I never truly connected with this story. I was reading it, expecting something bigger and better to happen. Instead, I felt swamped by the morose atmosphere, suffering from how emotional the narrative was. On reflection, I think this is supposed to reflect the emotional journey that Natasha experiences in this story but personally, I was hoping for something a bit more up-lifting.

The plot is based on Natasha and Daniel’s relationship. Natasha, the girl from the wrong side of the tracks, has a difficult past and one that has had a significant impact on Daniel’s life. Despite them coming together and apparently feeling stronger on the other side, this does nothing to lessen how Taz feels like she is an outsider looking in; never fitting in with the affluent lifestyle that Dan’s parents intend for him.

This all reaches a boiling point that sees Taz head off to Scotland, giving her marriage to Dan the distance she feels is needed. This part of the narrative sees Taz reconnect with her family and revisit memories long forgotten. I liked the supporting characters but found the pace of the story slowed even further. I was craving an energy that Taz nor the novel never really had.

There were some surprising plot developments in the story, particularly surrounding Taz’s past and her mother. I liked this because I thought the novel was largely about accepting differences between partners, grieving together and moving forwards. Indeed, the ending was bright and optimistic – just what I hoped the rest of the story would be.

A slow read, packed full of emotion, it is one with long chapters and takes a while to get in to. For me, this combination didn’t work particularly well and the characters were quite messy with their backgrounds.

With thanks to One More Chapter, Harper Collins and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I must firstly apologise for the amount of time it has taken me to provide a review of this book, my health was rather bad for quite some time, something that had me in hospital on numerous occasions and simply didnt leave me with the time I once had to do what I love most.

Unfortunately that does mean I have missed the archive date for many of these books, so It would feel unjust throwing any review together without being able to pay attention to each novel properly.

However, I am now back to reading as before and look forward to sharing my honest reviews as always going forward. I thank you f0r the patience and understanding throughout x

A great book that is strong and emotional, it will definitely take you on a journey but does leave you feeling uplifted. The characters Taz and Dan are well written and their relationship is adorable. They go through a lot of pain and this made it a difficult read in certain moments. Fabulous read that is highly recommended.

This was my first book by this author, It was pretty enjoyable. I would give this book a 3.5 star rating! It was a pretty Quick and easy read!

Taz and Dan are from different backgrounds but have found each other. They are strong and make their way through pain with love and emotion. You will be gripped by your emotions to this.
Thank you to netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my digital copy in exchange for an honest review. I loved reading this book. This was a new author for me which I love. It was an emotional and complicated ride with some very vivid characters... The kind of book that makes you wonder who you really are and if you have made the right choices in life... we all wonder at some point if we are being true to ourselves or if something is missing...it is hard not to. This one really spoke to me and made me think for hours after I was finished...I would definitely recommend it.

This is my first Andrea Michael book. I found this incredibly slow paced and struggled through quite often. I didn't hate it, but also I didn't love it.

Thanks to netgalley for the chance to read this book.

My first book by this author.

Dan and Natasha (Taz) met each other at school. Dan goes to prison and his family disown him, the only person to stand by him is Taz. Years later when his family welcome him back into the family they try to turn him against Taz. Taz takes a trip to Scotland to visit her family and tries to face her past in order for her to move on. Will Taz be able to face the truth or will she lose Dan forever. A book of love, loss and family secrets.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

What a emotive read. This book makes you feel all the emotions but at the end you’re left feeling uplifted for a long time.

Both characters Taz and Dan were so well written and so was the relationship, just beautiful. A lot of suffering in their lives which was a bit difficult to read about. But also, what made this book so good to read.

I definitely recommend this book.

Andrea Michael is a must read author and yet again she doesn't fail in the way she takes you on a journey, with all its highs and lows, with her charcters.
Thank you.

