The Things I know,

I know that Amanda Prowse has done it again, a beautifully written story.
I know that Thomasina and Grayson are quirky, special people whose tale is told so well.
I know that the minor characters are so appropriate to the tale.
I know that the guest bed is the most comfortable and that the cake tins are always full of cake.
I know that I don’t want to visit Graysons flat ( and have to go in the lift).
I know that I would recommend this book.
I know that I am grateful for the opportunity to read and review it for Netgalley.

The dedication in this book, on reflection, gives an inkling to this book and its purpose, yes purpose, perhaps an unusual way to describe a book, but I believe it does have a purpose. The book is dedicated to “all the people like me, who throughout their life have always felt that they didn’t quite fit” something I’m sure we’ve all felt at times, and even perhaps most of the time. It continues that “it only take one person to show you the magic” and that’s true too, and that’s in a nutshell the outline of this book.

Of course, it’s more than that. There’s chance, hard work, some breaking the rules when you wouldn’t expect it, family tensions (again), bravery and love. This was a story I very much enjoyed, and one that left me with one of those book hangovers as I continued the imaginary what happened next in my head. Perhaps I’m a little bit different in that respect too, who knows?

This book drew me in and made me empathize first with Thomasina and later, with Grayson and Thomasina's parents. The pace was slow and deliberate, much like I imagined Thomasina's approach to life. The prose was deeply emotional and wistful, painting a picture of longing for a future different from the one the present is leading up to. Some of the twists in the story were predictable in a good way, as they led me to hope for a better future and feel the crushing disappointment when everything good was falling apart. I would have liked the story to include more of the action that took place between the "end" and the Epilogue, but overall the arc of change in Thomasina's internal life as well as her external world was satisfying.
I voluntarily read an advanced review copy provided by the publishers via Netgalley and I offer my honest opinion in response.

Thomasina Waycott is different than other people. The publisher's description paints her as the ugly duckling. She works her family's farm and connects with the animals, especially her chickens. Then Grayson Potts comes into her life and she finds her beauty, confidence and the life she wants.

Ms. Prowse painted Thomasina's life with such clarity, I felt her struggle and blossom intimately. The beginning of the book was a bit slow for me and I had a hard time getting into it. But after about the first third of the book, I was hooked. I loved when she found her strength against the bullies in her life and how she shared that strength with the other characters. This book is a wonderful example of how people can take what they have and grow. She was clearly in control of her own destiny. As we all are.

The format was interesting and intriguing. At the end of each chapter, the protagonist listed what she 'knew' based upon what she had just experienced. And, in general, the book was good but a bit too predictable to make it especially appealing to me. Also, I thought that the protagonist was not very realistic.

Absolutely brilliant! I thoroughly empathised with the characters and how they evolved. Funny little touches of farm animals misbehaving lightened it up.

Did not finish - I found the prose style lacked that special something to keep me involved and engaged - and after 4 restarts I had only managed to get through about 3 chapters with nothing pulling me back to the story.

Wow!! Amanda Prowse has delivered a lesson that will not be forgotten. The impact of Thomasina in her frustration and sadness puts a whole new light on “don’t judge a book by it’s cover.” This is a lesson in compassion, love, and never give up on your dreams. This is. a must read especially if you have someone in your life that may be a little different from everyone else.

I am no stranger to this lovely author and the beautiful books she has written and The Things I Know is a beautiful love story filled with the heartbreak of a girl who grew up differently from her peers. You can not help but fail in love with Thomisina and her love for her chickens and other farm animals and the diversity she has had to overcome. The detail of Thomasina’s past which breaks your heart and watching her grow which fills your heart with joy is a journey no one should miss out on! Highly recommend this book to anyone who loves an non traditional love story!

“My name is Thomasina (Hitch). I know I’m not like everyone else”

That had to be one of the most powerful statements I have ever read. From the moment I met Thomasina I found her to be strong, capable, resilient and beautiful. She is definitely not like other people and that's a good thing.

Grayson isn't like other people either. Quiet, strong, smart and very much his own unique personality.

When Thomasina and Grayson meet it's a beginning of something new and wonderous. Both are dealing with rotten things in their lives. For Thomasina it's self-worth and self-love. For Grayson, it's the need to stand on his own. Together they navigate the waters of love and take a journey that will take you on a roller coaster of emotions.

This story isn't just a love story between two people it's a love story about one's self. Learning to love your self and finding your self worth in a world where people are bent on putting you down.

I came away feeling empowered and inspired by these two characters. This may be one of my all-time favorite books.

Amanda Prowse has the great knack of pulling you right into the heart of a story and her characters are so believable. Loved this story, heartwarming without being too twee; surely this must be a series now??

I just loved this book. The story was heartfelt and genuine. The characters just drew you in to the story. All throughout the book I was right there with Thomasina and her feelings in dealing with being different, and always being judged by her physical differences from others instead of who she is as a person. The difficulties with family and the strain of Thomasina wanting her family and other to see her as an adult who can take care of herself. Amanda Prowse has a way in her writing to really draw you to see and feel things as if you were the main character yourself. This is one of the things I really enjoy of this authors writings. Another incredible book and a must read!

