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The Note #2
The Postcard
'Heart-warming, wonderful escapism and brimming with charm. I marvelled!' Christie Barlow.
The sequel to the bestselling phenomenon The Note – based on the true story of one girl and her 'train man'...
A year after the kiss that brought them together in a snowy train-station doorway, Maya and James are embarking on another journey – this time around the world.
The trip starts promisingly, with an opulent and romantic Indian wedding. But as their travels continue, Maya fears that 'love at first sight' might not survive trains, planes and tuk tuks, especially when she realises that what she really wants is a baby. Trouble is, James doesn't feel the same.
Meanwhile Maya's best friend Nena is struggling with the reality of being a new parent, little knowing that her friend risks losing the love of her life over her dreams of motherhood.
Can Maya and James navigate their different hopes and dreams to stay together? Or is love at first sight just a myth after all...
Perfect for fans of Josie Silver and Marian Keyes, The Postcard continues the once-in-a-lifetime love story that readers so took to their hearts.
The sequel to the bestselling phenomenon The Note – based on the true story of one girl and her 'train man'...
A year after the kiss that brought them together in a snowy train-station doorway, Maya and James are embarking on another journey – this time around the world.
The trip starts promisingly, with an opulent and romantic Indian wedding. But as their travels continue, Maya fears that 'love at first sight' might not survive trains, planes and tuk tuks, especially when she realises that what she really wants is a baby. Trouble is, James doesn't feel the same.
Meanwhile Maya's best friend Nena is struggling with the reality of being a new parent, little knowing that her friend risks losing the love of her life over her dreams of motherhood.
Can Maya and James navigate their different hopes and dreams to stay together? Or is love at first sight just a myth after all...
Perfect for fans of Josie Silver and Marian Keyes, The Postcard continues the once-in-a-lifetime love story that readers so took to their hearts.
280 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
September 9, 2019
Zoe Folbigg is one of those authors that you stumble across and realise what an absolute gem you have found and then proceed to tell everyone you know about. I came across her first novel The Note when my landlady left it on my doorstep as I needed a pick me up. More about that on my review of The Note if your interested. What a little miracle that was and I was so delighted to hear she wrote a sequel!
So, my thoughts on this book are a bit on the fence. Let's start with the main lady Maya Flowers. What a fantastic character she is, Zoe has based this novel on her real life, how much of this deviates from the real thing I am not entirely sure, however it makes for a good read. In this book leading on from The Note, we follow Maya and Train Man on their travels around the world. Nena, Maya's childrens Tv presenter best friend, also features heavily in the storyline and how her life is progressing being married and now a mother. We get more of the handsome Train Man and we also get an unexpected mystery sub plot running through the story. Sound interested?
It's a good happy read, perfect for holidays. I found it a little slow in places if I am brutally honest and I kind of felt it only reminded me about how good the first novel is. It's a nice follow on, but that is kind of it, just nice. Nothing riveting really happens, I knew what was going to happen at the end and it did not really hook me as the first did.
I love Zoe's style of writing and how relate-able her characters are. Her books are so fun to read and I wouldn't not read them. You can guarantee you will laugh and have a few hours escapism. I look forward to see what she brings out next and hopefully we get more Maya Flowers.
If you have read these books I suggest you visit Zoe Folbigg's website where she has all the copies of her column that she wrote for Fabulous magazine which is what this book is based on. Adds to the story and I had fun reading what actually happened to Zoe and her Train Man.
So, my thoughts on this book are a bit on the fence. Let's start with the main lady Maya Flowers. What a fantastic character she is, Zoe has based this novel on her real life, how much of this deviates from the real thing I am not entirely sure, however it makes for a good read. In this book leading on from The Note, we follow Maya and Train Man on their travels around the world. Nena, Maya's childrens Tv presenter best friend, also features heavily in the storyline and how her life is progressing being married and now a mother. We get more of the handsome Train Man and we also get an unexpected mystery sub plot running through the story. Sound interested?
It's a good happy read, perfect for holidays. I found it a little slow in places if I am brutally honest and I kind of felt it only reminded me about how good the first novel is. It's a nice follow on, but that is kind of it, just nice. Nothing riveting really happens, I knew what was going to happen at the end and it did not really hook me as the first did.
I love Zoe's style of writing and how relate-able her characters are. Her books are so fun to read and I wouldn't not read them. You can guarantee you will laugh and have a few hours escapism. I look forward to see what she brings out next and hopefully we get more Maya Flowers.
If you have read these books I suggest you visit Zoe Folbigg's website where she has all the copies of her column that she wrote for Fabulous magazine which is what this book is based on. Adds to the story and I had fun reading what actually happened to Zoe and her Train Man.
October 2, 2019
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This is my first novel by Zoe Folbigg, that brightened up my days during the rainy weather. Postcard is one of favourite romantic page turning stories that I have read, with characters and situations that I believed in.
I love reading about how love and romance starts. And finding out if the love will last forever. My favourite part of Postcard, is, this special chapter.
My Travels With Train Man
For almost a year after he started getting the 8.21 am to King’s Cross, 29 year old Maya wore a little bit of extra mascara. (I really liked this part) She had a plan by accidentally dropping her ticket, just to see if he would pick it up. It takes Maya almost a year to pluck up the courage to write him a note. But unfortunately he had a girlfriend. Then as by magic he appears again on the train. Maybe Maya and James should get married. I do love wedding themes and always hope that two couples that are in love marry and live happy ever after, even if they fell in love at first sight. If you liked reading The Day We Meet Again by Miranda Dickinson, you will love, The Postcard by Zoe Folbigg.
This is my first novel by Zoe Folbigg, that brightened up my days during the rainy weather. Postcard is one of favourite romantic page turning stories that I have read, with characters and situations that I believed in.
I love reading about how love and romance starts. And finding out if the love will last forever. My favourite part of Postcard, is, this special chapter.
My Travels With Train Man
For almost a year after he started getting the 8.21 am to King’s Cross, 29 year old Maya wore a little bit of extra mascara. (I really liked this part) She had a plan by accidentally dropping her ticket, just to see if he would pick it up. It takes Maya almost a year to pluck up the courage to write him a note. But unfortunately he had a girlfriend. Then as by magic he appears again on the train. Maybe Maya and James should get married. I do love wedding themes and always hope that two couples that are in love marry and live happy ever after, even if they fell in love at first sight. If you liked reading The Day We Meet Again by Miranda Dickinson, you will love, The Postcard by Zoe Folbigg.
