Engelspfade

by Alice Peterson

Die Semesterferien stehen vor der Tür, und Cass fährt nach Hause zu ihren Eltern. Doch statt Erholung gibt es dort Streit. Wutentbrannt setzt sich die junge Frau ins Auto und flüchtet zu einer Freundin. Als ihr Handy klingelt, geht sie ran - und übersieht einen Bus... Erst im Krankenhaus kommt Cass wieder zu sich. Nichts ist mehr, wie es war: Sie ist querschnittsgelähmt. Ihre Zukunft ist zerstört, und sie verliert den Mut zu leben. Einzig ihre Mutter gibt sie nicht auf. Nur mit einem Trick gelingt es ihr, Cass mit dem Helferhund "Ticket" bekannt zu machen - einem Golden Retriver, der sofort ihr Herz erobert. Von diesem Moment an nimmt Cass' Leben eine weitere Wendung.

Genres: Chick Lit, Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Contemporary Romance, New Adult, Realistic Fiction

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

At the age of eighteen Alice had been awarded a tennis scholarship to America when she experienced pain in her right hand. It was rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and she hasn’t picked up a tennis racket since, a sadness that shall always be with her. The theme of disability features in her fiction, but there is nothing gloomy about Alice or her work. Rather this gives her fiction the added dimension of true poignancy.

Reviews

[Dale Harcombe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cass finds her life changed forever when she steps into the path of a truck. She ends up a paraplegic. Her dreams and her boyfriend disappear in a flash. Her parents are her support as is Ticket, the loveliest golden Labrador. I thought this book showed a lot about the attitudes of others towards those with disabilities and the problems they have to face. Cass shows grit and determination in the way she adjusts to her life but without those difficulties being glossed over. Personally, I would have liked to read more about Cass and Ticket and the training of him. I wasn’t terribly enthused about the romance that eventuates, mainly because I wasn’t at all fussed on the guy. I also got over the regular use of the f work. Maybe it’s a generational thing, and readers under 30 won’t be bothered by it, I don’t know. So, if that doesn’t bother you then in other aspects this book is worth reading for the insights it gives, though be warned there are bits that will make you angry and bits that will make you sad.

[Susan Buchanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really made me reflect.
I'd already read two other Alice Peterson books before this and enjoyed both, but this one kind of blew me away. I'm not sure what I was expecting when I bought it, but it wasn't this. Note to chicklit readers - this is not a chicklit read - this is so much more. It's a love story, but a story of overcoming all the odds and making the best of what you've got; coping with grief and teaching others how to do so too; learning how to give something back and how to laugh at your misfortune and ultimately beat it. It is painfully honest. I could imagine what would have happened if I or anyone I know were in this situation. I particularly liked the character Guy and thought the highs and lows were very well portrayed. I also cried at one section of the book (and I don't generally cry at books) - I was on a train at the time - most inconvenient! Any novel which can pull at your heartstrings in this way is worth its salt and it tugged at the old heartstrings in so many different ways. I loved Charlie's family and their straight-talking. I wanted to give them a serious dressing down. How dare they? I wanted to shake Charlie and tell him to get his act together. And I loved the assistant dogs and all the people who got assistant dogs. It made such a difference to their lives and I could totally envisage how that would be the case. I also became aware of viewing people in wheelchairs differently as I walked through Glasgow after reading part of the book. Not that I have been insensitive in the past, just unaware. For that alone, I am grateful for having read this book.
If I had any slightly critical comment to make, and it's very slight, it would be that some people might find the amount of detail regarding disabilities and the various organisations offputting, but I loved the fact that the novel had obviously been so well researched.
It's 5 stars from me. It's my favourite book of the year so far and I simply can't recommend it highly enough.

[Book-shelf Shelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

When i read the back of this book i could never have imagined the depth and research that Alice must of done to write such an epic novel!
The story is about Cass who ends up with a spinal injury, which has been done, or at least touched on in other books. However i don't this anyone has shown the real insight to Cass's disability, along with Dom & Guy who are fantastic characters. The story is written almost as if its a diary, but never leaves the reader bored. It is one of those books you don't want to put down, but you want to savor every page and it never end. I loved learning about the injury's Cass sustained and how it can affect people. But above all i loved Ticket and the fantastic 'Canine Partners'. I live by the guide dogs for the blind, so love hearing about other charities that train dogs to assist in many lives.

