Waiting to Begin
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- Type：Epub+TxT+PDF+Mobi
- Create Date：2021-06-25 06:51:20
- Update Date：2025-09-06
- Status：finish
- Author：Amanda Prowse
- ISBN：1542023432
- Environment：PC/Android/iPhone/iPad/Kindle
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Summary
From the bestselling author of The Girl in the Corner comes a story that asks: what would you risk for a shot at happiness？
1984。 Bessie is a confident sixteen-year-old girl with the world at her feet， dreaming of what life will bring and what she’ll bring to this life。 Then everything comes crashing down。 Her bright and trusting smile is lost， banished by shame—and a secret she’ll carry with her for the rest of her life。
2021。 The last thirty-seven years have not been easy for Bess。 At fifty-three she is visibly weary， and her marriage to Mario is in tatters。 Watching her son in newlywed bliss—the hope， the trust， the joy—Bess knows it is time to face her own demons， and try to save her relationship。 But she’ll have to throw off the burden of shame if she is to honour that sixteen-year-old girl whose dreams lie frozen in time。
Can Bess face her past， finally come clean to Mario， and claim the love she has longed to fully experience all these years？
1984。 Bessie is a confident sixteen-year-old girl with the world at her feet， dreaming of what life will bring and what she’ll bring to this life。 Then everything comes crashing down。 Her bright and trusting smile is lost， banished by shame—and a secret she’ll carry with her for the rest of her life。
2021。 The last thirty-seven years have not been easy for Bess。 At fifty-three she is visibly weary， and her marriage to Mario is in tatters。 Watching her son in newlywed bliss—the hope， the trust， the joy—Bess knows it is time to face her own demons， and try to save her relationship。 But she’ll have to throw off the burden of shame if she is to honour that sixteen-year-old girl whose dreams lie frozen in time。
Can Bess face her past， finally come clean to Mario， and claim the love she has longed to fully experience all these years？
Reviews
Jeanne
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Told in two lines， Bessie on her 16th birthday in 1984 and her 53rd birthday in 2021。 I didn't like Bessie much。 She had a good family and a best friend but she got involved with a boy and didn't study， failed her exams and let that dictate the rest of her life。 I could understand the actions of 16-year-old Bessie but not the adult version who was still concerned with the number of Facebook messages she had on her birthday。 She had great kids and her husband was a really great guy。 I am not sure Told in two lines， Bessie on her 16th birthday in 1984 and her 53rd birthday in 2021。 I didn't like Bessie much。 She had a good family and a best friend but she got involved with a boy and didn't study， failed her exams and let that dictate the rest of her life。 I could understand the actions of 16-year-old Bessie but not the adult version who was still concerned with the number of Facebook messages she had on her birthday。 She had great kids and her husband was a really great guy。 I am not sure that someone's whole demeanor could change by telling one secret but I hope so。 Thank you to Netgalley and Amazon UK for providing me a copy of this book。 。。。more
Sue Purbrick
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I wasn’t as invested in this story as I’ve been in so many of Amanda Prowse’s other books， and found it a little disappointing。 In a way， it was a little too much like the last couple of books I’ve read by this author。 The story revolves around Bess， who made some mistakes when very young which colour the rest of her life。 I found her difficult to relate to: a little insipid and not very memorable， although I did feel sorry for her。As usual， Prowse’s writing flows effortlessly and this is an eas I wasn’t as invested in this story as I’ve been in so many of Amanda Prowse’s other books， and found it a little disappointing。 In a way， it was a little too much like the last couple of books I’ve read by this author。 The story revolves around Bess， who made some mistakes when very young which colour the rest of her life。 I found her difficult to relate to: a little insipid and not very memorable， although I did feel sorry for her。As usual， Prowse’s writing flows effortlessly and this is an easy read which will no doubt delight many of her fans and new readers alike。 。。。more
Lisa Albright
