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Bucket List: The 'ultimate feel-good novel'
Dot is a pensioner who lives her days alone. Max is a young offender doing community service. But a chance meeting in their local park will change everything for this unlikely pair. They soon find they share a wicked sense of humour and a penchant for petty crime.
When Dot wins the lottery, Max helps her make a bucket list of all the things she's always wanted to do but never had the chance. And Dot helps him turn his life around, opening his eyes to his own potential. From race cars and fun fairs to zombie films and random acts of kindness, the pair soon realise they've never been happier. Dot's astonished to find that her actions cause a ripple effect through the community – proving that it's not money that makes a difference, but people working together to make a change.
When Dot wins the lottery, Max helps her make a bucket list of all the things she's always wanted to do but never had the chance. And Dot helps him turn his life around, opening his eyes to his own potential. From race cars and fun fairs to zombie films and random acts of kindness, the pair soon realise they've never been happier. Dot's astonished to find that her actions cause a ripple effect through the community – proving that it's not money that makes a difference, but people working together to make a change.
Kindle Edition
Published July 4, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
April 27, 2025
This was our book club pick and it is just a nice feel good heartwarming book. Enjoyed it!
August 13, 2024
I do enjoy a story of unlikely friendships and the friendship between elderly widow Dot and young offender Max definitely comes into that category. It was so interesting to see how much the two had in common from absent fathers to a sense of loneliness to criminal tendencies.
I particularly enjoyed meeting Dot at various points in her younger life as we find out that the lottery numbers she chose reflected significant times in her life. The love story between Dot and her late husband Charles brought a lump to my throat. I am hoping that some of Dot’s luck rubs off on me as three out of my usual lottery numbers are the same as hers. Maybe this week!
Life hadn’t been easy for Max and I did feel sympathy for him even though he was obviously doing community service because of his misdeeds. He was a kind and talented person who just hadn’t been given many opportunities in life. I loved how he helped Dot come up with a bucket list, not because she was dying but because she had the financial resources to try new experiences. It was fun to see the creative ways he helped her tick off the challenges and adventures.
Of course, as someone born and bred here, I enjoyed the Edinburgh setting of this book too. Although it’s a slightly fictionalised Edinburgh, there were many places which I recognised. There’s a sense of community coming together in the book, set in motion by Dot’s desire to share her good fortune with others. Arranging for a community Christmas tree to be put up reminded me of my own community. Although the council puts up a tree, most of the decorations are added by members of the local community.
Bucket List is a really heart-warming story with second chances and new beginnings both strong themes. I thoroughly enjoyed this book which shows how kindness and connection can enrich life in so many ways.
I particularly enjoyed meeting Dot at various points in her younger life as we find out that the lottery numbers she chose reflected significant times in her life. The love story between Dot and her late husband Charles brought a lump to my throat. I am hoping that some of Dot’s luck rubs off on me as three out of my usual lottery numbers are the same as hers. Maybe this week!
Life hadn’t been easy for Max and I did feel sympathy for him even though he was obviously doing community service because of his misdeeds. He was a kind and talented person who just hadn’t been given many opportunities in life. I loved how he helped Dot come up with a bucket list, not because she was dying but because she had the financial resources to try new experiences. It was fun to see the creative ways he helped her tick off the challenges and adventures.
Of course, as someone born and bred here, I enjoyed the Edinburgh setting of this book too. Although it’s a slightly fictionalised Edinburgh, there were many places which I recognised. There’s a sense of community coming together in the book, set in motion by Dot’s desire to share her good fortune with others. Arranging for a community Christmas tree to be put up reminded me of my own community. Although the council puts up a tree, most of the decorations are added by members of the local community.
Bucket List is a really heart-warming story with second chances and new beginnings both strong themes. I thoroughly enjoyed this book which shows how kindness and connection can enrich life in so many ways.
January 6, 2025
3.5 stars. A lovely, heart warming quick read with a couple of great characters.
November 16, 2024
3.75 ⭐️⭐️ this book felt like a warm hug, was such a lovely read 🥹
April 21, 2025
The Bucket List shares themes of self-discovery and unlikely connections, aligning with my appreciation for introspective journeys such as ‘Wild’ and unique bonds as in ‘A Mudlarking Year.’
I was open to a lighthearted, character-driven story that prioritizes interpersonal growth.
Its blend of humor and emotional depth mirrors the reflective moods I’m usually interested in, but its focus on fictionalized drama versus my nonfiction preferences were less grounding.
I was open to a lighthearted, character-driven story that prioritizes interpersonal growth.
Its blend of humor and emotional depth mirrors the reflective moods I’m usually interested in, but its focus on fictionalized drama versus my nonfiction preferences were less grounding.
June 29, 2024
Huge thank you to @BirlinnBooks for a proof of this outstanding book by the amazing Russell Jones
This book will be in my top ten this year. I laughed a lot, I cried a lot: it had everything; just perfection.
