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Very Very Lucky
12 hours
A life-affirming story from million-copy bestselling author Amanda Prowse about having it all, losing it all, and how new friends can show each other the way back to happiness.
With kids to look after, an ailing mother and a neglected husband, life is full for Emma Fountain—too full, she realises, when she wakes up in IKEA after falling asleep in one of the show beds. Only her crazy, funny best friend Roz keeps her sane. But when Roz climbs in through her bathroom window one day to deliver terrible news, Emma’s belief that she can find a way around any obstacle crumbles in the face of a problem she just can’t fix.
For recently widowed Thurston, life without his beloved wife of sixty-two years has lost all its joy and sense of purpose. That is until he finds himself driving his niece to work one day and meets Emma, whose busy days are the opposite of his own. As Thurston is drawn into the whirlwind of Emma’s chaotic life, and as his calming influence starts to bring her troubles into perspective, an unlikely friendship grows.
In a world where grief is the price we pay for love, can two very different people realise that the little things in life are precious, that love is all around us, and that, even after all, they might still be very, very lucky?
A life-affirming story from million-copy bestselling author Amanda Prowse about having it all, losing it all, and how new friends can show each other the way back to happiness.
With kids to look after, an ailing mother and a neglected husband, life is full for Emma Fountain—too full, she realises, when she wakes up in IKEA after falling asleep in one of the show beds. Only her crazy, funny best friend Roz keeps her sane. But when Roz climbs in through her bathroom window one day to deliver terrible news, Emma’s belief that she can find a way around any obstacle crumbles in the face of a problem she just can’t fix.
For recently widowed Thurston, life without his beloved wife of sixty-two years has lost all its joy and sense of purpose. That is until he finds himself driving his niece to work one day and meets Emma, whose busy days are the opposite of his own. As Thurston is drawn into the whirlwind of Emma’s chaotic life, and as his calming influence starts to bring her troubles into perspective, an unlikely friendship grows.
In a world where grief is the price we pay for love, can two very different people realise that the little things in life are precious, that love is all around us, and that, even after all, they might still be very, very lucky?
Audible Audio
Published January 9, 2024
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About the author
Amanda Prowse
83 books1,966 followersPrevious Book: 'Swimming to Lundy', published th August 2024'.
Latest Book: 'This One Life', published 7th January 2025.
Next Book: 'Ever After' published 7th August 2025.
Amanda Prowse is an International Bestselling author whose thirty-two novels, two non-fiction titles and ten novellas have been published in dozens of languages around the world. Published by Lake Union, Amanda is the most prolific writer of bestselling contemporary fiction in the UK today; her titles also consistently score the highest online review approval ratings across several genres. Her books, including the chart topping No.1 titles 'What Have I Done?', 'Perfect Daughter', 'My Husband's Wife', 'The Girl in the Corner' and ‘The Things I Know’ have sold millions of copies across the globe.
A popular TV and radio personality, Amanda has appeared on numerous shows where her views on family and social issues strike a chord with viewers. She also makes countless guest appearances on BBC national and independent Radio stations including LBC, Times Radio and Talk FM, where she is well known for her insightful observations and her infectious humour. Described by the Daily Mail as ‘The queen of family drama’ Amanda’s novel, 'A Mother's Story' won the coveted Sainsbury's eBook of the year Award and she has had two books selected as World Book Night titles, 'Perfect Daughter' in 2016 and 'The Boy Between' in 2022.
Amanda is a huge supporter of libraries and having become a proud ambassador for The Reading Agency, works tirelessly to promote reading, especially in disadvantaged areas. Amanda's ambition is to create stories that keep people from turning the bedside lamp off at night, great characters that ensure you take every step with them and tales that fill your head so you can't possibly read another book until the memory fades...
Praise for Amanda Prowse:
'A powerful and emotional work of fiction' - Piers Morgan
'Deeply moving and emotional, Amanda Prowse handles her explosive subjects with delicate skill' - Daily Mail
'Uplifting and positive, but you will still need a box of tissues' - Hello!
'A gut-wrenching and absolutely brilliant read' - The Irish Sun
'You'll fall in love with this...' - Cosmopolitan
'Deeply moving and eye opening. Powerful and emotional drama that packs a real punch.' - Heat
'Magical' - Now magazine
Latest Book: 'This One Life', published 7th January 2025.
