In een ogenblik

by Linda Green

De tienjarige Finn is anders dan andere jongens: hij houdt van tuinieren en spelen op zijn ukelele, en wil alleen eten in cafés met de hoogste hygiëne-classificatie. Zijn eigenaardigheid leidt tot gepest op school en de scheiding van zijn ouders maakt zijn leven alleen maar zwaarder. Na een ruzie tussen zijn ouders om de voogdij, neemt Finns moeder hem mee naar een nieuw café.

De al wat oudere serveerster Kaz heeft een goed gevoel voor humor en een hart van goud, maar ze zit tegen een burn-out aan. Als Finn en zijn moeder tijdens een van haar diensten binnenkomen, wordt hun lot voorgoed bezegeld. Ze weten het nog niet, maar de tweede keer dat ze elkaar tegen het lijf lopen, zal hun leven op het spel staan.

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Book Club, Thriller, Ebooks, Audiobook, Mystery

352 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2019

About the author

I was born in North London in 1970 and brought up in Hertfordshire. I wrote my first novella, the Time Machine, aged eight, shortly after which I declared that my ambition was to have a novel published (I could have been easy on myself and just said ‘to write a novel’ but no, I had to consign myself to years of torture and rejections). I was frequently asked to copy out my stories for the classroom wall (probably because my handwriting was so awful no one could read my first draft), and received lots of encouragement from my teachers Mr Roberts, Mrs Chandler (who added yet more pressure by writing in my autograph book when I left primary school that she looked forward to reading my first published novel!) and Mr Bird.

My first publication came when I was thirteen and my Ode to Gary Mabbutt won second prize in the Tottenham Weekly Herald ‘My Favourite Player’ competition. At fifteen I won the Junior Spurs Football Reporter of the Year Competition and got to report on a first division football match from the press box at White Hart Lane (I got lots of funny looks and none of the journalists spoke to me.)

At sixteen I embarked on ‘A’ levels and a journalism course at De Havilland College, Hertfordshire, and my college magazine interview about football hooliganism with local MP and football club chairman David Evans made a double page spread in Shoot! magazine (they never paid me) and back page headlines in several national newspapers (only a nice man at the Daily Star bothered to check the story with me).

I joined my local newspaper, the Enfield Gazette, as a trainee reporter at eighteen. During a ten year career in regional journalism I worked as a reporter on the Birmingham Daily News, news editor on the Birmingham Metro News and Chief Feature Writer on the Coventry Evening Telegraph, winning Highly Commended in the Feature Writer of the Year category of the 1997 Press Gazette Regional Press Awards.

I loved working on regional newspapers but by 1998 my features were getting too long and the urge to write a novel had become too great so I left my staff job to write my first novel and work as a freelance journalist. I have written for The Guardian, The Independent on Sunday, The Times Educational Supplement, The Big Issue, Wanderlust and Community Care Magazine. I’ve also had a short story published in Best magazine

I found the writing and working from home a very solitary process so also worked as co-ordinator of the Birmingham Bureau of Children’s Express, a national charity which runs a learning through journalism programme for young people and taught journalism to schoolchildren for the National Academy of Writing. After I moved north in 2001 I qualified as an adult education tutor and taught creative writing classes to students aged between 18 and 82 for the Workers Educational Association across Calderdale, West Yorkshire.

After more than a hundred rejections from agents for my first novel (and more rewrites than I care to remember) I finally got an agent but still couldn’t get a publisher. I started work on my second novel I DID A BAD THING in 2003, finished the first draft and gave birth to my son Rohan in 2004, rewrote the novel and got a new agent in 2005, obtained a two-book deal with Headline Review in 2006.

I Did a Bad Thing was published in paperback in October 2007, made the top thirty official fiction bestsellers list (and number 3 in Tesco!) and has so far sold more than 77,000 copies. 10 Reasons Not to Fall in Love was published in paperback in March 2009, reached no 22 in the official fiction bestseller charts (and no 4 in Tesco) and has so far sold more than 80,000 copies. Both novels were also long-listed for the RNA Romantic Novel of the Year Award.

