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That Certain Spark
A one-bedroom apartment with creeping damp.
Depressed cat, complete with litter tray.
Neither was part of Claire’s five-year plan.Nor, for that matter, was divorce.
Left with a comfort eating habit that’s costing her a small fortune in ice-cream, and panic attacks flooring her in front of the supermarket meals-for-one, Claire turns to her mum and Mindfulness in the hope that one of them can help her find real happiness.She thinks she’s cracked it… but then her past comes creeping back.
Now she has to work out what really makes her happy or risk a life where Ben & Jerry are the only men who matter.
‘Laugh-out-loud funny, honest and full of hard-earned wisdom.’ Those Precious Stolen Moments Book Blog
Depressed cat, complete with litter tray.
Neither was part of Claire’s five-year plan.Nor, for that matter, was divorce.
Left with a comfort eating habit that’s costing her a small fortune in ice-cream, and panic attacks flooring her in front of the supermarket meals-for-one, Claire turns to her mum and Mindfulness in the hope that one of them can help her find real happiness.She thinks she’s cracked it… but then her past comes creeping back.
Now she has to work out what really makes her happy or risk a life where Ben & Jerry are the only men who matter.
‘Laugh-out-loud funny, honest and full of hard-earned wisdom.’ Those Precious Stolen Moments Book Blog
- GenresContemporaryChick Lit
376 pages, Paperback
Published May 4, 2021
4 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
About the author
Isobel Hart
8 books52 followersBorn in London, Isobel Hart's childhood was spent in the Middle East before being sent to boarding school. It meant she had a lot of time to read. Now based in the UK, she writes about what she knows - real women, with flaws.
A romantic at heart, happily married for nearly twenty-five years, her novels focus on relationships - good and bad - and the women at the heart of them. She is ever hopeful others will find their happy-ever-afters or Happy-For-Nows too.
To date Isobel has published five contemporary romance novels
What Goes Around Comes Around - Part 1 of Lily's Story
Full Circle - Part 2 of Lily's Story
Compromise Agreement
Cold Comfort - Part 1 of Cold Comfort
The Other One
Still Life - sci-fi / dystopian - but still with a hefty helping of romance
That Certain Spark - Chick-lit with (you guessed it) some romantic themes
A romantic at heart, happily married for nearly twenty-five years, her novels focus on relationships - good and bad - and the women at the heart of them. She is ever hopeful others will find their happy-ever-afters or Happy-For-Nows too.
To date Isobel has published five contemporary romance novels
What Goes Around Comes Around - Part 1 of Lily's Story
Full Circle - Part 2 of Lily's Story
Compromise Agreement
Cold Comfort - Part 1 of Cold Comfort
The Other One
Still Life - sci-fi / dystopian - but still with a hefty helping of romance
That Certain Spark - Chick-lit with (you guessed it) some romantic themes
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 30, 2021
Thanks to the #NetGalley and to the author for providing me with an ARC of That Certain Spark in exchange for an honest review.
I’ve checked out the other reviews and many of them seem very positive. So this is probably just a personal preference thing, but I had a really hard time connecting with the story.
Of course, Claire’s situation when we meet her seems very relatable. Even those of us who never went through the exact same things, if you’ve ever gone through a really bad breakup, you can probably understand how she feels.
However, I didn’t really enjoy the mix of such heavy life circumstances and humor. Which, again – personal preference. But, because of it, I couldn’t quite feel the full heaviness of what happened to her. Also, the story took several turns that I thought were unnecessary and just felt weird to me.
On the positive note, I loved that for once the protagonist decided to try and improve her life not though a new relationship, but through mindfulness and self-love.
All in all, this was an OK read, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as I hoped I would and I don’t think it will stick with me for very long.
You can find my more detailed review on my book blog NovelOnMyMind.
❤️️❤️️❤️️
I’ve checked out the other reviews and many of them seem very positive. So this is probably just a personal preference thing, but I had a really hard time connecting with the story.
Of course, Claire’s situation when we meet her seems very relatable. Even those of us who never went through the exact same things, if you’ve ever gone through a really bad breakup, you can probably understand how she feels.
However, I didn’t really enjoy the mix of such heavy life circumstances and humor. Which, again – personal preference. But, because of it, I couldn’t quite feel the full heaviness of what happened to her. Also, the story took several turns that I thought were unnecessary and just felt weird to me.
On the positive note, I loved that for once the protagonist decided to try and improve her life not though a new relationship, but through mindfulness and self-love.
All in all, this was an OK read, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as I hoped I would and I don’t think it will stick with me for very long.
You can find my more detailed review on my book blog NovelOnMyMind.
❤️️❤️️❤️️
March 12, 2021
I spent half the time cheering for Claire and the other half wanting to wring her neck! Very heartwarming and humorous. Highly recommend. I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
January 25, 2022
That Certain Spark is a delight. It’s also my first five stars of the year because it’s that good. I mean, I’m sorry I read it during trying times, as I’m sure I would have enjoyed it even more if I was 100% functional.
