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Tiny Acts of Love
Surviving motherhood? It's all about having the right network. Lawyer and new mum Cassie has a husband who converses mainly through jokes, a best friend on the other side of the world, and a taskforce of Babycraft mothers who make her feel she has about as much maternal aptitude as a jellyfish. Husband Jonathan dismisses Cassie's maternal anxieties, but is he really paying attention to his struggling wife? He's started sleep talking and it seems there's more on his mind than he's letting on. Then sexy, swaggering ex-boyfriend Malkie saunters into Cassie's life again. Unlike Jonathan, he 'gets' her. He'd like to get her into bed again too... And on top of all her emotional turmoil, she also finds herself advising a funeral director on ghost protocol and becomes involved in an act of hotel spa fraud, never mind hiding cans of wasp spray all over the house to deal with the stalker who seems to be lurking everywhere she looks. Marriage and motherhood isn't the fairytale Cassie thought it would be. Will her strange new world fall apart around her or will tiny acts of love be enough to get her through? Funny, perceptive and real, Tiny Acts of Love portrays the rawness of motherhood, the flipside of love and the powerful lure of paths not taken.
256 pages, Paperback
First published March 6, 2014
22 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Lawrie
10 books71 followersI grew up in Edinburgh in a house overflowing with books, and I spent most of my childhood either reading or scribbling in mysterious notebooks.
After studying English literature at university, I returned to Edinburgh and worked as a commercial lawyer for several years, specialising in employment and pensions law. But it was motherhood that propelled me into writing, generating ideas that I wanted to explore through stories. I started writing my first novel, just to see what would happen, and then found it impossible to stop.
It took me a few years to work out what I was doing, but Tiny Acts of Love, the very same novel that I started as a new mum, has now been published! I'm now writing my second novel, when permitted by my two small daughters.
After studying English literature at university, I returned to Edinburgh and worked as a commercial lawyer for several years, specialising in employment and pensions law. But it was motherhood that propelled me into writing, generating ideas that I wanted to explore through stories. I started writing my first novel, just to see what would happen, and then found it impossible to stop.
It took me a few years to work out what I was doing, but Tiny Acts of Love, the very same novel that I started as a new mum, has now been published! I'm now writing my second novel, when permitted by my two small daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
December 17, 2014
It is sometimes difficult to reconcile the fantasy of what you thought motherhood would be like, and what you thought you would be like as a mother, with reality.
----Debra Gilbert Rosenberg, LCSW, a nationally recognized psychotherapist and motherhood expert
Lucy Lawrie, an English author, penned her debut novel called, Tiny Acts of Love based upon joys and downfalls of motherhood, sacrifices and love to hold a family. This is a very sweet story about how a woman makes her choices selflessly regardless of her own feelings.
Synopsis:
Surviving motherhood? It's all about having the right network. Lawyer and new mum Cassie has a husband who converses mainly through jokes, a best friend on the other side of the world, and a taskforce of Babycraft mothers who make her feel she has about as much maternal aptitude as a jellyfish. Husband Jonathan dismisses Cassie's maternal anxieties, but is he really paying attention to his struggling wife? He's started sleep talking and it seems there's more on his mind than he's letting on. Then sexy, swaggering ex-boyfriend Malkie saunters into Cassie's life again. Unlike Jonathan, he 'gets' her. He'd like to get her into bed again too... And on top of all her emotional turmoil, she finds herself advising a funeral director on ghost protocol and becomes involved in an act of hotel spa fraud, never mind hiding cans of wasp spray all over the house to deal with the stalker who seems to be lurking everywhere she looks. Marriage and motherhood isn't the fairytale Cassie thought it would be. Will her strange new world fall apart around her or will tiny acts of love be enough to get her through?
The book opens on a funny note when Cassie's husband, Jonathan sends the picture of Cassie breast-feeding her newborn girl, Sophie to everyone in Cassie's email contact list, including the director of her Law firm! Can you imagine the situation? I was already rolling on the floor with this event, but also felt sorry for Cassie. Poor Cassie!
As Debra Gilbert Rosenberg quoted about being a new mother, similarly, Cassie too never expected that motherhood could be very difficult. Cassie started having doubts about her own relationship with Jonathan and eventually she detached herself from the cocoon of love and care that Jonathan created for her and Sophie. Cassie's ghosts from the past came alive when her ex-boyfriend, Malkie joins her Law firm. Malkie's arrival catalyzed Cassie's doubts about her life and relationship. But what I loved best about Cassie was that she honestly confessed about her second thoughts to her husband and in return, Jonathan told her that maybe she was facing post-pregnancy issues. However, eventually Cassie catches herself on the crossroad of either choosing her family or having a chance with Malkie, and now it is entirely Cassie's choice to make the right decision for her daughter, Sophie, her husband, Jonathan and her once-upon-a-time-lover, Malkie.
The author made the story into a fun-ride for her readers- filled with lots of anecdotes here and there and with lots of TROLL moments. What I loved best about this author is that most of the time I felt like I was standing right beside Cassie and she is narrating me the story- more like a friend confiding in her best friend! Moreover, the author told the story in a realistic manner. The problems that are addressed in the book are very real and can be compared with our every day household drama.
I'll advice all the newbie mothers to read this story, since it'll only inspire and enlighten them, and tells us how not to sometimes listen our delusions inside our head!
The characterization is quite strong and reading about these characters will strike you as someone you happen to know in your everyday life- thoroughly believable. Cassie is a strong-willed woman and a loving mother, who puts her family before her own whims and fancies. Jonathan cannot be a more sensible husband- he is caring, loving, and responsible, always gives the opportunity for his wife to take her own decisions, and never ever jumps to any surreal conclusions. Both Cassie and Jonathan's mothers are very nice and warm women, who really know how to shine light on their children's path when they are stuck in darkness.
For a first time author, the writing is fresh and the narration is very free flowing. Moreover, told in such a way that you can easily see the scenes unfolding right in front of your eyes. Moreover, Lucy has constructed this story with right kind of emotions poured in the right moments. Moreover, I was lost in her tale emotionally and mentally!
Verdict: You can't miss this beautiful family story and I'm definitely looking forward in reading more of this promising author's books in the near future.
Courtesy: I'd like to thank the author, Lucy Lawrie, as well as her publisher from Black and White Publishing, for providing me with a copy of Lucy's book, in return for an honest review.
----Debra Gilbert Rosenberg, LCSW, a nationally recognized psychotherapist and motherhood expert
Lucy Lawrie, an English author, penned her debut novel called, Tiny Acts of Love based upon joys and downfalls of motherhood, sacrifices and love to hold a family. This is a very sweet story about how a woman makes her choices selflessly regardless of her own feelings.
Synopsis:
Surviving motherhood? It's all about having the right network. Lawyer and new mum Cassie has a husband who converses mainly through jokes, a best friend on the other side of the world, and a taskforce of Babycraft mothers who make her feel she has about as much maternal aptitude as a jellyfish. Husband Jonathan dismisses Cassie's maternal anxieties, but is he really paying attention to his struggling wife? He's started sleep talking and it seems there's more on his mind than he's letting on. Then sexy, swaggering ex-boyfriend Malkie saunters into Cassie's life again. Unlike Jonathan, he 'gets' her. He'd like to get her into bed again too... And on top of all her emotional turmoil, she finds herself advising a funeral director on ghost protocol and becomes involved in an act of hotel spa fraud, never mind hiding cans of wasp spray all over the house to deal with the stalker who seems to be lurking everywhere she looks. Marriage and motherhood isn't the fairytale Cassie thought it would be. Will her strange new world fall apart around her or will tiny acts of love be enough to get her through?
The book opens on a funny note when Cassie's husband, Jonathan sends the picture of Cassie breast-feeding her newborn girl, Sophie to everyone in Cassie's email contact list, including the director of her Law firm! Can you imagine the situation? I was already rolling on the floor with this event, but also felt sorry for Cassie. Poor Cassie!
As Debra Gilbert Rosenberg quoted about being a new mother, similarly, Cassie too never expected that motherhood could be very difficult. Cassie started having doubts about her own relationship with Jonathan and eventually she detached herself from the cocoon of love and care that Jonathan created for her and Sophie. Cassie's ghosts from the past came alive when her ex-boyfriend, Malkie joins her Law firm. Malkie's arrival catalyzed Cassie's doubts about her life and relationship. But what I loved best about Cassie was that she honestly confessed about her second thoughts to her husband and in return, Jonathan told her that maybe she was facing post-pregnancy issues. However, eventually Cassie catches herself on the crossroad of either choosing her family or having a chance with Malkie, and now it is entirely Cassie's choice to make the right decision for her daughter, Sophie, her husband, Jonathan and her once-upon-a-time-lover, Malkie.
