Metai ir viena diena

by Isabelle Broom, Irma Šlekytė (Translator)

Šilta, nuotaikinga ir jaudinanti istorija apie meilę ir gyvenimą Prahoje – viename romantiškiausių Europos miestų.

Megana tikisi, kad kelionė į Prahą žiemą su draugu Oliu įkvėps ją artėjančiai parodai. Ji pasiryžusi nesuteikti Oliui vilčių ir likti jam tik drauge.

Naujasis Houp draugas Čarlis padovanojo jai kelionę į Prahą, bet moteriai nesiseka grožėtis miestu, ji vis prisimena labai supykdžiusi savo dukrą ir jaučiasi be galo kalta.
Sofi tiki, kad šis miestas – stebuklingas. Nesiliauja skaičiavusi valandų ir minučių, kada čia atvyks jos vaikinas Robinas. Tačiau istorija pulsuojančioje Prahoje niekam nepavyks išvengti savojo likimo...

Trys moterys.
Trys susipynusios istorijos.
Vienas įsimintinas, stebuklingas miestas

Genres: Romance, Chick Lit, Christmas, Fiction, Contemporary, Adult, Travel

328 pages, Hardcover

Published October 2, 2018

About the author

Isabelle Broom also writes as Izzy Broom. She is the award-winning author of 13 novels and is published in 14 overseas territories. Having left heat magazine in 2018, where she’d spent over five years as book reviews editor, she began writing full-time alongside continued freelance work. She lives in Suffolk, surrounded by books, family, unruly dogs, and a rooster from the farm next door, which has inexplicably fallen in love with her. Her most recent novel, The French Guesthouse, is arriving on 6 November 2025.

You can follow Izzy on Twitter/X and Instagram/Threads @Isabelle_Broom or find her on Facebook under Isabelle Broom Author.

Reviews

[Irena BookDustMagic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Real rating: 3,75

This year I was fortunate enough to have an opportunity to read Isabelle Broom's debut novel My Map Of You. I complitely fell in love with the story and Broom's writing style (the book is in my top 5 books I read in 2016), so when I found out her second novel was also coming out this year, I was thrilled.
A Year and a Day immediately became one of my most anticipated releases of 2016.

This novel follows three different stories that intertwine, every story centered around another woman.
The stories take place in Prague, during period of 5 days, around Christmas time.

Megan came to Prague with her friend Ollie who has feelings for her. She doesn't want to gamble their friendship into becoming something more. Although it could be risky, Prague sounds too good to pass. After all, she might find an inspiration for her upcoming photography exhibition in that magical city.

Hope goes to Prague with her new boyfriend, who gave her a trip to that place as a Christmas gift. She recently left her husband and now is on bad terms with her daughter because of that. She would do anything to make piece with her, but she also has an urge to live the life she never had for the first time ever, to find her indenpendency and to be a part of passionate relatonship.

Sophie came to Prague to be with her boyfriend, who'll came few days after her arrival.
Prague has a special place in their hearts, as it's the city where they met each other for the first time.

From those three stories, Sophie's was one that was the most interesting to me.
Other two weren't exciting and if I'm being honest, I found them boring at times.

The writing style is simply amazing. Broom captured the beauty of Prague perfectly and I guarantee you, after reading this book, you will probably want to visit that place.

I was in Prague myself years ago, but after reading this book, I'd like to visit it again and see the beauty and culture once again with new eyes. Now when I'm older, I would appreciate everything that Prague offers so much more then I did then.

The writing consists of so many beautiful descriptions, but less character conversations.
I liked it that way, but if you're looking for a fast paced book, this isn't the one.
This book is the one you should take your time with.

The story is written in third person.

I wish the book had no overture (or prologue). The first sentence is absolutely astonishing, but in my opinion that part of the book spoils the big surprise that was revealed closer to an end.
I suspected what was going on from the very beginning of the story, and my guess was right.

Every single character of the story is realistic.
You could meet people like them in your every day life anytime.
I can't say I liked one character more then the other, but I can say who I'd probably get along with and who I wouldn't, if I ever cross my paths with any of them.
(I'd get along with Sophie, and wouldn't get along with Megan or Charlie.)

The ending was really good.
I was satisfied with it's realness.

If you ever decide to go and visit Prague, I would recommend you to read this book prior that trip.
It brings the bauty of the city close to reader and it could be really helpful when you have to decide what places in Prague you'd like to see.

I would recommend this book to readers of general fiction who like for their books to explore human relationships as well as inner thoughts.

Even though it wasn't as brilliant as My Map of You, A Year and a Day is a nice festive novel that, I trully believe, will be recognized by many readers for it's delightful writing.

Broom's third book should be released in April 2017 and I already can't wait to read it.


Read this and more reviews on my blog: http://bookdustmagic.wordpress.com
-----------------------------------------------------

While reading:

I am so happy and excited to read this book!

[Теодор Панов · Rating 3 out of 5]

⚜ Christmas 2021 ⚜

Една книга с подчертано приятна атмосфера на зимна Прага и чешката култура и забележителности.
На определено ниво книгата създава зимно настроение и донякъде става за предпразнично четиво.

По линия на сюжета и персонажите обаче книгата ми се стори малко суховата. Та затова ѝ давам и 3 звезди.

