Finding Hannah by Fiona McCallum was devastatingly heart wrenching reading. There were strong friendships portrayed with a few surprises in the read. A story that was effectively written with the emotionally affecting moments it contained. Readers keep a box of tissues handy.
Review copy received from Harlequin Australia

The tradition of Christmas day had been passed from Hannah’s parents to her when they moved into the retirement village, and Hannah took it on with relish. Alongside her husband of five years, Tristan, Hannah would prepare for weeks and the hot cooked pork and turkey with all the trimmings was prepared whatever the weather. Though in Melbourne, it was a jackpot – and it was looking to be hot this particular Christmas. All their close friends along with Hannah’s parents were coming for Christmas lunch – it would be so much fun.

But with devastating force, tragedy struck. Completely out of the blue – Hannah was shattered; she would never cope – life would never be the same. Sam, Hannah’s best friend stayed by her side; everyone was kind. But could she piece her life back together? Hannah had no idea how she would do it – or even if she wanted to…

Finding Hannah by Aussie author Fiona McCallum is a beautiful, sad and heart wrenching story of tragedy and deep, soul searing grief; the story of how one person copes with life’s harsh lessons and how the support of friends is vital. Filled with emotion, joy, heartache and love, Finding Hannah is a lovely story which I have no hesitation in recommending. I love the cover too, and once I discovered the association, found it extremely fitting.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital copy to read and review.

Book blurb...

A tender story of one woman’s journey through grief, and learning to live life again.

Hannah Ainsley has the perfect life — an adoring husband, a close relationship with her parents, a wonderful job, and amazing friends. Best of all, it’s Christmas — her favourite day of the whole year! It’s a time to share with her family and friends, and enjoy the festivities.

But this year will be like no other. Tragedy strikes and Hannah’s world is shattered. If she’s going to cope, she’s going to need all the support she can gather and draw on every bit of her strength. Life will never be the same again but it’s soon clear she has no alternative but to pull together a future from the remaining fragments.

As Hannah heads towards the next festive season she will have to make a decision — should she stay with the people who have supported her or should she leave? Could the answer lie in a delayed gift?

Fiona McCallum’s most touching novel so far is a rich tapestry of deep emotions that is sure to capture the hearts of many.

My thoughts…

This story certainly outlined the grief one goes through when tragedy strikes. It looks at the personal journey one takes to find a place where life can be good again.

I prefer stories that have multilayered characters with substantial character growth. While this story dealt initially with tradgedy and the emotional issues that go with it I would class the book as a light read.

What a beautiful story about grief and loss and the journey one goes through during the first year. Well written and kept me turning the pages.