Great read. The author wrote a story that was interesting and moved at a pace that kept me engaged. The characters were easy to invest in.

This is a sweet story of 2 people who find each other after dealing with adversities in each of their lives. Thomasina (Hitch) Waycott and Grayson Potts meet quite by chance when Grayson is a guest at the Waycott Farm where Thomasina’s family runs a farm and bed & breakfast. Thomasina is a hard worker. She was born with a physical disability. Grayson is a bit different, he thinks different than other people, he reacts to things different from other people. These differences these two young people have is what draws them together, they understand the adversities they have both had to face. This is a sweet story of how Thomasina and Grayson fight through the paths that has been chosen for them and forge a new path to greater independence and self-worth.

Thomasina ‘Hitch’ Waycott loves living and working on the remote family farm and B&B. But she also wants more. To see the world. To own her own home. To fall madly in love.

But those are fairy tales, and if her life is a fairy tale, then she’s the ugly duckling. Her deformed lip, her crooked limbs and her weak heart have kept her from taking chances. But that’s about to change.

When Grayson Potts comes to stay, he’s unlike anyone Thomasina has ever met. He’s aloof, eccentric and exceptionally kind. He’s also totally unconcerned with the physical flaws that have always defined Thomasina.

The two form a bond that neither has had before. It’s possible that it could become something more, but Thomasina also wonders if it’s too good to be true. By putting her heart on the line, Thomasina may open herself to heartbreak. But she may also open herself to so much more.

****
As usual with Amanda Prowse books, you are always virtually guaranteed a quality read, and this book is no different.

You can feel Amanda's warmth and love for her characters shine through, which makes this another excellent read. As recommended as ever.

The Things I Know is a sweet, simple story of Thomasina's learning courage and independence in her life on the farm. Born with numerous birth defects, she worked closely with her family, and a verbally abusive cousin. A quirky stranger enters her life, and brings to Thomasina the affirmation that she had been looking for her whole life.

This story lacked the complexity that I prefer in novels. It was rather slow moving, and quite predictable. The ending was satisfying. I would recommend this book to those who are looking for a very light reading experience.

Many thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read The Things I know.

Life is hard for Thomasina 'Hitch' Waycott as she farms with her over-protective parents.

Amanda Prowse is a truly remarkable writer. She delves into the very soul of humanity and lays it bare for her readers but she does so with such sensitivity and love that even a book like The Things I Know, which has the physically disabled Thomasina and the somewhat autistic Grayson Potts, never feels exploitative. Rather, the reader is shown just how much an individual can achieve in spite of perceived difficulties as long as they have their self-respect and some love and support. The Things I Know gives a powerful and effective message about how our flippant attitudes can harm others either intentionally or unwittingly and how bullies of any kind must not be tolerated. As usual when I read Amanda Prowse I found the occasional tear escaping because she manages to imbue every moment with emotion.

Indeed, the themes of The Things I Know are quite awe-inspiring and frequently touching. Love, identity, duty, responsibility, family, work, friendships and relationships permeate every aspect so that there is something here every reader can relate to. I loved the way in which Thomasina dropped her nickname Hitch in favour of her full name as she began to unhitch herself from the well meaning chains of family and responsibility. Thomasina may have physical disabilities and constraints, but she is a woman to be reckoned with. I felt she had become a real-life friend by the end of the book and The Things I Know celebrates difference wonderfully. 

I've read several of Amanda Proswe's books and feel that her quality of writing has achieved an even greater depth and resonance through the descriptions and dialogue in The Things I Know. Speech is so natural and her attention to detail brings each scene alive in the mind's eye making for a very visual and auditory read. I loved this aspect because it placed me so close to Thomasina in every scene. I had been transported to the farm just as much as those guests staying for bed and breakfast. The plotting is perfect too so that I ended the book feeling uplifted, soothed and totally satisfied, not least because the things Thomasina knows which pepper the book are vivid, moving and frequently the hopes and fears so many of us experience in our own lives.

The things I know about The Things I Know are:

It's a fabulous story

It is written with love, humanity and care

It is emotional and satisfying

I loved every word.

There's a danger that a prolific and favourite author will become stale or repetitive. However, Amanda Prowse writes with such freshness, authenticity and skill in The Things I Know that I feel honoured to have read the book. I adored it and cannot recommend it highly enough.

The Things I Know # NetGalley
Amanda Prowse. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What a delightful read! This is the first book of Amanda Prowse I have read and can’t believe I have missed her writing. She has the most delightful style of writing and it is easy to follow the story. It is not burdened by an abundance of characters that are hard to keep up with. She uses characters who are flawed with human frailties and makes them become alive. I truly enjoyed every page of this book. I can see how she is so popular with the UK readers. I definitely will be looking for more books by this author. It, in my opinion, deserves 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced read copy of this book for an honest review.

