The Things I Should Have Told You by Carmel Harrington

Every family has a story…

But for the Guinness family a happy ending looks out of reach. Olly and Mae's marriage is crumbling, their teenage daughter Evie is on a mission to self-destruct and their beloved Pops is dying of cancer. Their once strong family unit is slowly falling apart.


But Pops has one final gift to offer his beloved family – a ray of hope to cling to. As his life's journey draws to a close, he sends his family on an adventure across Europe in a camper van, guided by his letters, his wisdom and his love.


Because Pops knows that all his family need is time to be together, to find their love for each other and to find their way back home…

Claire's review 5 of 5 stars

Wow! what can I say about this book! It has taken me a few days to process my thoughts as this is one of those truly special books that stays with you for a long time after.

The Things I Should Have Told You, is about the Guiness family who are slowly falling apart! Olly and Mae's marriage is crumbling, they are constantly arguing and Olly is suffering after losing his job. Meanwhile, their teenage daughter Evie is in a low and desperate place, not helped by the atmosphere created with her parents marriage crisis. If that isn't bad enough, their beloved Pops (Olly's father) is slowly dying of cancer before their eyes and its fair to say the family is at breaking point.

When Pops passes away though he leaves them a gift that would make or break them. A campervan and a plan to travel for 8 weeks, along with a series of letters to open on certain dates telling them where to go.

This book made me cry so many times! The ups and downs, and the struggle this poor family has gone through really hits home and makes you think about your own life. The author has an amazing writing style which makes you feel as if you know the characters personally, and you can totally feel the emotional journey they find themselves on.

This is the first book of Carmel Harringtons that I have read, but it definitely won't be my last!