up to her. I initially liked the character, but it took a little too long to get to where I already knew Kelly was going with her character. And her suddenly blaming everything on her mother just made me tired after a while.
Callie also took me some time to warm up to. We definitely see she has her head in the sand about her marriage and her family's wealth. And when we get to why she's estranged from her family I was looking at her sides-way. But then Kelly smartly develops this character and her bratty daughter and I found myself rooting for them. Callie had the most transformation I think from the beginning of this book until we get to the ending.
I think the main reason why this book works is that Kelly smartly doesn't have the three women meet up right away. We follow them on their separate paths and a few times one of them will reference the other character (without knowing them) and we eventually get to the meeting point for these women further along in the story (around the 80 percent mark or so). The flow was great and Kelly balances out each story. I am almost always disappointed when an author tries to focus on multiple characters because usually what happens is that one person takes up the bulk of the book with the two other ones not really being in it. Or all three stories lose something by the author trying to balance everything.
The ending was very good and I loved how Kelly tied up all of the loose ends. I wouldn't mind another book following these three women.
"The Year Everything Changed" follows Ginger, Sam, and Callie, on their 30th, 40th, and 50th birthdays and the year that follows.
Ginger is 30 years old and has never been kissed. She's a larger woman who no matter what she tried has never been able to find a man to be with. Now she's a bridesmaid in her best friend's wedding and hoping that she may meet a man that can be the one.
Sam is expecting her first baby after years of thinking she would never be a mother. Turning 40 has her feeling older and even though it's her first child, not ready for her new baby at all.
Callie is dreading her 50th birthday party that her husband Jason is insisting that they throw. She's constantly fighting with her 14 year old daughter Poppy and has started taking a Xanax to deal.
So Ginger's story is wonderful. Working for a newspaper where she rocks her job, she wishes she can be just as strong as confident outside of work. She also has a secret at said job which I got a total kick out of too. When she overhears her so called friend talking about her weight and her clothing she decides to she is going to make some changes to her life. There is some romance that Kelly interjects that I thought worked quite well in the story. I also loved Ginger's family, especially her great aunt.
Sam....hmmm. Honestly it took me me a while to warm up to her. I initially liked the character, but it took a little too long to get to where I already knew Kelly was going with her character. And her suddenly blaming everything on her mother just made me tired after a while.
Callie also took me some time to warm up to. We definitely see she has her head in the sand about her marriage and her family's wealth. And when we get to why she's estranged from her family I was looking at her sides-way. But then Kelly smartly develops this character and her bratty daughter and I found myself rooting for them. Callie had the most transformation I think from the beginning of this book until we get to the ending.
I think the main reason why this book works is that Kelly smartly doesn't have the three women meet up right away. We follow them on their separate paths and a few times one of them will reference the other character (without knowing them) and we eventually get to the meeting point for these women further along in the story (around the 80 percent mark or so). The flow was great and Kelly balances out each story. I am almost always disappointed when an author tries to focus on multiple characters because usually what happens is that one person takes up the bulk of the book with the two other ones not really being in it. Or all three stories lose something by the author trying to balance everything.
The ending was very good and I loved how Kelly tied up all of the loose ends. I wouldn't mind another book following these three women.
February 24, 2018
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The Year that Changed Everything is a feel-good novel about three women, all with the same birthdays but each 10 years apart, and each with their own problems. It addresses various themes, including (and I don't feel that including these ruins the plot as you know or can easily see what's coming with these themes pretty early on): body image & positivity, post-natal depression, betrayal, family life and much more, all wrapped up in this positive, warm read.
The characters are all convincing and enjoyable to read about, and I liked seeing their progression throughout the book. Some elements are quite predictable/ a tiny bit cheesy, but really you expect a little of that with this kind of read (or I think so anyway), and Cathy Kelly still manages to get the balance just right, between being a heart-warming story and not being too cloying in its message. Her novels often get it just right, to be honest - you know you're going to get a great story with Cathy's work, and this is another example. It's a celebration of female resilience and friendship, which in my eyes is always a winner.
The Year that Changed Everything is definitely well-written escapism - perfect for a lazy weekend read when you want something feel-good and warming, but with added feeling!
Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of this novel on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review.
The Year that Changed Everything is a feel-good novel about three women, all with the same birthdays but each 10 years apart, and each with their own problems. It addresses various themes, including (and I don't feel that including these ruins the plot as you know or can easily see what's coming with these themes pretty early on): body image & positivity, post-natal depression, betrayal, family life and much more, all wrapped up in this positive, warm read.
The characters are all convincing and enjoyable to read about, and I liked seeing their progression throughout the book. Some elements are quite predictable/ a tiny bit cheesy, but really you expect a little of that with this kind of read (or I think so anyway), and Cathy Kelly still manages to get the balance just right, between being a heart-warming story and not being too cloying in its message. Her novels often get it just right, to be honest - you know you're going to get a great story with Cathy's work, and this is another example. It's a celebration of female resilience and friendship, which in my eyes is always a winner.
The Year that Changed Everything is definitely well-written escapism - perfect for a lazy weekend read when you want something feel-good and warming, but with added feeling!
Many thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of this novel on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review.
February 23, 2018
Callie, Sam and Ginger are each spending their birthday in a significant way. They're all having milestone birthdays that change the course of their lives forever. While the new directions seem to bring plenty of difficulties, maybe some goodness can also be found in everything that's going on after the chaos the women inevitably go through on their birthdays.
It's Callie's 50th birthday and her husband has decided to throw her a big party. Callie doesn't want this at all, but her husband doesn't take no for an answer. They're living in a large house in Dublin together with their daughter and showing off is more important to him than what his wife actually wants to do on her birthday. During the party Callie gets a visit that will make her view her past in a completely different way.
Sam is about to become a mother. After many years of trying in vain she didn't think this would ever happen to her, but now that she is about to go into labor on her 40th birthday she realizes she doesn't know how to be a good mother. How will she succeed when she has no idea what to do? Her own mother wasn't a good example, will she be the exact same way? Sam is freaking out and there's nothing she can do to stop it.
Ginger's best friend has planned her wedding on Ginger's 30th birthday. That means Ginger isn't the center of attention at all on a day that should have been special for her. Instead she has to wear a hideous bridesmaid dress that doesn't do anything for her figure. Ginger is struggling with her self confidence and something happens at the wedding that makes these feelings even worse. Ginger's heart is about to be shattered and picking up the pieces will be tough.
The Year that Changed Everything is a beautiful story about three fascinating women. Callie's husband is convincing and manipulative and therefore she doesn't see what's truly happening in her life until it's too late. Sam knows how to handle any situation when she's at work, but being a mother is something she can't prepare for and this scares her so much she doesn't know what to do with herself. Ginger is a gorgeous person, but she struggles when others put her down and finding out what she's capable of is difficult when she wants to hide and be invisible. Callie, Sam and Ginger are being forced out of their comfort zone and even though this gives them plenty of obstacles to deal with, brings them many tears and makes them lose much sleep over worries they will also learn a lot from their ordeals and that was incredible to witness.
