The last two books from Juliet Ashton were fantastic, so I was expecting great things from this book. It sounded like it had the happy and warm fuzzy feeling I get whenever I read anything by Juliet.
It’s such a fantastic concept, I loved the idea of a family getting together every few weeks for a delicious dinner and a catch up with everting, seeing how they all interact and fit into one another’s lives. It captures family life so well that Juliet makes writing seem effortless, though I know that’s far from the truth. The dynamics between them felt that you knew them all, all their faults, all their good qualities and it all felt very familiar. Though much like real family, I didn’t always get on with everyone at times, but still cared for them.
Anna, our main character, was one I frequently went hot and cold with. She was so relatable at times and then the rest of the time, I was asking her what the heck she was doing. Though as I’ve said before, it’s easier to say that, but if I was Anna, would I act the same way. Anna is flawed, but no one is perfect.
Neil, Anna’s brother also earned my scorn, and for much of the book he was probably the character I liked the least. He was seemingly really lazy, especially when it came to looking after his daughter. I think his character was the one who are the most though, and I loved the change in him. Maeve also annoyed me with her immaturity, she is about the same age as me, but acted more like she was 18. Her teenage son seemed more mature.
It wasn’t all me finding my inner cow to moan about everyone though. I loved Santi, he was constantly happy and cheerful despite being married to Neil. His smiles were infectious. I also liked Storm, Maeve’s son, he was sensible for his age, and I loved every scene he was in.
Josh was my favourite of all the siblings Anna had, I loved him throughout. He seemed more sensitive and while we don’t hear much from him, the way Anna spoke about him, I found it easy to warm to whenever he does attend.
Something I really would have liked was dates, I was never sure when these dinners were, how frequently that happened and I found myself wanting to know on more than one occasion. This is a small thing though, the overall story was something I found myself compulsively reading.
This book is a great story of Family. Those you’re born with and the family you choose to include in that special place in your heart. The love that these characters felt for each other, through thick and thin, was like a lovely warm hug. An absolutely great read with lots of laughter and even more heart.
Published by: Simon and Schuster
Gratefully received from the Publisher for review
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