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Bring Me Home
A tale of friendship, acceptance, and second chances...
Hugo Hayes has it all; the voice, the money, the looks. Adored by fans all over the world, there’s nothing more he could ever wish for. Or so it appears. But no one sees what happens off stage. Nobody knows where he came from, what he goes through, where he’s heading…
Except the girl he left behind. She’ll know. She always did.
Helen Jenkins is starting over. Back on the diet and heading for a career change, it’s time to stop wallowing in the past and give up missing the best friend who traded her in for fame and glory eight years ago. Harder than it sounds when his image and voice seem to follow her wherever she goes…
Harder still when he appears at her front door one rainy spring night.
Hugo is falling. After all these years, will Helen still be prepared to catch him before the inevitable crash? Or has he lost the only home he’s ever known, forever?
*Please note: Recommended for adult readers only. This book contains scenes, language, and references that may pose as a trigger, or be uncomfortable to read, for some people.*
Hugo Hayes has it all; the voice, the money, the looks. Adored by fans all over the world, there’s nothing more he could ever wish for. Or so it appears. But no one sees what happens off stage. Nobody knows where he came from, what he goes through, where he’s heading…
Except the girl he left behind. She’ll know. She always did.
Helen Jenkins is starting over. Back on the diet and heading for a career change, it’s time to stop wallowing in the past and give up missing the best friend who traded her in for fame and glory eight years ago. Harder than it sounds when his image and voice seem to follow her wherever she goes…
Harder still when he appears at her front door one rainy spring night.
Hugo is falling. After all these years, will Helen still be prepared to catch him before the inevitable crash? Or has he lost the only home he’s ever known, forever?
*Please note: Recommended for adult readers only. This book contains scenes, language, and references that may pose as a trigger, or be uncomfortable to read, for some people.*
342 pages, ebook
First published October 6, 2021
85 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
About the author
Nicola Haken
22 books1,297 followersRomance Author.
I live in not-so-sunny Rochdale, England (true northern girl!) with my five kids - one of whom many refer to as my husband. I write about life, and love, and all the beauty and angst that come with them.
All in all I'm just an ordinary gal with an addiction to reading, tattoos, and Pepsi Max. I don't like even numbers or metal spoons, and I'm allergic to exercise.
Please note: I don't check in here often. If you would like to contact me, please get in touch via Facebook, Twitter, or email - nicola@nicolahaken.co.uk
I live in not-so-sunny Rochdale, England (true northern girl!) with my five kids - one of whom many refer to as my husband. I write about life, and love, and all the beauty and angst that come with them.
All in all I'm just an ordinary gal with an addiction to reading, tattoos, and Pepsi Max. I don't like even numbers or metal spoons, and I'm allergic to exercise.
Please note: I don't check in here often. If you would like to contact me, please get in touch via Facebook, Twitter, or email - nicola@nicolahaken.co.uk
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
September 26, 2021
Nicola Haken has a small catalogue of books but every one of them has touched me deep in my soul.
Bring Me Home is no exception, in fact it's one of the rawest in terms of how mental illness can distort your world view and make you feel like you're worthless even when you're a mega famous rock star.
Hugo broke my heart, his autism adds another dimension to his mental health issues but it's never made to be a defining issue. His autism isn't what causes Hugo's life to start collapsing around him, it's the depression he's never really found a way to handle - not since he left his best friend Helen behind eight years ago that is.
Helen is one of life's rocks. She's grounded, although she's not without issues herself, and she's tried to put the past behind her. After losing her mother, she's facing life truly on her own and forging ahead with a determination that is inspiring. She's strong, but ultimately flawed like all of us.
This book tells a story which takes the reader on a journey through forgiveness, through understanding and reconnecting. It walks the path of two best friends who have always been everything to each other and perhaps more.
It pulls no punches when it deals with the insidious way that depression and mental health issues can distort your world view until there seems to be no way forward.
But it is also filled with joy, with hope, with understanding and with people who will provide the foundations on which a new path can be built. There is no cure for depression or autism or mental health dysfunctionality.
There is, however, structured methods for how to deal with it, there's support networks, medication which can help to provide an even keel. There's love, so much love, more than Hugo realised he was surrounded by.
Phoebe, Hugo's superb therapist, describes his brain as a computer with a virus and herself as his IT gal, there to help him reboot his neurons and put them back in the right place. I thought this absolutely nailed it perfectly.
It helps Hugo understand that he has done nothing wrong. It's not a choice he made, it's a hand he's been dealt and she's there to provide him with all the support to find the right way to play it.
I loved her almost as much as I loved Helen. Ezra, Hugo's bodyguard, is also a fabulous person, he's there in the background, a sort of older brother/father figure. Drew, his manager, while a flawed character capable of making mistakes, is also doing everything he does from a place of love. Their relationship is turbulent but ultimately supportive.
And Chrissie, someone who starts as a sort of throwaway figure, who Helen isn't sure she's even really friends with, provides not only some levity to the narrative but support for Helen and is, without any doubt, a best friend, someone she can turn to at the darkest times.
I think what I loved the most about this book is that the falling in love bit was so natural. Hugo and Helen are each other's forever and it's been clear from the time they met, aged just four. The things which separated them on the way, only served to make them stronger.
Be aware of the warnings. This book covers heavy subjects, there are triggers for depression, for drug use (prescription not illegal), for desperate measures when all seems lost, for inpatient treatment at a clinic.
Ultimately, though, it's a beautiful story about love, about soulmates, about walking a path together in the best way you can. It's an authentic journey, told with real voices and I loved it.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
Bring Me Home is no exception, in fact it's one of the rawest in terms of how mental illness can distort your world view and make you feel like you're worthless even when you're a mega famous rock star.
Hugo broke my heart, his autism adds another dimension to his mental health issues but it's never made to be a defining issue. His autism isn't what causes Hugo's life to start collapsing around him, it's the depression he's never really found a way to handle - not since he left his best friend Helen behind eight years ago that is.
Helen is one of life's rocks. She's grounded, although she's not without issues herself, and she's tried to put the past behind her. After losing her mother, she's facing life truly on her own and forging ahead with a determination that is inspiring. She's strong, but ultimately flawed like all of us.
This book tells a story which takes the reader on a journey through forgiveness, through understanding and reconnecting. It walks the path of two best friends who have always been everything to each other and perhaps more.
It pulls no punches when it deals with the insidious way that depression and mental health issues can distort your world view until there seems to be no way forward.
But it is also filled with joy, with hope, with understanding and with people who will provide the foundations on which a new path can be built. There is no cure for depression or autism or mental health dysfunctionality.
