Maybe, Perhaps, Possibly by Joanna Glen is a slow burn love story - and one like I’ve never read before. Ok, so I’m not a huge romance reader, so I’m no expert, but I loved the way that this story was in no rush to throw Addie and Sol together. Addie wants to learn how to be independent, away from her small island life and here controlling mother. She wants to find what she’s good at.

Sol, on the other hand, just doesn’t know how to tell Addie that he really cares. In fact, I think he’s scared of rejection. Something both of them fear after difficult childhoods.

They’re both awkward, sweet young people, both scared of letting the other know how they feel. I felt as though I was reading a fairy tale, the third person narrative helping this along, and I adore a fairy tale.

I just loved how this story unfolded - something that Joanna Glen does so well - and how Sol and Addie learned to let go of their inhibitions and hold on to one another. It’s a beautiful story.

“The words he’s saying don’t match anything he’s feeling – and he wishes that he could turn himself inside out and that she could see the truth of him without words getting in the way. He’s never imagined that words might get in the way. He’s had total faith in them all his life.”

Maybe, Perhaps, Possibly is the third novel by British author, Joanna Glen. A letter from his father the vicar has twenty-six-year-old teacher, Sol Blake furious and appalled, and it’s the impetus for a radical move. He cuts ties with his family, quits his teaching post, buys a refurbished campervan with his Aunt Peggy’s bequest, and sets out to find each of the “thin” places his late mother urged him to visit, a belief his father has no time for, or tolerance of.

His first stop is the island of Ora, where he’ll spend two hopefully reflective weeks in the Prayer House, guided, if necessary, by resident hermit Brother Andrew. His arrival is watched by Addie Lemming, or Finch, twenty-two, living with her mother at The Retreat on Rokesby Island, attached to Ora by a low-tide bridge. Addie hasn’t left Rokesby in seven years, does almost all the physical work to keep their women-only retreat operating, swims daily to connect with a friendly octopus, and sews, very well, a legacy of her late, beloved Grandma Flora Finch.

Addie’s father and younger brother, Sydney visit the island occasionally, and Addie longs to go with them to Durham, but her mother needs her to run The Retreat. A chance comment from a retreat client brings the realisation that she’s virtually slave labour, unpaid, with nothing of her own, no life of her own: Martha Lemming maintains that she provides all her daughter needs.

When Addie and Sol first encounter each other, they’re both quite surprised at being able to overcome their shyness, and they find what others see as quirkiness appealing: Addie’s swim-tail, her naivete; Sol’s singing, poetry and his crab-circling party trick. The instant physical attraction doesn’t hurt either, although neither imagines the other feels it. But when Martha refuses to allow Addie to leave with her blessing (and some money), Addie begs Sol to help her.

Together, they slip away. Sol promises to keep her escape secret from her mother, and entrusts her with his van. And that goes spectacularly wrong in a wholly unpredictable way. Circumstances see them separated, eventually by eight hundred miles, and unable to find one another despite some valiant attempts. Circumstances also bring them together again, but only a massive spoiler would describe how, and the aftermath.

“She remembers saying to herself, I will never ever love anyone like I loved Grandma Flora. I will make sure of that. I will love only a little bit, or not at all. Because love lures us into thinking that we are fine, and then it leaves us, and when it does, we are unable to breathe. Because love , it turns out, was our oxygen.”

Do they eventually overcome the emotional baggage they each carry? Of course they do, but it’s not an easy road, even for two who are meant to be together. They have a lot in common: both are very earnest; both are grieving a much-loved family member; both suffer a dysfunctional childhood at the hands of a parent who has difficulty demonstrating their love; both have a love of the natural world, and birds in particular.

Glen’s cleverly constructed plot likely has the reader indignant at the treatment meted out to each protagonist in their youth, but then reveals the contexts which somewhat mitigate that. Their inner monologues are often a source of humour, especially when they second-guess themselves: “He really does have to conquer his demons. Perhaps he’ll conquer them later. Tomorrow, or the next day, or next year, when he will have a beard and the demons will take more notice.” And, despite his tragic situation, one of Sol’s Fair Isle pupils, Barry Forfitt is an absolute delight.

Glen gives her hermit wise words: “’God isn’t like an interview panel or an exam board,’ says Brother Andrew. ‘I didn’t realise that for years. The secret, I think, if you want to know God, is this: be present and grateful. Say thank you. Whatever God brings into your life, don’t resent it or reject it, but welcome it with all you have. Then you’ll be able to be who you are where you are right now. Which is where God is too. With you. You know, if you’re walking, walk. If you’re eating, eat. Then all of life’s a prayer.’”

