Learning to Love (Choc Lit)

I love Sheryl's books and this one is brilliant. We meet David Adams and his son just after they have moved in and we are immediately introduced to the problems between them, although we have no idea why.
We then meet Andrea and Jonathan, their children, Andrea's mum, the dog and chaotic lifestyle, in complete contrast to David's more orderly home.

A tragedy occurs and Andrea and her family, mum, dog and all, temporarily move in with David and his son.

From the off, suspicion surrounds Jonathan, but Andrea seems to be oblivious. The neighbours rally round (with some hysterically funny conversation - especially with Dee, Andrea's mum) and we learn more about all them.

Complicated lives cause complicated problems and, sometimes, the solutions are also complicated. And other times, very simple. This book has it all. I can't imagine how Sheryl kept track of it all when she was writing it!

It's one of those books that, when real life interrupts my reading, I can't stop thinking about the story and the people. I usually refer to them as characters in my reviews......but in Learning to Love, they are people. Solid and 3-dimensional people.

There are funny moments, there are incredibly sad moments and the emotions all feel very raw at times. A wonderful book about wonderful people (except the baddie of course ;) )

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Choc Lit in exchange for an honest review.

What a fantastic way to spend a Saturday afternoon, I have managed to read Learning to Love in one sitting, and loved every second of it. It has everything you could want in a story, from a dishy doctor, village of friends, family with some wonderful children, a dastardly villain and a large helping of drama and action. This is a fast paced story, that will leave you gasping for more.

David Adams has just moved in opposite the Kelly family, with his 10 year old son Jake. They don't have the best of relationships, and the last thing in theory they need is what does happen. For within a few days, the Kelly house is on fire, and David helps rescue Andrea's children and elderly mother. Then offers the family a place to stay, while they get back on their feet.

Friends all rally around to help Andrea and her family, and her two teenage children Ryan and Sophie go overnight from being typical teenagers to reasonably responsible people trying their hardest to help out or at least not make life harder

There is one noticeable exception to this, Jonathan, her fiancee and father to her youngest child. He is absent during the fire, and then doesn't reappear for a few days. Let's just say any bad vibes you get from him once you are introduced to the character, should not be ignored!

I loved seeing the dynamic in the Adams household gradually change, as you learn why it is father and son don't seem overly close, and how the introduction of the Kellys changes all of their lives. There is an incredibly close friendship brewing and it leaves Andrea needing to make decisions.

I am not going to spoil the finale, but to say it was action packed and drama filled would be the only indication I can give, and I'm so glad I was able to read it all un-interrupted. Learning to Love teaches you how to love in difficult circumstances, and is a wonderful story. Being a huge fan of Sheryl Browne's work, I had been slightly apprehensive as to whether this would be as good as some of her other books, and I can safely say it definitely is, if not better still.

Thank you to Netgalley and Choc Lit for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.

Andrea Kelly has a lot on her plate, three children, a confused mother and a grumpy neighbour who might need a social services referral. Thankfully her fiancée is around to support her, if only he would turn up for their date. Things can’t possibly get worse, or at least that’s what Andrea thinks, until she finds her house on fire and she is forced to take shelter with grumpy neighbour, David Adams, and his grieving, angry young son, Jake.

I really enjoyed this romantic page turner, where new friendships are formed, old friendships are tested and love blossoms amongst the chaos of a modern family in crisis. David and Jake have to confront their past, whilst Andrea has to reassess her future and not everyone in their midst can be trusted to tell them the truth.

I loved all the characters in this story and found myself caring about their troubles and rooting for their happiness. This is a delicious read, to be devoured, enjoyed and savoured one page at a time.

(I received the Kindle version of this book, free of charge, from Netgalley in return for an honest independent review.)

Romance, mystery and suspense

Andrea, the mother of two teenagers and a toddler, carer to her slightly dotty mother and partner to Jonathan, is thinking of giving up her teaching job and starting up a new business. And then her home burns down leaving her homeless, possession-less, dog-less and for some reason Jonathan has also disappeared. Fortunately the moody (but good looking) neighbour opposite steps into help, and so begins this fast moving, fun story about Andrea's chaotic life, and that of her family, friends (not all of whom are a friendly as they should be) and neighbours.

