Another beautiful story from Amanda Prowse Hitch was born and raised on her family farm but she had disabilities which made her feel insecure and sad but when a young man Grayson comes to stay at the farm one day her life changes forever he also has difficulties and is not confident until the two meet and connect instantly it's like two broken souls meeting and coming together they have to face lots of hurdles along the way but slowly and surely they both begin to blossom and get stronger and fight to have a future together a great novel lovely believable characters and with iove at the heart of the story its a must read

I have read many books by Amanda Prowse and was overjoyed to be able to review The things I know.
I find Amanda Prowse's characters always draw me in, pull on my heart strings and keep me enticed from the first chapter to the final.
Thomasina is known as Hitch and has disabilities which made her feel lonely, sad and insecure which was especially worse when her brother moved away.
Hitch longed for more in her life than working on her families farm and had many dreams.
When Grayson comes to stay on the farm, who has difficulties also the two connect and bond which changes both their lives. You follow the ups and downs and the hurdles they have to face.
Loveable characters and a beautifully-written romance.

All I can say is "Thank you Amanda Prowse" ! I feel privileged to have been allowed to enter the wonderful world of Thomasina and Grayson and assorted animals. What a fabulous book! I have loved every one of Amanda's books but this one is my absolute favourite. Her sure grasp of someone living on the spectrum is encapsulated in her portrayal of Grayson . His character is so rounded, so lovingly drawn , with all his individual quirks, challenges and talents and his breathtakingly beautiful and poetic simplicity. I found myself wanting to reach into the book to hug him and look after him. Similarly, the character of Thomasina is so well observed. Everyone who has every been dismissed by society as "different" and been mocked and villified by those too blinkered to see beyond physical imperfections to the beautiful human being within, can empathize with and feel totally invested n her life and longings. At times during the book, I found myself feeling physically sick with dread for them and praying that they would get their happy ending. I don't think I have ever cared so much about fictitious characters! That of course is down to the genius of Amanda's writing. Her prose draws you in to her world with her such lovingly drawn and fully fleshed characters, both human and animal. This book also gave voice to the poetry in her soul with the most glorious passages of dialogue. I haven't the words to do justice to this masterpiece of a book but urge you to read it for yourselves and immerse yourselves in all its myriad emotions and life affirming beauty.

The things I know...
...this book is full of happiness and sadness and hope.
As a parent of 2 children with additional needs, one with a very rare chromosome disorder, I can relate to the family in so many different ways. I love a book that I can get emotionally invested in and this one really tugged at the heartstrings in so many brilliant ways. The characters, especially Hitch and her cousin are incredible. I really enjoyed the dynamics of the relationships between the family members and the local community. It felt like I was there, on the farm, observing Hitch's life as it unfolds and she grows.
I found myself wondering what my daughters life will be like in years to come and glad that I haven't been overly protective of her, full of even more hope for what her future may hold after reading Hitch's story.
I think it is incredibly brave when an author tackles difficult subjects that people are very opinionated and passionate about. Subjects that other shy away from because they can sometimes be considered taboo to talk about. Bullying over Disability and Gender and the struggles around Addiction are all still very prevalent in today's society and yet again with her beautiful writing Amanda has taken something difficult and sometimes controversial and made it relate-able and inspiring.
I'll be completely honest, this review was a really hard one to write. There are so many things I want to shout from the rooftops about the characters and the story but I can't without spoiling it for other readers. So I will just say that it's a truly fantastic story that had my crying in the first chapter and laughing in the last!

I have read many books by this author so was very happy to get an advance copy of her new release.

This book was hard to get into at the beginning. I found it really slow and nearly gave up reading it. I am so glad that I persevered as it improved dramatically and was such a good book

A moving love story of two people who are a bit different

What I love about Amanda Prowse's books is that they always shows her empathy towards those who don't quite fit in. Thomasina is known as Hitch because of her awkward gait caused by her twisted body. She lives and works hard with her brother on her parents' farm, where her family protect her from the unkind world. Although slow to learn, she gains release form the constraints of her life by expressing her thoughts and dreams on paper. She longs to go to New York, have a boyfriend and have sparkly red shoes. Her parents tell her she is 'different' but she longs to find out exactly how different.

