Enjoyed the book. I loved how Cath decided to see where her grandfather fought during WWI. Traveling on her own, in country where she didn't speak the language, definitely took Cath out of her comfort zone. I loved the group of older Americans Cath friends at the hotel. I'm not sure why Cath allowed her brother to treat her that way. Pretty much Gary lives with Cath rent free and she cooks and cleans, but he can't seem to help her around the house and has the audacity to "borrow" money from her. (And by borrow I mean steal. Using a knife to pry open a money jar without asking is not borrowing.) Olivier was such a great guy. He was the perfect addition to Cath's vacation. I hate to say, but I had to google the meet me at McDonald's haircut. I had no idea it was actually a real thing. The ending was perfect. I loved the description of the battle fields, museums and places that Cath visited in France.

I recommend the book. The book is definitely a romance (even if Cath doesn't realize it) with the addition of history about WWI. I look forward to reading more books by the author

I received a complimentary copy of this book from HQ Digital through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Cath's is forever putting everyone else's needs ahead of her own but now her son has left for university and fed up of being a butler to her bone idle jobless brother, she decides enough is enough and its time to do something for herself. She heads to France to retrace her great grandfathers steps (a solider in WWI), nervous to be travelling alone but excited to discover the wonder a new place can offer. She doesn't expect sparks to fly with the handsome tour guide Oliver... will this adventure be more life changing than anticipated?

This novel is perfectly balanced fun, laughter-inducing and uplifting. The blend of romance and WWI history is insightful and enlightening. A perfect read with great characters the prove sometimes it is good to step out of your comfort zone.

Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for sending me this in exchange for an open and honest review.

A lovely romance set in France sprinkled with history!

This was another wonderful romance from Victoria Cooke. Something I really enjoy about her stories is they are full of lovable relatable characters that you truly enjoy getting to know. Cath The female MC in this story is a single mother whose son has just gone off to university and now she needs to re-define who she is. As A single mother whose kids are almost all grown up I could really relate to this. when your kids are young being a mom defines you, my friends were my kids friends moms, my trips were taken when my kids had a competition or tournament, everything I did I did for them, and I don’t regret a single moment. All this is to say I could completely relate to Cath, perhaps I should go search out some old letters, I believe my grandfather was in WWI and then I should head to France myself.

Cath discovers a box of her grandfather’s letters sent to his wife and daughter, during the First World War. Feeling a bit lost because her son has just gone off to university Cath decides to take a trip to France, to see where her grandfather had served during the war, A war he did not return from. Once in France she meets the handsome tour guide Olivier. But is Cath ready for this new chapter in her life?

A tender love story packed with some pretty colorful characters. The romance between Cath and Olivier was sweet, they had a genuine authentic connection. I also learned some things in this book through all the visits to the French war sights. There is a definite blend of melancholy and beauty in the story. Another well-crafted romance from Victoria Cooke! Recommend!

*** Big thanks to HQ Digital for my copy of this book ***

An enjoyable, uplifting and romantic tale that I simply could not stop reading, Victoria Cooke’s It Started with A Note is a terrific book that will make readers laugh and cry in equal measure.

Putting other people first has become second nature to single mum Cath. Prioritising everybody’s else needs above her own and putting herself at the very bottom of the queue has become de rigeur for her. However, now that her son has fled the nest and headed off to university, life has got less busy and far more boring and ordinary. No longer having to chase her own tail and with plenty of time on her hands, Cath soon begins climbing the walls! She needs a project and something to keep her occupied and it looks like she may have finally found what she has been looking for when she unexpectedly discovers some old letters from her great grandfather written during the First World War and decides to retrace his footsteps in France.

Cath is looking forward to her brand new adventure. She cannot wait to visit famous landmarks and try out some of the phrases from her phrase book, however, the single mum hadn’t counted on charming tour guide Olivier coming along and turning her entire life upside down! Romance might not exactly have been number one on her agenda in the last couple of years, but the more time she spends with Olivier, the more she finds herself falling in love with him. Cath is not only learning about her grandfather’s past, but also shaping her own future. Will Olivier be the one to make her realise that the time has come for her to chase her own dreams and go after her heart’s desire? Does their fledgling romance have any hope of surviving? Or will Cath find herself back home trying to figure out what she is going to do next next with her life?

