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Just Bea
Sometimes you have to stop trying to be like everyone else and just be yourself Bea Stevens and Ryan O'Marley are in danger of falling through the cracks of their own lives; the only difference between them is that Bea doesn’t know it yet. When her world is shaken like a snow-globe, Bea has to do what she does best; adapt. Homeless man Ryan is the key to unlocking the mystery of her friend Declan’s disappearance but can she and Ryan trust one another enough to work together? As the pieces of her life settle in new and unexpected places, like the first fall of snow, Bea must make a does she try to salvage who she was or embrace who she might become?Just Bea takes the reader on a heartwarming journey from the glamour of a West End store to the harsh reality of life on the streets and reminds us all that home really is where the heart is.
372 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2021
2 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Klée
9 books17 followersDeborah has worked as an occupational therapist, a health service manager, a freelance journalist, and management consultant in health and social care.
Her protagonists are often people who exist on the edges of society. Despite the very real, but dark, subject matter her stories are uplifting, combining pathos with humour. They are about self-discovery and the power of friendships and community.
The Borrowed Boy, her debut was awarded a B.R.A.G. Medallion, and voted book of the month by Chill with a Book awards.
Just Bea is her second novel.
Deborah lives on the Essex coast, where she loves to walk by the sea and in the countryside filling her pockets with shells and acorns and her head with stories.
Her protagonists are often people who exist on the edges of society. Despite the very real, but dark, subject matter her stories are uplifting, combining pathos with humour. They are about self-discovery and the power of friendships and community.
The Borrowed Boy, her debut was awarded a B.R.A.G. Medallion, and voted book of the month by Chill with a Book awards.
Just Bea is her second novel.
Deborah lives on the Essex coast, where she loves to walk by the sea and in the countryside filling her pockets with shells and acorns and her head with stories.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 4, 2021
5☆ A Heartwarming and Endearing Contemporary Fiction
When I first started reading this book I wasn't sure where it was going to go. But after 2 chapters I was hooked.
Bea knows exactly what she wants and she is working extremely hard to get it.
You see Bea is in line for a big Promotion, she has the best sales targets and knows everything about fashion.
But unfortunately her boss thinks that's just not enough. She lacks the empathy and people skills, that in his eyes makes a good leader.
Poor Bea is left devastated. She's worked extremely hard and she's determined to show them she can change.
You see Bea lacks confidence, and her mind is occupied on another matter.
One of her Co workers Declan is missing. She finds this out when she meets Ryan giving out flyers.
Ryan is Declan’s friend and also homeless.
Not yet comfortable to admit to Ryan just how she knows Declan, and that in fact she could well be responsible, for making him homeless.
She sets out to help Ryan find Declan.
Ryan stays with Bea and the unlikely pair start to become friends.
Ryan shows Bea what it's like to be care free, make new friends, but also the dangers of being homeless.
But between them, can they find Declan safely, and will Bea ever prove her worth and get her much deserved Promotion.
I loved Bea's Character, her vulnerability shone through, but the more time she spends with Ryan the more her confidence grew, it was so refreshing to see.
Ryan was so endearing and at first I couldn't quiet work his Character out, and if he had an ulterior motive.
But after reading his backstory I really warmed to him. I loved Bea and Ryan together their unlikely friendship just fitted together like a jigsaw.
Just Bea is an Endearing and Heart Warming story of Second Chances, Mystery, Trust, Secrets, Self discovery, Friendships, Romance and a dash of light hearted humour.
The Author has taken the time to highlight, a glimmer into homelessness and the dangers and realities.
This is my first encounter with this author and I'm very excited to read more!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2021/0...
When I first started reading this book I wasn't sure where it was going to go. But after 2 chapters I was hooked.
Bea knows exactly what she wants and she is working extremely hard to get it.
You see Bea is in line for a big Promotion, she has the best sales targets and knows everything about fashion.
But unfortunately her boss thinks that's just not enough. She lacks the empathy and people skills, that in his eyes makes a good leader.
Poor Bea is left devastated. She's worked extremely hard and she's determined to show them she can change.
You see Bea lacks confidence, and her mind is occupied on another matter.
One of her Co workers Declan is missing. She finds this out when she meets Ryan giving out flyers.
Ryan is Declan’s friend and also homeless.