Things are not quite as they seem at first, and the book rushes along with plenty of mystery and suspense, feel good moments, romance and disasters. All punctuated by strops from the teenage daughter and witticisms from the dotty mother. This is a wonderful book to make you laugh, sigh and read a little bit longer than you really have time for.

A great womens' fiction book.

I loved this novel. The relationships – both family and romantic - are brilliantly well observed – often poignant and hilarious all at the same time. Sheryl Browne creates real, flawed characters that make you ache with sympathy, or – on occasion – boil with indignation! The result was that I was completely invested in them, whizzing through the pages, to find out how their stories would end. The plot contains plenty of drama and intrigue too – all of it believable. And then the conclusion was wonderfully uplifting. Perfect!

Thanks to Choc Lit and NetGalley for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review.

Sheryl Bowne's book The Rest of My Life was among the first I reviewed on my blog when I started last year and I really enjoyed it, finding Adam a true ChocLit hero after being dubious about him at the start! If anything, I enjoyed Learning to Love even more.

I warmed to the main character, Andrea, as soon as we meet her juggling feuding teenagers, a toddler, a mother in the early stages of Alzheimers and a partner who seems to have something on his mind. Her house is absolute chaos as she tries to keep all the balls in the air which include her working full time as a teacher in the local school. In an attempt to gain a bit more balance in her life, she is considering leaving her job and opening a shop instead. Her partner, Jonathan, is less than supportive wondering, quite reasonably it seems, how this will free up time. GP David Adams has just moved in across the road with his son Jake trying hard to build a relationship with his sullen withdrawn son and Andrea gets off on the wrong foot with him. However, when her house burns down one evening, it is David who helps to rescue everyone and offers them accommodation till they get sorted out. Jonathan is nowhere to be found and when he does turn up, something is clearly not right in their relationship.

At the heart of every ChocLit story there has to be romance and an irresistible hero. Although Dr Adams doesn't seem to be the most likeable of people to begin with, as we start to hear what has happened in his life and why he is trying to rebuild his relationship with his son, you start to see what a kind and caring man he really is - as well as rather gorgeous of course! I could quite understand why Jake was furious with his father after what they had been through but admired David's persistence in trying to break through and help his son to begin to trust him again. It seems unlikely that romance could be on the cards between him and Andrea, especially given that she was in a relationship and that she had all those family commitments. However, sometimes love can grow in the most likely situations and as I began to suspect what Jonathan was hiding, I was seriously hoping Andrea would realise what a lovely man David was. However, David has some unexpected complications which could mean his life goes a way he does not foresee.

Andrea is a terrific character. I think that many women will identify with her chaotic life as I mentioned above. It is hard enough work dealing with teenagers without having a younger child to cope with as well and a full-on full time job on top of that. Her mother Dee is another great character. Although she is often muddled, she has many periods of lucidity and some of her observations are very sharp-witted, even though her family don't realise that at the time. I thought this relationship between mother and daughter was particularly sensitively portrayed. Andrea seemed a really lovely person, trying hard to do her best for everyone and she really deserved to find some happiness.

Sheryl Browne writes so convincingly about relationships both romantic and within the family. She creates strong believable characters and puts them in situations that her readers can relate to and therefore come to really care about what happens to those characters. I was really absorbed with Andrea's story and all her problems and dilemmas and really, really hoping she got the happy ending that she so deserved. There is a perfect balance between serious issues, romance and humour throughout the book making it a heart-warming, compelling read.

There are lots of characters 'Learning to Love' in this book in many different ways. It is engaging, warm and witty and I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend it.

Another winning book by the lovely Sheryl. Drama, Intrigue, Love, Family Life. Its all in this book. Sheryl should be sponsored by #Kleenex, this is a fab book which had tears running down my face. Great read but wear waterproof mascara if reading on public transport #toptip ;-)

Really loved this book. The main characters are totally believable, and likeable. Sheryl has a way of writing that draws you in and gives you a novel that you don't want to put down until you've turned the last page. I love books that have a huge cast, a full family surrounding the main characters and great backstories. This book is no exception, Andrea has her hands full, with 3 children and aging mother, a teaching job and a dog named Dougal. But disaster strikes and her life takes an unexpected twist.
Definitely one to read.

