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A Bicycle Built for Sue
‘A warm, witty and endlessly wise story’ Cressida McLaughlin
‘Full of heart … I love the fabulous friendships’ Jo Thomas
Getting on her bike will change everything…
Sue Young has never asked for much apart from a quiet life. She’s always been happy with her call centre job and dinner on the table at six o clock; that was until her husband’s suicide tore her tranquility into little shreds.
With her life in tatters, Sue is persuaded to join a charity cycle ride led by Morning TV’s Kath Fuller, who is having a crisis of her own, and Sue’s self-appointed support crew are struggling with their own issues. Pensioner Flo Wilson is refusing to grow old, gracefully or otherwise, and a teen goth Raven Chakrabarti, is determined to dodge the path her family have mapped out for her.
Can the foursome cycle through saddle sores and chaffed thighs to a brighter future, or will pushing themselves to the limit prove harder than they thought?
‘Full of heart … I love the fabulous friendships’ Jo Thomas
Getting on her bike will change everything…
Sue Young has never asked for much apart from a quiet life. She’s always been happy with her call centre job and dinner on the table at six o clock; that was until her husband’s suicide tore her tranquility into little shreds.
With her life in tatters, Sue is persuaded to join a charity cycle ride led by Morning TV’s Kath Fuller, who is having a crisis of her own, and Sue’s self-appointed support crew are struggling with their own issues. Pensioner Flo Wilson is refusing to grow old, gracefully or otherwise, and a teen goth Raven Chakrabarti, is determined to dodge the path her family have mapped out for her.
Can the foursome cycle through saddle sores and chaffed thighs to a brighter future, or will pushing themselves to the limit prove harder than they thought?
- GenresFiction
384 pages, Paperback
Published January 7, 2021
23 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
Daisy Tate
9 books22 followersDaisy loves telling stories. Telling them in books is even better. When not writing, she raises stripey, Scottish cows, performs in amateur dramatics, pretends her life is a musical and bakes cakes that will never win her a place on a television baking show and writes other books under the name of Annie O'Neil, one of which is a Christmas Book called Miracle on Christmas Street. She was born in the USA but has never met Bruce Springsteen. She now calls East Sussex home.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 17, 2020
This book made me cry (in a good way).
The story follows four very different women - Sue, who is still reeling from being widowed; Raven - the big brown goth girl - who is struggling with her identity and independence from her family; Septuagenarian Flo, who is refusing to embrace retirement and TV personality, Kath, who is realising that she wants more than to be the bright and cheery face of breakfast TV.
These four women all end up on a charity bike ride to raise money for a mental health charity. They all go through a journey - in every sense of the word.
Following four storylines is tricky, but I was so invested in all four of them by the end! My favourite was Flo, gently falling back in love with the man she married.
This is not a romance (in case you thought it was, from the chicklit cover). It's excellent women's fiction. It's emotionally resonant and uplifting. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
It has also put me off every going on a bike ride longer than a hour long. :-)
I got a review copy from Netgalley. This is my honest review.
The story follows four very different women - Sue, who is still reeling from being widowed; Raven - the big brown goth girl - who is struggling with her identity and independence from her family; Septuagenarian Flo, who is refusing to embrace retirement and TV personality, Kath, who is realising that she wants more than to be the bright and cheery face of breakfast TV.
These four women all end up on a charity bike ride to raise money for a mental health charity. They all go through a journey - in every sense of the word.
Following four storylines is tricky, but I was so invested in all four of them by the end! My favourite was Flo, gently falling back in love with the man she married.
This is not a romance (in case you thought it was, from the chicklit cover). It's excellent women's fiction. It's emotionally resonant and uplifting. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
It has also put me off every going on a bike ride longer than a hour long. :-)
I got a review copy from Netgalley. This is my honest review.
June 24, 2023
Although I found this book quite slow and couldn’t fully immerse myself in it (it did improve as the book progressed and the storylines became more prominent and characters intertwined) I have to give it credit for the issues, and people this story highlights and sheds light on- the call handlers for charities such as the Samaritans/mind, the people struggling with grief and depression, those living with people’s suicide, relationships, life pressures and much more. To the people who take the time to listen- thank you. And to the rest of us, may we always take a moment to listen to others, never knowing what debt, despair or turmoil they are really going through.
