The Moments By Natalie Winter

‘The Moments’ is the debut book by Natalie Winter.

What if you get on the wrong bus, or don’t speak to the right person at a party, or stay in a job that isn’t for you? Will you miss your one chance at happiness? Or will happiness find you eventually, when the moment is right?

Meet Matthew and Myrtle. They have never really felt like they fitted – in life or with anyone else. But they are meant to be together – if only they can find each other.

I started reading this book on Sunday morning and finally put it down at 1 minute past midnight a complete sobbing story.

This story is seen through the perspective of Myrtle and Matthew and it follows their lives from birth until the very end. Myrtle is a kind and caring woman, the daughter of a broken relationship, her mother finds love with another woman whilst her father watches from the sidelines. Myrtle’s relationship with her mother is a turbulent one and often Myrtle finds herself turning to her mother’s partner Patti for support. Whilst Matthew’s marriage has perfect until his father was in a motorbike accident leaving him brain damaged and dependent on help. As the story progresses, we see the pair go through live experiencing illnesses, relationships, deaths and drama, all the whilst people are finding the one and they are both wondering if their will ever come.

I really loved this story even though it did break my heart. Both characters are relatable and fascinating in their ways, with their complicated families and journey for finding their places in life. The story is written fluidly through the years and really keeps the reader on their toes particularly as the pair of them get older. The chapters are short and snappy so it’s very easy to get absorbed in the book. I did find myself rushing through the book to see when Myrtle and Matthew would meet and when it happens, I did feel my heart sing with delight! But throughout the story, there are a few close encounters, which are bittersweet.

A stunning and powerful debut about love, near misses and the moments that really make us, ‘The Moments’ is a tender and emotional story that really pulls the reader in and appreciate the small things in life

You can pre-order ‘The Moments’ from Amazon and will be available to buy from good bookshops from 8th August.