The Girl I Used to Know

by Faith Hogan

[zooloo1983]

I love dipping my toes into different genres as you never quite know what you might find, and occasionally you find a beautiful little gem and that is what I found right here.

Two stories are told, Tess’ story spanning forty-eight years and Amanda’s spanning twenty-two years. Both women are on a journey, heartaches and pain, love and loss both trying to return to The Girl (They) used to know. Both women looking past the facade of life and finally seeing each other for who they truly are, not who they pretend to be. Knocking down walls that have been placed there by other people and their disapprovals.

I warmed to both women quickly. Both are headstrong and determined women and until a man comes into their lives and things change. Tess suffers betrayal and heartache and struggles to move on. I mean if I went through what she did I think I would spiral out of control. She was poised but she shut herself off and became bitter. Slowly but surely, in cahoots with Amanda’s daughter Robyn, looking after a cat brings her out her shells and forms bonds with both Robyn and Amanda.

Amanda, at face level, has it all, perfect house, marriage, kids, husband going to get the all-important promotion. Somewhere in life, Amanda lost herself, and through stupid behaviour of her husband, she starts to see how cocooned her life is. I did feel satisfied with Amanda when she started smashing up glass ornaments!!

I really did love this story of second chances. Watching two women grow and realise that they have so much more to give and to live for. It’s definitely a book for anyone who has been wondering if life has passed you by without saying hi. It hasn’t! This book literally tells you it does not matter how old you are, you deserve your dreams and happiness and I love a book that gives you the warm and fuzzies. I have watched these two women take a look at their lives and demand more. It gives you the strength to review your life the same.

I loved this book, I sat there smiling and chuckling a lot. It made my heart soar for them both as I watched them grow. It just shows you how much negativity in your life can seriously damage not just you but to everyone around you. When you smile they smile.