I read the back cover, coming away with a tear in my eye. From the first chapter I predicted a 5 star read and I was right. I'd give it more if I could.
Straight away I adored Dot. Whip smart and feisty. When I told my girls I just started a book and the older lady had stolen a Bonzai tree from a garden centre, they laughed and said, "Mum, that sounds like a good book. " They were not wrong!
I wanted to climb inside this book; to live there for little while, and be a friend to Dot. That's how much this story resonated with me.
The introduction of Max was perfection. Two people, at different stages of life and both experiencing the solitude of loneliness. I loved how these two strangers seemed to exist at the exact moment they needed each other and how they brought the best out in each other. And the impact their relationship had, not only on them, but the domino effect it created in the community was wonderful and heartfelt. This story was beautifully written; so much so it transported me inside the pages of the book. These are characters I will remember always.
I've always believed people enter your life at the time you need them the most and this story is a back up of that theory.
Fave moments. When Max said he'd be Dot's friend and when Dot helped the homeless man, and of course, the last chapter.
This is a book that anyone could read at anytime and love; the perfect book for any time of year, with characters that will steal your heart.
I'm already on the Russel Jones train and excited for future works by this author.
Highly recommend as in, READ THIS BOOK!
Available for pre order - Release date 4th July 2024.
This book will be in my top ten this year. I laughed a lot, I cried a lot: it had everything; just perfection.
I read the back cover, coming away with a tear in my eye. From the first chapter I predicted a 5 star read and I was right. I'd give it more if I could.
Straight away I adored Dot. Whip smart and feisty. When I told my girls I just started a book and the older lady had stolen a Bonzai tree from a garden centre, they laughed and said, "Mum, that sounds like a good book. " They were not wrong!
I wanted to climb inside this book; to live there for little while, and be a friend to Dot. That's how much this story resonated with me.
The introduction of Max was perfection. Two people, at different stages of life and both experiencing the solitude of loneliness. I loved how these two strangers seemed to exist at the exact moment they needed each other and how they brought the best out in each other. And the impact their relationship had, not only on them, but the domino effect it created in the community was wonderful and heartfelt. This story was beautifully written; so much so it transported me inside the pages of the book. These are characters I will remember always.
I've always believed people enter your life at the time you need them the most and this story is a back up of that theory.
Fave moments. When Max said he'd be Dot's friend and when Dot helped the homeless man, and of course, the last chapter.
This is a book that anyone could read at anytime and love; the perfect book for any time of year, with characters that will steal your heart.
I'm already on the Russel Jones train and excited for future works by this author.
Highly recommend as in, READ THIS BOOK!
Available for pre order - Release date 4th July 2024.
November 9, 2024
This book is absolutely perfect. From the very start I connected with the characters. I laughed out loud and cried A LOT. It’s a truly beautiful story about an unlikely friendship, I fell in love with Dot and Max’s relationship straight away and couldn’t get enough of their story! I could’ve easily read this whole book in one sitting (it flows so well) but I found myself purposefully savouring it to spend longer with these characters. 5 stars but would rate it more if I could, this is now in my top five books ever!!!
December 5, 2024
This was the perfect book to sit cosied up with a warm drink. An original storyline that kept my attention throughout. Thought provoking and heartwarming, the perfect blend for the season. I fell in love with Dot and Max, especially Dot's cheeky and at times feisty personality. We should all be a little more Dot.
January 15, 2025
A feel good, heart warming story with a charming story. As a resident of Edinburgh I felt at home with the characters, their quirks and their humour. I laughed loudly, to my surprise, multiple times at the conversations between Dot and Max.
Lovely writing style by the author, I thoroughly enjoyed and finished it in two days.
Lovely writing style by the author, I thoroughly enjoyed and finished it in two days.
August 3, 2025
A heartwarming novel of an unlikely friendship. The book explores using kindness, empathy and appreciation to enrich our lives, and make the world a better place. It's not a Pulitzer worthy novel, but a sweet story with likeable characters.
April 25, 2025
A light and uplifting read. Audiobook narration was well done.
May 21, 2025
Brilliant read! Loved every page, fantastic feel good story with likeable characters. I'd say in my top 10 books for sure!
December 4, 2024
So wholesome and fun, and a bit unexpected
November 23, 2024
How has this book not gained more readers? It's so delightful! I loved the main characters Max & Dot, especially Dot. She's got the kind of wicked sense of humour I hope to have at her age.
The unlikely friendship really becomes so wholesome to read.
I read this on the Libby app, but I plan to buy a physical copy when I see it!
Edit: I got a physical copy :)
The unlikely friendship really becomes so wholesome to read.
I read this on the Libby app, but I plan to buy a physical copy when I see it!
Edit: I got a physical copy :)
December 8, 2024
This isn’t normally the type of book but I’m really happy that I read it. It’s a cute, heartwarming story of an unlikely friendship which balances humour, fun and good reminders about what’s important in life. The characters were wonderful!
