The Day She Came Back

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Pub Date 07 Jul 2020 | Archive Date 21 Jul 2020

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Description

From the bestselling author of The Girl in the Corner comes a story that asks: how do you forgive the family that lied to you, and love the mum you never had?

When her loving, free-spirited grandmother Primrose passes away, Victoria is bereft, yet resilient—she has survived tragedy before. But even her strength is tested when a mysterious woman attends Prim’s funeral and claims to be the mother Victoria thought was dead.

As the two women get to know each other and Victoria begins to learn more about her past, it becomes clear that her beloved grandmother had been keeping life-changing secrets from her. Desperate for answers, she still struggles to trust anyone to tell her the truth.

To live a full and happy life, Victoria knows she must not only uncover the truth, but find a way to forgive her family. But after so many years, is trusting them even possible?


From the bestselling author of The Girl in the Corner comes a story that asks: how do you forgive the family that lied to you, and love the mum you never had?

When her loving, free-spirited...


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-five novels, six novellas and a memoir about depression co-authored with her son, Josiah Hartley. 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.

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-five novels, six novellas and...


Available Editions

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ISBN 9781542014496
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Featured Reviews

Another fantastic read by Amanda, she captures a story so well, the charecters were easy to get to know and love, a beautiful story told wonderfully, another firm favourite for me

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Amanda really does amaze me with how she draws you into the narrative. A heart wrenching tale of a young woman losing her beloved grandmother and being left all alone or so she thought!

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I’d wanted to read a book by Amanda Prowse for a while so was really pleased to get an advanced copy of The Day She Came Back and I wasn’t disappointed. This book is beautifully written. It is very insightful and quite an emotional read but ultimately really powerful and positive. All the characters are so real, and you really believe and feel their conversations and emotions. This is a really heartfelt novel and I’ll admit to shedding a little tear at the end of the book. This may have been my first book but it won’t be my last.


Sadly Victoria’s grandmother Primrose passes away and as Victoria is starting to learn to deal with this she comes face to face with a lady at her the funeral who claims to be her dead mother, Sarah. As Victoria starts to get know Sarah it becomes clear that her beloved grandmother had been keeping secrets from her. At the same time as coming to terms with Her grandmothers death she struggles to understand her family’s secrets and the truth but knows she must find a way forward to survive.

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This has been a beautiful read which I have devoured in just one sitting. I cannot believe that I haven't read anything by this author before... huge thank you to Sarah for starting off a new author love.
This book is beautifully written and has pulled me into the pages and made it utterly impossible to put down. I have been completely immersed and really enjoyed reading this one.
I have loved the characters and the author has portrayed them really well. They have seemed so real and likeable from the start. They have definitely made this a great read.
This is a read filled with sensitivity, grief, loss, addiction and reconciliation. The author has been delicate in the delivery and I'm not ashamed to say I cried a little reading this one.
Despite being my first read by this author, I am definitely now a fan. This is definitely a five star read which I highly recommend.

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Amanda Prowse just goes from strength to strength. Her output covering so many diverse topics is simply astounding! The Day She Came Back is up there with her best and tells the story of 18 year old Victoria , who has been raised by her beloved grandmother, Prim, her parents having died from drug overdoses when she was a baby..however, when Prim dies suddenly, Victoria finds everything she held true is no longer so and she is left doubting her relationship with her grandmother. Did she lie to her all her life? When a mysterious lady at Prim's funeral introduces herself as Victoria's mum , her whole world is turned upside down. Through a series of heartbreaking letters, the truth is gradually revealed and Victoria takes the first steps across the bridge of discovered truths , to the mother she has grieved and longed for all her life. Visiting her mum and her husband Jens in Oslo she finds peace, strength and love. This beautiful book handles the dark matter of drug addiction and the pain and devastating effects it has on all those affected by it, with such sensitivity and knowledge. Nobody handles human relationships narrative better than Amanda Prowse. I love the sweet interaction between Victoria and her lovely, loyal friend, Daks , who's loving tight knit family are there for Victoria in her time if need. The relationship between Victoria and Prim is so lovingly observed and written as are the peripheral characters of Gerald and Bernard. Amanda is an artist who with a few deft sentences paints a fully formed character that we can immediately empathise with and care about. I could eulogise about this perfect book forever but I will allow the reader to dive in and immerse themselves in it . It's a perfect gem if a book

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have always loved Amanda’s books so was excited to read the day she came back! Her books draw you in from the start and i didn’t want to put this one down!
This book tells the tale of three woman, three generations of the same family,Prim,Sarah and Victoria who have all made sacrifices or choices that have shaped their lives but ultimately when the truth comes out we realise that those choices were made out of love, compassion and hope. Prim acting out of love for her unborn granddaughter, Sarah making the most heartbreaking sacrifice for her daughter and Victoria the product of prim and Sarah’s choices, an emotional, at times heartbreaking read that demonstrated the power of love and sacrifice but overall the strength of forgiveness,reconciliation and love.Great characters particularly liked Gerald and daksha!
Thank you net galley for this early read.

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I thoroughly enjoyed The Day She Came Back by Amanda Prowse. The story was beautifully written and the characters were well developed. The beginning was a little slow, but the second half took off. Thank you NetGalley for the free ebook. I will recommend this book.

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The Day she came Back by Amanda Prowse was such an anticipated treat. I remember Amanda going to Oslo to do her research for the “new book” when she was writing it. This is typical of her attention to detail when crafting her books. She does great research so that she gets, and conveys, a real understanding of detail and context drawing you straight into the storyline and the locations. This story of Victoria’s life journey intersects with Sarah’s struggle with addiction, despair and renewal. The characters are well portrayed and their emotions explored in a realistic and, often, heartbreaking way. I just hate when Amanda’s books end and I lose that connection with the people whose lives I’ve been privileged to share. Another success by the wonderful Mandy! (Did I mention that now I want to see Oslo!)

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The Day she came back, Amanda Prowse.
Received an ARC from Netgalley in return for an honest review.

What a stunning, thought provoking and rich book this is. The story of 18 year old Victoria Who lives with/her grandmother as her Mum, Sarah, is dead, but who discovers on the death of her grandmother that her mother is alive. Sarah’s story Is tragic, dramatic, terrible and heart-breaking yet ultimately inspiring. I don’t want to spoil any of the plot., but I might not be able to avoid it!

I did not think I would enjoy the story of an 18 year old, who in the aftermath of her discovery, acts in a stupid, childish and irresponsible way. It is understandable and forgivable because the writer does such a good job of developing the character.

I did enjoy the story, it was utterly riveting and emotional. Ultimately it has a really happy ending, but the journey there is not smooth. I can’t recommend. this book enough. Fabulous. 5 stars.

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Whenever I need to read something light and heartwarming I always turn to a book by Amanda Prowse. This book did not disappoint and was just what I needed to break up my usual genre. It was a story that grabbed me from the very first page, with beautiful descriptions and characters who felt so real to me. Read in a day, It is a beautifully written story about addiction, grief, love and loss.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for and ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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I'm not sure where to begin with this review.

As always, Amanda Prowse goes straight for the heart. She writes such incredibly beautiful stories that draw you in from the first page. Her characters are so well developed that you form instant connections with them, whether they're likeable or not.

With Victoria's story, we are taken on a huge rollercoaster ride of emotion. She goes from knowing who she is and where she's headed and suddenly everything changes. Almost overnight, everything she thought she knew becomes blurry and lies are exposed. Who can she trust?

The way this story unfolds is truly spellbinding. I was left weeping and so satisfied with the outcome.

Mandy has done it again!

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Amanda Prowse is the queen of contemporary fiction & her novels always deal with family issues that are not necessarily relatable, but her style of writing ensures the reader feels all of the emotion! While it didn’t grip me as much as others have, it was a great read to escape with.

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Loved this. Takes on the theme of drugs, secrets, love and family. Its about the beautiful horrible things we do for love. Victoria has just found out that what she believed about her family growing up was false and it sends her on a downward spiral making decisions out of grief. She had a great support group who helps her through the dark times. Friendship is also a theme explored in this book.
The beginning of the book was slow and I was thinking of dropping it but then it picked up pace beautifully. Enjoyed reading this. I thought the epilogue was unnecessary.

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This is my first Amanda Prowse book and it will not be my last. The characters are so beautifully drawn, some with detail and others more sparingly, and yet each person becomes familiar to us.

Victoria has a wonderful relationship with her maternal grandmother, Prim, who brought her up after her mother's (Prim's daughter's) death when Victoria was still a baby. Prim has been the rock in Victoria's life until the unthinkable happens and Prim dies unexpectedly. From this moment on Victoria's well ordered life begins to unravel, starting with Prim's funeral when a woman appears, claiming to be Victoria's 'dead' mother.

What I particularly loved was the time spent introducing Prim into the reader's life. Her death is such a catalyst for what follows that it was very important for us to know and understand the place she held in Victoria's life to be able to understand the impact of losing her.

I didn't always like Victoria but her actions were believable for a teenager suddenly cut adrift from the parental tether of the grandmother who raised her. I strongly recommend this book.

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A truly captivating beautiful story of loss in a few different ways. Victoria has been brought up by her wonderful grandparents after her parents die young and when her world collapses, she discovers the truth and begins to face a new reality where nothing she has been told was true. I cried and laughed reading this and would put it as one of my favourite reads this year. I got this as an arc and 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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Always a huge pleasure to read a book by the wonderful Amanda Prowse, her beautiful emotional stories always touch my heart and uplift my soul!
And this amazing story certainly did both of these things with the gorgeous characters and the breathtaking descriptions of Oslo and her family home that she shared with her beloved grandmother.
It was enthralling watching Victoria adjust to life without her grandmother, her choices at times had you cringing and you hoped she realises her mistakes and can keep those who love her close, rather than follow her mum into a different lifestyle.
I loved how the letters between her mum and grandmother gave you a further layer to the story, it gave you the opportunity to see both sides of the story and allowed you to understand the love between them all.
Certainly this book was an emotional rollercoaster, however the ride was so thrilling and thought provoking, and one I hope to travel again in Amanda’s next book. ❤️

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Another fantastic page turner from the queen of women’s fiction! I absolutely loved this. I cannot believe the amount of times I had to stop reading because of the tears in my eyes Through sadness and laughter. There were moments where I was cringing and moments where I felt so much empathy for quite a few of the characters. There wasn’t a single character I didn’t like and it know it’s a sign of a great book when you get to the end and are gutted that it’s finished. It left me wanting to know more about quite a few characters in the book and it also made me really really want to go visit Oslo. I have a wonderful mental picture of so many places that I’d love to see them for real.

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Reading an Amanda Prowse book is like snuggling in front of a fire wrapped in a duvet. In other words it’s comforting. Amanda’s books wrap themselves around you and give you the biggest hug

The Day She Came Back is no different

This is a ‘real’ book about real people with real lives and yet Amanda’s stories are all fiction

As with all her others this book grabbed me from the start

Terrific read

Thanks you once again Amanda

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I was very disappointed with this book. Is it written for the mid teen market? It felt as if it was. The plot was cliched and disappointing. Had I been in the young adult bracket I might have been more impressed.

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The Day She Came Back is the newest release from one of my top-five favorite authors, Amanda Prowse. The Queen of Domestic Drama and a prolific writer of emotionally charged contemporary fiction has another hit on her hands, and I am thrilled to share an early review. I have read all of her works from the last five years and plan to shuffle my way back through the earlier ones I missed, before I knew anything about her.

Imagine being an eighteen-year-old girl in England, raised by your much older grandmother because your own parents died from drug overdoses. You lost your grandfather years ago, you have no siblings or aunts and uncles, and you're a bit of an outcast at school. But you're sweet, and you are generous, and you have so much potential. At least you have a wonderful best friend and a lovely little crush on a boy at school... perhaps life might be okay... until your nana, Prim, passes away unexpectedly. How tragic and sad, and it breaks your heart. But then... everything changes the following days at nana's funeral. Someone you thought long gone shows up with a shocking twist!

Prowse knows how to lure you into comfortable nostalgia and love... she makes you feel the true pain of a young girl who now has no one to help her through the grief. Sure, she has a bestie and her family, and her nana's beau, but it's not the same. I felt my eyes tear up when Victoria was home alone for the first time... you know things can't possibly be okay again for her. She is alone in the world now. I understood her reckless behavior, her desire to be someone different. Victoria shows us the downside of being heartbroken on multiple levels, and then... finally, we see a glimmer of hope. The crush seems to return her feelings!

As quickly as we feel the pain, our hopes rise and we see the potential for Victoria to heal. But it won't happen, and things will take a very long time to truly turn around. Prowse paints the characters with just enough detail to give you all you need to take the picture and run with it yourself. I heard the music at the party Victoria throws. I smelled the breakfasts she and her crush make each morning. I felt the change in this young woman when she is hurt a second time by someone who devastates her in a terrible way.

It's rare others than Prowse can generate this kind of emotion from me... but when she does, I am all in. I can't wait to find out what's next in this dynamic author's mind.

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After losing her darling grandmother Victoria is heartbroken then at the funeral she see's a strange woman who then claims to be her dead mother. as Victoria learns of her past and the secrets her grandmother has kept.Now needing to find answers Victoria does'nt know who she can trust to tell her the truth.5*

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Loved this book!!! Amanda Prowse is one of my favorite authors and her latest, The Day She Came Back, did not disappoint. The story is woven so beautifully and the characters are very real and relatable. Highly recommend!

Thank you to netgally for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

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I absolutely love Amanda Prowse books and this one definitely lived up to expectations such an emotional and heart-warming read and was so happy to be able to request it to read on netgalley in advance of its release and it was such a brilliant book to read on a sunny bank holiday while shielding. Once I had started reading I really couldn't put it down and finished it in one day. Amanda always writes about real people and real life emotions and The Day She Came Back is no exception to this telling the story of three women, Prim, Sarah and Victoria and how heartbreak, love and family connect them all in some way whilst reading you feel like you are living the story with them and all of the tears laughter and joy and heartbreak that they are going through and how the truth comes out in the end. It also explores the special bond and friendship between two best friends Victoria and Daksha and their hopes and dreams for the future.

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So good!
I do not want to give away too much, so I will say this: This is a beautifully written, heartfelt story of family, loss, distrust, life, love,and reunions.
*Beware*- You will definitely need tissues as you meet and become friends with Victoria', Prim, Daksha, and Sarah. .You will learn how their lives intersect. Will they ever move forward and let go of all the hurt and lies?
I loved each and every person in this novel, but my very favorite is Sarah. A person stronger than she even realized that once upon a time did the right thing for her daughter.
Amanda Prowse never disappoints and this is most definitely a book that you will love!
Set aside a day to do this!

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Once again Amanda has taken us into a world of emotions, where we are/feel actually in the story with the characters. Most of us will relate to the mixed feelings this story gives us. We recognise the way it unfolds, and the turmoils that have to be overcome. I’m my opinion, Amanda is one of the best writers around today.

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What if the people you loved and trusted had been lying to you from the beginning?
When her loving, free spirited grandmother, Primrose passes away, Victoria is bereft, yet resilient-she has survived tragedy before. But even her strength is tested when a mysterious woman attends Prim's funeral and claims to be the mother Victoria thought was dead.
Amanda Prowse is brilliant at writing about family and love. You walk with Victoria through first her grief, then her anger and then uncertainty as she has to grow up beyond her 18 years, whilst she also plays at being a teenager - her first crush, her first party.
I loved the characters of Prim and Victoria. Prim had a wonderful zest for life, obviously driven by previous events. She wanted the best for her grand-daughter and sacrificed everything to give it to her. Victoria was a sweet, naïve 18 year old, and I loved how we followed her thoughts and choices through the tragic events in her young life. An emotional read and one i'd definitely recommend.

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Sorry but this wasn't for me, felt as thought it was aimed at the Y.A. group.

I have read many of Amanda's books but sadly this wasn't for me.

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Another 5* book from Amanda. Following the story of a young women through grief, family and surprises. I love the way Amanda writes and her characters, whether you love them or hate them, draw you into their lives. Lives are rarely straightforward and the characters in this book showcase that but with grace and love of from the writer. Thanks Amanda and NetGalley.

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The Day She Came Back, by Amanda Prowse.
This book comes out in July 7th and although Amanda Prowse is my favourite author, this new book is my new favourite!

Victoria is living with Prim (her grandmother who feels being called such, makes her feel old).
Almost everyone in Epsom knows that Victoria’s parents died, her father before she was born and her mother when Victoria too young to remember her.
So when Victoria comes home to find Prim dead in her chair, Victoria is alone. Isn’t she?

I can honestly not remember crying so much through a book ever!

Victoria is sensible and clever, everything she knows is suddenly something else. But how could she? How could her dear Prim lie to her?

The characters felt like friends and people I knew. I found so much of it relatable and found myself with a lump in my throat more than once.

Daksa, Victoria’s best friend, is a brilliant friend. The sturdiest and kindest person you could possibly imagine. So why does Victoria push her away? What now?

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I received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review. I loved this book because the author showed us many sides. Victoria was raised by her grandmother Primrose who told her that her Mum was dead. Upon Primrose's death, a lady showed up at the funeral and she was Victoria's Mum. Victoria had so much to come to terms with. The story deals with all she had to go through and the best part for me was the letters. that Victoria's Mum and her grandmother wrote to each other before Victoria was born. The letters were written so well that as Victoria was reading them, you could feel the pain they both was in. Victoria's Mum, Sarah was in such a bad state when she was pregnant but she did what she had to in order to deliver her daughter but the pain of all that she had been through was just too much for her. She asked her mother to raise her daughter because she truly believed she was going to be dead. She was an addict and she didn't want to take her daughter down that road. The story is written so well that I felt the pain they were going through, the emotions of the choices they made, and figuring out what are they going to do now.
This is the first book I have read by Amanda Prowse but it definitely won't be my last. What the story did to my heart was a shocker. This book has such an effect on me and I hope lots and lots of people will pick this book us and read it. After finishing the book I thought the author gave me everything she had plus more.

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The Day She Came Back
Amanda Prowse
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Publication date 7/7/20

What an emotional and beautifully written story. Victoria has seen tragedy in her 18 years. Lost both of her parents to drugs, mourned the loss of her grandfather. She’s been raised by her grandmother and has grown into a kind and generous young lady despite not having it easy at school. After her Nana passes away a woman comes back and claims she is Victoria’s mother. You feel Victoria’s heartbreak and wonder how will she ever forgive and let go of the past. I shed many tears while reading this book but loved when a saw a glimmer of hope for Victoria. This is a riveting story that will stay with you. It is a story about betrayal, grief and understanding that love always shines.

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon publishing for this early electronic ebook!!

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Another brilliant book penned by Amanda.
A story of love, friendship and a unique bond between a grandmother and her grand-daughter.
Prim and Victoria were each other's world until Victoria found Prim dead in the family home. At Prim's funeral, a chance meeting with a stranger brings Victoria's world as she knew it crashing down.
The aftermath of this event leads Victoria on a path of discovery and hidden truths. The story takes us from Epsom to Norway; where there are new discoveries, tears and happiness.
A lovely read with characters that are so real and believable.

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This was a good lesson in reading the synopsis before reading the book. If I had read it and realised it was about Victoria’s Grandmother passing away, I would have avoided it as my own beloved grandmother passed recently and it's still very raw. Needless to say, I cried through the whole book instead!

Poor Victoria, an 18-year-old who has decided not to go to Uni and to save to travel first, has been bought up since she was born by Prim, the only family she had left after her father’s death before she was born and her mother’s shortly after, both from drug overdoses. Her grandfather died when she was 8 and as her mother was an only child, she has no cousins or extended family.

Victoria has an awesome best friend but otherwise not many to speak of and is now alone in the world. The relationship between Victoria and her grandmother, Prim, is so wonderful, they are very close and from the first few pages, you feel like you know them. Their conversations and emotions feel very real, the same with the others throughout the book. Victoria is a very real character who you just want to hug and make feel better, you want her to know how loved she is.

The plot is brilliant, this book is beautifully written. You begin learning about Victoria’s life and the shock of finding her grandmother, Prim, after her passing. Then a strange woman arrives at her funeral and claims to be Victoria’s mother, Sarah. Victoria has a lot to deal with; her grandmothers passing, this new stranger and who she really is as well as learning to live alone in a big house and how to deal with being lied to her whole life. She has a strong need to find out the truth about what happened and why. It’s a difficult journey but with the help of a series of beautifully written and very emotional letters she begins to learn the truth.

Despite being an emotional read it was positive and uplifting at the same time. Filled with sensitivity, grief, loss, addiction, reconciliation and above all, love, this was a quick read as I just couldn’t put it down. Amanda Prowse, in her usual style, has delivered another exceptional book.

Sometimes you the perfect book has a way of finding you at the exact right time in your life and for me this was it. While grieving myself this has helped heal some of the pain and to focus on my own wonderful grandmother. That is the true magic of reading and this was perfect!

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'The Day She Came Back' was an emotional read for me ! Being coeval , I understood the overwhelming emotions that the female protagonist went through and I firmly believe that her actions and emotional breakdowns are quite justified and properly expressed.

Imagine - just imagine that for eighteen years you were brought up and pampered by your cool old grandmother with no siblings and grandfather gone long ago and been told that your birth giver died due to drug overdose when you were a mere toddler but on the day of your nana's funeral your mum turns up - no not her spirit but in flesh and blood and claims that she was alive all these years . How will you feel? Anger - Betrayal - Sadness - Happiness - Hope? We'll save your emotions, because Victoria ,our female protagonist for this novel, will let you know how does it exactly feel when your okay-ish life in Surrey goes topsy-turvy.

I teared up when Victoria was all by herself in that big ancestral house in Epsom though morally supported by her best friend and her granny's beau. She was ready to face the world yet her emotions were all over the place. That is exactly how it should be. My eyes twinkled in hope when her long time crush seemed to reciprocate her feelings. I cried with Victoria and her mother when they tried to catch up and make things work but the past was not allowing them to! Through the beautiful words of the author I would literally taste the foods mentioned in different chapters and find myself at the wild party held at Vic's house!

Amanda Prowse did a great job in creating and shaping the cast of characters and narrating the incidents in such a descriptive manner yet in simple sentences . Prowse is known for her flair in domestic drama and is a prolific writer of emotion filled contemporary fiction and I would gleefully tell you that she as usual didn't depress or disappoint . The book will be available in stores from the seventh of July, 2020 - do grab your copy!
P. S.: I am grateful to Net Galley and Amazon Publishing UK for providing me with the ARC!

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Victoria is 18 and was bought up by her free-spirited grandmother Primrose. When Prim passes away quite suddenly, Victoria, an orphan, is now alone with her grief. When a mysterious woman attends Prim’s funeral and claims to be Victoria’s mother, her whole life is up-ended – has everyone she’s ever loved always lied to her?

I found I went through stages of loving and hating the main character Victoria, but her best friend Daksha absolutely stole my heart!! I want her to be MY best friend, so that we can laugh together and drink endless cups of tea and eat cake…lots of cake.!

Amanda Prowse never fails to deliver such lovely, thought provoking, heart wrenching stories, and “The Day She Came Back was another example.

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This book revolved around 18 year old Victoria, who lives with her grandmother Prim, due to both her parents dying tragically when Victoria was only a baby. When Prim suddenly dies, Victoria is left a large inheritance and house, and is thrown into the grips of grief, and the responsibility of having to confront adulthood. At her grandmothers funeral, Victoria comes across a stranger at the wake who claims to be Victoria's mother Sarah; who Victoria thought to be dead.
This story was light, fluffy and a short easy read, following Victoria after Prims death, living through the stages of grief, and the life changing presence of her claimed mother turning up into her life. Recovering heroin addict, her mother Sarah desperately tries for Victoria to understand her reason for giving her daughter into Primroses care, however, Victoria, battling fresh from her grandmothers death is hurt, angry and confused about her sudden change in life.
I enjoyed the character development for all of the characters, including side characters such as Prims former boy toy Gerald, and the caretaker Bernard. This book is easy to read, a perfect summer pick up, however, I did find it rather predictable and at times it felt the book was repeating thoughts from Victoria's inner monologue. I also found at times that I was reading a young adult novel rather than an adult fiction, nonetheless, I enjoyed this book! Recommend for your summer list when you're in a reading slump.

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This was sort of a slow read for me. However, I did very much enjoy this book. I felt many different emotions when reading this book. There were times I wanted to smack some of the characters but then there were times I felt so much empathy. I put myself in the position of the daughter/granddaughter and how I would feel if I was in the same position. I could not imagine loosing someone that I truly cared for then to find out there were lies and secrets that were hidden. But these lies and secrets made this book somewhat mysterious. This book was well written and the author made you feel the emotions that the characters were feeling.

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Amanda Prowse is one of my favourite authors and I was so excited to dive into this story - and it didn't disappoint. Amanda is the master of taking a plausible situation, populate it with real and likeable characters, and twist you around, wringing every possible emotion out of you. I cried (a lot), I smiled, and once or twice got quite annoyed. I have finished the book with a massive book hangover, and an waiting for one of my friends to finish it as I'm dying to talk about it!

The story centres around 18 year old Victoria. Her parents died when she was very young, and she was brought up by her Grandparents. Her Grandfather also died when she was fairly yound, so Victoria and her Grandmother Prim (short for Primrose) were very close. When Prim passes away suddenly a mysterious stranger turns up at the funeral. Who is she and what is she after.

An emotional roller coaster of a book, with characters you will miss after you have finished reading.

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Another good offering by Amanda Prowse, who is the queen of writing about family life and the difficulties and dramas that touch ordinary people. In this book Victoria discovers that she has been told a lie for her whole life, and the story follows her as she tries to reconcile why this decision was made and if she can forgive her family’s actions.
I did very much enjoy this story and I thought the characters were well written, however for me personally the story didn’t quite reach the quality and depth of previous books I have read by this author. That is probably due to my high expectations as I always eagerly await Amanda’s books so putting that aside I rated this 4⭐️ and would recommend.

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Well this is the first book i’ve read by Amanda Prowse so i didnt know what to expect. However, the story has made me an emotional wreck. I’ve been crying since 7% and then sometime in between and lastly the conclusion parts.

Our main protagonist, Victoria is an 18-year old girl who has lived under the care of her grandmother all her life because of her deceased mother. I like how things turned out for Victory. I think the writing style is compassionate to the readers feelings. You can feel the raw emotion of what they’re feeling. And there’s a lot of feels in this book. I can relate to it in so many aspects, let’s just say that i have been to Victoria’s shoes. And seeing her journey, her hurt and confusion, is like mirroring my similar experience.

The intention of the author in telling this story was strongly felt. Like dealing with drugs, having to give up your child, a mother who has to let go of a daughter, growing up without parents, dealing with death of loved one. As a reader, you always take sides but the way this was written, you are loyal to all of the characters. Every decision has a backstory to it, has an important meaning.

This is a story of love in different aspects, i also loved that the friendship bond of Victoria and Daksha are beyond worlds. I feel a tinge of jealousy for not having that bestfriend to pick me up at my worst, it’s like you and me against the world! Im happy with how the conflicts have been resolved, that brought tears of joy because oh my goodness, this people need their happy ending!

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Whilst I enjoyed the premise of this, I couldn't help but find it a tad predictable and not surprising in any way. I love Amanda's writing and characters, but the storyline fell short for me

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This was my first Amanda Prowse book and it won’t be my last!
The Day She Came Back filled me with a roller coaster of emotions that I didn’t want to end.
Eighteen-year-old Victoria loses her dear grandmother suddenly and without any other family is left with only her best friend Daksha. That is, until a woman claiming to be her mother turns up. A story of secrets, love and friendship that will make you laugh and cry (sometimes at the same time).
I fell in love with all of the characters, even when I didn’t want to. Each one has been so carefully thought about and portrayed in a way that makes you understand their actions and sympathise with them. The relationship between Victoria and Prim is so beautifully written, it makes it such an enjoyable read. This story captivated me from the very first page and I couldn’t put it down. Despite the raw emotion of the book there are some light-hearted moments that made me smile, although I was in tears at final chapter. Such a heart-warming story that I would definitely recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

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This is a really beautifully written story about families, secrets, lies and forgiveness.
Amanda develops her characters with what seems like such ease, as when you read about them you feel instantly connected to them. Although this was a really lovely story, I didn’t feel quite as drawn in as I have with many other of Amanda’s stories, but nonetheless, I still really enjoyed it and really loved the ending.

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The day she came back. She should of stayed gone. This was not a book I would recommend a very shallow book Can’t come up with a good review

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I adore the way Amanda writes, it's so descriptive and you really feel like you are there.

This is a sad story of a found 18 year old girl, whom has been brought up by her grandparents. And when she finds her adored Prim has passed away, her whole life is shattered.

Not only is she grieving, she has to decide what is the right way to turn. As she's the only family left, or is the mystery woman at the funeral about to make her life even more complicated?

Really enjoyed and highly recommend

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Another brilliant book by Amanda that I couldn’t put down. I don’t know how you manage to churn them out, all as brilliant as the ones before but please keep doing it. I can’t wait for the next book

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I loved the premise of this book but when I started reading it soon became very predictable. I understand what happened to Victoria (losing her grandma and mom coming back) is traumatic and shocking but my goodness, she just kept repeating how she felt over and over. It was just a bit much, but besides that I did love her friendships and how the book ended.

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A beautiful story of three generations of women in the same family as they learn to love, to forgive, and to heal.

Victoria is an 18-year-old woman who experiences the sudden loss of her beloved grandmother, Prim, her only remaining family member. Having lost her parents at a young age, never getting to know or meet them, she is shocked to find a woman approaching her at Prim’s funeral, claiming to be her dead mother, Sarah.
Lies are torn down as Victoria and Sarah get to know each other through letters and stories of the past. This is an amazing story about two generations of women who sacrificed so much for their beloved little girl, to make sure that she grows up to be happy and healthy. It is a story about lies, and betrayals, overcoming loss, getting to know a parent, once thought to be dead, understanding drugs and addiction, and the story of healing, forgiveness, and the strength to move on, even when the world seems to rock with uncertainty.

Through a woven web of a beautifully crafted story, this book is a stellar read that will keep you reading…and keep you crying.

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Victoria has been raised by her grandmother, Prim, after her parents died when she was a baby of a drug overdose. When she is 18 Victoria and her friend, Daksha, are planning a trip to figure out what they want to do with their lives. One afternoon she comes home from an errand and finds her grandmother has passed away sitting in her chair in the garden. Prim is alone with no family and then a strange woman, Sarah, shows up at the funeral claiming to be her dead mother. There were times I wanted to smack some sense into Victoria. She had good friends and people to help her but she was so angry at the lie her grandmother told that she lashed out at everyone. She hooks up with Flynn, a boy she had a crush on in school, and things go very badly. Finally she begins the process of healing and reconnecting with her mother.

There were times when I did not like Victoria but she was acting out of character for her but at the same time her emotions were predictable. Sarah's strength and sacrifices were remarkable and I liked the slow building of their relationship and the bonding between them. Everyone should have a friend like Daksha.

The setting of her home with Prim, Rosebank, sounded wonderful with turret rooms and stained glass and I can picture the "old lady" decor with all of her mementos. I could almost smell the flowers she kept around the house. The setting in Oslo was likewise appealing with the cold and crisp air, people walking and biking everywhere, the warmth in the coffee shops and the spare decor of Sarah's and Jens's apartment.

The author takes on a difficult topic and family drama but never crosses the line into being maudlin. This is the second book I have read by this author and I look forward to many more.

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An enjoyable read despite being somewhat predictable. I like Amanda Prowse's style of writing having read, and enjoyed, several books of hers in the past dealing with relatable modern family issues. I liked most of the characters and their development throughout the book but couldn't quite take to Victoria the main character which was unfortunate. I thought she was a little too wallowing in self pity with a high degree of anger and lack of sensitivity for others, which given her background, was not totally surprising just a little repetitive at times. A good read none-the-less and up to Amanda's standards

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Amanda Prowse always writes beautiful stories about human life.

The Day She Came Back is about 18 year old Victoria who is being raised by her maternal grandmother, Prim, after her mother died when she was a baby. Victoria arrives home after going to the shops to find her beloved grandmother dead in the gardening room. At Prim's funeral an unfamiliar woman is lurking in the background. When this stranger speaks to Victoria it is to relay a terrible secret - what will Victoria make of this secret?

A poignant read but ultimately with a feel good factor.

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Victoria is a naive 18year old, who lives with her grandmother, Primrose (Prim), both her parents having died when she was a baby. Her grandmother dies suddenly, and this sets Victoria off on a rebellious path, especially when it appears her mother could still be alive.

This book started slowly but was really nicely paced in the second half. It is well written, and the characters have depth. There is a nice weaving of the feelings between Victoria, Prim and Sarah, the reasons for the deceptions that have angered Victoria to almost self destruct nicely laid out in a series of letters. The scenes between Victoria and Sarah are beautifully written and realistic. However this feels as though it is aimed at the young adult demographic, rather than general adult fiction. I also probably shouldn’t have read it having recently lost a close relative. But I’d certainly read this authors work again, but this one was not for me.

Thanks to netgalley and the publishers for an ARC in return for an honest review,

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Amanda Prowse has a wonderful way of making quite ordinary, normal believable characters come to life on the page.

This book is about Victoria an 18year old who has been brought up by her larger than life Gran, Prim after her mother died when she was a baby. Then Prim is taken from her. Victoria doesn’t know what she will do and how she will cope without her.
Then at Prims funeral a strange woman turns up and will things ever be the same again? Victoria’s world is turned upside down.

I really enjoyed the book, the characters are believable and I like the relationships between them interesting and relatable.

A wonderful family drama that is a lovely easy read.

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Another fab read from Amanda Prowse, she just keeps giving. What a powerful thought provoking read, would highly recommend this

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This truly was an amazing read. Amanda Prowse never lets you down and this is one of her very best yet, and that’s saying something after the number of first-class novels she has written.

This story tears at your heartstrings, evokes so many emotions and is just one of those stories that will stay with you for a very long time. Each character makes an impact, is memorable and relatable in some way. There’s so much to this story, it’s truly captivating from the beginning; the main character, Victoria, at only 18, has led a kind of different life having been brought up by her grandmother and has no other family. As we meet them, Victoria is about to explore the world and reach into her adulthood by travelling the world with her best friend. But tragedy strikes pretty early on in the book, and from that moment, life is nothing short of a rollercoaster for Victoria.

