A review by shelleys_book_nook
This One Life by Amanda Prowse

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I really enjoy Amanda Prowse's books. Picking up the Pieces, Very Very Lucky and All Good Things were either a four or five star read for me. This book sends the message you only get one life so live it the way that makes you happiest. I like the way the author got the message across without being preachy.

Madeline was a character that was really hard for me to like and I understood what the author was trying to do, not everyone indeed wants to live a traditional life and women are often scorned for not wanting it but sometimes life has other ideas and throws a monkey wrench into our best-laid plans. I also felt this was a book about motherhood and all its inclinations but mostly mother-daughter relationships The one Madeline has with her own mom is complicated beyond measure even though Madeline has an expensive apartment, a great job in the big city, and will be trying to get her own business off the ground in the near future she has a lot of growing up to do and I enjoyed being on that Journey with her. As she grew up she grew on me. What feels right for one person isn't always right for another.

While this isn't my favourite book by the author, I was very pleased with the story's ending and that she didn't fall into the trap of the happily-ever-after nuclear family...I was so here for it. The epilogue was a tad predictable but I'm glad Madeline wisened up and decided to earn her place in her special family.