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Finding Henry Applebee
Here Henry was, once again in a bustling train station, ready to resume where he had left off all those years ago…
Finding Henry Applebee is a charming, tender and uplifting story about unlikely friendships, the power of love – and how it's never too late to change your life. Perfect for fans of The Single Ladies of the Jacaranda Retirement Village and The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry.
Eighty-five-year-old Henry Arthur Applebee has had a pretty good life. But one regret has haunted him for the last sixty-five years.
And so, on an ordinary December morning, he boards a train from London to Edinburgh. His goal is simple: to find the woman who disappeared from his life decades earlier. But Henry isn’t the only person on a mission. Also bound for Edinburgh is troubled teen, Ariel. And when the two strangers collide, what began as one humble journey will catapult them both into a whole new world…
Finding Henry Applebee is a charming, tender and uplifting story about unlikely friendships, the power of love – and how it's never too late to change your life. Perfect for fans of The Single Ladies of the Jacaranda Retirement Village and The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry.
Eighty-five-year-old Henry Arthur Applebee has had a pretty good life. But one regret has haunted him for the last sixty-five years.
And so, on an ordinary December morning, he boards a train from London to Edinburgh. His goal is simple: to find the woman who disappeared from his life decades earlier. But Henry isn’t the only person on a mission. Also bound for Edinburgh is troubled teen, Ariel. And when the two strangers collide, what began as one humble journey will catapult them both into a whole new world…
427 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2019
About the author
Celia Reynolds
1 book17 followersCelia Reynolds was born and raised in Wales and worked for almost twenty-five years in the film industry in London, and briefly Rome. In 2012, she left her job as European Marketing Director at Twentieth Century Fox to enrol in the Complete Creative Writing Course held at the Groucho Club in London's West End. Later that year, she was awarded Runner Up prize in the London Writers’ Club/Hush Short Story Competition with a story featuring one of the characters in her debut novel, "Finding Henry Applebee". After many years away, she is now based on the Gower coast in her native South Wales.
(Author addendum: there is another author called Celia Reynolds, who writes books with her husband about Christianity. In case of confusion, that is not the Celia Reynolds who wrote "Finding Henry Applebee".)
(Author addendum: there is another author called Celia Reynolds, who writes books with her husband about Christianity. In case of confusion, that is not the Celia Reynolds who wrote "Finding Henry Applebee".)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 271 reviews
October 31, 2019
Quest
A train journey, a journey through time and a journey of discovery, Finding Henry Applebee is a beautifully written story that delightfully enchants and reminds us that it’s never too late to pursue our dreams or right our wrongs.
Henry Applebee at eighty-five years of age and with the help of his niece manages to track down a woman living in Edinburgh who is the daughter of Francine Keeley, the only person he ever truly loved. Due to a misunderstanding and a mistake sixty-five years ago he lost Francine but tried often over the years to find her. When he arrives at Kings Cross train station in London to begin his journey, he is helped in a moment of need by a young woman, Ariel. In appreciation, he offers her a spare first-class train ticket beside him for their trip to Edinburgh. When they get settled they are joined across the aisle by a young Jazz musician, Travis, also travelling to Edinburgh. These serendipitous connections have far-reaching and intriguing consequences. The insights into Jazz music, which I don't really follow, were very interesting.
Celia Reynolds has formed fascinating characters that are strikingly drawn and have their own motives for visiting Scotland. The narrative provides a backdrop to each character with time shifts into their background. The steady revealing of the circumstances is delicately handled and as the trip progresses, more and more of their fortuitous adventure becomes apparent. The story paints a warm glow of nostalgia and the exciting anticipation of meeting a lost love or discovering a family secret is exquisitely detailed.
This story follows a topical theme involving an older person taking a trip to address some final stirring concern before it is finally too late, similar in mood to The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry. There is something heartening reading a story from an older person’s perspective that looks back at moments in their life, especially when it touches distinguished moments in history.
I would rate this book 4.5 stars and would highly recommend reading it. I would like to thank One More Chapter and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC version in return for an honest review.
A train journey, a journey through time and a journey of discovery, Finding Henry Applebee is a beautifully written story that delightfully enchants and reminds us that it’s never too late to pursue our dreams or right our wrongs.