Not yet comfortable to admit to Ryan just how she knows Declan, and that in fact she could well be responsible, for making him homeless.
She sets out to help Ryan find Declan.
Ryan stays with Bea and the unlikely pair start to become friends.
Ryan shows Bea what it's like to be care free, make new friends, but also the dangers of being homeless.
But between them, can they find Declan safely, and will Bea ever prove her worth and get her much deserved Promotion.
I loved Bea's Character, her vulnerability shone through, but the more time she spends with Ryan the more her confidence grew, it was so refreshing to see.
Ryan was so endearing and at first I couldn't quiet work his Character out, and if he had an ulterior motive.
But after reading his backstory I really warmed to him. I loved Bea and Ryan together their unlikely friendship just fitted together like a jigsaw.
Just Bea is an Endearing and Heart Warming story of Second Chances, Mystery, Trust, Secrets, Self discovery, Friendships, Romance and a dash of light hearted humour.
The Author has taken the time to highlight, a glimmer into homelessness and the dangers and realities.
This is my first encounter with this author and I'm very excited to read more!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2021/0...
February 1, 2021
There’s little I enjoy more than picking up a book and discovering a new-to-me author, getting drawn into a fascinating story, feeling for its characters, enjoying the writing – with its quirky and endearing heroine and its very different storyline, this book had me hooked from the very beginning, and held me in its grip to the very end.
Working at Hartley’s department store – in the lingerie department – is Bea’s life, the possibility of promotion to department head promising the fulfilment of her most cherished dream. But although her sales figures are among the highest, her dreams are dashed – and she becomes increasingly aware of her shortcomings, her extreme awkwardness at any kind of social interaction, until an “opportunity” arises that might just turn her life around if she’s able to grasp it.
Every morning, she dashes past the homeless people on the station forecourt in her business suit and Jimmy Choos, barely looking in their direction – until a chance encounter when she’s feeling particularly vulnerable brings Ryan into her life. Their relationship develops – he bolsters her self esteem, makes her feel good about herself, giving her hope that she can turn her life around, with his ease at making friends and his small acts of kindness. He also introduces her to a life she never knew existed – the rawness and danger of life on the streets, the people who prey on the vulnerable, but also the support of a community that helps her gain a sense of belonging.
His own story punctuates the narrative, nicely woven in – his former life in rural Ireland, his relationship with his family, the reasons why he came to London in search of a new life, and the series of events that led to his life on the streets. But the story also focuses on the unexplained absence of Declan – unwittingly, Bea had a part to play in his return to the ranks of the homeless – and alongside her desperate attempts to change her own life, supported by Ryan, we follow their joint attempts to solve the mystery of his disappearance.
The world-building in this book is really excellent. We travel behind the scenes at Hartley’s, down into the basement’s depths, see the interactions on the shop floor, the petty politics and the archaic management in action – and the lovely gentle humour as Bea tries (rather in vain) to change her behaviour and turn herself into a “people person” is quite wonderful. Her “opportunity” – the challenge she needs to deliver – is quite inspired, cringeworthy at times in its inappropriateness and seemingly impossible to achieve in the few days remaining before Christmas. And in parallel there’s the very realistic depiction of the dangers of life on the streets – but also the boat-dwelling community around the river, every individual so well drawn, and the way they support and care for each other.
I loved the way the story was constructed – that inexorable march of time, the relentless countdown from twenty-nine shopping days to Christmas, the sense that everything is slipping away – with those glimpses of Ryan’s former life. But perhaps most of all, I loved the characters, and particularly Bea herself – there are times you watch her actions through your fingers, in horror and unable to watch, yearning to shout “don’t do it, walk away”, but there are times too when you want to hug her, to be in her corner when no-one else is there for her, and sometimes to cheer her on in her small but significant victories. Her relationship with Ryan is quite wonderful – that initial mistrust on both sides, their developing friendship, her increasing dependence on his presence, the way he cares for her and gives her the reserves of courage she needs so much.
As well as its rawness at times, the no holds barred realities of life on the streets, the callousness and self-interest experienced in both worlds, there’s a warmth about the writing that I really enjoyed – a lovely balance between dark and light, a nice thread of humour, and it’s amply evident that the author loves Bea every bit as much as I did. And the book’s ending is just so perfect, but entirely fitting given all that’s gone before – uplifting, heartwarming and a bit emotional too, and exactly what I wanted it to be.
