Anna

by Patricia Dixon

[zooloo1983]

Gosh, where do I start with this book? Do I talk about the beauty of this book? The gorgeous scenery of Loire Valley? About how much I love Anna and her story? About how much the writing captivated me? About how much I related to this book? About the love, the friendship, the heartache? How parts of this book broke me and how it also put me back together? Or shall I just leave it there?

I honestly have felt blessed to have this book come across my path. This story is one of someone having their life destroyed by someone they loved and watching them grow into someone who has overcome this heartbreak and is stronger than ever before. This story of second chances, not at love and life but with family is so poignant and touching. Some of this hit home a lot more with me when reading of Anna’s son heading off to Afghan and his life in the army, with my current situation, and when discussing with Patricia the book, I realised we have got so much more in common! When she mentioned one part to me and said that it happened in real life, well I was done for when I read it – heart and broken!

Anna’s story may be about learning to love and laugh again. Building new friendships and relationships and building on what she has. But, in the background, you have the constant gnawing to who was Matthew, her husband, having an affair with. I suspected everyone, whilst trying to forget that someone could hurt Anna like this. When the truth comes out, gosh did I cry. Life really is so unfair.

I have really been taken on a rollercoaster with this book, it has made cry, sob, smile and at times laugh! For anyone who has read it, you will know the New Years Eve party was hi-lar-ious! Plus anytime Jeannie and Enid were on the page really made me chuckle!

I have not read anything else by Patricia and I am kicking myself as to why not. I have heard that her thrillers are awesome so I am looking forward to reading them. But first, I need to read this series, I am not ready to let go of my new friends I have made, new loves I have discovered, and some awesome allies.

Anna feels like I am reading someone’s diary, it feels so real. I feel like these are people I know (and want to know) and that I am just going to be popping out for a cuppa with Anna. I would love to go to Rosie’s hotel, it sounds amazing and truly breathtaking with the sights.

I have to give a huge special thanks to Amanda James because if she hadn’t messaged me I would never have known about this book and my life would be empty without it. Also, thank you to Patricia for sending me Rosie and Ruby to read! Can not wait to start the story again.

Please if you have to buy any book about love, loss, betrayal, friendship, a book to make you smile, to make you believe in love again then seriously this is the book for you!