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Stepping Up
Beth has never stuck at anything.
She's quit more jobs and relationships than she can remember and she still sleeps in her childhood bedroom. It's not that she hasn't tried to grow up, it's just that so far, the only commitment she's held down is Friday drinks at the village pub.
Then, in the space of a morning, her world changes.
Beth is now guardian to her teenage niece and toddler nephew, catapulted into an unfamiliar world of bedtime stories, parents' evenings and cuddly elephants. Having never been responsible for anyone - or anything - it's not long before she feels seriously out of her depth.
What if she's simply not up to the job?
With a little help from her best friend Jory (purely platonic, of course ...) and her lovely, lonely next-door neighbour, Albert, Beth is determined that this time she's not giving up. It's time to step up.
This is a story about digging deep for strength you never knew you had and finding magic in things that were there all along.
She's quit more jobs and relationships than she can remember and she still sleeps in her childhood bedroom. It's not that she hasn't tried to grow up, it's just that so far, the only commitment she's held down is Friday drinks at the village pub.
Then, in the space of a morning, her world changes.
Beth is now guardian to her teenage niece and toddler nephew, catapulted into an unfamiliar world of bedtime stories, parents' evenings and cuddly elephants. Having never been responsible for anyone - or anything - it's not long before she feels seriously out of her depth.
What if she's simply not up to the job?
With a little help from her best friend Jory (purely platonic, of course ...) and her lovely, lonely next-door neighbour, Albert, Beth is determined that this time she's not giving up. It's time to step up.
This is a story about digging deep for strength you never knew you had and finding magic in things that were there all along.
432 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2022
343 people are currently reading
4176 people want to read
About the author
Sarah Turner
7 books186 followersSarah Turner lives in Devon with her husband and three sons.
After graduating with first-class honours in Philosophy from The University of Exeter, she dabbled in careers in finance then higher education before a ‘warts and all’ parenting blog she’d started to let off steam gathered unexpected momentum and writing became her full-time job.
She has since written three Sunday Times bestsellers: The Unmumsy Mum, The Unmumsy Mum Diary and The Unmumsy Mum A-Z. The Unmumsy Mum was voted number 4 in Amazon’s Top 10 books of 2016 (as voted by Amazon customers) and was also shortlisted for Book of the Year (non-fiction, lifestyle) at the 2017 British Book Awards.
After graduating with first-class honours in Philosophy from The University of Exeter, she dabbled in careers in finance then higher education before a ‘warts and all’ parenting blog she’d started to let off steam gathered unexpected momentum and writing became her full-time job.
She has since written three Sunday Times bestsellers: The Unmumsy Mum, The Unmumsy Mum Diary and The Unmumsy Mum A-Z. The Unmumsy Mum was voted number 4 in Amazon’s Top 10 books of 2016 (as voted by Amazon customers) and was also shortlisted for Book of the Year (non-fiction, lifestyle) at the 2017 British Book Awards.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 835 reviews
November 2, 2021
A really lovely read, struggled to put it down and a bit gutted it's finished
May 30, 2022
As an avid Unmumsy Mum follower I lept at the chance to read this when it came up for sale at 99p. However, after reading it I don't understand the rave reviews...? It was OK, but pretty predictable and Beth was rather annoying. I think a Albert and Ted stole the show really. A solid three stars from me.
March 16, 2022
Read this book if:
💚You love stories about love, family, loss & coming together
💚You have tissues to hand - it WILL make you cry
💚You love books with characters old & young
I LOVED THIS BOOK!
I read it in three days & that’s only because I have kids & responsibilities so had to put it down 😏 What a fantastic debut fictional novel for Sarah Turner!
Things I loved:
- The characters were so rich & full of life. From the cute potty training toddler to the elderly gent next door. They all stole my heart
- The storyline. It was just so well written. The book covers some heavy themes but it was done really well & just felt so heartbreakingly real 💔
- The writing style was the right level of humour & serious moments. It helped break up a really sad situation & had me grinning away on one page & crying the next
- Beth. I know I’ve mentioned characters already but as the leading lady, she really carried the book forward. I’m a sucker for a book where there’s a life lesson or mental journal to be taken & I was cheering for Beth throughout!
