This was such a touching story about a woman, family, and what we will do for those we love. I enjoyed this story and how it felt like this could be anyone’s life. Reading books like this one really makes you think about life and what you have.

The Girl in the Corner - Amanda Prowse

I always love this authors work, she writes in such a poignant and believable style really draw the readers in. making us want things to work out for the main protagonists.
If you enjoy authors like Jodi Picoult and Liane Moriarty then add Amanda Prowse to your reading list.

Read for an honest review. Thank you Netgalley and Amazon Publishers

I did enjoy this book overall, but I found it a little repetitive and dragging. Amanda does write very well and you do truly establish a connection with the characters. But unfortunately each time I picked up the book to carry on, I kind of didn't want to read it as I felt that they were just going to keep going over the marriage breakdown. I liked the ending though, nice twist.

I received a digital arc of #TheGirlInTheCorner from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I haven't read anything by this author before so wasn't sure what to expect. It did have good reviews though so I was expecting a great book.

I did enjoy it but it didn't keep me hooked! I found it quite easy to put the kindle down and do something else rather than read a few more chapters. The chapters were quite long which made the book seem to drag a bit. I did like the ending though - very satisfactory!!

Although I generally tend to read thrillers and mysteries these days, it's always nice to read one of these "life" stories dealing with how everyday people deal with the normal challenges in their daily lives every now and then - this author has a good handle on how to relay these feelings and still keep the reader engaged, good read...

Another great one by Amanda Prowse! Prowse is definitely gifted with making you feel a lot of emotions. I loved the relationship between Rae-Valentine and Dolly. The infidelity was heartbreaking, bu I loved seeing the early relationship develop between Howard and Rae. I also liked seeing the growth and changes that Rae made throughout the book. I defeinitely recommend any of Amanda Prowse's books!

I really enjoyed this contemporary fiction by Amanda Prowse! An emotional roller coaster, with much reflection, drama, and personal growth. Wonderful characters and a flowing, well depicted line of events. Thank you NetGalley for the e-copy. All opinions are my own.

Rae-Valentine and Howard were childhood sweethearts. They’ve shared twenty-five peaceful years since they were brought together by Dolly, Howard’s larger-than-life sister. But now, on the night of their wedding anniversary, Howard reveals a shocking betrayal that leaves Rae reeling.

Heartbroken, she takes Dolly on her would-be anniversary trip to Antigua and the two women drink and dance and talk like they haven’t in years. But in the break from real life, Rae realises her choices have always been made for her, and suddenly she’s questioning not only her fragile marriage but also her one-sided friendships. Is she really the pushover everyone else sees?

When Howard comes looking for reconciliation, Rae has a choice to make: keep the peace, as she always has, or put herself first for once and find out who she really is.

This has been my least favourite book of Amanda Prowse so far, as it took me a while to get into and I wasn’t quite making that connection with the characters.
That said it is a relatable and true to life, easy to read story,
The setting is carefree and summery and the characters are well written, they just didn’t click with me, I found Dolly overbearing and Rae too placid but I guess it takes all sorts, the descriptions were very good and it was an emotional ride.
Though not my cup of tea, I’m sure this novel is good for many, worth a read!

This is a skilfully written domestic drama revolving around Rae, the girl in the corner who's lived her life around other's opinions and desires.

My only criticism of the book is that Rae sounds more like she's in her sixties from the way she speaks than someone my age, I which made it harder for me to connect with her. Still, that doesn't much detract from this bittersweet tale of self discovery which shows it's never too late to redefine yourself away from other's expectations.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC without obligation.

This book was a nice surprise. I was expecting light and fluffy and was greeted with complex emotions and strong female characters. Rae-Valentine is one of the most lovable main characters I've encountered in a while. She is humble, kind, selfless and full of life. Her reaction to adversity and betrayal was entirely relatable and inspiring. I can't believe this is my first Amanda Prowse novel--I'm obviously late to the party! Looking forward to reading more of her books!!

Another fantastic read from Amanda Prowse. Fantastic characters and such an easy way with words. Always look forward to Amanda's next release

Loved this book. The characters were well written and larger than life. I really bought into the characters and storyline - this could easily happen to anyone and I feel the story was well portrayed.

For Any Woman Who Has Ever Felt Less than Worthy

I never take much convincing when it comes to reading an Amanda Prowse novel. I have loved her work for many years now and enjoy delving back into her worlds like I am greeting an old friend after a long absence.

I will admit from the beginning though, that this was not a book I 'read' in the traditional sense. I listened to the audiobook on audible.

Now, for the purists out there who hate the idea of listening to an audiobook, and say quite openly that it is 'not the same' as reading a physical book - I wholeheartedly disagree. I used to think just like you, a book was not enjoyable unless you could physically turn the pages and dirty the tips of your fingers with the ink on the page. But over the years I have acquiesced and given in to the latest technologies available to help enjoy my love of the written word. I have enjoyed reading on my kindle now for a few years and audiobooks have been a constant companion.

You see, all three mediums together mean that I can enjoy my passion for literature no matter where in the world I am. Doing the school run, or airport trips, I can listen to my books in the car. Or while running, or out walking the dog.

When I get a peaceful five minutes in the car on a long journey, I can flick through the latest pages on my kindle (which never leaves my handbag) and when at home I can enjoy the pure indulgence of flicking the pages of a 'real book'.

You see, each medium has its advantages.

But this book is different, this author is different. I love Amanda Prowse's books, I love to read them and stain the pages with my tears, I love that I can take her with me in my handbag wherever I go... but audio.. that offers something a little more special.

You see, Amanda voices her own audiobooks. And when it comes to The Girl in the Corner, the emotions I experienced when reading this book were only enhanced by the sound of Amanda's voice as we are pulled through the life of her characters. There is something about Amanda reading the book herself that adds a certain amount of love and emotion to the book that I don't feel would be there if read by anyone else.

This book is one that will grip the hearts of almost every woman who picks it up. Because let's be honest, we have all been the 'girl in the corner' at one point or another. All felt less than worthy, felt like furniture. Felt a little neglected and overlooked.

Amanda has yet again drawn characters that feel so real. So relatable. She has this incredible ability to write stories that make you feel like you are a part of the world. As if this book was written just for you. These words were written solely to be absorbed by you directly. Just like that one love song you hear on the radio during a horrible heartbreak, you know the one, the one you are sure was written just for you... that is The Girl in the Corner. Written so these words, this story, this journey is absorbed by you and you alone. To remind you of your worth. To remind you of your own special qualities.

Rae-Valentine is no ordinary character in a book, written in a way to drive the story forward. No. She is not a character. She is every woman. Every little girl who has ever looked at her more vivacious best friend with a sigh in her heart and wondered why they were chosen by the popular boy. Rae is every mother who has ever put her family and children first. She is the best friend who stands in the shadows and lets others shine. Rae-Valentine is every woman at some point in time.

As we watch Rae navigate her new world, after a devastating revelation on her wedding anniversary threatens to topple her perfectly structured life, we wait patiently for her to recognise her own truth. Shouting at the pages that she deserves more. But how many of us take the time to step back and take a look in the mirror and plead with ourselves to make the hard decisions. To recognise our own strengths.

But it is not just Rae who is relatable. Her relationship with her parents and sister Debbie-Jo are so honest. Real life. Not in any way contrived or forced. Her honest and open approach to the love lives of her children shows a true understanding of translating real life onto the page without losing the drama or impact of fiction. Her friendship with Dolly is one of the most honest portrayals of a conflicted friendship that I have ever read. So honest in their reactions.

The Girl in the Corner is an impactful read for any woman who has ever questioned her place in this world or the significance of their journey. It is the raw, real and emotional rollercoaster of a life that could, and most probably is, lived out each and every day by millions of women across the globe.

The Girl in the Corner is loveable, heartbreaking, raw and real and is, as always, a credit to an author that seems to never ever miss a beat. Never a misstep. Never an inch too far. Just spot on. A family drama that reads as if it were an intimate diary entry.

Praise yet again for Amanda Prowse and a book that seems certain to crack and wither over the years as its pages are re-read and passed down to each and every woman I come across to recommend it to.

Yet another fabulous Amanda Prowse book. Easy to relate to characters with real depth.
Easy to read.
As always I loved it

This, like many of her books relay situations that we all could find ourselves in at any given time. Thought provoking and an enjoyable read.

Absolutely loved this book.
from the start it had me gripped i felt Rae's anger and hurt and confusion. i understood everything she did and why she did it. the ending came as a shock but it worked very well. i kind of wished it had happened earlier and we could have had a bit of a look into how her adventures were and what happened after. but overall a brilliant book.

big praise to the author

I loved this book. A tale of love, betrayal and self discovery. Amanda Prowse has created a character in Rae - Valentine who is unaware of her own worth.
The book made me laugh and for the first time in many years made me cry.
I love this book and hope to read more about Rae in the future.

Brilliantly written and definitely recommend. This book does not disappoint. Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the advance reading of it! Loved it!

A very powerful, moving story of a girl called Rae-Valentine , all through her childhood she felt overlooked and outshone by her older sister and believed she would always be the girl in the corner until she met loud, vivacious Dolly who would quickly become her best friend and when Dolly introduced her to her brother Howard the two of them quickly fell in love and Rae-Valentines whole life changed just like that. She no longer felt like the girl in the corner she felt loved and needed although unfortunately heartache was on its way, in more ways than one.
I really enjoyed this book, the characters were just fabulous! Part of the story takes place in Antigua and I literally felt as though I was sitting there along with the girls in paradise. I highly recommend this book and rate it 5 stars...

Rae-Valentine and her husband Howard were childhood sweethearts brought together by Dolly, Rae's best friend and Howard's wild and crazy sister. They have been married 25 years and have 2 children together. But now, after their anniversary party, Howard reveals something shocking that leaves Rae blindsided. Heartbroken, Rae not only starts questioning her marriage but also her friendships that seem to always be one-sided. Will Rae finally put herself first?

Amanda Prowse has done it again, another gripping read that pulls at the heartstrings. She really makes you feel for Rae and all she's been through. A very well-written novel with realistic characters about marriage, friendship, and finding yourself.

*Many thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.