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Debbie Howells
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Susie Martyn
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It All Started With You: A heartbreaking, uplifting read from Debbie Howells Kindle Edition

by Debbie Howells (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.2 out of 5 stars 2,605 ratings

A totally brilliant, escapist and uplifting book club pick from the Sunday Times bestseller Debbie Howells

I always thought I was going to be a girl who did something. I was going to run my own business and find fame and fortune! Fall in love…

But here I am. Still waiting for it all to happen, sitting on the floor, surrounded by lilies and roses, trying to do my best friend’s wedding flowers because – in her words – ‘how hard can it be, Frankie?’. The answer is actually ‘very hard’ but it’s not the only thing that’s tough right now. My boyfriend won’t commit, I barely have a job, and once again I have the hangover from hell…

What I don’t know is that life’s about to throw me a curveball. A new friend I will make with a beautiful, sad-eyed little boy who is so very tragically ill. I still don’t know about that heartbreak.

Even so, in this moment, I know that it’s time for some changes. Maybe it’s time to make my dreams come true? To try to become a marathon-running, healthy-living, wildly-in-love florist-to-the-stars!

Because I’m beginning to realise that you only get one chance at life. I don’t yet know how you change everything, all at once, but what I do know is it all starts with me…

It All Started With You will break your heart and put it back together again, perfect for fans of Cathy Kelly, Jill Mansell and Colleen Hoover.

Praise for Debbie Howells:

‘A powerful, emotional, and life-affirming story of love and hope’ Rachael Lucas

‘A warm, uplifting story about love and loss . . . but beware, you'll need a big box of tissues!’ Clare Swatman

'She paints with words and takes a scalpel to emotions’ Peter James

'Debbie Howells is a go to author for me, I don’t need to read the blurb, I just need to read the book as, in my experience, they are all fabulous' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

'This is a truly lovely story, the kind that makes you feel warm inside' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

'It’s a long time since a book has held me like this one has' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review

Previously published as Wildflowers by Debbie Howells.

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  1. Print length
    313 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Boldwood Books
  4. Publication date
    June 23, 2023
  5. File size
    1.7 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BV65GGH8
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Boldwood Books
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 23, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.7 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 313 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1805492269
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 2,605 ratings

About the authors

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  1. Debbie Howells

    Debbie Howells

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Discover more of the author’s books, see similar authors, read book recommendations and more.

    See more on the author's page
  2. Susie Martyn

    Susie Martyn

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    This is Your Life and The Impossible Search for the Perfect Man were the first self-published novels by Debbie Howells, writing as Susie Martyn. Her third, Wildflowers, is also available on Amazon.

    Since, Debbie has written six psychological thrillers, including The Bones of You, which was a Sunday Times bestseller and selected for the Richard and Judy Book Club, as well as the eBook bestseller, The Vow.

    More recently she's returned to writing women's fiction, with The Life You Left Behind, a bestselling eBook. The Girl I Used To Be is her next, out in October.

    See more on the author's page
  3. Debbie Howells

    Debbie Howells

    Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Debbie's first book was the psychological thriller, The Bones of You (2015). It was a Sunday Times bestseller and picked for the Richard and Judy book club.

    Others have followed:

    The Beauty of The End

    The Death of Her

    Her Sister’s Lie

    The #1 Ebook bestseller, The Vow

    The Secret

    The House Sitter

    Debbie also writes women's fiction, published by Boldwood Books:

    The Life You Left Behind

    The Girl I Used To Be

    The Shape Of Your Heart

    The Last Days Of You And Me

    The Making Of Us

    This Thing Called Love, out in May 2025.

    Boldwood have also republished her self-published novels:

    It All Started With You (formerly published as Wildflowers)

    The Impossible Search For The Perfect Man

    Time To Take A Chance

    After working as cabin crew, a flying instructor, and a wedding florist, Debbie now writes full time in the peacefulness of the countryside where she lives with her partner and Bean the rescued cat.

    Follow her on Instagram @_debbiehowells, or on Facebook @debbiehowellswriter.