Next Book: 'Ever After' published 7th August 2025.
Amanda Prowse is an International Bestselling author whose thirty-two novels, two non-fiction titles and ten novellas have been published in dozens of languages around the world. Published by Lake Union, Amanda is the most prolific writer of bestselling contemporary fiction in the UK today; her titles also consistently score the highest online review approval ratings across several genres. Her books, including the chart topping No.1 titles 'What Have I Done?', 'Perfect Daughter', 'My Husband's Wife', 'The Girl in the Corner' and ‘The Things I Know’ have sold millions of copies across the globe.
A popular TV and radio personality, Amanda has appeared on numerous shows where her views on family and social issues strike a chord with viewers. She also makes countless guest appearances on BBC national and independent Radio stations including LBC, Times Radio and Talk FM, where she is well known for her insightful observations and her infectious humour. Described by the Daily Mail as ‘The queen of family drama’ Amanda’s novel, 'A Mother's Story' won the coveted Sainsbury's eBook of the year Award and she has had two books selected as World Book Night titles, 'Perfect Daughter' in 2016 and 'The Boy Between' in 2022.
Amanda is a huge supporter of libraries and having become a proud ambassador for The Reading Agency, works tirelessly to promote reading, especially in disadvantaged areas. Amanda's ambition is to create stories that keep people from turning the bedside lamp off at night, great characters that ensure you take every step with them and tales that fill your head so you can't possibly read another book until the memory fades...
Praise for Amanda Prowse:
'A powerful and emotional work of fiction' - Piers Morgan
'Deeply moving and emotional, Amanda Prowse handles her explosive subjects with delicate skill' - Daily Mail
'Uplifting and positive, but you will still need a box of tissues' - Hello!
'A gut-wrenching and absolutely brilliant read' - The Irish Sun
'You'll fall in love with this...' - Cosmopolitan
'Deeply moving and eye opening. Powerful and emotional drama that packs a real punch.' - Heat
'Magical' - Now magazine
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 587 reviews
September 24, 2023
My Reviews Can Also Be Found On:
The Storygraph and The Book Review Crew Blog
No matter what, you just have to keep putting one foot in front of the other and you keep going, and one day you’ll look up and it’s behind you. You might never be the same again or you might be changed, but it’ll be behind you.
I love Amanda Prowse's books, this one is my seventh by her. She never disappoints me, and Very Very Lucky is no exception. Emma is of the sandwich generation, looking after her children and her mother all while holding down a job. Emma has a lot to be thankful for and I understand how it can be hard to not feel sorry for one's self when you're in the thick of it and we have to remind ourselves that it is the little things that make life worth living.
There were many moments of laughter reading this story but also some very serious topical matters. The characters are dealing with some heavy issues such as grief, suicidal thoughts, and terminal illness but the way the author chooses to have her characters deal with them with love and humour touched me and it was also done in a very sensitive manner.
I loved the characters in this tale, they were so real and relatable, especially our main character, Emma. I enjoyed reading about her and her support group of friends and family, watching them learn that it's never too late to make new friends who can be a surrogate family and that while reaching out and helping others often we can help ourselves as well. There are no easy answers to tough times but many little steps can lead to big steps forward.
This was such a clever story that I got totally absorbed in, written with warmth and compassion. It is a thoughtful, moving book and Prowse makes it very clear that although we all go through difficult times having a lot of support from friends and family makes us very very lucky indeed.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
The Storygraph and The Book Review Crew Blog
No matter what, you just have to keep putting one foot in front of the other and you keep going, and one day you’ll look up and it’s behind you. You might never be the same again or you might be changed, but it’ll be behind you.
I love Amanda Prowse's books, this one is my seventh by her. She never disappoints me, and Very Very Lucky is no exception. Emma is of the sandwich generation, looking after her children and her mother all while holding down a job. Emma has a lot to be thankful for and I understand how it can be hard to not feel sorry for one's self when you're in the thick of it and we have to remind ourselves that it is the little things that make life worth living.
There were many moments of laughter reading this story but also some very serious topical matters. The characters are dealing with some heavy issues such as grief, suicidal thoughts, and terminal illness but the way the author chooses to have her characters deal with them with love and humour touched me and it was also done in a very sensitive manner.
