Having read the first couple of chapters I was worried, I wasn't mesmerised straight away like I am usually by Amanda's books but I didn't need to fear within the first 5 chapters she had me hooked as usual and it just got better. It was beautifully written, mesmerisingly powerful, the two main characters Hitch and Grayson were special in their own right and together were magical. A true love story and a reminder that nobody is perfect but your perfect in somebodys eyes

Thomasina is a truly wonderful character. I absolutely loved her and felt like we were firm friends by the end of the story. She has had to overcome a lot in her life and put up with more than most. My heart went out to her with how some people treat her and I just wanted to wrap her up and keep her safe of which I soon realised was exactly what she doesn’t want or need.

Mid twenties and still living at home with her parents on the farm, you could quite easily forgive Thomasina for dreaming of bigger and better things. The farm and home life was just wonderful to read of though. Apart from Emery who Isn’t the nicest of people, I wanted to transport myself and join them around the kitchen table whilst they enjoyed the cooked breakfasts and their tea and cake. It made me feel all cosy and warm inside.

Grayson is another fabulous character. If anything this story just has the best characterisation and made the story come to life. I felt like I was going through the emotions of the characters and was totally wrapped up in the story. Only problem with this authors books is as I enjoy them so much they seem to end far to quickly. I could have spent hours more reading and spending time with these wonderful characters.

The Things I Know is a heart warming and endearing read that you will not be able to put down. I couldn’t devour it fast enough as some of the characters will really pull on your heart strings. A truly fabulous read and I hope the author will revisit the characters at some point in the future as they are ones that I know I will think of often. All the stars for this one. Loved it.

I absolutely loved this gorgeous book!
Just when I think this author cannot touch my heartstrings more than her last book, she goes and does it again, with bells on!
Such a tender love story between two beautiful souls.
You just find yourself willing them on in their relationship.
Hitch is such a strong character, yet you see all the upset and unhappiness that she carries with her daily. Then along comes Gray, a person who is unlike all others, who has the ability to see Hitch as someone who he can relate with, who doesn’t judge him. It’s was wonderful to watch them grow and flourish as they got to know each other more.
I loved that it wasn’t your typical characters, my own son does have many of the traits shown by Gray, and it was lovely to see a positive image about being different to others. It really warmed my heart to read this emotional yet positive book.

In this book Amanda once again manages to create some very real characters with a real persons faults and foibles, and puts them in the ‘real’ world where people aren’t always very nice, and some people can let you down, whilst others can be surprisingly good.

‘Hitch’ lives on a remote farm and B&B with her parents. She has a badly repaired cleft palate (hence her nickname) and deformed limbs, and whilst her parents protect her as best they can she is used to being teased and taken advantage of.

When a businessman, Grayson, with his own special eccentricities comes to stay at the B&B both see something in the other that they can relate to, and both see past the differences and difficulties the world sees. Both are used to being told that they are different in a negative way, but in each other they both find the best of themselves.

The things I know
1. I love this book.
2. I love Amanda Prowse’s writing.
3. I would love to go and stay in the B&B on the farm. 😀

The Things I Know, Amanda Prowse

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: general fiction (Adult), women's fiction

Ah no....usual moan :-( Why, why do we have women's fiction as a category? Why assume men won't/don't read romance – they do, they write it and read it.

With that off my chest, on to the book. I loved it. I've read several by Amanda now and she creates characters that feel incredibly real, and scenes that are like snippets for everyday life. That means the plots too feel genuine, and that's what I want in a story. Something I can believe in.

I adored Hitch, hated that name that epitomizes her disability. She's adored by her parents, but as often happens when children have disabilities, they are so scared for her they restrict her, smother her almost, and treat her like a child, always soothing and not really listening to what she wants now she's older. It must be hard seeing your child upset and the natural temptation is to keep them close, keep them away from harm. Hitch though is feeling a bit lost by life, its a wash, rinse, repeat kind of time for her and she wants a future of her own, a family, her own cake tins. That looks like its not on for her until Grayson Potts comes to stay, and he and Hitch see something in each other that completes them, makes them feel whole. Grayson too has issues, ones that make it difficult for him to relate to others but give him a talent in the finance industry.

They become close, even though its just a couple of days, and gradually both spread their wings a bit and look to a future. I loved when hitch became Thomasina. Its not without traumas though, problems, pitfalls and unpleasant people.
I loved that Amanda showed that disabled folk want – and should have – more than just a safe life, that its OK to want more, that they are the same as anyone else and should be treated that way. The older I get the more I see “normal” as mythical, really we're all someone along a sliding scale of normal, not one fixed point that denotes it and anyone away from that magic mark is not normal, and shouldn't expect to have the same rights, realities, life expectations as those who fit that narrow criteria.

Stars: Five, another great read from Amanda, and one to keep for re-reading. Such a wonderful story, no deep dark dramas, but a gentle spreading of wings from two wonderful characters.

Arc via Netgalley and publishers

The Things I Know By Amanda Prowse, reviewed for Netgalley

I find Amanda’s books a treat to read every time. I am always drawn to her book covers and the titles give just a hint of what to expect.
Thomasina ‘Hitch’ Waycott loves living and working on the remote family farm and B&B. But she also wants more. To see the world. To own her own home. To fall madly in love.

But those are fairy tales, and if her life is a fairy tale, then she’s the ugly duckling. Her deformed lip, her crooked limbs and her weak heart have kept her from taking chances. But that’s about to change.

When Grayson Potts comes to stay, he’s unlike anyone Thomasina has ever met. He’s aloof, eccentric and exceptionally kind. He’s also totally unconcerned with the physical flaws that have always defined Thomasina.

The two form a bond that neither has had before. It’s possible that it could become something more, but Thomasina also wonders if it’s too good to be true. By putting her heart on the line, Thomasina may open herself to heartbreak. But she may also open herself to so much more.

This is such a sweet story, whilst at the same time not straight forward. Is life ever?

Hitch tells the story from her point of view (maybe a story from another point of view such as Emery could work too).

I really wanted to savour this story! I could envisage the characters and hear their voices, I really love how it’s written. I was able to smile laugh and be choked by emotion!

It’s a story of family, relationships and how gritty life can be with the cards that we are dealt.
Based down the road from me in Bristol, The Things I Know, I’d recommend you to read it.

"An itty bitty scrap of a thing" is how Thomasina's Mother described her to friends after she was born with a cleft palate, a twist to her toes and a couple of bent up fingers. She also described her as "a fighter and no mistake".
Fondly called Hitch by her family due to the appearance of her lip , she feels very loved by her parents but also somewhat over-protected. Following the visit of an American couple who stay over at Waycott, the family farm, Hitch has dreams of one day going to New York to, amongst other things, drink cworfee, inspired by her younger Brother Jonathan who has already flown the family nest and business and gone to the states.
A guest by the name of Grayson comes to stay at the farm . Grayson is geeky, shy and very different and he also sees past Hitch's disabilities .He's kind and caring and out of respect for her he requests that Hitch in future be referred to by him and everyone else as Thomasina,. Their relationship develops very quickly and the couple soon become close but family responsibilities get in the way of any future together.
I loved Thomasina's character. She was very loyal to her family , caring , kind and vulnerable but also strong at the same time.
Grayson was a very unique character , perfect for Thomasina but at times he frustrated me and I wanted to give him a shake.
In true Amanda Prowse tradition this was a very enjoyable read and highly recommended by me.

Another wonderful uplifting Amanda prowse read, gorgeous charecters with a lovely story, already can't wait for the next one

Amanda has done it again. I have loved every one of her books and this is no exception. It’s a lovely easy reading about two characters who feel they are different to other people and how they fall in love. It just goes to show there is someone for everybody in this world regardless of looks and ability to do normal everyday tasks without a struggle. I highly recommend this book and all of Amanda books, you will be in for a treat!!

This book was sad, happy and intense at times. I loved how driven the main character is and how she wants to experience all she can! I enjoyed the story!
Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for the early copy

I was Captivated from the prologue !
Thomasina “Hitch” knows first hand that life is not fair for Hitch everyday is the same as the day before. While she dreams to see the world , fall in love, live a life, without her physical difficulties , she is reminded by her mom that she is different.
Grayson has his own struggles, only knowing the world as hard and cold, until he meets Hitch. These two could not compliment each other any more, two complete soul mates, who just bring out the best in each other !
This book was so unexpected for me, I went in without knowing anything about it and yet, it’s so beautifully written and the author has a way of bringing the readers attentional the little things, pillows, eggs, sunrises .
I loved this book and these characters will stay with me for a long time.

Amanda Prowse has written another brilliant novel that is both relatable and moving. I felt true empathy for the characters, especially with Hitch (Thomasina). Two misfits navigating a world where things for them are not automatically easy. The story-line is gripping and the characters credible and likeable. Whilst it has not taken the 'top spot' on my favourite Amanda Prowse reads it certainly scores highly and a recommend it to fans and new readers alike.

3.5 stars.
I loved the characters, the rural setting (West Country, England) and how these two lonely and different from the norm individuals find comfort in each other and fall in love without too much drama.
This is also a wonderful story about a place - the small village of Austley Morton – and a home (the heroine’s, Waycott Farm), the hardships, uncertainty but also beauty of farming and rural life.
Thomasina is a great heroine, strong and resilient despite all the obstacles life threw in her way. Her relationship with the dog, the hens and the cows is heartwarming, and sometimes hilarious.
Grayson is a peculiar man, I was expecting his aloofness and lack of social skills to be a bit more elaboratd.
The dialogue between Thomasina and Grasyson in the second half of the book sometimes felt contrived and I think the hero’s mother dramatics was a bit over the top.

Review
Thank you @netgalley and @mrsamandaprowse for the advanced copy of The Things You know.
I was delighted to receive this advanced copy of this book as a big fan of this author.
I really enjoyed this book. Thomasina was born with a deformed lip, and crooked limbs and was treated like a child by her family. Then she meets Grayson, and he sees past her flaws and they form a bond.
This book is light hearted and an easy read, the main character captures your heart a little.

"And I know that some days I'm happy and other day's I'm sad, but that's the same for everyone, isn't it?"
This is a beautiful love story between two young adults.
Their meeting was fate.
Thomasina aka Hitch helps to run her family farm that also has a B&B.
A young quiet, honest man named Grayson Potts comes to stay for two days while at a presentation for his work.
This is their journey. Not all love and beauty, but definitely uplifting, challenging and enlightening.
You will love these two people!
I came away from this novel with the prayer that people who read this book by Amanda Prowse will see people with disabilities as people first.
"I know I need to find the courage to chase the life I deserve."
Everyone has goals, dreams and desires!
Wonderful story!

I know that Amanda has written another epic tale.

I know that Amanda has once again drawn me in.

I know that the story of Thom and Gray just reminds us that love and a happy life can find us all regardless of ability and looks.

I know that you will enjoy reading about Thom and Gray as much as Amanda's other books.

I simply love the way Amanda brings her characters to life. She draws you into their world and soon you start to laugh and cry with them. The things I know is another fantastic book which draws you into a simple life far away from the city and into the life of a young woman who wants to change her life and how she feels trapped with all the obligations around her. It takes us on a journey of her struggles and triumphs and you find yourself wanting the best for her. Great book by a fabulous author!

The Things I Know is another beautiful love story from Amanda Prowse. It tells the story of Thomasina ‘Hitch’ Waycott and Grayson Potts. At the end of each chapter, Thomasina writes in her journal about the things she knows. I’m sure I’ll not be the only reviewer to write their thoughts this way, but I thought it seemed a good way to layout my review.

So in the style of Thomasina, these are the things I know…

I know that Amanda Prowse has a real knack for creating characters that you take to your heart.

I know that I immediately felt protective of Hitch, as she was known as at the beginning of the story, and perhaps that was the trouble. She had a few disabilities which meant that her parents, with the best of intentions, had been too protective and hadn’t given her the chance to shine.

I know that Grayson with his straightforward way of looking at the world, saw past every physical problem and right to the heart of who Thomasina was and what she could be. And I loved him for that.

I know that this is the story of two people who never quite seemed to fit in, finding their place with each other and their place in the world.

I know that wanting your own cake tins is possibly one of the most lovely things you could wish for. That will make sense when you read the book!

I know that Amanda Prowse writes about the issues in this book in a sensitive and relatable way: special or different needs, addiction and bullying.

I know that this is a book which will evoke all kinds of emotions. You will smile, you will feel angry, you will laugh, you may find a lump in your throat.

I know that I was holding in my breath in the last chapter wondering how it would all end for Thomasina and Grayson.

I know that if you have loved Amanda Prowse’s previous novels then you will love this one too.

I loved this story and was rooting for Hitch the whole way through and it's true that when you start to assert yourself, life does get better. I would recommend this book 100/%. Amanda has done it again and written a book that just tugs at your heart strings. I would like to thank the publishers and netgalley for letting me have the book to review and the opinions expressed are entirely my own views.

A wonderfully heartwarming book from an amazing author . This book is like a really warm hug just when you need one . Beautiful characters and heartwarming storyline .