    See more on the author's page
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Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
2,605 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a quick, well-written read with depth and a heart-wrenching yet uplifting ending. The story features characters who grow throughout the narrative, and customers describe it as making them laugh and cry, with one review noting how it invites readers to be better people. They appreciate the book's focus on friendship, with one review highlighting its portrayal of true friends.

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43 customers mention "Readability"43 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well written and easy to read, describing it as a quick and enjoyable read.

"...It was just what I needed and wanted, a little book of fluff. However, somewhere along the way....I realized there was a bit more to the story...." Read more

"I thoroughly enjoyed reading Wildflowers. It was not another silly UK romantic story, like I was expecting...." Read more

"Thank you for an entertaining and moving story...." Read more

"Oh so good! I had no idea where this book was headed, and I am sooooo glad I stayed along for the ride!" Read more

33 customers mention "Story quality"33 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story's depth and heart-wrenching nature, with an uplifting ending, and one customer notes it has a little bit of everything without lots of drama.

"...It's about life, love, loneliness, friendship, family, and learning to be able to try new things in our pursuit of happiness...." Read more

"I thoroughly enjoyed reading Wildflowers. It was not another silly UK romantic story, like I was expecting...." Read more

"Thank you for an entertaining and moving story...." Read more

"Enjoyed the story line and the characters. Would try more books by this author. Light reading with joy and sadness." Read more

22 customers mention "Heartfelt content"22 positive0 negative

Customers find the book emotionally engaging, with many noting it made them laugh and cry, and one customer mentioning they could feel the characters' joy and pain.

"...It's about life, love, loneliness, friendship, family, and learning to be able to try new things in our pursuit of happiness...." Read more

"...The characters have depth and are all believable. I laughed and cried, became terrified and felt a sense of victory and felt many more emotions...." Read more

"...Would try more books by this author. Light reading with joy and sadness." Read more

"It made me laugh and cry. The characters were well developed. I could feel their joy and pain. It was a story of life moving on for all of us...." Read more

15 customers mention "Character development"15 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, particularly noting how the main character grows throughout the story.

"...The characters have depth and are all believable. I laughed and cried, became terrified and felt a sense of victory and felt many more emotions...." Read more

"Enjoyed the story line and the characters. Would try more books by this author. Light reading with joy and sadness." Read more

"It made me laugh and cry. The characters were well developed. I could feel their joy and pain. It was a story of life moving on for all of us...." Read more

"...Interesting characters and just enough twists in the plot to keep the storyline flowing at a brisk pace...." Read more

13 customers mention "Uplifting story"13 positive0 negative

Customers find the book uplifting, with one customer noting how it made them reflect on their own life, while others describe it as a sweet story of personal growth that invites readers to be better people.

"...I laughed and cried, became terrified and felt a sense of victory and felt many more emotions...." Read more

"...And how being intertwined in each other's lives, no matter how short the time, changes us." Read more

"...Truly an inspiring & uplifting story about friendships, accepting love where we expect it least." Read more

"...This is a story that invites you to be a better person, to follow your heart wherever it leads you, to change your life, your job, your friends,..." Read more

4 customers mention "Value for friendship"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's portrayal of friendship, with one noting it serves as a great testament to the value of true friends.

"...A book about friends." Read more

"...A great testament to the value of true friends." Read more

"This book had some funny scenes, good friends and also some important lessons in life. The main character really grows throughout the story." Read more

