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It's the Little Things
'A captivating novel of love, deception and misunderstanding' WOMAN
Dan and Sally Oliver and their friend Chloe Hennessey are lucky to be alive. Three years on, after surviving one of the world's biggest natural disasters - the Boxing Day tsunami - their lives have changed dramatically.
Dan and Sally are now parents. Dan is enjoying being a stay-at-home father taking care of their young son, and Sally is the breadwinner and loves her job as a partner in a Manchester law firm. The arrangement has so far worked well, but when Dan starts to question whether Sally has got her priorities right, the cracks in their marriage begin to appear.
Dan and Sally have everything Chloe wishes for in life - a happy marriage and a beautiful child. Dumped by her long-term boyfriend just weeks after the tsunami, she's been on a mission ever since to find the perfect father for the child she craves. When she meets Seth Hawthorne, she thinks she may have hit the jackpot. But is Seth the man she thinks he is?
IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS is a moving, compelling story of how a life can change in a heartbeat.
Dan and Sally Oliver and their friend Chloe Hennessey are lucky to be alive. Three years on, after surviving one of the world's biggest natural disasters - the Boxing Day tsunami - their lives have changed dramatically.
Dan and Sally are now parents. Dan is enjoying being a stay-at-home father taking care of their young son, and Sally is the breadwinner and loves her job as a partner in a Manchester law firm. The arrangement has so far worked well, but when Dan starts to question whether Sally has got her priorities right, the cracks in their marriage begin to appear.
Dan and Sally have everything Chloe wishes for in life - a happy marriage and a beautiful child. Dumped by her long-term boyfriend just weeks after the tsunami, she's been on a mission ever since to find the perfect father for the child she craves. When she meets Seth Hawthorne, she thinks she may have hit the jackpot. But is Seth the man she thinks he is?
IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS is a moving, compelling story of how a life can change in a heartbeat.
448 pages, Paperback
First published January 6, 2009
87 people are currently reading
1295 people want to read
About the author
Erica James
55 books1,059 followersWith an insatiable appetite for other people's business, Erica James will readily strike up conversation with strangers in the hope of unearthing a useful gem for her writing. She finds it the best way to write authentic characters for her novels, although her two grown-up sons claim they will never recover from a childhood spent in a perpetual state of embarrassment at their mother's compulsion.
The author of nineteen bestselling novels, and the winner of the 2006 Romantic Novel of the Year Award, Erica divides her time between Suffolk and Lake Como in Italy.
The author of nineteen bestselling novels, and the winner of the 2006 Romantic Novel of the Year Award, Erica divides her time between Suffolk and Lake Como in Italy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
June 26, 2023
I loved this book so much.
Her book covers give off chick lit vibes but actually they are much deeper than they lead you to believe.
Five stars.
Her book covers give off chick lit vibes but actually they are much deeper than they lead you to believe.
Five stars.
November 14, 2014
That was somewhere between "Days of Our Lives" and "Home and Away" being smashed together with a British Accent, but smack in the middle of bad. I hung on for the ending and was sorely disappointed in its predictability.
January 12, 2010
Erica James is a slight read, and yet also nearly always an immeasurable pleasure. Her stories are grounded in a narrow circle and, though her writing is less than great (for a pre editor, there are cringe-worth moments), her characters are nearly always believable. More importantly, you believe the author's voice--you believe that she believes what she is writing about, and cares about her characters. So that you want to care, too.
This isn't her strongest. The whole Tsunami thing didn't work for me because I felt it to be rather gratuitous (it could also, say, have been 9/11) and though her author's explanatory not at the end was interesting, it still didn't convince me that she a) had anything very personal or original to say about the tragedy or b) that the tragedy itself really had left such a huge psychological or emotional impact on her characters--or, even, their story. I pretty much feel that the ways she set it up, the story could have been the same--unchanged--without the Tsunami in the background.
