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WORK TITLE: The Story of Our Lives
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE: 1984
WEBSITE: http://helenwarner.net/
CITY: East Anglia
STATE:
COUNTRY: United Kingdom
NATIONALITY:
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Born in Northern Ireland; married; husband’s name Rob (works in television); children: two.
EDUCATION:London University, Goldsmiths College, sudied English.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Author. Formerly worked in television. Carlton TV, researcher; This Morning, Granada TV, former producer; Channel Four, Head of Daytime productions, 2013-17; full-time writer, 2018–.
WRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
British writer Helen Warner is the author of a number of novels generally termed women’s fiction, ranging from more lighthearted and humorous fare such as RSVP, IOU, (published in paperback as Stay Close to Me), as well as more dramatic novels like With or Without You and The Story of Our Lives.
Born in Northern Ireland, Warner moved to England’s East Anglia when she was four, attended London University, and then worked in television for a number of years as day producer of flagship programs for both Granada TV and BBC Channel 4 before turning to writing full-time following the success of her first few novels.
RSVP
Warner’s debut novel, the romantic comedy RSVP, was published in 2011. The tale deals with four women with very different agendas for their attendance at a wedding. Anna was once the girlfriend of Toby, the groom, and she surprisingly receives an invitation to his wedding. For Anna, Toby is the one who got away. Clare is Anna’s best friend and hopes that this wedding will give Anna the closure she needs about Toby; however, the day of the wedding will be a significant one for her, as well. Femme fatale Ella is married but has always been attracted to Toby, and Rachel is the bride who, despite the happiness of the wedding day, still feels that everything is about to come undone.
A contributor in the online Chloe’s Chick Lit Reviews had praise for RSVP, noting: “I loved the way Warner wrote this book, playing with the tenses in her writing, and flitting between the past and present, weaving a story that only becomes clearer the more you read on. It was easy to read, an absolute joy from start to finish, and felt very realistic–not everything was rosy with all the couples all of the time, and I can definitely recommend Warner’s debut novel, it was fantastic.” Similarly, writing in Louise Reads website, Louise Radcliffe commented: “I was very pleased with how the book ended; in typical chick-lit style, it seemed like everyone got their happy ending, although I won’t spoil it for you by telling you who the lucky bride was. Definitely enjoyed this book, and it was read much faster by the bank holiday sunshine and sitting out in the garden.” An online Girly Scribbles’ Book Reviews contributor was also impressed, observing: “RSVP contains some lovely characters and an interesting plot with lots of twists, turns and flashbacks, making for a very enjoyable read. I shall definitely be on the lookout for future books by Helen Warner; she’s going to be an author to watch.” Likewise, Novelicious website writer Kira Slaughter concluded: “This is a very impressive debut from Helen Warner that I couldn’t help but be taken in by, and I challenge you to read it and not feel the same way.”
IOU
Warner posits a trio of women dealing with major changes in their lives in IOU. Amy’s charmed life is turned upside down when her husband’s business tanks and she now becomes the breadwinner. Kate is married, the mother of two, and fully employed when she meets the romantic and enigmatic Jack. She feels like moving on from her husband, but Jack has a secret he is not sharing. Meanwhile, Jennifer is still getting over the death of her husband when she makes contact with a former lover, Hugh, who holds secrets from the past that Jennifer might not be able to deal with.
A contributor in Chloe’s Chick Lit Reviews website commended IOU, commenting: “[T]his was a really positive book about women coming through in the face of adversity, via the three very different stories of Amy, Kate and Jennifer. All of them have different obstacles to overcome, whether it’s financial, personal or otherwise, but all have to find an inner strength to get past them, and I enjoyed reading their journeys in this book.” An online Miss Bookworm reviewer was also impressed, noting: “If you are after a nice light hearted read, I highly recommend this book! You will enjoy this I promise.” Similarly, a commentator in Sarah’s Book Reviews website observed: “The book is another of those that send you through a full range of emotions–there are times for tears and also for laughter. Warner touches on mental health issues and I think it has been handled sensitively, highlighting the journey the whole family go through in this situation.”
With or Without You
Warner’s 2014 novel, With or Without You, features Martha Lamont, who feels she has it all. She has a great marriage to Jamie, a house husband who takes care of their two children while she gets on with her career as an entertainment journalist. Then Martha discovers, in a very graphic way, that Jamie has been having an affair with another woman. He even makes videos of their trysts, which he neglects to delete from his computer. Devastated, Martha keeps working, interviewing the new Hollywood heartthrob, Charlie, who experienced a similar betrayal by his wife. Deeply attracted to the actor, Martha wonders if she should just break out and start a new life or fight to save her marriage.
“With or Without You is a very easy read, sad but uplifting and handled with a clear understanding of family life thrown into turmoil,” noted Novelicious website reviewer Kelly Allen. Similarly, a Madhouse Family Reviews website contributor termed it an “enjoyable, poignant but ultimately heartwarming story that all chicklit fans will love.”
The Story of Our Lives
With The Story of Our Lives, Warner tells the story of four women–Sophie, Emily, Amy, and Melissa–who have been friends for years. They stay in touch with each other and their friendship in their annual vacations, which have over time become lifesavers for each of them as they deal with the problems and the highpoints in their lives. These are detailed over twenty years in the novel, via the annual meetings.
Booklist reviewer Erin Holt had high praise for The Story of Our Lives, noting: “With a story full of lies, betrayals, deception, and infidelity, readers won’t be able to get enough of this story, particularly the final revelation and conclusion.” A contributor in the online Lesa’s Book Critiques also had a high assessment of The Story of Our Lives, commenting: “Warner’s novel is a well-developed, character-driven novel. All four women are easily identifiable, which is rare in women’s fiction that features a cast of four. They are realistic, flawed women struggling to live with the problems of relationships, marriage, and careers.”
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Booklist, February 1, 2018, Erin Holt, review of The Story of Our Lives, p. 29.
ONLINE
Broken Teepee, https://brokenteepee.com/ (February 20, 2018 ), review of The Story of Our Lives.
Chloe’s Chick Lit Reviews, https://chicklitchloe.blogspot.com/ (March 14, 2011), review of RSVP; (March 12, 2012), review of IOU.
