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Yorkshire Escape #1
The Saturday Morning Park Run
Full of romance and humour, this is a book that will make you feel happy, about fresh starts, friendship and the unexpected places we find happiness.
‘I love getting lost in a Jules Wake book!' Debbie Johnson, bestselling author of the Comfort Food Cafe series
This is the story of two women.
One old, one young.
One looking for new adventures. One looking for a purpose.
Both needing a friend.
And this is how, along with two little girls in need of a family, a gorgeous stranger, and a scruffy dog, they bring the whole community together every Saturday morning for love, laughter and a little bit of running…(well, power walking).
Some people come into your life when you need them the most.
‘I love getting lost in a Jules Wake book!' Debbie Johnson, bestselling author of the Comfort Food Cafe series
This is the story of two women.
One old, one young.
One looking for new adventures. One looking for a purpose.
Both needing a friend.
And this is how, along with two little girls in need of a family, a gorgeous stranger, and a scruffy dog, they bring the whole community together every Saturday morning for love, laughter and a little bit of running…(well, power walking).
Some people come into your life when you need them the most.
432 pages, Paperback
Published November 26, 2020
486 people are currently reading
1497 people want to read
About the author
Jules Wake
18 books295 followersJule Wake's first book, Talk to Me, was published in 2014. Since then, she has written a further eighteen books, with another two in the pipeline. She has sold translation rights to various countries throughout Europe, she's had two best sellers with Covent Garden in the Snow reaching the heady height of No 2 in the Amazon Kindle chart, something she never thought she’d see and The Little Café in Copenhagen becoming a big hit in Sainsbury’s. In January 2021 The Saturday Morning Park Run was her first book to gather over 3,000 reviews on Amazon. Running and romance is a great combination!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 295 reviews
August 9, 2020
Favorite Quotes:
What did you say your name was again? That’s the downside to being old:butterfly brain. By the time you get to my age, it’s so full of stuff, I lose things in there.
‘Yes, although Frank – he was number three– wasn’t official; we never married but everyone thought we were, until his wife turned up at the funeral. Was a surprise to me too.’ Her greying eyebrows beetled up to her hairline in exaggerated horror.
‘I’ll wear my best tracksuit. The white one with the red gofaster stripes down the side… I save it for special occasions.’ I bit my lips trying to suppress a giggle as my mind goggled at what sort of special occasion merited an Adidas-style tracksuit.
‘Penny is lucky enough to live next door to me, where I bring light and sunshine into her life.’ Penny laughed and put her arm around her friend.‘ Is that what they call it? Plenty of gin, I’d say.’
I forced my legs to go a little faster, I was going to overtake him. I think my head must have been flooded with hallucinogenic endorphins because the Chariots of Fire music was playing in my head and every competitive bone in my body had suddenly sat up and taken notice.
My Review:
This was a fun and entertaining women’s fiction story with large chunks of family drama and a little bit of romance. The Saturday Morning Park Run was my second taste of Jules Wake’s clever word skills and will be back for more as she is a gifted storyteller. I found her writing style to be lively and engaging while her descriptions are vibrant and amusing while covering all the senses. The story was slowly developing and shrewdly plotted with lashings of humor and profound insights and observations. I adored it and have added her entire listing to my TBR.
I addition to providing me with pleasing and clever amusement, Ms. Wake added to my Brit Words and Phrases list with chanced his arm – which means to do something risky. I can’t wait to use it on my Brit friends.
What did you say your name was again? That’s the downside to being old:butterfly brain. By the time you get to my age, it’s so full of stuff, I lose things in there.
‘Yes, although Frank – he was number three– wasn’t official; we never married but everyone thought we were, until his wife turned up at the funeral. Was a surprise to me too.’ Her greying eyebrows beetled up to her hairline in exaggerated horror.
‘I’ll wear my best tracksuit. The white one with the red gofaster stripes down the side… I save it for special occasions.’ I bit my lips trying to suppress a giggle as my mind goggled at what sort of special occasion merited an Adidas-style tracksuit.
‘Penny is lucky enough to live next door to me, where I bring light and sunshine into her life.’ Penny laughed and put her arm around her friend.‘ Is that what they call it? Plenty of gin, I’d say.’
I forced my legs to go a little faster, I was going to overtake him. I think my head must have been flooded with hallucinogenic endorphins because the Chariots of Fire music was playing in my head and every competitive bone in my body had suddenly sat up and taken notice.
My Review:
This was a fun and entertaining women’s fiction story with large chunks of family drama and a little bit of romance. The Saturday Morning Park Run was my second taste of Jules Wake’s clever word skills and will be back for more as she is a gifted storyteller. I found her writing style to be lively and engaging while her descriptions are vibrant and amusing while covering all the senses. The story was slowly developing and shrewdly plotted with lashings of humor and profound insights and observations. I adored it and have added her entire listing to my TBR.
