Something Decidedly Oddd

by Lesley A.

Ruby thinks her life is in good order but as she lurches from choir to yoga, to Zumba and work deadlines and taking her son, Ben, to and from school and cubs and clubs, she makes sure she doesn’t have a free minute. No matter that she’s oblivious to other people’s feelings, as far as she’s concerned, she’s reasonably happy and coping. Well, everyone has self-doubts now and then, don’t they? She mostly keeps the panic attacks in check - more or less - and prides herself she can usually spot the signs and remove herself from stressful situations before they overwhelm her.

Help comes in a form she least expects when a little old man introduces himself as her Guardian Angel then challenges everything about how she chooses to live her life…

250 pages, Paperback

Published February 1, 2022

Reviews

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strange and wonderful happenings during a fortnight in July. Ruby, usually rushed off her feet, takes time to reflect with an unexpected friend. This encourages introspection and new understanding. I loved this novel with its fabulous characters, community setting and the gentle, charming story that unfolds. Something Decidedly Oddd illustrates that positive change is possible and should be embraced. What a delightful book!

[Sally Gott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read highly recommend and beautifully written. I couldn’t put it down totally escaped into the story, loved, loved, loved it!!!

[Kate Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Excellent writing style, lovely humour, depth of thought and feeling. Held my attention from start to finish. I did get a bit bogged down towards the end with all Ruby's doings, jugglings, friends and adjustments for herself and her son - but that I guess is the point: she needed to de-clutter their lives. It's not just about that - it's about the reason(s) as well. What a joy too to read good, solid, decent correct English. If Lesley A wrote another novel I would certainly read it.

[Mrs G · Rating 5 out of 5]

An unusual, well written, un put downable story. I was completely drawn into Ruby's world. It managed to address problems that many people experience without using clichés; including, dealing with grief after a loved one dies, the joys and difficulties of being a single parent; juggling work, child care and social life in the modern world.
I can thoroughly recommend it to any reader.
Buy, read and enjoy.

[Carol Perilli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Once I started it I couldn't put it down. I liked the characters and the idea of there being Guardian Angels amongst us. There are so many aspects of this book that make you think about you own life and how it interacts and affects those around you. I will re-read this many times I am sure. Delightful.

[Antony · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fabulous book, read in 2 days couldn’t put it down!

[Louise Duckmanton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surpassed my high expectations. Couldn't put it down!!

[Gill Reagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this! Once I started reading it I did not want to put it down! It was both thought provoking and entertaining at the same time. I’d highly recommend this book to anyone.

[JohnTilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The novel was given to me as a birthday present.
Whilst it is a work of fiction, it carries messages of how the dynamics of a community could operate for the benefit of all those sharing space in a multi generational environment. The presence of spiritual (in the broadest sense of the word) elements enhances the inventive storyline and encourages the reader to reflecton on their own responses to these imagined story themes.
The book is very well written, the dialogue is natural and it would be an excellent holiday companion or bedtime read.
Buy it and be surprised at its refusal to be put down once started.

[FrancesColville · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this sensitive, intuitive and thoughtful first novel, Lesley A somehow convinces us that having a guardian angel in our lives is a perfectly natural and entirely believable event. To do this, without it seeming like fantasy, is a great achievement. An experienced and successful short story writer, Lesley has a gift for portraying characters we can all relate to. For me, this applies as much to 10 year old Ben as to Ruby's elderly and forgetful grandfather. And of course the main character Ruby herself. Moreover, the circumstances in which all the characters find themselves are equally believable. Add to that a flowing and fluent style of writing, and it is no surprise that Something Decidedly Odd is a winner.

[Anthony Fifield-McLellan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something Decidedly Oddd’ is the best novel in its genre I have read in years. Quite difficult to put down! Magical and believable characters, and an original plot which at the same time is touching, believable, poignant, romantic, funny and uplifting. This is a brilliant ‘must read book’. Beautifully written, and the ‘guardian angel’ is an inspired creation – highly recommended - 5 Stars from me.

[Karen Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book , it was a gentle and quirky read. I have already some background interest in this subject, but it still encourages time for pause and reflection, in a positive way. I was self isolating with covid at the time , so it was perfect timing..for me. Looking forward to a sequel.

[Loraine Parnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insightful and delightful read that shares hidden depths of trauma in a well-formulated plot. The surreal guardian angel becomes the norm, someone to be accepted by the reader. All the characters are strong. Ben is especially interesting and heartening and of course Ruby's journey through the two weeks of the story is immense. Their changing relationships with neighbour Toby and longstanding friends as the story progresses gives food for thought. Acts of kindness too give reason for pause. The introduction of Mel jarred in just the right way. Deep loss, love, despair and hope are shown with compassion and humour in a rollercoaster of actions and wonderful descriptions. An excellent addition to my bookshelves.

[Jane B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Like other reviewers I couldn't put it down and read it at every opportunity (and was just glad no-one caught me crying in the office one lunchtime). The author has created some very believable, likeable characters - she tells their story with humour and kindness - and I was pulled into their world. I found it an uplifting book - about change, and growth, and ultimately hope. I'd borrowed the book from the local library and enjoyed it so much that I bought my own copy (as it's definitely one I'll be re-reading).

[Jan Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the idea of a guardian àngel and pulled me in from the very beginning. The writing was gently humorous and made me smile. Ruby is very relatable and her human failings give encouragement to us all that change and growth is possible, particularly when we are nudged and encouraged by our own personal guardian angel. As a reader you'll want to encourage Ruby on her journey of self enlightenment and probably recognise parts of yourself as you do so.

[Janey Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really ,really enjoyed this book.I've recommended It to all my friends (and I have quite a few!!)
A gentle read written with great sensitivity to the underlying issues .I highly recommend . I couldn't put it down.

[Ruth Jenkins]

Fabulous story from beginning to end. A real page turner for me and an easy read. Definitely lessons to be learnt for ones own life. Excellent in all ways. thank you Lesley

[Sophie Millwater · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the writing style was easy to get into and I liked how relatable the characters were. A great feel good read!