Film Thoughts: Greatest Days

Film Synopsis: GREATEST DAYS is the feel-good and universal story of love and friendship featuring the hit songs of Take That and adapted from the smash stage show by the writer of Calendar Girls. We follow five best friends who have the night of their lives seeing their favourite boy band in concert. Twenty-five years later their lives have changed in many different ways as they reunite for one more epic show by their beloved band, to relight their friendship and discover that maybe their greatest days are ahead of them.

My Thoughts: It’s been a while since I’ve penned anything on a film but this is aptly so me, and has to be spoken about.

Now for any of you who know me personally or have been following my little page on the internet a while, you’ll know I’m a massive fangirl. The 90s was part of my childhood and where my love of boybands stemmed from.

I can’t say I’m Take That’s biggest fan as I went more for the Irish contingent but in saying that I’ve always loved the music.

I kept seeing bits of Greatest Days advertised but initially it just seemed like using the music from Take That. Then I saw it called the Take That musical in conjunction with the theatre show that I’m yet to see.

Seeing that they would be broadcasting the premiere and the film around cinemas a day before release just felt like fate, and definitely something I would enjoy. It was great to hear bits about how the film came to be and the fact the pandemic halted the filming. It was also great to see Take That perform and chat ahead of the film.

So Greatest Days follows a group of school friends who love The Boys. (Yup not going under Take That) but using so many songs you’ll love. Going back to the 90s was a treat as always the mere mention of TOTPs had me swooning. What this film has captured so well is the element of friendship. How those girls feel when they’re together, when seeing the boyband or merely talking or fantasising about them. I don’t want to say too much as I won’t be spoiling any elements of this treat.

Seeing the girls reunite had mixed feelings and when you see the film you’ll understand.

Never underestimate the power of friendship and how a boyband can be so much more than just a fantasy. I loved every single second and I cannot wait to embrace with my fangirls.

Fangirls young and old will fully understand and feel the love of this movie. Although if like me you’re a 90s girl the TOTPs and Smash Hits references sure will take you back. At the heart of this film is friendship but alongside that is how the music can take you away from all the strains of real life. This is what truly brings this film to life. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to listen to ‘A Million Love Songs’ and ‘Patience’ in the same way.

A feel good treat that hones in on nostalgia and will definitely make you want to call those girls….

Blog Tour: The Dead are Gods a memoir By Eirinie Carson

Blurb: From an exciting new literary voice: a memoir that explores grief, Blackness, and recovery after the death of a dear friend.After an unexpected phone call on an early morning in 2018, writer and model Eirinie Carson learned of her best friend Larissa’s death. In the wake of her shock, Eirinie attempts to make sense of the events leading up to Larissa’s death and uncovers startling secrets about her life in the process. THE DEAD ARE GODS is Eirinie’s striking, intimate, and profoundly moving depiction of life after a sudden loss. Amid navigating moments of intense grief, Eirinie is overwhelmed by her love for Larissa. She finds power in pulling moments of joy from the depths of her emotion. Eirinie’s portrayal of what love feels like after death bursts from the page alongside a timely, honest, and personal exploration of Black love and Black life. Perhaps, Eirinie proposes, ‘The only way out is through.’

Firstly, I want to apologise for the delay in this post.

Today is my stop on the blog tour for The Dead are Gods. Be sure to check out the rest of the blog tour ahead of tomorrows publication day.

Review: Who said Twitter doesn’t sell books? In seeing this memoir talked about by Melville House my interest was piqued and that’s how I managed to get a spot on the blog tour. Eirinie has such a distinctive voice in her writing and that alone makes this book captivating and super special.

Grief is an emotion that each and every single one of us will go through. That’s if we love those we hold dear. I mean we all have our moments with our closest friends and family. I’m thinking of it now…would you be happy with the last thing you said to all your favourite people.

I think I’m ok today but we all have those days and what if that’s our last. That’s one of the messages I’ve taken from this book. Never assume they’ll be a tomorrow. Love fiercely, I’m not saying don’t ever say a bad word but think would you really want that to be the last thing you say to your mum, your sis, bro or that best friend who has listened to you moan long into the night…

Larissa’s story is cathartic, beautiful and incredibly sad. I felt compelled and saddened when reading this story. Loss changes us dramatically in so many ways and I love how Eirinie has written this so honestly to prove there isn’t shame in addiction. It happens to many people and many don’t make it through like Larissa. I loved the emails shared between the friends the element of love and friendship was so paramount, yet at the heart of it the friends didn’t speak on so much. That heartache that Eirinie has carried and seeing her make peace was both heart wrenching and heartwarming.