Curtis Brown, https://www.curtisbrown.co.uk/ (August 1, 2018), “Helen Warner.”
Girly Scribbles’ Book Reviews, https://girlyscribbles.wordpress.com/ (March 30, 2011), review of RSVP.
Lesa’s Book Critiques , https://lesasbookcritiques.blogspot.com/ ( February 06, 2018), review of The Story of Our Lives.
Louise Reads…, http://emmaloui.se/ (May 27, 2013), Louise Radcliffe, review of RSVP.
Helen Warner website, http://www.helenwarner.net (August 1, 2018).
Madhouse Family Reviews, http://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspot.com/ (January 19, 2013), review of Stay Close To Me; (February 21, 2014), review of With or Without You.
Miss Bookworm, http://missbookworm23.blogspot.com/ ( November 11, 2012), review of IOU.
Novelicious, http://www.novelicious.com/ (April 20, 2011), Kira Slaughter, review of RSVP; (April 10, 2013), Susan Lobban, review of Stay Close to Me; (March 14, 2014), Kelly Allen, review of With or Without You.
Opinionated Book Lover, http://opinionatedbooklover.com/ (February 7, 2018), review of The Story of Our Live.
Sarah’s Book Reviews , https://sbroadhurstreviews.blogspot.com/ ( April 7, 2012), review of IOU.
What Is That Book About, https://www.whatisthatbookabout.com/ (March 05, 2018 ), review of The Story of Our Live.
Helen Warner is a former Head of Daytime at both ITV & Channel 4, where she was responsible for a variety of TV shows including Come Dine With Me, Loose Women, Good Morning Britain and Judge Rinder. Helen writes her novels on the train to work in London from her home in Essex, which she shares with her husband and their two children.
Helen Warner was born in Northern Ireland and moved to East Anglia (where she still lives) when she was four. She studied English at London University (Goldsmiths College) before embarking on a career in TV. Her first job was as a researcher with Carlton TV; she then moved to Liverpool to work as a day producer on Granada TV's flagship daytime show, This Morning, then presented by Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan.
Back in London, Helen launched and edited the daytime talkshow, Loose Women, before joining Channel 4 as Head of Daytime. During the five years she was there, she oversaw the hugely successful launch of Come Dine With Me into the peak-time schedules, as well as the relaunch of Countdown and the award-winning Deal or No Deal and The Paul O'Grady Show.
Helen is married to her childhood sweetheart, Rob Warner, who also works in TV as a graphics artist, editor and voiceover. They have two children.
Unable to copy bio.
QUOTE:
With a story full of lies, betrayals, deception, and infidelity, readers won't be able to get enough of this story, particularly the final revelation and conclusion.
The Story of Our Lives
Erin Holt
Booklist. 114.11 (Feb. 1, 2018): p29.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2018 American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklist/
Full Text:
The Story of Our Lives. By Helen Warner. Feb. 2018.400p. Graydon, paper, $ 15.99 (9781525820830).
Amy, Sophie, Melissa, and Emily have been best friends since childhood. They have seen each other through the milestones of marriages, births, and more. They support one another through the hardships as well, but not without putting strain on their friendships. When Amy's pristine marriage cracks, Sophie has parenting fears, Melissa has an alcoholic breakdown, and Emily's son's paternity is questioned, each woman must come to grips with her own issue either with, or in some cases, without, the support of each other, as some secrets are too deep to forgive. Warner uses a realistic tone in this debut novel, and she keeps the pages turning without being bogged down by minutiae. Over the course of 20 years, each secret is revealed, but Warner leaves the deepest one until the very end. With a story full of lies, betrayals, deception, and infidelity, readers won't be able to get enough of this story, particularly the final revelation and conclusion. This book will be at home in public libraries where women's fiction with a focus on female friendships is popular.--Erin Holt
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
Holt, Erin. "The Story of Our Lives." Booklist, 1 Feb. 2018, p. 29. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A527771824/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=ITOF&xid=e616d411. Accessed 30 June 2018.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A527771824
QUOTE:
this was a really positive book about women coming through in the face of adversity, via the three very different stories of Amy, Kate and Jennifer. All of them have different obstacles to overcome, whether it's financial, personal or otherwise, but all have to find an inner strength to get past them, and I enjoyed reading their journeys in this book
12 March 2012
Book Review: IOU by Helen Warner
"Amy has enjoyed a charmed life, shopping and lunching while the nanny looks after her children. Until her world is thrown into disarray when husband Ben's business collapses overnight, taking their house and savings with it. Suddenly Amy finds herself the breadwinner. Can she rise to the challenge? Will her marriage survive such an upheaval? Or is it a case of 'Till Debt Do Us Part'? Kate has always had to struggle by, juggling her job with two children and a husband, though she wouldn't have it any other way. But her safe little world is rocked when she meets enigmatic Jack in a chance encounter. Feeling increasingly estranged from husband Miles, Kate wonders if Jack can offer her a fresh start. But there's something about Jack that Kate doesn't know...Jennifer is only just beginning to recover from the death of her own husband. When Jennifer makes contact with old flame Hugh she unlocks a dangerous Pandora's box. She is desperate to find the answer to a question that has tormented her for decades. But will she be able to cope with the truth?"
Rating: 4/5
I read and enjoyed Helen Warner's debut novel RSVP last year, and was lucky enough to receive a review copy of this book too. Clearly Warner really likes her acronyms because this book is named after one as well, this time IOU. I really like the cover, anything purple makes me happy so this one was pretty good in my eyes! I didn't realise before I started it that the main characters in this book are family - a mother and her two daughters, and when I found that out, I thought the book would be even better as I always like it when there is a family connection in a book. I looked forward to tucking in to this one, and when I did, I found it to be a really good and readable book that I thoroughly enjoyed.
