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Bonnie and Stan
After 50 years together Stan still adores his wife... so why is he dating again?
Bonnie and Stan are soulmates. They met during the Swinging Sixties, to the soundtrack of The Beatles and the Merseybeat scene. Now they've grown up and grown old together, had children and grandchildren. They are finally building their dream home, when disaster strikes.
Stan is running out of time, and can't bear the thought of leaving Bonnie alone. Alongside his teenage granddaughter Greya, he forms a plan to find Bonnie a new love of her life. And she must never find out...
Bonnie & Stan is a poignant, surprising love story set during the Swinging Sixties and the present day. Ultimately feel-good and full of emotion, Bonnie & Stan will make your heart sing.
Bonnie and Stan are soulmates. They met during the Swinging Sixties, to the soundtrack of The Beatles and the Merseybeat scene. Now they've grown up and grown old together, had children and grandchildren. They are finally building their dream home, when disaster strikes.
Stan is running out of time, and can't bear the thought of leaving Bonnie alone. Alongside his teenage granddaughter Greya, he forms a plan to find Bonnie a new love of her life. And she must never find out...
Bonnie & Stan is a poignant, surprising love story set during the Swinging Sixties and the present day. Ultimately feel-good and full of emotion, Bonnie & Stan will make your heart sing.
368 pages, Paperback
First published February 21, 2019
26 people are currently reading
330 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
June 8, 2019
5☆ An Incredibly Touching, Compelling and Heart Felt Contemporary Romance! A Must Read!
Bonnie and Stan is a heart warming and poignant read.
I always find it particularly hard to read any book where death and incurable illness is involved and normally I just can't read it.
But there was something about this book that really touched my heart.
Stan is dying and he is finding it really difficult to leave behind Bonnie his wife alone with no one.
So he decides to do the most touching and incredibly brave thing and find Bonnie a new partner before he dies, so she's not alone.
You see there is just something special about this book! Not many people could do what Stan sets out to do!
Although it is really poignant there are plenty of light hearted and Humorous moments, especially with some of the things Stan gets up too, in order to find someone worthy of Bonnie.
This is very much a character driven story and I adored Bonnie and Stan.
Their characters are so well written and believable you could feel their heartache, Strength, courage, warmth, love and determination.
I especially loved that they were from the older generation as you don't always get that in stories, so it was nice to see.
Oh and if you love the 60s era, your in for a treat!
The pace is a little slower but it feels right, just the right pace for the story to unfold.
Bonnie and Stan is a incredibly Touching, full of Romance, Compelling and Heart warming Story, with nice amount of humour to keep things light.
This is a story that I will be remembering for a while to come.
Would I recommend reading this Gorgeous Contemporary Romance..... without a doubt..... 100%.... Yes!!
Thank you to Trapeze Books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
Bonnie and Stan is a heart warming and poignant read.
I always find it particularly hard to read any book where death and incurable illness is involved and normally I just can't read it.
But there was something about this book that really touched my heart.
Stan is dying and he is finding it really difficult to leave behind Bonnie his wife alone with no one.
So he decides to do the most touching and incredibly brave thing and find Bonnie a new partner before he dies, so she's not alone.
You see there is just something special about this book! Not many people could do what Stan sets out to do!
Although it is really poignant there are plenty of light hearted and Humorous moments, especially with some of the things Stan gets up too, in order to find someone worthy of Bonnie.
This is very much a character driven story and I adored Bonnie and Stan.
Their characters are so well written and believable you could feel their heartache, Strength, courage, warmth, love and determination.
I especially loved that they were from the older generation as you don't always get that in stories, so it was nice to see.
Oh and if you love the 60s era, your in for a treat!
The pace is a little slower but it feels right, just the right pace for the story to unfold.
Bonnie and Stan is a incredibly Touching, full of Romance, Compelling and Heart warming Story, with nice amount of humour to keep things light.
This is a story that I will be remembering for a while to come.
Would I recommend reading this Gorgeous Contemporary Romance..... without a doubt..... 100%.... Yes!!
Thank you to Trapeze Books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
May 24, 2019
I have to be honest I’m not usually one for contemporary fiction but this book had two things that really appealed to me, first older main characters (Bonnie and Stan are in their seventies) and it’s partly set in Liverpool back in the Swinging Sixties, a decade which I love to read about.
Poor Stan, just on the verge of retirement and building his dream home, he finds out he has incurable cancer. He can’t stand to think of Bonnie on her own so he sets about trying to find her a new husband.
Bonnie and Stan is one of those ‘I’m not crying honest, there’s just something in my eye’ reads. I always find it a little harder to read a book with a protagonist who’s dying, especially from cancer which took my mother ten years ago, but this topic is handled with sensitivity by the author.
The characters are so well written, I felt like I almost knew them. Stan is the more pragmatic, accepting what is happening to him whereas Bonnie is looking for a miracle cure. I think we all have a little bit of Bonnie in us, especially when someone is ill.
My favourite aspects of the novel is when we travelled back to the sixties. The Beatles had just found fame and the buzz of the Liverpool music scene was at it’s height. As I’m from Liverpool myself I have a bit of a fascination with that era, my parents were both teenagers at the time and it just seemed like an exciting place to be. I also liked the attention to detail, like the description of the old Cavern club, which was just how my parents described it, damp and a little bit dingy but still one of the places in Liverpool to be seen.
I have to be honest this is quite a slow and steady novel and frankly I liked the sixties parts better than I did the ones set in the present but of course that’s just my opinion.
Bonnie and Stan is a must read story if you like poignant, character driven stories all about love, life and family.
Poor Stan, just on the verge of retirement and building his dream home, he finds out he has incurable cancer. He can’t stand to think of Bonnie on her own so he sets about trying to find her a new husband.
Bonnie and Stan is one of those ‘I’m not crying honest, there’s just something in my eye’ reads. I always find it a little harder to read a book with a protagonist who’s dying, especially from cancer which took my mother ten years ago, but this topic is handled with sensitivity by the author.
The characters are so well written, I felt like I almost knew them. Stan is the more pragmatic, accepting what is happening to him whereas Bonnie is looking for a miracle cure. I think we all have a little bit of Bonnie in us, especially when someone is ill.
My favourite aspects of the novel is when we travelled back to the sixties. The Beatles had just found fame and the buzz of the Liverpool music scene was at it’s height. As I’m from Liverpool myself I have a bit of a fascination with that era, my parents were both teenagers at the time and it just seemed like an exciting place to be. I also liked the attention to detail, like the description of the old Cavern club, which was just how my parents described it, damp and a little bit dingy but still one of the places in Liverpool to be seen.
I have to be honest this is quite a slow and steady novel and frankly I liked the sixties parts better than I did the ones set in the present but of course that’s just my opinion.
Bonnie and Stan is a must read story if you like poignant, character driven stories all about love, life and family.
July 3, 2019
Where do I start? I chose this book to read with my real life book club as I had arranged the blogtour and seen such amazing reviews from my fellow bloggers and suffering from FOMO it was an easy decision to select this book.
I don’t normally read romance or women’s fiction preferring a good serial killer than a weepy, but BONNIE AND STAN may have just changed my reading habits slightly!
Bonnie and Stan have been in love for over 50 years, nearing retirement and about to build their dream house when Stan is given the worst news and a diagnosis that turns everyone’s lives upside down. Stan can’t stand the thought of Bonnie being on her own when he’s gone so together with his granddaughter they sign up to an online dating app to find Bonnie a new husband which results in some very amusing and often heartbreaking results.
The story is told through present day and flashbacks to the 50’s when Bonnie first met Stan in Liverpool. She was studying Architecture in Liverpool University and he was a member of an upcoming band The Best Boys who dreamt of stardom and being the next Beatles.
BONNIE AND STAN is an emotional and heart warming read and whilst the story does centre around Stan, his terminal illness and impending death it never becomes morbid or uncomfortably sad. It’s a character driven story and whilst Bonnie and Stan are the main leads, the supporting cast of family and friends were absolutely wonderful. The bickering between their twin daughters, the relationship between Stan and Dave was so touching and Bonnie’s wonderful aunt Nancy and her wife Astrid are incredible characters which all give this story the added depth and layers to make the reader feel part of the family and the story.
I would definitely recommend this book.
I don’t normally read romance or women’s fiction preferring a good serial killer than a weepy, but BONNIE AND STAN may have just changed my reading habits slightly!
Bonnie and Stan have been in love for over 50 years, nearing retirement and about to build their dream house when Stan is given the worst news and a diagnosis that turns everyone’s lives upside down. Stan can’t stand the thought of Bonnie being on her own when he’s gone so together with his granddaughter they sign up to an online dating app to find Bonnie a new husband which results in some very amusing and often heartbreaking results.