[Alice-Elizabeth (Prolific Reader Alice) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was approved for A Year and a Day on NetGalley quite a while ago but only within the last week have been able to read it starting on a train journey and finishing one day out in the bright morning sun which was warm and enjoyable. After having reviewed Isabelle's novel My Map of You for Penguin Random House last year and enjoyed it, A Year and a Day is set during the winter in the beautiful European city of Prague. The characters include friends Megan and Ollie, Hope and Charlie who are partners and Sophie who is waiting for her boyfriend Robin to fly out to join them. A Year and a Day explores three separate love stories with realistic and emotional portrayals.

I liked Megan's interests in photography as a character. It is very refreshing to read about a photographer since I am one myself and am always looking for characters in a novel that I can relate to. Each character had their own struggles of regret, loneliness and dealing with memories and scars from the past. The world building was very detailed but not causing info dumps, instead, in the bright summer sun, I felt chilly and that snow surrounded me just because it was a visual read.

Towards the end of the book, there was an event regarding the character of Sophie which may be a little triggering for readers. However, Prague was a gorgeous setting for a novel about the lives of people and their attempts to feel a little sense of joy and love.

I will be reading more books by Isabelle!

Things I loved:
- Worldbuilding
- Megan and her photography

Things I wasn't keen on:
- The triggering event with Sophie

Would I recommend this?: Yes

Follow me across all my bookish social medias!

Twitter: www.Twitter.com/MarriedToBooks3

Instagram: www.Instagram.com/alicetiedthebookish...

Blog Number 1: www.marriedtobooksreviewsandblog.word...

Blog number 2: www.alicereadsclassics.wordpress.com

Wattpad: www.Wattpad.com/AliceTheWriter7

[Kaya Dimitrova · Rating 4 out of 5]

Изобщо не предполагах, че "Една година и един ден" ще ми хареса тооолкова много!

Действието на книгата се развива през зимата, в Прага, което може би е първото, с което този роман ме спечели - описанията на Прага са страхотни и ме върнаха отново в тази прекрасна столица само няколко седмици, след като бях там. А историята е за три жени, чиито пътища се преплитат: Меган, която заминава със своя добър приятел Оли, чиито взаимоотношения преминават в нещо повече от приятелските; Софи, която за пореден път се връща в прекрасна Прага, за да си припомни най-красивите моменти там, изживяни със своя годеник и Хоуп, която получава изненадващото пътуване до Прага като подарък, но така и не може да му се наслади, заради измъчващата вина от провалените взаимоотношения с дъщеря си. Трите жени нямат нищо общо помежду си, но се срещат, за да си помогнат в най-преломните моменти от живота на всяка една от тях.

"Една година и един ден" е мила, романтична, но и много тъжна на моменти, а аз не съжалявам, че я прочетох именно в това време от годината, което успя да ме пренесе изцяло в атмосферата на романа.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three love stories about three different women have all went to Prague. Megan for business. Hope's is a surprise trip for her new partner. Sophie is counting time till her boyfriend meets her there.

I quite liked this tale of romance.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Penguin UK - Michael Joseph and the author Isabelle Broom for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[ReadAlongWithSue recovering from a stroke★⋆. ࿐࿔ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This starts off with a woman going to throw herself off a bridge in Prague. Then......he arrives.

Next chapters take you back in time.

We have three different women, different times.

I found this a thought provoking intense read.
Absolutely super.

I have to check out more of this authors books.

My thanks to Penguin Uk via Net galley

[Kylie H · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book set in a magical, snowy Prague. Three women, each at a pivotal point in their lives are on holiday and staying in the same hotel. Sophie, Megan and Hope all go through an emotional journey that brings them together. A great story in a wonderful location, have a few tissues handy while reading this.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

One City, Three Love Story's. It's rare in a story that I find all the characters so likeable. None of them are perfect, they have flaws but all fit so perfectly together.

Love Story One: Megan and Ollie the pair who belong with each other but will they only be just good friends? Can they even be just good friends? Is it lovers or nothing? These were the two I found myself so rooting for. I was so frustrated when she wasn't taking a chance on him. Ollie is quite the hero regarding Sophie.

Love Story Two: Hope and Charlie who are escaping Manchester, Hope leaving behind an angry daughter but is she too angry to never see her mum again? I like how after her marriage Hope is questioning if she wants Charlie or no man in her life.

Love Story Three: Sophie and Robin it could be argued the most perfect but is everything as it seems? Without giving too much away they certainty are the till death do us part couple. I love Sophie's description of the tube in London, I feel for her as a character.

Prague seems such a lovely city from the descriptions, I imagine even nicer to see. I love how the titles of Isabelle Broom's books are so fitting to the characters and their lives. This time A Year and A Day.

The story ended five months later and it couldn't have ended more perfectly.

[Delyana Naydenova · Rating 2 out of 5]

Не беше моята история. :)

[Tripfiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

“There’s something magical about this city. You can feel it. There’s something in the air here, like a whispered secret drifting around on the wind”

Prague forms a very vivid backdrop to this storyline, as we follow the characters through their personal and actual journeys around the city. Their paths cross in a central city hotel, shortly before Christmas, so outside it is crisp and white, with swirling snow as the characters jointly and individually explore this marvellous and striking city, and tackle their own personal issues.

