What do you think?
Rate this book
That's Just Perfect
Twenty-nine-year-old teacher Emily needs her father to believe her life is a success. He may have walked out on the family when she was a child and let her down when she needed him most, but her life is perfect despite him.
Or it was until last Friday, when her fiancé dumped her. Now she's facing a frighteningly empty future, and she's unravelling at work. And just when she thought things couldn't get worse, her father turns up on her doorstep.
Ed knows he's got it wrong, and he wants to make amends, even if his motives aren't entirely selfless. What better way to do that than to show Emily how much he cares about her wedding? He'll even shell out for the dress if that's what it takes.
Emily can't bear to tell her father that her life has fallen apart. So she doesn't. Before she knows it, they're planning – and booking – a wedding that's totally perfect.
Except for one small fact…
Or it was until last Friday, when her fiancé dumped her. Now she's facing a frighteningly empty future, and she's unravelling at work. And just when she thought things couldn't get worse, her father turns up on her doorstep.
Ed knows he's got it wrong, and he wants to make amends, even if his motives aren't entirely selfless. What better way to do that than to show Emily how much he cares about her wedding? He'll even shell out for the dress if that's what it takes.
Emily can't bear to tell her father that her life has fallen apart. So she doesn't. Before she knows it, they're planning – and booking – a wedding that's totally perfect.
Except for one small fact…
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 12, 2024
40 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
July 25, 2024
4.5 stars
I loved Swimming for Beginners and was delighted to receive an eARC of this multigenerational tale about 29 year old teacher Emily, her nightmare of a dad, Ed and lonely grandmother Liz.
All three characters are fantastic creations but not the most likeable; Ed abandoned Emily at a young age and has never really got to grips with adulting. Emily is determined to prove to everyone (& herself) that her life is just perfect, when it’s actually unraveling thread by thread, causing her to be stroppy, shouty and not good at coping with stress. Poor Liz, who actually is a decent sort, finds herself in a spot of bother and proves herself just as stubborn as her relations.
Honestly, if I knew these people in real life I would run a mile, they are all nightmares. But in this read, seeing them each face their demons and take control of their futures is gloriously uplifting.
The ending was a little sudden for me and I was left with a few unanswered questions about the fate of some of the characters, but I’m happy to make up my own answers!
This is an easy read - it helped me while away a few hours poolside whilst on holiday and I’d recommend for anyone who enjoyed Swimming for Beginners, or The Library by Bella Osborne.
I loved Swimming for Beginners and was delighted to receive an eARC of this multigenerational tale about 29 year old teacher Emily, her nightmare of a dad, Ed and lonely grandmother Liz.
All three characters are fantastic creations but not the most likeable; Ed abandoned Emily at a young age and has never really got to grips with adulting. Emily is determined to prove to everyone (& herself) that her life is just perfect, when it’s actually unraveling thread by thread, causing her to be stroppy, shouty and not good at coping with stress. Poor Liz, who actually is a decent sort, finds herself in a spot of bother and proves herself just as stubborn as her relations.
Honestly, if I knew these people in real life I would run a mile, they are all nightmares. But in this read, seeing them each face their demons and take control of their futures is gloriously uplifting.
The ending was a little sudden for me and I was left with a few unanswered questions about the fate of some of the characters, but I’m happy to make up my own answers!
This is an easy read - it helped me while away a few hours poolside whilst on holiday and I’d recommend for anyone who enjoyed Swimming for Beginners, or The Library by Bella Osborne.
February 24, 2025
Emily has been dumped by her fiance, lost her cool with a student at the school she teaches at, and now has to deal with her estranged father showing up out of the blue. Unable to admit the wedding's off, she lets him buy her a gown and place a deposit on a venue. Meanwhile, Liz, Emily's grandma, is having love troubles of her own. With a cast of perfectly imperfect characters, Gill weaves together a heartwarming story about the love of family, and how our "failures" might just be course corrections to get us on the right path. Bonus points: Pebbles, the grumpy tabby kitty!
October 3, 2024
4.5
Really good but break ups are not that simple 😂
Really good but break ups are not that simple 😂
July 27, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
3 good story plots and a nice ending ✨
3 good story plots and a nice ending ✨
July 1, 2025
There are mistakes and doubly printed parts in here. It's mostly depressing. No happy, funny, uplifting, positive part about it. Just 3 people that have messed up big time and in the last 20 pages it works out because they share what's up. Do not recommend.
October 20, 2024
4.5 stars⭐️
I want to say a huge thank you and how grateful I am to have received an arc and proof of this amazing book from the publisher. they always seem to recommend some amazing books so in them we trust!
I loved this multigenerational tale about Emily, a 29 year old teacher, her horrible dad, Ed and her very lonely grandma Liz. All three characters in this book are very well written in my opinion but aren’t the most likeable. Ed has never got to grips with adulthood and is still lacking now. Emily is determined to try and show herself and everyone around her that her life is just perfect and has no faults but we all know a life like that is too good to be true. Emily’s life is ravelling bit by bit and soon she will be hanging on by a thread. She does not cope well with stress, causing mood swings and her to shout quite a bit. Liz, the better out of all three finds herself in trouble but proves to be just as stubborn as her family. Each character had their complexities that were portrayed very well within the book.
I loved the aspects of the book which showed them overcoming their demons and dilemmas, it made the book enjoyable and wholesome to an extent. However, I think if these were real people they would be very jarring and I doubt anyone would want to spend a lot of time around them😂
The reason I didn’t give this the full 5 stars is because I felt the ending was very abrupt and left me with some unanswered questions nevertheless I can just imagine how the characters have ended up so it’s not that big of a deal.
This was a very easy read and I’d definitely recommend it if you loved swimming for beginners.
I received the proof in return for my honest review.
I want to say a huge thank you and how grateful I am to have received an arc and proof of this amazing book from the publisher. they always seem to recommend some amazing books so in them we trust!
I loved this multigenerational tale about Emily, a 29 year old teacher, her horrible dad, Ed and her very lonely grandma Liz. All three characters in this book are very well written in my opinion but aren’t the most likeable. Ed has never got to grips with adulthood and is still lacking now. Emily is determined to try and show herself and everyone around her that her life is just perfect and has no faults but we all know a life like that is too good to be true. Emily’s life is ravelling bit by bit and soon she will be hanging on by a thread. She does not cope well with stress, causing mood swings and her to shout quite a bit. Liz, the better out of all three finds herself in trouble but proves to be just as stubborn as her family. Each character had their complexities that were portrayed very well within the book.
I loved the aspects of the book which showed them overcoming their demons and dilemmas, it made the book enjoyable and wholesome to an extent. However, I think if these were real people they would be very jarring and I doubt anyone would want to spend a lot of time around them😂
The reason I didn’t give this the full 5 stars is because I felt the ending was very abrupt and left me with some unanswered questions nevertheless I can just imagine how the characters have ended up so it’s not that big of a deal.