Well, that was just a slice of life kind of story. Emotional, messy, complicated. If you haven't yet reached that point in your life where you wonder who you really are, whether this is where you are supposed to be, have you made the right choices, and is this all there is - I assure you it's coming. I don't think there is anyone who escapes this rite of passage. And that's exactly where our heroine Taz finds herself. While nothing is really wrong per se in her life, she has questions,. something is missing, she has a few secrets, and she has some unfinished family business. This is the story of her road to growth and coming into her own. It is heartwarming and hopeful.

This novel was a stunning, emotional roller coaster. The characters are strong and powerful. The novel keeps a steady, page-turning pace that makes it hard to put down.
Many thanks to Harper Collins UK and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

It's well written but I found it a bit too slow and the plot didn't keep my attention.
Not my cup of tea.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I loved this emotional book! Wow. I laughed and cried and came away exhausted but I really enjoyed it. I loved Tash

⭐<b><u>Rating: 5</b></u> ⭐
*There are several triggers within this book listed beyond the following spoiler. Please do not read on if these may cause any triggers. <spoiler>Domestic Violence, Miscarriage, Gaslighting </Spoiler>

❤️<b><u> What I Liked</b></u> ❤️
<b><i>The way topics were discussed</b></i>
As Mentioned this story deals with many difficult topics. None of the topics felt like the cliché associated with them. They were handled well and helped me to understand what was happening for the characters at each time. We are also given the opportunity to see how multiple characters responded to the same tragedies. Each issue wasn't something that just happened and then is only mentioned when convenient to the plot, instead they developed characters.
<b><i> The Love Story</b></i>
At first I though the story between Taz and Dan was going to end up being repetitive but instead we are sprinkled with information that shows their bond for each other each page we turn. I did get teary at a few points as we near the end as I felt so strongly for Taz and how I wanted this to end.
💔 <b><u>What I Disliked</b></u> 💔
Nothing, I would 100% read again.

📖 <b><u>Overall View</b></u> 📖
I would recommend this book to anyone (Providing the triggers are not an issue) as it provides such provoking thought along with a heart warming tale.
<i>I have received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.</i>

Very poignant, very well written.
Wonderful storyline
Great characters and very believable
Moving and beautiful from the beginning. Beautiful cover too
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion

A beautiful, moving book that will tug at your heart strings and make you take a second look at what is truly important in your life. I absolutely loved this book. I couldn’t put it down and I didn’t want it to end. It left me with a smile on my face and feeling grateful for all that I have in my life.

The author has created some amazing characters that seem so realistic and loveable. Each character had something vital to add to the story and to help Taz. Taz and Dan have such a unique relationship and I was cheering for them the whole time.

You really need to read this book and to give the author the credit she is due. An amazing creation. Thanks to One More Chapter and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this beautiful book.

I received an advance copy of, The Things That Matter, by Andrea Michael. This was a heavy book but very well written. Taz and Daniel have a difficult relationship, will they be able to stay together?

This was such a lovely story, of loss and friendship and family. Initially I assumed this book was going to be a bit too much like CoHo’s All Your Perfects, with some similar content, but it was so much better!!!
Taz grew up on a council estate, abandoned by her mother and left to live with her well-meaning but alcoholic father. She finds escape from her lonely life in the form of her boyfriend, Dan, who comes from a posh home and good family. Something happens and both of their worlds are horribly shaken, and so they forge on together, just Taz and Dan against the world. Fast-forward to several years later, and their idyllic world is shattered yet again, and Taz escapes to Scotland in search of answers from her mother, and some peace from a life she barely recognizes.
I looove the setting and the wonderful characters Taz meets in Scotland. The whole premise of the book was well executed and just so enjoyable. Will be looking for more from this author!

Here is one of the books for the HarperCollins One More Chapter Readalong!
This book is a strong, emotive read, that takes you through the wringer but ultimately gives you an uplifting feeling that lasts long after finishing.
The characters Taz and Dan are well written and defined, and their relationship is beautiful. Their lives suffer a lot of pain and this made it a difficult read at times, but this just makes the book even more powerful.
I admit it took a while to get into, which is why I can't grant the full 5 stars, but this is a cracking book and I definitely recommend it.