Ollie and Megan have arrived not as a couple but as two friends, who just happen to get on well. Ollie has chosen this trip so that he can plan a project back at school for his young students. Megan is a photographer who relishes the opportunity to capture Prague on camera. Absolutely platonic, only there is a frisson of something undetermined…

Hope and Charlie are new lovers. Hope left her husband for Charlie, her driving instructor, thereby alienating her daughter Annette. Her daughter’s ire weighs heavily on her and mars her special time with her new boyfriend. Charlie clearly has a secret, attached as he is to his phone…

And Sophie. She arrives on her own. She is with Robin yet for some reason he has not accompanied her. They have the most loving and intense relationship, they are due to be married soon, yet we hear how Robin can just go AWOL at the drop of a hat. His absence is unclear and it is a brooding issue that seems to follow her around during her trip, a puzzle to all including the reader. Sophie is naturally downbeat and I have to admit that she is a forlorn creature, who occasionally irritates. Caught up in her own reverie this is surely not the same young woman who has pluckily journeyed the world with her fiancé? But as the story unfolds, clarity ensues.

The characters overlap, spend time together and embrace the wonders of the city, from Cafe Cukr (I wonder if it is the same as Cukr Kava Limonada, which incidentally is a top tip for the city!). The characters discover Letna Park, and Ollie takes the opportunity to throw his shoes up onto the high wire, just by the Metronome, to join the many others hanging suspended there; the park has few tourists. Strahov Monastery is beautiful and charms the visitors. And their one collective observation, with which I can concur, is that everywhere in Prague there are clocks, which heightens the awareness of time passing.

The Golden Cross in the arms of St John Nepomuk on the Charles Bridge is a poignant draw in the story as it is to many visitors, where wishes can be granted….

Hope… “could feel Prague easing its way into her, its beauty and inherent sense of magic lifting her spirits. Wherever she looked, there was an ornate building to make her gasp, a street entertainer to make her giggle, or a young couple snuggling under a blanket together watching the world go by.”

A top read to take to Prague for a bit of #literarywanderlust!

[Amairo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Много мила и замисляща история с трогателен край. Не очаквах, че ще ми хареса толкова много.

[Helen · Rating 2 out of 5]

There's nothing wrong with the writing style, it's warm, well paced and easy to read, I curled up on the sofa with a big cup of tea and flew through it.

There are far too many coincidences to make a truly convincing plot. I wasn't too bothered by it but the couples keep bumping into each other, ending up in the same cafes and walking through reception at the same time, Megan keeps coming across and photographing things Sophie and Rob left behind on their previous visits.

My big problem with it is the manipulative behaviour and gaslighting from the male characters.

Charlie spends his time running off to make secretive phone calls, refuses to tell Hope who he is talking to, then gaslights her by saying that she was making up the fact that he was on the phone and it's her that is in the wrong for not just trusting him.

Ollie is even worse. He pretends to be Megan's friend because really he wants more from her and he's hoping he can change her mind. He invites her to Prague (but she has to share a double bed with him), spends all his time on the holiday flirting with her and dropping little hints that he wants something more from her, then falls out with her when she gives in to him but is still confused by it.

There's a word for people that pretend to be a friend just to get close to someone. It's not genuine friendship when they're there only to wait for the right moment to pounce, to use the trust and affection they've built up to try to get their 'friend' into bed.

If it wasn't for the men it would be a decent three-star book because I liked the way the author writes, the female characters were warm and vulnerable and human, and at its core, it is basically a love letter to Prague.

[Aneta Batakchieva · Rating 2 out of 5]

Доста високи оценки за тази така скучна история според мен,чак се учудвам.Ама всеки сам си преценя.🤪

[Evelina Pupelė - (Knygų Romanė) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trys moterys.
Trys susipynusios istorijos.
Vienas įsimintinas, stebuklingas miestas.

"Megana tikisi, kad kelionė į Prahą žiemą su draugu Oliu įkvėps ją artėjančiai parodai. Ji pasiryžusi nesuteikti Oliui vilčių ir likti jam tik drauge.
Naujasis Houp draugas Čarlis padovanojo jai kelionę į Prahą, bet moteriai nesiseka grožėtis miestu, ji vis prisimena labai supykdžiusi savo dukrą ir jaučiasi be galo kalta.
Sofi tiki, kad šis miestas – stebuklingas. Nesiliauja skaičiavusi valandų ir minučių, kada čia atvyks jos vaikinas Robinas. Tačiau istorija pulsuojančioje Prahoje niekam nepavyks išvengti savojo likimo..."

