Gemma finds herself and her Labrador Mabel on a train on their way to Crowthorpe after finding Fraser – Gemma’s now ex-boyfriend at it with another woman in the apartment they shared, and to make matters a million times worse than they already are, they were all over her beloved Heal’s cushions!

Following a conversation with her best friend Caro, who offers Gemma the escape she so desperately needs, she begins her journey to Caro’s parents old, currently empty house. This is meant to be nothing more than a short break for Gemma, allowing her to gather herself together once again before returning to London, but then lockdown strikes and she finds herself facing several weeks in this small village.

Matthew walks in to Gemma’s life – quite literally, when he see’s lights on within the usually empty house so he comes to check all is well, and of course everything is fine – other than Gemma being a rather hungover mess!. When Gemma realises that Matthew in fact lives in the converted barn at the end of the garden, she realises that avoiding him, and further embarrassment, may not be as easy as she first thought.

Gemma and Matthew find themselves being thrown together throughout this troubling time, and the more Gemma allows her guard to come down, the closer they become. But things are far from straightforward, as Gemma battles to overcome the insecurities she carries from her past, and both herself and Matthew openly admitting that they aren’t the best in the relationship department, she goes in to panic mode and decides that now is definitely the time to leave – but with her heart saying something else entirely, can move on from her past and embrace her future?.

I absolutely adored this story from the very beginning. Heidi Stephens manages to bring light to an otherwise dark situation we have all been going through lately, along with some much needed humour which I know I certainly needed.

The characters are just wonderful! I loved Gemma’s character from the first time we met her. Although she has a lot of insecurities to overcome, and doubts herself far too much, she has the most loving heart and you want nothing but the best for her. And then of course there is Matthew, a character who it is quite honestly impossible to not fall a little bit in love with as you learn more about him throughout this story. He is a much loved member of the community, and will go above and beyond to help others – and the love he has for his family is so lovely to see too. I adored the romance that blossoms between them, and the ways in which they both help one another find happiness once more is dreamy.

Beautifully written, full of charm and a story that will capture your heart, this is the perfect read!

I didn't realise when I picked up this book that is was set in this current 'pandemic - too soon to read about such things?
But as the story developed the social distancing, sanitising malarkey seemed to melt into the background and the developing relationship came to the fore.
Have to say I really quite enjoyed it and as a debut novel it sounds like the start of great things for this author.

From a first time author, this book is a good addition to the contemporary romantic fiction genre. A slow start builds to a compelling tale of a city girl stranded in an English village trying to find herself again after the break-up of a relationship. The characters are well drawn and the book is ideal for a dark night on a comfy sofa with a glass of wine.

I know a lot of people would rather avoid books that feature the pandemic. The world is still scary, and who knows when it’ll finally be over. But, it’s something that has affected us all and will affect the way we see things for many years to come. So it’s safe to see that when I stumbled across a chick-lit book set during the early days of lockdown? I was very curious.

I do have to say that some things happen in this book that probably shouldn’t actually happen during a real lockdown for safety reasons. But umm, the romance can be excused at least with support bubbles and stuff. Though, I’m not sure when exactly those came into place… They do consider themselves part of the same household though, as technically they do live on the same property. So, it gets a pass.

Anyway, this book follows Gemma, a freelance writer who has just discovered her boyfriend cheating on her. Her solution? Stay in a cottage owned by a friend in the countryside. It would only be a few days, and it would give her a much-needed break before she went back to London to find a new flat. And then the lockdown happens. Gemma is stuck in an unfamiliar house in a village with her dog. Her only other company? The man who lives in the shed at the end of the garden.

Despite the fact this book is set during a time that was incredibly stressful in real life, this book was an enjoyable and easy read. It’s pretty short, which definitely helps, but it has likeable characters and a lot of humour. There are some emotional moments, but they’re more linked to Gemma’s past then the pandemic itself. So if you’re worried to pick up this book as you don’t want a reminder of how hard things were, this book isn’t about that at all.

Being stuck in a small village, it wasn’t like there was much Gemma could do anyway. She spends most of her time trying to help out people in the village from a distance and walking her dog. The dog, Mabel, is definitely one of the most important characters in this book. And she is suitably adorable. She does do something that makes herself sick at some point, but overall this is just a happy story dogwise. It’ll make you want to cuddle your own if you have one.

There were limited characters due to the whole situation of the book. But you still get a feel for Gemma’s family, friends and the village she finds herself in. Gemma works hard to help out the people who might be feeling lonely. One of the activities she arranges is kind of questionable. Like, she does it for a good reason. But on stay at home rules? Probably shouldn’t have been happening. And that bugged me a bit. But I loved that Gemma cared enough about these strangers to try. She’s not the only nice one either. Her love interest, Matthew is the village handyman, and it’s obvious that a lot of the village loves and relies on him.