The story is told through present day and flashbacks to the 50’s when Bonnie first met Stan in Liverpool. She was studying Architecture in Liverpool University and he was a member of an upcoming band The Best Boys who dreamt of stardom and being the next Beatles.
BONNIE AND STAN is an emotional and heart warming read and whilst the story does centre around Stan, his terminal illness and impending death it never becomes morbid or uncomfortably sad. It’s a character driven story and whilst Bonnie and Stan are the main leads, the supporting cast of family and friends were absolutely wonderful. The bickering between their twin daughters, the relationship between Stan and Dave was so touching and Bonnie’s wonderful aunt Nancy and her wife Astrid are incredible characters which all give this story the added depth and layers to make the reader feel part of the family and the story.
I would definitely recommend this book.
May 30, 2019
This was such a lovely read, set partly in the 1963 and present day with the story told from both Bonnie and Stan’s perspectives.
I loved both characters but enjoyed Bonnie’s 1963 story the most as I’ve always loved anything to do with the 60s. I loved reading about the Merseybeat scene and getting glimpses of The Beatles and Cilla Black in the famous Cavern Club. I really did feel I was back there when I was reading the chapters set in 1963.
Stan’s chapters in the present day were poignant, but also fun as he goes on secret ‘dates’ to find a new husband for his Bonnie. I loved the relationship Stan and Bonnie had, it was so refreshing to read about a long and happy marriage in a novel. The love they have for each other is wonderful and something I’d love to see more in fiction.
There were a few minor characters that really helped the story move along. Dave, Stan’s friend and colleague is a bit of a dinosaur when in comes to women, and it’s lovey to see his character develop along the way. Greya, Stan and Bonnie’s eco granddaughter who helps Stan with the whole ‘dating’ idea, is like a breathe of fresh air and right on point with her passion for the environment. And of course I can’t miss out Aunt Nancy and her wife Astrid and the Midsummer party!
I thoroughly enjoyed this one and cannot recommend it enough for lovers of contemporary fiction.
I loved both characters but enjoyed Bonnie’s 1963 story the most as I’ve always loved anything to do with the 60s. I loved reading about the Merseybeat scene and getting glimpses of The Beatles and Cilla Black in the famous Cavern Club. I really did feel I was back there when I was reading the chapters set in 1963.
Stan’s chapters in the present day were poignant, but also fun as he goes on secret ‘dates’ to find a new husband for his Bonnie. I loved the relationship Stan and Bonnie had, it was so refreshing to read about a long and happy marriage in a novel. The love they have for each other is wonderful and something I’d love to see more in fiction.
There were a few minor characters that really helped the story move along. Dave, Stan’s friend and colleague is a bit of a dinosaur when in comes to women, and it’s lovey to see his character develop along the way. Greya, Stan and Bonnie’s eco granddaughter who helps Stan with the whole ‘dating’ idea, is like a breathe of fresh air and right on point with her passion for the environment. And of course I can’t miss out Aunt Nancy and her wife Astrid and the Midsummer party!
I thoroughly enjoyed this one and cannot recommend it enough for lovers of contemporary fiction.
November 25, 2019
Note: Not a popular book of 2019, more like a library pick. But eh, continue reading.
God.
Where do I start?
This novel had such promise. I was so excited to start it, I'd cleared every other book I had to read, muted all of my friends, put on good music, and was literally not breathing when I first cracked open the book.
I'd done everything to ensure I was in a happy, excited mood to read this. No anger, slowness, sir!
But then, I already told you about Fate, fiend as he is, screwing up my reading once in a while and making me curse him even more.
That's exactly what happened.
But let me start accordingly.
The cover - Well the cover was cute and I thought a bit sweet too, sweet like my heart melting and never forming solid again. And I really adored it, so points to that.
The summary - I haven't been reading a lot of senior citizens' novels, so this one was a good surprise. At first I thought it would be a sad beginning, literally beginning with his death, so yeah I was definitely hesitant. But then as I read and searched some more for it's actual summary, it had nothing to do with his death or not at the beginning anyway. A couple, with the husband facing some terrible news, which is to do with his life expectancy being much shorter, meanwhile husband tries to find wife a new husband when he passed away, to help her continue living life.
Sweet ain't it? I thought so too. Hence why the points are gifted.
But then everything hit the ground and blew apart my entire interest for this story, like some goddamn hurricane.
Anyway.
The pacing -In general was pretty slow. Yes I know, 40 something pages is not enough to judge, but for me even 20 pages is a good indication whether this novel will actually follow through with it's plot and pacing. So yeah. The pacing in general was pretty slow, to say the least, and left me wondering what went wrong for me to end up at such a conclusion. But in the end, it was slow and I couldn't continue. So yeah hence why I took off one point.
The characters, time flashbacks -The characters are not dull I have to admit, but their dialogues were, for sure, and I was wondering if the author actually knew how to make dialogues exciting without sounding like a teenager but rather still sounding dignified and formal. As for the flashbacks, the 60s were more fun then the present time and rather easier to read rather than the dull, morbid environment set in the present. So another point got removed.
The ending -I can't comment on, as I didn't finish till the end. So no star was given in general, as I have no idea how the novel ended.
Therefore, things could have changed, and made the novel much better. I still feel it has potential to strike hearts, and be emotionally moving, if with a few changes.
So yeah, there you go. Not a total shambles.
Until the next read,
TMR
God.
Where do I start?
This novel had such promise. I was so excited to start it, I'd cleared every other book I had to read, muted all of my friends, put on good music, and was literally not breathing when I first cracked open the book.
I'd done everything to ensure I was in a happy, excited mood to read this. No anger, slowness, sir!
But then, I already told you about Fate, fiend as he is, screwing up my reading once in a while and making me curse him even more.
That's exactly what happened.
But let me start accordingly.
The cover - Well the cover was cute and I thought a bit sweet too, sweet like my heart melting and never forming solid again. And I really adored it, so points to that.
The summary - I haven't been reading a lot of senior citizens' novels, so this one was a good surprise. At first I thought it would be a sad beginning, literally beginning with his death, so yeah I was definitely hesitant. But then as I read and searched some more for it's actual summary, it had nothing to do with his death or not at the beginning anyway. A couple, with the husband facing some terrible news, which is to do with his life expectancy being much shorter, meanwhile husband tries to find wife a new husband when he passed away, to help her continue living life.
Sweet ain't it? I thought so too. Hence why the points are gifted.
But then everything hit the ground and blew apart my entire interest for this story, like some goddamn hurricane.
Anyway.
The pacing -In general was pretty slow. Yes I know, 40 something pages is not enough to judge, but for me even 20 pages is a good indication whether this novel will actually follow through with it's plot and pacing. So yeah. The pacing in general was pretty slow, to say the least, and left me wondering what went wrong for me to end up at such a conclusion. But in the end, it was slow and I couldn't continue. So yeah hence why I took off one point.
The characters, time flashbacks -The characters are not dull I have to admit, but their dialogues were, for sure, and I was wondering if the author actually knew how to make dialogues exciting without sounding like a teenager but rather still sounding dignified and formal. As for the flashbacks, the 60s were more fun then the present time and rather easier to read rather than the dull, morbid environment set in the present. So another point got removed.
The ending -I can't comment on, as I didn't finish till the end. So no star was given in general, as I have no idea how the novel ended.
Therefore, things could have changed, and made the novel much better. I still feel it has potential to strike hearts, and be emotionally moving, if with a few changes.
So yeah, there you go. Not a total shambles.
Until the next read,
TMR
July 19, 2019
Bonnie has finally.got the land and planning permission to build the house that she has designed and at her and Stan's time of life,anyone would think they are crazy to start over.
Architect Bonnie sees nothing standing in her and Stan's way,until circumstances threaten to derail what should.be golden years for them both.
Love,loss and longevity are major themes running through this story with the commonality of hope against all odds.
It is a love letter, not just to the relationship between these two characters, but also the time they lived in.It's a love letter to Liverpool,the changing roles of women, and a hugely exciting time of change and challenge in the late 20th Century.
As the story travels back and forth in time, you become more and more invested in the urgency of time for Stan to achieve his dream for Bonnie before it is too late.
By the end your heart is a big bit broken and you feel a bone deep emptiness where Bonnie and Stan lived inside you. It's a beautiful and resonant story which I unreservedly recommend (alongside a large box of tissues).
Architect Bonnie sees nothing standing in her and Stan's way,until circumstances threaten to derail what should.be golden years for them both.
Love,loss and longevity are major themes running through this story with the commonality of hope against all odds.
