The bench by Cromer beach

by R.J. Gould

Five people in a sleepy English coastal town. One year that changes everything.

They seem to have it all. They’re in good health and are financially secure. They live in a pleasant and comfortable town. But as their lives intertwine, cracks emerge and restlessness grows.

For Clive, is retirement the beginning of the end? Can fun-loving Saskia break free from her adulterous husband? Will Andy marry his childhood sweetheart? Is Jamie prepared to change his dishonest ways? Might Ellie’s happy marriage be shattered by temptation?

Heart-warming and heart-breaking collide in this novel about aspirations, expectations and the realities of everyday life.

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

256 pages, ebook

First published July 25, 2020

About the author

Thanks for wanting to find out about my writing.

I have been published by Lume Books and Headline Accent and I also self-publish. I write contemporary fiction about relationships, using humor and pathos to describe the tragi-comic life journeys of my characters. I tend to flip the traditional romantic novel with my insecure male leads in search of an alpha female. I’m a rare male member of the UK Romantic Novelists’ Association and a member of both Cambridge Writers and the Society of Authors.

Ahead of writing fiction full time, I led a national charity and am the co-author of a major work on educating able young people. Although I enjoy writing about education, fiction is my passion.

I live in Cambridge. In addition to writing, I help promote my partner's mosaic and glass art business and am a trustee of a national food poverty charity. I have a minor addiction to dried mango slices.

Visit www.rjgould.info to find out more.

Reviews

[Jeanette Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was attracted to this book because I was born and grew up in Cromer. Knowing the place pretty well, I was able to picture fairly accurately some places mentioned in the story, such as the beach/the slopes down the cliffs, the path that goes up to the Lighthouse Hills and on to Overstrand, and the church, which enhanced my enjoyment of the book – also of course, I kind of know Holt, Aylsham (I used to work in Aylsham), Felbrigg Hall, Norwich, although not familiar with the UEA. The author’s easy manner of writing quickly captures the reader into the lives of the characters who narrate the stories; each chapter is headed by the name of the person through whose eyes we see things happening. I’m not into retelling a story in a review, however, I found myself knowing exactly what Jamie was like and at one point, when he was attempting to rip off his future son-in-law, I had to stop reading for a short while because I was so angry with him and hoped that somehow he would be stopped. However, by the end of the book, one gets an insight into the man’s behaviour and lifestyle and begins to see him in a more sympathetic light. Each main character was different, and yet the three women ended up in a friendship, born at first, from an individual need, all the characters connected in some way to Andy, an estate agent and their lives become interwoven.

While I liked and could sympathise with each of the characters, I found I loved Clive the best. I smiled at his outrage of his Rosemary trying to make him stop eating meat and become a vegetarian, because that’s what has happened to me – my husband has done the same, so I knew so well Clive’s longing for a BLT (without the L and T) sandwich! Also, I could well understand how he felt on discovering something about his son – I’ve experienced something similar too, and could well understand how he found it easier talking to a stranger than to his wife. I loved being taken to North Lodge Park, a place where I spent many happy hours playing putting with my parents and sister, and sailing our boats in the pond – in fact, I was there on the day that pond was officially opened, back around 1957-ish!

I admit I did wonder how it would end, because lives go on, don’t they? I admit I could have gone on and on reading about those people – and again, at the end, my sympathies were all for Clive, although I was glad that the others seemed to find a semblance of peace that they didn’t have before – except maybe for Ellie.

Just one small point – I know very well that it would be impossible for someone on the beach to shout something that would be heard by someone on the clifftop! But hey-ho, I only know that because of my familiarity with the place – ha ha!

Mr Gould, I love the way you tell a story and I believe I will be seeking out more of your books.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good, good read. Prior to reading it, I noticed it was described as a romance. Although there are people in various places in their single or married lives, people who are dealing with issues involving their hearts, this is so much more than a romance book! To my way of thinking this is a book about people dealing with real life: retirement, infidelity, illness, pain, and so on, including new love. Having said that, I must emphasize that this is not a heavy, serious, or emotional read. Instead the reader gets to witness the characters and some of their highs and lows.

