Unbreak Your Heart by Katie Marsh is a sweet love story. While it’s clear from the outset that Beth’s story is likely to be the typical girl meets boy and all comes well, Katie adds depth by capturing the anguish and practicalities of living with a loved one who has a potentially fatal condition. She conveys the emotional and practical impacts alongside exploring complex family relationships very well. The immense support of friendship and of teamwork raises this to an uplifting feel good read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Four stars.

This book should come with a box of tissues as it's got some weepy moments. Beth flees from her life in America back to the Lake District, a place full of fond childhood memories. It's here that a near miss encounter sees her meet up with Simon & his young son Jake. This story is beautifully written, with warmth, tenderness and depth, it will certainly touch your heart.

A love story with ups and downs. It is set in the Lake district and the descriptions of the fells and country life are spot on. I liked the characters and their interactions and the gradual build up of relationships felt true to life. All in all a good read without too much of the sentimentality that romantic novels can be guilty of.
Thank you to Net Galley for the ARc in exchange for an honest review

My thanks to Katie Marsh, Hodder and Stoughton and Net Galley for the ARC of UNBREAK YOUR HEART.
A slow-burn novel which is a joy to read. Simon and Beth start out not quite enemies when Beth knocks Simon's son, Jake off his bike when she arrives in the village, and gradually become friends when she moves into the empty cottage next door, nursing a broken heart after a divorce and a flight to the UK from the USA.. Unknown to her Simon is Jake's sole carer after his mother leaves them when Jake is diagnosed with a heart condition. She and Jake become firm friends, and offers to help with Jake when his mother suddenly turns up out of the blue, wanting a relationship with her son, and a possible rekindling of a relationship with Simon. A heart-warming read.

When Beth Carlyle and Simon Withers first met they were on opposite ends of an angry exchange - well, Simon was angry and Beth was doing her best to apologise for having knocked Simon's son, Jake, off his bike. He wasn't hurt but Jake has history. He has HLHS - that's Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome for those of you who are not au fait with your medical acronyms. When he was born, the left side of his heart hadn't developed properly and he needed open-heart surgery when he was a few days old. So, Simon has every right to be over-protective particularly when someone isn't looking where they're driving.

Beth has just moved to the Lake District after a messy divorce in New York and she's got a job that will pay the rent on the cottage she's found. It's way below her old job but something happened there that Beth's not willing to risk happening again. She doesn't trust herself, not after what happened in New York. Still, all she can do is make the most of where she is now and try to make friends with Simon and Jake. Jake's easy: he's seven years old (nearly eight, I hasten to add) and wise far beyond his years. You see, Jake knows that he could die at any moment: the works 'palliative care' might not be used in front of him, but he picks up on very small signals.

What really worries Jakes is that Afterwards his Dad will be left on his own. His mother, Tamsin, left when he was a year old: she couldn't cope with the constant medical emergencies. A&E is like a second home to Simon and Jake. Simon used to be a physiotherapist but gave it up because he couldn't commit to being available for his shifts. Jake had to come first. Right now he's just been sacked from the call centre selling garden furniture and he's had to turn to his father for a job on the family farm. Jake knows that his father needs someone to love and he's out to find Simon a girlfriend and he doesn't go about it in a half-hearted (sorry - pun intended) way. He approaches any likely woman he sees and asks, including the school crossing attendant whose ambition is to own a boa constrictor, a checkout operator in Sainsbury's and a random woman in a lift who was probably with her boyfriend. What neither Simon nor Jake thinks about is the woman who lives next door.

It's a lovely story and what I really liked is that it's realistic: there's no miracle cure for Jake. Simon will do his best to keep Jake alive and well and to give him the best life possible but he's unlikely to make old bones. It's simply a fact and Katie Marsh does a wonderful job of highlighting the issue without introducing doom and gloom. Jake's a glorious character: always positive despite everything that he's missing. He so wants to play football, to be like everyone else but he's never grumpy. Simon can be but in the circumstances, who can blame him? I really enjoyed the book and got to the end all too quickly.

I'd like to thank the publishers for making a review copy available to the Bookbag

This is a really beautiful and moving story, with characters I immediately cared about and was drawn in by.

Unbreak Your Heart tells the story of Beth and Simon through alternating chapter perspectives in the third person. Beth has moved to the Lake District hoping to start anew after the events that took place in New York, which she is still haunted by. Simon is a single dad to seven year old Jake and they have always lived together in a cottage in the Lakes. Every day is a struggle for Simon as he tries to balance earning a living whilst caring for his son, who he absolutely adores, who has Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS; a form of congenital heart disease whereby the left side of the heart does not develop properly during pregnancy, so is much smaller than usual, causing difficulty with the way in which the heart is able to pump blood around the body). Simon also still deeply cares for the woman who left him many years ago; Jake’s mum Tamsin! With Jake’s heart failing he doesn’t want his dad to be left alone and so he makes a decision to find someone for Simon to love before he goes. A plan that Jake is determined will succeed, no matter what!

