After having read and adored the Last List of Mabel Beaumont by Laura Pearson, I knew I just had to get my hands on her latest book and it certainly did not disappoint!

The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up is a tenderly told tale that centres around the very difficult, but tragically all too prevalent topic of domestic abuse. Laura Pearson writes the story with incredible insight, tackling the endless complexities of the issue with a stark empathy and palpable passion.

The novel centres around Shelley, a woman who wakes up from a coma after her husband tried to kill her, only to find that not everything is quite as it seems. Emotional, confronting and ultimately uplifting, not only are the dark corners of the female experience explored, but also the light; showcasing strong female characters, and fierce friendships between women. Whilst this book was certainly emotionally gruelling at times, there was an ever persistent thread of hope throughout.

An empathetic and hopeful story, Shelly Woodhouse is an important book about womanhood, with an incredibly strong and lovable protagonist.

Shelley wakes up from a coma with fractured memories of her husband trying to kill her.
A powerful story of memory, loss, love and new beginnings.
Told over two timelines showing in Shelley currently in hospital and then in flashbacks slowly detailing the long history of family violence.
Warning this book deals with domestic violence but in a respectful way showing kindness for the characters and the awful situation they find themselves in.
Shelley is an interesting, funny, brave woman, who doesn’t let being abused define her, showing that love and friendship always wins in the end, her strength shines through.
It’s a difficult, emotional read, with a mysterious element as well as the emotional drama.
Thanks @laurapauthor, @boldwoodbooks & @netgalley for the powerful read

When Shelley wake up from a coma in hospital the first thing that she says is that her husband must be arrested for attempted murder, however all is not as it seems. As the story develops, switching between present day and the past, things aren't what they initially seem.
This is definitely different to the type of story that I normally read. It is very deep, but be aware that domestic violence is heavily involved. As her memories are gradually returning there are some real surprises, both good and bad. Overall it is full of positive moments though, not just a series of downbeat ones. Maybe this is one that more men should read so that we are more aware of actually happens out in the real world. Highly recommend.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book

The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up had me absolutely HOOKED from the very first chapter. It told me everything I needed to know and made me desperate to turn the page to find out what happened next. And that's how it was for the whole of the rest of the book.

The narrative is told over a dual timeline, and usually when a book is structured this way, I find myself drawn to one timeline over the other. Not so in this case: I was wholly invested in both aspects of the story. The timelines knitted together seamlessly to give me a large and full picture of what was going on.

Shelley herself is an interesting character and I love how Pearson doesn't try to explain and rationalise all of her thoughts and decisions. She allows Shelley to be and to feel in the same we us living breathing human beings do. It's a lesson in not over-explaining to you reader and one I fully intend to think about while I'm writing my own books.

A subtle, but compelling page-turner!

I was really looking forward to this new book from Laura Pearson after loving Mabel Beaumont and I was not disappointed. It did not have the humour of Mabel but that humour would not have worked with this book due to the subject matter but both are great books.

Shelley wakes up from a coma, her memories are not clear but she is convinced that her abusive husband pushed her down the stairs and needs to be arrested. The hospital staff do not seem to take her seriously. She is visited by her best friend Dee who tells her that she has been in and out of consciousness and didn’t want to be told the truth and wanted to remember it by herself. She is also visited by a hospital visitor who is a man she feels she can trust.

The book is told in two timelines, current time and back in Shelley’s past and leading up to what caused her to be in a coma. Shelley has a history of domestic abuse from a boyfriend of her mother and her own husband. Can she break the cycle and find out what happened to her.

TW: domestic violence

Shelley Woodhouse wakes from a coma in 2017 with very little memory of how she got there, other than her violent husband pushing her down the stairs. As the days pass in on hospital, it becomes apparent that she's forgotten much more than she first realises and there's a big chapter of her life she needs to piece back together. With the help of her friend Dee and the hospital staff, Shelley can begin the process of returning to get old life, but there are a lot of demons to face along the way.

This is such a beautifully written story, despite the tough subject matter it's uplifting and heart warming. It was so gripping, I read this in 4 hours and didn't want to put it down.

