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The Things I Know
From bestselling author Amanda Prowse comes a heartwarming tale of first impressions and lasting love. Thomasina ‘Hitch’ Waycott loves living and working on the remote family farm and B&B. But she also wants more. To see the world. To own her own home. To fall madly in love. But those are fairy tales, and if her life is a fairy tale, then she’s the ugly duckling. Her deformed lip, her crooked limbs and her weak heart have kept her from taking chances. But that’s about to change. When Grayson Potts comes to stay, he’s unlike anyone Thomasina has ever met. He’s aloof, eccentric and exceptionally kind. He’s also totally unconcerned with the physical flaws that have always defined Thomasina. The two form a bond that neither has had before. It’s possible that it could become something more, but Thomasina also wonders if it’s too good to be true. By putting her heart on the line, Thomasina may open herself to heartbreak. But she may also open herself to so much more.
294 pages, Paperback
First published June 11, 2019
2870 people are currently reading
3202 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Prowse
83 books1,965 followersPrevious Book: 'Swimming to Lundy', published th August 2024'.
Latest Book: 'This One Life', published 7th January 2025.
Next Book: 'Ever After' published 7th August 2025.
Amanda Prowse is an International Bestselling author whose thirty-two novels, two non-fiction titles and ten novellas have been published in dozens of languages around the world. Published by Lake Union, Amanda is the most prolific writer of bestselling contemporary fiction in the UK today; her titles also consistently score the highest online review approval ratings across several genres. Her books, including the chart topping No.1 titles 'What Have I Done?', 'Perfect Daughter', 'My Husband's Wife', 'The Girl in the Corner' and ‘The Things I Know’ have sold millions of copies across the globe.
A popular TV and radio personality, Amanda has appeared on numerous shows where her views on family and social issues strike a chord with viewers. She also makes countless guest appearances on BBC national and independent Radio stations including LBC, Times Radio and Talk FM, where she is well known for her insightful observations and her infectious humour. Described by the Daily Mail as ‘The queen of family drama’ Amanda’s novel, 'A Mother's Story' won the coveted Sainsbury's eBook of the year Award and she has had two books selected as World Book Night titles, 'Perfect Daughter' in 2016 and 'The Boy Between' in 2022.
Amanda is a huge supporter of libraries and having become a proud ambassador for The Reading Agency, works tirelessly to promote reading, especially in disadvantaged areas. Amanda's ambition is to create stories that keep people from turning the bedside lamp off at night, great characters that ensure you take every step with them and tales that fill your head so you can't possibly read another book until the memory fades...
Praise for Amanda Prowse:
'A powerful and emotional work of fiction' - Piers Morgan
'Deeply moving and emotional, Amanda Prowse handles her explosive subjects with delicate skill' - Daily Mail
'Uplifting and positive, but you will still need a box of tissues' - Hello!
'A gut-wrenching and absolutely brilliant read' - The Irish Sun
'You'll fall in love with this...' - Cosmopolitan
'Deeply moving and eye opening. Powerful and emotional drama that packs a real punch.' - Heat
'Magical' - Now magazine
Latest Book: 'This One Life', published 7th January 2025.
Next Book: 'Ever After' published 7th August 2025.
Amanda Prowse is an International Bestselling author whose thirty-two novels, two non-fiction titles and ten novellas have been published in dozens of languages around the world. Published by Lake Union, Amanda is the most prolific writer of bestselling contemporary fiction in the UK today; her titles also consistently score the highest online review approval ratings across several genres. Her books, including the chart topping No.1 titles 'What Have I Done?', 'Perfect Daughter', 'My Husband's Wife', 'The Girl in the Corner' and ‘The Things I Know’ have sold millions of copies across the globe.
A popular TV and radio personality, Amanda has appeared on numerous shows where her views on family and social issues strike a chord with viewers. She also makes countless guest appearances on BBC national and independent Radio stations including LBC, Times Radio and Talk FM, where she is well known for her insightful observations and her infectious humour. Described by the Daily Mail as ‘The queen of family drama’ Amanda’s novel, 'A Mother's Story' won the coveted Sainsbury's eBook of the year Award and she has had two books selected as World Book Night titles, 'Perfect Daughter' in 2016 and 'The Boy Between' in 2022.
Amanda is a huge supporter of libraries and having become a proud ambassador for The Reading Agency, works tirelessly to promote reading, especially in disadvantaged areas. Amanda's ambition is to create stories that keep people from turning the bedside lamp off at night, great characters that ensure you take every step with them and tales that fill your head so you can't possibly read another book until the memory fades...
Praise for Amanda Prowse:
'A powerful and emotional work of fiction' - Piers Morgan
'Deeply moving and emotional, Amanda Prowse handles her explosive subjects with delicate skill' - Daily Mail
'Uplifting and positive, but you will still need a box of tissues' - Hello!
'A gut-wrenching and absolutely brilliant read' - The Irish Sun
'You'll fall in love with this...' - Cosmopolitan
'Deeply moving and eye opening. Powerful and emotional drama that packs a real punch.' - Heat
'Magical' - Now magazine
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 595 reviews
August 14, 2019
EXCERPT: These are the things I know...
I know my name is Thomasina 'Hitch' Waycott.
I know I'm not like everyone else.
I know I was born a little bit different, like someone held the instructions upside down, or lost a part when they opened the box.
I also know that words are powerful things and they have weight.
I know certain words have sat in my stomach for as long as I can remember and weigh so much that when i am in a crowd or meet someone new they pull my shoulders down and make my head hang forward so I can only look at the floor.
Tard.
Fuckwit.
Rabbitmouth.
I know I want to see other countries.
I know I want to go to New York.
I know I want a boyfriend.
I know I want my own kitchen.
I know I want to paint my nails instead of having them caked in mud.
I know I want to own clothes that are pretty.
I know that I want to own sparkly red shoes that I will never get to wear but I can look at whenever I want...
What I don't know is just how different I am and I also don't know how I can find this out.
And I know that some days I'm happy and other days I'm sad, but that's the samne for everyone, isn't it?
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Thomasina ‘Hitch’ Waycott loves living and working on the remote family farm and B&B. But she also wants more. To see the world. To own her own home. To fall madly in love.
But those are fairy tales, and if her life is a fairy tale, then she’s the ugly duckling. Her deformed lip, her crooked limbs and her weak heart have kept her from taking chances. But that’s about to change.
When Grayson Potts comes to stay, he’s unlike anyone Thomasina has ever met. He’s aloof, eccentric and exceptionally kind. He’s also totally unconcerned with the physical flaws that have always defined Thomasina.
The two form a bond that neither has had before. It’s possible that it could become something more, but Thomasina also wonders if it’s too good to be true. By putting her heart on the line, Thomasina may open herself to heartbreak. But she may also open herself to so much more.
MY THOUGHTS: Heartwarming. Heartbreaking. This is a reminder that we should always encourage our children to be the best that they can be, not to enforce our ideas of their limitations upon them, even if we believe we do so out of love.
Thomasina (I refuse to call her Hitch) is a wonderful character. I laughed with her. I cried for her.
Prowse is an extraordinary writer.... she writes with empathy, not sympathy, or pity, but empathy. I think she must be a woman with an exceedingly big heart. A woman who values people just for who they are, not what they are. This shines through into her writing. She never fails to touch my heart.
4.5 very bright stars.
THE AUTHOR: Amanda Prowse was a management consultant for ten years before realising that she was born to write. Amanda lives in the West Country with her husband and their two teenage sons.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Lake Union Publishing via Netgalley for a providing a digital ARC of The Things I Know by Amanada Prowse for review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system, please refer to my profile page on Goodreads.com or the about page on my webpage sandysbookaday/wordpess.com This review and others also appear on my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
I know my name is Thomasina 'Hitch' Waycott.
I know I'm not like everyone else.
