Written by Roxie Cooper

 

 

Stephanie and Jamie are meant to be. The problem is they’re both with other people…

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Stephanie doesn’t believe in fate, true love or living happily ever after. She’s content enough being engaged to Matt. But then she meets Jamie, who understands her more than anyone else ever has.

Jamie is happily married to his childhood sweetheart Helen and believes in everything Stephanie doesn’t. So why does he have such a strong connection with Stephanie?

When Stephanie and Jamie meet one fateful weekend in 2006 it will change everything…

Ten years. Two people. One epic love story.

 

 

 

 

A Novel to Touch Your Soul!   

 

It’s a long time since I read a book which fits the ‘One epic love story’ line as well as this one does; I certainly won’t forget it in a hurry, if ever.

Stephanie is engaged – happily –  to Matt, who drops her off at Heathwood Hall for an art lover’s weekend. Jamie, happily married to Helen, is one of the tutors for the same weekend. When they meet, there is definitely a spark, but with both in committed relationships, can they just be friends?

In full disclosure, I am married to my second husband who is the love of my life. I first met him when I was at school and we met up many years later – I was divorced and he was separated, both with children, so it’s both difficult and simple to put myself in Stephanie’s shoes. It’s too easy to sit in judgement of both her and Jamie, but as the book goes on, my opinion certainly softened.

This is a beautifully crafted tale, showing the angst and uncertainty of relationships and the potential heartbreak no matter what direction things take. The story flows so well, and I found myself really involved and eager to find out where it was heading. The inclusion of various songs is a masterstroke and had me rushing to find the tracks online! Roxie Cooper really knows how to write a novel which will touch your soul. I’m not going to spoil the ending – but make sure you have plenty of tissues!

My thanks to publisher Penguin for my copy via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.

 

Tags: family life, romance, women’s fiction

• Format: ebook, paperback
• Size: 464 pages
• Publisher: Penguin
• Publication Date: 1 February 2019
• Purchase Links: Google Play
•                                 Kobo
•                                 W. H. Smith
•                                 Waterstones
•                                 amazon

 

 

Meet the Author

 

Roxie was born and raised in Middlesbrough.

After studying Classics at Newcastle University, she realised she needed a break from studying Latin, Ancient Greek and all that serious stuff, so naturally, she became a dancer in a nightclub (à la Coyote Ugly) for a few years before going to live in Australia. Upon returning to the UK she became a criminal barrister for 7 years.

It was after constantly being told “Oh! You don’t look like a barrister!” that the idea for her debut novel was born.

Roxie lives in Yarm, a pretty little market town in the North-East. She’s a bit (lot) obsessed with Prince and spends far too much time watching him on YouTube. Her hobbies include watching musicals, making her hair as big as possible, and wishing she was Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

 

Follow Roxie

Twitter / Instagram: @toodletinkbaby

Facebook: Roxie Cooper