When her brother, Jonathan, goes to work on a ranch in America, she realises that her own dreams of escape have been crushed, as her elderly parents rely on her to support them on the farm. Then Grayson Potts comes to stay at their B&B. Like her, he feels himself a misfit and constrained by his needy mother, an alcoholic, with whom he shares a tiny London flat. They make an instant connection and make each other happy, but their lives are so different. He is a stockbroker, she a farm girl. Can they make a future together?

I love the fact that, as Thomasina gains in confidence, she becomes known by her proper name, rather than the derogatory nickname used by even her parents. A beautifully-written romance, with pathos and humour.

Prowse has written a touching story of a woman who yearns for more than livng on a farm under her family's loving, but cloying care. Hitch has some challenges in life, but she has a vision of where she wants to go. Hitch's story unfolds as the drama plays out Around her. When all seems lost, her life turns around in the most unexpected ways.

Amanda never fails to amaze me with her books This was just such a lovely story about two people who met against the odds, and overcame all the problems that came their way.

I almost gave up on this book as I found it to be quite slow at the beginning I'm glad a perservered, it was an enjoyable read.

Amanda Prowse is one of my absolute favourite authors and I always pick up her books when I am looking for a book to immerse myself into and this book was no exception.

Amanda writes with such passion and relevance her books never fail to pull you in from the first few pages. The Things I Know introduces you to the lovely Thomasina (Hitch), giving you an insight into her life on her families beloved Waycott farm with Daphne her favourite chicken and her faithful Collie

Hitch has only ever wanted what all girls want, to feel pretty, wear pretty shoes, to be able to make plans and have dreams with someone to share it all with. In this story you embark on a journey with her where you get glimpses of her childhood experiences that have created the feelings she now experiences and where you see her meet Grayson when he arrives to stay at the B&B on the farm and this sets a chain of events into motion.

I absolutely loved this book, it was a beautiful story full of love and compassion that carries such a relevant and important message that is especially important in todays society, when people seem happy to openly pass judgement and share negative comments on social media.

Amanda Prowse has a superb knack of tapping into her characters and visually creating them in her stories, she makes you feel as if you are standing alongside her watching her characters and stories unfold. She leaves a part of herself in each book and manages to evoke emotion and happiness through her writing and her books are always an absolute pleasure to read.

Loved this book. Prowse writes so well about human emotions and her characters are as deep as ever. A slow starter, but so enjoyable and worth a read. Accessible but heart wrenching.

But of slow starter but persevere its so worth it. As always a truly lovely book from Amanda that really focuses on deep emotions and totally pulls the reader in.

If you’re looking for a book that leaves you with a warm fuzzy feeling The things I know is the one for you. I am a huge Amanda Prowse fan and she has written another winner!!


The main character Thomasina (Hitch) is a girl faced with many difficulties but all she wishes for is to feel pretty, find love and wear pretty sparkly shoes. She lives at Walcott farm with her caring family and beloved chickens and faithful dog.

Grayson arrives to stay on the farm and Thomasina catches a glimpse of happiness. There are lots of obstacles in their way and I was hoping that these could be overcome against the odds.

I grew up in the countryside and the beautiful descriptions of country life took me back to my happy childhood. The hurdles faced by children with additional needs also resounded with me. As a grandparent who experiences the issues daily I really related for the need to protect against the necessity of allowing independence and life experiences.

Amanda is a genius at portraying real life and real people. Her characters are so beautifully observed I I can immediately imagine people from my own life behaving as they do.

The need to fit it, confirm to the norm and ultimately find your own happiness was the strongest message I took from this beautiful book. It made me laugh, cry and smile in equal measure.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishers and Amanda Prowse for the opportunity to read this heartwarming book.,

I love Amanda's books and I was looking forward to getting started with this one. I was saving it for the weekend as I knew I wouldn't be able to put it down. I couldn't wait - when I started this I had 10 minutes reading time whilst eating breakfast but found myself still reading an hour later. I wanted to savour it, but couldn't stop reading and finished it later in the day. A beautiful touching story which will stay with me.

Amanda is such a talented writer - as with all of her books, I was drawn in from the start and became so emotionally invested in the characters. I was willing a happy ending for Thomasina and Grayson. This is a beautifully written story about being a bit different and the difficulties this causes in our society. It is a story with sadness, family relationships, finding happiness and, most of all, hope. I wanted to reach into the book and give Thomasina a big hug. I loved the farmyard setting and descriptions of the farm meant I could picture it so clearly including Daphne, Thomasina's favourite chicken and faithful friend Buddy the collie dog.