Henry Applebee at eighty-five years of age and with the help of his niece manages to track down a woman living in Edinburgh who is the daughter of Francine Keeley, the only person he ever truly loved. Due to a misunderstanding and a mistake sixty-five years ago he lost Francine but tried often over the years to find her. When he arrives at Kings Cross train station in London to begin his journey, he is helped in a moment of need by a young woman, Ariel. In appreciation, he offers her a spare first-class train ticket beside him for their trip to Edinburgh. When they get settled they are joined across the aisle by a young Jazz musician, Travis, also travelling to Edinburgh. These serendipitous connections have far-reaching and intriguing consequences. The insights into Jazz music, which I don't really follow, were very interesting.
Celia Reynolds has formed fascinating characters that are strikingly drawn and have their own motives for visiting Scotland. The narrative provides a backdrop to each character with time shifts into their background. The steady revealing of the circumstances is delicately handled and as the trip progresses, more and more of their fortuitous adventure becomes apparent. The story paints a warm glow of nostalgia and the exciting anticipation of meeting a lost love or discovering a family secret is exquisitely detailed.
This story follows a topical theme involving an older person taking a trip to address some final stirring concern before it is finally too late, similar in mood to The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry. There is something heartening reading a story from an older person’s perspective that looks back at moments in their life, especially when it touches distinguished moments in history.
I would rate this book 4.5 stars and would highly recommend reading it. I would like to thank One More Chapter and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC version in return for an honest review.
October 2, 2019
A good story about an old man trying to right a wrong from his past. Henry is a very lovable character and I immediately wanted things to go well for him. Most of the book takes place on a train in England as Henry meets and chats with two young people, with frequent flashbacks into all their lives.
As I said, the story is good, but you need to be able to accept several really huge coincidences. Really huge. I had some difficulty with that but let it go and just enjoyed the read. The characters were all likeable and interesting and everything ties up neatly at the end.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
As I said, the story is good, but you need to be able to accept several really huge coincidences. Really huge. I had some difficulty with that but let it go and just enjoyed the read. The characters were all likeable and interesting and everything ties up neatly at the end.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
May 19, 2026
Eighty-five-year-old Henry Applebee is on the journey of his life. His plan is to travel by train in an effort to right the wrong from sixty-five years earlier. But before he boards that train, he meets a young woman named Ariel, who helps him when no one else seems to notice what is happening with him. In return Henry gives her his first-class ticket, which had been intended for his niece Amy before family circumstances caused her to have to forgo the trip. Ariel is on a journey and mission of her own. Ariel is on a journey to Edinburgh to hand deliver a letter her mother Estelle, wrote to a woman called Eve Marie. Who would have thought these two strangers would have anything in common? But as they journey on, they find they do. They also meet up with a young jazz musician called Travis.
Rather than saying any more, I think it is better to go into this book without knowing too much about it and just going with the flow.
Just a couple of other comments I will make. The story wanders around between 1he present, back to 1948 and a few other places so it takes a bit of concentration at times to keep up with the changes. And I could have done without some of the crass language and profanity. So. to sum up, there were times it didn’t quite engage me and other times when all I wanted to do was read it and I became annoyed when life interfered and didn’t allow me to keep reading. It certainly will not appeal to everyone, but I loved it, a solid four stars.
Rather than saying any more, I think it is better to go into this book without knowing too much about it and just going with the flow.
Just a couple of other comments I will make. The story wanders around between 1he present, back to 1948 and a few other places so it takes a bit of concentration at times to keep up with the changes. And I could have done without some of the crass language and profanity. So. to sum up, there were times it didn’t quite engage me and other times when all I wanted to do was read it and I became annoyed when life interfered and didn’t allow me to keep reading. It certainly will not appeal to everyone, but I loved it, a solid four stars.
January 23, 2020
Oh, this was such a lovely story. I fell in love all over again and finished the story thinking that true love really does exist. Henry Appleby is a wonderful man with a beautiful story. And one that made me well up several times too.
The narrative follows two generations and we not only have the dual timeline of Henry in 1948 with present day, but also perspectives from Ariel, Travis and Frank. Seemingly different stories that converge in Edinburgh, readers gradually learn that there is more connecting these travellers than just their final destination. Whilst desperate to hear Henry’s story on the train, I became increasingly keen to know what would happen once the characters reached Edinburgh. As such, I faced the inner conflict of wanting their train to simultaneously slow down and speed up!