Another problem I had was that I found Sally entirely unappealing, despite how hard James works to show her in light of her awful growing up. It still does little to redeem her qualities, or to excuse the appalling amorality with which she conducts her affair. I can buy, say, that a career-obsessed modern woman may not have a huge lot of 'natural' maternal instincts. I can't buy, however, that once her son is born and the bulk of his care is on her husband's shoulder--therefore, leaving her to only enjoy him--she'd be as callous and unfeeling as James depicts her. A woman like that shows such a huge lack of empathy that a part of her must be sick and/or psychotic.
I also wasn't thrilled by GP (Clare) and vicar (Seth) romance. Seth is too cookie-cutter romance novel material and it strains belief that a true agnostic/atheist such as Clare would really envision the rest of her life with a man of the cloth.
Lastly, there was a sort of judgmental thread throughout the book in regards to abortion that, in this day and age, was less than thrilling.
So in all, not my favorite Erica James book, but still a warm read and glad to have read it. She still has a special touch and I always look forward to her novels.
This isn't her strongest. The whole Tsunami thing didn't work for me because I felt it to be rather gratuitous (it could also, say, have been 9/11) and though her author's explanatory not at the end was interesting, it still didn't convince me that she a) had anything very personal or original to say about the tragedy or b) that the tragedy itself really had left such a huge psychological or emotional impact on her characters--or, even, their story. I pretty much feel that the ways she set it up, the story could have been the same--unchanged--without the Tsunami in the background.
Another problem I had was that I found Sally entirely unappealing, despite how hard James works to show her in light of her awful growing up. It still does little to redeem her qualities, or to excuse the appalling amorality with which she conducts her affair. I can buy, say, that a career-obsessed modern woman may not have a huge lot of 'natural' maternal instincts. I can't buy, however, that once her son is born and the bulk of his care is on her husband's shoulder--therefore, leaving her to only enjoy him--she'd be as callous and unfeeling as James depicts her. A woman like that shows such a huge lack of empathy that a part of her must be sick and/or psychotic.
I also wasn't thrilled by GP (Clare) and vicar (Seth) romance. Seth is too cookie-cutter romance novel material and it strains belief that a true agnostic/atheist such as Clare would really envision the rest of her life with a man of the cloth.
Lastly, there was a sort of judgmental thread throughout the book in regards to abortion that, in this day and age, was less than thrilling.
So in all, not my favorite Erica James book, but still a warm read and glad to have read it. She still has a special touch and I always look forward to her novels.
April 29, 2022
Haven't read Erica James for several years, this one didn't disappoint. She's the original light romance author and still one of the best. A good storyline, perhaps a little mushy at the end but generally not bad
October 22, 2018
Too slow in Audible form my book the print is to small
October 4, 2009
I have enjoyed reading the novels written by Erica James since her first one ‘A Breath of Fresh Air’ was published in 1996. With the exception of a couple (Gardens of Delight and Hidden Talents) that are still sitting on my bookshelf, plus Love and Devotion which I still have not obtained a copy of, I have now read all her novels. I regard her work as a thoroughly good read where you can immerse yourself in the story, not great literature but so much better than some of the novels regarded as ‘chick lit’ or ‘romantic women’s fiction’.
It was interesting to read at the end of the novel Erica James notes as to why she had written this novel. Her starting point was the Boxing Day Tsunami of 2004 an event she herself witnessed and survived. She always felt that one day she would use this experience in one of her novels, not writing about the actual event but a story of how lives could be changed as the result of surviving such an ordeal.
I think she has succeeded and written a very readable novel around this theme.
In her words “We humans have an incredible ability for surviving the seemingly insurmountable, but it’s always the little things – the daily irritations of every day life – that prove more challenging”
It is three years since four friends, Dan and Sally Oliver, Chloe Hennessey and her boyfriend Paul survived the Boxing Day Tsunami. We catch up with the lives they are now all living in the countryside not far from Manchester, Sally a successful Lawyer in Manchester, Dan a stay at home father and Chloe a local GP. Dan and Sally appear to have a happy marriage and a child, two major things Chloe lacks and desires in her life having broken up with her boyfriend Paul. Chloe thinks she may have found the ideal man when she meets Seth Hawthorne, but it is complicated!