The author made the story into a fun-ride for her readers- filled with lots of anecdotes here and there and with lots of TROLL moments. What I loved best about this author is that most of the time I felt like I was standing right beside Cassie and she is narrating me the story- more like a friend confiding in her best friend! Moreover, the author told the story in a realistic manner. The problems that are addressed in the book are very real and can be compared with our every day household drama.
I'll advice all the newbie mothers to read this story, since it'll only inspire and enlighten them, and tells us how not to sometimes listen our delusions inside our head!
The characterization is quite strong and reading about these characters will strike you as someone you happen to know in your everyday life- thoroughly believable. Cassie is a strong-willed woman and a loving mother, who puts her family before her own whims and fancies. Jonathan cannot be a more sensible husband- he is caring, loving, and responsible, always gives the opportunity for his wife to take her own decisions, and never ever jumps to any surreal conclusions. Both Cassie and Jonathan's mothers are very nice and warm women, who really know how to shine light on their children's path when they are stuck in darkness.
For a first time author, the writing is fresh and the narration is very free flowing. Moreover, told in such a way that you can easily see the scenes unfolding right in front of your eyes. Moreover, Lucy has constructed this story with right kind of emotions poured in the right moments. Moreover, I was lost in her tale emotionally and mentally!
Verdict: You can't miss this beautiful family story and I'm definitely looking forward in reading more of this promising author's books in the near future.
Courtesy: I'd like to thank the author, Lucy Lawrie, as well as her publisher from Black and White Publishing, for providing me with a copy of Lucy's book, in return for an honest review.
November 9, 2014
A solid 4.5 Stars
“Real love, the kind that lasts a lifetime…it comes from ordinary things, tiny acts of love, moments that pass by and you barely register them. It builds up in layers over days and weeks and years.”
Tiny Acts of Love was my book ‘blind date’ from Gitte. We both decided to choose a book for each other. It was to be a complete surprise until the day we were ready to read. I couldn’t wait to see what she picked for me and hey presto, here I am reviewing the her book selection. I think it’s safe to say….that girl really does know me because I loved this book. The humour was witty and subtle, the emotion was intense and real and it hit home on a couple of levels that had me reassessing and thinking about my own existence and worries. All while being completely swept up in this story.
“You and me, Cassie. We’re going to have that kind of love.”
Tiny Acts of Love was a beautifully written story of discovery. The issues facing Cassie and Jonathan, though of course intensified because it’s fiction, are the struggles many couples face when their lives have been altered so drastically when that beautiful little baby enters our lives. This littler person who relies on us for everything, elicits such strong emotions and feelings, we can sometimes feel a little overwhelmed and inadequate.
This book showed the beauty and the sadness of a marriage and the highs and lows of new parents as they negotiate their way around parenthood. As the love, protection and the pure intensity of their feelings towards their baby becomes the focus of their lives and has Cassie questioning everything she ever believed in.
Though there were times I wanted to jump through my Kindle and shout COMMUNICATE, however I completely understood Cassie and Jonathon’s aversion and fear to opening up. Preferring to maintain the equilibrium of their marriage rather than the uncertainty any confrontation may cause and my heart went out to them. Here was a couple who sought to find themselves, each other and their place in their marriage.
“We’re meant to be together, Cassie. We’ll get through this. Anyway, that’s what I have to think, isn’t it? Because the alternative is pretty grim, Cass.”
Jonathan was a beautiful character. He was so laid back, gave me a good giggle, took to fatherhood like a duck to water and loved his wife and child with a fierceness that made my heart swell. Cassie was the more intense of the two and whereas Jonathan would look at the glass half full, Cassie had a tendency to see it as half empty. I did want to cuff Jonathan at times for being a little flippant and dismissive of Cassie’s anxieties as they were very real to her. That’s not to say I didn’t want to do the same to Cassie once or twice over some of her thoughts and actions.
‘I had walked through a door and found myself in a parallel world. And Jonathan hadn’t come with me. ‘
For all his light-heartedness Jonathan was carrying baggage that when revealed made me cry. The way the author brought this about made me sob, laugh and I felt their pain deep in my soul. It was a beautifully sad scene which was handled with so much tenderness and a truly moving moment to experience.
“My job is to look after you and Sophie. Falling apart simply isn’t on the list of options.”
The author introduced quite a few storylines and characters into Tiny Acts of Love that I must admit at times had me questioning their place in the story. Well, was I in for a surprise! As the author so cleverly brought it all together, it was akin to looking at a puzzle where each piece was made to fit.
I would have loved a little more dialogue and a time or two I really craved to be inside Jonathans head but these were minor issues that didn’t hamper my overall love of this story.
Tiny Acts of Love shows us to appreciate and love the simple things in life..to communicate! It’s about the simple things in life being important and making a difference. A smile, a look, a touch…they all strive to make our lives that much better and this book passes on that message in absolute beauty, emotion and heart. It’s about embracing those who love us, implores us to live in the now, love life and realise we have no control over the future. Live each day, love each moment and don’t stress about the things we can’t change. Wonderfully written, Tiny Acts of Love was a real winner.
"Sometimes it’s easier to see love from a distance than when you’re standing right in the middle of it."
I think it’s safe to say, my book soul mate really does ‘get me’.
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November 27, 2014
Publication Date 6th March 2014 from Black and White Publishing.
With thanks to the author and publisher for the Advance Reading Copy.
Surviving motherhood? It’s all about having the right network. Lawyer and new mum Cassie has a husband who converses mainly through jokes, a best friend on the other side of the world, and a taskforce of Babycraft mothers who make her feel she has about as much maternal aptitude as a jellyfish. Husband Jonathan dismisses Cassie’s maternal anxieties, but is he really paying attention to his struggling wife?
Gosh and Golly this was an amazing read. From the brilliantly hilarious but absolutely real opening few pages, where the immediate aftermath of Sophie making her debut into the world become clear to new Mum Cassie, throughout the heart wrenching, glorious intensity of the first year of childcare, this one will have you laughing out loud, shedding the odd tear, completely immersed into the ever changing maelstrom of life and nodding sagely along as Cassie and Husband Jonathon traverse the waters of that wonderfully ironic thing called Parenthood.
At turns both emotional and heart warming, the very real highs and lows of maintaining a relationship under the sheer pressure and joy of having a new member of the family are SO well described here, alongside an absolutely insightful and realistic look at how becoming parents can affect both men and women. One of the things I absolutely loved about this was the fact that, although it is mainly Cassie’s story, it avoided the pitfall of allowing it to be all about Mum. Jonathon is well drawn and just as realistic as Cassie – the hopes and fears and dreams and nightmares are just as real for him as for her.
Using a set of absurd yet extraordinarily believable set of events that see Cassie reconnecting with her first love, helping a client with a workplace safety Supernatural issue ( the night of the documentary had me in stitches) and desperately trying to live up to the expectations of the absolutely hilarious but lovely BabyCraft crew, Lucy Lawrie takes us on a journey of emotional depth, ingenious observations and absolute understanding of post natal perceptions and sensitivities. If you have ever been a new Parent every moment of this novel will resonate with you. If you have not, you are still in for a fantastic and invigorating peek into one fictional family’s life.
Really cannot recommend this highly enough.
Happy Reading Folks!
With thanks to the author and publisher for the Advance Reading Copy.
Surviving motherhood? It’s all about having the right network. Lawyer and new mum Cassie has a husband who converses mainly through jokes, a best friend on the other side of the world, and a taskforce of Babycraft mothers who make her feel she has about as much maternal aptitude as a jellyfish. Husband Jonathan dismisses Cassie’s maternal anxieties, but is he really paying attention to his struggling wife?
Gosh and Golly this was an amazing read. From the brilliantly hilarious but absolutely real opening few pages, where the immediate aftermath of Sophie making her debut into the world become clear to new Mum Cassie, throughout the heart wrenching, glorious intensity of the first year of childcare, this one will have you laughing out loud, shedding the odd tear, completely immersed into the ever changing maelstrom of life and nodding sagely along as Cassie and Husband Jonathon traverse the waters of that wonderfully ironic thing called Parenthood.