I can't recommend this book highly enough - I would give more than 5 stars if I could. A wonderful uplifting emotional read - fabulous, I loved it.

I do love Amanda Prowse and her books. Ever since I read the first one, I have been hooked, and I was really looking forward to this new one.

Delving into the mind and world of Thomasina, or Hitch, as she is known, and reading about her meeting Grayson, and falling in love, felt like a privilege.

I have to commend Amanda for executing the nuances of this novel with such sympathy and grace. The thoughts and feelings of someone with a disability, but a person who is like everyone else, someone who wants her own life, and to be able to do everything others do, without the limitations that have been imposed upon her by her own loved ones.

That, and her capture of a person on the spectrum, someone whose thought process is so very different to the majority of the world.

And their love story.

I was hooked. I loved Pops and Mum, and I adored Thom and Gray!

One of my favourite quotes from the book - " I like the way you care for my daughter and, for the record, I happen to agree with you. I think she's pretty perfect too." Thomasina's Pops.

There's a lesson in this - in the end, anything is possible - you just have to make that first step towards change.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing and Amanda Prowse for an ARC, in exchange for an honest review.

Is there anything more powerful than the written word?
Once again Amanda Prowse has written a true masterpiece. The characters came to life with her carefully written descriptions. Thomasina and Grayson are adorable characters; I loved watching them grow throughout the story!! Because these two don't fit into 'society's norm' they have both unnecessary prejudices.
Everything about this book just knitted together so brilliantly: the location, the characters with their hectic lives.
I'm sure this book will fly off the bookshelves.

A good read with well developed characters, not one of my favourites from Amanda but nevertheless a well written book which I recommend.

Thank you to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

This is another great read from Amanda Prowse. In this story, Thomasina, a young woman, lives and works on her family farm in the West Country. She was born with a number of health issues, including a deformed hand and foot, and a cleft palate which has been badly repaired. She has grown up bearing the brunt of other people's name calling and believes she will never have the life that she longs for - she would love to go to New York and own a pair of red sparkly shoes. She also longs for a proper boyfriend and a place of her own to call home. Then one day Grayson Potts arrives at the farm as a B and B guest. He too has his problems - he is clearly on the autism spectrum and leads a lonely existence with his alcoholic mother in London. But will the course of true love run smoothly for these two? This is a love story with a difference, which I recommend as a lovely, heart warming read. Thanks to NetGalley for a preview copy.
Copied to Goodreads.

Amanda Prowse once again a beautifully written story.
A heartwarming story set on a farm where we meet Hitch and her family.
The characters had depth and I loved Hitch and Grayson, and the fact they were both very special people who had their share of challenges.
Life hasn’t been easy for either of them and I felt for them with the challenges they came up against.
The story left me with a smile on my face.
I highly recommend

A beautiful and heartwarming love story of two people, Thomasina and Grayson, who are considered a “bit different” to others. Their story will pull on your heartstrings as you watch the instant connection they make with each other when they first meet. Their story is full of overcoming life’s obstacles and proving that you can do anything if you put your mind to it. A truly touching, powerful, empowering story that I highly recommend you read.
Many thanks to NetGallery, the publisher and author, Amanda Prowse, for the opportunity to to read this wonderful book. This is my true and honest review.

A wonderfully heartwarming book from an amazing author . This book is like a really warm hug just when you need one . Beautiful characters and heartwarming storyline .

I loved this story and was rooting for Hitch the whole way through and it's true that when you start to assert yourself, life does get better. I would recommend this book 100/%. Amanda has done it again and written a book that just tugs at your heart strings. I would like to thank the publishers and netgalley for letting me have the book to review and the opinions expressed are entirely my own views.

The Things I Know is another beautiful love story from Amanda Prowse. It tells the story of Thomasina ‘Hitch’ Waycott and Grayson Potts. At the end of each chapter, Thomasina writes in her journal about the things she knows. I’m sure I’ll not be the only reviewer to write their thoughts this way, but I thought it seemed a good way to layout my review.

So in the style of Thomasina, these are the things I know…

I know that Amanda Prowse has a real knack for creating characters that you take to your heart.

I know that I immediately felt protective of Hitch, as she was known as at the beginning of the story, and perhaps that was the trouble. She had a few disabilities which meant that her parents, with the best of intentions, had been too protective and hadn’t given her the chance to shine.

I know that Grayson with his straightforward way of looking at the world, saw past every physical problem and right to the heart of who Thomasina was and what she could be. And I loved him for that.

