Absolutely loved reading the story of Otty and Joe. 
From the start of the book, I was hooked. 

Otty is evicted from her home the day before she starts a new job as a script writer. On her first  day, she discovers her colleague Joe is looking for a roommate. Timing is perfect. 
Our Story tells of their relationship of working and living together. 

I liked the setting of the TV script writing world - and that the book was set in Birmingham as it’s somewhere I’ve spent lots of time over the years. Even the Garlic Bread man from the German Markets got a mention. 

Thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. I’ll definitely be recommending it to friends.  Thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 4.5/5

This romance was very nearly perfection for me! It had the ingredients that I love (dual narrative romance, set in the city where I grew up making me feel extremely nostalgic) and a will they/wont they storyline that kept my heart in my throat many times throughout.

My first Miranda Dickinson novel and certainly wont be my last, I would LOVE a sequel. Otty and Joe both feel like characters I can't get enough from!

For me this was a great and unique twist of a modern romance story. Personally I’d never really given much thought to how tv dramas were written and reading about this process was eye opening. I loved the dynamic of all the members of the group and I just couldn’t help getting invested in Ottie and Joe. The e were I’ll they won’t they pull was huge, and for bring screen writers their communication to each other sucked... but they were scared of being vulnerable and rejected. I was so pleased when Joe decided to use the whole situation as his screen play and finally air how he felt for Ottie.

It was an easy read that flowed really well and I managed to read it fairly fast. I loved the northern aspect to it too, I smiled every time Otties dad said ‘bab’

It was an easy, at times predictable read - but one that kept me turning the page due to the lovely characters Ottalie  and Joe 
I loved the setting of the story; in a writers room producing a new tv show. This was an exciting addition to the love story that I felt utterly absorbed in, and made it a real page turner!

I was a bit underwhelmed with the ending though, it did feel a little abrupt and I found myself looking hopefully for an epilogue to give me more information and closure - partially because I loved the characters so much and felt like I needed to know more of their ending.

Otty wants to be a television writer.

I cannot believe Our Story is my first Miranda Dickinson read. I have others on my shelves but I’ve never actually found time to pick one up and read it. Our Story has convinced me that that ridiculous state of affairs needs rectifying immediately. I adored this book.  Miranda Dickinson has a smooth, effortless style that makes reading her words a sheer delight. I thoroughly appreciated the structure of the narrative because although there are two points of view, the chronology gives coherence and flow that I sometimes find missing in other books, adding to my enjoyment immensely.

I thought the setting of the writers’ room was inspired. Giving a unity to the action it provides an insight into a world most of us will never encounter so that there’s an extra layer of interest outside the simply glorious love story that is Our Story. I adored the concept that, whilst people like Joe and Otto can write life narratives for others, they can’t write their own happiness and the way this hooked me into the book was genius. Miranda Dickinson captivated me completely.

Despite the fact that the narrative is set in the global, cut-throat world of television writing, it has an intimate, personal atmosphere that I found incredibly affecting. In Our Story, Miranda Dickinson illustrates events that might well be happening in any working environment in any era so that there is a realism here. I loved the balance of viewpoint from Joe and Otto because not only does it fit the theme of not accepting the truth, and moves on the plot with dynamism and pace, but hearing both their voices clearly has the effect of making the reader fall in love with them both and care about what happens to them. I became so immersed in their story, experiencing such emotion that I felt a physical ache where my heart lies in my chest.

Otty, Joe and all the characters in Our Story are brilliantly created. I thought it was a wonderful message to give Otty a career far outside the usual expectations of her working class Brummie background because whilst the story is fabulously entertaining, it reminds readers that dreams can be fulfilled through hard work and ambition.

In essence, the book has a relatively simple plot revolving aroundtwo protagonists writing for television. However, there were several points during the story where I wasn’t sure I would finish reading Our Story. You see, Miranda Dickinson kept breaking my heart, sticking it back together briefly and then smashing it again until I wasn’t sure just how much more emotion I could take. I desperately, desperately wanted Joe and Otto to be together and to have a happy ending. By the time I reached the final part of the story I was a blubbering, weeping wreck. You’ll have to read the book for yourself to see if I got what I wanted!

Our Story is just wonderful. It’s both realistic and romantic. It’s heart-breaking and joyous. It’s going straight on my list of books of the year!

Such a modern love story of our times in which you will definitely see yourselves, smile and sigh at the memory, 
I have managed to read this novel in two sittings, not being able to put it down. I wanted Otty and Joe to be together and kept asking myself: when will they? 
It's pretty clear from the beginning that they are meant to be together but life is not always about pink clouds and fluffy unicorns, it's not about they lived happily ever after but what happened before that. How many obstacles they encountered on the way, how much were they willing to fight fr each other, leave their ego on the side, be honest til the end and admit that careers, money and stability can't replace love, family and friendships

I didn't love this. I can't put my finger on exactly why but it just wasn't The One.

As always, Dickinson's writing is flawless and the story and characters are well thought out and written but I just wasn't into it

Thank you to Netgalley and HQ for the ARC of this novel.