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This story made me smile， made me cry， and all the emotions in between。 It was easy to imagine this story really happening because I was in school in the eighties and I remember the differences between what was accepted then and how things are perceived now。 I enjoyed the dual timeline and the characters were well-written。 Bess has a lot to deal with at a young age and I'm so glad there was resolution for her in the end。 This is a story to get lost in and one to think about for a while after the This story made me smile， made me cry， and all the emotions in between。 It was easy to imagine this story really happening because I was in school in the eighties and I remember the differences between what was accepted then and how things are perceived now。 I enjoyed the dual timeline and the characters were well-written。 Bess has a lot to deal with at a young age and I'm so glad there was resolution for her in the end。 This is a story to get lost in and one to think about for a while after the last page is turned。 I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review。 。。。more
Brenda
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I won this in a Goodreads giveaway。 I have not read （ or heard of） Amanda Prowse before。 I was wondering why I would even enter to win this book as it did not sound like my usual reads and it was digital : （。 That being said I loved this book。 I happen to be a bit younger than Bess and the author captured the 80's and the teen angst perfectly。 Dressing as twins with your BFF， mixed tapes & feeling like some things are the end of the world。 The familiarity of a long term relationship in Bess's ad I won this in a Goodreads giveaway。 I have not read （ or heard of） Amanda Prowse before。 I was wondering why I would even enter to win this book as it did not sound like my usual reads and it was digital : （。 That being said I loved this book。 I happen to be a bit younger than Bess and the author captured the 80's and the teen angst perfectly。 Dressing as twins with your BFF， mixed tapes & feeling like some things are the end of the world。 The familiarity of a long term relationship in Bess's adult life also rang so true。 This book was so well done and the characters seemed very true to life。 I really enjoyed this and would definitely recommend it。 Thanks again for the surprisingly great read。 。。。more
Jo
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I loved the bones of Bessie。 This author writes characters that remind us of bits of ourselves （I’m sure it is not just me who feels that way） and Bessie was no exception。 The book is beautifully written and came alive in my mind， taking me back to a plethora of memories。 It is superb。 Buy it。
Rose walker
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Couldn’t put it down This wonderful book had me completely hooked。 The characters were so real and honest。 I alternately laughed and cried with them。 Can’t wait to read another of her books
Elva Cartwright
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Waiting to beginI read this book in about 5 hours on a dull showery Sunday。 I just couldn’t put it down。 It is an amazing book many people will find amazing， cathartic and answer all their problems with depression and unhappiness in life Those with secrets like Bessie，s。 Mario was just the best man a Wife could have， understanding， loving and very forgiving。 I was crying in parts laughing in others。 A must read wherever you are， whatever you are doing。 Another best read from Trisha Ashley
Doingitbythebook - Lauren
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Waiting to Begin tells the story of Bessie。 In 1984， Bessie turns sixteen。 She has big dreams and a big heart。 It is supposed to be the best day of her life: celebrating her birthday， her exam results， and a school dance。 But everything comes crashing down; her plans ruined， and her heart broken。 Her future is changed forever as she carries a secret from that day forward。 In 2021， Bessie is now fifty-three， married to Mario and has two children。 Her marriage is in tatters， and she knows it is ti Waiting to Begin tells the story of Bessie。 In 1984， Bessie turns sixteen。 She has big dreams and a big heart。 It is supposed to be the best day of her life: celebrating her birthday， her exam results， and a school dance。 But everything comes crashing down; her plans ruined， and her heart broken。 Her future is changed forever as she carries a secret from that day forward。 In 2021， Bessie is now fifty-three， married to Mario and has two children。 Her marriage is in tatters， and she knows it is time that she must face her secret past， as her dreams lie frozen in time。I absolutely adored this book！ It is a beautiful， captivating story that I could not put down。 It was bittersweet and took me on a rollercoaster of emotions。 At times it was heart wrenching but also filled with so much love and hope。 It made me laugh out loud but also shed a tear。 It explored a variety of themes: friendship， love， jealousy and motherhood。 I loved Bessie， she is a well-developed， genuine character and I felt as if I knew her。 I felt her every emotion and I loved that the book explored the reality of sadness and self-destruction。 This is an unforgettable story that will keep you thinking long after you have finished reading it。 I highly recommend！ 。。。more
Max
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A major event， impacts your whole life。 If you let it！
Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader
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I really loved this。 It truly shines in this genre。 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ I read my first book from Amanda Prowse！ Now I see why they receive so much love！ The story takes place in two timelines， both involving the main character Bess and her dreams for the future。 What impressed me most is how quickly the book reads。 The flow is there， and the story engaged me from the start。 How did the past shape who Bess is now and what can she learn from her past to find true happiness？ This is such a thoughtful a I really loved this。 It truly shines in this genre。 ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ I read my first book from Amanda Prowse！ Now I see why they receive so much love！ The story takes place in two timelines， both involving the main character Bess and her dreams for the future。 What impressed me most is how quickly the book reads。 The flow is there， and the story engaged me from the start。 How did the past shape who Bess is now and what can she learn from her past to find true happiness？ This is such a thoughtful and powerful book。I received a gifted copy。Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www。jennifertarheelreader。com and instagram: www。instagram。com/tarheelreader 。。。more
Kylie H
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This is another great piece of contemporary writing by Amanda Prowse， of whom I am a big fan。In this book， Bess， the central characters， life story is told in two parallel times。 The first is now on her fifty-third birthday and the other on her sixteenth birthday。At sixteen， Bess was certain a glamorous and exciting life。 Her future as an air hostess was all mapped out with her best friend Michelle。 It is also the day that her exam results will be posted and that first step to success can be tak This is another great piece of contemporary writing by Amanda Prowse， of whom I am a big fan。In this book， Bess， the central characters， life story is told in two parallel times。 The first is now on her fifty-third birthday and the other on her sixteenth birthday。At sixteen， Bess was certain a glamorous and exciting life。 Her future as an air hostess was all mapped out with her best friend Michelle。 It is also the day that her exam results will be posted and that first step to success can be taken。 However， as the day unfolds Bess loses not only her thoughts of the future but also her best friend and any shred of confidence and self-worth she may have possessed。Fast forward 37 years and Bess is not happy。 She lives in an ordinary house， with her husband who gets on her nerves， missing her adult children who are moving on with their lives and happy futures。 On this birthday Bess will be faced with a choice， can she learn to settle for what she has and tamp down her secrets or will she gamble her past on a deceptive future。 This is a wonderful story told with great humour， but which also had me reaching for the tissues。 It was very thought provoking and really made me think about my own life。 。。。more
Mira
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This book was an interesting read。 It shows how the character moves through her life across different stages。 It shows her character development throughout the years。
Susan • BryantParkBooks
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𝗪𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻 is a wonderful story of past decisions。 Told in a dual timeline between the present day and 1984， Bess reflects on the life choices that got her where she is today。 Bess is an empty nester who is struggling with her marriage to Mario after seeing how happy her newlywed son is。 Her marriage has gone stale and the loving relationship she once had has become perfunctory。 She knows she needs to tell Mario what happened 37 years ago， but this might just change everything she loves。 𝗪𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻 is a wonderful story of past decisions。 Told in a dual timeline between the present day and 1984， Bess reflects on the life choices that got her where she is today。 Bess is an empty nester who is struggling with her marriage to Mario after seeing how happy her newlywed son is。 Her marriage has gone stale and the loving relationship she once had has become perfunctory。 She knows she needs to tell Mario what happened 37 years ago， but this might just change everything she loves。In 1984， Bess is a confident teen excited by life and all its new things， when her world is turned upside down。 She’ll have to live with her secret for the rest of her life。As with all Amanda Prowse stories， you feeling a little emotionally wrought after finishing （in a good way！） Bess was a genuine character with flaws; I found myself loving and disliking her times。 But she felt like a real person to me。 I loved the dual timeline and I felt like it really worked in the story。 Thank you to @lakeunionauthors @suzyapprovedbooktours and @mrsamandaprowse for my gifted copy of the book。 Waiting to Begin is on sale now and is available with Kindle Unlimited！ 。。。more
