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The Way Back To You: The funny and heart-warming story of long lost love and second chances
AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER NOW - the new novel from the author of The Flip Side!
'Takes the usual rom com formula and turns it on its head . . . refreshing, funny and heartwarming, we could not get enough of this' HEAT on THE FLIP SIDE
*******
Three friends. Two summers. One chance to find the way back to you . . .
When Simon Brown reconnects on Facebook with his first love Sylvie - the French pen pal he never actually met - he is determined that this time things will be different.
However, life isn't so straight-forward at sixty as it was at sixteen. His daughter's getting married, he's got difficult guests staying at his B&B, and his larger-than-life school friend, Ian, has abruptly waltzed back into his life.
Adamant that he can't let this second chance pass by, Simon sets off on a bike ride from Bristol to Bordeaux with Ian in tow, on the very same route they covered as teenagers in pursuit of love.
But although they now have better bikes, more acceptable haircuts, and Google Maps, some things never change, and it soon becomes clear that this trip will have even more bumps in the road than the first.
Is it ever too late to make up for past mistakes?
How far can one friendship be pushed?
And will Simon finally meet Sylvie?
Praise for THE FLIP SIDE!
'Utterly adorable and romantic. I feel uplifted!' GIOVANNA FLETCHER
'Utterly charming, funny and very relatable!' JOSIE SILVER
'A wonderful, feel-good gem of a book' THE SUN
'A funny, sparky read that feels fresh and modern . . . this book is fab' SOPHIE COUSENS
'Really sweet, warm hearted story with some very funny moments . . . Thoroughly enjoyed it and it was a lovely way to start the new year' CARRIE HOPE FLETCHER
'The ultimate rom-com' INDEPENDENT
'Takes the usual rom com formula and turns it on its head . . . refreshing, funny and heartwarming, we could not get enough of this' HEAT on THE FLIP SIDE
*******
Three friends. Two summers. One chance to find the way back to you . . .
When Simon Brown reconnects on Facebook with his first love Sylvie - the French pen pal he never actually met - he is determined that this time things will be different.
However, life isn't so straight-forward at sixty as it was at sixteen. His daughter's getting married, he's got difficult guests staying at his B&B, and his larger-than-life school friend, Ian, has abruptly waltzed back into his life.
Adamant that he can't let this second chance pass by, Simon sets off on a bike ride from Bristol to Bordeaux with Ian in tow, on the very same route they covered as teenagers in pursuit of love.
But although they now have better bikes, more acceptable haircuts, and Google Maps, some things never change, and it soon becomes clear that this trip will have even more bumps in the road than the first.
Is it ever too late to make up for past mistakes?
How far can one friendship be pushed?
And will Simon finally meet Sylvie?
Praise for THE FLIP SIDE!
'Utterly adorable and romantic. I feel uplifted!' GIOVANNA FLETCHER
'Utterly charming, funny and very relatable!' JOSIE SILVER
'A wonderful, feel-good gem of a book' THE SUN
'A funny, sparky read that feels fresh and modern . . . this book is fab' SOPHIE COUSENS
'Really sweet, warm hearted story with some very funny moments . . . Thoroughly enjoyed it and it was a lovely way to start the new year' CARRIE HOPE FLETCHER
'The ultimate rom-com' INDEPENDENT
361 pages, Paperback
Published June 9, 2022
19 people are currently reading
647 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
July 14, 2022
“The Way Back to You” is the second novel by James Bailey, after the success with his debut novel, ‘The Flip Side’ in 2020.
Dubbed ‘the most heartwarming and joyful book of the summer’, I can honestly concur with this statement, it was definitely emotionally rewarding for me and made me feel very happy and uplifted.
- Three friends. Two summers. One chance to find the way back to you . . . Is it ever too late to make up for past mistakes….How far can one friendship be pushed?
I adored the whole premise to the story. Whether it’s because I was in the middle of an affecting life changing event or whether this was just such an entertaining book, I truly found it inspiring and poignant to my current situation and I can admit it comforted me during an emotional time. Having just lost someone dear and suddenly realising my own mortality, Simon and Ian made me confirm life is too short and needs to be lived. But it’s not all maudlin and sentimental, both journeys to France are a comedy of errors, one a coming of age trip and the latter the rekindling of friendships. The amount of obstacles the lads meet are truly a hoot!
Told simultaneously between 1975 and the present, we see how Simon, Ian and Raj’s teenage bicycle ride to France compares with the present journey Simon and Ian take on, now they are both in their sixties. I enjoyed how the story played out and revealed the three men’s lives since their school days when it was the last time they saw each other. I was also very satisfied with the ending and would actually like to read more about Simon and his life in the future. Highly recommended!
James Bailey is a graduate of King’s College London and has previously carried the Olympic Torch, made a speech in the House of Commons and worked as a red carpet reporter.
