Superhero single mum Cath always puts other people first. But now that she’s seen her son safely off to university (phew!), life seems a little, well…empty.

So when Cath unexpectedly discovers some letters written by her great-grandfather during the First World War, she decides to take herself on an adventure to France to retrace his footsteps.

Cath expects to spend her holiday visiting famous battlefields and testing out her French phrase book. What she doesn’t anticipate is that her tour guide, the handsome Olivier, will be quite so charming! Soon Cath isn’t simply unearthing the stories of the past – she’s writing a brand new one of her own, which might end up taking her in a very unexpected direction

My thoughts:

"We each get one chance at life, and if this vast number of gravestones represents something it’s how precious life is."

To be honest the cover and description pulled me in. It Started With A Note was a funny engaging read. The characters were relatable and I found myself really hooked into this story.

I received e-ARC via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review

What a delightful romantic story. It Started With A Note is about a superhero single mum Cath who always puts other people first. But now that she’s seen her son safely off to university (phew!), life seems a little, well…empty. What happens next is that she unexpectedly discovers some letters written by her great-grandfather during the First World War and she decides to take herself on an adventure to France to retrace his footsteps.

Well written story!

A great read, the story of Cath who heads off to France to follow the journey her great grandfather took in the war.
Along the way she meets a range of characters, including tour guide Olivier. She is falling for him but they both have livees in different countries so what will happen when she goes back to her real life?

This was my first book my Victoria Cooke, and I enjoyed it. It kept me interested for the most part. I have to admit the cover drew me in at first.

This isn't the first book I have read of Victoria Cooke and I was expecting some a fun and exciting plot and some real characters that would take me on an adventure. And that's what I got in this standalone novel.

When I first read the blurb I was immediately attracted and curious about the Cath, because of the first line in the blurb "Superhero single mum Cath always puts other people first." I always have a soft spot for single parents in stories, especially single moms. My mom had to take care of me and my brother alone while my dad was in another country working to provide us with anything we needed. That been said, I see my mom as a superhero, and of course I was very curious about Cath.

I can say right now that I found her relatable, and I really felt part of her family because of how the author told us Cath's story and about her personality. The interaction between her and the other characters was funny and emotional and everything in between. As the friendship keep growing, I felt like I was part of the group.

Another thing I loved was the trip and what we learn as we follow Cath on her new adventure. It was an interesting element of the plot that made everything come together. The History was something that I really was curious about when I first started reading, and I loved how it was added to the storyline.

Overall, I loved the novel and found it engaging and amusing, and added with the fun friendships and sweet romance, it is the kind of book I recommend.

[I received a complimentary copy of this book thanks to Victoria Cooke and HQ Digital via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]

After speaking with Victoria and learning little bits about what inspired this book (her own family history) I was really looking forward to that element of the story and reading about the First World War. It added such a real and endearing quality to this book that connected to me and made me give pause for all the things I am grateful for each day. Victoria had such a warm and respectful way of writing about such heartbreaking events and it's something about this book that really kept me turning the pages. The letters Cath's Great-Grandfather wrote were beautiful and tear-jerking and were wonderfully placed within this book. I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about World War One from the facts that weaved their way throughout this story too.
As for our leading lady Cath, well, I just loved her. Cath is selfless through and through and just always putting others first. She has got the biggest heart and is simply so sweet that it was easy to fall in love with her. From the get go I was rooting for her and cheering her on. It made me so giddy when she took a leap out of her comfort zone, left her lazy brother and monotonous job behind, and went to France. I felt like she deserved it more than anything. I was living vicariously through her and felt so proud that she had done it one her own. I felt a lovely bond with Cath throughout the book; feeling very much inspired that she was setting out to do something that her Great-Grandfather had wanted her Mum and Grandma to experience, that certainly touched me, and through her mannerisms, her nerves and how she spoke to people. There was just something about her that I could relate to and then something about her I wanted to try and be. She inspired me.

When Cath gets to France she is introduced to the charming tour guide Olivier. I was skeptical at first and had to keep turning the pages for fear that he was going to hurt dear Cath, but it turned out that he too had a heart of gold. Not to give too many spoilers, but their story is rather lovely and you will one hundred percent swoon over Olivier when you get to see him around his family and how he treats Cath.

The way Cath's family and friends come together to help make Cath's dreams come true at the end and how her world is opened up to new adventures and experiences makes this a perfect, delightful, and heartwarming read. All the characters are inviting and lovely to get to know. 'It Started with a Note.' is filled with sadness, humour and triumph.

