5 Stars from me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What an absolute journey this book is – it has everything you would expect from the calibre of someone like Ruth Jones and I was utterly and deeply immersed throughout.
There is so much humanity in these pages and the dual timelines complemented each other beautifully, as the story metered out love, loss, hope and heartbreak.
I enjoyed following Linda Standish, she had an interesting job and a refreshing take on life – her path had been far from smooth but she appeared so very likeable and I was rooting for her throughout.
Then there’s Levi’s story – goodness me what a wonderful man he was and yet what sadness he endured.
Can’t praise this enough, an absolutely delightful and thoroughly engaging read that I found incredibly hard to put down. Full of all that makes life special, and with many moments that touched my heart.
My thanks to NetGalley, the author and Random House UK for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Blurb: The joyful and life-affirming new novel from the BAFTA-winning co-creator of Gavin and Stacey and the Richard and Judy Book Club author of Love Untold.
Linda and Levi will never meet. But they’re going to change each other’s lives.
In her role at the council’s Unclaimed Heirs Unit, Linda Standish investigates the lives of those who’ve died alone and tracks down any living relatives. She’s been a friend to the friendless for the past thirty-three years. And now she’s looking forward to an early retirement.
But before she hangs up her lanyard, Linda takes on one last case – that of Levi Norman – a Welshman who made his home on a remote Scottish island for the past five years.
What brought Levi here? And who did he leave behind? Obliged to travel (by hearse) with her arch nemesis Fergus Murray, and helped (and hindered) by local residents, Linda searches for clues to a life now lost. And in the process unexpectedly makes new friends, and discovers things about herself she never knew.
Bursting with all the heart and humour that has made Ruth’s name as a screenwriter and author, By Your Side is about finding joy in the most unlikely connections, and the importance of holding onto friendship, love and community – especially when life gets messy.
Read and Rated 