Although, the book is well written and both characters have a proper storyline to build them with. As a reader, I felt that the book had too much going at once. It was either an extreme of emotions or a low feeling from a vulnerability which I felt was hard to keep up and took me a while to get hooked to the book.

Nevertheless, a quick read, the book has a great plot overall but it was quite overwhelming for me but, I loved the fact both POVs were included.

When I first started this book I didn’t think I was going to like it and it took me a good few chapters to get into it, however I ended up really loving this story!
I thought the idea of a relationship starting by putting up notes in windows was really cute and I loved how it progressed from that first simple message into the relationship that was there at the end of the book. I really loved both Bethan and Lachie as characters and enjoyed that they both had things going on their lives besides their relationship with each other. There was a good mix of lighthearted fun moments and serious moments, particularly with Lachie’s storyline, that made me invested in both of them as individuals as well as how their relationship turned out. This book also carried a great message that life may not turn out how you thought or how you wanted but it’s having a positive attitude and what you do with it that matters.

Overall I really enjoyed this book! cute romance, some drama and a lot of biscuit banter!

I enjoyed this book by the fantastic Miranda Dickinson, which was enjoyable and thought provoking, touching on a variety of complex situations and Mis-communications.

I enjoyed the chemistry between the two lead characters, Lachie and Bethan, and learning more about their past stories as the tale unfolded. They are complex characters with a lot going on, but the story feels real and believable.

An easy read about two lonely people who start a relationship via messages in opposite windows. I enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who wants an uncomplicated but enjoyable book.

I've never read this author before and it was a wonderful read from cover to cover.

I really enjoyed the characters Laclan and Bethan and their story was a beautiful engaging read.

I know for future to put Miranda's books on my TBR pile.

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review.

The Start of Something is the latest novel by one of my favourite authors Miranda Dickinson, a novel that touches on loneliness, friendship, healing and overcoming battles. One thing I love about Miranda’s characters is that they are so well developed they always feel as though they are characters we are reconnecting with because they have such big hearts and gentle personalities that instantly makes us warm to them as we stand in their corners cheering them on for a happy ever after!
The storyline alternates between new neighbours Lachlan and Bethan who are both at a point in their lives where they are trying to overcome a challenge in their lives whilst the sting of loneliness is looming which is what prompts Lachlan to put a message in his window to Bethan which is the start of a endearing communication between the two who need each other more than they know.
After lockdown we can all appreciate what the lack of communication has on us so it was easy to relate to Lochlan being cooped up in his flat needing a friend and the idea of communicating through posters in the window is something new to me in books but I am sure there are many of us who used this form of communication over the last year!
I loved the relationship that blossomed between Bethan and Lochlan, it was humorous at times too especially with their biscuit education which I think I could educate them a little more on! Just as I thought the messages in the window was beginning to become a bit drawn out the author change tack at just the right time to keep my interest piqued and the storyline picked back up and had me intrigued in what was going to happen to Lochlan.
Although we had the romance gently blossoming between the two I loved that the author also took the approach for us to get to know each of the characters in their day to day lives away from each other which is where we see the characters depth build when we find out more about their background and what has got them into the situations they face now.
The romance was predictable and a little far fetched falling in love having barely met in person but the hopeless romantic in me still enjoyed this book so much and I think it was the perfect uplifting, heartwarming, addictive novel that I have read in a long time and it was lovely to find myself immersed in this authors writing once again.

"The Start of Something" has an unusual premise and some likeable characters in Bethan and Lachlan. The story moves fairly slowly, partly because of their method of communication. However, this also provides the opportunity to gradually uncover their back stories.

An emotional and involving read.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this book.

This book was so much more than I expected. A beautiful friendship founded in such a unique and unusual way. Two people trying to build a future for themselves whilst each still trying to deal with their past. A lovely story written with depth,warmth, emotion. A perfectly lovely read.

After reading some of this authors previous books I was intrigued by this latest offering and looked forward to starting the ARC I received via Netgalley.

‘The Start Of Something’ introduces us to Bethan Gwynne, a stranger in a new town who has moved into a new flat with her son Noah. When she glimpses out the window one day she sees a message from her neighbour opposite. Said neighbour is Lachlan Wallace, recovering from a car accident and sharing his flat with his cat Ernie and his dog Bert. When he sees Bethan moving in he makes the first move to cure his loneliness and connect by placing a message in a window. This begins a love story between two strangers, taking the risk to become more…

It was quite a slow burner throughout, you kind of knew what to expect from the offset (as is often true of many rom com style books) and the two different characters lives are detailed separately as their relationship blooms. It was an easy read and a nice enough outcome, it just lacked a little something special for me unfortunately and didn’t feel could connect with it as could with some of her previous titles. Still a nice feel good story though which makes you reflect on elements of everyday life and well written.

I loved watching the friendship between Lachlan and Bethan develop. The will they, won’t they aspect kept me reading. This is a light and easy to read book that has hidden depths. Lachlan and his injury and Bethan and her job make this book very enjoyable.

The Start of Something by Miranda Dickinson a vintage four-star read. I don’t know if it was me, and I was expecting so much more, as this was good, but it wasn’t what I was expecting from this author. I enjoyed the premise of the story, and the note writing, all of the old-fashioned romance touches had me suckered in. It was the other stuff, the childish dramas and the rest of life. I know it has to happen, but it could have been done differently, it just felt a little like filler. I know it was needed as otherwise it would have been too heavy with just the two properties occupants. If you are looking to while a few hours away and want something heart-warming and different then do pick this up. I do plan on a re-read once I am more settled, as I am sure on a second re-read, I will adore it some more.