Sinah -Bookdevouress
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I haven’t read a book by Amanda Prowse before but I will definitely continue to do so in the future！ I loved the writing style and how the story switched between the 16th Birthday of the Protagonist and the 53rd！ The story is written so lovely and understandable in these aspects that one cannot lay it down！ Definitely a book to recommend！
Fee （Ebook Addicts）
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I have always enjoyed Amanda's books， but as the title suggests I was oftentimes left 'waiting to begin' right alongside Bessie- I felt the story was a little slow compared to her previous works， but I did find it a nice change of pace。 Whilst some might not like the slow pace I enjoyed it I felt like I was riding the story right beside Bessie - great title and great way to make the story fit it as well！Set across two timelines and two birthdays - in 1984 we have Bess celebrating her sweet sixt I have always enjoyed Amanda's books， but as the title suggests I was oftentimes left 'waiting to begin' right alongside Bessie- I felt the story was a little slow compared to her previous works， but I did find it a nice change of pace。 Whilst some might not like the slow pace I enjoyed it I felt like I was riding the story right beside Bessie - great title and great way to make the story fit it as well！Set across two timelines and two birthdays - in 1984 we have Bess celebrating her sweet sixteenth， waiting on exam results and a best friend who she is keeping a secret from， and then her 53rd birthday in 2021 where he secrets from the past still haunt her to this very day and it is causing strain with her relationship with Mario her husband （in such a way that he doesn't realise）。Bessie's past secret was pretty easy to ascertain fairly early on， though once revealed， it was heart-breaking none the less - it was a secret that destroyed her brothers relationship with their parents and one that cost her， her friendship with her best friend Michelle。What you get with 'Waiting to Begin' is a story that is real and relatable， and as with Amanda's other works it is a story that you will struggle to not enjoy from the get go。4 stars 。。。more
Susan Ballard
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It’s August 1984， and Bessie is turning sixteen。 She dreams of becoming an air hostess， she has a great best friend， and she’s even been seeing a boy。 The future looks bright until the whole day takes a turn for the worse。 From here on， Bessie lives with shame and a secret。August 2021， today， Bessie turns fifty-three。 She’s trying to hold her marriage together and be a supportive mom。 But the secret she’s been carrying for thirty-seven years has tainted her and her relationships。 Will she be abl It’s August 1984， and Bessie is turning sixteen。 She dreams of becoming an air hostess， she has a great best friend， and she’s even been seeing a boy。 The future looks bright until the whole day takes a turn for the worse。 From here on， Bessie lives with shame and a secret。August 2021， today， Bessie turns fifty-three。 She’s trying to hold her marriage together and be a supportive mom。 But the secret she’s been carrying for thirty-seven years has tainted her and her relationships。 Will she be able to share her secret after all these years and allow healing in her life？This story is a mix of coming-of-age and family drama。 It has good diversity and fun British references。 The story’s pacing is slower， however， which allows you to get attached to Bessie。 Once you know her， I think you will feel sympathetic towards her。 I loved the beautifully choreographed timelines and the satisfying conclusion。 Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours @MrsAmandaProwse and @lakeunionauthors for an invitation to this tour and a #gifted copy。 。。。more
Raena
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Wow。 Yet another amazing book from Amanda Prowse。 The first pages will definitely have you hooked。 Amanda knows how to create amazing characters which will have you falling in love with them and their story。 With all of Amanda’s work， it will leave you crying big tears but also warm your heart。 The structure of the book leaves you with enough suspense to keep you reading until you finish。 Recommended to everyone who enjoys family drama， a life time of secrets and a compelling read。
Danielle Amor
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Goodness me this book really pulled at my heartstrings。 I haven’t cried that much in a long time， but I do love a book that makes you ugly cry！I had a feeling about what would happen from the start， obviously there was a lot more to the story， but I guessed what the heartbreak would be。 It was such a beautiful story and Bess really was a lovely character - like a Book Mum！ I was starting to think that there wouldn’t be a happy ending， sneakily written indeed 😅 I absolutely love Amanda Prowse boo Goodness me this book really pulled at my heartstrings。 I haven’t cried that much in a long time， but I do love a book that makes you ugly cry！I had a feeling about what would happen from the start， obviously there was a lot more to the story， but I guessed what the heartbreak would be。 It was such a beautiful story and Bess really was a lovely character - like a Book Mum！ I was starting to think that there wouldn’t be a happy ending， sneakily written indeed 😅 I absolutely love Amanda Prowse books， the way she writes really captures you from the first page。 You get the right mix of emotions - happy and sad！ 。。。more
Corinne Rodrigues
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The story moves between 1984 when Bessie was celebrating her sweet 16 to her birthday in 2021。Her 16th birthday， which should have been a cause of celebration then， as she is set on to take on the world， ends with life as she knows it coming to an end。 Now， on her birthday， in 2021， her mind is full of memories of that day and how it impacted her future。 As the author takes us back and forth between these two significant dates， we see how Bessie’s life was lived and the pain， shame and guilt she The story moves between 1984 when Bessie was celebrating her sweet 16 to her birthday in 2021。Her 16th birthday， which should have been a cause of celebration then， as she is set on to take on the world， ends with life as she knows it coming to an end。 Now， on her birthday， in 2021， her mind is full of memories of that day and how it impacted her future。 As the author takes us back and forth between these two significant dates， we see how Bessie’s life was lived and the pain， shame and guilt she bore。 What a clever way to tell a story！Will Bessie’s 53rd birthday still surrounded by family， end differently this time？ Can she start over？Another story of hope and redemption and the power of love and family to turn life around from Amanda Prowse that kept me reading through the night as I had to finish it！I’ve read several of Amanda Prowse’s books and have reviewed a couple too。 She’s definitely one of my favourite authors。 I’ve recommended her books to a few people and just last week， a friend thanked me again for the recommendation！ 。。。more
Lost_in_her_bookland
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𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝗪𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐨 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐I honestly feel that I may need to stop reading Amanda Prowse's books。 I dont cry easily， rarely show emotion， yet I pick up every one of her books， and i'm there whimpering in the corner unable to control my tears。 She is a truly wonderful， talented and inspirational author。𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞， 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬。 𝟏𝟗𝟖𝟒 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟏。 Two different lives， different experiences， one ready to live， the other living， yet both 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝗪𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐨 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐I honestly feel that I may need to stop reading Amanda Prowse's books。 I dont cry easily， rarely show emotion， yet I pick up every one of her books， and i'm there whimpering in the corner unable to control my tears。 She is a truly wonderful， talented and inspirational author。𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞， 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬。 𝟏𝟗𝟖𝟒 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟏。 Two different lives， different experiences， one ready to live， the other living， yet both only just waiting for their lives to begin。 For me， the theme through the entirety of this book of sibling love was the most emotive and honest sideline to Bessie's story。 The unbreakable blood bond， pulled on my heart strings， and had me imagining， praying and dreaming of my boy and my girl， how they will always have one another。 How beautifully lucky they are。This was a book that despite how much I loved it， I found myself purposely skipping words， sentences， paragraphs wanting to know more， now。 I felt invested in Bessie， I could feel myself in her at 16 and myself in her now。 Our past will always be our past， unchangeable， regrettable but 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘺𝘦𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥， 𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘯。I urge you to read all of Amanda Prowse's work， this will be a book and a story you never forget。 Thank you @mrsamandaprowse for every one of your books and @rachelsrandomresources for my spot on the tour！#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #photosofbooks #bookreview #bookreviewer #bookreviewersofinstagram #bookblogger #girlswhoread #womenwhoread #whatimreading #amandaprowse #waitingtobegin #5starreview #5stars #bookrecos #bookrecommendations #booksbooksbooks #bookclub #bookgroup #bookcommunity #mustread #bookstagramlove #loveofbooks #rachelsrandomresources #currentlyreading #currentread 。。。more
Linda Lassman
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Amanda Prowse has managed to make me cry – again！！！ It is 1984 and Bessie is celebrating her 16th birthday and is confident， happy， in love and dreams of her future as an air hostess。 Bessie shares everything with her best friend Michelle; well nearly everything - Bessie has a secret。 The girls are waiting for their exam results and are looking forward to getting ready together for the school social at the Rugby Club。 Fast forward 37 years and it’s 2021 and Bess’s 53rd birthday。 Bess’s life hasn Amanda Prowse has managed to make me cry – again！！！ It is 1984 and Bessie is celebrating her 16th birthday and is confident， happy， in love and dreams of her future as an air hostess。 Bessie shares everything with her best friend Michelle; well nearly everything - Bessie has a secret。 The girls are waiting for their exam results and are looking forward to getting ready together for the school social at the Rugby Club。 Fast forward 37 years and it’s 2021 and Bess’s 53rd birthday。 Bess’s life hasn’t gone the way she had hoped and now she is married， sandwiched between her parents and her adult children， and experiencing empty nest syndrome。 Waiting to Begin really tugged at my heartstrings as I turned the pages wanting to find out how Bessie’s story evolved， and it kept me enthralled right until the last page。 A lovely read， I recommend that you keep tissues close by。Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read Waiting to Begin and give this honest review。 。。。more
Leslie
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This is the story of a woman named Bess and how one single decision， choice can alter every moment of the rest of her life。 The book toggles between 1984 and 2021。 Bess is living her life， but is she enjoying it， loving it and getting the most out of it？ Externally she pretends to be happy。 On the inside she is mired down with that one thing that happened a long time ago that she has kept a secret from everyone。 She beats herself up every waking moment。 She does tell herself it is best to leave This is the story of a woman named Bess and how one single decision， choice can alter every moment of the rest of her life。 The book toggles between 1984 and 2021。 Bess is living her life， but is she enjoying it， loving it and getting the most out of it？ Externally she pretends to be happy。 On the inside she is mired down with that one thing that happened a long time ago that she has kept a secret from everyone。 She beats herself up every waking moment。 She does tell herself it is best to leave the past in the past， but clearly for her it is not。 And yet she doesn’t know how to get out of her own way。 its a wonderfully written kind read that is about family， love， choices and written with kindness and grace。 It's an emotional read。 I received a copy of this book from Netgalley。com in exchange for a fair and honest review。 This did not impact my comments。 。。。more
Victoria Wilks
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Amanda Prowse is one of my go-to authors who I can always guarantee will provide me with a compelling story， and Waiting To Begin certainly went above and beyond all of my expectations！。The story is told via a dual timeline， something that I absolutely love， especially when it is done so seamlessly like what we find within this book。 Both timelines are told by Bessie， our protagonist in this story， jumping from her teenage years in 1984 to her life in the present day in the year 2021。As a sixtee Amanda Prowse is one of my go-to authors who I can always guarantee will provide me with a compelling story， and Waiting To Begin certainly went above and beyond all of my expectations！。The story is told via a dual timeline， something that I absolutely love， especially when it is done so seamlessly like what we find within this book。 Both timelines are told by Bessie， our protagonist in this story， jumping from her teenage years in 1984 to her life in the present day in the year 2021。As a sixteen year old girl， Bessie was living life to the full and happy with how her life was panning out before her， with her boyfriend， a best friend and her family around her， everything seemed perfect。 However that soon changed when some of her rather unwise life choices upend the perfect life she believed she had。Bessie has kept the secrets from her youth hidden for all these years， and now – in her fifties， those secrets threaten to destroy the life she has built for herself and the relationships she has formed around her。 Bessie finds herself questioning whether she can really keep these secrets hidden， and if they come to the surface， will she be forgiven？。This is one of those books i truly struggled to put down。 Amanda Prowse has such a unique way with words that really draws you in to the world in which she has created， and allows the characters within it to nestle their way in to your heart。 Each of the characters are well fleshed out and have their own complex personalities and life experiences to share along the way。 I loved how the story alternated between past and present， and the effects decisions made in her youth had in her future was fascinating。 Another absolute page turner that I will eagerly be telling others to read！。 。。。more
Vikki Bullock
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All of Amanda Prowse’s books have a message about love， family and working out how to live a fulfilling life。 I was hooked on Bessie’s journey， decision’s she makes as a young woman stay with her and she wonders about what could have been。 It’s a very real struggle， should secrets stay in the past or will sharing the truth heal Bessie’s heart？As Bessie’s burden becomes overpowering， she must find a way to happiness， or risk continuing to hurt her family and friends。 A story to warm your heart， s All of Amanda Prowse’s books have a message about love， family and working out how to live a fulfilling life。 I was hooked on Bessie’s journey， decision’s she makes as a young woman stay with her and she wonders about what could have been。 It’s a very real struggle， should secrets stay in the past or will sharing the truth heal Bessie’s heart？As Bessie’s burden becomes overpowering， she must find a way to happiness， or risk continuing to hurt her family and friends。 A story to warm your heart， search your soul and take you looking for your own answers！I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book。 All thoughts and opinions are my own。 。。。more
Molly Jaber （Cover To Cover Cafe）
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My first Amanda Prowse novel and absolutely not my last！ I don’t now what rock I’ve been hiding under but I’m out and I’m ready for more of her fantabulously talented writing。 From start to finish I devoured this novel。Bess’s story is one that is all consuming。 Once you start， you can’t stop。 You quickly become a part of her story， watching as she makes choices at a young age。 Watching as she comes full circle to face those choices from her past。 To make decisions that could ultimately change he My first Amanda Prowse novel and absolutely not my last！ I don’t now what rock I’ve been hiding under but I’m out and I’m ready for more of her fantabulously talented writing。 From start to finish I devoured this novel。Bess’s story is one that is all consuming。 Once you start， you can’t stop。 You quickly become a part of her story， watching as she makes choices at a young age。 Watching as she comes full circle to face those choices from her past。 To make decisions that could ultimately change her life。This women’s fiction is one that will be unforgettable。 It is filled with beautifully chiseled， real to life characters。 It’s filled with a moving plot line。 It carries messages of actions come with consequense， messages of acceptance and forgiveness and healing。This is definitely worth 4 stars！ It is going on my keeper shelf and you can bet that I’ll be going back to read it again and again！ Grab this one up now and see why I can’t wait to get my hands on more Prowse novels！*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Author/Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review， positive or negative。* 。。。more
Claire （c。isfor。claire_reads）
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When I was invited to be part of the tour I snapped up the chance as I absolutely adore Amanda Prowse's books and knew before I'd even read the blurb I'd love this one。 I wasn't wrong。。。。。。The story of Bessie is told via a duel timeline， which I love in a book， from 1984 when Bessie is a sixteen year old， to 2021 - some 37 years later。 From the first page I was drawn into Bessie's World。 The storyline is true to real life and so easily relatable。 I'm just few years older than the character of Be When I was invited to be part of the tour I snapped up the chance as I absolutely adore Amanda Prowse's books and knew before I'd even read the blurb I'd love this one。 I wasn't wrong。。。。。。The story of Bessie is told via a duel timeline， which I love in a book， from 1984 when Bessie is a sixteen year old， to 2021 - some 37 years later。 From the first page I was drawn into Bessie's World。 The storyline is true to real life and so easily relatable。 I'm just few years older than the character of Bessie but from perspective of a mum and now a 50+ year old it was incredibly easy to be that young Bessie at sixteen， vibrant， full of life and living for the moment without giving thought to consequences。 It summed up life as a teenager in the early 80s perfectly。 Nostalgia at its best。 A beautifully told storyline and the reflections of Bessie as a 53 year old on her teenage years so， so moving， portraying how secrets from the past can have a truly long lasting effect on a person。An absolutely wonderful read and one I'll be recommending from the rooftops。 Grab yourself a copy you won't be disappointed。 。。。more
Liz
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This is the first book I've read by Amanda Prowse。 I did enjoy the story and it being focused on Bessies 16th birthday in 1984 and then her 53rd in 2021。 Each chapter focuses on that one year so there is no risk of confusion when hearing about the trauma that has eaten away all those years。 The book was slow and for that reason it took me a while finish， it was more about a persons life with little excitement。 But in real life you do struggle and not always full of excitement， but it also highli This is the first book I've read by Amanda Prowse。 I did enjoy the story and it being focused on Bessies 16th birthday in 1984 and then her 53rd in 2021。 Each chapter focuses on that one year so there is no risk of confusion when hearing about the trauma that has eaten away all those years。 The book was slow and for that reason it took me a while finish， it was more about a persons life with little excitement。 But in real life you do struggle and not always full of excitement， but it also highlights the important moments in life and that its not always easy and sometimes you need to work but also realise you need help。Thank you to Netgallery and the publishers for providing me with ARC to leave an honest review。 。。。more
Mrs Elaine Barron
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WonderfulThis book would be amazing as a play or film - I love the way Amanda works on her characters couldn't put it down WonderfulThis book would be amazing as a play or film - I love the way Amanda works on her characters couldn't put it down 。。。more
Debbie Rozier
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This book is told in bulk on our main character， Bess’s， birthday 37 years apart。 The chapters alternate between Bess’s 16th birthday in 1984 and her 53rd birthday in 2021。 Honestly， both birthday’s are pretty crappy for Bess。In 1984， Bess begins her 16th birthday with so much excitement and anticipation。 By the time the clock strikes midnight， Bess’s world has been shattered piece by piece。In 2021， Bess begins her birthday dissatisfied with her life。 She is now an empty nester and loves but is This book is told in bulk on our main character， Bess’s， birthday 37 years apart。 The chapters alternate between Bess’s 16th birthday in 1984 and her 53rd birthday in 2021。 Honestly， both birthday’s are pretty crappy for Bess。In 1984， Bess begins her 16th birthday with so much excitement and anticipation。 By the time the clock strikes midnight， Bess’s world has been shattered piece by piece。In 2021， Bess begins her birthday dissatisfied with her life。 She is now an empty nester and loves but is jealous of her kids at the same time。Bess has a secret that she has kept from everyone but her brother for 37 years。 As decides to share that news and finally unburden herself， is it too late for her to keep her current relationships intact？I’m literally the exact same age as the main character Bess。 （If she were a real person， we would be 3 months apart in age。） This book made me reflect on the person I’ve become and the choices I’ve made over the course of the years。 I felt so bad for Bess as something that happened 37 years ago has affected her daily living and her feelings of self worth。 Bess talks about being distracted while keeping busy as her kids were growing up but she never really dealt with her secret which impacted her relationships with everyone around her。This book gave me the range of emotions from aggravated at Bess’s self pity to sadness at Bess’s feeling of stagnation。This book is so well written as it tells the story of who Bess was， who she becomes， and who she wants to be。The epilogue。。 cried like a baby， team！！ This book is heart wrenching and lighthearted at the same time which made for an amazing read。 If you want a read that teaches you the lessons of open communication， this would be perfect！ 。。。more
Vanessa
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Waiting to Begin by Amanda Prowse was just an amazing book。 I loved！ I really didn’t want it to end。 Its beautifully written and a must read。 I highly recommend this book - well all Amanda's books they are just amazing and written from the heart！Big 5 Golden stars for Waiting to beginBig Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary electronic copy of this book。 Waiting to Begin by Amanda Prowse was just an amazing book。 I loved！ I really didn’t want it to end。 Its beautifully written and a must read。 I highly recommend this book - well all Amanda's books they are just amazing and written from the heart！Big 5 Golden stars for Waiting to beginBig Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary electronic copy of this book。 。。。more
Reference
google book https://www.google.com/search?tbm=bks&q=Waiting to Begin
hathitrust digital library https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/ls?q1=Waiting to Begin&field1=ocr&a=srchls&ft=ft&lmt=ft
The British Library https://bll01.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/search?query=any,contains,Waiting to Begin&tab=LibraryCatalog&search_scope=Not_BL_Suppress&vid=44BL_INST:BLL01&lang=en&offset=0