Thank you to my partners, Rachel’s Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley, and the author, Samantha Tonge. I appreciate the gifted eARC, and I am leaving this review voluntarily!

1. 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗔𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀 - Hope and Alex have a chance to turn things around for themselves. They are both very hesitant, but as assumed, things have a way of working out perfectly for both of them.

2. 𝗔𝗿𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 - Alex is such an arrogant woman. I immediately had a dislike of her character. It just takes a little reality to get her off her pedestal.

3. 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 - As Alex begins working at Hope’s job in the coffee shop, it doesn’t take long to see the effects the other characters begin to have on her.

4. 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 - Alex is trying to find inspiration for her next novel before her career hits far rock bottom. What she doesn’t foresee is that she is going to have more opportunities than she almost knows what to do with!

5. 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 - Often, a first impression is not a view into who the real person is. Nothing could be more true with the new friends that Alex is able to make within the coffee shop.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗬𝗼𝘂 is an emotional story that will uplift you as you read. The personal growth that is shown by every character is well-written and feels complete as the last chapter closes out.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for submitting the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is really beautiful! I found the way the author dealt with such serious subjects very beautiful, like dementia, for example, something I never see in books of this type. It showed that the author really knew what she was talking about, that she researched and stayed on topic, which I think makes all the difference.

I confess that at first I didn't like Alex very much, I thought she was a very selfish and immature woman, with silly and immature reflections due to the character's age, but it is possible to deal with this throughout the text, since we have seen Alex grow and develop more and more as a person, which makes her a real myth character.

Also, I need to make an honorable mention to Captain Beaky, the most charismatic and cutest character in this book, what an amazing and super funny parrot hahaha

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a story about new beginnings, true friendships, slow and cute romance, cute and charismatic pets, and personal evolution.

I’ve just revisited the synopsis for this lovely book, and realised there’s no mention of the reasons why the Wrong Order Cafe changed Alex’s life – but I do think I’d be doing the book a great disservice if I failed to comment on the way the author focuses so wonderfully sensitively on the whole subject of dementia. Renee and Fletch – working at Tom’s cafe, and the reason for the sometimes mangled orders that arrive at the tables – are at a relatively early stage in their dementia journeys. Tom’s father, who used to run the cafe, now only has fleeting moments of lucidity – but likes to visit from the home where he’s now cared for and soak in some of its special atmosphere.

Alex really didn’t know what she was taking on when she grasped the opportunity to stand in for Hope, living in her flat above the cafe, covering her job while she went on holiday. Selfish and self-obsessed (yes, it took a while for her to grow on me…) all Alex initially sees is a refuge from the problems in her life – a writing career that’s going down the tubes, a trail of bad choices, a lifestyle she can’t sustain any more. At first, she regrets her decision and almost walks away – but then slowly realises that she’s part of something particularly special, and becomes a very different person as she faces up to the many challenges.

The characters in this book are simply wonderful – and, given time, none more so than Alex herself as she comes up with ideas of her own to support the team of individuals she’s working with. Her relationship with owner Tom develops very nicely after a difficult start – there’s a slow-burn romance in the offing there too, but not as the most important element in the story. And there’s also a characterful parrot, Captain Beaky – the source of a lot of the humour, but when he sits on her lap and allows her to stroke him Alex knows she’s found a place she can call “home”.

The whole issue of memory, and the importance of acceptance and belonging, is just superbly handled – each individual, every one of them beautifully drawn, has their own story, often filled with sadness, and I grew to care for them all really deeply. But, as anyone whose life has been touched by dementia will know, there’s plenty of laughter too – there were so many moments and situations I recognised so well, and I can only commend and thank the author for her exceptional sensitivity and level of understanding. There were times the story made me feel tearful – but the author’s emotional touch is quite perfect, and an incident to make you smile again is never far behind. And I really loved the whole concept of “wabi-sabi”, the finding of beauty in imperfection – not as a random bolt-on, but developed as an integral part of this wonderful story.

Beautifully written, impeccably researched, it’s a book entirely filled with kindness and love that can’t fail to touch the heart – and I adored every moment. One of my books of the year – and one I’d urge everyone to add to their reading list.

