Book Review - Running Into Trouble by Elle Spellman

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Title: Running Into Trouble

Author: Elle Spellman

Format reviewed: Ebook

Source: Netgalley

Publisher: Trapeze

Publication Date: 2nd April 2020

Rating: 4 Stars

With little over twelve weeks until race day, three women are trying their hardest to focus on their ultimate goal - to run 26.2 miles.

For Hannah, it seems near impossible, her first attempt leaving her pained, sweaty and full of regret. But intent on winning back her husband, Hannah is determined to at least try.

Malika signed up to the race after finding a running medal of her friend Abbie's, who died only a few weeks before. She once promised Abbie she would run a race with her, and she plans to keep that promise.

When an accident with an unruly dog brings Hannah and Malika together, they soon realise they're training for the same race, and experienced runner Cassie offers to help them out. But running becomes the last thing on their minds when life gets in the way...

A funny, uplifting and surprising novel about female friendship, motherhood, love and loss, and getting through a whole marathon.

What a journey these three ladies go through in this story, as they attempt to train to run a marathon. 

I mean it's exhausting just thinking about the concept of running 26.2 miles is tiring to someone like me, not to mention daunting, as it also is to Hannah and Malika.  Except unlike me these ladies have signed up to run a marathon with only 3 months to train. 

Hannah signed up while drunk, upset that her husband has left her for a younger sportier model, while Malika is mourning the death of her friend Abbie, and is regretting saying that she would run with Abbie one day, only that day never came, so she is running in her honour. 

They both meet each other in the park, and along with Cassie who is a more experienced runner, they end up forming a small club to help motivate each other with the training. 

What I loved wasn't just the training but the bits thrown in to help tone other parts of the body, or to have fun, so there is a memorable belly dancing class, and the run with the all the mud is definitely amusing and memorable! 

Then there is the emotional journeys all three characters go on throughout the book, where we see great character development, 

This was just a book I really enjoyed reading, from an author that I will definitely look out for again in the future, 

Thank you to Trapeze and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.