This was an intriguing story populated with wonderful characters, but for me it went on just a little bit too long. The central hook of the novel is deeply moving and naturally involves a lot of reflection on the main character Virginia's part, but I sometimes felt as though these scenes were repeated several times in slightly different ways. While the motives and emotions were always more than understandable, I felt like there would have been slightly more punch to them if the reflection scenes (specifically as they were in internal first-person) were pared down a little bit. At times the dialogue felt ever so slightly cringey, but the cast of characters was a delight to meet and the story was an interesting read.

The titular character, Virginia, is an old lady contemplating suicide after the death of her husband. Whilst allowing herself a few more weeks, she notices that something is amiss with a neighbour - a young mother with a toddler - and this re-engages her with her community and gives her a reason to carry on. Just as much of a hero as Virginia, we also have Jackson, a teenage boy living with his younger brother and terminally ill grandmother Panna. These seemingly ordinary people get caught up in a traumatic series of events, leading to Virginia abducting Ocean, the neighbour’s toddler daughter and being assisted by Jackson and his family. Despite the tragic domestic violence story, the novel succeeds in being compelling, heart-warming and uplifting and leaves the reader wanting to hear more about these wonderful characters after the book comes to an end.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this, the characters are so well written and relatable I was hooked right from the start.

Touching on tough themes makes this book emotional, I love booked about people and their relationships.

Rosalind Stopps' *Virginia Lane is Not a Hero* is a captivating and emotionally resonant thriller that lingers in your mind long after you turn the final page. This story centers around ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances, highlighting the strength found in unexpected places and the enduring power of human connection.

Virginia Lane, still grappling with the loss of her husband, finds herself pulled into a dangerous situation when she agrees to help a young girl escape from a troubled home. What starts as an act of kindness quickly spirals into a high-stakes journey, forcing Virginia to confront her grief and uncover a resilience she never knew she had.

Stopps masterfully crafts a narrative that is both suspenseful and deeply moving. The pacing is excellent, featuring twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. However, it’s the characters that truly shine. Virginia is a relatable and compelling protagonist; her vulnerability and strength make her exceptionally endearing. The supporting cast is equally well-developed, each character infused with their own complexities and motivations.

While the novel addresses difficult themes such as child abuse and domestic violence, it does so with sensitivity and nuance. Stopps doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of these situations, yet she also offers a message of hope and resilience.

*Virginia Lane is Not a Hero* is a gripping thriller with heart. It serves as a testament to the ability of ordinary people to make a difference, reminding us that even in the darkest times, hope can always be found. This is a must-read for fans of character-driven suspense with an emotional punch.

(4,25/5 stars) As may be surmised from the blurb, this was a really heavy book at times, but this was balanced by some incredible, selfless, brave, funny and kind characters, and a wonderfully warm sense of found family. Not to mention the sweetest baby Ocean, and best boy (dog) Phil! It's definitely an engrossing thriller, and it was impossible for me not to be invested in how things would turn out, heartwarming and heartbreaking in equal measure. (I shed real tears.) Just to note, some characters have really dark backstories, so be prepared and I'd advise to check content warnings beforehand.

Virginia (V) and Jackson are both engaging POVs with easily distinguishable voices, though it was startling when we suddenly jumped to Jackson for a while, when he's not in the blurb at all. I had thought everything would be V's first person POV and I almost thought my ARC had half of another book!

As I mentioned before, V's is a really interesting and engrossing POV, though sometimes (and really, very few times) her chapters felt slightly repetitive. There would be whole passages rehashing V's guilt about involving others - I know it's normal and common to have recurring feelings, especially when the whole book only stretches over a few days/weeks, but by the end at least I think these feelings can be alluded to without needing so many words. In a way this is almost a good thing that I noticed this, as I felt like I knew V well enough by then to understand with just a reference. Aside from that, the sentences sometimes did run on for a bit with few commas, but I got used to this pretty quickly. The narration did feel quite natural, and makes me think that the audio version would definitely be well suited to this book.

Another thing I noticed is that the non-white characters' race was introduced (both times) in the context of overt racism directed towards them or their family. The racism comes up many times, and honestly I don't remember if the characters' Black identity is ever brought up in a context unrelated to racism, inequality or societal prejudices in policing and the care system. Maybe there was, and I just can't recall. Obviously, these are real problems, especially regarding presumption of guilt, and shouldn't be left out. I think Stopps was really trying to hammer home the points about white privilege, but it did feel heavy-handed sometimes in a way that her handling of other issues didn't. That said, I am an Asian reader so this was just my own feeling reading this.