August 28, 2020
Loved this!! I read the first one The Note and this one continues on from that. It’s a chick lit and is a very sweet read. It has a lovely ending to it high is always good and I wouldn’t be surprised if the author continues on with a third one. I feel it could do.
August 1, 2019
What an absolutely fabulous book this was! I read this book through The Pigeonhole, a free online book club, reading it with other readers on the web. It was split into 10 parts, called staves, that I read through the nifty Pigeonhole app.
I loved everything about this book, the characters, the plot and the exotic settings, as Maya and James went backpacking around the world. All the characters felt like real people who I could be friends with. In fact they felt like real friends by the time I’d finished reading and I was quite sad to be leaving them when I read the penultimate stave yesterday.
While Maya and James are backpacking in Southeast Asia, Maya’s best friend Nena, is back in London, struggling with a newborn. These chapters felt quite raw at times as they reminded me of how tough being a new Mum can be. I wanted to hug Nena and tell everything would be okay and I also wanted to shout at Tom when things got a bit hairy at work! I’ll say no more about that, as I don’t want to spoil the plot.
This is a wonderful book that’s become a favourite this year and I’ve discovered a new favourite author in Zoe Folbigg. I now need to go back and found out how Maya and James met by reading ‘The Note’ the book that started it all off.
I highly recommend this if you love books full of romance, backpacking and adventure in Southeast Asia.
I loved everything about this book, the characters, the plot and the exotic settings, as Maya and James went backpacking around the world. All the characters felt like real people who I could be friends with. In fact they felt like real friends by the time I’d finished reading and I was quite sad to be leaving them when I read the penultimate stave yesterday.
While Maya and James are backpacking in Southeast Asia, Maya’s best friend Nena, is back in London, struggling with a newborn. These chapters felt quite raw at times as they reminded me of how tough being a new Mum can be. I wanted to hug Nena and tell everything would be okay and I also wanted to shout at Tom when things got a bit hairy at work! I’ll say no more about that, as I don’t want to spoil the plot.
This is a wonderful book that’s become a favourite this year and I’ve discovered a new favourite author in Zoe Folbigg. I now need to go back and found out how Maya and James met by reading ‘The Note’ the book that started it all off.
I highly recommend this if you love books full of romance, backpacking and adventure in Southeast Asia.
February 19, 2020
I admit I only picked this one up to read about the protagonist’s globetrotting. Not good reason enough as I felt disconnected and the slow pace didn’t help matters either. Adequate and easy read just not substantial for me.
February 25, 2020
No. Just no. Firstly this isn't the fub travelouge novel you expect where Maya and James travel the world, have some sort of conflict and then work it out and come out stronger than ever while having adventures. While there are elements of it there are a number of things that let it down greatly.
1. Nena is just tired. The baby never sleeps. She's fatigued and will be better when the baby sleeps and weans.
Never mind she rarely leaves the house and is often in tears. Let's not once mention Post Partum Depression as a potential legitimate cause for all this and seek help for Nena, let's not have anyone tell her this is normal or blame anything other than fatigue. Nena is clearly not okay for 90% of her chapters and rather than use this as an educational tool she (with one chat from her husband after a pop in visit from a nurse who while concerned still doesn't mentiond PPD) gets over it enough to go to a mums and baby class and then the next cut is her being all better.
2. Manon Junot. From the very first chapter of the book where this new character is introduced without explanation I was annoyed and frustrated by this inclusion. It was not necessary to have the unrelated (until the very end) missing tourist at all and if anything weakened the story.
3. Clearly stalking a woman to 3 different countries is okay and for a moment possibly romantic-at least until your best friend emails you otherwise.
4. The book is called the postcard. There are no postcards in the book. The book itself does not qualify as a postcard.
If this had been the fun and sometimes dramatic travel story the blurb promised it would have been a great book. Heck even with the Nena stuff being better addressed it would have been great. But the Manon stuff needs to go.
1. Nena is just tired. The baby never sleeps. She's fatigued and will be better when the baby sleeps and weans.
Never mind she rarely leaves the house and is often in tears. Let's not once mention Post Partum Depression as a potential legitimate cause for all this and seek help for Nena, let's not have anyone tell her this is normal or blame anything other than fatigue. Nena is clearly not okay for 90% of her chapters and rather than use this as an educational tool she (with one chat from her husband after a pop in visit from a nurse who while concerned still doesn't mentiond PPD) gets over it enough to go to a mums and baby class and then the next cut is her being all better.
2. Manon Junot. From the very first chapter of the book where this new character is introduced without explanation I was annoyed and frustrated by this inclusion. It was not necessary to have the unrelated (until the very end) missing tourist at all and if anything weakened the story.
3. Clearly stalking a woman to 3 different countries is okay and for a moment possibly romantic-at least until your best friend emails you otherwise.
4. The book is called the postcard. There are no postcards in the book. The book itself does not qualify as a postcard.
If this had been the fun and sometimes dramatic travel story the blurb promised it would have been a great book. Heck even with the Nena stuff being better addressed it would have been great. But the Manon stuff needs to go.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 29, 2019
Cleverly written. Gorgeous characters. A page-turning plot.
What more could you ask for?
Apparently this is a sequel to the super successful book called The Note - but this in no way affected me reading this novel as a standalone.
Maya and her boyfriend James decide to travel the world. He gives up his photography career for twelve months and Maya writes a magazine column, describing the adventures they enjoy along the way.
But all is not straightforward - we're talking criminal investigations and challenging Far Eastern detoxes... and alongside this main plot we see the challenges of new motherhood through Maya's tired-out friend, Nena.
Three storylines are told as the novel winds its way, all of them utterly gripping.
An unforgettable story.
Thanks to Aria Fiction for an early review copy.
What more could you ask for?
Apparently this is a sequel to the super successful book called The Note - but this in no way affected me reading this novel as a standalone.
Maya and her boyfriend James decide to travel the world. He gives up his photography career for twelve months and Maya writes a magazine column, describing the adventures they enjoy along the way.
But all is not straightforward - we're talking criminal investigations and challenging Far Eastern detoxes... and alongside this main plot we see the challenges of new motherhood through Maya's tired-out friend, Nena.
Three storylines are told as the novel winds its way, all of them utterly gripping.
An unforgettable story.
Thanks to Aria Fiction for an early review copy.
July 20, 2019
Yikes. This was a mess. The stuff about Manon was just so out of place, but ridiculous in the book. Maya was 100% unlikeable and James was not much better. This book was just full of messy characters. The only decent folk were Dee and Lenny. Would have much rather read about them.
