Anna
by Amanda Prowse
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Pub Date Apr 01 2018 | Archive Date Mar 09 2018
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Description
There are two sides to every love story. Anna Cole grew up in care, and wants to start a family of her own. Theo Montgomery had a loveless childhood, and wants to find his soulmate. Then, one day, Theo meets Anna, and Anna meets Theo. Each shows the other how to love. And each shows the other what heartbreak feels like. This is Anna's story.
Available Editions
EDITION | Paperback |
ISBN | 9781788542067 |
PRICE | £11.99 (GBP) |
PAGES | 368 |
Links
Featured Reviews
Oh ANNA! What an amazing story so far. What a beginning to life and to have such strength and compassion for others. Absolutely loved this. Amanda does it again! I'm completely drawn in by Anna, her sorrow and her joy, as a character I absolutely adore her already and am willing her to succeed. I'm absolutely gripped by it and NEED to know what happens. I cannot wait to see how her life unfolds and she grows. I can't wait to read all about her and Theo. I'm so excited at prospect of being able to read it from both perspectives.
Only the first few chapters in the extract of the new book ‘Anna’ from Amanda Prowse, but enough to whet my appetite and leave me wanting more. Anna is the name of the main character in the story, and in these chapters Amanda Prowse charts her tragic progress from six year’s old to her eighteenth birthday celebrations - and what an amazing journey it has been for Anna up to this point. Amanda provides a superb character study of a young girl weighed down by grief, struggling through her teen years without the support of a beloved family, and yet remaining a loveable, stoical, steady young woman.
Please send me the rest of the book so I can read what happens next! Poor Anna really does deserve an upward turn in luck!
This author has done it again. Yet another brilliant book. I will stop what I'm doing to read her work. I started this on an evening when I was exhausted. I fell asleep reading, but woke in the middle of the night to read the rest. It is excellent. This author is brilliant at making you really feel for the character and believe what's going on. I cannot wait to read more about Anna.
I have just spent a wonderful January afternoon in bed with Anna by Amanda Prowse. In this sneak-peak we first meet Anna as a young child and are taken on Anna’s journey until her 18th birthday. Once I started reading I didn’t want to put this book down and I look forward to meeting the adult Anna as this taster has left me hungry for more of Anna’s’ story. Amanda Prowse when can I read the rest please?
Although this is a taster I am so excited for the rest of the book. I can't wait to find out what happens next in Anna's journey.
Another 5 star review for Amanda Prowse. It's going to be a long wait till March to read the rest of Anna's story and I can't wait!
I totally blame Ms Prowse for my lack of sleep last night. I had decided to have an early night but thought I'd take a peek at this book first. Big mistake as once I started reading, this book took a grip on me so tightly, that I simply could not stop until the very last page! This is an absolutely stunning novel and the writing is so powerful and emotive that it leaves a lump in the throat throughout. I absolutely know for certain that this book WILL be a bestseller. This is Amanda Prowse at her finest.
Many thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this ARC for which I have given my voluntary and unbiased review.
Ooh I love this story so far, I was hooked on from the first few pages and it’s definitely let me wanting more.
I sit excitedly waiting on the release date to read this book in full.
We are taken on Anna’s journey, from when she was a young child until her 18th birthday, I can’t wait to read the rest to find out what happens next.
Was really excited about this book loved it from the beginning Anna story is heartbreaking yet she is very resilient and strong wonderfully written Amanda' really draw's you into the story and can relate to the characters only complaint wanted to keep reading can't wait now for full novels as can't stop thinking about what's going to happen next but no it won't disappoint
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this book, from the perfect writing of Amanda Prowse to the cover with its fabulous title, One love, Two stories. I open the first page and couldn't stop reading till the last.
The author's style of writing, hooks the reader from the start and takes them on the journey with her, her use of words has you feeling like you are there with her, so beware of having a load of different emotions poor out of you because this book hit them all. I laughed, cried and at one point felt pride for the main character Anna, and shouted out "you tell him, girl"
Anna just wants a normal, happy life. And this is what she gets the day she is born however this did last long and her world falls apart. The story starts by introducing the reader to Anna and her life as a little girl right up to Anna as an adult. Adult Anna she meets Theo and this is were the plot gets even better, both wanting love and happiness however both from very different lives with different struggles facing them.
This book doesn't just stop with Anna side; its clever plot runs through two books, the first being Anna side and the next book being Theo's. I can't wait to get my hand on the second book, though out Anna's book there are bit and pieces of Theo life that are left unanswered ready for the second part.
Amanda Prowse is such a strong writer and knows how to make her readers feel every word written, this book didn’t disappoint in anyway, for me it will go right to the top of my favourite reads.
