NEW RELEASE
Beautiful Day - Kate Anthony (2014)
After her husband leaves her for a younger woman, Rachel Bidewell is having to adjust to life as a single mother of three young children. Starting a new job as a care assistant with vulnerable adults, she is entrusted with the care of new patient Philip and it's clear that he's going to need a lot of help. As she begins to forge a delicate and sincere relationship with Philip, breaking through some of his barriers, office politics intervene, whilst life outside of work also throws unexpected changes and obstacles in the way of her keeping a happy home. Heart-warming and moving, this book is full of empathy and emotion and is noteworthy for taking on a range of difficult, rarely pursued and explored themes and doing so not only with compassion but also frankness. Indeed, the author shows both sides of the care industry - the cynical and bureaucratic and the caring and selfless - as well as both sides of the job - the inspiring and fulfilling and the frustrating and upsetting. Similarly the treatment of familial tensions and the effect of divorce is handled honestly. It would have been nice to see a bit more of Rachel's relationship but romance is not the main driving force of this story; it's much more about the importance of family, compassion and helping others. Anthony has created a book that leaves you with a warm glow. (JC)