This story is beautiful , uplifting, emotional, thought provoking and thoroughly disarming. On reading the synopsis I knew without a doubt I wanted to read it, but that with issues of Dementia, Alzheimers and the affects/impact it has on lives I admit to being a bit cautious having friends with parents going through this, but I will definitely add although it’s not a light and breezy read, that the uplifting nature, the positivity of the story shines through and it’s such a beautiful, comforting and satisfying read.

Alex is a lovely character, I did really connect with her, although initially she seemed a bit self involved, but in that situation I think it’s quite a realistic portrayal especially her initial out of her depth realisation at the cafe when she realises it’s true name meaning and the depth to its work, but after her initial regrets I loved watching her growth through . However, it’s Tom, who owns the cafe who stole my heart, I think I fell in love with him more page after page, no spoilers as to why you’ll need to read and meet him to fall in love yourself. Samantha Tonge writes beautifully constructed characters full of depth, flaws and caring, she really covers the human spirit and makes the characters so relatable.

I would thoroughly encourage anyone to read this brave, funny, beautiful story and not be deterred by the themes of dementia especially if you have experience of it, Samantha Tonge writes with such care and sensitivity, if you only have a little knowledge you will come out of this wonderful read with so much more understanding, if you do have full knowledge I think you’ll definitely come out of this life affirming read feeling comfort, recognition and acceptance.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

#blogtourreview

Samantha Tonge’s books are just so meaningful and go beyond a simple romance trope. She always manages to embody the trials and tribulations of life but also celebrates the most joyous moments, events and occasions too. The Memory of you is no different. Poignant and beautifully written it speaks from the heart - to the heart.

As always with Samantha’s books, The Memory of You is superbly researched and sensitively delves into the world of dementia and Alzheimers. There are some personal experiences and connections for the author (I think) which shines through in the way the subject matter is dealt with. It gently navigates the experience from the perspective of the people who are battling with the condition and the impact it can have on loved ones around them. Sad in places (of course), but also uplifting and occasionally humorous in others too in the way characters care for each other and provide a nurturing environment/community.

The idea of the cafe is superb and I’d love to see more of this in real life.

Alex’s character goes through a considerable change and I found myself contemplating a lot of things alongside her as the story unfolded. It really made me think about priorities, memories and the kind of things I’d like to leave behind. It also made me feel like I have a much better insight into what other people may experience in their lives and how to be more supportive.

The Memory of You is such a beautiful and unique story and I absolutely adored it.

Thank you Samantha Tonge for writing something so wonderful.

A uplifting and heartwarming story! The author has written this book with humour and empathy. I loved the consideration and time taken to create something for a life changing disease of Dementia which affects so many people's lives and the care the author has taken in writing this is a pleasure to read. Alex is a author who is struggling and Hope also is finding life tough. A chance encounter has the two women opening up to each other and soon Hope is off travelling with her daughter while Alex takes over living in Hope's apartment and working her job at The Wrong Order cafe. This book had me in tears of laughter and tears of heartbreak. There is more to the story than I assumed and I don't want to say too much and spoil it for anyone but it is a beautiful book, written by a clearly talented author.

I wasn’t sure about this at first as it seemed a bit implausible but soon fell in love with the characters of the wrong order cafe. Really heartwarming and a thoroughly lovely read.

Even though this book covers themes of Grief, Dementia and The Menopause I didn't find this a difficult or depressing read, it was in fact the complete opposite. This is a beautiful story, the thought provoking emotional narrative is pitched perfectly. This book is a roller coaster and completely stole my heart. I don't want to say too much as it could alter your experience of this book but please read this it is such a fantastic book.

a touching and heartwarming novel that offers a unique perspective on the lives of people suffering from dementia. This book sheds light on a topic that is often overlooked, and it does so in a way that is both informative and engaging.

One of the standout characters in the book is Tom, the owner of the cafe. His unwavering compassion and dedication to the cafe staff, who suffer from dementia, is truly inspiring. Although his character may seem too good to be true, it serves as a reminder that there are still good people in the world who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of others.

