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The Light in the Hallway
From the bestselling author of The Girl in the Corner comes the moving story of a man whose life is changed in an instant. How do you start again when you lose the only love you’ve ever known?
When Nick’s wife Kerry falls ill and dies, he realises for the first time how fragile his happiness has always been, and how much he’s been taking his good life and wonderful family for granted. Now, he suddenly finds himself navigating parenthood alone, unsure how to deal with his own grief, let alone that of his teenage son, Olly.
In the depths of his heartbreak, Nick must find a way to navigate life that pleases his son, his in-laws, his family and his friends—while honouring what Kerry meant to them all. But when it comes to his own emotions, Nick doesn’t know where to begin. Kerry was his childhood sweetheart—but was she really the only one who could ever make him happy?
And in the aftermath of tragedy, can Nick and his son find themselves again?
When Nick’s wife Kerry falls ill and dies, he realises for the first time how fragile his happiness has always been, and how much he’s been taking his good life and wonderful family for granted. Now, he suddenly finds himself navigating parenthood alone, unsure how to deal with his own grief, let alone that of his teenage son, Olly.
In the depths of his heartbreak, Nick must find a way to navigate life that pleases his son, his in-laws, his family and his friends—while honouring what Kerry meant to them all. But when it comes to his own emotions, Nick doesn’t know where to begin. Kerry was his childhood sweetheart—but was she really the only one who could ever make him happy?
And in the aftermath of tragedy, can Nick and his son find themselves again?
343 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 11, 2019
3551 people are currently reading
2584 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Prowse
83 books1,944 followersPrevious Book: 'Swimming to Lundy', published th August 2024'.
Latest Book: 'This One Life', published 7th January 2025.
Next Book: 'Ever After' published 7th August 2025.
Amanda Prowse is an International Bestselling author whose thirty-two novels, two non-fiction titles and ten novellas have been published in dozens of languages around the world. Published by Lake Union, Amanda is the most prolific writer of bestselling contemporary fiction in the UK today; her titles also consistently score the highest online review approval ratings across several genres. Her books, including the chart topping No.1 titles 'What Have I Done?', 'Perfect Daughter', 'My Husband's Wife', 'The Girl in the Corner' and ‘The Things I Know’ have sold millions of copies across the globe.
A popular TV and radio personality, Amanda has appeared on numerous shows where her views on family and social issues strike a chord with viewers. She also makes countless guest appearances on BBC national and independent Radio stations including LBC, Times Radio and Talk FM, where she is well known for her insightful observations and her infectious humour. Described by the Daily Mail as ‘The queen of family drama’ Amanda’s novel, 'A Mother's Story' won the coveted Sainsbury's eBook of the year Award and she has had two books selected as World Book Night titles, 'Perfect Daughter' in 2016 and 'The Boy Between' in 2022.
Amanda is a huge supporter of libraries and having become a proud ambassador for The Reading Agency, works tirelessly to promote reading, especially in disadvantaged areas. Amanda's ambition is to create stories that keep people from turning the bedside lamp off at night, great characters that ensure you take every step with them and tales that fill your head so you can't possibly read another book until the memory fades...
Praise for Amanda Prowse:
'A powerful and emotional work of fiction' - Piers Morgan
'Deeply moving and emotional, Amanda Prowse handles her explosive subjects with delicate skill' - Daily Mail
'Uplifting and positive, but you will still need a box of tissues' - Hello!
'A gut-wrenching and absolutely brilliant read' - The Irish Sun
'You'll fall in love with this...' - Cosmopolitan
'Deeply moving and eye opening. Powerful and emotional drama that packs a real punch.' - Heat
'Magical' - Now magazine
Latest Book: 'This One Life', published 7th January 2025.
Next Book: 'Ever After' published 7th August 2025.
Amanda Prowse is an International Bestselling author whose thirty-two novels, two non-fiction titles and ten novellas have been published in dozens of languages around the world. Published by Lake Union, Amanda is the most prolific writer of bestselling contemporary fiction in the UK today; her titles also consistently score the highest online review approval ratings across several genres. Her books, including the chart topping No.1 titles 'What Have I Done?', 'Perfect Daughter', 'My Husband's Wife', 'The Girl in the Corner' and ‘The Things I Know’ have sold millions of copies across the globe.
A popular TV and radio personality, Amanda has appeared on numerous shows where her views on family and social issues strike a chord with viewers. She also makes countless guest appearances on BBC national and independent Radio stations including LBC, Times Radio and Talk FM, where she is well known for her insightful observations and her infectious humour. Described by the Daily Mail as ‘The queen of family drama’ Amanda’s novel, 'A Mother's Story' won the coveted Sainsbury's eBook of the year Award and she has had two books selected as World Book Night titles, 'Perfect Daughter' in 2016 and 'The Boy Between' in 2022.
Amanda is a huge supporter of libraries and having become a proud ambassador for The Reading Agency, works tirelessly to promote reading, especially in disadvantaged areas. Amanda's ambition is to create stories that keep people from turning the bedside lamp off at night, great characters that ensure you take every step with them and tales that fill your head so you can't possibly read another book until the memory fades...
Praise for Amanda Prowse:
'A powerful and emotional work of fiction' - Piers Morgan
'Deeply moving and emotional, Amanda Prowse handles her explosive subjects with delicate skill' - Daily Mail
'Uplifting and positive, but you will still need a box of tissues' - Hello!
'A gut-wrenching and absolutely brilliant read' - The Irish Sun
'You'll fall in love with this...' - Cosmopolitan
'Deeply moving and eye opening. Powerful and emotional drama that packs a real punch.' - Heat
'Magical' - Now magazine
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 576 reviews
September 10, 2019
Amanda Prowse is my go-to author when it comes to contemporary fiction, family drama, and emotional analysis. She often reminds me that writers hold the key to understanding the deepest, darkest, and most innate feelings a person can hold. The Light in the Hallway, due out on 11/11/19, is a prime example of why Prowse will always be one of those special few who have a tidal wave impact on my mindset. No other author has truly pushed me to think about a situation, feverish to determine what, if any, is the best answer to a problem with no solutions.
At the beginning of this book, we know Kerry is dying. When it happens, we are hurt but can move on, as we don't know a whole lot about her. Left behind are her mother, sister, husband, and son. Her husband, Nick, is strong, but we can feel his pain. Son, Ollie, is unable to show his emotions. Until he is. And then the entire story has you reaching for a tissue box. Less than 3 months after her death, Nick takes Ollie to his first year at college. Within a day, Ollie wants to come home. Nick drives there to get him, only to find things are not what he expected. A year goes by over the course of the remainder of this book... during which time we understand the profound loss Kerry's death has had on her family.
She wasn't a saint. She wasn't a sinner. She was human, made mistakes, and will be missed by many. Nick, on the other hand, has a group of friends who get him through each day. Through alternating chapters, we see Nick's life as a young teen with these friends... going through first love, becoming men, building friendships... each chapter tells us who he is today. We also see shades of Ollie in his father. Nick's life is tough, but he is determined to succeed. He and Kerry had Ollie when they were 18, so he's only 35 when she dies. His life is far from over... but how does his family react when he begins to date Bev?
Throw in a few complicated situations at work, Ollie's first girlfriend, an issue with Nick's in-laws, and money problems... this book covers so many heartbreaking moments, it's tough to get through without stopping for a breather. While not the most I've cried when reading a Prowse novel, there were a few moments where I felt it so intensely, I had to step away. A scene near the end with a watch broke me. I suspect it will break you too, but for all the reasons you won't ever expect.
Ah... reading days like this one are quite nearly perfect.
At the beginning of this book, we know Kerry is dying. When it happens, we are hurt but can move on, as we don't know a whole lot about her. Left behind are her mother, sister, husband, and son. Her husband, Nick, is strong, but we can feel his pain. Son, Ollie, is unable to show his emotions. Until he is. And then the entire story has you reaching for a tissue box. Less than 3 months after her death, Nick takes Ollie to his first year at college. Within a day, Ollie wants to come home. Nick drives there to get him, only to find things are not what he expected. A year goes by over the course of the remainder of this book... during which time we understand the profound loss Kerry's death has had on her family.
