All Good Things by Amanda Prowse is a recommended family drama.

Daisy Harrop envies the Kelleway family next door. Compared to her family, with her mother depressed and sleeping all the time, her father working hard, her brother up in his room, the Kelleway family seem perfect from a distance. She looks out her window watching them and wishing she could be a part of their life, especially if it meant dating their grandson, Cass.

Winnie Kelleway is a clueless vain woman who is proud of her beautiful family. Now Winnie and Bernie are celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary at an Italian restaurant with all their family present and on display for everyone to envy them. The restaurant they celebrate at is the one where Daisy works, so she gets to see the event first hand.

The narrative is told through the point-of-view of the characters and it becomes clear after a very slow start that everything is not as Daisy believes it is and her family is not even close to how Winnie views them. As more points-of-view are brought into the story, it does become more complex and interesting. Clearly Daisy and Winnie are seeing what they want to believe and don't really know what is going on.

This is a "the grass is always greener on the other side" plot. However, beginning the novel with Daisy's musings made this feel like a YA book and then visiting Winnie's internal dialogue made this almost a DNF. It was simply an okay book for me but fans of Prowse will likely enjoy it much more.
Disclosure: My review copy was courtesy of Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley.
The review will be published on Barnes & Noble, Edelweiss, and Amazon.

Amanda Prowse is a wonderful writer, so I was really excited to see what she had in store for us in All Good Things. It's a heavily character driven novel, but this is precisely where the author's talents lie. She creates well developed, believable characters who may not always be likeable but are compelling to follow.

Each chapter is written from the perspective of a different character. This helped us to delve deeper into each character's life and often presented a view that differed from the view that is projected to other people. I found this particular interesting as it highlighted each character's vulnerabilities. As the chapters are long, it means we didn't get to hear from some characters as much as I would have liked, but nevertheless I appreciated the technique.

Through her exploration of these characters, Amanda Prowse is able to write about a number of issues. These issues are subjects that I feel it is important to discuss and I love how they are brought to the fore in this novel and the author shows us how they impact the whole family. She approaches the issues in a sensitive way which really made me think.

The ending felt slightly quick to me but in leaving parts of the story open, it means I will continue to think about the characters long after I finish reading.

I loved this book! Amanda has done it again with a great storyline with relatable, believable characters, it shows that sometimes families have a facade and like to keep up appearances but behind the scenes, it's a whole different story! I didn't see the twists coming but it added to the atmosphere and relatability of the story.

The suspense was really felt throughout and sometimes lies and deceit cannot be forgiven or forgotten or even hidden away. Well written as usual and look foreward to more from Amanda in the future!

Amanda Prowse - All Good Things.

A new book from Amanda Prowse is always a treat. So I was excited to read #AllGoodThings to see if it would be another beautifully written piece of fiction from this talented lady.

I’ll be honest, it took me a little while to get into the book and work out who was who.
That’s maybe me just being a little dense!
Once I’d got a grip on who everyone was, I found myself well and truly absorbed in to this family drama.

Amanda Prowse draws her characters with exquisite detail.
Both families in this story are full of flawed but still somehow likeable people.

#AllGoodThings is a gentle tale, about the complexities of people and how what others see on the surface is not always a true reflection of what is happening behind closed doors. Even our nearest and dearest don’t always know our hidden truths… or do they?

As always Amanda Prowse writes with effortless charm and grace. Her words flow with such ease. I imagine even her shopping lists are a joy to behold.
I’d heartily recommend her audiobooks aswell. Amanda narrates her own stories and her tinkly tones are quite mesmerising.

#AllGoodThings ends on a poignant and heartfelt note.
The story is neatly tied up, but I would have loved to have read an epilogue.

All in all, this is a captivating tale, it’s relatable, heartbreaking, emotional, at times funny and ultimately unforgettable.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

With thanks to Rachel’s Random Reads, Netgalley and Amanda Prowse for a digital arc of this title.

Everyone always thinks their neighbor is the best and you want to be just like them. Daisy feels like her life has come to a complete standstill since her Mom no longer gets out of bed due to depression. The Kellaway’s live next door and have everything. After an anniversary escapade things begin to happen and lots of things come into play. This was a really good book.

I am new to @mrsamandaprowse but after reading this it won't be my last. This is such a thought provoking and heartwarming story. The narrative feels so relatable and genuine, the mix of characters means that there will be one most readers can identify with. The writing style makes it so easy to read and I couldn't put this down. I can't wait to read more of her wonderful stories.

