A desperately sad story of loss, grief and the gradual and slow process of "healing". I couldn't put this book down and read it in two sittings. I felt uncomfortable encroaching on Rachel, James and Cee-Cee's grief but was so drawn in by their characters and the varying ways in which they tried to come to terms with their loss that I couldn't bring myself to part with their story for long. No-one writes a family drama better than Amanda Prowse. This story took me through every emotion but at the end, through my tears, I did at least feel hope for her wonderful characters. Highly recommend this book.

A powerful story of loss, grief and the effects of tragedy on an erstwhile loving family. Amanda Prowse took me on such an emotionally overwhelming journey that I felt like a voyeur watching the awful aftermath of the loss of Rachel and James’ 7 year old son at sea. Their lives implode through grief and I felt raw and uncomfortable invading their privacy. A tearful, harrowing but also hopeful read.

This story takes you on an emotional rollercoaster ride from start to finish. A strong start, a great ending, extremely well written and a tear-jerker from start to finish. Unfortunately for me, it just felt far too long with not much happening. As much as I have very much enjoyed numerous books by Ms. Prowse, this one unfortunately wasn't one of my favourite one of hers.

Many thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this ARC for which I have given my voluntary and unbiased review.

Amanda Prowse truly deserves her title of the Queen of Domestic Drama. This is a heartbreaking story about love and loss. Rachel and James Croft appear to have it all. The 'have it all' lifestyle on the idyllic island of Bermuda, an amazing home, and a beautiful son. However, a trip away on their luxury yacht changes things forever. This really is a lovely book, even though it is very sad. I particularly loved the letters written to Rachel by housekeeper, Cee Cee, but would have really liked to have been able to read more of the story from James' perspective, as it tended to focus on Rachel. Even so, Amanda has given us yet another fabulous book. Highly recommended.

The subjet of this book is the difficult topic of losing a chold, and even more agonising the child goes missing. The insight into the grieving process is beautiful it expresses the different ways we all navigate this difficult path. This book made me smile, feel warm and comforted and also sob. The depth of the various emotions is beautifully written as expected of Amanda. I recommend this book to anyone who is lost in grief and to those who are not it is an education. .. Simply beautiful.

I was given an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an independent review.
When you read an Amanda Prowse novel, you know before you start that it will be an emotional journey, beautifully written with a host of wonderful characters.This book was no exception.
A very raw and honest account of two parents dealing with the worst situation imaginable that drew me in and held me until the very end.
Highly recommended.

A storyline that wrings out your emotions and tugs at your heartstrings. The author as always delivers a deep and meaningful story in such a delightful way . Brilliant characters and wonderful storyline

Wow yet another great thought provoking read. This story is an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish but boy what a ride. It definitely makes you want to count your blessings and to give your children a great big hug. I highly recommend this book.

You always expect emotion in Amanda Prowse's thought-provoking family dramas and this is no exception. The poem at the start of the book sets the scene '...And now I live for eternity in deep, blue grief'. Rachel and James's idyllic life in beautiful Bermuda is shattered by a tragic death. Rachel's overwhelming grief is something we all hope we will never have to face ourselves. The way it affects her husband, family and friends and how they all try to work through their own grief while trying to help her is so expressive and beautifully written that you really feel for them all, as though you know them personally. Their housekeeper Cee-Cee's letters to Rachel telling her own poignant story add another dimension to the book. A moving and satisfying story, well told.

A sweet emotional family drama about a couple who try to cope with the loss of their son. An easy read but not going to have you totally gripped or bawling your eyes out either!

#TheCoordinatesOfLoss #NetGalley

One of the best books i have read. Was not an easy read. The whole story was sad but it's something I can relate to.

The pain and loss felt by Rachel and James felt was so real. I loved Cee-Cee and her letters which were also so sad.

The guilt and pain felt by the couple are so real. I guess it can be understood by the people who has gone through it.

The way the couples faced their troubles and how Cee-cee helped with their loss with so much pain in her own heart. The author has done a great work in expressing the pain all of them faced.

It also showed that sometimes we will think that we are the only who is affected and who has lost. But the loss might be felt by many other people and they arev also struggling to cope with the pain and loss.

Sometimes the loss and pain will be always there. But time heals.

Loved this book. Really well written, so much emotion in it, so much details. Explanations and great character analysis.
Enjoyed reading it as a story but also learning about the depression and the illness.
Written in true Amanda Prowse style. Loved it cant wait for the next book.

This is one of Amanda’s best book so far. It is written beautifully with the perfect touch of sensitivity. The book transports you to Bermuda where you find tragedy and so much pain. The characters come to life in front of your eyes and instantly you connect with them. A must read!

Just finished reading this amazing book. It must be the saddest book I have ever read. You need a box of hankies and a quiet spot to read this. Oscar, who is 7 years old is lost at sea. From the moment Rachel and James realise he is not on the boat there pain comes of the page straight into your heart. His loss does not only affect them it affects Cee Cee, there housekeeper as well. It seems like there is never a way back for them. You feel the sadness all the way through this book.

Rachel and James suffer the ultimate loss, that of their son, and this gem of a story explores its effect on them, their housekeeper and their families. And what a story. It simply never lets up. Much as, I imagine, the grief of losing a child never ends. I was drawn to this title initially – and it turned out to be so apt. The book revolves around the effects of loss; locating those points in space that define loss and the terrible grief associated with it. As the family unravels, so we learn more about the life of the wonderful Cee-Cee, who keeps house for them in Bermuda. Amanda Prowse manages to capture feelings, dialogue, pain and grief so beautifully and with such authenticity. I haven’t cried so much reading a book for a long, long time. I loved it, was totally saddened by it, and highly recommend it. The Coordinates of Loss is due out on September 25, 2018.

The Coordinates of Loss by Amanda Prowse, oh my. I was concerned at first by the subject matter because it's about a 7 year old boy that goes missing in the ocean, but I have to say that I was wrong to worry. It's very well done and really touched me.

The book is a journey that contains so much heart and soul that I could only read a few chapters at a time. It really examines our relationships and how they stand up to times of great trial and also is about forgiving yourself. It's a book that really made me think. I think it would make a good book club read.

Grief has no blueprint

A book dealing with the loss of a son was always going to be emotional and particularly in the hands of Amanda Prowse. She writes very believable characters and you can’t help but feel their pain. While the main focus was Rachel, the star of the book for me was Cee-Cee the housekeeper. Everybody could benefit from a woman like Cee-Cee in their life.

I always enjoy reading Amanda Prowse's books and this was no exception. However, make sure you have a box of tissues to hand while reading this one! James and Rachel lose their beloved 7 year old son in an accident at sea. This is the story of how they cope with and eventually learn to live with their loss. Thanks to Netgalley for a preview copy.
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The story deals with loss, grief and moving forward. There is an overwhelming sadness in this book and I found it difficult to read through. At the same time I couldn't help knowing how it ends; which the ending made up with the story finishing on an acceptable note.

All consuming, utterly gripping story about a couple coming to terms with the sudden loss of their child, while at sea on day, in Bermuda.

I could barely put the book down as the writing is so good, and it just drew me in and wouldn't let me know.

However unlike other books by this author, I just didn't quite connect properly with the subject and the characters and I can only think that is because we didn't really get to see Oscar alive and connect to him before the tragedy, so its harder to feel his loss for yourself.

We do get to know Oscar a bit through reminisces but given the book is all about his death and those coping with it, I was surprised that I didn't feel anything towards him, especially given I normally love child characters in books.

What I loved were the letters that Cee-Cee, their housekeeper was writing to Rachel, to help her with her grief and through them we learn about Cee-Cee's own life and her heartbreak.

I started to warm to Rachel once the complete despair stage was a bit lesser and watching her slowly come to terms with her new life and situation is rather inspiring. I am sure that if you are going through a similar situation and were in a position to read this, then it would give you some comfort, and hope. Equally those that have unfortunately lived through what Rachel and James do, may connect to this book a lot more than I did.

That being said I was unable to tear myself away, I had to read it in a few hours, in long stints, and wasn't really aware of what was going on around me. I didn't find it emotional, but it was interesting and the topic is dealt with, with Amanda Prowse's typical levels of details warmth and sensitivity.

This ia a great book and if you are new to the author it will certainly give you a fabulous idea of what she is capable of.

Thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.