I addition to providing me with pleasing and clever amusement, Ms. Wake added to my Brit Words and Phrases list with chanced his arm – which means to do something risky. I can’t wait to use it on my Brit friends.
August 9, 2020
What an absolute treat! This is my first Jules Wake Book, but it won’t be my last. Claire is a workaholic. Claire meets Ash, they hook up, and don’t plan on seeing one another again. Claire has some health issues attributed to stress and her boss orders her to take a month off work. Now Claire has lots of free time with nothing to do. That is until Claire’s sister drops her nieces Poppy and Ava off on her doorstep. Claire meets Hilda at the park, runs into Ash again, and starts learning what living is really about
Such a delightful story about the family you choose. Claire was a great character who I was definitely cheering for. Hilda was an absolute gem. Seriously we all need a Hilda in our lives she was just so full of energy, passion, and hope. The little girls Ava and Poppy added some sweet whimsy to the story. Love how the romance developed between Claire and Ash, thought they were very well-suited for one another. Such a heartwarming story with a positive message about how people need other people. Really appreciated the message of community and wish we cared a little bit more about community and a little bit less about ourselves especially right now.
This book in emojis 👩🏻💼 🏃🏻♀️ 🐶 💞
*** Big thank you to One More Chapter for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
Such a delightful story about the family you choose. Claire was a great character who I was definitely cheering for. Hilda was an absolute gem. Seriously we all need a Hilda in our lives she was just so full of energy, passion, and hope. The little girls Ava and Poppy added some sweet whimsy to the story. Love how the romance developed between Claire and Ash, thought they were very well-suited for one another. Such a heartwarming story with a positive message about how people need other people. Really appreciated the message of community and wish we cared a little bit more about community and a little bit less about ourselves especially right now.
This book in emojis 👩🏻💼 🏃🏻♀️ 🐶 💞
*** Big thank you to One More Chapter for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
July 24, 2021
4 stars.
Who knew a cup of coffee could have such life changing effects? For Claire Harrison it certainly did when she met Ashwin Laghari. Coffee is also her introduction to the elderly and eccentric Hilda, who Claire meets in the park. Enforced changes in Claire’s job situation and career path, along with being asked to unexpectedly take care of her two nieces Poppy and Ava, only add to the complications in Claire’s life. It’s times like these a person needs a friend and Claire certainly finds one in Hilda. It is through Ash and Hilda that Claire becomes involved in running. That decision leads to a fuller realisation of and commitment to what is important in life.
From the moment Claire and Ashwin meet, there is a connection. The story starts light and flirty in tone and for a while I wondered how far I might persist with this book, but then as the work, family and friendly relationship with Hilda began to develop, the story gained momentum and turned into more than just a flirty narrative. I loved seeing the way relationships developed and was right there involved with them.
I have never shown any interest in running. So to find myself reading about setting up a running group is to say the least a surprise. But I thoroughly enjoyed this novel with its exploration of friendship and family situations, getting life in balance, coming together as a community and a romance. I loved the way relationships developed between Claire and her nieces as well as with Ash and Hilda. An unashamedly feel good read that left me smiling. My first book by this author , I would be keen to read another.
Who knew a cup of coffee could have such life changing effects? For Claire Harrison it certainly did when she met Ashwin Laghari. Coffee is also her introduction to the elderly and eccentric Hilda, who Claire meets in the park. Enforced changes in Claire’s job situation and career path, along with being asked to unexpectedly take care of her two nieces Poppy and Ava, only add to the complications in Claire’s life. It’s times like these a person needs a friend and Claire certainly finds one in Hilda. It is through Ash and Hilda that Claire becomes involved in running. That decision leads to a fuller realisation of and commitment to what is important in life.
From the moment Claire and Ashwin meet, there is a connection. The story starts light and flirty in tone and for a while I wondered how far I might persist with this book, but then as the work, family and friendly relationship with Hilda began to develop, the story gained momentum and turned into more than just a flirty narrative. I loved seeing the way relationships developed and was right there involved with them.
I have never shown any interest in running. So to find myself reading about setting up a running group is to say the least a surprise. But I thoroughly enjoyed this novel with its exploration of friendship and family situations, getting life in balance, coming together as a community and a romance. I loved the way relationships developed between Claire and her nieces as well as with Ash and Hilda. An unashamedly feel good read that left me smiling. My first book by this author , I would be keen to read another.
