Plot wise, this was not my favourite book of Moran's, there was something about it that I just did not connect with. However as I kept reading I realised I had fallen for the characters and was reading for them. Moran has created a truly remarkable group of characters and I adored getting to know their individual stories and the journeys they embark on in this read.
As the book progressed I also enjoyed the plot more and more until upon finishing the book I found myself bereft to leave these characters and plot behind.
This is another warming read from Moran.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advance copy.

EXCERPT: I'm no stranger to tears. In my line of work, they're unavoidable. Big, fat, honking sobs soaked up with mounds of tissues. A frustrated swipe at grief spilling over reddened eyelids. The hardest to bear are the silent streams, unnoticed by the person weeping, as if the pain is so deep, so all-encompassing, it is merely who they are now.
They don't just cry, of course. I've encountered simmering bitterness. Rampant rage. Fear, twisted up with anxiety. The fog of lingering shock. Heart-wrenching loneliness.
So why would I put myself through this, day after day? Why choose to spend my life submerged in the kaleidoscope of strangers' sorrows?
Because I know that behind the tears, curses and questions is love.

ABOUT 'TAKE ME HOME': Sophie Potter’s job is helping people deal with the worst, because Sophie Potter knows what the worst feels like. An expert at keeping moving, with her trusty motorhome and faithful dog Muffin, Sophie has built her life around keeping her loves and loyalties as few as possible.

Fabulous fifty-something Hattie Langford has kept her heart and past safely stored away too. But for reasons she’s only willing to share with a stranger, Hattie needs to tell the story her family has been hiding at Riverbend, their home in Sherwood Forest. There is a history of heartbreak and hurt that Hattie is ready to face.

As Sophie helps Hattie uncover the secrets of generations of women who have lived at Riverbend, along with the stories of the men they have loved and lost, they start to see echoes in their own pasts. And as Riverbend shares its biggest secret of all, can Hattie and Sophie finally embrace the lives they’ve put on hold for so long, and risk their hearts to men who can break the Riverbend curse?

MY THOUGHTS: Take me home is a novel that had my emotions all over the place - smiling with joy one moment, then biting my lips to stem the tears the next. There is a lot of love and a lot of loss within these pages but, ultimately, I closed the book on the final page with a satisfied smile on my face.

Sophie and Hattie are just the loveliest characters. Each has had great tragedy in their lives, and it doesn't take them long to recognize this in one another. From two different generations, they become firm friends, along with Hattie's group of 'gals'.

I loved that Hattie wore so many hats - artist, therapist and all-round lovely (if somewhat prickly) person. Hattie has boundaries and woe betide you should you cross them or not keep your word. Sophie is another person who wears many hats, one of them being lonely, just as Hattie, despite her group of 'gal-friends' is.

Riverbend is the home Hattie occupies and is a character all in its own right with a very sad and chequered history.

Also living on the property, in the boathouse, is Hattie's nephew Gideon and his mother Agnes.

These characters form the nucleus of the book, with secrets and stories to be revealed as Hattie and Sophie catalogue the contents of the attic. Both their stories are revealed and slowly the walls they have built over the years to protect themselves are dismantled.

Take Me Home is an absolutely lovely read, exploring grief, loss and learning to live and love again.

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5

#TakeMeHome #NetGalley

MEET THE AUTHOR: Beth Moran initially worked as a biochemist and then taught antenatal classes before becoming an author. She loves to write contemporary women`s fiction set in and around Sherwood Forest, where she lives with her family.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Boldwood Books via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Take Me Home by Beth Moran for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

Take Me Home by Beth Moran was published October 2023.

Take Me Home by Beth Moran is a heartwarming and beautifully written story that takes readers on an emotional journey of healing, love, and uncovering family secrets. Sophie Potter, who has spent her life helping others while keeping her own heart guarded, is a relatable protagonist, and her evolving friendship with the spirited Hattie Langford is a highlight of the novel. Their bond deepens as they unravel the long-hidden secrets of Riverbend, a home steeped in generations of heartbreak and hope.

Beth Moran skillfully blends humour, tenderness, and emotional depth, creating a story that resonates with themes of forgiveness, self-discovery, and second chances. The Sherwood Forest setting adds a charming backdrop to this journey of facing the past and embracing the future. The characters are richly developed, and the way they confront their personal struggles makes the story both poignant and uplifting.

While some plot twists may be predictable, the warmth of the characters and the strength of the writing make up for it. Take Me Home is perfect for readers who love stories about family legacies, heartwarming friendships, and finding love when you least expect it. Moran’s fans will not be disappointed, and newcomers will find plenty to enjoy in this cozy, emotional read.

