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Holding Myself
An emotional, uplifting book about love, loss and hope - The perfect summer time read!
Kat has a busy life. She runs her own beauty salon and has an alcoholic father to worry about. To make matters worse she has just discovered she is pregnant.
Kat and Max have only been together for six months and she has a turbulent relationship with his mother and his ex-girlfriend who refuses to go away.
As the pressure builds Kat finds herself wondering what path to take.
Is having a baby the right thing to do?
Can she keep her head above water while her life spirals out of control?
Kat has some big decisions to make and whatever happens her life is going to change forever…
- GenresFiction
206 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 16, 2017
19 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Victoria J. Brown
23 books34 followersVictoria J.Brown is an author of chick-lit, inspirational books and non-fiction wedding books.
She holds a MA in Creative Writing, although sees herself as a storyteller, not a literary writer. She is the winner of a competition judged by Adele Parks.
She is passionate about people following their dreams. She has put together 3 annual inspirational books which provide daily motivational messages.
She is also a qualified wedding planner and managing director of www.calmweddings.com. She has written 3 non-fiction weddings books.
Available on Amazon.
She holds a MA in Creative Writing, although sees herself as a storyteller, not a literary writer. She is the winner of a competition judged by Adele Parks.
She is passionate about people following their dreams. She has put together 3 annual inspirational books which provide daily motivational messages.
She is also a qualified wedding planner and managing director of www.calmweddings.com. She has written 3 non-fiction weddings books.
Available on Amazon.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 24, 2017
Holding Myself is the first book in a series featuring Kat. To start with the book feels like it’s going to be some sort of light hearted chick lit read but it is actually much deeper than that.
I really liked Kat and even more so the further into the book I got. She lost her mum at a young age and is trying to do the best for her sister as their dad has never got over their mums death. I could very much understand Kat’s doubts about having a baby. She has so much going on in her life and she feels that for the moment she has it all under control or is trying her best to and for a baby to come along it throws what she knows into turmoil.
I don’t want to say to much about the story itself in fear of spoiling it for new readers. The author does cover a couple of topics that I think a lot of readers will be able to either relate or empathise with. They did make for quite emotional reading in parts and the whole story was very much bitter sweet as it is such a wonderful story but with the reality of real life thrown in.
Holding Myself is a great introduction to Kat, her friends, family and life. It’s certainly one I want to read more of and can not wait for the second book. A heart warming and emotional story that fans of this genre will fall in love with.
My thanks to Bombshell Books for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
I really liked Kat and even more so the further into the book I got. She lost her mum at a young age and is trying to do the best for her sister as their dad has never got over their mums death. I could very much understand Kat’s doubts about having a baby. She has so much going on in her life and she feels that for the moment she has it all under control or is trying her best to and for a baby to come along it throws what she knows into turmoil.
I don’t want to say to much about the story itself in fear of spoiling it for new readers. The author does cover a couple of topics that I think a lot of readers will be able to either relate or empathise with. They did make for quite emotional reading in parts and the whole story was very much bitter sweet as it is such a wonderful story but with the reality of real life thrown in.
Holding Myself is a great introduction to Kat, her friends, family and life. It’s certainly one I want to read more of and can not wait for the second book. A heart warming and emotional story that fans of this genre will fall in love with.
My thanks to Bombshell Books for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
December 2, 2017
I actually read this book back in 2013 when it was published under its previous title How My Life Became Chaos and really loved it and the two other titles that came after it in the Chaos series. So I was absolutely thrilled when I learned that Bombshell Books had signed Victoria J Brown and were publishing her books. It means I can rave about this book once again and hopefully bring some new fans to this brilliant series!
I’m loving this new cover and title as I think it better reflects the emotions that are explored within this book and the journey Kat is about to embark upon. Although there is humour in there, like how Kat deals with her clients at the salon and other situations such as the trip to buy the pregnancy test, there are also some very difficult and emotive issues for Kat to have to deal with. The first chapter especially contains a real shocker which sets the tone for the relationships that follow, especially for those within her own family.