July 31, 2020
This is my first Jules Wake read, and I LOVED IT! The story is a wonderful wake-up call about achieving a good work-life balance, making good friends and taking time for the things that matter. The characters are mostly warm and friendly – people you are happy to share time with. Claire’s sister, Alice, is the exception, but her actions help provide the catalyst for change in Claire’s work filled, but otherwise empty, life. Hilda, an older character, was a blast – I loved her no-nonsense say it as it is ways. Claire and Ash shared a lovely connection that held me from the beginning of the story and kept me interested all the way to the end. It was refreshing for the hero to be vulnerable and to make mistakes, even after it seemed things might be sorted. Overall this is a fab book that will leave you with a big smile. And there’s a dog, what’s not to like?
October 13, 2020
As usual this author's books have completely wrapped me up into a warm and cosy hug.
I loved the characters, Hilda is a complete hoot and reminded me of an old friend.
Claire is a good egg, Ash sounds amazing, although I think I prefer without the beard.
The girls are just fabulous and of course Bill, he completes the family.
What a lovely book to help get some of my lost reading mojo book.
Thank you
I loved the characters, Hilda is a complete hoot and reminded me of an old friend.
Claire is a good egg, Ash sounds amazing, although I think I prefer without the beard.
The girls are just fabulous and of course Bill, he completes the family.
What a lovely book to help get some of my lost reading mojo book.
Thank you
August 25, 2020
What a beautiful book! My heart is full and I'm happy to have read this book.
Meet Clare the workaholic. So successful and young. Until one day she's laid off work due to stress and anxiety and suddenly she has nothing to do than take care of her sister's girls Ava and Poppy. Bored already, Clare takes a stroll across the park near her place she'd recently moved and that's where she bumps into our lovely old Hilda. Goodness Gracious, the woman is a bag full of joy and she brings so much positivity to everyone around her. Nosy, talkative, decisive and completely ridiculous Hilda is just the dream nan everyone wishes for.
Hilda somehow convinces Clare to form a running club and now Clare is knee deep trying to put it together an entire community and the result of the event is just too stunning than she'd expected.
This is heartwarming tale to read. I loved the burning hot chemistry between Clare and Ash and cannot wait for them to patch it up finally. Ava and Poppy added more colors to the book and the adorable stray dog with his mischievous scheme, just made this book sweater.
Many thanks to Rachel from Rachel's Random Resources and One More Chapter for having me on the #BlogTour. All opinions mine.
Meet Clare the workaholic. So successful and young. Until one day she's laid off work due to stress and anxiety and suddenly she has nothing to do than take care of her sister's girls Ava and Poppy. Bored already, Clare takes a stroll across the park near her place she'd recently moved and that's where she bumps into our lovely old Hilda. Goodness Gracious, the woman is a bag full of joy and she brings so much positivity to everyone around her. Nosy, talkative, decisive and completely ridiculous Hilda is just the dream nan everyone wishes for.
Hilda somehow convinces Clare to form a running club and now Clare is knee deep trying to put it together an entire community and the result of the event is just too stunning than she'd expected.
This is heartwarming tale to read. I loved the burning hot chemistry between Clare and Ash and cannot wait for them to patch it up finally. Ava and Poppy added more colors to the book and the adorable stray dog with his mischievous scheme, just made this book sweater.
Many thanks to Rachel from Rachel's Random Resources and One More Chapter for having me on the #BlogTour. All opinions mine.
August 5, 2020
I see I’m in the minority with only giving it 3 stars. This book started out very slow and it didn’t grab me until I got to 50%. I found myself skimming through a lot of the beginning and the middle. This was just ok. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.
September 28, 2020
2.5 stars. I’m so glad this book is over. It took me five days to read which is a while for me. It had so much potential and is the feel-good romance story that I like, but it was dreadfully long for no reason. It could have been shortened to make the story better and cut out needless plot points.
The sister in this novel - okay, it was ludicrous. The conclusion of her story anticlimactic and even moreso. It was unrealistic and just, why? How was this behavior excusable and how were the parents okay with this?
Ready to move on to the next..
The sister in this novel - okay, it was ludicrous. The conclusion of her story anticlimactic and even moreso. It was unrealistic and just, why? How was this behavior excusable and how were the parents okay with this?
Ready to move on to the next..
July 29, 2020
I really loved this book! I had a feeling I would like it because I love books about old people. I adore inter-generational connections. But this book exceeded all expectations. It was such a feel good story about community, being lonely, finding friends, finding work life balance. There were so many parts of it that I connected with and I'm really excited to post my full review for the blog tour soon!
February 14, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. The main characters were all lovely but Hilda was just hilarious with her tales and the parkrun brought everyone together.
June 7, 2025
PopSugar Reading Challenge #17 - A book about a run club. I didn't have many options, I just picked whatever I could find on Audible.
For a romance, this is not all that bad. It's a feel-good little book with a quirky cast of characters, a charming English village, and the underlying theme of the power of community. The book follows Claire, an accountant who works a challenging job and is on her way to partnership. She meets Ash, a charming but equally workaholic guy, with whom she has an exciting one-night stand, but their relationship doesn't move forward as he stops calling her.
