A beautifully moving and poignant tale of finding yourself in the wake of heartbreak, perfect for fans of Amanda Prowse and Imogen Clark Natasha and Daniel were meant for each other. On paper you’d never think it so; whilst Taz would arrive at school hungry and in clothes too small, Dan’s affluent background was no secret. But they were drawn together and found comfort in the fact that neither … felt they truly belonged. When something terrible happens and Dan is sent to prison, Taz doesn’t even pause to think before standing by his side. As the ground beneath Dan crumbles, it’s Taz who is there to catch him. A family of two, it’s them against the world. But now, years later, what happens when the threats they face come from within? Plagued by guilt over a secret in her past, Taz must face the truth or risk losing Dan forever. Readers can’t get enough of The Things That Matter: ‘A beautifully written story…one of the best books I have read this year’ Muriel ‘A highly original read…so much character and warmth’ Sarah ‘Life affirming…it made me laugh, it made me cry’ Helen ‘A wonderful book with a heartfelt message we could all use these days!’ Laurie ‘Incredibly well written and thought provoking’ Jenny ‘Wow! What a fun, emotional journey this book took me on…made me cry and laugh out loud’ Wendy
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The things that matter by Andrea Michael an emotion wringing five-star read. This was my first read by this author, but it won’t be the last, the emotions that pull you into this story are so well done. I don’t want to tell you the story as it unfolds beautifully and I loved that I went into it, without knowing anything about it, it made it such a strong read for me. The characters in this story are thought out and just people you would love to hear more about. Follow Taz on her journey and most likely find something about yourself as well.
Taz & Dan: emotional, life at a crossroads, sublime
I will admit that the thing that first appealed to me about this story was that it was partially set in the Scottish Highlands since I am a big fan of them thar hills. But then Taz with her numbing grief and uncertainty about the state of her marriage to teenage sweetheart Dan caught me and I was a goner! Their “opposite side of the tracks” romance seemed challenged from the start and Dan’s desire to regain his parents’ approbation is a set-up rife with possibilities for dissension and discord.
The supporting characters, particularly Taz’s Aunt Kit and the community of friends in Scotland, were just a perfect number: not too numerous and all with brief portraits that added a warmth to Taz’s tale but never really hijacked attention away from the core story. The mystery of the mother who left when she was a young girl and then resurfaces added an interesting twist even if Mom is a bewildering figure and hardly the model parent or sister.
I was in no way certain how the couple’s story would end but, I must say, the climax was the best part of the book and I almost shed a tear. For me, the most enjoyable novels are ones that get me emotionally committed to the characters’ fate. The Things That Matter did that for me and it was a true pleasure to read.
Thanks to Harper Collins UK/One More Chapter and NetGalley for providing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
A wonderful book with a heartfelt message we coul all use these days!
Taz came from nothing. Her mother had left her as a child and her father was dead. Yet, she appreciated each and every single thing she received and earned. It was the simples things.
When she married her best friend Dan, they survived. It surely was not easy, but it definitely was a happy time for both of them.
Somehow –they both lose their way as Dan moveds up the ladder of success and his parents helped to provide more job opportunities and a bigger home. Is this what they really need?
When Taz receives a letter from her estranged mother, that she is not well, Pandora’s box opens and Taz goes to her. Will she find the answers she is seeking? Was her childhood as she remembered?
Truly a detailed, beautifully written story about appreciation for life’s daily gifts!