I really enjoyed this with each character becoming linked to the next through friendships and relationships this deals with some heavy topics but does it in such a well written way highly recommend.

I enjoyed The Making of Us. It was a quick, easy read, that I read in one sitting.

I loved the cute French setting, and the characters were likable.
The storyline was sweet, but a little boring in parts.
I liked that it was told from a few different perspectives. My favourite perspective was Fay. Her story felt more real to me.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read, but not overly memorable.

3 Stars from me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books, and Debbie Howells for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A charming story about love and fate! When I turned the last page, I quite honestly wanted to cry because this was out-of-this world amazing.
 
The storyline was just oh so perfect! My favorite thing about it was the beautiful reminder that no matter what, no matter how many signs you ignore, fate will always step in and show you something you have no choice but to acknowledge. It’s like the red string theory; it’s beautiful and emotional and heartfelt. It warmed my heart in so many ways.
 
While I loved this, I’m rating it a 4.5 because it just doesn’t quite feel like a five-star read, but I may come back and change my mind! I’m very indecisive about these things.

𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙩𝙤 𝙉𝙚𝙩𝙂𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮!

It is a moment that will change everything. But Ned is heading to see his dying mother, and Stevie is returning to France to escape a terrible loss in her past. Neither of them can think about that tiny flame that just flickered between them.

But then their paths keep crossing, leading them both to the same beautiful community garden in a small French village; run by a mysterious old man named Zeke – a man with many of his own secrets.

As it becomes clear that fate is going to keep bringing them together – the two of them have to ask – are they ready for a happy-ever-after? Do they even know how to find it?

As the seeds grow into plants and flowers all around them, Stevie begins to wonders if Zeke – and his garden – might just have the answers…


I really enjoyed this story. Cannot wait to read more from the author. Will recommend to others.

Captivating from the first word this is a great big emotional roller coaster of a book that will make you laugh and cry in equal measure. As always it is beautifully written and I for one didn’t want it to end. Couldn’t recommend it enough

I lovely, heart warming story set in France. I laughed at the way foreigners were depict and enjoyed this lovely story. Happy and sad in equal measure.

This was an emotional page turner about friendship, family, farming and the fragility of life.

It is a book about different people whose lives are connected in a roundabout sort of way. I loved all of the characters and how the author has made them into something real. There are no airs around any of them. They could be friends or even your neighbours.

The village setting was good and the author captured succinctly the French’s feelings about the English and other visitors.

I loved that this book gives me food for thought and brings back memories of loved ones gone past.

This is a book I highly recommend.

Debbie Howells has written a moving story of why we are better together. Stevie and Ned meet on a flight to France. It is a case of bad timing or will their path's cross for good?

I loved that this was just not a love story but also a story of community and formed family. Zeke and his community garden plots added such a richness to this story that I think elevated the book.

3.5 stars rounded to 4.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Possible triggers: Sudden loss, parental loss, cancer diagnosis

I loved this story. It touched my heart, brought tears to my eyes, made me smile, and warmed my heart. I fell in love with the characters especially Ned and Stevie. I cheered them on as they discovered themselves and their friendship.

If I could give this book 10 stars, I would. This book was phenomenal from the very first page and I found myself reading it late at night when I was wide awake and I could not put it down. It's written so beautifully and is all about friendships, close families, love, grief .. Loved it so much!! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this widget - I will recommend it to everyone.

First we meet Stevie who has lost both parents in a plane crash. After sorting out everything she feels lost. She is at the airport going to France where she went on holiday with her parents when she was younger. She is terrified to fly.
She meets Ned and finds he is also on the flight sitting next to her. She gives him the boom she is reading when they land in France.
Ned is going to his Mother's birthday party. He is an aspiring musician but feels his parents disapprove.
He and his sister discover their mother is ill and doesnt have long left. Ned cdecides to spend as much time as he can sith her.
This story is told in 4 pov. Stevie, Ned also Fay who has a holiday home there and has always been the dutiful wife but wants something for herself now and Zeke who has the allotments he is also living with a tragedy.
Gradually these people's lives intertwine..
I really loved the characters and the way the story flowed and the way people helped one another. It was heartwarming to see them grow.
I liked Olivier and Nicole and also the way Nicole rescued Merlot the abused dog.
I liked the multiple pov. The book reflected hope, love and a sense of belonging. It was also tinged with sadness.
I really loved this book.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley.

