Unbreak Your Heart

by Katie Marsh

ONE BOY'S WISH. ONE EXTRAORDINARY LOVE STORY


'Gorgeously written, devastatingly affecting and utterly life-affirming' Miranda Dickinson

Seven-year-old Jake's heart is failing and he doesn't want to leave his dad, Simon, alone. So he makes a decision: to find Simon someone to love before he goes.

Beth is determined to forget the past. But even when she leaves New York to start afresh in a Lake District village, she can't shake the secrets that haunt her.

Single dad Simon still holds a candle for the woman who left him years ago. Every day is a struggle to earn a living while caring for his beloved son. He has no time for finding someone new.

But Jake is determined his plan will succeed - and what unfolds will change all three of them forever.

'A touching love story' Kate Eberlen

'A beautiful story that reminds us of the power and importance of love' Isabelle Broom

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary

432 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 27, 2021

About the author

Hello and welcome to my GoodReads page. Thank you for visiting!

I wrote romantic fiction before turning to crime in my forties. My debut novel was a World Book Night pick and my books are published in ten languages.

I live in the countryside and love strong coffee and pretending to be in charge of my children. ‘Murder on the Dancefloor'’, the second in my Bad Girls Detective Agency crime series, will be published by Boldwood Books in March 2024.

Do come and chat on instagram - I'm @katiemarshauthor.

Katie x

Reviews

[Paromjit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katie Marsh's novel is both heartbreaking and heartwarming, set in the beautiful location of the Lake District. When Beth's life falls apart in New York where she has lived for some years, with her marriage to her unpleasant husband breaking down and along with having made a mistake, she decides to return to Britain to the place she had been happy. Stressed single father, Simon, is shouldering unbearable burdens, his delightful and beloved 7 year old son, Jake, has a rare heart condition. After a road accident, Beth encounters Jake and an angry Simon, coincidentally she lives next door to them. Jake is a lovely and lively child, worried about his dad, and he is determined that his father should not be left alone should the worst happen.

In a emotional roller coaster of a story, there is plenty of drama as Beth and Simon's relationship develops. Each have their own issues, Beth, has a best friend, Jas, and is working as a school nurse, she is trying to rebuild her life and confidence, both personally and professionally. She plays a critical role in getting Simon to reappraise his life and see life through a different lense. As could be predicted, Tamsin, Jake's mother returns, she had abandoned them after experiencing post-natal depression after giving birth. This is warm and engaging contemporary fiction about facing challenging circumstances in life, love, hope, friendships, and overcoming adversities. Jake is an adorable character, and the author goes into some detail with her descriptions of his medical condition and the way it affects his life.

I can see many readers enjoying this book, although I should warn that there may well be tears. Many thanks to Hodder and Stoughton for an ARC.

[Ceecee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4+

Beth Carlyle returns to the UK from New York after the break up of her marriage, she intends to disappear and make a fresh start. She decides to settle in the Lake District and lodges with her best friend Jas until she can sort herself out and she accepts a job as a school nurse. Sam Withers has devoted his life to his beloved son for the last seven years since his partner Tamsin left. Jake has a serious heart condition knows as HLHS - Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. The story is told from the perspectives of Beth and Simon.

First of all, let’s start with Jake. He steals the book for sure. He’s amazing, loving, caring, devoted to his dad and Lego and so determined not to let his condition define him. There’s absolutely no doubt, I’m in love with Jake! All the characters are likeable, Simon can be spikey but he’s understandably protective of Jake so we’ll let him off and Beth is lovely but is struggling with some unresolved NYC baggage. The setting in the Lakes sings, there’s nowhere more beautiful in Spring, also summer and oh let’s face it, all year round! It’s a perfect place to set this story. The premise is a simple one but that’s not to suggest the storyline is simplicity because the writing makes you feel something. It has heartache and loss, laughter and love and at the centre of that is adorable Jake, there’s forgiveness and acceptance and grabbing a second chance which is heartwarming. The book is full of kindness, understanding and joy and is designed to uplift you and couldn’t we all do with that right now??

Overall, this is a lovely, sweet and easy to read book which I thoroughly enjoy.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Hodder and Stoughton for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

[Vanessa Menezes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seven-year-old Jake's heart is failing and he doesn't want to leave his dad, Simon, alone. So he makes a decision: to find Simon someone to love before he goes.

Beth is determined to forget the past. But even when she leaves New York to start afresh in a Lake District village, she can't shake the secrets that haunt her.