At turns both emotional and heart warming, the very real highs and lows of maintaining a relationship under the sheer pressure and joy of having a new member of the family are SO well described here, alongside an absolutely insightful and realistic look at how becoming parents can affect both men and women. One of the things I absolutely loved about this was the fact that, although it is mainly Cassie’s story, it avoided the pitfall of allowing it to be all about Mum. Jonathon is well drawn and just as realistic as Cassie – the hopes and fears and dreams and nightmares are just as real for him as for her.
Using a set of absurd yet extraordinarily believable set of events that see Cassie reconnecting with her first love, helping a client with a workplace safety Supernatural issue ( the night of the documentary had me in stitches) and desperately trying to live up to the expectations of the absolutely hilarious but lovely BabyCraft crew, Lucy Lawrie takes us on a journey of emotional depth, ingenious observations and absolute understanding of post natal perceptions and sensitivities. If you have ever been a new Parent every moment of this novel will resonate with you. If you have not, you are still in for a fantastic and invigorating peek into one fictional family’s life.
Really cannot recommend this highly enough.
Happy Reading Folks!
March 5, 2014
Cassie and Jonathan are ready for a new part of their life together which arrives in the form of their new-born daughter Sophie. They are slowly getting used to taking care of a baby, but especially Cassie finds herself dealing with all kinds of maternal anxieties. At the same time, she is trying to balance her work as a lawyer (which involves a slightly strange case at a funeral home) and being a mother (with her fellow Babycraft support group parents not making her feel any better about the way she is handling things), and to make matters even more complicated her ex-boyfriend Malkie shows up who really wants to get back together with her. Cassie is doing her very best to make everything go as smoothly as possible, but it turns out marriage and motherhood can both be quite a handful to deal with.
One of the definite strengths of this novel is the group of well-written and realistic characters, particularly the heroine, Cassie. I immediately found myself rooting for her and I think she finds herself in situations that are very familiar and relatable to many readers. Even though I’m not married or a mum, I could easily imagine what it could be like and really felt for Cassie. As a reader, we are taken along on the emotional journey of marriage and parenthood, which includes both laugh-out-loud situations as moving and emotional ones, and there were no boring moments. I just wanted to keep on reading, curious to find out which decisions Cassie would make and whatever situation she would find herself in next.
While I enjoyed the book as a whole, I really liked the fact that there were different storylines. I particularly loved the part of the story focusing on Cassie’s work as a lawyer and how she finds herself involved in a case at a funeral home, and the case involving the lovely elderly couple Jean and Gerry. ‘Tiny Acts of Love’ is a realistic, funny and moving novel that shows the rawness of marriage and parenthood and focuses on those moments we all have of doubting what things could have been like if we had made different decisions. A thoroughly enjoyable debut novel and I look forward to Lucy Lawrie’s future work!
Visit my blog for the entire review: http://spoonfulofhappyendings.blogspo...
One of the definite strengths of this novel is the group of well-written and realistic characters, particularly the heroine, Cassie. I immediately found myself rooting for her and I think she finds herself in situations that are very familiar and relatable to many readers. Even though I’m not married or a mum, I could easily imagine what it could be like and really felt for Cassie. As a reader, we are taken along on the emotional journey of marriage and parenthood, which includes both laugh-out-loud situations as moving and emotional ones, and there were no boring moments. I just wanted to keep on reading, curious to find out which decisions Cassie would make and whatever situation she would find herself in next.
While I enjoyed the book as a whole, I really liked the fact that there were different storylines. I particularly loved the part of the story focusing on Cassie’s work as a lawyer and how she finds herself involved in a case at a funeral home, and the case involving the lovely elderly couple Jean and Gerry. ‘Tiny Acts of Love’ is a realistic, funny and moving novel that shows the rawness of marriage and parenthood and focuses on those moments we all have of doubting what things could have been like if we had made different decisions. A thoroughly enjoyable debut novel and I look forward to Lucy Lawrie’s future work!
Visit my blog for the entire review: http://spoonfulofhappyendings.blogspo...
March 7, 2014
This review was first published at M's Bookshelf - http://mssbookshelf.blogspot.be as part of a Book Tour!
For starters: I really loved this title and cover. So sweet!
I really loved reading Tiny Acts of Love. It's a story about the bliss of soon-to-be-parents.... and what comes after the baby's born. The main character Cassie gives us an honest, moving account of her doubts and fears that come with being a new mum. Although they sometimes almost scared me out of future motherhood, it felt more real than the pink bubble that's usually associated with babies.
Cassie's husband, Jonathan, has his flaws as a husband, but he's definitely a very, very loving father. It broke my heart to read about their marriage troubles - especially since almost all of them were due to communication flaws, or even more frustratingly: misunderstandings.
During this difficult time Cassie struggles with finding the right people to support her, keeping her job as a lawyer and keeping together her relationship with Jonathan.
Or will she run back to her college boyfriend, who know happens to be her new colleague?
Tiny Acts of Love is a very moving, very real "new mommy" story I would highly recommend. It really is beautiful and very touching.
For starters: I really loved this title and cover. So sweet!
I really loved reading Tiny Acts of Love. It's a story about the bliss of soon-to-be-parents.... and what comes after the baby's born. The main character Cassie gives us an honest, moving account of her doubts and fears that come with being a new mum. Although they sometimes almost scared me out of future motherhood, it felt more real than the pink bubble that's usually associated with babies.
Cassie's husband, Jonathan, has his flaws as a husband, but he's definitely a very, very loving father. It broke my heart to read about their marriage troubles - especially since almost all of them were due to communication flaws, or even more frustratingly: misunderstandings.
During this difficult time Cassie struggles with finding the right people to support her, keeping her job as a lawyer and keeping together her relationship with Jonathan.
Or will she run back to her college boyfriend, who know happens to be her new colleague?
Tiny Acts of Love is a very moving, very real "new mommy" story I would highly recommend. It really is beautiful and very touching.
September 22, 2019
First of all, I'm just gonna say: I feel you, Cassie! 😂
I love it! I know what Cassie feels at that moment. I know how hard it was to take care of Sophie. I love the story because I feel the same way! (unless I'm not a working mom. I stay at home)
This story was adorable, funny, and I found myself smiling a lot everytime I read anything relevant to me. Everytime I put the book down because I had to take care of my son, I couldn't wait to continue to read it again. Well, I guess I give this book 5/5🌟 because I'm just into this book 😂
I love it! I know what Cassie feels at that moment. I know how hard it was to take care of Sophie. I love the story because I feel the same way! (unless I'm not a working mom. I stay at home)
This story was adorable, funny, and I found myself smiling a lot everytime I read anything relevant to me. Everytime I put the book down because I had to take care of my son, I couldn't wait to continue to read it again. Well, I guess I give this book 5/5🌟 because I'm just into this book 😂
April 18, 2025
I don't remember buying this book a long time ago. It was long before having children and it seems a different world. And it happens to be one of the topics of this book. Quite fitting, right? Right indeed. This book is addressing several things that new parents experience and it's enlightening to read about it.
Some parts of the book may seem easy (how Cassie always bumps into someone she knows in such a big city) but that's not the point of the story. So no big deal for me.
All in all I hope you'll enjoy this book as much as I have.
Some parts of the book may seem easy (how Cassie always bumps into someone she knows in such a big city) but that's not the point of the story. So no big deal for me.
All in all I hope you'll enjoy this book as much as I have.
May 21, 2017
A very well written book detailing the emotions of a mother, on returning to the work place after having her first baby. It shows the conflicts that ensue and how she deals with them. I think all working mothers can have empathy with her tiredness. I also felt sympathy when she goes to the doctor because of her dizzy spells, at the onset she is advised to use lavender to get a good nights sleep. I'm afraid new mums aren't always sympathised with when they a crying out for help.
Worth a read.
Worth a read.
February 1, 2025
First of all this is just an amazing book. But it is also a really unique and interesting book that I think most people should read. It does a really good job of capturing how being a parent changes one life and how it affects different people. I was crying by the end of this book, just wonderfully written.
January 11, 2018
When I read this book, I just thought that I want a husband like Jonathan. Gives love without much drama & acts as a partner for his wife.
Love the simplicity of the story. A good read for relaxing after work.
Love the simplicity of the story. A good read for relaxing after work.
March 18, 2019
Some honest insights into the anxieties of new parenthood elevated this from a rather mundane novel with 2D characters and tiresome coincidences and plot twists into something more readable.
June 21, 2025
This book wasn’t really for me kept finding myself drifting. Not enough of a gripping plot to keep me enthralled.
January 18, 2026
Easy read
March 22, 2014
Tiny Acts of Love is Lucy Lawrie's debut work and I am very happy that she decided to write this book, really. I have enjoyed it immensely and I could just start reading it again.
Meet Cassie, an employment lawyer, who has just arrived home with her new - born Sophie (Sophie! Yay!). Everything is new, scary - hello! A brand new baby! - but on top of this Cassie's boss phones her and demands that she takes care of a new client immediately AND her husband has sent an email to all the contacts in her mail - box (including people with whom she dealt only once in her life, her clients and ex - boyfriend) with the info about the baby and a photo of breastfeeding Cassie.
What follows is a mix of work, sleepless nights (but sleepless not only because of the baby but also because Cassie thinks she is very ill and she can die, because Jonathan talks in his sleep about his deceased father, because he is sleep - walking, because Cassie thinks she has a stalker ... you name it), mood swings, ghosts in funeral home, ex - boyfriends and competitive parenting in her baby - group, family, oh and a husband going into his own personal space and dismissing all her fears and anxieties Yeah, and that's all only in one year. And let's not forget: hello! a brand new baby! With all the pluses and minuses of motherhood, hormones, moods, tears.
I must admit, I have expected Tiny Acts of Love to have a totally different plot. Looking at the cover, so nice, bright and optimistic I have thought it's going to be about babies, family, baby - blues etc. and nothing else. Which wouldn't be a problem because, as you all already know, since I'm a mum myself I just love reading about new parents, families, babies.
Perhaps there isn't much happening in term of action, although I am sure some of you won't agree with it: what with Cassie and her work, Cassie and Malkie, Cassie and Jonathan, Cassie and the baby, some subplots of Jonathan's parents... but for me it was a relatively slow read and the pace was very considerate. Nevertheless, this book has me hooked, literally. There was something deep in the writing, I felt like there was something much more than the plot itself, as if Lucy wanted to tell us much more and hid something behind her words and story. I don't often get that feeling, but reading this book I just felt it all, I felt like a part of this novel, actually I felt that I am Cassie. No particular reason, maybe because we took to the motherhood in similar ways? Because we both had the same anxieties? To be honest, the whole epilogue that Lucy wrote can be about me. Period. Those were one of the most beautiful and true words that I have ever read.
I warmed to Cassie immediately. All the feelings, all the questions about a new baby, her fear if she's going to be a good mother, I can relate to all of this. I guess every mum can:) I really admired the fact that it was relatively easy for her to come back to work, even if Sophie was still so small. Cassie was also unbelievably fair and honest, I'm not sure if I would be so honest to my husband about my encounters with ex - boyfriend. And she has also a great sense of humour, the Babycraft party scene when she talked about her ghost - case was brilliant!
While I liked Cassie, I had some issues with her husband and I must admit that I didn't warm to him till the end. Yes, I understand he had problems himself but I hated how he didn't pay attention to Cassie and how he dismissed her fears. He was, for my liking, too cold, although he was a great dad and yeah, well, he had some good moments when he helped Cassie.
There were also some other characters, like the Babycraft group and all of them were brilliantly written and all their feelings about being new parent were described in a fantastic, engaging and very real way. Both mothers of our main characters were women for themselves and it's only a pity that we got just a little of Cassie's mum.
The descriptions of the situations in the story, Cassie's job and Sophie's first year felt totally real. The book was written with a confidence, the author knew what she's writing about - she was an employment lawyer herself and is also a mum - so she has done her research and it reflects in her confident writing. The partly absurd sets of events, like Cassie and her ghost case, or her visit to the spa, or reconnecting with Malkie, or just trying to live up to the expectations of the ridiculous Babycraft group just added lightness and so needed fun to this book. It was a very, very emotional read, full of understanding and sensitivity, and also full of important information. Brutally honest about being a new parent and how it can affect the relationship between the woman and the man. A kind of read that is going to stay with me for longer and I am sure I'm going to re - read to this book. And looking for Lucy Lawrie - having her on my radar now!
Copy provided by publisher in exchange for a review.
Meet Cassie, an employment lawyer, who has just arrived home with her new - born Sophie (Sophie! Yay!). Everything is new, scary - hello! A brand new baby! - but on top of this Cassie's boss phones her and demands that she takes care of a new client immediately AND her husband has sent an email to all the contacts in her mail - box (including people with whom she dealt only once in her life, her clients and ex - boyfriend) with the info about the baby and a photo of breastfeeding Cassie.
What follows is a mix of work, sleepless nights (but sleepless not only because of the baby but also because Cassie thinks she is very ill and she can die, because Jonathan talks in his sleep about his deceased father, because he is sleep - walking, because Cassie thinks she has a stalker ... you name it), mood swings, ghosts in funeral home, ex - boyfriends and competitive parenting in her baby - group, family, oh and a husband going into his own personal space and dismissing all her fears and anxieties Yeah, and that's all only in one year. And let's not forget: hello! a brand new baby! With all the pluses and minuses of motherhood, hormones, moods, tears.
I must admit, I have expected Tiny Acts of Love to have a totally different plot. Looking at the cover, so nice, bright and optimistic I have thought it's going to be about babies, family, baby - blues etc. and nothing else. Which wouldn't be a problem because, as you all already know, since I'm a mum myself I just love reading about new parents, families, babies.
Perhaps there isn't much happening in term of action, although I am sure some of you won't agree with it: what with Cassie and her work, Cassie and Malkie, Cassie and Jonathan, Cassie and the baby, some subplots of Jonathan's parents... but for me it was a relatively slow read and the pace was very considerate. Nevertheless, this book has me hooked, literally. There was something deep in the writing, I felt like there was something much more than the plot itself, as if Lucy wanted to tell us much more and hid something behind her words and story. I don't often get that feeling, but reading this book I just felt it all, I felt like a part of this novel, actually I felt that I am Cassie. No particular reason, maybe because we took to the motherhood in similar ways? Because we both had the same anxieties? To be honest, the whole epilogue that Lucy wrote can be about me. Period. Those were one of the most beautiful and true words that I have ever read.
I warmed to Cassie immediately. All the feelings, all the questions about a new baby, her fear if she's going to be a good mother, I can relate to all of this. I guess every mum can:) I really admired the fact that it was relatively easy for her to come back to work, even if Sophie was still so small. Cassie was also unbelievably fair and honest, I'm not sure if I would be so honest to my husband about my encounters with ex - boyfriend. And she has also a great sense of humour, the Babycraft party scene when she talked about her ghost - case was brilliant!
While I liked Cassie, I had some issues with her husband and I must admit that I didn't warm to him till the end. Yes, I understand he had problems himself but I hated how he didn't pay attention to Cassie and how he dismissed her fears. He was, for my liking, too cold, although he was a great dad and yeah, well, he had some good moments when he helped Cassie.
There were also some other characters, like the Babycraft group and all of them were brilliantly written and all their feelings about being new parent were described in a fantastic, engaging and very real way. Both mothers of our main characters were women for themselves and it's only a pity that we got just a little of Cassie's mum.
The descriptions of the situations in the story, Cassie's job and Sophie's first year felt totally real. The book was written with a confidence, the author knew what she's writing about - she was an employment lawyer herself and is also a mum - so she has done her research and it reflects in her confident writing. The partly absurd sets of events, like Cassie and her ghost case, or her visit to the spa, or reconnecting with Malkie, or just trying to live up to the expectations of the ridiculous Babycraft group just added lightness and so needed fun to this book. It was a very, very emotional read, full of understanding and sensitivity, and also full of important information. Brutally honest about being a new parent and how it can affect the relationship between the woman and the man. A kind of read that is going to stay with me for longer and I am sure I'm going to re - read to this book. And looking for Lucy Lawrie - having her on my radar now!
Copy provided by publisher in exchange for a review.
March 4, 2014
Originally posted on: http://lauraslittlebookblog.blogspot....
I had heard from another blogger that this book didn't quite live up to their expectations, so I am pleased to report that it did live up to mine. Also what a really lovely cover it is. Love the yellow background and the little lipstick, baby wipes and cupcake.