This was a very easy read and I’d definitely recommend it if you loved swimming for beginners.
I received the proof in return for my honest review.
January 14, 2025
I was hopeful after enjoying "Swimming for Beginners," but "That's Just Perfect" was a major letdown. The story felt scatterbrained, with repetitive writing and excessive over-explaining that dragged the pacing down. It easily could have been told in far fewer pages without losing anything meaningful.
Unfortunately, I couldn't connect with any of the characters—they felt flat and their growth came across as forced rather than organic. Instead of feeling invested, I found myself slogging through, waiting for something to redeem it. Sadly, this one just didn’t work for me.
Unfortunately, I couldn't connect with any of the characters—they felt flat and their growth came across as forced rather than organic. Instead of feeling invested, I found myself slogging through, waiting for something to redeem it. Sadly, this one just didn’t work for me.
May 16, 2025
I probably should have dnf this. I persevered. This wasn’t a bit of me.
May 23, 2025
Absorbing, Intriguing, Emotional
Contemporary Fiction/Family Drama
‘That’s Just Perfect’ by Nicola Gill
A daughter who feels she has been deserted by everyone, a father who has always shied away from responsibility and difficult situations….and a gullible grandmother who is trying to convince herself that her instincts are right, and that everyone else’s are wrong. Three generations of the same family, neither one willing to reveal their current difficulties to the other, wrapped up entirely in their own situations, not interested in exploring how precarious life has become for their daughter, father, son, mother, grandmother. Each feeling they have a justification to act the way they do, accept what the other is offering, or to demand what they want, with little thought to how their actions may be affecting the other. Will one of them have to reach breaking point before they realise the importance of their bond?
Although I have so far made this book perhaps sound quite sombre and serious, the author does manage to lend a comedic lilt to this narrative in places. Particularly with Ed, who is a bit of a hopeless drifter, albeit with good intentions, divorcing Emily’s Mum, then returning at a time of crisis and leaving again before that time of crisis had come to its inevitable conclusion. Leaving Emily as a young adult to put herself and her life back together, has left their relationship broken and stilted, apart from when alcohol comes into play. Both father and daughter seeking to forget about their tragedies for an evening, only to have find them multiplied the next morning. When Ed presents himself on her doorstep, forty eight hours after another key person in his daughter’s life has departed with little explanation, and she is fearful that her job maybe at risk, she is not in the head space required to deal with his flippant approach to life and suspects that there is more to his visit than just a passing partiality to exercise his paternal instincts. In this assumption, she isn’t wrong, as Ed is facing financial ruin and is hoping that by making amends with Emily, his mother Liz, may be more amenable to assisting him with the latest in a long line of, but perhaps the most serious of his cash flow crises to date. Together with his incorrect assumptions about Emily, brought about by her deciding not to appraise him of the latest happenings in her life, he assumes that the current state of play still remains as it was the last time they spoke, and that the only right and proper thing to do is to fulfil his fatherly duties, even if it means spending money he doesn’t have, plus seven days to ensure that his condo that he part owns with girlfriend Shona in Tampa, Florida, isn’t repossessed. Ed is also unaware of just what his mother Liz, has been up to. Temporarily residing in a residential home and having been encouraged by her best friend Judith to dabble in online dating, she has met and fallen for Peter. A successful businessman with the main hub of his property empire sited in Spain, the couple had been planning for him to settle in England with Liz in her bungalow, the former home of her and her long since departed husband, Ed’s father. However, life had had other plans and Liz had fallen over (not had a fall, as the carers in the home were keen on labelling it, making her feel old), and Peter had had to fly to America for a family emergency. It is at this time that he asks Liz to lend him money. Liz is so besotted by her new online love, that she eagerly agrees, but as she reveals what she has done when Judith visits, who is extremely sceptical about the man that Liz has yet to meet in person, the doubts start creeping in for the independent, yet stubborn matriarch. Just how far will Emily continue with her charade and how much longer can Ed keep up his pretence and placate the woman he loves...and how will Liz react when she delves deeper into Peter’s nefarious dealings?
A dramatic, intricately woven psychological family drama that takes the reader through all the emotions, a novel that I personally, found hard to put down. The culmination to Liz’s story was a little disappointing as I expected it to demonstrate the strong willed lady that I perceived her to be, and it took a much more dramatic turn than I was expecting. All in all though, a gripping, thought provoking read.
Contemporary Fiction/Family Drama
‘That’s Just Perfect’ by Nicola Gill
A daughter who feels she has been deserted by everyone, a father who has always shied away from responsibility and difficult situations….and a gullible grandmother who is trying to convince herself that her instincts are right, and that everyone else’s are wrong. Three generations of the same family, neither one willing to reveal their current difficulties to the other, wrapped up entirely in their own situations, not interested in exploring how precarious life has become for their daughter, father, son, mother, grandmother. Each feeling they have a justification to act the way they do, accept what the other is offering, or to demand what they want, with little thought to how their actions may be affecting the other. Will one of them have to reach breaking point before they realise the importance of their bond?
Although I have so far made this book perhaps sound quite sombre and serious, the author does manage to lend a comedic lilt to this narrative in places. Particularly with Ed, who is a bit of a hopeless drifter, albeit with good intentions, divorcing Emily’s Mum, then returning at a time of crisis and leaving again before that time of crisis had come to its inevitable conclusion. Leaving Emily as a young adult to put herself and her life back together, has left their relationship broken and stilted, apart from when alcohol comes into play. Both father and daughter seeking to forget about their tragedies for an evening, only to have find them multiplied the next morning. When Ed presents himself on her doorstep, forty eight hours after another key person in his daughter’s life has departed with little explanation, and she is fearful that her job maybe at risk, she is not in the head space required to deal with his flippant approach to life and suspects that there is more to his visit than just a passing partiality to exercise his paternal instincts. In this assumption, she isn’t wrong, as Ed is facing financial ruin and is hoping that by making amends with Emily, his mother Liz, may be more amenable to assisting him with the latest in a long line of, but perhaps the most serious of his cash flow crises to date. Together with his incorrect assumptions about Emily, brought about by her deciding not to appraise him of the latest happenings in her life, he assumes that the current state of play still remains as it was the last time they spoke, and that the only right and proper thing to do is to fulfil his fatherly duties, even if it means spending money he doesn’t have, plus seven days to ensure that his condo that he part owns with girlfriend Shona in Tampa, Florida, isn’t repossessed. Ed is also unaware of just what his mother Liz, has been up to. Temporarily residing in a residential home and having been encouraged by her best friend Judith to dabble in online dating, she has met and fallen for Peter. A successful businessman with the main hub of his property empire sited in Spain, the couple had been planning for him to settle in England with Liz in her bungalow, the former home of her and her long since departed husband, Ed’s father. However, life had had other plans and Liz had fallen over (not had a fall, as the carers in the home were keen on labelling it, making her feel old), and Peter had had to fly to America for a family emergency. It is at this time that he asks Liz to lend him money. Liz is so besotted by her new online love, that she eagerly agrees, but as she reveals what she has done when Judith visits, who is extremely sceptical about the man that Liz has yet to meet in person, the doubts start creeping in for the independent, yet stubborn matriarch. Just how far will Emily continue with her charade and how much longer can Ed keep up his pretence and placate the woman he loves...and how will Liz react when she delves deeper into Peter’s nefarious dealings?
