The Things I Know by Amanda Prouse is an interesting novel. I found the beginning really interesting as I began to dive into the novel’s really quirky, unique characters. However, I found the novel really hard to stick with. I like the concept of what the author tried to do with this novel, but it did not appear on me. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

This is a romance, but it is so much more!  It is a commentary on how we treat others who are different than we are.  It is a book about family and relationships and the importance of encouraging our children to follow their dreams.  It is a book to be read and savored, as one savors a fine wine.  Thomasina Waycott, nicknamed “Hitch,” is different from others in so many ways.  Her lip is malformed, her limbs are crooked and she has difficulty walking.  What she doesn’t have difficulty doing is dreaming of a future that includes a home for herself and someone to love.  When the story opens, Hitch is working at her family’s B & B, a young woman who has not yet found her place in the world.  Grayson Potts comes to stay at the B & B, a young man who is also looking for a dream.  Grayson and Hitch form a friendship that turns to romance.  However, what we think is absolutely meant to be and will mean a quick ending to the story leads to more conflict as the two young people have to come to terms with their commitments to the past and their dreams for the future.   The character development of this book is the story and made the whole thing realistic and heart-breaking.  I loved the story of Thomasina and Grayson and hope to read more about them in future books!

With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC and Amazon having bought the book as well.
The story of Hitch and Grayson is a love story about two people who meet the person who makes them fit into life, love and everyday living. The writing flows and the characters are superb, you can see them all in your minds eye.
I loved reading this book.
Highly recommended.

Another great read from Amanda Prowse. She has a great style of writing and approaches her books with sensitivity and understanding. I would definitely recommend this book

The Things I Know was a moving novel!  I loved the characters!  The characters' stories were written in a wonderful way.  Hitch still lives with her parents on their farm.  They all work hard to keep everything going.  They take on the occasional boarder to get additional income.  Because of her physical differences, Hitch has always felt different and like an outcast.  But she dreams of having more in her life.  One day a young banker comes to stay with the family.  He and Hitch fall into an easy friendship which gets serious.  They soon realize it will be hard to continue their relationship because of where they each live and their family obligations.  The beautiful way that their relationship was portrayed was very uplifting.

A lovely heartwarming story, about courage and strength and finding happiness. Easy to feel a connection for Thomasina, wishing her all the best, Loved that Thomasina and Grayson brought out the best in each other. A nice easy feel good read with a nice happy ending.

Loved this book. Easy to read, great characters and even though the plot was a bit predictable I enjoyed it from start to finish.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher.  I really like this author, her stories are so believable and the characters.  Thomasina is a wonderful character.  I could not put this book down.

This is a beautiful story! I very much enjoyed Thomasina’s journey. Thomasina struggled to be accepted and often dealt with the cruelty of others because of the difference in her appearance. With a twisted lip after a failed surgery for a cleft palette and a faulty right foot that was frozen in a position that made her walk on her toes, she struggled often to find her place among others. Some of the farm work was painful for her, but still she pushed on. She has such a caring and loving heart and my heart went out to her. 

When Thomasina meets Grayson, her whole world changes. It changes for Grayson as well, as he’s in a slump of his own and dealing with difficulties as well. Together they begin to explore this incredible connection they have to each other. Their bond is beautiful.

“We are like two peas that have found their way back to their pod.”

I loved watching Thomasina’s growth as well as her finding her self-worth. It was beautiful to see her self-confidence grow and begin to step out of her comfort zone. I loved that she began to take chances on herself. Grayson’s growth was immense as well and I loved how everything came together in the end.

This is a beautiful and inspirational story that left me with a smile on my face and my heart full.

“And that’s why I’m here. Chasing life. I’m chasing you.”

"I also know that words are powerful things and they have weight"

A powerful prologue followed at the end of each chapter by a list of things Hitch/Thomasina knows.

Thomasina or "Hitch's" reflections on her life and the feeling of being trapped or jailed and her ultimate despair at the meaninglessness of her life are so artfully captured on the page that it made for slow reading in the beginning because I felt so sorry for her especially with the cruelty displayed by her cousin and the way her parents treat her - almost wrapping her in cotton wool. Although she doesn't seem to pity herself despite all her afflictions and problems.

But through her despair at her situation in life you discover that "Hitch" is made of a stronger stuff - she wants more out of life; to do something meaningful with her life; to move past the boundaries her parents and society have set for her; to bake cakes in her own kitchen for the man she loves, where ever he may be.

The tone of the novel shifts when she meets Mr Grayson Potts, a guest at their farm bed and breakfast. It becomes lighter and in him "Hitch" becomes Thomasina again and sees a kindred spirit who may just be able to help her break the boundaries down.
Both of them feel they don't fit into the boxes society labels "normal" and have their own struggles to face daily. But together each one's strengths seem to compliment and bolster the other one's weaknesses.