I have now read the whole of this amazing book and couldn’t put it down. The prequel takes you on a journey with Anna from the age of 6, living happily with her mother and older brother, to age 18 where she is about to leave ‘Home’ and start a new job and living on her own. Due to her history she is keen to meet ‘the one’ and create her own secure family unit, and to give her future kids the love she remembers as a child. She meets Theo in a lift. Equally with a difficult childhood but in quite a different way.
What is so unique is that there is another book ready to be released - Theo’s story. We will meet him as a child, find out his history, and then take you through his version of the meeting with Anna, and their relationship.
I binge read Anna’s story, loved every word, and can’t wait to read the story from Theo’s perspective.
Well done Amanda Prowse, another excellent book - or 2!
There’s never been an Amanda Prowse book that I haven’t enjoyed, but this is my absolute favourite. Anna’s story of her life from her happy childhood through to her traumatic losses and susequent journey to adulthood made me laugh and cry at various times throughout the book. I could feel every part of her emotions as the story went through her life. Her meeting Theo and their developing relationship made me so happy for her, and I genuinely felt grief as her reliasation of how dream for happy ever after might not come true. I absolutely cannot wait to read Theo’s story as a stand alone book. Thoroughly recommend this book.
Another great book from Amanda Prowse. Anna has never known her father. There is just her, her mother and her older half brother Joe. The family don't have a lot of money but are very happy until Anna's mother suddenly dies when she's 9. Her brother Joe who is a drug addict looks after her until he takes his own life. Anna is then in and out of care.The book then goes on to tell her story into adulthood.
Amanda Prowse has to be my favourite author and once again she writes an utterly brilliant novel that I couldn’t put down and finished it in a day. A brilliant storyline with characters that we can all relate to at some time in our lives. There is a lovely mix of emotion and that leads us into the setting for the next part of the story which I can’t wait to read. Please don’t keep us waiting too long Amanda!!!!
Give yourself some time, put yourself into an undisturbed space for a few hours and sit back and be taken on an emotional journey that will make you smile and cry simultaneously
I loved this book and am so sad to finish. I don't want to wait to find out what happens to Anna, she has become part of my core and I just cannot wait but know I have to. What a wonderful book that brings the reader through 12 heartbreaking years of Anna's life. Amanda has gone and done it again - got inside the mind of someone who is living Anna's life right now
Wonderful book
I loved this boko, loved the way it was written, loved the story...Again another great book written by Amanda Prowse. a book full of emotion, heartbreak, love and happiness
Superb, brilliant, heart wrenching, what more can I add. Just the most wonderfully written story, I loved every page from start to finish and was sad when it came to the end.
Another amazing piece of writing by Amanda Prowse. Amanda has an amazing knack of bringing her characters to life and you can relate to them.
For the first nine years of Anna's life were happy living with her mum and older brother.
Anna was oblivious to the fact that there was very little money around in their small flat.
Anna's world comes tumbling down when her mum dies unexpectedly, followed a few years later by her brother.
Her maternal aunt and family take her to live with them, but for Anna this life is unbearable, pretty soon she runs away in search of her black cabbie dad; Michael, who's she's never met.
Anna stays in care for the rest of her childhood, on leaving the establishment, she moved into a tiny flat and find a job.
Throughout the book Anna plays the alphabet game also writes letters to her future children.
Throughout the pages we live through Anna's life: her up and downs, friendships, relationships and her shear determination to find her dad.
As a reader you can't fail to believe in Anna and you hope her struggles aren't in vain.
Absolutely loved this latest book by Amanda prowse, as always she never fails to make you live the story. Full of emotion, I cannot wait to read Theo's story, hope it's not too long!
I loved the character of Anna! I love the concept of this being written from two points of view and I can’t wait to read Theo’s story.
Another great book by my favourite author, Anna was a beautifully written love story and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it, I love the idea of the book being two sides of the story, Anna/Theo and can't wait to read Theo, I definitely give 5 stars and highly recommend this book.
Wow Amanda Prowse you have done it again ....a book of loss and love told beautifully in Anna’s words .Amanda’s style of writing is a joy to read .and she never fails to draw you into her stories and make the characters jump off the page . This was Anna’s story and I wait eagerly to read Theo’s . Once again an easy 5⭐️. My thanks to the publisher and to Amanda for giving me the opportunity to read
Anna. Another brilliant read from Amanda Prowse. This side of the story follows Anna and her life, she’s not had things easy and then she meets Theo, the love of her life.
A truly believable story that made me cry and laugh and cry some more. I loved every second and didn’t want it to end.