I loved Kat and because of those family dilemmas I found myself feeling very maternal and protective towards her. Her shock at becoming pregnant so early on in her relationship was pitched just right by the author and resonated with so many differing emotions, all of which felt right for her situation. She had so much to deal with that I could physically feel her frustration and anxiety at times.
This is a easy read that I read one just one session. Victoria J Brown has a wonderfully enchanting writing style and the narrative just flows so perfectly, enveloping you in Kats life right from the first page, that it’s impossible to put down. She has created an extremely likeable character that we can all empathise with and recognise, bringing Kat to life so vividly that the reader feels as though they are reading about a real life friend. And that ending!! Needless to say I am now VERY excited to read the next book in the series and follow Kats chaotic lifestyle as it unfolds further. Surely the worst is over for Kat now……or is it!?
Highly recommended by me!
I’m loving this new cover and title as I think it better reflects the emotions that are explored within this book and the journey Kat is about to embark upon. Although there is humour in there, like how Kat deals with her clients at the salon and other situations such as the trip to buy the pregnancy test, there are also some very difficult and emotive issues for Kat to have to deal with. The first chapter especially contains a real shocker which sets the tone for the relationships that follow, especially for those within her own family.
I loved Kat and because of those family dilemmas I found myself feeling very maternal and protective towards her. Her shock at becoming pregnant so early on in her relationship was pitched just right by the author and resonated with so many differing emotions, all of which felt right for her situation. She had so much to deal with that I could physically feel her frustration and anxiety at times.
This is a easy read that I read one just one session. Victoria J Brown has a wonderfully enchanting writing style and the narrative just flows so perfectly, enveloping you in Kats life right from the first page, that it’s impossible to put down. She has created an extremely likeable character that we can all empathise with and recognise, bringing Kat to life so vividly that the reader feels as though they are reading about a real life friend. And that ending!! Needless to say I am now VERY excited to read the next book in the series and follow Kats chaotic lifestyle as it unfolds further. Surely the worst is over for Kat now……or is it!?
Highly recommended by me!
July 17, 2017
Kat really does have her hands full; I took to the character straight away. although she has doubts about going ahead with the pregnancy on further reading you get to know why she has so many fears.
I found the writing style easy to get in to and Victoria had the perfect balance of showing Kat's nerves, but not making her a weak or annoying character.
Max was extremely well portrayed as an unexpected father to be.
A wonderfully captivating story of life and struggles, with some extremely heart rendering moments. with charming and engaging characters, and I am pleased to see there is a follow on and I am so looking forward to catching up with the next chapter of Kat and Max's life and what decisions they will make next....
I found the writing style easy to get in to and Victoria had the perfect balance of showing Kat's nerves, but not making her a weak or annoying character.
Max was extremely well portrayed as an unexpected father to be.
A wonderfully captivating story of life and struggles, with some extremely heart rendering moments. with charming and engaging characters, and I am pleased to see there is a follow on and I am so looking forward to catching up with the next chapter of Kat and Max's life and what decisions they will make next....
July 15, 2017
An easy read. This book was a diversion from my usual genre. I enjoy a change to refresh my mind and start me off again.
This book was thoughtful at times sad & hard because of the happenings. Very well written and at times like someone relaying the tale to me, rather than just written down.
Very enjoyable.
This book was thoughtful at times sad & hard because of the happenings. Very well written and at times like someone relaying the tale to me, rather than just written down.
Very enjoyable.
July 20, 2017
My Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
This is a very emotional story of a young woman's struggle with a life that has spiralled out of control.
Kat lost her Mum in a tragic accident when she was a teenager and this book follows her journey to cope with a life without a mother with a father who is unable to cope with the loss and a young sister to care for. She learned how fragile life can be and how fate can pull the rug from under your feet at any time.
