Where do I start with this book, it broke my heart, made me smile and brought me to tears!

I loved The Secret Life of Beatrice Alright by Brooke Harris!
Bea Alright is down on her luck, her boyfriend of over 4 years leaves her and their daughter for his 'proper family' leaving her homeless. Every time she seems to catch a break, something else happens. On a snowy day when she has to collect her daughter from creche, she meets Malcolm, the grumpy straight talking old man sitting on a bench outside the hospital where she works.
Without her knowing, her life starts to change then.
I highly recommend this book, and I am excited to read more from Brooke Harris.
Thank you to Storm Books and NetGalley for the ARC!

Oh my, where do I begin! First I will say that Brooke Harris has an incredible gift to take difficult situations in life and create a story from the ashes and bones of trauma. Through highly detailed descriptions, exquisite atmosphere and moving dialogue, she paints such a vivid picture you are pulled into the storyline immediately. While she exposes the characters’ source of pain, our empathy ramps up to such a level we find ourselves choking back tears. We are drawn into an authentic drama, transported into the very shoes of the characters, to experience their emotional upheaval.

At times while reading The Secret Life of Beatrice Alright I felt physically ill. This poor woman Bea had to endure such disappointments. Her diligence to protect and care for her child is admirable. This plot grabbed my heart so fiercely I had to take breaks and step outside in the sun to level out my emotions. But, of course, I could not stay away very long as I wanted to keep reading—even when I guessed the outcome. For my heart was invested in the characters. They came across as people any of us could know. These sorts of events happen in the real world. Many become homeless for various reasons: loss of income, not enough income, high cost of living, abandonment, infidelity, betrayal to name a few—even death of loved ones are all common occurrences.

Bea had a rough childhood which is why she fought so hard to give her child a normal and secure life. She always wanted Ellie to feel wanted and loved. When Bea is betrayed by her much older boyfriend, pilot Declan, father of her child, she becomes homeless. She cannot afford to pay the costly rent while trying to feed and cover child care fees for Ellie. Her job at the hospital, as a cleaner, obviously pays small returns. Her financial dependence on Declan for major living expenses puts her in a bad position. For now that he is gone, she is unable to fill the financial gap. And worse, it is just before Christmas when he leaves her stranded. She has made mistakes, yes, and trusted the wrong man but it becomes obvious she is a good person with a caring heart for others in distress: some qualities that would have gone far in the profession she originally had chosen. We learn that Bea dropped out of university when she was studying to be a doctor to care for her daughter.

Cora, Bea’s best friend, tries to help but her boyfriend is not happy to have Bea and her daughter as guests. So Bea moves into a storage closet at the hospital with her daughter and tries to dodge her boss and co-workers from discovering her sleeping arrangements. A lot happens during this time and the trials keep mounting. Then she meets an elderly man, Malcolm, and his grandson Shayne who radically alter her life. Bea has a lot of compassion and when she sees an elderly man outside the hospital sitting on a bench in the cold with no hat, she is worried for his health. She tries to help him. Yet he insists he is fine. But as she gradually gets to know him and the reasons he is there, her heart becomes heavily invested in his predicament. And though things are grim, Malcolm is full of surprises. He has a wicked sense of humour, is somewhat stubborn but has a heart of gold and helps her in ways she’d never imagine. He is good with her daughter, too, and they all build a warm and rewarding relationship that fills gaps in their lives. Bea actually works for his daughter, Elaine, at the hospital but the relationship between father and daughter is not good. And, of course, Bea tries to do something about that. Then caring grandson, Shayne, enters the picture. He is back in Dublin from New York. He has been very worried about his grandfather and continues to check on him. When he meets Bea and Ellie through their time with Malcolm, a warmth develops between them and you know they are going to be good for each other, if given the chance. This ‘family’ of relatives and friends is truly beautiful and their joyful moments of kite flying represent a freeing of their cares to become a time of healing and restoration. There are a few sad outcomes but the ending also shows how new life can spring from the traumas and trials of the past.

I loved this novel. It moved me in so many directions emotionally with its powerful, passionate and triumphant delivery. Be prepared for your heart to shatter and your eyes to fill with tears for this is moving, magical and mesmerising fiction that reflects the serious truths of life. The novel covers the good and bad of relationships. But also the reality of homelessness for many. And Brooke Harris paints a vivid unforgettable picture of those who have experienced it and overcome the odds. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for a review copy.

Oh I loved this so much! When Bea's life falls apart, she refuses to be beaten, even if it means she has to live in the cleaning cupboard at the hospital where she works, with Ellie, her four year old daughter. When Bea a takes a seat on the bench outside the hospital, she meets Malcolm, a bit of a grumpy old fella, but Bea feels a connection with him and persists in trying to find out why he spends his days on that bench.

Bea is a resilient and determined young woman, with so much love and dedication to her daughter, even the hardest heart would find themselves rooting for her. Amongst the struggles and heartache that Bea and Malcolm endure, there is also some brilliant humour, mainly thanks to four year old Ellie, and so much hope.

The writing is beautifully immersive and Brooke Harris really knows how to balance the heartache and humour, to pull the reader's emotions all over the place in the most absorbing way. It may only be early January, but this is definitely going on my top reads list for 2025!

