The Things I Know

Another beautiful story from Amanda Prowse Hitch was born and raised on her family farm but she had disabilities which made her feel insecure and sad but when a young man Grayson comes to stay at the farm one day her life changes forever he also has difficulties and is not confident until the two meet and connect instantly it's like two broken souls meeting and coming together they have to face lots of hurdles along the way but slowly and surely they both begin to blossom and get stronger and fight to have a future together a great novel lovely believable characters and with iove at the heart of the story its a must read

I have read many books by Amanda Prowse and was overjoyed to be able to review The things I know.
I find Amanda Prowse's characters always draw me in, pull on my heart strings and keep me enticed from the first chapter to the final.
Thomasina is known as Hitch and has disabilities which made her feel lonely, sad and insecure which was especially worse when her brother moved away.
Hitch longed for more in her life than working on her families farm and had many dreams.
When Grayson comes to stay on the farm, who has difficulties also the two connect and bond which changes both their lives. You follow the ups and downs and the hurdles they have to face.
Loveable characters and a beautifully-written romance.

All I can say is "Thank you Amanda Prowse" ! I feel privileged to have been allowed to enter the wonderful world of Thomasina and Grayson and assorted animals. What a fabulous book! I have loved every one of Amanda's books but this one is my absolute favourite. Her sure grasp of someone living on the spectrum is encapsulated in her portrayal of Grayson . His character is so rounded, so lovingly drawn , with all his individual quirks, challenges and talents and his breathtakingly beautiful and poetic simplicity. I found myself wanting to reach into the book to hug him and look after him. Similarly, the character of Thomasina is so well observed. Everyone who has every been dismissed by society as "different" and been mocked and villified by those too blinkered to see beyond physical imperfections to the beautiful human being within, can empathize with and feel totally invested n her life and longings. At times during the book, I found myself feeling physically sick with dread for them and praying that they would get their happy ending. I don't think I have ever cared so much about fictitious characters! That of course is down to the genius of Amanda's writing. Her prose draws you in to her world with her such lovingly drawn and fully fleshed characters, both human and animal. This book also gave voice to the poetry in her soul with the most glorious passages of dialogue. I haven't the words to do justice to this masterpiece of a book but urge you to read it for yourselves and immerse yourselves in all its myriad emotions and life affirming beauty.

The things I know...
...this book is full of happiness and sadness and hope.
As a parent of 2 children with additional needs, one with a very rare chromosome disorder, I can relate to the family in so many different ways. I love a book that I can get emotionally invested in and this one really tugged at the heartstrings in so many brilliant ways. The characters, especially Hitch and her cousin are incredible. I really enjoyed the dynamics of the relationships between the family members and the local community. It felt like I was there, on the farm, observing Hitch's life as it unfolds and she grows.
I found myself wondering what my daughters life will be like in years to come and glad that I haven't been overly protective of her, full of even more hope for what her future may hold after reading Hitch's story.
I think it is incredibly brave when an author tackles difficult subjects that people are very opinionated and passionate about. Subjects that other shy away from because they can sometimes be considered taboo to talk about. Bullying over Disability and Gender and the struggles around Addiction are all still very prevalent in today's society and yet again with her beautiful writing Amanda has taken something difficult and sometimes controversial and made it relate-able and inspiring.
I'll be completely honest, this review was a really hard one to write. There are so many things I want to shout from the rooftops about the characters and the story but I can't without spoiling it for other readers. So I will just say that it's a truly fantastic story that had my crying in the first chapter and laughing in the last!

I have read many books by this author so was very happy to get an advance copy of her new release.

This book was hard to get into at the beginning. I found it really slow and nearly gave up reading it. I am so glad that I persevered as it improved dramatically and was such a good book

A moving love story of two people who are a bit different

What I love about Amanda Prowse's books is that they always shows her empathy towards those who don't quite fit in. Thomasina is known as Hitch because of her awkward gait caused by her twisted body. She lives and works hard with her brother on her parents' farm, where her family protect her from the unkind world. Although slow to learn, she gains release form the constraints of her life by expressing her thoughts and dreams on paper. She longs to go to New York, have a boyfriend and have sparkly red shoes. Her parents tell her she is 'different' but she longs to find out exactly how different.

When her brother, Jonathan, goes to work on a ranch in America, she realises that her own dreams of escape have been crushed, as her elderly parents rely on her to support them on the farm. Then Grayson Potts comes to stay at their B&B. Like her, he feels himself a misfit and constrained by his needy mother, an alcoholic, with whom he shares a tiny London flat. They make an instant connection and make each other happy, but their lives are so different. He is a stockbroker, she a farm girl. Can they make a future together?

I love the fact that, as Thomasina gains in confidence, she becomes known by her proper name, rather than the derogatory nickname used by even her parents. A beautifully-written romance, with pathos and humour.

Prowse has written a touching story of a woman who yearns for more than livng on a farm under her family's loving, but cloying care. Hitch has some challenges in life, but she has a vision of where she wants to go. Hitch's story unfolds as the drama plays out Around her. When all seems lost, her life turns around in the most unexpected ways.

Amanda never fails to amaze me with her books This was just such a lovely story about two people who met against the odds, and overcame all the problems that came their way.

I almost gave up on this book as I found it to be quite slow at the beginning I'm glad a perservered, it was an enjoyable read.

Amanda Prowse is one of my absolute favourite authors and I always pick up her books when I am looking for a book to immerse myself into and this book was no exception.

Amanda writes with such passion and relevance her books never fail to pull you in from the first few pages. The Things I Know introduces you to the lovely Thomasina (Hitch), giving you an insight into her life on her families beloved Waycott farm with Daphne her favourite chicken and her faithful Collie

Hitch has only ever wanted what all girls want, to feel pretty, wear pretty shoes, to be able to make plans and have dreams with someone to share it all with. In this story you embark on a journey with her where you get glimpses of her childhood experiences that have created the feelings she now experiences and where you see her meet Grayson when he arrives to stay at the B&B on the farm and this sets a chain of events into motion.

I absolutely loved this book, it was a beautiful story full of love and compassion that carries such a relevant and important message that is especially important in todays society, when people seem happy to openly pass judgement and share negative comments on social media.

Amanda Prowse has a superb knack of tapping into her characters and visually creating them in her stories, she makes you feel as if you are standing alongside her watching her characters and stories unfold. She leaves a part of herself in each book and manages to evoke emotion and happiness through her writing and her books are always an absolute pleasure to read.

Loved this book. Prowse writes so well about human emotions and her characters are as deep as ever. A slow starter, but so enjoyable and worth a read. Accessible but heart wrenching.

But of slow starter but persevere its so worth it. As always a truly lovely book from Amanda that really focuses on deep emotions and totally pulls the reader in.

If you’re looking for a book that leaves you with a warm fuzzy feeling The things I know is the one for you. I am a huge Amanda Prowse fan and she has written another winner!!


The main character Thomasina (Hitch) is a girl faced with many difficulties but all she wishes for is to feel pretty, find love and wear pretty sparkly shoes. She lives at Walcott farm with her caring family and beloved chickens and faithful dog.

Grayson arrives to stay on the farm and Thomasina catches a glimpse of happiness. There are lots of obstacles in their way and I was hoping that these could be overcome against the odds.

I grew up in the countryside and the beautiful descriptions of country life took me back to my happy childhood. The hurdles faced by children with additional needs also resounded with me. As a grandparent who experiences the issues daily I really related for the need to protect against the necessity of allowing independence and life experiences.

Amanda is a genius at portraying real life and real people. Her characters are so beautifully observed I I can immediately imagine people from my own life behaving as they do.

The need to fit it, confirm to the norm and ultimately find your own happiness was the strongest message I took from this beautiful book. It made me laugh, cry and smile in equal measure.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishers and Amanda Prowse for the opportunity to read this heartwarming book.,

I love Amanda's books and I was looking forward to getting started with this one. I was saving it for the weekend as I knew I wouldn't be able to put it down. I couldn't wait - when I started this I had 10 minutes reading time whilst eating breakfast but found myself still reading an hour later. I wanted to savour it, but couldn't stop reading and finished it later in the day. A beautiful touching story which will stay with me.

Amanda is such a talented writer - as with all of her books, I was drawn in from the start and became so emotionally invested in the characters. I was willing a happy ending for Thomasina and Grayson. This is a beautifully written story about being a bit different and the difficulties this causes in our society. It is a story with sadness, family relationships, finding happiness and, most of all, hope. I wanted to reach into the book and give Thomasina a big hug. I loved the farmyard setting and descriptions of the farm meant I could picture it so clearly including Daphne, Thomasina's favourite chicken and faithful friend Buddy the collie dog.

I can't recommend this book highly enough - I would give more than 5 stars if I could. A wonderful uplifting emotional read - fabulous, I loved it.

I do love Amanda Prowse and her books. Ever since I read the first one, I have been hooked, and I was really looking forward to this new one.

Delving into the mind and world of Thomasina, or Hitch, as she is known, and reading about her meeting Grayson, and falling in love, felt like a privilege.

I have to commend Amanda for executing the nuances of this novel with such sympathy and grace. The thoughts and feelings of someone with a disability, but a person who is like everyone else, someone who wants her own life, and to be able to do everything others do, without the limitations that have been imposed upon her by her own loved ones.

That, and her capture of a person on the spectrum, someone whose thought process is so very different to the majority of the world.

And their love story.

I was hooked. I loved Pops and Mum, and I adored Thom and Gray!

One of my favourite quotes from the book - " I like the way you care for my daughter and, for the record, I happen to agree with you. I think she's pretty perfect too." Thomasina's Pops.

There's a lesson in this - in the end, anything is possible - you just have to make that first step towards change.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing and Amanda Prowse for an ARC, in exchange for an honest review.

Is there anything more powerful than the written word?
Once again Amanda Prowse has written a true masterpiece. The characters came to life with her carefully written descriptions. Thomasina and Grayson are adorable characters; I loved watching them grow throughout the story!! Because these two don't fit into 'society's norm' they have both unnecessary prejudices.
Everything about this book just knitted together so brilliantly: the location, the characters with their hectic lives.
I'm sure this book will fly off the bookshelves.

A good read with well developed characters, not one of my favourites from Amanda but nevertheless a well written book which I recommend.

Thank you to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

This is another great read from Amanda Prowse. In this story, Thomasina, a young woman, lives and works on her family farm in the West Country. She was born with a number of health issues, including a deformed hand and foot, and a cleft palate which has been badly repaired. She has grown up bearing the brunt of other people's name calling and believes she will never have the life that she longs for - she would love to go to New York and own a pair of red sparkly shoes. She also longs for a proper boyfriend and a place of her own to call home. Then one day Grayson Potts arrives at the farm as a B and B guest. He too has his problems - he is clearly on the autism spectrum and leads a lonely existence with his alcoholic mother in London. But will the course of true love run smoothly for these two? This is a love story with a difference, which I recommend as a lovely, heart warming read. Thanks to NetGalley for a preview copy.
Copied to Goodreads.

Amanda Prowse once again a beautifully written story.
A heartwarming story set on a farm where we meet Hitch and her family.
The characters had depth and I loved Hitch and Grayson, and the fact they were both very special people who had their share of challenges.
Life hasn’t been easy for either of them and I felt for them with the challenges they came up against.
The story left me with a smile on my face.
I highly recommend

A beautiful and heartwarming love story of two people, Thomasina and Grayson, who are considered a “bit different” to others. Their story will pull on your heartstrings as you watch the instant connection they make with each other when they first meet. Their story is full of overcoming life’s obstacles and proving that you can do anything if you put your mind to it. A truly touching, powerful, empowering story that I highly recommend you read.
Many thanks to NetGallery, the publisher and author, Amanda Prowse, for the opportunity to to read this wonderful book. This is my true and honest review.

A wonderfully heartwarming book from an amazing author . This book is like a really warm hug just when you need one . Beautiful characters and heartwarming storyline .

I loved this story and was rooting for Hitch the whole way through and it's true that when you start to assert yourself, life does get better. I would recommend this book 100/%. Amanda has done it again and written a book that just tugs at your heart strings. I would like to thank the publishers and netgalley for letting me have the book to review and the opinions expressed are entirely my own views.

The Things I Know is another beautiful love story from Amanda Prowse. It tells the story of Thomasina ‘Hitch’ Waycott and Grayson Potts. At the end of each chapter, Thomasina writes in her journal about the things she knows. I’m sure I’ll not be the only reviewer to write their thoughts this way, but I thought it seemed a good way to layout my review.

So in the style of Thomasina, these are the things I know…

I know that Amanda Prowse has a real knack for creating characters that you take to your heart.

I know that I immediately felt protective of Hitch, as she was known as at the beginning of the story, and perhaps that was the trouble. She had a few disabilities which meant that her parents, with the best of intentions, had been too protective and hadn’t given her the chance to shine.

I know that Grayson with his straightforward way of looking at the world, saw past every physical problem and right to the heart of who Thomasina was and what she could be. And I loved him for that.

I know that this is the story of two people who never quite seemed to fit in, finding their place with each other and their place in the world.

I know that wanting your own cake tins is possibly one of the most lovely things you could wish for. That will make sense when you read the book!

I know that Amanda Prowse writes about the issues in this book in a sensitive and relatable way: special or different needs, addiction and bullying.

I know that this is a book which will evoke all kinds of emotions. You will smile, you will feel angry, you will laugh, you may find a lump in your throat.

I know that I was holding in my breath in the last chapter wondering how it would all end for Thomasina and Grayson.

I know that if you have loved Amanda Prowse’s previous novels then you will love this one too.

I simply love the way Amanda brings her characters to life. She draws you into their world and soon you start to laugh and cry with them. The things I know is another fantastic book which draws you into a simple life far away from the city and into the life of a young woman who wants to change her life and how she feels trapped with all the obligations around her. It takes us on a journey of her struggles and triumphs and you find yourself wanting the best for her. Great book by a fabulous author!

I know that Amanda has written another epic tale.

I know that Amanda has once again drawn me in.

I know that the story of Thom and Gray just reminds us that love and a happy life can find us all regardless of ability and looks.

I know that you will enjoy reading about Thom and Gray as much as Amanda's other books.

"And I know that some days I'm happy and other day's I'm sad, but that's the same for everyone, isn't it?"
This is a beautiful love story between two young adults.
Their meeting was fate.
Thomasina aka Hitch helps to run her family farm that also has a B&B.
A young quiet, honest man named Grayson Potts comes to stay for two days while at a presentation for his work.
This is their journey. Not all love and beauty, but definitely uplifting, challenging and enlightening.
You will love these two people!
I came away from this novel with the prayer that people who read this book by Amanda Prowse will see people with disabilities as people first.
"I know I need to find the courage to chase the life I deserve."
Everyone has goals, dreams and desires!
Wonderful story!

Review
Thank you @netgalley and @mrsamandaprowse for the advanced copy of The Things You know.
I was delighted to receive this advanced copy of this book as a big fan of this author.
I really enjoyed this book. Thomasina was born with a deformed lip, and crooked limbs and was treated like a child by her family. Then she meets Grayson, and he sees past her flaws and they form a bond.
This book is light hearted and an easy read, the main character captures your heart a little.

3.5 stars.
I loved the characters, the rural setting (West Country, England) and how these two lonely and different from the norm individuals find comfort in each other and fall in love without too much drama.
This is also a wonderful story about a place - the small village of Austley Morton – and a home (the heroine’s, Waycott Farm), the hardships, uncertainty but also beauty of farming and rural life.
Thomasina is a great heroine, strong and resilient despite all the obstacles life threw in her way. Her relationship with the dog, the hens and the cows is heartwarming, and sometimes hilarious.
Grayson is a peculiar man, I was expecting his aloofness and lack of social skills to be a bit more elaboratd.
The dialogue between Thomasina and Grasyson in the second half of the book sometimes felt contrived and I think the hero’s mother dramatics was a bit over the top.