A dramatic, intricately woven psychological family drama that takes the reader through all the emotions, a novel that I personally, found hard to put down. The culmination to Liz’s story was a little disappointing as I expected it to demonstrate the strong willed lady that I perceived her to be, and it took a much more dramatic turn than I was expecting. All in all though, a gripping, thought provoking read.
July 4, 2024
That’s Just Perfect by Nicola Gill
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 12 September 2024
Emily, a 29-year-old teacher, is desperate to prove to her estranged father that she's thriving. Despite his absence during her childhood and his failure to support her in crucial moments, Emily clings to the illusion of a perfect life.
Her carefully constructed facade crumbles when her fiancé unexpectedly ends their relationship. Struggling to cope with an uncertain future and unraveling at work, Emily's world is further upended by her father Ed's sudden appearance on her doorstep.
Ed, seeking to make amends for past mistakes, offers to help plan Emily's wedding as a gesture of care. Though his motives aren't entirely altruistic, he's willing to spare no expense, even offering to pay for the dress.
Unable to admit her life has fallen apart, Emily finds herself caught in an escalating charade. As father and daughter collaborate on planning a non-existent wedding, they unknowingly embark on a journey that could mend their fractured relationship.
Nicola Gill's "That's Just Perfect" is a heartwarming and humorous exploration of family dynamics, personal growth, and the sometimes messy path to reconciliation. Gill demonstrates a remarkable talent for creating complex, relatable characters that captivate readers despite their flaws and imperfections.
The novel's strength lies in its authentic portrayal of the complicated relationship between Emily and Ed. Their interactions are charged with years of unresolved tension, yet tinged with a mutual desire for connection. Gill navigates this emotional terrain with sensitivity and insight, allowing readers to empathise with both characters' perspectives.
The author's deft handling of the escalating situations provides both comedy and poignancy. As Emily and Ed become more entangled in their well-intentioned deception, the story explores themes of honesty, forgiveness, and the courage required to confront difficult truths.
Gill's writing style is engaging and accessible, with a perfect balance of humour and emotional depth. The pacing is spot-on, making it nearly impossible to put the book down. Many readers will find themselves promising "just one more chapter" only to be drawn further into the story.
"That's Just Perfect" is an ideal read for those seeking a blend of light-hearted entertainment and meaningful character development. It's a perfect choice for a holiday, weekend, or anytime you need a heartwarming escape.
By the novel's conclusion, readers are likely to find themselves deeply invested in Emily and Ed's journey. Nicola Gill has crafted a delightful, touching story that reminds us of the healing power of family, forgiveness, and facing our truths.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Bedford Square Publishers, and the author, Nicola Gill, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 12 September 2024
Emily, a 29-year-old teacher, is desperate to prove to her estranged father that she's thriving. Despite his absence during her childhood and his failure to support her in crucial moments, Emily clings to the illusion of a perfect life.
Her carefully constructed facade crumbles when her fiancé unexpectedly ends their relationship. Struggling to cope with an uncertain future and unraveling at work, Emily's world is further upended by her father Ed's sudden appearance on her doorstep.
Ed, seeking to make amends for past mistakes, offers to help plan Emily's wedding as a gesture of care. Though his motives aren't entirely altruistic, he's willing to spare no expense, even offering to pay for the dress.
Unable to admit her life has fallen apart, Emily finds herself caught in an escalating charade. As father and daughter collaborate on planning a non-existent wedding, they unknowingly embark on a journey that could mend their fractured relationship.
Nicola Gill's "That's Just Perfect" is a heartwarming and humorous exploration of family dynamics, personal growth, and the sometimes messy path to reconciliation. Gill demonstrates a remarkable talent for creating complex, relatable characters that captivate readers despite their flaws and imperfections.
The novel's strength lies in its authentic portrayal of the complicated relationship between Emily and Ed. Their interactions are charged with years of unresolved tension, yet tinged with a mutual desire for connection. Gill navigates this emotional terrain with sensitivity and insight, allowing readers to empathise with both characters' perspectives.
The author's deft handling of the escalating situations provides both comedy and poignancy. As Emily and Ed become more entangled in their well-intentioned deception, the story explores themes of honesty, forgiveness, and the courage required to confront difficult truths.
Gill's writing style is engaging and accessible, with a perfect balance of humour and emotional depth. The pacing is spot-on, making it nearly impossible to put the book down. Many readers will find themselves promising "just one more chapter" only to be drawn further into the story.
"That's Just Perfect" is an ideal read for those seeking a blend of light-hearted entertainment and meaningful character development. It's a perfect choice for a holiday, weekend, or anytime you need a heartwarming escape.
By the novel's conclusion, readers are likely to find themselves deeply invested in Emily and Ed's journey. Nicola Gill has crafted a delightful, touching story that reminds us of the healing power of family, forgiveness, and facing our truths.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Bedford Square Publishers, and the author, Nicola Gill, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.
September 12, 2024
Back in December 2023, I read Nicola Gill's last novel; Swimming For Beginners and just loved it. I have been looking forward to That's Just Perfect for a long time. I have no been disappointed. It's a heartwarming, tender and funny novel that really hits that spot.
Sometimes life throws such a curve ball at you that you are totally floored. Twenty-nine year old Emily thought that her future was secure. Engaged to be married to her long-time love Mark, she has a good job as a primary school teacher and a nice place to live. OK, so her cat Pebbles really doesn't like her, but she can live with that. Emily has had a lot of pain in her life. Her beloved Mum died when Emily was just a teenager, her Dad had already left them years before. However, her grandmother Liz has always been a huge support to her.
And then, it all crumbles. Mark announces that he no longer wants to be with her, the wedding is off. Her grandmother has broken her shoulder and is currently in a nursing home, and her estranged Dad has just appeared unexpectedly on her doorstep, all the way from Florida.
Nicola Gill cleverly tells her story through the three voices; Emily; her Dad Ed, and Liz. This is such a great way to learn about each character and what they are really feeling, rather than what they are showing to the rest of the world.
Ed really wants to make things better with both Emily, and his own mother Liz. However, he also needs money desperately. He's finally found the love of his life and is happily living with ex-hippie Shona. He's in debt though, his multiple business attempts have failed. If he doesn't get the cash soon, he will lose their home, and most certainly lose Shona too.