#TheWayBackToYou - 5 stars
Thank you to Kallie Townsend and Michael J Books for inviting me on the tour and for my copy of the book in return for an honest opinion.
Dubbed ‘the most heartwarming and joyful book of the summer’, I can honestly concur with this statement, it was definitely emotionally rewarding for me and made me feel very happy and uplifted.
- Three friends. Two summers. One chance to find the way back to you . . . Is it ever too late to make up for past mistakes….How far can one friendship be pushed?
I adored the whole premise to the story. Whether it’s because I was in the middle of an affecting life changing event or whether this was just such an entertaining book, I truly found it inspiring and poignant to my current situation and I can admit it comforted me during an emotional time. Having just lost someone dear and suddenly realising my own mortality, Simon and Ian made me confirm life is too short and needs to be lived. But it’s not all maudlin and sentimental, both journeys to France are a comedy of errors, one a coming of age trip and the latter the rekindling of friendships. The amount of obstacles the lads meet are truly a hoot!
Told simultaneously between 1975 and the present, we see how Simon, Ian and Raj’s teenage bicycle ride to France compares with the present journey Simon and Ian take on, now they are both in their sixties. I enjoyed how the story played out and revealed the three men’s lives since their school days when it was the last time they saw each other. I was also very satisfied with the ending and would actually like to read more about Simon and his life in the future. Highly recommended!
James Bailey is a graduate of King’s College London and has previously carried the Olympic Torch, made a speech in the House of Commons and worked as a red carpet reporter.
#TheWayBackToYou - 5 stars
Thank you to Kallie Townsend and Michael J Books for inviting me on the tour and for my copy of the book in return for an honest opinion.
January 23, 2022
I read this authors first book ‘Flip Side’ and really enjoyed it so was really looking forward to his second novel. This is a feel good novel and completely different from my normal thriller genre but made a great change.
Sixty year old Simon Brown is widowed and looking forward to his daughters imminent wedding. They get on famously and work well together running a B & B but there is something missing from Simon’s life. With encouragement and help from his daughter he reconnects on Facebook with his first love Sylvie, the French pen pal he never actually met, although frequently dreamt of. And when a friends funeral brings another pal Ian into his life again it is not long before they are talking about meeting up with his teenage love.
A previous attempt to meet Sylvie failed miserably when Simon and his two friends tried to cycle to Bordeaux. Re enacting their first attempt Simon and Ian set off on a bike ride from Bristol to Bordeaux on the very same route they covered as teenagers in pursuit of love.
Life is never straight forward when Ian is involved and the journey is going to be a challenge for the sixty year olds.
A fun novel, that I enjoyed without having the usual head scratching my thriller reading gives me.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Penguin Michael Joseph UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Sixty year old Simon Brown is widowed and looking forward to his daughters imminent wedding. They get on famously and work well together running a B & B but there is something missing from Simon’s life. With encouragement and help from his daughter he reconnects on Facebook with his first love Sylvie, the French pen pal he never actually met, although frequently dreamt of. And when a friends funeral brings another pal Ian into his life again it is not long before they are talking about meeting up with his teenage love.
A previous attempt to meet Sylvie failed miserably when Simon and his two friends tried to cycle to Bordeaux. Re enacting their first attempt Simon and Ian set off on a bike ride from Bristol to Bordeaux on the very same route they covered as teenagers in pursuit of love.
Life is never straight forward when Ian is involved and the journey is going to be a challenge for the sixty year olds.
A fun novel, that I enjoyed without having the usual head scratching my thriller reading gives me.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Penguin Michael Joseph UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
June 5, 2023
A força da história foi esmorecendo! Começou muito bem, ritmada, com passagens entre o presente e o passado para tentarmos descobrir porque é que o Simon não tinha conhecido a Sylvie. Mas a dado momento estava só a prolongar uma narrativa que podia ir mais direta ao assunto. Fiquei um pouco aborrecida…
Ainda assim, é um livro que faz bela uma ode à amizade e isso foi bonito!
Ainda assim, é um livro que faz bela uma ode à amizade e isso foi bonito!
June 17, 2022
First of all, a romance book written from the males perspective?! HECK YES, THANK YOU. We rarely get them from the male perspective so I was super happy to get a different insight from it being the usual woman’s POV. The pacing was wonderful, the plot was fantastic, the friendships gave me a new lease of life, the french dialogue had me wanting to move to France, and the romance was *chef’s kiss*. This book will make you cry, laugh out loud, and feel warm and fuzzy on the inside. Do not sleep on this one.
If you’re looking for a great summer read then look no further, this is it. I absolutely cannot recommend this one enough, please buy it, please read it, please shout about it from the roof tops with me. Can I have more books to read from this author please?
Thank you so much to Michael Joseph for having me on the blog tour and sending me a copy of the book.
If you’re looking for a great summer read then look no further, this is it. I absolutely cannot recommend this one enough, please buy it, please read it, please shout about it from the roof tops with me. Can I have more books to read from this author please?
