This is the second book I’ve read by Amanda Prowse, and while I enjoyed this book more than the first one I read, I don’t think this author works for me. That’s not to say that there is anything wrong with the story, just that I don’t mesh with this author’s writing style.

I did like this story, it was heartbreaking but also hope-filled. I would have liked to feel more connection with the characters, the only character we really get insight into is Nina, as the story is told from her POV. We do get her impressions of everyone else’s feelings, but I would have liked to get to know more about Tiggy and the boys. And maybe a little more about Finn’s motivations.

I have a hard time understanding Nina’s relationship with Finn, and how she could not know what was happening in her own life, allowing herself to give up all control. It seems abusive and manipulative… and then the timing and method of his death is extremely suspect. Yes this is touched upon, but never conclusively determined.

The other thing that disturbed me was Declan. He is supposed to be 10-11 during the time of the story, but the behaviors he’s credited with are more in line with a 6-7 year old. Connor is 15-16 but acts a bit younger at times as well. Maybe this is a cultural difference, and the children that I am used to in the US behave differently than the children in the UK where the story takes place.

Again, this is not a bad story and I enjoyed the reconnection between Nina and Tiggy and the growth in Nina’s confidence.

Disclaimer: I received an eARC of this book through Net Galley on behalf of the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.