Jake, for me, is a really brave and inspiring young boy and there were so many moments when the things he said or did would bring a smile to my face (he’s definitely much more creative with Lego then I ever was too)! I didn’t know about the condition HLHS before reading this book so am really grateful for everything this story taught me. I adored Jake’s dad Simon too, and his love for his son shone from the pages. He is a really wonderful, caring man and I enjoyed some of the touching moments Simon shared with his own dad William! When Simon was struggling I could feel his emotions as I was reading and I cared so much for him and Jake!

Beth is also an amazing character who I immediately warmed to, and from the outset I was intrigued to learn why she had left New York behind. I liked having in the back of my mind that something had happened but not knowing exactly what as I was reading (similarly with Simon’s past and wanting to know what caused Tamsin to leave him and Jake behind). Beth goes on a real rollercoaster of emotions throughout the book (as does Simon) and I liked gradually getting to learn about her past as the story unfolded. My idea about what happened in New York was correct, but I hadn’t guessed about the build up or the specific events on that day so thought this was really clever!

Simon and Beth both improved each other’s lives in so many ways and I loved seeing their friendship evolve especially after that opening chapter! I also liked the interactions they had with their friends throughout the book including Beth’s friend Jas and Simon’s friend Barney and his partner Lina.

There were so many surprises along the way that I just didn’t see coming, which was brilliant! I feel like I have been on a real journey with these characters and one that I will never forget. The ending was amazing too and I couldn’t stop smiling even as I turned the last page.

I will definitely be reading more of Katie’s books in the future!

Beth is desperate to escape from her past, fleeing from her life in New York and starting fresh in the Lake District. Once there, she meets single dad Simon, and his 7 year old son Jake. Simon has his own worries: his beloved son has a failing heart, money is tight, and he can't quite move on after the love of his like (and Jake's mum) left him years ago. Neither of them are looking for love, but Jake is - scared of leaving his dad alone, he's determined to find him someone to love, just in case the worst should happen. And Jake has a plan to make sure that love will win, even in the most unlikely of circumstances...

This is such a lovely book! I have to admit, I was a bit reluctant to read it once I realised that a central aspect of the plot was the life limiting illness of a young child. But that almost fades into the background, and what you get instead is a beautiful love story. Or rather, love stories. Because this book is about love in so many different forms: new love, old love, the love between family, the love between friends, and the love between communities as a whole. It's a beautiful, moving story that really touches you and reminds you of what is truly important in the world - being loved, and loving those around you. 100% a book I would recommend, not only for its lovely characters and fantastic writing, but also the unforgettable and incredibly important message at its heart.

Disclaimer - I was fortunate enough to be provided with an advance reading copy of this book by NetGalley. This has not affected my review in any way, and all opinions are my own.

Brilliant - I loved this book. The bond between Simon and Jake was beautifully written. Beth came across well too, though there was one instance where I thought she over-reacted, but hey, that's fiction. Loved the descriptions of the village. All in all a wonderful read, one which I was sorry to finish. With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Loved this book. So emotional. Beth leaves New York under a cloud and moves to Thistlewaite. She moves next door to Simon and his son Jake who is very ill.

This is an easy, light, but heart-warming read. Full of charm and keeps the reader's interest throughout. I haven't read anything by this author before but it won't be the last.

I had not realised this book was based on a 7-year old. I feel this made the book all the morning meaningful and poignant. I felt moved by the book, knowing what Jake was about to go through and how he wanted to find his Dad even although he should be more focused on himself and preparing for surgery. Jake definitely acted way older than the tender age of 7. He seemed to a very intelligent young boy.

Hugely moved by this story. I would highly recommend. Thank you Katie and Netgalley for this beautiful ARC.

4+

Beth Carlyle returns to the UK from New York after the break up of her marriage, she intends to disappear and make a fresh start. She decides to settle in the Lake District and lodges with her best friend Jas until she can sort herself out and she accepts a job as a school nurse. Sam Withers has devoted his life to his beloved son for the last seven years since his partner Tamsin left. Jake has a serious heart condition knows as HLHS - Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. The story is told from the perspectives of Beth and Simon.

First of all, let’s start with Jake. He steals the book for sure. He’s amazing, loving, caring, devoted to his dad and Lego and so determined not to let his condition define him. There’s absolutely no doubt, I’m in love with Jake! All the characters are likeable, Simon can be spikey but he’s understandably protective of Jake so we’ll let him off and Beth is lovely but is struggling with some unresolved NYC baggage. The setting in the Lakes sings, there’s nowhere more beautiful in Spring, also summer and oh let’s face it, all year round! It’s a perfect place to set this story. The premise is a simple one but that’s not to suggest the storyline is simplicity because the writing makes you feel something. It has heartache and loss, laughter and love and at the centre of that is adorable Jake, there’s forgiveness and acceptance and grabbing a second chance which is heartwarming. The book is full of kindness, understanding and joy and is designed to uplift you and couldn’t we all do with that right now??

Overall, this is a lovely, sweet and easy to read book which I thoroughly enjoy.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Hodder and Stoughton for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

Such a beautiful story with emotion running through in leaps and bounds, the characters are so personal. I loved every moment of this book!