This love story for her friend is also an eye opener and a way out for many. Love fiercely and forever be in the moment.

As stated I’m so sorry in this delay it’s been a mental day for me but what a read. A greet I may well have missed. Thanks to Melville for the review copy.

Book Review: Brand New Friend By Mike Gayle @MikeGayle

Blurb: When Rob’s girlfriend asks him to leave London and live with her in Manchester not only will it mean moving cities, it’ll also mean leaving behind his best mate in the entire world. Believing that love conquers all and convinced of his ability to make new friends, Rob takes the plunge.

Six months in, and yet to find so much as a regular drinking buddy, Rob realises that sometimes making friends in your thirties can be the hardest thing to do. With drastic action needed, his girlfriend puts an ad in the classifieds for him. Three excruciatingly embarrassing “bloke dates” later, Rob begins to truly despair. Until his luck changes . . .

There’s just one problem. Apart from knowing less than nothing about music trivia, football, and the vital statistics of supermodels, Rob’s new friend has one huge flaw . . .

She’s a girl.

Review: It’s been a little while since I read a Mike Gayle book I naturally have his latest offering but haven’t read that as yet. I got into Mike I would say during the pandemic I think. I ended up having a subscription for the books I didn’t own by Bert’s Books a bookshop that started online and now has a store in Swindon who kept me in books during that awful time of our lives. I mean having time to read and to blog was great but losing our sense of the world and society was hard going. Anyway enough rambling.

Recently in sorting a few things in my room I came across my many book parcels of Mike books, and in reading the blurb I decided that Brand New Friend would feature in my February reading. With it being the first book I would read on my birthday month. Something about the taglines and the blurb just had me. As a football girl I’ve often been one of the lads over the years, I mean it’s not been a great help to me with the lads though ha. But I’ve had many a male friend and as this is where this tale starts my interest was piqued.

I always love the set ups with Mike’s books, this one had very short chapters with taglines that make you want to keep reading, it’s just that easy to want more. From the off I really liked Rob although his group of mates would have either been ones you avoid or ones that you would see like brothers. No lines being crossed just because your a girl.

So Rob and Ashley are a great couple but the killer is that when we meet them they are in a long distant relationship. She lives and works in Manchester and Rob London. As a nurse Ashley works mental shifts so more often than not she’s wrecked by the time she gets to Rob. Ultimately she gives him an ultimatum which means Rob moves north leaving his laddish group behind. I can see why he did it but the first chapters on his move Rob is so lonely…and another thing I love about Mike’s books is most of the character’s are in their 30s. As a 30 something it’s harder to make new friends just by going out and chatting to people. I had never really thought about how hard it would be for a man.

I must say Rob trying to make friends was quite humorous and in some aspects sad. Until he meets Jo at a party. Jo is another character I instantly adored. As a woman she’s extremely real, we’ve all locked ourselves into a toilet to cry. What I loved about her was just how carefree she was especially when talking to Rob.

There are so many aspects to this book, the fact we all have friends that aren’t necessarily on your doorstep. That doesn’t mean they aren’t there and that your bond won’t forever be there. The other aspect is that of LOVE we can love our friends just as much as a partner and it shouldn’t be weird even if that’s of a guy and a girl. This is a story where you’re not necessarily rooting for the love story but for that of the friends.

I loved how much Rob and Jo could be open with each other with no hidden agendas. I could honestly talk about this book for hours the twist and turns they took kept me captivated from start to finish. I’ll never forget Rob & Jo.

A story ultimately where that of friends was more entertaining and captivating than the love story – Jo and Rob gave me so much to think about and they made me smile a lot. I’m jealous of anyone yet to read this book as that first time of meeting this pair was truly intoxicating.

Book Review: Isaac and the Egg By Bobby Palmer @bertsbooks @thebobpalmer

Blurb: Isaac stands alone on a bridge and screams.

