Jess Cavendish has run off from what seems to be an abusive relationship and is homeless. She lives in a tent in a cemetery but as it gets colder, she finds a vacant house and becomes a squatter. She finds a job as a dishwasher in a nearby restaurant. Gethin Thomas has recently left a relationship with a high profile personality and has purchased the house that Jess is living in. When Gethin encounters Jess instead of kicking her out he invites her to stay and help him fix up the house. Despite this rather unbelievable premise, I found this to be a slow burn, cozy book. Two forty-somethings leave their failures behind and start anew in a small town in Wales. I liked the setting and found both main characters very likable. It took a bit to get into it but overall I enjoyed it. I thank Penguin Random House and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I have been smitten with Jackie Fraser’s first novel since my first read. I was anticipating her second novel, and so pleased to receive an advanced reader copy. While very different than her first novel, this one does not disappoint. This book’s topics are a bit heavier, but “real life”. She doesn’t shy away from the hard of life and the complicated relationships we find ourselves in- the good and the bad and the ugly. I so appreciated how the main characters relate to each other, and the kindness they show to each other during the rough edges of their lives. They are beautiful. I wish I could visit the house featured in this book, and see the picture on the mantle.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

AHH-MAZING!!! What a memorable and heartwarming love story between two middle aged characters. "The Beginning of Everything" is a slow burn romance that is about starting over, healing, friendships, resilience, hope, courage and love. I felt so connected to the characters and the story and did not want it to end. ALL the emotions!! This is my first read by Jackie Fraser and I am already a huge fan! I absolutely loved this book so much!!🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷

After running away from an abusive boyfriend, Jess finds shelter in a vacant house. Gethin is the new owner of the home and plans to do several renovations before moving into his place. When he discovers a stranger living in his house Gethin is shocked! Instead of getting upset he surprisingly invites her to stay. Jess is extremely cautious of men and struggles to let anyone help her. However, she does need shelter and agrees to help with the renovations of the house in exchange for a room. Why would Gethin invite a stranger to to stay in his house? What will the family and friends think? Is he going crazy or is it a good idea? What could he possible gain from offering Jess to stay in his house? This is beginning of their journey to starting over and healing from past trauma.

Gethin and Jess develop a beautiful friendship and slowly their feelings for one another become stronger. The attraction is definitely there but will Jess be able to trust and open her heart again? I loved how Gethin was so open, kind and patient with Jess. It was refreshing that the focus was not on the past but moving forward. I loved Jess and was rooting for her the entire time. The author has a way of making the characters feel so real and relatable and I found myself feeling like I was right there with them.

Overall, it is such a wonderful love story that kept me engaged to the very end. I highly recommend this book and it deserves all the stars!!🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I received an E-arc from Netgalley and the publisher for an exchange of an honest review.

This was written beautifully with real characters who are going through so many things emotionally. I loved Gethin and Jess connect on different levels. They were strangers, then friends, then perhaps something more? It's a different vibe on what a love story is.

I loved how the emotional hurdles that Gethin and Jess go through. Gethin dealing with his ex and all the drama. Jess dealing with emotional baggage from many things. They both listened to each other and got along really well. I got the feeling Gethin and Jess were a bit older. I would estimate maybe in their late 30s and early 40s? It's a different change of pace than younger folk.

Designing a house together was pretty neat to see. I don't think I could do that. I loved how Jess had an eye for designing. I was hoping she would get a business started and Gethin would help her?

I would recommend this book if you are looking for a heartwarming contemporary romance fiction. It is different and I think you have to have patience with this book since it's a bit heavy on the pace and learning how to cope.

"The Beginning of Everything" is a beautifully written and emotionally rich novel that will leave a lasting impression on readers. Jackie Fraser's masterful storytelling, nuanced character development, and evocative prose make for a compelling and introspective reading experience. This book is a must-read for those who appreciate thought-provoking narratives that delve into the depths of human emotions, relationships, and the power of self-discovery.

I absolutely loved this authors first book, and was so excited for this one. I think I expected the same sort of love, and set myself up for failure.

Likes:
Setting/location
The characters
Age of the cast
Slow Burn
How normal relatable it was
Their conversations to build their friendship
Food and tea details

Dislikes:
Not much happened outside of relationship building
How trusting/meek Gethin was about some things
That Jess stayed living with a stranger (just something I would not do)

Thank you NetGalley, Random House Publishing, and Jackie Fraser for this ARC copy of The Beginning of Everything, in exchange for my honest opinion and review. 



This was my first book by the author. I was drawn in by the adorable cover, and even more enticing book synopsis!



