I was looking forward to reading this book as I loved the author’s novel ‘Before We Were Yours.’ Sometimes, though, the more you anticipate something, the more likely you will feel disappointed. And, when I first started to read, it took me a little while to get into it. I wasn’t expecting that. However, once I met Teddy, everything changed. There are few characters I’ve read about that have made me smile as much as he did.

This is the story of Rebecca and Hanna Beth and the people around them. Hanna Beth is Rebecca’s father’s wife. Rebecca’s father, Edward, left her and her mum when she was twelve to be with Hanna Beth, and Rebecca hasn’t been home or communicated with him since. She has rejected all attempts at contact, believing only her mother’s account of what happened all those years ago.

Now, in the present, Hanna Beth lies in hospital after having a stroke. At the start of the novel, she can’t speak or move. In addition, Edward has Alzheimer’s Disease and Teddy (Hanna Beth’s son) is mentally disabled. He is a child in a man’s body. Rebecca is contacted by the police when Teddy is found wandering the streets. She must return home to Blue Sky Hill to arrange care for her father and stepbrother.

The characters of Rebecca and Hanna Beth are really well developed. Slowly, Hanna Beth becomes physically stronger and Rebecca reconnects with a family she never imagined she could love.

There are many other things taking place as sub-plots. But, ultimately, this book is about family. It is about everyone having their own truth for every situation.

Did I mention Teddy? Ohh, he is just fab. He binds Hanna Beth and Edward to Rebecca, and the way he trusts everyone and believes everyone and is always ready to have fun. He is a joy to read.

The ending is perfect. I won’t give it away, but I was happy when I got there.

Lisa Wingate is really a terrific writer. It is so easy to fall inside her stories and imagine you are a part of them. Her characters are painfully real. You invest in their futures.

Brilliant! I recommend Lisa Wingate to everyone.

Anyone wanting a pick-me-up. Anyone who loves to read character-driven novels. It's a great, fast holiday read.

Teddy. He is such a fabulous character. I think he will be in my head for a long time to come. Lisa Wingate's style of writing is first class, too. I will definitely read more of her work.

Read another Blue Sky Hill book. So I downloaded a couple onto my Kindle.

Happy. Warm and fuzzy.

I am officially a fan of Lisa Wingate. I look forward to reading more of her books in the future. She writes with an ease that draws you into her story worlds.

It's brilliant.

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Created Jul 08, 2021 at 3:47am • Submit your own review...