Sunkiai sekėsi man su šia istorija. Skaičiau, tačiau tikrai neįtraukė. Gal kad istorija pasirodė tokia ilgesinga ir melancholiška. Tiesiog skaičiau su mintimi, kad kada pagaliau kažkas įdomaus pradės vykti, bet to teko laukti iki pačios pabaigos. Tad labai prailgo...
Patiko, kad pasirinktas veiksmo miestas- Praha. Nesu tikriausiai skaičiusi kitos knygos, kurios veiksmas vyktų būtent joje, viename romantiškiausių Europos miestų.  Ir tai yra vienas iš miestų, kuriuos labai noriu aplankyti. Tad šitai gelbėjo kažkiek.
O kas liečia pačias pasakojamas istorijas, visgi iš visų trijų pasakojimų man patikio tik Meganos su Oliu, dėl jos, šiaip ne taip užbaigiau šią knygą. Tačiau rekomenduoti tikrai negalėčiau. Man ji pasirodė labai vidutinė

[Agi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Isabelle Broom's debut novel "My Map of You" has blown me completely away when I read it earlier this year, so there is no need to say that I was waiting for "A Year an a Day" like crazy, biting my nails and with bated breath, and to be honest I didn't start to read it immediately when my copy arrived because I was - and I know it sounds somehow foolish - scared. Scared that I won't like it as much as I liked Isabelle's first book.
And sadly, it happened. I loved Isabelle's writing, she is a great story - teller and she has great ideas but for me personally the whole book was more a tribute to Prague, more a travel guide than a story. It was a long book and I had a feeling that except for visiting the capital city of Czech Republic there was nothing happening. I also had a problem with the characters.
The story follows 3 couples, who are all visiting Prague. They don't know each other, they don't have common stories, it's just a coincidence that they stay at the same hotel at the same time. So we have Megan and Ollie. They are just friends. Well, there was this kiss, once, and Ollie would love something more to develop between them but Megan is desperate not to allow for this. All she wants is to focus on her career as a photographer and she doesn't need a relationship. But when Ollie, a teacher, invites her to Prague, she agrees but under one condition: only as friends.
Then we have Hope and Charlie. They are a fresh couple and those few days in Prague are their first break. Hope is in love with Charlie - or at least she thinks so - and she's over the moon with the surprise trip to the capital city and her only thorn is the fact that her daughter Annette doesn't want to have anything to do with her anymore - she claims that Hope broke her own marriage and doesn't want to know her mother's point of view. And then also Charlie, who starts to be enigmatic and mysterious and somehow seems too far away - was the decision of being with him too rushed?
And there is also Sophie. She has travelled to Prague alone but she's expecting her boyfriend Robin to join her in a few days. In the meantime she visits Prague and all the places she has visited with Robin before, as they return here every year - this is the place they got to know each other! But - there seems to be something wrong with Sophie. But what?

There came a moment that when the story was told from Sophie's point of view I couldn't help but sigh with irritation, as it very quickly turned out that every single word, every single situation, every single place she will immediately conjure the memory of Robin. It was as if she can't operate, live, be a single person, a Sophie, that she's nothing without her boyfriend, and it quickly started to annoy me, to be honest.

I wanted to love this story so much, I really wanted. While I adore Isabelle Broom's writing, this time the plot seemed to flat and without an idea. There were too many clichés in it and it was tad too predictable, though I am giving Ms Broom brownie points for the last few chapters - this I didn't see coming. and to be honest, this one extra star that I rated this book with is for the ending. Not for the "main" one, when the characters meet in London, but for the last moments that happened in Prague (And I also don't mind the über - dramatic situation at the bridge that all the characters were involved, but I mean this harsh fate in Sophie's life - it was incredibly sad and touching). They explained everything but to be honest, it was already too late for me to save the story. I also can't say that the mystery worked too well for me because it was clear that something is wrong, and we know which character it involved, but it dragged and dragged and really, when the resolution came I wasn't interested any more. Also, the other characters and their stories had nothing in common with this mystery and this book could easily be turned out into three different stories. Megan has annoyed me as well. In my opinion she was egoistic, there was only "me", "I" and "myself" about her and she didn't consider other people's feelings. I hated the way she played with Ollie and - honestly - couldn't understand her decisions. I know that we, women, should play hot and cold with the guys, but there are borders as well, right, and Megan has crossed all of them in my opinion. I much more preferred Ollie, who didn't hide his feelings, they were crystal clear from the beginning and yes, he took his chances, but I think we can't blame him for trying, no? He was handsome, kind and supportive, just my kind of man.

Out of all the characters Hope was, I think, the most bleary and vague, and she lacked a spine. I just didn't warm to any of the characters, to be honest, there was nothing that made them feel special and they just all felt so whingy.
One thing is common for the women - they all want to find hope and solace in Prague, and they want for they dreams to come true. But is it possible?

I love Prague, I had a pleasure to visit this city - it was a short visit but made me fell in love with it - however, after reading this book I am tired of Prague. Truly, I've mostly skipped all the descriptions - they were too detailed and there were too many of them for my liking. I want a firm story and not a travel guide when reading a book such as "A Year and a Day". However, they of course reminded me of some places and I could easily remember the sights and smells.

Altogether, it was a light, uplifting read and I am really, really sad that I didn't enjoy it as much as I wanted to. It covers the issues of travelling, broken hearts, taking risks, friendships and relationships, love and hope. It's that I just couldn't get this story, probably. After finishing it, I had a feeling that nothing particular happened in this book. But the writing was really good, inviting, welcoming and you felt comfortable in Isabelle Broom's capable writing hands.

Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.