I know that this is the story of two people who never quite seemed to fit in, finding their place with each other and their place in the world.

I know that wanting your own cake tins is possibly one of the most lovely things you could wish for. That will make sense when you read the book!

I know that Amanda Prowse writes about the issues in this book in a sensitive and relatable way: special or different needs, addiction and bullying.

I know that this is a book which will evoke all kinds of emotions. You will smile, you will feel angry, you will laugh, you may find a lump in your throat.

I know that I was holding in my breath in the last chapter wondering how it would all end for Thomasina and Grayson.

I know that if you have loved Amanda Prowse’s previous novels then you will love this one too.

I simply love the way Amanda brings her characters to life. She draws you into their world and soon you start to laugh and cry with them. The things I know is another fantastic book which draws you into a simple life far away from the city and into the life of a young woman who wants to change her life and how she feels trapped with all the obligations around her. It takes us on a journey of her struggles and triumphs and you find yourself wanting the best for her. Great book by a fabulous author!

I know that Amanda has written another epic tale.

I know that Amanda has once again drawn me in.

I know that the story of Thom and Gray just reminds us that love and a happy life can find us all regardless of ability and looks.

I know that you will enjoy reading about Thom and Gray as much as Amanda's other books.

"And I know that some days I'm happy and other day's I'm sad, but that's the same for everyone, isn't it?"
This is a beautiful love story between two young adults.
Their meeting was fate.
Thomasina aka Hitch helps to run her family farm that also has a B&B.
A young quiet, honest man named Grayson Potts comes to stay for two days while at a presentation for his work.
This is their journey. Not all love and beauty, but definitely uplifting, challenging and enlightening.
You will love these two people!
I came away from this novel with the prayer that people who read this book by Amanda Prowse will see people with disabilities as people first.
"I know I need to find the courage to chase the life I deserve."
Everyone has goals, dreams and desires!
Wonderful story!

Review
Thank you @netgalley and @mrsamandaprowse for the advanced copy of The Things You know.
I was delighted to receive this advanced copy of this book as a big fan of this author.
I really enjoyed this book. Thomasina was born with a deformed lip, and crooked limbs and was treated like a child by her family. Then she meets Grayson, and he sees past her flaws and they form a bond.
This book is light hearted and an easy read, the main character captures your heart a little.

3.5 stars.
I loved the characters, the rural setting (West Country, England) and how these two lonely and different from the norm individuals find comfort in each other and fall in love without too much drama.
This is also a wonderful story about a place - the small village of Austley Morton – and a home (the heroine’s, Waycott Farm), the hardships, uncertainty but also beauty of farming and rural life.
Thomasina is a great heroine, strong and resilient despite all the obstacles life threw in her way. Her relationship with the dog, the hens and the cows is heartwarming, and sometimes hilarious.
Grayson is a peculiar man, I was expecting his aloofness and lack of social skills to be a bit more elaboratd.
The dialogue between Thomasina and Grasyson in the second half of the book sometimes felt contrived and I think the hero’s mother dramatics was a bit over the top.

Amanda Prowse has written another brilliant novel that is both relatable and moving. I felt true empathy for the characters, especially with Hitch (Thomasina). Two misfits navigating a world where things for them are not automatically easy. The story-line is gripping and the characters credible and likeable. Whilst it has not taken the 'top spot' on my favourite Amanda Prowse reads it certainly scores highly and a recommend it to fans and new readers alike.

I was Captivated from the prologue !
Thomasina “Hitch” knows first hand that life is not fair for Hitch everyday is the same as the day before. While she dreams to see the world , fall in love, live a life, without her physical difficulties , she is reminded by her mom that she is different.
Grayson has his own struggles, only knowing the world as hard and cold, until he meets Hitch. These two could not compliment each other any more, two complete soul mates, who just bring out the best in each other !
This book was so unexpected for me, I went in without knowing anything about it and yet, it’s so beautifully written and the author has a way of bringing the readers attentional the little things, pillows, eggs, sunrises .
I loved this book and these characters will stay with me for a long time.

Another wonderful uplifting Amanda prowse read, gorgeous charecters with a lovely story, already can't wait for the next one

Amanda has done it again. I have loved every one of her books and this is no exception. It’s a lovely easy reading about two characters who feel they are different to other people and how they fall in love. It just goes to show there is someone for everybody in this world regardless of looks and ability to do normal everyday tasks without a struggle. I highly recommend this book and all of Amanda books, you will be in for a treat!!

