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New reviews for 2022
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“By the time her secret is revealed, I found myself speechless, as I’d never fully guessed the true nature of her mystery. But this story isn’t about the mystery so much as it is about Diana and how she deals with the past so that can move on with her future. In the end, Simon didn’t matter. But Diana’s relationship with Simon was the mechanism that forced her to come to grips with the past.” Colleen’s Book Reviews
“Highly recommended. You will love this story if you enjoy thoughtful stories about gender, family relationships, psychiatric/mental health/self-harm issues, secrets and regrets and the search for love and acceptance.” MJ Mallon
“Writing is a chance to inspire humanity and change the world. It’s about the only thing that can. I am changed by this book … and you may be as well. A book that inspires has to dig deep into the emotional being of the protagonist and build layer upon layer. This book does it.” Marsha Ingrao, Always Write
“Brilliant book. It's about much more than you realise.” Stephanie Cox on Goodreads
“This is an intelligent and thought-provoking book which gripped me from the start and didn't let me go till the end. Its twists and turns kept me guessing and its characters are real and believable. The book deals with complex emotions and taboo subjects in an honest, engaging way. I've now ordered Anne Goodwin's second book.” Clare Stevens on Amazon
“I guessed Diana's secret quite early on, but knowing her secret didn't mar my enjoyment of the story …” Cathy Cade on Goodreads
“What a fabulous, absorbing read … flits easily between the present and the past, recapping and mentioning incidents as the present narrative alters the reader's understanding of them - some of them become more understandable, others more shocking. Highly recommended!” Annalisa Crawford on Goodreads
“I loved this book .The story line pulled me in from the start. I am an avid reader and found the theme original and the main character Diane complex and interesting. I could not put this book down” Mena S on Amazon
“A moving and original story, with a unique protagonist and a sensitive and knowledgeable handling of an important issue.” Philippa East on Amazon
“This book is a heartwarming and beautiful tale of self acceptance, belonging and coming of age. It is unusual for a coming of age story to be written where the main protagonist is a forty-five year old woman but I found this massively refreshing … I couldn't believe this was a debut novel because it is written as if Anne Goodwin has vast experience of writing beautiful language and I think she has a natural gift for exploring another person's mind” Simone Perren on Goodreads
“The narrative segues seamlessly from past to present slowly revealing the secret Diana has held deep within. Slowly each layer is peeled back and with each peeling our knowledge and understanding of Diana deepen with each new piece of knowledge adding to Diana as a character and our own investment in her journey.” Irene Waters
“Sugar and Snails is a novel that is destined to open hearts and minds to an experience that’s rarely explored in the realms of fiction and … should be much more widely read and I cannot recommend it highly enough.” PamReader
“Diana’s secret is a big one and the reveal is sensitively handled. There is no unnecessary melodrama. In fact, one of the things that draws the reader to Diana is the way in which the author convincingly relates how naïve she is about some aspects of her situation.” Wendy Janes on Goodreads
“Anne Goodwin has written a complex and intriguing book which really makes you think about issues around identity.” Marianne, Books, Life and Everything
“The book is an LGBT novel and is brilliantly written. The thought process is described fantastically, making you feel like Diana is. The story is easy to read and does jump back and forward in time but in a way that is easy to understand.” Emma, Book Witch
“I love a so-called unlikeable heroine, especially if they are 40+, and Diana is very discomforting – Goodwin has done a great job harnessing that in both her actions and dialogue – yet despite her awkwardness and at times oddness she’s a character I almost immediately felt endeared to” Poppy Peacock Pens
“Anne Goodwin takes a close look at how secrets and lies can affect our entire life, down to the heart of who we are. How decisions have consequences we rarely thought about when making them. It is a book about identity, trust, secrets and how isolating they can be. It develops into a thought provoking read.” Jo, Book Sceptic
“… a really good read for anyone who feels outside the norm and a little bit different. It is a well written novel dealing with a difficult subject sensitively and with compassion.” Sandra, Reading Writes
“I was impressed with the layers Goodwin wrapped the plot in. It’s possible that different readers will guess what’s going on at different points throughout the novel. Some may not figure it out for themselves. Either way, Sugar and Snails is a novel that while slow moving grabs your attention and doesn’t let go.” Paula at Cornflakegirl’s Musings