Honestly, this is such a beautiful read and one that will without a doubt leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. I highly recommend picking up a copy of 'It Started with a Note' today!

It Started With A Note, by Victoria Cooke is a bit of everything. It is a romance, it is a 'history', family, and friends, and colleagues ...., and all those ties that weave everyday's magic.. Absolutely a must read.

I adored this book and did not want to put it down. It was uplifting and romantic. The perfect feel good romance.

I do love a good romance book, although this isn’t my normal type of read- with references to WW1. However, the book has real heart and is clearly written from a good place. The author reveals her connection to WW1, which makes this a very genuine read. This is definitely a must read!!

The story stems from personal experience by the author as is described in the prologue section. Once you read that part, it adds added flavour to what is to be encountered further in the book. Cath is an average person, working hard to provide for her son. He has recently moved out of the house to attend university but that still leaves her brother living in her house and not very happily. With nudges from well-meaning friends and even her bosses, Cath invests her bonus on a trip, by herself to France. The underlying motivation to try and trace the last days of her great-grandfather as he fought in the war. There is a sincere appreciation by the author and therefore reflected by Cath, for history and the semblance of peace we have in certain parts of the world at this time.

This additional dimension is what gives the story sustenance. There are happier moments, with making new friends and learning to try something new that are peppered into Cath's trip. Some of it is expected but still fun to read about(like the romantic angle). There are lighter moments and deeper ones, overall making it a pretty good read. I would highly recommend this to readers of the genre.

It Started With A Note
By Victoria Cooke HQ Digital and division of Harper Collins.
Pub Date; 12/2/2018

Synopsis
Superhero single mom Cath always puts other people first. But now that she’s seen her son safely off to university (phew!), life seems a little, well…empty.

So when Cath unexpectedly discovers some letters written by her great-grandfather during the First World War, she decides to take herself on an adventure to France to retrace his footsteps.

Cath expects to spend her holiday visiting famous battlefields and testing out her French phrase book. What she doesn’t anticipate is that her tour guide, the handsome Olivier, will change her life.

4..75 stars out of 5 ; Glad you changed the cover.. it is perfect!

I can't recommend this book enough! I am sorry @victoriacookewriter that in December I was still relatively new to #Netgalley and I missed your Publication Day. I would have made the prettiest photo to put on . Instagram and Twitter. Well.. I will do that in my wrap up blog for April, because this is my fave romance I have read this year.!
If you sprinkle a touch of "Eat Pray Love" , scoop in a cup of "Under the Tuscan Sun" and stir in Pretty Woman and a season of The Bachelor ( for the best dates ever with the best scenery) you have It Started with a Note.
This is not your average romance novel of boy meet girl.. you have history ( the notes from her grandfather where she traveled his tour of duty ) and I feel I know more about France than I ever did , I most certainly never thought I would like to tour a vineyard and Ms Cooke gives such vivid description you cannot help but sit back and think WHOA when do I book a ticket now!! I literally have not read a romance novel in years, but if you have the characters of Nora Roberts and the charm and whimsy of Debbie Macomber', and the style of description of Dorothy Benton Frank ( she makes you want to move to the Carolina's yesterday) you have the wonderful Victoria Cooke. I also love poetry, and I cannot wait to find the poets from World War I to dive in and experience. Cath is a memorable character, I certainly hope Ms Cooke decides to bring us back to this lovely tour company and lets us know if the couple takes a tour to somewhere exotic! Reading is an adventure , and when a book makes you want to stay with the character, to see the world through their eyes, the author has written something to be proud of truly. Thank you #Netgalley, HQ Digital and @victoriacookeauthor , I hope you make it to the United States for your next book tour!

Wonderful book. I really loved the letters about the war and how they were cleverly intertwined with such a beautiful romance. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity to read your work!

Loved this book, escapism at it's best. Fun characters, engaging story and well written. Thank you!

This was a cute read! It reminded me a lot of Under the Tuscan Sun. I really enjoyed cath's sense of adventure and her sweet outlook. I also loved the various old ladies that made their way through the book. Olivier was obviously quite dreamy, though I wasn't sure I completely bought the romance between him and Cath.

This book is a great mix of feel-good romance and history brought to life; an unusual combination, but one that I thought worked well.