There is, however, structured methods for how to deal with it, there's support networks, medication which can help to provide an even keel. There's love, so much love, more than Hugo realised he was surrounded by.
Phoebe, Hugo's superb therapist, describes his brain as a computer with a virus and herself as his IT gal, there to help him reboot his neurons and put them back in the right place. I thought this absolutely nailed it perfectly.
It helps Hugo understand that he has done nothing wrong. It's not a choice he made, it's a hand he's been dealt and she's there to provide him with all the support to find the right way to play it.
I loved her almost as much as I loved Helen. Ezra, Hugo's bodyguard, is also a fabulous person, he's there in the background, a sort of older brother/father figure. Drew, his manager, while a flawed character capable of making mistakes, is also doing everything he does from a place of love. Their relationship is turbulent but ultimately supportive.
And Chrissie, someone who starts as a sort of throwaway figure, who Helen isn't sure she's even really friends with, provides not only some levity to the narrative but support for Helen and is, without any doubt, a best friend, someone she can turn to at the darkest times.
I think what I loved the most about this book is that the falling in love bit was so natural. Hugo and Helen are each other's forever and it's been clear from the time they met, aged just four. The things which separated them on the way, only served to make them stronger.
Be aware of the warnings. This book covers heavy subjects, there are triggers for depression, for drug use (prescription not illegal), for desperate measures when all seems lost, for inpatient treatment at a clinic.
Ultimately, though, it's a beautiful story about love, about soulmates, about walking a path together in the best way you can. It's an authentic journey, told with real voices and I loved it.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
December 5, 2021
4 💖🖤💔💖🌟🌟🌟🌟s❗️❣️❗️❣️
This was not an ordinary love story.
Hugo and Helen loved each other as friends since they were children.
Both characters touched my heart, especially how much Helen cared and was there for Hugo.
Helen was being teased for her weight and Hugo had issues of autism and depression. He was an excellent musician and when he became famous, he and Helen lost touch.
When years had passed and Hugo was at his psychological lowest, Helen was at his side!
The way their relationship evolved was capturing and arresting.
This journey was very emotional and gripping, had substance, the writing was wonderful and the characters outstanding!
It wasn’t an easy read. It was raw, heavy, heartbreaking and so realistic!
To be honest, if I had known the heavy subjects this story dealt with I wouldn’t have read it. But then, I would have missed this incredible story!
This was not an ordinary love story.
Hugo and Helen loved each other as friends since they were children.
Both characters touched my heart, especially how much Helen cared and was there for Hugo.
Helen was being teased for her weight and Hugo had issues of autism and depression. He was an excellent musician and when he became famous, he and Helen lost touch.
When years had passed and Hugo was at his psychological lowest, Helen was at his side!
The way their relationship evolved was capturing and arresting.
This journey was very emotional and gripping, had substance, the writing was wonderful and the characters outstanding!
It wasn’t an easy read. It was raw, heavy, heartbreaking and so realistic!
To be honest, if I had known the heavy subjects this story dealt with I wouldn’t have read it. But then, I would have missed this incredible story!
October 11, 2021
“The thing with my platform if that’s what you want to call it, or social media, is most people don’t want your opinion. They want to hear their own views told back to them in your voice. Also, if I’m being honest, I don’t like the word awareness. We need to stop using that word. I don’t think there’s anybody who isn’t aware of autism anymore. At this point, we’re all aware, there are just people who choose to be ignorant fucks. Same with mental health, sexuality, gender. They’re aware…They just choose not to care.”
Bring Me Home by Nicola Haken is truly one of the most beautiful, emotional, and REAL books we’ve read this year. We love highlighting quotes and passages when we read, words that either resonate with us or stand out because of their beauty, heartbreak, love, or joy. We chose a handful of these for our review to try and convey the story and our emotions. Well, with Bring Me Home we have highlighted over ten pages worth, whole pages and so many gems of emotion that we will struggled to choose just a few for this review.
‘I’d grown up knowing I was different, that something in my head wasn’t working properly, and I couldn’t understand why no one could fix it. How could they? I’d think. I couldn’t talk to people.’
Hugo and Helen’s story can at times read a bit like a fanfic borne out of love for Harry Styles, however classing it as only that, would be a great disservice to this Author. The writing is phenomenal, the characters incredible and the themes so very relevant. Mental health, people’s daily battles, spectrum disorders, or even ‘just’ day-to-day struggles with who we are or want to be because society strives for perfection. We say ‘just’ but really, there’s nothing just ‘just’ about it. The struggles are real, they can’t be measured, and they can’t be generalised, nor do they fit in a -one size fits all- box. Everyone’s struggles or difficulties are valid.
“Heli, the scales can only give you a numerical reflection of your body’s relationship with gravity. They can’t tell you how pretty your smile is, how cute this dimple is or how compassionate your heart is. They won’t tell you how loved you are or how you just being in a room with someone can make them feel like the most important person in the fucking world…”
Transparency, understanding, presence, and guidance are so vital, as is reassurance and ‘being there’ for the differences, for the break-downs, for the highs as well as the lows. Bring Me Home is a journey, a story of life, love, and perceived social expectations and gratifications. It is not an easy read at times but it’s beautiful in its acute relevance as it bares its soul to the reader, word by word.
‘I couldn’t see the point of life if we didn’t feel it. The sound above was just a sound. The cedar tree in the distance, nothing but an image. The music had gone, the beauty, the purpose. I’d become a shell. A robot. I could move but I wasn’t alive. Life didn’t exist when you couldn’t hear lyrics in a bird’s song, when you didn’t see a view looking at a century old tree. Life without art, without passion, made no sense.’
The way in which Nicola Haken wrote Hugo Hayes and Helen Jenkins’ childhood friendship and adult romance was incredibly raw, incredibly honest, and incredibly realistic. There are no quick fixes for what people can face, some things can’t even, in all truthfulness, be fixed. Yet friendship and love can make them easier to live with because with love comes understanding, compassion, and acceptance. Love can come in so many guises and people can come in all shapes of colourful tapestry. So yes, we cried, we laughed, and we fell in love. We questioned, we tutted, we despaired, and we celebrated. What a truly compelling and stunning journey we were on with Hugo and Heli. One we cannot recommend highly enough. This is not simply just storytelling, Bring Me Home is an experience!
“You can stop hiding now, Hugo. I’ve found you. I’m not leaving and you’re going to be okay. Now, sleep. Sleep and remember I love you.”
I just hope it’s enough to save you.
