This One Life by Amanda Prowse

 

What a fabulous way to spend New Year’s Day! I spent the day with Ms Amanda Prowse, or at least her new book, having had the great fortune to have a pre-release copy to read. All I can say is Wow! Be warned – you will find an entire day gone before you know it!!!

Madeleine was born poor, but to an extremely loving home. Whilst she didn’t want for the basic necessities, she wasn’t like the rest of her community, even her best friend Trina – more like a sister than a friend. Madeleine wanted more and as she walked the streets, and saw the lovely houses that were around, Madeleine knew that that was what she aspired to – to own a gorgeous apartment and to decorate it in her taste, to feel comfortable in the best restaurants, to be respected at work, and to leave the smelly, downmarket flat of her youth far behind. Madeleine works hard, and due to a massive break, and a sympathetic mentor, her career is on a good trajectory. Unfortunately, then comes the bomb that threatens to derail all her plans. 8 years later, Madeleine has managed to get her life back on track, and she is preparing to move to LA and learn enough to start her own business, when her beloved mother has a heart attack. This throws a second grenade into the life that Madeleine has built for herself, the life she thinks she wants, but could just be the best thing that ever happened to her as it makes her re-evaluate her whole life and the choices she has made.

The story is told in two timelines, 8 years apart. Now, and what happened 8 years before to threaten to overturn her life plan. Ms Prowse has written another excellent book. The character of Madeleine could have been written as someone cold and unlikeable, but such is the author’s skill you find yourself sympathising with the situation Madeleine finds herself in, and rooting for her to have her happy ending. This is a wonderful book with many heart wrenching, and often surprising moments, but be warned – you wont want to put it down until it is finished.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7133309647