Debbie Howells is a fantastic writer and The Making of Us proved to me yet again why I keep returning to her books. This is such a beautiful tale, full of heartbreak, loss, being true to yourself, grasping at the life you are given. I couldn’t put this down, it’s had a hold of my heart abd wouldn’t let me go.

I appreciated the multiple point of views used by the author, as I always adore seeing the story for multiple perspectives as well as getting it to the heart of the characters more too. This was a joy to read, literally, a it put hope back into my heart and lately I’ve really needed that’s.

The Making of Us is a story full of heart, seizing new chances, loveand of hope. Debbie Howell’sgivesus a story that is moving abd deals with challenging issues abs she treats them with such sensitivity and feeling. Simply beautiful.

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

Little choices can have a huge impact,
This brilliant read portrays that fact.
It follows folk who didn't know each other
But links grow readers soon discover.

A flight to escape grief and memories, too,
A journey to make a start that is new.
Looking for happy thoughts from the past
Hoping to move on to the future at last.

A stranger's hand to hold on the flight
Somehow that feels just so right.
When fate brings them together once more
Maybe they'll be things they need to explore.

A story where links develop, new friends and more
A sense of community and life twists to explore.
A truly heartwarming read despite grief and heartbreak
Making the most of opportunities you can take.

A story of life, full of its twists and turns, too,
Sharing joy, grief, feelings and possibilities that are new.
A moving, emotional and uplifting read
A look at how experiences help in times of need.

For my copy of this brilliant book I say a huge thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'The Making Of Us' by Debbie Howells.

What an absolutely heart warming, stunning must read!!!! This book has fantastic descriptions that set you straight in the scenes. The cover, title and synopsis suit the storyline perfectly.

The storyline itself was absolutely unputdownable so make sure you clear your schedules before starting to read it!! If you are a fan of JoJo Moyes, Nicholas Sparks and Jodi Picoult like myself then you absolutely must read this book!!! It is a unique, page turning rollercoaster ride of emotions that will have you smiling, crying, laughing and much more!! We are taken on a journey through the multiple character perspectives of Stevie, Ned, Fay and Zeke and transports the reader to a gardening commune in a small village called Correze in South West France. Steve is an only child and an orphan after she lost her parents a year ago. She was engaged but her fiancée ended their relationship. Stevie is on a flight home and trying not to think of everything she is lost or panic about flying. Next to her and having his hand clutched by Stevie is Ned. Ned is also returning home on the flight after his engagement and relationship ended. Ned is a musician and has also been called home for huis Mum's birthday. Ned's parents have never agreed in his choice of career but when he arrives home he discovers some heart-breaking news that will change everything. We then meet Fay who is married with two children. Fay's husband Hugh is more interested in his career than in her. Fay decides to stay in Correze while trying to work out what to do with her life. The last protagonist we meet is called Zeke. Zeke is an older man and runs the community garden that has allotments. Zeke is also trying to heal from his own past trauma. Stevie and Fay both end up meeting Zeke in his garden and Zeke try's to help the two women with their life problems. Will these four characters be able to help each other and find happiness? Grab your copy to find out for yourselves. I can guarantee that you will not regret it!! With a storyline filled with community, friendship, romance, death, history, heartbreak, love, drama and so, so much more what else could you ask for in a beautiful page-turner and what are you waiting for? Debbie does an amazing job of weaving the multiple protagonist perspectives together perfectly ensuring the reader can see and feel how each of the characters are feeling and see what they are doing without leaving any confusion. Debbie's vivid, emotive and evocative writing skills ensures that you are transported to Correze at the turn of a page where you can see the stunning village, smell in the earthy scent of the allotments and feel what the characters are feeling throughout. The fact that Debbie clearly cares about her characters shines through the pages with her fantastic character building and development and i absolutely loved watching the interactions, friendships and relationships develop between not only the four main protagonists but the friends, family and community too. This book truly is devastatingly heart-breaking and beautiful. I absolutely love the unique storyline and the absolutely stunning settings. It really is an absolute rollercoaster ride of emotions filled with love, hate, romance, heartbreak, anger, laughter, regrets, family, love, loss, secrets, friendship and so much more. It is one of the most unforgettable books I have ever read!! I ended up with tears streaming down my face so make sure you get those tissues ready!! It is one of those books that I just simply could not put down and I walked around everywhere with my kindle and the book. Every chapter ended in a way that I had to know what was going to happen next and then it would move on to the next chapter and do the same so I blew through this in one sitting. Reading this book really does make you feel that you are standing with each of the characters and going through their pain, love, and suffering. It really is a rollercoaster ride of emotions and you need to clear your schedules and get the tissues at the ready because you will not be able to put this book down. There are some tough topics are explored with realism and sensitivity, that all culminated in a very gripping and powerful page turner. This is one of those books that will stay with me for a long time and although it could be a difficult read at times with emotions running high I would seriously recommend it to anyone and everyone!! The characters were all an eclectic mix and each one of them were realistic and strong. They all had their own quirks, flaws, strengths and weaknesses and I absolutely fell in love with all of them for different reasons and I truly was devastated to say goodbye. I absolutely adored watching their relationships and friendships grow and develop throughout the storyline. Debbie's gorgeous evocative writing skills and descriptions really bring the storyline and characters to life and I cannot wait to get stuck into her next gorgeous page turner!! I really hope that this will be turned into a movie as I will be the first in line to watch it!!

