Mum-of-three Louisa thought she only had her never-ending to-do list to worry about, but the arrival of a ghost from the recent past puts her in an untenable position. Can she navigate the difficult situation she’s in without their friendship becoming common knowledge or will it cause long-term damage to her marriage?
When a family member begins to suspect there’s more to her relationship with the new sous-chef than meets the eye, Louisa needs to think on her feet or she’ll dig herself into a deeper hole. But the cost of keeping her secret, not only from her husband, comes at a high price, one which tugs at her conscience.
With everyday niggles already causing a further rift between Louisa and husband Ronnie, will she manage to keep her family on track whilst her life spirals out of control? And when tragedy strikes, will Ronnie step up when she needs him most?
For fans of Fiona Gibson, Miranda Dickinson and Jill Mansell.
Susan Buchanan lives in Central Scotland with her husband and their two children. She is the author of 12 novels: A Taste of Christmas Spirit, You Can't Hurry Love, The Leap Year Proposal, A Little Christmas Spirit, Just One Day - Winter, Just One Day - Spring, Just One Day - Summer, Just One Day - Autumn, Return of the Christmas Spirit, The Christmas Spirit, The Dating Game and Sign of the Times. 5.
Susan is also a proofreader and editor and when not working, writing or caring for her two delightful cherubs, loves reading, the theatre, quiz shows and eating out - not necessarily in that order!
If there’s one thing that I like doing, it’s discovering new authors. Susan Buchanan is certainly a new author for me. When I was invited to take part in the blog tour for ‘Just One Day- Spring’, I hadn’t realised that it is actually the second instalment of the ‘Just One Day’ series. The first book called ‘Just One Day- Winter’ was released in November 2021. I read the synopsis for ‘Just One Day- Spring’ and it certainly sounded like my cup of tea- a light hearted, fun and ultimately feel good story. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Just One Day- Spring’ but more about that in a bit. It took me no time at all to get into ‘Just One Day-Spring’. In fact I was drawn into the story from the very first word on the very first page. The book seemed to develop a hold over me and it was a hold that I wasn’t willing to break. I had initially picked the book up only intending to read a couple of chapters to say that I had made a start but I ended up becoming that wrapped up in the story and in the lives of the characters, that I was still sat there reading over half a dozen chapters and an hour later. I found it almost impossible to put the book down. The more of the story I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. At one point the pages were turning that quickly that it was almost as if they were turning themselves. All too quickly I reached the end of ‘Just One Day- Spring’ and I had to say goodbye to the characters. I found ‘Just One Day-Spring’ to be a lovely read, which held my attention throughout and kept me guessing. ‘Just One Day- Spring’ is extremely well written. Susan has one of those easy going writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. In fact reading ‘Just One Day-Spring’ felt more like a chat between friends rather than reading a book. I hope that makes sense. Susan clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. She makes her characters seem just as real as you and I. I also found that I ended up feeling every emotion that the characters were feeling – I would go from smiling one minute at a part of the story to welling up at another point. Susan tackles some difficult subjects but she tackles them with great sensitivity and compassion. There were several twists and turns to the story. I love the way in which Susan makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action. That’s how I felt at any rate. In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Just One Day- Spring’ and I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Susan’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
Louisa finds herself in a bit of a dilemma when she realises that the new chef hired by her brother in law is someone very well known to her. The chef just happens to be Caden who she knows very intimately as he was the personal chef at her birthday and they shared a kiss. In addition to Caden making a surprise appearance her marriage to Ronnie is slowly crumbling. Will Caden’s reappearance rattle Louisa and when tragedy strikes how will Louisa cope?
I really enjoyed the storyline and the characters in the book. There were lots of unexpected twists which kept me on my toes. It was clear from the start of the book that Louisa is juggling a lot of plates and roles from wife, mother, sister, business woman etc. The first plate to fall is the family holiday accommodation which she was meant to organise until Caden inadvertently comes to the rescue. The to do lists at the start of each chapter were the perfect touch which captured how busy and in demand she truly is. You can clearly see why Lou is frustrated and distracted as she doesn’t feel appreciated. Her marriage is strained as her husband works away from home a lot leaving her to raise their three children single-handedly on a regular basis. At the same time she has to act completely normal when Caden is in close proximity. Louisa definitely has a better poker face than I would have if I was in her situation.
This is the second book in the Just One Day series and it can be read as a standalone.
I loved Just One Day-Winter and I am delighted to say Just One Day-Spring was even better. Louisa and her husband Ronnie are growing further apart partly due to him working away from home on the oil rigs and not supporting her when he is home, she has a never ending to do list and she’s fed up being unappreciated.The family holiday comes round and an unexpected meet up with Caden who Louisa kissed in Winter and she finds herself comparing him to Ronnie and is attracted to him. Tragedy strikes when a lorry ploughs into Louisa’s home while she and her children with her friend Nicky and son Zander are having a movie night. Louisa’s two sisters, mum and dad, and neighbors in the community rally round to offer help and there is a “surprise “ for Louisa. Full of twists and turns, some happy, some sad and a few shocks I was totally absorbed reading this book set in Scotland with lots of familiar places mentioned.
