The Light in the Hallway

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Pub Date 11 Nov 2019 | Archive Date 25 Nov 2019
Amazon Publishing UK, Lake Union Publishing

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Description

From the bestselling author of The Girl in the Corner comes the moving story of a man whose life is changed in an instant. How do you start again when you lose the only love you’ve ever known?

When Nick’s wife Kerry falls ill and dies, he realises for the first time how fragile his happiness has always been, and how much he’s been taking his good life and wonderful family for granted. Now, he suddenly finds himself navigating parenthood alone, unsure how to deal with his own grief, let alone that of his teenage son, Olly.

In the depths of his heartbreak, Nick must find a way to navigate life that pleases his son, his in-laws, his family and his friends—while honouring what Kerry meant to them all. But when it comes to his own emotions, Nick doesn’t know where to begin. Kerry was his childhood sweetheart—but was she really the only one who could ever make him happy?

And in the aftermath of tragedy, can Nick and his son find themselves again?

From the bestselling author of The Girl in the Corner comes the moving story of a man whose life is changed in an instant. How do you start again when you lose the only love you’ve ever known?

When...


A Note From the Publisher

Amanda Prowse likens her own life story to those she writes about in her books. After self-publishing her debut novel, Poppy Day, in 2011, she has gone on to author twenty-two novels and six novellas. Her books have been translated into a dozen languages and she regularly tops bestseller charts all over the world. Remaining true to her ethos, Amanda writes stories of ordinary women and their families who find their strength, courage and love tested in ways they never imagined. The most prolific female contemporary fiction writer in the UK, with a legion of loyal readers, she goes from strength to strength. Being crowned ‘queen of domestic drama’ by the Daily Mail was one of her finest moments. Amanda is a regular contributor on TV and radio but her first love is, and will always be, writing.

You can find her online at www.amandaprowse.com, on Twitter or Instagram @MrsAmandaProwse, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/amandaprowsenogreaterlove.

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Amanda Prowse likens her own life story to those she writes about in her books. After self-publishing her debut novel, Poppy Day, in 2011, she has gone on to author twenty-two novels and six...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9781542041171
PRICE $14.95 (USD)

Average rating from 435 members


Featured Reviews

Well, I've only got one thing to say at the moment and that's "SHIT STICKS"!!!!!! I will have a think for a proper review Mandy, but golly, that story was fabulous! The right amount of everything in there; grief, sadness, bewilderment, anger, wonder, enlightenment, empowerment, love, life! Actually, I might just stick with this as a review!

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Another great read from Amanda Prowse a story of love, loss,friendship and so much more Father and son Nick and Oliver are in turmoil after losing Kerry a loving wife and mother Everyone deals with grief differently and try to do the best they can to move on with their lives and sometimes form new relationships The bond they share is at the heart of the story and they both face much heartache before finally finding happiness again Loved the way the story is told In the present day but also goes back to when Nick was young and had a happy childhood and two special friends who are still very much part of his life The three amigoes who learned so much from his parents that the memories stay with them forever As Oliver settles into life at university Nicks life also takes a new direction it's hard for them both but eventually they both find the happiness they deserve a beautiful story with lots of lovely little memories woven into the story that tugs at your heartstrings and your emotions The Bairstow boys love them and love this book

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As always Amanda writes about a difficult subject with sensitivity, despite making me feel very emotional at times it was also uplifting. Nick and his son trying to come to terms with the loss of wife/mother while Olly is moving to a new part of his life at Uni.
Nick's story is seen through his past and present through tears and laughter.

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Another triumph for Amanda Prowse! What a glorious book! Though dealing with the emotional and painful subject matter of a family learning to deal with the untimely death of young wife and mother Kerry, yet it manages to emerge as life affirming and hopeful . Amanda navigates the turbulent waters of mourning, guilt and pain , with her usual unerring touch . Young widower Nick , ties in the past to the present, by skilful use of flashback memories. We get glorious glimpses of his loving childhood where his less fortunate friends, particularly his best mate and soul brother, Eric, are welcomed into his family . We learn of friendships forged in childhood and lasting a lifetime ;dreams that were put on the back burner when life threw up other plans ; hope that burns eternal and love which does not alter "when it alteration finds or bends with the remover to remove" . The complex, loving relationship between fathers and sons is played out over two generations and is exquisitely observed , as are all Amanda's observations on people and life . I love the metaphor of the all round tool , gifted to Nick by his father along with his wisdom and knowledge and love-the tools to cope with all life would throw at him. Nick and his gang of 3 amigos have the " summer of brilliant " as they rebuild an old bike using their magic tool . Well in "The Light In the Hallway" Amanda has written the book of brilliant !- brilliant story, brilliant characters , brilliant writing and brilliant thoughts to shine a light on our own lives and grief and worries and offer hope -rather like the light beams shining through the clouds like the rays from God's torch as Amanda so eloquently puts it. Yes you will cry as you read this book. However you will also smile, laugh out loud and ultimately finish the final page with a song in your heart. Sheer brilliance!

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Another 5 star read from Amanda Prowse. You can always relate to her stories as they are based on events that could happen to any of us. This story is different as it’s told from a male perspective. It started off sad, but ended on a happy note. Highly recommend

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An absolutely brilliant read, Amanda Prowse does it again. A book full of love, laughter and tears.
Set in a market town in Yorkshire, will Nick and Ollie recover from their loss, without damaging the parent/child relationship..
This an emotional rollercoaster of a story and one I have actually lived through myself. The way Amanda writes about loss of a loved one and the grief and emotion that goes with it is spot on.
In my opinion an absolute must read.

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Brilliant heart warming story dealing with loss,grief and relationships after loss.Makes you laugh and cry at some parts,areal emotional rollercoaster,.
The book looks at Nick happy childhood,with his friends and how he is at present coping with the loss of his wife,and his son going to university and trying to find his own way.
A must read book.

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A study in raw grief soothed by family and friends, not forgetting Treacle, the dog

Nick has recently lost his wife, Kerry. He lives in a small northern town where everyone knows everyone else and most people work for the local factory. His marriage was loving but flawed after his wife nearly ruined them with her impulse buys and an affair. Their son, Oliver is about to go to university. Nick had wanted to go to uni himself but got his girlfriend pregnant so married her. Sometimes he regretted it, mostly not.

A strong storyline, interspersed with flashbacks to happier times, with Nick as an innocent lad larking about with his friends. Another gem from Amanda Prowse.

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I normally love Amanda Prowse books but I found this one a bit dull. Didn’t really see the point of the book at all . The story just plodded along but nothing really happened that you couldn’t already predict

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The story revolves around quite a few characters but the two main characters are Nick and his son, Oliver/Ollie. The story is told from Nicks perspective.
Nick’s wife has recently passed away. She had been ill for over a year and Nick was with her every day. Oliver and Nick are devastated with her loss in their life. What follows is how they cope with the loss of a wife/mother but also with Ollie leaving to go to University.
The storyline is told in the present time and flashbacks to when Nick was younger. There is heartache, humor, grief, loss and nostalgia throughout the story.
A very lovely read and one I recommend you read.
Thank you to NetGallery, Lake Union Publishing and author, Amanda Prowse, for the opportunity to read and give my honest review of “The Light in the Hallway.”

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A beautiful and moving story that showcases the human ability to move on and love again.
The characters were well written and perfectly flawed.
I however couldn't connect with the story and felt it braged a bit too much.

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review and all opinions are my own.

Luanna

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Oh my.....what a wonderful read. I loved the flash backs to the ‘best summer ever’ which explains how the boys are such good friends today. This story has so much real life emotional situations and I felt like I wmas right in the middle of it. The characters were written so realistically that I grew to feel like I know them personally. My only complaint is the story ended much to soon. I appreciate when an author does the final chapter in the future to give closure.

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A lovely book about friendship, love and loss, subjects that Amanda writes so well about. I have recently lost my own mum, so I was a little concerned that it maybe would be too emotional for me to enjoy properly, however as always Amanda dealt with the subject of loss and grieving so sympathetically and honestly that I was able to take some comfort from reading it.
Absolutely loved having the story of Nick’s childhood run along side his new life without Kerry as it gave you an insight to his friends that are helping him cope alone and it also showed you his character fully, his ability to put others before himself.
I cried at times and I laughed too, I willed him on and I tutted when things went wrong or he was judged.
Such a wonderful story that was uplifting and positive, and it certainly touched my heart.
I am grateful for the opportunity to read this advanced copy, and this is my unbiased opinion.

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Be prepared for tears and laughter as you read this heartfelt story. I enjoyed the beautiful manner in which this book explores grief and coping from a loss.
Trying to navigate life's many unwritten rules is difficult for Nick. His son leaves for university soon after the loss of his wife. There is no rulebook for how to move on with life, but Nick tentatively feels his way though the process. He begins to spend time with a lovely co-worker but he suffers harsh judgement from his son and sister-in-law over this action. Woven throughout this story are flashes back to a special summer from Nick's childhood where he learned lessons that stick with him. As the story progresses Nick gives himself permission to live his life the best he can. I felt so many emotions reading this story, one moment I was in tears over an emotional exchange and the next I was laughing at the banter between Nick and his mates.

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Amanda keeps surprising me with her books as they are completely different to each other and I loved this one, it's a bittersweet story of loss and misunderstanding that happens when someone you thought the world of is no longer there and I could empathise with Olly as he tries to to deal with losing his mum and starting college, the idea of everything changing for him can be overwhelming. I would definitely recommend reading this and I would like to thank the publishers and netgalley for letting me have the book to review and the opinions expressed are entirely my own views and are completely unbiased.

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This book starts with the death from cancer of Nick's wife Kerry. Nick is left as sole parent to Olly who is just about to set out in to the big wide world and go to university. Yes it's sad but there are also laugh aloud moments. Two men shopping for supplies in Ikea was always going to end in disaster. Then there's the first Christmas and an incident with the dog and the turkey. This author keeps it real and tells it like it is.
Kerry always had the light in the hallway lit as a welcome beacon but now that light's gone out and the house is a lonely place.
Nick has great support from his childhood friends Eric and Alex and we see their relationships developing from the age of just 10 years old in a story that runs alongside the main story. Friends through thick and thin.
Nick struggles to move forward but with the support of friends and family and messages from above from his deceased wife he manages to move his life forward and become himself again and realise that there is a future.
This author goes from strength to strength and never fails to pull at the old heartstrings .

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The Light in the Hallway by Amanda Prowse. Well, Amanda is in top gear in this one. The very best of her. I laughed, pushed back quite a few tears and learnt a lot- all elements I have come to anticipate from her books. I wanted to shake Oliver but she took me right to his grieving heart. I just loved every bit of this story.
I hope this isn’t a spoiler....So many times I’ve been disappointed and angry at widowers jumping far too quickly (in my opinion) into new relationships. Amanda’s insight and handling of the topic gently reminded me again of the process of loss and grieving and that it doesn’t always begin at the point of death. Dora’s grace versus Di’s angry judgement..... I’ll try to remember that. Amazing Amanda! And yes, so much potential for what happens next or (as someone has suggested) Eric’s story. Loved loved loved it!

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Amanda Prowse tugs at the heartstrings every time and this book is just as emotional. Kerry and Nick were childhood sweethearts who had Oli when they were very young. Right at the beginning we know that Kerry is not far from passing away, and this is the story of Nick and Oli’s journey from that moment. The chapters alternate between the present and the story of the Brilliant Summer when Nick was just a young boy. This was the most wonderful emotional story of moving on.

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I couldn't stop reading Amanda Prowse newest book #LightInTheHallway I got it from #Netgalley on Wednesday afternoon and I finished it this morning (Fri). It is another brilliant book from Amanda. I cried a lot. I loved the back story of the absolutely best summer and the bond of childhood friends that shape us just has much as Nick and Olly's story. I would love if another book for Eric as part of a series to give his view point of that summer and then the following years.

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I enjoyed this latest from Amanda prowse but it wasn't one of her best. This is the first of her novels that hasn't !ad e me cry, never the less still a lovely story and definitely worth a read

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Yet another best-seller, me thinks!

Amanda Prowse has fast become one of my favourite authors, with her way of weaving a story, so relatable and believable that you could be living it yourself, or you may even imagine knowing someone in the same situation.

The Light In The Hallway is no different.

We are taken on a journey with Nick, a grieving widower and father, who is still young enough to be in his prime, yet old enough to 'really know better'. At home, alone, having dropped his son to University, he begins to wonder how his life will pan out. How is he to greave? How long for? And with a sister-in-law hell-bent on making sure he abides by the rules society have set, regarding being a widower, and a son who is finding it hard to accept his mother's death, it's not easy.

Alongside Nick's story, runs a parallel tale from nearly thirty years before, involving Nick and his two best friends, Eric and Alex. Three young boys, at the beginning of their summer holiday, given a challenge by Nick's dad to build a bike. And they do. They complete that challenge, and experience a whole host of ups and downs along with it, proclaiming it the best summer.

The friendship provides Nick with a lot of support while he comes to terms with losing his childhood sweetheart and wife, Kerry.

This was a bittersweet tale about loss, and expectations, coupled with hope, and a definite recommended read from me! Mrs Amanda Prowse, I am guessing there will be many calls for a follow-up. We will all want to know what happens to Eric!

May thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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This is a wonderful heartfelt story of how a husband comes to terms with the loss of his wife, dealing with his son going off to University and living on his own for the very first time.

Nick is a gem of a character and my heart went out to him. Olly, his son, is a true teenager and Amanda was spot on in her telling of his angst and grief at losing his mum, mixed in with the excitement of spreading his wings but at the same time worrying about leaving his dad on his own.

Running alongside the grown-up Nick, is the tale of him as a young lad. Amanda really brought to life the Summer of 1992. The inspiration of Nick’s dad finding half a bike for him and his pals to rebuild is superb in its telling and how the ramifications of that Summer shape the boys’ adult lives is not only thought provoking but integral to the story. The early part of Nick’s life left an indelible mark on me and I was in turn, smiling, laughing and reaching for my tissues.

Amanda’s insight into relationships, especially between fathers and sons shone through every page. The connection between Nick and Olly is put to the test when their lives change and move on in different ways. The author deals with both their feelings in a sympathetic but very honest way and it left me wanting to put my arms around them both and hug them to bits.

Absolutely outstanding.

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Well Amanda has done it again!! Another brilliant book just like all her others but this one is told from a male perspective rather than her usual female perspective. It gripped me from the first page and I couldn’t put it down. It was a touch sad dealing with grief but flashbacks to happier times made me smile. I wish I could give more than 5 stars. I highly recommend this book and all her other books.

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Well I don't kniw where to start, what a truly fantastic read, loved it from beginning to end, the charecters the story, just everything, this is vintage Amanda, I'm gutted I've finished it and wish I could give it more then five stars

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"Being adult is hard."
A beautiful, heartfelt, realistic story of love, loss, hurt and reconciliation.
Kerry may be gone, but she is still very much present and in the hearts of her family.
Leaving earth way too soon, her husband Nick tells this story of their perfect and not-perfect lives with laugh out loud moments mixed with sad times.
Their son, Oliver is eighteen and on his way to university.
It is really difficult to not have your Mum as you pack up and go off to your first year away from home.
Even the "reading list" can be overwhelming!
The novel brilliantly goes from present time to past days when Nick was growing up with his best friends and the life lessons learned. What would we do without our friends?

This book is terrific! I loved it! A quick read with characters you will not forget!

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I am a big fan of Amanda Prowse so was really excited to read this book.

It totally took me by surprise as her other books are all written from the female perspective and this is from the male. It took me a little while to settle into this new direction but I throroughly enjoyed it.

The book starts with the ultimate emotional kick in the stomach of Nick’s wife dying. The story the. continues with Nick learning to live his life without her and also helping his son with the loss of his mother. This is a real rollercoaster of emotion even delving into Nick’s childhood and his friendships which adds a lot of humour and nostalgia but with depths of emotion you are not expecting.

All in although a different direction than her normal books this is up there with the best.

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I have loved Amanda’s books since reading Poppy Day many years ago so was looking forward to this read!
The light in the hallway is a beautifully written down to earth book that explores loss and grief in a sensitive, tender, realistic manner that is easy to relate to and very believable. I found it very poignant as my cousin has just lost her battle with breast cancer so found it very relatable and realistic.
This book shows the capacity we have as individuals to cope with devastating circumstances and how we come out the other side as changed characters, this is beautifully illustrated via the characters particularly nick and his son Ollie who lost Kerry ( wife and mother) but also other family members and friends who were also affected.
Thank you net galley for this emotional, believable read.

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Amanda has yet again knocked it out of the park with her latest offering!

Right from the first few pages I was an emotional wreck with this story, I hadn’t expected to be hit so hard with the emotions that Nick was going through so early on. This story wasn’t all tears though, far from it. As Nick and his son Olly try to get on with their lives, the story takes a bitter sweet turn letting us see the highs and lows of life after the death of a loved one.

At the end of every chapter, we are taken back to Nick’s younger days when he lives at home in one particular summer. I absolutely adored these chapters. Seeing the bond between Nick and his dad as well as with his two best friends Eric and Alex. Eric in fact is very much the under dog in this story. He stole the show more than a few times and is a truly fabulous character.

Nick, I was routing for throughout the story. To lose your partner in life does not bare thinking about but of course it happens everyday to someone. This was a great insight into how not only someone deals with their own grief but the grief and pain that their partners family feels also. It certainly was a bit of an eye opener.

The Light in the Hallyway is a novel that I could never shut up about. I loved everything about it. The author writes in such a way that with every story and new set of characters, they steal a piece of your heart and you fully devote yourself to their story. This was so many things, death, loss, grief, moving on, bonds, relationships, friendships, it really did have it all. Nick definitely stole my heart and I cried tears of joy and sadness at the end. Perfect, just perfect.

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First time reading this author and found it quite enjoyabke. It takes a bit to get into the story but it doesn't disappoint. All about friendships, life, death,family,childhood memories and succeeding in life. Yes, it is somewhat predictable but it's the story and how they get to a place of bonding and beginning to live again after a death. A few laugh out loud moments and some that might bring a tear and one character you'd really like to slap! So yes, some believable moments. It is a book to be read slowly and will challenge thought about life events.
I received this book as a complimentary copy for an unbiased review.The opinions expressed are my own.

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I really enjoyed The Light in the Hallway. I connected with Oliver on a personal level as my mother passed at an early age from cancer and my father started dating a few months thereafter, which my siblings and I had a very difficult time accepting. The insight into all of the characters’ emotions and the development of the childhood and later adult relationships among Nick, Eric and Alex as well as Nick’s family was heartfelt and totally believable. This was another heartwarming, occasionally tear-inducing, and thoroughly enjoyable read! Amanda Prowse, this is another winner for sure!

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Another great book from Amanda Prowse. A book of love, friendship and grief which kept me utterly engrossed until the end. Highly recommend

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You know you’ve read (or are reading) a good book when you think about the characters while going about daily life, even after the book is finished, almost as if they were real, people you knew, could relate to, miss even…. And that’s exactly how you feel reading an Amanda Prowse novel. This one possibly more than others, as it was so real, so raw, so honest...
Nick has just lost his beloved wife, his first love, and Mother of his only son to cancer. He is desperately trying to deal with the grief of losing someone he has loved since the age of 17, along with keeping things together for the sake of his son, Olly, who is about to sit his final exams in the hope of heading off to college. Nick reflects on the past, on the issues in his marriage that mean it was less than perfect, and the battles of living in a small town where everyone knows your business whether you like it or not. His wife’s family are adding to the stress, and he feels torn in his own grief and helping his almost-adult son deal with the loss of his beloved Mum. Nick is trying to rebuild his life, Olly is trying to build a life, both of them not quite being able to find their way without Kerry. The two have a strong bond, but it is threatened when Olly feels that Nick is moving on too fast, replacing his Mum, and that is something they need to work through together. The fact that both Kerry’s family and Nick’s Mum have their opinions, only adds to the difficulties. The story is told with flashbacks to a Summer when Nick is around ten, happy times with his gang of three, who remain firm friends and colleagues to this day. It’s a nice tale that lets us understand a bit about the three boys and their upbringings.
There is such a theme throughout this book of friendship, family and love, and it all ties together so nicely in the way it is written, the references made and the fact that this could be absolutely any family, any group of friends in any small village.
My heart melted on a few occasions, but I don’t want to spoil the storyline for anyone who is yet to read it. I just loved how things came together, I adored Olly and his gesture of love and acceptance. He has struggled with so many issues and it shows the love of his Dad has gotten him through. He grows up and realises Nick is still young, still has a life to live, which doesn’t mean he loved Kerry any less.
The end was wonderful and so nicely done, it was heartwarming to see how it all panned out for everyone. I definitely think if any book deserves a sequel then this one does. And we all know how well Amanda can tie books together, perhaps we could find out how Olly gets on in future, or the story of Eric and Jen…. I’ll keep my fingers crossed on that one.
Thank you so much to Amanda & NetGalley for the privilege of this ARC.

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Another tear jerker from the Amanda. Its a beautiful story of love and loss and growing through the process.

Amanda instinctively know just how to pitch her writing and does so in a way that makes you feel good whilst it breaks your heart.

Im looking forward to reading more.

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I absolutely love reading Amanda's books and this book was another superb read that pulls you in and makes you want to keep reading.

Nick and Olly are left reeling after the loss of Kerry and this story is about how piece by piece they start putting their lives back together. Nick learns how to stand up for what he believes in and show Olly the importance of continuing to live, love and move on.

A book full of love and strength that is emotionally charged throughout and will have you reaching for the tissues.

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Another great read by Amanda, a story of love, loss and moving forward, it brought a tear to my eye, great character that really grow in you, a recommend read.

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Another brilliant book from Amanda Prowse. This book takes you through love, loss, friendship and survival. Amanda is extremely good at capturing the emotions of the characters which allows the story to flow and unfold. In this book and all her other ones, you can connect and feel the characters, I also enjoyed the flashback to the childhood era. Overall, a sad but at the same time, a heart warming story. Thank you.

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I received a complimentary e-book copy of this book from Lake Union Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to Amanda Prowse, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

First off, this book really struck home with me. My daughter is a high school senior and our lives will be changing very shortly. The main characters, Nick, and his son, Oliver/Olly are going through similar changes themselves with a recent tremendous loss in the family and with Olly going to University. I could totally relate to the characters and their stories.

The things that I like about Amanda Prowse is that she writes about REAL people in REAL situations. There is honesty, loveliness, and truth in all of her books. Her character development in this book is strong and the storyline was interesting and fun. Amanda has a beautiful way with words and I can totally visualize her characters and locations in my head. BTW, there is one scene in the book where I LITERALLY laughed-out-loud!! It has a LOT of fun moments, but that scene was HYSTERICAL!!

This is a DEFINITE recommend! 4 stars!!

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Wow! Where to start? Amanda Prowse has done it again! She has a fantastic way of writing which connects with the author and has tears falling that you didn’t even realise! Although there are times that are sad, it is written so cleverly that you are just fighting for the main character Nick throughout. All the characters are so relatable and realistic, including Auntie Di! It is a truly ‘heart in the right place’ story that has you fully supporting the ‘Bairstow Boys’ from the beginning. As a family who have been affected by cancer, I feel it is an uplifting story that you can relate to.

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Another brilliant read from this fantastic storyteller. I had mixed emotions reading this book, one minute I was laughing and the next I was reaching for the tissues. It is basically a story about everyday family life where they live through good and bad times. It is the way that it's told that kept me up while the early hours, I loved it.

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This is another brilliant and beautifully written book by this author which I would highly recommend. I look forward to reading more by this author.

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Another beautiful book by Amanda about a father and son moving through the motions of grief after Nick loses his wife and Olly loses his mother.

Amanda balances the emotions of this book perfectly as father and son try to deal with when is the right time to move on.

What rounded this book up was the links between the friendships made over the generations, the love shown from family members and new love and hope.

This is a feel good book, a very easy, relaxing read that will leave you smiling.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Love Amanda Prowse books and this is no exception. It follow the story of 3 boys, Nick, Eric and Alex from 1992 until present day. It goes back and forth from when they were boys into adulthood,

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This is a lovely Amanda Prowse book, sticking closely to what she does well - love, life, relationships and sadness. This one is definitely emotional as it deals with a father and son moving through their bereavement and examines how they cope with the loss of their wife/mum. I really really empathised with Nick, the main character and absolutely loved the flashbacks to his childhood. His friendships were so lovely and nostalgic. It’s not all easy reading, and it does make you think about what’s important in life, but it is ultimately an uplifting and enjoyable read.
Thank you to netgalley, the author and the publishers for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

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The Light In The Hallway by Amanda Prowse.

I’m reviewing this book for Netgalley and of course because Amanda Prowse is an absolute favourite author of mine.

The story begins with heartache for Nick and his teenage son Oliver. Nicks wife Kerry, Oliver’s mum, dies after a long battle with cancer.
This leaves Nick with time he’d previously spent at her bedside suddenly to himself. This spare time is then added to, when Oliver gets into University.
There are money worries and guilt upon guilt, alongside questions of ‘how should I behave’. Also being in a small town where everyone knows everyone, isn’t always easy.

The emotional rollercoaster from this book hit me straight away. The feeling of how desperate and suddenly alone Nick feels is clear, with everything he now needs to deal with alone. Oliver would most likely talk to his mum about these feelings, but now Nick has to find a way of supporting him in a new way.
This was made relatable by the author, by Nick often asking himself ‘what would Kerry say’.

The book flips back and forth, smoothly showing Nicks childhood throughout one awesome summer!

There are so many funny parts to this book and even a Batman reference.
Eric, Nicks best friend was probably my favourite character, he’s cheeky and hilarious when many might expect him to be quiet and perhaps sullen.

This book exactly what I wanted it to do and I felt it to be a stand alone book. Questions were answered and I found myself smiling at the end of the book. I highly recommend it 5stars!

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Another wonderful book by Amanda who has an uncanny talent of getting to the heart of a characters emotions. The Light in the Hallway is significant as it represents the welcome of a home. The story deals with the raw emotions of grief seen through the eyes of both an adult and his teenage son but intertwined in this emotion is the story of three ten year old boys and their escapades & heartaches one summer

As always I recommend Amanda’s books highly and reader you won’t be disappointed

With thanks to Lake Union Publishing & Amanda Prowse for ARC in return for an honest review

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A touching story of life. Friendship, family, love, and loss. All your emotions will be touched. I laughed and I cried, was happy and sad. I would definitely recommend this book.
I received this book from Netgalley for a fair and honest review.

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I have read and loved all of Amanda Prowse's books and always eagerly anticipate the new ones. Wow, Amanda has done it again - I am not sure how she manages to write such beautifully powerful but different stories!

This is a bittersweet story of how a husband comes to terms with the loss of his wife. I really enjoyed how this book is written from a male perspective as we follow Nick's journey throughout the book. This book made me cry but also laugh in places and is ultimately an uplifting story. I particularly enjoyed the flashbacks to Nick's childhood summer.

I highly recommend this poignant story which has touched my heart. I would give it many more than 5 stars if I could. I can't wait for the next one!

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

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I requested this book based on the very positive reviews on the NetGalley website, but I must confess I don’t get all the rave reviews. I plodded through ⅔ of it until I threw my hands up from an excess of boredom and a complete overload of trite and stale writing and situations.

I’m glad so many people like it. Obviously, I didn’t. This is the second book by Amanda Prowse that I’ve read this year. The first one was equally dull.

I received this book as an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley.

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Thank you for opportunity to read this book I am a huge fan of Amanda's work and this book did not disappoint.I loved the friendship between the men in this book and how it spanned over many years and the unrequited loved with the sister.A really lovely novel hope Amanda writes many more.

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I was given this book from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book, from the very first page. It was hard to put down and just a lovely story. Thank you NetGalley!

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This was a sweet tale about loss and loving again that I very much enjoyed. More in the romance section thatn lit fiction but very enjoyable.

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After reading another Amanda Prowse book and disliking it, I decided to give her another try based on the great reviews she received. However, I was again disappointed and won't revisit anymore of her books. I think she writes well for the most part. An overuse of names in conversation is a bit distracting though. But mostly, I think I just don't enjoy the dismal narrative. Others may - this was simply my experience.
I was given a copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed are entirely my own.

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I enjoyed the story but I didn’t just love it like so many others. It was well written with likeable characters.
Thanks to Netgalley for the early copy

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Amanda, I don't know how you do it. I just finished Light in the Hallway and it filled me with tears, reflection and thinking of how my life could have been. The characters stepped right into my heart, sent me their emotions, and how they dealt with loss. The story also questioned me as to how I handle love and grief. Your heart was speaking in their words and you gave us an easy read book to truly comprehend what the characters were going through. Thank you so much for your beautiful books. I must say that I've loved every book you have wrote and become my # 1 author. . Thank you for sharing your talent with us, your readers.

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Amanda Prowse is my go-to author when it comes to contemporary fiction, family drama, and emotional analysis. She often reminds me that writers hold the key to understanding the deepest, darkest, and most innate feelings a person can hold. The Light in the Hallway, due out on 11/11/19, is a prime example of why Prowse will always be one of those special few who have a tidal wave impact on my mindset. No other author has truly pushed me to think about a situation, feverish to determine what, if any, is the best answer to a problem with no solutions.

At the beginning of this book, we know Kerry is dying. When it happens, we are hurt but can move on, as we don't know a whole lot about her. Left behind are her mother, sister, husband, and son. Her husband, Nick, is strong, but we can feel his pain. Son, Ollie, is unable to show his emotions. Until he is. And then the entire story has you reaching for a tissue box. Less than 3 months after her death, Nick takes Ollie to his first year at college. Within a day, Ollie wants to come home. Nick drives there to get him, only to find things are not what he expected. A year goes by over the course of the remainder of this book... during which time we understand the profound loss Kerry's death has had on her family.

She wasn't a saint. She wasn't a sinner. She was human, made mistakes, and will be missed by many. Nick, on the other hand, has a group of friends who get him through each day. Through alternating chapters, we see Nick's life as a young teen with these friends... going through first love, becoming men, building friendships... each chapter tells us who he is today. We also see shades of Ollie in his father. Nick's life is tough, but he is determined to succeed. He and Kerry had Ollie when they were 18, so he's only 35 when she dies. His life is far from over... but how does his family react when he begins to date Bev?

Throw in a few complicated situations at work, Ollie's first girlfriend, an issue with Nick's in-laws, and money problems... this book covers so many heartbreaking moments, it's tough to get through without stopping for a breather. While not the most I've cried when reading a Prowse novel, there were a few moments where I felt it so intensely, I had to step away. A scene near the end with a watch broke me. I suspect it will break you too, but for all the reasons you won't ever expect.

Ah... reading days like this one are quite nearly perfect.

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I love Amanda Prowse and her style of writing which brings her stores to life ! This is a book of loss and love and conflict and hope . As always an emotional read in places and uplifting In others . I enjoyed this read but I have to admit not as much as my previous reads from Amanda .thank you for the opportunity to read

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I am inclined to agree with some of the reviewers on here in that I too haven't particularly enjoyed Amanda's last few books. I have read so many of her earlier ones and absolutely loved them but this definitely wasn't for me.

I think it's about time that I stopped reading her books now but thank you to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

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If you are a fan of author Amanda Prowse, you will love her latest book, The Light in the Hallway. If you are not familiar with her books, this book will make you a life-long fan. Author Prowse once again had me smiling, laughing and crying. Her books are filled with sentimental sweetness that will pull at your heartstrings. But her stories are also uplifting and encouraging as she shows how regular people get through the tough parts of life.

In this book, which may be my favorite, we confront big, life-changing problems and sorrows through the lovingly and carefully described details of life in a small Yorkshire market-town. The characters are marvelous, not a cardboard place-holder among them. We grow to love Nick and his mates, his wife, his child, his extended family by seeing them go about their daily lives. Some moments are funny, some so sad, as the book draws you into their world.

The story alternates between the summer of 1992, and the present and I was enthralled with each time period. In 1992, Nicky and his two friends were free to wander the small town and moors and have adventures, and free to learn more about life and their place in it. That summer became Nicky’s “light in the hallway”, his touchstone. The book shines with the sweet and touching details- the boys’ innocent banter, made-up games, their big project. But even that season was fraught with sadness and problems.

Nick in the present day, at thirty-five years old, has the same life of small pleasures, mixed with grownup problems. He loves his wife and son, he works at the local factory, but hadn’t he always dreamed of more? Nick’s life changes when his young wife dies and he no longer has someone who turns on the “the light in the hallway.” Nicky fears that he is lost, but once again, it’s the ordinary rhythm and rituals that guide Nick to a new life.

This is a book where the joy of the writing itself equals the story. I know you will love and remember Nicky and his mates and family as much as I did. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital review copy. This is my honest review.

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In his mid-30s with a teenage son, Nick loses his wife Kerry to cancer. He must navigate his new life and his relationship with son Olly. There are flashbacks to the life of 10 year old Nick and his 2 best friends.

This is a gentle tale well told. For me it was rather too gentle and I'm not sure that I would have continued, had I not chosen it to review. That said its a life affirming story of small town life with a mother always ready with the frying pan, an annoying sister and sister in law....a boss in a big leather chair....

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Another great story from Amanda Prowse - they just keep coming! In this one 35 year old Nick is coming to terms with the death of his wife. Their 18 year old son is about to go off to university. This is the story of loss, family and new beginnings. I especially liked the sections set when Nick and his 2 friends were young boys. These were funny and moving. I recommend this as a good read. Thanks to NetGalley for a preview copy.
Copied to Goodreads.

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This is a heart-warming story of loss, friendships, love and finding love again. This story is told through the eyes of Nick, a man who loses his wife, Kerry, to cancer early on in the book. Nick and Kerry have a teenage son, Oliver, who is all set to go off to University when his mother dies. Nick and Oliver need to start anew; figure out how to live and go on without Kerry. This book is a lesson on carrying on, learning to live again and forgiving oneself for living when an important person in your life is gone forever.
Thank you to Amanda Prowse and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Another wonderful book from the very talented Amanda Prowse. I loved the characters especially Eric who just made me laugh throughout. Such a lovely story from start to finish. I laughed and cried buckets but not once did I feel the story was sad. It was a story full of hope.

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I absolutely love Amanda’s books and although this was a slightly different one it was still amazing. This is written from the perspective of a male character with references to a central female one. The family interactions are true to life cutting across different ages from a youngest who goes off to Uni, Dad and the older generation. When I read a review I don’t want to know all the details otherwise why read the book but suffice to say there is great truthful interaction as the timeline moves. Thanks Amanda Prowse and NetGallery

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This book is magical. Amanda's ability to tell the story from a male perspective so accurately is incredible.
I love the characters so much. I'm in awe of the way she is able to create such remarkable relationship dynamics between all the characters, especially with the flashbacks and memories of a summer many years ago. I love that she once again tackles difficult subjects and complex relationships in such incredibly sensitive yet accurate ways. The stigma about mental health, the perception of men not showing each other their feelings, talking about personal issues or making physical contact and the way it goes on to have an impact on people throughout their lives, even on a subconscious level to me is staggeringly accurate. The story is beautifully told and although a little sad in places, which is necessary given the subject matter, it is uplifting and heartwarming and so very full of hope for the future.
I enjoyed it so much I can't wait to listen to in on audio. I always find, because Amanda narrates her own stories, that there is an added depth of passion and emotion that takes it one level up from using my own imagination with the book.
Another brilliant 5 stars for what is a truly remarkable and enjoyable read.

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Another poignant story about families from Amanda Prowse. I don't know how she does it, but it is like she gets into the skin of the characters and from the first page I am absolutely on board with what they are going through. I FEEL the pain that Nick feels, not to have his beloved Kerry with him anymore and the special moments that she is missing, especially when it comes to Oliver.

I have to admit, this book took me a little while to get into, in terms of the going back and forth from Nick's childhood to the present day but slowly the story unravelled and it all made sense. I loved the relationship that Nick had with Eric and Alex and how the community rallied around. Living in a small town myself, I understand the annoyance with everyone knowing your business and yet, when the chips are down, people are there for you too.

Nick was a lucky man in so many ways, even though he spent his life working in a factory. Some things didn't go to plan but he was a decent man, father, husband and son. It was interesting reading about his extended family as well, and their various approaches to what he was doing, post-Kerry. I wanted to slap Di, so clearly the author was doing a great job with HER characterisation! lol.

Anyway, all in all, another terrific book.

4.5 stars from me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing.

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Another well written heart felt story from Amanda Prowse with an amazing opening chapter that had me captivated from the off.

This tale tells of Nick a man who not only has to come to terms with living life without Kerry his deceased wife but also to overcome grief and be strong as Olly their son begins a new chapter in his life by going off to university. As Nick learns to laugh and love again he is helped by family and friends but it is no means an easy time and fraught with emotion.

Entwined with this current story are delightful chapters of Nick and his friends growing up in Burstonbridge showing us just how strong their bond is.

I was given an ARC digital copy of The Light In The Hallway from Net Galley in return for an honest opinion.

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Thank you for the advanced copy of The Light In The Hallway by my favourite author. What a pleasure this book was to read.
It was sad bit also uplifting, showing that time does eventually heal and that happiness can be found again even if it is not an easy road to finding it.
Having a book written from a male point of view is also refreshing as most books show the emotional angst from a women's point of view so hearing how a man deals with heartache was enlightening.
I'd love to have follow up from the sons viewpoint.
Another well thought out, emotional
but excellent read by Amanda Prowse

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I received a digital ARC of this book from the author and Net Galley.

This is the second book I’ve read by Amanda Prowse and I loved it just as much as the first. I love that her characters are so relatable and she writes them so well. I loved this story and the fact that the main characters were male. It was a nice change from the norm. I don’t want to give away the story but I love the family bond that is woven throughout and I was very happy with the ending. I always appreciate closure to a good story. Amanda did not disappoint! I look forward to reading more of her books in the future!

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Another brilliant book from this author. She never fails to write an excellent novel
I loved everything about this book. The author manages to drag you into the book.
I cried tears of joy and sadness at the end of this book

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This is a book about love, grief, friendship, growing up and even parenting, And you know what? The main character is a man!

This book focuses on Nick, Eric and Alex. They've been best friends for years. Throughout the book there are flashbacks to their childhood where they enjoy an incredible summer.

The "present day" finds one of the characters going through the loss of his wife.

I loved this book and the way the author was able to write from the point of view of Nick.

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A good read about a family, friends, survival, and moving forward. It started out a little dark, but you just jump right in. How could you not cheer for Nick and Olly, Eric and Alex, and the rest of the characters who fill this book?! There’s sad, there’s shock, there’s humor, there’s a mother’s love. Family dynamics, biological and not, are at the heart of this story. An excellent and very readable example of contemporary fiction.

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This was a sad but heartfelt read. I enjoy Amanda Prowse's books and this didn't disappoint. A great book from the male perspective. Set in Yorkshire, will Nick and Ollie recover from their loss, without damaging their relationship? I love how Amanda writes so honestly about the loss of a loved one and how life goes on after the tragedy.

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC.

#netgalley #thelightinthehallway

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I always enjoy this author’s books. She has a very gifted way of writing. A beautiful tale of how it is possible to enjoy life again after a time of grief. Great characters and storyline. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to review it.

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This is my first Amanda Prowse book and it was delightful. Written with two parallel, yet merging storylines, it was great fun reading about two time periods in 3 men's lives. This book is about love, sorrow, friendship, forgiveness, humor, and more. Being an American, I especially enjoyed learning a few amusing British vocabulary words. A great vacation read. Thank you Amanda Prowse and Netgallery for enjoyable read.

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Amanda Prowse delivers a very moving novel about relationships between fathers and sons, between a grieving husband and his dead wife and between three lifelong friends. As Nick deals with his loss, questions arise about when is it time to move on, and who should be the best judge of that. I loved the back story of Nick and his two friends, their hope of a better future and the meaning of success.

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Yet another wonderful story by Amanda Prowse. Well written, great characters and totally real life.
Nick is the main character whose wife falls ill and passes away leaving him and their son Oliver.
We follow Nick and his best friends Eric and Alex from their childhood in 1992 to the current day. Seeing how their childhood very much links to the way they are today. I love the way the book covers the two timelines and flows effortlessly.
This story is sad. heartwarming, funny and so much more.
You only have one life and you have to live it.
I loved this book

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Another brilliant book by Amanda Prowse.
This book tells the story of coping with life, and learning to love again after loosing a loved one, and follows the lives of father and son through this sad time. I love how it’s so easy to relate to Amanda’s stories and they are so believable that you just know that this is quite possibly happening to people everywhere, which gets you evened deeper into the story

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4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This story is about childhood friendships, death, grief and starting over. I loved it!
Nick and Ollie were slowly moving on and it wasn’t easy for either one of them and at 50% I wanted to throw my kindle across the room. People can be awful and why do they think they can decide when someone can move on? Grrrrrr......
Anyway I thought this was good and there was a lot going on in this story. I’d definitely recommend it to my friends.
This was a NETGALLEY gift and all opinions are my own.

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Amanda Prowse is one of my favourite authors. Her books never fail to delight, provoke thought, and entertain, and this is no exception. I loved it, and couldn't put it down. In fact I read the last 70% in a morning. As my youngest is about to head off to University it was all the more poignant.


Nick is in his 30s, having married extremely young as his wife Kerry was expecting their son Olly. Nick gave up his dreams of going to University to support his wife and child, but here he is 18 years later with Olly about to start University, and his wife newly passed on due to cancer.


Nick has a support system in this small town, where everyone knows everyone else - his best friends Eric and Alex, his mum and sister, and his mother in law and sister in law, but Nick still feels very alone.


Nick has to cope with life on his own, a son who is just starting a journey of his own whilst missing his mother acutely, and a life with a Kerry shaped hole in a town where everyone has their opinions on what he should be doing and feeling - especially his sister in law!


This is a book that will have you alternately smiling and tearful, but will leave you elated with some interesting food for thought. Highly recommended

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Thanks to the publisher and author for providing me with a digital ARC of this title via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

I ready my first title by Amanda Prowse earlier this year and really liked it so I was excited to receive this title. I find her to be a sensitive author that is able to create characters and stories that touch the reader. The Light in the Hallway is a sweet story about a wife and mother who passes away from cancer at a young age and how her death affects her husband and son. It is a story about family, loyalty, grief, and finding love and happiness after loss. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by Prowse. .

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Amanda Prowse is back with another insightful and sensitive novel. One of the main characters passes away right at the very beginning, yet her influence is felt throughout. Her husband and son struggle with her loss, but within this they find new beginnings. We get plenty of flashbacks to Nick’s childhood, with his two best friends who remain in his life now. Will everybody get their happy ending? You’ll have to read the book to find out!
I was excited to review this new book for NetGalley, and I certainly wasn’t disappointed. It is sensitively written and the characters are very well drawn. I would recommend this title to anybody, and if it is your first read of her novels, it would certainly get you on a hunt for the rest!

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This is the second book I have read by this author, and I really like her style. Her stories delve into the goings on of everyday life by looking at all aspects of the characters. She gives us a story from youth to present day, showing us how the actions of the past resurface throughout life, and how the actions have defined the characters in present day.
This story is about Nick and his son Olly, who are going through the loss of their wife and mother., and how the relationship takes many turns as they navigate life going forward.
It also delves into the close friendships growing up between Nick and his two best friends, Eric and Alex, a strong bond that follows them into adulthood.
I am really looking forward to reading more of her stories as I feel I have benefited from her insight as well.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK.

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This is a beautifully written story which had me laughing and close to tears from start to finish. Parts were heartbreaking. I felt that everything was written with sympathy and understanding. I have really enjoyed all the books that I have read by this author.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

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I just finished this book and I already have people in mind to recommend it to; it's one of those books that makes you feel and see things from every side, and I would say that in short, that is at least part of why Amanda's writing is so wonderful. Grab this one and pass it on. It's a perfect Autumn read.

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I received a complimentary copy of this. I hard a bit of a hard time in the beginning but only because of some of my own issues. I continued reading anyway. It is a very well written book and I did end up enjoying it. Thank you to the author and Netgallery for offering this.

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Wonderful book about real life and the trials of everyday life! The main characters were funny and easy to conjure up! Tale of difficult life path, but also the strength of the human spirit to overcome obstacles and rise again! Thoroughly enjoyable read!

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Yet another fabulous read from Ms Prowse. This book felt slightly different to previous ones - maybe because it is told from a male perspective. A truly enchanting story that really draws you in. Heartbreaking and heart lifting at once this story is just lovely.

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As I am a working class northerner this book was completely up my street. I loved the use of language both in the 1999s and present day. It was a simple story but well written and dealt with grief very well and kept my attention. A few hiccups along the way but lovely to read such a happy ending for everyone.

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This is another great book from a amazing author. The story had me hooked from the beginning it was so good, I felt like I was reading about my friends and family and found I was thinking about them when I wasn't reading this book. Definitely a good read

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I enjoy Amanda Prowse books; she writes about real people experiencing real, often everyday events with sensitivity and insight. I wasn't sure about 'The Light in the Hallway' when I first picked it up however. The subject matter is emotional stuff. Father and only son, Nick and Oliver, experience the loss of a significant other, Kerry, the wife and mother, to cancer. We enter their story first at the point of Kerry's passing, and what follows is the story of how Nick and Olly learn to cope with their loss and finally to move on with their lives. It was a slow burner at the beginning, and about quarter of the way in I wasn't sure I was going to be able to continue as the story didn't seem to be going anywhere. Whether that was part of the author's intention in order to impart to her readers the sheer emptiness of Nick's life without his life partner I don't know, but suddenly began to pick up just about at the point that Nick's life started to improve. Running alongside this main life event was the tale of Nick's childhood relationship with his own parents, particularly his father, and his friendship with Eric and Alex, which certainly added a bit more depth to Nick's character.
If you happen to pick up this book, don't expect a mind=blowing mystery or thriller, or even an intense domestic drama. This is, quite simply, a really good read on a life that any one of us could be living.
I give this book 3 stars.

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What a masterful journey of emotions! Amanda Prowse takes you on the roller coaster of life, love, loss, and recovery. This book delves into real life emotions of marriage, struggle to stay afloat, and raising a family. The title says it all...what everyone really wants in the end is a light in the hallway.

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Another 5* read from Amanda Prowse. This author has a knack for drawing the reader in to real life situations.

I loved this being written from a male perspective and liked the character of Nick. Although it made me cry in parts, I did also have some uplifting parts. Her writing style is so easy to read and this is highly recommended.

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Amanda Prowse writes about true life events that could happen to any of us and this is no exception.

This is a story of family, love, loss, friendship and moving on. The characters were well drawn, the plot realistic, and the story all came together to a satisfactory conclusion.

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Overall, I enjoyed this story. One problem I had though was thinking the main character, Nick, to be older than he was because the way he spoke, the phrases he used etc. I thought he was 50+, but it turned out he was in his mid-thirties! This could have been because he got married and had a baby very young and had been the breadwinner ever since. Old before his time perhaps?

Nick's relationship with his wife, her death etc. was written extremely well. It was touching, as was the relationship between Nick and his son, Ollie.

The other characters were all depicted well, and I especially liked Tasha, Jen, and Eric, Nick's childhood friend. Also, Treacle the dog. :-)

There are flashbacks to Nick's childhood, which helped to explain his character, and which I mostly enjoyed, but some of the sections were too long.

I thought Nick's new romance was dealt with well. SPOILER ALERT: I can't help thinking the unplanned pregnancy was cliched. Come on, two adults in their thirties? I found it disappointing because Nick first became a father when he was young, around 17, and I wish the author had given him some more time.

A good read, albeit a bit slow at times.

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I’d like to thank Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘The Light In The Hallway’ by Amanda Prowse in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

When Nick’s wife Kerry becomes ill and dies he feels that after nineteen years of marriage his life has ended. His son Oliver is off to university and doesn’t accept that Nick needs to start enjoying life again, making it clear that the family home is his mother’s and nobody else’s. Can Nick navigate a path between his son, Kerry’s family and his own, keeping everybody happy?

Amanda Prowse has written an amazing story of a family living in a town in the North of England and follows the death of a much-loved wife and mother, showing compassion and sensitivity for an ordinary family, bringing out their strengths and weaknesses. I liked the characters of Nick who’s been earning a living in the same factory all his working life, Bev who works with him and becomes his friend, sister Jen and his best-friend Eric, although I found Oliver thoroughly unpleasant, selfish and demanding. It’s a remarkable and beautifully written novel that finishes with a touching and perfect conclusion. Thank you, Amanda, for writing yet another heart-warming and thoroughly enjoyable novel!

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Not for me sadly. It wasn't awful, the plot was nice enough and the writing wasn't bad, I just couldn't get into it. I found the narrative a bit off paced, and it just dragged for so long. I have to admit though, at the time of requesting there was not a synopsis available on NetGalley - I requested it instead on the basis of never having read one of her novels before. If I had read the synopsis, I probably wouldn't have requested it, as I've read a lot of books like this and rarely find myself interested in them.

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Another winner by an author I have really come to enjoy! Prowse has a way of crafting very real characters and stories that are moving and engaging without dragging you down and this one is no exception. Definitely recommended!

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Plenty of tissues needed when reading this book it is so so emotional , its about a family trying to stay together after their mother dies ,those of you who have been through this will relate to this story it is emotionally written .

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The Light in the Hallway by Amanda Prowse
This is the first book by Amanda Prowse that I have read. It won’t be the last!
The characters were well developed and the story was fluid. It is the story of life-long friends, love, loss and rebirth. One can’t help but become entangled in their story. Hope there is a sequel to this book.
You will definitely need to add this to your TPR list.
#TheLightInTheHallway #Netgalley

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Amanda Prowse is becoming my favorite author. This book is about a family trying to go on after the mom dies. This book was such an emotional, well written book. Have plenty of tissues !

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The Light in the Hallway by Amanda Prowse a five-star read that will shine a light as you read. This is a touching and heart-warming read, there was so much heart and depth to this story, but there is also a need for tissues while reading as they will be needed. By far my favourite read from this author, usually I find it hard to get into the writing, but this one just pulled me straight in from the start. Oliver and Nick have faced devastation in this story, and they will show you their story in a way that will make you feel like its your story. The loss they face, you will feel the loss more than you feel the loss of the character Kerry as you know that she is dying when you start the story, so you don’t get the deep emotional connection with her, but you will care. Amanda Prowse is definitely an author I will look out for more from.

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iAmanda Prowse has tugged at the heartstrings yet again!!! Tearful, heart rending but also filled with joy and laughter this book takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. A simple story of everyday folk, it leaves you with a skip in your step.

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Amanda Prowse is one of my favorite authors. I was a little shy to ask to review this one - afraid it would be too depressing. But it was not! I felt more uplifted than sad and the characters were more down to earth than we see in SO many books.

Kerry passes away after a noble fight with cancer. She leaves behind her mum, sister, her husband, Nick, and son, Oliver. Touching stages of grief, memories and acceptance prevail. Olly leaves for university not too long after his mum passes. This leaves Nick alone with his dog, Treacle.. Eventually, Nick does venture into the outside world but not without trepidation.

A heart-warming story with sadness, loneliness and humor. Good reading for all fiction enthusiasts!

Many Thanks to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for a very good read!

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Thanks to Galley I was given copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.
I enjoyed this book, story of a man who's wife his first and only love dies. This is his story on how to be a Dad without his wife and best friend. How his son deals without his mom and how he related to the changes in life...wonderful story of how they get thru and life goes on...

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The Light in the Hallway
Amanda Prowse
November 11, 2019


Nick and Kerry were married right after high school. Ollie was born 9 months later. Nick worked at a manufacturing plant for lights. There was no college for him or his wife. They needed to provide for Oliver. Kerry worked as a waitress at a breakfast cafe. Burston was the small town in England they called home. The Siddley family ran the plant where many of the townsfolk worked. Generations spent their days working for the Siddley clan. Nick and Kerry had problems like any other family but in the midst of Ollie’s last year of school Kerry had a diagnosis of cancer. It was difficult for Nick worrying about her health, bills, and getting on without her paycheck. As the days went on Kerry was too sick to continue doing the usual things that Ollie became used to. She was his mom, how would he function without her? It wasn’t long before she was admitted to hospice.
After Kerry’s death there was Ollie and his going to college, making do without her, carrying on with life in the empty house; Nick was alone. Life at Siddley was difficult. The story continues telling us how Ollie’s life changed in college. Nick discovers his best friend could be moving to Australia. Prowse gave us a dark script to read. It became difficult as it seemed the story grew more grave with each chapter. The conclusion was like a dream one of the characters might have had. I will not give away the ending but it somehow didn’t seem possible considering the plot that prefaced it. Her writing was excellent as all of the books that I have read from Amanda Prose. This one was marose and then it wasn’t. I don’t want to not recommend The Light in the Hallway as many of her readers will find this very good. Lake Union Publishing will release The Light in the Hallway by Amanda Prowse on November 19, 2019.

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Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review . This book is about grief loss friendships and new beginnings. This story is told from the perspective of modern day and when The main character Nick is 9 years old. The childhood writing is told from the child’s perspective and at times laugh out loud funny. The adult theme is based on grief and very raw at times but very well written.

I really enjoyed this story and will look for more titles by this author

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I was on an emotional roller coaster while reading this book. I lost my daughter seven years ago and this book revived some of my grief. Grief is a process though and this author captured that. I will definitely be seeking more of her work.
Many thanks to Amazon Publishing UK and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

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Amanda Prowse never fails to deliver a real story with real people and real issues. As always her way of writing draws you in from the first page and makes the reader feel part of the story.
Heartfelt, moving and hopeful this book was excellent. I just could not put it down.
I particularly loved the relationship between father and son during their difficult times and the relationship between Nick and his two best mates.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publishers and the author for giving me an ARC in exchange for my independent review.

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Nicks wife had recently died, she had been ill for a while and Nick spent every day with her throughout her illness. Oliver (their son) and Nick need to find a way to move on with their lives without her. We find out how they cope without her, Oliver goes to University and Nick tries to move on in the house and town they shared together.

The story is told in the present, then every now and again it goes back into the past of when Nick was younger. It is a lovely story of love, loss, heartache and even some funny moments. I really enjoyed reading this.

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher Amazon Publishing UK for an advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review.

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Another amazing book by Amanda Prowse, such a touching tale of the struggles faced when Nick and Oliver have to try and pull together after the devastating loss of wife/mother at a young age. Must read book

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Oh I loved this book, there is something about the way that Amanda Prowse writes that really draws you into her characters. You almost feel you know them by the end of the book. This was a perfect read, engaging, funny, sad and I didn't want it to end. I highly recommend - thank you.

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This was a very sweet story dealing with difficult family issues.
It was really sappy.
I’m sure it will be enjoyed by many, but just not my kind of book.

I appreciate the ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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A beautifully written story about love, friendship and the struggles of moving forward after the death of a loved one.
This was a fantastic story that had me laughing at times and crying at others. Listening to it via text-to-speech in the car on my commute to work, there were times I had to stop listening as the tears blurred my eyes too much to be able to drive safely (plus I didn’t want to turn up for work with a red puffy face).
I would definitely recommend this book, but would advise you have a tissue handy whilst reading.

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I just don’t know how Amanda Prowse does it but every book she writes is fantastic. I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this book !! This story covers so many human emotions in such a emotive readable way.

The bonds of father and son Nick and Oliver are tested to the limit when their wife and mother dies young. The struggles facing Nick as he sees his son leaving for university without his mother’s presence is heartbreaking. As life goes on they both face hurdles as new relationships appear and each struggle differently with their grief . Moving on after a loved ones death must be very difficult and this was explored in a very realistic way.

The story moves from present day to Nicks childhood and introduces the reader to the special relationship he shared with his two childhood friends Alex and Eric. These friends remain constant in Nicks life and have shaped his past as well as his present.

I loved this book and the ending was fantastic. Thank you Amanda Prowse you have done it again,,, The Bairstow boys will stay with me for a long time,, My thanks also to netgalley and the publishers for my chance to read this brilliant book.

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This book tells the story of father and son - Nick and Olly - as they deal with the loss of wife and mother Kerry. Amanda Prowse has a wonderful ability to create characters with who the reader can connect with at an emotional level. Her description of Olly's grief in chapter one was so profound it shocked me into tears. The story is also told from Nick's childhood with his friends Alex and Eric, and the lessons they learn about life. There are some really touching scenes such as the boys' innocent view about 'Dave The Milk". The three characters remain friends in the current day chapters. At times I found the story a little slow, but the emotional journey of the characters and how their lives move on kept me engaged with the book. It's a novel rich with emotion that will make you smile and cry.

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Absolutely brilliant book. I was in tears within the first few pages. The book is written so well it really captures the heartbreak of nick and his family and they go through some horrible times. The way the book changes from current to nicks younger years is also done very well, and it is so relatable.
The story is compelling and I literally couldn't put it down. It deals with horrible situations with ease, really making the reader feel the emotion and stress that the character feels. Amazing book I would recommend to anyone.

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I received a copy of The Light in the Hallway by Amanda Prowse from Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

I give this book 5 stars! The Light in the Hallway by Amanda Prowse has all the feels. Emotional, uplifting and encouraging...definitely recommend!

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The Light in the Hallway is a very well written book. The plot deals with the loss of a wife and mother. And the husband and son dealing with their grief. A very believable story and characters. I received a complimentary copy of the book and this is my unbiased review.

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Thanks to netgalley for a chance to read this book.

When Nick’s wife Kerry dies at the age of thirty-five from cancer, he and his eighteen year old son Olly struggle to come to terms with her death. This a story of grief and life’s struggles to move on and carry on living a life.

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This is a lovely and emotional story, The Light in the Hallway. It is the story of Nick who is thirty five, his wife Kerry, has just passed and he is now alone in the house with his eighteen year old son, Ollie. They spend time trying to make everything new and cope with their loss. Ollie heads to university and Nick starts to move on with his life which includes his mum, sister, Kerry's mum and sister and life long friends and fellow colleagues at work. The story is sweet, a tearjerker and will give you hope in friends, family and those who can love you. Loved it! Thank you. #netgalley #thelightinthehallway #lakeunionpublishing

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Whenever I pick up an Amanda Prowse book, I know that I am going to find myself engrossed in the story and so it was with The Light in the Hallway. I always find that there is something about her characters which I find so relatable. She writes about her characters with great insight into their emotions so that it's hard not to be touched by their situations. Her characters are ordinary people, like people you may know and that's what makes her books so addictive. The situations they find themselves in are situations you will identify with, may even have been in yourself.

Nick married Kerry when they were both in their teens with a baby on the way. He gave up his dream of going to Uni, going to work for a large local employer. Despite this, he has few regrets and a happy life with Kerry and their son Oliver. When Kerry dies in her mid thirties at a hospice, Nick has to cope with losing the love of his life and working out how he and Oliver will move forward. The first chapter was heartbreaking to read and Amanda Prowse was really spot on with showing not just Nick's grief but the way Kerry's death affected all her family. The unspoken rules of what was and wasn't allowed for the newly bereaved were a bewildering maze for Nick to negotiate. The difficulties of how to keep connections in a family when the person who connected you is gone were clear as was the hurt and anger sometimes felt.

Not only was there a big hole in his life from the loss of his wife, Nick also had other major changes to cope with as their son, Olly, moved away to University. I think many parents will identify with the worry over their child not settling at Uni and feeling overwhelmed. This was another loss for Nick albeit in a different way. Throughout the book it was lovely to see the bonds between father and son grow stronger despite the physical distance between them and despite some other challenges.

Each chapter ends with a scene from 1992, a year when Nick and his lifelong friends Eric and Alex were building a bike. But more than that, they were building lasting friendships and learning skills and attitudes which would stand them in good stead for the future. They learned about what really matters in life, they learned to take pride in their work and they learned how to value things. I loved this insight into Nick and his friends as young boys and you could see the good men they would become.

The light in the hallway of the title was both an actual and metaphorical light, shining a welcome and lighting the way. As with all Amanda's books, I was completely caught up in the characters' lives and all that was happening and simply could not put the book down, devouring it in only two days. The Light in the Hallway is a heartfelt, emotional and hopeful story and one I loved!

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Thanks to #netgalley and #Lake Union PublishingI have been able to read an early release of Amanda Prowse’s book. I’ve been waiting to read one by this author for a while having seen her on UK TV. This is an excellent read about grief and life going on along with all the complications of love and life. It goes between childhood and adulthood of the main character Nick and his childhood best mates. It tugs at your heart strings and shows you life goes on and you can achieve your dreams. Thoroughly enjoyable.

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Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. I really like this author and yet again she has written a great book. I was an emotional wreck reading this.

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This is a touching story about a father and son learning to live again after the loss of a wife and mother. Oliver, the son is 18 and about to go off to college, while his Dad struggles to adjust to his new normal. WIthout giving any spoilers I'll say the ups and downs they experience along with the love and support of family and friends, they made new lives for themselves. This is a sweet story of new beginnings without forgetting what came before

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This book was an emotional roller coaster. The emotions started within the first few pages. It made you laugh as well as cry. First book I have read from this author and it was a decent quick read.
I received this book from Netgalley and I am leaving an honest review.

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This is my first book by Amanda Prowse, and I was very impressed. Nick has just lost his wife to cancer. He and his son, Ollie, must move on with their lives and emotionally deal with all the changes. This touching and soul-searching story also includes flashbacks to Nick’s life as a child that give insight into his parents and friends. The characters and storyline are very believable, and you can’t help but feel touched by each character’s circumstances. Consider reading this book. I definitely recommend it. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All opinions expressed here are my own.

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Nick's wife Kerry passes away in the very first chapter and the rest of the book walks us through the struggles both Nick and his son Olly endure after her passing. This book was unique that I felt like a fly on the wall watching Nick trying to find his place in life after Kerry dies. I read it in one afternoon so much that it kept my attention through out but let me also say that this is a sad story of two boys hurting. Thank you to Netgalley for our ARC.

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Nice feel good book. It flowed very well. was easy to read. Nice characters. Good storyline. What’s not to love.

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This is a delightful read, both joyful and gut-wrenchingly sad.
The title refers to Nick’s childhood home’s hall light which always throws out a big welcome to those coming up the path. But more than that, it is “a beacon, a sign of the life that lay behind the door, the promise of a warm welcome, a cup of tea, company, home.” For me, this description is a metaphor for Amanda Prowse’s writing. Reading one of her books is like slipping your feet into your comfy slippers and curling up in your favourite chair. She writes about everyday people facing life’s challenges, and has this incredible ability of writing totally familiar, real and believable characters. But while her writing is cosy, it is certainly never mundane. And she doesn’t romanticise life, but lays it on the line, warts and all.
The Light in the Hallway is about Nick, who has just lost his wife to cancer, and their son, Oliver. Oliver moves away to university while they are both still trying to get to grips with their loss. The story also takes us back to happier times: Nick’s boyhood in the early 1990s which he shared with his two best friends. I loved these glimpses into the past, which centre around one summer holiday during which Nick, Eric and Alec build a bicycle from an old bike frame – and a bicycle multitool becomes their most precious possession. As a keen cyclist this added another compelling dimension to the story, and Half Bike as the boys called their beloved bicycle was a character all of its own.
Amanda Prowse draws her readers right into the heart of her characters’ lives so that we rejoice for them and cry with them. I relished Nick’s great friendship with his old mate, Eric, and warmed enormously to the likeable, straight-talking Bev. And I would love to meet Nick’s wonderfully generous mum; she’s just what everyone needs in a mother.
Despite being very sad sometimes, this was such a feel-good book. It’s also very funny in parts, especially the boyhood humour and pranks repeated in adulthood. I was in hysterics when Eric covers the conference room seats with bin bags when schoolboy friend Piss Pants Will - now an important banker - comes for a crucial meeting.
The Light in the Hallway is all about families and love and friendships. It’s also about healing and dealing with the difficulties life throws at us. I particularly loved reading about those (mostly) halcyon days of the young boys with their bike, and seeing how they later faced the trials of adulthood.

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Publisher’s description: When Nick’s wife Kerry falls ill and dies, he realises for the first time how fragile his happiness has always been, and how much he’s been taking his good life and wonderful family for granted. Now, he suddenly finds himself navigating parenthood alone, unsure how to deal with his own grief, let alone that of his teenage son, Olly.

In the depths of his heartbreak, Nick must find a way to navigate life that pleases his son, his in-laws, his family and his friends—while honouring what Kerry meant to them all. But when it comes to his own emotions, Nick doesn’t know where to begin. Kerry was his childhood sweetheart—but was she really the only one who could ever make him happy?

And in the aftermath of tragedy, can Nick and his son find themselves again?
************
Amanda Prowse’s books always make me run the gamut of emotions, and “The Light in the Hallway” is no exception.

Only in his mid-30s, Nick loses his childhood sweetheart to cancer just as his son Oliver is about to go off to university. He and Olly are devastated, and even though Nick and Kerry’s marriage was not perfect, Nick is lost without her and needs to learn how to navigate life without Kerry and face the loneliness of his newly empty nest.

With Kerry’s voice in his head as a guide, Nick faces the trials of when and how to move on if that’s even possible for him to fathom. He seems to disappoint Olly and his sister-in-law at every turn, and he finds himself the victim of bad timing over and over.

The story unfolds with alternating chapters between now and the “summer of absolutely brilliant” (1992), so we learn as we go how Nick became the man he is today.

This book is an emotional, heartbreaking-to-happiness journey worth taking.

Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. This title is scheduled for release on November 11, 2019.

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The Light in the Hallway is a sweet story about Nick and his son, Oliver, after the passing of Kerry, Nick's mom. Both father and son are grieving in their own ways, and the months after Kerry's passing are difficult on their relationship. Throughout the story, Nick remembers the days of his youth and the friendships that he held dear. Nick ultimately finds happiness in his work and his life with friends and family outside work. This book is quite predictable, and the story is not especially original. It will appeal to female readers looking for a light read with a satisfying ending.

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This author does write a beautiful story that I can't deny. This one about a family recovering from the death of a love one. I say family because this author includes them in almost every decision in one way or another. His mother continues to cook like she is feeding a family of four. The in-laws (Mother and sister) continue to have input even when it's not received well. There are flashbacks to his childhood and them getting together. It's well done however because there's so much the story does drag on. It doesn't make it bad it's merely a matter of preference. I do enjoy reading this authors books and will continue to enjoy more.

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When I first read the book description, I thought that I had enough drama in my real life to be reading about someone else’s fictional suffering. Yet I decided to give the first chapter a chance. About 12 hours later, I was finishing the last chapter, after a journey through pain, grief, longing, recovery, redemption and hope. The setting of the story may have been foreign to me, but the feelings conveyed by the nicely written prose are universal. A great read, a great comfort.

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This gut wrenching story will have your emotions all over the place. Nick takes us along his journey as he triumphs over the tragedy of losing his wife and dealing with the fall out as it affects his son. It is a well written story that puts you front and center to the drama as it unfolds in the story that you are sure to remember well after reading. I voluntarily agreed to receive an ARC of this book for an honest review.

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Thank you for the opportunity to read this book, it was very enjoyable. I found the plot line engaging and the characters believable.I love Amanda Prowse and this is another brilliant novel! I will be recommending this book to friends and family.

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“The Light in the Hallway” by Amanda Prowse

Amanda Prowse is the author of many novels based on strong women as her main characters in her storyline. While the message of the light in the hallway is poignant around the story of one woman in the novel and how the light was always inviting to those coming home or dropping by for a visit. It is a story how it stopped being lit due to an unplanned event in her life that affected so many, but mostly her husband and son.

This is a novel about her husband and son and how they move forward over time. While they are surrounded by many strong women, and even meet ones of their own along the way, it is really about how the two men find their way in the world despite the fact that they never remembered to turn on the hallway light so they were never coming home to a dark, sad or lonely home. It is a story of how they healed and went on with their lives, never forgetting the woman who always turned on the hallway light, and yet found other ways of doing so themselves.

It is a novel about family, first and foremost. About healing and finding a way to move forward after tragedy and when things happen in life one was never planning, but how you make the best of those situations and grow from them. It is about the support from their friends and family and learning what is the right path for themselves, even when some may disagree. But most of all, it is a story of love and all its many facets and how, in the end, that may be the most important aspect in life.

Rating: 4.5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️



** I chose to read and review an advanced copy of this novel. All words, thoughts and every aspect of the review is my own.

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I love the fact that all of Amanda's books are so very different. I don't know how she does it but this is yet again another lovely story with characters that are so true to life and who make you care deeply for them. A tale of childhood sweethearts who marry but have their future together cut short when the wife dies of cancer at a young age. The story is told from the perspective of the widowed husband, Nick and their son Olly and their journey following the death of the woman they both loved so much. Emotions such as grief, anger, regret and guilt run through the pages as the pair deal with heartache in their different ways. Olly is just starting at university so father and son being separated as they deal with all of this is an additional strain on their relationship. Interspersed with the sadness, however, are chapters telling of Nick's childhood with his 2 best friends - together, the 3 Amigos - dealing with one particular summer - the 'best summer of their lives'. There is humour and poignancy and a wonderful sense of innocence which I found very moving and nostalgic. The fact that they boys continue to be best friends even into adulthood lends an even more enjoyable aspect to the story. The conclusion is excellent leaving a feeling of happiness and fulfillment upon turning the final page. I loved it! Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in return for my unbiased review..

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Another great read from Amanda Prowse. A sensitive subject that is beautifully written. It will pull at your heart strings & take you on a tale of sadness, forgiveness & happy ever afters

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Heart wrenching Amanda Prowse has written another beautiful tear jerker.A father and son cope with the death of their wife, mother ..A path of learning to live again find joy .A big box of tissues needed.#netgalley#amazonuk

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At the beginning of the book, you know that Kerry is dying, and that the love she shares with Nick is special. It’s what happens to Nick (and their son Olly) after Kerry dies is what’s at the heart of this latest offering from the queen of emotion, Amanda Prowse. This book is full of raw emotion; the pain of losing a loved one, the heartbreaking journey that grief can take you on, and the emotions every parent goes through when their child grows up and doesn’t need their parent anymore. This had me crying regularly. Amanda knows how to pull you into the human story of her characters and lets you feel their pain with them. But there’s always positivity in her books, and this one is no exception. You walk with Nick (and Olly) as they find their new normal, and adjust to life without Kerry. And this book is laced with humour, just at the right moment. A lovely read about love, grief, friendship and family.

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What a truly wonderful and realistic read. I have to admit, I was not in the right frame of mind when I started this book, and it seemed to start out slow. I am used to reading murder mysteries and medical thrillers and the like, and this book is not like that. Rather, it is a story about love, loss, doing the right thing and starting over. The characters are well fleshed out, and the story is very relatable. The story also has flashbacks to 1992, when the main character, Nick, and his 2 best mates, spent a summer together building a bike. I like that the friendships from that time carry over into the current story, as well as little tidbits that relate to the current story. I found myself crying and cheering multiple times.

Nick, at age 35, loses his wife of 18 years to cancer. He now must figure out how to move forward and help his son, Oliver, to do the same. Along with his family and friends, he learns to navigate this new life and figure out how to live and love again. There are lots of mistakes and mishaps that make this a very funny and touching story.

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“Everything can prosper with a bit of love.”

How do you start again when you lose the only love you’ve ever known?
After Nick’s wife falls ill and dies, he finds himself lost, navigating his life and parenthood alone, trying to deal with his grief and to guide his teenage son through it.
The Life In The Hallway is a powerful and emotional book about grief and finding yourself again after loss.
The story alternates between Nick’s younger days and the present.
It started a little slow for me but it was a beautiful story overall, full of sad and sweet moments and hope.

“Life throws curveballs and you’ve got to either catch them and throw them back or dodge them.”

“Grief is not a linear journey. Sadness is not a sequential thing.”

“Life is a gift and we have to live it the best we can. Both of us. We owe it to everyone who no longer has a life.”

Thank you Netgalley and Amazon Publishing for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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I am so glad I got to read a copy of this book early. I will be honest, the last 2 books I did not care for but this brings her right back up to the top for me. It is a beautiful book. And I truly enjoyed reading it and so will you ! Great book !

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Amanda Prowse has written a great novel. It covers most subjects. Love. Loss and friendships.

Nick and his son have just lost Kerry after he battle with cancer. The book covers how they both struggle with their grief. Oliver goes off to Uni but doesn’t want his dad to move on. The book uncovers their relationship and those around them.

The book also flashes back to Nicks early life and his two friend Eric and Alex. And how those bonds of boyhood shape your life.

An enjoyable read.

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The meaning of the title The Light in the Hallway is not revealed until late in this heartfelt story. It refers to the light you see when you look in the windows of a happy home. The novel, set in a small town that becomes almost a character of its own, takes place in the present day where Nick is grappling with the death of his wife Kerry. There are flashbacks to Nick’s childhood, his best friends and the unforgettable half bike. Nick and Kerry married right out of high school, had their son Oliver soon after and Nick went to work in a factory to support his young family. While their marriage wasn’t perfect, they were deeply in love and Kerry’s voice speaks to Nick, giving him advice and encouragement. When Oliver leaves for the university, Nick supports him as well as he can. And when Nick enters the dating world, he finds a new relationship. Themes of friendship, family and change run through all the little stories the weave themselves into this one big, bursting at the seams with emotion book. Read it. It will made you laugh, cry and leave you smiling.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing and Amanda Prowse for this ARC.

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This is a well written and emotional read about moving on after the death of a loved one, as well as love and friendship. It's a book that will likely touch the hearts of the reader (but be prepared to need some Kleenex along the way). I don't read a lot of books, especially emotional ones, from the male perspective, so that was a nice twist. It was a bit too sappy in parts for my liking, but I'm sure it will hit home with many readers.

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Amanda Prowse has done it again this was a brilliant, touching and heartwarming read. What a story from beginning to end I was captivated. Loved the ending.

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When I picked up this book to start reading it was a wee bit slow going. The back and forth of the time period confused me at first. I thought the led character was thinking back to when his son was younger but was in fact flashing back to his childhood.

Once I got through the first few chapters I got into the storyline. The author really delved into human emotions following a tragedy. It was this real-life emotion that eventually drew me in.

Overall A very enjoyable read, however, be sure to have tissues on hand.

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Well, wow. The book was a very deep and thought-provoking ride. It touches you deeply. I cried, laughed and wanted to stay awake to finish. During the holidays it would be excellent for someone to read. Beautiful.

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At first I wasn't sure if I'd be able to continue - it's a difficult subject. We follow a husband and son after their wife/mom's death and see how they struggle, try to move on, do it in the end. Even though we feel the grief and the loss all along, and I wouldn't recommend this book as beach read. It's intense. I think the author did a good job.

3.5/5, rounded up

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy!

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Nick finds himself a widower at 35 with an 18-year-old son after losing his wife, Kerry, to cancer. She was his high school sweetheart and was his one true love. After her death he is trying to do what is best for his son, Oliver, and for his and Kerry's family and try to navigate the rules of mourning like when is it okay to go out in public, how many times are you supposed to visit the grave and what flowers should you bring. In their small town of Burstonville any mistakes are duly noted and passed along the grapevine.

Nick had a great support system in his mother and mother-in-law and his two best friends growing up, particularly Eric. Nick's sister, Jen, isn't a very well developed character and I wish she had been fleshed out more because I would have liked some explanations behind some of her actions. Oliver is a typical 19-year-old, on the cusp of adulthood, scared because he lost his mother but just moving to university and becoming an adult and starting a relationship with a young woman. Nick and Oliver seemed to have a good relationship but, again, I wished we knew more about them.

Part of the story was told in flashbacks to the summer of 1992 with his friends, Alex and Eric, when they built and shared a bike together. It was interesting but I didn't see the point of it and really just wanted to get back to the main story.

I think the ending was overdone. It had a nice conclusion but I think it could have been less. If you read it I think you'll understand what I mean.

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You can always count on Amanda Prowse to take you on a deep, thoughtful emotional journey. This book proves that theory. At a very young age Nick and Kerry found each other and thought they were in it together forever though it meant their original dreams were forever altered. They had each other and their beautiful a sweet delicious little boy that meant the world to them. Unfortunately their forever was cut short after a horrible cancer diagnosis. Is there any other kind?? Nick and Ollie are trying to deal with life after death. They are both stuck, but in different ways. Nick is trying to do the best he can for a very closed off son. And so begins a journey of the two of them, their family and friends trying to find a whole new normal and create new and love filled lives, because that is what Kerry wanted! Keep some tissues nearby when reading! Enjoy this beautifully written story that is so very real, true and a testament to love and the human experience.

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WOW another great book by Amanda Prowse, that delves into the characters emotions in a heart wrenching way that me laugh and cry. I couldn’t put this down and read it in one sitting!!

The story starts with Nick rushing to the hospital to say goodbye to his wife Kerry, she is dying of cancer. They were childhood sweethearts together at 16 and have an eighteen year old son Oliver.

Nick is trying to carry on with life and be supportive to Oliver who goes away to Birmingham University, but he is also struggling to come to terms with losing his mother and feels like his dad is trying to move on too soon.

Loved that at the end of each chapter we go back to the summer of 1992 where Nick and his closest friends Alex and Eric bond whilst building a bike. Their strong friendship carries them into adulthood.

Even when I was not reading this I was thinking about the characters. It made me think about what Nick was going through and I could see how hard it would be for Kerry’s family to see him moving on. All of the family are affected in different ways.

I cannot recommend this book enough, there is light and darkness In this story but it also portrays hope and the opportunity of a second chance of love. I was routing for Nick and was over the moon with the ending.

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

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Another great book by this author,who captured a trail of life events that could happen to anyone. A brilliant story. Thank you netgalley

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Thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.
To be completely honest i wondered if I could even finish this book for about half the book, if not more. It just didn't seem like the authors previous writing style and I could not get into it.
But, I kept reading and it did get better in about the last quarter of the book.
Would I recommend this book to a friend, no I would not. It just isn't as good as her other books.

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I laughed and I cried reading this book. It's rare for a book to stir such strong emotions in me. I absolutely loved reading every single minute of this book and will miss it now that I have finished.
I took Nick to my heart, and really felt what his character went through. I loved reading the book in the present and in the past, and loved seeing the friendships grow.
This just might be my favourite Amanda Prowse book so far, and I've read a lot of her books. I decided this was a 5 star read by the time I had read 9% of it.
Thank you to Amanda Prowse, and netgalley for the advanced copy of this book.

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Endearing story of how a man copes with losing his wife to cancer and wanting to do right by his son and his family and the in laws. This story is told in two parts - Nick growing up and Nick the man. He has good friends growing up that stayed with him as a man and helped him cope. Otherwise, the man feels so torn. Its so worth the read.

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I liked the idea of this story. I struggled with absorbing it as I was reading it. Unfortunately it wasn’t holding my interest and I gave up about a third of the way through

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I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Nick has just lost his wife after a long illness. Now he and his son need to put the pieces back together. This is a beautiful story of showing two men trying to move on and learn about each other along the way. A great read.

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Amanda Prowse does what she does best in this novel. She writes sensitively about human relationships. In this case she deals with the emotions of a father and son left behind when their wife and mother dies young. It is a well observed story that has an uplifting end.

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The Light in the Hallway has a slow and sad beginning. Nick’s wife (his high school sweetheart) dies of cancer in the first chapter. Nick is struggling especially about how to help his 18 year old son, Olly. Olly moves away to university shortly after the death. Nick manages to begin to put his life back together but at every turn he seems to do something that annoys or offends Olly. I feel like the end was a little too wrapped up with a bow. Things turned out well without any real stress or difficulties to reach the ending. I’m glad that I didn’t give up on the book. If you find it slow, stick with it. I will say it wasn’t at all what I thought from the Amazon description.

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This book was so heartwarming and emulated that what is simple in life is the best appreciated, such as love and friendship. Nick and his love for Kerry was evident and he knew that she wanted him to live his life. I was happy that he found Beverly. The boyish joy and friendship between Nick, Eric and Alex was a cause to be celebrated as they reveled in just being boys in a small town where imagination needs to be utilized. I also liked that Nick realized his own potential and that he could succeed beyond his expectations.

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Another great read from Amanda. The book is told in two times Nick, Eric and Alex are best friends and we read about their times together as young boys and also what happens to them as men. It’s easy to be drawn into their lives and all the ups and downs along the way just how life really is. I really felt for Nick and how he coped with the tragedy and problems he went through. Although this is just a story the way Amanda writes she brings it to life. I highly recommend this book.

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THE LIGHT IN THE HALLWAY
BY AMANDA PROWSE

This is a great story about a man who loses his wife to cancer when they are only in their thirties. Don't worry she is already dying in the beginning second chapter so you really don't get to know her. Nick and Kerry have been together since they were sixteen and Kerry got pregnant with their now teenager son Oliver who also leaves Nick for university right after Kerry dies. I did feel bad for both Nick and Oliver. They both are trying to carry on with their lives.

Nick is more of a main character than Oliver is and I felt bad for him because he is left to live in the same house without his son or his wife where memories lurk around every corner. By marrying Kerry Nick gave up on his chance to go to university and fulfill the big dreams both he and his own dad had for him. Nick isn't sorry.
The small town life has everybody knowing everything about everyone else's business.

What worked for me is that Amanda Prowse writes really warm and lovable characters. Nobody is mean and there isn't any crime in the town where this story takes place. The story takes place in the present because people are using cellphones and texting. Its alternating chapters take place in 1992 when Nick is only twelve and he and his two mates build a bicycle to share that they call half bike. That is because Nick's father gives Nick a half of a bike. Alex and Eric help Nick build the bike that they all share.

I felt bad for Eric because although I said there are no mean characters, Eric's mother is mean to her son Eric. We never meet her. We just hear about her from Eric. She runs off with Dave the milkman and she either doesn't want Eric to live with her or is to caught up in her new life to keep her promises to Eric and he doesn't live with her long after they move. Eric moves back to town and lives with his dad which makes Nick happy.

These characters are all charming and I got the feeling that money was tight. Nick's mother is very kind and is always feeding Eric when they are in the 1992 timeline. Nick in his adult years is just trying to move on and he gets a hard time from Kerry's sister Di and Oliver for having a girlfriend.

All in all a lovely story that gave me hope that we can move on if we lose our significant other. It is quaint that the young Nick and his two sidekicks are able to entertain themselves without spending any money. If you are in the mood to spend some time with some endearingly and very kind people, then this is your book. I really loved it and thought it quite charming..

Thank you to Net Galley, Amanda Prowse and Lake Union Publishing for providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own

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Quite sweet story boy meets girl, they get pregnant and married
Have baby boy live happily ever after?
No wife dies and this is a story of how a son a father and all the family navigate their own grief whilst being very aware of how others feel they should behave

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This book had me balling my eyes out in the first chapter.
while it is heartbreaking it is also a heartwarming story about grieving, love and essentially finding a way to carrying on living. Beautifully written as all of this authors books are.

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My 5* review for The Light In The Hallway by Amanda Prowse.

Another brilliant heartbreaking and heartwarming book from Amanda Prowse. This is perfect to snuggle up with on cosy nights in, as it will break your heart, warm your heart and make you laugh in equal measures with this lovely story about an ordinary family who face tragedy and struggle to carry on when life pulls the rug out from under your feet.

I am not giving anything away by telling you the book is about a father Nick, his wife Kerry who is dying and his teenage son Ollie. It is a refreshing change for the story to be about a widower and son dealing with grief and emotional turmoil and is both tender and endearing as well as refreshingly honest about what a loss can do to a whole family and small northern community.

I loved the way the book went back to 1992 which was apparently "the best summer ever" when Nick and his friends Alex and the hysterically funny Eric with his wonderful Yorkshire humour (and way of calling his mates by girls names e.g. Wendy or Shirley, when he wanted to wind them up), built a bike from the frame up. The Raleigh multi-tool kit gifted by Nick's dad to him, played a lovely poignant part to their friendship and was so reminiscent of how things were back in the 1990's when everything was treasured when you literally had nothing...... not even a whole bike haha. I must just mention Nick's sister Jen too, whose character I loved.

Learning to live and love again after the end of a relationship and dealing with teenage boys is obviously something Amanda is familiar with because it was all so honestly written, with a sprinkling of humour, plenty of emotional moments and all beautifully tied up with a ribbon at the end, with a final chapter.

My final overall lasting memory of the book is the truth that "Life is a gift and we have to live it the best we can. We owe it to everyone who no longer has a life" which Nick says to Oliver when they visit his Mum's grave together, and which enables them both to learn to love and live again.

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Such an emotional and gut wrenching story about love and loss. This book is about the tragedy of losing a spouse and then dealing with how that loss affects a son. It's very well written. You experience the drama as the story unfolds and little snippets of past give insight into the future. Through it we come to learn how past actions shape life in the future.
I look forward to reading more by this author!

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Another great one from Amanda Prowse, she totally nailed it to wrap everything from friendship, loss, forgiveness, love and moving on into one story.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

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I'm pretty sure I fell a little bit in love with Nick as this story progressed. The story was told through two points of view, back when Nick was a 10 year old boy and the present when Nick is going through a critical time of his life as he tries to navigate life as a new widower with a son. I thought it was a well-written story and found myself in tears as I got towards the end of the book. I felt that Amanda Prowse did a great job of conveying the emotions of all the characters in a realistic and appropriate manner. I've never read anything from this author but I will definitely look for more of her books.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest opinion and I'm really glad that I got a chance to read her story.

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I am no longer interested in the content of this book. So, I'm DNF'ing this book for now. I may circle back around to this book one day.

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When Kerry does nick and Oliver have to learn a new way of life despite wanting to live in the past. She Oliver goes off to college Nick is alone and when the opportunity of a new relationship comes Oliver doesn’t want him to move on. This is a story about moving in and living instead of living in the past. A sweet story! Thank you NetGalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review

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Nick’s wife is dying and he can face this but their teenage son just can’t. Soon nick is having to deal with the families and friends trying to help while navigating his own grief and that for his son.
An emotional read which was beautifully written and made you think about life and your own loved ones. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

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"Do things your way and at your pace. This is your journey, no one else's"
This is the second book I have read recently with a male lead whose wife has passed away. But in this book, the husband and son have had time to prepare for the coming death.
This story examines Nick's grief at losing his wife, but also his realisation that just because she is dead, doesn't mean he is. This leads, as expected, to major conflict with his son and in-laws. Using flashbacks to when he was growing up and lessons he learnt from his dad and close friends, the choosing of paths which lead you in a different direction than what you had planned, we get to understand his way of thinking.
A sensitive topic handled beautifully and with such care. I closed the book thinking what a great person Nick is. I think he is so far my favourite male character of all the Amanda Prowse books I have read. He truly deserves the ending his story got.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me the chance to experience this book.

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A moving book full of raw emotion. We meet Nick and his son Ollie when they are facing the loss of his wife/Ollie's mum. The feeling of life as you know it being ripped away is so strong and that feeling of not quite being able to reach one another just when it is what you most need is just beautifully portrayed. This book does deal with loss but also change, in other forms, as well as exploring relationships between family and friends.
I loved the flashback to Nick's time as a child and they mirrored some of those adult feelings really well. I felt that I wanted more of Eric and Alex. Perhaps we might see a book for them in the future ???
Another thought provoking read, full of human emotion from Amanda Prowse.

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The Light in the Hallway by Amanda Prowse is a very good book. It is heartfelt and touching. It is about family, friends and loss. I so enjoyed reading it. Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity.

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This book gave me some much needed laughter. A touching story of friendship, love, loss and family.
Thank you to the author Amanda Prowse, netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the arc book.

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This story is about life, childhood friendships, dreams that have come true, others that remain at our fingertips not yet in reach. To loves that we had and lost, and loves that have started to blossom. From being a child to having a child of your own, too expecting another child all while not knowing if you're doing the correct thing, questions, doubts and never stop believing in yourself. It's sad and uplifting, and it has all the feels.

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3.5 stars

I really wanted to like this more than I did, but I found myself having trouble connecting. It was well written, and emotional. I do of course recommend you read it yourself (when it releases) as I'm sure it will appeal to most readers. I received a review copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

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The story starts out and is very depressing. I almost stopped reading it a couple of times. The 2nd half of the book picked up, but it was very predictable.

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What a beautiful Down to Earth Book very sensitively written about subjects that even in today's so called Modern World many people find hard to discuss even when those events are happening or have happened in their own lives! I cried & I laughed with Nick & his best mates Eric & Alex, I both laughed & I'll admit cried even more with Nick & his son Oliver over the loss of the big love in their joint lives Kerry! I got very annoyed at Nick's Sister in law Di, I wanted to shake her at times or slap her her face , others will realise why when they read this Book & I highly recommend that lots of you do.
So thank you Amanda Prowse for a truly wonderful read.

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Nick's life changed early, when he was just a teenager, and he found out his beloved Kerry was pregnant. He had planned to go to university, but that wouldn't happen under the circumstances. Instead, he decided to go to work to support his new family at the biggest (pretty much only) employer in their small town. Now, eighteen years later, his son is ready to go off to university, and his wife is dying of cancer. He's still at the same job, and he's just not sure how he's going to navigate through everything, get on top of the bills, and carry on without his beautiful wife. This story is sad in places, uplifting in others, and so full of what real life brings. I found it insightful as Nick wrestled with problems and triumphs, situations we all go through, as we try to find our own happiness and also keep a balance in our relationships with family and friends when they may not agree with you. I was inspired by his determination to live his own life in spite of what others think. And I cared about what happened to him and those around him. This is a "real-life" story, and I highly recommend it. (I did receive an advance copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.)

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Amanda Prowse does the seemingly impossible and makes a story about a young widower upbeat, inspiring, and even funny.

Nick and Kerry were high school sweethearts who married sooner than planned when their son, Oliver, was on his way. Nick gave up his dreams of university, and went to work for the local manufacturer. Shortly after Kerry dies after a long illness, Oliver leaves for university, forcing Nick to deal with two losses.

He has both the support and the eyes of the whole village upon him. Nick navigates some sticky situations with grace and humor, learning how to better deal with his son and bitter sister-in-law. Intermittent flashbacks to his childhood shows the solid base his mother and lifelong friend, Eric, have provided.

The Light in the Hallway will make you squirm, laugh, and cry, and enjoy nearly every minute of it. (And, yeah, Shit Sticks!) #NetGalley #TheLightintheHallway

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I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Nick has lost his wife to cancer and is left mourning and raising his teenage son. How he , his son Oliver and the rest of the family cope with the loss and try to build a new life is the subject of the novel. At the end of each chapter, there is a flashback to Nick’s own childhood. I found the book extremely predictable, one knew pretty much from the beginning how it will all pan out. No more than three stars for me.
Thanks NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the advanced copy.

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Amanda is one of my favorite authors. I never need to read the synopsis because I just know I want the book! The story is really about Nick and his teenage son, Olly, navigating their way through their grief. Nick’s wife and Olly’s mother, Kerry, dies near the beginning of the story. Nick and Kerry were relatively happy. They married young when Kelly was pregnant but they were in love. Olly finds her death particularly hard because he wants nothing to change. Simply beautifully written.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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A tale of life, love & death. This book pulled me up short a couple of times and I had to put it down. Father and son struggle to come to terms with the loss of their wife & mother respectively. I’m sure there’s a lot of folks out there that can relate to this even without the tragic loss. Recommended read.

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The Light in the Hallway is a beautiful story of love, self doubt, and redemption. On one hand the story of three friends who grow up middle class, learning what is really important in life. The friendship is carried through adulthood. When one of the friends loses his wife to cancer while in his thirties, he faces the unhappiness of his college age son who thinks he should devote his life to him. He soon realizes that what he is asking his father is unfair, but not before Dad has to face some serious soul searching, Amanda Prowse develops wonderful characters for all of us to identify with and love. A feel good story....curl up and enjoy!

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The story covers the loss of Kerry, Nick’s wife and Oliver’s mother, and the grief that the various family members feel. Bits of their several years of marriage are mentioned throughout the story and I couldn’t decide to like or dislike Kerry due to issues she caused. But it seemed realistic on the good and not-so-good times of a marriage.

I enjoyed the past when Nick and his friends were young and innocent and then to the present day and their friendship. The Half-bike part of the story was entertaining and an excellent learning tool provided by Nick’s dad. It was good to see the three boys as adults and how they ended up so differently than what they expected.

Nick seemed quite innocent and surprised when they got pregnant at a young age and seemed overly accepting of the problems Kerry caused later in their marriage. His age is mentioned but at times he seems too naïve and other times as if he was much older.

The story was quite slow for me and while I enjoyed the English slang, I started to skim portions of the book. I had heard so much about the author and her work so was disappointed that I didn’t enjoy it that much. The majority of the book was sad but had a happy ending.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book.

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Right at the beginning of this book, we know Kerry is dying. When it happens, we are hurt but can move on, as we don’t know a whole lot about her. Left behind are her mother, sister, husband, and son. Her husband, Nick, is strong, but we can feel his pain. Son, Ollie, is unable to show his emotions. Until he is. And then the entire story has you reaching for a tissue box. Less than 3 months after her death, Nick takes Ollie to his first year at college. Within a day, Ollie wants to come home. Nick drives there to get him, only to find things are not what he expected. A year goes by over the course of the remainder of this book… during which time we understand the profound loss Kerry’s death has had on her family.

She wasn’t a saint. She wasn’t a sinner. She was human, made mistakes, and will be missed by many. Nick, on the other hand, has a group of friends who get him through each day. Through alternating chapters, we see Nick’s life as a young teen with these friends… going through first love, becoming men, building friendships… each chapter tells us who he is today. We also see shades of Ollie in his father. Nick’s life is tough, but he is determined to succeed. He and Kerry had Ollie when they were 18, so he’s only 35 when she dies. His life is far from over… but how does his family react when he begins to date Bev?

Throw in a few complicated situations at work, Ollie’s first girlfriend, an issue with Nick’s in-laws, and money problems… this book covers so many heartbreaking moments, it’s tough to get through without stopping for a breather.

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You never know what genre you are going to get when reading an Amanda Prowse book, will it be funny, romantic, sad or scary? I had no clue when requesting this book on NetGalley as there wasn’t any blurb on there or Amazon (it has since been updated!). So I requested it blind knowing that all her books are well-written regardless of the genre.
This was an emotional and very sombre book about a man that has lost his wife, and if he makes one wrong move, he will potentially lose his teenage son as well. He’s having to learn the rules of mourning and fast. Apparently, it is unacceptable to go out for a pint of milk the day after your wife dies. It is against the rules! It is hard to remember the bad things about a relationship when one half of the couple dies. You only remember the good, so when you need to start moving on, it becomes a tricky situation. This is what Nick discovers when he starts to feel attracted to another woman. All the usual guilty emotions ensue. So this is a book about acceptance and overcoming the loss of your other half. It made a change for the husband to be the one left behind. I’ve read so many books where the wife loses her husband, but this is the first this way around.
The chapters are very long, some stating 45 minutes long when starting. This can be a real hindrance to reading a book. I had 30 minutes before my husband was due home to read some of this book, but I was faced with a 42-minute chapter. I knew I wouldn’t get it finished before he arrived back so didn’t end up reading it until later that night. Had there been ten-minute chapters, I would have read three of them and felt as if I’d achieved something. Long chapters can be daunting, I’ve said this many times before. Luckily, at the end of each chapter, there was a section set back in 1992 following Nick and his friends when they were ten. This did break the book up a little.
However, the relevance of these chapters is a little ambiguous. Yes, little tidbits of what happened back then are referred to in the present, but I don’t feel as if it had much bearing on the bigger picture. If it had been when he had met Kerry and him messing about with his mates, it would have made more sense. However, it was just a fun summer when they built a bike; he hadn’t even met Kerry at this point in his life. I kept waiting for the past to be relevant, but it didn’t really happen. It was like reading two separate stories within one book.
The pace of the book was a bit slow, but the topic and the characters kept me interested enough in it to continue reading. I did keep hoping something significant would happen, and it does pick up a little in the story towards the end, but it did still plod on a little.
It was still a very heartfelt and heartbreaking story and enjoyable enough to read, but I probably won’t remember much about it in a week or two. It won’t leave a lasting impression.

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Lovely story about love, loss, and friendship. Nick's childhood sweetheart Kerry dies of cancer, leaving Nick, a very young widower, and Ollie, their son who has a terrible time acknowledging his grief. This switches back and forth between 1992 when Nick meets his friends Alex and Eric and the present as Nick and Ollie set a new course for their lives. Nick has a number of regrets but never about Kerry and Ollie. Now he's dipping his toe into new water with a girl friend; his family, including Ollie, doesn't make it easy for him. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is nicely written with good characters you will both recognize and root for.

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I ended up loving this book. The only thing that could make it better? If I had listened to it, as I would LOVE to hear the accent and all the slang that was used with the right sound.

Nick is married to Kerry, who falls ill and dies shortly after. Theirs was a teenage romance that was a whirlwind and changed their lives quickly. Their son, Olly has just graduated and is moving on to advanced schooling. Nick is left with a broken heart, a family that sometimes lives much too close, and the opportunity to discover a new chapter in his life.

There is so much greatness happening in this book. The humor is great, the story is sweet (mid-90's and present day), the friendships are wonderful, and the overall lessons are fabulous. There is a little bit of language in this one (some of the English ones I have no idea, but I'm guessing they're there).

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this book for my honest opinion.

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Another 5 star offering from Amanda. Heart wrenching, heart warming and thought provoking. Brilliantly written.

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I received an ARC of this book. A poignant story of love, loss and hope for the future. I thoroughly enjoyed this story of a man whose world falls apart and his struggle to pick up the pieces and carry on. It hit close to home for me. I highly recommend this moving story.

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I have read several of Prowse’s novels and she is someone who never disappoints when it comes to family dynamics and the emotional impact of life. This book was no exception and followed the story of Nick and his son Ollie. At the beginning we find out that Nick’s wife Kerry is dying, but even so we feel the seismic shock to the family when she does go. This year was always going to mark a huge shift in family life. Son, Ollie has done his A Levels and is scheduled to leave for university. Now in the space of a few months Nick will have to get used to living alone. Added to this, Kerry’s mum and sister are also grieving.

Prowse alternates Nick’s present with an insight into his past. We see the group of friends, who are helping him through his loss, back when they were when they were teenagers. We get an insight into the sort of young man Nick was and how these friendships have grown through first love and starting their careers, He meets Kerry very young and they have Ollie when they’re 18. This brought me up short as I realised Nick is only 35 when he loses his wife. We get some more insight into Kerry’s character and see some of Ollie in his father.

Nick takes his son to university, only for him to decide he wants to come home again. His in-laws are very supportive but how will they respond when, later in the year, Nick considers starting to date. Prowse shows us that the year following a loved ones death is life changing and complicated. Nick and Ollie don’t always know how to continue and find themselves wanting to make big changes to their life plans. This is a very relatable book with characters I could understand. Having lost my own husband at 35 I can honestly say this was a well written and real book about a family’s worst moments.

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The Light in the Hallway, written by Amanda Prowse, ripped my heart apart and then put it back together piece by piece. Ms. Prowse is fast becoming one of my favorite authors when I need a warm, heartfelt story that I can wrap myself around and become immersed. She takes ordinary people and puts them in impossible emotional situations that will challenge them to their very soul. Her characters are well written and thoroughly developed, but most importantly, they are everyday people that are very relatable. When there seems to be no happy ending in sight, she surprises us, taking us on a journey filled with joy and love. I loved that she used the title of this book as a metaphor, representing love, comfort, and a place of belonging.

The Light in the Hallway is about everyday life, about how precious, beautiful, and fragile life can be. It’s about the people in our lives and the relationships we have with them and how we should never take them for granted because, in the blink of an eye, everything we love could disappear. This is a story about a man who has experienced a love that should have lasted a lifetime.

The Light in the Hallway takes place in the small town of “Burstonbridge” on the North York Moors in Yorkshire, England. This book flips back and forth between two different timelines, the present day and 1992.

The Light in the Hallway starts in 1992 with three teenage boys, Nick, Eric, and Alex, as they build a friendship that lasts into adulthood. We get to experience the incredible bond formed between these three boys. Ms. Prowse perfectly captures the pure innocence of these boys and how they grew up together and then ties it in beautifully with the men they became.

We then find out that Nick’s wife, Kerry, dying after being ill for over a year. Kerry was the only woman that Nick has ever loved. Although their life together wasn’t perfect, Nick loved her wholeheartedly. As this book progresses, we experience the day to day struggles and feelings of intense loss that Nick and his son Olly must push through now that they have a life without the woman who was their rock. While trying to work through his grief, Nick must not only endure the resentful judgment from his sister-in-law but also navigate small-town living where every move he makes is seen and judged. The big question is, will Nick be able to find his second happy ever after?

Ms. Prowse packed this novel full of love, loss, grief, friendship, soul-wrenching sadness, self-insight, anger, and living life to the fullest. There were many moments throughout this book that I reached for my box of tissues, but this book also made me smile. It reminded me that even when life is difficult, and we feel tremendous grief, with the love of family and friends, we can live and love again. I enjoyed reading this book, and I highly recommend it.

*** I kindly received this galley by way of NetGalley/publisher/author. I was not contacted, asked, or required to leave a review. I received no compensation, financial or otherwise. I have voluntarily read this book, and this review is my honest opinion. ***

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Nick’s wife of nearly 19 years dies after an extended illness, leaving him a 35 year old widower with a teenage son about to leave the nest. Nick and Kerry have been together their whole adult lives, and in her absence, Nick has to figure out how to be a person in his own right. While attempting to sort through his own grief, successfully launch his son Oliver into adulthood, and figure out how to fluff the cushions, he’s also dealing with his deceased wife’s relatives, a best mate obsessed with Nick’s sister, and an increasingly friendly coworker, Beverly. Nick’s main concern in navigating all of this is his love for his son, Oliver.

This is a really sweet read, reminiscent of the kind of “fade to black” romances my Grannie reads. The constant flipping back from present to the summer of 1992 was a little distracting for me. I would have appreciated more time and details invested in the present, or more connections from the past showing up. The dialogue occasionally fell a little flat to me, but my favorite conversations were the ones between Nick and Oliver. There was something intriguing about reading a “women’s fiction” style book with a male protagonist, especially one who’s British and working class. Overall I enjoyed reading this wholesome book!

3.5 stars

***I received an ARC from NetGalley and am posting my honest review***

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The Light in the Hallway asks the questions "..Who's to say when the time is right? How soon is too soon? After 19 years of marriage, Kerry loses her battle to cancer and Nick's life must go on as he sends their son, Oliver, off to university. Nick feels like Kerry wants him to be happy, wants him to find love again, but Oliver and Kerry's sister, Di, are not happy with Nick moving on at what they believe is too soon.

I really enjoyed the look back, at the end of each chapter, to Nick's childhood where he and two friends, built not only Half a Bike, but a lifelong friendship. The end of the story was absolutely perfect and exactly what I had hoped for Nick.

This is the first book I've read by Amanda Prowse and I fully intend to read her backlist. I love being introduced to new authors that have an extensive backlist I can catch up on. This book publishes November 11, 2019, so be sure to check it out!

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for the advanced copy; all opinions are my own.

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Amanda Prowse has the rare talent for taking an ordinary, everyday life circumstance and turning it into an extraordinary heartwarming story. She has done it with every one of her books that I have read and she continues this satisfying tradition with The Light in the Hallway.

The story opens with Nick going to the hospital to say a final goodbye to his wife Kerry, who is dying of cancer. They married young when she discovered she was pregnant with their son, Ollie, and she has been Nick’s whole life, certainly at least his whole adult life. Having married my childhood sweetheart I can relate.

It’s been a good life for the most part for Kerry and Nick, but in some ways kind of a life he has settled for, a compromise, circumstances dictate. He can’t imagine life without her. There’s no welcoming light in the hallway anymore to let him know Kerry is home and waiting for him. But he’s young, so there has to be life, HIS life, right? Even if others don’t understand. And others never understand. Your children don’t understand what your relationship is or was, the good and bad of it, no one does, they just see you as a unit. But they judge you anyway and you feel guilty. And you already feel guilty so it just compounds it. And that’s where Nick is right now, wondering what the next half of his life is going to be like. More of this overwhelming loneliness and uncertainly about every decision he makes?

We follow Nick through his grief, Ollie through his, and the support, interaction and interference from friends and family, some of whom mean well, and some, not so much. Nick takes one tentative step after another, until his steps aren’t quite so tentative. He’s a good man and loved Kerry very much, and now it’s time for the next chapter.

Interspersed throughout the story are peeks back into 1992, when Nick was 10 and spending the summer with his best mates Eric and Alex, still his best mates today, building Half Bike. These chapters are charming and tell us a lot about Nick and the man he has become.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Light in the Hallway. A friendship of three boys has turned into a solid friendship of three men, but life for all three of them is much different than expected. That’s the thing about life, and the thing Amanda Prowse always portrays so magnificently. Things always change. They don’t turn out like you think they will. Even good surprises are still surprises. There might be a Master Plan for your life floating around somewhere, but the older you get the more you learn that you are not really in charge of that plan. That’s what happened to Nick and the others. Life.

Thanks to fantastic author Amanda Prowse for providing me with an advance copy of The Light in the Hallway via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

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This book is wonderful. Absolute 4 1/2 stars. I'm very stingy with that fifth star.

You're drawn in from the first page, and while it was a pretty fast read, it was also something I savored, and thought about while doing things other than reading it.

In the spirit of all the recent UpLit, this one ranks right up there. Soul affirming words contained within these covers.

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for the ARC.

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The domestic dramas that I am a sucker for usually show a women going through a hard time, battling through and coming out on the other side so it was quite refreshing to see the roles reversed. Nick loses his wife and is left dealing with his teenage son, Oliver.

When I read an Amanda Prowse book, I am not reading a book full of characters, I am reading a book about people. This story is heartbreaking at times whilst also making me laugh out loud.

Nick has lived and grown up in the market town of Burston Bridge. The friends he had as a child are the friends he has now and I loved the flashbacks to the 90’s, the long summer holidays were boys played out and got up to mischief from morning till night.

The loss of his wife hits Nick hard, he’s lonely and lost. Not only has he lost his wife but his son, Olly is moving away to University. The heartbreaking scene where the wen to buy essentials really touched me. The loss of a mother and a wife was really hitting them hard. When Nick starts to form a friendship with a female colleague, he starts to realise that life has to go on. Olly is horrified. He struggles to see why things have to change and struggles to come to terms with his dad’s new friendship.

Living in a small market town it’s not long before everyone knows Nick’s business and everyone has their own opinion on the matter. I love the way that the family is forming opinions and taking sides but when it really matters they are all there for each other no matter what.

I loved this book from start to finish and cannot praise it enough. It was the perfect book to get comfy on the sofa with in my PJ’s, whilst drinking hot chocolate.

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A great book about the strength and love of strong women your lives. This book looks at father and son through their journey of healing after having to say goodbye to the special woman.

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Thank you Net Galley, Amanda Prose and Amazon Publishing for the opportunity to read this wonderful book. This book centres around Nick, a hard working man who is dealing with his wife dying. He is a fantastic character with so much depth that you will be loving him from the first page. The book goes from 1992 when he was a young boy, building a bike with his two best friends to present day. He still lives in the same town with the same two friends, and his son. The author tells this story with such clarity that I find myself walking the same street as Nick, laughing with him and crying with him. Watching he and his son rebuild there bond is heart wrenching yet beautiful. This book will pull you in with the story line and wonderful characters. I was so content when it was over and happy to have read this book.

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Amanda Prowse has a knack of getting under the readers skin in every book she produces and this one is no exception, right from the first chapter my tears were flowing when Nick's childhood sweetheart, Kerry dies and Nick is left wondering how he's going to cope without her and what sort of dad he will be to his 18 year old son Olly now that he's got to go it alone as a single parent, as Kerry was always the mainstay in their marriage.

This is a story of love, loss, relationships, friendship and family and is told over two timelines; the present day and, at the end of each chapter, 1992 where we are taken back to Nick's childhood in which Amanda portrays the strong bond of friendship between Nick, Eric and Alex beautifully and the trials and tribulations they are faced with as they are growing up.

This author brings her characters to life through the pages of her books and makes them so realistic that I feel I'm living their lives with them. She covers topics that resonate with us all as we, or someone we know, face these at some point in our lives, she delivers them so on point and so beautifully that it's impossible not to be affected in some way, I cried so many times through this one. Nick really captured my heart, dealing with not only his own grief, but also having to consider the feelings of his son and Kerry's family as he continued with his life after her death, I just wanted to wrap him in a great big hug and take all the pain away from him. I'm a huge fan of Amanda Prowse and she totally smashed this one, another bestseller I reckon which I highly recommend.

I'd like to thank Amazon Publishing and Netgalley for the auto approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and on Amazon on publication day.

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I received an advance copy from NetGalley, but my opinions are my own.
This book was special. I particularly enjoyed that it was written from the husband's point of view, versus other stories that typically focus on the widow. The way he had to learn to navigate his son's coming of age struggles, along with the reality of being a younger widower was crafted beautifully. Highly recommend.

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This was my first book from Ms. Prowse. I found the writing flowed well; however, I didn't connect with the characters as I had hoped after reading the blurb. I was annoyed by the attitude of a couple of the supporting characters but I'm sure that was how the author wanted me, the reader, to feel.

I plan to go back and try another read of Ms. Prowse's backlist.

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I loved this sweet little story of love, grief, friendship, and starting over! "The Light in the Hallway" by Amanda Prowse is the story of Nick, whose wife recently passed away after a long battle with cancer. The moving story is told in the present time, but also flashes back to Nick's childhood. Nick has to walk that fine line between acknowledging and grieving the loss of his wife (and dealing with the grief and needs of family members) and coming to terms with the desire for new companionship and love. Having lost my father in my early 20s, I could really identify with Nick and his conflicting emotions. When is it ok to live your life again after losing the person most dear to you? How do you deal with other people in your life that feel you are disrespecting the memory of your loved one by "moving on too fast?" The author deals with the subjects of loss and grief so beautifully that, instead of being depressing, the story lifts the reader's spirits and fills him or her with hope. This was my first book by Amanda Prowse, but it absolutely will not be my last!

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This is a Netgalley ARC review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

WOW!! Amanda Prowse knows how to make her reader feel all the feelings. She so skillfully crafts a tale full of grief from so many different angles. She examines how everyone handles the loss of one person so differently. Nick has to not only navigate his own loss but that of everyone around him.

The flashbacks with Nick as a child are so telling of generational differences. I wasn't really sure where they were going or if I were going to like the tie-in. It was bloody brilliant.

Chapter 7 was so perfectly true in feelings that I have felt. August 15h is a day that I will cherish and dread all at the same time. Coincidence?? I think it was a sign. I am Nick, Olly, and Di. I, also, am Eric, Jen, and Beverly.

This book was beautiful and moving. It will definitely be on my list of top books.

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First time reading this author, and she really nailed it, for me. A wonderful story of Nick, and the upheaval in his life, when his wife Kerry dies, leaving him trying to cope with the grief of their 18 yo son, their families, and his friends since childhood. He has no idea how to navigate the pain of his loss and his son’s need for stability, as he heads off to the university.
This is a story of loss, mourning, and the struggle for recovery, set in a small Yorkshire town, where everyone knows you and nothing is private. It is written in two time periods, Nick as a 12 year old and in the present. It’s about the need for family, friends and the intimacy that defines lives. I really loved it!
Thank You to #AmandaProwse #LakeUnionPublishing #NetGalley for the ARC.

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A contemporary and emotional family drama with real heart.

This book caught me really off guard. I’ve read several books by Amanda Prowse before but this one was a little bit special. It had a very effortless light touch, interesting characters and an endearing plot - complete with a scene which made me well up towards the end. Loved it! 5 stars.

Thanks to NetGalley and Amanda Prowse for my free copy in exchange for review.

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Well. I 100%, completely missed this publication debut. Amanda Prowse, I sincerely apologize.

This was a fantastic book. The story was heartfelt and achingly beautiful. The blurbs weren't lying when they say to grab the tissues. This book brought tears just within the first few pages. Nick has lost his wife and is trying his damndest to do right by his son and not lose him too.

Grief is f-ing hard. Everyone has their own opinion of how to do it and all of them are right and they are wrong. The thing is, grief is a tailor-made thing for each individual person. We all have to wear a loss in a way that works best only for us. It doesn't matter what the inlaws think, what your friends think, what family thinks. You have to preserve YOUR sanity, your heart, and no one else's. Well, except your kid's.

And that is all Nick is trying to do. Get through is grief and learn to live again. This story follows him all the way through. You will laugh, cringe, and most definitely cry. You will hit all levels and of emotion and it is completely worth it.

I received an advanced review copy. All opinions are my own.

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It is rare to read a family-centered novel in which the primary characters are not female, but I really enjoyed the male perspective in The Light in the Hallway by Amanda Prowse. Nick continually finds his life taking unexpected turns. Instead of going off to the university, he finds himself married with a child on the way. Then he is suddenly widowed at the young age of 35 and must learn to navigate the proper way to grieve and be there for his son. The story also includes flashbacks to the summer of 1992, a memorable time spent with his buddies. Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for introducing me to another author new to me.

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Amanda Prowse once again hits the top with her story. As always she has written about difficult emotional topics in such a sensitive manner. The story is written in two stages with Nick as the child growing up interspersed with Nick as a father and both parts are wonderfully told, funny in parts, sad in parts but at all stages I, as a reader, felt understanding for the situations.
So many issues that readers can relate to covering childhood, death, immaturity of youth, issues with in laws and trying to live again without upsetting everybody.
I loved the book and especially the warm emotional ending.
Thank you NetGalley for letting me read this book.

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This is a beautiful story of ordinary people facing difficult situations and daring to take a leap of faith and step towards a better life. I loved the characters; they are just everyday folks struggling to deal with the harsh realities of life and refusing to give up. The tone is hopeful and the alternating between current day and childhood recollection is fast becoming one of my favorite story telling styles. I recommend this wholeheartedly.
I voluntarily requested and read a complimentary copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley and I offer my honest opinion in response.

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The Light in the Hallway by Amanda Prowse is a story of life after the death of a spouse and how does one move on? The story opens in 1992 with 10-year-old Nick Bairstow, along with his best friends, Eric and Alex, has begged his father for a bike only to be horribly disappointed. Fast forward 25 years, Nick is begging his 18-year-old son, Oliver “Olly” to come with him but her refuses. So, Nick goes alone. Where is he going? The hospital where his wife, Kerry, is dying of cancer. He arrives in time to say goodbye. Soon the doors of grief close in on Nick and he is not sure what do to. But life must go one as Olly heads to university and Nick finds a way to come home to an empty house. At every turn, he is criticized by his sister-in-law, Diane, for various missteps and bad behavior on his and Olly’s part. At one point, Nick confesses, “It seems I can’t do right for doing wrong, where they are all concerned.” What is the protocol for moving on? What are the steps to get on with one’s life when their loved one dies? Throughout the book, the story flashbacks to the summer of 1992 when Nick begins to learn important life lessons and connects to the new life lessons he learns in the present.
The Light in the Hallway is the fourth book I have read by Ms. Prowse. While it’s not my favorite (I still love The Food of Love (2016)), I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I found myself very protective of Nick as he tries to navigate life after Kerry’s death. I wanted to give Diane a piece of my mind when she criticized Nick for “moving on too fast” after Kerry’s death. But was he really? How long is he supposed to stay in mourning? I cheered when he finally gets the courage to stand up to her and tell her off. There was one moment when I cried my eyes out. I can’t discuss it further, but it is very significant to the story and it was very touching. I highly recommend The Light in the Hallway. It is a moving story of how one moves on after a death. Life truly does go on.

The Light in the Hallway
is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

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A sensitive story about friendship and loss.

Half of the book is set in 1992 a story of summer and the adventures of three young lads Nick, Eric and Alex. The other half is now, Nick is married to Kerry his childhood sweetheart and they have a son Oliver about to go to University. A time Kerry won't see as she has terminal cancer.

The story begins with Kerry's last days and her passing and continues with the adjustments both Nick and Oliver have to make to their lives and their relationship with each other. With flashbacks to the carefree summer of 1992 which develops the background of the relationships of the main characters.

Nick has lived in the same small town all of his life, surrounded by family and friends but he dreamed of the university and bigger things then whilst at school, he fell in love and his future was quickly mapped out for him when Kerry became pregnant. He went to work with his Dad at Siddley's along with half of the town, they married, and life moved on with the ultimate struggles of a young family but with love at the heart of it.

When Nick and Oliver say goodbye to Kerry, they both struggle with how to move on. I cried tears many times whilst reading their story, but it was also joyful and a good read. The summer of 1992 was a lovely story of how relationships can develop and last a lifetime. I would happily recommend this book the character development was excellent; this is a steady page-turner which kept my attention and interest and left me with a smile.

Taramindo.

Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.

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I'm really torn on this one. I thought it was a great storyline - the tragedy of a dying mother and wife was handled well; the emotions of father, son, family and friends was spot on and realistic. I enjoyed getting glimpses of Nick's childhood (although the transitions were at times awkward and seemed unconnected). I actually liked and appreciated the ending and "wrap up" of everything. But I just could not and did not connect with any of the characters. I wanted to; I tried; I almost begged myself to. And that really made the whole book fall flat for me. Because as much as I enjoyed the story, my lack of connection to the characters was a hurdle I just couldn't get over. So, great story but ho hum characters made for just an okay book.

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This book is told in two different times. Nick, Eric and Alex have been mates since they were young. Nick's house always seemed like a place of refuge. His mom is an angel. His father instilled a work ethic in him that carried over to his friends. In the present is Nick trying to put his life back together. His wife, Kerry, has died after being ill for a long time. There is the struggle between Nick and his son Oliver. How do they figure out how and when to start letting the healing process begin. Nick is further along than everyone else. He is cognizant of everyone's feelings at the expense of his own. Beverly, who is a co-worker, has decided to put herself out there. Nick is feeling so at ease around her, that he thinks there should be more. Family is weighing in. The most important one is Oliver. He sets the tone for the rest of the book.

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

Amanda Prowse is one of my favourite go to authors. When I heard she was releasing The Light in the Hallway I couldn't wait to read it.

Nick and Kerry were teenage sweethearts when they married eighteen years earlier. They had a solid marriage although it was severely tested when Nick found out that Kerry had wracked up a debt of £7,000 on credit cards. Shortly after that diagnosed with cancer.

A year later Kerry died leaving Nick and their eighteen year old son Olly to carry on. Despite his grief Olly managed to pass his A levels and started Birmingham University. Alone in the house Nick spent four months in the depths of grief working all hours, until his best friend Eric encouraged him to go to the pub with their workmates.

Nick gradually found himself attracted to Beverley, his older sister Jenn`s best friend. However this caused rows with Olly and his sister in law who both thought he was moving on to quickly.

The reader was also taken back to the summer of ,1992 when Nick and Eric were 10 years old. Nick was given half a bike and his Dad encouraged Nick, Eric and Alex to build a bike.

Amanda Prowse`s books are always beautifully written and tug at my heart strings. It made me think.about grief and how soon is too soon? I felt for Olly when he thought Nick had forgotten his mum and 'taken' up with a new woman.. I also liked Eric who was had been in love with Nick`s sister for years.

I highly recommend you read one of Amanda Prowse`s novels.

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An enjoyable and emotional read by this amazing author. Amanda Prowse manages to take an every day situation and make a wonderful story of it. Highly recommended

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This was an enjoyable, but emotional read. The author did such a great job of developing the characters, that I felt invested in them. I thought the overall theme of struggling to start over again after the death of a spouse was relatable and the author did a great job of capturing the struggle of this battle.

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A beautiful, heartfelt story. I love Amanda Prowse's novels, written in a relatable manner, always so melodic and fluid. Wonderful dynamics between the characters, overcoming loss, and maintaining deep family and friendship bonds. I am going to miss the people in this book (I know they're fictional, yet I feel that I've become quite attached, was really cheering for them, and for a good, healthy resolution). I loved this book! Thank you NetGalley for the review copy. All opinions are my own.

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“The Light in the Hallway” is a tale of friendship, love, and what happens after loss. The story was well written and although it dragged in a few places my desire to know what happened to characters kept me glued until the end.

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Another great read from Amanda Prowse, she is very good at easy reading, tear jerker books that come good in the end.... the journey how they get there is always gripping.

Thanks for letting me review this book

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I absolutely loved this story. The friendships, the love, loss and coping....coming out on the other side with dreams and hopes coming true. The closeness of Nick, Eric and Alex is a friendship everyone dreams of having. And then for it to continue on into adulthood is truly a gift!! I just really really adored this book!!!

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An emotional, heart-wrenching story illustrating how forgiving and large the heart truly is.

When Nick's wife passes away after a fast-spreading cancer and his son, Olly, departs to uni, he is left facing a significant void. Routine that once felt stable and consoling suddenly feels isolating and mundane. And while he has been grieving the loss of his wife since the moment her health results came in, Nick struggles to balance his own "moving on" with the expectations of long-grievance set by his small town community members,
When Bev walks strongly and confidently into Nicks life, he is reminded what it feels to live again, to love again, and the importance of companionship. Olly takes his time coming around to the idea of another woman entering his childhood home where his mothers presence is still so strong. He grieves the mother he was unprepared to say goodbye to while he grieves his relationship with his father as it begins to shift and take new form.

While the story took time to truly build, I was moved to tears many times throughout this read. I cried, cheered, and smiled along the way. Most importantly, I finished this read with a keen appreciation for the reminder of how special the heart and its' vast capability of love.

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I have to confess that as soon as Amanda Prowse has a new book out it is added to the top of my reading list. I don't even need to know what it’s about, as it’s guaranteed to make me laugh and cry !!

This latest book is no exception. I loved it from the very start to the very end. We first meet Nick and his son Oliver in the final stages of Kerry’s life (Nick’s wife, Oliver’s Mum). The couple have been together since they were 16 and now they have been parted in such a cruel and final way. After Kerry’s death Oliver finds it hard to show his emotions and Nick try’s to be there for his son as much as he can whilst dealing with his own loss.

A couple of months later and Oliver is off to University, how will Nick cope in an empty house and will Oliver be able to fend for himself. With the help of his best friend and work colleagues Nick starts to move in with his life but is everyone ready for him to move on from Kerry ?

The book is a great read with yet some emotional and heart breaking scenes but also some heart warming, loving sections too. You feel as though you are going on the journey of grief, despair, love, friendship etc with Nick and I have to admit I was absolutely cheering for Nick and Oliver throughout the book, I just wanted them to be happy and content with whatever life had in store for them.

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

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“The Light in the Hallway” by Amanda Prowse was amazingly beautiful and wonderfully written. I could not put this book down. The story flips between two time periods in Nick’s life, the summer he was 10 years old and the present at the age of 35. I enjoyed both time periods and getting to see the characters in Nick’s life grow and develop long term relationships.

This novel brought back so many feelings for me and at times there were tears shed. Nick was a young widower and since I was a fairly young widow, I understood everything he was experiencing. There are a wide range of emotions from the initial panic and heartbreak to finding the ability to move forward with life.

Nick was a man who understands what love and life is all about and is not afraid to do the right thing. I would highly recommend this novel.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

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I like how the story started with the explanation of the light in the hallway and ended with reference to it. Instead of focusing on what the characters didn’t have, the author painted a story about a cast of characters that made do with what they had and still flourished. Death is one of the hardest things to experience and Nick’s was a bit harder as he had 18 year old Ollie’s feelings to contend with. I don’t want to give away too much of the story, but Nick’s explanation of his mourning was a perspective I never looked at. When someone has a terminal illness, the caregivers mourn along the way; it’s everyone else who has to come to grips with the new reality. Nick handled others’ opinions quite well.

The story alternates between now and 1992 and I like how the author let the reader know when she was in the past. Ms. Prowse is a new to me author and I look forward to reading more of her books.

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I received this book from the author for an honest review.
What do you do when the love of your life passes away? You go on living, especially if you have a son .Thats what this story is about , and I liked the mix between the past an present to bring the story together, the friendship between Eric and Nick and displays a close relationship with his deceased father. As Nick attempts to move in I rooted for him , because I like him . This was a good story, but the relationship between Nick and Bev at times seemed too formal. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/45891138-the-light-in-the-hallway

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This light in the hallway was at this moment more than just an aide to ensure a stumble-free trip up the path; it was a beacon, a sign of the life that lay behind the door, the promise of a warm welcome, a cup of tea and company.

Nick a recent widower and his college bound son live in a small English town of Burstonbridge. Where everyone knows everyone and their business. A town that spreads gossip but ultimately pulls together. A family that must start over by tearing down the walls that separate them. The heart wrenching novel starts with Nick saying goodbye to his wife Kerry of 18 years. Nick has been there for his wife in her battle of cancer and now he has the battle of keeping his family together.

His son Oliver cannot deal with the pain of losing his mother and Nick is coming to know the pain of love, marriage and death. The narration is Nick picking up the pieces and keeping his relationship with Oliver intact. Between his sister-in-law and mother-in law, he battles the guilt of going on and what that means for his son Oliver. The relationship between son and father is fragile and strong as they learn to communicate the love of a wife and mother. The narration also goes back in time to 1992 to Nick's best friends Alex and Eric as they build a bike together. Boyhood friendship that taught Nick the fairness of life, the value of friendship and family. It is here that his own father imparted to his son his own value that he somehow lost when hurrying thru life so quickly.

I loved how you see the characters develop and overcome difficult circumstances and arise to the many challenges of life. Highly recommend.

A Speical Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

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This is a story of one man’s journey through love and loss. Although I found it to be quite slow, at times, it is emotional and entertaining. I really enjoyed it. I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review

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The Light in the Hallway tells the story of Nick after losing his wife, and navigating life alone with his son Oliver. This quickly turns into life alone, as he has to send Oliver off to college. The book asks the questions: how do you live through grief, can you move on, when do you move on? The reader gets insight into how his present life intertwines with his childhood and relationship with his best friend, Eric.
I thought the book was good as a whole, especially the ending. It was slow to start and took me a while to get into it, probably because I did not entirely connect with the characters. I felt some things to be irritating, mostly that Beverly kept showing up on Nick's doorstep out of the blue as though they didn't have phones and she couldn't have called first.
This is a story of picking up the pieces and moving on and moving up. Fans of Amanda Prowse will definitely enjoy it.

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A rollercoaster ride! This book made me laugh, cry, and really reflect on life. Through this book we witness Nick and Olly's grief and join them on their journey to find their new normal. Extremely emotional book, highly recommend (just make sure you have plenty of tissues!)

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The Light In The Hallway is a beautiful and poignant story about loss, family, strength, friendship and moving on. This is the story of a man, Nick, trying to move on after losing his wife to cancer while also raising his son alone while dealing with both of their grief. It also raises the question of when it’s the right time to move on and start a new relationship. ⁣
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This story was beautifully written. It took heartbreakingly sad moments but interspersed it with moments of levity and humor. I also loved how the story moves from present to past so seamlessly and we are given such a complete history of Nick and Kerry. This is an emotional story as it deals with such a tough issue of losing a spouse & mother. It really touches your heart and the issues raised in this story are so relatable to anyone who has lost a loved one. Expect tears but you will also feel hopeful about moving forward and finding happiness again. ⁣
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This was my first book by Amanda but I really enjoyed her writing so I will definitely be checking out her other books. ⁣The Light In The Hallway releases 11/11/19. ⁣
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I received an ARC from @netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

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Nick Bairstow lives in a small town in England. He works at the local factory as his father did. Living in a small town doesn’t mean life is problem free. His life is anything but simple. His wife dies leaving him and their son trying to figure out how to go on. In flashbacks and current events we see what has made Nick into the man he is. The story is about dealing with grief and life after loss.

Amanda Prowse is a wonderful author. Her story is detailed with characters you can appreciate and understand. The journey we go on with Nick is emotional but rewarding. He is a good man that puts family first and tries hard to do the right thing. The book is rewarding and leaves you with a warm feeling.

I enjoyed the way that Amanda Prowse tells a story. It is smooth, doesn’t drag and is heartfelt. I plan to read many more books by this terrific author.

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Many thanks to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and Amanda Prowse for the opportunity to read and review her latest novel - loved it!

The story begins with an ending - Nick's wife, Kerry, is dying of cancer. Nick must now navigate life without the person that has been by his side since they were teenagers. He's left to take care of their now teenage son, Oliver, as he prepares to leave home to go to university. Nick and Oliver are both overwhelmed with loss and grief but eventually Nick sees a future ahead of him; Oliver and other family members aren't as happy. Each chapter ends with a look in the past as Nick and his 2 best friends live out their best summer.

I loved the title of this book - coming home to a light burning, knowing that there is someone inside waiting for you. Plus - there are loads of great parenting tips in this book! Just a wonderful, heartwarming story - just what you would expect from Amanda Prowse!

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This was the first book I have read by this author and I had high hopes for it. It is beautifully written, with heartbreaking moments. But I felt the story dragged on and went by very slowly. I was hoping there would be more to it after the tragic event. I did enjoy the way the story was written, going back and forth between present day, and in the past when Nick was young and built a bike with his father and friends. This story brought out many emotions in me, but I gave it three stars because it moved along very slowly.

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A poignant tale of loss, The Light in the Hallway deals in a very compassionate and believable way with the difficult topic of grief, and moving on from loss. The book opens with the death, after a long illness, of Kerry, who was married to her childhood sweetheart Nick and mother to their son Olly. Despite knowing that the day was coming , Nick is still crippled by the loss of the woman he was married to for nineteen years, and worried about how this loss will impact on Olly as he heads away to University. It really does seem like his whole world has come crashing down, he has no idea how he will cope on his own having been half of a pair for so long, but day by day, with the help of friends and family he begins to put his life back together. He begins to get close to a woman at work, Beverly, but struggles with the idea of moving on, a struggle that is made more difficult when Olly reacts badly to the idea.
The book is told in two timelines, the current day, and 1992 when we see how the strong relationship between Nick and his friends Eric and Alex was formed, a friendship that has stood the test of time, and supported Nick on his darkest days.
This is a profoundly hopeful book, one that really aims to show the reader that there is always hope, even on the darkest day, and that sometimes a second chance is worth taking. It does not minimise the impact of grief on a family, but rather seeks to show that moving on is natural, and not something to be ashamed or afraid of.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

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Nick and Kerry are high school sweethearts. Nick has plans to go to college, but, as happens so many times, life has other plans. This story is about love..parental, family, friendship and marriage. It’s a beautiful story that begins with tissues and your heart hurting.

Another emotionally charged book by Amanda Prowse. Ms. Prowse delves into the real life issues of working people better than any other author. I love seeing how her characters develop and mature, while going thru their issues. Her descriptions of this blue collar village, where nothing is ever a secret because everyone knows everyone, is spot on. This book resonated with me deeply for so many of the issues and made me look at things from a different perspective. This book can easily be read in one sitting, you just get that sucked in.

Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone!

Also reviewed on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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I read and reviewed this book voluntarily.
The book begins with Nick losing his wife Kerry to Cancer, leaving behind himself and there 18 year old son Oliver.
The book documents Nick's journey in the months and years after her death. How he copes and tries to navigate life for him, Oliver, and his in laws.
The book goes between the present and a summer from his childhood. You also learn how Nick met Kerry and how their lives ended up where they were.
There are some twists and turns. And learning to live again.
The book was very emotional for me.

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A truly wonderful book. Amanda perfectly captures with sensitivity the emotional upheaval felt in the face of tragedy and trying to do the right thing by everyone. Poignant mix of sadness with humour and incredibly observant about ordinary folk and the tangled lives we lead. The book is set within two time zones, when Nick (the main character) was 10 and enjoying an innocent fun sunny summer holidays with his friends and present day where life has thrown him 'curved balls'..

All Amanda's books I have read have been different but equally engaging but I can honestly say that I probably enjoyed this one the most as just totally down to earth with good honest folk.

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I was excited to be granted my wish on NetGalley to read and review this latest book from Amanda Prowse.

I know I need to be prepared for tear-jerking moments when reading a book by Amanda Prowse and this one is no different.

The tale goes between present day and Nick's childhood telling the story of how a father and son come to terms and move on with their lives following the death of the wife and mother.

Amanda Prowse writes beautifully inspirational tales and each one is a new heart being opened and shared with the reader. Look forward to her next release!

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It took me a bit to get into the book, the opening was a little confusing. But it didn't take long for Ms. Prowse to hook me, I loved the characters, loved the honesty, and eventually could not put it down! Very entertaining, if predictable ending....sort of. 🙂

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This is a story of a surviving after losing someone in your life. It goes between past and present and learning to live the new normal. Such an emotional story.

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The Light in the hallway told the story of Nick,. a young father and his 18 year old son Olly.
The book went from present day , back to Nick’s childhood.
It was basically the story of how these two very sad men learned to live with each other in the face of a very sad event.
The character development was excellent.
I would recommend this book. It was the first book I read by this author. I will check out her other books.

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Bit wary of tear jerkers but this was brilliant. I managed it. There was one moment right at the end where there was a lovely moment from Oliver to Beverly. I could barely hold it together!!

A gentle story about a sudden change of a close 3 person family where the mum passes away with Cancer. If the story concentrated more on the illness, I think I would have abandoned the book but Amanda wrote it just perfectly to not dwell too much on the illness and the passing so wonderfully written with obvious arguments between the young 18 year old Oliver (son) and the young mid thirties Nick (dad). The topic of when is the right time to start another relationship after a partner passes away comes up and beautifully dealt with.

Loved the flashback of Nick to 1992 and his great Summer with his 2 best mates Eric and Alex building up a motorbike from scratch. Both mates are still in his up to date life.

Lots of happenings in Nick's life now to keep you interested and intrigued to find out how they all deal with Kerry's death.

Highly recommend

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😨 Quiet moments of despair give way and life goes on: profound🌄
👍👍💔💞
4-4.5🌟 stars
Author Amanda Prowse moved me with this quiet tale of a death in the family and the struggle for survivors to pick up the pieces and go on living. The grief, flailing uncertainty, guilt, angst and resentment churned up when widower Nick finds friendship and joy with another woman, to his son's dismay, were so realistic.

Juxtaposed against Nick's present day troubles are the halcyon days of summer vacation in 1992 when young Nick and his two best friends have a super summer. Their friendship never wavers. With the solid support of good friends, loving parents and the mentoring spirit of his dead wife, Nick makes his way forward.

This is the second Prowse novel I've read this year and, I have to say, although her characters struggle emotionally, both stories were inspirational .

Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

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The Light in the Hallway is a gem of a book. It's predictable-but in a really good way-sort of like knowing how great your mom's pumpkin pie is gonna taste on Thanksgiving Day. Death and grief are universal, but no two people experience it the same. What's best about The Light in the Hallway is Amanda Prowse doesn't sugarcoat the depths of despair and anger that surely follow the death of someone you love. And she doesn't put halos on Kerry or Nick- their marriage has flaws, and one really deep fissure that almost does them in. Mere kids when they married with a child of their own on the way, Kerry and Nick have just found their marital footing again when Kerry is diagnosed with a terminal illness. For Nick and their teenage son Oliver, Kerry's death leaves them adrift in darkness, but this sweet book shows there is a light at the end of the tunnel..and in the hallway- where it shines bright forever and ever.

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Grief and trying to get over it and go on with one's life it's a hard topic for many people and all of us have our feelings and thoughts towards this subject.
After losing his wife and spending her last moments with her, Nick has to carry on with his life and tries to make a good deed towards his son as this notice will change he's just about to start another path in his life.
Living in a small town it's difficult to get away from the gossiping and judging of the people around his life and sometimes he can even shock them but that's what life is, to overcome everything and take that opportunity for a second chance at happiness when it appears.
Overall it's an interesting story that many people will enjoy.

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Nick’s wife passes away after a long illness that left her bedridden in a hospital. Nick spent every possible minute with her but they both know the end was near. After she passes, Nick must tell their teenage son, Oliver, who is about to leave for college and is not handling his mother’s illness well. Life must go in but what is the appropriate timeframe for Nick and Olly?

This book started out slow for me but I’m so glad I kept reading. Nick struggles with his own feelings, helping his son, and dealing with his wife’s family. When Nick starts to move on, it shocks his son and his wife’s family. I enjoyed the portrayal of Nick and his new relationships. The book was set in a small town where everyone knows everyone else’s business. As someone who grew up in a small town I can relate and felt for nick as he navigated these tough decisions. I would recommend this book to someone who enjoys reading about second chances and moving on after a loss.

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Such an amazing book. I think it made me feel every emotion on the spectrum. A story of love, loss, and perseverance yet still had moments of humor and triumph. It was a true pleasure to read.

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Amanda Prowse is a go to author for me and so was delighted when offered an arc for an honest review.
I was not disappointed Amanda is the queen of contemporary, family drama and emotional reads.
Her characters are always so relatable I laughed and cried throughout.
This story revolves around the death of a family member and how the family deal with it..
If you are looking for an emotional read this is the book for you.

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Really loved this book! Reminded me of a Maeve Binchy novel. Ordinary people just trying to make it through life. Nick is a solid guy dealing with his wife’s untimely death. He also has to help his son, his wife’s mother and sister, his friends. But he does it all with a quiet confidence I wish more men could emulate. Definitely want to read more from Amanda Prowse.

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Another brilliant and beautifully written book by Amanda Prowse describing the process of grieving; through anger, love and family conflicts. This book made me laugh as well as cry. The characters were all believable and anyone who has lost a close love one will be able to relate especially the dreaded first Christmas.

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Yet another down to earth, believable yarn from Amanda Prowse. Characters that ring bells with her readers!

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I always know, when I open a book by Amanda Prowse, that I am in for an emotional roller coaster and this is so true in the story of Nick who’s wife dies and leaves him trying to keep his teenage son and other family members in a better place at the expense of his own feelings! How does he come through for himself? Well you will just have to read the book for yourself to find out!!

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Having read a few of Amanda Prowse’s novels now the one thing I expect to find is a roller coaster of emotion behind every page and The Light in the Hallway was no exception. This contemporary novel is told not only in the present but with flashes back to the past to get a deeper understanding of the characters.

When The Light in the Hallway begins we learn that Nick and Kerry have been in love most of their lives and now Nick is having to say goodbye as Kerry has been ill. This leads to the question of how does one go on without the one you love in your life? Nick is not alone in his grief as he and Kerry have a teenage son who is also now without his mother so father and son both lean on one another as they learn to navigate what comes after losing that light from their lives.

Although a lot of this novel is dealing with loss and learning to cope with that pain and just how one moves on in life there are also moments of happiness and joy to complete that roller coaster feeling the author is known for. The main character takes a journey emotionally while evaluating all of life’s choices and whether the path he chose was the right one or the what ifs things had gone differently in life. Knowing ahead of time to keep the tissues near I thoroughly enjoyed all the highs and lows of this story and in the end would give this one 4 1/2 stars.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

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A soft, quiet story about a man getting over the loss of his wife and navigating the path forward, this was an at very rare times emotional and predominantly at times an empty story.

We find out from the outset that Nick’s wife Kerry is dying. We don’t know Nick, we don’t know Kerry, so I had trouble forming a connection to the characters and their situation. We see nothing of his relationship with his wife which felt a bit odd as well.

Nick’s relationship with his teenage son was probably the most compelling aspect, however they each felt at times too juvenile and at times too old for their supposed age. The romance was devoid of impact and only served to spur the drama between father and son. Finally, I found the flashbacks largely pointless. Most of them didn’t add to the story in any way and just added to the page count.

Ultimately, this book was written well but with very little plot to support the language. I could summarize the entirety of the plot in 2 sentences. Just not sure what the point was.

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To be honest, when I first started this book I wasn't sure I was going to like it but I'm glad I stayed with it. An easy, sweet story of a man and his boy and the storm they weather together. I enjoyed how the author took us back to a summer in Nick's childhood. Pleasant characters and easy to follow story line.

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I wish to thank Net Galley and Amazon Publishing UK for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book.

I have voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is a delightful book about families, friends and how each person deals with loss, friendships, love and life.
From the beginning it draws you in with childhood close friends maturing into adulthood.

It was a little slow and not a fast read but I liked that feature. I usually read a book much faster than this one but found myself lost in the story when I was not reading it which says I was really into the story. The part of the story about half bike was a delightful parental lesson.

This story is from the male point of view which I found quite refreshing. I think anyone would enjoy it.

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Amanda Prowse never fails to write a good story and again this didn't disappoint! Sad, emotional and also uplifting. I would recommend all of her books.

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The Light in the Hallway is a story about Nick who has lost his wife who dies from cancer. He has to learn how to deal with his own grief while helping his 18 year old son, Oliver. Oliver is hard on his dad while dealing with his grief. Nick has a great support system with his family and friends. This story takes us on his journey to learn his new normal. Great story about love, grief, friendship and growth.

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I find it hard to say that I didnt enjoy this book.
Normally I find Amanda Prowse interesting and often evocative. I t's the story of two men, father and son, coming to terms with their grief after a death. Kerry, Nick's wife has died. For him, and for her son Oliver, this is seemingly the end of their world as they once knew it, and neither has any idea how to cope. They rarely talk about their feelings,....what men do?
I didnt take to Beverly at all. So sorry, this book was not my favourite, though I realise that it was very well written.
Thank toy to NetGalley for the chance to review this book.

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I love all of Amanda's books, the characters are so real and I always feel part of them by the end of the book. This book is about Nick and his life with his son and family when his wife dies. How he slowly moves on but has to try and get his son to understand it doesn't mean he no longer loved his wife. Unusually this book focuses quite a lot on male friendships and how they support each other in different ways than women do. I good read.

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Amanda Prowse is a bestselling author of twenty-one novels. She writes stories that feature real-life characters, challenges, and is considered the “most prolific writer of bestselling contemporary fiction in the UK.” Her latest “The Light in the Hallway” is one of her best.

The Light in the Hallway - Book CoverLike a beacon that calls them home, Nick and his eighteen-year-old son Oliver always return home to the light in the hallway. After Nick’s wife, Kerry, dies of cancer, Nick and Oliver find themselves free-falling and at a loss of where to go next. Oliver is due to leave for college in a few months and Nick focuses on working for the local Siddley Company producing party lights. The debt over the last year with Kerry’s illness has devastated their finances.

Nick is fortunate to reflect on his own perfect childhood where his parents treasured their children and taught them how to work out problems. But how do you work out the death of your wife and mother of your only child? As Nick and Oliver trudge through each day with the occasional contact with Kerry’s family and Nick’s mother, life continues. Oliver finally leaves for school with little grieving for his mum.

But he stays in contact with his father; the father who has always been there for him and his grief begins to bubble. Will Oliver finally mourn?

As the months go by, Nick struggles to provide a Christmas for Oliver and make the best of the situation. They get a laugh when Treacle, the dog, eats the roasted turkey. Little by little, they manage to regain a normal life without Kerry.

Then something totally out of the ordinary happens. Nick accepts an invitation to a New Year’s Party from a coworker, Beverly. He has been drawn to Beverly, but also realizes there are unknown landmines he must maneuver as a grieving husband with a deceased wife of only a few months. Oliver sees Nick kiss Beverly and the father/son relationship teeters.

It is a long road to a new normal, and Amanda Prowse takes the reader through the grieving process to that point. It is a well-versed novel, and once again Prowse has written some powerful dialogue. It makes one wish for such a childhood that Nick experienced to make him such a sovereign father figure. Enjoy!

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A Light in the Hallway by Amanda Prowse is the story of a family. The story opens as Kerry is battling cancer and her husband Nick is trying to manage the day to day task and be there for their teenage son Oliver. Nick struggles to manage everything and he finds it harder as time goes on. I know this makes it seem like a tear-jerker, and I admit I cried, but I also admired Nick for his strength in the face of the situation and his drive to keep going. The story spans a few years. The narrative moves through time showing us Nick’s scenes from Nick’s life and even letting us know what Kerry thinks. Nick plucked my heartstrings as he navigated the changes in his life and tried to do the best thing for his son. This story leaves you feeling hopeful and optimistic as you take Nick’s journey with him. He is supported by his friends and family and they add their own special touches to his journey. This book became available on November 11th and it might be just perfect for you or someone on your gift list.

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Nick and Olly are slowly coming to terms with Kerry's death- wife and mother. When Nick tries to move on he realises that it isn't so simple, he has to deal with Olly, her mother and sister, his mother and the whole small town in which they live. Really well written to show how difficult moving on from bereavement actually is, the reader is caught up in his feelings.

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The Light in the Hallway, is another incredible read from Amanda Prowse, this time showing a main male character's difficulties with loss / grief.

How are you supposed to please everyone else, when you are also struggling with your own grief, plus the added difficulties of dealing with the emotions of your only son who is just starting college? Where do you start? Where do YOU come in the list of people to please? Can you ever get over the loss of the love of your life?

This book shows the emotional roller coaster from the male perspective after loss, and portrays how family can become extremely selfish and overpowering in grief.

I loved this book, as I laughed, cried, got angry, and felt I was carried on the journey the character was going through.

My thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC copy, in return for a true unbiased review.

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Amanda Prowse does not lose her edge with this. I loved it.

A small town in the north of England remains mostly unspoiled. Most people know each other, in fact have always known each other. It is a town where school and jobs follow each other and people are mostly happy with that.

Nick is grieving for the loss of his wife Kerry, from a long illness. Cancer has taken her very young and he and son Ollie, struggle to carry on. Ollie is awaiting exam results and leaves for Birmingham University quickly afterward. This leaves a huge space in Nick's life.

His upbringing in this town sounds ideal. Safe, without the dangers that surround so many places now, roaming the area with two friends. Their summer holidays are long, but with a project to complete, half-bike conjures up wonderful descriptions of its importance. There is a quaint naivety to this.

This explores the pain and struggles of trying to see a future without Kerry, guilt if Nick begins to enjoy something, and the wrath of some family members when he meets someone. Ollie's first love, and moving away from the only home he has ever had. This is a really good read and recommend it highly.

I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are all my own and completely unbiased. My thanks to NetGalley for this opportunity.

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The Light in the Hallway is a very moving story. Amanda Prowse wrote about realistic family dynamics during a difficult time.

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This is the first book I've read by Amanda Prowse, but it will not be the last! The reader is in for a roller coaster ride of emotions.

I enjoyed the flashbacks to the past mingled with the present. You got a good view of the main characters and their experiences growing up. It helps you have a deeper understanding of who they are and how they developed into the people they are as adults.

The myriad of emotions ... from love to loss ... from excitement to anger ... from fear to confidence ... will have you feeling them deeply. There are a lot of decisions to be made and how they are navigated is part of the struggle.

You will be cheering many of them along as they discover the path that will lead them on to their next adventure.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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A standard book by Amanda Prowse. I like her books a lot but I wish there was something a little different about them, something a little more. Though I guess if you have a winning formula you're smart to keep at it. Either way, I'd recommend this book, it's how you would expect it to be.

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Thank you to NetGalley, Amanda Prowse and Amazon Publishing UK for this ARC.

I loved this! A beautifully sad story guaranteed to tug at the heart strings. Another fantastic read from Amanda Prowse.

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Well, Amanda Prowse has done it once again and delivered a beautifully written novel that will tug at your heartstrings and pull out all your emotions! In a slight twist to her strong female protagonist, The Light in the Hallway features loss of a loved one and how it affects family dynamics from a male point of view. Nick was with his wife Kerry from a young age and became a father young too. This meant he didn’t proceed with his dreams of going to university but settled down happily to family life. And I loved that we saw this happen from a male perspective as it’s often only young mums who are concentrated on and what they have given up to become parents so young. Nick and Kerry’s life together wasn’t perfect but when he loses her to cancer and becomes a single parent to son Olly, he’s lost as the life with Kerry is all he has ever known. So it was wonderful to see him examine what he truly wanted from life going forward especially as he was a “people pleaser” and often they are so busy looking to achieve the happiness of others that their own is forgotten.

My favourite part of the narrative though was the father and son relationship that changed and grew after Kerry’s death. It was so poignant and helps to squash the myth that men shouldn’t take about their emotions and keep them in check. It’s a well known fact that talking about feelings and acknowledging mental health issues is incredibly important for men so it see this portrayed as a basis in this open and honest relationships between father and son was very much welcomed. There were also flashbacks to Nicks childhood and his friendship with his two closest friends Alex and Eric as boys. These scenes provided an interesting background to their friendship, explaining their adult connections and once again showing that men need that support from others.

Once again there were a few tears being held back towards the end as things came to a head and a perfectly crafted ending where I was happy to leave Nick. Amanda’s books always feel like I’m catching up with old friends and I imagine all her characters scattered across the country-living their lives as real people and getting on with whatever life throws at them. She has a wonderful talent for bringing her characters to life for her readers and I can’t wait for more of them to pop out of her head and come to meet us.

Highly recommended by me.

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I might be a little biased as one of the woman is named Kerry, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Nick loses his wife Kerry very early on in the book, so it focuses more on his grief process and how he moves on. He takes stock of his life, and the time that his wife was sick. As it was a longer illness he had some time to grieve her before she passed, even though it was still hard. Having met as kids, and marrying and having a baby at 18 years old, they grew up together, and spent 17 years together.

It tells the story that all marriages are tough, there are some good years, and some not so good years. Nick's son Olly is heading off to college, and it makes Nick question if he can start over and find happiness again. There were a lot of emotions in this book, lots of different stages of grief from all the characters. Some funny and awkward moments too, which made this book very real. I loved the journey Nick went through and how he handled some of the situations. A great read!

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Sad Yet Hopeful - And With Sequel Potential. Up front: This book has moments that can be *extremely* depressing. But here's the thing - Prowse does an excellent job of using those moments to explore real world emotions very well. And then she uses the story she creates here to restore a bit of hope to those who are going through similarly depressing phases of life. And along the way we find a solid story of a man rebuilding his life at a time he never thought he'd have to while also getting the story of one pivotal summer many years ago. This was my first of Prowse's books, and it won't be my last. (Particularly if we get that sequel, Shirley. ;) ) Very much recommended.

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“The Light in the Hallway” by Amanda Prowse

“The Light in the Hallway” is a glimpse into real-life after heartbreak, then trying to live again. Beautifully done. – Green Gables Book Reviews

Amanda Prowse has written a book that could easily be true. After years of being together, Nick was with Kerry when she took her last breath. Now, in his own grief, he needs to guide their son, Olly through his grief, too. How can Nick do this when he is hurting himself?

Nick feels like all eyes are on him, and quick to criticize, as he tries to find his way. His sister is law is negative about everything he does, his Mother-in-Law feels she doesn’t see Olly enough. Olly has gone away to school and Nick is worried about him. Soon, they are navigating how to spend the holidays together without Kerry.

Nick is lonely. His days are spent at the same old job, coming home to his cold, quiet house. Will he always be alone? Was Kerry his only chance at love? Is this his life now? Or, is there someone else out there for him, patiently waiting? Maybe things will look up in the New Year for Nick, but what about Olly?

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this great book!

The Light in the Hallway” by Amanda Prowse

Paperback: 346 pages
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing (November 11, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1542041171
ISBN-13: 978-1542041171

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Another amazing book by Amanda Prowse. A story of love, loss, and perseverance yet still had moments of humor and triumph. A true pleasure to read.

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Thanks to NetGalley for the free ARC of this book,. It is my first time reading this author. The book took me a little while to get into... but it is a great read. Have the tissue box ready. I recommend it!

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A light left on can signal warmth, welcome and perhaps even love.
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and the publisher Amazon UK.
The review and comments below are my honest opinion.
This good book was different for me from the standpoint that the story is told by Nick, rather than from a woman’s perspective. Surviving his wife’s death, but left to raise their teenage son, Olly, Nick wishes there was a guide book as
how to live as a widower and single parent.
Going back between his childhood and current day, Nick’s story is an emotional picture of his childhood friendships, love, death and life. As the author wrote “Life is a gift and we have to live it as best we can”.

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Difficult subject tackled well as usual by Amanda Prowse. I am an avid fan and have read most of her books. She writes with sensitivity and understanding and I always feel her characters are true to life. This tells Nick's story when he loses his wife...and the fall out from the tragedy is powerfully written. Not a book to necessarily be enjoyed but one that is emotionally touching.

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How do you start again when you lose the only love you’ve ever known? This is the question that Ms Prowse puts to us in The Light in the Hallway. First thank you to the publishers and Net Galley for providing me a complimentary copy to read and review. Nick and his son Oliver are dealing with the loss of their wife and mother. We glimpse the life of Nick in flashbacks and through the perspective of Nick and his relationship with his best friend's, family and in-laws. We see the pain of a young man struggling with the loss of his mom and his foray into adulthood. In his yearning to have things the way they were and his uncertainty of watching his father's life go on. In Nick (The father) we see the bonds of family and friendship that have shaped him and the struggle to go and balance his personal life and the needs of his son. I thoroughly enjoyed this book as it was like a glimpse through a neighbors window. She exposes us to a world we have no knowledge of. Highly recommend this book. It also gives us a look at the future and the outcome of this family's struggle and their answer to the question. Their answer - you go on.

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This is the absolute perfect book for a beach read. Despite the underlying tones of grief from the loss of one's wife early in the book, this is a seriously feel good book- family, recovery from loss, parenting, romance, friendship- everything one needs in a nice, easy weekend read. Even as an American, I can hear the characters talking in my head in their accents (thank you British pop culture for expanding my brains idea of accents!). I read this mostly over the better part of 2 days and Im glad I did. Great book. Anyone would enjoy it.

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Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book, for an honest review.

When Nick loses his wife, he tries to manage his new life with his child, his family, his in-laws, and also by trying to understand how ultimately he can learn to be happy again.
This book is a very rewarding look at how family can learn how to be happy again, and how life can go on after death occurs. While the book did come together at the end, it was a very heartwarming story and was a great read.

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I received The Light In The Hallway , free, from. Eat Gallery in exchange for an honest review.
This is the story of a man whose life changes in an instant.
Nicks wife, Kerry, falls ill, and that knocks him for a loop
He has always taken for granted how happy his life was.
Now, he has to fend for himself.
Take care of his family and do all the things his wife did.
Can Nick and his soon make a new life after his tragedy.
A very touching book.

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I have just finished reading this book. I 'quite' enjoyed it but there were several things that made it unsatisfactory for me.

Enjoyment: the subject matter was interesting. A man is grieving for his wife who has died very young after a year of illness. Their son is just about to go to university and suddenly the man, Nick, has to negotiate emotional turbulence that he is not comfortable with. Fathers and their relationships with their sons is always interesting and when you add in a bereavement this promised to be an interesting book. The sub-plot is how it feels to belong to a working class community which gives both security and at times creates division and betrayal.

Dissatisfaction: I found the storyline a bit cliched. Nick the father is hopeless at cooking, at talking, at dealing with emotions. Ollie the son is angry and sad and not able to understand 'grown-up' needs. But the worst thing for me was that the narrator was too strong a voice. She/he spoke with a strong accent and a big personality. I found it intrusive. The narrator is so often barely audible yet here she/he is present and opinionated and yet not acknowledged.

I agreed with those who found it uncomfortable to witness Nick forming a new romantic attachment before a year had passed. Did he need someone to wash his smalls or what? Or just a cuddle on the sofa because he isn't able to really get intimate with anyone who isn't his partner? He has good friends and a very understanding mother but he seems unable to do more than try hard with 'those difficult conversations' and probably eventually will slip back into his old ways of non-communication. Perhaps he needs to ask himself why his ex wife developed a shopping habit and was so often seen with the butcher at the bus-stop.

Readable but in the end slightly annoying

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Prowse has an almost unique talent for lifting stories of ordinary lives and showing the extraordinary that lies within all of us. The fears, the tragedies and the bravery that inhabits all our lives are laid bare in her books. This story of grief and the progress we are compelled to make to survive it is told with honesty and sympathy so that we end up willing these characters to take the right path. I read every book she writes and this is one of her best.

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The Light in the Hallway, Amanda Prowse

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: Women's fiction, General Fiction (adult)

Gah, I hate Women's Fiction as a genre heading, so outdated. Men and women can read the same books....its 2019, not 1919.

Anyway, that's just my personal gripe so...the book. Wonderful. One more Amanda delivers a story that's thought provoking, gripping, realistic and with gentle touches of humour when parts get too dark.
Nick, oh poor Nick. I've been there, had those days when you look around at the empty house and wonder “is it really worth carrying on? What's the point of it without your love beside you?” Yet he finds the strength to continue, mostly for his beloved son Oliver, who's also struggling, not just from having lost his mum to cancer, but with his first few weeks at university.
Nick talks to Kerry in his mind, seeking her advice, and I still do that with my husband nearly four years later. He pretends she's just in another room, and that's so real, I know I did that too, taking comfort from the fact that maybe, just maybe, they really could be there. Even now some nights I reach out in bed and pretend my arm is resting on his body. Logic tells you they aren't there of course, but comfort lets you believe the lie for a bit longer.

Its seems like it would be a heavy, sad story but its not. As in real life things happen that tug at the heartstrings whilst making you smile. The three boys, Nick, Eric and Alex and of course Half Bike. That's was such fun to read even while I shared their struggles. The story veers between Nick, Eric and Alex now and as young lads, when everything can be an adventure. I adored Eric, as a lad and a man. He had such a wonderful sense of humour, his constantly calling the others female names “ You OK Shirley?” stuff like that, he managed to make me smile even when I veered on tears.

Its not just a snippet of time, a vignette of life story, but one where the characters go through the tragedy of Kerry's death, and try to move forward. Such is the way of life that it moves on whether we are ready or not, so we see Olly's struggles at uni in his first days, Nick's return to work, trying to pick up his life, and of course his sister in law who's determined no-one will replace her sister.
Nick going to the shop the day after her death to be told by his mum he couldn't, it Wasn't Done. He's so right when he says its like wading through a minefield of unwritten rules, never knowing when you're about to break one. When he's talking about it only being x months since Kerry died, and yet for him he'd been grieving ever since they knew she wasn't going to recover, more than a year ealier. That's so true, that last year they went through she was alive, but not really living, and I can see how Nick's grieving started much earlier than people would suppose.

Slowly Nick starts to pick up his life and move forward, helped by his childhood friends, mostly the wonderful Eric. I adore that man, he made me laugh so many times with his phrases, and also made me tearful at what happened to him as a young lad.
Amanda really can write characters well, both as adults and as kids. I really believed in those boys, was there alongside them shouting sh it-sticks on the camping trips, searching for bits for the bike, heartbroken at the idea of Eric moving away. I keep thinking of little bits that made me laugh, other than Eric's wonderful name calling, and one that just sprung in my mind was the baby, when the boys wonder how long are women pregnant. “ They take at least a year to bake” says Eric knowledgeably, shocking Nick and Alex. I could just imagine the three of them mulling over the weird ways of adults.

Its a wonderful story, and one I really enjoyed once more. Amanda delivers the kind of story I love to read, real people, real scenes, stories that I can easily imagine happening, and of course always with an ending that neatly wraps things up. This time she really did bring things full circle, showing a path of happiness for these characters that had been through so much.

Stars: Five, another wonderful read. full of heartbreak and happiness, tears and triumphs.

Arc via Netgalley and publishers

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The Light in the Hallway begins by giving the reader a glimpse of ten year old Nick and his two best friends, Alex and Eric, before returning to the present where Nick’s wife, Kerry, is terminally ill. He is trying to persuade their son, Oliver, to go to the hospice with him for what would be the last time. Oliver, understandably, is finding difficulty in coping with the thought that his mother would never be coming home and refuses to go. If he doesn’t witness his mother’s death then he can still imagine she’s around.

Nick and Kerry were childhood sweethearts and circumstances meant that Nick’s plans changed. His dreams, and his father’s for him, were shelved. Although Nick and Kerry loved each other and built a solid marriage, it wasn’t always plain sailing. Now Nick has to be strong for Olly, despite his own heartbreak and pain, and he’s unsure how to handle a teenage boy in denial. Oliver’s A-level results were the catalyst that flung him into the reality he’d fought against facing.

Amanda Prowse is adept at understanding and articulating the spectrum of human emotions, writing with sensitivity and empathy. In this story she lays bare the feelings of loss and learning to deal with the grief felt by the people Kerry has left behind. Everyone copes in their own way, sometimes placatingly, sometimes acerbically, generally supportively as everyone navigates their own personal and life changing journey. Living in a small village with a close community made everything more stressful for Nick, as everyone knew his business and some people didn’t hesitate to offer opinions.

The characters are multi dimensional and believable. The lovely and somewhat complicated relationship between Nick and typical teenager, Olly is perfectly drawn and true to life. Nick’s relationship with his parents, and his two best friends, shown through flashbacks covering one particular summer, gives an insight into his character and what made him the man he became.

I enjoyed the fact that the story is told from the male point of view, showing the struggles and differences of opinion encountered while trying to move on and build some sort of life when a partner dies. The recurring themes include the importance of friendships, family and having hope for the future however bleak things might look in the present. I love how the title resonates throughout the storyline.

The Light in the Hallway is beautifully written, with humorous moments to offset the sadder ones, and showing that life, more often than not, doesn’t turn out as expected. There are forks in the road, hills and sometimes mountains to climb and lessons to learn. Another winner from Amanda Prowse.

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I love this authors books and this did not disappoint I really enjoyed this I read it in one sitting Thankyou to the author and netgalley for the arc I couldn’t recommend it enough!

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THE LIGHT IN THE HALLWAY by Amanda Prowse

Amanda Prowse writes books that take your heart on a journey. This was a very sad story of love and loss. When Nick’s wife dies he has to figure out a way to make a life for him and their son Oliver. Oliver is 18 and getting ready to leave for university. That means Nick will be alone and he doesn’t know if he can do alone. Kerry was his wife since they were 17 years old.

Nick has a lot on his plate with in-laws, friends, a job, a son who is leaving and a special someone that may help him over this hurdle in life. Though to me four and a half months is not enough time for grieving this story is not about my life. It’s about Nick’s and his wife was sick for a long time. Can he possibly find love and happiness with someone else. Can Oliver accept another woman so soon after the loss of his mother? Oliver is a great kid and makes his dad very proud. He doesn’t want to accept Beverly at first and tends to run to his Auntie Di way to much but he’s pretty level headed so things may work out ok.

I have read a few of this author’s books and truly loved them so much. While this one was by far not my favorite it was very good. It has all the feels in it, laughter, tears, heartache, but it was a bit long to me. In some places I found myself wanting it to move on already. But overall it truly is a good story. It was well written. The characters were likable and the two storylines were great. One being Nick as a kid and the other Nick as a grown up. The things he went through during 1992 then jumping to after he is grown and what he goes through losing his wife. It was done beautifully. I enjoyed reading the antics of the young boys and what all they did and went through. The true friendships that led them into adulthood. Nick is very likable and so are his friends and family.

I have to thank #NetGalley, #AmandaProwse for this book. This is my own review.

I gave it 4 stars and recommend it to all. Be prepared for a very good read.

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EXCERPT: 'Mum! Dad! I did it! I did it!' the boy called from the hallway. 'I got three...'

And then a bang as something hit the floor.

And then silence.

Nick had heard the words loud and clear, so naturally, so comfortably, called that it took a second or two for the universe to catch up. He looked towards the door, expecting his son to walk in. After a couple of seconds, he stood and went to investigate the silence. He put his head around the door and knew that he would never forget the sight that greeted him.

Oliver was sitting on the welcome mat, coiled into a ball like a small child with his chin on his chest and his knees raised. His arms were clamped around his shins and his whole body shook.

Nick sank down to join him on the floor and that was where they st on the bristly Welcome mat that felt anything but. Oliver raised his head and the sight of his distress caused Nick's own tears to pool.

'She's not here, Dad! She's not here, is she?'

'No, son. She's not here,' he managed through his own distress, hating to extinguish the faint look of hope in his son's eyes.

'Oh nooooooo! No!' Oliver's wail was loud, deep and drawn from deep within, he banged the floor with his hand. 'I wanted to say goodbye to her! I wanted to ... to tell her things and I wanted to say goodbye!' He sobbed noisily. 'I didn't want her to leave me, Dad! I want her here. I want her here with us! And now she's gone and I didn't have the chance to tell her...'

ABOUT THIS BOOK: When Nick’s wife Kerry falls ill and dies, he realises for the first time how fragile his happiness has always been, and how much he’s been taking his good life and wonderful family for granted. Now, he suddenly finds himself navigating parenthood alone, unsure how to deal with his own grief, let alone that of his teenage son, Olly.

In the depths of his heartbreak, Nick must find a way to navigate life that pleases his son, his in-laws, his family and his friends—while honouring what Kerry meant to them all. But when it comes to his own emotions, Nick doesn’t know where to begin. Kerry was his childhood sweetheart—but was she really the only one who could ever make him happy?

And in the aftermath of tragedy, can Nick and his son find themselves again?

MY THOUGHTS: I liked this book, sad though it was. I really liked it, but didn't love it as I have previous books by this same author, but I will get to the whys of that in a moment.

I liked that Kerry and Nick's marriage wasn't perfect. I liked that both were very normal people who had struggled, fallen, and got back up again to get on with things. I like the way the author deals with the emotions of the characters; she always manages to wring a few tears out of me, and The Light in the Hallway was no exception.

The situations that Prowse describes are so very real - they happen all over the world, every day. They happen to people like me, and you, and to our friends. Prowse reminds us, and this is a direct quote from her book, that 'life is a gift and we have to live it as best we can......we owe it to everyone who no longer has a life.' I loved that sentiment. We all know it, but we sometimes lose sight of it. We judge others for not living up to our expectations of how they should live their lives, how they should feel and act, when we are not in their shoes and have no right to judge them.

And I did love the reference to the title in the book. That was lovely.

So, on to what I didn't like - the ending. It was too 'tidy', too saccharine for my taste, with everything neatly tied up with a bow like a brightly wrapped gift under a Christmas tree. It was all very nice, but just didn't feel very realistic. I can say no more without giving away vital information, so that is the end of that.

****

#TheLightInTheHallway #NetGalley

THE AUTHOR: Amanda Prowse was a management consultant for ten years before realising that she was born to write. Amanda lives in the West Country with her husband and their two teenage sons.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Amazon Publishing UK for providing a digital ARC of The Light In The hallway by Amanda Prowse for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own opinions.

For an explanation of my rating system, please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page, or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com

This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon and my webpage

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Thank you Netgalley for the arc for my honest review
Make sure that you have tissues when you are reading this book. It is a really beautiful and moving story. That will make you smile and make you cry. But it’s really lovely. This was my first Amanda Prowse book, but it certainly won't be my last! This novel explores love, loss, and life after in a very realistic way. Truly loved this book. Love love loved it.

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I really don't have the talent to explain how wonderful The Light in the Hallway is. Amanda Prowse has put together a wonderful story of family, love, grief, lifelong friendships and moving on.

The primary characters, Nick and his son Oliver, are wonderful as are Nick's childhood friends that are still in his life. The backstory about Nick and his friends building Half Bike was just as fantastic as the current day story.

There is so much love in this book that I found myself tearing up multiple times. Oliver's struggle after losing his mom as he finds his way in life was particularly touching.

This is just a book that has to be read - it's far too difficult to explain just how deeply touched I was by The Light in the Hallway. Do yourself a favor and pick it up today.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for permitting me an ARC when I requested it. All thoughts in this review are mine and happily given.

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Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review an advanced copy of this novel. This book was so beautifully written. Prowse’s astounding character development made this a true page turner. I love that this story is so true to life and reflects the ebb and flow of love but commitment is constant.

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Set in the north of England, I could relate to the adventures of the three boysas youngsters and the way the ffriendships had survived to adulthood. I did think Nick's new romance seemed contrived but thought Ollie's reaction to his dad's independence was confused but realistic. Did enjoy the book.

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The Light in the Hallway by Amanda Prowse was Just beautifully written throughout and one thing I will say "You will need tissues!" Once I started to read Amanda's new book, I knew I had to turn off my phone, shut the door to my reading room and become apart of The light in the Hallway. Amanda always captures human emotions of life, love and loss is a way, that you become apart of this story. You can relate to parts of it throughout your life.
This always makes her books special and I highly recommend them.

But Don't forget your tissues as you will need them. A beautiful touching story that gets 5 stars.

Big Thanks to Amanda Prowse and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book.
All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway

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The Light In The Hallway by Amanda Prowse tells the story of how a family rebuilds itself after the death of a loved one. "Grief is not a linear journey" is what I got from the book. The Journey in question is that of the widower, Nick Bairstow, who whilst trying to come to terms with losing his wife has the added burden of dealing with his teenage taciturn son and his inlaws. He is torn between being pragmatic and being dogmatic. The writer's use of analepsis, rather than being tedious is a welcome tool to effectively explain Nick's dilemma. The book takes the reader on an emotional journey and leaves you wondering if you are equipped for the curveballs that life throws your way. This will make a good selection for a book club as there are lots of topics to discuss.

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Nick is trying to come to terms with the death of his beloved wife Kerry as well as looking after their teenage son Ollie and helping him deal with the loss of his mum. I loved Nick from the beginning, he has a beautiful soul and is trying his best to get through the situation the best he can. He pulled at my heartstrings that's for sure. Amanda's stories are real life, people all over the world are in this position every single day. This story is beautifully written, told from the heart and I felt I was on Nick and Ollie's journey with them, every step of the way. Highly recommend you read this book.

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Beautiful, powerful, feel good read! Friendship, love, heartbreak and loss, rediscovery and redirection, hope, love, and friendship again. Well written with good character development. As a widow myself, I really appreciated the realistic account and perspective of the widower in this story. I loved this book :)

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Another excellent story from this amazing author. It covers every emotion possible and a book I would recommend to anyone who loves family stories. Loved it !!

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From the refreshing point of view of a male perspective to the enigmatic way this book pulled me under it's spell I was transfixed. As I've come to expect from an Amanda Prowse story, the writing was exceptionally well thought out and moving beyond belief. The dual timeliness weaved a beautiful story together to produce a tale of love, loss, family and friendship.

Amanda has a profound way of making characters come alive off the pages to create a poignant and sincere look at life. The narrative was an emotive roller-coaster that had me reaching for a tissue or two and I was caught up with each and every moment of Nick's story.

The book touches on many topics that will tug at the heartstrings and resonate with many a painful memory for each and everyone of us. Grief is one of the hardest roads to travel along and we all deal with the bleak and unspoken moments in our own way. This story touches upon those tough times, trying navigate a way out of the storm, which spoke to me on many levels and I found I couldn't put it down, even for a moment.

The Light in the Hallway is a work of beauty. From the emotional pull to the poignant words that lit up the pages I was in awe. Well done Amanda on yet another truly special story.

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There seems to be no topic that Amanda Prowse will not challenge head on. The Light in the Hallway is the story of Nick and his son Olly, both trying to navigate their lives after the tragic death of wife and mother, Kerry. Nick has watched the love of his life fade away for many months and now he has to pick his life up again and start over. But Nick lives in a small village where everyone knows everyone else’s business, everyone grew up together and pretty much everyone works for Sidley’s factory supplying lighting. If that weren’t suffocating enough, Kerry’s sister is none to happy with Nick moving on with his life as he becomes attached to another woman. Thrown in with all the drama is Ollie learning to live without his mum , whilst managing life away at university. Alongside the tragedy are the lovely snippets of Nick’s happiest time, the summer he built a bicycle with his closest mates, Eric and Alex. These chapters lighten the mood just at the point where you most need to smile and not cry.
Once again an emotional roller coaster of a novel that had me hooked from page one and left me eager for the next novel by this amazing writer.

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The Light in the Hallway is the fabulous new book from Amana Prowse. Nick looses his wife of eighteen years to cancer, and is left trying to understand his own grief and helping his eighteen year old son deal with his. At only thirty six, Nick has his whole life ahead of him but finds the grief process difficult to navigate especially when family have expectations of how he should feel and act. Nick wonders if he and his son Olly can ever find happiness again. This emotional read looks at how grief effects people in different ways and ultimately that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

What I enjoy about reading Amanda Prowse’s books is that she has to the skill to get into the human psyche and really understand human emotions. Grief is something we all have to deal with at some point in our life, and through Nick, Olly and their families we see the many ways people deal with it and how it can actually be divisive rather than bringing people together. Through her beautiful and empathetic prose Amanda catches the raw emotions of grief, the different emotions experienced as you work through it, and ultimately the hope that is at the end of the journey.

As a character I had huge sympathy for Nick. His wife was only in her early thirties when she died, and he now finds himself on his own with his son. Not only is he dealing the loss of his wife but his son is leaving home to start university. Nick and Kate married and had Olly at eighteen so Nick has never been on his own before. The title The Light in the Hallway refers to the light that was always on in his home when he came home from work to his family, now he just has Treacle the dog. This light is no longer there and the dark cold house represents his feelings of loss. As well as this present day plot line there is the story of Nick, and his best friends Eric and Alex when they were children and spent the summer building a bike for them to ride. This shows the juxtaposition of a carefree childhood, the freedom to enjoy life with no worries, against the present where Nick and Eric are making difficult life choices.

The Light in the Hallway is a beautiful and emotional read. Amanda Prowse is a master at this genre in her ability to understand people and emotions and bring them off the page and into the readers heart. A heartfelt read, about life, loss, love, family and hope that will make you laugh and cry in equal measure. Another brilliant book from Amanda!!

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I wasn’t sure initially about this book and it took me a while to engage but once I did and the story developed I found it very moving. A lovely tale of grief, loss, friendship, love and family.

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Although it took me a couple of chapters to settle into the book. author Amanda Prowse skillfully weaves us between years in an effort to help the reader understand how Nick’s present-day life is built from his past. The book begins in 1992 with young Nick and his friends wanting a bicycle. It moves from there to present day, where Nick and his son, Oliver, are facing the loss of their wife and mother, Kerry.

Emotions run raw as the two adjust to her death. Nick feels like he has to walk on tiptoe to keep from upsetting Olly and Kerry’s family. How long should he wait before he shows interest in another woman? What does he need to do in order to be a good father to Olly? How will he adjust to fully being on his own when Olly goes away to university?

I love the friendship Nick has built with his childhood buddies. It is good to see their relationship strengthen as they grow older. Oliver develops into a mature young adult.

This is a story about love and the bonds of true friendship.

I received an Advance Reader’s Copy from NetGalley. Any opinion here is entirely my own.

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A moving, sweet story of one man finding happiness again.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

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A heartbreaking read but so brilliantly written that it wasn't at all sad. When I started reading it I did wonder if I would cope with it as I've been through a similar experience of losing a spouse and having to bring up teenage children on my own. However this was written so sensitively with humour, empathy for Nick in his current life time after the death of his wife and an interesting and relevant backstory about his friendships in childhood.

I loved the story and couldn't put it down. Thank you Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

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The Light in the Hallway
by Amanda Prowse
Pub Date 11 Nov 2019
343 pages
3⭐⭐⭐
Description:
When Nick’s wife Kerry falls ill and dies, he realises for the first time how fragile his happiness has always been, and how much he’s been taking his good life and wonderful family for granted. Now, he suddenly finds himself navigating parenthood alone, unsure how to deal with his own grief, let alone that of his teenage son, Olly.In the depths of his heartbreak, Nick must find a way to navigate life that pleases his son, his in-laws, his family and his friends—while honouring what Kerry meant to them all. But when it comes to his own emotions, Nick doesn’t know where to begin. Kerry was his childhood sweetheart—but was she really the only one who could ever make him happy?And in the aftermath of tragedy, can Nick and his son find themselves again?
⭐My Review⭐
The story moved and quite a slow pace and at times failed to keep my interest. It took me a very long time to get into it. The characters are all well written and very well developed. However to me they were not all that likeable. The story flips back and forth between two different timelines,1992 and present day ,with the story beginning in 1992 with three teenage boys, Nick, Eric, and Alex. Then we move to the present where Nick’s wife Kerry, is dying of cancer. Even though the story is very sad it did have a happy ending. I felt that Nick moved on far to fast and that the ending was tied up a little too neat. All in all this just was not a very good book to me. However I do want to read some of this authors other books. Many thanks to the Publisher , the Author , and NetGalley for a ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own.
♥️ About the Author ♥️
Amanda Prowse likens her own life story to those she writes about in her books. After self-publishing her debut novel, Poppy Day, in 2011, she has gone on to author twenty-two novels and six novellas. Her books have been translated into a dozen languages and she regularly tops bestseller charts all over the world. Remaining true to her ethos, Amanda writes stories of ordinary women and their families who find their strength, courage and love tested in ways they never imagined. The most prolific female contemporary fiction writer in the UK, with a legion of loyal readers, she goes from strength to strength. Being crowned ‘queen of domestic drama’ by the Daily Mail was one of her finest moments. Amanda is a regular contributor on TV and radio but her first love is, and will always be, writing.
#TheLightInTheHallway #NetGalley
The Light in the Hallway

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I refused to go to bed last night until I finished this book. So tired, but so worth it!!

Amanda is brilliant at making her stories believable. This one is a very sensitive subject that many can relate to. The loss of a wife, mother, sister and daughter. By the end of chapter one, I had been reduced me to tears not once, but twice. Amanda writes beautifully and really know how to pull on her readers heart strings.

The story focuses on Nick and the aftermath of his wifes death. Given the summary, the book sounds very emotional, which it is. But I also found it wonderfully uplifting. Whilst Nick struggles to cope with his in-laws, being a singoe parent to Ollie, his job and the fact that his wife is gone, he tries to accept what has happened and move forward which was great to see. I was really rooting for him at times.

The book alternates between the present and the year 1992 when Nick was just a boy. The story from the past was such a sweet one. It tells us about a project Nicks dad gave him and his two best friends to get them through the summer holiday. Jump forward to now and they are still best friends which was lovely!

This is a beautiful story about love, loss and family. A very easy five stars from me!

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Amanda Prowse takes you on an emotional journey of healing and letting go. Book deals with the lost of a spouse, wife, and sister. Book starts out with Nick having just lost his wife Kerry after a long battle with an illness. His life must still move forward so he can make sure his son Oliver's life stays on track. During all of this your taken back to the summer of 1992 and the lessons of the half bike. Journey of a lifetime friendships forged with a multitool and building of a bike. Friend's that later help Nick and Oliver heal and move on with their's lives. Can Nick find new love after the lost of his wife? Does Oliver learn that a new women in his dad's life doesn't have to replace his mom. There room enough to allow more love into their world.

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Once again our Amanda has reduced me to tears on the Tube.

This is the story of Nick who is trying to find his feet after his wife dies and his son moves away to uni. But when you live in a small village, your business is never just your own and Nick feels that there are rules to being a widower, if only he knew what they were, he could begin to start living again.

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A Light in the Hallway by Amanda Prowse is a heartfelt novel which explores love and loss...and how deeply it affects a family.

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I have loved every book I have read by Amanda Prowse. She writes with so much passion that I can't help becoming a part of her stories. She is my go-to author when it comes to contemporary fiction, family drama, and emotion portrayal. When I saw that this wonderful author had written 'The Light in the Hallway' I just had to read her book. Wow, she did not disappoint!

At the beginning of this book, the reader is told Kerry is dying. Left behind are her mother, sister, husband, and son. Her husband, Nick Bairstow, is strong, but in pain. Son, Ollie, is unable to show his emotions, at first. Nick is trying to carry on with life and be supportive to Oliver who goes away to Birmingham University, but Ollie is also struggling to come to terms with losing his mother and feels like his dad is trying to move on too soon. Within a day, Ollie wants to come back home. Nick goes there to get him, only to find things are not what he expected. A year goes by over the course of the story... during which time the reader is privy to understanding the profound loss Kerry's death has had on her family.

Set in the small town of Burstonbridge, North Yorkshire and told through chapters from the momentous summer of 1992 and now, Nick's life is portrayed as a teenager with his friends... going through first love, becoming men, building friendships... each chapter revealing who he is today. Nick and Kerry were childhood sweethearts and at just 35 when she dies, his life is far from over... but how does his family react when he begins to date Bev?

This was another brilliant novel that I could relate to and it was also deeply moving. I felt great empathy for the characters, especially Nick. It was a beautifully written story about how fragile happiness can be and starting over when you've lost the only love you’ve ever known.

The story-line was gripping and the characters were extremely credible, likeable and so well-drawn by Amanda Prowse. 'The Light in the Hallway' certainly ranks very highly with me and I recommend it to fans and new readers alike. I know that books like this one make my reading days quite perfect.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Amazon Publishing UK via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.

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This book tells the story of how the protagonist, Nick, goes through losing his wife and childhood sweetheart, and how life goes on for him and his son.

The story goes back and forth between present day and Nick dealing with his grief and new life, and Nick as a child with two of his friends building a bike together. I don't think I ever really figured out the connection between the two. It was all kind of muddled and odd. I think the story could have easily just focused on the present and it would have made more sense.

The characters were fine, but I didn't connect to any of them in particular. I liked that flawed relationships and people were shown, because that made it more realistic, but there was really nothing about this story that grabbed me and made me love it.

All in all, it was just another fiction book. I didn't love it, I didn't hate it. I don't think I would recommend it to a friend, but it's not awful. It's just kind of there.

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This book begins with Nick saying goodbye to his wife Kerry who is dying.
Once Kerry passes Nick has to learn how to cope with his own grief and also help those close to him including his teenage son Olly . This book will have you reaching for the tissues.
Thanks NetGalley

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Wow! What an amazingly moving book, full of love, tears, laughter and every other emotion. And it is all so real and legitimate in the story that you can believe this as being true! A must read but have the tissues ready for parts.

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The Light in the Hallway is my first novel by Amanda Prowse. This novel explores love, loss, and life after in a extremely realistic way. Ms. Prowse captures many raw human emotions and has such a way with words. She writes from the heart and was so spot on regarding the feelings of grief that you would wonder how she was able to be so accurate. It was really terrific to have the story written from a male perspective. The highs and lows and internal struggles were real. This is a very touching story. It also leaves you feeling hopeful that there can be life after loss.

I will say that I will be looking for the author’s other novels. I would like to thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Another bestseller from Amanda as we expect, a brilliant story about life and where it takes you. These stories are always written with such feeling that you can almost feel the pain they are going through. A nice book to read over Christmas as everything turns out ok.

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I usually really enjoy Amanda Prowse’s stories but I struggled with this one. The characters were interesting but I got bored early on and struggled to finish this.

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I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Nick marries young and loses his wife to cancer just as their son is leaving for college. Both he and his son have to find their footings and move forward.

Sad but hopeful novel.

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Disappointing.

After losing his wife to a long drawn out illness, Nick Bairstow is left to pick up the pieces. He lives in a small town where tongues love to wag and works for the town’s primary industry. Nick has made sacrifices in his life and he feels stuck in the life choices he has made. When the chance for happiness presents itself, he is conflicted.

Nick comes off as weak and ineffectual. He is a rather naïve character who doesn’t have a strong sense of himself. The story moves back and forth in time from present day to the time when Nick is a ten-year old boy. There are connections made to the present each time the story moves back in time however I didn’t get the sense this was necessary.

This is your average romance novel. There is nothing standout. In the past I have read a Prowse novel I didn’t at all care for and one that I liked. Though I wouldn’t say this is her worst novel to date, it’s average at best. If this is your thing, give it a read but my recommendation is to skip it.

BRB Rating: Skip It.

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An amazing story of grief, guilt and new beginnings - didn’t want it to end. The Bairstow boys shine through and grow on every page

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Emotional, real and different. A great read but a little frustrating at times. The Light in the Hallway takes us through what happens when a family experiences the ultimate heartbreak. From the first page I knew this book would be emotional. I cried reading the first chapter or two. I don't remember where this book took place but some of the terminology seemed old fashioned and I repeatedly had to remind myself that the main character, Nick, is my age. The things he said and the way he acted made him seem older than me. There are flashbacks throughout the story of Nick's childhood are sometimes funny but I didn't always love them. I felt like more of Nick's current story could have been added instead. I've read Amanda Prowse books before and have enjoyed them enough to read this one and future stories.

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My first time reading Amanda Prowse and I found her writing to be emotional and heartwarming and I am looking forward to reading her other novels.

It certainly was a roller coaster of emotions throughout the story and I particularly enjoyed the story being told in the present with flashbacks to the past which enabled us to get a deeper understanding of the characters. Her characters are well written and very relatable.

I definitely wasn’t prepared for how emotional it was and was brought to tears numerous times throughout the story both happy and sad.

I absolutely adored this heartwarming, emotional and hopeful story. Even days after finishing it I can’t stop thinking about it.

I want to thank Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for providing me with this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Such a good story. I loved every minute of it. Grieving takes many forms and this book chronicles ones father's journey.

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When Nick’s wife Kerry falls ill and dies, he realises for the first time how fragile his happiness has always been, and how much he’s been taking his good life and wonderful family for granted. Now, he suddenly finds himself navigating parenthood alone, unsure how to deal with his own grief, let alone that of his teenage son, Olly. In the depths of his heartbreak, Nick must find a way to navigate life that pleases his son, his in-laws, his family and his friends—while honouring what Kerry meant to them all. But when it comes to his own emotions, Nick doesn’t know where to begin. Kerry was his childhood sweetheart—but was she really the only one who could ever make him happy? In the aftermath of tragedy, can Nick and his son find themselves again?

This book really does focus on love and death. We start with the death of Kerry and then follow Nick as he tries to navigate his way through life without her, handle his son Oliver and cope with the looks judgement that comes from living in a small place. The love comes in abundance, between all the characters and the reader to the book, I fell in love with this read and thoroughly enjoyed this family centred read.

Throughout this, Nick is trying to continue living his life, as a result Prowse has the characters do things that you may not agree with, I found myself disagreeing with a lot of the actions, especially at the beginning, but that is the point of this read. It got me thinking about how to behave, particularly after death, and makes you consider all the different possibilities, Prowse's characters all behave and react differently and it is this that makes the book.

A read such as this feeds off wonderful, loving characters so it is a good job Prowse has created such a cast. They all have their quirks, you will like some more than others as is only right, but at the end of the day they all have their hearts in the right place and getting to know them only enhanced my reading.

'The Light in the Hallway' is a very emotive and at times, desperately sad read. However there is a lot of love in this and the right balance of laughter. Amongst all this, you will find the hope and possibly, the light in the hallway.

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an advance copy.

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Loved, loved, loved this novel. From tears to smiles this one runs the gamut of emotions with each one tugging on your heartstrings. Loved the flashback chapters that added so much depth to the main characters-especially Nick. Eric, Olly, and Bev were such likable characters. I felt like I was right there with them and found myself talking to them on more than one occasion. This is definitely a feel good novel with a heartbreaking beginning and heartwarming ending. Don’t miss out on this one. Many thanks to Amanda Prowse and NetGalley for affording me the delightful opportunity to read this one.

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This book shows the connection that Amanda Prowse has with family emotions at difficult times in their lives. Nick , the father, and his son Oliver must deal with the loss of the main woman in their life...both wife and mother. While Nick has his own grappling to do, he tries very hard to help his son deal with the loss of his mother. However, Oliver has never been able to deal with his mother’s illness let alone her death, and has some guilt built into his grief. The descriptions of the relationship between Oliver and Nick were spot on with two different types of grief trying to deal and continue on. As the two work through this with both the help and the hindrance of friends and family...we see them both grow in understanding (altho there are times that either one could use a knock on the head). Both main and peripheral characters were well defined, making for a very good story about loss, grief, compassion and most of all love. I received an ARC of this book in return for an honest review, which this has been. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review this wonderful book. #TheLightInTheHallway. #LakeUnionPublishing. #NetGalley

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The Light in the Hallway by Amanda Prowse is a sad yet powerful read. I found myself lured deep into this book. Losing a long-time loved one and coming to terms with the emptiness they left behind is huge. A husband and his son lost a special woman in their lives. Grief, loss, anger, and finding their way back to living is hard. Nick must find a way to pull himself out of the darkness and into the light. Not just for his sake but for his son's as well.

I cried so much. This novel was heart breaking and sweet at the same time. The characters go through a difficult loss. Their grief became my own. The father loved his son, Oliver in such a way he didn't know how to reconnect with him. It took time and another character to help both father and son see a new light. Healing was another theme in this book. The amount of time and effort for both father and son to heal was realistic. It was so easy to believe. I enjoyed reading this book.

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Another amazing book by Amanda Prowse as she leads us through the highs and lows after a death of a spouse. While it definitely was a tear jerker, there was so much more to it than that.

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I love Amanda Prowse’s books and I thoroughly enjoyed this one, she writes in a very realistic way that tugs on your heart strings and is very relatable. I always look forward to reading her books and I look forward to her next one. They are most definitely feel good books, just what is needed on a cold winters day.

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This was such a wonderful book. There was some sadness, but, oh so much joy and happiness. The relationship between father and son - both generations - was so touching. There is such a gentleness throughout the story. That's why it's taken me so long to write a review. I savored every word, then went and read it again just for the chance to be sure I hadn't missed anything. (I hadn't. but didn't regret relishing this story all over again.) Highly recommend.

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I have no words! This is a heartbreaking tale of widower Nick who is lost without his wife and his journey of getting by without her.

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A very moving story of how life moves on after a terrible loss. When someone you love dies, the loss can leave you feeling alone and unable to move through the pain. Amanda Prowse has done an excellent job of letting the readers feel this family's grief while they try to live the rest of their lives without the anchor provided by their wife and mother. You will definitely be sniffling by the time the book ends.

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Thank you so much NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

This is my first Amanda Prowse and I can't wait to read her other books.

This was a fantastic family drama and I found myself engrossed in it to the point where I couldn't put it down!

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How do you go on with life when you lose the one thing you have loved more than life itself?

I was an emotional wreck reading this - the ups and downs are tiring and so worth it.

Amanda Prowse is such a wonderful writer and I love her work.
It is such a treat to read anything from her.

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In The Light in the Hallway, Amanda Prowse introduces a 35-year old widower Nick Bairstow. His wife Kerry has recently died and Bairstow is floundering with finding a way of life where his first love and young wife is not making dinner or parenting their son Oliver, about to go to university. There is no light on in the hallway, no life in Nick or in his home until other possibilities emerge in unexpected and wonderful ways -- Nick grows up, says what he means to say, and takes risks that he never dreamed to find himself doing, hearkening back to the best summer of his life when he was 10 and he and his best friends built a bike from scratch, explored the world, and had each other's backs when the unthinkable hit them square in the face. The characters are vivid, the events twisty and interesting -- and I loved the way Prowse pulled together the two story lines of past boy and present man.

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I love this lady's writing. She writes slice of life stories - raw, ugly, truthful, but beautiful stories. There is no over the top, drama for drama's sake. She just tells it like it is. Life isn't always pretty. It's messy and awkward, but it can be really good too. I know when I crack open an Amanda Prowse book, I'm in for a treat, and this one was no exception.

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The Light in the Hallway by Amanda Prowse is the first book I have read by this author, it will not be my last. Amanda Prowse wrote a wonderful story which drew me right in, making me forget everything else and did not let me go until I turned the last page. Wow what an emotional read. The author really hits on loss, grieving and learning how to live again and she does it with sensitivity. This book is very well written the characters well developed and believable. This is a story that will stay with you for a long time after you are done reading it. Make sure you have Kleenex handy. I am looking forward to reading more of this authors books.

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This was a cute, easy read, but nothing extraordinary. It lacked depth for me, but my biggest issue with it was believing the main character was the age he was (mid-30s), which is also my age. He read like an old man, closer to retirement age than his 20s and I had to keep reminding myself of it. I can appreciate that we are all different, but it really started to irk me over the course of the book.

A good read if you're looking for something light to pass the time and wraps up nicely in the end.

Thanks to Net Galley for the advanced copy for my honest review.

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Love this story! This author has never disappointed me. Nick is at a loss. A love story of Nick and Kerry and after a tragedy can you find his was. Emotional and joy at the same time.

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I always eagerly await anything Amanda Prowse does and this did not disappoint. It took me a bit longer than usual to get engrossed but once i did then I was hooked. It really explores relationships through the grief process and there were lots of twists and turns. lots of sad moments but as always uplifting too.

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You will need a box of tissues with this book, but it was SO GOOD. Such a good cry. The story was beautiful.

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The Light In The Hallway is another triumph for Amanda Prowse. She shares will us characters dealing with unexpected events that life has thrown them. This story seems very real and very likely is to many people. Amanda Prowse made us feel all the feels with this one!

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My mom and I did a buddy-read of this book by Amanda Prowse. I have to admit that it started out slow for me, but it picked up in the second half of the book and I was glad I finished it. When Nick lost his wife and soul-mate to a devastating disease, he was left feeling empty and unsure of how to move on with his life. Different people in his life made sure he knew what the “appropriate“ behavior for a grieving widower is. As Nick struggles to please everyone by behaving the way they think he should, he realizes he has forgotten to care for his own needs. This was a very realistic look at how loss can make people behave in different ways, and how they move on with their lives after the loss of a loved one.

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Despite the inherent sadness of the book I did enjoy this read - it had a lovely soft pace and the story pulled you along. It was vaguely unbelievable, not only sadness and joy but rags to riches felt a little bit too much at times, but overall a good holiday read and I would recommend it.

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A new favourite author alert!!!

I adored this book. I find it funny, although felt there were too many flashbacks. Very touchy and good characters.

Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the eARC copy

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The Light In The Hallway is the story of a man’s grief when he loses his wife to cancer. Not only does Nick have his own feelings to deal with but also the grief of his ‘half man/half boy’ son. Olly is eighteen and on one hand, an independent university student but also a child desperately missing his mum.

Nick finds that there are unwritten rules about how a bereaved person should act. He stumbles along trying to find some sort of normality but realises that his actions are scrutinised by his wife’s relatives, work colleagues, neighbours and to some degree his own son. He has imaginary conversations with his late wife Kerry who urges him to move forward and be happy. However, in a small town where everyone knows each other…it is easier said than done!

I have read many books about the effects of grief but usually looking at the subject from a woman’s perspective, so this book was a refreshing change.
I loved Nick’s honesty towards his marriage and he doesn’t put Kerry on a pedestal. He acknowledges that if he hadn’t married and become a parent so young, his life could have been very different. He is also aware that his wife made mistakes in the marriage which made life hard for both of them.

The story is interspersed with chapters going back to Nick’s childhood and growing up with his two best friends. Life seemed very simple for the three lads who are presented with a Half Bike at the beginning of the school holidays by Nick’s father. He knew that a project like collecting parts and assembling a fully working bike would be a really useful life lesson for the young boys.

There is tremendous warmth, humour, and compassion in this story. I liked Nick but found all of the characters endearing and they each had their own story to tell. This is not just a story about grief but also deep friendship, family loyalty, and new beginnings. I loved Treacle the dog who gave enormous comfort to Nick (even if she did steal the Christmas turkey!)

I highly recommended this book especially if you have recently lost a loved one. It shows that grief affects people differently and the only way forward is to just do your best.

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When Nick Bairstow’s wife, Kerry, passed away, he was truly lost without her. Their 18-year-old son, Oliver, was angry and frightened after losing his mother, and Nick had no idea how to help him reconcile his feelings and still carry on with his dream to attend university. Kerry’s sister Diane is heartbroken and hostile, pitting Olly and Nick against each other, while Nick’s best friend Eric is his rock, supporting him and being by his side whenever needed. The ties that bind friends and family together can often be wrapped too tightly, and Nick must learn how to renegotiate his relationships with everyone now that Kerry is gone.

I enjoyed this story of renewal and hope, with Nick balancing between the idea of starting over and keeping things the same for Olly’s benefit. I liked seeing Nick grow and change into a more confident man, finding a way to honor Kerry’s memory while still forging ahead and facing new opportunities head on. The story alternates between present day and 1992, the summer that Nick, Eric, and Alex spend building Half Bike and playing Petunia in the wading pool. The Light in the Hallway is both reality and metaphor, and serves to underscore Nick’s loss of Kerry and everything she was to him.

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I always enjoy this author, she writes about real people with real feelings that we can all relate to. Excellent characters and very true to life. A heartwarming read with a excellent story to tell

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This book made me both laugh and cry. It made me want to put it down as it provoked strong emotions, but I just couldn’t put it down and I had to keep on reading.
Nick and Kerry fought the battles that came with being teenage parents but the biggest battle they could not win.
Left as a single parent to his son 18-year-old Olly, Nick must adjust to life as it is now. The loss that they have both suffered challenges their relationship and changes it as Olly becomes a man. Olly whilst still dealing with his grief embraces his new life at University meeting his own special person.
We get to follow Nick’s childhood back in 1992 whilst also following the present day. Family relationships are explored, and the true bond of friendships are seen.
These characters are so realistic I found that there were ways I could relate.
In life we follow different paths and never know when we may take a turn that we maybe shouldn’t.
Whilst moving and sad there most definitely was light at the end.
Thankyou to both Amanda Prowse and Net Galley for giving me the opportunity to review this book.

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I didn’t enjoy this book :( I was hoping for me letters and connections from then to now. I felt the grief Rosalyn was going through but didn’t like that most all of her story was about Dash. I did learn about the caves and people being in them during the war and thought that was interesting.

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I enjoyed this page turning book. It was well written. Glad that I read it. Will be checking other books by this author.

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Amanda Prowse is the Queen of emotions. Her words had the power to make me smile with tears falling down my cheeks. Each words grasped my heart in a vise, wrenching my emotions.

Nick and Kerry ajad been love with each other for most of their lives. They had a son Ollie. Very soon, Kerry died. And the father and son had to deal with their loss and apin and find a way to live their lives.

Ms. Prowse is phenomenal, she could make me feel every word of her book. The story had all the emotions packed in its pages. It was about life's choices along with its moments of joy and sorrow. It was wonderful to see father and son forging a new bond, a new reality to their lives.
A beautiful read, indeed.

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Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. To me, a mark of a good story is one that makes you laugh and makes you cry and this certainly hit the mark. Beautifully written with a real human feel. I couldn’t put the book down and enjoyed every minutes reading it.

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This was a realistic look at what happens to someone’s life when they suffer a devastating loss and must move on. Nick and Kerry were childhood sweethearts and have a teen son named Ollie. When Kerry gets cancer, everything goes downhill quickly and Nick has to say goodbye all too soon. He is not ready to let go of Kerry, nor is Nick ready to help Ollie deal with the loss of his mother. The story is a sad, portraying the emotional journey that one takes after loss. Nick and Ollie are trying to find themselves and who they are supposed to be without Kerry. I really liked the flashback at the end of each chapter to 1992, a year when Nick was working with his friends to build a bicycle out of spare parts that they find. The story was slow-paced and not terribly interesting at times, but it did offer a fascinating and well-done character study of the main characters going through some complicated problems like dating, going to college and dealing with in-laws. I knew the ending was coming, with everything all wrapped up a a bow and all issues resolved, but it seemed to come too fast, so it wasn’t very realistic. This book is contemporary fiction and will appeal to fans of modern fiction that tugs on heartstrings.

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Nick is dealing with his wife's illness and had to deal with his young son.
Amanda Prowse shows how to deal with life itself.

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I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel. Being from a small Yorkshire town myself, I could identify with not only the location but the characters. I swear they were plucked straight from my childhood. I especially liked how we got chapters from 1992 and present day. It gives us much more insight into the characters and what they have been through to arrive where they are.

It is impossible not to fall for Nick who has recently lost his wife and is struggling with how to be a dad while also managing his and his son's grief. It is an honest account complete with failings, ie just because someone is suffering grief it doesn't mean they know how to behave or what is expected of them. Nick is coping, the best way he can. It is so much more though than a book about grief, its about friendship, love, tolerance, new beginnings and hope! Hope you like it has much as I did.

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The Light in the Hallway was gifted to me by NetGalley.

Amanda Prowse dives deep into the live of a man and his son after the loss of his wife. Real life relatable topic with relatable characters.

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Wow, Amanda Proswse, has done it again! The Light in the Hallway.. has it all, friendship, marriage, parenthood and moving on. Nick has such amazing ties to his best friends growing up and his wife & son. The author develops both relationships beautifully by going from present to the past. Nick’s wife, Kerry is at the end of her fight with Cancer and Nick has to face his life without his wife and navigate through all the changes. What I loved about this story was that it was so honest, so raw and from the husband’s perspective. Nick had to learn to lean on people, develop new relationships and set a future up for himself. This was a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star read for me and I would recommend this to other readers.
The Light In the Hallway was gifted to me by Netgallery

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I'm normally one of Amanda Prowse's biggest fans, but unfortunately this just didn't hit the mark for me. I struggled to connect to the characters and lacked the compulsion I normally have to read it one sitting, or even long sittings.

Without any real character connection I just didn't really feel their ups and downs.

At times I was engrossed, at others not so much. My favourite parts was the story of the summer when Nick and his friends were about 8, that formed a key part of their childhood. I loved those sections, wished they were longer, as I really loved young Nick, Erik and Alex and their attempts to build Half Bike, with Erik going through such a tough time as a kid.

But those adults, I think its because they have stayed in the same small town all their lives, and I'm from London and travel a lot, I just felt so far removed from their day in day out drudge of life, that the book fell short for me I'm afraid.

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A wonderful book and well written. When a mother and wife passes away everyone’s life is in turmoil. Reading how this father and son pull themselves together even with it’s ups and downs is inspiring, Have never read this author but I’m now looking forward to reading more by her!

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Amanda Prowse always delivers books which make my emotions feel strong: laughter and tears. I feel and am with the characters every step of the way and that is way I love her books. Another great read.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me review this book.

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I read The Art of Hiding by the same author and mostly liked it except for some one dimensional depictions of rich people in the book. Here, again, the story follows the death of a spouse, but this time the husband is the widower who has to move on with his son. The writing is good, so the choice comes down to where you are as a reader. Pick this one up if you're in the mindset for an emotional read. Steer clear if you're looking for escapism.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Another great read from Amanda Prowse! Through the trauma of Nick’s Wife, Kerry passing, he has to work out how to live without her all while supporting his teenage son. There are complications and difficulties along the way but Amanda deals with the subject of grieving and coming to terms with their loss so well. This discusses both Nick’s grief and that of his son but also the interactions from other family members, who aren’t always supportive!

The story is told through Nick’s past and present, there are tears and laughter along the way, but it concludes as a life-affirming and hope-filled book.

A great story that kept me involved from the very first page.

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I have never read a book by this author before, and wow, it was absolutely amazing.

It was an emotional read at times, heart wrenching, made you laugh and cry at the same time. I just loved the characters, the plot, and just all around everything about this book.. I will be finding more books by her and diving into those as well..

Thank you for the chance to read this book..

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Dramatic and heartbreaking look at life after a tragedy, how those who are left behind must figure out how to cope with life now that their loved one has passed.

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This is an interesting book about how Nick and his son Ollie cope after his wife's death from cancer. Nick struggled as a single parent and Ollie also struggled with the thought of his Dad finding a girl friend.
Also had flashbacks to Nick's childhood and his 2 friends he spent time with, in a small village. Highly recommended and thanks to Netgalley for an Arc.

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Another good book by Amanda Prowse. An emotional and heart wrenching story about love and loss. It didn’t have a great deal of content however I liked the main concept of the storyline and enjoyed the characterisation.

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Having lost a spouse at 38 years old, I could completely relate to this story. The is an emotional roller coaster of guilt, fear, sadness, love, loss and how it takes it’s toll on a person. Time is so precious. If you want to read a life lesson story, The Light In The Hallway is as realistic as it gets and depicts life after loss quite accurately. Who decides the grief rules? What’s right and wrong? When has enough time evolved to move on? How can people judge not having ever been in the same circumstance? Loss in the same family can be very different for each family member.

Nick looses his spouse and life rolls on, even when he hopes it won’t. His son Ollie is dealing with his grief in his own way. I loved that Nick was strong enough to move his life forward even when his son and sister in law didn’t agree and laid guilt on him for wanting just a little happiness for a change. I also enjoyed that the author created a marital relationship that was far from perfect, making the story all the more effective. This one is real life folks. Great read

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I enjoyed reading this book. The character development is good as a father and son explore how to relate to each other and extended family after the death of their wife/mother. The questions of what the new normal is, how does life go on, how grief is dealt with, and how long before new love can be considered. Life transitions are navigated with sub themes of sacrificial love, growing up, and community development.
#goodreads

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The Light in the Hallway by Amanda Prowse was a slow read for me, it took a lot longer to finish and seemed to drag at times. I found the book to be beautifully written and had plenty of backstory on all of the characters to give a real sense of knowing them, the story alternated between present day and the summer the main character was ten. The setting is a small town and the majority of the characters are around from that summer at ten to the current time. This book deals with the huge loss of a wife/mom/sister/daughter and how everyone adjusts, not always at the same pace and definitely not with the same expectations of how things should be handled going forward. Amanda Prowse writes about family drama that is full of emotion and she is quite good at it, this book is no different, it will tug at your heartstrings.

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An emotional, heartbreaking, yet hopeful tale of loss, moving on and family. This is the story of Nick and Kerry, and then Nick when Kerry dies. Her death means something different to everyone close to her and Nick has to absorb their grief, as well as his own. His son Olly, is his greatest concern.

The book explores Nick's past life to illuminate the man he's become, and explain his attitude towards losing his soulmate. There are many poignant moments in this book, as you would expect, but also lighter, happier events, to symbolise that life goes on.

For me the title 'The Light in the Hallway', symbolises comfort, the dark can be frightening, but less so if you can see some light, close by. The light is also a symbol of hope, something to work towards and get you through the dark days of grief.

The characters are realistic and easy to empathise, you understand Kerry's family's reaction to him trying to move on. Ultimately, this is a positive, uplifting story of the importance of family and the resilience of humans.

I received a copy of this book from Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

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Nick can't handle his own grief, never mind his son's, at the loss of his wife Kerry. But as his son heads off to college not long after Kerry's death, Nick tries to figure out how to navigate life without his childhood sweetheart -- while dealing with his son's, in-laws', and parents' expectations.

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Another great book by Amanda Prowse, well paced, with characters I could really relate to. I was cheering the lead character on by the end. Thoroughly enjoyed this book.

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I chose to read this beautifully written novel a month after I lost my mom to dementia. That's perhaps not the best timing on my part because the book opens with Nick losing his wife to cancer following a long battle with the disease. Prowse deftly maneuvers the emotions of watching someone close to you die: the pain, the grief, the rage and the guilt are written with such expertise as to ensure you'll need a box of tissues near you as you read.

When Kerry dies, Nick is left alone to see their son off to college, a son who refuses at first to acknowledge his mother's death. Soon, though, Olly experiences the entire range of emotions and Nick finds himself comforting a boy who is at odds with himself and his feelings.

The remainder of the book delves into moving on and beginning to find pleasure and happiness again. Nick finds a new friend and has to deal with his sister-in-law's and son's feelings about that. Prowse expertly writes Nick's character as a man who is both sympathetic but firm. I love how he handled all of the issues that were thrown at him.

Interspersed in the modern-day story are tales of Nick, Eric and Alex during the summer of 1992 when the three friends truly became best buds. I loved those stories so much that I found myself eagerly awaiting the next installment.

Prowse tidies things up nicely at the end for us. I'm not always a fan of that, but given the heartwrenching and emotionally draining beginning of the Light in the Hallway, I was happy to see where she went with the final chapter of the book.

Four well-deserved stars to this great read.

Many thanks for Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Another amazing book from Amanda. I laughed and cried with this book. The characters are amazing and you really because invested in their stories. Yet again Amanda has created characters that you not only believe are real, you wish you knew them.

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I was a little disappointed with Prowse’s last book and this one even more so. It’s not that it is a bad story, but I found it difficult to connect to the characters; it doesn’t have the heart of some of her earlier books. Ultimately, the story of how Nick and his son carry on after his wife dies didn’t capture my attention and I found it a chore to finish.

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I love Amanda Prowse's books, and know exactly what to expect from her reads - a myriad of emotions, a tale of growth and a book that I cannot put down. And once again she certainly delivers. Really enjoyable and one I got through in 24 hours.

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The love of Nick's life, Kerry has died from cancer. Now, he is a single dad raising his son alone. There are flashbacks to his 10 year-old self, which I felt took away from this story. This was my first book by Amanda Prowse. I received an advance copy from Netgallery for an honest review.

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The Light in the Hallway is a heartfelt story about love, relationships and bereavement. Nick’s wife Kerry is taken from him through illness, leaving him bereft and in charge of their 18 year old son. While working through his grief, he reminisces about childhood friendships and the ups and downs of married life. While trying to help others in their grief he finds an unexpected relationship that shows him there is life after death.
This novel feels like a memoir that maps out one man’s life. While reflecting on various relationships throughout his life, Nick comes to realise what is truly important and finds the confidence to fulfil his full potential.

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I loved this book. Gentle and such a lovely look into people's families, relationships and dealing with grief. Nick's wife dies leaving him to look after their teenage son.
They both have to learn how to deal with each others' loss and learning to live again.
Set in a small Yorkshire town which seemed so realistic to other Yorkshire's towns I've come across.

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What a beautiful book of how to grieve after loss this was. Nick and Oliver have to find ways to pick up the pieces of their life after Kery falls ill and passes away. It is amazing to watch the perspectives that Nick has as we watch his grief unfold. It's very poignant and beautiful. I was tearfilled and happy as I completed this book. It has a wonderful view of how many can overcome great loss with those they love around them.

Thank you Lake Union and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this great book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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I loved this book, really easy to read, an emotional storyline, and has you connecting to the characters, and wanting to keep reading to find out more.
Read this book nice and quick. Have enjoyed a few books by this author now. Highly recommend Amanada Prowse.

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Prowse makes you feel the emotion of losing love and the journey it takes to grieve. Trying to find your way to happiness when you loved fully once. Such a tear jearker, but enjoyed every minute of this book.

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A touching story of a father who loses his wife to cancer and has to raise his son alone all the while missing his true love. He remembers his own childhood and copes with all life has given him. A great book about love and family.

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This is a story of love, loss, relationships, friendship and family and is told over two timelines; the present day and, at the end of each chapter, 1992.

A really emotional read that resonated with me

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The male narration made this book all the more special. A story of love, loss, relationships, friendship and family told in the present and back in 1992. Relatable characters and delicate subject matter.

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loved this book, first time reading this author and it just flowed so well and was quite funny from the kids perspective!

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Heartbreaking and yet heartwarming, this book is absolutely stunning in weaving a story that you will find hard to put down!

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I read this boom during covid lockdown and found it be a great escape. This is a heartbreaking and yet heartwarming read and I thought the male narration was particularly interesting.

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In The Light in the Hallway, author Amanda Prowse creates an engaging, bittersweet story, with characters you quickly come to care about as they struggle through the loss of Kerry, beloved wife, mother, and daughter to cancer.

Nick navigates the loss of his first and only love just as his son Oliver heads of to university. He scrambles to do the beset he can for his son, his family, and his community, even as many of the people closest to him find plenty to criticize.

Shored by his childhood best friends Alex and Eric, Nick finds love again, sooner than he expected. When he finds out that the plant that shores up his small community is going to be sold, he and his friends and new love interest Barbara are left reeling, but ultimately, everyone finds opportunity to grow and thrive in a new reality.

This is the first book I’ve read from Prowse, and I believe I’ll look for others The story itself was not too ambitious, and included strong, tender and comical moments as well as delving into the topics of love, family and learning how to leap into the unknown (whether forced or chosen) to create a stronger place for yourself in the world. I found myself shoving off other tasks to finish it up, always a good sign as a reader.

Thank you to Netgalley, from whom I received this book in exchange for an honest review and all opinions are my own.

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This is my third book by Amanda Prowse, and I've loved all of them. Prowse has such a way of writing that makes you feel so deeply. She really gets into her characters' minds and knows human feelings so well. This book was difficult to read as a mother and wife. I love how Prowse writes about everyday situations. Like with previous books, I enjoyed the alternating past and present viewpoints.

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Brilliant book. Love this author and her books. Great characters. Actual laughing out loud. Love the way she gets her chatracters interacting

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When I start a new book by Amanda Prowse, I know 2 things. One is that I will cry and the other is that it will make me smile more than I cried.

The Light in the Hallway is a sweet story of childhood friendship, love, loss, grief and survival. Nick, Eric and Alex have been friends forever and nothing can change that. They grew up in a small town, have known the same people since they were kids and really only know the one way of life.

Nick is grown up with a teenage son when his wife dies. Their world is town apart. The new life that blossoms from this devastation is scary and unknown to them. But together, they can face anything. The Bairstow Boys together.

I loved this beautiful, uplifting story! Written in the present and 1992, it's fun reading the vantage point of 9 year old boys and their lives as 35 year old men.

Gorgeous!!

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Whoa what a sad story! I spent the first part of it bawling my eyes out. This is the story of how a father and son come to terms with losing their rock , wife and mum. It is beautifully written and jumps back and forth between the past and the present. Really enjoyed it.

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Another need your tissues read from Amanda Prowse, Its not easy reading about death but it’s done so well and it doesn’t always feel like a sad story.
Thank you for the opportunity to read this book.

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This author never ever lets me down, This book was no exception. Such a brilliant read that kept me hooked until the last page.

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I know this has some really good reviews.
But I just could not connect with the characters.
It did not help with the story going back in time and found the story boring and far too long.
This was a real struggle to finish.
Far better books out there.

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Nick is trying to move on after losing the love of his life, his wife Kerry, to cancer. He is trying to put the pieces back together not only for him but for their teenage son Olly. The story raises questions how long is the right length of time to grieve and when it's the right time to move on after a loss. This was a beautifully written story that had heartbreaking moments as well as humor woven it to bring lighthearted moments into the book. It weaves back and forth between the past and present and gives us the back story between Nick and Kerry. It touched my heart and will stay with me for a long time!
Thanks to Amanda Prowse, Amazon UK and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

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How do you say goodbye to your childhood love? How do you cherish that love and make it continue? This si the story of just that and how a person continues. It was my first book by this author, but I plan of buying more since.

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Amanda Prowse continues to be one of my favorite authors. I love her stories of ordinary people dealing with extraordinary circumstances. In this instance, the circumstances are the loss of a beloved wife and mother. Nick and his teen son Olly find themselves learning to navigate life without the wife and mother who had smoothed their paths for so many years. It isn't easy for them, and it certainly isn't always pretty. Nick still lives in the town where he grew up is still close with some of his childhood friends. He finds himself remembering incidents from his imperfect marriage and events from his childhood as he tries to deal with the (sometimes) well-meant input and advice from the family and friends who surround him. New women in both their lives complicate their transition. The beauty of the story is that, as usual, the characters are all too human. They make bad decisions, they overreact, they don't communicate well, they make a mess of things sometimes. But all along we root for them to end up okay, even when they're being jerks. Well done again, Ms. Prowse, well done. I listened to much of this one, Prowse narrates her books and she does such a lovely job with her narrations, it's hard for me to resist them.
My thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for providing a copy for an unbiased review.

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Another wonderful read from Amanda Prowse. Lovely characters and an easy writing style. Can't wait for more!

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This is the first book that I have ready by Amanda Prowse and I have to say that I throughly enjoyed it and will be looking for more books written by her. This book is a tear jerker so keep the tissues close. It is an emotional journey that Nick takes after losing his childhood sweetheart Kerry. Thank you to the publisher, the author and NetGalley for letting me read this in exchange for an honest review.

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A sensitive subject written into a beautiful story with lots of lovely little memories woven in, that tug at your heartstrings and your emotions.
My thanks to Net Galley the publisher and the author for allowing me to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

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I am not the sort of reader that cries over a book, but that’s just what this story made me do...twice!! This was such a lovely story about a family dealing with grief and life after after a death. I would definitely recommend it but make sure you have your tissues because the very first chapter will make you cry!

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Crikey this is a brilliant read by this author. She has pulled me through so many emotions while reading this story.

Nick is heartbroken when his childhood sweetheart dies. We see how he copes with being a single parent to his son Olly.

I adored this story and can’t wait to read more from this author.

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Another excellent book by Amanda Prowse. Thoroughly enjoyed this book from cover to cover.and would recommend it to anyone that loves a romantic novel.

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Lovely feel good book! Started off very sad with Kerry dying, but the return to 1992 really helped! Loved it!

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I struggle with sad books. I read this because I was hoping things would take a positive spin. As you can likely tell from the title, they do take a positive spin. This was a beautiful novel about love, loss, anger, changing and growing. A great read indeed.

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I enjoyed this story from Amanda prowse but it was my first experience of her writing, i will be looking for more. I particularly liked the father trying to come to terms relating to his son. This is a lovely story and definitely worth a read.

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I love Amanda Prowse she writes about real things!!

This book was, as usual, brilliant

I don’t think I’ve ever given Amanda less than 5 stars

Excellent read

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The Light in the Hallway is the story of grief, loss, and second chances. When Nick’s wife Kerry falls ill and tragically passes away, he finds himself having to navigate parenting alone. Coming to the realization that his teenage son, Olly, is also suffering the loss, will Nick be able to figure out how to reach him?

Considering how emotional the subject matter of the story should have been, I was disappointed in the overall novel. The pacing was slow and I did not really feel the connection to the characters that I was hoping to have. The loss should have been palatable, but it just was not. The plot itself was mainly predictable and I did not finish the novel with any sort of impression that I would remember it in the weeks to come. For these reasons, I would be hesitant to recommend The Light in the Hallway to other readers.

Disclaimer: I was given an Advanced Reader's Copy by NetGalley. The decision to review this book was entirely my own.

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First book of hers I have read, my only complaint is that the chapters seems really long, I like shorter chapters. I did really enjoy the story, it was so heartbreaking , poor Oliver just didn’t know what to do or how to act, his dad was also lost. It’s about true love, family drama, heartbreak and finding love again when you didn’t think it was possible. A really good story! Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!

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The main character is Nick. After the death of his childhood sweetheart wife Nick is left alone with his son Ollie. Of course there are problems, both are grieving and both are different. This book is sad and happy and it makes you laugh too. It was just a real life, get on with it book, I loved it.

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A lovely bittersweet novel dealing with the pain of loss, the dark despair but then the light at the end of the tunnel. Well written and emotional a book that leaves an impression on you

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Wow, this was quite a book! I felt all the emotions as I read it - grief, sadness, acceptance, and eventually contentment. Amanda Prowse is such a talented writer, she brings the reader into the book’s setting with the characters. I felt like I was watching events happen before my eyes. I can’t say enough about this one, and even though parts of the book were difficult to read, it’s completely worth it.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

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As someone who has lost a fiancée, I identified with parts of this book more than I would have liked to. I sobbed my way through many of the chapters.

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This was an enjoyable read and I would recommend it. thanks for letting me have an advance copy. I'm new to this author.

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This is not my first Amanda Prowse book. I was over joyed at how much I liked the first book of hers that I read. So I was expecting this to be another. A book that takes me by surprise by how good it is. Though this book was very sad and very hard to read at times. It was very realistic. Providing realistic and believable emotions and situations. When a sad book makes me cry more than once I feel its an automatic thumbs up. If you want a tough subject matter that will make you sad, but make you empathize with those who have experienced similar situation than yes this is the book for you.
I would say Amanda's books are like hallmark movies that catch you off guard with how good they are. Wholesome, important, and worthy or remembrance.

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This book was hard to ready in the beginning. It had me crying from the start. It was a good story and I loved the journey. The ending was so perfect! I really liked the way the author made each character seem to build more in depth by bouncing back and forth from the present to the past. It gave the story and characters much more meaning.

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Well... where to even start.
This book hit me hard, after the loss of a close family member to cancer.
But this book made me feel emotions in very different ways. I felt the joy, the heart break and amazed as I watched Nick carry on with life & his son Oliver.
I actually really enjoyed this book, it felt like a 'feel good' read. So glad I picked it up!

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I would like to start by thanking NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book. In exchange, here is my honest review: This book was very touching and heartfelt. I would definitely recommend.

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Wow wow wow! Another amazing book by Amanda!

Get your tissues ready as this book one sad and emotional read!

Highly recommend this book!!

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This book has a lot of potential but, to me, it failed miserably. The thought process of the book was there but there wasn't enough depth for me. There is no connection to any of the characters for the reader and there isn't any connection between the characters in the book. I didn't like how fast things happen, there was a lot of immature behavior done by adults. Just nothing that I liked about the book.

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This is a character led story that sensitively navigates love and loss.

I enjoyed the two timelines and the real depth to the story. The understanding of Nick’s childhood really added something to the current timeline.

The two timeline also helped with the pace as you really had to keep reading to know what was happening next!

It was quite an emotive read and felt very real and raw. The ending was nearly tied up, satisfying but potentially slightly unrealistic.

I would recommend this book! 4/5.

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it was a little boring when it jumped back and forth, but it was heartbreaking and sad, beautiful and nice at the same time.

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