This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
Reviewed by Kelly Allen
Frankie is a single mum of two, living by the sea in Norfolk. She is a famous author, but struggling with the latest edition of her children’s collection about a young girl called Alice.
Scott and his daughter Jenna live in Canada. Scott is a musician, famous for writing music for film, but he too is having a creative meltdown.
When they both meet by complete chance whilst working in London, all the things they were never looking for suddenly appear. The connection between them is akin to love at first sight, and once they part they make plans to make it work, no matter the distance.
After trekking miles to see each other, falling more and more in love, Scott makes a decision to ask Frankie a very special question. Then it seems fate steps in the way of their love, ripping apart their happy ever after.
I am a big fan of Freya North’s books; the depths of character and descriptive scenery give a rich read to any bookworm in my opinion. I fell head over heels for Frankie and Scott and the love they shared – it would be hard not to be sucked into a world of fully-formed ‘real’ characters.
Initially I found the psychological battle between Frankie and her fictional character Alice a bit difficult to get my head around, but as the book went on I began to understand it and it flowed a lot better for me once this happened. Scott is wonderful throughout the story, opening Frankie’s (and my) eyes up to the world around and the endless possibilities in life. He is a very positive character, which rubs off as you read.
Frankie was just cute. She seemed small but gutsy and her lifestyle is hectic and stressful, yet she has love streaming from every inch of the people around her. Her development as a person throughout the book was fundamental to the storyline, and following her along her path of self-discovery was enjoyable at times, but also heartbreakingly sad.The children all play vital roles in Frankie and Scott’s story; the moody teen and dejected youngster, as well as Jenna (Scott’s daughter) with her severe epileptic seizures and lack of independence. There is a very interesting mix of characters, adding many layers to the storyline as their love develops and is tested in different ways.
I really enjoyed reading about the contrasting landscapes, people and places as well as teaching myself to appreciate the little things, enjoy the here and now, and stop worrying about what lies ahead.
This is book that will break your heart (yes I needed tissues!) but will also help heal it in some ways, too.
8/10