I now can’t wait to read Theo’s side of the story.
An absolute gem of a story from Amanda Prowse, I devoured this book in one afternoon. Anna is such a wonderful character that you cannot help get completey immersed in her story. As always, Amanda Prowse has left me wanting more and I cannot wait to hear Theo's story when released. An easy 5 stars from me
What an Amazing read , from Page one Anna stole my heart , her strength , resilience and kind nature jumps from the pages. It’s easy to imagine Anna as a person not just a character and I can’t wait to finish her journey in the next instalment of Theo #OneLoveTwoStories my first read of 2018 with a 5 star review Amanda prowse has me hooked and hungry for more ! Read this Novel in a day I was captivated xxxx
I LOVED this book! Could not put it down and am suffering from lack of sleep. This book grabbed me in as I started to follow Anna's emotional story from childhood to adult. This story has me crying so keep the tissues near by.
Amanda has written an amazingly powerful and beautiful story with characters so real you can relate to them.
Anna and Theo meet and come from different backgrounds and looking for love and happiness that they never had as children.
Can't wait to read Theo's story.
Thank you NetGalley, the Publisher and Amanda Prowse for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
Where do I even begin when reviewing this novel? There aren’t enough words in the English language to describe the brilliance of Amanda Prowse.
I knew I would love it before I even read the blurb, because all her books are fantastic. But she just keeps getting better.
Anna has had a difficult childhood. She is so happy in this lovely little bubble with her Mum and brother. They are poor, her brother already has problems, but Anna is happy. Then the bubble bursts, and a series of events lead to Anna ending up in care. But she’s a strong and determined woman, and builds a better life for herself.
When she meets Theo, they fall in love quickly. On the surface, he has it all, but he is damaged too. You really want the best for Anna and Theo. They deserve the happy ending.
This book tells Anna’s side of the story. There are so many emotions in it. The only fault I can find in it is that now I have to wait for Theo’s story to be released! I’m really looking forward to it.
Heart wrenching story of Anna and Theo, two people who come from very different lives and deserve some love and happiness.
Utterly fabulous, I couldn’t put this book down. Read with a lump in my throat but so so good.
Amanda Prowse is on fire! I can’t wait to read Theo’s side of the story... keep your tissues handy, you may need them if you’re usually reduced to tears by this fabulous author
5*
Love love love this. Another fab read from Amanda. I didn't want it to end and I can't wait to read Theo's side of the story. Hurry up and finish his book please Amanda. I need to know what happens to Anna next!
5/5: Amanda Prowse has excelled at writing yet another story that puts both its reader and characters through a plethora of emotions. Cannot wait to read Theo's story! The most engrossing page-turner I've read so far this year, don't miss it. Thank you Amanda Prowse, publisher and Net Galley.
Loved this taster of Anna !! Can’t wait until March to read more!! Amanda Prowse is one of my favourite authors and I have not been disappointed my any of her books. Her ability to transport you to the story and feel the characters is fantastic.
Anna’s life until 18 is described in this book and what a life she has had. Heartache from losing her mum and brother but she has survived and flourished. I’m willing Anna on to a happy ending!! A must buy in March
Amanda Prowse never fails to deliver and she's done it again with this story of Anna. For those who adore Amanda's characters this is another for the list.
Another cracking read by Amanda Prowse. Having read majority of her books, I am yet to be disappointed, I’m entirely convinced that Amanda may be a genius, who knows exactly how to keep me awake at night.
Such a clever concept to tell the stories of Anna and Theo from their own personal perspectives, I wait eagerly for Theo’s part of this heart breaking story.
A beautifully written story that deserves every one of the 5 stars I am giving, highly recommend.
Yet another fantastic read by Amanda Prowse, this time a story in two halves. The first is Anna’s story, a moving tale of a young girl left devastated by the death of her mother.
I loved Anna, who in spite of everything she goes through, is a strong woman who quickly learns how to take care of herself. Her story had me crying one minute and laughing the next, a perfect balance between light and shade.
The second half of the tale will be told from the perspective of Theo and I can’t wait to read it!
A fantastic read that I highly recommend. A very easy 5 stars.
As ever, a book to sit down with on a wet afternoon and enjoy. I loved every page. Amanda Prowse never fails to hit the right spot. Commuting is to be looked forward to with any of her books to hand. More and more please.
This is the kind of story that one would expect from this author. It gets you fully immersed with the characters life and I found myself feeling every emotion possible whilst reading it. I also finished this novel in one go, which is unusual for me.