Great plot, engaging characters and a very touching story.

Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.

Love love love this book. Warming, exciting and full of surprises. Kept you wanting to read it. The characters were really amusing with their different idiosyncrasies, well written.

A brilliant read and one I really enjoyed. The characters are loveable. The plot is one that is engaging and I found myself completely drawn into the story and enjoyed the writing style.

In many ways this is a bittersweet read with moments of pure romance but also sadness. It has every shade of emotion, from the laugh out loud moments of the ‘Gals’ evenings to some darker times. Hattie’s story slowly is uncovered. Told in flashbacks as Hattie and Sophie search through the attic, you realise that Hattie has known some cruel times. There are many secrets from the past which affect several of the characters.

The characters have to be a strength of the story. Sophie is running away from commitment, afraid to let herself love again. Hattie, so confident and creative on the surface has some deep sadnesses inside. Gideon seems confident in his own skin but ultimately needs reassurance. The ‘Gals’ have their own midlife crises and insecurities. Agnes has a warm heart under the brittle shell she puts up to mask her vulnerabilities. Home is where the heart is and Sophie has to come to realise what that means for her. If you cut this story in half, you would find family, friendship and love running through it.

In short: take a chance for love

Beth is such a skilled author, take me home had me gripped and wolfing down the pages from start to finished. A recommended read.

This is a beautifully written book that draws the reader in, so uplifting and a great demonstration of how people can face adversity in their lives yet survive it to achieve personal happiness. Loved learning the history of the wonderful women of riverbank and also Sophie’s separate story makes a really Throughly enjoyable and highly recommended

BOOK REVIEW: Take Me Home by Beth Moran
2023 Publication Date: October 13

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐⭐

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T.I.M.E. Best Books By Genre | Best Contemporary Romance Books
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"I'm not letting fear decide who I am anymore... I'm choosing love... " — Take Me Home by Beth Moran

T.I.M.E. BEST BOOK REVIEW:
A Heartwarming Tale of Love and Loss...
Looking for a heartwarming soul-nourishing novel that will leave you feeling uplifted and comforted? Answer: Take Me Home by Beth Moran. This fabulous novel will take you on a journey through the lives of Sophie Potter and Hattie Langford, who have built their lives around protecting their hearts and pasts, as they uncover secrets about their families, the history of Riverbend, and work towards finding peace with their own pasts.

Let's explore the themes and why it is a must-read book for those who love contemporary romance books... And wonderful books of any genre...

So, settle in and get ready to take a journey through the extraordinary plot, richly developed characters, and captivating storyline...

Plot Points
The novel is set in Riverbend, a home located in Sherwood Forest and is the residence of generations of women who have loved and lost.

Sophie Potter, an expert at "keeping moving," helps Hattie Langford uncover the secrets of generations of women who have lived at Riverbend. Sophie has spent most of her recent life in her motorhome with her dog Muffin, avoiding setting down roots in any one place.

Hattie has stored away her heart and past safely until she realises that it is time for her to face her troubled past.

As they work to unravel the secrets of the women at Riverbend, they begin to understand the echoes of their own pasts.

Standout Features of Take Me Home
• Exploring Love After Loss
One of the primary themes in Take Me Home is the struggle to find love after loss. Hattie and Sophie have both lost people they loved and are struggling to move on. As they work to uncover the secrets of their past and the past of the women at Riverbend, they start to see their own problems and opportunities for love. The story explores how embracing new opportunities and taking risks can be a way to move forward from the loss of a loved one.

The story is quite emotional, as the characters are mourning the loss of various kinds. This second chance romance trope theme is one of the reasons why the novel is addictive. As the reader journeys with these women, they experience the highs and lows of love and the risks one must take in search of it.

• Exploring Self-Discovery
The theme of discovering yourself is also present in this novel. Sophie and Hattie both have a longing for something more in their lives. They are struggling to accept who they really are and what they really want for themselves.

As they explore the pasts of their families, they learn about themselves, and they understand the importance of letting go of the past. The story reveals what is like to be honest with oneself and embracing new opportunities.

• Warm Heart-Centered Writing Style
Beth Moran’s writing evokes a sense of comfort and warmth that engulfs the reader's soul. Take Me Home is no exception. The novel is well-written, with equal parts drama, romance, and mystery.

It tells the story of Sophie Potter, a woman whose job is helping others deal with life's worst. Due to her past, she's built her life around keeping her loves and loyalties to a minimum. Sophie's life soon becomes intertwined with Hattie Langford, a fifty-something-year-old woman who has kept her heart and past safely stored away.

