It’s an absolute pleasure today to be joining the blog tour and sharing my review of the latest book from Samantha Tonge, The Memory of You: published by Boldwood Books on 16th May, it’s now available as an ebook (just 99p, or free via Kindle Unlimited), as an audiobook, and in paperback. My thanks to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for the invitation and support, and to the publishers for my advance reading e-copy (provided via netgalley).
Having read and enjoyed a couple of Sam’s earlier books, both light and lovely, I was delighted to rediscover her writing in 2021 with Summer Secrets at Streamside Cottage (you can read my review here) – not the light romance I was expecting, instead blending dark secrets and thriller elements into a story I very much enjoyed. And when she was signed by Boldwood, I was thrilled to find that her writing had indeed taken a whole new direction. Her first book with them, Under One Roof, delved into the complications of family relationships with some really excellent character development, a total delight (you can read my full review again here). And Lost Luggage was even better, with moments of sheer joy and others that moved me to tears – tremendously engaging, heartwarming and very moving, life-affirming in every way, and I really loved it (you’ll find my review here).
I’m going to admit – having noticed its subject matter from the pre-publicity and caught a few reviews, and still a little raw after my experience with my mum’s dementia journey – that I was just a little wary of reading her latest. But I knew I’d be in safe hands with this wonderful author, who’s drawn on her own experiences – so it was also a book I was rather looking forward to…
A gorgeously uplifting story about memories, storytelling, love and friendship, about the journeys we take and the people we meet, what we remember and how there are some things we can never forget.
Alex would like to believe she’s a woman who has it all. Or that’s what she tells everyone, including herself. But this is far from true. Actually she’s on the cusp of losing her home, her dream career as a writer is in tatters, her ex won’t speak to her, and her mother’s gone forever.
But then a chance meeting with a stranger named Hope gives her the opportunity of a lifetime, when Hope jokes that perhaps Alex should take over her job in a cafe while she goes travelling.
Just at that moment, it sounds like the answer to all her problems. So Alex persuades Hope to let her step into her shoes for a month. She brushes away Hope’s attempts to explain about the café, instead demanding to know more about the owner Tom.
But she should have asked to know more. Because the ‘Wrong Order Café’ isn’t like anywhere she’s ever been before. And Alex’s life is about to change forever…
I’ve just revisited the synopsis for this lovely book, and realised there’s no mention of the reasons why the Wrong Order Cafe changed Alex’s life – but I do think I’d be doing the book a great disservice if I failed to comment on the way the author focuses so wonderfully sensitively on the whole subject of dementia. Renee and Fletch – working at Tom’s cafe, and the reason for the sometimes mangled orders that arrive at the tables – are at a relatively early stage in their dementia journeys. Tom’s father, who used to run the cafe, now only has fleeting moments of lucidity – but likes to visit from the home where he’s now cared for and soak in some of its special atmosphere.
Alex really didn’t know what she was taking on when she grasped the opportunity to stand in for Hope, living in her flat above the cafe, covering her job while she went on holiday. Selfish and self-obsessed (yes, it took a while for her to grow on me…) all Alex initially sees is a refuge from the problems in her life – a writing career that’s going down the tubes, a trail of bad choices, a lifestyle she can’t sustain any more. At first, she regrets her decision and almost walks away – but then slowly realises that she’s part of something particularly special, and becomes a very different person as she faces up to the many challenges.
The characters in this book are simply wonderful – and, given time, none more so than Alex herself as she comes up with ideas of her own to support the team of individuals she’s working with. Her relationship with owner Tom develops very nicely after a difficult start – there’s a slow-burn romance in the offing there too, but not as the most important element in the story. And there’s also a characterful parrot, Captain Beaky – the source of a lot of the humour, but when he sits on her lap and allows her to stroke him Alex knows she’s found a place she can call “home”.
The whole issue of memory, and the importance of acceptance and belonging, is just superbly handled – each individual, every one of them beautifully drawn, has their own story, often filled with sadness, and I grew to care for them all really deeply. But, as anyone whose life has been touched by dementia will know, there’s plenty of laughter too – there were so many moments and situations I recognised so well, and I can only commend and thank the author for her exceptional sensitivity and level of understanding. There were times the story made me feel tearful – but the author’s emotional touch is quite perfect, and an incident to make you smile again is never far behind. And I really loved the whole concept of “wabi-sabi”, the finding of beauty in imperfection – not as a random bolt-on, but developed as an integral part of this wonderful story.
Beautifully written, impeccably researched, it’s a book entirely filled with kindness and love that can’t fail to touch the heart – and I adored every moment. One of my books of the year – and one I’d urge everyone to add to their reading list.
About the author
Samantha Tonge is the bestselling and award-winning author of over 15 romantic fiction titles published by HQ, and most recently Aria. Her first book for Boldwood, Under One Roof, was published in February 2022 and her move to Boldwood marks a broadening of her writing into multi-generational woman’s fiction. She lives in Manchester with her family.
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I have just finished reading this book and loved it, it is a very special book. The insights and gentle touch of the writing are exceptional. xx
Couldn’t agree more, Mary xx