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The Reason
How much is the smile from the person you love worth to you?
Brooke’s life has derailed. Her social life and career have evaporated, her daughter is desperately unhappy and being bullied at school, and, for a 43-year-old, she probably spends way too many weekends at her parent’s. But the reason for all this is no mystery. A year and a half ago, Brooke’s husband died.
But Brooke does have one secret. Her husband’s death, the worst thing that has ever happened to her, has made her unbelievably rich.
Despite her despair, Brooke suddenly realises she has the power to make her daughter’s life, and the world a little brighter.
Brooke’s life has derailed. Her social life and career have evaporated, her daughter is desperately unhappy and being bullied at school, and, for a 43-year-old, she probably spends way too many weekends at her parent’s. But the reason for all this is no mystery. A year and a half ago, Brooke’s husband died.
But Brooke does have one secret. Her husband’s death, the worst thing that has ever happened to her, has made her unbelievably rich.
Despite her despair, Brooke suddenly realises she has the power to make her daughter’s life, and the world a little brighter.
444 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2022
19 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Bennetto
4 books87 followersCatherine Bennetto was born in New Zealand to a British father and Kiwi mother. She studied a variety of things at University, including Design and Biomedical Science, before settling on a career in television production.
Catherine, her husband and their two young boys have spent the past few years being permanent residents of nowhere - going where the work takes them. They’ve lived in Australia, England, the Caribbean, Hungary, Malaysia and South Africa, and have learnt some useful tricks for entertaining children along the way.
In 2013 she gained a place on Curtis Brown Creative's inaugural online novel writing course. How Not to Fall in Love, Actually is her first novel.
Catherine, her husband and their two young boys have spent the past few years being permanent residents of nowhere - going where the work takes them. They’ve lived in Australia, England, the Caribbean, Hungary, Malaysia and South Africa, and have learnt some useful tricks for entertaining children along the way.
In 2013 she gained a place on Curtis Brown Creative's inaugural online novel writing course. How Not to Fall in Love, Actually is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
July 5, 2023
Please do NOT read this book – listen to the audio instead!
I have always felt there is a gap in my book repertoire since Marianne Keyes scaled down her book writing and this author really fills this gap beautifully. A heartwarming story, but with a serious subject matter, handled in an easy yet insightful way.
There is a lot of lighthearted moments that had me bursting out laughing but it’s a story that touches on loss, deep regret, guilt and the inability to move on.
Story: Brook’s husband passed away 2 years ago due to medical negligence and as a result she got an astounding settlement, but one that she is bound by legalities never to reveal to anyone.
Despite her despair, Brooke suddenly realizes she has the power to make her daughter’s life, and the world a little brighter. She just needs to stay incognito.
I have always felt there is a gap in my book repertoire since Marianne Keyes scaled down her book writing and this author really fills this gap beautifully. A heartwarming story, but with a serious subject matter, handled in an easy yet insightful way.
There is a lot of lighthearted moments that had me bursting out laughing but it’s a story that touches on loss, deep regret, guilt and the inability to move on.
Story: Brook’s husband passed away 2 years ago due to medical negligence and as a result she got an astounding settlement, but one that she is bound by legalities never to reveal to anyone.
Despite her despair, Brooke suddenly realizes she has the power to make her daughter’s life, and the world a little brighter. She just needs to stay incognito.
May 23, 2023
This was such a heartwarming story. I really enjoyed all the characters, especially Brooke's mom and Dennis who both had me laughing every five minutes. Even though some of the topics included, like grief and bullying, are sad the author always keeps the tone hopeful. I listened to the audio version, and Anna Acton's amazing narration upped this from 3.5 to 4 stars.
The Story: Brooke’s life has derailed. Her social life and career have evaporated, her daughter is desperately unhappy and being bullied at school, and, for a 43-year-old, she probably spends way too many weekends at her parent’s. But the reason for all this is no mystery. A year and a half ago, Brooke’s husband died. But Brooke does have one secret. Her husband’s death, the worst thing that has ever happened to her, has made her unbelievably rich.
