First of all, thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really wanted to like this book. The premise of starting fresh in a new place and succeeding is so promising. However, this book really fell short for me. I don't want to bash it too much, so I will keep this review short. The writing felt amateur, the characters were 2 dimensional, and the plot was predictable. I understand that this is a debut novel, but I just could not get into this book. I had to make myself finish it. I was bored from start to finish.

The dialogue in the book was so flat, and made the characters seem uninteresting and all the same. The most interesting character was Rose, and she was a side character. Abbie and Kyle were so boring. They were like cardboard cutouts. I could tell where the plot was going from the beginning.

The author also said some cringy things, such as "American Indian" and "OCD" as a descriptor for cleanliness instead of as a mental health term. There was a cover up of sexual assault at the beginning of the book that Abbie was complicit in. She knew it was wrong, but really did nothing to stop the cover up from happening.

Overall this book was a let down for me. It was cringy and boring.

TW: sexual assault, abortion

FIRST IMPRESSION:

Say "British" and "rom-com" and that's all the reason I need to read that book. And that's all the reason I needed to request this e-ARC.

THE STORY:


'Half the World Away' follows Abbie Potter as she finally sheds the old London life she is unhappy about and makes a move to Salt Lake City in the US. Things in London were pretty crappy for her and a final shocking announcement is all she needs to accept a new job offer in Salt Lake City. Not only does she make new friends and new bounds in her career, but she also meets all-American Kyle.

While she redefines herself and sets new goals in her life, Abbie starts to wonder if it's time for another go at some romance. But her rocky past relationship and her uncertainty about Kyle takes her on a whirlwind path of self-discovery.

THE GOOD BITS:

Abbie's journey of self-discovery is the best part of this story. She picks herself up like a champion and really works on herself and her future. I'll be lying if I say I wasn't empowered by her work ethic and passion.

I found Abbie's move to the US so relatable! I was reminded of my own experiences abroad since I love sightseeing and stepping into cafes/eateries as she does here. Those bits made me smile a lot!

There was quite a bit of amusing humour in here. The story wasn't as funny as I thought it would get, but the unexpected funny dialogue is what really got to me.

Violet is by far my favourite character! Her Irish charm and her being a boss of a best friend to Abbie really got me loving her with every scene she popped up in.

THE NOT-SO-GOOD BITS:

I wasn't very impressed or interested in the romance. There was a decent amount of fluff but no steam. That really bothered me for some reason. Also, it was so fast; even their fights are like split-second events!

The pace was pretty good in the first half of the story but it picked up way too much speed past the 50% mark. Each chapter went through events so fast that I was sort of speed reading to keep up.

Even though I loved Abbie's self-discovery journey, I was not a fan of her character. I found Abbie's self-destructive trust in other people very annoying. Rather than taking everything with a grain of salt, especially since these people are virtually strangers to her in the beginning, she ends up hanging on to their words like it's gospel or something, even when her own experiences prove otherwise.

The dialogue feels very scripted at times. I find it very hard to believe that people actually converse in full formal paragraphs even if they are British. Where are the pauses?

I did not like Kyle much as a romantic interest. He was a textbook good guy with way too perfect lines. He was literally carrying their relationship on his shoulders with all his romantic gestures and gifts.

FINAL VERDICT:

I had high expectations for Half the World Away by Rebecca Banks, but I was sorely disappointed by the end of it. Although it really did justice to Abbie's growth and some great characters, the writing and the main characters didn't really appeal to me.

I’m loving this book I love Abbie character such a strong determined woman. The writing style I love. This book made me smile I loved the fact she involved in the soccer and football club as well. I loved all the characters in this book a perfect book to escape to and read loved it.

I liked the setting of this book and the fact that it involved a soccer/football club. I thought that the part where he bails on her because he doesn't want to be the reason she stays felt a little bit of a stretch but I enjoyed how the story all came together in the end.

I had a hard time adjusting to this book because the opening was a bit disorienting. I had no idea what was going on. I barely had an idea of who the people were. I also thought the main character seemed loser-ish (despite clearly being harassed). Things got better when she made her way to Utah and our hero seemed like a dreamy enough guy -- everyone deserves a work boyfriend, amirite? -- to keep me reading to the end.

Loved the writing style of this book she did an amazing job for her debut novel. The book was a lovely bit of an escapism how could you not fall in love with it. Would definitely recommend to others

Half the world away is a beautifully written debut by an accomplished author. Escapism with a down to earth twist. Hard to believe this is her first novel.

Half The World Away is a wonderful debut novel by Rebecca Banks. I couldn't put this book down!