I loved the characters in this tale, they were so real and relatable, especially our main character, Emma. I enjoyed reading about her and her support group of friends and family, watching them learn that it's never too late to make new friends who can be a surrogate family and that while reaching out and helping others often we can help ourselves as well. There are no easy answers to tough times but many little steps can lead to big steps forward.
This was such a clever story that I got totally absorbed in, written with warmth and compassion. It is a thoughtful, moving book and Prowse makes it very clear that although we all go through difficult times having a lot of support from friends and family makes us very very lucky indeed.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
January 4, 2024
Love and longing is so hard to recreate in a book, but Prowse is a master at it. As her tale unravels, strong women usually prevail. In this one, so much of what we come to think of as a mother vs. a parent is depicted in a bright and complex way. One can only know how to write like this if she has lived through extraordinary drama, pain, and passion. Kept my interest the whole way, and it made me realize why, each and every time, I always enjoy her books.
May 9, 2024
4.5★s
Very, Very Lucky is the sixteenth stand-alone novel by award-winning, best-selling British author, Amanda Prowse. After the funeral for Mary, his wife of sixty-two wonderful years, Thurston Brancher begins making preparations. He gets his solicitor to draft a new will; he subtly sounds out his niece to care for his Jack Russell, Rhubarb; the phone will be cut off just before Christmas; and he considers methods, deciding that a strong rope over a beam in the barn will be the best. Because, in his eighties, life without Mary isn’t worth living.
Emma Fountain’s life is full. She has a widowed, still-grieving, disabled mother with a talent for criticism, bigotry and what seems like passive aggression, a teenaged son not coping with the social aspect of school, another son tempted by the luxuries his school-mates can afford, a hard-working husband trying to provide for them all, and a daughter wanting to showcase a normal family for her new boyfriend. Her life is mad, chaotic and hectic with not one minute to herself: the chore cycle never ends while other people’s needs take up her emotional and physical reserves.
Her part-time job at the green-grocers is actually a welcome escape from the pressure, and getting together with her best friend Rosalind is source of support, entertainment and joy in her life. But in the week from hell, she learns something very disturbing about the carer paid to look after her mother, one son’s anxiety seems to be escalating while the other has his sights set on an expensive school trip, her best friend reveals an adverse diagnosis, and her daughter brings some shocking news.
It’s in the middle of all this that Emma and Thurston, both feeling fragile, encounter one another and find an immediate rapport. They’re both a little surprised to be able to confide in each other so freely: it’s not until later that the irony of Thurston’s advice to Emma, when she confides sometimes wanting to run away, strikes him, while Emma eventually takes on board something else he says: “You can’t do everything, and you can’t fix everything. Sometimes, you need to ask for help.”
Prowse peppers her novel with wisdom and insight, and serves it up with plenty of laugh-out-loud humour: the chilli dinner and its aftermath is particularly hilarious. Prowse gives the reader some marvellous descriptive prose: “His throat was narrow, vocal cords tight, and lyrics of hope and love were no more than lies on his tongue. This another facet of his loss. Another strand to the blanket of sorrow woven in a unique way for whoever wore it” and “You look like you have words queuing up to jump off your tongue” are examples. Readers may wish to know that some of her characters are quite free with expletives, but this is a heart-warming and uplifting read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing.
Very, Very Lucky is the sixteenth stand-alone novel by award-winning, best-selling British author, Amanda Prowse. After the funeral for Mary, his wife of sixty-two wonderful years, Thurston Brancher begins making preparations. He gets his solicitor to draft a new will; he subtly sounds out his niece to care for his Jack Russell, Rhubarb; the phone will be cut off just before Christmas; and he considers methods, deciding that a strong rope over a beam in the barn will be the best. Because, in his eighties, life without Mary isn’t worth living.
Emma Fountain’s life is full. She has a widowed, still-grieving, disabled mother with a talent for criticism, bigotry and what seems like passive aggression, a teenaged son not coping with the social aspect of school, another son tempted by the luxuries his school-mates can afford, a hard-working husband trying to provide for them all, and a daughter wanting to showcase a normal family for her new boyfriend. Her life is mad, chaotic and hectic with not one minute to herself: the chore cycle never ends while other people’s needs take up her emotional and physical reserves.