Tiny Acts of Love tells the story of Cassie, a lawyer and a new Mum. Cassie is finding that she has a lot of anxieties since Sophie's birth, but her husband Jonathan just dismisses them. It's his way of dealing with things; not really listening to the actual problem by emotionally detaching himself from it even though he has underlying problems of his own. To add to Cassie's stresses her ex-boyfriend has appeared back in her life and he wants more than to just be friends and Cassie is also struggling at work. The stresses at work are also not helped when she is given a new paranormal case to deal with and there is a stalker lose. Motherhood is really not looking so idyllic for Cassie right now, but will she be able to stop her world falling apart through tiny acts of love?
This really depicted to me what real life is like. It is full of worry, stresses, strains, love, hope, anxiety and loss, but it is the little things that get us through it. I liked the rawness of it, the honesty that being a new Mum is always a fairytale ending, it is tough and you still have to carry on with life as normal. Despite that it had a funny edge to it, a kind of dark humour that lifts the novel and brings a smile to your face.
Now I may not be a Mum, but I completely understood where Cassie was coming from in this with her new Mum anxieties and stresses. I think I understood her more as well as my sister had a baby a year ago and she has been living with us for quite a while, so I am very hands-on with my niece. I experience first hand the joys, stresses and strains of having a baby. Now I am not for a minute saying that I understand completely what Mum's go through, just that I have more of an empathetic understanding of what it is like. I have hence recommended this book to my sister to read as she will totally be able to relate to it and also all new Mums will love it too and new Dad's. However as I have proven, you do not need to a new Mum or Dad to enjoy this. It is so brilliantly written that anyone can enjoy it. I was quite sad to finish it has I felt like I knew these characters so well and that goes for all of them, even the ones I thought were slightly mad at first.
A really heartwarming, down-to-earth, real read which I thoroughly recommend everyone should read.
I had heard from another blogger that this book didn't quite live up to their expectations, so I am pleased to report that it did live up to mine. Also what a really lovely cover it is. Love the yellow background and the little lipstick, baby wipes and cupcake.
Tiny Acts of Love tells the story of Cassie, a lawyer and a new Mum. Cassie is finding that she has a lot of anxieties since Sophie's birth, but her husband Jonathan just dismisses them. It's his way of dealing with things; not really listening to the actual problem by emotionally detaching himself from it even though he has underlying problems of his own. To add to Cassie's stresses her ex-boyfriend has appeared back in her life and he wants more than to just be friends and Cassie is also struggling at work. The stresses at work are also not helped when she is given a new paranormal case to deal with and there is a stalker lose. Motherhood is really not looking so idyllic for Cassie right now, but will she be able to stop her world falling apart through tiny acts of love?
This really depicted to me what real life is like. It is full of worry, stresses, strains, love, hope, anxiety and loss, but it is the little things that get us through it. I liked the rawness of it, the honesty that being a new Mum is always a fairytale ending, it is tough and you still have to carry on with life as normal. Despite that it had a funny edge to it, a kind of dark humour that lifts the novel and brings a smile to your face.
Now I may not be a Mum, but I completely understood where Cassie was coming from in this with her new Mum anxieties and stresses. I think I understood her more as well as my sister had a baby a year ago and she has been living with us for quite a while, so I am very hands-on with my niece. I experience first hand the joys, stresses and strains of having a baby. Now I am not for a minute saying that I understand completely what Mum's go through, just that I have more of an empathetic understanding of what it is like. I have hence recommended this book to my sister to read as she will totally be able to relate to it and also all new Mums will love it too and new Dad's. However as I have proven, you do not need to a new Mum or Dad to enjoy this. It is so brilliantly written that anyone can enjoy it. I was quite sad to finish it has I felt like I knew these characters so well and that goes for all of them, even the ones I thought were slightly mad at first.
A really heartwarming, down-to-earth, real read which I thoroughly recommend everyone should read.
October 22, 2014
I first read "Tiny Acts of Love" when it was still an infant. However, now that is a published six month old, I have had the opportunity to read it once again. Oh, my, how "Tiny Acts..." has grown, into a confident, very funny ( made me spit up my coffee with unexpected laughter) kind of funny commentary on being a mommy for the first time.
If you haven't read it and you are a new mom or an about to be new mom, give it a bit of your undivided attention. I suspect you will come back to write a five star review..and you may find yourself reflecting on your experience with Lucy Lawrie's version of professional woman trying out mom-hood with your own at some future date.
A fine read that I recommend to grandmothers, aunts, and sisters-in-law as well as to those who are about to or recently have stepped into the role of mommy!!
I'm now reading it for a second time and this is what I think about it...
"For some reason I felt that these two elderly people belonged in my life, that I needed them in ways I couldn't understand."
"Tiny Acts of Love" by Lucy Lawrie
Yes, Lawrie has written an engaging romance. However, she's also taken the genre a step farther by including an elderly couple who contribute a considerable amount to the plot line of her 'professional woman becomes a mom for the first time' story.
As a seventy-four year old, I fit into that 'elderly' category, you see. And I love this rollicking tale that takes place in Edinburgh, Scotland, but that could take place in any medium sized city in North America. Lawrie has the ability to build universal characters in very modern circumstances no matter that they live in a thousand year old city in the middle of Europe.
Available on Amazon kindle in the USA, "Tiny Acts of Love" is an enjoyable look sometimes from a grandmotherly point of view into the lives of professional families who decide that being parents for the first time is a good idea, even if an idea rife with very funny and often trans-generational goof-ups.
If you need a pleasant distraction in the middle of your next plane ride, add Tiny Acts of Love to your carry-on luggage and smile or even giggle through the shenanigans of new mom, Cassie, and her cast of multi-generational characters. You'll disembark from your plane with a smile on your face.
If you haven't read it and you are a new mom or an about to be new mom, give it a bit of your undivided attention. I suspect you will come back to write a five star review..and you may find yourself reflecting on your experience with Lucy Lawrie's version of professional woman trying out mom-hood with your own at some future date.
A fine read that I recommend to grandmothers, aunts, and sisters-in-law as well as to those who are about to or recently have stepped into the role of mommy!!
I'm now reading it for a second time and this is what I think about it...
"For some reason I felt that these two elderly people belonged in my life, that I needed them in ways I couldn't understand."
"Tiny Acts of Love" by Lucy Lawrie
Yes, Lawrie has written an engaging romance. However, she's also taken the genre a step farther by including an elderly couple who contribute a considerable amount to the plot line of her 'professional woman becomes a mom for the first time' story.
As a seventy-four year old, I fit into that 'elderly' category, you see. And I love this rollicking tale that takes place in Edinburgh, Scotland, but that could take place in any medium sized city in North America. Lawrie has the ability to build universal characters in very modern circumstances no matter that they live in a thousand year old city in the middle of Europe.
Available on Amazon kindle in the USA, "Tiny Acts of Love" is an enjoyable look sometimes from a grandmotherly point of view into the lives of professional families who decide that being parents for the first time is a good idea, even if an idea rife with very funny and often trans-generational goof-ups.
If you need a pleasant distraction in the middle of your next plane ride, add Tiny Acts of Love to your carry-on luggage and smile or even giggle through the shenanigans of new mom, Cassie, and her cast of multi-generational characters. You'll disembark from your plane with a smile on your face.
August 8, 2016
*Copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review*
This is the book everyone on twitter has been talking about lately. Everyone was so excited to read it, of course including me. When I was given a review copy and a chance to be part of Lucy's blog tour I couldn't be happier. But I must admit, at the same time I was a bit worried about what I would feel like if this book didn't live up to all the hype.
Well, now that I've read it, I can say it's an excellent debut. Lucy is obviously very talented and great in creating interesting, well developed characters.
The opening is simply hilarious! I could help but laugh out loud in the middle of the night. Cassie's just become a mother to a lovely baby girl, and though when it comes to law and business she's simply a shark, she's so scared of her new mother role. A year and a half ago I had my second child, and though I didn't experience that much anxiety as Cassie has, I could understand her and all her fears. That feeling every new mother has, will she be a good mother, will she provide everything her baby needs..gosh, that's so overwhelming, yet quite normal and what everyone woman goes through.
To be honest, maybe Cassie was overreacting, but that brings so much humor in this book. She's over analyzing everything, her baby's behavior, her relationship to her husband, her boss' demands..everything! Couple of times I wanted to give her a shake, telling her to stop being a drama queen. But as I said, there were so many times when I could connect to her, I guess every mother will.
I must admit I had a bit of a problem with the pacing, I'd enjoy it more if it was faster and there were more things happening. But that's just my opinion, it doesn't necessarily mean this is a slow book.
I'd hate to spoil and say more about the ending, but I loved the prologue. I found it so touchy and beautifully written, and that's the main reason why I settled for a solid 4 star rating. Otherwise it would be still rounded to 4 but actually between 3.5-4/5. I really enjoyed it, it's an interesting story not just about motherhood and parenting, but also about believing in yourself and fighting your worse fears.
March 4, 2014
Review originally posted to my blog:
http://www.pagetostagereviews.com/201...
I have a weak spot for pretty covers and how adorable is this one? The beautiful pastels, the lovely leaf-shaped heart and the bright yellow have "fun spring read" written all over them - perfect for the (reluctant) sunny weather we're currently having in the UK.
The book's opener was simultaneously hilarious and excruciatingly embarrassing, setting up what I expected to be a very funny story, but it turned out to be much more serious than that. Main character Cassie is a new mum and she's struggling to juggle the job of mother with that of being an employment lawyer - and her seemingly clueless husband isn't much help in the matter.
The novel gives a fascinating insight into the difficulties of becoming a new parent; it turns your life upside down in more ways than you can possibly imagine and prepare for beforehand and you have to work hard to ensure your sanity and marriage don't succumb under the pressure of being a good parent.
Perhaps it's the fact that I am not in this stage in life myself yet, or it were the characters of Cassie and her husband Jonathan, but despite the many problems they were faced with over the course of the novel I found it difficult to feel sympathetic towards them. I understood how incredibly difficult it was for them to adjust but at times I just wanted to slap some sense into them.
Jonathan especially got tremendously on my nerves as he seemed completely oblivious to how hard it was for Cassie to cope with it all. In fact, it started with the very first email that opened the novel, which while funny from an outsider's point of view, was actually an incredibly stupid and thoughtless act on his part - and it just went downhill after that.
While the novel was certainly funny at times and I appreciate author Lucy Lawrie's efforts in conveying the difficulties of becoming a parent beyond sleepless nights and smelly diapers, for me it didn't work and I felt there was something crucial missing that would make me feel more interested and invested in the characters and as a result the story as whole.
http://www.pagetostagereviews.com/201...
I have a weak spot for pretty covers and how adorable is this one? The beautiful pastels, the lovely leaf-shaped heart and the bright yellow have "fun spring read" written all over them - perfect for the (reluctant) sunny weather we're currently having in the UK.
The book's opener was simultaneously hilarious and excruciatingly embarrassing, setting up what I expected to be a very funny story, but it turned out to be much more serious than that. Main character Cassie is a new mum and she's struggling to juggle the job of mother with that of being an employment lawyer - and her seemingly clueless husband isn't much help in the matter.
The novel gives a fascinating insight into the difficulties of becoming a new parent; it turns your life upside down in more ways than you can possibly imagine and prepare for beforehand and you have to work hard to ensure your sanity and marriage don't succumb under the pressure of being a good parent.
Perhaps it's the fact that I am not in this stage in life myself yet, or it were the characters of Cassie and her husband Jonathan, but despite the many problems they were faced with over the course of the novel I found it difficult to feel sympathetic towards them. I understood how incredibly difficult it was for them to adjust but at times I just wanted to slap some sense into them.
Jonathan especially got tremendously on my nerves as he seemed completely oblivious to how hard it was for Cassie to cope with it all. In fact, it started with the very first email that opened the novel, which while funny from an outsider's point of view, was actually an incredibly stupid and thoughtless act on his part - and it just went downhill after that.
While the novel was certainly funny at times and I appreciate author Lucy Lawrie's efforts in conveying the difficulties of becoming a parent beyond sleepless nights and smelly diapers, for me it didn't work and I felt there was something crucial missing that would make me feel more interested and invested in the characters and as a result the story as whole.
March 17, 2014
When Employment Lawyer Cassie returns to work after her maternity leave, she is not able to pick things back up from where she left them before having her baby daughter Sophie. This whole situation is not helped by her husband Jonathan who (accidentally) sends an email recounting her birth story to everyone in Cassie’s address book (from important work clients to her ex-boyfriend). Will Cassie and Jonathan’s relationship survive or will new motherhood, career challenges and old flames prove too much for their marriage?
As soon as I read the opening chapters of this book I took an immediate liking to Jonathan. He means so well – yes, sending this email to EVERYONE in Cassie’s address book might not have been the brightest idea, but it so completely showed his pride and innocence of becoming a first-time father. In fact, this whole story quickly became very close to me. The feelings and emotions Cassie goes through are very similar to what I experienced after the birth of my baby girl. Lucy Lawrie brilliantly described the struggles of unforeseen happenings every new mother has to cope with.
Tiny Acts of Love has a brilliant and strong supporting cast of characters. There are a few parallel small storylines that really caught my attention – from the “secrets” surrounding the funeral director (one of Cassie’s clients) to the old and endearing couple struggling with unfair treatments at work (another one of Cassie’s clients).
I loved the description of all the Babycraft events. Babycraft is the parenting group that both Cassie and Jonathan attend. The other characters in this group are downright hilarious and add so much to the whole storyline!
Tiny Acts of Love is superbly written and takes the reader on a journey of the ups and downs of new motherhood and general obstacles life throws at you.
As soon as I read the opening chapters of this book I took an immediate liking to Jonathan. He means so well – yes, sending this email to EVERYONE in Cassie’s address book might not have been the brightest idea, but it so completely showed his pride and innocence of becoming a first-time father. In fact, this whole story quickly became very close to me. The feelings and emotions Cassie goes through are very similar to what I experienced after the birth of my baby girl. Lucy Lawrie brilliantly described the struggles of unforeseen happenings every new mother has to cope with.
Tiny Acts of Love has a brilliant and strong supporting cast of characters. There are a few parallel small storylines that really caught my attention – from the “secrets” surrounding the funeral director (one of Cassie’s clients) to the old and endearing couple struggling with unfair treatments at work (another one of Cassie’s clients).
I loved the description of all the Babycraft events. Babycraft is the parenting group that both Cassie and Jonathan attend. The other characters in this group are downright hilarious and add so much to the whole storyline!
Tiny Acts of Love is superbly written and takes the reader on a journey of the ups and downs of new motherhood and general obstacles life throws at you.
March 1, 2015
I thought that Tiny Acts of Love sent a really powerful message but in a gentle and subtle way. The post-natal depression element of the storyline could easily have overwhelmed and taken over but it does not overpower in the slightest. In fact, the descriptions and ultimate message, which does not show itself truly until the very end of the book, could apply to anybody and the way that they feel about life in general; it is certainly not limited to post-natal depression. You definitely do not need to be a mother to read and enjoy this book.
There were lots of different threads and sub-plots to this book, which meandered alongside the main storyline and I enjoyed every single one of them. Elements of the story may come across as slightly far-fetched but it is a fun book and the characters draw you in so you do not necessarily realise you are reading about the craziness that you are. Each of those sub-plots are dealt with in a perfect manner and are each ultimately tied up for the reader.
A great read, there were good twists along the way and an entirely satisfying ending that contained a very powerful message which I think will resonate with a lot of people, parents or not. There are paragraphs in the final epilogue of the book that made something click inside my head and they will stay with me for a long time. An exceptionally well-crafted debut novel from Lucy Lawrie.
And once you've read Tiny Acts of Love, you can head over to Lucy's website where Lucy has turned parts of the story around and written them from another characters point of view, which I really love as you get to see the flip side to the story which is not always as you, the reader, conjure up in your mind.
Thank you to Black and White Publishing for the copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
There were lots of different threads and sub-plots to this book, which meandered alongside the main storyline and I enjoyed every single one of them. Elements of the story may come across as slightly far-fetched but it is a fun book and the characters draw you in so you do not necessarily realise you are reading about the craziness that you are. Each of those sub-plots are dealt with in a perfect manner and are each ultimately tied up for the reader.
A great read, there were good twists along the way and an entirely satisfying ending that contained a very powerful message which I think will resonate with a lot of people, parents or not. There are paragraphs in the final epilogue of the book that made something click inside my head and they will stay with me for a long time. An exceptionally well-crafted debut novel from Lucy Lawrie.
And once you've read Tiny Acts of Love, you can head over to Lucy's website where Lucy has turned parts of the story around and written them from another characters point of view, which I really love as you get to see the flip side to the story which is not always as you, the reader, conjure up in your mind.
Thank you to Black and White Publishing for the copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
June 20, 2014
Cassie is a frustrated new mum, back home from the hospital, who can’t sleep and fit with her new life. Not to mention her husband overstated reaction to Sophie’s birth: Jonathan has sent all Cassie’s mailing list the news about the newborn, also to her chief. Things go from bad to worse when she tries to rebuild her reputation dealing with a special client during her muthernity leave. She’s sleepless because of her baby and her sleep-walker husband – but also because her ex-boyfriend is back in town trying to reconquer her and she thinks she’s follow by a stalker. Cassie has enough to worry about, last but not the least she is involved in a fraud case.
I haven’t read something so funny since I unfinished to read Sophie Kinsella’s I love shopping saga – I only have one book left. This novel describes the everyday life of a sleepless mother, how it’s difficult to hold down a job in this situation. The story is very funny, unusual, and touching, perfectly balanced to a simple and sharp writing. I couldn’t read it in a few days because of my studies, but it’s easy to gulp down with his short and flowing 38 chapters. Despite her chiklit cover, Tiny Act of Love is more than just a girly book: it’s a real report on new parent life where depression and social difficulties can be considered. I had a few problems with some Scottish verbal phrase, but nothing the context or a good monolingual dictionary can’t fix.
Lucy Lawrie wrote a great debut novel, different to the million books dealing with the same subject to please. I want to read more from this author, maybe a detective story considering she is a lawyer. If you want to read something genuine and cool in this hot summer, paying attention on your English skills, please take this book in consideration. It will win you.
I haven’t read something so funny since I unfinished to read Sophie Kinsella’s I love shopping saga – I only have one book left. This novel describes the everyday life of a sleepless mother, how it’s difficult to hold down a job in this situation. The story is very funny, unusual, and touching, perfectly balanced to a simple and sharp writing. I couldn’t read it in a few days because of my studies, but it’s easy to gulp down with his short and flowing 38 chapters. Despite her chiklit cover, Tiny Act of Love is more than just a girly book: it’s a real report on new parent life where depression and social difficulties can be considered. I had a few problems with some Scottish verbal phrase, but nothing the context or a good monolingual dictionary can’t fix.
Lucy Lawrie wrote a great debut novel, different to the million books dealing with the same subject to please. I want to read more from this author, maybe a detective story considering she is a lawyer. If you want to read something genuine and cool in this hot summer, paying attention on your English skills, please take this book in consideration. It will win you.
February 26, 2014
Tiny Acts of Love is hugely entertaining, thought-provoking and hard to put down.
Lucy Lawrie’s clever, witty, unpretentious storytelling pulled me into Cassie’s world from page 1 – and I didn’t want to leave. Such is the strength of the writing that, even though I’m not a mum and have never faced many of the challenges and anxieties confronting Cassie, I really do feel I ‘get’ her. And the story resonates on so many other levels besides.
Some ostensibly absurd situations are rendered entirely plausible because all the characters are so well drawn; they’re so real, I feel I know them. If I lived in Edinburgh I think I’d be looking out for Cassie and family in the Botanic Gardens, or hoping to bump into Jean and Gerry Forrester in the supermarket! I know whom I’d want to direct a funeral, and whom I’d cross the road to avoid. As for ex-boyfriend Malkie, well...
I admire the author’s skill at generating emotion in her reader as well as her characters. I was laughing out loud one minute, and had a lump in my throat the next. And isn’t that what real life can be like? Cassie puts it better than me when, in a particularly moving passage, she observes: “And just like that, it can happen ... A door swings open through the back of a sunny day.”
There’s much more to this story than meets the eye. It also has a wonderful twist and a perfect ending (tissues required, though!).
I’ll be first in the queue for whatever Lucy Lawrie writes next.
Lucy Lawrie’s clever, witty, unpretentious storytelling pulled me into Cassie’s world from page 1 – and I didn’t want to leave. Such is the strength of the writing that, even though I’m not a mum and have never faced many of the challenges and anxieties confronting Cassie, I really do feel I ‘get’ her. And the story resonates on so many other levels besides.
Some ostensibly absurd situations are rendered entirely plausible because all the characters are so well drawn; they’re so real, I feel I know them. If I lived in Edinburgh I think I’d be looking out for Cassie and family in the Botanic Gardens, or hoping to bump into Jean and Gerry Forrester in the supermarket! I know whom I’d want to direct a funeral, and whom I’d cross the road to avoid. As for ex-boyfriend Malkie, well...
I admire the author’s skill at generating emotion in her reader as well as her characters. I was laughing out loud one minute, and had a lump in my throat the next. And isn’t that what real life can be like? Cassie puts it better than me when, in a particularly moving passage, she observes: “And just like that, it can happen ... A door swings open through the back of a sunny day.”
There’s much more to this story than meets the eye. It also has a wonderful twist and a perfect ending (tissues required, though!).
I’ll be first in the queue for whatever Lucy Lawrie writes next.
February 28, 2014
Tiny Acts of Love is the sort of book that you miss when it’s finished. It’s by turns very very funny and very very moving, but most of all I just found it so uplifting – better than any self-help book! (You will definitely need a pack of tissues, but mainly for happy tears!) Having read it through very quickly, I’ve been enjoying dipping into it and reading a scene at random, more slowly, savouring it – and then getting on with my day feeling a little bit better about life in general.
Beautiful writing can sometimes be quite indulgent and self-conscious, and the reader’s experience seems to be of secondary importance – but here beautiful, perceptive and very witty writing is combined with a wonderfully entertaining emotional rollercoaster for the reader. I was entirely in Cassie’s world, and was never conscious, as I often am with ‘literary’ fiction, of the cogs and wheels whirring under the stage. I forgot that it was a story at all. I was there with Cassie and really wanted everything to turn out well for her and Jonathan and Sophie.
The whole cast of characters seemed very real to me – even the awful, hilarious Babycraft mums and dads.
The witty observational humour juxtaposed with very touching moments and piercing insights reminded me a little of Alexander McCall Smith, but I hesitate to make any comparison because I think Lucy Lawrie’s voice is entirely original.
Loved it!
Beautiful writing can sometimes be quite indulgent and self-conscious, and the reader’s experience seems to be of secondary importance – but here beautiful, perceptive and very witty writing is combined with a wonderfully entertaining emotional rollercoaster for the reader. I was entirely in Cassie’s world, and was never conscious, as I often am with ‘literary’ fiction, of the cogs and wheels whirring under the stage. I forgot that it was a story at all. I was there with Cassie and really wanted everything to turn out well for her and Jonathan and Sophie.
The whole cast of characters seemed very real to me – even the awful, hilarious Babycraft mums and dads.
The witty observational humour juxtaposed with very touching moments and piercing insights reminded me a little of Alexander McCall Smith, but I hesitate to make any comparison because I think Lucy Lawrie’s voice is entirely original.
Loved it!
March 13, 2014
Firstly I’d like to thank ED PR for sending me this book to read and give an honest review.
Straight away I was able to relate to Cassie and the post-childbirth haze she was experiencing. Her funny interactions with her husband Jonathan made me laugh, especially because he seemed to have a knack of putting his foot in it and irritating the new mum! The author described the ups and downs of parenthood accurately, honestly and humorously leaving me nodding my head in understanding and agreement.
Cassie’s ex-boyfriend gave the book an intriguing edge, the ‘will she, won’t she’ question played on my mind throughout and really kept me on my toes. When a stalker was thrown into the equation I felt rather concerned for Cassie, it brought an eerie feeling to the storyline and although I managed to come up with a theory as to who was responsible, I couldn’t have been more wrong – this was a great twist!
There were many enjoyable moments throughout the book but some of my favourites included: a very revealing email, a disastrous overnight stay with friends, a funeral home with ghostly issues and a surprise meeting at a spa day. This book really did tick all the boxes for me, I was expecting laughter but the sadness and moments of raw emotion really took me by surprise. The insightful epilogue left me looking at the world from a different, more peaceful, viewpoint.
This was a fantastic debut novel, touching and amusing with a wonderfully real feel to it.
Straight away I was able to relate to Cassie and the post-childbirth haze she was experiencing. Her funny interactions with her husband Jonathan made me laugh, especially because he seemed to have a knack of putting his foot in it and irritating the new mum! The author described the ups and downs of parenthood accurately, honestly and humorously leaving me nodding my head in understanding and agreement.
Cassie’s ex-boyfriend gave the book an intriguing edge, the ‘will she, won’t she’ question played on my mind throughout and really kept me on my toes. When a stalker was thrown into the equation I felt rather concerned for Cassie, it brought an eerie feeling to the storyline and although I managed to come up with a theory as to who was responsible, I couldn’t have been more wrong – this was a great twist!
There were many enjoyable moments throughout the book but some of my favourites included: a very revealing email, a disastrous overnight stay with friends, a funeral home with ghostly issues and a surprise meeting at a spa day. This book really did tick all the boxes for me, I was expecting laughter but the sadness and moments of raw emotion really took me by surprise. The insightful epilogue left me looking at the world from a different, more peaceful, viewpoint.
This was a fantastic debut novel, touching and amusing with a wonderfully real feel to it.
March 6, 2014
Being Scottish I have a special interest in any books with a Scottish link and not only is Tiny Acts of Love written by a Scottish author, it is also set in Edinburgh.
Tiny Acts of Love takes us through the first year or so of Cassie’s life as a new mother, how it affects her relationship with her husband, Jonathan, what happens when her ex reappears, how she deals with work, postnatal hypochondria, Babycraft meetings and all the other things that come her way. This might sound pretty run-of-the-mill and it is – for the best part, most of the things could happen to anyone – but that’s what makes this book so readable. Yes, I read to escape from reality, but I want it to be believable too sometimes.
There are laugh out loud parts and parts that will bring a tear to your eye. Tiny Acts of Love reiterates the fact that life isn’t always going to be exciting and we can’t always live in the past. It makes you feel like you should take each day for what it is, treasure all the small things and love those you share your life with because you just never know when it all might change.
A warm, fuzzy debut which kept me hooked and smiling. I really look forward to reading more of Lucy Lawrie’s work and wish her all the success in the world with Tiny Acts of Love.
Full review available at: littlemissliterature.wordpress.com
Tiny Acts of Love takes us through the first year or so of Cassie’s life as a new mother, how it affects her relationship with her husband, Jonathan, what happens when her ex reappears, how she deals with work, postnatal hypochondria, Babycraft meetings and all the other things that come her way. This might sound pretty run-of-the-mill and it is – for the best part, most of the things could happen to anyone – but that’s what makes this book so readable. Yes, I read to escape from reality, but I want it to be believable too sometimes.
There are laugh out loud parts and parts that will bring a tear to your eye. Tiny Acts of Love reiterates the fact that life isn’t always going to be exciting and we can’t always live in the past. It makes you feel like you should take each day for what it is, treasure all the small things and love those you share your life with because you just never know when it all might change.
A warm, fuzzy debut which kept me hooked and smiling. I really look forward to reading more of Lucy Lawrie’s work and wish her all the success in the world with Tiny Acts of Love.
Full review available at: littlemissliterature.wordpress.com
March 6, 2014
Tiffany's Review:
This review and others can be viewed here: http://curling-up-with-a-good-book.bl...
Let me start by saying...Cassie, I feel you girl!! Being a first time parents is hard! I really could relate to the main character in this book. From the very first page I was drawn to this story! I would have killed my Jonathan, the husband and dad, for sending that email if I were Cassie!
This book tells the story of Cassie and Jonathan. First time parents to a beautiful little girl, Sophie. After Cassie gives birth something just does not feel right. She tries to tell Jonathan about her worries but he does not seem to want to listen to her...neither do her doctors. As a reader I was really concerned about Cassie! I was praying the entire time that nothing will happen to her! Jonathan has his own issues to deal with, which keeps the reader intrigued!
When Cassie goes back to work part time they ask Jonathan's mom, Dita to come live with them. Dita seems like the ideal Grandmother and house guest until an old lover turns but on their doorstep! DRAMA!!! Will Cassie be ok? Will Jonathan and Cassie make their marriage work?! I would for sure recommend this book! I give it 4 stars!!
This review and others can be viewed here: http://curling-up-with-a-good-book.bl...
Let me start by saying...Cassie, I feel you girl!! Being a first time parents is hard! I really could relate to the main character in this book. From the very first page I was drawn to this story! I would have killed my Jonathan, the husband and dad, for sending that email if I were Cassie!
This book tells the story of Cassie and Jonathan. First time parents to a beautiful little girl, Sophie. After Cassie gives birth something just does not feel right. She tries to tell Jonathan about her worries but he does not seem to want to listen to her...neither do her doctors. As a reader I was really concerned about Cassie! I was praying the entire time that nothing will happen to her! Jonathan has his own issues to deal with, which keeps the reader intrigued!
When Cassie goes back to work part time they ask Jonathan's mom, Dita to come live with them. Dita seems like the ideal Grandmother and house guest until an old lover turns but on their doorstep! DRAMA!!! Will Cassie be ok? Will Jonathan and Cassie make their marriage work?! I would for sure recommend this book! I give it 4 stars!!
October 1, 2014
Employment lawyer Cassie has only been a mom for three days when she discovers that an email announcing the birth of her first child has been mistakenly sent to her entire contact list. The email is entitled "48 Stitches Later" and includes a photo of her breastfeeding. Efforts to offset the damage find Cassie in a series of different situations involving a funeral home director, an ex-boyfriend, and a stalker among others. I loved Tiny Acts of Love by Lucy Lawrie. It made me laugh and it made me cry. Based upon the description on the cover and the first chapter, I thought this would be a light-hearted, straight-forward chick-lit read. It reminded me very much of books by Sophie Kinsella. However, the book soon evolved into so much more. It delves into the sheer exhaustion experienced by a new mother, the emotional sense of losing oneself, and all sorts of other emotions that are evoked when juggling motherhood, family, friends, and career. It is a wonderful, emotional read about the miracles we call life and love. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys women's fiction, but especially to those who have experienced motherhood for themselves.
April 16, 2014
The blurb on the front of the book says "Never has marriage, motherhood and being a working mum been so seriously funny". As I read the first few laugh-out-loud pages, I thought I'd found a serious contender for giving Kathy Lette a run for her money. Lucy Lawrie's willingness to shine a light on the unmentionables of motherhood, as well as pointing out the humour of those situations that we've all been in where we wanted to die of embarrassment at the time, had me smiling in recognition - the Babycraft mums (and dads) may be stereotypes but I think most parents will recognise at least a couple of them and the group email scene at the very start was hilarious!
After a few chapters, she seems to mellow out though and the book moves into a new, slightly more serious phase. [...]
(full review on my blog : http://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspot...)
After a few chapters, she seems to mellow out though and the book moves into a new, slightly more serious phase. [...]
(full review on my blog : http://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspot...)
May 2, 2015
Firstly, I love the cover of this book! It's so cute and pretty and I'm a sucker for pretty covers. However, I felt the tagline on the front was slightly misleading. It didn't give any indication that the story was going to delve into some quite serious topics. Which there's nothing wrong with of course, and I actually very much enjoyed reading about but the book as a whole was definitely not at all what I was expecting.
A bit slow in parts but it really picked up from halfway through and towards the end. I really liked the messages displayed throughout and the emphasis on this eternal "love" that the main character talks about. There are some very beautiful paragraphs and sentences which I adored too.
The only problem I had was the plot, at times, felt a bit all over the show with lots of seemingly random elements all happening at once. Other than that, I really enjoyed it and would recommend!
A bit slow in parts but it really picked up from halfway through and towards the end. I really liked the messages displayed throughout and the emphasis on this eternal "love" that the main character talks about. There are some very beautiful paragraphs and sentences which I adored too.
The only problem I had was the plot, at times, felt a bit all over the show with lots of seemingly random elements all happening at once. Other than that, I really enjoyed it and would recommend!
March 28, 2014
Someone on a local internet forum mentioned this book which her friend had written. I had a wee peek and decided to download it. The first page had me freaked out. The names of the characters were too close to home... but I continued reading because to be fair it had become one of those books which you wish the world could leave you alone to read it. The characters were beautifully written and you could identify with Cassie the main character but also the other characters. The book flowed well and the ending was tied up beautifully. I know this was a first book, but if the author continues along these lines, then I'd be happy to read more from her.
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