Thank you so much to Michael Joseph for having me on the blog tour and sending me a copy of the book.
June 14, 2022
Ah what a real hug in a book! This was definitely one of my most anticipated reads this year (after reading James Bailey’s other book - The Flip Side), and it didn’t disappoint. It was just so lovely to read with lovely characters and lovely settings.
I really loved reading from a males perspective, I find it refreshing with a romance as it’s not usually from a males perspective. It gives you a whole different insight. I thought it was great how you got that look at Simon’s past and how Sylvie came to be in his life and also the friendship between Simon, Ian and Raj - a really great group of friends. It was laugh out loud funny, joyous and heartwarming.
I loved the message it gives the reader too, to really take that chance and never give up on both friendship and love.
Adored this book and I can’t wait for more books by James - wonderful author!
4.5 rounded up
I really loved reading from a males perspective, I find it refreshing with a romance as it’s not usually from a males perspective. It gives you a whole different insight. I thought it was great how you got that look at Simon’s past and how Sylvie came to be in his life and also the friendship between Simon, Ian and Raj - a really great group of friends. It was laugh out loud funny, joyous and heartwarming.
I loved the message it gives the reader too, to really take that chance and never give up on both friendship and love.
Adored this book and I can’t wait for more books by James - wonderful author!
4.5 rounded up
January 27, 2023
This was a lovely, heartwarming book and a refreshing change to read a book in this genre from the man's perspective. I especially enjoyed the friendship between Simon, Ian and Raj.
Their cycling adventures through France were very entertaining but the book also contains some lovely themes about regrets and siezing opportunities. A lighthearted read with a big soul.
Their cycling adventures through France were very entertaining but the book also contains some lovely themes about regrets and siezing opportunities. A lighthearted read with a big soul.
February 17, 2025
One of the cutest books ever🥹 So wholesome and beautiful storyline!
July 20, 2022
Ah, the nostalgia is strong with this one!
A love story with 2 big differences, the main characters are in their 60’s AND it’s told from the male POV.
This book has made my holiday, I’ve been led on a sun lounger in Majorca absolutely loving this. I’ve recommended it to the other mums around the pool and it’s currently being passed around. This paperback is being shared until it falls apart (which given it’s currently 32 degrees, won’t be long)
I live a second chance romance and I loved the humour in this book. Life in middle age isn’t all parties and how you look, it’s a he’s and pains and having a connection. This is the perfect romance book for me.
This book gave me all the feels, not just the romance but the friendship and the humour. I have laughed, I’ve cried. I can’t recommend it enough!!
If you don’t know what OHP stands for or who Kevin Keegan is … ask your mum (and buy her this book)
A love story with 2 big differences, the main characters are in their 60’s AND it’s told from the male POV.
This book has made my holiday, I’ve been led on a sun lounger in Majorca absolutely loving this. I’ve recommended it to the other mums around the pool and it’s currently being passed around. This paperback is being shared until it falls apart (which given it’s currently 32 degrees, won’t be long)
I live a second chance romance and I loved the humour in this book. Life in middle age isn’t all parties and how you look, it’s a he’s and pains and having a connection. This is the perfect romance book for me.
This book gave me all the feels, not just the romance but the friendship and the humour. I have laughed, I’ve cried. I can’t recommend it enough!!
If you don’t know what OHP stands for or who Kevin Keegan is … ask your mum (and buy her this book)
June 29, 2023
Another book that I had hopes for. The reader reviews were overwhelmingly favorable, praising 'The Way Back to You" as a sweet romance that flipped the usual formula. It features older characters (in their sixties), the lead character is male, and it has a romantic reunion as the central conceit. But the book really failed to deliver for me.
Why did this book not really click? It is really a sit-com, not a rom-com. Think of a British version of 'Grumpy Old Men', with two characters who have known each other a long time and constantly spat. One is a fussbudget and one is kind of a slob. Unlikely things happen and nobody says the logical response--they just go ahead and do rather stupid things. And there is a wedding at the end of the story.
When they were schoolmates and sixteen years old, Ian and Simon secretly rode their bikes to France in hopes of meeting Simon's penpal Sophie. Alas, things did not go according to plan and the meeting never happened. Simon was expelled from his boarding school and did not see Ian again until they are both sixty and attending the funeral of a school friend. Ian gets the bright idea that they should recreate their teen adventure. So with minimal planning, two old men try to bike to Bordeaux. Simon has connected with Sophie on Facebook, and he gradually figures out what her life has been like. Does he tell her he is coming? and by bike? No. Again, the best laid plans go awry. Will Simon ever get to meet Sophie?
This sounds rather charming, but if I knew these people, I would seriously question their intelligence. The story is barely filled in, with very little character development or description. Ian is presented as little more than a big, friendly doofus. Simon, who is the owner of a charming B&B, who must pay attention to details, cheerfully permits Ian to run the show. Chapters telling the story of the teen adventure are interspersed with the modern-day story. Frankly, these chapters are rather tedious.