Anna has had so many changes in her young life, it is a wonder she is not hardened by it all but somehow she gets through and still has enough love and compassion in her heart for others. Anna is strong but vulnerable and I found myself wishing and hoping for nothing but good things for her in her future, because darn it, she deserves it!
I can't wait until I read Theo's story because I loved Anna's.......
Thank you to NetGalley and Head of Zeus. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Another excellent story from Amanda Prowse, could not put it down. Can’t wait to read the whole book.
The joy of reading is in its ability to transport you to someone else’s world for a while. Amanda Prowse is a very, VERY clever writer. She is the travel agent of the writing world – delivering you with ease into the places and lives of her characters. She weaves a story that is always utterly believable, and she makes her characters so very real, that you get swept along with them and their stories in a whirl of emotions and reactions. Anna is no exception. This girl, who had such a loving early childhood, and a beautiful relationship with her Mother, craves children of her own so much that she touchingly writes to them throughout her troubled life. Anna faces things in her life that would break a lesser person. She is tough, resilient and movingly vulnerable. When she meets Theo, her world changes for ever, and the man who struggled through a difficult childhood finally lets her hope that all her dreams can come true. “You make it sunny even when it’s raining”. This first part of the Anna and Theo story is enchanting and emotional. Poignant, authentic and so very moving. I am poised with huge excitement to hear Theo’s side of the story. April is too far away!
Oh I just loved Anna's story and cannot wait to read Theo's. What a wonderful book and Anna is such a strong and lovable character. I got caught up in the story and Anna's life almost instantly and couldn't put it down. She's had a hard life with lots of tragedies but however hard she picks herself up and makes the best of it.
When she meets the love of her life Theo she feels her life is complete. He's truly perfect..but is he? I love the supporting characters - Shania who she meets in the care home, her half brother and sister, Micky and Lisa even frosty posh Stella. It's an absolute triumph of a book and I loved it.
Anna is a young child, Joe, her elder brother, live with her single mother, . She is surrounded by love, despite not having her father around, and can’t wait to get married and have her own children. Until that happens,she makes up her "pretend" children Fifi and Fox, and writes letters to them periodically, which she keeps as a journal.
Tragedy strikes. and steals her mother away from her, and after a short while, her brother is taken from her too.
Anna goes to live with an aunt who doesn’t really want her there, and so she runs away, and ultimately ends up in care, after trying to find her estranged father. The only information she has is his fore name, profession and that she was conceived in love. Whilst in care, Anna befriends a new arrival, and so begins her new journey.
Life is hard for Anna, but she finds herself a job on leaving care,and rents a small flat. She gets by, but the thought of forming a loving relationship, and having her own children are never far from her thoughts.
After one failed relationship, she meets Theo, a man from a completely different background. A man who loves her passionately, but who has his own past demons to conquer, and finds he cannot freely speak about them. Not even to Anna. They are from completely different backgrounds and social standings, but can their love for each other keep them together?
The author pulled me into the life of Anna, who had already had so much tragedy, watched, and felt her emotional turmoil as she battled from one disappointment to another.
I cheered when she found Theo, and I cried when that happy ending didn’t happen.
The letters to Fifi and Fox were a huge added bonus. The build-up of hope from a small child, all the way to an adult who wants nothing more than to be a mother.
This is not a classic story of love, showing that not all endings are necessarily fairytale based, and happily ever
after, but rather filled with a hope of something better to come.
Huge thanks to Amanda Prowse and Netgalley for the review copy, in turn for an honest review.
I rate this book 5 stars.
I have yet to meet a book by Amanda Prowse that I did not like. (I really don't think that I ever will!) Ms. Prowse is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. She has the ability to really make her readers "FEEL" and that is an accomplishment. Anna is an easy book to read and yet stirs up so many emotions. This little girl has a good life..is it perfect? No.. but she has a loving mother and brother. Her life is turned upside down and the choices she makes along the path of her life determine what kind of future she will have. Even though this was an emotional story I enjoyed seeing the strength and growth that Anna gained in her journey. I look forward to hearing more about Theo's story. Yet again, Well done Ms. Prowse!
Once again, Amanda Prowse has created an entrancing story with characters the reader can believe in and really emotionally invest in. My heart broke many times for Anna in this rollercoaster of a story. This book is beautifully written, and pulls the reader in. I love the premise of there being two sides to every love story, and I for one cannot wait to read Theo's story. Definitely a five star read....I couldn't put it down!