The Story: Brooke’s life has derailed. Her social life and career have evaporated, her daughter is desperately unhappy and being bullied at school, and, for a 43-year-old, she probably spends way too many weekends at her parent’s. But the reason for all this is no mystery. A year and a half ago, Brooke’s husband died. But Brooke does have one secret. Her husband’s death, the worst thing that has ever happened to her, has made her unbelievably rich.
September 17, 2022
The Reason is a brilliant, uplifting read that manages to be heartwarming but also heartbreaking at times.
Firstly I absolutely loved the wonderful characters in this story and enjoyed following them throughout the book. I really felt for Brooke who is definitely going through a lot at the moment. As a mother I know how difficult it is trying to help your kids with their friendship problems and my heart went out to her as I read. I loved how real Brooke was and how imperfect as it made me want to be on her side. The supporting characters of Brooke’s friends and family were brilliant too. I loved the fabulous description of their time together and wanted to join in with chaos.
The story drew me in quickly and I soon felt very connected to everything that was happening as if I was watching everything unfold myself. I loved all the ways Brooke helps make her daughter, and others, smile. It was truly wonderful watching some of them unfold and see how happy they make people. Someone needs to try the #noreason campaign in real life as I think it would help lift a lot of people’s spirits. There were some very funny moments that made me laugh out loud including a few memorable conversations that have stayed with me long after reading and still make me laugh even now.
Huge thanks to Sara-Jade from Simon and Schuster for inviting me onto the blog tour and for my copy of this book. I’ll be recommending this book to everybody!
Firstly I absolutely loved the wonderful characters in this story and enjoyed following them throughout the book. I really felt for Brooke who is definitely going through a lot at the moment. As a mother I know how difficult it is trying to help your kids with their friendship problems and my heart went out to her as I read. I loved how real Brooke was and how imperfect as it made me want to be on her side. The supporting characters of Brooke’s friends and family were brilliant too. I loved the fabulous description of their time together and wanted to join in with chaos.
The story drew me in quickly and I soon felt very connected to everything that was happening as if I was watching everything unfold myself. I loved all the ways Brooke helps make her daughter, and others, smile. It was truly wonderful watching some of them unfold and see how happy they make people. Someone needs to try the #noreason campaign in real life as I think it would help lift a lot of people’s spirits. There were some very funny moments that made me laugh out loud including a few memorable conversations that have stayed with me long after reading and still make me laugh even now.
Huge thanks to Sara-Jade from Simon and Schuster for inviting me onto the blog tour and for my copy of this book. I’ll be recommending this book to everybody!
September 18, 2022
Heartbreaking but uplifting this is a wonderful emotional read. Brooke and Hannah have lost so much following the death of Chris and to then go through such harrowing times together with Hannah’s schooling made this a real rollercoaster of a read. Some of the scenes had me laughing out loud but then holding back the tears.
I loved Brooke’s attitude to protecting Hannah and trying to find ways to make her smile. Brooke’s family sounded wonderful and I really enjoyed picturing the scenes with her mother and the animals
I loved Brooke’s attitude to protecting Hannah and trying to find ways to make her smile. Brooke’s family sounded wonderful and I really enjoyed picturing the scenes with her mother and the animals
September 18, 2022
I loved this book. Please somebody make it into a movie!!!
It made me laugh and cry and feel awful and feel uplifted, all in equal measure. The characters are so vivid they could all have their own books written about them.
Catherine Bennetto is an extremely talented writer, this is the best book I’ve read in years.
It made me laugh and cry and feel awful and feel uplifted, all in equal measure. The characters are so vivid they could all have their own books written about them.
Catherine Bennetto is an extremely talented writer, this is the best book I’ve read in years.
