I have been looking forward to reading this book and am so happy I finally found the time to get lost in the pages. This is a wonderful read. It deals with a difficult matter … domestic abuse … but the author does a wonderful job of helping you wade through them with sensitivity. Having a sister who had four ex-boyfriends in the local law enforcement detention center at the same time, was beaten beyond recognition by one of her husbands, and another husband who threatened to kill me two different times for trying to help my sister out of the abusive relationship, I got how Shelley felt that she was perpetuating the abuse cycle. The characters are well developed and you will find yourself pulled into the story as Shelley Woodhouse wakes up in the hospital having suffered brain trauma. I loved the dual timeline aspect … though only 7 years apart. Experiencing Shelley’s awakening and how she slowly begins to remember her past is touching and heart wrenching. I was so impressed with her best friend, Dee. If we all had a friend like her, this world would be a much better place. She was such a wonderful caregiver, supporter, and encourager. I strongly encourage you to pick this one up and experience the emotional journey of Shelley Woodhouse.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

adult fiction
contemporary
family
fiction
mystery
romance

To be honest I chose The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up by Laura Pearson to meet the requirements of a challenge to read a book where a character shared my first, middle, or last name, (none of which are exactly common) so I wasn’t sure what to expect from this, but happily I was pleasantly surprised.

The narrative of The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up shifts between ‘Now’ as she physically recovers after waking from a coma in hospital following a traumatic incident, and ‘Then’, as Shelley slowly recalls memories from her past, beginning in her childhood, to understand the present.

“I need to let the memories in bit by bit. Starting with what I’m sure of, what I know.”

Shelley is convinced that a brutal argument with her husband, David, is responsible for her current condition, she remembers his fury with painful clarity - shouting, torn clothes, blood, and a vicious push that sent her tumbling down the stairs. Her memories trace the path to that moment, beginning with the introduction of her mother’s violent boyfriend into her family when she was a child. It’s a tale that exposes how the cycle of domestic violence transfers through generations, and how difficult it can be to break it.

In the Now, as Shelley remains largely bed bound from a brain injury, the present is sometimes confusing for her, but with little energy to spare she glosses over any small inconsistencies. Shelley has two regular visitors, one of whom is her best friend, Dee, who looks a little different but is still also reassuringly the same. The other is Matt, a hospital volunteer who treats her with patience and kindness. Shelley’s difficult journey back to herself is affecting, and I was invested in both her physical and emotional recovery.

As a character driven drama, The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up unfolds at a leisurely but even pace. The ‘twist’ in the plot is unlikely to surprise the average reader but that doesn’t really detract from the story.

Written with compassion and heart, The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up is a poignant and thought provoking novel.

The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up by Laura Pearson is a most beautiful contemporary novel that I really enjoyed.
The novel is written in two time periods – ‘then’ and ‘now.’ It is in the first person of Shelley Woodhouse. The reader gets to know her intimately from the age of six. We see how she functions. She is a very likable and believable main character.
There is an ethereal beauty to the novel despite the difficult theme of domestic abuse. Laura Pearson presents it with sensitivity. We see some of the abuse through the eyes of a child. “I sat in my bedroom wondering whether my mother might be dead.” There are some heart-breaking themes as well as some beautiful ones as we see Shelley Woodhouse being loved and protected by her grandmother.
Our upbringing shapes us. “Dad left and I don’t want to risk anyone else deciding to go.” Shelley Woodhouse aged six, has decided that she must be a ‘good girl’ so no one else ever leaves her. It is a motto she lives by.
Her young eyes and heart saw far too much of life. “There are only so many times you can be called hideous things before you start to wonder if they might be true.” If no one tells us any difference, we believe the lies that people tell us.
There is the danger of the past repeating itself. Lessons learnt from her mum; mean Shelley Woodhouse knows how to use makeup to cover the bruises. It is heart-breaking.
It is also heart-breaking to see the lies that women tell themselves. “I let it happen. I didn’t leave.” Abuse is never their fault and they need positive re-enforcement. “It’s not your fault.”
We witness the strength of the women when they realise they are not alone. “We have to go on living despite these men who have tried to ruin us.”
There are good men in the world and the novel has several kind hearts.
The whole book is beautifully and sensitively written. Laura Pearson has a very personable style enabling the reader to fully immerse themselves in her world.
Despite the heart-breaking topic, there is much love within the novel. It is this love that remains long after the last page is read.
A word: Please if you or anyone you know has been affected by the themes, please tell someone and seek help.
I received a free copy. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

This is a compelling story of a woman waking up from a coma after domestic abuse. You would think it would be a depressing storyline but it's not the writing is so compassionate and you get to love the characters, and Shelley gradually getting her memory back, making it a great read

I’ve read quite a few of these tales with a woman who loses her memory and tries to find her footing in the world again. With that experience, some of the reveals in this book are expected, but the overall reading experience was good.