Amanda Prowse has written another brilliant novel that is both relatable and moving. I felt true empathy for the characters, especially with Hitch (Thomasina). Two misfits navigating a world where things for them are not automatically easy. The story-line is gripping and the characters credible and likeable. Whilst it has not taken the 'top spot' on my favourite Amanda Prowse reads it certainly scores highly and a recommend it to fans and new readers alike.

I was Captivated from the prologue !
Thomasina “Hitch” knows first hand that life is not fair for Hitch everyday is the same as the day before. While she dreams to see the world , fall in love, live a life, without her physical difficulties , she is reminded by her mom that she is different.
Grayson has his own struggles, only knowing the world as hard and cold, until he meets Hitch. These two could not compliment each other any more, two complete soul mates, who just bring out the best in each other !
This book was so unexpected for me, I went in without knowing anything about it and yet, it’s so beautifully written and the author has a way of bringing the readers attentional the little things, pillows, eggs, sunrises .
I loved this book and these characters will stay with me for a long time.

Another wonderful uplifting Amanda prowse read, gorgeous charecters with a lovely story, already can't wait for the next one

Amanda has done it again. I have loved every one of her books and this is no exception. It’s a lovely easy reading about two characters who feel they are different to other people and how they fall in love. It just goes to show there is someone for everybody in this world regardless of looks and ability to do normal everyday tasks without a struggle. I highly recommend this book and all of Amanda books, you will be in for a treat!!

This book was sad, happy and intense at times. I loved how driven the main character is and how she wants to experience all she can! I enjoyed the story!
Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for the early copy

In this book Amanda once again manages to create some very real characters with a real persons faults and foibles, and puts them in the ‘real’ world where people aren’t always very nice, and some people can let you down, whilst others can be surprisingly good.

‘Hitch’ lives on a remote farm and B&B with her parents. She has a badly repaired cleft palate (hence her nickname) and deformed limbs, and whilst her parents protect her as best they can she is used to being teased and taken advantage of.

When a businessman, Grayson, with his own special eccentricities comes to stay at the B&B both see something in the other that they can relate to, and both see past the differences and difficulties the world sees. Both are used to being told that they are different in a negative way, but in each other they both find the best of themselves.

The things I know
1. I love this book.
2. I love Amanda Prowse’s writing.
3. I would love to go and stay in the B&B on the farm. 😀

The Things I Know, Amanda Prowse

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: general fiction (Adult), women's fiction

Ah no....usual moan :-( Why, why do we have women's fiction as a category? Why assume men won't/don't read romance – they do, they write it and read it.

With that off my chest, on to the book. I loved it. I've read several by Amanda now and she creates characters that feel incredibly real, and scenes that are like snippets for everyday life. That means the plots too feel genuine, and that's what I want in a story. Something I can believe in.

I adored Hitch, hated that name that epitomizes her disability. She's adored by her parents, but as often happens when children have disabilities, they are so scared for her they restrict her, smother her almost, and treat her like a child, always soothing and not really listening to what she wants now she's older. It must be hard seeing your child upset and the natural temptation is to keep them close, keep them away from harm. Hitch though is feeling a bit lost by life, its a wash, rinse, repeat kind of time for her and she wants a future of her own, a family, her own cake tins. That looks like its not on for her until Grayson Potts comes to stay, and he and Hitch see something in each other that completes them, makes them feel whole. Grayson too has issues, ones that make it difficult for him to relate to others but give him a talent in the finance industry.

They become close, even though its just a couple of days, and gradually both spread their wings a bit and look to a future. I loved when hitch became Thomasina. Its not without traumas though, problems, pitfalls and unpleasant people.
I loved that Amanda showed that disabled folk want – and should have – more than just a safe life, that its OK to want more, that they are the same as anyone else and should be treated that way. The older I get the more I see “normal” as mythical, really we're all someone along a sliding scale of normal, not one fixed point that denotes it and anyone away from that magic mark is not normal, and shouldn't expect to have the same rights, realities, life expectations as those who fit that narrow criteria.

Stars: Five, another great read from Amanda, and one to keep for re-reading. Such a wonderful story, no deep dark dramas, but a gentle spreading of wings from two wonderful characters.

Arc via Netgalley and publishers

The Things I Know By Amanda Prowse, reviewed for Netgalley

I find Amanda’s books a treat to read every time. I am always drawn to her book covers and the titles give just a hint of what to expect.
Thomasina ‘Hitch’ Waycott loves living and working on the remote family farm and B&B. But she also wants more. To see the world. To own her own home. To fall madly in love.

But those are fairy tales, and if her life is a fairy tale, then she’s the ugly duckling. Her deformed lip, her crooked limbs and her weak heart have kept her from taking chances. But that’s about to change.

When Grayson Potts comes to stay, he’s unlike anyone Thomasina has ever met. He’s aloof, eccentric and exceptionally kind. He’s also totally unconcerned with the physical flaws that have always defined Thomasina.

The two form a bond that neither has had before. It’s possible that it could become something more, but Thomasina also wonders if it’s too good to be true. By putting her heart on the line, Thomasina may open herself to heartbreak. But she may also open herself to so much more.

This is such a sweet story, whilst at the same time not straight forward. Is life ever?

Hitch tells the story from her point of view (maybe a story from another point of view such as Emery could work too).

I really wanted to savour this story! I could envisage the characters and hear their voices, I really love how it’s written. I was able to smile laugh and be choked by emotion!

It’s a story of family, relationships and how gritty life can be with the cards that we are dealt.
Based down the road from me in Bristol, The Things I Know, I’d recommend you to read it.

"An itty bitty scrap of a thing" is how Thomasina's Mother described her to friends after she was born with a cleft palate, a twist to her toes and a couple of bent up fingers. She also described her as "a fighter and no mistake".
Fondly called Hitch by her family due to the appearance of her lip , she feels very loved by her parents but also somewhat over-protected. Following the visit of an American couple who stay over at Waycott, the family farm, Hitch has dreams of one day going to New York to, amongst other things, drink cworfee, inspired by her younger Brother Jonathan who has already flown the family nest and business and gone to the states.
A guest by the name of Grayson comes to stay at the farm . Grayson is geeky, shy and very different and he also sees past Hitch's disabilities .He's kind and caring and out of respect for her he requests that Hitch in future be referred to by him and everyone else as Thomasina,. Their relationship develops very quickly and the couple soon become close but family responsibilities get in the way of any future together.
I loved Thomasina's character. She was very loyal to her family , caring , kind and vulnerable but also strong at the same time.
Grayson was a very unique character , perfect for Thomasina but at times he frustrated me and I wanted to give him a shake.
In true Amanda Prowse tradition this was a very enjoyable read and highly recommended by me.

Having read the first couple of chapters I was worried, I wasn't mesmerised straight away like I am usually by Amanda's books but I didn't need to fear within the first 5 chapters she had me hooked as usual and it just got better. It was beautifully written, mesmerisingly powerful, the two main characters Hitch and Grayson were special in their own right and together were magical. A true love story and a reminder that nobody is perfect but your perfect in somebodys eyes

Thomasina is a truly wonderful character. I absolutely loved her and felt like we were firm friends by the end of the story. She has had to overcome a lot in her life and put up with more than most. My heart went out to her with how some people treat her and I just wanted to wrap her up and keep her safe of which I soon realised was exactly what she doesn’t want or need.

Mid twenties and still living at home with her parents on the farm, you could quite easily forgive Thomasina for dreaming of bigger and better things. The farm and home life was just wonderful to read of though. Apart from Emery who Isn’t the nicest of people, I wanted to transport myself and join them around the kitchen table whilst they enjoyed the cooked breakfasts and their tea and cake. It made me feel all cosy and warm inside.

Grayson is another fabulous character. If anything this story just has the best characterisation and made the story come to life. I felt like I was going through the emotions of the characters and was totally wrapped up in the story. Only problem with this authors books is as I enjoy them so much they seem to end far to quickly. I could have spent hours more reading and spending time with these wonderful characters.

The Things I Know is a heart warming and endearing read that you will not be able to put down. I couldn’t devour it fast enough as some of the characters will really pull on your heart strings. A truly fabulous read and I hope the author will revisit the characters at some point in the future as they are ones that I know I will think of often. All the stars for this one. Loved it.

I absolutely loved this gorgeous book!
Just when I think this author cannot touch my heartstrings more than her last book, she goes and does it again, with bells on!
Such a tender love story between two beautiful souls.
You just find yourself willing them on in their relationship.
Hitch is such a strong character, yet you see all the upset and unhappiness that she carries with her daily. Then along comes Gray, a person who is unlike all others, who has the ability to see Hitch as someone who he can relate with, who doesn’t judge him. It’s was wonderful to watch them grow and flourish as they got to know each other more.
I loved that it wasn’t your typical characters, my own son does have many of the traits shown by Gray, and it was lovely to see a positive image about being different to others. It really warmed my heart to read this emotional yet positive book.

Thomasina ‘Hitch’ Waycott loves living and working on the remote family farm and B&B. But she also wants more. To see the world. To own her own home. To fall madly in love.

But those are fairy tales, and if her life is a fairy tale, then she’s the ugly duckling. Her deformed lip, her crooked limbs and her weak heart have kept her from taking chances. But that’s about to change.

When Grayson Potts comes to stay, he’s unlike anyone Thomasina has ever met. He’s aloof, eccentric and exceptionally kind. He’s also totally unconcerned with the physical flaws that have always defined Thomasina.

This book was so different to my usual romance books and I was hooked straight away. I did find it a little strange at first but soon got into the story. It made me laugh and cry and I was so angry at times at the way poor Thomasina was treated by her cousin and his friends.

It was a candid story about disfigurement and achievements in life that you can get over if you believe in yourself. I loved every minute of this and was annoyed when it came to an end as I am sure there is more to this couple than meets the eye.

It’s always a joy when I get to read an Amanda Prowse book and this latest not only tugged at my heart strings but had me pleading for happiness and acceptance for the main character Thomaina ‘Hitch’. Amanda brings to life the characters of Thomasina and her first true boyfriend Grayson Potts in a way that I felt a motherly protection towards them.

This heart-warming tale tells of two people who have struggled with life as they are regarded as different because of either their appearance or eccentricity. I loved the fact that their bond deepened as the story unfolded with a new found confidence in them both. Family and friendships features strongly in this story and sensitive subjects are dealt with honesty.

Beautifully written and inspirational, this moving story gives hope and light to those who consider themselves as different.

My thanks to Amanda and Net Galley for the ARC of The Things I Know, these are my own thoughts.

I received the Kindle edition of The Things I Know as an ARC via NetGalley. My goodness, what a lovely love story. As mom to a child who is somewhat like Grayson, I found so much to love in his unassuming honesty., and recognized his struggle to be understood in a world that works so differently than his own thought processes. Thomasina grabbed my heart from the beginning with her humor and free spirit, just waiting to be set free.

This isn’t a story with lots of intense action, yet I was drawn in from the first page. It was a lovely slice of life story centered around what ended up being a significant turning point for Thomasina. I appreciated her struggle to have her heart and intellect valued and seen despite her physical limitations. I loved that she was a dreamer who, with just a little encouragement, became a doer.

This was a tender and sweet story that so easily could have been depressing and sad, given the serious obstacles that are dealt with, including living with disabilities, bullying, alcoholism, depression, and financial struggle. However, Amanda Prowse has woven a beautiful thread of hope, humor, and determination throughout that will leave you feeling like peeking into Thomasina and Grayson’s hearts was a tremendous gift. One you want to share with a friend.

Inspirational story that gives hope and strength to the ones in need. The story is a well written love story. I adore the characters and truly loved this story! Would highly recommend!!!

Another fabulous read from Amanda Prowse. If you're already a fan, I'm sure you'll love this one too. As always, great writing style and believable, realistic characters. I was drawn into Thomasina/Hitch's story from the very start and felt she was a loved friend by the end. Highly recommended!

Another lovely warm emotional novel by Amanda Prowse I look forward to reading her books can always count on being taken in to the world the lives of her characters a curl up in your favorite reading spot sit back and enjoy.#netgalley # amazonuk

The Things I Know
Amanda Prowse
To be published:
June 25, 2019


Thomasina Waycott was never a normal English girl. From the time that she was born she lived with the stigma of being different. She lived with others calling her names, making fun of her walk, of her hand that was not quite right. Worst of all, her lip was cleft. Doctors tried to fix the problem when she was born but it was a small town. Surgical techniques were not as good as they are now so her smile was crooked. When she finished with school she didn’t go on to college like her brother, Jonathan or others in her class. Her mother told her that she probably couldn’t handle the studies so she worked the farm, raised the chickens and helped with the cows.
Because of her odd lips people began to call her Hitch at a young age. Her cousin, Emery arrived to help when Jonathan left to work in the states. She could live with some of the teasing but Emery called her names that were terrible. When he was with his friends it was the worst. If she had told her mom and pops they would have reminded her that he was kin and he was kidding her. She couldn’t repeat the names, it was too humiliating.
They ran a bed and breakfast to cater to folks who prefered to stay in the country while visiting Bristal nearby. Visitors helped out. Some with gathering of eggs, driving the tractor or just they fished in the stream that passed the farm. Such a guest arrived earlier than expected one morning. Thomasina was not quite ready for the new arrival. She saw the tall gentleman exit the taxi with his bag. He went to the house looking for guidance when Thomasina called out to him. Mr. Grayson Potts greeted her asking for assistance. She inquired his name while trying to hang on to Daphne, a large chicken. This wonderful tale really begins here with Hitch and Mr. Potts, two people who live in different worlds but each living a sheltered life secluded and mostly unhappy.
I was taken with the story from the Prologue. It was such a magical narrative of these wondrous, young adults each trying to find a way to be happy. I had never read works by Amanda Prowse before so I can’t compare this to others she has published, however this is such well written prose. The Things I Know by Amanda Prowse is published by Lake Union Publishing. It is due to come out on June 25, 2019. I heartily recommend this novel. It is one I won’t forget and will probably read again.

Another amazing book from Amanda who does not disappoint. We follow the main female character Hitch’s life journey as well as her family and friends. Great writing style as always and believable characters. Another book I didn’t want to put down as I was always left wanting to know more. Wonderful characters, wonderful story telling and a wonderful book. Please write another book based on these characters.

A wonderful and heart-warming romance, and thankfully, one with more realistic characters. I could relate to Thomasina's character because of her disabilities. People can be cruel with their words and looks, but Thomasina wants to break free from the limitations placed on her. An instant connection with Grayson gives her hope for the future.

I loved this book. The characters are adorable and easy to love. Its not Amandas normal heart breaker but is an immensely warm, well written story of family love and growth.

I really enjoyed this

Another lovely endearing read from Amanda! I have read all Amanda’s previous books and was really looking forward to this one!
This books tells the tale of thomasina and Grayson, both struggling to confirm to the norm, thomasina due to physical disabilities and Grayson due to his understanding and mannerisms. Despite this and the complex family situations they find themselves in, they triumph over it all to have a relationship and save the farm which is so important to thomasina and her family! A beautiful tale of triumph over adversity with a lovely happy ending!
Thank you so much net galley for this early read!

I’d like to thank Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘The Things I Know’ by Amanda Prowse in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Thomasina Waycott, or ‘Hitch’ as she’s been known since childhood, works hard on her parents’ remote farm, putting up with unkindness and name-calling from her cousin Emery due to having been born with a cleft lip, misshapen hand and deformed foot. When a new guest, Mr Grayson Potts, come to their farmhouse for bed-and-breakfast they form a bond that neither have experienced before. Grayson thinks Thomasina is beautiful and she thinks he’s a little bit odd but also a little bit lovely. This is the story of their conquest over adversity.