The book centres around 3 female characters - mother Jennifer and her 2 daughters Kate and Amy, who all live very different lives and aren't as close as they would perhaps like to think that they are. Jennifer is still grieving after the loss of her husband Michael, but is wondering if it is time to start seeing a face from her past once more, however feels afraid of upsetting her daughters. Kate, a busy heart nurse, is feeling like something is lacking in her marriage to Miles, and when a stranger suddenly comes into her life, she wonders if it worth risking her stable life for a bit of fun and happiness. Finally, there's her sister Amy, the one with the privileged life thanks to her marriage to wealthy Ben. But when Ben loses his job, and consequently their money, income and house goes down the drain as well. Amy has to learn to cope without the money she's always had, and the big adjustments this has on her family life too.
As you can see, there is quite a bit going on in this book, but I enjoyed that fact that it was busy. It was easy to tell the difference between the three stories, as it tended to be that every chapter followed a different woman, although as they are family their stories were woven together somewhat, and all the characters frequently appeared all over the book. One thing I really liked were the flashbacks throughout Jennifer's chapter to her courtship and early life with husband Michael, it really set the scene for her grief in the present day, and confusion over what to do with the new man in her life, especially being who he is. I felt that Warner handled this story especially well, and I really loved Jennifer straight away, she was just a woman who wanted to please everyone and keep everyone happy, something I know a lot of mums do for their families and I was willing her to put herself first! At first, I found her daughter Amy really unlikeable, but as her story unfolded, I started to warm to her and you could sort of understand why she was how she was, she had no reason to be otherwise.
Finally, there was Kate, probably the most level-headed of the three women, and the one her mother and sister confide in as well. I enjoyed reading Kate's story, and felt that the family as a whole worked really well, including the more minor male characters who were really well written too. Quite a lot of important issues were covered in the book, from the financial crisis, to infidelity, grief and health problems too. There was a surprising turn at the end of the book, I won't spoil it by revealing anything about it as I think it's important to read it in the context of the book, but I have to say it was so moving and emotional to read, I did shed a tear by the time it was all done, and I felt Warner covered it so well. I didn't expect it to happen, but it certainly made for some interesting revelations and was a sudden change in direction for the book.
Overall, this was a really positive book about women coming through in the face of adversity, via the three very different stories of Amy, Kate and Jennifer. All of them have different obstacles to overcome, whether it's financial, personal or otherwise, but all have to find an inner strength to get past them, and I enjoyed reading their journeys in this book. I also liked that they were family too because it felt important that all the stories were linked, and added an extra depth to the book as well. I found the writing was really easy to read, and I was absorbed into the book really quickly, and read it pretty fast as it was something I didn't want to stop reading. Although I loved her debut book RSVP, I feel like this one is an improvement on that and that Warner is in her stride writing-wise here, and I felt much more for these characters too. It was a really great book to sit down with and devour, and I'd highly recommend it, it's a fantastic read, with some great characters that you really can care about.
You can pre-order IOU as a hardback and an eBook now.
QUOTE:
I loved the way Warner wrote this book, playing with the tenses in her writing, and flitting between the past and present, weaving a story that only becomes clearer the more you read on. It was easy to read, an absolute joy from start to finish, and felt very realistic - not everything was rosy with all the couples all of the time, and I can definitely recommend Warner's debut novel, it was fantastic.
14 March 2011
Book Review: RSVP by Helen Warner
Anna has never really gotten over her broken relationship with Toby, so when she receives an invitation to the wedding of Toby and wife-to-be Rachel, she is devastated and convinced her life is over. Her best friend Clare is on hand to help Anna snap out of her maudlin state of mind, and convinces Anna that it would be closure for her to attend the wedding. However, neither woman counts on their nemesis Ella de Bourg being present - after all Ella was the one who ruined everything between Toby and Anna. Anna's miserable, Rachel is nervous and unsure she's doing the right thing, Toby loves Rachel but is sure he loves someone else too, and Clare just wants someone to love. Is happiness for all of them too much to ask, or will the wedding bring out a few truths that will shatter their worlds forever?
I love reading debut novels - there is something about having no expectations or pre-conceived thoughts about an author when you pick up a book, and a debut novel is usually one that can deliver both of these things for me. This is Helen Warner's first outing into the chick lit world, and a corker of one it is too. From it's bold and beautiful turquoise cover to the riveting time-hopping story within, everything about RSVP draws you in and keeps you wanting to read until you've turned the last page and are then disappointed when it's over. That's the kind of debut I love, and that is what Helen Warner delivered here for me!
The book interestingly flits between the present day in 2010, and the back story of Anna and co, to various points in their life that are very important to the story. I was unsure at first when I began to read how easy it would be to keep track of the different stories and how it would work towards the end of the book, but my fears were unfounded and in the end, it worked out perfectly. Warner differentiates between the two time periods by writing them in two different ways which I liked. The present story is written in present tense, whereas the back-story is written in past tense, and does make it good for telling the difference, however I don't think it would have been a problem anyway, it is easy to tell the pieces of the story apart.
The characters of the book are very well written, and all have an important part within the story that develops well with the pace of the story. Anna is our main character, and the story circles around her. In the present day, Anna is heartbroken and still in love with Toby despite the years between their break-up, although it isn't necessarily clear about the circumstances of their break-up. We can see the contrast in the Anna of new and the Anna of old too, and this gives the reader an interesting perspective when you read about her. Her best friend Clare was a great character too - very straight talking and a brilliant friend to Anna, both in the present and past - everyone needs a friend like Clare in their life and I enjoyed the ups and downs of their friendship, especially when Clare's personal circumstances change a lot.
Rachel and Toby were interesting characters for me. I couldn't really warm to either - Toby because of the way he was treating the women in his life, whether it was intentional or not, and Rachel because although I feel she was meant to be portrayed as a strong woman, she didn't really come across as that and I struggled to sympathise with her. Either way, they were both great for the story, and slotted in perfectly with the other characters. They both seem very real, and I like it when characters are believable. The odd one out really is Ella de Bourg, she has a bit of a set-to with the characters in the past, but then seems to spend the rest of the book pretty much alone in her own separate story. However, I really did feel so sorry for Ella, and it seems she is a very misunderstood person, and Warner certainly writes her with a lot of sympathy.
