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What We Leave Behind
I watch for a moment, my heart explodes. This little girl, dressed in white, her face bright as she swirls and twirls, dancing in the sunshine. ‘Mummy!’ she says, running towards me. I catch her, no question. ‘Mummy, you’re here,’ she says.’ And I hold her tight.
Imagine you get home one day… and waiting for you on your doorstep is a gift.
It is wrapped beautifully, and inside is a notebook, its pages empty. There is no message.
But its sender has a story to tell.
About a secret. About the little girl you once were. About everything you know about your family.
The gifts keep arriving. But when tragedy strikes – leaving your beloved only daughter fighting for her life – the person who has been sending the gifts will have no choice but to come forward. And to finally tell the truth.
Even if it’s the very thing that will tear your family apart…
A heartbreakingly beautiful novel about motherhood, loss and family secrets, for fans of Kerry Fisher, Susan Lewis and Jodi Picoult.
Imagine you get home one day… and waiting for you on your doorstep is a gift.
It is wrapped beautifully, and inside is a notebook, its pages empty. There is no message.
But its sender has a story to tell.
About a secret. About the little girl you once were. About everything you know about your family.
The gifts keep arriving. But when tragedy strikes – leaving your beloved only daughter fighting for her life – the person who has been sending the gifts will have no choice but to come forward. And to finally tell the truth.
Even if it’s the very thing that will tear your family apart…
A heartbreakingly beautiful novel about motherhood, loss and family secrets, for fans of Kerry Fisher, Susan Lewis and Jodi Picoult.
402 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 29, 2020
222 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
Anna Mansell
6 books40 followersAnna had a brush with 'fame' as a magician’s assistant back in 1977. She later decided that being sawn in half by her father, at barely 6 months old, was too submissive a role, vowing to channel the trauma in to something much more pro-actively creative. Having failed at acting, singing and professional murder mystery parties (she was ALWAYs the one to die!), she fell to something much more solitary: writing. How To Mend a Broken Heart was her first novel and her life was not on the line in order to write it, or The Lost Wife. Anna lives on a dairy farm in Cornwall with her two children, her husband, and her ex-racing greyhound, Olive Dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
September 15, 2020
Lisa is a single mum who dotes on her daughter Poppy. One day on her doorstep is a gift, but there is no message as to who is it from. It is wrapped beautifully, and inside is a notebook, its pages empty but asking her to fill it up with her wishes and dreams.
The gifts keep arriving. But when tragedy strikes – leaving your beloved only daughter fighting for her life – the person who has been sending the gifts will have no choice but to come forward. And to finally tell the truth.
I well written book about love, motherhood and complicated family relationships. It also deals with an important topic of postnatal depression.
The book starts a bit on a slow pace but slowly it picks up and then it becomes interesting. I loved the main characters Lisa, her best friend Holly and Paul, but my favorite was Poppy. Also, it was nice to see the bonding between Lisa and Poppy.
I was excited to find out who was the mysterious person sending all those beautiful gifts. Obviously, I wasn’t able to guess it correctly because of the twists in the story.
Overall, a lovely read.
Thank You to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!
The gifts keep arriving. But when tragedy strikes – leaving your beloved only daughter fighting for her life – the person who has been sending the gifts will have no choice but to come forward. And to finally tell the truth.
I well written book about love, motherhood and complicated family relationships. It also deals with an important topic of postnatal depression.
The book starts a bit on a slow pace but slowly it picks up and then it becomes interesting. I loved the main characters Lisa, her best friend Holly and Paul, but my favorite was Poppy. Also, it was nice to see the bonding between Lisa and Poppy.
I was excited to find out who was the mysterious person sending all those beautiful gifts. Obviously, I wasn’t able to guess it correctly because of the twists in the story.
Overall, a lovely read.
Thank You to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC!
September 24, 2020
Lisa is a good mum to her five-year-old daughter Poppy. She is the only parent Poppy knows and things have gone well for her, despite the recent loss of her grandmother. Her father is a bit controlling, but she is assured of his love. One day Lisa gets a strange package in the mail. It starts of with a blank journal, but then other gifts begin to arrive.
Tragedy strikes however, when Lisa is in a car accident and Poppy is seriously injured. Just prior to that Lisa had started dating, but had thought of Poppy's father from time to time, wondering if she should let Poppy have a relationship with him. Now that Poppy has become injured, her ex comes back into the picture, and this has an affect on Lisa's current relationship. Combine that stress with the fact Lisa still continues to get strange packages and Lisa is at sixes and sevens.
What We Leave Behind was an even mix of family drama as well as the mystery behind the gifts. The drama came in when it came to Poppy's recovery and regarding Lisa and her family situation, especially when it came to her father. Revelations as to the packages were revealed and I was kept guessing about that.
This touching story comes full circle for Lisa, giving readers an insight with regard to her life and even the choices she is forced to make. This is only my second book by Anna Mansell and I enjoyed how she drew me into the characters and the story. I feel like she did a fine job of drawing out my emotions when it came to Lisa and her family in this engrossing read. I very much look forward to reading her next book.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Tragedy strikes however, when Lisa is in a car accident and Poppy is seriously injured. Just prior to that Lisa had started dating, but had thought of Poppy's father from time to time, wondering if she should let Poppy have a relationship with him. Now that Poppy has become injured, her ex comes back into the picture, and this has an affect on Lisa's current relationship. Combine that stress with the fact Lisa still continues to get strange packages and Lisa is at sixes and sevens.