Abbie Potter is a woman who has been through her own fair share of heartbreak. She has a job in London that she doesn't really feel passionate about anymore. A few life events occur that nudge her to make a bold move in her life. She finds a new job in Salt Lake City and is working with a soccer club. This is the fresh start that she needs, but will it last?

Kyle Miller is a gorgeous man that has been known as the playboy. He is flirty, kind, and impulsive. He meets Abbie through work and Kyle is very attracted. But he has never really dealt with a woman who friend zones him. Will he continue to pursue Abbie or get tired of the chase?

I loved that this book was more than just about a romance. The author did a fantastic job of making Abbie's journey so captivating. She struggled in the beginning of the book and lost her way. She continued to feel like she wasn't enough and to see her get her groove back was empowering. I also really enjoyed the romance between Abbie and Kyle. There's so much chemistry between the two and I liked that the author let them grow as friends before anything else developed. Kyle is a big motivator for Abbie because he challenged her to do things that she didn't know she could but always wanted to.

I give Half The World Away 4 stars. I am shocked that this is Rebecca's first novel because her writing style is so likable and inviting. Romance lovers will devour this book in one sitting and fall in love with these characters and story!

This book is so relatable.
As someone who felt stuck and moved half the world away to get away from her feelings this book was right up my alley and I loved every minute of it.

Half the World Away by Rebecca Banks is a sweet romance, and my first book by this author. Abbie Potter who lives in London, is ready for a change so she accepts a job in Salt Lake City. Abbie quickly fits in and loves her job, the new friends she making, and a handsome man, Kyle, who bumps into her. I figured out pretty quickly what was going on at her work, don't want to give to much away. I really enjoyed this book, and seeing America through Abbie's eyes was fun. I highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I really enjoyed this book. A real easy feel good fun read. I feel it may need a slight trigger warning though. Other than that I feel this book really told the story of Abbie, I am going through something similar regarding a career. I really related to her and felt I knew her as a real person. The love throughout the book with friends, men and family was amazing. I did predict about the toxicity of it though. It was definitely a laugh out book. I started it late last night and finished it early evening today. I didn't want to put it down.

Half the world away is a book of second chances and love at first bump
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It is an ideal RomCom for those who enjoy Heroines who are willing to get up no matter how hard they have fallen.
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Abbie manages to leave her old life in London behind when a job opportunity in America presents itself. It's a new beginning and as everything starts to look incredibly good and she get a little more energy for life again, things start to go wrong.
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I enjoy the scenery and the characters that accompany the story of Abbie.
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I really liked how she began a journey of self-discovery and reconciled with her past. The text is very fluid and at times I lost a bit in how the situations and the drama or shenanigans were described but I enjoyed just fine
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I read this book thanks to Amazon and #Netgalley before it goes on sale 01 April 2021
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Rebecca Banks's debut novel 'Half The World Away' is a charming rom com about a sports publicist Abbie who moves from London to Utah to head the PR department of a developing Utah football (aka soccer) team.

Abbie has, in her words, been sleepwalking through her life after the past couple of years after her divorce. As the novel develops we learn the details surrounding some of her marriage, including a traumatic event that she still hasn't come to grips with.

Of course we see her growing relationship with Kyle, the team's scout and youth coach. While there is nothing wrong with a story that is predictable - main character getting their mojo back, after dealing with their past, and finding a new love, this story sadly runs a bit flat.

I think this is in part, a bit too much describing, not enough action (especially in the beginning). When Abbie finally starts working on herself and getting therapy we see that rushed through as well.

It was also interesting that Banks has Abbie move to Utah - a very conservative religious (Mormon) town and the only reference to that is trying to visit the temple and a line about how she's not religious. I"m surprised there wasn't more, eg colleagues or her bosses who were Mormon!


However, its a debut that shows promise. I would be keen to read Banks' next novel to see how her writing develops.

Three stars. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

3 stars

Half the World Away is a quick, enjoyable read that infuses its romance with a healthy dose of reality. The plot is pretty familiar territory (how many girl moves to a new country to reinvent herself stories have you read), but Banks throws some curveballs throughout that strip away at the idea that this type of story has to be all sunshine and rainbows. I do wish that some of the conflicts in the second half of the book had been given a little more time to develop, but I didn't find that it majorly affected my enjoyment of the book.

I will warn anyone reading this review that there are a few triggers (abortion, sexual harassment, mention of controlling spouse) that were a bit unexpected and I want to make sure that anyone going into this has the full picture of the content if that is an issue.

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC!

I really enjoyed getting to know Abbie and Kyle.

The setting with moving away from everything you lnow to a new country and a new life, was something that really inspired me to read this book!