One of my Fav books of this year! Thank you Alice x

[Akanksha❤ Søren♰ · Rating 4 out of 5]

B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L. Book!! I absolutely loved it.
Such an emotional read which make me realize so much about life. How we take EVERYTHING possible for granted. We should always thank God for everything he is given us today. Our sight, our limbs, our life, our family. Everything.

This books shows us Cass' journey of how she coups with everything life has thrown at her, her loss, her gains, making friends, loosing some, falling in love and how things work out in the end.

[Jiddy⁷ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Might I say that I’m devastatingly whipped for Libby. I’m so so sad we didn’t get to see more of her. I also would’ve appreciated a lot more insight in Cass & Ticket’s, idk, relationship? Bond? You know. Get to know more about how her life changes with him, how she’s getting accustomed to having him around 24/7, see the ups and downs of their journey of getting to know each other. I definitely would’ve enjoyed this a lot more if it would’ve focused more on her & Tickets bond instead of this romantic nonsense.

[Tatiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Очень увлекательный и жизнеутверждающий роман о девушке по имени - Кас , которая после несчастного случая, стала инвалидом (ее парализовало ниже пояса).Парень бросил героиню, испугавшись трудностей, друзья отдаляться, сама героиня впадет в депрессию. О профессии врача можно забыть, ведь теперь девушка пожизненно прикована к инвалидному креслу.


Я честно ждала что книга будет очень такой печальной, но нет. Хотя пару раз глаза меня придавали. Не могу спокойно читать такие истории. Рассказывалось в книге о трудностях с которыми сталкиваются инвалиды, выходя из дома. Это было предсказуемо и ожидаемо, но все таки не чуть не уменьшает осадка от осознания того, насколько сложно жить инвалидам, насколько, грубо и глупо мы ведем себя вокруг них. Насколько трудно, людям пережившим травму жить дальше, найти в себе силы и желание дальше строить свою жизнь, бороться с ежедневными трудностями. Это тяжело. Но героиня найдет в себе силы двигаться дальше и именно за эту часть книги хочется сказать большое спасибо автору! Автор показала работу различных организации ( о существование которых я даже не подозревала до прочтения этой книги), рассказала о людях - врачах, медперсонале, волонтерах, которые готовы помогать инвалидам. Которые не могу не вызвать восхищения!

Вообщем, я осталась очень довольна историей. Советую тем, кому понравились книги Джоджо Моейс.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who has applied for a canine partner I was interested in this book having seen it in the display case at the center. I finished it late last night after I got my acceptance from the charity and can't wait to get my own ticket. While the timings are very skewed it looks like the process Cass went through was pretty realistic. I would have liked to have seen a few more challenges in the canine partner relationship but seeing as it was a fictional story it provided a nice distraction for me whilst waiting for my acceptance.

[Winnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite Alice Peterson books. The way the novel was written struck some similar chords with myself but it wasn't just this. The way the characters are portrayed, their thoughts, feelings and actions made this such a heart wrenching and touching story. It isn't a sorry or pitiful book but a strong, supportive and hope. Oh it gave me so much hope and belief. By reading this book, i felt like i could believe, pull through and be strong.
Through this book and other novels by Alice Peterson I've learnt so much and I'm so grateful towards her.

[Nicola Clough · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is worth far more than five stars it's so amazing and well written so much research must have gone into it but it's romantic but heartbreaking and full of love and grief. Cass is happy with life training to be a dr and she has a boyfriend but life takes a turn for the worse when she has an accident can she then move forward and come to terms with her new life and can she find love again. She wants her life back but can she get it well worth reading I now want to read more books by this author as so amazingly well written.

[miss_jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Понравилась книга. Во время чтения никак не могла отделаться от сравнений с "До встречи с тобой", хотя книги значительно отличаются. Самым любимым персонажем был конечно же лабрадор Тикет :)

Да и вообще было очень интересно читать моменты именно связанные с собаками-помощниками. Порадовало, что концовка книги более жизнерадостная, чем у "До встречи с тобой". Книга на твердую 4.

[Jules (Never enough time to read) · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok, but a little slow at points. I did like the majority of the characters and I loved Ticket.

