Paper Swans by Jessica Thompson

Published on 31st July 2014 by Coronet, an imprint of Hodder & Stoughton.

Book Description:

Ben Lawrence seems to have it all - the hot job, the flashy car, the luxurious apartment. But one tragic day in his past mars his future.

Since the events of that day he hasn't truly got close to anyone.

He made a promise that love was the price he would pay for his mistakes.

When Effy Jones - a bright, ambitious charity founder - walks into the PR firm where Ben works, neither realise that their lives are about to be turned upside down.

Paper Swans tells of how love can conquer all, and how when everything is broken one person can help to put the pieces together...

My Thoughts:

Firstly I would like to say, this is not the typical type of book I would pick up. Anything that says 'Learning to love again' on the cover, makes me worry. However I was drawn in by the beautiful cover and I am pleased to say that I was not disappointed.

Essentially this is a love story told predominantly through the Characters of  Ben and Effy. Who are both as equally emotionally scarred as they are successful. I liked them both in equal measure. They both possess in droves that Fight or Flight instinct that is inside all of us.

This book touches on Mental Health issues, which is a subject close to my heart. I found the points raised to be realistic, and well researched. It has been beautifully done and I am impressed as I believe more needs to be done to banish the stigma attached to Mental Health. Important point raised in this book is that when it comes to issues of the mind, nobody is discriminated against. It could be you, it could be me. In this case it is Ben.

This book could have been such a cliche, overly romantic or a bit sugary for my tastes. I am pleased to say that it wasn't any of those things. Although I found the ending a little predictable it did not spoil my enjoyment in any way. In fact if the ending had been different I think I would have been disappointed. 

It is the first time I have come across this author, and I am now keen to seek out her other books.

About the Author:

Jessica Thompson lives in London. She was born in Yorkshire in the late eighties. She has also lived in France and Kent. Her debut novel This is a Love Story was published in 2012 and her second novel Three Little Words was published in 2013.

http://jessicathompsonbooks.com/

Jessica can be found on Twitter: @jthompsonauthor

Many thanks to Hodder & Stoughton and Bookbridgr for sending me my copy for review.