Book Review The Way We Were By Sinead Moriarty

The Way We Were by Sinead Moriarty

Synopsis

'He needed something else. He wanted more.' Alice and Ben are a couple like any other bound together by love, work, children, familiarity and a shared sense of purpose.

But when Ben decides to pursue a dream of his own, he brings devastation on his family and, as far as they know, their lives will never be the same again.

Alice and Ben are now on different paths: she needs to put their shared life behind her; he needs to remember it to survive.

So, what happens if they get a second chance? Can they - should they - go back to the way they were? "Smart family drama that packs a punch." (Heat on The Secrets Sisters Keep). "Fans of Sinead know they can expect honesty, humor and great story-telling." (Hello).

My Musings

A tantalizing plot that observes the repercussions on a family when a much loved husband and father literally comes back from the dead after two years. Can you just go back to how it was when all the family's lives have moved on? This fascinating premise is told from four points of view, Alice, the wife, Ben the husband and their two daughters.

Sinead handles the complex plot deftly whilst wracking up the emotional onslaught as they all struggle to survive after Ben's disappearance (presumed dead) and then struggle again to come to terms with his reappearance. They have all moved on in various ways so it is a fascinating conundrum on how to put someone back in your life they thought had gone for good. My heart was in my mouth when Alice gets the call Ben is alive just as she is about to get engaged to her knight in shining armor!!

Sinead has clearly researched similar cases and scenarios and you are taken on a nail biting and emotional journey with the family as they valiantly try to do the right thing while remaining true to themselves. Cracks start to appear and secrets and home truths are revealed. This has real pathos, twists and turns and the end is especially romantic.

An enthralling romance with so may hidden depths you become completely lost in it. 

**This book was kindly sent to me by Penguin. The review in unbiased. **

• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 448 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
• Publication Date: 30/07/2015
• ISBN: 9781844883493

South Wales Evening Post Childrens Book Column #TheReadingChair Sept 12th

South Wales Evening Post Childrens Book Column #TheReadingChair in The Weekend section Sept 12th
I pick a selection of books for children suitable for all ages from picture books to Young Adult Fiction every Saturday

Picture Book 4+

A Great Big Cuddle by Michael Rosen Illustrated by Chris Riddell

Two giants of children’s literature have joined forces to create a magical anthology of poetry for the very young. In a perfect introduction to poetry Rosen starts with a cornucopia of tongue twisters and nonsense rhymes and ends with soothing verses to send even the most energetic child off to sleep. Paired with Riddell's bold and beautiful illustrations you will have lots of fun reading this out loud. A great present for all occasions.

• ISBN:9781406343199 Walker Books HB £14.99
• 5/5 Stars

Childrens 8-12 Years

How to Fight a Dragons Fury By Cressida Crowell
So this is Hiccup last adventure! However his army of fans will not be disappointed. Hiccup is fighting to save the dragons along with a few familiar faces and there are some really touching moments alongside rip roaring adventure. The classic David and Goliath premise will appeal to all. Personally I am going to really miss Hiccup's dragon Toothless. If you have withdrawals check out the brilliant website at www.howtotrainyourdragonbooks.com for more games and stories.

ISBN: 9781444916584 Hachette Children's Group HB £12.99

5/5 Stars

Childrens 11-18 Years

She Is Not Invisible by Marcus Sedgewick

Marcus Sedgwick has set up a fascinating premise that will have you gripped from the start. Laureth is sixteen and blind so when she sets off to find her missing father with her young brother and his stuffed toy raven Stan you want her to succeed despite the odds. It makes us look at the world from different angles and appreciate the mindset of a girl who no longer wants to be invisible just to fit in. Thought provoking.

FOR FULL REVIEW CLICK HERE

ISBN: 9781780621340 Hachette Children's Group PB £7.99

4/5 Stars

South Wales Evening Post Childrens Book Column #TheReadingChair Sept 5th

South Wales Evening Post Childrens Book Column #TheReadingChair in The Weekend section Sept 5th
I pick a selection of four books for children suitable for all ages from picture books to Young Adult Fiction every Saturday

Childrens Book of the Week

Listen To The Moon by Michael Morpurgo 9+
Another riveting bitter sweet tale from the much loved author of War Horse. A girl is washed up on the shores of the Scilly Isles in World War One. But who is she and where did she come from? Inspired by the true events of the sinking of the Lusitania is tells the tale of love, loss and survival as Lucy's past is slowly revealed. The twists and turns in this moving tale will have some children and adults reaching for their hankies! What sets Morpurgo apart is that he is able to convey real life events through a fascinating story that educational and enjoyable without being preachy. My only niggle is that it is a little long for this age group.
ISBN 9780007339655 PB £6.99 Harper Collins

4/5

ISBN 9780007339655 PB £6.99 Harper Collins

Picture Book 4+

The Big Blue Whale by Nicola Davies
After I saw the extraordinary sighting of a blue whale on Big Blue Live I was delighted to find this enchanting book has just been relaunched. Nicola is a zoologist who's poetic writing style is perfect for curious young minds wanting to know about the largest mammal on earth. Stunning illustrations by Nick Maland compliment the fascinating text. I loved the line, “The whale has eyes "as big as a teacup and as dark as the deep sea."


ISBN: 9780744578966 Walker Books, PB £6.99
5/5 Stars


For Children 7+

The Spy Who loved School Dinners by Pamela Buthart
Worthy winner of The Blue Peter Book Award for Best Story as voted for by children this is an hilarious mystery about a group of friends who think the new girl at is a spy. Izzy and her friends are suspicious of Matilde. Why is she so strange and why does she like school dinners nicknamed poison? She must be a school inspector! The witty illustrations really bring the engaging first person diary format to life.


ISBN 9780857632579 Nosy Crow, PB, £5.99
4/5 Stars


Young Adult/ Teen Fiction

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas
Already a huge fan of her inaugural fantasy series The Throne of Glass which is inspired by Cinderella becoming an assassin imagine my excitement getting my hands on her new series A Court of Thornes and Roses. Based on Beauty and the Beast with a bit of Greek myth thrown in this blend off romance and adventure set in a darker, decadent fairy world will certainly raise the pulse of older teens. For Celeana fans the latest Queen of Shadows is out now.


ISBN 9781408857861 PB £7.99 Bloomsbury
Rating 5/5 Stars