“Anne Goodwin has taken a sensitive subject and treated it with respect and care. A beautiful and thought provoking read. One I won’t forget for a long time!” Emma at Mrs Red’s Reviews
“The author, with a keen eye for detail, tackles some difficult issues, but with perceptive sensitivity she keeps a firm grasp on the main thread of the story, and as Diana's interesting past emerges, a thoughtful and poignant story starts to be revealed.” Jo on Jaffa Reads Too
“A real personal and heartfelt story. Diana speaks in the first person and it’s as if she speaks to you and only you for she shares such emotional secrets and thoughts that you want to keep looking round to make sure no one is listening in to such deep thoughts.” Clare on The Book Trail
“This is a sensitive contribution to the current conversation around gender differences.” Lissa Lazaro on Amazon.com
“The story had me eager to know more. It is an easy read with lots of wonderful prose.” Linda Bowes on Amazon
“Everything that you can expect from a good novel: from a well structured pace to a very intelligent plot twist to deep, rounded characters.” Laura Cayuela on Amazon
“a sudden lightbulb appears above your head. You know exactly what’s going on and everything that was mentioned before that point makes complete sense … this is an important book that I would recommend to anyone.” Rachel Poli
“So hopeful and heart-rending, Sugar and Snails is an amazingly brutal and honest story about one person searching for their place in life. Diana is perhaps more honest than most people can ever hope to be and I applauded her bravery throughout the book. Sugar and Snails is emotional and intelligent and well worth 5 stars from me.” Michelle Ryles on the Book Magnet
“Delicately treading its way through an issue that has been much in the headlines of late, this book is a touching character study of a woman badly scarred by life and by herself.” Robin Lewis for Left Lion
“Goodwin’s character, a psychologist, questions, denies, and stumbles towards her own truth in a way that exudes authenticity.” Dr Suzanne Conboy-Hill for The Psychologist
“A moving and accomplished novel with a difference, especially poignant for anyone who, particularly as a child, felt misunderstood and different from everyone else.” Jan on BeadyJansBooks
“I have not read anything like this before: powerful, engaging, intelligent, well written, with a mystery that is gradually revealed. I was really surprised at what this book had to offer – the synopsis just didn’t prepare me for the complexity of the issues and the emotional journey encountered in these pages.” Carol on Reading Writing and Riesling
“Anne Goodwin, through her well-defined protagonist and those that fill Diana’s life, shows us that we can experience a coming-of-age at any time in life, we are never concrete selves, but always in search of a self between the borders of who we are, who we have been, who we feel we ought to be and who we want to be.” Isabelle on The Contemporary Small Press
“The story is told in such a way that I could not help but be self reflective and I certainly feel that I have learnt something about the issues addressed, despite it being as a work of fiction. A fantastic book that I’m sure you will love.” Marcia on Whispering Stories
“I enjoyed the writing and although the story is told in alternating timelines between the present and the past, it was seamlessly executed. The slow unfolding of the protagonist’s story, is one coming-of-age story of a woman in her midlife who has to deal with secrets that can no longer be kept ‘secret’.” Michelle on Inky Foot
“It was a challenging subject for a first novel but one which deserves a wide readership” Carol Craggs on Amazon
"a fascinating debut novel looking at identity and what makes us who we are. Anne Goodwin’s writing is excellent and she has a perfect balance of past and present. I found it very thought-provoking and think it is a book which explores a difficult topic in an engaging and enlightening way. I was totally engrossed in Diana’s story and highly recommend it." Joanne on Portobello Book Blog
"a page-turning package that hooked me from the first page. There's a brilliant twist that I got a glimpse of before it was revealed, but far from spoiling the surprise, it just added to my pleasure as a reader. Sneaky Anne...and very, very good!! More please." J Watson on Amazon
"a narrative style engrossing enough to make us keep reading to the last page. The overlap between the full-of-confusion past and the present which is filled with complexities and fear is woven ever so neatly" Raith on The Bookly Purple
"Ultiimately, this is a story of self discovery which challenges the reader to consider issues of equality and the way in which individuals are conventionalised by the society in which they live." Left on the Shelf
"This novel is a pleasure to read from start to finish, testament to Goodwin’s command of the craft and with its multilayered plot providing a fascinating portrait of a protagonist’s struggle with unusual demons." North East Lifestyle magazine