I loved & hated how much this book made me feel! I wasn’t prepared to feel such wonderful raw emotions for fictional characters! It has to be said that of late I’ve turned into a more emotional person but still…My heart is so full but aches so much at the same time! How is that possible?!
In case you haven’t guessed already. I loved this book & would highly recommend picking it up asap!
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with a free e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
💚You love stories about love, family, loss & coming together
💚You have tissues to hand - it WILL make you cry
💚You love books with characters old & young
I LOVED THIS BOOK!
I read it in three days & that’s only because I have kids & responsibilities so had to put it down 😏 What a fantastic debut fictional novel for Sarah Turner!
Things I loved:
- The characters were so rich & full of life. From the cute potty training toddler to the elderly gent next door. They all stole my heart
- The storyline. It was just so well written. The book covers some heavy themes but it was done really well & just felt so heartbreakingly real 💔
- The writing style was the right level of humour & serious moments. It helped break up a really sad situation & had me grinning away on one page & crying the next
- Beth. I know I’ve mentioned characters already but as the leading lady, she really carried the book forward. I’m a sucker for a book where there’s a life lesson or mental journal to be taken & I was cheering for Beth throughout!
I loved & hated how much this book made me feel! I wasn’t prepared to feel such wonderful raw emotions for fictional characters! It has to be said that of late I’ve turned into a more emotional person but still…My heart is so full but aches so much at the same time! How is that possible?!
In case you haven’t guessed already. I loved this book & would highly recommend picking it up asap!
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with a free e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 23, 2021
I felt like I needed this book, right now, to shine a light of positivity over some tough times.
Beth, our heroine, really ins one, though she doesn't really know it; after all, she is known for being the quitter of the family and has been, pretty much her whole life.
Until a tragedy forces her to stop quitting. Emmy, Beth's older sister, and her husband Doug are involved in a car accident that is fatal for one and leaves the other in a coma.
So we have Beth. A single woman who can't commit to a job, or a relationship, suddenly thrust into the role of mother/aunt, looking after her teenage niece and toddler nephew. With a cranky old neighbour to contend with, a mother with extremely high expectations, yet with no hope that Beth will deliver, and a best friend who seems to be drifting away, at a time when she needs him more than ever.
I truly felt for Beth, who appears resigned to thinking she'll never amount to anything. The change in her, over the course of the book, is heartwarming. I truly enjoyed her blossoming relationship with Ted, her little nephew. He's a charming little character, coming to terms with a huge loss from his life, but not fully understanding it.
She has to contend with a teenage niece, Polly, who is hormonal, emotional and has so much she is holding in, away from everyone else. The way their connection develops and goes from breaking point to a true sense of connection is wonderful.
I loved Albert, the octogenarian neighbour, who appears to be some sort of gorgon, in Beth's mind, yet is quite possibly the sweetest, lonely old man she has ever encountered. Again, her friendship with him is a joy to read about.
Then there is Jory. Beth's best friend of over twenty years. A connection so strong, that ends up fraying, through a difficult time, as they both find it hard to talk about the crux of the matter.
The way the conclusion is reached is just perfect, and all I can say is that I loved it!
Many thanks to NetGalley, and Random House UK for an arc, in exchange for an honest review.
Beth, our heroine, really ins one, though she doesn't really know it; after all, she is known for being the quitter of the family and has been, pretty much her whole life.
Until a tragedy forces her to stop quitting. Emmy, Beth's older sister, and her husband Doug are involved in a car accident that is fatal for one and leaves the other in a coma.
So we have Beth. A single woman who can't commit to a job, or a relationship, suddenly thrust into the role of mother/aunt, looking after her teenage niece and toddler nephew. With a cranky old neighbour to contend with, a mother with extremely high expectations, yet with no hope that Beth will deliver, and a best friend who seems to be drifting away, at a time when she needs him more than ever.
I truly felt for Beth, who appears resigned to thinking she'll never amount to anything. The change in her, over the course of the book, is heartwarming. I truly enjoyed her blossoming relationship with Ted, her little nephew. He's a charming little character, coming to terms with a huge loss from his life, but not fully understanding it.
She has to contend with a teenage niece, Polly, who is hormonal, emotional and has so much she is holding in, away from everyone else. The way their connection develops and goes from breaking point to a true sense of connection is wonderful.