She wasn't a saint. She wasn't a sinner. She was human, made mistakes, and will be missed by many. Nick, on the other hand, has a group of friends who get him through each day. Through alternating chapters, we see Nick's life as a young teen with these friends... going through first love, becoming men, building friendships... each chapter tells us who he is today. We also see shades of Ollie in his father. Nick's life is tough, but he is determined to succeed. He and Kerry had Ollie when they were 18, so he's only 35 when she dies. His life is far from over... but how does his family react when he begins to date Bev?
Throw in a few complicated situations at work, Ollie's first girlfriend, an issue with Nick's in-laws, and money problems... this book covers so many heartbreaking moments, it's tough to get through without stopping for a breather. While not the most I've cried when reading a Prowse novel, there were a few moments where I felt it so intensely, I had to step away. A scene near the end with a watch broke me. I suspect it will break you too, but for all the reasons you won't ever expect.
Ah... reading days like this one are quite nearly perfect.
November 29, 2019
EXCERPT: 'Mum! Dad! I did it! I did it!' the boy called from the hallway. 'I got three...'
And then a bang as something hit the floor.
And then silence.
Nick had heard the words loud and clear, so naturally, so comfortably called that it took a second or two for the universe to catch up. He looked towards the door, expecting his son to walk in. After a couple of seconds, he stood and went to investigate the silence. He put his head around the door and knew that he would never forget the sight that greeted him.
Oliver was sitting on the welcome mat, coiled into a ball like a small child with his chin on his chest and his knees raised. His arms were clamped around his shins and his whole body shook.
Nick sank down to join him on the floor and that was where they sat on the bristly Welcome mat that felt anything but. Oliver raised his head and the sight of his distress caused Nick's own tears to pool.
'She's not here, Dad! She's not here, is she?'
'No, son. She's not here,' he managed through his own distress, hating to extinguish the faint look of hope in his son's eyes.
'Oh nooooooo! No!' Oliver's wail was loud, deep and drawn from deep within, he banged the floor with his hand. 'I wanted to say goodbye to her! I wanted to ... to tell her things and I wanted to say goodbye!' He sobbed noisily. 'I didn't want her to leave me, Dad! I want her here. I want her here with us! And now she's gone and I didn't have the chance to tell her...'
ABOUT THIS BOOK: When Nick’s wife Kerry falls ill and dies, he realises for the first time how fragile his happiness has always been, and how much he’s been taking his good life and wonderful family for granted. Now, he suddenly finds himself navigating parenthood alone, unsure how to deal with his own grief, let alone that of his teenage son, Olly.
In the depths of his heartbreak, Nick must find a way to navigate life that pleases his son, his in-laws, his family and his friends—while honouring what Kerry meant to them all. But when it comes to his own emotions, Nick doesn’t know where to begin. Kerry was his childhood sweetheart—but was she really the only one who could ever make him happy?
And in the aftermath of tragedy, can Nick and his son find themselves again?
MY THOUGHTS: I liked this book, sad though it was. I really liked it, but didn't love it as I have previous books by this same author, but I will get to the whys of that in a moment.
I liked that Kerry and Nick's marriage wasn't perfect. I liked that both were very normal people who had struggled, fallen, and got back up again to get on with things. I like the way the author deals with the emotions of the characters; she always manages to wring a few tears out of me, and The Light in the Hallway was no exception.
The situations that Prowse describes are so very real - they happen all over the world, every day. They happen to people like me, and you, and to our friends. Prowse reminds us, and this is a direct quote from her book, that 'life is a gift and we have to live it as best we can......we owe it to everyone who no longer has a life.' I loved that sentiment. We all know it, but we sometimes lose sight of it. We judge others for not living up to our expectations of how they should live their lives, how they should feel and act, when we are not in their shoes and have no right to judge them.
And I did love the reference to the title in the book. That was lovely.
So, on to what I didn't like - the ending. It was too 'tidy', too saccharine for my taste, with everything neatly tied up with a bow like a brightly wrapped gift under a Christmas tree. It was all very nice, but just didn't feel very realistic. I can say no more without giving away vital information, so that is the end of that.
****
#TheLightInTheHallway #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Amanda Prowse was a management consultant for ten years before realising that she was born to write. Amanda lives in the West Country with her husband and their two teenage sons.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK for providing a digital ARC of The Light In The hallway by Amanda Prowse for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system, please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page, or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
And then a bang as something hit the floor.
And then silence.
Nick had heard the words loud and clear, so naturally, so comfortably called that it took a second or two for the universe to catch up. He looked towards the door, expecting his son to walk in. After a couple of seconds, he stood and went to investigate the silence. He put his head around the door and knew that he would never forget the sight that greeted him.
Oliver was sitting on the welcome mat, coiled into a ball like a small child with his chin on his chest and his knees raised. His arms were clamped around his shins and his whole body shook.
Nick sank down to join him on the floor and that was where they sat on the bristly Welcome mat that felt anything but. Oliver raised his head and the sight of his distress caused Nick's own tears to pool.
'She's not here, Dad! She's not here, is she?'
'No, son. She's not here,' he managed through his own distress, hating to extinguish the faint look of hope in his son's eyes.
'Oh nooooooo! No!' Oliver's wail was loud, deep and drawn from deep within, he banged the floor with his hand. 'I wanted to say goodbye to her! I wanted to ... to tell her things and I wanted to say goodbye!' He sobbed noisily. 'I didn't want her to leave me, Dad! I want her here. I want her here with us! And now she's gone and I didn't have the chance to tell her...'
ABOUT THIS BOOK: When Nick’s wife Kerry falls ill and dies, he realises for the first time how fragile his happiness has always been, and how much he’s been taking his good life and wonderful family for granted. Now, he suddenly finds himself navigating parenthood alone, unsure how to deal with his own grief, let alone that of his teenage son, Olly.
In the depths of his heartbreak, Nick must find a way to navigate life that pleases his son, his in-laws, his family and his friends—while honouring what Kerry meant to them all. But when it comes to his own emotions, Nick doesn’t know where to begin. Kerry was his childhood sweetheart—but was she really the only one who could ever make him happy?
And in the aftermath of tragedy, can Nick and his son find themselves again?
MY THOUGHTS: I liked this book, sad though it was. I really liked it, but didn't love it as I have previous books by this same author, but I will get to the whys of that in a moment.
I liked that Kerry and Nick's marriage wasn't perfect. I liked that both were very normal people who had struggled, fallen, and got back up again to get on with things. I like the way the author deals with the emotions of the characters; she always manages to wring a few tears out of me, and The Light in the Hallway was no exception.
The situations that Prowse describes are so very real - they happen all over the world, every day. They happen to people like me, and you, and to our friends. Prowse reminds us, and this is a direct quote from her book, that 'life is a gift and we have to live it as best we can......we owe it to everyone who no longer has a life.' I loved that sentiment. We all know it, but we sometimes lose sight of it. We judge others for not living up to our expectations of how they should live their lives, how they should feel and act, when we are not in their shoes and have no right to judge them.
And I did love the reference to the title in the book. That was lovely.
So, on to what I didn't like - the ending. It was too 'tidy', too saccharine for my taste, with everything neatly tied up with a bow like a brightly wrapped gift under a Christmas tree. It was all very nice, but just didn't feel very realistic. I can say no more without giving away vital information, so that is the end of that.
****
#TheLightInTheHallway #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Amanda Prowse was a management consultant for ten years before realising that she was born to write. Amanda lives in the West Country with her husband and their two teenage sons.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK for providing a digital ARC of The Light In The hallway by Amanda Prowse for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system, please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page, or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
November 9, 2019
Having read a few of Amanda Prowse’s novels now the one thing I expect to find is a roller coaster of emotion behind every page and The Light in the Hallway was no exception. This contemporary novel is told not only in the present but with flashes back to the past to get a deeper understanding of the characters.
When The Light in the Hallway begins we learn that Nick and Kerry have been in love most of their lives and now Nick is having to say goodbye as Kerry has been ill. This leads to the question of how does one go on without the one you love in your life? Nick is not alone in his grief as he and Kerry have a teenage son who is also now without his mother so father and son both lean on one another as they learn to navigate what comes after losing that light from their lives.