September 13, 2022
A book about a mother and her teenage daughter getting ready to start a new school that’s released in autumn? Even the blurb alone gives me Gilmore Girl vibes and the relationship between Brooke and Hannah made sure that continued throughout the novel.
Brooke is really struggling with grief and her daughter is too and so this book takes us on a journey of Brooke trying to help her daughter through her own trauma and grief responses whilst ignoring her own and the allout from that. I adored the love that Brooke has for her daughter, it is of course reciprocated, but the lengths that Brooke will go to to ensure that Hannah has a reason to smile and is living the best life possible is just wonderful to read about.
I really liked getting to meet Hannah and discover more about what makes her tick. She is such a mature person and she really does know herself and what she wants. It’s been a while since I read a ‘secondary’ character who is so well rounded and who has stayed with me since finishing the book. Like a lot of children in their last year at school she has some friendship issues but her school is just so wholly unsupportive and clearly thinks it’s following policy when it really isn’t, it made me very very angry.
Catherine Bennetto never fails to make me laugh with her writing, she has such a great sense of humour that she imparts on her characters. I laughed at so any points during the opening of this story and then there’s a moment where Brooke is shopping for a new bed that had me guffawing as I was reading it! The humour and the heart in this book is a great balance.
So much of this book also involves family. Found family, family it’s easy to get along with and family it’s not so easy to get along with but there’s that bond that drives the whole thing and I really enjoyed exploring how different the idea of family can look to the same person in different contexts. I really enjoyed reading this book, it was so easy to come back to it the next day and I was always excited to pick it up. If you’re a GIlmore Girls fan, or if you’re not, I highly recommend No Reason by Catherine Bennetto.
Brooke is really struggling with grief and her daughter is too and so this book takes us on a journey of Brooke trying to help her daughter through her own trauma and grief responses whilst ignoring her own and the allout from that. I adored the love that Brooke has for her daughter, it is of course reciprocated, but the lengths that Brooke will go to to ensure that Hannah has a reason to smile and is living the best life possible is just wonderful to read about.
I really liked getting to meet Hannah and discover more about what makes her tick. She is such a mature person and she really does know herself and what she wants. It’s been a while since I read a ‘secondary’ character who is so well rounded and who has stayed with me since finishing the book. Like a lot of children in their last year at school she has some friendship issues but her school is just so wholly unsupportive and clearly thinks it’s following policy when it really isn’t, it made me very very angry.
Catherine Bennetto never fails to make me laugh with her writing, she has such a great sense of humour that she imparts on her characters. I laughed at so any points during the opening of this story and then there’s a moment where Brooke is shopping for a new bed that had me guffawing as I was reading it! The humour and the heart in this book is a great balance.
So much of this book also involves family. Found family, family it’s easy to get along with and family it’s not so easy to get along with but there’s that bond that drives the whole thing and I really enjoyed exploring how different the idea of family can look to the same person in different contexts. I really enjoyed reading this book, it was so easy to come back to it the next day and I was always excited to pick it up. If you’re a GIlmore Girls fan, or if you’re not, I highly recommend No Reason by Catherine Bennetto.
September 30, 2022
Sometimes we put up walls not to keep people out but to see who cares enough to break them down.
Fantastic book 💫
Fantastic book 💫
September 15, 2022
I don't know where to begin when describing the journey I have just been on. Catherine Bennetto has quite frankly picked me up and rung me out with each and every sentence written. The Reason swings beautifully between emotions.....I must say I have never laughed so much at a book in years, and I mean laugh out loud. Yet it is also poignant, emotional and heartbreaking all at once. I'm amazed at how these emotions blended together in such a seemless fashion to create the best book I have read this year so far.
To even begin to describe the eclectic characters we meet between these pages would take me beyond the realms of a decent word count and to be honest I want to allow the cast to step into their spotlight at the precise moment they're meant to for that perfect first impression. All I will say is Bennetto is a master at character creation and you will not be disappointed.