As Hattie shares the secrets of Riverbend's past, spanning generations of women and men they have loved and lost, the two women find themselves questioning their pasts' choices.

Beth Moran does an excellent job of developing these characters, bringing depth and empathy to the readers. She showcases the complicated nature of human relationships, and how, sometimes, the secrets that families harbor can have a negative impact on relationships.

• Well-Rounded Characters
The author Beth Moran has done an excellent job of creating well-rounded and relatable characters. Sophie and Hattie are witty, intelligent, and charming. Readers will quickly become attached to them as they work through their difficult pasts and their changing lives.

The development of their friendship feels organic... And the story depicts how they both learn to trust each other and themselves.

As the novel progresses, we see a distinct change in the book's tone... From somber and sad to hopeful and optimistic. And the characters' journey reflect that progression towards healing and growth. The reader can't help but be moved by the depth of these characters' journeys.

The author also keeps the reader engaged with plot twists and surprises that make the novel and its' characters incredibly captivating.

• Bringing A Setting To Life
Another striking element in the novel is its setting. Riverbend is more than just a house... It is a character. Beth Moran brings the Sherwood Forest to life, painting a vivid picture of the scenery surrounding the characters in a way that deepens the story.

Her descriptions of the different rooms and spaces at Riverbend bring the entire book to life, bringing a sense of familiarity to both the readers and the characters who eventually call it home.

EPILOGUE
Take Me Home by Beth Moran is a must-read for anyone looking for an emotional, heart-warming, and richly developed story. The book features relatable and charming characters, well-paced narrative with the perfect mix of mystery, heartbreak, and romance...

With a setting that is picturesque, and plot twists and turns that will keep you turning pages... Encouraging readers to be brave and to let go of whatever is holding them back so that they can embrace new opportunities for love and life.

If you are looking for Best Second Chance Romance Books that will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted, then Take Me Home could be your next favorite book to read!... ✨😎✨

Pages: 370
Genre: Contemporary Romance Book
Sub-Genres: Best Second Chance Romance Books | Love After Loss Romance Book | New Girl In Town Romance Book | Hidden Identity Romance Book
T.I.M.E. Jalapeno Rating:️ Closed Door Romance Book
Time Period: Contemporary
Location: Sherwood Forest (Nottinghamshire, England)
Publisher: Boldwood Books

IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK THEN TRY…
Book: Always On My Mind by Beth Moran ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Movie: The Rose Maker ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A story of two women, Sophie Potter and Hattie Langford, who have built their lives around protecting their hearts and pasts, find themselves uncovering the secrets of generations of women who have lived at Riverbend...

As they weave through their own pasts, they start to question...
Is it time to embrace their individual lives fully?... And start taking risks with their hearts?

BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION:
• The importance of letting go of the past and embracing new opportunities for growth and love.
• How self-discovery can lead to healing and understanding oneself better.
• The impact that family secrets can have on relationships, and the importance of communication in building strong connections with loved ones.

These book club discussion points are relevant not just in the context of the story but also in our own lives... Asking us to explore what it would mean to let go of the past, embrace change and growth, and not be afraid to take risks in life and love... And highlighting the significance of being open and honest with ourselves and our loved ones to build stronger relationships.

BOOK QUOTE:
"I'm not letting fear decide who I am anymore... I'm choosing love... " — Take Me Home by Beth Moran

--------------------

All my book reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Simple Living | Denise Wilbanks at thisismyeverybody.com/blog/what-book-should-i-read

♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

A touching story of two women, Sophie and Hattie, who find solace and understanding in each other's company. Sophie, accustomed to keeping her distance, is drawn into Hattie's quest to uncover her family's hidden history. Together, they navigate through secrets and sorrows, learning valuable lessons about love, loss, and the importance of opening up. A compelling tale that will leave you reflecting on the complexities of the human heart long after you've turned the last page.