What a lovely, heart-warming, gentle and touching book this is. I knew nothing of the heart condition that the story revolves around but the fact that it applied to a 7-year-old boy made it all the more poignant and emotional. There were many moments of laughter and humour amid the concerns for the little boy’s health and upcoming operation as he set out to find a new love for his dad, Simon. Beth who has her own problematic back story moves into the house next door and her arrival and impact on father and son make for a very enjoyable story. My only small concern was that Jake, although only 7 years old, seemed to speak and act much older than his years. Some of the things he said and did seemed to be well outside the capabilities of a young child. However, having said that, I still loved his character and this small concern didn’t deter from what I thought was a very well written and thoroughly entertaining (and enlightening) story. My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a pre release copy in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.

Lovely lovely story, had me crying at points - of sadness, happiness and everything in between.
Will definitely recommend this for a feel good book!

Wow what a beautiful and heart warming book about a life limited young boy who is desperately searching for a wife for his Dad to ensure that he will not be left alone. Only problem is the ideal girlfriend his dad hates and there is also the boys mother who has missed all of the years of hospitals and treatments that they have had to face just the two of them.

This was one of those books that is so good you’re eager to finish it but sad when it ends. The story of Jake, Simon and Beth is filled to the brim with love, sadness, pain, laughter and so many heartfelt emotions. After their initial difficult meeting the author does an excellent job building the different relationships between Simon, Jake and Beth.

Jake was such a wonderful kid. His fear of possibly leaving the father he loves so much alone and efforts to try and find him the love of his life were beautiful, funny and heartbreaking. Beth was a lovely, very relatable well rounded character coming to terms with a mistake from her old life in New York and finding herself growing closer and closer to the wonderful man and boy next door. I adored Simon. Everything he did for Jake, his love compassion and dedication to him was just amazing. His emotional and financial struggles also felt very realistic and I like that the author did not shy away from how hard it must be for him as a single parent.

Some great supporting characters in Jas and Barney and quite a few funny moments as well (I legitimately could not stop laughing during the shaving incident). This was the first time reading a Katie Marsh novel and now I’m really looking forward to exploring her back catalogue. (5 ⭐️)

This was an absolutely outstanding read. I’m not sure what I was expecting but it certainly wasn’t this. I was invested right from the very beginning and enjoyed the book so much!

Beth’s personal and professional life falls apart whilst living in New York, so she decides to return to the Lake District, a place which holds fond childhood memories for her.

Beth’s arrival at the village starts badly with an accidental introduction to her neighbours. Struggling single Dad Simon, lives in the village with his Son Jake, who has a serious heart condition. Beth soon gets to know them and forms a tight bond with them both. However, Jake is convinced he is going to die and has made it his mission to make sure his Dad is not left alone when this happens. His attempts to get his Dad married off are brilliantly humorous parts of the story. With the arrival of Jake’s very absent Mum on the scene, rifts soon arise for all concerned, especially Beth who doesn’t know where this leaves her. But Beth has her own demons to put to bed before she can move on.

This book is just beautiful. It’s heart-warming, endearing and heart-breaking all at the same time. You know that due to Jake’s illness there are going to be some ‘lump in the throat’ moments, but it is handled in a very empathetic way, with just the right amount of medical information. Jake is such an endearing character that you take to him straight away. He is so brave and matter of fact about his condition and his interaction with his friend is just lovely. The other main characters, Simon and Beth are really likeable and are also very believable.

This book takes you on another of Katie March’s emotional rollercoasters. It is a brilliant example of how her books suck you in, make you compelled to keep reading and leave you with a rewarding, feel-good conclusion, as you turn the last few pages. As with all of Katie’s previous books I thoroughly enjoyed this one and would highly recommend it.

Katie Marsh's novel is both heartbreaking and heartwarming, set in the beautiful location of the Lake District. When Beth's life falls apart in New York where she has lived for some years, with her marriage to her unpleasant husband breaking down and along with having made a mistake, she decides to return to Britain to the place she had been happy. Stressed single father, Simon, is shouldering unbearable burdens, his delightful and beloved 7 year old son, Jake, has a rare heart condition. After a road accident, Beth encounters Jake and an angry Simon, coincidentally she lives next door to them. Jake is a lovely and lively child, worried about his dad, and he is determined that his father should not be left alone should the worst happen.

In a emotional roller coaster of a story, there is plenty of drama as Beth and Simon's relationship develops. Each have their own issues, Beth, has a best friend, Jas, and is working as a school nurse, she is trying to rebuild her life and confidence, both personally and professionally. She plays a critical role in getting Simon to reappraise his life and see life through a different lense. As could be predicted, Tamsin, Jake's mother returns, she had abandoned them after experiencing post-natal depression after giving birth. This is warm and engaging contemporary fiction about facing challenging circumstances in life, love, hope, friendships, and overcoming adversities. Jake is an adorable character, and the author goes into some detail with her descriptions of his medical condition and the way it affects his life.

I can see many readers enjoying this book, although I should warn that there may well be tears. Many thanks to Hodder and Stoughton for an ARC.