The narrative is pure poetry in motion and the journey stopped at every emotional station available. The highs and lows were vast but the writing pulled you in tight and I was in safe hands every step of the way. The premise touched upon many serious subjects and I must admit that I have learned many life lessons from an 11 year old young lady.....Hannah is resilience personified and I was moved beyond all measure by her approach to lifes trials and treatment. Brooke and Hannah were the shining beacons of hope in this narrative and it was an honour to witness their journey navigating life in all its ugly glory.
The Reason is the best book I've read this year.....it's crafted to perfection with humour and love and reaches the highs and lows only life can bring. I'm honoured to have read this piece and I know it will stay with me always.
To even begin to describe the eclectic characters we meet between these pages would take me beyond the realms of a decent word count and to be honest I want to allow the cast to step into their spotlight at the precise moment they're meant to for that perfect first impression. All I will say is Bennetto is a master at character creation and you will not be disappointed.
The narrative is pure poetry in motion and the journey stopped at every emotional station available. The highs and lows were vast but the writing pulled you in tight and I was in safe hands every step of the way. The premise touched upon many serious subjects and I must admit that I have learned many life lessons from an 11 year old young lady.....Hannah is resilience personified and I was moved beyond all measure by her approach to lifes trials and treatment. Brooke and Hannah were the shining beacons of hope in this narrative and it was an honour to witness their journey navigating life in all its ugly glory.
The Reason is the best book I've read this year.....it's crafted to perfection with humour and love and reaches the highs and lows only life can bring. I'm honoured to have read this piece and I know it will stay with me always.
February 22, 2024
Hilarious, heartbreaking, brilliant and just an all round really good read. I felt angry, upset, and it brought tears to my eyes on multiple occasions. I also burst out laughing (as I was out waking) a few times. Why is this book not better known? I’d never heard of it before choosing it to read on the Libby library app.
Beautifully read on audiobook with great accents and intonation, which probably added to an already masterful book.
Beautifully read on audiobook with great accents and intonation, which probably added to an already masterful book.
October 30, 2022
Brookes' life changes when her husband dies unexpectedly and she comes into a very large sum of money but all she wants is her husband back and not the money - what is she to do with it all ? Then a plan comes together on how she can distribute happiness with it ! Its a lovely heart warming story about how random acts of kindness make peoples day..
November 1, 2023
It's not often I read a book that makes me both laugh and cry but this one definitely did. Every character was so sweet and unique and just felt absolutely real. Bennetto's heartbreaking yet beautiful descriptions of grief moved me and this clever, unexpected story is one that will stay with me for a good long while.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2024
Such a fantastic read, I either was laughing my head off or crying my eyes out, such a mixture of emotions but such a fantastic read. So well written and at time relatable story. A book I feel we all need to read
March 19, 2025
i never wanted this book to end.
January 9, 2023
This book was so sweet, fun, heartbreaking & uplifting! The characters were all fabulous and the family chaos was charming.
May 20, 2023
Really enjoyed this book. Characters grew with the story. How far does the ripple in the pool travel. You smile they smile. Sometimes happiness sets you free.
September 24, 2022
The Blurb :
Brooke’s life has derailed. Her social life and career have evaporated, her daughter is desperately unhappy and being bullied at school, and, for a 43-year-old, she probably spends way too many weekends at her parent’s. But the reason for all this is no mystery. A year and a half ago, Brooke’s husband died.
But Brooke does have one secret. Her husband’s death, the worst thing that has ever happened to her, has made her unbelievably rich.
Despite her despair, Brooke suddenly realises she has the power to make her daughter’s life, and the world a little brighter.
My Thoughts :
We meet Brooke and daughter Hannah. Having lost her husband Chris over a year ago life hasnt got any easier especially when Hannah is being bullied and struggling at school.
Brooke is not only dealing with her own loss and grief, but has to help Hannah adjust as much as she can. Hannah is her first priorty and Brooke will do anything to make her happy.
You will feel that you get to know the characters in the story and they soon become part of you.
