Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
This book starts with Zoe moving very suddenly after her son dies, from Australia to the UK. She gets a job as a nurse very quickly - this would not be possible as she would have to apply to be registered here. She has left her husband with barely an explanation, and not been clear she's no intention of returning. Within a few pages she's telling off someone for smoking in the hospice grounds because "it's disrespectful" to the patients - in my experience as a nurse patients are supported to.enjoy their last days however they wish, including smoking and drinking. She's supposed to be a manager but many staff come in to work late - clearly she's not prioritising patients by not ensuring staff do they're employed to do and provide sufficient cover.
In all I found this story lacked any credibility, and despite my hopes it did not get any better as it progressed.

This is a hard hitting book. The main character is a palliative care nurse.
The writing and character development was average.

Following a massive family tragedy Zoe has left her native Australia to find a new life in England. But when her new boss Ben shows up he is not happy with the end of life notes Zoe is helping the patients of the hospice write. Can they reach some common ground?

Oh wow this book was amazing. I just couldn’t put it down and I wanted it to carry on forever. Although this book had some really sad points and subjects I also found it quite inspiring. We shouldn’t wait to tell people what we really think. So much time is wasted and it really doesn’t have to be like that. I loved Zoe in this book and despite her trauma was still such a lovely person. This plot was good and although almost made me cry in places was one that will stay with me for a long time. This was my first book by this author but I’ll definitely read more.

Such a powerful emotional read that made me laugh and made me cry. What would you want people to read in your last moments.

This book was a little slow in places but certainly kept my attention. It was a very emotional read filled with kindness, bravery and sensitive topics which are approached in a very delicate and emotional way.

I realise I'm in the minority for this one. Don't get me wrong - the plot was lovely and emotionally charged; the characters terribly humane in front of unfortunate circumstances. In fact, It was good enough to make the numb, dead me tear up like a baby BUT -

It was awfully predictable, So much that after a while, I just didn't feel the urge to read on. The writing could have been better. The relationships could have been portrayed better. The characters would have had more impact with a bit more depth.


Overall, it's not a bad book. Definitely not. I can think of several friends of mine who would lose their sleep at night after finishing this one. It's just not for me. Anyhoo, I look forward to reading Hannah's new books! Best of luck.

This book started off just a little bit slow, but once it picked up I really enjoyed it. I would definitely purchase this for a friend!

‘The Notekeeper" had an intriguing premise and an appealing cover, but it didn't quite meet my expectations. The story felt divided into separate parts, and I struggled to connect with it. While the exploration of deep issues was commendable, certain events and character behaviors felt abrupt and out of place. This book may resonate more with readers who enjoy the genre. My review is based on my personal reading experience.

This was my first time reading a book from the author but I am delighted to say I thoroughly enjoyed the story and I look forward to reading more books from the writer in the future

The cover and the blurb attracted me to the book. The story itself comes in three almost separate parts. We have Zoe and her personal arc, with some of it overlapping with the rest of the plot points. Then we have the note-taking. Zoe is a hospice nurse who takes down any last messages people might want to send anyone. This section is in the title, but it fades into the background once she is allowed to keep doing it. The final section is that of the hospice itself and the different people who are connected to it.
I found it slow going to begin with because of the feeling of different parts. I had to set it aside and come back to it at a later time. There is a seriousness that accompanies even the most romantic of times, and usually, that would appeal to me, but for some reason, however, this was not a book for me.
I cannot pinpoint the exact reason, but I was not able to become invested in the story as I generally tend to. Without giving away any spoilers, I think some of the eventual events and certain behaviour from certain people seemed too abrupt and not in keeping with the rest of the story. I tend to gravitate towards such narratives and read a chunk of them in any given year. Therefore I am a little too picky when it comes to the ones I actually prefer.
There is nothing wrong with this book. The author has dealt with some very deep issues in the course of the story, and I think it was a valuable part of the plot. I think people who read this genre might get more out of it than I did.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

This was a surprisingly warm and uplifting read about Zoe, who fled her native Australia after a family tragedy and has settled in Bristol and is now working in a hospice there. Zoe offers the patients an opportunity to write a letter to their loved ones for her to pass on after their death but when Ben, her new manager, stops her doing this it causes tension between them.
With a deftly drawn cast of characters, an intriguing plot and an immersive and compelling narrative, this is a one sit compulsive read.

This is an emotional read dealing with very sensitive subjects yet I didn't find it depressing, however it will make you cry!
A story of bravery,kindness and rebuilding lives. Fantastic.

I cannot praise this book higher, it was a perfect blend of realism and emotional, and the story and characters will stay with me long after I have finished,

I loved this book - it was so deeply emotional and moving.

The characters had me hooked immediately and it was written beautifully.

This book stayed with me long after I had turned the final page.

Such a beautiful book! From start to finish I felt every emotion and despite it being a difficult topic I was uplifted reading this.

The characters are truly special and there is a great lot of humour to measure out the sadness. I laughed and cried and this is a book that will stick with me for some time.

A really thought provoking book. It makes you believe you should follow Zoe's example and write that note. It had my interest from the very first post. An interesting book of love and life.

An emotional book about a hospice worker, this book made me sob

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.

Oh how emotional. Zoe works in a hospice, looking after those who are at the end of life stage. She takes notes from those about to pass and passes them to their loved ones after their deaths. It’s really important to Zoe; as the note she received after her young son tragically died is close to her at all times and she wants to give the same comfort to others. Ben has been bought in to run the hospice and he absolutely does not agree with these notes. Fireworks fly as they both are so sure they are right. Eventfully they agree to a compromise and both their lives are the better for their truce and they eventually begin a great loving relationship together until tragedy strikes for Zoe once again. A really beautiful story.

A sweet and heartwarming read! The Notekeeper was a bit predictable and unnecessarily long in my opinion but I still enjoyed it. This book gave me some new perspectives like the loss of a child and a later-in-life romance that I don't read much about.

I absolutely love the concept of the story where Zoe decided to pass on final messages that she found from her patients to their loved ones. It is heart wrenching yet heart warming at the same time. This was such a beautiful thing to do and I love how Zoe brought each note to life which created a wonderful back story for each person. Kudos to the author for that.

Thank you Netgalley and Canelo for the arc.