Another fantastic read from Marian Keyes.. every character grips you. A great insight into married life and relationships, teenage daughter vs mum issues... loved it..

What a brilliant story! Real and totally believable it could be you... I love it when you can relate to the main character and on this story I could. The ups and downs of relationships and the what would you do factor keeps you reading... recommended read

Oh this was a treat from start to finish! Loved main character Amy and empathised with her, cried with her and enjoyed her humour. Such a believable, flawed, large family takes shape in the story, I could see parallels with my relationships with my three sisters and brother in Amy's sibling interactions, funny how we all seem to fall into our family roles and rarely change them. The ending was a bit surprising, not sure I could ever be as forgiving as Amy, but it was very believable when you knew all the circumstances.

A book I definitely couldn't put down as it's so written and the characters were so compelling...exactly wot I would expect from Marian Keyes. However, the ending disappointed me but maybe that's just me being in a very cynical mood...will b interesting to re-read this when I'm not going through my own break up to c if I change my mind...who knows. On the whole a very absorbing read

I was so pleased when Vivian announced not one but two Cornish Castle Mystery books and immediately went to pre-order the first one.

Guinevere and Dolly are at it again in their second mystery around Cornisea Castle. When Gregory Wadencourt arrives unannounced at the Castle, proclaiming his rights to finding the 'Roses and Stars' wedding goblet, which is known to be hidden on castle grounds; Bolingbrooke, Oliver and Guinevere are all caught off guard by the disturbance and try to rid Wadencourt before the search becomes out of hand and the whole of Cornisea Island is shredding in to the castle.

Not only do they have the whole island looking for such a prize possession; Guinevere and Dolly come across a crime scene which involves the death of a close friend. Does the death and the goblet have some sort of connection? Guinevere, Dolly and Oliver are back and more ready than ever to solve the mystery and get justice for their friend.

To add to all of the drama surrounding the Island, Waderncourt has brought along a rather mysterious photographer, Max DeBurgh. Oliver grows suspicious of Max due to past knowledge, yet Guinevere couldn't disagree more and finds herself growing fond of the photographer.

I absolutely loved going back to Cornisea Castle and being reunited with some familiar characters, alongside some rather intriguing new characters. I'm such a huge fan of Vivian's mystery books and she really does make you sit for hours thinking "who the hell did it!?". The people behind each murder seem really obvious once revealed, but Vivian does such a great job at convincing you it isn't them that when it does end up being who you thought it was, you're completely thrown off guard! We get to learn a little more about Guinevere in this second book, making me feel a little bit more closer to the character than from the first book. There's also a development in Oliver and his father Bolingbrooke which I absolutely adore, there's nothing better than getting to know so much about these characters, they're all such a wonderful group. Vivian is so incredible with detail, you genuinely feel like you are on Cornisea Island joining in with the mystery, which makes this series so unique and a great read!

Excellent and compelling book two. I am hoping so much for a book three and for the time being, I will be diving head first in to Vivian's other stories! Love, love, love!

The story of Hugh and Amy. Married and apparently happy but two deaths raise issues that neither realises they had.
Hugh take on his future is to up sticks and escape for six months, totally breaking from the confines of his marriage and his usual moral code.
Amy well is shell shocked and hurt.
Has Amy done anything to perpetuate Hugh’s actions? Read on and find out for yourself. Can they pick up where they left off when all their friends know what can potentially happen? Can Amy keep face as the abandoned woman? What about the family unit?

So this book for me got off to a slow start for my taste but when you get to about 40% and everything starts to happen you can understand the requirement to set the scene, where all the family come in to this and it is an extended Irish family.

Mays work colleagues and her children feature quite heavily and provide a great narrative of what Amy is thinking, what she should feel and makes her question how she does feel.

Haven’t we all just wanted to run away and take stock? Hugh does just that and as this happens and you gain insight in to the lives of both the main characters then you wonder when something may have happened.
Amy has many hang ups, particularly in relation to sex. You want to shout at her, just let go and enjoy life at times. There are times in this she is quite the martyr but other times you are fighting her corner.
Hugh? I am a bit indifferent about him really. We all have a breaking point and I feel he reached his but in the most self destructive way possible.

This is real family life with intricate issues but despite this a real infrastructure with a matriarch at the centre. Some really tough issues were explored also. The over arching feel of the Irish family unit had me smiling.

I loved Alistair and was hoping that his true crush was in fact Amy and I’ll not spoil that any more.

Well written, enjoyable but at times infuriating and maddening and then you would find yourself laughing and smiling to yourself.
A great read.
Thanks for the opportunity for reading and Arc in exchange for an honest review.

