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Recovering Alice
After being sober for two hundred and forty-three days, recovering alcoholic Alice Patterson makes a shock discovery that leads her into a bar and into the arms of a well-meaning stranger.
The next day, determined not to let one setback ruin her progress, Alice refocuses her energy on recovery and her blossoming new relationship. She thinks that life can go back to normal, but there is temptation at every turn, and she is in danger of slipping back into her old habits.
Will she be strong enough not to give in to her addiction, or will she lose her new love and the chance to have everything she ever wanted?
The next day, determined not to let one setback ruin her progress, Alice refocuses her energy on recovery and her blossoming new relationship. She thinks that life can go back to normal, but there is temptation at every turn, and she is in danger of slipping back into her old habits.
Will she be strong enough not to give in to her addiction, or will she lose her new love and the chance to have everything she ever wanted?
- GenresRomance
283 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2022
19 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
May 9, 2022
If you are still suffering with a book hangover from Rachels Holiday or Again, Rachel then this is the perfect tonic to keep you entertained, enriched and enlightened.
Bob and Alice felt like very vivid characters and were wholesome and flawed which makes the all the more endearing.
This has such a captivating start and is maintained throughout that I accidentally lost a Sunday afternoon by reading this in one sitting.
Sharp writing, and times I wanted to shout out loud to Alice on the page to stop her behaviour and alcoholic actions.
A book you will definitely feel invested in and I know its one I'll remember. First time I've read this author and i'm heading off to the back catalogue next.
Also- a great take on the original Alice in Wonderland referenced in this one- if i could add another star to the 5, I would for that alone.
Superb.
Bob and Alice felt like very vivid characters and were wholesome and flawed which makes the all the more endearing.
This has such a captivating start and is maintained throughout that I accidentally lost a Sunday afternoon by reading this in one sitting.
Sharp writing, and times I wanted to shout out loud to Alice on the page to stop her behaviour and alcoholic actions.
A book you will definitely feel invested in and I know its one I'll remember. First time I've read this author and i'm heading off to the back catalogue next.
Also- a great take on the original Alice in Wonderland referenced in this one- if i could add another star to the 5, I would for that alone.
Superb.
October 16, 2022
Equal parts romance and self-discovery, Recovering Alice tells the story of Alice Patterson’s struggle with alcohol addiction amidst a new relationship. Our main character meets Bob in a bar during a relapse and has to decide whether she can get her life back under control while dating someone new. Bob has to decide whether he can trust Alice with his heart and a few secrets of his own.
The lead characters, especially Alice, are the perfect mix of flaws and likableness that have you both rooting for and relating to them. The cast of supporting characters includes a best friend and a young boy, both of whom add compassion and interest to the storyline.
This is my second read by Catherine Morrison. Like Waiting for Saturday, Recovering Alice deals sensitively with difficult subjects and gives hope to those who have suffered trauma. Both books are realistic with a positive slant.
Well-written and infinitely readable, Recovering Alice can easily be devoured to a satisfying conclusion in one or two sittings. I recommend this book for readers who enjoy Hallmark-movie-like storylines centered around a woman determined to find her strength.
For more book reviews, visit my book review blog, www.bookpicksandpics.com.
The lead characters, especially Alice, are the perfect mix of flaws and likableness that have you both rooting for and relating to them. The cast of supporting characters includes a best friend and a young boy, both of whom add compassion and interest to the storyline.
This is my second read by Catherine Morrison. Like Waiting for Saturday, Recovering Alice deals sensitively with difficult subjects and gives hope to those who have suffered trauma. Both books are realistic with a positive slant.
Well-written and infinitely readable, Recovering Alice can easily be devoured to a satisfying conclusion in one or two sittings. I recommend this book for readers who enjoy Hallmark-movie-like storylines centered around a woman determined to find her strength.
For more book reviews, visit my book review blog, www.bookpicksandpics.com.
November 5, 2022
This book blew me away. Beautifully written, poignant and a masterful depiction of a woman's battle with alcohol addiction.
The romance thread is skilfully woven through Alice's narrative, as she struggles to change her ways. She finds support from the lovely Bob, but her journey is a veritable rollercoaster which I know anyone with addiction issues will identify with.
I loved the easy banter between Alice and Bob — "Oh, come on. Just because we're not going on a date doesn't mean I can't fancy you." Bob's retort when Alice explains she wants to take things slowly.
