Another delightful read from Shari Low, who never disappoints. Val Murray returns, this time as one of the main characters in a story that reminds us that things have a way of working out. If you’ve read Shari’s previous books, you’ll love the fact that some of the characters from previous books make a very welcome comeback here. However, this is a fully standalone book, and gives full background info so that you won’t feel like you’ve missed anything if this is the first of this author’s books that you’re reading. (The only thing you’ll have missed is the fab books that came before this, so you’ll want to run and get those!)
Blurb:
When all seems lost, hope remains…
Val Murray has mislaid her most precious mementos of the people she’s loved and lost. Can her family, the wonders of technology and a little divine intervention somehow mend her shattered heart?
Sophie Smith had to take a rain check on a marriage proposal. Will her bid to turn back the clock leadher to her greatest love or yet another heartbreak?
Alice McLenn stood by her husband, Larry when a scandal cost them everything. When he hits the headlines again, Alice has an opportunity to leave – but can she find the strength to finally walk away?
Rory Brookes was forced to turn his back on his parents to save his career and marriage. Now, he’s lost his job and wife on the same day. Is it too late to make amends with the one person who never let him down?
Three days. Four broken hearts. Just one weekend to make them whole again.
My Review:
I’ve loved all of Shari’s previous books. They all work well as standalones, but the familiarity that comes from recognising characters you’ve met before is like a wonderful, warm and friendly reunion!
The story is very character based and told in alternating chapters from different points of view. There’s the lovely Val, who’s lost some of her previous spark, having suffered some crippling losses in her life … most recently her beloved husband Don. She’s really feeling fragile and in need of a boost, but isn’t sure if she’s ready to leave the stability of the home she shared with Don in Glasgow to travel to her close family in London for that support that she needs.
Sophie is also emerging from the fog of losing her mother, and realising that she really lost out on someone who could have been the man of her dreams. But now she’s feeling ready to face the world again and wonders if she can find her lost love and re-kindle what they once had.
Alice has spent far too many years with a man who she no longer loves – actually she’s not sure if she ever really loved him. She’s stood by him through a terrible time, which has cost her everything: their home, friends and even her only son. But now she’s had enough. She has a plan. Is she strong enough to see it through?
Rory isn’t sure if things can get worse that they are right now. He’s given up so much, and now it’s all come crashing down around him – through absolutely no fault of his own. The only person he needs right now is someone who he hasn’t been able to lean on for a while. Will she be there for him?
But how are these four people connected? Well, I’m not going to give anything away – you’ll have to read the book! The way that Shari Low connects her characters is just gorgeous. It allows us to see that there is a possibility that we’re all somehow connected. We just need to go about things in the right way, and look in the right places. Yes, I know that when you don’t go looking for what you want, it tends to pop up right in front of you when you least expect it, but sometimes we need to do a bit of work to get there, or get those who are in your corner to pitch in when we’re feeling like there’s no hope.
This is a story about connection, family and friends who become like family. It’s unputdownable!
Thank you to RaRa Resources and Boldwood Books for another fabulous blog tour.
Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/OneLongWeekendsocial
Author Bio:
In January 2021, Shari Low celebrated 20 years as a best-selling novelist. In that time, she has published over 25 books, including A Life Without You, The Story Of Our Life, Temptation Street, My One Month Marriage, One Day In Summer and her non-fiction collection of parenthood memories, Because Mummy Said So.
In late 2020, her first novel, What If? (originally published in 2001) was updated and re-released and became a best seller. In January 2021, the sequel, What Now? was released and joined What If? on the best-seller charts.
In real life, once upon a time she met a guy, got engaged after a week, and twenty-something years later she lives near Glasgow with her husband and a labradoodle. Her two teenagers have now left home, so she spends an inordinate amount of time on video calls checking if they’re eating well and keeping up to date with their laundry. For all the latest news, visit Shari on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or at www.sharilow.com.
Social Media Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sharilowbooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sharilow
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