I’ve been awake for most of the night as I had to finish this book!
Shelley wakes up in hospital, she can recall being pushed by her husband but not much else about her life. The chapters alternate between the present and the past as Shelley tries to put the pieces back together again.
This book is just sooooooo much more but without spoiling the story, I can’t tell you anything else. Theres some really strong and wonderful female characters throughout though, Granny Rose, Dee and especially, Shelley.

Another amazing read by this talented author; my top read of the year so far! 🥇

This book was so wonderfully written.

Shelley Woodhouse is a lady who has every reason to not trust men. She has been through her fair share of bad experiences of them which makes her ending even more wonderful.
I loved how this story goes back and forth allowing for good character development for all of the characters without it being too confusing.
I’m not sure how Pearson did it but she made a story about someone being in a coma and coming out of it interesting. The story is mainly focused around one building and Shelley in bed for a lot of it but yet it was one of the most impactful stories I have read for a long time.

I also really enjoyed how Pearson touched on a very taboo subject but did so with respect and understanding, it wasn’t rushed, it was evidently thought out and even though there was a lot of shocking factors it didn’t feel like the author had used them for that ultimate shock factor.

Another absolutely gorgeous book from Laura Pearson, I loved it!

When Shelley wakes from a coma, she is terrified that her husband will harm her again. She can’t remember exactly what happened to put her in hospital, but she is certain David is to blame.

Told in the present time and in flashbacks to Shelley’s past, we learn her story, along with Shelley, as she slowly recovers her memory.

Beautifully emotive writing and incredible character development combined with a well thought out storyline make this a must-read.

5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Laura Pearson and Boldwood for an ARC in return for an honest review.

Another excellent book from Laura Pearson. Beautifully written, emotional and thought provoking. An addictive read that will stay with me.

I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher in return for an honest review. This review is based entirely on my own thoughts and feelings.

Overall rating : 5*
Writing skill : 5*
Plot: 4*
Pace: 3*
Characters: 5*
Emotiveness: 5*

Wow this book had me feeling all the emotions. I cried at bits that probably didn’t warrant tears but this book was so god damn moving! It was beautifully written, full of amazingly wholesome characters, about a heartbreaking topic I hope no one resonates with. I feel this book will go under the radar but I will be telling anyone who will listen to pick this book up. Utterly wonderful and this book will stay with me for a long time.

Powerful and emotional book.

Shelley Woodhouse wakes up in hospital. What has happened to her? Why is she here?

Warning this book covers sensitive issues of domestic abuse, but handled sensitively.

The book is written in chapters of “Then” and “Now” giving the background of the story, and bringing it together at the end.
It was such a powerful and emotional read, but written so well. I could not put this book down and almost stayed up all night to finish it.
It’s sadly a stark awareness of how many women in today’s world are still living and suffering from another persons anger, and having to endure the consequences.
I thought the book had a well thought out ending and it worked.
A book I will remember.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Publisher for an advanced e-book copy. Opinions about the book are entirely my own.

I adored The Last List Of Mabel Beaumont so I was delighted to have the opportunity to read The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up and it was every bit as wonderful as I thought it would be. Laura Pearson's writing is absolutely beautiful and I love how she manages to capture everything so well - the characters, emotions and descriptions are all totally on point.

The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up has a dual timeline - then and now. I found this to be a really effective way of developing Shelley's character and helping the reader to understand what had happened to her. In the “then” sections of the novel, we begin reading when Shelley is six years old and gradually catch up to the present day. This built the anticipation so well and I struggled to put my Kindle down as the author gradually revealed more and more of Shelley's story.

As I mentioned before, Laura Pearson is brilliant at drawing her characters and I found it really easy to become engaged in Shelley's life. Although she is vulnerable, she is tenacious and I loved these aspects of her personality and I related to her in many ways.
As Shelley is a pub landlady for much of the novel, the author introduces us to a number of different characters, and these were just as compelling. I particularly loved Dee, Liam and Matt, who are all vibrant and full of life.