Addie offers this insight: “He can be vulnerable and a tyrant. People have lots of selves. We’re all like Russian dolls. Don’t you think?” Often laugh-out-loud funny, but also very moving, Joanna Glen’s latest is a wonderful read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Harper Collins UK.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this ARC accessible to me. I actually finally read this in August 2024 but only managed to post this review now due to various life events and forgetting my NetGalley login.

This is a beautifully woven story of two quirky strangers meeting and falling in love. The pacing was a little slow for me and there were many bird metaphors/metaphors in general which some were beautiful but it was also a bit too much for me personally but am sure there are many readers out there who would eat this all up. The chemistry between Addie and Sol was so realistic and lovely and I loved their innocent and introverted nature, very refreshing to see these type of characters fall in love.

A beautifully stunning story from incredible writer Joanna Glen. If there is one thing Joana Glen can do, it's write incredibly real and complex characters with touching connections and heart-breaking realities in the cruel world they live in. But they are also filled with hope, and love, small tender moments and really connect to the innermost insecurities or sadnesses of live. A beautiful read from a very dependable and beautiful writer

This is a beautifully descriptive, slow burn story that covers grief and freedom, the themes of love, and the meaning of family.

Two very quirky characters both with unusual backgrounds, trying to find each other amongst the turmoil.

Whilst I enjoyed this book and its poignancy, I also found it slightly frustrating and a tad long. Joanna Glen does tell a great story though, so might appeal more to others.

This was one of those books that appeared in my life at exactly the right time.
I sobbed as I read many parts but so many of the thoughts in it have helped in my own grieving process.
I wish I could forget it all to read it again for thr first time.
Beautiful story and wonderfully written.

This was a delightful story, full of nature observations and a sweet story about two oung people breaking out of the family ties that bound them tightly.

A coming of age story, a wild and fascinating place, well developed and flawed characters that grew on me.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Addie has spent most of her life on one of the Farne Islands and is desperate to escape, whilst Sol is keen to escape his mundane life and buys a camper van to go travelling. When the pair meet, a series of events threatens to disrupt their lives and any chance of a relationship.

Having loved one of Joanna Glen’s previous books, I approached Maybe, Perhaps, Possibly with both excitement and dread. Thankfully, I soon discovered that it was every bit as good. Her characters are well developed and believable. Both Sol and Addie have their quirks and annoyances, but are easy to love and get behind.

A great read, one I will be recommending to my book group

Set between an island in Northumberland and the Norfolk Broads
It’s basically a will they/won’t they romance between the main characters - Addie & Sol
They are lovely believable characters, both introverted and socially awkward and you so wanted them to make the right decisions to make their relationship work
Beautifully written and I loved the slow pace nature of the novel, the descriptions of nature and wildlife were utterly divine, leaving you yearning for wild places
Thanks @joannaglenwriter @boroughpress & @netgalley for the beautiful unorthodox love story

This was a simple, fun, easy and quick read. The perfect type of book for your holiday, beach, pool kind of read. This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and I would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

http://thesecretbookreview.co.uk

What an unusual book. And, bearing in mind my favourite genres, I really shouldn't have liked it much. But it was brilliant!
The writer had a way of capturing my attention, so this became a book that was very hard to put down.

4.5* Maybe, Perhaps, Possibly. Wow. Wow. Wow. What a book!

Addie lives on a tiny island off the Northumberland Coast, supporting her mother to run a retreat for women. The neighbouring island is connected by a bridge which is only passable at low tide and on that island is a monastery where grief stricken Sol is visiting to trying to come to terms with the death of his mother. Two souls who have had hugely different but equally emotionally difficult upbringings. Both are reclusive, introverted and shy. But when their eyes lock, their worlds change.

At one level this is a ‘will they, won’t they, will they stick it out book’. Yet it is so much more.

The characters are fabulous. Not just Sol and Addie (who can be shout out loud infuriating), but many of the other characters; from the children who Sol teaches to the puffins on the headland, all of who will burrow into your heart and will make a huge impression.

There were times when the plot slowed a little too much but the language is so rich (yet readable) that you cannot fail to continue being swept along. If I was a little sceptical about this book at the start, I was blown away pretty quickly and absolutely loved it.

Thanks to Harper Collins, The Borough Press and Netgalley for an ARC.

Thank you for this ARC!

A really pretty, romantic contemporary romance. I have been enjoying this genre recently and really enjoyed the softness of Joanna’s writing. It really connected to the quiet parts of my life.

This is my first book by this author and I really loved it. Quirky, funny, sad, and exploring issues of real depth I found both the writing and the setting really interesting, and different . Will be making Joanna and auto-buy

@currentlyreading__
Book 43 of 2024

Thank you to @Netgalley, the author @joannaglen and Harper Collins UK for the e-copy of ‘Maybe, Perhaps, Possibly’ in exchange for my opinions.

I haven’t read anything by this author but I was intrigued by the premise of this book with two introverts coming together to escape their family tragedies and find a relationship amidst the healing power of nature.

The characterisation within this book was superb, with the indelible impression both Addie and Sol have left on me but also Addie’s terse and selfish mother.

The setting is also atmospheric with lyrical descriptions of Addie’s home; the fictional island of Rokesby, where her mother runs a retreat for women wanting to escape and immerse themselves in the beauty of this natural isle. The description of Ora, connected to Rokesby dependent on the tide, is also beautiful. This is Sol’s place of retreat following the death of his mother. Both characters have found themselves on isolated land and are not only physically isolated but also emotionally isolated from those around them. This, ultimately is a tale of connection, trust and the binding power of nature.

A lovely gentle read and if you like a book heavy on setting the scene, this is for you.


#bookworm #iamreading #bookreview #kindle #bookreviews #bibliophile #netgalley #joannaglen #maybeperhapspossibly

Another corker of a book by Joanna Glen. She writes so beautifully of people, places, emotions, relationships and connections. The beauty, complexity and simplicities of lives; the heart of what really matters. I loved this story of Addie and Sol; great characters and I found myself really rooting for them and sympathising with each of them.
Truly lovely.

Such a beautiful story. Think One Day meets The Salt Path. On one hand, a love story, but it's heartbeat is the coastal tides and seabirds that appear-literally and figuratively - throughout the story. The metaphors are frequent but needed, they're really an essential part of the storytelling. I didn't relate to some of the religious elements to be honest, but it didn't detract.

I'm a keen walker and recently started dabbling in ornithology (grab your binoculars, come follow me*) so it was lovely to be able to recognise a lot of the birds mentioned, particularly the sea birds on the island. I'd also like an octopus please, thank you very much!

*if you know, you know

Sol, the son of a Vicar from the Norfolk Broads in England has spent his last three years grieving the death of his mother. He decides to visit Ora and stay in the prayer house for a couple of weeks.
Tiny Ora has access to Rokesby an island, and at certain times when the tides are out via rocks and a bridge you can cross from Ora to Rokesby.
It is here that he spots Addie.
Addie lives on the remote island with her mother. Her mother owns The Retreat a small hotel that caters for women only. It’s remote. Addie longs to leave, to experience life.

I found the beginning of the book a slow burner. The writing was beautiful but I wondered where it was all going.
The sentences regarding Eureka the Octopus were just lovely, it reminded me of a documentary about a diver and an octopus and the friendship they developed in their own unique way.
When I got to about 20% of the book it picked up some pace, and I started to enjoy and understand it more. Dysfunctional families and a couple who can’t communicate their feelings vocally.
The book was written so well, so descriptive, touching lines and words. So much feeling poured into it. Depth and understanding.
A lovely book.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Publisher for an advanced e-book copy. Opinions about the book are entirely my own.

Maybe, Perhaps, Possibly by Joanna Glen is an absolutely beautiful story about two lonely souls finding each other and falling in love. This is a slow, gentle read, completely character driven, and oh what wonderfully unique and occasionally frustrating characters we have in Addie and Sol.
Addie has grown up on the remote isle of Rokesby, where she helps her mother to run a women's retreat. and recently she has begun to question if this the life she would really choose for herself if it wasn't literally all she knows. Sol is mourning the loss of his mother, the only parent he ever felt close to, and has travelled to the neighbouring island in her memory, as well as to recover from a shocking betrayal by his father. Despite their reticence the two find themselves drawn to each other, but if there is to be any hope of a future together both will have to work through the traumas of the past and learn to trust again.
It took a little time to get into the rhythm of this book, it gently ebbs and flows like the tide, and the slow pacing might be off putting for some readers but the beauty and insight of the writing kept my attention for long enough to allow me to fall in love with the characters, and once that happened I was all in. There is a delicious awkwardness about the early interactions between the characters, something charmingly naive and almost childlike, especially in the case of Addie which becomes understandable as we learn more about her upbringing. I was absolutely rooting for this couple to figure out a way to make things work, even if at times it looked unlikely. This is the kind of book where I could not assume that a happy ending was in sight, which meant that there was always some tension driving the story forward.
I found myself underlining snippets as I read, something I rarely do, little things like .
"it's about doing the right thing or the true thing, isn't it " and "its hard to live a life we can't imagine... our future starts inside our own minds" or even "dissonance feels like judgement in families" and as I reached the end of the book there was a part of me that just wanted to start it all over again, and another part that immediately thought of several people I would hand it to.
I loved this book and I really feel like it will be one of the highlights of my reading year.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.