Cathy Kelly has written another fantastic story. I love how she makes her main characters come to life by exploring all of their emotional layers and peeling them off one by one. It makes her stories intriguing and incredibly compelling. I love how much she cares about the women she writes about and this makes her stories extra special. The Year that Changed Everything is a powerful story about finding the silver linings in life and discovering your true self worth. I absolutely loved this terrific book and think it's an absolute treasure.
It's Callie's 50th birthday and her husband has decided to throw her a big party. Callie doesn't want this at all, but her husband doesn't take no for an answer. They're living in a large house in Dublin together with their daughter and showing off is more important to him than what his wife actually wants to do on her birthday. During the party Callie gets a visit that will make her view her past in a completely different way.
Sam is about to become a mother. After many years of trying in vain she didn't think this would ever happen to her, but now that she is about to go into labor on her 40th birthday she realizes she doesn't know how to be a good mother. How will she succeed when she has no idea what to do? Her own mother wasn't a good example, will she be the exact same way? Sam is freaking out and there's nothing she can do to stop it.
Ginger's best friend has planned her wedding on Ginger's 30th birthday. That means Ginger isn't the center of attention at all on a day that should have been special for her. Instead she has to wear a hideous bridesmaid dress that doesn't do anything for her figure. Ginger is struggling with her self confidence and something happens at the wedding that makes these feelings even worse. Ginger's heart is about to be shattered and picking up the pieces will be tough.
The Year that Changed Everything is a beautiful story about three fascinating women. Callie's husband is convincing and manipulative and therefore she doesn't see what's truly happening in her life until it's too late. Sam knows how to handle any situation when she's at work, but being a mother is something she can't prepare for and this scares her so much she doesn't know what to do with herself. Ginger is a gorgeous person, but she struggles when others put her down and finding out what she's capable of is difficult when she wants to hide and be invisible. Callie, Sam and Ginger are being forced out of their comfort zone and even though this gives them plenty of obstacles to deal with, brings them many tears and makes them lose much sleep over worries they will also learn a lot from their ordeals and that was incredible to witness.
Cathy Kelly has written another fantastic story. I love how she makes her main characters come to life by exploring all of their emotional layers and peeling them off one by one. It makes her stories intriguing and incredibly compelling. I love how much she cares about the women she writes about and this makes her stories extra special. The Year that Changed Everything is a powerful story about finding the silver linings in life and discovering your true self worth. I absolutely loved this terrific book and think it's an absolute treasure.
December 5, 2021
3,5*
Three Irish women celebrate their birthday on the same day: Ginger (30), Sam (40) and Callie (50).
In every chapter we follow one of them.
First we get to know what happens on their birthday. Then we go back to the previous month and afterwards we see what happens during the year that follows their big 0.
As the three main characters fall in a different age category and face different problems, this book will appeal to a large (probably mainly female) public.
The regular change in point of view and the various realistic themes are able to hold the reader's attention.
Although this book falls under the feelgood-genre, the overall tone is sometimes a bit too negative to my taste.
The characters all lack self-confidence and it becomes quite tiring in the end to read their same doubts and thoughts over and over again.
But apart from that this was an enjoyable read and a nice first encounter with an author from whom I wouldn't mind to read other books in the future.
February 22, 2018
Right at the beginning, let me confess something. I'll be honest with you, I was a little afraid to read this book. The last few novels by Cathy Kelly were, let's just say, not up to my expectations and I really wanted to love "The Year that Changed Everything". As you will see, I didn't have to worry - it was not a quite perfect read, but it was a lovely, hooking and realistic story that I truly enjoyed. This book was almost like the old Cathy Kelly's novels that I was devouring.
Cathy Kelly introduces us to three main characters, Sam, Callie and Ginger. They all have birthday on the same day but that's all - they don't know each other, they live in different places and they lead totally different lives. On the surface they're happy and everything looks great but on their birthday their lives are going to dramatically change. Sam always wanted a baby and she and her husband have tried for so long, without success. When she finally gets pregnant she's full of joy but also fear if everything will go smoothly. When her baby arrives on Sam's 40th birthday, she starts to panic if she's going to be a good mum - as her own mother was not a great role - model, leaving Sam and her sister at home and focusing on her job.
Callie is turning 50 and hundreds of people are enjoying her birthday party. She's an ex - model with a handsome and successful man and a teenage daughter in puberty. On the day of the party the police turns up at her house and her life won't be the same anymore.
Ginger is turning 30 and on the day of her birthday she finds herself as a chief - bridesmaid on her best friend's Liza's wedding. During the reception, Ginger overhears conversation that is going to change her life as well - some cruel words that nobody should never say about her.
It was really interesting to follow the three women's lives. I think that Sam's was the weakest subplot in this novel, her story has just seemed too flat in comparison, too under - developed, and while it is important to speak loud about such things, it just didn't work for me in this form. I am a mother myself, I know how it is to have a post - natal depression, so maybe I should have fell for Sam more, but I really can't put my finger why her storyline was the weakest for me. Meanwhile the other two were much more thrilling and interesting, especially Ginger's. She was your normal girl, lovely and friendly and well, I think I could mostly relate to her and her battle with the weight and comfort eating. While usually you want to shake characters such like Ginger and tell them to get a grip, Ginger herself realized that she need to get a grip but it was not as easy as it sounds, so I just couldn't help and fell for her. I felt sorry for her and also enraged on her behalf on few occasions, and kept my fingers crossed for her. I loved the metamorphosis and the way she was gaining confidence. It's a pity that mostly people only see what's on the surface and don't look deeper because they would see what a wonderful, warm and honest person she was. I totally hoped for a very happy end for this girl! Callie was weak and she was totally under the influence of her husband Jason. He was controlling and manipulative person and it was very easy to dislike him. It took Callie some time to believe in herself again but I really enjoyed to see this journey of hers, and it was truly a very difficult journey, as she was left with nothing and she also couldn't be sure if, after the terrible row, she has a family she can turn to.
One of the great points in the book were the background characters as a group, especially the families of our main characters. I loved to see how supporting they were and how understanding and love and friendship was so easy to spot on the pages. The characters themselves, they were a little too one - dimensional but on the whole they did work.
It took a lot of time for the stories to intertwine, and I am a little obsessed with this, I just don't see a point in writing a story about characters that don't know each other and have nothing in common. So it is actually not till the end that the paths of our main characters cross but they finally do and that's what counts! My day was saved, guys. I also think that the way those three women's stories were brought together was seamless and worked really well, even though it happened too suddenly and felt too rushed and unrealistic and I couldn't believe that the bond between the three women formed so quickly, just like this, and that the for ever friendship accrue . But it was great to see the three going from strength to strength after initial problems and finding their peace. although I, of course, would love to see their stories interweaving a little bit earlier. But that's me. And my obsession.