Coming to England feels like the only thing he can do. He knows that Liz has money, she's bailed him out many times before, but has refused another loan. Maybe a face-to-face chat will help?
Meanwhile, Emily is hiding the fact that she is no longer a bride-to-be, along with dealing with issues with a particular pupil in her class. Life seems to be one long battle, especially when Ed insists on buying a wedding dress for her, and putting down the deposit on a fancy wedding venue. Ed feels that he has to spend to accumulate, not realising that he's making everything worse.
Meanwhile Liz is also in something of a muddle. She's totally smitten by Peter. She is imagining a life together, just him and her, travelling the world and being happy. Some of her friends are not so sure, and the niggles of doubt begin to creep in.
This is a wonderful book, filled to the brim with characters that are relatable, funny, totally rounded and with their own flaws and quirks. The story moves along at a great pace, with unexpected little twists happening every so often. It is funny, it is uplifting and it is a fabulous read. Highly recommended.
Sometimes life throws such a curve ball at you that you are totally floored. Twenty-nine year old Emily thought that her future was secure. Engaged to be married to her long-time love Mark, she has a good job as a primary school teacher and a nice place to live. OK, so her cat Pebbles really doesn't like her, but she can live with that. Emily has had a lot of pain in her life. Her beloved Mum died when Emily was just a teenager, her Dad had already left them years before. However, her grandmother Liz has always been a huge support to her.
And then, it all crumbles. Mark announces that he no longer wants to be with her, the wedding is off. Her grandmother has broken her shoulder and is currently in a nursing home, and her estranged Dad has just appeared unexpectedly on her doorstep, all the way from Florida.
Nicola Gill cleverly tells her story through the three voices; Emily; her Dad Ed, and Liz. This is such a great way to learn about each character and what they are really feeling, rather than what they are showing to the rest of the world.
Ed really wants to make things better with both Emily, and his own mother Liz. However, he also needs money desperately. He's finally found the love of his life and is happily living with ex-hippie Shona. He's in debt though, his multiple business attempts have failed. If he doesn't get the cash soon, he will lose their home, and most certainly lose Shona too.
Coming to England feels like the only thing he can do. He knows that Liz has money, she's bailed him out many times before, but has refused another loan. Maybe a face-to-face chat will help?
Meanwhile, Emily is hiding the fact that she is no longer a bride-to-be, along with dealing with issues with a particular pupil in her class. Life seems to be one long battle, especially when Ed insists on buying a wedding dress for her, and putting down the deposit on a fancy wedding venue. Ed feels that he has to spend to accumulate, not realising that he's making everything worse.
Meanwhile Liz is also in something of a muddle. She's totally smitten by Peter. She is imagining a life together, just him and her, travelling the world and being happy. Some of her friends are not so sure, and the niggles of doubt begin to creep in.
This is a wonderful book, filled to the brim with characters that are relatable, funny, totally rounded and with their own flaws and quirks. The story moves along at a great pace, with unexpected little twists happening every so often. It is funny, it is uplifting and it is a fabulous read. Highly recommended.
September 18, 2024
Ah I loved this one, the perfect holiday read and I inhaled it in a few days of poolside reading! Nicola Gill has such a talent for memorable characters and agonisingly embarrassing plotlines, I was squirming in embarrassment and anguish one minute and then laughing out loud the next.
It stars three generations of the same family - grandmother Liz, her son Ed and his own grown up daughter Emily. Each of them is keeping secrets from their nearest and dearest, scared to tell the truth at the risk of seeming foolish or unlovable.
The story centres around 29 year old Emily - she did have her life totally together, reliable job, reliable partner, reliable flat- the only unreliable thing is her father Ed, who left home years before and has been very absent ever since. Emily is close to Liz, Ed's mother, and the two of them have forged an unbreakable bond over the years. When we first meet Emily, she is heartbroken - her fiance Mark has put a hold on their engagement, saying he needs time to think. Emily doesn't want to tell anyone, putting on a brave face and hoping that he'll see sense and come back to her soon.
In the meantime, Emily's dad Ed is making one disastrous business decision after another over in the States. He is up to his neck in debt - and he just knows that if he can sweet-talk his mum Liz into just one more loan, it will be the making of him. When he phones Liz however, she sends him packing, telling him he's a terrible father and needs to make amends with Emily. No sooner said than done, Ed turns up on Emily's doorstep keen to ingratiate himself with her and his own mother. He's keen to help with the wedding prep - that'll be a wonderful father daughter bonding experience! -and Emily can't bring herself to tell him that its not happening.
And what about Liz herself? She's living in a care home after breaking her shoulder. Luckily she has a new beau on the scene- and the two have great plans to meet just as soon as he can get himself out of some money worries. Can anyone else hear alarm bells?
An engaging uplifting and highly entertaining tale from Nicola Gill - recommend!
It stars three generations of the same family - grandmother Liz, her son Ed and his own grown up daughter Emily. Each of them is keeping secrets from their nearest and dearest, scared to tell the truth at the risk of seeming foolish or unlovable.
The story centres around 29 year old Emily - she did have her life totally together, reliable job, reliable partner, reliable flat- the only unreliable thing is her father Ed, who left home years before and has been very absent ever since. Emily is close to Liz, Ed's mother, and the two of them have forged an unbreakable bond over the years. When we first meet Emily, she is heartbroken - her fiance Mark has put a hold on their engagement, saying he needs time to think. Emily doesn't want to tell anyone, putting on a brave face and hoping that he'll see sense and come back to her soon.
In the meantime, Emily's dad Ed is making one disastrous business decision after another over in the States. He is up to his neck in debt - and he just knows that if he can sweet-talk his mum Liz into just one more loan, it will be the making of him. When he phones Liz however, she sends him packing, telling him he's a terrible father and needs to make amends with Emily. No sooner said than done, Ed turns up on Emily's doorstep keen to ingratiate himself with her and his own mother. He's keen to help with the wedding prep - that'll be a wonderful father daughter bonding experience! -and Emily can't bring herself to tell him that its not happening.
And what about Liz herself? She's living in a care home after breaking her shoulder. Luckily she has a new beau on the scene- and the two have great plans to meet just as soon as he can get himself out of some money worries. Can anyone else hear alarm bells?
An engaging uplifting and highly entertaining tale from Nicola Gill - recommend!
October 6, 2024
Emily's life isn't going quite as planned. After her fiancée leaves her the last person she expects to see on her doorstep is her dad Ed. But why has Ed turned up now and can he repair his relationship with Emily.
I've been looking forward to reading this book ever since I read Swimming For Beginners because it left a lasting impression on me and this book was definitely worth the wait. The front cover is the perfect depiction of Emily when we first meet her because she literally finds herself down in the dumps and a little lost. But then things become complicated when Ed appears. He is still under the assumption that Emily is getting married and she doesn’t correct him. She then finds herself planning a wedding with her dad which includes wedding dress shopping and visiting wedding locations.