Something screams back. 

And that, like everything which follows, is unforgettable. 

This is a book about a lot of things – grief, hope, friendship, love. It’s also about what you’d do if you stumbled into the woods at dawn, found something extraordinary there, and decided to take it home.

It’s a tale that might seem familiar. But how it speaks to you will depend on how you’ve lived until now.

Sometimes, to get out of the woods, you have to go into them. Isaac and the Egg is one of the most hopeful, honest and wildly imaginative novels you will ever read.

Review: I honestly don’t know where to begin or how to do this absolute beauty of a debut justice. I will start by saying thank you to Clare Mackintosh who was the first person to mention Isaac and the Egg.

Following that book event I kept hearing about it, whether people were reading it, looking for it or hoping to read it. Then I saw Bert’s Books were having Bobby Palmer the author into the bookshop and I knew I needed a signed copy. So whilst on my holiday I ordered and eagerly awaited my copy.

I’ve honestly loved reigniting my love of reading and this debut is off the scale. Now this is probably going to be the hardest review I’ve ever had to write as there really isn’t too much I can say without spoiling. If you haven’t read Isaac and the Egg then what are you waiting for go buy a copy.

This is a poignant and beautiful novel about grief, hope, love and unlikely friendships.

From the minute I met Isaac I knew he was lost but I never knew where this literary treat would take me. Every single time I picked up this book I was eager for more. There were a number of OMG moments where I was wanting more – this usually happened when I was due back from my break or about to get off a bus. There was an element of drip feeding in the story and that added to the experience and built the story, but whenever I thought I knew exactly where this tale was heading there would be a curve ball that sent my imagination into a tailspin.

I wish I could say more if you’ve read and want to discuss do get in touch. I have to admit I loved the link of children’s stories including Alice in Wonderland, Hansel and Gretel and the Jungle Book to name a few and in terms of film ET and It’s A Wonderful Life gave me all the feels.

This is a story I will be recommending forever more and one that took my breath away, shed a tear and laugh out loud. Isaac and the Egg is definitely one of my books of the year. Believe the hype this is a special book that every reader needs in there life.

Book Review: The Cornish Cream Tea Christmas By Cressida McLaughlin

Blurb: Hannah Swan is looking forward to Christmas for the first time in years. Her new job as an eco-consultant is taking her – and her geeky colleague, Noah – to the beautiful Cornish village of Porthgolow for the first time.
They’re are helping the Crystal Waters Hotel to ramp up its green credentials, though after a bumpy journey, Hannah can’t shake off the feeling that Porthgolow is strangely familiar. Never able to resist a mystery, her interest is piqued when the hotel’s staff and customers report odd noises and sightings, believing the hotel to be haunted.
When bad weather cuts off Porthgolow, Hannah and Noah are looking at a Cornish Christmas. It gives them plenty of time to work out what is really going on, but will their yuletide escape send shivers up their spines? Or will it be as warm and toasty as a glass of mulled wine?

Review: I’m not usually one to read Christmas books out of season but I have had this book since it was released in parts and somehow it slipped by me during the festive season. Seeing as the next Cornish instalment is a wedding I needed to read this to join up the dots before I can get onto the first part. So Christmas in April it has been and what a journey I have been on with them.

I’ve wholeheartedly loved each and every segment of the Cornish cream tea series. I would never have imagined that Charlie and Daniel’s story would be joined by a few other couples that have well and truly stole my heart. In the instalment before this one I fell for Lila and Sam and I didn’t think Cress could top them until I met Hannah and Noah.

Hannah & Noah brought me back to when I first met Daniel and Charlie and wow. It honestly felt like that first time in the Cornish seaside town and it was just the escapism I needed without realising I needed it. There story from colleagues to friends to more gave me all the feels and some. Noah is very much like Daniel in the sense he was stubborn and a little standoffish until he met Hannah. I loved seeing this tale through and they sure had some twists and turns along the way. I have to mention Noah’s mum she was adorable and I loved her Cupid’s effort it really did make me chuckle and gave me such love.