I first discovered Amanda Prowse's books a year or so and since then I have become an avid and voracious reader of everything she writes. I was fortunate enough to be given the full book as an advanced copy and what a joy it is to sit down to read it, knowing you have 4 hours of pure enjoyment ahead of you. 'Anna' doesn't disappoint. Prowse has produced another expertly mixed blend of romance, poignancy, humour, sadness and optimism but without cliche or predicability. In a market flooded with psychological thrillers and predictable chick-lit, Prowse's books stand out as both thoughtful and thought-provoking. I can't wait to read 'Theo'.
Can you tell I'm a massive fan?!
Amanda Prowse is so clever at creating characters and story line that I was hooked in just a few pages. Anna's dream childhood comes to an abrupt and life changes for her quite dramatically. She is a fighter though and believes that it's not about how you start life but how you finish it. Can't wait to read Theo and see how there stories join up. Great but short read which only took me a few hours.
What a wonderful story which is well told and compelling. Anna lives with her mother and teenage brother who is a drug addict, despite this Anna is a happy child with an enquiring mind and live imagination. All this changes when Anna's mother dies from a heart attack. Anna is only 9 years old and her life is never the same again. I can't praise this book high enough thank you for the ARC.
I absolutely loved this book, Amanda Prowse has written yet another fantastic book, Anna was so good, I really felt for her, which drew me in from the start. I cannot wait to read Theo!
This book is a half of a literary first, two books, Anna and Theo. There are two sides to every love story. This is Anna's. Place the two books together and the covers become one.
Having devoured this book in one sitting I can't wait to read Theo's story as once again Amanda Prowse has written about true to life characters who you actually care about and empathise with.
Amanda you never disappoint!!
Highly recommend.
Amanda Prose has done it again. A wonderful story of triumph through adverity. Anna suffers many loses and yet her strong vibrant spirit shines through. A brilliant story of Anna whom I warmed to immediately, and her struggle through the early years of her life. However this is not a sad story on the contrary it's very uplifting and a joyous read. My only criticism, the book ended far too soon.
Oh wow. This book was deeply gratifying! I loved Anna’s story! So moving! I can’t wait to hear Theo’s story so I can see the whole picture!
I read and reviewed an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own
Oh Amanda, what a tease! I’m loving learning all about Anna & can’t wait to find out what the future holds for her (& Shania, Jordan & Theo). As always Amanda’s books have wonderfully rich & rounded characters. Will have to sit on my hands til the next instalment...
Really enjoyed this preview, can't wait to read the full book
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Heart wrenching, this book is another treat from Amanda Prowse. The character of Anna was wonderful and written with such compassion and empathy. My heart almost broke for some of the situations she found herself in.
I cannot wait for more of Anna and Theo’s story. 5 star read and highly recommended.
Amanda never disappoints when it comes to reading her books and this her 17th I believe, certainly lived up to my expectations. It is a beautifully written heart breaking story told through Anna’s words from childhood through to adulthood. The early chapters are of her early years when Anna’s life is full of love and happiness that is until is reached 9 years of age and tragedy strikes leaving her feeling broken and in care. As Anna’s story moves on to adulthood and to a new chapter in her life we are introduced to new friends, family and lovers. An event in a lift brings Theo into her existence and Anna immediately senses that he is the one for her. I could feel their characters as two lost souls coming together but this also brings problems in their relationship as well as their love story. I would describe Anna as a survivor as she is faced with many hurdles in her life and through her written letters to her fictitious children Fifi and Fox, I could see that she is striving for a family of her own to care for and love unconditionally.
There are lots of sensitive subjects in this tale, death, drug addiction, depression and loneliness to name a few but they are each dealt with honesty and reality. I can’t wait to read Theo and discover how his life has moulded him into the person I have been introduced to in Anna’s life.
Thanks to Amanda and Simeon for the auto approval on NetGalley. Keep writing Amanda as I just love your emotive wrting style.
Amanda does it again. Anna’s story left me in tears, as so many of Amanda’s books do. All Anna wants is an ordinary life but sadly it doesn’t seem likely. I’d recommend this book to anyone I can’t wait for Theo’s story now.
Another 5 star review for Amanda Prowse. It's going to be a long wait till March to read the rest of Anna's story and I can't wait!
I didn’t realise I was reading a taster version of the book until I got to Anna’s 18th birthday and was told “the story continues..... out in March”. Absolutely gutted that I have to wait to carry on reading as I was so engrossed. As always with Amanda Prowse, an easy to read, draws you in, can’t put it down book.
Can’t wait till March.
I was completely taken by Anna's story, I thought that she was immensely likeable, believed in her as a character and really wanted things to work out for her. Her perspective of her relationship with Theo was captivating and I will definitely buy the next book to find out what he was thinking when all of this was going on. Wonderful, just wonderful writing and an easy 5 stars.
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