I always trust that whenever I open a book by Amanda I am in for an emotional rollercoaster. Rae is a slightly less likeable main character than usual (you’re never sure if you want to give her a shake or a hug!) but relationships and their complications are something that this author always absolutely nails. Another smash!

This was a brilliant read. As soon as I started reading this book I just knew I was going to love it. Highly recommended

I found this authors books by chance many years ago. I like the way she writes about ordinary people, her stories are in-depth and show the emotional side of life. This book is no exception. It follows what happens when you suddenly decide you are worth more than your value to other people. Deciding to make your own decisions and not consult others can be very scary but liberating at the same time.

Thank you for the advance copy.

Unfortunately this book was not for me, it was a bit slower than I would like and it just didn't hold my attention. I am sure other people will love it!

This book had a lot of promise and it could have been brilliant, but it just got a little bit repetitive for me. I did find it quite emotional though in parts, I really felt for Rae when she found out about her husband’s infidelity and even more so when a death occurred, which actually made me cry. I was glad it ended as it did though, and certainly not before time. Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK,/Lake Union Publishing for letting me read and review this book.

I did find this a mostly good read - but for me, it lost a star because I found the main character to be a bit irritating. I know this is probably not a great reason for a down-star, but I do find books more enjoyable when they have a character that I either really care about, or have strong feelings about. This main character was just a bit irritating, and yet I did feel she redeemed herself at the end.
I worry that I am being a little unfair to the author, as I do understand the argument that the character did need to be a bit week, but although it was a good read, it wasn't a truly great, memorable book.

Rae-Valentine and Howard were childhood sweethearts and introduced by Dolly, Howard’s sister.. As they celebrate twenty-five years Howard admits to having a brief affair. I just loved the way the story unfolded and explored all the family relationships and especially how Rae-Valentine coped with her emotions.

It was a great story told with humour and sadness and emotions everyone can relate to. Great conclusion really enjoyed this book

What a fascinating book. I was impressed by the storyline and the characters were all well written and complex. Where there are complex storylines combined with intriguing characters the reader experience is magnified tremendously. To have a book that is well written as well as entertaining is a delight. Reading is about escaping your world and entering another one. The word building was phenomenal in this book. Here I forgot about my own life and was immersed in the world created by the author. I would recommend this book.

Sorry for late review . I’ve only just learnt how to do it . Another amazing read . I read it a while ago but Amanda Prowse can do no wrong . An author I can trust that I will enjoy the book

First time I have read an Amanda Prowse book and I will certainly be reading more. This was a sensitive subject which was handled really well. A mist read!

This isn’t a genre that I normally enjoy, but I did like this one. I didn’t love it, but I did enjoy it. I think there’s a lot that can be learnt from this one. I really liked the characters and felt a lot of different emotions whilst reading this one. A fun read with a lot of important messages!

Unfortunately, I have not been able to read and review this book.

After losing and replacing my broken Kindle and getting a new phone I was unable to download the title again for review as it was no longer available on Netgalley.

I’m really sorry about this and hope that it won’t affect you allowing me to read and review your titles in the future.

Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity.
Natalie.

THE GIRL IN THE CORNER - Amanda Prowse

ADULT COMING OF AGE - 4 stars

Plot - 4 stars - Rae has always been the quiet girl, the shy girl, the woman who serves others. But now, after 25 years of marriage, she finds that her husband has cheated on her, and she needs to reevaluate her life. And now she realizes that she's unhappy with other parts of her life too.

Writing - 4 stars - I was drawn into the story right away. First we learn about Rae's backstory, then we work through the details of her life right along with her. I liked that Prowse drew us slowly along with Rae's thought processes, even though it was clear to me that Rae was in denial about a lot of things and/or didn't recognize what was right in front of her. I didn't mind sharing her slow process of discovery and admired Prowse's ability to build the story piece by piece until the decision made absolute sense.

Characters - 4 stars - I'd like to take some points off for the characters and my dislike and frustration, but that would be defeating the purpose. Because the characters are perfect for this story, failings and all. I found myself incredibly frustrated as I followed Rae through her life. Admittedly, she was blindsided by Howard's infidelity, but it was also clear to me that her moral high ground wasn't quite as solid as she made it out to be. Not that she cheated, but she lied just as much as he did, just about different things and "for the good" of everyone else. She spent so much time wishing things were different, but her actions didn't support that desire. I just wanted to shake her so she'd take a look at herself and make some changes. I just couldn't understand her belief of all-or-nothing, meaning that it was "too late" to do anything for herself now that she'd made her decision to basically live serving others. I just couldn't empathize with her.
Howard is painted to be supportive and loving, although I had to take away some points for his short-lived affair. OK, so he was flattered and faltered, but Rae's insistence that he threw their life away for a 2-week affair fell short because I felt that she also was throwing their lives away without considering any other course of action. Dolly is wonderfully fun and crazy and supportive, although I don't think I could handle such an exhausting best friend in my life.