Although a lot of this novel is dealing with loss and learning to cope with that pain and just how one moves on in life there are also moments of happiness and joy to complete that roller coaster feeling the author is known for. The main character takes a journey emotionally while evaluating all of life’s choices and whether the path he chose was the right one or the what ifs things had gone differently in life. Knowing ahead of time to keep the tissues near I thoroughly enjoyed all the highs and lows of this story and in the end would give this one 4 1/2 stars.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
When The Light in the Hallway begins we learn that Nick and Kerry have been in love most of their lives and now Nick is having to say goodbye as Kerry has been ill. This leads to the question of how does one go on without the one you love in your life? Nick is not alone in his grief as he and Kerry have a teenage son who is also now without his mother so father and son both lean on one another as they learn to navigate what comes after losing that light from their lives.
Although a lot of this novel is dealing with loss and learning to cope with that pain and just how one moves on in life there are also moments of happiness and joy to complete that roller coaster feeling the author is known for. The main character takes a journey emotionally while evaluating all of life’s choices and whether the path he chose was the right one or the what ifs things had gone differently in life. Knowing ahead of time to keep the tissues near I thoroughly enjoyed all the highs and lows of this story and in the end would give this one 4 1/2 stars.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
November 1, 2019
WOW another great book by Amanda Prowse, that delves into the characters emotions in a heart wrenching way that me laugh and cry. I couldn’t put this down and read it in one sitting!!
The story starts with Nick rushing to the hospital to say goodbye to his wife Kerry, she is dying of cancer. They were childhood sweethearts together at 16 and have an eighteen year old son Oliver.
Nick is trying to carry on with life and be supportive to Oliver who goes away to Birmingham University, but he is also struggling to come to terms with losing his mother and feels like his dad is trying to move on too soon.
Loved that at the end of each chapter we go back to the summer of 1992 where Nick and his closest friends Alex and Eric bond whilst building a bike. Their strong friendship carries them into adulthood.
Even when I was not reading this I was thinking about the characters. It made me think about what Nick was going through and I could see how hard it would be for Kerry’s family to see him moving on. All of the family are affected in different ways.
I cannot recommend this book enough, there is light and darkness In this story but it also portrays hope and the opportunity of a second chance of love. I was routing for Nick and was over the moon with the ending.
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
August 28, 2019
Amanda has yet again knocked it out of the park with her latest offering!
Right from the first few pages I was an emotional wreck with this story, I hadn’t expected to be hit so hard with the emotions that Nick was going through so early on. This story wasn’t all tears though, far from it. As Nick and his son Olly try to get on with their lives, the story takes a bitter sweet turn letting us see the highs and lows of life after the death of a loved one.
At the end of every chapter, we are taken back to Nick’s younger days when he lives at home in one particular summer. I absolutely adored these chapters. Seeing the bond between Nick and his dad as well as with his two best friends Eric and Alex. Eric in fact is very much the under dog in this story. He stole the show more than a few times and is a truly fabulous character.
Nick, I was routing for throughout the story. To lose your partner in life does not bare thinking about but of course it happens everyday to someone. This was a great insight into how not only someone deals with their own grief but the grief and pain that their partners family feels also. It certainly was a bit of an eye opener.
The Light in the Hallyway is a novel that I could never shut up about. I loved everything about it. The author writes in such a way that with every story and new set of characters, they steal a piece of your heart and you fully devote yourself to their story. This was so many things, death, loss, grief, moving on, bonds, relationships, friendships, it really did have it all. Nick definitely stole my heart and I cried tears of joy and sadness at the end. Perfect, just perfect.
My thanks to the author and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Right from the first few pages I was an emotional wreck with this story, I hadn’t expected to be hit so hard with the emotions that Nick was going through so early on. This story wasn’t all tears though, far from it. As Nick and his son Olly try to get on with their lives, the story takes a bitter sweet turn letting us see the highs and lows of life after the death of a loved one.
At the end of every chapter, we are taken back to Nick’s younger days when he lives at home in one particular summer. I absolutely adored these chapters. Seeing the bond between Nick and his dad as well as with his two best friends Eric and Alex. Eric in fact is very much the under dog in this story. He stole the show more than a few times and is a truly fabulous character.
Nick, I was routing for throughout the story. To lose your partner in life does not bare thinking about but of course it happens everyday to someone. This was a great insight into how not only someone deals with their own grief but the grief and pain that their partners family feels also. It certainly was a bit of an eye opener.
The Light in the Hallyway is a novel that I could never shut up about. I loved everything about it. The author writes in such a way that with every story and new set of characters, they steal a piece of your heart and you fully devote yourself to their story. This was so many things, death, loss, grief, moving on, bonds, relationships, friendships, it really did have it all. Nick definitely stole my heart and I cried tears of joy and sadness at the end. Perfect, just perfect.
My thanks to the author and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
January 19, 2020
Amanda Prowse is the Queen of emotions. Her words had the power to make me smile with tears falling down my cheeks. Each words grasped my heart in a vise, wrenching my emotions.
Nick and Kerry ajad been love with each other for most of their lives. They had a son Ollie. Very soon, Kerry died. And the father and son had to deal with their loss and apin and find a way to live their lives.
Ms. Prowse is phenomenal, she could make me feel every word of her book. The story had all the emotions packed in its pages. It was about life's choices along with its moments of joy and sorrow. It was wonderful to see father and son forging a new bond, a new reality to their lives.
A beautiful read, indeed.
Nick and Kerry ajad been love with each other for most of their lives. They had a son Ollie. Very soon, Kerry died. And the father and son had to deal with their loss and apin and find a way to live their lives.
Ms. Prowse is phenomenal, she could make me feel every word of her book. The story had all the emotions packed in its pages. It was about life's choices along with its moments of joy and sorrow. It was wonderful to see father and son forging a new bond, a new reality to their lives.
A beautiful read, indeed.
November 29, 2019
The Light in the Hallway begins by giving the reader a glimpse of ten year old Nick and his two best friends, Alex and Eric, before returning to the present where Nick’s wife, Kerry, is terminally ill. He is trying to persuade their son, Oliver, to go to the hospice with him for what would be the last time. Oliver, understandably, is finding difficulty in coping with the thought that his mother would never be coming home and refuses to go. If he doesn’t witness his mother’s death then he can still imagine she’s around.
Nick and Kerry were childhood sweethearts and circumstances meant that Nick’s plans changed. His dreams, and his father’s for him, were shelved. Although Nick and Kerry loved each other and built a solid marriage, it wasn’t always plain sailing. Now Nick has to be strong for Olly, despite his own heartbreak and pain, and he’s unsure how to handle a teenage boy in denial. Oliver’s A-level results were the catalyst that flung him into the reality he’d fought against facing.
Amanda Prowse is adept at understanding and articulating the spectrum of human emotions, writing with sensitivity and empathy. In this story she lays bare the feelings of loss and learning to deal with the grief felt by the people Kerry has left behind. Everyone copes in their own way, sometimes placatingly, sometimes acerbically, generally supportively as everyone navigates their own personal and life changing journey. Living in a small village with a close community made everything more stressful for Nick, as everyone knew his business and some people didn’t hesitate to offer opinions.
The characters are multi dimensional and believable. The lovely and somewhat complicated relationship between Nick and typical teenager, Olly is perfectly drawn and true to life. Nick’s relationship with his parents, and his two best friends, shown through flashbacks covering one particular summer, gives an insight into his character and what made him the man he became.
I enjoyed the fact that the story is told from the male point of view, showing the struggles and differences of opinion encountered while trying to move on and build some sort of life when a partner dies. The recurring themes include the importance of friendships, family and having hope for the future however bleak things might look in the present. I love how the title resonates throughout the storyline.
The Light in the Hallway is beautifully written, with humorous moments to offset the sadder ones, and showing that life, more often than not, doesn’t turn out as expected. There are forks in the road, hills and sometimes mountains to climb and lessons to learn. Another winner from Amanda Prowse.
Nick and Kerry were childhood sweethearts and circumstances meant that Nick’s plans changed. His dreams, and his father’s for him, were shelved. Although Nick and Kerry loved each other and built a solid marriage, it wasn’t always plain sailing. Now Nick has to be strong for Olly, despite his own heartbreak and pain, and he’s unsure how to handle a teenage boy in denial. Oliver’s A-level results were the catalyst that flung him into the reality he’d fought against facing.