Her part-time job at the green-grocers is actually a welcome escape from the pressure, and getting together with her best friend Rosalind is source of support, entertainment and joy in her life. But in the week from hell, she learns something very disturbing about the carer paid to look after her mother, one son’s anxiety seems to be escalating while the other has his sights set on an expensive school trip, her best friend reveals an adverse diagnosis, and her daughter brings some shocking news.
It’s in the middle of all this that Emma and Thurston, both feeling fragile, encounter one another and find an immediate rapport. They’re both a little surprised to be able to confide in each other so freely: it’s not until later that the irony of Thurston’s advice to Emma, when she confides sometimes wanting to run away, strikes him, while Emma eventually takes on board something else he says: “You can’t do everything, and you can’t fix everything. Sometimes, you need to ask for help.”
Prowse peppers her novel with wisdom and insight, and serves it up with plenty of laugh-out-loud humour: the chilli dinner and its aftermath is particularly hilarious. Prowse gives the reader some marvellous descriptive prose: “His throat was narrow, vocal cords tight, and lyrics of hope and love were no more than lies on his tongue. This another facet of his loss. Another strand to the blanket of sorrow woven in a unique way for whoever wore it” and “You look like you have words queuing up to jump off your tongue” are examples. Readers may wish to know that some of her characters are quite free with expletives, but this is a heart-warming and uplifting read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing.
November 20, 2023
count myself, very very lucky to have found Amanda Prowse, because every book I have read by her has brought me so much joy.
The characters in this book are so relatable to me , Emma being part of the sandwich generation trying to work whilst looking after her children and her mother, with little or no time to herself. Thurston on the other hand who had recently lost his wife of many years and has a lot of time to think and question how he will exist without her.
When the two characters strike up an unlikely friendship , it was wonderful to see how they brought each other support and happiness.
This story was written with such compassion that it really pulled at my heartstrings. Everyone stage of life can bring its own challenges and the struggles we face can sometimes feel overwhelming but when shared with others they usually become more manageable.
The characters in this book are so relatable to me , Emma being part of the sandwich generation trying to work whilst looking after her children and her mother, with little or no time to herself. Thurston on the other hand who had recently lost his wife of many years and has a lot of time to think and question how he will exist without her.
When the two characters strike up an unlikely friendship , it was wonderful to see how they brought each other support and happiness.
This story was written with such compassion that it really pulled at my heartstrings. Everyone stage of life can bring its own challenges and the struggles we face can sometimes feel overwhelming but when shared with others they usually become more manageable.
September 18, 2023
This book was so touching in a few different ways. Lost loves, illnesses, families and great friends making new ones.
I loved absolutely everything about this book.
The characters were brilliant and I loved how they teased, as this is how I was brought up.
Tears were slowly leaking from my eyes.
When a book touches you that much I have to thank the author for bringing it alive.
Definitely looking for more from this Author.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
I loved absolutely everything about this book.
The characters were brilliant and I loved how they teased, as this is how I was brought up.
Tears were slowly leaking from my eyes.
When a book touches you that much I have to thank the author for bringing it alive.
Definitely looking for more from this Author.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
February 9, 2024
i dunno if i’m a total cynic but i hated this book. the characters were exceedingly flat and predictable, the story itself was kinda corny, and the sheer amount of pointless dialogue was enough to make me lose it. i don’t think it was a bad book but i don’t think i was the designated audience.
January 25, 2024
I picked up this book via Kindle Unlimited impulsively. I read and listened to it. It’s my first introduction to Amanda Prowse and surely won’t be the last. I had never heard of her writing. I was blown away with how authentic and real her story felt. This book was powerful and really encapsulated emotions of pain, longing, guilt, love, and anxiety. Emma was an amazingly real character. I related to her so much. A mother of teens, caring for her mother and trying to juggle it all. She strikes up an unlikely friendship with an Octogenarian, Thurston, who recently lost his wife of 62 years. His heartache and longing for her was so real. This friendship ends up saving them both. I adored them, but the icing on the cake was the impeccable lifelong friendship of Roz and Emma. My goodness it was perfectly written. Heartbreaking, hilarious, and perfectly delightful. I cried several times on this one. The book addressed significant periods of melancholy. If you’re in a place that can’t handle heavy topics maybe wait on this one, but the ending was really redemptive and beautiful. A stunning, authentic, real story!
4.8 out of 5!
4.8 out of 5!
April 17, 2024
I haven’t loved characters or a plot this much in a long time. Such a beautiful story of the intricacies and weaving of wonderfully, complicated, and ordinary life.
November 9, 2023
Emma could be you or I, she's in her 40's with 3 children, a loving husband, a part time job. She's also caring for her ailing mum, struggling for money with demands placed by children and has just received devasting news from her best friend.
Thurston is also struggling, the loss of his beloved wife of 62 years has hit him very hard, he wonders how to carry on. But then the 2 meet and what follows in the story is a story of love, friendship and survival.
This book is so typical of an Amanda Prowse book, she writes real life stories. Life isn't always perfect and tied up with a red ribbon and Amanda showcases this perfectly in the novel.
There's humour( I'll always make sure my hands are washed after chopping chillies IYKYK) and there's tears. But most of all there's affirmation of strength in numbers and the difference having support makes for your well being.
I was gifted this advanced copy from Netgalley and Lake Union publishing with no obligation to review
Thurston is also struggling, the loss of his beloved wife of 62 years has hit him very hard, he wonders how to carry on. But then the 2 meet and what follows in the story is a story of love, friendship and survival.
This book is so typical of an Amanda Prowse book, she writes real life stories. Life isn't always perfect and tied up with a red ribbon and Amanda showcases this perfectly in the novel.
There's humour( I'll always make sure my hands are washed after chopping chillies IYKYK) and there's tears. But most of all there's affirmation of strength in numbers and the difference having support makes for your well being.
I was gifted this advanced copy from Netgalley and Lake Union publishing with no obligation to review
April 6, 2024
Holy shit…
This made me think of that Ove book from very early on, but dare I say this was even better? It’s been a while since I read that one, but good god! I loved the humor, the sadness, the friendships, the characters. I loved that Thurston wasn’t grumpy (Ove was) - he was kind and emotional and supportive and funny. He just couldn’t keep his grief at bay and loved his wife dearly. A king! HIS DOG NAMED RHUBARB?!?!? Adorable.
UGH!!!!!!! This had me in my feels.
I really liked Emma. There were moments where Brendan got on my nerves, but alas, MEN. It made their relationship feel more real.
Don’t even get me started on Emma & Roz. Perfection. Thank god we didn’t have to witness Roz’s death… great choice by this author.
This is the most I’ve enjoyed a book this year. I guess I’m turning soft.
This made me think of that Ove book from very early on, but dare I say this was even better? It’s been a while since I read that one, but good god! I loved the humor, the sadness, the friendships, the characters. I loved that Thurston wasn’t grumpy (Ove was) - he was kind and emotional and supportive and funny. He just couldn’t keep his grief at bay and loved his wife dearly. A king! HIS DOG NAMED RHUBARB?!?!? Adorable.
UGH!!!!!!! This had me in my feels.
I really liked Emma. There were moments where Brendan got on my nerves, but alas, MEN. It made their relationship feel more real.
Don’t even get me started on Emma & Roz. Perfection. Thank god we didn’t have to witness Roz’s death… great choice by this author.
This is the most I’ve enjoyed a book this year. I guess I’m turning soft.
February 16, 2024
4.5⭐️
This book drew me in immediately. This hit home for me, on where I am in life and one of my very best friendships. I was emotional throughout much of this book and felt the ending was very well written.
The only downfall is audible if you choose to read it that way. The volume changes quite often making it difficult to hear at times.
This book drew me in immediately. This hit home for me, on where I am in life and one of my very best friendships. I was emotional throughout much of this book and felt the ending was very well written.
The only downfall is audible if you choose to read it that way. The volume changes quite often making it difficult to hear at times.