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October 15, 2021
3.5 Stars
October 10, 2021
“The thing with my platform if that’s what you want to call it, or social media, is most people don’t want your opinion. They want to hear their own views told back to them in your voice. Also, if I’m being honest, I don’t like the word awareness. We need to stop using that word. I don’t think there’s anybody who isn’t aware of autism anymore. At this point, we’re all aware, there are just people who choose to be ignorant fucks. Same with mental health, sexuality, gender. They’re aware…They just choose not to care.”
Bring Me Home by Nicola Haken is truly one of the most beautiful, emotional, and REAL books we’ve read this year. We love highlighting quotes and passages when we read, words that either resonate with us or stand out because of their beauty, heartbreak, love, or joy. We chose a handful of these for our review to try and convey the story and our emotions. Well, with Bring Me Home we have highlighted over ten pages worth, whole pages and so many gems of emotion that we will struggled to choose just a few for this review.
‘I’d grown up knowing I was different, that something in my head wasn’t working properly, and I couldn’t understand why no one could fix it. How could they? I’d think. I couldn’t talk to people.’
Hugo and Helen’s story can at times read a bit like a fanfic borne out of love for Harry Styles, however classing it as only that, would be a great disservice to this Author. The writing is phenomenal, the characters incredible and the themes so very relevant. Mental health, people’s daily battles, spectrum disorders, or even ‘just’ day-to-day struggles with who we are or want to be because society strives for perfection. We say ‘just’ but really, there’s nothing just ‘just’ about it. The struggles are real, they can’t be measured, and they can’t be generalised, nor do they fit in a -one size fits all- box. Everyone’s struggles or difficulties are valid.
“Heli, the scales can only give you a numerical reflection of your body’s relationship with gravity. They can’t tell you how pretty your smile is, how cute this dimple is or how compassionate your heart is. They won’t tell you how loved you are or how you just being in a room with someone can make them feel like the most important person in the fucking world…”
Transparency, understanding, presence, and guidance are so vital, as is reassurance and ‘being there’ for the differences, for the break-downs, for the highs as well as the lows. Bring Me Home is a journey, a story of life, love, and perceived social expectations and gratifications. It is not an easy read at times but it’s beautiful in its acute relevance as it bares its soul to the reader, word by word.
‘I couldn’t see the point of life if we didn’t feel it. The sound above was just a sound. The cedar tree in the distance, nothing but an image. The music had gone, the beauty, the purpose. I’d become a shell. A robot. I could move but I wasn’t alive. Life didn’t exist when you couldn’t hear lyrics in a bird’s song, when you didn’t see a view looking at a century old tree. Life without art, without passion, made no sense.’
The way in which Nicola Haken wrote Hugo Hayes and Helen Jenkins’ childhood friendship and adult romance was incredibly raw, incredibly honest, and incredibly realistic. There are no quick fixes for what people can face, some things can’t even, in all truthfulness, be fixed. Yet friendship and love can make them easier to live with because with love comes understanding, compassion, and acceptance. Love can come in so many guises and people can come in all shapes of colourful tapestry. So yes, we cried, we laughed, and we fell in love. We questioned, we tutted, we despaired, and we celebrated. What a truly compelling and stunning journey we were on with Hugo and Heli. One we cannot recommend highly enough. This is not simply just storytelling, Bring Me Home is an experience!
“You can stop hiding now, Hugo. I’ve found you. I’m not leaving and you’re going to be okay. Now, sleep. Sleep and remember I love you.”
I just hope it’s enough to save you.
Ebook
Paperback
June 26, 2024
5.0⭐️ This is such a beautifully written story about childhood best friends, Helen and Hugo, and follows their lives and friendship through age 30 and beyond. This book is by no means a cakewalk. It is HARD to read. It is gut-wrenchingly painful, it’s gritty, it’s authentic. The book gives an unvarnished view of some of the inner workings and feelings percolating in Hugo’s mind as he struggles in his daily life. Will Helen be able to help Hugo through the rough patches? Will they get a second chance to take a lifetime of friendship to the deep abiding love they have always felt for each other?
My review was not written to give any specificity about this story. Not because it should be shrouded in mystery, but rather because there are no words that I can ever write that will convey the depth of this poignant, deeply emotional story that tackles several very intense issues. In the end, I had a smile starting to form because the future looked much brighter for Helen and Hugo. Above all, I felt …hope.
My review was not written to give any specificity about this story. Not because it should be shrouded in mystery, but rather because there are no words that I can ever write that will convey the depth of this poignant, deeply emotional story that tackles several very intense issues. In the end, I had a smile starting to form because the future looked much brighter for Helen and Hugo. Above all, I felt …hope.
November 22, 2021
I’ve never got the whole Harry Styles thing. Zayn was by far and away the best looking member of One Direction. Sure, Harry has nice hair but if it was a One Direction only beauty contest he would be in fifth place. I don’t feel bad about saying that because I don’t think Harry Styles is ever going to read my book review.
Harry was the muse for Hugo Hayes but I’m switching muses in my head.
Hugo loves Helen Jenkins and Helen loves him. She’s always understood him, cared for him and been his voice when she needed to be. But monumental stardom along with autism and mental health issues cause the friendship to falter, although neither Hugo or Helen ever forget the other.
It was a really good read. I felt like the autism storyline could have had a bigger focus but that said the author dealt really well will the mental illness and anxiety part of it.
No Harry Styles for me, can I swap for a Harry Judd?
Harry was the muse for Hugo Hayes but I’m switching muses in my head.
Hugo loves Helen Jenkins and Helen loves him. She’s always understood him, cared for him and been his voice when she needed to be. But monumental stardom along with autism and mental health issues cause the friendship to falter, although neither Hugo or Helen ever forget the other.
It was a really good read. I felt like the autism storyline could have had a bigger focus but that said the author dealt really well will the mental illness and anxiety part of it.
No Harry Styles for me, can I swap for a Harry Judd?
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October 11, 2021Now LIVE on Amazon!
Available to read in KU.
Amazon universal link: http://mybook.to/BringMeHome
Available to read in KU.
Amazon universal link: http://mybook.to/BringMeHome
October 11, 2021
"And you know what, even if you are a fruitcake, you're the best fycking fruitcake. You're my fruitcake, and I need you."~Helen
Helen & Hugo we learn straight away they are best friends and the both secretly love each other but they never push it further. Hugo we see him struggle with with autism because, it is emotional over whelming for him. Helen is the one person to help certain him and thanks to Mrs Armstrong he got support from her
Then there is a time gap and when we see it happen it's heart breaking!! When they reunite it perfect and they FINALLY get together HOWEVER, their is a twist that I did not see coming and the way it was written is heart breaking to read...no spoilers
Nicola you did amaizng job with that scene.