The whole book is a journey of personal development and self discovery as Bea’s character unfurls, an unlikely but convincing friendship and romance, an incisive piece of social commentary, a race against time that seems more hopeless by the day, and an intriguing mystery to be resolved with a nice edge of suspense – and I have to say I really loved every moment. Highly recommended by me – and an author I’d very much like to read again.
Working at Hartley’s department store – in the lingerie department – is Bea’s life, the possibility of promotion to department head promising the fulfilment of her most cherished dream. But although her sales figures are among the highest, her dreams are dashed – and she becomes increasingly aware of her shortcomings, her extreme awkwardness at any kind of social interaction, until an “opportunity” arises that might just turn her life around if she’s able to grasp it.
Every morning, she dashes past the homeless people on the station forecourt in her business suit and Jimmy Choos, barely looking in their direction – until a chance encounter when she’s feeling particularly vulnerable brings Ryan into her life. Their relationship develops – he bolsters her self esteem, makes her feel good about herself, giving her hope that she can turn her life around, with his ease at making friends and his small acts of kindness. He also introduces her to a life she never knew existed – the rawness and danger of life on the streets, the people who prey on the vulnerable, but also the support of a community that helps her gain a sense of belonging.
His own story punctuates the narrative, nicely woven in – his former life in rural Ireland, his relationship with his family, the reasons why he came to London in search of a new life, and the series of events that led to his life on the streets. But the story also focuses on the unexplained absence of Declan – unwittingly, Bea had a part to play in his return to the ranks of the homeless – and alongside her desperate attempts to change her own life, supported by Ryan, we follow their joint attempts to solve the mystery of his disappearance.
The world-building in this book is really excellent. We travel behind the scenes at Hartley’s, down into the basement’s depths, see the interactions on the shop floor, the petty politics and the archaic management in action – and the lovely gentle humour as Bea tries (rather in vain) to change her behaviour and turn herself into a “people person” is quite wonderful. Her “opportunity” – the challenge she needs to deliver – is quite inspired, cringeworthy at times in its inappropriateness and seemingly impossible to achieve in the few days remaining before Christmas. And in parallel there’s the very realistic depiction of the dangers of life on the streets – but also the boat-dwelling community around the river, every individual so well drawn, and the way they support and care for each other.
I loved the way the story was constructed – that inexorable march of time, the relentless countdown from twenty-nine shopping days to Christmas, the sense that everything is slipping away – with those glimpses of Ryan’s former life. But perhaps most of all, I loved the characters, and particularly Bea herself – there are times you watch her actions through your fingers, in horror and unable to watch, yearning to shout “don’t do it, walk away”, but there are times too when you want to hug her, to be in her corner when no-one else is there for her, and sometimes to cheer her on in her small but significant victories. Her relationship with Ryan is quite wonderful – that initial mistrust on both sides, their developing friendship, her increasing dependence on his presence, the way he cares for her and gives her the reserves of courage she needs so much.
As well as its rawness at times, the no holds barred realities of life on the streets, the callousness and self-interest experienced in both worlds, there’s a warmth about the writing that I really enjoyed – a lovely balance between dark and light, a nice thread of humour, and it’s amply evident that the author loves Bea every bit as much as I did. And the book’s ending is just so perfect, but entirely fitting given all that’s gone before – uplifting, heartwarming and a bit emotional too, and exactly what I wanted it to be.
The whole book is a journey of personal development and self discovery as Bea’s character unfurls, an unlikely but convincing friendship and romance, an incisive piece of social commentary, a race against time that seems more hopeless by the day, and an intriguing mystery to be resolved with a nice edge of suspense – and I have to say I really loved every moment. Highly recommended by me – and an author I’d very much like to read again.
February 5, 2021
What an amazing read. I really didn't want this book to end. From the first pages I fell in love with Bea and Ryan. I love how relatable both characters are, and their determination to do good. I particularly loved Bea and the references to her being on the autistic spectrum. It was refreshing to read a character that is reflective of real people. The description was perfect and I could imagine being in snowy London! There wasn't a single thing that I disliked about this story.
