I Don't Want to Talk About It (Choc Lit)

Winter Gregory needs to get away from her domineering ex-boyfriend. A trip to a remote Yorkshire village to finish up her book seems like a good place to start (although unfortunately her ex is also her editor). While taking photos in a local cemetery, she meets 8 year old Scarlet, a horse crazy little girl living with her grandmother and gorgeous, but taciturn Alex. Alex doesn’t much care for strangers, he’s still suffering from the tragic death of his sister and stammers as a result. Winter is drawn to this damaged little family and they to her. Winter has had plenty of heartbreak in her own life and hopes that together, perhaps, they can find a way to heal. What a beautiful little story! The characters are so real, their sadness so potent and their love for each other so moving. I smiled through tears at this one. Highly recommended

Thank you to Netgalley and Choc lit for the ARC.

This is the first book by Jane Lovering that I have read. This book is about dealing with grief. In the blurb it says that Dan knows something about Daisy and whilst reading I thought about lost of stuff that he could possibly know about her, I was also prepared to hate Dan but loved him in the end. I loved all the characters as well as the special relationship between Daisy and Winter, also loved Alex with his stammer. My heart went out to Scarlet having lost her mother at a young age and holding on to the last gift her mother gave to her. A question that I asked myself was - Why does Winter write about graveyards, only at the end of the novel will it become clear. I had my suspicions and it was proved to be correct.

A wonderfully written story that touches the heart strings and highly recommended to fans of Chic Lit and Woman's fiction.

Format: Electronic Tissue warning: I didn't need one, but some may sniffle.
HEA: Yep Triggers: death, grief My reviewer rating: 4 out of 5 Recommend to others: yes, unless you don't like plot twists

Firstly, we are introduced to Winter. Winter is an author, coming off the high of a best-selling novel about the dead, their history, and their tombstones. Winter has also just come off a relationship with her editor, Dan. Apparently Dan did a no-no. Made Winter choose between her and her twin sister, Daisy. How rude, right? Yes, that's what Winter thought, too.

So, Winter has traveled to a tiny town in Yorkshire in search of untapped cemeteries to write about the remarkable tombstones. Here, she runs into the sweetest little eight year old, Scarlet. Her mother is buried in the cemetery Winter is studying. Scarlet's legal guardian, Alex, is actually Scarlet's uncle, the brother of Scarlet's mother who died in a sad accident at Alex's work site. This death has caused a few grief issues for both Scarlet and her Uncle. See, Alex has developed a terrible stutter, because he blames himself for the death of his sister. And Scarlet has an attachment to her hobby horse, named Light Bulb.

Winter believes the relationship with her sister, Daisy, is the strongest bond to be had because of their twin bond, so she relies on Daisy for advice on her love (Dan or Alex?) and how to handle her day-to-day activities.

We have a real sweet slow burn between Alex and Winter. Alex is truly endearing despite his stutter. We learn a lot about his character, his woes, worries, strengths, passions, and he's hot to boot.

Winter seems to be strong. We see her work through her issues with parting with Dan her editor/ex-boyfriend, and she develops the cutest, awkward relationship with Scarlet when she volunteers to help out with Scarl by picking her up from school and watching her while Alex has to work. But we learn something when another close-call almost-tragedy occurs, involving the sweet Scarlet.

There's an "I didn't see that coming" plot twist about 3/4 of the way through. I should have seen it coming, honestly, but I didn't until RIGHT before it was revealed. I think the author, Jane, did a wonderful job keeping us in the "dark" so to speak.

I ate this story up. I hope you will, too!

an odd read, once I found the rhythm I liked

Winter Gregory has temporarily moved to a small village to write her latest book. She finds old gravestones and writes stories about the people buried there. She comes to love this village ..so different from London and she needs this time away from her ex-boyfriend, who also happens to be her editor.

Winter has an identical twin, Daisy, the one person in the world she can always talk to about anything and everything to the exclusion of everyone else. Dan, the ex-boyfriend made the big mistake of telling Winter to choose between her sister and him. Obviously she chose her sister.

She's still grieving his loss, but she's making new friends. There is Scarlet, an 8-year-old precocious child that every reader will fall in love with. And then there's Alex, Scarlet's uncle, who has raised her for the last 3 years since his sister, Scarlet's mother, died.

There is an immediate attraction between Alex and Winter, and in her own way she falls in love with Scarlet.