The story is told from the perspective of three characters: Emily, Ed and Emily’s grandmother Liz. I felt really bad for Emily when she was first introduced because everything in her life was falling apart. Not only has she been dumped, but she’s also having issues at work. Emily is a school teacher and a parent has made a complaint against her. Then Ed appears after many years of being absent. He wasn't there for her when her mother passed away and he didn't even attend her graduation. It’s clear that they lost contact over the years but now Ed wants to make amends. Emily does give Ed the benefit of the doubt but the one thing that she doesn't tell him is the fact that she isn't getting married. She doesn’t tell him because she doesn’t want him to know that her life has fallen apart but also because she is still coming to terms with what has happened. So she finds herself planning a wedding that will never happen. Ed was an interesting character because it is made very clear to the reader at the start of the book that Ed's intentions to see Emily aren't out of fatherly concern or a wish to reconcile with her. Rather Ed has got himself into debt and he believes that by building bridges with Emily this will make him look better in the eyes of his mother Liz who will then lend him money. Liz is recovering in a care home after a fall. She is very much aware that Ed hasn’t been the best dad so when he makes an appearance she views him with suspicion.
The main themes in the story were family, relationship and secrets. Each character had a secret that they were hiding from the people in their life. In Emily's case it's the breakdown of her relationship with Mark. In Ed's case it is the fact that he's in debt. In Liz’s case it’s that she’s been seeing someone but that person may not be the person that she thinks them to be and that in fact they are using her. What I liked about the story was that all the characters are going through real life situations. As much as I felt sad for Emily and Ed, it was Liz’s situation that really pulled at my heartstrings because it was clear that she was being taken advantage of. Despite people trying to point this out to her as a possibility she didn’t want to believe what she was being told despite having her own doubts and seeing worrying signs. One of my favourite aspects of the story was seeing the relationships between Emily, Ed and Liz progress and seeing them reconnect after many years.
A story about family and secrets.
I've been looking forward to reading this book ever since I read Swimming For Beginners because it left a lasting impression on me and this book was definitely worth the wait. The front cover is the perfect depiction of Emily when we first meet her because she literally finds herself down in the dumps and a little lost. But then things become complicated when Ed appears. He is still under the assumption that Emily is getting married and she doesn’t correct him. She then finds herself planning a wedding with her dad which includes wedding dress shopping and visiting wedding locations.
The story is told from the perspective of three characters: Emily, Ed and Emily’s grandmother Liz. I felt really bad for Emily when she was first introduced because everything in her life was falling apart. Not only has she been dumped, but she’s also having issues at work. Emily is a school teacher and a parent has made a complaint against her. Then Ed appears after many years of being absent. He wasn't there for her when her mother passed away and he didn't even attend her graduation. It’s clear that they lost contact over the years but now Ed wants to make amends. Emily does give Ed the benefit of the doubt but the one thing that she doesn't tell him is the fact that she isn't getting married. She doesn’t tell him because she doesn’t want him to know that her life has fallen apart but also because she is still coming to terms with what has happened. So she finds herself planning a wedding that will never happen. Ed was an interesting character because it is made very clear to the reader at the start of the book that Ed's intentions to see Emily aren't out of fatherly concern or a wish to reconcile with her. Rather Ed has got himself into debt and he believes that by building bridges with Emily this will make him look better in the eyes of his mother Liz who will then lend him money. Liz is recovering in a care home after a fall. She is very much aware that Ed hasn’t been the best dad so when he makes an appearance she views him with suspicion.
The main themes in the story were family, relationship and secrets. Each character had a secret that they were hiding from the people in their life. In Emily's case it's the breakdown of her relationship with Mark. In Ed's case it is the fact that he's in debt. In Liz’s case it’s that she’s been seeing someone but that person may not be the person that she thinks them to be and that in fact they are using her. What I liked about the story was that all the characters are going through real life situations. As much as I felt sad for Emily and Ed, it was Liz’s situation that really pulled at my heartstrings because it was clear that she was being taken advantage of. Despite people trying to point this out to her as a possibility she didn’t want to believe what she was being told despite having her own doubts and seeing worrying signs. One of my favourite aspects of the story was seeing the relationships between Emily, Ed and Liz progress and seeing them reconnect after many years.
A story about family and secrets.
September 8, 2024
Twenty-nine-year-old teacher Emily needs her father to believe her life is a success. After he walked out on the family when she was a child and let her down when she needed him most, she wants to prove her life is perfect despite him. And it was, until last Friday, when her fiancé dumped her. Now she’s facing a frighteningly empty future, she’s unravelling at work and just when she thought things couldn’t get worse, her father turns up on her doorstep. Ed knows he’s got it wrong, and he wants to make amends, so what better way to do that than to show Emily how much he cares about her wedding? Emily can’t bear to tell her father that her life has fallen apart, so she doesn’t and before she knows it, they’re planning – and booking – a wedding that’s totally perfect. Except for one small fact…
The three main characters, Emily, Liz and Ed are all very strong minded and independent, all with their own life issues to deal with, and all stubbornly hiding everything from each other. The way all their stories finally interlink together highlights the importance of family, and battling through even when it seems all is lost.
This is also the second book in a row with a mention of my name as a secondary character so obviously that was also a big tick for me! Seriously, I really enjoyed the writing style of this title, the author alternating character POV’s between chapters to see all sides of the story, especially how easy it is to misinterpret other’s actions and how honesty is the best policy.
It is a heart-warming, comical read with a steady pace that keeps you intrigued as to what will happen next, and as to what will be the final outcome. A strong message to discover your own happiness, and the realisation that this might have changed over time, prevails throughout and makes this an easy to read title that you can’t help but relate to in some way or another.
The three main characters, Emily, Liz and Ed are all very strong minded and independent, all with their own life issues to deal with, and all stubbornly hiding everything from each other. The way all their stories finally interlink together highlights the importance of family, and battling through even when it seems all is lost.
This is also the second book in a row with a mention of my name as a secondary character so obviously that was also a big tick for me! Seriously, I really enjoyed the writing style of this title, the author alternating character POV’s between chapters to see all sides of the story, especially how easy it is to misinterpret other’s actions and how honesty is the best policy.
It is a heart-warming, comical read with a steady pace that keeps you intrigued as to what will happen next, and as to what will be the final outcome. A strong message to discover your own happiness, and the realisation that this might have changed over time, prevails throughout and makes this an easy to read title that you can’t help but relate to in some way or another.
August 25, 2024
Nicola Gill's previous novel, ‘Swimming for Beginners’, reached number 12 on the Kindle bestseller list and I suspect this, her latest book “That’s Just Perfect” will be reaching the top spot for sure. Nothing escapes you from real life, like a feel good, romantic comedy with heartwarming and poignant themes.
The main characters are all dysfunctional in their own way, flawed and facing individual demons but due to the author’s character deeply layered development of them, you get to see their real hearts and that the issues they are facing are only due to unfortunate (if self-inflicted) circumstances. Reading their journeys was pure pleasure and with some funny scenes, sentimental moments and satisfying conclusions, I thoroughly enjoyed this well written story. With a superbly played cat that was the star of the show for me, this rounded up the cast of characters perfectly, I mean who doesn’t talk to their cat/pets like they can hear them and expect answers?!
Primary school teachers will certainly relate to the many parents quirks about their children, the older generation will understand the concerns on re-starting dating and dad’s will no doubt recognise the issues on saying and doing the right things to estranged daughters, so there’s something for everyone, any circumstance, any age….
Perfect for fans of Beth O'Leary and Sophie Kinsella, this modern and humorous novel about multigenerational family life and their relationships, kept me entertained for hours and I can happily recommend “That’s Just Perfect”.
#ThatsJustPerfect - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The main characters are all dysfunctional in their own way, flawed and facing individual demons but due to the author’s character deeply layered development of them, you get to see their real hearts and that the issues they are facing are only due to unfortunate (if self-inflicted) circumstances. Reading their journeys was pure pleasure and with some funny scenes, sentimental moments and satisfying conclusions, I thoroughly enjoyed this well written story. With a superbly played cat that was the star of the show for me, this rounded up the cast of characters perfectly, I mean who doesn’t talk to their cat/pets like they can hear them and expect answers?!
Primary school teachers will certainly relate to the many parents quirks about their children, the older generation will understand the concerns on re-starting dating and dad’s will no doubt recognise the issues on saying and doing the right things to estranged daughters, so there’s something for everyone, any circumstance, any age….
Perfect for fans of Beth O'Leary and Sophie Kinsella, this modern and humorous novel about multigenerational family life and their relationships, kept me entertained for hours and I can happily recommend “That’s Just Perfect”.
#ThatsJustPerfect - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 19, 2024
If you’ve been here a while you’ll know that I’m a bit obsessed with Nicola’s last book, Swimming for Beginners (all the Eleanor Oliphant vibes), so I was super excited to read this one! Whilst it’s a very different story, it still has those great complex characters, and that mix of humour and emotion that I love.
I loved the fact that we got to hang out with three generations of one family in this novel, and obviously had a sweet spot for Liz because I love a feisty nan. I also really enjoyed the complicated relationship between Emily and Ed, having had my own difficult dad - although at least Ed’s heart is in the right place, even if he’s hopeless in many other ways (mostly with money which I really can’t judge 😂). My heart broke for Emily as she navigated her own relationship breakdown whilst still working a difficult teaching job and being inundated by wedding talk from her dad, but I loved her progression through the book as she finally started to put herself first. This is another one of those gorgeous uplifting stories with flawed characters you’ll really get behind, and I had a little cheer at that final chapter! Nicola is definitely an auto-buy author for me now!
I loved the fact that we got to hang out with three generations of one family in this novel, and obviously had a sweet spot for Liz because I love a feisty nan. I also really enjoyed the complicated relationship between Emily and Ed, having had my own difficult dad - although at least Ed’s heart is in the right place, even if he’s hopeless in many other ways (mostly with money which I really can’t judge 😂). My heart broke for Emily as she navigated her own relationship breakdown whilst still working a difficult teaching job and being inundated by wedding talk from her dad, but I loved her progression through the book as she finally started to put herself first. This is another one of those gorgeous uplifting stories with flawed characters you’ll really get behind, and I had a little cheer at that final chapter! Nicola is definitely an auto-buy author for me now!
October 5, 2024
3 stars.
I loved "Swimming for Beginners" and after enjoying that book I started on Gills other books but didn't experience the same joy with those. And unfortunately that's also true for this. I just couldnt get into it, couldn't get engaged. It's not a bad book by any means, but it also doesn't stand out in any way. I also found the writing to be quite overly repetitive or unnecessarily explanatory - if you're going to use a metaphor, that's fine, but don't spend the next three sentences explaining it...! I felt like I was being fed with a tea spoon, things that didn't need to be explained, kept being explained and during the whole book it just became a bit annoying tbh. Also, the whole "teacher yelling" situation seemed to be so taken out of proportion, I mean, is it really that big a deal?!
So that, the repetition/explanation, the whole plot being just average without bringing anything new to the table, and the book bot being either funny or emotional enough to touch me, it was just... Well, a bit disappointing and more of a bore than I expected.
I loved "Swimming for Beginners" and after enjoying that book I started on Gills other books but didn't experience the same joy with those. And unfortunately that's also true for this. I just couldnt get into it, couldn't get engaged. It's not a bad book by any means, but it also doesn't stand out in any way. I also found the writing to be quite overly repetitive or unnecessarily explanatory - if you're going to use a metaphor, that's fine, but don't spend the next three sentences explaining it...! I felt like I was being fed with a tea spoon, things that didn't need to be explained, kept being explained and during the whole book it just became a bit annoying tbh. Also, the whole "teacher yelling" situation seemed to be so taken out of proportion, I mean, is it really that big a deal?!
So that, the repetition/explanation, the whole plot being just average without bringing anything new to the table, and the book bot being either funny or emotional enough to touch me, it was just... Well, a bit disappointing and more of a bore than I expected.
September 12, 2024
A perfectly pitched comedy about the pitfalls of keeping up appearances rather than telling the truth.
The three generations featured in this novel-- granddaughter Emily, son Ed and matriarch Liz-- all have their own secrets and they're trying their best to keep them well and truly hidden. (Only the cat is keeping it real, but the cat's not talking, even if everyone else is talking to it..)
Emily, a teacher, has been dumped by her fiancee when her wayward father Ed comes to visit from Florida. She doesn't want to admit that her life is a mess, so she embarks on wedding venue tours and wedding dress shopping without confessing that neither is needed. Ed has money problems and needs, once again, to get a loan from his mother Liz. But Liz, who has broken her shoulder and is temporarily living in a nursing home, is smitten with a new man who loves abroad and doesn't want to help him.
This novel is both funny and sad-- just like life-- and is utterly charming throughout.
The three generations featured in this novel-- granddaughter Emily, son Ed and matriarch Liz-- all have their own secrets and they're trying their best to keep them well and truly hidden. (Only the cat is keeping it real, but the cat's not talking, even if everyone else is talking to it..)
Emily, a teacher, has been dumped by her fiancee when her wayward father Ed comes to visit from Florida. She doesn't want to admit that her life is a mess, so she embarks on wedding venue tours and wedding dress shopping without confessing that neither is needed. Ed has money problems and needs, once again, to get a loan from his mother Liz. But Liz, who has broken her shoulder and is temporarily living in a nursing home, is smitten with a new man who loves abroad and doesn't want to help him.
This novel is both funny and sad-- just like life-- and is utterly charming throughout.
September 19, 2024
This book is definitely different.