Her life takes an unexpected turn when her doctor signs her off work due to stress. During this hiatus, she meets Hilda, an elderly woman with a zest for life, who convinces her to start running every morning. Her life is further complicated by her sister, who leaves on a trip to India "to find herself" and leaves her two girls, Poppy and Ava, in her care.
The run club plot is engaging and I found the insight into how UK parkruns are organized interesting. It added a realistic layer to the story. One of the book’s strongest themes is abandoning the high-stress corporate world in search of a more balanced, meaningful life. As someone who is trying to find a more balanced work-life setup, this resonated with me and gave the story a bit of depth.
The characters are generally likeable - Claire is relatable and I liked her transformation (and especially the way she confronted her sister towards the end). Ash is, of course, gorgeous, brooding, and tortured - nothing new there, but for a romance novel, I guess it was expected. Their relationship evolves cutely, a bit cheesy, but low on the cringe factor. Sure, it's formulaic and a bit sappy, but that was also to be expected. My favourite character was definitely Hilda, who is a delight - blunt, hilarious, and the emotional anchor of the book. While not all characters were memorable, they were decently written, and the portrayal of the two young girls felt especially realistic and heartfelt.
What didn't work for me is the length of the book. The pacing is glacial, and at over 400 pages, it drags far too long for what is essentially a romantic comedy. Also, the subplot involving Alice, her parenting, and her backstory is… well, ludicrous. Her character's choices made little sense, and I couldn’t buy into her parents being so forgiving or blind to what was going on.
So, it's not bad, not terrible. I liked the community aspects and the focus on the joy of simple routines like weekly runs. I would recommend it to people who like slow-burn romances with a wholesome tone. But if you're looking for substance, it may leave you jogging in place.
For a romance, this is not all that bad. It's a feel-good little book with a quirky cast of characters, a charming English village, and the underlying theme of the power of community. The book follows Claire, an accountant who works a challenging job and is on her way to partnership. She meets Ash, a charming but equally workaholic guy, with whom she has an exciting one-night stand, but their relationship doesn't move forward as he stops calling her.
Her life takes an unexpected turn when her doctor signs her off work due to stress. During this hiatus, she meets Hilda, an elderly woman with a zest for life, who convinces her to start running every morning. Her life is further complicated by her sister, who leaves on a trip to India "to find herself" and leaves her two girls, Poppy and Ava, in her care.
The run club plot is engaging and I found the insight into how UK parkruns are organized interesting. It added a realistic layer to the story. One of the book’s strongest themes is abandoning the high-stress corporate world in search of a more balanced, meaningful life. As someone who is trying to find a more balanced work-life setup, this resonated with me and gave the story a bit of depth.
The characters are generally likeable - Claire is relatable and I liked her transformation (and especially the way she confronted her sister towards the end). Ash is, of course, gorgeous, brooding, and tortured - nothing new there, but for a romance novel, I guess it was expected. Their relationship evolves cutely, a bit cheesy, but low on the cringe factor. Sure, it's formulaic and a bit sappy, but that was also to be expected. My favourite character was definitely Hilda, who is a delight - blunt, hilarious, and the emotional anchor of the book. While not all characters were memorable, they were decently written, and the portrayal of the two young girls felt especially realistic and heartfelt.
What didn't work for me is the length of the book. The pacing is glacial, and at over 400 pages, it drags far too long for what is essentially a romantic comedy. Also, the subplot involving Alice, her parenting, and her backstory is… well, ludicrous. Her character's choices made little sense, and I couldn’t buy into her parents being so forgiving or blind to what was going on.
So, it's not bad, not terrible. I liked the community aspects and the focus on the joy of simple routines like weekly runs. I would recommend it to people who like slow-burn romances with a wholesome tone. But if you're looking for substance, it may leave you jogging in place.
August 16, 2020
This is a fun story of how sometimes disparate events can culminate in something so worthwhile and inspirational when you least expect it!
Claire is so focussed on her career, she's forgotten there's anything else to life until a coffee incident proves a huge distraction in the form of Ash! Not long after that, she's diagnosed with stress and instructed not to go to work for a month by her doctor. She has no idea what she'll do - but her younger sister, Alice, does. Alice decides to go off to India for a week, leaving her two daughters to stay with Claire. Whilst the girls are at school, Claire goes for a walk in the park to get some exercise. That's where she meets the colourful septuagenarian, Hilda, a straight talking escapee from the local care home who runs in the park every day. As the relationships between Claire, Ash and Hilda, the two youngsters and a stray dog develop, so do the challenges Hilda throws at them . . . . including organising a Park Run event in their local park. They never dreamed of how much paperwork, rules, regulations and time it would take but it gives them an added purpose and brings them closer together. However, just where is Alice and what will happen to her daughters?