[Kristiana Cankowa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Пътува ви се, но нямате възможност или пък причината е друга, то тогава "Една година и един ден' е точно за вас. Тъй като при нас тази зима няма сняг и честно казано, не вярвам и да се случи да завали и да се задържи много, то чрез книгата може да се пренесем в побеляла Прага.

Меган, Софи и Хоуп са три непознати момичета на които животите са, кой от кой по-заплетен, объркан или предстой да се обърка страшно много.

Още от самото начало след като се запознах с всяка една от главните героини, в любимка ми се превърна Меган. Леко странна, но и забавна по-свой особен начин на моменти ми напомняше на Тифи Мур от "Споделеният апартамент" - а аз я обожавам.
След много чудене и маене дали да замине с приятеля си Оли за Прага, все пак се решава и предприема това пътуване като си мисли че ще си снима на воля из снежна Прага и ще може да си направи красиви снимки за първата й изложба. А колкото до Оли, той е учител и през новата година ще преподава историята на Прага и той ис��а да се запознае на живо с този приказен град. Мисля че през цялото време бе очевидно че Оли изпитва нещо повече към Меган, но в началото тя категорично не искаше и дума да чува да си намери приятел.
Фотографията винаги е било нещото което я влече и иска да и се отдаде на 100%, без да има какво или кого да я разсейва, готова на крайности, след поредица от случки, всичко се променя.

Хоуп има нов приятел, който я изненадва приятно след като и подарява екскурзия до Прага. Опитваща с все сили да се наслади на екскурзията, то просто не се получава. През цялото време се усеща, как Хоуп не е цяла и нещо я измъчва. Доскоро домакиня и любяща майка, случва се така че тя се запознава с Чарли и той и показва че може да бъде повече от това. Брака й не върви от доста време и след тази среща, тя решава да напусне съпругът си. След като дъщеря й разбира, много и се ядосва и дори не иска да говори с нея. Всичко за Хоуп се обръща с главата на долу, знае че иска нещо ново и различно, тя се оказва в задънена улица и може би красивата и романтична Прага ще и помогне да открие отговори на проблемите и бъдещето си.

Софи е в града на мечтите си и където се е запознала с любовта на живота си - Робин.
Първа пристигнала в Прага, тя очаква с голям трепет, любимият й да дойде и отново да бъдат заедно и да посетят историческата част на Прага. През цялото време казва че Робин има работа и трябва да дойде няколко дни по-късно, но и тук се усеща че има нещо което крие. Изглеждаща доста тъжна и меланхолична, в крайна сметка се оказва че Робин не може да отиде при нея.

Не ми се иска да издавам повече подробности, исках с няколко изречения да ви запозная с трите момичета. В книгата виждаме, колко малък е всъщност света. След като се запознават Меган, Софи и Хоуп, поставят основите на едно силно приятелство, което до края на книгата вече се е заздравило до степен, на истинско приятелство. Разчитащи една на друга и даващи една на друга съвет и рамо на което да плачат, да се радват или без думи, просто да се облегнат.

Изабел Брум ни предоставя три истории, разказани по-интересен начин и финал изпълнен с лека горчивина, но все пак задоволителен. Хареса ми как Меган бе решена да гони мечтите си и да постигне всичко сама и все пак бе доста крайна в решението си да бъде сама защото един мъж би и попречил. Колкото до Софи и Хоуп, имах малък проблем с тях защото, не виждам така нещата както те в началото. Разбира се никой човек, било жена или мъж не трябва да бъде сам, не мисля че като цяло човека е създаден да живее сам, затова са семействата, приятелите и т.н. И все пак, никак не съм привърженик на това някой да бъде зависим от някой друг, до толкова че да не знае как да живее без него. На мнение е съм че на първо място трябва да поставяме себе си - желанията си, амбициите си, живота си и посоката в която искаме да върви и после всичко и всички. Защото хора и предмети, идват и си отиват - намираме и губим, но винаги оставаме със себе си.
Също така много ми хареса как Брум, ни запознава със различни кътчета от прекрасна Прага, така ги описва че те кара да се потопиш в разказа й и да си представих мястото все едно наистина си там.



"Някои нейни приятелки вече се тревожеха, че остаряват и дори прибягваха до ботокс. Меган им се чудеше на ума, туй като старостта беше част от живота и в нея можеше да се намери много красота. Прага беше чудесен пример за това. Стар град, но обаятелно красив! В бръчките на хората се криеше също толкова очарование, колкото и в старинните паметници."



--- --- --- --- ---



Благодаря Ви, за отделеното време!!!

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply one of the most captivating stories I have read this year. Isabelle Broom is definitely a master author in the making and is fast becoming a must read instantly authors, especially after having read A Year and a Day.

The story follows three couples as they spent a week in Prague, a few weeks before Christmas. Let's start with Prague itself, a charismatic and historic backdrop to this unputdownable story. I have been to the city a couple of times at winter, and definitely agree with the mentions of the cold. I also have been to a few of the places mentioned in the story and could recognise them. My overwhelming feeling from the story is that the descriptions and history told of the city, were fabulously accurate, and I had a real sense that I was in the city along side all the characters.

Prague really is a beautiful city and its true that everything is withing walking distance. There is a story told about someone on the Charles Bridge, which I have a weird feeling I heard while I was in the city myself, so there was a lot that rings true about the book, plus of course the cheap food and drink!