Amanda Prowse is adept at understanding and articulating the spectrum of human emotions, writing with sensitivity and empathy. In this story she lays bare the feelings of loss and learning to deal with the grief felt by the people Kerry has left behind. Everyone copes in their own way, sometimes placatingly, sometimes acerbically, generally supportively as everyone navigates their own personal and life changing journey. Living in a small village with a close community made everything more stressful for Nick, as everyone knew his business and some people didn’t hesitate to offer opinions.
The characters are multi dimensional and believable. The lovely and somewhat complicated relationship between Nick and typical teenager, Olly is perfectly drawn and true to life. Nick’s relationship with his parents, and his two best friends, shown through flashbacks covering one particular summer, gives an insight into his character and what made him the man he became.
I enjoyed the fact that the story is told from the male point of view, showing the struggles and differences of opinion encountered while trying to move on and build some sort of life when a partner dies. The recurring themes include the importance of friendships, family and having hope for the future however bleak things might look in the present. I love how the title resonates throughout the storyline.
The Light in the Hallway is beautifully written, with humorous moments to offset the sadder ones, and showing that life, more often than not, doesn’t turn out as expected. There are forks in the road, hills and sometimes mountains to climb and lessons to learn. Another winner from Amanda Prowse.
December 12, 2019
I have loved every book I have read by Amanda Prowse. She writes with so much passion that I can't help becoming a part of her stories. She is my go-to author when it comes to contemporary fiction, family drama, and emotion portrayal. When I saw that this wonderful author had written 'The Light in the Hallway' I just had to read her book. Wow, she did not disappoint!
At the beginning of this book, the reader is told Kerry is dying. Left behind are her mother, sister, husband, and son. Her husband, Nick Bairstow, is strong, but in pain. Son, Ollie, is unable to show his emotions, at first. Nick is trying to carry on with life and be supportive to Oliver who goes away to Birmingham University, but Ollie is also struggling to come to terms with losing his mother and feels like his dad is trying to move on too soon. Within a day, Ollie wants to come back home. Nick goes there to get him, only to find things are not what he expected. A year goes by over the course of the story... during which time the reader is privy to understanding the profound loss Kerry's death has had on her family.
Set in the small town of Burstonbridge, North Yorkshire and told through chapters from the momentous summer of 1992 and now, Nick's life is portrayed as a teenager with his friends... going through first love, becoming men, building friendships... each chapter revealing who he is today. Nick and Kerry were childhood sweethearts and at just 35 when she dies, his life is far from over... but how does his family react when he begins to date Bev?
This was another brilliant novel that I could relate to and it was also deeply moving. I felt great empathy for the characters, especially Nick. It was a beautifully written story about how fragile happiness can be and starting over when you've lost the only love you’ve ever known.
The story-line was gripping and the characters were extremely credible, likeable and so well-drawn by Amanda Prowse. 'The Light in the Hallway' certainly ranks very highly with me and I recommend it to fans and new readers alike. I know that books like this one make my reading days quite perfect.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Amazon Publishing UK via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
At the beginning of this book, the reader is told Kerry is dying. Left behind are her mother, sister, husband, and son. Her husband, Nick Bairstow, is strong, but in pain. Son, Ollie, is unable to show his emotions, at first. Nick is trying to carry on with life and be supportive to Oliver who goes away to Birmingham University, but Ollie is also struggling to come to terms with losing his mother and feels like his dad is trying to move on too soon. Within a day, Ollie wants to come back home. Nick goes there to get him, only to find things are not what he expected. A year goes by over the course of the story... during which time the reader is privy to understanding the profound loss Kerry's death has had on her family.
Set in the small town of Burstonbridge, North Yorkshire and told through chapters from the momentous summer of 1992 and now, Nick's life is portrayed as a teenager with his friends... going through first love, becoming men, building friendships... each chapter revealing who he is today. Nick and Kerry were childhood sweethearts and at just 35 when she dies, his life is far from over... but how does his family react when he begins to date Bev?
This was another brilliant novel that I could relate to and it was also deeply moving. I felt great empathy for the characters, especially Nick. It was a beautifully written story about how fragile happiness can be and starting over when you've lost the only love you’ve ever known.
The story-line was gripping and the characters were extremely credible, likeable and so well-drawn by Amanda Prowse. 'The Light in the Hallway' certainly ranks very highly with me and I recommend it to fans and new readers alike. I know that books like this one make my reading days quite perfect.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Amazon Publishing UK via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
March 26, 2020
I chose to read this beautifully written novel a month after I lost my mom to dementia. That's perhaps not the best timing on my part because the book opens with Nick losing his wife to cancer following a long battle with the disease. Prowse deftly maneuvers the emotions of watching someone close to you die: the pain, the grief, the rage and the guilt are written with such expertise as to ensure you'll need a box of tissues near you as you read.
When Kerry dies, Nick is left alone to see their son off to college, a son who refuses at first to acknowledge his mother's death. Soon, though, Olly experiences the entire range of emotions and Nick finds himself comforting a boy who is at odds with himself and his feelings.
The remainder of the book delves into moving on and beginning to find pleasure and happiness again. Nick finds a new friend and has to deal with his sister-in-law's and son's feelings about that. Prowse expertly writes Nick's character as a man who is both sympathetic but firm. I love how he handled all of the issues that were thrown at him.
Interspersed in the modern-day story are tales of Nick, Eric and Alex during the summer of 1992, when the three friends truly became best buds. I loved those stories so much that I found myself eagerly awaiting the next installment.
Prowse tidies things up nicely at the end for us. I'm not always a fan of that, but given the heartwrenching and emotionally draining beginning of the Light in the Hallway, I was happy to see where she went with the final chapter of the book.
Four well-deserved stars to this great read.
Many thanks for Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When Kerry dies, Nick is left alone to see their son off to college, a son who refuses at first to acknowledge his mother's death. Soon, though, Olly experiences the entire range of emotions and Nick finds himself comforting a boy who is at odds with himself and his feelings.
The remainder of the book delves into moving on and beginning to find pleasure and happiness again. Nick finds a new friend and has to deal with his sister-in-law's and son's feelings about that. Prowse expertly writes Nick's character as a man who is both sympathetic but firm. I love how he handled all of the issues that were thrown at him.
Interspersed in the modern-day story are tales of Nick, Eric and Alex during the summer of 1992, when the three friends truly became best buds. I loved those stories so much that I found myself eagerly awaiting the next installment.
Prowse tidies things up nicely at the end for us. I'm not always a fan of that, but given the heartwrenching and emotionally draining beginning of the Light in the Hallway, I was happy to see where she went with the final chapter of the book.
Four well-deserved stars to this great read.
Many thanks for Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 6, 2019
The Light in the Hallway, written by Amanda Prowse, ripped my heart apart and then put it back together piece by piece. Ms. Prowse is fast becoming one of my favorite authors when I need a warm, heartfelt story that I can wrap myself around and become immersed. She takes ordinary people and puts them in impossible emotional situations that will challenge them to their very soul. Her characters are well written and thoroughly developed, but most importantly, they are everyday people that are very relatable. When there seems to be no happy ending in sight, she surprises us, taking us on a journey filled with joy and love. I loved that she used the title of this book as a metaphor, representing love, comfort, and a place of belonging.
The Light in the Hallway is about everyday life, about how precious, beautiful, and fragile life can be. It’s about the people in our lives and the relationships we have with them and how we should never take them for granted because, in the blink of an eye, everything we love could disappear. This is a story about a man who has experienced a love that should have lasted a lifetime.
The Light in the Hallway takes place in the small town of “Burstonbridge” on the North York Moors in Yorkshire, England. This book flips back and forth between two different timelines, the present day and 1992.
The Light in the Hallway starts in 1992 with three teenage boys, Nick, Eric, and Alex, as they build a friendship that lasts into adulthood. We get to experience the incredible bond formed between these three boys. Ms. Prowse perfectly captures the pure innocence of these boys and how they grew up together and then ties it in beautifully with the men they became.
We then find out that Nick’s wife, Kerry, dying after being ill for over a year. Kerry was the only woman that Nick has ever loved. Although their life together wasn’t perfect, Nick loved her wholeheartedly. As this book progresses, we experience the day to day struggles and feelings of intense loss that Nick and his son Olly must push through now that they have a life without the woman who was their rock. While trying to work through his grief, Nick must not only endure the resentful judgment from his sister-in-law but also navigate small-town living where every move he makes is seen and judged. The big question is, will Nick be able to find his second happy ever after?