Could something have been made of this premise? Very possibly. But I found it underwritten and rather silly. Not recommended.
Why did this book not really click? It is really a sit-com, not a rom-com. Think of a British version of 'Grumpy Old Men', with two characters who have known each other a long time and constantly spat. One is a fussbudget and one is kind of a slob. Unlikely things happen and nobody says the logical response--they just go ahead and do rather stupid things. And there is a wedding at the end of the story.
When they were schoolmates and sixteen years old, Ian and Simon secretly rode their bikes to France in hopes of meeting Simon's penpal Sophie. Alas, things did not go according to plan and the meeting never happened. Simon was expelled from his boarding school and did not see Ian again until they are both sixty and attending the funeral of a school friend. Ian gets the bright idea that they should recreate their teen adventure. So with minimal planning, two old men try to bike to Bordeaux. Simon has connected with Sophie on Facebook, and he gradually figures out what her life has been like. Does he tell her he is coming? and by bike? No. Again, the best laid plans go awry. Will Simon ever get to meet Sophie?
This sounds rather charming, but if I knew these people, I would seriously question their intelligence. The story is barely filled in, with very little character development or description. Ian is presented as little more than a big, friendly doofus. Simon, who is the owner of a charming B&B, who must pay attention to details, cheerfully permits Ian to run the show. Chapters telling the story of the teen adventure are interspersed with the modern-day story. Frankly, these chapters are rather tedious.
Could something have been made of this premise? Very possibly. But I found it underwritten and rather silly. Not recommended.
June 4, 2022
This was such a charming read! From the author of 'The Flip Side' comes this enchanting tale of long lost loves; life, chances, reunions and family. Within these pages there are so many instances of love, care and longing in which really makes the characters feel real. The thought of the literal cross country cycling adventure our protagonist experiences and all the highs and lows both funny and serious on the journeys really keep you reading on and rooting for him and the hope that is held in his heart for both his love and his family is truly heartwarming.
I loved how we experienced past and present with similar scenarios to create an entire life within a book, this is a coming of age ... twice book to really warm the soul. With letters, different language and social media, this is a story that is both well researched and heartfelt.
I loved how we experienced past and present with similar scenarios to create an entire life within a book, this is a coming of age ... twice book to really warm the soul. With letters, different language and social media, this is a story that is both well researched and heartfelt.
February 29, 2024
3.5 stars!
simon and sylvie are penpals in 1975 until they are no longer in contact.
fast forward to the present, simon is now 60 running his B&B with his daughter anna. after received news that his school friend raj has passed, simon is catapulted into the past and upon reunion with his other school friend ian, they plan to recreate the cycling trip they did as teenagers to see sylvie in france.
this book was really unique and i loved the second chance aspects in both friendship and romantic love.
simon and sylvie are penpals in 1975 until they are no longer in contact.
fast forward to the present, simon is now 60 running his B&B with his daughter anna. after received news that his school friend raj has passed, simon is catapulted into the past and upon reunion with his other school friend ian, they plan to recreate the cycling trip they did as teenagers to see sylvie in france.
this book was really unique and i loved the second chance aspects in both friendship and romantic love.
March 1, 2022
Rtc , heartwarming
June 24, 2022
💭 Thoughts:
How to put in words how much I loved this book?
Well it was just the tonic I needed, The Way Back To You gave me all the feels when I was feeling very unwell and extremely fed up!
Told via a multiple timeline and is packed with French charm. I found myself rooting for the protagonist from the early chapters and really enjoyed reading from a male perspective.
This story is so much more than a romance; it’s about lost love, second chances, and living your life to the full.
If you’re looking for an uplifting, funny, extremely witty, and all round joyful book that will leave you feeling positive and that all is right with the world, I’m confident you’ll love this one as much as I did.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - all the stars!!
Thanks to Penguin books for inviting me on tour and for the gifted proof.
Ad/pr - views my own #jamesbailey #thewaybacktoyou
How to put in words how much I loved this book?
Well it was just the tonic I needed, The Way Back To You gave me all the feels when I was feeling very unwell and extremely fed up!
Told via a multiple timeline and is packed with French charm. I found myself rooting for the protagonist from the early chapters and really enjoyed reading from a male perspective.
This story is so much more than a romance; it’s about lost love, second chances, and living your life to the full.
If you’re looking for an uplifting, funny, extremely witty, and all round joyful book that will leave you feeling positive and that all is right with the world, I’m confident you’ll love this one as much as I did.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - all the stars!!
Thanks to Penguin books for inviting me on tour and for the gifted proof.
Ad/pr - views my own #jamesbailey #thewaybacktoyou
July 28, 2022
Funny and heartwarming. One of the best books I've ever read.
July 4, 2022
What an absolute joy to read! I have laughed out loud, cried and felt very nostalgic reading this wonderfully uplifting story.