Speaking of love, I should say something about the romance in this book. It was sweet. Maybe a little too fast for my tastes, especially considering the length of the book. But it was cute, and I don’t really have any problems. Matthew was someone that Gemma needed in her life. Even if she did keep trying to deny it and frustrated me to no end. But every book needs drama, so I get it, plus she’s never really had a love like that. They were sweet together, and I loved that they were a little family with Mabel.

There is a lot of talk of the past and some difficult family situations in this book. Gemma spent a lot of her life with her Aunt because her parents were in the military and used to travel around a lot. Staying with her Aunt at the weekends was a little bit of stability that Gemma needed. In the recent past, her Aunt died, and she’d been suffering from dementia before that. It was a little hard for me to read. Especially as the town she lived in was also the town my grandparents lived in. And I lost my grandad a few years ago too after he’d been suffering from dementia – among other things. It was fun seeing talk of a town I used to visit a lot, even if the library mentioned isn’t in the location I remember it as a new one was built when I was younger. If this sort of thing upsets you, be warned. The fact it made me feel those things? That’s a good thing in my book, as it meant that it felt realistic. There is also talk of a closeted character, though this doesn’t go into detail. And I kind of wish we’d actually seen a bit more.

Overall, this was a decent and enjoyable read. I’m definitely glad that I picked it up and gave it a go, as it was something a little different to most of the chick-lit I’ve read.

If you are triggered by talk of the pandemic, obviously avoid this novel. But if not, I highly suggest you give this novel a chance. You might be pleasantly surprised.

When Gemma catches her boyfriend with another woman she can't flee London quick enough. Luckily her best friend has a country bolthole that she rarely uses so it will be the perfect escape for a few days. What she doesn't factor into her plans is the announcement of a national lockdown. Mind you there are worse places to be than a gorgeous village with a gorgeous man living at the bottom of your garden.

I was not sure about reading a book set on lockdown as had started another one recently but as it is more gritty I had to stop as it was too close to home at the moment. However this book was different as I loved reading about Gemma and how she spent her lockdown days in the lovely village she unexpectedly found herself in. In fact this is definitely the way to go and I would be interested in reading more stories of fictional characters living through the very real pandemic. I was delighted to read in the acknowledgements that the author was furloughed in 2020 but rather than bake or garden she wrote this book! It was written and submitted within months. It is an impressive debut and has all the ingredients necessary for a very readable romance. Gemma and her cute dog Mabel were a lovable pair and as for Matthew who doesnt love a man who is good with his hands, has an extensive book collection and knows how to make a great cup of coffee. Gemma may be fictional but her emotional lockdown journey is not as she takes the time to reassess her life. I am sure there are aspects of the author's own lockdown experience in the story she tells. In a time when we barely left our houses there is something fascinating to me about seeing how others may have handled a difficult situation. I look forward to seeing Stephen's writing career go from strength to strength.

<b> I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affects my review. With thanks to the author, Netgalley and the publisher. </b>

The book stars with Gemma and her beloved Labrador Mabel waiting on a train out of the city having just come home to find her boyfriend cheating. In a bid to clear her head, Gemma decides to flee the city to the comfort of her best friends free childhood cottage in the West Country.
I have to be honest, I had no idea what or where the west country is but the picture painted by the author was something akin to the village Cameron Diaz finds herself in The Holiday so I wasn't mad about that.

The morning after drowning her sorrows, Gemma is introduced to her new neighbour who lives at the bottom of her garden, Matthew and immediately throws her guard up with him. But then... the UK goes into lockdown and, counting themselves as a single household in a bid to forego the loneliness the impending month of lockdown will bring, Gemma finds herself becoming increasingly attracted to the mysterious man who lives at the bottom of the garden.

I liked the fact this book included the real elements of things that we have lived through in the past year - clap for carers, community drives, lock in quizzes, zoom mishaps etc. It was weird that despite us still being in lockdown essentially, that there was a sense of nostalgia for lockdown 1 that came with reading that.

I'm not going to lie, the romantic aspect didn't sell me all that much for a couple of reasons. *SPOILERS AHEAD*
For one, they had only spoken briefly a total sum of I think 3 times before they all of a sudden had these mad feelings for each other, which didn't really make sense to me. For another, I feel Gemma's character was developed quite a bit, but Matthew not so much. In my mind he seemed more of a background character than the main love interest.
I prefer to have much more smut in my romance reads so perhaps I am a bit biased, but I think that talking about sex adds to the story and overall selling of the relationship and this was lacking in this book. At times it read more like a book about lockdown rather than a book about a romance coming out of lockdown, but like I said, I liked that too but think it could have been balanced better to add more to the love story.

