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Hold Me

Cover Blurb

Dawn had lived in Greengrove all her life. Love had never been a priority in her mind. She had plenty of time for that, especially after watching her twin sister Debbie fall in love and have her heart shattered. Why would you put yourself through that?

For the past few years, Dawn had been suffering from ill health. Being given a diagnosis was a double-edged sword. Yes, they now knew what was wrong with her, but now she felt useless. All those things that she had put on hold may now not happen. Falling in love, having children is no longer a possibility who would want to stick around with her now.

A chance meeting with one boy she went to school with proved her wrong. Could she believe he could love her and her broken body?

Other Titles By the Author

Helen Kelly

Author Bio

Helen is a mother of two grown-up daughters living in North Yorkshire. History and research has always been something that she has loved, and she has three master's degrees in history which she did in later life. This spurred her on to achieve her dream of being able to write and in 2022, she wrote and published her first Romance book. Helen has now written three books and various short stories. In her spare time, Helen loves to visit various parts of the country, some of which have been an inspiration for her books. Helen also loves to read and visit historical places and theatres.

The Book Tour

Day 1 - Favourite Quotes

“You can tell me anything. I know we are only at the start of our relationship, but we have known each other since we were in nursery school, so take a deep breath and let it out, because I doubt it’s going to make me run for the hills… unless of course you’re a mass murderer and I’m your next victim… then, bye.” (Carol Kerry Green)

“That sounds great. As long as you’re sure I won’t be in your way. I’m still a little bit nervous about being out and about, but Debbie said she would bring me … though, as you well know, you don’t want her singing.” “Oh, help.” Jane gave me a look of embarrassment. “I remember when she decided she wanted to audition for the part of Sandy in the school’s production of Grease because she wanted to kiss the boy who played Danny. I don’t think Mr Spencer’s hearing was ever the same again after that.” “Everyone else got off mildly. Some of us had to share a room with her at home, and she practised whenever she could, but even she admitted she couldn’t sing. But she was willing to do anything to get that kiss. After her audition, the boy, whose name I can’t remember, didn’t speak to her ever again. But in her own Debbie way, she’s made a joke of it, and whenever someone annoys her she’ll ask them if they want her to sing them a song.” “I remember her doing that in school! And the way people went pale and ran away. It was like her superpower.” (This genuinely made me laugh out loud. I LOVE the idea of a tone deaf kid blithely going through rehearsal singing her heart out, badly, because the song wasn’t the goal. It was kissing Danny. Perfect! Eryn McConnell)

This little nugget from Dawn after Debbie has convinced her to join the village choir: “That sounds great. As long as you’re sure I won’t be in your way. I’m still a little bit nervous about being out and about but Debbie said she would bring me… though, as you well know, you don’t want her singing.” (Phoebe Wilby)

“Trust him to do the same for you, and if you ever need to talk to someone who understands and someone who is going through similar things, I am just at the end of a telephone, or you can pop round if you want to.” (Sophie Jupillat Posey)

"I'm glad these men aren't always perfect! It means there is hope out there for me to find someone. The only problem is, I normally find the most imperfect men with only a hint of perfection, rather than the perfect men with a hint of non-perfection. At least if Connor mucks up, Dawn won't be on her own." (Kirsty McKay)

Day 2 - Character Summaries

Dawn: Dawn is a resilient and empathetic character who embodies the daily struggles of living with fibromyalgia. Her journey is marked by a constant battle against chronic pain, which she often masks with a brave smile, fearing that revealing her true feelings might burden those around her (something I can personally relate to as a fellow sufferer!) This internal conflict creates a rich and relatable portrayal of someone who strives for independence while grappling with the limitations imposed by her condition. Dawn’s character resonates with many readers, particularly those who face similar challenges. She is fiercely determined, often pushing through her discomfort to maintain a sense of normalcy and to avoid being seen as weak or reliant on others. The author does a great job in illustrating Dawn's concerns about intimacy and vulnerability, particularly regarding her desire for love and acceptance without the weight of obligation. Her hope to find a partner who understands her struggles and offers support out of genuine compassion rather than obligation adds depth to her character. This exploration of love, understanding, and the complexities of living with a chronic illness makes Dawn a compelling and authentic figure, capturing the essence of resilience amidst adversity. (Kirsty McKay)

Connor: I felt he was a very sympathetic and understanding character. He came across as genuine and was always happy to help out. Especially his mum and Dawn. He grows as the book develops into someone that Dawn can truly lean on and who his Mum and Alan can really count on. (Carol Kerry Green)