Following the success of my first two novels I got another two-book deal from Headline Review, with Things I Wish I'd Known being the first of these. I am currently working on my fourth novel.

I enjoy travelling.

Reviews

[Sandysbookaday (taking a step back for a while) · Rating 4 out of 5]

EXCERPT: My name is Finn, as in Huckleberry, and there is nothing wrong with me. I know this because my dad has tried very hard to find something wrong with me, but I did OK in all the tests. It turns out I am just weird, and they don't have a test for that yet, or, if they do, my dad hasn't heard about it.

My surname is Rook-Carter, which also sounds weird because it is double-barreled (which is the proper way to say it's two names stuck together). Mum said they did it so my name had a bit of her and a bit of Dad in it. Only now they're getting divorced and they're fighting over who I'm going to live with, so I don't know what's going to happen to my name. Maybe I'll be Finn Rook on Mondays to Wednesdays, Fin Carter on Thursdays and Fridays, and Finn Rook-Carter at the weekends when I switch between them.

ABOUT THIS BOOK: Finn and Kaz are about to meet for the first time.

Ten-year-old Finn, a quirky, sensitive boy who talks a lot and only eats at cafes with a 5-star hygiene rating, is having a tough time at school and home.

Outspoken Kaz, 59, who has an acerbic sense of humour and a heart of gold, is working at the café when Finn and his mum come in.

They don't know it yet, but the second time they meet will be a moment which changes both of their lives forever . . .

MY THOUGHTS: This is one of those reads that just rips your heart to pieces ... Finn just wants everyone to be happy. He want's his parents to stop fighting and get their 'sparkle' back. He want's the bullying at school to stop. He wants to garden, and never to have to play Rugby again. He has a friend (only one), Lottie, who says that he's weird, but 'nice weird'. Why can't everyone see him like that?

Kaz works in a cafe. When she meets Finn for the first time, she sees her brother Terry in him. She may have let Terry down, but she is determined not to do the same to Finn, no matter what it costs her.

The story is told from the viewpoints of both Finn and Kaz over two timelines, before and after.

I loved this book. I laughed, I cried. I felt sad, and jubilant, and angry. Why do we feel threatened by anyone who is even slightly different to ourselves? Why can't we embrace and accept that difference? Why are humans so stubborn and dumb?

This is only my second book by Linda Green, but she is now on my 'read everything ever published by this author' list. Although the two books I have read have been very different, I have loved both and embraced the difference.

Author, Linda Green, is making donations from the royalties of this book to the mental health charity Mind, the Anti-Bullying Alliance,and the Trussell Trust who run many of the UK's foodbanks.

A very enthusiastic 4 stars

'People get less wise as they get older. I mean, children don't start wars or kill people or get divorced, do they?'

'The trouble with being an adult is you end up doing what is expected of you, not what you want to do.'

'No one at school teaches you what to say when your mum is upset, only how to multiply fractions and label a Viking boat.'

THE AUTHOR: I was born in North London in 1970 and brought up in Hertfordshire. I wrote my first novella, the Time Machine, aged eight, shortly after which I declared that my ambition was to have a novel published (I could have been easy on myself and just said ‘to write a novel’ but no, I had to consign myself to years of torture and rejections). I was frequently asked to copy out my stories for the classroom wall (probably because my handwriting was so awful no one could read my first draft), and received lots of encouragement from my teachers Mr Roberts, Mrs Chandler (who added yet more pressure by writing in my autograph book when I left primary school that she looked forward to reading my first published novel!) and Mr Bird.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Quercus Books via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of One Moment by Linda Green for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads,com profile page or the about page on sandysbooksaday.com

This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon and my webpage.