I will say however the first 3 call centre phone logs at the beginning of this book had me on the phone to my mum reading it aloud howling with laughter- to the people who take these kind of calls, I salute you!
I will say however the first 3 call centre phone logs at the beginning of this book had me on the phone to my mum reading it aloud howling with laughter- to the people who take these kind of calls, I salute you!
October 23, 2020
In this funny, moving and ultimately uplifting book, author Daisy Tate cleverly takes us and her lead character, Sue, on an unexpected and inspiring journey, and - spoiler alert - a few tears may be shed along the way. It's an engaging, funny, sad, not-so-sad and very heart-warming read - a real page turner.
Immediately we are introduced to Sue and her supporting cast of Raven and Flo, all women of different ages and outlooks but with one thing in common - or perhaps two - they all work at a 111 NHS call centre. From the get-go we meet them through their call transcripts - each dealing with a member of public that we instantaneously judge. It can’t be helped - human nature, right? That’s the skill and insight that shines through in Daisy Tate’s writing. But as colleagues that's about as far as Sue, Flo and Raven’s relationships go until tragedy strikes. The shock of a sudden death brings them together and they embark on a coast-to-coast charity bike ride organised by daytime TV presenter Kath Fuller - a woman battling her own demons. As it turns out, the journey tests all four of them more than they were expecting, both physically and emotionally. All four women - Sue Raven Flo and Kath, come out the other side stronger and so much wiser - and we’re with them all the way. The women help and support each other to become the braver, more contented versions of themselves they always wanted to be; people who understand themselves and those whom they have taken for granted or simply misunderstood for many years, including themselves. And who couldn’t do with a bit of insight, eh? We feel Flo’s frustration with her dogged, by-the-book, read-the-instruction-manual, don’t-make-a-fuss retired husband Stu, - dear God how can anyone be that boring and still breathe?! - Daisy’s clever writing making the reader as irritated by him as Flo is - until Daisy flips the coin and we become a little ashamed of our misguided and judgmental opinion of such a wonderful man. Daisy Tate gently yet succinctly lays bare the little judgments and criticisms of which we are all guilty, turning them back on ourselves with a great dollop of kindness. Minor characters such as Sue’s brother Dean and sister-in-law Katie are drawn with great insight - we all know a Katie with her wonderful children and polished oak floor: ‘Oh, Suey.’ *tsk, tsk, tsk* ‘You know the children have far more valuable opportunities to express their inner child than at a soft play centre.’ Express their inner child? They were children.’ Tate’s writing is insightful and shot through with terrific humour.
It’s all here - crisis, sadness, happiness, tenderness, understanding, a smattering of anger, resolution - all told with wit and sensitivity and it cannot be disputed that the seat on which this story sits is a very serious subject. Like many readers I’m sure, I read the dedication but didn’t think much of it. Only when I had finished the entire book and re-read the dedication did I fully appreciate and understand it.
This isn’t a chick-lit book - such fluffy classification would do it a terrible disservice; it’s more about empowerment, learning to love yourself, understanding and valuing others - stopping to smell the roses. If you want a book that makes you say Yes I Can, and book that makes you feel Better About Everything, then this is it.
Immediately we are introduced to Sue and her supporting cast of Raven and Flo, all women of different ages and outlooks but with one thing in common - or perhaps two - they all work at a 111 NHS call centre. From the get-go we meet them through their call transcripts - each dealing with a member of public that we instantaneously judge. It can’t be helped - human nature, right? That’s the skill and insight that shines through in Daisy Tate’s writing. But as colleagues that's about as far as Sue, Flo and Raven’s relationships go until tragedy strikes. The shock of a sudden death brings them together and they embark on a coast-to-coast charity bike ride organised by daytime TV presenter Kath Fuller - a woman battling her own demons. As it turns out, the journey tests all four of them more than they were expecting, both physically and emotionally. All four women - Sue Raven Flo and Kath, come out the other side stronger and so much wiser - and we’re with them all the way. The women help and support each other to become the braver, more contented versions of themselves they always wanted to be; people who understand themselves and those whom they have taken for granted or simply misunderstood for many years, including themselves. And who couldn’t do with a bit of insight, eh? We feel Flo’s frustration with her dogged, by-the-book, read-the-instruction-manual, don’t-make-a-fuss retired husband Stu, - dear God how can anyone be that boring and still breathe?! - Daisy’s clever writing making the reader as irritated by him as Flo is - until Daisy flips the coin and we become a little ashamed of our misguided and judgmental opinion of such a wonderful man. Daisy Tate gently yet succinctly lays bare the little judgments and criticisms of which we are all guilty, turning them back on ourselves with a great dollop of kindness. Minor characters such as Sue’s brother Dean and sister-in-law Katie are drawn with great insight - we all know a Katie with her wonderful children and polished oak floor: ‘Oh, Suey.’ *tsk, tsk, tsk* ‘You know the children have far more valuable opportunities to express their inner child than at a soft play centre.’ Express their inner child? They were children.’ Tate’s writing is insightful and shot through with terrific humour.