I loved Albert, the octogenarian neighbour, who appears to be some sort of gorgon, in Beth's mind, yet is quite possibly the sweetest, lonely old man she has ever encountered. Again, her friendship with him is a joy to read about.
Then there is Jory. Beth's best friend of over twenty years. A connection so strong, that ends up fraying, through a difficult time, as they both find it hard to talk about the crux of the matter.
The way the conclusion is reached is just perfect, and all I can say is that I loved it!
Many thanks to NetGalley, and Random House UK for an arc, in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2022
I finished it, but didn’t want to finish it, I fell in love with all the characters, the humour and heartbreak.
Imagine having a carefree life, coming and going as you please, quitting things you didn’t enjoy. Then suddenly following a tragedy you take over caring for a teenager and a toddler.
Albert the neighbour is just a beautiful character and everyone has a side to them you can relate to or know someone who is like that.
Imagine having a carefree life, coming and going as you please, quitting things you didn’t enjoy. Then suddenly following a tragedy you take over caring for a teenager and a toddler.
Albert the neighbour is just a beautiful character and everyone has a side to them you can relate to or know someone who is like that.
June 5, 2023
Sometimes I wonder how out of step one can be from the nonsense that is emblazoned all over the front and back covers of books and even sometimes 4 or 5 pages into the book. "Stepping Up" we are assured is a "instant Sunday Times bestseller" - and we all know how that happens and book sales are the last parameter to be used. "A glorious novel" that is "beautifully observed" and "outstanding on every level". All this commercialised hype makes me wonder what would be said for truly remarkable works of fiction - all the adjectives have been used for these sentimental light weights.
The book is readable if you suspend disbelief, that this character, Beth (and she is a work of fiction not reality) will traverse the psychological and emotional leap from complete selfishness to perfect selflessness. Just not going to happen. Her redemptive arch would have been far more interesting if there was a teeny bit more realism. I really did want Ted and Polly to push back more.
There are so many aspects to this book that are of concern - was this part of a book deal and another title had to be churned out - regardless of quality? Are readers and followers of the factual blog being taken cynical advantage of? The language used is undemanding and repetitive and the dialogue stilted. Why was the story predictable, and where was the reader's challenge?
The book is readable if you suspend disbelief, that this character, Beth (and she is a work of fiction not reality) will traverse the psychological and emotional leap from complete selfishness to perfect selflessness. Just not going to happen. Her redemptive arch would have been far more interesting if there was a teeny bit more realism. I really did want Ted and Polly to push back more.
There are so many aspects to this book that are of concern - was this part of a book deal and another title had to be churned out - regardless of quality? Are readers and followers of the factual blog being taken cynical advantage of? The language used is undemanding and repetitive and the dialogue stilted. Why was the story predictable, and where was the reader's challenge?
April 10, 2022
Oh this book! It’s one of the best books I’ve read in a long time, a beautiful and heartfelt story. It was just fantastic. Captivated from the first few pages, and before I knew it, I’d finished!
Without going into too much, the tragic event was dealt with so brilliantly, it really showed the feelings across all characters in a sensitive and realistic way. The whole storyline was just written perfectly.
I loved the characters, so likeable and full of life. Beth was absolutely wonderful throughout, she made me laugh and she also made me just want to give her a great big hug. I feel like so many people could relate to her one way or another. She was great throughout, dealt with the difficult moments with her niece, Polly, so very well.
An incredible debut novel, warm, uplifting and full of so much love. I couldn’t put it down. The pacing was perfect. I feel like everyone needs to read this! It’s definitely one of those books that will stay with me for a long long time.
PS. Definitely feel like a sequel could follow 👀🤞🏻
Without going into too much, the tragic event was dealt with so brilliantly, it really showed the feelings across all characters in a sensitive and realistic way. The whole storyline was just written perfectly.
I loved the characters, so likeable and full of life. Beth was absolutely wonderful throughout, she made me laugh and she also made me just want to give her a great big hug. I feel like so many people could relate to her one way or another. She was great throughout, dealt with the difficult moments with her niece, Polly, so very well.