Single dad Simon still holds a candle for the woman who left him years ago. Every day is a struggle to earn a living while caring for his beloved son. He has no time for finding someone new.

But Jake is determined his plan will succeed - and what unfolds will change all three of them forever.

Right from the first page I knew that this was going to be a heartwarming read and I wasn’t wrong! I have so many things to tell but I don’t want to give any spoilers!!

So firstly, regarding the plot, it was so well written, that the plot just flows and you don’t want to keep the book until you have finished. Beautifully narrated in alternate chapters of Beth and Simon, along with few letters written by Jake to his best friend Emily. It covers love, self-discovery, hope while dealing with how to cope with having a child with a serious heart condition.

In terms of the characters, each of them was so wonderful, and their growth through the book was excellent. But Jake is simply my favourite, he is the star of this book and his bond with Simon is truly special.

The ending was predictable, but I don’t think I would have wanted it to end in any other way!

Thank You NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this ARC!

[Pauline]

Beth has been living in New York. When her marriage breaks down she moves back to Lake District where she grew up to start an new job as a school nurse. She meets a seven year old boy with a serious heart condition and his single father.
Her life is about to change forever.
I really enjoyed this book and the interesting characters. A feel good story to lift your spirits.
Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder And Stoughton for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Aly Lauck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book. Predictable, but enjoyed it!

[Heather Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another heart-warming read about forgiveness, loss, love, family and friendship, with a little bit of retribution thrown in. Loved it. More detailed review to follow.

[Andrea Pole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbreak Your Heart by Katie Marsh is my first read from this author, and I am thrilled to discover this new to me talent. Ms Marsh has crafted a beautifully engaging and poignant story that will stay with me for a very long time.

Beth is looking for a fresh start in the UK after ending her marriage in the States. A chance encounter introduces her to Simon and his son Jake, a seven year old boy who suffers from a heart condition. Simon has been struggling as a single father after his partner Tamsin left years earlier, unable to cope will the demands of her ill child. Cognizant of the severity of his condition, Jake attempts to find a new partner for Simon so that he will not be left alone. Will a chance encounter with a stranger, who becomes a friend, be just what these lost souls need to finally find their happily ever after?

This is an emotional and heartwarming read that will have you falling in love with each of the characters, particularly young Jake, who will capture your heart from the very start. I can highly recommend this novel, and look forward to reading much more from Ms Marsh.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an ARC.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was actually a pleasant surprise. I wanted something easy reading and it was way better than expected. Set in the Lake District🤌🏼, Jake is the cutest 😭 and it has a really nice message. not bad for 99p. (teared up quite a few times…this is becoming a pattern. Might need to read a comedy next💀)

“…this was living; being with people you loved, celebrating with them, holding them through the lows and cheering them through the highs. Moment by moment. That was the only way to live”

[Amelia Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

eeeeeeee. my goodness. well well well then. this book was definitely my first dose of reading slump vaccine, like i wasn’t expecting to love it as much as I did. someone’s gonna have to unbreak my heart in a sec cos this book actually made me feel some emotions. let’s just hope I don’t get a one way ticket back to slumpville🥰☠️🤠

[Bookworm Blogger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d like to thank NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for approving me for an ARC of this book.

😭Oh my heart! This story is a real tearjerker and had me welling up, weeping and sobbing on numerous occasions. If you are looking for a book that packs a punch then this is it!

🧒🏻Jake may have a failing heart but he uses it to its full potential. This boy is wise beyond his years and his thirst for life was infectious, he was the true star of the story. In the moments when his naivety crept in I felt my heart’s strings being tugged.

😆 This wasn’t all about the uncertainty of Jake’s future in fact I often found myself laughing out loud. My favourite scene was when Jake attempted to give Simon a haircut, I found the tears flowing for a completely different reason!

💖 There is so much love in this story from relationships to parenting and friendships, and every avenue is explored most beautifully. The gentle conversations between numerous characters and subtle moments had my heart fluttering.

🧑🏻‍❤️‍💋‍👩🏻Simon and Beth are lost, souls. They are both facing difficulties in their lives and struggling to find a way through the uncertain future. Bath’s backstory was very interesting and I loved getting to know her and what she was running from. Whilst the romance between these two is inevitable there were quite a few surprises along the way.

This is a book that I don’t see people talking about enough and I am kicking myself for taking so long to get to it. I am now going to add Katie Marsh to my list of authors to read and shall be checking out her other books.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Told over the four seasons and by alternative chapters of Simon and Beth, it focuses on the story of Jake, a young boy with a life limiting heart condition. Jake has put up with years of hospital appointments and operations supported by his father Simon, a lonely and struggling single dad but still needs one more operation- one which he may or may not survive. Jake is on a mission. He wants his dad to find love again and the lengths he will go to to find a girlfriend for him are both entertaining for the reader and utterly mortifying for Simon.

Beth’s initial first impression isn’t a good one when she almost knocks Jake off his bike. She has relocated to the Lake District from New York to escape her own personal heartache and anything else other than getting on with her new job is far from her mind.

This was one of those books that once I started reading I didn’t want to stop. It was beautifully written and there were parts that were so emotional, particularly where Jake was concerned. All the characters were wonderfully drawn with personalities that felt authentic – none were perfect. Neither Simon or Beth had had an easy time in the past for different reasons, that was clear, and in Beth’s case there was something more that haunted her which was to be revealed. Having the story told from their respective views gave greater insight into their feelings – I really felt for both of them as their back stories were revealed and I was so desperate for them to find the happiness they deserved, whoever that was with.

Jake was such a fabulous character. He didn’t want his illness to define him. He was funny, loved Lego, football and more than anything wanted to be like other kids running around. The letters he writes to his friend Emily will break your heart.

There is so much more which I won’t reveal here – all I will say is I loved the way the story slowly developed between the three main characters, and alongside this, Simon’s troubled relationship with his own father. This is more than just a romance – there are many difficult subjects included along the way but overall it’s a story of love between fathers and sons, and is such an uplifting read that no-one can fail to be affected by it. A gorgeous book. I loved it.

[Agi · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a recent divorce and a tragedy at her work place, Beth returns to the UK from New York, looking for a fresh start. Her return, however, doesn’t start in an ideal way, when she crosses her path with a seven – year – old Jake and his father Simon, leaving the latter less than impressed with her. Jake suffers from a heart condition and Simon is struggling as a single father, having been left by Jake’s mum, Tamsin, years earlier. Jake, aware of the severity of his disease, is on a mission to find a new partner for his dad, so that he won’t stay alone after Jack is gone. Will this chance encounter with Beth, who becomes their neighbour, be just what they all need?

Having read and loved all Katie Marsh’s books, I knew that I am for another treat with „Unbreak Your Heart“. This book had all I was hoping for and expecting – the author has crafted a beautiful, engaging story, with unbelievably real characters that will capture your heart, complex and clever plot, funny and poignant moments. And, of course, I finished it crying crocodile tears. It is this kind of read that will stay with me for longer. It was emotional and close to life. Katie Marsh always delivers – it’s her fifth novel and I loved all of them, without exception.

The characters were really well fleshed out, there was substance to them and they had huge personalities – they simply felt like living and breathing people that you can meet on the street. They all had their own issues and problems, which made them feel so close to life and even more real. The development of the relationship is filled with drama, bumps and obstacles and sometimes you just want to bang the characters’ heads together and tell them to communicate, pretty please, and not jump to conclusions, but it’s only a sign of a good delivery. Beth was lovely and I immediately liked her. You can see there is something eating her, that something weighs her down, but you must wait a bit for this something to be explained. I suspected what has happened, however seeing it confirmed didn’t make me feel disappointed, on the contrary, it made me fall for Beth even more. Seeing her try to rebuild her life was lovely, even though it was not easy for Beth, there were many challenges and obstacles on her way and it was understandable that gaining the lost confidence back took so much time with some steps forward and some steps back.
I loved the harsh way Simon was potrayed – the author has shown how it really is to be a single dad of a child with a heart condition, how much he had to struggle to keep their heads above the water. Yes, he had sacrified everything for his son but he was not shown as a martyr – the way he was built was brutally honest and so close to reality, trying to fit job around Jack’s school and visits at the hospital. And Jack himself, full of mischief and caring, thinking about his dad and what will happen with him when Jack is no more there for him. They and the background characters, there was depth to them and they felt human, which always help to make them feel so good and so real. There is a lot of personal growth when they are forced to face challenges and fears.

This is not a book filled with twists and turns on every page, nevertheless it flows seamlessly and the pace feels just right. There is enough drama for it not needing those above mentioned twists and turns, drama that will make your heart break, then mend it and then break it again, resulting in an emotional journey. It’s written in a gentle and beautiful way and you can see that tons of research went into writing it and not only into explaining Jack’s condition – Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), but also in the aspect of showing how it affected the closest family and friends around him. I think Katie Marsh has so incredibly well captured and portrayed Jack, who – yes – might have seen a bit older than his age, but it is no wonder with his condition, the way he realised how serious his diagnosis is and how he thought about other people, not about himself, made my heart break into pieces. There is just enough medical information for us to know how serious the condition is without going too deep into the impossible to understand medical terminology.

But this book was not only a sad story about a little boy with heart condition, there were plenty of funny moments, giving us a break from the poignant ones, especially the ones when Jack… well, let’s say, when Jack gets a little too carried away. Heart condition or not, I would not stay as calm as Simon.

“Unbreak Your Heart“ sucked me in immediately, so compelling and emotional it was. This gorgeous story about heartache, loss, forgiveness and second chances, filled with kindness and understanding, will leave you crying, but also feeling hope and joy. It is another winner from Katie Marsh, ambitious and clever read and well, I don’t want to sound ungrateful, but I’m, already waiting impatiently for another story. In the meantime, I’ll be recommending „Unbreak Your Heart“ left and right – treat yourself to this gem of a story.

Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.

[The Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beth has decide to leave behind her broken marriage and career to have a fresh start in Lake District.
Simon Withers has dedicated his all life to look after his strong son Jack, after her mother Tamsin left. Jack suffers of HLHS (Hypo-plastic left heart syndrome).

The story is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. From the very beginning the author portrays the struggle of a single father, who’s not only trying to mend his heart after his soulmate left, but he has to be strong for his son Jack. At first Simon seems rude and spiky, but once you get to know his background you can understand what drives him to be that way.
But the story is not only characterise by heartbreaking moments, because even if Jack is affected by HLHS, he is the star and sunshine of the plot. I never laughed so much as when I read about his quest to find a girlfriend for his dad. And I wished while reading to gain an inch of the courage and strong will he had in living his life!

I found the Lake District setting perfect and emotionally evocative.

I was a bit scared initially that I could feel overwhelmed by the heavy topic, but I have to praise Katie Marsh for her ability to balance heavy and light hearted moment, leaving you with a sense of hope and peacefulness that only unconditional love can bring.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, an absolutely beautiful, heartwarming and hope filled novel from Katie. Adored it.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an addictive read which was very hard to put down. Could easily be read in one sitting. This book is all I could ask for and more. Fantastic writing style from a male and female narrative. So much emotion so much love, finding light in dark times. It takes in not just romantic love but so much more.

I will not pretend to know anything about Jake's heart condition but my heart breaks for him. How he is treated so differently for it. I love the relationship between Jake and his dad Simon. Simon was one of the most caring men you could possibly have in your life.

Throw into the mix Beth with demons of her own. She is so hard on herself in my opinion. She was overworked, over stressed. When it matters she goes into work mode when no one else could. She is fantastic on the football pitch.

I feel Beth and Simon are made for each other. Beth gives Simon some romantic love in his life while Simon believes in Beth when she does not believe in herself.

Mainly set in the heart of the lake district splitting also between New York and Manchester. They all linked well together but I liked the lakes being the main setting.

This book is perfect in every way to me I could not fault anything about it. 5+ stars

[pageswithpayten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton and Katie Marsh for gifting me an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
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I’ll be honest, I considered not reading this book...more than once. I kept putting off reading this because all the reviews speak of the heavy subjects and how emotional it is. As a mood reader who’s usually not in the mood for heavy books, I wasn’t sure I could find a time to read this one. Well I did and holy cow am I so happy I did. Throw away whatever it is you think you know about this book and give it a chance. Are there heavy topics? Yes. But Katie Marsh gives us the perfect balance between heavy and light hearted moments that in the end leave you just feeling the love. Simon and Beth are both emotionally strong characters that get stuck in a very messy situation.But instead of that mess feeling hard to read and overly angsty, their story felt realistic and relatable.
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This is not a white hot, steamy and saucy romance. This is also not a romantic comedy. Do not let that stop you from giving it a chance! And give Simon the benefit of the doubt. I wanted to shake him more than once but he’s worth the work.

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say, well I can say this book was beautiful, that you will need to bring tissues and your heart along for the ride and that you will still feel this days later. I admit upon request I just thought this was your average nice , light and happy read, boy was I wrong ! This is a truly heartwarming,heartbreaking , joyful and uplifting read, it won’t leave your heart on one piece. The writing is beautiful, the setting, story are perfect, but it’s the characters, they are perfect, but without being perfect, Katie doesn’t gloss over harsh realities, but makes this story and characters still feel comforting and warm. Jake, I just loved Jake so much, if he doesn’t melt your heart are you human ? Simply put, a wonderful and addictively emotional read.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

[Melanie McGrade Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One boy’s wish. ❤️
One extraordinary love story. ❤️

Grab your tissues, get cozy, and be prepared for a heart-wrenching yet achingly beautiful read. The story, the characters, the writing, the setting - they are all perfect, they all belong together, they all create an incredibly moving and emotional novel. This is not just any novel, this is one that will grip you completely and will not let you go, even when you finish reading it. I guarantee it will stay with you even after you complete the last page, and you will still feel emotional days later.