Simon runs a small B&B with his daughter, Anna, who will soon be getting married. His wife died 10 years ago and running the B&B cottage in a sleepy Dorset village, and raising a family there, had been her dream.
Now Simon is in his 60’s and in a bit of a rut when he sees a Facebook notification from his old school. It is a notice advising one of his best friends from boarding school has died. Simon is shocked. He hadn’t seen Raj since they were 16 when they lost touch after they left school.
Attending Raj’s memorial starts a chain of events. Simon bumps into larger than life Ian there, the other of the three close friends. They talk about the year when they were 16 and the three of them cycled to France hoping to meet Simon’s pen pal, Sylvie, without telling anyone they were going. They arrived to find she had moved house the day before and no one knew her new address. So they cycle back home. And face the music.
Ian persuades Simon to repeat their journey, and sprinkle some of Raj’s ashes where he had been happiest. And maybe actually meet Sylvie this time?
Well I was rooting for Simon to find his happy ending!
The story is written in the present with flashbacks to the year they were doing their O levels and planning their trip.
This is a fabulous romantic comedy which also tugs at the heart strings, and although it will appeal to a lot of people, it will especially appeal to the likes of me, who did O levels and made mix tapes for boyfriends to play on tape players. And I had pen friends too. Ah the memories came flooding back.
I’m still chuckling about the shaving foam and mango. You must read it to find out what that’s all about!
Brilliant I couldn’t put it down! I was awake until 2.15am finishing it.
Simon runs a small B&B with his daughter, Anna, who will soon be getting married. His wife died 10 years ago and running the B&B cottage in a sleepy Dorset village, and raising a family there, had been her dream.
Now Simon is in his 60’s and in a bit of a rut when he sees a Facebook notification from his old school. It is a notice advising one of his best friends from boarding school has died. Simon is shocked. He hadn’t seen Raj since they were 16 when they lost touch after they left school.
Attending Raj’s memorial starts a chain of events. Simon bumps into larger than life Ian there, the other of the three close friends. They talk about the year when they were 16 and the three of them cycled to France hoping to meet Simon’s pen pal, Sylvie, without telling anyone they were going. They arrived to find she had moved house the day before and no one knew her new address. So they cycle back home. And face the music.
Ian persuades Simon to repeat their journey, and sprinkle some of Raj’s ashes where he had been happiest. And maybe actually meet Sylvie this time?
Well I was rooting for Simon to find his happy ending!
The story is written in the present with flashbacks to the year they were doing their O levels and planning their trip.
This is a fabulous romantic comedy which also tugs at the heart strings, and although it will appeal to a lot of people, it will especially appeal to the likes of me, who did O levels and made mix tapes for boyfriends to play on tape players. And I had pen friends too. Ah the memories came flooding back.
I’m still chuckling about the shaving foam and mango. You must read it to find out what that’s all about!
Brilliant I couldn’t put it down! I was awake until 2.15am finishing it.
July 8, 2022
I absolutely loved this.book. I readJames's first book The Flip Side and really.loved that too.
It's so interesting to read a book as a women relating to a man's perspective on things, like grief and friendships etc. This only enhanced the story for me.
It all centres on Simon, Ian and Raj, 3 friends who are st school in Bristol in the 1970's. We learn Simon has been writing to a French girl Sylvie. Fast forward to present day Dorset where Simon in running a B&B with his daughter.
Basically this book flits between the past and present, what led Simon to where he is now and where he wants to be and the story of how this all pans out. With quite a lot of mishaps and miscommunication along the way.
It's a heartwarming story.of friends. Family and lost loves and made me feel really nostalgic and happy.
It's so interesting to read a book as a women relating to a man's perspective on things, like grief and friendships etc. This only enhanced the story for me.
It all centres on Simon, Ian and Raj, 3 friends who are st school in Bristol in the 1970's. We learn Simon has been writing to a French girl Sylvie. Fast forward to present day Dorset where Simon in running a B&B with his daughter.
Basically this book flits between the past and present, what led Simon to where he is now and where he wants to be and the story of how this all pans out. With quite a lot of mishaps and miscommunication along the way.
It's a heartwarming story.of friends. Family and lost loves and made me feel really nostalgic and happy.
July 16, 2022
Really enjoyed this book. Funny heartwarming and easy read. A story of past and present and the realisation that ‘lost” time can be rectified.
July 24, 2022
I absolutely loved The Flip Side last year so this was one of my most anticipated reads of 2022. I preordered it as soon as James announced it was available to be ordered!
For 60-year old Simon Brown, life isn’t as straightforward as it was when he was 16. He runs a B&B, his daughter is getting married and an old friend drops back into his life suddenly with a plan for adventure. He’s also determined to reconnect with his first love, a French pen pal he never actually met!