It’s all here - crisis, sadness, happiness, tenderness, understanding, a smattering of anger, resolution - all told with wit and sensitivity and it cannot be disputed that the seat on which this story sits is a very serious subject. Like many readers I’m sure, I read the dedication but didn’t think much of it. Only when I had finished the entire book and re-read the dedication did I fully appreciate and understand it.
This isn’t a chick-lit book - such fluffy classification would do it a terrible disservice; it’s more about empowerment, learning to love yourself, understanding and valuing others - stopping to smell the roses. If you want a book that makes you say Yes I Can, and book that makes you feel Better About Everything, then this is it.
June 20, 2020
I recently read and enjoyed Daisy Tate's Happy Glampers novel. I was pleased to hear that she had written a new book called a Bicycle built for Sue. I was delighted to then receive an early preview copy of this book from Netgalley and the Publisher. This is a completely new and unrelated book to her first book.
This book features four different Women, Sue who has recently been widowed after her Husband's suicide. Raven who is confused about what she wants to do after she has left college. Flo, who is determined not to grow old now that she is in her 70's. Then there is Kath, a well known tv personality who feels guilt after her brother took his own life, she decides to do a charity bike ride along Hadrian's Wall.
Sue, Flo and Raven work together in a 111 call centre, and are persuaded to join the bike ride. Eager to escape the plans that their families think that they should do for their future, they decide to take part in the challenge.
This book often mentions suicide and mental health. It can be difficult to read about these subjects, but I think that it is an important subject that doesn't often get talked about enough.
Despite the hard hitting subject, I found this book compelling to read. It was easy to follow each of the characters stories. The unlikely foursome of the Women soon turned into real friendship, as they helped and encouraged each other to finish the bike ride, and decide what the next steps in their lives were going to be.
The characters were likeable, apart from a couple. It was lovely to see the characters make decisions and change their lives. This book is very sad and tearful in places, but it is also heartwarming and uplifting too. I enjoyed reading this book, and I hope that there are more books by this author in the future.
This book features four different Women, Sue who has recently been widowed after her Husband's suicide. Raven who is confused about what she wants to do after she has left college. Flo, who is determined not to grow old now that she is in her 70's. Then there is Kath, a well known tv personality who feels guilt after her brother took his own life, she decides to do a charity bike ride along Hadrian's Wall.
Sue, Flo and Raven work together in a 111 call centre, and are persuaded to join the bike ride. Eager to escape the plans that their families think that they should do for their future, they decide to take part in the challenge.
This book often mentions suicide and mental health. It can be difficult to read about these subjects, but I think that it is an important subject that doesn't often get talked about enough.
Despite the hard hitting subject, I found this book compelling to read. It was easy to follow each of the characters stories. The unlikely foursome of the Women soon turned into real friendship, as they helped and encouraged each other to finish the bike ride, and decide what the next steps in their lives were going to be.
The characters were likeable, apart from a couple. It was lovely to see the characters make decisions and change their lives. This book is very sad and tearful in places, but it is also heartwarming and uplifting too. I enjoyed reading this book, and I hope that there are more books by this author in the future.
September 1, 2020
I was really looking forward to reading this book, after loving the Happy Glampers. Daisys very easy way of drawing one into a story makes you want to read the entire book in one sitting.
I managed to stretch my enjoyment of “bicycle” into 3 sittings!
I felt such empathy for each of the characters, each having something very easy to relate to about them. I would recommend this to anyone who is a wife, anyone who is a friend, anyone who feels a little lost.
Reading This was like sitting with an old friend, and feeling all of their feels. I really look forward to being able to lose myself in Daisys next novel. Dont keep us waiting too long!
