The Coordinates of Loss

Absolutely loved this book!. Read this in two sittings through smiles and tears, the tragedy of losing a child is one i could not imagine coping with and this is portrayed so well here. Raw grief and emotions flow through this book from start to finish, great characters, I especially loved cee-cee and her letters.

A beautifully written novel so moving and very emotionally loved how cee cee told her story worked so well with Rachel's story both had lost the most precious thing in their lives and as the stories unfold everything changes and they have to find a way to live with the heartache that goes with loss but it's written from the heart and I felt every I was with them on their journey a great read but recommend a big box of tissues

Beautifully written story about grief. Oscar disappears and this is the story of how Rachel and James his parents cope (or don’t) how they handle the grief differently and how they learn to live with the heartache. Cee cee’s letters telling her story mix well with Rachel’s story. A very emotional story you really feel the pain of the characters.

Wow Amanda Prowse has done it again with yet another great book. This is a story of total loss and devastation at loosing a child. It is desperately emotional and will pull at your heart strings. Brilliantly written. Read in 2 sittings.

Oh Amanda has done it again. I bawled reading this book, beautifully written. It's affirming and heartbreaking at the same time. I feel I know oscar and cee cee and mourn their loss as would rachel and James.

This book was beautiful!
Beautifully written about a very raw, touching, heartbreaking experience, the ending filled me with so much joy!

As always Amanda Prowse writes in the most beautiful prose. Emotions and feelings are laid bare and the descriptions of Bermuda and Bristol were superb. But, I also found it utterly depressing although I know many readers who will find it uplifting.

As usual with Amanda Prowse’s books, loved it, and sobbed most of the way through it. A definite ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Another difficult subject dealt with compassionately and sensitively by Amanda. Not my favourite book by the author but was a good read

Oh this book stopped me in my tracks. It's stunning. It's beautiful and it's so heartbreaking.
I got through a lot of tissues reading this and even had people ask me if I was okay when I was out in public because I was looking at my phone and crying.
There really aren't the words to truly describe how much I enjoyed this book because it's such an unusual topic and it evokes such strong feelings and reactions. It's a real emotional roller-coaster and certainly not for the feint hearted! Amanda has such an incredible ability to tackle complex emotions and situations in such a sensitive supportive way.
This book is powerful, evocative and incredibly descriptive. It makes me want to visit Bermuda just to be able to see the images that are conjured in my imagination from the characters on the island.
I felt that the characters had a wonderful depth and you can't help but fall in love with each and every one of them. I adored Cee-Cee, her wisdom and compassion shines through in such a beautiful way. I found I was feeling the highs and lows of each character and it was such a moving story that there were several occasions where I had to stop reading because I couldn't see for all the tears.
I love it when I book becomes all consuming. For the couple of days it took me to read everything around me seemed to stop as it became to absorbing I couldn't put it down.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 enjoyable stars.

This is really well written in that you get an in depth sense of people’s emotions and the descriptions of locations really make you feel like you could be there.

However I was a tad disappointed in the story; it’s just so sad and heart wrenching from the start, with no real reprieve until the epilogue, and the longest chapters; I was 40% in and still only on Chapter 4.

I think for me, I thought the book was going to go in a direction that it didn’t, so I was waiting for a big reveal that never came.

I suspect that die hard fans of the author will love this though and have tissues at hand.

The coordinates of Love was such a sad, heartbreaking read, although I felt this wasn't as good as her other books, it was a enjoyable read.

A good story - well written and in places highly emotive. For me, however, the letters detracted from the storyline and I found I skipped the majority of them, which is why this isn’t a 4 Star or higher.

Was heartbreaking and well written. Just felt it went on a bit and nothing much happened apart from at the beginning.

Very aptly titled this book takes you along several paths of loss. Thee grief of some characters, and the attempts of others to support those grieving is explored within a work of general fiction.
As I read I was reminded that all of us feel and have to navigate through a time of loss at some time in our lives. Some loss is known, some is not. Some loss is acknowedged, some is not.
Characters echo the reactions to loss and grief that are as varied as there are types of loss, they also somehow leave the reader buoyant with the reassurance that there are enough similarities in grief that people can potentially empathise.....and that given the opportunity many will.
Cee-cee clearly has a Faith which she draws strength from.
Empathy and insightfulness are strong traits of Amanda Prowse, I look forward to reading other books by her.

Be prepared for an emotional roller coaster, a massive book hangover with this fabulous new book from Amanda Prowse. The writing is fabulous as are all her books, and she managed to portray every parent’s worst nightmare in an all too realistic way.

Rachel and James have the perfect life in Bermuda. The perfect house, the perfect son, the perfect housekeeper and the perfect boat. When they wake up from an idyllic night at sea, and the find their son Oscar gone the idyllic life turns into a nightmare from which there is no escape.

Can their marriage survive this loss? Do they want to carry on in this nightmare situation? Only their faithful housekeeper really understands what they are going through.

Be prepared for some serious heartache, and to want to go and cuddle your children and thank the Lord they are OK.

An excellent book though - I highly recommend it.

Such a beautifully written book. Keep tissues handy. Amanda had done it again. How she gets into peoples minds and emotions is incredible

I really enjoyed this book. I found it hard to read as it was so raw - dealing as it does with loss and grief.

Beautifully written and heartwarming.

I think her books only get better!

I have read nearly all of Amanda's books, she is my go to writer when I want a quick true to life read. Most of her books are so wonderful they make me cry but unfortunately I just found this book depressing.
Yes the story is about dealing with grief and I expected it to be sad but the only relief was in the epilogue.
Sorry Amanda but it wasn't for me this time.

Amanda Prowse does it again, when you pick up this book prepare to have your heartbroken and to require many tissues.

I started this book knowing I have loved Amanda Prowse's other books but this book was on a whole other level and I didn't want to put it down.

You fall in love with the characters instantly and feel the many emotions they are experiencing throughout. The characters are vivid and you could clearly picture them as you got to know them on many levels as this wonderful read progressed.

This book totally broke my heart, left me with a horrendous book hangover but it was exceptional and I wish I could start this fresh all over again as it was another work of art and I loved every page.

Amanda prowse you’ve done it again ! A deeply moving book of tragedy and loss and finding your way throigh the worst grief imaginable . Made even more poignant for me as One of my very good friends has had the same tragedy and ending the same as the book . 5 stars

"If I could have a wish, it would be to see your face every single day of my life over that breakfast table or it would be to turn the clock back to when you were small."
Rachel is devastated and unable to breathe as the emotions of that tragic day continue to consume her every thought. Her husband James is trying to provide support to Rachel while also sinking into his own despair.
The person who provides love and hope is their elderly housekeeper and friend Cee-Cee.
She understands the pain that is in their hearts. She understands only too well.
A beautifully written book that had me laughing, crying and praying for these characters to find peace. I loved the journey of Cee-Cee as her life is also intricately woven into the plot and told here.

The Coordinates of Loss by Amanda Prowse

Many thanks to Amanda, Netgalley and the publisher for the arc.

Rachel, James and their 7 year old son Oscar had a wonderful life on the beautiful island of Bermuda until their lives fall apart when Oscar dies in a tragic accident.

The author's description of the parents grief had me in tears and my heart ached for them. Many things Rachel said and how she felt was exactly the same as what my sister said and felt when her son died suddenly. How can I go on without him, why did he have to die, I wasn't there for him, the terrible guilt if I laughed. Amanda got it spot on and it's real life, just like her other books.

This particular quote really got to me because it's so true -

“Your family, your kin, that’s all you have; it’s all we have. Those in the present and those gone before, we all share the same things and we are bound.”’

A brilliantly written book x

I have not heard of this author before, but, I have now and wow!!! what an amazing read this is, following not only the life of a couple who have lost their son, but, also how it affects others too. I followed with bated breath at how sad and heart felt the whole book was written, and I will be following Amanda Prowse from now onwards! 5* review from me

A true masterpiece of creative writing. Amanda Prowse is a modern-day genius when it comes to writing. She enables you to experience the raw emotions of the loss of a child.
As James, Rachel and Oscar set out in their yacht in the idealic waters of Bermuda; little did they know their lives would change forever.
Grief effects people in so many different ways, the denials, the guilt, blaming others and trying to cope with life afterwards.
I can't recommend this book enough.

The subject of the book is not an easy one to write about but the author handled it with honesty and great sensitivity. I love how she not only portrayed the huge loss that Rach and James had but also how the other characters were affected especially Ce Ce and how her story and Rach and James's intertwined. There was one other book that I really loved this year and now there are two.

I was randomly searching on NetGalley one day when I saw The Coordinates of Loss show up in my feed for recommended books. I'm a big fan of Amanda Prowse, but she has so many previous novels that I hadn't been paying attention to new releases. Since it was on NetGalley, and the publisher had auto-approved me, I downloaded the book and put it in my queue. I wanted an author I could count on this week and began the read assured it would be the perfect choice. It delivered and I'm very happy with Prowse's latest story.

Rachel Croft and her husband James are sleeping on their boat in the Caribbean when they discover one morning that their young son, Oscar, isn't in his bed. They search and search, but he's gone. No one saw any boats nearby and there's no sign of any struggle or injury. He had fallen overboard and likely drowned. With no body, how does a family move on? There's always the question of "what happened" and "could he be somewhere else" and this is what haunts the young couple. Another story about CeCe, their housekeeper, parallels the Croft family pain. CeCe lost a child years ago, too. Through a series of letters, CeCe tries to help Rachel get through the pain. The story chronicles a few years in everyone's life ultimately culminating in what happens to the family years later after all the pain and struggle seems to come to a head between Rachel and James over who's at fault.

Prowse is killer when it comes to packing gut-punching emotion. At many points in the story, a rip current tore through me wondering how I'd handle such a situation. While it was powerful and painful, I didn't feel the normal devastation I've previously felt when reading a Prowse novel in the past. It's not to say say the book isn't great, as it really is. I devoured it in two days, but parts were less emotional and more matter of fact. At times, Rachel seemed too spoiled and independent, pulling away from James. I got angry with her for not turning to her husband, but then again, it's a phenomenal author who can make readers angry at good characters for some of their decisions.

All in all, it's a prime example of why Prowse's books always impact me. I will finish them all, but I'm glad to know even her most current ones are still strong contenders for favorite stories each year. A solid 4 stars with a beautiful balance and tone.

This book is a sheer delight, a mixture of heartbreak, loss and hope that takes you on a roller coaster ride. The writing is flawless as in all Amanda Prowses books. 5* Highly recommended.

Another brilliant book from Amanda Prowse. It was a real rollercoaster read dealing with the most horrendous grief imaginable with the loss of your child. It was written beautifully and shows how the loss not only affects the parents but close friends and family and all those who loved your child. Just a warning you may need to have tissues to hand. I recommend all Amanda’s books highly.

I don't know how Amanda Prowse does it with each book she writes, but by page 3 of The Coordinates of Loss, I wasn't just reading it, I was inhaling it, and living it !
Based in Bermuda, and also in Bristol, the story tells of a young family, and their heartbreak, and the different ways in which they deal with their loss.
Not wanting to give any spoilers, I will just say that I wish I could have sat on the porch with the very wise house keeper Cee Cee, whose stories based around her own life, and the sorrow and happy times that she encountered, drew me to her instantly!
The story shows how people cope / deal with such sorrow, and everyone who reads this book, will all wish that they had had a Cee Cee at some time in their life for themselves also.
I have never been to Bermuda, but the descriptive writing of Amanda Prowse makes me feel as though I know it inside out!
I wish I could have given more than 5 stars for this book, because it is another amazing story, by an amazing author.
My thanks to the author, Net galley and Lake Union for my Arc copy, for an honest review.

Beautiful book about love and loss. What started off as a heartbreaking novel of morning turned into a novel of hope and love interwoven with a story about a past love and loss. You will cry and you will smile in equal measure. Ultimately having love and loosing it is still better than no love at all.

Oh Amanda Prowse, you always manage to make me cry and The Coordinates of Loss was no different! I usually shy away from stories about grief but knew that Mrs Prowse would deal with this in a real and sensitive way and i was right. Another five star novel and I thoroughly recommend it. Grab your tissues.

This book broke my heart. I was totally caught up in the raw emotions in this book. The grief of losing a child would be unimaginable. Amanda Prowse as always has written a beautiful memorable book. The pain of loss has been captured perfectly in this story. Everything is described beautifully and sympathetically. I would definitely recommend this book. I would also recommend any book by Amanda Prowse.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

Amanda Prowse you have broken me once more. The Coordinates of Love is one of the most heartbreaking, raw and emotional books I have read since... well probably since your last book! You never fail to grip me. Looking forward to posting the full review on The Glass House for you later this week.
If anyone has this on their TBR pile, pull it to the top. It’s worth every single tear.

This book was incredibly sad. It's beautifully written, but so heartbreaking. This book deals with losing a child and trying to piece your life back together and finding a way to live with the grief.

While living in Bermuda, Rachel and James discover their seven year old son, Oscar, is missing from their boat. From that moment on their life is forever changed. They have no idea what exactly happened, except that he is gone. Rachel and James grieve differently. Rachel has a hard time coping with Oscar's death and believes he may be alive somewhere. Perhaps with the help of kelpies, mermaids or giant sea turtles. Rachel blames James and decides to go home to England to work through her grief. With the help of their housekeeper, Cee-Cee, James and Rachel start to heal. Cee-Cee understands the pain they are going through since she experienced something similar in her younger years.

I enjoyed the story, writing style and most of the characters. I loved Cee-Cee and reading about her younger years. I wouldn't have minded reading more about her. Rachel was a different story. The book pretty much focused on her and how she dealt with Oscars death. I understand you never know how you will react in such a horrible situation, but I just didn't care for Rachel. She pretty much abandons her husband to grieve by herself for her son, not their son. Rachel's brother and sister-in-law were awful and I would hate to imagine people would act that way to someone who recently lost a child. I had a feeling what would happen in the end, I even guessed how they would honor Cee-Cee.

I did enjoy the book and recommend it. I can't wait to read more books by the author.

Thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK and the author, Amanda Prowse, for a free electronic ARC of this novel

I would like to thank Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘The Co-ordinates of Loss’ by Amanda Prowse in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
Rachel and James Croft and their seven-year-old son Oscar live an idyllic life in Bermuda with their elderly housekeeper Cee-Cee. One day they take their boat out and when they awake the following morning Oscar has disappeared. Rachel and James both struggle to come to terms with the loss of their much-loved son especially as his body hasn’t been found. James wants them to face the tragedy together but Rachel feels the only way she can cope with her loss is to move back to Bristol to be near family and friends. During her first year away from James, Rachel receives letters from Cee-Cee who describes her own life and the death of her son Willard Junior when only eight weeks old, and it’s these letters that help Rachel navigate through the fog of her own grief. Can Rachel and James’s marriage survive the loss of their son and their separation?
Amanda Prowse has long been a favourite author of mine and ‘The Co-ordinates Of Loss’ does not disappoint. It’s a beautifully written and compassionate account of how parents learn to cope with a grief beyond anyone’s comprehension. Cee-Cee’s letters to Rachel merge into the story seamlessly adding another dimension to her character. I found the description of Rachel attempting to end her own life heart-wrenching, and her return to Bermuda for Cee-Cee’s funeral brought tears to my eyes. I’m so pleased there was a happy ending to this novel which was a joy to read, and I’d like to thank Amanda for writing it.

I have seen alot of Amanda Prowse books around and I have never gotten around to reading any. The Coordinates Of Loss was my first and I am now on a mission to read Amanda's whole catalogue.
The book pulled at my heart strings and right throughout I just wanted to take Rachel and James' pain away after their life was shattered when their seven year old boy fell over board from their boat whilst on a family trip.
The book tells of Rachel and James' journey of loss and how a friend blossomed with the family's housekeeper Cee Cee.
Cee Cee put pen to paper and writes letters to Rachel documenting her own loss and heartache from 55 years ago.

My 5* review for The Coordinates of Loss, another glorious book by Amanda Prowse. From the lovely cover with the lonely boat adrift and unmoored in a beautiful blue sea, I knew I was in for a summer treat. This book tells the story of Rachel who is leading a charmed life on the beautiful island of Bermuda with a happy marriage, a beloved son, a wonderful house overlooking the ocean, complete with housekeeper and appears to have it all. However, just around the corner is a tragedy that threatens to destroy it all in the blink of an eye, when she wakes up one morning with her husband on the boat and cannot find Oscar her 7 year old son.

Amanda Prowse does not shy away from dragging us through the dark and desperate days that follow while Rachel struggles to navigate her way through the many stages of her grief. And while her husband, James, wants them to face the tragedy together, everytime they look at each other they are reminded of their loss and there is an undercurrent of guilt and blame for the loss of Oscar too. Rachel feels that the life they once shared is over, and the wonderfully comforting and wise housekeeper Cee-Cee seems to be the only one that can reach her while she wanders like a lost lamb and navigates her way through the worst thing that can happen to any mother. Cee-Cee has faced a similar loss many many years before and confides in Rachel that when she got sad she explained it to herself with the following phrase "I am sad, sadder than sad, and I won't stop til I see my baby son again in heaven". Rachel realises that she is overwhelmed with grief and unable to function in Bermuda and needs some distance and perspective, so goes home to Bristol, to the soothing arms of her parents and best friend Vicky. The biggest and wonderful surprise I got in this book was Amanda mentioning that Rachel's parents actually lived in Yate, my home town and she mentions lots of Bristol landmarks which always makes a book extra special to me.

Only when she starts receiving letters from her housekeeper in Bermuda, does light begin to return to Rachel’s soul. Cee-Cee, over a period of months, with eagerly anticipated letters, tells her own story about first love and her own loss of a young son, which help Rachel understand the housekeeper better and she begins to realise that everyone has a story to tell, and is reminded that time will eventually heal.

She and James, who has felt abandoned in Bermuda and has lost his way too, both want and need to learn to love and live again and only by going home can Rachel and James find out if they have a future together and whether they can find their way back to each other.

When I had finished the book at 1.42 a.m. (because once Rachel got on the flight back to Bermuda near the end of the book, there was no way I could let her to take that trip on her own, I needed to go with her, she was my friend too now) and I was desperate to finish the book because I was so emotionally invested in them all.

The various characters in the book are all completely different but necessary in their own way, from Rachel's solid dad and his 7 mile walks of an evening, to her mum who holds it all together until she finally erupts at the dinner table with sadness and emotion, her friend Vicky who reminds Rachel that life goes on, and Glen who runs the lovely coffee shop called "rewer"!

I loved the inclusion of the Tic Tac box of sand and shells, because that resonated with me as a memory of my own from years ago, and although the book was full of sadness and grief I finished it with a watery smile through my tears. Amanda includes in the book something I am familiar with which is the question "if you knew in advance you could only get 7 years of happiness, but could choose NOT to have your son and spare yourself this heartache, would you choose that?" Of course not, children are are a gift from heaven and every day is precious with them. I just wanted to hug my own children, and think how lucky I am they are safe and alive and loved when I finished the book. Another wonderful emotional story of life, love and loss from Amanda.

The Coordinates of Loss tells the story of James and Rachel Croft. The Crofts believe they have everything they’ve ever dreamed of; a beautiful home over looking the ocean on the island of Bermuda, a small sailing boat for weekend trips and a gorgeous son who is the centre of their world. Then one morning they wake up on their boat and life will never be the same again.

Once again Amanda Prowse has written a beautiful book that touches your heart. The story is told mainly through Rachel’s voice. Overwhelmed by grief, she returns alone to her home in Bristol . As Rachel tries to move forward she receives letters from her housekeeper CeeCee. An elderly lady who ‘came’ with their home.Through these letters we learn about Cecilly’s life and her own experience of grief.

This is an incredible book that pulls on your heartstrings like no other novel will.. Loss of a loved one is never an easy topic to talk about and touches people in such different ways. Amanda has taken this complex emotion and written a heartwrenching tale that doesn't hide from the enormity of dealing with the death of a loved one. The Coordinates of Loss in is another incredible read from this amazing writer.
Thankyou for giving me the opportunity to read it prior to publication

I found this book to be quite enjoyable and I could imagine myself there as everything was happening.

One of the aspects that I really enjoyed was the relationship between Rachel and James. I felt the emotions and thoughts they had were raw, and the phases they went through in their relationship seemed realistic. Though, at some point, we don’t spend as much time with James, his presence was always in the background, which was how Rachel felt. Their evolving marriage through this difficult and terrible time were the moments that my heart raced and felt deep sadness, aside from when they couldn’t find Oscar, of course.

I can’t imagine what it is like to lose a child. I’ve lost a sister, and so my parents probably would understand better, but the sense of loss and emptiness of losing someone so young must be one of the worst feelings a person can experience. Reading Rachel’s perspective, I felt I was given a glimpse of what it could feel like for a parent to lose her/his only child.

For most of the book, we get the perspective of Rachel with some parts of Cee-Cee, the Crofts’ housekeeper and friend. I found the pacing in Cee-Cee’s chapters, which mainly consisted of the letters she had written to Rachel, rather slow. Though I can see why these would help Rachel heal, for me, I found them to drag the plot. Rachel’s storytelling was better in a lot of ways. She clearly demonstrated the devastating and heart-wrenching feeling it is to lose a child. However, since this was much of the plot, it did bring the story to a slow crawl as some actions and thoughts were repetitive. Perhaps this was intentional because the healing process of losing a loved one is not instant.

Most of The Coordinates of Loss had an undertone of sadness. It could almost be compared to a lingering black cloud. It isn’t until the end do we see a bit of sunshine. I would then give a fair warning to those sensitive to sad stories.

Overall, the author’s message and resolution was clear. With some improvement with plot flow, this could be an even better read. I would recommend this to those who would like to read an emotional story about healing and those who don’t mind a bit of a slower plot.

One morning while James and Rachel are on their yacht in Bermuda they realise that their seven year old son Oscar isn’t in bed or on the boat. What follows is a frantic search, but Oscar has just disappeared with no sign of an injury or struggle. It appears he has just fallen overboard and drowned.
Rachel and James left together trying to deal with the loss of their son, the guilt because they didn’t know he had gone and the blame of each other for what has happened. How do you move on when there is no body and you never know what has truly happened.?
The only way Rachel can cope is by leaving the island she lives on and therefore leaving her husband James behind before they truly destroy each other.
Running alongside this story is another about Rachel and James housekeeper Cee-Cee, who many years ago lost her own child. Through a series of letters Cee-Cee tries to help Rachel through her heartbreak.

This is a beautifully written book, pulls you in at the beginning and doesn’t let you go until the very last page is turned.

Many thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I've read a lot of books by Amanda Prowse and always enjoy them, despite the often difficult subject matters. This one is no exception as it deals with a missing child. As you might expect, it is an emotional read that is dealt with incredibly well.

Amanda Prowse is one of my favourite authors and she hasn’t disappointed me again with this fantastic book.

The title is very apt as the subject of grief can be navigated so differently by everyone involved . I found myself relating to the characters and had my heartstrings pulled throughout. Amanda’s insight into the characters and subject matter is astonishing.

The story is centred on Rachel who has lost her only son in a tragic accident, she is struggling with her grief and guilt and finds it hard to connect with her husband James who is also grief stricken. Their housekeeper Cee Cee is very important to them both and she provides unbiased support to the couple, helping them to move forward in her own gentle understanding way.

The importance of family and taking time to heal is evident throughout the story and the fact that there is no blueprint in dealing with life changing events.

Grab your tissues and read this fantastic book it will definitely test your emotions. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for my chance to read this emotional book.

Well, I went into this book knowing it was going to be sad. How could it not be ? The loss of a child. Break up of a marriage. But it is also hopeful and shows the resiliency of the human spirit. Very well & beautifully written. Grief is a powerful thing / emotion. Amanda Prowse delves into all sides to this and makes you feel what these parents and friends and family members are feeling. You want to help these people. Heartbreaking yet lovely at the same time. This would be a great book for people to read if they have lost a child, or even if they have not. I don't even have children and I was moved by it. Loved, loved, loved the ending !

This was my first Amanda Prowse book and I will read more of her now. The novel is heartbreakingly lovely but is often painful to read as the sorrow Rachel and James are plunged into is harrowing. When their young son suddenly goes missing off their boat in the middle of the night, they are, of course, devastated and have difficulty dealing with it as no body is recovered and questions are unanswered. Rachel holds out hope that he will be found alive, even as James encourages her to deal with the fact that he's probably dead; this tears them apart as tragedies often do. It is only much later and with the help of their nanny--who writes them numerous letters filled with memories--that they see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. Be prepared for some ugly crying and sadness with this one!

Such a wonderfully written book on such a sad topic of child loss... you are brought through every emotion of each character. I felt like I knew each character personally and could feel each step of their journey alongside them. Yet again another wonderful book from Amanda Prowse.

Rachel Croft lives a seemingly idyllic life on the island of Bermuda with husband James and their little boy Oscar, but life as they knew it is shattered in an instant when Oscar disappears from the family’s boat on a sailing weekend. Whether he has fallen overboard or decided to swim alone and got into difficulties, there’s no way of knowing - he is simply gone one morning, lost at sea.

Although we never do really find out what happened to Oscar, this isn’t remotely a mystery story or anything of that ilk - it’s about Rachel (and to a lesser extent James) and how they cope - or don’t - with the loss of their child. I did want to know what had happened to him... but the uncertainty makes it, if possible, even harder for Oscar’s family. Lacking any hard evidence that Oscar has indeed drowned - although that’s by far the likeliest scenario - Rachel concocts increasingly implausible theories about how he could have survived. It’s an unimaginably horrible situation for everybody concerned and the rawness of Rachel’s pain is devastatingly conveyed.

This makes for difficult reading. The loss of a child is never going to be an easy subject to read (or write) about and Rachel’s experiences after losing Oscar are painful, as she struggles to navigate her grief and find some kind of a way to go on living. Her only comfort comes from their Bermudian housekeeper Cee-Cee, who has suffered her own losses and is able to use her wisdom to help Rachel in some way, mainly through letters she writes her.

Amanda Prowse deserves great credit for unflinchingly portraying Rachel’s reactions and emotions, and the effects on others, in a very believable way, particularly compared to certain books (which shall remain nameless) in which protagonists in broadly similar situations - where a child has disappeared - behave in frankly incredible and implausible ways.

This is certainly not a light read - it’s harrowing at times, most of the time in fact, which is inevitable given the distressing subject matter. But it’s also compelling as we follow Rachel’s story from despair to hope. The telling of Cee-Cee’s story adds a further dimension too and there was a genuine flavour of life in Bermuda.

A very well written book which felt insightful and truthful.

Amanda Prowse is my favourite author and as always she hasn’t disappointed me with this fantastic book.

What an emotional rollercoaster. Be warned you will need a box of tissues close at hand as this is such a sad story.

As with all of Amanda's books I was drawn in from the very start and couldn't put this down. So beautifully written with fantastic characterisation. I don't have children myself and couldn't imagine how it would feel for this to happen to me but with Amanda's skilful writing, I could so clearly identify with Rachel and the emotions she feels throughout the book. I really enjoyed the story of Cee Cee and found her story and letters so moving.

I would give this more than 5 stars if possible. An incredible story of loss, grief, love, family and hope which I found so moving and touching. A wonderful story which will stay with me, I can't recommend this book enough.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Coordinates of Loss was a far more emotionally charged book than I was expecting and it was quite sad in a lot of places. The issue of losing a child affected me more than I thought it would and I found myself thinking of it a lot during the short pauses when I wasn't reading the book. The way the story moved forward kept me engrossed and the way the main protagonist engaged with her former housekeeper/maid was very well done. Despite the differences in their cultures, their common bond was heartwarming. It is a great read although difficult in places due to the subject matter (however I'm soft hearted so probably affected me more than it would most people). The writing I thought was excellent and therefore a solid 5 Stars from what is now one of my favourite authors.

Having received this book from netgalley to review I was thrilled.I am a huge fan of Amanda's and this book didn't disappoint.It was a sad story line being mum to two kids and putting myself in the moms position but Amanda dealt with it brilliantly.Keep writing Amanda your books are getting better I will be putting a review on Amazon thanks.

This book deals with the loss of a child and the massive effect on all those who knew him.

Seven year old Oscar goes missing from a boat but his body is never found. His parents, James and Rachel, had been living an idyllic life in what seemed like paradise. The loss of their son impacts on their relationship, in part because Rachel can’t accept that her son is dead. James, on the other hand, deals with his grief by trying to lead a normal life.

Oscar had been cared for by a Housemaid/Nanny, Cee Cee, who has dealt with a similar loss in the past. Through letters Cee Cee writes to Rachel, we learn how she coped.

This book, as with Amanda Prowse’s other books, is written with such empathy and depth of feeling that it brought tears to my eyes. I highly recommend it.

Amanda Prowse never fails to get me out of a book slump. Another absolute gem of a book and so beautifully written.

If you are looking for an uplifting holiday read, this isn't it! The book follows the grief of a woman who has lost her child in an accident. It's poignant and utterly heart-wrenching in places. The journey through the grieving process is long and hard and the only slightly positive part comes right at the end of the book. It's well written and thought provoking.

The Coordinates of Loss is a profoundly moving book that takes place on two fronts, England and Bermuda. Rachel was ecstatic to be taking up residence in Bermuda with her husband, James, and their son. The couple would have several years of happiness there, and develop, a deep friendship, with their housekeeper, Cee Cee, before a disastrous tragedy would rip their family apart.


Be prepared to suffer from an emotional overload. Each page is dripping with raw emotion. The grief Rachel and James suffer is palpable. Cee Cee becomes much more than just a housekeeper to them. She unselfishly gives of herself and plays a part in their healing. Rachel feels Cee Cee’s comfort the most, as she reveals to Rachel, her own soul-tearing loss, which occurred years prior.

The author does an incredible job tapping into the mind and hearts of her characters, especially Cee Cee and Rachel’s. The writing in this book is outstanding. I’ll warn you though; the sadness is heartwrenching and overwhelming at times. Keep tissues handy.

Thank you, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley, for my advanced review copy!

Amanda Prowse keeps them coming with another beautifully written novel, again about love, and mostly, loss.
This story starts off with a tragedy (be warned!) and continues along the path of heartbreak. Rachel suffers the unthinkable loss; one of her 7-year-old child, and she blames herself. Sadly, she blames her husband James more, and this is a struggle for them both.
They have the perfect life in Bermuda, a beautiful house, a boat, and a maid. However, none of this matters when they lose their child. Rachel goes to pieces and her relationship with James falls apart. She is understandably blinded by her grief. They are both completely at a loss as to how to deal with this new life they have; but moreover, they struggle with how to deal with each other through their grief.
Rachel moves home to the UK and seeks solace in her family and friends. She leaves behind James and their much-loved housekeeper and friend as she continues through the haze of her constant pain and loss. The story continues through letters written to Rachel by their friend and housekeeper CeeCee, which I found interesting and a nice side story. These letters ground Rachel a bit and keep her involved with her history and her old life. She and James stay in touch, even though it’s painful and at times heart wrenching when they are talking, and while Rachel reexamines her life. At some points I did wonder which way it was going to go for them. As she finds her way, will she stay in the UK surrounded by family and friends, old and new, or return to her lost love in a place she sees her lost son at every turn?
There are many tearful moments in this book and my heart ached for both Rachel and James, and Rachel’s parents. I kept thinking, we will get closure now and find out what happened... I’ll leave it to you to read and find out. I’m still sad for them after finishing the book but have a nice feeling that things can and will improve.
“Time heals, time heals....”
A huge thank you to Netgalley, Amazon UK Publishing and mostly to Amanda Prowse for the privilege of reading this ARC.

I would like to thank both NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for giving me the opportunity to read ‘The Coordinates or Loss’ by Amanda Prowse.

Amanda Prowse has done it again and written another fantastic book. I have read many books by Amanda Prowse and have never been disappointed and reading her lastest offering was no different.

It’s unimaginable what it is like to lose a child. The story is about grief and how Rachel and James cope with it or not.
It is written in such a way that it touches every emotion- it’s raw and heartfelt

Oh my goodness, absolutely brilliant, very sad but a great story that gets you involved with all the characters straight away and I have nothing negative to say about this book.

I have read nearly all of Amanda's books but this is way up on the top of my list, a fantastic page turner and I just love the way Amanda writes.

A brilliant but lovely ending to a fantastic book, well done Amanda and I look forward to your next masterpiece.

Tissues at the ready with this page turner. Lovely story which draws you in - strong characters and a really good read

What happens when you lose a child, the story of what happens to a family when they lose their son, a story of how it effects the whole family.
As usual dealt with in a heartwarming heartbreaking way that only Amanda Prowse knows how to write, really enjoyed it as I knew I would

4* Time Heals Stars

This is by no means a good feel happy story. I found it a bit depressing and very sad. The story is told from Rachel’s POV and centres around the death of her and her husband James seven year old son Oscar, who mysteriously disappeared from their yacht in Bermuda. Their grief and heartache is paramount throughout the story as they both try to piece back together their lives. I struggled to like Rachel in the beginning as she was quite bitter and selfish in the way she abandoned James to grieve alone without any compassion to how he was feeling.

Cee-Cee their housekeeper was a breath of fresh air in the story and brought some comfort and calm to the life of Rachel by means of written letters providing love and hope.

The author’s writing is very heartfelt and the story was beautifully written.

I breathed a great sigh of relief when I read the epilogue. It was a much-needed end to a highly emotional read.

Many thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for an advance copy for me to read and review.

This book will tear out your heart and leave you with sadness and grief that are overwhelming. With beautiful strokes Amanda Prowse takes you into the beautiful, happy family of Rachel and James and their 7-year-old son Oscar. They have a wonderful life on the island of Bermuda. Then they take the boat out for a three day trip. Having a great times on their first night out Rachel and James put Oscar to bed, have a few drinks and upon awakening find that Oscar is gone.

The grief that encompasses the couple is devastating and the entire book is the loss of their son and learning to live with the loss. Their housekeeper, Cee-Cee, who has lost a son of her own is a source of strength for them.

Though difficult to read this is a beautifully written, insightful, and very likely a true rendering of the all-encompassing grief a couple might feel upon the loss of a child. I admire the way Amanda Prowse was able to describe the process.

Thanks to Amanda Prowse and Amazon Publishing UK through Netgalley for an advance copy.

I have read a number of Amanda Prowse books and as with all the others, I simply could not put this book down. It was an extremely sad book at the start and I eagerly wanted to know what happened with Rachel and James. I highly recommend anyone to read books by Amanda Prowse, you will not be disappointed. This was another book that I wanted to keep reading until I had finished

So much of this story deals with loss. Rachel and James lived a life of luxury in Bermuda, until one day they lost their son. Rachel spirals downward into a pit of depression while James becomes remote and detached. Their housekeeper, Ceecee copes as well as she can. Rachel goes back to England for an extended time as each tries to recover. In the end, the story is resolved satisfactorily.

One of my absolute favourite authors.
This book takes you on such an emotional journey.
I absolutely loved it

Truly gripping story of loss and friendship. Loved the emotion that this book pulls out of you and the empathy it made me feel for Rachel and CeCe.

When you loose your child or baby in death the pain is beyond acceptable. It stays with you like an open wound no matter how you get on with live.

But loosing Oscar in the way this happened was heartbreaking for me to read.
Funerals are closure, acceptance.....even if your emotions and heart doesn’t want to accept it, you know in the recess of your mind, they won’t be there any more. Only in our memories.

I felt for these parents, I ached to hold them, to give them comfort.
The horrendous event they’ve both gone through.

When they separated for a while I was annoyed. I fully understood and I 100% understand wanting to get your own space and grieve.
This could have easily happened to us.

But it takes all your willpower and the love of your husband and the love for each other to actually stay together.

When there is blame, no matter if unfounded and irrational it’s rational to the person going through it. It’s very easy to blame.

The love that these two had for each other although apart was so heart splitting for me to read, I had tears pouring down my face. I couldn’t see the writing.

I took a break to make a cuppa but I just had to carry on reading.

This is the beautiful craftsmanship of Amanda Prowse. When she puts pen to paper you just know that you can’t leave that book there. It eventually has to be read. It will keep calling you despite the fear of another good cry or a whooping jump in the air because all has worked out fine.
The beauty of this authors reads is that I never know if the ending is going to be Happy ever after, or, not what you were expecting but the ending is just as satisfying even if it did leave you in a blubbering mess.

So, so good.

You always expect emotion in Amanda Prowse's thought-provoking family dramas and this is no exception. The poem at the start of the book sets the scene '...And now I live for eternity in deep, blue grief'. Rachel and James's idyllic life in beautiful Bermuda is shattered by a tragic death. Rachel's overwhelming grief is something we all hope we will never have to face ourselves. The way it affects her husband, family and friends and how they all try to work through their own grief while trying to help her is so expressive and beautifully written that you really feel for them all, as though you know them personally. Their housekeeper Cee-Cee's letters to Rachel telling her own poignant story add another dimension to the book. A moving and satisfying story, well told.

The Coordinates of Loss maps the painful journeys of James and Rachel Croft, and their housekeeper, Cee Cee, after the tragic disappearance of the Croft’s son, Oscar, from their boat offshore Bermuda.

Before the event that changed their lives forever, James, Rachel, Oscar, and Cee Cee, who loved Oscar as though he were her own, seemed charmed. Perfect. But all of that washed out to see when Oscar disappeared, never to be found again.

This story chronicles the agony that is grief, and the ways we try to go about recovering who we are when an essential part of us is gone. I know recent grief, not of a child, but of a friend of 51 years, and I cannot imagine a better way to describe the whirlwind of feelings, the desire to crawl into bed and never get out, and the way we start to heal than this beautifully crafted book.

Thank you to Amanda Prowse, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this magnificent book.

Another outstanding book from Prowse.

When an incident occurs on a family boat in Bermuda, Rachel is left feeling broken and desolate.

The letters from her house keeper back home, Ce Ce begins the path to recovery.

Raw, beautiful and Prowse at her best.

Keep the tissues handy.

When I first read the summary of this book I wasn’t sure I wanted to read it. I had read two other books by Amanda Prowse previously and though I liked them (3 stars each), I didn’t love them. I was concerned that this would be an average book about difficult subject matter and that would make it hard to get through.

I should not have worried. Yes, it is a difficult subject and incredibly sad, but it is not a mediocre book. It was well-written and engaging. At first, I was annoyed by the MC, Rachel. Her sadness was overwhelming and I felt she wasn’t fair to her husband. However, considering what she had been through, I couldn’t blame her. I can’t even imagine her sorrow.

As the story progressed and you saw her struggle with her grief, I started to understand her better and really feel for her. I even became defensive of her when certain people said things that were insensitive or hurtful. I wanted to help her through her misery. I wanted her to find her way back.

Cee Cee’s story is equally compelling. Throughout the book there are letters that Cee Cee writes to Rachel that tell her story. She is writing these letters in an effort to help Rachel through her grief, as parts of her life parallel Rachel’s. I don’t typically enjoy stories written in letter format, but these letters were able to draw me in and I wanted to know more.

I really enjoyed Cee Cee as a character and feel that her sections in the story were needed to temper the sadness of the rest of the book. Her story isn’t a happy one, but it has a different feel to it. Cee Cee’s story felt like she was making herself feel better by telling it, sort of her way of finally releasing her sadness. Rachel’s parts felt much more like she was drowning in her sorrow and struggling to find a way back. I think without Cee Cee’s letters, much of this story would have been difficult to read.

I’m so glad I decided to read this book. It was just excellent. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Prowse’s future work.

This has got to be one of the most heart wrenching books that I have ever read. A story of the ultimate loss, that of a child. Rachel and James are out on their boat with their 7 year old son, Oscar, when they find him missing. What happened to him in the middle of the ocean? This is a story of profound grief. How do you recover and can your marriage survive such a loss? A loss like this either brings you together or it catapults you into despair. This story is incredibly well written. I felt their pain and anguish. My heart cried for these parents. The characters are so believable and true to life. You will feel so many emotions. I highly recommend this heartfelt read. Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon publishers UK. All opinions are my own. You will need a box of tissues for this one.

The Coordinates of Loss was a wonderful book. The characters that Amanda Prowse has created are so real and their heartache leaps up off the page and grabs you. The raw emotion had me in tears as I lived Rachel's despair and descent into numbness. You feel the wedge that is created as both Rachel and James try to cope in their own ways with the unthinkable loss of their young son Oscar. And we could only hope to have someone like the wise Cee-Cee in our lives to bring us comfort in our darkest times. I had trouble putting this book down. Although heartbreaking, I couldn't wait to read what was next for Rachel and James as they navigated this new life that they never asked for and did not know how to build. I would highly recommend this moving book. Thank you NetGalley for my advanced reader copy.

This book really moved me. It was tough to read in some spots, especially since I have small children at home. But it also drew me in right away. The characters were well developed and you really get a sense of knowing them. Excellent writing style. Would definitely recommend!

I start off by saying that I have loved all of Amanda Prowse’s books so I get really excited when a new one is out. They put me through the wringer emotionally but her stories are so well written and researched that I know I am in for a good read.

I can only describe her latest the Coordinates of Loss as heartbreakingly beautiful. Full of raw emotion, this story carried me along a journey in such a way that I felt I was there living every exhausting moment. Dealing with the highly sensitive horrific subject of losing your child must be one of the most painful experiences imaginable yet Amanda has expressed this in eloquent words that explore overwhelming grief, kindness and love that is needed to heal the fractured lives of those left behind.

Rachel and James are living a wonderful life on the Island of Bermuda that is until their beloved 7 year old son Oscar disappears from their boat. They are then faced with extremely dark times that alter their lives forever. A form of peace comes from their housekeeper Cee-Cee who offers them comfort and understanding through her own life stories. Cee-Cee is my favourite character with her kind heart and wise words she shone through the pages of this book.

This story for me is about healing and allowing you time to grieve and learning to love life again. Beautifully written and highly emotive with tears shed it is a fabulous read.

Many thanks to Net Galley for the ARC digital copy, this is my own review.

All consuming, utterly gripping story about a couple coming to terms with the sudden loss of their child, while at sea on day, in Bermuda.

I could barely put the book down as the writing is so good, and it just drew me in and wouldn't let me know.

However unlike other books by this author, I just didn't quite connect properly with the subject and the characters and I can only think that is because we didn't really get to see Oscar alive and connect to him before the tragedy, so its harder to feel his loss for yourself.

We do get to know Oscar a bit through reminisces but given the book is all about his death and those coping with it, I was surprised that I didn't feel anything towards him, especially given I normally love child characters in books.

What I loved were the letters that Cee-Cee, their housekeeper was writing to Rachel, to help her with her grief and through them we learn about Cee-Cee's own life and her heartbreak.

I started to warm to Rachel once the complete despair stage was a bit lesser and watching her slowly come to terms with her new life and situation is rather inspiring. I am sure that if you are going through a similar situation and were in a position to read this, then it would give you some comfort, and hope. Equally those that have unfortunately lived through what Rachel and James do, may connect to this book a lot more than I did.

That being said I was unable to tear myself away, I had to read it in a few hours, in long stints, and wasn't really aware of what was going on around me. I didn't find it emotional, but it was interesting and the topic is dealt with, with Amanda Prowse's typical levels of details warmth and sensitivity.

This ia a great book and if you are new to the author it will certainly give you a fabulous idea of what she is capable of.

Thank you to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

The story deals with loss, grief and moving forward. There is an overwhelming sadness in this book and I found it difficult to read through. At the same time I couldn't help knowing how it ends; which the ending made up with the story finishing on an acceptable note.

The Coordinates of Loss is another one of Amanda Prowse's finest!! It shows raw emotions and tackles a loss of a child in a very unique way. I liked the fact that it was not just the story of the parents and the loss of their child but also the story of CeeCee the housekeeper! Beautifully written as always.

I always enjoy reading Amanda Prowse's books and this was no exception. However, make sure you have a box of tissues to hand while reading this one! James and Rachel lose their beloved 7 year old son in an accident at sea. This is the story of how they cope with and eventually learn to live with their loss. Thanks to Netgalley for a preview copy.
Copied to Goodreads.

Grief has no blueprint

A book dealing with the loss of a son was always going to be emotional and particularly in the hands of Amanda Prowse. She writes very believable characters and you can’t help but feel their pain. While the main focus was Rachel, the star of the book for me was Cee-Cee the housekeeper. Everybody could benefit from a woman like Cee-Cee in their life.

The Coordinates of Loss by Amanda Prowse, oh my. I was concerned at first by the subject matter because it's about a 7 year old boy that goes missing in the ocean, but I have to say that I was wrong to worry. It's very well done and really touched me.

The book is a journey that contains so much heart and soul that I could only read a few chapters at a time. It really examines our relationships and how they stand up to times of great trial and also is about forgiving yourself. It's a book that really made me think. I think it would make a good book club read.

Rachel and James suffer the ultimate loss, that of their son, and this gem of a story explores its effect on them, their housekeeper and their families. And what a story. It simply never lets up. Much as, I imagine, the grief of losing a child never ends. I was drawn to this title initially – and it turned out to be so apt. The book revolves around the effects of loss; locating those points in space that define loss and the terrible grief associated with it. As the family unravels, so we learn more about the life of the wonderful Cee-Cee, who keeps house for them in Bermuda. Amanda Prowse manages to capture feelings, dialogue, pain and grief so beautifully and with such authenticity. I haven’t cried so much reading a book for a long, long time. I loved it, was totally saddened by it, and highly recommend it. The Coordinates of Loss is due out on September 25, 2018.

Just finished reading this amazing book. It must be the saddest book I have ever read. You need a box of hankies and a quiet spot to read this. Oscar, who is 7 years old is lost at sea. From the moment Rachel and James realise he is not on the boat there pain comes of the page straight into your heart. His loss does not only affect them it affects Cee Cee, there housekeeper as well. It seems like there is never a way back for them. You feel the sadness all the way through this book.

This is one of Amanda’s best book so far. It is written beautifully with the perfect touch of sensitivity. The book transports you to Bermuda where you find tragedy and so much pain. The characters come to life in front of your eyes and instantly you connect with them. A must read!

Loved this book. Really well written, so much emotion in it, so much details. Explanations and great character analysis.
Enjoyed reading it as a story but also learning about the depression and the illness.
Written in true Amanda Prowse style. Loved it cant wait for the next book.

#TheCoordinatesOfLoss #NetGalley

One of the best books i have read. Was not an easy read. The whole story was sad but it's something I can relate to.

The pain and loss felt by Rachel and James felt was so real. I loved Cee-Cee and her letters which were also so sad.

The guilt and pain felt by the couple are so real. I guess it can be understood by the people who has gone through it.

The way the couples faced their troubles and how Cee-cee helped with their loss with so much pain in her own heart. The author has done a great work in expressing the pain all of them faced.

It also showed that sometimes we will think that we are the only who is affected and who has lost. But the loss might be felt by many other people and they arev also struggling to cope with the pain and loss.

Sometimes the loss and pain will be always there. But time heals.

A sweet emotional family drama about a couple who try to cope with the loss of their son. An easy read but not going to have you totally gripped or bawling your eyes out either!

Wow yet another great thought provoking read. This story is an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish but boy what a ride. It definitely makes you want to count your blessings and to give your children a great big hug. I highly recommend this book.

A storyline that wrings out your emotions and tugs at your heartstrings. The author as always delivers a deep and meaningful story in such a delightful way . Brilliant characters and wonderful storyline

I was given an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an independent review.
When you read an Amanda Prowse novel, you know before you start that it will be an emotional journey, beautifully written with a host of wonderful characters.This book was no exception.
A very raw and honest account of two parents dealing with the worst situation imaginable that drew me in and held me until the very end.
Highly recommended.

The subjet of this book is the difficult topic of losing a chold, and even more agonising the child goes missing. The insight into the grieving process is beautiful it expresses the different ways we all navigate this difficult path. This book made me smile, feel warm and comforted and also sob. The depth of the various emotions is beautifully written as expected of Amanda. I recommend this book to anyone who is lost in grief and to those who are not it is an education. .. Simply beautiful.

Amanda Prowse truly deserves her title of the Queen of Domestic Drama. This is a heartbreaking story about love and loss. Rachel and James Croft appear to have it all. The 'have it all' lifestyle on the idyllic island of Bermuda, an amazing home, and a beautiful son. However, a trip away on their luxury yacht changes things forever. This really is a lovely book, even though it is very sad. I particularly loved the letters written to Rachel by housekeeper, Cee Cee, but would have really liked to have been able to read more of the story from James' perspective, as it tended to focus on Rachel. Even so, Amanda has given us yet another fabulous book. Highly recommended.

This story takes you on an emotional rollercoaster ride from start to finish. A strong start, a great ending, extremely well written and a tear-jerker from start to finish. Unfortunately for me, it just felt far too long with not much happening. As much as I have very much enjoyed numerous books by Ms. Prowse, this one unfortunately wasn't one of my favourite one of hers.

Many thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this ARC for which I have given my voluntary and unbiased review.

A powerful story of loss, grief and the effects of tragedy on an erstwhile loving family. Amanda Prowse took me on such an emotionally overwhelming journey that I felt like a voyeur watching the awful aftermath of the loss of Rachel and James’ 7 year old son at sea. Their lives implode through grief and I felt raw and uncomfortable invading their privacy. A tearful, harrowing but also hopeful read.

A desperately sad story of loss, grief and the gradual and slow process of "healing". I couldn't put this book down and read it in two sittings. I felt uncomfortable encroaching on Rachel, James and Cee-Cee's grief but was so drawn in by their characters and the varying ways in which they tried to come to terms with their loss that I couldn't bring myself to part with their story for long. No-one writes a family drama better than Amanda Prowse. This story took me through every emotion but at the end, through my tears, I did at least feel hope for her wonderful characters. Highly recommend this book.

A moving book about the power and destruction of grief, and the importance of time in the healing process., The Coordinates of Loss is the story of Rachel, a woman who has a loving husband and beautiful son and who is living a dream life on Bermuda. Her world comes crashing down around her one terrible morning when she discovers that her son has drowned. His loss almost destroys her and damages her marriage so badly that she flees back to England in order to slowly try to come to terms with a life changed beyond all recognition and almost beyond bearing. While the support of family and friends helps, what really shines a light for her in the darkness are the letters she receives from her former housekeeper Cece, another grieving mother who lost a young son.
While there is undoubtedly a lot of sadness in the book, I think it is very realistic in its portrayal of the implosion of a marriage following tragedy, and its account of the complex grieving process. It is not without it's moments of hope, but the overwhelming tone is a sombre one,which may be difficult for some readers.
I loved the character of Rachael, her struggles, doubts and tiny moments of hope really resonated, and she felt like a very rounded character. While her husband appears less in the book, the changing dynamics of their relationship is one of the driving forces of the story, and on the rare occasions where he expresses his grief and loss, it is always very moving.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

Rachel and James look like they have a perfect life. They live in a beautiful house in Bermuda, own a boat and have a beautiful 7 year old son Oscar until one tragic night where Oscar has bee taken away from them and they need to find their way to deal with their grief after losing a child. An impossible task.

Cee Cee was the housekeeper and adored Oscar. After losing her own baby boy when she was young having Rachel, James and especially Oscar had made her feel alive again but although broken hearted she stands strong to help Rachel and James each in different ways.

This is a beautiful written story about a horrible tragedy no one ever wants to experience. You will fall in love with Cee Cee, I dare you to try not to! The back and forth between Rachel’s point of view and Cee Cee’s was a brilliant decision by the author! Have tissues as this is definite going to pull on your heart strings.

Amanda Prowse certainly knows how to tug at your heartstrings and wring every ounce of emotion from you but in a beautiful way.
Rachel and James live in Bermuda and have a little boy(Oscar)who they adore, when they get a chance they often go out on their boat for a couple of days and this is where we meet them. On this particular morning they were awake before Oscar woke them up and when Rachel goes to wake him he isn't there. They frantically search the boat but he has disappeared, I can only imagine how it would feel to lose a child and how much it impacts on so many lives is devastating. Watching Rachel and James go through the grief and her inability to connect with people is very raw but also so compelling. Be prepared for the emotions it provokes and have plenty of tissues on hand. I don't know how Amanda does it but I do hope she keeps on writing these amazing books.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of the book.

This is a beautifully written, heartbreaking book. It focuses on Rachel and James, whose son Oscar disappears during a family boat trip in Bermuda. It captures the emotions of the couple perfectly and reflects accurately on how such a tragedy impacts on families and relationships. I also loved the story of housekeeper Cee-Cee, told through her letters. I do love Amanda Prowse as an author, however, this book fell slightly short for me because I felt I was still looking for answers at the end.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.

Rachel, James and seven year old Oscar Croft were ex pats living in Bermuda. On dayThe family went on a three day break on their boat. On the second day of their trip Rachel and James had a leisurely lie in, later when Rachel went to wake Oscar he had vanished.

After searching the boat with no success, James called the coastguard. It was at that point that James and Rachel`s marriage first started to disintegrate. So wrapped up in their own grief they were unable to help each other. After a couple of months Rachel hated Bermuda and found herself blaming James for what happened. After trying to commit suicide Rachel moved back to their home city of Bristol to get her thoughts together.

Their housekeeper CeCe lost her son Willard Jnr when he was just seven weeks old. Oscar had been like a grandson to CeCe and he adored her. To try to help CeCe wrote a series of letters to Rachel back home about her life, love and how she accepted her baby's death.

Wow, this was not a very easy read. It was so beautifully written I felt Rachel`s loss like a punch to the stomach. I appreciate we all deal with grief differently and the loss of a child is different to the death of a parent or elderly relative. The different ways Rachel and James coped with their grief was interesting. Rachel`s grief was all in encompassing but I could understand why James felt the need
to return to work weeks after Oscar`s disappearance. I enjoyed reading about Rachel slowly emerging from her grief and living her life without Oscar.

Best of all were the beautiful letters CeCe wrote to Rachel. Her letters were about her childhood best friend Clara and when she first met her husband Willard Senior as kids. CeCe`s letters were so poignant but sprinkled with love and hope.

This Is my first book by Amanda Priest but I will definitely read more from her in the future.

I haven't read a book that has brought tears to my eyes so many times. A truly heatbreaking storyline following both a Mother and Father and their elderly housekeepr following the tragic death of their 7 year old son. It follows their battles to come to terms with their loss with a similar story being told in the background through the letters from their housekeeper. Liked the way the different threads of the story were finally brought together. This is only my second book by this author but I will certaily be reading more.

An immensely readable, tear-jerking tale that I raced through. This is the first Amanda Prowse book I’ve read and I really enjoyed it. It tracks the grief of a young couple living in Bermuda who struggle to cope after their seven-year-old son Oscar dies. While at times the book was harrowing, it was never overwhelming, thanks to the kindness and generosity of the couple's housekeeper, Cee Cee, who lifts on the page. As the couple’s relationship starts to disintegrate, the boundaries between the wealthy employers and their housekeeper blur. At first it seems that Rachel and James will buckle beneath their terrible burden of grief and guilt, but I’d urge you to hold out for the uplifting ending. An intelligent and considered quick read.

Amanda Prowse writes from the heart, and has a way of getting right into your soul with her writing. Losing a child is the cruelest and most devastating trauma a person can go through. This tale is one of exactly that, a couple dealing with the tragedy and loss of their young child, it will tug at your heart, it will leave you feeling emotionally drained.
Coordinates of loss is breathtaking, raw, heartbreaking, emotional and it is beautifully written, don’t forget the tissues.

This is a story packed full of emotion exploring the sadness and heartbreak of losing a child. Rachel is comforted by letters from her housekeeper Ce- Ce. This unique relationship helps Rachel to slowly heal and begin to recover. The book is beautifully written and you really feel for the characters. Hope is offered at the end and you really feel Rachel's journey. Packed with an emotional punch. Be prepared to cry! Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me review this book.

I read this book with tears streaming down my face. What an emotional rollercoaster. This is a tale of the loss of a dearly beloved child and the ensuing emotions that follow, grief,despair and ultimately grief.

The descriptions of Bermuda and Bristol were atmospheric and beautifully written. I loved the character of Cee-Cee and cried throughout the letters she wrote. There is nothing sugary sweet about the raw emotions shown by each person in this book and the different ways they deal with the grief. The author has written a beautiful story that will stay with me for a long time.

To lose a child must be the most heartbreaking event to happen to anyone but to not know their fate is beyond comprehension. The story is predominantly about Rachel and James and how their life spirals out of control when they lose their beloved son Oscar at the tender age of seven. There is also another sad story that is told in letters to Rachel from their housekeeper Cee Cee who also loved Oscar dearly but also had to live with betrayal and a tragic loss of her own. The story is told sensitively but it was almost too sad to read and left me feeling bereft.

Rachel and James are successful , blissfully happy and wealthy and living the life of luxury in Bermuda, when ironically their son Oscar goes missing overnight from their private boat.
Now, Amanda Prowse is the only author to have ever made me cry whilst reading her book Will you remember me and whilst this book didn’t open the floodgates I have to admit to a tear or two. This authors knows exactly what strings to pull and writes about subjects that women everywhere can relate to .
My favourite character was the gorgeous Cee Cee , their housekeeper who is no stranger to loss and the introduction of Oscar in to her life helps some way towards overcoming this loss until he too is cruelly torn away from her.
Cee Cee has found a place within this family and is determined to help Rachel and James move on and pours her heart out in a series of letters detailing her own tragic past.
The loss of a child very often contributes to the breakdown of a previously happy marriage and for this couple too , it’s not an easy path.
Thank you to Amanda Prowse for another brilliant read which has really brought back my reading mojo following a miserable drought

This is a book about death, loss, grief, survival, and life. It is full of emotion, perhaps too full. The horror of the situation Rachel and James find themselves in, and the struggle to cope is very well told but very little happens in this book, making it feel too long, too unrelenting, which is of course how it must feel to experience the loss of a child. However as a book it is wearying, and the build up of sympathy, and empathy dissipates by the end which is a long time coming. The character of Cee Cee presents us with a an alternate view, as do Rachel's exquisitely normal parents, but nothing breaks the all pervading grief. For me Rachel is unremittingly self-absorbed, and difficult to like. and James' grief is sidelined and diminished by the focus on his wife's emotional turmoil.
I usually like this author, and I can't fault her ability to get right to the heart and soul of a difficult situation. This isn't her best.

Amanda Prowse's book drops you into the middle of any parents' worst nightmare. Rachel Croft went to wake their seven year old son, Oscar, up one morning to discover he is not in his bunk. And the Croft family was on a yacht so there aren't many places Oscar could be. Oscar is gone.
The narrative alternates between Rachel, who is drowning in her grief and confusion and Cee-Cee, their housekeeper, who has walked a similar path, who reaches out to Rachel via a series of letters. In doing so both women come closer to healing and a measure of understanding.
The various reactions of other's to Rachel's reality is interesting. Her brother is rather insensitive to the situation, whilst her sister-in-law is just plain uncomfortable. Her parents, her mom trying to act normal but feeling anxious and useless; her dad using routine to comfort both himself and Rachel. Her friends, Vicky and Gino, with their honesty and steady understanding support.
And in the middle of it - Rachel and James's marriage. Everything has changed - nothing was the same since Oscar died. Can they save themselves and their marriage? Do they want to?
A beautifully written book, the words carry you from sunny Bermuda to gloomy Bristol and in between it all, Cee-Cee's story is interwoven with Rachel's.

Full post visible on my blog Facing the Story

I decided to read this book after finishing Anna by Amanda Prowse which I really enjoyed. Needless to say, it didn't disappoint. She chose a very complex subject matter and explored it through Rachel and James' relationship after their son Oscar disappears at sea. Grief is a particularly difficult topic to discuss which I believe she handled well with a lot of carefully chosen words and phrases. Most notable of all were the different stages of loss that Rachel struggled through which I felt were especially well documented through the first person narrative.

Character development plays an important part in books written in this style and I must say that we saw all characters grow through expressing their thoughts and reflecting on the past. Cee-Cee was a very pleasant character, often driving the plot forwards and supporting Rachel with the healing process. Her empathy and kindness is so comforting and she quickly became my favourite character.

The Coordinates of Loss is an emotional and poignant book, perfect for readers who are after a true to life story and are keen on exploring family dynamics. However, it should also be noted that this book lacks a fast-paced plot and does not provide any relief until the very end, which is something I believe many readers may also be looking for.

2.5 stars

This is the second book I’ve read by Amanda Prowse and just like the one I read last year (The Idea of You), I struggled with getting through this and once again, very nearly DNF’ed it. I’m not sure what it is, but I find it hard to connect with this author’s books, even though the subject matter she writes about are things that women in my age group are usually able to identify with. In this, her newest book, the main character is Rachel Croft, whose happily married, blissful life with husband James comes crashing down when they lose their 7-year-old son Oscar in a boating accident – this happens within the first few pages of the book and from there, the entire rest of the story (300+ pages) is about how Rachel attempts to deal with her grief and eventually embarks on a path to healing after reading letters of encouragement from her housekeeper Cee Cee. That is basically the entire plot (no, I am not exaggerating – I’m struggling with finding things to write about the plot because literally nothing much else happens)…

Given the subject matter, I was expecting an emotional, heart-wrenching story, one that would move me emotionally and even make me shed a tear or two…but that didn’t happen. In fact, I found it difficult to get into the story at all and after the first chapter, my attention already started to wane – about a quarter into it, I felt the urge to skim and by the halfway mark, I was in full-on “speed-skim” mode….by the time I got to the end, I was relieved that I FINALLY finished the book. The biggest issue for me (which was actually the same issue I had with this author’s previous book) is that the story dragged way too much – over the course of the first 150 pages or so, page after page was of Rachel either 1) repeatedly denying that her son had died and trying to justify her theories about her son’s whereabouts in every way possible, or 2) constantly arguing with and resenting her husband. The second half of the book was basically of Rachel’s healing process and eventually coming to terms with her son’s death. Now don’t get me wrong – I have no problems with the subject matter being heavy and yes, I do understand that the slowness of the plot was perhaps intentional in order to mirror the real life process of grieving and healing that occurs when we lose a loved one, but for me, the execution was too drawn out, to the point that I felt it diminished the significance of the story. While the writing was good overall, there were parts that were tremendously wordy -- also, the dialogue was repetitive in that every conversation felt drawn out for the purposes of justifying and explaining Rachel’s every thought, feeling, action, etc. Perhaps the purpose of writing the character this way was to make us as the readers feel sorry for Rachel and sympathize with her struggle – I hate to say it but for me, it had the opposite effect in that I grew increasingly irritated with her character as the story wore on. I honestly feel like the story would have been better told if it had been several hundred pages shorter, with tighter writing and less repetition.

Reading this book confirmed for me that, plain and simple, this author’s works just aren’t my cup of tea. I will give her future works a pass going forward but since mine is the lone negative review amongst the dozens of positive ones, I would once again recommend checking out the other reviews for a more balanced perspective. This one clearly didn’t work for me, but perhaps it will for others.

Received ARC from Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley.

Another fabulous read from Amanda. None of her books have ever disappointed and are always unputdownable. I am always waiting with baited breath for the next!

It took a lot for me to finish this book.

Rachel Croft, is happily married, and lives a blissful life with husband James. This all comes crashing down when they lose their 7-year-old son Oscar in a boating accident. The rest of this book is about Rachel's grief and eventual healing.

I felt like I was expected to be moved to tears or to feel the grief that Rachel did. It wasn't there for me. Something felt hollow.

I'm sure some people will enjoy this, but this isn't for me.

Thanks to netGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Wow. What a book. I have read several of Amanda Prowse’s previous novels and loved them for the serious topics and the way she handles them with insight and sensitivity and ends up with a fantastic novel. However this book really takes it up a level. This is the story of unbearable grief. Reading it, I felt like I was experiencing it first hand and there were times when I had to put it down because it hurt too much to read. There were times when I had to pause reading so I could go check on my children when they were sleeping. I probably got through a box of tissues whilst reading this and my husband shook his head at me wondering why I continued. But he doesn’t understand that reading a book that can touch you and affect you so deeply is really a joy to read. Thank you for a brilliant book, Amanda. Highly recommended

Yet again Amanda Prowse has reduced me to tears whilst reading a book. She is the one and only author that has managed to do this and she does it so well.

Although an absolutely heartbreaking story this is an emotional ride that you will not want to stop. Rachel, James and Oscar have a fantastic life in ‘Paradise’ but that all changes when one morning Rachel and James wake up to find Oscar has gone, presumed drowned, from their boat. We then follow Rachel and James to see how their lives change and how they manage to cope with just getting up every day and carrying on without their beloved son.

I absolutely found myself consumed by the story and loved Rachel and James, as well as their loyal housemaid, CeCe, who has gone through her own heartache.

This really is a powerful and emotional read that you will not be able to put down, even when the tears are streaming. I read this in one day and everything else was put on hold, I just couldn’t stop reading and I just had to know how things turned out in the end.

I have read many of Amanda’s novels and have loved them all, this one included. Emotions run high and if you are anything like me tears will be shed but it is definitely a book that will remain with me and I am so pleased that I read it.

Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for a digital copy of this book.

I have to say i am a big fan of Amanda prowse and read all her books in-between my usual thrillers. Maybe this was why I struggled to fall in love with the characters as I kept expecting this little boy Oscar to walk back into their lives. My tears were brimming at times as Amanda writes in such a way that your heart aches. By the end of the book I had no relief from the epilogue and still feel utterly heartbroken. Most probably Amanda’s saddest book to date.

When Rachel Croft wakes up on her family's boar in Bermuda, it's to sunshine and yet another perfect day, that is until she goes to wake up her seven year old son, Oscar. But the worst thing imaginable has happened. He isn't there.

Once such a happy family, the dad, James, the mum, Rachel and their seven year old son, Oscar. They live the perfect life in Bermuda and they have Cee-Cee, their housekeeper, who has had her own fair share of heartache. The family set out for a three day trip on their boat. They have a fantastic first night but when they wake in the morning, Oscar has disappeared.

This is a beautifully written story that will tug at your heartstrings and bring a tear to many a readers eye. We feel for Rachel, who is struggling to accept that her son has drowned. James, who is struggling with his own grief, does not know how to help his wife. I really liked Cee-Cee and all the things she said and did to try and help Rachel. Amanda Prowse has dealt with the subject matter with sensitivity. A story that deals with the time parents need to deal with their grief. I really liked the way this book ended. Happy or sad, you will need to read the book to find out.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and the Amanda Prowse for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a heart rending novel about love and loss. Losing a child is unimaginable. After the grief the anger starts and it can tear you apart. Families either pull together or fall apart. The Coordinates of Loss has it all.

Thank you NetGalley for my copy.

Warning: Before ever picking up a copy of The Coordinates of Loss by Amanda Prowse it’s probably best to pick up a nice full box of tissues.

Rachel and James Croft had a loving marriage and along with their seven year old son Oscar the perfect family. Living in Bermuda and surrounded by water James had convinced Rachel to get a boat for the family and while packed up for the weekend tragedy strikes. Rachel wakes up on the boat and Oscar is no where to be found.

As the hours, days, weeks and months go by Rachel battles her grief and shuts herself off from her husband, friends and family. With no answers as to what happened that night while they were sleeping Rachel struggles with letting go and accepting Oscar is gone. It’s only through the words of understanding from their housekeeper Cee-Cee that Rachel finally begins to heal.

One thing I’ve learned when picking up a book from Amanda Prowse is that the story will be full of emotion and this was no exception. Obviously there is no “right” way to deal with a loss in one’s life but the author gave us an exceptional view into this couple and their heartache and grief as they struggled to navigate through the ocean of despair.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

I absolutely adore Amanda’s books and this is by far her most emotional and saddest book.
Losing a child or anyone in fact, is never easy, the plot is based around the lives of Rachel and James who have lost their 7 year old son on a family trip in a boat.
The emotion that pours from every page had me red eyes and runny nose for hours after finishing it.

This book tells the story of a woman who loses her son in a tragic accident. Prowse takes readers through the horrendous grief, anger and confusion that Rachel faces after her son is killed. This is a beautifully written story about grief and how it permeates every area of a person’s life, work, friendships and marriage all take a back seat to the unrelenting sorrow. One of the most accurate portrayals of loss that I have read

Amanda Prowse never fails to pull a the heartstrings, and this book is no different, The story of Rachel and James coming to terms with the sudden disppearance of their beloved son Oscar, and how they deal with this in their own ways. The addition of Ce Ce and her story was a lovely, yet amotional, one too. This book didn’t disappoint, and I had had high expectations. A definite read - remember your tissues!

This book is wonderful despite the subject manner. It is about loss, grief, the way it effects everybody in different ways. It deals with the parents loss of a child and the ripple effect of this loss. My advice is not to read it in public places as it will make you weep. Its also somehow wonderfully uplifting as it shows a couple surviving despite their loss. The story that intertwines it is the one of CeeCee their housekeeper who has suffered her own loss and shares her story with Rachel through letters designed to help Rachel through the fog of grief.
Amanda Prowse tackles subjects with sensitivity and also a wonderful empathy for the characters. This book made me hold my children closer.

Amanda Prowse isn't frightened to tackle any subject and this is certainly an emotional one. Read with a box of tissues nearby. Highly recommended

Thanks to Netgalley fir the ARC in exchange for review.
This is the saddest book I have ever in my life read! It is also one of the best book I have ever read!
I have cried throughout this whole entire book.
I dont know if this author has experienced a loss like the one written about in this book but I feel like there is no way you can write about a loss like this with such emotion and such clarity without going through it first!
I have read books about losing a child or loved one before.i have even read true stories of people that lost a child and none have ever gave me insight into how it might feel to be the parent left behind like this book has!!
I had to stop reading many times just to get a grip in my emotions and stop crying! It was hard reading this book!!
I loved every page if it!
This is how a book should be!! Just grab you by the heart and not let go and drag you screaming and crying to the very end and you wonder how you survived reading it in the first place!!!

This is my first Amanda Prowse novel but it won't be my last. This book was so heartfelt and tugged on my heartstrings so much. Rachel Croft goes from having a perfect day in paradise to absolute terror. Her 7 yr old son is missing and she has no idea where to even begin to search. The search proves futile and she leaves Bermuda without her husband and son. As she prepares to leave, her housekeeper bombards her with messages and it shines a whole new light on Rachel. I will highly recommend this book to everyone . Thank you to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK
Lake Union Publishing for the chance to read this amazing novel

Pulled into the story from the start and found it difficult to put down. Totally unforgettable. The pain was tangible, I had tears streaming down my face in the middle of the night. Amanda really knows how to write and speaks straight from and to the heart. One of the reasons she’s become a favourite of mine.

To lose your child is unimaginable. To lose a child and never know what happen to them is every parents nightmare. For Rachel and James, this nightmare becomes reality as their son, Oscar, disappears without trace whilst they are out on their boat. Rachel yearns for her son and, without closure, can't comprehend life without him and so her life with her husband unravels.
Amanda Prowse always writes emotion to perfection and this book is no exception. It's deep and moving, especialy with Cee-Cee's letters adding another emotional layer.
I did struggle, however, to connect with Rachel. I felt her grief, understood her turmoil, but didn't get to grips with her reaction to James. For me, this pulled me out of the story at times.
Overall, this is a gripping read and one where you probably won't get the closure you crave but one that is completely right for the story. Another brilliant read from Amanda Prowse.

Such a heartbreakingly beautiful story that will make even the most stoic reader break down and cry. What does it feel like to lose a child suddenly? Amanda Prowse brings to life this unthinkable horrific and tragic event through the eyes of Rachel and James. While on a family holiday aboard their yacht, their 7 year old boy Oscar disappears and is presumed to have drowned. Their story alternates with Ceecee, their housekeeper's own story of loss and how to find the strength to keep living.

The prose takes the reader through the overwhelming pain and sorrow experienced when such a loss happens. The portrayal of grief felt painstakingly real to me to the point in which I had to put the book down every so often to collect myself. This is an emotionally hard read but also includes an element of hope and strength.

If you enjoy heartfelt emotional books and particularly ones involving loss and grief, this is the perfect read.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for an ARC of this book.

There's a fine line between happiness and heartbreak - and that's what this novel is about .. that fine, stretched-as-thin-as-it-can-get, line.

Rachel and James, along with their seven year old son, Oscar, are living the dream. Each day they wake in the sunny island of Bermuda and revel in where James' hard work has landed them. With their own boat, they like to escape out to the ocean when they can to relax and have quality family time. Only one morning when James and Rachel come out of their cabin, they find no sign of Oscar and their world collapses in on each of them. Somehow, they no longer seem to be a couple but two people only barely surviving . . .

The characters are amazingly familiar - all different, all important in their own way and I can practically guarantee that more than one will ring a bell when you consider your own friends and family. There is one who stands out and I'm certain each and every reader will reach the same conclusion.

Grief is a very personal thing; there is no right way or wrong way about it but it's raw and visceral and not something you can really explain to others. For any author to attempt to explain it on paper must be a daunting thought, but the result is staggeringly good, hitting all the highs and lows bang on. The writing, as always from Amanda Prowse, is faultless and I marvel at her ability to not only touch the soul of the reader, but to fill it to the brim. A special mention has to go to the cover - now knowing what is inside, it is perfection. I think this is a very special piece of work and one which, frankly, I'm not sure I shall ever forget. Yes, I have shed tears but it has left me with a beautiful calmness and perhaps a better understanding of grief. I am absolutely in awe at the skill within the covers, and I found myself closing my kindle with complete and utter satisfaction.

My very grateful thanks to Lake Union Publishing for my copy via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.

What a beautifully written, sad, poignant yet ultimately hopeful book!

Rachel and James have it all, a wonderfully happy marriage, a home in paradise, wealth and the most wonderful housekeeper who loves and cares for their son as much as they do .. until the unspeakable happens and Oscar is lost at sea. This book explores the raw grief, disbelief, blame, guilt and emotional voids that follow Oscar's loss. I absolutely adored the wisdom of Cee-Cee, their housekeeper, the structure of the book being inter-spaced with her letters to Rachel about her past life, love and losses works fabulously as Rachel slowly starts to inch forward with her life and decisions.

It's a really emotional, heart wrenching story written with so much heart, I'd advise you not to read in public ... tissues essential with this one!!

Many thanks to NetGalley for opportunity to read this fabulous book, My honest thoughts and opinion are expressed in this review.

4.5 big shiny stars

The Crofts are living their best lives on Bermuda. Until one day Rachel wakes up on their boat to find their son missing. What follows is a look at how we all handle the grief of the loss of a loved one.

James wants to face this with Rachel, a team, getting through this together but Rachel runs. To Bristol immersing herself in grief and her own confusion. Until she receives a letter from her housekeeper in Bermuda, Cee-Cee.

Cee-Cee has seen her own tragedy and reaches out to Rachel. In this exchange they both learn some things.

The story is told from Rachel’s point of view and Cee-Cee’s point of view, alternating between the two.

A beautiful story and very well written. There are a lot of characters and it is interesting to see just how each of them handles the loss. Some tip toe around it, some are staunch supporters and some just don’t know what to say. Much like a lot of us.

Well Done! This one I will read again!

Netgalley/ Amazon UK/ Lake Union

September 25, 2018

Picked this book up and could not put it down.Amanda Prowse has written another heartbreaking gut wrenching have a box of tissues nearby novel. Thanks#amazonuk #netgalley.for advance copy of this gorgeous book,

Rachel and James’ plight broke my heart. This is a parent’s nightmare, losing a child. How do you come out of that? To make matters worse, Oscar is their only child. Some parents grieved together and stayed together, some, just drifted apart. This was what happened with James and Rachel. CeeCee, their housekeeper also had her story told. It was all round grief, and sorrow in this book. That been said, I hope, there is some solace for grieving parents out there. So sad...

The story opens with Rachel and James waking up out at sea on their boat, having spent a couple of days quality family time with their young son, Oscar.  When Rachel goes to wake him up he's not in his bed, after searching the whole boat and not being able to find him panic sets in, the police and coastguard are called and he is declared missing, presumed dead but she refuses to believe he is gone forever.

Rachel and James appear to have the ideal life, they live on the paradise island of Bermuda, James has a high flying job, their house is huge, they have a 7 year old son that they both adore and their housekeeper, Cee Cee who looks after them all, so when this tragedy occurs it completely blows all their world's apart.  Rachel cannot stay where she is constantly reminded of Oscar and the memories they have so she returns to Bristol, leaving James and Cee Cee behind.

The story is told from two perspectives, Rachel and Cee Cee, who we learn has also lived through tragedy herself when she was a young girl, so when she starts writing to Rachel and sharing her experiences with her, it puts things into perspective for Rachel and she begins to move forward.

I cannot begin to imagine what it must feel like to lose a child but it left an ache deep within my heart whilst reading it.  I hoped with all my heart that Oscar would walk back through their door by the end of the story.   This latest book by Amanda Prowse is written with a great deal of depth and emotion and I defy anyone that reads it not to need tissues. Amanda certainly knows how to draw her readers in through her stories and this one is no exception, it's captivating and poignant and will stay with me for a very long time.  A huge 5 stars from me.

I would like to thank Amazon Publishing and Netgalley for the auto approval and will post my review on Amazon and Goodreads.

**3.5 stars**
Seeing many Amanda Prowse books around and never having read any, I jumped on the chance to read this emotional book.

Having a blissful few days sailing around the bay, Rachel and her husband James wake up to a nightmare when they discover their young son Oscar gone from the boat. The days following are filled with despair and blame. Rachel can’t cope and eventually decides to travel back to Bristol to be with family and friends. Can she and James ever find their way back to each other.

This was a very heart felt book but I did feel it dragged a little at times and I must admit I did feel so much more for James, as he tried to struggle through, be realistic and supportive, while Rachel pushed him away and drowned in her own grief. I guess that just shows that everyone struggles and copes in different ways. Even though I didn’t love this book, I will try the author again as I believe she does seem to deal with very topical issues.
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for a copy to read.

Excellent introduction to Amanda Prowse. Well-rounded characters, moving plot. Could not put it down.

Coordinates of loss

The story starts with the MC and her husband suffering one of the most painful tragedies one could imagine. The first 1/4 of the book is painful and raw and is in some parts, difficult to read.

The rest of the book is about dealing with loss, recovery from the lowest ebbs of grief, starting again and the support structure that enables us to do so.

The story emphasises the power of talking about personal tragedy and the power empathy can have in such circumstances.

The subject matter is handled delicately and is truly realistic. Despite the awful event at the start, there is still a lot of warmth to be found and positive take-aways. The pace is on the slower side, which conveys the process of overcoming tragedy but I did feel at times there wasn’t always enough to grip me in the later chapters of the book.

Thank you to Amazon / Lake Union Publishing, NetGalley and the author for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Yet again, Amanda Prowse doesn’t disappoint. This book was fantastic from start to finish. The storyline drew me in straight away, I couldn’t wait to pick the book up, even though I knew I’d be reading it with tears in my eyes. Highly recommended.

OMG.......This book "The Coordinates of Loss" by Amanda Prowse should come with a Warning message!!!!!
So make sure you have a Big box of tissues handy as you will so need them.

I have read many books by Amanda Prowse but this book is just beautifully written throughout and will make sit back and think of what you have read and what would you do if you lost a child.

Rachel and James Croft wake up on their family boat whilst in Bermuda. Its another beautiful day with the sun shining. Rachel goes and wake up her seven year old son called Oscar. The worst thing imaginable Oscar isn't there!
This book is very powerful throughout and tells of the struggle and grief of the loss of their son Oscar. You can feel for Rachel and James and my heart went out to them throughout this book.

This is a brilliant read but remember tissues and your mascara will run!!!! So be warned!

I would like to thank NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and the Amanda Prowse for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
So Big 5 stars for this beautifully written book xx

I’ve read quite a few books by Amanda Prowse and am happy to say, having finished this one, I still can’t say I’ve been disappointed by any of her stories. This one was very touching; in brief, a story of two women who both lost a young child and their subsequent heartache. Heartstrings tugged at once again. With thanks to NetGalley, publisher and author for the opportunity to review a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

I felt that the book was repetitive and I found myself skimming. This book just didn’t work for me.

#The Coordinates of Loss# NetGalley #

I was given an advance copy of this book from NetGalley for a fair and honest review.

This is the first book I have read by this author and it won’t be the last. I absolutely loved this book. It is happy and sad all at the same time. I can only imagine how losing a child would totally devastate a family. The process of mourning a loss of this kind was very well depicted, the ups and downs. To be separated from your husband at the very time when he is needed the most is hard. And the struggle Rachel had in coming to believe that our God is merciful and loving and provides a heavenly home for all seemed to take her a long time to accept.. She had many of life’s lessons along the way in her healing. I was anxious to find out how the author was going to end the book. I’m happy it ended as I wanted. This is an easy read and I finished it in one sitting. There were some grammar and spelling errors, but am certain they will be taken care of before publication.

When Rachel Croft wakes up on her family’s boat in Bermuda, it’s to sunshine and yet another perfect day…until she goes to wake her seven-year-old son, Oscar. Because the worst thing imaginable has happened. He isn’t there.

In the dark and desperate days that follow, Rachel struggles to navigate her grief. And while her husband, James, wants them to face the tragedy together, Rachel feels that the life they once shared is over.

This is a 'classic' Amanda Prowse book that takes the reader and drags them so deeply into the book that you end up convinced you are actually living the story.

I feel that this had the depth and emotion that we have come to expect from Amanda and is yet another 5* read from her.

Be prepared to have your heart broken as you take the journey with Rachel and James as they struggle with loss of their 7 year old son Oscar. Can they ever find happiness again?
This was a heart wrenching story. It brings to life disbelief, guilt, blame, grief so raw I could feel it as I read.
As a mother and grandmother I had a hard time reading the story. I couldn't imagine how I would deal with losing a child and never know what happened to them. I loved Cee-Cee and her letters had me crying as I read them. Make sure you have tissues as you read because tears will flow.

Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.

This hauntingly painful and beautiful story deals with the loss of a child and the road to recovery. James and Rachel lose their seven-year-old on an overnight trip on their boat and the consequences and sadness while reading it are palpable. It's a very interesting book one that I think anyone with a heart would enjoy reading. Thank you, Amanda Prowse, for such a powerful story.

Although this book dealt with the feelings involved in the death of a loved one, it was far too contrived for me - how everything 'worked out' when Rachel went back to England. It seemed to make light of loss.
The other thing was I expected something to happen throughout the book, and I really thought we would either find out Oscar had been taken or his body would be found. The fact it was left up in the air and we never found out what happened made the book feel unfinished. There was one part where Rachel had Oscars toy with her, but at the same time Cece found it down the side of the bed in Bermuda - nothing more was ever made of this and my mind was running wild with 'James said he has forgotten Mr. Bob on the boat' and 'why is Mr. Bob in two places at once? Did James buy two of them? Or three?Is it something to do with him?' but once again, nothing.
All in all, not the book for me. It felt unfinished, boring and lengthy whilst skimming over the 2 months of terrible grief, which happened in about a sentence.

This is such a beautifully written book, one that will stay with me for a long time I think. I felt like I was really able to get into the mind of Rachel, and even feel what she was feeling. Such a sad story, but hopeful too.

They seemed to have the perfect life until the event that turned their lives upside down, and it think it allowed them to see what was really important. And I loved the relationship with CeCe.

Again, just beautifully written.

This review may read more like a warning, and I suppose,in a way, it is.

I knew I was torturing myself needlessly when I requested the book from NetGalley. It was obviously going to be based around someone's death. As it is less than five months since my husband died suddenly I am grieving; only just managing to speak to people without crying.

I have to assume that the author has experienced great loss. You can't just make up what she has written. It is heartfelt and soul shredding. The beautiful descriptive passages about Bermuda do nothing to make what happens any less horrible.

I cried. I wept and at times my own grief took over and I wailed in anger about the injustices that fall on too many good people.

Having Cee Cee's story unravel through the book is genius, as is the journey back to Bristol with its petty jealousies and parents who struggle to communicate.

There are many trigger points in this book. If you feel fragile leave it for another day. If, like me, you find that crying can be cathartic there is no better book around at this time.

This author is on my top ten list and this book, like many of her others, is simply stunning! A story of loss, grief, guilt, but ultimately of forgiveness and love. Rachel and James live an idyllic life in Bermuda with their adored 7 year old son, Oscar. One day, while they were out on their boat, Oscar disappeared. Rachel went to his room to wake him in the morning and he was simply gone. The story that follows is gut-wrenching but so beautifully written that I felt I was there grieving with Rachel and James. This book is not to be missed!

The Coordinates of Loss by Amanda Prowse
Oscar her seven year old son, not in his bed, nor anywhere she looked on the boat, she stood still as though frozen. There lives now changed. To leave the water, the boat, seemed so wrong, to go home, and Cee-Cee, nodded he wasn’t there either. She was more than a house keeper, she was the glue that held the family together, with their busy life style. She was always there and teasing Oscar, especially for breakfast. How does one gone on, the hurt, the struggle. What they had known, and taken for granted would not be. Even for the two of them, words, feeling seemed almost barren . Powerful look at Loss, the author did a good job and will linger with the reader. Given ARC for my
voluntary review and my honest opinion by Net Galley and Amazon UK.

I always know that when I read an Amanda Prowse book, I need to have the tissues on standby and this book was no exception.

It is the story of Rachel and James and the unexpected loss of their little boy, Oscar, and how they make their way through the dark days that follow this incredible loss. At first, I wondered how this was all going to end up, and I was feeling pretty low myself, but bit by bit, just like Rachel, I started to feel better.

Cee-Cee is the housekeeper of Rachel and James' big, beautiful house in Bermuda. She becomes a substitute grandma to Oscar and she feels the loss of him keenly. She, however, has a beautiful way of looking at the world that ends up being so incredibly beneficial to both Rachel and James.

I love how this story is told from the points of view of Rachel and Cee-Cee. Both of them women who have been through a terrible loss, but women who seemingly have nothing much else in common. I thought Cee-Cee was wonderful and she was such a pivotal character in the book.

This story was truly beautiful and I highly recommend it.

5 stars from me.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I did the ugly cry through the entire book. Between Rachel and Cee Cee it was too much. Brilliantly and beautifully written. This is a powerful story of love, loss, and moving forward. A great read.

I had never heard of this author before but the description of the book was intriguing.
I am so glad I read it. It is an amazingly sad and joyful book - at the same time.
It is not to be missed!

Another amazing book by Amanda Prowse. All about love, loss and moving forward. Beautifully written and tear jerking. Loved it

Very thought provoking read . I was drawn into Rachael's heart and felt every thought and emotion she went through .

Like most of the other reviewers I found myself in tears throughout the book, which proved quite embarrassing as I was reading it on holiday, laid on a sun bed! Where do I start to review it? The book starts with every parents nightmare, losing a child. Amanda’s writing brings her characters to life and you feel all the heartbreak, turmoil and guilt that Rachel, James and their housekeeper Cee Cee went through. With their idyllic life in Bermuda in tatters, Rachel returns home to her family, who all play a fantastic part in this story. The Coordinates of Loss is a powerful and emotional read that, as I became immersed in the story, had me in tears all the way through. It is a book that I will remember for a long time. I can’t recommend it enough.
Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book is about the loss of a child and how everyone deals with it in their own way. It took me a few days to read it as it holds a lot of thought provoking situations. Husband and wife each go their own way to deal with it and a housekeeper who has dealt with it herself and trying to help each through it.
. I would recommend this read to anyone.

This book was beautifully written with vivid descriptions of emotional pain all through the book. I think anyone who hasn't had someone they loved die will find it a good read, but for me, the grief from the first page to almost to the last was too much.

If you like realistic fiction, this is very real and raw and well paced. Also, reading it has given me a hankering to spend two weeks on an island beach with the use of a boat every day. Giving it four stars for the writing.

A gut wrenching tale of heartbreak and the long road to healing. It will take several boxes of tissues to get through the book. The first person point of view of the the emotional hurt being experienced makes the drama so much more personal. The anguish is just so palpable and riveting, you can’t take your eyes off the page. This is a masterful piece of writing.

This is the best novel I have read in a long time. It takes us into very dark place with the unexpected sudden death of a child. I actually cried at the hairdressers.whilst reading it.
Prowse writes so movingly that you feel the pain the parents go through. Living a rich exciting life meant nothing after the shocking death no one could have prepared for. You go through the pain they feel with them through the brilliantly written story.
Until the epilogue I wasn't sure if they could be together again after what they went through . Time doesn't heal but it does make life easier. There is a way forward, which was the more uplifting end.

I have a huge confession to make- yes yet another one. Although I have several of Amanda’s books on my ‘To Be Read’ mountain, I haven’t actually read one yet. Sorry Amanda. Needless to say that judging by how much I enjoyed reading ‘The Coordinates Of Loss’, the books I haven’t read yet will not be on that TBR mountain for much longer. I absolutely loved it but more about that in a bit.
I took to the characters of Rachel and James from the very start. Oh my days I really felt for Rachel. She wakes up one morning to find that her young son has disappeared. At first she thinks that he is playing a game of ‘Hide & Seek’ but the realisation that he has disappeared soon dawns on her. I found myself empathising with her and I wanted to jump inside the pages of the book to give her a hug. She goes through the stages of grief and she can’t help but feel that she has failed in her role as mother. I felt for James too. It’s different for him in a way because he didn’t carry the child for 9 months unlike Rachel but he is a doting father. He also feels that he has failed as a father because he has failed to protect his little family. I so wanted to jump inside the pages of the book to give him a hug too. The characters are very realistically written and they seem almost real. I kept crossing my fingers that they would get the help that they needed, that they would support each other and not drift apart and that they could begin to live their lives again.
I have to say that this book turned me into an emotional wreck. On more than one occasion I found myself welling up and tears did spring out occasionally. I had to make sure that I had a steady supply of tissues at hand. I empathised with the characters so much that I felt myself going through every emotion that Rachel and James went through. If they hurt, I hurt. If they got angry, I got angry and well you get the picture. The book is so realistic that I really did feel as though I was part of the story and another character in the story.
‘The Coordinates Of Loss’ is superbly written. Amanda writes about some difficult subjects with great sensitivity and empathy. She really gets to the heart of the matter and shows an insight into how the disappearance of a child affects those around them. The author grabs your attention from the first word on the first page and she doesn’t let it go until the moment you finish the book. I desperately wanted to ration how much of the book I read at once because I wanted to prolong the time it would take to read it. I would pick the book up only intending to read a couple of chapters but that intention soon flew out of the window and I was still there several chapters and hours later. I was so gripped by the story and so convinced by the characters that I simply had to keep reading to find out how the story ended. Reading ‘The Coordinates Of Loss’ became a serious addiction and I was unable to put the book down. The book wasn’t exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because the book came everywhere with me.
In my opinion, ‘The Coordinates Of Loss’ is one hell of a fantastic read, which really affected me emotionally and mentally but not in a bad way. I would definitely recommend this book and this author to other readers but be prepared for an emotional and often heart breaking tale. I can’t wait to dive into Amanda’s other books and I look forward to reading what she comes up with next. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

The beginning pages grabbed me and I thought this was going to be a book full of mystery and suspense. Alas, that wasnt to happen. The beginning was the best part of the book.
The book deals with the loss of a child and how this can effect everyone involved.
I found the book confusing. I felt it dragged on and on but never really going anywhere.
Thank you to NetGallery for the opportunity to review this book.

I received this book from NetGalley and I was very excited to stay reading. The beginning grabbed me right away! Unfortunately, I felt like the story did not continue that exciting tone.

This is a story about what it is like to lose a child. Something that I have never personally experienced, but have come close to losing a brother. The emotions within the story are there. You can feel the sadness and confusion going through the characters, but the plot and events are just not there. The beginning was the most exciting part. I felt like the hooked dragged on a bit and then there was no real conclusion to the ending. I’m glad that the epilogue was added, because I felt like that closed some of the doors to the story.

It's apparent that Amanda Prowse, author of The Coordinates of Loss, has a big heart, as she was able to write about one of the saddest situations any parent could experience, and make the reader feel like she is accompanying Rachel and James on their journey.

The book was written beautifully and told through the mind of the character of Rachel, the mother whose young child, Oscar, has died. The book takes place in Bermuda, a tropical paradise. It also brings in the character of CeeCee, the housekeeper who loved Oscar and took care of him on a daily basis. I love how the story of Rachel and James is interspersed with letters that CeeCee has written to Rachel about her own life, while Rachel went home to stay with her parents in England to try to recover from her loss.

Very tender book, very well written, with what I consider to be a happy ending. I highly recommend it. I thank NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to opportunity to read this book and give you a honest review.
I was saddened by the story of the parents losing their little son so tragically yet I have to wonder why? If they knew the boy was so fearless and such why didn't they lock up the doors to prevent him from going anywhere? There were so many disappointing twists in this story that left me disappointed and disgusted.
I know that we all grieve differently especially those who lose a child and I can not even begin to comprehend what that is like. However this book left alot to be desired. I was hoping for so much more.

Waking up to the motion of a boat rocking- sounds wonderful and relaxing. I could get into that feeling and then the rest of the book kicked in. Too sad is all I can say about the rest of it. I did not finish it as the sadness weighed me down too much.

thank you NetGalley for the chance to read an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest opinion.

Read in October 2018
I gave this book five stars but this is one of those reads that you cannot rate.. It is much much above that!
Such beautiful writing that evokes so many feelings.. You laugh, cry, feel happy, sad, everything the characters in the book feel.
It is a difficult topic to read about, particularly being a parent. The book deals with the unexpected disappearance and loss of a child and I didn't know if I could read it without feeling really depressed.
But the words that shape the story are so exquisite that this story of healing, coping with loss, learning to live again, was unputdownable and life affirming.
Rachel and James have it all, a wonderful life together on an island that's paradise on earth, a lovely relationship and most of all, their much loved 7 yo Oscar.
And then, one morning, they wake up on their boat while on holiday and Oscar is gone.. Without a trace!
Unable to believe they will never see him again, they clutch into every miniscule straw and every hope they can think of as to his whereabouts.
While James's practical side manages to overshadow his extreme grief, Rachel waits for news of Oscar for months.
Cocooned in her own grief, she blames herself and James for the tragedy and cannot reach out to him or open up to him or anyone. Until they realize they cannot go on like this and Rachel returns to Bristol to her parents and childhood home.
Some semblance of healing starts with the help of her parents support and friend's love. The most comfort she feels is when reading the long letters of Ceecee, her housekeeper back home in Bermuda.
As days turn into months, separated by thousands of miles though they love each other, Rachel and James have to relearn how to go on living.
There were so many heartbreaking moments in this book, tearjerking would be a better word I suppose..
The pain of a couple who are forced to second guess every choice they have ever made, wonder what they did wrong to deserve this grief, cast their minds back to every small incident leading up to the day when everything was destroyed... It is depicted so amazingly well that you feel you are with them.
The moments when they reminisce about the child and the laughter shines through the tears before reality strikes are so relatable and precious.
And the best part is, even if you don't agree with the actions of one or both of them, you understand why they react that way and wait for them to realize it themselves.
A very touching read, one that will stay with me for a long, long time.

Oh my word. This book will give you tears in your eyes and a lump in your throat....
Rachel and her husband James wake up on their family boat to find their 7 year old son Oscar is missing, seemingly vanished. And what follows is Rachel’s heartbreaking, gut wrenching devastating struggle to process, come to terms with or accept her loss. And it’s written with such humanity, such compassion, such honesty that you will feel Rachel’s fear, bewilderment, refusal to accept, heartbreak.
This book will knock your socks off. It’s feels so real.

Another heart-warming book, tackling ‘real’ issues from Amanda Prowse. A five star read!
This is an emotional rollercoaster of a book, an extremely sad and heart-warming read. I was hooked from page one on the story. I believed in the characters so much so that when I wasn’t reading the book I was thinking about Rachel and James and the tragic circumstances in which they found themselves. I read the book over a weekend and suffered from a ‘book hangover’ once I had finished the novel!
What starts out as a fun family holiday, with James and Rachel taking son Oscar out to sea on their family boat in the Bermuda sunshine ends in tragedy. This leaves husband and wife grief stricken and struggling to cope with their loss and the events surrounding Oscar’s disappearance. How Rachel and James deal with their grief and the differences in how they cope, takes a toll on their marriage.
Based both in the hot and sunny ‘paradise’ of Bermuda and in Rachel’s home town of Bristol, housekeeper Cee-Cee’s letters connect the two places and the grieving parents. Finding out what happens to Rachel and James will keep you reading avidly until the last page.
Although this is a sad read, and I recommend that you have a box of tissues handy when reading, it is such a good book and extremely well written that it is worth the tears.

I felt this was a rather slow story, it delves into the complex feelings of love, loss, heartache and adjustments that need made after a catastrophic event happens in a family and a marriage. I didn’t quite agree with how Rachel handled the entire issue. I felt she was rather narcissistic and only cared about herself, not how anyone else was feeling or how they were affected by Oscar’s disappearance. The book goes into great detail on CeeCee’s past and we don’t really cover how James was holding up.
Not that this was a bad read, it just didn’t provide as much substance as I would have liked, and I felt it was shallow. If you like to read about drama and how the loss of a child has so many outlying consequences, then this is the book for you.
I give this one 4****’s.
I do thank Net Galley and Lake Union Publishing for allowing me to read this book for my honest review.

(4.5) This is a story about the worst thing imaginable: losing a child. Amanda Prowse has written such a heartfelt and emotional book about dealing with that tragedy. I was so immersed in this book that I could feel the anguish and grief that Rachel and James were feeling after the loss of their seven-year-old son, Oscar. A grief that they could not share together and would have them drift apart, each to deal with it separately. Would they be able to come together again and move forward without their beloved Oscar? I was really hoping that they would. I loved the characters, especially Rachel and James' housekeeper, Cee-Cee, whose wise words and storytelling in her letters to Rachel helped her with the darkness that had enveloped her. This book was so moving and beautifully written. It really tugged at my heartstrings. I highly recommend it, and tissues are required.

I received a review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

At first it was so heart wrenching I thought I might not be able to read it, but once I got over the initial loss it was a lovely touching story. Much of it was seen through the eyes of the elderly housekeeper and was her story set in Bermuda.
A warming story of loss, anguish and recovery.

This book feels like you are reading the account of a real life family and I suppose you could say it is. Thankfully I have never had to face the loss which this couple experience. The narrative is handled sensitively and makes me feel that I have a better understanding of those who go through such trials. I hope that I never have any friends who do but I think it would benefit us all to consider how experiences of life change others and offer understanding and compassion as a result.

You will need plenty of tissues to assist with the reading of this book. The loss of Rachel and James son Oscar sets the story of loss, all emotions they could possibly feel and their journey towards recovery. The characters are so damaged emotionally as you would expect, however the days into years that follow make this story a heart breaker. Remember - plenty of tissues.......

An emotional read on grief and healing. CeeCee was my favorite character; what a wonderful and wise woman to help a younger woman through her grief. Beautifully written; beautiful ending.

I was given a chance to read this book in advance of wider publication. I enjoyed getting to know the respective characters. The subject matter was both tragic and distressing for any parent. How would any of us cope with the unexplained loss of a child and the impact on our relationship both with a partner and wider family members. I shed tears at various points such was the power of the words. Very thought provoking but also extremely sad.

My first reaction to the book is wow! Rachel and James, along with their son Oscar seem to be living a perfect life. They have a large home in Bermuda, they are wealthy and very happy. They have a dedicated housekeeper name CeeCee who loves and takes care of their son as if he was her own. As they often do, they take off on their yacht for several relaxing days on the ocean. Then the unthinkable happens. When Rachel goes to wake her son up for the day, he is not in his cabin nor anywhere else on the yacht. These characters are deeply developed and relatable. How they all react to this situation is completely different, as most people would be in this situation. I found this book fascinating and couldn’t put it down.

Rev.iewed on B&N under the name IrishEyes430. I usually review on Kobo as well, but was unable to find it on the site

This might be an unpopular opinion, but I just could not connect with Rachel. I was much more interested in Cee-Cees story and looked forward to her letters. I enjoyed this book, but I didn’t love it. My heart broke for Rachel, James and Cee-Cee but there was it’s something stopping me from fully feeling Rachel’s pain.

I received an advanced copy in exchange of an honest review.

Another great book by Amanda Prowse. This is a story of grief and the devastation of losing a child. Very well written..

This is my second Prowse book, and another on motherhood and the loss of a child. A strange theme maybe, for an author to riff on but I suppose there is value in it for the right audience. I realise now that it isn't for me. I don't seem able to connect with these privileged characters, as they finally find themselves brought low by grief. I also found the wise old Black housekeeper subplot a little thin and meandering. While there were some bright spots and I do very much appreciate the overall message that people must grieve in their own personal and sometimes strange ways, I think that these stories just don't speak to me personally in a very authentic or touching way so I will move on to other authors.

The Coordinates of Loss is beautifully written; Amanda Prowse has an amazing way with words.

While living in Paradise and enjoying a boating trip, a couple wakes up to discover that their fearless beautiful 7 year old boy is missing from the boat. Gone.

While trying to find their way out of their grief, Rachel and James find it easier to be apart. James returns to work and Rachel returns to her childhood home in England. Through it all, their Bermudian housekeeper Cee-Cee writes letters to Rachel, talking about her own loss and how she found her way out of the darkness.

I enjoyed the writing style very much. It was a tear-jerker in many places. It is a story of navigating loss and grief and the places that it takes you and somehow hopefully finding your way back home. I selected the book based solely on its title and brief description and I’m so glad I did.

I understand that each person grieves in their own way but found Rachel a difficult character to like. and that had an effect on how much I liked the book.

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

What a lovely, powerfully emotional story. It is terribly sad, I have taken ages to read it because it made me cry, a lot. Rachel's emotions are spot-on, although I was very surprised she left James. I felt so sorry for him, having to cope on his own once Cee-Cee had gone, whereas Rachel had a group of people to support her, even if some of them made life a wee bit uncomfortable at times. It cheered me up very much to have a good ending for the two of them.

I have read several of Amanda's books, and I think this is the most powerful yet, I think it must have been quite soul-searching to write. An excellent story, it deserves a huge audience.

The Coordinates of Loss is an incredibly sad book. Which is exactly how I would feel if anything happened to one of my children. Everyone deals with grief differently and I am not sure I would handle it like Rachel but I could feel her every emotion. Everyone should have a Cee Cee to guide them through grieving. My best advice to readers is to be ready to run the gauntlet of emotion.

4.5***** An emotional rollercoaster of a read. Wow my heart ached for everyone in this story, I cannot even begin to imagine the pain of losing a child, not only for the parents, but as we are reminded in the story, for everybody whose life he touched. As I was pulled through this emotional journey that Rachel and James go through, along with the journey Cee Cee takes us on through her letters to Rachel I had to keep the flame of hope alive that this family could make it out the other side of this tragedy together. A story of grief, love and finding out who we are and how strong we can be.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy in return for an honest review.

Having read an Amanda Prowse book before I made sure the tissues were on standby as she always tugs on you’re heart strings!!!

James and Rachel live in Bermuda, from the outside they have an idyllic lifestyle with a house overlooking the sea and a yacht they go on regularly with their 7 year old son Oscar.

Whilst on their yacht, Oscar disappears presumed dead by the police, both James and Rachel feel guilty that they hadn’t realised Oscar had got out of bed and had somehow ended up in the sea. Unfortunately in the depths of their grief Rachel finds herself turning away from her husband James.

This is beautifully written, you can feel the grief and despair at losing a child in such a mindless accident and you want them to find peace in the end.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.

When I started reading this, I very nearly put it down and ignored it as I didn't think I was going to like it... Well thank goodness I didn't!!!

This book is so well written and absolutely broke my heart in places. The tic tac box means so much more than anyone could ever imagine and brought me to tears.

Highly recommend this book but don't read it in public if you don't want to be caught crying!

Beautifully written story of love, loss, and the things that separate us and bind us together. The themes of loss and regret really resonated with me, more than once I felt myself, “Sadder than sad,” as Cee-Cee put it perfectly. I felt like I was right there with the richly written characters, they transported me to their worlds and I feel like a better person as a result of reading this book. I highly recommend reading this brilliant book, it will change the way you look at love, fate, loss, and hope.