A heartwarming read with romance, mystery and a reminder that we're all human. Deborah's writing is a pleasure to read and I cannot wait to read her future releases.
A heartwarming read with romance, mystery and a reminder that we're all human. Deborah's writing is a pleasure to read and I cannot wait to read her future releases.
November 3, 2021
This is the second novel from Deborah Klee, following her superb debut, The Borrowed Boy.
This is a wonderfully-written story about the main character, sales assistant Bea, whose carefully constructed life begins to crumble around her. The characters are memorable and relatable and the book tackles head-on the important issue of homelessness. The book also handles topics around self-esteem and being yourself extremely well.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book and am excited for the author's next read.
This is a wonderfully-written story about the main character, sales assistant Bea, whose carefully constructed life begins to crumble around her. The characters are memorable and relatable and the book tackles head-on the important issue of homelessness. The book also handles topics around self-esteem and being yourself extremely well.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book and am excited for the author's next read.
January 30, 2021
This is a warm and emotional story about believing in yourself, trusting in others and never judging a book by its cover. Bea is one of those characters you can’t help but like, and when her carefully scripted life starts to crumble around her, it makes you wish for her to make the right choices and have the confidence to be herself. Ryan was a great right hand man for her and really gave her the ability to see how great she was. I loved how their friendship grew and enabled them both to move on.
February 28, 2021
'Just Bea' by Deborah Klee is her second novel. Having read and blogged her first book (The Borrowed Boy), I was quite happy to be offered a place on this tour as well. Deborah Klee has again, created a story that draws you in immediately with fully rounded characters that you feel you really need to understand and want to get to know.
Bea, works in Hartley's Department store in the lingerie section. A possibility of being promoted to Head of the department is enough to make her overjoyed, until the day her dreams crumble at her feet even though she has the highest sales figures that isn't enough. Her boss feels she lacks empathy and the people skills required in a leader. She sets out to prove herself. A chance meeting with a total stranger shows that life works in wonderous ways.
She meets Ryan, who is handing out flyers because his friend has gone missing and they discover the missing friend is also Bea's friend, Declan. Ryan is homeless as is Declan and Bea has a very uncomfortable feeling that she could very well be responsible for Declans homelessness and is unwilling to share this with Ryan. Bea decides to help Ryan search for Declan. Ryan stays with Bea and begin to form a friendship as he shows Bea how to actually enjoy life, make friends and most important of all, just how dangerous being homeless actually is. Can this unlikely duo find their friend? Can Bea show that she is worthy of the promotion and prove herself?
These two characters are at first, like chalk and cheese but the more time they spend together the more, Bea particularly, found her self confidence. Ryan is one of them characters that you just love, his back story and just his situation makes you want to sweep him up and give him a big hug.
A story that is all about self-discovery, second chances, friendships and love with a touch of mystery and a few light hearted times. The highlighting of homelessness and the dangers attached to it is one that is more important than anyone would think. This story is only the tip of the iceberg, so to speak and I personally applaud Deborah Klee for including it in the story. Too many people try to sweep it under the carpet...when we should be shouting from the rooftops!
A heartwarming and emotional story that hits home a serious issue of todays society. Thank you Deborah Klee.
With thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Deborah Klee for the copy of the book.
Bea, works in Hartley's Department store in the lingerie section. A possibility of being promoted to Head of the department is enough to make her overjoyed, until the day her dreams crumble at her feet even though she has the highest sales figures that isn't enough. Her boss feels she lacks empathy and the people skills required in a leader. She sets out to prove herself. A chance meeting with a total stranger shows that life works in wonderous ways.
She meets Ryan, who is handing out flyers because his friend has gone missing and they discover the missing friend is also Bea's friend, Declan. Ryan is homeless as is Declan and Bea has a very uncomfortable feeling that she could very well be responsible for Declans homelessness and is unwilling to share this with Ryan. Bea decides to help Ryan search for Declan. Ryan stays with Bea and begin to form a friendship as he shows Bea how to actually enjoy life, make friends and most important of all, just how dangerous being homeless actually is. Can this unlikely duo find their friend? Can Bea show that she is worthy of the promotion and prove herself?
These two characters are at first, like chalk and cheese but the more time they spend together the more, Bea particularly, found her self confidence. Ryan is one of them characters that you just love, his back story and just his situation makes you want to sweep him up and give him a big hug.