Catherine Bennetto has delivered one heart warming read, the story plays with your emotions and will have you laughing and reaching for the tissues at the same time.
This is a book id recommend to anyone especially if struggling in life with loss and grief.
Looking forward to more from Catherine Bennetto in the not too distant future.
Brooke’s life has derailed. Her social life and career have evaporated, her daughter is desperately unhappy and being bullied at school, and, for a 43-year-old, she probably spends way too many weekends at her parent’s. But the reason for all this is no mystery. A year and a half ago, Brooke’s husband died.
But Brooke does have one secret. Her husband’s death, the worst thing that has ever happened to her, has made her unbelievably rich.
Despite her despair, Brooke suddenly realises she has the power to make her daughter’s life, and the world a little brighter.
My Thoughts :
We meet Brooke and daughter Hannah. Having lost her husband Chris over a year ago life hasnt got any easier especially when Hannah is being bullied and struggling at school.
Brooke is not only dealing with her own loss and grief, but has to help Hannah adjust as much as she can. Hannah is her first priorty and Brooke will do anything to make her happy.
You will feel that you get to know the characters in the story and they soon become part of you.
Catherine Bennetto has delivered one heart warming read, the story plays with your emotions and will have you laughing and reaching for the tissues at the same time.
This is a book id recommend to anyone especially if struggling in life with loss and grief.
Looking forward to more from Catherine Bennetto in the not too distant future.
December 31, 2023
𝕥𝕙𝕖 ℝ𝕖𝕒𝕤𝕠𝕟
By Catherine Bennetto
I thoroughly enjoyed this work of fiction.
Brooke is a 43 year old woman who sadly lost her husband 18 months ago, her 10 year old daughter is terribly unhappy as she is being bullied at school.
Despite the trauma of her husbands loss, his death has left Brooke unbelievably rich so she decides to use the money for good and bring a little bit of happiness back in to her daughters life and those surrounding them with extravagant street parades and parties.
This story is full of love from a mother to a daughter and back.
Love of immediate family.
The support of friends.
The Love of a Community.
There are moments of grief but also moments of hope.
It's a gorgeous book to read at this time of year, as small acts of kindness do spread joy!
My two favourite bits in the book were when Brookes mother had been found to send a Facebook friend request to her sisters date in the middle of their first date! 🤣
Also, the dad wondered if a hole in the middle of a doughnut actually exists. Both made me chuckle. 😃
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me! 🤓
By Catherine Bennetto
I thoroughly enjoyed this work of fiction.
Brooke is a 43 year old woman who sadly lost her husband 18 months ago, her 10 year old daughter is terribly unhappy as she is being bullied at school.
Despite the trauma of her husbands loss, his death has left Brooke unbelievably rich so she decides to use the money for good and bring a little bit of happiness back in to her daughters life and those surrounding them with extravagant street parades and parties.
This story is full of love from a mother to a daughter and back.
Love of immediate family.
The support of friends.
The Love of a Community.
There are moments of grief but also moments of hope.
It's a gorgeous book to read at this time of year, as small acts of kindness do spread joy!
My two favourite bits in the book were when Brookes mother had been found to send a Facebook friend request to her sisters date in the middle of their first date! 🤣
Also, the dad wondered if a hole in the middle of a doughnut actually exists. Both made me chuckle. 😃
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me! 🤓
October 8, 2022
I LOVED this book so much that I savoured it & didn’t want it to end! The characters are so well defined that you immediately connect & become absorbed in this journey that deals with some very real issues.
I laughed out loud & at times had tears on my cheeks. I finished the book wanting 2 things - the movie version & a sequel!
Catherine Bennetto has a wonderful way of creating amazing characters, vivid scenes, hilarious scenarios & invoking genuine emotion - what a great storyteller. I can’t wait to see what she does next!
I laughed out loud & at times had tears on my cheeks. I finished the book wanting 2 things - the movie version & a sequel!