I really liked how Abbie was thriving in Utah and I found the description about the places and her experiences very well written!

I must sadly sad that I found the middle of the book quite long and a bit boring, because there weren't really happening a lot, so I for sure liked the first and last 30 % the most.

But all in all it was a great book, that I'm glad I got the opportunity to read!

Thank you to Rebecca Banks and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced free copy of the gem!

This book was tooooo cute. It was not what I expected and I really liked it 🤍

So this book was mainly about Abbie who isn’t happy with her job and needs a fresh change. Throughout the book you learn more and more about her and everything she has gone through. The more you read the more you love her.

One thing I loved about this book was how they presented therapy and getting mental help without the stigma. I wish more books did this. There’s no shame in talking to someone 🥰

I also did really like the natural and easygoing relationship between Kyle and Abbie. I loved Kyle and thought he was awesome, but this book to me (as well as a lot of other books I read) was not about just the relationship. It was about Abbie finding herself and understanding all her choices.

It was also cool to see a relationship where the girl was British and the boy was American. I feel like for most romances it’s the other way around.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.
*
This book fell flat for me. The journey of self-discovery half the world away is something you can enjoy lightheartedly as a reader for the dreamy escapism. But the plot was not interesting and the characters weren't well developed. I can't help thinking that romantic interest, Kyle, is just there because it's a romcom so the main character needs a romantic interest.
*
What further bothered me is the way the author handled sexual violence against a minor at the start of the book. Maybe that was partially the reason why I didn't care for the main character and why I couldn't get in to the story. Though the MC refused to cover up for the guy who committed the sexual assault, she did not do anything for the victim. She simply 'felt sorry' and left for a journey of self-discovery. I don't agree with how author handled this topic so lightly, nor do I agree with her use of the word 'bipolar' in a non-medical context.
*
The plot was predictable. Do you know the feeling of 'that's the bad guy' when you see a 'nice' character? That's the biggest plot twist of the book. The dialogues were mundane and nothing actually was...comical? Basically it's a romcom that isn't really funny and has a romance I don't care. I don't hate this book but I won't pick it up again or recommend it to anyone.

*4.5 Stars*

I need more of this in my life. After the difficult year we've all had, I want more rom-com/chick-lit, whatever you want to call it, and you can't convince me otherwise. It was a quick read, full of wit and charm! This was just the right escape- a perfect beach read or weekend getaway.

Who wouldn't (or hasn't) started over again in life after dealing with some hardballs? I loved Abbie and getting to follow her gutsy life from England to Salt Lake City (which, at first was really disappointed that was the US city, but now I have fallen in love with the city along with Abbie and I wouldn't mind a trip or two). It was predictable, but also relatable. Although I never had the nerve to start over in another country, I enjoyed following her journey of healing. It's nice every once in awhile to have things wrapped neatly in pretty bows and I'll be here again waiting for the next gift this author writes.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an Advanced Copy of this title in exchange for an honest review. It's out April 1 and would definitely recommend it for your next vacation- whether you're really taking a vacation someplace or just need this book as a vacation.

Thank you to NetGalley and Literally PR Ltd. for a free electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Abbie is working for the Premier League in London, but she wants out. After one final push, she decides to make a life change, and an opportunity arises for her to move to America and work for the Utah Saints, an MLS team working to popularize the sport in the USA with the help of someone with Premier League experience (cue Abbie). But what could be waiting for her in her new life, half the world away?

What a beautiful romance! There was lots of banter, interesting conflicts, and just enough emotion to be intriguing without feeling like it was over the top. My only complaint is that steam was kept very low, but I know that some people prefer this, in which case, this is the perfect romance for you. This book also made me reflect on my own life, as I am from Bermuda, with a boyfriend from Canada, who I only met through a series of circumstances that all had to line up to make us happen. Abbie is right - home is more about the people you love and the way you feel with them, than it is a place.

I was really excited about this book but I did fall a bit flat in my opinion.

The whole plot got me so on board and I wanted everything to go well for Abbie but the thing that really hurt the story was that there was not room for breathing. Either paragraphs felt too short or scenes felt cut off. Moments were not explored in depth and the dialogue felt like exposition being dumped on you.

I liked parts of the story but I really couldn’t with the way too perfect male interest either. Kyle was fine but I liked my characters flawed -so maybe that’s a very personal taste but it does create an unbalance when all he had going for is supporting Abbie. That man had little agency and even the one thing he did wrong was because he thought it was the best for Abbie.

So, yeah, it was very forgettable and I wish it weren’t because the potential was there. I liked all the characters, the setting was gorgeous and I could really feel the author wanted to do justice to the story but I didn’t like it.