Beautifully written, I could vividly imagine myself sitting with Henry and Francine. The narrative is so well-crafted that I felt like I had slipped into the bath: the plot was washing over me, making me feel rather warm and cosy inside. This is my first read by Reynolds and I really hope it is not my last.
Such a heartfelt story! I don’t tend to cry over stories but in this instance, Reynolds has created the perfect formula to pull at my heartstrings. With themes of love and family, Reynolds creatives an immersive story that makes an otherwise long and boring train journey so very addictive. Indeed, I think this book would be perfect for a long travel or even a day sat on the beach. I read this in a day because I could not put it down, wanting to know Henry’s past because he is such an endearing character.
This was such a lovely, innocent story. I loved Henry Appleby and was rooting for him to find perfect happiness. The blend between two generations, old and young, is perfectly created and I enjoyed this different style of love story. If you enjoyed 'Harold Fry' then I urge you not to wait any longer but add this to your reading lists.
With thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The narrative follows two generations and we not only have the dual timeline of Henry in 1948 with present day, but also perspectives from Ariel, Travis and Frank. Seemingly different stories that converge in Edinburgh, readers gradually learn that there is more connecting these travellers than just their final destination. Whilst desperate to hear Henry’s story on the train, I became increasingly keen to know what would happen once the characters reached Edinburgh. As such, I faced the inner conflict of wanting their train to simultaneously slow down and speed up!
Beautifully written, I could vividly imagine myself sitting with Henry and Francine. The narrative is so well-crafted that I felt like I had slipped into the bath: the plot was washing over me, making me feel rather warm and cosy inside. This is my first read by Reynolds and I really hope it is not my last.
Such a heartfelt story! I don’t tend to cry over stories but in this instance, Reynolds has created the perfect formula to pull at my heartstrings. With themes of love and family, Reynolds creatives an immersive story that makes an otherwise long and boring train journey so very addictive. Indeed, I think this book would be perfect for a long travel or even a day sat on the beach. I read this in a day because I could not put it down, wanting to know Henry’s past because he is such an endearing character.
This was such a lovely, innocent story. I loved Henry Appleby and was rooting for him to find perfect happiness. The blend between two generations, old and young, is perfectly created and I enjoyed this different style of love story. If you enjoyed 'Harold Fry' then I urge you not to wait any longer but add this to your reading lists.
With thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 9, 2020
2.5
Who's Henry Applebee? He's an English gentleman, eighty-five years old, on a quest to find the love of his life, whom he'd met when he was twenty and hadn't seen or heard from for sixty five years. He's got some apologising to do, so he's taking the train to Edinburgh to meet her daughter.
When unwell at the train station, he meets an unusual eighteen-year-old, Ariel, who's travelling to Edinburgh to deliver a letter from her mother. Ariel helps him along, so the two strike an unlikely friendship. On the train, there's a young American musician, who turns out to be the nephew of someone Ariel met when ten years old.
I felt like I had read this novel before. The secrets, misunderstandings, unlikely coincidences, regrets, family dysfunction, all told via multiple POVs and with different timelines, which at times felt superfluous. Many backstories didn't add much value. Unfortunately, this novel was one convenient coincidence after another to the point of becoming ridiculous. The novel could have benefited from some astute pruning.
Who's Henry Applebee? He's an English gentleman, eighty-five years old, on a quest to find the love of his life, whom he'd met when he was twenty and hadn't seen or heard from for sixty five years. He's got some apologising to do, so he's taking the train to Edinburgh to meet her daughter.
When unwell at the train station, he meets an unusual eighteen-year-old, Ariel, who's travelling to Edinburgh to deliver a letter from her mother. Ariel helps him along, so the two strike an unlikely friendship. On the train, there's a young American musician, who turns out to be the nephew of someone Ariel met when ten years old.
I felt like I had read this novel before. The secrets, misunderstandings, unlikely coincidences, regrets, family dysfunction, all told via multiple POVs and with different timelines, which at times felt superfluous. Many backstories didn't add much value. Unfortunately, this novel was one convenient coincidence after another to the point of becoming ridiculous. The novel could have benefited from some astute pruning.