This book was sad, happy and intense at times. I loved how driven the main character is and how she wants to experience all she can! I enjoyed the story!
Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for the early copy

In this book Amanda once again manages to create some very real characters with a real persons faults and foibles, and puts them in the ‘real’ world where people aren’t always very nice, and some people can let you down, whilst others can be surprisingly good.

‘Hitch’ lives on a remote farm and B&B with her parents. She has a badly repaired cleft palate (hence her nickname) and deformed limbs, and whilst her parents protect her as best they can she is used to being teased and taken advantage of.

When a businessman, Grayson, with his own special eccentricities comes to stay at the B&B both see something in the other that they can relate to, and both see past the differences and difficulties the world sees. Both are used to being told that they are different in a negative way, but in each other they both find the best of themselves.

The things I know
1. I love this book.
2. I love Amanda Prowse’s writing.
3. I would love to go and stay in the B&B on the farm. 😀

The Things I Know, Amanda Prowse

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: general fiction (Adult), women's fiction

Ah no....usual moan :-( Why, why do we have women's fiction as a category? Why assume men won't/don't read romance – they do, they write it and read it.

With that off my chest, on to the book. I loved it. I've read several by Amanda now and she creates characters that feel incredibly real, and scenes that are like snippets for everyday life. That means the plots too feel genuine, and that's what I want in a story. Something I can believe in.

I adored Hitch, hated that name that epitomizes her disability. She's adored by her parents, but as often happens when children have disabilities, they are so scared for her they restrict her, smother her almost, and treat her like a child, always soothing and not really listening to what she wants now she's older. It must be hard seeing your child upset and the natural temptation is to keep them close, keep them away from harm. Hitch though is feeling a bit lost by life, its a wash, rinse, repeat kind of time for her and she wants a future of her own, a family, her own cake tins. That looks like its not on for her until Grayson Potts comes to stay, and he and Hitch see something in each other that completes them, makes them feel whole. Grayson too has issues, ones that make it difficult for him to relate to others but give him a talent in the finance industry.

They become close, even though its just a couple of days, and gradually both spread their wings a bit and look to a future. I loved when hitch became Thomasina. Its not without traumas though, problems, pitfalls and unpleasant people.
I loved that Amanda showed that disabled folk want – and should have – more than just a safe life, that its OK to want more, that they are the same as anyone else and should be treated that way. The older I get the more I see “normal” as mythical, really we're all someone along a sliding scale of normal, not one fixed point that denotes it and anyone away from that magic mark is not normal, and shouldn't expect to have the same rights, realities, life expectations as those who fit that narrow criteria.

Stars: Five, another great read from Amanda, and one to keep for re-reading. Such a wonderful story, no deep dark dramas, but a gentle spreading of wings from two wonderful characters.

Arc via Netgalley and publishers

The Things I Know By Amanda Prowse, reviewed for Netgalley

I find Amanda’s books a treat to read every time. I am always drawn to her book covers and the titles give just a hint of what to expect.
Thomasina ‘Hitch’ Waycott loves living and working on the remote family farm and B&B. But she also wants more. To see the world. To own her own home. To fall madly in love.

But those are fairy tales, and if her life is a fairy tale, then she’s the ugly duckling. Her deformed lip, her crooked limbs and her weak heart have kept her from taking chances. But that’s about to change.

When Grayson Potts comes to stay, he’s unlike anyone Thomasina has ever met. He’s aloof, eccentric and exceptionally kind. He’s also totally unconcerned with the physical flaws that have always defined Thomasina.

The two form a bond that neither has had before. It’s possible that it could become something more, but Thomasina also wonders if it’s too good to be true. By putting her heart on the line, Thomasina may open herself to heartbreak. But she may also open herself to so much more.

This is such a sweet story, whilst at the same time not straight forward. Is life ever?

Hitch tells the story from her point of view (maybe a story from another point of view such as Emery could work too).

I really wanted to savour this story! I could envisage the characters and hear their voices, I really love how it’s written. I was able to smile laugh and be choked by emotion!

It’s a story of family, relationships and how gritty life can be with the cards that we are dealt.
Based down the road from me in Bristol, The Things I Know, I’d recommend you to read it.