"Can you guess what I'm thinking?" This one line is their beloved game. It is loved that much he wrote a song dedicated to it. The lyrics that Nicola wrote are heart breaking & beautiful you can see Hugo written them
Get ready for this amazing & beautifully written second chance love story
I love it when a disability is highlighted and in a love story. And you see Hugo overcome challenges and fall down again too. BUT as a positive even when you fall you will get back up again and face another day. Life is never smooth but as long you have the correct tools you will live a happy and fulling life. Thank you again Nicola for spreading awareness ❤
☆MUST READ & FAV☆
Helen & Hugo we learn straight away they are best friends and the both secretly love each other but they never push it further. Hugo we see him struggle with with autism because, it is emotional over whelming for him. Helen is the one person to help certain him and thanks to Mrs Armstrong he got support from her
Then there is a time gap and when we see it happen it's heart breaking!! When they reunite it perfect and they FINALLY get together HOWEVER, their is a twist that I did not see coming and the way it was written is heart breaking to read...no spoilers
Nicola you did amaizng job with that scene.
"Can you guess what I'm thinking?" This one line is their beloved game. It is loved that much he wrote a song dedicated to it. The lyrics that Nicola wrote are heart breaking & beautiful you can see Hugo written them
Get ready for this amazing & beautifully written second chance love story
I love it when a disability is highlighted and in a love story. And you see Hugo overcome challenges and fall down again too. BUT as a positive even when you fall you will get back up again and face another day. Life is never smooth but as long you have the correct tools you will live a happy and fulling life. Thank you again Nicola for spreading awareness ❤
☆MUST READ & FAV☆
July 18, 2024
This book was a beautiful story to be told with truly unique and beautiful characters…. And it was utterly devastating. I think I cried 70% of the book for these amazing characters.
September 20, 2021
I voluntarily read this book as an ARC…..this is about two teen kids Hugo and Helen (Heli) who both have ‘issues’ with themselves, Hugo has autism, depression and anxiety and Helen hates her ‘fat’ body…….😭😭😭 these two are there for each other but Hugo then goes on a music talent show which he wins and then we see them live their lives but sense the struggles being apart. Nicola, you absolutely NAILED this story 🖤🖤🖤 the feelings are so real and 100% accurate!!! And I loved your analogy of the autistic mind……our brains are like computers that can get a virus at any time 👌👌👌
February 15, 2023
5* Connected Soulmate Stars
This is the first time reading from the author and it will not be the last. Her writing is flawless and the emotional journey it takes you on is heartbreaking and real! The story of Hugo and Helen spans years and begins when they are childhood best friends both dealing with issues, Hugo being autistic and suffering depression and Helen dealing with weight issues.
They are each other’s rocks. They support and understand each other fiercely like nobody else does. When Hugo wins a talent competition and becomes famous their bond is severed and each of them are forced to navigate their future alone.
When fate brings them back together again, both are falling apart and in desperate need of each other. Together they begin to heal each other. During this time love blossoms but so does the heartbreak and struggles of mental health issues. Helen was such a strong, understanding and supportive heroine, she was the clam to his storm. It was understandable that Hugo loved her with all his heart.
Their journey is one of patience and acceptance and overcoming setbacks and struggles.
I was so invested in this beautifully told second chance at love. The bond these two had from childhood best friends to adults was forever strong. I loved this book so much and it made me feel so many emotions.
This is the first time reading from the author and it will not be the last. Her writing is flawless and the emotional journey it takes you on is heartbreaking and real! The story of Hugo and Helen spans years and begins when they are childhood best friends both dealing with issues, Hugo being autistic and suffering depression and Helen dealing with weight issues.
They are each other’s rocks. They support and understand each other fiercely like nobody else does. When Hugo wins a talent competition and becomes famous their bond is severed and each of them are forced to navigate their future alone.
When fate brings them back together again, both are falling apart and in desperate need of each other. Together they begin to heal each other. During this time love blossoms but so does the heartbreak and struggles of mental health issues. Helen was such a strong, understanding and supportive heroine, she was the clam to his storm. It was understandable that Hugo loved her with all his heart.
Their journey is one of patience and acceptance and overcoming setbacks and struggles.
I was so invested in this beautifully told second chance at love. The bond these two had from childhood best friends to adults was forever strong. I loved this book so much and it made me feel so many emotions.
October 3, 2021
ARC received from author for an honest review
Every time I pick up a Nicola Haken story, I tell myself that this is the time that she isn't going to wreck me.
Nope. I was wrong - again.
Bring Me Home decimated my heart, but Ms Haken also put it back together.
I love a best friends/second chance tale, and Helen and Hugo is one of the best I have read.
Not just the relationship, but also with the way depression and mental illness is depicted. There is a rawness to Bring Me Home that resonated so much with me. I have suffered depression for many years, and it is hard to describe to someone else what it feels like.
However I feel Ms Haken has done this so well. I think I cried for about 50% of this book, as Hugo was me. So much me at my worst.
And Ms Haken nailed it in just 3 words.... "depression just... was". Anyone who has depression will know just how true this is.
Thank you for giving us a realistic, raw story.
a>
Every time I pick up a Nicola Haken story, I tell myself that this is the time that she isn't going to wreck me.
Nope. I was wrong - again.
Bring Me Home decimated my heart, but Ms Haken also put it back together.
I love a best friends/second chance tale, and Helen and Hugo is one of the best I have read.
Not just the relationship, but also with the way depression and mental illness is depicted. There is a rawness to Bring Me Home that resonated so much with me. I have suffered depression for many years, and it is hard to describe to someone else what it feels like.
However I feel Ms Haken has done this so well. I think I cried for about 50% of this book, as Hugo was me. So much me at my worst.
And Ms Haken nailed it in just 3 words.... "depression just... was". Anyone who has depression will know just how true this is.
Thank you for giving us a realistic, raw story.
a>
October 8, 2021
Helen and Hugo have been childhood best friends since primary school and been each other's rock. Through the ups and down of each other lives. Well, primarily the ups and downs of Hugo's life. Hugo has autism and trying to function through it. Unfortunately, there isn't a lot of support given to Hugo's parents to help navigate him through it. They tried their best but it didn't help as much. But, Hugo was always keen to playing music and singing to help calm him. When Hugo and Helen were 18 or 19 he sought out the opportunity to go to something like Britians got talent. He was recognized for his talent and voted through. Helen on the other hand when younger was teased for her weight. But, Hugo never saw that and only saw Helen as the person. This book rung me through the ringer. So much guilt and emotion throughout this book. I love how this book dealth with mental issues, drinking, the highs and lows of Hugo's feelings. This book didn't make me cry, but it did open my eyes on how we as a society deal with someone's struggles of mental issues. If we are a celebrity I think it's worst. This sort of brings me to think of Brittany Spears. Anyways, I highly recommend this book. This is how two best friends were there for one another. Then at a split second when one gains instant fame and there is no more time for the best friend. Hugo cut off all ties. Not knowing how to properly time manage his time. Well better yet, how his past manager just pushed him from one gig to the other and ignoring his requests. Then at one point, poor Hugo lashes out and hurts himself so badly because he is so frustrated. Anyways, Hugo and Helen after some years being outside of their lives reconnect and rebuild their friendship. But underlying their friendship their true feelings for one another comes out.
Ok, I got this ARC book for review and I'm so glad I read it. I hope you all take a chance to read this too. I think if I go on i'll just spoil the book and I don't want to do that. I read through this book almost all night. I don't recommend doing that. I hope you will read this book once it's out.
Ok, I got this ARC book for review and I'm so glad I read it. I hope you all take a chance to read this too. I think if I go on i'll just spoil the book and I don't want to do that. I read through this book almost all night. I don't recommend doing that. I hope you will read this book once it's out.
October 11, 2021
4.5 ⭐'s
This was such a gut-wrenching and beautiful story. I chose to read this because it combined three of my favorite tropes; rockstar, second chance and friends to lovers but it became so much more. My heart ached, my brain wouldn't stop analyzing the surprising parts but mostly I loved this couple as if I personally knew them.
Hugo Hayes and Helen Jenkins have been best friends since they were 4 years old. For the most part, all they had was each other. He was autistic with an alcoholic mother and an absent father. He also suffered from depression and anxiety. His troubles spoke to me on a very personal level so I understood how difficult his life could be. Helen was an amazing friend who understood him like no one else. Due to her encouragement, he entered a singing competition and won. When he disappears from her life, the only way she can move on is if she never reads a magazine or turns on the TV/ radio. Even though he seemed to have everything, he knew something was missing so he went back for his best friend.
Their friends to lovers romance was so sweet. Their story made me feel so much. I rooted for their HEA more than any other. If anyone deserved it, it was these two characters. This book has a storyline that could trigger some readers, so please heed any warnings. Otherwise, I highly recommend this emotional read. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
This was such a gut-wrenching and beautiful story. I chose to read this because it combined three of my favorite tropes; rockstar, second chance and friends to lovers but it became so much more. My heart ached, my brain wouldn't stop analyzing the surprising parts but mostly I loved this couple as if I personally knew them.
Hugo Hayes and Helen Jenkins have been best friends since they were 4 years old. For the most part, all they had was each other. He was autistic with an alcoholic mother and an absent father. He also suffered from depression and anxiety. His troubles spoke to me on a very personal level so I understood how difficult his life could be. Helen was an amazing friend who understood him like no one else. Due to her encouragement, he entered a singing competition and won. When he disappears from her life, the only way she can move on is if she never reads a magazine or turns on the TV/ radio. Even though he seemed to have everything, he knew something was missing so he went back for his best friend.
Their friends to lovers romance was so sweet. Their story made me feel so much. I rooted for their HEA more than any other. If anyone deserved it, it was these two characters. This book has a storyline that could trigger some readers, so please heed any warnings. Otherwise, I highly recommend this emotional read. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
October 9, 2021
It's a great reading experience. I thought it would be a tough and depressed feeling and wondered how a love story would work. Serious, how did this author have this daunting task plus make Hugo a musical superstar? Well, she makes no secret that she adores Harry Styles so she's channeling his essence into Hugo. He's very Harry (sexy).
I thought the story gave insight and hope into autism. Depression is much harder to live with and author shared it honestly.
Oh, to add to the other character, body image was Helen's issue. It's a combination of not liking healthy foods, not enjoying her image, and stress. It's quite odd chosing to make her a fashion designer when body image was/is so prevalent in that industry. I didn't quite buy that in this story. Fell flat....almost a star off.
Good read overall.
I thought the story gave insight and hope into autism. Depression is much harder to live with and author shared it honestly.
Oh, to add to the other character, body image was Helen's issue. It's a combination of not liking healthy foods, not enjoying her image, and stress. It's quite odd chosing to make her a fashion designer when body image was/is so prevalent in that industry. I didn't quite buy that in this story. Fell flat....almost a star off.
Good read overall.
February 4, 2024
This book wasn't bad, and the writing was good. It was just a little too heavy for me. H has autism and becomes a famous musician. h is unconfident and loathes herself. Believe me it was a lot. The inner monologues with Hugh struggling with depression was hard. This book deals with suicide so beware. Throughout the book both characters struggle bad.
October 11, 2021
It has been a while since I read a book by Nicola so I treated this book and review like I’ve never read her before. I honestly told myself off for not reading more of her stories because if this book is any indication – her stories are intense but in the best way possible.
Hugo and Helen’s story deals with real life issues – reality and that is what sold me on this story – their depth of struggles with disability and mental health issues. I am so surprised at how much I loved this story. Hugo has it all and yet he doesn’t want it because he doesn’t like attention. I love how this story pays homage to mental health because it is a reality.
Helen’s support and love for Hugo – she is a rarity these days – but she gets left behind and that hurt me so much. Their journey to each other is beautiful and worth the read for sure!
Hugo and Helen’s story deals with real life issues – reality and that is what sold me on this story – their depth of struggles with disability and mental health issues. I am so surprised at how much I loved this story. Hugo has it all and yet he doesn’t want it because he doesn’t like attention. I love how this story pays homage to mental health because it is a reality.
Helen’s support and love for Hugo – she is a rarity these days – but she gets left behind and that hurt me so much. Their journey to each other is beautiful and worth the read for sure!
October 1, 2021
ARC RECEIVED FOR HONEST REVIEW.
Please, give a huge warm welcome back to the queen of angst, Nicola Haken-Styles!!!!
Wow.! Hugo and Helen's story is far from an easy read as it deals with some hard hitting but very real, everyday issues.
Helen is one of only a handful of people who truly SEE Hugo the person. Not Hugo the weirdo, or famous singer.
Yet despite her being the one person who truly knows him, prior to take and fortune, and despite the fact she's always been there for him,she is the one person who, unintentionally gets left behind.
Hugo has what everybody dreams of; fame and fortune, but to him it means nothing. He's just doing what he loves, what sort of keeps him calm,writing music. what isn't seen when he's performing to those who adore him is how hard it is for him. Standing centre stage, in the spotlight, being the centre of attention. Nobody can see all be wants to do is run and hide.
What followers such a heartbreaker of a story as well as a fantastic insight into the mind of somebody with mental health issues and an often invisible disability.
Honestly, Helen and Hugo are such brilliantly written, easily relatable to, char with some equally brilliant support characters,too.
What I truly loved was how the author has highlighted not only Hugo's problems but also highlighted the fact that Helen wasn't a skinny minnie, that she loved her food but knew she loved it a little too much at times.
Absolutely loved it but he warned, you WILL need tissues.
Please, give a huge warm welcome back to the queen of angst, Nicola Haken-Styles!!!!
Wow.! Hugo and Helen's story is far from an easy read as it deals with some hard hitting but very real, everyday issues.
Helen is one of only a handful of people who truly SEE Hugo the person. Not Hugo the weirdo, or famous singer.
Yet despite her being the one person who truly knows him, prior to take and fortune, and despite the fact she's always been there for him,she is the one person who, unintentionally gets left behind.
Hugo has what everybody dreams of; fame and fortune, but to him it means nothing. He's just doing what he loves, what sort of keeps him calm,writing music. what isn't seen when he's performing to those who adore him is how hard it is for him. Standing centre stage, in the spotlight, being the centre of attention. Nobody can see all be wants to do is run and hide.
What followers such a heartbreaker of a story as well as a fantastic insight into the mind of somebody with mental health issues and an often invisible disability.
Honestly, Helen and Hugo are such brilliantly written, easily relatable to, char with some equally brilliant support characters,too.
What I truly loved was how the author has highlighted not only Hugo's problems but also highlighted the fact that Helen wasn't a skinny minnie, that she loved her food but knew she loved it a little too much at times.
Absolutely loved it but he warned, you WILL need tissues.
September 10, 2022
5 Stars
“Good to be back home?”
Home. Instinctively, my gaze wandered out to the audience, seeking Helen. “Absolutely. It’s my favourite place.”
Unique and Unforgettable!! I felt my heart shatter and then slowly get pieced back together. What an emotional journey!! By no means do I think this is an easy read or a light hearted romance, nor is it dark just very honest look at how we struggle in many different going through life. Considering my last Nola Haken book left me in a sobbing mess I was prepared for it, but still I'm floored by how real she makes it all feel. Some of the subject matter tends to hit very close to home with me so that's why I haven't dived into all her books to see if the rest can generate those same intense feelings (though little by little I want to). I was bookmarking so many quotes and moments some scenes really cut through like a knife and hit deep. Others just beautiful and reflective, but all made me feel so much!
This book centers around two inseparable best friends who grew up together Hugo and Helen. They've been in love their whole life. Helen is Hugo's protector, she is always there to watch over him when everyone else has cast him aside or tried to bully him. She is able to see what they don't and they share this deep connection with one another that joins them in a way no one else could.
Something happens though when Hugo's singing ability is discovered after he enters a singing contest and almost immediately he is swept away by fame, and over time Helen gets left behind. Fast forward and Hugo is a very famous pop star and has anything anyone could ever want. So why does he feel so empty inside? Things have always been a struggle with his autism and depression in his life, but it's harder than ever before and he just wants to find the only person who has ever felt like home.
Meanwhile, Helen is a struggling fashion designer living in a run-down place with her outspoken best friend/ roommate. She is at a point where is fed up with the direction her life has taken and decides it's time she really puts effort into her dreams. Even after eight years of being apart and the hurt and betrayal she experienced when her best friend left her behind, she still holds what they have close to her heart. So when one rainy day he shows up at her door she can't help the curiosity to see if the boy she once thought of as her everything is the same man standing there.
This starts them slowly finding their way back to each other. The pain Helen experienced being left behind is still there as well as Hugo massive guilt, but she sees he's still her Hugo, and knowing he's been suffering too breaks down some of those walls. Despite the years and pain accumulated they naturally fall into their friendship. It's both beautiful and heartbreaking as they wade through years of longing and pain of all their loss, as well as confronting their feelings that never left. Deep down they know it's a forever love but there's so much at stake. These are two people who it's almost unimaginable when they were apart for so long because they come together you experience their magic. I love this story isn't simple it's messy and complicated. Helen being in Hugo's life doesn't repair his suffering, though it helps just having her around. Nothing sugar coated or glossed over Hugo's depression doesn't magically go away. It's not a simple HEA but in the end they find a way to make it work and prove how strong their love is even when pushed to its very limits.
I love the autism rep and the separation of anxiety and depression. So often they just get lumped together but Haken really made a point of saying that being Autistic for an Autistic person isn't like having depression it's a part of who they are. Also, how there is no one size fits all with Autism different people experience very different things and generalizing is not only wrong but destructive. Though because the daily struggles people with Autism face can make them that much more susceptible to experiencing major depression.
“If you’ve met one person with autism then you’ve met one person with autism,” I said. “We’re not made on a production line, Ricky.”
There are also great moments about accepting yourself for who you are. For example, Helena struggles with her weight and insecurities around it but leans to love herself and be comfortable in her own skin. Hugo also has a powerful moment around both the stigma of labels and his comfortability with his sexuality and not needing to define himself because he already knows who he is and that's all that matters.
"Looking back now, I wondered what belly rolls the girl in the picture even saw. I looked fine. Great, even. I felt sad for that girl in the photo, for what I’d put her through. She was more than pretty enough to stand, carefree, with her arms above her head, but I’d made her self-conscious. Insecure."
I supposed. There was a lot about myself I wished I could change, but sexuality was as far down that list as the soles of my feet. What could possibly be uncomfortable about wanting to share love and affection with another human being?
Hugo was as stunning inside as out. He was open, loving, intrigued by everyone and everything. I imagined Hugo would give his love to anyone who provoked his vivid imagination, who soothed his soul and engaged his ardent curiosity.
"If you’re breathing, you’re succeeding. You’re living. That’s all there is to it. Breathe, then breathe again, and just keep doing that until you’re back on your feet and on the right trail again."
“Good to be back home?”
Home. Instinctively, my gaze wandered out to the audience, seeking Helen. “Absolutely. It’s my favourite place.”
Unique and Unforgettable!! I felt my heart shatter and then slowly get pieced back together. What an emotional journey!! By no means do I think this is an easy read or a light hearted romance, nor is it dark just very honest look at how we struggle in many different going through life. Considering my last Nola Haken book left me in a sobbing mess I was prepared for it, but still I'm floored by how real she makes it all feel. Some of the subject matter tends to hit very close to home with me so that's why I haven't dived into all her books to see if the rest can generate those same intense feelings (though little by little I want to). I was bookmarking so many quotes and moments some scenes really cut through like a knife and hit deep. Others just beautiful and reflective, but all made me feel so much!
This book centers around two inseparable best friends who grew up together Hugo and Helen. They've been in love their whole life. Helen is Hugo's protector, she is always there to watch over him when everyone else has cast him aside or tried to bully him. She is able to see what they don't and they share this deep connection with one another that joins them in a way no one else could.
Something happens though when Hugo's singing ability is discovered after he enters a singing contest and almost immediately he is swept away by fame, and over time Helen gets left behind. Fast forward and Hugo is a very famous pop star and has anything anyone could ever want. So why does he feel so empty inside? Things have always been a struggle with his autism and depression in his life, but it's harder than ever before and he just wants to find the only person who has ever felt like home.
Meanwhile, Helen is a struggling fashion designer living in a run-down place with her outspoken best friend/ roommate. She is at a point where is fed up with the direction her life has taken and decides it's time she really puts effort into her dreams. Even after eight years of being apart and the hurt and betrayal she experienced when her best friend left her behind, she still holds what they have close to her heart. So when one rainy day he shows up at her door she can't help the curiosity to see if the boy she once thought of as her everything is the same man standing there.
This starts them slowly finding their way back to each other. The pain Helen experienced being left behind is still there as well as Hugo massive guilt, but she sees he's still her Hugo, and knowing he's been suffering too breaks down some of those walls. Despite the years and pain accumulated they naturally fall into their friendship. It's both beautiful and heartbreaking as they wade through years of longing and pain of all their loss, as well as confronting their feelings that never left. Deep down they know it's a forever love but there's so much at stake. These are two people who it's almost unimaginable when they were apart for so long because they come together you experience their magic. I love this story isn't simple it's messy and complicated. Helen being in Hugo's life doesn't repair his suffering, though it helps just having her around. Nothing sugar coated or glossed over Hugo's depression doesn't magically go away. It's not a simple HEA but in the end they find a way to make it work and prove how strong their love is even when pushed to its very limits.
I love the autism rep and the separation of anxiety and depression. So often they just get lumped together but Haken really made a point of saying that being Autistic for an Autistic person isn't like having depression it's a part of who they are. Also, how there is no one size fits all with Autism different people experience very different things and generalizing is not only wrong but destructive. Though because the daily struggles people with Autism face can make them that much more susceptible to experiencing major depression.
“If you’ve met one person with autism then you’ve met one person with autism,” I said. “We’re not made on a production line, Ricky.”
There are also great moments about accepting yourself for who you are. For example, Helena struggles with her weight and insecurities around it but leans to love herself and be comfortable in her own skin. Hugo also has a powerful moment around both the stigma of labels and his comfortability with his sexuality and not needing to define himself because he already knows who he is and that's all that matters.
"Looking back now, I wondered what belly rolls the girl in the picture even saw. I looked fine. Great, even. I felt sad for that girl in the photo, for what I’d put her through. She was more than pretty enough to stand, carefree, with her arms above her head, but I’d made her self-conscious. Insecure."
I supposed. There was a lot about myself I wished I could change, but sexuality was as far down that list as the soles of my feet. What could possibly be uncomfortable about wanting to share love and affection with another human being?
Hugo was as stunning inside as out. He was open, loving, intrigued by everyone and everything. I imagined Hugo would give his love to anyone who provoked his vivid imagination, who soothed his soul and engaged his ardent curiosity.
"If you’re breathing, you’re succeeding. You’re living. That’s all there is to it. Breathe, then breathe again, and just keep doing that until you’re back on your feet and on the right trail again."
October 6, 2021
I am sure I could not have picked a better book as my first by Nicola, one thing I know it will not be my last.
This story is astounding. From the first chapter I became immersed in the lives of Helen and Hugo. I've read a lot of second chance books and they usually follow a certain formula however this story is unlike anything I've read before. I was obsessed with reading and finding out more about where life took them.
The pure love between Hugo and Helen was so beautiful to read their love for each other was something special. The way Hugo's depression and mental health issues were written touched my heart. For Hugo navigating daily life and dealing with others expectations and also their misconceptions about him is hard. I have had no experience with any of the issues raised but it is obvious either Nicola does or she did a great deal of research. I feel educated with being preached at. I have a better understanding and a greater feeling of empathy. Several times I had to stop as I couldn't read through my tears. Everything about this story is special it is one of empathy understanding and unconditional love. A truly beautiful story that everyone needs to read.
This story is astounding. From the first chapter I became immersed in the lives of Helen and Hugo. I've read a lot of second chance books and they usually follow a certain formula however this story is unlike anything I've read before. I was obsessed with reading and finding out more about where life took them.
The pure love between Hugo and Helen was so beautiful to read their love for each other was something special. The way Hugo's depression and mental health issues were written touched my heart. For Hugo navigating daily life and dealing with others expectations and also their misconceptions about him is hard. I have had no experience with any of the issues raised but it is obvious either Nicola does or she did a great deal of research. I feel educated with being preached at. I have a better understanding and a greater feeling of empathy. Several times I had to stop as I couldn't read through my tears. Everything about this story is special it is one of empathy understanding and unconditional love. A truly beautiful story that everyone needs to read.
January 23, 2022
Não sei se caracterizaria esse livro como romance, a sinopse engana muito.
De início você acha que é só um romance de segunda chance (amigos de infância que estão separado a um bom tempo devido ao sucesso de um como cantor), mas ele dá uma guinada inesperada para temas mais pesados como saúde mental e depressão, que fiquei sem entender.
O reencontro do casal é legal, mas tudo vai ficando tão depressivo e acho que a escrita da autora não conseguiu me envolver tanto. É um livro ok, mas me senti um pouco enganada pois esperava outra coisa.
O fato da personagem feminina ser plus size é legal, mas essa trama dela de estar tentando ficar em forma ficou bem perdida no meio da trama do personagem masculino que trata principalmente de depressão. Achei o envolvimento do casal meio rápido, eram muito amigos e do nada após o reencontro é "amo você, me sinto atraído(a) por você" e gostei já no final mostrando como houve a abordagem de tratamento para o personagem masculino.
Li bem rápido, mas não pela fluidez da escrita e sim porque pulava muita coisa, realmente a escrita não me prendeu nem um pouco.
De início você acha que é só um romance de segunda chance (amigos de infância que estão separado a um bom tempo devido ao sucesso de um como cantor), mas ele dá uma guinada inesperada para temas mais pesados como saúde mental e depressão, que fiquei sem entender.
O reencontro do casal é legal, mas tudo vai ficando tão depressivo e acho que a escrita da autora não conseguiu me envolver tanto. É um livro ok, mas me senti um pouco enganada pois esperava outra coisa.