Cath, a single mum whose son has just left for uni, stuck in a job she has had for years just to pay the bills and with a brother who deserves a kick up the backside, needs a change from the norm. With the discovery of a collection of letters written from the trenches by her great-grandfather, plus a bonus from work and a pushy younger colleague, and before she realises it Cath is on holiday in France, tracing her great-grandfather’s war journey.

Travel isn’t something Cath has much experience in, so travelling alone is a bit daunting at first, until she meets two older American couples in the hotel bar. This great fun group take her under their wing and invite her along on the battlefield tours they have booked. Tour guide Olivier is keen to share his local knowledge, especially with someone so interested in the history of the area and a friendship begins to develop. Despite enjoying being around Olivier, Cath knows that for two independent people with lives in two different countries, anything more than friendship would be impossible.

This is an emotional read, both as we follow Cath’s journey learning about life in the trenches for the young soldiers, and also as we witness her journey to discover what she wants out of life now her family are less reliant on her. Having visited many of the battlefield locations described in the book, I enjoyed going back, and having the personal letters interspersed throughout the book added an extra something. I also enjoyed the undeniable chemistry between Cath and Olivier that simmers away gently throughout the book. Despite quite a bit of encouragement from those around them, taking the required leap of faith to follow happiness, always seemed that one step too far. I became equally as convinced as they were that the happy every after we might all have wanted, was never going to be theirs.

I've never giggled so much over a can of corned beef, so right off the bat this book opened with a bang. But witty as this story may be it's not a one trick pony, it really did serve up several meaningful layers of plot variety to create a moving and sincere piece of work.

Cath was an absolute joy of a character who I took to in an instant. We initially meet her struggling in the most hilarious fashion with a bag of shopping which made me howl with laughter. But Cath's journey throughout this story may leave the starting blocks in a whirlwind of giggles and guffaws but her progress through life takes on a worthwhile and self serving approach to finally put herself in the spotlight and grab life with both hands and I for one was right behind her every step of the way.

This book is laced with historical details around World War I that left me feeling bereft but extremely proud for the sacrifices that were made. I particularly enjoyed the love letters that wound their way through the chapters to tie together the past with the present in a seamless fashion.

It Started With a Note is an all round triumph of a book with the perfect mix of humour and emotion and I'm very much looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.

It Started With A Note was beautiful French countryside romance, revolving around Cath, her trip to France retracing her great grandfather’s footstep by fulfilling his dying wish and finding a new meaning and perspective of life.

What I liked-

Plot was really interesting. 37-years-old, Cath was a single mother who lived life for others that included her lousy bother- Gray and unconcerned son-Kieran. She deserved more in life. All she needed was a ‘me-time’ in foreign country, a perfect way to get away from monotonous life and spend her employee of the year bonus. Tired of Gary’s unappreciative attitude, inspired by her great grandfather’s letters from WWI era, and after persistent persuasion of her work friend- Kaitlynn, Cath decide to take break and go to France and retrace her great grandfather’s footstep. But falling in love and holiday romance wasn’t in her itinerary.

This was different from all previous books I read by Victoria Cooke. Writing was amazing, flawless, taking me right into the setting of the book. Author brought out lifelike image of places, food and characters in it. And the heartwarming romantic scenes were the cherry on the top.

What I loved most about the book was, author covering the famous WWI memorials- Lochnagar Crater, Mametz Wood, Neuve Chapelle memorial, Menine Gate, In Flanders Fields Museum and many more- and all historical titbits on them in emotional and touching voice of Cath. Cath’s great-grandfather’s letters were another best part of the book. I loved to read them all. His love for his wife and daughter was heartfelt.

Cath’s sensitive and empathetic nature took her close to her great-grandfather who was long gone. She could feel what he might be seeing and experiencing. It changed her perspective and gave her strength to roam the streets of foreign land alone. Author expressed her feeling so realistically that I could feel it myself. Along with her it amazed me how her great-grandfather managed to learn French in dire situation.

Cath was funny, charming, practical, empathetic and sensitive woman. I loved how quickly she befriended other tourists at her hotel and how she met Olivier through them. Her bonding with American couples was unique and refreshing. I loved the ladies of the book, Martha, Kaitlynn, Cynthia and Jackie. They brought out the best in Cath and how they motivated her to live life better.

Cath’s relationship with Olivier and all other characters was charming to read. Her development was great. I loved how she turned out independent, strong woman. How she came out of her monotonous routine and embraced beauty and culture of foreign country, found her love for travelling, and her passion that she lost in raising her son alone.