[Keep reading @ Bookshelves & Teacups]
[Keep reading @ Bookshelves & Teacups]
March 20, 2021
It's my book baby - so of course you know I love it. What do I think people should know before reading it? It's a bit sweary - so if you don't like that, leave well alone. It's also not a romance, but there's a fair bit of romance in it. It's about being unhappy - with life but also yourself and then learning how to change that through love and friendship, and loving your mum, and your cat and the neighbour's dog. There's also a fair bit of silliness. Enjoy <3
January 23, 2022
Anyone who has been through a painful divorce, or a bad break-up, or really, faced any sort of momentous romantic rejection (and which of us hasn’t?) will relate to the main protagonist of this book, Claire Everett, and the emotional quandary she faces, heart-wrenchingly detailed in these pages.
A cheating husband who has left her for another (older?) woman, - one in fact, that he is now expecting a child with - signals the end of the world as Claire has known it, the termination of not only fifteen years of what appeared to be happily married life, but the decimation of Claire’s self-esteem, confidence and any form of hope for the future.
As Claire struggles to find a new path, it becomes clear that self-love, a concept impossible for Claire’s wrecked ego to conceive, is a necessary first step to any sort of healing, and a prelude to any “spark’’ she can kindle with a new lover (of which, it just happens, there are several interesting possibilities…..).
With her clumsy charm and self-deprecating humor, Claire is endearingly wobbly - a portrait of a woman in severe pain, prone to syncope or fainting panic attacks, eating excessive amounts of comfort food, and embarrassing herself with drink - all played for laughs, somewhat, but not at the expense of the authors overriding message.
“You’re strong. You don’t need someone to look after you. You’re exactly who you need to be and more than able to live whatever life you choose to lead.“
Going quite a bit deeper than this reader had expected from a contemporary romance novel, there are nuggets of genuine wisdom in this read, - a touching and yes, helpful look at the self-blame games women can so easily fall victim to, and what it could take, (as we see through the eyes of one crushed but maybe not quite defeated young woman), to put all that behind us.
A worthwhile and engaging read, I enjoyed this book, finding Claire and her love struggles, directed inward, refreshingly appealing and a wonderful and welcome new approach from traditional breakup-makeup romance.
A great big thank you to the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
A cheating husband who has left her for another (older?) woman, - one in fact, that he is now expecting a child with - signals the end of the world as Claire has known it, the termination of not only fifteen years of what appeared to be happily married life, but the decimation of Claire’s self-esteem, confidence and any form of hope for the future.
As Claire struggles to find a new path, it becomes clear that self-love, a concept impossible for Claire’s wrecked ego to conceive, is a necessary first step to any sort of healing, and a prelude to any “spark’’ she can kindle with a new lover (of which, it just happens, there are several interesting possibilities…..).
With her clumsy charm and self-deprecating humor, Claire is endearingly wobbly - a portrait of a woman in severe pain, prone to syncope or fainting panic attacks, eating excessive amounts of comfort food, and embarrassing herself with drink - all played for laughs, somewhat, but not at the expense of the authors overriding message.
“You’re strong. You don’t need someone to look after you. You’re exactly who you need to be and more than able to live whatever life you choose to lead.“
Going quite a bit deeper than this reader had expected from a contemporary romance novel, there are nuggets of genuine wisdom in this read, - a touching and yes, helpful look at the self-blame games women can so easily fall victim to, and what it could take, (as we see through the eyes of one crushed but maybe not quite defeated young woman), to put all that behind us.
A worthwhile and engaging read, I enjoyed this book, finding Claire and her love struggles, directed inward, refreshingly appealing and a wonderful and welcome new approach from traditional breakup-makeup romance.
A great big thank you to the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
June 9, 2021
Broken bones, broken hearts and finding your way to loving yourself just as you are. Lovely.
March 23, 2021
I was in love with this book from page one! I have never read anything like this. I went in thinking this would be the predictable but enjoyable contemporary romance... it is not! It deals with real issues and was so relatable. It is a beautiful, charming and funny story of a woman realising she doesn't need a man to be fulfilled and is putting her life back together one cup of herbal tea at a time. I cried at points that were written so well that they were like my own feelings were on the page. It was written in a way that shows how well the author understands the issues she is tackling, it is not a 'trendy' representation of mental health, it is real and pure, yet doesn't feel depressing for the reader. Overall I cannot shout enough praise for this book. It is so unique in a genre that can feel repetitive and predictable. I loved it!
December 21, 2021
2.5 stars.
it was sort of interesting to see how Claire handeled the breakup. But it was much trigger warnings i didn`t know such as death and more. I wish it was a trigger warning in the blurb, or in the book before it started. That being said, i didn`t like Claire as much as i had hoped wich made the story somewhat boring for me.
I got this eARC from netgalley.
it was sort of interesting to see how Claire handeled the breakup. But it was much trigger warnings i didn`t know such as death and more. I wish it was a trigger warning in the blurb, or in the book before it started. That being said, i didn`t like Claire as much as i had hoped wich made the story somewhat boring for me.
I got this eARC from netgalley.
January 27, 2022
Heartwarming, humorous & I think all of us women could find some part of Claire's journey relatable, for me it was her mental health struggles.
Fantastic characters, great storyline & my new found favourite romantic comedy author.
Emotive, thought provoking & the divorce breakup manual every woman should own a copy of.
Fantastic characters, great storyline & my new found favourite romantic comedy author.
Emotive, thought provoking & the divorce breakup manual every woman should own a copy of.