November 19, 2025
This is a life affirming story told from multiple point of view with different characters who each have their own secrets and struggles. The characters eventually come together . Crafted raw emotion is evident throughout as the reality of life in its darkest form is laid bare by all the characters and their thoughts are so personal and accurate, it feels like the author has experienced a lot of life struggles to be able to put it across so perfectly I loved the way it was day to day life the things that we all struggle with cupped with big life events like death.. Emma needed different bits from different people and the way interactions were written. This had me with tears in my eyes for a lot of it as i felt the distress, the sorrow, the questioning and the reality of the unspoken things we never get round to and now sometimes a stranger can make those dark clouds feel a bit lighter. The best friend , the husband, the mother, the boss the son so much gathered into this life arming novel. Perfect if you need a good cry. Thank you netgallery, publisher and
January 7, 2024
One thing I love about this author’s books is the way she is able to create such realistic characters and circumstances, and because of this, it is easy for the reader to get sucked in and feel all the emotions. In each of her books, including this one, I am able to put myself in the same shoes as the main character and though I may not agree with their actions, I can either relate, commiserate, or understand the thought process behind them. In Very Very Lucky, we experience troubled times, struggles, and loss; but love, friendship, and support carry the characters through and help them cope. Also true to this author’s nature, there is dry humor sprinkled in making the book all that much more enjoyable. Another great novel written by Amanda Prowse!
September 23, 2023
So have just finished reading the new one by Amanda Prowse, Very Very lucky, I was fortunate to receive an Arc
Well what can I say a beautiful story about family, love, loss and how with a little help from friends old and new, it can all be put back together, what a totally wonderful read, and once again Amanda has managed to leave yet another one of her books inside my heart 😍😘
Well what can I say a beautiful story about family, love, loss and how with a little help from friends old and new, it can all be put back together, what a totally wonderful read, and once again Amanda has managed to leave yet another one of her books inside my heart 😍😘
January 4, 2024
Finished reading: January 3rd 2024
"The treadmill of family life ran quickly and relentlessly. It was just how it was, and she felt a little clueless as to how to fix it."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
REVIEW
WARNING: it's unpopular opinion time again!!
I love a good story featuring unlikely friendships, so I was intrigued by Very Very Lucky as soon as I read the blurb. Add the fact that I've been meaning to try Amanda Prowse's books for quite some time now, and I was excited to finally start reading this story. I've seen nothing but praise for this book so far, and I fully expected to add my own glowing review to the mix... But in the end it just wasn't ment to be. It almost felt like I was reading a completely different story than everyone else, and I confess that I struggled to keep reading. I'll try to explain why briefly below.
First of all I have to stress that Very Very Lucky is by no means a bad story; it just wasn't a right fit for me at all. What I thought was going to be a mostly uplifting unlikely friendship contemporary actually turned out to be a more family drama focused plot... And it's no secret that stories with a lot of family drama simply don't seem to work for me anymore. There was SO much drama going on, and it just felt way over the top to me; like the author wanted to lay it on thick only to have a nice happy ending wrapped in a big red bow at the end.
I think one of the things I struggled with was with the main characters, who I just couldn't connect with at all. I understand that Thurston is grieving his wife, but his POV is just so depressing with his constant mention of his suicide plans. That and the fact that he just lets June walk all over him... The whole walking-over-someone seems to be a theme here, because there is plenty of that going on with the other character Emma as well. She is basically a human doormat slash slave, and lets everyone commandeer her time and life without standing still for a second and think about her own needs. I ended up being SO angry and frustrating with her character, and I've lost count of the times I said to myself 'are you serious?! really?!'.
I was also very surprised to see that the characters don't even meet until more than a third into the story. The main reason I wanted to read Very Very Lucky, the unlikely friendship element, came just way too late for me... Because by then I was already ready to give up on these characters and I had started to skimread. Between Thurston's suicidal thoughts and Emma being railroaded into doing things, I just couldn't take it anymore... Especially with her toxic relationship with her mother and the way her children treat her. The changes later on were just too little, too late for me, and it couldn't change the way I felt about the story as a whole.
Before I end this review, I have to stress that I seem to be the outlier here, and most people seem to love their time with this story. Just make sure to prepare yourself for a lot of family drama and a LONG introduction before the unlikely friendship appears... I was definitely a wrong fit for this book.
P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
October 24, 2024
Very Very Lucky by Amanda Prowse is narrated by the author herself which is wonderful as the story is read, just as she intended bringing the characters vividly to life.
If you are looking for something heart-warming and life-affirming audiobook then Very Very Lucky captures the essence of human resilience and the power of friendship.
There are two main protagonists in this story, Emma Fountain, a woman juggling the demands of her family, career, and ailing mother and recently widowed Thurston, a man struggling with grief and his memories. The other characters are equally life-like making for a touching listen.
I felt truly invested in all the character's stories as the audiobook masterfully balances moments of humour and heartache, offering a realistic portrayal of life's challenges and the importance of cherishing the little things.
This is a must read (or listen) for anyone who enjoys a touching, feel-good story with relatable characters and a message of hope.
If you are looking for something heart-warming and life-affirming audiobook then Very Very Lucky captures the essence of human resilience and the power of friendship.
There are two main protagonists in this story, Emma Fountain, a woman juggling the demands of her family, career, and ailing mother and recently widowed Thurston, a man struggling with grief and his memories. The other characters are equally life-like making for a touching listen.
I felt truly invested in all the character's stories as the audiobook masterfully balances moments of humour and heartache, offering a realistic portrayal of life's challenges and the importance of cherishing the little things.
This is a must read (or listen) for anyone who enjoys a touching, feel-good story with relatable characters and a message of hope.
August 28, 2024
Love a book that leaves me in tears
January 17, 2024
Thank you to the author, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was heavy going at times, due to themes of death, grieving, mental health, suicide, ageing, financial troubles, family relationship issues - shall I go on? While the budding relationship between Emma, a super-stressed mother, wife and friend, and Thurston, an 80-year-old farmer recently widowed was lovely, overall this came across as very white-bread, issues/problems were glossed over and it all ended up tied in too neat a bow for my taste. The characters were without exception well-drawn and the author writes engagingly - but the tenor of the story is not my cup of tea. However, I am sure that many will enjoy this book.
This was heavy going at times, due to themes of death, grieving, mental health, suicide, ageing, financial troubles, family relationship issues - shall I go on? While the budding relationship between Emma, a super-stressed mother, wife and friend, and Thurston, an 80-year-old farmer recently widowed was lovely, overall this came across as very white-bread, issues/problems were glossed over and it all ended up tied in too neat a bow for my taste. The characters were without exception well-drawn and the author writes engagingly - but the tenor of the story is not my cup of tea. However, I am sure that many will enjoy this book.
August 13, 2024
how very very lucky we are to be surrounded by people that make us smile and laugh every single day. a reminder to never take this for granted.
July 23, 2024
Absolutely whizzed through this book, crying at multiple points. Characters were very realistic, although Emma was a bit annoying at points. Weaving grief, friendship, love & the complexities of family life, I thought that this was a good read that tugs at the heart strings.
March 22, 2025
Sweet book but a little drawn out.
September 30, 2024
This is an enjoyable novel with loveable characters. It was an easy read that touched on some serious topics. However things always work out in books like these. You won't be sorry you read it, but you will also likely not remember this book for long.
January 30, 2024
This book was depressing for the first two thirds. After the main characters meet it turns somewhat. It does have a nice ending.
April 16, 2024
basic read with a feel good ending
A very basic book. I found it lacked substance or any real meaningful storyline. Easy to read and a happy ending but I found it to be boring
A very basic book. I found it lacked substance or any real meaningful storyline. Easy to read and a happy ending but I found it to be boring
February 17, 2024
Amanda Prowse writes the most beautiful, character driven books and Very Very Lucky is no exception! Told in alternate chapters by Emma, a busy mum with a chaotic life, and Thurston, who is beyond despair since the death of his beloved Mary. They meet accidentally and form an unexpected friendship where they unknowingly meet a need in the other that they didn’t realise they had.
I adored both main characters and loved going from one’s perspective to the other as they struggled to cope with the problems life had created for them. And I have to mention Rhubarb and how brilliantly his character was portrayed that I felt I knew him as well as the human characters! Very very clever!
This is a heartwarming, cosy read that felt like a much needed hug-I thoroughly enjoyed it!
I adored both main characters and loved going from one’s perspective to the other as they struggled to cope with the problems life had created for them. And I have to mention Rhubarb and how brilliantly his character was portrayed that I felt I knew him as well as the human characters! Very very clever!
This is a heartwarming, cosy read that felt like a much needed hug-I thoroughly enjoyed it!
December 12, 2023
Emma Fountain is currently drowning under her responsibilities, she has an ageing mother that needs lots of care, children that are stretching her financially and emotionally and a husband who she's trying to make time for too and the only thing that's keeping her grounded in all of this is knowing her best friend is there for her, so when Roz delivers some devastating news to her Emma is no longer sure what the future holds. Thurston Brancher is an octogenarian who has recently lost the love of his life, his wife of 62 years, Mary and he doesn't want to go on without her, but then he meets Emma and they strike up the most unlikely friendship where they immediately feel able to tell each other their troubles and woes. Could they each be what the other needs to see them through their darkest times?
Very Very Lucky is the latest work of this best selling author who, once again, puts pen to paper and creates something that is so relateable to many people. Told in alternating chapters this is the story of Emma and Thurston, who form an immediate friendship like no other from the minute that they meet and it could just be what they both need to stop them from unravelling. I absolutely adored both these characters, Emma because she always put everyone else first and never seemed to find a minute for herself and Thurston because he was such a lost soul without Mary and I just wanted to give him a great big hug and tell him he wasn't alone and these two proved that, with the right support network around you, anything is achieveable. This is another fabulous story of family, friendships, love, loss and grief told with the compassion and sensitivity that we've come to know and love from the reigning Queen of Drama and that crown is going nowhere anytime soon.
I'd like to thank Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for the approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
Very Very Lucky is the latest work of this best selling author who, once again, puts pen to paper and creates something that is so relateable to many people. Told in alternating chapters this is the story of Emma and Thurston, who form an immediate friendship like no other from the minute that they meet and it could just be what they both need to stop them from unravelling. I absolutely adored both these characters, Emma because she always put everyone else first and never seemed to find a minute for herself and Thurston because he was such a lost soul without Mary and I just wanted to give him a great big hug and tell him he wasn't alone and these two proved that, with the right support network around you, anything is achieveable. This is another fabulous story of family, friendships, love, loss and grief told with the compassion and sensitivity that we've come to know and love from the reigning Queen of Drama and that crown is going nowhere anytime soon.
I'd like to thank Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for the approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
February 17, 2024
I read this book at just the right time, considering the activities of my days taking care of my aging father and in the shadow of losing my husband. I think it is an English version of the Ove/Otto story by Backman, which I also adored. The British humor and the characters’ personalities resonated more so in Very, Very Lucky. And the characters were so well-developed! I feel like I have new friends. I suppose some will say this story is a little sappy, but it’s just the right amount for me. Very, very touching…
August 29, 2024
What a great story! The lives of Therston who, in his 80s has suffered the devastating loss of his wife of over 50 years and Emma who never says "no" to her rather demanding family members. At first found Emma to be extremely frustrating but I came to rather like her in the end. I literally laughed out loud at certain points and had real tears of sadness at others. The characters were fabulous and I'm sorry the book had to end. My first thought was to give this 4 stars as it doesnt stack up against some incredible books I've given 5 stars in the past. However, a book that makes me laugh out load and cry in equal measure must surely be worth 5 stars so 5 stars it is!
February 21, 2024
Amanda Prowse at her absolute best! It's a relatable story that's moving, funny and sad all at the same time. One minute I was ugly crying and the next, laughing out loud!
Emma is overwhelmed by having to look after her family and her elderly mother, who keeps insisting she doesn't need to be fussed over. Thank goodness for her bestie, Roz, who makes everything worthwhile. But when Roz receives devastating news, Emma is not sure how she's going to manage her chaotic life any more.
Until she meets Thurston, who can't get over the loss of his beloved wife Mary. Together, they learn to navigate their way towards a new normal, discovering that life doesn't always turn out the way you plan for or expect, and that no matter how you might think things should be, they aren't necessarily going to turn out like that ... and that's OK!
Emma is overwhelmed by having to look after her family and her elderly mother, who keeps insisting she doesn't need to be fussed over. Thank goodness for her bestie, Roz, who makes everything worthwhile. But when Roz receives devastating news, Emma is not sure how she's going to manage her chaotic life any more.
Until she meets Thurston, who can't get over the loss of his beloved wife Mary. Together, they learn to navigate their way towards a new normal, discovering that life doesn't always turn out the way you plan for or expect, and that no matter how you might think things should be, they aren't necessarily going to turn out like that ... and that's OK!
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