5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Brooke Harris and Storm for an ARC in return for an honest review.

Oh I think my heart just broke a little bit! Bea is a mum and finds herself in a position nobody would ever like to be in. She is fiercely proud and used to fending for herself. Then along comes Malcolm very unexpectedly and the story unfolds in a most lovely way. You will need tears at the end be warned.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for my copy of The Secret Life of Beatrice Alright.
I LOVED THIS BOOK.
Devoured it in one very late night, I had to know how it ended.
Bea always has a glass half full, convinced that things will turn out okay, she sees the good in everyone,
until her life falls apart. Can she rebuild her life and find the future she deserves.
Don't miss this gem.

This would be a 5 star book if it weren't for the terrible decisions Beatrice makes for entirely TOO long, putting her very young child in extreme danger. This goes on for FAR too long. Because she's embarrassed to tell people? Even her long term best friend who is so deeply loving to her, endlessly supportive, and helpful.

The writing is excellent, story is excellent, but it's dangerous and infuriating how handled a child for so long, when there were ample opportunities to tell someone she trusted.

Bea;s life is turned upside down when her partner leaves her and her daughter homeless, she ends up living in a closet in the hospital where she works as a cleaner.

Brooke Harris has a way of pulling you in to a story because of the strength of her characters and you feel that you actually know them.
You cant help but become invested in the story of Bea and Ellie and the challenges they face.
It is difficult to write a review of this fabulous book without giving too much away.
So I would say its a testament to the strength of a mother, for second chances and for making the reader cry!
Loved it.

The Secret Life of Beatrice Alright is a profoundly moving story of resilience, love, and the unexpected ways human connections can heal even the deepest wounds. Brooke Harris masterfully weaves a tale that balances heartbreak with hope, creating a narrative that is as uplifting as it is poignant.

Beatrice "Bea" Alright is a character who embodies quiet strength and determination. When her partner Declan drops a devastating bombshell, leaving her and their four-year-old daughter, Ellie, homeless, Bea’s world is turned upside down. With no family to turn to and her best friend's generosity stretched thin, Bea resorts to living in a hospital storage closet, where she works as a cleaner. Despite her dire circumstances, Bea’s love for Ellie and her unwavering hope drive her forward, making her journey both heart-wrenching and inspiring.

The story takes a beautiful turn when Bea befriends Malcolm, an elderly man who spends his days sitting on a bench outside the hospital. Their growing friendship, though initially unlikely, becomes a source of healing for both Bea and Malcolm, offering them solace and support during their respective struggles. Malcolm’s grandson, Shayne, adds another layer of warmth and complexity to the story, as his presence begins to open doors Bea never thought possible.

Harris’s writing is heartfelt and compassionate, bringing her characters to life in a way that makes them feel deeply relatable. Bea’s unwavering dedication to Ellie, Malcolm’s hidden pain, and Shayne’s quiet kindness all contribute to a rich tapestry of emotions that will leave readers both tearful and hopeful.

Final Thoughts:
The Secret Life of Beatrice Alright is a bittersweet yet uplifting story about the power of kindness, the strength of a mother’s love, and the unexpected ways people can come together to help each other heal. With its richly drawn characters and emotional depth, this book is a must-read for fans of heartfelt, character-driven stories. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest times, light can be found through connection and compassion.

Thank you to Storm Books and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Wow what can I say. Gorgeous book, fabulous characters and a storyline that will guarantee to hit you right in the chest.
I was completely hooked from the first page, willing the characters on each with their own story and battle ahead. So we'll written with lots of thought going into each page. You'll smile, you'll cry but you won't want it to end. Absolutely wonderful from beginning to end

The Secret Life of Beatrice Alright is the story of a young single mother of four year old Ellie who thinks she has the best life or does she. Bea works in a hospital has a pilot boyfriend Declan who flies all over. They live together where Bea handles the home fires and Ellie and her job. Bea had big dreams of becoming a doctor, ,but had to drop out once she became pregnant with Ellie. Bea always thought she and Declan would marry and raise Ellie as one happy family. That was until Declan came clean with a secret he had been hiding from Bea. At that moment Bea and Ellie had lost everything. What was she going to do?
Enter Malcolm n elderly gentleman who befriends Bea and Ellie. Malcolm brings some sunshine and hope into their lives. Along with that Shayne Malcolm’s grandson show them what a true family is. Yet are both Malcolm and Shayne holding something from Bea? Will Bea tell them the truth about how bad life is for her and her daughter without losing them and her daughter.? Plus how does Bea’s boss Elaine fit into this situation?
Brooke Harris is a new author for me so I did not know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised how I enjoyed this book. It was about a mother’s love for her child and what she must do to survive. It’s also about a families pain with words they cannot take back, yet with the help of friends they find their way back to each other. Beautifully written story great characters even with their flaws. I would recommend this book to my fellow readers. Thank you Net Galley and Storm Publishers for the ARC. Excellent!

I almost have no words to describe The Secret Life of Beatrice Alright by Brooke Harris. This was a beautiful, thought provoking and heartbreaking story.