This is a story of developing a supportive community and definitely shows that sometimes it isn't what you know but who you know that can help you succeed. It is also about developing connections, making the most of opportunities and striving hard to succeed but keeping a balance between work and life, with life, family and friendships always being more important than your job. It is a fun read filled with love, learning to work together and overcoming obstacles, a delightful story to escape into with a lovely romance or three, too!
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it and thoroughly enjoying reading it.
Claire is so focussed on her career, she's forgotten there's anything else to life until a coffee incident proves a huge distraction in the form of Ash! Not long after that, she's diagnosed with stress and instructed not to go to work for a month by her doctor. She has no idea what she'll do - but her younger sister, Alice, does. Alice decides to go off to India for a week, leaving her two daughters to stay with Claire. Whilst the girls are at school, Claire goes for a walk in the park to get some exercise. That's where she meets the colourful septuagenarian, Hilda, a straight talking escapee from the local care home who runs in the park every day. As the relationships between Claire, Ash and Hilda, the two youngsters and a stray dog develop, so do the challenges Hilda throws at them . . . . including organising a Park Run event in their local park. They never dreamed of how much paperwork, rules, regulations and time it would take but it gives them an added purpose and brings them closer together. However, just where is Alice and what will happen to her daughters?
This is a story of developing a supportive community and definitely shows that sometimes it isn't what you know but who you know that can help you succeed. It is also about developing connections, making the most of opportunities and striving hard to succeed but keeping a balance between work and life, with life, family and friendships always being more important than your job. It is a fun read filled with love, learning to work together and overcoming obstacles, a delightful story to escape into with a lovely romance or three, too!
I requested and was gifted a copy of this book and this is my honest review after choosing to read it and thoroughly enjoying reading it.
August 28, 2020
Gosh I loved this beautiful book! It has so many relevant themes, including how taking care of your physical and mental health is so important and how becoming more mindful and exercising more can help you to feel better on more than one level. I adored Claire and could completely relate to her situation, and am sure many people in this day and age will too. Loneliness is a human condition that affects us all at some point regardless of age or gender but there is always hope to be found, even in the most unexpected places.
Hilda is the wise and caring older woman I'd love to have around, Claire's nieces are sweet and challenging, as children can be, and as for Ash, I loved how the connection between him and Claire grew, the gentle sway of will they / won't they? Then, of course, there's the sweet, scruffy dog in need of a loving home, something that's guaranteed to make my heart squeeze.
When I find myself thinking about the characters of a story even after I've closed the book, I know that it will stay with me for a long time. A fabulous five stars from me!
Hilda is the wise and caring older woman I'd love to have around, Claire's nieces are sweet and challenging, as children can be, and as for Ash, I loved how the connection between him and Claire grew, the gentle sway of will they / won't they? Then, of course, there's the sweet, scruffy dog in need of a loving home, something that's guaranteed to make my heart squeeze.
When I find myself thinking about the characters of a story even after I've closed the book, I know that it will stay with me for a long time. A fabulous five stars from me!
April 24, 2025
I'm going to be honest at least 2 of the 4 stars are just me being biased towards anything involving parkrun 😂
Story wise I enjoyed the found family/community aspects of this though it was pretty cheesy and cliche at times. I could definitely tell this was written by someone who genuinely loves parkrun.
The romance was meh for me but thankfully it wasn't really the main focus of the book so it didn't bother me as much as I initially feared.
Story wise I enjoyed the found family/community aspects of this though it was pretty cheesy and cliche at times. I could definitely tell this was written by someone who genuinely loves parkrun.
The romance was meh for me but thankfully it wasn't really the main focus of the book so it didn't bother me as much as I initially feared.
August 15, 2020
This book had everything I was looking for right now - warmth, wit, loveable and unique three-dimensional characters, a sense of community, purpose, heart and important life lessons.
I think many of us have been where main character Claire is at the beginning of this story; burnt out, stressed, overwhelmed and longing to get off the career treadmill (though she doesn’t realise it at first). I really enjoyed how Jules Wake unfurled this story, bringing Ash and Claire together at the beginning, pulling them apart, giving them their own challenges and then introducing the brilliant Hilda into the equation. I loved Hilda! What a character; she was one of the best things about this book (along with Bill the dog), and I just wish she was my next door neighbour.
The background of the park run was a really interesting part of the story, and I thought Ash was hot (even when grumpy and out of sorts) but it was seeing Claire’s journey - especially with regards to taking on responsibility for her nieces and finally making her house a home - that really struck me. I won’t pretend I didn’t shed a few tears in the last chapter. I was sad when the book was over because I didn’t want to say goodbye to such an amazing cast of characters.