While I was reading it, I became aware that in the future I will be measuring one of my go-to phrases using this book as the yardstick. I often talk about “well-developed characters.“ Now, The Bench by Comer Beach will challenge me to use that phrase more judiciously. Here are some well-developed characters. No, not everyone in the book, but each of the ones at the center of the plot are people the reader is beginning to know as much as any of us knows anyone else.

I hesitate to make a comparison, but I will anyway. I was reminded of how I felt about some Maeve Binchy books. There was a warm feeling that grew as I read about the separate characters. The comparison has nothing to do with the two authors’ writing styles, just about my feelings towards these people. I truly enjoyed that feeling. The Bench by Comer Beach deals with today’s kind of challenges.

This is a a delightful read. Not everything happening to the characters is resolved and, like life, not everything works out in ways the reader Would choose, but it left me feeling quite happy that I received this free advance review copy. I am pleased to voluntarily share my high recommendation of this book.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the book to be an entertaining read. It made me think about relationships - both mine and friends and families. The end came a bit too fast for my liking and I felt one pair's story ended on an odd note. But all in all, it was a good read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Gill T · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was drawn to this book as it is set in Cromer, a lovely coastal town in Norfolk, where my parents spent many holidays in their later years.
It is a story of relationships…a retired couple facing the trials of a dementia diagnosis; a couple facing divorce; a young couple with young children and a husband who spends many weeks away; a couple about to be married and the problems between a daughter and father. The author describes and examines all the relationships as the story unfolds and the reader is drawn in. A lovely and thoughtful read that has left me wanting to read more by this author.

[Nina .c · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can’t judge a book by it’s cover. I mean this literally as this book hasn’t got the best cover but the contents are wonderful.Also applies to the characters,each has his/her own story to tell and you can never tell what’s going on in their life from the outside. Made even more special for me as I know Cromer well .

[Between The Pages (Gemma M) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one that I wouldn't have normally picked out for myself but I am so glad I got the chance to read it, I really enjoyed it. The story focuses on a little town near Cromer Beach and five specific people within it. The story is told through each of the five characters... Clive. Ellie. Saskia. Jamie and Andy.
A normal community with their families, relationships, romance, friends and children. Both the highs and the lows are included. I spoke to Mel from Melanies read about this book and she told me she lives near Cromer Beach and some of the things within the book sounded very familiar. Which made the book even more real for me. A beautiful book. Loved it! Never judge a book by it's cover.
A well deserved four stars. I could have easily devoured this within hours. Highly recommend.

[Pat · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quiet little English novel about one year in the life of several residents of a small seaside town and how their lives intersect and change during this year. Different chapters focus on different characters, most of whom are quite interesting. It’s not compelling but it’s a pleasant read, sometimes amusing and sometimes sad. It’s more a slice of life than a plot- or strong character-driven novel. But then I often like quiet little English novels, and I enjoyed it.

[Safari · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF 35%
I had to stop reading because I was getting annoyed at the guy being swindled by his future father in law.

[b y neal · Rating 2 out of 5]

nothing happens

A gentle read but nothing really happens. No real emotional connection with the characters. Abrupt ending and you’re left feeling ‘was that it?’

[Chelle W (teaandplottwists) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say that this isn't the sort of book that I would usually pick for myself but I'm so glad I got to read it; I adored it!

Following five people in Cromer, we meet Clive, Saskia, Ellie, Andy and Jamie.  Clive has recently retired to Cromer with his wife Rosemary; Saskia has moved from London with her adulterous and thoughtless Husband; Ellie lives with her perfect Husband Sean and their two young children, but with Sean working away a lot, Ellie feels discontent and temptation; Andy and Sharon have been together since school and are planning their wedding but with lots of bumps in the road; and Jamie who works in house clearance, and antiques has made a life of ripping people off, but when he nearly loses the one thing that's important to him, will he be able to change his ways?

The chapters alternate between the different characters and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about, and getting to know them.  Each of them has their own troubles and challenges, and it's heartwarming to see how they deal with these - they don't always make the right decisions, but then who does in life? The story sets you on a mini rollercoaster with each character, with lots of little twists that keep you engaged.  I fell in love with all the characters; even the one's that I wasn't sure of ended up sucking me in and making me just want the best for them.

