The One That Got Away

by Keris Stainton

When Piper James unexpectedly gets a message from her insanely hot teenage crush Rob Kingsford, inviting her to their school reunion, her heart flips. She hasn’t seen Rob in eight years – and he’s always been the one that got away.

Older (but not wiser), fatter (but much happier in her skin), and still definitely crushing on Rob, Piper’s about to come face-to-face with the very best of old friends and the very worst of old frenemies. Add in enough G&Ts and a few too many Cosmos, and there are all the ingredients for a real night to remember…

Could it be second-time lucky for Piper and Rob, or will she have her heart broken all over again?

A hilarious and uplifting story about facing your fears and being true to who you are – perfect for fans of Mhairi McFarlane, Sophie Kinsella and Sophie Ranald.

Genres: Chick Lit, Contemporary, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Adult

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 25, 2018

About the author

My mum always claimed that when she lived in America for a year, my dad wrote to her every day and, in one of his letters, proposed. My dad denied this. But when she got home they got married anyway. In 1966 they emigrated to Canada. They'd wanted to go to New Zealand, but it was full.

I was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, which, by all accounts, is very cold. And also hot. But when I was four months old, my parents moved back to the UK.

When I was 18 I moved to London and worked in the music industry (eventually). A few years later I moved back up north. Now I live in Lancashire (which is lovely, particularly when it's not raining... which is about two weeks a year) with my two sons and two guinea pigs. All four are cute and hairy.

Reviews

[Berit☀️✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Side Splitting Stars😂 🌟🌟🌟🌟

This book at its heart was so fun and filled with so many laugh out loud moments... I absolutely love romantic comedies... and strong sassy female characters..... and this book fit the bill for both! This was my first book from Keris Stainton, but I can guarantee it will not be my last! Adding her to my ever-growing list of must read authors...

Piper was a phenomenal character... I loved her spirit, her sass, her strength, and her positivity.... I love how she had come to terms with her weight issues and loved herself just the way she was... also loved the friendship she had with her amazing guy friend Matt...

Piper has a second chance at love in this book... A Facebook friend request from a high school crush, leads to her going home and facing her demons, and perhaps finding true love.... rob was a really good guy, but.... can Piper find her way past the doubts and the misunderstandings and the past?

Perhaps this is naïve of me or it is my desire to always see the good in everybody... but I do find it most troubling that people would actually comment about somebody’s wait on a picture on social media??? OK I think I’m probably being very unrealistic, but why would anybody ever do this? Also I would hope after you’ve been out of high school for a decade you’d be over thinking you were better than anybody, perhaps this is a small town issue? This book brought up these issues and they really quite frankly bothered me... I so want to see the good in people, but then people do really mean things? Please do not rain on my little happy bubble!

Absolutely recommend to fans of a fun romantic comedy full of sassy characters and heart💕

*** many thanks too Bookouture for my copy of this book ***

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Invitation by Keris Stainton is billed as a second chance romantic comedy and I'm always a sucker for both of those things so of course I had to check this one out. I will say it probably is the best way to describe this one but a lot is left out of the blurb that I didn't expect too.

Piper James is a twenty some single gal that has tried to put her past behind her and move on with her life after dealing with her weight and all the insults that come with it. She's now comfortable in her skin and doesn't let the negative opinions get her down but Piper also never expected to head back to where she grew up.

When Piper gets a Facebook friend request from her high school crush, Rob Kingsford, she doesn't quite know how to react. With some encouragement from her best friend Piper does get in touch with Rob and is surprised to find things aren't quite the way she remembered and it's time to face the past.

The Invitation is the second book that I've read by Keris Stainton and I think after finishing this one I have some of the same feelings that I did with the other. There is quite a bit of humor involved in her stories to put them into the rom-com category but her leading ladies have some issues that also bring some angst into the story that brings the comedy down a bit for me. This one started off pretty solid making light of Piper's weight issues but the longer it went on there was just more and more downer moments that it loses it's fun a bit. What can I say I'm not a huge fan of a lot of angst so again this just turned into an OK read for me.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more review please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/

[Cindy ✩☽♔ · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet summer romance that addresses love, friendship, family and body positivity.

Our main character is fun, smart and relatable. She has moments of great confidence and also hints of self-doubt.

My main issue with the book is that it all feels very surface level. I feel like this book definitely could have been stronger if it spent more time depending the characters and delving deeper into all of the characters personal and interpersonal issues.

*Full Review to come*

I received a free ARC copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved each and every book that Keris Stainton has released. I (im)patiently wait for her next book from the moment I finish her last book. I know that when I pick up a book written by Keris, I am in for one hell of a read. So it proved with 'The Invitation', which I absolutely loved by the way but more about that in a bit.
It was extremely easy to take to the character of Piper James. She is a blogger, who focuses on positive body image and encourages others to be positive and not negative. It's a pity that she doesn't practice what she preaches because I found that she was negative towards herself , her body shape and her size on more than one occasion. Although I couldn't see her, because obviously there were no pictures of her in the book, I thought that she was perfect just the way she was. She's chatty, she's friendly, she loves a good night out but equally she loves a night in watching movies and she loves a good bitching session. Piper is invited on to a morning television chat show to appear with somebody who has opposite views to her. Piper doesn't think that she will come across very well but judging by what people tell her, Piper absolutely smashed it!! Piper's job is in London but she is increasingly drawn back to her home town. Her parents have sadly died but she does have an auntie, who is a mother figure to her. Sadly it appears that the auntie is not very well at present and I did begin to wonder if her auntie had dementia or some other brain condition. Piper's sister is about as much use as a chocolate teapot and somehow it always seems to fall to Piper to go and check in on her auntie. It's during a visit back home that Piper bumps into Rob Kingsford, who Piper had a huge teenage crush on. Rob invites her to the school reunion, which she eventually does agree to attend. Piper and Rob become extremely close and I had my fingers crossed that they would get together as Piper deserves a happy ever after ending. Another character I loved was Piper's flatmate and BFF, Matt, who was hilarious and the kind of flatmate everybody would love to have.
I absolutely ADORED this book. It was one of those books that I became addicted to from the moment I opened the cover and began to read. The page numbers and the time flew past in a blur and before I knew what was happening I had finished the book, which I was so disappointed about. I just loved the storylines, the characters, the humour and the moments that made me realise that Piper is just like you and me. Underneath her confident exterior, Piper still has a lack of self belief and thinks badly of herself and her shape.
I picked this book up at a perfect time for me. I was feeling fed up, my back was killing me and my dogs (2 loopy but adorable Labradors) had done my head in, so as you can imagine I needed a distraction that would hopefully cheer me up. Oh my this book ticked both of those boxes and then some. I haven't laughed as much as I did with this book for a long, long time. I was giggling away throughout the book, which got me some strange looks in the bus queue. Honestly some of the situations that Piper found herself in were the sort of things that could happen and do happen to anybody on a daily basis. The writing in this book is so good that I could almost see the story acting out in front of me. The characters were so real that they just seemed to come alive and I did think of most of them as friends.
In conclusion, I think that it's fair to say that I just adored this book and I would definitely recommend this author and her books to other readers. I can't wait to see what comes next from Keris Stainton. Here's hoping that we don't have too long to wait. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 5* out of 5*. I just wish I could have awarded it more stars because I enjoyed it so much.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

I absolutely adore this author’s books, they are easy to read and I love the characters that she creates! This is a very positive book and I loved reading it.

I love her writing style and this really brought the different characters to life. Their interaction was superb, I really warmed to Piper, she is one of my favourite characters from 2018 so far and I could see myself in so much that she was doing!

I LOVED it – such a good story and no hesitation in giving it 5 stars – it is funny and heart-warming at the same time, a highlight of the year so far for me – a genuine pleasure to read!!

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m ashamed to say this is my first book I’ve read by Keris Stainton and oh my gosh it was brilliant! I laughed, I got choked up, my emotions were all over the place and by the end I was uplifted into believing I could do anything.

Piper lives in London with her friend Matt, has a good job and runs a body positivity blog. Piper has always been overweight so when her old school crush Rob invites her to a reunion she’s excited and nervous. Will Rob still be the same or will he have changed?

I loved everything about this book, I was engrossed to the pages as I fell in love with Piper, Matt, Rob, Holly and Connie. Piper was a brilliant character, I was there cheering for her to overcome all the fat jokes. I loved the body positivity theme that Keris was promoting throughout the book, it made me feel better about myself and by the end I had a big grin on my face and my heart was uplifted.

Keris’s writing was just superb, I was hooked right from the first page and I loved getting to know all the characters. The pages turned themselves and I just couldn’t put the book down. This is definitely a book you’ll want to read in one sitting – will Piper and Rob get together? What happened to make Piper and Holly stop talking to each other? You’ll just have to read the book! I really hope Keris revisits Piper again at some point, she is probably one of my favourite characters of the year so far.

The Invitation is funny, romantic, heartwarming and will make your own confidence soar as you read it. This is a wonderful read and perfect to read this summer. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to grab Keris’s other books!

[Lauren James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keris' books always make me feel like I can achieve anything I set my mind to. Heart-warming, body-positive, sweet and caring, I am going to be thinking about these characters for a long time. Can we get a sequel about Holly, please?!

[Nicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun read. I really liked Piper and admired her positive outlook on life. I loved Matt, her BFF and flatmate, he was brilliant and such fantastic person to have around, encouraging her whenever she needed it.

I loved the main storyline about the school reunion. Having avoided every school reunion myself, I completely understood Piper’s reluctance to attend. Unless you were one of the popular kids, why go back and socialise with all those people you’ve managed to live without for years? I admired her decision to go and just loved how she prepared herself, I especially that ‘Power Pose’!

I also really enjoyed Piper’s work storyline with her involvement with the girl band. I especially thought the names that the company kept coming up with were eye rollingly cringey!

And what about Rob, the one that got away? Was he for real or just messing with Piper’s head? Well, you’ll have to read the book to find out what happens!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was muchly in need of some light-hearted and fun reads earlier this year, and it’s safe to say Keris Stainton’s books where exactly what I needed. The characters in this book are great, relatable, warm, funny. It was a really easy story to read and connect with, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Kaisha (The Writing Garnet) · Rating 5 out of 5]

All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com

I always look forward to reading a new novel from Keris Stainton, and her latest novel, ‘The Invitation’ was no different!

Meet Piper, a woman who has struggled with her body confidence for as long as she can remember, trying to promote positive attitudes towards all different weights and sizes on her blog. While it is clear that she is turning heads with her words, she also seems to be turning heads with how she looks – and not in a bad way!

Keris Stainton always has been in hysterics with her fantastically written and well-timed humour and, whilst I did find myself laughing like a hyena on more than one occasion, I found myself empathising with Piper and her situation, rather than giggling constantly like I usually would. Don’t panic, that is in no way a bad thing. I think that, because I have been in a similar situation to Piper but on the other end of the scale, I was able to channel her emotions and see her side of the story a lot clearer than someone who hadn’t been in the same position. The body image topic is one that is often seen as ‘taboo’, yet it is one of the most important hurdles for today’s youth. Yes, both genders. I loved the way that Keris Stainton uplifted the situation with her humour, without belittling the cause and the message that she was trying to get across. I felt that the author understood exactly what its like to be a person who dislikes how they look, or have been called something derogatory due to their size, big or small.

‘The Invitation’ isn’t just about Piper’s journey with her blog, it is about a lot more than that. No, I cannot tell you what as that would be a spoiler, pfft! Just trust me when I say that ‘The Invitation’ will make you laugh, make you sit and ponder your life choices, as well as opening up the App Store on your phone to see if you can find an app to add faces to certain things….

This book sends such a positive message to every single person out there – I wish I had someone like Keris Stainton in my corner when I was growing up, but I am glad that I have her words of wisdom and hilarious one liners to get me through my nearing thirties. If that’s not lucky, I don’t know what is.

Keris Stainton never fails to deliver, with her voice getting stronger and stronger with every book she writes. Yes, ‘The Invitation’ is hilarious, but it is also a powerful and poignant read that will have you admiring fellow women for their strength and outlook, instead of whether they have ‘curves in all the right places’. Thanks to Keris Stainton, the only curve I need to worry about is the one on my face – my smile.

[Lisette · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about Piper who gets a second chance with the one who got away. It's a nice story, yet I didn't feel connected to the characters. Body positivity is one of the underlying themes, which keeps coming back throughout the story. It felt a bit "preachy" to me. I liked that this book was funny and romantic. The ending made me roll my eyes, because it was a bit cheesy and a bit sudden. For me this was an okay read.

I received an advance copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Carly Findlay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was light, a quick easy read, and funny. I stayed up late to devoir it.

There were some excellent messages around body image and body positivity within, as well as the power and perils of being a body image advocate on social media. I related to that.

Loved Piper and Rob’s relationship, and also Piper’s mentoring of the girl band (and their admiration for her).

Looking forward to reading more of Keris Stainton’s books.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Invitation is one of those books you think I’ll just read a couple of chapters and the next thing you’re nearly half way through the book.

It’s witty, warm and well-written and follows Piper who unexpectedly received a message from her teenage crush Rob who she hasn’t seen for 8 years. Throw in her bisexual best friend and flat mate Matt, her slightly stuck up sister, some old school friends and a dog with a dodgy bladder and you’re in for a great read.

This is the first book I’ve read by Keris Stainton and I look forward to reading more.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the chance to review.

[Els · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it's quite clear that nobody is perfect, but some seem to think they are and therefore are allowed to call people names. Do they ever take the time to consider how hurtful they are? No, of course not. To them it's fun and to humiliate seems to be their second nature. Sometimes I wish they could be, even only once, on the receiving end ...
It takes a strong person to stand above this all, be happy with what nature gave them and encourage people to do the same. To this, I doff my cap.
The book is about the importance of family, second chances and friends.
This story makes you smile but makes you reflect as well.
Thank you, Keris Stainton, Bookouture and Netgalley.

https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com/

[Rosie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Robin Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second chances can be marvelous. That is exactly what Piper James experiences when she gets a message from her teenage crush Rob Kingsford. She was crazy about him in school, but has not seen him in eight years. Rob has invited Piper to accompany him to their high school reunion. Could she really have another chance with the gorgeous hunk of a man? That said, this is not simply a romance, though. It is a story about body positivity, friendships and family.

The Invitation is sweet, funny and tender. I so wanted Piper and Rob to get together. They both really liked one another. Piper's war with confidence and self-esteem is quite realistic. She has been judged by others due to her weight - including her family - and feels as if Rob could not ever really be attracted to her. This book had some great connecting characters, and they added to the humor in this story, including little Buster. This was a delightful, one-sitting read. If this book is indicative of the genuine writing style of Keris Stainton, I definitely look forward to reading more of her work in the future, maybe even stories about Matt and Holly.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for an honest review.

Date of publication: June 25, 2018

[Brianna {Semi-Hiatus} · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Invitation by Keris Stainton is a second-chance romance told in third person narrative primarily following Piper James. She was seen on tv by her longtime crush, Rob Kingsford, who then messages her and eventually invites her to their school reunion. Despite being comfortable in her own skin, she is on edge near Rob because he was always the one that got away. Following an amazing night at her school, she begins to get closer and closer to Rob.

I loved the way things progressed with Piper and Rob. They were so cute and funny - I couldn't wait until that moment. Even the side characters were a great addition to the story! Matt was my favourite and I really hope there is more with his "love interest" - Holly.

My biggest problem with this novel was that I felt Piper focused too much on her negatives. She was supposed to be this confident women who writes her own positive body blog, however anytime someone made a nice comment about her looks, her weight, or even her personality at one point, she just waves it off like they are just saying that to be polite or something.

Easy 4/5 rating. (Plus the cover is really cute and definitely drew me in!!)

Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy of this book for my honest review.

[Between The Pages (Gemma M) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy Publication Day! I am so sorry with how late the following review is I thought it was for tomorrow! Eeek. Silly me.

This is the perfect romcom book for sunny hot days like today, I devoured this in two sittings would have been one if I didn’t have to nip out. This is the first book I have read by Keris and it was brilliant.

Parts had me laughing out loud and I fell in love with Piper from the start who is an easy character to relate to. If this book doesn’t have you smiling I don’t know what will! An uplifting, feel good story for all to enjoy. Easy to read, well written and will be finished before you know it! A well deserved 4 stars from me. Highly recommend. Cannot forget this story in a hurry. Im still giggling at parts now.

I already cannot wait to read more by this author if any of her other books are as great as this one. High expectations are set now. An author to keep your eye on and a beautiful cover too.

[Trish Hills · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bloody love Keris' books! Every single one has made me howl with laughter at some point and The Invitation is no exception! Keris is the kind of funny writer that will make tea come out your nose (true story!).

Piper is one of my favourite book characters of all time. Her outer confidence teamed with inner self-conciousness make her very relatable and real. I love that she isn't the typical kind of woman you read about. She's ballsy, sexy and sweet but she's vulnerable and a bit broken too. I loved her relationship with Rob! It isn't easy reconnecting with old friends but she handled it so well. There are so many great characters in this book; Connie, Holly, Matt. Oh and Buster!

I would love for there to be a follow on from The Invitation! Please make this happen!

[M T · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley for my copy. 2.5*

This is billed as a romantic comedy which it is but but the underlying message in this book is body positivity. Unfortunately I felt that this overshadowed the comedy in this book and became a bit over the top in it's preaching.

There were some good characters in this book but I just didn't feel the same connection with them as I did with the previous books by this author.

[Sally Coles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Piper is living in London with her best friend Matt and blogging about loving your body when she gets invited as a guest on a morning tv show. Life is looking good when she has to go home because her aunt is ill and gets invited by Rob...... her teenage crush and heartthrob...... to go to her school reunion.......... should she go and will she still feel the same way about Rob?

A light hearted fun book with plenty of comedy moments...... perfect summer read

[Kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really lovely and funny. I really enjoyed it.

[Tinkara V. Kastelic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kjutkano

[Lorna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Delight

Being a big fan of books that take place in the UK, I was happy to dive into this book about a career girl in London. She’s also a blogger about body positivity and has been in love with a guy back home since they were just kids. Of course, he doesn’t know it and it’s been eight years since they’ve seen each other. I couldn’t wait to see how they found their happily ever after.

Review

Piper grew up in a small city on the water in Northern England. Eight years previously, her parents both died, so her and her sister only have their aunt left. All Piper wanted to do was get away from the memories of her family and she couldn’t wait to start living a fabulous life in London. She leaves behind all her friends and the love of her young life, Rob. She was never with him, but he was part of her group of friends. When she appears on a morning television show debating body positivity versus a healthy lifestyle, she hears from Rob out the blue, via Facebook. He tells her to come see him if she ever comes home to see her aunt. Of course, she freaks about it, but has no plans to go back home. When her aunt has a health crisis a few days later, she finds herself back home with the memories and face to face with the Greek god that Rob has managed to turn himself into.

Piper was such a good character. She’s outspoken about her body image, knows she’s overweight, but totally owns it. She is still grieving the loss of her parents and has no intention of ever moving back home due to the memories. Her best friend and roommate is Matt, a guy she met at uni. He actually was one of the best parts of this book. He’s bisexual and really doesn’t seem to have a preference one way or the other. He’s happy to be Piper’s very supportive friend, is very sensitive and loving, and would probably rather be with Piper than any of his many conquests, any day of the week. Their banter together was really fun. Rob is just about as close to perfect as any man can be. He’s a teacher at their old high school, has sculpted his body to perfection, and could care less that Piper is overweight. Rounding out the characters are Holly, Piper’s “perfect sister”(they aren’t close), and their elderly great-aunt Connie.

I thought this book was well written with lots of fun banter back and forth with at least three of the characters. Can’t under-estimate the power of good banter in a book! Relationships get straightened out, people fall in love, a bad sexual decision is made(not the main characters), a girl band gets a new name(not explaining),fun is had by most at a high school reunion and social media has a field day. And I had a great time reading the whole thing.

My only problem with the book? I thought at times Piper stressed over her weight too much. For someone that is so body positive, she does mention it quite a bit. Not a big deal, just something that I did notice.

I definitely recommend this book to contemporary romance(not necessarily rom-com readers) readers or people that just enjoy a good story, because it’s not just a romance, but also a journey to get past tragedy, mend other family relationships and also to show that men and women can be close friends without anything else at stake. This is a fun, sometimes sensual, and at times, heartwarming read! My thanks to Net Galley for providing me this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice, sweet story without any major drama. Loved the theme of body positivity!

[Alessandra Bassi · Rating 4 out of 5]

First there is the review in Italian then the English one –
Prima c'è la recensione in italiano poi quella in inglese
4,5
Letto in inglese.
È un libro che si legge “facilmente” ed è comunque ricco di temi importanti. La protagonista si definisce grassa e, anche se è una persona deliziosa e molto brava nel suo lavoro, ironica e positiva, ci sono due cose che la mettono in difficoltà: una è relativa alla sua famiglia (e alla sua città d’origine), e l’altra è la questione del peso/ sicurezza di sé. Il romanzo racconta di come affronta questi temi, in modo positivo e con ironia, ma anche con la tristezza, la paura e tutti i sentimenti che fanno comunque parte della nostra vita anche quando vorremmo averli “superati”.

Alcune citazioni
A proposito del suo blog, in cui c’erano altri commenti “che le dicevano che era grassa. “Pensano che non lo sappia? Ha chiesto a Matt. “È letteralmente quello di cui parlavo sul blog”.
Un amico a lei: “Hai anche una piccola tendenza - e questa non è una critica, solo un'osservazione e sai che lo dico con amore - ad allontanare le persone. Soprattutto quando senti di aver fatto una cazzata”.
“Odio quando hai ragione”.


4,5
Read in English.
It is a book that is ‘easily’ read and is nevertheless full of important issues. The main character describes herself as fat and, although she is a delightful person and very good at her job, ironic and positive, there are two things that make her struggle: one is related to her family (and her home town), and the other is the issue of weight/self-confidence. The novel is about how she deals with these issues, in a positive way and with irony, but also with sadness, fear and all the feelings that are nevertheless part of our lives even when we would like to have ‘overcome’ them.

Some quotes

About his blog, where there were more comments “letting her know she was fat. “Do they think I don’t know? She asked Matt. “It’s literally what I was on there to talk about”
A friend to her: “you also have a tiny bit of a tendency - and this isn’t a criticism, just an observation and you know I say it with love – to push people away. Particularly when you feel like you’ve fucked up”
“Ugh, I hate when you’re right”.

[Angel Hatfield · Rating 2 out of 5]

Piper was taking a selfie and sending it to instagram. She was so nervous as it was the first time she was on national television. There was a chef who had just done a segment on t v who told Piper not to be nervous as he had done the show several times. He said the host Susannah was warm and friendly and Piper thought that was true, Piper wasn’t worried about the host it was the woman she had been invited on the show to debate with- Naomi Jones. Then the woman herself appeared and introduced herself , she said she had been on the show about five times. Then it was time. Piper though they may have a dry run but no it was live. Before Piper knew it was over and she really couldn’t and she really couldn’t remember what she had said.. Then one of the researchers asked Piper if she was ready to go and said “well done.” Matt was Piper’s best friend. Matt and Piper were both “fat.” Piper and Matt had met at college and had gravitated together both: Northern, quiet loud, and not as confident as they appeared to be. They became inseparable in a couple of weeks. The people at work had been complimentary about the show. Piper’s boss John said she had done really well. Piper worked at Infinite Record Company. Matt met up with Piper and they went to the pub they usually went to when Matt met her after she got out of work. While with Matt Piper checked ut her facebook message amd saw one from Rob a guy she had been close to in school back home. Rob said he would like to catch up if she ever went home again. The last time she had heard from rob was after he parents had died five months after she went to London and college. Piper’s problem was she really didn’t know what she wanted to do. Connie’s was Piper’s aunt and she was back home. Piper got a call from her neighbor and he said Connie was at the Doctors as she was having problems with her memory. CPiper decided she had to go home and check on Connie.
I just couldn’t get into this book as it didn’t hold my attention and it seemed to drag for me. I tried to pick it back up at a later time with no better luck. I am sure someone else will enjoy this book it just wasn’t for me.

[Zoé-Lee O'Farrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I loved the fact it was a story of a normal girl Piper, blogging about being a "fat" beautiful girl and how to love yourself. It was lovely done and the subject surrounding the blogging was wonderfully done, no fat shaming here. It was a normal story, there was no far-fetched ness about it. I felt like this could happen to one of my friends! We are introduced to Piper as she is about to appear on a morning tv show to do a debate about your well-being thanks to her blogging.  After the show, she receives loads of comments and praise (and some trolling!!!) but then a facebook message pops up, her old crush from school, Rob!

Piper has loved Rob ever since she was a teenager, hanging around the park, drinking in the pub. But tragedy struck and she literally ran away to London, away from her friends to start a new life. She is brought back home due to a sick family member and literally runs into Rob. Who in turn invites her to a school reunion. I loved reading about the reunion as it sounded just like a reunion should be, drunken debauchery and a really good time, the fears of being reunited were well played!!

I have not read anything by Keris before, but I have rectified this by putting other books on my TBR list. Keris' writing is like you are reading a page in someone's diary, or like talking to a friend about their weekend having a giggle and a glass of wine. So much realism, none of this crazy will she-will he, no misunderstandings. The little 'drama' that is in the book is done in a way where you think, hang on yes I would react like that too!

It is definitely a second chance at love story but not just for Piper.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘The Invitation’ by Keris Stainton published by Bookoutre

Hi, mmmmmmm...took me ages to think how to review this book......anyway its very easy and quick to read and had moments of LOL humour ( but only moments) ....
Piper is fat, loves her food and runs an Insta and other social media body positive campaign(s), the book starts as she is about to go on TV to battle it out with a ‘healthy living’ svelte beautiful young thing, that is the part that had me LOL’ing the most.......It then went to more the occasional rye smile and odd chuckle as the book progressed...Piper hears from Rob,via FB,her first love,as there is a school reunion, she goes, they fall in love, they have lots of sex ( sometimes too much!! Am I turning into a prude? No, but some of it was like sigh,cmon,enough, also I thought a lot of unecassary swearing that was out of context and added nothing to the dialogue ) and thats it, the bulk of the book....there are sub stories about her BFF and an Great Aunt ( she was my fav character ) and Piper’s job in the record industry and the positive body image bit is mentioned often, also there is the area of Piper snd her sister Holly and how their ‘fraught’ relationship develops but mostly it focused on her getting back with Rob.... there are some emotinal scenes as Piper lost both of her parents when young and found it hard to accept and so there was a bit of ‘coming to terms’ which was quite moving
I kinda liked Piper and also Rob and was pleased they were reunited and it wasnt a massive slush fest as could have been
If your after a quick chick lit romancey book with a chatty, infornal style of writing then this is for you

6/10 3 stars

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Piper James has never got over her childhood crush, Rob Kingsford.  On a visit back home to New Brighton to visit her ill aunt, she bumps into him.  This leads to a Facebook friend request, and then to Rob inviting her to their school reunion.  Piper has rarely visited her home town since her parents died in an accident and she’s still not keen to be going home.  This was partly due to the overwhelming memories of her parents, but also because Piper has always had an issue with her self-confidence, in particular to do with her weight.  As an amateur blogger, she shares her opinions on her body confidence (or lack of it) and does she really want to face the people from her old school, including the handsome Rob!

I loved Piper’s character and instantly felt a connection with her.  Piper has an issue with her weight, but she tries not to let it bother her and does her best to give off a positive attitude.  The weight issue is discussed a lot throughout the book, but it needs to be to describe Piper’s character and why she’s like she is.  Rob is also a great character who appears back in Piper’s life when she is visiting her ill aunt.  He seems genuinely interested in Piper despite all these years where they haven’t spoken.  I wanted to give Piper a good shake sometimes though as she just couldn’t see what was so obvious to everyone else, especially where Rob was concerned!

I adored the story from start to finish!  Of course, it did help with the fact that Rob was completely and utterly gorgeous and I literally swooned every time he appeared on the page.  But it was also a story which had so many moral stories – “You are what you are”, “love yourself” and “everyone deserves a second chance” to name but a few!  This book had me laughing one minute and then crying the next!  It was a clever, funny and heart-breaking read which had me hooked from the moment I started reading it.  There are no big reveals in this story, and it’s obvious what would happen by the end, but it was such a fun journey with Piper getting there!

I also loved the setting when Piper went home.  I’ve been to New Brighton a couple of times and could picture the promenade and waterfront as I was reading.  I could even imagine the train station, as I’ve been there too!!  This, for me, certainly added to the enjoyment of the story as I like to picture where a book is set!

All in all, it was a fantastic and uplifting read which I would heartily recommend!  I’ve read several of this author’s books which I have enjoyed and this one certainly didn’t disappoint.  I’m already looking forward to the next one!