When you find yourself at the lowest…

Synopsis

When you suddenly find yourself loveless and penniless, how on earth do you make it through? An emotional but ultimately uplifting story of one woman’s struggles to get by, and the special someone who brings hope and happiness to light up her world…

My review

Jen has always been the kind of woman who didn’t have any worry. Even during her marriage with Jake, she never had to worry about money, as Jake took care of everything.
But when Jake tells her that things are over, and after a drunk spending fee, Jen quickly realizes that life isn’t as easy when every penny counts, especially with a young son to look after.
Her troubles only seem to increase, just like her feelings of shame… But isn’t there always a rainbow after the storm, even in the most unexpected ways? 

I have loved each new story of the Little Duck Pond Café series, but perhaps for me, this one was the most heart-breaking, realistic and recognizable one. 

It was easy to understand how Jen found things so obvious, as at a younger age, she was her father’s favourite child and now her husband Jake was looking after their financials.
Even the marriage itself with Jake seemed that Jen took for granted, even if she were truly honest, there would have been a few signals… 

So when Jen finds herself on her own, with her son Luke, it’s not a big surprise that she is struggling to keep her head above water.
It broke my heart to see her having setback after setback and not finding a way to get out of her downward spiral.
As an outsider and as a reader, I was telling Jen all the time to reach out for help, as her family and her friends wouldn’t doubt to help her out.
But somehow, I also understood her reluctance and her shame. Not that I have been in her shoes, and hopefully never will, but I can see it’s not easy to admit your problems… 

Yet I also admired her positivism and determination in a way, as she doesn’t want to let Luke see how not well things are going… Her first priority is and will always be Luke’s happiness, even if that means that she will have to eat the same pasta for days. 

It was clear in this story that bad things can happen to anyone of us, and that it can be a very deep fall.
But what stood out even more, is that help can be found in very different ways, expected and not.
Clara’s behaviour as a friend did not surprise me at all, as I knew from before what a marvellous person she is.
Yet it warmed my heart to see and realize how many people there are around to help out, to help complete strangers, even those who won’t admit that their help is much needed and appreciated.
It’s that altruism that truly makes the world a better place… 

However, where there is altruism, there is egoism, and one shocking revelation truly left me flabbergasted, as I did not see that one coming! 

Obviously there is also something for us romance – lovers in this book, but that wasn’t the main focus. Yes, it’s wonderful to see how Jen opens her heart slowly again, but I see it more as a kind of reward at the end for everything she has been through.
Jen’s journey changed her, made her also realize what she wanted to do in her life, and her new choices made her meet new people and gave her a new chance at love. 

And also in this instance, the altruism, the need to do the right thing, shows us how many wonderful people there are around us, caring about not only other people, but also about the lives of animals, bringing me even to tears, seeing how much love there can be between humans and animals. And that love is love in its purest kind… 

This was all over again a great story to read, not always an easy one, but great anyway. The author shows us how easy the tables can be turned, for anyone.
But it also shows that admitting you’re struggling is not something to be ashamed of, as that is just life…
However, it’s always important to keep in mind that one day things will change again, with the help of everyone around you. And when that change happens, you’ll appreciate everything and everyone all the more and you’ll appreciate the love even more!