Thank you Netgalley for the advance copy. I don't know if this book would have crossed my path if I'd not been emailed about it and now I want to read all Eve's other stuff.

Absolutely loved this book. I read it in a day. Great characters who you really root for.

Duckling is one of those books making me realize how privileged and thankful I am for being able to read books through Netgalley. Not sure if this book would have found its way to me otherwise, but I'm glad it did.

This is a very down to earth, yet sort of sad story about how guilt and unease, even fear, can hold someone back. About not leaving one's comfort zone just for the sake of it.
I enjoyed and keep coming back to the scene Brian's tearoom for a Sunday brunch before all hell broke loose.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book.

This was an unusual read with an intriguing main character in Lucy who was damaged by her childhood, considers herself a bit of a freak, has no self confidence and as such outside of work keeps herself to herself. Told primarily over a couple of days when Lucy is very unexpectedly asked to look after her young neighbour Rubi for a few hours but this turns into overnight and longer and Lucy becomes increasingly concerned by what might have happened to Rubi’s mum. Lucy was a very memorable character, brilliantly awkward and uncomfortable and Rubi was bright but with great bursts of six year olds insight and worry. With a few other characters about whom Lucy’s perspective changes through the story this is an unexpected gem. 9/10

This was a quick, easy and uplifting read that was well written with a loveable and relatable protagonist and a heartwarming storyline. I will definitely be looking for more from this authore. I loved it.

'Duckling' by Eve Ainsworth is a life-affirming, heart-warming tale of Lucy, a lonely, shy young woman who gets left with her neighbour's child one day. Rubi is a precocious but loveable little girl of nearly 8, who gradually wins Lucy's love, and at the same time teaches her to trust again. Eve Ainsworth is an expert at writing about families, relationships and the challenges and complexities of modern life. I raced through this book, desperate to find out what happens. A fast-paced, moving book, for all readers who love a contemporary mystery with a heart.