I haven't read many books that are centred around older women like Virginia, and I'd like to change that! I think I'll start by checking out Stopp's other novels 'The Stranger She Knew' and 'A Beginner’s Guide to Murder'...

It is rare that I cry at books, but the ending of this one did make me tear up!

It has such a unique plot line, with a lovable elderly lady as the MC and many other significant characters, particularly elderly ladies (not usually significant characters in books I read, but I loved them all very much) as well as a couple of entirely endearing preteen-teenage boys.

There is a significant found family theme to this novel with many heartfelt and lighthearted moments, but with a rather serious plot-line tying all the characters together and motivating them, as they work to save an abused baby girl.

There are serious themes included, such as child abuse and racism. These are written about sensitively and in a way that makes the reader think and leaves a lasting impression.

I absolutely loved the two boys and their ‘panna’ grandma (characters who assist the MC) and all characters were written so beautifully, fleshed out in a meaningful way, and were important to the plot.

Overall, I rate this 4.5 out of 5 stars, rounded up to 5.

I don’t often give 5 stars, only if a book is exceptional. I’m delighted to say this one is. It’s a gentle, sensitive, sweet and funny story of a handful of misfits coming together to support each other. They all have a part to play & all the characters are well drawn & rounded.

I don’t want to give any spoilers but my advice is dive in. You won’t regret it!

really enjoyed this novel and the characters it contained even the ones who were less than than wholesome.
There were some difficult subjects covered including domestic violence, child abuse and racism, but I felt that they were dealt with a sensitive way. The relationships which Virginia developed were enlightening and helped her deal with her grief.

It is quite a dark novel but don't let that deter you.

Content Warning - Grief and Loss, Child Endangerment, Racism, Threats of Violence.

Virginia Lane, grieving the recent loss of her beloved husband Jed, seeks solitude in her quiet home. However, her mourning is interrupted by concerns for her young neighbor, Ocean. Despite her deep sorrow, Virginia's instincts tell her that something is amiss with the little girl. Her growing involvement in Ocean's life, despite the hostility she faces, becomes the heart of this touching and suspenseful story.

Told from Virginia's point of view, the narrative offers glimpses into Ocean's perspective through Virginia's compassionate observations. The characters of Virginia, Ocean, and their friend Annie are vividly drawn and unforgettable, each playing a crucial role in the story's unfolding. As Virginia grapples with whether to intervene in Ocean's troubling situation, the novel explores themes of grief, courage, and the instinct to protect those who cannot protect themselves.

This novel is a lesson in resilience and the extraordinary things ordinary people can do when driven by love and compassion. It’s a story of how Virginia, through her interactions with Ocean, begins to heal her own wounds while fighting to ensure the little girl's safety.

This book is a well-plotted tale of dark and light, filled with moments that will make you cry and laugh. The balance between these emotions is spot-on, making it a compelling read from start to finish. Virginia’s journey from grief to heroism, with the support of a cast of wonderful characters, makes this a story that stays with you long after the last page is turned.

A huge thank you to the author - Rosalind Stopps as well as the team at HQ Stories for running this book tour!

https://www.thesecretbookreview.co.uk/post/virginia-lane-is-not-a-hero

This is such a lovely book!

The story hooked me from the start and I thought it was beautifully written. Virginia is a wonderful lead character and the author really brings to life her emotional pain following the death of her husband, Jed. She is drawn to a little girl in the local area who is clearly suffering. Here begins her story of being a 'hero'.

The author does a fabulous job of dealing with some quite difficult and triggering themes but in a sensitive way; also bringing humour to the fore to soften - but not undermine - the impact of this. As the story switches locations, more characters are introduced, with their own very different challenges and life experiences. However, all are wonderfully warm and rounded and introduce light where the story becomes dark. I thoroughly enjoyed this read.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for a review.

I enjoyed this book. It dealt with grief as well as domestic and child abuse. The situation with poor little Ocean was stressful to read. The ending saddened me because I felt we did not really get enough closure about Ocean and what her future held.

Virginia has just lost her lovely husband Jed and her son lives on the other side of the world. Bereft, and not seeing the point of life anymore, she makes an exit plan.

Enter baby Ocean. Ocean’s backstory made for uncomfortable but necessary reading for the reader to grasp the gravity of her situation. Suddenly entrusted with the care of the toddler, Virginia flees to her flat in Margate. Along with a merry band of kind strangers, she cares for Ocean while planning how she will reunite the baby with her mother.

