Reviews of 'Holding Hands'
About 'Holding Hands'
'Holding Hands' is a delightful book crafted specifically for older readers seeking engaging and heartwarming entertainment. Dive into a story designed to bring joy and thoughtful moments, perfect for a relaxing read. Available now for pre-order.
Description:
Elderly widower Tom Hopkins is lonely. In-between going to Bingo, taking bus rides for the sake of it to look around shops, and trying line dancing for beginners, he often spends his time doing voluntary work as a hand-holder in the Ophthalmology Department of his local hospital where nervous people arrive to undergo injections for the eye condition ‘wet age-related macular degeneration’
Ellen Wilkinson, also widowed, is a patient in the clinic. She soon makes a friend of Tom after they meet by chance in the hospital’s café. Unbeknown to Tom, Ellen is a wealthy woman and has not yet made a will. Her son Bob is against the friendship, and tries his best to stop the burgeoning relationship between his mother and Tom.
When Bob finds out that a wedding might be on the cards, he is sure Tom is a gold-digger and is determined to stop the marriage once and for all. Ellen and Tom, however, have other ideas, but are unprepared for the lengths Bob will go in order to scupper their plans.
Shortlisted for the 2025 Page Turner Golden Author/Writer/Screenwriter Award and the Phoenix Award.
"The voice of Tom rings loud and clear, bringing his character and those he encounters to life. The minute observations are spot on and are often qualified by the kind of sharp, erudite comments that reflect his advanced years. Excellent writing." - Judge Stewart Carry
REVIEWS
REVIEW OF ‘HOLDING HANDS’ BY DARLENE FOSTER
This is a sweet later-in-life romance between two octogenarians. Ellen meets Tom at a clinic where he volunteers as a hand holder for patients having eye injections for macular degeneration. The problem is that Ellen's son, Bob, doesn't want his mother to have a relationship as he may not get his inheritance. Bob is devious and will stop at nothing to keep Tom out of his mother's life. I enjoyed the story, especially the realistic depiction of people in their eighties and how they deal with this stage of life. There are some laughs and some poignant moments. The characters and settings are real, and the plot moves along nicely. It's a great read by a writer who knows people and medical settings well. It's never too late to fall in love.
"A truly charming read that brought back so many fond memories. Perfect for a quiet afternoon."
Margaret T.
"I thoroughly enjoyed 'Holding Hands'. It was a lovely, uplifting story, ideal for anyone who appreciates a good, gentle narrative."
John D.
"This book was a wonderful escape! Beautifully written and thoroughly entertaining for my age group."
Susan P.
Ready to discover your next favourite read?
Join countless older readers who have found immense pleasure and entertainment within the pages of 'Holding Hands'. It's more than just a story; it's an experience waiting for you.