An absolutely stunning, page turning MUST READ!! A MASSIVE WELL DONE to Debbie on a HUGE success!!! I loved every page of your book and I cannot wait to read more past and future amazing books. This is exactly why you are on my favourite author list!! Here's to your next success 🥂!

Overall an unputdownable, unforgettable, stunning book that will have you staying up late at night to finish it.

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Connections

This is a story of a small town and the group of people who revolve around in it, paths sometimes crossing.

A book crafted of combining stories of people’s lives into one book. The main characters all have struggles of their own, but occasionally their stories intersect with each other. The bar, the allotment, the huge house where Ned’s family lived…these are the central locations. Stevie, Ned, Fay, Zeke, Nicole, Olivier and Madame Picard are the main characters.

I liked the book but didn’t quite gel with the individual stories. Their intersections felt a bit forced to me. I think this book would have been better as a selection of short stories. Nothing wrong with the book, just missed the mark a bit for me.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

My favorite kind of novel is one where the author brings together a cast of broken characters to form a family or community. The Making of Us by Debbie Howells definitely fits that description. It does deal with some heart-wrenching issues, so the reader should be prepared with a box of tissues. The story is told through multiple points of view, each character dealing with grief and deciding how to move forward. I loved the way their stories intersected as well as the setting of a small French village. This author was new to me, but I will be seeking out more of her books to read. Thanks to NetGalley, Boldwood and the author for a copy to read and review.

Told from multiple POV, The Making of Us is a heartwarming read that takes us through a wonderful journey through love, loss and new beginnings.

I found the characters to be likeable and realistic, with all of their stories intrinsically entwining together.

The Making of Us is a moderately paced read that runs high on emotions and the unpreditabilities life throws our way.

An engaging and enjoyable read

This book had much more depth to it than the cover and title might suggest. Full of emotions of all kinds. I did find the many points of view a bit confusing at first but once I was invested it became easier to keep them straight. The characters were well written and I enjoyed, if not liked, them all

I zipped right through this one.

Thanks to netgalley and Boldwood Books for the arc.

The story follows 4 strangers, Stevie is on a flight back home to France, struggling with grief and a huge fear of flying, not surprising given how her poor parents died. She find herself seated next to Ned who's heading to his parents to celebrate his mothers birthday.
It then jumps to Fay who's in an unhappy marriage who meets Zeke who runs the Community Garden.
I've learnt while reading this that I struggle to follow multiple POV's, I love dual but told in multiple was a bit confusing for me.
I did however enjoy the character development through the book. The metaphors surrounding the gardening really resonated with me.
My favourite quote from the blurb is "Sometimes you need to be lost, before you can be found…"
There's growth right there!
Thank you NetGalley, Debbie Howells and Boldwood Books for this ARC, all opinions expressed are my own.

From the very first page, I was immersed in the lives of two wounded souls whose fates seemed inevitably intertwined. Their journey felt like a long-awaited dream, a story just waiting to unfold.

This was an emotional rollercoaster, keeping me on edge with each unexpected twist. Every time I thought I had the plot figured out, new surprises kept the story exciting and full of suspense. I couldn't help but root for the characters, hoping they'd overcome their struggles and find the happiness they so rightfully deserved.

It was such a poignant reminder that life, much like love, is full of unpredictability. With its unexpected turns and surprises, it proves that the best endings are often the ones we never anticipate. It's a story that lingers long after the final page, and I highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates tales of love, destiny, and life's beautiful uncertainties.