Victoria has to grow up fast, but she gets a chance to be a child again and grow a real relationship with someone she never thought she would, and although it’s impossibly sad, both parties have to come to terms with a lifetime of sadness, loss and lies, but it only makes them stronger for it.

In true Amanda Prowse style this book is wonderfully engaging and fills your heart with sadness, warmth, love and loss - like only one of her books can. The journey we go on with Victoria has it all, a Mother who selflessly gives up her child, dealing with addiction, loss of a beloved family member and teenage anxiety, not to mention the topic of boys and virginity... you name it, it’s in this book!

I wasn’t sure what to expect as I read this story, what you want the outcome to be, and at times Victoria really messes up and almost loses her best friend and her self-worth. She is not alone, despite feeling like it, and manages to pull herself through the anguish and toward her new future. I don’t want to give anything away, but you will finish this book genuinely satisfied with the outcome and you won’t be able to get the characters and storyline out of your head for quite some time.

I love all of Amanda’s books, however I have to say they get better and better and this one is up there with one of my all-time favourites.

Thank you to NetGalley and as always, the author, for the chance to read this ARC.

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At almost nineteen, Victoria is not sure where life will lead her. She is looking forward to traveling and advendures with her best friend instead of rushing off to university as her peers are planning. When her grandmother dies unexpectedly, her life is upended. Victoria uncovers some surprising family secrets while working through her grief. As she is growing into her adult self, Victoria must decide if some lies are justifiable. Amanda Prowse explores grief, guilt, love and forgiveness in this tender story. Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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This story was an emotional rollercoaster of an 18/19 year old girl. This poor girl life is complicated enough with all the extra layers she had to face.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Whenever you pick up an Amanda Prowse book you know you are in for an emotional ride and this book is no exception.

Amanda brings her characters to life through the pages of her books and writes with such empathy for all her characters, making them so realistic.that you feel you really know them.

This is a story of family, friendships, lies, grief and forgiveness.

Another winner from the Queen of family drama.

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Just finished this wonderful story by this fabulous author. Whenever you pick up an Amanda Prowse book you know you are in for an emotional ride and this book is no exception.
I highly recommend this book. It will definitely stay with me.

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Yet another amazing book by Amanda Prowse. . I was so honoured to receive an advance copy of this book. I'm in awe of how she manages to do it time after time.

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I throughly enjoyed this book, we’ll written. You actually could put yourself in the characters position. A woman who gives up her child to her mother. Having no contact with her daughter for 19 years. The mother and child go through a lot in those 19 years until they finally come together and tell each other their story. Heartbreaking to go through.

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I have read and enjoyed many books by Amanda Prowse as she tells a wonderful story and this was no exception. Wonderful characters- Prim, Sarah and Victoria.
No spoilers but you will need tissues for this one. Although tissues are standard for most of Amanda’s books!
Many thanks to the author and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Prowse writes a good story. Victoria is very close to,her grandmother, Prim, but is unprepared for her death. Then she discovers a lie her gran,other told her, which will upend her life. She goes off the deep end for a bit, but gradually grapples with reality. I thought the ending was really good.

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This book is top form Amanda Prowse. A couple I read previously didn’t make me feel much but this is up there with my other favourite ‘The Food of Love’.
An emotional easy read that you can escape in for a while, highly recommend.

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The Day She Came Back is my first Amanda Prowse book. I felt that I have to read something from her as I read so many positive feedbacks.

This book was an emotional rollercoaster with Victoria, Primrose and Sarah. Victoria recently lost her beloved grandma, Prim who was the mom in her life. As an unexpected turn she meets with a woman, who claims to be her mom, on her grandmother’s funeral. She can’t believe it and takes it in a really sceptical way.

A very impulsive and touching women’s fiction novel about family love and loss.
Thank you for NetGalley and the Publisher for the copy.

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A delightful story of loss and love, which held my attention throughout.

Victoria is living a happy life with her beloved Grandmother Prim in their lovely home, Rosebank, which she has been in all her life. Prim raised Victoria giving her a wonderful childhood yet Victoria feels someone is missing and that’s her dead Mum Sarah. Sarah was a studious girl guaranteed to go on to good things, which was until she was introduced to drugs. Unfortunately the love of her next hit was the only thing keeping her will to live. Prim desperate to spare her granddaughter this sort of life struck a deal with Sarah and took responsibility of Victoria to raise and cherish.

After the shock death of Prim, Sarah suddenly re appears sending Victoria into a spin. Reading how Mother and Daughter learn to reconnect was a joy but fraught at times. I totally related to the characters in this book as they come across as realistic and honest. My favourite quote in this book is that they will always share the same moon – how true and thought provoking.

My thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. This author is one of my all time favourites and this was up there with the best that she has written. It is a thought provoking and emotional read and I absolutely loved it.

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Delightful coming into age or into one's self story.

Victoria has just hit adulthood with plans to travel the globe with her best friend. Her grandmother, Primrose, is fully on board with her experiencing life that way and encourages her to that end.

Life seems to be good.

Then Prim dies, leaving Victoria alone in the world.

Only she learns that her mother never really died.

So now Victoria is grappling with grief over the death of her grandmother (and only parent she knew) and the fact that something so foundational to her life (dead mom) was a lie.

Overall, a good story. Although I was about ready to hop into the book and slap Victoria with her silly girl blind spot for a boy out to use her. Thankfully, it concluded quicker than I was dreading. And then the story of her learning about the past and healing could begin.

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This is my first read of a book written by Amanda Prowse. I very much enjoyed it and will definitely look Into her other work.

This is the story of Victoria. Her grandmother passes away and she is devastated by the loss. During the funeral, a stranger reveals to her, that she is her mother. Victoria doesn’t know how to take the news. This book is that journey into understanding, acceptance, forgiveness, love reconciliation and family.

This was a quick read for me! I definitely recommend it for anyone looking for their next book! I want to thank NetGalley & Lake Union published for the ARC and the chance to read this novel and provide a review.

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Another fantastic saga from the pen of Amanda Prowse, which examines the relationship of Victoria with the mum she never knew was alive. Love, lies, loyalty and conflict are all dealt with in Amanda’s usual sympathetic style, along with a very satisfactory ending . I think this is one of her best books and I have read them all!

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Thanks to netgalley for the chance to read this book.

When Victoria’s grandmother dies she thinks she is all alone, but a secret that has been kept from her for years changes her future.

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Amanda always delivers an emotional read which gets me really involved with the characters. A super book. Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for letting me review this book.

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I enjoyed this book because Victoria is such a mess, but in a good way. She is just out of school with her whole future ahead of her. She has a crush on a popular boy. She and her best friend are going to travel for a while. Then, her grandmother passes away and Victoria’s life turns upside down.

I felt a connection with Victoria, even though my life was really nothing like hers. She was just very easy to relate to.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a coming of age story. This book made me smile and laugh and reminisce about being young and thinking that I knew it all.

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I always enjoy reading a book by Amanda Prowse and The Day She Came back was no exception.

This is a story of the importance of family and of love and loss, not necessarily in that order! I could imagine being like Daksha, a supportive friend of Victoria’s when her life began to change, and things began to spiral out of control. Whilst reading Victoria’s story I cried and laughed in equal amounts.

To me, it seems that Amanda Prowse puts a little of herself in each of her books. Her beautifully written descriptions of life in Oslo transported me there and I now long to visit Ekeberg,, Acker Brygge, and the Ekebergparken Sculpture Park. (after lockdown and Covid-19). My favourite paragraph, however, could have been written about anywhere, and I could hear the sounds as I read:
“…..she lay still taking in the sounds that to most, would have seemed quite unremarkable..…. For Victoria they were like music, a composition just for her. She listened to Sarah open and close cupboard doors, click switches, clatter crockery and the metallic rattle of items ferreted from the dishwasher. She heard her hum and laugh softly, cough twice and chat in both English and Norwegian.” “These were the sounds of family” wrote Amanda Prowse.

I really didn’t want The Day She Came Back to end and I give it 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing for this arc and give an honest review.

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For most of the reviewers this was obviously a 5-star book – the praise was glowing and people had really enjoyed reading it. I think I have read other books by the author which I enjoyed, so I was drawn to this one. Ms Prowse is clearly a professional writer (something which cannot be said for all the books I read from Net Galley!) and the prose was well constructed with good editing, punctuation & none of the things that irritate me! There were some beautiful passages, which created the atmosphere perfectly:

“…..she lay still taking in the sounds that to most, would have seemed quite unremarkable..…. For Victoria they were like music, a composition just for her. She listened to Sarah open and close cupboard doors, click switches, clatter crockery and the metallic rattle of items ferreted from the dishwasher. She heard her hum and laugh softly, cough twice and chat in both English and Norwegian.”

I thought Ms Prowse wrote with a sense of place too: the descriptions of parts of Oslo made me want to visit a city that seems to be important to the author.

It was a believable, heart warming story with well delineated characters, and yet…

While I believed in Victoria’s sorrow, and shock at the revelations, I didn’t particularly warm to her, and so some of her actions made me think “Don’t be so stupid/ pathetic/ wet/ irritating…” (delete as applicable to the action) BUT I tended to forget that she was only 18, and so – as is the fact with many teenagers – her stupidity/ patheticness/ wetness/ irritating behaviour (delete as applicable etc) was entirely reasonable in the circumstances! Perhaps this was the author’s intention; as I found the other, more adult characters reasonable and likeable, then maybe Victoria was so well written as to evoke those emotions in me!!

Yes, I’d happily give the book 4 stars – mostly because I rarely give 5 stars unless I’ve been blown away by a book. I’d recommend it to those looking for a relatively easy read, but something with a bit of bite to it.

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When her loving, free-spirited grandmother Primrose passes away, Victoria is bereft, yet resilient—she has survived tragedy before. But even her strength is tested when a mysterious woman, Sarah, attends Prim’s funeral and claims to be the mother Victoria thought was dead.

The story then follows Victoria's search for the truth and her struggle to trust and forgive to live a full and happy life,

This book is a powerful family drama filled with grief, guilt, love and forgiveness. While I loved all the characters my absolute favourite was Victoria's best friend, Daksha.

Overall an enjoyable and easy read. While this is my first read by this author, I am definitely looking forward to read more from her.

Thank You to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for this ARC!!

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An easy read but one that covers tricky situations - particularly the lengths we go to to protect our loved ones and what ‘home’ means. I found Victoria’s story a little hard to connect with as it didn’t pack the usual emotional punch that I’ve come to know and love from Amanda Prowse. But there were elements of this when Victoria reads the letters between her mum and Prim, especially as the letters progress. One thing I would have liked would be more Prim.

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Heart felt and moving. I did enjoy this book and there was a underlying theme as with all of her books. Good relatable characters helped to make me want to keep reading

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This is the first book I've read by Amanda Prowse, though I've seen her a lot on TV and always liked the sound of her stories. In person (on TV, I mean) , she has the ability to draw people in and captivate them with her account of  even the most mundane thing, so I had high hopes. I wasn't disappointed.

The Day She Came Back tells the story of Victoria (about to turn 19), her grandmother, Prim (who raised her), and Sarah, the mother Victoria never knew. 

Victoria's world falls apart when her grandmother passes, but with the help of her best friend, Daksha, she plans Prim's funeral and the ensuing wake, only to meet a familiar-looking woman in the grounds of Rosebank (the home bequeathed to her by Prim) when she escapes for some fresh air.

The woman, Sarah, claims she is Victoria's mother, and the story takes off in a whirlwind of sorrow, anger, pain, but above all, love, as the secrets of the past are revealed. The author never overwhelms the story with unnecessary detail; instead she sprinkles snippets of information about them as the story unfolds, enabling the reader to get a slow, but complete impression of their personalities. Sarah, who now lives in Oslo, shares letters between her and Prim with Victoria, so her daughter can a contemporaneous account of how things turned out the way they did. Through the letters, you see the pain, sadness, anger, frustration, and love that  kept Prim and Sarah, and ultimately Victoria, apart. 

But, Victoria has questions, lots and lots of them, and decides to visit Sarah in Oslo. It is the start of a beautiful relationship for  them both, and paves the way for Victoria's "happy ever after".

It's a quick read, as once you're drawn in, you cannot stop reading. Stunning locations, believable people, and a bucketful of emotion. Highly recommended to fans of intense women fiction where family is at the heart off the story.

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Secrets come to light once Victoria’s grandmother passes away. What will this do to Victoria’s future? What follows is a very emotional and heartbreaking journey for Victoria. Family secrets, hidden truths and learning to forgive are encountered along the way.
Thank you to NetGallery, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read and review this book for my honest opinion.

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Another fabulous read from Mrs Prowse. I really enjoyed this book and connected with all of the characters. I loved the descriptions of Oslo - it's now on my bucket list to visit. The writing as always, is impeccable and glows seamlessly. Perfect read.

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I love Amanda Prowse books and this is no exception. When Victoria's beloved grandmother Prim passes away suddenly. Victoria discovers that everything she's been told about her past is all a lie

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The Day She Came Back by Amanda Prowse ~ Reviewed June 14, 2020
Victoria has lived with her maternal grandmother, Prim since she was an infant. Victoria believes her parents died of a drug overdose when she was a baby and Grandma has raised as a daughter. However, on the death of Grandma Prim, Victoria finds out her mother Sarah is alive.
After reading more about these three generations; it appears these women are so much alike!!!
I totally enjoyed the epilogue. I did check other reviews and saw that readers just love Ms. Prowse.
This is my first [author: Amanda Prowse] novel. I believe I need to read another!!!

Want to thank NetGalley and Amazon Publishing, UK for this early release granted to me in exchange for an honest professional review. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for July 7, 2020

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Amanda Prowse is fast becoming one of my new favourite authors. After reading 'Another Love' last month, I was so pleased to be able to read an advanced copy of 'The Day She Came Back' in exchange for an honest review.
The story follows 18 year old Victoria who at the start of the book loses the grandmother who raised her. Victoria's mother had passed away when she was a baby and her father had died before she was born, and so she is nervous at the prospect of now being left to face the world on her own. That is until the day of the funeral when a woman claiming to be her birth mother appears. The journey that follows is filled with friendship, grief, angst and discovery, and quite simply the author does what she does best - takes hold of your emotions and carries them tenderly through the book.
I loved the well rounded characters, and easy yet emotionally charged style of writing that keeps you well connected, I honestly just wanted to keep reading without a break.

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Another stunning book from the legendary Amanda Prowse, I devoured it in one sitting. An easy five stars from me!!
Many thanks for this ARC.

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I couldn't put this book down - well I say that but I had tears streaming down my face and had to leave reading the Epilogue for a while. What an amazing and compelling story this was. It was touching, thought provoking and heartwarming. At first I thought poor Victoria, then poor Sarah and poor Primrose - what a decision to have to make for everyone involved. I do love reading Amanda Prowse books. They always give food for thought.

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Wow, this is a bit of a roller-coaster of a book with some well-drawn characters both young and old. The key players at the start are Victoria, her friend Daksha and grandmother Primrose. As situation develop and Victoria starts to uncover more about her past relationships change and evolve. This is a great exploration of the consequences of addiction. Highly recommended.

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This is my first Amanda Prowse book and I loved it!!!!!!!! Wasn't sure how this story was gonna turn out but I was delighted with it. We have a 18 yr old Victoria, who has been raised by her grandmother "Prim". Her mother dies when she was a baby and her grandmother gave her a beautiful life filled w/love. Then her grandmother died leaving Victoria alone in the world. At Prim's funeral a strange woman tells Victoria that she is her mum. Shocked and grieving Victoria has alot on her at a young age. Read this book to find out how she handles it. Thank you to netgalley & amazonpublishing for my honest review

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Loved this book, made me laughter & cry such a beautiful story that deals with a very taboo subject sensitively.

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Another great story from Amanda Prowse. Victoria has learned to live with the fact that her mother died many years ago. But when her grandmother Primrose dies, she is forced to face that much of what she knows is based on a lie. .Forced to deal with the truth, Victoria finds it difficult to trust anyone.

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I’m in the minority with my 2 star rating but I just tried several times to get into this book but I’m sad to say I just cannot connect to any of the characters! Sorry to say but I gave up at 48% which is longer than I usually last on a book I’m not liking. I tried, I really did! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review.

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This was an enjoyable and easy read. Lovely storyline written by a fantastic author. Her books never disappoint

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This book was a lovely book, I enjoyed the story and finding out about Victoria, her Mum and Gran. However for me personally there wasn't enough happening to make me really hooked.
I liked the characters, especially the friendship between Daksha and Victoria. I also liked the way the book let you see the story from every point of view and it was very sad at times, but I felt it just didn't have enough to keep me interested and wanting to read more.

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One of the most powerful books I've read in a long time. The "drama" starts right in the beginning - chapters 2 & 3.

The writing highlights Victoria's raw emotions as she learns elements of her past were a lie and she is left reeling with these discoveries. The author captures perfectly this confused 18, almost 19 year old who was used to a life with an 80+ year old, her grandmother's ways, habits etc and suddenly has to find herself and find understanding of the circumstances of her birth amidst the chaos she finds herself in.

Her mini "rebellion" is captured perfectly and you feel every emotion she is experiencing so keenly. Her anger, her confusion, her feelings of betrayal and heartbreak.

Its such an emotional read and one that should not be attempted without tissues or plans to only read a few pages at at time. Hands down this must be in my opinion one of the best, if not the best, works to come out of the pen of Ms Prowse.

PS I especially loved Victoria's "revenge" on Courtney and Flynn's kind of confession at the end.

A beautiful book.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for granting me the opportunity to read this book.

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How do you forgive the family that lied to you and love the mom you never had?

Victoria has led a very love filled relaxed life in Epsom, Surrey brought up by her grandparents after being told her mother, Sarah and father, Marcus are dead. Prim, Victoria's grandmother, will never speak of Marcus, blaming him for causing her daughter's death by introducing her to drugs. When Victoria comes home one day and discovers Prim has passed away her world turns on its head and she is left alone, the closest she has to family now is her best friend Daksha, who rallies round as best she can, always with the offer of a cup of tea not far away. On the day of Prim's funeral a woman turns up, claiming to be the mother that she thought was dead. Victoria cannot understand why Prim, the one woman she thought she could trust, would lie to her, but to ever be happy again she needs to find out why. Can she ever trust anyone again?

This story is split between Epsom, Surrey and beautiful Oslo, Norway which Amanda frequently speaks about so lovingly. It's a tale of addiction, love, loss and trust. We all believe we can trust those that we love implicitly, when that trust is broken what do we have left?

Amanda Prowse is one of my go to authors when I need a change of genre from the thrillers and crime that I'm used to, I know without even reading the blurb that I'm going to love the book because, as I've said before, Amanda 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, and once again, I cried so many times through this one. 

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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Not my favourite of Amanda's books. Young adults might enjoy this story, but sadly it wasn't for me. At the start, the relationship between Victoria and her grandmother was touching. The rest of the story left me cold, as it was hard to relate to any of the characters. I would also have liked more description of dramatic Oslo, a city I have enjoyed visiting, as there didn't seem to be much sense of place. They could have been anywhere.

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I usually find Amanda Prowse novels both absorbing and really satisfying. Even one dealing with anorexia managed to convey the teenage victims inner-anguish whilst showing her parent’s anguish bBut I’m afraid I just found this one exasperating. Victoria is 18 years old but thinks more like a slow 14 year old. Meanwhile her grandmother and her beau are typical of 80 year olds from around 1980. Instead of their past conjouring up images of flappers and David Niven era war heroes they should really be Greenham common/ Grease Lightening characters.
The selfish, maundering girl finds herself bereft when bereaved and when her dearest wish comes true spends page after page bemoaning her lot.
When we arrive in Oslo the descriptions leap off the page and Sarah borders on likeable for the first time. The end seems remarkable neat and happily-ever –after ish.
Not one of her better ones. Don’t let it put you off because there are lots that are really good, realisitic and more gritty than this. It certainly shows the author is versatile and doesn’t write to a hackneyed formula.

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Really good read. Would recommend to friends and family. I could sympathise with characters (important for any fiction novel!) and looked forward to picking it up and reading the next few chapters! Interesting plot line and a good ending. Will look out for more novels by the author. Thank you.

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Amanda Prowse knows how to get you involved in the lives of her characters, she writes so well about ordinary, normal people that you can really believe in. One of today's great writers, and I always look forward to reading her books!
You could feel the confusion and anger Victoria was going through, it is so well written.
Thank you netgalley.

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Once again this author makes us feel all of our emotions and we feel richer for it! This feels like a ‘coming of age’ book to me. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and whizzed through it.

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Amanda Prowse never fails to delivery and this book is no exception, Victoria considers herself to be a plain sort of girl or as her grandma says of all the women in the family potatoes until they mature into chips. Daksha is Victoria's best friend and between them, they are planning a trip of a lifetime before they grow up completely. Prim, Victoria's Grandma and guardian is all for the trip and encourages them, Victoria is not too unhappy about leaving her grandma as she knows she has the friendship of Gerald and handyman Bernard to look out for her. Although Victoria has grown up without parents she has been smothered in love from Prim and her grandpa when he was alive. Everything is going along fine, Victoria even has a conversation with a boy that she has always admired from afar but thought was way out of her league. this conversation delays her getting home on time and when she finally arrives her world is turned upside down and will never be the same again.

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As always with Amanda Prowse's work, character and relationships are at the heart of this novel and there are some wonderful characters to adore and take into your heart. Victoria is feeling desolate after the loss of her wonderful Grandmother, Primrose, has left her seemingly alone in the world. Events transpire that leave her feeling confused and making decisions that go against her character and leave her further muddled and full of recrimination. Her emotions are reeling and she doesn't know how to think or feel.
Her mother's story is devastating and you find yourself really taking to all three generations of women. There is also a wonderful supporting cast in the endearing Gerald and the friend we all need in our lives: Daksha.
This book shows the sheer intensity of loss but also the power that love and friendship has to help us rebuild and regroup when we need it most.

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This author has a way of making the characters in her books so vivid, that one cannot, not get immersed in their lives.
Just before turning eighteen, the unthinkable happens and Victoria's grandmother Prim dies, her only living relative.
Victoria was raised by her grandparents, after her mother as she was told, died of an overdose shortly after she was born, and her father had also died.
Prim, the main and most important person in Victoria's life alongside her best friend Daksha, are everything to her, and the loss of her grandmother, and alone for the first time in her life, brought about many fears and questions, particularly after seeing a woman at the funeral who she did not know, yet somehow felt familiar.
This books presents you with a lot of emotions as Victoria, mourns her grandmother and tries to find her way in life, now that she is alone.
We follow her through many mishaps, doing things she never would have done, had her grandmother lived, the wonderful and close bond she and her best friend Daksha had, and the many other people who were trying to be there for her.
Trying to come to grips with a discovery she has made, Victoria takes a trip to s
Sweden to pursue what she has found out.
This is becoming one of my favorite authors, for her in depth characters and story lines.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the copy of this book.

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I’m a fan of Amanda Prowse books but I must say it took me several attempts to connect with this one. I’m glad I persevered though as I enjoyed it once into it. The story begins with Victoria, who is approaching her 19th birthday, returning home to find her beloved grandmother Prim has passed away at the age of 84. Prim has brought Victoria up from a small baby as her parents both died from drug related incidents. Prim’s death leaves Victoria bereft and alone and she relies heavily on her best friend Daksha for company. Following Prim’s funeral Victoria notices a stranger standing in the garden looking at the lake. When challenged the mysterious Sarah tells her who she is which sets off a rollercoaster of emotions for both of them. This is where the story of secrets, lies and betrayal really begins. I liked the warm characters of Gerald and Bernard who I felt played important parts. An enjoyable read but in some areas very predictable but that aside I would recommend. My thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an ARC

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The Day She Came Back By Amanda Prowse
It's no secret that I am a huge fan of Amanda's books. After 10 years of reading no books, I returned to reading 2 years ago, I've read more books by Amanda than any other author. I've loved every book of hers I have read so far, and loved this book just as much.
Victoria lives with her grandmother Prim, because her mother died when she was a baby. On the day of the funeral a woman turns up claiming to be Victoria's mother.
The story that follows is gut wrenching, as Victoria tries to figure out the truth. I loved the story, the characters and the location.
Loved it, loved it, loved it 5/5

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Another thought provoking book from this wonderful author. The Day She Came Back was an enjoyable book with a different storyline than I have seen before. If you like Amanda Prowse books then you will love this one and if you are new then you will want to read more by the author. A delightful and not too heavy read.

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Amanda Prowse is an author whose writing gently draws you in and holds you within the story. I loved the ease of how I settled right in from the first few pages alone. Even only just meeting Victoria and her grandmother Prim, they felt like I had known them for years.

The setting was so idyllic with the beautiful family home, Rosebank, definitely capturing my imagination. For Victoria to find herself the owner at the young age of eighteen, is a huge responsibility, especially when dealing with grief. Again, this is an author who writes from the heart. The utter devastation and anxiety of losing a loved one, leapt from the pages and I felt every emotion that Victoria was going through.

Something that really stood out to me was the friendship between Victoria and her best friend Daksha. They have been friends for forever and you could feel their closeness. The reason why their relationship stood out to me is that Daksha at times shows the true meaning of friendship. Telling your best friend things they don’t want to hear is never easy but that’s what a true friend will do. Seeing this pair going through some ups and downs as Victoria tries to deal with her grief as well as get her head around an enormous lie, was both captivating and emotional.

This is a story that will have you questioning if you would do things differently. Who knows what we would do in the same position. I can’t say I totally agreed with Prim and Victoria’s mother with how they handled things but I could understand why. The relationship between a mother and daughter is not always an easy one so you can’t help admiring both these women. I also greatly admired Victoria for how she handles things. She doesn’t always make the best choices but the way she deals with the outcome shows what a wonderful young lady she is.

The Day She Came Back grabbed hold of me and kept me there until I turned the last page. I was captivated by these very different women and the dynamics of their relationships. As I have mentioned before, Amanda writes from the heart and as with all her books, this was another compelling and emotive read. Another winner for me.

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I have read everything that Amanda has written so far and was therefore delighted to have the chance to read this, her latest, book. I love the way this author writes with such beautiful descriptive prose and always a great story line. It did take me a little longer than usual to get into this story as it initially felt as though it was aimed at the YA market, a genre that I don't tend to read , and I found it hard to engage with characters in their mid teens. However, after just a few chapters the story really did come alive for me and I thoroughly enjoyed it and appreciated the fact that Amanda portrayed these young people really well and was totally in their mindset. Victoria and her best friend, Daksha, were typical teens and their loyal and loving relationship was a lovely part of the story. As the book progressed it became ever more intriguing and the characters leapt off the page. It was good to see some of the older generation i.e. the lovely gentlemen, Bernard and Gerald, staying quietly in the background as they observed the terrible situation that the teens got themselves into and were then there to lend a mature and loving hand of friendship and kindness to help them when needed. Sarah, the mother who comes back into Victoria's life after being absent for 18 years has a very interesting backstory to tell as to why she handed over the raising of Victoria to her own mother, Prim, all those years ago. The author has clearly done a lot of research during the writing of this book especially with regard to Oslo and I fell in love with the place from her descriptions of the country and its people. Never having been there myself this is another for the bucket list! I was very happy with the conclusion of this lovely story and especially enjoyed the Epilogue which tied everything up perfectly. I eagerly look forward to Amanda Prowse's next novel. My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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Eighteen year old Victoria has lived with her gran since the death of her parents from drug related causes when she was just a baby. Her grandmother Prim has been a wonderfully supportive influence in her life encouraging Victoria to be the best she can and always being there for her. So you can imagine her devastation when her grandmother dies suddenly and unexpectedly and a woman comes to her funeral who claims to be Victoria's mother. Not only is she dealing with her grief over her grandmother's death but also with the realisation that she has been lied to all her life.

All the emotions of shock, grief, even guilt will be so recognisable by anyone who has experienced a loss. Anger, guilt, fear, confusion: they're all laid bare and all totally convincing. It made me feel very protective of Victoria, wondering how it would feel to be completely alone and how to cope so young. Victoria is the same age as my younger daughter and I was trying to imagine her having to cope with all that Victoria went through. One particular part of the story that really resonated with me was when Victoria realised "that she was now the sole custodian of the family history, the keeper of all these memories". Anyone who has lost a parent will recognise that feeling that it's not just their physical presence which has gone, but also all their stories.

Following Prim's death and the meeting with the woman claiming to be her mother, Victoria showed her immaturity with some of her decisions and in the way she treated some people including her loyal and loving friend Daksha and her grandmother's companion Gerald. I was on occasion annoyed and disappointed with her but then I had to remind myself that she was really young and hurting. She really needed someone to guide and advise her. It was good though to see her learn from her mistakes and begin to mature over the course of the novel.

The Day She Came Back is a novel about love, sacrifice and the power of forgiveness. As with all of Amanda Prowse's books, I found it to be a very compelling read and one where I really believed in her characters, particularly because of the sensitive and insightful way she writes about their emotions and actions. This is a powerful and compelling family drama, an emotional and uplifting read.

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The Day She Came Back by Amanda Prowse
As always, Ms. Prowse wrote a story that grabs you from the first page. Death is a hard thing to deal with. Victoria has dealt with a lot of it in her young life. First her mother, then her grandfather and now the grandmother that raised her. How much more can an 18 year old girl take? As much as we thought we knew at 18 years old, we really didn’t know that much. Are we truly ready to “adult” and all the responsibilities that go with it? Inheritance can bring “friends” and “relatives” out of the woodwork. Can you decipher the good from the bad? And what happens if one of the so-called “relatives” is back from the dead! How does one accept this? How does one deal with the lies and betrayal? How does one move on from here?
Well done Ms. Prowse. Well done!

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Amanda is one of my favourite author's and her latest release certainly didn't disappoint.

A young girl who is devastated to lose her maternal grandmother who has brought her up since the death of her mother, gets a surprise at her funeral. What follows next is believable and compelling.

I recommend this book as the perfect summer read, whether staycationing or even being further afield.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book.

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What a lovely warm story, so full of unthought of emotions. I adore Amanda Prowse as an author as she tells her stories from deep in her heart. This was so poignant and yet unimaginable, a mother that you believed dead suddenly appears in your life again. Once again a superb story that brings reality to situations with humour, love and of course the tear jerking moments.
Another masterpiece for this wonderful author.

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This is an emotional story of family secrets, love and forgiveness, addiction, grief, loss. It is also a story with characters of depth, hope, and moving forward. This was the first book I’ve read by Amanda Prowse - I found it captivating and moving, and I look forward to reading other books by this author.

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This was my first Amanda Prowse novel and it won’t be my last. The characters are beautifully developed as are the locations.. Victoria is raised by her energetic grandmother, Prim, when her mother and father die of a drug overdose. When Prim dies suddenly Victoria is left alone in the big ancestral home, Rosebank. She must adjust to her grief with only the help of her best friend Daksha. Daksha and Victoria’ friendship is artfully explored. At Prim’s funeral a woman Sarah, turns up and says she is Victoria’s mother. How can this be? When Sarah proves that she is indeed her mother through a series of letters between her mother and Prim, Victoria must accept that her wonderful grandmother has lied to her her entire life. Sarah wants to have a relationship with Victoria but Victoria is full of rage, heartache and resentment. Victoria makes some unhealthy choices while she is experiencing all these emotions. These choices while inevitably stupid are realistic and understandable for an 18 year old who is lost. Daksha suggests that Victoria meet with Sarah to see if a relationship is feasible. Sarah has her own baggage which she must get through. This is the story of three generational women who made decisions which had far reaching and long term consequences. This was an emotional journey for the characters as well as the readers. This novel covers mother daughter relationships, addiction, family dynamics, grief, love, resilience and strength.

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I want to thank Netgalley for the chance to read this ARC.
When her loving, free-spirited grandmother Primrose passes away, Victoria is bereft, yet resilient—she has survived tragedy before. But even her strength is tested when a mysterious woman attends Prim’s funeral and claims to be the mother Victoria thought was dead.

As the two women get to know each other and Victoria begins to learn more about her past, it becomes clear that her beloved grandmother had been keeping life-changing secrets from her. Desperate for answers, she still struggles to trust anyone to tell her the truth.

To live a full and happy life, Victoria knows she must not only uncover the truth, but find a way to forgive her family. But after so many years, is trusting them even possible?
I really enjoyed this book from the beginning. It had me spellbound from the start. I will definitely read more books by Amanda Prowse.

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The premise of this book, a young girl finding out the mother she’s been told is dead is actually alive, is good. I felt the book moved slow and found myself skipping over many parts to get to the actual story. Most of the characters are likable, and it’s easy to put yourself in their situations. I received an ARC of this book From NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK. All opinions expressed are my own.

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The death of her Grandmother Primrose is hard enough for Victoria to handle but when a woman attends the funeral and tells Victoria that she is her mother she knows she needs answers. The mother Victoria has always thought had died will help her find these answers.
Victoria learns things from her Mother that will forever change her life. Her goal is to find out answers and uncover the secrets that had been kept from her.

This is the first book I have read by Amanda Prowse and I look forward to reading more by her.
Thank you NetGalley and Amanda Prowse for the ARC. This is my personal review for the ARC.

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This is the story of a young woman, Victoria, who finds that, after her grandmother Prim dies, her mother is alive, and not dead, as Prim had told her. Victoria's mother shows up at Prim's funeral and wants to talk to Victoria but she turns her away. Victoria is angry at both her mother and grandmother for the secrets withheld, and its going to take a long time for her to accept this...

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

When Victoria returns from an afternoon out with her best-friend Daksha, she discovers that her much-loved Grandma Prim has died peacefully in her sleep. During the funeral Victoria notices a strange woman walking in the garden who says she’s Victoria’s mother Sarah. Prim always said that Sarah had died from a drug overdose whilst at Durham University so why did she tell such a huge life-changing lie to her?

For many years I’ve been a great fan of Amanda Prowse’s work and have read practically all of her books but although ‘The Day She Came Back’ was a gentle story and I admit to having a lump in my throat with the description of Prim’s death, it felt as though it had been written for a younger market. I got halfway through the story when I realised I was neither interested in any of the characters who came across as shallow and hackneyed nor what was going to happen to them, to continue reading. In fact, the story felt as if it had been written years ago and re-released as the characters didn’t come over as true to life. I apologise for being so negative and am disappointed that I couldn’t find enough in the story to keep me reading, but this is the first book I haven’t enjoyed and it won’t put me off reading more by Ms Prowse.

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When Victoria's beloved grandmother Prim dies suddenly, everything she has ever known about her life is about to change unimaginably. At Prim's funeral there is a mysterious woman and when Victoria goes to speak to her she reveals that she is her mother. But Prim had told Victoria that her mother died when she was just a baby. There is no way her gran would have lied to her is there?

Victoria is only 18, and is left feeling completely alone and adrift. She does have her amazing best friend Daksha, but in her confusion and grief she pushes her away when she becomes involved with a boy called Flynn. He helps her forget everything for a while, but when he shows himself to be unworthy of her time, she is forced to finally confront all the emotions she has been trying to suppress.

Tentatively, she reaches out to her mother Sarah, and begins to build a picture of why Prim lied to her. As they talk honestly she understands the sacrifice Sarah made, and the reasons why Prim lied to protect her granddaughter.

Dealing with themes of grief, addiction, anger, forgiveness and understanding, this is a warm and beautifully written story of family in all its permutations.

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Eighteen year old Victoria comes home after running an errand and find her grandmother, Prim has dies of a heart attack. It shouldn't be a surprise her grandmother was in her eighties. It is, her grandmother was doing her usual things when she left. Now, she's gone.
Now Victoria is truly alone. Prim had been her last surviving family. The devastation is overwhelming.
At the graveyard Victoria notices a no e looking woman who she doesn't recognize. When she goes to see who it is, the woman is gone.
The luncheon is held at Prim and Victoria's home. Duri g a lull in conversation as Victoria is looking out the window she sees the mysterious young woman again. As she approaches the woman to see who she is, she is surprised at the knowledge she has of her home. Than the words she has never expected to hear are spoken to her. I am Sarah, your mother.
A heartwarming, heartbreaking story of love, betrayal. The lies that are said to save the innocent.
Excellent!!

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This is the first book I have read by Amanda Prowse. It won't be the last.

Victoria is 18 and lives with her gran, Prim. When Prim suddenly dies, Victoria is bereft. It isn't made easier when a woman turns up at Prim's funeral claiming to be the mother Victoria believed was dead.

Through denial, doubt, and a conflicting myriad of emotions, Victoria is able to come to terms with both her past and her future.

I loved the way that Amanda Prowse wrote the various relationships. Victoria was clearly close to her gran and therefore the letdown, when it came, was very believable. Sarah, her mum, was well written too, awkward and unsure of how to reach out to Victoria, but when they finally found a way to connect, it absolutely made sense.

Daksha, Victoria's irrepressible best friend, was a joy - vibrant, funny, caring, and cake-loving! I also liked Gerald, who seemed completely unflappable and made me laugh as well.

There is a lot in this book about relationships and the choices we make, not always the right ones, as Victoria herself discovers.

You will need a box of tissues handy for this book, but it will leave you with a warm glow at the end despite the rollercoaster of emotions it took getting there.

I was sent an advance review copy of this book by Amazon Publishing UK, in return for an honest appraisal.

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This is one of those books you do not want to end!!

Victoria had a special bond with her grandmother who had brought her up after her mother had died! Her life with Prim is all she has known but when tragedy strikes and Prim dies suddenly, Victoria is left grief stricken and suddenly alone.

A stranger (Sarah) who attends Prims funeral claims to be Victoria’s mother ! This turns Victoria’s world upside down. Can this be true? Has everything she believed been a lie?

My own grandmother looked after both my cousins when tragedy hit their family many years ago. The storyline touched me personally because I saw first hand how their feelings of rejection impacted their lives long after their childhood. Amanda’s insight into characters and feelings are so insightful , she has a truly unique gift.

This book was emotional and tackled issues such as addiction, grief, love and forgiveness with such a raw understanding I can recommend it wholeheartedly. Amanda you have done it again, one of my favourite authors who just seems to get better and better!!

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for my chance to read this amazing book.

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I am new to Amanda Prowse but am now a fan, and The Day She Came Back was a fantastic read. The writing was excellent, and the dialogue flowed realistically. I'm realizing more and more what special skill is required to write good dialogue, and Prowse has it. The subject matter was wrenching, and I especially liked the series of letters that revealed the reasons for past decisions. I can't say more about that without ruining the flow of this beautiful story. While this can be a quick beach read, it also left me wanting more and thinking about the characters long after I finished it.

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My Mom is Alive

Victoria lives a happy life with her Grandmother. She was told that her mother died of a drug overdose when she was a baby. She has just finished school and is looking forward to going on a trip to visit places around the world until their money runs out. One day she goes shopping with her best friend and when she comes home her grandmother has died of a heart attack. At the funeral a strange lady appears and again in her grandmother’s garden. Victoria goes outside to talk to her and the lady says she is her mother.

Victoria is very confused and upset. She not only is grieving for her grandmother who has been a mother to her all her life, but now must find out if her mother is really alive and if she was lied to all her life.

This is a book about a young lady suffering from a loss, trying to figure out how to live alone, and learning that the mother she thought was dead for eighteen years is alive. She must adjust to these changes while learning to accept her mother in her life.

I liked that she had her best friend, and her grandmothers friend to help her. This is a book about love, trust, friendship and family secrets. It was an emotional read and so worth it. I would recommend this book.

Thanks to Amanda Prowse, Amazon Publishing UK, and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advance copy in return for an honest review.

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This was a sweet read and I was sorry for it to end. The characters were delightful and charming, the friendships and r e relationships lovely.

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Victoria at the tender age of 18 had her life fall to pieces. Brought up by her grandparents after the death of her parents, she thinks she’s totally alone after the death of Prim her beloved Grandmother. Suddenly after the funeral she comes face to face with her so called dead mother. The grief and shock sends Victoria’s life spiralling out of control. This gripping book follows Victoria as she tried to make sense of the lies she’s heard all her life. Can she get to grips with the betrayal from those she loved. A well deserved 5 star read

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Bestselling author Amanda Prowse knows how to play my heartstrings with her stories of “ordinary women and their families who find their strength, courage, and love tested in ways they never imagined.” In this book, we move in with Victoria. Victoria’s mother died when Victoria was a baby. Victoria lives with her vivacious grandmother Primrose in Surrey, England. Victoria is a smart and pleasant young woman, somewhat sheltered, a bit awkward, still growing and maturing.

If you’ve read a book by Author Prowse before, and I hope you have, you know that as soon as you crack the book open, you will keep reading, through smiles and tears, until the satisfying conclusion. So, how is Victoria’s “strength, courage and love” tested? Well, she learns that her whole life has been based on a cruel lie- her mother is not dead. In fact, she’s standing out in the backyard by the lake, as mourners gather after Primrose’s funeral.

Victoria not only has to bear the loss of her beloved grandmother; she must totally rewrite her whole life. I liked that this book moves at a slow pace- it takes time for Victoria to process it all. Victoria is helped by her best friend, and by some other wonderfully conceived friends and neighbors. The mystery of her mother is slowly unraveled, and Victoria finally earns her birthname- a strong and powerful name.

This book highlights the agony of heroin addiction. We also get to visit lovely Oslo. I recommend Ms. Prowse’s latest “domestic drama” and know you will enjoy befriending Victoria. I received an advance digital review copy from NetGalley. This is my honest review.

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THE DAY SHE CAME BACK is a heartwarming coming of age story with an intriguing hook: after the death of her grandmother, Victoria finds out her mother isn't dead after all. She also inherits her grandmother's old house, which she isn't sure she wants. Most of the story involves Victoria finding her way, working out why her grandmother lied about her mother, and mourning her grandmother. Victoria has a wonderful friend who helps her. This is a sweet story that fans of women's fiction should enjoy. My only caveat is that Victoria is quite young and her naive (even immature at times) outlook becomes grating at times. Overall, I enjoyed her character's journey and this poignant tale. The epilogue provides a charming look into Victoria's future.

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This is a very well written novel.

It would probably appeal to mothers and teenagers as the story is about relationships between mothers and their daughters.

Victoria was brought up by her loving and slightly eccentric grandmother Prim. Victoria's mother died when she was a baby, but she still talks to her photo on the wall, even though she has no memories of her, only what Prim has chosen to share.

Victoria seems immersed in Prim's world of antiques, flowers and wine with dinner, and has few friends of her own age. Other than her grandmother, the only person she really interacts with, is her best friend, Daksha, a chirpy, affectionate girl from a close knit Indian family.

After Prim dies suddenly, Victoria goes on an emotional journey, at first losing sight of all that her beloved grandmother had instilled in her. Yet from this low point, with the unwavering love and support of Daksha and (occasionally armed!) interventions by her grandmother's beau Gerald, Victoria picks up the pieces and finds, not only her own strength, but a new relationship with her lost mother, Sarah.

It is a well written novel with dealing with intense emotional material such as death, grief, loss and the struggles to find strength to go on amidst pain and emptiness.

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This is my first novel I read by Amanda Prowse and will look for her books now.
I received the opportunity from NetGalley to get an advanced copy. It was that good a story because I finished it in two days. I also enjoyed hearing about Early Grey Tea…shows a cup of tea is always the cup of life .
Victoria lives a comfortable caring life with her grandmother,PrimRose. Many birthdays have passed without her own “mum”, who died when she was a baby still.
Victoria is surrounded by strength and loyalty and most of all, loving people who try and help her survive the passing of her grandmother and to forgive a deep secret.
Her best friend Daksha shows true loyalty and friendship throughout the tragic reality that Sarah, her “mum” does indeed exist.
Victoria rebels against all who lied to her and gives in to a so called boyfriend she had a crush on, Flynn. He arrives drunk at her house and now she has no authority to stop her from doing opposite of her beleifs.
Gerarald (PrimRose’s boyfriend) comes to her rescue and she sees the trust and forgiveness again in him and the other members who saw her grow up .
It takes instances for forgiveness in Sarah, who desperately is trying to gain her love, through old letters sent back and forth to Prim and her daughter Sarah, and sharing them with Victoria so she can understand the whys of this betrayal Victory feels.
I have to add, reading her rebellious actions halfways, I almost shut the book.I was disappointed in Victoria’s decisions with Flyn and thinking out loud,don’t let a boy like this change your spirit and smart ways! Your grandma Prim’s house doesn’t deserve dirt and scum in her house!
This book had me hanging on with emotion, sadness and triumph in these women who bring out the strength of each other.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to give my personal opinion of this novel and look forward to catching up on more of Amanda’s books.

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Thank you netgalley for this as I love every single one of Amanda's books. What a stunning, thought provoking and lovely book this is.

The story is based around Victoria who lives with her grandmother Prim as her mother died when she was a baby. On the day of the funeral a woman turns up claiming to be Victoria's mother. The events then unfold.......

I read this in one sitting. Amanda never lets you down!

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Let me start by saying that while this book was categorized as women's fiction, which it is to a degree, it could also have been categorized for New Adult.

The book centers around Victoria, 18 years old for the majority of the book. She was an orphan, brought up by her grandmother, or so she was led to believe. When her grandmother suddenly passes away, Sarah appears at the funeral and explains that she is Victory's mother. (The name change is integral to the story.)

The remainder of the book follows Victoria/Victory over the next year, when she makes some uninformed decisions, as 18 year olds are known to do. She also makes life-changing decisions with all the angst of an 18 year old.

The writing was good, but I felt the book moved a little slow, and was a bit predictable in the mistakes she made. Perhaps if the audience was New Adult, the lessons would have resonated deeper than they did for me. I spent too much time thinking "NO, DON'T DO IT!" and it took away from the story for me.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

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I received an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley courtesy of Amazon Publishing UK in exchange for an unbiased review. This is my first Amanda Prowse novel and it certainly won’t be my last. I’d been meaning to read something by her for a while as I’d seen a few of her books on Goodreads and they all seemed to have really high ratings. I don’t always rely on ratings but it helps sometimes when I’m looking for something new to read. I was browsing NetGalley, which is a terrible habit as I already have a lot that I haven’t reviewed yet, when I stumbled upon The Day She Came Back and I was drawn to it because of the Author and the blurb.

My heart broke for Victoria when she lost her grandmother as she was all the family she had and losing her means being left utterly alone for the first time in her life. Prim meant the world to Victoria as she was her mother figure as well as her grandmother and understandably she finds it difficult to come to terms with knowing that she won’t ever see her again. As if grieving for her grandmother isn’t hard enough, the appearance of a woman claiming to be her mother sends Victoria into a downward spiral, filled with anger and burning questions, wondering how and why her grandmother could possibly keep it from her, especially after all the times Victoria cried for her mother over the years.

Victoria starts to question everything about her life, and anger towards her grandmother prevents her from grieving properly, causing her to act out and push people away that only have her best interests at heart. It was heartbreaking to watch Victoria go through such inner turmoil, unable to reconcile the memories of her grandmother with the knowledge she now has. Victoria is perfectly justified in her feelings of course, but in order to move on she needs to try to understand the reasoning behind the secrets.

Overall I really enjoyed this thought provoking and engaging novel. I only gave it four stars because some parts seemed to move quite slowly for me, but then the plot started to pick up pace and I found myself engrossed in the family secrets and desperate for Victoria to find the solace she deserves.

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Poor Victoria's life is rocked following the death of her beloved grandmother - her only family and she is only 19. This in itself would be hard enough to deal with but then she discovers that her mother who she has been told died when she was small is in fact alive. How would you cope with knowing that those who love you the most have lied to you your whole life? The story follows Victoria and her mother trying to find a way forward with their relationship and deals with loss, love and trust - things we all crave and need.

Amanda writes such believable characters and I find myself being drawn into the story and living it with them. I am amazed that she can write what seems to be a great number of books (25 and counting I think) but each book is well thought out and well written. Long may she continue.

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Victoria and her grandmother Prim have lived companionably together since the death of her grandfather when she was a child. Now 18, Victoria doesn’t remember her parents, both addicts. Her father died before sh e was born, her mother shortly afterward. But when Prim dies suddenly, a woman shows up at her funeral, claiming to be her mother, Sarah. While Victoria is suspicious, it’s hard to deny their physical similarities.

Faced with the knowledge that her beloved grandmother may have been lying to her, Victoria sinks into a downward spiral of sex, drugs, and drink, saved only by a few trusted friends. She and Sarah cautiously forge a relationship, made difficult by Victoria’s mistrust and resentment.

I love Amanda Prouse’s books. She tackles he most difficult and painful family relationships and manages to find happy endings. Some really cringey moments in this book were too much for me—I had to skim past them, but all in all, it was a rewarding read. The characters were all likable, particularly vulnerable Sarah and the too-good-to-be-true Jens (if he weren’t fictional, I’d pursue him). #NetGalley #TheDaySheCameBack

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Lovely story of a grown-up child finding her mother after years of being told she was dead. Such a shock and so many choices to make. The mother used to be a drug addict and how could she ne trusted ?? This is for her abandoned eighteen year daughter to decide once her beautiful, classy fearless grandmother dies. Finally meeting her mother in Norway where she lives will help her understand why life is never simple, sometimes ugly but that real love always wins.

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Many thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing UK, and Amanda Prowse for the opportunity to read and review her latest novel - 4 stars for another great read!

With both her parents dead before she even knew them, Victoria's world consisted of her beloved grandmother, Prim. When Prim passes away, Victoria feels completely alone. Then a stranger shows up to Prim's funeral and says that she is Victoria's mother. Victoria feels that everyone who loved her lied to her and she doesn't know how to come to grips with her new reality.

You really feel for this young woman as she is forced to confront all her family's secrets without anyone there to guide her. This book is filled with the topics of grief, loyalty, love and forgiveness. I especially loved the character of Daksha.

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A truly beautiful story that had me in tears from the get go. Victoria is a great character who you have so much love and empathy for and can really feel her pain.

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Amanda Prowse

The Day She Came Back
Blur
When her loving, free-spirited grandmother Primrose passes away, Victoria is bereft, yet resilient—she has survived tragedy before. But even her strength is tested when a mysterious woman attends Prim’s funeral and claims to be the mother Victoria thought was dead.

As the two women get to know each other and Victoria begins to learn more about her past, it becomes clear that her beloved grandmother had been keeping life-changing secrets from her. Desperate for answers, she still struggles to trust anyone to tell her the truth.

To live a full and happy life, Victoria knows she must not only uncover the truth, but find a way to forgive her family. But after so many years, is trusting them even possible?
My review

Amanda's books are so well written this book takes you on an emotional journey how would you feel if you suddenly find out your mother was not dead that's what happened to Victoria at her Grandma's funeral this book takes you on it and a very emotional and more journey with Victoria to find out what happened to her mother Amanda writes with such passion you can feel the emotions that she is writing about you can feel the pain that Victoria is going through you are took on the journey between her Grandma and her mother what happened in the past the letters that you read are very real and very more you get to see how Mother's feels and what happened in the past you go on Victoria journey with her to learn how she feels have to her grandmother died finding her first boyfriend to fubdung out about her mother but was it her first love was she just being used what did you think I like how the book took you through the different stages of grief and what happens I would recommend this book to you all this is a very interesting read and it is very good from the first few lines of the book and it was going to be an excellent read only took me a day to read and I really really enjoyed it and Amanda has got great writing skills and you are pulled into the story I did not want it to end I just had to carry on needed to find out what happened I recommend to you all Amanda us one of my most read authors 5 stars

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

Amanda Prowse is a master at her craft. The Day She Came Back will take you on the roller coaster of human emotions as she explores a family secret and how far a mother will go to protect her family.

Victoria's life is the result of decisions made by her mother and grandmother. When her world is turned upside down she is forced to deal with the falsehoods her life has been built upon. She is forced to grow up quicker than any of us want to in so many different ways. This book shows that process. There were moments in this book I was wanting things to progress faster but I know that Mrs. Amanda Prowse will get us to where we need to go.

This book also shows the complexity and beauty of friendship. I love the relationship between Victoria and Daksha. When Daksha said, "It's a face I love, and I probably know it better than you because I look at it more." I was entranced. That sums up true friendship so well. We all need a friend in our life that can take one look at us and read our mood and know what to do.

We all read books through the lens of our own experiences. For me there are two passages that rocked my core. "...hate and recrimination are big things and if you let them fill you up it brings you the opposite of peace because if you hate it takes all of your energy-and that's such a waste; how can you live life weighed down like that?" This is so hard to see when you're in that moment but the truth of this is amazing. "I always thought that if it was ever possible to meet my mum, in heaven or whatever, I would run to her and fall into her arms and she would hold me tight and we'd never let each other go. And it would feel like coming home..." Yes. If I could see my momma one more time this is exactly what I would do.

I think I will never tire of devouring Amanda Prowse's works. She really touches my heart in ways I didn't know it needed.

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I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Victoria's beloved grandmother Prim has passed away and she has been left feeling very much alone as Prim was the only family she's had. Victoria's mother died of a drug overdose when she was a baby and her father also died before she was born.

After Prim's funeral, a woman turns up and tells Victoria that she is her mother and Victoria is left in shock, anger and disbelief. How could her beloved Grandmother lie to her all these years? Why did her mother abandon her and go along with such a lie? Why has she suddenly turned up?

This book is another fantastic read by Amanda Prowse, who takes domestic dramas and spins them into fantastic stories that are not only relatable but tug at your heart strings and connect you to others and help you understand what others have to go through. This book was no exception and draws you in from the first few chapters.

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Victory is yours for 180 💋 kisses: emotion-provoking gem💎

😪😤🤗😌 What can I say other than fantastic, full of tears and frustration: such a rollercoaster of emotions as 18 year-old Victoria finds her whole existence upended. Yes, she does some cruel, neglectful and even stupid things when she can't cope. She has trouble distinguishing those who care for her and support her versus those who would exploit her in her grief. At times I really did not like her but, then, I've never been in her shoes.

I am a big fan of author Amanda Prowse whose work I just discovered in 2019.
Her novels are just that much more poignant and thought-provoking so that they rise above the typical well put together novel. They pull me in and, as they draw to a close I feel lifted somehow. I loved this story despite the hard lessons it teaches and the heart-wrenching choices made all in the interests of an innocent child's welfare. And the ending is the perfect cherry topper to this literary treat😋.

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

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How would you feel if your whole life had been a lie ? This is the case for VIctoria. She was told her whole life that her mother had died when she was a baby. But when Victoria's grandmother passes away, Victoria's mother shows up. This is a beautiful story of love, loss, lies and hope. This story will lead you through Victoria's path of finding her truth and making a life for herself. True Amanda Prowse perfection.

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Amanda Prowse does it again!
Victoria has grown up with her grandmother her whole life, as her mother died when she was only an infant. However when Prim, her grandmother dies somewhat unexpectedly, more truth and secrets are revealed. I truly enjoyed this story and Victoria’s journey to rebuild what she thought her life was. Very well done.

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Victoria and her grandmother Prim only have each other - Victoria’s father died before she was born & her mother shortly afterwards & her grandfather died several years before. When Prim dies unexpectedly, Victoria is left bereft. The support of her best friend Daksha, even when Victoria snaps at her, is fabulous (everybody needs a Daksha) but when a woman shows up at Prim’s funeral, claiming to be her mother, Victoria’s life is turned upside down.
Faced with the knowledge that her beloved grandmother may have been lying to her, Victoria struggles to cope. In her heartbreak & confusion, she pushes away those closest to her and acts uncharacteristically, but soon realises that there are people who love her & have her best interests at heart – even Gerald the “courgette man” and Bernard the traitor-handyman.

The author develops the characters very well. Victoria was captured in her teenage awkwardness well in the early days though it was more like the portrayal of a 15 yr old than a just-left-school 18 yr old … unfortunately had Victoria not been a legal adult when her grandmother died, the story wouldn’t have been able to progress the way it did. Prim came alive, both in the early pages of the book & in the later letters – I can totally imagine that twinkle in her eye! Sarah develops well and we see hurt, excitement, fear and worry as the relationship with Victoria changes and evolves.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and the characters, but it was a little predictable and without a decent twist or bump in the story it just fell a little flat for me, bordering on twee.

Disclosure: I received an advance reader copy of this book free from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

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This is a new author for me! Her writing style was a little flowery and twee through I can tell she knows how to write and does it well! I found the story interesting and fast paced... sad at times too! I will try more books by this author

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I couldnt put this book down! This is a must read, this is a first read for me from the author, I will definitely be looking into more!!

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While I always enjoy Amanda Prowse’s books, this one failed to keep my interest. I felt myself skimming through pages halfway through thinking when will this story pick up. Everything seemed very predictable, especially with young Mr. Flynn. Thank you NG for the advanced copy.

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When I first started reading the book I thought it was slow moving. As the story progressed I realized that the author included all the back story to help layer the story. This is a tale of a young women who grew up with her maternal Grandmother after the death of her Mother by drug overdose. When her Grandmother passes away she discovers she did not now her Grandmother as well as she thought.

As Victoria tries to unravel the past she finds herself making foolish decisions. She allows her anger at those she feels betrayed her to push away her friends at the time she needs them the most.

It is a novel abut what family is and how we define ourselves by the stories others tell us. I enjoyed this novel greatly and the deep backstory added to the telling of Victoria's story.

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On the day that Victoria buries her beloved grandmother, Primrose, she finds out that she has been lied to since she was a little girl.

Victoria needs to find it in her heart to forgive her grandmother if she is to ever trust anyone again, whilst at the same time trying to connect with the mother she thought she had lost.

I did feel sorry for Sara, I really do not think I could ever give up on my child. However, Amanda always looks at every angle and her strong argument and sympathetic handling of the story really made me think. Although I was so disappointed in Primrose, at the same time she earned my respect in facing up to the reality of the situation and sticking to her guns in order to protect her granddaughter.

I loved how the heart of letter writing was used to bring Victoria closer to her mother.

I went through every emotion reading this book, disbelief, anger, heartbreak and hope.
Amanda Prowse has once again reached into her heart and come up with a story that you just know as the touch of truth about it.

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Victoria is shocked when Sarah claims to be the mother her just deceased grandmother told her was dead. Primrose always said that she raised Victoria because Marcus introduced Sarah to drugs and she ODd. Now, Victoria is 18, without her loving grandmother and quite adrift. She is lucky to have Daksha as a friend- a friend who is not only supportive but who also tells her hard truths. Keep in mind as you read this that Victoria is 18 and her world has turned upside down. She goes on a hunt - blundering in some spots- for the truth about her past. This moves between the UK and Norway; the settings are quite evocative. It's a good family secrets and lies read supported by wonderful storytelling. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. It's a page turner with some surprises in store for the reader.

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The Day She Came Back was truly lovely story by Amanda Prowse. I can’t imagine being in the shoes of Victoria, Prim, or Sarah. To realize your life had been a lie and to not be able to confront the one who lied and to find a way to forgiveness both for the lies and for being left is unimaginable. Amanda Prowse writes in a way that help you connect with her characters and you are invested in the outcome of their story. I would definitely recommend this book.

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In her almost nineteen years of life, Vitoria has been living a comfy and care-free life with her only family, grandma Prim (or Primrose) at their cozy family home Rosebank.
However, the day grandma Prim passes away, everything seems fallen apart. Vitoria feels lonely, confused, and lost. When a mysterious woman, who attends Prim’s funeral, claims that she is Victoria’s mother who’s supposedly dead, Victoria faces her utmost life challenge yet, and she has determined to unearth the truth that has been awaiting her all this while.
Amanda Prowse has brilliantly written this beautiful THE DAY SHE CAME BACK, that is choked full of emotions - love, grief, pain, trust and betrayal. The story still tugs at my heartstrings long after I have finished reading it.
#NetGalley
#TheDaySheCameBack

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Victoria has completed her schooling and does not plan to attend college. She and her best friend plan to travel to the Far East for an adventurous exploration until their runs out. Victoria’s grandmother Prim has encouraged and supported the plan.

Before the adventure begins Victoria finds Prim dead in her favorite chair in the sun room. Victoria cannot believe her loving, free-spirited grandmother, who raised her, is dead. But the disbelief is expanded when a mysterious women at Prim’s funeral claims to be Victoria’s mother. The shock of a live mother after life-time of believing her mother was dead, and realizing that her beloved Prim had been lying, Victoria must found her way to the truth while grieving, and becoming adult over-night. While making some wrong choices, an honest look at complex family problems.

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I requestes to read and review The Day She Came Back by Amanda Prowse and published by Lake Union. This book had many emotions. The ending was perfect! European setting a true life scenario. Characters Sarah, Prim and Victoria take center stage in this powerful novel about love, lost,
forgiveness and redemption. How far can a bond go back and can it be repaired. And can you move forward if you know the truth even when the truth isn't what you thought it was!

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Victoria was raised by her grandmother. It was just the two of them for many years. When her grandmother dies, she feels alone. You can feel her deep heartache of the loss with no other family to share her grief with. Then, at the funeral, her mother shows up. Victoria had been told that her mother died when she was a baby. This is the story about her stages of grief, how she copes with the lies she was told, and how she deals with her mother coming back into her life. The author, Amanda Prowse, does an amazing job of conveying Victoria's feelings. Her pain and anger will break your heart and make you want to comfort her. It is so well written that Victoria's actions and reactions will make you want to cry or scream or shake your head and wonder what she was thinking. You can feel the turmoil she feels trying to make sense of the past and the lie that she was told. As the whole raw truth comes to light, can she forgive everyone that lied to her and reconcile with the mother she never knew?

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Many families have secrets and they hope to reveal them before their passing. The Day She Came Back” is a story of what happens when the person passes before their secrets are shared. Well developed characters had me shaking my head when they did wrong and happy when they did right. Another well written book by Amanda Prowse.

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This book wasn't for me. I wanted to like it, but couldn't. The main character came across as whiny rather than sympathetic.

The plot was thin and rather tiresome. At least the book had a happy ending.

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At the onset, Victoria is a sheltered, well loved young woman living with her only (know) relative, Prim. Prim passes away suddenly, leaving Victoria to temporarily lose sight of everything meaningful in her life. She pushes away her best friend, others who care about her, and aligns with her high school crush who is a selfish cad. Learning that her birth mother is alive and that Prim knew it changes her life forever. As her "new" life unfolds, Victoria learns what is truly valuable and how to cherish it.

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I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy this book but once I got past the first few pages I was completely engaged. The main protagonists were both likable and very human. The story was well written allowing me to form my own opinions regarding the decisions the characters made and how their decisions impacted each other’s lives.

Victoria has been raised from infancy by her grandmother Prim. Her mother was a drug addict who went into rehab while she was pregnant but who overdosed and her father died from an overdose before she was born. When her beloved Prim dies suddenly just before Victoria’s 19th birthday she feels untethered since she has lost her only family. On the day of Prims funeral, Victoria becomes privy to a huge secret that was kept from her which now impacts her life and her view of the people in her circle.

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I'm having a hard time deciding between 3 and 4 stars. Victoria was raised by her vivacious grandmother, Prim. When Prim suddenly dies, Victoria is faced with a truth she has a hard time accepting. All her life she was told her mother died when she was a baby, but a mysterious woman is at the funeral claiming to be her mother. Victoria is sent on a soul-searching mission and in the process learns who she is, as well as those she thought she fully knew.

I almost gave up halfway when I couldn't take the decisions Victoria was making. At times I thought there was a lot of repetition on the internal dialogue as she struggled to understand the decisions of those she loved. Ultimately it had a redemptive message and I appreciated the way it ended. I think it would make for a good discussion in a book club, though!

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC for my honest opinion.

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This novel reads very much like a Young Adult book. It's the first I've ever read by Amanda Prowse and all I can say it would speak much more to me were I 17. That's not a bad thing, it's just so predictable. The title gives it away before you even get there.

Victoria, an 18 year old living in Epsom, Surrey, has decided not to attend university but to travel instead until their money runs out with her dearest friend, Daksha. Victoria's grandmother, Prim, a spry 84 year old who raised her, dies suddenly and her world falls apart. Life lessons follow, are learned, and all ends well.

I can understand why Prowse is so popular. He writing is easy to read and fast-paced. But don't expect literary fiction. It works well for whiling away a few afternoons.

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A powerful storyline which could be very plausible. Victoria’s life changed in a way she did not expect having been brought up by her grandmother Prim. It was a captivating read which I really enjoyed.

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I found this a very hard book to read, not because it was bad, but because the content was very sad. Fancy waking up one day and finding your whole life is a lie, how do you deal with this great shock. The book was very interesting and once I was able to deal with the situation I found it a good well written book. Thank you for allowing me to read this arc copy.

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What a fabulous book. The author invokes such passion into her writing you can almost believe you are with every character on every page. The book is, to me, a brilliant coming of age book where we see a young girl having her whole life turned upside down when her grandmother dies. Not only has she got to cope with the grief, she has to unravel the spiders web of lies that she has been told for her entire life. To go into more detail would give too much away and this is a journey that is at times funny but heartbreaking but keeps you turning the page. Definitely one to recommend.

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I was not familiar with author Amanda Prowse but now that I’ve read The Day She Came Back I will read more of her work. I really enjoyed the story. It’s an example of how things aren’t always what they seem. It had a delicious first-time romance, true friendship, true love, a big reveal and a happy ending. What more could you ask for?

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There’s something deeply universal and comfortable about an Amanda Prowse book. And she achieves this with magic and sparkle and humour. In The Day She Came Back, the author ensured I was instantly invested in the characters and had me rooting for everything to turn out for the best. I instantly recognised the scenes, people and situations she described – even though I’m not English.
Prowse writes about life’s real people, and one of the effects of reading this book (and so many of her others) is a sense of upliftment, a return to reality, an appreciation of the genuine, authentic, real characters that people our world. And she shows how, ultimately, real people triumph, despite their setbacks, lack of confidence or attempts at being someone else because they think their real selves are simply not good enough.
I adored Prim, Victoria’s wonderfully eccentric and loving grandmother. Her view of the world was a breath of fresh air. After her death, however, Victoria discovers that Prim had been keeping a life-changing secret from her, something she battles to deal with. Amanda Prowse gets her readers to experience some of the most difficult moments of young Victoria’s life, and I found it an emotional read.
The book is full of unforgettable characters, such as Victoria’s best friend, the indomitable Daksha. Their relationship is perfect – honest (sometimes courageously so), genuine, funny and heartbreaking. Prim’s beau is also an absolute star. The book is not all beautiful country homes and eccentric people, however, as it also deals with the horrors of drug addiction and its devastating effects on families.
I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it.

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Victoria’s life is turned upside down following the death of her beloved grandmother, Prim, the woman who raised her because (Victoria had always been told) her mother had died not long after she was born, having chosen drugs over her daughter. However, at Prim’s funeral, a stranger approaches her, a lawyer from Oslo, and says that she is her mother.

Who is this successful woman who looks like Victoria and Prim, and why had she chosen now to appear? Poleaxed by this revelation, Victoria starts to rebel, upsetting those close to her and making really bad life choices, all whilst she works through her grief and confusion and tries to get anwers and slowly build her new life.

Amanda Prowse is a wonderful author, her books are always and emotional rollercoaster with realistic characters you can understand.

Whilst my heart broke for Victoria, I did get frustrated with her and the choices she made. However, I could understand why she did what she did, being that she was a young girl who had lost all she had knowN, leaving her in a difficult place, clearly angry and confused and taking out these emotions on those closest to her. The author has, again, produced a main character you can empathise with - who hasn’t said something hurtful to those they love because they are in pain? Who could say that their 18 year old self would have dealt with things any differently?

I had so many questions around the appearance of her mother, the same questions as Victoria, and I had to go on her journey to get the answers, had to feel her confusion, her pain, her distress.

Another brilliant, dramatic read by Amanda Prowse

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The Day She Came Back is the latest story by Amanda Prowse. To my knowledge this is not supposed to be a YA novel, but to me it reads like one. I had a difficult time caring for the story line for quite awhile. Once I was "into it" it was a really good read. Fair warning, there may even be a few tears shed. I want to thank NetGalley and Amazon UK for an early copy to review.

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As always, Amanda Prowse has delivered a WOW! story! Victoria was raised by her grandmother, Prim. Victoria was told her mother died when Victoria was very young . Prim died when Victoria was 18 and at the funeral a woman approached Victoria saying she was her Mum. Victoria does not believe her at first and she is angry and upset at this declaration. The story takes off from there and involves so many emotions , both for Victoria and for her mother. A beautiful story!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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I liked the concept of this book, but it fell flat to me. The characters weren’t well-developed and I found the explanation for the lie unbelievable.

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Oh my goodness you have done it again Amanda. It feels a little bit like Anna, Theo and Kitty. Can we please have Prim and Sarah’s story please. I absolutely loved all of the characters. I feel sometimes that you write a book exactly when I need to read it. You have touched my heart again. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

The characters in this story are people you would want in your life. Sarah as a friend, Prim as your second mum and Victoria you would just want to be her mum.

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I did not like this book. Characters were whiny. The nay great character was Daksha and she wasn’t in it enough. This book held no interest for me.

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4.5 stars

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.

My goodness, this book touched me. It was just lovely, but also dark due to the family issues which I enjoyed. The protagonist is Victoria who is a few months younger than my daughter. It really invested me in the story; however, I would have been invested in the story if there were not this coincidence.

I loved learning about the two main locations in the book - Epsom and Oslo. I have been to neither, but now I want to do so.

The characters were strong, real, and true to the storyline. Amanda Prowse's books are ALWAYS so real!

HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!

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Once again the author Amanda Prowse has told this new story in only a way that she can. I really loved this story!
How nice it was to meet her new characters of this book.A young girl of 18 years, Victoria ready to discover/travel the world with her best friend.I loved how his story was set in 2 nice places including one Scandianvian country. This story has what makes good story telling, some nice moments, mixed with a tragic event where the main character Victoria feels all alone in the world, how a big dramatic event changes her whole world. Her grandmother Prim had been there for her and then she was gone. How life wasn't what she had expected it to be, Lies, deception, how Victoria tries to understand and of course get past what she had believed was her life.All the questions that needed answers. Discovering that with anger and hurt there is somewhere along the way, a road to forgiving and healing and that not always the path is easy to find. Victoria goes through her life and she does end up doing mistakes. This story telling was no exception it was really good, a story that was emotional and the book was really hard to put down once I started reading it. This story has the parts that a good book should have and that is what makes it a great read.! I could definitely recommend this book and it's gotten my 5 stars.
I'm grateful to have gotten the opportunity to read this book and want to thank the author and the publisher!
Charlotte N

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I chose to read this book because I found the idea interesting. However, I found myself getting bored after a few pages. I even set it aside for a few days and forgot about it. Since it couldn’t capture my attention enough I chose to set it aside for good and just walk away.

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This is a solid story about a family with a secret. Victoria is only 18 and trying to navigate life after the death of her beloved Prim. This follows her journey of discovery over the course of over a year.
I really enjoyed the side characters like Daks, Mrs. Joshi, and Gerald. She might be alone, but with friends like these on her side, Victoria can do anything. What she did do was drone on and on about her alone-ness and how very wronged she is. I get the angst, but there was too much. The rest of the story reads well and was enjoyable.

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While this is a book of fiction I am sure it will resonate with a lot of people. Victoria had a wonderful upbringing raised by her grandmother (Prim). The only sad point was never knowing her mother as her grandma told her she was dead. Vics missed her every day and talked to her daily. After her 18th birthday and graduating Vics and her best friend, Daks, decided to travel the world until the money they saved ran out. Life doesn’t always work out as planned and before they could go on their trip Vics comes home and finds Prim dead, she is devastated. Her best friend’s mom is the best and helps take care of everything. The day of the funeral Vics notices a lady she doesn’t know but something seems familiar about her and later she is at the house. Vics speaks to the lady who tells her she is her mother—can you imagine how you would feel? The story takes us thru the trials of trying to come to terms with so many things at such a young age. How will she handle this—how would you? Have some tissues handy. I highly recommend this book and I am sure I will read it again.

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Imagine growing up never having known the love of your mother or father. Growing up knowing you lost one parent before you were ever born and the other sometimes shortly after. Imagine growing up knowing drugs were to blame and how that would shape your life. Imagine growing up with a grandmother who bestowed all of the love in her heart on you, all of the love she had for their long-lost daughter and for her granddaughter. And imagine, just before your 19th birthday, you come home to find the one person you love the most in your life has died. How do you recover from this, how do you go on? And then imagine, that you find out that everything was a lie. How do you recover from that, how do you go on? An amazing story of survival, of will, of understanding, of forgiveness, and of love. A beautiful story!

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I really loved this book and it was easy to reward it with a 5 star rating from me.
This book is about Victoria, who's loving grandmother that she has spent most of her life with, passes away. However, at the funeral, an unexpected guest turns up! How will Victoria cope with this extraordinary news? Will she be alone forever? Or is the family she has always longed for closer than she thinks?
I have previously read numerous Amanda Drowse novels, all of which I have enjoyed; I found this novel to be quite an easy and compelling read which I read in one entire sitting, it seems once I had started, my kindle was glues to my hands!
I loved the descriptions of every minor detail, the author didn't leave any aspect of the vision out, and it worked wonders for the imagery which wasn't lacking in any chapter.
I loved how the story ending was clear not vague, those endings to me are the best kind. I could definitely relate to Victoria's character and empathise accordingly.
I also loved Daksha's character, a well needed supporting best friend that every teenage girl yearns for when feeling a little lost, or a lot lost in Victoria's case.
I recommend everyone to get a copy of this book, it has to be one of the best books I have read so far this year.

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There were times that I absolutely adored this book and the potential for the storyline to grip the reader...unfortunately there were also times where I just felt frustrated by the storyline and the characters! So it was a mixture of a book and a mixture of a review.

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Another excellent read from Amanda Prowse, this story will break your heart and keep you up at night reading. Beautifully written characters ( as you would expect) and fabulous locations. Victoria is a great character and throughly deserves a best friend like Daksha who with her family love and support her.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this book.

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The Day She Came Back by Amanda Prowse was a great read! It was my first book to read by this author and I can tell you I was not disappointed! Oh my gosh this book brought so many emotions to me! I cried, laughed and was so happy to see the finish!
This book is about Victoria an 18 year living with her Grandmother Prim in England! Victoria was always told that her father died before she was born and that her Mother had passed away from drug abuse. Victoria’s best friend Daksha was always there for Victoria. They had planned on traveling the world before college. Unfortunately, one day Daksha had came over to the house and they were going to go get a coffee and pick up Grandmother something’s. When Victoria got home she found her grandmother had passed away. Now is when things get really bad! A strange woman shows up to Grandmother’s funeral claiming to be Sarah the dead mother?
Then Flynn the guy that Victoria had a huge crush on her shows up and spends a few days there. Not good at all! Victoria quickly spirals down from the bad influence of Flynn and she was even really hateful to her best friend Daksha.
Could Victoria trust that Sarah was her mother and why did grandmother lie to her? I would suggest you run out and get this book as soon as possible!
I received this from Amazon publishing UK and Netgalley as an ARC for an honest review.

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The story is full of sympathy, anxiety, hurt, bereavement, drug addiction, adjustment and trust.
Grandmother Prim, mother Sarah and daughter Victoria have all made sacrifices/decisions that have formed their lives but eventually when the truth comes out they recognise that those choices were made out of love, compassion and hope.
I don't want to spoil the plot, please read the book.
Exactly what I have come to expect from Amanda Prowse, A heartfelt read which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I want to thank Net Galley, Amazon Publishing UK, Amanda Prowse for a pre-publication copy to review.

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The Day She Came Back by Amanda Prowse is kind of a coming-of-age story. Victoria has been raised by her grandmother, mostly. Her grandfather had died when she was nine. Her parents had both died of drugs overdoses when she was a baby. She's almost 19 now and planning a six-month long trip to The Far East and Africa with her best friend, Daks. Daks will be off to university when they returned. Victoria did plan to go on to school, but then, who knows? It was a day like any other day. Daks and Victoria had gone to the coffee shop to check Victoria's schedule. One the way home, Victoria had taken the long way, passing by a sporting goods store where the boy she liked worked. She got home and ran to find her grandmother. She found her, dead on a lounge chair on the patio. Thus began the worst weeks of her life.

During this story, Victoria, goes from irresponsible, protected teen to a more mature and understanding young adult. In her grief, she made some mistakes but seemingly learned from them; had her first sexual experience; and learned to love people who were flawed, as we all are. She started off gullible, sad, and often thoughtless...typical for the age. But, she had more problems to solve than most 18 year olds. And she managed to solve them, mostly because she had people who loved her available to help. This story is a real-life tragedy, the kind many of us have in our lives, although hers piled on in a very short period of time. It was heart-breaking and heart-mending. A terrific characterization. A very gripping read. I recommend it.

I was invited to read an ARC of The Day She Came Back. by Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #thedayshecameback

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Amanda Prowse is just sensational at these family dramas !! Her latest book doesn’t disappoint and you really don’t want to miss it.

Victoria was raised by her Grandmother, Prim, after the death of her mother when she was just a baby. Prim is the only living relative that Victoria has but then one day she returns home to find Prim dead, in her favourite chair. At the tender age of eighteen Victoria finds herself all alone in the world. How will she cope ?

Victoria’s bestfriend tries to help her and so does Prims gentleman friend but ultimately Victoria feels alone. On the day of Prim’s funeral a familiar looking lady turns up and after a very brief chat she reveals she is Victoria’s mother. How can this be ? Could this woman be telling the truth ?

The book follows the lonely, heartbroken Victoria and her journey to grieving for her Grandmother and potentially meeting up with the mother she thought was dead. This is a fantastic book and you really feel as though you are travelling along with Victoria in her grief. A very emotional read and one you will not want to miss.

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

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This is a very slow-paced book, and I almost gave up on it after a few chapters. However, I have trust in Amanda Prowse’s writing so persevered.
The pace doesn’t really pick up, but the book is filled with emotion. I can’t say that it really touched me like a lot of her books have but it was a pleasant enough of a read. We start off meeting Prim and Victoria on a lazy hot summer’s day. The day soon turns sour when Victoria finds her beloved and lively grandmother has passed away. The book is mainly about her coming to terms with her new reality but also the lies that have been told to her all of her life start to unravel. She is not prepared for the truth and reacts very badly to everything that is being hurled at her.
I had to keep reminding myself that she was only eighteen as sometimes she acted a lot older. However, other times she would seem very immature, and it was then I had to remind myself she was barely an adult.
Her inner dialogue did become very repetitive throughout, and it made the book feel as if it wasn’t moving forward. I think the book could have been half the size with some of this dead weight cut out.
I was expecting more from the revelation as to why Victoria had been lied to her whole life. It was built up and built up that the reveal fell a little flat. I wanted more and wanted to be shocked on behalf of Victoria, but it was a little lame.
The ending is quite lovely, where everything starts to come together, and it was worth persevering with the book to see how it all developed. It was nice seeing all the new relationships between the characters evolving and Victoria growing into a woman.
Overall, even though slow-paced and not filled with the usual ‘kick you in the gut’ feels, it was still a charming read.

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I haven't read anything by this author before and was pleasantly surprised. The book kept me enthralled as I read it in an afternoon. Lately, we're seeing a lot of books about "family secrets," but this was unique in that the protagonist was not necessarily likeable and the subject of drug abuse was dark and believable. I expect I'll read more from this author in the future.

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It took me a while to get into this story. I am so glad I kept reading. This is a beautifully written story about the lives of three generations of one family and the consequences of decisions they have made. I laughed and nearly cried and got totally caught up in their world.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

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Oh my, another book of feels. Ms. Amanda Prowse is truly the Queen of Emotions. Her power to make every word pulse with energy made the story come alive. Absolutely amazing!!

Victoria had always been told that her mum had died due to drug overdose. She was brought up by her beloved nan, Prim, who was her world and her biggest support. One day, Prim died. Victoria’s life shattered. After the funeral, a woman approached her to speak a few words – I AM YOUR MUM!

The blurb itself evoked so many thoughts in my mind, imagining the scenario of how it would be for that eighteen-year-old to learn everything she knew was a LIE. I loved how the author showed me normality before pulling the rug off my feet. The drama started with a bang but soon became the wave of change.

Victoria was so real, I could feel her pain and betrayal. Disbelief on knowing the truth and her need to escape it all. Acceptance came slow, but when it did, it brought forth a peace to the heart. The journey of the mother and daughter to reach a point where they could form a bridge and walk together was filled with ups and downs. More downs than ups.

The characters did what they thought was right, yet the repercussions proved them wrong. But real life was like that. You could just live your best and wait for destiny to fill the rest. The author revealed every facet of Victoria, from good to bad, as she found the strength to understand the circumstances and start the process of forgiveness.

The emotions the book invoked made me search for a tissue or two. The author was brilliant in the way she directed the pace of the story. Very touching.

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This is the first book I've read by this author. Her characters are developed so well, you can feel what they are feeling. This is a fascinating, heartfelt story of Victoria, who has been raised by her grandparents her entire life. Her grandfather dies when she is 9, and at age 18, she comes home to find her dearly loved, grandmother, Primrose, who is affectionately called Prim, dead in her chair. Victoria has believed her entire life that her mother died when she was a baby, and her father died before she was born. With both of her grandparents gone, she feels totally alone, except for her best friend Daksha. The setting of this book is in England, however, Victoria travels to Norway, where a vivid description is given of this beautiful country. Without giving away a spoiler, Victoria discovers, upon the death of her grandmother, a big family secret. As she seeks answers to some life-changing questions, and comes to terms with some disturbing events, I personally felt the uncertainly and turmoil Victoria faced. This book is beautifully written and a page turner. I think the use of the "F" word and a few other words could have been eliminated, as they didn't add anything to the story. That's my personal opinion. I gave it 5 stars because of the expert writing of a fascinating story. Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

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This was my first book by Amanda Prowse and I'm not totally sure how I want to review it. I struggled with it a bit at times (staying into it), but the fault may be totally mine. I'm more than a little distracted right now.
Having said that, the characters were interesting and the premise of the book was good. I think my main problem with the book was that Victoria was so young. It would have had more impact for me if she had been slightly older than her eighteen years and matured more while still missing her mother. I did think that the things revealed in the letters between her mother and her grandmother at the very end brought a good conclusion to the story. Extremely well done.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. All thoughts are my own.

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Eighteen year-old Victoria has lived with her grandmother, Prim, all her life; her mother died soon after she was born.
When Prim dies suddenly, everything changes. Victoria thinks she has no one left except her best friend, until Prim's funeral. A woman turns up at the funeral, claiming to be Victoria's mother.
Thrown into confusion, Victoria struggles to cope; she embarks on a whirlwind romance with a boy she has fancied throughout school, she alienates her best friend Daksha, she tries to find out whether the woman is telling the truth and, if so, why Prim lied to her.
Sensitively written, with interesting characters, this is, for the most part, an enjoyable read.

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This my first time reading a Amanda Prowse book and I am impressed. This book grabbed me right from the start and never let go. Victoria lives with her only living relative her Grandmother Prim. Her Grandmother suddenly dies and Victoria thinks she's all alone in the world until a woman shows up at the funeral claiming to be her Mother. Feeling hurt and betrayed goes off the deep end. Is this woman really her Mother? Can they forge a relationship?

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I received an eARC of The Day She Came Back by Amanda Prowse from Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

I gave this book 5 stars! The Day She Came Back by Amanda Prowse is an emotional read about struggle, family drama, love and learning to forgive. The characters were brilliant. I loved this book!

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What happens when your whole life has been a lie. Your beloved grandma and only relative suddenly dies. But she is not your only relative. How do you overcome the betrayal and the new reality.
A story of the reason why and life is not just black and white. Hard decisions, mending bridges and love.

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This book is a great read. I absolutely loved it!! The characters were well developed and easy to understand. This book has so much to offer.

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For her entire life, after her mother’s death, 18-year old Victoria’s life revolved around her wonderful, mischievous grandmother Prim. When Prim suddenly dies, Victoria is devastated. She’s now alone in the world and totally unprepared. Or is she alone? A woman who says she is her mother enters her life and Victoria must come to reexamine her life and her future based on what she learns from her.

Through the heart wrenching examination of lies, guilt, love, re-evaluation, Victoria makes her painful journey from a naivety to maturity. I wasn’t sure how the story of a teenager would appeal to me, but the more I read, the more I realized that, while Victoria was young, a lot of what she was experiencing was applicable to anyone at any age. Not the details, but the emotions and examination. I cried along with Victoria and smiled along with her and thoroughly enjoyed the trip.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion of the book.

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This will yank on your heart strings. Just a well told family story with its own twists and turns. Do we really know our family that well? No but discovering secrets and then facing them is the path you must take. Read this wonderful story. Happy reading!

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Following the death of Primrose her beloved grandmother, Victoria discovers that the mother she thought was dead is very much alive. Looking for answers but unable to challenge Primrose she looks to Sarah for answers. Can she forgive her family for all the lies. A journey covering pain, bereavement and addiction. Amanda Prowse never fails to deliver.

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I absolutely loved The Day She Came Back! Victoria is a fantastic heroine- sympathetic and relatable, she had me cheering for her and crying with her the entire time! This was my first book by Amanda Prowse but it definitely won't be my last!!!

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What happens when the person you loved most in the world betrays you with life long lies and deception? After her beloved grandmother passed away, eighteen year old Victoria was faced with the very real situation of her long dead mother being very much alive. Victoria’s whole being was suddenly shattered in total disbelief, anger, and a false perception of the life she had once known.

This was a very emotional read especially when truths were discovered and the emotional process of coming to terms with not only the death of a constant presence in one’s life, but a rebirth of sorts for a life and love that was always present… but never acknowledged.

I liked the characters, especially Victoria’s extremely supportive best friend. However, I felt one of the most important aspects of the mother- daughter relationship was not fully addressed. Other than that, this was an engaging story.

An ARC was given for an honest review.

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This was an ok read for me. I didn’t love it and I didn’t hate it either. The story of an 18 year old who suddenly finds out the mother she was told died is really alive. The one person who she needs answers from as well is dead...her grandmother who raised her. You see how the shocking news affects Victoria and how she tries to forgive and move forward with her only living family member.

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Extraordinary! The Day She Came Back by Amanda Prowse was extraordinary in every way. I loved this book. Let me count the ways.

First, the characters are fabulous. Primrose was the grandmother everyone would love to have. Although, she is in her eighties, she stays young, vibrant and loving. She is the mother figure for the main character whose name is Victoria. Victoria is her 18 year old granddaughter who lost her mother as an infant. There are other characters in the book that you either love...or don't.

Second, I really liked the story line. I don't think I've read anything quite like it. It takes place in Epsom in Surrey, England about 13 1/2 miles south of London. I think what really captured my interest is part of the book took place in Oslo, Norway. My grandmother came to the states from Norway when she was six years old. I got a glimpse of the country I always wanted to visit.

Third, the family home Victoria and Prim grew up in was called Rosebank and was an added character in the book. This house has been in the family for many years and was built by Victoria's great grandparents who also hand dug a little lake in the back yard. That home came alive for me. I wanted to visit and roam through all the rooms.

Fourth, this book had all the feels. So many emotions were explored including friendship, love, anger, hurt, fear, loss...its all in this story. If you love books that take place in other countries and time periods, you can't go wrong in picking up a copy of The Day She Came Back.

Fifth and finally, this book was written by Amanda Prowse! This is the third book I've read by her and I have fallen hard for every one of them. If you haven't read any of her books, I highly suggest that you do. She has written a lot of books so, I have to get a move on! Happy reading!

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

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This is my first Amanda Prowse read and I will definitely look for others. The story is captivating and the narrative brings you along a journey of love, lies, forgiveness and discovering truth.

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Amanda Prowse is a wonderful author who through her beautiful story telling manages to take you along the journey with the characters. I am never disappointed. We are first introduced to Victoria and her beloved grandmother who raised her when her mother died. Or did she? Victorias life is filled with tragedy and sorrow so when her beloved grandmother passes away she yet again has to deal with all of the emotion that comes along with mourning the death, except there is much more. She discovers secrets that rock her world and everything she knew and believed. Love, heartbreak, family secrets, trust, lies, drama and all kinds of feelings are explored and trust me you will feel each and every one of them. As I do each time I finish anything by this author I eagerly await for the next one.

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The story is about Victoria who has been living with her grandmother Prim – a wonderful, caring lady who Victoria has always trusted and loved. Believing that her mother has passed, Victoria is shocked and distraught when she learns that secrets have been kept from her, and she discovers a new world which she had not known existed.
The book is sensitively written, as you would expect from Amanda Prowse. Characters are well drawn and develop in depth as the story unfolds. Victoria has been shielded by her grandmother, but left to make her own decisions she becomes bitter, and foolishly isn’t always wise. Feeling betrayed by people she has known and trusted, now seems set on a collision course in her determination to find her true identity and uncover the secrets of her past.
A beautifully written emotive story about a young woman’s journey, discovering who her true friends are and those she can trust. Full of warm, caring characters and others who are out for their own gains.
I recommend this book highly for an engaging and entertaining read.

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The Day She Came Back tells a story that has many unexpected plot twists and turns. The characters are authentic; one feels their pain, laughter, and tears. At first, I had trouble following the story, but quickly I was hooked.

I look forward to reading more from this author, as well as a sequel!!

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OMG, this book is awesome. The best ever by Amanda Prowse and that is saying a lot. She’s a wonderful author and this book is pure magic. Pure poetry in it’s own way. Such a touching book. A big 10 tissue box read.

Highlights from this book:
AND JUST LIKE THAT SHE SAW THE THREAD DETACH ITSELF AND FLOAT AWAY, NO MORE THAN A HAIR ON THE BREEZE: LIKE HER, UNANCHORED AND AT THE MERCY OF THE ELMENTS TO BE CAST THIS WAY AND THAT WITHOUT CONTROL OR SAY. THE VERY THOUGHT WAS TERRIFYING. SHE CLOSED HER EYES AND LET HER HEAD FALL FORWARD, HER LIMBS NUMB, HER MIND BLANK SAVE FOR THE THUD OF A HEARTBEAT IN HER EARS AND THE SOUND OF BLOOD RUSHING THOUGH HER VIENS AND HER BREATH AS LOUD AS IF SHE WRE UNDER WATER.
‘...HATE AND RECRIMINATION ARE BIG THINGS AND IF YOU LET THEM FILL YOU UP IT BRINGS YOU THE OPPOSITE OF PEACE BECAUSE IF YOU HATE IT TAKES ALL OF YOUR ENERGY-AND THAT’S SUCH A WASTE; HOW CAN YOU LIVE LIFE WEIGHED DOWN LIKE THAT?’

This book will absolutely steal your breathe away. You won’t want to put it down for anything. It starts out strong and only increases with each page. A truly heartfelt story that will have you crying those big ugly tears that only an Amanda Prowse novel can do. This story about a grandmother, mother and daughter is in my opinion told to perfection. Just such a touching and beautiful story.

You will not want to like some of these people but you will. You will love them in fact. They will touch your heart in ways you never saw coming. This book really honestly took me on a high of the best kind. My eyes are so swollen and red from the sad and happy tears I shed while reading. The story of a girl who was raised by her grandmother. Whose mom died. But the twist of this one is one that leaves you wondering, how can anyone do that to a child? You may not understand at first. I sure didn’t. But you will. You will read the letters between mother and daughter and it will help you to face anything. You will feel both’s pain and both’s loss. A mother who gave up her daughter for her granddaughter. A mother who gave up her daughter for her mother.

I could totally understand Victoria’s pain in many ways. Wondering how her mother could have done the things she did. How she could have chosen the path she did. How a grandmother could have done this. What possessed them to lie. To create such a story for a child. The why’s are many and will be answered completely. Victoria is young and alone when she finds out that her mom is not dead but very much alive. Her whole life has been a lie. She feels so betrayed. How can anyone be so cruel?

Sarah had deep problems and her mom, Primrose, knew only one way to help her. One way that would work out the best. Sarah went on her way and eventually lived her life. To the best of her ability she did things that would help her in the long run. She didn’t give up on life. She fought to live. Prim only did what she did out of true love for both her daughter and her granddaughter. I honestly believe that.

This is a very emotional story and it’s told completely. From the beginning to the end no stone is left unturned. All of my answers plus a few more were answered. I loved how this story played out. How the ending was so perfect for everyone. The ending, before the Epilogue, was done so good. It truly was so touching. It had me bawling though. It was just one of those scenes you see that make your heart turn a few flips and you think aw yes, that is how it should be.

This is my favorite book by this author. Her books are always emotional but this one is just....

Thank you #NetGalley, #AmandaProwse, #AmazonPublishingUK for this ARC. This is my own true review.

It’s a 5 star book and the very highest recommendation ever...

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Another great book by Amanda Prowse! It took me a while to become emotionally invested in the characters but they were likeable and believable from the beginning and the plot certainly kept me interested while the ‘love’ grew. And grow it did. I snivelled my way through the final third of the book, in sadness and happiness and was so sad to turn the last page.
The novel is a very thought provoking look at familial love and betrayal. How do you cope in losing the centre of your whole world and then finding out that what you thought you knew was built on a lie. The author handles it beautifully and doesn’t hold back. So often in novels there is a terrible betrayal and within two chapters all is forgiven, new circumstances are accepted and the story moves on. Not so in this case and Victoria stayed a fully developed three dimensional character throughout experiencing the whole gamut of human emotions.
I really felt for Victoria and Prowse certainly did a good job of taking me back to my own 18th year and trying to imagine being in her situation.
Her descriptive powers are always top notch. I can see Prim, both as an extraordinary young woman and as the Grandmother, growing old with style and panache. And the house? I can see it, smell the plants, feel the breeze with the French windows open.
For me the stand out stars of the novel were Gerald and Jens. I’ve noticed this before with Amanda’s novels, there are often some joyous cameos of people you’d really love to know in your own life, or who maybe remind you of people you are lucky enough to know.

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The Day She Came Back is the newest book by Amanda Prowse. One hot August day, life began as normal for Victoria. She and her friend, Daksha “Daks” Joshi were going shopping and her gran, Primrose “Prim” was enjoying her tea and asking the girls to bring home some baklava. Unfortunately, it all ends tragically when she comes home and finds that Prim had died. Suddenly, Victoria’s world is turned topsy turvy and upside down. With the help of her friends and her grandmother’s friends, she gets through the first few weeks. But on the day of the funeral and mysterious woman comes and announces that she is her mother, a mother she lost had died from a drug overdose when she was a baby. At first, Victoria refuses to entertain such an idea but what if she is telling the truth? Why would Prim lie to her all those years? Angry, grieving, and shocked, Victoria struggles to trust anyone that she begins a downward spiral. Can anyone help her now? Once she learns the full story, can she trust anyone again?
The Day She Came Back is filled with very real and raw emotions from grief to shock and anger. I would expect nothing else from Ms. Prowse as her stories are very real and relatable. Imagine a day when you realize that everything you knew in life, everything you trusted, was a lie. It is heartbreaking and soul crushing and yet you must find a way back to a place of security and trust. Could you do it? When you find yourself at rock bottom, do you stay there or find a way to pull yourself back up? This is that story. Victoria must learn to find her security again, to come to terms with the life she knew with Prim and the lies she told. Although, it is not among my favorites of her books, I did enjoy it as Victoria, a young girl on the brink of adulthood is suddenly thrust into a big, cold world without a clue which way to turn. While I didn’t agree with Prim’s decision to lie to Victoria about her mother, but I understand her motivation. I highly recommend The Day She Came Back.

The Day She Came Back
is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

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loved loved this book, just started reading this author and finds every book a joy to read, highly recommend it!

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Amanda Prowse is one of my all time favourite authors and one of a select few who can bring out emotions that I didn’t even know were hiding in me! She completely gets female relationships and family dynamics and writes insightful books about them that every woman should read. It was my mum who actually introduced me to my first Amanda Prowse book as she is also a huge fan and I am confident that she will also enjoy The Day She Came Back as it has at its heart a mother/daughter relationship-even though it’s one that falls outside the perimeters of the expected. Victoria has always wished she had her mother to talk to but she died shortly after she was born, as did her father. She was brought up by her maternal grandmother Prim and they have a wonderful relationship but she still wishes she had her mother around when she needs that comfort and wisdom. When Prim dies, Victoria is devastated as now she has no family left but the appearance of a strange woman at Prim’s funeral is about to open up some shocking family secrets.

This is such an emotional journey for Victoria as she tries to come to terms with the fact that her mother didn’t die but is in fact very much alive and well. The sense of betrayal she feels was to be expected but there are layers to Sarahs story that have to be uncovered one at a time to get to the bottom of why Victoria was told her mother was dead. The storyline flowed well from start to finish with an addictive hook to keep the reader emotionally focused on this likeable girl and her journey to discover why she had been abandoned as a baby. I loved watching her adjust to life on her own after Prims death as she became an independent adult having to make her own judgement and decisions. Some of those decisions were bad but others showed the caring and supportive adult she was developing into. The ending was the perfect cherry on the top of the cake for me as it brought everything together in an affecting and realistic conclusion.

Whilst this is a powerful and affecting novel it is also an uplifting, life affirming read that focuses on a little talked about family dilemma. The relationship Victoria and Prim had was beautifully handled and as a grandmother myself I recognised so many little things that cemented that very special bond. Amanda Prowse has once again worked her magic on this emotive subject delivering a compelling story throughout. I loved every single page!

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This novel told a very interesting story. Victoria was raised by her grandmother. She had a wonderful life, but longed for her mother. She had been told that her mother died when she was a baby. The story unfolds and Victoria is now 18.
At this time her life changes radically. Her grandmother died and she is left alone. What transpires next sets Victoria on a brand new course.

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The Day She Came Back by Amanda Prowse was the first book by this author that I found a little disappointing. It just didn't feel fully fleshed out for me, as all of her other novels have been. I feel that this would have been better classified as a YA novel, as it dealt primarily with Victoria, and 18 year old and her relationship with her grandmother who raised her and her mother, who she was brought up to believe died of a drug overdose, but appears at her grandmother's funeral. Victoria doesn't handle things well (who would?) but goes quite off the rails for a bit. I found the novel to be predictable and I had to push myself to finish reading it. I've read Ms. Prowse's previous novels voraciously and was surprised at this one, it didn't seem up to the standards of her others. Thank you to the author, Amazon Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

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The Day She Came Back is another wonderful story from author Amanda Prowse. Her publisher has written, “. . . Amanda writes stories of ordinary women and their families who find their strength, courage and love tested in ways they never imagined.” And her superpower is that she makes these ordinary women extraordinary, the women you want to meet, the woman you want to be.

Victoria has led an ordinary life, rather small and narrow, but has felt loved, happy and protected. Raised by her elderly grandmother, Prim, with only one really close friend, Daksha, an ordinary job in a shop, and the usual teenage girl crush on the jock at school, Flynn, who doesn’t even know she exists. School is over, she’s eighteen, and looking to expand her horizons, starting with a year of travelling and adventure with Daksha. Victoria is happy. Well, happy enough. Her mother is dead, and Victoria never knew her. She’s dreamed of that mother she never knew, of a miracle where her mother just shows up and says, “Hey, I’m your mother. I’m not really dead after all. I’m here, and I love you.” But that’s not going to happen. Or is it?

Victoria is in town kind of flirting with Flynn who has suddenly noticed her. She delays going home because this time with Flynn is so new and scary – and a little bit exciting. But when she finally get home and pops to the garden room ready to tell Prim all about it, she discovers Prim in her favorite chair, passed away.

Prim is literally the only family Victoria has. Daksha is possibly the best friend ever and her family is there for Victoria, but it’s not quite the same. Flynn starts paying a lot of attention to her, but she’s afraid to enjoy it, wonders why he says he likes her now, and has no experience whatsoever with the hazards of young love. And most shocking of all, she sees a woman lurking at the edge of Prim’s funeral. A woman who comes to the house afterward and says, “Hey, I’m your mother, I’m not really dead after all. I’m here, and I love you.”

What happens next in this book is a heart-wrenching, heart-warming journey with Victoria as she works her way through all of this. It’s part coming of age, part learning to grieve, part finding out about secrets that could change her life forever. Having her mother now – if this woman is in fact her mother and not just someone trying to take advantage of her – is wonderful, right? Yes, certainly, maybe, but then why would Prim have told Victoria her mother had died? Prim was always, always, always there for her, but if she lied . . . ?

Wonderful story, wonderful characters, wonderful author, made me laugh and cry and love Victoria so much. Thanks to the author and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of The Day She Came Back. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend it. All opinions are my own.

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I love Amanda Prowse. She is a wonderful author who weaves beautiful stories by taking you along the journey with her well developed, never disappointing, characters. We are first introduced to Victoria and her much loved grandmother, the woman who raised her when her mother died. Or did she? Victoria's life is filled with sadness, tragedy and sorrow, so when her beloved grandmother passes away, she yet again has to deal with the emotions that comes along with mourning the death of a beloved family member, only to discover that there is much more. She discovers secrets that are earth shattering and change everything she knew and believed. Love, heartbreak, family secrets, trust, lies, drama and all kinds of feelings, good and bad, are explored. And as the reader, you will feel them along with Victoria. I totally recommend this book and look forward to the next book by this author.

I would like to thank Amanda Prowse, Amazon Publishing U.K. and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

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Victoria never knew her parents, they died when she was a baby. Victoria still had a happy childhood as she was given a loving home by her grandparents. Her grandad died when she was a child and she became even closer to her grandmother Primrose. Primrose was a lively energetic lady and it comes as a huge shock to Victoria when she dies. Although in theory Victoria is now an adult she is devastated by losing Primrose. Victoria has a special girlfriend who tries her best to help Victoria cope the change in her circumstances which becomes complicated by an unexpected attendee to Primrose’s funeral.
I love books by Amanda as each story is completely individual and her characters are always well rounded and believable

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Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for this ARC in return for an honest review. Just published on 7/7/2020, The Day She Came Back was an unusual “domestic drama.” Victoria has just finished school and rather than go to university, she wants to go traveling with her best friend. Victoria has lived with her grandmother, Prim, for her entire life, after her parents died shortly after her birth. Prim suddenly dies and Victoria is visited by a stranger who claims she is Victoria’s mother. Victoria is torn between getting what she always wished for and resenting Prim and her mother for lying to her.

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This is a moving story about the impact of lifelong lies and how they affect the life of a young girl and turn her life upside down.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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The Day She Came Back by Amanda Prowse is a bittersweet contemporary novel about love and hard choices. It is beautifully written and will lodge in your heart and soul.
Love is the most powerful force. A maternal love will do whatever is required to keep children or grandchildren safe. When love is our motivation sometimes seemingly impossible choices are made.
The reader witnesses the beautiful bond between a grandmother and her granddaughter. Their love radiates from the pages of the novel.
Loss hurts. When death comes stealthily with no time to say goodbye, guilt remains. It is guilt for what we did or didn’t do. Guilt will eat us up. We need to let go of guilt and focus on our memories.
We all need good friends – good friends who will see us through the good and the bad times. False friends leave a bitter taste.
A major theme is of restoration of relationships. As tentative steps are taken, the reader reads on with baited breath.
We see the destructive power of drug addiction. How lives are consumed by desire for the next ‘fix’ regardless of what their priorities should be.
There are hard choices to be made in the name of love. The reader sees the pain these tough choices can cause and we can empathise with the feelings of all the characters involved.
Amanda Prowse is a new author to me. I loved The Day She Came Back and her style of writing. The novel was beautifully written and has left me with love and hope in my heart.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

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This book had greater potential than I think was realized. Sometimes the writing was strong, strong enough for me to wonder why it wasn't that strong throughout the novel. The plot points potentially interesting, but their telling dragged and felt tedious. The most interesting and authentic storyline was the Joshi family. I was disappointed in this book, but I thank you for the opportunity to read an ARC.

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The Day She Came Back by Amanda Prowse is an emotional, rollercoaster of a read. I have read books by Amanda previously and have always found them a profound read as she is so insightful with her writing.This story is no different. Victoria absolutely adores her fun-loving grandmother Prim and spends as much time as she can with her. Prim passes away, leaving a shattered but strong Victoria. A strange woman attends the funeral claiming to be the mother Victoria believed to be dead. As they get to know each other Victoria realises she has had life changing secrets kept from her by her Grandmother of all people and she needs answers, but who will she get the absolute truth from?
This book almost had me in tears,Amanda has written this with so much depth to the emotions and Victoria herself is so real she could be having a brew with me. The reason this is as good as it is, is that although Victoria has so much to deal with and struggles to get to the bottom of it all there is always a little light and the end of the tunnel, so i am always hoping maybe she will find what she needs. With thanks to Books On The Bright Side , Netgalley and Amanda Prowse for the copy of the book for this blog tour today.

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The Day She Came Back is a wonderful book with happiness, sadness, and confusion all mixed together. Not everything is what it seems. Looking at it from the outside helps. This story is very well developed, the characters Victoria, Prim, Sarah, Daks, etc have depth. I enjoyed reading this and know that some decisions especially when addiction is involved are difficult to make.

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Quite a difficult and rather implausible story. I found it hard to accept the strange actions of the main character's family.

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Tis bookwas a disapontment for me. The main character, Victoria, started out as a likeable character but as the story unflded she seemed very immature, unforgiving and inflexible.

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What an emotional journey of discovery. Amanda Prowse has once again given us a beautifully written story of love, loss, and self-discovery.

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While reading this book I was guessing in the beginning as to who “she” would be that came back. I never would have guessed who it was that would come back. I enjoyed the story very much especially as the main character Victoria started to navigate adulthood and find herself. I think the title definitely is fitting for Victoria coming back to herself and finding herself in the process. Enjoyed the book very much.

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The Day She Came Back, Amanda Prowse.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in return for an honest review.

Amanda Prowse’s The Day She Came Back was an enjoyable read. Victoria, upon her grandmother’s death, learns the dead mother is actually alive. As the novel progresses, the ramifications of betrayal, secrets, and forgiveness unfold as Victoria discovers who she is and wants to become.

Victoria’s friendship with Daks is a bit naïve, but their emotions and interactions are authentic and relatable. Victoria’s mother’s is developed through the letters she wrote to her mother which was creative on the author’s part.

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I have read my share of tearjerkers, but this realistic and heartbreaking novel tackling abandonment and drug abuse had me sobbing by the end.

Victoria is a complex character with spunk and fortitude who seeks out the unbelievable secret her beloved Grandmother Prim had left behind after her death and who gradually comes to terms with her past. Victoria's stages of grief are normal from denial to anger and from depression to acceptance. It is a very real and a very painful process to cope with, especially if you are left alone in the world. However, after a rocky start, she has her wonderfully supportive best friend Daksha and her family to help her through this painful time, as well as Prim's companion Gerald who so eloquently rescues her from a few bad decisions.

But as the secret is revealed and Victoria finds out about her family's devastating past it is a gut-wrenching and heartwarming reunion filled with anger, desperation, and finally love that makes this book one of my favorites for the year. If you enjoy deeply moving prose with diverse and captivating characters, please give this book a try...and keep the tissues near.

Thank you to Ms. Prowse for giving me the opportunity to read this book without expectation of a positive review.

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Who wouldn't want to be raised by a grandmother like Prim in the beautiful family home of Rosebank in Surrey England? A grandmother who is fun loving and adventurous with a love of flowers, and who loves you for who you are but, who also harbors secrets about your past.
I have to say that this book had it all. You could feel the emotions Victoria had when she realized her whole life was a lie. You could also feel the love between two best friends, Victoria & Daksha. Daksha was there for Victoria through her ups and downs and in-betweens. I feel this book was like a coming of age novel. It has family, friendship, drama, heartbreaks and so much more. Amanda Prowse can describe a place so beautifully that you feel like you are there overlooking mountains or smelling the flowers. I enjoyed this book very much.

Thanks to #NetGalley, #AmazonPublishingUK and #AmandaProwse for the ARC of #TheDaySheCameBack

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I was not familiar with this author, but I’m looking forward to reading more of her work. This is a beautiful coming-of-age story set in England. I’m not going to go too far into the plot, because it would be providing spoilers. Victoria has grown up living with her grandmother, Prim. Prim’s daughter, Sarah, passed away when Victoria was three months old, so her grandparents took her in. But there is a lot more to this story, as the book will reveal. Victoria has struggled with the loss of her mother for her entire life, and she longs for her even though she has no memory of her. She is also at that crossroads in life where she is trying to figure out exactly who she is. Not too far into the book, a series of events tosses all of these balls up into the air, and Victoria’s attempts to catch them make up the rest of the story. I enjoyed all of characters, especially Gerald and Daksha, who are always there for Victoria, even when she doesn’t want or deserve them. I also couldn’t help liking Flynn, despite his many flaws! Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this book, for which I have provided an honest review.

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Victoria's life was turned upside down, first when her grandmother died, but even more so when her mother attended the funeral. Victoria was raised by her grandmother. She believed her mother died when she was young. Now feeling great loss and great betrayal, Victoria has to figure out why she lied to for so many years.

I really wanted to like this book but struggled from the beginning. I liked the characters but the writing was too slow.

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All the feels! Confession time, this is my first Amanda Prowse. Not certain what I’ve been waiting for? This book had all the elements that I love in a story: compelling characters✅ intriguing storyline✅ clever dialogue✅ perfect pacing✅ emotion✅ heart✅ angst✅ friendship✅ victoria is 18, a little awkward, a little anxious, but she’s got a great Bestie and a loving grandmother. When Victoria‘s grandmother unexpectedly passes away she is devastated and alone. Then while at her grandmothers funeral a woman approaches her and tells her that she is her mother. The problem is, Victoria‘s mother is dead. So what in the world is going on? Has Victoria‘s entire life been a lie? How could her caring grandmother have lied to her?

Victoria was such an authentic, relatable, compassionate, and sympathetic character. The way she acted out after all this was thrown at her was so genuine. Also loved her friendship with her BFF. I listen to the audiobook and I absolutely love the narration. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the book was narrated by Amanda Prowse, she did such a great job! She gave Victoria such a lovely voice, I felt like I knew the girl. Such a sweet, well toll, emotional family drama with a perfect ending.

This book in emojis 👭 🌺 ☕️ ✉️ 🇳🇴 🎒 🧹

*** Big thank you to Amazon UK for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***

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When the grandmother who raised her dies, Victoria discovers that the mother whom she thought was dead is very much alive. Victoria is a strong young woman descended from a line of strong women. Each of them, Victoria, her mother and her grandmother is both admirable and flawed. Ultimately, Victoria must come to understand and accept both the strengths and weakness of her predecessors to understand their choices and reconcile her past and her future. This book is a moving saga of love, forgiveness and family.

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Thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for the ARC in exchange of an honest review.
Took a little bit to get into the storyline but once I did it was an enjoyable book.

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The Day She Came Back what a wonderful title for this story! The characters in this story ,they are so believable and real. What a time to go through,lose your grandmother who you not only considered her that but as a mother! Then the world starts to fall apart! So many emotions are shown in this emotional,moving complex story! First time reader of "Amanda Prowse" and it sure will not be the last! Grab you some tissues cause I sure needed them! What do you do when your told something all your life,you believe and then find out its all been a lie? That's a lot to take in,now do I trust this woman who appears in my life when I don't know who she is but I should had lies hadn't been told? Exciting read,hold on to your heart!

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I couldn’t wait to read this when I was approved for a NetGalley ARC! The concept seemed unusual to me—one with potential for so many questions needing answered and mysteries to solve. I was disappointed though. I enjoyed it but it could have been better.

My thoughts:

1. I wanted more time with Prim! She was such a great character! The first chapter needed a lot less dialog between Victoria and her best friend, and more pages of Primrose.

2. Flynn—ugh. He’s the YA fiction star of a mess of teen disasters. Much of this book felt like YA fiction.

3. It did not make sense to see Victoria and her mom trying to find their way to a relationship when Victoria hadn’t read all the letters explaining Prim and Sarah’s decisions. I understand the author wanted to draw that out but it was an unrealistic problem that bothered me and kept the book from being as good as I’d expected.

I did enjoy the characters of Gerald and Bernard. The scenes in Oslo were wonderful, too.

Thanks to the publishers at NetGalley for the advanced reader copy for review.

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I have read a few of Amanda's books now and those that I have read, I have enjoyed even if they have turned me into an emotional mess on occasion!! I mean that in the nicest possible way. I haven't quite read all of her books yet but I am getting there. I read the synopsis for 'The Day She Came Back' and it certainly sounded like another emotional read. It was an emotional read and so much more. I really enjoyed reading 'The Day She Came Back' but more about that in a bit.
I did like the character of Victoria and I warmed to her eventually. At the start of the book, we learn that Victoria lives with her grandmother, Primrose who has been both a mother and a grandmother to her. Unsurprisingly they share a very close bond. However, Primrose sadly passes away and Victoria feels as though she has had the rug ripped out from under her. In that respect, I felt a certain amount of empathy with Victoria as when I lost my Dad unexpectedly, I felt as though the bottom had fallen out of my world. Anyway enough of me. Victoria also reunites with a woman at her grandmother's funeral. The woman claims to be the mother that Victoria was led to believe was dead. Secrets and lies come tumbling out of the closet and Victoria begins to wonder if she can trust anything that anybody tells her. Will Victoria get to the truth? Well for the answer to that question and so much more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
I must admit that it took me a while to get into this story, which has more to do with the fact that I was tired when I started to read the book and cannot be taken as a criticism of the author. 'The Day She Came Back' wasn't one of those books that I could read all in one go because it was such an emotional story. I had to read a bit, put the book down and then come back to it later. It was as if I needed to reflect on what I had read and think about what I might have done in Victoria's situation. I managed to binge read the book over the course of a few days.
'The Day She Came Back' is very well written but then I think that to be true of all of Amanda's work. She certainly knows how to grab your attention, draw you into the story and then take you on one hell of an emotional rollercoaster ride of a read. I hope that makes sense. All I can say is thank goodness for Kleenex tissues because I found myself becoming far too emotional on more than one occasion. 'The Day She Came Back' isn't a particularly fast paced story which may well appeal to readers who prefer a slower pace of book. I did feel as though I was part of the story and I found myself becoming very involved with the characters and caught up in their lives.
In short, I did enjoy reading 'The Day She Came Back'. I have to say that although I enjoyed reading it, it isn't my favourite of Amanda's book. I will be reading more of Amanda's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.

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5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This author is quickly becoming one of my favorites. She writes amazing stories, that I don’t want to put down.
This book is about addiction, recovery, healing and so much more! The story has a secrets that is covered up with a lie.
I don’t want to give anything away, I just want you to read it for yourself. It was delightful. I highly recommend this book.
This is a NETGALLEY gift from the publisher and all opinions are my own.

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This was a great, engrossing read. 18 year old Victoria has grown up with her beloved grandmother, Prim, after her parents died as a result of drug overdoses when she was a baby. When her grandmother dies she is left alone in the world, with a big house, a sensible outlook on life, a best friend (Daksha) and some of her gran's old friends, especially "Gerald the Toy Boy". I don't want to disclose spoilers, but this is a wonderful story as Victoria comes to terms with a past that isn't quite what she was told. We see her going off the rails a bit, becoming all too human, but gradually her essential common sense and strength of character wins through. Some funny moments too, especially as Gerald comes to the rescue, in an all too human, touching read. #netgalley #thedayshecameback

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I loved this book. It was not too fast, not to slow, and perfectly paced for the best plot points. It is a family drama/coming of age story about a 19 year old woman finding her way alone in the world. It is about all the things you learn as a young woman, like love, friendship, kindness, and forgiveness. I first read Amanda Prowse’s book The Food of Love back in 2016 and couldn’t wait to read this book. I loved that this character learned these valuable life lessons over the course of this book and the epilogue really helped tie this book together. I thought this was such a sweet book and the settings in Surrey and in Oslo were beautifully written with lots of description.

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Yet another brilliant story. Full of emotions and beautifully written. I didn’t want to put it down.

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I find this authors is a hit or miss for me. This one didn't resonate with me as much since I had a hard time connecting with the characters. However it is well written it is a very emotional story and it is a second chance story which makes it better.I'm not one that likes long drawn out angst and because of that I think that's what took me out of the story the girl and her way of dealing with the nice and deceived from her family. Then I have to remind myself that she was only 18. Other than that good story it just didn't grab me as much as some of the authors other books have.

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Its been a while since I read an Amanda Prowse book .... the last one I read i loved but I've had so many books on my To Be Read pile that I've missed out. The Day She Came Back is another winner from Amanda. Easy to read, good storyline, great characters and an all round good book to digest.

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A teenager is left without any family after her last living relative dies. She’s shocked, then, when the mother she thought had died of a drug overdose comes back, healthy and very much alive. The teen must decide if she can forgive her mother for disappearing and figure out how to move on. Acclaimed women’s fiction author Amanda Prowse is back with another winning novel about grief and restarting relationships.

At 18 years old, Victoria Cutter has everything in the world she needs. She has her best friend, Daksha, and her grandmother, Prim. Daksha and Victoria go back so far they don’t remember life without one another, and Prim has been Victoria’s mother figure her entire life. When Victoria’s mother died from a heroin overdose, Prim was right there to take care of Victoria. Since her grandfather’s death almost a decade earlier, Victoria and Prim comprise their small family and the two dote on one another.

Now Victoria is getting ready for the next big step in life: leaving home. She and Daksha have a long trip planned. Before Daksha goes off to university and Victoria becomes an “adult” and figures out what she wants to do with her life, the two will travel the world on the funds they’ve saved. They’re going to live life to the fullest as long as the money lasts.

Then Victoria comes home one day and finds that Prim has passed away in her sleep. No warning; no health issues. Just that morning she and Prim were teasing one another, talking about the most mundane parts of their day. Suddenly Victoria is all alone in Rosebank, the home she shared with Prim in the London suburb of Surrey.

Daksha and her parents rush to comfort Victoria, helping her with funeral arrangements and making sure she eats and sleeps. Victoria appreciates the support—and the copious cups of tea—but she feels horribly alone and scared. Before Prim died, she was nervous but excited about being an adult. Now the thought just terrifies her. How is she supposed to manage such a large house all by herself? How is she supposed to manage life all by herself?

On the day of Prim’s funeral, a woman shows up to the house who Victoria doesn’t know. She’s rattled, thinking the woman is just one of those people morbidly fascinated by funerals. Then the woman reveals she’s Sarah, Victoria’s long-lost mother.

Victoria has a million questions, not the least of why Sarah insists on calling her “Victory” instead of her proper name. She also feels a deep sense of betrayal when she finds out that Prim knew all along that Sarah wasn’t dead. Others come forward to confirm the fact, and Victoria feels more alone than ever. It’s like Prim has died twice.

Sarah, though, has come to make amends, despite the devastating news of her mother’s death. Everyone, it seems, has a story to tell. Victoria just can’t figure out how to put all the pieces together into a cohesive narrative for herself. As she works through her grief, Victoria will have to decide whether she can forgive both Sarah and Prim for keeping this secret.

Author Amanda Prowse returns with a wonderful novel that smacks of reality and the process of grieving a dear family member. Prowse complicates Victoria’s grief by compounding it: not only does she want her wonderful grandmother back with an aching desperation, she’s also furious with her. Bringing Sarah back into her life also reiterates that Victoria grows up at an accelerated pace.

Prowse doesn’t shy away from the tough conversations about and around grief, and that’s where the book shines. Victoria misses her grandmother with a ferocity that jumps off the pages. She wants to understand why Sarah left her, yet she also wants to maintain the right to be angry at her—both emotions are real and painful.

Although the book centers on Victoria’s grief, it also doesn’t forget that she’s an older teen. The plot allows Victoria to make some stupid mistakes that might seem like “life experience” in and of themselves. Within the larger narrative of her losing Prim, her mistakes just reinforce Victoria’s heartache. Prowse handles it all beautifully.

Readers wanting a great book about relationships and second chances will definitely want to read this. It’s an excellent addition to any shelf. I recommend readers Binge The Day She Came Back.

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This is just a beautiful book.
Victoria, 18, grapples with the truths of her life, which turn out to be lies. To make things more difficult, the one person she thought she could trust above everyone else has died. How do you forgive someone for things they did that they literally can't explain? What lies will we tell to protect the hearts of ther people we live the most?
Very well written, and thoroughly enjoyable.
Thanks to #NetGalley for the advance copy. #TheDaySheCameBack

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What a fantastic read. I so enjoyed this book, loving it from the very first paragraph. What else can I say? Amanda Prowse never fails to deliver a novel that keeps me engrossed. Her knowledge and ability to write about human relationships is second to none and she is a master at making the ordinary sound extraordinary.

This is a book that I can recommend on so many levels. Not only is it beautifully written but it shows how each member of a family unit is damaged by secrets and lies within the family and how they live their lives and conduct their relationships as a result of those lies. With grace and care the author shows that despite living or growing up with an addiction we are all responsible for our own lives and happiness and that happiness can be a choice. Amanda Prowse never ceases to amaze me, this book is no exception, never a disappointment, I eagerly await her next.

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Now who doesn't love an Amanda Prowse book....
I watched a facebook interview with Amanda recently and you just fall in love with this author and her writing style....
She's adorable and so creative....
She's passionate about what she does and it shines through in her books..
The Day She Came Back I just loved...
We meet a young lady Victoria in this one.....
Victoria has been raised by her grandmother Prim, a vivacious woman who loves everything about life...
My heart broke for Victoria when Prim dies leaving her she feels all alone in the world..
What will she do now...
Who will look after her....
It's when Victoria meets a woman at Prim's funeral who says she's her mother, that Victoria begins to question her life with her grandmother and how much she really knew about her.
She's terribly upset that her grandmother might have been lying to her all those years. She feels quite betrayed.
We see her struggle to get to know this woman claiming to be her mother.
But maybe she'll find the answers she's looking for as to why she was abandoned at such a young age....
Amanda writes with confidence in her characters. Her writing is wonderfully descriptive and so full of emotion and anguish. I don't think you'll have many dry tissues left, that's for sure...
So read it, enjoy it and I bet you will be recommending it.
Well worth your time 💕

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I really don't know how Amanda Prowse writes so many amazing and completely different books in such a short space of time but I do know that you're always guaranteed a great read with one of her books. The Day She Came Back is her latest novel and it explores family relationships and the effects of withholding family secrets.

After the untimely death of her mother, Sarah, when she was a baby, Victoria has been brought up by her grandmother, Prim. When the octogenarian suddenly passes away, Victoria is left all alone in the world at only eighteen years of age. Prim was such a massive part of Victoria's life, and it sounds like the pair were as much friends as family, that Victoria is completely devastated by Prim's death. When a mysterious woman turns up at Prim's funeral claiming to be Victoria's mother, Victoria is sent into turmoil. Why did her beloved Prim lie to her all these years? If you can't trust those closest to you, who can you trust?

As Victoria deals with her grief over Prim's death and her confusion over Sarah's reappearance my heart really went out to her. Victoria makes some questionable decisions and snaps at those closest to her but I could understand every one of her actions. It felt like she was a runaway train and could go off the rails at any moment until she changed her destination to Norway, where Sarah now lives. I loved the vivid description of Norway; it sounds so beautiful and it is clearly a destination that is close to Amanda Prowse's heart.

Nobody writes from the heart like Amanda Prowse and I always prepare myself to cry at some point when reading her novels. The Day She Came Back felt a bit different from other Amanda Prowse books when Victoria's gran died so early in the story that I hadn't got to know her and I remained dry eyed. I thought I was finally immune to Amanda Prowse's superpower of making me cry until the letters appeared. Oh my word, the letters between Prim and Sarah are so heartfelt, emotional and poignant that I was completely powerless against the tears that brimmed and fell from my eyes.

An emotional and poignant story, The Day She Came Back is another outstanding novel from Amanda Prowse. Have your tissues at the ready, there'll not be a dry eye in the house when you read The Day She Came Back.

I chose to read an ARC and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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I have enjoyed previous books by Amanda so I wanted to read this one as I had really enjoyed what I'd read before. I liked this book, I loved the relationship between Victoria and Primrose and how Victoria had to rethink her whole life throughout the book. She really grew as a character which I liked. I loved the setting, too, I could picture the house and settings perfectly. Amanda is really good at weaving stories together, and also at tugging at the heartstrings.

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I have read several books by Amanda Prowse and have always enjoyed, but on this occasion i must admit to struggling. I feel that this book would suit someone a lot younger than myself and know my eldest granddaughter would love it. Am looking forward to reading more by this author.

My thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy. This is my honest review, which i have voluntarily given.

(Awaiting Amazon to post my review)

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The Day She Came Back frustrated me! At the beginning, I loved Victoria and Prim. They seem to have a great relationship and really love one another. With Prims death, Victoria seemed to lose all intelligence. I realize she was given some life changing information but I don’t think her response was realistic. I could not wait for Victoria to grow up. Once Victoria let Sarah into her life, the book became so intense I could not put it down. So a bit of a roller coaster ride for me.

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Excellent story of a woman coming of age, finding her own path in life, after her world was completely shattered. It was heartbreaking and joyous to read about Victoria becoming an adult and learning to deal with the upheaval in her sheltered, lovely life.

This book was definitely a page turner for me. I wanted to race to the end, and also at the same time, I did not want the story to end. I loved it!

I want to thank Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for the pleasure of reading the advanced reader copy of this book. My review is my own opinion, not influenced by receiving the ARC.

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Grandmother Primrose known as Prim and granddaughter Victoria live in a large family home with few memories shared about Victoria’s mother. An event happens and Vics life and world are turned upside down. There are many secrets to discover in this glorious book. I loved every moment I spent reading it. It is truly engaging book with excellent characters, great story and good ending. It’s wonderful.

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19 year old Victoria live happily alongside her grandmother, who has raised her since her parents died tragically in a car accident when Victoria was a baby. There are no other relatives around for Victoria when her grandmother suddenly and unexpectedly dies. She has to rely on friends to help her through the funeral.
A woman comes to see Victoria and says she is her mother. Victoria knows deep down Sarah is her mother but will not accept that her beloved grandmother has lied to her all these years.
The revelation has made Victoria so distressed that her life seems to implode around her. This is a moving story and we feel sympathy with Victoria but her mother has suffered for years too as she rebuilds her life after finally beating drug addiction. The Norwegian setting she moves to has been able to heal Sarah and also finally makes things understandable for Victoria as well. The satisfying ending was deserved by both of them and even Victoria’s grandmother had only ever acted with the best of intentions. Drug addiction is never easy to understand to outsiders but Prowse has an amazing ability to see both sides and explain them to us. This is a very satisfying read and well constructed so that the situation evolves in a natural way.

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I'm not sure how I feel about this book, as I did and didn’t enjoy it. There are a few funny moments tinged with a lot of sadness and anger. I can understand the main character being angry at the death of her grandmother. Who brought her up. Along with the anger of finding out that throughout her 18 years of life, what she was told and lead to believe about her family was a lie.

The character was finding it hard to comprehend what she had been told and what actually turned out to be the truth. In real life anyone would go through a huge mixture of feelings and the author portrayed this very well. For me however the part I enjoyed the most in the book was the epilogue, when we found ourselves ten years down the line.

Victoria is 18 years old, she lives with her elderly grandmother Prim. Who is the only family that she has. Her mother passed away when she was a baby, due to her being a drug addict. Prim and even her grandfather kept to this story until he passed away when Victoria was 9.

One day Victoria goes out with her best friend Daksha and as they are leaving Prim asks her to bring a balaclava when she meant a baklava. When Victoria gets home she finds Prim in her favourite chair in the garden room, she is slouched with blank looking eyes. Victoria realised that her grandmother has passed away. She contacts Daksha and she and her parents turn up to help her. Daksha’s father is actually Prim’s GP.

Daksha and her family do all they can to help and support Victoria and when she finally goes back home Daksha stays with her. On the day of Prim’s funeral Victoria is still in shock and is basically just going through the motions. After the funeral they all go back to Victoria’s for the wake. When she spots a woman out by the lake. She goes out to see if she can help her. The woman somehow looks a little bit familiar but she can’t understand why. The woman is called Sarah and she drops a huge bombshell that sets Victoria spiralling a bit out of control. She says that she’s Victoria’s mother!

She asks the woman to prove who she says she is. With all of this Victoria doesn’t know what to do, her mind is constantly going over everything she grew up knowing and what Sarah has told her. She meets up with a boy she went to school with and they hook up with each other. Flynn isn’t the right guy for Victoria, but she can’t see that until he persuades her to have a party at her house.

Daksha isn’t impressed about the party, plus she can’t go anyway as her mother is taking her to see family. Besides Daksha and Victoria have had a bit of a falling out due to the way Victoria is treating Daksha along with doing things she wouldn’t normally do.

The party ends up being a disaster. Victoria gets drunk, people are abusing the house. She ends up hiding in the larder being sick in to a boot. When she realises she needs to find Flynn. However when she does find him, he’s in Prim’s bed having sex with another girl. She wishes that Daksha was there to help her get rid of everyone, but she wasn’t there. So she called on the only other person that said she could count on him day or night, Prim’s companion Gerald.

Gerald turns up and starts to get everyone out, except Flynn as he starts mouthing off at Gerald. So Gerald pulls out his father’s pistol from WWII and threatens them all if they don’t leave now. Unbeknown to everyone the pistol was decommissioned after the war.

The next day everyone rallies around Victoria and they get the house back to how it should be. All of them in their own way tell Victoria that she can’t carry on acting like this, and what would Prim think of her? They all agree that she needs to sit down with Sarah and discuss the reasons and why Prim told her that her mother was dead.

Victoria goes over to Norway to see Sarah as she’s been living there for many years now. Hoping she’ll get all of the answers she’s looking for. Her time in Oslo is tiring, upsetting and very emotional. She doesn’t know how she feels one minute to the next it’s like she’s on a rollercoaster. Sarah says that she hopes one day they will be able to meet half way and build up a strong relationship.

We eventually jump 10 years into the future where life for Victoria has changed so much. I can’t tell you anymore about her future as I don’t want to spoil it for you. As this was my favourite part of the book.

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The day she came back is an emotional journey you will take with Victoria/Victory. The story starts out with her losing her Grandmother “Prim” who raised her since she was a baby. Prim leads her to believe her mother died when she was 3 months old. At Prim’s funeral Victoria discovers her mother is not dead. This book is the journey of discovery, who her mother is, who Prim was and why they lied to her and most of all who she is? Not who she thought she was but who she really is. Great coming of age story. Join in Victory’s travel thru discovery, love and understanding of who she is. I was given this ebook in exchange for a unbiased review and this is solely my opinion.

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I read "The Day She Came Back" by Amanda Prowse and thoroughly enjoyed it. Victoria is a young woman, raised by her grandmother who has her life quickly changed when her grandmother passes on. On the day of the funeral Victoria has a huge shock, one that she doesn't believe to be true at first. The story is well written and easy to follow. I laughed and I cried. I would highly recommend this book!

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This is my first Amanda Prowse book and I was really looking forward to it. Unfortunately I just couldn't connect with the characters and really struggled to stick with it. Sadly I only made it 30% through. Thank you to netgalley and to the publishers for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

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I usually devoir anything by Amanda Prowse but this book failed to deliver for me. The story seemed childish and even silly at times. The author has a wonderful style always but this time there was a lack of substance.

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I received a copy of this book from Netgalley to review. Thank you for the opportunity.
This book was sweet and an easy read. Perfect for a summer pick me up. I really loved the imagery and language used in this book.
This is a book on family and relationships and the author does a fab job and delving deep into both.
There is a colorful cast of characters who are well thought out and interesting. I loved Prim and wished we had more of her!
The book was a bit slow in paces and could have more drama but that is my opinion.
On the whole, a great book to read.

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I read this book very quickly.There was not much to think about and I found the story a bit far fetched.
I did not bond with the main character Victoria or Victory and thought she was very naive and not like any of teenagers I know today.
Victoria lived with her gran thinking her mum had died when she was small.Her gran dies suddenly and Victoria thinks she is left alone.She sees a women at the funeral she does not recognise.Guess who, yes it's her mum who is not really dead.
They get in touch and become close.Her mum lives in Oslo and on a visit there she meets a boy who lives in the same block of flats and guess what! They get married and live happily ever after.So overall not the best Amanda Prowse I have read but it passed some time in lockdown.

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This isn’t normally my kind of book but I have read Amanda’s books before and enjoyed them immensely so thought I’d give this one a go and I wasn’t disappointed.

The book follows a woman called Victoria as she discovers that her grandmother hid family secrets from her which have come out after the grandmother has passed away.

The first secret we discover is that Victoria thought her mother had died but she turns up at the funeral, which has an effect on Victoria.

The story then follows Victoria as she works out her life and looks into what she thought was true and the real truth.

At times Victoria was a very annoying character but overall it was a very good book which I mainly enjoyed.

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Amanda’s books are feel good and wholesome. They are easy to read but intricate enough to provide a gripping story. I’ve always said you can tell an Amanda Prowse book by the cover or title alone and it’s true - they’re beautiful and always carefully paired to create something that you absolutely want on your shelf even before you start reading it.

Amanda is truly talented when it comes to domestic dramas and she is always my ‘go to’ Author for emotionally charged contemporary fiction.

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I received this book from NetGalley in exchange of honest review.

This is the first time I read a book by Amanda Prowse and I was totally hooked!

Victoria, 18 is raised by her carefree grandmother whom she absolutely adores. Both her parents had died when she was an infant. Primrose dies unexpectedly and Victoria now has no family. She meets an unknown woman at her grandmother's funeral whom she claims to be her mother. How can that be possible? How could have her perfect grandmother have lied to her? How will Victoria handle this shock?

The book has all the elements that makes a Domestic Drama novel a great read:
-Brilliant characters
-Perfect flow that keeps you on the edge
-Emotions!
-Clever Dialogues

I loved how brilliantly the author has built the characters who fall in various age-groups. The flow is good and the book turned out to be a thorough page-turner! Surely recommended.

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Brilliant story of grieve and anger and how it affects you and the things you do. To find you had a mother after your life so far you have been told she died is going to mess with you, this follows how she deals with it and the future. Lovely story and well written.

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For the first few pages I thought I was going to be disappointed with this story as it seemed a bit tame but a couple of chapters in and I was hooked. A story of teenage angst really and a lot more to follow. A good read.

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When it comes to stories about love, loss, addiction and family drama, Amanda Prowse really is unsurpassable as an author. She writes from the heart, and you can tell from her writing that she really wants to connect with her readers and that's what sets her books apart from others.

In this book, we find Victoria, a young woman not yet out of her teenage years living in Epsom with her grandmother, Prim. Oh what a character Prim is. I absolutely loved her. Prim and Victoria have a very special bond, because you see, Victoria's mother died when she was just a baby, leaving Prim to raise her. Or so we're told.

When Prim dies, suddenly and unexpectedly, Victoria's world is shattered. Her only comfort is her best friend, Daksha who is also an absolute joy. Victoria is faced not only with her grief from losing her grandmother, the person she trusted more than any other, but also with a devastating revelation on the day of Prim's funeral. A revelation she could never have imagined, and must now face head on.

I really did love this book. My thanks to the author and to Netgalley for the advanced copy. My review is on Goodreads and Amazon UK

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This is the first time that I am reading a book by Amanda Prowse and I am glad to say she goes into the list of authors whose work I look out for.

The title was really intriguing and the blurb also painted a picture of mystery thriller. This book a contemporary women's fiction.

Victoria is an 18 yr old teen living with her Grandma Prim since birth. She was told that she had lost her parents to a drug overdose. She loved her Grandma very much. The day she finds her Grandma's dead body in her favourite garden place....she is shocked and is not able to recover from it. To add to this A lady visits her at Prim's funeral. She claims to be her dead mother. This is where the roller coaster ride in this book starts.

I liked the plot of the story and it is evenly paced. The intrigue is carried till the end. The characters are thought out well with no unnecessary characters in the story. I particularly loved Daksha and Jens. Although in a suppoting role.....their personality really shone through.
The story did go through a boring patch in between.
It's an emotional story of mother daughter relationship. If you love to read stories that tug at your heart then you will definitely love to read this one.

I thank the publisher, author and Netgalley for approving my Review request. The opinions expressed are all mine

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EXCERPT: The woman shook her head. 'No, your name isn't Victoria.'

'Okaaay,' Victoria raised her eyebrows, thinking she would get this conversation over as quickly as possible and make her way back into the house. Even the maudlin, quiet gathering of the pensioner bees was better than this. 'What is it then?' she challenged, intrigued. 'What's my name?'

'Victory.' She smiled. 'Your name is Victory.'

The woman searched her face and Victoria saw a brief reflection of something so familiar it made her heart jump.

'Victory?' She bit her lip. 'Is that right?'

'Yes. A strong name, a name that I thought would see you through anything.'

Victoria took a step backwards.

Her heart beat loudly in her ears and her stomach flipped with nausea. Whatever this was, whatever joke, prank or deception, she was not enjoying it and wanted to be anywhere else. It was as if her feet had grown roots in the mud and, as much as she wanted to run, she felt stuck.

'I don't know why you would say that to me. Who are you? Who did you come with? Because I will see if they are ready to leave.' Still she was torn between wanting to throw the woman out and being polite: it was a funeral, after all. She was aware she had raised her voice slightly.

'Who am I?' The woman's tone suggested the question almost pained her.

'Yes, who are you?'

ABOUT THIS BOOK: When her loving, free-spirited grandmother Primrose passes away, Victoria is bereft, yet resilient—she has survived tragedy before. But even her strength is tested when a mysterious woman attends Prim’s funeral and claims to be the mother Victoria thought was dead.

As the two women get to know each other and Victoria begins to learn more about her past, it becomes clear that her beloved grandmother had been keeping life-changing secrets from her. Desperate for answers, she still struggles to trust anyone to tell her the truth.

To live a full and happy life, Victoria knows she must not only uncover the truth, but find a way to forgive her family. But after so many years, is trusting them even possible?

MY THOUGHTS: Another 'I couldn't put it down' read from Amanda Prowse.

I read The Day She Came Back overnight, a box of tissues handy for the second half. I cried tears of sadness, sympathy, and joy. Prowse does human emotion so eloquently, so realistically, that the reader is transported into the book alongside the beautifully crafted characters. She understands grief, and anger, and how, when someone is hurting, they lash out at the ones who love them. Which is exactly what Victoria does. Her world is turned upside down, and she is angry with everyone whose life is unaffected. She is eighteen years old, alone, vulnerable, and ripe for the picking. With the whole foundation of her life ripped out from beneath her, Victoria reacts, and reacts badly. Some version of her story is played out multiple times every day all around the world. I wanted to reach out and hug her, she became that real to me. I also, at various times, wanted to ground her, slap her, and give her a reality check or two. Very realistic characters. All of them.

The Day She Came Back is a beautifully poignant story of a young woman finding her place in the world. There is nothing predictable about Prowse's writing. When I was expecting the storyline to go in one direction, she took it in another. The plot is as superbly crafted as the characters.

Five very tear-stained but smiling stars.

😪😍❤😪😍

#TheDaySheCameBack #NetGalley

'I used to sit there in a warm spot like a sun-puddling cat and read.'

'I love to see people in love. I think it is one of the most hopeful sights known to man. I think that as long as people love one another, then there is hope.'

ABOUT 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 via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Day She Came Back by Amanda Prowse for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal 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, Instagram and my webpage

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This was my first book by author Amanda Prowse. I really enjoyed this sweet story of love and loss. Victoria, a teenager in England raised by her grandmother, discovers after her grandmothers death that her mother who she thought had died shortly after her birth, is very much alive. As you can imagine, Victoria is angry and also sad to learn they had lied to her all these years. But they had a very good reason to do so. I found this to be a wonderful story of discovery and forgiveness as mother and daughter reunite and learn about all they had missed.

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Victoria is 18 and lives with her gran, Prim, in a big house in Epsom. Her mother, Sarah had died of a drugs overdose when she was a baby. Then one her whole world is turned upside down.
This story is about Victoria's journey through to the other side. As usual, Amanda Prowse makes her characters real and relatable, exploring the situation from different points of view.
Loved it and really recommend it

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A lovely book that was well written.
To start with a was a little frustrated with some of the characters in the book. I was questioning how deceitful Prim & Sarah could be to make up a story that was so hurtful in that way, as the book went on I warmed to them a bit and got to understand that in reality what they did was in the best interest of raising Victoria.
A few times in the book I wanted to shout a little at Victoria for the way she was acting towards people especially when she was a little rude to Gerald and how she was getting herself into a situation with Flynn, whom I took a disliking to from the start as there was something I could not quite put my finger on, am glad she did not fall for his charm the second time, am also glad she went travelling with Daks I thought they had a great friendship. It was lovely that Victoria found true love and could have a relationship with her mum....a great happy ending.

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Amanda Prowse is a prolific and versatile author whose novels describe ordinary females who suddenly find themselves in difficult circumstances they overcome through determination, positivity and sheer grit. Her prose is so captivating because she does not shy away from addressing difficult dilemmas but does so in a positive, life-affirming way. I looked forward to reading this novel but found myself underwhelmed as the protagonist, 18-year-old Victoria (who presents as a much younger girl), and her beloved grandmother who dies early on in the novel, appeared shallow and one-dimensional in comparison to some of Prowse’s earlier strong, clearly depicted heroines. Fellow parents of young adults would probably agree the dialogues between Victoria and her grandmother, and the dialogues between Victoria and her best friend Daksha, appear unrealistic as they are unfailingly polite, sweet and considerate to one another. The narrative gained in momentum, and the individual characters gained in depth when the plot moved to Norway, where Victoria went on the trail of her mother who had been presumed dead for a long time, but not enough to make me like this novel as much as Prowse’s earlier novels. The ending also appeared too ‘neat’ and less intriguing than it could have been. The Day She Came Back has all the hallmarks of a novel that will appeal to many readers – a versatile cast of characters, plenty of dialogue, lots of emotion and recognisable themes – and still presents a good read, it just doesn’t quite match the promise of Prowse’s earlier works. I am, however, looking forward to her next novel and would like to thank Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

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Review as it appears on goodreads:

This was a Net Galley ARC, and should have been labeled YA. I am not a fan of YA so I probably would not have chose to read this. That being said I did enjoy the story and the main character Victoria was likable and I was able to identify with her. The rest of the characters needed more development and the dialogue transitions were clunky. There were many times I had to re-read passages to try to identify who was speaking, which is a huge pet peeve of mine.

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A beautifully written story that will send you on an emotional rollercoaster. This story gives you all the ‘feels’. Sometimes tears of sadness as you feel for Victoria and the grief she is dealing with to tears of frustration at her behaviour sometimes.
Amanda Prowse writes her books in a way that make the characters come ‘alivem and become ‘real’ people, almost like you’re there in the story with them and experiencing what they are.
A story about love, loss and trust.

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I felt that this book was a little drawn out. The descriptions seem to go on and on , dragging out the story. Once you knew Victoria’s mother hadn’t died, you could predict the rest. I didn't’ feel there was enough depth to the story. It was pretty straight forward with no twists and turns which Is what seems to keep me interested. I felt that I skimmed a lot. It is an easy read and good if you like a single plot.

Thank you Net Galley for the chance to preview this book.

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Emotional Story Of Love And Loss
This is an unforgettable work of Women's Fiction. It involves generations of a family whose secrets come to light only after the death of the grandmother. Those who are left behind, primarily the granddaughter, discover some life-altering lies and must learn to deal with them. It is a very emotional story that will take some time to digest. The author has put some book club discussion questions at the end. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest review.

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I received this ARC from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. This is my first book by this author. I feel like it was slow going for me. It took me 2 weeks to read this book because I was determined to finish it but it did not hold my attention. I would give this authors books another shot though in the future.

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Victoria’s early life was difficult. Her father died before she was born. Her mother died from an overdose when she was a baby. Her grandmother has raised her and been her support system. Victoria comes home from running errands to find her grandmother died. The shock of being entirely alone overwhelms her. With help she manages to plan the funeral. Victoria notices a strange woman at the cemetery then sees her standing in the yard. This woman tells Victoria that she is her mother. Disbelief and anger overwhelm her. Victoria has to process all this new information.

Amanda Prowse does a fantastic job taking the reader into Victoria’s wide ranging emotions. Victoria has so much to reconcile. This story deals with abandonment, coming of age, and relationships. The storyline is well developed and the characters are compelling. As the book concludes, the author gives insight Into how Victoria moves forward and the course of her life. It is rewarding to see her life’s progression.

This is a wonderful book showing that it is possible to forgive transgressions, create relationships, and strengthen friendships.

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Victoria has been brought up by her grandmother who she calls Prim. She has always yearned for her mother and felt the gaping hole in her life. When Prim sadly passes away,Victoria is desolate, she has no family left. At her grandmother’s funeral she sees a woman standing back from the crowd. Again at the funeral gathering at her grandmother’s house she sees this woman in the garden. When she tells her she is her mother,Victoria’s world collapses again.
Has Prim lied to her all her life Or is this woman a fraud? Victoria has to find out no matter how difficult it might be.
I loved this book. It was happy and sad at the same time. So many lost years between mother and daughter.. Great characters, great story. I’ve read a few of Amanda’s books and they are such a good read.

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4 star review for Amanda Prowse book, "The Day She Came Back".

This is a story about finding out your family has lied to you about secrets in your life. Can Victoria forgive her family and move on to live a happy life? How do you forgive loved ones that have lied to you?

I highly recommend this 4 star book.

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The Day She Came Back
By Amanda Prowse

A truly amazing story. This book is wonderfully written and so filled with emotion. The characters and settings are well though out and defined. This book will make you think about life and the what ifs of life. Please take the time znd read this book. You will not be disappointed.

Thank you for the ARC ebook.

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The story 'The Day She Came Back' by Amanda Prowse has so many layers to it, I just couldn't put it down.

After the passing of Victoria's grandmother, Primrose, it becomes apparent that she kept many secrets. One being that Victoria's mother, is not dead, as she was lead to believe! Suddenly her life is turned upside down as she struggles to deal with a maze of questions, amidst the secrets and lies of her family's past history. The lives of Victoria, Primrose, Sarah and Daksha intertwined with devastating effect.

What follows is an emotional read, highlighting the lengths some people will go to protect the ones they love. Who can Victoria trust? Why is everything she thought about her life, just one big lie?

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5☆ An Utterly Compelling, Poignant and Engrossing Story, I Couldn't Put Down!

I'm a huge fan of Amanda Prowse's books and once again she has written a Poignant, Utterly Compelling story of Betrayal, Trust, Heartbreak, Secrets, Discovery, Grief, Forgiveness, Addiction, Starting Over and Moving On.

I don't want too go too much into the plot as the blurb sums it up far better than I could, plus I don't want to risk giving anything away.

The Characters are beautifully observed, complex yet relatable and Prowse has this way of making her Characters spring to life on the pages.
Victoria's Character will get under your skin, she's 18, lost everything she ever cared about and then she's thrown head first into the most shocking of discoveries, that will change her life and everything she has ever known forever! My heart broke for her.

THE DAY SHE CAME BACK is a totally absorbing read that's beautifully written, an
engrossing storyline and will tug at your heart strings.
Amanda writes the most  mesmerising and amazing stories, she makes you feel every single emotion in one book. Trust me when I say I hardly ever shed a tear not even watching films, but Amanda just has this way of making me feel those raw emotions.

As I said before I'm a huge fan of her books, and if you haven't yet had the pleasure of reading her books.
I highly, highly Recommend you Start with this one!

Thank you to BOTBS Tours for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

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Victoria has been raised by her grandmother since her mother died of a drugs overdose when she was a baby. As she finishes school and is about to embark on a gap year, her beloved grandmother dies and her life is thrown into turmoil. Everything she thought she knew is called into question and she makes some very dubious decisions as she battles with one crisis after another.
Amanda Prowse is a skilled author whose characters are so real that you get a sense of being part of their story. I've read many of her books and have enjoyed them all. Victoria is a frustrating character and her grief makes her behave totally out of character, which sometimes felt a little too far-fetched. There were many times in the book where her actions tested my patience and, rather than sympathy, I felt irritated by her.
The ending of the book tied everything up, perhaps a little too neatly, and readers are given a glimpse into Victoria's future.

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Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. It is the first book I have read from Ms. Prowse and I was excited given the praise she has received for her previous novels. I will have to trust her legions of fans because this book left me wanting. I finished it and I did find sections compelling, but it is predictable and inauthentic. To make it work she asks the reader to take a huge leap of faith concerning Primrose’s age when Sarah was born and that the lies she spun were her only choice. The amount of ink spent on the obviously disastrous relationship with Flynn was a mistake IMHO. There were so many other choices and this one is tawdry and cheesy.

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Sweet Victoria had no idea what was coming the day she paused outside of the sports store to do a little flirting. That was the last time she had a "normal" afternoon. Prim did all she could protect Victoria from the truth, but eventually time ran out and Victoria found out everything. This is a very interesting book and really has you questioning the ethics of protecting someone by telling lies. Is it better for the person or does it prolong the devastation? You will love this book.

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Victoria's world is being torn upside down with the death of her beloved grandmother...until her dead mother shows up at the funeral. Such a great book with characters whose pain is so real and raw. I would definitely recommend this one.

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This book was not for me, I'm afraid. I found the narrative a bit too sentimental and angst ridden and I ended up actively disliking most of the main characters, especially Victoria and her dreadful posh time-warped grandmother, Prim; despite my misgivings, however, Ms Prowse's storytelling was strong enough to carry me through to the end, (which is a good thing, as I hate giving up on a book) and I enjoyed the final chapters, which were set in Oslo.

I understand that many readers genuinely love an emotional family novel and they will probably lap up 'The Day She Came Back', but this is just not my genre - as I've now discovered.

Many thanks to Lake Union Publishing, to Ms Prowse and to NetGalley for allowing me to read and leave an honest review.

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Thank you to Amazon Publishing Company and Net Galley for the chance to read and review this book. I liked this book, but I would classify it as young adult-the main character is only 18. It is still a very good story, just maybe for the younger crowd. Victoria has been raised by her grandmother, Prim. She has been told her mother passed away when she was just a baby. After Prim dies, Victoria is confronted with some family secrets. Along the way, she makes some young adult mistakes, but finally comes to terms with the big changes in her life. Recommend for all readers that like young adult novels.

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Amanda Prowse, a totally competent and reliable writer...if you want to be sure that you are going to settle down and enjoy a good read she is the perfect choice. As always with this author’s stories you quickly believe in the characters and like people in real life they often act with good intentions which sometimes don’t work out quite as well as hoped, it’s reassuring to read about people who mess up for the very best of reasons....don’t we all! Luckily as this is fiction we can be assured with Amanda’s feel good in the end writing that we can feel good in the end. Thank you Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

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The Day She Came Back by Amanda Prowse is a beautifully written and moving tale that tells the story of eighteen year old Victoria as she tries to come to terms with the devastating loss of her larger than life grandmother, Prim, who has raised her since she was a baby following the death of her mother.

But to her shock, on the day of Prim’s funeral, Victoria encounters a woman who claims to be her dead mother, sending her life spinning into turmoil. Is this woman really her mother? And if so, why did Prim lie about her mother’s death for so long? Struggling to come to terms with not only Sarah’s presence, but also the fact that her whole life has been based on a lie, Victoria is unable to bring herself to trust anyone, least of all this stranger who has come into her life.

Amanda’s writing has an authenticity to it that brings these characters vividly to life, resonating with me so much that I felt every emotion right alongside them. And even in the short time we had with her, Prim was a character who struck a chord with me, reminding me of my own grandmother who I never ever saw without a hair out of place, remaining beautiful right up until the day she died. My Nan also used to eat every last bit of a piece of fruit like Prim did (core and all!), which as a young child impressed me far more than it probably should have! So I felt Prim’s loss as keenly as the young Victoria did, especially as I was the same age as she was when my own grandmother died.

So the tears began to fall early, with the story taking hold of my heart and refusing to let go until the final page had been turned. The Day She Came Back is a book that will cause your heart to ache, with a strong cast of supporting characters who you can’t help but fall in love with. Victoria herself is often immature and doesn’t always do the right thing, but in spite of all that, I felt for her and the predicament she found herself in through no fault of her own.

The story moves from England to Norway, a place the author obviously knows well, the city of Oslo brought so vividly to life it almost felt as though I was there. As the truth of the past is slowly revealed, Victoria and Sarah try to pick up the pieces of their lives so they can move forward to a better future. But will Victoria ever be able to forgive not only Sarah but her beloved Prim for hiding the truth from her? And is it ever possible to forgive a family who has lied to you for your whole life?

I don’t know how she does it, but Amanda Prowse’s writing blows me away with how she somehow manages to get deep into the core of each of her characters, empathising with them in ways not many authors are capable of. She has written yet another beautiful, emotionally resonant and poignant read that will stay with me for a long time to come.

The Day She Came Back is a powerful story of love, loss, family secrets and forgiveness. A sometimes dark, often emotional, but ultimately uplifting read that I would highly recommend.

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Victoria is eighteen, about to travel with her best friend and a little nervous about leaving her beloved grandmother Prim behind. Our opening quickly establishes the loving relationship Victoria has with her grandmother, and alerts us to the fact that there are no other family members in this relationship. So it is something of a shock at the end of the opening chapter when Victoria returns home to find her grandmother dead in her gardening chair.
What follows clearly establishes the shock and upset you might experience at the sudden death of a family member. Victoria sleepwalks through the days immediately following the discovery, unsure how to feel or act now her only living family member has left her.
You can only begin to imagine the maelstrom of feelings experienced by Victoria at this point. So when, at the funeral, a woman turns up who claims to be Victoria’s mother it really is hard to know what to think/feel.
The book follows Victoria as she takes on this news and tries to work out what to do. She has always been told her mother died when she was young, so it’s understandable to see her upset/anger/confusion/excitement at this point. She takes the decision to find out more, and then we watch as these two start to unpick the choices that led them to the position they are in, and to try to work out how to move forward with this new information.
I loved reading this, even though it was heavy on the emotional elements that in real life are so confusing. The author depicted the mix of emotions so clearly, and it was hard to feel anything other than understanding and compassion for each of those involved.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this in advance of publication in exchange for offering my honest thoughts.

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My 5* review of The Day She Came Back by Amanda Prowse.

"When her loving, free-spirited grandmother Primrose passes away, Victoria is bereft, yet resilient—she has survived tragedy before. But even her strength is tested when a mysterious woman attends Prim’s funeral and claims to be the mother Victoria thought was dead." So Victoria is left pondering how do you forgive the family that lied to you, and love the mum you never had?

At only eighteen Victoria is just finding her way in the world and about to go on an adventure with her best friend Daksha when suddenly the rug is pulled from under her and she has to question everything she was told growing up and wonder if her whole life has been built on lies told by Prim.

This story again takes you on a wonderful emotional rollercoaster filled with grief and sadness, but also love and joy and the slow burning of new relationships (with a few disastrous ones along the way).

It is obvious from her books, that Amanda Prowse has a wonderful understanding of how complicated families can be, and explores beautifully relationships with an undercurrent of secrets and lies. The book highlights the fact that understanding the idea that very often love was at the root of all the decisions that are made in our children's lives, is what will ultimately lead to a happy ending.

I enjoyed getting to know and visualise Oslo, Norway through Amanda's writing and I have popped it on my "must visit" list. Another Beaut Amanda x

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I have to say this though, Victoria, dearest taking drugs isn’t written in anyone’s DNA, it all amounts to the poor life choices we make and our inability to cope with things when trouble comes knocking on our doors. It is never easy seeing a dead person especially a loved one you had left alive a mere couple hours ago. For this lonely young lady who had just lost the dearest to her heart, she was reeling from her pain, and lashing out at those closest to her was the only way she could find to deal with her grief. It created a gulf between her friends and she was adamant it was better that way. Her life was in a spiraling twister slipping away faster and faster as she tries to deal with her grief and betrayal. When she hit rock bottom as she came crashing down, what she saw made her think twice of the path she was on. The picture she saw was indeed scary, for her life had become a nauseating mess and she was heading in the wrong direction. A heartwrenching and emotionally tense drama, with deep emotions on every page.

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What a heartwarming story from Amanda Prowse. I really enjoyed reading this book. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy.

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i read an advance copy of this book. I have read others of this author and really enjoyed them. This one was a bit different than the others but i totally enjoyed it and was sorry that it was over. The young girl that it was about was totally believable, and understandable...... her awkwardness makes her very relatable.... her crush on a boy in her class sounds so familiar for anyone who went to highschool! This book was a sweet story of family and forgiveness.... i will read anythng amanda prowse writes!!

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The Day She Came Back was the first book I've read by this author and I enjoyed it. The main character, Victoria, an 18 year old girl was generally content with her life. She had her wonderful grandmother, Prim and her best friend Daksha and the two were planning a trip around the world instead of heading right to college. At this point, I was thinking this was going to be a "cozy' novel . I don't want to spoil anything for other readers, but the novel takes some turns after the first chapter. The rest of the book deals with all that happens to Victoria and how she deals with it. There were times where I thought the novel dragged a bit, but in general it was pretty good. I would like to read more novels from this author.

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Another fabulous read by Amanda.I lover her books this one loved the grandmother and granddaughter story.

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While I didn't find the story line to be particularly compelling or surprising, I did enjoy some beautifully written phrases and the character development. This is a story of a young woman, Victoria, who, after the sudden death of her grandmother, finds herself to be alone in the world. Until, that is, the mother she had been told died shortly after her birth, comes back into her life. The unfolding story of what led to the fiction of her mother's death and the subsequent reentry is not surprising but along the way, realistic emotions are depicted in a moving way. There were some situations in the books that did seem quite out of character for Victoria. I did find the description of Oslo to be quite beautiful and have added to my list of cities to visit. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC in exchange for this review.

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I have read all of Amanda Prowse's books and loved them but I'm not sure about this one. If it had been written by a different author I would have said it was a very good book. But Amanda has set the bar very high and for me this one just didn't hit the mark. It was a good story but I just felt that there was something missing from this author's usual story telling

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An intriguing story about a young girl’s life turned upside down when the mother she has believed died when she was a baby turns up very much alive. This forces Victoria, who is dealing with the grief of losing her grandmother (her only family) to face up to the fact that her grandmother had been lying to her all he life.
She is of course both angry and confused. Can she accept that this stranger is her mother and allow her into her life. This situation throws up so many interesting dilemmas.
How refreshing that this story is told in a linear way, no jumping backwards and forwards in time, but how disappointing that the final chapter pulls everything together into a happy ever after ending

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This was my introduction to this author and I really enjoyed it! Victoria is an intelligent, kind, and generally what one might classify as a "good girl". She lives with her grandmother, who raised her, and has an awesome best friend named Dakshi. However, when her grandmother unexpectedly dies and a stranger shows up claiming to be her dead mother, Victoria sort of goes off the rails. I felt her reaction was quite realistic and I liked that the author took you through her thought process as she went through the stages of grief while at the same time working through her confusion. I loved the author's description of Prim's house, as well as the description of Oslo (it makes me really want to visit it. The ending felt almost a little too neat, but I'm glad the author waited for the epilogue to make it reality, because then it really would have felt like everything resolved too quickly. Making it an epilogue allowed her to add several things to show us the adult Victory grew into. I loved the image of being on top of Ekeberg and being able to look down and gain perspective being used as a metaphor for Victoria to gain perspective on her own life and what her mom and grandmother had to go through. While I don't often read books in this genre, I really enjoyed this and will definitely be looking into more books by this author.

Thanks to the author, #NetGalley, and #AmazonPublishingUK for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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Firstly a big thank you to the publishers for my copy to review on netgalley. Ive read and loved a few of Amanda’s books. She is a fantastic author who captures the essence of family.

This is a tale of loss,love,forgiveness and family. Can lies be forgiven? Especially ones that threaten to change everything? Can a new future be formed and can Victoria find who she really is to live a full life.

Written with emotion and sensitivity this is a beautiful book. As someone whos adopted it resonated with me a lot.

Published 7th July

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A beautifully written and emotional story, which really draws you in, and wanting to read more. Nice easy read, with a lovely storyline and loved how it concluded too.

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Wow what a powerful book. A story of addiction, love, loss and trust.....A story of losing a family and then finding out the mother was still alive coming to terms with the lies told....I loved how the story evolved and reading Victorias journey throughout

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Victoria lives with her grandmother, Prim after the deaths of her parents. She is at a turning point in her life as she prepares to graduate and take a backpacking trip abroad with her best friend. Unexpectedly Prim passes away. Now Victoria must grow up quickly as she is rather naïve of the ways of the world. A mysterious woman comes to Prim’s funeral and claims to be the mother that Victoria has been told passed away years ago. Not having much trust in people at this point, she must figure out who has told the truth….her beloved Prim or the mysterious woman who has just arrived. I enjoyed this book very much.

Also reviewed on B&N

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Well, The Day She Came Back, Amanda Prowse's latest novel, is another blockbuster read for me!

In the opening chapters the reader gets to meet eighteen-year-old Victoria and her Nan Primrose, who prefers to be called Prim. When Prim passes away, a mysterious woman turns up at her funeral, but who is she? Victoria's mother died years ago - that's what Victoria had been given to understand, anyway. What then follows is Victoria's search for the truth and her struggle to trust and forgive.

As ever, Amanda Prowse did not disappoint with this poignant novel of heartbreak, secrets, trust, discovery, grief, and forgiveness. With other ingredients such as betrayal, addiction, and moving on added into this stylish literary cocktail, I couldn't put this one down once I had turned the first page.

A brilliant novel that I could really relate to, it was also deeply moving. I felt great empathy for the characters, especially Victoria herself. It was a beautifully written story about how fragile stability can be and starting over when your very existence has been upended. A mature and thought-provoking piece of women’s fiction, it was well paced from the very beginning and quick to get into the heart of the story. The Day She Came Back 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. The conclusion was the icing on the cake in this compelling literary delight. 😋

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

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This book was a huge disappointment for me. I only finished it to be able to review it. While the premise was interesting, the prose was boring and entirety predictable.

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This is my first time reading this author and wow. This story is about Victoria who finds out after her grandmother passes that the mother she had been told died is alive and well. Victoria learns through a series of letters what transpired before she was born to make the situation what it became. The tears flowed reading about Sarah's addiction and heartbreak.

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I really enjoyed this. Great characters that really came to life. The story of Victoria's journey following the death of her Grandmother was just beautiful - moving and heartbreaking. Highly recommended.

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Can you imagine being told one thing for the duration of your life so far, only to then be told that it was a complete lie? I don’t mean being told that your favourite Teddy has been binned, despite being told that it was in the loft, or some other not so important lie. I’m meaning a massive, your mother is dead, oh wait….she’s not, type of lie. I cannot even begin to think about how Victoria felt after being betrayed by the person she trusted the most.

Obviously there are two sides to every story, and the reasons behind the betrayal become a lot clearer as the storyline progresses. However, being the cynic that I am, i couldn’t quite see how the lie was justified at all. Yes, Victoria’s grandmother had her best interests at heart, I’m not disputing that at all, but to say that her mother was dead when she wasn’t, is a step too far in my eyes.

Just to clarify, my points so far are not spoilers because they’re in the blurb….just incase anyone was thinking that I had ruined the book!

I’ll give Victoria her due, I certainly couldn’t have done what she did by meeting up with the new found person in her life. Then again, I can definitely see how being intrigued about any information she could have been given, would have been enough to go through with it.

For a young adult, Victoria seemed to have a good head on her shoulders….well, until the one night where she didn’t. Don’t blame her though, grief does weird things to your mind! What I am curious about though, is if Primose stayed alive, would Victoria be able to forgive her? Was the death of her grandmother enough to build the bridge between betrayal and moving on?

Betrayal is such a personal thing, something which nobody can truly understand unless they are the people, or person, going through said thing at said time. Nobody has any right to tell you how to feel, or that your feelings are unjustified all because they are different to how they would act. The thing is, with a topic so deep routed such as this, surmising our own reactions to it would be nion impossible because, think about it; if Victoria struggled to work out what to do and she was slap bang in the centre of everything, how would we, people who are outsider’s looking in, manage to work it out?

What I loved most about this book was the way in which Amanda Prowse made her characters come to life, and the way in which she believed in their journeys. A lot of the topics discussed in this book are ones of the quite serious nature. Topics which need to be fed well in order to be believable and realistic, and I felt that Amanda Prowse went above and beyond to make that happen. Now, I’m not entirely sure whether the author has been through similar things in her life, however I felt like she had a connection to her characters that comes with understanding what they are going through or what they have been through. That sort of understanding comes with life lessons and not through Google – I may be wrong though! Either way, I truly felt what Amanda Prowse was trying to convey. I would even go as far to say that it was magic.

‘The Day She Came Back’ is a wholesome, enlightening, thought provoking, hopeful read that takes you down paths you probably never expected to go on. The beauty of this novel is the sense of being understood, something that is so simple to say, yet one of the most complicated things to do. Amanda Prowse nails it, brilliantly.

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Due to her mother's death, a young girl is brought up by her well meaning grandmother only to discover the truth that her mother is actually alive. Interesting story although somewhat predictable due to the title of the book. Enjoyable descriptions of England and Norway made it a better read.

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Thanks to Amazon Publishing and NetGalley for a digital advance reader's copy. All comments and opinions are my own.

A moving story of a young woman who learns at her beloved grandmother's funeral that the mother she thought had died when she was an infant is very much alive and now wants to reconnect with her. Victoria had lived her eighteen-year-old life believing she was raised by her wonderful grandmother Prim because her mother had died when she was only three months old. This fact was her identity and she still grieved that loss all these years later. Most of the novel deals with Victoria's adjustments to learn her mother is alive, to determine why her cherished grandmother lied to her, her false assumption that she has no family, and her long-time crush on a popular high school boy.

This well-written novel with likable characters is a step above predictable chick-lit. If you're looking for an emotional story that will have you dabbing a tissue at your eyes as you consider what it means to be a mother and what you will do for your child's happiness, you will enjoy The Day She Came Back. #TheDaySheCameBack #NetGalley

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The Day She Came Back by Amanda Prowse was an awesome book and just what I needed to read to help me survive the Covid-19 pandemic. Thankfully so far I have avoided catching the virus but have been really bored having to stay home and not be able to go out when I want to and travel when I want to. So what else is there to do but read. And I have read a lot of books during this time. Some good and some, well, not. But when I started The Day She Came Back I knew this was going to be one of the good ones. I had not read this author before but will definitely look for more of her books now. The story was about a young girl who was raised by her grandmother who comes home one day to find her grandmother had died. She had grown up being told that both her mother and father were dead so this left her all alone. She goes through a whole range of emotions and reactions to her grandmother’s death and is visited by a woman who turns her life upside down. Watching her go through the trauma and growth that occurs as she figures out what her new life will be really held my interest. I would definitely recommend this book.

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I received an ARC of this captivating story. A complex tale of family, and decisions made that change another person's life. I really enjoyed this surprising story.

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This is the first book I have read by Amanda Prowse and I cannot wait to read more. This book keeps you wanting more. It is about Victoria, a girl that just graduated from high school and can’t wait to travel the world with her best friend. She live with Prim, her grandmother whom has raised her since birth, as her mother died during childbirth. Prim is cool, an awesome grandma to live with. They drink tea together, read books, etc. Then one day, while Victoria is out, Prim passes away. At the funeral she sees a strange woman lurking around. Then back at the house she sees the same woman in the garden.
I really enjoyed The Day she came Back!

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This was my first book read by this author & what a great surprise. Families are the best stories - everyone has secrets & this one doesn't disappoint. I love the relationship between the characters.
Thank you Amanda for this wonderful free book. I definitely will be reading your books.

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This was my first time reading Amanda Prowse. I enjoyed the book - engrossing and engaging. I did feel it was a little geared towards YA - but especially during these trying times - nice escape and not heavy. Recommend!

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I felt that this book was a little drawn out. Not quite what we're used to with Amanda Prowse books. It was pretty straight forward and fairly predictable, which Is what usually keeps me interested. It is an easy read and good if you like a single plot.

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What a wonderful book.
I didn't know what to expect from one chapter to the other.
I felt upset at the loss of Prim, but then hurt about the lies she had told.
I could have shaken Victoria getting involved with Flynn and agreeing to the party.
I was happy that she had such a good friend in Daksha
I was so glad she visited Oslo.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and as I didn’t know where it was going it made me look forward to going to bed early as I was eager to continue reading it.

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The Day She Came Back
by Amanda Prowse

I can see why Author Amanda Prowse has an amazing following. This book is a beautifully written and definitely character driven and I loved this book. This book is definitely an emotional read with a deep and emotional storyline that I was completely immersed into. Really happy to have had the opportunity to read Prowse - book is so well written I loved reading this. Thank you for the emotional charged story that had an amazing dialogue, Prowse is the master of human relationships and all cure for all wounds.

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I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley. When I first began reading this book I thought I might be a little too old for it. Victoria and her friend were talking about traveling and boys and it felt that I had experienced those things such a long time ago that I wasn't sure I would be able to relate to the book. As I continued to read, I realized Victoria's feelings were ones anyone could relate to. The book was so well written I felt like I was a part of her journey of heartbreak, understanding and forgiveness, of realizing the importance of the people in her life and being grateful for their support.

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From the first time I read Amanda Prowse, I was hooked. I find myself completely enthralled with her descriptions and her characters and the way she tells her stories, and The Day She Came Back is no exception.

When I read the description for this book, I was expecting it to be about the development of the relationship between Victoria and Sarah. While we get some of that, it is so much more, and the book is better for it.

Victoria is 18 years old, so just out of school, just starting to figure out her way in the world, when Prim passes away. All of her life, Victoria has mourned her mother, who Prim and Victoria’s grandfather had told her had died from a drug addiction right after Victoria was born. Now Victoria is facing the world alone, without the grandmother who raised her. When Sarah shows up at the funeral claiming to be Victoria’s mother…let’s just say all hell breaks loose.

Amanda Prowse is a master at making her readers feel every emotion. Victoria is devastated, betrayed, angry, sad, rebellious, wanting to know everything but fearing the truth. She lashes out, she falls apart, she doubts everyone and pushes away her closest friends, she falls apart some more, and then we get to watch her put the pieces of her life back together, with a little help from her friends who she could never really push away. What Victoria realizes is that she is not alone, and that is the most important thing.

I loved the story development, the picturesque descriptions of Prim’s garden and where Sarah lives in Oslo. The characters feel like people I would know and love. While this story is centered around Victoria and Sarah, the supporting characters really perfect it.

Gerald is described by Victoria as being Prim’s 74-year-old boy toy. He’s fun-loving, caring, loyal, and treats Victoria as if she is his own granddaughter. Even after Prim dies, he tells Victoria that she can count on him, and he doesn’t disappoint. I can picture him as this dapper gentleman with a bit of a wicked side. At one point in the story he tells Victoria, “…don’t tell a soul, but it was one of the best evenings I have had in an age! One minute I am in my pyjamas with an Agatha Christie in my palms, and the next I am toting a pistol at a rave! How many members of the bowls club can say the same thing?” And he never ever turns his back on Victoria.

Daksha is that ride-or-die friend who knows all your flaws and loves you anyway. I have one of those — honest to a fault, will tell me when I’m being dumb, and supports me no matter what. And I love the way Daksha and Victoria interact: “You were an arsehole….And I have to ask, are you now cured of this arseholeness, do you think?”

I won’t give away how the book ends, but know that this is more about the journey than the ending, and it is about the unconditional love we find from the people who truly matter to us.

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Loving grandmother Primrose passes away leaving Victoria to learn that everything she knew about her family to be true, including that her mother passed away when she was a little girl, is not. In the days following the funeral, she has to learn to stand on her own - and make decisions about her crush, understand the friendship with her childhood friend. She struggles with not letting the past and emotions from the lies of her childhood, and moving forward and embracing what the future holds.

I did enjoy the description of Oslo, and learning more about that life. I had a hard time really liking this book because it did not flow for easy reading. This review is in exchange for my review from Netgalley.

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Amanda Prowse has done it again. I so enjoy her books, I haven't read them all (yet) but the ones I have read have been about ordinary people thrown into extraordinary circumstances and how they cope with the changes those new circumstances bring to their lives. This is in that same mold. The protagonist, Victoria, is a bit younger than her main characters usually are, and I did have to remind myself of that at times when her actions or reactions seemed a bit over the top. Not so unusual for a teen after all. The backstory is told through a series of letters between Victoria's mother and grandmother, and Victoria's struggle to come to terms with what she sees as her betrayal by both women is at the heart of the story. Beautifully written, and I was able to listen to much of it on audiobook, also beautifully narrated by Amanda Prowse herself.
My thanks to Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for providing a copy for an unbiased review.

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Victoria has led a very love filled relaxed life in Epsom, Surrey brought up by her grandparents after being told her mother, Sarah and father, Marcus are dead. Prim, Victoria's grandmother, will never speak of Marcus, blaming him for causing her daughter's death by introducing her to drugs. When Victoria comes home one day and discovers Prim has passed away her world turns on its head and she is left alone, the closest she has to family now is her best friend Daksha, who rallies round as best she can, always with the offer of a cup of tea not far away. On the day of Prim's funeral a woman turns up, claiming to be the mother that she thought was dead. Victoria cannot understand why Prim, the one woman she thought she could trust, would lie to her, but to ever be happy again she needs to find out why. Can she ever trust anyone again?

This was another amazing read from the author, with my emotions on a roller coaster. Amanda Prowse at her best!

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher / author for the ARC copy, in return for an honest review.

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Amanda Prowse has once again written a beautiful moving novel.I was drawn in by the characters the story as with her other books I shed a few tears.A book I will be recommending.#netgalley#amazonuk

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Amanda Prowse is a new author for me. The Day She Came Back is a family drama involving Victoria who was raised by her grandparents after the death of her single mom. She is extremely close to her beloved grandmother, Prim. When Prim unexpectedly passes away, 18-year-old Victoria is devasted. How will she survive all alone?? Or will she???? I will say that the author provides a twist that made this book more appealing to me. The characters and their relationship with Victoria proved to be another plus for me. All in all, this was a solid family drama.
I received an arc from Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK in exchange for an honest review.

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Victoria is devastated at the loss of her grandmother. She is thrown for a loop when a women, claiming to be her mother attends her grandmothers funeral even though she thought her mother was deceased. As she continues digging into her grand mothers past she is now learning that there are some big secrets her grandmother has been keeping. Deciding if these are secrets she wants to uncover is her biggest question.

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Rating: 5 glowing stars

Amanda Prowse, where have you been all my life? Thanks to a review from a Goodreads friend, I decided to request this book from Netgalley. My friend Sandy posted a glowing 5-star review, and I completely agree with her assessment. In “The Day She Came Back”, Ms. Prowse has written a fantastic book about family interactions, and how secrets always seem to find a way of coming out.

Victoria is only eighteen when her grandmother, Prim suddenly passes away. Victoria thinks that she is now alone in the world. She has no siblings and both per parents and grandfather had already died. Imagine her surprise when her mother showed up for Prim’s funeral! Victoris did not believe who she was at first because her beloved grandmother had told her that her parents had both died of drug overdoses.

That is the launching point for this family drama. It is a drama without ever being overly dramatic. The characters are written with such precision. I would like to meet any of them in real-life. They are not perfect, but who is? Victoria struggles to wade through her grief about the loss of her grandmother. She is also trying to come to terms with the lie that she’d been told all her life. She is struggling to move into a self-sustaining adulthood without a whole of support. Luckily she has a best friend, Dashka. I loved that she had Dashka to rely on. Everyone needs a bestie like that!

Victoria struggles to trust this new woman, Sarah, who says that she is her mother. Slowly, they work on forming a new relationship. Prowse poignantly delivers Sarah’s story. How she fell deep into the valley of drug abuse, and the effort it took to climb out of that valley. She shows how hard it is to try to regain what had been lost. It is not a happy-go-lucky story, but it is oh so good, and it felt so REAL. Please do not pass this by as being just as another ‘been there done that’ drug abuse redemption story. This is so good on so many levels.

I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good book. That is it. Read this if you love a good book. Now I am off to read more of Amanda Prowse’s prior works. I think I have some real treats in store for me.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. These are my honest thoughts.

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Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the free ARC of The Day She Came Back in exchange for an honest review.

I would give this 3.5 stars. I had never read a novel by Amanda Prowse before and this won't be my last. I really enjoyed this in both print and audio. The author did a great job narrating the audio.

This story pulled me in right away and I couldn't put it down. I think the description of the house and Victoria's relationship with her grandmother were what drew me in, initially. At about the time when Victoria is betrayed, I felt the same, and the pace slowed for me because I did question some of the decisions of characters. It just didn't feel completely realistic. However, I appreciated that the messiness of relationships and the conflicting feelings someone can have for the same person seemed very true to life. Also, sometimes people have to make heartbreaking decisions. This story deals with moms and daughters, love, loss, betrayal, hope, reconciliation, and the times when reconciliation and full understanding are not possible. While the author does tie things up in the end, I appreciated that she did not give the false sense that Victoria immediately overcame her feelings and that she could easily forgive all that had happened to her. Overall, I enjoyed this and would recommend it.

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I missed ‘the girl in the corner’ but now I have it on my tbr list as this novel was wonderful. A young emotionally vulnerable but so perfectly human teenager, Victoria, meets a woman at her grandmothers funeral. Victoria’s parents died, so why is this woman claiming to be her mother? Dealing with the onslaught of grief for her beloved grandmother, Prim, can Victoria trust this woman, let alone love her? You tear up, you smile and you feel the emotions down to your toes. Couldn’t get enough of this wonderful character Victoria.

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Oh I do love an Amanda Prowse novel! Her writing always finds a way to reduce me to tears (snivelling wreck!) and I always end up with a smile at a satisfying outcome. There is always a sense of humour and her characters are relatable. Lovely- read it!

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#TheDaySheCameBack#NetGalley
This is the first book I have read by Amanda Prowse. When Victoria's grandmother passes away, a lady comes to the funeral claims to be her mother Sarah. This turns Victoria's world upside down because she always had been told she had died. Victoria's life changes as she leads all the secrets, and not always for the better. It gives you glimpses into all three lives thAt allows you to understand the love behind the relationships of all three generations. Will Victoria have a relationship with her mother ? Will Victoria let the love for her grandmother overdue the secrecy ? This book is a very emotional read. Thank you Net Galley for allowing me to read and review this book.

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

A coming of age novel in which the loss of a beloved grandmother uncovers a long held family secret. Forgiveness and starting over are key elements to the plot.

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I have read a lot of Amanda Prowse and always enjoy her books. This was an engrossing and believable story which I couldn't put down. Would recommend.

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My thanks to Amanda Prowse, Amazon Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC of THE DAY SHE CAME BACK.
An intriguing premise. When Victoria loses her grandmother, Prim, she feels totally bereft and very much alone. She believes her mother and father to be dead, but at her grandmother's funeral Victoria spots someone she doesn't know and her curiosity is piqued. This is a story about the past colliding with the future and what happens when everything you believed about your own beginning is totally wrong. Another winner from Amanda Prowse.

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This is one of those heartfelt stories that is so nice to just spend a day with the characters. Very enjoyable read!
#netgalley #amazonpublishing #amandaprowse

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I was given an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was so pleased to receive this latest book from one of my favourite contemporary authors, Amanda Prowse.
This was a well written book with interesting and developed characters.
But regret to say that I did not warm to the actual story or the subject matter and I found it quite tough going to start with. Then almost half way through, with the scene set and with the background explained, the story sped up and that helped a bit.
But overall this book just did not make me feel the usual emotional connection, which I always have felt previously when reading a book by this author.
It lacked for me that “something special” which would leave a mark on me and make me keep think about what I had just read.
3.5 stars.

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18 year old Victoria has been brought up by her grandmother as her mum died when she was a baby. At her grandmother’s funeral a strange woman turns up and claims to be Victoria’s mother.

The characters are well developed and there is a depth to each of them. The rest of the story explores how their relationships develop. There was never going to be an easy relationship between Victoria and Sarah and a lot of explaining needs to take place but I think they could have got to the heart of the deception much quicker - I know I would have asked the “why” question much sooner.

The book is well written but there were times when I just wanted the story to move on or for there to be some other major twist, but the plot is very simple and straightforward and dare I say it... a bit disappointing? If you want great characters and well developed dialogue,this is an excellent book. If you’re looking for surprises and plot twists, definitely not.

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Victoria has always lived with her grandma Prim, as her mother died when she was a baby. When Prim dies a women turns up to the funeral claiming to be her mother. This book is a brilliant rollercoaster of emotions.

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*I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
What do you do when the person you love has lied out of their love for you? The emotions (anger, betrayal, sadness, grief and hope) are heavy and palpable. Victoria's grandmother, Prim, was the center of her world. The decisions she made centered around Prim. When tragedy strikes and family secrets are revealed, Victoria is thrown into a whirlwind of emotions. Decisions are now made through the blinding haze of grief and anger. Feeling alone, Victoria struggles through some dark times but it is through her own strength and, eventually, her small circle of friends (one that is gun toting) that she is able to see her way to the other side.
Amanda Prowse was able to draw this reader in to care about the main character and most importantly, understand the emotional and, at times, erratic behavior and decisions of someone going through a total upheaval of all she knew. It was an easy read with no real "Gone Girl" plot twists. Just a main character that the reader can connect with and a supporting cast that serves the story well.

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This is another solid 5 stars from Amanda. A must read, I just can't put it down, the story line, the characters are all just mesmerising .

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Another blockbuster from Amanda Prowse. I love the way she eloquently covers sensitive subject matter, drawing readers in from the start. Fabulous flow and one I did not want to put down.

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Amanda Prowse is a new author for me but I look forward to reading more of her books. This really caught my attention since Victoria's grandma passes and she thinks she's all alone. What else could she think? But then... I was just drawn in and had to see how it all played out! I'm so glad I found a new author!

I read this book as a complimentary advanced reader copy, all opinions are my own. #TheDaySheCameBack #NetGalley

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A heart warming story of loss, love and everything in between. Really good read - not to be missed, just perfect for a summer’s day

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Another great read from Amanda Prowse! 18 year old Victoria has been brought up by her grandmother, Prim, after her own mother, Sarah, died from a drug overdose when she was a baby. When Prim dies suddenly Victoria has never felt more alone. Imagine her shock, then, when a stranger turns up at Prim's funeral and tells her that she is her mother. As well as deciding if she wants a relationship with her, Victoria also has to come to terms with the fact that Prim lied to her all those years. This is a great story of family secrets, friendship and growing up. Thanks to NetGalley for a preview copy.
Copied to Goodreads.

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Family, woman, strength, courage and love

Thank you NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing and Amanda Prowse for the arc of “The Day She came Back”.

This was my first book by Ms. Prowse and I truly enjoyed it. The story has a bit of everything one would experience in life. The most important or core of the book is based in family love. How would you react if everything you were told about your life was a lie? I enjoyed the protagonist strength and courage. If you are looking for an uplifting book with strong women characters, you will enjoy this book.

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If you liked Gone Girl, you'll enjoy this book. Loved this one!

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

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Another good read. Enjoyable storyline which kept you engrossed from the start of the book. Didn't want the book to end.

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a fantastic read. First book ive read by this author but i do intend to seek out her other books. its a tale of secrets, loss and forgiveness. Only put it down to wipe my eyes. Its very well written and such a beautiful story and i cant wait to read more books from this author.

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The Day She Came Back is classic Amanda Prowse. Every emotion is felt throughout the book.

An 18 year old girl losing her last family member, leaving her feeling so alone and lost. Getting her heart messed about with by people she loves. You can’t help but feel Victoria’s pain and will her to find the strength to carry on.

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I really wanted to enjoy this book and sadly I couldn't. I was intrigued by the life you've known is nothing but a lie. Unfortunately I couldn't feel sympathy for Victoria because I thought she was dreadful.

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With thanks to a Netgalley and the publishers for the arc, which I have enjoyed reading.
I have read several books by Amanda Prowse and can see why she is referred to as “queen of domestic Drama”. The women Amanda Prowse writes about are strong women who have been tested by life, love and the spaces in between.
The Day She Came Back is a story of strong women who find their own way through life to become happy and fulfilled women.
I enjoyed reading this book, although I found the back story improbable at times but that may just be me. It was an excellent read as always.
Highly recommended.

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I absolutely LOVE this book! Amanda Prowse has a keen ability in developing layers in her characters. The main character, Victoria, evolves as she learns of a big secret in her family. I really felt as if I were with her on her journey. The locales were weaved into the storyline expertly. I can’t wait to read more of her books!

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I would like to thank Netgalley for allowing me to read this book for my honest opinion.
A family saga that I believe everyone would love to read. The story was slow to take off in my opinion but it delved into the emotions of three generations of women that will tug your heart. Well written and heartwarming, will give you many things to think about and maybe understand the making of decisions and consequences.

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The Day She Came Back is another excellent novel from the pen of Mrs Prowse. It is a very moving account of how the heroine of the story, Victoria, is faced with grief, betrayal and lies and how she learns to come to terms with those and how she will make peace with her past in order to face her future.
Victoria is a lovely character. She is young, studious and a little naive. When her world is turned upside down following the death of her beloved grandmother and a woman claiming to be her long dead mother turns up at the funeral she feels as though her whole life has been a lie.
I am not going to say whether this woman is, in fact, her mother but my heart ached for Victoria in trying to find her way through this incredible circumstance. The author presents her in such a realistic way that she was so easy to identify with and to feel empathy towards.
This book is largely about relationships - that she had with her grandparents, her friends and whether or not she will ever have a relationship with the woman claiming to be her mother. It is that which propels the story along and throughout I could not make up my mind whether I thought the woman was genuine or not. Of course, this is resolved by the end of the novel but I would never deny you the thrill of reading this book and finding out for yourself.
The author is a great storyteller. She writes with compassion, realism and hope. Well done. Another great book from Amanda Prowse that I wholeheartedly recommend.

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Another wonderful story by Prowse. The characters draw you into their lives right from the start. I enjoyed seeing how Victoria worked thru her issues with Sarah and her late grandmother’s lie. The ending seemed rather abrupt to take us into Victoria’s future life. Great descriptions of Oslo. A good book club selection.

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3.5 stars, willing to round up.

This was my first book by Amanda Prowse. She clearly has fans that are wild about her work so I will definitely try another.

I enjoyed the overall storyline, but it also somehow fell flat for me. Victoria/Victory was clearly loved by both women in her life and it was an easy read in that the characters and dialogue flowed well. I got annoyed at Victoria's behavior and thought processes at times, but then I would remind myself that this would definitely be a world-rocking moment that would take time to grasp!

I appreciated the chance to read and review this book. Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher!

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This was the first book I have read from this author, but won't be my last. I thought this book started out a little slow as a result I was not sure that I would enjoy reading it. As I got into it I really enjoyed the read and found it hard to put it down.

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'The Day She Came Back' is the story of Victoria, who has been bought up by her grandmother Prim, after her mother passes away. When Prim dies unexpectedly, a mystery woman turns up at her funeral claiming to be the mother Victoria thought was dead. Life-changing secrets are unearthed as Victoria endeavours to learn more about her past.

I struggled to get into this one to be honest. I wasn't entirely sure who the target audience was... my first impressions from the cover and reading the blurb, was that it was aimed at someone my age (29) or older. However, as I read the book I began to wonder if it was more of a young adult book. Victoria is 18 years old and preparing to travel on her gap year, and during the course of the story experiences sex and smoking weed for the first time. The writing style felt very 'young' and I guess I wasn't mad on it!

I didn't warm to Victoria's character either. I found her stroppy, self-centred and she had a huge attitude problem! Granted she finds out that those closest to her has been keeping huge secrets from her... but it would have been nice if she didn't push EVERYONE away who tried to help her!!

I thought the story picked up a lot when it moved to Norway. You can tell the author is very passionate about the country and I loved reading about all the tourist spots in Oslo... it really made me want to go there!

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a family drama - apparently it's Prowse's speciality - and also to those that love lots of dialogue and long chapters!

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I love how realistic this book is without being depressing. There were so many moments that could have been depressing but instead were written in a positive light and with a touch of humor. The main character was a strong female and it was fun to watch her evolve. I’m looking forward to more books by Amanda Prowse.

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This is the second book I have read by Amanda Prowse recently and I have been impressed by her ability to write about the feelings of everyday people at difficult times. I enjoyed the book and found it easy to read and empathise with the main character as she discovered her mother was still alive as she lost the grandmother who she loved very much. The book is set in modern times and easily reflects the challenges facing the young people of today and the difficulties life can throw their way as they become adults.
I look forward to reading more books by Amanda Prowse.

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18 year old,Victoria, her whole life in front of her, comes home to a life altering event, and for the first time in her life ends up feeling totally lost, alone, angry and confused. The choices she makes will show her who to really trust.
Such a wonderful book! Beautifully written, poignant, I loved the true to life characters.
4 stars...tissue warning!!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher and author for an ARC of this book.The opinions expressed are my own.

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If you love gone girl you will love this!I

I really enjoyed this book and it actually was my first book by this author! You will need tissues to hand! It's a beautiful story and I look forward to reading her other books. Overall a fantastic read.

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Another fabulous and emotional read by this wonderful author. I was gripped from the very beginning. This book does not disappoint.

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I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

At 18, Victoria was devastated by the death of her grandmother, Prim. As far as she knew, her father had died from a drug overdose before she was born and her mother died shortly after her birth.

Image her shock when she discovers at the funeral that her mother is still alive! She has been lied to all of these years by her beloved Prim!

The story shows how Victoria copes with all the lies and the new life that opens up for her.

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A novel led by strong female characters, with three generations of a family with a secret, the revelation of which is at the core of the narrative. When Vic's grandmother Primrose dies - very early in the novel so not really a spoiler - you see Vic's naivety and understand the extent to which she has been protected from life by Primrose but it isn't until Sarah's story is revealed that you realise the damage that has been done in the name of love. It does make you glad that time and society have moved on and a similar series of events now might well be dealt with rather differently. I really wanted a happy ending for Vic - and won't spoil anyone's enjoyment by revealing whether it was or not!

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"The Day She Came Back" by Amanda Prowse is a well-written book that keeps you engaged and eager to keep reading. Victoria is a well-portrayed character. Good summer read.

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Sorry I have been able to get to this book yet, but unfortunately due to this years troubling events my reading mojo has deserted me. Once it returns I will certainly be reading this book and updating my review.

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You ever read a book and think you know whodunnit but when you get to the end the twists and turns prove you totally wrong?! Well this is one of those books (I have one tiny irk though! A beat, why so many ‘a beat’) It may not concern others but it truly irked me. Apart from that it was brilliant (5 stars without the ‘a beat’) sorry

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I certainly enjoyed this book, the first I’ve read from this author. I thought the character development was very thorough and paced very well. The author did a great job of covering 4 generations with just enough information, but not with an over abundance of details to bog you down. There was just a touch of mystery which kept you reading for answers. The only thing that kept me from giving this a 5 star review was the ending. I don’t particularly enjoy stories that are “tied up in a bow” at the end. This one did that, and did it very well! Others might really like it because, as I said, it was done very well. That’s just not my favorite way to end a story. The pace of the story was perfect; characters developed gradually, details revealed when needed, secondary characters thrown in at appropriate times. I really liked the secondary characters and the roles they played in developing the story. The story covered relevant topic like trust, love, coming-of-age, addiction, forgiveness and family relationships. I would certainly read more by this author. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and these are my own opinions of the book.

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How does a persons life change when the one person you have longed for returns. This story will help give you the answers. What a interesting storyline. I was hooked from from the first chapter .Great storyline and characters. Enjoyed this story very much.
Thank you to the Publishers and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest review and Thank you Amanda for the Story.

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Gripping book, yes I think I would make the same choice as Prim to protect Victoria, glad Victoria managed to make sense of the situation in the end, what a heart warming story, with normal up and downs normal with any teenager just with a bit more to work through

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An unusual 'coming of age' book. I really enjoyed reading it. A number of very interesting characters and interesting situations. While I had to set aside my sense of reality a number of times, I still enjoyed reading it a lot.

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What a great book to read,
The characters were fantastic so was the storyline I was so engrossed from start to finish
Will definitely give a four star

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Amanda Prowse’s books are becoming a ‘Go To’ when I need a compelling read with original storyline, relatable characters and situations that tug at the heartstrings. Again, I was not disappointed with this read. In fact, this might be my favorite.

You will fall in love with Victoria, newly graduated 18 year old. Ready to start a gap year of traveling with her best friend, Daksha. She lives with her adorable Grandmother, Prim, who raised her after her mother died as a small child, in the old family home. To really say more would do a disservice to you as you read this book. Victoria is your typical 18 yo, feeling her way, acting out when put in hard situations when life hands her a major curve ball or two. Relationships, whether love, family or friends, are complicated and hard. Victoria learns to navigate her newly found status with bumps along the way and by learning some very hard lessons.

Thanks to Ms. Prowse, Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone.

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I love Amanda's books and this one didn't disappoint - When Victoria's beloved grand-mother dies she finds out that her mother who she believed died when she was born is still alive. The book follows Victoria as she tries to find herself, at 19 she feels like her life is full of untruths. She struggles to connect with her mother and fears never having a relationship. Amanda writes so well about the struggles people face in family lives or indeed just in every day lives. Her main characters are usually very strong and the other cast members are often a bit more flaky - A really interesting book.

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First of all, a big thank you to Net Galley for sending me this book. It took me a couple days after reading it to feel like I could write my review. This book left me with so many emotions, mostly frustration with Victoria. And then I thought back to my own sheltered and protected life and wondered how I’d feel if my world were turned upside down. I love the support and understanding she received from Gerald, Daksha, and Daksha’s family. At times I wasn’t sure I wanted to continue with the book but it kept pulling me back and I’m so glad I read it. I’m still thinking about it a week later, even after reading a couple other books. I would definitely recommend this book to other readers.

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This is one of the author’s weaker books and I found myself trying to get it finished rather than wanting to know what happened. The central character receives a huge shock so that her whole life is turned upside down. But the book seems to simplify the fallout that this would really cause, solving everything conveniently when in reality it would cause huge turmoil for a long time to come. Amanda Prowse is at her best when she deals with smaller domestic dramas so I hope to see a return to that genre soon.

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When Victoria's grandmother Primrose passes away she is berefit. Then a mystery woman turns up at the funeral telling Victoria that she is her mother . But how can she be her mother when her mother is dead. Victoria is full of anger and shock as to why would her grandmother lie to her and keep such a secret. This story just pulls you in . Will Victoria and her mum find themselves grown g closer or growing further apart.
Thanks NetGalley

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The Day She Came Back by Amanda Prowse.

Blurb: When her loving, free-spirited grandmother Primrose passes away, Victoria is bereft, yet resilient—she has survived tragedy before. But even her strength is tested when a mysterious woman attends Prim’s funeral and claims to be the mother Victoria thought was dead.

As the two women get to know each other and Victoria begins to learn more about her past, it becomes clear that her beloved grandmother had been keeping life-changing secrets from her. Desperate for answers, she still struggles to trust anyone to tell her the truth.

To live a full and happy life, Victoria knows she must not only uncover the truth, but find a way to forgive her family. But after so many years, is trusting them even possible?



I absolutely loved this book. Each of the characters was unique in her own way. The three generations of women made mistakes, went through a difficult time in life but pulled through. Victoria is my fav character. I think the girl is really strong, losing her wonderful grandmother, the only relative she thought she had, leaving her all alone by herself. Only to discover her mom was actually alive.
She discovered that what she thought she knew was a lie.

A lot of scenes was about her trying to find herself and her inner strength. Hearing the truth was too heartbreaking. The author portrayed the emotions Victoria went through very well because honestly, if that happened to anyone, they would be devastated.

The book was a mixture of sadness, grief, discovering oneself and forgiveness. There was the 10 year jump that i didn't like at first, but after Victoria's life it totally made sense. We had to see what had become of her later on.

Thanks to Netgalley, Amanda Prowse and Amazon Publishing UK for the digital ARC.

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I’ve read many of Mandy’s novels and I’m always impressed by how she manages to think up different and interesting stories. This is another. Partially set in Denmark, Mandy conjures up real images of where the characters are at any point. It’s an easy read and well written with a gripping story. I recommend it!

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Another brilliant book by Amanda Prowse. She has to be one of my favourite authors. There are a few twists to this book before Victoria finds true happiness. She has to come to terms with the lies she has been told before she can start to rebuild her life. It was a real page turner, a book I highly recommend

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This is my first book by Amanda Prowse and after reading it I can understand why she is popular. This book was a satisfying read as it covered all the bases of what makes a good contemporary fiction. The emotional turmoil, confusion and reactions of 18 year old Victoria Hansen who when soon after the death of her beloved grandmother Primrose finds out that her mother, who she thought had died of a drug overdose when she was a baby, is actually very much alive and that her grandmother was complicit in this lie, is very relatable. Victoria does a few things against her norm just to get back at her grandmother's memory, her mother and the few well wishers she has--she is emotionally hurting and her behaviour towards her friends and mother is a reaction to that hurt. However, she soon realises the error of her ways and thus begins her journey towards trying to understand  the decisions both her grandmother and mother made all those years ago for her better future and making peace with it.

I liked everything about this book-- the storyline was simple yet interesting, the characters were well drawn out, the dialogues were fresh, emotional, funny and witty (especially the ones between Victoria and her BFF Daksha) and the pacing of the book was smooth.

I received an e-Arc of the book from the publisher Amazon Publishing UK and the author via NetGalley.

The book was published on 7th July, 2020.

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I’m torn between this book - I think I’ve decided on a 3.5 stars rounded up. A slow burner, I didn’t feel connected with the characters for quite a while into the book. I enjoyed the parts where Victoria (I CANNOT call her Victory) tried to navigate life on her own. I struggled to keep focussed during the scenes in Oslo but really liked he character of Gerald.

This books contains mild humour which was a welcome relief. The premise of the book is that Victoria hits 18 and loses the grandmother that has brought her up following the death of her mum when she was a baby.

I would say it didn’t particularly feel like an Amanda Prowse book compared to her others that I have read.

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Another bestseller from Amanda Prowse. Beautiful characters, wonderfully written, thoroughly enjoyed it

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An entertaining and well written book. Good plot and character dynamics. I highly recommend this book. I received an advance ebook from the publisher and this is my unbiased review.

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I have to admit that I was unsure about this book after reading for the first half and hour however an hour later I was hooked. I loved this book. I enjoyed the characters especially Victoria and Daks. I would recommend this book to girls in their later teens and would use it for discussion with the girls I mentor. A great story which I could imagine being near to the truth for some in today's world. Recommended!

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4.5 Stars

Amanda Prowse’s latest novel The Day She Came Back is a poignant and affecting tale of healing, redemption and forgiveness from a master storyteller who never fails to pen emotional reads that tug at the heartstrings.

Victoria is absolutely heartbroken. Her much-loved grandmother Primrose has died and although Victoria will miss her vibrant and spirited nature, she remains resilient as having survived tragedy before, she is well aware that even though the grief is soul-destroying, her grandmother’s warmth and spirit will always be with her. However, Victoria’s strength is put to the test when a mysterious woman attends Primrose’s funeral and makes a shocking announcement: she is the mother Victoria has thought long-dead.

Victoria is shocked to her very core. She had long accepted the fact that her mother was not a part of her life and never in a million years imagined that she would find herself face to face with the woman who gave birth to her. But as the shock eases and Victoria and her mother begin to get to know each other, they start to heal from old wounds, vanquish past ghosts and come to the realization that Primrose might have kept hidden some shocking secrets that send Victoria on a quest to uncover the truth.

As Victoria comes to the sad conclusion that her family has lied to her all her life, will she ever manage to find the answers to the questions that have consumed her? Can she ever trust anyone ever again? Or will her family’s betrayal end up costing her everything?

Keep a box of tissues handy when reading Amanda Prowse’s The Day She Came Back because this heart-wrenching page turner will make you feel every single emotion her characters go through and keep you glued to the page from start to finish. Amanda Prowse’s strength as a storyteller lies in her ability to create realistic, dramatic and emotional storylines that are handled with delicacy and sensitivity without needing to resort to melodrama or clichés.

Written straight from the heart, The Day She Came Back is a superb tale of secrets, truths and deceptions from the immensely gifted pen of Amanda Prowse.

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This was a first book by this author and I loved this story very much! All the feels! Love, hope and and compassion! Highly highly recommend

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This book drew me in immediately and I gobbled it up!! Such an interesting story of "parenting" and unconditional love. The characters were vivid and believable....Highly recommend....

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I was so delighted to get this arc of Amanda Prowse's book, The Day She Came Back. What a beautifully written, insightful, emotional and heart-wrenching book. In saying that, this book is not all angst. There are so many beauutifully written, positive and uplifting insights and moments in this book which will take your breath away. Prowse has done an amazing job of constructing believable 3D characters who you become instantly involved with through their narrative. Just loved the fact I was so immersed in the character's heads and point of view.
A heartfelt novel, that will make you ugly cry, Amanda Prowse's 'The Day She Came Back' is a must read.

Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for my arc.

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What would you do if suddenly you found out that what you always believed was a lie? That the people you were closest to could not be trusted? So begins our story of Victoria,who at age 18 is burying her Grandmother Prim, the woman who raised her. Gathering at her home after the services, Victoria encounters an unknown guest, a mysterious woman with information that will shake the foundations of her world.
Great storyline,well developed characters, a book I think readers will enjoy.

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Did not finish, could not get into it at all. It just did not grab me and the characters were not at all interesting or realistic.

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Thank you to the author, Amanda Prowse, the publishing company, Lake Union, and NetGalley for an early copy of this book, for an honest review.

I struggled with the beginning of this book, but it really came together and then was a breeze to read and enjoy. I loved the relationship between the mother and the daughter, and the ending of this book, was exactly what I was hoping for.

I have read books by Amanda Prowse, and she doesn't disappoint.

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I enjoyed this book. It's written from the perspective of Victoria, a young woman who lives with her grandmother, Primrose. When Prim passes away, Victoria is left to figure out who she is and the truth about her mother. While I thought there were some parts that were little wandering, once Victoria got her bearings, things picked up and I was satisfied with how things ended.

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I received a copy from Netgalley

A story of loss and found. Victoria loses her grandmother but finds her mother. As she learns the truth she has to grapple with the past

You will laugh. You will cry. It's a feel good coming of age story that will tug at your heart strings

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I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book from NetGalley and finally had a chance to read it. It was amazing. It made me cry, feel sad, feel happy, give life some deep thoughts but in the end the story was perfect.

The story is all about Victoria....raised by her grandma because she was told her mom was dead. Until the grandma passes away when Victoria was a teenager and she finds out everything her grandmother told her was a lie. Her mother was alive and shows up on the day of the funeral.

All kinds of emotions are entwined in this story. Hate, anger, love, surprise and trust. How far would you go to protect someone? A must read and you wont be disappointed. #fourstars #netgalley

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I enjoy books by this author because she has a great grasp of family dynamics and how life’s traumas affect her characters. In this novel we meet Victoria, who has largely been brought up by her grandmother Primrose. She is a resilient girl who hasn’t had the easiest life, but the premise of this novel follows what happens when she loses that steadying influence of her gran. Primrose dies unexpectedly, leaving Victoria bereft. However, even more disturbing is the strange woman who turns up at the funeral claiming to be Victoria’s mother. I called you ‘Victory’ she says, presumably in the hope that such a positive name would stand her daughter in good stead. Vulnerable and confused, Victoria tries to get to know this woman she believed to be dead. Yet her revelations start to undermine everything Victoria has known before, including her trust in Primrose. If this woman has been telling the truth, Primrose has been keeping some huge secrets from her granddaughter.

Now Victoria’s very self is based on shifting sand. I really felt for this girl who had a narrative of who she was that’s now being challenged. I felt her pain at being torn between believing her grandmother who is gone and this woman, who is here and claiming to want a relationship with her. How does she choose? It’s very understandable when she goes off the rails a bit. Having suffered a bereavement I truly felt that moment when you return home, the door closes behind you and you feel truly alone. She has a best friend and a boy she likes, but they are really not enough and she feels lost. You get the sense it would only take one more setback for her to crack, Prowse really brought the emotion to this one and I found myself wanting to take this girl in and mother her. A really emotion packed read, with great character and setting.

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I received an ARC of this book via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Let me start by saying there is a lot to like about this book which follows Victoria as her world is shattered by the death of her only surviving relative - Her Grandmother, Prim. It is populated by a varied cast of characters some who made me smile and some who really did not. Unfortunately for me I could not feel any sympathy with or liking for the MC, Victoria.

I felt the narrative was a bit predictable - I really could see where it was going almost from the beginning. At the same time I enjoyed how the author mixed in letters with the prose and i particularly liked the idea of those letters being read out loud by their writers.

There are many who will love this book and feel drawn into the time and place but for me it was all just a bit too twee for it to be among my greatest reads.

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I enjoyed this book. It is my first book by this author, I look forward to reading more from her. This is a well developed story that has characters that make the story feel real. It is an engaging, fast paced story that kept me turning pages to the end. I had no problems connecting with the characters as they brought mystery to a new level. This is a story about Victoria. Her grandmother has passed only to find out that her mother lives. She has been told that she was dead all this time. What other secrets have been kept from her? This is a really great story which I highly recomend. It will keep you reading to the end.

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I haven’t yet found an Amanda Prowse novel that I haven’t loved. This is no exception although maybe not as memorable as some others. I loved the characters in this book and how they developed through the book, changing and reshaping the main character, Victoria’s world. A great read

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This is my first book by this author but i read alot of great reviews about her book so si thought why not. She is also probably a little different to what i normally read as well.... so here goes,
This is a great book, it covered everything that you require whilst reading and i would class this is a good contemporary fiction. We suffer with love and pain, turmoil, death and love that we can all relate to. Some truths come out within the family when Vicotoria;s grandmother dies and hgas always believed her mother died of a drug overdose years ago but she is in fact very much alive. Vicotria does she things that her grandmother wouldnt be proud off but shes acting out because of this big family lie. Her recations hurt those close to her and that of her mother too, in time she realises she is doing it all out of hurt and tries to redeem herself.
This book touches upon many things in our everyday lives that can happen to anyone. It heartfelt, you feel the hurt but understand why is happened. It was such a good book. It touches on grief, love, forgiveness and is easy to follow, a great family drama at its best.,
Thank you to Amnada prowse and to netgalley

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You can't help but like Victoria, you will sympathise with her and cry when she makes those wrong turns in life. You will want to say "No don't do that " but she will anyway, she needs to trust the family that have lied to her all of her life and try to forgive them as they did what all of us do and did it for the best reasons.
lovely read with lovely characters.
#Amazon #Netgalley

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This is another powerful book from Amanda Prowse. Honestly her books are just fantastic and I loved this one alot. It is extremely emotional so be sure to have the tissues on stand by.

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This book gave me all the right feelings, I absolutely love Amanda Prowse books.

If you haven't read one of her books, you need too. This book will give you all that you need in a book.

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This started out a little slow but as I got further into it, I began to enjoy the story. I've read a lot by this author so knew there had to be more coming. A lady, told her parents are dead, is raised by her grandmother. When the grandmother passes, a lady shows up stating she is her Mother. Who does she believe, why would the grandmother lie, is this really her Mother? Read the book and get all the answers. You can't go wrong with this author. Thanks to Net Galley and publisher for allowing me to post this review.

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This is my first read of an Amanda Prowse book, I really enjoyed the characters, especially grandma Prim. Victoria is a recently graduated eighteen year old who lives with her grandmother and is anticipating an upcoming trip with her best friend. Victoria had been raised by her grandmother and her grandfather before his passing since she was three months old. When Prim passes away suddenly, Victoria's life is thrown into turmoil. A woman shows up at the funeral claiming to be her mother, not dead as Victoria had been told. As she searches for the truth she makes some really bad decisions, like most teenagers would.
Prowse does a wonderful job with the angst that Victoria is dealing with and with her eventual opening up to a woman she meets after eighteen years.

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Another brilliant book from Amanda Prowse, while it didn’t draw me in as quickly as other books of Amanda’s, this one was a storyline that still pulls on the heartstrings. The characters didn’t pull me into their lives as quickly, but the story was interesting enough to keep me reading till the end.

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I absolutely adore Amanda Prowse book. She has such a compelling way of writing and this was no exception, definitely pulls on the heart strings and touches on grief, love and forgiveness in such such a way that you feel part of the story.

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3.5 stars

After Victoria’s beloved grandmother, Prim, dies, she is adrift and alone with no family remaining. When a stranger turns up at Prim’s funeral and tells Victoria that her name is actually Victory, Victoria is aghast, especially when the woman continues to allege that she is actually Victoria’s long dead mother. This tale takes the reader along Victoria’s journey through anger, grief, sadness, and finally hope.

The centerpiece of this novel is love. Victoria experiences so many types of love in a short amount of time during this story. The characters are real and broken and true. The emotional rollercoaster Victoria experiences is relatable.

This is worth a read.

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this arc.

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Great story line. I loved the main character and my heart went out to her. I look forward to reading more from the author

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I really enjoyed this book. It did start out a little slow to me, but it got much better! I felt I connected to Victoria and saw everything through her eyes. I would recommend this book.

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I like Amanda Prowse books as a rule so this one surprised me. I really didn’t enjoy it. It had the potential to be so much better. Instead I felt like I was reading a young adult book with an incredibly unlikeable main character in Victoria. I hate to give a negative review but I feel I have to be honest about my feelings for this book. Were I 15 I may have loved it. However I’m in my 50s and felt I was reading a book aimed at teenagers.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC in return for an honest and unbiased opinion.

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The Day She Came Back by Amanda Prowse is the most recent book from one of my favorite authors. I loved the mother-daughter aspect of the story and felt the author handled touchy subjects in a compassionate way. This book brings tears, so have your tissues handy, but it will also make you smile and laugh. This story will captivate you as it goes through the stages of love, loss, and learning to trust what you never thought you would have.

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I am a huge fan of Amanda Prowse and this latest novel does not disappoint!

Absolutely loved the characters and the flow of the story. Its a modern, heart warming, family story that leads you through their struggles and achievements.

Highly recommend.

Thank you Amazon Publishing and Netgalley.

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When Prim dies, Victoria is bereft - she's the only mother figure that Victoria has ever known as her mother died when she was a baby, so was brought up by her beloved grandmother. Imagine her horror when someone turns up at the funeral claiming to be her mother. Suddenly Victoria's whole world is turned upside down; she has so many questions but Prim isn't around to answer them for her so she must make the journey of discovery alone.
I enjoyed this book, as much as i have enjoyed other Amanda Prowse novels - that's usually a sure fire way to ensure you're reading a good book.

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An emotional read with believable characters.

Many thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.

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This book was full of angst, pain, sorrow, and yet... it is also so redemptively full of love and forgiveness.

Victoria was raised by her beloved grandmother Prim who died unexpectedly. At Prim's funeral, Victoria is faced with an unexpected surprise that will upset and upend her world as she knows it.

Victoria experiences all the sorrow of loss as well as the hopefulness of a future she did not expect.

I enjoyed the writing and the story--and recommend this book!

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Victoria had a lovely life with her grandmother Prim(rose) in an amazing house in a small English town until the day she finds Prim has passed. Victoria is left unmoored and not only has to deal with the loss of her beloved grandmother, but the reappearance of her mother who she believed was dead. The book is truly a page turner that follows how Victoria deals and grows after many changes.

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Really enjoyed this book I loved the relationship between the main character and her grandmother. Highly recommend

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I really enjoyed this sweet story of love and loss. Victoria, a teenager in England raised by her grandmother, discovers after her grandmothers death that her mother who she thought had died shortly after her birth, is very much alive. As you can imagine, Victoria is angry and also sad to learn they had lied to her all these years. But they had a very good reason to do so. I found this to be a wonderful story of discovery and forgiveness as mother and daughter reunite and learn about all they had missed.

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What began as an interesting novel quickly turned into an After School Special!

If this were a Young Adult book, I would 100% recommend with 5 stars. It flows easily and believably... However, it is written for somebody about 40 years younger than my 54!

Thank you for the opportunity.

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I submitted my initial review before I had finished reading this book, excited about my initial reaction, and now I need to revise and update my review. This was my first Amanda Prowse book. Thank you so much for offering the book on NetGalley because I'm pleased to discover this writer's work!.

This was overall a compelling novel with an interesting premise. At first I was intrigued! The characters are complex, kept me interested and for the most part are believable. My heart went out to Victoria and I found her journey poignant, but at the same time I got frustrated because there was a lot of repetition with her thinking the same things over and over again about how she’s been lied to. This got tedious and I ended up skimming parts of the book. I ultimately don’t believe that her mother would have never contacted her all this time no matter what deal she made with her mother. And why was the grandmother 84 years old, when Victoria was 18 and her mother Sarah gave birth at 21?. There was one line that said Prim took a long time to conceive Sarah but even so, I did the math and Prim would’ve had to be 45 years old when her daughter Sarah was born which is pretty unrealistic. Again thank you for the chance to read the book.

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This was a beautifully rendered story. It is about love, loss, betrayal, secrets, family, and finding oneself. The characters were very realistic and memorable. I couldn’t stop reading.
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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Thanks to Net Galley for a copy of this novel. Victoria is an 18 year young woman who has lived with her Grandmother Primrose, since she was a baby. A self admitted math nerd, Victoria is happily planning a backpacking trip through the Far East with her best friend Daksha, when her world is turned upside down, and her life will never be the same. Long held family secrets are revealed forcing Victoria to re-examine everything she thought was true about her life and family. The author perfectly captures the inner monologue of an 18 year old girl who is unsure of her place in the world. The characters are well written and I could clearly see them while reading the book. Would definitely recommend.

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I absolutely adore this authors writing. Reading her stories I love to grab my favourite drink, sit in my reading chair and get lost in her words. The Day She Came Back is another awesome read from this talented author. I’m not gonna go into the storyline.

I do believe you need to jump into this blind. The story is told in such a way you can imagine watching it on the tv. I felt as if I was on this emotional journey with Victoria.

Well done to the author on another amazing story

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Many Thanks to the author and Netgalley for allowing me to read this book before being published in exchange for an honest review.

It was an ok book. But it wasn´t for me. I thought I would find some mystery in the book. Maybe because of the cover or the blur but when I read the book I discovered it wasn´t for me.

It´s about a normal girl, Victoria, living with her grandmother, Primrose. She thought her mum was dead but when the granma passes away she discovers her mum is alive.

The book mainly is about Victoria coming to terms with the feeling of having a mum. The mum that she´s missed so many times, during Christmas time, birthday celebrations and all the important events in her life and being able to forgive her grandmother because, after all, she knew that her mum was alive.

The ending was ok but , as I said, no mystery whatsoever.

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The Day She Came Back by Amanda Prowse

When her grandmother, Primrose, passed away, Victoria is bereft, but she has survived tragedy before. How do you forgive the family that lied to you?




This book was not my usual genre. Was a very emotional and sad book. It didn’t really appeal to me.

Thanks to Net Galley for sending me an advanced reader’s copy for my review.

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I adored Anna and Theo and read them back to back so was THRILLED to read this new book from one of my go-to writers. Amanda Prowse is an author I turn to when I want to bury myself in a story and this book delivered in that cosy, compelling way of hers. I was lost in her writing about Victoria and Daksha about to embark on their gap year. The journey is filled with family secrets, heartache and lesson to be learned. It turns into an emotional and heartbreaking journey for our young character Victoria who we grow so attached to while reading this book. What a great read. Thank you for this book NetGalley. Review also posted on Amazon, Facebook and Goodreads.

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When She Came Back by Amanda Prowse, explores the complex relationship between parent and child, specifically mother/daughter. Eighteen year old Victoria has lived with her grandmother her whole life, taken in after her mother continued to abuse drugs. Victoria grew up awkward and shy, with just one good friend from school and her grandmother to keep her company. After graduating high school, she and her friend planned to see the world a bit before moving on with their goals. However, her plans radically change when her grandmother unexpectedly passes away and her mother appears at the funeral.

Though the grandmother and mother made irrevocable decisions that impact Victoria in ways they did not imagine, Victoria ultimately realizes that trust and forgiveness may be the way to her finding resolution with her past and creating a worthwhile future. With complex relationships and unexpected situations, Prowse keeps the story moving toward a meaningful resolution. A compelling read that also will be good for discussions and book clubs.

(I received an early copy of this book though NetGalley and have written an objective review)

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The Day She Came Back by Amanda Prowse is a tale of familial love, fear, coping with grief, and how one must understand the intention behind a lie told by a loved one. The protagonist is an 18-year old Victoria who, on her grandmother's funeral, finds out that her mother is very much alive, and not dead as she was told throughout her childhood by her now dead grandmother. The story then revolves around how Victoria overcomes the emotional burden of such a lie, and how she goes on to make peace with her estranged mother.

The familial relationship between the three generation of women is depicted beautifully. The rebellious nature of the teenager protagonist under dire circumstances, and then her coming around to make amends for her unruly behavior, make for a natural read.

With an interesting and a well-paced storyline, the book makes for a satisfying read, and leaves me craving for more works by the author.

Thanks to the author and the publisher for the ARC.

Verdict: Recommended.

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This book left me feeling very nostalgic. A wonderful story that captured every single emotion.. One I'll definitely be recommending to my family and friends

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5.0 out of 5 stars Very good read!
Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2020
I enjoyed this book. I thought the storyline was engaging and I wanted to see how it worked. Very good. I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher and this is my honest opinion

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When her loving, free-spirited grandmother Primrose passes away, Victoria is bereft, yet resilient—she has survived tragedy before. But even her strength is tested when a mysterious woman attends Prim’s funeral and claims to be the mother Victoria thought was dead. As the two women get to know each other and Victoria begins to learn more about her past, it becomes clear that her beloved grandmother had been keeping life-changing secrets from her. Desperate for answers, she still struggles to trust anyone to tell her the truth. To live a full and happy life, Victoria knows she must not only uncover the truth, but find a way to forgive her family. But after so many years, is trusting them even possible?

I have to be honest and say I did not think I would like this and as a result put off reading it for a while. Well how wrong was I! Prowse has written a really beautiful family story, it is simple but maybe that is the joy of it, pure simplicity leading to very real emotions. A read such as this needs very strong characters and Victoria is definitely strong. I liked her very quickly and wanted to follow her story. Victoria is not the only strong character; Primrose and Sarah are equally strong and I loved getting to know all of them and their story.

I think the plot description gives a clear idea what the read is going to be about but what it cannot capture are the very real, human emotions at the heart of this read. Prowse writes about some very sensitive subjects and does so with great care whilst ensuring they add to the story. I found myself swept away and experiencing every extreme emotion the characters go through. I laughed, cried and fell in love. This is story telling at its best.

'The Day She Came Back' is a very strong yet emotional read about a family. This is full of hurt, anger but most of all love.

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

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This book was so good, I don’t know what took me so long to read it! Right from the start I could not put this book down. This is a beautiful story about a young woman trying to find her place in the world. I loved the plot, the characters, the whole story. If you’re looking for a feel good book to read, I recommend this one!

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A compelling story with many emotions.

Victoria has been raised by her dear Grandmother who passes away unexpectedly one day. Faced with the harsh reality of being all alone in life, Victoria goes through the steps of planning the funeral and greeting mourners. One mourner catches her eye, and then shocks her by revealing that she is actually Victoria's mother. A web unravels from this point - what happened to her? Why was Victoria told that her mother was dead? Is there any chance to repair the relationship and forge ahead?

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I just love reading Amanda Prowse's books. "The Day She Came Back" was an excellent story, told in a gentle, emotional, and relatable voice. Victoria, graduating college, being raised by her lovely grandmother, suddenly encounters life altering surprises (more like "shocks"). I really enjoyed this novel, and as always, adore Amanda Prowse's resolutions. Thank you NetGalley, publisher and author for the reader edition for review. All opinions are my own.

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Thank you Netgalley for a chance to read and review this book! After her beloved grandmother passed away, eighteen year old Victoria was faced with the very real situation of her long dead mother being very much alive. This emotional read will tug at your heart strings and connect you to others and help you understand what others have to go through.

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18 year old Victoria lives with her grandmother Primrose or ‘Prim’ as she’s known. She’s brought her up since her mother died when she was a baby. She’s looking forward to travelling with her friend Daksha once they’ve saved up over the summer.

Tragically her grandmother dies and she’s left rattling around in the house on her own; luckily her friend and her parents are able to help sort out the arrangements.

At the funeral and after at the wake a woman turns up who seems to know the handy man Prim used. The woman makes contact but can she really be who she says she is?

I really felt for Victoria as her whole life she had been lied to by the one person who she cared for the most. It didn’t make me dislike Prim but I don’t know why she didn’t tell her the truth.

Victoria was shown as a vulnerable and immature girl of 18, exacerbated by the fact that Flynn took full advantage of her and treated her like dirt in the end.

Sarah was a likeable character but I don’t think she did enough to get her daughter back. If it had been me I would’ve fought forever. I’d have never given up.

There was a lovely epilogue at the end showing what happens to Victoria when she’s older, but I would’ve like a bit more guts from Sarah.

This is my first Amanda Prowse novel and I can see why people enjoy them. This one didn’t quite hit the spot for me but I’d definitely read more.

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Found this book uninspiring and flat. Were it not for mentions of Instagram and selfies, I might even have believe this was a historical circa the first half of the 20th century so much everything was smoothed out and almost bland... Could not connect and thus couldn't enjoy this read

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Alone. No one left who belongs to her. No one left to share memories of her youth and plans for her future. Victoria's grandmother has died and left her alone. She misses her desperately but has no idea how she will face each morning with no one to say "good morning". Emotionally bereft, Victoria moves through the group of well wishers that have attended Prim's funeral. She is approached by a woman she does not recognize. She will soon learn that not only is she not alone, her life's story is not as complete as she thought.

As this young woman's emotions swing from disbelief to anger to acceptance, readers are taken along on her journeys. Amanda Prowse gives us an inside view of how a "for her own good" lie can affect the core beliefs of anyone. You feel the grief as Victoria faces the bleak picture of her future alone and her anger when she finds that everything she believed of herself is based on a lie. Her actions, all coming from a place of pain and disbelief, make a mesmerizing story.

I've read Prowse's books before but don't remember this extreme reaction to the story. This is a GOOD book.

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It took me some time to get into this book,but once I did, I did not regret it. I loved the storyline. This is the first book for me by this author

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Amanda Prowse at her best. This read made me laugh and cry, and brought my own childhood memories flooding in my head. Victoria has been raised by her grandmother, Prim, in a grand house in England, as her mother dies of a drug overdose when she was a baby. They have a very loving relationship. She has a best friend, but feels socially awkward with her other peers. She has a crush on one of her peers, Flynn. Then the unthinkable happens and she is left alone at the age of eighteen. Her world flips upside down and everything she has always believed is proved false. Victoria’s struggles with loss, friendship, first love, grief, and new beginnings are told with such brilliance that I felt as if I was right there with Victoria. So much for a sheltered 18 year old to experience. Everyone should be able to identify with Victoria’s dilemma. Another brilliant read by Amanda Prowse who has become one of my favorite authors. Many thanks to Amanda Prowse, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for affording me the delightful opportunity to read The Day She Came Back.

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A good read. I would recommend this book.
I received this from Netgalley as an ARC for an honest review.

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Another brilliant family drama from Amanda Prowse. An incredibly emotional read, Prowse writes brilliant contemporary fiction and is now a go to author.
4 stars

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The Day She Came Back,’ is another emotive story from Amanda Prowse centred around Victoria whose only relative (her grandmother Primrose) passes away early on in the book. At the funeral, a woman turns up claiming to be Victoria’s mother. What if Victoria’s whole life has been a lie? What if she does have a mum? Why would her beloved Primrose have told her that her mother was dead?

Despite the secrets and lies, Prowse manages to create a fantastic character in young Victoria and a narrative filled with a rollercoaster of emotion. One of my favourites from Amanda Prowse. Recommended.

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Fast paced book and I really enjoyed it. Good story line and I think people are gonna love it. I would definitely read again and recommend

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I love her writing and this was no exception. Beautifully written and great story. I love how she develops her stories.

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I have read a number of Amanda's previous novels and this one did not disappoint. Well written, full characters and a few twists along the way.

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This was a lovely story, one of love, family and forgiveness. It explores the lengths that people will go to to protect those they love. These characters were well written, realistic, believable and had sufficient depth, I felt I got to know both Victoria and her mother very well. I felt I was given great insight too into Prim's character and her motives for doing what she did. Understandably Victoria is hurt, angry and emotional over being kept in the dark and being made to live a lie for most of her life. She acts out at first but gradually begins to see the error of her ways and sees it in herself to forgive her beloved grandmother who put her, before all others, including herself. This is another great read from Amanda Prowse. I highly recommend it.

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I really enjoyed the basis of this story. It's hard to think about what you might do in this situation. I just wish there was more focus on the development between the mother and daughter and less on the boy relationship and party scene.

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Great read and she nailed it with the mixed up teenaged girl going from nerd to smart mouth in zero to sixty. It takes a little to get into the book but once you're into it -hard to put down. Book cover gives good story synopsis. Characters are complex and very believable, so much so you might even want to "backhand" that smart mouthed teenager.
Read and enjoy! I was provided an advanced reader copy and was under no obligation to review the book. The opinions expressed are my own. Thanks to the author,publisher & NetGalley for allowing me to read this book.

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Oh how I love Amanda Prowse books

This book is such a good lighthearted read with some really likeable but damaged characters

Highly recommended

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I love Amanda Prowse’s writing and The Day She Came Back did not disappoint! Extremely well written and great character development. The dynamics of the story make it easy for me to recommend this one to all my reader friends

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Please....
Please.....
Pass me the tissues and a nice cup of tea.

I so know once I pick up one of Amanda Prowse books, more often than than not my heart is in for a break. This author can take the ordainary people and given some extraordinary circumstances and the reader is just sucked totally invested.

I imagined Prim, I imagined all of them including the house.

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You get so many emotional thoughts over this scenario that you are asking “why” “who would do that” “I wouldn’t do that”.

As things start to unravel you just can’t help but see everyone’s side, everyone’s point of view.

How would you feel if someone was you’re whole life and they lied to you?


This book did make me cry. I couldn’t help chatting to my hubby about this. His reaction was “sound good and I’d watch it if it was a movie or drama” (he doesn’t read much)

A story I’ll remember.

I took one star off because in some parts it was a bit repetitive.

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Another great book by a fabulous author who always delivers a story that tugs at your heart strings. I would 100% recommend this to everyone

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I loved the descriptions in this book, as they conjured vivid images as I read. The storyline was intriguing, not your normal family drama fare. Lately I have seen a lot of book reviews talk about whether a main character is likeable or not – I don’t necessarily feel likeability is a deal-breaker for my protagonists. However, in this one the main character, Victoria, is extremely likeable and you truly want to root for her. I will for sure look for other titles by this author, as I feel her prose is soothing and it seems (from reviews I’ve seen of others) her style is consistent, and she has a large fan base because of this. It is nice to read a book that is sweet without being saccharine, that has some suspense without sticking to the tired formulas used by so many other authors.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book last year..

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What a wonderful book, another one from Amanda that I couldn't put down. It is all about a girl named Victoria who is brought up by her grandmother Prim as her mother had died having her. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good fiction book about life.

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I love Amanda Prowse books and this one did not disappoint. This has got to be her best book by far, she writes with such emotion and draws you into each page. This was such a moving read that at times reduced me to tears. A fabulous read that will stay with me for a long time.

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The Day she Came Back is my first book by Amanda Prowse. Family dynamics always make for emotional reads. Victoria’s grandma Prim passes away and a woman claiming to be her dead mother shows up. Victoria is left with no family other than her best friend, her anger and her grief.

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What a fascinating book. I was impressed by the storyline and the characters were all well written and complex. Where there are complex storylines combined with intriguing characters the reader experience is magnified tremendously. To have a book that is well written as well as entertaining is a delight. Reading is about escaping your world and entering another one. Here I forgot about my own life and was immersed in the world created by the author. I would recommend this book.

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As a person who isn’t particularly good at forgiving people I really understand the struggle in this book. When you’ve been cut so deep is it really easy to get over it. The book was really great though and I have thought about it afterwards so it must of worked into my psyche.

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My heart is full and broken and healed and hopeful. This was such a devastatingly tragic yet beautifully redeeming story. I have been a fan of everything I have read by Amanda Prowse and this one is no different. In fact, I think I am an even bigger fan now. So pardon me while I wipe up my piles of tears and go look for more of her books in which to immerse myself. If you like a heartfelt story that beautifully captures the harsh realities of life, yet gives you hope, then do yourself a favor and spend some time with Amanda Prowse's characters.

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Prowse writes good stories. Victoria is very close to her grandmother Prim, but is not prepared for her death. Then she discovers a lie she told, which will upend her life. She goes off the deep end and grapples with reality. I thought the ending was good.

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The Day She Came Back by Amanda Prowse

Such drama after the death of the grandmother who brought Victoria up after her mothers death. Victoria is devastated but nothing compared to when her mother is actually at the funeral. Life is now not what she believed it to be .

What a book! Well written and obviously well researched. The book just draws you.

The emotions and drama that follow, take you on her journey with turns so not expected. A tear may be had at moments.

Loved it. Everything I’d hoped for as my first experience of Amanda’s books and will not be my last.

4.5/5

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This book was nothing like I expected it to be and that is why I love it.. It takes you on a crazy ride of emotions of a young woman who has recently lost someone very close to her. From that point on you are both shocked and amazed at what happens in this young woman’s life..

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This book was a slow one for me I've been reading it off and on for a bit now. I liked how the book wrapped up but the beginning was slow and in the middle, I just couldn't stand the MC she was rude and a bit of a spoiled brat. Overall it just a meh read for me so I gave it three stars

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This book was fantastic! I have never read anything by this author,nbut the title and introduction made me curious band caught my interest so I decided to give it a chance. I am so glad I ndid.bthe book pulled me in right from the start.bibfound myself sitting up half the night to finish as I could no bear to put it aside for the next day. I loved the characters, the storyline and absolutely everything about this book. I will be looking for more books by this author m Highly recommend.

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Tragedy seems to follow Victoria. When she thinks she is getting a break, life knocks her down again. Her fears and reticence are tied to the loss of her mother. Her transition from "good girl" to "bad girl" happens too quickly. Even with grief as a motivator.
The letters that spell out her mother's story are poignant, but I do not know that they lead to the redemption that is played out in the book.
Characters we think are crucial are not; those who seem to be fleeting become part of the resolution.

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A lovely read. I was unsure about this novel at first - 18 year old lives with so-cool granny 'Prim' who dies, mysterious stranger appears at the funeral, claiming to be her mother... It all seemed a bit trope. But gradually the characters develop, and the elusive mother Sarah in particular is depicted in a way that is believable and therefore moving. If, at the end, I still found the reasons for her disappearance a bit contrived, this was nonetheless an enjoyable and affecting read.

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This was a book of raw emotions and reactions to truths, which the main character had no prior idea of.
Prim is bringing up her granddaughter Victoria, after the tragic death of her daughter years previously. When Prim suddenly passes Victoria finds that she is not as alone as she believed. The many questions of what if and guilt play a big part as teenage impulsiveness gets the better of Prim.
On a journey of discovery, Victoria faces the realisation of being lied to, along with the teenage anguish of feeling used and laughed at. After a harsh few lessons Victoria realises that she does not want to be a part of the crowd. She learns that she has the special people right there beside her and that it is a time for new beginnings.
Amanda never disappoints with her novels. There is always an aspect of the story and/or character that you can relate to.
Thankyou to both Amanda Prowse and Net Galley for giving me the opportunity to review this book.

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I just cannot believe I forgot to review this book! It was so very good, but then, everything Amanda Prowse writes is fantastic.

This author has a knack for providing all the feels - the love, the sadness and joy, and everything in between. I always want to know her characters because so many of them could be friends of mine...

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What can be said about this wonderful book and author that hasn't already been said a million times before?

For once more Amanda Prowse has written a masterpiece, that gets under your skin and keeps you thinking and to some extent guessing.

As I'm not a mother I have no idea whether I would have made the decisions Prim made but rather could see it from all sides and.

And in was absorbed by Victoria's story, took a while to really get going but once it did just wow, I was hooked.

This is an author with an exceptional talent for empathy and getting her readers to empathise with very real characters. She is able to bring great depth of feeling to any situation and that to me is a remarkable ability.

Or simply put, another fabulous story that you will want to read in one sitting, so clear some time and pick up this heart warming and emotional story.

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

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LOVE LOVE LOVE her books, and this one is no exception! The storyline, characters, all of it was amazing! You will not want to put it down! A must read!

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A roller coaster of a book with the main characters emotions but one that I couldn't put down.. The storyline was compelling with plenty of secrets to find out and lies to be uncovered and as always with this author the characters really grew on you. Recommended

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The Day She Came Back … There are many things I can say about this book but most importantly I will state have tissues because Amanda Prowse has again reduced me to tears.

This book will definitely give you a few laugh out loud moments but mostly is will break your heart as you read the many many events in life that Victoria has had to navigate at such a very young age.

One of things I enjoyed so much is that Prowse wrote realistically regarding the main story line and did not make it pretty and nice.

A definite must read for any fan of Amanda Prowse or contemporary fiction in general.

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Ohhhh...........so good! I enjoyed it a lot..even reading it in one evening!
When her loving, free-spirited grandmother Primrose passes away, Victoria is bereft, yet resilient—she has survived tragedy before. But even her strength is tested when a mysterious woman attends Prim’s funeral and claims to be the mother Victoria thought was dead.

As the two women get to know each other and Victoria begins to learn more about her past, it becomes clear that her beloved grandmother had been keeping life-changing secrets from her. Desperate for answers, she still struggles to trust anyone to tell her the truth.

To live a full and happy life, Victoria knows she must not only uncover the truth, but find a way to forgive her family. But after so many years, is trusting them even possible?

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A great summer read. Sadness, love, independent women. you can't go wrong when you find a book from Amanda Prowse.

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THE DAY SHE CAME BACK - Amanda Prowse

HOPEFUL - 4 stars

Plot - 4 stars - After the death of her beloved grandmother, suddenly Victoria's supposedly long-dead mother appears, wanting to make amends. Victoria is confused about her life and its direction and how to handle this situation, with seemingly no one to turn to for help.

Writing - 4 stars - Prowse is wonderful at building a scenario to make her characters shine. Although the scenario might be unusual, she focuses on emotions, showing us the true characters of the people involved.

Characters - 4 stars - Although I didn't particularly love any of the characters, I found them very intriguing. Victoria is a teenager, just beginning to find her way after graduating from high school, and suddenly her world is turned upside down when her grandmother dies and a woman appears who claims to be her mother. Victoria is understandably upset, and I could feel her grief along with strong feelings of betrayal, guilt, and confusion. Sarah, for her part, is a somewhat mysterious character since we learn about her through Victoria's eyes. She seems kind, but the reader can't be sure if she has an ulterior motive or not. Secondary characters of best friend Daksha, boyfriend Flynn, and neighbor Gerald all add important moments to round out the story.

Title - 3 stars - We assume, from the title, that there is a bit of a mystery about one of the characters, and this definitely leads us in the right direction.

Cover - 4.5 stars - This is a lovely cover that easily catches the eye. The color is warm, the seating area is inviting, and the whole look feels like a porch on a Southern country home.

Overall - 4 stars - This is a fascinating character study, posing the question of what you would do if placed into this unbelievable situation. The main character is, of course, first dealing with the straightforward grief about a loved one. But then her feelings are complicated by a sense of betrayal, followed by a sense of confusion and misunderstanding. It's only after working through each feeling and understanding it that she can come through to discover her pathway forward. Although her friends Daksha and Gerald are fairly minor characters, they provide strong support and a good sounding board for both Victoria and the reader to discover more about the situation and draw conclusions. There is a strong sense of hopefulness within the story despite the sadnesses involved, and this is what particularly attracts me to this author.

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Her beloved grandmother has died and a strange woman appears at the funeral. Victoria gets to know the strange woman and discovers that she is the mother that she was told had died. As further secrets are uncovered, Victoria wonders if she will ever be able to trust anyone again.

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I thought this book started out a little slow as a result I was not sure that I would enjoy reading it. As I got into it I really enjoyed the read and found it hard to put it down. A very challenging life for a 18 year old that eventually turns out very positive.

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When I think of literary fiction, I think of books just like this one, that gives all the feels and can satisfies just about every reader's heart. This is a perfect books to snuggle up with on any day.

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I enjoyed this story about 18 year old Victoria and how she had to deal with life changing family secrets. She struggled to trust others after the loss of her grandmother that raised her. It showed her missteps and growth and had several interesting characters. Thank you NetGalley for a copy of this book.

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I found this to be an enjoyable read, keeping me on my toes throughout. The storyline was written well and flowed seamlessly. I look forward to reading more by this author!

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Victoria is an 18 year old brought up in Epsom by her grandparents, latterly living with just her grandmother Prim. Just as Victoria is about to set off on an extended world trip her world is turned upside down. Her beloved Prim passes away. Her only living relative, or so she thought, until her dead mother appears at the funeral and everything she thought she knew was just lies.

This was a very emotional read as Victoria begins a painful journey trying to understand the motivations of all the adults who kept the truth from her. Re-evaluating all the tears she had shed for her lost mother and the half truths told by Prim as she reached each new milestone in her life. Once again Amanda Prowse has written a beautiful novel that describes the relationship of three generations of women torn apart by addiction.

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A lovely read that kept me interesting and tugged at my heartstrings with solid writing and twists and turns that kept me guessing. This is my first by this author and won’t be my last - everyone will be able to relate to this in some way which is why it would make it a good book club selection. Thanks to the publisher for the copy. I’m grateful.

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I have read several books by the author, Amanda Prowse, and I have enjoyed each one. Her books meet all my favorite factors. The characters are well developed and the storyline holds your interest. The dialogue was handled well and provided emotional instances in addition to some witty moments. The author’s gift with words and her ability to provide a story that deals with relationships is amazing. She is one of the authors I know will provide a satisfying read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

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Another wonderful read from the author - she never disappoints and has such an engaging writing style.

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What can I say . Amanda prowse you are a an amazing author . Hooked in and couldn’t pull myself away . Easy 5 star as always ⭐️

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What an emotionally charged crazy wild ride! I could not put this book down! This story is about a young woman finding her place in the world. It is full of betrayal and heartache, and took me in the direction I didn’t expect! I highly recommend this one!

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