"I am so impressed that this is a debut novel; there is something that makes the author seem incredibly comfortable as an author; it feel natural, well-conceived and given to the reader in a way that feels neither telling neither negative. The topic discussed through the book is at times challenging and disturbing in the way that those around our main character react." My Little Book Blog
"Goodwin has written real characters, not just in Diana but with each of the significant figures in Diana’s life – flawed, conflicted. As the reader, I can empathise with each of them. What are the motivations for parental love? How is one changed by childhood events? Is an adolescent capable of deciding her future? What is the value of friendship and love in shaping a life?" Florence T on LitWorldInterviews
"The account is written in a sensitive and respectful, yet honest and absorbing manner. The detail is superb. As I read, I live life alongside Diana. I very highly recommend this book." John W on Amazon
"The story is wonderfully crafted with multiple threads cleverly interwoven so you don't lose sight of any of them. I thought the story 'reveal' was perfectly timed." L Reiter on Amazon
"Anne Goodwin's "Sugar and Snails" is a remarkable piece of work. It deals with enormously difficult issues but, in doing so, it displays a deftness of touch that one would not expect in a debut novel." Des Hope on Amazon
"This is very much a story of finding yourself and being happy with who you are. It is very expertly told by the author and I have to say this story is quite unique to me as I haven’t read any other books on the same topic." Sarah Hardy, By the Letter Book Reviews
"I don’t want to give away the secret of the story but anyone who is interested in the plight of the misfit in a conservative society will find this compelling and moving. A strong debut by Anne Goodwin." Clare O’Dea on Goodreads
"Thoroughly enjoyed this, read it in a single day because I couldn't put it down. Highly recommend anyone with an open mind picking this up." sarahlouise34 on Amazon
"as Di’s current difficulties are fleshed out by episodes from her past life (all beautifully depicted) the writer’s control of the story is never in doubt and when things fall suddenly into place there is a brilliantly paced denouement. Moreover by the end I was totally engaged with Di and desperately needed to know how she was going to move on." AliB on Amazon
"With depth of character, intriguing plot and exotic landscapes, Goodwin’s story takes us from the grey skies of Northern England to the hot and balmy days of Egypt as she takes us deeper and deeper into the psyche and turmoil of Diana." Norah Colvin on Amazon.com
"The book is extremely cleverly done, with the reader often not realising what they are realising or when they have come to realise something – our knowledge unfurls as the central character’s knowledge of other characters and theirs of her unfurl, too. This makes it sound confusing, but it’s not – it’s extremely competent and, ultimately, moving, and it’s extremely impressive, especially for a first novel." Liz Dexter on Adventures in Reading, Writing and Working from Home
"I couldn't put it down and read it in one day. There are not many stories that capture me in this way, being drawn quickly into the main character Di's experiences of self and the gradual unfolding of life events" Rosalind Burdett on Amazon
"Anne's writing is beautifully descriptive and her knowledge of psychological processes and academic research provides a solid foundation for the novel." Christina on Amazon
"This book is about relationships within families and between friends, about acceptance and about longing. The characterisation is totally believable. Highly recommended." Barbara Speake on Amazon
"Diana's plight should strike a chord with anyone who has ever felt marginalized by society or indeed felt themselves to be a misfit in their own family. A very impressive debut novel which I thoroughly enjoyed." ReadALot on Amazon
"The plot is well woven, very clever and develops at just the right pace. I would read one aspect of the present, later to be taken back to the past, then forward again to the present and understand so much more than I did first time round." Annette on Amazon
"Sugar and Snails deserves to be pushed to the front of the queue in all book club reading lists. The depth of the characters and the intricate problems that they face will provide so many discussion points. Now that I know the twist, I am excited to reread Sugar and Snails and to pick up on the many muted clues sprinkled throughout the text. So please, for me, read this book. If you can’t do it for me (rude) do it for you. Just go now. Buy it. Read it. Then come talk to me about it. Because it is absurdly brilliant." Alicia Bruce, Tales From A Bruce Eye View
"I quickly became enthralled in Diana's unusual story and was rooting for her to trust those who cared for her and to find happiness." Nifty Girl on Amazon
"A powerful and engaging novel about identity and the human struggle." ReadingWriter on Amazon
"I loved the way the author slowly unravels the story behind the youthful Diana’s mysterious life-changing decision, picking away it, probing her memory and subconscious for details, just like the psychologist her main character portrays." Lori Shafer, Short Subjects I Feel Like Writing About (Note: review contains spoilers.)
