INFORMATION ABOUT THIS BOOK
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication date : November 3, 2026
Format: Hardcover, ebook, audiobook.
Print length : 320 pages
Genre: Literary Fiction
WHY DID A CHOOSE THIS BOOK?
I got this book from NetGalley as an ARC. I thought the cover was lovely and the premise was intriguing, but at the same time it seems to be a light read. I needed a light read after a couple of horror books that I have been reading.
MY PERSONAL OPINION OF “SWEET PEA” by KIT DE WALL
From the very first chapter, I was hooked. Paulette was smart, naive, kind, and sensitive. She was a dreamer of a big, happy, fulfilled life, but basic at the same time. A life where there was a husband, kids, a good job, and financial stability. Paulette had the man, her boyfriend, and through him she was building the expectation of that wonderful life. Until her boyfriend died, and with him, a terrible truth was uncovered.
From that point on, as she moved through her life, with ups and downs, giving love to her son, choosing true love over comfort, continuously working as an auxiliary nurse, and developing an unexpected friendship with the guy responsible for the derailment of her life, and an unexpected love for this person’s grandson.
The book narrates Paulette life story, from her early twenties to her late forties. It brings us along to witness her ups and downs, and her undeniable virtue of keeping going no matter what. Paulette teaches us to live through kindness, and that kindness will come back and help you out during your most difficult time.
This book was lovely, sensible, raw, and incredibly touching. An absolute gem. I must read it and I truly recommend this book.
Oh and the writing was incredible, lyrical, sensible, and poetic. The story seemed to melt as I was reading it.
PREMISE OF THE BOOK AS FOUND IN AMAZON / GOODREADS:
When Paulette arrived in England as a young girl, she left behind a grandmother in St. Kitts who called her “Sweet Pea,” taught her to cook, and admonished her to avoid temptation and embrace love and forgiveness, in that order.
Now, Paulette’s twenty-nine and within reach of her dream: a wedding, a baby, and a little house. She’s got the man, handsome Denton, and a good job as an assistant nurse. But when tragedy strikes, her baby comes from Denton’s friend, a relationship that can’t last. Soon it’s just Paulette, grieving the life she almost had, and her son, Bird. It seems like enough, until another boy, the same age as Bird, appears. Now, there’s someone new to take under wing and worry about, someone who calls her Sweet Pea and makes her laugh.
Through friendships, motherhood, and connections that emerge in the most unexpected places, Paulette discovers strength in everyday acts of kindness.
MY RATING: 4.5
BIBLIOGRAPHY OF KIT DE WAAL
- My Name is Leon: a Novel
- Supporting Cast: stories
- Becoming Dinah
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