It looks like I’ve taken a short break from my usual dark psychological thrillers, and I’m thoroughly enjoying the heartwarming, uplifting books that I’ve been reading for some of the blog tours that I’m on. Today’s book – Small Acts of Kindess by Caroline Day – is another one that reminds us that we’ll never know how deep the impact of kindness can be on others. We can never assume what other people are going through, but by treating them kindly, even if only in passing, we can make a huge difference in their lives.

At first glance, it’s quite easy to wonder how on earth three such diverse characters could ever be drawn together?! Well that is the beauty of gorgeous writing! A wonderful author creates a tapestry, weaving the threads together until everything combines to make a perfectly understandable picture that’s beautiful to look at. That’s what Caroline Day has done with her three main characters, Kiki, Ned and Mrs Malley (oh, and we can’t forget Wordsworth, her dog!).

Kiki has come to England from New Zealand and quite honestly I had to question if she was brought up in another century and teleported to this one! Her beloved Yaya (Grandmother) has passed away, and she’s left home in pursuit of her dream – one that her grandmother always encouraged her in: she has always wanted to attend the Glastonbury Festival. But she clearly has no clue what that entails! She seems to think that when she spots anything with the word ‘festival’ in it, that might have something to do with it! She’s somewhat naive, to put it mildly!

Then there’s Ned, who admits that he had taken life very much for granted: things like looking stuff up on Google, walking to the shops, answering a phone … being free! Because Ned has ‘locked-in syndrome’ he is literally locked into his own body with a fully active mind, but the inability to move at all, not even to blink!

Mrs Malley is a grouchy, cantankerous woman who doesn’t have a kind word or thought for anyone. She can barely scrape together a civil word for her dog, Wordsworth! But we discover that he’s not actually her dog. She inherited him from her closest friend and confidante, Harriet – the only person who really knew and understood her. Now that Harriet’s gone, she has nobody left, and she’s absolutely certainly that not a single soul will be able to care for her and what she’s been through, the way Harriet did.

Three very different people, each suffering excruciating pain and trying to get through it in their own way. This story is a reminder that we never know what others are going through – it’s not like a visible scar that’s instantly recognizable. Pain can be so deep-seated, buried so deep down in our psyches that it becomes part of our makeup, and we all react to it in varying ways. But we don’t need to understand it in order to show people kindness. We just need to accept that they are carrying something with them and we might in some small way be able to help them share the load.

It’s a beautiful read (although have tissues handy!) that’s uplifting and hopeful.

Sometimes things happen and for that reason we meet people we might never have met.
Kiki is travelling and trying to find her history. It involves Glastonbury and finding a ticket. She finds herself working in a village where she meets Mrs M and they go on an unexpected journey. Through this Kiki meets Ned and Maxwell who are also on a journey after an unfortunate accident causes Ned a life changing injury.
The story takes us on their lives entwining.
It’s a good book, it took me a while to read so I wouldn’t say it’s one you can’t put down but I enjoyed it. I’ll look out for the authors books in future.

The book introduces us to three diverse characters wonderfully drawn together
Kiki - comes to England from New Zealand following the passing of her beloved Grandmother, Yaya, to follow her dream of attending Glastonbury
Ned - lived an active and exciting life until his accident, he is now living with ‘locked in syndrome’, literally locked in his own body with a fully active mind, hearing and seeing everything around him but being able to respond.
Mrs Malley - still grieving her best friend, she finds herself lonely and isolated with only her dog, Wordsworth for company. She’s grouchy and doesn’t have a good word to say about anyone.
Three very different people all suffering and dealing with pain, but their lives are about to intersect in incredible ways, showing friendship can blossom in the unlikeliest places.
It shows that pain is not always visible and people react to it in varying ways.
But we can show a little kindness to people, whoever they are and share their load.
A very tender, moving and hopeful read, that leaves you with a tear in your eye.
Thanks @carolineday, @zaffrebooks & @netgalley for the inspirational read

Small Acts of Kindness by Caroline Day is a gorgeously written book that captured my heart from the very first page. An utterly delightful and moving read, I found myself instantly caught up in the lives of Kiki, Ned and Mrs Malley. This is a book that will make you laugh out loud one moment and then burst into tears the next, wanting nothing more than to hold these people close as they face the most difficult of circumstances.

