Sweet book with very likable characters. Liked the writing style and loved how the characters were developed and how very real they were portrayed.

Thank you to NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

This was a short, sweet story of a young girl in rural Britain that didn’t think much of herself. At the end of each chapter, she writes diary entries showing how she feels about herself. At first, she is very self-critical. However, as the story develops, her entries are more upbeat. It was my first book by this author and I really enjoyed this uplifting story.

Amanda Prowse paints a beautiful picture of English country life. She expertly captures how isolating being different can be and how just one person can make a difference. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

The story starts with Hitch, a young girl seemingly disadvantaged by physical differences that ensures she is treated as a lesser person. Hitch, however, has dreams the same as any young girl and when Grayson Potts enters her life she realises those dreams may just be attainable. Insisting on addressing her by real name, Thomasina, Gray shows her the respect and love that has been missing from her life and when he confronts the cousin that has made her life unbearable for years her parents realise for the first time the bullying and hurt that she has been subjected to. Gray though has his own cross to bear and when his overbearing mother is taken ill the relationship between him and Thomasina is severed.
A beautifully written, heart warming but heart wrenching story.

What a lovely heart warming story which, according to the flyleaf, was based on “The Ugly Duckling.” Personally, I thought it was closer to the Cinderella fairy tale. In any event, it was a beautifully written fantasy with engaging characters.

Our hero, Grayson, was hailed as a genius at seeing solutions and solving problems for his brokerage firm yet was totally oblivious to the solution of the major problem in his own life.

I loved the way Prouse ended the chapters with Thomasina saying, “I know …” It was heart warming and at times heart breaking to read what she had discovered as truth.

Entirely predictable and “they all lived happily ever after.”

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

An unusual set of characters in this book, but very likeable and real. The story is about Thomasina, a farm girl who was not born in perfect condition and has to to deal with disfigurement and a limp. She feels no one will ever love her. She meets Grayson, a guest at the farm, who is portrayed as perhaps slightly ADHD or autistic. This is dealt with very well and the character is very well formed.

There are threats to their happiness in the way of a failing farm, an awkward hostile cousin, a bad tempered alcoholic mother among other things. But as in all good romances, love finds a way!

It’s a feel good novel, entertaining and easy to read. Amanda Prowse often takes on the tougher sides of life in her novels but makes them a pleasure to read. She has addressed the issue of disfigurement and handled it in a sensitive and honest way. Also, Grayson is lovely creation, full of heart despite his background.

I would recommend this as a snuggle on the sofa read for anyone.

A wonderful read that is refreshing. I honestly didn’t think I would like this book in the very beginning but keep reading. It becomes a page turner fairly quickly.
#AnandaProwse #StMartinsPress #NetGalley

The Things I Know by Amanda Prowse is a story about taking control of your life against all the odds. Admittedly you might need someone else to give you the push and make you extinguish all self doubts and start the journey towards the life you want and deserve. An enjoyable read.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Gosh I was so pissed off reading this book! Not the whole thing, and not because the writing was bad. It definitely wasn't. But I was pissed off at how Thomasina was treated the majority of her life, especially by her worth nothing cousin Emory.

I guess I should explain that a little bit.

First of all, the main character Thomasina "Hitch" Waycott was born with just some of the worst cosmetic issues a little girl could have. It doesn't help that when she had surgery to get her cleft fixed, the doctor botched it and made it almost worse. So of course, she grew up feeling like she was an abomination - or at the very least "different" from others - and was teased by the children she grew up with. What was worse was that she suffered the most torture from her cousin Emory, and even though she tried to tell her mother about it, she just didn't seem to believe her. "That's your cousin. He'll have your back when it's important, you'll see." She had to deal with hearing that when it was clear that he couldn't give a shit about her. He even said that to her face numerous times. Calling her names like twat, fuckwit, rabbit mouth. Those words stuck with her all throughout her life, and whenever she tried to stand up for herself and make new friends, those words would keep her from opening up.

It wasn't until towards the end of the novel that things end up changing for her, although towards the middle of the novel she does stand up for herself and tell everyone to start calling her by her real name Thomasina, rather than the nickname Hitch. Everyone but Emory - of course - complies and it's easy for them to do so. Even the author makes sure to call her by Thomasina after that moment, which I totally loved.

Another thing that pissed me off was how Thomasina was treated by one of the guys that she had a crush on. I won't spoil it too much, but he basically used her during a moment of vulnerability, and really just showed me that he never really treated her like a real person. So ugh I was sooooooo upset at certain parts of this novel, but I guess that's to be expected when you invest some time and energy in a character.

I basically wanted to beat up every single person that made Thomasina feel like she was less than human. Like fight me losers! Fight me!

But anyway.