It is a very gripping story that will appeal to readers of Women's Fiction.
Thank you to Bombshell Books for the opportunity to read this advance copy.
@bombshellbook #amreviewing
This is a very emotional story of a young woman's struggle with a life that has spiralled out of control.
Kat lost her Mum in a tragic accident when she was a teenager and this book follows her journey to cope with a life without a mother with a father who is unable to cope with the loss and a young sister to care for. She learned how fragile life can be and how fate can pull the rug from under your feet at any time.
It is a very gripping story that will appeal to readers of Women's Fiction.
Thank you to Bombshell Books for the opportunity to read this advance copy.
@bombshellbook #amreviewing
July 21, 2017
Looking at the blurb for Holding Myself and the ‘pink’ logo from Bombshell Books I fully expected a light fluffy chick-lit book. While I enjoy such stories I was pleasantly surprised to find this goes so much deeper than that.
Kat has had a fairly difficult life thus far but she is now in a new relationship with Max and apart from clashing personalities with his mother and having issues with his ex all seems to be going well. She has her own business and is generally busy but content.
Victoria has a knack of writing in such a way that little by little the story unfolds and the reader finds themselves engrossed in amongst the characters and part of the ongoing situation.
There are some humorous parts to lighten the mood but essentially events happen to Kat that throw her life into turmoil. I like the way subjects are tackled sensitively but knowledgeably. The friendship between Kat and her best friend had me blubbing at times.
While I could understand some of the frustration, lack of confidence and sheer fright that Kat experienced there were moments when I felt like giving her a shake and telling her to grow up and be thankful for what she does have, especially after some of the loss she has had in her life. The main enjoyment came from the fact that all the characters in this are so normal and down to earth so that readers will easily connect with them.
Overall a lovely book with some unexpected occurrences and an ending that has left me wanting the next book sooner rather than later!
Thanks to the author and Bombshell Books for my copy which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Kat has had a fairly difficult life thus far but she is now in a new relationship with Max and apart from clashing personalities with his mother and having issues with his ex all seems to be going well. She has her own business and is generally busy but content.
Victoria has a knack of writing in such a way that little by little the story unfolds and the reader finds themselves engrossed in amongst the characters and part of the ongoing situation.
There are some humorous parts to lighten the mood but essentially events happen to Kat that throw her life into turmoil. I like the way subjects are tackled sensitively but knowledgeably. The friendship between Kat and her best friend had me blubbing at times.
While I could understand some of the frustration, lack of confidence and sheer fright that Kat experienced there were moments when I felt like giving her a shake and telling her to grow up and be thankful for what she does have, especially after some of the loss she has had in her life. The main enjoyment came from the fact that all the characters in this are so normal and down to earth so that readers will easily connect with them.
Overall a lovely book with some unexpected occurrences and an ending that has left me wanting the next book sooner rather than later!
Thanks to the author and Bombshell Books for my copy which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
July 16, 2017
I think we can all relate to unexpected surprises in our lives and how when one thing goes wrong, it seems to escalate in threes. Kat certainly has found this out. With her beauty salon going well to the point where she can expand, the last thing she expected to happen is to find out she's pregnant. She's only been dating Max for 6 months and his mother seems to hate her. Can she imagine a lifetime of this? Her best friend is dealing with her own issues and she's there for her while trying to sort through her own.
The author gives us a glimpse of what normal life is and how quickly it can change. Paranoia, insecurities, love, forgiveness, grief - we get a taste of it all in this book. The characters are relatable though slightly annoying at times with their repetitive self esteem issues... but hey, that's life for you. It was nice to clear my head of all things going on in my life and concentrate on someone else's issues. The author puts us right inside Kat's head as she juggles all aspects of her life and confronting a decision that will change her life dramatically.
If you're looking for that short, quick read about every day life's struggles, this is the perfect summer read for you. Take yourself out of your own world for a few hours and let Kat take over for you.
The author gives us a glimpse of what normal life is and how quickly it can change. Paranoia, insecurities, love, forgiveness, grief - we get a taste of it all in this book. The characters are relatable though slightly annoying at times with their repetitive self esteem issues... but hey, that's life for you. It was nice to clear my head of all things going on in my life and concentrate on someone else's issues. The author puts us right inside Kat's head as she juggles all aspects of her life and confronting a decision that will change her life dramatically.
If you're looking for that short, quick read about every day life's struggles, this is the perfect summer read for you. Take yourself out of your own world for a few hours and let Kat take over for you.
July 17, 2017
Having really enjoyed this book I find it hard to believe that this is Victoria J Brown’s first novel as the writing just flows and the style is very accomplished. It’s an easy to read novel and although I’ve seen it described as chick-lit, the topics it deals with are very serious and sympathetically treated.
I loved the characters and the way that the reader is drawn into their lives. There are some amusing incidents such as when Kat first meets Max. That scene had me giggling to myself as it reminded me perhaps of when I was younger. As I was in a public place when I was reading the book I did get a few funny looks though. There are also serious moments and I did feel a tear form in the corner of my eye which I had to quickly wipe away.
All in all very realistic characters who are facing difficult decisions in their lives. The way they develop and interact with each other will leave you wanting to read more. Looking forward to the next in the series.
I loved the characters and the way that the reader is drawn into their lives. There are some amusing incidents such as when Kat first meets Max. That scene had me giggling to myself as it reminded me perhaps of when I was younger. As I was in a public place when I was reading the book I did get a few funny looks though. There are also serious moments and I did feel a tear form in the corner of my eye which I had to quickly wipe away.
All in all very realistic characters who are facing difficult decisions in their lives. The way they develop and interact with each other will leave you wanting to read more. Looking forward to the next in the series.
July 19, 2017
Can I just start by saying what a beautiful cover this book has? This is certainly an emotional, inspirational and uplifting summer read for 2017. I enjoyed reading this book, very different from what I usually read but I found it very refreshing. Kat, now what an amazing character she is. She has gone through so much in this story but somehow comes through it successfully the other side. Holding Myself is easy to read, written well and contains short chapters. I would highly recommend this story to you all if you want something a little different from thrillers. A well deserved five stars from me and I will be looking out for future books by Victoria Brown. A very 21st century book!
July 19, 2017
Kat is a wonderful character and my heart went out to her at so many points during the story. She has had a tough time growing up but has made a success of a herself but not without being left with some insecurities. It was quite a journey and I loved getting to know her as she faced her fears reliving the past but also trying to face up to the future.
Holding Myself was so emotional at times and I have to say that there were a few tears especially as one situation hit quite close to home for me. However there is also a special kind of hopeful feeling running through the story too. The story moves smoothly and it didn't take me long to finish this book and to find out how it would end.
There are some lovely friendships in this story and I really enjoyed how much support they gave each other. Kat's family dynamic is not by any means perfect but life is complex and this story shows this perfectly. I was surprised by how involved I became in both the story and the characters lives and it was a deeper read than I was expecting to find. There are lots of themes that feature in Holding Myself including grief, trust issues, love and family. They are all packaged into a fantastic rollercoaster ride of emotions not only for Kat but the reader too.
A wonderful story of hope, love and new beginnings!
With thanks to Bombshell Books for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Holding Myself was so emotional at times and I have to say that there were a few tears especially as one situation hit quite close to home for me. However there is also a special kind of hopeful feeling running through the story too. The story moves smoothly and it didn't take me long to finish this book and to find out how it would end.
There are some lovely friendships in this story and I really enjoyed how much support they gave each other. Kat's family dynamic is not by any means perfect but life is complex and this story shows this perfectly. I was surprised by how involved I became in both the story and the characters lives and it was a deeper read than I was expecting to find. There are lots of themes that feature in Holding Myself including grief, trust issues, love and family. They are all packaged into a fantastic rollercoaster ride of emotions not only for Kat but the reader too.
A wonderful story of hope, love and new beginnings!
With thanks to Bombshell Books for my copy. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
September 10, 2017
I went into this story fully expecting it to be predictable as is usually the case with the romance genre. I love romance so predictable for me is not necessarily a bad thing however I was pleasantly surprised with this book.
This book had me intrigued from the first chapter when our herione discovers she's pregnant. Things that big don't tend to happen so early in the story. From then on we get to learn lots about Kat's life and the people in it.
This book dealt with depression well, although it was Kat's father that has depression I liked seeing how that effected Kat and the other members of her family. It was definitely a big thing for how Kat deals with the events that occur in her life.
Although it's not an edge of the seat kind of book it certainly gets you hooked from the first page and once you get engrossed you don't realise just how much you have read until you look up and hours have passed. There are lots of twists and turns along the way and things don't work out quite how you would expect, however it still leaves you with that satisfied, happy feeling when you come to the end.
A great page turner that you can't put down.
This book had me intrigued from the first chapter when our herione discovers she's pregnant. Things that big don't tend to happen so early in the story. From then on we get to learn lots about Kat's life and the people in it.
This book dealt with depression well, although it was Kat's father that has depression I liked seeing how that effected Kat and the other members of her family. It was definitely a big thing for how Kat deals with the events that occur in her life.
Although it's not an edge of the seat kind of book it certainly gets you hooked from the first page and once you get engrossed you don't realise just how much you have read until you look up and hours have passed. There are lots of twists and turns along the way and things don't work out quite how you would expect, however it still leaves you with that satisfied, happy feeling when you come to the end.
A great page turner that you can't put down.
May 8, 2021
If you like family sagas then you’ll find this a good one, however I found it reasonable for the genre it is. I’ve got the whole trilogy on my kindle, which I’m only just getting round to reading. It’s not really my kinda book anymore, but I’m going to read them all, as I’ve spent the money already, and don’t want that wasted. A lot of the storyline tho seems quite predictable, but it’s written well for what it is...
July 15, 2017
Review to come ~ full review as part of the release blog tour will be on http://theloudlibrarylady.com on 7/20/17.
Thanks to Bombshell Books for the digital copy of this book for review purposes- all opinions are my own.
Thanks to Bombshell Books for the digital copy of this book for review purposes- all opinions are my own.
September 13, 2017
Good read and very honest. Abrupt end really wanted more i think we needed more info on sister and Marianne how relationships changed after her dad died.
Great book could have been longer and explored how her relation ship with Marianne changes and include sister. Good book
Great book could have been longer and explored how her relation ship with Marianne changes and include sister. Good book
February 18, 2018
Heartwarming
I couldn't put this book down. From start to finish, you're routing for Kat for things to just go right for once. The book certainly teaches you to find the good in people.
I couldn't put this book down. From start to finish, you're routing for Kat for things to just go right for once. The book certainly teaches you to find the good in people.
August 1, 2017
A great enjoyable read.
September 3, 2017
Peasant read
A slow predictable read with no cliffhangers , just an amble through one of life's journeys. No great emotional journey.
A slow predictable read with no cliffhangers , just an amble through one of life's journeys. No great emotional journey.
September 4, 2017
Enjoyable read
I really enjoyed this novel. The characters were well rounded and believable and I cared what happened to them, always a good sign.
I really enjoyed this novel. The characters were well rounded and believable and I cared what happened to them, always a good sign.
December 18, 2020
Great book to get stuck into
Loved reading this, light hearted and deep in one! I’m now looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
Loved reading this, light hearted and deep in one! I’m now looking forward to reading the next one in the series.
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December 17, 2019Please see blog for *L*'s review: https://thepturnersbookblog.wordpress...
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