Beatrice (Bea) is almost wholly dependent on Declan, her longtime boyfriend and father of her four year old daughter, Ellie. When Declan suddenly announces that he is married and is ending things and walks out without a thought for Bea and his daughter, Ellie, Bea’s world comes tumbling down around her, and she finds herself and Ellie living in a storage closet at the hospital where she works.

I could almost feel Bea’s heartbreak and desperation as she struggled to take care of her little girl and tried to find a safe place for them to live. It seemed like every time Bea would start to get ahead something would drag her back down. Unfortunately I think her situation is all too real for many. I honestly don’t know how she managed to keep their living arrangements a secret for as long as she did.

At the same time that Bea’s life was falling apart, the story took a sweet turn as she befriended the elderly Malcolm and his grandson, Shayne. Their friendship was mutually beneficial, as Bea and Ellie brought joy to Malcolm’s life and helped to bring his family back together, while he provided Bea and Ellie with friendship, and eventually a sense of belonging and a safe home.

This was such a beautiful, bittersweet story, one that I think will stick with me for a long time. and I will find myself recommending often.

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

My first book by the author, Brooke Harris, and definitely won’t be my last. Bea and her daughter, Ellie, find themselves in an impossible situation and Bea struggles to keep her little family safe and together. Bea meets an elderly gentleman called Malcolm outside the hospital where she works and her life is about to change forever. This story is heartbreaking but also touching, with humour and laughter alongside the moments of sadness. Just beautiful!

This was my last read of 2024. It was absolutely perfect. Bea thinks her life is perfect, and it is...until it isn't and everything falls apart. The Secret Life of Beatrice Alright tells such a beautiful story of heartbreak, strength and hope. It made me laugh at times, and made me cry. I loved everything about this book.

I adored The Secret Life of Beatrice Alright by Brooke Harris! Bea Alright is extremely down on her luck, and every time she seems to get a break, something else goes wrong. Ellie, her daughter, is the one bright spot in her life, and Bea would do anything for her. On a cold, snowy evening, when she is rushing to pick up Ellie from daycare, Bea notices Malcom, a grumpy old man, sitting on a bench outside the hospital where she works. Sometimes a break on a bench with a total stranger can be a difference-maker in your day, even if it doesn’t change your circumstances. I highly recommend this book, and I am excited to read more from Brooke Harris. Thank you to Storm Books and NetGalley for the ARC!

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for an advance reading copy of 'The Secret Life of Beatrice Alright'. It's a heartbreaking but also heartwarming story that will have you crying, laughing and shouting out loud (at certain characters). A 5star read to curl up with - I recommend a hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows and a handy box of tissues too.

A perfect read. There was just the right amount of sweetness, problems and kindness to make this work so so well. Bea is lovely and despite making mistakes, that we all make, she ends up in a really tight spot. Bea is surrounded by no-one who can help and who is there for her and her little one. The book explores the kindness of strangers and what comes back to you when you give and give and are the person that brightens life for others..

Heartbreaking, heartwarming, it'll make you laugh and it'll make you cry! An absolutely fantastic read. Bea has the rug well and truly pulled out from under her by her boyfriend. But she never gives in and will do anything to protect her daughter. With friends, both old and new, Bea soldiers on through thick and thin, and ultimately triumphs. Thoroughly enjoyable!
Thanks to Netgalley, Storm Publishing, and Brooke Harris for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.

The Secret Life of Beatrice Alright is a deeply touching story of resilience, kindness, and the enduring power of hope. At its heart is Beatrice Alright, a woman who embodies optimism, finding silver linings in the darkest of circumstances.

When Bea’s partner delivers devastating news that leaves her and their four-year-old daughter, Ellie, homeless, Bea refuses to lose hope. Instead, she clings to what little she has: her job as a cleaner at St Helen’s Hospital. By day, she diligently scrubs the wards; by night, she tucks Ellie into a makeshift bed amidst mops and buckets, determined to keep moving forward despite her dire situation.

Bea’s life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters Malcolm, an elderly man sitting alone on a cold bench outside the hospital. Despite her struggles, Bea feels compelled to reach out to this cantankerous stranger. What begins as a simple act of kindness soon unravels Malcolm’s decades-old pain, and in helping him, Bea begins to uncover ways to heal herself.

This beautifully written story balances heartbreak and hope, illustrating how human connection can bridge even the deepest wounds. Bea is a wonderfully relatable character, whose unwavering determination and warmth make her journey all the more compelling. Malcolm’s story adds layers of poignancy, reminding readers that kindness has the power to transform lives in unexpected and profound ways.

With endearing characters and a narrative that will make you laugh, cry, and reflect, The Secret Life of Beatrice Alright is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of compassion. A heartwarming and inspiring read, it’s a story that will stay with you long after the final page.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for allowing me to read an ARC of The Secret Life of Beatrice Alright by Brooke Harris, in exchange for my honest review.

This was a heartbreaking, as well as heartwarming, story, with wonderful, loveable characters. You will cry, you will laugh, and you may even become impatient at times; however, don't give up! This story was a great reminder to never give up.

I look forward to reading more by Brooke Harris.