January 24, 2022
Claire Everett is 35 and struggling. Her husband of fifteen years has left her for another woman, Bella, taking her business too. She now lives in a one-bedroom apartment with a cat who doesn’t like her much and prefers to get stuck up trees. She spends too much time in her PJs and eating comfort food. Then her mother suggests Claire tries Mindfulness, so she joins a course. I won’t write more about the plot, because I think you should read the book and find out for yourself.
I really enjoyed this book, it’s very funny (though plenty of serious parts too!) and there are some brilliant observations in it. The Mindfulness course is also quite enlightening too – how many of us find the bad in good news? “Yes, I won the talent competition, but only because the best dancer was injured.” That section of the novel really made me think about myself too, which was interesting.
Claire is wonderful, so realistic, you just want to give her a hug (but know you’d end up slapping Bella and get in trouble!) and sit with her over tea or wine and moan about her horrible ex.
I loved the cat too, what a beautifully written character, so naughty and hilarious! Isobel Hart captures the disdain our feline friends can feel about their humans perfectly. And Bertie the puppy, hee hee, what a rascal!
I really liked the friendships described in the book as well as Claire’s relationship with her mother. There are also a lot of characters I really couldn’t stand, which shows how well Isobel Hart writes! There are some toe-cringingly embarrassing situations too, that I’m sure we can all relate to. It’s a very visual book, easy to see everything happening and I’m sure it would make a great film or TV series. (Dear Netflix, I’ve just read this book…)
9 out of 10
I really enjoyed this book, it’s very funny (though plenty of serious parts too!) and there are some brilliant observations in it. The Mindfulness course is also quite enlightening too – how many of us find the bad in good news? “Yes, I won the talent competition, but only because the best dancer was injured.” That section of the novel really made me think about myself too, which was interesting.
Claire is wonderful, so realistic, you just want to give her a hug (but know you’d end up slapping Bella and get in trouble!) and sit with her over tea or wine and moan about her horrible ex.
I loved the cat too, what a beautifully written character, so naughty and hilarious! Isobel Hart captures the disdain our feline friends can feel about their humans perfectly. And Bertie the puppy, hee hee, what a rascal!
I really liked the friendships described in the book as well as Claire’s relationship with her mother. There are also a lot of characters I really couldn’t stand, which shows how well Isobel Hart writes! There are some toe-cringingly embarrassing situations too, that I’m sure we can all relate to. It’s a very visual book, easy to see everything happening and I’m sure it would make a great film or TV series. (Dear Netflix, I’ve just read this book…)
9 out of 10
July 4, 2021
This is one of the books that you read and feel it reflects a little bit of yourself in it.
Claire was so... Real. I related to her struggle with selflove, how she was always self deprecating and wallowing in self-pity.
.
I also liked that even after her acknowledging her problem, that didn't make life all pink, it just showed that understanding yourself is a long journey, it doesn't take a night to change, also, seeking help and being in control of your thoughts isn't the whole dilemma, it takes a lot of growth and kind of trial and error to be able to stop what's going wrong with your life.
.
The character development was a one you can relate to, it doesn't go from 0 to 100, the development was more of an understanding of Claire's self.
.
The side characters were all written so well, you can picture them as people from your life easily, and the bond between them and Claire was really precious.
.
The ending could've been more powerful, i think it was wrapped up poorly compared to the rest of the book.
.
Overall, i enjoyed it.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange of an honest review via netgalley and the publisher*
Claire was so... Real. I related to her struggle with selflove, how she was always self deprecating and wallowing in self-pity.
.
I also liked that even after her acknowledging her problem, that didn't make life all pink, it just showed that understanding yourself is a long journey, it doesn't take a night to change, also, seeking help and being in control of your thoughts isn't the whole dilemma, it takes a lot of growth and kind of trial and error to be able to stop what's going wrong with your life.
.
The character development was a one you can relate to, it doesn't go from 0 to 100, the development was more of an understanding of Claire's self.
.
The side characters were all written so well, you can picture them as people from your life easily, and the bond between them and Claire was really precious.
.
The ending could've been more powerful, i think it was wrapped up poorly compared to the rest of the book.
.
Overall, i enjoyed it.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange of an honest review via netgalley and the publisher*
January 20, 2022
**Thank you Rachel’s Random Resources for a gifted copy of this book and a place on the recent book tour in exchange for an honest and voluntary review. All opinions are my own.**
A comical and emotional, heart warming tale that had me laughing out loud and crying in equal measures. This is a powerful yet gentle story covering many topics such as mental health, friendship, love and loss.
Although there’s plenty that could be deemed as sensitive, the writing style makes this a much lighter read than others and pleasantly refreshing. Focusing on wellness and happiness, the under lining message of loving yourself is clear without being preachy and is very well executed.
I’m pretty sure there will be many people who can relate to Claire, and her struggles. I know I did! This could have easily been a one sitting read but unfortunately other commitments made this impossible for me. This is not a reflection on the book, just my poor organisational skills!
A well deserved five star read and I will definitely be looking out for more books by this author in the future. Highly recommended to all.
A comical and emotional, heart warming tale that had me laughing out loud and crying in equal measures. This is a powerful yet gentle story covering many topics such as mental health, friendship, love and loss.