[Louise Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

When ten year old Finn meets fifty nine year old Kaz, their lives change from that moment on. Finn is different from other boys in his class at school. He doesn't like sport. He likes gardening. He loves Alan Titchmarsh. Kaz works in the local cafe. She's very outspoken and cares for her brother, Terry.

This story is told from Finn and Kaz's point of view in alternating chapters. My heart broke a few times whilst reading this book. The characters are endearing. The story covers bullying, mental health issues, poverty, schizophrenia and the break down of a marriage. I just wanted to give Finn a hug throughout the book. We find out what the event was at the end of the story. This is a thought provoking story. I was pulled into this story from the beginning. It's well written and relatable. I loved this book.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Quercus Books and the author Linda Green for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is told alternately by Finn a ten year old boy who feels different from other children his age and is very sensitive and Kaz an older woman who works in a cafe.
Kaz is a great character who has great empathy and understanding of people's needs. She looks after her brother who has mental health problems and is his sole carer. She is the person that Finn comes to rely on when his world is torn apart.
I was hooked on this story from the beginning and read it in one day as I couldn't put it down.
Thank you to NetGalley and Quercus Books for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

If your favoured reading material is a compelling tale with a good sprinkling of warmheartedness, tragedy, and tenderness then feel free to read One Moment by Linda Green.

Finn Rook-Carter and Karen Allen (Kaz) both have their individual issues: ten-year-old garrulous, quirky Finn struggles to make friends and with his only mate Lottie at school he suffers at the hands of his other classmates; candid, caustic, and fun-loving Kaz, fifty-nine, works in a café called Teapots and Teacakes, and cares for her brother Terry, who has schizophrenia. Finn usually only eats at cafés with a five star hygiene rating, and Kaz is working at the café when Finn and his mum, Hannah, turn up. When a tragedy throws Finn and Kaz together, they both find their lives are changed forever.

Set in Halifax, the story is narrated alternately from the perspectives of Finn and Kaz. Whilst many of the underlying issues in this novel are serious in nature, the author writes in such a tender, though also humorous way, affording me several moments of deep reflection, but also many laugh-out-loud instances. She captures family gripes and grievances, the gossipy nature of some of the individuals, and the small-mindedness of a few, with great effectiveness. The cast of characters all have wonderful parts to play, and it was impossible to choose a favourite. The more I learned about these people and their lives, the more I found myself empathising with them. It was very hard to say goodbye to them and I found myself wishing all of of them well for the future. The way that Linda Green linked their lives together was very clever and I was completely drawn into this novel right from the start, fully appreciating all of the priceless scenes and also the more serious and sobering ones.

One Moment is a lovely book with a brilliant friendship at its core but it also covers so much more - bullying, divorce, anxiety, mental health, to name but a few. It was such a thought-provoking book and one not to be missed. This novel is most definitely worth the time invested and Linda Green could quite possibly become one of my go-to authors. Very highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Quercus via NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.

[8stitches 9lives · Rating 4 out of 5]

One Moment is not my usual bag as I tend to go for gritty crime but having read and very much enjoyed the emotional aspect Green brings to her books I was excited to pick this one up, and it didn't disappoint. She can definitely count me as a fan as it doesn't matter what story the author is telling it is always written in an engaging and highly addictive fashion. The topics addressed were heartbreaking and it made me teary just to be reminded of the harm humans inflict on each other. They are sensitively portrayed and you can tell they have been comprehensively researched to make everything as accurate to real life as possible. Both Finn and Kaz are beautiful, touching characters who help somewhat in restoring faith that decent human beings still do exist you just have to search for them in amongst a sea of apathy.

As someone who does not conform to societies norms, it impacted me greatly to read more about how those who are considered ”different” are treat not only by those who do conform but also by the state. I strongly feel that individuality is much more important than ”living up to expectations” and we meet several people in the book who are non-conformist but not by choice. I have no doubt that readers who are compassionate and empathetic will be moved by this book and remember it for a long time to come. I don't know quite how Ms Green does it but she is one of the few writers who fall outside of my usual reading genres who can engross me in her masterful plots almost instantaneously.

