Can one small note give her the courage to find a new path?
One Note. One Act of kindness. Her new beginning is closer than she thinks.
Kate gave up her dreams of being a painter years ago. But six little words pinned to the noticeboard of her local café could change her path forever.
‘To be, or not to be…’ – printed on orange card with no explanation – appears one morning.
Each day, a new line from a different Shakespeare play is added, sparking curiosity throughout the café. Among the regulars is Bardy, a retired English teacher grappling with writer’s block.
As Kate and Bardy follow this breadcrumb trail, they discover a local community group encouraging people to rediscover their own creative spark – and the long-lost courage to chase it.
For Kate, their new group might just offer a second chance at happiness, if only Bardy can find the strength to share his story too…
About The Author
My Review
This book is about a wonderfully eclectic group of strangers who come together in a small-town creative workshop, each carrying private hopes and quiet disappointments. Bardy Shakespeare, a retired English teacher battling writer’s block, joins alongside Kate, recovering from cancer and longing to paint again; Luigi, a widowed café owner; Pia, a newly arrived Danish lawyer; a teenager, an older married couple, and an ambitious entrepreneur. What begins as a simple plan to prepare entries for a local arts competition slowly becomes something far more meaningful.
Under Bardy’s gentle guidance—each chapter charmingly introduced with a Shakespeare quote—the group begins to rediscover their artistic dreams. Through painting, writing, photography, and even musical theatre ambitions, they encourage one another through doubt and vulnerability. The friendships that form feel organic and deeply earned.
This book blends humour—particularly through an older gentleman’s hearing-aid mishaps—with heartfelt moments and a touch of romance. Uplifting and warm, it celebrates creativity, second chances, and the unexpected joy of finding your people.
My Rating
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