An incredible debut novel, warm, uplifting and full of so much love. I couldn’t put it down. The pacing was perfect. I feel like everyone needs to read this! It’s definitely one of those books that will stay with me for a long long time.
PS. Definitely feel like a sequel could follow 👀🤞🏻
April 28, 2023
Al jaren roep ik dat schrijfster Dani Atkins (naast Colleen Hoover) mijn favoriete auteur is en dat niemand qua niveau ook maar in haar beurt kan komen, maar toen ik dat zei had ik duidelijk 'Vallen en opstaan' van Sarah Turner nog niet gelezen. Wat een pareltje is dit!
De auteur neemt je als lezer mee het leven in van Beth, een 30-jarige vrouw die baantjes, glazen alcohol en relaties verslind alsof het niets is en nog altijd bij haar ouders woont. Dit vrije en vooral onbezorgde leven komt alleen sneller dan gedacht op zijn kop te staan wanneer haar zus Emmy en dier man Doug een ongeluk krijgen en vanaf dat moment niet meer voor hun peuter Ted en puberdochter Polly kunnen zorgen. Die taak ligt dus plots in handen van Beth, die zij ooit hebben aangesteld als hun voogd. En uiteraard gaat dit met de nodige ups en downs.
Sarah Turner is er met haar fijne en toegankelijke schrijfstijl niet alleen in geslaagd dat je als lezer met Beth gaat meeleven, maar je kruipt als het ware ook echt in dit verhaal. Uren gingen voorbij, haast zonder dat ik het doorhad. En bladzijde na bladzijde sloot ik alle unieke personages diep in mijn hart. Ik wilde meer over ze weten, ze beschermen tegen het verdriet en juist met ze meefeesten als er sprake was van een hoogtepunt. Geen personage was dan ook teveel of minder dan de rest. Ik genoot ervan, leefde mee en pinkte hier en daar bijna een traantje weg door het realisme dat van de pagina's spatte.
Nu kan ik nog uren doorgaan hoe goed ik dit boek vond of vertellen wat voor impact de karakters om mij hebben gemaakt (en dat ik ze nu het boek uit heb echt ga missen), maar één ding is veel belangrijker om te zeggen. 'Vallen en opstaan' is echt een boek dat ik niet snel meer zal vergeten.
De auteur neemt je als lezer mee het leven in van Beth, een 30-jarige vrouw die baantjes, glazen alcohol en relaties verslind alsof het niets is en nog altijd bij haar ouders woont. Dit vrije en vooral onbezorgde leven komt alleen sneller dan gedacht op zijn kop te staan wanneer haar zus Emmy en dier man Doug een ongeluk krijgen en vanaf dat moment niet meer voor hun peuter Ted en puberdochter Polly kunnen zorgen. Die taak ligt dus plots in handen van Beth, die zij ooit hebben aangesteld als hun voogd. En uiteraard gaat dit met de nodige ups en downs.
Sarah Turner is er met haar fijne en toegankelijke schrijfstijl niet alleen in geslaagd dat je als lezer met Beth gaat meeleven, maar je kruipt als het ware ook echt in dit verhaal. Uren gingen voorbij, haast zonder dat ik het doorhad. En bladzijde na bladzijde sloot ik alle unieke personages diep in mijn hart. Ik wilde meer over ze weten, ze beschermen tegen het verdriet en juist met ze meefeesten als er sprake was van een hoogtepunt. Geen personage was dan ook teveel of minder dan de rest. Ik genoot ervan, leefde mee en pinkte hier en daar bijna een traantje weg door het realisme dat van de pagina's spatte.
Nu kan ik nog uren doorgaan hoe goed ik dit boek vond of vertellen wat voor impact de karakters om mij hebben gemaakt (en dat ik ze nu het boek uit heb echt ga missen), maar één ding is veel belangrijker om te zeggen. 'Vallen en opstaan' is echt een boek dat ik niet snel meer zal vergeten.
March 17, 2023
Do you go into a book completely blind? I follow Sarah Turner aka The Unmumsy mum on the socials and have followed her journey as a mother. Agreeing and championing what she reveals and says. So when I saw that she had written a novel, a work of fiction I knew I wanted to read it but also I had my preconceived ideas. I thought the book would be predictable, light and fluffy and a rom com. Why? I don't know why? I was completely wrong 💕
Stepping Up is a story about Beth, now Beth hasn't really got her act together. She's a 30 year old singleton, still living with her parents. Flitting from one job to the next. Nobody really has high expectations of her. But one day something happens and she has to step up to the challenge and become an adult.