It Started with A Note is a lovely read that kept me reading way past my bedtime. With a delightful heroine, lashings of humour and heart, powerful emotions and plenty of drama and intrigue to keep readers gleefully turning the pages, It Started with a Note is a fantastic tale about new beginnings, fresh starts and unexpected blessings that I highly recommend!

This is the first book I have read by Victoria Cooke, but it won’t be the last. I really enjoyed It Started With A Note and really got lost in the pages, a few hours of true escapism, which is rare for me.

From the first paged I rooted for Cath, she seemed to have spent her life looking after others, with nothing in return. So, when she finds some letters written by her great grandfather (and coincidently has an unexpected boost in her bank balance), it seemed like fate that she should follow the path which opened up for her.

Cath goes on a life-changing journey to France. She gets to follow in the footsteps of her great-grandparents, learn about the sacrifices made by the soldiers from WW1, and experience breathtaking scenery and French culture. Of course, there is also some romance, which contrasts beautifully with the sharply poignant moments.

Anyone who has ever suffered from an empty nest, or feels invisible in a crowded room, will relate to this charming, captivating and heartwarming story.

History is one of my all time favourite things so, if you were to pair it with a story,  I turn into one exceptionally happy little bunny. 'It Started With a Note' is tinged with history from a very personal point of view. Personal to the main character, Cath, that is!

I'm probably not going to be too popular with my opinion here, but I wasn't overly keen on Cath's character as I found her to be a little bit weak at times. Don't get me wrong, I admired her tolerance to her situation, but I couldn't quite grasp why she point-blank refused to air her grievances out loud towards her brother, instead of allowing him to walk all over her. Yes, I know, it's probably a family thing and we all want to help our families. That said, he didn't seem to be exactly forthcoming with his help, now did he?

'It Started With a Note' does exactly what it says on the tin - the storyline started with a note and took Cath on a journey which ended up changing her life for the better, as well has helping her to move on from an emotional past.

I loved the fact that as readers, we got to see Cath flourish before our very eyes and yes, I suppose my opinion of her ended up being a little more positive at the end than what it was to begin with. I felt that the journey she went on to uncover pieces of her past was one that obviously needed to happen to unlock something deep within herself.

Victoria Cooke's novel is ideal for romantics everyone, and is definitely a story which will warm your heart and show you that, in time, your own journey can be paved with stones you're confident enough to walk upon.

This is the second novel I have read by Ms Cooke within the past month and she's definitely become an author worthy of a 'must-read' tag.

When lady-luck shines down as an unexpectedly large work bonus for single mum, Cath, she can't decide what to do with her windfall. With her son at university, she has an almost empty nest...except for her hopeless layabout brother. It's a time in her life she should focus on herself and not put others first. With an interest in WW1 history, she's fascinated by the letters her great-grandfather sent to his wife and daughter and decides to head off to France to retrace his steps. With the funds to cover the trip, she's nervous and excited about what she'll uncover. Not anticipating the decision to venture abroad alone will change the direction of her own life.

Both Cath and Olivier are likeable and relatable as we get to know them better. Cath's apprehension about dealing with new situations really struck a chord with me. I could feel her anxiety when confronting something new and applauded her for overcoming what seemed to her as tricky issues. Likewise, Olivier is a good looking man who appears to have everything but the girl. Therefore, when his past is revealed, it's hard not to commend him for turning his life around.

Culturally, the protagonists' backgrounds are dissimilar, yet both have had their fair share of heartache. Their friendship begins with their mutual interest in WW1 history which helps to cement their tentative relationship. As time goes by, this slowly evolves into a romance and I liked it wasn't rushed, especially due to the setting and circumstances to which the pair meet. It's less predictable and the anticipation as Cath and Olivier gets closer is tantalising as the chemistry of attraction sizzles between them. The ending is far from unpredictable and ventures in a direction I didn't foresee.