Altogether, "The Year that Changed Everything" was a really well written story. Yes, some of the chapters were totally hooking and some of them less and dragged on a little, but overall I was engrossed in the three stories. All three women were growing in confidence in this story, some of them slower, some of them quicker, and it was so uplifting to see. It was a warm, uplifting story with some poignant moments, celebrating friendship and solidarity. It's about biting the bullet and coping with the things that life is throwing at you and not giving up. Recommended!
Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
April 13, 2018
Sam, Callie and Ginger, three women who don’t know each other and live in different places, but have one thing in common. Or two if you count the fact that they will each experience life changing events on their milestone birthdays.
As far as outward appearances go, Ginger Reilly is spirited at work, answering the quips and jokes about her weight and dress sense with a smart retort. Privately she is self-conscious and insecure, hiding her true feelings and self behind large shapeless clothes and flat shoes. She spends her thirtieth birthday, not with her family as she envisaged, but as chief bridesmaid for her best friend Liza, wearing a horrible dress, but as always she defers to her friend. Resigned to the fact no-one is likely to find her attractive, there’s a definite bright spot to Ginger’s day in the form of Stephen, who seems quite taken with her. Ginger begins to believe he might be the one for her. Could her life be turning around at last? Then she overhears a conversation that shatters her completely.
Callie Reynolds seems to have everything. Her husband Jason is throwing Callie an elaborate 50th birthday party for two hundred guests at their impressive Dublin home. Callie would have preferred a quiet dinner but Jason always feels the need to advertise his accumulated wealth. Both he and Callie had grown up poor and for Jason, money and prestige were all that mattered. Callie would have loved her family to be there but after the row years ago she hadn’t been in touch. There was also the worry and annoyance at the attitude of their spoiled fourteen year old daughter. Then mid way through the party, unexpected and unwelcome callers arrive at the door.
Sam Kennedy has a career she loves and a wonderful relationship with her husband Ted. They desperately want a baby and, after years of trying and several failed IVF treatments, Sam is about to give birth to their first child on her fortieth birthday. It’s all she and Ted have ever wanted but as worry, fear of being inadequate and anxieties begin to surface, Sam agonised over her ability to be a good mother. Her own mother couldn’t be further from an ideal role model–cold and distant, she has never been forthcoming with her feelings or shown genuine love to Sam and her sister.
It’s quite a while since I read a Cathy Kelly novel so when I saw this on Audible it was the perfect time to rectify that. The importance of love, friendship and family ties play a large part in the story. Despite their lives being turned upside down the three women have people they can turn to and rely on. The difficult and relevant issues, such as depression, body image, controlling relationships and deception on a grand scale are handled well.
The narrative is split into sections, alternating between the three women. Ginger is a lovely person, kind and considerate, but struggles with her self-image and being true to herself. Callie, who doesn’t realise how she is being manipulated and finds the truth impossible to swallow. Sam always thought herself very capable at handing whatever situation she found herself in.. until she had to deal with being a mother and responsible for a tiny human being. We follow each of their stories individually until the threads eventually overlap and reach a satisfactory conclusion. The female characters are credible and strong (the male characters perhaps a little less so), their growth and discovery of their own self-worth and confidence through a year of immense change was very interesting to follow. All in all, an easy, very enjoyable listen, with Caroline Lennon’s wonderfully skilled narration.
As far as outward appearances go, Ginger Reilly is spirited at work, answering the quips and jokes about her weight and dress sense with a smart retort. Privately she is self-conscious and insecure, hiding her true feelings and self behind large shapeless clothes and flat shoes. She spends her thirtieth birthday, not with her family as she envisaged, but as chief bridesmaid for her best friend Liza, wearing a horrible dress, but as always she defers to her friend. Resigned to the fact no-one is likely to find her attractive, there’s a definite bright spot to Ginger’s day in the form of Stephen, who seems quite taken with her. Ginger begins to believe he might be the one for her. Could her life be turning around at last? Then she overhears a conversation that shatters her completely.
Callie Reynolds seems to have everything. Her husband Jason is throwing Callie an elaborate 50th birthday party for two hundred guests at their impressive Dublin home. Callie would have preferred a quiet dinner but Jason always feels the need to advertise his accumulated wealth. Both he and Callie had grown up poor and for Jason, money and prestige were all that mattered. Callie would have loved her family to be there but after the row years ago she hadn’t been in touch. There was also the worry and annoyance at the attitude of their spoiled fourteen year old daughter. Then mid way through the party, unexpected and unwelcome callers arrive at the door.
Sam Kennedy has a career she loves and a wonderful relationship with her husband Ted. They desperately want a baby and, after years of trying and several failed IVF treatments, Sam is about to give birth to their first child on her fortieth birthday. It’s all she and Ted have ever wanted but as worry, fear of being inadequate and anxieties begin to surface, Sam agonised over her ability to be a good mother. Her own mother couldn’t be further from an ideal role model–cold and distant, she has never been forthcoming with her feelings or shown genuine love to Sam and her sister.
It’s quite a while since I read a Cathy Kelly novel so when I saw this on Audible it was the perfect time to rectify that. The importance of love, friendship and family ties play a large part in the story. Despite their lives being turned upside down the three women have people they can turn to and rely on. The difficult and relevant issues, such as depression, body image, controlling relationships and deception on a grand scale are handled well.
The narrative is split into sections, alternating between the three women. Ginger is a lovely person, kind and considerate, but struggles with her self-image and being true to herself. Callie, who doesn’t realise how she is being manipulated and finds the truth impossible to swallow. Sam always thought herself very capable at handing whatever situation she found herself in.. until she had to deal with being a mother and responsible for a tiny human being. We follow each of their stories individually until the threads eventually overlap and reach a satisfactory conclusion. The female characters are credible and strong (the male characters perhaps a little less so), their growth and discovery of their own self-worth and confidence through a year of immense change was very interesting to follow. All in all, an easy, very enjoyable listen, with Caroline Lennon’s wonderfully skilled narration.
October 3, 2018
It’s been a very long time between Cathy Kelly’s for me and I have no explanation for this. I loved her novels and read them voraciously in my late twenties and early thirties. Not sure why I stopped, but when my bookclub suggested her latest, The Year that Changed Everything, here at last was a reason for me to get back in touch with the words of Cathy Kelly. And it was a warm and wonderful return.
The Year that Changed Everything follows three women who share the same birthday and are aged 10 years apart, Callie 50, Sam 40, and Ginger 30. These women don’t know each other for the majority of the novel, but their lives intersect towards the end in a fateful moment that bonds them. Each of the women’s lives change on their milestone birthday and the ripple effect of this sets their year in motion, with each of them forging a new path and learning so much about themselves along the way.
The Year that Changed Everything has all of Cathy’s trademark warmth and humour, along with all of the feels that come with the big moments. This is life-lit, the new catchy term for what used to be dubbed women’s fiction, at its best. With three distinct voices to carry you through the novel, you’ll find this one to be a comfortable and entertaining read, testimony as to why Cathy Kelly is still one our favourite storytellers.
