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Dear Daisy
Please note, this was previously published as I Don’t Want to Talk About It.
An emotional, heart-wrenching and uplifting romance of forgiveness and the power of love.
Daisy, I need your advice . . .
Bestselling author Winter Gregory escapes to Yorkshire to mend her broken heart. She’s determined to finish her second book and forget about her ex-boyfriend — and also her editor — Dan.
In the quiet village, Winter only has her twin sister, Daisy, to talk to. Daisy’s far away in Australia, but is the one person who can help Winter through anything. But when she meets a little girl, Scarlet, and her uncle, Alex, both dealing with their own loss, Winter finds her world opening up.
The more time they spend together, the more Winter sees the chance for a new beginning and finds the strength to heal her broken heart. But when Dan arrives in Yorkshire, the life she thinks she's left behind begins to catch up with her.
Can Winter learn to forgive and move on from her past, or will her own heartache stop her from finding her chance at happiness?
An emotional, heart-wrenching and uplifting romance of forgiveness and the power of love.
Daisy, I need your advice . . .
Bestselling author Winter Gregory escapes to Yorkshire to mend her broken heart. She’s determined to finish her second book and forget about her ex-boyfriend — and also her editor — Dan.
In the quiet village, Winter only has her twin sister, Daisy, to talk to. Daisy’s far away in Australia, but is the one person who can help Winter through anything. But when she meets a little girl, Scarlet, and her uncle, Alex, both dealing with their own loss, Winter finds her world opening up.
The more time they spend together, the more Winter sees the chance for a new beginning and finds the strength to heal her broken heart. But when Dan arrives in Yorkshire, the life she thinks she's left behind begins to catch up with her.
Can Winter learn to forgive and move on from her past, or will her own heartache stop her from finding her chance at happiness?
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 31, 2015
75 people are currently reading
533 people want to read
About the author
Jane Lovering
51 books229 followersJane Lovering was born in Devon, England but, following extradition procedures, now lives in Yorkshire. She has five children, four cats, two dogs and doesn't believe in housework so the bacteria and dust are approaching sentience and now rank among the pets. Incidentally, she doesn’t believe in ironing either, and the children all learned self-defensive cookery at early ages. She works in a local school and also teaches creative writing, which are extreme ways of avoiding the washing up.
Published since 2008, she writes romantic comedies which are often described as ‘quirky’. One day she's going to find out what that means. Jane is a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association and has a first class honours degree in creative writing. In 2012, her novel Please Don't Stop the Music won the Romantic Novel of the Year Award by the RNA.
Published since 2008, she writes romantic comedies which are often described as ‘quirky’. One day she's going to find out what that means. Jane is a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association and has a first class honours degree in creative writing. In 2012, her novel Please Don't Stop the Music won the Romantic Novel of the Year Award by the RNA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
November 30, 2018
I don’t know what to say about this, it completely threw me. It took me by surprise.
I’m ashamed to admit this book I got from Net Galley and hadn’t written it down on my TBR list. I confess I was very new and naive with Net Galley and thought I’d “remember” the books I got. But temptation with requesting other books pushed this one down and I’d forgotten it.
I haste to say, I’m not like that now!
There’s this “twin” thing going on. There’s family rifts, loves and losses.
The ending was what threw me.
Loved it.
(Giving nothing away)
I’m ashamed to admit this book I got from Net Galley and hadn’t written it down on my TBR list. I confess I was very new and naive with Net Galley and thought I’d “remember” the books I got. But temptation with requesting other books pushed this one down and I’d forgotten it.
I haste to say, I’m not like that now!
There’s this “twin” thing going on. There’s family rifts, loves and losses.
The ending was what threw me.
Loved it.
(Giving nothing away)
November 5, 2016
Winter has recently broken up with her boyfriend and decides some time away in the country is just what she needs to finish the sequel to her best seller “Book of the Dead”. Winter is determined to keep her mind solely on her work, that is, until she meets Scarlet, a very engaging 8 year old, and her hunky Uncle, Alex.
I couldn’t quite understand the break-up between Winter and Dan because there was no previous conflict in the story and Dan seemed to genuinely care about Winter. At about 30% I twigged on the problem the two had and I started to enjoy the story more.
The characters all have their own emotional baggage and the story shows how different people cope with tragedy and loss in their lives in different ways.
I liked that some of the story is written in Facebook, Twitter and blog posts.
“I Don’t Want to Talk About It” is a story that will elicit varying emotions. I was laughing at the beginning and in tears by the end. It’s a story filled with humour, drama, suspense, sadness and happy endings however, it was just a little too angsty for me.
With my thanks to Choc Lit via Netgalley for my copy which I have voluntarily chosen to review.
I couldn’t quite understand the break-up between Winter and Dan because there was no previous conflict in the story and Dan seemed to genuinely care about Winter. At about 30% I twigged on the problem the two had and I started to enjoy the story more.
The characters all have their own emotional baggage and the story shows how different people cope with tragedy and loss in their lives in different ways.
I liked that some of the story is written in Facebook, Twitter and blog posts.
“I Don’t Want to Talk About It” is a story that will elicit varying emotions. I was laughing at the beginning and in tears by the end. It’s a story filled with humour, drama, suspense, sadness and happy endings however, it was just a little too angsty for me.
With my thanks to Choc Lit via Netgalley for my copy which I have voluntarily chosen to review.
July 26, 2015
4.5 Stars
I sort of wish I had started to write this review before I had finished this book, purely because after something has been revealed towards the end, it is making me not be sure of the exact words or what to say about things leading up to that point. I had a weird suspicion about something throughout the book, and I was in this instance correct about it, but even if you do make a similar prediction, I don't think it will detract from your enjoyment of this book.
This is another incredibly well thought out and written book by Jane Lovering, who has a tendency to focus on tricky emotional issues, in this case grief and also Alex suffers from a stammer. These issues are dealt, with in just the right way. You are aware of them and they seem very realistic, but not over exaggerated as can happen in books.
Winter has moved to a small Yorkshire village, to continue writing her new book about graveyards the the people that are buried in them, and their stories. She soon meets Scarlet, a horse mad eight year old, who along with her uncle Alex and his mother, seem to be getting under Winter's skin, despite her obviously preferring to be left alone to write.
Winter has also recently broken up with her boyfriend Dan, who also happens to be her editor. Through a series of Facebook messages, tweets and emails, you get to see Dan's thoughts about Winter, as well his correspondence to other people, mainly on the subject of Winter.
Winter has a very close relationship with her twin sister Daisy as you may expect. Despite Daisy working in Australia, she and Winter speak very regularly, with Daisy offering various pieces of advice to Winter.
I found this book to be a sweet romance, as well as it having some lovely friendships. I thought I Don't Want to Talk About It was an interesting and tender piece of writing, that was enjoyable to read.
Thank you so much to Choc Lit and Netgalley for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
I sort of wish I had started to write this review before I had finished this book, purely because after something has been revealed towards the end, it is making me not be sure of the exact words or what to say about things leading up to that point. I had a weird suspicion about something throughout the book, and I was in this instance correct about it, but even if you do make a similar prediction, I don't think it will detract from your enjoyment of this book.
This is another incredibly well thought out and written book by Jane Lovering, who has a tendency to focus on tricky emotional issues, in this case grief and also Alex suffers from a stammer. These issues are dealt, with in just the right way. You are aware of them and they seem very realistic, but not over exaggerated as can happen in books.
Winter has moved to a small Yorkshire village, to continue writing her new book about graveyards the the people that are buried in them, and their stories. She soon meets Scarlet, a horse mad eight year old, who along with her uncle Alex and his mother, seem to be getting under Winter's skin, despite her obviously preferring to be left alone to write.
