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.

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. .

Thank you very much to NetGalley, Amanda Prowse, and the publisher, Lake Union Publishing for an early electronic ARC of this book for an honest review.

Thomasina is a very quirky, strange character to get to know throughout this book. While I was able to resonate with her feelings and her struggle in life, and I loved how the author brought in the 'bullying' towards Thomasina due to her botched surgery for her cleft palette.

This family is very strong in morals, beliefs and what they feel is best for them, even though it seems as though it's at the expense of Thomasina.

I would read many more novels by this author.

Amanda Prowse does it again! What a beautifully written love story about Thomasina & Grayson, two characters who the reader will absolutely enjoy getting to know. They both have their quirky characteristics, but it's these that warm you to them & draw the reader in.

The Things I Know is the first book I have read by Amanda Prowse so I was not sure exactly what to expect. But the description of the story looked very compelling so I thought I would take a chance. Boy was I glad I did take that leap and open myself up to reading a new writer and a fantastic story. At times it was heartbreaking, with more than a few tears shed, but it was also uplifting and inspirational.
Thomasina certainly has more than her fair share of impediments, not the least is the way others see her. But she is a sweet, loving and hopefully young woman with a heart of gold, as my grandma would say. She dreams of a future just like we all do...........a home, a love, acceptance, family and of course adventure in whatever form it takes. But for Thomasina she does not know if she will every have any of these things.
Grayson comes to stay at the family's farm B&B. He also has his own impediments in life which he masks in certain ways. He is shy, awkward and very socially inept. However, he is also brilliant with figures, has a great job at a bank, is knowledgeable, eloquent but also a bit old fashioned. These qualities draw Thomasina to him and he is drawn to her and sees past the physical and into her soul and heart.
Grayson opens up Thomasina's world but she has to decide if she will also open her heart. With Grayson's help Thomasina is able to start making changes in her life that may lead to the greatest adventure yet...............her life in the world.
The Things I Know is a good reminder to the reader that if you open yourself up to the possibilities in the world and the people that love you then you may just get the things that you truly need in this life. But to say closed will ensure that you never do.

This is an amazing book; fabulous characters, an achingly beautiful storyline all written impeccably. This author has done it again. She reaches in, hooks your heart and you find yourself reading far later than you should. Your face may be drenched in tears, but your heart will be enriched by this tale

Amanda Prowse writes lovely books about protagonists who are flawed, sometimes maddeningly so, yet I love and pull for them in every book. This one was no different. Thomasina's flaws are physical, but she's learned to deal with them without complaint (although she does have complaints with some of the people around her and the way they react to her). I was pulling for her to have a happy ending throughout the book, and I loved her bravery in trying to build a life separate from her over-protective parents. Grayson's flaws are emotional, and as we learn more about his life we learn why he is the way he is. And how we root for them to find a way to make a life together. As with all her books, Prowse writes with great heart and affection for her characters, and makes us feel that affection as well, despite their human frailties. As a side note, I did listen to the audiobook in part, and as usual Prowse does an excellent job with the narration.
My thanks to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing a copy for an unbiased review.

I found the story was slow going but improved. I’m glad I continued reading as the two main characters went thru a lot but preserved thru the adversaries each had to bear. Another good story for fans of Amanda Prowse.

This is the first book I have read by this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Definitely a book that brings so many emotions, but I feel that is what makes a great book. Would highly recommend.

I love that this story offers you an insight into life with disabilities and some of the challenges in social acceptability. Amanda Prowse has successfully covered both visible and invisible disabilities while writing this story and the story is fab!
The characters are all believable and you can buy into them, it gives a fresh perspective in the story world of real life in a manner that keeps you hooked in waiting for the next bit...