When broken people find each other in an unexpected place and way

Synopsis

Two people are about to take off on a journey that could change their whole lives…

As the plane surges up into the clouds, Stevie finds herself clutching the hand of the stranger sitting in the seat next to her.

It is a moment that will change everything. But Ned is heading to see his dying mother, and Stevie is returning to France to escape a terrible loss in her past. Neither of them can think about that tiny flame that just flickered between them.

But then their paths keep crossing, leading them both to the same beautiful community garden in a small French village; run by a mysterious old man named Zeke – a man with many of his own secrets.

As it becomes clear that fate is going to keep bringing them together – the two of them have to ask – are they ready for a happy-ever-after? Do they even know how to find it?

As the seeds grow into plants and flowers all around them, Stevie begins to wonders if Zeke – and his garden – might just have the answers…

The Making Of Us is a heart-warming, uplifting novel about love, heartbreak, and living your truest life. Perfect for fans of Lucy Diamond, Beth Moran, and Nicholas Sparks.

My review

After losing her parents in a terrible accident, Stevie finds herself flying back to a small French village, to feel closer to them and hoping to lose that feeling of loneliness. While gripped by fear on the plane, she meets Ned, who is going back for the celebration of his mother’s birthday, only to have his world falling into pieces right after the party. Just as Fate seems to be interfering, Stevie and Ned keep on crossing paths, and slowly getting to know each other much better. But at the same time, Stevie and Ned also meet Zeke and Fay. Zeke, who is responsible for the allotments, letting people grown their own vegetables, with the knowledgeable help of Zeke. But Zeke also believes not only in paying it forward, but also in signs. Thus, him crossing paths with Fay is for sure a sign. Because Fay just flew over from London, at loss and not having a purpose or an understanding man… Each person is at loss for their own specific reason. But with their lives suddenly connecting and changing forever…

Whenever I pick up a Debbie Howells’ book, I know that I will be in a whirlwind of emotions. And while I thought I was mentally prepared for it, I just wasn’t…

As I count myself lucky and blessed that my parents are still around, I could only try to imagine the heartbreak Stevie has endured. Not only because losing her parents is a terrible event, but also the way it happened was a devastating one. And it for sure explained her fear of flying.

Fear that clearly sparks from the pages, as Ned isn’t unaware of Stevie’s turmoil on the flight to France.

Now, I have to admit that I am one of those people that want to be left alone in moments of distress, and I think that if I were in Stevie’s shoes, I would bite off Ned’s head, no matter how well – intended his actions are. But that is just me, and if Stevie would act like I would, well, then we wouldn’t have this story to read, right? 😊

Ned starts in this book with big dreams and not that many complications in life. Of course his dream of making it in the music scene, is a real big one, and many before him have failed and many after him will.

But after meeting Stevie, slowly his world is falling apart, as the rock of his family, his lovely mother, has the worst kind of news to tell her children.

While Stevie slowly tries to pick up the pieces of her broken life, it’s Ned’s life that is falling apart. And even if Ned isn’t the kind of person of taking about his emotions and feelings, somehow, being with the right person, he is able to open up in the most wonderful ways to Stevie.

While the focus is mainly on Stevie and Ned, we also get to know Zeke and Fay. And we see how a place, no matter how foreign it is, can truly feel like a home. But in this book we also see that finding that home, or accepting it as ‘home’, can be a real struggle. And it’s about people accepting you in their community, without prejudice, just like Zeke does at his age. It’s also about paying it forward, kindness, and just helping people out.

Zeke for sure is a force of nature, as he does how he pleases, but in a good way. He somehow has this wisdom in him, an overall knowledge and turns out to be person everyone goes to for some words of advice, not only concerning how to grow vegetables but also in general terms.

This book shows us that no matter age you are, you can always come home, wherever that may be. And just like with Fay, even with grown – up children, it’s never too late to come to life again. 

Sometimes a change of scenery is needed to make a change in yourself.

I found this a truly heart – warming story in so many ways. Of course there are a few heartbreaking moments, yet that is all part of the journey our characters are in. We see every one of them grow so much in this story, not only learning more about themselves, but also about each other, and the amazing community they found a home in.

Debbie Howells truly once again captivated me with this wonderful, strong book, about people struggling in life but mainly finding each other in those most difficult moment. And how meeting a few people can make the greatest change in your life!