This book in incredible! I read it in one day. It’s captivating and so well written. I couldn’t put it down! You will laugh and you will cry. I can’t recommend enough!

Jenny revisits a traumatic youth and finds that there was more love and acceptance in her tragic teen years than she thought, Engaging characters, a believable plot, and a setting described in great and glowing detail add up to a heartwarming tale.

Belonging is about first love and heartbreak, friendship and secrets, family and forgiveness, hometowns and coming of age, and memory and music. The heart of the story is Jenny’s struggle to undo the binds of a childhood that have deeply affected her life, the painful path to love endured by children raised in alcoholic families, and the grim reality of believing you must hide a part of yourself in order to belong.

Jenny is a young girl when a dust storm rolls into her central California home. She is left with many medical issues and a Mom with mental health problems. Jenny does her best to grow up and leave her hometown. She is hurt by many people in her life. She is determined and dedicated to rising above her up bringing. She falls in love with a childhood friend and he has a child that she loves dearly. A really interesting read that will hold your attention.

This will break your heart, then piece it back together. Jenny has had such a rough life, but she keeps fighting her way through it. Fordyce does an amazing job bringing Jenny to life, drawing the reader in quickly. The descriptions make reading feel more like watching a movie unfold before your eyes. A poignant coming of age story, this is one that will have you all up in your feels. Highly recommend!

Jill Fordyce's "Belonging" is a touching exploration of human connections, weaving a narrative that tugs at the heartstrings. Delving into the complexities of belonging, deftly capturing the essence of human relationships.
At age 13 Jenny becomes bedridden after a dust storm rolls into California. With a life threatening illness she becomes aware that her cruel Mother, nor her weak Father will ever care for her. She comes to rely on her best friend Henry who appears to have secrets of his own, even from his best friend. Years later when Jenny returns from college, she finds that the life she left behind has not changed and that she needs to find a way to release herself from these painful ties. Fordyce creates a tapestry of characters navigating the landscapes of love and acceptance. "Belonging" is a tribute to Fordyce's ability to craft emotionally resonant narratives, leaving readers moved by the authenticity and depth of the storytelling.
I would recommend this book. A sincere thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Belonging is an exploration of first love, heartbreak, friendship and the enduring impact of childhood.. The author’s beautiful and descriptive writing captures the essence of each era.Belonging stands as a testament to the enduring power of love, forgiveness and the quest to belong in a world shaped by both past and present..
I throughly enjoyed this book. I highly recommend it.

I struggled with whether to give this book three or four stars. It’s very well written. The characters are well developed, flawed and relatable. The story itself is very relatable for anyone who has had an abusive, neglectful and angry parent. However, the religious undertones were a drawback, and I wouldn’t have chosen this book if I had known it was so filled with bible verses and Christianity.

I like that the book followed Jenny’s healing journey throughout her life and showed how complicated navigating healing from trauma really is.

The scenes of disownment by one of the gay character’s parents could be triggering for many people in the LGBTQ+ community. There are also scenes that may be triggering for people who have lost a loved one to AIDS. I have not seen that mentioned anywhere and thought it should be mentioned.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4.3 rounded down to 4/5.

Jill Fordyce's "Belonging" invites readers into a captivating narrative that spans three decades, skillfully weaving through the intricacies of first love, heartache, friendship, and the profound impact of one's upbringing. Set against the backdrop of central California, the story unfolds in the wake of an epic dust storm in 1977, leaving the protagonist, Jenny, bedridden and grappling with a life-threatening illness and a devastating loss.

The strength of Fordyce's writing lies in its beauty and descriptiveness. The writing is a tapestry of emotions, vividly portraying the innocence and heartache of first love, the complexities of friendships slipping away, and the indelible marks left by the places we call home. The author's ability to capture the essence of each decade from the 1970s to 2017 adds depth to the narrative, immersing readers in a richly detailed journey through time.

The characters in "Belonging" are rendered with authenticity and realism. Jenny, the protagonist, is a poignant portrayal of resilience in the face of neglect and terror from her own family. The supporting cast, including the loving cousin Heather, the enigmatic best friend Henry, and the earnest first love Billy, all contribute to the relationships that shape and define Jenny's life.

However, one aspect that may catch some readers off guard is the significant role that Catholicism plays in the story, a detail not explicitly highlighted in the book's description. The intertwining of religious elements might be divisive for those who prefer narratives less focused on religious themes. It's a crucial aspect to be aware of, especially for readers who may have strong feelings about the inclusion of religious elements in their literary experience.

Another point of contention might be the book's brevity given its expansive timeline. While the narrative spans three decades, some readers may find themselves yearning for more depth and exploration, feeling that certain aspects of the story could have been further developed. The desire for a more extended exploration of the characters' lives and experiences speaks to the compelling nature of the narrative, leaving readers hungry for a more immersive experience.

In conclusion, "Belonging" is an exploration of first love, heartbreak, friendship, and the enduring impact of childhood. Fordyce's beautiful and descriptive writing captures the essence of each era, while realistic characters breathe life into a story that navigates the complexities of human relationships. Though the inclusion of Catholicism may not resonate with every reader, and some may wish for a more extensive exploration of the narrative, "Belonging" stands as a testament to the enduring power of love, forgiveness, and the quest to belong in a world shaped by both past and present.

"Belonging" by Jill Fordyce is a poignant and evocative coming-of-age novel that masterfully explores the complexities of family, friendship, and personal growth.

Set against the backdrop of a small California town, the story follows Jenny as she navigates the challenges of love, heartbreak, and the lasting impact of a traumatic childhood. Fordyce's prose is rich and immersive, drawing readers into Jenny's emotional journey with vivid detail and heartfelt authenticity.

The themes of resilience, forgiveness, and the longing for belonging are skillfully woven throughout the narrative, making it a compelling and relatable read. While the story is heart-wrenching at times, it ultimately delivers a message of hope and the enduring power of human connection.

"Belonging" is a beautifully written tale that captures the universal struggles of growing up and finding one's place in the world. Highly recommended for readers seeking a heartfelt and thought-provoking story!

Jenny is thirteen where her journey begins in this story. She has endured a lot, but she continues moving forward in her journey. As I read this book, I kept thinking one thing, and hoping she would continue to ride out her journey to see where she came out.
When she returns home years later, the life Jenny so carefully created collides with the one she left behind. But this part of her journey isn't done yet, so you will have to read the book to see if she ends it where it is now, or goes forward to see what lies ahead.
I received an ARC from Post Hill Press through NetGalley and I did enjoy this journey.

Jill Fordyce's book first made an impression with the nice cover. So I wanted to read it. It didn't disappoint. It's an important coming of age story and the struggle with growing up, spanning three decades. Yes, and the style reminded me of Della Owens or Rainbow Rowell. Thank you!

In 'Belonging', Jill Fordyce masterfully weaves a coming-of-age tale that tenderly explores the fragility and resilience of the human spirit. Through Jenny's journey, we experience the harsh realities of a loveless childhood, the solace found in true friendships, and the bliss of first love. The dust storm that ravages Jenny's hometown serves as a poignant reminder that life can be both beautiful and brutal. As she navigates heartbreak, loss, and self-discovery, we are reminded that belonging is not just a place but a sense of belonging within oneself. The characters are expertly crafted, with each relationship adding depth and texture to the narrative. The writing is evocative, transporting readers to the sun-drenched landscapes of central California.

'Belonging' is a triumph of storytelling that will leave you reflecting on your own roots, relationships, and the moments that shape us. A stunning, heartfelt read that will linger long after the final page is turned.

Thank you to NetGalley and Post Hill Press Publishing for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of this book ♥️

The novel explores transformative events in our lives, such as broken friendships, childhood trauma, death, illness, and addictions. The story revolves around heartbreak, love, and danger, with engaging characters resolving these struggles over a three-decade period. The story resonates with readers who seek belonging and connection.

The novel is a deeply moving exploration of Jenny's experiences of fear, hurt, shame, and longing, emphasising the profound impact of her upbringing on her relationships.

Unfortunately, after reading a few chapters I realized this book is very heavy on religion.
I was looking forward to it because it sounded like a wonderful story.

I would recommend this to anyone that religious and enjoy Christian novels.

Thanks to the author/publisher/NetGalley for the ARC!

I finished this book in a few days, I could not put it down! The way the characters are written and the way it moves through the main characters life had me feeling such strong emotions, I could feel exactly how Jenny did! I would 10000% recommend this book to everyone I know! And look forward to reading more from the author.

Belonging

A Novel by Jill Fordyce

Certain events in our lives are transformative. Broken friendships, childhood trauma, death in the family, illness, secrets, family breakdowns, love gained and loss, moving homes, addictions. We can all connect right? No one escapes a broken heart, the treachery of someone you thought you could rely on and trust, friendships slipping away. The parts of ourselves we hide just to fit in and belong.

The struggles we all engage in and how they get resolved with engaging and seemingly rogue characters, riveted me to this novel. In the opening chapter we are tossed straight into the drama when Jenny’s hometown is hit by a violent storm. There is heartbreak, love, and danger in abundance for the remainder of the novel that spans 3 decades.

Due to be published on 30th January 2024. £11.47 E-book on Amazon books or Hardcover £23.92. The author has a BA in English and a Law Degree. Belonging is her first novel.

This is my own honest review of an advance copy, compliments of Netgalley via Post Hill Press, published in the USA.

This was such a deeply moving story. All the way through you got a real sense of the fear, hurt, shame and longing felt by Jenny as she grew into an adult and how her upbringing impacted on every relationship in her life. I would recommend this book.

In Belonging, Jill Fordyce has created a tender love story exploring friendships, parenting, parenting children who were born to others, grand parenting and “uncle-ing”. The beautiful novel explores alienation, disappointment and finding love in many different ways. It is a quick yet absorbing book that tears at heartstrings while filling voids in our heart and soul.

Thank you to NetGalley and Post Hill Press for the opportunity to read this sweet ARC.

This book has a great cover and description, but I feel the beginning starts out a little slow. The author should start with a catchy intro, and grab the reader’s attention.