This was an outstanding read from Keyes. At times, laugh out loud funny but this was beautifully balanced with lump in the throat, as well as heart in the mouth, moments. A satisfying ending which kept me guessing until the final page. Loved it!

Marian Keyes, you are a genius and I don’t know what to do with myself now I’ve finished this book!

It is such a real, human story. This may not sound like high praise, but when you read hundreds of books where the characters are limp, fake and frankly unbelievable, you can’t help but yell “hallelujah!” when you find a book like this.

I have to say, I have also never hated a character more than I hated Hugh. I just felt he was the most selfish, uncaring and heartless bastard. And yet, my feelings on him were swayed as well.

The story is actually quite heartbreaking. There is an awful lot of tragedy, and I just wanted it to stop but I could not put it down!

What makes this book so amazing is Amy. I never thought that at 25 I’d relate so well to a 44 year old mother of 2 (well, really of 3). Marian Keyes has an uncanny ability to use her characters thoughts to reach right into the reader’s soul and give a big tug. I was with Amy the whole way though this book. I felt her heartbreak, her rage, her excitement, and even her love for Hugh despite his bastardly behaviour.

If you are looking for an escape from your reality (a running theme through The Break), this book is perfect. To be honest I think it’s perfect no matter what you’re looking for. I want to read it again already!

The Break was released yesterday so GO GO GO!

Trust me. IT’S THE BEST BOOK I’VE READ IN MONTHS

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read and review this book

well where to start with this strange book...its a slow start but it builds the characters for you so that you get to know their personalities and at some point in the story i was hooked, i think it was the story within the story and then it was wanting to know but what happens next that got me hooked

it was very well written and you experience all the emotions with all the characters that they are going through and some of them go through a lot...

have to say i was surprised how much i enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more for marian keyes the author

Beautiful fragile characters trying to rediscover the meaning of life and repurpose their existences. A deep insight into human relationships and the hard work it takes to maintain a balance. One of the most beautifully written story I've read in a while.

Well here we are I've taken the plunge and decided to read an adult romance novel, anyone who knows me will probably be surprised to hear this as I'm a bit of a crime book junkie, but I thought hey what's to lose. Okay enough of my ramblings lets get on with this review of The Break.
The Break certainly is an easy read with a touch of humour thrown in and to me it doesn't fall into the category of a sickly romance, which for me is a good thing. The Break centres around Amy and Hugh a couple whose marriage is on shaky ground, Hugh decides that a six month break is the way to go and hopes it may rekindle their love for each other. Is this a midlife crisis or has something else drove Hugh to this decision.
Marion delves into several issues in The Break, from infidelity to family dynamics and abortion all of which could be a subject in anyone's family. I don't know if it was just me but it there seemed to be a fair few characters and I was easily distracted by them all. I think there was tendency to have too many characters early on in the book who after some time were easily lost within the book making it difficult for me to gel with them all.
Now I know your probably wondering would I go and read another Marion Keyes novel, well the answer to that is never say never, for all I did enjoy the humour and the seriousness of the book a lot of the issues I'm on the fence about. 
Thank you to Penguin UK, Marion Keyes and NetGalley for an Arc of The Break, in exchange for an honest review.

Marian never fails to deliver.
Amy and Hugh have been together for 17 years and have one child (well three really if you count Amy's daughter from a previous marriage and Amy's niece who lives with). Hugh has been feeling off since the death of his father and suddenly to Amy's despair he decides he needs a break from his life. He takes off on his travels for 6 months and we see how amy deals with real life without him.
I don't think I have laughed so much while reading a book in ages. If you liked the Walsh family in her other books you will love this book.
Would highly recommend 👍

Marian Keyes is back to her "Walsh sisters" best with this fantastic story following Amy and her family. Following the recent death of his father Amy's husband Hugh is experiencing a mid life crisis and decides he has to go off to "find himself" by a number of means including backpacking around the world and possibly sleeping with other people.
Poor Amy is left to look after her family who include the hilarious, touching and real characters that Miss Keyes writes so beautifully. I particularly loved Amy's oldest daughter Neeve who had the majority of the put downs and one liners here.
We follow Amy as she attempts to negotiate the life of a single working mother while waiting out the promised 6 month "break" from Hugh. Will he return? Read this amazing book and find out! 5 stars from this Marian Keyes fan!

