I’m a little late to the Paige Toon bandwagon, but after picking up her 2021 release Someone I Used To Know, I’ll certainly be making up for lost time and seeking out her backlist. The story is told from the perspective of the kind and extremely likeable Leah. I was immediately drawn into her blended family, with their alpacas, bunnies, chooks and overflowing household of foster children.
Leah’s the only biological child in their home and we see her across several timeframes, as a new mother, a teenager and then a single parent. I loved the friendship and romance sprinkled through the novel, and had a hard time myself choosing between Theo and George, the leading men who are tied intrinsically to Leah’s past, present and future. I smiled a lot, cried a little, laughed and gasped out loud (then proceeded to debrief my entire family over breakfast) in the final chapters of this story. Someone I Used To Know was released in paperback, eBook and audiobook. Thanks to Penguin Random House for the review and giveaway copies.
Five fast minutes with Paige
Do you have a good luck charm or a special token that sits in your office?
Not really, but I do keep things readers have made for me quite close by and they always make me smile. I have an infographic poster that shows the way some of my earlier books are linked, a small photo frame with tiny origami birds to represent Five Years From Now and a crocheted hot air balloon which a reader made, inspired by If You Could Go Anywhere.
Favourite exercise to counteract all the hours sitting at the keyboard?
Walking. I love listening to music and letting my mind wander. If I’m stuck on a scene, I find it’s the best way to clear my head. At first, I’ll just be processing other events from my day, but after twenty minutes or so of time away from the house, my characters usually start talking to me again. The trick is remembering their conversations when I’m back in front of my computer!
What’s your go-to weekday dinner dish?
Pasta. My husband doesn’t really love it, but I’d have it every other night if I could.
Which career would you choose if money wasn’t a factor and writing wasn’t an option?
I’m going to assume you mean book writing and say song writing. I play the piano – not well, but if it was a career choice, I’d practice a whole lot more!
Favourite scent?
Vanilla. I have a sweet tooth.
Chocolate, potato chips or cheese?
Chocolate, but any of the above.
Have you done anything special with any of your advances?
We bought a new campervan and travel around Europe in it. It’s perfect during Covid times as you’re inside your own little home on wheels.
Spot where you seem to get the best bursts of writing inspiration?
Out in the fields near my house – I’m always at my most creative when I’m writing and usually come up with my next book idea when I’m on deadline.
Worst writing/book related injury?
Nothing, touch wood. I’ve researched rock climbing and base jumping, but no way was I going to actually do either of those things…
Aussie novel you’re most looking forward to in 2021?
Sally Thorne’s Second First Impressions. I loved The Hating Game and 99 Per Cent Mine, so had high expectations for Sally’s third book. It lived up to them.
Best one-line sentence from one of your book reviews?
‘I had never finished a book until I started reading yours.’
Share a quirky habit or something readers might be surprised to discover about you.
I make tea Nathan’s way. Readers of Lucy in the Sky will know what I’m talking about.
Someone I Used to Know
The heart-melting new romance by one of the world's bestselling authors.
So much can change in half a lifetime... Then
At fifteen, George is the foster brother Leah never asked for. As the angry, troubled boy struggles to come to terms with his circumstances, Leah finds herself getting drawn closer to him.
Theo’s wealthy family have mysteriously pulled him out of boarding school and he’s now enrolled at the local state school with Leah and George. When their worlds collide that summer, the three teenagers form a bond they believe will be unbreakable. But life doesn’t always go to plan...
Now
Shocking news brings Leah back to Yorkshire, baby daughter in tow. But Emilie’s father Theo isn’t with them, and George has unexpectedly returned. After half a lifetime, have they healed the scars of their pasts? Will coming back home set their hearts in a different direction?
About the author
Paige Toon grew up between England, Australia and America and has been writing books set in sun-drenched locations around the world since 2007. She has released thirteen novels and a three-part spin off series for young adults.
In 2014, Paige set up a club, The Hidden Paige, in order to share free short stories and extra content with her readers. Sign up at paigetoon.com or visit her website to find out more about the author and her characters.
Find Paige online
Instagram / Twitter / Facebook @PaigeToonAuthor and you can also sign up to my newsletter #TheHiddenPaige at paigetoon.com – sometimes I send out free short stories.
BUY THE NOVEL HERE
WIN! WIN! WIN!
For your chance to win a copy of Paige's new novel Someone I Used to Know, simply read the interview and answer the questions on the WIN page. Entries open August 1. The winner will be drawn Sunday, August 8 at 5 pm. Newsletter subscribers and Aussie addresses only, please. Thanks to Penguin Random House for the review and giveaway copies.