Book one – Winter – ended on a real cliff-hanger as Louisa was met, face to face, with a recent indiscretion. I am determined not to include any spoilers for this or the previous book in my review. I would, however, recommend that you read Winter before you open Spring! The main theme, of both books, concentrates on Louisa’s never-ending lists of daily tasks. She juggles her home, family, business, and daily challenges single-handed as her husband works away on the rigs. She mainly feels like a single parent as her husband seems unengaged with family life, even when he’s at home. Determined to protect herself and her family against the fall-out from her recent mistake, she must try to convey a façade of serenity, even though her mind is crying out for something to give. Something to bring about a change in the mundane experience that her life has become. As tragedy strikes, Louisa finds that it’s the kindness of relative strangers that can help her find her way back onto an even keel. A chance meeting at a wedding fayre introduces her to new and exciting opportunities, and perhaps she can restore her life and marriage to an even keel. I just loved this book! The first one left me feeling unsettled; infidelity is an uncomfortable subject, and I was nervous to see how the story would progress. Thankfully, I had forgotten that Susan Buchanan is a marvellous author who has an excellent grasp on the challenges of married life. Relationships are not all plain sailing, and some do encounter stormy seas, it’s how those storms are navigated that reveals the bigger picture.
Just One Day - Spring by Susan Buchanan Book 2 of 4 - Just One Day Mum-of-three Louisa thought she only had her never-ending to-do list to worry about. Still, the arrival of a ghost from the recent past puts her in an untenable position. Can she navigate the difficult situation she's in without their friendship becoming common knowledge, or will it cause long-term damage to her marriage? When a family member begins to suspect there's more to her relationship with the new sous-chef than meets the eye, Louisa needs to think on her feet, or she'll dig herself into a deeper hole. But the cost of keeping her secret, not only from her husband, comes at a high price, which tugs at her conscience. When tragedy strikes, will Ronnie step up when she needs him most? I enjoyed Just One Day - Winter and was pleased to be invited to read the second book in this series. Spring - has a more substantial plot than book one, which I prefered. It was interesting to catch up with Louisa, her family and friends. There are many twists and turns, some cheerful, some miserable, and an engaging, suspenseful ending. I would personally advise reading the books of this series for maximum enjoyment. Book 3 - Just One Day - Summer July 2022 Book 4 - Just One Day - Autumn October 2022 I want to thank the Publishers, author Susan Buchanan and Rachel's Random Resources for a copy to read and review.
Louisa is married to Ronnie and they have three children – Genevieve (12) and her younger siblings Aria and Hugo. At the start of the book, a new beagle puppy has just arrived for Gen. At the same time, Louisa’s brother-in-law Travis has hired a man called Caden as his sous chef. Caden and Louisa have previously shared a romantic kiss a few weeks earlier and they are shocked to see each other again. I could really relate to Louisa and how she was juggling so many things and not getting enough time for herself. I loved how realistic all the children are and I was pleased to read about Gen’s gymnastics, as that’s a big interest of mine too! I enjoyed the humour in the book and the lovely relationship between Louisa and her sisters Wendy and Joanna. Animals are always a delight in books and the puppy is adorable, as well as their older dog Bear. It’s an easy book to get into and an enjoyable read. You are interested in Louisa’s home situation straight away from the first chapter and want to know more. I enjoyed her dilemmas and wondering how everything was going to be solved. I hadn’t read the previous book in the series, but it really didn’t matter as I could follow everything without any problems. 8.5 out of 10
I really like the cover of this book, it gives off such warm and comforting vibes! Most of my reading of this book took place in the back garden. Hearing the birds tweeting in the background created the most perfect atmosphere for the story!
This is the second book in a four book series from author Susan Buchanan, this story focuses on our main character Louisa, she writes to-do lists which we have the pleasure of reading throughout the book - I loved these!
Louisa is married to Ronnie, but she is keeping a dark secret from him. We learn about Louisa’s life, her mistakes and happier times. She has great friends and family, a beautiful dog and a business that is doing extremely well. However, time to herself is something that she does not have much of! She begins struggling and we see her deal with some pretty low times.
The book is well written and has many likable characters and moments that are sure to make you smile. Overall, a solid 4 read.
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I would like to thank Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a review copy of this book for free. Views and opinions are my own and have not been influenced by anyone.
Susan Buchanan has surpassed herself with Spring. Beautifully and sensitively written this book held me engrossed in my “down times”. Just One Day Winter introduced us to Louisa: she seems to have it all, a loving family, a hardworking husband, a dog, a fledgling business that is doing well. But Louisa does not have that most precious of commodities: time. In Spring, Louisa deals with the fallout from a secret she holds, a present that will take up even more of her time, and an event that brings her world crashing down. But all is not doom and gloom. Spring brings hope and the promise of things to come. Susan has written her best book yet with Spring. I actually gasped at one point and felt the pain and bewilderment of Louisa and her family. I rode the highs and the lows, so excellently written. Roll on Summer!