This book gave me a bit of a shock as it's not the quick rom com romp we are used to from Marian Keyes. It takes a bit more understanding and patience to get to know the characters, and then you get to know them so well you don't want to book to end! The premise is that Amy's husband Hugh decides that he's taking a break for 6 months - a 'marriage sabbatical' if you like - to 'find himself'. The story brings in Amy and Hugh's blended family along with various brothers, sisters, exes, work colleagues and other interesting characters of which you learn more if you read the book..... I found Amy a very real character, with human strengths and weaknesses and the ability to royally 'f^& up' at times too! Overall a great read and I'd love to know what happens next!

I loved this book. Amy's husband drops a bombshell that he is taking a break and going on his very own gap year (well 6 month) backpacking expedition. Whilst he's away he will be on a break from his job AND his marriage- but he will be back in 6 months to take up where he left off! I think I'd have been telling him not to bother coming back!!!!!!

He'd had a terrible time after the loss of his dad and then his best friend and as the book unfurls you realise that there are other factors.

The book is a real treasure combing Marian's lovely Irish writing with dysfunctional family issues, work problems and the obvious relationship woes.

Amy is left to deal with their daughters and her mum seeming to want to escape from the restraints of looking after her dad with Alzheimers. Although she has lots of siblings it seems to fall to her to do the babysitting. I loved the family get togethers at her parents- and the fact that EVERYONE turns up when it's curry night

The Vlog starring her mother provides some lovely amusing moments. She's enjoying her moments of fame .

There are also some very poignant moments where you wonder whether there will be any way back for any of them. Also the realisation that even going through similar situations there is never a clear black and white approach. Your heart rules and won't allow your head to make a clean break

THE BREAK was a strangely refreshing read considering that it was, at times, difficult to read in terms of storyline. What Marian Keyes managed to accomplish was narrating the heartbreak of a seemingly solid marriage breaking up, with wit alongside real, tough emotional pain.

There are a number of key characters in this book, but Hugh and Amy are at the fore, it's their marriage on a break after all. I went through many changes in how I felt about both these characters. There were times I could not stand Hugh but also moments where he had my compassion. Amy was frustrating in the main but I could see myself being equally stupid in the decision making line, if I was in the same situation. As with all Marian Keyes books, families are prominent in the story and I loved the teenage girls in this book and their narrative.

THE BREAK made me emote hugely. There was barely a time where I wasn't feeling some strong emotion as I read; the writing was that powerful.

This isn't the most comfortable of reads but I love being put into a real situation even if it does discomfort me. I thoroughly enjoyed returning to Marian Keyes and I've remembered what I love so much about her books.

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher through netgalley, in return for a honest review.

Reviewed for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

What would be your reaction if your husband decides he 'needs a break' ?, this is the dilema Amy is faced with , when her husband Hugh says he is going on a 6 month jaunt round south east asia, Amy has no say in the matter, he is going, I have to say, mid life crisis or not, I found this a very selfish and immature decision, for a number of reasons, that do not need me to explain. I found the storyline rather slow in the early chapters but it does pick up and I did want to find out what the outcome would be.The author brings to life a family that is colorful and completely chaotic, with characters I either loved or shook my head in frustration at, we are given an insight into the life of an Irish family in Dublin, there are some serious topics written in the storyline, and this brings a touch of reality and a moral dilema women face in Ireland , though at the same time, there are some great one liners as we follow Amy and her extented family through the ups and downs of everyday ĺife, in this light hearted, and at times humourous, with a plotline , which I am sure will devide our opinions.

I’m 36 years old and I first read a Marian Keyes novel when I was 17 (Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married if you were interested). In the intervening years I’ve waited with bated breath for her new releases; she’s been a constant, a companion and a friend. Fiercely funny and never afraid to address difficult issues her books are often mis-labelled as chick-lit and imply that they are full on froth fest of boy meets girl, boy loses girl (doh!) but he comes good and gets her back in time for the misty eyed credits. Her books have covered bereavement, serious illness, marriage breakdown and depression (to name a few). Her newest book (out today!), The Break is about Amy whose life is sent into a tailspin when her husband Hugh decides to find himself for 6 months by taking a break from his life and all it entails (i.e her and their family) and bugger off travelling for a while.

Marian Keyes writes people so well, reading one of her books feels like you’re having a chat with a good friend and The Break is no exception. Within pages we are firmly ensconced in Amy’s family; we meet her daughters, her parents, her siblings and her friends, all of whom are fully fleshed out characters who jump out of the page and worm their way into your heart.