If you enjoy emotional, complex and impeccably told stories then Green is up there with the absolute finest. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Quercus for an ARC.

[Donna Weber ( Recuperating from Surgery) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 1/2 Stars A unique, touching, poignant read, that tugs at your heartstrings while tackling relevant social issues. Told from two different character's perception, one being an unusual, sensitive 10 year old boy that doesn't fit into "society's norms", nor it's preconceived stereotypes of gender...but who's take on life, his innocent perceptions are so on point, while still adding a humor, both compelling in its naivety, and riveting in its on point relevations.
This is a tour de force on familial relations, on the special, remarkable bonds forged between this 10/11 year old boy and a 50 something woman...More to come... I cried, I laughed, I sobbed, I was angry...
These are two characters, more actually, that will stay with me for a very long time. Just wanted to get my thoughts down...finished review to come.
Suffice it to say this is an emotional and at times, absolutely heartbreaking story, but still filled with the hope of human decency and kindness.

[Erica⭐ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finn Rook-Carter and Karen Allen (Kaz) both have their individual issues, ten year old, quirky Finn struggles to make friends and with his only mate Lottie at school he suffers at the hands of his other classmates. His main love is gardening and Alan Titchmarsh. Candid and fun-loving Kaz, fifty-nine, works in a cafe called Teapots and Teacakes, and cares for her brother Terry, who has schizophrenia. Finn usually only eats at places with a five star hygiene rating, and Kaz is working at the cafe when Finn and his mum, Hannah, turn up. When a tragedy throws Finn and Kaz together, they both find their lives are changed forever.

Heartbreakingly sad at times and filled with compassion this is a read that deals with some difficult subjects bullying, mental health issues, poverty, schizophrenia and the break down of a marriage and yet the book is filled with such hope and love.

[Martine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novel. I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading it, but was quickly drawn into the story. I especially loved Finn, who is such a sweet boy and Kaz for her no-nonsense ways. One Moment is an important story about bullying, gender stereotypes, inequalities in our society, and mental health issues. Very well done!

[Ken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a strong, engaging story that makes the reader care about both main characters is this dual narrative novel.

The fact that young schoolboy Fynn and 59 year old cafe worker Kaz finds a connection just shows the simplicity of being kind to each other.
There is a reason why Kaz wants to look out for the 10 year old boy, which becomes apparent at the end of the book.

Though Kaz understands as her brother struggles with schizophrenia, though is still being forced to find work through the benefits system.
With Fynn being bullied at school, she takes the young lad under her wings.

The author brilliantly portrayed the many struggles in modern-day Britain with marriage breakdowns to poverty and the systems in place unwilling to help.

Both the main characters voices felt real and their connection was heartwarming, the situations they unfortunately found themselves in made for a tough read.

[Joanna Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a huge fan of this author but have to admit to being a little nervous about trying this book as I’d heard it was different from her previous ones. I shouldn’t have worried as it was still a fantastic, emotional read.

The author has written about a very important, sadly current, subject that was so beautifully told it actually made me cry. Told through the eyes of a child which makes it especially poignant this is a story about how people are treated if they are different which was hard to read at times. It never fails to amaze me how people can treat each other in such a horrible way.

I found this story to be surprising addictive and soon found myself immersed in the characters lives. The beautiful relationship which develops between Finn and Kaz was lovely to watch develop, especially when you realise how much it helps the two of them.

As mentioned before I think this is an important book that everyone needs to read as it would surely help combat people’s attitudes towards others. I feel like it would make a great bookclub read and is possibly a book that should be read in high school.

Huge thanks to Milly Reid for inviting me onto the blog tour and to Quercus for my copy of this book via Netgalley.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've just finished One Moment, and I feel like I've experienced something very special. Linda Green has woven an incredibly compelling and timely story which made me laugh, cry, fume with anger and nod in agreement so many times. By the end, I was in pieces.

The story is narrated alternately by ten-year-old Finn and fifty-nine-year old Kaz, and they are both incredibly endearing characters. Finn is different from other boys (for one thing, he loves gardening rather than football and his hero is Alan Titchmarsh) and suffers at school accordingly - his mum, Hannah, is his most steadfast supporter and source of comfort. Kaz works in a café and cares for her brother Terry, who has schizophrenia (and an obsession with Matthew Kelly). Kaz's voice in particular, as an older working-class woman and informal carer, felt like one which is rarely heard in fiction (or elsewhere for that matter) and she was a brilliantly realised and entirely admirable character who shows great bravery and resilience.

My heart broke for both of them at times, but particularly Finn, because how could it not? Kaz and Terry's situation too was incredibly well described and entirely believable. I very much appreciated the sympathetic and sensitive treatment of Terry's mental disorder, but the story also serves as a scathing indictment of an uncaring benefits system and the impacts of austerity.

Issues of bullying, poverty, marital breakdown, a mental health crisis and more are dealt with realistically and unflinchingly, but there is more than enough humour and humanity to ensure the tone is never too dark.

The story alternates between "before" and "after" segments (the turning point being an unspecified horrific event, the general nature though not the details of which is quickly apparent) and the structure did confuse me a little at times, particularly as "before" got closer to "after", but only a little. I suppose the suspense of Kaz and Terry's situation "before" was lessened slightly as we already know more or less what happens to them "after". But honestly, there was quite enough suspense elsewhere for this really not to matter.

Wonderful in so many ways, but most especially in the relationship between Finn and Kaz. An interesting end note from Linda Green remarks that "Finn needed a friend, and in Kaz, I like to think he found one of the best". Oh, he did.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. If you’re a fan of Lisa Jewell then I would recommend this. It’s family saga mixed with drama however still keeps you wanting to read on. Although there were no major twists or turns throughout I still enjoyed discovering the story behind how the two characters ended up in the situation that they were in. Despite the lack of thrills the wonderful writing and characterisation and the use of emotion and love throughout won me over. A great book.

[Evie Braithwaite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knew a friendship between a 10-year-old Alan Titchmarsh fanatic and a 59-year-old, sheep-apron-wearing café worker could make for such an uplifting yet heart-breaking novel?

One Moment is a compelling story that flitters between the ‘before’ and ‘after’ perspectives of our protagonists Finn and Kaz; two characters who are worlds apart but will impact each other’s lives forever.

Finn is a quirky, ten-year-old, Alan Titchmarsh fanatic who is having a tough time both at home, where his parents relentlessly argue, and at school where he is teased and led to feel like an outcast.

Meanwhile, Kaz, 59, is the sole carer to her younger, schizophrenic brother Terry. She is working at the café when along come Finn and his mum. They don’t know it yet, but the second time they meet will be a moment which changes both of their lives forever . . .

Life isn’t about having a well-paid job and a nice house. Believe me, I’d like both of them, but I’m not daft enough to think they’re more important than being happy.

What I appreciated most about this novel was the raw portrayal of characters and themes that we don’t see enough in fiction. For instance, like Finn, too many young children are increasingly pressurised to conform to gender stereotypes which, as Green deftly represents, restricts their emotional development, future ambitions and ability to simply be themselves. Finn’s quirks, such as his pre-requisite for the cafes he eats at to have 5-star hygiene ratings and his dream of becoming a gardener with a sundry of rose-gardens, are what make him delightfully special. Children, or anyone for that matter, should not have to shroud their passions to conform to ostensible societal standards.

Additionally, with the sardonically humorous Kaz, Green gives a voice to the marginalised in our society. Rampant social inequalities mean that the poorest communities in our country suffer the cuts and austerity that, subsequently, wreak havoc on mental and physical health. That being said, it was touching to learn the innermost thoughts of these characters, and an absolute joy to witness Finn and Kaz’s new-fangled friendship blossom.

Overall, One Moment is a tender, heart-warming book comprised of a beautiful friendship and poignant societal issues.

If this book wasn’t admirable enough, Linda Green will be making donations from the royalties of One Moment to the mental health charity Mind www.mind.org.uk; the AntiBullying Alliance www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk, and the Trussel Trust www.trusseltrust.org who run many of UK’s foodbanks.

[Louise Beech · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful, careful, throughtful, gorgeously-observed story, where the characters pulsated off the page. Really, it was all about them - Finn and Kaz. They had my heart in their hands. And oh, the finale. It was not some cheap, late, tagged-on twist, but a breathtaking moment where I think my heart stopped. I cried and cried. Yet another of my books of the year. What a year 2019 has been.

[Silvie Klokgieter · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning read !!!
This is an absolutely wonderful, amazing, incredible book that I loved it so much and really can’t find words enough to give it the praise it deserves. Heartbreakingly sad at times and filled with compassion this is a read that deals with some difficult subjects bullying, mental illness and yet the book is filled with such hope and love, written in such a way that many times my eyes were filled with tears and it was a read that I didn’t want to end.
Many times I put my kindle down and took a deep breath as I was overwhelmed by the incredible writing and depth of feeling that the words made me feel, sometimes with anger at the total injustice of the DWP system but then also full of love for these superb characters that felt so very very real.
Don’t get me wrong though this is a read that is not all sadness it’s very funny in parts it’s also full of positivity and has a wonderful cast of characters with Kaz who is one feisty individual that I loved and brave Finn who is a very special boy..... Linda Green a big thank you you have written a book that I will never forget.
More than highly recommended and all the stars and more please don’t miss this one it truly is an amazingly brilliant read.
My thanks to NetGalley and Quercus Books for giving me the chance to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Eve]

Finn, 10, is different from most other boys of his age. He would rather do some gardening and play his ukulele than play football. Unfortunately this causes problems with other boys at school. His mother is very supportive and protective of him, but his father would rather he was like all other boys, so Finn causes friction between the married couple. So much that they are about to divorce.

Kaz, 59, works in a café and takes care of her younger brother Terry. Kaz struggle to hold down a job while taking care of her mentally ill brother and fighting the system when they decide that Terry is well enough to work despite his schizophrenia.

It was interesting to see how Finn and Kaz paths connected and how two strangers can become so important to each other. Author describe the emotions and situations both character felt so realistically that you could feel the characters frustration and emotions so well. It was easy to relate and symphatize with them. There are different topics handled like bullying, marriage problems, a mental health issues, poverty and many more. These are heavy topics but author handles them well and remind us how one moment can change our lives drastically.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book. I read it over one bank holiday weekend, I really couldn’t put it down (housework can wait!). Finn is a 10-year old boy who is ‘different’ and bullied at school. I can relate, I was bullied. Kaz is a 59-year old woman who tries to care for her schizophrenic brother Terry by herself. Both their stories are told in the Before and After of an event we hear about towards the end of the book. What the characters’ development goes through during the book we live with them. I loved both main characters but so many others in the book, highlighting as intended the difficulties that the marginalised in society have to face. I laughed, I cried, I adored this book.

[Jeanniehay64 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book as I fancied a change from my usual thrillers but little did I realise how much it would touch me!! As a special needs assistant in a mainstream school I witness daily how children benefit from support and the need to realise that not fitting the ‘norm’ is perfectly acceptable.

The story is told alternately between 10 year old Finn and Kaz who is 59 and works in a cafe. Finn struggles to make friends and with his only friend Lottie at school he suffers at the hands of his other classmates. Hannah is Finns mother and greatest supporter and source of comfort. With tensions between Finns parents mounting he finds himself torn between them adding to his everyday anxiety.

Kaz cares for her brother Terry who has schizophrenia in a touching and admirable way. Her role as a carer is brilliantly portrayed exploring how sometimes she feels inadequate even though she is doing an amazing job. Her heart of gold shines from the pages.

