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Thrown
Becky: a single mum who prides herself on her independence. She knows from painful experience that men are trouble.
Louise: a loving husband, gorgeous kids. She ought to feel more grateful.
Jameela: all she's ever done is work hard, and try her best. Why won't life give her the one thing she really wants?
Sheila: the nest is empty, she dreams of escaping to the sun, but her husband seems so distracted.
The inhabitants of the Inventor's Housing Estate keep themselves to themselves. There are the friendly 'Hellos' when commutes coincide and the odd cheeky eye roll when the wine bottles clank in number 7's wheelie bin, but it's not exactly Ramsay Street.
The dilapidated community centre is no longer the beating heart of the estate that Becky remembers from her childhood. So the new pottery class she's helped set up feels like a fresh start. And not just for her.
The assorted neighbours come together to try out a new skill, under the watchful eye of their charismatic teacher, Sasha. And as the soft unremarkable lumps of clay are hesitantly, lovingly moulded into delicate vases and majestic pots, so too are the lives of four women. Concealed passions and heartaches are uncovered, relationships shattered and formed, and the possibility for transformation is revealed.
Louise: a loving husband, gorgeous kids. She ought to feel more grateful.
Jameela: all she's ever done is work hard, and try her best. Why won't life give her the one thing she really wants?
Sheila: the nest is empty, she dreams of escaping to the sun, but her husband seems so distracted.
The inhabitants of the Inventor's Housing Estate keep themselves to themselves. There are the friendly 'Hellos' when commutes coincide and the odd cheeky eye roll when the wine bottles clank in number 7's wheelie bin, but it's not exactly Ramsay Street.
The dilapidated community centre is no longer the beating heart of the estate that Becky remembers from her childhood. So the new pottery class she's helped set up feels like a fresh start. And not just for her.
The assorted neighbours come together to try out a new skill, under the watchful eye of their charismatic teacher, Sasha. And as the soft unremarkable lumps of clay are hesitantly, lovingly moulded into delicate vases and majestic pots, so too are the lives of four women. Concealed passions and heartaches are uncovered, relationships shattered and formed, and the possibility for transformation is revealed.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published May 12, 2022
1206 people are currently reading
4637 people want to read
About the author
Sara Cox
10 books137 followersSara Cox is a British television presenter and radio host.
Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 867 reviews
August 8, 2022
I think this book was pretty much what I expected from Sara Cox - light hearted, humorous (but not lol) and easy to whizz through. However, it was also vacuous. The characters were boring and the plot predictable and although I’m sure some will enjoy the simple escapism and sweet story of women becoming friends through their pottery class, there just wasn’t enough to capture my attention.
With thanks to Netgalley for the arc
With thanks to Netgalley for the arc
May 1, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up
Becky: a single mum who prides herself on her independence. She knows from painful experience that men are trouble.
Louise: a loving husband, gorgeous kids. She ought to feel more grateful.
Jameela: All she's ever done is work hard, and try her best. Why won't life give her the one thing she really wants?
Sheila: the nest is empty, she dreams of escaping to the sun, but her husband seems so distracted.
The inhabitants of the Inventor's Housing Estate keep themselves to themselves. But the neighbours come together to try out a new skill, under the watchful eye of their charismatic teacher, Sasha. Concealed heartaches and passions are uncovered, relationships shattered and formed and the possibility for transformation is revealed.
The story centres around four women who attend the local community centre for a pottery class. They all have problems. The characters are likeable, interesting and believable. A story of friendships, that are heartwarming and funny. This enjoyable read held my attention throughout.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HodderStoughton and the author #SaraCox for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Becky: a single mum who prides herself on her independence. She knows from painful experience that men are trouble.
Louise: a loving husband, gorgeous kids. She ought to feel more grateful.
Jameela: All she's ever done is work hard, and try her best. Why won't life give her the one thing she really wants?
Sheila: the nest is empty, she dreams of escaping to the sun, but her husband seems so distracted.
The inhabitants of the Inventor's Housing Estate keep themselves to themselves. But the neighbours come together to try out a new skill, under the watchful eye of their charismatic teacher, Sasha. Concealed heartaches and passions are uncovered, relationships shattered and formed and the possibility for transformation is revealed.
The story centres around four women who attend the local community centre for a pottery class. They all have problems. The characters are likeable, interesting and believable. A story of friendships, that are heartwarming and funny. This enjoyable read held my attention throughout.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HodderStoughton and the author #SaraCox for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 23, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thrown is the first book I have read by Sara Cox, although I am a long term fan of her excellent book TV show, Between the covers. I was very intrigued to see how she wrote and was pleasantly surprised.
“Righty-ho. Here we go folks, this is going to be the start of a beautiful relationship- you and clay.”