It follows Emily as she navigates relationships with her job, partner, cat, grandmother, and father and is told from the point of view of Emily (1st) and her grandmother and father (3rd).
Using the mix of 1st and 3rd person to tell the different POVs is very different, and it also helped to differentiate who was talking. Ultimately Emily is the important character as she is the main one but the events that grandma and dad find themselves in ultimately impact heavily on Emily so it was a clever was of showing the reader 'thw other side' so to speak
I liked how Nicola also covered some quite interesting topics that really should be talked about more. For example, I saw what was happening with Grandma, but it didn't make the situation any less heartbreaking.
This isn't a love story but a story of one woman's relationship with.. well... relationships and how each live entangled itself with hers.
It's a lovely book.
It follows Emily as she navigates relationships with her job, partner, cat, grandmother, and father and is told from the point of view of Emily (1st) and her grandmother and father (3rd).
Using the mix of 1st and 3rd person to tell the different POVs is very different, and it also helped to differentiate who was talking. Ultimately Emily is the important character as she is the main one but the events that grandma and dad find themselves in ultimately impact heavily on Emily so it was a clever was of showing the reader 'thw other side' so to speak
I liked how Nicola also covered some quite interesting topics that really should be talked about more. For example, I saw what was happening with Grandma, but it didn't make the situation any less heartbreaking.
This isn't a love story but a story of one woman's relationship with.. well... relationships and how each live entangled itself with hers.
It's a lovely book.
July 28, 2024
The story of three generations of one family: the pain, the love, the fear of failure. Nicola Gill has a beautiful way of capturing human emotion and thought on a page and this book is no exception.
While Emily tries to hide her failed engagement from her estranged father when he shows up unannounced, she doesn’t realise he comes bearing his own secrets and his proud mother nurses a new romance she can’t wait to tell them about. After all, isn’t it better to be in love and sacrifice some dreams here and there than to be alone?
The rich character development meant I saw each of them as real people and my heart hurt with them, my joy rose with theirs and my nerves probably can’t take any more talk of teaching 😂
This quote summarises the book so wonderfully: “To be lonely was the ultimate failure as a human being.”
While Emily tries to hide her failed engagement from her estranged father when he shows up unannounced, she doesn’t realise he comes bearing his own secrets and his proud mother nurses a new romance she can’t wait to tell them about. After all, isn’t it better to be in love and sacrifice some dreams here and there than to be alone?
The rich character development meant I saw each of them as real people and my heart hurt with them, my joy rose with theirs and my nerves probably can’t take any more talk of teaching 😂
This quote summarises the book so wonderfully: “To be lonely was the ultimate failure as a human being.”
August 4, 2024
It is an intergenerational story about a brother, father, and grandmother and the untruths they keep hidden from one another for fear of being found out and not perfect.
Emily is a teacher, yet things are a bit rocky for her because she worries about not being perfect, and her fiance has just left.
Ed—her dad—is in deep money trouble. He feels the only solution is to make up with his estranged daughter to show his mother he is the perfect dad, and then she may help him financially.
Liz is stuck in a care home after 'falling down'. She's in a bit of a financial bind after helping her online "friend' despite words of warning from her best friend.
Things come to a head, and honesty is found to be the best policy, but not before a lot goes wrong in the name of perfection.
A good read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bedford Square Publishers for an ARC.
Emily is a teacher, yet things are a bit rocky for her because she worries about not being perfect, and her fiance has just left.
Ed—her dad—is in deep money trouble. He feels the only solution is to make up with his estranged daughter to show his mother he is the perfect dad, and then she may help him financially.
Liz is stuck in a care home after 'falling down'. She's in a bit of a financial bind after helping her online "friend' despite words of warning from her best friend.
Things come to a head, and honesty is found to be the best policy, but not before a lot goes wrong in the name of perfection.
A good read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Bedford Square Publishers for an ARC.
September 17, 2024
I knew this was going to be a good read and it didn't disappoint!
This has been high up on my TBR and after finally getting round to reading it it's safe to say it was worth the wait. I easily relate to characters like Emily who feel like their lives are just spiralling around them, this is a fmc that truly has a lot going on in her life and getting to go along as she tries to figure everything out was so fun...I know that sounds weird but there's just something entertaining about reading stories like this.
I really enjoyed the multiple POVs and how we got a wide and encompassing view of everything that happens in this book. All of the characters are relatable and im sure everyone would connect to either, Liz, Emily or her dad. Plot wise I felt like this story flowed really well and each chapter had you wanting to read on and on.
This has been high up on my TBR and after finally getting round to reading it it's safe to say it was worth the wait. I easily relate to characters like Emily who feel like their lives are just spiralling around them, this is a fmc that truly has a lot going on in her life and getting to go along as she tries to figure everything out was so fun...I know that sounds weird but there's just something entertaining about reading stories like this.
I really enjoyed the multiple POVs and how we got a wide and encompassing view of everything that happens in this book. All of the characters are relatable and im sure everyone would connect to either, Liz, Emily or her dad. Plot wise I felt like this story flowed really well and each chapter had you wanting to read on and on.
February 2, 2025
Ths is my second book by Nicola Gill, the first was Swimming For Beginners and was one of my favourite books of 2024 (see my full review).
Gill has an easy relationship with her audience and such depth of emotion in her understanding and development of human relationships which she handles sensitively, with compassion and lightens with humour. This ensures her characters are ones the reader feels an innate and instant empathy with.
My latest read, That's Just Perfect, has a brilliant cover which totally represents Gill's writing style.
In the first pages, primary school teacher, Emily has dragged herself from the apartment she's shared until the last week with fiance Mark, who's just announced he doesn't want his last relationship to be with the only girl he's ever kissed.
Wearing jogging bottoms with a hole on the bum and one of Mark's oversize sweatshirts which has food stains down the front, Emily's humiliation is complete when she bumps into pupil Calum and his busybody Mum. She eventually manages to say goodbye and backs away so at least they won't see the hole in her sweat pants.
When she gets home, having thought her day couldn't get worse, surprise, surprise, it does. Her estranged father who dumped the family for a twenty-four year old cruise ship worker and broke her mother's heart, has turned up in the hope that building bridges in his relationship with Emily will get him back into his mum's good books, so she'll lend him the money to dig himself out of his latest failed business plan and the failed business plan before that.
His problem is that the only women he's always been unable to fool are Emily and her dead mum. Emily remembers all too well hearing her mum's tears in the night and knowing her mum would hate Emily seeing her so upset, so eleven year old Emily had to content herself with placing her hand on the thin dividing wall and whispering to her mum that she was there and that it would be OK. This gesture gives you a flavour of Nicola's ability to connect with her characters.
Nicola is a phenomenal author and That's Just Perfect is a great contemporary novel from an author to look out for.
Gill has an easy relationship with her audience and such depth of emotion in her understanding and development of human relationships which she handles sensitively, with compassion and lightens with humour. This ensures her characters are ones the reader feels an innate and instant empathy with.
