I usually love Sara Cox books but this one rambled too much - I don’t care what everyone’s dog is called. It felt like the editor didn’t like to cut out the waffle.

A beautifully written story about childhood secrets, friendship, self discovery, families, love and loss.
I really enjoyed this book, it didn’t disappoint.
It’s full of heart and a rollercoaster of emotions. I enjoyed the humour which had me laughing.
It has lots of likeable characters, an interesting plot, with a few twists to keep you reading and guessing to the end. Josie’s character is so relatable and engaging.
The story just flows really well. I enjoyed the setting and descriptions of the farm. Just brilliant.
Overall, a cosy lighthearted story I couldn’t put down. Definitely recommend.
I look forward to reading future books from this author. @SaraCox
With thanks to #NetGallery @Hodderandstoughton for an arc of #WayBack in exchange for a honest review.
Book publishes 26 March 2024.

Way Back

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this arc in exchange for a review.

As a farmer’s daughter, I could completely relate to Josie’s tales from her childhood growing up on the farm and Sara Cox’s experience captures it perfectly! This is such a lovely story, full of heart and I have already recommended it to others.

Told over two parts, Josie is in the process of separating from husband James, then moving on to her new life, at the same time reminiscing over her childhood. Many things are questioned by Josie, will she learn the truth of what happened back when her father died, a topic her Mum does not talk about?…

A rollercoaster of emotions for Josie in going back to her childhood home. Overall a good read, I’d almost say a slow burner for me personally, but not my usual genre, but definitely worth reading.

Sara Cox's latest offering, Way Back, weaves a cosy, if slightly twee, narrative that delves deep into the themes of midlife discovery, marital dissolution, and the profound journey back to one’s roots. At the heart of this tale is Josie, a character many will find both relatable and engaging. She is a woman in her fifties, embarking on a poignant quest for self-discovery amidst the unraveling of her marriage and the quiet lull that follows her daughter's departure to university.

Set against the backdrop of London's leafy streets, far from the Lancashire farm of her youth, Josie's story is one of longing and reflection. Cox masterfully captures the essence of nostalgia and the ache for a simpler past, as Josie grapples with the loss of her father in a tragic accident—a pivotal moment that has remained shrouded in silence by her mother and unprocessed grief within Josie herself.

The novel shines in its portrayal of Josie’s courageous step to reclaim her life by returning to her childhood farm, an act that serves as a catalyst for her transformation. Cox's narrative is a testament to the idea that to move forward, one must first look back. Yet, the journey is not without its challenges. The novel occasionally falters, particularly in its heavy-handed exploration of Josie's idealisation of her father, which, despite its intentions, sometimes distracts from the story’s heart.

Despite these moments, "Way Back" remains a delightful read, characterized by its light-heartedness and a charming ensemble of characters. It's a book that sails smoothly, inviting readers to reflect on their paths and the possibility of renewal at any stage of life. Predictable at turns, yes, but comfortingly so, making it the perfect pick for those seeking a gentle escape into the complexities of life and the beauty of rediscovery. Cox has penned a narrative that resonates with warmth and gentle wisdom, making Way Back a cosy drama that’s well worth curling up with.

I really enjoyed Sara’s first novel Thrown, so I was very much looking forward to reading this book. Despite a bit of a slow start, the story definitely picked up pace halfway through and there was plenty of intrigue and possibilities to keep me reading. Overall, a cosy, light hearted, warm story showcasing the strengths, determination and resilience of women in the sandwich generation and showing that we can reclaim our stories. A lovely cast of characters and great to be transported back up north to my roots. I’ll definitely be watching out for what’s next from Sara.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Hodder and Staunton for an arc in exchange for a review.

With her marriage over and her daughter having flown the nest, Northerner Josie wonders if it’s time to leave London behind and have a fresh start. Despite having lost her dad years earlier in an accident, and a difficult relationship with her mum, she finds herself drawn to the farm she grew up on. The wide open spaces, memories of happier times, and a connection to the land encourage her to make a new start in the country.
But why did her mum take her away from the farm so soon after her dad’s death? And why is her nearest neighbour trying to force her off the farm?

This book is an easy read, with likeable characters and an interesting plot. There are a few good twists in the tale which keep you guessing to the end, and Sara Cox clearly knows a thing or two about living on a farm!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Having read Sara's first book, Thrown and really enjoying it, I was looking forward to reading her latest book. However, I have to say, I felt that it was really slow at the beginning and if I hadn't enjoyed Thrown so much, I might have given up. I persevered and am glad I did as I felt it really picked up. The plot thickened as the story evolved and gradually, very long held secrets were revealed. I loved the way everything was tied up and you learnt what happened to everyone in the story.

I would recommend this book - just please keep reading when you think it is slow to get going at the beginning.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review, which is what I have given.

I love Sara Cox and always love to listen to her radio shows, so when i came across this book and read the blurb, it really drew me in and kept me engrossed and i just knew i had to read it and i was definitely NOT disappointed, i really, really enjoyed it!

As i began reading it, it did actually take me a little while to get into it but once i did i absolutely loved it.

It was a wonderful, heartwarming story, full of second chances, love and friendship too and i thoroughly enjoyed it all…….

3.5 Stars

Keep looking for the rainbow after the rain Josie!

Fifty one year old Josie Perry has been married to James for twenty three years. Josie thought she had it all, everything she ever wanted. A large beautiful home, an adored daughter at Uni, but her and James aren’t what they were.
Just who is Josie? What does she want from life?