What a lovely story Amanda Prowse has written! It’s heart-warming in the way it deals with an ugly duckling in her mid-twenties and a shy young man who’s a genius with numbers but knows nothing of life apart from living in a squalid flat with his alcoholic mother. It’s a remarkable novel, beautifully written with sensitivity and compassion, incorporating delightful twists and turns, and finishing with a touching and very happy conclusion. Thank you for producing another remarkable and tremendously enjoyable novel!

A beautiful story; of silent suffering, and the goodness that comes from being a good person. A story that depicts the age old saying, “It’s what inside that counts”.

Not the usual pack-a-punch tearjerker I have come to expect (usually have the tissues at the ready!), this was more of a heartwarming, endearing love story, showing love can win and no matter what is on the outside. How we, by nature, perceive people on first impressions or without really knowing them at all. I was deeply moved by this emotional story. How seeing the good in the world through someone who is deemed to be ‘different’ by the majority of people they meet, makes you think - how finding that one person who understands you, makes you feel loved, can change the world.

Thomasina is a strong character with a can-do attitude, hidden by a lifetime of put-downs and disabilities, mostly by outsiders – she is loved by her farmer parents and works hard at the family business but really has no life outside the farm. Her physical disabilities have made her feel less of a person, loved deeply by her parents but bullied at school and constantly put down by her own cousin and his mean friends. Until Grayson Potts comes to stay at the B&B she runs on the farm. He makes her instantly feel like the beautiful person she is on the inside. Grayson is, I would imagine, highly relatable to us all, we’ve all come across a Grayson in our lives – we may not understand his strange ways and direct matter-of-fact manner, but what it comes down to is that he loves Thomasina enough to try to change their worlds and the way they are perceived. I won’t spoil the storyline, I did feel sorry for Grayson with his home life and the way he is manipulated by his Mother and Aunts, I really just wanted him to stand up for himself but could see also that his nature leaves him not wanting to hurt anyone – even those who are hurting him.

These two very unassuming main characters make for two loveable and totally heartwarming people to consume yourself with. The book tackles more than love, it covers addiction, depression, prejudice, hate, friendship, family – not many books have that – and more.

Somehow, despite being different to Amanda’s most recent novels, it still draws you in and captures your heart from the very beginning, in true Amanda Prowse style. I wouldn’t expect any different from this author! I loved the farm setting; I knew that it would definitely be written in such a manner that you actually feel you are living the life, transported to that world, so well written was the book. It couldn’t be further removed from my life, yet I could so clearly picture every single aspect. A typical Amanda Prowse talent.

This book left me with a warm fuzzy feeling! I can't wait to read another book by this author. The rollercoaster of emotions this book too me on, is what kept me hooked.

"I also know that words are powerful things and they have weight"

A powerful prologue followed at the end of each chapter by a list of things Hitch/Thomasina knows.

Thomasina or "Hitch's" reflections on her life and the feeling of being trapped or jailed and her ultimate despair at the meaninglessness of her life are so artfully captured on the page that it made for slow reading in the beginning because I felt so sorry for her especially with the cruelty displayed by her cousin and the way her parents treat her - almost wrapping her in cotton wool. Although she doesn't seem to pity herself despite all her afflictions and problems.

But through her despair at her situation in life you discover that "Hitch" is made of a stronger stuff - she wants more out of life; to do something meaningful with her life; to move past the boundaries her parents and society have set for her; to bake cakes in her own kitchen for the man she loves, where ever he may be.

The tone of the novel shifts when she meets Mr Grayson Potts, a guest at their farm bed and breakfast. It becomes lighter and in him "Hitch" becomes Thomasina again and sees a kindred spirit who may just be able to help her break the boundaries down.
Both of them feel they don't fit into the boxes society labels "normal" and have their own struggles to face daily. But together each one's strengths seem to compliment and bolster the other one's weaknesses.

Together they help each other take a stand against the bullying they face until a devastating event threatens their fragile relationship and leaves everything teetering on a knife edge.

Another stunning offering from Amanda Prowse. I am honestly blown away every time at how she manages to get under her characters's skins so well and bring them to life as unforgettable characters. Thomasina may well be the best of her heroines that I have come into contact with to date. She has the knack of being able to highlight the people living on the edge of society that you don't really notice or want to notice.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me the chance to read this wonderful story..

Hitch loves working on the family farm and B&B, but she wants more, to have her own home, see the world and fall madly in love. But fairy tales don’t happen to people like her because she has a deformed lip, crooked limbs and a weak heart. But then when Grayson Potts comes to stay, he’s unlike anyone she has ever met. The two form a bond that neither has ever had before hoping it could become something more. However by putting her heart on the line Thomasina (Hitch) may open herself to heartbreak but could also open herself up to so much more.

A lovely heartwarming story between two people who are a bit different, who proved that it’s possible to anything if you really want it enough. Highly recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

What a delightful love story between two young adults who are both a bit different from other people. They both have challenges that most people don't, and some of those challenges have to be overcome just to be able to be with each other. Join their tale, and cheer them on, cry a little bit and be lured into their curious homes to fall in love with them.

This book took my heart and has never relented in giving it back to me. I wanted a book full of romance and passion where love conquered all. Amanda Prowse didn't disappoint. Two people meet and fall in love and they look past each other's flaws because everyone has them. Falling in love with a person's heart is more beautiful.

This book was slow getting started. I felt that there was a lot of repetition of the main character’s, Thomasina’s, thoughts about her life and not much going on to bring the story forward. The story picked up as Thomasina met Grayson. I loved both of these characters. They both had problems to overcome to be able to make their lives what they wanted them to become. The ending was a bit too easy; everything coming together very quickly into a very happy ending. Despite some of the flaws, I did enjoy this story and would recommend it to others.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 easy to read stars

Not one of my favourites by the author I’m afraid. I think possibly because her other books have a twist, a sadness, that really gets to you. But I didn’t feel that with this one.

Gray and Thom were such simplistic characters for pretty much the whole book, and then the end turned into a hallmark movie, all sweetness, happy endings all tied up nicely with everyone having a personality and character re-evaluation.

The book however is easy to read.

A tad disappointing sorry.

If I had to sum up this book in one word I'd call it charming, and in the best possible way. The Things I Know by Amanda Prowse is the story of Thomasina, better known as Hitch, who lives with her mum and dad on the family farm. Despite being in her twenties and longing for more freedom and independence she feels unsure of how to get what she wants. Her lack of confidence is caused in part by her physical deformities, but she has also been protected by her family for so long that she is not sure she can strike out on her own. When a guest to the farmhouse B&B , Grayson Potts, captures her attention because of his eccentricities the two soon become friends. Can Hitch break out of her shell and go after the future she really wants, even if it means risking rejection and a broken heart?
This was such a heartwarming book, and as I said full of charm. I loved seeing a romance featuring a character with physical disabilities and I particularly loved that she was more than just her flaws, she was kind, determine, brave when she had to be and smart when it really counted
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

Thomasina ‘Hitch’ Waycott loves living and working on the remote family farm and B&B. But she also wants more. To see the world. To own her own home. To fall madly in love.

But those are fairy tales, and if her life is a fairy tale, then she’s the ugly duckling. Her deformed lip, her crooked limbs and her weak heart have kept her from taking chances. But that’s about to change.

When Grayson Potts comes to stay, he’s unlike anyone Thomasina has ever met. He’s aloof, eccentric and exceptionally kind. He’s also totally unconcerned with the physical flaws that have always defined Thomasina.

The two form a bond that neither has had before. It’s possible that it could become something more, but Thomasina also wonders if it’s too good to be true. By putting her heart on the line, Thomasina may open herself to heartbreak. But she may also open herself to so much more. 

Amanda Prowse has once again created a beautiful story of two people that are very different to those around them, it is these differences that bring them together and they form an unimaginable bond within hours of meeting that, it seems, nobody can break but, to be together, there are many obstacles they have to face, are they strong enough to face the battle ahead and will their love conquer all? I absolutely adored Thom, her character showed great strength, borne from everything she had had to face through her childhood and beyond and Gray was such a sweet man, these two together showed that anything is possible and even though you may not think you're perfect, you are always perfect for someone.

This author, as always, had me reeled in from the first page and I was praying it would be the happy ending they both so deserved, but you'll have to read it to find out for yourself, I would recommend that you do. I'd like to thank Amazon Publishing and Netgalley for the auto approval. I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2 stars!

Born a little bit different “like someone held the instructions upside down or lost a part when they opened the box”, Thomasina “Hitch” Waycott just wants to find love and be loved. Born with a cleft lip among other deformities, she learns at a very early age that words hurt. She lives on a farm/B&B with her parents and brother, who gets to experience things Hitch can only dream of. Until she meets a handsome stranger, just a little bit different.

You will fall in love with Thomasina as you see her struggle and grow. Your heart will break with her as you see kids and adults can be cruel. You will watch this caterpillar grow into a butterfly as she opens her eyes and finally sees the people around her. But, all the while, you will cheer for her to get what she wants. This book is full of wonderful characters, realistic situations, transformations all the way around. I hope this book makes you look at people who are different in a whole new light.

For me, this book is reminiscent of “Eleanor Oliphant” with its quirky characters. But this book was so much more relatable for me. Thoroughly enjoyed this read, my first by this author, and look forward to reading more of her books.

I received an ARC of this book. Opinion is mine alone.

Another amazing book by Amanda Prowse. Every time she writes she brings the characters to life. I wish Thomasina was real, I would love to meet her. You become so involved with the characters and want to know what is going to happen to them next. I loved the lists she made. Grayson’s character is written beautifully and with love. I really hope this book is just the beginning of the story, I would love to read what happens to the characters next.

I loved this book, true to Amandas style of writing. A lovely love story and great to see how the 2 main characters can come together beat everything going on in their lives deal with all the ups and downs life throws at them and move on to have a great life together.
Loved the story lines including the alcoholic mum and the bully cousin I felt it was very true to life, how people have a lot of bad things going on in their background or behind closed doors and they keep it all at the back of their mind whilst they try to lead a life or keep a job.
Loved it great ending

Another character driven book by Amanda Prowse. Hitch and Grayson are characters who find it difficult to fit in with society but they have hopes and dreams. A romantic read. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me review this book.

Thomasina, otherwise known as Hitch, was born with a clef palette and other disabilities. She has always been insecure because of her disabilities and has stayed home working on her family’s farm and B&B. This is a wonderful story of her finding her confidence and making peace with her past. I always enjoy Amanda Prowse’s writing. Her characters pull me into the story so completely. I was really hoping for Thomasina to spread her wings and find true happiness. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC.

I fell in love with this story! It's a story about Thomasina (Hitch) Waycott and her struggle in life to be accepted. She has been made fun of and ridiculed her whole because of the way she looks. Different from all the other "normal" people but her heart is tender. All she wants is to be loved and cared for unconditionally.
I really liked the character of Thomasina. My heart went out to her and I really hurt with her when she was taunted so badly. I wanted to be her friend and show her that she has value and is important. I also liked the character of Grayson Potts. He came into Thomasina's life and changed things for her. The story really was like a fairy tale but there were also huge struggles to overcome. Life isn't easy and it takes courage to let other people in after being so hurt in life.
This book took me on a journey with a girl who had been dealt a difficult hand when she was born. I hurt with how much she went through. I became emotionally involved with her character and really felt the heartache she suffered because of mean and vindictive bullies. I also felt the happiness and strength when she found the fight in herself to stand up for herself.
I loved that Thomasina had her dog, Buddy, to be with her throughout the book. He was a loyal and devoted companion through everything. This passage expresses how much he loved her:
"Even Buddy, in tune with her emotions, seemed to have lost his playful bounce and had earlier crept by her side across the yard with his head low, ears back, as if able to sense her malaise, so in love with her that her sadness crushed him." I love that dog and his place in her life.
This book is a tale that drew me in and took me through the gut wrenching life of a young woman just wanting to have what other young women had. It also has the message that each person is valuable and that there is hope and happiness just by being who you are.
I thought the chapter endings were very unique and different. They were the thoughts of Thomasina and the things she knows. Each one was a bit of the chapter before...a kind of summary. It touched my heart as some were enlightening and some were hard truth.
"What I don't know is how different I am, and I also don't know how I can find this out."
"And I know that some days I'm happy and on other days I'm sad, but that's the same for everyone, isn't it?"
The Thing I Know is that this book will touch the reader in many ways. It did me, for sure. Thomasina and Grayson are two characters I will think about for a long time.
I want to thank Lake Union, Netgalley and especially Amanda Prowse for the honor of reading such a powerful, inspirational and touching story. It is most definitely 5 stars!

The Things I Know is a marvellous story of overcoming adversity to realise true happiness in life. It is very clever because it tells the tale through two imperfect but likeable individuals who both have characteristics that many people would not choose. What surprised me the most was how much I identified tiny snippets of my life being comparable to the main protagonists and then I realised that the 'disabilities' were just a representation of the 99.9% of us that don't have a fairytale life and we want the downtrodden heroine to succeed because really, we've all been in her shoes at sometime in our lives. I've read a few by this author and they get better each time. I prefer her more upbeat stories of which I class this as one. Great descriptions, clever writing and the mechanics of the story mean that it has an interesting and believable plot Perhaps we could have got into the action a tad sooner but the development of the story in the middle and latter third made it time worth spending to set the scene. I think that this will be one of the big hits of the summer, it has every ingredient to make it catch against a very broad set of readers. An easy 5 Stars from me.

What a refreshingly wonderful read! I absolutely fell in love with Thomasina and Grayson! I definitely recommend this book. I loved that all the characters were real and authentic and their story so very normal...in the best way possible. It also makes you question the limitations we place on people when we think we’re doing what’s best for them.

This review was also posted on Goodreads.

The Things I Know is a refreshingly unique story. At the start of the book our protagonist, Thomasina, copes with the stress of her daily life by writing in a journal. Through her journal Thomasina reveals the truths as she sees them. Some of her truths are absolutely heartbreaking. When she meets Grayson her world begins to shift. She sees life through a different lens and finds her voice.
Amanda Prowse packs a lot of emotion into one sweet story as it explores a variety of relationships including family, friendships and love. I love that this story to challenges some common statements used to excuse poor behavior. I highly recommend this story!

If you love Amanda’s previous books you are going to love this one. If you haven’t read any of her books then what are you waiting for !!

Thomasina (Hitch) is living on her family farm with her parents. Her brother is living in America and Thomasina dreams of travelling herself but her parents are very protective of her and she feels as though she can’t leave the farm. I absolutely fell in love with Thomasina and felt as though I was going through the high and lows with her.

One day Grayson arrives to stay a few nights in their bed and breakfast at the family home. Grayson and Thomasina hit it off straight away and suddenly she is dreaming of bigger and better things. Will this one event lead to Thomasina’s world changing forever ?

This is a glorious story from Amanda with lots of highs and lows. You will find yourself falling in love with the characters and going through everything with them, it’s as if you are really there is the farmhouse !! Love love love.

Thank you to Amazon UK and NetGalley for a digital copy of this book.

I am a huge fan of Amanda Prowse books and leapt at the chance to read and review this book.

I love, love, love this book!!

It is another well written, heartwarming book with wonderful characters and a book I didn't want to end.

There is nothing else to add, just go and buy it, you won't be disappointed!

My 5* review for The Things I Know by Amanda Prowse. I was allowed access to this book via Netgalley to read and review, and because it was on my kindle I took it on holiday with me and I am so glad I did. I think Thomasina would have loved to have seen Skiathos with me and I felt as if I was taking her to see the world, just as she dreamed of.