As the story line is a realistic one it is easy to become immersed in the lives of the protagonists and find oneself feeling emotions regarding their behaviour. For example Sally Oliver is a most irritating and thoroughly unpleasant young woman, why did her husband Dan stupidly put up with her behaviour for so long. Even the other main protagonists Chloe Hennessey and Seth Hawthorne I felt I wanted to shake more than once!
I suspect that these were just the sort of reactions to these characters that Erica James wanted us to have.
Anyway in my opinion she has produced yet another delightful realistic novel of romance, duplicity and misconceptions in the 21st century.
It was interesting to read at the end of the novel Erica James notes as to why she had written this novel. Her starting point was the Boxing Day Tsunami of 2004 an event she herself witnessed and survived. She always felt that one day she would use this experience in one of her novels, not writing about the actual event but a story of how lives could be changed as the result of surviving such an ordeal.
I think she has succeeded and written a very readable novel around this theme.
In her words “We humans have an incredible ability for surviving the seemingly insurmountable, but it’s always the little things – the daily irritations of every day life – that prove more challenging”
It is three years since four friends, Dan and Sally Oliver, Chloe Hennessey and her boyfriend Paul survived the Boxing Day Tsunami. We catch up with the lives they are now all living in the countryside not far from Manchester, Sally a successful Lawyer in Manchester, Dan a stay at home father and Chloe a local GP. Dan and Sally appear to have a happy marriage and a child, two major things Chloe lacks and desires in her life having broken up with her boyfriend Paul. Chloe thinks she may have found the ideal man when she meets Seth Hawthorne, but it is complicated!
As the story line is a realistic one it is easy to become immersed in the lives of the protagonists and find oneself feeling emotions regarding their behaviour. For example Sally Oliver is a most irritating and thoroughly unpleasant young woman, why did her husband Dan stupidly put up with her behaviour for so long. Even the other main protagonists Chloe Hennessey and Seth Hawthorne I felt I wanted to shake more than once!
I suspect that these were just the sort of reactions to these characters that Erica James wanted us to have.
Anyway in my opinion she has produced yet another delightful realistic novel of romance, duplicity and misconceptions in the 21st century.
March 4, 2012
I like the novels of Erica James ususally and this was no exception. It involved me in the lives of Chloe, Dan and Sally, survivors of the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami.When Seth comes on the scene and him and Chloe start to become involved the reader knows Seth has a secret but I doubt they will suspect what it is and no I'm not going to spoil it by telling you.If at times I became really annoyed with the selfish (in my opinion) attitudes of one or two of the characters it was because I was so involved in the story so that's a good sign and hold firm views myself and some of the behaviour challenged those views.
This novel has a lot to say about the way men and women relate and view their roles, especially when roles are reversed with Dan as the one staying at home looking after their child, Marcus, while Sally goes to work and works long hours. It also says a lot about men and women's expectations of each other and how they may change according to changed circumstances. A good read.
This novel has a lot to say about the way men and women relate and view their roles, especially when roles are reversed with Dan as the one staying at home looking after their child, Marcus, while Sally goes to work and works long hours. It also says a lot about men and women's expectations of each other and how they may change according to changed circumstances. A good read.
November 20, 2020
I’ve never given up on a book before, but I had to admit defeat with this one. I really couldn’t get into it and I felt like it took ages to get going.
August 3, 2012
IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS
BY: ERICA JAMES
BOOK REVIEW:
It is my first book by Erica James. I picked this one from my local bookstore. When I saw a little kid on the cover, my hormones (blame the bump!) kicked in and I got tempted to buy the book. The blurb made me feel that it was going to be a fantastic read and I was right!