Together they help each other take a stand against the bullying they face until a devastating event threatens their fragile relationship and leaves everything teetering on a knife edge.

Another stunning offering from Amanda Prowse. I am honestly blown away every time at how she manages to get under her characters's skins so well and bring them to life as unforgettable characters. Thomasina may well be the best of her heroines that I have come into contact with to date. She has the knack of being able to highlight the people living on the edge of society that you don't really notice or want to notice.

Normally Amanda Prowse is one of my favourite authors, but I found this book really hard going.

Hitch is lovely, but for one reason or another, her family don't have any high expectations for her.

I found the childhood nickname cruel, and kind of dictated her expected life path. The bullying from her cousin was sole destroying, making me literally want to shake her parents, into seeing him for what he really was.

The end was a little predictable, but once I got into the story, an enjoyable read overall.

I loved this book.  .Beautifully written with sensitivity and compassion, incorporating delightful twists and turns, and finishing with a touching and very happy conclusion. Its not Amandas normal heart breaker but is an immensely warm, well written story of family love and growth.

Thank you for giving me a book with lovely characters!  Thomasina and Grayson are both imperfect people who become perfect when they are together. Nice to show families that are close (hers) along with those that aren’t (his). It’s what makes the world go around. All the different stories out there. Loved it!

This is another wonderful book by the talented Amanda Prowse.  The characters of Thomasina and Grayson were so beautifully described and I desperately wanted Thomasina to get her sparkly red shoes . Highly recommended

Despite usually enjoying Amanda’s books I really struggled to get into The Things I Know. I never thought I’d say this but I gave up on it as it just did not hook me in.

Quirky story of a man and woman each with a "disability" that has made them self-conscious and the target of bullies. When they find each other they see the good and aren't put off by the other's limitations. They are able to embolden each other to pursue their dreams and build a life together. A bit schmaltzy with a perfectly happy ending.

I love Amanda Prowse books, and this book was added to the list.

Thomason/Hitch was born different to some, with a few body abnormalities, which she had been ridiculed about throughout her early years. The family lived at Waycott. Farm, which had been in their family for generations, and life was hard, but good. They turned it into a B&B to bring in a much needed extra income. Thomason didn't have any "human" friends, but the Farm animals became her friends, and each had their names given, along with her best friend Buddy (the dog).

Little did Thomasina know, when a Mr Grayson Potts arrived one day at the Farmhouse B & B, that her life would be turned upside down. He was to be attending a work semnari in Bristol, and he, like her had his own peculiarities which some others found strange.
Could these two timid, sheltered people, take on the world?

I have been on another complete rollercoaster reading about the unfolding story. Laughter, tears, anger and shock have all showed their faces in typical Prowse fashion. It feels as though the author is recalling times in her own life, as she tackles it with such sympathy and understanding. I really didn't want the book to end, and therefore, I have rated it 5*****.

Another brilliant read by the fabulous Amanda Prowse.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC copy, in return for an honest and unbiased review

This is a great read.  We learn how it feels to be different and often isolated in a world  where some will always pick on those less fortunate.  Whether the reader has experienced anything similar or not there is no doubting the effect of teasing, bullying or abuse on those affected.  Both Thomasina and Grayson know they are 'different' and when they find each other by accident their lives change forever.  They feel a kindred closeness but not everything is plain sailing.  They both need to find their own personal strength to change the outcomes for their lives.  

This book draws the reader totally into the life of the characters.  You can almost smell the food cooking in the farmhouse kitchen!!  It is a novel about challenge, emotion, family and love.  I will recommend it and would hope that there will be a sequel.

I have loved every book I have read by Amanda Prowse. She writes with so much passion that I can't help becoming a part of her stories. When I saw that this wonderful author had written 'The Things I Know' I just had to  read her book. Wow, she did not disappoint! 

This was another brilliant novel that I could relate to and it was also deeply moving. I felt great empathy for the characters, especially Hitch (Thomasina). It was a beautifully written story about being a bit different and the difficulties this causes in our society. The story-line was gripping and the characters were extremely credible, likeable and so well drawn by Amanda Prowse. 'The Things I Know' certainly ranks very highly with me and a recommend it to fans and new readers alike.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from  Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

Thomasina is  also known as Hitch and she considers herself to be an ugly duckling due to a number of medical conditions. Like most women she desire love and a fairytale life. When Grayson comes to stay at her family farm and B&B, her life begins to change. This is a book that will delight people looking to read something upbeat. In many ways it is a satisfying “feel good” story that is so satisfying in these stressful times. Taking a risk is both terrifying and exhilarating. Unless you take a risk, nothing will change. .