Ms. Prowse packed this novel full of love, loss, grief, friendship, soul-wrenching sadness, self-insight, anger, and living life to the fullest. There were many moments throughout this book that I reached for my box of tissues, but this book also made me smile. It reminded me that even when life is difficult, and we feel tremendous grief, with the love of family and friends, we can live and love again. I enjoyed reading this book, and I highly recommend it.
*** I kindly received this galley by way of NetGalley/publisher/author. I was not contacted, asked, or required to leave a review. I received no compensation, financial or otherwise. I have voluntarily read this book, and this review is my honest opinion. ***
The Light in the Hallway is about everyday life, about how precious, beautiful, and fragile life can be. It’s about the people in our lives and the relationships we have with them and how we should never take them for granted because, in the blink of an eye, everything we love could disappear. This is a story about a man who has experienced a love that should have lasted a lifetime.
The Light in the Hallway takes place in the small town of “Burstonbridge” on the North York Moors in Yorkshire, England. This book flips back and forth between two different timelines, the present day and 1992.
The Light in the Hallway starts in 1992 with three teenage boys, Nick, Eric, and Alex, as they build a friendship that lasts into adulthood. We get to experience the incredible bond formed between these three boys. Ms. Prowse perfectly captures the pure innocence of these boys and how they grew up together and then ties it in beautifully with the men they became.
We then find out that Nick’s wife, Kerry, dying after being ill for over a year. Kerry was the only woman that Nick has ever loved. Although their life together wasn’t perfect, Nick loved her wholeheartedly. As this book progresses, we experience the day to day struggles and feelings of intense loss that Nick and his son Olly must push through now that they have a life without the woman who was their rock. While trying to work through his grief, Nick must not only endure the resentful judgment from his sister-in-law but also navigate small-town living where every move he makes is seen and judged. The big question is, will Nick be able to find his second happy ever after?
Ms. Prowse packed this novel full of love, loss, grief, friendship, soul-wrenching sadness, self-insight, anger, and living life to the fullest. There were many moments throughout this book that I reached for my box of tissues, but this book also made me smile. It reminded me that even when life is difficult, and we feel tremendous grief, with the love of family and friends, we can live and love again. I enjoyed reading this book, and I highly recommend it.
*** I kindly received this galley by way of NetGalley/publisher/author. I was not contacted, asked, or required to leave a review. I received no compensation, financial or otherwise. I have voluntarily read this book, and this review is my honest opinion. ***
October 13, 2019
Whenever I pick up an Amanda Prowse book, I know that I am going to find myself engrossed in the story and so it was with The Light in the Hallway. I always find that there is something about her characters which I find so relatable. She writes about her characters with great insight into their emotions so that it's hard not to be touched by their situations. Her characters are ordinary people, like people you may know and that's what makes her books so addictive. The situations they find themselves in are situations you will identify with, may even have been in yourself.
Nick married Kerry when they were both in their teens with a baby on the way. He gave up his dream of going to Uni, going to work for a large local employer. Despite this, he has few regrets and a happy life with Kerry and their son Oliver. When Kerry dies in her mid thirties at a hospice, Nick has to cope with losing the love of his life and working out how he and Oliver will move forward. The first chapter was heartbreaking to read and Amanda Prowse was really spot on with showing not just Nick's grief but the way Kerry's death affected all her family. The unspoken rules of what was and wasn't allowed for the newly bereaved were a bewildering maze for Nick to negotiate. The difficulties of how to keep connections in a family when the person who connected you is gone were clear as was the hurt and anger sometimes felt.
Not only was there a big hole in his life from the loss of his wife, Nick also had other major changes to cope with as their son, Olly, moved away to University. I think many parents will identify with the worry over their child not settling at Uni and feeling overwhelmed. This was another loss for Nick albeit in a different way. Throughout the book it was lovely to see the bonds between father and son grow stronger despite the physical distance between them and despite some other challenges.
Each chapter ends with a scene from 1992, a year when Nick and his lifelong friends Eric and Alex were building a bike. But more than that, they were building lasting friendships and learning skills and attitudes which would stand them in good stead for the future. They learned about what really matters in life, they learned to take pride in their work and they learned how to value things. I loved this insight into Nick and his friends as young boys and you could see the good men they would become.
The light in the hallway of the title was both an actual and metaphorical light, shining a welcome and lighting the way. As with all Amanda's books, I was completely caught up in the characters' lives and all that was happening and simply could not put the book down, devouring it in only two days. The Light in the Hallway is a heartfelt, emotional and hopeful story and one I loved!
Nick married Kerry when they were both in their teens with a baby on the way. He gave up his dream of going to Uni, going to work for a large local employer. Despite this, he has few regrets and a happy life with Kerry and their son Oliver. When Kerry dies in her mid thirties at a hospice, Nick has to cope with losing the love of his life and working out how he and Oliver will move forward. The first chapter was heartbreaking to read and Amanda Prowse was really spot on with showing not just Nick's grief but the way Kerry's death affected all her family. The unspoken rules of what was and wasn't allowed for the newly bereaved were a bewildering maze for Nick to negotiate. The difficulties of how to keep connections in a family when the person who connected you is gone were clear as was the hurt and anger sometimes felt.
Not only was there a big hole in his life from the loss of his wife, Nick also had other major changes to cope with as their son, Olly, moved away to University. I think many parents will identify with the worry over their child not settling at Uni and feeling overwhelmed. This was another loss for Nick albeit in a different way. Throughout the book it was lovely to see the bonds between father and son grow stronger despite the physical distance between them and despite some other challenges.
Each chapter ends with a scene from 1992, a year when Nick and his lifelong friends Eric and Alex were building a bike. But more than that, they were building lasting friendships and learning skills and attitudes which would stand them in good stead for the future. They learned about what really matters in life, they learned to take pride in their work and they learned how to value things. I loved this insight into Nick and his friends as young boys and you could see the good men they would become.
The light in the hallway of the title was both an actual and metaphorical light, shining a welcome and lighting the way. As with all Amanda's books, I was completely caught up in the characters' lives and all that was happening and simply could not put the book down, devouring it in only two days. The Light in the Hallway is a heartfelt, emotional and hopeful story and one I loved!
September 14, 2019
About the book • 346 pages • Release Date 11/11/19 • Fiction • Stand-alone • Touching • Heartfelt • Great Story • Definitely recommend • Love this authors books ♥️
This was an ARC from Netgalley and I gave an honest review and all opinions are mine.
This was an ARC from Netgalley and I gave an honest review and all opinions are mine.
December 13, 2019
Do you only get one chance at love? Can you find love again after losing your childhood sweetheart to cancer? These are the questions explored in The Light in the Hallway. This book was so heartwarming and I read it all in one day. One minute it had me crying and the next it had me laughing.
As I said, this was a very heartwarming novel and it was exactly what I needed this week. The story opens with Nick rushing to the hospital to say goodbye to his wife and childhood sweetheart, Kerry, who is dying of cancer. After Kerry’s death, Nick is left to care for their 18-year-old son, Oliver and find a way to move on with his life. Oliver is also heading off to college and is trying to build a life while struggling with the loss of his mother and he feels that his dad is moving on too soon. As you can imagine this puts a lot of strain on their relationship and Kerry’s family doesn’t help when sharing their own opinions.
The story is told with flashbacks to the summer Nick was ten and hanging out with his best friends. Because he is still close friends with these Alex and Eric it’s nice to get some backstory and it adds to the character development and main plot.
All in all, this was a lovely fall read and I would recommend it for anyone who is either struggling with their own loss or anyone who wants to cozy up with a heartwarming story.
Thank you Amazon Publishing for sharing this story with me.
As I said, this was a very heartwarming novel and it was exactly what I needed this week. The story opens with Nick rushing to the hospital to say goodbye to his wife and childhood sweetheart, Kerry, who is dying of cancer. After Kerry’s death, Nick is left to care for their 18-year-old son, Oliver and find a way to move on with his life. Oliver is also heading off to college and is trying to build a life while struggling with the loss of his mother and he feels that his dad is moving on too soon. As you can imagine this puts a lot of strain on their relationship and Kerry’s family doesn’t help when sharing their own opinions.
