Blurb:
Sometimes help comes from the most unlikely places …
Living in a small village like Hibberton, it’s expected that your neighbours help you in a time of need. But when Andrea Kelly’s house burns down, taking all her earthly possessions with it, it’s the distant and aloof Doctor David Adams – the person she would least expect – who opens his door not just to her, but to her three kids and slightly dotty elderly mother as well.
Andrea needs all the help she can get, dealing with aftermath of the fire and in the suspicious absence of her husband, Jonathan. But, as she gets to know David and his troubled son, Jake, she begins to realise that maybe they need her help as much as she needs theirs …
Previously published by the author. Revised and updated by Choc Lit May 2016.
Review:
I love Sheryl's books and this one is brilliant. We meet David Adams and his son just after they have moved in and we are immediately introduced to the problems between them, although we have no idea why.
We then meet Andrea and Jonathan, their children, Andrea's mum, the dog and chaotic lifestyle, in complete contrast to David's more orderly home.
A tragedy occurs and Andrea and her family, mum, dog and all, temporarily move in with David and his son.
From the off, suspicion surrounds Jonathan, but Andrea seems to be oblivious. The neighbours rally round (with some hysterically funny conversation - especially with Dee, Andrea's mum) and we learn more about all them.
Complicated lives cause complicated problems and, sometimes, the solutions are also complicated. And other times, very simple. This book has it all. I can't imagine how Sheryl kept track of it all when she was writing it!
It's one of those books that, when real life interrupts my reading, I can't stop thinking about the story and the people. I usually refer to them as characters in my reviews......but in Learning to Love, they are people. Solid and 3-dimensional people.
There are funny moments, there are incredibly sad moments and the emotions all feel very raw at times. A wonderful book about wonderful people (except the baddie of course ;) )
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Choc Lit in exchange for an honest review.
We then meet Andrea and Jonathan, their children, Andrea's mum, the dog and chaotic lifestyle, in complete contrast to David's more orderly home.
A tragedy occurs and Andrea and her family, mum, dog and all, temporarily move in with David and his son.
From the off, suspicion surrounds Jonathan, but Andrea seems to be oblivious. The neighbours rally round (with some hysterically funny conversation - especially with Dee, Andrea's mum) and we learn more about all them.
Complicated lives cause complicated problems and, sometimes, the solutions are also complicated. And other times, very simple. This book has it all. I can't imagine how Sheryl kept track of it all when she was writing it!
It's one of those books that, when real life interrupts my reading, I can't stop thinking about the story and the people. I usually refer to them as characters in my reviews......but in Learning to Love, they are people. Solid and 3-dimensional people.
There are funny moments, there are incredibly sad moments and the emotions all feel very raw at times. A wonderful book about wonderful people (except the baddie of course ;) )
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Choc Lit in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you SO much for this excellent, gorgeous review, Ann! For me, there could be no higher compliment that this 'in Learning to Love, they are people. Solid and 3-dimensional people'. That's my goal when I write. I'm feeling very proud right now. :) xx
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