I much preferred the second half of the book. It was more interesting and flowed better for myself. I would have liked less of the strained relationship Josie had with her mum Sandra. There was a lot of raking over old coals. I understand some of it was necessary to reach the conclusion at the end of the book.
The farming aspect of the book I really enjoyed and would have loved more of that added to the storyline. I think that would have made it a four star rating for me.
I enjoyed the different bunch of characters and the humour in the book had me laughing.
Keep looking for the rainbow after the rain Josie, and I think there could be a lovely follow up book to this involving Chloe, the friends, village life and the farm.

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

Way Back is the second of Sara Cox's books I've read and by far my favourite. Its a story of love and loss, families and secrets. Career-less and mid-separation from her husband James, Josie decides on a whim to rent her family farm, despite some traumatic memories. Through the narrative the supporting cast - her daughter Chloe, James, neighbour Will and her mum and many others help Josie understand her past and build a new future. A heartwarming and uplifting read!
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved this! Josie is getting divorced, and ends up renting her childhood home, a farm. There are loads of threads running through, the death of her father when she was 12, her mother's subsequent depression and their difficult relationship, secrets and revelations! I love Sara's writing, feels really comfy and relatable. Excellent!

Josie is going through a strange time of life. Her and her husband James have agreed to part as although they love each other, they are not in love. She has a fractious relationship with her Mother and there are many issues there that have never been resolved. She doesn't know what to do with herself career wise as her illustrious banking career stopped when she had her daughter who is now just finishing university.
When best friend Fay takes her on a wellness weekend in the north, she takes the opportunity to visit the farm she spent her early years on. It was a time when she was happy, her Parents were in love and life was good until tragedy struck and she was ripped away from that life.
When she finds out that the farm is up for rent, she wonders if that is a sign?
Another good read from Sara Coz, very easy to read and a nice story

3.5⭐️
Thank you NetGalley for my copy of this book. This was my first by Sara Cox and it did not disappoint. She had a cracking self of humour and this has wit and filthy jokes in which I love!
The story was a nice story, woman in her 50s getting divorced after being married a long time and starting her new life by moving back to her home town up North.
You can see Sara in this story, she’s uses her experience of being brought up on a farm and it shows.
Was it a little predictable, maybe. But I still flew through it as that extra humour really helped to elevate the story!
I’m very glad a read it and I’d definitely read more of her books!

Josie has it all.
Big house in a nice neighbourhood, husband and a daughter at uni. It is a life she never imagined having when her dad died in a tragic accident and her mum wasn't the best person to be around.
However, the husband doesn't love her anymore and is moving on.
So what does she do.
she always loved her early days growing up on a farm and when she finds herself back in he area she decides to visit it.
What will she find and will it change her life!

Sara Cox - Way Back.

As the end of marriages go, Josie and James have aced an amicable split.
With her daughter safely off at university, Josie is at a loose end and feels that she has lost herself along the way.
As Josie struggles to move forward, it becomes clear that she needs to face the past and exorcise a few ghosts, before she will be free to live again.

This is the second novel by Sara Cox. Having enjoyed Thrown, her first novel, I was champing at the bit to read Way Back.

#WayBack is a bit of a slow burn, but once it gets going, it genuinely is a delight.

I liked Josie, and i felt for her. It’s tough being a woman of a certain age, an empty nester and newly single after a long term relationship or marriage.
I was fully invested in Josie’s journey and loved discovering the secrets of her past.

Sara Cox writes with the same intelligence, charm and humour that she shares on tv and radio.

I thoroughly enjoyed, Way Back. It’s a beautifully written story, that made me feel a rainbow of emotions.
It’s a story with some fabulous characters, some tricky relationships, a bit of a mystery and it tells of the difficult path to follow when you need to reboot your life.

Cosy, warm, full of heart and utterly unputdownable.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

With thanks to Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for a digital arc of this title.

As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the plot - there will be reviews like that out there already if that's what you're looking for!

I'd read and enjoyed Sara's previous novel "Thrown",, so was delighted to be invited to read this one. Although I enjoyed most of this novel, a few things didn't quite hit the spot for me this time. I felt that the pace was really quite slow in the first half of the book - dealing mainly with the civilised breakup of Josie and James, plus a lot of time spent reminiscing about Josie's rather miserable early life, and her bad relationship with her Mum. It was a bit depressing to begin with - but I kept reading as I felt sure that better times were ahead!

I'm glad I did, as the pace picked up in the second part of the book - and once Josie had revisited the farm, the story and overall mood improved. With the introduction of more characters and more "mysteries to be solved" about the past and present, the second half was much more interesting. It's clear that Sara Cox knows about farming and life in the country (I've since read that she actually spent part of her childhood on her Dad's farm so maybe some bits are genuinely autobiographical).

Overall this one was a bit of a mixed bag for me - I've given it a 3-star rating but it would be a 3.5 star if I could figure out how to do that lol!

I'll definitely read more by Sara Cox as I like her writing style.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC. All opinions my own.

I absolutely love Sara's books, the stories suck you in from the start with well written characters and excellent story lines and this one didn't disappoint, Josie and Will are set for the future and it's lovely

Another very enjoyable book from Sara. She really does have some super characters.

You could see the story progressing from both sides which made the book very real.

Thank you netgalley for allowing me to read this lovely book.

I adored this book. As much as I enjoyed Thrown I thought this was a great improvement and kept me entertained to the very last page. Well written characters and scenery you could see, I loved it!