There were some good parts to this book but it was so predictable that I found it boring. I forced myself to finish it but I couldn’t wait to be done with it. It was all a little too sweet, too perfect, too forgiving, too easy. ***1.5 stars**

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

Lisa lives with her five year old daughter Poppy. Poppy’s father Billy hasn't been on the scene since Lisa was pregnant but has now been spotted back in town by Lisa’s best friend Holly. Lisa has always been good friends with Holly’s brother Paul and before he and Holly set off on a holiday he tells Lisa how he really feels about her. Lisa is blown away but does have special feelings for Paul herself. Her father has always been very protective of her as she lost her mother when she was small. He was and still is very controlling, something Lisa is determined that she isn't going to be with Poppy and that her father can no longer control her even though he tries. She has started a new job- one her father tried to put paid to- and wants to forge an independent life for herself and her daughter. One day a parcel arrives on the doorstep- a beautiful handmade journal with no note as to whom it is from. Then another anonymous gift arrives. Could it be Paul? He is giving no clues about it and Billy, well it's not really his style. Whoever it is knows her well and when a photo from her childhood arrives it narrows the field down to the 3 men in her life- Billy, Paul or her father. Then there is an accident and a revelation, I won’t spoil anything. OMG. I liked this book before half way but then wowzers, I couldn't get enough of it. One I wanted to know what happened but I didn't want it to end. A stunning read, one to reflect on life and those around you and on not taking things for granted. One to remember. 5* all the way.
(rest of links as part of blog tour)

This was a believable and insightful story. The main character is sympathetic and believable and the storyline flows seamlessly. Highly recommended.

Thank you Net galley for a wonderful copy of this ARC. This book really packs a punch. Lots of twists and turns. If you like that kind of ride, I highly recommend this book.

I received an ARC of this book thanks to Net Galley & the publisher. for an honest review. I have to say I felt like the first part of the book drug on for quite awhile of just talking about every day life. You could definitely tell Lisa was an introvert. She kept to herself with her daughter & one friend. She got pregnant at 16 & the father of the baby took off. Her Dad was very controlling & smothered her. Later in the book you find out a big secret & it’s very sad & still is true today. I did really enjoy the book.

Anna Mansell is truly one of my favourite writers. This isn't my usual genre, but she writes with such emotion and flair that it's impossible not to fall head over heels for her books. With raw characters and secrets being slowly unravelled, I struggled to put this book down. A true page turner.

This is a story with lots of different emotions. There is sadness, hope, anger, love, betrayal, bitterness and forgiveness. It isn't every day that you find gifts wrapped in brown paper sitting on your porch waiting to be opened. It isn't every day that you find out that everything you believe about your family is falsehood. What secrets will be revealed in this story? And with they survive them, or will this family be lost to each other forever.
Wonderful storyline!

A really lovely read that portrays family dynamics, love,loss,and forgiveness .The emotive subject of post natal psychosis is described in a tender sensitive matter,hopefully now in this enlightened society it can be recognised and treated in a more humane manner particularly keeping mums and babies together to aid with that ever important bonding! The repercussions of post natal depression had so many far reaching consequences for lisa and her father and how their lives were lived with the knowledge they had at the time!A heartbreakingly emotive read that I would thoroughly recommend.
Thank you net galley for this early read.

Another great read by Anna Mansell. She is fast becoming a favourite of mine. I wish to thank Bookouture and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, as always. A heartfelt emotional pageturner about love, loss and parenting. Lisa is a single parent to Poppy and has often felt a disconnect to her own father who raised her alone since her mother's death when she was a baby. Determined to raise her own little girl differently she is saddened when her relationship with poppys dad breaks down. She wonders if she will ever find love again. She is lucky to have support of best friend Holly and her brother Paul. An enjoyable book full of mystery when Lisa discovers the past is full of lies and love blossoming for the romantic readers. A little bit for everyone.

I can't say how much I loved this story!!
Such a feel good book. Had me hooked from the very beginning. First for me from this author but will be looking for more.

Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for an early release of this book.

Wow. What an emotional read this was. Anna Mansell has written a lovely book. One that heartfelt, and appealing.

Heartfelt, beautifully written and left me sobbing. A truly remarkable read that I could not put down, I was hooked from the very first page.