Graphic details about colonic poos are included in this book as well. Not exactly relaxing reading. And the ending! All of a sudden James has done a 180, Maya has spent the whole book basically complaining about him and nearly cheating with someone who treated her worse than garbage in the past. In short I think they deserve each other. That is not a good thing.
I just can’t recommend this.
My copy was provided by NetGalley for review, all opinions are my own.
Graphic details about colonic poos are included in this book as well. Not exactly relaxing reading. And the ending! All of a sudden James has done a 180, Maya has spent the whole book basically complaining about him and nearly cheating with someone who treated her worse than garbage in the past. In short I think they deserve each other. That is not a good thing.
I just can’t recommend this.
My copy was provided by NetGalley for review, all opinions are my own.
July 29, 2019
Thank you NetGalley and Aria for the ARC ebook copy provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
This is the second book in a series, a sequel to The Note, published in 2017. This time the story follows Maya and James on a year trip around the world. This book was full of charm and passion, with a sprinkling of intrigue, drama and adventure. I enjoyed Folbigg's characters as they come to life taking the readers along in this thrilling and exciting journey. I loved this read very much even though I didn't have a chance to read the first part of the series. This is an easy book to devour on a nice relaxing week-end to take to the beach or on a vacation with you this summer.
This is the second book in a series, a sequel to The Note, published in 2017. This time the story follows Maya and James on a year trip around the world. This book was full of charm and passion, with a sprinkling of intrigue, drama and adventure. I enjoyed Folbigg's characters as they come to life taking the readers along in this thrilling and exciting journey. I loved this read very much even though I didn't have a chance to read the first part of the series. This is an easy book to devour on a nice relaxing week-end to take to the beach or on a vacation with you this summer.
August 5, 2019
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher
THE POSTCARD by Zoe Folbigg is an entertaining story with plenty of travel adventures, or misadventures as the case may be, as two people who love each other figure out what they want from the future.
Maya and James are really doing it. For one whole year, they will leave all of their worries behind and embark on a travel adventure around the globe that will bring them even closer together. Magical sunsets, cocktails, and relaxation is the order of the day and Maya cannot wait. But what happens when the reality isn't exactly living up to the dream? Coffin boxes on buses, colonic irrigations, and dodgy accommodation seem to be the rule rather than the exception but at least they are together. But the more they travel, the more Maya realises that she wants what her best friend, Nena, has back at home, a beautiful baby and family life, but what if James doesn't want that?
Meanwhile back home confident, strong, and independent Nena is struggling to adjust to life as a mom. Stressed, exhausted, and just shocked by the reality of parenting, Nena is a little jealous of Maya living the glamorous travel life. But things have to get better soon, right?
THE POSTCARD by Zoe Folbigg is the second book in this series and I have to admit that I did not read the first but overall, this didn't affect my enjoyment of this book. The story is a little slow to start and there are parts of the story mentioning a missing tourist which confused me a little at the beginning, but once Maya and James really jumped into their travelling experience, I was hooked. There are moments that will make you laugh, parts that will make you sniffle, and I enjoyed learning about Nena, and the travelling companions that Maya and James met up with too, as it all added to make this story more than just a love story.
THE POSTCARD by Zoe Folbigg is an enjoyable story and I recommend it to fiction fans who love a little bit of everything in their romance reads.
THE POSTCARD by Zoe Folbigg is an entertaining story with plenty of travel adventures, or misadventures as the case may be, as two people who love each other figure out what they want from the future.
Maya and James are really doing it. For one whole year, they will leave all of their worries behind and embark on a travel adventure around the globe that will bring them even closer together. Magical sunsets, cocktails, and relaxation is the order of the day and Maya cannot wait. But what happens when the reality isn't exactly living up to the dream? Coffin boxes on buses, colonic irrigations, and dodgy accommodation seem to be the rule rather than the exception but at least they are together. But the more they travel, the more Maya realises that she wants what her best friend, Nena, has back at home, a beautiful baby and family life, but what if James doesn't want that?
Meanwhile back home confident, strong, and independent Nena is struggling to adjust to life as a mom. Stressed, exhausted, and just shocked by the reality of parenting, Nena is a little jealous of Maya living the glamorous travel life. But things have to get better soon, right?
THE POSTCARD by Zoe Folbigg is the second book in this series and I have to admit that I did not read the first but overall, this didn't affect my enjoyment of this book. The story is a little slow to start and there are parts of the story mentioning a missing tourist which confused me a little at the beginning, but once Maya and James really jumped into their travelling experience, I was hooked. There are moments that will make you laugh, parts that will make you sniffle, and I enjoyed learning about Nena, and the travelling companions that Maya and James met up with too, as it all added to make this story more than just a love story.
THE POSTCARD by Zoe Folbigg is an enjoyable story and I recommend it to fiction fans who love a little bit of everything in their romance reads.
June 23, 2019
The Postcard by Zoe Folbigg a five-star read that will want to write home about. This is the sequel story in the Note series and I loved it almost as hard as I did the first part the Note, getting to hear more from Maya and James just warmed my heart even when the story wasn’t warm, they just had something about them that gave you heart and courage. I have read and loved them both, but I would imagine that you could read them as stand-alone as they do have independent stories. Maya and Train Man aka James have a great tale to tell, it was so nice to go back and find out what happens next, usually after a novel we say goodbye to the characters and get to image they live happily ever after but the Postcard shows us that life doesn’t work like that. Zoe Folbigg is a great writer and one I love reading.
July 16, 2019
Ultimately it was the plane on the cover and the mention of a round the world trip that made me decide to read this book. After all I love books featuring travel, and I know people had raved about The Note, which I hadn't read, but I thought I would give this a go.
Well for the first 15% or so I was lost, there were far too many characters coming at me at once, while Maya and James prepare for this round the world trip. And even once they were abroad their first stop a lavish Indian wedding, I just wasn't connecting with the book.
But then as they started to travel, I felt more with the rhythm of the story, and yet I was still conflicted. Initially I was thinking I wasn't getting enough details on any of the places visited to get a real feel for them.
And then Maya and James went to a detox spa in Thailand, which Maya needed to mention in her weekly column she was writing - and frankly there was far far far too much detail on the treatments. At no point do I want to know what is coming out of a person during a self administered colonic irrigation.
Yet I'll admit the book started off with an unsettling first chapter that I couldn't quite get into but also felt as though it was not from a book of this genre, and let me to wonder what I was getting into. The story touched on in that first chapter actually turned into what kept me reading as I wanted to know what actually the truth of the matter was and just how it connected into Maya and James story.
