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The Story of Our Secrets
Colm O’Flynn was loved by his close circle of family and friends, however his death came too soon for everyone to make peace with their past.
Shauna, his second wife, adored him. But one night she broke their marriage vows, and didn’t get time to ask Colm’s forgiveness.
Jess was the first Mrs O’Flynn. Her heart is set on someone new, but will the last one night stand she shared with Colm come back to haunt her?
Colm’s best friend, Dan, is recently divorced. Can he take a second shot at happiness if it means betraying the one person who always had his back?
What no-one knows is that somewhere out there Colm left messages that could set them free to start over again.
Can divine intervention help them find Colm’s last wishes before it’s too late to love again?
Shauna, his second wife, adored him. But one night she broke their marriage vows, and didn’t get time to ask Colm’s forgiveness.
Jess was the first Mrs O’Flynn. Her heart is set on someone new, but will the last one night stand she shared with Colm come back to haunt her?
Colm’s best friend, Dan, is recently divorced. Can he take a second shot at happiness if it means betraying the one person who always had his back?
What no-one knows is that somewhere out there Colm left messages that could set them free to start over again.
Can divine intervention help them find Colm’s last wishes before it’s too late to love again?
284 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 2, 2021
2181 people are currently reading
1165 people want to read
About the author
Shari Low
74 books1,462 followers*No1 Best Selling Author*
In January 2001, Shari Low's Low's first novel, What If? was published. Since then, Shari has published over 35 books, and sold three million copies around the globe, hitting the best seller charts in many countries including UK, USA, Canada, Germany and Australia. In 2023, she had three consecutive #1 best sellers - One Day With You, One Moment in Time and One Christmas Eve. Her first release of 2024, One Year After You, also hit the #1 spot.
In late 2020, her first novel, What If?, was updated and re-published, followed by the sequels What Now? and What Next?. All three novels became international best sellers.
Shari has also co-written three Hollywood thrillers, The Rise, The Catch and The Fall, with LA-based TV presenter and actor Ross King.
In real life, once upon a time she met a guy, got engaged after a week, and thirty-something years later she lives near Glasgow with the one they said would never last. Their children have now grown and scattered across the world, so she spends an inordinate amount of time on video calls and aeroplanes.
For all the latest news, visit her on Facebook, twitter, instagram or at www.sharilow.com
In January 2001, Shari Low's Low's first novel, What If? was published. Since then, Shari has published over 35 books, and sold three million copies around the globe, hitting the best seller charts in many countries including UK, USA, Canada, Germany and Australia. In 2023, she had three consecutive #1 best sellers - One Day With You, One Moment in Time and One Christmas Eve. Her first release of 2024, One Year After You, also hit the #1 spot.
In late 2020, her first novel, What If?, was updated and re-published, followed by the sequels What Now? and What Next?. All three novels became international best sellers.
Shari has also co-written three Hollywood thrillers, The Rise, The Catch and The Fall, with LA-based TV presenter and actor Ross King.
In real life, once upon a time she met a guy, got engaged after a week, and thirty-something years later she lives near Glasgow with the one they said would never last. Their children have now grown and scattered across the world, so she spends an inordinate amount of time on video calls and aeroplanes.
For all the latest news, visit her on Facebook, twitter, instagram or at www.sharilow.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 314 reviews
November 22, 2024
A touching book about old and new families and the love between them
October 20, 2021
I haven't read this author before so I wanted to read the book purely based on the description. I thought it would be a beautifully written story of love lost and the journey of letting go before finding new love. What it felt like I got instead was being shut in a locked room for five hours with a woman who wouldn't stop talking.
There's a lot of dialogue, the characters are well defined, the story is good. There's just never much of a break to regroup and have a bit of silence before the MC opens her mouth again. Some of the events in the story are rushed too - one friend talks to another and suddenly the friend and her crush are in snogsville with no previous attraction AT ALL on the part of one?? The MC finds something and suddenly all four friends are playing happy families again after rip-roaring anger, silence, and punching?
It was all just too, too much. 2.6
There's a lot of dialogue, the characters are well defined, the story is good. There's just never much of a break to regroup and have a bit of silence before the MC opens her mouth again. Some of the events in the story are rushed too - one friend talks to another and suddenly the friend and her crush are in snogsville with no previous attraction AT ALL on the part of one?? The MC finds something and suddenly all four friends are playing happy families again after rip-roaring anger, silence, and punching?
It was all just too, too much. 2.6
December 22, 2021
Favorite Quotes:
Since the day I met her, almost twenty years ago, she’d never varied from a size ten. That’s what daily yoga and a 5K run every morning did for you. I was a size fourteen. That’s what twenty years of talking about taking up yoga and running but not actually doing it did for you.
I’m forty-five and still have the urge to hide when my mother is around. But then, my mother, Saint Debbie of the Eternal Disapproval, has that effect on most people.
‘Gran, when did you take up line dancing?’ ‘When I got bored rigid at Pilates. There’s no point to it at all. I fell asleep last time I was there, and some strange and very flexible gentleman with his hair in a bun wasn’t best pleased.’
‘Honest to God, I don’t think he’s mine,’ she’d say about my dad, her Glasgow accent even thicker when she was riled. ‘The wean that shot out of my vagina was a lovely wee thing. There’s no way he grew up to be that gutless oaf. And don’t get me started on her. Cold, feckless tart. They deserve each other, they really do.’
My Review:
I adore Shari Low, her stories are riotously comical yet perceptively insightful. Her style is poignant and full of feels yet cleverly amusing with smirk-worthy and irreverent humor. I am as enamored with her keen wit as her agile and evocative storytelling. Her latest tale was written with a dual POV and laced with deeply flawed yet irresistibly beguiling characters living intertwined lives filled with emotive inner musings, cheeky levity, family drama, grief, adultery, and snarky repartee. It was heart-squeezing, cringe-worthy, and as delightfully amusing as it was immersive. I definitely need more of this in my life.
Since the day I met her, almost twenty years ago, she’d never varied from a size ten. That’s what daily yoga and a 5K run every morning did for you. I was a size fourteen. That’s what twenty years of talking about taking up yoga and running but not actually doing it did for you.
I’m forty-five and still have the urge to hide when my mother is around. But then, my mother, Saint Debbie of the Eternal Disapproval, has that effect on most people.
‘Gran, when did you take up line dancing?’ ‘When I got bored rigid at Pilates. There’s no point to it at all. I fell asleep last time I was there, and some strange and very flexible gentleman with his hair in a bun wasn’t best pleased.’
‘Honest to God, I don’t think he’s mine,’ she’d say about my dad, her Glasgow accent even thicker when she was riled. ‘The wean that shot out of my vagina was a lovely wee thing. There’s no way he grew up to be that gutless oaf. And don’t get me started on her. Cold, feckless tart. They deserve each other, they really do.’