The story is told with flashbacks to the summer Nick was ten and hanging out with his best friends. Because he is still close friends with these Alex and Eric it’s nice to get some backstory and it adds to the character development and main plot.
All in all, this was a lovely fall read and I would recommend it for anyone who is either struggling with their own loss or anyone who wants to cozy up with a heartwarming story.
Thank you Amazon Publishing for sharing this story with me.
August 26, 2019
The story revolves around quite a few characters but the two main characters are Nick and his son, Oliver/Ollie. The story is told from Nicks perspective.
Nick’s wife has recently passed away. She had been ill for over a year and Nick was with her every day. Oliver and Nick are devastated with her loss in their life. What follows is how they cope with the loss of a wife/mother but also with Ollie leaving to go to University.
The storyline is told in the present time and flashbacks to when Nick was younger. There is heartache, humor, grief, loss and nostalgia throughout the story.
A very lovely read and one I recommend you read.
Thank you to NetGallery, Lake Union Publishing and author, Amanda Prowse, for the opportunity to read and give my honest review of “The Light in the Hallway.”
Nick’s wife has recently passed away. She had been ill for over a year and Nick was with her every day. Oliver and Nick are devastated with her loss in their life. What follows is how they cope with the loss of a wife/mother but also with Ollie leaving to go to University.
The storyline is told in the present time and flashbacks to when Nick was younger. There is heartache, humor, grief, loss and nostalgia throughout the story.
A very lovely read and one I recommend you read.
Thank you to NetGallery, Lake Union Publishing and author, Amanda Prowse, for the opportunity to read and give my honest review of “The Light in the Hallway.”
August 20, 2019
Make sure that you have tissues when you are reading this book. It is a really beautiful and moving story. That will make you smile and make you cry. But it’s really lovely.
August 29, 2019
You know you’ve read (or are reading) a good book when you think about the characters while going about daily life, even after the book is finished, almost as if they were real, people you knew, could relate to, miss even…. And that’s exactly how you feel reading an Amanda Prowse novel. This one possibly more than others, as it was so real, so raw, so honest...
Nick has just lost his beloved wife, his first love, and Mother of his only son to cancer. He is desperately trying to deal with the grief of losing someone he has loved since the age of 17, along with keeping things together for the sake of his son, Olly, who is about to sit his final exams in the hope of heading off to college. Nick reflects on the past, on the issues in his marriage that mean it was less than perfect, and the battles of living in a small town where everyone knows your business whether you like it or not. His wife’s family are adding to the stress, and he feels torn in his own grief and helping his almost-adult son deal with the loss of his beloved Mum. Nick is trying to rebuild his life, Olly is trying to build a life, both of them not quite being able to find their way without Kerry. The two have a strong bond, but it is threatened when Olly feels that Nick is moving on too fast, replacing his Mum, and that is something they need to work through together. The fact that both Kerry’s family and Nick’s Mum have their opinions, only adds to the difficulties. The story is told with flashbacks to a Summer when Nick is around ten, happy times with his gang of three, who remain firm friends and colleagues to this day. It’s a nice tale that lets us understand a bit about the three boys and their upbringings.
There is such a theme throughout this book of friendship, family and love, and it all ties together so nicely in the way it is written, the references made and the fact that this could be absolutely any family, any group of friends in any small village.
My heart melted on a few occasions, but I don’t want to spoil the storyline for anyone who is yet to read it. I just loved how things came together, I adored Olly and his gesture of love and acceptance. He has struggled with so many issues and it shows the love of his Dad has gotten him through. He grows up and realises Nick is still young, still has a life to live, which doesn’t mean he loved Kerry any less.
The end was wonderful and so nicely done, it was heartwarming to see how it all panned out for everyone. I definitely think if any book deserves a sequel then this one does. And we all know how well Amanda can tie books together, perhaps we could find out how Olly gets on in future, or the story of Eric and Jen…. I’ll keep my fingers crossed on that one.
Thank you so much to Amanda & NetGalley for the privilege of this ARC.
Nick has just lost his beloved wife, his first love, and Mother of his only son to cancer. He is desperately trying to deal with the grief of losing someone he has loved since the age of 17, along with keeping things together for the sake of his son, Olly, who is about to sit his final exams in the hope of heading off to college. Nick reflects on the past, on the issues in his marriage that mean it was less than perfect, and the battles of living in a small town where everyone knows your business whether you like it or not. His wife’s family are adding to the stress, and he feels torn in his own grief and helping his almost-adult son deal with the loss of his beloved Mum. Nick is trying to rebuild his life, Olly is trying to build a life, both of them not quite being able to find their way without Kerry. The two have a strong bond, but it is threatened when Olly feels that Nick is moving on too fast, replacing his Mum, and that is something they need to work through together. The fact that both Kerry’s family and Nick’s Mum have their opinions, only adds to the difficulties. The story is told with flashbacks to a Summer when Nick is around ten, happy times with his gang of three, who remain firm friends and colleagues to this day. It’s a nice tale that lets us understand a bit about the three boys and their upbringings.
There is such a theme throughout this book of friendship, family and love, and it all ties together so nicely in the way it is written, the references made and the fact that this could be absolutely any family, any group of friends in any small village.
My heart melted on a few occasions, but I don’t want to spoil the storyline for anyone who is yet to read it. I just loved how things came together, I adored Olly and his gesture of love and acceptance. He has struggled with so many issues and it shows the love of his Dad has gotten him through. He grows up and realises Nick is still young, still has a life to live, which doesn’t mean he loved Kerry any less.
The end was wonderful and so nicely done, it was heartwarming to see how it all panned out for everyone. I definitely think if any book deserves a sequel then this one does. And we all know how well Amanda can tie books together, perhaps we could find out how Olly gets on in future, or the story of Eric and Jen…. I’ll keep my fingers crossed on that one.
Thank you so much to Amanda & NetGalley for the privilege of this ARC.
November 21, 2019
Well, Amanda Prowse has done it once again and delivered a beautifully written novel that will tug at your heartstrings and pull out all your emotions! In a slight twist to her usual strong female protagonist, The Light in the Hallway features a central male character and focuses on the loss of a loved one and how it affects family dynamics from a male point of view. Nick was with his wife Kerry from a young age and become a young father too. This meant that he didn’t proceed with his dreams of going to university but settled down happily to family life. Nick and Kerry’s life together wasn’t perfect but when he loses her to cancer and becomes a single parent to son Olly, he’s lost as the life with Kerry is all he has ever known. So it was wonderful to see him examine what he truly wanted from his life going forward. This was especially interesting for me to read as he was a “people pleaser” and often they are so busy looking to achieve the happiness of others that their own is forgotten. It’s a trait often focused upon only in women so it was refreshing to see this from a male perspective.
My favourite part of the narrative though was the father and son relationship that changed and grew after Kerry’s death. It was so poignant and helps to squash the myth that men shouldn’t talk about their emotions and keep them in check. It’s a well known fact that talking about feelings and acknowledging mental health issues is incredibly important for men so it see this cleverly done as the basis for this open and honest relationships between father and son was very much welcomed. There were also flashbacks in the narrative to Nicks childhood and his friendship with his two closest friends (Alex and Eric) as boys. These scenes provided an engaging and entertaining background to their friendship, explaining their adult connections and once again showing that men need that support from their peers as well as their family.
Once again there were a few tears being held back towards the end (oh who am I trying to kid-they were all over my face leaving me a snotty, blotchy mess!) as a perfectly crafted ending took me to a place where I was happy to leave Nick. Amanda’s books always feel like I’m catching up with old friends and I imagine her characters scattered all across the country-living their lives as if they are real people and getting on with whatever life throws at them. She has a wonderful gift for bringing her characters to life for her readers and I can’t wait for more of them to pop out of her head and come to meet us.
Highly recommended by me.
My favourite part of the narrative though was the father and son relationship that changed and grew after Kerry’s death. It was so poignant and helps to squash the myth that men shouldn’t talk about their emotions and keep them in check. It’s a well known fact that talking about feelings and acknowledging mental health issues is incredibly important for men so it see this cleverly done as the basis for this open and honest relationships between father and son was very much welcomed. There were also flashbacks in the narrative to Nicks childhood and his friendship with his two closest friends (Alex and Eric) as boys. These scenes provided an engaging and entertaining background to their friendship, explaining their adult connections and once again showing that men need that support from their peers as well as their family.