I'm really glad that I had an opportunity to read this book. I will say I'm ashamed that I automatically defaulted that this book took place in America, and only realized otherwise when Thomasina's brother Johnathan told her that he wanted to go to America and be a farmer. I was like "whaaaaat?" Then I did the smart thing and looked up Amanda Prowse and saw that she's from West Country, England, and that's exactly where Thomasina and the Waycotts live on their farmland. Duh, Leelynn. Not everything will take place in America, so get over your defaults.

That's an interesting topic on it's own, but we'll get to that.

I just had to get those angry parts out first before I got to the rest of it. I'm honestly so glad that Shelly (one of Thomasina's classmates) ends up finally telling her that Thomasina was way harder on herself than everyone else was. While Thomasina kept herself isolated because she didn't want to be ridiculed by them, her classmates were wanting to include her and be her friend, and didn't hold her physical limitations and cosmetic "disfigurement" against her. Only she did, because of how Emory made her feel.

This was also one of those books that didn't have the storybook happy ending that you would expect, but Thomasina finally grew into herself and gained the confidence that she should have had from the beginning, thanks to the newfound love she got to experience and the support she received from her friend Shelly. So I'm very proud of you Thomasina Waycott, and even though you were born a little bit different, you are still an amazing young woman.

Thomasina and Grayson are two misfits that don't fit in anywhere but with each other. This story of true love and a fight to be together is one I will remember. Wonderful Read!

This is a slightly naive tale, although well written, and I guessed part of the ending well before the story reached that point. Thomasina is a fairly sympathetic character and some others are horrible. Not sure that farmers will appreciate being described as either country yokels or money grabbing entrepeneurs; these are probably the two extremes but the book lacks characters who occupy the middle ground (until you get nearer the end). Very readable though and a fair bit about coping with different disabilities and health issues.

The Things I Know is the stunning new novel from Amanda Prowse. Thomasina, known as Hitch is twenty four an has never left her small village or the family run farm and bed and breakfast. When her younger brother decides to go to America and work on a farm there, Hitch starts to feel a wanderlust and want more from her life. But for Hitch that is not easy, suffering health problems and deformity with her foot and hand she has been cocooned in her life on the farm. One day Grayson Potts come to stay at the bed and breakfast and her world shifts on its axis, he sees the person not the physical deformities, understand her, but is she opening herself up for heartbreak or is she about to finally get the life she dreams of.

This is such a beautifully written book, full of emotion and heart. Amanda has such a natural ease in her writing that draws you in, makes you feel comfortable and draws you into the character’s lives Inclusion is a big social issue at the moment and through the characters of Hitch and Grayson we see two very different people who are not accepted socially, have no friends and feel they don’t fit in, but want find their own way in the world with each other. The realism of her characters and the lives they lead makes them so endearing.

Hitch is twenty four but her life is very much limited to the farm, her parents have always tried to protect her from the harsh words and stares of others. She feels suffocated and wants more from her life; a husband to cook for, and a chance to travel and spread her wings. I found her such an endearing character and couldn’t help but warm to her character, and I really wanted her to fulfil her dreams. She is very much the butterfly of this book; at the beginning she is Hitch, sheltered from the world, where to focus is on what she can’t do, and then she meets Grayson, becomes Thomasina, a attractive woman who can do what she wants and finally spread her wings.

Grayson has always been classed as different as well, he is very intelligent but lacking some social skills. Like Hitch he has had a confined life looking after his mother with not much of a future. However, with Hitch he is able to open up, talk and be more confident. There is no doubt that together they make a formidable couple, more confident and able to tackle all that stands in their way.

Things I Know is a stunning novel about love, acceptance, dreams and being able to spread your wings. This book is a heartwarming read, full of emotion and warmth in the characters and plot. Amanda Prowse doesn’t shy away from difficult topics, she shows great empathy and understanding towards her characters. Fans of Amanda will love this book, and if you haven’t read any of her books I highly recommend you give them a go. Breathtaking, heartwarming and delightful; and absolute joy to read.

Delightful book touching upon bullying and the effects name calling has on the very young. Thomasina was an enjoyable character to watch her arc from beginning to end of the book.

This book took a few chapters for me to like it but then the story and the characters became interesting. We have a young woman whose parents have really kept her back her entire life because she has some disabilities. When her twin brother, Mr perfect, leave for the USA they have a cousin come to live to help with the farm. The cousin is constantly picking on and hurting Thomasina mentally. Then Grayson entered her life and turned it upside down for the better. I would recommend this book.

If you're reading this review you should stop right now and go get yourself this book to read IMMEDIATELY. It is a beautifully written lovely story that draws you in from page one.
Thomasina is a sweet gentle young woman who was born with some physical issues. She is an incredibly kind gentle soul who truly just wants to be loved and accepted. Her parents, under the guise of love through their actions and words constantly reinforce that she is not good enough. I found it heartbreaking. She is enough exactly as she is. More than enough. In fact the world would be a better place with more people with her depth of kindness, love and acceptance. They revere her brother who leaves the family for a whole new life and rather than allow her to help run the family farm and business call in a hideous excuse of a cousin who then spends much of his time torturing her. That is not love. Enter Grayson. He is written with such kindness and clearly the author has a lot of experience and understanding of people diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum . It is my assumption that Grayson is on the spectrum so hope that I haven't offended anyone. She represents him with such grace. No explanations, no making fun just representing someone who is real and trying to navigate his way through a life his brain is not always equipped to handle. he has managed basically on his own to find his way in life while dealing and taking care of his alcoholic mother. That these two wonderfully written people find their way into each others lives and eventually their hearts is a journey no one should miss. Love exists if we are open to it. I was overjoyed they slowly discovered and got to know each other. They accepted each other for exactly who they were. They foster each others dreams, hold each other up and really get each other. We should all be so lucky to have that kind of love in our lives. Though not a typical happily ever after love story it is even better. More real and an absolute must read to add to your list. I hope that you love it as much as I did.

I've read a lot of bad romance novels, so stumbling across a good one is worth celebrating. This was an sweet, easy read that made me smile. I'm sure this book isn't for everyone, but it felt right for me.

"The Things I Know" is a deceptively simple book. There isn't a whole lot of action in it. Either you'll be interested in these characters and their goals or you won't. The main thrust of the book isn't terribly dramatic, but instead terribly real--two people working to push themselves out of their comfort zone to find happiness both apart and together as a couple. Maybe it's because I'm middle aged and have been married a long time, but this kind of focus really resonated with me.

Readers looking for "meet cute," tropes, escapist adventures, and sweeping obstacles that must be overcome at all costs, likely will find this book frustrating. This isn't that kind of romance novel. Instead, this book almost takes a page out of good couple therapy session, with each person working through (and calling out the other) on their fears, their old habits and their defense mechanisms in an effort to create some happiness for themselves. Personally, I think THAT is romantic. It felt like these two characters were actually forming something akin to real love, not merely an infatuation.

I'm not trying to imply that this book is a drag. It's not. It does have light moments. The characters are well drawn and easy to root for (maybe since they're both working to overcome things that make them outsiders?) Their relationship felt both fresh and real.

I guess this book sticks out for me because it lacking in pretension as well as lacking in schmaltz--and that was a welcome relief since this genre tends to be chock full of both. It was a treat to read something truly original, instead of another story about a dashingly handsome, suave businessman sweeping a quirky, beautiful pastry chef off her feet.

Thanks to the author and NetGalley for granting me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is my first Amanda Prowse novel, but it won't be my last! Although the first bit was slow and dragged on a while, I'm glad I decided to stick with it. It was a great story! I can't wait to pick up another book by her!

Yet another great read from Amanda Prowse. This author has a knack for drawing the reader in to the story and bringing such warm feelings inside with her beautiful descriptive style of writing.

Thomasina was born ‘different’ and has lived a sheltered life on her parents’ guesthouse/farm with the animals as her friends. Her mother and father are extremely protective of their daughter but this makes her feel trapped. She dreams of travelling the world.

A gentleman, Grayson, arrives from London for an overnight stay at the guesthouse and feels an immediate bond with Thomasina. They have both been dealt blows in their young lives and recognise this in each other. These two characters were just adorable!

Are they destined to be together? I was rooting for them but it was not plain-sailing. I highly recommend this heartwarming story. A big 5* from me.

Thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.
I have read alot of this authors books and I have to be honest and say I found this one lacking somewhat compared to her previous books. To me it seemed more like a young readers book than an adult book in the writing style. It just doesnt compare to her other books. Just my opinion.

The Things I Know was a great story about courage, strength, and finding your happiness. Thomasina Waycott was born with a few challenges like a claw foot, a cleft palate and lip problems. While others teased and bullied her, Thomasina’s family fiercely protected her. Working on the Waycott farm with her parents, Thomasina yearned for new adventures. She also wanted someone to share her life with. When Grayson Potts stayed at her farm for a few days, they both felt the commonality of not exactly fitting in with others and quickly felt at ease with each other. But Grayson’s life and job was in London with his demanding, alcoholic and manipulative mother, while Thomasina had her beloved animals to care for and the endless farm work. Their chance of love and happiness slowly slipped away. However, Thomasina was determined to spread her wings…with or without Grayson.

This was the first book I read by this author. It was very realistically written with memorable characters that you root for throughout the story. The main character reminded me of another book that I loved, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. Both were strong courageous women with many problems in their life, but they persevered. Since this author writes stories along this theme, I will definitely add her books to my list.
An ARC was given for an honest review.