I won’t say that I was immersed in the story from the very first chapters. It took me a while to get a grasp of the characters and the situation, mainly because it was not a usual run-of-the-mill, chick lit, where boy meets girl and they live happily ever after. Set in the premise of Boxing Day tsunami, it takes us onto the journey where Dan and Sally, a married couple, survive the big chaos but soon find themselves being engulfed by the tsunami that they somehow unconsciously created and get destroyed by its far-reaching affects on their marriage and their child, Marcus.
I kept thinking why Dan keeps on tolerating Sally’s wrong attitude towards him. I particularly hated Sally for having the nerve to betray Dan’s trust and have a messy extra-marital affair which eventually not only destroys her marriage but also her high-flying career as a lawyer. I also could not comprehend how can a mother ignore her child, and be such a bad parent (the way Sally was to Marcus), but that is where I admire the author for giving the readers a real heroine - a believable character created intelligently. I have to say Sally is one fictional character I hated so much, for her selfishness and mean attitude towards others.
Coming to the other aspects of the story, there is the strong bond of friendship between Sally and Chloe, which undergoes a metamorphosis as the two friends are thrown in the situations, where they get tested for their loyalty and their priorities in life. The readers also get to see the ups and downs of Chloe’s relationship with her boyfriend, Seth (a vicar!). It is so amusing to see the unusual dynamics of their relationship as their religious concepts are totally different from each other. It kept me wondering whether they will be together in the end or not. Will Chloe face her inner fears and overcome them? Will she be able to trust Seth after what Paul did to her?
The cast of characters presents three-dimensional flawed human beings who sometimes, without their knowing, succumb to their desires and the readers get to witness how they face the consequences of their wrong doings/actions or false decisions. There is so much depth and meaning in the story which comes forward beautifully by the expert writing of the author.
Erica makes sure the reader is fully absorbed throughout by presenting us with a vast array of genuine characters and her smart way of writing. The chapters are fast-paced, situations are threaded well together and come after one another with such a smooth flow that the reader remains fully absorbed till the end of the story. “It’s the Little Things” is a perfect example of an excellent theme and plot, superbly presented by the author. Highly recommended!
Written by: Komal Mansoor aka “The Review Girl” @ komzreviews.blogspot.com
BY: ERICA JAMES
BOOK REVIEW:
It is my first book by Erica James. I picked this one from my local bookstore. When I saw a little kid on the cover, my hormones (blame the bump!) kicked in and I got tempted to buy the book. The blurb made me feel that it was going to be a fantastic read and I was right!
I won’t say that I was immersed in the story from the very first chapters. It took me a while to get a grasp of the characters and the situation, mainly because it was not a usual run-of-the-mill, chick lit, where boy meets girl and they live happily ever after. Set in the premise of Boxing Day tsunami, it takes us onto the journey where Dan and Sally, a married couple, survive the big chaos but soon find themselves being engulfed by the tsunami that they somehow unconsciously created and get destroyed by its far-reaching affects on their marriage and their child, Marcus.
I kept thinking why Dan keeps on tolerating Sally’s wrong attitude towards him. I particularly hated Sally for having the nerve to betray Dan’s trust and have a messy extra-marital affair which eventually not only destroys her marriage but also her high-flying career as a lawyer. I also could not comprehend how can a mother ignore her child, and be such a bad parent (the way Sally was to Marcus), but that is where I admire the author for giving the readers a real heroine - a believable character created intelligently. I have to say Sally is one fictional character I hated so much, for her selfishness and mean attitude towards others.
Coming to the other aspects of the story, there is the strong bond of friendship between Sally and Chloe, which undergoes a metamorphosis as the two friends are thrown in the situations, where they get tested for their loyalty and their priorities in life. The readers also get to see the ups and downs of Chloe’s relationship with her boyfriend, Seth (a vicar!). It is so amusing to see the unusual dynamics of their relationship as their religious concepts are totally different from each other. It kept me wondering whether they will be together in the end or not. Will Chloe face her inner fears and overcome them? Will she be able to trust Seth after what Paul did to her?