Once again there were a few tears being held back towards the end (oh who am I trying to kid-they were all over my face leaving me a snotty, blotchy mess!) as a perfectly crafted ending took me to a place where I was happy to leave Nick. Amanda’s books always feel like I’m catching up with old friends and I imagine her characters scattered all across the country-living their lives as if they are real people and getting on with whatever life throws at them. She has a wonderful gift for bringing her characters to life for her readers and I can’t wait for more of them to pop out of her head and come to meet us.
Highly recommended by me.
October 30, 2019
The Light in the Hallway
By Amanda Prowse
The thing that I loved best about this novel was that all of the characters were very nice people. Nobody was mean and the setting took place in a QUAINT little town where everybody knew everyone's business and there was no crime. As the story opens Nick is saying goodbye to his wife Kerry who is on death's doorway dying of cancer. It is in the very beginning so there isn't any chance for the reader to get to know Kerry except for a few lines Nick is musing in his head about something she said. They got married when Nick and Kerry were sixteen because Kerry was pregnant so when Nick is widowed he is only in his thirties. Nick is trying to persuade his son Oliver to go and say goodbye to his mother but Oliver refuses.
The story alternates between the time of present day and 1992 when Nick was ten years old and wanted a bike and his father said no he wasn't about to go into debt so Nick could have a bike.
"Debt provides the right level of worry to send a working man to an early grave. I saw it rip my parents apart and it's a state in which I will never live. Better to go without than to go into debt. Mark my words..." said Nicks dad. So his dad gets Nick a half bike which Nick and his two friend's Eric and Alex work on scavenging bike parts wherever they can find them.
In present day Oliver is going off to University and Nick is home alone with his memories lurking around his empty house. Nick gave up his own dream and also his dad's to go off to University by marrying Kerry when they were sixteen. If he didn't stand by her without question he wouldn't have his son Oliver. Nick is just trying to move on with his life and when he gets a new girlfriend he gets harassed by his sister in law Di and Oliver.
If you like warm stories where the small town living is quaint and the character's are all very kind and charming then this story is for you. I loved spending time with these lovely characters and miss them already. Amanda Prowse writes heart rendering stories with a gentle touch. This novel will be published around November first.
Thank you to Net Galley, Amanda Prowse and Lake Union Publishers for providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
"
By Amanda Prowse
The thing that I loved best about this novel was that all of the characters were very nice people. Nobody was mean and the setting took place in a QUAINT little town where everybody knew everyone's business and there was no crime. As the story opens Nick is saying goodbye to his wife Kerry who is on death's doorway dying of cancer. It is in the very beginning so there isn't any chance for the reader to get to know Kerry except for a few lines Nick is musing in his head about something she said. They got married when Nick and Kerry were sixteen because Kerry was pregnant so when Nick is widowed he is only in his thirties. Nick is trying to persuade his son Oliver to go and say goodbye to his mother but Oliver refuses.
The story alternates between the time of present day and 1992 when Nick was ten years old and wanted a bike and his father said no he wasn't about to go into debt so Nick could have a bike.
"Debt provides the right level of worry to send a working man to an early grave. I saw it rip my parents apart and it's a state in which I will never live. Better to go without than to go into debt. Mark my words..." said Nicks dad. So his dad gets Nick a half bike which Nick and his two friend's Eric and Alex work on scavenging bike parts wherever they can find them.
In present day Oliver is going off to University and Nick is home alone with his memories lurking around his empty house. Nick gave up his own dream and also his dad's to go off to University by marrying Kerry when they were sixteen. If he didn't stand by her without question he wouldn't have his son Oliver. Nick is just trying to move on with his life and when he gets a new girlfriend he gets harassed by his sister in law Di and Oliver.
If you like warm stories where the small town living is quaint and the character's are all very kind and charming then this story is for you. I loved spending time with these lovely characters and miss them already. Amanda Prowse writes heart rendering stories with a gentle touch. This novel will be published around November first.
Thank you to Net Galley, Amanda Prowse and Lake Union Publishers for providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
"
August 23, 2019
Yet another best-seller, methinks!
Amanda Prowse has fast become one of my favourite authors, with her way of weaving a story, so relatable and believable that you could be living it yourself, or you may even imagine knowing someone in the same situation.
The Light In The Hallway is no different.
We are taken on a journey with Nick, a grieving widower and father, who is still young enough to be in his prime, yet old enough to 'really know better'. At home, alone, having dropped his son to University, he begins to wonder how his life will pan out. How is he to greave? How long for? And with a sister-in-law hell-bent on making sure he abides by the rules society have set, regarding being a widower, and a son who is finding it hard to accept his mother's death, it's not easy.
Alongside Nick's story, runs a parallel tale from nearly thirty years before, involving Nick and his two best friends, Eric and Alex. Three young boys, at the beginning of their summer holiday, given a challenge by Nick's dad to build a bike. And they do. They complete that challenge, and experience a whole host of ups and downs along with it, proclaiming it the best summer.
The friendship provides Nick with a lot of support while he comes to terms with losing his childhood sweetheart and wife, Kerry.
This was a bittersweet tale about loss, and expectations, coupled with hope, and a definite recommended read from me! Mrs Amanda Prowse, I am guessing there will be many calls for a follow-up. We will all want to know what happens to Eric!
May thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Amanda Prowse has fast become one of my favourite authors, with her way of weaving a story, so relatable and believable that you could be living it yourself, or you may even imagine knowing someone in the same situation.
The Light In The Hallway is no different.
We are taken on a journey with Nick, a grieving widower and father, who is still young enough to be in his prime, yet old enough to 'really know better'. At home, alone, having dropped his son to University, he begins to wonder how his life will pan out. How is he to greave? How long for? And with a sister-in-law hell-bent on making sure he abides by the rules society have set, regarding being a widower, and a son who is finding it hard to accept his mother's death, it's not easy.
Alongside Nick's story, runs a parallel tale from nearly thirty years before, involving Nick and his two best friends, Eric and Alex. Three young boys, at the beginning of their summer holiday, given a challenge by Nick's dad to build a bike. And they do. They complete that challenge, and experience a whole host of ups and downs along with it, proclaiming it the best summer.
The friendship provides Nick with a lot of support while he comes to terms with losing his childhood sweetheart and wife, Kerry.
This was a bittersweet tale about loss, and expectations, coupled with hope, and a definite recommended read from me! Mrs Amanda Prowse, I am guessing there will be many calls for a follow-up. We will all want to know what happens to Eric!
May thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 23, 2019
This is a wonderful heartfelt story of how a husband comes to terms with the loss of his wife, dealing with his son going off to University and living on his own for the very first time.
Nick is a gem of a character and my heart went out to him. Olly, his son, is a true teenager and Amanda was spot on in her telling of his angst and grief at losing his mum, mixed in with the excitement of spreading his wings but at the same time worrying about leaving his dad on his own.
Running alongside the grown-up Nick, is the tale of him as a young lad. Amanda really brought to life the Summer of 1992. The inspiration of Nick’s dad finding half a bike for him and his pals to rebuild is superb in its telling and how the ramifications of that Summer shape the boys’ adult lives is not only thought provoking but integral to the story. The early part of Nick’s life left an indelible mark on me and I was in turn, smiling, laughing and reaching for my tissues.
Amanda’s insight into relationships, especially between fathers and sons shone through every page. The connection between Nick and Olly is put to the test when their lives change and move on in different ways. The author deals with both their feelings in a sympathetic but very honest way and it left me wanting to put my arms around them both and hug them to bits.
Absolutely outstanding.
Nick is a gem of a character and my heart went out to him. Olly, his son, is a true teenager and Amanda was spot on in her telling of his angst and grief at losing his mum, mixed in with the excitement of spreading his wings but at the same time worrying about leaving his dad on his own.
Running alongside the grown-up Nick, is the tale of him as a young lad. Amanda really brought to life the Summer of 1992. The inspiration of Nick’s dad finding half a bike for him and his pals to rebuild is superb in its telling and how the ramifications of that Summer shape the boys’ adult lives is not only thought provoking but integral to the story. The early part of Nick’s life left an indelible mark on me and I was in turn, smiling, laughing and reaching for my tissues.