I found this book to be emotional, I cried (a lot). I found it to be completely heart warming. The "journey" that Beth goes on despite there being a undercurrent of emotion and sadness, there is still some joy and laughter to be had. Turner has mixed in the humour into this story effortlessly without detracting from the foundation of the story.
I want and NEED a book all about Albert and his life. I fell hard for the next door neighbour 💕 Sarah Turner if you are reading this review. Please write a book about Albert 😁 his story needs to be told.
There are so many themes running through this story. Get your tissues out its not a fluffy read. It's a story packed with emotion.
Thank you to the publishers for my gifted paperback copy. In exchange of an honest review as part of the Tandemcollective readalong.
Stepping Up is a story about Beth, now Beth hasn't really got her act together. She's a 30 year old singleton, still living with her parents. Flitting from one job to the next. Nobody really has high expectations of her. But one day something happens and she has to step up to the challenge and become an adult.
I found this book to be emotional, I cried (a lot). I found it to be completely heart warming. The "journey" that Beth goes on despite there being a undercurrent of emotion and sadness, there is still some joy and laughter to be had. Turner has mixed in the humour into this story effortlessly without detracting from the foundation of the story.
I want and NEED a book all about Albert and his life. I fell hard for the next door neighbour 💕 Sarah Turner if you are reading this review. Please write a book about Albert 😁 his story needs to be told.
There are so many themes running through this story. Get your tissues out its not a fluffy read. It's a story packed with emotion.
Thank you to the publishers for my gifted paperback copy. In exchange of an honest review as part of the Tandemcollective readalong.
January 5, 2023
2,75
Labai jauki, šilta knyga apie šeimą, meilę ir draugystę. Mano skoniui, deja, per daug nuspėjama. Itin daug klišių, viskas kažkur jau matyta, skaityta, girdėta. Tikiu, kad gali papiktinti ne visai aiški pabaiga, bet man toks autorės sprendimas patiko, antraip jau būtų visai cukruotas cukrus.
Personažai neoriginalūs, bet mieli (kartais net iki blogumo). Patiko draugiški Beth ir Jory pasikandžiojimai (kaip man gaila jų draugystės!), mažylio Tedo replikos vietomis net sugraudino, bet šiaip nuobodžiavau. Pagal knygą išeitų neblogas filmas visai šeimai - mielai skirčiau jam dvi savo gyvenimo valandas. Laiko, praleisto prie knygos, ši istorija man nebuvo verta.
Labai jauki, šilta knyga apie šeimą, meilę ir draugystę. Mano skoniui, deja, per daug nuspėjama. Itin daug klišių, viskas kažkur jau matyta, skaityta, girdėta. Tikiu, kad gali papiktinti ne visai aiški pabaiga, bet man toks autorės sprendimas patiko, antraip jau būtų visai cukruotas cukrus.
Personažai neoriginalūs, bet mieli (kartais net iki blogumo). Patiko draugiški Beth ir Jory pasikandžiojimai (kaip man gaila jų draugystės!), mažylio Tedo replikos vietomis net sugraudino, bet šiaip nuobodžiavau. Pagal knygą išeitų neblogas filmas visai šeimai - mielai skirčiau jam dvi savo gyvenimo valandas. Laiko, praleisto prie knygos, ši istorija man nebuvo verta.