The cast of characters presents three-dimensional flawed human beings who sometimes, without their knowing, succumb to their desires and the readers get to witness how they face the consequences of their wrong doings/actions or false decisions. There is so much depth and meaning in the story which comes forward beautifully by the expert writing of the author.
Erica makes sure the reader is fully absorbed throughout by presenting us with a vast array of genuine characters and her smart way of writing. The chapters are fast-paced, situations are threaded well together and come after one another with such a smooth flow that the reader remains fully absorbed till the end of the story. “It’s the Little Things” is a perfect example of an excellent theme and plot, superbly presented by the author. Highly recommended!
Written by: Komal Mansoor aka “The Review Girl” @ komzreviews.blogspot.com
January 28, 2014
I wanted so much to enjoy this book and I desperately wanted the story to kick in and show it's potential which it did have according to the blurb.
The Plot and main characters
Sally and Dan, Sally is a workaholic wife and mother who often leaves Dan her ever laid back and in some cases wet husband at home with their young son.
Chloe is Sally's best friend and the local gp. Paul is Chloe's ex boyfriend. Seth is the local vicar and love interest of Chloe. Basically Sally Dan, Chloe and Paul survive the boxing day tsunami. When they return Sally discovers she is pregnant and paul leaves Chloe. This book is set 2-2an a half years later and things have fell apart.
There were numerous things which grated on me about this book. If you hadn't noticed the main one was Sally. she was so selfish and I know the book aimed to show that some people are not maternal but seriously you don't need to mention it every other sentence.
A whole range of charcters are thrown into the story without further development or adding anything to the story for example the young girl who find's herself pregnant.
The Seth/Chloe on/off will they wont they was annoying and childish.
Chloes abortion was thrown into the story in the last few chapters and added nothing to the story.
The Tsunami also wasn't given enough lime light and the characters could simply have been involved in a car crash or other minor crisis.
I wont be harsh as this is the first of James's books I have read and a friend has suggested that I would enjoy others.
The Plot and main characters
Sally and Dan, Sally is a workaholic wife and mother who often leaves Dan her ever laid back and in some cases wet husband at home with their young son.
Chloe is Sally's best friend and the local gp. Paul is Chloe's ex boyfriend. Seth is the local vicar and love interest of Chloe. Basically Sally Dan, Chloe and Paul survive the boxing day tsunami. When they return Sally discovers she is pregnant and paul leaves Chloe. This book is set 2-2an a half years later and things have fell apart.
There were numerous things which grated on me about this book. If you hadn't noticed the main one was Sally. she was so selfish and I know the book aimed to show that some people are not maternal but seriously you don't need to mention it every other sentence.
A whole range of charcters are thrown into the story without further development or adding anything to the story for example the young girl who find's herself pregnant.
The Seth/Chloe on/off will they wont they was annoying and childish.
Chloes abortion was thrown into the story in the last few chapters and added nothing to the story.
The Tsunami also wasn't given enough lime light and the characters could simply have been involved in a car crash or other minor crisis.
I wont be harsh as this is the first of James's books I have read and a friend has suggested that I would enjoy others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2024
Chloe, a doctor, and Sally, a high-flying lawyer, are close friends. Sally is a dynamic risk-taker, married to the peaceable Dan who stays at home with their delightful small son Marcus. Chloe is still rather hurt by rejection from her last boyfriend, and reluctant to start another relationship. Then she gets to know Seth, who seems to be perfect in just about every respect... except that he is harbouring a secret.
Dan and Seth are very likeable people, Chloe less so; and I couldn't quite bring myself to believe in Sally. Despite being a lawyer, she behaves increasingly more stupidly as the book continues. And there are a rather large number of minor characters, some of whom I couldn't keep apart in my mind.
A bit slow-moving at first, but as the tension increases, so does the pace. Enjoyable light women's fiction.
Latest longer review: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/...