The dialogue is fun, light and laugh-out-loud funny reflecting the overall feel of this page-turner. The author delivers content which kept my attention for the duration of the novel.

"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."

Additionally, the narrative includes highly emotionally charged moments when dealing with the WW1 memories from this poignant time in history. The emotions shared by both Cath and Olivier are palpable and sobering for those of us who don't have such close links to stories of heroism and sacrifice from the past. To keep the atmosphere cheery and fun, some delightful secondary characters adding gossipy humour to the proceedings.

To sum up, an enlightening story with an insightful blend of WW1 history with a contemporary romance woven around it, creating a satisfying happy ever after.

4.5 stars

***review copy generously received courtesy of HQ Digital via NetGalley***

Discovering the letters written home by her Great Grandfather during the First World War - and pressure from a colleague - are the incentive for single Mum Cath to go on an adventure to France in an effort to trace where he'd been. It wasn't her idea but it definitely changed her life for the better, eventually!

This is an entertaining story, sharing her Great Grandfather's letters, exploring the region where he'd been stationed and discovering more about him, the War, France, vineyards and even finding love en route! It is an easy read romance with great characters who are also changed by experiences - including her brother and son! It is a story where someone takes a leap into the unknown, leaving the routine, safe and comfortable behind. It is a heartwarming story and a great read that I have no hesitation in highly recommending and hoping that it might just inspire others, including me, to step out of their comfort zone a little more often.

I requested and was given a copy of this book, via NetGalley. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.

Seriously when it comes to romance in my eyes Ms Cooke can do no wrong and this is another smashing read! This time Cath, a single mum is leading the way in this story, the son has gone to university and she is knocking about on her own in the house. Discovering some letters she has a chance to go on an adventure of her own and it gives her the opportunity to do something for herself and discover new sights and new sights.

It was nice to take in the culture and the history with WWI, when I was at school I took a trip to Belgium and we saw the huge mine crater that had been made, visited the graveyards and trenches and experience the most amazing thing, The Last Post at Menin Gate. All just truly breathtaking and emotional at the same time and reiterating what everyone had to suffer, albeit at the time of visiting I did not realise I too would be married to a soldier in the future.

So back to the story, I found that I could relate to Cath, and that is one thing I have to take my hat off to Ms Cooke, is every book I have read and every character she has made real, they are all authentic and they are all relatable. I can not fault her, she is one author if I know there is a book floating about I have to read it.

Not only are the characters authentic, I feel like the romance is too. It is the believable kind as if you were given an insight into her diary or something, and I am sure I have said that before Not only with the romance, the characters, you are given some history to boot, this book has everything and oodles of it!

I am left with all the warm and fuzzy feels with this book and I can not wait to jump into another adventure with Ms Cooke and her world.

It Started With a Note is the story of of single mum Cath. She has always put others before herself, first of all her son Kieran and then her brother Gary. She works hard at her job in a local supermarket and when she gets a bonus for being employee of the year, it opens up the opportunity for her to do something for herself for once. She has recently come across letters from her great-grandfather who died in the First World War. In them, he describes the beauty of the countryside around him despite the war and expresses his wish that his wife and daughter might visit France when the war is over. Knowing that this is something her grandmother and great grandmother never did - and with more than a little gentle persuasion from one of her colleagues - Cath screws up her courage and heads off to France for a month's holiday to follow in his footsteps and see his name on the Menin Gate in Ypres.

I really felt I could identify with Cath a lot. My girls are just at the University stage, like her son, and while my daughters haven't gone away to Uni, it does make you think about the next stage in your life. Like Cath, and many people I suppose, I have relatives who died in WW1 and are buried in Northern France. Unlike Cath, I don't have any letters and would so love to have been able to read my great uncle's thoughts on his experience. I have actually visited his grave which is near Arras, where Cath stays in the book, so could really visualise where she was and how she was feeling. It is very sobering to stand in one of the many military cemeteries in France and know that each gravestone represents someone's son, husband, brother or friend. And to see the name of the person you are connected to is a very emotional experience as the author clearly shows through Cath's experiences.

