I’ve read many of this author’s books and have enjoyed them all. This one looked particularly striking with the bright colours on the cover drawing me in straight away! We are introduced to Alys. She has worked in the haberdashery department of a department store for 25 years. She is married to one of the managers of the store and has a grown-up daughter, Esme, although this is her second marriage, with her first marriage spectacularly falling apart after her first husband Sam was involved in an accident. Her marriage now is becoming a bit mundane, especially when she loses her job. The only excitement within her life is when her daughter gets a new job in an exclusive restaurant. Meeting the owners of the restaurant proves to be the turning point in Alys’s life. Keeping secrets hidden for years, Alys has to decide whether she is finally going to release them.

I loved Alys’s character and I immediately connected with her! I did empathise with her, particularly when she lost her job and the circumstances around it. We aren’t told much about Alys’s background until a little later in the book, but it is obvious from the very beginning that Alys isn’t happy in her marriage. Her husband Hugh seems a bit of a wet weekend and doesn’t really give Alys much thought in anything. Similarly, her mother in law, Angela is very overbearing and you couldn’t really blame Alys for not enjoying life at the moment.

The storyline flows along at an enjoyable pace, with Esme’s new job introducing Alys to a face from the past. Without going into too much detail for the risk of spoilers, it was definitely the turning point in Alys’s life. The secrets that she has been hiding for years are threatening to come spilling out and we are left on tenterhooks throughout the book to see what will happen when they do. It was an emotional read with the storyline swinging from heart-breaking moments to situations which were completely life-affirming for Alys. The style of writing is fabulous and it enables us to become part of the characters lives and feel their emotions when they do! This is a story of secrets, families and relationships, showing us that it is possible to put yourself first, live life how you want to and that second chances are possible! A powerful, emotional read which I would definitely recommend!

What Alys was struggling with really resonated with me. She outgrew her small life and as a result, outgrew a relationship that no longer suited her. She stopped being what other people expected of her and constantly taking the blame for minor details that were not her fault. As Nancy said to her, she started to live and be extraordinary. Due to her embracing her talents, she loved herself again and found love as a result. All characters in this book.from Esme to Sam were very well developed. Great read.

Absolutely loved this book. I read it in one sitting and experienced so many emotions whilst reading it. Highly recommend!

This book was just ok for me. It was entertaining as a whole, but it didn't stand out in any way. I'm sure I've read this story before or seen it as a movie. It was a bit predictable.

I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Married with a daughter, Alys was dissatisfied with her life and its trajectory. Through a chance encounter, she reconnects with her former husband, a man that she never truly got over. Choices follow...

This is the first book I have read by Emma Davies and I was hooked from the first pages. I could totally relate to Alys and really enjoyed the story. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy. This was a quick read for me and I cannot wait to recommend this book!

This is a fabulous book. The cover is really striking too. I read it in less than 24 hours and experienced a whole rollercoaster of emotions whilst reading it!

I think this author should stay on the sparkly step :-)
What a fantastic book. Loved loved loved the characters and writing style.
I couldn't and didn't want to put this book down. Read it in one sitting it was just that good.
Looking forward to more from this author.


Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for an early release of this book.