Dan and Seth are very likeable people, Chloe less so; and I couldn't quite bring myself to believe in Sally. Despite being a lawyer, she behaves increasingly more stupidly as the book continues. And there are a rather large number of minor characters, some of whom I couldn't keep apart in my mind.
A bit slow-moving at first, but as the tension increases, so does the pace. Enjoyable light women's fiction.
Latest longer review: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/...
September 15, 2011
Chloe Henessy is 37 and a GP at the local surgery where her Dad
previously worked, Chloe along with her friends Dan and Sally are
grateful to be alive after being caught up in the Boxing Day Tsunami.
Chloe is single after being dumped by her Ex Paul after her Tsunami
ordeal. Paul rings and asks her to meet up but will she?
Dan and Sally are married with a 2 and a half year old son Marcus,
Sally is the breadwinner and Dan the Househusband, Sally works too
hard. Sally doesn’t know that Dan is still having dreams about the
Tsunami. Are they really happy in their marriage? Or is Sally hiding
something?
Chloe envies Dan and Sally’s life, Chloe meets Seth Hawthorne but do
they start a Romance? Or are they friends? Has Seth told Sally
evreything?
I really enjoyed this book, it was easy to follow, I couldn’t put it
down and definitely would recommend.
previously worked, Chloe along with her friends Dan and Sally are
grateful to be alive after being caught up in the Boxing Day Tsunami.
Chloe is single after being dumped by her Ex Paul after her Tsunami
ordeal. Paul rings and asks her to meet up but will she?
Dan and Sally are married with a 2 and a half year old son Marcus,
Sally is the breadwinner and Dan the Househusband, Sally works too
hard. Sally doesn’t know that Dan is still having dreams about the
Tsunami. Are they really happy in their marriage? Or is Sally hiding
something?
Chloe envies Dan and Sally’s life, Chloe meets Seth Hawthorne but do
they start a Romance? Or are they friends? Has Seth told Sally
evreything?
I really enjoyed this book, it was easy to follow, I couldn’t put it
down and definitely would recommend.
September 10, 2016
This was a very enjoyable read about the effect the Boxing Day Tsunami was still having on the personal lives of people caught up in it 3 - 4 years later. The lives of the people involved will never be the same again and this was a time of great transformation. Good interrelationships within this book with a few twists, and in particular a big one right at the end! Do tend to like Erica James's writing style.
January 14, 2011
The 2nd Erica James book that I've read and like the 1st one I was surprised. It was different from my expectations based on the back cover information but I really enjoyed it. Her characters are all really believable and I can actually get emotionally involved with them. I'll definitely be reading more of her books.
November 20, 2011
This was a light but good read. Maybe not as well done as some of hers, but I would still recommend it. I have read most of Erica James books, she is an English author who places her books in English settings. She does very well with women who are past the 1st blush of romance & have some "life experience." Maybe that's why I like her.
March 3, 2013
One of her better books. Not the greatest writing ever, but generally an easy, quick read, mostly believable characters, a good one to bury yourself in on a cold wet weekend when you don't want to have to use your brain too much.
July 21, 2017
I usually enjoy a light beachy read. But not this one. This was trite and predictable and full of snobby cliches.
I thought it was dreadful and repetitive. It might have made a passable short story for a magazine but no more than that.
Definitely won't be reading any more Erica James novels.
I thought it was dreadful and repetitive. It might have made a passable short story for a magazine but no more than that.
Definitely won't be reading any more Erica James novels.
February 5, 2015
Well done. I enjoyed the story - was frustrated by the characters which meant I was invested in their future
March 1, 2016
Another great read
A fantastic book which I could not put down. Lots of highs and lows but a great read non the less.
A fantastic book which I could not put down. Lots of highs and lows but a great read non the less.