July 18, 2022
3.75*
Such a heartwarming, feel-good story!! (not including the tragic accident of course)
I really related to Beth constantly feeling lost and not really knowing what she wants to do with her life (anyone can relate? pre-graduation crisis things alshddkskak)
The characters around her are also so interesting!! I LOVED Albert (so wholesome and pure omg the way he always uses CAPS FOR HIS TEXTS and he calls emojis THE LITTLE PICTURES 🥺🥺)
There was also a mysterious theme throughout that I enjoyed because it added a unique flair to the story✨
I was rooting for Beth as she slowly found her way navigating through the obstacles in her life and finished the story with my heart feeling so full🥺
Such a heartwarming, feel-good story!! (not including the tragic accident of course)
I really related to Beth constantly feeling lost and not really knowing what she wants to do with her life (anyone can relate? pre-graduation crisis things alshddkskak)
The characters around her are also so interesting!! I LOVED Albert (so wholesome and pure omg the way he always uses CAPS FOR HIS TEXTS and he calls emojis THE LITTLE PICTURES 🥺🥺)
There was also a mysterious theme throughout that I enjoyed because it added a unique flair to the story✨
I was rooting for Beth as she slowly found her way navigating through the obstacles in her life and finished the story with my heart feeling so full🥺
June 17, 2023
Would never in a million years have chosen this but was pleasantly surprised. Very cliche, very predictable, but a nice reading experience nonetheless. Look forward to chatting, bookclubbers!
February 24, 2023
Een mooi debuut, dat smaakt naar meer.
Mijn volledige recensie lees je binnenkort op mijn blog: http://jenniferleest.wordpress.com/
Mijn volledige recensie lees je binnenkort op mijn blog: http://jenniferleest.wordpress.com/
April 14, 2022
This is a heartwarming, humbling and often hard hitting book, that had me tear up on many occasions but also laugh at many moments too.
It’s story of loss, love, grief, new beginnings and adapting.
It’s story of loss, love, grief, new beginnings and adapting.
June 6, 2022
Read in 24 hours. Predictable but in a warm comforting way. Loved the characters 💕
December 24, 2024
Love een boek wat je door kan blijven lezen! Hartverwarmend 💚
November 14, 2021
It’s difficult to leave a review about this story that will do it justice, it was simply excellent.
It’s a story about grief, family, friendship, working things out and love. It’s incredibly emotional but at the same time a breeze to read.
Beth had me laughing and crying. I was incredibly invested in her journey and was left a blubbering mess at the end (and many times throughout).
A true emotional rollercoaster.
It’s a story about grief, family, friendship, working things out and love. It’s incredibly emotional but at the same time a breeze to read.
Beth had me laughing and crying. I was incredibly invested in her journey and was left a blubbering mess at the end (and many times throughout).
A true emotional rollercoaster.
June 12, 2023
Super easy and quick read. A lighthearted but engaging story about how life can turn upside down in an instant. Weird to say I enjoyed the grief and loneliness topics but I did! Found the characters easy to like and think lots of readers will relate to the family dynamics especially when faced with life changing situations
December 17, 2022
Wat een fijn boek!, ik heb het echt heel graag Gelezen. Het leest echt heel vlot. Personages zijn ontzettend leuk beschreven, waardoor je er echt een band mee krijgt.
March 2, 2023
this book was so brilliant. please please read this !!
April 21, 2023
Not my usual type but a book club pick. Definitely delivered the cute and wholesome vibes I was expecting! Some of the characters were loveable, some were dreadful. But a fun read overall!
July 22, 2023
4.5 (RTC)
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Random House UK for approving me for an ARC of this book.
🥹Be warned, you will need the tissues for this one. From the start, our story is packed with so much emotion and as a parent, it definitely hit me hard.
💖I couldn’t help but feel for Beth, she was completely in over her head but the determination and loyalty she showed spoke volumes for her character. Whilst I could see how certain aspects were going to play out it was the reactions that I enjoyed the most.
👴🏻I have to give a shout-out to Albert, he was my favourite character. Filled with so much wisdom, patience and kindness, how could you not love him? The friendship he struck up with Beth was both beautiful and endearing.
⭐Whilst this was an emotional read there were moments of lightness and laughter. I found myself flying through the pages, lost in the story and enjoying every minute of it.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Random House UK for approving me for an ARC of this book.
🥹Be warned, you will need the tissues for this one. From the start, our story is packed with so much emotion and as a parent, it definitely hit me hard.
💖I couldn’t help but feel for Beth, she was completely in over her head but the determination and loyalty she showed spoke volumes for her character. Whilst I could see how certain aspects were going to play out it was the reactions that I enjoyed the most.
👴🏻I have to give a shout-out to Albert, he was my favourite character. Filled with so much wisdom, patience and kindness, how could you not love him? The friendship he struck up with Beth was both beautiful and endearing.
