Cover Image: The Start of Something

The Start of Something

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Member Reviews

The Start of Something is a fabulous story for lifting your spirits and not just because of the romance.

Both characters have their own narrations which makes it easy to relate to them. There’s a lot going on for them both and I found this just as interesting as their growing friendship.

Interestingly, I found myself taking on the character’s emotions, so much so that I had to ground myself in-between reading!

I loved Bethan’s idea for boosting sales at Bright Hill Nurseries (where she works) and the community felt warm and welcoming. She’s gone through a lot to get where she is today and I loved her grit in making sure Noah comes first. Her past does lead to judgement and conflict though – total indignation from me!

Lachlan didn’t come across to me as your stereotypical squaddie (I like what Miranda Dickinson has done with stereotypes in this story). He’s a little lost after his injury but acceptance isn’t all that he’s dealing with. Riggs got my hackles up! Totally agree with Lachlan when he says ‘Be more dog’ 🙂

I championed these two in their lives and thought the way their friendship develops unique.

Despite the trauma in their separate lives, their interactions not only uplifted them but me too! It was a tonic.

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Amazing book.
Firstly were introduced to Bethan a young single mum who finds life hard just to survive to pay the bills from week to week..its either rhay or stay in a communal hostel type accomodation but she's happy and she's relaxing by the day with her little boy. Bethan is lonely and one day she reaches out to the flat opposite by paper messages on the window. He/ she could be a mass murder for all she knows.
Lachlan is a soldier, hurt in action and recovering a serious accident. He's under an internal investigation so he needs friends at this moment.
They both need a friend but can they make it that far?.
The book is brilliantly written and you can see how friendships happen during the pandemic..Great characters great book..

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This is my first read from this author and I cant wait to go on and read more. The story is really heartwarming and I couldnt put it down.

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A really enjoyable read. The relationship between the two characters was so real and I was turning pages so fast to read the next message between them. Would recommend!

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This fun read keeps you captivated throughout. Relatable characters and plot makes it’s so easy to lose yourself within the narrative.

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I really enjoyed the gentle romance that unfurled between Lachy and Bethan, initially through notes in their respective apartment windows. This was a character-based story rather than a plot-driven one, but that worked perfectly with the tone and nature of the book.

I really enjoyed getting to know both of them so well, about the challenges in their lives that were holding them back from having a relationship and from seeing them overcome them.

Reading this book was like spending time with a loyal friend, catching up over a coffee.

I was sorry when the book ended, and will definitely read more Miranda Dickinson books. The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars was because I didn’t feel it was as strong and sparky as Our Story, which I ADORED.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the ARC.

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The representation in this book was brilliant! I completely adored reading this book, the tempo was perfect for telling the tale and I really enjoyed the writing style.

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A real good romantic story
Two people who need something good in their lives
A well written book
Thanks NetGalley

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A wonderful story that I thoroughly recommend.
The characters of Bethan and Lachie are so well written that I felt like I knew them.
Both of them going through their own issues, a simple note in a window was all it took to get them interacting. I was dying to see what each note said, and loved each one.
I absolutely loved it!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the review copy.

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I always really enjoy Miranda’s writing and although this wasn’t one of her stronger ones for me personally, it was still a great read.

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At first, I struggled with this book. The chapters move between characters and it isn’t always clear which character is ‘speaking.’ I’m glad I carried on reading this book. It is worth reading.

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What a fabulous read!
This had my heart pounding and me saying awwww lots of times. A very unconventional way to make a friend but it worked! It's a glorious story and I fell in love with little Noah.
Brilliant from start to finish
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion

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This is the first book that I’ve read by this author and I really enjoyed it. I struggled at first with the way the chapters alternate between Bethan and Lachlan’s narratives. I felt like I wasn’t seeing quite enough of their lives to care about them as characters if that makes sense?! That said, I really liked the plot as it was different and I found the ending really heart warming. I finished the book with a warm feeling inside and smiling to myself so I guess that’s the sign of a good romance book!

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Amazing! I just couldn't put it down. Looking forward to read more from Miranda Dickinson.
Thanks for the ARC.

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Brilliant contemporary fiction, perfect escapism.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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First time reading a Miranda Dickinson book and I really enjoyed it. Romance isn’t my genre, I’m on netgalley to broaden my reading and I’m glad I was accepted for this book. This was a cute read and it got me hooked! Finished in no time!

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Really enjoyed this book, it was better than I expected. I do love a good romance book, and this ticked all the boxes for me.

Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.

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It would be a very interesting book if not for the lukewarm romance.
Yet another book where two people are in love after like a week one 5minutes long convo.
I found the idea of talking through messages in the windows really cool, but it would be better if they progressed to some other form of communication and not just one sentence per day.
Also being a single mum and Welsh is not a personality trait. Being a soldier is not a personality trait either.
All the characters were extremely one dimensional and I found myself being bored and skimming the book.

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Lachie, who serves in the British Army, is recovering at home from a car accident. And although working with his physiotherapist for weeks now, he has made no progress.

Beth, moves into the flat opposite him with her son Noah, hoping she is finally able to move forward towards a brighter future for them both.

When Beth puts flowers in her window, Lachie leaves a note in his window asking what they are called. A friendship blooms over messages to each other, in a time when both Lachie and Beth can use hope and light in their lives.

The story is written from both Lachie’s and Beth’s persepctive, with alternating chapters give us a glimpse into their lives and their struggles both privately and professionally. Slowly both Lachie and Beth open up to each other through their messages. When they finally meet and bond over planting a border in their gardens, things seems like they are moving in the right direction for them both. If only it wasn’t for the last curve balls life throws at them.

Thought the messages in the window was a wonderful setting for this story, thoroughly loved reading it. This was my first by Miranda Dickinson, and I am for sure going to look out for her previous books.

Thank you NetGalley and HQ, for my eARC in exchange for my honest unedited review.

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I have been waiting for Miranda's new book for what feels like ages. "The Start of Something" is well worth the wait. It is a lovely story told in rotating chapters by Beth and Lachlan.
I was gripped from the start as there is an air a mystery all the way along. Both characters were engaging from the start with the frustrating will they, wont they.
Both had zero expectation at the start and had their previous lives influencing their thoughts.
Would love to read what happens next - a definite sequel to be had.
Look forward to Miranda's next book.

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