April 16, 2022
This book was a bit of a strange one for me. I liked parts of it but found other parts very irritating. I loved Marcus and Dan's relationship and honestly just felt sorry for Dan a lot of the time. I could not warm to Sally at all, she was so selfish and had no time for her son. She also treated both Dan and Chloe horribly, I just couldn't feel any pity or connection to her at all and unfortunately that meant I found parts of the book frustrating. I liked Chloe although I thought she could be a bit immature at times and she almost seemed determined to ruin her relationship with Seth (although the reason is explained towards the end of the book). Her parents were great though! I thought the tsunami would have played more of a part but I felt like that wasn't a huge part of the story. To be honest the story could have read exactly the same without the characters having experienced any major life event as it didn't seem to have majorly changed their outlooks except causing a breakup (which would have definitely happened anyway) and causing Dan to have some nightmares (which again weren't really used to add anything to the story).
September 17, 2020
A good good read on the effects of a tsunami on the survivors, psychologically especially. Character development very well done.
I knew Harry was trouble from day 1 😄 Not at all surprised he did what he did to Sally. I found Sally to be an easy catch though 🤔
That law firm setting was super relatable, and the small small office dramas loool!
My take home is that difficult conversations are sooooo crucial to have, but there's also always an option of evading it all, taking the simplest route out and ruining potentially great friendships.
As basic as it sounds, understanding, honesty, lack of secrecy and forgiveness are key ingredients in a close friendship/marriage.
All Sally and Dan really needed to do (I think) before things became that messy was to have a serious sit down, and deeply & openly talk things out.
The ending was superb. The reconciliations and all... Truly forgiveness is liberating.
Loved the suspense the writer maintained throughout the book
I knew Harry was trouble from day 1 😄 Not at all surprised he did what he did to Sally. I found Sally to be an easy catch though 🤔
That law firm setting was super relatable, and the small small office dramas loool!
My take home is that difficult conversations are sooooo crucial to have, but there's also always an option of evading it all, taking the simplest route out and ruining potentially great friendships.
As basic as it sounds, understanding, honesty, lack of secrecy and forgiveness are key ingredients in a close friendship/marriage.
All Sally and Dan really needed to do (I think) before things became that messy was to have a serious sit down, and deeply & openly talk things out.
The ending was superb. The reconciliations and all... Truly forgiveness is liberating.
Loved the suspense the writer maintained throughout the book
March 3, 2019
I do love Erica James ability to draw you into really believable characters and the trials of their lives. She begins this story after the Boxing Day Tsunami. Our four primary characters are all survivors, the effect on the four of them very different affecting their relationships and mental health. A marriage comes unglued as two of the survivors struggle with their trauma. You feel both angry, frustrated and sympathetic with their behaviour making them believable and real. She weaves the prejudice and perceptions we can have about other peoples mistakes and jobs cleverly bringing this characters sharply to life. A romantic interest alongside all the friction and emotional upheaval gives some light relief. Well written story based on the very real difficulties of what it is to be human!
March 15, 2021
I usually love Erica James books for drawing me in and making me interested in the characters. This one not so much. It seemed a bit flat, the characters were OK but I didn't feel involved in them, and nothing much happened for very long times. Some of it was predictable (I cannot believe Sally was so easily manipulated and controlled by that rat - I could see his colours miles away, and she is a divorce lawyer so should spot the signs.)
And as for the idea that a vicar can marry a woman who is not a Christian - really? It may not be forbidden but surely the congregation aren't going to accept that?
On the whole, glad to finish it. Scraped a rating of 4.
And as for the idea that a vicar can marry a woman who is not a Christian - really? It may not be forbidden but surely the congregation aren't going to accept that?
On the whole, glad to finish it. Scraped a rating of 4.
August 8, 2022
This is one of Erica's older books and I have thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
As ever her characters are very believable and I really went through the highs and lows with Dan, Sally and Chloe.
It was good to have the book written from each of their prospective's as well as for a small time Seth, whom I rather fell in love with.
A very insightful book and it made sense when I read Erica had been there during the Boxing day tsunami.
Her narrative is so readable I didn't want the tale to end. The ending suited me and has left me with a smile. I am missing having them I my life so will have to start another book immediately to fill the void.