The concept of the cafe itself is also intriguing. The idea that life is like a wrong order, and that you don't always get what you expect, is a powerful metaphor that resonates throughout the book. It serves as a reminder to readers to be open to unexpected opportunities and to embrace the unexpected twists and turns that life often takes.

I found Alex's character unlikable, the other characters in the book, particularly the cafe staff, are endearing and lovable. The book does an excellent job of showcasing how being surrounded by love and support can have a profound impact on our outlook on life.

Overall, This heartwarming story explores the themes of friendship, love, and the importance of finding purpose in life. the story is sure to leave readers feeling uplifted and optimistic.

I found this book slow to begin with but then the storyline starts to evolve into a gripping and engaging story. It covers the themes of Dementia, Grief and the Menopause, but despite this it is still a heartwarming read.
Being of a similar age to Hope and Alex I found it was easy to relate to them, even though I didn't initially warm to Alex.
This is a lovely book and I really enjoyed reading it. Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for my ARC.

Alex was a top selling , highly successful author, “was” being the operative word. Her third book bombed and her agent has just let her know that the publishers won’t be asking for a new contract. Her mortgage is overdue, she and her husband split a while ago and life is generally pants. On the way back from the cancelled meeting with her agent she bumps into Hope. Hope has a quandary- she should be going travelling with her daughter but doesn't want to leave her job or the security as the job comes with living accommodation and the flights are booked for the very next day- and she hasn’t told her boss. What transpires is Alex taking over Hope’s job only Hope has been trying to tell her something and Alex either buts in or just doesn't listen. When she arrives at the café she is rather surprised at what she finds and gives a week tops as it's really not going to be her sort of thing at all, and somehow she will have to tell hope that her job and flat have gone to someone else. The manager Tom tries to persuade Alex in a very relaxed way and when she finds he has an unknown talent for writing things turn in a different direction.

I love Samantha’s books. There is so much more to them that “ just” a story. It's about life and taking chances. Of perhaps not being so quick to judge and to step into someone's shoes for a while to truly try and understand them. I got Alex- she had come from a busy banking environment to one when writing that she didn't have to interact with anyone if she didn't want to, and being at the café put her in the flight path of the world at large. It’s a hug in a book. A wonderful story of life and its ups and downs and sometimes how perhaps taking a step back can propel us more forward than we ever thought possible. A truly stunning read and deserved every one of the 5*in spades. Loved it doesn’t cover it.

#blogtour (amazon posted- misfits farm)

A story dealing with dementia, cancer & perimenopause may not sound a riveting or uplifting read, but I can assure you it certainly is. A truly heartwarming story written with such depth & emotion, you can really feel the authors experience in these matters. Such a touching story I heartily recommend.

Original and poignant, this contemporary story explores the effects of losing yourself to ageing and watching those you care about lose their identity to illness. It's a contemporarily relevant and insightful story set in an unusual cafe. Alex is a challenging character whose life is imploding through her actions, and comparing her with some of the other characters makes her seem shallow and selfish. Still, she learns and becomes a better person through her experiences. There are lighter moments in this story, too, and it's written in a heartwarming way. I like this book's characterisation, originality and uplifting qualities.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

My Review: This is a well written story with great characters. I got into the story fairly quickly due to its quirky opening pages. Alex, an Author and Hope , a mother who is off on her travels with her student daughter. Alex, due to circumstance, walks into Hope's life and fills in for her whilst she is on her travels. Living above the Wrong Order Cafe and working there. It's a cafe with a twist and a Parrot with a mouth like a sewer. Whilst Alex decides if she's made the right decision, she connects with Tom, Jade, Reenie, Fletch etc. Alex at times comes across as obnoxious. It's a brave, funny and very serious bit of story telling. Dementia features strongly in this book and it's quite emotional. Recommended.

Such a heartwarming story dealing with dementia. It's a beautiful story with amazing and memorable characters. The idea of the Wrong Order Cafe is awesome - I loved how the characters worked together and because a family of their own.

