Review - A Parcel for Anna Browne by Miranda Dickinson

A Parcel for Anna Browne by Miranda Dickinson
Publisher: Pan (24th Sept 2015)

Blurb:
Anna Browne is an ordinary woman living an ordinary life. Her day job as a receptionist in bustling London isn't exactly her dream, yet she has everything she wants. But someone thinks Anna Browne deserves more . . .

When a parcel addressed to Anna Browne arrives, she has no idea who has sent it. Inside she finds a beautiful gift - one that is designed to be seen. And so begins a series of incredible deliveries, each one bringing Anna further out of the shadows and encouraging her to become the woman she was destined to be. As Anna grows in confidence, others begin to notice her - and her life starts to change.

But who is sending the mysterious gifts, and why?

It's that time of the year again, people! Miranda Dickinson's written a new book and it's called A Parcel for Anna Browne and it looks glorious in real life. Well, I got a proof copy and it's got that gorgeous magenta foil detailing and I am totally in love with it.

Miranda Dickinson's latest book focuses on the life of Anna Browne, your average plain Jane who is content with what she has in her life. Then, she receives a parcel wrapped in plain brown paper, addressed to her and void of any information of its sender. Gradually, she gets more of these parcels mysteriously sent to her and slowly, her life isn't as normal and quiet as it used to be. Gone were the days when Anna would keep to herself and shy away from others. With every gift she receives, Anna becomes a different person.

What I liked about the premise of the novel is that it's such a simple concept can be moulded into something so inspirational and uplifting. Obviously I wouldn't want to spoil it for you, but A Parcel for Anna Browne is a spectacular story about a woman who gets a little nudge to turn her life around. I loved the idea of her receiving gifts. I mean, who doesn't like receiving gifts? (I get book posts and I am ALWAYS excited to rip open the book envelopes I get and see what lies inside them.)

The book is written from the third person's perspective and we get to see little snippets of the characters besides Anna, such as the characters who work at Anna's workplace, Messenger, which is a newspaper firm. I loved reading about the references of Anna's wonderful childhood in Cornwall with her beloved grandmother and her brother. The romance in the book is sweet, exciting and I'm glad Anna gets her happily ever after.

Miranda Dickinson's sublime writing is warm and comforting as a mug of hot cocoa on a cold night. The only issue I had was the first half of the book. I felt that it was a bit slow, but luckily things picked up eventually and the plot really unfolded and we get to read about Anna's magical journey of self-discovery and her chance for a better life where she learns to love herself and those around her.

A Parcel for Anna Browne is out now on paperback and eBook. I'd like to thank Pan for sending me a copy for review as well as having me on the blog tour!