When a tragedy throws Finn and Kaz together they both find their lives are changed forever. Their unique friendship is heartwarming and such a joy to read.

This wonderful book manages to combine heartbreak and happiness. I related so much to the wonderful characters and commend Linda Green on her understanding of the issues they faced. This is definitely one book everyone should read and I thank netgalley and the publishers for my chance to read this enlightening emotional book.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely wonderful book. I’d recommend it to anyone.

[Annalise Laidlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an emotional but lovely read.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story about how one moment in time, can change the course of many people's lives forever.

There are two main characters and voices to this book, and it alternates not only between them, but both in the before and after..

After what you may ask... well I had many theories none of them correct, but I was unable to put the book down until I discovered just what lead to the moment, and what exactly it was.

We have Finn, a 10 year old boy who thinks he is weird, we meet him as his parents are trying to sort out a divorce,, and he is being bullied at school.

He doesn't have the same interests as a "typical" young boy, and as such feels like an outcast, and his parents don't exactly seem to know what to do with him.

And then there is Kaz, who is sole carer to her younger brother Terry, who has mental health issues. They also have financial issues, and struggle to make ends meet.

It's a story that takes in themes such as bullying, unconventional parenting styles, mental health problems and how on earth you are treated as a non individual at the job centre and benefits office, more as a box to tick, rather than seeing the humanity in a situation.

They are worlds apart, an unlikely pairing and yet their interactions just felt right.

I couldn't read this book fast enough, I found the pages seemed to keep on turning, as I was drawn further and further into this story.

Another cracking read from Linda Green, who keeps on writing fabulous books that I can't get enough of.

Thank you to Quercus on Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

When ten year old Finn meets 50 something Kaz who would have thought they would strike up a friendship that would save them both? Finn is weird, in a good way, according to his only friend Lottie but he is torn between making his parents happy.

This book was beautiful written from a before and after for Finn and Kaz and it’s done so well. It will pull on your heart strings for sure. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

[Caron · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book that touches on mental health, bullying and the injustice of the benefits system and the backwards way in which it works. I loved the characters in the book, especially Finn who was just brilliant. Kept me guessing right to the end of the circumstances of how the two main characters had met. It certainly got you thinking about how life in the UK is at the moment for those who face this on a daily basis.

[Erika Beumer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh,wat een verrassing dit boek! Ik dacht een thriller te lezen...het werd een prachtig, liefdevol verhaal over een jongen die anders is, een bijzondere ontmoeting met een vrouw die het niet getroffen heeft in het leven en die heel belangrijk voor hem wordt. Je wordt heel warm als je dit boek leest...

[Sara Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two people who don't quite fit in, meet by chance, such a heart breaking & heart warming read in one. Just wanted to hug little Finn off the pages.

[Heidi Vereecken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ontroerend mooi!

[Kelda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can only say one thing... we all need a Kaz in our lives ❤ what a lovely heart warming story.

[Agi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ten - year - old Finn Rook - Carter struggles at school, suffering at the hands of his classmates who make fun of his looks and the way he behaves. He only has one real friend, Lottie. 59 - year - old Kaz Allen is quirky, bouncy and fun - loving, even though life has never treated her in a nice way. She works in a cafe and cares for her brother Terry who has schizophrenia.
Finn and Kaz should have never met. But fate has other ideas. And this meeting, and a tragedy, is going to change their lives.

I must admit, I was a bit confused with the story as I was expecting another psychological thriller and I only realised a bit later that the book is different to the previous ones. I didn't read a synopsis - I mean, it is Linda Green's book, so no matter what she writes about is going to be captivating and thought - provoking, and yes, the story took me a bit by surprise, but quickly it also stole my heart and captured my whole attention, and I can tell you that I absolutely loved it. Every single word of it.