Sophie, having experienced profound grief, has built a business aiding others in the aftermath of bereavement. Her latest task, however, involves helping the alive yet secretive Hattie sort through memories in her attic. As their bond grows, Sophie considers her own fresh start, encouraged by Hattie's supportive friends. The book expertly blends poignant narrative, laughter, and tears, delivering a fulfilling romance and compelling characters. Sophie's journey, from grief to healing and romance, deeply resonates, while the portrayal of female friendships is both authentic and moving. With flawless emotional depth and superb storytelling, it is an enjoyable read to me

well this book is what i would describe as a hug in a book! i fell in love with all the characters and their individual stories will make you smile and cry
i really hope there is a sequel we would love to follow their stories and lives

Wonderful feel good festive read. The plot was enchanting and delightful. It was so well written and played out so well. Lots of truth and wisdom in the book. I couldn’t put the book down

Cute Christmas festive rom com for the Christmas season. Characters were very loveable and funny. The storyline was amazing

I loved it vit was an emotional Rollercoaster and I loved it! Beth Moran always delivers powerful books and characters and each book get better. I will always buy and read her books they are always 5 stars!
I just reviewed Take Me Home by Beth Moran. #TakeMeHome #NetGalley
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Beth Moran's "Take Me Home" is a poignant and uplifting novel that beautifully weaves together themes of love, loss, and the power of facing one's past. With smart characters and irresistible romances, Moran creates a heartwarming story that resonates with readers on a deep emotional level.

The protagonist, Sophie Potter, is an expert at helping others navigate through their worst moments, drawing from her own experiences with heartbreak. Her life revolves around her trusty motorhome and loyal companion, Muffin, as she keeps her emotional attachments to a minimum. However, when she encounters Hattie Langford, a fabulous fifty-something with her own hidden past, Sophie's world takes an unexpected turn.

Hattie, seeking solace in sharing her family's long-held secrets at Riverbend, opens the door to a history of heartbreak and hurt that both women must confront. As Sophie and Hattie delve into the stories of generations of women at Riverbend, the novel skillfully unravels echoes of their own pasts. The narrative unfolds with a delicate balance of nostalgia, mystery, and the promise of new beginnings.

Moran's storytelling is both heartwarming and soul-nourishing, capturing the essence of personal growth and healing. The characters are portrayed with depth and authenticity, making it easy for readers to connect with their journeys. The exploration of love and loss, coupled with the revelation of Riverbend's biggest secret, adds layers to the narrative, keeping the reader engaged until the final page.

"Take Me Home" is a testament to Beth Moran's ability to craft emotionally resonant and compelling stories. Her novels have a transformative quality that enriches the reader's soul. This book, like Moran's others, is impossible not to fall in love with. It stands as a perfect choice for fans of authors like Jill Mansell, Julie Houston, and Jenny Colgan.

In summary, "Take Me Home" is a five-star read that combines intelligent storytelling, memorable characters, and irresistible romance. Beth Moran's skill in creating heartwarming narratives shines through, making this novel a must-read for anyone seeking a touching and uplifting literary experience.

Hattie was a woman of two worlds, quite literally, who needed help sorting her past, ordering her present, and perhaps settling her future. Sophie was the kindhearted soul with a business plan to do just that for grieving families (something I could never imagine doing for a living, but by goodness is necessary, needed, and appreciated tenfold). She'd never worked on this side of loss, the still living side, but this job would be unlike any other she's taken in many more ways than the obvious one. There are many rewards to be reaped in life, those of the heart being among the biggest, but if we're unwilling to open ourselves to the possibilities, take chances, and practice forgiveness... how will we ever accept that goodness for ourselves?

I loved the vibrancy of Hattie. I can't say I didn't guess what was happening with her to some degree, but it didn't matter. She was a force to be reckoned with and definitely had a "Goonie" state of mind (hopefully you're of an age to get the reference 😉). When her time came (not in the way you're necessarily thinking!), I couldn't help but celebrate on her behalf. Sophie was very dear to my heart. Like I said before, I couldn't do the job she did, but can definitely appreciate the help, the closure, the shoulder to lean on in a time when nothing seems stable that she would have provided. Learning about her past helped us understand her better, truly see her for the bruised heart she carried, and respect her all the more for it. As she worked her way through that tangle of emotions, you couldn't help but feel proud of the progress she made, and hope against hope for that tangible future you could see just out of reach.

A touching story about living life with no regrets, or at least settling them up before life settles up with you. It reminds us to follow our hearts, seek out our dreams, and grab onto love whenever we find it. Make the most of the moments, and you'll have more than memories to last a lifetime.

Another great book by Beth Moran. A book that will lift you up, make you smile and have you reaching for the next feel good book. Beth always writes the most wonderful characters and her writing makes you feel as if you know them and you are on a journey with them.

A sweet and interesting but not airy-fairy, it has depth and a good storyline which will keep you reading. It is a book that has some emotion but will leave you feeling good and knowing there are good people who do good things in the world.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

3.5 out of 5. This is a sweet, heartfelt and powerful family drama set at Christmas. A lovely story of how you can make peace with your family past, but also how intergenerationally so much pain can be passed on. The concept of these women healing through art is beautiful and the twists and ending are lovely.