Olivier was perfect gentlemen. He was everything you want in your partner- smart, knowledgeable, empathetic, funny, lively, handsome, rich and he could cook! He also had bad and dark past but I loved his honesty about it. He was real prince charming. It was crazy Cath took so long to accept her feeling for him. The time she took to decide about her relationship with Olivier and future was bit too much. From her perspective it was genuine but for me as a reader, it felt like she was over complicating things. Anyway, I loved how it turned out in the end.

The happily-ever-after ending was cherry on the top of all the wonderful things in the book.

why 4 stars-

It felt little slow in last 30% of the book. As I said I didn’t appreciate how long it took for Cath to decide what she want from her relationship with Olivier, even though Olivier was ready to work it out and coming up with all different option.

conclusion-

Overall, it was entertaining, engaging with beautiful writing and characters. A chic-lit, holiday romance in French countryside that I recommend to fans of this genre.

My Rating:

4.5

Favorite Quotes:

I never swear. Ever. But if I did, Hells Angels would blush at the words I’d choose right now.

I’d let him move in about six months ago while he got himself back on his feet, but so far he’s not displayed any signs of getting a job and moving out, and he only uses his feet to walk to the pub.

My comfy nude-coloured pants are from a multipack from the clothing department at work and the mismatched bra is a plain black jersey style. It isn’t even underwired. I could be a poster girl for ‘Agent Preventer’, the lesser-known underwear-brand-slash-birth-control guaranteed to put off even the most amorous of men.

We each get one chance at life, and if this vast number of gravestones represents something it’s how precious life is.

It’s like flying ant day in my stomach.

Being together is like pain relief, so, I suppose we need to see one another for medicinal purposes.


My Review:

It Started With a Note was a pleasantly entertaining and engaging read that hit all the feels from amusing humor to sweet romance and on to poignant and respectful remembrances that stung my eyes and put hot rocks in my throat more than once. I adored the character and become more than a bit besotted with Olivier, he was such a sweet and thoughtful man. I want one just like him and seem to be experiencing an intense urge to wander the French countryside and stalk tour coaches in search of a hot travel guide. I was totally cheated by my last excursion, as the guide I was assigned appeared better suited for Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley, and I don’t mean that in a complimentary way. I scooped two new addition to my Brit Word List with over-egging - to overdo or exaggerate; and a bit of a doss – which is slang for an easy piece of work or convenient place to sleep.

This contemporary romance has a slight change of emphasis as it features letters from a soldier who fought in the trenches, in World War One. The past is threaded throughout the story as Cath travels around Northern France, in the footsteps of her great-grandfather. Cath is a lovely character. She has put other members of her family before herself and this holiday is a step into the unknown for her. She challenges herself but at the same time, you can glimpse her insecurities. This means that you are always on her side.

I loved the historical background detail, as well as the descriptions of the beautiful French countryside. The romance side of the story is a slow burner but is beautifully matched by the story of Cath's great - grandparents. Cath and Olivier have a lot in common, it transpires. The mood of the story is often poignant, but it is clear that there is a hopeful air and a chance for new baginnings.

Thanks to the author for a copy of the book.

I think Cath is a perfect example of why the majority of women spend a lifetime neglecting their own desires and needs for those of their loved ones. Most of us have been hardwired to be caregivers and never to be takers. To give our last penny and the shirt off of our backs to those we love the most.

When women do take what they want or need they are often considered selfish and ruthless. Perhaps more women need to be brave enough to make so-called selfish choices and let themselves be happy. To let themselves experience something other than being the person who takes care of everything for everyone but themselves.

When Cath finally stands up to her mooching brother and her entitled son, they belittle and laugh at her decision to visit France. Specifically to see the places her great-grandfather saw and experienced as a soldier in the First World War. To follow his journey along the battlefields, which led to his untimely death.

For me, this was the most interesting and enjoyable part of the story. It’s nostalgic and poignant in equal measures. I can imagine many of us want to and already have tried to connect to the past, and the brave men and women who gave their lives for their country. It’s even more emotional when you have a personal connection to someone who was part of the horror, whether they returned home or not.

The relationship that blossoms between Cath and someone who shares her passion for the past is perhaps stronger because of the emotional turmoil surrounding the trip they take together. Either way the past and the romance of the present walk together hand in hand in this lovely little story.

It’s a contemporary romance and it is also a story about a woman finding herself by walking the path of her ancestors past.