Also like Cath, I absolutely hate not being able to communicate with people when on holiday. I can get by in French but recognised her feelings of embarrassment, inadequacy, frustration and sometimes isolation that not being able to understand or be understood brings. Like Cath, I'd definitely be taking up handsome tour-guide Olivier's offer of help! He was so kind and thoughtful, also helping her translate some of the letters which were written in French. It may have started with Cath finding the notes, but it opened up a whole new world of possibilities to her.

It Started With a Note is just the kind of book I enjoy. The setting was wonderfully described, so much so that I'd really quite like to go to France on holiday again soon! Cath was a character I felt I had a lot in common with and there is a gentle romance woven through the story as well. This book is a feel-good and uplifting, enjoyable read.

Some fantastic description of the french scenery - sounds lovely! It’s a simple story, nicely written. Loved all the historical references. I enjoyed the read but I have to admit I wasn’t fully engaged all the way through. Well written with relatable characters.

I really enjoyed the unusual French setting, and this historical elements of the story. Unfortunately the book wasn't to my taste as I prefer a more feminist take on romance, and so I did not finish.

I like how the main character know more about herself during the trip even though shes quite old already to do so but hey better late than never am i right? so happy they found their way to be together at the end of the book. A unique and amazing novel!

Ignore previous review and star rating - attached it to wrong book. Will post correct review asap. Sorry!!

I absolutely loved this book, Cath takes the plunge to go on and adventure of a lifetime and learn more about her Great Grandfather who was killed in France during World War I

I loved the historical references in this book, alongside the brilliant friendships that Cath makes during her adventures. I feel like I have visited these places due to the vivid and brilliant descriptions and I was reminded of how I felt when I visited Ypres.

A truly brilliant book filled with friendship, adventure and a touch of romance

A modern day love story of a single mom with an empty nest traveling to France and meeting a man named OlivIier. I didn’t find it overly funny but an enjoyable read no less.