This was an easy five stars from me and I really hope Jules writes a sequel.
I think many of us have been where main character Claire is at the beginning of this story; burnt out, stressed, overwhelmed and longing to get off the career treadmill (though she doesn’t realise it at first). I really enjoyed how Jules Wake unfurled this story, bringing Ash and Claire together at the beginning, pulling them apart, giving them their own challenges and then introducing the brilliant Hilda into the equation. I loved Hilda! What a character; she was one of the best things about this book (along with Bill the dog), and I just wish she was my next door neighbour.
The background of the park run was a really interesting part of the story, and I thought Ash was hot (even when grumpy and out of sorts) but it was seeing Claire’s journey - especially with regards to taking on responsibility for her nieces and finally making her house a home - that really struck me. I won’t pretend I didn’t shed a few tears in the last chapter. I was sad when the book was over because I didn’t want to say goodbye to such an amazing cast of characters.
This was an easy five stars from me and I really hope Jules writes a sequel.
March 27, 2022
Back here, mostly to explain the reason behind the rating. I am sorry I cannot do it without spoilers, but it is impossible.
Buying the novel, I knew it would not be a trademark Jules Wake sizzling romance. It is mostly a family story, dealing with both a real family and a newly found family of friends. There are two little girls involved so the story is touching and poignant at times. Why one star then?
I had two problems with the book. The first one (which almost made me stop reading) was that the central romantic relationship starts with , which is a plot device I hate. But then the story continues and it was made if not precisely palatable, at least acceptable enough for me to keep reading and moving towards what was supposed to be the climax of the book , but turned out rather suprisingly unexciting. Okay, it happens. But then I got to this part (I need to put it behind the spoiler tag) and it made me see red:
Anyway, this killed the book for me. I would give it zero stars if I could.
Buying the novel, I knew it would not be a trademark Jules Wake sizzling romance. It is mostly a family story, dealing with both a real family and a newly found family of friends. There are two little girls involved so the story is touching and poignant at times. Why one star then?
I had two problems with the book. The first one (which almost made me stop reading) was that the central romantic relationship starts with , which is a plot device I hate. But then the story continues and it was made if not precisely palatable, at least acceptable enough for me to keep reading and moving towards what was supposed to be the climax of the book , but turned out rather suprisingly unexciting. Okay, it happens. But then I got to this part (I need to put it behind the spoiler tag) and it made me see red:
Anyway, this killed the book for me. I would give it zero stars if I could.
October 24, 2024
❤️❤️❤️
December 18, 2020
Finished reading: December 17th 2020
"You could spend a lifetime worrying about what others think of you and where would that get you?"
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
January 4, 2021
Claire Harrison is an over-achiever, older sister, accountant, on the path to partner in the Leeds office of the firm where she works, owner of a charming house near a park in the small town of Churchstone, even if it does need some work to make it the home of her dreams. Then a chance encounter with a handsome stranger on the way to the station leads to romance. Everything is looking perfect.
Then one by one the dominoes tumble. The guy ghosts Claire, a scratch from helping her flaky sister to cut back some hedges gets infected, she misses a project deadline at work, Claire gets signed off with stress and her sister Alice dumps her two daughters (Alice's daughters, not Claire's daughters) on her while she goes to India 'to find herself'.
At this point I started to get irritated, I am tired of novels which suggest that women can't have it all, or that they would be better off settling for a lesser job blah, blah. Luckily, this wasn't quite that kind of book. Yes, Claire does reassess her priorities but she isn't the only one.
A chance meeting in the park after taking her nieces to school introduces Claire to Hilda, an elderly lady in a lurid track suit who runs in the park every day to prove to her overbearing son that she is fit enough to live independently, even if she is currently living in an old people's home. Forced to stay off work for four weeks, Claire finds time to spend running in the park, caring for her nieces, decorating her home and setting up a park run, all orchestrated by the indominable Hilda.
If you like Debbie Johnson or other writers of that ilk I think you'll love this.
Then one by one the dominoes tumble. The guy ghosts Claire, a scratch from helping her flaky sister to cut back some hedges gets infected, she misses a project deadline at work, Claire gets signed off with stress and her sister Alice dumps her two daughters (Alice's daughters, not Claire's daughters) on her while she goes to India 'to find herself'.
At this point I started to get irritated, I am tired of novels which suggest that women can't have it all, or that they would be better off settling for a lesser job blah, blah. Luckily, this wasn't quite that kind of book. Yes, Claire does reassess her priorities but she isn't the only one.