And then there were also chapters from Nena's point of view, about life back in London as a mum to a 6 month old, who still isn't sleeping through the night, and how she is coping with motherhood.
It was after the retreat and once the couple went to Vietnam that I found myself really enjoying the story, there were some funny bits, some areas of despair and there was an unexpected conclusion for this couple that I just didn't really feel the connection between.
There was the introduction of another couple that added fabulous light relief to the book, and I just wanted to give Lenny a great big hug. I sort of wish we had their story instead, as I much preferred those characters.
Don't get me wrong there is nothing wrong with the writing and in parts I really was lost in the story, but it just didn't gel properly with me. I suspect the fact I hadn't read The Note may have been an issue, or maybe I was just expecting more from the book than was there.
Apart from the scenes that made me feel ill, it was an enjoyable story, and one that I'm sure fans of the author would enjoy a whole deal more than me. I would suggest that if you have read the blurb and it does appeal for you to give it a go, as it may just be it was the wrong book for me on the wrong day.
Thank you to Vicky Joss at Aria for this copy which I have reviewed honestly.
Well for the first 15% or so I was lost, there were far too many characters coming at me at once, while Maya and James prepare for this round the world trip. And even once they were abroad their first stop a lavish Indian wedding, I just wasn't connecting with the book.
But then as they started to travel, I felt more with the rhythm of the story, and yet I was still conflicted. Initially I was thinking I wasn't getting enough details on any of the places visited to get a real feel for them.
And then Maya and James went to a detox spa in Thailand, which Maya needed to mention in her weekly column she was writing - and frankly there was far far far too much detail on the treatments. At no point do I want to know what is coming out of a person during a self administered colonic irrigation.
Yet I'll admit the book started off with an unsettling first chapter that I couldn't quite get into but also felt as though it was not from a book of this genre, and let me to wonder what I was getting into. The story touched on in that first chapter actually turned into what kept me reading as I wanted to know what actually the truth of the matter was and just how it connected into Maya and James story.
And then there were also chapters from Nena's point of view, about life back in London as a mum to a 6 month old, who still isn't sleeping through the night, and how she is coping with motherhood.
It was after the retreat and once the couple went to Vietnam that I found myself really enjoying the story, there were some funny bits, some areas of despair and there was an unexpected conclusion for this couple that I just didn't really feel the connection between.
There was the introduction of another couple that added fabulous light relief to the book, and I just wanted to give Lenny a great big hug. I sort of wish we had their story instead, as I much preferred those characters.
Don't get me wrong there is nothing wrong with the writing and in parts I really was lost in the story, but it just didn't gel properly with me. I suspect the fact I hadn't read The Note may have been an issue, or maybe I was just expecting more from the book than was there.
Apart from the scenes that made me feel ill, it was an enjoyable story, and one that I'm sure fans of the author would enjoy a whole deal more than me. I would suggest that if you have read the blurb and it does appeal for you to give it a go, as it may just be it was the wrong book for me on the wrong day.
Thank you to Vicky Joss at Aria for this copy which I have reviewed honestly.
August 2, 2019
The Blurb :
A year after the kiss that brought them together in a snowy train-station doorway, Maya and James are embarking on another journey – this time around the world.
The trip starts promisingly, with an opulent and romantic Indian wedding. But as their travels continue, Maya fears that 'love at first sight' might not survive trains, planes and tuk tuks, especially when she realises that what she really wants is a baby, and James doesn't feel the same.
Can Maya and James navigate their different hopes and dreams to stay together? Or is love at first sight just a myth after all...
My Thoughts :
This is a sequel to Zoe Zolbigg’s first book The Note and as I enjoyed that one, I couldnt wait to get back to see where Maya and James were at now in their lives.
Having given up their jobs and leaving their family and friends behind, Maya and James are off the travel the world back packing. Pure escapism as its best. We also get to see how Maya’s best friend Nena is coping with motherhood after having baby Ava with Tom. She is struggling and exhausted. Feeling just a bit jealous of Maya’s life.
It was easy enough to follow the storyline and place characters as we were reminded of what happened in the first book. Although there is a lot of characters to get your head around this was full of laugh out loud moments, beautiful scenery and cliffhangers to be had.
This is one story will leave you wanting more.
A year after the kiss that brought them together in a snowy train-station doorway, Maya and James are embarking on another journey – this time around the world.
The trip starts promisingly, with an opulent and romantic Indian wedding. But as their travels continue, Maya fears that 'love at first sight' might not survive trains, planes and tuk tuks, especially when she realises that what she really wants is a baby, and James doesn't feel the same.
Can Maya and James navigate their different hopes and dreams to stay together? Or is love at first sight just a myth after all...
My Thoughts :
This is a sequel to Zoe Zolbigg’s first book The Note and as I enjoyed that one, I couldnt wait to get back to see where Maya and James were at now in their lives.
Having given up their jobs and leaving their family and friends behind, Maya and James are off the travel the world back packing. Pure escapism as its best. We also get to see how Maya’s best friend Nena is coping with motherhood after having baby Ava with Tom. She is struggling and exhausted. Feeling just a bit jealous of Maya’s life.
It was easy enough to follow the storyline and place characters as we were reminded of what happened in the first book. Although there is a lot of characters to get your head around this was full of laugh out loud moments, beautiful scenery and cliffhangers to be had.
This is one story will leave you wanting more.
August 11, 2019
Whilst this is a likeable enough story, I never really got into it. Why? Not sure, but I wonder if it's because it's so long since I read the previous novel?
Continuing on from the bestselling 'The Note' - which, I have to say I enjoyed very much - we find ourselves back with Maya and James, now living together and life has moved on for both of them. What starts as a trip to India to attend a wedding morphs into a year long back-packing trip after Maya persuades James round to her way of thinking. Whilst this is foremost the details of that trip, the book also jumps back and forward quite a bit.
I've been looking forward to reading this novel for weeks; working towards it on my spreadsheet and, yes, getting a little excited the closer I got. However, the latest versions of James and Maya just didn't click with me the way they had in the first book and I found myself on the back foot from the very beginning. I tried to get into the rhythm of the story but couldn't quite manage to make the connection to the previous book. However, I don't give up easily and whilst it's a nice read it just didn't do it for me. I know others have loved it, so I'm the one out of step here. I don't expect to love every book I read; perhaps if I had approached this as a stand-alone I may well have got more from it. Having given it considerable thought, I'm happy to give it 3.5 stars.