Our FMC - Jess is running… literally from her toxic relationship. She leaves with nothing but a few things on her back and makes her escape… finding herself squatting in an empty house… that actually belongs to someone! 



To our MMC - Gethin’s surprise, he arrives to his new home one day to find a squatter! Instead of freaking out, he listens to her and finds compassion for her situation… inviting her to stay.



Although the intro scene really threw me… I continued on but honestly had a bit of a hard time connecting to the characters. Some of the content was just so out there I had a hard time envisioning it to be possible. Jess was also a character that I had a hard time liking. To be fair she was at a low point in her life, and I did find that as the story went on the dialogue between characters warmed me up to her. 



I loved how gentle our MMC was with Jess. Small normal moments between the pair slowly built their friendship, and ultimately heal Jess’s broken heart.



Read if you love: 

-Friends-to-lovers

-Slow Burn

-Healing/Growth

-Happy Endings

I love publishing's new trend of supporting stories where something serious and life-changing in a good way is happening with the main lead in addition to the romance. Please, more more more!!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for the ARC.

Jess left a toxic relationship and went in to hiding, but since she doesn’t confide in anyone, that leaves her homeless and squatting in a home that’s just been bought.

Gethin goes to his new home only to find a squatter, and while most would be upset, he has compassion on her and invites her to stay.

This book is about their ensuing friendship, the growth of their relationship, and Jess’ changes as a person.

I liked the premise of this book, but I found it a little difficult to like Jess at first. As her story grew and she revealed more, I found compassion for her. I enjoyed her relationship with Gethin, but I found myself wanting more of their interactions and more of the build up of their best friendship. I liked the ending and how the story was resolved. This is the second book I’ve read by this author, and I’ve found both stories to be unique and a fresh perspective of adults still struggling to find themselves. Will read this author again.

I received a free copy of The Beginning of Everything, by Jackie Fraser, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for a review.

This book was delightful and charming. Jess' circumstances are unique and I wasn't expecting everything about her character and found myself looking forward to journeying along with her. That being said, the main plot between Jess (she is squatting in an empty house) and Gethin (the house's owner who lets her stay) was a little strange. It was hard for me to wrap my head around in that plot in this day of constant serial killer awareness. I'm glad this wasn't a thriller but there were so many times when I felt like it could be.

The Beginning of Everything was an easy enjoyable light romance. I enjoyed that as a the reader, we did not have any of the answers until they were shared in conversation with Gethin. This perspective kept me curious and looking for more. However, I do feel that there was a big build up throughout the story, but I was disappointed by the plot twist. I loved the concept of the story and getting know Jess, however, I felt there was not as much character development for Gethin.

Overall, I enjoyed the read and would recommend the book to someone who enjoys a light romance.

I received a free copy of The Beginning of Everything, by Jackie Fraser, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Jess is on her own she starts sleeping in other people's houses, Gethin is the owner of the house she is currently staying in, Gethin allows her to stay in his house. I did not care for the story line at all I did not like Jess; character either.

I was charmed by this book.

This book was sweet and whimsical and I read it oh-so-quickly. It didn’t feel realistic to me (bottom line: I think the intro scene of the book would have played out differently in real life, no matter what), but the writing and story were good enough to make me want to suspend disbelief and lose myself in the pages.

I fell in love with dialogue, which felt genuine and full of endearing hesitations and relatable phrases, and the passages about transforming spaces and developing a sense of home were very enchanting to me.

Full review is posted on instagram (@reading_with_deb), effective 5/21/2023. Link attached below.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book. I stumbled accidentally across this author’s previous book and loved it. It sparked something in me. This book was not so much. Mostly I wanted to shake Jess to go get therapy. There is a definite suspension of reality with most books but with this one I just couldn’t. Our fmc runs from an abusive relationship(believable) to living in a tent(also believable). She breaks into a recently sold empty house(still believable). But when it’s discovered, he lets her stay and let’s her help renovate without knowing anything about her(wtf?). And time goes on and they become friends and he makes her life better, ect. I’m not sure if. The hallmark level of generosity and forgiveness is just so foreign to me but it was a sticking point that tainted my expectations. I truly think I was not the correct audience. 2 1/2 stars

I absolutely loved The Beginning of Everything by Jackie Fraser! It reminded me so much of Rosamunde Pilcher or Mave Binchy. Just a sweet and heart warming romance! Ms Fraser's storytelling is superb and I loved the descriptive settings, the castles and the weather and just everything! I'm so grateful to Netgally for allowing me to read and review this book.