"An itty bitty scrap of a thing" is how Thomasina's Mother described her to friends after she was born with a cleft palate, a twist to her toes and a couple of bent up fingers. She also described her as "a fighter and no mistake".
Fondly called Hitch by her family due to the appearance of her lip , she feels very loved by her parents but also somewhat over-protected. Following the visit of an American couple who stay over at Waycott, the family farm, Hitch has dreams of one day going to New York to, amongst other things, drink cworfee, inspired by her younger Brother Jonathan who has already flown the family nest and business and gone to the states.
A guest by the name of Grayson comes to stay at the farm . Grayson is geeky, shy and very different and he also sees past Hitch's disabilities .He's kind and caring and out of respect for her he requests that Hitch in future be referred to by him and everyone else as Thomasina,. Their relationship develops very quickly and the couple soon become close but family responsibilities get in the way of any future together.
I loved Thomasina's character. She was very loyal to her family , caring , kind and vulnerable but also strong at the same time.
Grayson was a very unique character , perfect for Thomasina but at times he frustrated me and I wanted to give him a shake.
In true Amanda Prowse tradition this was a very enjoyable read and highly recommended by me.

Having read the first couple of chapters I was worried, I wasn't mesmerised straight away like I am usually by Amanda's books but I didn't need to fear within the first 5 chapters she had me hooked as usual and it just got better. It was beautifully written, mesmerisingly powerful, the two main characters Hitch and Grayson were special in their own right and together were magical. A true love story and a reminder that nobody is perfect but your perfect in somebodys eyes

Thomasina is a truly wonderful character. I absolutely loved her and felt like we were firm friends by the end of the story. She has had to overcome a lot in her life and put up with more than most. My heart went out to her with how some people treat her and I just wanted to wrap her up and keep her safe of which I soon realised was exactly what she doesn’t want or need.

Mid twenties and still living at home with her parents on the farm, you could quite easily forgive Thomasina for dreaming of bigger and better things. The farm and home life was just wonderful to read of though. Apart from Emery who Isn’t the nicest of people, I wanted to transport myself and join them around the kitchen table whilst they enjoyed the cooked breakfasts and their tea and cake. It made me feel all cosy and warm inside.

Grayson is another fabulous character. If anything this story just has the best characterisation and made the story come to life. I felt like I was going through the emotions of the characters and was totally wrapped up in the story. Only problem with this authors books is as I enjoy them so much they seem to end far to quickly. I could have spent hours more reading and spending time with these wonderful characters.

The Things I Know is a heart warming and endearing read that you will not be able to put down. I couldn’t devour it fast enough as some of the characters will really pull on your heart strings. A truly fabulous read and I hope the author will revisit the characters at some point in the future as they are ones that I know I will think of often. All the stars for this one. Loved it.

I absolutely loved this gorgeous book!
Just when I think this author cannot touch my heartstrings more than her last book, she goes and does it again, with bells on!
Such a tender love story between two beautiful souls.
You just find yourself willing them on in their relationship.
Hitch is such a strong character, yet you see all the upset and unhappiness that she carries with her daily. Then along comes Gray, a person who is unlike all others, who has the ability to see Hitch as someone who he can relate with, who doesn’t judge him. It’s was wonderful to watch them grow and flourish as they got to know each other more.
I loved that it wasn’t your typical characters, my own son does have many of the traits shown by Gray, and it was lovely to see a positive image about being different to others. It really warmed my heart to read this emotional yet positive book.

It’s always a joy when I get to read an Amanda Prowse book and this latest not only tugged at my heart strings but had me pleading for happiness and acceptance for the main character Thomaina ‘Hitch’. Amanda brings to life the characters of Thomasina and her first true boyfriend Grayson Potts in a way that I felt a motherly protection towards them.

This heart-warming tale tells of two people who have struggled with life as they are regarded as different because of either their appearance or eccentricity. I loved the fact that their bond deepened as the story unfolded with a new found confidence in them both. Family and friendships features strongly in this story and sensitive subjects are dealt with honesty.

Beautifully written and inspirational, this moving story gives hope and light to those who consider themselves as different.

My thanks to Amanda and Net Galley for the ARC of The Things I Know, these are my own thoughts.

I received the Kindle edition of The Things I Know as an ARC via NetGalley. My goodness, what a lovely love story. As mom to a child who is somewhat like Grayson, I found so much to love in his unassuming honesty., and recognized his struggle to be understood in a world that works so differently than his own thought processes. Thomasina grabbed my heart from the beginning with her humor and free spirit, just waiting to be set free.