As ever her characters are very believable and I really went through the highs and lows with Dan, Sally and Chloe.
It was good to have the book written from each of their prospective's as well as for a small time Seth, whom I rather fell in love with.
A very insightful book and it made sense when I read Erica had been there during the Boxing day tsunami.
Her narrative is so readable I didn't want the tale to end. The ending suited me and has left me with a smile. I am missing having them I my life so will have to start another book immediately to fill the void.
August 29, 2017
I had high hopes for this book, but the strong female characters disintegrated. I know that life can sometimes take us into impossible situations, but I didn't feel that Sally's behaviour was particularly realistic. I enjoyed the first half of the book more than the second and the ends were all neatly tied off at the conclusion.
In summary, the idea wasn't bad, but the execution was lacking for me. If there is romance in a story line then I need the rest of the plot to be solid and I didn't get this.
I would recommend this as a light summer read while stretched out on a sunbed!
In summary, the idea wasn't bad, but the execution was lacking for me. If there is romance in a story line then I need the rest of the plot to be solid and I didn't get this.
I would recommend this as a light summer read while stretched out on a sunbed!
September 18, 2019
Although the background for this book is the Boxing Day tsunami and what happens to a group of friends caught up in it, the tsunami plays a minute role in the story.
Sally and Dan have a difficult marriage. It's hard to understand why Dan tries so hard to keep his marriage together since Dan adores their child and Sally has no mothering instinct whatsoever.
Chloe finds the perfect man in Seth, but a guilty secret keeps her from feeling worthy of his love.
Sally and Dan have a difficult marriage. It's hard to understand why Dan tries so hard to keep his marriage together since Dan adores their child and Sally has no mothering instinct whatsoever.
Chloe finds the perfect man in Seth, but a guilty secret keeps her from feeling worthy of his love.
January 26, 2020
Comforting escapism
A delightful tale of life and it’s turbulent times. Watching Chloe reveal and come to terms with past decisions is an entertaining and thought provoking journey. The depth of understanding of very real emotions is Erica James’ forte. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
A delightful tale of life and it’s turbulent times. Watching Chloe reveal and come to terms with past decisions is an entertaining and thought provoking journey. The depth of understanding of very real emotions is Erica James’ forte. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
April 12, 2021
Just not my thing.
I found myself struggling to finish this one, it took ages to keep going through. Events are developing quite slow, nothing seemed to be happening for the vast majority of time.
You get tired of the storyline by the time things get fascinating. Maybe if the novel was more short (especially it's first part) and dynamic, I would like it more.
Maybe, just not my author.
I found myself struggling to finish this one, it took ages to keep going through. Events are developing quite slow, nothing seemed to be happening for the vast majority of time.
You get tired of the storyline by the time things get fascinating. Maybe if the novel was more short (especially it's first part) and dynamic, I would like it more.
Maybe, just not my author.
August 7, 2021
Another book, not fabulous but not bad either...
Nice to read a book where the relationships don't always work out within the characters too. Even though of course I don't like to see people divorce but you know, most stories have a happy ending no matter what. This was kind of a happy ending type & probably a bit more real.
Nice to read a book where the relationships don't always work out within the characters too. Even though of course I don't like to see people divorce but you know, most stories have a happy ending no matter what. This was kind of a happy ending type & probably a bit more real.
August 2, 2022
Het is een roman die goed als tussendoor of als zomerboek gelezen kan worden.
Door de tsunami werd ik getriggerd maar deze speelt geen heel grote rol. Die grote rol is weggelegd voor Seth. Hierin komt duidelijk het verschil tussen de Anglicaanse kerk en de RK kerk naar voren. De predikant van eerstgenoemde kerk mag trouwen…..
Door de tsunami werd ik getriggerd maar deze speelt geen heel grote rol. Die grote rol is weggelegd voor Seth. Hierin komt duidelijk het verschil tussen de Anglicaanse kerk en de RK kerk naar voren. De predikant van eerstgenoemde kerk mag trouwen…..
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