O fato da personagem feminina ser plus size é legal, mas essa trama dela de estar tentando ficar em forma ficou bem perdida no meio da trama do personagem masculino que trata principalmente de depressão. Achei o envolvimento do casal meio rápido, eram muito amigos e do nada após o reencontro é "amo você, me sinto atraído(a) por você" e gostei já no final mostrando como houve a abordagem de tratamento para o personagem masculino.
Li bem rápido, mas não pela fluidez da escrita e sim porque pulava muita coisa, realmente a escrita não me prendeu nem um pouco.
November 8, 2021
Rating: 3.5 Stars
𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚...
Title: Bring Me Home by Nicola Haken
POV(s): Dual—First Person
Interconnected Series: No
Standalone: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
HEA:
Relationship: M/F
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance
Triggers: Yes
Tags/Tropes:
❖ Bisexual-Hero
❖ Childhood-Best-Friends
❖ Curvy-Heroine
❖ Famous-Musician
❖ Friends-to-Lovers
❖ Grew-Up-Together
❖ Hero-Battles-Mental-Health
❖ Hero-Ghosted-Heroine
❖ Hero-with-Difficult-Childhood
❖ Heroine-with-Low-Self-Esteem
❖ Neurodivergent-Hero
❖ Seperation (8 years)
❖ Tortured-Hero
September 27, 2021
As a mum to an autistic daughter and someone who has had anxiety most of my life I related to Hugo so much. I saw so much of my daughter in him but I hope she never has to face the things Hugo did. I'm a big fan of Nicola Haken's books but especially when she tackles things like this. She writes about mental health and autism in such a realistic and relatable way and I love that she doesnt make out like love can fix everything. This isn't a normal romance where the characters are deeply in love and all over each other by chapter 3 but I liked that. Bring me home is about friendship and all the different kinds of love you need when you're struggling with mental health and or autism but then turns into a beautiful romance too. This is a book I'll be reading again.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2024
Stunning depiction.
This is a very difficult story. Unfortunately, one that many folks live with, mental health issues. I had a hard time initially getting into this, but as the story progressed, was blown away about how accurate this author was with the nuances of the issues that Hugo lived with.
About 20 years of my 48 years being a registered nurse were spent working in psychiatric nursing. So, this was very familiar ground that was covered. Folks suffer so much. What is sad is they can’t trust friends to be open about their issues for fear of ‘what they may think’. If we all offered unconditional support and love, this world would be so much better.
This story is beautiful, but very hard to read. The pain is painted deeply. Get some Kleenex ready, you may need it. Definitely recommend.
This is a very difficult story. Unfortunately, one that many folks live with, mental health issues. I had a hard time initially getting into this, but as the story progressed, was blown away about how accurate this author was with the nuances of the issues that Hugo lived with.
About 20 years of my 48 years being a registered nurse were spent working in psychiatric nursing. So, this was very familiar ground that was covered. Folks suffer so much. What is sad is they can’t trust friends to be open about their issues for fear of ‘what they may think’. If we all offered unconditional support and love, this world would be so much better.
This story is beautiful, but very hard to read. The pain is painted deeply. Get some Kleenex ready, you may need it. Definitely recommend.
October 10, 2021
Hugo and Helen have been best friends since childhood and have been each other’s rock through thick and thin. Hugo follows the path of fame and fortune, which help calm him with his issues, while Helen has her own struggles to overcome. The struggles are real and is does not take much to go in a downward spiral, but luckily there are great supporting characters to help. This is a well written story which covers sensitive issues with compassion and care. This is an emotional roller coaster, which is raw, gritty, and powerful, and with friendships, family, second chances, engaging and realistic characters, which leads to a toughing and endearing page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
October 11, 2021
Bring Me Home is my first read by Nicola Haken and I was blown away. It’s a beautiful story and I loved every emotional minute of it.
Helen and Hugo had a wonderful friendship when they were younger. Helen saw through Hugo’s mental health issues to the real person underneath, and she was his safe place when things would get to be too much. Unfortunately life pulls them into different directions and they lose touch. Until years later they reconnect just as their lives are falling apart.
Nicola Haken doesn’t shy away from the mental health issues and shows you the good and the bad. Bring Me Home is so much more than just a story. It’s a path to understanding, forgiveness, a deep connection, and love.
Helen and Hugo had a wonderful friendship when they were younger. Helen saw through Hugo’s mental health issues to the real person underneath, and she was his safe place when things would get to be too much. Unfortunately life pulls them into different directions and they lose touch. Until years later they reconnect just as their lives are falling apart.
Nicola Haken doesn’t shy away from the mental health issues and shows you the good and the bad. Bring Me Home is so much more than just a story. It’s a path to understanding, forgiveness, a deep connection, and love.
October 11, 2021
Nicola Haken never fails to write a story that just clings to your heart. Bring Me Home is the story of Hugo and Helen, both these characters have difficult issues to contend with in their lives. Hugo has autism and depression and Helen is ashamed of her body, but throughout it all they are there for each other. That is until they find their lives going in different directions, Hugo and Helen then have to start and face their issues alone.
Can they find their way back to each other and reconnect and will there be more than just a friendship between them.
Such a great book that I have to say I cried through the most of it. If you take a chance on this book you won't be disappointed.
Can they find their way back to each other and reconnect and will there be more than just a friendship between them.
Such a great book that I have to say I cried through the most of it. If you take a chance on this book you won't be disappointed.
January 6, 2023
This book was way better than I could have ever expected. It spans several years, covers second chance at love and mental health.
I was so happy to see an author so accurately depict depression and the struggles that people have with it. It also covers Autism in adults that I have never seen but adored as an educator of Autistic children.
My rating would have been a 5 but I was a little bummed with the ending as I selfishly did not get the wrapped up in a pretty bow ending. It was a good ending but wish it had been fleshed out a bit more.
All in all, I loved this book from the many aspects to covers and recommend it to all!
I was so happy to see an author so accurately depict depression and the struggles that people have with it. It also covers Autism in adults that I have never seen but adored as an educator of Autistic children.
My rating would have been a 5 but I was a little bummed with the ending as I selfishly did not get the wrapped up in a pretty bow ending. It was a good ending but wish it had been fleshed out a bit more.
All in all, I loved this book from the many aspects to covers and recommend it to all!
September 25, 2021
So glad to see Nicola Haken back with another wonderfully written book. It started a bit slow with Hugo and Helen living their lives separately after Hugo made it big and made the fateful decision to cut ties with Helen. But when he arrives back in England on tour and seeks her out the story really picks up.
Warning this story has a truthful depiction of someone struggling with mental illness but is handled with care I highly recommend this book.
Warning this story has a truthful depiction of someone struggling with mental illness but is handled with care I highly recommend this book.
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