Can I just say that I was sold on this book from the moment I read the synopsis! I am a history geek with a special interest in the First World War and not only that but I am a family history geek too. So you can see why this book screamed ‘read me’ at me. I thoroughly, totally and utterly loved reading ‘It Started With A Note’ but more about that in a bit.
I adored Cath right from the first moment I met her. She has spent so long making sure that others are ok and that they are looked after that she has forgotten to look after herself too. She is way, way down in her list of priorities and she is running herself well and truly into the ground. She has allowed her unemployed brother to stay in her home and he doesn’t pay her rent nor does he seem to buy any groceries or do any housework around the house. Basically he is a lazy slob who is bleeding Cath dry and he has even taking to stealing money from her. He assumes that because Cath has come into some money courtesy of her being crowned ‘Employee Of The Year’, Cath will be more than willing to hand some over in his direction. Little does he realise…….. To a certain degree Keiran, Cath’s son, is taking the wee wee too. He is at university but thinks nothing of coming home so his mother can do his washing and that he can use her home and groceries. Part of Cath’s prize is a huge cheque and she is eventually persuaded to take a long holiday. Cath has recently found several letters written to her great grandmother by her great grandfather, who at the time of writing the letters was serving overseas during the First World War. To honour his memory, and because her grandmother never managed to make the trip to France, Cath decides that she is going to retrace her footsteps. Cath is a lovely sounding lady, who is a mother hen and fusses around making sure that others are being looked after. Cath is feisty, determined, stubborn, proud and to be honest she is a bit of a doormat because she lets others walk all over her. She finds her voice and finally makes some time for herself, whilst letting her brother and son know in no uncertain terms how their behaviour is impacting on her. Cath nervously sets off for France although she is unsure that she will be able to make the trip on her own. I so wanted to jump inside the pages of this book to give Cath a hug, to reassure her that she would be ok and that she was a strong and independent woman, who deserved happiness in her life. I could certainly empathise with Cath because I have been told that I am similar to Cath in that I make sure that everybody else is ok before I look after myself. Will Cath manage to retrace her great grandfather’s steps? Will Cath find happiness along the way? Well for the answers to those questions and more you are just going to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
Oh my goodness ‘It Started With A Note’ is one seriously adorable read that inevitably tugged on my heartstrings. I loved the family history aspect and I became totally caught up in the emotion of the letters that Cath came across. The author writes so beautifully and movingly that I couldn’t help but feel as though I had been transported back in time. I put myself in the position of Cath’s great grandmother as though I was the one receiving the letters. At the same time I loved the way in which Cath stepped far outside her comfort zone and tried to honour her great grandfather’s memory. I loved the way in which she finally told those who were using her as a doormat, how she really felt. Again I put myself in Cath’s position and imagined myself travelling abroad on my own.
I couldn’t help but take to the story, the characters and the author’s writing style. The author’s writing style is such that you are drawn into the story from the first word onwards. Her characters are so well described that they seem very realistic and you care about some of them so much that you can’t help but read on and on and on. The flip side of that is there are also characters that you won’t take to and you have to keep reading to see if they get their comeuppance. Reading ‘It Started With A Note’ became seriously addicted and I simply could not put the book down. The book wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it came everywhere with me. I refused to be parted from the book and I refused to put the book down, which didn’t go down at all well with my two loopy Labradors. Oops. I was so caught up in the characters and the stories that I didn’t realise how quickly the page numbers and the time was flying past until I looked up and realised that I was 60% through the book. I was enjoying the book so much that I kept reading on and on and on. I was genuinely gutted when I closed the back cover because I just wanted the book to carry on and on.
‘It Started With A Note’ is very well and beautifully written. The book has a bit of everything in it – fabulous characters, realistic storylines, drama, romance, humour and the odd dash of poignant sadness. Whilst I was reading this book I found myself chuckling away on more than one occasion at something I had read or at something that Cath had done. This book is a timely reminder of those that gave their lives during the First World War so that we could live in freedom and it is made all the more poignant by the fact that this year (2018) is the one hundredth anniversary of the end of the First World War.
In short, I absolutely ADORED reading ‘It Started With A Note’ and I definitely recommend that you read it. This book has made me want to restart researching my own family tree and find more relatives whose lives were forever changed by the First World War. I have already done some limited research and in a couple of cases there are some details that I wish I hadn’t learned if you get my drift…. Anyway back to the review. I can’t wait to read what Victoria Cooke comes up with next. She is a writer who just gets better and better. The author certainly has a best selling hit on her hands with ‘It Started With A Note’. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

This is a very simple story that could have been so much better.

The best part of this book are scenes describing the French scenery - especially when paired when Cath is reading one of her great-grandfather's letters.

The rest is really uninspired. I was tired of reading how Cath could not understand any French -it was repeated so many times throughout the book it was becoming annoying. I understand that not everyone is a world-traveller, and some people are shy and not as outgoing as others, but at times Cath was so weak and spineless that I wanted to skip pages ahead to the next scene.

This was a quick read so if you are just looking for something to fill the empty space, this will fit the bill - but if you are expecting an engrossing book - this won't be for you.

Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC of this book.

This was a sweet story about a second chance at getting the life you always dreamed of. It is well-written and very relatable. It was a treat to read about this middle aged woman's quest to find happiness with a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

What a great story! I really enjoyed Cath’s journey to France to experience World War I through the letters that her great-grandfather had written to his wife and daughter. Reading about the experiences of the soldiers during that time was interesting and informative.

I liked both Cath and Olivier, and following their romance was easy and fun.

This was a quick read, but held my attention from the start. The story is told from Cath’s point of view, and we see her growth the best, but Olivier also has his moments.