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Love is Possible
Hold Me follows a woman diagnosed with fibromyalgia who has put her life on hold for years and now questions her future after reuniting with a man from her past. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Due to this story being set in the village of Greengrove, where all my books are currently set, I wanted Dawn to meet someone from her past who was better than someone she went to school with. That way they shared a past but not enough that they knew each other too much. I also wanted to show that people with conditions such as fibromyalgia are just as capable of falling in love and being in relationships as long as they have someone who understands them and their condition.
Who is your favorite character to write for and why?
My favourite changes with every book. For this book, I think Debbie was my favourite because she was the sister that you would love to have supportive but annoying, strong but loving and funny.
Is there anything from your own life included in Dawn and Connor’s experiences?
I have Fibromyalgia so when I wrote Dawn’s experience of it I had to use a lot of mine from being diagnosed to falling over and cuddling the concrete to the shower pin pricking me as the water runs down on me. I wanted it to be as realistic as possible but I knew that everyones fibromyalgia can be different so I was mindful of that.
Can fans look forward to a fourth installment in the Greengrove series? Where will it take readers?
Yes there will be a fourth installment of the Greengrove Series it’s called Second Chances and I am writing it now it is Debbie’s (Dawn’s twin sister) story and how she accidentally bumps into the man who broke her heart in London while she was there for a weekend away. Only it turns out that things are not as simple as that.
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Dawn had lived in Greengrove all her life. Love had never been a priority in her mind. She had plenty of time for that, especially after watching her twin sister Debbie fall in love and have her heart shattered. Why would you put yourself through that?
For the past few years, Dawn has been suffering from ill health. Being given a diagnosis was a double-edged sword. Yes, they now knew what was wrong with her, but now she feels useless. All those things that she had put on hold may now not happen. Falling in love and having children is no longer a possibility. Who would want to stick around with her now?
But a chance meeting with one boy she went to school with proves her wrong. Can she believe he could love her and her broken body?
Hold Me (A Greengrove Novel)
Helen Kelly’s Hold Me: A Greengrove Novel is an intimate and touching exploration of life’s challenges, resilience, and relationships within the small-town setting of Greengrove. Through the intertwined stories of Dawn and Connor, the novel delves into themes of chronic illness, personal rediscovery, and community connection, all underpinned by the comforting yet dynamic rhythms of village life. Dawn’s journey with fibromyalgia and Connor’s commitment to balancing duty and personal growth anchor the story with realism and depth.
What struck me most about Hold Me was its emotional authenticity. Kelly masterfully captures Dawn’s struggles with her chronic illness, painting a vivid picture of her physical pain and emotional turmoil. The spoon theory—used to symbolize limited energy—was woven into the narrative with clarity and care. Dawn’s sister Debbie’s persistence to push her out of her comfort zone, particularly with the choir, was heartwarming.
The writing also shines when exploring the quieter yet equally profound moments of connection between characters. Connor’s warmth and sense of responsibility as he helps Jane and Dawn after choir practice, or when he reflects on his father’s legacy, adds layers to his character. His scenes often left me smiling, especially his banter with James about joining the choir. Kelly’s ability to balance levity with earnestness—as seen in Connor’s conversations—keeps the narrative engaging without feeling heavy-handed.
By the end, I felt uplifted and hopeful, which is a testament to Kelly’s skill in addressing heavy topics with grace. Hold Me is a book for anyone seeking a heartfelt story about perseverance and the power of community. It will particularly resonate with readers navigating their own challenges or those who enjoy character-driven tales set in charming, close-knit communities. Helen Kelly reminds us through Dawn and Connor’s journeys that vulnerability can lead to strength and that the smallest steps forward are often the most meaningful.
Pages: 288 | ISBN : 978-1739607463
Heartbroken
New Beginnings follows a heartbroken man who, after discovering his wife’s affair with his best friend, moves to a new city to start over. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I needed David to have been hurt previously so that he could make a new start and could sympathize with Jane when Peter started to treat her badly.
I enjoyed the romantic relationship between David and Jane. How did their relationship develop while you were writing it? Did you have an idea of where you wanted to take it, or was it organic?
I knew I wanted David and Jane to be together, but a number of things happened to them along the way. For instance, David’s ex-wife showing up happened while I was writing, and that wasn’t planned at all.
Your novel is more than just a love story; it is a journey of self-discovery for both main characters. What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to show that men could be hurt by love as well. It isn’t just women that have to pick themselves up when things go wrong in a marriage or relationship. I also wanted Jane to come across as someone who was realizing that she was a strong, independent woman.
What is the next book in the Greengrove series that you are working on, and when will it be available?
The next book I am working on is called Hold Me and is Debbie and Connor’s Story. I am hoping that this one will be out early next year.
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Left broken hearted and with the inheritance from his parents David decides to move to Greengrove where his one and only true friend left lives. Opening his own restaurant was risky but this time he was living his life the way he wanted to. It was hard work but with a good team behind him and a wonderful support network he realised that this was everything he ever wanted.
A chance meeting at James’s engagement party changes everything and it shows him that there is more to life than working and that, maybe this time, things could be different. He wants the woman of his dreams but is she ready for him?
New Beginnings (A Greengrove Novel)
New Beginnings by Helen C. Kelly intertwines the journeys of Jane and David in a story of resilience, love, and personal growth. Jane, emerging from a broken engagement, bravely embraces a fresh start. As her path crosses with David’s, he becomes a charming love interest and a source of support and transformation. Through a fateful encounter at an engagement party, David’s perspective shifts, leading him to recognize the value of joy and love beyond professional success. Together, their stories weave a narrative of strength, second chances, and the pursuit of happiness.
The narrative is engaging and emotive, drawing readers into the characters’ lives and emotions. The chapters are well-structured, and the use of dual perspectives offers a deeper connection to both Jane and David. While the book starts at a measured pace, it meticulously sets the stage for Jane’s transformation. The story’s rich detail helps immerse readers into the world and emotions of the characters, enhancing the overall reading experience.
The exploration of relationships, personal development, and resilience is commendable in this work. The portrayal of David’s character, although not as overtly dramatic as some may expect, still serves to showcase Jane’s journey toward self-discovery. The dynamic between David and his family provides a unique angle, shedding light on their loyalty while also hinting at the complexities of family dynamics. The progression of Jane and David’s relationship, although seemingly swift, is a testament to their emotional connection. Lacy resonates with readers who appreciate the complexities of human emotions.
New Beginnings by Helen C. Kelly offers readers a captivating and heartwarming exploration of resilience, love, and the transformative power of embracing fresh starts. With its relatable characters, engaging narrative, and themes of personal growth, the book presents a compelling journey that reverberates with the human experience. Whether you’re drawn to stories of second chances, the healing journey after heartbreak, or the enchantment of newfound love, this book delivers an inspiring and uplifting tale that will leave you turning its pages long into the night.
Pages: 242 | ISBN : 1739607430
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