Continuing on from the bestselling 'The Note' - which, I have to say I enjoyed very much - we find ourselves back with Maya and James, now living together and life has moved on for both of them. What starts as a trip to India to attend a wedding morphs into a year long back-packing trip after Maya persuades James round to her way of thinking. Whilst this is foremost the details of that trip, the book also jumps back and forward quite a bit.
I've been looking forward to reading this novel for weeks; working towards it on my spreadsheet and, yes, getting a little excited the closer I got. However, the latest versions of James and Maya just didn't click with me the way they had in the first book and I found myself on the back foot from the very beginning. I tried to get into the rhythm of the story but couldn't quite manage to make the connection to the previous book. However, I don't give up easily and whilst it's a nice read it just didn't do it for me. I know others have loved it, so I'm the one out of step here. I don't expect to love every book I read; perhaps if I had approached this as a stand-alone I may well have got more from it. Having given it considerable thought, I'm happy to give it 3.5 stars.
July 23, 2019
Book # 2 for The Reading Rush 2019
James and Maya are back! I loved The Note and The Distance. The Postcard is the sequel to The Note and what a whirlwind journey it is! The beginning had me sucked in and the locations Maya and James travel to are so exotic. The level of detail is amazing. I felt like I was there. The sights smells experiences and tastes come through so well.
I've never been anywhere they went to and it was a joy traveling with them. I was chosen by Aria as one of the few to recieve a particularly early eARC which I quickly got into.
I also recieved a paperback ARC which came with a cute postcard showing the destinations in the book. I have a geography degree so anything with a travel theme has me absolutely hooked. Maya and James have plenty of issues to solve too so this makes for a compelling novel.
Thanks so much to Zoë Folbigg and Aria for my copies of The Postcard. Zoë Folbigg is so talented and always writes such page turners.
5 stars
James and Maya are back! I loved The Note and The Distance. The Postcard is the sequel to The Note and what a whirlwind journey it is! The beginning had me sucked in and the locations Maya and James travel to are so exotic. The level of detail is amazing. I felt like I was there. The sights smells experiences and tastes come through so well.
I've never been anywhere they went to and it was a joy traveling with them. I was chosen by Aria as one of the few to recieve a particularly early eARC which I quickly got into.
I also recieved a paperback ARC which came with a cute postcard showing the destinations in the book. I have a geography degree so anything with a travel theme has me absolutely hooked. Maya and James have plenty of issues to solve too so this makes for a compelling novel.
Thanks so much to Zoë Folbigg and Aria for my copies of The Postcard. Zoë Folbigg is so talented and always writes such page turners.
5 stars
August 1, 2019
This is the sequel to The Note. You don’t have to have read The Note to read this book but I think the background to the characters will add to the story.
That said, I did not really enjoy this book. The characters seem very empty and I just did not connect with them at all. The storyline is so unbelievable and seems to just come out of nowhere at the end. It just was missing substance throughout. I’m not sure I’d even recommend it as a holiday read.
That said, I did not really enjoy this book. The characters seem very empty and I just did not connect with them at all. The storyline is so unbelievable and seems to just come out of nowhere at the end. It just was missing substance throughout. I’m not sure I’d even recommend it as a holiday read.
August 20, 2019
The Postcard is a sequel to The Note which was published in 2017. At first I just wasn't connecting with the book as there were too many characters and I didn't get the relevance of all of the different threads, then all of a sudden - wham - I was hooked!
It's difficult to pinpoint why this was - I think the turning point was when the main characters, Maya and James, went off on their travels.
This is a follow-on story, however, The Postcard was a great read on its own and there were snippets about James and Maya's back-story throughout. I liked the different points of view as it was wonderful to see Maya's friends given some time to develop their stories, too. I found the novel really gripping and author Zoe Folbigg cleverly left the threads of each of the different stories on a cliffhanger, so that I needed to know what was going to happen next. I ended up falling in love with this book as it took me through many beautiful places with oodles of hope, humour and trepidation.
Overall, a fantastic escapist read!
Thank you to Zoe Folbigg and Pigeonhole for giving me the opportunity to read this book. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
It's difficult to pinpoint why this was - I think the turning point was when the main characters, Maya and James, went off on their travels.
This is a follow-on story, however, The Postcard was a great read on its own and there were snippets about James and Maya's back-story throughout. I liked the different points of view as it was wonderful to see Maya's friends given some time to develop their stories, too. I found the novel really gripping and author Zoe Folbigg cleverly left the threads of each of the different stories on a cliffhanger, so that I needed to know what was going to happen next. I ended up falling in love with this book as it took me through many beautiful places with oodles of hope, humour and trepidation.
Overall, a fantastic escapist read!
Thank you to Zoe Folbigg and Pigeonhole for giving me the opportunity to read this book. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
February 4, 2021
Not disappointing for a sequel of a novel with dreamy ending such as 'The Note'.
July 8, 2019
I was a bit unsure about reading this third book from Zoe Folbigg after having been disappointed with ‘The Distance’. However, knowing that this followed the story of Maya and James that we met in her first book ‘The Note’, I decided to give it a go. I’m so glad I did, this had the same kind of magic that ‘The Note’ did and really absorbs you into their story.
The story picks up a year after we left them finally getting together and this time follows them navigating a new relationship whilst also travelling the world. They go on an around the globe trip that doesn’t always go to plan.
When I first started to read the book, the first chapter had me really confused. I even checked twice whether I was reading the correct book or whether NetGalley had sent me the wrong document. All is revealed, though, and that random first chapter is a story that interweaves itself throughout the main story. We don’t just follow Maya and James’ adventures; we also check in on Nena who has recently had a baby with Tom. The usually vivacious woman is struggling with her new role as a mother and without her best friend around to help, she feels completely alone and lost. Maya and James have a lot of hurdles to overcome with backpacking around South Asia. It’s not all romance and fluffy hotels but real life-affirming challenges. It’s also getting to know the nitty-gritty of each other and what they want out of life. Is it the same, and can they get through what should have been a relationship-making trip?
The story certainly takes a very unexpected turn towards the end, and I would love to know if any of this is based on actual events like ‘The Note’ was. Unfortunately, in the NetGalley copy, there wasn’t an afterword from the author, so I’m still in the dark on this matter. It certainly added to the intrigue though thinking that some of the things and experiences may have been based on a true story?
A really uplifting, but at moments heartbreaking, book. I would definitely recommend this, and I am glad Folbigg went back to her roots with this book and gave us, the reader, what we so very much needed. To know what happened to Maya and Train Man!