But Dan can't stay away .. he still loves Winter ... and he knows something about Daisy ...

I ran through several emotions while reading this one. I started out thinking Dan as arrogant .. how dare he tell someone he professes to love that she has to make a choice between her sister or him. Winter came across as being fragile, but she's moving on in her own way.

Scarlet is a beautiful little girl who understands that just because her mother is no longer here on earth, she will always have her mom in her heart. Alex is a man living with guilt. He feels that he was in some ways responsible for his sister's death and is trying to make it up to Scarlet. He loves that little girl with all he has and would die if anything ever happened to her.

This is a beautifully written novel about love and loss and grief and guilt and new beginnings.

Many thanks to the author / Choc Lit / NetGalley who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

Loved the story! Loved the characters! Liked the story flow. Great read! Given copy for honest review.

A beautifully written book, with plenty of gentle humour and brilliantly eloquent descriptions (rissotto like soggily-hatching maggots) yet packed with emotion that touched at the heart. Written in the first person, there was clever use of social media posts and emails to give depth to the other characters. If you enjoy books that keep you guessing, with real characters you can empathise with and touches of humour that make you laugh out loud - this is definitely a book for you.

In the graveyard of a small country village in the middle of nowhere, a little girl called Scarlet comes across a woman photographing gravestones. The woman is Winter, an author struggling to complete her second book, and through Scarlet she meets her handsome, bachelor uncle, Alex, who can make masonry dust a sexy accessory.

While new friendships are formed and old feelings are awakened, Dan, the man Winter once loved but has now fled from, is still tormenting her mind. Four characters, each with a past they would rather forget, each having to endure the loss of a relationship they find difficult to live without.

The story is told through Winter’s eyes and the online messages sent from the people orbiting her world. At times her internal, witty, dialogue had me smirking into my coffee cup and my opinion on masonry dust will never be the same again. I loved Scarlet, the little girl too.. Lovering's characterization of a child was both realistic and charming. This is an enjoyable, clean read, which has moments of sexual tension, flashes of humour and emotional depth. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys contemporary romantic fiction.

Thank you Netgalley and Choc Lit for a copy of I Don't Want To Talk About It by Jane Lovering in exchange for an honest review.
This book has an intriguing heroine, Winter, with an equally intriguing assignment as a writer. Research for her new book has brought her to Yorkshire where she finds herself drawn into her neighbours' lives.
Winter is well drawn, empathetic and very easy to like and 'root for' as a character.
Jane Lovering's book is also full of other engaging characters and is at times both very funny and equally poignant.
Alex, who has been left with a stammer after his sister's traumatic death, is a fabulous character and the author handles his communication difficulties in a very sensitive way.
His niece Scarlet, right from the outset rings so true as a motherless but well loved eight year old and Margaret Hill is also vividly like so many stoic older ladies doing their level best for others.
I did see the huge plot twist coming from quite early on but it was still extremely powerful when it came and this is a book about loss and love that I'm likely to revisit again soon, and I don't do that very often.

I Don’t Want to Talk About it delivers a romance with all of the poignancy you would expect from a Choc Lit read. The title is perfect for this story, which looks at loss and love, the impact of grief on our lives and relationships and our ability to deal with it. Peppered with the perfect amount of humour to make it uplifting, as well as heart breaking, it tells the story of a successful author, who might just be in danger of becoming a one hit wonder if she can’t knuckle down and meet the deadline for her second book. Matters are complicated by the fact that her editor is also now her ex-boyfriend. How could Winter Gregory not break it off with a man who would make her choose between him and her twin sister? There is more to this than meets the eye is all I will say on that subject. You need to read it. Opening in a graveyard …? Uplifting, I hear you ask. Oh yes. As soon as eight-year old Scarlet appears on the scene, with Light Bulb, her very real ‘hobby’ horse and a cherished connection to her lost mother, you can’t help but smile and be as drawn in as Winter was.

The use of social media as a form of communication is extremely clever, allowing us to come to know Alex through his emails and twitter messages. Alex’s grief and guilt over the loss of his sister has manifested itself physically. Alex, Scarlet’s uncle and now her guardian, has developed a stammer, meaning he is not always able to verbalise well and causing Scarlet more problems at school than being a motherless child. Alex is one of the good guys, we feel. How can Winter not be drawn to him? Similarly, through Dan’s emails, we come to see a softer side of the ex-boyfriend. The reference to the epitaphs carved on headstones I found touching and equally clever, giving us glimpses into Winter’s inner character.