This book follows on directly from 'Just One day - Winter' and in order to appreciate it in full, it's really necessary to have read the first book in the series.
This book brings Laura's dilemma to a crux as she has to decide if she is going to risk her marriage to Ronnie. With temptation constantly waved under her nose, keeping her secret from the family becomes harder and harder.
I liked Laura's 'to do' list; mainly because it made it easy to identify with her. This is a feel-good read with a solid Scottish background and one that pretty much every mum will relate to.
Susan has done it again I'm really hooked to this series I'm going to be sad when I finish the series lousia a mum to 3 children married To Ronnie who works on the rigs.has a never ending to do list.when Louisa. Thinks that's the only thing she has to worry about a ghost from the recent past comes in to lousia and her families lives.this is a beautiful series that I can't get enough of I love following louisa and her family.i feel apart of the family
I absolutely loved this book. After reading the first in the series I enjoyed getting back into the family dynamic and boy did this one tale me on a ride. Louisa is relatable as a mum of 3 and 2 dogs doing everything for her family and husband when he works away and working a business too. Loved this and can't wait for the next one.
I started reading this book immediately after the first book in this series (Just One Day Winter) and I am so glad I did! The first book didn't quite live up to my expectations with regards to the plot, but this second book delivered! I was completely invested in Louisa's life and her story, sharing her joys, fears and everything. I literally smiled while reading and struggled continuing at one point due to angst and tears clouding my vision.
I loved being back Louisa and her family and friends. She has the nicest best friends and sisters that she shares all aspects of her life with. Her parents are just brilliant too!
I was completely swept away by this story and unable to put it down until I could find out how it would all end and when I did I was gutted to realize I now have to wait quite a while before I can read book 3 in this series. I will miss Louisa and her kids, family and friends until I can be back with them.
After reading Just One Day-Winter and starting Susan's next book - Spring which kept my attention by carrying on the story without a breath ......... we were served the most unexpected curved ball .......... my breath was taken away! Brilliant writing and I can't wait for the next book - Summer.
I read Just One Day - Winter and loved it so had to get this one, it's beautifully written with all the ups and downs you get from family life and I smiled, laughed and cried through it. Definitely recommend reading it.
I received an E-ARC with a request for my honest review.
This book follows Louisa a mum of three, with her own business, two dogs and a husband who works on the oil rigs half of the month.
Not only does she have a never-ending to do list, but then an unexpected face arrives in the town, and she finds herself trying to juggle her workload & her emotions.
Her sisters try to help Louisa as much as they can but will the secrets, she’s hiding cause a rift in her family life.
The relationship between her and her husband is struggling and with another option in front of her will she be tempted?
When a horrific event disrupts the family’s life who will Louisa turn to her in her time of need?
This book is a feel-good family drama, it has plenty of emotion, laughs and disastrous situations to keep you entertained throughout.
I can completely understand why Louisa feels how she does as she works so hard to try to keep her family going, mostly on her own too.
I loved reading about this family and would love to read more.
Overall, a heart-warming family drama following Louisa as she goes through the ups and downs of life.
It was really enthralling Especially the lorry crash A good down to earth story and good that it didn't entail other people where they had no right to br
Well I really enjoyed book one, winter. But this book had me literally holding my breath ,to see what happened next , many times. It's just so enthralling.
I would just like to say a big thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources who very kindly forwarded me an arc copy of this book, for my Kindle, in return for my honest review.
This is book two in a four book series and due to the cliffhanger at the end of book one it is probably best to read them in order. Just One Day - Spring concentrates on Louisa and her struggle to juggle family life. Her husband, Ronnie, is taking her for granted and throughout the story we get to find out about Louisa’s life. This book was very well written and made me feel all the feelings and now I cannot wait to find out what happens in the other books in the series…..
I thought this was the first book I’ve read by this author, but I have actually read others! This is, however, the first book of the Just One Day series which I’ve read, but it can easily be read as a standalone book. I suspect there was, although I’m not sure as I’ve not read the first book, some storylines carried over, but I easily picked these up and settled into it very quickly. I liked Louisa’s character and could connect to her throughout her storyline. She seems to have some troubles at home - her husband isn’t around enough and a secret from her past catches up with her. She does however have a lovely family and a great set of friends, who do their best to help her through these.
The storyline flowed well and captured me from the very beginning. It’s a story which is filled with emotion, but there are some more light-hearted moments which made me smile. This book was a lot more serious than what I first though, and there are a few sensitive topics which are dealt with. It is however written sensitively, with lots of twists, turns and drama which will keep your eyes refilling with tears! Once I’d started this story, I knew I wouldn’t be able to put it down until I’d finished. Great characters and a warming and enlightening storyline which I would definitely recommend!