Author: Patricia Scanlan
ISBN: 978-1-47111-077-1
RRP: $24.99
Patricia Scanlan is the author of many Number One bestsellers and this one is sure to join them in that list. I was not familiar with the author or her work before picking up With All My Love and I must say that I’m glad we have had this introduction.
I laughed, I smiled, I cried and I choked back the tears. I was heart broken and I was awash with the warm and fuzzies. This is a book that I wish I could have hidden away from the world with for an afternoon; with a large, hot coffee and a packet of chips. I think I would have devoured it in an afternoon if I had a distractionless one.
Much of the story is told in flash-back and memories of Valerie as we learn of the events leading up to the cataclysmic, and quite possibly catastrophic, discovery of a letter in an old photo album. I did find that the timeline of the story jumped around quite a bit so I had to really immerse myself to be sure I would know exactly where I was.
With All My Love beautifully demonstrates many of the different issues that women face in their role as mother, and the way that things have changed for women through the generations.
I really love the way that Scanlan explores the cyclical nature of history and the effect it has on her characters, and the follow on effects that carry through the generations.
The book begins with Briony and her young daughter Katie adjusting to some fabulous new lifestyle changes that have been thrust upon them due to economic uncertainty. Briony has always been a working career mum so when she is made redundant with a four year old daughter it is cause for many mixed feelings. This enforced unemployment has granted her the blessing of time with her rapidly growing daughter, a blessing that is irreplaceable and priceless – even though it means giving lots of extra analysis to every shopping choice and the placement of every purchase on the priority list.
Briony and Katie are helping Valerie, Briony’s mum, settle in to her villa in Spain when Briony comes across an old letter addressed to her. A letter that is set to change everything, but will it tear the family further asunder or begin to repair some of the cracks…
At this point Valerie loses her battle with the memories of the past and we follow most of the events that brought us to this point through those memories. The timeline shifts from the present rift between Valerie and Briony to the events that brought them to this.
Valerie’s memories transport us back to the early 1980’s in Ireland where it was a very different time, more liberated than the generations preceding Valerie’s but still a far cry from the freedoms we enjoy today. We see a young couple struggle through many of the issues faced by young people still today, but these days they don’t face the added societal pressures that were present in the early 1980’s.
If we didn’t already know a little about how things turn out, there are stages throughout the book that make you think it will all work out and everyone will get their happily ever after. The traditional happily ever after is out of reach but that isn’t to say that these strong yet vulnerable women won’t make a happily ever after all of their own.
Scanlan explores the insecurities and hidden vulnerabilities of these three women beautifully, capturing the beauty in even their brashness. I could look at each woman objectively and come to my own conclusions about their culpability.
Perspective is a beautiful gift and it is often a gift bestowed only in hindsight, as Valerie discovers rather painfully. Every action has consequences and if you don’t consider those consequences when you make your decision it could haunt you for a very long time.
There were times I could not bring myself to agree with the actions of any of the main characters but I could still empathise with them and feel where they were coming from.
Another major aspect of this book is one that my mother would absolutely love, but that isn’t for everyone. Scanlan has not really utilised traditional religion in With All My Love but she certainly addresses a more spiritual side of life. It is not something that is omnipresent throughout the entire novel because much of the story takes place in flash-backs where Valerie and Jeff were together and happily in love even if things weren’t quite perfect.
There is great emphasis placed, in relevant sections, on the fact that we aren’t alone and that those we’ve loved and lost aren’t gone from us forever. They remain around us and we will know they are there if only we pay attention to the signs. I love this way of looking at things but I know that not everyone holds the same opinion.
Immerse yourself in Rockland’s and Dublin, get to know Valerie and Tessa as you follow their trail of heartache and spite all the while cheering them on to what you can’t help but hope will be a happy ending.
I recommend you go out and get yourself a copy of With All My Love, it has so much to offer. The story is an emotional roller coaster with a little bit of intrigue and a lot of heart, it speaks to the protective nature of every mother and those of us who have lost someone close that need a quiet reminder that they are always near.
I devour books, vampires and supernatural creatures are my genre of choice but over the past couple of years, I have broadened my horizons considerably. In a nutshell – I love to write! I love interacting with a diverse range of artists to bring you interviews. Perhaps we were perfect before – I LOVE WORDS!
This was a really enjoyable read, but “With All My Love” also had some aspects which really annoyed me.
First, the positives: this was written in an easy and contemporary style which made the pages just fly by. There was some odd slang used – I assume it was Irish specific – but it was clear enough what was meant. Although the first chapter was a little awkward in dumping a great deal of background information rather than integrating it into the story or action, this soon ceased to be a problem and the rest of the novel flowed very well.
The characters were extremely well drawn. Although Valerie and Tessa were at each other’s throats for much of the novel, it was easy to empathise with both and understand both sides of the story. Each of the minor characters came to life and was an individual. These were mostly females, the males in this story were almost asides compared to the main story of the relationships between women; but the men were still drawn vividly even where their parts were small.
This was largely a story about relationships, with a fairly slender plot beyond that. That still made for an interesting story that rang true, and one which a lot of people will empathise with. Not many people carry their conflicts to the extent Tessa and Valerie did, but I’ll bet most people have experienced at least some part of their frustrations with one of their own relatives. If you haven’t already looked at the other side of the story, this novel will prompt you to do so.
The negatives? I’ve lost a child, and I find the people who prattle on about “everything happens for a reason” highly offensive. Even in a novel I find it makes me want to smack the speaker. And in a similar fashion, I’m not keen on the “they’re always here somewhere” stuff. It grates. For that reason, there were some parts of the novel that turned me off completely. And I think it would have been a stronger book without the epilogue – this was totally unnecessary for the story, didn’t add much, and for people like me, was an active turn off.
In addition, there were some plot points that were incredibly obvious, and even clichéd – I saw Tessa’s final revelation to Valerie coming about 300 pages earlier. This didn’t really impact on the readability of the novel, but I suspect it will mean I won’t find it all that memorable in the long run.
But on the whole this was an engaging and readable novel; a fairly light read, but an enjoyable one. People who enjoy novels which focus on relationships will get a lot out of this.
I found With All My Love to have an engaging plot and many complex characters but felt the writing style was a bit rigid and formal for the storyline and context. The landscape descriptions were beautifully written. I found the story dragged towards the end, it could have been written just as well if it was 50 or so pages shorter but it was an interesting story of how the life events of generations before can very much shape the lives of generations to come. I enjoyed the character of Lizzie, she added humour and light, I thought more could have been done with Finn’s character because he was brought into the story when Briony rang him to talk about what had happened in Spain but then his character didn’t evolve and could have been more involved in the final scenes of family reunion. I did like the way all of the characters were resolved at the end of the story, particularly Terence who obviously had the villain role. Overall, I found the book to be a pleasant read.
This beautifully written book had me mesmerised from the start. I loved that each chapter was written from a point of view of each character as I got to know everyone and their reasons behind their actions. That is probably why I needed a box of tissues as I got emotionally involved in the saga that spanned over three decades.
As in real life not all is rosy and the family dynamics are complex, I could understand how paths that most characters made could be reached. In most I mean I never understood how a father could disown his daughter but it happens and I only felt sorry for Valerie’s father and the lonely path he chose through his pride. Lorcan on the other hand was the father in law every girl dreams of.
I could relate to amazing Lizzie, the best friend anyone could ever have, as she opened Valerie to the beauty of spirituality and life after death which gave this storyline a touch of magic.
The point where Valerie and Tessa come to the realisation that in hurting each other they cost themselves suffering is compelling. I was relieved that they finally chose to forgive and unite the family after understand the struggles each faced those decades ago.
Thanks Beauty and Lace for the opportunity to review this beautiful novel which I wish never did end.
What a welcoming surprised to be asked to be part of the book lcub for this gorgeous book With all My Love.
What an interactive story, I found myself slipping into the characters, this made is so hard to put this book down. Many nights i was up very late wanting to know what was on the next page.
I adore how the author Patricia Scanlan has brought in the story of lost loves but they never leave us. This is something that is quite dear to my heart, from loosing close ppl in my life way too soon.
Thank you beauty and lace for making me fall in love with the written word. Really looking forward to one day being picked again!
This was certainly a page turner! Full of emotion, it takes the reader into the world of the protagonists and you really feel as if you are there living it with them.
I think the author really understood how to to make all of her characters sympathetic even those who made wrong choices and made us the reader realise that there is always two sides to every story.
A really beautiful story, it made me reflect on my own personal relationships and it was quite therapeutic in that sense.
Patricia Scanlon is an excellent writer and I can’t wait to go on to read her other books which I’ve missed out on previously.
Thankyou B&L for the opportunity to read this story. I haven’t read anything by Patricia Scanlan before but I did enjoy reading this book.
This story showed how complex family relationships can be and how it doesn’t take a lot to drive a wedge between family members, that unfortunately can carry on for generations. I found I could relate to many of the characters’ feelings and ideas and I believe that everyone who reads this book will be able to relate to at least one of the characters.
I love the way Patricia allowed me to see life through each characters perspective, it helped me to get to know each person on a more personable level. Valerie and Tessa are both so much alike, both pig-headed with too much pride. And I could see and understand some of their reasoning for what each lady did. Tessa was too nosey and pushy and should’ve taken a step back and there was no excuse for her not informing and giving Valerie back the ring Jeff had intended for her, it could’ve saved years of lost relationships. I understand why Valerie wanted Tessa out of her life but to do that to Lorcan was unfair.
I enjoyed reading and seeing Jeff and Valerie’s relationship unfold in my mind, their ups and downs, the love and neediness of Valerie and the trapped feeling from Jeff of being in a commitment with marriage and child.
So many complex relationships; Valerie and Jeff and the uncertainty between the two and Tessa and Lorcan had the same type of uncertainty between them – although more on Tessa’s side than Lorcan’s. The relationship between Valerie and her father was tempestuous at best. Tessa and Valeries’ relationship of jealousy and protectiveness and stubborness. Carmel and Terence’s relationship was lacking in many things – unbeknownst to anyone Terence had gone through tough times when he was younger. The relationship between Valerie and her own daughter Briony was built on lies. I enjoyed reading everyone’s relationship problems and the whys and hows of them all. One relationship that stood out as a positive influence was Valeries’ long lasting, trusting friendship with her best friend Lizzie, her solid rock in life.
The story flowed along perfectly, gathering momentum as it travelled along, peeling back the layers of each character. The last 1/4 of the book I I bawled like a baby on and off, I found the events so touching and my heart went out to Valerie, Tessa and Lorcan especially for losing one of the people they loved most in this World.
I loved how the story played on the belief that Jeff was still around and that at certain times during Valeries, Lizzie’s, Tessa’s and Lorcan’s lives magical and unexplained events would occur that would allow them to feel Jeff still with them, I loved this as I myself believe in this……it gave them all hope.
It is very sad to know that if it wasn’t for Briony stumbling upon the long lost letter from Tessa, things may never have changed and grandparents and granddaughter may never have gotten to know each other and repair their lost bond. But it was in the finding of this letter that the healing began to occur, Valerie had to give Briony the truth so Briony could make up her own mind. And it was around this stage in life that Valerie had begun to feel guilty about what she had done, as Briony had her own daughter, Katie, who Valerie adored and she realised how heartbroken she would be if Katie was taken away from her. Briony made her mind up to seek out the loving Grandparents she had once known and I cried so much when they met up again at the cemetery, Patricia decsribed the emotion packed interlude perfectly.
I fell in love with Lorcan during this story, OMG..what an amazing, patient, gentle and kind man. He never held a grudge towards anyone and was always the go-between and peace-maker, he had the ability to diffuse any situation. I would love to met Lorcan in real life!
The end of the book was beautiful….everything came together, walls came down and truces were made. It was a very poignant moment when Valerie and Tessa finally said genuine kind words to one another and could be honest to each other about how wrong they both were…..the moment when Tessa produced the engagement ring to Valerie and Valerie placed it on her finger and the flowers from above shook free from their branches and danced lightly around the womens shoulders…..a true sign of Jeff’s spirit still being around. A moment he would’ve revelled in.
Awesome story…I truly loved it and I am passing it on to my Mum to read tomorrow, she will love the story too and I know she will relate, especially to Carmel having Alzheimer’s – my Mum’s Dad had Alzheimer’s before he passed and it was a very difficult time for Mum, and even though I KNOW she will shed tears, I still believe it will be healing for her to read.
Well, I seem to have missed something that other readers have written about. I found it quite difficult at times to follow. I enjoyed the characters and their different personalities, that shines thru, but I had to reread certain parts as it jumped around a bit.
I thought the guts of the story was excellent but the writing style somehow let it down and I cant quite put my finger on it, other than to say it became a bit tedious at times.
I could relate and understand certain events but overall I was disappointed especially as the front cover stated ‘like being enfolded in a hug’. I thought that bitterness and anger became more prominante and this was quite repetative. It just wasnt what I expected.
Thank you for giving me a chance to read this book as I probably would not have picked it out to read myself. It struck a chord with me as I had a very similar relationship with my mother in law as Valerie did with Tessa at the beginning of our relationship. I was getting angry as much as Valerie towards Tessa and it brought up feelings that I had long left in the past. Scanlan has put across emotions in this book so well that you can feel them yourself. The storyline of this book could be a story from so many people’s own families and I think that is why this book is just so good. This is the kind of story we all carry around but hate to talk about, it’s just so real. Scanlan has a really smooth writing style that I found flowed so well. I loved it and will be seeking out more of her books.
Thank you for giving me another amazing book to read.
‘The lives of three generations or women will change forever as the past is revisited and the truth unfolds.’ Yes that does happen but the change that does occur is a very small part written near the end of the book. I was expecting that the whole story was going to be about the change and was surprised that it wasn’t.
‘Secrets, lies, betrayals and sacrifes’- Makes it sound like a very scandalous delicious story with these things flowing out from the pages, but it’s not as bad as it seems. All these things are rolled into one and are really the whole reasoning of the book.
I don’t think the back blurb does actually give a good indication of the story. I doubt whether I would have picked it up based on the back blurb. So glad I was given this to read.
It begins with Briony visiting her mum and discovering a letter that lets her realise that all those years ago her Grandparents did want to see her, which is not what her mother had let her think. So begins the betrayal or was it just really a heartbroken woman trying to survive on her own.
I felt that this was going to be a story about Briony and was a bit miffed when it suddenly went to Valerie and Tessa and Lorcan, Carmel and Terence, and Lizzie and Jeff. I kept wondering when it was going back to Briony which is just a little bit nearer the end of the book. That may just be something I got into my head.
The most amazing story is told as Valerie goes back through her life and we are held captive by the most amazing story of love and survival. Each side clinging desperately to love and happiness.
I felt like Valerie herself was sitting there with me telling me her story full of love and romance and broken hearts and wrongful decisions.
This is the most beautiful story of a mothers love from 3 different sides. At times I found myself wondering what I would have done in the same situation.
I laughed and smiled and felt the rush of love when her baby was born and I cried, oh boy did I cry at certain moments. I had to stop reading to finish crying and then read through tear filled eyes.
Every woman will love this story as it is so touching and honest and soul searching.
Arm yourself with tissues and settle down for a great read. This is a compelling novel about three generations of strong-minded women. I just loved the wonderful characters Patricia Scanlan created. They make you want to laugh and cry with them as they come to terms with their past actions and finally come together as a family.
Put simply a beautifully told heart-warming story which I really enjoyed and found hard to put down.