To Love and Be Loved by Amanda Prowse @MrsAmandaProwse

Book Description:

In this life-affirming tale from bestselling author Amanda Prowse, one woman built a new life to escape her humiliation. Now, can she put the shame behind her and finally find happiness?

Young and desperately in love, Merrin had the whole world ahead of her. But just as her new life was about to start, the ground beneath her feet was cruelly swept away. Devastated by the humiliation, she ran far away from the beloved fishing village she had always called home to lick her wounds and escape her gossiping friends and neighbours.

It hasn’t been easy, but six years later Merrin has forged a new life for herself far from the sea, burying the impulsive girl she once was. But when tragedy strikes, she has no choice but to return to the village she swore she’d never set foot in again.

Reluctantly back in the arms of her community, Merrin begins to realise what she’s been missing out on all these years. As she begins to remember the person she used to be, she is forced to make choices about her future, and to question the past. What does she want from her life? Who is important to her? Who is to blame for everything that went wrong? And can she forgive them, let old wounds heal and finally be her true self again?

My Thoughts:

Small villages where everyone knows every one as well as their business can be both a godsend and a hinderance. I couldn’t blame Merrin for wanting to get away from the place she grew up in after being so publicly humiliated by someone she had given her heart to.

It’s obvious how much it hurts Merrin to not return home as her parents, sister and best friend are there. She is very much torn in wanting to see her loved ones but feeling unable to due the event that made her leave. I kept urging her in my head to return as not only did I want to return to the idyllic little village, I also loved the sense of family and community there.

The bond of family is very much strong throughout this book. Whilst all families have their ups and downs, the author reminds us the true meaning of family. It will certainly make you appreciate your family more as well as tell them how much you love them. It’s also about finding yourself and holding out for that something special.

To Love and Be Loved had me welling up so many times. Merrin, her family, it all felt so wonderfully comforting and homely. You could easily visualise the village and the family cottage and I never wanted to leave. There is a lot of heartache in this novel and it did have me reaching for many a tissue to wipe away my tears but as with all this author’s books, they also offer hope and are ultimately uplifting. A captivating and emotional read!