The Choice by Penny Hancock BLOG TOUR #TheChoice @pennyhancock @MantleBooks @panmacmillan @RandomTTOurs #BookReview

 

An estranged daughter. A missing grandson. A mother faced with an impossible choice.

Renee Gulliver appears to have it all: a beautiful house overlooking a scenic estuary on England’s East Coast, a successful career as a relationship therapist, three grown-up children, and a beloved grandson, Xavier. But then Xavier vanishes after Renee fails to pick him up from school, and the repercussions are manifold.

Renee is wracked with remorse; the local community question her priorities, clients abandon her; and, as long-held grievances surface, her daughter Mia offers her a heartbreaking ultimatum. Amid recriminations, misunderstandings and lies, can Renee find a way to reunite her family?

The Choice by Penny Hancock was published on 21 July 2022 by Mantle Books / Pan Macmillan. My thanks to the publisher who sent my copy as part of this #RandomThingsTours Blog Tour 

It's been a long time since I read a book by Penny Hancock, and have to admit that I have a couple of her books still on my shelf, waiting to be read. I really should rectify that soon. 

The Choice is a emotional story featuring family drama and long held secrets. We meet Renee, a woman who appears, on the surface to have it all.  A long marriage to Tobias, a thriving career as a therapist, an amazing house and three adult children. The real love of her life is Xavier, her beloved grandson. She didn't really know love until Xavier appeared. 

One day, Renee forgets to collect Xavier from school, and it is this event that paves the way for the drama to follow. First, why did Renee forget her most treasured Xavier, what on earth could she have been thinking about? And then, she suddenly becomes the most hated person around. Friends, neighbours and even family become her enemies 

I was so impressed by the author's ability to get to the heart of the issues, creating a story that will leave the reader in tatters at times. Despite Renee's failing, it is very difficult not to empathise with her as issues come to the surface. It's a talented author who can show all sides of a character and get her readers on board so very well. 

A thought-provoking story that looks at how actions can have consequences for a very long time. It is enthralling and compelling. Complex issues dealt with tenderly and compassionately. A story to savour and to remember. 

Penny Hancock was born in London. She is the author of internationally bestselling novels and writes articles and short stories on family psychology for the national press. Penny divides her time between a village outside Cambridge and her children and grandchildren in London.

The Choice is her fifth novel.

www.pennyhancock.com

Twitter @pennyhancock

Instagram @pennyhancock1