I managed to stretch my enjoyment of “bicycle” into 3 sittings!
I felt such empathy for each of the characters, each having something very easy to relate to about them. I would recommend this to anyone who is a wife, anyone who is a friend, anyone who feels a little lost.
Reading This was like sitting with an old friend, and feeling all of their feels. I really look forward to being able to lose myself in Daisys next novel. Dont keep us waiting too long!
March 9, 2021
Lovely book. Great tale of friendship and how 4 very different women support each other in life. Highly recommend this book.
April 24, 2021
Clever, moving, funny, intelligent. My first Daisy Tate - but it won't be my last
June 25, 2020
A poignant and heartwarming story that I found engrossing and entertaining.
A great cast of interesting and well rounded characters, a plot that made me smile and moved me and an excellent style of writing.
I found it a bit slow at the beginning but after a bit I was hooked.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
A great cast of interesting and well rounded characters, a plot that made me smile and moved me and an excellent style of writing.
I found it a bit slow at the beginning but after a bit I was hooked.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
June 21, 2020
I really enjoyed happy campers so had high expectations for this book, initially I found it quite hard to get into but I’m glad I persevered as towards the middle it became much more readable and kept me interested!
The importance of female friendship and mental health portrayed a really important message in a sensitive and tender manner! Raven , flo and sue demonstrated that even the most unlikely of friendships can have such beneficial effects and that’s so important no matter what age you are, the thought of undertaking such a bike ride would fill me with dread but would love the sense of camaraderie and achievement they all achieved.
Thank you net galley for this early read.
The importance of female friendship and mental health portrayed a really important message in a sensitive and tender manner! Raven , flo and sue demonstrated that even the most unlikely of friendships can have such beneficial effects and that’s so important no matter what age you are, the thought of undertaking such a bike ride would fill me with dread but would love the sense of camaraderie and achievement they all achieved.
Thank you net galley for this early read.
August 13, 2023
Thank you AK for this lovely book <3
July 6, 2023
I bought this book in a random charity shop after my first therapy session because I was overwhelmed, homesick, and it reminded me of my mum. I didn’t look it up before and had no real idea what was waiting for me, just that it gave me the sense of peace I was looking for at that time. This remained true at the end of the story too. I found the most bittersweet but heartwarming story inside. I grew so attached to Sue, Flo and Raven that the end had me in full tears but for all the right reasons. This is such an important story to tell and I’m thankful to have read it.
September 19, 2020
TRIGGER WARNING: this book deals with the aftermath of suicide.
Sue is a 111 call handler, her days are varied and often comical. But one day she is the one to call, after she arrives home to find her husband has committed suicide. Flo is in her 70s and determined that life should still be full of adventures yet her husband wants a peaceful retirement. Raven is taking a gap year before university, battling against her parents' expectations of being a lawyer. Kath is one half of a celbrity couple who is growing increasingly unhappy with her insensitive husband.
Together the women challenge themselves to complete a charity cycle ride. Can they overcome more than just the miles...?
A Bicycle Built For Sue is an uplifting but often heartbreaking book to read. Humour and love radiate from the pages but so do loss and grief. There is such warmth in the style of writing and I enjoyed the transcripts of the 111 calls which were full of pathos as well as being funny.
The characters are all down to earth and very likeable so it is easy to identify with them and want them to find happiness despite the despair they are facing. I think it is clever that the author Daisy Tate chose women from different age ranges to appeal to multiple audiences, and I could certainly see a little of myself in all of the four lead characters.
Some serious issues are dealt with over the course of the book but they are handled sensitively. There is an honesty and realism about the events and characters that engages us as readers but this is softened by the gentle humour.
The bravery of the main four women comes to the fore as they struggle to complete the cycle ride and find out some home truths along the way. Their realisation about their lives, loves and opportunities, and the subsequent drive to make positive changes did make my eyes glisten by the end.
A Bicycle Built For Sue is the first book I have read by Daisy Tate but certainly won't be the last!
Sue is a 111 call handler, her days are varied and often comical. But one day she is the one to call, after she arrives home to find her husband has committed suicide. Flo is in her 70s and determined that life should still be full of adventures yet her husband wants a peaceful retirement. Raven is taking a gap year before university, battling against her parents' expectations of being a lawyer. Kath is one half of a celbrity couple who is growing increasingly unhappy with her insensitive husband.
Together the women challenge themselves to complete a charity cycle ride. Can they overcome more than just the miles...?
A Bicycle Built For Sue is an uplifting but often heartbreaking book to read. Humour and love radiate from the pages but so do loss and grief. There is such warmth in the style of writing and I enjoyed the transcripts of the 111 calls which were full of pathos as well as being funny.
The characters are all down to earth and very likeable so it is easy to identify with them and want them to find happiness despite the despair they are facing. I think it is clever that the author Daisy Tate chose women from different age ranges to appeal to multiple audiences, and I could certainly see a little of myself in all of the four lead characters.
Some serious issues are dealt with over the course of the book but they are handled sensitively. There is an honesty and realism about the events and characters that engages us as readers but this is softened by the gentle humour.
The bravery of the main four women comes to the fore as they struggle to complete the cycle ride and find out some home truths along the way. Their realisation about their lives, loves and opportunities, and the subsequent drive to make positive changes did make my eyes glisten by the end.
A Bicycle Built For Sue is the first book I have read by Daisy Tate but certainly won't be the last!
February 7, 2021
This beautifully written British drama, tackles some heavy home truths whilst remaining gentle enough to encourage folk to reach out to their loved ones and offer support in times of darkness. Content with her ordinary tea and biscuits routinised life, Sue Young is flung into the throws of shock and grief when her husband Gary suddenly commits suicide, having previously shown no signs of depression or mental health struggles. It becomes evident fairly quickly, however, that Sue has little to no support from her family who appear more preoccupied with getting on with it in a type of ‘stiff upper lip’ way, rather than supporting her through her tremendous loss. Interestingly enough, it is her colleagues at the NHS call centre where she works that become her lifeline, and so it is only natural that the three women develop a lifelong friendship built on trust, loyalty and support when committing to a cross country bike ride to raise money for a mental health charity driven by Kath, a breakfast TV presenter. Despite the fact that all three women are at very different stages in life; Flo in her early 70s desperate to remain youthful and adventurous, Raven, taking a gap year whilst avoiding her micromanaging parents, and Sue needing support and friendship during the most difficult time of her life, all three bond deeply as they journey through far more than just the English countryside together.
Despite having never walked in their shoes, the characters were entirely relatable and this can be accredited to the inherent care each was shaped with and the vulnerability each had to reluctantly reveal in order to move forward as they embraced the unknown. In a world where everyone seemingly has a lot to say, it is fundamentally ironic that no one is really listening, and this key theme spoke volumes about our modern disconnection and dislocation. Some solid wisdom was provided via the growth and change within the characters and whilst the first part of the narrative was a little slow, it was by and large necessary in order to contextualise the characters, shape their motivations and provide solid footing from which each could flourish. Similarly, the side characters also play a major role in helping each of the three women self-actualise and some sub-themes, particularly around mens mental health and the social vulnerability of our service men and women were delivered with sensitivity. Whilst a Bicycle Built for Sue stares bravely down the barrel of some very real and very important social issues there is enough lightness and levity that the gruelling adventure into the human condition was made achievable and without doubt, necessary. I highly recommend you grab a strong cuppa and a bunch of tissues before you start peddling through this one, as this is in no way as simple as getting back on a bike, but definitely all the more rewarding for what you learn along the ride.
Despite having never walked in their shoes, the characters were entirely relatable and this can be accredited to the inherent care each was shaped with and the vulnerability each had to reluctantly reveal in order to move forward as they embraced the unknown. In a world where everyone seemingly has a lot to say, it is fundamentally ironic that no one is really listening, and this key theme spoke volumes about our modern disconnection and dislocation. Some solid wisdom was provided via the growth and change within the characters and whilst the first part of the narrative was a little slow, it was by and large necessary in order to contextualise the characters, shape their motivations and provide solid footing from which each could flourish. Similarly, the side characters also play a major role in helping each of the three women self-actualise and some sub-themes, particularly around mens mental health and the social vulnerability of our service men and women were delivered with sensitivity. Whilst a Bicycle Built for Sue stares bravely down the barrel of some very real and very important social issues there is enough lightness and levity that the gruelling adventure into the human condition was made achievable and without doubt, necessary. I highly recommend you grab a strong cuppa and a bunch of tissues before you start peddling through this one, as this is in no way as simple as getting back on a bike, but definitely all the more rewarding for what you learn along the ride.