May 26, 2020
This book is awful. Let me try to give you just some of the reasons why.
It has very few characters and they're all two dimensional (at best) and, it turns out, virtually or actually related to each other. Forget 6 degrees of separation, these people have barely 2 degrees between them – and the plotline is all the worse for it. They certainly don't talk like real people; the dialogue is overinflated, stilted, flowery, heavy-handed - but that's not really surprising as the prose is like that throughout.
An example: He blinks several times in deference to a surprisingly effulgent, mid-morning glare.
WHAT?! No need. "He blinks in the bright sunshine" works just fine, you know?
And the dialogue:
'Are you an actress?' a woman's voice asked nearby.
She raised her head and saw a slim, grey-haired lady aged anywhere from fifty to a hundred (IT ACTUALLY SAYS THAT!!!!!) blah blah...
'No, I'm not an actress. I'm a student,' Ariel replied.
'A student!' The woman tilted her head to one side. 'I don't think I've ever stopped being one of those. Seems to me like there's something new to learn every day! Still, with that pretty accent of yours, I bet you'd do a fabulous turn on the stage.' [*Reader looks around for the nearest knife to stab own eyes.*]
The similes are overused and cringe-worthy and - credit where it's due, I've never seen this before - even used to describe things that don't actually happen:
The force threatens to whisk [his flat cap] off his head entirely, but he manages to reach up and grab it before it spirals away, spinning like a herringboned frisbee into the boundless blue beyond.
I could spend hours giving more awful examples but I've wasted enough time on this book already. It's testament to how badly written it is that from about halfway through, I couldn't bear it any more and began skim-reading just to get to the end and see if anything good happened. (Spoiler alert - it didn't.)
Sorry, Celia Reynolds, I know that writing a book takes heart and soul and endless hours, but I think your publishers did you a disservice allowing this one to appear in print like this.
It has very few characters and they're all two dimensional (at best) and, it turns out, virtually or actually related to each other. Forget 6 degrees of separation, these people have barely 2 degrees between them – and the plotline is all the worse for it. They certainly don't talk like real people; the dialogue is overinflated, stilted, flowery, heavy-handed - but that's not really surprising as the prose is like that throughout.
An example: He blinks several times in deference to a surprisingly effulgent, mid-morning glare.
WHAT?! No need. "He blinks in the bright sunshine" works just fine, you know?
And the dialogue:
'Are you an actress?' a woman's voice asked nearby.
She raised her head and saw a slim, grey-haired lady aged anywhere from fifty to a hundred (IT ACTUALLY SAYS THAT!!!!!) blah blah...
'No, I'm not an actress. I'm a student,' Ariel replied.
'A student!' The woman tilted her head to one side. 'I don't think I've ever stopped being one of those. Seems to me like there's something new to learn every day! Still, with that pretty accent of yours, I bet you'd do a fabulous turn on the stage.' [*Reader looks around for the nearest knife to stab own eyes.*]
The similes are overused and cringe-worthy and - credit where it's due, I've never seen this before - even used to describe things that don't actually happen:
The force threatens to whisk [his flat cap] off his head entirely, but he manages to reach up and grab it before it spirals away, spinning like a herringboned frisbee into the boundless blue beyond.
I could spend hours giving more awful examples but I've wasted enough time on this book already. It's testament to how badly written it is that from about halfway through, I couldn't bear it any more and began skim-reading just to get to the end and see if anything good happened. (Spoiler alert - it didn't.)
Sorry, Celia Reynolds, I know that writing a book takes heart and soul and endless hours, but I think your publishers did you a disservice allowing this one to appear in print like this.
January 29, 2020
My goodness what a wonderful book.....it grabbed me from the first page right up until the last and when I finished it not only did I have tears in my eyes but, I felt I’d lost a friend once it was finished.
I’d read Harold Fry a couple of years ago but this one was much better. It was such a lovely, warm story and although the ending was sad...but happy as well it had a warmth with it while I was reading it.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a gentle story with a dual time-line.
I’d read Harold Fry a couple of years ago but this one was much better. It was such a lovely, warm story and although the ending was sad...but happy as well it had a warmth with it while I was reading it.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a gentle story with a dual time-line.