[Farhana Zukri · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love Me Before You, you should read this book ;)

[Charlotte Ashcroft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was an amazing story 😊

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted on http://beccasbooooks.blogspot.co.uk/

After reading One Step Closer to You by Alice Peterson (you can read my review here), I found that I could not stop thinking about the author's other books. I wanted to read them ALL, in one go, at the same time. I was absolutely bowled over by Alice's staggering story-telling abilities and just couldn't wait to get started on another book by the fabulous lady! I found, after rummaging through my mountain of a to-read pile, that I actually had a copy of Ten Years On by Alice Peterson (which I still haven't managed to read), and I also ordered By My Side straight from Amazon after falling in love with blurb. Sadly, the poor beautiful paperback became a bit lost within the book kingdom that is my bedroom, but finally, just a few days ago, I was able to mark it as #currentlyreading, and now I fear that my life will never be the same again.

Not only was By My Side a touching tale of learning to live and love again, but to me, it also felt like a lesson to be learnt. Not in a "shut your mouth and listen to me" kind of way, but in a "Never take what you have for granted" kind of way. Within By My Side, I was introduced to something that, and it shames me to say this, I'd never known or heard of before reading this book, and I was absolutely blown away by what I learnt from the pages. Alice's heroine, Cass Brooks, suffers a life-changing incident, and is left in a wheelchair and with her life no longer structured in the same way that it had been before. On a drive through the countryside one afternoon with her mother, Cass comes across a charity called Canine Partners, who specialise in training dogs to become assistants to people with disabilities. This is where Ticket, Cass's loyal partner, comes into the story, and wow. Just wow. This is also where I had my mind blown and couldn't believe what I was reading. These dogs, raised from puppies and trained with some of the most unbelievable skills, are real. Absolutely real! I was astounded as Cass's story progressed, and Ticket would bring her wheelchair towards her or switch the lights off. Alice really brought the entire subject to light for me, made me understand and realise that this actually happens in our world, and I felt as if I'd been living under a rock for the past God knows how many years! There is obviously a strong emphasis on disability in By My Side, what with Cass's accident, and I was fascinated with the medical details and how Cass managed to overcome the emotions and began to move forward. I tried, repeatedly, whilst reading, to picture myself in Cass's shoes, but no matter how hard I tried, I knew I was never going to be able to even get close to the real thing. Alice's writing was, as usual, so beautiful and, quite simply, real. She dealt with the themes in the book gracefully, meaning they weren't too difficult to read, but still had that powerful effect in making me hold my breath at all of the right moments. There's a something about Alice's writing that makes me gulp, but at the same time, makes me want to dig deeper and deeper. I'm nervous yet fascinated, does that make sense? Ticket, the stunning golden Labrador who appears to bound into Cass's life at just the right moment, completely stole my heart away at the very first mention. I've read about fictional animals plenty of times before, but I don't think any of them have ever caught my attention the way good old Ticket did. Not only does he help Cass with domestic things, but he brings her back to life. Cass begins to smile, and laugh, and venture out, all things that were once scary suddenly seeming easier with her furry companion by her side. I cannot put into mere words how extraordinary it was to witness this reawakening in Cass. Where there was once a lifeless look in her eyes, Ticket sparks a fire and suddenly, they're glistening again. It was absolutely stunning, breath-takingly so, and I could happily read it again and again and again.

Cass, from the moment I met her, was someone who I knew was going to become special to me. Not only because of her accident, but because I wanted her to live again. Desperately! I wanted to see her come back to life, to travel, to fall in love, to live. At the very beginning of the book, an air of normalcy hit me as soon as I began to read, but wasting no time, Alice shook things up almost immediately, and I kinda' sat there thinking, "Wait, WHAT?!?!" I was hooked right away, and I knew then that there was no way I'd be able to step away from the book. I needed to know what was going to happen to Cass almost as much as I needed my next breath of air to breathe! I was equally shocked and startled, wondering what on earth would happen to her next. Whatever Cass felt, I felt, too, and it was remarkable how quickly I grew to love her not only as a character, but as a real friend. There were many times within the story where we were given a truly insightful peep into Cass's thoughts and feelings, and one thing that broke my heart each time it was mentioned was that Cass believed people would only ever see the wheelchair, and not her as a person. There were moments when it felt as if her disability annoyed or caused people to get frustrated with the disruption to their day, particularly in one scene where Cass was unable to get up the steps into a building where she was due to have a job interview, and I was so angry on Cass's behalf. I could have climbed right into the book and screamed my head off at the receptionist, arghhhh! I adored Cass. Absolutely adored her. I felt like protecting her from all of the rude people in the world, because quite frankly, they were not half the person that she was.

I cannot get over the sheer brilliance of By My Side by Alice Peterson. It was a beautiful, uplifting tale that will remain with me for a very, very long time. I felt like I was on a journey with Cass, going through the ups and downs right alongside her as she fought her way to independence. Ticket will always be remembered by me, not only for his amazing skills, but for the way he brought a light back into Cass's world when she felt like she'd been plunged into darkness. All of the circumstances, the characters, the situations that arose; in the end, moulded together into one hell of a story. I cannot rate or recommend this book enough, it made me realise how damn lucky I am, but also made me realise that we truly cannot waste a single day of our lives. In just a single second, everything that you ever thought you'd known could change, so treasure it.

Becca's Books is rating By My Side by Alice Peterson with five scrummy cupcakes! Only the highest rating from me. I am in love with this author's style and effortless talent in provoking emotions from even those deepest, darkest places. This story will touch your heart, I promise!

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tells how Cass the main character puts her life back together again after being knocked down by a car and becoming paralysed from the waist down. As a wheelchair user myself but from birth in my case this book resonated with me so much and the author writes very honestly and correctly in my opinion about what daily life and love can be like for a wheelchair user. A very inspiring read and I throughly enjoyed it.

[Martine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just the ticket!

Whilst the book doesn't necessarily go into great depths it still manages to cover a lot about the trials and tribulations when living with a disability.

Fell in love with the main character Cass and will actually miss her and Ticket of course. Didn't want the book to end even though it had me crying in certain parts. Whilst the overall story is a message of positivity and optimism it was also honest with the struggles people who go through during times of adversity.

[Stephanie (Stepping Out Of The Page) · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was sent this book for review, I have to be honest and say that I wasn't sure what to expect. Though I thought the blurb was certainly intriguing, I also had my reservations. My main issue was that there's an animal involved in the story - I am an animal lover and I tend to steer away from anything that could possibly involve animals getting hurt or lost or anything like that, as I find it hard to read about. The book did, however, seem to imply that the dog was a real symbol of positivity and hope, and so I did decide to give the book a go. Thankfully, I had nothing to worry about and I soon started to enjoy the book.

Though I've read quite a few books in the chick-lit and women's fiction categories, I am still discovering what I like and what I don't like as these genres are so huge. I like quite a bit of depth and detail in the novels I read, and I realise that some books that are marketed as chick-lit lack a certain amount of substance. This book is certainly not one of those books - this is a book that really made me sit back and think about a lot of important things. Despite its pretty cover, there's a really hard-hitting and emotional story in this book. This story is a love story, but it's certainly one hell of a journey too, introducing us to many difficult situations, (physical and emotional) and it certainly taught me something along the way.

There is an abundance of well thought-out, structured and individual people in this book and I especially loved our protagonist, Cass. Cass is a young woman, who has her life turned upside down after having an accident which confines her to a wheelchair for the rest of her life. As well as that, her boyfriend decides to leave her as she lies in hospital. I can only imagine how Cass felt, but Peterson did a fantastic job of portraying it. I am so glad that Peterson didn't sugarcoat the issue in any way. Cass realistically found adjusting to her new life difficult and I admire how she handled it. It was interesting to see everything that changed for Cass and it really did show how much people take for granted. This book really was eye opening and I would hope that it will be for many others. The way that Peterson once again very realistically helped her face and overcome hurdles was truly inspiring.

Relationships, especially friendships were vital to Cass during her recovery and I really loved reading about the people that she met and befriended after her accident. Cass made two fantastic friends at hospital and then when she became involved with an organisation who helped disabled people find canine partners who can help them with everyday living, she met a lot of new friends there. Whilst on a trip away with an organisation for those with spinal injuries, Cass met Charlie. I didn't actually know anything about these sort of organisations, so it was interesting and very heartwarming to hear about how they worked. I particularly loved reading about Cass and her relationship with her working dog, Ticket, as it was so fantastic to see their bond together and to see how much Ticket improved Cass's life. It was also very interesting to see how it all worked.

As I mentioned, amongst other things and mixed up relationships, this story is a love story. I have to say that I was kept up late at night reading this book, turning page after page and quite frankly, getting so annoyed with the characters! The author did a fantastic job of creating tension between Cass and Charlie, I don't think I've ever wanted to grab two characters, put them together and shout 'kiss already!' to both of them! The couple of characters are so genuine and they just worked together so well. I actually liked that they had had issues to resolve though as once again, it gave a sense of authenticity to their story.

Another character that I feel as though I have to mention as he had a huge impact upon me was Guy. I will not reveal anything about him in this review, because his story is something that has a real impact when you read it, but once again, Peterson hit us with some harsh reality.

Overall, after the first quarter of the book, I was absolutely gripped, it was a certain page turner. By My Side really opened my eyes to the life of those who have spinal injury and definitely taught me a lot about the issues that those who are confined to a wheelchair every day. More than that though, it taught me to not take anything for advantage and it also inspired me and gave me a real sense of hope. I would certainly recommend this book to anyone and I certainly commend Peterson on her writing.

[Akcherrybomb · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT!

This book certainly got me thinking, what would happen to me if I was Cass? How would I react? How would I feel?

So with the above it drew me into the story straight away. At first we meet Cass and Sean as students having a typical student relationship then bam you are thrown into Cass a while later in a wheelchair and unable to walk after a lapse in concentration nearly lost her, her life. Should she be grateful she is still alive? We follow her as she adjusts to the accident and the above question of how her life is not ever going to be how it was before.

Then ticket comes into her life as a service dog and gives her the confidence boost she needs to be more independent. We see Cass try to ressurect old friendships, forge new friendships and open up to dating and romance.

Really made me reflect on my own life.

[Smitha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cass, a twenty three year old medical student, has everything to look forward to in life. An exciting career, a wonderful boyfriend, a full life, when a freak accident changes her life completely. She is paralysed from waist down, the boyfriend disappears, leaving just a note, and she can’t think of the future. The everyday things that she once took for granted were huge obstacles for her now. Her family tries their best to keep her spirits high, but it isn’t the easiest task.

Frustrated with her condition, and feeling helpless and depressed, Cass needs help and quick. Ticket, a guide dog, turns out to be Cass’ savior. Having Ticket in her life, she suddenly starts to feel more independent. She slowly turns her life around, one day at a time. She starts interacting more and soon meets up with Dom and Guy, friends she had made while at the hospital. Cass, finally starts to live again. Having Ticket in her life, gives her the push that she needed. She starts to feel independent and even ends up traveling to Colorado to ski. It is Cass’s story but it is also so much more. The book takes you through an unbelievable journey. The sadness, the desperation, as well as the determination to live a full life. It had me in tears, so many times.

The book is written so well, capturing the lives of people with disabilities like these. Such a tough life, and yet, it is portrayed with so much compassion and empathy that it was a beautiful read. For me, it was such an insight to the lives of those with such disabilities. So many things that we take for granted, are such a huge deal for them, and yet to be positive and live a full life, seems so wonderful. Cass is such a lovely, real, believable character, and so are the others in the book. Every character rings true, and the emotions that they go through, the turmoil and the confusion, at various stages, are so understandable. I love the way the author has handled such a difficult topic. It can’t have been an easy story to write, to get under the skin of a protagonist in a condition like this, and I felt that she did a brilliant job.

The book has the right mix of compassion, humour and seriousness. It was a great, positive book to read. I couldn’t put it down.This was my first Alice Peterson book, but it certainly won’t be the last I would read of hers.

[Bookevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review here: http://iheart-chicklit.blogspot.com/2...

Why you would love this:
This is the first book I've read by Alice Peterson and it has literally blown me away. I'm telling you, it's absolutely amazing! From the start, I was immediately absorbed by the book and I knew I would be reading something spectacular and I was right!

By My Side follows the story of Cass Brooks, a twenty-something medicine student who seemed to have everything going her way - perfect boyfriend who loves her, the flatmate anyone and everyone would die for and doing what she loves. One morning, distracted and hungover, she steps into the path of a truck and she's paralysed from waist down. She can no longer walk, run or do the things she has taken for granted.

First of all, I would like to point out that I really loved Cass. Never in my life have I come across such an honest character. Right from the start, my heart went out to her when she discovered that she wouldn't be able to walk or use her legs any more. What I've learnt from Cass is that you shouldn't hold back in life and when you're down, always look at the silver lining. I really liked how Cass seemed to be strong and independent even though she is held back. I really admired how Cass managed to carry herself throughout the book and she is truly an inspiration.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a nice book. I really enjoyed it. It wasn't what I was expecting and it was beautifully written.

Cass is left with spinal cord injuries after a road accident and the story is both moving and very uplifting as she comes to terms with her life and living it in a wheelchair.

Whilst in hospital she meets Dom and Guy who are just lovely characters and they call themselves The Three Musketeers.

Being an animal lover I particularly liked Ticket. I never knew about the work these dogs do so I'm in awe of them. I never knew that Canine Partners existed and I will be looking into ways to support their cause in the future.

The research that Alice Peterson has put into this book is quite evident, especially into the charity, Back Up Trust, who aim to give people with spinal cord injuries, regardless of age or background, confidence and quality of life with undertaking things like skiing etc.

This is a lovely book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It made me laugh but it also made me cry.

[Suze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since I read 'Another Alice' I've been a huge fan of her work. I really liked this book. Cass has a spinal cord injury which changes her life forever. She has to adjust to life in a wheelchair and that isn't easy. Her life changes drastically when she gets her dog Ticket and later once more when she meets Charlie.
The best part of this book is the strength of the main character. Cass is such a wonderful person. She struggles, but every time she finds her way out. Becoming disabled doesn't mean life is over, it means life is different. That message has been made very clear in this book. Even when your situation looks bad, if you try you can achieve things. Because of that alone I would recommend this book, but that wouldn't do it justice. The writing is great and By My Side is a strong, romantic story with a very well executed plot.

[dreamerinexile · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book of Alice Peterson that I've read and I am hooked. I loved Cass, her spirit and struggle gave me hope. Even on the darkest day a little bit of light will always shine. Ticket was awesome, this has again brought to my mind that I want a dog badly. Bren was another character that I grew to love. She totally kicks ass. Dom, Guy, Frankie, Sarah and Rich all of them leave an impression, especially Guy, after you read you'll understand why I say this. Life isn't a bed of roses and this book reiterates that fact but at the same time tells us that we can survive anything. So ladies, make sure you have your kleenex ready cos this will get the water works going. For me this was a definite 5 star. :)

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I work in a library, and whilst I was at work yesterday shelving books I came across an Alice Peterson book that I hadn't read, and despite having a very tall 'to be read' pile, I knew I had to take it home. I've read other books by Alice, and loved them, and reading the back of this one I knew this would be the same.

I loved this book, cried my way through it, but made me feel good as well. If I could give it more stars I would, but on a Goodreads rating 5/5! Well recommended, and can't wait for the next one!

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the book. Cass started off as a slightly frivolous character but really matured after the accident happened. Loved the interactions with Ticket and the other dogs. I was very frustrated with Charlie for dawdling for so long. I liked the majority of the characters in the story but was really sad over what happened with Guy, he wasn't a major character but was still likeable and had a big impact all the same. I haven't read many books by this author but I'll be looking into other books after enjoying this one so much.

[Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you manage to read a book in a day you know it's a good find! My only issue is that you knew Charlie and Cass would get together and I kind of wanted Paul to sweep in and save the day for some reason!! But I definitely fell in love with Charlie so was pleased with the end result.
It also touched me to find out Sarah/Frankie was a real person!! My heart swelled with joy!!
Lovely, lovely book - a definite must-read.

[Justkeepreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book. Beautifully written. I simply could not put this down. Alice writes so wonderfully. Tackling both light and dark materials about life. The characters are written beautifully. I have laughed, cried and felt uplifted by this book. It has made me appreciate everything I have in life and the wonderful people who have stuck by me through thick and thin. A truelly wonderful read.

[Nicola Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second of Alice Peterson's books I've read and it did not disappoint. I was touched by the main character dealing with her accident and paralysis and moved to tears several times. It is very well written and I would highly recommend it (although maybe not in public, I cried several times on the train!)

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a competition and I'm so glad I did as I'd not come across this writer before. A talented story teller, the book deals sensitively with some difficult issues. The characters are so well portrayed that at times I forgot I was reading fiction. It made me cry but it's also quite upbeat. I couldn't put it down!

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazingly good book. I had read a couple of Alice Peterson's other books and really enjoyed them so searched out what else she had written. An emotional read, it had me in tears at times. It's the story of a girl whose life is changed completely after being hit by a car and suffering spinal injury. If you liked Me Before You by JoJo Moyes I think you will like this too.