Learning To Love is a slice of life novel that the majority of us have experienced on some level. Life happens. Our children become strange creatures called teenagers. Our parents age and become, at times, people we do not know yet desperately still love. Our partners in love are aloof at best and untrustworthy at worst. And a wee toddler adds to the chaos of a life full to overflowing. Add to the mix a snappy little dog and a desire to change careers in order to make the chaos a bit more manageable and you have Andrea’s life in a nutshell.

In addition, she cannot help but be a bit concerned about the new neighbors across the way. While David Adams may be a sexy as sin doctor, the father seems unable to deal with his young son. Of course, Andrea doesn’t know all the details of their lives, but she’ll keep a watch for the child’s safety just the same.

When Andrea’s home burns to the ground, leaving all of her most precious people safe yet taking away absolutely everything else in her life – help comes from an odd source when David offers to put up her family until they can get the insurance sorted out and decide to rebuild or move. Needless to say, Andrea’s life has just taken a dive into the crapper – and where in the world is her supposed loving, soon to be husband in the midst of this tragedy? Gone missing it seems.

As two families are left to somehow mesh their lives together, at least temporarily, we get a better idea of the sadness and grief surrounding David and his son. Normally squabbling teens will grow up a bit and do their best to help in this trying and frightening situation – and a teenage boy will offer the help needed to a younger boy in pain and confusion. As their small community rallies around Andrea and her family, she must acknowledge a growing attraction for the doctor and a chilling suspicion about the man who was supposed to love her.

I’ve come to expect realistic characters from Sheryl Browne. Right now you could pick out any house on your block and this fictional family would fit right in without a hiccup. That is how effortlessly we slip into Andrea and David’s world – because we’ve all experienced a slice of their life at some point. Always trust your gut when in doubt about people or characters. We know instinctively who to mistrust without a harsh word being said, at first at least. That is the trait of a good storyteller, to direct us with emotions, a nudge in the direction they want us to go.. it’s up to us to follow or not.

Simply put, I loved Learning To Love. Andrea could be any one of us readers. In the world we live in today, it’s difficult to not be an Andrea. Yes, the romance between David and Andrea was fun, sexy and engaging – but it is the entire package of all the various personalities and situations that made this story come alive for me. This was one of those times that as I read the book I was looking into a mirror.

*I received an e-ARC of Learning To Love from the publisher, Choc Lit and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*

Didnt want to put it down one of my favorites by sheryl,a great read recommended

An emotional read that tugs at the heart strings. Learning to Love is full of wonderful characters the reader can immediately feel empathy with. It's a tale of regrets and how to live with them, of families, of the difficulties of parenthood, of intrigue. Above all there is a beautiful romance running through it.

Wow! A story with some surprising yet not totally unexpected by the characters circumstances. It definitely draws you in, wanting to know the intricacies and reactions of the characters to whatever is happening around them. True to life the characters are emotionally multi tasking which makes this a great read.

Nearing middle age and wanting a career change Andrea is living with Jonathan, has a toddler by him, has a teenage son and daughter by her first husband, is a teacher, and multi-tasks like a champion…oh, she also has her slightly dotty mother living in the same house, too! When her house burns down a new neighbor steps in and offers space to them till they can get the insurance settled. Little did either of them realize that the fire was just the beginning of fireworks yet to come.

I enjoyed the growth of friendship and eventual love between David and Andrea. I found the children believable in their behavior and interactions. I could relate to how the adults felt. I am not sure Sally was necessary for the story but how she behaved and how others behaved toward her did prove interesting. I thought the idea of the small town rallying to support someone who has lost everything heartwarming.

There were twists and turns, some slapstick comedy, and a bit of foreshadowing with a rather tense conclusion to one thread of the story. The story concluded well for most of the characters and provided the HEA I was rooting for.