Families are strange creatures. The saying is you can’t choose your family and it’s true. You can’t choose your natural family – the closest you ge to choosing is selecting your spouse but even then, can you select their family? Not really, you want them irrespective of their blood relatives

The Kelleways are a prime example of how strange a family can be. They’re messed up, so are the Harrops but I’ll come to them. The Kelleways are a three generation close knit rich (may I add) family but everyone lies to each other – no one can be their true self to the whole family … but then again, that is all to common in this day and age!

Now the Harrops, yes they’re messed up and struggling financially with a 16 year old working hard at school and with a part time job, a mum suffering with depression, a son desperate to live life honestly and a dad just about holding his family together. But they just about know what’s going on with each other. And there is most definitely love in this family.

My only criticism of the book is the chapters are long, I didn’t want to stop mid chapter, I’m one of those people who wants to finish reading at the end of a chapter. But in their defence, the chapters needed to be lengthy. Each one told a chunk of the story from a particular character’s perspective so get the full appreciation of what that character is thinking, the chapters had to do their job. With the whole book effectively being set over no more than 24 hours, Prowse packs a lot into the story.

All Good Things as they say must come to an end and I was slightly bereft when I finished the book. I love a happy ending and Prowse left the door slightly open for my imagination to continue the paths for the Harrops and the Kelleways. I loved meeting these two dysfunctional families and following them for such a short while. It felt like a lifetime with the amount I absorbed. Loved it!

I literally pounced on the chance to read this book by Amanda Prowse and I am so excited that I did because it was a pleasure to read. It is the story of two families and they are connected through being neighbours and living in the same community. We follow all their individual stories through chapters written from a different characters POV. I loved how the author has realistically tackled issues that we have in society in such a kind and respectful way. Some of the issues are mental health, alcoholism, LGBTIQA, divorce and I think the most important one is how you can portray yourself to the eye but things aren't always as they seem. The major message I took away from this is that you never can truly know what people are facing behind closed doors so just always be mindful of that and be kind. I also learnt that money doesn't buy happiness and I am so happy and grateful for my family, friends, dogs, a roof over my head and food on the table. The plot is well thought out and cleverly crafted but the ending does feel a little bit unfinished maybe if there is a sequel to see how all the characters end up. I loved all the characters especially the ones who are down to earth and relateable.

LOVED All Good Things by Amanda Prowse! I am a huge fan of this author and found this novel to be one of my new Amanda Prowse favorites. This book was hard to put down, with its amazing characters and story line. So many family complications and dysfunction, bubbling below a deceivingly perfect surface. I enjoyed it tremendously! Thank you NetGalley, the author and publisher for the review copy. All opinions are my own.

I was super excited to receive my copy of this book as I am a massive Amanda Prowse fan. This is a multi layered book and just as you think you are getting to know the family, you are introduced to new members and it takes another twist.

This story covers a multitude of family dimensions across neighbouring families, from infidelity to layers of lies and debt. Whilst reading this book, there are definitely favourite characters and those that you don't gel with.

I instantly loved Cleo and Georgie for their desire to be different and loved watching their story unfold alongside that of the other members of the Kelleway family. Whilst Daisy who has been watching her neighbours with envy from her bedroom window for their perfect lives, gets to see the reward of hard work and the value of her family.

The differences between the families are apparent throughout, yet the families paths keep crossing throughout this story as more and more of the indiscretions come to light.

I highly recommend grabbing a copy as this was a brilliant book, that I just wanted to curl up and keep reading.

This is a story about families and how what you might see from the outside is not what's really happening. This is the story of two neighboring families, seemingly so different.

I had a favorite ride at an amusement park. It was called Pandemonium and it was a type of roller coaster, but the cars could be make to go in circles, as you were following the track, and there were sudden turns in the track. I had to think that this story was like that ride. Lots of quick turns, lots of drops and rises, and so much fun.

Definitely a different type of story, but I couldn't put the book down. I'd give it 4.5 stars.


After over a week since first submission and submitting 3 times to Amazon, I'm am still waiting for my review to go live

Dysfunctional families can make for very funny and interesting reading but not in this case. I’m not sure why this normally excellent author failed to hold my attention but fail she did.