This story got my really thinking about relationships, and how challenges come up unexpectedly throughout life, and it's the way we deal with them that matters.  Even the person with the most perfect marriage will come across challenges, making this a really relatable story.  It deals with doubt, infidelity, friendship, love, happiness, family and more.

The setting of Cromer is beautiful.  A little sleepy seaside town where walks along the cliffs and runs on the beach are a daily occurrence.  Being a small town, it's also lovely to see how each of the five characters lives intertwine, and for me that really added something special to the story.

Overall, I really did enjoy this.  The characters are so real and relatable you can't not be invested in them; the setting is beautiful; the challenges real and the outcomes mainly satisfying (although not all of the stories come to a set resolution, but then it's only a year in their lives).  This book will warm you, make you smile, get you thinking and make you happy.  Don't be fooled - if you think this isn't for you then I challenge you to check it out.  A delightful, warm and enjoyable read that is highly recommended by me.

[Lis Carey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a charming novel about an English seaside town.

There's not really a plot here; it's about the people of Cromer getting on with their lives, with all their friendships, relationships, their businesses and professions; their children and their parents.

Sharon Kipling and Andy Powell have been a couple since they were students; they're planning to get married. She's a teacher, and deputy head, at the local primary school. He's a real estate agent. They each meet many of their fellow Cromer residents through their work.

But Sharon's father, Jamie, owns the Cromer Curiosity Shop--he says antiques, but other people say junk. Jamie has never been reluctant to talk up the value of what he's selling, dishonestly or not. He's also not reluctant to talk down, dishonestly or not, the value of what he's buying. Sharon's conflicts with her father go back to Jamie's infidelity when her mother was dying. The conflict explodes when Jamie scams Andy on the value of Andy's newly deceased father's extremely valuable collection of art and artifacts from India.

Andy, hurt deeply by the sudden, tragic loss of both of his loving, devoted, parents when he was a child, is shocked that Sharon isn't just grateful to have a living parent, even a dishonest, unfaithful, unreliable one. It leads to arguments, conflict, and doubt about getting married.

Jamie, shocked at how very angry his daughter is, and her declaration that she never wants to hear from him again, is meanwhile wondering if he's made a mistake--if this is costing him what he cares about most.

Meanwhile, Rosemary and Clive, the retired couple that had befriended Andy's father, Samuel, happy to do his errands and visit with him, are in growing conflict over, of all things, diet. Rosemary is determined to get both of them on a healthy diet. With "healthy" mostly excluding meat of any kind, or sugar, or, well, a lot of things Clive enjoys. Neither one of them is really prepared to be at all flexible. After forty years of marriage, they're at loggerheads.

Clive, walking the beach regularly, and Sharon, teaching and supervising schoolchildren, become aware of a couple who seemingly have everything, and are in fact coming apart, with the strains affecting their son badly.

These and other residents of Cromer are living their ordinary lives, experiencing ordinary stresses and strains, and forming new friendships and relationships as they do. It's engrossing, warm, and satisfying.

Recommended.

I received a free electronic galley from the publisher, and am reviewing it voluntarily.

[Emma B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very English, very wonderful


One year in the life of 5 people in Cromer, Norfolk. A beautiful novel of relationships and managing change.
Clive has just retired, and moved to Cromer with his wife.
Saskia has moved from London, with her husband
Ellie is exhausted with motherhood, and is finding her husband’s frequent trips abroad difficult to cope with
Andy is dreaming of his wedding
Jamie is making profits from antiques, by being dishonest
They all live in Cromer, and their lives intertwine to varying levels.

This is a wonderful story of life. Clive is my favourite character as we learn, through his eyes, about the joys and irritations of his long term marriage, and how he feels about spending more time with his wife now that he is retired. As the year passes so all the characters come alive, and the author’s gentle writing style, with humour and charm, make this a lovely read. As with life, not everything is perfect at the end of the book, however I felt I knew these characters well, and had great hopes for them going forward.

From reading this book I would love to visit Cromer, the beaches and the coastal paths. It is unlikely that I ever will, however a quick google of the town makes everything seem all the more real.

4*s for this satisfying novel about life as it really is. No extra dramas and needless action, just everyday lives looked at with compassion where the characters seek to resolve any problems to make the best of things and life. A lovely, positive, read for all ages, but a great present for anyone nearing, or in, retirement.