Although there’s plenty that could be deemed as sensitive, the writing style makes this a much lighter read than others and pleasantly refreshing. Focusing on wellness and happiness, the under lining message of loving yourself is clear without being preachy and is very well executed.
I’m pretty sure there will be many people who can relate to Claire, and her struggles. I know I did! This could have easily been a one sitting read but unfortunately other commitments made this impossible for me. This is not a reflection on the book, just my poor organisational skills!
A well deserved five star read and I will definitely be looking out for more books by this author in the future. Highly recommended to all.
March 17, 2021
I love this book. It’s such an impressive feat to write a sensitive book about a character facing mental health challenges and make it so funny! A moment with a raisin made me actually snort with laughter.
It’s easy to relate to the main character, Claire, as she turns to mindfulness to regain control of her life. (After a bad break up and a stolen lawn-mower land her with a restraining order!) She’s smart, witty and compassionate as well as brimming with insecurity; someone who doesn’t hesitate to see the good in others, but sometimes fails to see it in herself.
There’s definitely romance here, as Claire does what her best friend advises: “kiss a few frogs,” but I really appreciate that the author focuses on her finding her true happiness from within.
Recommended for fans of Beth O’Leary and Laura Jane Williams.
It’s easy to relate to the main character, Claire, as she turns to mindfulness to regain control of her life. (After a bad break up and a stolen lawn-mower land her with a restraining order!) She’s smart, witty and compassionate as well as brimming with insecurity; someone who doesn’t hesitate to see the good in others, but sometimes fails to see it in herself.
There’s definitely romance here, as Claire does what her best friend advises: “kiss a few frogs,” but I really appreciate that the author focuses on her finding her true happiness from within.
Recommended for fans of Beth O’Leary and Laura Jane Williams.
March 20, 2021
I absolutely loved this book it was fantastic. It made me laugh in places and sad in the others. I really enjoyed all the characters and they where really easy to warm to. The story about Clare who’s husband left her for her friend . She living in a flat with her at and not enjoying life at the minute. The book had a few twists in there I did not see which took me by surprise. I loved Claire’s mum she is great how she is always there for Clare. Clare is abit accident prone and funny things always happen to her that how she meets Jack who lives in the flat above. Clare suffers panic attacks and goes to mediation group to help her center herself where she finds a few new friends.
I was left wanting more and would love a sequel. I really wanted to know what happens with Clare next.
Thank you NetGalley and Isobel Hart for letting me read this book.
I was left wanting more and would love a sequel. I really wanted to know what happens with Clare next.
Thank you NetGalley and Isobel Hart for letting me read this book.
May 23, 2021
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
I really enjoyed this book and the description is dead on. We meet Claire in the aftermath of a cheating husband whose actions threaten to ruin everything she has worked for. She goes down a path of self destruction and in an effort to help her, her mother has her join a Mindfulness class. Through this class, she starts to address the negative self-talk, which is an ongoing monologue that prevents her from making any progress in building a new life for herself.
The first half of the book takes us through her step-by-step of her Mindfulness journey. I could really relate to the negative self-talk we so often engage in and I think this book will help a lot of people. We certainly could use more books that address mental health, normalize it and also offer examples and solutions wrapped up in an almost rom-com scenario.
Don't get me wrong, this is not a self-help book or a true rom-com. It is a funny and endearing journey of one woman's struggle to start over and learn that she doesn't need to depend on a man for happiness or security. It's a story about learning how to treat yourself with the same kindness and respect you show to others. It's a story about friendships, hardships and helping each other out. There's a little sexual tension and hints at romance, but it isn't the focus. This book is funny, refreshing, inspiring, thought provoking and insightful.
Trigger warning: infertility, divorce, infidelity, domestic abuse (both physical & emotional), death.
I really enjoyed this book and the description is dead on. We meet Claire in the aftermath of a cheating husband whose actions threaten to ruin everything she has worked for. She goes down a path of self destruction and in an effort to help her, her mother has her join a Mindfulness class. Through this class, she starts to address the negative self-talk, which is an ongoing monologue that prevents her from making any progress in building a new life for herself.
The first half of the book takes us through her step-by-step of her Mindfulness journey. I could really relate to the negative self-talk we so often engage in and I think this book will help a lot of people. We certainly could use more books that address mental health, normalize it and also offer examples and solutions wrapped up in an almost rom-com scenario.
Don't get me wrong, this is not a self-help book or a true rom-com. It is a funny and endearing journey of one woman's struggle to start over and learn that she doesn't need to depend on a man for happiness or security. It's a story about learning how to treat yourself with the same kindness and respect you show to others. It's a story about friendships, hardships and helping each other out. There's a little sexual tension and hints at romance, but it isn't the focus. This book is funny, refreshing, inspiring, thought provoking and insightful.
Trigger warning: infertility, divorce, infidelity, domestic abuse (both physical & emotional), death.
January 20, 2022
When we first meet Claire life hasn’t exactly been kind to her. Claire is struggling. Her marriage of 15 years ended 8 months ago when her husband left her for her business partner. She has been suffering from crippling panic attacks which cause her to black out and has shut herself off from the world. When her mum suggests that Claire attend mindfulness classes to help with her anxiety and her panic attacks Claire begrudgingly attends. The mindfulness classes open a whole new world to Claire. Will the classes help change Claire’s perspective of herself and her life.