Amy is a wonderful protagonist; kind, warm-hearted, ballsy, loyal, career driven, successful, funny and I fell completely in love with her. Totally pole-axed by Hugh’s decision to go travelling she doesn’t crumble (even when she feels like it) and deals with it in the best way she can. Faced with being a single parent for 6 months she sets about keeping things going for her children; cool and distant Neeve, sweet and lovely Kiara and fragile Sofie. Armouring herself against the world in her vintage clothes Amy refuses to break and through sheer will she tackles life head on.

Marian Keyes novels are peppered with humour and The Break is no exception. I laughed out loud often at the finely tuned observations of modern life (“worse, neither of us has liked any of the other’s Facebook posts, the modern equivalent of pistols at dawn”) and humour is used to great effect to lighten dark moments without detracting from the seriousness of the situation.

There are so many laughs, but yet, so many tears. There are some heart-breaking moments when Amy’s grief overpowers her and she begs Hugh to stay. Pure and utter sadness and desperation when Facebook shows a photo of him enjoying his new life on a beach and anger and fear when she is forced into difficult and dangerous situations.

The Break deals with big issues; an unwanted pregnancy and a trip to London for an abortion, the difficulty of friendships when you get older and life takes you on different paths, dating as an older woman, absent fathers, the strength of women. But it’s the small things that build the bigger picture; the kindness of a taciturn colleague, the love shown by siblings through teasing, a glance shared with a man that lasts a beat too long and the inappropriate comments made by a father who is being ravaged by Alzheimers Disease.

This is a thoroughly modern novel, it veers from vlogging, celebrity culture to social media and is peppered with colloquialisms. I was unable to put it down, it was so comforting and lovely that I ended up fashioning a water proof cover for my kindle out of a sandwich bag and sellotape so I could read in the bath.

The Break, by Marian Keyes, published on 7th September 2017, is not about falling but staying love. Amy is devastated when her husband, Hugh, declares that he wants a 6 month break in order to find himself. His plan is to spend 6 months travelling around south East \Asia. As he trundles off with only a back pack, Amy is left essentially a single mother, with a full time job, 3 daughters, Neeve the vlogger, Sofie her niece and Kiara and an online shopping habit. The break focuses on Amy coping with a variety of problems thrown at her by clients, her family and workmates. She has to solve these issues whilst watching Hugh (through social media) backpack in S-E Asia without a care in the world! He arrives home early and the sparks fly!

I liked this book but I did not love it. It is very cluttered. There are too many story lines which are: interesting; sad (Pop having Alzheimer disease and how his wife and family deal and don't deal with it) full of black humour, humour (Marc Jacobs primer and the trials of online shopping) and political (abortion in Ireland) issue, Some of these lines intersect but some would have made a great stand-a-lone story. The book also jumps back and forth to flashbacks to 2 years ago when Amy first met Josh Rowan which can be confusing. There are several peripheral characters - Domenik, pop's carer, Maura, Amy's eldest sister and her husband, TPB and Derry, forever unlucky in love, who all seem wasted. From the glimpses we are given they all seem to have interesting stories to tell. I also wonder how this book will last. The break is very contemporary: youtubers being the new celebrity, blagging expensive items for free; stalking and ghosting on facebook, instagram, twitter etc; Terry Wogan dying and Marc Jacob's new primer (its not that good by the way), is the best/ well known primer, but how will it be received by future readers when social media has moved on to new apps Terry Wogan has been forgotten about and a new primer is the must have. There are issues that will not become dated. The stresses and strains of looking after those with dementia and the need to repeal Amendment 8 so women do not need to travel abroad to have an abortion will remain relevant issues in the future. I do not think the break is a book I will pick up and read again and again as I have done with some of her earlier books but I did like it.

I received my copy from NetGalley, Penguin UK and Michael Joseph but this does not influence my opinions as all opinions are my own.

"The Break" is an interesting read, exploring in detail the relationship between Amy and her husband Hugh as he takes a break from their marriage. The story follows Amy's attempts to cope, the author weaving in other more subtle stories of relationships and their intricacies; mother and daughter(s), work colleagues, etc. It makes for an impressive exploration of relationships and a myriad of grey areas are thrown up and dealt with along the way.

Overall, this was a good read; the story was easy to follow and held my attention to the end.

This is the first book that I have read, written by Marion Keyes, and it will not be the last. A definite page turner with plenty of sub plots to keep the reader interested. The initial story about Amy and Hugh, is well written and I was riveted by the side line of Sophie's problems. It was very sensitively approached and thought provoking. In all a great read and one which I thoroughly recommend.

I found this book hard to get into. There were too many characters and it was too long winded. I found myself skimming through parts waiting for something to happen and it isn't as 'hilarious' as the tagline suggests. The last third of the book saved it.