I know I was born a little bit different, like someone held the instructions upside down, or lost a part when they opened the box.
I also know that words are powerful things and they have weight.
I know certain words have sat in my stomach for as long as I can remember and weigh so much that when i am in a crowd or meet someone new they pull my shoulders down and make my head hang forward so I can only look at the floor.
Tard.
Fuckwit.
Rabbitmouth.
I know I want to see other countries.
I know I want to go to New York.
I know I want a boyfriend.
I know I want my own kitchen.
I know I want to paint my nails instead of having them caked in mud.
I know I want to own clothes that are pretty.
I know that I want to own sparkly red shoes that I will never get to wear but I can look at whenever I want...
What I don't know is just how different I am and I also don't know how I can find this out.
And I know that some days I'm happy and other days I'm sad, but that's the samne for everyone, isn't it?
ABOUT THIS BOOK: Thomasina ‘Hitch’ Waycott loves living and working on the remote family farm and B&B. But she also wants more. To see the world. To own her own home. To fall madly in love.
But those are fairy tales, and if her life is a fairy tale, then she’s the ugly duckling. Her deformed lip, her crooked limbs and her weak heart have kept her from taking chances. But that’s about to change.
When Grayson Potts comes to stay, he’s unlike anyone Thomasina has ever met. He’s aloof, eccentric and exceptionally kind. He’s also totally unconcerned with the physical flaws that have always defined Thomasina.
The two form a bond that neither has had before. It’s possible that it could become something more, but Thomasina also wonders if it’s too good to be true. By putting her heart on the line, Thomasina may open herself to heartbreak. But she may also open herself to so much more.
MY THOUGHTS: Heartwarming. Heartbreaking. This is a reminder that we should always encourage our children to be the best that they can be, not to enforce our ideas of their limitations upon them, even if we believe we do so out of love.
Thomasina (I refuse to call her Hitch) is a wonderful character. I laughed with her. I cried for her.
Prowse is an extraordinary writer.... she writes with empathy, not sympathy, or pity, but empathy. I think she must be a woman with an exceedingly big heart. A woman who values people just for who they are, not what they are. This shines through into her writing. She never fails to touch my heart.
4.5 very bright stars.
THE AUTHOR: Amanda Prowse was a management consultant for ten years before realising that she was born to write. Amanda lives in the West Country with her husband and their two teenage sons.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Lake Union Publishing via Netgalley for a providing a digital ARC of The Things I Know by Amanada Prowse for review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system, please refer to my profile page on Goodreads.com or the about page on my webpage sandysbookaday/wordpess.com This review and others also appear on my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
March 4, 2020
3.5 stars
This was a lovely story that had two main characters that always felt displaced and not part of the social order find one another and start down a path to both love and understanding.
Thomasina (Hitch) had been born disfigured with a cleft palate and other visible disabilities but she loved living on her parents' remote farm and being a part of farm life. She had often been ridiculed for her appearance and so wanted to be able to be part of the world outside the farm. Thomasina meets Grayson Potts, a loner who also has had many difficulties in feeling that he is a part of the world. The couple hit it off, but there are obstacles in their path that might well endanger any kind of life they could possibly have.
This was a nice story that had many family values and issues within its pages. It was the kind of story that does elicit many emotional responses in a reader. Life is oftentimes cruel and for both Thomsina and Grayson it has been extremely so. Will these two being able to find the happiness they both richly deserve?
Thank you to Amanda Prowse, Lake Union Publishing, and Net Galley for a copy of this sweet story.
This was a lovely story that had two main characters that always felt displaced and not part of the social order find one another and start down a path to both love and understanding.
Thomasina (Hitch) had been born disfigured with a cleft palate and other visible disabilities but she loved living on her parents' remote farm and being a part of farm life. She had often been ridiculed for her appearance and so wanted to be able to be part of the world outside the farm. Thomasina meets Grayson Potts, a loner who also has had many difficulties in feeling that he is a part of the world. The couple hit it off, but there are obstacles in their path that might well endanger any kind of life they could possibly have.
This was a nice story that had many family values and issues within its pages. It was the kind of story that does elicit many emotional responses in a reader. Life is oftentimes cruel and for both Thomsina and Grayson it has been extremely so. Will these two being able to find the happiness they both richly deserve?
Thank you to Amanda Prowse, Lake Union Publishing, and Net Galley for a copy of this sweet story.
April 20, 2022
For the last few years, I've been enamored by Amanda Prowse's storytelling abilities. If you ever need an assured emotionally gripping tale, select something from her lengthy list of books. I've read ~10 to date and want to catch up throughout the next year. The Things I Know hit my reading queue this week, and it's several years old (I've read all her books from the last three years). As always, her books are either 4 or 5 stars. While I truly enjoyed this one, compared to others, it wasn't the absolute best... but it was still extremely good.
Hitch, who now wants to be known as Thomasina (her real name), was born with a few problems. Doctors botched the surgery to fix the physical ones, her family didn't properly address the emotional ones. But she's strong and determined, and she's truly a marvelous woman who has overcome so much. When her brother leaves for the US, she's stuck alone with her parents, both kind people, but they invite her cousin to take over the family farm. Hitch is early/mid-20s at this point, and he's a horrible person. While he never physically abuses her, the words and gossip he spreads are hateful. But she meets a stranger in town, falls madly in love, and yearns to get away. Things stand in the way, but in the end she finds happiness.
Simple. Straightforward. Uncomplicated. That's this book. It tugs a bit at your heart. The last pages of each chapter are Hitch's thoughts about the things she knows. Sometimes that's the scene that broke me. Prowse is best when she is conveying the thoughts of a character for whom we already hold so much emotion. The story is heartwarming, and it has solid ups and downs. But it was missing that totally powerful punch that's in all her other books. I rooted for Hitch, and I noted the pain from the relationships she often had to deal with, but I also found myself worrying about some flaws in the background of the tale. Not a lot, but it was noticeable.
All that said, this is still a beautiful book, and Hitch is a top character I will remember. While her physical and mental problems aren't the focus, they do truly make her a well-rounded character... and at the same time, they really aren't the point of the story. This is more a story about a young girl who has never fallen in love, and when she does, there are complications. Not because of her appearance or education, but because like all of us, that first time you let yourself open your heart, you will often find it broken. Prowse is the queen of that moment.
Hitch, who now wants to be known as Thomasina (her real name), was born with a few problems. Doctors botched the surgery to fix the physical ones, her family didn't properly address the emotional ones. But she's strong and determined, and she's truly a marvelous woman who has overcome so much. When her brother leaves for the US, she's stuck alone with her parents, both kind people, but they invite her cousin to take over the family farm. Hitch is early/mid-20s at this point, and he's a horrible person. While he never physically abuses her, the words and gossip he spreads are hateful. But she meets a stranger in town, falls madly in love, and yearns to get away. Things stand in the way, but in the end she finds happiness.
Simple. Straightforward. Uncomplicated. That's this book. It tugs a bit at your heart. The last pages of each chapter are Hitch's thoughts about the things she knows. Sometimes that's the scene that broke me. Prowse is best when she is conveying the thoughts of a character for whom we already hold so much emotion. The story is heartwarming, and it has solid ups and downs. But it was missing that totally powerful punch that's in all her other books. I rooted for Hitch, and I noted the pain from the relationships she often had to deal with, but I also found myself worrying about some flaws in the background of the tale. Not a lot, but it was noticeable.
All that said, this is still a beautiful book, and Hitch is a top character I will remember. While her physical and mental problems aren't the focus, they do truly make her a well-rounded character... and at the same time, they really aren't the point of the story. This is more a story about a young girl who has never fallen in love, and when she does, there are complications. Not because of her appearance or education, but because like all of us, that first time you let yourself open your heart, you will often find it broken. Prowse is the queen of that moment.
June 23, 2019
Having read and loved several of Amanda Prowse’s books I was so excited to have this and couldn’t wait to dive straight into this story.
