Julie Houston is one of my favourite authors, yet I struggle to fit her books into my burgeoning schedule. When I saw this title, I knew I had to read it, as it echoed the title of one of my favourite films. I am so glad I did! If you would like to read a couple of my previous reviews, please follow these links: A Class Act and Lessons in Life
I’m grateful to Rachel Gilbey of Rachel’s Random Resources for the invite and tour support, and to Boldwood Books for providing a digital copy via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. You can read my thoughts below.
Synopsis
BRAND NEW from bestselling author Julie Houston comes a powerful story of first love, long-hidden secrets and second chances. Perfect for fans of Jojo Moyes, Marian Keyes, David Nichols and Ruth Jones.
First love, long-hidden secrets and second chances.
Anna Piasecki thought she had left her university heartbreak behind. After spending decades building a successful life, she arrives at sixty with everything as she wants it – a glittering career, a devoted partner and brightest star of all, her brilliant son Noah, the apple of her eye.
Theo Mandeville is trapped. Bound by aristocratic duty to his sprawling Yorkshire estate, he has spent decades living the life that was expected of him while regretting the star-crossed romance he walked away from.
When their children meet at college, Anna and Theo suddenly find their carefully constructed lives colliding. With a devastating forty-year-old secret hanging over them, can their families survive the truth and do they dare to trust that fate has other plans for them?
Spanning decades, The Way We Are Now is a sweeping, heartwarming and life-affirming tale of first love, friendship and second chances.
Review
The Way We Are Now is a stunning story of star-crossed lovers and missed opportunities. I absolutely loved everything about it. Sweeping through the decades, I was enthralled by Anna and Theo’s story.
Initially set against the backdrop of the Miners’ Strike and emerging from the spectre of the Yorkshire Ripper, the storyline was atmospheric. It was easy to revisit that scary period of my youth and re-examine my own experiences.
With a title nod to Streisand and Redford in The Way We Were, it was impossible not to imagine Katie and Hubbell as I read. The chemistry between Anna and Theo was scorching, but I knew theirs would be a hard-won happy ending.
Julie Houston has created a stunning book which swept me away. The opposites-attract elements were carefully handled, and the glimpses of their past lives felt real.
I loved both characters but felt particularly drawn to Anna’s story arc. Her strong socialist ethos was beautifully contrasted with Theo’s privileged upbringing. Yet, despite their differences, there was more than enough common ground to draw them together.
I have no desire to include spoilers, so I will stick to the restraints of the synopsis. However, I can promise you that this book will have you turning the pages, eager to see how their stories unfold.
Julie Houston, this needs to be a film!
Author Bio
Julie Houston is the author of 17 best-selling Women’s contemporary/Romantic Comedy novels. Represented by Anne Williams at KHLA Literary Agency, she was previously published by Aria/Head of Zeus but now writes for Boldwood. She has had UK top 100 selling books and Looking for Lucy hit the number 1 spot in Australia. Sing me a Secret was shortlisted for, and won, the Popular Romantic Fiction Award in 2021.
Julie is Yorkshire born and bred and lives in Huddersfield where her novels are set. After University, where she studied Education and English Literature, she taught for many years as a junior schoolteacher. After teaching for a few years, she decided to go to New Zealand to work and taught in Auckland for a year before coming back to this country. She now teaches when the phone rings to cover absent colleagues and still loves the buzz of teaching junior-aged children.
Julie is married with a son and daughter, both in their twenties and now living in London. She has been a magistrate on the West Yorkshire bench for the last twenty-four years.
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