Thanks for reading! If you want to see more of my reviews visit www.pinkanddizzy.com
The story picks up a year after we left them finally getting together and this time follows them navigating a new relationship whilst also travelling the world. They go on an around the globe trip that doesn’t always go to plan.
When I first started to read the book, the first chapter had me really confused. I even checked twice whether I was reading the correct book or whether NetGalley had sent me the wrong document. All is revealed, though, and that random first chapter is a story that interweaves itself throughout the main story. We don’t just follow Maya and James’ adventures; we also check in on Nena who has recently had a baby with Tom. The usually vivacious woman is struggling with her new role as a mother and without her best friend around to help, she feels completely alone and lost. Maya and James have a lot of hurdles to overcome with backpacking around South Asia. It’s not all romance and fluffy hotels but real life-affirming challenges. It’s also getting to know the nitty-gritty of each other and what they want out of life. Is it the same, and can they get through what should have been a relationship-making trip?
The story certainly takes a very unexpected turn towards the end, and I would love to know if any of this is based on actual events like ‘The Note’ was. Unfortunately, in the NetGalley copy, there wasn’t an afterword from the author, so I’m still in the dark on this matter. It certainly added to the intrigue though thinking that some of the things and experiences may have been based on a true story?
A really uplifting, but at moments heartbreaking, book. I would definitely recommend this, and I am glad Folbigg went back to her roots with this book and gave us, the reader, what we so very much needed. To know what happened to Maya and Train Man!
Thanks for reading! If you want to see more of my reviews visit www.pinkanddizzy.com
August 9, 2019
This is the sequel to Zoe Folbiggs ‘The Note’. We pick up the story as Maya and James plan on taking a year long trip travelling around the world. We are caught up with events from the year between the end of the first book and the start of this – I think you could read this happily as a standalone, but I always recommend reading a series in order (personal preference though).
Overall, I think The Postcard is charming, funny with elements of mystery, intrigue and even danger. I love when a book takes us on travels around the globe and was excited to hear about each destination. I mean, I love India and adore reading books that are set there or characters that travel through the country because I enjoy getting a picture in my mind of the place. I think we had some great glimpses of each place Maya and James enjoyed, but for me, I was left wanting more.
I quite enjoyed that we had the secondary storyline of Nena’s struggles with motherhood as well as the disappearance of backpacker Manon Junot in Thailand threading throughout. I understood the inclusion of Nena’s struggles – it contrasted to where Maya and James were in their relationship, but I admit I didn’t see why the Manon Junot storyline kept popping up at first.
I enjoyed how this books shows how we all put expectations on ourselves, we all compare ourselves to others even when their situations are completely different. It highlights how you should look at what you want from life and go for it, even if you didn’t initially set out with that goal in mind. Life is unexpected and not to be taken for granted.
I enjoyed the positive that exudes from the book, the writing is brilliant and we are given such a fantastic array of characters. Some quirky and funny, some annoying and you’ll want to punch them in their smarmy faces.
A highly enjoyable read for all. Thank you to Aria Fiction for the copy to review in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, I think The Postcard is charming, funny with elements of mystery, intrigue and even danger. I love when a book takes us on travels around the globe and was excited to hear about each destination. I mean, I love India and adore reading books that are set there or characters that travel through the country because I enjoy getting a picture in my mind of the place. I think we had some great glimpses of each place Maya and James enjoyed, but for me, I was left wanting more.
I quite enjoyed that we had the secondary storyline of Nena’s struggles with motherhood as well as the disappearance of backpacker Manon Junot in Thailand threading throughout. I understood the inclusion of Nena’s struggles – it contrasted to where Maya and James were in their relationship, but I admit I didn’t see why the Manon Junot storyline kept popping up at first.
I enjoyed how this books shows how we all put expectations on ourselves, we all compare ourselves to others even when their situations are completely different. It highlights how you should look at what you want from life and go for it, even if you didn’t initially set out with that goal in mind. Life is unexpected and not to be taken for granted.
I enjoyed the positive that exudes from the book, the writing is brilliant and we are given such a fantastic array of characters. Some quirky and funny, some annoying and you’ll want to punch them in their smarmy faces.
A highly enjoyable read for all. Thank you to Aria Fiction for the copy to review in exchange for an honest review.
June 15, 2019
You're in for a real treat!
Oh 'the shy guy with the dimple in his left cheek…' Intrigued? Well, you will be.
A year of travel to far-flung destinations begins for James and Maya. But can they survive what turns out to be a bigger test of their relationship than they could ever have expected? Especially as James wasn't that keen to begin with, but Maya convinced him it would be a year to 'talk, travel and make love.'
As Maya records her dispatches, for a magazine column, it turns out to be an adventure they will never forget. But is the real story more complex than the words she chooses to share with her readers? And will she have the courage to admit that? A cracking read.
Oh 'the shy guy with the dimple in his left cheek…' Intrigued? Well, you will be.
A year of travel to far-flung destinations begins for James and Maya. But can they survive what turns out to be a bigger test of their relationship than they could ever have expected? Especially as James wasn't that keen to begin with, but Maya convinced him it would be a year to 'talk, travel and make love.'
As Maya records her dispatches, for a magazine column, it turns out to be an adventure they will never forget. But is the real story more complex than the words she chooses to share with her readers? And will she have the courage to admit that? A cracking read.
August 26, 2019
Sometimes you just know that you are going to really enjoy reading a particular book. So much so that I put it to one side and went back to read the start of Maya and James' story - The Note. This sequel picks up straight after where the previous book stopped. Now a couple and living together in Maya's Victorian maisonette life has been pretty hectic for the dynamic duo.
Maya has retrained as a pastry chef and James is now a freelance photographer. His portfolio is growing by the day and he is THE in demand wedding photographer. Maya has been dreaming of backpacking round the world for some time so when James is booked to be photographer at his old boss's celebrity wedding in India it seems like to perfect way to kick off their travels.
All of the old favourites from the first book are here again. Best friend Nena is now happily married to Tom but struggling to come to terms with motherhood and what she perceives to be a lack of a bond between herself and baby Eva. Lack of sleep and feelings of inadequacy are starting to break up the strong bonds that she felt with Tom and his son Arlo.
Not long into the trip Maya begins to realise that she doesn't really want to travel. She wants a baby, her own baby. And she knows that James really doesn't. A series of adventures follow that are all punctuated by Maya treading on eggshells and not talking to James about what she really wants.
f you enjoyed The Note - and a lot of people did. It was Amazon Prime's most read book of 2018 - then there really isn't any choice. You need Maya Elizabeth Gloria Flowers and Train Man in your life!