A story that is all about self-discovery, second chances, friendships and love with a touch of mystery and a few light hearted times. The highlighting of homelessness and the dangers attached to it is one that is more important than anyone would think. This story is only the tip of the iceberg, so to speak and I personally applaud Deborah Klee for including it in the story. Too many people try to sweep it under the carpet...when we should be shouting from the rooftops!
A heartwarming and emotional story that hits home a serious issue of todays society. Thank you Deborah Klee.
With thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and Deborah Klee for the copy of the book.
January 3, 2022
Uplifting, life affirming!
This was on my Christmas holiday reading pile and I loved it. I could relate to the context as I spent the first part of my career working in the clothing industry and also worked at Harrods from 1988 - 1991. I also spent five years working for a national membership body for the homelessness sector after I moved into the third sector. I loved the way the story unfolds and I really couldn’t put it down. If you need something to lift your spirits in these tough times, I can highly recommend Just Bea.
This was on my Christmas holiday reading pile and I loved it. I could relate to the context as I spent the first part of my career working in the clothing industry and also worked at Harrods from 1988 - 1991. I also spent five years working for a national membership body for the homelessness sector after I moved into the third sector. I loved the way the story unfolds and I really couldn’t put it down. If you need something to lift your spirits in these tough times, I can highly recommend Just Bea.
December 19, 2021
Tackles the hard to write stories
This is a book that mixes genres. Certainly contemporary and there is romance, yet other issues are taken on in a rather informative manner, such as homelessness, and has been researched well. Not only touching, but angst is inserted in among various scenarios and it's worth noting that the issues brought out in this novel will reach and all readers. Five stars.
This is a book that mixes genres. Certainly contemporary and there is romance, yet other issues are taken on in a rather informative manner, such as homelessness, and has been researched well. Not only touching, but angst is inserted in among various scenarios and it's worth noting that the issues brought out in this novel will reach and all readers. Five stars.
December 17, 2021
Just Bea by Deborah Klee has received a Chill with a Book Readers' Award
www.chillwithabook.com
www.chillwithabook.com
March 18, 2022
This is an engaging story about learning to be yourself when you don't think the world will like you the way you are. It's sweet, funny, and at times emotional.
August 30, 2023
This is such a heartwarming story - I loved it. It is a complelling read; I couldn't put it down!
Thoroughly recommended.
You won't be disappointed.
Thoroughly recommended.
You won't be disappointed.
February 26, 2021
Having read this author's debut novel, I could not wait to read her second. Like her previous book (The Borrowed Boy), Just Bea is so easy to read, and the people feel real.
I found myself considering my own unconscious bias as I formed an emotional attachment with several of the characters. I was truly rooting for Bea as her world began to crumble around her ears and Ryan, as his story unfolded. I enjoyed this book and didn't want to put it down. Alas it is now finished, and I eagerly await her next one.
I found myself considering my own unconscious bias as I formed an emotional attachment with several of the characters. I was truly rooting for Bea as her world began to crumble around her ears and Ryan, as his story unfolded. I enjoyed this book and didn't want to put it down. Alas it is now finished, and I eagerly await her next one.
March 6, 2021
I am struggling to put into words how great this book is. Meet Bea who is working at a prestigious fashion store selling lingerie to the rich and famous she is in line to get a promotion for head of department. All she’s ever wanted in life was to make her parents proud. However she doesn’t get the promotion and her world has turned upside down. It all started when she told the manager a member of staff was sleeping in the store. Declan was homeless and now missing.
Bea embarks on a trip not just to find out what happens to Declan but it’s also a trip of finding herself. I love the personal growth of Bea finding her own feet in this book and the storyline was just so raw. Ryan was also the perfect right hand man for Bea he was just a breath of fresh air.
Thank you so much to RachelRandomResources for sending me a copy of this book for the blog tour.
Bea embarks on a trip not just to find out what happens to Declan but it’s also a trip of finding herself. I love the personal growth of Bea finding her own feet in this book and the storyline was just so raw. Ryan was also the perfect right hand man for Bea he was just a breath of fresh air.
Thank you so much to RachelRandomResources for sending me a copy of this book for the blog tour.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews