What If..? By Claire Burns Celebrates Modern Womanhood, Emotional Resilience And Self-Discovery

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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, Claire Burns’ debut novel, What If..?, explores Rachel Logan’s journey of self-discovery as she navigates a career-defining opportunity and life-changing news from her best friend, ultimately questioning societal expectations and striving for personal fulfillment.

What If..?

Claire Burns’ What If…? takes readers on a poignant journey through the life of Rachel Logan. From the sun-drenched shores of Greece to the nostalgic streets of Southampton and the vibrant energy of London, Burns masterfully weaves a story filled with vivid settings and timeless themes that resonate with women today.

Drawing from her own experiences sailing around Greece, Burns brings Rachel’s struggles and triumphs to life in a profoundly relevant way. Rachel’s story isn’t about being saved by others but about finding the strength to take control of her destiny—despite the doubts, fears, and societal expectations that so many women face. Through Rachel’s courageous journey, readers witness the resilience required to navigate life’s uncertainties and the transformative power of self-reliance.

What If…? offers an inspiring narrative and a visual escape, reminding readers that true happiness comes from within and that the power to shape one’s life belongs solely to oneself. It’s a must-read for anyone seeking a story that reflects the challenges and growth we all face in our everyday lives.

In What If…?, Rachel Logan’s captivating journey begins with a thriving marketing career in London. However, nostalgic reflections of her university days spent sailing in Southampton and visiting Kefalonia, Greece, with her best friends, Ellie and Alice, lead her to question her direction.

When Ellie shares shattering news, Rachel’s life takes an unexpected turn. With the unwavering support of her loving husband, Finn, the probing questions from her close-knit family, and the challenging perspectives of her other best friend, Alice, Rachel grapples with newfound uncertainty.

Determined not to be selfish and in her pursuit of emotional resilience and inner peace, Rachel continually asks herself, “What if…?” as she searches for answers. Leaning on the significant people in her life for guidance, Rachel discovers that life often defies our best-laid plans. Blending humor with heartache, the story reveals that true enlightenment comes from looking within. What If…? is a touching narrative about finding your way through life’s storms with the help of those you love.

Claire Burns

“What If..? is my debut novel, a project I first began in 2001 while sailing around Greece with my husband. Inspired by the beauty of the surroundings, I felt the urge to stretch my creativity and capture the experience in words.

Fast forward 22 years, and I decided to revisit those early drafts and breathe new life into the story. In the time since, I’ve had three children and built a career in User Experience, which naturally shaped the story’s evolution, making it more grounded and reflective. What If..? now explores themes of personal value, grief, friendships, and the life questions we all encounter.

When I first started writing, I had books like Bridget Jones’s Diary and authors like Sophie Kinsella in mind. But as the story matured, I moved away from the ‘chick lit’ style, seeking something more contemporary and meaningful. I focused on crafting strong female characters, balanced relationships, and authentic friendships—characters readers can relate to and truly invest in.

I believe Rachel’s story (my protagonist) is as relevant today as ever. She is a strong, empowered woman who seeks to take control of her life but grapples with vulnerability and confusion—a theme that resonates deeply with me. Women often face the challenge of questioning their direction while feeling unsupported or pigeonholed. The journey of staying true to oneself while overcoming self-doubt is one, I feel needs to be told. This isn’t a story about finding a prince or winning the lottery. It’s not about being saved—it’s about looking within and finding the emotional resilience and courage to choose your own path.

-Claire Burns

Find more from Claire Burns now:

Kindle: https://amzn.to/4fhozlV

Paperback: https://amzn.to/4eWpZTi

Hardcover: https://amzn.to/3BWjykw

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