Holly was devastated after the death of her husband. They couldn’t have children so she is now trying to find a new purpose to focus upon. She starts to volunteer at a cafe for homeless people and tries to heal herself by helping others…
The Saturday Place is an emotional yet feel-good book about finding hope during the darkest times.
Holly is almost overwhelmed by grief for her late husband. She finds a new purpose by helping out at a cafe where the other volunteers as well as the clients have their own issues to contend with. In particular Angus and Lauren make Holly think about the aspects of her life that she should be thankful for, and inspire her to want to make a positive difference.
There are some big emotional issues covered in this book. Holly is dealing with her grief as well as her childlessness. Angus is despairing at the collapse of his marriage. Lauren is living in a shelter and has obviouslty experienced trauma. Many peripheral characters have mental health needs, are homeless, or face adversity.
Despite the heaviness of the emotional turmoil experienced by the main characters, there is an underlying hope that shines through the pages. The capacity of the human spirit to want to help others is highlighted whilst they try to move on from their own pain. The characters were authentically written and I felt invested in their converging plotlines.
The Saturday Place is a heartbreaking and heartwarming novel.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
‘A tender story of hope, friendship and the power of community.’ – Emily Houghton author of Before I Saw You
‘A warm, wise and really special book… I absolutely loved it.’ – Katy Regan author of Little Big Love
Three perfect strangers who help each other to believe in love again
Holly’s husband died, and she’s lonely. She needs to do something to save herself, quickly. Next thing she knows she’s interviewing for a voluntary cooking job, surprised to be ambushed by a scruffy man who looks like he has a past.
Angus has messed up. He’s lost the respect of his family and has none for himself. If it weren’t for his brother and friend who run the café, he’d be sleeping on the streets. Angus is about ready to give up – until he meets Holly, who sparks something in him.
Then Lauren arrives from the homeless shelter. She came to London with nothing but an old train ticket, a teddy bear, and the clothes on her back. With no family, no home, no friends, she doesn’t know what love is. People scare her. She’s terrified of Angus and Holly. At first.
Each of them finds themselves in the Saturday café at a time when they need something to grab hold of. It might have to be each other…
