From the bestselling author of The Girl in the Corner comes the moving story of a man whose life is changed in an instant. How do you start again when you lose the only love you’ve ever known?
When Nick’s wife Kerry falls ill and dies, he realises for the first time how fragile his happiness has always been, and how much he’s been taking his good life and wonderful family for granted. Now, he … for granted. Now, he suddenly finds himself navigating parenthood alone, unsure how to deal with his own grief, let alone that of his teenage son, Olly.
In the depths of his heartbreak, Nick must find a way to navigate life that pleases his son, his in-laws, his family and his friends—while honouring what Kerry meant to them all. But when it comes to his own emotions, Nick doesn’t know where to begin. Kerry was his childhood sweetheart—but was she really the only one who could ever make him happy?
And in the aftermath of tragedy, can Nick and his son find themselves again?
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Amanda Prowse is my go-to author when it comes to contemporary fiction, family drama, and emotional analysis. She often reminds me that writers hold the key to understanding the deepest, darkest, and most innate feelings a person can hold. The Light in the Hallway, due out on 11/11/19, is a prime example of why Prowse will always be one of those special few who have a tidal wave impact on my mindset. No other author has truly pushed me to think about a situation, feverish to determine what, if any, is the best answer to a problem with no solutions.
At the beginning of this book, we know Kerry is dying. When it happens, we are hurt but can move on, as we don’t know a whole lot about her. Left behind are her mother, sister, husband, and son. Her husband, Nick, is strong, but we can feel his pain. Son, Ollie, is unable to show his emotions. Until he is. And then the entire story has you reaching for a tissue box. Less than 3 months after her death, Nick takes Ollie to his first year at college. Within a day, Ollie wants to come home. Nick drives there to get him, only to find things are not what he expected. A year goes by over the course of the remainder of this book… during which time we understand the profound loss Kerry’s death has had on her family.
She wasn’t a saint. She wasn’t a sinner. She was human, made mistakes, and will be missed by many. Nick, on the other hand, has a group of friends who get him through each day. Through alternating chapters, we see Nick’s life as a young teen with these friends… going through first love, becoming men, building friendships… each chapter tells us who he is today. We also see shades of Ollie in his father. Nick’s life is tough, but he is determined to succeed. He and Kerry had Ollie when they were 18, so he’s only 35 when she dies. His life is far from over… but how does his family react when he begins to date Bev?
Throw in a few complicated situations at work, Ollie’s first girlfriend, an issue with Nick’s in-laws, and money problems… this book covers so many heartbreaking moments, it’s tough to get through without stopping for a breather. While not the most I’ve cried when reading a Prowse novel, there were a few moments where I felt it so intensely, I had to step away. A scene near the end with a watch broke me. I suspect it will break you too, but for all the reasons you won’t ever expect.
Ah… reading days like this one are quite nearly perfect.
A story that tugs at the heart strings. How to continue living after the loss of a loved one, a father and son try to navigate life and find hope and peace. Bring the tissues. Great read.
My Thoughts…
The Light in the Hallway is my first book by Amanda Prowse and I am blown away. The emotions, the love, and the family ties had tears in my eyes, love in my heart, and leaving me wanting more. A man, now a widow, is learning to navigate life without his high school love and having to raise a teenage son as he readies for college. There is nothing easy about this and Nick struggles, has triumphs, and disappointments but never ever does he not love, support, and protect his son.
I love the two timelines. 1992 is a time I am familiar with and the way Nick, Alex, and Eric play, fight, and grow up is so true to the time. The flashbacks to the time before marriage, before real life, gave glimpses into the reason Nick is the man he has become. The way he was raised by his hard-working father, his loving dad, and with love shapes him into the man, husband, and father he has become. The friendship with Alex and Eric is still strong in the current timeline, the love and support has only grown stronger.
The Light in the Hallway is a story of hope, family dynamics, growing up, and second chances.
You can always count on Amanda Prowse to take you on a deep, thoughtful emotional journey. This book proves that theory. At a very young age Nick and Kerry found each other and thought they were in it together forever though it meant their original dreams were forever altered. They had each other and their beautiful a sweet delicious little boy that meant the world to them. Unfortunately their forever was cut short after a horrible cancer diagnosis. Is there any other kind?? Nick and Ollie are trying to deal with life after death. They are both stuck, but in different ways. Nick is trying to do the best he can for a very closed off son. And so begins a journey of the two of them, their family and friends trying to find a whole new normal and create new and love filled lives, because that is what Kerry wanted! Keep some tissues nearby when reading! Enjoy this beautifully written story that is so very real, true and a testament to love and the human experience.
A wonderful book and well written. When a mother and wife passes away everyone’s life is in turmoil. Reading how this father and son pull themselves together even with it’s ups and downs is inspiring, Have never read this author but I’m now looking forward to reading more by her!