October 14, 2019
Finding Henry Applebee follows an 85 year old man, an 18 year old girl and a young man who find themselves sat together on a train from London to Edinburgh. On this train journey, they begin talking and sharing their life stories, and each character has an intricately woven backstory.
The first thing I noticed about this book was how easy the writing style is to read; I found it very quick and noticed that I could read it for long periods of time without losing interest.
The main character Henry is one that you instantly fall in love with. He is a somewhat lonely, kind old man that is haunted by something that happened to him when he was young. When reading a book with an elderly main character, I already know that it will pull on my heartstrings, but Henry was particularly likeable from the get-go, and I formed a strong connection to his character.
Ariel is also a very well written character. We are first introduced to her as being the one person in a crowded train station that pays any attention to an elderly man in need of some assistance, meaning we are instantly aware of her big heart. Throughout the story, Ariel grows up and develops a lot, and her reason for being on the train is what gives the book an element of mystery.
During this book, many tears were shed. I didn’t expect it to be so tragic and yet so heart warming. It is the kind of book that makes you want to hug your loved ones tightly.
I especially loved the last 40% of the book, as we explored how these strangers lives intertwined with one another and how this train journey impacted the course of their lives.
Overall, this was a thought provoking, wholesome read, and I am already planning on gifting it to a few family members at Christmas.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
The first thing I noticed about this book was how easy the writing style is to read; I found it very quick and noticed that I could read it for long periods of time without losing interest.
The main character Henry is one that you instantly fall in love with. He is a somewhat lonely, kind old man that is haunted by something that happened to him when he was young. When reading a book with an elderly main character, I already know that it will pull on my heartstrings, but Henry was particularly likeable from the get-go, and I formed a strong connection to his character.
Ariel is also a very well written character. We are first introduced to her as being the one person in a crowded train station that pays any attention to an elderly man in need of some assistance, meaning we are instantly aware of her big heart. Throughout the story, Ariel grows up and develops a lot, and her reason for being on the train is what gives the book an element of mystery.
During this book, many tears were shed. I didn’t expect it to be so tragic and yet so heart warming. It is the kind of book that makes you want to hug your loved ones tightly.
I especially loved the last 40% of the book, as we explored how these strangers lives intertwined with one another and how this train journey impacted the course of their lives.
Overall, this was a thought provoking, wholesome read, and I am already planning on gifting it to a few family members at Christmas.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
December 28, 2019
* Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *
This is a perfectly okay little book. The plot is endearing and the characters are cute. The beginning of the book is a bit convoluted and dense, but shapes up into something that is a bit more comfortable as the chapters move on. The story of Henry is a good one, if not a bit sad. I enjoyed him as a character. He reminded me a bit of Fredrik Backman's Ove and I wanted nothing but good things for him. His story crushed me a little in some places. Likewise, Ariel and Travis are perfectly fine.
And that...the perfectly fine...is what really made this book a three-star read for me. There was nothing particularly unique or shocking for me. The characters were good and I wanted good things for them, but I wasn't terribly emotional at their individual plights. The plot went more or less where I expected it to go and the "twist" was something I had pretty much surmised to a certain point when I was less than half way through the narrative. I will admit that the overall story line certainly went past the necessarily believable, but it's fiction...I gave that an easy pass. Finding Henry Applebee was a comforting little novel and it read easily.
This is a perfectly okay little book. The plot is endearing and the characters are cute. The beginning of the book is a bit convoluted and dense, but shapes up into something that is a bit more comfortable as the chapters move on. The story of Henry is a good one, if not a bit sad. I enjoyed him as a character. He reminded me a bit of Fredrik Backman's Ove and I wanted nothing but good things for him. His story crushed me a little in some places. Likewise, Ariel and Travis are perfectly fine.
And that...the perfectly fine...is what really made this book a three-star read for me. There was nothing particularly unique or shocking for me. The characters were good and I wanted good things for them, but I wasn't terribly emotional at their individual plights. The plot went more or less where I expected it to go and the "twist" was something I had pretty much surmised to a certain point when I was less than half way through the narrative. I will admit that the overall story line certainly went past the necessarily believable, but it's fiction...I gave that an easy pass. Finding Henry Applebee was a comforting little novel and it read easily.