Winter has also recently broken up with her boyfriend Dan, who also happens to be her editor. Through a series of Facebook messages, tweets and emails, you get to see Dan's thoughts about Winter, as well his correspondence to other people, mainly on the subject of Winter.
Winter has a very close relationship with her twin sister Daisy as you may expect. Despite Daisy working in Australia, she and Winter speak very regularly, with Daisy offering various pieces of advice to Winter.
I found this book to be a sweet romance, as well as it having some lovely friendships. I thought I Don't Want to Talk About It was an interesting and tender piece of writing, that was enjoyable to read.
Thank you so much to Choc Lit and Netgalley for this review copy. This was my honest opinion.
April 28, 2016
Winter Gregory has temporarily moved to a small village to write her latest book. She finds old gravestones and writes stories about the people buried there. She comes to love this village ..so different from London and she needs this time away from her ex-boyfriend, who also happens to be her editor.
Winter has an identical twin, Daisy, the one person in the world she can always talk to about anything and everything to the exclusion of everyone else. Dan, the ex-boyfriend made the big mistake of telling Winter to choose between her sister and him. Obviously she chose her sister.
She's still grieving his loss, but she's making new friends. There is Scarlet, an 8-year-old precocious child that every reader will fall in love with. And then there's Alex, Scarlet's uncle, who has raised her for the last 3 years since his sister, Scarlet's mother, died.
There is an immediate attraction between Alex and Winter, and in her own way she falls in love with Scarlet.
But Dan can't stay away .. he still loves Winter ... and he knows something about Daisy ...
I ran through several emotions while reading this one. I started out thinking Dan as arrogant .. how dare he tell someone he professes to love that she has to make a choice between her sister or him. Winter came across as being fragile, but she's moving on in her own way.
Scarlet is a beautiful little girl who understands that just because her mother is no longer here on earth, she will always have her mom in her heart. Alex is a man living with guilt. He feels that he was in some ways responsible for his sister's death and is trying to make it up to Scarlet. He loves that little girl with all he has and would die if anything ever happened to her.
This is a beautifully written novel about love and loss and grief and guilt and new beginnings.
Many thanks to the author / Choc Lit / NetGalley who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Winter has an identical twin, Daisy, the one person in the world she can always talk to about anything and everything to the exclusion of everyone else. Dan, the ex-boyfriend made the big mistake of telling Winter to choose between her sister and him. Obviously she chose her sister.
She's still grieving his loss, but she's making new friends. There is Scarlet, an 8-year-old precocious child that every reader will fall in love with. And then there's Alex, Scarlet's uncle, who has raised her for the last 3 years since his sister, Scarlet's mother, died.
There is an immediate attraction between Alex and Winter, and in her own way she falls in love with Scarlet.
But Dan can't stay away .. he still loves Winter ... and he knows something about Daisy ...
I ran through several emotions while reading this one. I started out thinking Dan as arrogant .. how dare he tell someone he professes to love that she has to make a choice between her sister or him. Winter came across as being fragile, but she's moving on in her own way.
Scarlet is a beautiful little girl who understands that just because her mother is no longer here on earth, she will always have her mom in her heart. Alex is a man living with guilt. He feels that he was in some ways responsible for his sister's death and is trying to make it up to Scarlet. He loves that little girl with all he has and would die if anything ever happened to her.
This is a beautifully written novel about love and loss and grief and guilt and new beginnings.
Many thanks to the author / Choc Lit / NetGalley who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
May 6, 2016
I adore Jane Lovering's writing - she's wonderful at lulling you into a false sense of security. You're smiling - even laughing out loud - at the clever observational humour then, when you're least expecting it, she turns everything round in an instant and you're wiping away tears. And when I don't read a new book by her as soon as it's released, I actually get quite annoyed with myself. I Don't Want To Talk About It - the fifth of Jane's Yorkshire Romances - has been available for kindle since July of last year, but today (6 May 2016) Choc Lit are issuing it in paperback and everyone can read it. And I do hope they will... more people really should discover Jane's wonderful writing.
At the story's heart are two damaged people. Winter rents a small - very small - cottage in a North Yorkshire village to recover from a broken relationship with Dan, who also happens to be her editor. She's trying to finish a book on gravestones and the stories behind them to follow up the unexpected success of her first "Book of the Dead'. Her twin sister Daisy is her constant source of support, and the reason for her broken relationship. Alex is damaged too - uncle to eight year old Scarlet, caring for her to the exclusion of all else after the death of his sister, left with a stammer after the trauma of what happened.
The star of the book though is Scarlet. I'm not the world's biggest fan of small children in books, but I defy anyone not to love her. Eight going on twenty-eight, with a wonderful line in questions and a talent for the perfect one-liner, she steals your heart from the moment she rides into the graveyard on her hobby-horse called Light Bulb. From the moment she dismounted Light Bulb with an exaggerated stride and tethered him to the railings, I knew I was going to love this book. Of course, there's a real sadness over why she's so attached to her sock on a stick - but it doesn't stop you smiling at the stable in her bedroom, the nets of hay and grooming tips, and Light Bulb's changing expression each time his fragile head is repaired.
There's some really clever writing here. The first person narrative by Winter is supplemented by Facebook posts, messages, emails and blog entries which give you insights into the other characters that she doesn't necessarily have - and it's a device that works really well. Communication is a big issue in this book - because of his stammer, email allows Alex to express himself in a way he can't when face-to-face (except when he's had one too many). Did you cringe a bit when I said Alex had a stammer? If I say it's a source of humour at times, you might think "ouch" too - but it's perfectly handled, just the embarrassed awkwardness of two people getting to know each other, trying to guess the direction their conversation's taking.
This book is beautifully balanced. There's a lot of grief and guilt and sadness, but other moments of total joy. The author has an expert touch with emotions, but also a great eye for creating a scene you can picture vividly, and a real ease with writing sparkly dialogue. She creates characters you feel, care and hurt for - and can write a cracking story.
You might second guess where the story is going, but it doesn't matter in the least. You'll enjoy every moment, and - as the end approaches - just make sure you have waterproof mascara and a large box of tissues...
At the story's heart are two damaged people. Winter rents a small - very small - cottage in a North Yorkshire village to recover from a broken relationship with Dan, who also happens to be her editor. She's trying to finish a book on gravestones and the stories behind them to follow up the unexpected success of her first "Book of the Dead'. Her twin sister Daisy is her constant source of support, and the reason for her broken relationship. Alex is damaged too - uncle to eight year old Scarlet, caring for her to the exclusion of all else after the death of his sister, left with a stammer after the trauma of what happened.
The star of the book though is Scarlet. I'm not the world's biggest fan of small children in books, but I defy anyone not to love her. Eight going on twenty-eight, with a wonderful line in questions and a talent for the perfect one-liner, she steals your heart from the moment she rides into the graveyard on her hobby-horse called Light Bulb. From the moment she dismounted Light Bulb with an exaggerated stride and tethered him to the railings, I knew I was going to love this book. Of course, there's a real sadness over why she's so attached to her sock on a stick - but it doesn't stop you smiling at the stable in her bedroom, the nets of hay and grooming tips, and Light Bulb's changing expression each time his fragile head is repaired.
There's some really clever writing here. The first person narrative by Winter is supplemented by Facebook posts, messages, emails and blog entries which give you insights into the other characters that she doesn't necessarily have - and it's a device that works really well. Communication is a big issue in this book - because of his stammer, email allows Alex to express himself in a way he can't when face-to-face (except when he's had one too many). Did you cringe a bit when I said Alex had a stammer? If I say it's a source of humour at times, you might think "ouch" too - but it's perfectly handled, just the embarrassed awkwardness of two people getting to know each other, trying to guess the direction their conversation's taking.