I can't even begin to imagine the depth of despair Jess must have felt that living in a tent, freezing and in a graveyard was far preferred to her other situation. She felt so.less than and not even quite a person that she didn't even know who she was. By washing dishes in a restaurant, she was in the back and inward into herself with the hope that she was invisible. It is only through Gethin that she began to come out of her shell and realized she deserved to be happy and loved. She didn't have to live a quarter of a life but rather a full one. Yes, she did perform actions of self sabotage but what was done is what she perceived to be self protection. Once she found things that made her happy such as interior design, friendships such as Kate and Maura and dancing in a homemade disco with Gethin, did Jess really evolve as a person. The person that Gethin loved wholly and unconditionally. A truly heartwarming book and I found it to be inspiring.

I loved her debut, but loved this book even more.
The Beginning of Everything by Jackie Fraser is a fun friends-to-lovers novel of resilience, hope, and new beginnings.
Jessica and Gethin are very likable characters who I instantly became so connected to.
The writing is amazing. From the beginning to end I was pulled deeper and deeper into the lives of these characters.
A touching, heartfelt story.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

Thank You NetGalley and Random House, Ballantine & Dell for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

This is a very slow burn romance where the friendship builds for the majority of the book. Coming from an abusive relationship, Jess takes a long time to open up to love again. Gethin is one of the most patient, kind and generous characters (sainthood-ish), and comes with a painful past too. Jess and Gethin cross paths and seem to have a surprisingly mutually beneficial friendship. Most of the book consists of ordinary moments of loving kindness with no expectations; cooking dinner, gardening, listening, DIY home projects, etc., which you have to appreciate in order to enjoy this book. Jess' actions didn't always make sense to me, and near the end seemed abrupt, but I thought the ending was satisfying and made sense.

Thank you #NetGalley and #RandomHouse for the ARC e-book.

A Heartwarming Journey of Second Chances: The Beginning of Everything by Jackie Fraser

Rating: 3.75/5 stars

The Beginning of Everything by Jackie Fraser is a heartwarming tale of two individuals, Jess and Gethin, who are looking for a fresh start after the end of their respective relationships. This engaging story follows their journey as they discover solace, friendship, and eventually, the possibility of love within the walls of an unoccupied house.

Fraser's writing style is fluid and easy to follow, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the characters' lives. The author skillfully portrays the emotional turmoil and vulnerability of Jess and Gethin, capturing their individual struggles with authenticity and empathy. As the story progresses, their shared experiences and connection gradually unfold, building a strong foundation for their relationship.

One of the book's strengths lies in the development of the characters. Jess is a resilient and determined protagonist, seeking to rebuild her life on her own terms. Her journey from a place of fear and insecurity to embracing the possibility of love is both empowering and inspiring. Gethin, on the other hand, adds depth to the narrative with his quiet strength and compassion. The chemistry between Jess and Gethin is palpable, and their evolving relationship is depicted with tender care.

The author's attention to detail shines through in the vivid descriptions of the house restoration process. From peeling wallpaper to selecting furniture, these moments add an immersive quality to the story, making readers feel like active participants in the characters' lives. Moreover, the shared interests of music and food provide a delightful backdrop for their blossoming friendship and eventual romance.

However, while The Beginning of Everything is an enjoyable read overall, there are a few aspects that prevent it from reaching its full potential. Some plot points feel predictable, and the pacing occasionally falters, resulting in a few lulls in the narrative. Additionally, certain secondary characters lack depth and could have been further explored to enhance the overall story.

Despite these minor flaws, The Beginning of Everything remains a touching tale of second chances and personal growth. Fraser's ability to evoke emotions and create relatable characters is commendable. The book's message about embracing new opportunities and overcoming past traumas is delivered with warmth and sincerity.

In conclusion, The Beginning of Everything by Jackie Fraser is a charming story that explores the power of friendship, healing, and the unexpected joys that come from taking risks. Although it has a few drawbacks, it is a worthwhile read for fans of contemporary romance and those seeking a heartening narrative of starting anew.

I was drawn to this book by the cover and it did not disappoint The Beginning of Everything by Jackie Fraser is a cute, friends to lovers story set in Wales. Jess Cavendish is a 40 something woman running from a bad relationship when she meets Gethin Thomas, the new owner of the house she has been sleeping in while its been unoccupied. When he offers for her to move in in exchange for help fixing the place up, their friendship develops, and the story unfolds from there. Although I fund the premise rather implausible, that is, this man asking a homeless woman to live in his house, I liked the story well enough to suspend disbelief. At times I had to remind myself that these were characters in their 40's not their 20's, as their maturity and communication skills seemed like the latter. Overall, I liked the setting, the whole premise of renovating and decorating the house, along with the friends to lovers trope. I also enjoyed Fraser's previous novel, The Bookshop of Second Chances, and I will surely read more from her.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.