This book follows the narratives of 4 different female characters. We are first introduced to Becky who is decides to set up a new pottery class in the dilapidated community centre. It later transpires that she develops this class as a way of remembering her mum, who died when Becky was only 12. Her mum was a great believer in bringing people together, and seen as it was nearly the 30th anniversary of her death, Becky thought of no better way to honour her mum and bring a fresh start to, not only her’s, but many people’s lives than to take on a new activity.
The other members of the group all had their own reasons for being there. Whether it was miscarriages, lying husbands, needing a change, or simply just wanting to try on a ‘new hat’ from being a mum or lawyer. They were a great group of people who quickly turned into friends and an excellent support system for each other.
When an ex husband gets out of prison, more than just a few pots get broken…her tormentor; cloud of shadow over her life was right there, in her kitchen, standing right in front of her. Everything takes a rather unexpected, dark spin for a while…
I was pleasantly surprised by how smooth and witty Sara’s writing was. I also appreciated the various comments relating to British TV which would be totally missed if you didn’t have a British TV set. It was very subtle but included references to Phil and Holly on Morning Television and The One Show on BBC One. I also throughly appreciated the Taylor Swift reference: “Death by a thousand cuts”.
I really enjoyed the last section of the book where all the unanswered questions and loose ends came together. Sara tied everything up brilliantly!
Overall, this is a real feel good, heartwarming book. Despite the darker periods, it is generally an uplifting book because the group comes together and support each other. There are also lots of laughs and surprises along the way….
Plus there’s a dog named Olaf so I’m pretty much sold at that 😂
“Have a nice clay!” My friends….🫶🏼
Thrown is the first book I have read by Sara Cox, although I am a long term fan of her excellent book TV show, Between the covers. I was very intrigued to see how she wrote and was pleasantly surprised.
“Righty-ho. Here we go folks, this is going to be the start of a beautiful relationship- you and clay.”
This book follows the narratives of 4 different female characters. We are first introduced to Becky who is decides to set up a new pottery class in the dilapidated community centre. It later transpires that she develops this class as a way of remembering her mum, who died when Becky was only 12. Her mum was a great believer in bringing people together, and seen as it was nearly the 30th anniversary of her death, Becky thought of no better way to honour her mum and bring a fresh start to, not only her’s, but many people’s lives than to take on a new activity.
The other members of the group all had their own reasons for being there. Whether it was miscarriages, lying husbands, needing a change, or simply just wanting to try on a ‘new hat’ from being a mum or lawyer. They were a great group of people who quickly turned into friends and an excellent support system for each other.
When an ex husband gets out of prison, more than just a few pots get broken…her tormentor; cloud of shadow over her life was right there, in her kitchen, standing right in front of her. Everything takes a rather unexpected, dark spin for a while…
I was pleasantly surprised by how smooth and witty Sara’s writing was. I also appreciated the various comments relating to British TV which would be totally missed if you didn’t have a British TV set. It was very subtle but included references to Phil and Holly on Morning Television and The One Show on BBC One. I also throughly appreciated the Taylor Swift reference: “Death by a thousand cuts”.
I really enjoyed the last section of the book where all the unanswered questions and loose ends came together. Sara tied everything up brilliantly!
Overall, this is a real feel good, heartwarming book. Despite the darker periods, it is generally an uplifting book because the group comes together and support each other. There are also lots of laughs and surprises along the way….
Plus there’s a dog named Olaf so I’m pretty much sold at that 😂
“Have a nice clay!” My friends….🫶🏼
October 21, 2022
Really wanted to love this because I admire Sara Cox, she’s so funny and smart, but god those first few chapters were not well written. I didn’t think I’d keep reading. Saying that, it improved, and in parts I was truly sucked into the story, but I kept being jolted out of it again by things like excessive and unnecessary similes, or overuse of names (I’m sure I saw ‘Becky’ 10 times on a page).
I hope she matures her writing and keeps going though, as there were some 4 star nuggets in there.
I hope she matures her writing and keeps going though, as there were some 4 star nuggets in there.
May 9, 2022
Thrown centres around 4 women in a small village in England who join a pottery class in their local community centre and form bonds as their past and problems come to light. Told from alternate perspectives of the characters, this one, despite some heavy subject matter in parts, is a very light and also enjoyable read.
Yes its a bit twee and its all wrapped up in a bow with no lose ends and some may find it a bit too contrived but I forgave all that as I really enjoyed spending time with the characters. The story bombs along at a pace and the book doesnt overstay its welcome at 300 pages odd.
There are some lol moments and some saccharine sweet moments that I could just about stomach but as I said it was easy to forgive the negatives as there was such enthusiasm in the writing.