Megan is looking on her trip to Prague as a way to regain some inspiration as a photographer, as she has an upcoming exhibition to fill. She is in Prague with her best friend Ollie. It is clear they are close and that Ollie wants more, but whether Megan will unlock her heart to him, is another matter .

Hope has recently come out of a marriage and is being treated to the trip to Prague by boyfriend Charlie. She is struggling with how unhappy her daughter is with this situation, and the days in the city, really do open her eyes to life a bit more.

Sophie is there alone, waiting for her soul mate of a boyfriend to join her in a few days time. She has unlike the others been to the city many times, and knows all the off the beaten track things to do. However there is a lot more to her than is first apparent.

As the narrative switches focus between the three leading ladies, we see the truth in each of their partnerships, and receive great insight as to the various dynamics as work, in addition to seeing Prague through a series of different viewpoints.

Some of the characters were harder to gel with than others, but overall I really liked all of them. The book had me hooked from around half way, and the writing felt quite mature, and was a joy to read.

I'm not really sure how to express coherently how much I loved reading A Year and a Day but can assure anyone who is a bit undecided that its a fantastic story, and it does plenty to hold your attention and even give you a couple of jaw dropping moments.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Michael Joseph for my copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of three couples with one destination in common .. Prague. This is a city that had been on my wishlist to visit before I became too ill to travel, the magic of this book has shown me exactly what I have missed. The scenes, aromas, friendliness of the locals all sparked my imagination. Set prior to Christmas I could almost touch the markets, taste the mulled wine and feel the icy chill of the snow.

Megan, a keen photographer eager to prepare for an exhibition travels to the city with her friend Ollie. She is so absorbed in her pictures, the lens tells her story beautifully. Megan has been emotionally wounded by a previous boyfriend so her guard is up .. Ollie adores her and would love her completely but Megan has other ideas.

Hope, middle aged lady, on a break with her 'boyfriend' Charlie .. she leaves behind a husband and distraught daughter. How can this couple find any peace or happiness while exploring the tourist spots?

Sophie, sweet, shy, elf like Sophie is well travelled but Prague holds a special place in her heart, it's where she met her fiance Robin. She has arrived early and spends her time re-visiting their haunts and counting down the days until his arrival.

So, all the couples are staying in the same hotel and form a bond. Do they really reveal their personalities or is there more mystery lurking?

I liked all the characters in some way, Ollie was my favourite he is just such a sweetie and deserved a lot better I felt. Hope and Charlie added a different age aspect. Sophie has the biggest secret even though it becomes apparent fairly early on it still has an impact at the end.

A truly heart-warming tale that will capture your attention and allows the reader to travel and experience the magic. Absolutely brilliant!

Thanks to Netgalley for my copy .. I read and reviewed voluntarily.

[Pauline Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Destination - Prague
.
Megan and Ollie ...... A platonic relationship they've known each other 6 months. Ollie, a teacher, asks Megan on a trip to Prague on a fact finding trip. Megan being the assigned "photographer". Megan admits she's kind of, sort of, but not really, having feelings for Ollie.
.
Sophie and Robin ....Together 10 years, celebrating their anniversary every year by going back to Prague where they originally meet. Sophie is waiting for Robin ahead of time to arrive .... in the meantime she is drawn to going back in time reminiscing...or is she?
.
Hope and Charlie .....Hope, a divorcee and mother to a 25 year old daughter whom doesn't want to know her has been given a surprise holiday in Prague by Charlie.
.
This is a story of these couples, as they briefly meet up from time to time at different venues.
.
Does Megan eventually fall for Ollie? ..... Does Sophie actually meet Robin? .... Does Hope rekindle and knit together a relationship with her daughter? And who is Charlie?
.
All these answers and more are laid out very nicely in the book.
.
This book kept me on my toes, due to the fact that so many things were going on at once.
.
Almost every chapter was set out with a different couple doing something different, being kept apart by the chapters and occasionally emerging together in some chapters.
.
I really like this book, due to the fact, that it was cleverly written.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

As soon as I saw the cover of this book, I fell in love. It just looks so romantic.

The story made me smile too. Such a warm glow spread through me as I turned each page, I needed to know what these fabulous characters were doing next, what was on offer in Prague, the sights, sounds and smells came to life in the pages. I have never been to Prague but really would love to go and the descriptions in Isabelle’s writing have certainly helped.

This was one of those books I really didn’t want to end. I really look forward to reading more of this authors work in the future. She is most certainly going on my “Must Read” list and I just wish it was the actual book I had been sent to review as I really adore the cover so so much.#LoveIt
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for allowing me to review xx

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was truly amazing- I was totally lost within the pages until I came to the end. I didn't want to let the characters go and I fell in love with Prague through the beautiful descriptions. I really feel as though I could visit and recognise all the pretty places described throughout the book- and Prague has definately entered my winter wish list of places to visit one day.

The characters go through the whole range of emotions- dealing with wonderful friendships, new romances, family issues, heartbreak and breakups, hope and despair at times.

The cover is really beautiful and would make me want to pick the book up and the story was one of those that will stay with me for a long time. I am really looking forward to reading more books by Isabelle Broom.