Let me begin by thanking Netgalley and the publisher for an arc of this book.

I love Marian Keyes' books and I had high hopes for this one. I did think it lacked a little something compared to some of her other books (I don't really know what) but I loved it just the same.

Amy is 44 years old and lives happily with her husband Hugh and her children. She comes from a big family, who while not featured all that much, we still seem to get to know. Her husband decides he wants to go off for six months to find himself and Amy is left at home to hold everything together. What ensues makes you want to laugh, cry, scream and drink wine with Amy as she plunders on day to day getting through the days without Hugh.

As I said I enjoyed it and I am hoping to read more about Amy and other members of the family soon. Enjoy ❤️❤️❤️

Following Amy's relationships, trials and tribulations over six months was compelling and plausible. Another excellent novel by Marian.

This book is told through Amy, the main character, as she finds out from her husband that he wants to take a break from their marriage and go travelling across south east asia without her. We follow her as she tries to cope and goes through various stages of emotions to try and get through the six months without her husband.

I don't think that I've read a Marian Keyes book before, but I have heard the authors name a lot and thought why not give this book a go. You get to know the characters in the book very well, however, there are so many characters because Amy comes from a big family! The book wasn't what I expected and at times I got a bit confused because there are many chapters (over a hundred!) because the story in each chapter changes timelines, going from the present to the past until the story merges into one and you fully understand why Amy and Hugh have come to a break.

It did take me a while to finish this book because of all the different things happening in the book and I did get confused at points; there is a lot of modern references so the book feels relevant, such as references of youtube and some of the modern celebrities. I have read books before that have sex scenes in the novel, but towards the end I think it started getting a bit too much for me!

I would say give this book a go if you like reading books about modern families and if you don't mind books with lots of sex scenes!

The Title ‘The Break’ instantly put me in mind of friends where Ross and Rachel were on a break so only downfall is with this book is I have Ross’s voice “We were on a break” screeching in my mind every time I read it. While Friends was humorous Marian Keyes delves deeper and unravels the reasons, emotions and consequences of having a break.
Hugh, Amy’s husband, drops the bombshell he is leaving for 6 months to travel and experience life on his own, after the death of his father.  He will act as if he was single  but he loves her and will be back. Amy with her complicated family arrangement feels she has no choice but agree. The old adage “if you love them let them go” springs to mind.
 
As common with her book, there is large set of characters with Amy’s sisters and adorable mother that will make you smile to balance out the heart ache of The Break. It is a good, honest read that explores the emotions of long term relationships, love, romance and getting older. Marian Keyes excels at showing nothing in life is as black and white as it seems at first glance and this book is no exception. If you are over 30 you will find yourself nodding in places and if you are younger  – read and learn.

Full review is found here:
https://duvetdwellersbooks.wordpress.com/2017/09/07/the-break-by-marian-keyes-book-review/

"We were so tightly bonded and our sundering has been shocking and brutal. His departure was too sudden; the wrench was ragged and rough."

After a slow start I found myself hooked to the story of two people and their 'break' from marriage. Keyes really understands the dynamics of couples and she writes in such an honest and often hilarious way.

Also, Marian Keyes herself is bloody amazing, she does these hilarious YouTube videos and has written and spoken really honestly about her struggles with depression.

I have to admit, if this wasn't a Marian Keyes novel the blurb wouldn't have drawn me in; a bit too...I don't know how to say it without using the word Chick-Lit, light? I don't know, anyway, there's no mention of a murder or an alternate reality so I thought I may get a bit fed up with inner whinging about mid-life crisises and husbands.

To be honest, at first, I did find it a little difficult, there was a lot of inner rambling about cheating etc. However, after a slow start with, I felt, a few too many characters, the book really picked up and I couldn't put it down.

Keyes really explores the marriage of Amy and Hugh and slowly reveals the reason behind Hugh leaving. The flashbacks are timed well to reveal the run up to Hugh's leaving and the story thus far. Keyes is brilliant at getting into the really nitty-gritty of relationships but without getting too heavy. Yet, she tackles some dark subjects, especially the subject of abortion in Ireland and what women have to go through in order to get a safe procedure, which I didn't know. Her balance of serious and comedy makes it easy to read but also hits home.

