Note to readers, before you read this book I highly recommend that you read A Seaside Escape first which is the companion novel to this one. In the story A Seaside Escape, you read all about Mallery's story and that is also where you first meet Greg.

This latest book A Year of Finding Happiness  is the same story in part but it is told from Greg's point of view and you also discover his history and the experiences/journeys that he went through.

This was lovely read with a whole mixture of emotions from sad, joyous, heart breaking and happiness. It really was an all round emotional read.

It really was interesting getting to know Greg through his version of events, and boy does he like to swear a lot, even if he doesn't mean too lol. His passion and knowledge of music was astounding, thanks to him I've even discovered some new songs to listen to.

What I really loved about this book was the ultimate ending, I can't say anymore than that as I wouldn't want to risk giving any spoilers away.

So bottom line, if your looking for a heartfelt, emotional, funny and entertaining read then I recommend that you read both books mentioned above.

This is a lovely and touching story of a man’s journey back to wholeness from the lingering grief caused by his fiancé’s untimely death. Greg McBradden suffers from nightmares of the loss of his love, Mairi, who died while climbing K2 and is dragged back into the memory by continued contact by her father on updates of belongings that are found a year later.
Greg finds himself drawn to Mallory Westerman, a recent resident of his town, and is fighting deeply embedded feelings of being a traitor to Mairi’s memory. Mallory who suffers from her own recent loss of her fiancé draws Greg out of his remorse into the light of life. Things do not run smoothly for them as they must find their path to a life together or fall apart.

This wouldn't have been so bad if it weren't for the constant mentions of terrible music.

By the way Jeff Buckley did not write Hallelujah. Please edit that out.

Seriously there were so many mentions of Hoobastank and Nickelback and I'm thinking "people actually listen to this music?" which ruined the rest of the story for me. Not that the rest of the story was great on it's own. But the main character fancied himself a musician and had the WORST taste in music.

Greg's girlfriend and almost fiance dies in a mountain accident. Mallory moves to his Scottish town and then on the day she is moving in HER fiance dies in a road accident. Greg is grieving for his ex until he sees Mallory and is then just drooling all over for her while she is trying to grieve for her fiance. Greg is a tool. Mallory is an idiot.

The only thing worse in this book was the constant mention of bad fashion sported by both Greg and Mallory. Wait no. The worst thing about this book was that someone played Hoobastank at a wedding.

While the book was kinda slow in the beginning, it was nice to have a male perspective in the usually female type of book.

I saw after I read it that this is Greg's perspective and there is a first book in Mallory's point of view, which I think might have been helpful to read prior.

My review has been posted to Goodreads.

Review has also been tweeted as usual.

Thank you! :c)

So in requesting this book I somehow missed that it was a companion novel and while I enjoyed it I should probably have read the first book before this one as I am sure I am missing something. I will, at some point, correct this and read the first one but it was good.

This story is based upon one of my favourite premises – “the Year of” memoir. I have so many books that have those words in their title and I love reading them in all their formats. I never tire of it. It hooks me every time. There is a twist in the telling of this tale however, that caught me pleasantly by surprise. Our narrator is Greg, a man who finds himself at the lowest of lows in his life, dwelling in the depths of despair and lost in both loss and grief. The story he tells tears at the heart and we the reader find solace along with him in the beautiful views and landscapes, the detailed backdrop of his little spot of hope in the highlands of Scotland.
This is a story of grace, and gratitude for the meaningful moments shared with loved ones every day. Greg’s sidekick soulmate Angus seems the soppiest of adorable canine’s and yet even he demonstrates how much faithful friendship really does count in life. The narrator’s viewpoint of life was a revelation to me, seeing the softer side of someone who to others appears really gruff and abrupt, helped this reader to appreciate that everyone is fighting a battle of their own and that we should treat everyone as kindly as we can.
The romantic journey of life is threaded through every chapter. Along with Greg’s rediscovery of his creative heart and musical talents we also witness his reconnection with empathy and the strong sense of protection and care for others that love can evoke. I for one now want to create a playlist of all Greg’s musical suggestions – as a teenager of the 80s I can totally relate to the idea of a mixtape and I am going to re-read the book and go listen to all the songs that he introduces us to. Greg reminds us of the power of words hidden inside a song and I want to get more out of his story by listening to the soundtrack of his heart.
A community of kindred spirits surround Greg in his new-found home and he too, in return, endeavours to add light, love and laughter to their world, even if he goes about it the wrong way at times. We are touched by the tender hearts of locals Stella, Ron and Rhiannon, as they strive to gently and not so gently rehabilitate Greg. The magical chain reaction of chemistry and kismet between Greg and newcomer Mallory melts even his hardest of hearts and suddenly the calendar becomes a kaleidoscope of events and evolutions that eventually lead us to the happiest of endings.
This beautiful story inspires the hope of renewal and happiness for us all. This poignant rom-com reminds us that we are all involved in one another’s journey in life and that we should tread lightly as we go.
Coffee Cup Conversations and Pint size Points:
If you and I dear reader were sitting down together today, having both read the book, here are a few of the points we could mull over together – all with a cup of Greg’s “Good” coffee of course:
Have you ever visited Scotland?
It is a funny thing, I have lived in England all of my life and never yet visited Scotland. This book showed me what I am missing out on. I too want to wander across the bridge of hope and witness the sun and sky reflecting in the water below. I want to see the beautiful hills and come across country pubs located in isolated parts. It sounds like such an area of outstanding natural beauty that I feel inclined to visit Greg and Mallory’s vista forthwith.
Have you experienced the perfect pal in pampered pet form?
The animals in the story seem a sure-fire shortcut to happiness, the walks that they take their owners on and the snuggles and cuddles that they demand, seem the perfect way to work out one’s woes. I recently lost my pet cat and I miss him so much. It’s the rituals and routines of everyday life that a pet can brighten up – from when you get in from work, to the food and care that they require – they really do become such an important part of the family.
What soulful songs would be on your pep-talk playlist?
Do you know any of the songs that Greg describes and dotes on? Music certainly does convey messages that we ourselves feel inadequate to communicate. Nothing can take you back to a memory like a piece of music can, and the transformative power of music to lift our mood and move our emotions is legendary. We all can have our go-to songs and I love how Greg reminds us of this. At times, music is a real life-line for him. Which songs do we prefer for certain moments and moods and how can we capitalise on the magical power of music?

Greg is living in misery and nothing seems to be able to take his mind out of his dark place until Mallory Westerman moves into a cottage in the village. She has problems of her own but it may be they share common ground and help each other out? I read Mallory’s story originally and it was interesting to hear Greg’s side but there are a lot of bumps along the way.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

This is a heartbreaking story about loss of loved ones and the journey of being happy again.

I loved that the book was in more of a male point of view and Greg reads as a great character, although very grumpy due to some heartache, but who wouldn’t be in his situation, well that is till he finds Mallory.

This book is a roller -coaster of emotions and events and had me crying and laughing, very well written.

I will definitely be reading more books from Lisa.

This is a wonderful story about grieving and the slow journey of finding happiness again. It's refreshing to have a male point of view for a romantic book. The characters are so realistic and showed character development. You can't help but like Greg even though is rough and grumpy. I really enjoyed this book and will certainly read more books by this author.

i received this book for free from NetGalley in return for a honest review.

The story of Greg, heartbroken after his partner dies. He is a loner, pushing everyone away with his grumpy attitude. But then he meets Mallory. She is also heartbroken after her fiance is killed in a car accident. Can they help each other through the difficult times and be happy together?

Interesting to read as it is written from the man's perspective.