Not only has Cressida McLaughlin created a truly gorgeous Christmas story that encompasses everything you could wish for from the season. From the food to the mulled wine, mistletoe and the most perfect music alongside the stunning location of Porthgolow. This time around we’re also given a heartbreaking ghostly story and a love story to warm your heart forever more. The sense of community spirit and how each and every person who visits feels a sense of longing. It’s like Porthgolow sparks creativity and love.

I will warn you Hannah is a self obsessed foodie and my did I get hungry listening to her talk of food. I absolutely loved finding out more about Hannah and her own history with the town. I look forward to seeing how she’s doing in the next instalments.

A stunningly festive read, that is just as loveable out of season. I have until now read the segments of this tale but this one was a gorgeous audio read that gave me the added Cornish accents which really made the listening.

Just when you wonder where the story will go next there’s another couple to warm your heart. I already have part one of the Cornish Cream Tea Wedding on my kindle and I believe part two will be on its way tomorrow so will have to slot those into my reading.

Book Review: The Best Is Yet To Come By Katy Colins

Blurb: Sometimes it’s the things we don’t say that we need others to hear the loudest . . .

Izzy has always taken everything in her stride but motherhood is proving more difficult than she thought. She keeps telling herself it’s just a phase but the dark clouds are starting to appear.

Neighbour and widower Arthur might be in the winter of his life but he’s not ready to be packed off to a care home. He’s determined to do things his way.

When Izzy hears about Arthur’s big move, she offers to help. But Arthur isn’t telling her the whole story. It takes courage to admit you need a friend and when you feel invisible, all you need is a ray of hope. After all, what if the best is yet to come?

Review: The Best Is Yet To Come is a hauntingly beautiful novel that will stay with me for a very long time. Katy Colins has written a beautiful, empathetic and thought provoking read that will have you full of such love for those who mean the most to you. This book made me think fondly and wistfully of my grandparents.

I wholeheartedly believe if my Nan had passed before my Grandad he would have been very similar to the thought process of Arthur and I guess that added to the emotion I felt in reading this.

Izzy and Arthur strike up an unlikely friendship and ultimately they give each other a boost and a sense of rhyme and reason. Both of them are feeling lost in different ways, I wholeheartedly loved their journey even though there were a number of times my heart was well and truly in my mouth.

The Best Is Yet To Come is split into chapters of Izzy and Arthur. When we first meet Izzy I wasn’t sure what was wrong – as a new mum she is going through all the motions. Her husband’s routines are pretty much the same and she’s exhausted and in need of a hot cuppa tea rather than the lukewarm ones that end up all around her house. In seeing her colleague in a supermarket car park she spirals with a number of fears going through her mind. This is a turning point of sorts for Izzy.

When she first meets Arthur she’s quite simply a mess, but any new mum goes through the same situations. I loved being on this journey with Izzy I’m not a mum myself but have nieces and nephews so I understand how tired mums can be. I also really liked the unexpected friendship of Arthur and Izzy who live in the same Cul De Sac but no nothing of the other.

In getting together the change in them both is heartwarming. Arthur gives Izzy a purpose and also makes her realise that she needs to cut herself some slack as she’s embraced motherhood a lot better than she expected. Her life is different and that’s ok, but Arthur makes her realise her blessings rather than what she thought she had lost. Izzy loves her daughter Evie but she spends a lot of those early stages feeling like she’s not good enough. There are some moments that shouldn’t be amusing that are but it all adds to the story. I loved the various scenarios that she undertook but I especially enjoyed seeing the change in Izzy especially with the baby groups and how her mindset changed, and she also made more friends along the way.

Arthur has been going through the motions for the past two years following losing his dear wife Pearl. Izzy helped him realise there were a lot of lose ends he needed to clear up. The scenes of the pair of them going through Arthurs belongings was heartwarming and at times heartbreaking. I really loved seeing Arthur come to the realisation that he had a lot to live for, with unexpected elements along the way, within the family and within the neighbourhood. The aspect of appearances can be deceiving made me smile and also made me feel sad. We never know what’s going on behind closed doors.

However, she didn’t know the full extent of his plan. This aspect of the story made me feel saddened even though I could understand in some ways. I liked seeing the changes in Arthur. I have to mention the charity shop, I worked for a charity shop for three years and I found this aspect real to life.

Katy Colins has written a truly gorgeous story full of love, loneliness, grief, loss, friendship, there are a number of care warnings in this novel but they are dealt with, with grace and understanding.

I cried and smiled in equal measures whilst reading this novel and I have instantly downloaded How To Say Goodbye by Katy. I’m most definitely a fan and this book will more than likely make my books of the year. I will definitely be thinking of this story for a long time to come.

Book Review: Last Night By Mhairi McFarlane #LastNight

Today I will be sharing my thoughts on the latest Mhairi McFarlane novel that is published today. Before I get on to that I want to speak briefly about the zoom chat I was invited to this week.

Mhairi speaks enthusiastically about her writing and was open to our many questions, it was great to get an insight into Mhairi. As she is one of my go to authors that I’m still to meet so it was an absolute pleasure. In saying that her favourite novel of hers is Who’s that Girl – one I somehow haven’t read so I’m hoping to rectify that – can’t decide whether to audio or read though?

One of my questions was if you could write a different genre what would you choose. She said crime, and then elaborated that she would like to write about a detective. I think she would definitely be able to do so.

Blurb: Two best friends.

One missed chance.

And a night that changes everything.

Eve, Justin, Susie and Ed have been friends since they were eighteen. Now in their 30s, the four are still as close as ever, Thursday pub quiz night is still sacred, and Eve is still secretly in love with Ed.

Maybe Eve should have moved on by now, but she can’t stop thinking about what could have been. And she knows Ed sometimes thinks about it too.

Then one night, in an instant, all their lives change forever. And, as Eve learns she didn’t know her friends as well as she thought, she also discovers she isn’t the only person keeping secrets…

Review: Whenever I pick up a Mhairi novel I know that I’m going to love the leading lady and I’m going to laugh and OMG a lot and I did just that.

In saying that Last Night had a different feel to that of the usual Mhairi novels – granted we are still given her trademark wit in abundance with so many laughs out loud, thankfully I read this in the comfort of my own home so I wasn’t given any strange looks.

Now I don’t know where to begin in reviewing this absolute beauty of a book. As already stated it’s full of Mhairi’s trademark wit but there is so much more to Last Night.

In this novel she tackles a number of hard hitting subjects with grace and understanding, I would elaborate but a few of the aspects didn’t come up properly until the final stages of the book so I don’t want to ruin those reveals but wow. It’s one of those novels that challenges your thoughts on those in your closest circle and their family members. There are always two sides to the story and the loudest one isn’t always the true story.

I really enjoyed how a number of these aspects were slowly drip fed to us with a number of them not being tied up until the final moments.

Ed, Justin, Susie and Eve are an interesting friendship group with their quirks and in jokes they kept me on my toes from the start. I have always loved Mhairi’s friendship groups and this bunch may well be my favourite as a mid 30s woman I can wholeheartedly understand all the trials and tribulations within the group.

Eve wears her heart on her sleeve in many aspects although her love for Ed wasn’t as well kept as she thought. We’ve all had a crush that would never play out well but when it’s one of your best friends who you see regularly that’s hard going and understandably she’s not a fan of the fiancée Hester. I must say I always love and loathe the hated woman – and in listening to Mhairi speak about her original thoughts on Hester I must say she just works in being a bitch. She had some truly classic lines.

I must admit I took Finlay at face value and truly disliked him to start with, on the road trip to Edinburgh we are shown a different side to him and this intrigued me and had me turning the pages faster and faster. I loved being shown the more amusing and somewhat sensitive side of the wayward brother.

Last Night is an emotional and nostalgic look at friendships, love, loss and betrayal. This bunch are the kind you would love to join in a pub quiz and their bond was so heartfelt. The aspect of friends being the family we choose really got me and I did shed a tear during the final pages. I loved the way she tied up this story it seemed apt and perfect. For me there were two love stories in this novel and both were unexpected and in some ways perfectly linked. A truly gorgeous read from one of my absolute go to authors.

Audio Review: The Hopes and Dreams of Libby Quinn By Freya Kennedy @ClaireAllan

Blurb: Libby Quinn is sick and tired of being sensible.
After years of slogging her guts out for nothing at a PR company, she finds herself redundant and about to plough every last penny of her savings into refurbishing a ramshackle shop and making her dream of owning her own bookshop become a reality.
She hopes opening ‘Once Upon A Book’ on Ivy Lane will be the perfect tribute to her beloved grandfather who instilled a love of reading and books in her from an early age.
When her love life and friendships become even more complicated – will Libby have the courage to follow her dreams? Or has she bitten off more than she can chew?

Review: During the first lockdown I had seen this advertised and in reading the blurb, the romantic and bookworm in me needed to read this. Fast forward to December the second book following the Ivy Lane bunch is released – I then had to bump this up my pile. So I decided to pay the additional fee and listen to this book.

Whenever I read a gorgeous Irish tale it reminds me of my longing for the Emerald Isle – thanks to Covid I haven’t been this year but in delving into books I’ve been able to embrace the Irishness I love. Not only is this an Irish tale it’s also a bookish tale – a love of reading through the ages. In hearing Libby’s story of her love of the written word shared with her Grandad it made me long for my Grandad. I inherited his bookshelves that he made and a number of his Lee Child novels. Even though it sometimes makes me sad it also makes me feel connected to him, whenever I read something he would have read or just a way to remind me of him.

With that in mind I really did relate to Libby a lot. I loved how each chapter was named after a book, even though that did not give many clues to what way the story would go.

From the off we are thrown into Libby’s story and her love of reading with her Grandad and on hearing his very own stories. ‘There’s no greater love that you can give someone than a love of reading.’ I loved that quote and the sentiment of books being loved, lived in and devoured from cover to cover.

It seemed apt that Libby wanted to embark on her beloved Grandads dream of opening a book shop. Quite early on I wasn’t taken with her boyfriend Ant – he just didn’t get Libby at all. Immersing Libby’s dream I felt like I could see the shop shaping up from start to finish. A shop that started like a bomb site full of dust and infestations – to the final chapters when Libby was gearing up to open her beloved shop in memory of her Grandad. There was some truly gorgeous final touches that had me melting…

Alongside the renovations of the shop – there is a quite simply gorgeous Irish community feel. Where I have to mention the delightful Harry – the adopted Grandfather that we would all hold dear. I knew he was a delight from the beginning but he sure does take us on an emotional rollercoaster- there were a few chapters where I felt for Libby but I could see she hadn’t realised.

Which then brings me onto the story of friendship now on Sunday I included Libby and Jess in a six for Sunday prompt as two people I would spend New Year with. Their bond is timeless – although like all friendships they are tested but I knew they would come through the other side. I loved seeing the changes in them both from start to finish but I love how strong their friendship became even when sorely tested.

Finally the love story in this tale runs throughout the story. It’s a frustrated tension that you can see from the beginning. I thought I had worked it out and I had although this reveal came later on in the story. Noah is a loveable Irish man and you can see why he’s a barman – he has such charm and he’s a hard worker. I also have to mention Jo who I adored from the very start.

The Irish banter, the love story unfolding and Libby’s dream becoming a reality made this a truly gorgeous debut. A beautiful and at times heart wrenching tale of love, loss, grief, sadness, friendship, community and Dreams. This is a story I won’t forget and I cannot wait to be reunited with the Ivy Lane contingent. I’m hoping there’s a cuppa and a slightly out of date Twix awaiting me.

Film Review: The Broken Hearts Gallery

Summary: What if you saved a souvenir from every relationship you’ve ever been in? The Broken Hearts Gallery follows the always unique Lucy, a 20-something art gallery assistant living in New York City, who also happens to be an emotional hoarder.

My Thoughts: I’ve mentioned adding more film reviews to the blog and for some reason it hasn’t happened. I work in a cinema surely I’m always seeing films.

Since we have returned to work I’ve watched two classics in Back To The Future and Jurassic Park – films that are by far made for the big screen and obviously rewatches for me.

I’ve watched Tenet which I loved and I may well share my thoughts on that soon and Babyteeth and today I watched The Broken Hearts Gallery.

Where do I begin? Anyone that’s read my blog or my socials will know during these somewhat confusing and turbulent times I’ve been feeling extremely anxious and with a pent up energy that I haven’t been able to shake. After work I decided I would watch this. Seeing the posters had me intrigued and then reading what it was about I was desperate to watch it. As a blogger and a lover of social media and a lonely heart of sorts this story had my name all over it.

