One Long Weekend by Shari Low #Review

 

One Long Weekend by Shari Low was published by Boldwood Books on May 1st and what a lovely read it is.

When all seems lost, hope remains...

Val Murray has mislaid her most precious mementoes 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 lead her 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 Thoughts

I loved how the three story strands in this novel were woven together. Val has appeared in previous stories and she is a great character who merges humour with sad emotion. Determined to keep going, she is a strong woman who shows her vulnerabilities. Sophie shares some of these characteristics although she seems to be a people pleaser who has put aside what she wants to placate her grief stricken father. She too is on a quest, but unlike Val who is searching for some lost objects, she is looking for someone from her past. You really feel for her as the story unfolds. Lastly, we have Alice who is looking for an escape from her unhappy life. As she tells her story, you realise that she has inner strengths and her motivating factor has always been to protect her son. 

    Taking place over one weekend, the lives of these three women collide. Friendships are forged. It is a standalone story which shows you how despair and hope can settle side by side. I enjoyed some of the secondary characters who play a part in the women's lives. When Rory is introduced into the story, you soon have sympathy for his predicament and hope that he can make amends for past decisions. Close friendships and family ties are central and show how they can support some great characters through some tricky moments. As a story, I loved it.

In short: a five star read 

About the Author

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.

You can follow Shari here:  Newsletter

  |  Facebook  |  Website  |  Instagram

  |  Twitter  Bookbub

 Purchase Links

Thanks to Shari Low, Boldwood Books and Rachel of Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour. 

Check out these great bloggers!