[Trish at Between My Lines · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aw that was a lovely read. Full of the power of female friendships and set in magical Prague. Perfect setting for this charming read.

[Rachel McMillan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just booked a Christmas trip to Prague--- so I guess this book did its job ?

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something very very special about Isabelle Broom. I absolutely loved her first book, My Map of You. It was set in Greece and for me, was pure book perfection. In A Year and a Day she whisks her readers off to the city of Prague, alongside a cast of wonderfully created characters, and once more she's completely and totally stolen my heart.

The novel opens with a short, but heart-stopping prologue. An unnamed character, suffering, lonely and grief stricken. In just a few paragraphs, Isabelle Broom conveys such emotion and passion, this is the hook that draws in the reader, and she continues to wind you further and further into this truly magical story.

Three couples, well two and a half really, all in Prague for a short break. Three very different couples, there for different reasons, but all with their own problems and stories to tell.

Megan and Ollie are just good friends. They briefly toyed with the idea of a romantic relationship some time ago, but it didn't go anywhere. They are in Prague so that Ollie can learn more about the city before teaching his pupils, and Megan wants to take photographs for her upcoming exhibition. Hope and Charlie are older. Their relationship is new, and is filled with unease and sorrow. Hope's

daughter Annette is horrified by her Mother's betrayal of her Father, and has sworn never to speak to her again. Hope's happiness at finding Charlie after years of an unhappy marriage is tainted by her sorrow about Annette. Finally, there's Sophie; young, gentle, frail and something of a mystery to the others. Sophie tells them all about her boyfriend Robin, who will join her in a few days time. Robin is the love of her life, her other half, she can't live without him.

Isabelle Broom explores the intricate details of these three relationships so very well. Her writing is astute, powerful and very emotionally charged. Yet, despite the emotion, this is not sentimental or sickly sweet. The characters are not perfect, they have their own flaws. At times their decisions can be frustrating to the reader, but this is what makes them so incredibly human, and believable.

When I read the author's first novel, I felt happily at home in the Greek setting, and whilst I have never visited the city of Prague, I feel now that I know it so well. The incredible detail in this story about his beautiful city is wonderful. The author clearly knows her way around the place, and takes her readers to every nook and cranny, not just the traditional tourist spots either. She has created a setting that has become another character, with the clocks, the snow, the strudel and the hot wine.

When I reviewed Isabelle Broom's first book, I tried not to gush. I'm trying not to gush now too, but oh my goodness, A Year and a Day really is so so special. This author can certainly take her place alongside well established authors such as Jojo Moyes and Rowan Coleman. It really is a triumph.

http://randomthingsthroughmyletterbox...

[Linda Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three different women, Sophie, Megan and Hope find Prague is the catalyst for change in their lives.

I see myself as an emotional reader, but I have never before encountered the emotion of jealousy in my reading. Isabelle Brooms evokes and describes the magical quality of Prague so effectively that, not only is it a character in its own right, but I wanted desperately to be back there. There was such vibrancy to the descriptions that I could recognise so many of the places I’ve visited and loved but I was also introduced to others that I’ve missed, so that I feel compelled to return. I was genuinely jealous of the characters exploring the city.

I think it’s Isabelle Broom’s appeal to the senses that makes her writing so satisfying to read. She conveys the elements of her settings so effectively that it’s more like being there than reading about them.

A Year and a Day has a depth and sumptuousness that makes it such a satisfying read. The plot is deceptively simple – a set of people exploring Prague – but the profound exploration of relationships, emotions, fears and desires is outstanding. I didn’t always agree with how the characters behaved, Megan especially, but I understood and empathised fully their reasons. It felt a bit like reading about family members you know are flawed but you love them anyway.

It’s this quality of Isabelle Broom’s writing that makes her books so special. She seems to have an innate ability to express almost poetically what her characters, and indeed her readers, are feeling. I loved the way the relationships ebbed and flowed, with the three strands of the story intertwining so smoothly. Although I felt less invested in Hope as a person, my heart went out fully to Sophie and to Megan and Ollie. I have to confess to shedding a tear or two along the way.

If you haven’t encountered Isabelle Broom yet, I urge you to do so. A Year and a Day is a perfect winter read.
https://lindasbookbag.com/2016/12/19/...

[Ралица Нейчева · Rating 4 out of 5]

Започна убедително, три истории на коренно различни хора, които не се познават по никакъв начин, но красивият град ги събира, но си останах само с убеждението. Очаквах, все пак да се стигне до нещо повече, действието да се развие някъде напред във времето, но уви. Просто изведнъж книгата свърши, дори се зачудих, да не би да имам липса на някоя страница ...