I’ve read one other book by the author. There’s a serious undertone in each book that I’ve picked, one where the central lead female protagonist tries to figure out the life she should lead based on the things she’s learned from her past. This plot works in a similar fashion.

Shelley finds herself in hospital. Waking from a coma that she is sure was caused by her husband attacking her. Each time she wakes, she thinks over a piece of her past and tries to discuss her present with anyone nearby.

It was easy to see the few twists coming, but that’s only because I was almost keeping an eye out for it. The author manages to create a good growth ARC for Shelley, making her easy to champion and hope the best for.

I already have another book by the author on my virtual shelf which I will get to later this year. I would recommend this book to fans of the genre.

I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

I’ve read all of Laura’s books and will continue to do so because her observation of people and family is so brilliant and relatable. Her books make me feel so much all at once, and since her move to Boldwood she’s taken things to a new level.

The Day Shelley Woodhouse wakes up follows a woman as she wakes from a coma suffering with memory loss. Piecing her past together with her present is painful, yet sometimes joyful too. Laura writes characters I am invested in and care about, I feel as I am right there with them. She doesn’t shy from tough topics and this certainly deals with a very tough topics. Yet even in that, there is hope and strength.

The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up by Laura Pearson; Boldwood Books, 6th April 2024

When Shelley wakes from a coma with fractured memories of her abusive husband trying to kill her, the timeline splits into two as she remembers her childhood and the recent present time.

Abuse is a running theme, which is unflinching in its rawness, and made for some uncomfortable reading. The characters are excellently portrayed. Granny Rose is strong, loving and a bit feisty. I adored Dee, Shelley's best friend, who was always there for her and super supportive.

Seeing Shelley realise fully what had happened to her was heart-wrenching, sad, yet somehow compulsive reading. I was raging at the man who had the audacity to do that. This is such a well-written book with a storyline that grips.
*Please check the TWs*

Shelley wakes up in intensive care. She knows things are bad, but she that's about it. We see how scared and confused she is as she tries to make sense of her new reality.

This book really tugs at the heartstrings and takes a very compassionate look at a difficult issue. It's well written and paced with good character development. I would recommend this book and will look for further offerings from this author. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for my copy of this book.

I wanted to love this, but found it so depressing. I know that’s the point of the book - Shelley needs to overcome her terrible situation before she can find her Happy Ever After, but it just didn’t engage me as I’d hoped. Even when I saw the author post a reply in a FB group to someone called Shell Woodhousr, I just couldn’t keep going. So sad I wanted to love this book! I loved this author’s other books, so I was surprised it didn’t work for me.

2* from me, just couldn’t get past 49%

Another enjoyable and compelling read from Laura Pearson!

Shelley Woodhouse is a memorable character. Though we first meet her when she awakens in intensive care, we learn of her childhood and adolescence via her gradually recurring memories. She is strong, a fighter, and the reader champions her recovery, both physically and emotionally.

We empathize with her. Alone, with few memories, in hospital, Shelley just has two visitors. Her friend Dee (who looks somehow different) and a hospital volunteer named Matt. Dee smells the same, so Shelly is comforted by her presence. Matt brings tea, soup, Kit-Kats, and a listening ear.

This was a novel about a victim of domestic abuse. A victim who turned her life around, so it is a hopeful, yet at times poignant, read. The writing and characters ensured I was glued to the pages. The story is told via a dual timeline. NOW while Shelley is in hospital, and THEN relating her previous life.

The only wee quibbles I had with the story was something near the end (which I can't tell you about, so as not to spoil the story for you.) This 'something' seemed highly unlikely to have been missed by the hospital staff, and I found that it made the ending of the book hard to believe. Though, I did try my hardest to suspend belief on that score and rejoice with Shelley's recovery and future life.

I really enjoyed Shelley's heartwarming story which spoke to the cyclic nature of abuse. I have no qualms about recommending it to my fellow readers. Women's fiction and 'UpLit', with a love story thrown in for good measure.

Book Review: The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up by Laura Pearson

Rating: 4 Stars

I recently finished reading "The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up" by Laura Pearson and found it to be a captivating and thought-provoking novel. The book delves into the life of Shelley Woodhouse, who wakes up from a coma with a startling revelation - she believes her husband is responsible for her condition and must be held accountable.

The author, Laura Pearson, skillfully navigates the sensitive subject of domestic violence, providing a realistic and poignant portrayal of its impact on individuals. Through a dual timeline narrative, the story unfolds in the present as Shelley grapples with her newfound memories and the past, shedding light on her childhood and the events that led her to this point.

One of the standout aspects of the book is its well-developed characters, each bringing depth and authenticity to the story. The writing style is engaging and keeps the reader hooked, with a pace that maintains intrigue throughout the book. I particularly appreciated how the author weaved together the different timelines to create a cohesive and compelling narrative.

While the plot may not be overly complex, I found myself invested in Shelley's journey of self-discovery and resilience. The themes of trust, memory, and personal growth are skillfully explored, leaving a lasting impact on the reader. Additionally, I must mention the eye-catching cover design that initially drew me to the book.

In conclusion, "The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up" is a poignant and gripping read that tackles important themes with sensitivity and depth. Laura Pearson's storytelling prowess shines through in this emotionally resonant novel, making it a highly enjoyable and impactful read for those looking for a thought-provoking narrative.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

Shelley Woodhouse wakes up from a coma, and has trouble with her memory. When it starts to come back, she remembers being pushed down the stairs by her husband and insists he tried to kill her. She also knows that she and her mother have a difficult and estranged relationship due to the fact that she put up with an abusive partner and didn't protect Shelley from him. Her only visitors are her nurse and hospital volunteer by the name of Max. She is also visited by a psychologist who talks to her and helps her remember. The story is told in a dual timeline, where we learn about Shelley's life while growing up and before she was married, and the present day where she is healing from a brain bleed.

I really liked learning Shelley's story as it was slowly laid out for both her and the reader. I got an inkling of what was happening, but it didn't become perfectly clear to me until Laura Pearson was ready to share all. Shelley is a very sympathetic character. She was emotionally abused by her mother's partner, and her mother continued to stay with him. When she moves out, gets a job and begins to stand on her own two feet, she ends up with a man who did the same thing to her. The cycle of abuse continued. The characters were well-developed, including the secondary ones. Granny Rose was Shelley's advocate, a feisty, strong and loving woman, which might have helped to avoid all she went through had she not passed. Dee was Shelley's best friend and as the story is unveiled, we see how much she tried to do for her. She was a wonderful friend and was there for her after she comes home from the hospital. The only other thing I want to add is that I loved Max, he plays an important role in the story and is a hero in my eyes. I don't want to say much more because I don't want to give the story away. This book has themes of domestic abuse, generational abuse, friendship and unconditional love. This is only the second book I have read by Laura Pearson, but I will definitely look for more.

A predictable but decently done book that centers around a protagonist who wakes up from a coma and tries to remember how and why she ended up here. Warning: domestic violence but deftly done, mostly focus on the before and after rather than the act. No graphic details. Good one for book clubs but unfortunately too much of a fairy tale for me

A great read
An emotional story
With twists and turns
And a well written book
Looking forward to the next book
Thanks NetGalley

Absolutely adored this book and the story , I have read all the other author work and this one is m6 favourite
Many thanks to publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book

Shelley awakes from a coma certain that her husband is at fault but her memory is missing big gaps. Through the story we see Shelley putting the pieces of her past together including pieces of her childhood. The story and character are engaging and I enjoyed journeying with Shelley.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up is available now.

I loved The Last List of Mabel Beaumont by the same author. No way could I like Shelley Woodhouse as much as Mabel. Not a chance.

Except I did. If not more so!

The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up is another unforgettable, unputdownable book by Laura Pearson. Why did I like it so much?

It’s always really difficult to analyse why one book grabs you whilst another doesn’t but I think that for me, it probably boils down to three things.

I can relate to the main character. I might not have experienced what they’re experiencing but I still get drawn into their story and their emotions make sense to me.
It’s easy to read. These books are very easy to read. So easy that you almost forget you’re reading which probably sounds daft, but it’s similar to when you watch a really good actor acting, you forget that they’re playing a part. As a writer myself, I know this is a really difficult thing to achieve! Easy to read does not mean it was easy to write!
The story keeps me guessing – it’s not predictable, yet still has a satisfying ending.
The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up ticks all three of those boxes and a lot more besides.

Laura Pearson is an author I have only recently discovered and I have found her books interesting and insightful as well as being full of strong female characters and a sense of community. This one is no different, it may be triggering for some as it deals with domestic violence, but is shown in a very insightful and tender way.

Shelley wakes up from a coma, trying to convince the nurses that her husband needs to be arrested because that is why she is in hospital. She can see clearly what he did.

However there are other memories which keep coming back, not related to this accident and what is it about her childhood, that doesn’t seem to be sitting right. Whilst she recognises Dee, her friend visiting her, the mysterious man who comes in with a Kit Kat to share and makes her laugh remains a mystery. Shelley is convinced he is simply a hospital worker.

Dual storylines, interwoven with some twists and turns, if this is the read I get from Pearson, bring on the next book.

The Day Shelley Woodhouse Woke Up was an emotional read.
Shelley woke up from a coma with only one memory, her husband tried to kill her . Suffering from amnesia, she starts to slowly regain her memories. Her recollection of childhood was painful to read and such an emotional roller coaster over all. With that being said I really enjoyed it

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was a tough, but a good read! This book follows Shelly‘s journey as she wakes up in the hospital and slowly regains her memories. She wakes up, thinking that she was just attacked by her husband. There is a twist to her reality as she starts to remember more and more.
I love the character development, and how the reader gets to know Shelly throughout the book along with the relationships she has with Dee and her mom. Like I said, this was a tough read- it was hopeful, it was disturbing, it was sadly realistic as it dives deep into the world of domestic abuse. Would recommend but proceed with caution.