My Review:
I adore Shari Low, her stories are riotously comical yet perceptively insightful. Her style is poignant and full of feels yet cleverly amusing with smirk-worthy and irreverent humor. I am as enamored with her keen wit as her agile and evocative storytelling. Her latest tale was written with a dual POV and laced with deeply flawed yet irresistibly beguiling characters living intertwined lives filled with emotive inner musings, cheeky levity, family drama, grief, adultery, and snarky repartee. It was heart-squeezing, cringe-worthy, and as delightfully amusing as it was immersive. I definitely need more of this in my life.
April 20, 2022
Two and a half stars.
Colm has died leaving behind his widow Shauna, young daughter Beth, 2 older sons from his first marriage to Jess, ex wife Jess and friends Dan and Lulu who were married and then divorced. But Dan still has feelings for Lulu.
Somehow, despite complicated relationships, those left behind have a friendship that seems to work if uneasily and with plenty of sarcasm and angst at times. Before he died Colm, whose usual response to any tough situation is avoidance, has left a series of videos for his family and friends. But it takes some some before those videos are discovered. Along the way secrets are uncovered as Jess takes on a role as a life coach, coercing Shauna and Colm’s best friend Dan to help her. And how does Vincent who was Shauna’s long time friend and first love fit into the picture?
I’m finding this a hard book to review. I could not relate to any of the characters and found their complicated entwined relationships hard to fathom and why anyone would want Lulu as a friend or lover even harder to understand. Yet, despite not particularly liking any of the charterers, I kept reading, so in a sense that is testament to the author’s skill that I did. Can I say I enjoyed the book though. Not really. In the end it was just an ok read. However, I am equally sure there are going to be plenty of others who will love it and enjoy the complicated relationships. It just wasn’t for me.
Colm has died leaving behind his widow Shauna, young daughter Beth, 2 older sons from his first marriage to Jess, ex wife Jess and friends Dan and Lulu who were married and then divorced. But Dan still has feelings for Lulu.
Somehow, despite complicated relationships, those left behind have a friendship that seems to work if uneasily and with plenty of sarcasm and angst at times. Before he died Colm, whose usual response to any tough situation is avoidance, has left a series of videos for his family and friends. But it takes some some before those videos are discovered. Along the way secrets are uncovered as Jess takes on a role as a life coach, coercing Shauna and Colm’s best friend Dan to help her. And how does Vincent who was Shauna’s long time friend and first love fit into the picture?
I’m finding this a hard book to review. I could not relate to any of the characters and found their complicated entwined relationships hard to fathom and why anyone would want Lulu as a friend or lover even harder to understand. Yet, despite not particularly liking any of the charterers, I kept reading, so in a sense that is testament to the author’s skill that I did. Can I say I enjoyed the book though. Not really. In the end it was just an ok read. However, I am equally sure there are going to be plenty of others who will love it and enjoy the complicated relationships. It just wasn’t for me.
January 26, 2022
This was such a tear-jerker of a story, following a dysfunctional family in the wake of a tragic death. However, despite it being rather emotional and sad, I think it was beautifully written, adding to my enjoyment of a coming-of-age story.
Opening with Colm, readers quickly learn that this spirited, Irish man is in a hospice with terminal cancer. Using his final weeks as a means of saying goodbye, Colm records a series of videos to his closest friends and family. This is the time for him to say goodbye, to reminisce, offer hopes for the future and even, as we come to discover, apologise for past actions.
These scenes with Colm appear throughout the novel, poignantly showing Colm’s deteriorating health. I was really keen to see how Low would use these clips as Colm’s family falls apart from the burden of guilt, grief, and strained friendships. Shauna, Colm’s wife, heavily leans on others around her and I loved the intricacies of the friendship-family group that is depicted. The closeness that all the characters share is especially endearing and I think this added to the emotions running throughout the narrative.
Despite trying to move forwards, it is never easy. Low sensitively explores the theme of grieving and I think it is done in such a way that readers will be able to relate to the feelings experienced throughout the novel. Attempting to stay positive, using time as a healer… these things and more have all been said but are never enough when coping with the loss of a loved one. Therefore, whilst watching Shauna and her friends fall apart, I think Colm’s narrative adds a bit of lightness to the story.
I particularly liked the banter that existed between the characters. This provided some much needed comic relief and meant this book was a cross between a tissue-fest and necessary laughter. However, when Shauna’s support circle disintegrates, I did wonder how they would be able to repair their relationship. It turns out that the magic of Colm was what was required. Furthermore, the way that Low concluded the story was especially poignant, perhaps the most touching of all, and I enjoyed how the novel had come full circle.
Undoubtedly, this is a saddening, emotional story, but so well written. Read this book with the understanding that it is not a happy-go-lucky story, but with a fine balance between grief and comedy. I have enjoyed many of Low‘s novels in the past and think this is one of her strongest…. and saddest at the same time.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Opening with Colm, readers quickly learn that this spirited, Irish man is in a hospice with terminal cancer. Using his final weeks as a means of saying goodbye, Colm records a series of videos to his closest friends and family. This is the time for him to say goodbye, to reminisce, offer hopes for the future and even, as we come to discover, apologise for past actions.
These scenes with Colm appear throughout the novel, poignantly showing Colm’s deteriorating health. I was really keen to see how Low would use these clips as Colm’s family falls apart from the burden of guilt, grief, and strained friendships. Shauna, Colm’s wife, heavily leans on others around her and I loved the intricacies of the friendship-family group that is depicted. The closeness that all the characters share is especially endearing and I think this added to the emotions running throughout the narrative.
Despite trying to move forwards, it is never easy. Low sensitively explores the theme of grieving and I think it is done in such a way that readers will be able to relate to the feelings experienced throughout the novel. Attempting to stay positive, using time as a healer… these things and more have all been said but are never enough when coping with the loss of a loved one. Therefore, whilst watching Shauna and her friends fall apart, I think Colm’s narrative adds a bit of lightness to the story.
I particularly liked the banter that existed between the characters. This provided some much needed comic relief and meant this book was a cross between a tissue-fest and necessary laughter. However, when Shauna’s support circle disintegrates, I did wonder how they would be able to repair their relationship. It turns out that the magic of Colm was what was required. Furthermore, the way that Low concluded the story was especially poignant, perhaps the most touching of all, and I enjoyed how the novel had come full circle.
Undoubtedly, this is a saddening, emotional story, but so well written. Read this book with the understanding that it is not a happy-go-lucky story, but with a fine balance between grief and comedy. I have enjoyed many of Low‘s novels in the past and think this is one of her strongest…. and saddest at the same time.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 16, 2021
Hello and welcome to Tangents and Tissues pre-reading safety guide for The Story of Our Secrets by Shari Low. Thank you for joining me today. Are you comfy? *claps hands* Let’s begin…
Please keep the seatbelts provided fastened at all times as you ride this emotional rollercoaster of a read.