Title - 4 stars - The title is mentioned several times throughout the book, referring to Rae and her manner of stepping back into her safe corner and watching the world go by.

Cover - 4 stars - I love this cover, both the colors and the style.

Overall - 4 stars - Despite my frustration with Rae (and the other characters from time to time), I was compelled to keep turning the pages and continue with this story. I loved the picture that Prowse created of a family struggling through life, with surface prettiness but issues underneath (just like every other family). I became very invested in this family, flaws and all, and I hoped (along with Dolly) that everything would work out in the end. Which is why the reveal at the end took me totally by surprise, although I suppose it shouldn't have. It added such depth and dimension to the story, and I could finally empathize with Rae's choices. All in all, an excellent chick lit.

I always enjoy reading Amanda Prowse novels and this didnt disappoint. The story line was good and not too much doom and gloom that seems to be popular now. This will strike a chord with many women.

Just finished The Girl in the Corner by Amanda Prowse. I like her easy to read books. Rae-Valentine is a very quiet, shy 16 year old when she meets the loud and outrageous Dolly, they became best friends and Rae falls in love with Dolly's handsome brother. The story follows Rae and Dolly and the rest of the Latimer family over the next 25 years. I enjoyed this book apart from a couple of mentions of my biggest bug bear!! I hate when people say "can I get ..." when they are being served, no you cannot get!! Whatever happened to please may I have!

I have read a few Amanda Prowse books. She is a talented writer who covers many taboo or sensitive subjects. I find I have to be in the right state of mind to read some of her books, or I personally find them quite hard hitting and sometimes close to the bone if your personal life is going through upsetting or troubling times.

The main protagonist of Rae Valentine captivated me and I devoured this book in just over a day. She is such a strong, kind woman and I just couldn’t stop reading. The Girl in the Corner is incredibly thought provoking. It makes anybody realise it is never too late to follow their dreams and change the footpath of their life; to no longer be the girl in the corner who has just become the role of wife, sister, mother, daughter or friend and caught up in other people’s lives, while abandoning their own wishes and aspirations.

The ending was particularly enjoyable and although I know it’s not the authors style to do sequels or series, it would still be fantastic to see more from Rae Valentine.

With many thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC, in return for an honest and unbiased review.

Who wouldn't love this book!? The characters make you feel you are part of their lives, you experience their highs and lows just as you would in your own lives with the hope that the ending would turn out well for them, after all a fairy tale always does doesn't it? Set in wonderful Antigua this is a fabulous book, humorous, poignant and a true reflection of modern life. A great read - highly recommended.

Whilst the friendship between Rae and Dolly was heartwarming and lovely. This novel was just a little boring for me and i couldn't relate.

Thank you to the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Rae-Valentine
I understand why I read this writer books, from the get go she hooks you. I really hate fluffy books so I try to keep away from women fiction but this author is another level. I felt connected to the character from the beginning, loved her inner voice.

I felt Rea was overthinking her emotions, I understand what happened is an forgivable but you cannot look at every mistake your husband family done. As soon as I say that , I can see where she is coming from as when you are angry you can only overthink and try to see what happened to your life.


Wow the end was the best part, Amanda Prowse is the best writer for women fiction, she actually made me believe every character and understand them. There was bit in the middle I didn’t like mainly feeling that Rea is over analysing but the shock and horror. I understood that she needed to fellow her passion and live her life. Absolutely wonderful. Absolutely great summer book or quick read. It will entertain you .

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to preview this ARC of The Girl in the Corner by Amanda Prowse.

Rae-Valentine (a name I LOVE), has always been there for everyone. She caters to her husband, her children, her parents, even her best friend sometimes. And she loves to do it, kind of...

But when a terrible truth is revealed shortly before she's supposed to go on a second honeymoon with her husband, everything starts to unravel. Is she just a doormat? Is she living the life that she's always hoped for herself. Maybe a change is what she's looking for.

I found myself frustrated with the characters, specifically the main character, most of the way through. But that's not always a bad thing. Dysfunction exists in most relationships, and sometimes it takes people time to understand how to set boundaries. This book moved slowly, but overall it was a charming and satisfying read.