I finished this one last night and I'm still a little uncertain how I'm feeling about it... This book follows the Kelleway family and their next door neighbors the Harrops as they proceed through one evening and into the next day. This book is entirely relationship based - although a baby is born, a marriage ends, and there are a few other events, it feels like nothing happens. I kept reading as I wanted to see how things would turn out or resolve, and I have to say I was disappointed in the way the book abruptly ended. Maybe the author was just trying to capture the natural flow of life and that things continue on even after our story wraps up? There is a lot of drama introduced and then not really followed through. The book is well written and the characters are very well developed. I just wasn't really sure I was sympathetic toward any of them and didn't feel any strong connections.

Amanda Prowses's latest novel iAll Good Things more than shores up her reputation as one of the most loved authors in the UK. She is renowned for her realistic portrayals of family relationships and dynamics, and this book is no exception.
SYNOPSIS
Daisy Harrop has always felt like she exists in the background, and since her mother stopped getting out of bed, her life has come to a complete standstill. Daisy would give anything to leave the shabbiest house on the street and be more like the golden Kelleways next door, with their perfectly raked driveway and flourishing rose garden.

Winnie Kelleway is proud of the beautiful family she’s built. They’ve had their ups and downs, but this weekend, celebrating her golden wedding anniversary is proof of their happiness, a joyful gathering for all the neighbours to see.

But as the festivities get underway, are the cracks in the ‘perfect’ Kelleway life beginning to show? As one bombshell revelation leads to another and events start to spiral out of control, Daisy and Winnie are about to discover that things aren’t always what they seem.

MY THOUGHTS ON ALL GOOD THINGS
The Kelleways, through the eyes of Daisy next door, are a glamorous, aspirational family, but in reality, they're anything but. Very few of the family are likable characters. Two of the men are toxic throwbacks and the matriarch is a terrible snob.

Cassian, the young son, and object of Daisy's attention, was an interesting character because initially the description of him as good looking, popular and clever put me off (not to mention his name). I felt sure he'd be arrogant and thoughtless. He turned out to be thoughtful and evolved, particularly compared to his father and grandfather.

Winnie, his sister, also got my back up at the start by appearing to be the usual stroppy teenager, although as is often the case, she was quiet and polite with her parents, but living a secret life of under- age night clubs.

Lisa, Daisy's mum, is depressed and hardly ever drags herself out of bed.

As with all Prowse's novels, we find ourselves reacting to the characters. We either like or dislike them; sometimes we sympathize, sometimes we nod because we remember the emotions being shared.

Over the course of the book we discover links between some of the characters, and we learn secrets and have surprises. Ultimately it's uplifting, but not in a patronising "everyone lived happily ever after" way.

Be careful what you wish for; the grass is not always greener; pride comes before a fall….All of these phrases & more can be applied to this fabulous family drama. Some of the characters really resonated with me, perhaps that’s why I felt so invested in this book.

Daisy Harrop has always coveted her neighbour’s life. Her mother is virtually bedridden with depression & her father works all the hours under the sun. Her neighbours seem perfect. Matriarch Winnie has been married to Bernie for 40 years, they have two children & grandchildren; she is unrelenting in letting the world know how well they’ve all achieved. Daisy fancies Cassian, Winnie’s grandson, big time; he also happens to be her brother’s best friend. She works as a waitress in the local Italian restaurant where the Kellaways are holding their anniversary celebrations. Let the games begin…

I have read this author before & so I know her writing style but this book seemed so much more relatable. Fleshed out characters, Winnie is just vile, meant that the threads were strong even though some were a little obvious. Everyday problems took on huge significance - affairs, sexuality, financial difficulties, mental health issues & more are there.
I didn’t feel as though I’d been reading very long & only just got to grips with everyone’s storyline when I’d finished it. More please.

The Kelleways and the Harrops have been neighbours for generations – but they couldn’t be more different. The Kelleways are rich, have a beautifully decorated house, luxury cars and love to flaunt their wealth. Winnie Kelleway loses no opportunity to get the family over and have a celebration. The Harrop house is shabby and drab and what’s more Lisa Harrop, the Mom, has been in depression for a few years – everything seems hopeless.

Daisy Harrop envies them their life – as she studies hard and works parttime in a restaurant – and comes home to a quiet house and microwave meals. She has a huge crush on Cassian, the grandson of the house, and also a friend of her brother, Jake. But everything is not as it seems. Unbeknownst to Daisy, her family is more intertwined with the Kelleways than she realizes. There’s history there that has the potential to shatter marriages and lives.