Debbie: I really like the sister dynamic in this, and I think it’s central. Even in a romance, and I know their dynamic is key, seeing the sub plots, the smaller relationships, that makes things so much more real. And theirs is a gorgeous relationship. She’s got sass, has Debbie. I like that. (Eryn McConnell)

Debbie: She’s not the main character, but Dawn’s twin sister, Debbie, is my favourite. I can relate to her being there for her sister, helping her to get through the physical and mental health issues and her frustration when Dawn expresses her concerns that people just won’t want to help her. Dawn is persuasive without being pushy, has a bubbly, effervescent personality, and is the extrovert sister I always wished I was. (Phoebe Wilby)

Connor: My favourite character was Connor. He is such a gem and is the perfect complement to Dawn. He is a wholesome character in all aspects and he is well fleshed-out throughout the novel. His journey as a boy growing up without his dad, but with his mom diagnosed with fibro and Alan was heart-warming. His exploits in the field and his athleticness add some flair to his character and amp up the stakes with certain events that happen in the novel. He is sweet and compassionate, as shown with his interactions with Greengrove residents and his family. He is almost perfect in every way; the conflict that happens near the end of the novel feels almost contrived, in order to give him a flaw, but it is quickly resolved. His interactions with his mom and Dawn are some of the highlights of the novel; as he is discreet but very helpful and understanding of their condition. The build-up in the beginning from Dawn’s POV is nerve-wracking because she is convinced he won’t understand her condition, but from his POV it’s a done deal, and his attitude cements that throughout the novel. He was an enjoyable character from beginning to end though with not much development apart from a few minor events. (Sophie Jupillat Posey)

Day 3 - Favourite Excerpts

“Hi everyone. I have been tasked with making the toast to Mum and Alan. I am so happy I was asked. In my opinion, and I may be a bit biased, Mum and Alan make the perfect couple. In fact they should have got married years ago, but word on the street was that there was this wonderful little boy who had lost his father at a young age that they didn’t want to upset. But I want everyone to know, that little boy is honoured to have Alan as his dad. I myself know that you don’t pick love, love picks you, and Mum was lucky that love picked her twice. So I would like everyone to raise their glasses to my mum and dad, Charlotte and Alan.” (Carol Kerry Green)

'Just as she was about to answer, there was a knock on the driver’s window, and both Jane and I screamed, then we both looked at each other and laughed as we turned and saw Connor through the glass.' (I’m a sucker for humour. I like the introduction of Connor, and I can see he’s going to be a lovely friend to lovers, small town setting, good for Dawn, kind of character. But this is the stuff that makes me happy. Eryn McConnell)

Dawn’s realisation that she needed to get out and stop wallowing in self-pity: …Every hour, I had thought of cancelling, but I knew that deep down I would regret it. Debbie was right. I needed to get out and get on with my life. This condition couldn’t take away all of me. This was the first step in doing that. At least, I would know most of the people at choir. We were, after all, only a small village. (Phoebe Wilby)

“I didn’t realise that you knew about fibro till lunch time today when I spoke to your mum.” I paused and looked at my feet. “Sometimes it’s hard for me to handle my condition, so I thought that if we were to continue going into this relationship, it was best that you knew everything.” (Sophie Jupillat Posey)

Helping her out of the car I kissed her quickly on the cheek and said, "Morning Beautiful." "What am I the ugly sister?" I heard her sister say. (Love the humour! Kirsty McKay)

Day 4 - Video Interview

Day 5 - Reviews

Overall Star Rating: 4.5 stars. Hold Me, the third instalment in Helen Kelly’s Greengrove series, is a heartfelt exploration of love, vulnerability, and personal growth. Set against the familiar backdrop of Greengrove, the novel focuses on Dawn, a character grappling with both physical and emotional challenges. Her journey to finding love amid her struggles is poignant and relatable, making readers root for her every step of the way. The story opens with Dawn reflecting on her life in Greengrove, where love has always seemed an elusive priority, particularly after witnessing her twin sister Debbie's tumultuous romantic experiences. Dawn’s recent health diagnosis adds another layer of complexity to her character, leaving her feeling defeated and questioning her worthiness of love. This internal conflict is beautifully portrayed, allowing readers to empathise with her reluctance to open her heart. A chance encounter with Connor, a boy from her past, serves as a catalyst for change in Dawn's life. The budding romance between them is tender and realistic, as they navigate the challenges of acceptance and the fear of vulnerability. The narrative effectively captures the nuances of their relationship, showcasing how love can bloom in the most unexpected circumstances. While the writing is strong overall, the pacing at the beginning felt somewhat disjointed, with scenes transitioning abruptly. However, as the story progresses, the rhythm improves, drawing readers deeper into the emotional landscape of the characters. Dawn's struggle with self-esteem and self-worth is particularly resonant, and her sister’s supportive yet playful encouragement adds a refreshing dynamic to the story. Helen's characters are authentic and well-developed, each contributing to the narrative's richness. The dialogue feels genuine, enhancing the connection between the characters and the reader. The themes of illness and self-acceptance are tackled with sensitivity, setting this romance apart from more traditional love stories. Hold Me is a compelling read that offers a thoughtful examination of love and resilience. Helen has crafted a narrative that not only entertains but also encourages readers to reflect on the complexities of human connection. It's a well-paced, heartfelt story that will resonate with anyone who has ever questioned their worthiness of love. Highly recommended for fans of contemporary romance looking for something that breaks the mould. (Kirsty McKay)

Overall Star Rating: 4.5 stars. For Dawn her life changes completely when she is diagnosed with fibromyalgia at the beginning of the book. She has trouble coming to terms with this, and is reluctant to tell anyone or go anywhere. Luckily for Dawn her twin Debbie won’t let her stagnate and with another friend’s help, they encourage her to join the local choir, where she meets Connor, a local policeman she’d gone to school with. As with all relationships there are ups and downs in Connor and Dawn’s romance, but they fight through it. The life of someone suffering from a chronic illness such as fibromyalgia is well portrayed, as the author is speaking from personal experience. It shows that though a diagnosis like Dawn’s can be devastating, life goes on, and good things can happen along the way. I thoroughly enjoyed it! (Carol Kerry-Green)

Overall Star Rating: 4.5 stars. This is a very British, very sweet love story, but with a disabled protagonist. I love that. We see through Dawn’s eyes how it is to live with Fibromyalgia, warts and all. This is not a FMC who can do anything regardless, she has to manage her spoons. She has fears just like everyone else. I think that’s very important. The style is easy to slip into and easy to engage with. The characters are quiet, not overwhelming, not too loud, but they’re real and we can see why they do what they do. This is Book 3, but I have not read any of the others: it was fine to dive right into, and the characters were clear enough for me to get to know without worrying about backstory or such like. (Eryn McConnell)

Overall Star Rating: 4.5 stars. Helen Kelly’s ‘Hold Me’, is a fictitious account of a very real issue. Ms Kelly takes us on an emotional rollercoaster ride through the diagnosis of, coming to terms, and then living with, a debilitating disease. Dawn is slowing down, feeling aches, pains, and extreme tiredness that don’t match with her young years. Her twin sister, Debbie, worried about her, broaches the subject of a GP visit and Dawn agrees to go. It’s not like she’s not been before, of course, but Debbie’s insistence on walking to the appointment shows Dawn’s GP the extent of her difficulties. Dawn receives a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. The story unfolds as Dawn comes to terms with her illness, her limitations, and the belief that she will never find love. After all, who would want to be saddled with an invalid for all their life? She feels she has nothing to offer anyone. Not the community, or friends, and certainly not a man. However, through Debbie's support and love, she learns to get back out into the community and find that, not only can she be a contributing member of society, but that there could be a special man in her future. Ms Kelly’s sensitive treatment of the topic teaches the reader about the disease. Through Dawn’s experience, we watch her develop understanding of her own illness, and the dawning realisation that when everyone helps in the community, no one is left behind. The story is a little slow to start but picks up pace towards the middle. I did feel that some of the characters could have been developed further. For example, it would have been good to get into their heads a little more, to see and hear via their words and actions a bit more about how the disease would affect them, either for themselves or others. (Phoebe Wilby)

Overall Star Rating: 4.5 stars. This book has us follow the POV of Dawn, a young woman who’s been recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia. She had interests and aspirations before the diagnosis and now she feels like her world has ended. It takes the support of her twin sister Debbie, and friends from town like Jane to slowly ease her into her new “normal” life. A school boy she once knew comes back into her life, and with him he brings romance and sweetness, as they fall in each other’s circle. But Dawn is terrified he won’t be interested in her because of her illness. A big set-up in the book is her trying to hide her illness. Ironically, she doesn’t know Connor’s mom suffers from the same condition. From Connor’s POV, we get that he is a dedicated son, who is athletic, and who works in the police force. Most of the main and ancillary characters feel fleshed out and authentic. The dialogue is sweet and well-written and doesn’t read too much like everyone sounds the same. The book progressed at a good pace here and there, though there are some jumps in the storyline that are a bit jarring and feel like they could have been used to flesh out the main characters more. The pacing especially near the end feels rushed, and I wished I’d had more time with the characters after certain revelations are made. It is a wholesome, sweet story with lots of potential. (Sophie Jupillat Posey)