Keyes' voice is one of the reasons her books are so popular and you can feel it in The Break. She writes the way she speaks, with several Irish colloquialisms thrown in, and it's natural and also leaves you thinking in an Irish accent when you're finished.

At times I did feel the main character Amy rambled on a bit too much, her feelings could be expressed in fewer words, but I noticed this less as the book went on.

I also felt there were too many characters. Keyes is genius at creating a funny and dynamic supporting cast, but I got confused with a lot of names in this one and thought some of them didn't really bring much to the story.

However, I did really like the relationship between Amy and her daughters and niece, and also the relationship with her husband. It's refreshing to read about a love story about a middle-aged mother. The Break is also a very romantic book, but not in a soppy way. It's very real and looks at love in, and out of, long term relationships.

"There are times when your heart is bursting with love for them and there are spells when you tense up at the sound of them entering the room."

While The Break is not my favourite Marian Keyes book, that would be Rachel's Holiday, I did enjoy it and it was a great read for a rainy September day.

My rating: 3.5/5 (rounded up to 4 stars for Goodreads etc)

I received a copy of The Break via NetGalley in return for an honest review. My thanks to the publisher and author.

Many of us may remember the episodes from Friends where Ross and Rachel were 'on a break'. This novel sees Amy dealing with her husband's decision that he is going to 'have a break' for six months, leaving on her own to deal with all the domestic, work, emotional and practical challenges of a quite unconventional family.

How she deals with Hugh's absence and the ensuing, somewhat chaotic, events that arise is amusing, poignant, philosophical and heart-warming. The reader can feel empathy, sympathy, irritation and admiration for her. The cast of characters, family, friends and colleagues around Amy are also well-drawn and very believable. This is a great story that does not shy away from some controversial issues in Ireland. It is a relationship saga that serves to highlight that real life is not without its ups and downs, but it is told so well that you will laugh your way to the last page.

How was excited was I to receive an ARC via Netgalley and the publisher, Penguin, for Marian's latest book? Oh, very!

I love Marian's books, and this one does not disappoint. The Queen of Women's Fiction is Back!

Poor Amy, abandoned by her husband, Hugh, who wants to go off and 'find himself' in Thailand. When he says he wants a break, he means a total break from the marriage; he wants carte blanche to sleep with other women and forget he has a wife back home.

Amy doesn't get any choice in the matter. Everyone around her tuts and frets about his betrayal, some jumping joyfully on the gossip wagon with a sense of schadenfreude, others telling her what she should and shouldn't be feeling.

Marian writes with a sparkly warmth and wit, lending depth to her characters. I was drawn in straight away into this tale of family, guilt and uncertainty. Amy struggles to accept her husband's decision, as I think anyone would. There was no real sign beforehand that their marriage was in trouble... or was there? Hugh had been depressed after losing two people close to him, but everyone is still shocked. Amy veers between anger at Hugh and guilt at her own behaviour.

Then there's the other characters in Amy's chaotic life, spiky daughter Neeve, from her first marriage to footballer Richie, 16 year old Kiara, Amy's daughter with Hugh, and the delicate Sofie, their niece. They all struggle with the fall-out from Hugh's departure.

Amy has struggles all too common in real life, realising that supporting your friends isn't always a two-way street. Sister Derry wouldn't know commitment if it slapped her round the face, friend Steevie is a man-hater, and Posh Petra has enough on her plate with The Kid from Hell. They, and others, are all glorious characters who are wholly believable.

It's a poignant story, dealing with some serious issues such as abortion in Ireland, injected with Marian's usual sharp humour. Amy's Mam's new-found fame is hilarious, adding some lighthearted relief. The pace is gentle, which works perfectly. I still didn't want to put the book down, yet I didn't want it to end.

Another great read from Marian Keyes.

The Break... I am stumped for words it was that fantastic!

The protagonist Amy is already juggling a career, a family and a parent with dementia when her husband decides to take a 6 months hiatus from their marriage. Keyes documents the trails and tribulations of Amy’s ‘break’ with Hugh alongside becoming essentially a single parent of 3 three young women.

As not only was it heart-warmingly funny, Keyes has used it as a platform to highlight the current issues faced for women in Ireland seeking abortion. The importance of this wasn’t forced upon the reader; rather it was laced with the emotional impact, fear and the impracticalities of having to travel.

