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Loading... Learning to Loveby Sheryl Browne
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Sign up for LibraryThing to find out whether you'll like this book. No current Talk conversations about this book. Nearing middle age and wanting a career change Andrea is living with Jonathan, has a toddler by him, has a teenage son and daughter by her first husband, is a teacher, and multi-tasks like a champion…oh, she also has her slightly dotty mother living in the same house, too! When her house burns down a new neighbor steps in and offers space to them till they can get the insurance settled. Little did either of them realize that the fire was just the beginning of fireworks yet to come. I enjoyed the growth of friendship and eventual love between David and Andrea. I found the children believable in their behavior and interactions. I could relate to how the adults felt. I am not sure Sally was necessary for the story but how she behaved and how others behaved toward her did prove interesting. I thought the idea of the small town rallying to support someone who has lost everything heartwarming. There were twists and turns, some slapstick comedy, and a bit of foreshadowing with a rather tense conclusion to one thread of the story. The story concluded well for most of the characters and provided the HEA I was rooting for. In some ways it reminded me of books by Jilly Cooper read long ago. Thank you to NetGalley and ChocLit for the copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. no reviews | add a review
When two frazzled parents join forces--and families--they don't just fall in love . . . they get along like a house on fire. In a small English village like Hibberton, neighbors help each other in time of need. But when Andrea Kelly's house burns down--taking all her worldly possessions with it--it's a complete surprise when the usually distant and aloof Doctor David Adams offers to take her in. Even more surprising is his willingness to open his door not just to her, but to her three squabbling kids and daffy elderly mother as well. Andrea needs all the help she can get, dealing with the aftermath of the fire and trying to rebuild a some sort of home for her children. But as she gets to know David--and his own rocky relationship with his rebellious son--she begins to realize that the overwrought doctor could use her help as much as she needs his . . . No library descriptions found. |
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Google Books — Loading... GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)823.92Literature English & Old English literatures English fiction Modern Period 2000-RatingAverage:
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The protagonist, Andrea Kelly, takes multitasking to new levels. She is working as a teacher, is planning to open her own business, is looking after toddler Chloe, is a loving Mum to teenagers Ryan and Sophie, and is caring for her slightly senile mother, Dee. And then there's her partner, Jonathan, who is Chloe's father. When their home burns down, it isn't Jonathan by Andrea's side helping to pick up the pieces, but her new neighbour, David, who has just moved to the village to take the post of local GP. David opens his home to the entire Kelly clan although he has enough to deal with himself. He is still getting used to being a single Dad to ten-year-old Jake and their father-son relationship is strained.
The characterization was brilliant. The children were very well drawn and their behaviour believable. The family dynamics and the interactions between the characters were hugely entertaining. I really enjoyed the small British village setting with the community spirit and the quirky inhabitants who provided more drama and exciting subplots. Yes, this was predictable. But it was a lot of fun! Great read if you're looking for something heartwarming with real characters and a feel-good factor. I'm slowly working my way through Sheryl Browne's books and haven't been disappointed yet.
My thanks to ChocLit for providing me with a copy via NetGalley. ( )