Well, Amanda Prowse has done it once again and delivered a beautifully written novel that will tug at your heartstrings and pull out all your emotions! In a slight twist to her strong female protagonist, The Light in the Hallway features loss of a loved one and how it affects family dynamics from a male point of view. Nick was with his wife Kerry from a young age and became a father young too. This meant he didn’t proceed with his dreams of going to university but settled down happily to family life. And I loved that we saw this happen from a male perspective as it’s often only young mums who are concentrated on and what they have given up to become parents so young. Nick and Kerry’s life together wasn’t perfect but when he loses her to cancer and becomes a single parent to son Olly, he’s lost as the life with Kerry is all he has ever known. So it was wonderful to see him examine what he truly wanted from life going forward especially as he was a “people pleaser” and often they are so busy looking to achieve the happiness of others that their own is forgotten.

My favourite part of the narrative though was the father and son relationship that changed and grew after Kerry’s death. It was so poignant and helps to squash the myth that men shouldn’t take about their emotions and keep them in check. It’s a well known fact that talking about feelings and acknowledging mental health issues is incredibly important for men so it see this portrayed as a basis in this open and honest relationships between father and son was very much welcomed. There were also flashbacks to Nicks childhood and his friendship with his two closest friends Alex and Eric as boys. These scenes provided an interesting background to their friendship, explaining their adult connections and once again showing that men need that support from others.

Once again there were a few tears being held back towards the end as things came to a head and a perfectly crafted ending where I was happy to leave Nick. Amanda’s books always feel like I’m catching up with old friends and I imagine all her characters scattered across the country-living their lives as real people and getting on with whatever life throws at them. She has a wonderful talent for bringing her characters to life for her readers and I can’t wait for more of them to pop out of her head and come to meet us.

Highly recommended by me.

I might be a little biased as one of the woman is named Kerry, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Nick loses his wife Kerry very early on in the book, so it focuses more on his grief process and how he moves on. He takes stock of his life, and the time that his wife was sick. As it was a longer illness he had some time to grieve her before she passed, even though it was still hard. Having met as kids, and marrying and having a baby at 18 years old, they grew up together, and spent 17 years together.

It tells the story that all marriages are tough, there are some good years, and some not so good years. Nick's son Olly is heading off to college, and it makes Nick question if he can start over and find happiness again. There were a lot of emotions in this book, lots of different stages of grief from all the characters. Some funny and awkward moments too, which made this book very real. I loved the journey Nick went through and how he handled some of the situations. A great read!

Sad Yet Hopeful - And With Sequel Potential. Up front: This book has moments that can be *extremely* depressing. But here's the thing - Prowse does an excellent job of using those moments to explore real world emotions very well. And then she uses the story she creates here to restore a bit of hope to those who are going through similarly depressing phases of life. And along the way we find a solid story of a man rebuilding his life at a time he never thought he'd have to while also getting the story of one pivotal summer many years ago. This was my first of Prowse's books, and it won't be my last. (Particularly if we get that sequel, Shirley. ;) ) Very much recommended.

“The Light in the Hallway” by Amanda Prowse

“The Light in the Hallway” is a glimpse into real-life after heartbreak, then trying to live again. Beautifully done. – Green Gables Book Reviews

Amanda Prowse has written a book that could easily be true. After years of being together, Nick was with Kerry when she took her last breath. Now, in his own grief, he needs to guide their son, Olly through his grief, too. How can Nick do this when he is hurting himself?

Nick feels like all eyes are on him, and quick to criticize, as he tries to find his way. His sister is law is negative about everything he does, his Mother-in-Law feels she doesn’t see Olly enough. Olly has gone away to school and Nick is worried about him. Soon, they are navigating how to spend the holidays together without Kerry.

Nick is lonely. His days are spent at the same old job, coming home to his cold, quiet house. Will he always be alone? Was Kerry his only chance at love? Is this his life now? Or, is there someone else out there for him, patiently waiting? Maybe things will look up in the New Year for Nick, but what about Olly?

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this great book!

The Light in the Hallway” by Amanda Prowse

Paperback: 346 pages
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing (November 11, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1542041171
ISBN-13: 978-1542041171

Another amazing book by Amanda Prowse. A story of love, loss, and perseverance yet still had moments of humor and triumph. A true pleasure to read.

Thanks to NetGalley for the free ARC of this book,. It is my first time reading this author. The book took me a little while to get into... but it is a great read. Have the tissue box ready. I recommend it!

This is a Netgalley ARC review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

WOW!! Amanda Prowse knows how to make her reader feel all the feelings. She so skillfully crafts a tale full of grief from so many different angles. She examines how everyone handles the loss of one person so differently. Nick has to not only navigate his own loss but that of everyone around him.

The flashbacks with Nick as a child are so telling of generational differences. I wasn't really sure where they were going or if I were going to like the tie-in. It was bloody brilliant.

Chapter 7 was so perfectly true in feelings that I have felt. August 15h is a day that I will cherish and dread all at the same time. Coincidence?? I think it was a sign. I am Nick, Olly, and Di. I, also, am Eric, Jen, and Beverly.

This book was beautiful and moving. It will definitely be on my list of top books.

First time reading this author, and she really nailed it, for me. A wonderful story of Nick, and the upheaval in his life, when his wife Kerry dies, leaving him trying to cope with the grief of their 18 yo son, their families, and his friends since childhood. He has no idea how to navigate the pain of his loss and his son’s need for stability, as he heads off to the university.
This is a story of loss, mourning, and the struggle for recovery, set in a small Yorkshire town, where everyone knows you and nothing is private. It is written in two time periods, Nick as a 12 year old and in the present. It’s about the need for family, friends and the intimacy that defines lives. I really loved it!
Thank You to #AmandaProwse #LakeUnionPublishing #NetGalley for the ARC.

A contemporary and emotional family drama with real heart.

This book caught me really off guard. I’ve read several books by Amanda Prowse before but this one was a little bit special. It had a very effortless light touch, interesting characters and an endearing plot - complete with a scene which made me well up towards the end. Loved it! 5 stars.

Thanks to NetGalley and Amanda Prowse for my free copy in exchange for review.

Well. I 100%, completely missed this publication debut. Amanda Prowse, I sincerely apologize.

This was a fantastic book. The story was heartfelt and achingly beautiful. The blurbs weren't lying when they say to grab the tissues. This book brought tears just within the first few pages. Nick has lost his wife and is trying his damndest to do right by his son and not lose him too.

Grief is f-ing hard. Everyone has their own opinion of how to do it and all of them are right and they are wrong. The thing is, grief is a tailor-made thing for each individual person. We all have to wear a loss in a way that works best only for us. It doesn't matter what the inlaws think, what your friends think, what family thinks. You have to preserve YOUR sanity, your heart, and no one else's. Well, except your kid's.

And that is all Nick is trying to do. Get through is grief and learn to live again. This story follows him all the way through. You will laugh, cringe, and most definitely cry. You will hit all levels and of emotion and it is completely worth it.

I received an advanced review copy. All opinions are my own.

It is rare to read a family-centered novel in which the primary characters are not female, but I really enjoyed the male perspective in The Light in the Hallway by Amanda Prowse. Nick continually finds his life taking unexpected turns. Instead of going off to the university, he finds himself married with a child on the way. Then he is suddenly widowed at the young age of 35 and must learn to navigate the proper way to grieve and be there for his son. The story also includes flashbacks to the summer of 1992, a memorable time spent with his buddies. Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for introducing me to another author new to me.

Amanda Prowse once again hits the top with her story. As always she has written about difficult emotional topics in such a sensitive manner. The story is written in two stages with Nick as the child growing up interspersed with Nick as a father and both parts are wonderfully told, funny in parts, sad in parts but at all stages I, as a reader, felt understanding for the situations.
So many issues that readers can relate to covering childhood, death, immaturity of youth, issues with in laws and trying to live again without upsetting everybody.
I loved the book and especially the warm emotional ending.
Thank you NetGalley for letting me read this book.

The Light in the Hallway by Amanda Prowse is a story of life after the death of a spouse and how does one move on? The story opens in 1992 with 10-year-old Nick Bairstow, along with his best friends, Eric and Alex, has begged his father for a bike only to be horribly disappointed. Fast forward 25 years, Nick is begging his 18-year-old son, Oliver “Olly” to come with him but her refuses. So, Nick goes alone. Where is he going? The hospital where his wife, Kerry, is dying of cancer. He arrives in time to say goodbye. Soon the doors of grief close in on Nick and he is not sure what do to. But life must go one as Olly heads to university and Nick finds a way to come home to an empty house. At every turn, he is criticized by his sister-in-law, Diane, for various missteps and bad behavior on his and Olly’s part. At one point, Nick confesses, “It seems I can’t do right for doing wrong, where they are all concerned.” What is the protocol for moving on? What are the steps to get on with one’s life when their loved one dies? Throughout the book, the story flashbacks to the summer of 1992 when Nick begins to learn important life lessons and connects to the new life lessons he learns in the present.
The Light in the Hallway is the fourth book I have read by Ms. Prowse. While it’s not my favorite (I still love The Food of Love (2016)), I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I found myself very protective of Nick as he tries to navigate life after Kerry’s death. I wanted to give Diane a piece of my mind when she criticized Nick for “moving on too fast” after Kerry’s death. But was he really? How long is he supposed to stay in mourning? I cheered when he finally gets the courage to stand up to her and tell her off. There was one moment when I cried my eyes out. I can’t discuss it further, but it is very significant to the story and it was very touching. I highly recommend The Light in the Hallway. It is a moving story of how one moves on after a death. Life truly does go on.

The Light in the Hallway
is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

A sensitive story about friendship and loss.

Half of the book is set in 1992 a story of summer and the adventures of three young lads Nick, Eric and Alex. The other half is now, Nick is married to Kerry his childhood sweetheart and they have a son Oliver about to go to University. A time Kerry won't see as she has terminal cancer.

The story begins with Kerry's last days and her passing and continues with the adjustments both Nick and Oliver have to make to their lives and their relationship with each other. With flashbacks to the carefree summer of 1992 which develops the background of the relationships of the main characters.

Nick has lived in the same small town all of his life, surrounded by family and friends but he dreamed of the university and bigger things then whilst at school, he fell in love and his future was quickly mapped out for him when Kerry became pregnant. He went to work with his Dad at Siddley's along with half of the town, they married, and life moved on with the ultimate struggles of a young family but with love at the heart of it.

When Nick and Oliver say goodbye to Kerry, they both struggle with how to move on. I cried tears many times whilst reading their story, but it was also joyful and a good read. The summer of 1992 was a lovely story of how relationships can develop and last a lifetime. I would happily recommend this book the character development was excellent; this is a steady page-turner which kept my attention and interest and left me with a smile.

Taramindo.

Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.

I'm really torn on this one. I thought it was a great storyline - the tragedy of a dying mother and wife was handled well; the emotions of father, son, family and friends was spot on and realistic. I enjoyed getting glimpses of Nick's childhood (although the transitions were at times awkward and seemed unconnected). I actually liked and appreciated the ending and "wrap up" of everything. But I just could not and did not connect with any of the characters. I wanted to; I tried; I almost begged myself to. And that really made the whole book fall flat for me. Because as much as I enjoyed the story, my lack of connection to the characters was a hurdle I just couldn't get over. So, great story but ho hum characters made for just an okay book.

This book is told in two different times. Nick, Eric and Alex have been mates since they were young. Nick's house always seemed like a place of refuge. His mom is an angel. His father instilled a work ethic in him that carried over to his friends. In the present is Nick trying to put his life back together. His wife, Kerry, has died after being ill for a long time. There is the struggle between Nick and his son Oliver. How do they figure out how and when to start letting the healing process begin. Nick is further along than everyone else. He is cognizant of everyone's feelings at the expense of his own. Beverly, who is a co-worker, has decided to put herself out there. Nick is feeling so at ease around her, that he thinks there should be more. Family is weighing in. The most important one is Oliver. He sets the tone for the rest of the book.

With thanks to Netgalley and Amazon for this ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.

Amanda Prowse is one of my favourite go to authors. When I heard she was releasing The Light in the Hallway I couldn't wait to read it.

Nick and Kerry were teenage sweethearts when they married eighteen years earlier. They had a solid marriage although it was severely tested when Nick found out that Kerry had wracked up a debt of £7,000 on credit cards. Shortly after that diagnosed with cancer.

A year later Kerry died leaving Nick and their eighteen year old son Olly to carry on. Despite his grief Olly managed to pass his A levels and started Birmingham University. Alone in the house Nick spent four months in the depths of grief working all hours, until his best friend Eric encouraged him to go to the pub with their workmates.

Nick gradually found himself attracted to Beverley, his older sister Jenn`s best friend. However this caused rows with Olly and his sister in law who both thought he was moving on to quickly.

The reader was also taken back to the summer of ,1992 when Nick and Eric were 10 years old. Nick was given half a bike and his Dad encouraged Nick, Eric and Alex to build a bike.

Amanda Prowse`s books are always beautifully written and tug at my heart strings. It made me think.about grief and how soon is too soon? I felt for Olly when he thought Nick had forgotten his mum and 'taken' up with a new woman.. I also liked Eric who was had been in love with Nick`s sister for years.

I highly recommend you read one of Amanda Prowse`s novels.

An enjoyable and emotional read by this amazing author. Amanda Prowse manages to take an every day situation and make a wonderful story of it. Highly recommended

This was an enjoyable, but emotional read. The author did such a great job of developing the characters, that I felt invested in them. I thought the overall theme of struggling to start over again after the death of a spouse was relatable and the author did a great job of capturing the struggle of this battle.

A beautiful, heartfelt story. I love Amanda Prowse's novels, written in a relatable manner, always so melodic and fluid. Wonderful dynamics between the characters, overcoming loss, and maintaining deep family and friendship bonds. I am going to miss the people in this book (I know they're fictional, yet I feel that I've become quite attached, was really cheering for them, and for a good, healthy resolution). I loved this book! Thank you NetGalley for the review copy. All opinions are my own.