Omg ! I always look forward to a Marian Keyes book and thus one was no exception ! I absolutely loved it. Full of Marians hilarious writing style, this book is an absolute must. I give it a very well-earned 10/10.

This book had me in a bit of a state. I was on one emotional roller-coaster ride with Amy. Amy's husband Hugh decides he wants to go on a six month break, that will mean cutting off contact with Amy unless in an emergency, seeing other people.. he was grief-stricken after his dad died and then his friend not long after. He promises he'll return to Amy after the six months are up but can things just go back to normal? It's not that simple. Amy has to deal with a demanding job, the aftermath of Hugh's departure, her daughter Neeve to her first husband, and said first husband, niece Sofie whom her and Hugh have raised like a daughter from practically age three, and their youngest daughter Kiara, alongside the crazy ongoings and shenanigans of her family, an overwhelming attraction to someone she crosses paths with in her line of work, attractive clients, and so-called friends.

Sound chaotic enough?

Amy is an endearing character who has her little quirks. She's fun, crazy, smart but also silly, and often confused, she goes through many conflicting emotions and while Hugh is off and about, she comes to realise things about her self, explores some new avenues, but has to deal with a huge range of other stuff. I felt that with her and when she hated Hugh, I hated Hugh, and when she was conflicted, I was conflicted. And I still held out hope for the happy ending I wanted for her.

One of the things I most loved about this book was the family dynamic, it was just lovely to see (read about) Amy and the differing characters that her family consist of (also her work Colleagues too: Alistair especially), all unique and all vivid and with a personality that stood out (even The Poor Bastard) lol - the most memorable characters are the best characters. I loved her sisters and her mum and pop were great, and it still included their own family woes alongside Amy so nothing was just about her so I'm glad of that. I never felt she was selfish, all the while she was nursing her own troubles she'd drop things in an instant for her daughters and shove her feelings to the side and their relationship was at times so raw and heartfelt and beautiful I feel like Marian Keyes just captures the image of family just right.

It was also a change for me to read about an Irish family and I loved it and could imagine it so well. Also it brings up topics such as abortion (which is illegal in Ireland) and other things such as the backlash of social media, and bringing to attention the repercussions of what can happen to the fame-hungry, and how to deal with those things which can be real eye-openers and something that should be more commonly addressed in this day/age and society.

Overall, this was a great read. I just had to keep turning the page to see what happens next. It made me laugh, worry, stress and just hope - I just had to have that happy ending you see.

And let me just talk about Hugh... He's just lovely (okay not what he caused and all) but his whole persona.. I'd want a guy like him.

After two bereavements High needs time to find himself again, but Amy might be the one needing to do so too.

I'm going to be totally honest and say that when I began The Break I was disappointed. For the first few pages it felt as if I was reading more about Marian Keyes' own family than about Amy and Hugh and I kept thinking 'Oh. I know why that is in there...' and it felt as if too many characters were introduced in one go with too much description of clothing!

However, it was no time at all that I was completely swept up in the story and all my reservations had been abandoned as I became absorbed in exactly the kind of book I was expecting and wanting. From that shaky early point onwards I loved, loved, loved The Break. And those who know me will know that I must have enjoyed it as I spent quite a bit of the latter part of the story in tears - I adore an emotional read. I was relieved the chapters are so short as I found I needed a little 'break' of my own at times. They also serve to make The Break fast paced so that it's easy to read just one more chapter! There's also a deft touch of lightness with some very witty one liners and laugh aloud moments.

Along with her trademark 'Irishness', Marian Keyes always produces human, flawed characters that evoke a strong response in me as a reader and every person in The Break was as vivid as anyone I've met in real life. I hated Hugh to start with because of his effect on Amy, yet by the end of the book my attitude towards him had changed completely. As Amy's personality is gradually revealed so Marian Keyes examines what love really is, what makes a marriage and how we are consumed by guilt, fear, hope and devotion to become rounded and fulfilled people. This is such skilled writing.

And it was the themes that I found so absorbing. The Break makes the reader consider what costitutes fidelity and betrayal, what makes a family and friendship so that as well as being an interesting story, there's much to think about. There are some serious political topics covered too, although I don't want to spoil the story by saying too much.

After a slow start when I wasn't sure, I really, really enjoyed The Break. Reading it was a bit like running a bath with too hot water. Once I'd got the temperature right I sank in and wallowed in every glorious moment.

Wow marian keyes does it again this book is amazing and as usual leaves smiles all over my face thia book was funny abd very clever i was crying happy tears well done what a fab book