My latest read, That's Just Perfect, has a brilliant cover which totally represents Gill's writing style.
In the first pages, primary school teacher, Emily has dragged herself from the apartment she's shared until the last week with fiance Mark, who's just announced he doesn't want his last relationship to be with the only girl he's ever kissed.
Wearing jogging bottoms with a hole on the bum and one of Mark's oversize sweatshirts which has food stains down the front, Emily's humiliation is complete when she bumps into pupil Calum and his busybody Mum. She eventually manages to say goodbye and backs away so at least they won't see the hole in her sweat pants.
When she gets home, having thought her day couldn't get worse, surprise, surprise, it does. Her estranged father who dumped the family for a twenty-four year old cruise ship worker and broke her mother's heart, has turned up in the hope that building bridges in his relationship with Emily will get him back into his mum's good books, so she'll lend him the money to dig himself out of his latest failed business plan and the failed business plan before that.
His problem is that the only women he's always been unable to fool are Emily and her dead mum. Emily remembers all too well hearing her mum's tears in the night and knowing her mum would hate Emily seeing her so upset, so eleven year old Emily had to content herself with placing her hand on the thin dividing wall and whispering to her mum that she was there and that it would be OK. This gesture gives you a flavour of Nicola's ability to connect with her characters.
Nicola is a phenomenal author and That's Just Perfect is a great contemporary novel from an author to look out for.
September 16, 2024
I really enjoyed this book, it’s an easy and fast read that gave me laughs, sadness, and a lovely uplifting feeling at the end.
This is my second Nicola gill book (I read Swimming for Beginners earlier in the year) and I loved that the characters were so realistic in both, she can write about people you will recognise from your life and that makes the stories relatable. No-one is fully likeable or unlikeable, they are layered and sometimes they do questionable things, both big and small. What is written so well in this book is the consequences of those actions - you see how they have impacted the characters lives. This is especially true in the case of Ed’s actions, which have coloured thoughts and decisions for years for both him and Emily. The absent father/abandoned child dynamic is complicated and not always logical and this is shown so well.
There are plenty of comic relief moments and Nicola Gill is as good at writing those as she is at writing sentiment. They ground the story and stop it from becoming unbelievable and indulgent.
By the end of the book I was fully invested in Ed, Emily, and Liz and wanted them to be happy, accept their past decisions, and move forward with hope.
This is my second Nicola gill book (I read Swimming for Beginners earlier in the year) and I loved that the characters were so realistic in both, she can write about people you will recognise from your life and that makes the stories relatable. No-one is fully likeable or unlikeable, they are layered and sometimes they do questionable things, both big and small. What is written so well in this book is the consequences of those actions - you see how they have impacted the characters lives. This is especially true in the case of Ed’s actions, which have coloured thoughts and decisions for years for both him and Emily. The absent father/abandoned child dynamic is complicated and not always logical and this is shown so well.
There are plenty of comic relief moments and Nicola Gill is as good at writing those as she is at writing sentiment. They ground the story and stop it from becoming unbelievable and indulgent.
By the end of the book I was fully invested in Ed, Emily, and Liz and wanted them to be happy, accept their past decisions, and move forward with hope.
August 28, 2024
I was looking forward to reading this book as I enjoyed Swimming For Beginners.
It is a nice holiday read centred around a teacher, recently split from her fiance but who maintains lying about her forthcoming wedding to her estranged Father, who has popped over from the US in order to try and get a loan from his Mother, who is currently residing in a care home in Kent.
It sounds complicated but it is an easy read. Sometimes the characters are quite infuriating and you question whether they would actually say / do something.
The Mother's friend angered me quite a lot and I felt like screaming at the book.
All in all, it was okay but not one of my favourites.
It is a nice holiday read centred around a teacher, recently split from her fiance but who maintains lying about her forthcoming wedding to her estranged Father, who has popped over from the US in order to try and get a loan from his Mother, who is currently residing in a care home in Kent.
It sounds complicated but it is an easy read. Sometimes the characters are quite infuriating and you question whether they would actually say / do something.
The Mother's friend angered me quite a lot and I felt like screaming at the book.
All in all, it was okay but not one of my favourites.
December 19, 2025
Having really enjoyed Nicola Gill’s 'Swimming for Beginners', I approached her new novel with high hopes - and for the most part, it delivered. Gill’s trademark warmth and relatable storytelling are present, making this a very pleasant read from start to finish.
That said, I found myself connecting slightly less with this book than with her previous work. The main reason, I think, lies in the characters lacking some of the endearing depth that made 'Swimming for Beginners' so engaging.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest and impartial review.
That said, I found myself connecting slightly less with this book than with her previous work. The main reason, I think, lies in the characters lacking some of the endearing depth that made 'Swimming for Beginners' so engaging.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest and impartial review.
August 31, 2024
Loved Swimming for Beginners so I jumped at the chance to get a copy of this (early). Thank you to Anne at Random Things Tours.
This is my honest opinion.
I really enjoyed this book. I was totally sucked into the drama, and honestly, it reminded me of like, a comedy movie from the early 2010s (you know all those Jennifer Anniston ‘Rom Coms’? that sorta chaos). It was a fun read, and I think I read it in 3 sittings? which is crazy for me.
This is my honest opinion.
I really enjoyed this book. I was totally sucked into the drama, and honestly, it reminded me of like, a comedy movie from the early 2010s (you know all those Jennifer Anniston ‘Rom Coms’? that sorta chaos). It was a fun read, and I think I read it in 3 sittings? which is crazy for me.
April 25, 2025
I came to this book because I read (and loved) Swimming for Beginners. This, unfortunately, didn’t live up. I know it’s supposed to be about growth and family etc but it didn’t hit the mark. The female main character was incredibly immature and annoying and I find it impossible to like her. The grandmas story was the one I was most invested in and unfortunately, it was the smallest part of the book.
May 22, 2024
L.O.L's and Heartbreak. I love Nicola Gill's books and she's done it again! I found myself loving these flawed and very real characters. Ed is so real, and Liz's story is completely heartbreaking. you just want to get inside the pages and help her.
I cried a little at the end, just before a meeting, so thanks for that Nicola Gill.
I cried a little at the end, just before a meeting, so thanks for that Nicola Gill.
January 3, 2025
A really nice enjoyable light read
I really enjoy split narrative books so was pleased to see the three different POVs being told here.
However I did prefer the story from Emily's perspective and found myself skipping through parts of Liz's and Ed's chapters as I found them more predictable.
I liked the happy ending and enjoyed the book overall as a more lighthearted read
I really enjoy split narrative books so was pleased to see the three different POVs being told here.
However I did prefer the story from Emily's perspective and found myself skipping through parts of Liz's and Ed's chapters as I found them more predictable.
I liked the happy ending and enjoyed the book overall as a more lighthearted read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews