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When You Were Mine
Maggie and Ibby make up a happy – if unconventional – family. After meeting at university, they now live in the village of Applecroft on the beautiful West Country coast. Okay, so Ibby’s gay and prone to disastrous dates, while couples’ counsellor Maggie spends her days helping people with their relationship problems despite having no sex life of her own. Nevertheless, they’re devoted to bringing up teenage daughter Amelia – the result of a drunken one-night stand when they were students – in a stable and loving family. Until a face from the past – in the form of hard-partying rock star Jordan Nash – disrupts their quiet lives. As Jordan struggles with his personal demons and old secrets are revealed, can Maggie and Ibby stay strong? Or will bringing back the past threaten all that they’ve built in the present?
313 pages, ebook
First published August 14, 2019
67 people are currently reading
359 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Swift
7 books40 followersLisa Swift grew up in rural West Yorkshire, right in the heart of Brontë country... and she's still there. After graduating from Durham University with a degree in English Literature, she dallied with living in cities including London, Nottingham and Cambridge, but eventually came back with her own romantic hero in tow to her beloved Dales, where she first started telling stories about heroines with flaws and the men who love them.
Lisa also writes romantic comedy novels under the pen name Mary Jayne Baker.
Lisa also writes romantic comedy novels under the pen name Mary Jayne Baker.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
August 22, 2019
5☆ Highly Recommend!
When You Were Mine is a Uplifting, Fun, Heart Warming Story of Family, Relationships, Secrets and plenty of Drama.
Maggie and Ibby and not your conventional couple. But they do have two things in common, they are bestest friends and they have a teenage daughter together.
Maggie is a sex therapist and struggling to find a man of her own.
Ibby is gay and on the look out for a man, but he has to fit in and accept Maggie and daughter Amelia. Which doesn't always go down too well when he tells them that he lives with Maggie and has a Teenage Daughter.
But Maggie is about to get her own dose of chaos when, a blast from her past is about crash his way into their lives, with a media storm no one was expecting.
After all secrets have a way of coming out!
But are Maggie and Ibby strong enough to protect Amelia and their family!
I absolutely ADORE this trio. Yes they maybe unconventional so to speak, but the love and suppprt they have for each other shines through and melts my heart!
In fact all of the characters are brilliantly written, quirky, relatable and fun. There isn't one I disliked.
When You Were Mine is a Compeling, Uplifting Family Saga that I loved.
Yes at times it was a little over imaginative with some of the scenarios, but that made me want to read it all the more, to find out what could possibly happen next!
There is plenty of Drama, Humour, and Touching Moments, especially when you delve into Ibby's dating and how supportive Maddie and Amelia are, it really warms your heart and opens up a whole new avenue of dating. I also loved the sex therapy sessions that really had me giggling at some of the stories! (Don't worry they are not too graphic!)
This is a story about Family, Friendship, Finding Love, Relationships, Secrets, Growing up, The trials and tribulations of Relationships and the perils of being in the spotlight. It really does have a sprinkle of everything!
So if you are looking for an uplifting romance with a twist, that has some laugh out loud moments, but also shares some tender and emotional ones then you will adore When You Were Mine!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
When You Were Mine is a Uplifting, Fun, Heart Warming Story of Family, Relationships, Secrets and plenty of Drama.
Maggie and Ibby and not your conventional couple. But they do have two things in common, they are bestest friends and they have a teenage daughter together.
Maggie is a sex therapist and struggling to find a man of her own.
Ibby is gay and on the look out for a man, but he has to fit in and accept Maggie and daughter Amelia. Which doesn't always go down too well when he tells them that he lives with Maggie and has a Teenage Daughter.
But Maggie is about to get her own dose of chaos when, a blast from her past is about crash his way into their lives, with a media storm no one was expecting.
After all secrets have a way of coming out!
But are Maggie and Ibby strong enough to protect Amelia and their family!
I absolutely ADORE this trio. Yes they maybe unconventional so to speak, but the love and suppprt they have for each other shines through and melts my heart!
In fact all of the characters are brilliantly written, quirky, relatable and fun. There isn't one I disliked.
When You Were Mine is a Compeling, Uplifting Family Saga that I loved.
Yes at times it was a little over imaginative with some of the scenarios, but that made me want to read it all the more, to find out what could possibly happen next!
There is plenty of Drama, Humour, and Touching Moments, especially when you delve into Ibby's dating and how supportive Maddie and Amelia are, it really warms your heart and opens up a whole new avenue of dating. I also loved the sex therapy sessions that really had me giggling at some of the stories! (Don't worry they are not too graphic!)
This is a story about Family, Friendship, Finding Love, Relationships, Secrets, Growing up, The trials and tribulations of Relationships and the perils of being in the spotlight. It really does have a sprinkle of everything!
So if you are looking for an uplifting romance with a twist, that has some laugh out loud moments, but also shares some tender and emotional ones then you will adore When You Were Mine!
Thank you to Rachel Random Resources for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2019/0...
August 14, 2019
Ok, I know what you are thinking. This is totally weird. A family of three where the father is gay, mother is . . . let's say. . . straight, and they have a daughter (created not by artificial means). And before you ask, no, they are not a couple. In my opinion this is weirder than 'I've Got Mail'. What puzzled me most was how it is possible (even in a fictional sense) for a gay man to have child. If you are bothered by this, please don't let this spoil your reading as all will be explained by the end.
This is Mary Jayne Baker's first novel as Lisa Swift. Though I don't really get the reason for different names, I enjoyed it just like her other novels. Of the three novels I am familiar with, this is my favourite. Her signature style shines through even with the change of name. There is the ever present humor, gay characters and most of all the theme of friendship that knits together all her novels.
Even with its light hearted tone, the novel discusses some weighty issues like homophobia, coming of age and drug addiction. This is the story of a family wading through the storm and also that of a friendship beating the odds. The characters are likable, good hearted (a rare breed indeed) even with the human frailities and . . . ya, they are going to stay with me for a very long time.
Amelia is by far my favourite. She shows a maturity that is unheard of but is not unreal. Whatever sacrifices Iggy and Maggy made to provide her a stable, healthy childhood is totally paid off. Message of the story is simple and probably as old as the universe itself . . . love conquers all. It doesn't matter how odd your family is, if you stand together and welcome the changes with an open heart, anything can be overcome.
A remarkable story which is hard to put down. It will embrace you like an old friend and will fill a hole in your heart that you never knew existed.
This is Mary Jayne Baker's first novel as Lisa Swift. Though I don't really get the reason for different names, I enjoyed it just like her other novels. Of the three novels I am familiar with, this is my favourite. Her signature style shines through even with the change of name. There is the ever present humor, gay characters and most of all the theme of friendship that knits together all her novels.
Even with its light hearted tone, the novel discusses some weighty issues like homophobia, coming of age and drug addiction. This is the story of a family wading through the storm and also that of a friendship beating the odds. The characters are likable, good hearted (a rare breed indeed) even with the human frailities and . . . ya, they are going to stay with me for a very long time.
Amelia is by far my favourite. She shows a maturity that is unheard of but is not unreal. Whatever sacrifices Iggy and Maggy made to provide her a stable, healthy childhood is totally paid off. Message of the story is simple and probably as old as the universe itself . . . love conquers all. It doesn't matter how odd your family is, if you stand together and welcome the changes with an open heart, anything can be overcome.
A remarkable story which is hard to put down. It will embrace you like an old friend and will fill a hole in your heart that you never knew existed.
August 15, 2019
What an absolute gem! This was such a delightful story full of family, love, friendship, second chances, and forgiveness. The story starts off jumping between two seemingly separate stories. Maggie and Ibby are best friends and coparents to their teenage daughter Amelia. The two have been roommates since university, but never romanticly involved. Ibby is gay and Amelia is the product of a drunken one night stand. Jordan is a super famous drug using lead singer for one of the UK’s most famous bands. At first it is not clear how these two stories are related, but as the book progresses things begin to fall into place. A non-traditional love story about love in all its many forms. This book also took on many social issues including homophobia and drug use, I think this was done well and not heavy handed.
This book had so many wonderful characters in it. Maggie, Ibby, and Jordan were all well-developed likable characters who I was definitely rooting for. The secondary characters Other Max, Nikki, and Nat were great. Can I just say I loved how they called there other BFF Other max! But for me the shining star of the book was Amelia, the girl had some major spirit and fierce determination, and yet she still was sweet and vulnerable. This was an engaging and sweet story with a few unexpected twists. I really enjoyed spending time with these characters and was sad when it ended. This is my first book from Lisa Swift (with any name) but it certainly will be my last.
*** thanks to Hera Books for my copy of this book ***
This book had so many wonderful characters in it. Maggie, Ibby, and Jordan were all well-developed likable characters who I was definitely rooting for. The secondary characters Other Max, Nikki, and Nat were great. Can I just say I loved how they called there other BFF Other max! But for me the shining star of the book was Amelia, the girl had some major spirit and fierce determination, and yet she still was sweet and vulnerable. This was an engaging and sweet story with a few unexpected twists. I really enjoyed spending time with these characters and was sad when it ended. This is my first book from Lisa Swift (with any name) but it certainly will be my last.
*** thanks to Hera Books for my copy of this book ***
September 30, 2020
"She's kind of a metaphor for lost futures.
The lives we might’ve lived if we’d chosen another path."
📚 Series? No.
📚 Genre? Fiction / Romance.
📚 POV? Multiple.
📚 Cliffhanger? No.
⚠ Content Warnings: Drug use. Alcohol use. Homophobia. Addiction.
⚠ Book Tags : Famous/Non-Famous. Co-parenting. Second chance romance.
⚠ This Book In Emojis: 💑👨👩👧👬👩🏼🤝👨🏽🏡🎸
Charming, Unexpected, and Fun
When You Were Mine is one of those Netgalley books that have been rotting on my Kindle shelf, so finally I decided to pick it up.
This story talks about the story of four main characters. Maggie coparents her daughter Amelia with her gay bestfriend Ibby after a drunken one night stand when they were younger. Then, there's Jordan Nash, UK's most famous rockstar, and an important part of Maggie and Ibby's past.
I have to admit that I picked this book up before and stopped reading it. The story does take a while to keep up and some details can be confusing especially with the switching POVs. I guess there's also that cultural divide that I normally experience with British books. Some jokes get lost in translation and some pop culture references mean nothing to me.
However, those things did not matter at the end, because this book was a definitely a beauty. This is a lovely story of how family works and what it means. There's parent relationships with each other, parent-child relationship, friendship, your one great love, change, fame, growing up, heartache, identity, and many other themes discussed here. I loved every bit of it.
When You Were Mine just made me realize that you should never really judge a book by the first few pages. Sometimes, they take a while to pick up, but when they do, they can bring you to an amazing learning experience and a journey that will stay with you for a long time.
☁ THE CRITERIA ☁
🌼 Blurb:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌼 Main Character:⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Significant Other: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Support Characters:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌼 Writing Style:⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Character Development:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌼 Romance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Pacing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Ending: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌼 Unputdownability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Book Cover:⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
☁FINAL VERDICT: 4.36/5 ☁
Much thanks to Netgalley and Hera Books for this complimentary copy. This review is voluntary and opinions are fully my own. Also, all quotes are taken from the ARC and may be different in the final published copy.
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August 10, 2019
This was a cute read, though a slow and confusing one to start with. A book on family and relationships where friendship and love mattered.
A different family of sorts where Ibby and Maggie brought up their daughter together even when they were not a couple. Ibby was gay. Entered Jordan, a blast from the past, who changed the equation. A rockstar who wrote a song and brought the paparazzi to their doorstep. Secrets were revealed and past came crashing down. Would they survive it all?
My first book by author Lisa Swift was delightful both in its unconventional family setup and their acceptance of each other. At all times, their daughter took priority in all their life decisions.
The author's conceptualization of characters were mature and developed. Their strength grew over the period of time. Each were quirky and lovable too. Lisa's portrayal of first love and second chances had me smiling through the pages.
There was a genuineness with the prose where social themes were dealt with, but with a lighter hand. The twist in the end was a good, unexpected surprise. Relationships and family made this book a light and warm breakfast read.
A different family of sorts where Ibby and Maggie brought up their daughter together even when they were not a couple. Ibby was gay. Entered Jordan, a blast from the past, who changed the equation. A rockstar who wrote a song and brought the paparazzi to their doorstep. Secrets were revealed and past came crashing down. Would they survive it all?
My first book by author Lisa Swift was delightful both in its unconventional family setup and their acceptance of each other. At all times, their daughter took priority in all their life decisions.
The author's conceptualization of characters were mature and developed. Their strength grew over the period of time. Each were quirky and lovable too. Lisa's portrayal of first love and second chances had me smiling through the pages.
There was a genuineness with the prose where social themes were dealt with, but with a lighter hand. The twist in the end was a good, unexpected surprise. Relationships and family made this book a light and warm breakfast read.
August 19, 2019
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
I thought that this was a lovely story, it was a genuinely heart-warming story and I loved every page and the cover is perfect for the book!
The writing style was perfect and I loved the pace that the author used for the book. The characters were very well developed and they worked really well together.
The book covers everything from romance, family, friendship, second chances and love – and the book is perfectly set to deal with everything brilliantly in equal measure.
It is 5 stars from me for this one, I thought it was an excellent story – very highly recommended!!
I thought that this was a lovely story, it was a genuinely heart-warming story and I loved every page and the cover is perfect for the book!
The writing style was perfect and I loved the pace that the author used for the book. The characters were very well developed and they worked really well together.
The book covers everything from romance, family, friendship, second chances and love – and the book is perfectly set to deal with everything brilliantly in equal measure.
It is 5 stars from me for this one, I thought it was an excellent story – very highly recommended!!
February 23, 2020
Four friends share a house at uni but one breaks away, falling into a life of drugs and meaningless sex and rock star fame. Fourteen years later and he's back, out of rehab, desperate and broken. Can they fix him? And will the past come back to wreck the lives they have made for themselves without him? A story of love and family and forgiveness. I enjoyed it.
May 31, 2021
This book started a little slowly for me but I persisted and it kept getting better and better. It became one of my favourites.
A dysfunctional modern family who are all fantastic to read about loveable with flaws that make them human and more realistic. I loved them all Maggie the mum trying keep everyone together, Amelia the teenage daughter trying to figure life out in more ways than one and her two dads biological Jordan Nash (better known as Max) and Ibby (who earns a special place in my heart for what he did). 4.5 stars
A dysfunctional modern family who are all fantastic to read about loveable with flaws that make them human and more realistic. I loved them all Maggie the mum trying keep everyone together, Amelia the teenage daughter trying to figure life out in more ways than one and her two dads biological Jordan Nash (better known as Max) and Ibby (who earns a special place in my heart for what he did). 4.5 stars
August 14, 2019
This is a lovely story of families, relationships, friendship and romance.
Fourteen years ago a group of students shared a house and became close friends. One of them left to seek fame and fortune as a rock star but the others remained friends and stayed in the area. Two of them, Maggie and Ibby, now own that house and are bringing up their much loved daughter, thirteen year old Amelia, there. Their relationship isn't a conventional one, though, as Ibby is actually gay . . . and Maggie is a relationship counsellor who isn't actually in any other relationship herself. All is well until the now successful but distraught rock star unexpectedly returns . . . . bringing with him shocks, paparazzi, problems, love and surprises - nothing will ever be the same again!
With functional and dysfunctional families, past problems, rethinking ambitions and a fabulous teenager, this is a second chance romance with an star trying to hide and re-evaluating his life choices and dreams. It is a great read with so many surprises along the way. There are many laugh out loud moments and some that'll tug on your heartstrings. It is an engaging page turner that I didn't want to put down until I'd finished it, a great read whatever the weather or season, a superb beach read or, if you're like me, fantastic to escape into on a rainy day.
I requested a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.
Fourteen years ago a group of students shared a house and became close friends. One of them left to seek fame and fortune as a rock star but the others remained friends and stayed in the area. Two of them, Maggie and Ibby, now own that house and are bringing up their much loved daughter, thirteen year old Amelia, there. Their relationship isn't a conventional one, though, as Ibby is actually gay . . . and Maggie is a relationship counsellor who isn't actually in any other relationship herself. All is well until the now successful but distraught rock star unexpectedly returns . . . . bringing with him shocks, paparazzi, problems, love and surprises - nothing will ever be the same again!
With functional and dysfunctional families, past problems, rethinking ambitions and a fabulous teenager, this is a second chance romance with an star trying to hide and re-evaluating his life choices and dreams. It is a great read with so many surprises along the way. There are many laugh out loud moments and some that'll tug on your heartstrings. It is an engaging page turner that I didn't want to put down until I'd finished it, a great read whatever the weather or season, a superb beach read or, if you're like me, fantastic to escape into on a rainy day.
I requested a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.
August 25, 2019
Maggie and Ibby live with their 13 year old daughter, Amelia. They’re not a couple though in the traditional sense, with Amelia being the result of a drunken one night stand. The unconventional thing is that Ibby is gay, always has been always will be! But doing the right thing by Amelia, Ibby and Maggie decide to bring her up as a family. Life has been good for the last 13 years that is until a face from their past reappears. Rock star Jordan Nash succumbed to the rock and roll lifestyle many years ago, choosing hard-partying and drugs over his friendship with Maggie and Ibby. When he reaches out for their help, they all find their lives turned upside down….
This was a wonderful romantic comedy about an unconventional family! I have to admit it did take me a few chapters to get into the story. The chapters were told from different characters points of view and it took a little while to settle into this. By the time I had done though I was well and truly hooked and the slower start was a dim and distant memory! Maggie and Ibby were great characters and I loved their set up as a family! They, and their daughter Amelia, didn’t shove their unusual family relationships in people’s faces, but they also didn’t shy away from being proud of who they are and putting their daughter first despite their own sexual preferences!! They were also very funny and I just knew that Maggie, as a relationship counsellor (AKA a sex coach), would provide plenty of witty one-liners and humorous moments!
Rock star Jordan Nash was a completely different story. Right from the beginning it was obvious that he was pressing the self-destruct button repeatedly, and whilst he sounded very aesthetically pleasing, I didn’t really like him as a character. That did all change though as the story moved on and I went from thinking “what was this guy doing” to actually understanding what was going on with him. He was the classic example of a character completely and utterly redeeming himself. By the end of the book Jordan Nash was nothing like the man he was at the beginning!
The storyline was so well written and it had everything that I could ask for in a book! The main characters were so likeable, and there were great supporting characters such as Other Max and Nikki. Ask me who my favourite character was and I’d have to say Ibby who I felt had the most endearing storyline! He did though have his flaws, as did all the characters, which made them all so genuine and realistic! This wasn’t just the light-hearted read that it comes across as though. It tackled some serious issues such as addiction and homophobia, but these were written well into the storyline so that these issues were dealt with but didn’t overpower the story. The lighter moments made me laugh out loud and the more serious parts left me with a warm feeling in my heart – a completely perfect balance! There was a little twist of the story at the end, and the epilogue rounded the story off nicely.
This was my first book by this author, although she does write under another name. It certainly won’t be my last though and I will be definitely looking out for more by her. Packed full of family, love, laughs and second chances, I would highly recommend this book! I hope my review gives across how much I loved this book because it’s one of the loveliest books I’ve read in a long time! Fab, fab, fab……!!!
This was a wonderful romantic comedy about an unconventional family! I have to admit it did take me a few chapters to get into the story. The chapters were told from different characters points of view and it took a little while to settle into this. By the time I had done though I was well and truly hooked and the slower start was a dim and distant memory! Maggie and Ibby were great characters and I loved their set up as a family! They, and their daughter Amelia, didn’t shove their unusual family relationships in people’s faces, but they also didn’t shy away from being proud of who they are and putting their daughter first despite their own sexual preferences!! They were also very funny and I just knew that Maggie, as a relationship counsellor (AKA a sex coach), would provide plenty of witty one-liners and humorous moments!
Rock star Jordan Nash was a completely different story. Right from the beginning it was obvious that he was pressing the self-destruct button repeatedly, and whilst he sounded very aesthetically pleasing, I didn’t really like him as a character. That did all change though as the story moved on and I went from thinking “what was this guy doing” to actually understanding what was going on with him. He was the classic example of a character completely and utterly redeeming himself. By the end of the book Jordan Nash was nothing like the man he was at the beginning!
The storyline was so well written and it had everything that I could ask for in a book! The main characters were so likeable, and there were great supporting characters such as Other Max and Nikki. Ask me who my favourite character was and I’d have to say Ibby who I felt had the most endearing storyline! He did though have his flaws, as did all the characters, which made them all so genuine and realistic! This wasn’t just the light-hearted read that it comes across as though. It tackled some serious issues such as addiction and homophobia, but these were written well into the storyline so that these issues were dealt with but didn’t overpower the story. The lighter moments made me laugh out loud and the more serious parts left me with a warm feeling in my heart – a completely perfect balance! There was a little twist of the story at the end, and the epilogue rounded the story off nicely.
This was my first book by this author, although she does write under another name. It certainly won’t be my last though and I will be definitely looking out for more by her. Packed full of family, love, laughs and second chances, I would highly recommend this book! I hope my review gives across how much I loved this book because it’s one of the loveliest books I’ve read in a long time! Fab, fab, fab……!!!
August 10, 2019
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
Oh my goodness. It’s been a while since I read a book in a day. I kept carrying my kindle with me into the kitchen to put the kettle on and prepare food. I had so many thoughts and theories while I was reading. I kept thinking “Is he?” “She’s...” “No”. I couldn’t stop reading I needed to know all the things.
I just completely loved this book and how these seemly completely different peoples lives were all connected and woven together.
I think I must be mellowing as I get older. I’ve just turned 31 because a year ago, even a few months ago the revelation that was revealed early on and remained a feature throughout would have sent me running but it only strengthened my love for this book.
Lisa is such a talented writer. She kept feeding us information and facts throughout the whole book. I had questions and she kept answering them.
I loved the main characters but I also really loved the supporting characters especially one because I have a thing for paramedics!
This was a really wonderful book about best friends, family, lovers and everything in between. There was love, there was drama and there was heartache. I loved every single word and every single emotion this book evoked. I laughed, I cried and I whooped for joy. I can’t wait to read more from Lisa!
This book reminded me of tv show Nashville, film A Star is Born and book One Day in December all of which are some of my very favourites.
Oh my goodness. It’s been a while since I read a book in a day. I kept carrying my kindle with me into the kitchen to put the kettle on and prepare food. I had so many thoughts and theories while I was reading. I kept thinking “Is he?” “She’s...” “No”. I couldn’t stop reading I needed to know all the things.
I just completely loved this book and how these seemly completely different peoples lives were all connected and woven together.
I think I must be mellowing as I get older. I’ve just turned 31 because a year ago, even a few months ago the revelation that was revealed early on and remained a feature throughout would have sent me running but it only strengthened my love for this book.
Lisa is such a talented writer. She kept feeding us information and facts throughout the whole book. I had questions and she kept answering them.
I loved the main characters but I also really loved the supporting characters especially one because I have a thing for paramedics!
This was a really wonderful book about best friends, family, lovers and everything in between. There was love, there was drama and there was heartache. I loved every single word and every single emotion this book evoked. I laughed, I cried and I whooped for joy. I can’t wait to read more from Lisa!
This book reminded me of tv show Nashville, film A Star is Born and book One Day in December all of which are some of my very favourites.
August 16, 2019
Not your typical family situation right? Well, as of lately it's the norm, and I'm glad someone is writing books about it because a family is a family, no matter who makes it. Ok, that being said.....
This is an absolute wonderful read about love, ambition, and second chances. It's highly relatable regardless of the non-typical family and had tons of family issues and drama. The strong topics are intertwined so well throughout the plot with such well written dialog and conversation that it comes across as a a light hearted and fun read.
The characters are lovable and realistic and the storyline has just enough seriousness with a mixture of laugh out loud humor that kept everything moving along so smoothly that you felt like you were watching a TV show or a movie. Told in alternating character POV you really get to know each of the characters so well that when you finish the book you end up missing their friendship.
I was able to read this book rather quickly, and frankly I didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed it tremendously, and the entire premise was so "out of the box" that it made the book so much more enjoyable than your typical rom-com. This was my first book from Lisa Swift, but if this is how she normally writes, I will continue to read her rom/coms and put her on my auto-purchase author list.
Thank you to Lisa Swift, Rachels Random Resourses, and to HERA Books for the copy of this book for an honest and unbiased review.
This is an absolute wonderful read about love, ambition, and second chances. It's highly relatable regardless of the non-typical family and had tons of family issues and drama. The strong topics are intertwined so well throughout the plot with such well written dialog and conversation that it comes across as a a light hearted and fun read.
The characters are lovable and realistic and the storyline has just enough seriousness with a mixture of laugh out loud humor that kept everything moving along so smoothly that you felt like you were watching a TV show or a movie. Told in alternating character POV you really get to know each of the characters so well that when you finish the book you end up missing their friendship.
I was able to read this book rather quickly, and frankly I didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed it tremendously, and the entire premise was so "out of the box" that it made the book so much more enjoyable than your typical rom-com. This was my first book from Lisa Swift, but if this is how she normally writes, I will continue to read her rom/coms and put her on my auto-purchase author list.
Thank you to Lisa Swift, Rachels Random Resourses, and to HERA Books for the copy of this book for an honest and unbiased review.
July 30, 2019
I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. When You Were Mine is the first book British author Mary Jane Baker has written under the pen name Lisa Swift. Magdalena Nightingale (Maggie) a couples counsellor and Aaron Ibbotson (Ibby) a journalist and bookseller and their daughter Amelia are a family, an unconventional family because Maggie and Ibby are not a couple in that Ibby is gay but they are raising their daughter Amelia together and to them family comes first making it difficult to find romantic partners. Maggie has basically given up on the idea and Ibby always hopeful that someone will pass the Harrison test (which Harrison Ford role is the best) as well as understand about his family and how it works is still actively looking. Their placid existence is upended when Maggie’s college boy friend Max Jordan aka rockstar Jordan Nash writes a song while in rehab called Magdalena and the paparazzi come calling. Max crashes back into their lives and nothing will ever be the same as secrets are revealed and bonds are tested. I really enjoyed this story that explores love in all its permutations, second chances and friendship. Sweet not steamy. Publishing Date August 14, 2019 #NetGalley #LisaSwift #HeraBooks #Bookstagram
August 20, 2019
I was really excited when I saw this book, knowing the author's work. I wasn't wrong to be excited, it was brilliant, lots of emotions coursing through it.
I loved the characters and the fact that one of the main characters was gay and it was celebrated throughout the story.
It was a real mismatch of characters in the story and it just worked, perfectly.
LOVED IT!
I loved the characters and the fact that one of the main characters was gay and it was celebrated throughout the story.
It was a real mismatch of characters in the story and it just worked, perfectly.
LOVED IT!
August 8, 2019
I really adored this story, it was so well written. The characters were a warm bunch who took me to their hearts. This is my first book by this author and I feel it won't be my last. I liked the cover too, a proper summer read
August 14, 2019
Oh, this book was a joy! Totally rooting for all of the characters in this story of families, fame and first-love. Humour lightens the heavier plot points and the writing is fast-paced. If you love women's fiction then I highly recommend this book!
June 9, 2020
What a page Turner! I couldnt put the book down. Great book from beginning to end.
May 2, 2021
2.5 stars truly.
This follows the unorthodox relationship of a family and how they navigate the outside world and relationships. Truly it’s bubblegum stuff but generally entertaining.
This follows the unorthodox relationship of a family and how they navigate the outside world and relationships. Truly it’s bubblegum stuff but generally entertaining.
May 24, 2022
This was an incredible read. I was honestly gripped from start to finish which, even though I’ve loved other books and have some favourites by other authors, I don’t think I’ve ever been so gripped instantly like that before. This is 100% one of my favourites and I will be on the lookout for the next three books Lisa Swift has written since.
It gave me “3 men and a little lady” vibes for sure (one of my favourite films) which is also referenced to within the book.
I highly rate this read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It gave me “3 men and a little lady” vibes for sure (one of my favourite films) which is also referenced to within the book.
I highly rate this read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 20, 2019
I read the synopsis for 'When You Were Mine' and it certainly sounded like my kind of read. It's the first book written by Lisa Swift that I have had the pleasure of reading and reviewing. I couldn't wait to start reading and so I dived straight in. Oh my word, 'When You Were Mine' is certainly one heck of a fun read. I absolutely loved it but more about that in a bit.
I loved the characters of Ibby and Maggie and I took to them from the start. They have known each other for years and they are a rather unconventional family unit. They are not a couple but they do have a daughter together and they live together as a family. Ibby is gay but he had a one night stand with Maggie and their daughter is the result. Maggie has a distinct lack of romance and her sex life is non existent. Maggie is a relationship counsellor and advises couples on how to spice up their love lives. The family are settled until a partying rock star called Jordan comes along. He has his own problems and secrets are revealed that threaten the family unit.
Oh my, 'When You Were Mine' was a different story to the one I was expecting and I mean that in the nicest possible way. I had read the synopsis and had a theory as to what was going to happen but I was pleasantly surprised to realise that my theory was completely wrong and that the book I was reading was even better than the one I had been expecting. I found it impossible to put this book down. The book wasn't exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it came everywhere with me. I was so taken by the story and the characters that I didn't want to miss a single nanosecond of the story. I had taken to the characters so well that I began to think of them as friends and as a result, I had to keep reading to see how the story panned out and how that might affect my new 'friends'. I was keeping everything crossed for them that things would work out in the end. I managed to binge read this book over the course of a day but because I was loving the story so much and had taken to the characters so well, reading this book felt more like a pleasure than a chore. I lost all track of time whilst reading this book and I was most disappointed to get to the end of the book because it meant that I had to say goodbye to my friends.
'When You Were Mine' is really well written. The author has created likeable characters and given them realistic storylines which engage your interest and keep that interest all the way through the story. Lisa has created a story that never gets boring and so my concentration didn't wander because I was eager to discover what surprises were awaiting me over the page. Lisa uses such powerful and vivid descriptions that I felt as though I was part of the story myself. I so wished that I had friends like Ibby and Maggie. I found that this book made me giggle more than I have giggled in a long time and that's down to Lisa's fabulous writing.
In short, 'When You Were Mine' is a fabulous read and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. I can't wait to read more from Lisa Swift. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
I loved the characters of Ibby and Maggie and I took to them from the start. They have known each other for years and they are a rather unconventional family unit. They are not a couple but they do have a daughter together and they live together as a family. Ibby is gay but he had a one night stand with Maggie and their daughter is the result. Maggie has a distinct lack of romance and her sex life is non existent. Maggie is a relationship counsellor and advises couples on how to spice up their love lives. The family are settled until a partying rock star called Jordan comes along. He has his own problems and secrets are revealed that threaten the family unit.
Oh my, 'When You Were Mine' was a different story to the one I was expecting and I mean that in the nicest possible way. I had read the synopsis and had a theory as to what was going to happen but I was pleasantly surprised to realise that my theory was completely wrong and that the book I was reading was even better than the one I had been expecting. I found it impossible to put this book down. The book wasn't exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it came everywhere with me. I was so taken by the story and the characters that I didn't want to miss a single nanosecond of the story. I had taken to the characters so well that I began to think of them as friends and as a result, I had to keep reading to see how the story panned out and how that might affect my new 'friends'. I was keeping everything crossed for them that things would work out in the end. I managed to binge read this book over the course of a day but because I was loving the story so much and had taken to the characters so well, reading this book felt more like a pleasure than a chore. I lost all track of time whilst reading this book and I was most disappointed to get to the end of the book because it meant that I had to say goodbye to my friends.
'When You Were Mine' is really well written. The author has created likeable characters and given them realistic storylines which engage your interest and keep that interest all the way through the story. Lisa has created a story that never gets boring and so my concentration didn't wander because I was eager to discover what surprises were awaiting me over the page. Lisa uses such powerful and vivid descriptions that I felt as though I was part of the story myself. I so wished that I had friends like Ibby and Maggie. I found that this book made me giggle more than I have giggled in a long time and that's down to Lisa's fabulous writing.
In short, 'When You Were Mine' is a fabulous read and I would definitely recommend it to other readers. I can't wait to read more from Lisa Swift. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
August 11, 2021
This is the story of Maggie and Ibby and their daughter Amelia. Maggie is a straight woman and Ibby is a gay man who have a great relationship and a solid family unit going on. When Maggie starts thinking of dating it is with the caveat that a new partner must be okay with their set up. This was a very different book to the one I thought it would be, there was the rock star lifestyle, the drugs and thugs and it dealt with homophobia but it was still a vibrant, easy going read. The characters were great and I fell in love with them, the story line well done and all in all a book I really enjoyed.
August 11, 2019
More like 4.5 stars...
When You Were Mine is a beautiful story of life, love and second chances.
This is a story about family, an unconventional but solid little family and their friends who are every bit as beloved. It's a story about losing yourself and finding yourself. A story about what makes a home and finding your home. It's a story about standing up for others and standing up for yourself. It's a story about acceptance and it is wonderfully written.
It was so easy to sink into this book and just forget that the characters weren't real.
Mags, Ibby, Melie, and Max, stole the show but Other Max, Nikki, Nat and Melie's friends each had their parts to play, and all felt like living breathing beings that left their mark.
The beginning of the novel effectively has two strands; one follows Mags, Ibby and their family and the other follows Jordan Nash.
Mags and Ibby are best friends who met at university.
They live together and they raise their daughter but they are not a couple.
Mags is single and not looking for love after her first love broke her heart and her subsequent relationships have been disastrous.
Ibby is gay and doesn't seem to be any more successful in the romance department than Mags.
Melie, their 13 year old daughter, is a typical teenage girl and is beautifully written. She's fierce and so grown up but also insecure and just a kid.
The three of them together are an awesome family that doesn't need anybody else (aka love interests for the parents) to function and be complete. They are complete and they're happy but there is always room for more.
Jordan Nash is a rockstar, front man of one of the UK's most famous bands and he's a cocaine loving broken mess of a human being at the beginning of the novel.
Lonely, friendless and completely burned out, he takes himself off to rehab and then begins to rebuild his life.
Eventually, you find out how Jordan Nash fits into the lives of Mags and Ibby and that is where the book really takes off.
Most of the twists and turns I guessed fairly easily but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story but I'll admit there was one big twist I didn't see coming and didn't like very much (thus 4.5 stars instead of 5!)
I was invested in the relationships throughout the book and was routing for Mags and Ibby to find their happy ever afters but, to be honest, no matter how happy Mags and Ibby are with their respective partners, or how nicely everything was tied up in the end, for me, Mags and Ibby are freaking soul mates and that's what I loved most about this book. You don't need to be romantically attached to someone to love them fiercely. You don't have to be married or related by blood to be family.
Love is love: sexual, romantic, platonic, familial. And the world needs more love.
Basically, this book made me happy, warm, and joyful.
I think people should read it. Read it lots.
When You Were Mine is a beautiful story of life, love and second chances.
This is a story about family, an unconventional but solid little family and their friends who are every bit as beloved. It's a story about losing yourself and finding yourself. A story about what makes a home and finding your home. It's a story about standing up for others and standing up for yourself. It's a story about acceptance and it is wonderfully written.
It was so easy to sink into this book and just forget that the characters weren't real.
Mags, Ibby, Melie, and Max, stole the show but Other Max, Nikki, Nat and Melie's friends each had their parts to play, and all felt like living breathing beings that left their mark.
The beginning of the novel effectively has two strands; one follows Mags, Ibby and their family and the other follows Jordan Nash.
Mags and Ibby are best friends who met at university.
They live together and they raise their daughter but they are not a couple.
Mags is single and not looking for love after her first love broke her heart and her subsequent relationships have been disastrous.
Ibby is gay and doesn't seem to be any more successful in the romance department than Mags.
Melie, their 13 year old daughter, is a typical teenage girl and is beautifully written. She's fierce and so grown up but also insecure and just a kid.
The three of them together are an awesome family that doesn't need anybody else (aka love interests for the parents) to function and be complete. They are complete and they're happy but there is always room for more.
Jordan Nash is a rockstar, front man of one of the UK's most famous bands and he's a cocaine loving broken mess of a human being at the beginning of the novel.
Lonely, friendless and completely burned out, he takes himself off to rehab and then begins to rebuild his life.
Eventually, you find out how Jordan Nash fits into the lives of Mags and Ibby and that is where the book really takes off.
Most of the twists and turns I guessed fairly easily but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story but I'll admit there was one big twist I didn't see coming and didn't like very much (thus 4.5 stars instead of 5!)
I was invested in the relationships throughout the book and was routing for Mags and Ibby to find their happy ever afters but, to be honest, no matter how happy Mags and Ibby are with their respective partners, or how nicely everything was tied up in the end, for me, Mags and Ibby are freaking soul mates and that's what I loved most about this book. You don't need to be romantically attached to someone to love them fiercely. You don't have to be married or related by blood to be family.
Love is love: sexual, romantic, platonic, familial. And the world needs more love.
Basically, this book made me happy, warm, and joyful.
I think people should read it. Read it lots.
August 22, 2019
When You Were Mine by Lisa Swift
Headline Review: 5 stars – Is it possible to recapture what once was?
Life is full of ‘what ifs?’, isn’t it? I’m sure we’ve all made decisions that we’ve second guessed later on down the line. Did we do the right thing? What if we’d gone left instead of right?
*sighs*
*nods*
Yup, we’ve all been there!
Then there are our first loves. Do you ever wonder where they are now? Are they happy? Do they think about you? (In my case, I very much doubt it.)
*whispers*
Dare I even say it... is it possible to recapture what once was if the stars align correctly? Second chances are a gift.
Well, peeps, you are in for a stonking great treat of a read. If I could squeeze this author right now, I would.
This story just enveloped me in a great big hug. The characters became friends to me (I know I have issues before you start!).
I laughed – Couples’ Counsellor, Maggie, had some of the BEST lines in the book. Especially when it came to *whistles*, you know what I mean, a wee bit of the horizontal mamba (other positions are available) *winks*:
“Strong on theory, weak on practical.”
I don’t know how many times I’ve said this about myself to friends. *blushes* Sorry, was I TMI-ing again?
I got angry on their behalf – I was feeling a tad stabby. *shakes head* Nope, I refuse to give details.
My jaw ached from smiling so much at my e-reader. Especially with the teenage Amelia. She was a scene-stealer for me. Everything was life or death as a teenager, wasn’t it? I’m showing my age now, but there was one scene that was reminiscent of ‘The Geek and The Panties’ from the John Hughes 80’s classic, Sixteen Candles.
Plain and simple, WYWM was a stunning read and I can’t wait for the author’s next release under this pen name.
So, finally...
When you pick up this book...
You won’t be able to put it down...
Just remember...
We’re (artistic licence!) in this together, so hit me up when you’re done.
Because...
I’m sure this book will be on your favourite reads of 2019 list just like Mine!
Headline Review: 5 stars – Is it possible to recapture what once was?
Life is full of ‘what ifs?’, isn’t it? I’m sure we’ve all made decisions that we’ve second guessed later on down the line. Did we do the right thing? What if we’d gone left instead of right?
*sighs*
*nods*
Yup, we’ve all been there!
Then there are our first loves. Do you ever wonder where they are now? Are they happy? Do they think about you? (In my case, I very much doubt it.)
*whispers*
Dare I even say it... is it possible to recapture what once was if the stars align correctly? Second chances are a gift.
Well, peeps, you are in for a stonking great treat of a read. If I could squeeze this author right now, I would.
This story just enveloped me in a great big hug. The characters became friends to me (I know I have issues before you start!).
I laughed – Couples’ Counsellor, Maggie, had some of the BEST lines in the book. Especially when it came to *whistles*, you know what I mean, a wee bit of the horizontal mamba (other positions are available) *winks*:
“Strong on theory, weak on practical.”
I don’t know how many times I’ve said this about myself to friends. *blushes* Sorry, was I TMI-ing again?
I got angry on their behalf – I was feeling a tad stabby. *shakes head* Nope, I refuse to give details.
My jaw ached from smiling so much at my e-reader. Especially with the teenage Amelia. She was a scene-stealer for me. Everything was life or death as a teenager, wasn’t it? I’m showing my age now, but there was one scene that was reminiscent of ‘The Geek and The Panties’ from the John Hughes 80’s classic, Sixteen Candles.
Plain and simple, WYWM was a stunning read and I can’t wait for the author’s next release under this pen name.
So, finally...
When you pick up this book...
You won’t be able to put it down...
Just remember...
We’re (artistic licence!) in this together, so hit me up when you’re done.
Because...
I’m sure this book will be on your favourite reads of 2019 list just like Mine!
July 31, 2019
Loved loved loved this book, what an absolutely perfect summer holiday read! The characters in this book are so likeable and well crafted, you really feel invested in their journeys. On the surface this is a story based around family and the importance it has, but it explores heavier themes such as homophobia and drug addiction, without once becoming ‘too dark’. You can really feel the love between the characters and I honestly wanted the story to go on for longer just so I could read about them a little more. I’ll definitely be looking out for more by this author.
Thank you to netgalley for gifting this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to netgalley for gifting this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2019
I didn't want to put down the book. I think starting out I was confused on how these characters with crazy nicknames would ever merge. The rockstar was so believable. Coming out of rehab for cocaine addiction with no real family or friends was very much the pinnacle of the book until the merge.
He shows up nearly dead drunk at the last place he was ever himself...well, it was before drugs took over with rock game and women.
Now the story really begins because of who finds him on the door step.
Great story for figuring who family is..The story is not preachy about gay lifestyle but leans more about bullies and tolerance.
Nice read!!!
He shows up nearly dead drunk at the last place he was ever himself...well, it was before drugs took over with rock game and women.
Now the story really begins because of who finds him on the door step.
Great story for figuring who family is..The story is not preachy about gay lifestyle but leans more about bullies and tolerance.
Nice read!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2019
This was a fantastic book and evoked so many different emotions in myself. It was real and gritty and sensitive around gay families, alternate lifestyles and homophobia. Yet st its core it is a great love story.
August 22, 2019
great story.
loving characters
unique plot
loving characters
unique plot
February 22, 2021
I'm so sad that it took me so long to read this book. It was so fun and a bit different take on your typical rom-com. The family dynamics of Maggy, Ibby, and Amelia are so unique. The supporting characters in this book also really make the story. When rock legend Jordan Nash comes crashing back into their lives, everything falls apart. Can the family that Maggie and Ibby created withstand the stressor of a rock star, used to be friend? Can Amelia learn to accept Jordan? This crazy story had me laughing the whole way through. 4 stars. Thank you, NetGalley and Hera Books for the eARC. I truly enjoyed this book.
September 24, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. Once I got a couple chapters in and I started getting to know the characters I was hooked. I wouldn't say this is my favourite book of all time but it is still really good. I like how this book includes topics of unique families, homophobia and the treatment of celebrities. I'm not going to lie, when I first started reading, I thought that Ibby was a girl because they didn't use a pronoun in the blurb so I assumed he was a girl (it was quite the shock when I discovered that he wasn't). The twist at the end was something that I was not expecting at all, my jaw hit the floor when I read it. I would recommend this book.
July 27, 2020
Maggie and Ibby live together with their daughter. But Ibby is gay and promised Maggie and Amelia that he would always stand by them but still wants to find a partner. Maggie is a relationship councillor but struggles with finding her own relationship. She used to see a boy in university but he chose drugs and rock and roll over her. But when Jordan Nash finds he wants to turn us life around again he finds he needs Maggie to help him. Will she be willing to do this and what will happen next? A feel good story of relationships and good friends.
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