September 29, 2020
Uplifting, funny and real tale
If "After Life" by Ricky Gervais moved you to tears and made you laugh too, then "A Bicycle Built for Sue" should certainly go on your Must Read list!
If "After Life" by Ricky Gervais moved you to tears and made you laugh too, then "A Bicycle Built for Sue" should certainly go on your Must Read list!
October 30, 2020
*thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins for the advanced reader copy
The story follows Sue, an NHS 111 call centre operator who finds herself recently widowed. We also follow the stories of Raven - a self-dubbed big-boned goth - who is one of Sue’s colleagues, Kath who is part of a husband and wife presenter duo from a breakfast TV show and Flo, an elderly lady struggling to cope with retirement. All of their lives begin to intermingle and you soon discover that they made be unlikely friends, but they’re important parts of each other’s growth.
The women’s lives overlap as they embark on a charity bike ride to raise money for a mental health charity. Along the way the women find themselves pushing their physical limits, challenging their mental state and also re-evaluating what they want from life. Essentially a story about a physical journey is actually a story about how so many different women experience self-discovery.
This isn’t a glossy and romantic filled book. It covers grief and hardships, suicide and bullying amongst other topics and it’s a heart wrencher. Each character really does go through emotional turmoil and it really does highlight the value and difference an emotional support system makes.
It was an enjoyable read and had much more depth and substance to it than I originally anticipated.
The story follows Sue, an NHS 111 call centre operator who finds herself recently widowed. We also follow the stories of Raven - a self-dubbed big-boned goth - who is one of Sue’s colleagues, Kath who is part of a husband and wife presenter duo from a breakfast TV show and Flo, an elderly lady struggling to cope with retirement. All of their lives begin to intermingle and you soon discover that they made be unlikely friends, but they’re important parts of each other’s growth.
The women’s lives overlap as they embark on a charity bike ride to raise money for a mental health charity. Along the way the women find themselves pushing their physical limits, challenging their mental state and also re-evaluating what they want from life. Essentially a story about a physical journey is actually a story about how so many different women experience self-discovery.
This isn’t a glossy and romantic filled book. It covers grief and hardships, suicide and bullying amongst other topics and it’s a heart wrencher. Each character really does go through emotional turmoil and it really does highlight the value and difference an emotional support system makes.
It was an enjoyable read and had much more depth and substance to it than I originally anticipated.
September 8, 2020
This was a lovely book - from the cover I expected it to be a romantic chick lit but it couldn't have been further from that.
Follows the story of 4 different women whose lives intertwine with each other.
They all for various reasons decide to take part in a charity bike race for a mental health charity and the story, covers their journey - both physically, but more importantly mentally and how much they change and accept their lives.
I really enjoyed this book, although it was also quite sad as it explored grief after suicide which is never going to be easy to read.
The characters were all likeable, and I think all of us can relate to at least one of them in various ways.
Follows the story of 4 different women whose lives intertwine with each other.
They all for various reasons decide to take part in a charity bike race for a mental health charity and the story, covers their journey - both physically, but more importantly mentally and how much they change and accept their lives.
I really enjoyed this book, although it was also quite sad as it explored grief after suicide which is never going to be easy to read.
The characters were all likeable, and I think all of us can relate to at least one of them in various ways.
August 7, 2020
LOVE LOVE LOVE this witty, heartwarming friendship story!
Another great book from Daisy Tate. I thoroughly enjoyed 'watching' the friendship between these 4 very different women emerge. Great combination of heartfelt and humor. Can't wait for the next one.
Also, if you haven't yet--I also recommend The Happy Glampers by Daisy.
Another great book from Daisy Tate. I thoroughly enjoyed 'watching' the friendship between these 4 very different women emerge. Great combination of heartfelt and humor. Can't wait for the next one.
Also, if you haven't yet--I also recommend The Happy Glampers by Daisy.
June 2, 2021
This is a fantastic book to read whether you are a guy or a gal. The stories about the four women and how they grow are amazing. I had to read the last 10 chapters again because I couldn't see properly through the tears running down my face. The only reason I put this book down was to eat and sleep. One day, I hope I can write as well as Daisy Tate.
