3.64 AVERAGE

emotional inspiring lighthearted slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This was a pleasant read with many interesting characters and storylines and eventually I did find myself wanting to find out more about each character as the story progressed, but initially I did struggle to keep up with the different characters. I like that it shows different family dynamics, dysfunctional relationships and just things that happen in real life really, and how each person copes differently. Also that you never really know what is going on in someone’s life and their fights with life in the past. I took a lot away from reading this story, and it really made me cherish the feeling of being together as a family. It was overall a really enjoyable read.

This is one of those books that you just can’t put down. Initially thought I wouldn’t be able to keep up with all the storyline’s but it’s written in a way that you can easily follow. A beautiful story about family, in all its unique forms. Laughed, cried and cheered the characters on. Amazing book.

I have been a massive fan of Lucy’s books for a while so when I seen ‘Something to tell you’ for request on Netgalley I just had to request a copy. I had my fingers crossed I would be approved to read it and I was! Back when the cover of this book was revealed I fell in love with it. It’s bright and just draws you in from the beginning.

At first there are so many different characters to read about so it got a little confusing for me but as I read on I got used to each character more. I got 11% through and I found myself very amused (Go Jeanie!!) also by this point I didn’t want to put it down. Every single character has such a different personality. I love how strong willed Jeanie is, how brave Bunny is and how Frankie deals with her current family situation with Craig and Fergus. I really feel for Robyn and the situation she is in with her husband John. You end up willing for her to come out of this in a positive way. You will have to read the book to find out!

It is also brilliant to see how each character’s situation changes them as people and as a family. I love how Frankie deals with her family drama (you will see she has a lot on her plate!) she fights for what is right and she has courage.

You kind of come up with each character’s endings in your mind then you are surprised (I was!) when I got to the end of the book. I really enjoyed seeing different characters personalities evolve throughout the story, for example Robyn’s mother Alison.

Whilst reading ‘Something to tell you’ I found myself experiencing all sorts of emotions at different parts - sadness, happiness, amusement and empowerment. I wish I could go into way more detail with this review but that would involve spoilers!

Overall I absolutely loved ‘Something to tell you’ it has you hooked from beginning to end and I wish I could have read this in one sitting. It left me wanting to know more about each character’s future. It was an emotional, dramatic, uplifting feel good story. I give ‘Something to tell you’ a very deserving 5*/5* :)
lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No
mickysbookworm's profile picture

mickysbookworm's review

4.0
emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
emotional sad slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

When Frankie discovers an unopened letter from her late mother it surprises her, and leaves her with lots of unanswered questions. She decided to travel to York to meet the Mortimer family in the hope of answers.  The Mortimer family meanwhile all have their own issues going on.  When Frankie arrives unexpectedly at Harry and Jeanie's golden wedding anniversary party it throws everything into disarray. Will the families be able to resolve their differences? Or will everything fall apart?

I found this such a quick an easy read that I didn't make my usual notes whilst reading, so I'm writing this one on the fly.

I read the majority of this whilst on a plane from the UK back to Perth, and I have to say it felt like the perfect sort of book to be reading at the time.  I found the story really easy to get into, and the main characters were all likeable.
My favourites were Frankie and Paula, both seemed like down to earth and friendly women, and people who I could see myself bekng friends with should I meet them in real life.

The storyline is engaging, and moves at a fairly fast pace.  Although the book covers quite a long time span it does move forward a few weeks at a time so things feel like they are happening quickly.  I wouldn't say it's a gripping page turner as such, but it was hard to put down in its own right.  There's plenty of humour and although the story is based on family dramas it doesn't focus on the negative and upsetting parts of it, more looks at how people can pull together and help each other through the hard times.  It is very much a feel good novel, and all the way through you have a sense that you want things to work out well for the characters.

Overall I would say this is a great holiday read, it's light hearted and fun, and generally makes you feel happy reading it.  I'm giving it 4*.  I haven't read anything else by Lucy Diamond yet, but I'll definitely be adding her in to my list of authors to look out for when I'm looking for a feel good read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for an arc in exchange for an honest review

At one point, there were so many secrets and problems for the various characters in this book that I was worried that it would be impossible to end it well. But actually, it all came together in the end and quite satisfactorily. Still slightly too much angst and misery than I was hoping for, but that seems to be par for the course in women’s fiction at the moment. Would make a good beach read though.

*****copy from Netgalley in return for an honest review ******

Listened to the audio version of this book and while the narrator does a great job, there are several subplots and on a few occasions, I found myself getting confused between characters plotlines. I
The book (either print or electronic) would probably be a better option for me. Lovely story though and an easy read - perfect for the summer holidays with a happy ending all around.

Edit: Changing the number of 'stars' as I found myself thinking about this book throughout the evening and wondering about the characters. If a book can stay with me after I've finished and I want to know more, then it deserves an extra star in my opinion.