Just Bea - Deborah Klée

 

Sometimes you have to stop trying to be like everyone else and just be yourself 

Bea Stevens and Ryan O Marley are in danger of falling through the cracks of their own lives; the only difference between them is that Bea doesn’t know it yet.

When her world is shaken like a snow-globe, Bea has to do what she does best; adapt. Homeless man Ryan is the key to unlocking the mystery of her friend Declan’s disappearance but can she and Ryan trust one another enough to work together? 

 As the pieces of her life settle in new and unexpected places, like the first fall of snow, Bea must make a choice: does she try to salvage who she was or embrace who she might become?

Just Bea takes the reader on a heart-warming journey from the glamour of a West End store to the harsh reality of life on the streets and reminds us all that home really is where the heart is.

Purchase Links:

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Just-Bea-Deborah-Kl%C3%A9e-ebook/dp/B08PDJ2VQD/

US - https://www.amazon.com/Just-Bea-Deborah-Kl%C3%A9e-ebook/dp/B08PDJ2VQD/

My Review:

A charming, raw yet feel good story that tackles important social issues and misconceptions. It is a story of believing in yourself but importantly also about looking past first appearances and not judging a book by its cover, it’s about putting your trust in others as well as yourself.

At first, I wasn’t sure I would be able to warm to Bea, I thought she was cold and awkward but boy was I wrong. Throughout the book she grows as a person, learns to be more open and able to trust in others; she demonstrated a belief in people that many don’t have and displays a can-do attitude when most may have just given up.

She handles things with care and surprised herself, but I love to see this kind of character development. She is a quirky character but by the end she is utterly endearing.

This book does show just how fragile circumstances can be, you may have everything you need one moment but then the next it can all fall away. The relationship between her and Ryan is special, he does as much for her as she does for him and it’s great to see that these two souls can support each other.

Such a clever, emotional read that entertains and informs. I was really impressed by this author and will look forward to reading more. 

Author Bio: 

Deborah has worked as an occupational therapist, a health service manager, a freelance journalist, and management consultant in health and social care.

Her protagonists are often people who exist on the edges of society. Despite the very real, but dark, subject matter her stories are uplifting, combining pathos with humour. They are about self-discovery and the power of friendships and community.

Just Bea is her second novel. Her debut The Borrowed Boy was published last year.

Deborah lives on the Essex coast. When she is not writing she combines her love of baking with trying to burn off the extra calories.

Social Media Links:

Website: www.abrakdeborah.wordpress.com

Twitter @DeborahKlee

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