"Thomasina ‘Hitch’ loves living and working on family farm and B&B. But she also wants what every other young woman does.... to see the world, to fall in love and to own her own home. However, those are fairy tales, and if her life is a fairy tale, then she’s the ugly duckling. Her deformed lip, her crooked limbs and her weak heart have kept her from taking chances. But that’s about to change. She feels she was born a bit different "as if someone held the instructions upside down or lost a part when they opened the box" as Amanda Prowse so delicately puts it."

When Grayson Potts comes to stay, he’s unlike anyone Thomasina has ever met. He’s shy, but kind and is also totally unconcerned with the physical flaws that have always defined her. He too has led a lonely difficult life and lives with his alcoholic mother and dreams of a life of his own away from the sad place that his home has become where he looks out of the window at a world full of light and possibilities, listening to the family living below laughing and thinking it must be a nice way to live - happy.

I was easily able to envisage Hitch's life on the farm with her Mum and Pops in my mind because I live in the countryside and worked on a similar farm near me in Golden Valley in the school holidays, picking potatoes, or whatever was ready for harvesting and doing odd jobs around the farm for pocket money back in the 1970's. The descriptions took me right back and I loved the fact Thomasina kept chickens and had a favourite called Daphne.

I drooled over the descriptions of some of the lovely pies, stews, breakfasts, bread and cakes that Thomasina created and really wanted to go and stay at the farmhouse and have a meal around the big table with them. The Author certainly knows a thing or two about living on a farm and how full on day after day it can be, but how lovely to be surrounded by countryside and animals, especially Buddy the faithful dog and Chops the "guardpig" as Grayson named him.

This is a beautiful story, so well and incite-fully written of two misfits finding that they fit together perfectly and can find happiness in each other's company and each other's arms and have the love, acceptance and appreciation that they have both wanted for so long (together with a set of their own cake tins, and someone to bake for, if they are lucky)

I love the fact that Thomasina keeps a jotter and writes in it at the end of the day to express herself when things were too difficult to say out loud. We know from this that she "wants to own sparkly red shoes that she will never get to wear but can look at whenever" and why not? I would gladly buy her those shoes, because by the end of the book i felt like I would love to be her friend, and make her feel loved, valued, appreciated and worthy of everything and anything she wanted, regardless of her disabilities and limitations.

I was allowed access by netgalley to read and review. I love Amanda Prowse novels anyway and this didn't disappoint.

A love story about two people who are not quite 'right, I loved all the characters, especially Thomasina and Grayson. Their trials and tribulations before they met, and after made them who they were.
I love the description of the farm and the chickens and the food sounded delicious! The epilogue made the book for me, we got to find out what happened to all our favourite people which often doesn't happen and all the loose ends were tied up nicely! Wonderful, thought provoking yet feel good book for the summer. Loved it!

This was my first book by Amanda Prowse and I really enjoyed her writing. I loved Thomasina, or "Hitch", as everyone called her. She's let people treat her like the ugly stepchild all her life because of her physical deformities and generally just had low self-esteem because of it. Living on a remote farm and bed & breakfast with her family, she goes through her daily routine of caring for her beloved chickens and cooking and cleaning for her family and their guests.

One day a man named Grayson comes to stay and he and Thomasina have a connection. He looks past her physical deformities and into her mind and heart and sees the beauty within. In the short time that he stays at their B & B they spend a lot of time together and realize how much they like each other. But soon it's time for Grayson to go back to the city and his responsibilities there. It seems like an impossible situation and there's no hope for them to be together.

Will Thomasina let Grayson get away when he's the most wonderful thing that's ever happened to her? She's rarely been away from the farm that she's lived on all her life and she doesn't have much money. I think you will enjoy reading how Thomasina finds her self-confidence and fights for the love of her life, even though there are some disappointments along the way. I would also love to see a follow-up book to this one...perhaps a continuation to the story of Thomasina and Grayson (hint-hint, Amanda)?

I highly recommend this book and give it five stars! I thoroughly enjoyed it!

I enjoyed reading this book. It had a good story to it. I liked the variety of characters in it. It is my first book read by this author. I hope to read more books by this author.

What a page turner from the start to the end. I was on that farm every second. Such an emotional book which shows how victims of bullying can and often do have a hidden inner strength which, in time overcomes everything and they are the stronger person.

As I’ve said before Amanda just ‘gets it’ every single time. I do hope and look forward to reading a sequel

With thanks to Netgalley & Amanda’s publishers for ARC in return for an honest review

Thomasina, or Hitch as she is known by, is an unlikely heroine; the original ugly duckling and Amanda’s skilful prose really brought her to life for me.

Her home and life is the farm and B&B where she lives and works alongside her parents, who have always protected her as far as possible from the outside world. But she longs to go to New York, find a boyfriend and buy those red shoes which she will never be able to wear.

Into her life comes Grayson, a man who is also a little bit different. He prefers his own company but in Thomasina he finds a kindred spirit and he doesn’t see her flaws just the beautiful and kind hearted woman underneath.

This book is not only a beautiful and, at times, heart-breaking love story but also about a woman realising that she is far stronger than what she, or anyone else, actually thought.

Utterly compelling!

A beautiful, wonderfully told story about love, life and family. Thomasina is a great character and her quest for change was an emotional read.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

Wow! Where to begin? This is a truly beautiful book in so many ways. The characters of Thomasina (Hitch) and Grayson are just so loveable for a start. They may not be perfect, may each have their own disabilities and might not fit into what the world considers to be ‘the norm’ but they are innocent and lovely souls who each instantly see the beauty within each other while the world around them sees two eccentric or disfigured and socially handicapped individuals. Their simplistic personalities and philosophies are breathtakingly refreshing and one can only be humbled by their kind, loving and gentle attitude to life and to others around them. Hitch works so hard on her parents’ farm and yet she sees this as a labour of love, a love that she happily transfers onto her beloved chickens and her dog. When Grayson, with his own eccentricities and inability to ‘fit in’ with the world at large comes into her life the two become soul mates and so the romance begins. There are those bullies along the way who have always taunted and hurt Hitch and who then include Grayson in their spiteful verbal abuse and I really wanted them to get their come-uppance and for the young couple to triumph. Indeed, changes began when Thomasina gained in confidence as a result of being loved and appreciated for the wonderful person she is inside and from thereon insisted that her hurtful nickname be dropped and she be addressed by her real name. I raced through the pages of this book as I was desperate to find out how things would work out for the couple and whether they would overcome the many obstacles and setbacks that were put in their way. The dialogue between Thomasina and Grayson, and particularly Grayson, was exquisite in places and it was incredibly moving to read those sections. When an author writes the kind of prose whereby the words alone make a reader weep with the sheer beauty of it all – that is the most magical story telling. I absolutely loved this book and the characters will stay with me for a very long time. Thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Hitch longs to escpae her life, but she’s needed on the farm with her parents. Her brother Jonathon was allowed to fly off to America, but Hitch, with her responsibilities and her physical limitations isn’t going anywhere. Her family farm hosts B&B guests, and one day Grayson Potts comes to visit. He loves Hitch for who she is, but circumstances keep them apart. Hitch longs for so much more than her currenltmlife, but is she brave enough to get it?

Amanda Prowse has done it again. Her wonderful novel, The Things I Know, is the beautiful love story of two very special people: Thomasina ‘Hitch’ Waycott and Grayson Potts. It’s a great read, I recommend it highly and give it 5 stars.

With thanks to Netgalley and Amazon for this ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.

The Things I know is the third book I have written from Amanda Prowse. I think Thomasina `Hitch` Waycott is my favourite protagonist ever.

Hitch was born prematurely with a host of birth defects. For as long as she could remember everyone called her Hitch because of a scar on her mouth when she had cleft palate surgery. I wanted to be Hitch`s friend when I read this.......

` These are the things I know... I know my name is Thomasina Waycott. I know I was born a little different, like someone held the instructions upside down or lost a part when they opened the box`

Hitch lived and worked at Waycott Farm with her parents and cousin Emery. Hitch was smothered by her well meaning parents but she longed for a boyfriend, get married, go to New York and own a pair of sparkly red shoes. However living in the small village where she grew up, Thomasina knew that would be unlikely.

All that changed when Mr Grayson Potts came to stay on the farm whilst he was on a course. Grayson was a numbers man who found comfort in patterns and routine. Grayson was lonely and was still damaged after his father left him as a child. Although Grayson was a successful broker, he was socially awkward and found it hard to make friends.

With the help of Grayson, Hitch learned to love herself and become Thomasina. However when Grayson was about to propose something tragic happens that might destroy her new found confidence.

I loved Thomasina and Grayson, they were perfect for each other. I felt so sorry for Thomasina when she was mocked by Tarran in the pub. I could understand why her parents protected her as a child but they unknowingly undermined her confidence. I was so pleased when Thomasina finally gave Tarran a piece of her mind.

I also liked Grayson who was completely Guileless, I had to roll my eyes when he explained his friend next door was a murderer. I disliked Grayson`s mother, she didn't deserve his loyalty.sure

The ending left me with a warm glow of happiness. I highly recommend The Things I Know and all Amanda Prowse`s books.

I don't think Amanda can write a bad book! I fully fell in love with thomasina and Grayson. This is a love story, a story with morals, a story about a perfect girl meeting the perfect guy, at the not so perfect time. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and if someone says you are beautiful, believe them and don't let them go. 10/10.

These are the things I know...

I know this is an utterly gorgeous book.

I know that this is my first read from Amanda Prowse but it definitely won’t be my last!

I know that my heart is warmed from reading this beautiful love story.

I know that I’m very sad that I can’t keep reading this book.

A love story between two awkward misfits who met by chance and together brought out the best in each other and enriched not just their own lives but the lives of those around them. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and the storyline and would highly recommend this book and author to others.

A brilliant 4.5⭐️

Many thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Amanda and Netgalley for an ARC of this book. I am a huge fan of Amanda’s books and have read them all. I particularly love how she can create characters who are so relatable and yet her research into the core issue of the book is comprehensive and elicits such empathy from the reader. I have laughed and cried my way through most of her books and come away knowing more than when I started. This most recent book is still true to that theme and I loved getting to know “Hitch” and Grayson. I diid enjoy the focus on feelings and how the behaviours and hurts can limit people’s confidence and life opportunities. I missed the level of detail present in other books about the impacts and insights into the “conditions”. Without spoilers I can’t really be more specific but both Thomasina and Grayson deal with very challenging and prevalent issues. I think part of the problem is that Amanda Prowse is so talented and insightful that she could develop the real life issues she raises in a series of separate books.......E.g. disability, alcoholism, family dynamics, bullying. I really do hope that’s the plan and maybe Thomasina is our new Poppy Day....I’d love that!

Wow yet another great read from Amanda. I loved getting to know Hitch and her family. The way Amanda writes you can picture yourself right there in the book. Also Grayson and the family problems he has, this is so believable and true to life. A fab book that I can highly recommend

I just adored this book. Most definitely my favourite Amanda Prowse book.
It shows that it's ok to be different and that there is love out there for everyone making you "The me I'm supposed to be".

If you want to feel good- read this book! Thomasina and Grayson have both faced challenges in their lives, both physical and emotional. She's safe on her parents' farm and inn but she's had to put up with so much teasing over the years due to her differences that her best friends are a chicken and a dog (nice, but not the same). Grayson comes to stay and when he seems a bit off to others, she sees more there. Lovely atmospherics, positive energy, and terrific characters make this a very good read. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. You're going to root for this couple!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A beautiful love story about two people who are different and don’t quite fit in.
Heartfelt and emotional this story was so poignant and I absolutely loved reading it.
Hitch’s character is sweet, and she is engaging and so strong. Limited largely by her own perception of how people view her and not realising that her differences make her special.
Grayson is kind and a really good person who has been taken advantage of. His lack of confidence is endearing.
A great story told with so much compassion and empathy. Amanda Prowse does it again!! Thank you

First, thanks to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read an e-galley of this book.

Thomasina "Hitch" Waycott was born with a cleft palate, a hand that doesn't quite look right, and a foot that curls the wrong way. She lives on her family farm with her Mom and Dad, doing the daily chores that need to be done. She can't wait for the day that her younger brother, Jonathan, comes back home from college where he's studying farming. It will be a relief to all of them to have his help. Since Jonathan has been gone, Hitch's cousin Emery has come to be an extra set of hands to help out at the farm and the Bed and Breakfast they run out of their home, just for additional income. Emery is so mean to Hitch, calling her horrible names and being downright mean. Hitch sees right through Emery's wily ways.

Then, one day, Jonathan calls her up with exciting news! When he finishes school, he's going to go work on a farm in America! (Wait, what! That wasn't "Hitch's" plan! Jonathan is supposed to come help her run the farm so Momma and Dad can retire!)

Emery takes advantage of this and starts doing everything he can to get in the good graces of his uncle, but "Hitch" is on to him and let's him know it's never going to get into his hands, "Hitch" just doesn't know how to stop it.

Then one day, they have a guest named Mr. Potts come stay at the Bed and Breakfast, and the whole world changes!
#NetGalley #TheThingsIKnow

I knew when I started reading this book, that I would get my heartstrings tugged at, more than once, it being an Amanda Prowse book. I was right :)

Thomasina "Hitch" is a woman living on a remote farm who has had to overcome more challenges than most. Her parents, not surprisingly, have wanted to wrap her up in their love and make sure that she is safe, at all times. Of course, love can feel smothering sometimes and it takes her parents a little while to realise that Thomasina is a grown woman and capable of much more than they give her credit for. Grayson Potts is the man who comes to stay at her family B & B and within hours, it is clear that the two of them have a very special bond. He has also not had the easiest life, has also been bullied and been made to feel "less than".

Gray and Thomasina are such lovely people and I wanted to throw my arms around the pair of them and make sure that neither of them are hurt again. However, real life is not like that and they have a lot of things to get through, both separately and together. Overall though, this book is full of hope and love, and pushing through and achieving great things - just wonderful.

Loved everything about this book.

I don't often give 5 stars for my reviews, but this novel was worth each one.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing.

The Things I Know is the delightful story of two misfits who happen to find each other. Thomasina has always been called Hitch because of her scar from cleft palate surgery. The nickname is used affectionately by her adoring but over-protective farming parents, but to her it begins to stand for all that she wants to change about her life. She knows she’s not the disabled and slightly slow girl that everyone thinks they know, although she does acknowledge she is “a little bit different, like someone held the instructions upside down or lost a part when they opened the box.” Hitch nevertheless has adventure and ambition in her heart – but no-one will give her the chance to shine.
Then she meets Grayson. He is socially inept, shy and awkward, yet holds down a good job at the bank because of his brilliance with numbers and patterns. He also has a poetic, elegant, slightly old-fashioned way of speaking which, as it did for Thomasina, totally won me over. She talks about the “beautiful eloquence of his words.” In a way, both Grayson and Thomasina are innocents and their conversations are refreshingly open, honest and totally devoid of artifice. As a result, reading this was like a breath of fresh air.
Their relationship is not without its difficulties – they live miles apart for one thing, and he has the mother from hell, for another. But together they start to make things happen. Hitch’s first step is to insist on being called by her real name, Thomasina. The book is about relationships and love, but mostly about triumphing and rising above. It’s also about how sometimes we just need someone else to help us do this – as Aristotle put it, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

I am writing this review with tears flowing down my eyes. Every single line of this book resonated with me. I could see myself in the main character Thomasina, who was born a little different with a cleft lip, weak heart, and deformity of hand and foot.

Operated in childhood for the cleft lip, the doc did a terrible job with suturing and she was nicknamed Hitch for that scar. Thomasina was on medications and was protected by her parents on their farm. She lived a closed life, but her dreams were open and big and as vast as the skies (mine are too). Her life was lonely with most seeing her outward appearance and not her heart.

Then came Grayson, a man who was probably on the spectrum, but who knew what he wanted and he never lied. He wanted Thomasina forever and ever. This was their story, honest and true and oh so filled with love. 2 people just perfect for each other who could see beyond what this world labeled as imperfections.

I have read most books by Ms. Amanda Prowse, and the best are those which make me cry and where I see myself in her characters. I cried and cried and I am still crying while writing this review. Ms. Prowse's writing was superfluous, the emotions in each word had me choking.

Thomasina and Grayson had their own problems, they lived and worked in different parts. Their lives intersected and they found each other. Their hearts beat as one. But they had their own responsibilities, and it took great courage and a willingness to change to live their love.

Innocence was never better written, dreams never better foretold. I sighed and swooned over the lines in this book. I could hardly see my kindle with eyes that were constantly getting blurred.

Ms. Prowse took my heart in her hands with this story. She covered it with hope for a brighter tomorrow, she gave my heart wings to fly and my dreams to soar. I could keep going on about what I saw in this book. It was an experience seen and read with an open mind.

No truer words have I ever spoken than these
Ms. Amanda Prowse is the queen of emotions. She is the only author in this world who can make me cry and smile at the same time. My favorite forever.

What a wonderful story and couple.
I loved this book and story about life, differences between us all but the reminder that we are much more than the eye can see and some people deserve much more than they get.
We take a journey with a girl that becomes a woman, Thomasina, that her life isn’t easy at all, she has to go through so many bad times since childhood but she still finds the power to stand up for her and be happy with her animal friends and her family. She dreams to travel and see the world, misses her brother that went to New York to change his life, and she only wants to live her life happy and be wanted,
Grayson was a great addition to the story, another soul that was hurt by the world and was looking for a few days of forgetting about his life and their time together was what exactly each one of them deserved.
It was my first read by the author but won’t be the last for sure.

A first by me from this author! Thank you Netgalley and the author for my ARC in exchange for my honest review! This heartwarming love story of two people who have found life so difficult yet they stayed strong and pushed through so much and never gave up. I laughed and cried so much! This story touched a place feel in my heart I will not soon forget! I couldn't put this book down and read in half a day! A true jem! This books makes you appreciate all you take for granted. I look forward to much more from this author as she has such a well crafted gift I'm left dying for more! A must read!

“The Things I Know” is Amanda Prowse’s latest novel and fans of her earlier works will not be disappointed. Thomasina (Hitch) lives at Walcott farm in the English countryside with her family, but wants to find her place in life. She longs to follow her younger brother to the United States and discover happiness (as well as love). But unlike many girls who long for similar things, Hitch has many disabilities that make escaping her life on the farm all the more difficult. Because of constantly being picked on throughout her life, Hitch relates more to animals than people.

Grayson Potts comes to the farm and sees the person Hitch has the potential to be. Grayson has his own personal struggles, though I thought for purpose of the novel, they could have been developed as well as Hitch’s issues. Grayson and Hitch develop a friendship, but you know that after a few hurdles, they are going to fall for each other by the end of the book. Yet instead of relying upon clichés, Amanda’s Prowse’s vivid descriptions and colorful characters bring this story to life. Hitch is quite a likable character and it was easy to relate to her “ugly duckling” feelings, especially with her journal entries included at the end of each chapter. “The Things I Know” is a quick and easy read with a ending that is guaranteed the majority of its readers.

Thank you to Netgalley, Lake Union and Amanda Prowse for the opportunity to read this easily relatable tale.

Amanda is one of my favourite authors and am proud to say that I have read all her books. This one was a tad slow to get into the part where I could not put it down but perseverance was worth it all.
This is an emotional story of Hitch (Thomasina) who was born not correctly put together and she is searching for someone to love her as she is. She had faced immense bullying from her cousin, did not fit in at school either and her parents were over protective of her. Although she had a tough life she loved working on the farm, especially caring for her girls - the chickens - that she sang and danced with.. As usual Amanda's story reflects issues that are prevalent in society with characters that are so real. I Loved the way that Thomasina has her own parts to express what she knows as though she is talking to herself.
This is a book that makes you cry and laugh and is a highly recommended book to read.

Entertaining story of a young woman born with physical issues and coddled by her parents on their farm who meets a young man with issues of his own. They fall in love. A very nice read.

The things I know is a great story. Thomasina lives with her parents on a family farm.
Always sheltered due to her birth defects, she wants more. A beautiful book about friendship and love. Highly recommend this book.

Amanda is one of my favourite authors and I was so excited to read this book! The story is so touching, heartwarming and gives hope to those struggling with difficulties, whether physical or psychological. Thomasina struggles with physical difficulties, a crooked lip, a deformed hand and her heart is not strong. But she has dreams, she dreams of her own house, a man to love and bake for but her family so cares for her that they have wrapped her in cotton wool. She lives on a farm with her parents, a farm that is struggling financially. They also take in guests, as in a B&B. Thom’s brother has moved to America to work on a ranch, and Emery, their cousin, has moved to the farm to help out, but he bullies Thomasina. Then a guest like no other arrives, Grayson Potts, who is also different. Thomasina and Grayson quickly form a bond and I so loved to see this bond develop. Grayson struggles too, he lives with his mother who is an alcoholic, bitter and very needy. A very beautiful story!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thomasina 'Haitch' Waycott, born with a variety of physical deformities and disabilities, lives on a remote family farm and B&B but dream of living the fairytale of finding her true love and seeing the world. Grayson is a kind, aloof eccentric who comes to stay. The two overcome their hurdles to form a deep bond. A great, moving read.

What an amazing read. I finished this book in one sitting. I loved everything about this book from the characters to the chemistry. Amazing.

EXCERPT: These are the things I know...

I know my name is Thomasina 'Hitch' Waycott.

I know I'm not like everyone else.

I know I was born a little bit different, like someone held the instructions upside down, or lost a part when they opened the box.

I also know that words are powerful things and they have weight.

I know certain words have sat in my stomach for as long as I can remember and weigh so much that when i am in a crowd or meet someone new they pull my shoulders down and make my head hang forward so I can only look at the floor.

Tard.

Fuckwit.

Rabbitmouth.

I know I want to see other countries.

I know I want to go to New York.

I know I want a boyfriend.

I know I want my own kitchen.

I know I want to paint my nails instead of having them caked in mud.

I know I want to own clothes that are pretty.

I know that I want to own sparkly red shoes that I will never get to wear but I can look at whenever I want...

What I don't know is just how different I am and I also don't know how I can find this out.

And I know that some days I'm happy and other days I'm sad, but that's the samne for everyone, isn't it?

ABOUT THIS BOOK: Thomasina ‘Hitch’ Waycott loves living and working on the remote family farm and B&B. But she also wants more. To see the world. To own her own home. To fall madly in love.

But those are fairy tales, and if her life is a fairy tale, then she’s the ugly duckling. Her deformed lip, her crooked limbs and her weak heart have kept her from taking chances. But that’s about to change.

When Grayson Potts comes to stay, he’s unlike anyone Thomasina has ever met. He’s aloof, eccentric and exceptionally kind. He’s also totally unconcerned with the physical flaws that have always defined Thomasina.

The two form a bond that neither has had before. It’s possible that it could become something more, but Thomasina also wonders if it’s too good to be true. By putting her heart on the line, Thomasina may open herself to heartbreak. But she may also open herself to so much more.

MY THOUGHTS: Heartwarming. Heartbreaking. This is a reminder that we should always encourage our children to be the best that they can be, not to enforce our ideas of their limitations upon them, even if we believe we do so out of love.

Thomasina (I refuse to call her Hitch) is a wonderful character. I laughed with her. I cried for her.

Prowse is an extraordinary writer.... she writes with empathy, not sympathy, or pity, but empathy. I think she must be a woman with an exceedingly big heart. A woman who values people just for who they are, not what they are. This shines through into her writing. She never fails to touch my heart.

4.5 very bright stars.

THE AUTHOR: Amanda Prowse was a management consultant for ten years before realising that she was born to write. Amanda lives in the West Country with her husband and their two teenage sons.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Lake Union Publishing via Netgalley for a providing a digital ARC of The Things I Know by Amanada Prowse for review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own personal opinions.

For an explanation of my rating system, please refer to my profile page on Goodreads.com or the about page on my webpage sandysbookaday/wordpess.com This review and others also appear on my webpage

This was a bit slot to start and get into, but once it does well worth the perseverance. It’s such an emotional, heartfelt read. This is about a young girl born with difficulties and you share them with her, feel her pain. It is beautifully written, I love the fact it’s about ordinary people and such a lovely slow burn romance/attraction with a young man with his own difficulties with society. It’s such a beautiful book. I loved it.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

I'm happy I requested this book because I discovered a very good writer.
It's a bit slow at the beginning but if you're patient you're in for a great reading experience.
I loved the well written cast of characters, the setting and the plot.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

A touching story of a young girl "Hitch" who was born with difficulties trying to live out her own fairy tale.

After living on a remote farm her whole life, being protected by her loving family and only having her animals for friends, Hitch knows there must be more to life. When a handsome stranger, who also has some difficulties, comes to stay at her farm her whole world is turned upside down.

This is a beautiful tale of their romance with lots of ups and downs. It'll have you laughing, crying and wishing for a happy ending!

Amanda Prowse certainly knows how to hit you with the feels. This is such an emotional book; it has its high moments where you are smiling along with Hitch/Thomasina. There are moments as well where you just want to cry alongside her.
The book is beautifully written, everything is described perfectly, and you really do feel as if you are there on Waycott's farm! I' v always wanted my own chickens, but I never realised how much work goes into keeping them, I think I will need to employ Thomasina's expertise when the time comes!
Thomasina has lived a very secluded and simple life with her parents on a farm near Bristol. Her life hasn’t been easy due to disabilities that she was born with. She has had to deal with comments and people staring at her deformities all her life; however, she’s had enough of hiding away and wants to spread her wings.
This book shows a young girl overcoming what people think of her and blossoming into the beautiful soul that she is. She really does prove that it is what is in the inside that matters. She is kind-hearted and loving, and that is all that matters. We all have our insecurities about how we look, but we could all certainly learn something from Thomasina! Throw away the shackles, laugh and live life no matter what!
Even though this is a beautiful story; it did take me quite a while to get into it. I think this was mainly due to the size of the chapters. There are only 15 in total over a 300-page book. I’ve said this before about long chapters; I would much rather have short and fast ones, to keep me saying ’just one more chapter before bed’ than to look at the beginning of a chapter and see that it is going to take me 44 minutes to read. I’m more likely to think ‘I don’t have that time to invest I’d best not start a new chapter’. So I progress much slower through a book. Once I did get into the book, I flew through it as the story was so beautiful.
I had a little problem with the ending as some of the events didn’t make sense. Without wanting to give anything away, Thomasina wanted to do something but could only do it if a certain something happened. That thing didn’t happen, but she still got to do the thing she wanted. It felt a bit far-fetched. It was still a lovely ‘happy-ever-after’, but I would have liked to have kept it a bit more real.
Overall, though, a wonderfully emotional book and I would love to follow more of Thomasina and her life, but I get the feeling this was wrapped up nicely, and we won’t be seeing her again, more’s the pity!

Thomasina Hitch Waycott is a young adult who lives with her loving family on a small farm in England near Bristol. “Hitch” was born with some ailments and difficulties, including a cleft lip and palate, that was later awkwardly repaired (and sadly, resulted in the nickname “Hitch”). In spite of all that, she is an active participant on the farm- helping with chores, the B&B guests, and caring for her chicken friends. But sometimes the safe cocoon that her parents have created for her feels too small. The “joys that other people took for granted, like love, marriage, having a friend, and being able to wear high-heeled shoes” seemed a bit out of her reach.

At times, the beauty of the farm, her loyal dog, and her farm work are enough for Thomasina. But, when she is faced with taunts at the local pub, or feels stifled by her parents, she wants more. She keeps a list of what she knows, and one day she begs the universe for help. How can she change? How can she break out of her rut?

And once Thomasina opens herself to possibilities, her world does begin to change. Her brother makes a big change, a B&B guest arrives, and her parents start thinking about the future. Thomasina learns that change can be positive, or it can be very uncomfortable, which is why it is good to have a pair of sparkly red shoes for inspiration.

In the “About the Author” section at the end of this quietly compelling book, we are told “Ms. Prowse writes stories of ordinary women and their families who find their strength, courage and love test in ways they never imagined.” The author is a prolific writer, although this is the first book of hers (But it won’t be the last!) I have read. Author Prowse is skillful at weaving an emotional story. Inspiring, entertaining, uplifting settings and themes are her canvas where she sets colorful characters that we care about and bond with. Some of the dialogue scenes were a bit long, but this is a readable story that will stick with you.

Thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK, Lake Union Publishing for a digital review copy. This is my honest review.

First time reading Amanda Prowse's work and it will not be the last time. The story is endearing, and the writing is impeccable. The descriptions make it so, that you feel as if your standing on the farm watching the whole story unfold before your very eyes. The story starts with the birth of a daughter who felt as if the instructions had been upside down when she was made, and maybe they had lost a part when they opened the box. Yes, it is with charm and finesse that will make you fall in love with Hitch, Thomasina Potts!



Thanks, NetGalley for the opportunity to read & review this delightful story

‘I feel like you’re the kind of person who can find the gaps, fill in the missing pieces and solve the puzzle of my happiness.’

Thomasina "Hitch" Waycott lives and works on her parent's farm, which is also a bed and breakfast, that has been in her family for generations in rural England, across the river from Wales. She's always been treated as "less than" her younger brother. She was born with a cleft palate that was fixed poorly. She also has other medical problems and has been bullied her whole life. Her parents have been over protective. Meanwhile she's getting older and wants to experience life.

Her life changes when Grayson Potts stays at the B & B for a couple of nights. Grayson has his own issues. He has Asperger's Syndrome, has also been bullied his own life.

When this unlikely couple meets for the first time, neither sees the other's imperfections and a growing attraction starts immediately between them.

I loved this book. I loved Thomasina and Grayson's characters. Everything about the book was just right and will definitely speak to those people out there that have ever been bullied. I loved the descriptions of the farm, with its chickens, guard pig - just everything. Even the sad pieces, and there are a few, were handled just right.

I highly recommend.

I received this book from Lake Union Publishing (Amazon Publishing) through Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.

Thomasina and Grayson’s story encourages me that there is hope and good things for people with disability. Thomasina thought she didn’t have any hope to have a romantic relationship. She did and Grayson, even though he has Asperger Syndrome, came out in a big way to lavish love, attention and companionship to our heroine.

The book started out very pessimistic, but things picked up towards the middle of the book. I read this to encourage myself, and am so happy I did. Good read.

Sometimes you just stumble across a book. That was the case for me and I am so glad I did. I thought that this was an absolutely wonderful read. This book is filled with rural charm, harsh reality and an overall feeling of sweetness. Thomasina ‘Hitch’ has a story that will touch your heart. Thomasina has been different since birth. Her challenges may slow her down but they certainly do not stop her. I thought she was very smart, incredibly kind, loving and a hard worker. The book gives you a look into her life, hopes, dreams and fears. I felt it was incredibly eye-opening. So often, people are labeled and fenced in by expectations (or a lack of). This is even worse for those with differences. My heart simply ached for Thomasina. Her loneliness, the desire for more and her yearning to truly live were almost tangible as you read through the book. The book is very well written and read easily. Thomasina's world was so well developed that I felt I could feel the heat from the stove, feel the crunch of the frosted grass under my feet and smell the wonderful meals that Thomasina cooked. This emotional read will put your own emotions through their paces as the story unfolds, and what a beautiful story it is.

This is beatiful written story that will pull on your heartstrings. It is a heartwarming story that is filled with hope and happiness, sadness. I truly enjoyed reading about Grayson and Thomasina. The characters are two people who don't quite fit in and who are different. It was a page turner and kept my interest through out the story.
I vouluntairy read and reviewed an Advanced Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you you NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK and Lake Union publishing for letting me read this story.