This book is beautifully balanced. There's a lot of grief and guilt and sadness, but other moments of total joy. The author has an expert touch with emotions, but also a great eye for creating a scene you can picture vividly, and a real ease with writing sparkly dialogue. She creates characters you feel, care and hurt for - and can write a cracking story.
You might second guess where the story is going, but it doesn't matter in the least. You'll enjoy every moment, and - as the end approaches - just make sure you have waterproof mascara and a large box of tissues...
February 23, 2018
This one had to work for its 4 stars! I almost gave it a three but I couldn't bring myself to forget the fact that the book grew on me, the more I read it and it surprised me. This is my third Jane Lovering book and all I can say is that not one book has resembled the other - although bereavement seems to be a common theme. This book was almost morbid and the only tiny rays of sunshine were Scarlet and Light Bulb :)
The characters were well thought out and delightful in a melancholic way - one could guess the big twist in the earlier chapters yet there was an element of "what, if" always present. The descriptions of the places and the moods were vivid. The book had a slow start, it picked up pace considerably after Dan returned - because the story began to reveal itself only after that and we realize it's more a story about love, loss and grief than a sweeping romance and the book gained a lot of emotional depth
Good read and looking forward to reading more of her books
The characters were well thought out and delightful in a melancholic way - one could guess the big twist in the earlier chapters yet there was an element of "what, if" always present. The descriptions of the places and the moods were vivid. The book had a slow start, it picked up pace considerably after Dan returned - because the story began to reveal itself only after that and we realize it's more a story about love, loss and grief than a sweeping romance and the book gained a lot of emotional depth
Good read and looking forward to reading more of her books
August 30, 2015
This is the second of Jane's books I have read and to say I am not disappointed is an understatement. Jane takes on a whole new level of writing romantic fiction. The book is different from the first one I read, but so similar in the fact it is a story that keeps you hooked, it is a story which pulls at your heart strings without being a typical love story. In other words it is so much more than they average fiction. You get a banging story with fabulous characters as well as a nice touch of sloppyness.
Jane is fast becoming one of my favourite authors and I feel so privileged to have read her work, now I think you lot should all do the same :)
Jane is fast becoming one of my favourite authors and I feel so privileged to have read her work, now I think you lot should all do the same :)
May 15, 2018
Winter Gregory is a new author who has had a small degree of success with her first book, a quirky guide to headstones in the UK, drawing on the inscriptions to make insightful comments on life and love and human nature. Now she is in Yorkshire, trying to repeat her success with researching and writing the sequel, and also trying to get over her last boyfriend (and editor) Daniel Bekener. Whenever thoughts of Dan and their break-up threaten to overwhelm Winter she talks to her twin, Daisy, who although she lives in Australia and is Winter's opposite in most things, is still her best friend and the one she turns to. In fact that was the cause of the break up with Dan, he felt she spent way too much time talking to Daisy and forced Winter to choose between them - hence burying herself in a tiny cottage in Yorkshire.
Despite her solitary nature and antisocial occupation, Winter soon finds herself befriended by an eight year old called Scarlett, her hobbyhorse Lightbulb, her uncle Alex and grandmother Margaret Hill, who is also Winter's landlady.
Although this is an old book I will spoiler this for those who want to read the book with no expectations/ pre-conceptions. This book had all Jane Lovering's trademark humour and Scarlett was brilliantly written, a little girl coping with trauma and different from her peers. I loved her and her every action appeared natural and true the way a child thinks. My low rating reflects my disappointment with Winter's eventual love interest.
Despite her solitary nature and antisocial occupation, Winter soon finds herself befriended by an eight year old called Scarlett, her hobbyhorse Lightbulb, her uncle Alex and grandmother Margaret Hill, who is also Winter's landlady.
Although this is an old book I will spoiler this for those who want to read the book with no expectations/ pre-conceptions. This book had all Jane Lovering's trademark humour and Scarlett was brilliantly written, a little girl coping with trauma and different from her peers. I loved her and her every action appeared natural and true the way a child thinks. My low rating reflects my disappointment with Winter's eventual love interest.
July 30, 2015
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and Choc Lit in return for a fair and honest review.
Wow!! This is a book and a half and I dont really know where to begin with the review as I may still be a little bit emotional after just finishing reading it! This is the first time I've read a book by Jane Lovering and it has been an extremely welcome introduction to her wonderful style of writing and storytelling - I'll definitely be reading the rest of her releases!
The book starts in a graveyard where Winter is taking photos of gravestones for her new book and this is where she is introduced to the wonderful character who is Scarlet. 8 years old and full of spirit as only children can be she doesnt take long to worm her way into Scarlet's affection. Winter is a twin, and is always in touch with her sister Daisy whenever there is a crisis in her life and this is what leads to the painful split with her boyfriend Dan, who also happens to be her editor so she's hoping time in Yorkshire researching her new book will help solve a few emotional cracks in her life. We soon find out there is a lot more to this story than meets the eye and it is all revealed at such a wonderful pace that you can't help read this in one sitting as you are just transported along with all the wonderful characters introduced along the way. Looking after Scarlet is her grandmother and her Uncle, Alex, who suffers with a stammer after losing his sister in a tragic accident 3 years ago so once again we have more vulnerabilities shown by another character and it works so well. Love the way the story flicks between storytelling, series of emails between various characters and also twitter and facebook inserts which give it that modern feeling.
It isn't all sadness as there are some funny, light hearted moments especially when Winter is trying to second guess what Alex will say next in her head - did find myself giggling on a number of occasions. And I defy anyone not to fall in love with Scarlet and the wonderful Light Bulb, the hobby horse! You soon understand why this 'horse' becomes such a big part of the young girls life.
This book is a beautiful way to show the impact that grief can impact on everyone both young and old and how that the act of moving on and not forgetting can cloud anyones judgement.
highly recommend to anyone as this is more than your normal chick lit book!! And have those hankies ready!!
Wow!! This is a book and a half and I dont really know where to begin with the review as I may still be a little bit emotional after just finishing reading it! This is the first time I've read a book by Jane Lovering and it has been an extremely welcome introduction to her wonderful style of writing and storytelling - I'll definitely be reading the rest of her releases!
The book starts in a graveyard where Winter is taking photos of gravestones for her new book and this is where she is introduced to the wonderful character who is Scarlet. 8 years old and full of spirit as only children can be she doesnt take long to worm her way into Scarlet's affection. Winter is a twin, and is always in touch with her sister Daisy whenever there is a crisis in her life and this is what leads to the painful split with her boyfriend Dan, who also happens to be her editor so she's hoping time in Yorkshire researching her new book will help solve a few emotional cracks in her life. We soon find out there is a lot more to this story than meets the eye and it is all revealed at such a wonderful pace that you can't help read this in one sitting as you are just transported along with all the wonderful characters introduced along the way. Looking after Scarlet is her grandmother and her Uncle, Alex, who suffers with a stammer after losing his sister in a tragic accident 3 years ago so once again we have more vulnerabilities shown by another character and it works so well. Love the way the story flicks between storytelling, series of emails between various characters and also twitter and facebook inserts which give it that modern feeling.
It isn't all sadness as there are some funny, light hearted moments especially when Winter is trying to second guess what Alex will say next in her head - did find myself giggling on a number of occasions. And I defy anyone not to fall in love with Scarlet and the wonderful Light Bulb, the hobby horse! You soon understand why this 'horse' becomes such a big part of the young girls life.
This book is a beautiful way to show the impact that grief can impact on everyone both young and old and how that the act of moving on and not forgetting can cloud anyones judgement.
highly recommend to anyone as this is more than your normal chick lit book!! And have those hankies ready!!
