Book Review. In Just One Day by Helen McGinn
AUGUST 13, 2021 ~ NIKIPRESTON ~
ISBN 9781800483620

Pub date 5 Aug 21

Star rating 5


Synopsis

In Just One Day

Flora has always adored her brother Billy. Born just eighteen months apart, their childhood was spent like two peas in a pod – no one could separate them. Now, as adults, they remain the best of friends. And as Flora is immersed in family life, Billy is always there to lend a hand.

But, in just one day, everything changes.

In just one day, Flora’s life falls apart.

In just one day, Flora has to learn how to live again.

From the nostalgia of seaside Britain to the breath-taking beauty of Venice, in tears and laughter, join Helen McGinn for this emotional, uplifting and joyful story about love in all its guises. But above all, this is an unforgettable story of one little girl and the brother she adores.

REVIEW BY NIKI PRESTON

This wonderfully written book grabbed me by the heart from the beginning. A story of love and strength in the face of tragedy, highlighting just how important family and good friends really are.

Flora, the main character finds herself in a life changing moment that she struggles to cope with. Her heart is truly shattered. She is in such emotional turmoil that I really wanted to give her a great big hug. For me this is a sign of outstanding characterisation, Flora is brought to life so totally that I felt every emotion that she had to go through.

The relationship between Flora and her Mother is strained at best and Flora finds herself holding a secret that she wishes she hadn’t stumbled upon regarding her father. The one main stay in Flora’s is her brother Billy, they adore each other and are there for each no matter what. Billy of course, is the apple of his mother’s eye. Flora decides she must confront her Father about what she knows then tragedy strikes the whole family that changes everyone’s lives forever.

Firstly, they are dealing with her husband’s redundancy and the potential loss of her much-loved job in a wine shop, which actually turns out to be the best thing for them both, just as life feels good and Flora can immerse herself in her love of fine wine a tragic event occurs that changes Flora’s outlook on life and she struggles with her heartbreak.

I loved every single page of this beautifully written book. A rollercoaster of emotion that had me laughing, crying, crying a bit more, and ending on an overwhelming feeling of joy for Flora and her Husband Johnny. The descriptive style of the wonderful countryside was very reminiscent of old family seaside holidays. I felt like Flora had become a firm friend. I held my breath for her, sighed with relief for her and truly felt heartbroken for her. I think I can safely say I adored this book, its characters and the fabulous descriptive writing draws the reader in. The sumptuous wine descriptions are wonderful, you can almost taste it. A book that I would recommend to everyone.

Purchase Link – https://amzn.to/3piy6R2


Author Bio – Helen McGinn is a much-loved wine expert on TV and in print and an international wine judge. She spent ten years as a supermarket buyer sourcing wines around the world before setting up her award-winning blog (and now best-selling wine book) The Knackered Mother’s Wine Club. She is the drinks writer for the Daily Mail and regularly appears on TV’s Saturday Kitchen and This Morning. Helen lives in the New Forest and Boldwood are publishing her debut women’s fiction title in Spring 2021


Social Media Links:

Twitter https://twitter.com/knackeredmutha

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/knackeredmother/

Newsletter Sign Up Link https://bit.ly/HelenMcGinnNewsletter

Bookbub profile https://www.bookbub.com/authors/helen-mcginn

REVIEW LINK Book Review. In Just One Day by Helen McGinn
AUGUST 13, 2021 ~ NIKIPRESTON ~ EDIT
ISBN 9781800483620

Pub date 5 Aug 21

Star rating 5


Synopsis

In Just One Day

Flora has always adored her brother Billy. Born just eighteen months apart, their childhood was spent like two peas in a pod – no one could separate them. Now, as adults, they remain the best of friends. And as Flora is immersed in family life, Billy is always there to lend a hand.

But, in just one day, everything changes.

In just one day, Flora’s life falls apart.

In just one day, Flora has to learn how to live again.

From the nostalgia of seaside Britain to the breath-taking beauty of Venice, in tears and laughter, join Helen McGinn for this emotional, uplifting and joyful story about love in all its guises. But above all, this is an unforgettable story of one little girl and the brother she adores.

REVIEW BY NIKI PRESTON

This wonderfully written book grabbed me by the heart from the beginning. A story of love and strength in the face of tragedy, highlighting just how important family and good friends really are.

Flora, the main character finds herself in a life changing moment that she struggles to cope with. Her heart is truly shattered. She is in such emotional turmoil that I really wanted to give her a great big hug. For me this is a sign of outstanding characterisation, Flora is brought to life so totally that I felt every emotion that she had to go through.

The relationship between Flora and her Mother is strained at best and Flora finds herself holding a secret that she wishes she hadn’t stumbled upon regarding her father. The one main stay in Flora’s is her brother Billy, they adore each other and are there for each no matter what. Billy of course, is the apple of his mother’s eye. Flora decides she must confront her Father about what she knows then tragedy strikes the whole family that changes everyone’s lives forever.

Firstly, they are dealing with her husband’s redundancy and the potential loss of her much-loved job in a wine shop, which actually turns out to be the best thing for them both, just as life feels good and Flora can immerse herself in her love of fine wine a tragic event occurs that changes Flora’s outlook on life and she struggles with her heartbreak.

I loved every single page of this beautifully written book. A rollercoaster of emotion that had me laughing, crying, crying a bit more, and ending on an overwhelming feeling of joy for Flora and her Husband Johnny. The descriptive style of the wonderful countryside was very reminiscent of old family seaside holidays. I felt like Flora had become a firm friend. I held my breath for her, sighed with relief for her and truly felt heartbroken for her. I think I can safely say I adored this book, its characters and the fabulous descriptive writing draws the reader in. The sumptuous wine descriptions are wonderful, you can almost taste it. A book that I would recommend to everyone.

Purchase Link – https://amzn.to/3piy6R2


Author Bio – Helen McGinn is a much-loved wine expert on TV and in print and an international wine judge. She spent ten years as a supermarket buyer sourcing wines around the world before setting up her award-winning blog (and now best-selling wine book) The Knackered Mother’s Wine Club. She is the drinks writer for the Daily Mail and regularly appears on TV’s Saturday Kitchen and This Morning. Helen lives in the New Forest and Boldwood are publishing her debut women’s fiction title in Spring 2021


Social Media Links:

Twitter https://twitter.com/knackeredmutha

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/knackeredmother/

Newsletter Sign Up Link https://bit.ly/HelenMcGinnNewsletter

Bookbub profile https://www.bookbub.com/authors/helen-mcginn

REVIEW LINK www.nikipreston.com

4,5 Stars

Helen McGinn’s In Just One Day is a heart-breaking, dramatic and uplifting tale about love, loyalty and the ties that bind fans of Jojo Moyes and Amanda Prowse will thoroughly enjoy.

Siblings Flora and Billy have always been close. As children, they were always together and they loved nothing more than being in each other’s company. As they got older, their bond strengthened and although they’ve taken different paths and made different choices, they are still very close. Nothing and nobody could ever come between Flora and Billy. Through the good times and the bad, they’ve always been in one another’s corner and had one another’s back – until one day everything changed.

Flora and Billy never even dared contemplate the thought of living in a world when the other wasn’t just a phone call or an email away. Until one day when Flora’s entire world fell apart. One day where everything Flora had taken for granted was smashed into a million tiny pieces leaving her heartbroken, bereft and unable to even think how she was going to cope with all the anguish and despair that threatened to consume her. Flora would love nothing more than to wallow in her own grief and sorrow yet she knows deep in her heart that life is for living and that she has to learn how to navigate this world by herself and find some measure of happiness. For Billy and everything he had ever meant to her.

Helen McGinn’s In Just One Day is a brilliant read that touches the heart, brings a tear to the eye and a smile to your lips. Helen McGinn writes with such care and compassion about the unexpected trajectories life forces us down and has penned a wonderful story that is hopeful, compelling, thought-provoking and so brilliantly written that you simply won’t be able to put it down.

A superb tale about living life to the full, cherishing your loved ones with everything you’ve got and the hidden reserves that see us through the most challenging of times, Helen McGinn’s In Just One Day is simply mesmerizing.

When Flora and Johnny both get made redundant on the same day they decide to take over the wine shop where Flora was working and bring it into the 21st century and make it a profitable business but on the day of the grand opening disaster strikes so can the family pull together and make things work?

A lovely bittersweet story I really felt for Flora, especially with the dilemma over her parents on top of everything else, but her husband Johnny was a lovely character being so steadfastly there for her whatever happened, and of course the wine descriptions definitely made it! My first book by this author but I will definitely read more.

This was such a lovely read, the opening chapters are so heartwarming and moving. It’s great to learn about Flora and her family, the bonds they have and the clearly loving relationship between her and Johnny. It was this relationship that really stuck with me throughout this book, no matter what happened Johnny was always there supporting Flora and putting her first.

Soon though I could tell that something bad was going to happen, and it wasn’t just because of the title. I found myself not wanting to read on - because then the bad stuff can’t happen right?! - but I also couldn’t put the book down. I was hooked. So much so that I have read this book in about 24 hours.

The wine shop itself is such a charming location and I can picture the exact image from a similar wine shop where I use to live, I think this really helped me to relate to the story despite my very dire knowledge of wine.

Talking of location though… Venice! I mean it’s always been on my list of places to visit but this book has just amplified that want ten fold. The rustic villages and canals sound so idyllic and romantic, a long weekend there would just be amazing! One day maybe….

Despite this being a really emotional book I started it and finished it with a big smile on my face. Helen is able to make you feel the lows and the highs and cherish those memories that you have of people who aren’t here with us anymore.

I was absorbed by the cover of this book straight away – it is so enticing and gorgeous! With the Venice setting as well, I was sold, keen to read this new release from McGinn.

I thought this book was a story of two halves: the first is loaded with optimism and new beginnings whilst the latter half of the novel is shadowed by grief and stagnation. Admittedly, I found the first half so much more fun and I grew to really love Flora’s character. The relationship she holds with her husband is lovely and I certainly enjoyed watching them embark on a new adventure when employment causes them to change direction.

However, although the Venice setting occurs later on in the story, I felt overwhelmed by Flora’s grief. The sunny narrative had clouded over and I no longer felt carefree and upbeat. McGinn does a fantastic job of characterising Flora’s emotions because I felt very sad in the second half of the story. Indeed, I think this is reflected in the pace of the narrative (or maybe it was just my imagination?). When the tone of the story turns unhappy, I thought the story slowed and it felt like I was moving through treacle. I felt oppressed, I read as if I had the weight of the world on my shoulders, and I wanted there to be some of that energy back in the story that I had seen in the beginning.

Was this a good thing? Undeniably, McGinn’s writing truly captures the feelings of Flora and her family after such a tragic event. However, I think I was seeking something a little fluffier; some doses of optimism that would appear sooner in Flora’s world than the narrative permitted. This is the key reason why I could not award the book the full five-star rating because I thought the mood of the story just a little too depressing.

So, let’s focus on the good stuff… the wine! Seriously, I thought my liver was being pickled as I read this story. Wine is prevalent: unsurprising considering the writer’s successful background. It is what pulls the narrative together and I enjoyed watching Flora’s expertise develop in wine and wine-tasting – she becomes a true connoisseur! Furthermore, the winery that Flora and her husband own symbolises that fresh start that she needs later in the story. I was keen to see the wine shop succeed but could not help be distrustful of Mack’s character. Perhaps I have read too many thrillers in my time?!

This book was very similar in structure to the other novel of McGinn’s that I read earlier in the year. Like before, I think the Venice trip could have come sooner in the narrative but it was still enjoyable to see the trip that Flora makes with her husband and marks the first steps Flora takes in moving forwards. McGinn’s description of Venice was incredibly vivid and I could picture the tour that Flora experiences, very much reminding me of my own travels to such a beautiful part of the world.

If you are after a “safe” story, then this will be for you. However, take this as a warning: there is a lot of grief and the theme of loss dominates the second half of the narrative. Personally, I thought it a little too saddening for my liking and think I need something totally different for my next read.

With thanks to Boldwood Books, NetGalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Favorite Quote:

‘I’d rather have Pete than not and, I don’t know, maybe it won’t last forever but I love him, and if that means trusting him when he’s face to face with much bigger tits than mine then that’s what I have to do’... Tilda looked over at Pete. ‘I think it’s time I went and retrieved him.’ She rolled her eyes at Susie. ‘What is it about boys and boobs?’


My Review:

This was my introduction to the stellar word skills of Helen McGinn, and what could be better than finding the main character was a wine specialist as I specialize in drinking it. Her poignant and agile storytelling hit all the feels with humor and profound insight and somehow miraculously maintained a well-honed balance in emotional tone while raising serious family issues and intense grief without being overly dreary. I sank right into the thoughtfully crafted storylines and was ardently and empathetically present with her enticing characters as if I were sharing their air. Helen McGinn has mad skills and a new fangirl.

Having read and thoroughly enjoyed this author’s previous book, ‘This Changes Everything’, I eagerly anticipated picking up this one and certainly wasn’t disappointed!

From the blurb, I had anticipated that most of the story would take place in Venice and, while this wasn’t the case, the narrative nevertheless had me gripped from the outset and the parts that did take place in the Italian city were beautifully vivid.

Author Helen McGinn is a renowned wine expert and the subject of wine dominates heavily throughout as main character Flora and her husband Johnny embark on a new business venture in taking over the running of the local wine shop.

Flora’s relationship with Johnny is a real strong point of the story. Married after a whirlwind romance, they support each other emotionally and have a strong, stabilising bond which is evident throughout, particularly when the tragedy with Flora’s brother strikes.

This is a truly emotional read in places as Flora struggles to come to terms with Billy’s accident. The inclusion of the impact on the other family involved adds an intriguing perspective, especially when the two families’ worlds collide.

The overriding theme throughout is of love, relationships and overcoming heartache, with even Flora’s parents forced to analyse the strength of their own marriage due to unexpected circumstances.

I’m becoming a huge fan of this author and would urge everyone to pick up a copy of this book- you won’t regret it!

With thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and @rararesources for the opportunity to participate in the blog tour.

3.5 stars

I enjoyed reading this book, but I felt like it should have been a bit more emotional considering the subject matter.

The majority of the story focused on Flora, her family, and her new business venture with her husband. Then tragedy struck and the focus of the story shifted a bit, but still mainly centered on Flora’s wine shop and her passion for wine. To be honest, that’s where I really started to pick up emotions from Flora. When her and her husband went to Italy, and experienced all of the food and wine they had to offer, everything Flora was feeling truly came alive on the pages of this book.

As far as the tragedy that occurred, to me it seemed the author was more so telling the reader the emotions everyone was feeling as opposed to showing them. It was apparent that everyone was hurting and not handling the situation well, but emotionally I just wasn’t feeling it.

Overall, it was a good story and definitely worth the read. The scenes in Italy definitely made me want to travel there even more! I just wish the emotions of the characters had been conveyed a little better.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4149345944

In Just One Day by Helen McGinn is a heartbreaking story about one family, and how their whole life changed in one day, so fair warning! In Just One Day will give you all the feelings! Happy, sad, hopeful, heartbreak, and every other emotion you can think of.

The characters in this book are wonderful, but we are mainly focused on Flora, but we also meet Flora's parents Robin and Kate, brother Billy, husband Johnny, just to begin with. When you first start the book, you are somewhat quickly overwhelmed by all of the characters that come at you like fastballs, but it doesn’t take long for you to get used to everyone. The book is well written and you can't help but get swept away with the tale.

Overall I found In Just One Day a book full of tears and heartbreak, but you take away the wise words that heartbreak never goes away, it just gets easier.

This is my first Helen McGinn novel and it won't be my last! In Just One Day we follow Flora's journey navigating the ups and downs of life. Learning that her husband is being made redundant on the same day that she discovers that her boss also has to let her go is a huge worry; she also learns that her hubby wants to take a different role in the future and so the next chapter of her life begins..... And another ends!! Flora seems to be a well-rounded, kind lady who instinctively knows what to say and do at any given time. I loved her and the story

I found this to be a very emotional book especially when a tragic accident occurs. I found Flora to be an interesting character but I didn’t really connect with her. I didn’t really like her mother Kate at first because she came across as being rude and I have to admit that I was really surprised at the fact that she ended up being my favourite character. As the story progressed my heart absolutely broke for Kate because she had to deal with a lot more than just the loss of her child.

This was a good book which makes you think about life.

We follow Flora and Johnny on their new venture into the wine business. If you are a big lover of all things wine, I think you would love this. Unfortunately I'm not so all that was rather wasted on me.

Things happen and it was refreshing to see how everyone copes differently with it all.

I would have liked the book go more in detail with the other characters as I felt there was so much more that could have been said, or maybe a follow on book.

I still enjoyed it, but again if your a wine buff, I think this one is more for you.

Thanks to both Boldwood Books and NetGalley, too,
For the copy of this book I’ve read, here’s my honest review:

This is a moving story of family life
Complete with joys, trouble, grief and strife.
It is very different, with lots of gorgeous wines
And some tasty Italian meals on which to dine.

It involves changing plans and making a fresh start,
Working together and being torn apart.
There’s a wine shop, Ten Green Bottles, in need of a makeover
Which Flora and Johnny decide to takeover.

The story is filled with characters who
It is very easy to relate to.
There’s tragedy and love, hurt and pain
Grief and learning to live again.

Friends and relations all have their roles to play
With romance, infidelity and love along the way.
It's a story about grief, joy, forgiveness and more
And living life to the full, we never know what's in store.

If you’re looking for a story to make you feel
With events and scenarios that could easily be real
I highly recommend you read this book -
It may even inspire you to try new wines and cook!

A really lovely story about families and grief and learning to live again after losing someone dear to you.

I started reading this book not quite sure what to expect as it is written by a wine expert and wine also plays a big role in this book and I don't drink wine.... ever! I wondered if this was the right book for me.

I am so glad I decided to give this moving story a go despite the wine theme. I was so moved by the story and I understood the love of wine and the interest in it, even though I do not like it myself, I just imagined it being chocolate or something I love that was being discussed when the characters thought the wine was mouth watering.

I knew the book would have a big emotional event leading to a loss, but I wasn't sure what to expect or when, so the first many chapters I was enjoying a really uplifting story, a feel good story, but at the same time I was dreading what was to come. You know you have a great book in your hands when you are so touched by the characters that you get a stomach ache just thinking of the pain and grief that awaits them.

The main characters were really well written and believable in my eyes and I liked the fact that the main character Flora was in a stable relationship with Johnny, a really solid marriage, unlike so many of the books I have read recently where the main characters are struggling in their relationship or on the look out for a new one. This was a really nice change and also the interactions between Flora and her parents were really believable and added depth to the characters.

Overal a really good book about Flora and her wine shop and how Flora and her family deal with losing a loved one and learn to live again.

A touching and sensitively written story about how a family handles grief and loss. Each of the characters had such varied ways of handling their loss and the dynamics between them were cleverly written so as to show the impact of the bereavement.
I loved the inclusion of Venice and thought the imagery of the city was vivid and beautiful, and the wines so evocatively described I could almost taste them.

What a delightful surprise this was ! It had all the elements of a good read . Emotional , friendship , twists and love .

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this early release

1 stars
I did not finish. I was about 25% through and found I did not even care about the story or characters.

This was a different book for me, but I did enjoy it, the characters are well written and you can really feel the emotion of the story and you will relate to the various situations if you have been suffered a similar loss.

There was a lot of description of wine, which I skirted over but if you have an interest in wine you will probably find it interesting, there is also only so many times you can "stick your nose" in a glass, this is why I have given it 4 and not 5 stars.

Thankyou NetGalley, Helen McGinn and Boldwood Books for the ARC of In Just One Day. This is my personal review.
As I read this book my emotions were all over the place. It was a tough book for me to read. Flora and her family had thier world completely changed and ripped apart by one tragic accident. The story unfolds and reading how it was dealt with makes this a book you have mentally prepare yourself to read. It shows how a family can come together to heal after a tragedy.

In Just One Day by Helen McGinn
Pub Day 5 August 2021
Everything can change – In Just One Day
Flora has always adored her brother Billy. Born just eighteen months apart, their childhood was spent like two peas in a pod – no one could separate them. Now, as adults, they remain the best of friends. And as Flora is immersed in family life, Billy is always there to lend a hand.
But, in just one day, everything changes.
In just one day, Flora's life falls apart.
In just one day, Flora has to learn how to live again.
From the nostalgia of seaside Britain to the breath-taking beauty of Venice, in tears and laughter, join Helen McGinn for this emotional, uplifting and joyful story about love in all its guises. But above all, this is an unforgettable story of one little girl and the brother she adored.
A well-written, moving and emotional story that a lot of thought has gone into. It is always challenging to write about loss as everyone grieves differently; the author has done a fabulous job with feeling and sensitivity.
I want to thank NetGalley, Boldwood Books and author Helen McGinn for a pre-publication copy to review.