Member Reviews
Alayne E, Reviewer
This was such a lovely book to read, it was an easy relaxed book, something you could read on a train, in the bath or relaxing on holiday by the pool or on th beach. I love Amanda Prowse books she writes with such descend enthusiasm that makes you want to continue reading. I was sorry when I had finished it but I will be looking for more of her books in the near future. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review. |
Carolyn H, Reviewer
Countryside girl meets city boy. Hitch has led a lonely life, unaccepted by society. She works dutifully on the family farm, caring for her hens and preparing the guest rooms. Then one day a gentleman, Grayson arrives to stay on the family farm and a friendship blossoms along with aspirations for the future. Here begins their journey of self-discovery and acceptance woven gently into a soft and meaningful romance. I liked how Amanda dealt with disabilities and discrimination faced, along with the fight for inclusion. I particularly loved the part where Hitch demands that everyone calls her by her proper name, Thomasina. It demonstrated a strength and confidence she now felt. The scenes were set well and drew you into the story. As always I was gripped by the book, I eagerly page turned, reading for the happy ending. Many thanks to Net Galley, the publisher and Amanda Prowse for giving me the opportunity to review this book. |
This is a very sweet love story with an emphasis on kindness and acceptance. You will love both characters and will be rooting for them until the end. |
Once again Amanda Prowse has written a book that has reached inside my heart and got me thinking about things in a different way. Seeing Thomasina's story first hand, her thoughts, her dreams, and how people treat her was eye opening, but it wasn't until the introduction of Grayson, who also has his own unique challenges, that the book really came alive for me. Watching as these two characters grow in confidence, as their connection deepens, seeing how they deal with their tricky family circumstances, as inspirational. For anyone going through any of the same things as Thomasina or Grayson, I'm sure this is a book that would provide comfort that you are not alone. I was completely absorbed into this story and their lives, and am astounded once again by just how warm, compassionate, and deep Amanada Prowse's range of writing is. I'm so glad I held onto this to read on holiday, as it meant I was able to read this uninterrupted over the course of an afternoon poolside. Which really is the best way to read an Amanda Prowse story! Thank you to Lake Union and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily. |
I did not enjoy the writing of this book and I couldn’t get into the story. I found myself wishing it was half as short as it really was. I couldn’t connect with the characters. |
I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased opinion. Thomasina “Hitch” Waycock still lives with her parents at 28 and helps run their family farm/B & B. She dreams of more, of seeing the world, but can't see how to make that happen. With her brother already gone to America, she knows her parents rely on her more than ever. She also dreams of finding love, but there is no one in her small town for her, especially since everyone makes fun of her cleft palate and deformed foot. When Grayson Potts comes to stay at their B&B from London, he and Thomasina feel an instant connection. Grayson sees past the parts of Thomasina hates about herself and sees a woman worth more than she believes herself to be. Can Thomasina and Grayson find love, or will the ties holding them to their current lives get in the way? My favorite parts of the book were the ends of the chapter where Thomasina wrote out her thoughts in her journal. Thomasina and Grayson's relationship was sweet; I liked that they told each other the truth and didn't play games. Most of the characters in the book came across as very flat, and I'm not sure if that's just because of how Thomasina saw them (as there seemed to be a couple of instances that implied maybe she had mental issues as well as physical) or if it was the writing. That kept me from getting fully immersed in the book. 2.5 stars |
Thomasina "Hitch" is a very likeable character who was born some birth defects that has not allowed her to live a fulfilling life. She works on her family farm/bed and breakfast with her parents. The farm has been in the family for several generations and while she can see herself being a part of the farm forever, she also has a strong desire to leave. She dreams of touring the US and being free to live her own life. Then, one day a guest, Grayson Potts, comes to stay and her life is never the same. Does she try to live a life with Grayson, who has his own set of challenges, or does she stay on the farm? Maybe, she leaves it all and follows her brother to the US? This turned out to be a nice, heartwarming read. |
Rena L, Reviewer
Amanda Prowse is a new to me author although I’ve seen her name and books frequently. This is well written and I look forward to reading more of her books. Thank you to the author and Netgallery for offer this complimentary copy. |