This is a new author for me and I can’t wait to read her other novels, because I think she very well may be a new favorite!

I loved, loved, loved this book!

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a mum to a 10 year old with half a working heart, it was refreshing to see a book with this condition as the backdrop. I think the author did a great job of normalising the condition, in that she subtly showed what it’s like to live with half a working heart and to build up to the Fontan (3rd stage of open heart surgery) without it being an over the top reaction to a life limiting condition. Simon represented all us heart parents, the worries we have each day as our children want to get on with doing the “normal” things their friends do and the things we give up to protect our children. I really liked the characters, they were well thought through, as was the sleepy backdrop of the Lake District.

[Susan in Perthshire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from Netgalley and the Publisher in return for an honest reveiw.

This is such a fabulous, dramtic and gut wrenching story.

Simon and Jake lived together afte the Mum walked out. Jake suffers from a serious heart problem and is going to die. Jake decides to find someone for his father to love.

Beth's backstory was equally tragic and dramatic with a horrible, unpleasant ex husband who has treated her really badly. I loved the scene where she confronted him at the end!

There was almost too much angst and pain. However the stroy was ultimately a beautifully warm, emotional and rewarding. read. 4.5 stars.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beth moves to the Lake District running away from her previous life in New York - from her now ex-husband and a job where she made a colossal mistake. She meets Simon and his son, Jake, who has a heart condition and the rest is history.

This book is like a warm hug from an old friend - your typical women's literature novel but an enjoyable one with an interesting storyline. While the ending was a little predictable (we know what we're getting with this genre), I relished in the journey.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review

[Kay Cugini · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, I found the characters wonderful but also flawed and complex, as were the relationships.
I loved Jake, what a wonderful kid! I also really enjoyed the writing,the author draws you in and makes you care, no easy task,
I loved the ending too!
Overall a very good, warm read.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unbreak Your Heart is cute without being overly sappy. Serious without being heavy handed with info dumps. And has just enough emotional drama to keep you turning the pages, but without emotionally draining you.

Thank you to Katie Marsh, Hodder and Stoughton, and NetGalley for an invitation to read this book.

[Selen | talesbysel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 big little heart stars 🌟

I knew this was going to be an emotional rollercoaster and I’m still sniffing after last chapter.

If you are into emotional, small town, family drama - this one is well delivered in a story around hope and forgiveness. Sometimes the most unfortunate events could be the ones tying the relationships together. You gotta love Jake’s big little heart ❤️

[Louise Beech · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Marsh has stolen my heart. Such a simple premise, but so beautifully observed, and so patiently explored. A joyful and heart-breaking novel about finding love after loss, and about what we do for family. A gorgeous spring read, and one to look out for in 2021.

[Sally Boocock · Rating 3 out of 5]

A beautifully written heartwrenching and heartwarming story of love and determination. Jake's determined to find his Dad a partner and he is hilarious in trying to do so. Mixed in with many heartbreaking moments this is a book to make you think. I loved it for its simplicity and story.

[Ellen Abrahams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great storyline about 7 year old Jake who has a threatening heart condition. The story surrounds his Dad he cares for him as a single parent and a new arrival called Beth. Loved the characters and the emotion in this book.

[chloe is reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about playing with my emotions. This is the first book I read by Katie marsh and I do not regret it

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25

[Emmie Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Katie Marsh book and I can assure you it will not be my last! Unbreak Your Heart was an emotional rollercoaster that at one point had me in a fetal position trying not to cry as my heart was ripped out of my chest. At the same time it was incredibly heart-warming and I found myself falling in love with these characters. ⁣
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Both Beth and Simon aren't perfect and are both dealing with a lot in their personal lives. They weren't perfect characters however I felt that this made them more realistic and relatable. I absolutely adored Jake and he's mission to find someone for his dad, it definitely gave me Sleepless in Seattle vibes! ⁣
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I 100% recommend this book but be warned that if you cry at books then you need to have tissues at the ready! Unbreak Your Heart is a beautifully written story of second chances and overcoming obstacles