What We Leave Behind was an even mix of family drama as well as the mystery behind the gifts. The drama came in when it came to Poppy's recovery and regarding Lisa and her family situation, especially when it came to her father. Revelations as to the packages were revealed and I was kept guessing about that.
This touching story comes full circle for Lisa, giving readers an insight with regard to her life and even the choices she is forced to make. This is only my second book by Anna Mansell and I enjoyed how she drew me into the characters and the story. I feel like she did a fine job of drawing out my emotions when it came to Lisa and her family in this engrossing read. I very much look forward to reading her next book.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
October 1, 2020
A loving story filled with complexities of a human mind along with the emotions of a mother’s heart. A honest capture of relationships by author Anna Mansell was this book.
A story of mother Lisa who brought up her daughter Poppy alone when her partner walked out on her. She found gifts left on her doorstep, motivating her to dig in deeper into her emotions. An accident with Poppy revealed the secrets hidden around Lisa. How far could a mother go for her child?
Quite unexpected was the direction of the prose when the author wrote in the dips and curves in Lisa’s life. There were layers buried in deep. The human psyche and its vulnerabilities were well explored. Drama and mystery enveloped in emotions were the crux of the story. Added to it was the new love and old relationships.
I wanted to like Lisa a bit more, I wished she were stronger. Easy to read at one go, the mystery could be guessed. Overall, an easy to read, sweet story where the author drew me in with the intertwining of realities in fiction.
A story of mother Lisa who brought up her daughter Poppy alone when her partner walked out on her. She found gifts left on her doorstep, motivating her to dig in deeper into her emotions. An accident with Poppy revealed the secrets hidden around Lisa. How far could a mother go for her child?
Quite unexpected was the direction of the prose when the author wrote in the dips and curves in Lisa’s life. There were layers buried in deep. The human psyche and its vulnerabilities were well explored. Drama and mystery enveloped in emotions were the crux of the story. Added to it was the new love and old relationships.
I wanted to like Lisa a bit more, I wished she were stronger. Easy to read at one go, the mystery could be guessed. Overall, an easy to read, sweet story where the author drew me in with the intertwining of realities in fiction.
September 6, 2020
2.5-3 stars
I had a difficult time getting into this book. It starts out a bit slow, and the characters and their relationships weren’t really drawing me in; I felt like I couldn’t connect with them. It wasn’t until tragedy struck that I became more intrigued with the story, mainly because I wanted to see how it would pan out. But overall, the story just didn’t wow me. I thought it dragged on too much, and the relationships at times seemed too juvenile, which really turned me off from the story.
*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
I had a difficult time getting into this book. It starts out a bit slow, and the characters and their relationships weren’t really drawing me in; I felt like I couldn’t connect with them. It wasn’t until tragedy struck that I became more intrigued with the story, mainly because I wanted to see how it would pan out. But overall, the story just didn’t wow me. I thought it dragged on too much, and the relationships at times seemed too juvenile, which really turned me off from the story.
*I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
October 1, 2020
Book Description:
Imagine you get home one day… and waiting for you on your doorstep is a gift.
It is wrapped beautifully, and inside is a notebook, its pages empty. There is no message.
But its sender has a story to tell.
About a secret. About the little girl you once were. About everything you know about your family.
The gifts keep arriving. But when tragedy strikes – leaving your beloved only daughter fighting for her life – the person who has been sending the gifts will have no choice but to come forward. And to finally tell the truth…
A heartbreakingly beautiful novel about motherhood, loss and family secrets, for fans of Kerry Fisher, Susan Lewis and Jodi Picoult.
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'What We Leave Behind' by Anna Mansell.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 29th September 2020
This is the first book that I have read by this author.
I was originally drawn to this book by its intriguing and beautiful cover and interesting sounding blurb. I also wanted a change from my typical genre of crime fiction and this looked perfect. I was also drawn to the fact that the blurb stated for fans of Jodi Picoult and Kerry Fisher. I am a bug fan of both so it will be very interesting to see if it lives up to this. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue, 83 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are medium in length so ideal to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is written in first person perspective with the protagonist being Lisa. I enjoy books written in first person perspective as as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them.
This book is based in the UK. I always enjoy when books are set in the UK as I'm from Wales and have sometimes visited areas mentioned in the book. This makes it easier to picture where the scenes are set at times.
Wow!!! Where to even begin??? What an absolutely fantastic and gripping book!!! Very well written and such an easy read. It was written in such a way that I was completely drawn in and felt like I was in the middle of everything.
Absolute roller-coaster ride of emotions!!! The whole book was just rammed with so much going on that my heart really went out to Lisa!! As a mother myself my heart was racing on so many occasions throughout and I went from devastation to happiness, shocked to anger at some of the comments from some of the character. It was an absolutely fantastic read that had me flying through the pages and filled with suspense.
I absolutely loved the main characters who were all so down to earth, realistic and strong. I loved reading how the relationships grew between some of them and the family bonds. I loved the fact that Anna Mansell brought mental health into it as I believe this is such an important subject for people to be made aware of and it was done in just the right way as well as being researched.
I must say that I have definitely found another favourite author to add to my list and have just added all her books to my wish list!!!
Overall a heart wrenching and emotional page turner that will keep you glued to the pages.
Genres covered include Literary Fiction,
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Jodi Picoult, Nicholas Sparks and anyone looking for a fantastic read!!!
402 pages.