⭐Whilst this was an emotional read there were moments of lightness and laughter. I found myself flying through the pages, lost in the story and enjoying every minute of it.
April 23, 2022
I was expecting to enjoy this book but it really is an excellent piece of romantic fiction. I have read a lot of this genre in recent months and this debut stands head and shoulders above many. Beth is reputedly an irresponsible big kid; the wild, free-spirited younger sister and well-meaning but slightly distant auntie. However, when her sister is in a serious car accident, she suddenly has to ‘step up’ and look after her niece and nephew. Forced into a responsible role, Beth begins to discover more about herself through new experiences and friends old and new. I loved the characters in this book and felt so invested in them and the story - it made me both laugh and cry. Definitely a five star read for me and I can’t wait to read more from this author
September 18, 2022
Wat een prachtig boek! Recensie volgt snel op www.reviewsandroses.nl
May 2, 2023
Cried on the plane - had a lovely time 3.5
February 15, 2023
Degene die mij al een tijdje volgen weten dat ik altijd bezwijk voor realistische romans die je naar het hart grijpen. Vallen en opstaan mocht dan zeker ook niet aan mij voorbijgaan. Beth is best een personage waar je dingen van jezelf in zou kunnen herkennen. Ze is nog heel erg zoekende over wat ze nu precies wilt in het leven en hoe ze het beste in zichzelf naar boven kan halen. Aangezien ze er zelf niet aan uit raakt helpt het noodlot haar een handje, van dag op dag, van iemand zonder verantwoordelijkheden naar een voogd met 2 jonge kinderen onder haar vleugels + een huishouden & een nieuwe baan. Haar vlucht mechanisme is hier geen optie, maar vechten voor alles wat er nog te redden valt.
Het verlies van haar schoonbroer + mogelijks haar zus zorgt meteen voor een emotionele start in het verhaal. Ik werd meteen meegesleept in Beth’s zorgen om goed voor haar neefje & nichtje te zorgen, haar hoop die ze blijft koesteren op een goede afloop voor haar zus en het feit dat ze haar moeder wilt bewijzen dat ze wel iets goeds kan doen.
Doorheen haar reis toont Beth aan de lezer dat het best oké is om niet te hard of te streng te zijn voor jezelf en weet ze het verhaal luchtig te maken met haar gevoel voor humor.
Ondanks dat er ietwat voorspelbare wendingen in zitten + een open einde heb ik genoten van dit verhaal en vond ik het heel mooi hoe Beth evolueert en haar doel vindt.
Vallen en opstaan is een ontroerend verhaal over groei, steun, het rouwproces, volwassen worden en vooral hoop.
Vergeet zeker geen zakdoekje in de buurt te houden als je deze van plan bent te lezen.
4,5 ster.
Het verlies van haar schoonbroer + mogelijks haar zus zorgt meteen voor een emotionele start in het verhaal. Ik werd meteen meegesleept in Beth’s zorgen om goed voor haar neefje & nichtje te zorgen, haar hoop die ze blijft koesteren op een goede afloop voor haar zus en het feit dat ze haar moeder wilt bewijzen dat ze wel iets goeds kan doen.
Doorheen haar reis toont Beth aan de lezer dat het best oké is om niet te hard of te streng te zijn voor jezelf en weet ze het verhaal luchtig te maken met haar gevoel voor humor.
Ondanks dat er ietwat voorspelbare wendingen in zitten + een open einde heb ik genoten van dit verhaal en vond ik het heel mooi hoe Beth evolueert en haar doel vindt.
Vallen en opstaan is een ontroerend verhaal over groei, steun, het rouwproces, volwassen worden en vooral hoop.
Vergeet zeker geen zakdoekje in de buurt te houden als je deze van plan bent te lezen.
4,5 ster.
April 29, 2022
This book is one of the best I've read in a long time! I have never read any of the 'Unmumsy Mum' but Sarah Turner's novel 'Stepping Up' is really fresh and engaging and made me laugh out loud and cry in equal measure.
The novel is about how Beth Pascoe, an early 30s member of the 'boomerang' generation, living at home, lurching her way from one job/hangover/failed date to the next until a tragedy strikes her close-knit family and she finds herself the sole care-giver to her fourteen year old niece and toddler nephew.