“My name is Thomasina (Hitch). I know I’m not like everyone else” Hitch is living on her parents farm helping to run their B&B but dreams of travelling and falling in love. Growing up was difficult as she was called horrid names as she looks different from anyone else with her scarred lip and twisted foot. Children can be so cruel but sadly adults were as bad with their pitying looks and whispering.
Along comes Grayson who stays at her parents B&B, he also doesn’t seem comfortable with life, but is honest and does not lie. Their friendship/romance was so heartwarming, their love for each other so complete that they never noticed each other’s flaws. Made the saying “There’s someone out there for everyone” seem true and gives hope to any single people who doubt how they look.
I loved Thomasina, she has a heart of gold and has been through the mill. Just when she finds the perfect man for her, they have to find a way for them to be together when they live in different areas and have work commitments.
This was so beautifully written. You had me laughing and crying at the same time. I so wanted a happy ending for this couple, to find out you will have to read this wonderful book!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
“My name is Thomasina (Hitch). I know I’m not like everyone else” Hitch is living on her parents farm helping to run their B&B but dreams of travelling and falling in love. Growing up was difficult as she was called horrid names as she looks different from anyone else with her scarred lip and twisted foot. Children can be so cruel but sadly adults were as bad with their pitying looks and whispering.
Along comes Grayson who stays at her parents B&B, he also doesn’t seem comfortable with life, but is honest and does not lie. Their friendship/romance was so heartwarming, their love for each other so complete that they never noticed each other’s flaws. Made the saying “There’s someone out there for everyone” seem true and gives hope to any single people who doubt how they look.
I loved Thomasina, she has a heart of gold and has been through the mill. Just when she finds the perfect man for her, they have to find a way for them to be together when they live in different areas and have work commitments.
This was so beautifully written. You had me laughing and crying at the same time. I so wanted a happy ending for this couple, to find out you will have to read this wonderful book!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
September 23, 2021
The Things I Know by Amanda Prowse is a women’s fiction title with some romance and a whole lot of emotion. The story is of a young woman, Thomasina ‘Hitch’ Waycott, who wants nothing more than to live that of a normal life not letting her deformities get in the way.
While Thomasina enjoys working on the remote farm and B&B her family owns she also dreams of more. For Thomasina though wanting a boyfriend and to see the world isn’t as easy for her as it is for others being born with a deformed lip, crooked limbs and a weak heart. When a young man, Grayson Potts, walks into her life Thomasina begins to wonder if she can have it all.
The Things I Know is not the first book I’ve read from Amanda Prowse and it undoubtedly will not be the last. The thing that I expected going into this novel was for it to be an emotional roller coaster and a box of tissues should probably be handy and of course that is the type of read this is exactly. I couldn’t help but fall for Thomasina as I’m sure other readers had before me. If you are looking for a book full of emotion I don’t think you can go wrong with Amanda Prowse.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
While Thomasina enjoys working on the remote farm and B&B her family owns she also dreams of more. For Thomasina though wanting a boyfriend and to see the world isn’t as easy for her as it is for others being born with a deformed lip, crooked limbs and a weak heart. When a young man, Grayson Potts, walks into her life Thomasina begins to wonder if she can have it all.
The Things I Know is not the first book I’ve read from Amanda Prowse and it undoubtedly will not be the last. The thing that I expected going into this novel was for it to be an emotional roller coaster and a box of tissues should probably be handy and of course that is the type of read this is exactly. I couldn’t help but fall for Thomasina as I’m sure other readers had before me. If you are looking for a book full of emotion I don’t think you can go wrong with Amanda Prowse.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
May 20, 2019
Thomasina is a truly wonderful character. I absolutely loved her and felt like we were firm friends by the end of the story. She has had to overcome a lot in her life and put up with more than most. My heart went out to her with how some people treat her and I just wanted to wrap her up and keep her safe of which I soon realised was exactly what she doesn’t want or need.
Mid twenties and still living at home with her parents on the farm, you could quite easily forgive Thomasina for dreaming of bigger and better things. The farm and home life was just wonderful to read of though. Apart from Emery who Isn’t the nicest of people, I wanted to transport myself and join them around the kitchen table whilst they enjoyed the cooked breakfasts and their tea and cake. It made me feel all cosy and warm inside.
Grayson is another fabulous character. If anything this story just has the best characterisation and made the story come to life. I felt like I was going through the emotions of the characters and was totally wrapped up in the story. Only problem with this authors books is as I enjoy them so much they seem to end far to quickly. I could have spent hours more reading and spending time with these wonderful characters.
The Things I Know is a heart warming and endearing read that you will not be able to put down. I couldn’t devour it fast enough as some of the characters will really pull on your heart strings. A truly fabulous read and I hope the author will revisit the characters at some point in the future as they are ones that I know I will think of often. All the stars for this one. Loved it.
My thanks to NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Mid twenties and still living at home with her parents on the farm, you could quite easily forgive Thomasina for dreaming of bigger and better things. The farm and home life was just wonderful to read of though. Apart from Emery who Isn’t the nicest of people, I wanted to transport myself and join them around the kitchen table whilst they enjoyed the cooked breakfasts and their tea and cake. It made me feel all cosy and warm inside.
Grayson is another fabulous character. If anything this story just has the best characterisation and made the story come to life. I felt like I was going through the emotions of the characters and was totally wrapped up in the story. Only problem with this authors books is as I enjoy them so much they seem to end far to quickly. I could have spent hours more reading and spending time with these wonderful characters.
The Things I Know is a heart warming and endearing read that you will not be able to put down. I couldn’t devour it fast enough as some of the characters will really pull on your heart strings. A truly fabulous read and I hope the author will revisit the characters at some point in the future as they are ones that I know I will think of often. All the stars for this one. Loved it.
My thanks to NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
November 20, 2019
Amanda Prowse is one of the authors that can take life circumstances and turn them into a flipping great read!
We have a young girl to young woman who has several deformities that have haunted her life thus far. It’s even caused her to be called a nick name related to one of her deformities.
Not a good or kind way either which made my blood boil.
Meeting her in this book was lovely . What a sweet, kind helpful person she was. To me she was lonely. Her “friends” being chickens she collected eggs from with her being brought up on a farm.
She had hopes, dreams, ambitions and a need to be loved and give love.
When her brother flew the nest she too questioned her own future.......
To make ends meet they would open up the farm for guests.
So one day, a young man comes who befriends her, he doesn’t see from the outside, he sees her beauty inside. They connect.
It’s such a wonderful story in this day and age of acceptance of diversity and teaches us some home truths.
I loved it.
We have a young girl to young woman who has several deformities that have haunted her life thus far. It’s even caused her to be called a nick name related to one of her deformities.
Not a good or kind way either which made my blood boil.
Meeting her in this book was lovely . What a sweet, kind helpful person she was. To me she was lonely. Her “friends” being chickens she collected eggs from with her being brought up on a farm.
She had hopes, dreams, ambitions and a need to be loved and give love.
When her brother flew the nest she too questioned her own future.......
To make ends meet they would open up the farm for guests.
So one day, a young man comes who befriends her, he doesn’t see from the outside, he sees her beauty inside. They connect.
It’s such a wonderful story in this day and age of acceptance of diversity and teaches us some home truths.
I loved it.
June 11, 2019
I am writing this review with tears flowing down my eyes. Every single line of this book resonated with me. I could see myself in the main character Thomasina, who was born a little different with a cleft lip, weak heart, and deformity of hand and foot. (mine are not outwardly physical, but they are there).
Operated in childhood for the cleft lip, the doc did a terrible job with suturing and she was nicknamed Hitch for that scar. (I had for 3 heart surgeries more than twenty years ago, and the doc messed it up). Thomasina (and I) was on medications and was protected by her parents on their farm. She lived a closed life, but her dreams were open and big and as vast as the skies (mine are too). Her life was lonely with most seeing her outward appearance and not her heart.
Then came Grayson, a man who was probably on the spectrum, but who knew what he wanted and he never lied. He wanted Thomasina forever and ever. This was their story, honest and true and oh so filled with love. 2 people just perfect for each other who could see beyond what this world labeled as imperfections.
I have read most books by Ms. Amanda Prowse, and the best are those which make me cry and where I see myself in her characters. I cried and cried and I am still crying while writing this review. Ms. Prowse's writing was superfluous, the emotions in each word had me choking.
Thomasina and Grayson had their own problems, they lived and worked in different parts. Their lives intersected and they found each other. Their hearts beat as one. But they had their own responsibilities, and it took great courage and a willingness to change to live their love.
Innocence was never better written, dreams never better foretold. I sighed and swooned over the lines in this book. I could hardly see my kindle with eyes that were constantly getting blurred.
Ms. Prowse took my heart in her hands with this story. She covered it with hope for a brighter tomorrow, she gave my heart wings to fly and my dreams to soar. I could keep going on about what I saw in this book. It was an experience seen and read with an open mind.
No truer words have I ever spoken than these
"Ms. Amanda Prowse is the queen of emotions. She is the only author in this world who can make me cry and smile at the same time. My favorite forever."
Operated in childhood for the cleft lip, the doc did a terrible job with suturing and she was nicknamed Hitch for that scar. (I had for 3 heart surgeries more than twenty years ago, and the doc messed it up). Thomasina (and I) was on medications and was protected by her parents on their farm. She lived a closed life, but her dreams were open and big and as vast as the skies (mine are too). Her life was lonely with most seeing her outward appearance and not her heart.
Then came Grayson, a man who was probably on the spectrum, but who knew what he wanted and he never lied. He wanted Thomasina forever and ever. This was their story, honest and true and oh so filled with love. 2 people just perfect for each other who could see beyond what this world labeled as imperfections.
I have read most books by Ms. Amanda Prowse, and the best are those which make me cry and where I see myself in her characters. I cried and cried and I am still crying while writing this review. Ms. Prowse's writing was superfluous, the emotions in each word had me choking.
Thomasina and Grayson had their own problems, they lived and worked in different parts. Their lives intersected and they found each other. Their hearts beat as one. But they had their own responsibilities, and it took great courage and a willingness to change to live their love.
Innocence was never better written, dreams never better foretold. I sighed and swooned over the lines in this book. I could hardly see my kindle with eyes that were constantly getting blurred.
Ms. Prowse took my heart in her hands with this story. She covered it with hope for a brighter tomorrow, she gave my heart wings to fly and my dreams to soar. I could keep going on about what I saw in this book. It was an experience seen and read with an open mind.
No truer words have I ever spoken than these
"Ms. Amanda Prowse is the queen of emotions. She is the only author in this world who can make me cry and smile at the same time. My favorite forever."
May 31, 2019
I fell in love with this story! It's a story about Thomasina (Hitch) Waycott and her struggle in life to be accepted. She has been made fun of and ridiculed her whole because of the way she looks. Different from all the other "normal" people but her heart is tender. All she wants is to be loved and cared for unconditionally.
I really liked the character of Thomasina. My heart went out to her and I really hurt with her when she was taunted so badly. I wanted to be her friend and show her that she has value and is important. I also liked the character of Grayson Potts. He came into Thomasina's life and changed things for her. The story really was like a fairy tale but there were also huge struggles to overcome. Life isn't easy and it takes courage to let other people in after being so hurt in life.
This book took me on a journey with a girl who had been dealt a difficult hand when she was born. I hurt with how much she went through. I became emotionally involved with her character and really felt the heartache she suffered because of mean and vindictive bullies. I also felt the happiness and strength when she found the fight in herself to stand up for herself.
I loved that Thomasina had her dog, Buddy, to be with her throughout the book. He was a loyal and devoted companion through everything. This passage expresses how much he loved her:
"Even Buddy, in tune with her emotions, seemed to have lost his playful bounce and had earlier crept by her side across the yard with his head low, ears back, as if able to sense her malaise, so in love with her that her sadness crushed him." I love that dog and his place in her life.
This book is a tale that drew me in and took me through the gut wrenching life of a young woman just wanting to have what other young women had. It also has the message that each person is valuable and that there is hope and happiness just by being who you are.
I thought the chapter endings were very unique and different. They were the thoughts of Thomasina and the things she knows. Each one was a bit of the chapter before...a kind of summary. It touched my heart as some were enlightening and some were hard truth.
"What I don't know is how different I am, and I also don't know how I can find this out."
"And I know that some days I'm happy and on other days I'm sad, but that's the same for everyone, isn't it?"
The Thing I Know is that this book will touch the reader in many ways. It did me, for sure. Thomasina and Grayson are two characters I will think about for a long time.
I want to thank Lake Union, Netgalley and especially Amanda Prowse for the honor of reading such a powerful, inspirational and touching story. It is most definitely 5 stars!
I really liked the character of Thomasina. My heart went out to her and I really hurt with her when she was taunted so badly. I wanted to be her friend and show her that she has value and is important. I also liked the character of Grayson Potts. He came into Thomasina's life and changed things for her. The story really was like a fairy tale but there were also huge struggles to overcome. Life isn't easy and it takes courage to let other people in after being so hurt in life.
This book took me on a journey with a girl who had been dealt a difficult hand when she was born. I hurt with how much she went through. I became emotionally involved with her character and really felt the heartache she suffered because of mean and vindictive bullies. I also felt the happiness and strength when she found the fight in herself to stand up for herself.
I loved that Thomasina had her dog, Buddy, to be with her throughout the book. He was a loyal and devoted companion through everything. This passage expresses how much he loved her:
"Even Buddy, in tune with her emotions, seemed to have lost his playful bounce and had earlier crept by her side across the yard with his head low, ears back, as if able to sense her malaise, so in love with her that her sadness crushed him." I love that dog and his place in her life.
This book is a tale that drew me in and took me through the gut wrenching life of a young woman just wanting to have what other young women had. It also has the message that each person is valuable and that there is hope and happiness just by being who you are.
I thought the chapter endings were very unique and different. They were the thoughts of Thomasina and the things she knows. Each one was a bit of the chapter before...a kind of summary. It touched my heart as some were enlightening and some were hard truth.
"What I don't know is how different I am, and I also don't know how I can find this out."
"And I know that some days I'm happy and on other days I'm sad, but that's the same for everyone, isn't it?"
The Thing I Know is that this book will touch the reader in many ways. It did me, for sure. Thomasina and Grayson are two characters I will think about for a long time.
I want to thank Lake Union, Netgalley and especially Amanda Prowse for the honor of reading such a powerful, inspirational and touching story. It is most definitely 5 stars!
July 7, 2019
Another endless cycle of depressing and bleak conversation and plot. Started with a promise of great reading and quickly fizzled to the same old hamster wheel of a plot going nowhere and character not very like-able. This is of course my own opinion and may not be shared by others.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley. Opinions expressed are absolutely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley. Opinions expressed are absolutely my own.
June 25, 2019
Although Thomasina (aka Hitch) Waycott loves her parents, her younger brother, her chickens, her dog, and enjoys working on the family farm, she feels life is passing her by. Her parents have always been overly protective of her, understandably perhaps, and Thomasina recognises it’s because of the challenges she faces. They don’t want to see her get hurt, physically or otherwise, but she’s desperate for a little independence, to be accepted for herself and not be defined by the way she looks. Just as she’s about to do something positive about it, her brother drops a bombshell.
When Grayson Potts comes to stay at the farm for a couple of nights while he attends a seminar in Bristol it marks the beginning of change in Thomasina’s life. There’s common ground between them, both not quite fitting into the ’norm’ and they form a bond neither of them expect or have experienced before. Grayson is completely without guile—honest and direct but kind—a loner who still feels the pang of abandonment from his father leaving when he was a boy, and seemingly cutting Grayson out of his life. To Thomasina’s surprise and delight he’s not fazed by her appearance and instead sees the person she really is. He refuses to call her Hitch, the nickname that resulted from a botched operation on her cleft palette which left a scar that lifted her top lip.
The Things I Know is a lovely, moving story, written beautifully, of two people who had more or less accepted their lot in life, until they met. Unknowingly Thomasina’s parents had undermined her confidence by over compensating for her disabilities, trying to keep her safe. Her cousin had always been horrible to her, and what made it worse, her parents didn’t take her seriously when she complained. And Grayson was ruled by his bitter, alcoholic mother. For all he was a problem solving whizz kid at work, he was unable to work through the issues in his personal life.
Thomasina and Grayson are wonderfully well developed characters, depicted sympathetically and in a realistic, individualistic way. I loved the way Grayson stood up for Thomasina, how they learn from each other and witnessing Thomasina’s self confidence bloom. It’s a story of courage, taking chances, achievement, love and finding happiness.
The story is told from Thomasina’s first person perspective and the structure works really well, each chapter ending with a short, relevant list of things Thomasina knows, which she adds to her journal.
Grayson and Thomasina’s journey isn’t without obstacles and I couldn’t wait to see how it would end. The Things I Know conveys an important message. It’s okay to be different. Love who you are, it’s the ignorant and cruel people that are really the ones with issues.
I listened to the audio version narrated by Amanda, and it was wonderfully done. A story full of heart.
When Grayson Potts comes to stay at the farm for a couple of nights while he attends a seminar in Bristol it marks the beginning of change in Thomasina’s life. There’s common ground between them, both not quite fitting into the ’norm’ and they form a bond neither of them expect or have experienced before. Grayson is completely without guile—honest and direct but kind—a loner who still feels the pang of abandonment from his father leaving when he was a boy, and seemingly cutting Grayson out of his life. To Thomasina’s surprise and delight he’s not fazed by her appearance and instead sees the person she really is. He refuses to call her Hitch, the nickname that resulted from a botched operation on her cleft palette which left a scar that lifted her top lip.
The Things I Know is a lovely, moving story, written beautifully, of two people who had more or less accepted their lot in life, until they met. Unknowingly Thomasina’s parents had undermined her confidence by over compensating for her disabilities, trying to keep her safe. Her cousin had always been horrible to her, and what made it worse, her parents didn’t take her seriously when she complained. And Grayson was ruled by his bitter, alcoholic mother. For all he was a problem solving whizz kid at work, he was unable to work through the issues in his personal life.
Thomasina and Grayson are wonderfully well developed characters, depicted sympathetically and in a realistic, individualistic way. I loved the way Grayson stood up for Thomasina, how they learn from each other and witnessing Thomasina’s self confidence bloom. It’s a story of courage, taking chances, achievement, love and finding happiness.
The story is told from Thomasina’s first person perspective and the structure works really well, each chapter ending with a short, relevant list of things Thomasina knows, which she adds to her journal.
Grayson and Thomasina’s journey isn’t without obstacles and I couldn’t wait to see how it would end. The Things I Know conveys an important message. It’s okay to be different. Love who you are, it’s the ignorant and cruel people that are really the ones with issues.
I listened to the audio version narrated by Amanda, and it was wonderfully done. A story full of heart.
June 23, 2019
If you’re looking for a book that leaves you with a warm fuzzy feeling The things I know is the one for you. I am a huge Amanda Prowse fan and she has written another winner!!
The main character Thomasina (Hitch) is a girl faced with many difficulties but all she wishes for is to feel pretty, find love and wear pretty sparkly shoes. She lives at Walcott farm with her caring family and beloved chickens and faithful dog.
Grayson arrives to stay on the farm and Thomasina catches a glimpse of happiness. There are lots of obstacles in their way and I was hoping that these could be overcome against the odds.
I grew up in the countryside and the beautiful descriptions of country life took me back to my happy childhood. The hurdles faced by children with additional needs also resounded with me. As a grandparent who experiences the issues daily I really related for the need to protect against the necessity of allowing independence and life experiences.
Amanda is a genius at portraying real life and real people. Her characters are so beautifully observed I I can immediately imagine people from my own life behaving as they do.
The need to fit it, confirm to the norm and ultimately find your own happiness was the strongest message I took from this beautiful book. It made me laugh, cry and smile in equal measure.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publishers and Amanda Prowse for the opportunity to read this heartwarming book.,
The main character Thomasina (Hitch) is a girl faced with many difficulties but all she wishes for is to feel pretty, find love and wear pretty sparkly shoes. She lives at Walcott farm with her caring family and beloved chickens and faithful dog.
Grayson arrives to stay on the farm and Thomasina catches a glimpse of happiness. There are lots of obstacles in their way and I was hoping that these could be overcome against the odds.
I grew up in the countryside and the beautiful descriptions of country life took me back to my happy childhood. The hurdles faced by children with additional needs also resounded with me. As a grandparent who experiences the issues daily I really related for the need to protect against the necessity of allowing independence and life experiences.
Amanda is a genius at portraying real life and real people. Her characters are so beautifully observed I I can immediately imagine people from my own life behaving as they do.
The need to fit it, confirm to the norm and ultimately find your own happiness was the strongest message I took from this beautiful book. It made me laugh, cry and smile in equal measure.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publishers and Amanda Prowse for the opportunity to read this heartwarming book.,
September 11, 2019
Very heartwarming and may even make you cry!
The girl who was born different with her outward deformities who chooses to think she is not good enough for love, it is for others not me she thinks. When she learns to stop judging herself and worrying about what others think of her she realizes she more than measures up and she just may find love as well!
Published June 11th 2019 by Lake Union Publishing
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
The girl who was born different with her outward deformities who chooses to think she is not good enough for love, it is for others not me she thinks. When she learns to stop judging herself and worrying about what others think of her she realizes she more than measures up and she just may find love as well!
Published June 11th 2019 by Lake Union Publishing
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.
July 29, 2019
There are books that make you think. There are books that make you feel. There are books that make you laugh. There are books that charm you. Every now and then, you find one that does all of these. It grabs you right around the kneecaps and takes you to the ground. This is one of those!! Amanda Prowse writes with such empathy, understanding and honesty. I spend all my time with my hand to my chest and a smile on my face, as I immerse myself in characters so genuine and compelling that sometimes I have to just catch my breath.
This is the story of Thomasina (or Hitch, which I really don't want to use to refer to her). Thomasina was born with a few things against her - a deformed hand and foot, a cleft palate, and a weak heart. But this girl. Oh my gosh, she is simply beautiful where it matters. Her parents lovingly, but protectively raised her. Although it was never intentionally to hurt her, they limited her. She was content to live and work on their family owned farm, until she wasn't. Until she felt trapped and felt the wanderlust of wanting more out of life. To explore the world, to spread her wings, to buy the shiny red shoes that she could never wear because of her deformed foot.
Enter Grayson, who comes to her family's bed & breakfast that they run on their farm. Grayson is just a little off - most likley leaning toward very high functioning Asperger's. He is so charming and open and guileless and honest. He simply never tells a lie. I don't think I've been this captivated by a character in a long time. Yes, there are plenty of book characters out there that I've fallen in love with, swooned over, silently adored their alpha-hole ways...but then there is Grayson. He is just a man you want to pick up, put in your pocket, and carry around with you forever.
Things aren't so simple for those two though. They are both stuck in their lives with responsibilities, guilt, lack of confidence and/or social skills. There is lot stacked against them, and a lot for them to overcome. Even those of us who seemingly have the skills and the resources to handle these obstacles would be challenged.
This was a joyous read for me. There were tears, but there were moments my heart was beating out of my chest because of the overwhelming thoughts of "this is what love should feel like". If you want charming, compelling, emotional, uplifting and genuine, you want to read this.
This is the story of Thomasina (or Hitch, which I really don't want to use to refer to her). Thomasina was born with a few things against her - a deformed hand and foot, a cleft palate, and a weak heart. But this girl. Oh my gosh, she is simply beautiful where it matters. Her parents lovingly, but protectively raised her. Although it was never intentionally to hurt her, they limited her. She was content to live and work on their family owned farm, until she wasn't. Until she felt trapped and felt the wanderlust of wanting more out of life. To explore the world, to spread her wings, to buy the shiny red shoes that she could never wear because of her deformed foot.
Enter Grayson, who comes to her family's bed & breakfast that they run on their farm. Grayson is just a little off - most likley leaning toward very high functioning Asperger's. He is so charming and open and guileless and honest. He simply never tells a lie. I don't think I've been this captivated by a character in a long time. Yes, there are plenty of book characters out there that I've fallen in love with, swooned over, silently adored their alpha-hole ways...but then there is Grayson. He is just a man you want to pick up, put in your pocket, and carry around with you forever.
Things aren't so simple for those two though. They are both stuck in their lives with responsibilities, guilt, lack of confidence and/or social skills. There is lot stacked against them, and a lot for them to overcome. Even those of us who seemingly have the skills and the resources to handle these obstacles would be challenged.
This was a joyous read for me. There were tears, but there were moments my heart was beating out of my chest because of the overwhelming thoughts of "this is what love should feel like". If you want charming, compelling, emotional, uplifting and genuine, you want to read this.
May 8, 2019
Amanda Prowse is one of my absolute favourite authors and I always pick up her books when I am looking for a book to immerse myself into and this book was no exception.
Amanda writes with such passion and relevance her books never fail to pull you in from the first few pages. The Things I Know introduces you to the lovely Thomasina (Hitch), giving you an insight into her life on her families beloved Waycott farm with Daphne her favourite chicken and her faithful dog Buddy.
Hitch has only ever wanted what all girls want, to feel pretty, wear pretty shoes, to be able to make plans and have dreams with someone to share it all with. In this story you embark on a journey with her where you get glimpses of her childhood that have shaped and created the feelings she now experiences and where you see her meet Grayson when he arrives to stay at the B&B on the farm and this sets a chain of events into motion.
I absolutely loved this book, it was a beautiful story full of love and compassion that carries such a relevant and important message that is especially important in todays society when people seem happy to openly pass judgement and share negative comments on social media. This book highlights how goals and dreams are not defined by what society considers the perfect person that they are anyone's for the taking and how no one should be making anyone else feel that they aren't entitled to have dreams and ambitions.
Amanda Prowse has a superb knack of tapping into her characters and visually creating them in her stories, she makes you feel as if you are standing alongside her watching her characters and stories unfold. She leaves a part of herself in each book and manages to evoke emotion and happiness through her writing and her books are always an absolute pleasure to read.
Amanda writes with such passion and relevance her books never fail to pull you in from the first few pages. The Things I Know introduces you to the lovely Thomasina (Hitch), giving you an insight into her life on her families beloved Waycott farm with Daphne her favourite chicken and her faithful dog Buddy.
Hitch has only ever wanted what all girls want, to feel pretty, wear pretty shoes, to be able to make plans and have dreams with someone to share it all with. In this story you embark on a journey with her where you get glimpses of her childhood that have shaped and created the feelings she now experiences and where you see her meet Grayson when he arrives to stay at the B&B on the farm and this sets a chain of events into motion.
I absolutely loved this book, it was a beautiful story full of love and compassion that carries such a relevant and important message that is especially important in todays society when people seem happy to openly pass judgement and share negative comments on social media. This book highlights how goals and dreams are not defined by what society considers the perfect person that they are anyone's for the taking and how no one should be making anyone else feel that they aren't entitled to have dreams and ambitions.
Amanda Prowse has a superb knack of tapping into her characters and visually creating them in her stories, she makes you feel as if you are standing alongside her watching her characters and stories unfold. She leaves a part of herself in each book and manages to evoke emotion and happiness through her writing and her books are always an absolute pleasure to read.
May 14, 2019
The Things I Know is another beautiful love story from Amanda Prowse. It tells the story of Thomasina ‘Hitch’ Waycott and Grayson Potts. At the end of each chapter, Thomasina writes in her journal about the things she knows. I’m sure I’ll not be the only reviewer to write their thoughts this way, but I thought it seemed a good way to layout my review.
So in the style of Thomasina, these are the things I know…
I know that Amanda Prowse has a real knack for creating characters that you take to your heart.
I know that I immediately felt protective of Hitch, as she was known as at the beginning of the story, and perhaps that was the trouble. She had a few disabilities which meant that her parents, with the best of intentions, had been too protective and hadn’t given her the chance to shine.
I know that Grayson with his straightforward way of looking at the world, saw past every physical problem and right to the heart of who Thomasina was and what she could be. And I loved him for that.
I know that this is the story of two people who never quite seemed to fit in, finding their place with each other and their place in the world.
I know that wanting your own cake tins is possibly one of the most lovely things you could wish for. That will make sense when you read the book!
I know that Amanda Prowse writes about the issues in this book in a sensitive and relatable way: special or different needs, addiction and bullying.
I know that this is a book which will evoke all kinds of emotions. You will smile, you will feel angry, you will laugh, you may find a lump in your throat.
I know that I was holding in my breath in the last chapter wondering how it would all end for Thomasina and Grayson.
I know that if you have loved Amanda Prowse’s previous novels then you will love this one too.
So in the style of Thomasina, these are the things I know…
I know that Amanda Prowse has a real knack for creating characters that you take to your heart.
I know that I immediately felt protective of Hitch, as she was known as at the beginning of the story, and perhaps that was the trouble. She had a few disabilities which meant that her parents, with the best of intentions, had been too protective and hadn’t given her the chance to shine.
I know that Grayson with his straightforward way of looking at the world, saw past every physical problem and right to the heart of who Thomasina was and what she could be. And I loved him for that.
I know that this is the story of two people who never quite seemed to fit in, finding their place with each other and their place in the world.
I know that wanting your own cake tins is possibly one of the most lovely things you could wish for. That will make sense when you read the book!
I know that Amanda Prowse writes about the issues in this book in a sensitive and relatable way: special or different needs, addiction and bullying.
I know that this is a book which will evoke all kinds of emotions. You will smile, you will feel angry, you will laugh, you may find a lump in your throat.
I know that I was holding in my breath in the last chapter wondering how it would all end for Thomasina and Grayson.
I know that if you have loved Amanda Prowse’s previous novels then you will love this one too.
May 5, 2019
The things I know...
...this book is full of happiness and sadness and hope.
As a parent of 2 children with additional needs, one with a very rare chromosome disorder, I can relate to the family in so many different ways. I love a book that I can get emotionally invested in and this one really tugged at the heartstrings in so many brilliant ways. The characters, especially Hitch and her cousin are incredible. I really enjoyed the dynamics of the relationships between the family members and the local community. It felt like I was there, on the farm, observing Hitch's life as it unfolds and she grows.
I found myself wondering what my daughters life will be like in years to come and glad that I haven't been overly protective of her, full of even more hope for what her future may hold after reading Hitch's story.
I think it is incredibly brave when an author tackles difficult subjects that people are very opinionated and passionate about. Subjects that other shy away from because they can sometimes be considered taboo to talk about. Bullying over Disability and Gender and the struggles around Addiction are all still very prevalent in today's society and yet again with her beautiful writing Amanda has taken something difficult and sometimes controversial and made it relate-able and inspiring.
I'll be completely honest, this review was a really hard one to write. There are so many things I want to shout from the rooftops about the characters and the story but I can't without spoiling it for other readers. So I will just say that it's a truly fantastic story that had my crying in the first chapter and laughing in the last!