Barbara H, Reviewer
My first Prowse book, but I will be looking up more! What an unexpected joy this book was. Hitch and Gray are drawn so truly in character and it is so easy to root for their success over failure, while holding your breath that one little thing can take it all away. I so enjoyed the prose as well as the storyline of this book. I can guarantee it is a new theme and a very enjoyable read. My thanks to the author, Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley.com for the opportunity to read and provide and honest review of this novel. |
Cynthia G, Reviewer
This is a book I was unable to download in time from Netgalley as I had lent my kindle to my mother-in-law. I sought it out and finally got to read it. Absolutely love the premise of this book! Wonderfully and delicately written it shows that in the end people are people and deserving of love and respect! Everyone! Perhaps this story really but home as I am the very grateful mother of a child with additional needs. Gosh I really love that, so much better than saying special needs, I have in past said child with challenges if pressed. As each of us face our own needs specific or special to us, it often felt inadequate but I felt unable to come up with an alternate. Anyways back to the book.... I am not always a fan of romance books - too much explicit detail and unrealistic people and situations. Everyone is just too perfect from body type and looks to living situations and jobs. The poor misunderstood main character who when she takes off her glasses everyone recognizes her for the supermodel she has always been! Yuck! The Things I Know by Amanda Prowse features a real person, people actually, and they are people who aren't usually regarded as romantic leads (mores the pity). It is so refreshing to be able to read about real people! I hope lots of people read this book, I hope it becomes a movie, this is one way people will see that all are capable and deserving of love.Thank you Ms. Prowse. |
Very heartwarming and may even make you cry! The girl who was born different with her outward deformities who chooses to think she is not good enough for love, it is for others not me she thinks. When she learns to stop judging herself and worrying about what others think of her she realizes she more than measures up and she just may find love as well! Published June 11th 2019 by Lake Union Publishing I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you. All opinions expressed are my own. |
Lorraine B, Reviewer
I normally like Amanda Prowse books but I couldn’t get into this one . Not one of my favourites unfortunately, found it a bit bland |
A truly beautiful and inspirational story about a young girl trying to live her best life whilst facing disability and social difficulties. All she wants is to see the world and fall in love. I love the characters bond between each other and watching their relationship blossom despite all the obstacles was unlike anything I have witnessed before. A truly fantastic tale. |
An enjoyable, feel good book! A special romance that isn't mushy and predictable. Wonderful characters whom I loved! Funny, quirky supporting characters for a bit of comic relief. And, of course, bad guys who need to be taught the right way. I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley. Thank you, Netgalley! All opinions are my own. |
Carol S, Educator
Sweet tale of loss and love, all kinds of love. It was simple but powerful. I really liked it. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy. |
I am a massive fan of Amanda Prowse but I really struggled with this book. I didn't feel any connection with the characters. The descriptions felt over the top (detailed descriptions of Hitch making the breakfast, feeding the chickens, cleaning the rooms) and offered little depth or even necessity to the story. It all just felt very stilted and for this reason I didn't enjoy it as I normally do enjoy Amanda Prowse books. |
A beautiful, gently told story of a woman, finding her voice and strength. An ugly duckling tale, that is well developed and inspiring. Thank you NetGalley for the e-copy. All opinions are my own. |
Mary O, Reviewer
I have just finished this book and what a fabulous read. Amanda has done it again.I loved Thomasina with her medical issue and strong character and go get the world attitude. Amanda's novels are just the right length and they never disappoint.One thing you wouldn't hear much about her books in Southern Ireland maybe more publicity needed as she really is a cracking author. |
I love Amanda Prowse books, have read almost all of them. This one was hard to get into at the start, I found it really slow going and it took me a long time to get into the book and for it to really get going. However by the middle I was really happy I'd pushed through the tough start to get to a great ending. |
I loved this book, the storyline was lovely and I loved the main characters. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Netgalley and Amanda Prowse for the copy of this book. I agreed to give my unbiased opinion voluntarily. |




