One Moment tells the heartbreaking story of 10-year-old Finn Rook-Carter and Kaz Allen, 59, who meet in the café where Kaz works and are then brought together a second time by an awful event, the details of which aren’t revealed till the end of the book, that has far-reaching repercussions for both.

Finn is a rather unusual child: he’s sensitive, emotional and different from others at school and would much rather do gardening (his idol is Alan Titchmarsh) or play his ukulele than play football or computer games. He doesn’t really connect with the other children, who bully him for being different and having curly ginger hair, and his only friend is a girl called Lottie, who seems to be the only one who understands him and they have a lovely friendship.

His parents, Hannah and Martin, are going through a divorce and they can’t decide on the best way to bring up Finn and argue over whether he should sit his SATs or not. Finn is feeling rather lost and confused, and torn between both parents. His dad prefers the tough approach and is more traditional than his mum, who is vegetarian and doesn’t act or dress like other mums, and wishes she could homeschool Finn to protect him from the world.

Kaz has had a tough life. Her dad was abusive to her mum, who was an alcoholic and suffered from depression, and she has looked after her younger brother, Terry, 51, since he was 10, when their mum died. He has mental health problems and hears voices, mainly Matthew Kelly from Stars in Their Eyes, and was finally diagnosed as schizophrenic when he was 18. Kaz works hard in a café to support them both and they struggle to make ends meet as Terry can’t work because he has psychotic episodes when he’s stressed. They live together and she cares for him all by herself, with no respite care, which must be so tough and draining, especially when he’s having a bad spell.

Kaz is lovely; she’s down to earth, sympathetic but matter of fact and a great support and friend to Finn when he’s struggling with his school and home life and, in turn, Finn helps Kaz when she is at a low ebb after problems with her job, her brother and their flat. The two have a lovely friendship and Finn’s dad also warms to Kaz and asks for her help to look after Finn during the holidays. Both characters are described so well and I could hear their voices and emotions and really empathise with them.

One Moment covers issues like bullying, being different, relationship/parenting problems, mental illness and a lack of help from the state when a person needs it most. It’s shocking how poor Kaz and Terry were treated when they needed help and frustrating how a misunderstanding of Terry’s illness caused massive problems for them both and nearly resulted in even more tragic events. Kaz has to fight so hard for Terry and it’s heartbreaking that she has been forced to sacrifice her own dreams and happiness to look after him, and she never complains or takes it out on her brother.

This moving, emotional book is cleverly written from the points of view of Kaz and Finn, before and after a devastating event that links them and affects both their lives. We learn more about both characters and their relationships with others and there’s a great build up to the story’s awful climax, which I hadn’t seen coming.

Overall, I really enjoyed One Moment; it was a touching, poignant read and stirred up a range of emotions. Definitely one that made me think and reflect upon it afterwards. It was absorbing and really tense at times and I was keenly turning the pages to see how things worked out for everyone. I’ve got a couple of the author’s other books on my Kindle so will definitely be checking those out soon.

One Moment is a book that will stay with you for a long time after you’ve turned the last page, I can’t recommend it highly enough. 5 stars without doubt or question.

Within the first few pages, you care very much for Finn and Kaz, and want to protect them from the harsh realities of life. The lives they are living are not saccharine sweet, but lives that prove bad things sadly happen to good, nice people.

The themes covered include divorce, parenthood, mental health, being a carer and generally living a life of not fitting into the little boxes, that so much of society wants to place you in.

I think most people will find elements of the characters and some situations they personally relate to. Maybe it will help them to see a person from another perspective, and hopefully to be more understanding of others.

This is the third book by Linda Green I have read, and have thoroughly enjoyed them all. If you get a chance to read this author, you won’t be disappointed.

One Moment is not my usual bag as I tend to go for gritty crime but having read and very much enjoyed the emotional aspect Green brings to her books I was excited to pick this one up, and it didn't disappoint. She can definitely count me as a fan as it doesn't matter what story the author is telling it is always written in an engaging and highly addictive fashion. The topics addressed were heartbreaking and it made me teary just to be reminded of the harm humans inflict on each other. They are sensitively portrayed and you can tell they have been comprehensively researched to make everything as accurate to real life as possible. Both Finn and Kaz are beautiful, touching characters who help somewhat in restoring faith that decent human beings still do exist you just have to search for them in amongst a sea of apathy.

As someone who does not conform to societies norms, it impacted me greatly to read more about how those who are considered ”different” are treat not only by those who do conform but also by the state. I strongly feel that individuality is much more important than ”living up to expectations” and we meet several people in the book who are non-conformist but not by choice. I have no doubt that readers who are compassionate and empathetic will be moved by this book and remember it for a long time to come. I don't know quite how Ms Green does it but she is one of the few writers who fall outside of my usual reading genres who can engross me in her masterful plots almost instantaneously.

If you enjoy emotional, complex and impeccably told stories then Green is up there with the absolute finest. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Quercus for an ARC.

I really enjoyed this book. Finn is a wonderful memorable character. This is a heartwarming and heartbreaking read which is about family, friends and love and how cruel people can be. I felt so sorry for Terry and Kaz. It was great to see the current failings in the benefit system being highlighted.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

, I wasn't sure what to expect from this book as Linda is a new author to me but I was gripped right from the very start. As the story unfolds it unleashed plenty of emotion - sadness for the situations of the main characters and anger for the way both Finn and Terry were treated. It is sad that in this day and age that people can be treated in such a way by the authorities and the impact their actions can make. This part of the story was sensitively written and you could only admire Kaz and her resilience and fighting spirit.
I knew that the main characters must be linked in some way apart from a chance meeting in a cafe but I wasn't expecting anything quite so shocking and dramatic.
The story really drew me in and I felt emotionally connected to the characters. Felt quite sad when it ended - not sure what I can read next that will live up to this one. This story will stay with me for quite some time.

This book was incredible. An easy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. Firstly, thank you to quercus for sending me a copy of this book.

Linda Green is an amazing author. I have now read most of her books and loved every one of them. Her writing is so warm, engaging and she sets the tone perfect.

Finn and Kaz are about to meet for the first time. Kaz works in the local greasy spoon. Finn, a ten year old boy, who will only eat at food places with a 5⭐️ rating and who’s idol is Alan Titchmarsh. They don’t know this, but the second time they meet, their lives will change forever.

This book was a true rollercoaster of emotions. I cried, I laughed, I reread parts, I got angry. This is everything a book should be. I just wanted to pick Finn up and hug him and make all the bad things go away. The way this book is wrote is simply mind blowing. the book flits between Finn and Kaz’s perspective and Linda just gets the tome of the writing so right. The novel will stay with me for a very long time.

Perfect for fans of Jodi Picoult, Jane Corry, Diane Chamberlain, Mike Gayle.

Trigger warning - this is a story contains bullying and mental health awareness

I’m a huge fan of this author but have to admit to being a little nervous about trying this book as I’d heard it was different from her previous ones. I shouldn’t have worried as it was still a fantastic, emotional read.

The author has written about a very important, sadly current, subject that was so beautifully told it actually made me cry. Told through the eyes of a child which makes it especially poignant this is a story about how people are treated if they are different which was hard to read at times. It never fails to amaze me how people can treat each other in such a horrible way.

I found this story to be surprising addictive and soon found myself immersed in the characters lives. The beautiful relationship which develops between Finn and Kaz was lovely to watch develop, especially when you realise how much it helps the two of them.

As mentioned before I think this is an important book that everyone needs to read as it would surely help combat people’s attitudes towards others. I feel like it would make a great bookclub read and is possibly a book that should be read in high school.

Huge thanks to Milly Reid for inviting me onto the blog tour and to Quercus for my copy of this book via Netgalley.

Linda Green is a new author for me, and I can quite confidently say that One Moment will not be the last of her books that I will read. Timely and with incredibly authentic characterisation – it’s a thought provoking read.

The real heart of this book are the two narrators; Finn and Kaz. Finn is a ten year old boy, quirky and a little bit different, his school days blighted by bullies. Kaz, meanwhile, is a fifty-nine year old cafe worker struggling to stave off poverty all whilst providing financial and emotional support for her brother who suffers from schizophrenia. These two people are world’s apart – and yet when their lives collide in the most awful of ways, a beautiful friendship develops.

Each narrative flips between Before and After – the earlier dealing with events in the lead up to the pinnacle moment, the latter dealing with the fallout and acceptance. Together, the narratives weave steadily and enticingly towards the reveal of that terrible moment. However, as much as I wanted to know what happened, it was not the promise of the reveal that kept me reading, instead, I was utterly enchanted by both Kaz and Finn. Each voice came through so strongly, there was never a second where I didn’t know who was talking to me, and each sparkled with personality, humour and heart. Finn has the innocent mind of a child – his youthful misinterpretations of the adult world lead to a mix of laughs, and damp eyes. Yet, amongst that innocence is a striking wisdom. Kaz meanwhile is a true diamond; tough, straightforward and has a very clear sense of right and wrong. Through her eyes, much of what society deems to be a priority, fades into insignificance, often in a sadly, laughable way. Her way is so simple, that it makes you wonder why life has become so complex. Midway through the book a confrontation she had with Finn’s Dad really made me sit up and pay attention. Her views on happiness and what actually constitutes it, have made me reconsider my own thoughts and actions.

One Moment is the kind of book that encourages reflection. Once finished, I pressed pause and allowed myself time to digest. There are fatalistic undertones – the idea that everything happens for a reason, our lives are mapped out and no meeting is by pure chance, and it’s a liberating thought. Thematically, it’s wonderfully positive; friendship, kindness, love and family. It reminds me of a saying my Mum has drummed into me my entire life; everything happens for a reason, and in that I’ve found some comfort, so that even in the darkness there is purpose.

Ten - year - old Finn Rook - Carter struggles at school, suffering at the hands of his classmates who make fun of his looks and the way he behaves. He only has one real friend, Lottie. 59 - year - old Kaz Allen is quirky, bouncy and fun - loving, even though life has never treated her in a nice way. She works in a cafe and cares for her brother Terry who has schizophrenia.
Finn and Kaz should have never met. But fate has other ideas. And this meeting, and a tragedy, is going to change their lives.

I must admit, I was a bit confused with the story as I was expecting another psychological thriller and I only realised a bit later that the book is different to the previous ones. I didn't read a synopsis - I mean, it is Linda Green's book, so no matter what she writes about is going to be captivating and thought - provoking, and yes, the story took me a bit by surprise, but quickly it also stole my heart and captured my whole attention, and I can tell you that I absolutely loved it. Every single word of it.

The characters are so well written - I have experienced all the feelings and emotions together with them. You want to hug Finn and shake his father. You want to tell Kaz that she's absolutely rocking it. And the more you get to know them all, the more you empathise and like them. I enjoyed seeing how the lives of virtual strangers come together, I think Linda Green has done in a brilliant and clever way.
The story is told from Finn and Kaz's points of view, in alternating chapters. Finn is different from other boys, and he realises it, and is suffering at school as other children are bullying him. It is only his friend Lottie and his mum Hannah, that he loves so much, that understand him and always support and comfort him. His dad Martin prefers rather cold approach, expecting from Finn all the things that he's supposed to do and like - sit his SATs exams, like football. Kaz, who works in a cafe and looks after her brother who has schizophrenia, is such a special character! All of us needs such a Kaz in their lives - down - to - earth, seeing things how they really are and not afraid of telling how it is, but also compassionate and full of heart. The author has got into the characters' heads and hearts and hats off for picturing the 10 - year - old Finn so brilliantly, for so wonderfully capturing his voice, letting us deep into his thoughts, allowing us to experience everything with him.

Also, the story alternates between "before" and "after", and oh my god, I couldn't wait to see what has actually happened before, but believe me, I regretted this. This turning point has changed everything and left me a sobbing mess. It may be a bit confusing at the beginning, especially as you, like me, think something totally different to this what has really happened but you'll quickly get used to the changes in time.

I was drawn into this story, right from the start to the end. This compelling novel is incredibly genuine and brutally honest, showing clearly the unfairness and unreasonableness of benefits system, mental health care, "right" people at the "right" places which results in ignoring the real victims. I've honestly got belly ache from only thinking that those things are real and that people like Kaz and Finn must fight a battle every single day to survive.

The author writes with such a feeling about family dynamics, showing all the ups and downs of being in a relationship and having a child with special needs, but also about brother - sister relationship, about responsibility and how people try to do their best. It took me on a real rollercoaster journey of all kinds of feelings - I laughed, I cried, I nodded with agreement, I was incredibly angry, I felt hopeless. It doesn't happen often, the more I appreciate what the author has done here.

"One Moment" covers such issues as bullying, mental health, poverty and unconditional love. Even though it is sad, it doesn't feel depressing, it is also heart - warming with an overwhelming feeling of hope, and the kindness of some of the characters is so uplifting. Linda Green's writing is tender and chatty, and she balances the sadness with many humorous moments, delivering a thought - provoking story. But be aware that it is a heart - breaking story, and this time I mean it, really. The end left me in pieces, literally. I cried and cried and couldn't stop, and those were ugly tears, and I had to do whatever I could to not to wake my whole family up. It was so beautiful and so heart - wrenching. A book that shouldn't be missed. Highly recommended!

Moving story😪. Two strangers form an incredible bond👍👍

🤗This Linda Green novel was sublime. Green made it so easy to connect with Finn and Kaz, two characters who in normal circumstances would never themselves connect. Realistic, full of emotion and superbly written, I found the tense build-up to the story's tragic zero hour fantastically compelling. Telling the bulk of the story from the perspective of a shy ten-year-old on the spectrum made Finn's daily struggles and small joys all the more poignant. With a before and after alternating story, the before gave the why's and the interspersed after segments gave a sad peek into Finn's nightmarish one moment that would set up a dramatic change in his life's direction.

Bullying plays an all too important role in Finn's story. The traumatic effects of divorce, poverty, mental illness and impersonal bureaucracy are also achingly detailed in Finn's and Kaz's tale. Although the bulk of the book has a depressing tone, the ending gave hope for better days for Finn, Kaz, Terry and Martin and made me sit back with a contented sigh.😌

This was my first time reading a Linda Green novel, but I have been won over to her writing by this book!

Thanks to publisher Quercus and NetGalley for providing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

#OneMoment
@LindaGreenisms
@QuercusBooks

I’ve read books by this author before and have always found them to be emotional stories coupled with an element of mystery. This book is no different, and it introduces us to two main characters – ten-year-old Finn and fifty-nine-year-old Kaz. They don’t know each other but the moment that they meet changes their lives forever. The book alternates between Finn and Kaz’s story and both their stories are as heart-breaking as each other. Told from different timescales of before and after, the author does a fabulous job of keeping what the before and after refers to until well into the book.

Finn is a wonderful character who obviously has a lot of issues. His parents argue over his upbringing, with his mum having more modern parenting views and his dad preferring more conventional methods. Finn is bullied at school for being different – he doesn’t have many friends and he much prefers gardening to sports. Kaz is another great character who has her own life problems. Living with her schizophrenic brother, Terry, she has cared for him all his life. Their lives are turned upside down when the Department of Work and Pensions deem Terry fit and able to work. This decision sets off a series of events that alter the lives of all the characters.

This story is an emotional read, and it’s obvious from the beginning that something terrible has happened to Finn. It’s also obvious that Kaz is also involved with whatever happened to Finn in the ‘after’ part of the story. I loved how we are kept in suspense in finding out what happened, and so many different scenarios went through my mind trying to work out what could have happened to change their lives so much.

The relationships between the different characters was heart-warming and it was very cleverly written how the different storylines all interlinked with each other. Having worked in mental health and having experiences of how the wrong decisions made by the Department of Work and Pensions can affect people hugely, I found Kaz and Terry’s storyline particularly moving.

When I got to the pivotal point in the story, which told me what happened to Finn and Kaz, I have to admit I was moved to tears. Completely unexpecting what happened, it was definitely something I would never have guessed. This book was moving, gripping and so unexpected on so many different levels. It had me hooked from the very beginning and was full of so many tender moments, tension and heart-breaking scenes that you just won’t be able to put it down. Highly recommend!!

This book was so good. I didn't to put it down! The characters were well rounded, and the storyline sucked you into it and made you feel like you were really there. The author did an great job telling this story.

I would like to thank Quercus and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I enjoyed this book and left it a day before reviewing as I felt I needed to think about it. I kept wanting to read more, but I didn’t find it an exciting ‘got to get to the end’ type read, it’s hard to describe what pulled me in, but I think it’s down to the easy reading / writing style and the characters who definitely pulled me in. I felt that I got to know all the characters well and I did enjoy the way the author pulled the story together going back and forth in time. It never got confusing! It was clearly and cleverly put together and by the end you get a real feel as to how all the characters emotions played out. The only thing I found a bit strange was in Finn’s character. I have children only slightly younger than him and yet he is portrayed in a fashion that seems to be autistic perhaps? Possibly on the spectrum in some way? I’m not sure. But that was the feeling. He was for sure, a loveable character and I truly felt I just wanted to give him a big hug throughout, but his mannerisms / thoughts / ways were definitely not stereotypical of that age. This is the second book I’ve read by this author and it definitely won’t be my last.

This isn’t a book I’d normally pick up but I loved it!! The story is told from Finn a ten year olds perspective of having a hard time at school. When he’s so close to his mum and she dies he makes a friend in Kaz a woman who also has troubles looking after her brother Terry who has schizophrenia. Throughout the book it goes back and forth through times when Finns mum is there and then when she isn’t, it pulled at my heart as a parent and I really recommend trying this book even if it’s not your normal kind of read. I don’t want to give away too much of the story but definitely a great story broaching subjects many will be dealing with in life.

This was such a beautiful story it was quite heart wrenching at times

Deals well with mental health and an unlikely friendship between a middle aged woman and a little boy

Made a change from the romance path that books like this usually take single woman meets widowed single dad there is no hint at all of romance and it was refreshing

Highly recommended

Thank you NetGalley for this advanced book. I haven't read anything by Linda Green in the past, and I was on the fence about whether or not I would like this. It's not my usual genre. I did like the story about how two people with different mental health issues connected. Overall, it was a likeable book, but just wasn't for me.

A terrific read. Finn, in particular, is such a beautifully drawn character. A story that will stay with you long after you have turned the final page. Highly recommend

This was a beautiful, thought provoking novel that will stay with me for a long time. I loved the characters and the storyline. I worked through a range of emotions while reading this, due to the many issues that are addressed.
Many thanks to Quercus Books and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

💕 Thank you to #NetgalleyUk and Quercus books for the copy in return for an honest review

💕 I read this book in two sittings, it was that good!

I love the story being told from the child voice in one part and an adult voice which is highly accented in another. This makes for entertaining reading and the friendship that develops between Kaz and Finn is exceptional.
The mental health issues are dealt with compassionately, I have a much clearer understanding of the difficulties people have to face when dealing with Government authorities just to be able to survive. It is eye-opening and shocking.
Another major issue which is dealt with I won't mention by name, since it may spoil the story, but this too was explained with passion and great understanding.
The light moments of this story are what makes it such a fabulous read, we begin to piece the story together as we read and each element is unfolded with thoughtfulness and kind humour.
The telling of the story in a 'before and after' style is interesting, though at times it was a little confusing until you get into the swing of the writing.
On the whole, this is a thought provoking read which I have enjoyed immensely.

Heartwarming and heartbreaking, written by one of my favourite authors in a Yorkshire accent! I could not put this book down, and the finale...wow!