The characters are brilliantly drawn and I could picture myself at their dinner table and rolling my eyes along with Beth at her mum's interfering comments and finding comfort in her dad's words of wisdom and solid support.
I thought the ending was very good although not the one I was really hoping for!
Overall it weaves love, family, romance and friendship with a heartwarming deftness that makes the book almost unputdownable. I could have easily devoured it in one sitting but had to settle for three, even taking my kindle with me to supervise my lunchtime duty!
I look forward to reading more of Sarah Turner's novels in the future.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced release copy in exchange for an honest review.
The novel is about how Beth Pascoe, an early 30s member of the 'boomerang' generation, living at home, lurching her way from one job/hangover/failed date to the next until a tragedy strikes her close-knit family and she finds herself the sole care-giver to her fourteen year old niece and toddler nephew.
The characters are brilliantly drawn and I could picture myself at their dinner table and rolling my eyes along with Beth at her mum's interfering comments and finding comfort in her dad's words of wisdom and solid support.
I thought the ending was very good although not the one I was really hoping for!
Overall it weaves love, family, romance and friendship with a heartwarming deftness that makes the book almost unputdownable. I could have easily devoured it in one sitting but had to settle for three, even taking my kindle with me to supervise my lunchtime duty!
I look forward to reading more of Sarah Turner's novels in the future.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an advanced release copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 16, 2022
I was kindly gifted an advanced copy of this fantastic book on kindle by @netgalley and @randomhouse in exchange for an honest review. I picked it up as part of the prompt new beginnings for @neverending_netgalley and I’m so glad that i did. I read this book in less than 24 hours and I couldn’t tell you the last time I did that. This book was fantastic. I absolutely loved it. Beth was just wonderful and I think every single one of us could relate to her character in one way or another. As much as this book covered emotive topics it dealt with them in a lovely way. There were so many laugh out loud moments too. The relationship development between Beth and Albert was heartwarming. I don’t want to give too much away but I think everyone should pick this book up when it’s released in March as it was just perfect!! Deserving of all the stars ⭐️
March 20, 2023
Wow. What a read. This isn’t usually my go to genre. However, it is the sort of movie/tv show I would watch, so I was ecstatic to be given the chance to read this, and I loved it!
As a parent, it was difficult to read about Ted and Polly as they grieved for their parents, and I struggled in some parts to carry on. (I would definitely recommend a box of tissues)
I loved how Beth stepped up in her own way. Yes, she had to adapt, and she got it wrong a few times as most of us do, but she didn’t give up, and it was inspiring to see her grow.
I loved Albert and his shouty texts, and Jory, who I was rooting for the entire read! Beth was funny, and I couldn’t help but laugh with her.
I would have liked to have known what happens to Emmy, and how their lives continued. I want to know more of Albert and Mavis when they were younger (I loved him!).
But, nevertheless this was a funny, sad, happy and difficult read. I certainly felt all the emotions.
Brilliant writing, and I’m hoping so much for a sequel!
As a parent, it was difficult to read about Ted and Polly as they grieved for their parents, and I struggled in some parts to carry on. (I would definitely recommend a box of tissues)
I loved how Beth stepped up in her own way. Yes, she had to adapt, and she got it wrong a few times as most of us do, but she didn’t give up, and it was inspiring to see her grow.
I loved Albert and his shouty texts, and Jory, who I was rooting for the entire read! Beth was funny, and I couldn’t help but laugh with her.
I would have liked to have known what happens to Emmy, and how their lives continued. I want to know more of Albert and Mavis when they were younger (I loved him!).
But, nevertheless this was a funny, sad, happy and difficult read. I certainly felt all the emotions.
Brilliant writing, and I’m hoping so much for a sequel!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2023
Prachtig boek! Met een lach en een traan gelezen. Het boek beschrijft hoe een vrouw zich staande moet houden na het auto-ongeluk van haar zus en zwager en zorg draagt voor hun kinderen. Het is prettig leesbaar en het sleept je volledig mee. Zomaar uitgelezen. Twijfel tussen drie en vier sterren, toch maar vier, vanwege een mooie combi humor, drama en goed uitgewerkte personages.
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