Celebrity novels can always raise an eyebrow but Cox has shown she can certainly spin a good yarn and I for one was thoroughly entertained here.
Thanks to the publisher for the ARC through Netgalley.
Yes its a bit twee and its all wrapped up in a bow with no lose ends and some may find it a bit too contrived but I forgave all that as I really enjoyed spending time with the characters. The story bombs along at a pace and the book doesnt overstay its welcome at 300 pages odd.
There are some lol moments and some saccharine sweet moments that I could just about stomach but as I said it was easy to forgive the negatives as there was such enthusiasm in the writing.
Celebrity novels can always raise an eyebrow but Cox has shown she can certainly spin a good yarn and I for one was thoroughly entertained here.
Thanks to the publisher for the ARC through Netgalley.
April 27, 2022
This was a superb debut novel by Sara Cox, I really enjoyed it. The characters were so interesting and the outcome was brilliant. I do hope she writes more as I’m very interested in reading more by her. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
September 6, 2022
3.5 *
Very enjoyable, a good holiday read but the endings of all the characters stories felt a little rushed.
Very enjoyable, a good holiday read but the endings of all the characters stories felt a little rushed.
May 14, 2022
Felt really disappointed by this book.
I was hoping for a light hearted, warm, beach read.
But it was all just a little bit 'cosy' and all a bit convenient.
It felt ploddy and therefore very slow in terms of pace.
Not for me!
I was hoping for a light hearted, warm, beach read.
But it was all just a little bit 'cosy' and all a bit convenient.
It felt ploddy and therefore very slow in terms of pace.
Not for me!
January 23, 2025
It was pretty good, didn’t require much thinking which sometimes isn’t a bad thing.
April 25, 2022
Firstly thank you to NETGALLEY, Sara cox and coronet publishing for this ARC.
I wasn’t really sure what lay in store when I first picked up this little story. It was described as a story about friendship and pottery after all which I must admit sounded an odd combination but it certainly worked. And I loved the rom-com element .
I loved this easy to read, warm, friendly, funny , heartwarming story.
The characters were so fully formed and vividly described that they all came to life instantly for me and I felt completely invested in each of their stories. The pottery aspect was a very clever devise (and clearly the author has used her experience on the great pottery throw down to full advantage) and wove there stories all together seamlessly. I wish I was part of their class!
My only sight criticism is it was a little predictable at times but it was such a fun read I didn’t mind that too much.
I read it in two days as I could not put it down. I must admit I was left craving for more though and would love to know how each of the character stories continue so I really hope this will become a series!
I wasn’t really sure what lay in store when I first picked up this little story. It was described as a story about friendship and pottery after all which I must admit sounded an odd combination but it certainly worked. And I loved the rom-com element .
I loved this easy to read, warm, friendly, funny , heartwarming story.
The characters were so fully formed and vividly described that they all came to life instantly for me and I felt completely invested in each of their stories. The pottery aspect was a very clever devise (and clearly the author has used her experience on the great pottery throw down to full advantage) and wove there stories all together seamlessly. I wish I was part of their class!
My only sight criticism is it was a little predictable at times but it was such a fun read I didn’t mind that too much.
I read it in two days as I could not put it down. I must admit I was left craving for more though and would love to know how each of the character stories continue so I really hope this will become a series!
March 24, 2023
By the time I got to the end of the book I'd enjoyed it and I don't want to sound harsh but it was basic. The four female characters were interesting, as were their lives, but it just didn't feel well written. When I started the book I found it so poorly written that I nearly gave up but I think I'm glad I continued. As I say; I enjoyed the characters and glad I met them. The four main characters lived locally but hadn't met each other. They all went to a pottery class in the local centre and it all goes from there.
October 7, 2022
30% read but couldn’t go any further. Dull characters & dull plot unfortunately.
July 12, 2024
Dull, flat and so boring.
April 25, 2023
An easy read but couldn’t really engage
February 19, 2024
A very easy simple read, not too taxing if a little predictable at times. Nice nod to The Great Pottery Throwdown.
May 29, 2022
Sara Cox's personality and voice shone through the pages. At times I could almost hear her narrating the story! For a debut novel she has done well creating both likeable and despicable characters and many readers will enjoy the warmth of the community of Lennington, where the story is set.
The plot centres around the lives of 4 women at various stages of life and the ups and downs they experience. They meet, united by the gorgeous pottery teacher, Sasha, at a new pottery course at the community centre.
There is lots of interesting detail about pottery and the process of making and creating.
For me, this book was just a little too predictable - I could spot a couple of the plot 'twists' pretty early on but then some characters were resolved nicely and others' situations seemed too open-ended. It was overall a 3.5/5 from my point of view.