Otty is an independent woman, not following what others say, she's determined to get the dream that she's always longed for. But then she gets evicted and things aren't looking quite as promising as she first thought.

Joe is a man who seems to be permanently on edge, trying hard to keep his job as a script writer as newbies descend on the job and to top it off his room mate just upped and left in the middle of the night leaving him short for rent this month.

Fate seems to step in at the perfect moment.

Otty happens to be one of those newbies in the building and she overhears Joe's lodging problems.

Can these two live and work together without trouble? Only time will tell.

As the story progresses we get to see a beautiful friendship blossoming, and as the reader I was hoping for something more.

Stepping into the world of TV script writing, we get to see the pressures that come with trying to juggle the work home life balance, especially when you happen to take your work home most nights. I adored the progression in this book. I loved the awkwardness that came from Joe and Otty, it felt more real because it wasn't perfect. 

Not your typical love story.

Yes, it was predictable at certain moments but the characters and the way they conversed kept me turning the pages. I found myself really hoping for that happy ending.

The reason I marked Our Story down by one star was because of the ending. It just seemed to end so abruptly, it was well written how it appeared to come back full circle from the beginning of the book but I guess I wanted just that little more insight into where Otty and Joe's lives were heading after all was said and done.

A nice romance that took you gently through O-Joes trials and tribulations to get the point they should have been without a mis interpretation of a significant event. Well written and insightful

I loved this.  Brilliant characters you really care about, a great storyline and a really satisfying ending.  Left me with a grin on my face.

A good read . When Otti gets her dream job of writing for a TV show it's all she's ever wanted and she immediately makes a good impression. Finding herself suddenly becoming homeless she takes rents a room from Joe a fellow writer and they instantly gel when they work together on story lines but can they do both or will it get too complicated. A good mix of iteresting characters who work well together but thought it was just a bit too drawn out but still enjoyed it

Firstly a big thank you to hq for my copy to review on netgalley. Im a massive fan of Miranda’s! You always know your eyes and heart are in for a treat. Our story didnt dissapoint.

What a beautiful tale that is fresh,modern,witty and relatable .

Absolutly loved and adored otty and joe . Especially otty who isnt afraid to step out of her comfort zone.

Uplifting and guaranteed to make you smile.

Published 25th August

Our Story by Miranda Dickinson a five-star read that sucks you into their story. This is a slow burn so don’t go in an expect everything in the first few pages as it will disappoint, but if you give it time to work its way in you wont want to put it down. I adored this story and not only because the characters say things that remind me of my bestie, who will deny being a Brummie as she is from a couple of miles outside of Birmingham, but still I class her as my fave Brummie. When you throw in the creative aspect of a writers room and you have me wanting to sink my teeth in, the will they wont they had me hooked and I wont give the game away, as you need to read the story but when you do I promise you will be invested in it. There are some amazing secondary characters, and one or two that I could have done without, but that was just me I’m sure. Pick this up as you won’t be disappointed, Miranda Dickenson once again proves what a talented author they are.

A great summer easy read.

As always beautifully written by Miranda Dickinson.

A heartwarming story.
Otty lands her dream job screen writing and finds herself house sharing and working with Joe Carter, they make a great team.
What will follow in the story.

Really enjoyed the book. Funny, lighthearted loved it

Beautifully written story, however this didn’t grab me and I struggled to finish it. As much as I liked the characters, I found their behaviour somewhat frustrating at times!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my review.

Words cannot convey how much I loved this book. I’ve just finished reading it and would happily go back to the beginning and start again. Joe and Otty’s story was utterly captivating; brave, warm, witty - and above all full of heart. I know I will miss these two flawed and very human characters, and hope that Miranda revisits them again one day. 

The background of TV scriptwriting was absolutely fascinating, especially as I’m an author myself so love anything to do with writing. I really enjoyed immersing myself in the world of TV shows, and the writing team and show-runner Russell were gloriously well rounded. Fraser was an interesting character too, and I liked the interplay between him and Joe.

I have to say that I really wasn’t sure how Our Story was going to end (and won’t put any spoilers here) but the last quarter of the book had me hooked, and I finished it in tears. 

A very easy 5 stars, and a book I’ll be recommending whenever and wherever I can. 

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishers and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

'Just You and I' 
A brilliant song and a wonderful story. I loved Otty and Joe and willed them to see what we could all see from the beginning - that they were meant to be together. 
As usual, a heartbreaking and heartwarming story from Miranda Dickinson. Her characters draw you into their emotional story, and take you on every high and low of their journey. Just beautiful.

Otty and Joe’s story is a beautiful grown up romance, of mistakes and regrets getting in the way of love. I was hooked from the start of Our Story and my heart was beating all the way until the end when it burst with happiness. There is so much of Miranda in this book too - it’s beautiful, real and compelling, just like the author.

I struggled to connect with this book. I found it very slow and predictable.  It felt like the story was also a little lost at times and going round in circles.  The end was very rushed and ended all too abruptly.  This one wasn't for me.

Wow! This is my favourite of 2020 so far. This is a very well written and emotional love story, with a very modern feel to it. I loved the way it was told from the perspective of both the main characters; Otty and Joe. This book kept me guessing right to the very end.