Supplied by Net Galley and Aria in exchange for an honest review.
Maya has retrained as a pastry chef and James is now a freelance photographer. His portfolio is growing by the day and he is THE in demand wedding photographer. Maya has been dreaming of backpacking round the world for some time so when James is booked to be photographer at his old boss's celebrity wedding in India it seems like to perfect way to kick off their travels.
All of the old favourites from the first book are here again. Best friend Nena is now happily married to Tom but struggling to come to terms with motherhood and what she perceives to be a lack of a bond between herself and baby Eva. Lack of sleep and feelings of inadequacy are starting to break up the strong bonds that she felt with Tom and his son Arlo.
Not long into the trip Maya begins to realise that she doesn't really want to travel. She wants a baby, her own baby. And she knows that James really doesn't. A series of adventures follow that are all punctuated by Maya treading on eggshells and not talking to James about what she really wants.
f you enjoyed The Note - and a lot of people did. It was Amazon Prime's most read book of 2018 - then there really isn't any choice. You need Maya Elizabeth Gloria Flowers and Train Man in your life!
Supplied by Net Galley and Aria in exchange for an honest review.
August 22, 2019
In this second book of the series so far, Maya and her train man James set off to explore for a year places in the world they've never been to.
However why should be a good trip soon starts to show its cracks after they leave the wedding they were invited to, from traveling in a cramped bed compartment on a bus, trying weird and frankly awful sounding animal dishes and going for colonics at the orders of Maya's magazine column bosses the trip soon starts to look more worse than good...
Meanwhile back at home Maya's best friend Nena a children's entertainer and ballet dancer is now facing life as a new mum struggling a lot from crying, losing her temper and patience, being permanently tired and her husband still working, she's jealous of Maya and her ability to up and explore but just what is her husband Tom up to...
This book was fab, I was more engaged and hooked on the story in this second book of the series as the multiple perspectives were gripping seeing how each character faces a struggle and what gets thrown at them throughout the book kept me wanting to read on! It was a perfect holiday read I recommend especially if you enjoyed The I Heart series by Lindsey Kelk.
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
However why should be a good trip soon starts to show its cracks after they leave the wedding they were invited to, from traveling in a cramped bed compartment on a bus, trying weird and frankly awful sounding animal dishes and going for colonics at the orders of Maya's magazine column bosses the trip soon starts to look more worse than good...
Meanwhile back at home Maya's best friend Nena a children's entertainer and ballet dancer is now facing life as a new mum struggling a lot from crying, losing her temper and patience, being permanently tired and her husband still working, she's jealous of Maya and her ability to up and explore but just what is her husband Tom up to...
This book was fab, I was more engaged and hooked on the story in this second book of the series as the multiple perspectives were gripping seeing how each character faces a struggle and what gets thrown at them throughout the book kept me wanting to read on! It was a perfect holiday read I recommend especially if you enjoyed The I Heart series by Lindsey Kelk.
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
July 21, 2019
Thanks to Aria Fiction for a free copy of the book for the purpose of an honest review.
From the cover and the synopsis, you'd be forgiven for thinking this was a simple easy going novel about a couple travelling around the world - but you'd be wrong. The book starts with a surprising beginning which confused me a little as I didn't see how it would have any bearing on the story. However, this sub plot wove into the main story quite well and although I felt the story started a little slowly, it soon picked up and I wanted to find out more.
This is the second book in a series, following on from 'The Note', however this could easily be read as a stand alone book too. You find out a little about James and Maya's back story throughout 'The Postcard'. I liked the different POV's - it was nice to see Maya's friends given some time to develop their stories too.
I found the few pages towards to the end incredibly gripping as it came to a climax and it really shows that this book isn't what you'd necessarily expect. I really enjoyed the book and will definitely be checking out more of the author's work.
From the cover and the synopsis, you'd be forgiven for thinking this was a simple easy going novel about a couple travelling around the world - but you'd be wrong. The book starts with a surprising beginning which confused me a little as I didn't see how it would have any bearing on the story. However, this sub plot wove into the main story quite well and although I felt the story started a little slowly, it soon picked up and I wanted to find out more.
This is the second book in a series, following on from 'The Note', however this could easily be read as a stand alone book too. You find out a little about James and Maya's back story throughout 'The Postcard'. I liked the different POV's - it was nice to see Maya's friends given some time to develop their stories too.
I found the few pages towards to the end incredibly gripping as it came to a climax and it really shows that this book isn't what you'd necessarily expect. I really enjoyed the book and will definitely be checking out more of the author's work.
August 18, 2019
Romantic chic lit based on a true story and the second book in this series. I’d not read the first book but it didn’t affect the enjoyment of this second one.
Having taken the plunge and left their jobs for a year, this couple embark on an adventure around the world in the hopes that it will bring them closer together. With Maya’s hopes of romantic sunsets, tropical islands and maybe a proposal thrown in for good measure both her and James find the reality of backpacking can be stressful and tests their relationship to the limit.
Lovely atmospheric descriptions of countries add to the enjoyment as this novel ticks along. Not a pacy read and a bit slow to start with but it’s not a thriller so that’s fine. Nicely written with good central characters and plausible secondary ones. Not quite up there with the Sophie Kinsella’s and for me more humour would have given this the lift I felt it needed, however it was a decent holiday read and worth the time invested. A good 3 stars.
I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.
Having taken the plunge and left their jobs for a year, this couple embark on an adventure around the world in the hopes that it will bring them closer together. With Maya’s hopes of romantic sunsets, tropical islands and maybe a proposal thrown in for good measure both her and James find the reality of backpacking can be stressful and tests their relationship to the limit.
Lovely atmospheric descriptions of countries add to the enjoyment as this novel ticks along. Not a pacy read and a bit slow to start with but it’s not a thriller so that’s fine. Nicely written with good central characters and plausible secondary ones. Not quite up there with the Sophie Kinsella’s and for me more humour would have given this the lift I felt it needed, however it was a decent holiday read and worth the time invested. A good 3 stars.
I would like to thank the publisher for sending this in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2019
Very cleverly written book which I enjoyed. I have read the prequel to this but it was quite some time ago however it did not take long to get immersed into Maya’s world. The three distinctive threads are woven skilfully to create a fantastic story. There are definite high and low moments for all characters which can be instantly identifiable to all. Nenas story struck a instant chord. Read, escape and enjoy.
Thank you Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley
September 6, 2019
This is a follow up to The Note but I think it could be read as a standalone title. I have just read that The Note was based on a true story but not sure if that is true. This book follows Maya and James as they embark on a sort of gap year travelling around Asia. Throw in an old boyfriend, a lost woman and their own insecurities and you have a good read. Thank you to The Pigeonhole and the author for the chance to read this title in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2019
Thanks to netgalley for an early copy in return for an honest review
Having read the first book I was delighted to get an early copy this is a light refreshing summer read I can highly recommend.
Having read the first book I was delighted to get an early copy this is a light refreshing summer read I can highly recommend.
August 24, 2019
A year after finally getting together, Maya is trying her hand in baking while James is getting more and more work as a photographer. But these two lovebirds decide to take the year off and travel, although she sort of had to talk him into it. While they set off on their adventures, Maya is doing a column about their trip for Esprit magazine, James is still stressing about bookings that he canceled, although hopeful of getting work as a travel photographer, and Maya’s best friend is back home completely breaking down over the stress of motherhood. Sounds busy, but there’s more. Also woven into this story is the mystery of a young woman that has gone missing during her travels, as well as, Maya’s sudden realization that she wants to have a baby!
I loved The Note and was so excited to read The Postcard. But while I enjoyed The Postcard, I don’t think this follow-up is as good as the first novel. Perhaps it’s unfair to say that because rather than James and Maya remaining painted in a picture-perfect light at the end of The Note, The Postcard reminds readers of the realities of relationships and not everything stays so perfect after the couple walks off into the sunset. Not everything is going to be sunsets and roses after that amazing kiss that seals the deal with another person, however, most of my issues were with Maya herself. I found her hilarious and spunky in The Note, but this novel had me thinking descriptors such as “self-absorbed” and “spoiled.”
The Postcard is written with Folbigg’s trademark wit and charm, so any issues with a character here and there were frequently forgotten thanks to the writing and dialogue. This one started out a bit slow for me, but I assure you that once you get pulled into their travels and descriptions you will find yourself burning up the pages on this one. This author is the master of vivid language and imagery which evokes all the feels, sometimes gross, but I found the colonic hilarious, and she brilliantly keeps the reader on their toes as she navigates through her characters’ adventures. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future!
*Thanks to Aria and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
I loved The Note and was so excited to read The Postcard. But while I enjoyed The Postcard, I don’t think this follow-up is as good as the first novel. Perhaps it’s unfair to say that because rather than James and Maya remaining painted in a picture-perfect light at the end of The Note, The Postcard reminds readers of the realities of relationships and not everything stays so perfect after the couple walks off into the sunset. Not everything is going to be sunsets and roses after that amazing kiss that seals the deal with another person, however, most of my issues were with Maya herself. I found her hilarious and spunky in The Note, but this novel had me thinking descriptors such as “self-absorbed” and “spoiled.”
The Postcard is written with Folbigg’s trademark wit and charm, so any issues with a character here and there were frequently forgotten thanks to the writing and dialogue. This one started out a bit slow for me, but I assure you that once you get pulled into their travels and descriptions you will find yourself burning up the pages on this one. This author is the master of vivid language and imagery which evokes all the feels, sometimes gross, but I found the colonic hilarious, and she brilliantly keeps the reader on their toes as she navigates through her characters’ adventures. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future!
*Thanks to Aria and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
August 1, 2019
The postcard is the eagerly awaited (in my opinion) sequel to The Note featuring Maya and the Train man. You don’t need to have read the previous book to appreciate this novel, although I highly recommend you do at some point as it is a charming and heartwarming tale.
Now that Maya and James (Train man) are in a relationship, we meet them as they are about to take time out from their careers to go travelling, a trip instigated by Maya as a way to connect with each other before finally settling down to a life involving marriage and children. The character of Nena, Maya’s best friend also returns in this follow up. Much loved kids tv presenter, she is now a mother to baby Ava as well as to step son Arlo. The storyline alternates between Nena’s struggles with early motherhood, Maya and James travels plus a third thread involving the disappearance of backpacker Manon Junot in Thailand.
Nena’s first experiences of motherhood are captured beautifully by the author who writes compassionately about feelings of isolation, fatigue and failure. Obviously written from the heart these scenes will resonate with many. Equally, the sights, sounds, colours and smells of the exotic places Maya and James visit are brought alive with vivid description so that the reader can imagine journeying along with these two. Anecdotes of ‘Poocamp’ in Thailand are hilarious but it is not all smooth sailing as the story unfolds. Underlying tensions due to miscommunication, Maya’s secret yearning for marriage and motherhood, along with the unexpected appearance of Maya’s ex all combine to threaten the stability of this relationship.
This novel explores the ways in which we place expectations on ourselves, especially in terms of motherhood, how easy it can be to become derailed from our chosen path and that maybe what we thought we wanted from life turns out to be the complete opposite. It’s full of optimism and about doing the right thing when maybe that goes against how we really feel.
Heartfelt and heartwarming with relatable likeable characters, The Postcard is definitely one to read and guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
Now that Maya and James (Train man) are in a relationship, we meet them as they are about to take time out from their careers to go travelling, a trip instigated by Maya as a way to connect with each other before finally settling down to a life involving marriage and children. The character of Nena, Maya’s best friend also returns in this follow up. Much loved kids tv presenter, she is now a mother to baby Ava as well as to step son Arlo. The storyline alternates between Nena’s struggles with early motherhood, Maya and James travels plus a third thread involving the disappearance of backpacker Manon Junot in Thailand.
Nena’s first experiences of motherhood are captured beautifully by the author who writes compassionately about feelings of isolation, fatigue and failure. Obviously written from the heart these scenes will resonate with many. Equally, the sights, sounds, colours and smells of the exotic places Maya and James visit are brought alive with vivid description so that the reader can imagine journeying along with these two. Anecdotes of ‘Poocamp’ in Thailand are hilarious but it is not all smooth sailing as the story unfolds. Underlying tensions due to miscommunication, Maya’s secret yearning for marriage and motherhood, along with the unexpected appearance of Maya’s ex all combine to threaten the stability of this relationship.
This novel explores the ways in which we place expectations on ourselves, especially in terms of motherhood, how easy it can be to become derailed from our chosen path and that maybe what we thought we wanted from life turns out to be the complete opposite. It’s full of optimism and about doing the right thing when maybe that goes against how we really feel.
Heartfelt and heartwarming with relatable likeable characters, The Postcard is definitely one to read and guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
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