Another corker by Amanda. A story if two main characters that do not feel they got in with the norms of society. .. And then they find each other, love blossoms but they face difficulties along the way.
The characters are so well written and you will fall in love with the both of them, they are warm and full of heart. .
The story is addictive and be warned you will not be able to put this down.
A great read that feels like a mug of hot chocolate on a cold winters night. . I thoroughly reccommend this one.

This is a lovely, well written book that deals with some tough issues. O really enjoyed it and would recommend.

Amanda is one of my favourite authors and am proud to say that I have read all her books. This one was a tad slow to get into the part where I could not put it down but perseverance was worth it all.
This is an emotional story of Hitch (Thomasina) who was born not correctly put together and she is searching for someone to love her as she is. She had faced immense bullying from her cousin, did not fit in at school either and her parents were over protective of her. Although she had a tough life she loved working on the farm, especially caring for her girls - the chickens - that she sang and danced with.. As usual Amanda's story reflects issues that are prevalent in society with characters that are so real. I Loved the way that Thomasina has her own parts to express what she knows as though she is talking to herself.
This is a book that makes you cry and laugh and is a highly recommended book to read.

Entertaining story of a young woman born with physical issues and coddled by her parents on their farm who meets a young man with issues of his own. They fall in love. A very nice read.

The things I know is a great story. Thomasina lives with her parents on a family farm.
Always sheltered due to her birth defects, she wants more. A beautiful book about friendship and love. Highly recommend this book.

Amanda is one of my favourite authors and I was so excited to read this book! The story is so touching, heartwarming and gives hope to those struggling with difficulties, whether physical or psychological. Thomasina struggles with physical difficulties, a crooked lip, a deformed hand and her heart is not strong. But she has dreams, she dreams of her own house, a man to love and bake for but her family so cares for her that they have wrapped her in cotton wool. She lives on a farm with her parents, a farm that is struggling financially. They also take in guests, as in a B&B. Thom’s brother has moved to America to work on a ranch, and Emery, their cousin, has moved to the farm to help out, but he bullies Thomasina. Then a guest like no other arrives, Grayson Potts, who is also different. Thomasina and Grayson quickly form a bond and I so loved to see this bond develop. Grayson struggles too, he lives with his mother who is an alcoholic, bitter and very needy. A very beautiful story!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thomasina 'Haitch' Waycott, born with a variety of physical deformities and disabilities, lives on a remote family farm and B&B but dream of living the fairytale of finding her true love and seeing the world. Grayson is a kind, aloof eccentric who comes to stay. The two overcome their hurdles to form a deep bond. A great, moving read.

What an amazing read. I finished this book in one sitting. I loved everything about this book from the characters to the chemistry. Amazing.

EXCERPT: These are the things I know...

I know my name is Thomasina 'Hitch' Waycott.

I know I'm not like everyone else.

I know I was born a little bit different, like someone held the instructions upside down, or lost a part when they opened the box.

I also know that words are powerful things and they have weight.

I know certain words have sat in my stomach for as long as I can remember and weigh so much that when i am in a crowd or meet someone new they pull my shoulders down and make my head hang forward so I can only look at the floor.

Tard.

Fuckwit.

Rabbitmouth.

I know I want to see other countries.

I know I want to go to New York.

I know I want a boyfriend.

I know I want my own kitchen.

I know I want to paint my nails instead of having them caked in mud.

I know I want to own clothes that are pretty.

I know that I want to own sparkly red shoes that I will never get to wear but I can look at whenever I want...

What I don't know is just how different I am and I also don't know how I can find this out.

And I know that some days I'm happy and other days I'm sad, but that's the samne for everyone, isn't it?

ABOUT THIS BOOK: Thomasina ‘Hitch’ Waycott loves living and working on the remote family farm and B&B. But she also wants more. To see the world. To own her own home. To fall madly in love.

But those are fairy tales, and if her life is a fairy tale, then she’s the ugly duckling. Her deformed lip, her crooked limbs and her weak heart have kept her from taking chances. But that’s about to change.

When Grayson Potts comes to stay, he’s unlike anyone Thomasina has ever met. He’s aloof, eccentric and exceptionally kind. He’s also totally unconcerned with the physical flaws that have always defined Thomasina.

The two form a bond that neither has had before. It’s possible that it could become something more, but Thomasina also wonders if it’s too good to be true. By putting her heart on the line, Thomasina may open herself to heartbreak. But she may also open herself to so much more.

MY THOUGHTS: Heartwarming. Heartbreaking. This is a reminder that we should always encourage our children to be the best that they can be, not to enforce our ideas of their limitations upon them, even if we believe we do so out of love.

Thomasina (I refuse to call her Hitch) is a wonderful character. I laughed with her. I cried for her.

Prowse is an extraordinary writer.... she writes with empathy, not sympathy, or pity, but empathy. I think she must be a woman with an exceedingly big heart. A woman who values people just for who they are, not what they are. This shines through into her writing. She never fails to touch my heart.

4.5 very bright stars.