This isn’t a story with lots of intense action, yet I was drawn in from the first page. It was a lovely slice of life story centered around what ended up being a significant turning point for Thomasina. I appreciated her struggle to have her heart and intellect valued and seen despite her physical limitations. I loved that she was a dreamer who, with just a little encouragement, became a doer.

This was a tender and sweet story that so easily could have been depressing and sad, given the serious obstacles that are dealt with, including living with disabilities, bullying, alcoholism, depression, and financial struggle. However, Amanda Prowse has woven a beautiful thread of hope, humor, and determination throughout that will leave you feeling like peeking into Thomasina and Grayson’s hearts was a tremendous gift. One you want to share with a friend.

Inspirational story that gives hope and strength to the ones in need. The story is a well written love story. I adore the characters and truly loved this story! Would highly recommend!!!

Another fabulous read from Amanda Prowse. If you're already a fan, I'm sure you'll love this one too. As always, great writing style and believable, realistic characters. I was drawn into Thomasina/Hitch's story from the very start and felt she was a loved friend by the end. Highly recommended!

Another lovely warm emotional novel by Amanda Prowse I look forward to reading her books can always count on being taken in to the world the lives of her characters a curl up in your favorite reading spot sit back and enjoy.#netgalley # amazonuk

The Things I Know
Amanda Prowse
To be published:
June 25, 2019


Thomasina Waycott was never a normal English girl. From the time that she was born she lived with the stigma of being different. She lived with others calling her names, making fun of her walk, of her hand that was not quite right. Worst of all, her lip was cleft. Doctors tried to fix the problem when she was born but it was a small town. Surgical techniques were not as good as they are now so her smile was crooked. When she finished with school she didn’t go on to college like her brother, Jonathan or others in her class. Her mother told her that she probably couldn’t handle the studies so she worked the farm, raised the chickens and helped with the cows.
Because of her odd lips people began to call her Hitch at a young age. Her cousin, Emery arrived to help when Jonathan left to work in the states. She could live with some of the teasing but Emery called her names that were terrible. When he was with his friends it was the worst. If she had told her mom and pops they would have reminded her that he was kin and he was kidding her. She couldn’t repeat the names, it was too humiliating.
They ran a bed and breakfast to cater to folks who prefered to stay in the country while visiting Bristal nearby. Visitors helped out. Some with gathering of eggs, driving the tractor or just they fished in the stream that passed the farm. Such a guest arrived earlier than expected one morning. Thomasina was not quite ready for the new arrival. She saw the tall gentleman exit the taxi with his bag. He went to the house looking for guidance when Thomasina called out to him. Mr. Grayson Potts greeted her asking for assistance. She inquired his name while trying to hang on to Daphne, a large chicken. This wonderful tale really begins here with Hitch and Mr. Potts, two people who live in different worlds but each living a sheltered life secluded and mostly unhappy.
I was taken with the story from the Prologue. It was such a magical narrative of these wondrous, young adults each trying to find a way to be happy. I had never read works by Amanda Prowse before so I can’t compare this to others she has published, however this is such well written prose. The Things I Know by Amanda Prowse is published by Lake Union Publishing. It is due to come out on June 25, 2019. I heartily recommend this novel. It is one I won’t forget and will probably read again.

Another amazing book from Amanda who does not disappoint. We follow the main female character Hitch’s life journey as well as her family and friends. Great writing style as always and believable characters. Another book I didn’t want to put down as I was always left wanting to know more. Wonderful characters, wonderful story telling and a wonderful book. Please write another book based on these characters.

A wonderful and heart-warming romance, and thankfully, one with more realistic characters. I could relate to Thomasina's character because of her disabilities. People can be cruel with their words and looks, but Thomasina wants to break free from the limitations placed on her. An instant connection with Grayson gives her hope for the future.

I loved this book. The characters are adorable and easy to love. Its not Amandas normal heart breaker but is an immensely warm, well written story of family love and growth.

I really enjoyed this

Another lovely endearing read from Amanda! I have read all Amanda’s previous books and was really looking forward to this one!
This books tells the tale of thomasina and Grayson, both struggling to confirm to the norm, thomasina due to physical disabilities and Grayson due to his understanding and mannerisms. Despite this and the complex family situations they find themselves in, they triumph over it all to have a relationship and save the farm which is so important to thomasina and her family! A beautiful tale of triumph over adversity with a lovely happy ending!
Thank you so much net galley for this early read!