"These passages are heart-rending; reading how this fifteen-year-old faces the most profound life issues on her own, surrounded by hostility, unlocks all the complexity of the present-day Diana." Claire Hayes, Claire Thinking
"I was drawn in, curious about Diana's struggle with her identity; I couldn't guess what the issue was, despite some subtle hints but I was desperate to understand Diana." V Grand on Amazon
"I couldn't put the book down, it is one of the best novels - indie, small press or traditionally published - I have read in a very long while. I would not only say that it is highly recommended but it should also be compulsory reading for today's world." Kate Evans on Goodreads
"‘Sugar and Snails’ deserves its space on the shelves of major booksellers not just because it is well-written with an engrossing plot, but also because it seriously addresses the plight of individuals who do not conform to societal norms." Safia Moore, Top of the Tent
"You cannot but shed a tear for all of them as they are caught in a vortex of circumstances well beyond their imagining." Geoff LePard, Tangental
"I could meet Diana Dodsworth in the street and it wouldn’t surprise me to discover she’s an actual living person … I feel honoured to have been able to review this book and, more than inviting you to pick it up for yourself, I urge you to do so. It really is worth it." Van Demal, Van Is Reading
"This is the story of one specific person and her problem, but it raises a lot of wider issues from gender identity and stereotyping, and the way society forces us to conform, to how impetuous decisions made when young can affect our whole lives." Mary Mayfield, Our Book Reviews Online
"Her childhood reminiscences were as convincing as her adult life and by the end of the book I fully understood how the child had grown into the woman." Stephanie Burton
“fundmentally it is a brave and complex story of personal identity; challenging and at times profoundly uncomfortable to read but written with insight and compassion. It opened my eyes to issues I have not previously considered and I certainly felt for the protagonist” Isabel Costello, on the Literary Sofa
"Diana’s tale is a complex, fascinating and highly contemporary one, and Anne Goodwin’s novel takes us into the heart of an experience that most of us can scarcely imagine." Victoria Best, Shiny New Books
“I particularly liked the way that all the different time frames were included in each chapter without headings signposting the time period.” Kindle Reader on Amazon
“Highly recommended. You will love this story if you enjoy thoughtful stories about gender, family relationships, psychiatric/mental health/self-harm issues, secrets and regrets and the search for love and acceptance.” MJ Mallon
“Writing is a chance to inspire humanity and change the world. It’s about the only thing that can. I am changed by this book … and you may be as well. A book that inspires has to dig deep into the emotional being of the protagonist and build layer upon layer. This book does it.” Marsha Ingrao, Always Write
“Brilliant book. It's about much more than you realise.” Stephanie Cox on Goodreads
“This is an intelligent and thought-provoking book which gripped me from the start and didn't let me go till the end. Its twists and turns kept me guessing and its characters are real and believable. The book deals with complex emotions and taboo subjects in an honest, engaging way. I've now ordered Anne Goodwin's second book.” Clare Stevens on Amazon
“I guessed Diana's secret quite early on, but knowing her secret didn't mar my enjoyment of the story …” Cathy Cade on Goodreads
“What a fabulous, absorbing read … flits easily between the present and the past, recapping and mentioning incidents as the present narrative alters the reader's understanding of them - some of them become more understandable, others more shocking. Highly recommended!” Annalisa Crawford on Goodreads
“I loved this book .The story line pulled me in from the start. I am an avid reader and found the theme original and the main character Diane complex and interesting. I could not put this book down” Mena S on Amazon
“A moving and original story, with a unique protagonist and a sensitive and knowledgeable handling of an important issue.” Philippa East on Amazon
“This book is a heartwarming and beautiful tale of self acceptance, belonging and coming of age. It is unusual for a coming of age story to be written where the main protagonist is a forty-five year old woman but I found this massively refreshing … I couldn't believe this was a debut novel because it is written as if Anne Goodwin has vast experience of writing beautiful language and I think she has a natural gift for exploring another person's mind” Simone Perren on Goodreads
“The narrative segues seamlessly from past to present slowly revealing the secret Diana has held deep within. Slowly each layer is peeled back and with each peeling our knowledge and understanding of Diana deepen with each new piece of knowledge adding to Diana as a character and our own investment in her journey.” Irene Waters
“Sugar and Snails is a novel that is destined to open hearts and minds to an experience that’s rarely explored in the realms of fiction and … should be much more widely read and I cannot recommend it highly enough.” PamReader
“Diana’s secret is a big one and the reveal is sensitively handled. There is no unnecessary melodrama. In fact, one of the things that draws the reader to Diana is the way in which the author convincingly relates how naïve she is about some aspects of her situation.” Wendy Janes on Goodreads
“Anne Goodwin has written a complex and intriguing book which really makes you think about issues around identity.” Marianne, Books, Life and Everything
“The book is an LGBT novel and is brilliantly written. The thought process is described fantastically, making you feel like Diana is. The story is easy to read and does jump back and forward in time but in a way that is easy to understand.” Emma, Book Witch
“I love a so-called unlikeable heroine, especially if they are 40+, and Diana is very discomforting – Goodwin has done a great job harnessing that in both her actions and dialogue – yet despite her awkwardness and at times oddness she’s a character I almost immediately felt endeared to” Poppy Peacock Pens
“Anne Goodwin takes a close look at how secrets and lies can affect our entire life, down to the heart of who we are. How decisions have consequences we rarely thought about when making them. It is a book about identity, trust, secrets and how isolating they can be. It develops into a thought provoking read.” Jo, Book Sceptic
“… a really good read for anyone who feels outside the norm and a little bit different. It is a well written novel dealing with a difficult subject sensitively and with compassion.” Sandra, Reading Writes
“I was impressed with the layers Goodwin wrapped the plot in. It’s possible that different readers will guess what’s going on at different points throughout the novel. Some may not figure it out for themselves. Either way, Sugar and Snails is a novel that while slow moving grabs your attention and doesn’t let go.” Paula at Cornflakegirl’s Musings
“Anne Goodwin has taken a sensitive subject and treated it with respect and care. A beautiful and thought provoking read. One I won’t forget for a long time!” Emma at Mrs Red’s Reviews
“The author, with a keen eye for detail, tackles some difficult issues, but with perceptive sensitivity she keeps a firm grasp on the main thread of the story, and as Diana's interesting past emerges, a thoughtful and poignant story starts to be revealed.” Jo on Jaffa Reads Too
“A real personal and heartfelt story. Diana speaks in the first person and it’s as if she speaks to you and only you for she shares such emotional secrets and thoughts that you want to keep looking round to make sure no one is listening in to such deep thoughts.” Clare on The Book Trail
“This is a sensitive contribution to the current conversation around gender differences.” Lissa Lazaro on Amazon.com
“The story had me eager to know more. It is an easy read with lots of wonderful prose.” Linda Bowes on Amazon
“Everything that you can expect from a good novel: from a well structured pace to a very intelligent plot twist to deep, rounded characters.” Laura Cayuela on Amazon
“a sudden lightbulb appears above your head. You know exactly what’s going on and everything that was mentioned before that point makes complete sense … this is an important book that I would recommend to anyone.” Rachel Poli
“So hopeful and heart-rending, Sugar and Snails is an amazingly brutal and honest story about one person searching for their place in life. Diana is perhaps more honest than most people can ever hope to be and I applauded her bravery throughout the book. Sugar and Snails is emotional and intelligent and well worth 5 stars from me.” Michelle Ryles on the Book Magnet
“Delicately treading its way through an issue that has been much in the headlines of late, this book is a touching character study of a woman badly scarred by life and by herself.” Robin Lewis for Left Lion
“Goodwin’s character, a psychologist, questions, denies, and stumbles towards her own truth in a way that exudes authenticity.” Dr Suzanne Conboy-Hill for The Psychologist
“A moving and accomplished novel with a difference, especially poignant for anyone who, particularly as a child, felt misunderstood and different from everyone else.” Jan on BeadyJansBooks
“I have not read anything like this before: powerful, engaging, intelligent, well written, with a mystery that is gradually revealed. I was really surprised at what this book had to offer – the synopsis just didn’t prepare me for the complexity of the issues and the emotional journey encountered in these pages.” Carol on Reading Writing and Riesling
“Anne Goodwin, through her well-defined protagonist and those that fill Diana’s life, shows us that we can experience a coming-of-age at any time in life, we are never concrete selves, but always in search of a self between the borders of who we are, who we have been, who we feel we ought to be and who we want to be.” Isabelle on The Contemporary Small Press