From the beginning I warmed to Lucy, she had something about her, her zest for life and her passion for what she believes in shines through. She’s an assistant at a gallery and it’s one step closer to her dream job. So much changes and her quirky collection happen to be what changes her fate. Everything about how the gallery came to be was breathtaking but I can’t say anymore than that without spoiling the storyline. I will also mention that Lucy will frustrate you massively in the later stages of the film but don’t worry she shines through.

It’s a Rom-Com that you will rewatch with your girlfriends with a bottle of wine. There are a variation of characters (Lucy’s besties are the funniest pair) and sexual orientations but love really does win this time. I loved every single aspect even the little twists that had me crying – I’m so glad my colleague told me to take tissues. I love Elton John’s Don’t Go Breaking My Heart but I will never think of it in the same way again.

For a few hours I got to forget the worries of the world and following this I felt positively pumped and raring to go. It also make me long for a night of dancing – I sure can’t wait for those sorts of nights to come back. This was the tonic I needed so badly. If you get the chance to support your cinema go see it while you can you’ll laugh, you’ll cry and you’ll be longing for your very own Nick.

I’m honestly not sure any words could convey how much I loved and needed to watch something like this. If you enjoyed my film ramblings do let me know if you would like more???

Book Review: The Life We Almost Had By Amelia Henley

Blurb: This is not a typical love story, but it’s our love story.

Anna wasn’t looking for love when Adam swept her off her feet but there was no denying their connection, and she believed they would be together forever.

Years later, cracks have appeared in their relationship. Anna is questioning whether their love can really be eternal when a cruel twist of fate delivers a crushing blow, and Anna and Adam are completely lost to one another. Now, Anna needs Adam more than ever, but the way back to him has life-changing consequences.

Is a second chance at first love really worth the sacrifice? Anna needs to decide and time is running out…

Review: There will never be enough words to convey how simply gorgeous, breathtaking, exhilarating, heartwarming, heartbreaking and full of love this novel is.

On the evening I started reading this I inhaled the first six chapters and if I hadn’t had commitments the following morning I’m sure I would have read long into the night. Saying that when I got back to Anna & Adam I had conflicting thoughts – Firstly I wanted to know everything and the other part of me wanted to long out my time with them. Anna & Adam will stay with me for a long time and I need the paperback of this so badly.

I’m not the greatest fan of describing a book as an emotional rollercoaster even though I have done on a number of occasions but that is wholeheartedly what you will get from The Life We Almost Had…there are aspects in this tale where I wanted to shake both Anna & Adam and where my assumptions were completed wrong. I found myself holding my breath and exhaling a sigh of relief that I was wrong – I was so so glad I was wrong.

Anna – I adored her from the get go. I hated what she’d been through but even though she didn’t feel strong at the time I could tell she was a tough cookie and my was she tough. There were a few occasions when I was like Anna what are you doing – but her unyielding heartfelt love was empowering and enlightening.

Adam – Now I’ve had some book boyfriends in my time but this boy from the bar has really upped the bar. I don’t want to gush too much as I honestly don’t want to ruin the story – he isn’t always perfect but his love is forever perfect.

Friends – I have to mention Nell & Josh but I don’t want to say too much about them as their characters develop into so much more than makes the eye. It’s so easy to make assumptions about them but at the heart of it they are the greatest friends that Anna & Adam could ever need/want.

So, what can I say? There is a lot of back and forth between Anna & Adam and it starts letting us know that something has happened in their marriage but it’s not clear what. As the story unfolds we learn a lot about both characters and their undying love for each other. This is definitely not a typical love story but it’s so so heartfelt.

There is so much to this story – there’s aspects that are informative, interesting and heart wrenching. I don’t want to explain this further as I wasn’t expecting this and it’s not in the blurb even though you will understandably get that something tragic will occur.

If you love someone set them free….will forever make me think back to Anna & Adam and Elvis songs already have a heartfelt part of me thanks to family members who are no longer with us. So there will be tears once again.

The Life We Almost Had sure is an adventure that I will never forget even though it had me in floods of tears there were so many parts where I was crying and smiling. I look forward to reading more Amelia Henley but how she can top this debut I really don’t know. I want to mention that I also loved the author note and I can see why she wanted to write this story and she has done so with such grace.