To say more would definitely be the classic spoiler. Jane Lovering has given us a heroine who is strong yet vulnerable, defensive, yet caring. Definitely identifiable with, as are all the characters, including Alex’s initially annoying mother. ‘I Don’t Want to Talk About it’ is written, as mentioned, with humour and huge sensitivity. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend it. Perfect escapism, yet real.

I've cried, I've laughed, I've shouted at the book! Loved this story and its characters, even Alex's mother. Jane Lovering is a master at evocative phrasing.

Very interesting character mix, which kept the story alive and the reader guessing how things were going to turn out.

All three main characters, Winter, Alex and Dan, have complicated pasts and issues to resolve. Scarlet was adorable - I wanted to give her a hug for her tragic past and problems at school.

Love Bobso! Bobso should have his own book, or at least his own hashtag!

omgoodness. that did NOT end like i thought it was going to go! Switching up like that. Just wow!!! Ok I really don't know what to write because i really don't want to give anything away.
So Winter is a writer. She writes about the dead and gives them a story, so they will never be forgotten. She moves to a new city and begins a life there so she can free her mind and just get the book written. Alex is a single Uncle/Father to his niece Scarlet, after her mother dies in a very tragic accident. He's a hard worker, and well he feels like nothing he does is never good enough for his niece, but He does his best and tries to provide for her. Winter comes just in the nik of time to help out Alex and his mother with Scarlet. She falls inlove with the little girl and well does everything she can do for the family.
Everything is going find until Winter's EX shows up in town, Dan. And then everything falls apart. So what happens inbetween all of them?! Well, you'll have to read the book and find out. Cause that is where i'm stopping at on the 'Basics of the storyline'
So this book, Its interesting. It keeps you focused thru out the whole thing. And well there is a very good plot here! The characters are amazing! And well Scarlet is just one sweet 8 year old! After everything Alex goes through he is still this amazing guy, who does his best. And well Winter is just a writer who is trying to overcome things. So would i reread this book?! YEs i would! its a great book, and well things are really good in here, [even thou it did not end like i thougt it would do !]
Do i recommend this book!? YES absolutely.
I recieved a copy of this book for my honest review!!!

I Don't Want To Talk About it, written by Jane Lovering, is the fifth book in the Yorkshire Romances series. I can't believe that I have never come across this author prior to reading this book. However, after reading this book, I realized I've been missing out on some amazing storytelling! Jane Lovering has now been added to my favorite author list. I love romance novels, and even though most are predictable, I still continue reading them. Every once in awhile I come across a new author, and in this case, I was beyond excited, because this book doesn't follow the typical format of a romance novel. I feel that this a a tremendous credit to the author and her unique writing style. Not only does she bring her story to life, but she is able to transition and evoke different emotions so smoothly that you don't even see it coming until you are reaching for a Kleenex. There are moments that will tug at your heart, and other moments that will have you laughing out loud. There is a twist to the story that literally left me stunned. To sum it up, this book is simply amazing!

I am trying to figure out how to even write this review, especially since this is a story in which I don't want to risk giving out even the slightest spoiler that will ruin the book. The story is about two twins, Winter and Daisy Gregory. Both sisters are able to "sense" what the other is feeling. Even though Winter is in Yorkshire, and Daisy in Australia, their bond is as strong as ever, despite the miles between them. Winter has just ended her relationship with her boyfriend, Dan, who just happens to be her editor. Dan told Winter she had to choose between him or her sister, and she chose Daisy. Needless to say, Dan isn't willing to accept that, and continues to pursue Winter. In the meantime, Winter goes to a cemetery to take pictures of gravestones for her book, and while there, she meets an eight-year-old girl named Scarlet, and is then introduced to her Uncle Alex. Alex has been taking care of Scarlet for the past three years, ever since his sister, Scarlet's mom, died.

Afraid to reveal too much, I will leave it at that. This is a beautifully written story that deals with love and also loss, and the grief and guilt that are a part of it. It will make you laugh, and it will make you cry. It is also a story about the courage it takes to start over. The characters are heartfelt and realistic. The author stresses the importance of communication, and uses various outlets to do just that between the characters, whether it is email, Facebook, Twitter, or just a simple conversation. The plot is brilliantly laid out, with unexpected twists that make this story anything but predictable. I honestly can't stress enough just how incredible this book is!! I strongly recommend reading this book, and other books in this series.