Tissues, if required (aye right!), should be located to your left and right with extra supplies under your seat. *whispers and points* I also find tucking a couple up my sleeve and/or in my bra for ease of use very handy. Never fear if you run out, just holla and emergency tissues can be delivered asap.
Refreshments are a must but beware of scalding from hot drinks when you encounter a WTF? scene and/or spontaneous bouts of belly laughter. No one needs to explain where that blister came from *snorts*.
Emotional eating is a common side-effect of reading Shari Low books (I know from personal experience!) so wear your elasticated pants for extra space. Side note: neither the author nor the publisher can be held responsible for the movement on your scales!
For emergency purposes only:
• It is advisable to have a drinky-drink *winks* on hand. Totally for restorative purposes only, you understand. Just for those ‘gird your loins’ moments. You know the sort I mean!
• Your nominated hug person for those ‘I need a hug’ moments.
Also, before we go, I’m taking names for my own Sad Git’s Recovery Club. Remember and leave your details before you leave.
Right, are you ready? Well, as ready as you’ll ever be…
You’ve got this!
See you on the other side.
I don’t call Shari Low the Queen of Storytelling for nothing.
Hmm, now where did I stick those cucumber slices? These eyes won’t de-puff themselves…
Please keep the seatbelts provided fastened at all times as you ride this emotional rollercoaster of a read.
Tissues, if required (aye right!), should be located to your left and right with extra supplies under your seat. *whispers and points* I also find tucking a couple up my sleeve and/or in my bra for ease of use very handy. Never fear if you run out, just holla and emergency tissues can be delivered asap.
Refreshments are a must but beware of scalding from hot drinks when you encounter a WTF? scene and/or spontaneous bouts of belly laughter. No one needs to explain where that blister came from *snorts*.
Emotional eating is a common side-effect of reading Shari Low books (I know from personal experience!) so wear your elasticated pants for extra space. Side note: neither the author nor the publisher can be held responsible for the movement on your scales!
For emergency purposes only:
• It is advisable to have a drinky-drink *winks* on hand. Totally for restorative purposes only, you understand. Just for those ‘gird your loins’ moments. You know the sort I mean!
• Your nominated hug person for those ‘I need a hug’ moments.
Also, before we go, I’m taking names for my own Sad Git’s Recovery Club. Remember and leave your details before you leave.
Right, are you ready? Well, as ready as you’ll ever be…
You’ve got this!
See you on the other side.
I don’t call Shari Low the Queen of Storytelling for nothing.
Hmm, now where did I stick those cucumber slices? These eyes won’t de-puff themselves…
September 27, 2024
4.5⭐️
Listened to on audiable.
When you just need a break from life, I can always rely on one of my all-time favourite authors, Shari Low, to listen to. Her books never fail to entertain me in one way or another.
This one had me in tears a few times its a story of friends who discover many secrets of each other once one of their group passes away through his revelations left behind. The dynamics of this group is not the normal typical way a family necessarily come together but this is what makes it all the more endearing heartfelt and beautiful is the love, forgiveness & understanding they all share for each other. They are on a journey of grief not only of a loved one but also in their own lives they all have different events that transpired making this story what it is, shows how we can unite in the face of pain and adversity with love & compassion.
As always beautifully narrated by Helen McAlpine.
Listened to on audiable.
When you just need a break from life, I can always rely on one of my all-time favourite authors, Shari Low, to listen to. Her books never fail to entertain me in one way or another.
This one had me in tears a few times its a story of friends who discover many secrets of each other once one of their group passes away through his revelations left behind. The dynamics of this group is not the normal typical way a family necessarily come together but this is what makes it all the more endearing heartfelt and beautiful is the love, forgiveness & understanding they all share for each other. They are on a journey of grief not only of a loved one but also in their own lives they all have different events that transpired making this story what it is, shows how we can unite in the face of pain and adversity with love & compassion.
As always beautifully narrated by Helen McAlpine.
Want to read
November 9, 2021So, I like this authors writing style and it's on KU. No harm nor foul if you have KU, then. But....time wasted? I'll be honest, I'm so hard up for even a decent angsty, cheaty, ahole hero romance ~ I 'll take it.
I just finished re reading The Scarlet Deep, a PNR w/ vamps. But he does cheat, Hunter writes well, so there was some small enjoyment. I say small bc I never truly felt our h's pain. I felt her anger, which is what got me through the book again. Anywhoo, I'll start this and report back for anyone who's interested. Oh, Oh, I forgot! Just re read Stars Landing series, Deviant, by Jessica Gadziela ~ definite pain there, lol & great writing. If you haven't read that one, I'd pick it up. Again, KU
If you've found some goodies, please rec.
After Thanksgiving and I've got a few days to read w/o interruption, I'm starting an epic re read of my all time faves and I'll see if any of them really get me frothing at the mouth ~ again. Toots
I just finished re reading The Scarlet Deep, a PNR w/ vamps. But he does cheat, Hunter writes well, so there was some small enjoyment. I say small bc I never truly felt our h's pain. I felt her anger, which is what got me through the book again. Anywhoo, I'll start this and report back for anyone who's interested. Oh, Oh, I forgot! Just re read Stars Landing series, Deviant, by Jessica Gadziela ~ definite pain there, lol & great writing. If you haven't read that one, I'd pick it up. Again, KU
If you've found some goodies, please rec.
After Thanksgiving and I've got a few days to read w/o interruption, I'm starting an epic re read of my all time faves and I'll see if any of them really get me frothing at the mouth ~ again. Toots
November 16, 2021
I have read and reviewed several of Shari Low's novels on my blog over the years and was very eager to get started on The Story of Our Secrets, although I am running way behind! Colm O'Flynn died of a brain tumor in 2016 leaving behind his wife Shauna, their young daughter, and two older sons from his previous marriage. Also in his close circle were his ex-wife Jess, his best friend Dan, and Dan's wife (and Shauna's best friend), Lulu. Fast forward to 2021 and we learn where everyone is in their lives now that Colm is gone. Told in alternating POVs by Colm and Shauna, we discover all of the things Colm wanted to say before dying and all the ways his close-knit group has or hasn't moved forward since his death.
This is a tough one to review because I'm not sure if I want to give this 3 or 4 stars. I liked Shauna and her sense of humor, I liked Jess and the bond that she and Shauna shared, and Dan was just o.k. But tolerating the selfish and immature Lulu for the duration of this book was painful. Not just a little painful, but as in - it took me 3 weeks to read a book that would have normally taken me 3-4 hours. But the real biggie here is that I realized about halfway through that I had read this. Then thought that was impossible since it was just published. Eventually, I figured out that I had read The Story of Our Life, which is all about Colm, Shauna, and the rest of the crew. However, the only new information was the end of two marriages and some secrets.
