After June

by Thomasin Heyworth

Sixty-seven-year-old Ben Willows prefers the company of a dog to that of most people. So, now that his wife June, an exception in the people category with whom he's shared most of his life, has died, he assumes he'll live out his days keeping to himself and making the best of what a solitary life has to offer. But one day he encounters Rose, a young pregnant woman who works in a local grocery store. Something about her seems familiar, and as the days go by and events unfold, he discovers that he's been making some inaccurate assumptions about life as well as misjudgments about people--even June, about whom he thought he knew everything--for a very long time. And he begins to understand why making connections with others can often change our lives for the better; we only need to allow ourselves to be open to the possibilities.

188 pages, Paperback

First published May 14, 2014

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

A novel of letting go and letting people in.

[Cheryl Dietr · Rating 4 out of 5]

A heart warming and wonderfully written story about the most important things in life. I feel honored to have had the chance to read the book and to contemplate the authors ideas and words. It truly is amazing how those mysterious moments that occur "out of the blue" can turn out to have a profound and unexpected impact on your life if you are open enough to receive the message of that is contained in that moment.

*Disclosure- I received this book through the Goodreads Giveaway program. Thanks Goodreads!*

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

After June, while a bit heartbreaking leaves you feeling hopeful and uplifted. Heyworth does a particularly superb job of writing engaging characters, then weaving them together in an intricate way that is delightful. Definitely on my list of favorites for 2014.


** I received a free copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway.

[lacietee]

I don't think I've ever encountered a book with such a compelling plot. Wow, I cannot wait wait to get my hands on this one!

[Helene · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book through the Goodreads Giveaway program. It was OK for an author's first novel; however, I found it a bit simplistic and predictable, with a writing style better suited for a young adult audience.

[Roxy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found the book to be to slow paced for me. It couldn't keep my attention.