I am always delighted to welcome a new book by Beth Moran to the blog. Always on my Mind was published by Boldwood Books on March 28th.
Sometimes when you can’t see the way forwards, the best
thing to do is to look back...
When Jessie left home at eighteen, she swore she’d never go
back. But when life takes a turn for the complicated, she’s forced to move in
with her twin, Isaac, and his two best friends. To her dismay, one of these is
Elliot, the boy Jessie once loved, until his life was changed forever by a
terrible accident that Jessie still blames herself for.
Cohabiting with three alarmingly unhouse-trained males was
not in Jessie’s life plan so when Isaac, Elliot and Arthur offer her a generous
rent discount if she’ll help them with their ‘Boys to Men Project’, designed to
end years of disastrous dating, she reluctantly accepts the challenge.
As Jessie embraces the comfort of being home, revelling in
her new job at her parents’ day centre full of people determined to grow old
disgracefully, she realises her housemates aren’t the only ones needing to make
some changes. And maybe, if she can finally forgive herself for Elliot’s
accident, she can start to look forward to a future, with or without him by her
side.
My Thoughts
I absolutely loved this novel! The characters in it are so well drawn and the relationships are lovely. Jessie is delightful and there is such a lot of humour which shines through, largely through the friendships between the Jessie and her three flatmates. Jessie has been running away from the guilt she feels over an incident in her youth and in many ways, this story is about how she comes to terms with the past and recognises where she actually feels at home and where she wants to be.
Another source of humour has to be The Outlaws, the group of older residents of the village who she is responsible for formulating a programme of activities which they will be interested in and invested in. Jessie shows a strong streak of empathy for others and proves to be a staunch friend and advocate. This novel takes a look at how society views those with a range of disabilities but also shines a light on the positives that can be drawn. This is an uplifting read, full of warmth. It is a veritable hug of a book.
In short: Heart-warming moments and a touch of romance.
About the Author
Beth Moran is the bestselling author of romantic novels
including Christmas Every Day and Just The Way You Are. She regularly features
on BBC Radio Nottingham and is a trustee of the national women’s network Free
Range Chicks. She lives on the outskirts of Sherwood Forest.
You can read my review of Christmas Every Day here
Thanks to Beth Moran, Boldwood Books and Rachel from Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.
Check out the rest of the tour!
%20cover%20.jpg)
.jpg)
Comments
Post a Comment