So, why did I finish it? Honestly, because I love Shari Low and feel it completely inappropriate to DNF one of her novels. Also, I wanted to see if Shauna would ever move on with her life. I'm glad that I finished it because there were two very happy endings and also just because so much of the dialogue on Shauna's part was very witty. But unfortunately, this is my least favorite book from this author, ever.
*Thanks to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is a tough one to review because I'm not sure if I want to give this 3 or 4 stars. I liked Shauna and her sense of humor, I liked Jess and the bond that she and Shauna shared, and Dan was just o.k. But tolerating the selfish and immature Lulu for the duration of this book was painful. Not just a little painful, but as in - it took me 3 weeks to read a book that would have normally taken me 3-4 hours. But the real biggie here is that I realized about halfway through that I had read this. Then thought that was impossible since it was just published. Eventually, I figured out that I had read The Story of Our Life, which is all about Colm, Shauna, and the rest of the crew. However, the only new information was the end of two marriages and some secrets.
So, why did I finish it? Honestly, because I love Shari Low and feel it completely inappropriate to DNF one of her novels. Also, I wanted to see if Shauna would ever move on with her life. I'm glad that I finished it because there were two very happy endings and also just because so much of the dialogue on Shauna's part was very witty. But unfortunately, this is my least favorite book from this author, ever.
*Thanks to NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 10, 2024
Oh my heart!
This one really got me. I’m up to my ankles in tears again.
A similar story line to Ps I Love You, which is also credited in the book, but with the special gift that only Shari Low can bring. We meet done old friends again in this title, I know I always say it but I love this.
Colm has been gone for 5 years. His wife and daughter are moving on in the wading through custard style that grief brings, Colms ex wife Jess is a great support to Shauna. Dan is upstairs and on hand, and Lou Lou is there for a dash of snark and selfishness that acts as a shield. In truth the group are trying to move on together and failing.
We know from the beginning that Colm has left videos for everyone, so we hear his voice often throughout the story, and I desperately wanted the group to be able to hear him.
I literally sobbed my way through the final chapters and I think I’ll cry every time I hear These Arms Of Mine - another thing I love is Shari’s taste of music for her characters.
Beautiful, undeniably sad!
Helen McAlpine narrates with skill as always.
Next ……
This one really got me. I’m up to my ankles in tears again.
A similar story line to Ps I Love You, which is also credited in the book, but with the special gift that only Shari Low can bring. We meet done old friends again in this title, I know I always say it but I love this.
Colm has been gone for 5 years. His wife and daughter are moving on in the wading through custard style that grief brings, Colms ex wife Jess is a great support to Shauna. Dan is upstairs and on hand, and Lou Lou is there for a dash of snark and selfishness that acts as a shield. In truth the group are trying to move on together and failing.
We know from the beginning that Colm has left videos for everyone, so we hear his voice often throughout the story, and I desperately wanted the group to be able to hear him.
I literally sobbed my way through the final chapters and I think I’ll cry every time I hear These Arms Of Mine - another thing I love is Shari’s taste of music for her characters.
Beautiful, undeniably sad!
Helen McAlpine narrates with skill as always.
Next ……
October 6, 2023
3.5 stars
March 31, 2025
Loved this one. Very similar to ps I love you.
October 27, 2021
Wow, what a book!
I love Shari Low expertise in writing and I had very high expectations for this book and not also I wasn't disappointed at all, but The Story of Our Secrets also exceeded them.
I finished it in two sittings, since it is really one of those unputdownable ones, then I had to take a couple of days off reading anything else (all the characters were overwhelmingly still in my mind) and also had to wait to write a review, because I was afraid I couldn't do it justice. I'm still not sure I can, to be honest.
It's a beautiful book, and it is beautifully written: Sharis's prose has that something that catches and hooks you in, it is hilarious yet moving, makes you laugh and cry, sharp and easy to read, but poignant and sentimental.
I couldn't recommend this book more, and I would have given more stars if possible.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I love Shari Low expertise in writing and I had very high expectations for this book and not also I wasn't disappointed at all, but The Story of Our Secrets also exceeded them.
I finished it in two sittings, since it is really one of those unputdownable ones, then I had to take a couple of days off reading anything else (all the characters were overwhelmingly still in my mind) and also had to wait to write a review, because I was afraid I couldn't do it justice. I'm still not sure I can, to be honest.
It's a beautiful book, and it is beautifully written: Sharis's prose has that something that catches and hooks you in, it is hilarious yet moving, makes you laugh and cry, sharp and easy to read, but poignant and sentimental.
I couldn't recommend this book more, and I would have given more stars if possible.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 2, 2021
A book this sad has no right to be this funny. Shari is a new author to me and after managing to push all my buttons, including my big red one for sarcasm and dry wit, she is now firmly on my author radar.
Colm knows he doesn’t have much time after being given a terminal diagnosis, so while in hospital he decides to make some video messages on his phone for his loved ones. Just a pity he never got round to mentioning this rather important fact.
Fast forward five years and his widow Shauna is on the floor with a glass of Prosecco watching her soapy knickers go round in the washing machine until his first wife Jess visits unannounced and decides to make her and their mutual friend Dan her new pet projects for her psychology dissertation. Poor Dan is a mess due to their other friend Lulu trading him in for a richer version.
Oh this group of friends were just brilliant and totally my sort of people. All completely different but just as important to the group dynamic. However, if you were to twist my arm and make me tell you my favourite it would have to be Lulu. She’s something else, shameless, smart mouthed and a bit of a hussy. But written to be so damn likeable and the verbal sparring between her and Jess was just top notch.
There’s a few mentions in the book of the film P.S I love you. I have both read that book and watched the film and dare I say it but this is actually better. I think the characters are more relatable and the storyline more realistic. I mean come on, we all know men would do a phone video rather than write a soppy letter! We also know they would forget to mention it along with not knowing where their keys and wallets are.
Colm knows he doesn’t have much time after being given a terminal diagnosis, so while in hospital he decides to make some video messages on his phone for his loved ones. Just a pity he never got round to mentioning this rather important fact.
Fast forward five years and his widow Shauna is on the floor with a glass of Prosecco watching her soapy knickers go round in the washing machine until his first wife Jess visits unannounced and decides to make her and their mutual friend Dan her new pet projects for her psychology dissertation. Poor Dan is a mess due to their other friend Lulu trading him in for a richer version.
Oh this group of friends were just brilliant and totally my sort of people. All completely different but just as important to the group dynamic. However, if you were to twist my arm and make me tell you my favourite it would have to be Lulu. She’s something else, shameless, smart mouthed and a bit of a hussy. But written to be so damn likeable and the verbal sparring between her and Jess was just top notch.
There’s a few mentions in the book of the film P.S I love you. I have both read that book and watched the film and dare I say it but this is actually better. I think the characters are more relatable and the storyline more realistic. I mean come on, we all know men would do a phone video rather than write a soppy letter! We also know they would forget to mention it along with not knowing where their keys and wallets are.
October 8, 2021
Wow What an emotional rollercoaster of a read. I feel like I’ve been through every emotion with Shauna, Lulu, Dan and Jess. Full of love and hope this is a story about forgiveness and support and is definitely one to be remembered. I really liked the style of writing with the flashbacks of memories interwoven with the today and cried and laughed with each of the stories.
September 28, 2021
This story! Absolute hands down perfection. Colm has a brain tumor. Being a typical man, he isn't much into sharing his feelings on the daily. But when hes given a terminal diagnosis and realizes that his time is winding down, he starts making video messages on his phone for his loved ones. His ex wife Jess and their twin sons. Current wife Shauna and his daughter Beth. And best friends Dan and Lulu. What he forgets to do is to let them know hes actually left the messages. For five years his wife and friends bungle along missing him and trying to figure out how to move on. One night after it seems everyone is lost and having trouble finding their way, Shauna finds it. And as usual, his words are just what they need and help them make important decisions in finally moving on.
This book was beautiful and so well written. This is my second Shari Low novel and won't be my last. She has the perfect way of writing snappy fun dialogue all while dealing with life changing situations. As someone who also deals with difficult situations with humor, she blends the perfect mix of punchy writing and heartfelt feelings and comes up with the perfect novel. Easily one of the best books of the year. Go ahead and pre-order this one and cross off November 2 on your calender. This is most definitely a read in one sitting book!
❤❤❤❤❤/5
Thank you to NetGalley, Shari Low, and Boldwood Books for an ARC in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
This book was beautiful and so well written. This is my second Shari Low novel and won't be my last. She has the perfect way of writing snappy fun dialogue all while dealing with life changing situations. As someone who also deals with difficult situations with humor, she blends the perfect mix of punchy writing and heartfelt feelings and comes up with the perfect novel. Easily one of the best books of the year. Go ahead and pre-order this one and cross off November 2 on your calender. This is most definitely a read in one sitting book!
❤❤❤❤❤/5
Thank you to NetGalley, Shari Low, and Boldwood Books for an ARC in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
August 8, 2022
I have to admit, I initially wasn’t enjoying this book but I’m glad I stuck with it . It’s a story about love and friendship and the love we can lose and eventually find again.
When Colm is diagnosed with brain cancer his wife, daughter and friends prepare to support each other through heartache and grief. Since they have all been friends and in one case, married to each other, they’re dealing with good memories and some secrets that aren’t very good. This book shows how the characters interact with each other and deal with relationships that have changed after the death of their good friend.
When Colm is diagnosed with brain cancer his wife, daughter and friends prepare to support each other through heartache and grief. Since they have all been friends and in one case, married to each other, they’re dealing with good memories and some secrets that aren’t very good. This book shows how the characters interact with each other and deal with relationships that have changed after the death of their good friend.
December 1, 2025
Another good book by Shari Low. A bit different from the other books I have read by the same author.
Still worth a read ☺️ I especially liked the epilogue!
Still worth a read ☺️ I especially liked the epilogue!
November 9, 2021
It’s five years since Shauna lost her husband Colm to a brain tumour – and there are still those nights when she’s unable to do any more than sit on the utility room floor with a bottle of prosecco, desolately watching her washing going round. Although they had plenty of opportunities, they could never bring themselves to talk about the future and what would happen after he was gone – and they never discussed those moments of guilt and betrayal that now figure large in her memories.
This book is largely about friendships – the friends they both shared have rallied round, and continue to do so, providing support to both her and her young daughter Beth. She now lives in the flat above Dan, after moving out from the home she had with Colm to escape the painful memories. Dan’s former wife Lulu is another close friend – she’s now remarried, indecently quickly, to a man she thinks will keep her in the style she feels she deserves, leaving Dan heartbroken. And then there’s Jess – she was Colm’s first wife, and through the years of sharing parenthood of Colm’s twin sons the women became firm friends.
There’s a degree of revolving doors about their various relationships, each having keys to each others’ flats, dropping in on a whim, sometimes looking for refuge with a suitcase in tow. Although the relationships between them all are volatile – and become increasingly so when Jess decides that both Shauna and Dan need her skills as a life coach, and even worse when a few deeply held secrets surface and complicate things further – the supportive friendships they all have are what keep them going.
And as we watch their relationships ebbing and flowing, all accompanied by jokey banter covering up the moments of sadness and heartbreak, we revisit Colm in the days before he died – making videos for them all, dealing with all those issues that they were never able to find the right time to talk about.
Every character in this book is exceptionally well drawn, and all their exchanges – the plot of this book is largely carried by the dialogue – have tremendous crackle and fizz and a lot of humour. And there’s also a lot of poignancy – I could really feel Shauna’s loss of the love of her life, and the depth of her regrets. But I must admit that I did struggle to take to either Lulu or Jess – the book’s pace was just a touch too frenetic for me (I’m sure many readers will love it), with a little too much banter and backchat, and I did find empathy and engagement just a little bit difficult. But I loved the deeper emotional content – the book’s conclusion is a real heartbreaker, and so very well-handled and cleverly done.
I did rather prefer her last book, with a wider and more diverse cast of characters – but I do really like Shari Low’s writing, which is certainly very different with a style that’s very much her own. I’ll very happily put my slightly less enthusiastic praise for this one down to wrong day, wrong book (hey, it happens…) – and I’ll still be very much looking forward to seeing what she does next.
This book is largely about friendships – the friends they both shared have rallied round, and continue to do so, providing support to both her and her young daughter Beth. She now lives in the flat above Dan, after moving out from the home she had with Colm to escape the painful memories. Dan’s former wife Lulu is another close friend – she’s now remarried, indecently quickly, to a man she thinks will keep her in the style she feels she deserves, leaving Dan heartbroken. And then there’s Jess – she was Colm’s first wife, and through the years of sharing parenthood of Colm’s twin sons the women became firm friends.
There’s a degree of revolving doors about their various relationships, each having keys to each others’ flats, dropping in on a whim, sometimes looking for refuge with a suitcase in tow. Although the relationships between them all are volatile – and become increasingly so when Jess decides that both Shauna and Dan need her skills as a life coach, and even worse when a few deeply held secrets surface and complicate things further – the supportive friendships they all have are what keep them going.
And as we watch their relationships ebbing and flowing, all accompanied by jokey banter covering up the moments of sadness and heartbreak, we revisit Colm in the days before he died – making videos for them all, dealing with all those issues that they were never able to find the right time to talk about.
Every character in this book is exceptionally well drawn, and all their exchanges – the plot of this book is largely carried by the dialogue – have tremendous crackle and fizz and a lot of humour. And there’s also a lot of poignancy – I could really feel Shauna’s loss of the love of her life, and the depth of her regrets. But I must admit that I did struggle to take to either Lulu or Jess – the book’s pace was just a touch too frenetic for me (I’m sure many readers will love it), with a little too much banter and backchat, and I did find empathy and engagement just a little bit difficult. But I loved the deeper emotional content – the book’s conclusion is a real heartbreaker, and so very well-handled and cleverly done.
I did rather prefer her last book, with a wider and more diverse cast of characters – but I do really like Shari Low’s writing, which is certainly very different with a style that’s very much her own. I’ll very happily put my slightly less enthusiastic praise for this one down to wrong day, wrong book (hey, it happens…) – and I’ll still be very much looking forward to seeing what she does next.
October 29, 2021
So, this will be a really difficult review for me to write as I just didn’t enjoy this. That is hard for me to say, as Colm’s story in ‘The Story of our Life’ really hit me in the feels and had tears tripping down my face for the majority of it. I think that may have even been the first Shari Low book I had ever read, and I’ve been hooked ever since. I also still remember it, which is a big thing for me as I have a memory like a sieve when it comes to most books. However, that one has stuck with me over the past couple of years!
This book is set five years later and shows us the aftermath of Colm dying and how his wife, family and friends have been coping without him and with their grief. Even though it was nice to see these characters again, I’m not sure this story was necessary (which is why this review is difficult for me).
I just didn’t feel the raw emotion that I am used to from Low. There were the usual one-liners of humour, but they didn’t make me laugh out loud like I normally would. I just felt like I had to get through the book as the deadline for its release was fast approaching.
After reading some of the other reviews, I know I am in the minority with this view, and I’m sorry that I just wasn’t feeling it. I just felt like the story was a bit flat, and most of it could have been covered in a few chapters of another book with other more interesting characters. We are only getting Shauna’s point of view, interspersed with Colm from 2016, and I think it may have played out better if we could have heard from Jess, Lulu and Dan as well. It might have given it a little more depth having their voices first hand.
I’m afraid I found this a little boring and unnecessary. I usually rush off to tell my mother-in-law when Shari Low has a new book coming out. I know she has read Colm’s story too, but I’m not sure whether to recommend this to her or not. I’ll probably let her know it exists and let her make her own mind up.
So, for me, I’m afraid this was just a bit of a none-book, and I’m gutted I didn’t enjoy it the way the author had intended.
Thanks for reading! If you want to see more of my reviews visit www.pinkanddizzy.com
This book is set five years later and shows us the aftermath of Colm dying and how his wife, family and friends have been coping without him and with their grief. Even though it was nice to see these characters again, I’m not sure this story was necessary (which is why this review is difficult for me).
I just didn’t feel the raw emotion that I am used to from Low. There were the usual one-liners of humour, but they didn’t make me laugh out loud like I normally would. I just felt like I had to get through the book as the deadline for its release was fast approaching.
After reading some of the other reviews, I know I am in the minority with this view, and I’m sorry that I just wasn’t feeling it. I just felt like the story was a bit flat, and most of it could have been covered in a few chapters of another book with other more interesting characters. We are only getting Shauna’s point of view, interspersed with Colm from 2016, and I think it may have played out better if we could have heard from Jess, Lulu and Dan as well. It might have given it a little more depth having their voices first hand.
I’m afraid I found this a little boring and unnecessary. I usually rush off to tell my mother-in-law when Shari Low has a new book coming out. I know she has read Colm’s story too, but I’m not sure whether to recommend this to her or not. I’ll probably let her know it exists and let her make her own mind up.
So, for me, I’m afraid this was just a bit of a none-book, and I’m gutted I didn’t enjoy it the way the author had intended.
Thanks for reading! If you want to see more of my reviews visit www.pinkanddizzy.com
November 8, 2021
I am a massive fan of Shari Low as her books always take me on an emotional journey and in the first few pages I knew this one would steal my heart.
We meet Colm straight away and know from this point on that this story won’t be straight forward and that there will be emotional highs and lows throughout as we learn about his relationship with Shauna and his gorgeous daughter Beth.
Set across a dual timeline 5 years apart we get to know Colm and then also what life was like for Shauna, Jess and Dan when we spend time with them in the future. I quickly learnt to love Dan and Shauna as they were easy going characters who are both trying to put one foot in front of the other. I took longer to warm to Lu and Jess as found them both to be prickly and they both take an emotional toll on Dan and Shauna.
This is a story that just keeps on giving as secrets come to light as they share their highs and lows in a bid to move on and I absolutely loved it
We meet Colm straight away and know from this point on that this story won’t be straight forward and that there will be emotional highs and lows throughout as we learn about his relationship with Shauna and his gorgeous daughter Beth.
Set across a dual timeline 5 years apart we get to know Colm and then also what life was like for Shauna, Jess and Dan when we spend time with them in the future. I quickly learnt to love Dan and Shauna as they were easy going characters who are both trying to put one foot in front of the other. I took longer to warm to Lu and Jess as found them both to be prickly and they both take an emotional toll on Dan and Shauna.
This is a story that just keeps on giving as secrets come to light as they share their highs and lows in a bid to move on and I absolutely loved it
September 21, 2021
I absolutely loved this story - once I started I couldn’t put it down. The style of storytelling was so fresh with flashbacks and video recordings making it feel like you got a better insight into the characters lives. I loved how it explored the themes of forgiveness and different types of love. I laughed a lot and got choked up more than once. Definitely recommend.
I received an arc of this book
I received an arc of this book
November 19, 2021
Shauna O’Flynn is still grieving the loss of her husband Colm five years after he lost his battle with cancer. She keeps her head up every day for the sake of their daughter Beth, but Shauna still misses Colm terribly and has been unable to pick up the pieces and move on. Colm’s lifelong best friend, Dan, is reeling from the sudden breakup of his 20 year marriage to Lulu and Lulu’s whirlwind marriage to another man. Colm’s ex-wife, Jess is now one of Shauna’s best friends, and has just started a new career as a life coach. Jess decides that she will take on Shauna and Dan as her first life coach clients. As Jess prods them each week, Shauna and Dan begin to face their grief. Over time the relationships begin to crumble and break down between the friends until Shauna discovers video messages left behind by Colm that change everything.
Shari Low has crafted a wonderful story about loss, grief and the importance of friends and family through our life journey. This book made me laugh, cringe and cry in all the best possible ways. Lulu and Jess are the queens of witty comebacks, and I could only dream of being as quick witted as these two in real life. Shauna, Dan and Colm are kindhearted people with perfect imperfections. Reading this book, I felt as though I was part of this sweet friend circle and I was sad when the story came to a close. I highly recommend this heart-felt novel about love, loss and picking up the pieces.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Shari Low has crafted a wonderful story about loss, grief and the importance of friends and family through our life journey. This book made me laugh, cringe and cry in all the best possible ways. Lulu and Jess are the queens of witty comebacks, and I could only dream of being as quick witted as these two in real life. Shauna, Dan and Colm are kindhearted people with perfect imperfections. Reading this book, I felt as though I was part of this sweet friend circle and I was sad when the story came to a close. I highly recommend this heart-felt novel about love, loss and picking up the pieces.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 27, 2021
I received an E-ARC copy of ‘The Story of Our Secrets’ by Shari Low through Netgalley when I signed up to the book tour through Rach’s Random Resources and Boldwood Books. I have just finished reading and I must admit I’m very emotional, this is an amazing book. Wow!!!
Colm O’Flynn is in a hospice, he has come to realise he may not be around for much longer and decides to record messages for all his loved ones on his phone.
Five years later and his wife Shauna is still coming to terms with Colm’s death and is stuck in her grief. She has a great set of friends around her, and they all help to provide her and her daughter, Beth with a friendship like family.
Over the years though things change, and events occurred start to become in between their relationship. Shauna is stuck in the middle not wanting to lose anyone else that she loves.
Can the friendship be saved? Will Shauna come to terms with her grief and start to think about moving on?
This book goes between the narration of Shauna and the scenes where Colm is filming his farewell videos.
The whole way through I went through a mixture of emotions, one minute I would be heartbroken and close to tears and the next laughing and smiling. My heart hasn’t hurt that much in a while.
The characters were really relatable, and I could feel every emotion felt by them. I have been through the emotions of loss through a break down in a marriage and the grief of losing a partner, you feel you are going to be stuck with them feelings forever. This book shows you that this doesn’t have to be the case and has an uplifting thread though out all the heartbreak.
The friendship the characters have is lovely but is also genuine with the little ups and downs that life throw in the way. It shows how friends can really pick you up and help you through.
Overall, a heart-breaking but uplifting book about grief and the strength of friendship.
Colm O’Flynn is in a hospice, he has come to realise he may not be around for much longer and decides to record messages for all his loved ones on his phone.
Five years later and his wife Shauna is still coming to terms with Colm’s death and is stuck in her grief. She has a great set of friends around her, and they all help to provide her and her daughter, Beth with a friendship like family.
Over the years though things change, and events occurred start to become in between their relationship. Shauna is stuck in the middle not wanting to lose anyone else that she loves.
Can the friendship be saved? Will Shauna come to terms with her grief and start to think about moving on?
This book goes between the narration of Shauna and the scenes where Colm is filming his farewell videos.
The whole way through I went through a mixture of emotions, one minute I would be heartbroken and close to tears and the next laughing and smiling. My heart hasn’t hurt that much in a while.
The characters were really relatable, and I could feel every emotion felt by them. I have been through the emotions of loss through a break down in a marriage and the grief of losing a partner, you feel you are going to be stuck with them feelings forever. This book shows you that this doesn’t have to be the case and has an uplifting thread though out all the heartbreak.
The friendship the characters have is lovely but is also genuine with the little ups and downs that life throw in the way. It shows how friends can really pick you up and help you through.
Overall, a heart-breaking but uplifting book about grief and the strength of friendship.
Read
November 3, 2021Just a tad different from one of my favourite authors – but no less enjoyable!
Colm and Shauna O’Flynn were one of those rare couples; they were meant to be together and their daughter, Beth, was the light of their lives. Then Colm got a terminal diagnosis, and life would never be the same again for either of them. Jess and Shauna are friends and support for each other, despite Jess being Colm’s first wife. Dan was his best mate and is struggling to come to terms with his recent divorce. Colm’s death has left them all trying to do the right thing by him with no idea what he would have wanted – but Colm left a series of video messages for each of them; if only they knew!
I can always rely on Shari Low to life my spirits so it came as a bit of a surprise to discover this wasn’t as hysterically funny as I’m used to . . and yet, her trademark warmth and friendship shines through this novel from beginning to end. This is a bit deeper but there is no doubting who the author is; all the uplifting – and yes, crazy – moments are still there. I ADORED this one. By following both past and present, we learn so much about all of the characters and there is a lot to discover. This is a really meaningful read and not one easily forgotten but it is extremely well plotted and, as always, beautifully written by someone who has a real insight into the harder moments in life. Simply superb, and worthy not only of my recommendation but also all five glowing stars.
Colm and Shauna O’Flynn were one of those rare couples; they were meant to be together and their daughter, Beth, was the light of their lives. Then Colm got a terminal diagnosis, and life would never be the same again for either of them. Jess and Shauna are friends and support for each other, despite Jess being Colm’s first wife. Dan was his best mate and is struggling to come to terms with his recent divorce. Colm’s death has left them all trying to do the right thing by him with no idea what he would have wanted – but Colm left a series of video messages for each of them; if only they knew!
I can always rely on Shari Low to life my spirits so it came as a bit of a surprise to discover this wasn’t as hysterically funny as I’m used to . . and yet, her trademark warmth and friendship shines through this novel from beginning to end. This is a bit deeper but there is no doubting who the author is; all the uplifting – and yes, crazy – moments are still there. I ADORED this one. By following both past and present, we learn so much about all of the characters and there is a lot to discover. This is a really meaningful read and not one easily forgotten but it is extremely well plotted and, as always, beautifully written by someone who has a real insight into the harder moments in life. Simply superb, and worthy not only of my recommendation but also all five glowing stars.
December 18, 2021
I've waited a day since finishing my complementary copy of this book
Before writing my honest review at which you're now taking a look.
Why the wait? If you read this book, I'm sure you'll agree
It is such a moving read so I had to think carefully.
I hate giving spoilers when writing my review
And for this book I especially don't want to do.
It is a story told from two main points of view
And two different times, too.
The earliest is that of Colm O'Flynn,
And shares his thoughts and actions as he's dying.
The other is five years later and the thoughts of his widow who
Has feelings of guilt and is finding it hard to move on, too.
Colm's first wife, Jess, is involved, too
As well as his best friend Dan and his ex-wife, Lulu
As relationships develop and break
Colm's death is proving more than they can take.
However, it isn't a horrendous, guilt filled read.
There's hope, reconciliation and inspirational deeds.
Into all the characters and their secrets, it brings insights
And has some moments of humour to add delights.
If you're looking for an emotive story of coping with grief
Of moving forward, with a sense of hope and relief
Of sharing secrets, and supporting friends, too,
This could be just the book that's just right for you!
Before writing my honest review at which you're now taking a look.
Why the wait? If you read this book, I'm sure you'll agree
It is such a moving read so I had to think carefully.
I hate giving spoilers when writing my review
And for this book I especially don't want to do.
It is a story told from two main points of view
And two different times, too.
The earliest is that of Colm O'Flynn,
And shares his thoughts and actions as he's dying.
The other is five years later and the thoughts of his widow who
Has feelings of guilt and is finding it hard to move on, too.