“The story is told in such a way that I could not help but be self reflective and I certainly feel that I have learnt something about the issues addressed, despite it being as a work of fiction. A fantastic book that I’m sure you will love.” Marcia on Whispering Stories
“I enjoyed the writing and although the story is told in alternating timelines between the present and the past, it was seamlessly executed. The slow unfolding of the protagonist’s story, is one coming-of-age story of a woman in her midlife who has to deal with secrets that can no longer be kept ‘secret’.” Michelle on Inky Foot
“It was a challenging subject for a first novel but one which deserves a wide readership” Carol Craggs on Amazon
"a fascinating debut novel looking at identity and what makes us who we are. Anne Goodwin’s writing is excellent and she has a perfect balance of past and present. I found it very thought-provoking and think it is a book which explores a difficult topic in an engaging and enlightening way. I was totally engrossed in Diana’s story and highly recommend it." Joanne on Portobello Book Blog
"a page-turning package that hooked me from the first page. There's a brilliant twist that I got a glimpse of before it was revealed, but far from spoiling the surprise, it just added to my pleasure as a reader. Sneaky Anne...and very, very good!! More please." J Watson on Amazon
"a narrative style engrossing enough to make us keep reading to the last page. The overlap between the full-of-confusion past and the present which is filled with complexities and fear is woven ever so neatly" Raith on The Bookly Purple
"Ultiimately, this is a story of self discovery which challenges the reader to consider issues of equality and the way in which individuals are conventionalised by the society in which they live." Left on the Shelf
"This novel is a pleasure to read from start to finish, testament to Goodwin’s command of the craft and with its multilayered plot providing a fascinating portrait of a protagonist’s struggle with unusual demons." North East Lifestyle magazine
"I am so impressed that this is a debut novel; there is something that makes the author seem incredibly comfortable as an author; it feel natural, well-conceived and given to the reader in a way that feels neither telling neither negative. The topic discussed through the book is at times challenging and disturbing in the way that those around our main character react." My Little Book Blog
"Goodwin has written real characters, not just in Diana but with each of the significant figures in Diana’s life – flawed, conflicted. As the reader, I can empathise with each of them. What are the motivations for parental love? How is one changed by childhood events? Is an adolescent capable of deciding her future? What is the value of friendship and love in shaping a life?" Florence T on LitWorldInterviews
"The account is written in a sensitive and respectful, yet honest and absorbing manner. The detail is superb. As I read, I live life alongside Diana. I very highly recommend this book." John W on Amazon
"The story is wonderfully crafted with multiple threads cleverly interwoven so you don't lose sight of any of them. I thought the story 'reveal' was perfectly timed." L Reiter on Amazon
"Anne Goodwin's "Sugar and Snails" is a remarkable piece of work. It deals with enormously difficult issues but, in doing so, it displays a deftness of touch that one would not expect in a debut novel." Des Hope on Amazon
"This is very much a story of finding yourself and being happy with who you are. It is very expertly told by the author and I have to say this story is quite unique to me as I haven’t read any other books on the same topic." Sarah Hardy, By the Letter Book Reviews
"I don’t want to give away the secret of the story but anyone who is interested in the plight of the misfit in a conservative society will find this compelling and moving. A strong debut by Anne Goodwin." Clare O’Dea on Goodreads
"Thoroughly enjoyed this, read it in a single day because I couldn't put it down. Highly recommend anyone with an open mind picking this up." sarahlouise34 on Amazon
"as Di’s current difficulties are fleshed out by episodes from her past life (all beautifully depicted) the writer’s control of the story is never in doubt and when things fall suddenly into place there is a brilliantly paced denouement. Moreover by the end I was totally engaged with Di and desperately needed to know how she was going to move on." AliB on Amazon
"With depth of character, intriguing plot and exotic landscapes, Goodwin’s story takes us from the grey skies of Northern England to the hot and balmy days of Egypt as she takes us deeper and deeper into the psyche and turmoil of Diana." Norah Colvin on Amazon.com
"The book is extremely cleverly done, with the reader often not realising what they are realising or when they have come to realise something – our knowledge unfurls as the central character’s knowledge of other characters and theirs of her unfurl, too. This makes it sound confusing, but it’s not – it’s extremely competent and, ultimately, moving, and it’s extremely impressive, especially for a first novel." Liz Dexter on Adventures in Reading, Writing and Working from Home
"I couldn't put it down and read it in one day. There are not many stories that capture me in this way, being drawn quickly into the main character Di's experiences of self and the gradual unfolding of life events" Rosalind Burdett on Amazon
"Anne's writing is beautifully descriptive and her knowledge of psychological processes and academic research provides a solid foundation for the novel." Christina on Amazon
"This book is about relationships within families and between friends, about acceptance and about longing. The characterisation is totally believable. Highly recommended." Barbara Speake on Amazon
"Diana's plight should strike a chord with anyone who has ever felt marginalized by society or indeed felt themselves to be a misfit in their own family. A very impressive debut novel which I thoroughly enjoyed." ReadALot on Amazon
"The plot is well woven, very clever and develops at just the right pace. I would read one aspect of the present, later to be taken back to the past, then forward again to the present and understand so much more than I did first time round." Annette on Amazon
"Sugar and Snails deserves to be pushed to the front of the queue in all book club reading lists. The depth of the characters and the intricate problems that they face will provide so many discussion points. Now that I know the twist, I am excited to reread Sugar and Snails and to pick up on the many muted clues sprinkled throughout the text. So please, for me, read this book. If you can’t do it for me (rude) do it for you. Just go now. Buy it. Read it. Then come talk to me about it. Because it is absurdly brilliant." Alicia Bruce, Tales From A Bruce Eye View
"I quickly became enthralled in Diana's unusual story and was rooting for her to trust those who cared for her and to find happiness." Nifty Girl on Amazon
"A powerful and engaging novel about identity and the human struggle." ReadingWriter on Amazon
"I loved the way the author slowly unravels the story behind the youthful Diana’s mysterious life-changing decision, picking away it, probing her memory and subconscious for details, just like the psychologist her main character portrays." Lori Shafer, Short Subjects I Feel Like Writing About (Note: review contains spoilers.)
"These passages are heart-rending; reading how this fifteen-year-old faces the most profound life issues on her own, surrounded by hostility, unlocks all the complexity of the present-day Diana." Claire Hayes, Claire Thinking
"I was drawn in, curious about Diana's struggle with her identity; I couldn't guess what the issue was, despite some subtle hints but I was desperate to understand Diana." V Grand on Amazon
"I couldn't put the book down, it is one of the best novels - indie, small press or traditionally published - I have read in a very long while. I would not only say that it is highly recommended but it should also be compulsory reading for today's world." Kate Evans on Goodreads
"‘Sugar and Snails’ deserves its space on the shelves of major booksellers not just because it is well-written with an engrossing plot, but also because it seriously addresses the plight of individuals who do not conform to societal norms." Safia Moore, Top of the Tent
"You cannot but shed a tear for all of them as they are caught in a vortex of circumstances well beyond their imagining." Geoff LePard, Tangental
"I could meet Diana Dodsworth in the street and it wouldn’t surprise me to discover she’s an actual living person … I feel honoured to have been able to review this book and, more than inviting you to pick it up for yourself, I urge you to do so. It really is worth it." Van Demal, Van Is Reading
"This is the story of one specific person and her problem, but it raises a lot of wider issues from gender identity and stereotyping, and the way society forces us to conform, to how impetuous decisions made when young can affect our whole lives." Mary Mayfield, Our Book Reviews Online
"Her childhood reminiscences were as convincing as her adult life and by the end of the book I fully understood how the child had grown into the woman." Stephanie Burton
“fundmentally it is a brave and complex story of personal identity; challenging and at times profoundly uncomfortable to read but written with insight and compassion. It opened my eyes to issues I have not previously considered and I certainly felt for the protagonist” Isabel Costello, on the Literary Sofa
"Diana’s tale is a complex, fascinating and highly contemporary one, and Anne Goodwin’s novel takes us into the heart of an experience that most of us can scarcely imagine." Victoria Best, Shiny New Books
“I particularly liked the way that all the different time frames were included in each chapter without headings signposting the time period.” Kindle Reader on Amazon