Amanda’s insight into relationships, especially between fathers and sons shone through every page. The connection between Nick and Olly is put to the test when their lives change and move on in different ways. The author deals with both their feelings in a sympathetic but very honest way and it left me wanting to put my arms around them both and hug them to bits.
Absolutely outstanding.
August 25, 2019
A lovely book about friendship, love and loss, subjects that Amanda writes so well about. I have recently lost my own mum, so I was a little concerned that it maybe would be too emotional for me to enjoy properly, however as always Amanda dealt with the subject of loss and grieving so sympathetically and honestly that I was able to take some comfort from reading it.
Absolutely loved having the story of Nick’s childhood run along side his new life without Kerry as it gave you an insight to his friends that are helping him cope alone and it also showed you his character fully, his ability to put others before himself.
I cried at times and I laughed too, I willed him on and I tutted when things went wrong or he was judged.
Such a wonderful story that was uplifting and positive, and it certainly touched my heart.
I am grateful for the opportunity to read this advanced copy, and this is my unbiased opinion.
Absolutely loved having the story of Nick’s childhood run along side his new life without Kerry as it gave you an insight to his friends that are helping him cope alone and it also showed you his character fully, his ability to put others before himself.
I cried at times and I laughed too, I willed him on and I tutted when things went wrong or he was judged.
Such a wonderful story that was uplifting and positive, and it certainly touched my heart.
I am grateful for the opportunity to read this advanced copy, and this is my unbiased opinion.
August 30, 2019
First time reading this author and found it quite enjoyable. It takes a bit to get into the story but it doesn't disappoint. All about friendships, life, death,family,childhood memories and succeeding in life. Yes, it is somewhat predictable but it's the story and how they get to a place of bonding and beginning to live again after a death. A few laugh out loud moments and some that might bring a tear and one character you'd really like to slap! So yes, some believable moments. It is a book to be read slowly and will challenge thought about life events.
I received this book as a complimentary copy for an unbiased review.The opinions expressed are my own.
I received this book as a complimentary copy for an unbiased review.The opinions expressed are my own.
August 31, 2019
I requested this book based on the very positive reviews on the NetGalley website, but I must confess I don’t get all the rave reviews. I plodded through ⅔ of it until I threw my hands up from an excess of boredom and a complete overload of trite and stale writing and situations.
I’m glad so many people like it. Obviously, I didn’t. This is the second book by Amanda Prowse that I’ve read this year. The first one was equally dull.
I received this book as an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley.
I’m glad so many people like it. Obviously, I didn’t. This is the second book by Amanda Prowse that I’ve read this year. The first one was equally dull.
I received this book as an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley.
August 25, 2019
Oh my.....what a wonderful read. I loved the flash backs to the ‘best summer ever’ which explains how the boys are such good friends today. This story has so much real life emotional situations and I felt like I wmas right in the middle of it. The characters were written so realistically that I grew to feel like I know them personally. My only complaint is the story ended much to soon. I appreciate when an author does the final chapter in the future to give closure.
August 21, 2020
I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
I know this has some really good reviews.
But I just could not connect with the characters.
It did not help with the story going back in time and found the story boring and far too long.
This was a real struggle to finish.
Far better books out there.
I know this has some really good reviews.
But I just could not connect with the characters.
It did not help with the story going back in time and found the story boring and far too long.
This was a real struggle to finish.
Far better books out there.
August 22, 2019
Love love loved it
November 16, 2019
This was my first Amanda Prowse book, but it certainly won't be my last!
This novel explores love, loss, and life after in a very realistic way. It pushes the boundaries of Father and Son bonds to the limit as they navigate grief in their own ways through grief. It was really refreshing to have this story written through male perspectives.
Prowse captures human emotions brilliantly within these pages and has such a way with words you'll feel like you are right there as their story unfolds, you'll be rooting for Nick and Olly to find a way through their highs and lows.
A touching story that will have you reaching for the tissues! But also leaves you feeling hopeful that there can be life after loss.
This novel explores love, loss, and life after in a very realistic way. It pushes the boundaries of Father and Son bonds to the limit as they navigate grief in their own ways through grief. It was really refreshing to have this story written through male perspectives.
Prowse captures human emotions brilliantly within these pages and has such a way with words you'll feel like you are right there as their story unfolds, you'll be rooting for Nick and Olly to find a way through their highs and lows.
A touching story that will have you reaching for the tissues! But also leaves you feeling hopeful that there can be life after loss.
November 1, 2019
Nick finds himself a widower at 35 with an 18-year-old son after losing his wife, Kerry, to cancer. She was his high school sweetheart and was his one true love. After her death he is trying to do what is best for his son, Oliver, and for his and Kerry's family and try to navigate the rules of mourning like when is it okay to go out in public, how many times are you supposed to visit the grave and what flowers should you bring. In their small town of Burstonville any mistakes are duly noted and passed along the grapevine.
Nick had a great support system in his mother and mother-in-law and his two best friends growing up, particularly Eric. Nick's sister, Jen, isn't a very well developed character and I wish she had been fleshed out more because I would have liked some explanations behind some of her actions. Oliver is a typical 19-year-old, on the cusp of adulthood, scared because he lost his mother but just moving to university and becoming an adult and starting a relationship with a young woman. Nick and Oliver seemed to have a good relationship but, again, I wished we knew more about them.
Part of the story was told in flashbacks to the summer of 1992 with his friends, Alex and Eric, when they built and shared a bike together. It was interesting but I didn't see the point of it and really just wanted to get back to the main story.
I think the ending was overdone. It had a nice conclusion but I think it could have been less. If you read it I think you'll understand what I mean.
I received a copy of this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Nick had a great support system in his mother and mother-in-law and his two best friends growing up, particularly Eric. Nick's sister, Jen, isn't a very well developed character and I wish she had been fleshed out more because I would have liked some explanations behind some of her actions. Oliver is a typical 19-year-old, on the cusp of adulthood, scared because he lost his mother but just moving to university and becoming an adult and starting a relationship with a young woman. Nick and Oliver seemed to have a good relationship but, again, I wished we knew more about them.
Part of the story was told in flashbacks to the summer of 1992 with his friends, Alex and Eric, when they built and shared a bike together. It was interesting but I didn't see the point of it and really just wanted to get back to the main story.
I think the ending was overdone. It had a nice conclusion but I think it could have been less. If you read it I think you'll understand what I mean.
I received a copy of this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 22, 2019
My first time reading Amanda Prowse and I found her writing to be emotional and heartwarming and I am looking forward to reading her other novels.
It certainly was a roller coaster of emotions throughout the story and I particularly enjoyed the story being told in the present with flashbacks to the past which enabled us to get a deeper understanding of the characters. Her characters are well written and very relatable.
I definitely wasn’t prepared for how emotional it was and was brought to tears numerous times throughout the story both happy and sad.
I absolutely adored this heartwarming, emotional and hopeful story. Even days after finishing it I can’t stop thinking about it.
I want to thank Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review.
It certainly was a roller coaster of emotions throughout the story and I particularly enjoyed the story being told in the present with flashbacks to the past which enabled us to get a deeper understanding of the characters. Her characters are well written and very relatable.
I definitely wasn’t prepared for how emotional it was and was brought to tears numerous times throughout the story both happy and sad.
I absolutely adored this heartwarming, emotional and hopeful story. Even days after finishing it I can’t stop thinking about it.
I want to thank Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2020
I read this after a recommendation from a friend.
The idea behind it had me wanting to delve into and luckily for me I found it free via Prime reading.
I'll be honest, it sort of fell flat for me.
It was a little one dimensional. The emotion that should have come out of the pages was lacking.
I didn't feel sympathy for any of the characters and the dialogue was all rather forced, unnatural.
It's a shame as the story was promising and I think if it had been written/edited more then it had the potential to be one of those stories with all the feels involved.
Over all it was ok, but I won't be rushing to read anything else from this author.
The idea behind it had me wanting to delve into and luckily for me I found it free via Prime reading.
I'll be honest, it sort of fell flat for me.
It was a little one dimensional. The emotion that should have come out of the pages was lacking.
I didn't feel sympathy for any of the characters and the dialogue was all rather forced, unnatural.
It's a shame as the story was promising and I think if it had been written/edited more then it had the potential to be one of those stories with all the feels involved.
Over all it was ok, but I won't be rushing to read anything else from this author.
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