I was given a digital copy of this book from Choc Lit and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A bit different and out of the ordinary from the usual titles I have been reading! I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity of receiving an advance copy for a review of the title and I am grateful for having been given the chance to read this title. I loved the characters, the interplay between the characters and where they were going! Once engrossed, I just wanted to keep reading. Definitely thought provoking and very satisfying! Thank you again!

We meet Winter who has successfully written her first book and has re-located to a small village to write her second novel. She's on a deadline but what secrets is she hiding.
I really felt I could relate to the characters in the book it was definitely a real page turner. I also loved how the ending surprised me I certainly did not see that one coming and was quite sad it finished.

I Don’t Want To Talk About It by Jane Lovering is a novel I really enjoyed reading. I felt the storyline was believable and the characters charming. Ms Lovering portrays sensitivity as well as cracking humour to give the reader well-rounded dimensions, which makes the plot real and the characters lovable. There was a sense of place, which I feel is important. I could see the village and the people because of the great descriptions.
A very enjoyable book.

I Don't Want to Talk About It (Choc Lit) What if the one person you wanted to talk to wouldn't listen?  Jane Lovering

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre:  Romance, women's fiction 

I’d read a couple of Jane’s books and loved them, so wanted to try this. Once again its an amazing, thought provoking read, a wonderful romance, but with a very real and emotional story too.
 
 Light Bulb, oh how I understood the way Scarlett felt about him, not the psychological reasons she had, but the sheer joy of childhood imagery where the inanimate becomes real. I had two imaginary horses,( Golden Arrow and Silver Diamond!) and like Scarlett’s Light Bulb they went everywhere with me and behaved very badly. Gong to school  I pranced and bucked as they shied at scary things, and on the way home we always had a gallop over the common. I was quite a solitary child, lost in my own head most of the time, and I guess the other kids thought i was a bit odd. I was bullied too, and maybe this was my way of dealing in the same way Scarlett has transposed all her emotions and feelings into Light Bulb. Our garden too was full of jumps, hay nets, blankets saddles...Scarlett was a wonderful 8 year old, very insightful in the way she picked up on what adults thought was over her head.

 Her uncle Alex, how I loved him, empathised with all he was dealing with, and the way he’d thrown everything into looking after Scarlett. His mum and her weird and wonderful clothes and slight battiness was a lovely lady, so well meaning but a bit of a steamroller approach. Daisy, she was a lovely girl, very full of advice, and really did feel like a half of winter. Identical twins must share a closeness its hard for others to understand. I loved her take on things, the way she pushes at Winter to work things out, just adding her views occasionally. Dan, I really wanted to hate him at first and then as we got to know him, and the mystery deepened I came to love him. There are, after all, two sides to every story. He really was an amazing man and so incredibly determined.
Schoolteacher Lucy features in the background quite a bit too and I wanted to dislike her and yet I couldn’t. As the story revealed more I was so glad I didn't.
 Last but not least was Winter, and my heart broke for her. I’d kind of guessed what was wrong, read a similar book a few months back so the clues added up but still....just heart-breaking, and along with Alex sister’s tragic death, made a book really full of sadness and yet the humour Jane injects lifts it so well, that it all fits to make the perfect summer read. I love the way Winter’s mind mentally puts words to Alex stammer – thus – “Milk? Sugar? I’ve got a huge d-d-"  For gods sake Winter stop it “delivery coming in a bit so I c-can’t ...” The book was full of such funny snippets of Winters mental musings, Scarlett’s very apt but not always timely interruptions, Alex mum’s weird clothes and descriptions of people’s ailments, they all just fitted the story so well and brought it alive. Reading about Alex mum's comments on an elderly gentleman's prostate issues I was  reminded me of an elderly acquaintance  who called here recently, and was sympathising with family illness.. “I knew something was wrong when I got frothy pee” My poor daughter struggled to keep a straight face!
 
The mix of drama and everyday issues make the story feel so real, and I wanted to give the characters a hug so many times. Its a book to adore, to savour and definitely one I’ll want to re-read. In fact though I’ve 4,000+ books on my kindle, get review books, free books from kindle list, have Kindle Unlimited I still buy books! So have just bought Jane’s “Please don’t stop the music” which looks to be equally good.  
 