Another brilliantly delightful story of love, loss and friendship told from a male perspective in dual timeline. The characters are real, relatable and funny and the reader is taken on the journey with them, feeling every emotion that they encounter. It made me laugh, cry and smile throughout and gave a real sense of never giving up on life, wherever it may take you! It also made me laugh because my father-in-law is called Simon Brown and although he does cycle, he doesn’t run a B&B and has never had a French pen pal called Sylvie!
Thank you James Bailey for another heartwarming and engaging story. I look forward to the next one!
For 60-year old Simon Brown, life isn’t as straightforward as it was when he was 16. He runs a B&B, his daughter is getting married and an old friend drops back into his life suddenly with a plan for adventure. He’s also determined to reconnect with his first love, a French pen pal he never actually met!
Another brilliantly delightful story of love, loss and friendship told from a male perspective in dual timeline. The characters are real, relatable and funny and the reader is taken on the journey with them, feeling every emotion that they encounter. It made me laugh, cry and smile throughout and gave a real sense of never giving up on life, wherever it may take you! It also made me laugh because my father-in-law is called Simon Brown and although he does cycle, he doesn’t run a B&B and has never had a French pen pal called Sylvie!
Thank you James Bailey for another heartwarming and engaging story. I look forward to the next one!
October 5, 2022
Simon runs a Bed & Breakfast near Bristol. His wife died many years ago, and his daughter, Anna helps him run it. When Simon hears that one of his old school friends, Raj has died, it takes him on a journey to France with another of his friends, Ian to help scatter Raj’s ashes. But Simon has also been remembering his school French pen-pal, Sophie and wonders whether, after 40 years, he’s left it too late to rekindle the feelings he had for her…
What a lovely read this was! It was completely different to what I expected with the main character, Simon being a 60-year-old man! Such a refreshing change to have a main character of that age and the storyline was original and different! Simon is such a likeable character, and I have to admit to feeling a little sorry for him at times. He seems very lonely, working long hours running a B&B which was his wife’s dream, not his. The storyline switches between present day and 40 years previously when Simon, Raj and Ian were at school. They were obviously good friends, but circumstances meant they all lost touch, and it was quite sad that it was too late to reconnect with Raj before he died. I did like Ian’s character though…I thought he was great! Such a larger-than-life character, and while seemingly annoying on the outside, he obviously had a heart of gold on the inside!
Their journey to France was delightful! Not just the scenery and location, but the few minor mishaps along the way made me laugh out loud! This was a story filled with warmth and feeling, and it did make me feel quite emotional at times. I loved the flashbacks to Simon’s teenage years and found the reminders of that era comforting! I remember clearly myself recording music off the radio and making mix tapes and found myself smiling along with these memories! This was a fun, heart-warming read revolving around friendships, family, love and regrets. Would definitely recommend!
What a lovely read this was! It was completely different to what I expected with the main character, Simon being a 60-year-old man! Such a refreshing change to have a main character of that age and the storyline was original and different! Simon is such a likeable character, and I have to admit to feeling a little sorry for him at times. He seems very lonely, working long hours running a B&B which was his wife’s dream, not his. The storyline switches between present day and 40 years previously when Simon, Raj and Ian were at school. They were obviously good friends, but circumstances meant they all lost touch, and it was quite sad that it was too late to reconnect with Raj before he died. I did like Ian’s character though…I thought he was great! Such a larger-than-life character, and while seemingly annoying on the outside, he obviously had a heart of gold on the inside!
Their journey to France was delightful! Not just the scenery and location, but the few minor mishaps along the way made me laugh out loud! This was a story filled with warmth and feeling, and it did make me feel quite emotional at times. I loved the flashbacks to Simon’s teenage years and found the reminders of that era comforting! I remember clearly myself recording music off the radio and making mix tapes and found myself smiling along with these memories! This was a fun, heart-warming read revolving around friendships, family, love and regrets. Would definitely recommend!
July 2, 2022
This was my first time reading a romance book from the male's perspective in its entirety and I thoroughly enjoyed it as it was very unique and a refreshing take from the other romance books I have read. It provides an insight into the mind of a male in love which I liked.
The plot was so ridiculous and unbelievable that you cannot help but laugh as you travel in time from past to present with Simon. From the bike ride with Simon, Raj and Ian making the trip to France as young teenager's to unite Simon with his love, Sylvie. To adult Simon and Ian making the trip to scatter the remains of their dear friend Raj.
It is a beautiful telling of love, loss and friendship and although it is categorized as a love story, I believe it more to be a story of friendship and how the people we view as our friends can almost be like our family and can guide us when we lose our way or forget who we once were.
The plot was so ridiculous and unbelievable that you cannot help but laugh as you travel in time from past to present with Simon. From the bike ride with Simon, Raj and Ian making the trip to France as young teenager's to unite Simon with his love, Sylvie. To adult Simon and Ian making the trip to scatter the remains of their dear friend Raj.
