Book Description:
A poignant and inspiring story from multi-million-copy bestselling author Amanda Prowse about how it’s never too late to follow your dreams and find your way back to happiness.
Tawrie Gunn feels stuck. She’s spent her whole life in the same seaside town with her beloved Nana and grief-stricken mum, all of them still reeling in different ways from the tragic loss of Tawrie’s dad at sea. Desperate for a change, she challenges herself to take up wild swimming—every morning, no excuses, from March till September.
Daring to take the plunge with the ‘Peacock Swimmers’, Tawrie feels alive in a way she’s never known. Suddenly it seems she might be able to step outside her comfort zone after all and let life surprise her—perhaps even dream of a future beyond the shores of Ilfracombe? Especially when, one day, she spots a man in a pink linen shirt who seems as eager for a new start as she does.
But it turns out taking risks on land is a little different from wading into the sea. Can Tawrie face her fears head-on and find her way to happiness? She knows it’s never too late to pursue your hopes and dreams, but it might be easier said than done…
My Thoughts:
The story flicks between Tawrie in the present day and Harriet in the early 2000’s. I wasn’t quite sure what the connection was between these two women but was more than happy to wait and found out.
Tawrie is in her late twenties and due to the dynamics of her family, she is letting life go by and given up on her hopes and dreams. I really felt for this woman who has so much to live for but is being held back by her past. In some ways, joining the Peacock Swimmers club, gives her a purpose and have to say I am in total awe of people that go and swim in the sea whatever the weather!
The setting of the small coastal town was picturesque. I loved the close community feel and there are lots of great characters we get to meet along the way like the other members of the swimming club, all two of them! Tawrie’s cousin Connie and the loveable Needle who you can’t fault for never giving up on his dreams!
Swimming to Lundy deals with some sensitive topics such as addiction, grief and infidelity. The author writes it with such warmth that had me laughing in part as well as crying. It shows us that no matter what happens in life, never to give up on our dreams. There is just something about this author’s novels that connects with me and never fails to leave me feeling lighter and positive. A wonderful book full of wit, family, love that leaves you feeling empowered!
My thanks to Anne Cater for inviting me to be part of the blog tour. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Amanda Prowse is a multi-million bestselling author who has published more than 30 novels and one of the most prolific writers of contemporary fiction in the UK today.
Crowned ‘the queen of family drama’ by the Daily Mail, she writes about life’s challenges – from heartbreak and loss to dysfunctional
family dynamics – but also about the pockets of delight that can be found in our relationships with others, often when we need
them most.
Amanda is known for her relatable characters, emotionally compelling plots, and the sense of connection that readers feel with her stories.
She is an ambassador for The Reading Agency and feels passionately about supporting other women, spending as much time as possible outdoors (preferably by the sea!) and her family.
Published by