...this book is full of happiness and sadness and hope.
As a parent of 2 children with additional needs, one with a very rare chromosome disorder, I can relate to the family in so many different ways. I love a book that I can get emotionally invested in and this one really tugged at the heartstrings in so many brilliant ways. The characters, especially Hitch and her cousin are incredible. I really enjoyed the dynamics of the relationships between the family members and the local community. It felt like I was there, on the farm, observing Hitch's life as it unfolds and she grows.
I found myself wondering what my daughters life will be like in years to come and glad that I haven't been overly protective of her, full of even more hope for what her future may hold after reading Hitch's story.
I think it is incredibly brave when an author tackles difficult subjects that people are very opinionated and passionate about. Subjects that other shy away from because they can sometimes be considered taboo to talk about. Bullying over Disability and Gender and the struggles around Addiction are all still very prevalent in today's society and yet again with her beautiful writing Amanda has taken something difficult and sometimes controversial and made it relate-able and inspiring.
I'll be completely honest, this review was a really hard one to write. There are so many things I want to shout from the rooftops about the characters and the story but I can't without spoiling it for other readers. So I will just say that it's a truly fantastic story that had my crying in the first chapter and laughing in the last!
July 19, 2019
I feel a little disappointed after reading this latest novel by Amanda Prowse, it’s not as gripping or intense as I’ve come to expect from reading lots of her previous books. I did like the two main characters and had sympathy for the situations they found themselves in but the plot was a little underwhelming and the ending predictable.
July 1, 2019
I recived this ARC in exhange for a honest review by NetGalley
"You make me feel beautiful" -Thomasina
You know when you just sit back, and feel your heart swell a few sizes Grinch-style and you just loved every part of the book? That is how i feel, right at this moment. ARcs are very hit and miss, but sometimes you hit gold, and for me this was one of them.
"Because life was all about courage, about making the changes that would make you happy, and taking chances, recongnising oppertunities and being the kid of person who just bought the damn shoes."
This book, this book. It made me cry, it made my heart swell (Grinch-Style). I "watched" how Hitch/Thomsina grew through out the book. She is a person who has a bad cut by her lip up to her nose on one side, and one arm and foot wich isin't very good. So she feels stuck, scared and possibly a little alone util Grayson comes into her life and shows her that for him she's beautiful, she matters and that she should find courage and do what she wants.
"You make me feel beautiful" -Thomasina
You know when you just sit back, and feel your heart swell a few sizes Grinch-style and you just loved every part of the book? That is how i feel, right at this moment. ARcs are very hit and miss, but sometimes you hit gold, and for me this was one of them.
"Because life was all about courage, about making the changes that would make you happy, and taking chances, recongnising oppertunities and being the kid of person who just bought the damn shoes."
This book, this book. It made me cry, it made my heart swell (Grinch-Style). I "watched" how Hitch/Thomsina grew through out the book. She is a person who has a bad cut by her lip up to her nose on one side, and one arm and foot wich isin't very good. So she feels stuck, scared and possibly a little alone util Grayson comes into her life and shows her that for him she's beautiful, she matters and that she should find courage and do what she wants.
May 13, 2019
A beautiful and heartwarming love story of two people, Thomasina and Grayson, who are considered a “bit different” to others. Their story will pull on your heartstrings as you watch the instant connection they make with each other when they first meet. Their story is full of overcoming life’s obstacles and proving that you can do anything if you put your mind to it. A truly touching, powerful, empowering story that I highly recommend you read.
Many thanks to NetGallery, the publisher and author, Amanda Prowse, for the opportunity to to read this wonderful book. This is my true and honest review.
Many thanks to NetGallery, the publisher and author, Amanda Prowse, for the opportunity to to read this wonderful book. This is my true and honest review.
June 9, 2019
I just adored this book. Most definitely my favourite Amanda Prowse book. It shows that it's ok to be different and that there is love out there for everyone making you "The me I'm supposed to be".
July 29, 2019
Thank you to Net Galley for very generously sending me a free kindle copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
This was the first book by Amanda Prowse which I’ve read. She has a lovely and warm style of writing and the main characters Thomasina and Grey were lovable and you couldn’t help liking them and rooting for them. I enjoyed the story however sometimes I did forget that it was set in recent times. The farm setting sometimes made it seem a little dated. Overall an enjoyable story. I can’t give it anything higher than a three purely down to the story not really having much content. The writing style and the characters however make up for lack of excitement. A nice easy ready and one I’d recommend.
This was the first book by Amanda Prowse which I’ve read. She has a lovely and warm style of writing and the main characters Thomasina and Grey were lovable and you couldn’t help liking them and rooting for them. I enjoyed the story however sometimes I did forget that it was set in recent times. The farm setting sometimes made it seem a little dated. Overall an enjoyable story. I can’t give it anything higher than a three purely down to the story not really having much content. The writing style and the characters however make up for lack of excitement. A nice easy ready and one I’d recommend.
July 20, 2020
I was hoping something interesting would happen at some point, but it didn’t. I got used to the unlikely dialogue: said dialogue made an ordinary story feel extraordinary - quite a paradox for a book in which the main shortcoming was plot. Got through most of it, skipped, then gave up. DNF.
June 7, 2019
With thanks to Netgalley and Amazon for this ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.
The Things I know is the third book I have written from Amanda Prowse. I think Thomasina `Hitch` Waycott is my favourite protagonist ever.
Hitch was born prematurely with a host of birth defects. For as long as she could remember everyone called her Hitch because of a scar on her mouth when she had cleft palate surgery. I wanted to be Hitch`s friend when I read this.......
` These are the things I know... I know my name is Thomasina Waycott. I know I was born a little different, like someone held the instructions upside down or lost a part when they opened the box`
Hitch lived and worked at Waycott Farm with her parents and cousin Emery. Hitch was smothered by her well meaning parents but she longed for a boyfriend, get married, go to New York and own a pair of sparkly red shoes. However living in the small village where she grew up, Thomasina knew that would be unlikely.
All that changed when Mr Grayson Potts came to stay on the farm whilst he was on a course. Grayson was a numbers man who found comfort in patterns and routine. Grayson was lonely and was still damaged after his father left him as a child. Although Grayson was a successful broker, he was socially awkward and found it hard to make friends.
With the help of Grayson, Hitch learned to love herself and become Thomasina. However when Grayson was about to propose something tragic happens that might destroy her new found confidence.
I loved Thomasina and Grayson, they were perfect for each other. I felt so sorry for Thomasina when she was mocked by Tarran in the pub. I could understand why her parents protected her as a child but they unknowingly undermined her confidence. I was so pleased when Thomasina finally gave Tarran a piece of her mind.
I also liked Grayson who was completely Guileless, I had to roll my eyes when he explained his friend next door was a murderer. I disliked Grayson`s mother, she didn't deserve his loyalty.sure
The ending left me with a warm glow of happiness. I highly recommend The Things I Know and all Amanda Prowse`s books.
May 20, 2019
All the things that I know about this book.
I know that Amanda is an amazing story teller.
I know that Amanda has a wonderful way of writing a story. That you will take to your heart and remember forever.
I know that Hitch’s parents have tried to do what they felt was best for Hitch.
I know that they tried to protect her against the people of the world that would only see her disabilities and not see the beautiful person that she is inside.
I also know that this might not have helped Hitch to be able to be her true self.
I know that when Grayson as soon as he met Hitch. Only saw Tominsina. Not the person her parents created, not the disabilities. But the true Tominsina.
I know that Grayson saw the beauty of what Tominsina could be, what she could achieve and what she has inside her.
I know that this is the story of two people. Who never fitted into the world. Who were always the outsiders and who the world perceived as different.
I know that as soon as they find each other. They discover a place where they fit in. A place that they can be themselves and a place where they can take in the world.
I know that Amanda writes in such an amazing way. That is absolutely beautiful.
I know that she writes in a way that touches your heart and makes you see people in a different way and the world as a whole better.
I also know that if you are anything like me that this book will make you laugh, make you smile, make you cry and fall in love with this amazing book.
Finally i also know that if you have loved Amanda’s previous books then you will not be able to put this one down and you will love this one too.
I know that Amanda is an amazing story teller.
I know that Amanda has a wonderful way of writing a story. That you will take to your heart and remember forever.
I know that Hitch’s parents have tried to do what they felt was best for Hitch.
I know that they tried to protect her against the people of the world that would only see her disabilities and not see the beautiful person that she is inside.
I also know that this might not have helped Hitch to be able to be her true self.
I know that when Grayson as soon as he met Hitch. Only saw Tominsina. Not the person her parents created, not the disabilities. But the true Tominsina.
I know that Grayson saw the beauty of what Tominsina could be, what she could achieve and what she has inside her.
I know that this is the story of two people. Who never fitted into the world. Who were always the outsiders and who the world perceived as different.
I know that as soon as they find each other. They discover a place where they fit in. A place that they can be themselves and a place where they can take in the world.
I know that Amanda writes in such an amazing way. That is absolutely beautiful.
I know that she writes in a way that touches your heart and makes you see people in a different way and the world as a whole better.
I also know that if you are anything like me that this book will make you laugh, make you smile, make you cry and fall in love with this amazing book.
Finally i also know that if you have loved Amanda’s previous books then you will not be able to put this one down and you will love this one too.
May 11, 2019
I do love Amanda Prowse and her books. Ever since I read the first one, I have been hooked, and I was really looking forward to this new one.
Delving into the mind and world of Thomasina, or Hitch, as she is known, and reading about her meeting Grayson, and falling in love, felt like a privilege.
I have to commend Amanda for executing the nuances of this novel with such sympathy and grace. The thoughts and feelings of someone with a disability, but a person who is like everyone else, someone who wants her own life, and to be able to do everything others do, without the limitations that have been imposed upon her by her own loved ones.
That, and her capture of a person on the spectrum, someone whose thought process is so very different to the majority of the world.
And their love story.
I was hooked. I loved Pops and Mum, and I adored Thom and Gray!
One of my favourite quotes from the book - " I like the way you care for my daughter and, for the record, I happen to agree with you. I think she's pretty perfect too." Thomasina's Pops.
There's a lesson in this - in the end, anything is possible - you just have to make that first step towards change.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing and Amanda Prowse for an ARC, in exchange for an honest review.
Delving into the mind and world of Thomasina, or Hitch, as she is known, and reading about her meeting Grayson, and falling in love, felt like a privilege.
I have to commend Amanda for executing the nuances of this novel with such sympathy and grace. The thoughts and feelings of someone with a disability, but a person who is like everyone else, someone who wants her own life, and to be able to do everything others do, without the limitations that have been imposed upon her by her own loved ones.
That, and her capture of a person on the spectrum, someone whose thought process is so very different to the majority of the world.
And their love story.
I was hooked. I loved Pops and Mum, and I adored Thom and Gray!
One of my favourite quotes from the book - " I like the way you care for my daughter and, for the record, I happen to agree with you. I think she's pretty perfect too." Thomasina's Pops.
There's a lesson in this - in the end, anything is possible - you just have to make that first step towards change.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing and Amanda Prowse for an ARC, in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2019
This is the first book I've ever read by Amanda Prowse and I'm now a huge fan!
The Things I Know is a story of a physically impaired woman, Thomasina, who has always been treated as if she were a freak. She has secret wishes and desires to be someone else, but never realizes she can be until Grayson Potts comes along.
Grayson and Thomasina fall in love and learn from each other that life can be so much more than what you were brought up to believe. He's the first person in Thomasina's life to stand up for her. He's the first to help her understand that she can make her dreams a reality.
This was such a sweet first-love story and I highly recommend reading it.
This review and others can be found at: Renee's Bookcase
The Things I Know is a story of a physically impaired woman, Thomasina, who has always been treated as if she were a freak. She has secret wishes and desires to be someone else, but never realizes she can be until Grayson Potts comes along.
Grayson and Thomasina fall in love and learn from each other that life can be so much more than what you were brought up to believe. He's the first person in Thomasina's life to stand up for her. He's the first to help her understand that she can make her dreams a reality.
This was such a sweet first-love story and I highly recommend reading it.
This review and others can be found at: Renee's Bookcase
July 1, 2019
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
*Sigh * This was lovely! I was immediately swept into this one because of the writing and romance. It’s a love story about two awkward people finding each other in the oddest of circumstances. I didn’t want to put it down and I suggest this for a great summer read if your looking for something good!
The farm became something magical and I loved Thomasina bravery and Grayson honesty and they’re chemistry was something really special. It’s wasn’t your normal everyday fairytale but it was theirs.
♥️ ♥️♥️
Favorite quotes:
“ I think you’re beautiful.”
“I know this: he kissed my mouth...he kissed my mouth....he kissed my mouth...X”
This was a NETGALLEY gift and all opinions are my own! Happy Reading.
*Sigh * This was lovely! I was immediately swept into this one because of the writing and romance. It’s a love story about two awkward people finding each other in the oddest of circumstances. I didn’t want to put it down and I suggest this for a great summer read if your looking for something good!
The farm became something magical and I loved Thomasina bravery and Grayson honesty and they’re chemistry was something really special. It’s wasn’t your normal everyday fairytale but it was theirs.
♥️ ♥️♥️
Favorite quotes:
“ I think you’re beautiful.”
“I know this: he kissed my mouth...he kissed my mouth....he kissed my mouth...X”
This was a NETGALLEY gift and all opinions are my own! Happy Reading.
June 5, 2019
Can you love a character as Thomasina not only has a beautiful name but also such a lovely person. This is a portion of her life about falling in love with her soul mate, nothing appears easy in her life but she takes it all one step at a time. This will be another best seller as everything draws you in to her world and the obstacles she faces. Brilliantly written by a very talented author.
June 16, 2019
I have read and loved several of Amanda Prowse’s books. They are so full of raw emotions and will leave you breathless. I’ve shed many tears while reading some of the best books ever. That being said I am very sad to say that this one just didn’t do it for me. It fell way short of my expectations. I didn’t like any of the characters other than Thomasina/Hitch and Grayson. I liked Jonathan a little. Hated Emery even later on. Thomasina’s mother seemed way to cold and Grayson’s was just awful. Kind of over the top cruel to do such a turn around later. Thomasina’s dad seemed like a very nice man that truly cared about his daughter but the mother was just to cold in my opinion. Thomasina should have been very protected by her mother but to me she seemed to just brush her away when she tried to tell her things. Not like a mother at all.
This book was very well written and easy to read with the exception of using the “shit” word way to much. I don’t mind ugly words at all but that one finally got to me. I feel absolutely awful that I didn’t really love this book but I have to be honest. I just didn’t get out of this book what many others obviously did. It fell short for me.
I didn’t have any emotions one way or the other. Nothing. It was just an ok book that you need to read for yourself to decide what you think. It could very well be just me.
Thank you to #NetGalley, #Amazon Publishing UK and #Lake Union for this copy in exchange for my review.
I give this book 3 stars.
This book was very well written and easy to read with the exception of using the “shit” word way to much. I don’t mind ugly words at all but that one finally got to me. I feel absolutely awful that I didn’t really love this book but I have to be honest. I just didn’t get out of this book what many others obviously did. It fell short for me.
I didn’t have any emotions one way or the other. Nothing. It was just an ok book that you need to read for yourself to decide what you think. It could very well be just me.
Thank you to #NetGalley, #Amazon Publishing UK and #Lake Union for this copy in exchange for my review.
I give this book 3 stars.
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