Oh what a gorgeous, heartwarming, and emotionally astute read this is. It doesn’t shy away from the darker times that life offers and creates a realistic view of family life, yet has feel-good stamped onto every page. Grace, Amelia, and Charlotte unexpectedly find themselves under the same roof, multi-generational living means adjustments and compromise as they attempt to develop their relationships. I absolutely adored author Eleanor Ray’s debut novel Everything is Beautiful which was chosen as a LoveReading Star Book. The Art of Belonging joins her debut in being refreshingly different and warm and comforting, and so has also been included as a Star Book. This is one for lovers of uplifting yet emotional stories, you can step into the pages and give yourself up to the warm hug it offers. The communication between mother, daughter, and granddaughter feels authentic, I raised eyebrows, winced, and smiled as I read. Each of them felt known to me, I was able to empathise with all three, dancing between the age gaps with ease. The external friendships are lovely too, each character shines, though I will admit that Sammy is a particular favourite of mine. As the smaller stories sitting within the main tale ran towards the end, I felt my heart and soul smile. The Art of Belonging is an absolutely lovely tale that sings of the joys and heartbreak of family and friendship.
From the bestselling author of Everything Is Beautiful, comes an utterly heartwarming new novel, about what it truly means to belong to those you love.
'A warm-hearted, emotional read' Daily Mail
'Gripping, endearing and thought-provoking, this beautifully woven novel championing family, solidarity and friendship is full of warmth and heart. A joy from start to finish - one not to miss' HOLLY MILLER 'Joyful and tender' Woman's Own
'The Art of Belonging is just the loveliest, uplifting novel and fills the soul with joy' LORNA COOK
'A delightful, big-hearted story of family and forgiveness' Good Housekeeping
'Heartfelt and heartwarming, this uplifting read is full of characters to cherish and cheer for' PHAEDRA PATRICK
................................................ Sometimes you need to open your heart to find where you truly belong . . .
When unexpected circumstances bring Grace's estranged daughter, Amelia, and granddaughter, Charlotte, to live in her home, complicated feelings start to emerge, revealing a messy and emotional past which drove this family apart.
It will take a school mystery, an exquisite miniature railway and some brave decisions to help them each find not only themselves, but also each other - and to appreciate what it truly means to belong together.
This uplifting novel will warm your heart and touch your soul, and remind you of all the reasons humans can be downright wonderful.
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'This beautifully written story perfectly captures the messy, complicated thing that is family' NICOLA GILL
'The Art of Belonging is a gorgeous read . . . Eleanor Ray has created a warm hug of a book that will capture your heart' HEATHER CRITCHLOW
'A delicious indulgence of a novel - rich, warm, and packed to bursting with heart, hope and compassion' KATE SIMANTS
'A wonderful story, beautifully told. A book full of love and new beginnings and optimism' SAM HOLLAND
'An absolute joy to read. Such a perfectly spun heartwarming tale of love, loss, redemption and reinvention' ROBERT SCRAGG
'Full of heart, humour and compassion, this is a story to savour' JO FURNISS, author Dead Mile
'A precious story of family, love and adventure that will touch your soul and leave you smiling' CAMERON WARD, author of A Stranger On Board and The Safe House
Everything Is Beautiful was richly praised: 'A joy' BETH O'LEARY 'Beautifully written' KATIE FFORDE