The plot centres around the lives of 4 women at various stages of life and the ups and downs they experience. They meet, united by the gorgeous pottery teacher, Sasha, at a new pottery course at the community centre.
There is lots of interesting detail about pottery and the process of making and creating.
For me, this book was just a little too predictable - I could spot a couple of the plot 'twists' pretty early on but then some characters were resolved nicely and others' situations seemed too open-ended. It was overall a 3.5/5 from my point of view.
April 2, 2023
I was excited to read this book and felt the storyline had real promise, but I was disappointed.
I found it difficult to invest in any of the characters. The relationships between the characters seemed to form really quickly and had no depth.
Despite finding Sara Cox to be quite a funny woman, the attempts at humour throughout the book felt awkward and cringeworthy. All in all, just not a great book.
I found it difficult to invest in any of the characters. The relationships between the characters seemed to form really quickly and had no depth.
Despite finding Sara Cox to be quite a funny woman, the attempts at humour throughout the book felt awkward and cringeworthy. All in all, just not a great book.
April 10, 2023
The voice of Sara Cox can be heard right through this book. This is her first novel and was a good gentle read. Focusing mainly on 4 ladies and the friendships they form at a pottery club. Would read another if Sara writes more.
April 21, 2022
A fab lighthearted read, was fab
May 8, 2023
A great first book by Sara Cox. Really enjoyed it.
February 11, 2025
Loved this book very enjoyable read
September 1, 2025
if you want a book where literally nothing happens this one's for you 🫠
April 28, 2022
Probably nearer to a 3.5 rating if I am being honest.
It is light, pure escapism and a comforting, gentle story but although there IS humour, it isn't what I would call laugh out loud!
It is about friendship, based around a community centre which single parent Becky manages. The centre is hosting a new class, pottery, and it is run by Sasha, the Hot Scot as Becky's son Eliot calls him. We journey with Becky as she struggles with her waste of space, just come out of prison, thieving husband Tony and a small group of women all with troubles of their own. Sheila knows her hubby Martin has something to hide, Jameela is pushing everyone away as grief eats away at her and Louise feels stuck in a dead end job, keen to fulfil her artist's dream but not sure how she can. The women come together as they learn how to use clay and over the weeks form friendships, share gossip, and experience the highs and lows of life, love and lost dreams.
This book is very easy to read but to have made it more memorable I think the characters and the plot needed some added layers and a bit more complexity. If you like neat, happy endings tied up in a shiny bow then Thrown is the perfect book gift for you!
It is light, pure escapism and a comforting, gentle story but although there IS humour, it isn't what I would call laugh out loud!
It is about friendship, based around a community centre which single parent Becky manages. The centre is hosting a new class, pottery, and it is run by Sasha, the Hot Scot as Becky's son Eliot calls him. We journey with Becky as she struggles with her waste of space, just come out of prison, thieving husband Tony and a small group of women all with troubles of their own. Sheila knows her hubby Martin has something to hide, Jameela is pushing everyone away as grief eats away at her and Louise feels stuck in a dead end job, keen to fulfil her artist's dream but not sure how she can. The women come together as they learn how to use clay and over the weeks form friendships, share gossip, and experience the highs and lows of life, love and lost dreams.
This book is very easy to read but to have made it more memorable I think the characters and the plot needed some added layers and a bit more complexity. If you like neat, happy endings tied up in a shiny bow then Thrown is the perfect book gift for you!
January 23, 2024
Lovely little easy read, enjoyed the POV’s from each character and their own little story
November 29, 2022
This was an enjoyable and warm novel about the lives of 4 different women who all live on an estate and attend a pottery class. I loved the way the women formed friendships and supported each other although they were very different.
I thought you could really hear Sara Cox's voice when reading this novel.
I thought you could really hear Sara Cox's voice when reading this novel.
April 30, 2022
What a lovely debut novel from Sara Cox. I wasn’t sure what to expect but was more than pleasantly surprised with this well told story full of likeable well written characters.
Thrown is the story of a group of strangers brought together by a beginners pottery class. They are a truly eclectic bunch and the story tells their own tale and then those where they become a group of friends and allies.
I would definitely recommend this as a lovely light hearted read and am looking forward to reading more from the author in the future.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thrown is the story of a group of strangers brought together by a beginners pottery class. They are a truly eclectic bunch and the story tells their own tale and then those where they become a group of friends and allies.
I would definitely recommend this as a lovely light hearted read and am looking forward to reading more from the author in the future.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 16, 2023
Very cheesy and predictable and lightweight
March 27, 2024
They just made some clay pots … that’s it. Boring and dun out
April 2, 2024
A nice Sunday read 3.5
Displaying 1 - 30 of 867 reviews