So many good lines that I had to note down. — All of that was gone. Now she was just a mess in a pretty dress.
"It's because I believe in hope. Sometimes everything seems hopeless, but hope is always there."
The author portrays the extreme lengths an alcoholic will go to in order to conceal their problem. The inner turmoil and the deluded justification that just one or two more will suffice.
One of the best books I've read recently and I look forward to reading more by this talented writer.
The romance thread is skilfully woven through Alice's narrative, as she struggles to change her ways. She finds support from the lovely Bob, but her journey is a veritable rollercoaster which I know anyone with addiction issues will identify with.
I loved the easy banter between Alice and Bob — "Oh, come on. Just because we're not going on a date doesn't mean I can't fancy you." Bob's retort when Alice explains she wants to take things slowly.
So many good lines that I had to note down. — All of that was gone. Now she was just a mess in a pretty dress.
"It's because I believe in hope. Sometimes everything seems hopeless, but hope is always there."
The author portrays the extreme lengths an alcoholic will go to in order to conceal their problem. The inner turmoil and the deluded justification that just one or two more will suffice.
One of the best books I've read recently and I look forward to reading more by this talented writer.
September 3, 2023
A well written novel.
I probably wouldn’t normally choose to read books in this genre. However, Recovering Alice was extremely well written.
I will look forward to reading more of the authors work in the near future. I also absolutely loved the autumnal book cover.
I probably wouldn’t normally choose to read books in this genre. However, Recovering Alice was extremely well written.
I will look forward to reading more of the authors work in the near future. I also absolutely loved the autumnal book cover.
April 8, 2022
Utterly absorbing!
Recovering Alice is an incredible read and so much more than a romance. Whilst the love story between Alice and Bob is beautiful and inspirational, it was Alice’s strength that will stay with me.
Addiction is terrifying, and the book deals with it sensitively whilst maintaining a deep honesty. It broke my heart to see Alice spiral down and I was rooting for her recovery at the same time as holding out hope for her and Bob’s blossoming relationship.
The characters are so well written, absorbing and real. I also adored Tam and little Sam. The meet the parents scenes on both sides were cringe-worthy realistic!
By far one of the best books I have read in ages. I loved The Hook and I adored Waiting For Saturday by the same author - but with this one Catherine has truly excelled herself.
Recovering Alice is an incredible read and so much more than a romance. Whilst the love story between Alice and Bob is beautiful and inspirational, it was Alice’s strength that will stay with me.
Addiction is terrifying, and the book deals with it sensitively whilst maintaining a deep honesty. It broke my heart to see Alice spiral down and I was rooting for her recovery at the same time as holding out hope for her and Bob’s blossoming relationship.
The characters are so well written, absorbing and real. I also adored Tam and little Sam. The meet the parents scenes on both sides were cringe-worthy realistic!
By far one of the best books I have read in ages. I loved The Hook and I adored Waiting For Saturday by the same author - but with this one Catherine has truly excelled herself.
May 16, 2022
The author once again does not disappoint with this novel. It's well written and evidently well researched. She provides a fascinating insight into the mind and workings of an alcoholic. I found some of it very moving particularly when things come to a head, without giving spoilers away. It's an easy book to keep reading and it does keep you wanting to know when it's all going to go pear-shaped.
Nevertheless, the inevitable denouement leads us exactly where we want the story to end up. In that regard, the author again does not disappoint but I shall not say more. If you want a book to entertain and keep you reading with lots of romance then this is it. Highly recommended with likeable characters.
Nevertheless, the inevitable denouement leads us exactly where we want the story to end up. In that regard, the author again does not disappoint but I shall not say more. If you want a book to entertain and keep you reading with lots of romance then this is it. Highly recommended with likeable characters.
May 6, 2022
This was an enjoyable page turner with a very likeable male protagonist.
However, I was distracted by the huge blocks of dialogue. I wouldn't mention this except that it happened frequently and the story read more like a script with "He did this" and "She did that" sprinkled throughout. Like Morrison's previous book there was far too much "telling" and therefore, the story lacked depth and failed to evoke emotion in me. I liked it, but I could have loved it and that's disappointing since I purchased the paperback. The ending once again fell flat. There was no "punch" at the end, especially considering the sensitive subject at hand (that of a recovering alcoholic who falls in love.)