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

3.5 Stars

I loved this book enough to feel the need to review it as soon as I finished the last page! Likable, interesting characters and a captivating story - the perfect combination for a hard-to-put-down, feel-good read!

I enjoyed this book. It was a little different to your everyday romance. Andrea is mother to three kids - two teenagers and a toddler. When her house burns to the ground, she loses everything and takes up the kind offer of her (attractive) new neighbour to move in with him and his son. It's a weird situation, handled well. David, the attractive neighbour, and his son are still working out how they feel after the death of David's wife. The story is as much about them healing their relationship as is it about the relationship between David and Andrea.
There were a few timeline issues regarding David and Sally (the...er... other woman), which I found distracting, but apart from that, it was a really good read.

My thanks to Netgalley for a free copy in return for a review.

I love, absolutely love Sheryl Browne's books. Each one I read just seems to get better and better. To sum Learning to Love up...It's real. It's life. It's brilliant!
From the get-go this story draws you in and the characters are those you want to know, or feel like you already do. Andrea is so well developed. A working mother, a partner, a carer and one of those dependable friends who you know will always have your back; she's settled into her life. Maybe a bit too settled, as she seems to accept that chaos and a lack-lustre relationship are simply her future.
So when an incident causes Andrea and her family to move in with their neighbour, David, everything begins to change. For David, who is struggling to get through to his own son, he suddenly has two teenagers, a toddler, a confused grandmother and a woman who is trying to cope amongst the chaos. It seems David's new start, away from gossip, isn't going to be as easy as he thought, especially as it seems his past is catching up with him. Add to that, Andrea is a complication he wasn't expecting. And there's something about Jonathon that sets alarm bells ringing.
What I love about this story is that the author completely nails each generation. From the reality of having a toddler (adorable!), to the surly, yet secretly sweet teen girl, to the lazy, yet cool and incredibly smart teen boy, to the mother who tries to juggle all of this, including her mother who needs as much support and supervision as her children do. Each of these characters are so individual and own their identities. They are family and though they seem to drive each other crazy, they are there for each other when it matters. It's life. It could be your life.
Amongst the reality there is conflict aplenty. And how often can you say you have read a book that on one page - just one page - you are at one point smiling broadly, to suddenly on the verge of tears.
I loved it!

Well what can you say? Sheryl never disappoints. She writes the kind of stories you would like to go on for ever. She’s a great observer. No one dimensional characters here; hers come with strengths, weaknesses and plenty of emotional baggage. And this, I’m sure is why it’s so very easy to empathise with them.

Dr David Adams, struggles with his grief over the loss of his wife and unborn child. He also faces a daily challenge, trying to heal the great emotional gulf between himself and his ten year old son Jake. Teacher Andrea Kelly is going through a rough patch with partner Jonathan Eden. Work pressures and stressful family situations are taking their toll.

When Andrea’s house catches fire David rescues her children and in the absence of her partner Jonathan offers her shelter until she sorts herself out.

Andrea is a cross between Wonder Woman and Mother Theresa in the way she copes so patiently with two teenagers, a toddler and her forgetful mother Dee, a woman in the early stages of dementia. David is a kind and honourable man putting himself out to help this family in need. Inevitably the two soon become attracted to each other but when Jonathan suddenly turns up and Andrea’s friend Sally drops a huge bombshell concerning David you really are left wondering ‘What happens next?’

I loved everything about this book. It wasn’t simply a romance. There was humour and drama as well. In fact everything we’ve come to associate with Sheryl’s writing. A totally brilliant read full of believable characters and true to life situations.

I would like to thank Netgalley for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Andrea lives in a small town where everybody knows each other. She shares a house with her three children, her boyfriend, soon to be fiancé, Jonathan, her mother, who is suffering from early onset dementia, and her dog Dougal. Her household is full of chaos and Andrea wants to take a little bit of time back for herself. She has very good taste in vintage clothes and accessories. Andrea would love to quit her teaching job to start her own business. Jonathan is not really supportive about anything Andrea does though.

