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The Secret Life of Beatrice Alright by Brooke Harris

Synopsis /

Beatrice Alright is the queen of silver linings. She can find a spark of hope in any situation. Even when her partner delivers earth-shattering news that leaves Bea and their four-year-old, Ellie, without a home, she refuses to panic.

Because Bea believes that what she does have is more important β€� her job at St Helen’s Hospital, which offers a warm, dry shelter for her and Ellie to stay while she figures things out. By day Bea cleans the wards, by night she tucks her daughter into bed between mops and buckets.

And tries so hard to hold on to hope.

When Bea sees an old man sitting on a cold and lonely bench outside the hospital, she really doesn’t have time to stop. She should be clearing up her own mess, not worrying about this cantankerous stranger. But Bea can’t help herselfβ€�

As she slowly starts to draw out Malcolm’s heartbreaking story, could this simple act of kindness begin to heal a decades-old pain? And might finding peace for Malcolm help Bea in ways she didn’t even know she needed?


My Thoughts /

First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and author, Brooke Harris for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review. Publication date is currently set for February 07, 2025.

I have a favourite t-shirt which I wear all the time around the house; it's a little old and well worn, and on the front are just two words � "BE KIND". And every time I wear it, it's a reminder that kindness costs us nothing to give but might mean the world to the intended recipient.

Some stories you read just sock you right in the feels and this one did that to me.

I cried. I laughed. I felt sad. I felt happy. I felt angry and frustrated. At times, I wanted to shake Bea vigorously and shout 'wake up to yourself!' and others, I just wanted to hug her so tightly and not let her go and tell her it will get better. This character driven novel will have you reaching for the tissues; so stock up generously before you read this.

As you might have already guessed from the book's title, the story revolves around a young woman whose name is Beatrice Alright. At the start of the story the reader learns that Beatrice (Bea) is living with her partner, Declan, and their four-year-old daughter, Ellie. Although Bea and Ellie don't see as much of Declan as they'd like (he's a pilot and is away quite a lot), Bea is happy with their relationship and, with the addition of Ellie, has come to think of the three of them as a happy little family unit.

But Bea's happy family bubble bursts spectacularly one night, when, in the lead up to Christmas, Declan drops the bombshell that he's leaving Bea and Ellie, he no longer wants anything to do with either of them. And, that same night, as Declan turns his back on them and walks away, Bea is left wondering how she's going to cope financially to keep her head above water.

As a character, Beatrice Alright always looks on the bright side; always looks at the silver linings; and, ever the optimist, always finds a spark of joy in any dark situation. Bea is empathetic and loving - a caring soul with a huge heart. But sometimes, life conspires against us, and it seems that no matter how hard you try or how hard you work, you can't seem to catch a break. I'm reminded of that saying 'when one door closes, another door opens'. Well a door's about to open for you Bea!!

There are plenty of posted reviews which go into the plot in more detail than I have so you can read these at your leisure. Life can change for us in one second � in one moment our lives have the potential to be upended. Are you ready for that? Could you cope? It's scary just to think how quickly your life could change.

I loved the author's portrayal of her characters. I felt a connection to all of them.

As much as I'd like to think I'm a lone wolf, I realise that as humans we have been evolutionary wired to crave social connection. Evolution has hardwired us to thrive in groups. Groups provide support, protection and a sense of belonging and feeling connected to others improves both our mental and physical health. It's a win/win. Oh dear, it looks as though I might have to get off the couch and go talk to people!!!!

If you enjoy character driven novels then I highly recommend you add this to your TBR now! This has been my first book by this author and I feel to blessed to have been given an early copy to read. I will definitely be checking out her backlist. There will be more Brooke Harris book reviews in my future.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Storm Publishing for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for February 07, 2025.