Authentically written with a raw honesty that tugs at your heartstrings, the writing style of this book is different to what I’m used to but, once I’d settled into the rhythm of the story, one that worked incredibly well for me. It may not work for everyone, but for me it brought Kiki, Ned and Mrs Malley vividly to life, making them feel like real people to me as I found myself completely immersed in the stories of their lives.

Kiki grew up in New Zealand and has always dreamed of going to Glastonbury Festival. So after the death of her beloved Yaya, the woman who raised her, she decides to travel to the UK in pursuit of her dream. But there is also a personal reason for her journey. One she’s more than determined to get to the bottom of…

Ned has always lived an exciting and active life. But now, after a life changing accident, he’s lying in a hospital bed unable to move or let anyone know that he’s finally woken from his coma. He can hear and see everything around him but, as hard as he tries, he can’t make his body respond. Will he ever be able to let people know he’s awake… or is he destined to remain in this locked in state forever?

Mrs Malley is grieving the loss of her closest friend, the only other person in the world who had known how difficult her marriage to her late husband Roger had been. Isolated and lonely with only her dog, Wordsworth, to keep her company, Mrs Malley is about to encounter someone who really does have the potential to change everything.

Kiki, Ned and Mrs Malley. Three seemingly unconnected people whose lives are about to intersect in ways they never would have thought possible. Friendship can indeed bloom in the unlikeliest of places and these three very different people are about to find out how even the smallest acts of kindness can have far reaching consequences…

A beautifully written book that will stay with me for a long time to come, Small Acts of Kindness is an utterly delightful and incredibly moving read that I adored, leaving me with a warm feeling of hope (and a lot of tears) as the story came to a close.

Highly recommended.

Emotional, Inspiring, and Heartwarming – and if it features a dog, I am bound to love it.

“Small Acts of Kindness” is a poignant novel that weaves together the lives of three seemingly unrelated strangers. Caroline Day masterfully explores the complexities of empathy, human bonds, and the impact of fate on our lives.
Character Development and Relatability: The book introduces us to three main characters: Kiki, Mrs. Malley, and Ned. Each character has their own narrative, and their paths intersect unexpectedly. Their struggles and accomplishments are portrayed with dramatic depth, making them relatable and endearing. Ned, in particular, stands out as a well-researched and compelling character.

Interlinked Lives: Kiki, a traveler from New Zealand, is on her way to the Glastonbury festival after the loss of her grandparents. Ned, once a daredevil, now lies in a coma, aware of his surroundings but unable to communicate. Mrs. Malley grapples with life after losing her husband and friend. Their interactions create a tapestry of connections, emphasising the power of chance encounters.

Themes of Kindness and Communication: “Small Acts of Kindness” delves into the significance of friendships and communication. The novel reminds us that even in challenging times, kindness can illuminate our paths. The rollercoaster of emotions experienced by the characters resonates deeply with readers.

Pace and Heartwarming Moments: While the book is slow-paced, it compensates with numerous heartwarming moments. Day’s writing skillfully captures the essence of human connection, leaving readers both moved and reflective.

Neurological Conditions and Understanding: The author’s portrayal of neurological conditions affecting the characters demonstrates her keen understanding of the challenges faced by those with such conditions. This adds authenticity and depth to the narrative.

In summary, “Small Acts of Kindness” is a special book that invites readers to contemplate the threads that bind us all. Caroline Day’s storytelling prowess shines through, leaving us with a beautifully crafted, touching story. Whether you’re shedding tears or smiling, this novel will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

Thank you to Compulsive Readers for including me in this blog tour!

#SmallActsOfKindness #CarolineDay #BlogTour #CompulsiveReaders

Small Acts of Kindness by @

The story is told from the points of view of three very different characters; Mrs M a cantankerous widow grieving the loss of her best friend, Kiki a Kiwi travelling in South West England in order to find some answers about her family’s past and Ned, a lifestyle influencer who finds himself in a coma unable to communicate with the outside world.