Considering this book is entitled RSVP, there aren't really a lot of weddings in there that are relevant to the title! However, the book had me gripped as I was so keen to find out what was happening with Anna and Tom, and the latest twists and turns in the worlds of Clare and Ella! Combine these characters with a great story, some fantastic minor characters in the book that hold it altogether, it creates a very readable and interesting book. I loved the way Warner wrote this book, playing with the tenses in her writing, and flitting between the past and present, weaving a story that only becomes clearer the more you read on. It was easy to read, an absolute joy from start to finish, and felt very realistic - not everything was rosy with all the couples all of the time, and I can definitely recommend Warner's debut novel, it was fantastic.
Rating: 5/5
QUOTE:
I was very pleased with how the book ended; in typical chick-lit style, it seemed like everyone got their happy ending, although I won’t spoil it for you by telling you who the lucky bride was. Definitely enjoyed this book, and it was read much faster by the bank holiday sunshine and sitting out in the garden.
Monday 27th May 2013 by Louise Radcliffe
Review: Helen Warner – RSVP
This book was a bit of an impulse buy; I knew I wanted to buy Drive, but it was three books for a fiver, so I had to make a pretty quick decision about which other two to pick. So, I’m not ashamed to say that I reverted to my old tactic of picking the books with the nicest covers, and I loved the pale blue colour on this one.
As the cover says: Four women, One Wedding, Who will say yes? Which turns out to be a good question. There’s Rachel, the bride to be. Anna, the heartbroken ex who has never truly let go. Ella, the scheming ex-friend who hasn’t really changed. And good old Clare, Anna’s best friend, and the only one not vowing for Toby’s love.
As you can probably guess, the eventual bride is not poor Rachel, although she seems to get over him pretty quickly in the end. The course of true love doesn’t run smoothly for Anna or Clare either, although you never feel annoyed by them, they’re not whiny or pathetic (for the most part). The only character I didn’t warm to was Ella. She wasn’t good at uni, and she seemingly hasn’t changed.
I loved the layout of the book; in the beginning we are jumping around over the last 15 or so years, but each time jump is clearly marked in the book so it never feels like you’re losing track of where you are. And then when we get to the big day, everything comes together, and the book then continues in the present tense. Even though the book flipped between the four women, it was still easy to get involved in the story and the characters, and there was no loss of connection.
I was very pleased with how the book ended; in typical chick-lit style, it seemed like everyone got their happy ending, although I won’t spoil it for you by telling you who the lucky bride was. Definitely enjoyed this book, and it was read much faster by the bank holiday sunshine and sitting out in the garden.
QUOTE:
‘RSVP’ contains some lovely characters and an interesting plot with lots of twists, turns and flashbacks, making for a very enjoyable read. I shall definitely be on the look out for future books by Helen Warner; she’s going to be an author to watch.
Review: RSVP. By Helen Warner
March 30, 2011 in Book Chat, Chick-Lit/Women's Fiction, Fiction, Helen Warner, Review, Uncategorized | Tags: Book Chat, chick lit, Fiction, Helen Warner, Review
Four women, one wedding and a day to remember – or rather forget …Anna’s world is rocked when she receives an invitation to her ex Toby’s nuptials – Toby was The One, The Love of Her Life, The One That Got Away. Will attending his Big Day finally give her the sense of closure she so desperately craves? Or will it only re-open old wounds? Clare is Anna’s best friend, the person who was there for her when she and Toby split all those years ago. But little does Clare know that Toby’s wedding day will also change her own life for ever. Ella is a classic femme fatale. She loves men and leaves them without a backward glance. But the one person who’s never fallen for her charms is Toby. As he prepares to get hitched, is it too late for a last-ditch attempt to win his heart? Finally, Rachel is the blushing bride-to-be. This should be the happiest day of her life. So how come she feels nothing but a terrible sense of foreboding?
‘RSVP’ is the debut novel of Helen Warner, the Head of Daytime TV at Channel 4, and it’s a real corker.
Anna, our heroine, never got over her first love, Toby, whom she dated whilst at university and still considers her soul mate. She and Toby seemed perfect together but broke up just before they graduated – mainly due to a rather nasty piece of work called Ella, who’d been desperate to get her clutches on Toby for ages. Ella seized her opportunity at a party one night, and when Anna refused to listen to Toby’s explanations, the couple split up.
Ten years later and Anna is a teacher living with her career-driven best friend Clare. One night Anna goes to a university reunion and bumps into Toby, who invites her to his wedding to his fiancée Rachel. Anna’s convinced that going to Toby’s wedding will give her the closure she needs to get over him and move on with the rest of her life; she resolves to attend, however much it will hurt to see the love of her life marry someone else.
Will Toby marry Rachel or realise that Anna is the right woman for him? How will Anna feel coming face to face with Ella and her devious nature again? And will Clare find someone who can compete with her beloved career?
The lives of the characters overlap throughout the book and Warner is very good at building the dramatic tension, choosing the exact moment that the reader can’t bear to change character… and then promptly changing it – a great way to ensure that a novel isn’t put down until the end! The first half of the book contains a lot of time-jumping which I enjoyed – it’s always better to ‘be there’ with the protagonists at the time rather than just hearing about their reactions to something many years later.
I liked all the main personalities, although I found Clare’s behaviour a little bizarre during the second half of the book. Ella was probably my least favourite character, but then if you like Anna then it’s inevitable that you have to dislike Ella, at least a little bit! I did, however, appreciate the way that she developed throughout the novel.
Another character which was dealt with very well was Toby: Warner does a very good job of making sure that he always comes across as a ‘good guy’ in his dealings with both Rachel and Anna – it would’ve really turned the reader off Toby if he’d treated either of them badly and yet he does have to choose between them and as they both love him, one of them is going to get very hurt.
The flashbacks of Anna and Toby during their student days were very sweet; they really were the idyllic university couple, though so much so I was almost pleased that Warner had Anna and Toby argue a little when they meet up again: they were so adorable as the student couple but it was good to see that in the ‘real’ world they’d developed something of a more regular relationship, especially with Anna’s insecurity regarding Toby’s relationship with Rachel.
‘RSVP’ contains some lovely characters and an interesting plot with lots of twists, turns and flashbacks, making for a very enjoyable read. I shall definitely be on the look out for future books by Helen Warner; she’s going to be an author to watch.
4 stars
Wednesday, 10 April 2013
Review – Stay Close to Me by Helen Warner
Reviewed by Susan Lobban
Amy lives a life of luxury, filling her days with shopping and meeting friends, while a nanny looks after the kids. Kate has little in common with her younger sister, having married her college sweetheart after falling pregnant unexpectedly and now lives a contented yet frugal life. Their mother, Jennifer lost her husband Michael two years ago and is still coming to terms with her loss.
All three women must face struggles in each of their lives. Jennifer has a secret from her past that has tortured her for years. Amy’s charmed life comes crashing down when her husband’s business crumbles overnight. While at the same time Kate begins to question her marriage after a stranger comes to her rescue.
Never before, has each woman needed the support of the other more, but will it drive them apart instead?
The book centres round 3 females in the same family – Jennifer and her 2 daughters Kate and Amy. Unforseen circumstances mean that they need each to stay close in their time of need. Originally published as IOU, I feel the title change suits the storyline better.
Each chapter alternates between each woman’s story, which is the style of book I love to read. I found that each chapter left off at a crucial point and then moved onto to another woman, so you are desperate to get back to the story line you were following but then you get hooked on the next and so on until you have devoured the whole book!
Jennifer had the most intrigue as her storyline flashed back to her past, when she was in the first flush of love with her future husband. This is also when the mysterious Hugh is introduced into the mix and he is the source of regret and guilt that plagues Jennifer’s otherwise happy and idyllic marriage. The only niggle I had with the flashbacks were that it was meant to be the sixties as mentioned in the synopsis, but it could have been any decade and the description was further confused by the mention of a Billy Ocean song that was not released until the mid seventies! It is only a little thing but if the sixties had not been mentioned I would not have questioned it.
Anyway niggles, aside I thought Kate and Amy’s characters were just as interesting as Jennifer and I liked how their sisterly relationship changed as the dynamics within their marriages altered dramatically. I thought all three stories were strong and they kept me gripped throughout, even when they became interlinked they remained realistic. I was also impressed with the ending as the author did not resort to simply tying everything up happily and as such I could have carried on reading even after the epilogue.
I would highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a good family drama. I was hooked from the start and really felt I knew each character by the end.
8/10
QUOTE:
This is a very impressive debut from Helen Warner that I couldn’t help but be taken in by, and I challenge you to read it and not feel the same way.
Wednesday, 20 April 2011
Review - RSVP by Helen Warner
REVIEWED BY KIRA SLAUGHTER
Anna’s world is rocked when she receives an invitation to her ex Toby’s wedding. Toby was The Love of Her Life, The One That Got Away. Will attending his Big Day finally give her the closure she needs?
Clare is Anna’s best friend, the person who was there for her when she and Toby split all those years ago. But little does Clare know that Toby’s wedding day will change her own life forever.
Ella is a femme fatale. She loves men and leaves them without a backward glance. But the one who’s never fallen for her charms is Toby. As he prepares to get hitched, is it too late for a last-ditch attempt to win his heart?
Rachel is the blushing bride-to-be. This should be the happiest day of her life. So how come she feels nothing but a terrible sense of foreboding?
I’d heard a lot about this book on the ol’ book grapevine, and after reading a couple of really good reviews I was convinced I had to read it. This is author Helen Warner’s debut book and I wasn’t disappointed by it.
The stories of the four main characters, Anna, Clare, Ella and Rachel are all interwoven throughout the book in some way or another. Anna, Clare and Ella went to university together so they have quite an extensive history. Each chapter of the book is based on one of the characters, so the beginning of the book opens up with Anna, who has just received her invitation to her ex's wedding in the post. After reading a few pages , I immediately felt a pang of sympathy for Anna, as she is clearly still hung up on her ex, Toby. I’m sure we’ve all been there when we see an ex with his new girlfriend!
Clare is Anna’s best friend and roommate, and on the day Anna receives the invitation, she is there waiting with wine and sympathy. She was also there when Anna and Toby first got together and all the way throughout their relationship. So when it all goes wrong for Anna and Toby, Clare is there to pick up the pieces.
Ella is a bitch. I know that may seem a little harsh but it’s true. She is one of those women that are convinced she can have pretty much any man she wants, yet she comes unstuck when she fails to catch Toby’s attention. He is that in love with Anna that he doesn’t even give Ella a second glance.
Last, but not least, is Rachel the bride to-be. She has been with Toby for seven years and is very happy that they have decided to get married. She is a couple of years older than our other main characters, so the focus on her character leans towards the ticking of her biological clock and her impending nuptials to Toby.
All of these characters are very cleverly interwoven, and throughout the book your feelings towards each one will go up and down more times than Oblivion at Alton Towers! I loved and hated each one of them in turn as things about them just made me want to shake them, yet at other times crawl into the pages and give them a hug.
This is a very impressive debut from Helen Warner that I couldn’t help but be taken in by, and I challenge you to read it and not feel the same way.
I’m giving this a 9/10!
QUOTE:
With or Without You is a very easy read, sad but uplifting and handled with a clear understanding of family life thrown into turmoil.
Friday, 14 March 2014
Review – With or Without You by Helen Warner
Reviewed by Kelly Allen
Martha has the perfect life; she is happily married to a man who adores her, they have two smart and lovely children, and she has a dream job interviewing celebrities for a national newspaper. Her husband Jamie is a stay-at-home dad, working on his writing in his spare time, whilst supporting Martha’s career and taking care of the kids. Life couldn’t be more perfect for Martha, until one day she discovers something she may never be able to forget.
After Martha begins a series of interviews with a very famous actor, Charlie Simmons, she returns home in his clothes, much to everyone’s surprise. Jamie, her husband, had accidentally ironed a large hole in the dress she was wearing, so she had no choice but to borrow some of Charlie’s clothes to protect her dignity. The next day Martha and Charlie are pictured in the papers together, her in his clothes, and both of them looking very happy together.
After seeing them for herself, Martha is worried that Jamie will be hurt by the innocent photographs. She decides to put a photo of Jamie’s head on the body of Charlie in the picture and then make it his desktop picture on his personal computer. Martha begins looking for a photo of Jamie on his computer so that she can use it for her plan, but as she scrolls through all the albums, she notices one she doesn’t recognise. When she clicks on the album, her whole world falls apart before her eyes.
Across the ocean in LA, Charlie’s ex-wife Liv, who left him for another man, is struggling with life. She is drinking far too much and her relationship is on rocky ground. Whilst she continues on her slippery slope, Martha and Charlie become closer, Jamie struggles to forgive himself and all their worlds seem to be colliding towards an unknown end.
This book is a very easy read, flitting from each character’s perspective with ease. Martha’s viewpoint is the easiest to follow since she is the main focus of the book, but Charlie is the character I grew to like the most. I liked his strength of character, his attitude towards life and his love for his son, Felix. I think I also connected with him because I saw his point of view all the way through the book.
When Martha frets about what decision she should make regarding Jamie’s betrayal, Charlie believes he has dug his own grave, whereas Martha is a lot more forgiving, mainly for the sake of her children. I couldn’t settle with the forgiveness, since it was built on the love of her children, not the love she had for Jamie. Martha’s actions later in the book are also on the same level of betrayal as Jamie’s, yet she never shows an ounce of guilt for what she has done. This was a bit infuriating, and made me feel a little less towards Martha than in the beginning.
I didn’t really take to the theme of the book. Unfortunately the whole betrayal and forgiveness theme isn’t really something I would choose to read about, but if you like this concept and enjoy this type of story, then it is an absolute must-read. I think it is handled very well, especially the conversations between Jamie and Martha after the discovery. They seem full of turmoil, which is evident in both their dialogue and body language – this is written very well and with sensitivity for both characters.
I felt really emotional towards the children involved – both Charlie and Liv’s son Felix and Martha and Jamie’s children Mimi and Tom. They seemed stuck in the middle of all the confusion, betrayal and arguing between the adults. I also felt heart-wrenchingly sad when I read Jamie’s letter to the children. It was exceptionally moving and a very dark turn right at the end of the book – I wasn’t expecting it and liked it all the more because of that!
This book is about adult relationships, but adults behaving like children a lot of the time with jealousy at the root of all their problems. The children in the book seem to have a greater sense of forgiveness and understanding – a very true portrayal of parent child relationships in general.
With or Without You is a very easy read, sad but uplifting and handled with a clear understanding of family life thrown into turmoil.
6/10
The Story of Our Lives by Helen Warner – Blog Tour and Book Review with a $25 GC Giveaway
February 20, 2018 by Patty
Now and again I like a book that just takes me away from “now.” Not a historical book, not a deep dive into anything – just a diversion for a day. The Story of Our Lives by Helen Warner was just that for me. I thank TLC Book Tours for offering me the escape I was seeking. They sent me a copy at no charge for my honest review.
About The Story of Our Lives:
Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Graydon House (February 6, 2018)
They think nothing can tear their bond apart, until a long-buried secret threatens to destroy everything.
Every year they have met up for a vacation, but their time away is much more than just a bit of fun. Over time, it has become a lifesaver, as each of them struggles with life’s triumphs and tragedies.
Sophie, Emily, Amy and Melissa have been best friends since they were girls. They have seen each other through everything—from Sophie’s private fear that she doesn’t actually want to be a mother despite having two kids, to Amy’s perfect-on-the-outside marriage that starts to reveal troubling warning signs, to Melissa’s spiraling alcoholism, to questions that are suddenly bubbling up around the paternity of Emily’s son. But could a lie that spans just as long as their friendship be the thing that tears them apart?
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The Story of Our Lives: A Novel
By Helen Warner (Paperback - Feb 13, 2018)
$10.87$15.99
Rated 4 out of 5 by 14 reviewers on Amazon.com
Buy Now
About the Author:
Helen Warner is head of daytime for Channel 4, where she is responsible for shows such as Come Dine With Me and Deal Or No Deal. Previously she worked for ITV where she launched the daytime talk show Loose Women and was editor of This Morning. She lives in East Anglia with her husband and their two children.
Connect with Helen
Website | Goodreads
My Opinion:
Four friends go away for a girls’ weekend every year – when they can – to decompress, relax, reaffirm their friendship, share their lives and support each other through good and bad. Each one has a distinctive story and sometimes they overlap and sometimes one friend is the focus. The chapters start with a real life event ie: Princess Diana’s death, the Challenger disaster, 9/11, and so on to place the reader in time and remind them of one of the biggest bits of news of that year. The book then moves back and forth in time within each chapter slowly building each woman’s story – not necessarily in time order. (This did take a little getting used to.)
The four core women each have their lives outside of their friendship but little is seen of those lives for these women but for Sophie who is, of any of them, the main character. She arranges their weekends and the other women’s stories involve her in ways big and small. She is a well developed and complicated character – at times a bit one note but for the most part I’d like to have her on my side. The other women are complex and simple all at the same time. I wondered if their secrets were there for the sole reason to bring attention to them. I don’t want to go any deeper into them so as to not ruin plot points but they cover the major sins as it were.
The book, it’s prose that is, was very easy to read. At times the topics covered made it a bit of challenge which is fine. Reading should challenge us at times. It should make us think further than the book in front of our eyes – hopefully to educate even to make a change. Chick lit doesn’t have to just be light and fluffy – not to say that there isn’t a lot of light, happy moments in this book. I doubt I’m ruining anything by saying that there is happiness found within the covers of the novel. It is a solid book dealing with challenging issues of love, friendship, marriage, work/life balance and more. I will look forward to more from Ms. Warner in the future.
Rating:
3.5
QUOTE:
Warner's novel is a well-developed, character-driven novel. All four women are easily identifiable, which is rare in women's fiction that features a cast of four. They are realistic, flawed women struggling to live with the problems of relationships, marriage, and careers.
Tuesday, February 06, 2018
The Story of Our Lives by Helen Warner
Women's friendships can last through time and problems, through immaturity and growth. Four women struggle with their friendship for twenty years in Helen Warner's intense novel, The Story of Our Lives.
Sophie, Amy, Emily and Melissa were best friends at university in London. Although Sophie moves out after one year to room with Steve, the four remain close. In 1997, at twenty-five, they reunite. Sophie's still with Steve, although she's not sure about their relationship. Amy announces she's found the man of her dreams, and they're getting married. Emily is now a single mother, raising Jack on her own. Melissa, hopping from bed to bed, and working in the music industry, drinks a little too much.
Year after year, the four women reunite. They see each other through marriages, births, miscarriages, failed romances, careers, and the tragic end to one marriage. They celebrate the growth of their children. Sophie flourishes when she moves from TV journalist to producer, and then teams up with a rising TV star. They deal with realistic problems such as addiction and postpartum depression. But, even in their forties, there's one secret that could tear the group apart. Who is Jack's father?
Warner's novel is a well-developed, character-driven novel. All four women are easily identifiable, which is rare in women's fiction that features a cast of four. They are realistic, flawed women struggling to live with the problems of relationships, marriage, and careers. It's a story that covers twenty years, from their immaturity as twenty-five-year-olds to women who bear the scars of maturity.
Fans of novels featuring strong women and women's relationships might want to try Helen Warner's The Story of Our Lives.
Helen Warner's website is www.helenwarner.net
The Story of Our Lives by Helen Warner. Graydon House. 2018. ISBN 9781525820830 (paperback), 400p.
*****
FTC Full Disclosure - I received a copy to review for a journal.
Saturday, 19 January 2013
Book review : Stay Close To Me - Helen Warner
*** Don't miss my giveaway where you can win a signed copy of the book ***
I've just finished reading Helen Warner's IOU, a book that was published last year in hardback and that is about to be relaunched in paperback with a new look and a new title, Stay Close To Me. It seemed a bit strange to me to repackage a book but, having read it, I have to agree that the original title and cover didn't really reflect the story within as well. I'm still not really sure what the IOU refers to, either in the title or the final page of the novel !
The story follows the imperfect lives and loves of three women, sisters Amy and Kate and their mum Jennifer. Rather than being a family drama which deals with their intertwined destinies, the novel focuses on their separate and largely secret lives – their inner turmoil, their past loves and the skeletons in their closets.
Amy is a carefree « lady who lunches » married to a rich businessman and with nothing more to worry about than where to put her newest pair of Louboutins and what the live-in nanny is cooking for her children for lunch. Then her husband's business fails and her whole world comes crashing down. At the other extreme, Kate is a busy working mum, happily married to the reliable (but rather boring) Miles. When she crashes her car in a supermarket car park, the dashing knight in shining armour who comes to her aid leaves her wondering if there's actually more to life than what her current situation offers. Then there's Jennifer, Amy and Kate's mum, a widow who lost the love of her life two years ago and is coming to terms with the idea of rekindling something with « the one that got away » all those years ago.
The grass is always greener on the other side, but all three of these women end up asking themselves if pastures new would really make them happy or whether they wouldn't be better off with the life they already have. Anyone who has ever had a moment's doubt about the direction their life is heading in will be able to really relate to all three of the characters.
Some of the coincidences in the plot are a bit unlikely but overall the book is quite realistic, offering a touching and poignant portrayal of the three central characters' inner turmoil. Fans of Desperate Housewives who are trying to find something else to get their teeth into since the series finished are likely to really enjoy it. I thought it was a great read but the structure was similar to Helen's début novel, RSVP, so I'm hoping she'll change the format for her next novel.
star rating : 4/5
QUOTE:
enjoyable, poignant but ultimately heartwarming story that all chicklit fans will love.
Friday, 21 February 2014
Book review : With or Without You - Helen Warner
Helen Warner's With or Without You tells the story of celeb journalist Martha Lamont who has the perfect life with a job that she loves, her devoted stay-at-home-dad husband Jamie and their two children, Mimi and Tom. Then one day, this charmed life unexpectedly implodes when she discovers explicit photos on Jamie's computer showing him and another woman having sex. Totally devastated, she heads off to LA with Charlie Simmons, the Hollywood actor whose memoirs she is currently working on, to give herself some much needed space to work out where to go from here.
The book is an interesting look at the impact of an affair on all parties. Jamie will go to the ends of the earth to prove to Martha that she can trust him again but can the pieces of a broken marriage ever really be stuck back together again? For most of the book, I couldn't decide whether to despise Jamie or feel sorry for him and this extended to Martha at times.
As a French/English family, it's been interesting seeing both points of view in the way the media has dealt with two recent high profile marital stories, those of French president François Hollande and more recently Barack Obama. When the photos of François Hollande driving his moped through the streets of Paris to visit his mistress, actress Julie Gayet, behind his First Lady's back, most French people were filled with contempt ... not for the unfaithful president or his mistress, but for the magazine who dared to publish such private photos ! As the rest of the world's media expressed surprise that the French really didn't seem that bothered by his infidelity, the French expressed surprise that the rest of the world were bothered or found it surprising that they didn't care! I bet there aren't many countries in the world where the mistress and secret daughter of a former president would stand side by side with the grieving widow and his legitimate children at his funeral but it happened for Mitterand ! Hot on the heels of the French president's extramarital indiscretions, the media started covering the seemingly unfounded claims that the American president had had a fling with Beyoncé and now that things aren't great with his wife. Again, the French attitude seems to be, "who cares? Let the man live his life as he sees fit. What's the big deal?". Hmm, I wonder how this book would be judged in France - making a mountain out of a molehill?!
The A-lister setting of LA and the sad tale of Charlie Simmons' own broken marriage inject some glitz and excitement into the story and add a parallel that shows that whatever your social status, personal problems are the same for everyone. Some details seemed unrealistic - surely a famous actress would have staff around and wouldn't need to call a complete stranger in her hour of need and a Hollywood A-lister would definitely be a bit more savvy about being papped - but it's an enjoyable, poignant but ultimately heartwarming story that all chicklit fans will love.
star rating : 4/5
Review: The Story of Our Lives by Helen Warner
February 7, 2018 No Comments
The Story of Our Lives is a compelling read about 4 life-long friends. It follows the women over 20 years as they meet up each summer for a girls weekend. Sophie, Emily, Amy and Melissa met in college, and their lives have become very different over the years. Each friend has some struggles or secrets.
I don’t normally like these kind of sweeping stories, but something about the way this book was written kept me flying through it. There are some heavy subjects tackled, but I really enjoyed the characters and the drama and relationships in this book.
This book would make a great beach read or a lighter book club selection. It would have been fun to discuss the different personalities and the secrets with friends.
Rating: 4 Stars
Review: The Story of Our Lives by Helen Warner
March 05, 2018
Buy on Amazon | Barnes and Noble
About the Book
They think nothing can tear their bond apart, until a long-buried secret threatens to destroy everything.
Every year they have met up for a vacation, but their time away is much more than just a bit of fun. Over time, it has become a lifesaver, as each of them struggles with life’s triumphs and tragedies.
Sophie, Emily, Amy and Melissa have been best friends since they were girls. They have seen each other through everything—from Sophie’s private fear that she doesn’t actually want to be a mother despite having two kids, to Amy’s perfect-on-the-outside marriage that starts to reveal troubling warning signs, to Melissa’s spiraling alcoholism, to questions that are suddenly bubbling up around the paternity of Emily’s son. But could a lie that spans just as long as their friendship be the thing that tears them apart?
Review
I knew after the first chapter that this was going to be a good one. I love books like this because it reminds me of that sisterhood feeling like with the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Not so much the story but that female connection to the characters that will on some level resonate or you find comfort of a sense of belonging. This is one that women will definitely feel something for. You might see yourself in one of the girls or it maybe one of your friends. You forget you're reading the book. You feel like you are one of the girls and trust me they will stay with you. They will make you will laugh, cry, get mad but you will feel the love they have for each other no matter what happens to them at anytime during their life.
What I loved about the characters is that no one is perfect and when you think you know someone you don't. We all would like to think that we know each other well but like these gals, there's always something in our lives that we just are embarrassed, ashamed or insecure but if you open up and trust your friends, they can really bring you out of your darkest despair. What was great about this is how the book really brought home that female friendship/relationship and how important it is to have good friends in your life. Yes, we all eventually live our own lives but it takes a good friend to be there for you no matter what. These women went through it all: infidelity, a miscarriage, domestic violence, insecurities and so much more but the tests of their friendships that happened over again, didn't break that bond that was meant to be.
Overall, this book was a really good read that you can dive into and really take in. The Story of Our Lives is probably my favorite read this year so far. Their individual experiences as well at their collective ones really make you want to keep reading. I really think the author brought something fresh to the story and told it in a way that really stands on its own. I loved how their experiences are chronicled by year so we can see them change and grow. There is so much to love about this book and I hope you add this to your TBR!
QUOTE:
If your after a nice light hearted read, I highly recommend this book! You will enjoy this I promise.
Sunday, 11 November 2012
IOU By Helen Warner
Step into the lives of three very different women...
Meet:
Amy, the Princess who's about to see her fairy tale brought to an abrupt end...
Kate, the would-be adulterer
Jennifer, the widow with a secret.
♥♥♥
Old debts and new temptations... Find out just who will pay up in this warm and wise new novel .
When Helen's first book Rsvp came out and I enjoyed that very much, I knew I wasn't going to be dissappointed in this new book.
It starts off with someone sat on a doorstep with an envelope ready to open it to see the letter...and you start wondering whos sat there? whats the letter about? however you will only find out at the end who it was sat there.
I really did love this book though, We meet Amy and Kate who are sister and Jennifer their mum who is a widow due to their father Michael died.
Amy has a charming and exciting life who shops till she drops and lunches out while her nanny is looking after their children. Until her world comes crashing down when her husband Ben's business collapses over night and with Amy not having a job, she must get out there and find one and help keep her family together...
Kate is just a normal lass who does struggle in life with her husband Miles and two children even though she loves them lots, but her life is rocked when she has an accident and the wonderful Jack comes crashing into her life after rescuing her..
Jennifer is getting over heartbreak from losing her husband Michael and she does however get in touch with an old flame Hugh unlocking a dangerous pandora's box and finding out answers from her past whether she wants to know or not.
With this story I loved all the characters, there was such a nice mix and it wasn't chaos trying to remember all the names, you could easily follow and the chapters flowed very nicely.
With all their problems and heartbreaks it was lovely to see that they all soon got involved in each others lifes again and were brought closer together which was wonderful to see.
If your after a nice light hearted read, I highly recommend this book! You will enjoy this I promise.
QUOTE:
The book is another of those that send you through a full range of emotions - there are times for tears and also for laughter. Warner touches on mental health issues and I think it has been handled sensitively, highlighting the journey the whole family go through in this situation.
Saturday, 7 April 2012
IOU by Helen Warner
Amy has enjoyed a charmed life, shopping and lunching while the nanny looks after her children. Until her world is thrown into disarray when husband Ben's business collapses overnight, taking their house and savings with it. Suddenly Amy finds herself the breadwinner. Can she rise to the challenge? Will her marriage survive such an upheaval? Or is it a case of 'Till Debt Do Us Part'? Kate has always had to struggle by, juggling her job with two children and a husband, though she wouldn't have it any other way. But her safe little world is rocked when she meets enigmatic Jack in a chance encounter. Feeling increasingly estranged from husband Miles, Kate wonders if Jack can offer her a fresh start. But there's something about Jack that Kate doesn't know...Jennifer is only just beginning to recover from the death of her own husband. When Jennifer makes contact with old flame Hugh she unlocks a dangerous Pandora's box. She is desperate to find the answer to a question that has tormented her for decades. But will she be able to cope with the truth?
I really enjoyed Helen Warner's first book, RSVP, and so when I saw that Warner had a new book out, I was very keen to read this one and I was not disappointed.
The story follows three ladies, a mother and her two daughters, who each have a life changing situation to cope with. They are a close family but each had their separate lives, with their own highs and lows. The book followed each of their stories which were cleverly intertwined to create a fantastic read which is a feel good book but also one which I think is relevant to today's society.
The book is another of those that send you through a full range of emotions - there are times for tears and also for laughter. Warner touches on mental health issues and I think it has been handled sensitively, highlighting the journey the whole family go through in this situation.
I would recommend this book to lovers of chick lit and family stories.
Thank you to the publishers, Simon and Schuster, for sending me the book to review.