Every Shade Of Happy by Phyllida Shrimpton

 

Algernon is at the end of his life.
His granddaughter is at the start of hers.
But they have more in common than they think...
 
Every day of Algernon's 97 years has been broken up into an ordered routine. That's how it's been since the war, and he's not about to change now.
 
Until his 15-year-old granddaughter arrives on his doorstep, turning Algernon's black-and-white life upside down. Everything from Anna's clothes to the way she sits glued to her phone is strange to Algernon, and he's not sure he likes it.
 
But as the weeks pass, Algernon is surprised to discover they have something in common after all – Anna is lonely, just like him. Can Algernon change the habits of a lifetime to bring the colour back into Anna's world?

My Review:

The intergenerational story of ninety-seven-year-old Algernon Edward Maybury and fifteen year old Anna (Algernon's granddaughter). A story told from both characters point of view, we start to see life from each perspective especially when both feel life isn’t going the way they thought.

I loved all the characters, from the initially grouchy Algernon, to Anna, Jacob next door and Helene – all so believable and real.

Algernon is all set in his ways and is a typical grouchy and grumpy old man, but we do see his softer, sweeter side as the book progresses. Its understandable that he is how he is because of his own upbringing. Anna is a teen who yearns for the life she has had to leave behind, her bright, colourful personality changes and something big is needed for both characters to break through the hard shells they have encased themselves in.

Algernon’s world is rocked with their arrival and initially it is awkward and difficult, they all need time and space to get to know and get used to each other. Jacob befriends Anna and plays an important part in her figuring out her new life.

A beautiful journey takes place with Jacobs help, both physically and figuratively for both characters and it’s fantastic to see how all grow as individuals, no matter of their age (Algernon) and that they really see one another, understanding them and supporting to live life.

A wonderful, emotional story that will stay with you for a long time afterwards. It’s written well and although it starts slowly, keep with it as you will not regret it.

About the author:

Phyllida Shrimpton obtained a postgraduate degree in Human Resource Management, a career choice which was almost as disastrous as her cooking. Thankfully her love of books and writing led her to a new career as an author. Her young adult novel Sunflowers in February won the Red Book Award for YA Fiction in 2019. Having lived in London, The Netherlands and the Cotswolds with her husband, daughter, giant Saint Bernard and grumpy old terrier, she now lives on the Essex Coast in a place she likes to describe as being where the river meets the sea. Every Shade of Happy is her first adult novel.

Follow Phyllida:

Instagram: @phyllidashrimpton

Twitter: @shrimpyshrimpy1

#EveryShadeOfHappy

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Website: www.headofzeus.com

Buy links:

Buy from Waterstones: https://bit.ly/3QaYSaG

Buy from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3JI97ku

BLOGTOUR: Four Christmases and a Secret - Zara Stoneley

Four Christmases and a Secret

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…

Except for Daisy Christmas means another of Uncle T’s dreaded Christmas parties, complete with Christmas jumper and flashing antlers.  And Oliver Cartwright.  Gorgeous Oliver Cartwright. Who she hates.

Every year Daisy has to face insufferable Ollie and hear all about how BRILLIANT he is.  Whereas Daisy has no job, no man and no idea how to fix things.

This Christmas however Daisy is determined things will be different.  There will be no snogging Ollie under the mistletoe like when they were teenagers.  No, this year she’ll show Ollie that she’s a Responsible Adult too.

But as the champagne corks pop, and the tinsel sparkles, Uncle T has news of his own to share…and it could change Daisy's life forever…

Purchase Links

UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07QRTC5JC/

US – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QRTC5JC/

 

My Review:

A delightful read that gives us more than your typical festive feel-good frolic.

Although we have a lot of festive cheer through the annual Christmas party held by Uncle Terrance (in a bookshop – how amazing does that sound by the way!?!) a lot of this story is based throughout several points throughout the year in between each party. Moved along nicely and timely so the pace is good, if you aren’t a huge Christmas fan then this is perfect as it isn’t all festive all the time.

I think Daisy is a lovely character, although perhaps it took me a bit of time to get used to her, she grows on you and she develops as a character throughout. I liked the fact she loved books, she was funny and caring and the way she cared for Stanley. I laughed so much at the rescue mission she went on with Ollie.

Ollie is the enigmatic, successful and gorgeous doctor – he has always been in Daisy’s life, but could now me the time they are more than friends, or will Daisy’s interesting, confident colleague get in their first?

The thing with secrets is that they do come out and honestly this book took me on a rollercoaster of revelation. Some secrets and just heartbreakingly sad and emotional. I didn’t necessarily expect everything this book gave me, but it made the story more enjoyable.

I’m a big fan of Zara Stoneley’s style of writing, managing to engage you in the lives of her characters without it being too much.  A beautiful look at relationships, family, friendships and moving on from the past.

About the Author: 

Zara Stoneley is the USA Today bestselling author of 'The Wedding Date'.

She lives in a Cheshire village with her family, a lively cockapoo called Harry, and a very bossy (and slightly evil) cat called Saffron.

Born in a small village in the UK, Zara wanted to be a female James Herriot, a spy, or an author when she grew up. After many (many) years, and many different jobs, her dream of writing a bestseller came true. She now writes about friendship, dreams, love, and happy ever afters, and hopes that her tales make you laugh a lot, cry a little, and occasionally say 'ahhh'.

Zara’s bestselling novels include 'Bridesmaids', 'No One Cancels Christmas', 'The Wedding Date', 'The Holiday Swap', 'Summer with the Country Village Vet', 'Blackberry Picking at Jasmine Cottage' and the popular Tippermere series - 'Stable Mates', 'Country Affairs' and 'Country Rivals'.

Social Media Links –

Website: http://www.zarastoneley.com
Twitter: @ZaraStoneley
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ZaraStoneley

Instagram: zarastoneley

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/zara-stoneley?follow=true

Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B007WK307G