This was a realistic look at what happens to someone’s life when they suffer a devastating loss and must move on. Nick and Kerry were childhood sweethearts and have a teen son named Ollie. When Kerry gets cancer, everything goes downhill quickly and Nick has to say goodbye all too soon. He is not ready to let go of Kerry, nor is Nick ready to help Ollie deal with the loss of his mother. The story is a sad, portraying the emotional journey that one takes after loss. Nick and Ollie are trying to find themselves and who they are supposed to be without Kerry. I really liked the flashback at the end of each chapter to 1992, a year when Nick was working with his friends to build a bicycle out of spare parts that they find. The story was slow-paced and not terribly interesting at times, but it did offer a fascinating and well-done character study of the main characters going through some complicated problems like dating, going to college and dealing with in-laws. I knew the ending was coming, with everything all wrapped up a a bow and all issues resolved, but it seemed to come too fast, so it wasn’t very realistic. This book is contemporary fiction and will appeal to fans of modern fiction that tugs on heartstrings.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
When Kerry dies nick and Oliver have to learn a new way of life despite wanting to live in the past. She Oliver goes off to college Nick is alone and when the opportunity of a new relationship comes Oliver doesn’t want him to move on. This is a story about moving in and living instead of living in the past. A sweet story! Thank you NetGalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review
The Light in the Hallway by Amanda Prowse is the first book I have read by this author, it will not be my last. Amanda Prowse wrote a wonderful story which drew me right in, making me forget everything else and did not let me go until I turned the last page. Wow what an emotional read. The author really hits on loss, grieving and learning how to live again and she does it with sensitivity. This book is very well written the characters well developed and believable. This is a story that will stay with you for a long time after you are done reading it. Make sure you have Kleenex handy. I am looking forward to reading more of this authors books.
I really liked this book. It gave a look into a family trying to live with grief. There were places when I cried and places where I laughed. The characters were well written and I cared about what happened to them. This is the first book I have read by this author but it certainly won’t be the last.
The Light in the Hallway by Amanda Prowse was a sweet book about friendship, family, grief and hope. I loved how the author went back and forth between Nick’s childhood and adulthood, helping the reader to understand the background behind the relationships you see in his adult life. I experienced many laughs as well as tears as he and his son deal with the loss of Nick’s wife and Oliver’s mother while also getting a glimpse of Nick’s childhood antics and learning about life’s hardships. I would definitely recommend this book.
Although it took me a couple of chapters to settle into the book. author Amanda Prowse skillfully weaves us between years in an effort to help the reader understand how Nick’s present-day life is built from his past. The book begins in 1992 with young Nick and his friends wanting a bicycle. It moves from there to present day, where Nick and his son, Oliver, are facing the loss of their wife and mother, Kerry.
Emotions run raw as the two adjust to her death. Nick feels like he has to walk on tiptoe to keep from upsetting Olly and Kerry’s family. How long should he wait before he shows interest in another woman? What does he need to do in order to be a good father to Olly? How will he adjust to fully being on his own when Olly goes away to university?
I love the friendship Nick has built with his childhood buddies. It is good to see their relationship strengthen as they grow older. Oliver develops into a mature young adult.
This is a story about love and the bonds of true friendship.
I received an Advance Reader’s Copy from NetGalley. Any opinion here is entirely my own.
A light left on can signal warmth, welcome and perhaps even love.
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and the publisher Amazon UK.
The review and comments below are my honest opinion.
This good book was different for me from the standpoint that the story is told by Nick, rather than from a woman’s perspective. Surviving his wife’s death, but left to raise their teenage son, Olly, Nick wishes there was a guide book as
how to live as a widower and single parent.
Going back between his childhood and current day, Nick’s story is an emotional picture of his childhood friendships, love, death and life. As the author wrote “Life is a gift and we have to live it as best we can”.
Amanda Prowse writes books that take your heart on a journey. This was a very sad story of love and loss. When Nick’s wife dies he has to figure out a way to make a life for him and their son Oliver. Oliver is 18 and getting ready to leave for university. That means Nick will be alone and he doesn’t know if he can do alone. Kerry was his wife since they were 17 years old.
Nick has a lot on his plate with in-laws, friends, a job, a son who is leaving and a special someone that may help him over this hurdle in life. Though to me four and a half months is not enough time for grieving this story is not about my life. It’s about Nick’s and his wife was sick for a long time. Can he possibly find love and happiness with someone else. Can Oliver accept another woman so soon after the loss of his mother? Oliver is a great kid and makes his dad very proud. He doesn’t want to accept Beverly at first and tends to run to his Auntie Di way to much but he’s pretty level headed so things may work out ok.
I have read a few of this author’s books and truly loved them so much. While this one was by far not my favorite it was very good. It has all the feels in it, laughter, tears, heartache, but it was a bit long to me. In some places I found myself wanting it to move on already. But overall it truly is a good story. It was well written. The characters were likable and the two storylines were great. One being Nick as a kid and the other Nick as a grown up. The things he went through during 1992 then jumping to after he is grown and what he goes through losing his wife. It was done beautifully. I enjoyed reading the antics of the young boys and what all they did and went through. The true friendships that led them into adulthood. Nick is very likable and so are his friends and family.
I have to thank #NetGalley, #AmandaProwse for this book. This is my own review.
I gave it 4 stars and recommend it to all. Be prepared for a very good read.
I really don’t have the talent to explain how wonderful The Light in the Hallway is. Amanda Prowse has put together a wonderful story of family, love, grief, lifelong friendships and moving on.
The primary characters, Nick and his son Oliver, are wonderful as are Nick’s childhood friends that are still in his life. The backstory about Nick and his friends building Half Bike was just as fantastic as the current day story.
There is so much love in this book that I found myself tearing up multiple times. Oliver’s struggle after losing his mom as he finds his way in life was particularly touching.
This is just a book that has to be read – it’s far too difficult to explain just how deeply touched I was by The Light in the Hallway. Do yourself a favor and pick it up today.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for permitting me an ARC when I requested it. All thoughts in this review are mine and happily given.
This is the first book I’ve read by Amanda Prowse, but it will not be the last! The reader is in for a roller coaster ride of emotions.
I enjoyed the flashbacks to the past mingled with the present. You got a good view of the main characters and their experiences growing up. It helps you have a deeper understanding of who they are and how they developed into the people they are as adults.
The myriad of emotions … from love to loss … from excitement to anger … from fear to confidence … will have you feeling them deeply. There are a lot of decisions to be made and how they are navigated is part of the struggle.
You will be cheering many of them along as they discover the path that will lead them on to their next adventure.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Sad Yet Hopeful – And With Sequel Potential. Up front: This book has moments that can be *extremely* depressing. But here’s the thing – Prowse does an excellent job of using those moments to explore real world emotions very well. And then she uses the story she creates here to restore a bit of hope to those who are going through similarly depressing phases of life. And along the way we find a solid story of a man rebuilding his life at a time he never thought he’d have to while also getting the story of one pivotal summer many years ago. This was my first of Prowse’s books, and it won’t be my last. (Particularly if we get that sequel, Shirley. 😉 ) Very much recommended.
“The Light in the Hallway” by Amanda Prowse
“The Light in the Hallway” is a glimpse into real-life after heartbreak, then trying to live again. Beautifully done. – Green Gables Book Reviews
Amanda Prowse has written a book that could easily be true. After years of being together, Nick was with Kerry when she took her last breath. Now, in his own grief, he needs to guide their son, Olly through his grief, too. How can Nick do this when he is hurting himself?
Nick feels like all eyes are on him, and quick to criticize, as he tries to find his way. His sister is law is negative about everything he does, his Mother-in-Law feels she doesn’t see Olly enough. Olly has gone away to school and Nick is worried about him. Soon, they are navigating how to spend the holidays together without Kerry.
Nick is lonely. His days are spent at the same old job, coming home to his cold, quiet house. Will he always be alone? Was Kerry his only chance at love? Is this his life now? Or, is there someone else out there for him, patiently waiting? Maybe things will look up in the New Year for Nick, but what about Olly?
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this great book!
The Light in the Hallway” by Amanda Prowse
Paperback: 346 pages
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing (November 11, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1542041171
ISBN-13: 978-1542041171
First time reading this author, and she really nailed it, for me. A wonderful story of Nick, and the upheaval in his life, when his wife Kerry dies, leaving him trying to cope with the grief of their 18 yo son, their families, and his friends since childhood. He has no idea how to navigate the pain of his loss and his son’s need for stability, as he heads off to the university.
This is a story of loss, mourning, and the struggle for recovery, set in a small Yorkshire town, where everyone knows you and nothing is private. It is written in two time periods, Nick as a 12 year old and in the present. It’s about the need for family, friends and the intimacy that defines lives. I really loved it!
Thank You to #AmandaProwse #LakeUnionPublishing #NetGalley for the ARC.
This is a beautiful story of ordinary people facing difficult situations and daring to take a leap of faith and step towards a better life. I loved the characters; they are just everyday folks struggling to deal with the harsh realities of life and refusing to give up. The tone is hopeful and the alternating between current day and childhood recollection is fast becoming one of my favorite story telling styles. I recommend this wholeheartedly.
I voluntarily requested and read a complimentary copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley and I offer my honest opinion in response.
This book is told in two different times. Nick, Eric and Alex have been mates since they were young. Nick’s house always seemed like a place of refuge. His mom is an angel. His father instilled a work ethic in him that carried over to his friends. In the present is Nick trying to put his life back together. His wife, Kerry, has died after being ill for a long time. There is the struggle between Nick and his son Oliver. How do they figure out how and when to start letting the healing process begin. Nick is further along than everyone else. He is cognizant of everyone’s feelings at the expense of his own. Beverly, who is a co-worker, has decided to put herself out there. Nick is feeling so at ease around her, that he thinks there should be more. Family is weighing in. The most important one is Oliver. He sets the tone for the rest of the book.