Reviews

Stepping Up by Sarah Turner

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rosebeccs's review against another edition

4.0

This was such a warm book. It captures all of the turmoil of being thrown into a parental role without being at all prepared, while also showing how that can be funny and confusing. It reminded me that family can be the most frustrating and important thing in the world.

I properly ended up caring about all of the characters, even all of the supporting cast. They were well written enough to make me feel like a fly on the wall. Perfectly balanced between emotion and lightness. Felt like it captured what it was trying to really well.

bexbooksandstuff's review against another edition

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5.0

Oh wow, I genuinely loved this story. Everything about it was just fantastic. The premise, the characters, the journey they take, the smiles, the tears. Just a beautiful story all around.

Beth begins the story as a bit of a mess, a lovely girl who is unable to look after herself let alone other people so when she is thrust into becoming the guardian for her niece and nephew she understandably struggles. However as the title suggests she steps up and despite making (quite a few) mistakes along the way she learns so much about herself. I loved her personality, the banter and wit she had. Despite the situation being anything but funny. I warmed to her so much.

The other characters were amazing too, I LOVED Albert, what a great friendship they had. The torment Polly felt, the innocence of Ted. I admit I got very cross with her mum at times and wanted to have a strong word with her!! I loved the relationship with Jory but I also appreciated that it wasn't the main storyline. There were so many more important parts of Beth's life that were addressed in the book.

Thankyou Sarah Turner for writing such a gorgeous book which had me laughing and crying in equal measure.

sikonat's review

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5.0

Reading about loss can be tough. So you have to be in the right frame of mind to read ‘Stepping Up’, but when you do you’ll be rewarded with a beautifully life affirming novel by Sarah Turner about growth in the aftermath of grief.

Beth Pascoe suffers from ‘a ten-week itch on the job front’ according to her dad.

Flat broke, in debt, and still living at home at 31 years, Beth’s life consists of eschewing as much work as she can and nightly benders at the pub with her more responsible best friend Jory.

But that changes after tragedy strikes and she’s becomes guardian of her 14 year old niece Polly and 3 year old nephew Ted.

Beth is forced to grow up and in doing so, hope she can find accomplishment in sticking to this commitment thrust upon her.

Beautifully written with flawless editing, Sarah Turner captures what it’s like going through a storm (and having to quickly become equipped to do so), then seeing those rays of sunlight peak through.

I was utterly hooked from the first sentence. The characters leapt off the page as Turner captured the gamut of emotions they’re experiencing, from toddler Ted to teen Polly and to our heroine Beth.

Her dialogue and descriptions made me feel like I was there in the room.

‘Stepping Up’ is poignant, heartwarming and touching. You will tear up, but, like toddler Ted, suddenly start laughing at the funny moments. Ultimately this book is about love and hope.

I’ve pre-ordered my own copy and highly recommend you do the same. It will be one of the books of 2022; it’s that good I can say this in 2021.

Thank you to Transworld/Random House UK and NetGalley for giving me one of my 2021 reading highlights.

bookaholicalways's review

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challenging emotional inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I was not expecting the emotional rollercoaster that I went on reading this book! I could not put it down.

Beth annoyed me in the beginning but I think it’s just because I like being organised whereas Beth hates to be tied down to anything.

Albert was my favourite character and my heart broke when he went out to dinner. It also broke when the nursery slipped up and upset Ted. As someone who used to work with children, it also made me really angry.

I loved how Beth’s mum started to respect her as it became apparent that she was good at looking after her niece and nephew.

I really respected the ending. It fit the book perfectly.