Huge fan of this author. Have ready 3 or 4 books now. Was a little disappointed with the last book so glad to see that this book is one worthy of a 5 star rating for me. Really enjoyed this one.

This was an absolutely wonderful book. At first I was worried about what would happen to "Hitch" as she tried to break out of the cocooned life her parents had woven around her disability. As the book carried on I found myself rooting for her, yelling at her internally as she made poor decisions and, yet, still worried about what her final outcome would be. I liked this much more than I had imagined I would and was pleasantly surprised by the story line.

Amanda Prowse has a way of pulling you in from the very start of her books and it doesn't take long before you understand her characters and feel like you've always known them. A lovely read

Recently I finished reading an eARC of The Things I Know by Amanda Prowse which was released on June 11th. I received this eARC through NetGalley.

The Things I Know tells the story of Thomasina 'Hitch' Waycott who lives on a family farm outside of Bristol, England. She was born a little bit different from the 'normal' kids and grew up constantly made fun of, an outsider. The story line follows her growth from believing what others are saying to standing up for herself and her family and loved ones.

I found this story interesting because although there was a love story involved, the main plot was actually about Thomasina learning to stand up for herself and figuring out what she wants to do with her life. Various problems are thrown her way, from bullies, to men, family problems, and as with every other farm book, the potential sale of the family farm that has been in the family for generations. I don't read very many English stories that aren't regency era so it was fun to read a more modern story from England.

I enjoyed witnessing the problems and solutions unfold, each in their own time. The flow of the story happened at a good pace. I didn't feel rushed by any of the chaos that ensued or that any of the plot lines overlapped too much. By requesting this book I was attempting to work on diversifying the types of books that I read so that I am not just reading the same exact thing over and over, and I think this novel succeeded in helping me accomplish that goal. I would definitely read another of her books.

I received this book from Netgalley.

The Things I Know is a really charming read. A love story where the couple involved, Thomasina and Grayson would probably be viewed by society as having additional needs and by those less tolerant of us as having no need for romance in their lives. Amanda Prowse cleverly disabuses this theory and I was captivated by the lovers and couldn't wait to see how they could overcome the situation they found themselves in.

My only complaint would be that everything was tidied up a bit too neatly in the epilogue leaving everyone unfeasibly happy.

Overall though, a beautiful story.

Loves stories about B&B’s and Hitch makes it even better. She has dreams to see the world and have a home of her own. She has health issues but her knight and shining armor comes and boy he’s not what she thought he’d be. But, the bond they form is like no other they have had before. Can it work? She has to let go of some things to find out b

Thanks to the publisher and author for providing me with a digital ARC of this title via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

I knew nothing of this author or this title before coming across it on netgalley. I liked the cover, was interested in the summary, and luckily was chosen to receive an ARC. I was quite charmed with this book and the two main characters. Thomasina and Grayson each have their own struggles they have dealt with throughout their lives and we see how it has made them into the adults they are today. Thomasina was born with a cleft palate- leading to the life-long nickname Hitch- as well as physical disabilities that make walking and using her hands more difficult. She has been teased and horribly mistreated by peers, overly protected by her parents, and never pushed to do more. She has found some happiness working on her family farm, but wants more independence and adventure for herself, although even she doubts these as possible. Grayson, a bank investor, meets Thomasina when he stays over at the B&B on the family farm. He grew up in a single parent home with an alcoholic mother. He seems to be mildly on the autism spectrum as he struggles with social situations and how to properly act at times. He is great with numbers and has found a lot of success in his career, although has very little life outside of his job and taking care of his mum.
They are both sweet, charming characters who I quickly grew to love and cheer for. I loved their outlook on life and their perception of each other. They see strengths and beauty where so many saw only flaws and limitations. It was a pleasure to join them on their journey as the help each other grow towards their dreams and find happiness and joy in the life they create. I really enjoyed this book, would recommend it to my friends, and look forward to reading more by this author. .

Thomasina grew up living and working on the family farm in the English countryside with her parents and her younger brother. She was born with several birth defects. Her leg is malformed causing her to walk differently and she has a malformed upper lip.

Her lip has not been surgically repaired as an excruciatingly painful surgery on her leg soured Thomasina on the idea of ever agreeing to any further surgeries. Thomasina has determined not be a victim of what others see as her physical limitations. In fact, Thomasina does not think of herself as being physically limited.

I appreciate how the author has developed the character of Thomasina as a sensitive, yet strong and intelligent woman. Thomasina is also resilient enough to push aside the ignorance of others and is able to move forward
Will Thomasina achieve her wish for a normal, happy life with a man who loves her, a family, and a home of her own?

Throughout The Things I know, Thomasina shares with us the progression of the things she comes to know about herself.

Here is what I know:
• I know I loved The Things I Know!
• I know The Things I Know is a wonderful story about diversity!
• I know The Things I Know is sensitive, sad, yet funny, and triumphant!
• I know if you love books written by Amanda Prowse…I know you will love The Things I know!