David Adams is the new doctor in town. He just moved with his son Jake to a nice quiet location. David hopes that he can find a way to get close to Jake again. The boy has lost his mother to a terrible illness. David thinks he failed his wife and this makes him feel guilty and sad. He wants his son to be connected to him again, but David doesn't think that will happen any time soon.

When Andrea is supposed to go out on a date with Jonathan he doesn't show up. On her way home she spots the fire trucks and firemen are trying to control the flames that are burning her house down. Andrea is scared for her family, but luckily her son Ryan noticed the smoke and together with David they got everybody out on time. Having nothing but the clothes on their backs David takes them in. Jonathan is nowhere to be found, so Andrea has to face these struggles alone...

While I was reading Learning to Love I was amazed with the strength Andrea showed. She is a great mother and an amazing daughter who chooses to take care of her whole family. Even with everything that is happening Andrea keeps standing tall and she has a big forgiving heart. She is going through so much and she always manages to stay positive, while many people would probably break down under the pressure. David is such a sweet and kind man. It doesn't show all the time, because of the frustration he feels about the situation, but he truly cares about people.

The eldest children are real teenagers. Sheryl Browne's descriptions of her younger characters are spot-on. Little Chloe sounds adorable and is a sweet toddler. I absolutely devoured Learning to Love. Your house burning down with your loved ones inside must be the worst possible nightmare. The story evolves naturally and I believed every word. I already was a big fan of Sheryl's work and this book only added to that.

Learning to Love will make you go through all kinds of different emotions. It is an amazing story about love, loss, betrayal and learning to love again through all the pain and chaos. Sheryl Browne writes about the early stages of dementia with so much dignity and it truly captures the essence of what it means when this happens within your family.

If Sheryl Browne is a new author to you I highly recommend any of her books, since I know she will pull you in with the fiery way she writes her stories. If you have read a book written by her you are without doubt already a fan and I'd highly recommend for you to pick up Learning to Love as soon as you can.

Thank you to JB for letting me take part in this tour. I had previously heard of this book. I'm not sure if it was on twitter or goodreads or from another blogger but when I saw it was touring with Brook Cottage Books I had to be part of it.

The story follows Andrea and David, their kids and Andrea's slightly nutty but lovable mum.

After Andrea's house burns to the ground with all her worldly possessions Dr Adams finds himself offering to help her out. Her partner Jonathan seems to have disappeared so he invites her and her family stay with him and his son until they get sorted.

This book had many twists that I didn't see coming and I thoroughly enjoyed the trip it took me on.

Sheryl's writing has a way of capturing you, drawing you in so that you forget the real world. This is the first book of Sheryls that I've read but I'll definitely be looking into her other books.

Addictive, heartfelt, romantic; Learning to Love has all the elements of a perfect feel-good romance. Author Sheryl Browne has aced it again.

Learning to Love was a rollercoaster of a story, I experienced so many emotions from the brilliantly drawn out supporting characters, as well as Andrea and David, that I became so invested in the lives and happiness of the inhabitants of Hibberton village.

Andrea and David didn’t get off to the best start, but it was this tension that made their relationship so much fun to watch grow. There were twists and turns and ups and downs, but witnessing them grow as people and parents because of their friendship was so great to see. The stresses of Andrea’s everyday life of juggling two teenage children, a toddler, and an elderly mother and a emotionally withdrawing fiancé was written to a T.

The children were my favourite characters. I loved how realistically they were portrayed, their sniping, their moodiness, their stubborness, but also in how they coped with pain and uncertainty. Sophie’s heartbreak at their dog being missing after the fire really resonated with me, and I loved her for her hope and loyalty.

A gorgeous story, with a mystery ravelling throughout Learning to Love is a fantastic, thrilling read with characters you’ll learn to love and those you’ll yearn to hate (even though you can’t!)

5 Stars!

I enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down. The story had so much going on and was entertaining and at times really funny. Dr David Adams and his 10 year old son are new to the village of Hibberton. David is finding life difficult, his wife Michelle died a year ago and until recently Jake had been living with his aunt. Andrea is a neighbour of David. She returns home one evening to find her house burned down and her family rescued and taken in by David. She has three children and her mum to look after and is extremely grateful to David when he offers them a temporary home. Jonathon her partner appears to have vanished, they were having problems in their relationship and Andrea had been about to ask him to leave. Andrea and David almost instantly fall in love, but the path to their happiness is not easy. There is so much drama in this brilliant read.

I think it’s fairly well known I am a huge lover of Sheryl’s books so it was a pleasure to slip into this one with the knowledge it was bound to be a stonking story!

Andrea could be classified as superwoman contending with two stroppy teenagers from a former marriage, young toddler with her fiance, her mother who is displaying early dementia, works full-time as a teacher, has the obligatory dog and just generally spins many plates hoping one doesn’t fall.

She is hoping to slow down and change direction in her career but Jonathon is totally against it, this causes friction. She needs the love and support of her partner.

They live in a small community, the type where neighbours know your business before you do. She has spotted the house across the road has new tenants … a Doctor no less and rather a scrummy one, he also has a young son. Her initial impression on meeting them was tainted by their strained relationship with each other.

The story takes a drastic turn when there is a fire at Andrea’s house, with her home wrecked and all possessions lost she is at the depths of despair, where can her and her dysfunctional family find shelter. Surprisingly Doctor David steps up and offers to play host.

But where is Jonathon? He should be there offering comfort and support, emotionally and financially but he has disappeared.

So with that premise you can then continue with all the emotion, frustration, expected when folks are thrown together under those circumstances. I felt as though I was a part of the community, proud of the way they all pulled together in a crisis. All the characters are fabulously written and the reader is able to connect on each level of their personality.

The action is fast paced incorporating, love, friendship, a dastardly villain and suitably placed humour, enough twists and turns to make you dizzy. I thought the mother (Dee) was an absolute classic. Once again Sheryl has untangled the web of estranged parents/children, softened the blows of tragedy after the tears and made me care about all the residents of Hibberton. The dishy doc was a bonus but if it’s bad boys you’re after keep an eye on Jonathon!

I smiled, wiped the odd tear, grimaced but most of all loved this book and it’s contents but then again you wouldn’t expect anything else .. Sheryl will have to keep writing to satisfy my need for ‘dramatic’ scenarios that can whisk me away from reality for a while.

My thanks to Netgalley, Choc Lit, Brook Cottage Books & Sheryl for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest opinion.

Learning to Love is another wonderful story by Sheryl Browne. Andrea Kelly is already dealing with a lot of problems in her multi-generational family when her house catches fire. Her new neighbor, Dr. David Adams reluctantly takes them in when Andrea’s fiancé, Jonathan, is nowhere to be found. David is recently widowed and at odds with his son, Jake. The growing attraction between Andrea and David couldn’t come at worst time and the way they navigate through it all makes for a fascinating story that has the reader laughing and close to tears – often on the same page!

This is the second book by Sheryl Browne that I’ve read and she’s soon becoming one of my favourite authors. Sheryl writes with such honesty and warmth you feel involved in the characters lives. This story was just perfect. It had times of poignancy and sadness; times of despair and heartache; times of love and lust; a time where the storyline gripped you so much that you couldn’t turn the pages quick enough. It also had some wonderful whit and humour thrown in to balance out the sad times. Yes, I fell in love with Andrea and David’s story.

It wasn’t your conventional journey to a new romance for mother of three Andrea and widowed parent David, who was still grieving for his wife and facing a challenging time with his distraught 10 year old son. However, a terrible ordeal brought the two families abruptly together. What follows is a wonderful story of two families overcoming traumatic ordeals and learning to help each other open their eyes and hearts and appreciate the smaller things in life and move on giving hope for the future. 5/5*

This story has a lot to offer - mystery, crime, deceit, love, dotty elderly women... Ms Browne's novel kept me awake into the wee small hours - I simply had to finish it before I could go to sleep. The plotting is first class, with more than enough twists, turns, and layers to keep me guessing and on the edge of my seat.
Not as light-hearted as a typical chick lit (though it did have its moments) it still had all the necessary ingredients I'd expect, as well as tension and drama by the bucketful.