A chance meeting in the park after taking her nieces to school introduces Claire to Hilda, an elderly lady in a lurid track suit who runs in the park every day to prove to her overbearing son that she is fit enough to live independently, even if she is currently living in an old people's home. Forced to stay off work for four weeks, Claire finds time to spend running in the park, caring for her nieces, decorating her home and setting up a park run, all orchestrated by the indominable Hilda.
If you like Debbie Johnson or other writers of that ilk I think you'll love this.
September 6, 2020
Where do I start with this book... I don't think words will do justice to describe exactly how much I adored this. If I could sum up this book in one word, it would be 'gorgeous'.
We meet our protagonist, Claire Harrison as she is starting her daily commute to her high-powered job. On walking to the train station she has a run in with another commuter on his way to his high falutin career. Panic ensues as coffee goes everywhere and they spend the next how ever long on the train having a staring competition. One thing leads to another and they end up going on a date... and then Claire never hears from Ash again...
I don't want to give too much away so I'll stop there. This book involves two adorable children (Ava is so cute, I couldn't stop smiling when she talked about her stuffed toys!), a hairy carpet dog called Bill and an endearing elderly woman called Hilda. Plus our two main characters, Claire and Ash..
This book will absolutely warm your heart and give you cause for a few tears. It is glorious in every sense of the word and is a remedy for today's news. I cannot tell you how much I envy someone picking up this book for the first time. It is truly heartwarming and is really a hug in a book!
Please read this yesterday!!!! Now run...
**I received this as an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
We meet our protagonist, Claire Harrison as she is starting her daily commute to her high-powered job. On walking to the train station she has a run in with another commuter on his way to his high falutin career. Panic ensues as coffee goes everywhere and they spend the next how ever long on the train having a staring competition. One thing leads to another and they end up going on a date... and then Claire never hears from Ash again...
I don't want to give too much away so I'll stop there. This book involves two adorable children (Ava is so cute, I couldn't stop smiling when she talked about her stuffed toys!), a hairy carpet dog called Bill and an endearing elderly woman called Hilda. Plus our two main characters, Claire and Ash..
This book will absolutely warm your heart and give you cause for a few tears. It is glorious in every sense of the word and is a remedy for today's news. I cannot tell you how much I envy someone picking up this book for the first time. It is truly heartwarming and is really a hug in a book!
Please read this yesterday!!!! Now run...
**I received this as an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 6, 2025
3.75 stars! 🌟
I loved the lighthearted storyline behind this book. A group of strangers coming together to create a park run within their community.
The story had an all round relaxed writing style, full of uplifting and heartwarming relationships. I loved that there were mental health and family dynamic tropes, as well as blossoming relationships and unexpected friendships.
The only thing that let the book down for me was the long-winded writing style. It seemed that some chapters went for quite a while, remaining in the same scene or conversation. It did set the story up, but I think it could have been easily condensed.
I found around 80% it picked up the pace where more was happening, although sometimes it was easier to listen to the audiobook rather than read so many pages surrounding the same scene.
Overall, a very cheerful and amusing read😇
I loved the lighthearted storyline behind this book. A group of strangers coming together to create a park run within their community.
The story had an all round relaxed writing style, full of uplifting and heartwarming relationships. I loved that there were mental health and family dynamic tropes, as well as blossoming relationships and unexpected friendships.
The only thing that let the book down for me was the long-winded writing style. It seemed that some chapters went for quite a while, remaining in the same scene or conversation. It did set the story up, but I think it could have been easily condensed.
I found around 80% it picked up the pace where more was happening, although sometimes it was easier to listen to the audiobook rather than read so many pages surrounding the same scene.
Overall, a very cheerful and amusing read😇
August 29, 2020
Another wonderful book from an always must read author for me, Jule Wake.
I think I need to start by saying what a powerhouse of a character Hilda is, she is force to be reckoned with and completely pivotal for everything in the book. You may not think so when you first meet her, with her love of wacky tracksuits, but she is one wily older woman, and has a habit of persuading people do things in, in their best interests, whether they want to or not.
If I was like Hilda when I was older, then I would be incredibly happy, it sounds as though she has loved a colourful life, how much of it was true I think we may never know, and I think many people could do well to adopt her viewpoints on how to live life!
In contrast there are Claire and Ash, who have a chemistry filled meet cute, fabulous night together and then well life changes for them both.
And it's through their changes and development that they turn from workaholics into caring wonderful people. I especially was hooked on how Claire was getting on with looking after her nieces who she previously barely knew, in light of their mother heading off to India with vague promises of when she might be back
Ah then there is the park and the running and well I loved that thread too, although nothing would ever convince me that waking up on a Saturday morning to run 5k is a good idea, I enjoyed seeing how Claire and Ash's relationship with running changed, and how urged by Hilda they hope to set up a local Park Run.
So many various threads running through this story, I loved Poppy and Ava, the nieces, and also Bill, the shaggy carpet dog, and just about everything to do with the book.
It is Jules Wake at her finest and it was a purely enjoyable book to read. I loved it!
Thank you to Netgalley and One More Chapter for this copy which I have reviewed voluntarily, and honestly.
I think I need to start by saying what a powerhouse of a character Hilda is, she is force to be reckoned with and completely pivotal for everything in the book. You may not think so when you first meet her, with her love of wacky tracksuits, but she is one wily older woman, and has a habit of persuading people do things in, in their best interests, whether they want to or not.
If I was like Hilda when I was older, then I would be incredibly happy, it sounds as though she has loved a colourful life, how much of it was true I think we may never know, and I think many people could do well to adopt her viewpoints on how to live life!
In contrast there are Claire and Ash, who have a chemistry filled meet cute, fabulous night together and then well life changes for them both.
And it's through their changes and development that they turn from workaholics into caring wonderful people. I especially was hooked on how Claire was getting on with looking after her nieces who she previously barely knew, in light of their mother heading off to India with vague promises of when she might be back
Ah then there is the park and the running and well I loved that thread too, although nothing would ever convince me that waking up on a Saturday morning to run 5k is a good idea, I enjoyed seeing how Claire and Ash's relationship with running changed, and how urged by Hilda they hope to set up a local Park Run.
So many various threads running through this story, I loved Poppy and Ava, the nieces, and also Bill, the shaggy carpet dog, and just about everything to do with the book.
It is Jules Wake at her finest and it was a purely enjoyable book to read. I loved it!
Thank you to Netgalley and One More Chapter for this copy which I have reviewed voluntarily, and honestly.
June 21, 2022
Claire and Ash's meet-cute is made for a rom-com and has been done to death, and if the rest of the book was going to be full of boring clichés, I wasn't going to continue beyond the middle of Chapter 1. But I'm glad I carried on because this turned out to be an enjoyable read. And informative as well. Always a bonus.
Organising a parkrun is central to the story. The author provides interesting information on it, which prompted me to find out more. (I found out that it's even held at three venues in my little country!)
The meat of the story, however, is about human relationships - between friends, between lovers, within a family. All of it is handled well and while there is some heartbreaking bits (I was sad about the events, but also angry with the character that caused them), they don't lapse into maudlin sentimentality.
The main characters are a varied bunch - as the blurb says, an old woman, a younger one, two little girls, a gorgeous stranger and a scruffy dog. They are fleshed out well and made the story what it is.
October 18, 2021
A feel good read, begins in a light hearted rom-com way, but the characters quickly developed making it more than that - a book about a good work life balance, community, friendship and making time for the important things in life. Very enjoyable.
April 24, 2023
Very enjoyable. Chick lit rather than romance.
January 6, 2025
4.5 stars
Took me a bit to get into the story, but I am so glad I kept reading because this book was so wholesome and healing. Loved all the characters and cried happy tears at the end.
Took me a bit to get into the story, but I am so glad I kept reading because this book was so wholesome and healing. Loved all the characters and cried happy tears at the end.
November 2, 2023
If you want a light hearted, easy to read book with likeable characters and a storyline about love, friendship and running, this is perfect for you!
April 24, 2025
Loved it! Only started reading it because I like parkrun and got a little worried in the first two chapters that it might just be a romance novel that had nothing to do with parkrun, but in the end really enjoyed the read.
May 1, 2024
I enjoyed this book! I would summarize it to say that it’s a story of unexpected friendship and learning how to prioritize what is important in life. I wish I had a parkrun close to me!
August 3, 2020
This book was a delight to read. It has humour, romance, heart-warming moments, great characters and even a dog in need of a home! I found that I totally bought in to the friendships which develop between Claire, Ash and Hilda. Connecting across the generations seems easy in this story and there is a real sense of chance bringing people together at just the right time.
Starting anew, taking a look at work/ life balance and second chances are themes which run through the whole story between all the characters. You feel that it is never too late to make changes. Claire is immensely likeable and easy to like. I also enjoyed Jules' writing style which strikes just the right tone. There are some lovely visual pictures conjured up. I particularly enjoyed the ride to the Dog Shelter in Ash's Porsche which was bursting at the seams. The whole story makes you think about what is important and how a community can come together.
In short: Family and community
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book
Starting anew, taking a look at work/ life balance and second chances are themes which run through the whole story between all the characters. You feel that it is never too late to make changes. Claire is immensely likeable and easy to like. I also enjoyed Jules' writing style which strikes just the right tone. There are some lovely visual pictures conjured up. I particularly enjoyed the ride to the Dog Shelter in Ash's Porsche which was bursting at the seams. The whole story makes you think about what is important and how a community can come together.
In short: Family and community
Thanks to the author for a copy of the book
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