Review of 'The Two of Us' by Andy Jones

After meeting Andy Jones at the Spring Blogger Evening hosted by Books and the City, I was very much looking looking forward to reading his book. Andy read an extract and explained that he wanted it to start where most other books end...at the happy ever after!

Therefore we meet Fisher and Ivy just nineteen days into their relationship, immersed in the throes of passion and the not being able to keep their hands off each other stage. However things change abruptly when they are catapulted into real life.

Fisher impulsively introduces Ivy to his family but she suddenly seems very distant and cool towards him and he doesn't understand why, he also has a major revelation when his family are asking her all kinds of questions in order to get to know her and he realises that he doesn't know the answers and in fact hardly knows anything about her himself.

The relationship soon becomes fraught with complications and misunderstandings which lead to feelings of resentment and suspicion. Their lack of communication with each other causes emotions to escalate and fall dramatically with one minute Fisher feeling like it's over and the next being consumed with love for her.

The friendship with Fisher's childhood friend El has a steadying influence on the couple as it takes the focus away from them for a short time. El has Huntington's disease and his future is very bleak but there is a strong sense of compassion which is shown by the couple and El's lover Phil and this adds another dimension to their personalities.

Has their relationship burned out or can they develop it into something much deeper? This' will they/won't they' journey is an emotional rollercoaster of lust, excitement, happiness and heartbreak

Andy Jones wrote this book purely from Fisher's perspective and that's what makes it unique, I really felt as though I was in Fisher's head and privy to his innermost thoughts and insecurities, I sometimes wanted to shout at him to just be open and ask her what the problem was instead of dissecting everything in his head, Ivy too could be frustrating for not communicating what was bothering her. However this happens in real life and highlights the lack of knowledge and experience they have of each other. Despite the problems that arise there are moments where we can see what a good match Fisher and Ivy are with their shared sense of humour. We also witness Fisher coming to terms with certain situations, realising that the world doesn't just revolve around him any more and showing a maturity and selflessness that is very touching.

This is a cleverly crafted, beautiful story of love, friendships and heartache with moments so poignant that they made me shiver and then reach for the tissues, I finished it in an afternoon but the sentiment will stay with me for a long time.

Available to download now and published in paperback by Simon & Schuster on 7th May 2015.

Sincerely
Book Angel

My first ever Spring Bloggers Evening at Books and the City!

My first ever Spring Blogger Evening at Books and the City

I have to admit I wasn't really sure what a Spring Blogger Evening was when I received the invitation from Sara-Jade but as part of #teammilly I knew I couldn't miss it for the world as I would be able to meet one of my all time favourite authors 'Milly Johnson'. I have been making efforts to step outside of my comfort zone lately, so feeling a little shy and nervous I managed to pluck up the courage to attend. 

Authors from l-r Andy Jones, Milly Johnson, Iona Grey and Jane Costello

When I arrived it seemed like everyone else knew each other but I was soon put at ease as Sara-Jade from BATC was so friendly and welcoming and showed us up to the first floor to a lovely reception of tea, coffee and posh biscuits. I soon discovered that most of the other guests were in fact bloggers, many of whom also had full time jobs, I wondered why it had taken me so long to discover this amazing new world and realised that along with being an aspiring writer and studying to be a Professional Photographer I now wanted to be a blogger too. 

Time for a well deserved glass of fizz

I wholeheartedly enjoyed the evening, it was fascinating to hear established writers Milly Johnson and Jane Costello talk about their new releases; Afternoon Tea at the Sunflower Cafe tells a tale of revenge on a cheating husband by a woman who gives up chocolate after realising it tasted of nothing but his deceit. Written in the style that Milly does best, heartbreak, humour and that little element of magic that we have come to know and love.
 Jane's 'The Love Shack' is a story of a happy couple who fall in love with the house of their dreams but can only afford it if they move in with his mum. Trials and tribulations ensue and lots of humour, including a mention of a hairy bum which had the audience laughing out loud. I am looking forward to reading Jane's whole back catalogue as well as the new release.

The introduction of three new authors with their debut novels was lovely and so inspiring; 

Iona Grey - Letters to the lost, is a historical novel about a love affair that took place during the second world war and how sixty years later a young girl tries to help reunite the lovers before it's too late. This novel promises to be an emotional tearjerker; 

Andy Jones - The Two of us, is a story with lots of twists about a couple who have fallen in love and now start to get to know each other but will they like what they discover? and can they stay together? A heartbreaking novel of life and love and how we should appreciate both. 

And Heidi Swain - The Cherry Tree Cafe, introduces Lizzie who's life is falling apart so she moves back home to find her sewing skills will be an invaluable asset in preparation for the grand opening of her friend's cafe. With cake, crafts and two love interests on the cards this book is not to be missed.

Me with Milly x

 After a Q and A session the authors signed our books for us and chatted and we all enjoyed nibbles, cake and fizz whilst filling our amazing goody bags with lots of lovely books. The team at Books in the City were all so friendly and welcoming and I had a brilliant time. I really hope I'm invited again as there is something very special about listening to an author reading from their own book. I feel so privileged to have been able to enjoy that experience and it's certainly made me want to rush out and buy all five books as soon as they are released over the next few months. A huge thank you to all those involved   
Sincerely
BookAngel x x