"...The characters were quirky enough to be interesting and normal enough to be your best friend." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Gypsylace
    5.0 out of 5 stars Light read with the perfect amount of depth.
    Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I began reading this book thinking there wasn't much to it. Not much thinking involved. It was just what I needed and wanted, a little book of fluff. However, somewhere along the way....I realized there was a bit more to the story. It's about life, love, loneliness, friendship, family, and learning to be able to try new things in our pursuit of happiness. We don't always know what makes us happy. One person can change so many lives for the better. A bit of a butterfly effect from different directions. I enjoyed this book I hope others give this book a chance.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • kinkytop
    4.0 out of 5 stars Well done
    Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I thoroughly enjoyed reading Wildflowers. It was not another silly UK romantic story, like I was expecting. The characters have depth and are all believable. I laughed and cried, became terrified and felt a sense of victory and felt many more emotions. This story was timely, in general, but so on time for me.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Ruth Rosamond
    5.0 out of 5 stars I loved this ebook!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Thank you for an entertaining and moving story. As a result of reading this story, and as a keen gardener, I have decided to learn more about the history of plants, flowers and their meanings. I enjoyed this book, but would add a note to the author that she could perhaps extend some of her scenes to ease the jump from one scene to the next which was occasionally erratic. But 5 stars for entertainment! Thank you.
    Ruth Rosamond
    Helpful
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  • Nancy
    3.0 out of 5 stars Pleasant reading
    Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Enjoyed the story line and the characters. Would try more books by this author. Light reading with joy and sadness.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Jenn Hawkins
    5.0 out of 5 stars Can't put down!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 3, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Oh so good! I had no idea where this book was headed, and I am sooooo glad I stayed along for the ride!
    Helpful
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  • Pall Bland
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good summer read
    Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    It made me laugh and cry. The characters were well developed. I could feel their joy and pain. It was a story of life moving on for all of us. And how being intertwined in each other's lives, no matter how short the time, changes us.
    Helpful
     Report
  • JanLPN
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely, & life affirming
    Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Life comes with lessons, ups & downs, heartbreak, & thankfully, joy. Truly an inspiring & uplifting story about friendships, accepting love where we expect it least.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Moonglow
    5.0 out of 5 stars Magical
    Reviewed in the United States on February 4, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    I loved this book! It was a story with depth, definitely not just your typical 'Chick-Lit' lighter fare. It had me laughing, crying, and unable to put it down. It was everything you'd want in a story and more. I'm definitely going to purchase more from this author. I'm so pleased to have stumbled upon this book!
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • H. Kotrus
    5.0 out of 5 stars lovely story
    Reviewed in Canada on December 30, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    This book was a surprise to me - much deeper than I expected for a light- hearted chick lit book. It had all the fun and humour I was looking for but also a very touching look at various young adult characters coming to terms with some of the failings of their own childhood experiences and learning to walk in grace with their imperfect parent whilst challenging themselves to become better people themselves.
    Report
  • anita
    4.0 out of 5 stars wildflowers
    Reviewed in Italy on May 18, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    enjoyed this book, talks about different kinds of feelings, disappointed when finished reading,makes the reader think that not everything in life should be taken for granted...
    Report
  • e-squared
    5.0 out of 5 stars Life-affirming without being slushy or too predictable
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 23, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I'm struck by lots of apparent contradictions about this book, which I think are what give it its reality...

    - It was as easy to read as chick-lit, but without being dumbed down or leaving a candy-floss taste of having enjoyed a sweet treat that then disappeared immediately
    - There were moments of laugh-out-loud humour (I was in a very posh café when I came across the first one, but I just didn't care!) and times when the tears flowed.
    - It would be a great read for women in their 20s and 30s, but feels as though it was written by someone with more life experience.
    - There are quite a few characters, which usually means I lose track of one or two, but they were all sufficiently well-drawn that they added something to the plot.
    - There was a life-affirming quality to the story, but no moralising or slush.
    - There was one thread of the plot that I was pretty certain I knew the ending of, but enough twists and turns and other threads with unpredictable endings that it kept me comfortably engaged.

    So when's the paperback coming out? I can think of several friends this would make a lovely present for...
    Report
  • Veve
    4.0 out of 5 stars I really enjoyed this book
    Reviewed in Australia on October 23, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I really enjoyed this book. The Author's writing relaxed me into the story made more enjoyable because the descriptions made you feel like you are there, feeling what they are feeling. I was taken in by the unexpected twists and turns. Very lovely read, that will make you ponder in a good way.
    Report
  • Renee Jewer
    1.0 out of 5 stars Very disaapointing
    Reviewed in Italy on March 15, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    This book was a waste of money to be honest. The plot was ok but the grammar was terrible, I ended up correcting it like a school teacher with homework. Not what I needed after a long day. lol I think for her next book she should invest in an editor!
    Report

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