THE AUTHOR: Amanda Prowse was a management consultant for ten years before realising that she was born to write. Amanda lives in the West Country with her husband and their two teenage sons.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Lake Union Publishing via Netgalley for a providing a digital ARC of The Things I Know by Amanada Prowse for review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own personal opinions.

For an explanation of my rating system, please refer to my profile page on Goodreads.com or the about page on my webpage sandysbookaday/wordpess.com This review and others also appear on my webpage

This was a bit slot to start and get into, but once it does well worth the perseverance. It’s such an emotional, heartfelt read. This is about a young girl born with difficulties and you share them with her, feel her pain. It is beautifully written, I love the fact it’s about ordinary people and such a lovely slow burn romance/attraction with a young man with his own difficulties with society. It’s such a beautiful book. I loved it.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

I'm happy I requested this book because I discovered a very good writer.
It's a bit slow at the beginning but if you're patient you're in for a great reading experience.
I loved the well written cast of characters, the setting and the plot.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

A touching story of a young girl "Hitch" who was born with difficulties trying to live out her own fairy tale.

After living on a remote farm her whole life, being protected by her loving family and only having her animals for friends, Hitch knows there must be more to life. When a handsome stranger, who also has some difficulties, comes to stay at her farm her whole world is turned upside down.

This is a beautiful tale of their romance with lots of ups and downs. It'll have you laughing, crying and wishing for a happy ending!

Amanda Prowse certainly knows how to hit you with the feels. This is such an emotional book; it has its high moments where you are smiling along with Hitch/Thomasina. There are moments as well where you just want to cry alongside her.
The book is beautifully written, everything is described perfectly, and you really do feel as if you are there on Waycott's farm! I' v always wanted my own chickens, but I never realised how much work goes into keeping them, I think I will need to employ Thomasina's expertise when the time comes!
Thomasina has lived a very secluded and simple life with her parents on a farm near Bristol. Her life hasn’t been easy due to disabilities that she was born with. She has had to deal with comments and people staring at her deformities all her life; however, she’s had enough of hiding away and wants to spread her wings.
This book shows a young girl overcoming what people think of her and blossoming into the beautiful soul that she is. She really does prove that it is what is in the inside that matters. She is kind-hearted and loving, and that is all that matters. We all have our insecurities about how we look, but we could all certainly learn something from Thomasina! Throw away the shackles, laugh and live life no matter what!
Even though this is a beautiful story; it did take me quite a while to get into it. I think this was mainly due to the size of the chapters. There are only 15 in total over a 300-page book. I’ve said this before about long chapters; I would much rather have short and fast ones, to keep me saying ’just one more chapter before bed’ than to look at the beginning of a chapter and see that it is going to take me 44 minutes to read. I’m more likely to think ‘I don’t have that time to invest I’d best not start a new chapter’. So I progress much slower through a book. Once I did get into the book, I flew through it as the story was so beautiful.
I had a little problem with the ending as some of the events didn’t make sense. Without wanting to give anything away, Thomasina wanted to do something but could only do it if a certain something happened. That thing didn’t happen, but she still got to do the thing she wanted. It felt a bit far-fetched. It was still a lovely ‘happy-ever-after’, but I would have liked to have kept it a bit more real.
Overall, though, a wonderfully emotional book and I would love to follow more of Thomasina and her life, but I get the feeling this was wrapped up nicely, and we won’t be seeing her again, more’s the pity!

Thomasina Hitch Waycott is a young adult who lives with her loving family on a small farm in England near Bristol. “Hitch” was born with some ailments and difficulties, including a cleft lip and palate, that was later awkwardly repaired (and sadly, resulted in the nickname “Hitch”). In spite of all that, she is an active participant on the farm- helping with chores, the B&B guests, and caring for her chicken friends. But sometimes the safe cocoon that her parents have created for her feels too small. The “joys that other people took for granted, like love, marriage, having a friend, and being able to wear high-heeled shoes” seemed a bit out of her reach.

At times, the beauty of the farm, her loyal dog, and her farm work are enough for Thomasina. But, when she is faced with taunts at the local pub, or feels stifled by her parents, she wants more. She keeps a list of what she knows, and one day she begs the universe for help. How can she change? How can she break out of her rut?

And once Thomasina opens herself to possibilities, her world does begin to change. Her brother makes a big change, a B&B guest arrives, and her parents start thinking about the future. Thomasina learns that change can be positive, or it can be very uncomfortable, which is why it is good to have a pair of sparkly red shoes for inspiration.

In the “About the Author” section at the end of this quietly compelling book, we are told “Ms. Prowse writes stories of ordinary women and their families who find their strength, courage and love test in ways they never imagined.” The author is a prolific writer, although this is the first book of hers (But it won’t be the last!) I have read. Author Prowse is skillful at weaving an emotional story. Inspiring, entertaining, uplifting settings and themes are her canvas where she sets colorful characters that we care about and bond with. Some of the dialogue scenes were a bit long, but this is a readable story that will stick with you.

Thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK, Lake Union Publishing for a digital review copy. This is my honest review.