It is a love letter, not just to the relationship between these two characters, but also the time they lived in.It's a love letter to Liverpool,the changing roles of women, and a hugely exciting time of change and challenge in the late 20th Century.
As the story travels back and forth in time, you become more and more invested in the urgency of time for Stan to achieve his dream for Bonnie before it is too late.
By the end your heart is a big bit broken and you feel a bone deep emptiness where Bonnie and Stan lived inside you. It's a beautiful and resonant story which I unreservedly recommend (alongside a large box of tissues).
June 9, 2019
It's so refreshingly unique to see a love story set between an existing couple and that has spanned decades. Love exists in many ways and as much as I enjoy a romance novel about new love, it's brilliant to finally see someone has written about existing love and how it is different but still beautiful, deep and strong.
The story of Bonnie and Stan moves between the 60s when they first met up to the present, where Stan has just been diagnosed with cancer and is trying to find his wife a new partner, unknown to her. It is also narrated from both perspectives which adds a personal depth to the characters.
The past narrative (60s) is very cleverly told as Bonnie is dating a member of the band who are all mostly known by their nicknames so as a reader you aren't sure which one is Stan and you spend a lot of time as a reader guessing and making judgement on the boys as to who is Stan. Such a fun dimension to add to a story. Ms Stuart creates an immersive picture of the 60s in Liverpool (I wasn't there but I imagine it was just like in this novel). From the clothing, music and the attitudes towards women, love and sex she has created a wonderfully exciting setting for this part of the story.
The present narrative should feel more sombre given the subject matter but instead, it's difficult not to feel uplifted and warmed by Stan's actions and his insistence that Bonnie is looked after and loved again. To me this is the ultimate expression of love. It really evokes that feeling of happy/sad crying when you have both feelings at once. (I'm hoping some of you know what I mean. I get it when I watch Cats too).
This is such a poignant and beautifully written contemporary romance and I defy you not to love it.
The story of Bonnie and Stan moves between the 60s when they first met up to the present, where Stan has just been diagnosed with cancer and is trying to find his wife a new partner, unknown to her. It is also narrated from both perspectives which adds a personal depth to the characters.
The past narrative (60s) is very cleverly told as Bonnie is dating a member of the band who are all mostly known by their nicknames so as a reader you aren't sure which one is Stan and you spend a lot of time as a reader guessing and making judgement on the boys as to who is Stan. Such a fun dimension to add to a story. Ms Stuart creates an immersive picture of the 60s in Liverpool (I wasn't there but I imagine it was just like in this novel). From the clothing, music and the attitudes towards women, love and sex she has created a wonderfully exciting setting for this part of the story.
The present narrative should feel more sombre given the subject matter but instead, it's difficult not to feel uplifted and warmed by Stan's actions and his insistence that Bonnie is looked after and loved again. To me this is the ultimate expression of love. It really evokes that feeling of happy/sad crying when you have both feelings at once. (I'm hoping some of you know what I mean. I get it when I watch Cats too).
This is such a poignant and beautifully written contemporary romance and I defy you not to love it.
May 29, 2019
All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com
What a soundtrack this book has!!! I wasn't born in the swinging sixties, yet I know all of the songs mentioned in this book, AND I was able to do a little sing song whilst reading it!
If you were to open a dictionary and look up the word 'love', I wouldn't be surprised if you saw the definition as being 'Bonnie and Stan'. No matter what those two lovebirds went through, their love for each other seemed to get stronger and stronger with each passing day.
In this story, we get to follow Bonnie and Stan's life in the present, as well as in the early sixties when their paths originally crossed. A time where the Beatles were huge, and fashion was a statement nobody dare forget even now. Even though many years have passed, Bonnie is still by Stan's side, and visa versa, but the thing is, due to the fact that in the parts of the book where the sixties are mentioned and Stan was part of a band, they didn't use their real names. Bonnie wasn't always by Stan's side, though when Bonnie needed it the most, Stan rushed to hers with no questions asked. Can you work out which band member Stan was?
You really do need to believe in romance to appreciate every iota of this storyline, something which I have never been good at. That said, I totally appreciated the emotion behind the romance and the hurdles the couple had to jump over to reach the here and now.
Poor Bonnie and Stan have another massive hurdle to get through, one which will no doubt make your heart break due to the unfairness of it all. Like I said, I'm not a romantic sort, yet even my heart decided to smash. Life can be so, so unfair.
Anna Stuart took me on a journey I won't forget in a hurry. A journey which told the story of two characters who were written with incredible depth and warmth. I adored the authors powerful storytelling, and I feel that she captured the essence of Bonnie and Stan's love for each other, absolutely beautifully. Such a poignant, tender, loving novel with an absolutely BELTER of a soundtrack to boot.
What a soundtrack this book has!!! I wasn't born in the swinging sixties, yet I know all of the songs mentioned in this book, AND I was able to do a little sing song whilst reading it!
If you were to open a dictionary and look up the word 'love', I wouldn't be surprised if you saw the definition as being 'Bonnie and Stan'. No matter what those two lovebirds went through, their love for each other seemed to get stronger and stronger with each passing day.
In this story, we get to follow Bonnie and Stan's life in the present, as well as in the early sixties when their paths originally crossed. A time where the Beatles were huge, and fashion was a statement nobody dare forget even now. Even though many years have passed, Bonnie is still by Stan's side, and visa versa, but the thing is, due to the fact that in the parts of the book where the sixties are mentioned and Stan was part of a band, they didn't use their real names. Bonnie wasn't always by Stan's side, though when Bonnie needed it the most, Stan rushed to hers with no questions asked. Can you work out which band member Stan was?
You really do need to believe in romance to appreciate every iota of this storyline, something which I have never been good at. That said, I totally appreciated the emotion behind the romance and the hurdles the couple had to jump over to reach the here and now.
Poor Bonnie and Stan have another massive hurdle to get through, one which will no doubt make your heart break due to the unfairness of it all. Like I said, I'm not a romantic sort, yet even my heart decided to smash. Life can be so, so unfair.
Anna Stuart took me on a journey I won't forget in a hurry. A journey which told the story of two characters who were written with incredible depth and warmth. I adored the authors powerful storytelling, and I feel that she captured the essence of Bonnie and Stan's love for each other, absolutely beautifully. Such a poignant, tender, loving novel with an absolutely BELTER of a soundtrack to boot.
May 31, 2019
There was so much that appealed to me about the story line of this lovely book: although I was originally drawn by the focus on the older characters I often prefer, I really liked the premise of the story with its look back at Liverpool in the 60s (I’m old enough to remember), the enduring love story, and that promise of strong emotional engagement. I did think it was a debut novel, and that I’d like to take a chance on the author – but hadn’t realised that Anna Stuart was the alter ego of esteemed historical author Joanna Courtney, but a complete change of genre.
I absolutely loved this book, and devoured it in one glorious afternoon. I’ve noticed a few reviews have mentioned a slow start, but I really don’t agree: I thought the book was quite perfectly paced, and I particularly liked that early exploration of the relationship between Stan and Bonnie – facing a devastating diagnosis, sharing the news with the family, then continuing with their day-to-day lives while endeavouring not to dwell on the future.
And I thoroughly enjoyed the way the present day story is punctuated by episodes from Bonnie’s early life in 1963 Liverpool, and her relationship with aspiring stars the Best Boys. The era is brought quite perfectly to life, authentic in all the small details: I particularly enjoyed the inclusion of real characters from the Mersey scene like Brian Epstein, Billy J Kramer searching for a backing group, Cilla in the Cavern cloak room, and everyone’s jealousy of the meteoric success of the Beatles.
The stories in both timelines are equally strong. Stan and Bonnie in the present day totally won my heart – it’s a sad story, filled with love: at times there were tears, but the book has a gentle humour throughout and manages to entirely avoid the maudlin. The relationships and interactions are just wonderful – lovely granddaughter Greya with her passion for everything eco, their two very different daughters with their tangled lives and relationships, the conversations with Stan’s mate Dave, and the different characters encountered as Stan tries to ensure that Bonnie won’t live the rest of her life alone. I even loved Stan’s conversations with Terry, his Troll keyring – might sound strange, but it works so very well.
The way the back story moves into the present is beautifully done – there isn’t a Stan in the 1960s story, a rather inspired idea and so intriguingly handled. And I absolutely loved the way Susie-Ann’s life had developed – eons away from her scally (but wonderfully caring) family. And the present day scenes in the Cavern were quite excellent, and very touching with Stan’s unexpected VIP status and the chance to erase past bad memories and make new ones.
I really loved this book – very highly recommended to all, and I’ll really look forward to seeing what Anna Stuart does next.
I absolutely loved this book, and devoured it in one glorious afternoon. I’ve noticed a few reviews have mentioned a slow start, but I really don’t agree: I thought the book was quite perfectly paced, and I particularly liked that early exploration of the relationship between Stan and Bonnie – facing a devastating diagnosis, sharing the news with the family, then continuing with their day-to-day lives while endeavouring not to dwell on the future.
And I thoroughly enjoyed the way the present day story is punctuated by episodes from Bonnie’s early life in 1963 Liverpool, and her relationship with aspiring stars the Best Boys. The era is brought quite perfectly to life, authentic in all the small details: I particularly enjoyed the inclusion of real characters from the Mersey scene like Brian Epstein, Billy J Kramer searching for a backing group, Cilla in the Cavern cloak room, and everyone’s jealousy of the meteoric success of the Beatles.
The stories in both timelines are equally strong. Stan and Bonnie in the present day totally won my heart – it’s a sad story, filled with love: at times there were tears, but the book has a gentle humour throughout and manages to entirely avoid the maudlin. The relationships and interactions are just wonderful – lovely granddaughter Greya with her passion for everything eco, their two very different daughters with their tangled lives and relationships, the conversations with Stan’s mate Dave, and the different characters encountered as Stan tries to ensure that Bonnie won’t live the rest of her life alone. I even loved Stan’s conversations with Terry, his Troll keyring – might sound strange, but it works so very well.
The way the back story moves into the present is beautifully done – there isn’t a Stan in the 1960s story, a rather inspired idea and so intriguingly handled. And I absolutely loved the way Susie-Ann’s life had developed – eons away from her scally (but wonderfully caring) family. And the present day scenes in the Cavern were quite excellent, and very touching with Stan’s unexpected VIP status and the chance to erase past bad memories and make new ones.
I really loved this book – very highly recommended to all, and I’ll really look forward to seeing what Anna Stuart does next.
May 11, 2019
Bonnie and Stan are in their 70s. They met back in the day when he was in a Liverpool band and she was an architecture student. Many years later Bonnie is building their dream house, but Stan is dying of Cancer. Stan is so worried about leaving her alone, that with the help of his Granddaughter, he starts ‘dating’ men to find one to replace him when he dies.
Sweet, funny, happy, sad, and with a wonderful backdrop of Liverpool in its musical heyday. The Cavern, The Beatles and all the best music in the world.
Loved this book 🎶🎵
Sweet, funny, happy, sad, and with a wonderful backdrop of Liverpool in its musical heyday. The Cavern, The Beatles and all the best music in the world.
Loved this book 🎶🎵
June 18, 2019
Where on earth do I even begin with piecing this review together?! Well, I’ll tell you something… I fell hook, line and sinker for this story and that’s really saying something, as I’m more than a bit of a cynic when it comes to love, but do you know what, I wholeheartedly believed in Bonnie and Stan’s love!
Our wonderful couple, Bonnie and Stan, are definite soul mates. They met when they were fresh and young faced in the swinging sixties, on the Merseybeat scene; her an Architecture student and him in a band called the Best Boys. In their seventies now and married for 54 years, with their own children, who have now given them grandchildren, they are now looking forward to growing old together and building and living in their dream home that Bonnie has designed.
Their story moves between that in the 1960’s and now in present day when Stan has just being hit with the news that he has an incurable cancer. He can’t bear the thought of his beloved Bonnie being alone, and if that means someone else has to take his place, then so be it. With the help of his Granddaughter Greya and the online dating world, Stan sets out to find Bonnie a replacement…
Bonnie and Stan is such a special story, one spanning over decades that I really took my time in reading, appreciating every moment of their relationship. In more ways than one this book was incredibly refreshing. Firstly, older characters in their seventies. And secondly, a story on a happy marriage. Both timelines for me were equally strong, and I found myself very quickly immersed in both the scenes of the 1963 storyline which was Bonnie’s story, and the present day one which was Stan’s; I loved how they both merged together at the exact time they needed to – everything slotting together nicely.
Stuart draws you in completely and vividly brings to life the 1963 scene; the swinging sixties in Liverpool surrounding the Merseybeat scene, a time of the Beatles and when everyone else was trying to be the next big thing (including Stan’s band, the Best Boys) it was a time of fashion, music, energy, sex and strong attitudes. Bonnie herself is battling these attitudes towards women. Being the only woman studying Architecture she is facing prejudice from both her fellow students and her lecturer – being made to feel worthless, that she doesn’t belong, and told that girls shouldn’t be studying Architecture. She’s ultimately a very strong and determined character, yet at 18 was sometimes very naïve, yet with her Aunt Nancy there to support her, then meeting Susie-Anne and being taken under her wing and introduced to the party scene she starts to come out of her shell. It’s also Susie-Anne who introduces her to Stan…
Stan, such a kind-hearted, selfless, romantic, gentlemanly figure – a wonderful husband, dad, granddad and friend – it’s someone like Stan that you want your son to grow up to be like! Although, Stan isn’t Stan in the past narrative. Well he is, but not a clear Stan, as all the bandmates have nicknames and our Bonnie was a pretty little thing in those days wanted by more than one band member. So it’s up to the reader to pick out Stan. I absolutely loved this clever little intrigue and fun dimension to the story. It should of been incredibly obvious who Stan was, but my head was turned backwards and forwards!
This story is a real exploration of Bonnie and Stan. Bonnie, as I’ve said previously is a very strong willed and determined woman with so much fight in her. When Stan gets his cancer diagnosis Bonnie is of course in denial, she is ready for a fight, for Stan to fight and is filled with hope. Whereas Stan is very realistic and wants to set his plans in place and enjoy his time. The difference in how they want to pursue Stan’s time is incredibly real, moments of real anger, tears, fear, vulnerability, love and sacrifice. Whilst this novel is ultimately an uplifting one, finding the positive in the most brutal of situations, and the happiness and love found in the most simple things, there were so many moments where it absolutely tore at my heartstrings, conversations that lodged a lump in my throat.
The secondary characters are also such a huge part of Bonnie and Stan and a wonderful addition. The first scene where we met all the family together just filled me with joy; the bickering, chaos and realness of the situation, where I could just picture Bonnie and Stanstood in amongst it all! But it was the granddad and Granddaughter relationship between Stan and Greya that was the most poignant and filled me with warmth – the understanding and respect between the young and old. She is all things eco and all things attitude and ready with an answer back as a teenager should be! The dating her and Stan concocted was only a little part of the story, but a real quirky aspect with some humorous moments.
It’s a credit to Stuart how she stayed true to this story to the very end and in it’s ending itself. She could of so very easily gone down a different path and ended the book in a very different way in regards to Stan’s cancer, but she didn’t, because yes, cancer is there in this story, but it’s always just below the surface, never dominating! LOVE is the key player and focus in Bonnie and Stan’s story: deep, strong, raw, everlasting love and that’s what she leaves you with!
Heart-warming, quirky, bursting with so much love, and two of the most charismatic characters I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading about, Bonnie and Stan is not just a book you read, it’s a book you feel every moment of and is a true treasure.
Our wonderful couple, Bonnie and Stan, are definite soul mates. They met when they were fresh and young faced in the swinging sixties, on the Merseybeat scene; her an Architecture student and him in a band called the Best Boys. In their seventies now and married for 54 years, with their own children, who have now given them grandchildren, they are now looking forward to growing old together and building and living in their dream home that Bonnie has designed.
Their story moves between that in the 1960’s and now in present day when Stan has just being hit with the news that he has an incurable cancer. He can’t bear the thought of his beloved Bonnie being alone, and if that means someone else has to take his place, then so be it. With the help of his Granddaughter Greya and the online dating world, Stan sets out to find Bonnie a replacement…
Bonnie and Stan is such a special story, one spanning over decades that I really took my time in reading, appreciating every moment of their relationship. In more ways than one this book was incredibly refreshing. Firstly, older characters in their seventies. And secondly, a story on a happy marriage. Both timelines for me were equally strong, and I found myself very quickly immersed in both the scenes of the 1963 storyline which was Bonnie’s story, and the present day one which was Stan’s; I loved how they both merged together at the exact time they needed to – everything slotting together nicely.
Stuart draws you in completely and vividly brings to life the 1963 scene; the swinging sixties in Liverpool surrounding the Merseybeat scene, a time of the Beatles and when everyone else was trying to be the next big thing (including Stan’s band, the Best Boys) it was a time of fashion, music, energy, sex and strong attitudes. Bonnie herself is battling these attitudes towards women. Being the only woman studying Architecture she is facing prejudice from both her fellow students and her lecturer – being made to feel worthless, that she doesn’t belong, and told that girls shouldn’t be studying Architecture. She’s ultimately a very strong and determined character, yet at 18 was sometimes very naïve, yet with her Aunt Nancy there to support her, then meeting Susie-Anne and being taken under her wing and introduced to the party scene she starts to come out of her shell. It’s also Susie-Anne who introduces her to Stan…
Stan, such a kind-hearted, selfless, romantic, gentlemanly figure – a wonderful husband, dad, granddad and friend – it’s someone like Stan that you want your son to grow up to be like! Although, Stan isn’t Stan in the past narrative. Well he is, but not a clear Stan, as all the bandmates have nicknames and our Bonnie was a pretty little thing in those days wanted by more than one band member. So it’s up to the reader to pick out Stan. I absolutely loved this clever little intrigue and fun dimension to the story. It should of been incredibly obvious who Stan was, but my head was turned backwards and forwards!
This story is a real exploration of Bonnie and Stan. Bonnie, as I’ve said previously is a very strong willed and determined woman with so much fight in her. When Stan gets his cancer diagnosis Bonnie is of course in denial, she is ready for a fight, for Stan to fight and is filled with hope. Whereas Stan is very realistic and wants to set his plans in place and enjoy his time. The difference in how they want to pursue Stan’s time is incredibly real, moments of real anger, tears, fear, vulnerability, love and sacrifice. Whilst this novel is ultimately an uplifting one, finding the positive in the most brutal of situations, and the happiness and love found in the most simple things, there were so many moments where it absolutely tore at my heartstrings, conversations that lodged a lump in my throat.
The secondary characters are also such a huge part of Bonnie and Stan and a wonderful addition. The first scene where we met all the family together just filled me with joy; the bickering, chaos and realness of the situation, where I could just picture Bonnie and Stanstood in amongst it all! But it was the granddad and Granddaughter relationship between Stan and Greya that was the most poignant and filled me with warmth – the understanding and respect between the young and old. She is all things eco and all things attitude and ready with an answer back as a teenager should be! The dating her and Stan concocted was only a little part of the story, but a real quirky aspect with some humorous moments.
It’s a credit to Stuart how she stayed true to this story to the very end and in it’s ending itself. She could of so very easily gone down a different path and ended the book in a very different way in regards to Stan’s cancer, but she didn’t, because yes, cancer is there in this story, but it’s always just below the surface, never dominating! LOVE is the key player and focus in Bonnie and Stan’s story: deep, strong, raw, everlasting love and that’s what she leaves you with!
Heart-warming, quirky, bursting with so much love, and two of the most charismatic characters I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading about, Bonnie and Stan is not just a book you read, it’s a book you feel every moment of and is a true treasure.
January 10, 2024
so cute - loved that it was based around an older couple 🥹
June 3, 2019
Bonnie and Stan is a very gentle story, a story of a great and enduring love between the eponymous characters.
Now in their 70s, Stan finds that he doesn't have long left and it's breaking his heart to leave his precious Bonnie behind, on her own. Fair enough, they have twin daughters and several grandchildren but, as Stan thinks to himself, who is going to lift the roast out of the oven and carve the meat when he's gone. That's his job. With the help of their eldest granddaughter, Greya, Stan decides to try and find a new mate for Bonnie, someone who will look after her once he's gone.
We also learn of how Bonnie and Stan met, back in the 60s. This storyline is not as prominent as the current day one, but it's very important and explains a lot about their subsequent life together. It's also fascinating as this is not just any city in the 60s, this is Liverpool. We visit the Cavern Club, see Cilla, The Beatles. You can hear the Merseybeat loud and clear in this book.
Ultimately, this is the story of two people who have spent pretty much all of their adult lives together. It's such a lovely story but I admit I found it a difficult read at times due the subject matter, i.e. Stan's illness. But despite that, I was enthralled by it and the journey of discovery that both of them, but particularly Stan, go on.
In effect, Bonnie and Stan is a slice of life story. There are no great reveals, no twists or shocks, it's just following a family through a difficult, yet life-changing time. The writing is emotive and I loved the characters. It's very much a character-driven book and I liked that those characters were mostly older ones.
It's moving, it will make you smile and probably make you cry. It's really a lovely read.
Now in their 70s, Stan finds that he doesn't have long left and it's breaking his heart to leave his precious Bonnie behind, on her own. Fair enough, they have twin daughters and several grandchildren but, as Stan thinks to himself, who is going to lift the roast out of the oven and carve the meat when he's gone. That's his job. With the help of their eldest granddaughter, Greya, Stan decides to try and find a new mate for Bonnie, someone who will look after her once he's gone.
We also learn of how Bonnie and Stan met, back in the 60s. This storyline is not as prominent as the current day one, but it's very important and explains a lot about their subsequent life together. It's also fascinating as this is not just any city in the 60s, this is Liverpool. We visit the Cavern Club, see Cilla, The Beatles. You can hear the Merseybeat loud and clear in this book.
Ultimately, this is the story of two people who have spent pretty much all of their adult lives together. It's such a lovely story but I admit I found it a difficult read at times due the subject matter, i.e. Stan's illness. But despite that, I was enthralled by it and the journey of discovery that both of them, but particularly Stan, go on.
In effect, Bonnie and Stan is a slice of life story. There are no great reveals, no twists or shocks, it's just following a family through a difficult, yet life-changing time. The writing is emotive and I loved the characters. It's very much a character-driven book and I liked that those characters were mostly older ones.
It's moving, it will make you smile and probably make you cry. It's really a lovely read.
June 3, 2019
After Stan finds out that he has incurable cancer the last thing he wants to do is tell his wife Bonnie. She is the love of his life and he would do anything for her. They are just getting ready to finally build their dream home and he is not ready to leave her. They had been together since the 60’s and he was convinced that she would not cope without him.
The book swings between both the present day as Bonnie, Stan and their family come to terms with the diagnosis and the 60’s when they first met and were in and out of the clubs in Liverpool as Bonnie became involved with the Best Boys – the group that Stan was part of. This was the time of the Beatles and the Cavern club when everything was about to happen.
I am going to admit now that Stan was not actually the character, I thought he was purely because as is sometimes the way with bands the members used nicknames and were not referred to by their real names for quite a bit of the book. That being said I really liked Stan. He could often be found talking to his troll keyring Terry which he used as a sounding board when he didn’t feel that he could talk to Bonnie for fear of upsetting her. The best bits for me though were when he decided to try to find a new partner for her. Enlisting the help of his granddaughter they went off on “dates” with quite varied results, none of which were really going to end well.
Bonnie is clearly not as unable to cope with things as Stan believes. A qualified architect she designed their dream home they are in the process of building. She is so sure that Stan will get better, you can’t help but feel her heart breaking as she slowly comes to terms with the fact that there will be no miracle and that any treatment will only prolong Stan’s life for a little while. With the support of their daughters and grandchildren the pair come to truly embrace every day as it comes taking in the little pleasures as much as the big occasions
There was one moment in the book that had me really sniggering but at the same time had me thinking that people of that age should really know better but you will have to read the book for yourself to see if you can work out what that is.
Sometimes you have to read something a little different just to cleanse your pallet and keep the joy of reading alive. With Bonnie and Stan I certainly got that. This is a book that explores what happens in a relationship when you think you should be finally slowing down and enjoying life but life throws you the ultimate curve ball and you realise that you may not have as much time to do it as you think. It is touching and at times funny but ultimately you will be hoping alongside Bonnie that maybe, just maybe things will turn out a little differently in the end.
The book swings between both the present day as Bonnie, Stan and their family come to terms with the diagnosis and the 60’s when they first met and were in and out of the clubs in Liverpool as Bonnie became involved with the Best Boys – the group that Stan was part of. This was the time of the Beatles and the Cavern club when everything was about to happen.
I am going to admit now that Stan was not actually the character, I thought he was purely because as is sometimes the way with bands the members used nicknames and were not referred to by their real names for quite a bit of the book. That being said I really liked Stan. He could often be found talking to his troll keyring Terry which he used as a sounding board when he didn’t feel that he could talk to Bonnie for fear of upsetting her. The best bits for me though were when he decided to try to find a new partner for her. Enlisting the help of his granddaughter they went off on “dates” with quite varied results, none of which were really going to end well.
Bonnie is clearly not as unable to cope with things as Stan believes. A qualified architect she designed their dream home they are in the process of building. She is so sure that Stan will get better, you can’t help but feel her heart breaking as she slowly comes to terms with the fact that there will be no miracle and that any treatment will only prolong Stan’s life for a little while. With the support of their daughters and grandchildren the pair come to truly embrace every day as it comes taking in the little pleasures as much as the big occasions
There was one moment in the book that had me really sniggering but at the same time had me thinking that people of that age should really know better but you will have to read the book for yourself to see if you can work out what that is.