The Year that Changed Everything follows three women who share the same birthday and are aged 10 years apart, Callie 50, Sam 40, and Ginger 30. These women don’t know each other for the majority of the novel, but their lives intersect towards the end in a fateful moment that bonds them. Each of the women’s lives change on their milestone birthday and the ripple effect of this sets their year in motion, with each of them forging a new path and learning so much about themselves along the way.
The Year that Changed Everything has all of Cathy’s trademark warmth and humour, along with all of the feels that come with the big moments. This is life-lit, the new catchy term for what used to be dubbed women’s fiction, at its best. With three distinct voices to carry you through the novel, you’ll find this one to be a comfortable and entertaining read, testimony as to why Cathy Kelly is still one our favourite storytellers.
April 17, 2018
This is a heart-warming, wonderful read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Each of the three women who we alternate between chapters are equally as captivating as each other and I loved them all. The three women haven’t met yet but all share a birthday and on their special birthday something happens to each of them, and later in the book their lives intertwine. The changes for them are life-changing and I felt their pain and achievements equally. A great read to get lost in for a few days with characters you will love.
February 9, 2018
I totally loved reading this book and following the three women through the aftermath of the dramatic events of their birthdays. I am much closer in age to Callie than the other characters and yet it was Ginger who was my favourite. I was enraged on her behalf on more than one occasion and would have loved to be able to tell her just what a wonderful person she really was. In common with the other two women, a real lack of confidence affected her life in so many ways and it was wonderful to see her grow in confidence throughout the book. I was delighted when she began to be appreciated for all her good qualities and to begin to have belief in herself. To be honest, I was practically cheering for her by the end!
One thing all three women had in common were family who loved them for who they were. Cathy Kelly has created some wonderfully supportive supporting characters in Sam's dad, husband and sister, Ginger's Great Aunt Grace, Callie's mum and brother plus her friend Brenda. The value of love and friendship is apparent throughout the book.
As I was reading I knew that the three women couldn't be entirely unconnected though I had no idea how they would come together. I have to say that I thought the way Cathy Kelly brought the three seemingly disparate storylines together was beautifully and sensitively done and there may have been a lump in my throat. They truly did "open their hearts to new happiness".
A real warmth infuses the whole story and I loved it from start to finish. It's a really uplifting read about strong women who find that strength in difficult circumstances and through friendship. You could say it's a book about girl power!
One thing all three women had in common were family who loved them for who they were. Cathy Kelly has created some wonderfully supportive supporting characters in Sam's dad, husband and sister, Ginger's Great Aunt Grace, Callie's mum and brother plus her friend Brenda. The value of love and friendship is apparent throughout the book.
As I was reading I knew that the three women couldn't be entirely unconnected though I had no idea how they would come together. I have to say that I thought the way Cathy Kelly brought the three seemingly disparate storylines together was beautifully and sensitively done and there may have been a lump in my throat. They truly did "open their hearts to new happiness".
A real warmth infuses the whole story and I loved it from start to finish. It's a really uplifting read about strong women who find that strength in difficult circumstances and through friendship. You could say it's a book about girl power!
February 10, 2018
This is the first book I have read by Cathy Kelly. I was drawn by the premise: three women celebrating their 'big' birthdays, ten years apart and about to undergo a life-changing experience.
Whilst the author has an engaging style, peppered with humour (funny and rather glib in equal measures), I found myself disappointed with both the pace and the characterisation.
Some chapters were really easy to read whilst others were quite laboured.
The minor characters appeared rather one-dimensional, like the whacky Aunt who only spoke in platitudes, and the teenager-from-hell Poppy who was transformed in a blink of an eye (with little explanation as to why).
I also found myself losing patience with all three main women: Callie, Sam and Ginger. At one moment they appeared to be strong and intelligent, then in the next, entirely at the mercy of their volatile emotions or self-doubt, rendering them incapable of fathoming the truth, even when it was staring them in the face. This was particularly annoying in the case of Ginger, as she was one of the more savvy of the characters.
The ending and resolutions for Callie, Sam and Ginger were heart-warming and affirmative, but, to my mind, somewhat rushed. I think it was a great shame that the three women did not come together sooner in the narrative. I would have enjoyed their stories interweaving, rather than being thrown together near the end of the book.
Whilst the author has an engaging style, peppered with humour (funny and rather glib in equal measures), I found myself disappointed with both the pace and the characterisation.
Some chapters were really easy to read whilst others were quite laboured.
The minor characters appeared rather one-dimensional, like the whacky Aunt who only spoke in platitudes, and the teenager-from-hell Poppy who was transformed in a blink of an eye (with little explanation as to why).
I also found myself losing patience with all three main women: Callie, Sam and Ginger. At one moment they appeared to be strong and intelligent, then in the next, entirely at the mercy of their volatile emotions or self-doubt, rendering them incapable of fathoming the truth, even when it was staring them in the face. This was particularly annoying in the case of Ginger, as she was one of the more savvy of the characters.
The ending and resolutions for Callie, Sam and Ginger were heart-warming and affirmative, but, to my mind, somewhat rushed. I think it was a great shame that the three women did not come together sooner in the narrative. I would have enjoyed their stories interweaving, rather than being thrown together near the end of the book.
December 19, 2017
Three woman who are all very close friends are all going to experience a year that will change and alter their lives forever.
It is a celebration of friendship, femal solidarity and the importance of strength in all situations.
This is a really good book that at times was sad. But mostly happy. It is a book that is pure escapism. There were a few loose ends that I wanted to have answers for but didn’t. But other than that it was a very good and enjoyable read. Which is what I have come to know and love.
It is a celebration of friendship, femal solidarity and the importance of strength in all situations.
This is a really good book that at times was sad. But mostly happy. It is a book that is pure escapism. There were a few loose ends that I wanted to have answers for but didn’t. But other than that it was a very good and enjoyable read. Which is what I have come to know and love.
June 10, 2018
3.5 stars, firm and sparkling:))
One of "feel good" books. A bit of fun, a bit of light read, and a bit of good story.
Not too fluffy to be totally unrelated to real life, and not too seasoned with boring passages "how to be happy".
Three women, three real lives with their good and bad moments, their characters, their weaknesses and strength. They are very different, but they have more than just their birthday to share. They have courage to face the stormy days and they have the strength to squeeze lemonade out lemons that life has thrown at them.
Nice lough out loud moments, and quite well written.
This was my first book by Cathy Kelly, and I'll be picking some more for sure!
One of "feel good" books. A bit of fun, a bit of light read, and a bit of good story.
Not too fluffy to be totally unrelated to real life, and not too seasoned with boring passages "how to be happy".
Three women, three real lives with their good and bad moments, their characters, their weaknesses and strength. They are very different, but they have more than just their birthday to share. They have courage to face the stormy days and they have the strength to squeeze lemonade out lemons that life has thrown at them.
Nice lough out loud moments, and quite well written.
This was my first book by Cathy Kelly, and I'll be picking some more for sure!
Read
February 25, 2018Not a BookTrail book in the strictest sense but the sense of Irish Charm and Irish magic IS woven throughout it. Cathy Kelly does write some heartwarming and heartbreaking stories and this is no exception.Three women approaching the big O birthday - 30, 40 and 50.Lots of people tend to sit and reevaluate their life at a landmark birthday but sometimes this can lead to more problems that it solves. Here. three stories weave together in the most unexpected of ways which I thought was nice. It felt like reading an episode of Oprah or Loose women (sorry there are more talk shoes but these are the only ones I can think of right now) I think this book proves that wherever you are in life, you need to stick with your friends and carry them with you on your combined journey. Female friendships are worth their wait in gold.
April 30, 2018
This is first book I have read by author Cathy Kelly and certainly won't be the last. Sometime reading something completely different to your normal reads give for a brilliant change and this certainly did this. A warm look at how life can change who and what you think you are in such an epic way.
Three women, three different lives, all having a mile stone birthday and finding their lives change because of betrayal, lack of confidence and becoming a mother. Ginger, Callie and Sally, all women who the reader can connect with at different times of the book. For me the character of Ginger warmed to me the most, maybe because we are near the same age but most of all because I loved how the author shows how she grow's though-out the book.
I felt I escaped from my own life for a little while reading this book and that was just what I wanted.
Three women, three different lives, all having a mile stone birthday and finding their lives change because of betrayal, lack of confidence and becoming a mother. Ginger, Callie and Sally, all women who the reader can connect with at different times of the book. For me the character of Ginger warmed to me the most, maybe because we are near the same age but most of all because I loved how the author shows how she grow's though-out the book.
I felt I escaped from my own life for a little while reading this book and that was just what I wanted.
February 21, 2018
Although not quite back to the Cathy Kelly of old, where years ago upon discovery of her books I devoured one after the other and then was left anxiously waiting for something new, The Year that Changed Everything is certainly heading back in that direction. Admittedly, I haven't read the last two or three books that Cathy has published because the last one I did read just didn't feel up to the standard of all the others I had previously read. Sometimes, I feel the need to take a break from an author and come back to them after a period of time, that is what I have done with this author recently and I am glad I did because I really enjoyed this book and was able to read it in two sittings.
It's not without its faults as I did feel some sections, and even in fact some characters, were far stronger than others. Certain areas did require more development and fleshing out but overall this was a very good read with three distinct women with three separate storylines which eventually do have a connection. Although don't be in anticipation in any sense of the word with regard to said connection like I was. I was reading through, enjoying the chapters and the development and wondering when will this connection be established. It only emerged very near the end and it just felt too tentative for my liking so I glossed over this aspect of the book because really it is about the journey these women undertake rather than the eventual outcome, important thought it is. I thought what I experienced with them to reach that point was far more impressive than the final result.
The book is split into five parts overall, some shorter than others and in my mind not necessarily needed. Part one introduces us to the three women we will be following and it is a time for the reader to establish who they may connect or identify with the most. Initial impressions do have a lasting effect and of course one's opinion might change throughout the remainder of the book but for me I knew instantly who I identified with the most and who I wanted the most positive, life changing experience for. As we meet each women they are celebrating a significant birthday and said birthday will bring about changes for all, some good, some bad, some hard to work through but ultimately you hope that the women can make it through the difficult, challenging times to emerge even more stronger and independent on the other side.
Callie Reynolds on the outside appears to have it all, she is about to arrive for the glamorous fiftieth party thrown for her by husband Jason. To many it would seem she has the perfect life with a teenage daughter, a man who adores her and provides her with all the trappings of a rich and sumptuous life. But Callie is not happy with the flashy lifestyle even though herself and Jason had nothing and worked hard to reach the point that they are at today. It was clear from the start that Callie was insecure with regard to everything in her life. Being peri-menopausal didn't help either and combined with a fractious teenage daughter in Poppy, Callie isn't the happiest of people. Callie is a person in pain and it's not helped by the ten year estrangement from her family which is all down to Jason and his nature.
We didn't really get to know Jason throughout the book aside from interpreting other people's opinions of him and the subsequent uncovering of his actions. But from I gleamed from the book, he was controlling and manipulative and to all intents and purposes he wanted the world to think everything in his life was perfect and not one thing would ever go out of place. Callie when she first met him must have wanted the same but the reader can see the life she is living now is not all a bed of roses and even if it was she really wasn't that at ease lying in it. The arrival of unexpected guests at the party leads to a shocking and hurtful revelation, lives are torn apart and never will be the same again. The dream lifestyle comes crashing down and Poppy and Callie are the ones left to deal with the fall out as Jason makes his escape. The man she thought she knew was a far cry from the image Jason like to portray to the outside world.
The question remained could Callie lift herself up from the scrapheap, left with nothing and try and make something of herself and give Poppy a more realistic, down to earth future? Where can she turn to now that housekeeper and friend Brenda has done all she can to help? I felt Callie was very weak emotionally after the big event. It didn't help aside from what had happened previous to this she was feeling old, anxious and irritable with life in general. To be honest I felt Callie needed a big reality check and to come back down to earth and realise that we don't all live in gilded cages provided with everything we could ever wish for. In this book she certainly got the check she needed even if she became over reliant on something to get her through. What she does to overcome her obstacles and issues was very brave given the history around the situation but it was a step that needed to be taken if she hoped that the year would be the one that changed everything. I had read more or less the same storyline as Callie's in another book last year so I felt this had all been done before and I knew what the outcome would be. So Callie wasn't the person I was eager to read about all the time instead that was either Sam or Ginger with Ginger winning it for me.
Sam is turning 40 and expecting her first child with Ted. She has been through the millstone of rounds of IVF which led to heartbreak and devastation but now unexpectedly she is about to become a mother. A most joyous occasion for anyone. She is eagerly awaiting the arrival of the child who will change her life and further cement the deep love she has for Ted. So why is there this niggling sensation at the back of her heart and mind that really she is just not up to this - the most challenging thing one encounters in life? Fear, anxiety, worry and insecurities invade her on a daily basis. Given her own mother is as cold as ice and couldn't be further from the loving, nurturing mothers one sees on the cover of baby books how will Sam know what to do? Sam makes a wish to learn to be a good mother.
Oh how I felt for Sam and given I have never had any experience of said situation myself I thought the author did such a fantastic job of portraying a woman who was all at sea lost in a myriad of emotions, afraid she can't do what is best for this very much longed for child. I felt every bit of her pain and anguish and even when a healthy baby girl makes an appearance the worries don't go away only increase. Sam's sister Joanne was a stalwart support to her but if a person can't explain or confess how they are feeling how can help and resolution even be sought? A sense of doom enveloped Sam and I hoped she would find the courage to express how she was feeling and with this landmark birthday and the new arrival now was her opportunity to do so. I felt her struggles and it was such a realistic portrayal of what many women all over the world endure.Unfortunately some do silently for too long.
The third and definitely my favourite character was Ginger, she spoke in volumes to me and I think she will to many readers. I saw plenty of myself in her and I felt she expressed things far better than I ever could with regard to the way I feel about certain things. Ginger is turning 30 and when we meet her she is bridesmaid for her best friend.What unfolds was just horrifying to read and will bring a tear to your eye. No one should have to hear what was said about Ginger. It was cruel, spiteful and hurtful and left me wanting to reach out and give her a big hug. No one could blame her for fleeing and perhaps locking herself away but a year of change lies in store for her. It's up to Ginger whether she makes the most of the opportunities presented to her. Most of which will expose her sheer talent and dedication and perhaps give her the freedom to become the woman she was destined to be.
Ginger is a woman who hides everything. Her feelings are kept close to her chest, hidden away from family and friends but writing an agony aunt column for the newspaper under the pseudonym 'girlfriend' affords her the chance to get things off her chest without fear of discovery. Ginger is a fragile soul, like a wall flower, happy on the outside but internally hiding so much. She stresses over her large size. Ginger wants a happier more contented her, a different life, a thin life. At work she is sassy and full of smart comebacks when needed. With her family she is kind, caring and helpful but behind it all she hides what she terms a dark secret and yes it is heartbreaking and I felt such empathy with her. Food fills all the dark holes inside her but there must have been a root cause to this and I was keen to discover what it was.
Ginger out of all three of the woman was the one who I felt had the most get up and go, the ability to turn her fortunes around. Enduring several public humiliations probably spurred her on but still I thought she worked through things under her own steam with courage and bravery and I really wanted her as a friend. I thought she was someone you could sit down and talk to and you wouldn't notice the hours passing by as you talked about anything and everything, sharing your deepest worries and fears. Ginger was always to be admired for the way she dealt with things in her job. Her attitude to life over the year slowly started to change and I was rooting for her at every step of the way. Her journey was not without its disappointments, heartache and anguish but whoever said life was easy and reaching your ultimate goal, your happy place is not easy either.
As mentioned previously the book wasn't all perfect, I felt after so much brilliant development of the characters the final third was just too rushed. The connection established was just too tentative and wishy washy, I would have loved a more firmer connection. It all just seemed to happen so suddenly and I didn't feel a deep, believable bond was formed between all three women even though that was what the author would have liked us to feel. I know where the author was going but didn't feel that point was reached. I am glad though I have come back to Cathy Kelly's writing. I did enjoy this book and the messages and sentiments behind it even though not all were pulled off to a deeply satisfying conclusion. The Year that Changed everything is most definitely worth a read. Ginger has made a deep lasting impression on me and I hope she will too with many other readers.
It's not without its faults as I did feel some sections, and even in fact some characters, were far stronger than others. Certain areas did require more development and fleshing out but overall this was a very good read with three distinct women with three separate storylines which eventually do have a connection. Although don't be in anticipation in any sense of the word with regard to said connection like I was. I was reading through, enjoying the chapters and the development and wondering when will this connection be established. It only emerged very near the end and it just felt too tentative for my liking so I glossed over this aspect of the book because really it is about the journey these women undertake rather than the eventual outcome, important thought it is. I thought what I experienced with them to reach that point was far more impressive than the final result.
The book is split into five parts overall, some shorter than others and in my mind not necessarily needed. Part one introduces us to the three women we will be following and it is a time for the reader to establish who they may connect or identify with the most. Initial impressions do have a lasting effect and of course one's opinion might change throughout the remainder of the book but for me I knew instantly who I identified with the most and who I wanted the most positive, life changing experience for. As we meet each women they are celebrating a significant birthday and said birthday will bring about changes for all, some good, some bad, some hard to work through but ultimately you hope that the women can make it through the difficult, challenging times to emerge even more stronger and independent on the other side.
Callie Reynolds on the outside appears to have it all, she is about to arrive for the glamorous fiftieth party thrown for her by husband Jason. To many it would seem she has the perfect life with a teenage daughter, a man who adores her and provides her with all the trappings of a rich and sumptuous life. But Callie is not happy with the flashy lifestyle even though herself and Jason had nothing and worked hard to reach the point that they are at today. It was clear from the start that Callie was insecure with regard to everything in her life. Being peri-menopausal didn't help either and combined with a fractious teenage daughter in Poppy, Callie isn't the happiest of people. Callie is a person in pain and it's not helped by the ten year estrangement from her family which is all down to Jason and his nature.
We didn't really get to know Jason throughout the book aside from interpreting other people's opinions of him and the subsequent uncovering of his actions. But from I gleamed from the book, he was controlling and manipulative and to all intents and purposes he wanted the world to think everything in his life was perfect and not one thing would ever go out of place. Callie when she first met him must have wanted the same but the reader can see the life she is living now is not all a bed of roses and even if it was she really wasn't that at ease lying in it. The arrival of unexpected guests at the party leads to a shocking and hurtful revelation, lives are torn apart and never will be the same again. The dream lifestyle comes crashing down and Poppy and Callie are the ones left to deal with the fall out as Jason makes his escape. The man she thought she knew was a far cry from the image Jason like to portray to the outside world.
The question remained could Callie lift herself up from the scrapheap, left with nothing and try and make something of herself and give Poppy a more realistic, down to earth future? Where can she turn to now that housekeeper and friend Brenda has done all she can to help? I felt Callie was very weak emotionally after the big event. It didn't help aside from what had happened previous to this she was feeling old, anxious and irritable with life in general. To be honest I felt Callie needed a big reality check and to come back down to earth and realise that we don't all live in gilded cages provided with everything we could ever wish for. In this book she certainly got the check she needed even if she became over reliant on something to get her through. What she does to overcome her obstacles and issues was very brave given the history around the situation but it was a step that needed to be taken if she hoped that the year would be the one that changed everything. I had read more or less the same storyline as Callie's in another book last year so I felt this had all been done before and I knew what the outcome would be. So Callie wasn't the person I was eager to read about all the time instead that was either Sam or Ginger with Ginger winning it for me.
Sam is turning 40 and expecting her first child with Ted. She has been through the millstone of rounds of IVF which led to heartbreak and devastation but now unexpectedly she is about to become a mother. A most joyous occasion for anyone. She is eagerly awaiting the arrival of the child who will change her life and further cement the deep love she has for Ted. So why is there this niggling sensation at the back of her heart and mind that really she is just not up to this - the most challenging thing one encounters in life? Fear, anxiety, worry and insecurities invade her on a daily basis. Given her own mother is as cold as ice and couldn't be further from the loving, nurturing mothers one sees on the cover of baby books how will Sam know what to do? Sam makes a wish to learn to be a good mother.
Oh how I felt for Sam and given I have never had any experience of said situation myself I thought the author did such a fantastic job of portraying a woman who was all at sea lost in a myriad of emotions, afraid she can't do what is best for this very much longed for child. I felt every bit of her pain and anguish and even when a healthy baby girl makes an appearance the worries don't go away only increase. Sam's sister Joanne was a stalwart support to her but if a person can't explain or confess how they are feeling how can help and resolution even be sought? A sense of doom enveloped Sam and I hoped she would find the courage to express how she was feeling and with this landmark birthday and the new arrival now was her opportunity to do so. I felt her struggles and it was such a realistic portrayal of what many women all over the world endure.Unfortunately some do silently for too long.
The third and definitely my favourite character was Ginger, she spoke in volumes to me and I think she will to many readers. I saw plenty of myself in her and I felt she expressed things far better than I ever could with regard to the way I feel about certain things. Ginger is turning 30 and when we meet her she is bridesmaid for her best friend.What unfolds was just horrifying to read and will bring a tear to your eye. No one should have to hear what was said about Ginger. It was cruel, spiteful and hurtful and left me wanting to reach out and give her a big hug. No one could blame her for fleeing and perhaps locking herself away but a year of change lies in store for her. It's up to Ginger whether she makes the most of the opportunities presented to her. Most of which will expose her sheer talent and dedication and perhaps give her the freedom to become the woman she was destined to be.
Ginger is a woman who hides everything. Her feelings are kept close to her chest, hidden away from family and friends but writing an agony aunt column for the newspaper under the pseudonym 'girlfriend' affords her the chance to get things off her chest without fear of discovery. Ginger is a fragile soul, like a wall flower, happy on the outside but internally hiding so much. She stresses over her large size. Ginger wants a happier more contented her, a different life, a thin life. At work she is sassy and full of smart comebacks when needed. With her family she is kind, caring and helpful but behind it all she hides what she terms a dark secret and yes it is heartbreaking and I felt such empathy with her. Food fills all the dark holes inside her but there must have been a root cause to this and I was keen to discover what it was.
Ginger out of all three of the woman was the one who I felt had the most get up and go, the ability to turn her fortunes around. Enduring several public humiliations probably spurred her on but still I thought she worked through things under her own steam with courage and bravery and I really wanted her as a friend. I thought she was someone you could sit down and talk to and you wouldn't notice the hours passing by as you talked about anything and everything, sharing your deepest worries and fears. Ginger was always to be admired for the way she dealt with things in her job. Her attitude to life over the year slowly started to change and I was rooting for her at every step of the way. Her journey was not without its disappointments, heartache and anguish but whoever said life was easy and reaching your ultimate goal, your happy place is not easy either.
As mentioned previously the book wasn't all perfect, I felt after so much brilliant development of the characters the final third was just too rushed. The connection established was just too tentative and wishy washy, I would have loved a more firmer connection. It all just seemed to happen so suddenly and I didn't feel a deep, believable bond was formed between all three women even though that was what the author would have liked us to feel. I know where the author was going but didn't feel that point was reached. I am glad though I have come back to Cathy Kelly's writing. I did enjoy this book and the messages and sentiments behind it even though not all were pulled off to a deeply satisfying conclusion. The Year that Changed everything is most definitely worth a read. Ginger has made a deep lasting impression on me and I hope she will too with many other readers.
February 14, 2018
The Year that Changed Everything was a lovely read. I did like the jump between the three different main characters which kept the story at a brilliant pace. I always wanted to know what would come next. Hopefully not my last book by Cathy Kelly.
February 21, 2018
I'm a longtime fan of Cathy Kelly's books so I was very excited when I heard that there was a new book coming out in February and even more delighted when I received an early copy. Every time I start one of her books I always think there is no way this can be better than her last novel but each time I'm proven wrong. Well with THE YEAR THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING I am going all out and saying this is her best book ever!!
Three different women from three different backgrounds at three different stages of their lives are all connected by their birthday and a little village in Ireland which has a hold on them all in different ways.
Callie has lost herself in her marriage to Jason who strives for bigger and better all the time even though they already have it all, and she worries for her teenage daughter who seems to have lost touch with reality in her designer world where image is everything. And then there is the fact that she hasn't spoken to her family in ten years, ever since that fight. But when Callie's world is turned upside down it will force her to take control and face up to everything that has happened and return to who she really was all along, that is if she can find the strength to push through it all ...
Sam has a wonderful career and a loving husband who she adores but she yearns for a baby. Now she has everything she ever wanted and she is terrified. What if she can't do this? After all, her own relationship with her detached, cold, mother is a disaster and Sam desperately wants to be perfect for her beautiful little girl. But there is no such thing as the perfect mum as Sam will have to find out for herself ...
Ginger puts on a strong facade at work and laughs off the insults and the jokes about her weight but this is not what she thought her life would be like at thirty - alone, a virgin, and unhappy with how she looks. In this 'perfect image' obsessed world, Ginger just isn't sure where she fits and having lost her mum when she was a baby, she never really had someone to show her the way. But when she overhears her oldest friend bitch about her in such a cruel way, it destroys her. So when work presents Ginger with a new opportunity, she grabs a hold of it with both hands. Will she finally realise that she must love herself in order to fall in love?
With plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, tearful moments, and oh so relatable moments, THE YEAR THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING by Cathy Kelly proves again why this author is the queen of fiction. At a time when women are stepping out of the shadows and demanding to be heard, this novel really resonates and with topics like weight, image, post-natal depression and controlling relationships all expertly handled within these pages, this is so much more than a book. I loved Callie, Sam, and Ginger and their families, but I have to say Ginger held a very special place in my heart. I fell in love with these character's journeys and felt connected to them like they were my own friends which is always such a special thing to happen with a story, and I could not put this book down. This is a book that celebrates the sisterhood and makes you feel empowered and emotional all at the same time. If you only buy one book this year, buy THE YEAR THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING by Cathy Kelly, and it would make the perfect gift for someone special in your life too.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher
Three different women from three different backgrounds at three different stages of their lives are all connected by their birthday and a little village in Ireland which has a hold on them all in different ways.
Callie has lost herself in her marriage to Jason who strives for bigger and better all the time even though they already have it all, and she worries for her teenage daughter who seems to have lost touch with reality in her designer world where image is everything. And then there is the fact that she hasn't spoken to her family in ten years, ever since that fight. But when Callie's world is turned upside down it will force her to take control and face up to everything that has happened and return to who she really was all along, that is if she can find the strength to push through it all ...
Sam has a wonderful career and a loving husband who she adores but she yearns for a baby. Now she has everything she ever wanted and she is terrified. What if she can't do this? After all, her own relationship with her detached, cold, mother is a disaster and Sam desperately wants to be perfect for her beautiful little girl. But there is no such thing as the perfect mum as Sam will have to find out for herself ...
Ginger puts on a strong facade at work and laughs off the insults and the jokes about her weight but this is not what she thought her life would be like at thirty - alone, a virgin, and unhappy with how she looks. In this 'perfect image' obsessed world, Ginger just isn't sure where she fits and having lost her mum when she was a baby, she never really had someone to show her the way. But when she overhears her oldest friend bitch about her in such a cruel way, it destroys her. So when work presents Ginger with a new opportunity, she grabs a hold of it with both hands. Will she finally realise that she must love herself in order to fall in love?
With plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, tearful moments, and oh so relatable moments, THE YEAR THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING by Cathy Kelly proves again why this author is the queen of fiction. At a time when women are stepping out of the shadows and demanding to be heard, this novel really resonates and with topics like weight, image, post-natal depression and controlling relationships all expertly handled within these pages, this is so much more than a book. I loved Callie, Sam, and Ginger and their families, but I have to say Ginger held a very special place in my heart. I fell in love with these character's journeys and felt connected to them like they were my own friends which is always such a special thing to happen with a story, and I could not put this book down. This is a book that celebrates the sisterhood and makes you feel empowered and emotional all at the same time. If you only buy one book this year, buy THE YEAR THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING by Cathy Kelly, and it would make the perfect gift for someone special in your life too.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher
February 27, 2018
Well Cathy Kelly has done it again with another great read. Her characters are very real and likeable and so is the story line. The whole story is really 3 stories in one as it tells of three different ladies that are only the same in the fact that they share the same birthdate. Each woman has their own lives that only collide near the end of the book. I did feel that Callie's story was the main one which seemed to be the longer one through out the book but both Sam and Ginger's tales were equally good. I only gave 4 stars as I thought the ending was a little weak which did spoil it a bit for me. Overall a splendid read
February 22, 2018
Absolutely loved this book about Ginger,Sam & Callie. Three women celebrating their 30th, 40th & 50th birthdays. Cathy Kelly has created three great characters & I couldn’t wait to finish the story to see what happened. Will have to read more of Cathy’s books.
February 22, 2018
Following the lives of three women who have milestone birthdays on the same day, 30, 40 and 50. Each woman’s story would be worthy of a separate book.
It was quite confusing as the book jumped from woman to woman therefore the reader had to ‘reboot’ and remember who the characters in that particular woman’s life were which was quite discouraging. I kept expecting a thread to tie them altogether but this didn’t happen until ¾ of the way through the book.
Spelling mistakes and typos lessened the reading pleasure.
It was quite confusing as the book jumped from woman to woman therefore the reader had to ‘reboot’ and remember who the characters in that particular woman’s life were which was quite discouraging. I kept expecting a thread to tie them altogether but this didn’t happen until ¾ of the way through the book.
Spelling mistakes and typos lessened the reading pleasure.
February 8, 2018
The Year that Changed Everything was another lovely book by Cathy Kelly about 3 women from different backgrounds. The only link between the 3 women is that they all share the same birthday but are each 10 years apart.
I love a Cathy Kelly book and loved being able to read her latest release, I found the initial few chapters slow as I was trying to get my head round who each of the individual women. Once I knew who they were then I was keen to get to know more about them and see where their story was headed.
Callie, Ginger & Sam are all strong lead characters that you want to get to know for different reasons and you find yourself being drawn in and immersed in their stories and I was almost disappointed as each chapter ended.
This book takes you on 3 separate and very different journeys and it isn't until the end of the book do the 3 lives come together.
I always love a Cathy Kelly book and this did not disappoint, I really enjoyed it.
I love a Cathy Kelly book and loved being able to read her latest release, I found the initial few chapters slow as I was trying to get my head round who each of the individual women. Once I knew who they were then I was keen to get to know more about them and see where their story was headed.
Callie, Ginger & Sam are all strong lead characters that you want to get to know for different reasons and you find yourself being drawn in and immersed in their stories and I was almost disappointed as each chapter ended.
This book takes you on 3 separate and very different journeys and it isn't until the end of the book do the 3 lives come together.
I always love a Cathy Kelly book and this did not disappoint, I really enjoyed it.
January 2, 2024
This was my first venture into a Cathy Kelly novel and it most certainly won't be the last.
The Year That Changed Everything follows three different women who share a birthday but subsequently, it's also a year that in reality changes everything for them, all in different ways but they all get the same thing from it.
Callie thought she had everything until a knock on the door at her fiftieth birthday party, arranged by her husband. This in turn tips Callie over the edge and she must face up to the reality of the situation that she now finds herself and her daughter, Poppy in. But, how do her family & friends see things.
Sam has wanted nothing more than to be a mother but when her waters break on her fortieth birthday, she starts to question herself, can she do it, can she be a mother? Thinking she's a failure, she has to get to grips with her situation and with her loved ones worried about her, can she forget her worries?
Ginger has just turned thirty but isn't spending it how she would have planned. Ginger is a 'big' girl and on the night of her thirtieth, overhears her best friend and friend talking about her in the toilets. With the best friend out of her life, can Ginger forget the comments she heard and move on? Can she get a promotion at work? Can she get the man of her dreams? Can she learn to be strong?
I love the way Cathy Kelly starts these characters of as vulnerable and throws some sticky situations their way. But I do have to say, the character I most felt connected to was Sam. Given that we're both new mothers with some of the same insecurities.
I also loved how Cathy has crafted the characters' stories so that they all bound together towards the end of the book.
This for me, is a brilliant read and comes highly recommended. It definitely has made it into my top books of 2018.
The Year That Changed Everything follows three different women who share a birthday but subsequently, it's also a year that in reality changes everything for them, all in different ways but they all get the same thing from it.
Callie thought she had everything until a knock on the door at her fiftieth birthday party, arranged by her husband. This in turn tips Callie over the edge and she must face up to the reality of the situation that she now finds herself and her daughter, Poppy in. But, how do her family & friends see things.
Sam has wanted nothing more than to be a mother but when her waters break on her fortieth birthday, she starts to question herself, can she do it, can she be a mother? Thinking she's a failure, she has to get to grips with her situation and with her loved ones worried about her, can she forget her worries?
Ginger has just turned thirty but isn't spending it how she would have planned. Ginger is a 'big' girl and on the night of her thirtieth, overhears her best friend and friend talking about her in the toilets. With the best friend out of her life, can Ginger forget the comments she heard and move on? Can she get a promotion at work? Can she get the man of her dreams? Can she learn to be strong?
I love the way Cathy Kelly starts these characters of as vulnerable and throws some sticky situations their way. But I do have to say, the character I most felt connected to was Sam. Given that we're both new mothers with some of the same insecurities.
I also loved how Cathy has crafted the characters' stories so that they all bound together towards the end of the book.
This for me, is a brilliant read and comes highly recommended. It definitely has made it into my top books of 2018.
February 4, 2018
I love cathy kelly books and she's really outdone herself with this latest one, I couldn't stop reading, such a compelling and true to life storyline. There's no quick fixes, all the characters are real and you can really identify with them.
January 6, 2018
The Year that changed everything by Cathy Kelly a four-star read that is warm and full of wisdom. I don’t know if it was because I was expecting so much from this book as I have read and loved the author previously or what as I enjoyed the read but it wasn’t what I was hoping for. I will be honest and I did have to re-start the read twice to get into it, but third time was definitely a charm as I enjoyed it. So if like me it takes a time to get into, keep at it, I promise the story of these three women will warm even the blackest of hearts. It shows us that one year can change everything, and sometimes you need solidarity and strength to get you through.
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