July 22, 2015
Jane Lovering's How I Wonder What You Are was one of the first books I reviewed on my blog. I really enjoyed her writing style with a believable mix of characters, romance and a hint of magic. So I was really pleased to have a chance to read Jane's new book ahead of publication. And this novel is something rather special.
The title of this book is very apt although seems at first a contradiction. Rather that not talking, many different forms of communication are used to tell the story. We hear the characters' stories through conversations, emails, Facebook posts, blog posts and tweets. Winter is writing a book about what we can learn from what is said (and not said) on gravestone memorials. She has shut herself off from her London life and moved to a quiet Yorkshire village. We know she has broken up with her boyfriend Dan, who is also her editor. We don't know what has happened but he has said awful things about her twin Daisy and made her choose between them. Winter feels that Daisy is the other half of herself and they communicate constantly. Handsome Alex has a trauma induced stutter and finds face-to-face communication hard, though expresses himself well in his emails. His niece Scarlet chatters constantly and seems wise for her years, though still a vulnerable girl in other ways. Then of course there is what isn't said - just as important as what is. Why does Dan seem to have a different view to Winter's of why they broke up and just what did he say about Daisy?
Well, by the time I had finished this book I felt like I had gone through all the emotions along with the characters. It is not at all a predictable read and has many twists. In fact, there was one point where I actually put my Kindle down in tears as I was taken by surprise by a very emotional moment and it's not often that a book will move me to actual tears. As well as a romance, which you would expect to find in a ChocLit novel, there are some big issues explored in this book which are tackled very movingly. A beautifully told story, I couldn't put it down.
I was given an advance copy by the publishers in return for my honest review.
The title of this book is very apt although seems at first a contradiction. Rather that not talking, many different forms of communication are used to tell the story. We hear the characters' stories through conversations, emails, Facebook posts, blog posts and tweets. Winter is writing a book about what we can learn from what is said (and not said) on gravestone memorials. She has shut herself off from her London life and moved to a quiet Yorkshire village. We know she has broken up with her boyfriend Dan, who is also her editor. We don't know what has happened but he has said awful things about her twin Daisy and made her choose between them. Winter feels that Daisy is the other half of herself and they communicate constantly. Handsome Alex has a trauma induced stutter and finds face-to-face communication hard, though expresses himself well in his emails. His niece Scarlet chatters constantly and seems wise for her years, though still a vulnerable girl in other ways. Then of course there is what isn't said - just as important as what is. Why does Dan seem to have a different view to Winter's of why they broke up and just what did he say about Daisy?
Well, by the time I had finished this book I felt like I had gone through all the emotions along with the characters. It is not at all a predictable read and has many twists. In fact, there was one point where I actually put my Kindle down in tears as I was taken by surprise by a very emotional moment and it's not often that a book will move me to actual tears. As well as a romance, which you would expect to find in a ChocLit novel, there are some big issues explored in this book which are tackled very movingly. A beautifully told story, I couldn't put it down.
I was given an advance copy by the publishers in return for my honest review.
May 6, 2016
What a powerful story! This book is so much more than a romance! People have suffered, have lost people who are precious to them and are learning to cope. This book explains how some of the characters in the book are dealing with the losses in their own lives; they range in age from eight to over sixty. Loss can be through death or separation or breakups or change in one’s physical abilities but no matter what kind of loss one experiences it eventually needs to be dealt with.
Winter is a skillful writer who has gone to Yorkshire to get away from the city and focus on the writing of her next book about gravestones and the people that are buried beneath them. Dan, her editor and ex-boyfriend, comes to make sure she is working on the book but also has another agenda. Alex is a man who works with his hands and has taken custody of his niece after his sister dies suddenly. The niece, Scarlet, is a focal point in the book, as is Winter. I don’t want to say too much because this book is so skillfully plotted and written that any comment might give away the story. All I will say is that this is a powerful, moving and profound story that is definitely worth reading. There is a happily ever after for more than one in this book and healing that takes place occurs in interesting ways. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and recommend it to anyone looking for a deeper than the average romance. I have never read any books by this author but hope to find and read more written by her as soon as possible.
Thank you to NetGalley and ChocLit for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Winter is a skillful writer who has gone to Yorkshire to get away from the city and focus on the writing of her next book about gravestones and the people that are buried beneath them. Dan, her editor and ex-boyfriend, comes to make sure she is working on the book but also has another agenda. Alex is a man who works with his hands and has taken custody of his niece after his sister dies suddenly. The niece, Scarlet, is a focal point in the book, as is Winter. I don’t want to say too much because this book is so skillfully plotted and written that any comment might give away the story. All I will say is that this is a powerful, moving and profound story that is definitely worth reading. There is a happily ever after for more than one in this book and healing that takes place occurs in interesting ways. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and recommend it to anyone looking for a deeper than the average romance. I have never read any books by this author but hope to find and read more written by her as soon as possible.
Thank you to NetGalley and ChocLit for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 14, 2015
I have read every Jane Lovering book and even interviewed her for my blog. Her books are consistently good, light hearted and very, very funny. So I started I Don't Want to Talk About It as soon as I got it, anticipating the same fun read.
It is a funny book at times, but it is so much more than that. It is darker than Jane's previous books and when I finished it, I felt as if I had been through all Winter's emotions with her. It is so sympathetically and empathetically written, that I was there in Yorkshire with her and Alex and Dan.
I did guess about Daisy, but that in no way detracted from my enjoyment. It actually enhanced it as I watched Winter start to crumble. My heart was in my mouth when she started running from the school to the field.
The ending was great - a lot of thought went into the entire book - thank you Jane.
It is a funny book at times, but it is so much more than that. It is darker than Jane's previous books and when I finished it, I felt as if I had been through all Winter's emotions with her. It is so sympathetically and empathetically written, that I was there in Yorkshire with her and Alex and Dan.
I did guess about Daisy, but that in no way detracted from my enjoyment. It actually enhanced it as I watched Winter start to crumble. My heart was in my mouth when she started running from the school to the field.
The ending was great - a lot of thought went into the entire book - thank you Jane.
July 31, 2015
Oh this book is beautiful. I've enjoyed reading it so much. I tried the old trick of dragging it out, dipping in for short periods of reading , because I simply didn't want to finish this story. I loved it, I held my breath reading it, I read through tears and could hardly read on. The characters are beautiful. The story is brilliantly told. Reading "I don't want to talk about it" has had a profound effect on me. I want to meet everyone from the story, yes, even Margaret.
Thank you for writing this beautiful story Jane Lovering, and thank you Netgalley for approving my request to read it in exchange for an honest review. It's brilliant and would appeal to any reader of any age - wonderful
Thank you for writing this beautiful story Jane Lovering, and thank you Netgalley for approving my request to read it in exchange for an honest review. It's brilliant and would appeal to any reader of any age - wonderful
January 7, 2017
Winter loves her twin sister Daisy and she talks to her every day. Even though they can't meet because there's a lot of distance between them their connection remains unbreakable. Winter needs her sister more than ever because her life is a big mess. She broke up with Dan, the love of her life, and can't seem to get him out of her mind. Their relationship ended because of Daisy. Dan and Winter have to work together, as he's the editor of Winter's books, so she can't try to forget about him and move on. Winter isn't as far with her writing as her schedule requires and the last thing she wants is pressure from Dan.
Winter moved into a small cottage in Yorkshire. Living in a village means interacting with people and Winter's first new friend is an eight year old girl named Scarlet. She's lost her mother and her father isn't in the picture, so Scarlet is living together with her uncle Alex. Alex is a gorgeous, friendly man and he and Winter instantly become close. Will Winter get the chance to heal in the countryside or does it take more than a change of scenery to accomplish this?