A slow burn but I was intrigued by the different POVs and needed to know if Ocean would be safe. Virginia Lane was definitely a hero in this piece and she wasn’t alone: “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” ~ Christopher Reeve

This book fell between being a comedy and a tragedy some extremely sensitive issues jogging along a sort of pastoral cosy feel. I did enjoy it but it was quite ridiculous in parts and deeply uncomfortable in others.

This book started off slow and I did wonder why I had chosen it but quite quickly I was drawn into the story of a grieving old lady who was sure she had witnessed the change in her neighbour and her baby. I’m not going to give away the details but the plot had me hooked and I thoroughly enjoyed the various characters who were so well described that I felt I knew them. I kept thinking about how the situation would resolve and I found the ending satisfactory. This isn’t a page turner, sit on the edge of your seat, heart thumping book but I enjoyed the tension within the gentle pace.

Thank you to the publisher for the free copy form NetGalley.

Since Virginia's love died, she just wants to be left alone. But there is a little girl downstairs that warms up her heart. So when she feels that there is something wrong in the girl´s house and her mum asks her to take her child far away, Virginia says yes and there´s when the story begins.

The book explores important themes like depression, suicide, violence, abuse, racism, animal cruelty, so be aware of those triggers.

At the beginning I found the book a bit slow. All Virginia wans is to left alone to dye but as the story develops and she takes the girl away, the pace increases and you can´t stop reading until the end.

I found all the characters around Virginia lovely, apart from her son. He is only mentioned a few times but it looks like he´s embarrassed of her and he doesn´t visit her even when her beloved one died and all Virginia did was doting on him when he was little.
The rest of the characters are amazing and she makes nice friendships. At the end of the book you care for her neighbours and her friend Annie.

At the end of the book you realise that family is everything, whether is blood related or friends and neighbours united by a common goal.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the life and times of such a quirky group of people. Seldom will you find such a mixed group all of whom get on so well with ages ranging from baby to Senior, terminal to newborn and across ethnicities.

The only fly in the ointment for me was the jarring scene shift and that made the book 4 stars for me as a rating of 4.5 does not exist. The jarring scene shift was when a location change happened and people there were not the ones that announced the shift. Yes, those in that second location became very much part of the story but the way they were brought in broke the flow. Once the flow was restored, top marks.

Worth reading, most certainly and I kept page turning as quickly as my brain would allow as I needed to know "the end". Now I am off to see what else Rosalind Stopps has written.

I disagree! Virginia Lane is most definitely a hero!
Virginia, recently widowed, and grieving notices that her neighbour's little girl, Ocean, is no longer the outgoing, happy child she once was. Her father is obnoxious and scary - but Virginia is encouraged by her penfriend, Annie, to do the right thing and contact Social Services. When she is ignored and Ocean's mother pleads with her - Virginia does the only thing she can - and steps in.
The characters are well portrayed - both good and bad. Many issues are addressed - despair, racism, child abuse - delicately and fairly.
Have the tissues ready.
Many thanks to Netgalley/Rosalind Stopps/HQ for a digitalcopy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

Even though there is a background of loss, grief, child abuse and domestic abuse, this story has a heart.
Virginia is a lovely character who finds new friends while on the run with another woman's child.
i enjoyed this story.

Thank you so much to HQ for sending me this book for review, I was thrilled to receive both physically and via the NetGalley widget.

Overall I really enjoyed this story it was a really quick read for me, the main premise starts with Virginia who is very deep in mourning of her beloved husband.

This story blends tales of dark & light really well balancing the feeling of wanting to laugh and wanting to cry all at once. The character descriptions are what makes the story what it is and I will definitely be checking out this authors other work now that I’ve had a taste.

Virginia Lane is still grieving the death of her husband. They were together forever and his loss has left a huge gap in her life. So much so that she, on occasion, can't see a way through the hurt and pain. But she has a plan and a deadline and that, perversely enough, is sufficient to keep her going in the meantime.
One bright spark in her life is Ocean, the little girl who lives down the street to her. She loves to watch her go past with her mum, Cate. Until, that is, one day she starts to see things that worry her. Things that concern the mum's boyfriend's behaviour and she starts to fear for them both. She does what she can to try and keep them safe, to help them, but to no avail. Until, one day, Cate asks Virginia to take her baby away to safety. To go far away... Virginia agrees...
And so begins a rather charming story containing some wonderful characters that Virginia meets along the way as she shelters little Ocean. Especially Jackson, Noah and their grandmother who live near where Virginia hides. But I will leave you to meet them all at your leisure, as the author intends. Suffice to say it's heartwarming and heartbreaking, shocking and funny, the whole gamut of emotions. And, well, whether Virginia is a hero or just doing the decent thing, I'll also leave that up to you... I know which camp my feet are in!
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.