What does it mean to be: By Your Side (by Ruth Jones)

My thoughts:

I really loved this book. It took just a little while to engage me but once I was hooked, I kept reading until close to the end. I then slowed down because I didn’t want to finish the book; this is because I just wanted to spend more time with these characters.

The plot is unique. Linda, who is middle aged, has the job of looking after what needs to be done when someone dies and a relative or other party cannot be found. In this instance, Linda travels to a remote area (along with undertaker Fergus) to look into Levi’s life and take care of everything as he might have wished. What Linda learns will touch anyone who reads this book.

The story is told in Linda’s voice as well as Levi’s and Rachel’s. Through them, readers get to know the people who are important in their lives.

In these pages readers will find both love and loss. There is also hope.

After reading this novel, I will definitely be reading the other books that the author has written.

I highly recommend this one!

Publisher’s Synopsis

Copied from the Blackwells.co.uk website

The joyful and life-affirming new novel from the BAFTA-winning co-writer of Gavin and Stacey and the Sunday Times bestselling and Richard and Judy Book Club author of Love Untold.

‘A heartwarming and funny read from the brilliant Ruth Jones’ Heat (Book of the Week)

‘Filled with compassion and populated with wonderfully engaging characters’ Observer

Because second chances come when you least expect them . . .

Linda Standish has been a friend to the friendless for the past thirty-three years, in her role at the council’s Unclaimed Heirs Unit. And now she’s looking forward to the joys of an early retirement.

But before she hangs up her lanyard, Linda takes on one last case – that of Levi Norman – a Welshman who made his home on a remote Scottish island for the five years before he died. Linda must visit Storrich to track down Levi’s remaining relatives . . .

What brought Levi here? And who did he leave behind? Obliged to travel (by hearse!) with her arch nemesis, and helped (and hindered…) by the local residents, Linda searches for clues to a life now lost. And in the process unexpectedly makes new friends, and discovers things about herself she never knew.

Bursting with all the heart and humour that has made Ruth’s name as a screenwriter and author, By Your Side is a joyful celebration of friendship, love and community.

‘Brilliantly told, you’ll laugh, cry – and love it.’ Woman & Home

‘Ruth’s books are always a joy and full of gorgeous characters’ Prima

***OUT NOW!***

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Readers are loving By Your Side!

‘Funny and heartbreaking and wonderful. Five huge flashing stars‘ ***** Reader Review

‘A brilliant, life-affirming, feel-good book’ ***** Reader Review

‘Filled me with a great deal of joy‘ *****Reader Review

‘It’s one to devour in one sitting and tell your friends about.‘ *****Reader Review

‘I did not want this to end‘ *****Reader Review

‘I loved Linda’s job – working for the council as a sort of special detective… (Is this a real job, and can I do it?)’ *****Reader Review

‘My first book by the wonderful Ruth Jones and I’m kicking myself I haven’t read any sooner.’ *****Reader Review

Praise for Ruth Jones:

‘Ruth Jones is excellent on human nature and why we make the mistakes we do’ JOJO MOYES, bestselling author of Me Before You and Someone Else’s Shoes

‘Wow, what an emotional rollercoaster ride. Beautifully written, with characters that I know will stay with me’ JO THOMAS, bestselling author of Escape to the French Farmhouse

‘Ruth Jones writes with such warmth you can’t help but fall in love with the characters she creates.’
JAMES CORDEN

‘A cast of characters you’ll lose your heart to.’ ADELE PARKS, bestselling author of Just Between Us

‘Beautifully warm and totally absorbing.’ JANE FALLON, bestselling author of My Sweet Revenge and Strictly Between Us

‘Heartfelt, joyful, brave, utterly compelling’ RACHEL JOYCE, bestselling author of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

‘Ruth’s characters will stay with me for a long time.’ CATHY BRAMLEY, bestselling author of The Lemon Tree Café

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About the Publisher

Bantam Press

Bantam Books, established in 1945, is one of the most successful publishers of adult fiction and nonfiction. Dell Publishing, a leading publisher of adult fiction and nonfiction for over seven decades.