October 23, 2022
This story of friendship and fundraising takes four female characters, all very different, and brings them together in a heart-warming tale of life.
The book covers topics such as anxiety, depression, and suicide, in a human and empathetic way. And no, it's not depressing at all to read it.
Absolutely loved this!
The book covers topics such as anxiety, depression, and suicide, in a human and empathetic way. And no, it's not depressing at all to read it.
Absolutely loved this!
September 3, 2020
A delightful storyline that followed 4 women who each had a distinct and relatable character. Interwoven through their experiences of a charity ride for mental health were poignant and timeless life lessons. This was a treat, thank you Daisy Tate!
May 11, 2021
It’s a book covering Mental Health issues and three Staff who work for 111.
Who take on doing a charity Bike road. It’s about their journeys. It is a positive read even though it covers the effect of suicide and mental health issues.
Who take on doing a charity Bike road. It’s about their journeys. It is a positive read even though it covers the effect of suicide and mental health issues.
August 7, 2020
Wonderful and funny, introspective novel about friends and a monumental bike ride from both a physical and interpersonal viewpoint. Great Summer read!
May 11, 2021
This is a funny heart warming and a lovely story of human connection. Will leave you feeling happy
November 6, 2020
This is a book I went into with absolutely no pre-conceptions or expectations. I hadn’t seen any reviews or heard anything about it at all. Daisy approached me and asked me to read it, and the blurb sounded interesting, so I agreed. It started off as a quite fun, pleasantly different family saga, but over the course of the novel evolved into something so much more profound and I was completely blown away. I’m now wondering why I haven’t seen more buzz around this book, because it is something quite special.
We have the story of three very different women thrown together into friendship by a quirk of circumstance, who seem to have very little in common to begin with, but it becomes apparent that this is an illusion and they can relate to one another in unexpected ways. And when it boils down to it, for me, this is the fundamental take away from the novel. That, as human beings with human emotions and the experiences of living, we all have more in common that we know if we just stop, listen and try to understand.
The characters in this book are very disparate but all relatable. We have teenage Raven, trying desperately to find her place in a world where she doesn’t know where she fits, or who she is. Her parents have certain expectations of her, but she is not sure if they fit with her needs and the process of asserting her individuality in the face of their demands is a painful one. There is Sue, whose contented view of her life is shattered by a tragedy she did not see coming and which has filled her with guilt and doubt to the point that she can’t see her way forward. Then we have Flo, a septuagenarian who worries that time is running out and is resisting old age with every fibre of her being. An unlikely trio who find ways to bond and help each other out.
They decide to take on the challenge of a charity bike ride along the route of Hadrian’s Wall, with daytime TV host, Kath, who has her own demons and relationship problems to deal with. Over the course of the challenge, all four women learn so much about themselves and what they want and need going forward, drawing strength from one another along the way, that they come out at the other end different people with changed perspectives and new levels of self-awareness.
This may seem like an extremely unlikely scenario, but the author writes with such honesty and conviction, such charm and understanding that the resulting story is something so moving and truthful that it reduced me to tears. By the end of the book I was completely in love with all of these amazing females and their relationships with each other that I was cheering them on to the finish and beyond, and I was very sorry when the story ended. The whole thing was humorous and charming and entertaining, but with some serious issues underpinning the narrative that were handled in a very sympathetic and illuminating way. I adored everything about it, it may end up being one of my books of the year and that was certainly not something I was expecting when I began it.
This is an astonishing story hiding beneath an unassuming facade. The blurb doesn’t do the depths of the tale justice and I wish it had much more buzz surrounding it. It needs to be out there, being read and discussed and loved and praised. I hope this review is a start. Read the book. Shout about it. It deserves it.
We have the story of three very different women thrown together into friendship by a quirk of circumstance, who seem to have very little in common to begin with, but it becomes apparent that this is an illusion and they can relate to one another in unexpected ways. And when it boils down to it, for me, this is the fundamental take away from the novel. That, as human beings with human emotions and the experiences of living, we all have more in common that we know if we just stop, listen and try to understand.