[Debbie Robson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The tagline for A Year and A Day is a good one: “Three different women.Three intertwining love stories. One unforgettable, timeless city.” The short prologue is about a woman standing on a bridge in falling snow obviously about to jump. And then we meet the three women and of course the six million dollar question is which woman is it?
Is it Megan, a photographer, travelling to Prague for the first time with her friend Ollie (too good to be true for this reader); Or Sophie, an inveterate traveller waiting to meet up with her fiancé or Hope travelling to the city with a brand new boyfriend.
The writing is sound, particularly in regards to the relationships and the weaving of backstories for each of the couples. I also enjoyed the descriptions and have now added Prague to my bucket list:
“The light was just beginning to creep its fingers up from the water and over the stone edges of the bridge walls, illuminating the thick fog. The dark ridges of the bridge’s many statues were just visible through the gloom, their bold silhouettes cutting eerie holes in the gently sifting mist.”
“There was a stall selling fold-out maps and hot drinks nearby, and the vendor kept smiling at her from underneath his thick woollen hat. He had kind blue eyes and a thick white beard, and his skin looked tarnished with age. While the people of Prague weren’t the chattiest, they were always ready to smile.”
Despite all of the above and a strong ending, the story arcs were just stretched too far for this reader by a surplus of sightseeing and meals. Three and a half stars.

[C · Rating 3 out of 5]

https://clavieco.wordpress.com/2019/0...

Let’s take a second to appreciate the cover. It is the perfect cosy read as it shows adventure and festivity all in one image.

The cast of characters she created… I really enjoyed hearing about the women’s point of views. Isabelle has packed her novel with an incredible group of people that even after turning the final page you want to stay friends with. However as a novel that is supposed to progress I felt in terms of that it did not move at a faster pace which for me the novel needs to have a faster rate to read through the novel.

The other downfalls I found with this novel is that – realistically it is too much of a coincidence in how these couples bumped into each other in all the same places.

Secondly, the male characters. I am not sexist however the way the male characters were portrayed annoyed me; Charlie, running off to make secretive phone calls, refusing to tell Hope who he is talking to. As well as saying she was making up the fact that he was on the phone and it’s her that is in the wrong for not just trusting him. *eye roll*

A Year and a Day transports the reader to a magical and moving setting. Whilst sharing heartwarming and heartbreaking moments. Though be warned: as soon as you open the pages you will start researching a trip to Prague.

[Ellen Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Year and a Day
by Isabelle Broom

Blurb
For Megan, a winter escape to Prague with her friend Ollie is a chance to find some inspiration for her upcoming photography exhibition. But she's determined to keep their friendship from becoming anything more. Because if Megan lets Ollie find out about her past, she risks losing everything - and she won't let that happen again . . .

For Hope, the trip is a surprise treat from Charlie, her new partner. But she's struggling to enjoy the beauty of the city when she knows how angry her daughter is back home. And that it's all her fault . . .

For Sophie, the city has always been a magical place. This time she can't stop counting down the moments until her boyfriend Robin joins her. But in historic Prague you can never escape the past . . .

Three different women.

Three intertwining love stories.

One unforgettable, timeless city.

My Review
I loved this wonderfully romantic story filled with laughter and tears. I haven’t been to Prague, but now, I feel as if I have been there.

Isabelle Broom brought the city to life, as she did the characters in her story. I felt every emotion, every joy and every sadness.

I highly recommend this book. If you want an escapist read, this is for you.

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

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

Ollie is a teacher and he has asked his photography minded friend, Megan, to accompany him on a trip to Prague. It's a win-win situation really, Ollie wants to take historical findings back to his students, and Megan gets to take photographs for her upcoming exhibition. The thing is, despite Megan and Ollie being really good friends, Megan is unable to let her guard down and shed light on what has been eating her up inside for many years. On their trip they end up getting involved with three other people and their lives. Little do Megan and Ollie know, how involved that they will end up becoming in those strangers lives..

Oh my goodness..what a book! The first third of the book seems to be focused on Megan and Ollie's lives before switching between the other characters in the story. Everything in the story at that moment felt calm, light, enjoyable and just going with the flow, little did I know what was ahead.

I rather enjoyed taking a little holiday in Prague, via the book. I have never ventured outside of the UK so to read a book set in a different country, which was written so beautifully, made me feel as though I was right there, soaking up the history and phenomenal views. Even though I haven't seen the city for myself, I did feel as though Isabelle's description of the city was extremely detailed, vivid and undeniably...stunning. She captured by heart from the very moment I 'stepped' off of the plane.

As I became more invested in the storyline, I noticed how intense it became, ever so quickly. The characters became even stronger, the storyline became bolder and I no longer plodded along with the book. Not in a bad way either. I couldn't do anything else except focus on the book; even my galaxy chocolate wasn't grabbing my attention as I continued to read. I was utterly mesmerised.

The mood turned sombre, my emotions were on high alert; yet I had absolutely no idea what the overall outcome of the storyline would be. I had a few guesses along the way, but I wasn't a hundred percent sure. All I knew was that the book wouldn't be leaving my hands until the very end.

Ever felt as though your heart was going to beat out of your chest? Ever felt so anxious about a situation, but you were far too involved to let go? Ever read a storyline where everything was transferred to your mind in slow motion, as if you were in the moment with the other characters? I'll admit, I hadn't had all of the above happen to me whilst reading one book...until now. 'A Year and a Day' made me feel that way, and more.

The entire book took me on an emotional journey to the historic city of Prague. I started the book completely unaware, with no expectations and in my own world. I ended the book with tears rolling down my cheeks.

'A Year and a Day' is such a beautiful, intense and highly charged storyline which highlights the true meaning of love and loss. A truly magnificent, breath-taking read which has left its marks deep within my soul. One of my top books for 2016 by miles.

Thank you!