Broken Country (Reese's Book Club) Hardcover – 4 Mar. 2025

There has been so much hype around Broken Country and I can confirm it is all deserved! Set in 1968, a tragic farm accident results in Beth’s childhood sweetheart Gabriel coming back into her life with his young son Leo. Beth is married to Frank and despite hardships, they are solid and in love. But as Beth starts spending time with Leo, she starts again to feel the attraction she had for Gabriel when they were teenagers in 1955. The chapters are split over both timelines, with also an odd chapter thrown in that cover a trial in the Old Bailey in which someone has died.The characters in this are outstanding - I loved Frank especially but I also enjoyed Beth’s voice as she changes her life's dream of being a poet to becoming a farmers wife. The story is perfectly paced and I liked the two timelines and the detail of what farming work is like. I would say this might be my book of the year so far which means I’m not writing a very good review! It really is a very special book which has everything - historical fiction, romance, emotion and some mystery. Just trust me when I say, it is brilliant.

This isn't a book I would have picked myself in a bookshop as I try to avoid reading books that have had quite a bit of hype. I'm glad I read it though.It is a very moving and heartbreaking story of love, loss, betrayal and forgiveness taking place in a close-knit community in Dorset. For some reason, probably because of the title, I thought it would be set in the States. I'm not sure why the author chose this title as, to me, it doesn't really relate to the story. If you have any idea why, I'm all earsI enjoyed the two timelines around Beth and her family's life, set in the 1950s and late 1960s. The story was very well written as were the characters. Frank, Beth's husband, was my favourite: a quiet but resigned man, who would do anything for Beth and his brother Jimmy. I wasn't keen on Gabriel. He seemed to me so entitled and superior to others.

Hyped books sometimes make me feel a bit apprehensive, will I love it like the majority do or will I be underwhelmed!One of the biggest supporters @nic_thebookworm for this book kept saying you have to read this now but I was saving it for when I was on leave over Easter.I can safely say I loved it! I was actually overwhelmed by how much I fell for this book. I read this nearly 2 weeks ago and still think about it!Stunning from start to finish, everything was sublime from the plot, the characters, the scene setting, the storytelling, the different genres weaved in the story (historical, mystery, romance) the execution.The pain and joy of love through was captured perfectly and was very moving.Broken Country will be a top book for me this year, and of all time. This deserves all the accolades, a truly phenomenal book.If this is on your tbr, move it to first place, you won’t regret it, just have the tissues ready, Broken Country will take a piece of your heart!

I think I've just found my new all time favourite book. That was the most beautiful, emotional, raw story.The writing style is so beautiful, the way the story unfolds is so clever, the way this book makes you feel. I started this book hesitantly and loved it straight away, the writing completely drew me in. I was so worried i would read it too quick and then wish i'd had longer to experience it, but I wanted to read more all the time.I went through every wave of emotion in this book, as I believe the author intended. I loved the book, then got frustrated and thought I'd end up disappointed, then loved it even more. I closed the book with tears falling down my face.I can't even explain why or how this book is as incredible as it is, you just need to read it.I will be gifting this book to everyone.Read this book.

A beautiful story of teenage love and how distance can break up the strongest relationships. A beautiful story of parental love, which cannot be broken even by death.A good book, not a great book. But definitely worth reading.

When a book grabs you from the start, when it is brilliantly written with believable, wonderful characters, when you cry because it’s near the last page and you know you are going to miss reading it….. that’s when you know it’s a great book!Trust me, you will absolutely love this one!

I went into this completely blind after seeing all the rave reviews, and in my head, I imagined it to be set in America with a 'The Roanoke Girls' type vibe but less sinister. Well, it definitely wasn't America. It was little old dorset.I loved the alternating timelines of Beths past and present, and I definitely wanted to get lost in the story. I found it very easy to get into and keep turning the pages, but unfortunately, it just didn't hit for me. I was expecting more. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it, and it was well written, but I don't think I connected to it the way others have.There were a few things revealed that I could see coming a mile away, and I know it's not a thriller so they weren't twists as such, and it wasn't really the point to shock, but it was all a little predictable and it just didn't feel that deep. Even the parts that were meant to be emotional didn't hit.It was all very 'oh that's it' at the end.I know I'm in the minority here as I've only seen good reviews.I'm glad I read it, but I'm also glad I bought it in the Kindle deals.Sorry, I just didn't get the hype.3⭐️

What a wonderful book! I don’t usually write reviews but I had to write one for this book! Such a moving story with so many unexpected twists and turns. I read this book cover to cover in 4 days! I couldn’t put it down! This book will will certainly move you emotionally!