Dear friends. I'm back with another Book Spotlight and this time the focus is on one of Britain's best loved authors, Amanda Prowse, above, with her published novels. Today is my stop on the blog tour.
Amanda's latest novel is All Good Things. She is renowned for her realistic portrayals of family relationships and dynamics, and this book is no exception.
Synopsis
Daisy Harrop has always felt like she exists in the background, and since her mother stopped getting out of bed, her life has come to a complete standstill. Daisy would give anything to leave the shabbiest house on the street and be more like the golden Kelleways next door, with their perfectly raked driveway and flourishing rose garden.
Winnie Kelleway is proud of the beautiful family she’s built. They’ve had their ups and downs, but this weekend, celebrating her golden wedding anniversary is proof of their happiness, a joyful gathering for all the neighbours to see.
But as the festivities get underway, are the cracks in the ‘perfect’ Kelleway life beginning to show? As one bombshell revelation leads to another and events start to spiral out of control, Daisy and Winnie are about to discover that things aren’t always what they seem.
My Thoughts on All Good Things
The Kelleways, through the eyes of Daisy next door, are a glamorous, aspirational family, but in reality, they're anything but. Very few of the family are likable characters. Two of the men are toxic throwbacks and the matriarch is a terrible snob.
Cassian, the young son, and object of Daisy's attention, was an interesting character because initially the description of him as good looking, popular and clever put me off (not to mention his name). I felt sure he'd be arrogant and thoughtless. He turned out to be thoughtful and evolved, particularly compared to his father and grandfather.
Winnie, his sister, also got my back up at the start by appearing to be the usual stroppy teenager, although as is often the case, she was quiet and polite with her parents, but living a secret life of under- age night clubs.
Lisa, Daisy's mum, is depressed and hardly ever drags herself out of bed.
As with all Prowse's novels, we find ourselves reacting to the characters. We either like or dislike them; sometimes we sympathize, sometimes we nod because we remember the emotions being shared.
Over the course of the book we discover links between some of the characters, and we learn secrets and have surprises. Ultimately it's uplifting, but not in a patronising "everyone lived happily ever after" way.
Praise for Amanda Prowse
About the Author
Amanda Prowse is an International Bestselling author whose twenty-eight novels, two non-fiction titles and seven novellas have been published in dozens of languages around the world. Published by Lake Union, Amanda is the most prolific writer of bestselling contemporary fiction in the UK today; her titles also consistently score the highest online review approval ratings across several genres. Her books, including the chart-topping No.1 titles 'What Have I Done?', 'Perfect Daughter', 'My Husband's Wife', 'The Girl in the Corner' and ‘The Things I Know’ have sold millions of copies across the globe.
A popular TV and radio personality, Amanda has appeared on numerous shows where her views on family and social issues strike a chord with viewers. She also makes countless guest appearances on BBC national and independent Radio stations including LBC, Times Radio and Talk FM, where she is well known for her insightful observations and her infectious humour. Described by the Daily Mail as ‘The queen of family drama’ Amanda’s novel, 'A Mother's Story' won the coveted Sainsbury's eBook of the year Award and she has had two books selected as World Book Night titles; 'Perfect Daughter' in 2016 and 'The Boy Between' in 2022.
Amanda is a huge supporter of libraries and having become a proud ambassador for The Reading Agency, works tirelessly to promote reading, especially in disadvantaged areas. Amanda's ambition is to create stories that keep people from turning the bedside lamp off at night, great characters that ensure you take every step with them and tales that fill your head so you can't possibly read another book until the memory fades.
Social Media Links
Say hello on Twitter: @MrsAmandaProwse
Friend me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/AmandaProwseAuthor
Tag me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/MrsAmandaProwse
Visit my
Amazon Author Page: Amanda Prowse Author
Check out
my website: www.amandaprowse.com
Thanks to the author and Rachel's Random Resources for the advance copy of All Good Things in return for an honest review.
Sharing this post with #AnythingGoes at My Random Musings, Hello Monday at Sunshine and Books, Rena at Fine Whatever, Talent Sharing Tuesdays at Scribbling Boomer, #Neverendingstyle at The Grey Brunette, Final Friday/Traffic Jam Weekend at Marsha in the Middle Senior Salon Pitstop at Esme Salon #FridayCoffeeShare at Natalie the Explorer, Crafty Creators at Life as a Leo Wife
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I think I've read some Amanda Prowse books actually, I'll need to check my Goodreads. What's your thoughts on unlikeable characters? I'm a bit averse to it!
ReplyDeleteI'm always looking for book recommendations, I appreciate you sharing this.
ReplyDeleteVisiting today from TTMT #37&38