This novel was absolutely sublime!!! I had no idea what I was in for with this book. The synopsis had just enough information to intrigue me- but was still a bit vague! And after reading it, I understand! There is no way to encapsulate this story into a blurb. The characters are wonderful and the story completely engaging.

I am struggling with how to write a review that will capture the feel and give it justice! I will not recap the story, but will give my impressions!

The character of Bea and her daughter Ellie are so well written. As the story progresses, you come to know Bea very well. She is a fighter, an encourager, a caretaker, empathetic, and loves with all her heart. She is also lonely. The character of her daughter, Ellie, is written equally as well. I find that writing about children in a novel is a struggle for many authors. They are either too cute all the time, or angry and tempestuous most of the time. Ms. Harris writes a realistic portrayal of Ellie- where we see all her joy, cuteness and spunk mixed in with the other qualities (anger, stubbornness, etc.). The final product is a well written, lovable 4 year old that makes the story that much more believable. Malcolm is a curmudgeon with a big heart, yet he is very matter of fact about everything. He struggles with something but that is very slowly revealed to the reader. Cora is such a support and great friend to Bea. Stuart is always reliable, and Elaine is an enigma at first. These characters are melded together through Bea.

We can see the struggles that Bea faces (homelessness, keeping her job, providing for her child), and it is an honest portrayal that is respectful and enlightening. We learn that Bea is absolutely set on taking care of her child, and hiding her situation because she fears that Ellie will be taken from her. This stems from Bea losing her parents at 11 and being in the foster system where she has no family of her own- until she meets Cora at college. Bea gives up pursuing her degree to become a doctor, in order to care for Bea- thus the job as a custodian at the hospital.

When Bea meets Malcolm- an older man sitting on a park bench one winter day- her empathy and concern for others which is the bedmark of her personality, causes her to stop to check on him. And this is where her life will change. This story does not take the easy path for Bea. There are still many heartaches and struggles ahead. It is through Bea's recognition of Malcolm's loneliness that she is able to begin the journey of self realization about her own.

There are many things that happen in this story- I laughed and I cried. I wanted to reach into the story and just hug Bea. However, the strength is through the development of relationships. Found family, forgiveness, empathy are the themes that drive it to a beautiful conclusion.

I highly recommend this book to everyone! It reminded me of early Wally Lamb books, Billie Letts, Fannie Flagg, and one of my favorite reads of 2024- Andy Marr's "A Matter of Life and Death". I plan on reading others by this author!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.

I really enjoyed this book. I usually read thrillers, but like to step away every so often and enjoy something else. I really connected with this story, I felt so much for Bea and her plight between doing what's best for her daughter and risking having her taken away if it was seen she couldn't provide for her. Stumbles on important topics, especially in the cost of living crisis we have right now, where those working in respectable jobs can't afford basics like shelter and food. Loved the interaction between the characters, very emotional.

Every time I start reading a book by Brooke Harris I just know I’m in for a wonderful read. This was most certainly true with this one. I was glued to this book from the very start. Beatrice Alright (known as Bea) lives happily with her partner Declan and their young daughter Ellie. As far as Bea is concerned life is good and she is in a loving and happy relationship. When things take a turn for the worst Bea finds herself homeless and she is left struggling to find somewhere to live. At the hospital where she works she often sees an elderly gentleman called Malcom sitting on a bench outside the hospital and she starts to speak to him and get to know him a bit more. This is the start of a wonderful and poignant friendship and Malcom in turn introduces her to his grandson. The characters were wonderful apart from one or two who were the complete opposite. This book will tug at your heart strings and it certainly did mine at times. It’s both an uplifting but emotional read and I was sad to finish it . Yet again Brooke Harris has written a story that brought tears to my eyes but also had me smiling at times. I adored it.

I really enjoyed this as a romance novel, it had that element that I was looking for and thought the feel of this worked. The characters were everything that I wanted and was glad I got to read this. Brooke Harris was able to create something that I was looking for.

The Secret Life of Beatrice Alright is a moving story of resilience, love, and the unexpected ways human connections can heal, it was an enjoyable read which I would definitely recommend.

I still have tears in my eyes as I write this review. What a perfect piece of storytelling. Absolute brilliant. A topical subject so wonderfully explored, Bea, Malcolm, Shayne, Elaine and Ellie were lovingly depicted characters. A truly sensational read.

An engaging and emotive story that was easy to read and built some strong characters,I did find the initial meeting between Bea and Malcolm cringey though and found Malcolm initially a character that I would have avoided rather than seek out, that aside a good not great read

This is the uplifting story of Beatrice (Bea) who is at a bad point in her life but keeps pushing through. While it is sad throughout, it is uplifting to watch Bea find solutions. It is endearing to see how much she loves her 4 year old Ella.

They meet up with a grumpy, old man in the park. He becomes a central character in their life, along with his grandson, Shayne.

It's hard for me to describe the story and the writing style. So much of me thinks it’s corny and predictable. But the other part of me keeps turning pages, cheering for Bea, wanting everything to turn out well for Bea and Ella.

This is a quick read, an easy read. It demonstrates kindness, friendship, love, resilience. The importance of family is stressed. Small things matter. These are such important characteristics to observe with all the disasters and wars happening. This book is a reminder that there is still good in the world.

Though I was satisfied by the ending, there may have been a couple of tears.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.

Your heart will break and be put back together by the end! 💔

Beatrice Alright lost her parents at a young age, and spent her teen years in Foster Care. But, she now has a family of her own with her four year old daughter, Ellie and her partner, Declan, who may not be around much because of his career as a pilot, but who has provided them with a cozy apartment to live in.

It doesn’t matter to her that she gave up on her dream of becoming a Doctor when she unexpectedly became pregnant. Or that she now works as a Cleaner at St Helen’s Hospital, instead of as a physician, because a true family is what she has yearned for most.

But, Declan walks away from them both, and doesn’t even leave her the apartment-forcing her to hide their daughter in a supply closet overnight, tucking her into a makeshift bed, between the mops and brooms. At least it’s warm, and dry, unlike the frigid Winter outside-and after all-it’s only temporary, while she saves enough money for the deposit for a Flatshare.

When Bea sees an old man sitting on a cold bench outside the hospital, wearing no hat-she doesn’t really have time to stop-she must pick up Ellie from daycare, but she always notices those who may need help-so she does. And, as his presence becomes a constant, in her now unrecognizable world, an unlikely friendship develops.

Perhaps they can heal each other?!

If you enjoy character driven novels which have you reaching for tissues, 🤧 this is a book to add to your TBR! You will shed sad tears and happy tears, as the book is part melancholy and heartbreaking and part heartwarming and hopeful.

I had never read anything by Irish author, Brooke Harris, but now that I have, I am excited to explore her back catalogue!
This book will be available on February 7, 2025 so you won’t have long to wait before you can pick up a copy too!

Thank You to Storm Publishing for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, I am sharing my candid thoughts.

The Secret Life of Beatrice Alright is an emotional novel about human resilience in the face of adversity.

It is a story of love, hope, friendships and new beginnings. It has a well drawn cast of characters that you can't help but care about and it is a touching story that I found hard to put down.

4****

This is a beautifully written story that certainly pulled on my heartstrings. It just goes to show how quickly your life can change (don’t even get me started on Declan!) and how, through no fault of your own, you can find yourself homeless. There are a real mixed bag of characters in this book that you will either love or hate. Bea is certainly a strong, proud and resourceful woman, even though you might not understand or agree with all of her motives. Ellie is adorable and I loved her relationship with ‘Malco’. Overall it is a book about friendships coming together in places you least expect and how we can all learn to look out for each other so we can all ‘Be(a) alright’! Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for letting me read and review this book. 4.5 ⭐️

What a great story! After so many setbacks Bea still finds opportunities to care, for her daughter of course but also ‘her’ patients, friend and even the lonely man sitting outside the hospital. When she discovers his story she wants to help. Can she give herself and her daughter the future they deserve?

I really enjoyed this story with great characters. A story of empathy specially in difficult times.

Thank the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this story.

Bea is such an upbeat and positive character. And Ellie is adorable. I loved Malcolm and how he was so willing to help Bea. I also loved how patient he is and how much he wants to repair the relationship with his daughter.
This is a beautiful book about second chances and finding a new place to belong.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC.

Beatrice, Mum to 4 year old Ellie, is a cleaner at St Helen's Hospital in Dublin after she had to drop out of medical school. She grew up in foster care and her boyfriend Declan turns out to be married and suddenly leaves, withdrawing his financial support. After a living arrangement at friend Cora's becomes unsustainable due to her annoying boyfriend, Beatrice and Ellie end up homeless at Christmas, sleeping in a hospital cupboard until she is rumbled by boss Elaine - who has a surprising connection to other characters.

Beatrice never loses hope though, she has a child to look after so she simply makes it work, from saving money by walking everywhere, eating less and making a Christmas jumper herself when required to, to striking up unexpected friendships with elderly Malcolm and his grandson Shayne. They both have their hidden traumas too which are gradually exposed.

Homelessness is often shamefully hidden and not talked about, unless without respect for the unhoused. It can happen so fast - in Beatrice's case due to one man who simply vanishes, without paying child support. I was incredibly upset about this unfairness, hitting women who have to look after a child instead of getting a career doubly hard. It also highlights how every unforeseen expenditure like a late fee at the crèche can topple a careful budget, and how shelters can often be less safe than expected.

Malcolm is a cantankerous, terminally ill man who hasn't spoken to his daughter in ages. He tries to make amends but it seems too late. Instead, he spends more and more time with Beatrice, Ellie and Shayne, showing us the power of intergenerational friendship and found family.

The more time Bea spends with Shayne the more she likes him. There is a Princess Bride-esque line about "his blue eyes are the colour of the sea after a storm", but then Declan reappears, keen to reconcile - what should she do? What would be best for her daughter? Ellie is a lovely child and your heart will break over her circumstances and her continuous cheer about kite flying and her friend "Malco".

This is a beautifully written, engaging and emotional story about falling on hard times and second chances, and that you should never push people away. It's a heartwarming and uplifting book about the power of kindness that will stay with you, and I read it in a day. A great new author for me!

Just as an aside: Who puts Rich Tea biscuits in the fridge? Disturbing.

I loved this book! Bea & Ellie captured my attention (and my heart) from Page 1, and I could hardly stand to put them down. Brooke Harris expertly brought the emotions and struggles of these characters to life.

Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this novel.

A beautiful story of friendship, relationships and family, that truly tugged at the heartstrings.

Bea's life changes in an instant after partner Declan breaks some news to her. The story follows Bea in her determination to not give up, and to find a way through for herself and daughter Ellie. I loved the characters of Bea, Shayne and Malcolm, but intensely disliked Declan and Fintan - the author had two very extremes of character there! The story shows how easy it is for life to change in an instant, and how hard it can be to change it back - it really played with my emotions, I cried multiple times. Just a lovely book.

What a quick and fun read. I was so engrossed i finished in 2 days.
Highly recommend. Look forward to more from this author.

Thank you for allowing me to review this book. This story highlights the challenging circumstances that some people face in life. It also highlights the fact that no one really knows what is going on in people's lives. I felt for Bea and her daughter Ellie. The characters are so well written and her innocence is worrying. Malcolm is lovely, his story is also delightful but upsetting. It was a good read and certainly pulled on my heartstrings.
I can recommend this book.

I enjoyed this emotional tale of a mother keeping hope alive for her daughter, in the face of major obstacles. The characters seemed realistic, were relatable, and the dialogue was real. I have to admit I did tear up a bit near the end. I liked the Dublin setting, and I'm glad I had the Oxford English Dictionary loaded, as I had to look up several terms (creche, for one) that I had no idea what they meant!

Would I read more from the author? Absolutely!

I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and my review is being left freely.

This book is an engaging and emotional novel that keeps readers hooked with its mix of mystery and personal transformation