[Pippa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Having read the synopsis, I expected to enjoy this however I was to be disappointed. Although the prose is articulate and unlike so many modern books, I didn’t find myself lamenting editorial failings, I didn't connect to any of the characters. Very little happened and the end felt rushed, a few minor revelations at the end but essentially, I was left dissatisfied. So much so that I skimmed the concluding chapter for each of the cast, I simply wasn’t that interested. This was my first by R J Gould, I am in no hurry to seek out his other works, maybe they are better, maybe not. Rating 2.5 stars.

[Silvia Bruni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book I’ve read by this author and I think it’s my favourite. I really enjoyed the way it moved between the five central characters and the way their lives were intertwined so effortlessly. They were all so different – from twenties to retirement age – and, of course, each was locked in their own lives, loves & worries. I read this book in just two sittings because it was so involving, funny and uplifting – definitely a winner to lift your spirts as autumn approaches.

[Veronica Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bench

A lovely story about people as they fall in and out of love as they age. Of course, there is a lot of drama and angst as they determine which path they will take.
The author makes his characters come alive and you care about what happens to them.
As for the bench It is where the retired couple sits overlooking the seashore where the younger couples gather.
This is a very quick and enjoyable read.

[Betty · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book probably will get more than two stars from most of you. I did hesitate because it's not that it isn't a well written book. It's just that everyone's (except Sharon) story was so depressing, and not the way any of my friends have acted or probably will act. So it just made me hopelessly sad the whole time I was reading it. And I don't like being made to feel that way by a book.

But that's just me!

[Andy Bird · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK. This is not bad, quite an easy read. There are various stories which intertwine, but not in a very complex way, which keep you interested, although some aspects were a bit slower and forced at times. The sets of characters are quite a verity, I thought some were better than others. I felt that the ending was a bit weak, it just petered out. Overall not bad, but I don’t think I would particularly recommend it.

[Sally-Jane Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Each chapter highlights one of the main characters and how they intermingle with each other over the course of a year. A lot happens in the year sometimes explosively at others gentle and mind opening. Characters are clearly depicted some with some unsavoury characteristics and others eternal good doers.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pleasant read, taking place on the east coast of England, in a small town, about a handful of diverse characters. It was a study of relationships, between spouses, lovers, parents and children and friends. I enjoyed its ordinariness, and found that the story, flowed well over the course of the year it covered. Not deep, thought provoking, life changing literature by any stretch, but enjoyable fiction that made for relaxing before bed reading.

[Sarah Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book far more than I expected to if I’m honest. It gave us a brief glimpse into the lives of 6 people living in Cromer- I found the characters well written and well formed and I was interested in them and what happened in their lives

[Tonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt

This was such a good read. Nothing dramatic, but very honest look at the lives of several people in a small coastal town. Each with their own problems and challenges, just like normal people. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

[Jodi Wiesneski · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bench by Cromer Beach

I really enjoyed reading this book. Getting into the lives of these six people brought some surprises and challenges. I loved how the author interconnected their stories. I felt like I lived among them. Quick read because I couldn't put it down.

[Lorraine · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book appealed to me because of the many family holidays I spent in Norfolk, including Cromer.
However, I was sadly disappointed: very little happens throughout the story; I didn't connect with any of the characters and the ending(which was abrupt) felt rushed and unfinished.

[Caroline Errington · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose this because I love Cromer myself. It was a very light easy book which didn’t really have much in the way of jeopardy or tension, but for all that carried me along and came to a satisfactory conclusion. A nice easy light read when you want something that’s not too taxing.

[debmar50 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

The lives of 5 people living in a small village. Their interactions and life changes in a year. It was entertaining. The characters are dimensional and life happens....

[Jennifer dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely read

Throughly enjoyed this book every character very endearing and the book a pleasure to read . I would highly recommend reading this book

[Beckyl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pleasant

[H M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Comfortable, like snuggling up with a hot chocolate and warm fire

I’ve honestly enjoyed the easy reading and I’m glad to say that none of my predictions happened to the story.

[Lynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this story about several families and their interactions with each other. I found the ending a bit rushed.

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet book of portraits of intertwined lives. Faintly reminiscent of Maeve Binchy's writings: getting to know the locals and their lives. Enjoyable.