This book is 99p to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#WhatWeLeaveBehind #AnnaMansell #Bookouture #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@AnnaMansell @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Author Bio:
Anna spent almost twenty years trying to shoehorn writing in to her career as a marketing manager for dance and theatre companies. Eventually, she did what you are not remotely supposed to do and walked away from an excellent job in order to try and become a published author. Three years, lots of tears and some slightly hairy bank balances later, she met Kirsty Greenwood and the rest, as they say, is history. Anna lives in Cornwall with her husband and two kids. She feels very fortunate!
https://twitter.com/AnnaMansell
https://feelthefearandwriteitanyway.w...
Buy Links:
Amazon: https://bit.ly/2FVgb0n
Apple: https://apple.co/2DcnKhR
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3f779Jy
Google: https://bit.ly/2CXn3sR
Imagine you get home one day… and waiting for you on your doorstep is a gift.
It is wrapped beautifully, and inside is a notebook, its pages empty. There is no message.
But its sender has a story to tell.
About a secret. About the little girl you once were. About everything you know about your family.
The gifts keep arriving. But when tragedy strikes – leaving your beloved only daughter fighting for her life – the person who has been sending the gifts will have no choice but to come forward. And to finally tell the truth…
A heartbreakingly beautiful novel about motherhood, loss and family secrets, for fans of Kerry Fisher, Susan Lewis and Jodi Picoult.
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'What We Leave Behind' by Anna Mansell.
Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Bookouture publishers and Bookouture anonymous
Publication date 29th September 2020
This is the first book that I have read by this author.
I was originally drawn to this book by its intriguing and beautiful cover and interesting sounding blurb. I also wanted a change from my typical genre of crime fiction and this looked perfect. I was also drawn to the fact that the blurb stated for fans of Jodi Picoult and Kerry Fisher. I am a bug fan of both so it will be very interesting to see if it lives up to this. I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Bookouture. I have yet to read a book published by Bookouture that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of a prologue, 83 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are medium in length so ideal to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is written in first person perspective with the protagonist being Lisa. I enjoy books written in first person perspective as as long as they are well written it makes you feel that you are being spoken to by the protagonist and it can create more of a bond between yourselves and them.
This book is based in the UK. I always enjoy when books are set in the UK as I'm from Wales and have sometimes visited areas mentioned in the book. This makes it easier to picture where the scenes are set at times.
Wow!!! Where to even begin??? What an absolutely fantastic and gripping book!!! Very well written and such an easy read. It was written in such a way that I was completely drawn in and felt like I was in the middle of everything.
Absolute roller-coaster ride of emotions!!! The whole book was just rammed with so much going on that my heart really went out to Lisa!! As a mother myself my heart was racing on so many occasions throughout and I went from devastation to happiness, shocked to anger at some of the comments from some of the character. It was an absolutely fantastic read that had me flying through the pages and filled with suspense.
I absolutely loved the main characters who were all so down to earth, realistic and strong. I loved reading how the relationships grew between some of them and the family bonds. I loved the fact that Anna Mansell brought mental health into it as I believe this is such an important subject for people to be made aware of and it was done in just the right way as well as being researched.
I must say that I have definitely found another favourite author to add to my list and have just added all her books to my wish list!!!
Overall a heart wrenching and emotional page turner that will keep you glued to the pages.
Genres covered include Literary Fiction,
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Jodi Picoult, Nicholas Sparks and anyone looking for a fantastic read!!!
402 pages.
This book is 99p to purchase on kindle via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#WhatWeLeaveBehind #AnnaMansell #Bookouture #NetGalley #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour
@AnnaMansell @Bookouture @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86
https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86
https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?...
https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__...
Author Bio:
Anna spent almost twenty years trying to shoehorn writing in to her career as a marketing manager for dance and theatre companies. Eventually, she did what you are not remotely supposed to do and walked away from an excellent job in order to try and become a published author. Three years, lots of tears and some slightly hairy bank balances later, she met Kirsty Greenwood and the rest, as they say, is history. Anna lives in Cornwall with her husband and two kids. She feels very fortunate!
https://twitter.com/AnnaMansell
https://feelthefearandwriteitanyway.w...
Buy Links:
Amazon: https://bit.ly/2FVgb0n
Apple: https://apple.co/2DcnKhR
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3f779Jy
Google: https://bit.ly/2CXn3sR
September 23, 2020
Beautiful. Heart warming. Thought provoking. Stunningly written. I loved this from start to finish. Another emotional, wonderful, powerful pageturner from this incredibly talented author who goes from strength to strength with each amazing book she writes. Pure writing gold. Please read this one.
April 1, 2024
10 + stars! Absolutely beautiful book ❤️
August 30, 2020
Anna Maxwell crafts a family drama filled with secrets. Cutting into its layers, readers will find that the first chapters are only a frosted facade that will require further inspection.
Lisa's world comes crashing down around her due to a tragic accident. Her livelihood revolves around her five-year-old daughter, Poppy and the threat of losing her shatters her sheltered existence. Maxwell unleashes a chain of events that will reawaken the past and expose guarded secrets.
Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of #WhatBecameofUs in exchange for an honest review. I loved the story and felt Lisa's emotion grappling with uncharted waters. Will the unexpected turn of events cause Lisa and Poppy's world to ricochet out of control or pave the way for a brighter future?
Lisa's world comes crashing down around her due to a tragic accident. Her livelihood revolves around her five-year-old daughter, Poppy and the threat of losing her shatters her sheltered existence. Maxwell unleashes a chain of events that will reawaken the past and expose guarded secrets.
Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy of #WhatBecameofUs in exchange for an honest review. I loved the story and felt Lisa's emotion grappling with uncharted waters. Will the unexpected turn of events cause Lisa and Poppy's world to ricochet out of control or pave the way for a brighter future?