I really enjoyed the storyline. As a reader it was hard not to feel sorry for Claire as she has been through so much. At the same time I think everyone can look at Claire and see a bit of themselves in her or relate to her situation after going through similar circumstances. However, Claire is such a funny character and has never lost her sense of humour. This is one of my favourite aspects of her character and there were many moments that had be laughing out loud including the moment when she was trying to get what she thought was her cat out of the tree. At the same time there were moments when my heart broke for Claire especially at the end of Chapter 27 when I had a little cry with Claire. The story is Claire’s transformation into a new person. The Claire we initially meet is withdrawn, anxious and depressed. Whether it’s joining the mindfulness class or the people and friends that she makes from the class Claire becomes a new person. She realises that she can’t let negative thoughts consume her and comes to accept who she is and makes peace with what’s happened to her. The confrontation at the pub was like watching an episode of Eastenders. Claire’s ex Ben is just hopeless and clueless. As for Bella, Claire’s ex business partner and Ben’s current love interest she is a character that you can’t help but dislike as she’s frankly a vile person. There are some loveable characters though in the form of Claire’s mum, neighbour Jack and Claire’s friends from the mindfulness group.
A brilliant and relatable read!
I really enjoyed the storyline. As a reader it was hard not to feel sorry for Claire as she has been through so much. At the same time I think everyone can look at Claire and see a bit of themselves in her or relate to her situation after going through similar circumstances. However, Claire is such a funny character and has never lost her sense of humour. This is one of my favourite aspects of her character and there were many moments that had be laughing out loud including the moment when she was trying to get what she thought was her cat out of the tree. At the same time there were moments when my heart broke for Claire especially at the end of Chapter 27 when I had a little cry with Claire. The story is Claire’s transformation into a new person. The Claire we initially meet is withdrawn, anxious and depressed. Whether it’s joining the mindfulness class or the people and friends that she makes from the class Claire becomes a new person. She realises that she can’t let negative thoughts consume her and comes to accept who she is and makes peace with what’s happened to her. The confrontation at the pub was like watching an episode of Eastenders. Claire’s ex Ben is just hopeless and clueless. As for Bella, Claire’s ex business partner and Ben’s current love interest she is a character that you can’t help but dislike as she’s frankly a vile person. There are some loveable characters though in the form of Claire’s mum, neighbour Jack and Claire’s friends from the mindfulness group.
A brilliant and relatable read!
July 5, 2021
I loved this book.
Claire suffers from panic attacks and is not well. Her husband of 15 years has left her after having an affair with her ex-business partner. On top of that, they are having a baby, the baby that Claire could never conceive. Claire loses everything important to her and her consolation prize is a cat that hates her. Her mother signs her up for a course on mindfulness, in hopes that it will help Claire.
I loved the way that this book talked about mental health without the stigmatism. It's ok to not be ok. If you're expecting a rom-com, this isn't it. But it is a story about friendship, love and finding your way.
Claire suffers from panic attacks and is not well. Her husband of 15 years has left her after having an affair with her ex-business partner. On top of that, they are having a baby, the baby that Claire could never conceive. Claire loses everything important to her and her consolation prize is a cat that hates her. Her mother signs her up for a course on mindfulness, in hopes that it will help Claire.
I loved the way that this book talked about mental health without the stigmatism. It's ok to not be ok. If you're expecting a rom-com, this isn't it. But it is a story about friendship, love and finding your way.
October 31, 2021
Found this story almost hard to put down. Claire is now living alone with a cat that hates her, facing divorce, served an intervention order for harassing her ex and his girlfriend and experiencing crippling panic attacks thanks to catching her husband and friend (and business partner) shagging on the desk at work. She finds herself unable to get out of her downward spiral and only relies on her mum and long time friend for support. At their recommendation, she joins a meditation group and finds herself slowly overcoming her self doubt thanks to her new friends Sarah and David who are facing their own serious issues. After finally getting to meet her neighbour Jack (when she causes him to break his leg), Claire feels that life is finally looking up. And then her ex decides to come back into her life, Sarah needs her help and she loses the one person that had always been there for her. A beautiful and at times very sad story.
June 25, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley for the copy!
4/5
At times, I couldn't stop reading it, just fully immersing myself. It is a wonderful read and very real, and it was truly not a predictable one. The book includes real issues, real problems and goes from funny to sad. Claire, the main character, has such amazing character development, really making the reader want to cheer for her (and also feel sad for her).
4/5
At times, I couldn't stop reading it, just fully immersing myself. It is a wonderful read and very real, and it was truly not a predictable one. The book includes real issues, real problems and goes from funny to sad. Claire, the main character, has such amazing character development, really making the reader want to cheer for her (and also feel sad for her).
September 24, 2021
This book resonated with me in so many ways. Amazing characters, great plot, loved it so much!!
June 3, 2021
I was expecting a fluffy, romantic storyline but I was pleasantly surprised that I found the story had depth and I also found that the lead character was very likeable and at the same time some of her choices were questionable. Multi faceted.
The other characters all had their own stories and problems to sort through and they were intertwined very well.
This was an easy, enjoyable read and I give it 4 out of 5 stars. Would recommend.
#thatcertainspark #netgalley
The other characters all had their own stories and problems to sort through and they were intertwined very well.
This was an easy, enjoyable read and I give it 4 out of 5 stars. Would recommend.
#thatcertainspark #netgalley
May 22, 2022
I loved this book so much from the get go as It had a bit of everything, comedy, sadness, crazy pets, brilliant characters and horrible ones who you hate. Claire the main character was so lovely and we meet her at the point where she is in the middle of a painful divorce from her cheating husband. She’s moved from a lovely home into a damp depressing one bedroom apartment with a rather depressed cat. A new person moves in downstairs and along with him comes a puppy. Claire is trying to sort her life out and start again but is a bit rudderless.. I did want to shake her at times and was shouting NO at certain points in the book as she was about to make some momentous mistake. She’s stumbling through life with the help of her Mum and best friend when she decides to join a mindfulness class due to having increasing panic attacks. We’re introduced to a whole new host of characters who are fighting their own demons and they all quickly form a bond. The book judging by the cover looked like it was going to have a bit of a chick lit vibe going on, but it’s so much more than that, it covers so many topics, among them mental health. I loved all the characters especially her Mum and neighbour and I hated all the characters you’re meant to hate. There are laugh out loud moments and moments where I got teary. I read it all in one afternoon as I was so invested. This book was about learning to love yourself without needing another person to achieve this and finding happiness within yourself. Basically this book had it all and I look forward to reading more by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.
January 22, 2022
That Certain Spark by Isobel Hart
Nothing is going as per plan for Claire. She is having emotional breakdown with and panic attacks with how she lost her business, husband and everything. She turns to her mom for advice and to Mindfulness to get her life back on track, for happiness.
Most of the times I didn't like Claire with all the stupid decisions she was taking. This book basically tells us how to help others, meditate, perception on life and all important points we need to keep in my mind in times of anger, anxiety, sadness etc. This book had depth to it. Inspite of all this Claire was set on her ways of self depreciating and destruction of her happiness.
This book was a surprise in a mixed way. It had wisdom and lots of it. This had real issues, was relatable in so many ways. This is story of how a woman is putting her life back together, how she is coping with stress, abuse and finding herself. This was mixture of intense moments with humour. The author has written it well which shows how she understands what is required to show for characters and their feelings. Overall a good read.
Thank you @Rachels Random Resources for having me on this tour.
Nothing is going as per plan for Claire. She is having emotional breakdown with and panic attacks with how she lost her business, husband and everything. She turns to her mom for advice and to Mindfulness to get her life back on track, for happiness.
Most of the times I didn't like Claire with all the stupid decisions she was taking. This book basically tells us how to help others, meditate, perception on life and all important points we need to keep in my mind in times of anger, anxiety, sadness etc. This book had depth to it. Inspite of all this Claire was set on her ways of self depreciating and destruction of her happiness.
This book was a surprise in a mixed way. It had wisdom and lots of it. This had real issues, was relatable in so many ways. This is story of how a woman is putting her life back together, how she is coping with stress, abuse and finding herself. This was mixture of intense moments with humour. The author has written it well which shows how she understands what is required to show for characters and their feelings. Overall a good read.
Thank you @Rachels Random Resources for having me on this tour.
February 11, 2023
This book is truly wonderful. It deals with a lot of heavy topics in a very real way; it was equal measures of heartwarming and heartbreaking, with some big laughs and quiet chuckles sprinkled throughout. And a fair few tears on my part. I will be recommending this book far and wide.
One of the main takeaways i had from the book overall was how important the act of mindfulness is, the reiteration that not every thought is fact and nobody is thinking about you, what you think about yourself.
One of the main takeaways i had from the book overall was how important the act of mindfulness is, the reiteration that not every thought is fact and nobody is thinking about you, what you think about yourself.
April 24, 2021
Genre: Womens Fiction | Humour | Adult Fiction
Release Date: Expected 28th May 2021
TW: Divorce, Cheating, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Abuse.
Claire had plans. She was married to university sweetheart, she co-owned a successful design business with her best friend, she had a beautiful home and she was going to be something special. But her plans definitely didn't include living with a grumpy cat in a damp-ridden flat and getting abandoned by her husband for her very own friend.
Now, without a plan to follow she's flailing - she's eaten a small fortunes worth of ice cream, she's plagued by self-doubt and her life is well and truly falling apart. Every time she think she's found a spark and tries to move forward, the past just comes crashing around her and puts her in reverse. Now, she's got to try something to put the spark back in her life before it goes out for good.
This story called out to the catasrophising, doubtful parts of my brain that say awful things about people and think awful things about myself - Claire was a chaotic, haphazard mess and a nightmare of a narrator that I both wanted to hug and slap all at once. As she tries everything - wine, kissing frogs, friendship, mindfullness; anything to feel something.
The dynamics between the characters were so intense that I could almost reach out and touch the resentment and tension between some, and the pure love between others. Claire and her Mothers relationship made me tear up - they were so beautifully supportive of one another, so honest and totally proud to be with each other.
This was a love story to women - to the friends and mothers who support each other, to the women who find strength in darkest places, and the women who fall in love with themselves.
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to Isobel Hart, Olivia Shaw and Netgalley for this ARC in return for an honest review.
Release Date: Expected 28th May 2021
TW: Divorce, Cheating, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Abuse.
Claire had plans. She was married to university sweetheart, she co-owned a successful design business with her best friend, she had a beautiful home and she was going to be something special. But her plans definitely didn't include living with a grumpy cat in a damp-ridden flat and getting abandoned by her husband for her very own friend.
Now, without a plan to follow she's flailing - she's eaten a small fortunes worth of ice cream, she's plagued by self-doubt and her life is well and truly falling apart. Every time she think she's found a spark and tries to move forward, the past just comes crashing around her and puts her in reverse. Now, she's got to try something to put the spark back in her life before it goes out for good.
This story called out to the catasrophising, doubtful parts of my brain that say awful things about people and think awful things about myself - Claire was a chaotic, haphazard mess and a nightmare of a narrator that I both wanted to hug and slap all at once. As she tries everything - wine, kissing frogs, friendship, mindfullness; anything to feel something.
The dynamics between the characters were so intense that I could almost reach out and touch the resentment and tension between some, and the pure love between others. Claire and her Mothers relationship made me tear up - they were so beautifully supportive of one another, so honest and totally proud to be with each other.
This was a love story to women - to the friends and mothers who support each other, to the women who find strength in darkest places, and the women who fall in love with themselves.
RATING: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to Isobel Hart, Olivia Shaw and Netgalley for this ARC in return for an honest review.
Read
August 14, 20212.5
Oh! This was such good concept .. I can see the foundation from which the author wanted to build this book .. and I like it .. but not the book
( Please read my review to the very end, to know my thoughts clearly , atleast read the NOTE that's to the end to know my view)
See, this book turns around a woman who was forced to divorce her husband as he made her co worker pregnant and in their 15 years of marriage she couldn't get pregnant !!
Now she lost her house, husband and job all because of it!!
She's living in a small apartment across the town, her mom makes her enroll in some kind of wellness plan .. as she finds out her daughter's having panic attacks
You see here she meets many ppl who look outwardly good but internally struggling beyond words.. everyone's problems are different but still .. we never know what ppl are from outwardly form... I liked how this book tried to kill the negetive thoughts ... panicking thoughs .. derailing thoughs...and filling them with one atom of courage at a time..asking them to really see the truy in their thoughs
All the characters were amazing and I really think this book would help some ppl out who are really suffering with negative thoughts
Being a Christian I would have loved to see them fighting the false thoughs with God's word..but this isn't a Christian book
I'm reviewing this book with all honesty, it potreyed many human faults ..how we tend fall for same mistakes..
‼️My problem with this book was the language !!
Language I refer is to some words and some modern talking that isn't comfortable for me.. some bad words I'd say!!
Also, I wasn't comfortable with some of Claire's decisions , I know we're humans .🙂.. we tend to do them
There's humour fully laced but I couldn't enjoy some because of the language .
There are some love interests and friends I enjoyed... coming to romance it's clean
❤️💜💛NOTE :
For everyone who wants to read this book, as I said it's language problem for me, if you don't find it as a problem I recommend reading it!
Also, please I'm here if you want to talk .. totally would love to help as a stranger if you're having negative thoughts .. I've had them.. God helped me 😊
I know how worst it can be
So, I would love to pray for you
*Thankyou Netgally for the free e copy in exchange for a honest review
Spoiler:
I would have enjoyed an epilogue about
Jack and Claire
Oh! This was such good concept .. I can see the foundation from which the author wanted to build this book .. and I like it .. but not the book
( Please read my review to the very end, to know my thoughts clearly , atleast read the NOTE that's to the end to know my view)
See, this book turns around a woman who was forced to divorce her husband as he made her co worker pregnant and in their 15 years of marriage she couldn't get pregnant !!
Now she lost her house, husband and job all because of it!!
She's living in a small apartment across the town, her mom makes her enroll in some kind of wellness plan .. as she finds out her daughter's having panic attacks
You see here she meets many ppl who look outwardly good but internally struggling beyond words.. everyone's problems are different but still .. we never know what ppl are from outwardly form... I liked how this book tried to kill the negetive thoughts ... panicking thoughs .. derailing thoughs...and filling them with one atom of courage at a time..asking them to really see the truy in their thoughs
All the characters were amazing and I really think this book would help some ppl out who are really suffering with negative thoughts
Being a Christian I would have loved to see them fighting the false thoughs with God's word..but this isn't a Christian book
I'm reviewing this book with all honesty, it potreyed many human faults ..how we tend fall for same mistakes..
‼️My problem with this book was the language !!
Language I refer is to some words and some modern talking that isn't comfortable for me.. some bad words I'd say!!
Also, I wasn't comfortable with some of Claire's decisions , I know we're humans .🙂.. we tend to do them
There's humour fully laced but I couldn't enjoy some because of the language .
There are some love interests and friends I enjoyed... coming to romance it's clean
❤️💜💛NOTE :
For everyone who wants to read this book, as I said it's language problem for me, if you don't find it as a problem I recommend reading it!
Also, please I'm here if you want to talk .. totally would love to help as a stranger if you're having negative thoughts .. I've had them.. God helped me 😊
I know how worst it can be
So, I would love to pray for you
*Thankyou Netgally for the free e copy in exchange for a honest review
Spoiler:
I would have enjoyed an epilogue about
Jack and Claire
December 31, 2021
What a fabulous story this was to read and one that I am sure many people may have a connection to. Claire is alone after her husband left her for another woman. Claire, is, well, to put it bluntly, she is wallowing in self-pity and negative thoughts. When things go wrong it is easiest to listen to the negative thoughts that squirm into your head.
Thank goodness for Claire's mum and some fabulous friends who she meets at a Mindfulness course. Working through her own and listening to others speak and discuss their experiences helps Claire to see that she needs to put herself first and stop blaming herself for things that were out of her control.
AS someone who suffers from anxiety and who has had panic attacks I found this such a wonderful and relatable story. While my experiences are different to Claire's I could see the benefits that came across from her taking the course and using positive exercises.
The story itself is just a pleasure to read as Claire and her friends get to know each other, they see signs in behaviours and attitudes. Realising that they are friends they are able to form bonds and it is a lifeline for them in one way or another.
There are so many wonderful moments in this book and I found myself chuckling away several times. While this is a story about positivity and well being it is also about living your life the best way you can and realising how to get rid of those things that drag the negativity back in.
A fabulous story and one that fans of contemporary fiction, family and friends will really enjoy. It is one I would definitely recommend.
Thank goodness for Claire's mum and some fabulous friends who she meets at a Mindfulness course. Working through her own and listening to others speak and discuss their experiences helps Claire to see that she needs to put herself first and stop blaming herself for things that were out of her control.
AS someone who suffers from anxiety and who has had panic attacks I found this such a wonderful and relatable story. While my experiences are different to Claire's I could see the benefits that came across from her taking the course and using positive exercises.
The story itself is just a pleasure to read as Claire and her friends get to know each other, they see signs in behaviours and attitudes. Realising that they are friends they are able to form bonds and it is a lifeline for them in one way or another.
There are so many wonderful moments in this book and I found myself chuckling away several times. While this is a story about positivity and well being it is also about living your life the best way you can and realising how to get rid of those things that drag the negativity back in.
A fabulous story and one that fans of contemporary fiction, family and friends will really enjoy. It is one I would definitely recommend.
June 13, 2021
thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
4 ⭐️
I was pleasantly surprised by this book! I went into it expecting it to be a cute contemporary romance, and while it does hint at romance here and there, the story focuses more on the journey of loving and being happy with yourself.
Claire was such a relatable mess and I was invested in her story from page one. It was so refreshing to see a heroine work to save herself instead of relying on the hero to come in and save the day. Claire took every bad thing that happened to her in stride and I really empathized with a lot of her feelings and fears about life.
However I was left feeling frustrated with the Claire and Ben situation. She had so much positive character development throughout the story, but the way that she let Ben continue to drag her along until the very end of the book just felt contradicting to her growth at that point.
But overall this was a really great read and I enjoyed seeing Claire learn to love herself again!
4 ⭐️
I was pleasantly surprised by this book! I went into it expecting it to be a cute contemporary romance, and while it does hint at romance here and there, the story focuses more on the journey of loving and being happy with yourself.
Claire was such a relatable mess and I was invested in her story from page one. It was so refreshing to see a heroine work to save herself instead of relying on the hero to come in and save the day. Claire took every bad thing that happened to her in stride and I really empathized with a lot of her feelings and fears about life.
However I was left feeling frustrated with the Claire and Ben situation. She had so much positive character development throughout the story, but the way that she let Ben continue to drag her along until the very end of the book just felt contradicting to her growth at that point.
But overall this was a really great read and I enjoyed seeing Claire learn to love herself again!
December 16, 2021
What a lovely book, this story has reignited my passion for mindfulness and has made me want to get back to my own regular practices. This is a story about self love, loathing and back again. Our main character Claire has had a tough time in her marriage, a breakup and she is on the path to find herself and love herself after a long time of not knowing who she is or being very happy. The support and relationships she has with her mum and long term friend and the friends she makes through her mindfulness course and her apartment building really help make this story and it’s really heartwarming that they are all so supportive of Claire and what’s best for her. This book talks about Panic attacks, domestic abuse, death, heartbreak, drama, love, happiness, finding yourself, loving yourself and most prominent being a good friend to yourself and others and supporting those that need it even when they may not realise it.
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to read this book in exchange of my review.
#blogtour
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to read this book in exchange of my review.
#blogtour
May 20, 2021
How many cards can be stacked against Claire before she finally breaks? Claire's life is not going how she planned when she finds herself separated and her business and career gone. As a last ditch effort to change her life, Claire enrolls in a Mindfulness course at the insistence of her mother. Throughout the course, Claire meets new friends and starts to get a handle on her struggle but her past just won't let her be.
That Certain Spark isn't your typical love story; it's the love story that needs to be told but isn't. You can't love another until you learn to love yourself. I found myself rooting for Claire but also shaking my head at some of the decisions she made but I understand the process and the work that goes into change. This is a well written book dealing with difficult topics with some humor mixed in. It's on the slower paced side but still a good read.
Rating 3.5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
That Certain Spark isn't your typical love story; it's the love story that needs to be told but isn't. You can't love another until you learn to love yourself. I found myself rooting for Claire but also shaking my head at some of the decisions she made but I understand the process and the work that goes into change. This is a well written book dealing with difficult topics with some humor mixed in. It's on the slower paced side but still a good read.
Rating 3.5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
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