Lean On Me

I love Beth Moran's writing and her way of creating kind, loving characters. Lean on Me is a wonderful story about how important community, friendship, and found family is. Watching Faith's character growth as she learned to trust her friends and love herself was just a heartwarming, life affirming book.

I’ve read quite a few of Beth’s books and have enjoyed every one of them. But I have to say that this one blew me away.

Such an engrossing read with the seemingly straightforward fairy tale love that Faith has for her fiancé Perry but as you read more, you find out just what Faith has survived in her past. Her story moved me and shocked me whilst taking me on Faith’s latest journey with her as she negotiates the different aspects of her life - friendships, wedding plans, her brother Sam and new beginnings.

Faith’s story made me smile, gasp out loud and cry. Beth has written a wonderful story that goes much deeper than I expected originally. Definitely my favourite book of Beth’s - so far!

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read and review.

One of my books of the year, a truly stunning read. Faith has a past, one she has to keep close for her and her brother's safety. Faith isn't even her real name. Now she has a wonderful partner in Perry who is more than happy to help her however there are still some things he doesn't know. He wants a big wedding, or rather his family insist on a big wedding and that Faith wears his mothers hideous wedding dress, known as the ghost web by her and her friend Marilyn. Faith and Marilyn inadvertently join a choir when looking at a wedding venue and find inspiration amongst the members and how the choir is led- something that comes across brilliantly. Can Faith’s life stay on track and even more so her brother who is really struggling with his mental health?

This is one of those reads where there is real inspiration between and on the pages. I say between as it made me think of my own life and reflect on things. There is plenty of humour to balance things and an undertone of Faith’s insecurity. I liked Faith and Marilyn and the things they got up to. The t- shirt and mirror chapter is something perhaps many people should read and think about, it stopped me in my tracks in a very good way. A positive word can go a long way to someone who doesn't see themselves as perhaps others do. A feel good read with that something different.

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Lean on Me was a wonderful read. Wonderful characters, uplifting and at times, heartbreaking. Faith has had a really tough life so far, dealing with various situations since chilhood and looking after her brother, Sam. She comes across a church choir completely by chance and gets dragged into joining them. Hester, the choir mistress, is a force of nature, working hard to get the ladies to believe in themselves, to stand up for themselves and to live their best lives. The choir becomes a family of sisters who support each other through life's trials. Faith gains strength and resilience from this wonderful group of women, as well as the minister of the church who becomes a good friend. A story of overcoming the odds with the support and love of those around you.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

Well I’m rather tired this morning as I have been awake almost all night reading this amazing, literally unputdownable book!!!!!! I only planned to read a chapter before bed however, I became so invested in the characters that I couldn’t put it down!! I would love to find a congregation, choir and pastor such as the ones in Grace Chapel! I haven’t been to church in many years, and I don’t think I can sing but I loved the bond they had and it made me feel a bit lonely when I finished the book, I felt like I had suddenly made a whole new group of friends and then lost them.

Hester was a real force of nature and Marilyn was the best friend any woman could wish for. My heart broke for Faith and her brother Sam dealing with the physical and mental scars left from their childhood. The future in-laws - the Upperton’s were just awful, especially Larissa.
I know that were only a few days into January, but this has to be my best read so far this year and it’ll take a lot to top this one.
I only discovered this author late last year and this is the third book of hers I have read; the rest are on their way to my TBR list this morning.
A five star recommendation is not enough - you have to read this book 📚

This talented author has written a page turner. Realistic characters keep the novel moving quickly. Love and romance, along with family dynamics, add to the story. A wedding dress…a future mother in law…marriage pending…friends…a recipe for happiness or doom…do not try to discern the ending too soon…secrets and red herrings prevent that…another love…curl up in front of a cozy fireplace…get comfy in a favorite chair…grab a cup of steaming herbal tea…be transported to the land of Beth Moran…she gets better with each book. Thanks Netgalley.

This was such a moving but uplifting read with a fantastic main character in Faith who had a horrendous childhood leaving her with only her beloved but troubled brother Sam for support. The effects of their past have left Sam with mental health difficulties and addictions and, desperate to secure support for Sam, Faith agreed to marry millionaire Perry to get him to cover the cost of residential support. It’s easy to see why Faith and Perry are together despite their differences however I loved how, beyond helping Sam, Faith had little interest in Perry’s money and her independence was essential to her. I loved her best friend Marilyn and how she encouraged Faith to stand up for herself not to mention the choir they joined with a gorgeous mix of women and Hester the leader who is determined to make each woman love herself. This does cover some serious issues including abuse and addiction and I think it covers them well but keeping it well balanced with the uplifting moments, of which there are many too. I’ve read several of Beth Moran’s books but for me this was heads and shoulders above them, I was so invested in the characters and their emotions and relationships, it’s a wonderful read.