Noticed another reviewer mentioned she disliked the way RJ often leaves the endings off words, ie, "nothin" instead of "nothing and "somethin", not "something". It is possible to empathise with each of them in some way but also to despair of any forgiveness for the irresponsible Alys. The 103 third parties who use cookies on this service do so for their purposes of displaying and measuring personalized ads, generating audience insights, and developing and improving products. Is she strong enough to reach out to her wayward daughter, now seventy years old, and heal the rift?

The novel is set in Jones’s beloved Wales, and scattered with Welsh terms of endearment, which adds to the sensation of reading it wrapped in a comfort blanket. But Grace’s granddaughter, Elin, is also estranged from Alys and any reconciliation will cause huge problems in the family. It is such a well written book, with the characters being fully formed and believable, it had me rooting for the best outcome for them all. It is a joy-filled, life-affirming, sob-inducing novel – with characters you’ll come to know and love – from no. I particularly liked the dynamic Soozi, Beca’s friend, a talented singer who says what she thinks, usually accompanied by swearing.Ruth Jones, you smashed this book, this was my first book I’ve read by Ruth, I’ll be going back to read the rest. Sounded too familiar - as I was the great-granddaughter in my family until I lost my great-nan when I was 24, I just had to read this to see how the dynamics worked between the 4! It is a story that tenderly portrays a broken family, outlining the complexities that define history, with an ending that is both heart-breaking, yet uplifting at the same time.

She has no idea quite what will happen next and whatever it is, it is sure to cause trouble in the family. Each character was realistic and I have fallen in love with Grace , she is such a strong woman and as a Welsh woman myself , I see a lot of my own grandmothers in her.

P'haps because I'm Welsh myself I can identify with her characters and the use of certain colloquialisms. Thoughtful hug in a box care packages and gifts for every occasion, hand packed, beautifully gift wrapped and delivered directly to their door. Everyone thinks they know the truth, but they are all keeping secrets, will Grace's party be a joyous reunion or a day of tears and recriminations?