It is a beautiful telling of love, loss and friendship and although it is categorized as a love story, I believe it more to be a story of friendship and how the people we view as our friends can almost be like our family and can guide us when we lose our way or forget who we once were.
March 20, 2024
⭐ 5/5
Ok, so I didn't expect it to be from the pov of a guy in his 60s to be 100% honest. But honestly, this just turned out to be so fricking adorable! Like just everything in it! It was so heartwarming.
It definitely isn't really much about romance like that. It's kind of more about friendships, reunions, living for yourself, family, and being able to overcome past barriers.
I love Simon, Ian and Raj's friendship from back in their high school years. Like you could tell they were literal ride or die typa friends. Especially Raj!!! Please, I absolutely love Raj! Just the way he cherished their friendship for so many years after, and it was such a big part of his family too - it was genuinely so touching. Another thing was when Simon and Ian cycled from England to Bordeaux again as tribute to Raj.
And then Simon and Sylvie being pen pals; and him cycling all the way from Bristol to Bordeaux in their youth was just so cute. When they actually, for the first time meet each other in their 60s, that was another really sweet moment in the book.
I think the book's message is definitely to just to live your life to the fullest, because honestly, you just never know what will happen. You might think you have 30 more years, and boom, you're dead in the next minute. As funny as that example was, it definitely is true. Another message is probably to live for YOURSELF too. Like do things for you. Listen to yourself and your wants. That it's ok to be 'selfish' sometimes.
I'd say this is a fun little cute read if you're not sure on what to read next. It also has short chapters, so it'll also be a quick read.
Ok, so I didn't expect it to be from the pov of a guy in his 60s to be 100% honest. But honestly, this just turned out to be so fricking adorable! Like just everything in it! It was so heartwarming.
It definitely isn't really much about romance like that. It's kind of more about friendships, reunions, living for yourself, family, and being able to overcome past barriers.
I love Simon, Ian and Raj's friendship from back in their high school years. Like you could tell they were literal ride or die typa friends. Especially Raj!!! Please, I absolutely love Raj! Just the way he cherished their friendship for so many years after, and it was such a big part of his family too - it was genuinely so touching. Another thing was when Simon and Ian cycled from England to Bordeaux again as tribute to Raj.
And then Simon and Sylvie being pen pals; and him cycling all the way from Bristol to Bordeaux in their youth was just so cute. When they actually, for the first time meet each other in their 60s, that was another really sweet moment in the book.
I think the book's message is definitely to just to live your life to the fullest, because honestly, you just never know what will happen. You might think you have 30 more years, and boom, you're dead in the next minute. As funny as that example was, it definitely is true. Another message is probably to live for YOURSELF too. Like do things for you. Listen to yourself and your wants. That it's ok to be 'selfish' sometimes.
I'd say this is a fun little cute read if you're not sure on what to read next. It also has short chapters, so it'll also be a quick read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2022
I really enjoyed The Way Back to You, it’s light-hearted, heart-warming and funny.
The book flits between then 1975 and now and centres around Simon reminiscing about his time at boarding school with his two best mates and then his life now some 40+ years on as a B&B owner, father and widower.
After learning about the death of one of his childhood best mates, Simon feels at a real crossroads in his life and embarks on a trip down memory lane.
Back in 1975 we get to learn about Simon’s friendship with Ian and Raj, his love of music and his infatuation with his French pen pal Sylvie.
Simon and his friends decide to go and visit Sylvie by riding stolen bikes from Bristol to Bordeaux!
What awaits them when they get there and will they be rumbled when they get back?
I loved going on that adventure with the 16-year-old Simon and his mates through the 1975 chapters.
I won't give too much away but present day Simon is around 60 and decides to make the trip again and the reader gets to tag along too!
There’s a real exploration of friendship, long lost love, teenage dramas, regret and growing up.
It really makes you think, what would you do differently if you had no commitments or restrictions? What would happen if you took that chance?
I was rooting for Simon all the way through and I think you will too.
With thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The book flits between then 1975 and now and centres around Simon reminiscing about his time at boarding school with his two best mates and then his life now some 40+ years on as a B&B owner, father and widower.
After learning about the death of one of his childhood best mates, Simon feels at a real crossroads in his life and embarks on a trip down memory lane.
Back in 1975 we get to learn about Simon’s friendship with Ian and Raj, his love of music and his infatuation with his French pen pal Sylvie.
Simon and his friends decide to go and visit Sylvie by riding stolen bikes from Bristol to Bordeaux!
What awaits them when they get there and will they be rumbled when they get back?
I loved going on that adventure with the 16-year-old Simon and his mates through the 1975 chapters.
I won't give too much away but present day Simon is around 60 and decides to make the trip again and the reader gets to tag along too!
There’s a real exploration of friendship, long lost love, teenage dramas, regret and growing up.
It really makes you think, what would you do differently if you had no commitments or restrictions? What would happen if you took that chance?
I was rooting for Simon all the way through and I think you will too.
With thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2022
A heartwarming feelgood tale of lost love and second chances. Despite all the mishaps and obstacles thrown at the flawed but likeable characters you can't help but yearn for a happy conclusion. Neatly and humorously told from the male perspective, it is nicely paced with two time stands that are both packed with chaotic incidents and misunderstandings on a rocky romantic road.
August 28, 2022
I loved James Bailey’s debut the Flip Side a huge deal last year, reading it around Valentine’s Day to cheer myself up, so I was of course excited to pick up his second. It’s the story of a man named Simon who has his own B and B and has never quite forgotten the first love he never got to meet. Her name was Sylvie and she was his French pen pal, and he and his two best friends at school cycled to France to try and find her, but failed. Now, after the death of one of these friends, he and the other man reconnect and decide to once again go to France to try and get Simon his dream girl. Simon is an incredibly likeable character, both in the past and present chapters, and his relationship with Ian adds both so much humour and heart to the book. On that note, there are so many funny moments in this that come from the people Simon and Ian encounter along the way, my personal fave being one of the B and B owners. I won’t spoil the ending for you, but I’m sure if you’ve read it, it’ll be no surprise that I cried, and of course all the music references were really fun!
June 9, 2022
This book really has it all! A gorgeous little B+B in idyllic settings, sweet, long lasting friendships, romance and adventure!
The book swaps between present day and 1975. Simon Brown and His friends from Boarding School are given Penpals at random as part of their French lessons.Simon wins the Penpal lottery in Sylie, a talkative girl from Bordeaux.
Simon and His friends decide to go and visit Sylvie and decide to cycle to France to meet Her. What awaits them when they get there?
I won't give too much away but present day Simon is around 60 and decides to make the trip again.
It really makes you think, what would you do differently if you had no commitments or restrictions? What would happen if you took that chance?
Heartwarming without being too saccharine, James Bailey gets the balance perfectly right in this fabulous book! I chuckled, felt almost nostalgic and wanted to set off on holiday whilst reading this. Fantastic! 🤩📚
The book swaps between present day and 1975. Simon Brown and His friends from Boarding School are given Penpals at random as part of their French lessons.Simon wins the Penpal lottery in Sylie, a talkative girl from Bordeaux.
Simon and His friends decide to go and visit Sylvie and decide to cycle to France to meet Her. What awaits them when they get there?
I won't give too much away but present day Simon is around 60 and decides to make the trip again.
It really makes you think, what would you do differently if you had no commitments or restrictions? What would happen if you took that chance?
Heartwarming without being too saccharine, James Bailey gets the balance perfectly right in this fabulous book! I chuckled, felt almost nostalgic and wanted to set off on holiday whilst reading this. Fantastic! 🤩📚
August 20, 2022
If you want a book to cheer you up, make you smile, and certainly make you laugh out loud then James Bailey is your go to. After really enjoying The Flip Side, I was very excited for The Way Back To You and it didn't disappoint.
The story follows Simon who runs a B&B with a little help from his daughter from time to time. She encourages him to reconnect with a french pen pal that Simon had at school, Sylvie, who he never had the chance to meet. This time around he can't let this chance to meet her pass by and when his old school friend Ian arrives on the scene he doesn't really have a choice! This was a thoroughly entertaining story but with some poignancy at its heart and I found myself feeling strangely emotional throughout. It was a real rollercoaster of emotions but I loved it and there is something extremely easy and comforting about James' writing. I can't wait for his next book.
Thank you to Michael Joseph for a copy of this book.
The story follows Simon who runs a B&B with a little help from his daughter from time to time. She encourages him to reconnect with a french pen pal that Simon had at school, Sylvie, who he never had the chance to meet. This time around he can't let this chance to meet her pass by and when his old school friend Ian arrives on the scene he doesn't really have a choice! This was a thoroughly entertaining story but with some poignancy at its heart and I found myself feeling strangely emotional throughout. It was a real rollercoaster of emotions but I loved it and there is something extremely easy and comforting about James' writing. I can't wait for his next book.
Thank you to Michael Joseph for a copy of this book.
June 29, 2022
Such a nice book for getting back into reading! James Bailey never fails to impress :) I loved the story so much!
February 26, 2022
A Four-star read that will surprise you. I picked this up as I thought the premise was a great story, a long-lost love affair that time hasn’t dimed, despite never meeting, it sounded whimsical and wonderous, that wasn’t what I got and that took me a while to get my grip around, but honestly it still made me smile in wonder. Simon goes on a literal and metaphysical journey in this story, and its one that will surprise many. It has taken three reads, as I kept getting distracted and also a couple of writes as every time, I tried to write my review it just never seemed right to me. This is a great story and one I hope many will pick up.
February 2, 2022
This is such a fun read that I read in one sitting. It is lighthearted, heartwarming and funny. I thought it was well written with a good storyline and well developed characters that were relatable and really likeable. I really enjoyed it.
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