Amanda Prowse scores another hit with family drama, raw emotions and several plot twists that leaves the reader engrossed and entertained. Believable characters and a great story line meant I just had to finish the book before the day ended!

Do you ever find yourself wondering how the other half lives? Daisy Harrop has always dreamed of living a life that has more to offer. Her mother rarely gets out of bed and their home is in great disrepair. The realization that her life is as far from lavish as one could get pushes Daisy to blend into the background.

The Kelleway’s are the extravagant neighbors who are constantly setting the pace in luxury. From their lavish home to the fancy cars, the Kelleway’s lifestyle screams wealth. Daisy often finds herself dreaming of what it would be like to possess such fancy things. As the Kelleway’s celebrate a golden wedding anniversary, things unravel that expose the façade that this family keeps under wraps. Daisy will learn that the old saying ‘be careful what you wish for’ holds true for the Kelleway family as well.

All Good Things explores what it is like to live in the shadow of wealth. It focuses on the Kelleway family and their next door neighbor Daisy. The secrets that unravel in the book were a tab predictable but definitely relatable. While they lacked the shock value I expected, it still was an easy read. The Kelleway’s will take you round the merry-go-round in this fictional tale of woe.

I absolutely loved the story that was told from different points of view throughout. Sometimes things look perfect on the outside but when you get inside… I just love the character development in this ! thank you to NetGalkey and The publisher.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing Lake Union Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by Amanda Prowse - 4 stars!

Teenage Daisy has always envied the Kelleway family that lived next door and had a huge crush on their grandson, also her brother's best friend. In contrast, her family just doesn't compare - her mom is depressed, her dad and brother mostly checked out, their house the worst on the block. But when the entire Kelleway family gathers at the Italian restaurant where Daisy works for an anniversary celebration, some chinks start to show up.

Told in many different POV from both Daisy's family and the Kelleway's, this is definitely a cautionary tale about the grass being greener on the other side, as well as the destruction family secrets can cause. Always a good read from this author!

Daisy Harrop is a 17-year-old young woman, whose life hasn’t always been easy. Her mum, Lisa, suffers from depression and spends her days under a blanket, either on the sofa or up in the bedroom. Daisy’s dad, Marty, works his backside off at the mail sorting office, and when he’s home, he does all the chores that his wife would normally do before she became ill. D’s older brother, Jake is always in his bedroom playing computer games, or hanging around with his best friend, Cassian Kelleway.

You see, Daisy is a bit jealous of the Kelleway clan. Cassian’s grandparents, Winnie and Bernie, are Harrop’s next door neighbours. The Kelleways’ house has an extension, their garden is pristine looking, and the older couple always look their best. Plus they drive a nice car.

Daisy cannot help herself by comparing her family’s dilapidated house (and garden) to her next-door neighbours. Sometimes she wishes that a tiniest slice of Kelleways’ happiness would rub off on her family…

Winnie Kelleway is a woman who likes everything to be perfect: her appearance (plus her family’s), her parties, her lawn, even when she puts her bins. She is a true show-off and boy, she likes to flaunt it.

She’s been married to Bernie for 40 years and the reader meets her on the day of their ruby anniversary. The Kelleways are planning a grand celebration at the local Italian restaurant. The whole family is coming, and Winnie is feeling lucky. So very lucky.

However, underneath all that perfection, the cracks are beginning to show. It appears that the anniversary night is a catalyst for them all, as it all starts to unravel.

Everyone has secrets.

This is the Queen of Family Drama at her best. In this story, written from different points of view, we meet normal people, all of whom face different struggles and challenges. I felt like I could relate to them (well, apart from Winnie and Lawrence – truly awful people!).

I really felt for Daisy and her family. When I was reading her story, I thought of a saying ‘The grass is greener on the other side”, only we know that it isn’t. The Kelleways are far from perfect and Prowse portrayed that magnificently.

The theme of striving for perfection was prevalent in this story. Lawrence who was never happy and always on the lookout for the next best thing, Winnie who was preoccupied with her own image and what would other people think.

In this book, the author shows that nobody is perfect and nobody will ever be perfect. We can only strive for the important things, like health and family, rather than materialistic possessions.

Overall, it is a great book, well worth a read.