The characters are so well written - I have experienced all the feelings and emotions together with them. You want to hug Finn and shake his father. You want to tell Kaz that she's absolutely rocking it. And the more you get to know them all, the more you empathise and like them. I enjoyed seeing how the lives of virtual strangers come together, I think Linda Green has done in a brilliant and clever way.
The story is told from Finn and Kaz's points of view, in alternating chapters. Finn is different from other boys, and he realises it, and is suffering at school as other children are bullying him. It is only his friend Lottie and his mum Hannah, that he loves so much, that understand him and always support and comfort him. His dad Martin prefers rather cold approach, expecting from Finn all the things that he's supposed to do and like - sit his SATs exams, like football. Kaz, who works in a cafe and looks after her brother who has schizophrenia, is such a special character! All of us needs such a Kaz in their lives - down - to - earth, seeing things how they really are and not afraid of telling how it is, but also compassionate and full of heart. The author has got into the characters' heads and hearts and hats off for picturing the 10 - year - old Finn so brilliantly, for so wonderfully capturing his voice, letting us deep into his thoughts, allowing us to experience everything with him.

Also, the story alternates between "before" and "after", and oh my god, I couldn't wait to see what has actually happened before, but believe me, I regretted this. This turning point has changed everything and left me a sobbing mess. It may be a bit confusing at the beginning, especially as you, like me, think something totally different to this what has really happened but you'll quickly get used to the changes in time.

I was drawn into this story, right from the start to the end. This compelling novel is incredibly genuine and brutally honest, showing clearly the unfairness and unreasonableness of benefits system, mental health care, "right" people at the "right" places which results in ignoring the real victims. I've honestly got belly ache from only thinking that those things are real and that people like Kaz and Finn must fight a battle every single day to survive.

The author writes with such a feeling about family dynamics, showing all the ups and downs of being in a relationship and having a child with special needs, but also about brother - sister relationship, about responsibility and how people try to do their best. It took me on a real rollercoaster journey of all kinds of feelings - I laughed, I cried, I nodded with agreement, I was incredibly angry, I felt hopeless. It doesn't happen often, the more I appreciate what the author has done here.

"One Moment" covers such issues as bullying, mental health, poverty and unconditional love. Even though it is sad, it doesn't feel depressing, it is also heart - warming with an overwhelming feeling of hope, and the kindness of some of the characters is so uplifting. Linda Green's writing is tender and chatty, and she balances the sadness with many humorous moments, delivering a thought - provoking story. But be aware that it is a heart - breaking story, and this time I mean it, really. The end left me in pieces, literally. I cried and cried and couldn't stop, and those were ugly tears, and I had to do whatever I could to not to wake my whole family up. It was so beautiful and so heart - wrenching. A book that shouldn't be missed. Highly recommended!

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

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most heart-warming, and heart-breaking stories that I've read for a long time.
Finn is a ten-year-old boy, who is a little bit quirky. He knows he is, and his love for Alan Titchmarsh, roses, talking, and only eating in 5-star hygiene rated cafes is nurtured by his loving Mum. His Dad tolerates it, but doesn't really understand him quite as well as Mum.

Kaz works in a 5-star rated cafe. She serves up breakfast and cups of builder's tea. Kaz is almost 60 with a sharp wit and a heart of gold. Behind her sunny smile she deals with a lot of serious issues. Her brother Terry has serious mental health problems, and Kaz is his sole carer. She's looked after him for over forty years; their own mother failed miserably as a parent.

When Finn and Kaz meet one day, their lives change forever. Kaz's determination to protect the underdog results in her losing her job, whilst Finn is about to face the biggest tragedy of his young life.

There's one huge event that is the centrepiece to this story and Finn and Kaz each narrate their side of the tale in the 'before' and 'after'. The reader is kept in the dark as to what happens and when this is finally revealed, it's shocking and breathtaking.

Linda Green deals with issues that range from how the most vulnerable in society are treated by the establishment to the the most serious mental illnesses. She does it with a warmth and compassion that is beautifully portrayed through her words. The story is relevant and at times, anger inducing, but is wonderfully compelling.