A realistic portrayal of not only family life but also career and financial uncertainty this book is one that you don’t want to miss out on. It will make anyone laugh and cry as it touches on all of your emotions.

Keyes has outdone herself again with this novel The Break was utterly superb!

Thanks to Penguin UK - Michael Joseph and Netgalley for a copy in exchanged for my honest review.

Amy’s husband Hugh has announced that he is “taking a break”- from their marriage and travelling for 6 months. To say she is stunned is an underestimation. His children can contact him but Amy “only in emergencies”. He says he loves them all and that he is definitely coming back. What he has not thought about is that by definition it is also a break for Amy. This is the story of the time that Hugh is away. How Amy copes and how the children each in their own way react. Well written and an interesting premise however for me there was almost something missing on the first part of the book. Something I can’t quite put my finger on. Did it engage me? Yes to an extent, however it took a while to get into. By ¾ of the way through I was more engaged. I won’t give anything away but enough changed in the story to keep me there. By the end I loved it. Like a good wine it matured along the way. A book to make you think of what we have and don’t always appreciate. I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased

Well this book had me in hysterics right from the word go and yet it deals with such a serious topic. I think I had forgotten just how witty Marian Keyes can be, even when dealing with the issue of a marriage coming to an end or not! The way she phrases things, the way her characters react to things, is just so funny and will definitely have you laughing out loud.

Now the issue of a marriage staying together or not. This really does sound like the kind of issue that would make for heavy reading, and yes the things that Amy goes through over the course of this book are very very real and I really loved that fact that every reaction and her life in every situation whilst she is on her break from Hugh is covered. And yet Amy is just the type of person that deals with things and deals with things in her own way. I think if this issue had been dealt with by another author, this book would have been much darker and much more 'issues' based. But i loved that fact that Amy was the vehicle for this story, she gets on with her life and deals with her grief in her own way. The book shows Amy at various points before and during her break and we get to count up the days it has been since the announcement. I think that was a great way of structuring it.

As I mentioned above, Amy is a great character to go on this journey with. She is strong, independent and she has great values, family values and work ethic. Her family are also great to get to know. Marian Keyes always writes great Irish families with slightly bonkers members and they make for great reading. I loved meeting Amy's daughters in this book. They are each so different and unique and I really think they add another layer of depth to the storyline. Hugh also plays a big role in this book even though he isn't always physically present and I think that his growth over the course of the book, has a big hand in Amy's growth and the growth of the girls too.

My one complaint with this book is that it is a little on the long side. It did take me a while to get through and I kind of regret saving it for a plane journey because I didn't manage to finish it on that journey. I think the length also made me forget some of Amy's friends and family a little too as the book progressed so I was having to try and dredge up relationships as they came and went in the story. Other than that though, this book was an absolute hoot. It deals with the issue of keeping a marriage working, or not working as the case may be. It deals with the issue of what family means to you and it also deals with the issue of self identity. Never does it shove any of these things down your throat though and it is a thoroughly entertaining read. I didn't realise how much I missed Marian Keyes's writing until I picked this book up and fell in love with it all over again!

I consider myself a Marian Keyes fan. I've read all her books, some three times, and I was excited to read The Break. Sadly, I was disappointed. Unlike her other laugh-out-loud novels, The Break was as dour as the subject matter. Midlife crisis and 'open marriage' were painfully boring to read about, and the main character Amy lacked any real 'agency'. There were hints she might follow her dreams and set up a quirky second-hand designer fashion boutique, but it didn't happen... And neither did anything else, really. The teenage cast was interesting, as was Amy's mother but many of the other characters felt two-dimensional, including Hugh, Amy's erstwhile husband. Will I read Marian Keyes again? Yes, of course! Do I recommend The Break? Unfortunately not.
(I received a copy of The Break in exchange for an honest review and I thank the publishers for the advanced reader copy)

A brilliant, funny and poignant story from Maria Keyes and a lot of women would definitely relate to this story on one level or another as I did. With just the right amount of humour mixed with real life problems. It is well written, heartwarming and funny, a very enjoyable read and one of her best books in my opinion. Loved it and I would definitely recommend this book to Marian Keyes fans, even if you are not into the whole Chicklit genre it is a good read.

This was a complicated story about a large Irish family and the ups and downs of family life. Heart breaking in parts uplifting and funny in others with a beautiful conclusion. I enjoyed reading it immensely