You might think that you absolutely do not want to read a book set in the pandemic but trust me when I say that this book is just what you need to brighten up your day.

The story begins on Sunday 22nd March 2020 when Gemma catches her boyfriend in the act with another woman on her very expensive cushions. Fleeing London to the sanctuary of her friend’s family home in the small fictional village of Crowthorpe in the West Country, she expects to stay there just for a few days until she gets her head around things. And then of course, lockdown happens! So she finds herself somewhat stranded in a house which smells of cheese and which has no mobile signal. All she has for company is her beloved dog, Mabel. Oh and the hot man (Matthew) who lives in the converted barn at the bottom of her garden!

I absolutely loved this book. Although set in the early days of lockdown, that’s not really the main focus. Everyone will though identify with so much of what happens from the clapping for carers, to getting used to wearing masks and keeping your distance, longing for the hairdressers to reopen to enjoying the lovely weather we mostly had back in those early days. In some ways, what Gemma and the other villagers experience at the start of lockdown seems like a lifetime ago and yet at the same time, so recent and familiar.

An attraction soon springs up between Gemma and Matthew and even though in one of her famous lists she has all sorts of reasons why getting together seems to be a bad idea, try telling that to her heart and head – and body. I laughed out loud at a lot of this book and this particular part had me chucking: “Less than two weeks single and you’re perving on the garden help. Get a grip on yourself, Lady Chatterley” she tells herself sternly. Their growing closeness although perhaps happening rather quickly due to their circumstances, was just lovely to read about. It was one of those relationships which you so want to work but wonder if it possibly could when things go back to normal.

I have to mention Mabel, who really was a bit of a star. She is so important to Gemma, having been her beloved late Aunt Laura’s dog. A scene in the local shop where Mabel causes chaos, thus becoming a bit of a local legend, was both really funny but also provided some worrying hours for Gemma. As anyone who has a dog knows, they are a great way to meet people when you move into a area and can help people feel part of a community. I loved the community in this book, the way they were so supportive of each other and the way they took Gemma to their hearts. Gemma, of course, threw herself into improving life for the community in ways which I’m sure many people will recognise from the past few months.

Two Metres from You was such a fun book to read. It’s warm and witty and a celebration of all the good things which have come out of the horrible situation we have been in the past year. It’s a fabulous debut novel, so uplifting and romantic, and I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book!! I was a bit skeptical at first about wanting to read something set in pandemic-world, but this book was able to avoid the more unfortunate aspects of it, and still keep the overall energy light hearted.

I really liked the portrayal of the side characters and thought the book really encapsulated the nuances of living in a rural village. Another thing I really liked was at the beginning of each chapter there were little “to-do” lists that showed where Gemma’s head was at.

3.5 stars — Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a quick read with a cute puppy in it!

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3910389626

Two Metres from you
By Heidi Stephens
Pub Date 17 jun 2021
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
May Contain Spoilers
This book is a brilliant read I loved Gemma character we get to know Gemma through how she deal with living in lockdown. And the daily task and life and Gemma has a lovely dog to in the story. This is a lovely book about lockdown living and the strugglers and the clapping for cares and the pandemic struggles. This story is full of a emotional read you enjoy some scenes you cry through the book with the Memories of lockdown and some part you smile and laugh. I loved Gemma character I loved the country side living and how she coped such a warm loving character. I loved the to do list at the start of every chapter as well and every chapter there was a new plot and scene. I Think this is a important read about lockdown everybody should read I loved this story I enjoyed every chapter. The writing style I loved I can’t wait to read more from this author in the future.

A brilliant novel that sees the bright side of pandemic. If you want to curl up with a hot chocolate or cocktail and enjoy an fun night in then this is the novel to choose, It will leave you with a smile on your face, Great characters, a warm community and the kind of countryside we all dream of living in. What more do you need?

Gemma isn't sure what upsets her more. The fact she just caught her boyfriend cheating, or that he did it on her brand-new Heal's cushions.

All she knows is she needs to put as many miles between her and Fraser as humanly possible. So, when her best friend suggests a restorative few days in the West Country, it seems like the perfect solution.

That is, until the country enters a national lockdown that leaves her stranded. All she has for company is her dog, Mabel. And the mysterious (and handsome!) stranger living at the bottom of her garden . . .

Firstly thanks to Netgalley and Headline for an early review copy of this book.

I ABSOLUTELY loved this book! I find it astounding to think that Heidi wrote this whilst in lockdown and we are getting to read it whilst still in lockdown...(although hopefully not for too much longer!) It was exactly what I needed, a woman moving to a small village and integrating herself as part of the community with a possible romantic link as well....it made me laugh and cry and I am already excited for what Heidi produces next. An excellent debut!

Two Meters From You by Heidi Stephens a must read for any lock-down survivor. Honestly this surprised me so much more than I was expecting, it started okay and I was enjoying it. Then the story got to grips and I was worried I was going to hate it, I’ve just lived a super stressful lockdown and am starting to come out of it, (five cheers for vaccines) but then I got sucked in and it made me so emotional, I was openly sobbing with joy, some of the things that this made me remember of lockdown, the clapping, the sharing, the community spirit were all brought to life in this story, it made me remember the good things about the last year, and there were some good bits. Then you have the story of Gemma and Matthew and that just made me smile, it was nicely done just enough steam to see them set aflame for each other but not so much that you knew what they had for breakfast. When you add the character Mable to the mix I was giggling along and making my own little pooch jealous as I was giggling about another dog! Mable brought something special to the story. This is a debut novel and, in some ways, it does show, but I think that’s the joy of it, you get to know a writer more, you get to watch them grow with their writing, and I plan to do that as Heidi Stephens is certainly an author that we should watch out for.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing an arc copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.

Two Metres from You follows Gemma who after catching her boyfriend cheating on her, escapes to her friend's empty cottage in the country side right around the time England goes into lockdown due to the virus, which is where she meets Matthew. This is a cute book and I thought the handling of the virus and lockdown was done well. I liked the romance and at the start of every Chapter there is a little to-do list which I thought was a nice addition as it feels realistic and gives you an idea of what will be happening in each chapter. I will say that around the 50-60% mark my interest started to fade as the plot slowed down a bit but it did pick up at the end though I did find the ending quite predictable. Overall this was cute, realistic romance set within the backdrop of lockdown life.

I LOVED this. A great example of how to do a lockdown novel without it being grim or horrible. Also a great mostly-closed-door romance in that it was very hot without having to be particularly detailed. And I loved the technique of lists used throughout to show us where the character’s head was at.

Reading about the first lockdown during the third lockdown was always going to be a strange experience but I quite enjoyed this.Gemma and Matthew had a bit of a slow build up but I really liked how things developed between them. Very cute banter. The little village experience was lovely. I really liked how Gemma got actively involved in trying to make everyone’s lockdown experience better with the zoom groups and the swap shop. It was lovely to see her find her place during such strange circumstances. Mabel was adorable. An enjoyable debut (3 ⭐️)

To be honest I wasn’t sure about a lockdown novel as i have had enough of being locked down as it is but i must admit this was a lovely fun and light hearted story that i really enjoyed.

This book was an excellent, light-hearted read and incredibly relevant to the current situations of the world!!

This story is based on lockdown, which you'd think would be a little depressing; however, this story was beautifully lighthearted and contained a new outlook on the doom and gloom that is the virus!

My favourite part of this story? The village life, the cottage and the barn, like honestly, this is my dream put into a book, a bonus would be a sexy working man in a workshop attached to the garden too! The descriptions of these small things were beautiful; I loved the vivid imagery that Heidi brought forward, and it helped me escape into the characters a little more.

The romance was also fantastic. The relationship was filled with unknown tension and just all-around wonder. I love both Gemma and Mathew and thought that they just went together nicely! Of course, there were terrible situations, but they both seemed to bring the best out of each other, and it was beautiful to read!!

I can highly see this as a must-have beach read this summer. I read it in one sitting and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a new, wonderful romance to read.

This book was a really lovely read and a good debut novel. The romance was perfect and warm, I like how it didn't happen immediately but when it did happen, it was very intense. As a character, I'm not really sure I liked Gemma all that much, she didn't seem to come off very well. The romance for me was probably the best part of this book and it really made it wholesome. The coronavirus aspect was sometimes interesting to read but in some parts it was quite boring and also weird. However, I really think this was a good debut and gave it 3.5 stars.

It’s unusual to have a heroine who is an obsessive cleaner but Heidi Stephens has given us just that. Gemma has had a bad breakup just as the pandemic kicked in. She is offered the use of a friend’s cottage in the countryside and heads off there with overflowing bags and her adorable dog. The cottage hasn’t been used for a while, hence the aforementioned cleaning! Then lockdown strikes - we then have a funny and heart warming account of Gemma fitting in with the villagers as she sorts out various ways of helping people get through being trapped in their homes. There is a handsome neighbour, of course, who is no poorly written stereotype. The ending is happy and completely satisfying - if there’s a better book to relieve lockdown depression I’d be very surprised. I’ve enjoyed Heidi Stephens’ work in The Guardian, keeping us up to speed with Strictly and I’m pleased to recommend this book. Looking forward to the next one! Thanks NetGalley for an advance copy.

I LOVED this book! I can't believe it's a debut and can't wait to see what's next for Heidi Stephens.

I wasn't sure about seeing COVID in novels, but it actually made me nostalgic for lockdown one which is quite an achievement!