The trio’s paths cross and unexpected friendships are formed leading to a lovely and uplifting read, a cross between Me Before You and Authenticity Project! Despite the situations they find themselves in the book is full of humour and heart.

I’m going to admit – and I know it’s no way to start a review – that it took me a little while to settle into reading this book. First, a moment on a football field that has life-changing consequences for one character, then we pick up the voice of Kiki – apparently wronged by everyone whose path she’s crossed, arriving in the pretty village in her ill-fitting frog wellies. And then another voice – a distinctly miserable older woman, still berating her dead husband and with an apparent grudge against the world in general. I really thought it might become rather heavy going – I’m not a massive fan of quirky, that looked to be the way it was developing, and over a whole book I really thought those voices might begin to grate. But no – I’m really delighted to tell you that this proved to be a book I thoroughly enjoyed, with its three main characters entirely winning my heart, making me laugh and cry in equal measure until I closed it at its perfect end with tear in my eye and a satisfied sigh. Honestly, it’s just wonderful…

Kiki is from New Zealand, brought up by her grandparents in a gypsy caravan after the death of her mother – after losing them, she’s in England to try to find out what happened to her, maybe discover more about her father, and it all hinges on securing an elusive ticket for Glastonbury. And then there’s the mystery of Stan Douglas – in her mixed up mind, she becomes convinced that he’s the man who killed her mother. But, for now, she’s staying at the local pub, working behind the bar – directed there by that misery whose doorstep she turned up on, Mrs Malley. We find that she’s rather struggling after a recent bereavement – not so much her husband Roger, but the loss of her vibrant close friend Harriet a few months earlier. But she does have company – Harriet’s disobedient dog Wordsworth, digging up her lawn, constantly escaping from the garden, and with his own starring role in the story. And then there’s Ned – that accident on the football field first leaves him in a coma, then paralysed, aware of everything happening around him but entirely unable to communicate.

The story is told through their three clear and consistent voices, as their lives intersect and their relationships develop – with unexpected twists and turns, lots of humour, more than a few problems with communication, a number of misunderstandings, interventions (timely, and otherwise) by equally well-drawn supporting characters, moments that are so beautifully uplifting and others that entirely break your heart. The way it unfolds – streams of consciousness from all three distinctive (and yes, definitely quirky…) individuals – might not be to everyone’s taste, but I thought it was just excellent. The pacing of the story is just right too – gentle at times, but a page-turner in every possible way – and the author’s emotional touch is simply perfect. An unusual read, and very different – but I have to say that I absolutely adored it.

There are three main characters in this story Ned, Kiki and Mrs Malley they are strangers each struggling with different things happening in there lives until a unexpected meeting has them getting to know about each other on a deeper level. My favorite character was Mrs Malley and her gorgeous dog as she has some similar characteristics to myself. The plot felt slow paced which I struggled with at times and it made me read slower than I normally would. I did enjoy the message the story portrays which is that it doesn't take much to be kind and it can mean the world to someone, something as simple as saying "Hello" or a cheery smile to a stranger. The comical aspects in the book had me laughing out loud. A lighthearted and influential read.

After reading and loving Hope Nicely's Lessons for Life by this author, I was expecting great things and I was not disappointed The first few pages were hard to get into it, as we plunge into the stream of consciousness of main characters, Kiki, Mrs M and Ned, but the pace soon settles down to give a beautiful and moving story of three people brought together by chance and challenges, who are able to help each other no small way. Kiki is a wonderful character - perhaps a little on the spectrum, which complements her relationship with Ned, who has locked-in syndrome, and Mrs M, an old irascible lady who also has difficulty communicating, before and after her stroke. As Mrs M and Ned strive for some sort of recovery, Kiki is there for them both, even as she follows her own dream of finding out the truth about her long-dead mum. As a bonus, there's a gorgeous basset hound called Wordsworth and a lovely older man, Maxwell, whose sensible outlook is the perfect foil for Kiki's kookiness.
The narrative is well-paced, with plenty humour but also pathos as we are swept along with Ned, Mrs M and Kiki on their journey to a different sort of life to the one they envisaged. Sometimes hearbreaking, but also heartwarming, this is a wonderful follow-up to Caroline Day's debut novel.

When I started reading, I thought ‘what is this?’ A kooky girl from New Zealand called Kiki, who is so naive she appears to have no idea what’s going on. Then there’s Ned, whose active life was cut short by an accident which has left him with locked-in syndrome. Except he’s awake in his head but can’t tell anyone. Then we have Mrs Malley, a crotchety 84-year-old who never minces her words. Not many people like her, apart from her dog Wordsworth, who is always escaping and causing trouble.

How on earth are these characters going to form the basis of any kind of novel? I’ll admit it took me a while to get into it, but when I did, it was a revelation. Not all books need a beautiful heroine, with flowing locks and a size eight figure. Or a ruggedly handsome Mr Darcy, emerging from the water in a soaking wet shirt. Or even a kind old granny who would die for her offspring. Mrs Malley doesn’t have any.

Kiki wears frog wellies and dungaree shorts like a ten-year-old and Ned is – well – locked in, so he can’t fight his corner and win the girl. Mrs M is a cantankerous old bat, except no-one knows what she had to endure in her marriage of 60 plus years to the insufferable Roger. He made her give up work, even though she was runner-up in the Pitman typing competition in Cheltenham in 1952 (I remember this albeit 20 years later – I can even picture the building round the corner from where I live. In fact I think it’s still there).

Mrs M had a friend called Harriet who died shortly after Roger. He never approved of her. She wrote a poem about their bucket list (except she called it something that rhymes with ‘bucket’ but that would never pass Amazon’s rules). It included riding in an open top Jaguar, dying their hair pink and sunbathing in the nude. I’ll pass on the latter thank you.

Poor Kiki. After her Yaya died she came to England to go to Glastonbury and to search for the person who supposedly poisoned her mother. Except she can’t even work out how to use her phone let alone surf the internet. Poor Ned. His life is permanently on hold. Is there any hope that he might recover? His stepfather Maxwell thinks so and he used to be a doctor. And poor Mrs M. All she has left is Wordsworth. But now she has Kiki, who exploded into her life and is probably more trouble than a mad dog. But she reminds Mrs M a little of Harriet, eccentric, and no filter.

By the last few chapters, I didn’t want it to end. And I cried. I admit I cried on and off for about the last two hours. Not sobbing, just a few tears trickling down my face. Just peeling onions darling, nothing to see here. I shall miss them all.

Many thanks to @Tr4cyF3nt0n for inviting me to be part of the #CompulsiveReaders #blogtour and to NetGalley for an ARC.

I read and loved Day's previous book, Hope Nicely’s Lessons for Life, so have been very much looking to reading this one. It is another delightful read, gentle but truly heartwarming.

It is the story of three people, at very different stages in their lives but each facing their own challenges, whose lives unexpectedly become intertwined. Kiki has travelled from New Zealand following the death of her grandparents to find out more about the death of her mother. Ned has been hospitalised following an accident and is unable to communicate but aware of what is going on around him. Mrs Malley is adjusting to life following the recent deaths of both her husband and her best friend.

All three are delightfully engaging characters in their own right, with interesting stories to tell. It is a tale of friendship and of how we communicate with those around us. There is plenty of food for thought but with the more serious elements benefitting from a light touch and some lovely humour, particularly when it comes to the often curmudgeonly Mrs Malley, it is ultimately a story that will warm your heart and make you smile.

I really struggled with is book, it’s slow paced (which I’m not really a fan of personally) I just didn’t really connect with the characters or liked the writing style. There are lots of heartwarming moments which I really enjoyed and it will make you think about friendships and communication.

I’d read Caroline Day’s previous book Hope Nicely’s Lessons for Life and absolutely loved it, so couldn’t wait to read this one.

The story surrounds the 3 main characters, Kiki, Mrs Malley & Ned, who give their own narrative. They become linked together through meeting each other unexpectedly.

This book will definitely make you think about friendships and communication. It’s quite slow paced, which I did struggle with at times, but has lots of heartwarming moments.

Thank you to Netgalley for the chance to read this advanced copy in return of an honest, unbiased review.

I loved this book, it's the story of Kiki, Ned and Mrs Malley and how their lives intertwine. The story is so well written and I was crying by the end! The characters were clearly well researched (especially Ned) - would happily read more by this author.

Three strangers who become interlinked through their meeting. Kiki is trying to get to Glastonbury festival from her home in New Zealand, after the death of her grandparents. Ned, once a daredevil, is now in a coma - aware of what is around him but unable to show it. Mrs Malley adjusting to life after the death of her husband and friend. Their interactions are good to see. Quite slow paced but worth reading.

I enjoyed every page of this book. What a beautiful, funny, touching story.

I read Caroline Day’s previous book Hope Nicely’s Lessons for Life, which told the story of a young adult living with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder as a result of her mother’s consumption of alcohol whilst pregnant. Again, this new book features neurological conditions affecting the characters, where the author seems to have a real knack for understanding and portraying the difficulties that a person suffering these conditions experiences.

I’m not going to go into the plot too much. It is so special and should be enjoyed by the reader without anything more than what the blurb tells you. The story surrounds the three characters mentioned who come together quite by chance. Kiki is new to the country having come over from New Zealand looking for the man who she believes killed her mum. She feels she might find him or at least find out what happened if she can go to the Glastonbury festival. Kiki is a wonderfully unassuming young girl. She’s funny, always willing to help and meets up with the second character Mrs Malley or Mrs M as she likes to call her, whilst working at the local pub where Kiki has managed to find a live in position.

Mrs Malley lives alone, having recently lost both her husband and her best friend. She has Wordsworth to keep her company, a basset hound. He was her friends dog which she adopted after losing her friend. Then there’s Ned who we meet up with when he regains consciousness from the coma he was in after a football accident.

They’re all fabulous characters in their own right, with a back story to tell. All the supporting characters are interesting too, with excellent character development. You’ll go through a roller coaster of emotions reading this, smile, laugh, sympathise, cheer on and find out the fascinating background of Kiki’s life. While I was reading this book the weather was absolutely dire. It had rained for weeks and every time I looked out of the window I was so fed up, yet the situations within this book made me give myself a kick up the back side and look for all the things I had to be grateful for. It’s just that kind of story, both moving and uplifting at the same time.

It’s a story of friendship, perseverance and communication. Do we really listen? Is holding back information for fear of upsetting or hurting those closest to us really in their best interest? This is such a thought provoking book in many ways, yet despite some of the serious situations the narrative follows, it’s done with a lightness of touch that just delights the reader. Fab book

A wonderfully uplifting book with a gentle subtleness which I loved. Told by the voices of three characters, Kiki, Ned and Mary Malley, thrown together in an unexpected way. Just adored Mrs. Malley's narrative, absolute gem of a character making for a few chuckles in the mix. One feels so sorry for Ned especially being manipulated by his best friend Toby and Annabella who I wanted to shake at times. Thoroughly enjoyable different read and will make the reader think about communication.

Absolutely adored this heartwarming tale of worlds colliding and small acts resulting in grand gestures.

I loved all the characters and it had a truly uplifting and brilliant feel to it. Whilst it’s not one for my students, my 6th formers and colleagues would love it.

This was a very considered and thoughtful read about three strangers who are at a transitional point in their lives - Kiki who is trying to find out more about the death of her mother many years ago now the grandparents who raised her in New Zealand have passed away; Ned who finds himself in a literal living nightmare when an accident puts him in a coma which leaves him aware of everything around him but unable to communicate and Mrs Malley who is adjusting to life after the deaths of both her husband and best friend just months apart. This is quite a stream of consciousness read told from each persons view of events around them so it’s quite subtle in how the relationships develop between each other. I found Kiki the loveliest character but the hardest to follow, Ned’s was for me the most interesting character but I loved Mrs M’s curmudgeonliness. This is quite a slow paced but optional read with plenty of uplifting moments in it too and a bittersweet ending.

Sam Acts of Kindness is a gorgeous book that follows different people at pivotal crossroads in their lives. I find readers can relate to at least one of the situations that the main characters are facing if not all. I’m so happy this title is available in the READNOW section and I so look forward to sharing more thoughts and a full review very soon. I find readers will enjoy thus inspiring, uplifting, novel greatly.