Unfortunately I will say this book was not for me. It was sadder than I expected and way too repetitious. Thomasina “Hitch” is trying to find her way but is weighed down by her parents’ who love her but underestimate her. She was born with physical ailments and her parents have held her back instead of helping her to reach her full potential and follow her dreams. After her brother leaves the family farm she feels unable to pull away herself. Until she meets Grayson. He is a little different himself and also finds himself weighed down by the weight of his own very different family obligations. Together they help each other realize their full potential and find their own self confidence. Of course it’s not that easy. Thomasina is stuck and the reader follows her as this weighs heavily on her. I think I expected this to be more heartwarming and sweet than it was. It’s very sad reading how awful Thomasina and Grayson’s circumstances are and frustrating how slowly they work on changing anything. I have not read anything by this author before but I don’t think her writing is for me. This was just too much of a bleak novel for me. I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The thing I know about The Things I Know by Amanda Prowse is that you have to read it. Now. This story is miraculous, sweet and tender. It’s so warm and full of heart, so full of characters that you will love and hate, hope for, get impatient with, feel grief, sadness and despair with, and revel in their joy. The contrast in settings is stark – Thomasina in the lush, beautiful country at the B&B and Grayson in the what can only be described as squalid city – and both feel so real you can imagine you are there.

Grayson and Thomasina may seem odd and quirky at first – and they are – but they are also the people we should all aspire to be: strong in their beliefs, truthful, kind. We are the ones not in sync, not them. They have such open conversations, no sarcasm, no mocking, no hidden meaning. Questions asked are sincere. They are honest, and honesty might hurt, but they have nice hearts.

Thomasina’s life is about to change. Things haven’t worked out as she hoped but it’s been a life she’s enjoyed and she is comfortable and cared for. With her parents selling the B&B what will become of her? Oh, yes, she’ll survive and be taken care of, but is this the final door slamming on her dreams? Grayson is amazing at his job, has a gift for it, but he wants more. And he wants to escape. But he made a promise long, long ago and how can he even think of breaking it? Even to be with Thomasina, who instantly seems like an old friend he never knew he had.

Grayson has the mind of a computer and the heart of a poet. At one point he says, “It’s not that I’m afraid of her, more afraid of doing the wrong thing. And not just doing the wrong thing, but the wrong thing in front of you.” Doesn’t this just perfectly capture how we all often feel? Thomasina keeps a journal of “The Things I Know.” A very insightful and courageous journal. And both Grayson and Thomasina agree that time is passing and life doesn’t come to you – you have to chase it. And they show their courage by facing their fears and doing just that. They know who they are and who they want to be, they have dreams and desires and goals. Even though they have been beaten down and ridiculed and held back, they persevere. They are hard-working and determined, not perfect, but not afraid to acknowledge their flaws, either. And willing to acknowledge in their hearts that the happy-ever-after ending might not be theirs in the end.

The Things I Know reminds me of an old book and movie - The Enchanted Cottage. Oliver and Laura see only the beauty in each other and it changes them. The same is true of Thomasina and Grayson. When I learned the origin of Hitch’s nickname I shuddered, and when Grayson refused to call her Hitch and asked her to tell everyone her name is Thomasina he captured my heart.

The Things I Know is a love story, but with some hard truths, full of hope and redemption for some of the characters, and a story of change and facing your fears no matter what. It is a wonderful, marvelous, magical book and I want everyone to read it and experience the joy I did. Thanks to author Amanda Prowse and NetGalley for providing an advance copy for my honest review.

I found this book to be boring and not really for me. There just didn't seem to be anything I wanted to connect to and there was nothing that made me want to keep reading other than my own inability to leave things unfinished. It was an easy, quick read, but I just didn't warm to the characters.

Amanda Prowse is one of my favourite authors of all time so I was so excited to get the chance to review her new book. I found it a little slower to get going than previous books but once I got into it I couldn’t put it down (so much so I finished it in one day!).
Another heart-warming read from a truly great author. I love the way Amanda draws you into the characters, I always get a warm fuzzy glow having read one of her books. Many thanks to Netgalley, Amazon Publishing and Amanda Prowse for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have read and loved several of Amanda Prowse’s books. They are so full of raw emotions and will leave you breathless. I’ve shed many tears while reading some of the best books ever. That being said I am very sad to say that this one just didn’t do it for me. It fell way short of my expectations. I didn’t like any of the characters other than Thomasina/Hitch and Grayson. I liked Jonathan a little. Hated Emery even later on. Thomasina’s mother seemed way to cold and Grayson’s was just awful. Kind of over the top cruel to do such a turn around later. Thomasina’s dad seemed like a very nice man that truly cared about his daughter but the mother was just to cold in my opinion. Thomasina should have been very protected by her mother but to me she seemed to just brush her away when she tried to tell her things. Not like a mother at all.
This book was very well written and easy to read with the exception of using the “shit” word way to much. I don’t mind ugly words at all but that one finally got to me. I feel absolutely awful that I didn’t really love this book but I have to be honest. I just didn’t get out of this book what many others obviously did. It fell short for me.
I didn’t have any emotions one way or the other. Nothing. It was just an ok book that you need to read for yourself to decide what you think. It could very well be just me.

Thank you to #NetGalley, #Amazon Publishing UK and #Lake Union for this copy in exchange for my review.

I give this book 3 stars.

"Hitch" is physically different than other girls. She lives on a farm in England with her family. She desperately wants to leave and see the world outside rural England and have a life. When Hitch meets Grayson, their love story is wonderful. Grayson doesn't see Hitch as anything but wonderful. I truly loved their love story and the characters are wonderful. I received an advanced readers copy and all opinions are my own.

Great read. The author wrote a story that was interesting and moved at a pace that kept me engaged. The characters were easy to invest in.

This is a sweet story of 2 people who find each other after dealing with adversities in each of their lives. Thomasina (Hitch) Waycott and Grayson Potts meet quite by chance when Grayson is a guest at the Waycott Farm where Thomasina’s family runs a farm and bed & breakfast. Thomasina is a hard worker. She was born with a physical disability. Grayson is a bit different, he thinks different than other people, he reacts to things different from other people. These differences these two young people have is what draws them together, they understand the adversities they have both had to face. This is a sweet story of how Thomasina and Grayson fight through the paths that has been chosen for them and forge a new path to greater independence and self-worth.

Thomasina ‘Hitch’ Waycott loves living and working on the remote family farm and B&B. But she also wants more. To see the world. To own her own home. To fall madly in love.

But those are fairy tales, and if her life is a fairy tale, then she’s the ugly duckling. Her deformed lip, her crooked limbs and her weak heart have kept her from taking chances. But that’s about to change.

When Grayson Potts comes to stay, he’s unlike anyone Thomasina has ever met. He’s aloof, eccentric and exceptionally kind. He’s also totally unconcerned with the physical flaws that have always defined Thomasina.

The two form a bond that neither has had before. It’s possible that it could become something more, but Thomasina also wonders if it’s too good to be true. By putting her heart on the line, Thomasina may open herself to heartbreak. But she may also open herself to so much more.

****
As usual with Amanda Prowse books, you are always virtually guaranteed a quality read, and this book is no different.

You can feel Amanda's warmth and love for her characters shine through, which makes this another excellent read. As recommended as ever.

The Things I Know is a sweet, simple story of Thomasina's learning courage and independence in her life on the farm. Born with numerous birth defects, she worked closely with her family, and a verbally abusive cousin. A quirky stranger enters her life, and brings to Thomasina the affirmation that she had been looking for her whole life.

This story lacked the complexity that I prefer in novels. It was rather slow moving, and quite predictable. The ending was satisfying. I would recommend this book to those who are looking for a very light reading experience.

Many thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read The Things I know.

Life is hard for Thomasina 'Hitch' Waycott as she farms with her over-protective parents.

Amanda Prowse is a truly remarkable writer. She delves into the very soul of humanity and lays it bare for her readers but she does so with such sensitivity and love that even a book like The Things I Know, which has the physically disabled Thomasina and the somewhat autistic Grayson Potts, never feels exploitative. Rather, the reader is shown just how much an individual can achieve in spite of perceived difficulties as long as they have their self-respect and some love and support. The Things I Know gives a powerful and effective message about how our flippant attitudes can harm others either intentionally or unwittingly and how bullies of any kind must not be tolerated. As usual when I read Amanda Prowse I found the occasional tear escaping because she manages to imbue every moment with emotion.

Indeed, the themes of The Things I Know are quite awe-inspiring and frequently touching. Love, identity, duty, responsibility, family, work, friendships and relationships permeate every aspect so that there is something here every reader can relate to. I loved the way in which Thomasina dropped her nickname Hitch in favour of her full name as she began to unhitch herself from the well meaning chains of family and responsibility. Thomasina may have physical disabilities and constraints, but she is a woman to be reckoned with. I felt she had become a real-life friend by the end of the book and The Things I Know celebrates difference wonderfully. 

I've read several of Amanda Proswe's books and feel that her quality of writing has achieved an even greater depth and resonance through the descriptions and dialogue in The Things I Know. Speech is so natural and her attention to detail brings each scene alive in the mind's eye making for a very visual and auditory read. I loved this aspect because it placed me so close to Thomasina in every scene. I had been transported to the farm just as much as those guests staying for bed and breakfast. The plotting is perfect too so that I ended the book feeling uplifted, soothed and totally satisfied, not least because the things Thomasina knows which pepper the book are vivid, moving and frequently the hopes and fears so many of us experience in our own lives.

The things I know about The Things I Know are:

It's a fabulous story

It is written with love, humanity and care

It is emotional and satisfying

I loved every word.

There's a danger that a prolific and favourite author will become stale or repetitive. However, Amanda Prowse writes with such freshness, authenticity and skill in The Things I Know that I feel honoured to have read the book. I adored it and cannot recommend it highly enough.

The Things I Know # NetGalley
Amanda Prowse. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What a delightful read! This is the first book of Amanda Prowse I have read and can’t believe I have missed her writing. She has the most delightful style of writing and it is easy to follow the story. It is not burdened by an abundance of characters that are hard to keep up with. She uses characters who are flawed with human frailties and makes them become alive. I truly enjoyed every page of this book. I can see how she is so popular with the UK readers. I definitely will be looking for more books by this author. It, in my opinion, deserves 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced read copy of this book for an honest review.

Another corker by Amanda. A story if two main characters that do not feel they got in with the norms of society. .. And then they find each other, love blossoms but they face difficulties along the way.
The characters are so well written and you will fall in love with the both of them, they are warm and full of heart. .
The story is addictive and be warned you will not be able to put this down.
A great read that feels like a mug of hot chocolate on a cold winters night. . I thoroughly reccommend this one.

This is a lovely, well written book that deals with some tough issues. O really enjoyed it and would recommend.

What a delight! I picked it up and was so bummed when I had to put it down. When I picked it up again, I finished it in that sitting. Thomasina and Grayson were fabulous. I loved their personalities and connection and how they grew together. I would have liked to have seen some of her actions in New York, but it was a great story with a great message! A Must read!

I was provided with an ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I maybe the only person but I found the beginning of the book a trifle slow and wondered if it was worth persevering. I am glad I did because by the end I was sorry to finish.

Tells the story of Thomasina and Grayson who meet when he stays on her remote farm near Bristol. They are both unusual characters and in different ways both lovable and stuck in a rut. There story develops slightly predictably but nevertheless enjoyably. Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read it

The Things I Know was a great story about courage, strength, and finding your happiness. Thomasina Waycott was born with a few challenges like a claw foot, a cleft palate and lip problems. While others teased and bullied her, Thomasina’s family fiercely protected her. Working on the Waycott farm with her parents, Thomasina yearned for new adventures. She also wanted someone to share her life with. When Grayson Potts stayed at her farm for a few days, they both felt the commonality of not exactly fitting in with others and quickly felt at ease with each other. But Grayson’s life and job was in London with his demanding, alcoholic and manipulative mother, while Thomasina had her beloved animals to care for and the endless farm work. Their chance of love and happiness slowly slipped away. However, Thomasina was determined to spread her wings…with or without Grayson.

This was the first book I read by this author. It was very realistically written with memorable characters that you root for throughout the story. The main character reminded me of another book that I loved, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. Both were strong courageous women with many problems in their life, but they persevered. Since this author writes stories along this theme, I will definitely add her books to my list.
An ARC was given for an honest review.

The Things I Know by Amanda Prowse is a book about a woman that was born with a cleft pallet and lip along with a deformed hand and foot. She is a wonderful characters. You want to be a friend to her from the beginning. She has so many dreams for her life and feels stuck. We get to watch her fight for her life and develop into the woman she always dreamed of.

The writing in this book flows easily and absolutely carries you away. I felt drawn into the story and had a hard time putting it down. The book allows you to see the life and struggles of someone with a handicap. You learn how to accept them and communicate with them when you meet them and how to let them be their own person. I wanted to hug and cheer for this woman so many times during this story.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone to read. It is fiction but, there is a lot to be learned from this young woman. She is my hero!

Such an emotional read! I'm a huge fan of Amanda Prowse and The Things I Know is exactly what you'd expect from her.

Full of conflict, drama, heart, family and humour, this book is written so perfectly that I flew through it in one day.

Thomasina / Hitch Waycott was born different but she had developed coping mechanisms to deal with her limitations – she was slow but determined, physically not perfect but with enough love for the world and goals for herself to compensate. Nothing was going to hold her back; if her parents were overprotective it was out of love. While she took care of the farm animals, cleaned the farmhouse rooms that were rented out as a B&B, and cooked for family and guests, she wasn’t satisfied with her life. She wanted to travel, to see the world and do all the things that other women did.

Grayson Potts was also different. Physically and socially he was a bit awkward but he was brilliant when it came to numbers, patterns, problem solving. When he comes to stay at the Waycott Farm he and Hitch connect and discover they are kindred spirits in many ways.

I have never read anything by Amanda Prowse – my loss, soon to be rectified. I fell in love within a few chapters. Hitch talked to Grayson like she had never talked to anyone else and he responded like no one else ever had, assuming she would understand what he was saying. She said “his words were like poetry” and I found the author’s words to also be poetic prose. I had to force myself to close my Kindle to go to sleep or I would have been up all night.

I have enjoyed other books by Amanda Prowse and The Things I Know did not disappoint! This is the story of Thomasina also known as Hitch who was born with physical disabilities that set her apart from others and make her the target of bullying. She has dreams of leaving the day to day drudgery of her life but not sure how it will happen until she meets Grayson. A beautiful story of two people helping each other to become the persons they long to be. They grow and blossom because of their love for each other.

Thank you, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley, for my ARC. This is a story about being different and how people cope with feeling they're not like others. Hitch, Thomasina was born with some physical problems, a cleft palette which altered the line of her lips, a hand and foot that were crooked. Grayson was perhaps on the autistic spectrum and talented with calculations and forecasting. Both had lives they felt restricted them, and both wanted to break out and test themselves. When they met they only saw the good in each other, not the anomalies other people saw. A lovely story with two likable main characters.

Thomasina ‘Hitch’ Waycott loves living and working on the remote family farm and B&B. But she also wants more. To see the world. To own her own home. To fall madly in love.

But those are fairy tales, and if her life is a fairy tale, then she’s the ugly duckling. Her deformed lip, her crooked limbs, and her weak heart have kept her from taking chances. But that’s about to change.

When Grayson Potts comes to stay, he’s unlike anyone Thomasina has ever met. He’s aloof, eccentric and exceptionally kind. He’s also totally unconcerned with the physical flaws that have always defined Thomasina.

The two form a bond that neither has had before. It’s possible that it could become something more, but Thomasina also wonders if it’s too good to be true. By putting her heart on the line, Thomasina may open herself to heartbreak. But she may also open herself to so much more.


Thomasina and Grayson grabbed my heart. A sweet, sad, love story that will bring a few tears and smiles.
Such a book comes along rarely and this one had me loving the pair.

Thanks, to NetGalley for the advance copy to review.

Delightful book touching upon bullying and the effects name calling has on the very young. Thomasina was an enjoyable character to watch her arc from beginning to end of the book.

If you're reading this review you should stop right now and go get yourself this book to read IMMEDIATELY. It is a beautifully written lovely story that draws you in from page one.
Thomasina is a sweet gentle young woman who was born with some physical issues. She is an incredibly kind gentle soul who truly just wants to be loved and accepted. Her parents, under the guise of love through their actions and words constantly reinforce that she is not good enough. I found it heartbreaking. She is enough exactly as she is. More than enough. In fact the world would be a better place with more people with her depth of kindness, love and acceptance. They revere her brother who leaves the family for a whole new life and rather than allow her to help run the family farm and business call in a hideous excuse of a cousin who then spends much of his time torturing her. That is not love. Enter Grayson. He is written with such kindness and clearly the author has a lot of experience and understanding of people diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum . It is my assumption that Grayson is on the spectrum so hope that I haven't offended anyone. She represents him with such grace. No explanations, no making fun just representing someone who is real and trying to navigate his way through a life his brain is not always equipped to handle. he has managed basically on his own to find his way in life while dealing and taking care of his alcoholic mother. That these two wonderfully written people find their way into each others lives and eventually their hearts is a journey no one should miss. Love exists if we are open to it. I was overjoyed they slowly discovered and got to know each other. They accepted each other for exactly who they were. They foster each others dreams, hold each other up and really get each other. We should all be so lucky to have that kind of love in our lives. Though not a typical happily ever after love story it is even better. More real and an absolute must read to add to your list. I hope that you love it as much as I did.

I've read a lot of bad romance novels, so stumbling across a good one is worth celebrating. This was an sweet, easy read that made me smile. I'm sure this book isn't for everyone, but it felt right for me.

"The Things I Know" is a deceptively simple book. There isn't a whole lot of action in it. Either you'll be interested in these characters and their goals or you won't. The main thrust of the book isn't terribly dramatic, but instead terribly real--two people working to push themselves out of their comfort zone to find happiness both apart and together as a couple. Maybe it's because I'm middle aged and have been married a long time, but this kind of focus really resonated with me.

Readers looking for "meet cute," tropes, escapist adventures, and sweeping obstacles that must be overcome at all costs, likely will find this book frustrating. This isn't that kind of romance novel. Instead, this book almost takes a page out of good couple therapy session, with each person working through (and calling out the other) on their fears, their old habits and their defense mechanisms in an effort to create some happiness for themselves. Personally, I think THAT is romantic. It felt like these two characters were actually forming something akin to real love, not merely an infatuation.

I'm not trying to imply that this book is a drag. It's not. It does have light moments. The characters are well drawn and easy to root for (maybe since they're both working to overcome things that make them outsiders?) Their relationship felt both fresh and real.

I guess this book sticks out for me because it lacking in pretension as well as lacking in schmaltz--and that was a welcome relief since this genre tends to be chock full of both. It was a treat to read something truly original, instead of another story about a dashingly handsome, suave businessman sweeping a quirky, beautiful pastry chef off her feet.

Thanks to the author and NetGalley for granting me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is my first Amanda Prowse novel, but it won't be my last! Although the first bit was slow and dragged on a while, I'm glad I decided to stick with it. It was a great story! I can't wait to pick up another book by her!

Yet another great read from Amanda Prowse. This author has a knack for drawing the reader in to the story and bringing such warm feelings inside with her beautiful descriptive style of writing.

Thomasina was born ‘different’ and has lived a sheltered life on her parents’ guesthouse/farm with the animals as her friends. Her mother and father are extremely protective of their daughter but this makes her feel trapped. She dreams of travelling the world.

A gentleman, Grayson, arrives from London for an overnight stay at the guesthouse and feels an immediate bond with Thomasina. They have both been dealt blows in their young lives and recognise this in each other. These two characters were just adorable!

Are they destined to be together? I was rooting for them but it was not plain-sailing. I highly recommend this heartwarming story. A big 5* from me.

This is a slightly naive tale, although well written, and I guessed part of the ending well before the story reached that point. Thomasina is a fairly sympathetic character and some others are horrible. Not sure that farmers will appreciate being described as either country yokels or money grabbing entrepeneurs; these are probably the two extremes but the book lacks characters who occupy the middle ground (until you get nearer the end). Very readable though and a fair bit about coping with different disabilities and health issues.

The Things I Know is the stunning new novel from Amanda Prowse. Thomasina, known as Hitch is twenty four an has never left her small village or the family run farm and bed and breakfast. When her younger brother decides to go to America and work on a farm there, Hitch starts to feel a wanderlust and want more from her life. But for Hitch that is not easy, suffering health problems and deformity with her foot and hand she has been cocooned in her life on the farm. One day Grayson Potts come to stay at the bed and breakfast and her world shifts on its axis, he sees the person not the physical deformities, understand her, but is she opening herself up for heartbreak or is she about to finally get the life she dreams of.

This is such a beautifully written book, full of emotion and heart. Amanda has such a natural ease in her writing that draws you in, makes you feel comfortable and draws you into the character’s lives Inclusion is a big social issue at the moment and through the characters of Hitch and Grayson we see two very different people who are not accepted socially, have no friends and feel they don’t fit in, but want find their own way in the world with each other. The realism of her characters and the lives they lead makes them so endearing.

Hitch is twenty four but her life is very much limited to the farm, her parents have always tried to protect her from the harsh words and stares of others. She feels suffocated and wants more from her life; a husband to cook for, and a chance to travel and spread her wings. I found her such an endearing character and couldn’t help but warm to her character, and I really wanted her to fulfil her dreams. She is very much the butterfly of this book; at the beginning she is Hitch, sheltered from the world, where to focus is on what she can’t do, and then she meets Grayson, becomes Thomasina, a attractive woman who can do what she wants and finally spread her wings.

Grayson has always been classed as different as well, he is very intelligent but lacking some social skills. Like Hitch he has had a confined life looking after his mother with not much of a future. However, with Hitch he is able to open up, talk and be more confident. There is no doubt that together they make a formidable couple, more confident and able to tackle all that stands in their way.

Things I Know is a stunning novel about love, acceptance, dreams and being able to spread your wings. This book is a heartwarming read, full of emotion and warmth in the characters and plot. Amanda Prowse doesn’t shy away from difficult topics, she shows great empathy and understanding towards her characters. Fans of Amanda will love this book, and if you haven’t read any of her books I highly recommend you give them a go. Breathtaking, heartwarming and delightful; and absolute joy to read.

The Things I Know by Amanda Prowse is a story about taking control of your life against all the odds. Admittedly you might need someone else to give you the push and make you extinguish all self doubts and start the journey towards the life you want and deserve. An enjoyable read.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Gosh I was so pissed off reading this book! Not the whole thing, and not because the writing was bad. It definitely wasn't. But I was pissed off at how Thomasina was treated the majority of her life, especially by her worth nothing cousin Emory.

I guess I should explain that a little bit.

First of all, the main character Thomasina "Hitch" Waycott was born with just some of the worst cosmetic issues a little girl could have. It doesn't help that when she had surgery to get her cleft fixed, the doctor botched it and made it almost worse. So of course, she grew up feeling like she was an abomination - or at the very least "different" from others - and was teased by the children she grew up with. What was worse was that she suffered the most torture from her cousin Emory, and even though she tried to tell her mother about it, she just didn't seem to believe her. "That's your cousin. He'll have your back when it's important, you'll see." She had to deal with hearing that when it was clear that he couldn't give a shit about her. He even said that to her face numerous times. Calling her names like twat, fuckwit, rabbit mouth. Those words stuck with her all throughout her life, and whenever she tried to stand up for herself and make new friends, those words would keep her from opening up.

It wasn't until towards the end of the novel that things end up changing for her, although towards the middle of the novel she does stand up for herself and tell everyone to start calling her by her real name Thomasina, rather than the nickname Hitch. Everyone but Emory - of course - complies and it's easy for them to do so. Even the author makes sure to call her by Thomasina after that moment, which I totally loved.

Another thing that pissed me off was how Thomasina was treated by one of the guys that she had a crush on. I won't spoil it too much, but he basically used her during a moment of vulnerability, and really just showed me that he never really treated her like a real person. So ugh I was sooooooo upset at certain parts of this novel, but I guess that's to be expected when you invest some time and energy in a character.

I basically wanted to beat up every single person that made Thomasina feel like she was less than human. Like fight me losers! Fight me!

But anyway.

I'm really glad that I had an opportunity to read this book. I will say I'm ashamed that I automatically defaulted that this book took place in America, and only realized otherwise when Thomasina's brother Johnathan told her that he wanted to go to America and be a farmer. I was like "whaaaaat?" Then I did the smart thing and looked up Amanda Prowse and saw that she's from West Country, England, and that's exactly where Thomasina and the Waycotts live on their farmland. Duh, Leelynn. Not everything will take place in America, so get over your defaults.

That's an interesting topic on it's own, but we'll get to that.

I just had to get those angry parts out first before I got to the rest of it. I'm honestly so glad that Shelly (one of Thomasina's classmates) ends up finally telling her that Thomasina was way harder on herself than everyone else was. While Thomasina kept herself isolated because she didn't want to be ridiculed by them, her classmates were wanting to include her and be her friend, and didn't hold her physical limitations and cosmetic "disfigurement" against her. Only she did, because of how Emory made her feel.

This was also one of those books that didn't have the storybook happy ending that you would expect, but Thomasina finally grew into herself and gained the confidence that she should have had from the beginning, thanks to the newfound love she got to experience and the support she received from her friend Shelly. So I'm very proud of you Thomasina Waycott, and even though you were born a little bit different, you are still an amazing young woman.

Thomasina and Grayson are two misfits that don't fit in anywhere but with each other. This story of true love and a fight to be together is one I will remember. Wonderful Read!

Story of love, of inner beauty, of heritage, of family, of friendships and of life partners
Hitch (a mean nickname given to her b/c of her lip) is a 24yo woman who was born with multiple deformities: a hair lip, club foot, mal-formed hand and a bad heart. Because of her condition her parents have always kept her close to home and sheltered. “Home” is Waycott Farm in the West Country (UK) which her great-great-grandparents built and lived in. Life around her is changing and she’s tired of the status quo. She too wants change. She’s inspired by day visitors who stay at their Bed-and-Breakfast room…especially by one particular visitor, Grayson Potts from London.
Thirty-two-year-old Grayson admits his peculiarities such as honing in on details and missing the big picture. His description of the event with his friend Reggie is poignant. Grayson is mentioned as having Asperberger’s possibly but he may also be a savant in that he is “magically” in tune with numbers and patterns. Beyond these hindrances he has a problem at home.
When she insists others use her given name which is Thomasina because Grayson says she should be Thomasina, not Hitch, she begins her transformation and it is wondrous.
Oh my gosh. I loved this beautiful story. One scene in particular I liked was the scene when Thomasina and Grayson purchase Wellingtons at the local feed store. For once Tarran has egg on his face. This was one of my favorite quotes: “All she wanted – all she had ever wanted – was a chance at happiness, to reach her full potential. That, and the opportunity to have what others took for granted: someone to talk to, someone to love who might love her right back.” Beautiful…yeah!
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through Net Galley and it comes highly recommended for ANYBODY, especially for those who don’t feel they are (fill in the blank).

Sweet book with very likable characters. Liked the writing style and loved how the characters were developed and how very real they were portrayed.

Thank you to NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

This was a short, sweet story of a young girl in rural Britain that didn’t think much of herself. At the end of each chapter, she writes diary entries showing how she feels about herself. At first, she is very self-critical. However, as the story develops, her entries are more upbeat. It was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed this uplifting story.

Amanda Prowse paints a beautiful picture of English country life. She expertly captures how isolating being different can be and how just one person can make a difference. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

The story starts with Hitch, a young girl seemingly disadvantaged by physical differences that ensures she is treated as a lesser person. Hitch, however, has dreams the same as any young girl and when Grayson Potts enters her life she realises those dreams may just be attainable. Insisting on addressing her by real name, Thomasina, Gray shows her the respect and love that has been missing from her life and when he confronts the cousin that has made her life unbearable for years her parents realise for the first time the bullying and hurt that she has been subjected to. Gray though has his own cross to bear and when his overbearing mother is taken ill the relationship between him and Thomasina is severed.
A beautifully written, heart warming but heart wrenching story.

What a lovely heart warming story which, according to the flyleaf, was based on “The Ugly Duckling.” Personally, I thought it was closer to the Cinderella fairy tale. In any event, it was a beautifully written fantasy with engaging characters.

Our hero, Grayson, was hailed as a genius at seeing solutions and solving problems for his brokerage firm yet was totally oblivious to the solution of the major problem in his own life.

I loved the way Prouse ended the chapters with Thomasina saying, “I know …” It was heart warming and at times heart breaking to read what she had discovered as truth.

Entirely predictable and “they all lived happily ever after.”

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

An unusual set of characters in this book, but very likeable and real. The story is about Thomasina, a farm girl who was not born in perfect condition and has to to deal with disfigurement and a limp. She feels no one will ever love her. She meets Grayson, a guest at the farm, who is portrayed as perhaps slightly ADHD or autistic. This is dealt with very well and the character is very well formed.

There are threats to their happiness in the way of a failing farm, an awkward hostile cousin, a bad tempered alcoholic mother among other things. But as in all good romances, love finds a way!

It’s a feel good novel, entertaining and easy to read. Amanda Prowse often takes on the tougher sides of life in her novels but makes them a pleasure to read. She has addressed the issue of disfigurement and handled it in a sensitive and honest way. Also, Grayson is lovely creation, full of heart despite his background.

I would recommend this as a snuggle on the sofa read for anyone.

A wonderful read that is refreshing. I honestly didn’t think I would like this book in the very beginning but keep reading. It becomes a page turner fairly quickly.
#AnandaProwse #StMartinsPress #NetGalley

Being a mother of a special needs child, when I first started this book all I could think was that I hoped to goodness that I wasn't doing to my child what Thomasina's mom was doing and had done to her. It hurt to read about how Thomasina felt and about some of the things that had gone on in her life. I had hope when Mr. Potts showed up and showed Thomasina that he didn't see all her "flaws" that he only saw a beautiful person that he could grow to care about. Mr. Potts is slightly different in his own right, but his "flaws" are more mental where Thomasina's are physical. Together, they build each other up and make each other feel loved and strong, but then life interferes again, they separate and it takes them a while to reconnect and find a new beginning. Although I liked this book, it felt rather drawn out to me.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was an inspiring, emotional, and fulfilling book to read! I am delighted that there are two major characters that have what are considered disabilities, yet are dimensional and relatable.

For this book to work, in my opinion, the reader has to like the main character, Hitch aka Thomasina. I completely went all in with my love for her. As I read her story, I found myself empathizing with her, my heart ached, soared, and dreamed right along with hers. This was a character to cheer for!

This is one to read if you are looking for a feel-good women's fiction book.

After reading the synopsis of this book, I wasn’t sure how I’d get on with it despite loving a previous book of this author.
How wrong was I. The delightful characters, sometimes quirky, sometimes different we’re still warm, friendly and proving love can be found in the strangest of places.
This book really did warm my heart

Amanda Process has written a beautiful book about a young woman with many obstacles to overcome learning her worth. The Things I Know was written with authenticity and clarity.

I loved this book. Thank you Netgalley for giving me this book in exchange for an honest review. Thomasina and Grayson may have started life with more problems then most of us, but that didn't stop them. In fact it made them strong. But it took finding each other to realize just how strong they were. A beautiful and heartwarming love story of two people and the ripple effect their love story brings to all who know and love them. This book found me cheering them along, crying when things seem wrong and laughing right along with them. I may not have been born with the physical limitations that Thomasina and Grayson had to overcome. But I did recognize myself in them and that is what truly made this story real to me. I could see this book coming to the big screen one day.

This book is so well-written! I had an ominous feeling throughout that there was not going to be a happy ending, then bang! The start of the unhappy ending began. I failed to take note of the little clues that told you how everything could work out well, and the happy end was made even more satisfying because of that!

The story is about Thomasina, called Hitch by everyone; and Grayson. In different ways they are misfits, not in tune with everybody else. Thomasina had been born with a lot of problems, such as a hair lip which had never been repaired properly, a foot that was bent so that she was forced to walk on her toes, and other issues; which meant her parents were always trying to protect her from the world. She was not clever at school, and had no friends. Once school was over she worked on her parents farm, still shielded from the world.

Grayson is a very clever, lonely young man. When he was a young boy his father had left, telling him to look after his mother. She had little time or respect for him but needed him around. So he lived a lonely life in a noisy flat in London, trying to avoid the neighbours who might shout at him. He had a very good job, earning a lot of money and nothing to spend it on, spending all his time sitting in his bedroom. Then one day he has to go to talk at a conference in Bristol, and when asked whether he would prefer to stay in a hotel or a farm bed and breakfast - he chooses the farm. And he meets Thomasina, and for both of them life changes irrevocably. Neither have had someone to really talk to before.

Both of them have to make big decisions before they can even dare to hope for a life together. So many things get in their way! It is delightful when they both have the courage to make those huge decisions ... and stick to them. A very satisfying read, and a believable story.

It’s no secret that I’m a HUGE Amanda Prowse fan and look forward to reading her newest book as soon as I physically can! This latest release came out on 11th June but I was lucky enough to have a signed copy waiting for me when I got back from my daughters wedding and so I managed to read it a few days before publication. And I have to say firstly, HOW THE HELL DOES SHE DO IT?! Every book she brings out covers a subject that we can relate to (And always something for me personally weirdly enough which is why I’m such a big supporter!!) but this beautifully crafted relationship between Thomasina “Hitch” Waycott and Grayson Potts really did tug unexpectedly at my heartstrings! I went on a journey with these two characters that I became so invested in, I didn’t want it to end! And then when it did, I felt like my heart had been ripped out of my chest, wrung dry and then shoved back in again upside down! So be prepared for the emotional path Amanda Prowse waves you off on and remember to pack those tissues!

Hitch is a young woman still living at home with her parents but gazing hopefully at the outside world just waiting for her time to shine in it. She’s kept there by a sense of duty towards her family due to their farm and B&B business plus her brother has already defected to another life in the USA making her the sole sibling left to help their parents. She also feels her physical disabilities exclude her from having a “normal” relationship but she lives in hope of escaping the farm one day to find love and see the amazing world that exists outside its walls. Although to be honest, I’d have been quite happy to STAY there myself! The farmhouse is just so beautifully crafted and intrinsically placed within the storyline that it’s pretty much a character of its own standing. I don’t think I would ever have wanted to stray from its quirky characteristics and the history that seeped through the pores of each and every room and it’s contents. And let’s not forget that amazing cooked farmhouse breakfast that had me drooling with the descriptions of locally sourced produce including freshly laid eggs from “the girls”.

But for Hitch, it wasn’t enough. I felt so sorry for her, not because of her physical appearance or disabilities but because of the way she was treated by everyone! Hitch may have been a nickname but once I found out the origin of it, I was completely shocked that even her own parents used it! And in the absence of her brother, who has gone off to live the American Dream, her parents have recruited her bullying cousin to come and help them run the farm. He was NOT a nice man! But it didn’t seem to matter what Hitch did, no one took the chance to find out what SHE wanted from life until Grayson Potts turned up and pulled the rug from under her feet. When Grayson appears on her doorstep, an unlikely friendship is formed but do they both have the courage to move forward together?

It was refreshing to meet characters that weren’t considered to be “the norm” and the moment Hitch realises that Grayson is going to be someone very special in her life was just spectacular to read! He is obviously on the spectrum, he has a very literal take on life, but he is the perfect person to launch Hitch off on her voyage of self discovery. Both of these characters were fully fleshed out so that we developed an affection and affinity for them very quickly. I was utterly transfixed by their relationship as it felt realistic and uplifting so I was very sad to be torn from them at the end of the book. They are certainly a couple I would welcome returning to at sometime in the future to find out how they are and what they are doing now!

The Things I Know is a beautifully written book about family, relationships and never giving up on your dreams. The feelings I had as a teenage girl that I was never the most popular, the prettiest or the cleverest were rekindled for me whilst reading “the things” that Hitch knew. It was a brilliant way of expressing the hopes and dreams that Hitch had for her future-a future she never gave up believing in.

Highly recommended by me!

Thomasina (Hitch) Waycott was struggling with life. Where did she fit in and would she find that one person to love? She is lonely and only has all these ideas to swirling around in head to keep her company. Grayson Potts has come to Bristol for a seminar and stays at the Waycott's bed and breakfast. Grayson has been the odd child. He has always tried to find the solution to the puzzles in his head. From the moment they meet, they are drawn to each other. It is refreshing that they can say anything to each other. Always knowing that each will always answer truthfully. Untangling from the webs that hold both of them back will not be easy. Love and happiness will lead the way.

This book is like a predictable old friend, in a good way. It's like that friend you can depend on to be there for you. I loved the storyline, even though it was fairly predictable, it was engaging enough to keep me going. I loved the way "Hitch" stook up for herself and took control of her own destiny. I think this is perfect for young girls who are looking to find themselves.

Love it, love it, love it - couldn’t put it down. Two “different adults “ meet and make each other feel “normal”. A very tender romance with lessons for us all. A triumph that was objectively written but with so much insight to disability.

I received a complimentary e-book copy of this book from Lake Union Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Amanda Prowse, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

This book was just lovely. It has two characters who are ignored and bullied for their "weirdness" which is what makes them SO special. I can identify with both characters with the issues that they both have. It was interesting how their families are so different because of their parents - that is what touched me so much. I want to do BETTER for my daughter and have her celebrate her differences.

I love that the novel was set in England which I love learning about as I live in the U.S. It sounds so amazing and beautiful.

This is a GREAT summer read. After reading it, go hug your kids and tell them it is okay to be different and quirky!!

Amanda is a good storyteller. Telling a story from the point of view of someone with a disability is difficult at best but Amanda made it real as well as informative so that the reader can understand how someone with a disability might feel.
No matter who you are everyone is a human being and has feelings that can get hurt just as easily as anyone else intentional or not.

👍👍🙃💚🤗
A fantastic though heart-wrenching story. I must admit, I could not read it without pauses because the emotion Hitch/Thomasina's story evoked was just too much at times. Happiness with the small things in life like her beloved chickens and the glory of a sunrise; despair at the monotony and drudgery of her hard work on the farm; hurt and embarrassment due to her physical defects and those who constantly taunt her; love and concern for her protective, overworked parents; glorious dreams of travel and an independent life away from the farm; jealousy at her brother's ability to head off for foreign pastures; wonder at her connection with Grayson; crushing defeat as some of her hopes crumble; deep sorrow at the uncertain fate of the family homestead:
Thomasina moves through the gamut as a young woman at a crossroads, whether or not she wants to be there, and how she decides to handle it is moving and life affirming.

The romance is tempered with an all too realistic account of the routines and commitments that hold us back. I will admit it brought me to tears several times. Grayson, the paying guest who sees only the best in Thomasina, is another complex character who deserves better from his fellow man. He and Thomasina bring out the best, most adventurous part of each other. This is a haunting pair of characters who will stay with me. Superb writing too!😊

I read a complimentary copy of the book provided by Netgalley; this is my voluntary and honest review.

Having read and loved several of Amanda Prowse’s books I was so excited to have this and couldn’t wait to dive straight into this story.

“My name is Thomasina (Hitch). I know I’m not like everyone else” Hitch is living on her parents farm helping to run their B&B but dreams of travelling and falling in love. Growing up was difficult as she was called horrid names as she looks different from anyone else with her scarred lip and twisted foot. Children can be so cruel but sadly adults were as bad with their pitying looks and whispering.

Along comes Grayson who stays at her parents B&B, he also doesn’t seem comfortable with life, but is honest and does not lie. Their friendship/romance was so heartwarming, their love for each other so complete that they never noticed each other’s flaws. Made the saying “There’s someone out there for everyone” seem true and gives hope to any single people who doubt how they look.

I loved Thomasina, she has a heart of gold and has been through the mill. Just when she finds the perfect man for her, they have to find a way for them to be together when they live in different areas and have work commitments.

This was so beautifully written. You had me laughing and crying at the same time. I so wanted a happy ending for this couple, to find out you will have to read this wonderful book!!

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.

An enjoyable read in which the author very clearly describes all the characters in the story. I found it rather disappointing that the story was wound up so abruptly in the epilogue. It felt as though the author got bored with writing the story and chose to wrap things up quickly!

I have loved Amanda Prowse from her very first book Poppy day. She never fails to disappoint and this latest book is another winner. I do have to admit that I did find the beginning of this book a little slow and I did wonder if maybe I wasn't going to enjoy this book quite as much as I'd enjoyed others however once I got through the first few chapters it started to get under my skin and the pages were flying as I became immersed in Hitch's (Thomasina's) world.

This book covered so much from disfigurement to bullying to family's to divorce, forgiveness and love. It's so hard to know where to start with my review.

Thomasina, (I will refer to her by her real name as she doesn't want to be known by the name of Hitch) was born disfigured with a cleft pallet, a wonky foot and a heart condition, as if that wasn't enough she had a hand that didn't grip properly. I loved this character not for her disfigurements but for the person inside. She's dealt with bullying and that included the worst kind of bullying when it happened over a period of years at home and yes, that's got to her at times but she's a strong, resilient person that sets out to get what she wants.

When Thomasina meets Grayson there is an instant connection. We find out that he is not physically disfigured but he appears to have some kind of autism but the pair just connect and they are made for each other.

The path to love is far from smooth. Grayson has his demanding mother to consider, She just doesn't like Thomasina she dislikes the world and everyone in it. It takes courage for Grayson to step away and form a new life.

What I loved about this book was the minor characters also had a big part to play. Thomasina's mum want straight to my heart with her saying of, "Everything is going to be OK, I promise." This brought to me memories of my own mum who would say a similar thing to me. And I couldn't help but fall in love with the chickens. My heart broke for poor old Daphne.

Amanda portrays not just characters but people. The disabilities of the characters is not the focus of the story. The focus is the personalities behind the disabilities. The life struggles that each and everyone of us face. The struggle to fit in, in this world and the strength we need to find to keep on battling through.

This book made my laugh in places and almost cry in others. I could write about it all night but all I can say is this is a must read for any fan of true heartwarming fiction.

Review is posted on https://jayneanderson79.blogspot.com/2019/06/the-things-i-know-by-amanda-prowse.html

I really enjoyed this love story of Thomasina and Grayson. The author really pulled me into Thomasina’s heartache and sorrow. I found myself wanting to help her and be her friend. Grayson turned out to be just that friend. I so enjoyed this book. I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review

Hitch is one of my most favorite characters in a long time. A sweet story about love and hope. Belief and overcoming obstacles.

This was such a wonderful and inspirational read, and I totally fell in love with Thomasina, such a beautiful character, with a beautiful heart and incredible strength.

Amanda writes amazing stories straight from the heart and she gets you every single time.

An endearing feel good tale with almost old fashioned characters. Thomasina has physical disabilities and Grayson social ones but they find a way to overcome a lifetime of discrimination and fall in love. Sympathetically written about ordinary folk without the airs and graces so the reader can identify with the characters and empathise.. I have enjoyed Amanda's writing in the past and this book did not disappoint, in fact I think I have enjoyed this one the most.

I have read, and enjoyed, a number of Amanda's books in the past and whilst the story was involving and the characters interesting I have to admit that the nickname 'Hitch' really irked me from the very beginning. It felt like a bully name that would be used - not a term of endearment that family members would be using. Unfortunately for me it detracted from the story.

Another great read from Amanda Prowse.This is the story of Thomasina who lives and works on her parents farm.
She is a bit different from other people but still has hopes and wishes to be loved,see New York and own sparkly red shoes.
Grayson Potts comes to the farm as a paying guest and guess what?
Grayson is different as well but this doesn't stop them falling for each other.This shows that there is someone out there for everyone and no one should give up on their hopes and dreams.

A thought provoking and emotional book about a young woman starting to make changes to her life. I loved the evolution of Hitch / Thomasina and her relationships with her family and friends.

Mainly set on a farm in the West Country this novel celebrates what it means to be different, to never quite fit in and what it means to feel like an outsider. Both central characters fall into this category, Thomasina (Hitch) who lives on the farm with her family is physically disfigured with a cleft palate and what I presume is a club foot. These are things that have affected her throughout life so far,thwarting any ambition, rendering her unlovable in her eyes and with hardly any friends. Grayson Potts is also different in that he is highly intelligent but socially awkward and lives alone with his alcoholic mother in a tiny depressing flat in London from where he commutes daily to his job in banking. When these two individuals meet unexpectedly with Grayson staying in the farm’s B&B their lives start to take on new meaning. There is a strong moral message to this novel highlighting that it doesn’t matter what you look like on the outside it’s whats inside that truly matters and that we all have a valid place in this world despite our differences. In a world where people have become self obsessed and place huge importance on looking a certain way it is perhaps a timely reminder that we shouldn’t be so shallow, so unkind or so dismissive of people that don’t ‘fit’ the mould. The storyline itself is very simple in that the farm is failing to make money and the family is on the verge of selling out to the detested Buttermore clan. Can Thomasina see beyond her physical disabilities and realise her dreams and save the day alongside Grayson?? In a way this easy to read but rather twee novel reminded me of the tv serialisation ‘The Darling Buds of May’ as the city interloper, Grayson, quickly falls in love with country life and maybe Thomasina too? Both characters were extremely likeable and the setting added to the comforting nature of this novel. Perhaps country life was somewhat romanticised and of course the storyline was very predictable. Whilst a light, heartwarming read this was perhaps a little to syrupy sweet for my taste. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this.

I liked the premise of this book. I'm a sucker for the supposed "ugly duckling" getting her happily ever after, especially with someone as perfect for her as Grayson is. I loved the realistic challenges and triumphs this book portrayed. All in all, a good read!

Hoo Boy...this is not necessarily the type of book that I thought I would connect with, but having read other books of Amanda's...I decided to give it a whirl. THIS WAS SO VERY GOOD. I loved the characters; the push and pull of living an everyday life and yet wishing for more spoke to me on so many levels. The flawed humanity, the love of animals, the uncertainty of what was to come; all of this and more pulled me in, and this was one of those books that provided a truly satisfying wrap-up.

Thomasina was born different. A cleft lip, a twisted hand and a foot that makes her limp. She does have a greatest parents and brother whom love her very much. It's the other people. They're the ones that call her unpleasant names and tease her. Bullying is always so hurtful.
She's twenty-four, still helping on her family's farm that has been there's for generations. She's lonely. She wants a boyfriend, a home of her own, independence.
Then Grayson arrives, he's staying in their guest room at their B&B. He is there to attend a meeting to do with the banking he works at.
Thomasina and Grayson form a connection. They seem to be able to fill the empty spaces that each has.
This is a story of love, forgiveness, determination and strength. Mostly it's a story of family. Wonderfully written, tender, lovely. A must read!

A love story with a difference, a main character that you root for.A heartwarming and emotional read. Once l got into this book l didn't want to put it down. Thanks to Netgalley for the chance to enjoy this book.Amanda Prowse is a great author.