Sometimes you have to read something a little different just to cleanse your pallet and keep the joy of reading alive. With Bonnie and Stan I certainly got that. This is a book that explores what happens in a relationship when you think you should be finally slowing down and enjoying life but life throws you the ultimate curve ball and you realise that you may not have as much time to do it as you think. It is touching and at times funny but ultimately you will be hoping alongside Bonnie that maybe, just maybe things will turn out a little differently in the end.
June 7, 2019
Bonnie and Stan is Anna's first contemporary fiction, yes, I'm shocked too because she ticked every single one of my reading boxes, from creating lovable characters, a hard hitting situation and a series of events that you can't help giggle at, although your heart is hurting! I'm not going to lie, I'm getting the lovely rush of emotions right now as I write this, but isn't that an indication of a great read? When it can still emotionally affect you days / weeks / months after finishing it. I fell hard for this book, and I don't think i'll ever get over it.
Let's start with the absolutely gorgeous characters, especially the main man himself, Stan. He's like a husband / granddad / father that you wish you had, he's kind hearted, funny and very much an old fashioned gentleman who has been told that he hasn't got long left to live. Most of us would grab our bucket list or shove our head into the sand of denial. What does Stan worry about? Leaving Bonnie behind to live the rest of her days in loneliness (I'm not crying, you're crying!!) How utterly loyal is he! Anna has written Stan and Bonnie as three dimensional characters with depth and heart. You get drawn into this captivating read by your heartstrings and get drowned out with tears and love.
The narrative occasional flicks to Bonnie's past; Liverpool 1963 to be exact, as a way to help the reader develop her character. She's quite naïve, finding herself being part of Liverpool's party scene at the same time The Beatles rose to fame. This flashback really works as it develops the foundation for the present day storyline. Anna penned a perfectly crafted contemporary fiction read that will stay tucked up in your heart, where your thoughts will flutter now and again. The storyline of a decades old marriage and the ending of it on the horizon is tissues on hand heart-breaking, but Anna has incorporated in ease flecks of uplifting and humouring aspects that will get you smiling between the rain showers.
The constant theme throughout is "If you truly loved someone you had to want the best for them, whatever it cost you" I think that's where Stan's head is at as he goes on these highly hilarious dates with men he's met online, with Bonnie in mind. I think that Bonnie and Stan would make a cracking rom-com cross tear jerker cinematic film. This is my request for that film! The dialogue includes an air of mystery as we get glances of Bonnie's past, the trials and tribulations of love and what is left behind when someone involuntarily leaves a marriage. An amazingly brilliant read that I'll be raving about for a long time to come! Thank you Anna for writing such a poignant alluring read! *Hands over a bucket of stars*
Let's start with the absolutely gorgeous characters, especially the main man himself, Stan. He's like a husband / granddad / father that you wish you had, he's kind hearted, funny and very much an old fashioned gentleman who has been told that he hasn't got long left to live. Most of us would grab our bucket list or shove our head into the sand of denial. What does Stan worry about? Leaving Bonnie behind to live the rest of her days in loneliness (I'm not crying, you're crying!!) How utterly loyal is he! Anna has written Stan and Bonnie as three dimensional characters with depth and heart. You get drawn into this captivating read by your heartstrings and get drowned out with tears and love.
The narrative occasional flicks to Bonnie's past; Liverpool 1963 to be exact, as a way to help the reader develop her character. She's quite naïve, finding herself being part of Liverpool's party scene at the same time The Beatles rose to fame. This flashback really works as it develops the foundation for the present day storyline. Anna penned a perfectly crafted contemporary fiction read that will stay tucked up in your heart, where your thoughts will flutter now and again. The storyline of a decades old marriage and the ending of it on the horizon is tissues on hand heart-breaking, but Anna has incorporated in ease flecks of uplifting and humouring aspects that will get you smiling between the rain showers.
The constant theme throughout is "If you truly loved someone you had to want the best for them, whatever it cost you" I think that's where Stan's head is at as he goes on these highly hilarious dates with men he's met online, with Bonnie in mind. I think that Bonnie and Stan would make a cracking rom-com cross tear jerker cinematic film. This is my request for that film! The dialogue includes an air of mystery as we get glances of Bonnie's past, the trials and tribulations of love and what is left behind when someone involuntarily leaves a marriage. An amazingly brilliant read that I'll be raving about for a long time to come! Thank you Anna for writing such a poignant alluring read! *Hands over a bucket of stars*
May 28, 2019
A Compelling Contemporary Read with Plenty of Tear-Jerking Moments
There is nothing I love more than a truly romantic read, especially when I usually read so many thrillers. I was so very looking forward to reading Anna Stuart's first contemporary novel. Anna is no debut novelist, she has written and published a series of successful historical novels under the name of Joanna Courtney, but this is her first foray into writing contemporary romance, and I for one, can't wait to see more.
Bonnie and Stan is a beautifully written novel about a true love that has already spanned the course of 50 years. Stan finally on the verge of retirement and, despite being in their 70's, his ambitious and intelligent architect wife Bonnie is at last breaking ground on their dream home. Something they have planned their entire lives. What they didn't plan on, is Stan getting sick.
Stan is being realistic about his prospects and putting plans into place for when he is no longer around, but Bonnie is determined that they will fight and win. As we walk through their lives with them, we are taken back in time to the 60's when they first met. We watch as a young and naive Bonnie navigates a new world, set against the backdrop of fabulous music when The Beatles had just found fame and the world was abuzz with possibility.
I have to admit that I found it a little slow, to begin with. The emotion was right there from the very first page and I fell in love with Stan, but the pace is a little slower than most. Gentle really, a comforting book rather than a fast-paced action. Despite the story being centred around losing a loved one, it never felt morose or depressing. In fact, at many points, I was left with a feeling of joy and hope.
Stans dedication to his family and his determination to find a new love for his wife (with the help of his grandaughter) really touched the sentimental soul in me. The characters are so well drawn. It is a slower paced but that certainly did not impact on my love for the characters.
Bonnie and Stan is one of those books that you will make you quickly wipe a solitary tear from your cheek as you pretend to have a little grit in your eyes. It's not a full-on snot fest, instead, it is a pleasurable read with raw emotions reminding you of just how precious life and love can be.
If you are looking for a gentle and steady read that will now and again sweep you off your feet with beautiful emotion and raw love, this is most certainly the book for you.
Reviewed by EC Wilson for The Glass House Book Club
There is nothing I love more than a truly romantic read, especially when I usually read so many thrillers. I was so very looking forward to reading Anna Stuart's first contemporary novel. Anna is no debut novelist, she has written and published a series of successful historical novels under the name of Joanna Courtney, but this is her first foray into writing contemporary romance, and I for one, can't wait to see more.
Bonnie and Stan is a beautifully written novel about a true love that has already spanned the course of 50 years. Stan finally on the verge of retirement and, despite being in their 70's, his ambitious and intelligent architect wife Bonnie is at last breaking ground on their dream home. Something they have planned their entire lives. What they didn't plan on, is Stan getting sick.
Stan is being realistic about his prospects and putting plans into place for when he is no longer around, but Bonnie is determined that they will fight and win. As we walk through their lives with them, we are taken back in time to the 60's when they first met. We watch as a young and naive Bonnie navigates a new world, set against the backdrop of fabulous music when The Beatles had just found fame and the world was abuzz with possibility.
I have to admit that I found it a little slow, to begin with. The emotion was right there from the very first page and I fell in love with Stan, but the pace is a little slower than most. Gentle really, a comforting book rather than a fast-paced action. Despite the story being centred around losing a loved one, it never felt morose or depressing. In fact, at many points, I was left with a feeling of joy and hope.
Stans dedication to his family and his determination to find a new love for his wife (with the help of his grandaughter) really touched the sentimental soul in me. The characters are so well drawn. It is a slower paced but that certainly did not impact on my love for the characters.
Bonnie and Stan is one of those books that you will make you quickly wipe a solitary tear from your cheek as you pretend to have a little grit in your eyes. It's not a full-on snot fest, instead, it is a pleasurable read with raw emotions reminding you of just how precious life and love can be.
If you are looking for a gentle and steady read that will now and again sweep you off your feet with beautiful emotion and raw love, this is most certainly the book for you.
Reviewed by EC Wilson for The Glass House Book Club
July 7, 2019
I absolutely love this book despite the fact that it had my heart breaking and tears constantly streaming down my face!
The story flits between the present and the 60’s when Bonnie & Stan first met. In the past, Bonnie is a young woman at University in Liverpool when she meets a new friend who introduces her to The Best Boys….a band who are trying to make it big. She becomes one of their groupies and starts dating the Lead Singer Spike….but things don’t turn out as she’d imaged!
Stan is one of The Best Boys but what I loved about this is that you literally have NO idea which one he is until nearly the end of the book!
In the present, Stan has just been given a terminal diagnosis and him and Bonnie are trying to deal with it, with the support of their brilliant family and friends. However, Stan decides that he can’t leave Bonnie to be lonely so sets out on a mission to find her someone to keep her company once his gone…..
Honestly, this book is one of those books that gives you all the feels. I went through sadness, heartbreak, hope, laughter, happiness, anger and realisation……exactly what the characters are going through. Anna Stuart has done such a fantastic job of writing this so you genuinely feel all the emotions throughout.
The characters are brilliant! Bonnie and Stan are wonderful and have been married for fifty-four years and really are the best of friends and soul mates….who doesn’t want that?! Their family is hilarious! I particularly like Greya who was such a refreshing character…..watching her grow even closer to her Grandpa who is dying was heart warming and heart breaking all at the same time.
The search that Stan goes on to find Bonnie a new man is sad but hilarious and will have you both shocked and laughing out loud! And Dave’s growth throughout is fantastic. (I also loved Terry the Troll……)
The chapters going back to the past are brilliant, and really lets you get to know Bonnie and Stan and what they went through. As I say, it’s also intriguing and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
I can’t give this enough praise, I genuinely loved it so much and will return to it again in the future without a doubt. A beautiful love story that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster, much of which many of us will be able to relate to…the exact reason it’s such a tear jerker. Absolutely recommended from me, you NEED to read this!
The story flits between the present and the 60’s when Bonnie & Stan first met. In the past, Bonnie is a young woman at University in Liverpool when she meets a new friend who introduces her to The Best Boys….a band who are trying to make it big. She becomes one of their groupies and starts dating the Lead Singer Spike….but things don’t turn out as she’d imaged!
Stan is one of The Best Boys but what I loved about this is that you literally have NO idea which one he is until nearly the end of the book!
In the present, Stan has just been given a terminal diagnosis and him and Bonnie are trying to deal with it, with the support of their brilliant family and friends. However, Stan decides that he can’t leave Bonnie to be lonely so sets out on a mission to find her someone to keep her company once his gone…..
Honestly, this book is one of those books that gives you all the feels. I went through sadness, heartbreak, hope, laughter, happiness, anger and realisation……exactly what the characters are going through. Anna Stuart has done such a fantastic job of writing this so you genuinely feel all the emotions throughout.
The characters are brilliant! Bonnie and Stan are wonderful and have been married for fifty-four years and really are the best of friends and soul mates….who doesn’t want that?! Their family is hilarious! I particularly like Greya who was such a refreshing character…..watching her grow even closer to her Grandpa who is dying was heart warming and heart breaking all at the same time.
The search that Stan goes on to find Bonnie a new man is sad but hilarious and will have you both shocked and laughing out loud! And Dave’s growth throughout is fantastic. (I also loved Terry the Troll……)
The chapters going back to the past are brilliant, and really lets you get to know Bonnie and Stan and what they went through. As I say, it’s also intriguing and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
I can’t give this enough praise, I genuinely loved it so much and will return to it again in the future without a doubt. A beautiful love story that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster, much of which many of us will be able to relate to…the exact reason it’s such a tear jerker. Absolutely recommended from me, you NEED to read this!
June 28, 2019
Oh my goodness, what a beautiful and emotional read Bonnie and Stan is! How could any review I write do this wonderful and heartwarming book justice?
We first meet this charismatic couple when Stan is at the hospital about to be given some devastating news that will change everything in an instant. Poor Stan can’t bear the thought of leaving Bonnie alone, so sets out to find her a new love to share her life with after he’s gone.
The story is told in dual timelines, moving back and forth between the Liverpool of the swinging sixties when Bonnie and Stan first meet and the present day, as they, along with their family, try to come to terms with the devastating blow life has dealt them.
What follows is a beautiful love story that tells of a life well lived, full of the ups and downs, laughter and tears that we all go through in our lives. It’s a story of family and the difference our loved ones can make to our lives. But above all it’s a story full of warmth, hope and joy. Of a couple who have been through so much in their lives, but are still as in love today as they were when they first got together.
I loved the story of Bonnie and Stan’s early relationship in the sixties. The vibrant city of Liverpool is brought vividly to life as we learn all about Bonnie’s aspirations to be an architect and the exciting music scene that Stan is a part of.
The present day is an emotional read as Stan tries to come to terms with his own mortality, while Bonnie continues to believe that all is not lost and a cure can still be found. Add to that Stan’s desire for Bonnie not to be left alone and we have a moving and poignant story that tugs at your heartstrings.
I fell in love with Bonnie and Stan from the moment they were introduced. They felt so real to me and I was as desperate as they were for Stan to have the happy ending they so wanted for him.
A heartwarming and beautifully written story that moved me beyond words, Bonnie and Stan are characters who will stay with me for a long time to come. A story of life, love, loss and everything in between, this is a book that I would highly recommend.
We first meet this charismatic couple when Stan is at the hospital about to be given some devastating news that will change everything in an instant. Poor Stan can’t bear the thought of leaving Bonnie alone, so sets out to find her a new love to share her life with after he’s gone.
The story is told in dual timelines, moving back and forth between the Liverpool of the swinging sixties when Bonnie and Stan first meet and the present day, as they, along with their family, try to come to terms with the devastating blow life has dealt them.
What follows is a beautiful love story that tells of a life well lived, full of the ups and downs, laughter and tears that we all go through in our lives. It’s a story of family and the difference our loved ones can make to our lives. But above all it’s a story full of warmth, hope and joy. Of a couple who have been through so much in their lives, but are still as in love today as they were when they first got together.
I loved the story of Bonnie and Stan’s early relationship in the sixties. The vibrant city of Liverpool is brought vividly to life as we learn all about Bonnie’s aspirations to be an architect and the exciting music scene that Stan is a part of.
The present day is an emotional read as Stan tries to come to terms with his own mortality, while Bonnie continues to believe that all is not lost and a cure can still be found. Add to that Stan’s desire for Bonnie not to be left alone and we have a moving and poignant story that tugs at your heartstrings.
I fell in love with Bonnie and Stan from the moment they were introduced. They felt so real to me and I was as desperate as they were for Stan to have the happy ending they so wanted for him.
A heartwarming and beautifully written story that moved me beyond words, Bonnie and Stan are characters who will stay with me for a long time to come. A story of life, love, loss and everything in between, this is a book that I would highly recommend.
June 14, 2019
After 50 years together Stan still adores his wife... so why is he dating again?
Meet Stan and Bonnie who are in their mid seventies and are definite soul mates. They met in Liverpool during the swinging sixties when the Beatles were their soundtrack and the Merseybeat scene. They grew up together and have grown old together, raised their children who in turn have given them grandchildren. They finally decided to take the plunge and build their dream home but disaster strikes when Stan is diagnosed with a terminal illness.
Stan is running out of time and he can't bear the thought of leaving Bonnie alone so off he goes along with his granddaughter Greya in search of finding someone to replace him and give Bonnie a new love of her life. And she must never find out.......
I loved this book, packed full of emotion and humour, the characters were great and loved Stan and Bonnie, they remind me so much of my parents (who are thankfully still here today) with their stories of growing up in the swinging sixties. I loved the way the storyline alternated between the sixties and the present day as it gave me a feel for what it was like back then, from the descriptions of the music scene to the clothing, I think I would've enjoyed it too. This book is a slow paced read so don't expect to fly through it but It made you savour the story even more.
This is a bittersweet and heart-warming read, the story flows well throughout the book. I really enjoyed Anna's book which I read in a couple of days. This story had it all a little bit of humor, love, family, protectiveness to more sensitive and hard-hitting issues - I found I had a little tear in my eye at the end along with shedding a few along the way, so grab this book, curl up on the couch with a BIG bar of chocolate and prepare to have a few lump in your throat moments too. It definitely didn't disappoint.
Bonnie and Stan is available in all good bookshops, libraries, on audio and on Kindle where it currently £0.99 at the time of publication of this review.
Meet Stan and Bonnie who are in their mid seventies and are definite soul mates. They met in Liverpool during the swinging sixties when the Beatles were their soundtrack and the Merseybeat scene. They grew up together and have grown old together, raised their children who in turn have given them grandchildren. They finally decided to take the plunge and build their dream home but disaster strikes when Stan is diagnosed with a terminal illness.
Stan is running out of time and he can't bear the thought of leaving Bonnie alone so off he goes along with his granddaughter Greya in search of finding someone to replace him and give Bonnie a new love of her life. And she must never find out.......
I loved this book, packed full of emotion and humour, the characters were great and loved Stan and Bonnie, they remind me so much of my parents (who are thankfully still here today) with their stories of growing up in the swinging sixties. I loved the way the storyline alternated between the sixties and the present day as it gave me a feel for what it was like back then, from the descriptions of the music scene to the clothing, I think I would've enjoyed it too. This book is a slow paced read so don't expect to fly through it but It made you savour the story even more.
This is a bittersweet and heart-warming read, the story flows well throughout the book. I really enjoyed Anna's book which I read in a couple of days. This story had it all a little bit of humor, love, family, protectiveness to more sensitive and hard-hitting issues - I found I had a little tear in my eye at the end along with shedding a few along the way, so grab this book, curl up on the couch with a BIG bar of chocolate and prepare to have a few lump in your throat moments too. It definitely didn't disappoint.
Bonnie and Stan is available in all good bookshops, libraries, on audio and on Kindle where it currently £0.99 at the time of publication of this review.
May 10, 2019
A love story with a difference- I’m not into out and out romance novels(this isn’t- there is far,far more) but this is one unique read. Bonnie and Stan are in their seventies and about to finally build their dream home. Bonnie was a architect and having bought the land many years earlier they can now build for their twilight years. Stan has had to go the the hospital and has some bad news, news that Bonnie is determined to fight. They met in the 1960’s and the book alternates between then and now to tell us the story of their lives. Having been together over 50 years they are soulmates and Stan is determined that Bonnie won’t be left alone so with the assistance of his granddaughter he tries to find a suitable companion for Bonnie for after he is gone. Oh my heart! This is so beautifully written. I almost wanted to meet both Bonnie and Stan they are such endearing characters each with their own strengths and weaknesses who bounce off each other to make a real team.Characters that we maybe all meet once in a lifetime. One real treasure of a read. I loved this and shall remember it for a very long time.
February 20, 2020
3.75 stars, rounded up to 4.
I found myself enjoying this, getting through it quickly.
Facing death from cancer may not be a light subject, but this book is still a light, enjoyable read.
Stan, in his 70's, has only so long to live, and happily married for 54 years, wants his beloved wife Bonnie to live a happy, non-lonely life after he has gone.
To ensure this is so he - with the help of his grand daughter - starts looking for a suitable companion for Bonnie to share her life with when Stan leaves this world. Bonnie knows nothing of Stan's objectives, and Stan's idea doesn't always work to plan.
The story is set in two time frames - the present, and the Liverpool of 1963, where young Stan is in a pop band and first meets Bonnie.
An enjoyable read, with other family members and friends making up the other characters in the book.
The book could be seen as a bit schmaltzy to some, but I didn't think it was that way myself.
A light fast moving read, worthwhile.
I found myself enjoying this, getting through it quickly.
Facing death from cancer may not be a light subject, but this book is still a light, enjoyable read.
Stan, in his 70's, has only so long to live, and happily married for 54 years, wants his beloved wife Bonnie to live a happy, non-lonely life after he has gone.
To ensure this is so he - with the help of his grand daughter - starts looking for a suitable companion for Bonnie to share her life with when Stan leaves this world. Bonnie knows nothing of Stan's objectives, and Stan's idea doesn't always work to plan.
The story is set in two time frames - the present, and the Liverpool of 1963, where young Stan is in a pop band and first meets Bonnie.
An enjoyable read, with other family members and friends making up the other characters in the book.
The book could be seen as a bit schmaltzy to some, but I didn't think it was that way myself.
A light fast moving read, worthwhile.
April 14, 2019
Bonnie and Stan are in their 70s, Stan loves his architect wife madly and is determined she should not be left alone when he is no longer around and enlists his grand daughter to help find a future companion for her via online dating sites. The story switches between Stan’s voice in present time and Bonnie’s in the 60s Liverpool in the early days of the Beatles, Cilla Black and all the Mersey bands. She is a shy architecture student (only female in her course) and he is in a four member band called The Best Boys. Anna cleverly weaves Bonnie’s story so you have no idea which of the four band members is actually Stan the man she will eventually marry and share a wonderful life with until the end. As that era is one of my faves (I was born in 69) this has been such a wonderful read in every way.
December 13, 2019
A sweet story of enduring love. We bounce back and forth between Bonnie & Stan’s current life of grandchildren and building their dream home with their courtship in the musical dives of 60’s Liverpool (yes, The Beatles). There is the added plot of Stan trying to find a replacement for Bonnie but I found that extraneous to the real story.
One of the characters compared love to ground warmed with the heat of the sun. When the night comes, the ground still radiates that heat. Even after those we love are gone, their love remains with us. A love that lasts a lifetime and beyond.
One of the characters compared love to ground warmed with the heat of the sun. When the night comes, the ground still radiates that heat. Even after those we love are gone, their love remains with us. A love that lasts a lifetime and beyond.
July 8, 2019
I completely fell in love with the characters, not just Bonnie and Stan but the whole collection of friends and family. The story is beautifully told and the emotional rollercoaster is quite thrilling. You know what is going to happen fairly early on, but it’s the journey the author takes you on that really makes this a stunning read. I enjoyed it so much I reccomended it to family and friends already!
August 8, 2019
I read Bonnie and Stan on holiday as it had been recommended to me. This is a book that will make you laugh and cry, it is beautifully written from the first to the last page and I loved it.
Stan absolutely adores Bonnie and this story is written on a dual timeline between when they met over 50 years ago to present day. As the book progresses the timelines begin to merge together as past and present come colliding together and Bonnie & Stan revisit old memories and make new ones.
An exceptional love story that will leave a mark on your heart
Stan absolutely adores Bonnie and this story is written on a dual timeline between when they met over 50 years ago to present day. As the book progresses the timelines begin to merge together as past and present come colliding together and Bonnie & Stan revisit old memories and make new ones.
An exceptional love story that will leave a mark on your heart
February 2, 2020
I bought this book as a gift for my Auntie for Christmas. She devoured it in days and then passed it on to me.
It was bound to be a difficult read with an incurable illness involved - but the story was in no way morbid or depressing!
Bonnie and Stan’s love stood the test of time. As the book flits between the early days of the Beatles in 1960’s Liverpool, to the present day, Bonnie and Stan’s love story is explained.
It did leave me with some tears but overall a lovely, moving story.
It was bound to be a difficult read with an incurable illness involved - but the story was in no way morbid or depressing!
Bonnie and Stan’s love stood the test of time. As the book flits between the early days of the Beatles in 1960’s Liverpool, to the present day, Bonnie and Stan’s love story is explained.
It did leave me with some tears but overall a lovely, moving story.
January 30, 2023
Heart Warming
I was in tears when I started reading this book my heart felt for Stan. Going back to Stan and Bonnie's younger years made the story more real and not just a sad dying book. It took you on the journey of love and respect they have for each other. We know it's going to be a sad ending but it would be nice for a second book in his Bonnie and family manage once Stan has gone!
I was in tears when I started reading this book my heart felt for Stan. Going back to Stan and Bonnie's younger years made the story more real and not just a sad dying book. It took you on the journey of love and respect they have for each other. We know it's going to be a sad ending but it would be nice for a second book in his Bonnie and family manage once Stan has gone!
March 31, 2019
3.75 stars
I'm not old enough to have lived in the 60's,but I'm old enough to understand all the references,and they made me smile rather a lot. Who hasn't read about the Cavern,the Beatles? Cilla?This book fleshed them out.
This book wasn't quite what I expected it to be,the dating is secondary to the love of the family,and mostly the main couple.
Sweet,charming and rather heart warming.
I'm not old enough to have lived in the 60's,but I'm old enough to understand all the references,and they made me smile rather a lot. Who hasn't read about the Cavern,the Beatles? Cilla?This book fleshed them out.
This book wasn't quite what I expected it to be,the dating is secondary to the love of the family,and mostly the main couple.
Sweet,charming and rather heart warming.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2020
A. Tale with heart and soul set in the heyday of music of Liverpool heart
It is a bit tricky with a person in a journey that must end too soon and a young teenager Bonnie maturing into adulthood the heart is a risky organ she is aiming for the top when women lived in a male world succeeded she did and made the right choice in Stan or is it Leigh the house is a monument to him
It is a bit tricky with a person in a journey that must end too soon and a young teenager Bonnie maturing into adulthood the heart is a risky organ she is aiming for the top when women lived in a male world succeeded she did and made the right choice in Stan or is it Leigh the house is a monument to him
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews