Sunday 11 February 2018

The Food Of Love

I'm a big fan of Amanda Prowse, her books can be a little hit and miss, I do still enjoy them all but some are definitely better than others. Many involve difficult issues such as post natal depression, domestic abuse, alcoholism etc. but they're written in a sensitive way and look at the effect on the whole family.


The Food Of Love is the latest Amanda Prowse book that I've read and I think that this is one of her best, I couldn't put it down. Freya and Lockie Braithwaite have two beautiful teenage daughters, confident Charlotte and thoughful Lexie. Their home is filled with love and laughter. When Lexi's struggles with weight start to control her life, everything Freya once took for granted falls apart.

The story really brings home just what a terrible illness anorexia is. It highlights the everyday struggles of living with anorexia and the turmoil for the family too. A real eye-opener.

There are a number of words which I could use to describe this book, powerful, thought-provoking, emotional, touching, uncomfortable, educational, heart-wrenching. I usually only read in bed but I read this book at every opportunity. I thought the author researched the topic well and I became fully immersed in the story, I felt myself rushing to the end to find out what happens.

I'd definitely recommend this book. I've got another two Amanda Prowse books waiting to read on my Kindle and she's got another two out soon, I'm looking forward to reading them all.

34 comments:

  1. I look forward to reading this one, Jo. I'm currently working my way through Louise Penny's "Chief Inspector Gamache" novels -- murder-mysteries set in Canada. I can't put them down. They are true escapism and I need that to get through this brutal winter.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's great to find a book, and especially a series of books, which you can't put down. It's just what you need in the weather you're experiencing.

      Delete
  2. Thank you for the review, it sounds like a wonderfully complex book. So glad you liked it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was a fascinating insight into what it's like to live with an anorexia sufferer, a real eye opener.

      Delete
  3. I have just ordered this one from Amazon.Not an author I have read before.Thanks for recommending it.Bx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope you enjoy it. I've read most of Amanda Prowse's books now and I like her writing style. She tackles some quite complex subjects in her books.

      Delete
  4. I have heard of Amanda Prowse but never read anything by her. I really need to add her to my list of reads this year. Thanks for your review xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. These later books are more stand alone stories but I would recommend reading the earlier ones in order as some characters pop up in more than one book. I'd definitely recommend this one though.

      Delete
  5. Anorexia is a really horrible disease, I studied it at Uni. The book sounds interesting.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think we all know a certain amount about eating disorders in this day and age but this book gets down to the nitty gritty, a truly horrible thing to suffer from.

      Delete
  6. I haven't read any of her books, so I shall have to find out more about them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've been reading her books over the last few years and I look forward to any new releases, she certainly doesn't shy away from difficult topics.

      Delete
  7. I've never read her books, but the issues you say she brings up are probably more real than so many novels relate. I've known 2 or 3 people who've suffered anorexia & it is horrible. Thanks & she could be an author that I will search out at our library. Have a good week & take care.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've read lots of her books now, some are just typical love stories but I do enjoy these that deal with particular issues. Not everyone's cup of tea though.

      Delete
  8. Not an author I am familiar with, will have to look her up, thanks for the recommendation.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think you'd enjoy her books, they're quite varied in topic and some are better than others, but I do enjoy her writing style.

      Delete
  9. One of our bookclub member's daughter died last year from this, so sad. A few members have also suffered with domestic abuse in their past.
    Another 2 ladies won't read any books with child killers, as they have young kids. A minefield indeed. It's always hard to pick books for others but nice to read reviews to pick for yourself. Glad you enjoyed your book. Cathy x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How terribly sad, I can see that certain topics would be off limits for your book club. One of the things I enjoy about Amanda Prowse's books is that she looks at the subjects from different angles, families are often forgotten about but they're suffering just as much so it's interesting looking at things from this perspective.

      Delete
  10. I don’t think I’ve read one of her books, but it sounds really interesting. Yet another to add to my list xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There's so many good books out there that my list just keeps growing and growing, I add to it every time I read a good review.

      Delete
  11. This one keeps popping up on my Kindle recommend for you, but I put off reading it as i'd read a couple of her books quite close together, and as you say some are better than others.
    Since you have given it such a positive review i'll put it on my 'to read' list now, actually, it would probably fit in nicely with my chosen topic this month of domestic fiction. :-)
    have a good week Jo x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I definitely think this is one of her better ones. I've got another couple of hers still to read on my Kindle, I'm looking forward to them now after reading this one.

      Delete
  12. I have spates of reading nothing to must read and finish. Don't think I have come across the author, its nice to have a review to get you started xcx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm quite steady with my reading, I always have something on the go, though how quickly I finish a book really depends on how much I'm enjoying it.

      Delete
  13. It's good to find an author you like, but even favourite ones write not so good books occasionally. Happy reading. xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wouldn't let the not so good books put me off this author because she writes some really good ones too. I've got another two of hers on my Kindle waiting to be read so I'm looking forward to reading those now.

      Delete
  14. I really admire writes who tackle these tricky subjects and are able to find just the right mix of words to be able to convey emotion and be able to educate too.
    Lisa x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think authors are quite brave to tackle tricky subjects, there's always people out there who will disagree with certain aspects or those who will say that the author has got it wrong. I find Amanda Prowse's writing sensitive and well researched.

      Delete
  15. I've never read anything by this writer but I do believe I have one of her books in a pile upstairs - my latest haul from the second hand book stall at the dog refuge fundraiser. I'll have to see which one it is.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I buy lots of my books from charity shops, this one was a rare new one which Mick bought me for either my birthday or Christmas 2016. I hope the one you've got is one of her good ones.

      Delete
  16. I might get this book.I had the early stages of Anorexia in my teenage years,it did mess up my system big time,took about 6yrs to get me straight luckily I survived.It truly is a terrible illness.I am reading Susie Steiner " Homecoming " got it from the Library and was reading it until 2.30am !! Thanks for your lovely comments on my blankets.Huge Cuddle for Archie,do hope he is doing well.xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This book was a real eye opener for me. We hear so much about eating disorders these days but we don't realise the true horror for people living with it, or for their families. I think Homecoming must be a good book if you were reading all that time, I must look that one up. Archie's keeping well and still enjoying life.

      Delete
  17. When you can't put a book down you know It's a winner. I shall look out for this!xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I usually read in bed but this book had me gripped so, unusually for me, I read it during the day too. Definitely the sign of a good book.

      Delete