Catherine Bennetto has a wonderful way of creating amazing characters, vivid scenes, hilarious scenarios & invoking genuine emotion - what a great storyteller. I can’t wait to see what she does next!
October 16, 2022
A heart warming and uplifting read that truly reminded me of how the small moments are often the ones that make the most beautiful impact.
Following the lives of newly widowed Brooke and her daughter Hannah, we are whisked away on a narrative that includes lots of colour, random acts of kindness and an alpaca called Clint.
Through the twists and turns that real life can often bring, it doesn’t cost much to simply put a smile on the faces of those that we share this world with. Bennett’s created a world of optimism and gentle reminders that kindness really does go a long way.
Following the lives of newly widowed Brooke and her daughter Hannah, we are whisked away on a narrative that includes lots of colour, random acts of kindness and an alpaca called Clint.
Through the twists and turns that real life can often bring, it doesn’t cost much to simply put a smile on the faces of those that we share this world with. Bennett’s created a world of optimism and gentle reminders that kindness really does go a long way.
October 2, 2022
Bullying and grief. The main character is dealing with both at the same time, floundering in how to support her daughter while she's navigating her own healing (which she's not that keen to do).
Catherine Bennetto manages to tackle both issues in a way that's uplifting, and finds the humour in every day, absurd situations with her family. She also reminds us of the power of kindness, and how it spreads. It was an antidote to a world that can feel heavy hearted.
Catherine Bennetto manages to tackle both issues in a way that's uplifting, and finds the humour in every day, absurd situations with her family. She also reminds us of the power of kindness, and how it spreads. It was an antidote to a world that can feel heavy hearted.
March 17, 2025
The audio book of this masterpiece has healed my soul in ways I did not know was needed.
What a spectacular story. Beyond touching.
The characters are special, kind, real and yet like from fairytale. The story is so heartwarming in the best possible way. I struggle to find words to describe how safe it made me feel.
What a spectacular story. Beyond touching.
The characters are special, kind, real and yet like from fairytale. The story is so heartwarming in the best possible way. I struggle to find words to describe how safe it made me feel.
March 30, 2025
I really liked the concept of this book… it was fun to contemplate what I would do with so much money, while also bittersweet to contemplate the grieving associated with WHY the character has the money. The characters in this ensemble were vibrant and quirky to be sure, almost so much so as to require you to suspend belief. Overall an enjoyable read, though.
September 19, 2022
This is the kind of book that you are broken hearted to finish, because you fall in love with the characters and start to become part of their life. You will read it, alternately crying and laughing and I guarantee you will enjoy every minute. Hurry up with the next one Catherine Bennetto!
October 21, 2022
Loved this book so so much! The characters, both human and animals were so easy to like and I got into the book really easily.
It made me laugh and cry in equal measure and I didn't want it to end.
Highly recommend reading this!
It made me laugh and cry in equal measure and I didn't want it to end.
Highly recommend reading this!
June 23, 2023
One of the most joyful books I've read this year yes there are sad moments which are taken up with good moments
And this will be a togo to cheer me up
In the future
But I think we can all do with no reason popping up in our lives
Love it
And this will be a togo to cheer me up
In the future
But I think we can all do with no reason popping up in our lives
Love it
April 17, 2025
Engaging book and maybe a little harsh giving it 3, maybe a four would have been better. Some lovely observations, especially related to bereavement. Had to suspend disbelief a couple of times. Humour gentle and some lovely characters.
June 6, 2025
Deals with topics of school girl bullying & how as a mum we just would do anything to make it stop & help our child. Also deals with unexpected loss of a spouse & how that changes our lives dramatically.
October 12, 2022
I loved this book!! Full of heart, emotion and humour. Interesting, loveable, characters that you just want to spend time with - I didn’t want it to end.
February 23, 2023
A really lovely read. This is the 2nd book from this author that I've listened to, and I have absolutely loved both of them.
I can't wait to dive into the next one.
I can't wait to dive into the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews