Five Steps to Happy

by Ella Dove

When struggling actress Heidi has a life-changing accident aged 32, her world falls apart. Stuck in hospital and unable to walk, her only companion is Maud, the elderly lady in the bed next to hers. Heidi misses her flatmate, her life, her freedom - surely 32 is too young to be an amputee?

But when Maud's aloof but attractive grandson Jack pays a visit to the ward, Heidi realises that her life isn't over just because it's different. It might not look like the life she dreamed of, but it's the one she's got - and there's a lot she still wants to tick off her bucket list. With Jack at her side, will Heidi take the first step back to happiness? Or is there one more surprise still in store...?

A feel-good read based on the inspiring true story of journalist Ella Dove. Sometimes all it takes is one small step...

Genres: Fiction, Book Club, Romance, British Literature, Drama, Illness, Contemporary

336 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2019

Reviews

[Dash fan · Rating 5 out of 5]

5☆ Uplifting, Poignant, Powerful, Inspiring Must Read!

Five Steps to Happy is a powerful, Heart Warming and Uplifting story that touched my heart.

What also stands out is not only is this a debut novel, it's also based on Ella Dove's True Events, which makes this even more special.

Heidi was on her way to becoming an actress until a freak accident left her a devastating blow!

Heidi finds herself awake in hospital in agony but with the feeling something isn't right.
Heidi learns that she had to have her leg amputated due to it being starved of oxygen and they was unable to save it.

What follows next is Heidi's battle with coming to terms with her disability, coping and finding ways to become independent and learning to love and accept.
Her whole life has come crashing down.
My heart literally broke for her.

When Heidi checks into rehabilitation for amputee patients she meets the Charasmatic and loveable Maud who is to share a room with her.
Maud is a breath of fresh air and is just what Heidi needs.
Even more so when Maud's handsome Nephew Jack visits and he helps her see a new side to life.

Five Steps to Happy is truly an inspirational and Uplifting story that touched my heart.
It's hard to believe this is a debut novel.
The Characters are very relatable and so well written.
It's a beautifully Compelling and Poignant Read with a subtle dash of light hearted humour, about Strength, Determination, Friendship, Acceptance, I guess it's also about starting over and new beginnings.

Would I recommend reading this Gorgeous Book..... Without a Doubt! ...... I can't recommend it enough!
I'm excited to see what Ella Dove writes next. She has definitely been added to my watch out for list!

Thank you to Tracy at Compulsive Readers Tours and Trapeze Books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.



My Review is also on my Blog Website :-


https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five Steps to Happy is inspired by real life events which happened to the author and what a wonderfully inspirational and uplifting story it is.

32 year old Heidi is doing her normal morning run when a freak accident results in life changing consequences. It is hard to believe that a simple stumble can be so devastating.

After time spent in hospital, she is moved to a rehabilitation recovery unit. This is where the hard work really begins both physically and mentally as she tries to come to terms with her injury, be fitted with a prosthetic leg and learn to walk again – and also to do the simplest of tasks that most of us take for granted, like being able to make a cup of tea and prepare a meal.

Her roommate is Maud, an elderly amputee and although they are decades apart in ages, they form a deep friendship which sustains them both through the early part of their recovery. Maud was so much fun and a great character. Maud’s grandson Jack also plays a part, helping to create a ‘bucket list of 5 things’ for Heidi to focus on.

Heidi’s story is told in an honest ‘warts and all’ way, without mawkish sentimentality or overdone misery. There is the agonising phantom pain of the lost limb, the guilt and anger she feels, the days of despair and then those times when she can see some light and hope and the realisation that she can do things. Will be able to do things. It just might take a little more time.

It also focuses on the fact that it’s not only the patient who is affected – their loved ones and close friends are also suffering emotionally however it can be harder for them to put into words how they feel.

Five Steps to Happy made me smile and it also made me cry – especially at the reading of ‘that letter’ towards the end. Ella Doves writes with such warmth and in such in engaging way, that you can’t fail to be moved and humbled by Heidi. It’s a wonderful story and one that I am so glad to have read. Do put it on your reading list. You won’t regret it.

[Justkeepreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

How many of us take this beautiful life that we have for granted? How many of us forget to count our blessings every day? How many of us forget to feel grateful for the everyday things that we can do? Walking the dog, driving a car, taking the kids to school, cooking the dinner, the list is endless.

Well that is exactly the same for our main star in this book. The only major worry Heidi has, is becoming the next super star actress.

But suddenly one day everything she takes for granted is taken away from her. When she is involved in a nasty accident. She wakes up in hospital, and she is faced with not being able to walk again.

Suddenly everything becomes too much. She misses her job, her flat, and her friends. She misses the life that she once had, and she is worried about the new life that she has to lead.

The only company that Heidi has is the incredibly lovely Maud who is in the bed next to her.

But then one day Maud’s delectable nephew visits her, and all of a sudden Heidi realises that her life isn’t over, and that her life is still worth living. The life that she has now, may not be the life that she has always dreamed off, it might not have been the life she planned, or the life that she wanted. But it is the one that she has been given and she has to live this new life in the best possible way that she can. There’s still so much of the world that she has left to see, so much still that she has left to do, and tonnes of things that she still has left to tick off her bucket list. With Jack at her side the world is once again her oyster and it amazing things can and will happen.

This is a wonderful story about finding your own happiness when the world around you has been turned on its head. It’s abouy being able to find the strength and courage to still live the life you want to lead. When the world chucks a whole bag of lemons at you. It is about personal growth, love, happiness and life and it shows you that no matter what life throws you. There is still a big bright future in store for you. Loved it.

[Evelina | AvalinahsBooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Five Steps to Happy is an uplifting story about a stroke of really bad luck with huge consequences and getting up from the ashes after it all. Heidi has a life-changing accident while jogging, passes out and wakes up with an amputated leg and not a real idea about what happened and how her life now seems to be in shambles. She is faced with the reality of having to re-learn almost everything she took for granted up to that point, and figure out what to do with her life from that point, and how to stand up both figuratively and physically. However, not everything is all bad – Heidi ends up making a lot of new, different friends and making a place for herself in this new world all on her own.

You can read an excerpt here:



I thank the publisher for giving me a free copy of the ebook in exchange to my honest review. This has not affected my opinion.

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[Meli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Die Autorin hat hier ihre eigene Krankheitsgeschichte in einen Roman verwandelt, der einem wieder zeigt, wie schwierig und ungerecht das Leben manchmal ist. Unglück trifft einen immer unvorbereitet und daher mit größter Wucht und verursacht viel Leid. Auch in Heidis Fall - oder dem der Autorin - schien der lebensverändernde Unfall doch so einfach, wie kann es da nur plötzlich so schlimm werden?

Obwohl Heidi mit ihrem Bein so viel mehr verliert, bleibt sie stark. Immer wieder verzweifelt sie darüber, das Leben ist auf einen Schlag so viel anstrengender und furchteinflößend geworden, und auch wenn sie noch nicht weiß, wohin dieser neue Weg sie führen soll, will sie dafür kämpfen, wieder unabhängig agieren zu können.

Sie beginnt, das Leben mit ganz anderen Augen zu sehen. Die Menschen sehen sie mitleidig an oder behandeln sie wie ein hilfloses Kind, andere wiederum haben gar keinen Respekt gegenüber ihren beeinträchtigten Mitmenschen oder löchern sie mit privaten Fragen. Man kann sehr gut nachempfinden, wie entsetzt, peinlich berührt und auch traurig Heidi ist.

Fazit
"Fünf Wörter für Glück" ist ein gelungener Roman über Neuanfänge, wo sie doch am Schwierigsten scheinen. Die liebenswürdige und starke Protagonistin und ihre Geschichte konnten mich überzeugen!

[Lizzzzzzz · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring story, beautifully written and told with a careful balance of humour and emotionality. An amazing feel-good read!!

[Joanna Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a truly uplifting and inspirational read which I will be recommending to everyone! The thing that most makes this book is that it’s based on true events which makes the story more powerful.

The story follows Heidi as she comes terms with losing her leg and how much her life changes afterwards. It was heartbreaking to see Heidi’s life fall apart but very impressive to see how she rallies to make the most of things with the help of the fabulous Maud and her handsome nephew Jack. She has a lot of new skills to learn, with even the smallest task being difficult at first as she learns to become independent and accept how things are.

There are some fabulous characters in this book which are all very well developed and relatable. My favourite was Maud, Heidi’s room mate in hospital, who is so funny, loveable and charasmatic which made me warm to her instantly. It was really lovely to see how Heidi and Maud help and support each other through this difficult time.

This was a brilliant read which will stay with me for a long time. I liked how the author manages to make it both heartbreaking and heartwarming with a touch of humour in it too, which when combined makes for an incredible story. This is the author’s debut novel and I’m very excited to read more from her in the future.

Huge thanks to Tracy Fenton for inviting me onto the blog tour and to Trapeze books for my copy of this book via Netgalley.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

«Fünf Wörter für Glück» von Ella Dove hat mich sprachlos wie auch motiviert zurückgelassen. Ein wunderbarer Roman über die Überlebenskünstlerin Heidi, die bei einem tragischen und unglaublichen Unfall ihr rechtes Bein verliert.

Inhalt:
Zuvor waren ihre Schauspielziele groß, ihr Leben aufregend und voll von sambucagetränkten Partyabenden. Nun bleiben ihr ein Beinstumpf, ein Trauma und ein erschüttertes Umfeld. In der Rehaklinik soll sie neuen Mut und nicht zuletzt ihre Eigenständigkeit wiederfinden, was sich unter aufgekratzten Diabetiker-Rentnern und aufmüpfigen Teenagern als echte Herausforderung entpuppt. Verstört und fast allein tritt sie ihr neues Leben an ‒ mit nur einem Bein und ihrer neuen Ü-80 Zimmergenossin, Maud. Als dann noch Mauds kurioser Enkel, Jack, auf die Bildfläche tritt, nimmt das Gefühlschaos seinen Lauf.

Meine Meinung:
Heidi auf ihrem Weg der Genesung zu begleiten ist ein echtes Geschenk. Wir tauchen in den Neuanfang der Mitte-30-Jährigen ein, als säßen wir mit am Krankenbett. Ihr Leben hat sich von jetzt auf gleich für immer verändert, als sie im Krankenhaus aufwacht wird nichts wieder so sein, wie es einmal war. Für jemanden, der Gefühle mit sich selbst ausmacht, und sowieso lieber im Hier-und-jetzt lebt, eine waschechte Katastrophe. Gleich leiden wir mit Heidi mit, die die leere Stelle begutachtet, wo eins ihr Unterschenkel lag. Wir haben einen dicken Kloß im Hals, als ihre Nichte sich vor ihrer beinlosen Tante gruselt. Und als sie sich schließlich auf sich selbst gestellt in der Rehaklinik wiederfindet, fasst die Hilfslosigkeit der Protagonistin auch nach uns. Was soll Heidi jetzt tun, wie soll es als behinderte Rollstuhlfahrerin ohne großartiges Einkommen denn nun mit ihr weitergehen? Immer mehr lernen wir Heidi mit all ihren Niederschlägen und ihrem unverkennbaren Biss kennen und lieben. Als Mr. Superignorant, Jack, dann noch auf der Bildfläche erscheint, und die im Selbstbewusstsein erschütterte Heidi keines Blickes würdigt, würden wir dem vermeintlichen Ekelenkel am liebsten selbst den Hals umdrehen.

Umso mehr finden wir Gefallen an Jack, als er sich schlussendlich doch um Heidi erbarmt und seine zuerst kühle Seite fallen lässt. Er schlägt ihr einen neuen Blickwinkel auf die Zukunft vor: eine Fünf-Schritte-Liste zum Glück. Da Heidi selbst nichts mehr zu verlieren hat, willigt sie ein und schreibt prompt alles nieder, was sie in ihrer neuen Zukunft erreichen möchte. Ob sie diese teils weit her geholten Ziele wirklich meistern kann, steht in den Sternen. Doch jeden Versuch, aufzustehen, und jeden neuen Tiefschlag erleben wir pur und glaubwürdig. Heidi bei ihrer Genesung zu begleiten wirkt inspirierend und an manchen Stellen stimmungsaufwühlend. Die Reaktionen, die wir auf ihre körperliche Veränderung erfahren, sind teils niederschmetternd und halten uns deutlich vor Augen, mit welchen Problemen gehbehinderte Menschen zu kämpfen haben. Probleme, die wir nur erahnen können und den Betroffenen das Leben schon bei Rolltreppen und Einkaufsbummeln schwer machen. An diesen Stellen wirkt der Roman aufklärend und wichtig für das Verständnis füreinander und miteinander. Heidis Werdegang hat mich tief berührt und einen bleibenden Eindruck hinterlassen. Nachdenklich und gestärkt gehe ich aus der Geschichte heraus und habe gleichwohl für mein eigenes Leben dazugelernt.

Um ehrlich zu sein hätte ich von mir aus niemals nach diesem Buch gegriffen. Ich bin kein besonderer Fan des Buchcovers, wobei ich mich an die Gelb-Orange-Blautöne gewöhnt habe und es mittlerweile nicht mehr allzu bunt und erschlagend auf mich wirkt. Trotzdem versprüht das Cover eine eigene Dynamik, die mit fortschreitender Leseerfahrung passend und lebendig wirkt. Insbesondere die einbeinige Tänzerin hat doch etwas für sich. Der Klappentext hat mich wie auch die Leseprobe sofort in seinen Bann gerissen, da ich Hoffnungsmacher und Ins-Leben-Zurückfinder einfach liebe. Allerdings wurde Zimmergenossin und Rentnerin Maud etwas zu stark in den Fokus gerückt, wobei sie im Buch weniger wichtig für den Werdegang von Heidi ist, als erwartet. Ein kleiner aber feiner Abzug in der B-Note!

Kommen wir aber nun zu den positiveren Aspekten des Romans, wobei mir zuerst der Schreibstil selbst in Auge fällt. Ella Dove schreibt so detailliert und auf den Punkt, dass es einen schier mitreißt. Ihre Feder ist klar und wortgewandt, an keiner Stelle werden wir aus dem Lesefluss geworfen oder mit Fragen zurückgelassen. Denn Ella Dove schreibt in «Fünf Wörter für Glück» ganz klar ihr Herz nieder. Die Autorin selbst verlor durch einen unscheinbar wirkenden Zwischenfall ihr Bein und wurde selbst bis aufs Mark erschüttert. Genau auf diese tiefen selbsterlebten Emotionen können wir uns in dem Buch freuen – so falsch das durch die Tragik der Situation klingen mag. Ihre Worte wirken ehrlich und die Parallelen zu der realen Welt machen die Geschichte noch unglaublicher und packender. Die Charaktere wirken real, wenngleich aus Heidis Ecke heraus nicht immer sympathisch. Ihr bester Freund Dougie ist übereifersüchtig und einengend. Die Mutter uns als Leser unnahbar und für sich selbst und die Schwester samt Mann sehr auf sich selbst bezogen. Zum Glück bleiben uns die liebenswerte Mitleidende Maud, ihr störrischer und ungemein unterhaltsamer Enkel mit den hässlichen Hemden und die aufsässige Neue in der Klinik, Skye. Alle anderen Klinikinsassen und Beteiligten sind gleichzeitig eigenartig wie auch auf ihre selbstbestimmte Art liebenswert. Durch die bunte Mischung der Reha-Truppe erleben wir den Heilungsprozess bildhaft und gar heimelig. All diese gewinnbringenden Faktoren lassen kleine Makel verblassen und mich dankbar dafür werden, dass ich das Buch als Rezensionsexemplar gewonnen habe. Ich will die Geschichte um Heidi nicht mehr missen.

Fazit:
Insgesamt betrachtet ist «Fünf Wörter für Glück» ein Steh-auf-Roman der Extraklasse! Ella Dove transportiert echte Gefühle und den unbändigen Drang, das Leben beim Schopf zu packen und nicht mehr loszulassen. Von Anfang bis Ende wirkt ihr Werk authentisch und tiefsinnig. Durch den Wahrheitsgehalt dieser Geschichte – die doch sehr nah an Ella Doves eigener Beinamputation spielt – wirken ihre Worte nur umso erstaunlicher. Trotz fiktivem Grad macht dieses Buch Mut zum Weiterleben – ein echter Schatz!

[Rezensionsexemplar]

[Rachel Bridgeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Using her own personal experience as an amputee, Ella Dove has created a beautiful, modern fable for our times. Introducing Heidi at the very moment she falls could be seen as a risky move as without the buildup from who she was, to who she becomes after the accident, it could be suggested that it removes the reader from the sense of loss of who Heidi is.

However, I absolutely think it is a brave move, and highlights the originality and focus of the story. As you experience, right from page one, the most awful and nonsensical event which sidetracks Heidi's entire life. The accident which changes everything, the person who leaves her there and how she recuperates is the focus on this wonderful, life-affirming and uplifting book. As you read, you go through the grieving process with Heidu, grief for her missing limb, the life she had, the future she has lost as she struggles to navigate a world not made for people with disabilities.

Coming from a place of understanding, as Ella does, she shines a light on not only the casual difficulties that disabled people experience -such as travelling on escalators-but also the discrimination, lack of representation and understanding of what they are going through. Missing a limb does not make you less of a person, however there is a massive lack of understanding about the processes that a person who has lost a limb has gone through.

In her recovery, Heidi has to face her perceptions of what disability means , as well as building a new future for herself and her family. This one accident has ripples and repercussions from accepting her new body,redefining her place in her family, learning to walk again and in doing so,Jack, the grandson of her recovery roommate Maud, provides a cornerstone when Heidi feels at her absolute lowest ebb.

''This was a battle I'd fight for the rest of my life-confusion,explanation and sadness.''

He shares something he was once told, a piece of paper he was given with a phrase on that helped him keep going and in doing so, he sparks an idea in Heidi about goals for her future when she feels day to day living is grinding her spirit down. She creates a list, her 5 steps to happy, (there is another link to the 5 steps in the book but I am not going to spoil it for you!). These become the backbone of her recovery and also the basis for a great idea to encourage amputees to get moving and keep moving.

'Recovery was a marathon not a sprint.And I was only at the starting line.'

Her sense of self is fully explored; her outrage at this , her role within her family, her sexual identity...everything is explored in a way rarely brought into the mainstream.It made me laugh, gasp and brought me to tears as well as teaching me about the process of recovery, using a wheelchair, a prosthetic limb and how, when life seems to have completely turn upside down, permanantly , there are those amazing people around who will fight for you, fight with you and keep you going.

A superb book I would absolutely recommend, it is an engrossing and surprisingly quick read as you flip page after page, investing heavily in Heidi and willing her on to master each of her five steps!!

[Susan Hampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one crazy and truly inspirational story that makes you step back and realise that nothing in your life can be taken for granted because it only takes a fraction of a second to change everything. This story is based on events that the author went through herself. It is an emotional journey of endurance, determination, adjustments and letting go of the past to take another road in life. A very different road, one with a lot of hills on it!
When Heidi missed her footing while checking out a fellow jogger, it resulted in the blood supply being cut off to her lower leg. When she woke in hospital, her leg had been amputated. This is Heidi’s journey to reclaim her life. Not the life she had before but a new one. Everything had changed that day.
What an incredible journey this is as she is taken under the wings of the highly skilled dedicated nurses, doctors and specialised teams that will work with her at different stages of her recovery. How friends react and how she feels around them. But a lot of the story is also about the people on the same journey as her.
So many people, all different ages with different reasons they have lost a limb. Some through accidents, some through illness but all having to learn how to be independent again. There are some crazy characters with a lot of humour about them.
The story centres around five steps for Heidi. A bit like a bucket list, but one to improve her self confidence and life, not a wish list to do before she dies. What are the things we take for granted become her goals to overcome, with the help of someone special.
The effect on people around her is part of her story too as the changes in her life impact everyone, especially her family. A very honest and intense story from a determined woman that won’t stay down and be counted out. A real winner in life. Truly amazing!
I wish to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an e-copy of this book which I have honestly reviewed.

[Kitty JM · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel mean not liking this book, as it's based on true events and it's great the author is discussing disability. But the writing really brought out a grumpy streak in me. All the characters feel so much, so quickly, in weird parts of their body- anger in their eyes, horror in their chest, anguish in their throat- and maybe all that sudden unearned emotion on the page meant I ended up balancing things out by feeling very little myself. Everyone in the story reacted all the time to the slightest stimulus, but l was left feeling nothing. I didn't care about any character, apart from Maud. The love interest was not interesting. The protagonist's desired profession (actor) had no bearing on the story at all, when it could have been part of it. Finally, characters spend a lot of time asking whether other people are 'OK' and then uttering clichéd platitudes like 'you can do it!' and everyone always reacts as though this is the deepest wisdom.

I wanted an uplifting book, but this is definitely not my preferred style.

[Carly Findlay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Five Steps to Happy is an autobiographical fiction novel about Heidi, who trips on a path and injures her leg so badly she needs an amputation.

It’s a story of how life can change in an instant, and the steps through grief and acceptance.

Writer Ella Dove acquired a disability this very way.

The book covers the grief of acquiring a disability, internalised ableism - including rejecting the disability label, the impact of Heidi’s disability on her family, rehabilitation.

There was a lot of internalised ableism in the book, which is understandable because of the nature of how Heidi (and Ella) acquired a disability. Heidi didn’t meet many people comfortable with their disability as she was in rehab. I’d love a sequel where Heidi finds disability role models and disability pride.

There was also a lot of conflict in the book - between all characters. It was too much at times.

One thing I really liked is the way the book addressed social and physical barriers - from the inaccessibility of the Tube, to people’s attitudes, to children’s curiosity. This was a really important aspect of the book, which supported some of the internalised ableism of the main character and writer.

I found this a slow read, with lots of issues covered in the book over a year.

Four stars for it being an autobiographical novel. It’s an important account of acquiring a disability. I hope to see a sequel filled with Disability pride.

[Joanna Donaldson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve just finished this and am in awe of the author Ella Dove. To take such a traumatic personal experience and write such a wonderful uplifting emotional book is so amazing.

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

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

How the hell do you review this?! ‘Five Steps To Happy’ may be fiction, however it is based on the true story of the authors own life, and all I can say it……wow.

Ella Dove is one helluva woman, and one helluva author. I knew, after racing through 10% of the book in a matter of minutes, that it was going to be a good’un. You know when you just get that feeling about something? I had that and then some. I mean, how does anyone even come back from a situation like this? I know that some people have no choice but to carry on, and others feel as though they cannot cope, but can you honestly blame them for being upset by what’s happened? I can’t. I felt like shouting at the book; ‘don’t tell Heidi to cheer up, you have no idea how she feels!’.

‘Five Steps To Happy’ tells the story of Heidi and her journey as she finds her ‘new normal’ after becoming an amputee after a freak accident. As well as Heidi’s emotions, the storyline sheds light on the domino effect of the accident and how Heidi’s loved ones are struggling to cope with what’s happened.

This was such an eye-opening and poignant read – I had no idea about the journey which amputees go on, nor how long the ‘rehab’ is before they can go back to living in their home. On a personal level, I was able to resonate with some of Heidi’s emotions as I am losing the ability to walk myself, with the prospect of being unable to walk completely by the time I’m 40. Now I’m not taking the owniss off Ella or Heidi by saying that, it’s just I felt comfort by the rollercoaster of emotions, the worry at finding a ‘new normal’, feeling guilty and such. Walking is something we take for granted and it’s not until that ability is hindered, do we realise just how much a part of us walking actually is.

Being based on a true story, the emotion and frustration was very genuine and, because I was aware of the authors story, I felt that Heidi’s emotions hit me a lot harder because someone had actually been in that position if you get what I mean. It wasn’t as though Ella Dove was writing the scenes based on second hand knowledge via other people’s stories.

Talking of other people, I LOVED Maud!!! I just wanted to wrap her in a huge hug and take care of her. Such a lovely, lovely character.

Towards the end of the book, I’m not ashamed to admit that I cried. I honestly couldn’t hold in my emotion any longer. ‘Five Steps To Happy’ is one of the most beautiful, uplifting, honest, and empowering novels i think I have ever had the pleasure of reading. You don’t need to be an amputee to appreciate the powerful words in this story, you just need to have a heart and be willing to listen. People who have found their whole life change over night aren’t expecting people to understand, they’re just wanting people to take the time to listen and be present.

Such a wonderful, wonderful book with a very important message within. I adored its beauty, and I adored the authors magnetic storytelling – I am jealous of everyone who gets to read this for the very first time.

[Misfits farm · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning debut novel. Heidi has gone out for a run and seen Alexander a friend. She has just plucked up the courage to ask him out and she falls. As she tries to get up she realises something is very wrong with her leg. Alexander calls the ambulance and then disappears. when she wakes up in hospital she gets rather a shock. What transpires is a life changing event, that sees her change her outlook on life and not take things for granted as most of us do until something changes. The support of friends and family cannot be underestimated but underneath it all there is only one person who can make the difference and that is the person herself as Heidi soon realises. When life deals you lemons… make lemonade. An inspirational read of true grit and determination. Of finding happiness in things you never would have thought before hand and that small goals really do help you taking that first step forward. Of friendships you would never have made and relationships you thought were strong. Of our own determination in life and positive mental attitude. I have my own 5** award for those special reads,(about 10% of 200+ books per year). The ones that have that certain extra something. This one deserves it in spades A beautiful moving story that I will remember for a very long time. A brave, wonderful, uplifting read. One life- live it!
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter @nicki’sbookblog

[Frauke · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Fünf Wörter für Glück" hat mir so gut gefallen, dass ich auch gleich meiner Mutter geschenkt habe.

In diesem Buch erzählt Ella Dove ihre eigene Geschichte. Nach einem schweren Unfall verliert sie ein Bein und muss sich zurück ins Leben kämpfen. Ella ist eine junge, sehr sympathische Frau. Unmittelbar nach dem Unfall verfällt sie in ein Tief, aber langsam - und mit Hilfe von Mitpatientin Maud und deren Enkel Jack - schöpft sie langsam neuen Lebensmut und fängt an zu kämpfen. Dabei wird sehr gut beschrieben, wie schwer Ellas Weg zurück in ihr neues Leben ist, mit welchen Schwierigkeiten sie zu kämpfen hat. Sachen, die alltäglich für sie waren, wie z.B. Rolltreppen zu benutzen, werden für sie zur Herausforderung. Das hat auch mir bewusst gemacht, für wie selbstverständlich man viele Dinge hinnimmt, die für andere gar nicht so leicht sind.

Ich habe mit Ella und Maud mitgelitten und mitgelacht. Auch die Nebenpersonen wurden im Buch sehr realistisch dargestellt, mit all ihren Gefühlen, ihrer Angst, ihrer Wut und auch ihrem Frust. Für mich ist "Fünf Wörter für Glück" ein tolles Buch, das einem auf der einen Seite vor Augen führt, wie gut es einem im Grunde geht, aber auch Mut macht. Das man nicht aufgeben darf, auch wenn es einem gerade richtig schlecht geht.

Ich vergebe 5 von 5 Sternen!

[Melanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author is an amputee so I presume the parts about the stay in hospital and recovery are her direct experience so the book was interesting in that respect. What I didn't like was her scathing remarks about the diabetic amputees, she was nasty and judgmental a few times. I also felt sorry Heidi's Dad, why would he be expected to cover her rent and bills. Heidi came across as self pitying (ok, justified), pretty selfish and it seemed she only had one real friend as the rest were just drinking buddies. I think the book needed a romance, but that came to nothing. Definitely not an uplifting book for me.

[Tabitha Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ella is obviously an incredibly inspiring young woman and her story is incredible. What an amazing journey she has been on as a person. But as an author I wasn’t a huge fan of her writing or the story in the book as I didn’t find the characters particularly likeable. Apart from the lovely elderly lady she shared a room with! But her sister, Jack and even Heidi - I wasn’t overly enamoured with any of them enough to be able to empathise as much as I was expecting to. I think perhaps the synopsis makes you think this book might be more than it is. It’s a perfectly pleasant and, by the end, uplifting story - but perhaps just more beige than I thought it would be!

[Jacky Montgomery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this promoted in Step Forward, the Limbless Association’s magazine – which I get as I am an amputee (1990, back of a bike) and thought it might be good to read something with an amputee as the hero.

I didn’t know how great it would be.

From the start to finish I was loving the little call backs to things that happened to me. So many times I had little ‘OMG me too’ moments, such as my first time on an escalator (difficult enough with two legs) , those neurological jerks that still happen to me now and how hospitals are geared to disabilities and the outside world is so not.

The story, though a work of fiction, is based on Ella’s own experience of becoming an amputee. A freak accident the heroine Heidi has while out running ends up with her losing her leg and we follow her through the trials and tribulations of recovery. I loved Dougie, her best friend and flat mate who seemed to suffer as much as her, got cross with Jenny her sister, soon to be bride who seemed to only focus on her wedding. I loved Maud, her roommate in rehab, who came out with little nuggets of wisdom and was all-round just lovely. Jack, what can I say about him that doesn’t cause a spoiler?

One thing that the book highlighted is how the accident impacted the family. This is something I never gave a thought to when I was going through it – my parents were absolute stars, there for me 24/7 – but I never gave a thought to how it hurt them (especially as I was supposed to be going to see them that day and binned them off for an afternoon of motorbike racing at Snetterton) They’re gone now, so I can’t apologise, but I am sorry Mum & Dad.

Another thing – Heidi’s parents did what mine did; paid for her flat while she was in hospital. Which raises a very real question…………what happens to the people who don’t have that – benefits only cover so many weeks? They lose their accommodation, and then what? Can’t be discharged from hospital as they have nowhere to go?

Back to the book – I did find it slightly confusing at the start as Ella includes a synopsis of her own story before the book and I found myself getting in a tangle remembering story and real life, but that’s probably just me!

I would absolutely recommend this too anyone who has anyone in their life who is an amputee, and everyone else – because you never know.

Now I’m off to find some more fictional amputee heroes.

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice read. It’s about a girl, Heidi, that randomly falls when she’s out running and her life is changed forever. She ends up an amputee and the story follows her through her ordeal and ultimately to rebuilding her life. Her friends change, she changes, her family struggle, but they are in it together. Her room mate in the rehabilitation centre, Maud, is a loveable eighty year old woman, their friendship is endearing and makes you smile throughout! An uplifting, easy yet thought provoking read. 4.5 stars.

[Steffi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ja wow….

Im Buch gehts um Heidi, die bei einem Unfall ihr Bein verloren hat.
Die Autorin selber hat auch ihr Bein verloren.

Es ist zwar keine Erzählung rein von der Autorin, sondern auch viel fiktive Story drumrum gebastelt, aber man merkt wie das Thema „ich verlier plötzlich ein Bein und somit mein ganzes Leben und werd somit zu einem neuen Menschen“ total authentisch behandelt wird.

Es hat mich oft so sprachlos gemacht, weil ich mir den Problemen logischerweise gar nicht so bewusst war.

Grandios. Bin immer noch sprachlos. Respekt dieses krasse Thema in einem Buch aufzuarbeiten.

[Novelle Novels · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so inspiring and amazing that I want everyone to read it. The disability rep is spot on as the author has used her own experience for this book. We have so many characters fighting different battles but all showing strengths they never knew possible. Loved our leading lady Heidi so much but love that though she is the centre of the book we have amazing secondary characters that give it a roundness and fullness.

[Heather Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an inspiration Ella Hope is. This story is based on the author's own experience which makes the story very moving. I loved the characters especially seeing Maud and Heidi's relationship was beautiful. A very special book.

[Nichola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an eye-opening book that really makes you think about life. Beautifully written! A fantastic debut novel. I found it extremely inspiring and felt like you really went on the full journey with Heidi. Fell in love with the characters. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Bex Holls · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took me a while to read but I enjoyed it!! Really good account of the struggles faced by Heidi and I liked that it was a self discovery journey primarily with the rest as side plots. Easy to read, great characters and well written.

[Gayle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite scary to think that a fall while out running can cause a break so traumatic that it results in amputation. A lovely (semi-autobiographical?) account of the physical and psychological rehabilitation.

[Sali Pike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on the authors true experience, this book shows how much life can change in an instant and how the worse things that happen to us can still be used for good.


I would have liked to have read more of the authors story Than her characters but I've no doubt the emotions, challenges and the pain was what she experienced.

A book that despite its sad start is an uplifting and inspiring read.

Perfect sunny day reading .

[Clair Atkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heidi is out jogging one day when she trips and falls on a canal path and dislocates her knee so badly, that she ends up having to have her leg amputated. A freak accident, this story is actually inspired by what happened to the author, Ella Dove.
Divided into three parts, in part 1 we see Heidi’s devastation at the accident and her trying to come to terms with what has happened. After leaving hospital she goes to the Amputee Rehabilitation Unit in Lambeth where she must learn to walk again with a prosthetic leg. Part 2 is about her starting to come to terms with what has happened to her. With the help of her friend Jack, she writes a list of things she wants to achieve to help get her life back on track and calls them her “Five Steps to Happy”. Part 3 begins as she leaves rehabilitation to start living independently again.
What an inspirational story! This book certainly leaves the reader with a sense of the strength and willpower that is needed to overcome such an injury, seemingly all the more tragic because of it happening to someone in the prime of her life. I’m not sure how much of the book is based on Ella herself – from what I understand, the accident and medical diagnosis are very similar. I’m sure Ella must have drawn on her own experiences of what it was like in hospital and rehabilitation and the guilt she felt for being a burden and worry for her family and friends.
Thought provoking, it made me much more aware of the obstacles that face disabled people every day, something I must admit I hadn’t given much thought to before. Things like using the London Underground which has very little provision for disabled people and the impatience of people when someone is in their way.
It really made me realise I shouldn’t take my life, mobility and health for granted. This book is sad but ultimately uplifting and is an inspiring and moving story. A great debut and I hope Ella has more stories to tell as I want to read them!

[Scarlet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inhalt:
Die 32-jährige Heidi führt ein ganz normales Leben in London. Sie jobbt in einer Bar, wohnt mit ihrem besten Freund zusammen, geht feiern und versucht sich als Schauspielerin. Eines Tages stürzt sie jedoch beim Joggen und dieser Unfall verändert ihr ganzes Leben. In der Rehaklinik lernt sie die 80-jährige Maud kennen, die ihr dabei hilft, das Leben weiterhin positiv zu sehen und nach vorne zu blicken. Außerdem begegnet sie auch dem Enkel von Maud, Jack. Dieser wird schon bald zu einem guten Freund und möchte ihr auch helfen wieder Freude am Leben zu haben. Doch schon bald merkt sie, dass Jack langsam mehr ist, als nur ein Freund.


Meine Meinung:
Ich hatte eine nette Liebesgeschichte erwartet, aber doch etwas anderes bekommen und das war auch gut so. Es geht in dem Roman um Heidi, die nach einem schweren Unfall wieder zu sich selbst finden muss und auch die Freude am Leben wiederfinden muss. Außerdem geht es um die Bewältigung eines Traumas, sowohl des Leidtragenden als auch den nahestehenden Personen von diesem.

Die Geschichte ist in drei Teile aufgeteilt. Im ersten Teil wird der Unfall von Heidi beschrieben und die Zeit im Krankenhaus. Ich habe mit Heidi richtig mitgefühlt und sie tat mir so leid. Es ist wirklich traurig zu sehen, was ein vermeintlich „kleiner Unfall“ für Konsequenzen nach sich ziehen kann. Die Beschreibung der Gefühle und der Umgebung waren sehr realitätsnah und ich habe mich gefühlt, als würde ich dort liegen.

Der zweite Teil dreht sich um die Genesung in der Rehaklinik. Man erfährt auch von anderen Patienten, welche Schicksale sie erlitten haben. Die Gefühle und der langsame Genesungsprozess von Heidi waren wirklich wunderbar beschrieben. Auch die anderen Figuren waren sympathisch und haben mich das ein oder andere Mal zum Schmunzeln gebracht.

Im dritten Teil geht es darum, dass Heidi sich im Alltag bewähren muss. Sie muss jeden Handgriff, der früher so gewöhnlich war überdenken. Doch auch in diesem Prozess stehen ihr ihre Familie und Freunde zu Seite. Die Autorin baut hier auch wunderbar ein, dass viele Orte einfach immer noch nicht behindertengerecht ausgebaut wurden und wie wenig Verständnis viele Leute für solche Menschen aufbringen.

Es geht auch nicht nur um Heidi, sondern es wird auch beschrieben, wie sich das Leben der Familie und Freunde durch so einen schweren Schicksalsschlag verändern kann und dass jeder anders damit umgeht.

Ich habe diese Geschichte wirklich gerne gelesen, auch wenn das Thema wirklich tragisch ist. Da die Autorin das gleiche Schicksal erlitten hat, wie Heidi, ist es kein Wunder, dass sie die Emotionen so bildhaft rüberbringen konnte. Die Handlungsweise von Heidi war stetig nachvollziehbar.


Fazit:
Ein wundervolles Buch, dass mich sehr berührt hat. Die Protagonistin Heidi ist sehr authentisch, da sie auch immer wieder Höhen und Tiefen während ihres Genesungsprozesses hat. Die Liebesgeschichte steht mehr im Hintergrund, was ich gut fand, da es einzig allein auch um Heidi geht und wie sich ihr Leben nach dem Unfall entwickelt und wie sie sich selbst auch verändert hat. Ich habe die Geschichte sehr genossen, der Schreibstil war wunderbar und die Autorin hat es geschafft die Emotionen auf den Leser zu übertragen, sodass ich nur 5 Sterne vergeben kann.

[auserlesenes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Es passiert an einem Morgen am Wochenende in London: Heidi, Ende 20, stürzt beim Joggen unglücklich und landet im Krankenhaus. Als sie wieder zu Bewusstsein kommt, erwartet sie ein Schock: Nach dem Unfall muss ihr der rechte Unterschenkel amputiert werden. Heidi ist verzweifelt. Schon vorher war ihr Leben nicht perfekt. Ein schlechtes Date folgte auf das nächste, und sie verdiente sich ihr Geld vorwiegend als Kellnerin, obwohl sie so gerne als Schauspielerin arbeiten würde. Nun glaubt sie, dass sie ihre Träume endgültig begraben kann. Doch in der Rehaklinik trifft sie auf die 80-jährige Maud, die Lebensfreude und Optimismus ausstrahlt. Jack, der Enkel der Seniorin, versucht, Heidi aus der Reserve zu locken. Er hat eine Idee, wie sie wieder ins Leben zurückfinden kann: ein Fünf-Punkte-Plan zum Glück. Kann das funktionieren?

„Fünf Wörter für Glück“ ist ein bewegender Roman von Ella Dove.

Meine Meinung:
Der Roman besteht aus drei Teilen mit insgesamt 34 Kapiteln mit einer angenehmen Länge. Zudem gibt es einen Epilog. Erzählt wird in chronologischer Reihenfolge in der Ich-Perspektive aus der Sicht von Heidi. Dieser Aufbau funktioniert sehr gut.

Der Schreibstil ist anschaulich, eindringlich und lebhaft. Trotz des sehr direkten Einstiegs konnte ich gut in die Geschichte einfinden. Ich habe das Buch nur ungerne zur Seite gelegt.

Mit Heidi steht eine sympathische Protagonistin im Vordergrund. Ihre Gefühls- und Gedankenwelt lässt sich gut nachvollziehen. Auch Maud ist ein liebeswürdiger Charakter. Darüber hinaus tauchen auch einige interessante Nebenfiguren auf. Die Personen im Roman wirken realitätsnah.

Inhaltlich konnte mich die Geschichte überzeugen. Anders als man zunächst vermuten könnte, handelt es sich keineswegs bloß um einen seichten Liebesroman. Zwar spielt Romantik auch eine Rolle, doch es geht um weitaus mehr, zum Beispiel Krankheiten, Freundschaften und weitere Themen. Auf rund 350 Seiten bleibt der Roman kurzweilig und abwechslungsreich.

Das Buch basiert auf der wahren Geschichte der Autorin, die beim Jogging tatsächlich gestürzt ist und mit nur 25 Jahren ihr rechtes Bein verlor. Dass die Handlung von realen Ereignissen inspiriert ist, ist dem Roman anzumerken. Die Schilderungen wirken sehr authentisch. Schon ab den ersten Kapiteln schafft es die Geschichte, mich emotional zu berühren. Doch der Roman ist nur nicht bewegend, sondern macht auch Mut und gibt positive Impulse, das Leben zu lieben und auszukosten. Auch die Botschaft, sich von Schicksalsschlägen nicht unterkriegen zu lassen, gefällt mir. Trotz der ernsten Grundthematik kommt der Humor ebenfalls nicht zu kurz.

Das hübsch gestaltete Cover strahlt Fröhlichkeit aus und passt meiner Ansicht nach ganz gut. Der deutsche Titel klingt in meinen Ohren leider unnötig kitschig, orientiert sich aber am englischen Original („Five steps to happy“).

Mein Fazit:
Mit „Fünf Wörter für Glück“ ist es Ella Dove gelungen, sowohl zu unterhalten als auch anzurühren. Wer einen 0815-Liebesroman mit Wohlfühlatmosphäre sucht, wird hier nicht fündig. Für alle, die Lust auf eine besondere Geschichte haben, kann ich die Lektüre jedoch wärmstens empfehlen.