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The Girl in the Corner
From bestselling author Amanda Prowse comes the poignant tale of a woman who has always been there for her family. But will they be there for her?
Rae-Valentine and Howard were childhood sweethearts. They’ve shared twenty-five peaceful years since they were brought together by Dolly, Howard’s larger-than-life sister. But now, on the night of their wedding anniversary, Howard reveals a shocking betrayal that leaves Rae reeling.
Heartbroken, she takes Dolly on her would-be anniversary trip to Antigua and the two women drink and dance and talk like they haven’t in years. But in the break from real life, Rae realises her choices have always been made for her, and suddenly she’s questioning not only her fragile marriage but also her one-sided friendships. Is she really the pushover everyone else sees?
When Howard comes looking for reconciliation, Rae has a choice to keep the peace, as she always has, or put herself first for once and find out who she really is.
Rae-Valentine and Howard were childhood sweethearts. They’ve shared twenty-five peaceful years since they were brought together by Dolly, Howard’s larger-than-life sister. But now, on the night of their wedding anniversary, Howard reveals a shocking betrayal that leaves Rae reeling.
Heartbroken, she takes Dolly on her would-be anniversary trip to Antigua and the two women drink and dance and talk like they haven’t in years. But in the break from real life, Rae realises her choices have always been made for her, and suddenly she’s questioning not only her fragile marriage but also her one-sided friendships. Is she really the pushover everyone else sees?
When Howard comes looking for reconciliation, Rae has a choice to keep the peace, as she always has, or put herself first for once and find out who she really is.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 20, 2018
4,350 people are currently reading
3,484 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Prowse
70books1,845followersPrevious Book: 'Swimming to Lundy', published th August 2024'.
Latest Book: 'This One Life', published 7th January 2025.
Next Book: 'Ever After' published 7th August 2025.
Amanda Prowse is an International Bestselling author whose thirty-two novels, two non-fiction titles and ten novellas have been published in dozens of languages around the world. Published by Lake Union, Amanda is the most prolific writer of bestselling contemporary fiction in the UK today; her titles also consistently score the highest online review approval ratings across several genres. Her books, including the chart topping No.1 titles 'What Have I Done?', 'Perfect Daughter', 'My Husband's Wife', 'The Girl in the Corner' and ‘The Things I Know� have sold millions of copies across the globe.
A popular TV and radio personality, Amanda has appeared on numerous shows where her views on family and social issues strike a chord with viewers. She also makes countless guest appearances on BBC national and independent Radio stations including LBC, Times Radio and Talk FM, where she is well known for her insightful observations and her infectious humour. Described by the Daily Mail as ‘The queen of family drama� Amanda’s novel, 'A Mother's Story' won the coveted Sainsbury's eBook of the year Award and she has had two books selected as World Book Night titles, 'Perfect Daughter' in 2016 and 'The Boy Between' in 2022.
Amanda is a huge supporter of libraries and having become a proud ambassador for The Reading Agency, works tirelessly to promote reading, especially in disadvantaged areas. Amanda's ambition is to create stories that keep people from turning the bedside lamp off at night, great characters that ensure you take every step with them and tales that fill your head so you can't possibly read another book until the memory fades...
Praise for Amanda Prowse:
'A powerful and emotional work of fiction' - Piers Morgan
'Deeply moving and emotional, Amanda Prowse handles her explosive subjects with delicate skill' - Daily Mail
'Uplifting and positive, but you will still need a box of tissues' - Hello!
'A gut-wrenching and absolutely brilliant read' - The Irish Sun
'You'll fall in love with this...' - Cosmopolitan
'Deeply moving and eye opening. Powerful and emotional drama that packs a real punch.' - Heat
'Magical' - Now magazine
Latest Book: 'This One Life', published 7th January 2025.
Next Book: 'Ever After' published 7th August 2025.
Amanda Prowse is an International Bestselling author whose thirty-two novels, two non-fiction titles and ten novellas have been published in dozens of languages around the world. Published by Lake Union, Amanda is the most prolific writer of bestselling contemporary fiction in the UK today; her titles also consistently score the highest online review approval ratings across several genres. Her books, including the chart topping No.1 titles 'What Have I Done?', 'Perfect Daughter', 'My Husband's Wife', 'The Girl in the Corner' and ‘The Things I Know� have sold millions of copies across the globe.
A popular TV and radio personality, Amanda has appeared on numerous shows where her views on family and social issues strike a chord with viewers. She also makes countless guest appearances on BBC national and independent Radio stations including LBC, Times Radio and Talk FM, where she is well known for her insightful observations and her infectious humour. Described by the Daily Mail as ‘The queen of family drama� Amanda’s novel, 'A Mother's Story' won the coveted Sainsbury's eBook of the year Award and she has had two books selected as World Book Night titles, 'Perfect Daughter' in 2016 and 'The Boy Between' in 2022.
Amanda is a huge supporter of libraries and having become a proud ambassador for The Reading Agency, works tirelessly to promote reading, especially in disadvantaged areas. Amanda's ambition is to create stories that keep people from turning the bedside lamp off at night, great characters that ensure you take every step with them and tales that fill your head so you can't possibly read another book until the memory fades...
Praise for Amanda Prowse:
'A powerful and emotional work of fiction' - Piers Morgan
'Deeply moving and emotional, Amanda Prowse handles her explosive subjects with delicate skill' - Daily Mail
'Uplifting and positive, but you will still need a box of tissues' - Hello!
'A gut-wrenching and absolutely brilliant read' - The Irish Sun
'You'll fall in love with this...' - Cosmopolitan
'Deeply moving and eye opening. Powerful and emotional drama that packs a real punch.' - Heat
'Magical' - Now magazine
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December 8, 2018
I have heard such great things about bestselling author Amanda Prowse that I'm a little embarrassed to say I have never read any of her books, even though I do own a couple of her latest ones.
“The Girl in the Corner� was a thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable love story with wonderful characters that really came to life. The story delves into the troubled waters of when the trust is broken between a loving husband and wife of twenty five years. Rae-Valentine's husband confesses on their silver anniversary to a two week drunken fling with a young waitress at one of the family’s restaurants. Feeling her whole world has just instantly crumbled and everything she thought was solid and dependable, Rae begins to question what she gave up on when she married Howard, the brother of her best friend Dolly, who she has known since she was sixteen. Going on the anniversary holiday alone with Dolly to Antigua, the women spend time reminiscing about their youth and talking about family life, all the while trying to avoid taking sides regarding the situation that has blown Rae-Valentine's normal life out of the water. When she befriends the young local Portuguese waiter Antonio, she truly begins to reflect on what could have been if she had followed her own desires instead of marrying so young and even pursued her dream of being a chef. As the story continues we are taken on a journey of divided loyalties, friendship, love and loss and is a fabulously written emotional rollercoaster.
I related a lot to the young Rae-Valentine when she was sixteen - her naivety, shyness and her sedate parents - and I loved how we were introduced to her and the wild and full of life Dolly as they met at a typing college. This set the scene perfectly for the two women and how they became sisters in law yet still stayed best friends.
All of the characters were vividly portrayed, from Rae and Dolly, to the refreshing Portuguese waiter and even Debbie-Jo, Rae's sister who always seemed to be in Rae's shadow once Rae married into the well off restaurant owned family.
I would without doubt happily recommend this book if you like contemporary romance fiction, Amanda is a very talented writer who conveys her stories from the heart and I will most certainly be reading more by her in the future.
4 stars
“The Girl in the Corner� was a thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable love story with wonderful characters that really came to life. The story delves into the troubled waters of when the trust is broken between a loving husband and wife of twenty five years. Rae-Valentine's husband confesses on their silver anniversary to a two week drunken fling with a young waitress at one of the family’s restaurants. Feeling her whole world has just instantly crumbled and everything she thought was solid and dependable, Rae begins to question what she gave up on when she married Howard, the brother of her best friend Dolly, who she has known since she was sixteen. Going on the anniversary holiday alone with Dolly to Antigua, the women spend time reminiscing about their youth and talking about family life, all the while trying to avoid taking sides regarding the situation that has blown Rae-Valentine's normal life out of the water. When she befriends the young local Portuguese waiter Antonio, she truly begins to reflect on what could have been if she had followed her own desires instead of marrying so young and even pursued her dream of being a chef. As the story continues we are taken on a journey of divided loyalties, friendship, love and loss and is a fabulously written emotional rollercoaster.
I related a lot to the young Rae-Valentine when she was sixteen - her naivety, shyness and her sedate parents - and I loved how we were introduced to her and the wild and full of life Dolly as they met at a typing college. This set the scene perfectly for the two women and how they became sisters in law yet still stayed best friends.
All of the characters were vividly portrayed, from Rae and Dolly, to the refreshing Portuguese waiter and even Debbie-Jo, Rae's sister who always seemed to be in Rae's shadow once Rae married into the well off restaurant owned family.
I would without doubt happily recommend this book if you like contemporary romance fiction, Amanda is a very talented writer who conveys her stories from the heart and I will most certainly be reading more by her in the future.
4 stars
December 12, 2018
Rae-Valentine met her husband through her best friend, Dolly. Dolly knew that her best friend and her brother would hit it off, and she was right. Rae and her husband have been married for twenty-five years and have two children together. After anniversary party, Howard drops a bombshell on Rae. His shocking betrayal leaves Rae reeling. She is shocked, hurt, angry and sad.
Shocked and heartbroken, Rae looks back on not only her marriage but the things she gave up when she got married at the age of eighteen. Needing some time apart to think, Rae goes on the trip to Antigua, not with Hoard as planned but with his sister and her best friend, Dolly. The two friend’s reminiscence and talk about their lives. Dolly can see that Rae is troubled and eventually the truth comes out.
This was a very fast captivating read that gripped me right away. Prowse knows how to grab the heartstrings and she does so in this case. I immediately felt for Rae and her situation. I was invested in learning what decisions/choices she would make. This is a book that while I was reading, I also wondered what I would do in that situation. What choices would I make? I appreciated that Prowse had Rae taking the time to think. I also found the conversations between Rae and Dolly to be realistic. There is shock, anger and hurt there as well. Rae needs the support of her best friend. A best friend who is the sister of the man who hurt her. Dolly is put in a situation to want to support her best friend while at the same time root for her brother. This made for some sticky and emotion filled exchanges. How will this affect their friendship?
This was a well written book about love, loss, friendship, family and following your dreams. A fast read that evokes emotion and left me questioning what I would do. I thought I knew how this book was going to end and I was wrong. Another book where I can say that I did not see that coming.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinion expressed in this review are my own.
Shocked and heartbroken, Rae looks back on not only her marriage but the things she gave up when she got married at the age of eighteen. Needing some time apart to think, Rae goes on the trip to Antigua, not with Hoard as planned but with his sister and her best friend, Dolly. The two friend’s reminiscence and talk about their lives. Dolly can see that Rae is troubled and eventually the truth comes out.
This was a very fast captivating read that gripped me right away. Prowse knows how to grab the heartstrings and she does so in this case. I immediately felt for Rae and her situation. I was invested in learning what decisions/choices she would make. This is a book that while I was reading, I also wondered what I would do in that situation. What choices would I make? I appreciated that Prowse had Rae taking the time to think. I also found the conversations between Rae and Dolly to be realistic. There is shock, anger and hurt there as well. Rae needs the support of her best friend. A best friend who is the sister of the man who hurt her. Dolly is put in a situation to want to support her best friend while at the same time root for her brother. This made for some sticky and emotion filled exchanges. How will this affect their friendship?
This was a well written book about love, loss, friendship, family and following your dreams. A fast read that evokes emotion and left me questioning what I would do. I thought I knew how this book was going to end and I was wrong. Another book where I can say that I did not see that coming.
Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinion expressed in this review are my own.
December 29, 2018
EXCERPT: This evening she looked at the lit windows of the tall houses, standing like sentinels in a proud curve, and wondered, as she often did, about the lives that went on behind them, picturing the people she nodded to or greeted during the course of the day.
'Morning Mrs Williams! ... Yes, it is a bit chilly; stay warm. '
'Hello Mr Jeffries. How are you today? ... Oh, I'm so glad to hear it. If you need anything, you know where we are. '
'Well, hello Fifi - aren't you full of energy today!' Rae loved to pet the cute little Shih-tzu and would smile at Fifi'sowner, the quiet young woman who never responded with anything other than a brief nod and a stony silence, her eye contact non-existant.
Yes, she wondered about the lives of these people, her neighbours with whom she lived cheek by jowl, bumping into them in their pyjamas as they put the bins out, listening to them row, cry, sing. . . She knew so many intimate details of their lives, but not their first names or their favorite colors or even why Fifi's mum was so painfully shy. It was a strange and wonderful situation and one that she felt was peculiarly British; she considered the possibility that if the residents of Lawns Crescent had slightly less stiff upper lips and more open arms, she might have answers to all the above.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: The Girl In the Corner is the poignant tale of a woman who has always been there for her family. But will they be there for her?
Rae-Valentine and Howard were childhood sweethearts. They’ve shared twenty-five peaceful years since they were brought together by Dolly, Howard’s larger-than-life sister. But now, on the night of their wedding anniversary, Howard reveals a shocking betrayal that leaves Rae reeling.
Heartbroken, she takes Dolly on her would-be anniversary trip to Antigua and the two women drink and dance and talk like they haven’t in years. But in the break from real life, Rae realises her choices have always been made for her, and suddenly she’s questioning not only her fragile marriage but also her one-sided friendships. Is she really the pushover everyone else sees?
When Howard comes looking for reconciliation, Rae has a choice to make: keep the peace, as she always has, or put herself first for once and find out who she really is.
MY THOUGHTS: I usually love Amanda Prowse's writing, the way she makes the reader run the gamut of their emotions, but The Girl in the Corner felt a little flat to me. Even though I think that most of us have, at some time, suffered a lack of self esteem, I still found Rae hard to relate to. It took me 90% of the book before I felt anything for her and I am still not sure why. . .
It is a perfectly good story. A story many of us are familiar with, either through our own experiences, or of those of friends. It is a story of love and betrayal, of friendship being tested by circumstances, of grief in many forms, of choices made and not made.
The characters didn't seem as well formed as in books I have previously read by this author. And I detested their names! I did shed a tear in one place, but overall this was not a memorable read.
😐😐😐
THE AUTHOR: Amanda Prowse was a management consultant for ten years before realising that she was born to write. Amanda lives in the West Country with her husband and their two teenage sons.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK, Lake Union Publishing via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Girl in the Corner by Amanda Prowse for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my ŷ.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
'Morning Mrs Williams! ... Yes, it is a bit chilly; stay warm. '
'Hello Mr Jeffries. How are you today? ... Oh, I'm so glad to hear it. If you need anything, you know where we are. '
'Well, hello Fifi - aren't you full of energy today!' Rae loved to pet the cute little Shih-tzu and would smile at Fifi'sowner, the quiet young woman who never responded with anything other than a brief nod and a stony silence, her eye contact non-existant.
Yes, she wondered about the lives of these people, her neighbours with whom she lived cheek by jowl, bumping into them in their pyjamas as they put the bins out, listening to them row, cry, sing. . . She knew so many intimate details of their lives, but not their first names or their favorite colors or even why Fifi's mum was so painfully shy. It was a strange and wonderful situation and one that she felt was peculiarly British; she considered the possibility that if the residents of Lawns Crescent had slightly less stiff upper lips and more open arms, she might have answers to all the above.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: The Girl In the Corner is the poignant tale of a woman who has always been there for her family. But will they be there for her?
Rae-Valentine and Howard were childhood sweethearts. They’ve shared twenty-five peaceful years since they were brought together by Dolly, Howard’s larger-than-life sister. But now, on the night of their wedding anniversary, Howard reveals a shocking betrayal that leaves Rae reeling.
Heartbroken, she takes Dolly on her would-be anniversary trip to Antigua and the two women drink and dance and talk like they haven’t in years. But in the break from real life, Rae realises her choices have always been made for her, and suddenly she’s questioning not only her fragile marriage but also her one-sided friendships. Is she really the pushover everyone else sees?
When Howard comes looking for reconciliation, Rae has a choice to make: keep the peace, as she always has, or put herself first for once and find out who she really is.
MY THOUGHTS: I usually love Amanda Prowse's writing, the way she makes the reader run the gamut of their emotions, but The Girl in the Corner felt a little flat to me. Even though I think that most of us have, at some time, suffered a lack of self esteem, I still found Rae hard to relate to. It took me 90% of the book before I felt anything for her and I am still not sure why. . .
It is a perfectly good story. A story many of us are familiar with, either through our own experiences, or of those of friends. It is a story of love and betrayal, of friendship being tested by circumstances, of grief in many forms, of choices made and not made.
The characters didn't seem as well formed as in books I have previously read by this author. And I detested their names! I did shed a tear in one place, but overall this was not a memorable read.
😐😐😐
THE AUTHOR: Amanda Prowse was a management consultant for ten years before realising that she was born to write. Amanda lives in the West Country with her husband and their two teenage sons.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK, Lake Union Publishing via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Girl in the Corner by Amanda Prowse for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my ŷ.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
May 5, 2022
The Girl in the Corner is a domestic drama written by Amanda Prowse. I have read most of her other work and include her in my top ten authors, definitely on my must-buy list whenever she releases a new novel. Her innate understanding of the human emotions and response / reaction to complicated situations is amazing. Every book has captured my attention, even when it starts out slow and builds little by little. In this book, the story is one of those arcs... I was immersed but for the first half I was merely humming along, enjoying it, slightly worrying about when I was gonna find the first drop of tears. Finally, about 2/3 thru, it hits, but at that point, it never stopped. Prowse, you kill me every time. I swear, I think you tricked us here because it was a dry well and then an overflowing fountain.
Rae-Valentine and Dolly become besties at 16. Dolly's over-the-top. Rae-Valentine is a wallflower. Dolly engineers a meeting with her brother, enabling Rae-Valentine and Howard to fall in love. Twenty-five years and 2 kids later, they are celebrating an anniversary when Howard confesses something. Sends Rae-Valentine into a tailspin, and she escapes on a Caribbean adventure to decide how to handle the news. She discovers that she's been hidden in the corner of her life for too long and demands change. By the end of the book, she definitely has unexpected change in her life.
The best part of this book is the surprises. Will Dolly support her own brother or Rae-Valentine in this dilemma? Will Rae-Valentine stay with her husband or leave him? How at ~50 will she rebuild her life if she decides to start anew? The book doesn't veer down the normal route in these situations, and I found myself really loving the characters... even Dolly who could at times be too over-the-top. Mostly, the well-balanced details made this situation feel real and honest. Some scenes went nowhere, intentionally, because life happens that way. Rae-Valentine was smart enough to take risks but not dive to deep into testing her new waters. Left me fulfilled, and I am eager for the next Prowse novel.
Rae-Valentine and Dolly become besties at 16. Dolly's over-the-top. Rae-Valentine is a wallflower. Dolly engineers a meeting with her brother, enabling Rae-Valentine and Howard to fall in love. Twenty-five years and 2 kids later, they are celebrating an anniversary when Howard confesses something. Sends Rae-Valentine into a tailspin, and she escapes on a Caribbean adventure to decide how to handle the news. She discovers that she's been hidden in the corner of her life for too long and demands change. By the end of the book, she definitely has unexpected change in her life.
The best part of this book is the surprises. Will Dolly support her own brother or Rae-Valentine in this dilemma? Will Rae-Valentine stay with her husband or leave him? How at ~50 will she rebuild her life if she decides to start anew? The book doesn't veer down the normal route in these situations, and I found myself really loving the characters... even Dolly who could at times be too over-the-top. Mostly, the well-balanced details made this situation feel real and honest. Some scenes went nowhere, intentionally, because life happens that way. Rae-Valentine was smart enough to take risks but not dive to deep into testing her new waters. Left me fulfilled, and I am eager for the next Prowse novel.
December 18, 2018
The Girl in the Corner by Amanda Prowse is a contemporary read that in typical Amanda Prowse fashion has a roller coaster of emotion oozing from the pages. There’s ups, there’s downs, with plenty of family drama to go around.
When Rae-Valentine was sixteen she met her lifelong best friend Dolly when the two ended up partnering up. The two girls couldn’t have been any more different from one another but that was exactly what drew them together when told to pick a partner. Dolly was ever the outgoing one with Rae as shy as can be but when Dolly offered to introduce Rae to her brother making plans to one day take their friendship into family who knew it would come true?
Now, Rae and her husband, Howard, are celebrating their twenty fifth wedding anniversary with Dolly right there by both of their sides. The couple has led a comfortable life with Howard working in the restaurant business with his family and Rae raising their children. But what should have been one of the happiest nights of their life quickly took a turn when Howard admitted to having an affair with a young waitress at the latest restaurant opening.
As usual with an Amanda Prowse title tissues may just very well may be necessary at some point during the book. The story takes a family and looks at marital break down from every possible angle and most will admit there is no right or wrong answer as to what Rae should/could do in that circumstance, this makes every turn of the page extremely thought provoking as you go on the journey with Rae. I couldn’t help but question every conversation and every move but just like a backseat driver isn’t at the wheel I had to patiently wait for Rae to come to her conclusion and was hooked the entire time.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit
When Rae-Valentine was sixteen she met her lifelong best friend Dolly when the two ended up partnering up. The two girls couldn’t have been any more different from one another but that was exactly what drew them together when told to pick a partner. Dolly was ever the outgoing one with Rae as shy as can be but when Dolly offered to introduce Rae to her brother making plans to one day take their friendship into family who knew it would come true?
Now, Rae and her husband, Howard, are celebrating their twenty fifth wedding anniversary with Dolly right there by both of their sides. The couple has led a comfortable life with Howard working in the restaurant business with his family and Rae raising their children. But what should have been one of the happiest nights of their life quickly took a turn when Howard admitted to having an affair with a young waitress at the latest restaurant opening.
As usual with an Amanda Prowse title tissues may just very well may be necessary at some point during the book. The story takes a family and looks at marital break down from every possible angle and most will admit there is no right or wrong answer as to what Rae should/could do in that circumstance, this makes every turn of the page extremely thought provoking as you go on the journey with Rae. I couldn’t help but question every conversation and every move but just like a backseat driver isn’t at the wheel I had to patiently wait for Rae to come to her conclusion and was hooked the entire time.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit
December 30, 2018
After reading several of Amanda Prowse books I feel highly honoured to receive a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a review.
Rae-Valentine meets extrovert Dolly at college, they become friends for life even though she is the opposite of quiet Rae. Dolly is adamant that Rae will love her brother Howard so she arranges a double date which leads to marriage.
Howard and Rae are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary and Dolly has helped arrange a party that has all the family there.
After the party Howard admits to having a 2 week affair with one of the waitresses at their family restaurant. They had to pay her off so she would not tell anyone!! But now the genie is out of the bottle can their marriage survive such a betrayal of trust.
As usual Amanda Prowse is not afraid to delve into the nitty gritty of emotions, it makes you see their marital difficulties from other people’s options and how it effects the whole family.
A beautifully written book about friendship, marriage and trust that will keep you enthralled and pull at your heart strings.
I was the girl in the corner, being the youngest and quietest of 8, growing up you would often find me in the corner reading. My favourite short story was “The mouse that roared� and believe me if you rile me I have learned to roar before scuttling back to my book!!!
A must read book with a surprising ending.
Rae-Valentine meets extrovert Dolly at college, they become friends for life even though she is the opposite of quiet Rae. Dolly is adamant that Rae will love her brother Howard so she arranges a double date which leads to marriage.
Howard and Rae are celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary and Dolly has helped arrange a party that has all the family there.
After the party Howard admits to having a 2 week affair with one of the waitresses at their family restaurant. They had to pay her off so she would not tell anyone!! But now the genie is out of the bottle can their marriage survive such a betrayal of trust.
As usual Amanda Prowse is not afraid to delve into the nitty gritty of emotions, it makes you see their marital difficulties from other people’s options and how it effects the whole family.
A beautifully written book about friendship, marriage and trust that will keep you enthralled and pull at your heart strings.
I was the girl in the corner, being the youngest and quietest of 8, growing up you would often find me in the corner reading. My favourite short story was “The mouse that roared� and believe me if you rile me I have learned to roar before scuttling back to my book!!!
A must read book with a surprising ending.
September 5, 2020
Rae-Valentine and Dolly meet as sixteen year olds. Dolly is loud, self-confident and so opposite to Rae- Valentine who often feels she is invisible, even in her own family. For some reason Dolly has decided Rae-Valentine is to be her friend, her best friend and it seems that what Dolly wants tends to happen. When Dolly decides Rae should meet her brother, Howard, Rae has her doubts. But once again it seems Dolly get her way. No-one is more surprised than Rae when Howard Latimer seems to find the quiet Rae just what he wants. The story then moves forward to 2014 and the evening of Rae and Howard’s twenty fifth wedding anniversary and the party that Dolly and Howard have planned. Rae has no idea that on that evening, supposed to be so special Hoard will drop a bombshell that has the capacity to change her life forever. On a trip to Antigua that definitely does not go as planned, Rae is left to consider her choices. Even then Dolly cannot help but interfere. Will Rae finally discover who she is or continue to adapt herself to everyone else’s expectations?
I nearly gave up on this at the first chapter because the two giddy sixteen years old and especially the brash Dolly, were annoying. The only reason I didn’t was I had read and enjoyed several of this author’s other books. The story did improve and gives an in depth portrayal of a woman who has allowed others too often to make decisions for her while she does her best to be accommodating. Materially it seems Rae has everything but does she really have the one thing wants most? I found the exploration of Rae’s heartache well done, if a bit repetitive at times. The characters are well portrayed. I found it easy to be sympathetic to Rae while at the same time getting annoyed with her for allowing herself to be so put upon. Even though she has some good qualities I found Dolly obnoxious from the start with her take control and self-centred attitude.
This is a story about trust and betrayal, love, choices, family and friendship. I loved the example of Rae’s parents who, though not well off financially, had a world of love between them, even if they didn’t always mange to get it right in raising Rae and her older sister Debbie -Jo. But then how many parents can raise children without making some mistakes? It is a thought provoking story with an interesting ending. Not my favourite book by this author but still I am sure many people will enjoy it. Just for me, not as good as I was expecting but still a decent read.
I nearly gave up on this at the first chapter because the two giddy sixteen years old and especially the brash Dolly, were annoying. The only reason I didn’t was I had read and enjoyed several of this author’s other books. The story did improve and gives an in depth portrayal of a woman who has allowed others too often to make decisions for her while she does her best to be accommodating. Materially it seems Rae has everything but does she really have the one thing wants most? I found the exploration of Rae’s heartache well done, if a bit repetitive at times. The characters are well portrayed. I found it easy to be sympathetic to Rae while at the same time getting annoyed with her for allowing herself to be so put upon. Even though she has some good qualities I found Dolly obnoxious from the start with her take control and self-centred attitude.
This is a story about trust and betrayal, love, choices, family and friendship. I loved the example of Rae’s parents who, though not well off financially, had a world of love between them, even if they didn’t always mange to get it right in raising Rae and her older sister Debbie -Jo. But then how many parents can raise children without making some mistakes? It is a thought provoking story with an interesting ending. Not my favourite book by this author but still I am sure many people will enjoy it. Just for me, not as good as I was expecting but still a decent read.
December 15, 2018
3.75 Stars
September 20, 2019
OH MY GOD OH MY GOD OH MY GOD !!!! It's not everyday that I'm surprised (unfortunately) and when I started reading this book I just didn't believe (or rather I did) that I would be another author who would describe a pathetic character who simply reveals her husband's betrayal for the "major good" ! And once again I was furious !!!! But it was so unbelievable, the stereotypes were so blatant that I began to think "no, really a woman in this century would not have such a mind? !!!" And just to answer the question I kept reading! AND THANK GOD THAT I DID BECAUSE THIS BOOK WAS ALMOST ALL WHAT I EXPECTED FOR MONTHS AND MONTHS (and months) !!! SO YES WOMEN, EVEN AFTER LITTLE LATER SHE DOESN'T TAKE THE CHEATER PIG BACK !!!! ALELUIA ALELUIA ALELUIA! And since now I apologize to the author for all the curses that went through my head (were really ugly)! But unfortunately I found the ending very hurried, I would have liked to see h rebuilding HER life! I would like to see the cheater lying on a piece of paper under a bridge (because I'm one of those!) While the heroine found her Greek muse and lived her happily ever after! But even with that, I'm very happy that there are still authors out there who believe in self-love and the strength that women have to regain control of their own lives !!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 18, 2019
I've read many books by Amanda Prowse, so naturally I had to read The Girl In The Corner. After reading this paperback I realised why the title was chosen for The Girl In The Corner, but I feel it would be ashame to reveal the reason. I don't want to spoil your reading time for those of you who have this book on your to read list or those of you who may have just started reading it. I think with all of Amanda Prowse novels every reader reads into something that interests them. In my case I loved the idea, the college induction, where everyone had to grab someone, anyone and shake their hand and introduce themselves and then to share some fun facts about themselves. That's quite frightening for sixteen-year-old Rae Valentine Pritchard and Dolly Latimer introduce themselves to each other. The fun facts are an oh my god ! But this is where a friendship starts and much More ! If you have never read a book by Amanda Prowse I can highly recommend reading any of her books.
December 25, 2018
Rae-Valentine has always been the girl in the corner, trying not to be noticed. At a young age overshadowed by her all singing, all dancing older sister and then later by her loud over the top best friend Dolly. Shoot forward then to the evening of Rae's 25th wedding anniversary, she feels she has it all, a beautiful house, doting husband, great children, but a revelation to her later that night but someone near and dear to her brings it all unstuck.
Will Rae find her voice and come out of the corner? Or will she continue to allow herself to be defined by the people around her?
A very believable book with a lot of humour that balances out the grief and sadness.
Thank you Amazon Publishing UK and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.
Will Rae find her voice and come out of the corner? Or will she continue to allow herself to be defined by the people around her?
A very believable book with a lot of humour that balances out the grief and sadness.
Thank you Amazon Publishing UK and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.
December 23, 2018
Wow!!! I was not expecting that ending.
If you want a book about friendship, love, loss and betrayal, look no further than The Girl In The Corner. Another great book by Amanda Prowse.
If you want a book about friendship, love, loss and betrayal, look no further than The Girl In The Corner. Another great book by Amanda Prowse.
January 13, 2019
I was excited to read this latest novel by
Amanda Prowse
having been lured by the attractive cover design and the very relatable premise of a woman who feels the need to re-evaluate her whole life, following her husband's guilty admission of his betrayal.
In the opening chapter, we are introduced to sixteen-year-old Rae-Valentine Pritchard, who is quiet and shy, when she meets the very confident, loud and gregarious Dolly Latimer, at College. The two girls quickly become best friends and are inseparable teenagers, laughing and joking their way through life. Dolly arranges a double date for the two of them, her brother Howard and his friend, Vinnie. Rae and Howard, so in love, get married two years later.
From her modest life in the suburbs to a splendid Georgian house in North London, Rae is now a devoted wife and mother to daughter Hannah and her son, George. Following a surprise party in celebration of their silver wedding anniversary, Howard confesses to a shocking betrayal of their marital vows that totally shatters Rae. She is forced to take stock of her position as wife and mother and also her role as a general dogsbody to the Latimer family restaurant business. Will her relationship with her best friend Dolly be affected?
Rae starts to think about all her teenage dreams that she once had - training as a chef and island-hopping in Greece. Can Rae give up on her shattered marriage, live life for herself, and be the real Rae-Valentine?
The planned anniversary celebration trip to Antigua still goes ahead, however, Dolly travels with Rae, instead of Howard. Dolly's divided loyalties and a handsome and friendly, young barman are just the starts of matters becoming even more complicated. In Antigua, Rae contemplates the possibility of continuing with her marriage and what this might mean for her friendship with the enthusiastic Dolly. A reconciliation with Howard may be much more difficult than everyone thinks.
This is a wonderful story for anyone who has always felt that they were 'the girl in the corner' at every social occasion or even for just being the quiet and reserved middle child in their own family, with which I can personally identify. Amanda Prowse has a lovely writing style that captures Rae’s tormented soul beautifully. I also liked the way other issues were explored, in particular, Rae’s parents and sister, Debbie-Jo, who felt like the humble relations compared to the wealthy and successful Latimers. Howard’s betrayal is the catalyst for all of the years of unspoken emotions, forcing Rae to face her feelings of being second best in the Pritchard family.
The Girl In The Corner is a hugely compelling, mature and thought-provoking piece of women’s fiction. Well paced from the very beginning and quick to get into the heart of the story, the novel has great depth and plenty of humour, however, I thought the ending was slightly rushed.
Overall, The Girl In The Corner is a well written, emotive book about love, loss, friendship, family and following your dreams that I highly recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an advance copy of this book.
In the opening chapter, we are introduced to sixteen-year-old Rae-Valentine Pritchard, who is quiet and shy, when she meets the very confident, loud and gregarious Dolly Latimer, at College. The two girls quickly become best friends and are inseparable teenagers, laughing and joking their way through life. Dolly arranges a double date for the two of them, her brother Howard and his friend, Vinnie. Rae and Howard, so in love, get married two years later.
From her modest life in the suburbs to a splendid Georgian house in North London, Rae is now a devoted wife and mother to daughter Hannah and her son, George. Following a surprise party in celebration of their silver wedding anniversary, Howard confesses to a shocking betrayal of their marital vows that totally shatters Rae. She is forced to take stock of her position as wife and mother and also her role as a general dogsbody to the Latimer family restaurant business. Will her relationship with her best friend Dolly be affected?
Rae starts to think about all her teenage dreams that she once had - training as a chef and island-hopping in Greece. Can Rae give up on her shattered marriage, live life for herself, and be the real Rae-Valentine?
The planned anniversary celebration trip to Antigua still goes ahead, however, Dolly travels with Rae, instead of Howard. Dolly's divided loyalties and a handsome and friendly, young barman are just the starts of matters becoming even more complicated. In Antigua, Rae contemplates the possibility of continuing with her marriage and what this might mean for her friendship with the enthusiastic Dolly. A reconciliation with Howard may be much more difficult than everyone thinks.
This is a wonderful story for anyone who has always felt that they were 'the girl in the corner' at every social occasion or even for just being the quiet and reserved middle child in their own family, with which I can personally identify. Amanda Prowse has a lovely writing style that captures Rae’s tormented soul beautifully. I also liked the way other issues were explored, in particular, Rae’s parents and sister, Debbie-Jo, who felt like the humble relations compared to the wealthy and successful Latimers. Howard’s betrayal is the catalyst for all of the years of unspoken emotions, forcing Rae to face her feelings of being second best in the Pritchard family.
The Girl In The Corner is a hugely compelling, mature and thought-provoking piece of women’s fiction. Well paced from the very beginning and quick to get into the heart of the story, the novel has great depth and plenty of humour, however, I thought the ending was slightly rushed.
Overall, The Girl In The Corner is a well written, emotive book about love, loss, friendship, family and following your dreams that I highly recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an advance copy of this book.
December 3, 2018
The Girl in the Corner is written in third person and is written in a very easy and readable style. There are a few flashbacks in this book, but they don't interrupt the flow of the story and help enrich it. The story is not explicit, characters do have sex and have sexual thoughts, but they are presented in a vague and tasteful manner.
The story centres on Rae-Valentine, who has always felt like the 'Girl in the corner', the girl who is always overlooked in favour of other, prettier or more talented girls and has struggled to find her voice and way in this world. But now she is a woman in her forties, she has a husband, two kids, a lovely home, she helps the family business and basically her life seemed to have worked out just fine and she is happy. That is until she returns home from her anniversary party and her husband of twenty five years drops a massive bombshell on her and Rae is left to pick up the pieces of her shattered life.
I really enjoyed this book! It was a very interesting read, and most of the characters were just wonderful! I really felt like I gained a friend in Rae, and the flash backs to her younger days really help me feel like I knew and understood her. I adored Rae's parents, they were so sweet and just simple good people, I really liked them and Rae's interactions with them. I also enjoyed the different perspectives that were explored in this book, such as when Rae and her sister had a heart to heart and both realised that growing up they had been jealous of each other. It was quite bittersweet, but to me it highlighted how we as people don't tend to focus on what we are good at, only on what we can't do well and how everyone should be proud of what they can do and to be brave enough to follow your dreams.
There wasn't much I didn't like about this book. But there were a couple of things, which is why I didn't give the book 5 stars. I didn't like a couple of the characters in this book, they were quite overbearing and although I got their place in the story, in relation to Rae, I just think that they could have been toned down a little. I also found Rae a little frustrating, while she dithered about what to do. Her path was so clear to me, yet she didn't take it! She did eventually, but it was literally in the very last pages of the book, so it felt rather anti climatic to me and it didn't really feel like a proper resolution to the story.
But, all that being said, I really did enjoy this book! It was an interesting story, with quite a few surprises, it was very character driven and I liked that Rae was that little older than most other stories like these. The writing style was also fantastic and I really did feel like I had gained a friend while reading.
My thanks to Netgalley for a copy to read and review.
The story centres on Rae-Valentine, who has always felt like the 'Girl in the corner', the girl who is always overlooked in favour of other, prettier or more talented girls and has struggled to find her voice and way in this world. But now she is a woman in her forties, she has a husband, two kids, a lovely home, she helps the family business and basically her life seemed to have worked out just fine and she is happy. That is until she returns home from her anniversary party and her husband of twenty five years drops a massive bombshell on her and Rae is left to pick up the pieces of her shattered life.
I really enjoyed this book! It was a very interesting read, and most of the characters were just wonderful! I really felt like I gained a friend in Rae, and the flash backs to her younger days really help me feel like I knew and understood her. I adored Rae's parents, they were so sweet and just simple good people, I really liked them and Rae's interactions with them. I also enjoyed the different perspectives that were explored in this book, such as when Rae and her sister had a heart to heart and both realised that growing up they had been jealous of each other. It was quite bittersweet, but to me it highlighted how we as people don't tend to focus on what we are good at, only on what we can't do well and how everyone should be proud of what they can do and to be brave enough to follow your dreams.
There wasn't much I didn't like about this book. But there were a couple of things, which is why I didn't give the book 5 stars. I didn't like a couple of the characters in this book, they were quite overbearing and although I got their place in the story, in relation to Rae, I just think that they could have been toned down a little. I also found Rae a little frustrating, while she dithered about what to do. Her path was so clear to me, yet she didn't take it! She did eventually, but it was literally in the very last pages of the book, so it felt rather anti climatic to me and it didn't really feel like a proper resolution to the story.
But, all that being said, I really did enjoy this book! It was an interesting story, with quite a few surprises, it was very character driven and I liked that Rae was that little older than most other stories like these. The writing style was also fantastic and I really did feel like I had gained a friend while reading.
My thanks to Netgalley for a copy to read and review.
January 5, 2019
This book made me think. I have been the girl in the corner my whole life, less-confident, insecure, fearful. The story kept me awake practically the whole night; deeper introspection has led to the conclusion that I am probably coming into my own trying to do new things, but there are still some things I need to change or accept.
I call author Amanda Prowse the Queen of Emotions, and she has struck again bringing to life another topic which many of us have seen - infidelity. Ms Prowse's ability to wrench emotions out of a cold heart is breathtaking. I managed to feel the same anger which the main character Rae feels after the confession from her infidel husband.
I liked the way Rae went on a trip to Antigua to get some sane from the claustrophobic situation at home. But her sister-in-law/best friend Dolly accompanied her, followed by her husband. And that led to my niggles...
Rae didn't really find her inner self till the very end. And I wished she had expressed herself clearly for once, she modified her life for everyone pushing her ambitions deep down till the last few pages.
A woman is strong and dynamic. And with a topic like infidelity, there has to be a counter emotion shown where she finds her own voice. I believe a woman can be in the corner but yet her voice can reach all corners of the earth. We women are that powerful!!
I loved the book for the story, but I wanted it to be more empowering, shining its sparkling rays on me, inspiring me. I liked the book spoke about forgiveness which is difficult in these cases, but it didn't feel real, it came from a place of thankfulness during a crisis.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, and it left me examining my own life...
I call author Amanda Prowse the Queen of Emotions, and she has struck again bringing to life another topic which many of us have seen - infidelity. Ms Prowse's ability to wrench emotions out of a cold heart is breathtaking. I managed to feel the same anger which the main character Rae feels after the confession from her infidel husband.
I liked the way Rae went on a trip to Antigua to get some sane from the claustrophobic situation at home. But her sister-in-law/best friend Dolly accompanied her, followed by her husband. And that led to my niggles...
Rae didn't really find her inner self till the very end. And I wished she had expressed herself clearly for once, she modified her life for everyone pushing her ambitions deep down till the last few pages.
A woman is strong and dynamic. And with a topic like infidelity, there has to be a counter emotion shown where she finds her own voice. I believe a woman can be in the corner but yet her voice can reach all corners of the earth. We women are that powerful!!
I loved the book for the story, but I wanted it to be more empowering, shining its sparkling rays on me, inspiring me. I liked the book spoke about forgiveness which is difficult in these cases, but it didn't feel real, it came from a place of thankfulness during a crisis.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, and it left me examining my own life...
December 4, 2018
Mature, realistic and unexpectedly profound women’s fiction written with honesty, wit & warmth.
Despite not having been particularly impressed by the only previous novel that I have read by Amanda Prowse, the premise for The Girl in the Corner was so relatable with a mature female protagonist forced to reassess her life, marriage and friendships after the revelation of her husband’s betrayal, that I opted to voluntarily read. I am glad that I approached the novel with an open mind, however, as The Girl in the Corner was all of the things that I felt were missing from that previous book - compelling, thought-provoking, life-affirming and a solidly engaging read!
At just sixteen-years-old, Rae-Valentine (“Rae�) Pritchard was one of life’s observers, preferring to keep her thoughts to herself and hide in the crowd. Meeting gregarious Dolly Latimer at typing college, she was soon swept up into a firm friendship with the bubbly whirlwind and a heady first romance and marriage to Dolly’s brother; self-confident and acquisitive businessman, Howard. Propelled from her cautious life in a modest suburb to a place in the Latimer clan’s flourishing restaurant empire and a Georgian house in North London, Rae is now a devoted wife and mother to sixteen-year-old, Hannah, and eighteen-year-old, George. On the eve of their silver wedding anniversary, Howard’s confession to a shocking betrayal of their marital vows shakes the foundations of Rae’s life. A devastated Rae is sent reeling and forced to consider her position as wife, mother and all round skivvy to the Latimer restaurant chain, as well as her role as Dolly’s best-friend. As Rae licks her wounds, retreats from family life and avoids Dolly, it gives her the opportunity to remember all those teenage dreams that she gave up on so easily once love and marriage entered her life, from island-hopping in Greece to training as a chef. But, is it too late for Rae to change her destiny and live life for herself, and can she find the courage to stop being thought of as a pushover whose opinions never quite matter enough? Defined by her relationships with everyone else, could it be time for the real Rae-Valentine to please stand up?
The planned anniversary celebration of two weeks in Antigua sees Rae taking Dolly instead of Howard and hoping for some much needed thinking time, however her best-friend’s split loyalties and a flirtatious barman are just the start of matters becoming trickier. As Rae is pressured to ease her husband’s conscience and play happy families by Dolly, she starts to feel like the outsider threatening to rock the extended Latimer family. Suddenly Howard’s mistake is made to feel of less importance and Rae is cast as the bad guy. Not quite happy to play along and swallow her pride, Rae ponders on the possibility of reconnecting with her husband and in turn recalibrating her whole friendship with brassy Dolly. Can shy, retiring Rae-Valentine find the strength to stand up and be counted and where does Rae’s friendship with Dolly end and her relationship with Howard begin? Can there ever be a possibility of the two being distinct and just what happens when one sours? The path to reconciliation might not be as easy as Howard, Dolly and the Latimer’s all think...
Amanda Prowse’s down to earth and conversational style of writing captures Rae’s predicament and emotional upheaval perfectly and her accessible prose makes the journey involving and interesting. Alongside Rae’s marital predicament and her place in the vibrant Latimer family, Prowse examines secondary issues such as how Rae’s parents and sister feel like the humble relations forced to forever play second fiddle. This is best exemplified by Debbie-Jo’s sniping and the risk-averse nature of her routine-oriented parents. Whilst Howard and Rae have faced challenges of their own, from a painful miscarriage to George’s autism and Hannah’s anger and friendship issues, these previous issues have never been openly discussed. Howard’s betrayal is the final straw that opens the floodgates to the belated years of unspoken emotions and pent-up feelings. It forces Rae to re-examine her whole life and, in turn, her complex emotions of being second best in the Pritchard family order, to finally emerge from the shadows and live the life she has always dreamed of. I particularly appreciated Rae’s considered thought processes and deliberation befitting a woman in her fifties, in contrast to the headstrong impetuosity often seen in chick-lit fare.
Perceptive, thought-provoking and emotive, The Girl in the Corner is a compelling piece of women’s fiction with well-realised and brilliantly human characters and primarily about a mature woman finding the courage and strength to take control of her destiny and put herself first. Well-paced from the off and quick to get into the heart of the story with dialogue that rings true, the novel has depth, humour and honesty. I was slightly disappointed by what I felt was a rushed conclusion with the impressive groundwork of the previous ninety percent of the novel given a rather trite summing up, but I was also pleasantly surprised at how tense and unpredictable I found the whole story. I would welcome the opportunity to see Rae-Valentine in a future novel and to catch up with her path to true fulfilment. Changing the names (Rae-Valentine and Debbie-Jo), and toning done brash and occasionally annoying Dolly’s larger than life persona would certainly help a repeat visit slip down a treat!
Mature, involving and unexpectedly profound women’s fiction and in contrast to my previous experience of Amanda Prowse’s work, a powerful and realistic novel with moments of wit and feel-good spirit. I would certainly recommend this novel for a thought-provoking read which just goes to show, it is never too late to realise our dreams or find our true path in life. When push comes to shove, is it easier to cling to safety and security and perhaps live to regret, or leap and take a chance?
Despite not having been particularly impressed by the only previous novel that I have read by Amanda Prowse, the premise for The Girl in the Corner was so relatable with a mature female protagonist forced to reassess her life, marriage and friendships after the revelation of her husband’s betrayal, that I opted to voluntarily read. I am glad that I approached the novel with an open mind, however, as The Girl in the Corner was all of the things that I felt were missing from that previous book - compelling, thought-provoking, life-affirming and a solidly engaging read!
At just sixteen-years-old, Rae-Valentine (“Rae�) Pritchard was one of life’s observers, preferring to keep her thoughts to herself and hide in the crowd. Meeting gregarious Dolly Latimer at typing college, she was soon swept up into a firm friendship with the bubbly whirlwind and a heady first romance and marriage to Dolly’s brother; self-confident and acquisitive businessman, Howard. Propelled from her cautious life in a modest suburb to a place in the Latimer clan’s flourishing restaurant empire and a Georgian house in North London, Rae is now a devoted wife and mother to sixteen-year-old, Hannah, and eighteen-year-old, George. On the eve of their silver wedding anniversary, Howard’s confession to a shocking betrayal of their marital vows shakes the foundations of Rae’s life. A devastated Rae is sent reeling and forced to consider her position as wife, mother and all round skivvy to the Latimer restaurant chain, as well as her role as Dolly’s best-friend. As Rae licks her wounds, retreats from family life and avoids Dolly, it gives her the opportunity to remember all those teenage dreams that she gave up on so easily once love and marriage entered her life, from island-hopping in Greece to training as a chef. But, is it too late for Rae to change her destiny and live life for herself, and can she find the courage to stop being thought of as a pushover whose opinions never quite matter enough? Defined by her relationships with everyone else, could it be time for the real Rae-Valentine to please stand up?
The planned anniversary celebration of two weeks in Antigua sees Rae taking Dolly instead of Howard and hoping for some much needed thinking time, however her best-friend’s split loyalties and a flirtatious barman are just the start of matters becoming trickier. As Rae is pressured to ease her husband’s conscience and play happy families by Dolly, she starts to feel like the outsider threatening to rock the extended Latimer family. Suddenly Howard’s mistake is made to feel of less importance and Rae is cast as the bad guy. Not quite happy to play along and swallow her pride, Rae ponders on the possibility of reconnecting with her husband and in turn recalibrating her whole friendship with brassy Dolly. Can shy, retiring Rae-Valentine find the strength to stand up and be counted and where does Rae’s friendship with Dolly end and her relationship with Howard begin? Can there ever be a possibility of the two being distinct and just what happens when one sours? The path to reconciliation might not be as easy as Howard, Dolly and the Latimer’s all think...
Amanda Prowse’s down to earth and conversational style of writing captures Rae’s predicament and emotional upheaval perfectly and her accessible prose makes the journey involving and interesting. Alongside Rae’s marital predicament and her place in the vibrant Latimer family, Prowse examines secondary issues such as how Rae’s parents and sister feel like the humble relations forced to forever play second fiddle. This is best exemplified by Debbie-Jo’s sniping and the risk-averse nature of her routine-oriented parents. Whilst Howard and Rae have faced challenges of their own, from a painful miscarriage to George’s autism and Hannah’s anger and friendship issues, these previous issues have never been openly discussed. Howard’s betrayal is the final straw that opens the floodgates to the belated years of unspoken emotions and pent-up feelings. It forces Rae to re-examine her whole life and, in turn, her complex emotions of being second best in the Pritchard family order, to finally emerge from the shadows and live the life she has always dreamed of. I particularly appreciated Rae’s considered thought processes and deliberation befitting a woman in her fifties, in contrast to the headstrong impetuosity often seen in chick-lit fare.
Perceptive, thought-provoking and emotive, The Girl in the Corner is a compelling piece of women’s fiction with well-realised and brilliantly human characters and primarily about a mature woman finding the courage and strength to take control of her destiny and put herself first. Well-paced from the off and quick to get into the heart of the story with dialogue that rings true, the novel has depth, humour and honesty. I was slightly disappointed by what I felt was a rushed conclusion with the impressive groundwork of the previous ninety percent of the novel given a rather trite summing up, but I was also pleasantly surprised at how tense and unpredictable I found the whole story. I would welcome the opportunity to see Rae-Valentine in a future novel and to catch up with her path to true fulfilment. Changing the names (Rae-Valentine and Debbie-Jo), and toning done brash and occasionally annoying Dolly’s larger than life persona would certainly help a repeat visit slip down a treat!
Mature, involving and unexpectedly profound women’s fiction and in contrast to my previous experience of Amanda Prowse’s work, a powerful and realistic novel with moments of wit and feel-good spirit. I would certainly recommend this novel for a thought-provoking read which just goes to show, it is never too late to realise our dreams or find our true path in life. When push comes to shove, is it easier to cling to safety and security and perhaps live to regret, or leap and take a chance?
March 31, 2019
I thought this was a nice book. I think Amanda Prowse always has wonderful character development and it's easy to get to know the main characters and relate to them on some level.
This story frustrated me several times due to the behaviors of some of the characters, however the behaviors seemed realistic for the characters in question. This was not an issue with the writing. I simply wanted people to react differently. I suppose that goes to show how realistic her characters really are.
The story dragged a bit at times due to some repetition of themes, but it makes sense that the situation would completely take over a person's thoughts. Again, it was realistic, but frustrating. Imagine a friend who just can't stop talking about a certain situation. At some point you think, "Enough!" But, of course, you need to be understanding of their mindset at the time. That was this book. Fortunately, there was enough other stuff going on in the story that it was easy to overlook this mild repetition.
I felt that the end of this book was the best part. Obviously, I can't state why, but just know that I thought it was wrapped up well.
Overall, a nice story with great character development, some minor, but realistic annoyances, and a well-done ending. 3.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This story frustrated me several times due to the behaviors of some of the characters, however the behaviors seemed realistic for the characters in question. This was not an issue with the writing. I simply wanted people to react differently. I suppose that goes to show how realistic her characters really are.
The story dragged a bit at times due to some repetition of themes, but it makes sense that the situation would completely take over a person's thoughts. Again, it was realistic, but frustrating. Imagine a friend who just can't stop talking about a certain situation. At some point you think, "Enough!" But, of course, you need to be understanding of their mindset at the time. That was this book. Fortunately, there was enough other stuff going on in the story that it was easy to overlook this mild repetition.
I felt that the end of this book was the best part. Obviously, I can't state why, but just know that I thought it was wrapped up well.
Overall, a nice story with great character development, some minor, but realistic annoyances, and a well-done ending. 3.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 15, 2023
Very well written but I cried through the book
This is a book about cheating and I cried my eyes out. Howard and Rae are married and have been together since high school. On the night of their anniversary he tells her he has been unfaithful and he's so sorry. He bawls like a baby and cries and begs. She goes on the vacation he bought them with his sister
, and her best friend, and she tries to decide what to do. I didn't really like Dolly and she was totally clueless when it came to her friends heartbreak. There is a lot of stuff going on and lots of angst and changes and its just so heartbreaking. And the ending just was so stunning. I feel like I have been through the wringer. I can't say I liked the book, because I hate cheating books, but I do applaud the author for writing such an intriguing story that I kept reading it even after I realized that it was about infidelity. Very emotionally draining for sure.
This is a book about cheating and I cried my eyes out. Howard and Rae are married and have been together since high school. On the night of their anniversary he tells her he has been unfaithful and he's so sorry. He bawls like a baby and cries and begs. She goes on the vacation he bought them with his sister
, and her best friend, and she tries to decide what to do. I didn't really like Dolly and she was totally clueless when it came to her friends heartbreak. There is a lot of stuff going on and lots of angst and changes and its just so heartbreaking. And the ending just was so stunning. I feel like I have been through the wringer. I can't say I liked the book, because I hate cheating books, but I do applaud the author for writing such an intriguing story that I kept reading it even after I realized that it was about infidelity. Very emotionally draining for sure.
November 13, 2018
As always with an Amanda Prowse book you are taken on a journey of emotions as you journey through the book with the beautiful characters. Get the tissues to hand as you will need them. This book is really beautiful just like all of Amanda’s books. She just had such a fabulous way of writing that makes you feel things deeply. I loved it.
Rae-Valentine and Howard were childhood sweethearts. They’ve shared twenty-five peaceful years since they were brought together by Dolly, Howard’s larger-than-life sister. But now, on the night of their wedding anniversary, Howard reveals a shocking betrayal that leaves Rae reeling.
Heartbroken, she takes Dolly on her would-be anniversary trip to Antigua and the two women drink and dance and talk like they haven’t in years. But in the break from real life, Rae realises her choices have always been made for her, and suddenly she’s questioning not only her fragile marriage but also her one-sided friendships. Is she really the pushover everyone else sees?
When Howard comes looking for reconciliation, Rae has a choice to make: keep the peace, as she always has, or put herself first for once and find out who she really is.
Rae-Valentine and Howard were childhood sweethearts. They’ve shared twenty-five peaceful years since they were brought together by Dolly, Howard’s larger-than-life sister. But now, on the night of their wedding anniversary, Howard reveals a shocking betrayal that leaves Rae reeling.
Heartbroken, she takes Dolly on her would-be anniversary trip to Antigua and the two women drink and dance and talk like they haven’t in years. But in the break from real life, Rae realises her choices have always been made for her, and suddenly she’s questioning not only her fragile marriage but also her one-sided friendships. Is she really the pushover everyone else sees?
When Howard comes looking for reconciliation, Rae has a choice to make: keep the peace, as she always has, or put herself first for once and find out who she really is.
November 12, 2018
Amanda Prowse has a style of writing that brings her characters to life. She builds them up in such a manner they feel like your family/friends and in turn you feel their emotions.
The Girl in the Corner is a lovely story of love, loss and trust and how rediscovery is possible at any stage in life. This book contains an important message about ensuring you are living the life you want to live and are happy and creating lasting memories to look back.
What a lovely story, I loved Rae Valentine and would love to see her and her red backpack in a other story as she reminded me of the lovely Poppy Day.
The Girl in the Corner is a lovely story of love, loss and trust and how rediscovery is possible at any stage in life. This book contains an important message about ensuring you are living the life you want to live and are happy and creating lasting memories to look back.
What a lovely story, I loved Rae Valentine and would love to see her and her red backpack in a other story as she reminded me of the lovely Poppy Day.
November 24, 2018
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.
Rae-Valentine Pritchard was sixteen when she became best friends with Dolly Latimer at college. Dolly hero worshiped her big brother Howard and decided that Rae would be his perfect girlfriend. Dolly`s matchmaking worked and Rae married Howard when she was eighteen.
Twenty five years later Rae was happily to Howard and they had two grown-up children Hannah and George. Howard had taken over the family run chain of restaurant's and Rae was run off her feet doing errands for the business as well as caring for her elderly parents
On the night of Rae`s twenty fifth wedding anniversary .Howard confessed to an affair with one of his waitresses. Devastated Rae took Dolly on a holiday to Antigua that Howard booked for their anniversary. During the holiday Rae realised that cracks had slowly appeared in their marriage. Rae remembered that she wanted to be a chef and contemplated leaving her marriage to start a new life. When Rae tried to discuss this with Dolly, she iadvised her not to think about the affair and hopefully she would forget. Upset Rae realised despite being best friends Dolly would always support her brother rather than her.
When Howard decided to join Rae in Antigua she was presented with the dilemma of staying in her safe, glamorous life or following her own dreams.
The Girl in the Corner had a great cast of characters. I liked Rae, Hannah, her parents and the exuberant Latimer clan. I liked Dolly who was overbearing but ultimately her actions were based on love. There were scenes in this book which were hilarious and me laugh out laugh. Such as when dolly asked for a bus ticket (you have to read the book to find out) and when she did a wee in the boat in the middle of the ocean,
I cried when Rae`s mum died after a stroke and it made me remember the moment my Mum died In hospital. The only thing I disliked was the abrupt ending based on what could of been a split of the tongue.
However I would love to read a follow up in Rae and Hannah`s stories in the future. I enjoyed this book but it was not as good as the coordinates of Love.
April 2, 2019
Rae-Valentine and her husband Howard were childhood sweethearts brought together by Dolly, Rae's best friend and Howard's wild and crazy sister. They have been married 25 years and have 2 children together. But now, after their anniversary party, Howard reveals something shocking that leaves Rae blindsided. Heartbroken, Rae not only starts questioning her marriage but also her friendships that seem to always be one-sided. Will Rae finally put herself first?
Amanda Prowse has done it again, another gripping read that pulls at the heartstrings. She really makes you feel for Rae and all she's been through. A very well-written novel with realistic characters about marriage, friendship, and finding yourself.
*Many thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Amanda Prowse has done it again, another gripping read that pulls at the heartstrings. She really makes you feel for Rae and all she's been through. A very well-written novel with realistic characters about marriage, friendship, and finding yourself.
*Many thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 10, 2018
I have really enjoyed all the books that i have read so far by this author and so pleased to have received an advanced copy of 'The Girl in the Corner' via Netgalley.
I was determined when i started to read this book, that i will not put a tissue box at my side. Amanda Prowse always has the ability to pull at my heartstrings! All was going well and near to the end... well, i should have known better. I am not going to write what the story is about, as i would rather one read the story for themselves. The ending did take me by surprise and was one that i wasn't expecting.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy. This is my honest review, freely given.
I was determined when i started to read this book, that i will not put a tissue box at my side. Amanda Prowse always has the ability to pull at my heartstrings! All was going well and near to the end... well, i should have known better. I am not going to write what the story is about, as i would rather one read the story for themselves. The ending did take me by surprise and was one that i wasn't expecting.
My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy. This is my honest review, freely given.
November 13, 2018
Loved this book! I always enjoy Amanda Prowse's books and avidly want for her next release. This did not disappoint at all. I loved the characters and was hugely entertained. A great contrast of emotions while reading, from laughter to being on the verge of tears! Her books always feel as though you could step right into them as the characters and plots are so realistic.
November 17, 2018
An easy read but sadly Amanda’s novels have become rather predictable.
I found the characters irritating and all a bit Shirley Valentine.
I found the characters irritating and all a bit Shirley Valentine.
February 14, 2019
I really like the Amanda Prowse novels I have read so far, but I struggled a bit with this one.
Rae and Howard are a happily married couple but it turns out Howard has a secret.
Response to a novel is probably influenced by the frame of mind of reader at that time, but even so, neither Howard nor Rae, or for that matter her best friend Dolly felt real, likeable or plausible, and the story seemed to move in endless circles without progression for much of the time.
With thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK
Rae and Howard are a happily married couple but it turns out Howard has a secret.
Response to a novel is probably influenced by the frame of mind of reader at that time, but even so, neither Howard nor Rae, or for that matter her best friend Dolly felt real, likeable or plausible, and the story seemed to move in endless circles without progression for much of the time.
With thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK
November 8, 2021
See my full review of this title on my blog: Books Under the Blanket (with a flashlight):
December 10, 2018
Amanda Prowse has done it again her fantastic writing and realistic characters had me hooked on this book from beginning to end.
Rae Valentine was such a believable character I could relate to her circumstances and reactions throughout and she had me rooting for her throughout.
Rae was always the girl in the corner!! Shy and unconfident, taking second place to her older confident sister until she meets Dolly who becomes her lifelong friend, Dolly introduces her to her brother Howard and they fall in love and Rae marries into their more influential family.
Twenty five years later Rae feels she has life figured. Two beautiful children a successful husband and a fantastic lifestyle but something has happened to put it all in the balance.
The revelation means Rae has an important decision to make Will she be strong enough to follow her instincts? or will she be happier not rocking the boat and trying to mend her marriage.?
This book explores so many issues with such understanding these included - friendship, marriage, trust, family, loss, love and loyalty,
When life gives you lemons make lemonade is a saying which came to me whilst reading this book. The importance of fiends and family for support definitely shone throughout the book . Definitely one for anyone who has felt like the girl in the corner who has struggled to be everything to everyone but has lost their own identity along the way.
This book will stay with me for a long time, I cannot recommend it highly enough. Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for my chance to read this fantastic book.
Rae Valentine was such a believable character I could relate to her circumstances and reactions throughout and she had me rooting for her throughout.
Rae was always the girl in the corner!! Shy and unconfident, taking second place to her older confident sister until she meets Dolly who becomes her lifelong friend, Dolly introduces her to her brother Howard and they fall in love and Rae marries into their more influential family.
Twenty five years later Rae feels she has life figured. Two beautiful children a successful husband and a fantastic lifestyle but something has happened to put it all in the balance.
The revelation means Rae has an important decision to make Will she be strong enough to follow her instincts? or will she be happier not rocking the boat and trying to mend her marriage.?
This book explores so many issues with such understanding these included - friendship, marriage, trust, family, loss, love and loyalty,
When life gives you lemons make lemonade is a saying which came to me whilst reading this book. The importance of fiends and family for support definitely shone throughout the book . Definitely one for anyone who has felt like the girl in the corner who has struggled to be everything to everyone but has lost their own identity along the way.
This book will stay with me for a long time, I cannot recommend it highly enough. Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for my chance to read this fantastic book.
July 19, 2019
Rae and Dolly have been best friends since the age of sixteen. Dolly is loud and crass whilst Rae is more subdued. She has been happily married to Howard, Dolly’s brother, for twenty five years and overall been content with her life. That all changes when she finds out that her marriage isn’t as happy as she had thought.
We follow Rae as she tries to come to terms with what is going on in her life. My heart went out to her as even a fabulous trip to Antigua is tainted. As much as I liked Dolly as she is a lot of fun, her judgement is very clouded with Howard being her brother and she certainly doesn’t have Rae’s best interests to heart.
Rae like most of us has hopes and dreams. Again like most of us, they have been put on the burner whilst motherhood and being a wife has come first. I so wanted her to find the courage to put herself first for once. It makes you realise how much we take our loved ones for granted and I felt so frustrated on Rae’s behalf.
The Girl In The Corner is a story of relationships within the immediate and extended family and how these can be affected by family dramas. It filled me with an array of emotions at what Rae was having to deal with and I wanted to give her a big hug. I love how the author keeps her stories very real and I certainly wasn’t expecting how the story ended. A heartfelt and gentle read that offers a glimpse of hope.
We follow Rae as she tries to come to terms with what is going on in her life. My heart went out to her as even a fabulous trip to Antigua is tainted. As much as I liked Dolly as she is a lot of fun, her judgement is very clouded with Howard being her brother and she certainly doesn’t have Rae’s best interests to heart.
Rae like most of us has hopes and dreams. Again like most of us, they have been put on the burner whilst motherhood and being a wife has come first. I so wanted her to find the courage to put herself first for once. It makes you realise how much we take our loved ones for granted and I felt so frustrated on Rae’s behalf.
The Girl In The Corner is a story of relationships within the immediate and extended family and how these can be affected by family dramas. It filled me with an array of emotions at what Rae was having to deal with and I wanted to give her a big hug. I love how the author keeps her stories very real and I certainly wasn’t expecting how the story ended. A heartfelt and gentle read that offers a glimpse of hope.
November 20, 2018
As I have come to expect from Amanda Prowse, this book is character driven and as you read, you really do feel that the characters are living, breathing people that you completely relate to. The women are particularly vivid in their portrayal and I was quick to identify the Rae Valentine and Dolly in my own family.
This book raises questions how much of ourselves we give to our relationships and, on occasion, how much we give up for them and how much we find ourselves hiding behind them.
Every family has its own dynamics and this novel perfectly explores how that molds who we become, whether or not it is the same as who we thought we would be. It is seemingly a gentle read but raises some thought-provoking issues.
This book raises questions how much of ourselves we give to our relationships and, on occasion, how much we give up for them and how much we find ourselves hiding behind them.
Every family has its own dynamics and this novel perfectly explores how that molds who we become, whether or not it is the same as who we thought we would be. It is seemingly a gentle read but raises some thought-provoking issues.
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