I Don't Want to Talk About It is a beautiful story about the bond between sisters, friendship, love and grief. Winter is a talented and smart woman. She's pretty, she's a clever writer and she's so sweet to Scarlet, which shows what a kindhearted person she is. Because of her grief she's breakable and needs comfort, but instead of asking for it she gives whatever she can and tries to make Scarlet's life a little better. I immediately loved their easy friendship and for me that was the best part of the book. Scarlet is adorable, she's a cute, attentive girl who's been through so much already. She's a breath of fresh air and her behavior kept making me smile.
Dealing with the women around her isn't as hard for Winter as dealing with the men. Winter's strong, but uneasy bond with Alex is complex and amusing. Alex is a kind man who makes the most endearing mistakes and I liked reading about him very much. Dan is a bit more dark and melancholic. He's fabulous with Scarlet, which surprised me given his personality. I couldn't wait to see what would happen between Winter and the two men in her life, Jane Lovering made the situation fascinating and this made it difficult for me to put the book away.
What I love about Jane Lovering's stories is the way she portrays her characters. They have flaws, which makes them human and because of this I like all of them a lot. I was curious about Winter from the beginning and slowly Jane Lovering reveals all of her secrets, which were incredibly interesting. I enjoyed reading about the relationship with her sister and her friendship with Scarlet. I loved the fact that a little girl becomes a good friend of a grown woman. I Don't Want to Talk About It is a moving story. It's also original with many interesting twists and turns. I think Jane Lovering is a very talented writer.
Winter moved into a small cottage in Yorkshire. Living in a village means interacting with people and Winter's first new friend is an eight year old girl named Scarlet. She's lost her mother and her father isn't in the picture, so Scarlet is living together with her uncle Alex. Alex is a gorgeous, friendly man and he and Winter instantly become close. Will Winter get the chance to heal in the countryside or does it take more than a change of scenery to accomplish this?
I Don't Want to Talk About It is a beautiful story about the bond between sisters, friendship, love and grief. Winter is a talented and smart woman. She's pretty, she's a clever writer and she's so sweet to Scarlet, which shows what a kindhearted person she is. Because of her grief she's breakable and needs comfort, but instead of asking for it she gives whatever she can and tries to make Scarlet's life a little better. I immediately loved their easy friendship and for me that was the best part of the book. Scarlet is adorable, she's a cute, attentive girl who's been through so much already. She's a breath of fresh air and her behavior kept making me smile.
Dealing with the women around her isn't as hard for Winter as dealing with the men. Winter's strong, but uneasy bond with Alex is complex and amusing. Alex is a kind man who makes the most endearing mistakes and I liked reading about him very much. Dan is a bit more dark and melancholic. He's fabulous with Scarlet, which surprised me given his personality. I couldn't wait to see what would happen between Winter and the two men in her life, Jane Lovering made the situation fascinating and this made it difficult for me to put the book away.
What I love about Jane Lovering's stories is the way she portrays her characters. They have flaws, which makes them human and because of this I like all of them a lot. I was curious about Winter from the beginning and slowly Jane Lovering reveals all of her secrets, which were incredibly interesting. I enjoyed reading about the relationship with her sister and her friendship with Scarlet. I loved the fact that a little girl becomes a good friend of a grown woman. I Don't Want to Talk About It is a moving story. It's also original with many interesting twists and turns. I think Jane Lovering is a very talented writer.
May 22, 2016
I Don’t Want to Talk About it delivers a romance with all of the poignancy you would expect from a Choc Lit read. The title is perfect for this story, which looks at loss and love, the impact of grief on our lives and relationships and our ability to deal with it. Peppered with the perfect amount of humour to make it uplifting, as well as heart breaking, it tells the story of a successful author, who might just be in danger of becoming a one hit wonder if she can’t knuckle down and meet the deadline for her second book. Matters are complicated by the fact that her editor is also now her ex-boyfriend. How could Winter Gregory not break it off with a man who would make her choose between him and her twin sister? There is more to this than meets the eye is all I will say on that subject. You need to read it. Opening in a graveyard …? Uplifting, I hear you ask. Oh yes. As soon as eight-year old Scarlet appears on the scene, with Light Bulb, her very real ‘hobby’ horse and a cherished connection to her lost mother, you can’t help but smile and be as drawn in as Winter was.
The use of social media as a form of communication is extremely clever, allowing us to come to know Alex through his emails and twitter messages. Alex’s grief and guilt over the loss of his sister has manifested itself physically. Alex, Scarlet’s uncle and now her guardian, has developed a stammer, meaning he is not always able to verbalise well and causing Scarlet more problems at school than being a motherless child. Alex is one of the good guys, we feel. How can Winter not be drawn to him? Similarly, through Dan’s emails, we come to see a softer side of the ex-boyfriend. The reference to the epitaphs carved on headstones I found touching and equally clever, giving us glimpses into Winter’s inner character.
To say more would definitely be the classic spoiler. Jane Lovering has given us a heroine who is strong yet vulnerable, defensive, yet caring. Definitely identifiable with, as are all the characters, including Alex’s initially annoying mother. ‘I Don’t Want to Talk About it’ is written, as mentioned, with humour and huge sensitivity. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend it. Perfect escapism, yet real.
The use of social media as a form of communication is extremely clever, allowing us to come to know Alex through his emails and twitter messages. Alex’s grief and guilt over the loss of his sister has manifested itself physically. Alex, Scarlet’s uncle and now her guardian, has developed a stammer, meaning he is not always able to verbalise well and causing Scarlet more problems at school than being a motherless child. Alex is one of the good guys, we feel. How can Winter not be drawn to him? Similarly, through Dan’s emails, we come to see a softer side of the ex-boyfriend. The reference to the epitaphs carved on headstones I found touching and equally clever, giving us glimpses into Winter’s inner character.
To say more would definitely be the classic spoiler. Jane Lovering has given us a heroine who is strong yet vulnerable, defensive, yet caring. Definitely identifiable with, as are all the characters, including Alex’s initially annoying mother. ‘I Don’t Want to Talk About it’ is written, as mentioned, with humour and huge sensitivity. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend it. Perfect escapism, yet real.
December 31, 2015
First reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
Have you ever read a story that simply destroyed you? Ever found yourself crying, almost uncontrollably yet impatiently brushed aside the tears that were blinding you so that you could continue reading? When was the last time you finished a story, closed a book and just sat still letting it flow over you as you came back to this real world of ours?
I’m not attempting to sound melodramatic – I am attempting to return from Winter’s world back into mine where words are necessary yet impossible to find to explain a story that could move me on so many levels so very much.
And strangely, I’m discovering that I do not want to tell you anything beyond the book’s description about I Don’t Want To Talk About It and that you can read at the beginning of this post or at any retailers who will be selling this novel on July 31, 2015 (tomorrow, as I write this). I don’t want to tease you by divulging some little tidbit to capture your attention. I don’t want to inadvertently give you a clue that might spoil the absolute joy of reading this story totally by yourself. Because this isn’t a story that you will read and then go on your merry way… this is an experience that will linger long after you close the pages.
What I am will to say is that you will feel. God, how you will feel. You will smile, you will nod understandingly. You will wrap your arms around yourself convinced that you are able to actually feel physical pain from the words you are reading. You will know what devastation is. And you will come away with a different understanding of what love is.
Take what the cover description tells you about I Don’t Want To Talk About It and allow that to touch your imagination enough to pick this one up. Anything beyond that – you should be reading, feeling and experiencing. I highly recommend this story for everyone, no matter your preferred genre.
*I received an e-ARC of I Don’t Want To Talk About It from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
Have you ever read a story that simply destroyed you? Ever found yourself crying, almost uncontrollably yet impatiently brushed aside the tears that were blinding you so that you could continue reading? When was the last time you finished a story, closed a book and just sat still letting it flow over you as you came back to this real world of ours?
I’m not attempting to sound melodramatic – I am attempting to return from Winter’s world back into mine where words are necessary yet impossible to find to explain a story that could move me on so many levels so very much.
And strangely, I’m discovering that I do not want to tell you anything beyond the book’s description about I Don’t Want To Talk About It and that you can read at the beginning of this post or at any retailers who will be selling this novel on July 31, 2015 (tomorrow, as I write this). I don’t want to tease you by divulging some little tidbit to capture your attention. I don’t want to inadvertently give you a clue that might spoil the absolute joy of reading this story totally by yourself. Because this isn’t a story that you will read and then go on your merry way… this is an experience that will linger long after you close the pages.
What I am will to say is that you will feel. God, how you will feel. You will smile, you will nod understandingly. You will wrap your arms around yourself convinced that you are able to actually feel physical pain from the words you are reading. You will know what devastation is. And you will come away with a different understanding of what love is.
Take what the cover description tells you about I Don’t Want To Talk About It and allow that to touch your imagination enough to pick this one up. Anything beyond that – you should be reading, feeling and experiencing. I highly recommend this story for everyone, no matter your preferred genre.
*I received an e-ARC of I Don’t Want To Talk About It from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*
August 1, 2015
I Don't Want to Talk About It is a story about Winter Gregory who has found success from her first book 'Book of the Dead' which took off better than anyone had expected. Following this success she has embarked on a follow up and is living in a remote Yorkshire village to research and write the second book. Winter's life becomes entangled with some of the locals and through Scarlet, an eight year old who is getting over the accidental death of her mother; she gets to meet Alex, Scarlet's uncle. Alex, who is now Scarlet's guardian, has been left with a stammer following the death of his sister for which he blames himself.
Winter and Alex, through Scarlet, begin to spend more of their time together and one thing leads to another and a relationship starts to grow between them. Meanwhile, Winter is struggling with her own emotional problems and has been pursued to Yorkshire by her editor, Dan, who she has had a relationship with but had broken off six months previously.
The theme of the story is grief and coming to terms with the loss of a loved one, and while this could be a very heavy going subject with not many laughs you would think, Jane Lovering manages in her own unique style to handle this sensitively, with love and care, and to put in a few laughs along the way.
I enjoyed every bit of the book, Scarlet was lovely and her hobby horse 'Light Bulb' was a very touching prop. The tweets and emails throughout the book were great and gave an insight to what many of the characters were thinking, which we might not otherwise have found out being written in the first person. Even the excerpts from Book of the Dead were a welcome addition and every bit as enjoyable as the rest. The characters were so well drawn, you can feel Alex's desperation as he tries to struggle with his emotional trauma and his resulting stammer, and Scarlet's need to stay connected to her dead mother.
I've never been disappointed with any of Jane Lovering's stories and this book was no exception, a great read from the start right up to the very satisfying end.
I received a Kindle copy of this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Winter and Alex, through Scarlet, begin to spend more of their time together and one thing leads to another and a relationship starts to grow between them. Meanwhile, Winter is struggling with her own emotional problems and has been pursued to Yorkshire by her editor, Dan, who she has had a relationship with but had broken off six months previously.
The theme of the story is grief and coming to terms with the loss of a loved one, and while this could be a very heavy going subject with not many laughs you would think, Jane Lovering manages in her own unique style to handle this sensitively, with love and care, and to put in a few laughs along the way.
I enjoyed every bit of the book, Scarlet was lovely and her hobby horse 'Light Bulb' was a very touching prop. The tweets and emails throughout the book were great and gave an insight to what many of the characters were thinking, which we might not otherwise have found out being written in the first person. Even the excerpts from Book of the Dead were a welcome addition and every bit as enjoyable as the rest. The characters were so well drawn, you can feel Alex's desperation as he tries to struggle with his emotional trauma and his resulting stammer, and Scarlet's need to stay connected to her dead mother.
I've never been disappointed with any of Jane Lovering's stories and this book was no exception, a great read from the start right up to the very satisfying end.
I received a Kindle copy of this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
August 9, 2015
*wails and bawls eyes out* <3 So amazing!! 6 stars!
What can I say in this review? I mean, I know that the Choc Lit authors are the best when it comes to romance. I've loved every single one I've read, by each author. The stories are always so well written and are satisfying in a way that I always feel makes them more powerful than some other books in the genre. But wow, Jane Lovering has just made the standard EVEN HIGHER with 'I Don't Want to Talk About It.' Forget 5 star ratings, where's the 6 stars??
Winter's story is really one that you will have to experience for yourself, as to give anything away in this review would really spoil what was an amazing reading experience for me and will hopefully be to other readers. It doesn't follow the typical pattern or girl meets boy, love, drama, make-up and happily ever after, but draws in so many other extras and details that make this story feel so real. Despite Winter being our main narrator, she is just one of four characters who I would label 'protagonists'. Alex, a young man, suffering from a stammer after the death of his sister, Scarlet his niece who he has taken into his care, and Daniel, Winter's dog-with-a-bone ex-boyfriend, who just keeps popping up to make her life difficult.
You think you know where this story is going? You really don't. I changed directions so many times, felt as confused as Winter as she tries to move on with her life, and formed and broke alliances with each character as new information came to light. All I knew is that it was wrong to try to keep Winter away from her twin sister Daisy. Or was it?
There are some amazing twists and turns in this story, that you make pick up on earlier than the reveal like I did, but in doing so I didn't feel any less shocked by the story that unfolded. You will laugh, cry and then cry a bit more. Have a box of tissues handy, because this really is a sucker-punch of a story that is still on my mind long after I turned the last page!
6 Stars!
What can I say in this review? I mean, I know that the Choc Lit authors are the best when it comes to romance. I've loved every single one I've read, by each author. The stories are always so well written and are satisfying in a way that I always feel makes them more powerful than some other books in the genre. But wow, Jane Lovering has just made the standard EVEN HIGHER with 'I Don't Want to Talk About It.' Forget 5 star ratings, where's the 6 stars??
Winter's story is really one that you will have to experience for yourself, as to give anything away in this review would really spoil what was an amazing reading experience for me and will hopefully be to other readers. It doesn't follow the typical pattern or girl meets boy, love, drama, make-up and happily ever after, but draws in so many other extras and details that make this story feel so real. Despite Winter being our main narrator, she is just one of four characters who I would label 'protagonists'. Alex, a young man, suffering from a stammer after the death of his sister, Scarlet his niece who he has taken into his care, and Daniel, Winter's dog-with-a-bone ex-boyfriend, who just keeps popping up to make her life difficult.
You think you know where this story is going? You really don't. I changed directions so many times, felt as confused as Winter as she tries to move on with her life, and formed and broke alliances with each character as new information came to light. All I knew is that it was wrong to try to keep Winter away from her twin sister Daisy. Or was it?
There are some amazing twists and turns in this story, that you make pick up on earlier than the reveal like I did, but in doing so I didn't feel any less shocked by the story that unfolded. You will laugh, cry and then cry a bit more. Have a box of tissues handy, because this really is a sucker-punch of a story that is still on my mind long after I turned the last page!
6 Stars!
July 30, 2015
I finished reading this book at 2 am this morning. That could give you a clue as to how good I found it. Especially as I found the last 30 pages or so really difficult to read through my tears.
Winter is the author of a successful book about gravestones in country churchyards, currently researching and writing her next book in a Yorkshire village. Daisy is her twin sister, living in Australia, who she talks to all the time, and Daniel is her editor/ex-boyfriend – ex because he made her choose between her sister and himself, 6 months ago. Alex is the hunky but sad uncle/guardian of 8 yr old Scarlet, both of whom are struggling to cope, in their own ways, with the death 3 yrs ago of Scarlet’s mother, Alex’s sister.
I was unable for some time to identify which of the guys was the actual hero – Daniel was the one I was drawn to, but he had presented Winter with this impossible choice. Alex was attractive, but not quite as much, though he is obviously the good guy. It was about half way through that I ‘guessed’ the big reason for everything. Completely hooked, I had to keep reading till I knew I was right, and then of course, to finish the book.
This was my fourth Jane Lovering read, and the second one of her Yorkshire series. To say I loved it is somewhat weak – I LOVED IT! I am now going to look for the next one …. PS – it is not necessary to read the books of this series in any particular order.
Winter is the author of a successful book about gravestones in country churchyards, currently researching and writing her next book in a Yorkshire village. Daisy is her twin sister, living in Australia, who she talks to all the time, and Daniel is her editor/ex-boyfriend – ex because he made her choose between her sister and himself, 6 months ago. Alex is the hunky but sad uncle/guardian of 8 yr old Scarlet, both of whom are struggling to cope, in their own ways, with the death 3 yrs ago of Scarlet’s mother, Alex’s sister.
I was unable for some time to identify which of the guys was the actual hero – Daniel was the one I was drawn to, but he had presented Winter with this impossible choice. Alex was attractive, but not quite as much, though he is obviously the good guy. It was about half way through that I ‘guessed’ the big reason for everything. Completely hooked, I had to keep reading till I knew I was right, and then of course, to finish the book.
This was my fourth Jane Lovering read, and the second one of her Yorkshire series. To say I loved it is somewhat weak – I LOVED IT! I am now going to look for the next one …. PS – it is not necessary to read the books of this series in any particular order.
August 10, 2015
Jane Lovering channeled M Night Shyamalan for the BIGGEST plot twist I've seen in ages!
With just five chapters left, I had to put this book DOWN for 12 full hours, because I was outright scared for Winter. It was at that moment that the full weight of THE MOST spellbinding plot twist I've seen in forever landed on me, and it hit hard. I was sobbing uncontrollably.
I don't want to say much more than that, because I refuse to spoil this delicious book for anyone. It absolutely must be read. Must. It's funny. It's romantic. It's SO, SO sad. It's charming. It will SCRATCH at your emotions. My name is Amy, and I'm addicted to contemporary British literature, especially the constant supply I'm getting from Choc Lit.
So, grab a whoopie cushion and a box of tissues. You'll need both of them to survive this rollercoaster. Maybe read with a friend and hold hands. I wish I had...
I received a copy of this book from Choc Lit through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Jane Lovering, for this re-readable, amazing book!
With just five chapters left, I had to put this book DOWN for 12 full hours, because I was outright scared for Winter. It was at that moment that the full weight of THE MOST spellbinding plot twist I've seen in forever landed on me, and it hit hard. I was sobbing uncontrollably.
I don't want to say much more than that, because I refuse to spoil this delicious book for anyone. It absolutely must be read. Must. It's funny. It's romantic. It's SO, SO sad. It's charming. It will SCRATCH at your emotions. My name is Amy, and I'm addicted to contemporary British literature, especially the constant supply I'm getting from Choc Lit.
So, grab a whoopie cushion and a box of tissues. You'll need both of them to survive this rollercoaster. Maybe read with a friend and hold hands. I wish I had...
I received a copy of this book from Choc Lit through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Jane Lovering, for this re-readable, amazing book!
July 18, 2015
This is the first book I've read by Jane Lovering. I enjoyed the setting of a small village in Yorkshire, England. It was fun watching the friendship between Winter and Scarlet unfold, as well as meeting the interesting people in the village. I thought the back story of writing a follow-on book to her first book was great and I'd actually like to read Winter's book as it was described.
The book was a fair bit darker than I'd imagined, dealing with big issues, as it does and while there is romance in the book, I'm not sure how I'd classify it as a contemporary romance. There are much deeper issues tackled.
Overall it was a book I liked, but probably not something I'd read again. I wish Goodreads and other review sites let you choose 1/2 stars because I think I'd give this between 4 and 4 1/2 stars.
The book was a fair bit darker than I'd imagined, dealing with big issues, as it does and while there is romance in the book, I'm not sure how I'd classify it as a contemporary romance. There are much deeper issues tackled.
Overall it was a book I liked, but probably not something I'd read again. I wish Goodreads and other review sites let you choose 1/2 stars because I think I'd give this between 4 and 4 1/2 stars.
October 27, 2016
This is book 5 in the Yorkshire Romances series and I picked it up because it had been recommended to me as a good read – and it is.
The central character, Winter, is struggling to write and is staying in a tiny cottage in a Yorkshire village, she's run away from her relationship with her editor, Dan and has only her conversations with her twin sister, Daisy, for company and solace when things aren’t going as planned. But then she meets Alex, the local stone mason and her attention is immediately drawn to him. But nothing runs smoothly and when Dan turns up unexpectedly, Winter’s life is turned upside down.
I really enjoyed this book. There were times when it made me laugh and times when it made me cry. The story engaged my attention right from the start and the plot kept weaving and turning so that I could not put it down. A brilliant read, but a two hanky book!
The central character, Winter, is struggling to write and is staying in a tiny cottage in a Yorkshire village, she's run away from her relationship with her editor, Dan and has only her conversations with her twin sister, Daisy, for company and solace when things aren’t going as planned. But then she meets Alex, the local stone mason and her attention is immediately drawn to him. But nothing runs smoothly and when Dan turns up unexpectedly, Winter’s life is turned upside down.
I really enjoyed this book. There were times when it made me laugh and times when it made me cry. The story engaged my attention right from the start and the plot kept weaving and turning so that I could not put it down. A brilliant read, but a two hanky book!
July 29, 2015
Jane a lovering has done it again. ' I don't want to talk about it ' , her latest novel for ChocLit easily keeps it's head up amongst referred tomes from the likes of SJ Watson.
This is a romance and comes with the usual backdrop of boy meets girl, both with history lurking in their backgrounds all leading to the inevitable Happy Ever After. But that's where similarities end. This is also a dark, often disturbing emotional piece about how two peoples' lives become entangled by their past. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll probably guess but in the end you'll be surprised.
This is a romance and comes with the usual backdrop of boy meets girl, both with history lurking in their backgrounds all leading to the inevitable Happy Ever After. But that's where similarities end. This is also a dark, often disturbing emotional piece about how two peoples' lives become entangled by their past. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll probably guess but in the end you'll be surprised.
August 14, 2015
Jane Lovering writes with an easy and amusing style, and inhabits her books with well written and believable characters.
As are several of her recent books, this one is set in Yorkshire, only further north than her recent books. All more country to be explored. The main protagonists, Win, Daisy, Dan, Alex and Scarlett are all well drawn and are characters that you'd like to know. Naturally enough, all is not what it seems, and Jane has come up with a REALLY good twist.
Well up to her usual high standard.
As are several of her recent books, this one is set in Yorkshire, only further north than her recent books. All more country to be explored. The main protagonists, Win, Daisy, Dan, Alex and Scarlett are all well drawn and are characters that you'd like to know. Naturally enough, all is not what it seems, and Jane has come up with a REALLY good twist.
Well up to her usual high standard.
February 7, 2026
I’ve read several of this author’s books and enjoyed them but I found this one depressing and frustrating.
Firstly, I hate an unreliable narrator and that’s what we have in Daisy.
I guessed the twist (Daisy is dead and has been for 5 years) very early on in the book. And then became increasingly annoyed with the heroine.
I think the premise was clever but it just didn’t engage my interest. I also hate love triangles - especially when complicated by children.
So - this was not for me, but it won’t stop me reading more of her books as she is an excellent writer with a unique voice.
Firstly, I hate an unreliable narrator and that’s what we have in Daisy.
I guessed the twist (Daisy is dead and has been for 5 years) very early on in the book. And then became increasingly annoyed with the heroine.
I think the premise was clever but it just didn’t engage my interest. I also hate love triangles - especially when complicated by children.
So - this was not for me, but it won’t stop me reading more of her books as she is an excellent writer with a unique voice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2019
I must say the emails, Facebook and Twitter comments distracted rather than added to the story for me but apart from that it was a good read, certainly didn't see the twist in the tale coming!
Read
November 24, 2023Wonderful
Unexpected, enthralling and emotional but such a good read. It made me laugh and cry. Couldn't put it down. Highly recommend.
Unexpected, enthralling and emotional but such a good read. It made me laugh and cry. Couldn't put it down. Highly recommend.
April 23, 2024
Depressing and frustrating! I hated it!!
I have loved her other books, but this just depressed and frustrated me. I didn't find it funny at all.
I have loved her other books, but this just depressed and frustrated me. I didn't find it funny at all.
December 24, 2024
What a charming, satisfyingly delicious book. All the feels, all the stars.
May 8, 2016
I Don't Want to Talk About It (Choc Lit) What if the one person you wanted to talk to wouldn't listen? Jane Lovering
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance, women's fiction
I’d read a couple of Jane’s books and loved them, so wanted to try this. Once again its an amazing, thought provoking read, a wonderful romance, but with a very real and emotional story too.
Light Bulb, oh how I understood the way Scarlett felt about him, not the psychological reasons she had, but the sheer joy of childhood imagery where the inanimate becomes real. I had two imaginary horses,( Golden Arrow and Silver Diamond!) and like Scarlett’s Light Bulb they went everywhere with me and behaved very badly. Gong to school I pranced and bucked as they shied at scary things, and on the way home we always had a gallop over the common. I was quite a solitary child, lost in my own head most of the time, and I guess the other kids thought i was a bit odd. I was bullied too, and maybe this was my way of dealing in the same way Scarlett has transposed all her emotions and feelings into Light Bulb. Our garden too was full of jumps, hay nets, blankets saddles...Scarlett was a wonderful 8 year old, very insightful in the way she picked up on what adults thought was over her head.
Her uncle Alex, how I loved him, empathised with all he was dealing with, and the way he’d thrown everything into looking after Scarlett. His mum and her weird and wonderful clothes and slight battiness was a lovely lady, so well meaning but a bit of a steamroller approach.
Daisy, she was a lovely girl, very full of advice, and really did feel like a half of winter. Identical twins must share a closeness its hard for others to understand. I loved her take on things, the way she pushes at Winter to work things out, just adding her views occasionally.
Dan, I really wanted to hate him at first and then as we got to know him, and the mystery deepened I came to love him. There are, after all, two sides to every story. He really was an amazing man and so incredibly determined.
Schoolteacher Lucy features in the background quite a bit too and I wanted to dislike her and yet I couldn’t. As the story revealed more I was so glad I didn't.
Last but not least was Winter, and my heart broke for her. I’d kind of guessed what was wrong, read a similar book a few months back so the clues added up but still....just heart-breaking, and along with Alex sister’s tragic death, made a book really full of sadness and yet the humour Jane injects lifts it so well, that it all fits to make the perfect summer read. I love the way Winter’s mind mentally puts words to Alex stammer – thus – “Milk? Sugar? I’ve got a huge d-d-" For gods sake Winter stop it “delivery coming in a bit so I c-can’t ...”
The book was full of such funny snippets of Winters mental musings, Scarlett’s very apt but not always timely interruptions, Alex mum’s weird clothes and descriptions of people’s ailments, they all just fitted the story so well and brought it alive. Reading about Alex mum's comments on an elderly gentleman's prostate issues I was reminded me of an elderly acquaintance who called here recently, and was sympathising with family illness.. “I knew something was wrong when I got frothy pee” My poor daughter struggled to keep a straight face!
The mix of drama and everyday issues make the story feel so real, and I wanted to give the characters a hug so many times. Its a book to adore, to savour and definitely one I’ll want to re-read. In fact though I’ve 4,000+ books on my kindle, get review books, free books from kindle list, have Kindle Unlimited I still buy books! So have just bought Jane’s “Please don’t stop the music” which looks to be equally good.
Stars: Five a fabulous summer read.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publisher
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Romance, women's fiction
I’d read a couple of Jane’s books and loved them, so wanted to try this. Once again its an amazing, thought provoking read, a wonderful romance, but with a very real and emotional story too.
Light Bulb, oh how I understood the way Scarlett felt about him, not the psychological reasons she had, but the sheer joy of childhood imagery where the inanimate becomes real. I had two imaginary horses,( Golden Arrow and Silver Diamond!) and like Scarlett’s Light Bulb they went everywhere with me and behaved very badly. Gong to school I pranced and bucked as they shied at scary things, and on the way home we always had a gallop over the common. I was quite a solitary child, lost in my own head most of the time, and I guess the other kids thought i was a bit odd. I was bullied too, and maybe this was my way of dealing in the same way Scarlett has transposed all her emotions and feelings into Light Bulb. Our garden too was full of jumps, hay nets, blankets saddles...Scarlett was a wonderful 8 year old, very insightful in the way she picked up on what adults thought was over her head.
Her uncle Alex, how I loved him, empathised with all he was dealing with, and the way he’d thrown everything into looking after Scarlett. His mum and her weird and wonderful clothes and slight battiness was a lovely lady, so well meaning but a bit of a steamroller approach.
Daisy, she was a lovely girl, very full of advice, and really did feel like a half of winter. Identical twins must share a closeness its hard for others to understand. I loved her take on things, the way she pushes at Winter to work things out, just adding her views occasionally.
Dan, I really wanted to hate him at first and then as we got to know him, and the mystery deepened I came to love him. There are, after all, two sides to every story. He really was an amazing man and so incredibly determined.
Schoolteacher Lucy features in the background quite a bit too and I wanted to dislike her and yet I couldn’t. As the story revealed more I was so glad I didn't.
Last but not least was Winter, and my heart broke for her. I’d kind of guessed what was wrong, read a similar book a few months back so the clues added up but still....just heart-breaking, and along with Alex sister’s tragic death, made a book really full of sadness and yet the humour Jane injects lifts it so well, that it all fits to make the perfect summer read. I love the way Winter’s mind mentally puts words to Alex stammer – thus – “Milk? Sugar? I’ve got a huge d-d-" For gods sake Winter stop it “delivery coming in a bit so I c-can’t ...”
The book was full of such funny snippets of Winters mental musings, Scarlett’s very apt but not always timely interruptions, Alex mum’s weird clothes and descriptions of people’s ailments, they all just fitted the story so well and brought it alive. Reading about Alex mum's comments on an elderly gentleman's prostate issues I was reminded me of an elderly acquaintance who called here recently, and was sympathising with family illness.. “I knew something was wrong when I got frothy pee” My poor daughter struggled to keep a straight face!
The mix of drama and everyday issues make the story feel so real, and I wanted to give the characters a hug so many times. Its a book to adore, to savour and definitely one I’ll want to re-read. In fact though I’ve 4,000+ books on my kindle, get review books, free books from kindle list, have Kindle Unlimited I still buy books! So have just bought Jane’s “Please don’t stop the music” which looks to be equally good.
Stars: Five a fabulous summer read.
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publisher
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