What a hearbreaking story. Beautifully written. You will definitely need tissues handy when reading this book. Can't wait to read Theo's story.

I’ve really come to enjoy reading books by this author, each time I pick up one of her novels I’m hooked from the first chapter.
Anna is a hopeful story following a little girl who suffers some terrible losses and has her world turned upside down but never gives up.
When she meets Theo, who has also had a difficult childhood albeit in a completely different way, she feels she has found her soulmate.
The characters in this book were solid and interesting, I was rooting for Anna throughout and felt really close to her.
The plot was well paced and flowed along nicely with smooth language which had a knack for pulling you right in.
I’ll happily read anymore of Amanda Prowses books as I’m getting to be quite a fan.

This is one of the most beautifully written books I have ever read! I'm pretty sure I say that every time there is a new Amanda Prowse book released, but I always mean it!

Anna is the heartbreaking, hopeful and sad story of a little girl lost. We follow her through a tragic childhood and into adulthood where she finds love and struggles to find her place in a world has been cruel to her. Meeting Theo changes her life in ways she had only dreamt of, but it isn't always the picture perfect story with the happy ever after.

I adored Anna and cannot wait to read Theo and hear his side of the story.

A typical book by Amanda Prowse full of raw emotions and heart pulling descriptions by the score. I have loved everything this author has written and highly recommend all of them. This was classified as a romance but it is much deeper than that and the reader sympathizes with the life that Anna B had from her humble but happy beginnings, losing her only family and her trials throughout her life. I love the Alphabet Game and can understand why it would assist sadness, depression or simply to renew the energy to face whatever trial comes along.
The book begins with happiness, goes through the worst period of Anna's life and ends on a much happier note. There is an element of romance but to me it shows the trials and tribulations that life can bring to what seem ordinary families as described here by Anna's life. A tear jerker of a story that made me want to weep for Anna.

OMG Amanda Prowse - you do my head in! I love the way you write, you make me cry, you make me think,but today you’ve made me mad. I now have to wait for you to publish Theo’s story and for that I almost can’t forgive you. All I can say is - Anna is a fabulous book and I expect no less from Theo. Now hurry up, stop faffing around and feed your fans with the next instalment. In the immortal words of another author ‘PS I love you’

I have read loads of Amanda Prowse’s books now and would call myself a massive fan of her writing. I always joke that I think she has my house bugged with hidden cameras because I can relate to her books in some way or another, and that has happened yet again in this book.

Anna lives with her Mum and older brother Joe in Honor Oak Park, South London, and although the family are poor, Anna and her mum are happy, older sibling Joe struggles with life and his drug addiction. Anna simply idolises Joe, and one afternoon she plans her wedding to him, lining up her cuddly toys as wedding guests, and with a pillowcase on her head to act as a veil, she proudly tells her mum that they will have two children Fifi and Fox. But after one row too many for Joe’s liking, he leaves and Anna is left with her mum.

When Anna was nine and at school one day, she was taken to the Headteachers office where a social worker explained that her mum had died very suddenly, and unexpectedly at home. Joe was found, and returned home to raise Anna. However, child rearing was low on his priorities but soon the house becomes nothing more than a drug den, and poor little Anna is left to bring herself up. She copes with life by writing letters to her imaginary children Fifi and Fox. When Joe leaves the house one day and never returns, Anna is taken in by her Aunt who is her only surviving relative. Alongside her gay cousin Jordan, they study for their exams, but one evening she over hears a conversation between her aunt and uncle where she her aunt says that she wishes Anna wasn’t in the house, Anna decides to go to return to London. There she searches for her father, but with only a first name, and the fact that he is a Black Cabbie, the search is fruitless and Anna is placed in care. Whilst at Mead House, she keeps her head down, and studies hard, and just before she leaves the care system, she shares her bedroom Shania who is angry with life and the institution she has been thrown into.
When Anna goes out into the big wide world, she secures an office job, and a small but homely flat, and meets Ned, a market stall holder, and his lovely family.

And it is here in the story, that I am going to leave you, to carry on reading and finding out about these wonderful characters for yourself.

I loved this book! Yet again, Mrs Prowse writes in such a way that you feel she is in the room telling you the story, rather than reading it from the page. The characters are completely believable, and I really adored Sylvie, Ned’s mum, who was a real loyal Londoner! The story kept me guessing, even at the end, I was convinced it was going to go one way, but Amanda took us up a different path which I was delighted about.
If I’m honest, I didn’t warm to Theo, but I’m excited to read his side of events in the next book, because I think he has a lot of demons going on.

And why do I feel that Amanda bugs my house, or is part of my life? Well, seventeen years ago, I was pregnant, and from the day I found out and for the next three months I wrote letters to my unborn baby, explaining how happy I was to be pregnant, and telling them about all the fun and fantastic things that we were going to do together as a family. Sadly, Mother Nature had other plans, and that dream was taken away from me at 12 weeks, and the letters were buried in my back garden. Reading about Fifi and Fox didn’t make me sad, it reassured me that writing letters to unborn children is the most natural thing in the world, and that I wasn’t mad (although I thought I was at the time!!!)

Amanda Prowse’s characters are contained in the book for hundreds of pages or so, but will be in your heart forever.

Last of the Summer Moët is the second book featuring journalist Laura Lake, but if like me you haven’t read the previous novel, Three Weddings and a Scandal, don’t worry you can read this as a standalone. Laura Lake, assistant editor at Society magazine, has plenty of friends in the world of showbiz, and in this book she is hoping to enter the inner sanctum of a village, run for the rich and famous, by the rich and famous. It is so secret it isn’t on the internet or Google Maps. The village, and its many residents, open this book up to its plot line and humour. This book is outlandish in it’s story line, but full of humour and cringe worthy moments.

There is a wide cast of characters from socialites, actors, MI6, political figures, Russian Oligarchs, thespians and a controversial artist. But what made this book for me was some of the names. There is Souther’n Fried a rap artist, Savannah Bouche, an actress, Roger Slutt, the being rock star, Casper Honeyman, actor and former flame of Laura and actress Merlot D’Vyne.

Laura Lake, the main character seems the only sane and normal person in this book, and isn’t phased by anyone. Laura is half French, stylish in an understated way, unlike the other characters, and has her chance at editor of Society until arch enemy Clemency Makepeace, scuttles her plans. Laura needs an original story to save her career and the secret village of Great Hording is that story. Laura’s friend socialite friend Lulu, is her way in. Lulu is the polar opposite of Laura, blonde, extravagant, designer obsessed and over the top in every way. She was my favourite character, mainly due to her mispronunciation of English sayings that had me crying with laughter throughout. This is a romantic comedy so of course there is a love interest for Laura, in fact two; Harry, her journalist boyfriend who disappears on assignments for week and months at a time, and Casper Honeyman, an old flame who is now a famous actor.

Wendy Holden’s writing is brilliant, she is witty, clever and topical; at the Ivy awards there is a mix up in the best actor category, a nod to the Oscars. Everything about this book is larger than life, the characters, the plot line but it is action packed. The prose is fast flowing, and the use of language is brilliant, you will laugh and cringe at the same sentence.

The Last of the Summer Moët is a fast, fun and fantastical read. If you are looking or pure escapism, and a book that will make you laugh out loud then this is the book for you. It is sassy, scintillating, sensationally over the top and simply divine.

For as long as I can remember, I have always enjoyed books written by the incredibly talented author that is Amanda Prowse and was very excited to begin reading her latest story Anna. Being slightly different from her other novels, Anna is the first of the One Love, Two Stories series which will soon be followed up in April by Theo. Anna was a story that more than lived up to the very high expectations I had of it and I absolutely adored reading it from beginning to end.

When we first meet Anna Cole she’s very young and living in a South London flat with her mum who she loves with all her heart and her big brother Joe who she adores despite his troubles. Meanwhile, all she knows about her father who she’s never met is that he drives a black cab and whilst her life isn’t perfect she’s happy enough. Fast forward to when Anna turns 18 and it’s safe to say that she’s suffered a lifetime of unhappiness, having lost her mother at a young age, her brother to drugs and having lived in care. Things don’t become any easier as she struggles to make a successful life for herself in London but several years later she meets Theo, who despite having a very different past to Anna seems to be absolutely perfect for her. This is Anna’s version of what is a truly unforgettable love story.

As I have come to expect from a book written by Amanda Prowse, within Anna is a character who has experienced an incredible amount of adversity but is a strong, caring and inspirational young woman. Throughout the novel, Amanda successfully manages to capture every emotion that Anna is feeling and she was a character who I both admired and empathised with from a very eary stage. As I read Anna’s story and discovered her hopes and dreams, I couldn’t help but hope that they would become a reality and that everything she wished for would one day come true.

Throughout the entirety of Anna, Amanda Prowse’s signature writing style that I have always adored really does shine through. With an incredible talent for creating powerful, emotional and engaging stories that will stay with you for a lifetime, Amanda always writes about real life issues with sensitivity and tact which was certainly the case within Anna. Amanda’s writing within Anna was also incredibly poignant and heartfelt, with plenty of important messages, moments that made me laugh and moments that made me cry.

Sometimes you come across a book that needs to be rated more than the standard five stars available on the likes of Goodreads and Amazon - for me Anna is one of those books. This was an exceptional story that I truly loved and I cannot wait to read Theo’s side of the story when it’s published next month. Believe me when I say that you will not be disappointed by this book!

Another great read from Amanda. This book tells the story of Anna and it shows you however you’ve been brought up whether from a poor or a privileged life you have to play the hand that life deals you and it might not always be the life you hoped for and planned for. I am looking forward to reading about Theo’s life next as there are always two sides to a relationship.

I have only recently discovered Amanda Prowse as an author, and I am so glad I did! Her books are just wonderful and everyone I have read has been different. This one is truly heartbreaking, Anna has a tragic childhood and some parts were just so sad. We read about her life until she is 18 and set to enter the adult world of work, I can't wait to find out what happens next to her. Just brilliant.

Amanda Prowse is an author I love. Her style of writing grips you and draws you in to whichever story she writes.

Anna is a tale of love, sadness and hope. Anna is a young girl brought up by her mother in a loving home with an older brother. Grief hits her with the death of her mother. Her life from then on goes through several hurdles and tough times but her love of life and hopes for her future shine through.

She has always dreamt of meeting someone special, getting married, having children and living happily ever after. She even writes letters to her future children. She meets Theo and falls in love - is Theo the one??? They are from different backgrounds but have both had tough times. We do not know a lot about Theo and I cannot wait for his story in April.

As always this author puts you through a gamut of emotions with her wonderful insight into people. I can not recommend this book highly enough.

Anna Cole is one of those children who is “quiet with a busy head”. She has had so many things happen in her life and this story takes you through those events with her. Theo has had a different upbringing to Anna, he has barriers. Can they help to heal each other and heal their pasts scars to move on in the future?

Oh this is an absolute dream to read. There are so many things that are just so right about this story, Amanda has the wonderful ability to just envelop the reader in the story, I put the world on hold when I read this book, I was totally engrossed from start to finish and in one sitting.

There are some beautiful lines in this story, but one really struck a chord with me and goes some way to explaining the emotion that is within the pages,this is from a conversation that Anna has when she is older and is embarking on he next stage of her life. ” I got broken when I was nine….. and those fragments were crushed to dust. So you’re right, nothing can break me because I am already broken. I am dust.” Anna comes across as a quiet and vulnerable character, but in fact she has an inner strength. She has seen others follow the easy road of drink and drug abuse but she has never seen that as an option. She is one of those silent battlers in life and she is loyal to the handful of friends that she has.

Things change for Anna when she meets Theo, is he “The One”, that special person who will share her life, her dreams and will grow old beside her? He has his own set of emotional history, and Anna definitely helps him. Her character is strongest in the relationship while Theo is the more demure and he does has moments impulsiveness. What they want out of life is slightly different. When secrets and truths are told, one reveals all while the other holds a little something back.

This story is completely engrossing, it has such an honest, insightful and believable feel to it as you are taken into the lives of the characters and one that will stay with me for quite a while. I am so impatient to read “Theo” the next part of this story. This is a highly recommended read from me, turn your phone off, lock the doors and settle down for a few hours for an outstanding read.

Absolutely loved the latest gem by Amanda Prowse, as always it is full of love and emotion.

Anna is a wonderful creation and she comes to life in this book, she is a character that jumps of the pages and takes you on the journey with her from the very 1st page!

I am so excited to see what comes next
and read the otherside of this story in Theo. This is a genius concept especially being done over 2 separate books making them 2 journeys that come together. Roll on next month for Theo!

I absolutely lobed this book..another cracking book from amanda prowse an author who never fails to deliver.heartbreaking story about the loss of loved ones through addictions ,diving into the world of childrens homes. told brilliantly and without a doubt one of the best books i have read so far this year!!!

What can I say, absolutely brilliant but I would not expect anything else from this talented author. You go through just about every emotion but I really loved the bits that had me laughing out loud, I was alone reading this thank goodness, don't want to be classed a weirdo!
Anna is such a wonderful character and brightens up the page you are reading, Theo destroys a part of her but just like Anna she finds forgiveness but I am sure she won't ever forget and she has a lasting reminder about leaving it too late. Annas heart of love holds forgiveness but is it to late?

Anna is a deeply moving, beautifully romantic story full of emotions dealing with a torrent of heart-rending moments that define a young woman's future.

Amanda Prowse is the master of storytelling that pulls at the heart strings but her characters and settings draw you in and you are captivated by the scenes set out so sublimely on the pages.

Anna has experienced so much tragedy, heartbreak and loss at a young age but the love and comfort and sheer belief she was given by her mother feels like she can take on the whole world. But is this enough for Anna to give her the strength to overcome what lies ahead?

All Anna wants is to feel like she belongs, to feel loved and cherished and part of a family. When Anna meets Theo she believes that he is the one to bring sunshine to her stormy days. However, little does Anna know is that Theo himself has faced many battles and his heart has weathered many storms. Can this pair of beautiful people with scarred pasts help each other and go some way to bring light back into their lives?

This story, Anna, was so beautiful and tender I adored it, every emotion it installed in me felt real and honest. I didn't want the story to end and my mind was racing ahead to scenarios for how I would hope Anna's life would continue.

I am desperate now to read Theo's story and can already sense the anticipated emotions it will draw out of me.

What a special book. I have read all of Amanda Prowse's previous novels, and I enjoyed them. This was a slight departure, not least because it provides one persons life story, but just half of a love story - with the second half presumably being published in the future. It is an interesting idea, and one that I think will work very well. I really liked Anna. She had such a difficult life and managed to survive and held onto her hope for a better future for herself and her own, yet to be born, family. Her strength and her compassion were uplifting and helped me cope with the darker and more distressing parts of the story. I would recommend this book, as it really makes you think. I am very much looking forward to part two, and finding more out about Theo. Thank you Amanda Prowse and #Netgalley

*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Two sides to every story… Well that sounds intriguing. And let me tell you one thing, Amanda Prowse didn’t disappoint me.

We follow Anna Cole, learn about her past and get to know her personality. She then meets two. They come from two different worlds and both have to learn to let go of their past.

We start in Anna’s childhood and move into adulthood, so we really get the whole picture and it makes us understand her character and personality. She went through a lot in life and one way of dealing with it, is her writing letters to her future children. This brings the book one a new emotional level.

The story is beautifully written, it’s heart-breaking and very touching. A lot of sensitive topics are part of the book: loss, death, drugs, depression etc. Amanda Prowse found a great way to include them all.

The idea and the concept behind Anna’s as well as Theo’s story are unique and lovely. I can’t wait to find out more about Theo.

I absolutely adore Amanda Prowse’s style of writing. You get absorbed by her words, dive into the story and feel like your part of it. When you feel close to the characters the author has done something right for sure!

MAGNIFICENT AND BRILLIANT!!!

I love the concept of one love, two stories and in this first of two books we follow Anna from her childhood. It is, as we have come to expect from Amanda Prowse, an emotional story and Anna is a very endearing character. I’m left hoping that she has a good life beyond the end of the book and hopefully Theo (book 2) will confirm that for me. This is the first time I have felt at a disadvantage in getting an advance copy as I so desperately want to read Theo’s story right now. I would imagine most folk will choose to read them in quick succession.

This is the story of Anna, a little girl who is very much loved by her mum & brother Joe and they live a very happy life together until tragedy strikes when Anna is 9 and her mum dies unexpectedly, Anna's world is turned upside down and Joe steps in to look after her but he has problems of his own and when Anna is 13 more tragedy rocks her world and she ends up in care.

Being in care toughens Anna up and when she is ready to make her own way in the world at the age of 18 she is well prepared to face what life throws her way.

She misses her family terribly and it's the memories she has that keep her going and prepared to make a life for herself, so when she meets Theo she knows he's the one for her and they build their future together, a future she has been planning since she was six years old.

I loved Anna from the moment I started reading this book and was really looking forward to seeing what the future had in store for her, I adored the alphabet game she played when she needed comfort and safety and the letters that she regularly wrote and when she met Theo, another troubled soul for reasons far different to hers but the same in many ways, I hoped for a happy ending.  I'm really looking forward to reading Theo, part two of this beautiful story to see if that happens.

Amanda Prowse has a way of drawing you into her stories, enveloping you in the emotions of the characters lives and making you feel you are right there beside them within the pages of each and every book she writes.  I would like to thank Head of Zeus for the Netgalley approval for this one.   I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.