The characters in this book are very disparate but all relatable. We have teenage Raven, trying desperately to find her place in a world where she doesn’t know where she fits, or who she is. Her parents have certain expectations of her, but she is not sure if they fit with her needs and the process of asserting her individuality in the face of their demands is a painful one. There is Sue, whose contented view of her life is shattered by a tragedy she did not see coming and which has filled her with guilt and doubt to the point that she can’t see her way forward. Then we have Flo, a septuagenarian who worries that time is running out and is resisting old age with every fibre of her being. An unlikely trio who find ways to bond and help each other out.
They decide to take on the challenge of a charity bike ride along the route of Hadrian’s Wall, with daytime TV host, Kath, who has her own demons and relationship problems to deal with. Over the course of the challenge, all four women learn so much about themselves and what they want and need going forward, drawing strength from one another along the way, that they come out at the other end different people with changed perspectives and new levels of self-awareness.
This may seem like an extremely unlikely scenario, but the author writes with such honesty and conviction, such charm and understanding that the resulting story is something so moving and truthful that it reduced me to tears. By the end of the book I was completely in love with all of these amazing females and their relationships with each other that I was cheering them on to the finish and beyond, and I was very sorry when the story ended. The whole thing was humorous and charming and entertaining, but with some serious issues underpinning the narrative that were handled in a very sympathetic and illuminating way. I adored everything about it, it may end up being one of my books of the year and that was certainly not something I was expecting when I began it.
This is an astonishing story hiding beneath an unassuming facade. The blurb doesn’t do the depths of the tale justice and I wish it had much more buzz surrounding it. It needs to be out there, being read and discussed and loved and praised. I hope this review is a start. Read the book. Shout about it. It deserves it.
March 10, 2025
I found this book difficult to get into throughout, only finding myself moderately enjoying it within the last 60 pages.
If the book consisted entirely of the ending, or the writing style was the same throughout I would have undeniably rated the book higher, but I feel personally, that the book struggled to get going and then everything arrived at the end- which is unfortunate.
I will avoid this author in the future as I am fearful their writing style may continue to put me in a rut. It took me over a year to finish this book, picking it up was nothing but a struggle. My rating is for the ending alone.
If the book consisted entirely of the ending, or the writing style was the same throughout I would have undeniably rated the book higher, but I feel personally, that the book struggled to get going and then everything arrived at the end- which is unfortunate.
I will avoid this author in the future as I am fearful their writing style may continue to put me in a rut. It took me over a year to finish this book, picking it up was nothing but a struggle. My rating is for the ending alone.
October 20, 2023
This was a very good book with an interesting storyline. The downsides for me was the slow pace in the first half and an offhand comment about dementia that one of the characters made that didn't sit right with me. Overall it is a worthwhile read with some really well thought out characters who grow and develop as the story progresses. I like how Flo becomes very self aware and isn't afraid to acknowledge her mistakes and own up to them. The initially unlikely friendship between the three main characters is so heartwarming to read about.
August 12, 2023
Was expecting an uplifting inspiring story, but didn't really feel that way. I really liked the characters, and there was some very witty humour there. The time changes at the end were very confusing, and I didn't like the part where Becky has a heart attack, it was not believable at all. I like the overall message of the book but think there should have been some info in the blurb that indicates that the book is about mental health as it can be triggering.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2023
The story is a little bit interesting. From different ages and lifestyles. Their friendship is really amazing. Help each other.
It is quite boring. The movement for this story was too slow. Some other parts maybe don't need to be explained. I can't count how many times I fall asleep while reading this book.
But the ending was awesome. I love how they become at the end of the story. So the boredom from reading this book is really worth it.
It is quite boring. The movement for this story was too slow. Some other parts maybe don't need to be explained. I can't count how many times I fall asleep while reading this book.
But the ending was awesome. I love how they become at the end of the story. So the boredom from reading this book is really worth it.
July 16, 2024
first off, this book got me out of a reading slump. it was so cute and reassuring. i just really got to love the characters and all of their flaws. despite their hardships all differing in nature, and despite the difference in age, culture, situation; they all had such mutual love. the only think i will say, is the letter is a bit of a let down but i understand that this is not supposed to be a tragic story, but a story of hope and resilience.
August 23, 2024
I read this whole beautiful book over the course of one day. I started it at 7am on the train and I finished it in my bedroom in the evening with tears running down my face. The four main characters all have so much life, such complex and developed backstories and motivations for how they act, and the growth they all have gone through by the end of the book just filled me up with happiness for them. I loved this book even though - and maybe because - it made me cry. <3
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