There are many times when When Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up is not an easy read, as Laura Pearson writes about some very difficult subjects. However, she has researched these so well that it comes across in a really genuine way. As someone with personal experience of the themes, it really struck a chord with me.

There were elements of the ending that I guessed, but this in no way spoilt it for me and I will be keeping Shelley in my heart for some time

Shelley wakes up in the hospital, adamant that her husband, David, pushed her down the stairs and tried to kill her. So why haven’t the police come to take her statement? She is visited by her best friend Dee, and a friendly hospital volunteer, Matt, as she tries to regain her memory.

The first shock comes when Shelley learns it is not 2017, it is 2024. And yes, in 2017 she ended up in the hospital after David pushed her down the straits, but now in 2024 she has a car accident and ended up back again. Trying to piece together her past, and the past 7 years, to find out who she is now and how her life is.

Strong talk of domestic abuse is written beautifully by Pearson. She emotes so well through her writing I always enjoy it.

Its hard to review this book wothout giving too much away
Shelley wakes up in ICU convinced she is there because her husband tried to kill her. What follows is a story of domestic violence repeating itself, hurt , betrayal and then hope and love.
A clever tale that kept me gripped to the end
Laura Pearson has again produced a moving masterpiece about a difficult subject

Seeley Woodhouse has woken up in hospital after being in a coma, not sure who she is or anything about her past.

As she starts to gradually piece together why she is in hospital, its 2017, where is her husband? Is he is jail? Who is the volunteer that comes to visit regularly?

She is shocked when she learns that its 2024, where have the past 7 years gone?

This is a very emotional read with loss, sadness but also with friendship and love, an inspiration for all abused women.

A wonderful read not to be missed!

The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up - Laura Pearson

I have a weakness for books in which the main characters wakes up in hospital with no idea how they got there or the preceding events. What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty, Brain Damage by Freida McFadden and the much darker Abattoir Of Dreams by Mark Tilbury are some of my favourite ever books.

Shelley wakes from a coma, confused and suffering amnesia. She must piece her life and identity together through memories and asking questions of the hospital staff and her visitors.

It's described as uplifting and heartwarming and it has its moments, but there are lots of bad memories and heart wrenching scenes to get through too. I think there should some trigger warnings attached, especially since the cover gives a feel good impression.

I did enjoy it, it's noticeably later on in the book when all the pieces start to fall into place, and I couldn't help but try to speculate why. It's quite brave to keep the main character slightly muddled and unaware for so long and I suppose it comes with the territory.

If you've enjoyed any of the books mentioned or The Storytellers by Caron McKinlay, or you are looking for a different, emotionally involving journey it's worth a look.

Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books

I’m sorry to say that I didn’t really enjoy this one. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read it.

When Shelley Woodhouse wakes up in hospital from a coma, the first thing she says is that her husband must be arrested. He’s the reason she’s in here. She knows it. She remembers what he did. Clearly as anything. But there are things Shelley has forgotten too, including parts of her childhood. And as those start to come back to her, so do other memories. Ones with the power to change everything. But can she trust these new memories, or what anyone around her is telling her? And who is the mysterious hospital volunteer who brings her food and keeps making her smile? Is it possible to find your future when you're confused about your past?

While this was predictable from the start, I still enjoyed it a lot. I love reading about tragic situations and women who find the strength they didn't know they possessed. Pearson's writing is beautiful, and her storytelling ability, the ability to rip your heart to shreds and knit it together again, is powerful. Get the kleenex out! Totally loved this!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced digital reader's copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review!

Laura Pearson is not afraid to tackle difficult topics and she consistently does so with sensitivity and compassion. The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up is no exception.

Shelley’s awakening is both literal and figurative. The book opens with her in the hospital having just awoken from a coma. Her thoughts are muddled, but she believes her husband should be arrested. As her physical injuries begin to heal, she slowly recovers her memory. Ms. Pearson handles Shelley and the reader with gentleness as the story unfolds. Ultimately this book is a journey of healing and hope; of learning who and how to trust.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.