October 26, 2020
I was swept away with this book, living through the emotions the characters were experiencing, willing love to blossom and flourish, hoping all the misunderstandings would get cleared up and relationship rifts healed with hope.
Lisa is mum to 5 year old Poppy, living in a house bought by her over protective and emotionally distanced father, desperately trying to prove to him, herself and everyone around her that she can make her way independently through life, juggling work with being a single mother and striving to meet financial demands on her own.
She has the support of best friends Holly and Paul who are siblings, and the dynamic works well until Paul makes a declaration.
This is a love story, a thoughtful and sensitive portrayal of the journey Lisa makes, reflecting on her past relationship with Billy, Poppy's father, thinking about what motivates her own father and the coming to terms with her grandmother's death.
It is also a wonderfully uplifting (but at times sad) examination of the choices we make, the mistakes we make and the consequences of those decisions and actions reverberating down the passage of time.
I was particularly drawn to Lisa's mother and the heartache that has plagued her for so many years. Her storyline is realistic and dealt with compassionately so that even things that are at first shocking become understood in the context of what has gone before.
I thought this book was beautiful as well as a jolly good read, making me think about our powerful minds and how we can use them to do great things but how equally our minds can, given the right circumstances, rule us and how this can then lead to devastating consequences.
I am now interested in reading another Anna Mansell book before too long as I love emotionally intelligent books and I suspect this is a forte of Mansell, giving the reader a good yarn, characters to empathise with, and plenty of different emotions to work one's way through.
A great read.
PS And if you love dogs, you'll enjoy the bits with Frank (and Jeffrey)!
Lisa is mum to 5 year old Poppy, living in a house bought by her over protective and emotionally distanced father, desperately trying to prove to him, herself and everyone around her that she can make her way independently through life, juggling work with being a single mother and striving to meet financial demands on her own.
She has the support of best friends Holly and Paul who are siblings, and the dynamic works well until Paul makes a declaration.
This is a love story, a thoughtful and sensitive portrayal of the journey Lisa makes, reflecting on her past relationship with Billy, Poppy's father, thinking about what motivates her own father and the coming to terms with her grandmother's death.
It is also a wonderfully uplifting (but at times sad) examination of the choices we make, the mistakes we make and the consequences of those decisions and actions reverberating down the passage of time.
I was particularly drawn to Lisa's mother and the heartache that has plagued her for so many years. Her storyline is realistic and dealt with compassionately so that even things that are at first shocking become understood in the context of what has gone before.
I thought this book was beautiful as well as a jolly good read, making me think about our powerful minds and how we can use them to do great things but how equally our minds can, given the right circumstances, rule us and how this can then lead to devastating consequences.
I am now interested in reading another Anna Mansell book before too long as I love emotionally intelligent books and I suspect this is a forte of Mansell, giving the reader a good yarn, characters to empathise with, and plenty of different emotions to work one's way through.
A great read.
PS And if you love dogs, you'll enjoy the bits with Frank (and Jeffrey)!
September 18, 2020
What Became of Us by Anna Mansell is undeniably a beautifully written story, though I must admit that it was not my favourite from this talented author. While the story didn't completely engage me, it is heartfelt and well-executed, and explores all of the familial drama that we love.
Lisa is left with her newborn daughter, Poppy, when her boyfriend Brian ups and leaves. Having lost her own mother at a very young age, Lisa is well aware of what it means to be raised by a single parent. Although their relationship is complicated, Lisa's father summons her home to the place where she grew up. When mysterious gifts begin to anonymously appear, Lisa wonders if she is receiving messages from someone she knows. When her daughter Poppy is involved in a tragic accident and left fighting for her life, it seems that secrets from the past will be revealed, and Lisa's life will never again be the same.
I am confident that fans of Ms Mansell will be delighted with this latest offering. Unfortunately, I just did not fully connect with this one, but will certainly look forward to reading more from this trusted author in the future. 3.5 stars
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC.
Lisa is left with her newborn daughter, Poppy, when her boyfriend Brian ups and leaves. Having lost her own mother at a very young age, Lisa is well aware of what it means to be raised by a single parent. Although their relationship is complicated, Lisa's father summons her home to the place where she grew up. When mysterious gifts begin to anonymously appear, Lisa wonders if she is receiving messages from someone she knows. When her daughter Poppy is involved in a tragic accident and left fighting for her life, it seems that secrets from the past will be revealed, and Lisa's life will never again be the same.
I am confident that fans of Ms Mansell will be delighted with this latest offering. Unfortunately, I just did not fully connect with this one, but will certainly look forward to reading more from this trusted author in the future. 3.5 stars
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC.
August 20, 2020
What would you do if you discovered that the whole context of your life…a critical element that affected all your relationships…was false? How would you feel? How would you cope?
This is the life-changing dilemma faced by Lisa, a thirty-eight year old single mother, who uncovers a secret, a lie, which has been held for several generations. Basically an introvert, Lisa has been raising her daughter, Poppy, alone for the last five years while struggling with her feelings toward her overprotective, controlling father.
As the story begins, Lisa is facing several emotional challenges: her beloved grandmother has just died; Poppy is starting kindergarten; Lisa herself is taking on a job for the first time in years; Paul, a longtime friend has declared his feelings for her; and Billy, the errant boyfriend, reappears to reestablish their relationship and acknowledge his parenthood. Amidst this tsunami of events, a life-threatening tragedy strikes and a startling hidden truth is revealed.
I felt the author did an admirable job in keeping the emotional tone balanced in spite of what could have turned into overwrought melodrama. The depth of feeling expressed by the protagonist evoked feelings of compassion and empathy. All the characters were relatable and realistic in their responses and actions given their circumstances.
I enjoyed the unexpected twists in the plot as the story unfolds. I did find the pacing a little uneven; the first few chapters were a bit slow and my interest flagged. Once the pace picked up, I couldn’t put the book down and felt gratified with the conclusion.
This is my first exposure to this author. I have read many books by British authors and am comfortable with the different vernacular, especially the slang. What was a bit of a challenge for me was the different syntax used. Once I got used to it, I actually found it interesting, even charming because it made the character seem so real.
My thanks to the author, Bookoutre and NetGalley for providing the opportunity to review a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is the life-changing dilemma faced by Lisa, a thirty-eight year old single mother, who uncovers a secret, a lie, which has been held for several generations. Basically an introvert, Lisa has been raising her daughter, Poppy, alone for the last five years while struggling with her feelings toward her overprotective, controlling father.
As the story begins, Lisa is facing several emotional challenges: her beloved grandmother has just died; Poppy is starting kindergarten; Lisa herself is taking on a job for the first time in years; Paul, a longtime friend has declared his feelings for her; and Billy, the errant boyfriend, reappears to reestablish their relationship and acknowledge his parenthood. Amidst this tsunami of events, a life-threatening tragedy strikes and a startling hidden truth is revealed.
I felt the author did an admirable job in keeping the emotional tone balanced in spite of what could have turned into overwrought melodrama. The depth of feeling expressed by the protagonist evoked feelings of compassion and empathy. All the characters were relatable and realistic in their responses and actions given their circumstances.
I enjoyed the unexpected twists in the plot as the story unfolds. I did find the pacing a little uneven; the first few chapters were a bit slow and my interest flagged. Once the pace picked up, I couldn’t put the book down and felt gratified with the conclusion.
This is my first exposure to this author. I have read many books by British authors and am comfortable with the different vernacular, especially the slang. What was a bit of a challenge for me was the different syntax used. Once I got used to it, I actually found it interesting, even charming because it made the character seem so real.
My thanks to the author, Bookoutre and NetGalley for providing the opportunity to review a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 17, 2020
Lisa lives with her five year old daughter Poppy. Poppy’s father Billy hasn't been on the scene since Lisa was pregnant but has now been spotted back in town by Lisa’s best friend Holly. Lisa has always been good friends with Holly’s brother Paul and before he and Holly set off on a holiday he tells Lisa how he really feels about her. Lisa is blown away but does have special feelings for Paul herself. Her father has always been very protective of her as she lost her mother when she was small. He was and still is very controlling, something Lisa is determined that she isn't going to be with Poppy and that her father can no longer control her even though he tries. She has started a new job- one her father tried to put paid to- and wants to forge an independent life for herself and her daughter. One day a parcel arrives on the doorstep- a beautiful handmade journal with no note as to whom it is from. Then another anonymous gift arrives. Could it be Paul? He is giving no clues about it and Billy, well it's not really his style. Whoever it is knows her well and when a photo from her childhood arrives it narrows the field down to the 3 men in her life- Billy, Paul or her father. Then there is an accident and a revelation, I won’t spoil anything. OMG. I liked this book before half way but then wowzers, I couldn't get enough of it. One I wanted to know what happened but I didn't want it to end. A stunning read, one to reflect on life and those around you and on not taking things for granted. One to remember. 5* all the way.
September 30, 2020
First, I want to thank Anna Mansell, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review.
What We Leave Behind is an Unforgettable read by Anna Mansell that will not soon be forgotten. Anna writes incredibly powerful storylines that if you read closely intertwined with eachother. I kind of felt like I was reading two separate books at first but toward the ending I had that aha moment. How she did that was just incredible.
Originally, I fell in love with the cover with the little girl. I just knew that this book was going to be an emotional read. Boy was I right. Plus, I knew that little girl on the cover (who I found out later was Poppy) was going to tug hard on my heart strings.
Anna brings awareness to some very important mental illnesses within the storyline and how it affects the characters physical and mental state. She educates us on Postpartum Psychosis, Bipolarism, what it was like for the character to go manic,etc.
This was a very powerful storyline that blew me away! I love learning about all things medical. Not to mention have a heart for individuals going to medical issues. So, reading this story tugged on my heart strings big time.
I felt like a few characters were near and dear to Anna’s heart. You can just tell by the way the story read. It meant more to me reading those parts having that feeling.
Forgiveness was a constant hidden life lesson in this book.
Anna has an amazing gift bringing important issues to the reader's attention by intertwining them into a fascinating story.
What We Leave Behind is an Unforgettable read by Anna Mansell that will not soon be forgotten. Anna writes incredibly powerful storylines that if you read closely intertwined with eachother. I kind of felt like I was reading two separate books at first but toward the ending I had that aha moment. How she did that was just incredible.
Originally, I fell in love with the cover with the little girl. I just knew that this book was going to be an emotional read. Boy was I right. Plus, I knew that little girl on the cover (who I found out later was Poppy) was going to tug hard on my heart strings.
Anna brings awareness to some very important mental illnesses within the storyline and how it affects the characters physical and mental state. She educates us on Postpartum Psychosis, Bipolarism, what it was like for the character to go manic,etc.
This was a very powerful storyline that blew me away! I love learning about all things medical. Not to mention have a heart for individuals going to medical issues. So, reading this story tugged on my heart strings big time.
I felt like a few characters were near and dear to Anna’s heart. You can just tell by the way the story read. It meant more to me reading those parts having that feeling.
Forgiveness was a constant hidden life lesson in this book.
Anna has an amazing gift bringing important issues to the reader's attention by intertwining them into a fascinating story.
September 14, 2020
Enjoyed it, but it wasn't my favorite. I would give it 2.5 stars. I was excited to read this because I loved all the previous books that I read by the author. I found the story hard to get into. Wasn't a fan of any of the characters. Half the time I couldn't believe they were in their thirties. Lisa andPaul danced around their feelings. Just tell each other how you feel. I really didn't get Lisa's relationship with Billy. He left you and your daughter when she was three days old. He never contacted her and asked about Poppy, he never sent money to help out with Poppy. He did NOTHING, but of course Lisa thinks her daughter deserves two parents. The relationship that was the strangest, was the one between Lisa and her dad. He was so controlling, always lying and never seemed to show any emotion. I couldn't believe he locked her and Poppy in the house when left to do errands. There were so many secrets in Lisa's family. Didn't Lisa ever do a google search about her mom? Didn't she ever look up information about the tragic accident? I'm sure a newspaper reported what happened. When the truth about Lisa's family finally comes out, it was hard to believe. I just have mixed feelings about the book. I didn't hate it but I didn't love it.
Give the book a try, it just wasn't for me. I look forward to reading more books by the author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bookouture through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Give the book a try, it just wasn't for me. I look forward to reading more books by the author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bookouture through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 13, 2020
Lisa lost her mother when she was a baby so she is determined to be the best mother she can be. When Poppy's father left when she was a small baby Lisa's father brought her back to Lincolnshire. He is very controlling & she finds it hard to be as independent as she would like. Her life is enriched by her best friend Holly, & Holly's brother Paul.. Paul would like to be more than friends & the reappearance of Poppy's father adds more confusion. Although she is still grieving for her grandmother, who recently died she is moving to a new stage as her beloved daughter Poppy starts school & she begins her job as school secretary. When they get home after their first day she finds a beautiful notebook which suggests she writes down her hopes & dreams. More mysterious parcels arrive but a near fatal car accident that leaves Poppy in a coma overshadows everything else.
This is a well written story of a mother's love how corrosive secrets can be. Apart from Lisa's Dad I really warmed to the characters & even he had some redeeming features! All in all a satisfying read. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
This is a well written story of a mother's love how corrosive secrets can be. Apart from Lisa's Dad I really warmed to the characters & even he had some redeeming features! All in all a satisfying read. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book.
August 21, 2020
I loved this story! The details are incredible and it flows smoothly from each character in this puzzle needed to be solved!
Well done!
Lisa is a single mum to her five year old daughter, Poppy.
Poppy is the light of her life.
Poppy's father walked out when she was born and never returned and Lisa is doing her best at Motherhood.
Lisa's mum died when she was only three months old and her dad has always been overprotective and almost suffocating as he raised his daughter!
Lisa now has a job, a small house and some friends who she adores and who love her. She finally feels that she is out from under her father's thumb! Their relationship has never been close.
When she starts receiving mysterious, thought provoking gifts, she wonders who could be leaving them and what is their meaning?
Could it be her father trying to make amends? Why?
When devastation hits Lisa and Poppy suddenly following an automobile accident, the mystery of these items and the family secrets start to unfold!
Truly had me reading until I learned the truth! Excellent!
Well done!
Lisa is a single mum to her five year old daughter, Poppy.
Poppy is the light of her life.
Poppy's father walked out when she was born and never returned and Lisa is doing her best at Motherhood.
Lisa's mum died when she was only three months old and her dad has always been overprotective and almost suffocating as he raised his daughter!
Lisa now has a job, a small house and some friends who she adores and who love her. She finally feels that she is out from under her father's thumb! Their relationship has never been close.
When she starts receiving mysterious, thought provoking gifts, she wonders who could be leaving them and what is their meaning?
Could it be her father trying to make amends? Why?
When devastation hits Lisa and Poppy suddenly following an automobile accident, the mystery of these items and the family secrets start to unfold!
Truly had me reading until I learned the truth! Excellent!
September 21, 2020
I am completely at a loss for words! This book is incredible from start to finish!
Anna Mansell is so good at this type of novel.
Characters that you truly bond with and a gritty, captivating storyline that makes you want to turn the pages faster and faster but a writing style so perfect that you can't skip a single word.
Lisa and her adorable daughter, Poppy, are a perfect little bubble. Along with best friends Holly and Charlie they're all each other needs, for the most part.
In this story, we're reminded that all families have dramas, secrets and tragedies but some are more hidden than others. Lisa has a strained relationship with her father but he's always been there for her. So when disaster strikes, he's keen to help.
There's something not quite right with this family but it's not clear what. And that's what makes this such a great read; the guessing.
I love the insight into mental illness that we get too. It's a tough subject that is dealt with very sensitively and accurately. Bravo, Anna!
Overall, this book is absolutely fantastic! My favourite of Anna's by far!
Anna Mansell is so good at this type of novel.
Characters that you truly bond with and a gritty, captivating storyline that makes you want to turn the pages faster and faster but a writing style so perfect that you can't skip a single word.
Lisa and her adorable daughter, Poppy, are a perfect little bubble. Along with best friends Holly and Charlie they're all each other needs, for the most part.
In this story, we're reminded that all families have dramas, secrets and tragedies but some are more hidden than others. Lisa has a strained relationship with her father but he's always been there for her. So when disaster strikes, he's keen to help.
There's something not quite right with this family but it's not clear what. And that's what makes this such a great read; the guessing.
I love the insight into mental illness that we get too. It's a tough subject that is dealt with very sensitively and accurately. Bravo, Anna!
Overall, this book is absolutely fantastic! My favourite of Anna's by far!
November 21, 2020
This is a tricky one to review. It's undeniably a very beautiful and moving story about the love between a mother and her daughter. However, I just struggled to engage with it fully, and I'm not really sure why. I just couldn't really connect with the characters and their lives, and even when tragedy struck, I was reading on more to find out what the ending was rather than because I became emotionally involved in the story.
I wouldn't say this is a bad book by any stretch of the imagination. It just wasn't one I engaged with on an emotional level, and as such my enjoyment was limited. I've never read anything else by Mansell, and while this wasn't a book I particularly loved, you can see she is a competent storyteller and a strong writer, and so I wouldn't hesitate to read her work again. A sweet book, but just not for me.
Disclaimer - I was fortunate enough to be provided with an advance reading copy of this book by NetGalley. This has not affected my review in any way, and all opinions are my own.
I wouldn't say this is a bad book by any stretch of the imagination. It just wasn't one I engaged with on an emotional level, and as such my enjoyment was limited. I've never read anything else by Mansell, and while this wasn't a book I particularly loved, you can see she is a competent storyteller and a strong writer, and so I wouldn't hesitate to read her work again. A sweet book, but just not for me.
Disclaimer - I was fortunate enough to be provided with an advance reading copy of this book by NetGalley. This has not affected my review in any way, and all opinions are my own.
August 21, 2020
What Becomes of Us is a touching story about a woman who really has no idea of the true story of her upbringing. Lisa is raising her daughter Poppy as a single mom after Billy, her old love, leaves her high and dry. Lisa was raised by a single father after her mom tragically dies when she was an infant.
Suddenly, Lisa starts receiving anonymous gifts, some from her childhood. These gifts take her back to her childhood and secrets are revealed. Who would be sending these gifts?
Overall, a lot happens in this book. I like the twists that Anna Mansell weaves into the story. It makes you want to keep reading on. I would recommend this book to others. It is an easy read. I would like to see more happen with Paul and Lisa, but I am forever the romantic. Special thanks to Anna Mansell, NetGalley, and Bookouture for the advance reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
#WhatBecameofUs #NetGalle
Suddenly, Lisa starts receiving anonymous gifts, some from her childhood. These gifts take her back to her childhood and secrets are revealed. Who would be sending these gifts?
Overall, a lot happens in this book. I like the twists that Anna Mansell weaves into the story. It makes you want to keep reading on. I would recommend this book to others. It is an easy read. I would like to see more happen with Paul and Lisa, but I am forever the romantic. Special thanks to Anna Mansell, NetGalley, and Bookouture for the advance reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
#WhatBecameofUs #NetGalle
September 29, 2020
To protect a loved one. That’s what we all want to do, right? Of course. There’s no doubt about it, but there is a fine line between doing that and stifling someone. But there is more. You might be convinced the only way to do it is the worst possible one.
The author introduces us to Lisa and allows us to sit on the front rows where the movie of her life unfolds before our eyes. We cry and laugh with her, love and hate with her, mourn and celebrate with her all the things she went and goes through on her way to a happy future.
A beautiful and emotion filled book with a great structure that I thoroughly enjoyed. The author never disappoints and always has me glued to my chair as well as to my box of tissues. 5 stars
Thank you, Anna Mansell and Bookouture
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
The author introduces us to Lisa and allows us to sit on the front rows where the movie of her life unfolds before our eyes. We cry and laugh with her, love and hate with her, mourn and celebrate with her all the things she went and goes through on her way to a happy future.
A beautiful and emotion filled book with a great structure that I thoroughly enjoyed. The author never disappoints and always has me glued to my chair as well as to my box of tissues. 5 stars
Thank you, Anna Mansell and Bookouture
https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
August 28, 2020
When Lisa, a single mom, to Poppy, begins to receive sentimental, anonymous packages she wonders who is sending them. Is it her dad, who has always been overbearing? Is it Paul, a friend who announces he’d like to be more? What does the sender trying to tell her?
Enter Billy, who walked out on Lisa and Poppy soon after Poppy was born, returns and wants to be a dad and partner. As if that is not enough, Lisa and Poppy are in an accident that leaves poppy seriously injured.
This is an emotional story above love, loss and complicated family dynamics.. The main characters are well developed and relatable. You will not be disappointed.
Thank you Anna Mansell, NetGalley, and Bookouture for the advance reader copy.
Enter Billy, who walked out on Lisa and Poppy soon after Poppy was born, returns and wants to be a dad and partner. As if that is not enough, Lisa and Poppy are in an accident that leaves poppy seriously injured.
This is an emotional story above love, loss and complicated family dynamics.. The main characters are well developed and relatable. You will not be disappointed.
Thank you Anna Mansell, NetGalley, and Bookouture for the advance reader copy.
October 16, 2020
I absolutely adore this author and was looking forward to reading this one, but something about it just didn't quite work for me. I found the pacing slow, hated the character of Lisa's father, and was just lukewarm about Lisa herself. I didn't hate this book but definitely my least favorite from this author. The most confusing thing is that I feel that I have already read this book, just under a different name. I've been wracking my brain and going back through my blog but can't put my finger on it.
Nevertheless, I still give it three stars because I love Anna Mansell. My opinion on this one seems to be in the minority so check it out for yourself!
*Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing this review copy in exchange for my honest opinion!
Nevertheless, I still give it three stars because I love Anna Mansell. My opinion on this one seems to be in the minority so check it out for yourself!
*Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing this review copy in exchange for my honest opinion!
February 22, 2021
Over-long, full of errors and boring
There’s so much wrong with this book that I hardly know where to begin. The main character is 38 but she behaves more like a weepy, self-obsessed teenager. The writing is poor, (‘Her voice was like china’ - I have no idea what that means!), the story is buried deep beneath wordiness and it’s littered with typos. There’s even a place where a piece of text has clearly been missed out. All of this is made worse by pathos of the worst kind. The dialogue is long-winded, there are no physical descriptions of the characters and it’s far too long. For me, this was a waste of money and would have been a significant waste of time if I hadn’t skimmed so much of it.
There’s so much wrong with this book that I hardly know where to begin. The main character is 38 but she behaves more like a weepy, self-obsessed teenager. The writing is poor, (‘Her voice was like china’ - I have no idea what that means!), the story is buried deep beneath wordiness and it’s littered with typos. There’s even a place where a piece of text has clearly been missed out. All of this is made worse by pathos of the worst kind. The dialogue is long-winded, there are no physical descriptions of the characters and it’s far too long. For me, this was a waste of money and would have been a significant waste of time if I hadn’t skimmed so much of it.
August 9, 2020
A really lovely read that portrays family dynamics, love,loss,and forgiveness .The emotive subject of post natal psychosis is described in a tender sensitive matter,hopefully now in this enlightened society it can be recognised and treated in a more humane manner particularly keeping mums and babies together to aid with that ever important bonding! The repercussions of post natal depression had so many far reaching consequences for lisa and her father and how their lives were lived with the knowledge they had at the time!A heartbreakingly emotive read that I would thoroughly recommend.
Thank you net galley for this early read.
Thank you net galley for this early read.
August 29, 2020
What Became of Us is an emotional rollercoaster and page turner. Lisa is a single, working mom, one day she starts receiving small secret presents that makes her think about her past and who can be the secret sender. This novel is filled with so many emotions and relatable situations and characters, such as like Paul, the friend, who wants to be more, Billy the ex, who left Lisa pregnant and after five years wants to be part of the family, and even Lisa the mom, who always questions herself, if she does the right thing.
An absolutely overwhelming story with secrets, feelings and life challenges.
Thank you for NetGalley for the free copy.
An absolutely overwhelming story with secrets, feelings and life challenges.
Thank you for NetGalley for the free copy.
October 7, 2020
Lisa is a single parent raising her five year old daughter under the watchful eye of her dad. The recent death of her grandmother makes this the perfect time for her to start a new job and perhaps a new romance. A serious car accident as well as the reappearance of two people from her past set in motion a series of events which leave Lisa to question everything and everyone around her. Mansell does an excellent job of unravelling the story of Lisa's childhood thus explaining several mysteries in her life. She provides plenty of suspense coupled with a smattering of romance. A thoroughly engrossing read!
July 24, 2023
I do love a good heartfelt/emotional story with plenty of drama which is exactly what I got with this women's fiction book by author Anna Mansell, who is a relatively new author to me.
Very well written with truly wonderful characters, there were sad moments through out, I definitely felt for quite a few of the characters, can't even begin to imagine what they had each had to go through.
This story really does pull at those heart strings, and there are a few shocking events and revelations that take place throughout the story, which really ups the ante.
I will definitely be reading more by this author in future.
Very well written with truly wonderful characters, there were sad moments through out, I definitely felt for quite a few of the characters, can't even begin to imagine what they had each had to go through.
This story really does pull at those heart strings, and there are a few shocking events and revelations that take place throughout the story, which really ups the ante.
I will definitely be reading more by this author in future.
August 15, 2020
I received an ARC of this book thanks to Net Galley & the publisher. for an honest review. I have to say I felt like the first part of the book drug on for quite awhile of just talking about every day life. You could definitely tell Lisa was an introvert. She kept to herself with her daughter & one friend. She got pregnant at 16 & the father of the baby took off. Her Dad was very controlling & smothered her. Later in the book you find out a big secret & it’s very sad & still is true today. I did really enjoy the book.
September 29, 2020
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read the ARC of this book.
A good storyline based largely on family secrets and relationships. Well planned and delivered, there is a lot to like about the story. The relationship between Lisa and her daughter Poppy really touched me. As a mother I felt all her pains and anxiety for her daughter’s wellbeing.
But when the main secret was revealed initially I thought it wasn’t really very believable until I almost finished the book. The subject matter was handled with sensitivity and it was quite emotional. Overall 3.5 stars
A good storyline based largely on family secrets and relationships. Well planned and delivered, there is a lot to like about the story. The relationship between Lisa and her daughter Poppy really touched me. As a mother I felt all her pains and anxiety for her daughter’s wellbeing.
But when the main secret was revealed initially I thought it wasn’t really very believable until I almost finished the book. The subject matter was handled with sensitivity and it was quite emotional. Overall 3.5 stars
August 30, 2020
This English novel by Anna Mansell, What Became of Us, is an emotional story that has many hidden secrets. There is a lot of dynamics within a three generation family. Love can overcome many obstacles if you open your heart to understanding the feelings of others. Father and daughter relationship is definitely a strong give and take situation with the father not understanding the best way to be a single father and the daughter wanting to be independent of his control. I want to thank the publisher for the opportunity to read this before it was published
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