I liked Alex's storyline - thought she had it all and was on top of the world, until a career letdown has her questioning so much - and a chance meeting leads her to an amazing opportunity, which was just what she needed.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

When I looked at the synopsis for this book, I knew that I would need to dig deep to be able to read it. Dementia and Alzheimer’s have held sway over my family, including both parents, but Samantha has managed to fully share her story without creating pain for the reader. Ok, it was a challenge to read about the impact of this awful disease, but the positivity of the story far outweighed the heartache.
Alex is a wonderful character who feels very sorry for herself when we first meet her. To her mind, her career is in tatters, and she can no longer fund her extravagant lifestyle. Bumping into Hope is serendipitous as Alex is offered a home away from her problems and a chance to do something kind in return. Hope has the chance to go travelling but her job will only be held available to her if she can find someone to cover for her. The job comes with on-site accommodation and an opportunity to be part of the wrong order café. Thinking the café name is simply quirky, Alex doesn’t get the full details from Hope and soon finds herself dealing with a difficult reality.
Café owner, Tom, has taken control after dementia claimed the everyday functions of his father. Originally, they had run the café together, but as his father’s condition worsened, it became apparent that he could no longer cope. Discovering that Renee and Fletch, two of the members of the team had been diagnosed with early onset dementia and Alzheimer’s, Alex accepts that there is more to this café than she originally realised and regrets her decision. Even worse, from her point of view, there is a parrot with a colourful vocabulary in a food establishment.
I absolutely adored Tom, he had created an extraordinary environment that, in turn, created an opportunity for those afflicted by the grasp of dementia to flourish. The more I read about him, I fell a little bit more in love with him.
Samantha Tonge creates stories with humanity and depth. She observes people in a way that delves into their spirits and delivers the best version of them. When I say best version, I don’t suggest that her characters are unflawed, they are fully developed with a caring touch.
Please don’t be put off by the theme of this beautiful book, it is written with a caring and gentle spirit that leads to a greater degree of understanding.

This book started as a slow burner but I am glad I stuck with it - the characters settle and become more likeable and the story covers some usually avoided topics - menopause and dementia. A great story.

What a truly stunning read this book is and Samantha never fails to disappoint. Heart warming and beautifully written.

Although for me this book didn’t grab me to begin with, and if anything I couldn’t relate to any of the characters, it’s a slow burner and had me all in as the book evolves and the characters open up like beautiful flowers!! I’m glad I persevered! Samantha Tonge has great humanist insight and sensitivity, so despite first impressions it’s a heart warming read, and totally recommended.
Alex has it all, she is successful, famous, but cold, and lives in a beautiful flat with no one to answer to at all. Tom runs a very unusual cafe in Manchester, quirky and unique. What they begin to create between them is magical.
This is storytelling and the recording of memories with wise insight from a great author. Interesting eclectic characters, who I did want to get to know more.
This is inspiring reading, it gave me lots to think about and learn from, and hugely enjoyable aswell!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the early read, loved it!

Things are not going great for author Alex when a negative blog review leads to her latest release bombing. After her first titles went straight top of the paperback charts this is a shock to her. With her agent threatening to drop her without another successful release, Alex's newly acquired luxurious lifestyle hangs in the balance.

Feeling down in the dumps she stumbles into a quirky little cafe, which is not her usual scene. She meets waitress Hope who is also struggling and wants to go travelling with her daughter for a break, but can't get time off work. On a whim Alex agrees to take on her shifts while she is away... perhaps a change of scenery will give her inspiration for her new book!

However Alex doesnt realise quite how quirky the cafe is. Will she be able to stick at it to save Hope's job?

This is a lovely story exploring a range of issues, including grief, dementia and the menopause. It is quite refreshing to see these topics appear more in fiction as so often people suffer alone.

I really enjoyed all of the characters, particularly Jade, Fletch and Captain Beaky, the parrot with a potty mouth! Although, initially, all of these charcters appear unlikeable we warm to them as we find out more about their stories. The old adage "Don't judge a book by its cover" is very true!  A great feel good read!