Colm's first wife, Jess, is involved, too
As well as his best friend Dan and his ex-wife, Lulu
As relationships develop and break
Colm's death is proving more than they can take.
However, it isn't a horrendous, guilt filled read.
There's hope, reconciliation and inspirational deeds.
Into all the characters and their secrets, it brings insights
And has some moments of humour to add delights.
If you're looking for an emotive story of coping with grief
Of moving forward, with a sense of hope and relief
Of sharing secrets, and supporting friends, too,
This could be just the book that's just right for you!
January 19, 2022
Before reading this book I made the mistake of reading only one review, someone who was rather negative, and I allowed it to make me think it wouldn't be as good as I had hoped. However it soon became very clear that the person, (who did mention in her review, it was the first Shari low they had picked up) had no idea of the back stories from previous books, which would have helped them see how lovely the story actually was. Due to having read all of Shari's other books I understood and could follow easily the storylines of other characters that were mentioned from other books such as Shauna's Scottish relatives. Shari did dip a little into how they were connected, enough that you could follow if you hadn't read the others. However I felt that knowing the history helped get the story across more so.
Overall I found this lovely and comforting to slip back into and receive an update on the lives of everyone. It felt a bit like sitting down for a catch up with old friends. It has all the dramas we expect from these characters, bringing a whole host of emotions and a happy ending. 4.5/5 - I would have liked to hear the odd chapter from some of the other characters points rather than Shauna's, in particular towards the end.
Overall I found this lovely and comforting to slip back into and receive an update on the lives of everyone. It felt a bit like sitting down for a catch up with old friends. It has all the dramas we expect from these characters, bringing a whole host of emotions and a happy ending. 4.5/5 - I would have liked to hear the odd chapter from some of the other characters points rather than Shauna's, in particular towards the end.
June 28, 2023
I wanted to like this book, I really did. It was the first book I have read and finished in about five years and I was happy about that but there was just so many flaws. I started reading it on holidays which helped. But it was just so emotionless and only evoked feelings in me at page 232, where the book was almost over!
As I said a good book for holidays because it was just so repetitive you won’t forget anything. I unfortunately didn’t like the writing style, where it was essentially a monologue of every thought and feeling the MCs had. I thought some things were just better left unsaid instead of stating the obvious. I predicted every ‘plot twist’ in the book besides when Shauna kicks Vince out after him getting punched in the face. All of Colm’s chapters were just so unnecessary which was about 30% of the book as it was a parallel story and was copied and pasted at the end anyways. The repetition was quite laborious to read at times and I felt like the author was trying to reach a word count!! Also why is every women in the book a size 10 and every man has a six pack? It’s just so unrealistic!
Okay let’s talk about the cheating. Why did every character in the book cheat?? And why did everyone get over it so quickly? The forgiveness was given wayyyy to fast in my opinion. I like a happy ending but this was just on another level! How did everything smooth over so instantly and easily? It was wrapped up in a big bow and not in a good way. Just so rushed.
I’m sorry Shari, I really wanted to like this book but I won’t be reading another one of your books in a rush now 😬
As I said a good book for holidays because it was just so repetitive you won’t forget anything. I unfortunately didn’t like the writing style, where it was essentially a monologue of every thought and feeling the MCs had. I thought some things were just better left unsaid instead of stating the obvious. I predicted every ‘plot twist’ in the book besides when Shauna kicks Vince out after him getting punched in the face. All of Colm’s chapters were just so unnecessary which was about 30% of the book as it was a parallel story and was copied and pasted at the end anyways. The repetition was quite laborious to read at times and I felt like the author was trying to reach a word count!! Also why is every women in the book a size 10 and every man has a six pack? It’s just so unrealistic!
Okay let’s talk about the cheating. Why did every character in the book cheat?? And why did everyone get over it so quickly? The forgiveness was given wayyyy to fast in my opinion. I like a happy ending but this was just on another level! How did everything smooth over so instantly and easily? It was wrapped up in a big bow and not in a good way. Just so rushed.
I’m sorry Shari, I really wanted to like this book but I won’t be reading another one of your books in a rush now 😬
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2021
I genuinely loved this book and read it so quickly! It was filled with heart warming moments and laugh out loud statements, as well as dealing with the characters loss and grief throughout. The characters in this story were brilliant and Shari wrote them with depth and insight.
It was so lovely to see the interactions of the people who were as close as family. Even though they may not always have been. All the characters rubbed along so well together (until they didn't - but that's an other part of the story) they were the type of people that I would love to hang out with, I want to join their sessions around the wooden dining table putting the worlds to rights and sparring with each other. I loved that element of the dialogue, it was so quick and witty, it really made me laugh.
Overall this is a book I highly recommend. If you love light hearted humour with emotion and sassy one liners this is a treat for your bookshelf! Thanks to Netgalley and Rachels random resources for allowing me a copy of this book to review - my full review will be on my website on 14th November
It was so lovely to see the interactions of the people who were as close as family. Even though they may not always have been. All the characters rubbed along so well together (until they didn't - but that's an other part of the story) they were the type of people that I would love to hang out with, I want to join their sessions around the wooden dining table putting the worlds to rights and sparring with each other. I loved that element of the dialogue, it was so quick and witty, it really made me laugh.
Overall this is a book I highly recommend. If you love light hearted humour with emotion and sassy one liners this is a treat for your bookshelf! Thanks to Netgalley and Rachels random resources for allowing me a copy of this book to review - my full review will be on my website on 14th November
November 5, 2021
This book should come with a warning - Do not read in public or without a whole new box of tissues if you are prone to ugly crying! This was such an emotional read, that I had to put it down more than once, cry it out, and pick it up again. My heart hurt by the end, but in a good way.
I have read a few of Shari Low's books, and this by far is my favorite. If you like "PS I Love You" vibes then this is the book for you. Full of raw emotion, this tells the story of love, loss, grief, forgiveness, and moving on. The powerful and sentimental writing style had me gripped from beginning to end. The past is entwined with the present beautifully. There isn't anything I can fault about this book.
A highly recommended read, that is hard to put down and could possibly be read in one sitting!
Thank you Rachel's Random Resources for a gifted copy of this book and a place on the recent book tour. This honest review has been left voluntarily and all opinions are my own.
I have read a few of Shari Low's books, and this by far is my favorite. If you like "PS I Love You" vibes then this is the book for you. Full of raw emotion, this tells the story of love, loss, grief, forgiveness, and moving on. The powerful and sentimental writing style had me gripped from beginning to end. The past is entwined with the present beautifully. There isn't anything I can fault about this book.
A highly recommended read, that is hard to put down and could possibly be read in one sitting!
Thank you Rachel's Random Resources for a gifted copy of this book and a place on the recent book tour. This honest review has been left voluntarily and all opinions are my own.
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