However, I was distracted by the huge blocks of dialogue. I wouldn't mention this except that it happened frequently and the story read more like a script with "He did this" and "She did that" sprinkled throughout. Like Morrison's previous book there was far too much "telling" and therefore, the story lacked depth and failed to evoke emotion in me. I liked it, but I could have loved it and that's disappointing since I purchased the paperback. The ending once again fell flat. There was no "punch" at the end, especially considering the sensitive subject at hand (that of a recovering alcoholic who falls in love.)
June 29, 2022
Catherine Morrison really knows how to write these heart breaking and heart warming books. The main character of this and Waiting for Saturday are characters you desperately want to follow and can't stop thinking about. The same with the main men, they are realistic but they are so wonderful too (with some added charm to make the butterflies appear!)
With each tough moment, there is a bit of sunshine and something to make you laugh.
This book really shows the importance of recovery, self discovery, allowing people into our lives, accepting and asking for support and of course....moving on from difficult experiences.
I loved this book!
With each tough moment, there is a bit of sunshine and something to make you laugh.
This book really shows the importance of recovery, self discovery, allowing people into our lives, accepting and asking for support and of course....moving on from difficult experiences.
I loved this book!
July 10, 2022
Take a stroll down recovery lane
Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2022
A must read for romance lovers.
A book that has classic mushiness with an empowering story. Having dealt with alcoholism in my family, it’s very realistic and tugs at the heart strings. The relapse and episodes of deceit made me feel like I was back in that situation all over again.
But don’t worry, there’s some steamy scenes as well in case you’re wondering if it’s all sad. That and humor were interwoven to provide an enjoyable read.
I can recommend.
Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2022
A must read for romance lovers.
A book that has classic mushiness with an empowering story. Having dealt with alcoholism in my family, it’s very realistic and tugs at the heart strings. The relapse and episodes of deceit made me feel like I was back in that situation all over again.
But don’t worry, there’s some steamy scenes as well in case you’re wondering if it’s all sad. That and humor were interwoven to provide an enjoyable read.
I can recommend.
December 29, 2022
I won this book in a contest on Twitter.
The first thing that impressed me where the characters. Catherine Morrison has built Alice and Bob into characters we would meet everyday. Maybe as a family or a neighbor. You can also tell she has also had either personal knowledge of or done lots of research into addiction and the toll it can take on families and friends. I found this book to be enlightening, sad, and enjoyable in equal measure. I would recommend it.
The first thing that impressed me where the characters. Catherine Morrison has built Alice and Bob into characters we would meet everyday. Maybe as a family or a neighbor. You can also tell she has also had either personal knowledge of or done lots of research into addiction and the toll it can take on families and friends. I found this book to be enlightening, sad, and enjoyable in equal measure. I would recommend it.
September 28, 2022
A hard-hitting subject matter dealt with by a beautiful story. I loved Alice for her vulnerability and normal human failings. Throughout the story I want to just give her a hug and reassure her that it would be OK. A love story with a difference which I would highly recommend.
August 6, 2022
The author did a great job in showing the internal struggles and mind games that someone with an addiction goes through - the lies, the betrayal, the broken promises - to themselves as well as to others. An inspirational story of courage and hope. Great read.
December 21, 2022
Easy to read, somewhat cliche and underdeveloped characters but enjoyed it.
July 10, 2023
This book had me hooked right from the beginning. I completely drawn in by Alice and desperately wanted everything to work out for her. And Bob, what a guy! Everyone needs a man like him. I loved this book and didn't want it to end. I would love to read more of her story.
August 25, 2023
This book took me on a roller coaster of emotions and had me in tears a few times.
I kept thinking "No don't do it"
It had me scared a few times that things were going to fall apart, but it left me hoping that it will all work out for them.
A great book.
I kept thinking "No don't do it"
It had me scared a few times that things were going to fall apart, but it left me hoping that it will all work out for them.
A great book.
July 12, 2022
Although this isn't the kind of thing I usually read, I really enjoyed this book. It was well written, the characters were believable, and I soon found myself rooting for Alice, despite her bad choices.
March 14, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed this story. Nice romance. Sad story but happy ending. Would recommend
May 6, 2022
A gripping uplifting tale of romance and relapse…
Catherine Morrison has delivered finely balanced story about addiction that carries the message of love and honesty without glorifying the issues surrounding alcoholism. Whilst some of the subjects within are heavy, they are handled with grace and make this book more than a love story or simply a tale of recovery because it is that and much more
We meet ‘Alice Patterson’ in the midst of a relapse and from the depths of this dark moment she encounters ‘Bob’ a man who eventually becomes a beacon of hope. The mystery surrounding this man is heightened to begin with and for good cause as Alice questions why anyone would be interested in someone like her with such issues? The inner conflict that aligns with the wider plot is very well done here, its realistic and gripping. As a reader I wanted her to succeed and that is the true sign of a gripping read.
The messages within are plenty with a main theme of recovery and the concept of finding the right person who will not only accept you for your faults and who you are, but will support you also. I particularly enjoyed the final chapters as Alice begins to realise that she is a force for good even when surrounded by those with similar struggles and for anyone looking for an uplifting read, this one is for you.
Catherine Morrison has delivered finely balanced story about addiction that carries the message of love and honesty without glorifying the issues surrounding alcoholism. Whilst some of the subjects within are heavy, they are handled with grace and make this book more than a love story or simply a tale of recovery because it is that and much more
We meet ‘Alice Patterson’ in the midst of a relapse and from the depths of this dark moment she encounters ‘Bob’ a man who eventually becomes a beacon of hope. The mystery surrounding this man is heightened to begin with and for good cause as Alice questions why anyone would be interested in someone like her with such issues? The inner conflict that aligns with the wider plot is very well done here, its realistic and gripping. As a reader I wanted her to succeed and that is the true sign of a gripping read.
The messages within are plenty with a main theme of recovery and the concept of finding the right person who will not only accept you for your faults and who you are, but will support you also. I particularly enjoyed the final chapters as Alice begins to realise that she is a force for good even when surrounded by those with similar struggles and for anyone looking for an uplifting read, this one is for you.
April 10, 2022
When you are an addict you are never truly over your issues and instead simply a number of days of having control over your addictions and so when Alice falls off the wagon and has her first drink in over 200 days it means that the next day of not drinking is going to be the start of the counter again but can it also be the start of her new life too?
After Alice meets Bob in a bar as her life is spiralling out of control following her fall from the wagon she finds herself not sure if she can let anyone in when she is truly not sure if she is worthy of love when she hates herself but can she overcome her issues and finally hit that true recovery path she has never believed she is going to achieve?
This book is a beautifully written one which draws the reader in and ensures it keeps your attention throughout as you find yourself binging the book like the addict you read about. I found the characters were all believable and the subject matter dealt with a sensitive subject matter in a way that was both respectful yet devastatingly honest in the portrayal.
After Alice meets Bob in a bar as her life is spiralling out of control following her fall from the wagon she finds herself not sure if she can let anyone in when she is truly not sure if she is worthy of love when she hates herself but can she overcome her issues and finally hit that true recovery path she has never believed she is going to achieve?
This book is a beautifully written one which draws the reader in and ensures it keeps your attention throughout as you find yourself binging the book like the addict you read about. I found the characters were all believable and the subject matter dealt with a sensitive subject matter in a way that was both respectful yet devastatingly honest in the portrayal.
July 3, 2023
Oh, Alice! What a wonderful and exasperating character you are! Recovering Alice is a double entendre and a compelling story of a young woman whose alcoholism sabotages every promising measure of her life. We root for her, fear for her, and want to shake her until she understands how self-destructive she has become. Even the prospect of a loving relationship may not be enough to save her. But only Alice can effectuate the change. Catherine Morrison's depiction of a woman in the throes of alcohol addiction is stark and emotionally wrought. She exquisitely describes the games Alice plays and the stories she tells herself to excuse her relapses. We see through them and hope someday Alice will, too. It is a story of struggle and promise that will touch your heart.
July 14, 2023
The author masterfully balances two very different genres, with a very sensitive and believable narrative of recovery from alcohol dependence blended seemlessly into a second-chance romance story. My only compaint is the cruel tease of a surprise from Sam and Bob at the end, only to be denied knowing what it was. Sequel please!
November 13, 2022
Rubbish
Banal story (despite promising intro), clonky writing, like written by a teenager. Zero depth, portrayal of addiction through a prism of a cheap romance novel, I mean really! Don't bother
Banal story (despite promising intro), clonky writing, like written by a teenager. Zero depth, portrayal of addiction through a prism of a cheap romance novel, I mean really! Don't bother
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews