I bought this because it was on Richard and Judy's summer read, and I thought it looked easy going and a light but thoughtful read.

The story follows Holly, recently widowed just before her 30 th birthday at an age her friends want to settle down. She discovers her husband Gerry left her 10 envelopes with messages a bit like resolutions to do in the month, and to help her heal.

I did enjoy this book. The idea was original, and I liked Holly's character. Gerry came over well in Holly's memories and the notes. The actual grieving process is emotional and reminiscent of when my dad died.

I only gave this a 6 and think it's a so so read because I think it needed some editing with secondary characters taken out. The friends Sharon and Denise merge. They were almost one person. Also, Holly's brothers merge. Jack disappears early on and then springs up with all his explanations at the end. The youngest brother could have merged with Jack, and leave Richard - who wasn't originally close to Holly - as he is.

Part of me feels this book was selected because the author has famous connections. I don't like to be cynical because i did enjoy it. There are some ideas in the book I wanted to recommend it for - the grieving process, life is for living, reaching 30 etc.

This is available. If no one on the Yahoo BCUK site wants it, I'll release to a charity shop or in the park.

Released on Thursday, August 12, 2004 at Postal Release in Lancaster, England United Kingdom.

Controlled release sent to rainbowandrain

Received today thanks! Have already got started on it.

I really enjoyed this book, it was touching and sweet. At times I was not quite sure about the writing but the story made up for it. It certainly made me thankful for those that I care for.

Thanks robbiesmum for letting me read this book.

Released on Tuesday, August 24, 2004 at ... by mail :) in Sent to a fellow BookCrosser, Bookring Controlled Releases.

Sent to perfect-circle as RABCK type thing:)

arrived today. Thanks rainbowandrain

I admit, I requested this because of the hype. I'd heard so much about how great it was on other sites that I felt I had to read it and, sadly, it is yet another book that doesn't live up to the hype it got.

Yes, the story was slightly different to the usual chick lit but I agree with Robbiesmum, some of the characters merged and the writing wasn't great in places. It gave a positive message though and was an easy enough read.

Thanks to rainbowandrain for passing it on.

Thanks perfect-circle - looking forward to this one.....think it'll be a quick read too!
more to follow.
See you next month!

Now, I was the other way round! I thought it would be disappoiting but read it in 3 hours flat last night. Really enjoyed it.
Found it very moving at times, and I even cried twice!
Bought another copy today so can release another.

RELEASE NOTES:

requested by Dinkie - enjoy!

Thanks Hellie, I will read it and then release it.