Stars: Five a fabulous summer read.

ARC supplied by Netgalley and publisher 

I Don't Want to Talk About It by Jane Lovering blew me away. This bittersweet story has my emotions in an uproar; being so sweet at times then to turn so sad. This Yorkshire tale carefully and slowly gives an intricate yet simple plot with characters that I easily fell in love with. Just when I thought I knew everything something new is revealed. From the author's descriptive writing the Yorkshire setting came alive so that I could envision it in my mind.

Telling what this book is about would do an injustice to others; who should have the wonderful experience of reading it themselves. Besides I think each of us will see a little of ourselves in these characters, knowing that while mistakes cannot be outrun, we can accept forgiveness. What a treat of a find, definitely going on my reread list.

What a powerful story! This book is so much more than a romance! People have suffered, have lost people who are precious to them and are learning to cope. This book explains how some of the characters in the book are dealing with the losses in their own lives; they range in age from eight to over sixty. Loss can be through death or separation or breakups or change in one’s physical abilities but no matter what kind of loss one experiences it eventually needs to be dealt with.

Winter is a skillful writer who has gone to Yorkshire to get away from the city and focus on the writing of her next book about gravestones and the people that are buried beneath them. Dan, her editor and ex-boyfriend, comes to make sure she is working on the book but also has another agenda. Alex is a man who works with his hands and has taken custody of his niece after his sister dies suddenly. The niece, Scarlet, is a focal point in the book, as is Winter. I don’t want to say too much because this book is so skillfully plotted and written that any comment might give away the story. All I will say is that this is a powerful, moving and profound story that is definitely worth reading. There is a happily ever after for more than one in this book and healing that takes place occurs in interesting ways. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and recommend it to anyone looking for a deeper than the average romance. I have never read any books by this author but hope to find and read more written by her as soon as possible.

Thank you to NetGalley and ChocLit for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved Jane's Don't Stop the Music, a reason I picked I Don't Want to Talk About It.

I actually don't know what I expected when I picked the book to read .... probably some stalkerish-ex or something ... but this story affected me in ways I can't explain but relate to and left me emotional often, so I had to revert back at a different time to continue where I left off. At some places, I felt the pace was slow.

This is the story of Winter, an author, who also has a twin Daisy. She is in love with Dan and after he insists she choose between him & her twin - they split. Not able to cope with the split, she wants solitude to complete her book and stay away from Dan.

That's where she meets Alex & Scarlet, Alex's niece. I loved the lil girl Scarlet, she was an angel. Both Alex and Winter are attracted to each other, but their relationship builds slowly - I loved how they interact and understand each other. I loved the character building in this book.

I also liked Lucy and while Dan started off as not one of my favorite persons, boy did he redeem himself!

Contrary to what I expected, this book is about love, loss and healing and how different people cope with death and loss. A must read, though emotional.

Another wonderful novel from the talented Jane Lovering. Winter Gregory is a complex and interesting character - a writer who leaves city life to seek refuge from her ex-boyfriend and editor, Dan, who has an issue with the way Winter keeps in daily contact with her twin, Daisy.
Basing herself in a small Yorkshire village, Winter befriends young horse-loving Scarlet, who, having lost her mother now lives with her uncle, Alex, a man attracted to Winter.
When Dan catches up with Winter to check on the progress of her new book, the life Winter thinks she's left behind also catches up with her.
A brilliantly flawed heroine, two gorgeous but troubled heroes, and an eight-year-old girl who loves her hobbyhorse with a passion, makes I Don't Want To Talk About it a great read. Highly recommended.

Jane Lovering has the ability to describe people, places and emotions in such detail that you feel involved. This book is too good to not read

When I was approved for this book, instead of reading it immediately, I purchase ALL the previous books in the series and read them first. I was hooked! Awesome!

This was quite an unusual story. It dealt with different bereavements very well and surprisingly sympathetically. I found it a well written and interesting story.

I have just discovered my notes for this book and how I thought what an endearing and powerful read it was. Sorry its late.

I absolutely adored this book. It had just the right amount of humour needed to keep the main body of the book flowing for example "I reached behind me into the room, which practically put my hand in the oven" (Chapter 11). The storyline was interesting and involving and the ending? WOW What a shocker! You will probably need a tissue or two.
I loved this book and will now be following her and reading her back list, if they are anywhere near as good as this I am in for a treat. Highly recommended.