4.25/5. Read this back in 2017 and did not review it back then. I don't remember enough about it to give it proper feedback.

I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest review. *The Idea of You* by Amanda Prowse explores the lives of two characters who seem to have it all—successful careers, beautiful homes, and no financial worries. While the premise suggests a glamorous world, I found it to be far removed from reality, making it difficult to connect with the story. The characters, though well-intentioned, came across as somewhat pathetic in their decision-making and actions, which detracted from the overall enjoyment. Although I pushed through to finish the book, it felt more like a chore than an engaging read. In the end, the plot was predictable, and the lack of depth made it hard to invest emotionally.

The Idea of You by Amanda Prowse

4 Stars

334 Pages
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Release Date: March 21, 2017

Fiction (Adult), General Fiction (Adult), Women’s Fiction, Infertility Issues, Family Dynamics, London

Lucy and Jonah Carpenter are a successful couple. Lucy really wants a baby. They try repeatedly with devastating results. At summertime, Camille, Jonah’s 16-year-old daughter from his previous marriage comes for a visit. Things are frosty between Lucy and Camille. Lucy does what she can to make Camille feel at home. All the while she is still grieving. Camille begins working at a retro clothing store and meets 17-year-old music student, Dez. The two become extremely close which is a worry for Lucy. When Dez is offered a position at a studio in New York, all their lives are affected. Is Lucy and Johan’s relationship strong enough to survive the summer of Camille?

The book has a steady pace, the characters are developed, and it is written in the third person point of view except for diary entries or letters. This story is about family dynamics, miscommunication, and the stubbornness of a teenager. I thought it was well written and could connect with the characters. If you like stories based on family or relationship dynamics, you may enjoy reading this book.

This type of book isn't one that's usually on my radar, however the premise of this sounded interesting and it turned out to be a pleasant surprise.

Chronicling the grief and struggle of infertility combined with marriage strains, this was an emotional yet relatable read. It felt well-rounded with focusing on Lucy's struggles with conceiving, but also how that affected the people close to her and her loved ones as well. Lucy felt like a fully realised character who was flawed but still someone that you wanted to root for.

I really enjoyed this and would definitely be open to reading something else by Amanda Prowse in the future.

This is a very slow story, specially the first half. I was a little bored and almost quit it, but I continued, and towards the last 20% percent or so it started to get more intense and emotional, which I always love to feel. Basically, almost the entire book is a build up. Nothing really happened and yet the whole thing was overly dramatic.

This book was emotional family drama with elements you don't always find. Touches on dynamic women's issues and is heart rendering it many places. Definitely a must read that will take you to many places throughout the course of the novel.

Not usually my first choice of book, I found this title to be engaging and enlightening. The relationship so well developed and the depth of emotion impactful.

Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and Amanda Prowse for the ARC provided via NetGalley; this is my honest review.
*spoilers*

The Idea of You by Amanda Prowse
Lake Union Publishing, 21st March 2017
⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis:
With her fortieth birthday approaching, Lucy Carpenter thinks she finally has it all: a wonderful new husband, Jonah, a successful career, and the chance of a precious baby of her own. Life couldn’t be more perfect.

But becoming parents proves much harder to achieve than Lucy and Jonah imagined, and when Jonah’s teenage daughter Camille comes to stay with them, she becomes a constant reminder of what Lucy doesn’t have. Jonah’s love and support are unquestioning, but Lucy’s struggles with work and her own failing dreams begin to take their toll. With Camille’s presence straining the bonds of Lucy’s marriage even further, Lucy suddenly feels herself close to losing everything…

Review:
The Idea of You has a great many highly rated reviews, so it's clear that a great many people enjoyed it immensely. Lucy and Jonah's relationship is examined well, and there are aspects of both characters that really draw you into the story.

Despite Lucy's struggles with pregnancy, including miscarriage, I really found it difficult to connect with her. I should have found it easy - I've had several miscarriages myself, so I have been in her shoes, but something just didn't click. So, I felt somewhat detached from the book as I read.

I wanted to enjoy this book much more than I did, as the author is well respected, but I strive for honesty in my reviews. I'm hoping I enjoy the next Amanda Prowse book I read more.

#TheIdeaOfYou #NetGalley #LakeUnionPublishing #WomensFiction #LiteraryFiction

Amanda Prowse is one of my auto buy authors, and I was overjoyed to get the chance to review this book. I enjoyed it as much or even more than her past books. I will continue to purchase all of her books.

A great story, well written if a little predictable. I always get a lot of enjoyment from Amanda Prowse books and I'm sure I'll read more in the future.

An emotional and heart breaking read about a woman's struggle to conceive. Amanda never fails to deliver a great book.

A well written book dealing with fertility struggles and the longing to become. I thought the subject was dealt with really well with great characters. Recommended.

*I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

A story about a woman longing for motherhood, but facing the struggles of achieving that. This was a good read. Beautifully written.

I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher in return for an honest review. This review is based entirely on my own thoughts and feelings.

Overall rating : 4*
Writing skill : 5*
Plot: 3*
Pace: 3*
Characters: 5*
Emotiveness: 4*

Another bloody book I've put off since 2017 that I received for free, that's been sat on my kindle abandoned all this time. And it was a sad, beautiful, emotive read. This is my second book by this author, and I will definitely chip away at some more.
Her writing is flawless, I felt all the emotions of the characters, who by the way were all excellent. A great read for fans of domestic dramas and books surrounding family life.

I was unable to download this title in time to leave an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity though.

Another fantastic gem on my shelf of netgalley reads that I wish I had read sooner!
Lucy and her new husband, Jonah, are trying to become parents but it’s a very hard journey. When Camille, Jonah’s teenage daughter arrives things go wrong and everything is at stake.
As always Amanda gives all the emotions with her characters and I loved this. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers in exchange for my honest review.

I was worried about this book hitting a little too close to home since I myself am infertile and my partner had already had children of his own before we met. I felt like Lucy had a lot more promise as a character that wasn't met.

Lucy has it all except for the family she always dreamed of having. At 39, Lucy meets Jonah. They marry and Lucy finds herself pregnant. But things don't go as planned. Jonah's teenage daugher from a previous marriage and, although things are rocky, Lucy sees that her dream of a family may still be realized.

While the writing was solid, I found the characters to be a bit one-dimensional. But in the end, it was a very emotional (and a bit heart-breaking). If you enjoy family dramas, this book is for you.

Unfortunately, I found this book difficult to get into and it just wasn't for me, despite the intriguing premise.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC

Very well written novel dealing with the struggle to become a mother and the domestic issues that go hand in hand. Absolutely heartfelt dealing with such a sensitive topic. Highly recommend!