A moving and unique love story that examines how we hide parts of our lives through shame, betrayal or hurt and what it takes to open ourselves up fully to new chances.
The Start Of Something presents such a unique storyline, though one I'm sure that resonates in these particular times, of reaching out of isolation to our neighbours. I thoroughly enjoyed how the notes worked between the two characters and how they both gained a strength from the bond that is formed.
Of course Bert & Ernie stole the whole show for me!

An enjoyable read told by two main characters - single mum Bethan who has recently moved into a flat with her young son Noah and soldier Lachlan who is home on sick leave following a catastrophic car crash. Both are in desperate need of a friend, so with their windows overlooking they start an unlikely and unusual friendship through notes in their window! I really liked both characters and was rooting for them to overcome their individual hurdles to be together the whole book. A different romance that I thoroughly enjoyed reading over a weekend!
Thank you to NetGalley for my early copy.

The Start of Something by @wurdsmyth @NetGalley

I read this entire book in 24 hours, what a lovely read.

The story revolves around Lachlan and Bethan, two singletons that live in North Yorkshire that happen to have windows overlooking each others houses. Lachie is recovering from a near death experience and Bethan is a single mother who wants to protect her child at all costs.

Lachlan and Bethan begin a sweet romantic affair, communicating via letters in their windows, and progressing to meeting at a hole in the hedge. Bethan is still reeling at her previous relationship and how she is judged as a single mother and Lachlan feels like he cant move on until he has recovered from his injuries.

Its is a real breath of fresh air this book, a lovely heartwarming read and I really enjoyed it, even though in places it was a little on the predictable side.

A lovely tale of a second chance at love. I adored both characters, their resilience and the way they start to communicate via messages glued to their facing windows.

Lachlan Wallace is trapped in his flat, struggling to overcome the physical and psychological injuries he sustained in a serious car crash. His physiotherapy has stalled, his therapist is on the verge of quitting and Lachlan is at his lowest ebb. Then, he sees the flat opposite that has been dark and quiet for so long is suddenly filled with light and colour as a mystery new neighbour moves in to the building. Captivated by the flowers on the windowsill, Lachlan, on impulse, writes a note about the flowers and sticks it in his window...

Bethan Gwynne is trapped by the debts of her former partner and she and her 4 year old son, Noah, have struggled to move from a bedsit into a beautiful flat. However, Bethan struggles to make ends meet and her job is under threat as the garden nursery she works at is struggling to survive. Bethan is tasked with finding a solution to the garden centre's problems but she doesn't know where to turn for help. Then, one day, she spots a note posted in the window of the flat opposite....

And so it begins.....

This is a beautiful story, Yes, it's a bit trite and kind of obvious where we are going from the moment you open the first page BUT this is a couple you are rooting for right from the start. Both flawed and standoffish about their situations they struggle to be seen as who they are rather than their perceived 'flaws' and believe that everyone is judging them based on appearance and I think this rings true for a lot of people.

This is a story of hope that kept me awake until 2 am trying to get to the end so I could find out what happened. Wonderful!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Start of Something, a light romance with a nice idea behind it, a note in a window sparks up a conversation between two lonely strangers, but it took far too long to get started for me.

While I know there will be a massive audience who will enjoy this story, I felt it was quite long winded and drawn out and ended up skim reading whole paragraphs without missing much.

A nice story, but a bit cheesy and very predictable. The story could have been told in half the chapters but It’s pleasant and there is nothing offensive - you could give this to your teen daughter, your granny or you neighbour to read and rest assured that It’s unlikely to upset or outrage anyone.

Thank you to netgalley for providing me a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Curl up in front of the fire with a glass of wine and read this book. A lighthearted story with great characters which made for an entertaining read. i thoroughly enjoyed this excellent chic lit read.

This book was so uplifting and gorgeous!! But then Miranda Dickinson has set her own bar very high, and this book was no exception.
When Bethan moves in over the road, Lachlan is curious and interested to get to know her. Lachlan is stuck indoors recovering from an accident which prevents him from going back to work just yet and he seems a bit isolated (which is very relatable after the past year and a half). He writes a note asking what the flowers are that Bethan has and he sticks the note on his window, not entirely expecting a reply. But Bethan does reply, and they start writing messages to each other.
Bethan has a complicated life and is trying hard to get everything in order and she could really use a friend.
I loved this book, I was itching (even more than the characters) to see what the next note said, and it was such an uplifting read, which is what we all need right now.

Lachlan and Bethan, who live in flats opposite each other, start a conversation using messages posted on their kitchen windows. Lachlan is recovering from a serious car accident which has interrupted his army career, Bethan is a single mother with serious money problems, both are suffering from loneliness.
This is a slow burner which didn't immediately grab my attention, however did pick up as it went along. Both have secrets that are gradually revealed, explaining some of the reasons for their problems, and their relationship grows as they correspond in this unusual manner. They also have work issues that are causing them additional problems and this lifeline helps them cope. As the story comes towards its conclusion I found that I had to carry on reading, resulting in an unusual late night for me. Definitely worth reading through that slower, but sweet, start.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.