Virginia is still in the depths of grief after the recent death of her beloved husband Jed and, with her only child living over in Australia, she is feeling very isolated. The only brightness in her days comes from the beautiful little girl Ocean who lives a few doors down who her and Jed used to love waving and chatting to when they passed each other. But she has noticed that both the little girl and her mum have started to look withdrawn lately, and when she finds Ocean with a note attached asking Virginia to get her away from here and look after her, she does what anyone would do, right?

This was a great read, especially if you are a fan of found family/unlikely friendship-type stories (which I am!). There are lots of funny, lighthearted moments that do well to counteract the serious issues that are dealt with throughout, making it an easy and enjoyable read.

Virginia Lane Is Not A Hero is a fantastic read. It is a book which has you laughing out loud one minute, then reaching for a tissue the next.
Virginia is recently widowed. After her husband, Jed, dies, with her only child living in Australia and having distanced herself from her friends, Virginia does not see any point to life. Then she sees Ocean, the child who lives a couple of doors from her. Previously Ocean was a very happy baby, who Jed and Virginia used to enjoy waving at, but Ocean and her mother seem to have become very sad of late.
Virginia's offers of help are refused, until one day Ocean's mother leaves Ocean with a note asking Virginia to take her away and look after her for her. What would you do in that situation? Well, Virginia says she is not a hero (I think she is incredible!) And she does take Ocean and tries to look after her. But does she manage to do so? What will the police, social services and Ocean's stepfather say? How will an old lady manage the needs of a toddler?
An absolutely beautiful book, dealing with very serious issues in a wonderful way, with enough lighthearted moments to make this a perfectly balanced read.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publishers for a kindle copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Virginia Lane Is Not A Hero by Rosalind Stopps is a beautiful contemporary novel about love and caring, life and loss as we see that friendship comes in many different forms.
This is a novel that tackles some difficult and upsetting themes but in a way that shows that love is the light that still shines in the darkness. It is a book that will have you reaching for the tissues as your heart breaks for the innocent.
The novel deals with loss as lead character Virginia is learning to live again after her lifelong partner has died. “I couldn’t believe that he’d gone, or that the world would be able to carry on as normal.” The love shines through. Life has lost its’ meaning. It is to be endured rather than enjoyed until that day when life once more, has a purpose.
Anyone who hurts the innocent breaks the reader’s heart whilst awakening the lead characters to do what they can in order to protect the vulnerable. We see the effects of cruelty on the innocent – one with two legs and one with four. Both have known cruelty but a group of previous strangers are determined to show love whatever the cost. The vulnerable open up and learn to trust again. “This dog… has not been treated right. But he still knows how to love.”
It is an eclectic group who pull together to protect the innocent. “No one can pull it on their own but when they all get together they can.” Strength comes from being in numbers not in isolation.
People are cruel. Eleven year old Noah has suffered at the hands of bullies. “What happens… if it [bullying] never stops? If everywhere I go people think I’m odd?” Noah proves himself to be wise beyond his years, with his reading of situations and his advice.
All the characters are realistic and believable. They are an eclectic bunch from grannies to babies, all from various ethnicities. Their love and determination to protect shines through. In contrast there are some horribly menacing characters who strike fear into the heart of the reader.
I really enjoyed Virginia Lane Is Not A Hero. It is a book of love, of friendship and of care. Truth will out. Family is everything, whether it is blood-related or those who are united by a common goal. You will definitely need the tissues.
I received a free copy from the publishers. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
A note: If you are affected by any of the themes or content, please tell someone and seek help.

How far would you go to protect a defenceless child? If you are of mature years, does your instinct for doing the right thing kick in, or would you think others would deal with it better?
Cate is the mother of baby Ocean, both she and her daughter are being abused by the partner Steve. Scared and desperate to protect her daughter, Cate asks Virginia her neighbour to take her away to somewhere safe. Virginia steps up to the mark, and takes herself and Ocean away to a flat that was previously used by her and her late partner, Jed.
Virginia misses Jed so much. She has collected pills to end her life, she just needs to find a reason to continue living, and baby Ocean fulfils this need. It produces feelings of compassion and love that she thought she had lost forever.
Virginia meets other people in the block of flats, Panna, and her grandchildren Noah and Jackson. They too have problems and emotional needs and they find great strength in working together. Life isn’t easy, but trials and tribulations are best resolved through kindness, honesty, laughter and determination to do the right thing for the greater good.
This story is so very sensitively written, full of compassion, humour, punchy and full of energy. Topics dealt with include child abuse, domestic violence, racism, bullying, end of life details, but mostly showing how good people can find a hidden resolve to help. It is honest and emotional.
Virginia is a stronger person than she gives herself credit to. Noah is a wonderful child, optimistic and mature beyond his tender years. Panna is the glue that holds her family together, her fears for what will happen to them is real and one that will resonate with all parents or grandparents in such a position.
I found the ending to be problematic, I really wanted to know what happened to Baby Ocean, surely she was loved and safe?
Much food for thought in this marvellous and authentic read.
A five star read. My thanks to Netgalley and HQ Publishers for my advance copy, freely given in exchange for my honest review. I will leave reviews to Goodreads and Amazon UK upon publication.

I really enjoyed the first novel of Rosalind Stopps which was a murder mystery and so had high expectations of her follow up. This book is written in two parts. I found the first half quite emotional but then onto the second and I was quite confused. To be honest I gave up half way through the second half as I thought it slow and not much happened. I don't want to give away any of the story as it may spoil it for other readers. Sorry to say that I didn't really enjoy this book and was quite disappointed. However, I am pleased that Netgalley gave me the opportunity to read and review it.

You know how some books just hit home with you and you read it in one day because you can't bear to put it down because you just have to know what happens?

Well this is one of those books.

It is a well written and compelling read with a great cast of well drawn characters who you just can't help but fall in love with and care about.

Highly recommended and an easy five star rating.

Virginia Lane Is A Hero!

Virginia is still mourning the death of her husband, Jed. Living alone in the flat they shared, she starts to notice that all is not right with the little baby across the street.

This story was heartbreaking and heartwarming all at the same time and touched upon many different issues, including racism and abuse throughout its 300 pages.

A story about found family and strength, this book is not one to be missed.

Thank you to the publisher for providing a copy of this book to me through Netgalley

Virginia is recently widowed and is verging on becoming a recluse until she see's a little girl called Ocean who has become her neighbour. She calls Social Services as she believes there is something very wrong but they say all is well but Virginia is sure that it isn't true .This is a very moving story about loneliness ,death and child abuse .A very compelling story. Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC.

I found this a very unusual read; a coherent plot but largely character driven by the senior lady of the title. She undertakes care if a toddler, Ocean, who has a difficult background. The narrative explores some sensitive issues including abuse and racism, but it does so with sensitivity and compassion. Virginia and Ocean are on a journey and on their way other characters are introduced that add to the rich fabric of this story. It’s beautifully written and I found myself reading just a bit more as I was involved in the traumas and how they would work through. I don’t think I’ve read anything by Rosalind Stopps before, but she has a sharp observational eye for detail and a keen ear for dialogue making this feel real but without being overwhelmed by problems. Really enjoyed it.

Ever since her beloved husband died, all Virginia wants is to be left alone. But the little girl who lives down the street is so sweet, and something is clearly very wrong at home, which Virginia can’t ignore. So when the girl’s mother asks her to take her little girl away, somewhere safe, Virginia says yes. But how can one grief-stricken old lady possibly protect and take care of a baby that isn’t hers to keep?

Honestly, this book is so good. Rosalind Stopps manages to create a really delicate balance between entertaining, slightly comedic story-telling and some very heavy topics. There are themes of racism, abuse, violence, murder, and rape, but none of these are described explicitly or graphically. The story is told in alternating chapters from Viriginia’s point of view, and following the lives of Jackson, Noah and Panna, who she crosses paths with later in the book.

I loved all the characters, but especially Virginia and Noah, whose insightful view of the world provides some much needed relief during the drama. And there is a lot of drama. There is a palpable tension which is built throughout the book and a lot of general awfulness, but the true focus is on the extraordinary lengths some people will go to in order to help others and do the right thing. It’s a hopeful, inspirational story and incredibly well written.

I also really enjoyed the discreet reference to one of Stopp’s other novels, A Beginner’s Guide to Murder.

Ever since her beloved Jed died, all Virginia wants is to be left alone. But the little girl who lives down the street is so sweet, that even in her grief-fuelled state, Virginia's heart softens whenever she sees her. And that's why Virginia knows there is something wrong in the little girl's house. So when the mother asks Virginia to take her child far away, somewhere safe, Virginia says yes. The last thing Virginia would call herself is a hero. She's just doing what everyone else would do, right? But when she realises just how much danger the child is in, she knows she needs to do everything she can to keep her safe.... Because sometimes it's the most ordinary people who do the most extraordinary things.

Virginia is in her seventies. Since her husband Jed died, All Virginia wants is to be left alone. Her only son, William, lives in Australia. But Virginia's heart softens when she sees baby Ocean, who lives down the street. Ocean's mother, Cate, lives in fear of her partner. She asks Virginia to take care of Ocean, and get as far away as possible with her.

This story is told from Virginia's perspective. It's sensitively written and an emotional read. The characters are beautifully portrayed in this character driven story. We learn of Virginia's hopes and fears. It covers some huge topics sensitively. Virginia takes Ocean to her flat in Margate, and we meet some new characters. I loved Jackson and especially his younger brother Noah, two very endearing young boys. This story is going to stay with me for a while, especially the ending. Virginia Lane is a hero to me.

Virginia Lane is a lonely widow whose interest in life is rekindled by concern for her neighbour, a young woman with a toddler, Ocean, both being abused by a cruel partner. When Virginia takes matters into her own hands, she embarks on an adventure that involves a young family who have problems of their own, and another elderly woman with a tragic past. Can they all help each other? And more importantly, can they save Ocean from a lifetime of abuse?
This was a page-turning read- the idea of an old woman and a young baby on the run is an exciting plot in itself, and the secondary plot of Jackson, his younger brother Noah, and grandma Panni kept the pace going well.
The characters are superb. I empathised with Virginia so much, but it was Jackson my heart really went out to - a young lad struggling to keep his family together but unable to turn his back on other people's problems, too. If Virginia Lane IS a hero, then Jackson IS a superhero, conquering his own fears to act in the right way, always,
With themes of childhood abuse, both physical and sexual, grief, illness and racism, this is not always an easy read, but the warmth of the characters alleviates the sometimes distressing narrative, and there is plenty of underlying humour with the easy-going presence of Jackson's wise-beyond-his-years brother, Noah.
A well written and orginal story, and it was good to see three older woman in key roles. There are no stereotypes here, just gentle goodhearted people with their own faults, fears and failings, striving to do the best for the most vulnerable in their care.

I really think many readers will love this book, and for good reason,it explores the best and the worst of people and shows then the best having the worst time
and finding hope and a reason to live

Now I’ve mentioned that I will say the book contains themes ( amongst others ) of suicidal intentions, child parental physical abuse ( the aftermath not the actual ), racism, bullying and slowly dying from illness…..to counter this it also includes kindness, selflessness, friendship, joy and inter generational understanding

It does at times suffer from a bit of preachyism and everyone is so correct it feels a bit untrue, at one point Virgina apologises for being sexist as she asks another character ( male ) if he knows how the heating works, that kind of thing

It is a dark yet at times light read and I did favour the first quarter of the book as we got to know Virgina, after that it could at times be a bit fanciful in its story

Yet I am glad I read it, in some ways powerful and gave food for thought on various subjects

As for is Virgina a hero? I would say yes she is but every reader will come to their own conclusion

Actually, Virginia Lane IS a hero. When her beloved husband does, Virginia can see no reason to continue to live and plans her death. However, before she reaches the planned date she notices that the little girl and her mum from down the road are becoming more withdrawn and Virgina suspects that they are being harmed. She needs to get the little girl, Ocean, away from this man and fast.

This is a beautifully told story of someone doing the right thing even when they know it could land them in serious trouble. The writer has created some amazing characters and the story unfolds in both a dramatic and at times humorous way. I could not put this book down and need a sequel so I can discover how their lives pan out.

Virgina Lane is not a hero
By Rosalind Stopps
Published by Harper Collins

Virginia Lane feels lost, lonely and just wants to be left alone. The love of her life has died and now she has nothing. But from the safety of her home, Virginia notices some strange happenings down the street. There’s something not quite right with the young couple and their little girl. So Virgina shares her suspicions with the police, doing the right thing but no one is listening to her. She’s just an old, interfering woman with nothing else to do.

Grief affects everyone differently but she knows her suspicions are right. So when the mother asks Virginia to take her child far away, somewhere safe, Virginia says yes.

She knows something is wrong.
She knows her instincts are right.
She’s just doing what anyone else would do, right?
But fear and danger change everything and despite knowing this Virginia knows she MUST do everything she can to keep herself and the little girl safe.
Because sometimes it’s the most ordinary people who do the most extraordinary things.

Rosalind Stopps combines real life with not talked about abuse, in a brilliant plot that keeps the pages turning.

Touching, honest, dark themes with dry humour, provide a fabulous story you won’t want to miss.

Joanne Bardgett - teacher of littlies, lover of Children’s literature.
#Netgalley

Wow - what can I can say! This might be one of the best books I’ve read this year! I couldn’t put it down! The characters were all so wonderful- I’d love to meet them in real life, particularly Virginia! What an accolade for the author that she can produce such realistic characters!!
Virginia is a lady in her seventies, recently widowed who can barely function. Her only son lives in Australia and rarely visits- she plans to end it all in a few weeks.
When she suspects that the woman and baby who live opposite her are in trouble she tries to help but to no avail. Cate and baby Ocean are in thrall to a violent man
One day Cate leaves her child with Virginia, asking her to keep her safe and that is exactly what Virginia does with the help of her neighbours who live in the block of flats in Margate where she flees with Ocean.
I particularly liked Jackson and Noah, two young boys who are living with a lot of worry- both are old beyond their years. Annie, Virginia’s pen friend from Scotland also comes to help and somehow they manage to formulate a plan. However danger lurks as Ocean’s stepfather is determined to get her back and continue to terrorise the child.
This is a very moving story which centres on some very serious themes including loneliness, death, grief and child abuse.
However there is also some humour, particularly as we hear from Virginia and Noah, an 11 year old with a big heart.
I must admit I had tears in my eyes as I got to the last few pages- there were several twists and I felt the ending was satisfactory, not completely happy but realistic. There are some dark parts but also some lighter sections.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it as a compelling read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy.

What a beautiful book. One lady on her own following the death of her husband. A grandma raising two boys and a lady in Scotland who is isolated. What an unlikely group of friends but they come together fighting for one little baby.

The story of friendship, courage, love and loss.

The book tackles some difficult issues around judgement and looking out for what happens around you

I spent half the book at least on the edge of my seat hoping everything would be ok.

Thank you for allowing me to read this book in advance of publication.

This fabulous story is one of my favourite books of the year. Beautifully written, with characters so rounded and real that you think you know them. This tackles physical child abuse in a head on way, not making it easy for the reader to turn away, but to feel the pain of knowing what the child has been through. When she hides her toy behind her to try and keep it safe, my heart cracked. Despite the difficult subject matter, this is a book brimming with warmth.

Virginia is suffering a recent loss and is struggling to find her new place and pace of life. Whilst avoiding as much of the world outside her door that she can, ends up entangled in the life of Ocean.
The story follows Virginia in her quest to save Ocean and herself and introduces a cast of fantastically written characters at every turn.
For me the absolute stand out character is Noah and I loved the way the stories of Virginia, Noah and his family and Ocean and her mum come together so naturally.

What a fantastic character driven story.

Virginia Lane has recently lost her beloved husband Jed to cancer. Struggling to make it through the day as she gazes out of her window she catches sight of baby Ocean and her mother Cate. Deep in grief though she is Virginia is concerned that baby Ocean is not as happy as when she'd first seen her as a baby and as her concern grows so does her involvement in the child's life.

This is a story with a dark subject at its heart, a great deal of grief but some oh so wonderful characters that leap off the page. It is a lesson in never writing someone off because they are too old, or too young.

Much of the novel is narrated by the eponymous character Virginia, we hear her fears and then as she grows, her hopes. Her interactions with the cast of brilliant characters are authentic, I don't think I'll forget any of them for some time!