November 5, 2020
Finding Henry Applebee
By Celia Reynolds
Finding Henry Applebee is such a heartwarming read I truly enjoyed. I love reading about second chances, and of course reading about eighty five year old Henry Arthur Applebee is such a delight. Set on his ways and trying to do something about a regret from sixty five years ago really captured my attention. But throw in a stranger or two, a teen named Ariel, and Travis a young jazz musician and the trip from London to Edinburgh all of a sudden takes a marvelous turn in this journey that is heartwarming, charming and uplifting.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this with the book club.
By Celia Reynolds
Finding Henry Applebee is such a heartwarming read I truly enjoyed. I love reading about second chances, and of course reading about eighty five year old Henry Arthur Applebee is such a delight. Set on his ways and trying to do something about a regret from sixty five years ago really captured my attention. But throw in a stranger or two, a teen named Ariel, and Travis a young jazz musician and the trip from London to Edinburgh all of a sudden takes a marvelous turn in this journey that is heartwarming, charming and uplifting.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this with the book club.
April 13, 2020
Not a fan. This story is (over)written in a style which I found irritating. Too much pointless detail, shallow characterisation and massive coincidences which at first are hard to swallow but ultimately (unintentionally) hilarious. I’m sure this is intended to be a touching tale of lost souls finding their true path in life and meaningful relationships. But the overwhelming feeling I had on finishing the book was relief. I stopped and read two other books on the way through to help me get through it. I would not have persisted if this had not been a book group choice.
November 22, 2020
Decent book but somehow everyone was related to each other
October 18, 2020
*** Note: I received e-copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley as a part of readalong. Many thanks to Claire @One More Chapter. ***
4.5 Stars
Finding Henry Applebee was touching fiction that revolved around three travelling companion Henry Applebee, Ariel and Travis and how their chance meeting connected them for life. It was about intergenerational relationship, friendship, family, guilt, misunderstanding, forgiveness, kindness, and how it’s never too late to pursue your dream and right the wrong.
All characters were realistic, developed, and likable. Best part of the book was intergenerational relationship, train journey and music. end. End was perfect, bittersweet and moving. It was amazing to see how they all connected with each other at the end.
Overall, Finding Henry Applebee was emotive, thought-provoking, moving and lovely fiction. I recommend this book if you love books with octogenarian main characters.
Read full review on my book blog by following this link- https://booksteacupnreviews.com/2020/...
4.5 Stars
Finding Henry Applebee was touching fiction that revolved around three travelling companion Henry Applebee, Ariel and Travis and how their chance meeting connected them for life. It was about intergenerational relationship, friendship, family, guilt, misunderstanding, forgiveness, kindness, and how it’s never too late to pursue your dream and right the wrong.
All characters were realistic, developed, and likable. Best part of the book was intergenerational relationship, train journey and music. end. End was perfect, bittersweet and moving. It was amazing to see how they all connected with each other at the end.
Overall, Finding Henry Applebee was emotive, thought-provoking, moving and lovely fiction. I recommend this book if you love books with octogenarian main characters.
Read full review on my book blog by following this link- https://booksteacupnreviews.com/2020/...
April 7, 2020
3,5 Stars
A 85 year old man and a teenager as unlikely journey pals on a train ride to Edinburgh. Each with their own mission to fulfil. And during the long hours of travel, we get to know both their stories...
I found Henry's story the most interesting, and I undestand that Ariel's story was important to the plot as well. But I really could have done without third travel pal Travis. His chapters were only half interesting and slowed down the whole story considerably for me. Although I very much liked him as a person, there was no real need to learn his background story.
"Finding Henry Applebee" is a rather quiet, slow, melancholic book which tells the reader that you can never be too old or too young to go out there and look for answers to your questions. And brings with it a real blast from the past at the end.
A 85 year old man and a teenager as unlikely journey pals on a train ride to Edinburgh. Each with their own mission to fulfil. And during the long hours of travel, we get to know both their stories...
I found Henry's story the most interesting, and I undestand that Ariel's story was important to the plot as well. But I really could have done without third travel pal Travis. His chapters were only half interesting and slowed down the whole story considerably for me. Although I very much liked him as a person, there was no real need to learn his background story.
"Finding Henry Applebee" is a rather quiet, slow, melancholic book which tells the reader that you can never be too old or too young to go out there and look for answers to your questions. And brings with it a real blast from the past at the end.
March 5, 2021
Absolutely perfect!
September 18, 2019
Visit the locations in the novel
Harold Fry set on a train! That's what I first though, but then that doesn't do the book justice in its own right. It's unique, lovingly written and emotional.
Delightful and charming and just a tiny bit teary. Oh yes.
Set on a train that travels from London to Edinburgh, but it really is the journey that shines and matters here. Who does Henry meet on the train and who impacts his life. Whose life does he make an impression on?
And then there's the delightful flashbacks - like the scenery flickering past the windows, it comes and goes and stays in your vision throughout the novel.
I'm feeling all huggable now
(full updated review here on The BookTrail) (
February 19, 2021
A nice enough, gentle read that meandered through to a feel good ending for all. Good bit of escapism and a very easy read...
October 12, 2020
Review to follow.
October 23, 2019
If you enjoy stories including the older generation interacting with the younger generation, then this book will definitely warm your heart. I happen to love these types of stories. My world brightens when I can talk to someone that has lived so much of their lives already and realizes what is important and what is not.
This book takes the reader on an adventure of an unlikely meeting of Henry Applebee (in his 80’s) and two young people, Ariel and Travis (approximately 18 and 23), when they all travel to the same location by train. As time goes by, conversations are exchanged, kindnesses offered and they leave the train changed people. Their interaction does not end at the train station.
I do not want to give much of the story away. This is a book best experienced as it is read, and knowing too much about the plot is not a good thing.
The story is centered by the fact that everything we do in life leads us to the path we will be following forward. Every decision (and non-decision) does effect the next step we take.
I totally enjoyed this wonderful journey with Henry, who definitely stole a piece of my heart. Some books stay with you, as you take your next step and this one is certainly going to be a part of me now.
This was the first book I read by Celia Reynolds. She is a fantastic author and I hope to read more from her in the future.
I was given this book by NetGalley and I thank them so much! I also want to thank HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and Harper Impulse for approving me to read this book! Please do yourself a major favor and add this to your TBR list. My review is my own opinion, not influence by receiving the ARC.
This book takes the reader on an adventure of an unlikely meeting of Henry Applebee (in his 80’s) and two young people, Ariel and Travis (approximately 18 and 23), when they all travel to the same location by train. As time goes by, conversations are exchanged, kindnesses offered and they leave the train changed people. Their interaction does not end at the train station.
I do not want to give much of the story away. This is a book best experienced as it is read, and knowing too much about the plot is not a good thing.
The story is centered by the fact that everything we do in life leads us to the path we will be following forward. Every decision (and non-decision) does effect the next step we take.
I totally enjoyed this wonderful journey with Henry, who definitely stole a piece of my heart. Some books stay with you, as you take your next step and this one is certainly going to be a part of me now.
This was the first book I read by Celia Reynolds. She is a fantastic author and I hope to read more from her in the future.
I was given this book by NetGalley and I thank them so much! I also want to thank HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and Harper Impulse for approving me to read this book! Please do yourself a major favor and add this to your TBR list. My review is my own opinion, not influence by receiving the ARC.
March 30, 2020
This story was charming in many ways. Who wouldn't find Henry Applebee appealing and the interaction between him and the eighteen year old Ariel was endearing. A tale of loves lost and found, hopes dashed and restored, journeys through life and time. But it was hard to swallow the numerous coincidences that brought all the characters together, all a bit to neat for me. I know many people will enjoy this book and really there is nothing really wrong with it. It took me ages to read which is unusual, I think I've been totally upskittled by the events of the last couple of weeks.
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April 16, 2021So sorry to all the fans, but I found this book very disappointing. A character driven story with three characters who are no deeper than a mud puddle and about as interesting. Honestly, I prefer a mud puddle. The writing is weak, uninteresting and slogging. The story is the same. I expected to be charmed by Henry Applebee, I was not. I had high hopes for this one, sadly I gave up on it. I'd already spent more time struggling to get through it than I should have. Pandemic reading is difficult right now.
April 22, 2020
A gentle story that proves that there are no ordinary journeys in life. I particularly liked the way in which the characters meet, then the interweaving of their stories and other encounters.
A well thought out plot, with plenty of scenic details of the settings.
Reminded me in certain parts and the overall sentiments of Rachel Joyce’s ‘The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry’.
Looking forward to reading further books by the author.
A well thought out plot, with plenty of scenic details of the settings.
Reminded me in certain parts and the overall sentiments of Rachel Joyce’s ‘The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry’.
Looking forward to reading further books by the author.
February 12, 2020
I can't believe how many readers fell for this. It was so utterly unbelievable, the coincidences were off the scale. This was no Harold Fry. Very disappointing and annoying (the author should really check out the grammar rules of first person pronouns)
October 11, 2020
What a delight of a story!
Finding Henry Applebee is a story about several characters, of which Henry is the main one,
An eighty-five-year-old man on a mission heads to Edinburgh to fulfil his heart's desire, except it was never going to be that simple, was it?
A young woman is also heading to Edinburgh to act out the last of her mother's wishes.
A twenty-something American Jazz musician is on his way to watch a much longed-for performance.
A chance meeting on a train. changes the lives of all three of these characters in a wonderful way.
I enjoyed reading this story, interspersed with flashbacks from the past featuring each of the main characters, adding layer upon layer to the plot.
I wanted to keep Henry Applebee, and look after him in my own home - what a sweetheart!
The story is filled with romance, of a deeper nature. What people do for love...
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Impulse and Killer Reads for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Finding Henry Applebee is a story about several characters, of which Henry is the main one,
An eighty-five-year-old man on a mission heads to Edinburgh to fulfil his heart's desire, except it was never going to be that simple, was it?
A young woman is also heading to Edinburgh to act out the last of her mother's wishes.
A twenty-something American Jazz musician is on his way to watch a much longed-for performance.
A chance meeting on a train. changes the lives of all three of these characters in a wonderful way.
I enjoyed reading this story, interspersed with flashbacks from the past featuring each of the main characters, adding layer upon layer to the plot.
I wanted to keep Henry Applebee, and look after him in my own home - what a sweetheart!
The story is filled with romance, of a deeper nature. What people do for love...
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Impulse and Killer Reads for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 14, 2020
This is a very lovely tale of Henry Applebee and his journey to right a past wrong. Along the way he meets the lovely Ariel and Travis and they listen to his tale during a train journey to Edinburgh.
I really enjoyed themes in the book and that the story unfolded on a train journey. Although predictable it was fun to follow each of the characters journeys and to see their little acts of kindness and missed chances.
My only criticism is that I felt few parts were a little repetitive, we were told of Henry and Francie's meeting in dreams of Henry's and then told again when he was retelling the story on the train...
I really enjoyed themes in the book and that the story unfolded on a train journey. Although predictable it was fun to follow each of the characters journeys and to see their little acts of kindness and missed chances.
My only criticism is that I felt few parts were a little repetitive, we were told of Henry and Francie's meeting in dreams of Henry's and then told again when he was retelling the story on the train...
March 13, 2021
3.5 stars. I found it slow to start with overly long chapters but flew through from about 40% onwards. I liked the characters and enjoyed the plot. I didn't even mind suspending my disbelief for all of those coincidences! Likeable characters and a great descriptions made this almost 4 stars in the end but needed to be a bit more pacy to begin. An enjoyable read though overall.
February 21, 2021
This story is so beautifully written. I absolutely loved it. Henry a 85 year old man is such a loveable character. Throughout his life he has carried a heavy burden of guilt. A tale of love, loss, misunderstandings, and hope. I definitely recommend it.
November 10, 2021
3.5 stars. A really nice read with great characters and scenic descriptions. Slightly far fetched / unrealistic in places but not enough to bother me. A few twists which once revealed seemed quite obvious but gave the book a bit of mystery all the same.
November 26, 2020
Beautiful ❤️
March 23, 2021
I don't seem to love 'feel good' books as much as everyone else does.
This is a sweet book but way too many coincidences and instant family relationships to be convincing.
This is a sweet book but way too many coincidences and instant family relationships to be convincing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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