July 6, 2024
Really enjoyed this - easy read, great characters and a lovely story.
August 27, 2024
So wholesome 🩷
July 7, 2024
I really enjoyed this novel! It's a fun and uplifting read about two very different people - a lonely pensioner and a young offender - who come together to complete a bucket list.
At a time when it feels like there's so much negativity and hardship in the world, it felt really satisfying to read a book about the positive power of friendship and community.
Despite exploring the challenging themes of loneliness, isolation and hardship, the book is really funny and left me feeling happy and optimistic after I finished reading it.
Highly recommend adding this to your summer reading list if you want something uplifting that renews your faith in people and community!
At a time when it feels like there's so much negativity and hardship in the world, it felt really satisfying to read a book about the positive power of friendship and community.
Despite exploring the challenging themes of loneliness, isolation and hardship, the book is really funny and left me feeling happy and optimistic after I finished reading it.
Highly recommend adding this to your summer reading list if you want something uplifting that renews your faith in people and community!
October 9, 2024
I LOVE STORIES ABOUT OLD WOMAN GOING OFF THE RAILS
November 23, 2024
Overall this was totally wholesome, a really nice read and I was sucked into the characters quickly. It was different to the books out there, which I really liked too.
There was a couple of parts straight after Dot wins the lottery where it felt cliched when she offered everyone big tips and money, and the ending with Max’s business and returning the locket felt a little too good to be true, but hey we don’t read for reality do we?
Dot was a really interesting character. I felt that she didnt change per se but slowly worked out her grief, anxiety and depression. That’s why she could so quickly snap back into it when she realised Max’s drug dealers were her muggers.
Instead of her changing, we learned what she was like before and this tied in really nicely with the flashbacks - they were almost movie like in the way they were wittten and the way I imagined them.
This was honestly gorgeous, bar a couple of cliched flaws and I really enjoyed!
There was a couple of parts straight after Dot wins the lottery where it felt cliched when she offered everyone big tips and money, and the ending with Max’s business and returning the locket felt a little too good to be true, but hey we don’t read for reality do we?
Dot was a really interesting character. I felt that she didnt change per se but slowly worked out her grief, anxiety and depression. That’s why she could so quickly snap back into it when she realised Max’s drug dealers were her muggers.
Instead of her changing, we learned what she was like before and this tied in really nicely with the flashbacks - they were almost movie like in the way they were wittten and the way I imagined them.
This was honestly gorgeous, bar a couple of cliched flaws and I really enjoyed!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2025
I work in the senior living space and so many times we discount seniors and forget they have desire to thrive in the modern world. Dot defied this. Science has proven that inter generational relationships make both seniors and younger people understand that they can learn from each other physically, emotionally and spiritually. We need to encourage this dynamic. I encourage everyone to follow @jessandnorma on Instagram or read the best seller “Jess and Norma: a lifetime of laughter and our unbreakable bond” to understand how much both generations can bring to the table to understand the importance of life experiences and how they can grow together. I smiled the whole time I listened to this story. Moral: Money can’t buy happiness but it’s the relationships and community we build that satisfy the soul ♥️
June 30, 2024
Review:
This was such a heartwarming story.
I loved the idea that these two characters who should never have got on with each other, found such common ground and developed such a lovely friendship. It's only of those stories that makes you feel hopeful for humanity.
I think this book was well written and it really cheered up this grey, cold Sunday for me.
Just lovely and if you need an uplifting story in your life this is the one for you
This was such a heartwarming story.
I loved the idea that these two characters who should never have got on with each other, found such common ground and developed such a lovely friendship. It's only of those stories that makes you feel hopeful for humanity.
I think this book was well written and it really cheered up this grey, cold Sunday for me.
Just lovely and if you need an uplifting story in your life this is the one for you
December 15, 2024
Audiobook review
This completely took me by surprise. Absolutely loved it. I have decided over-70 main characters are my favourite haha. I enjoyed the honesty, the laughs, the fun, and also the reflection. There were tearful moments but I was mainly left with just pure joy. It is a book set during the Christmas period that really celebrates those values, and how they are needed all year round. The narration is superb at bringing these characters to life. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.
This completely took me by surprise. Absolutely loved it. I have decided over-70 main characters are my favourite haha. I enjoyed the honesty, the laughs, the fun, and also the reflection. There were tearful moments but I was mainly left with just pure joy. It is a book set during the Christmas period that really celebrates those values, and how they are needed all year round. The narration is superb at bringing these characters to life. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.
December 14, 2024
DNF. This is a patronising book to both older people and younger ones. Obviously intended to be “heartwarming” it is just awful. Poorly written, badly researched and totally unbelievable, wouldn’t be out of place in a People’s friend from the 1950s (ask your granny). Only got one star as I can’t give none.
May 22, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Bucket List is a feel good novel right there way though. The characterisation is excellent and there is so much of each character to love. The plot is easy to follow and makes you smile each step you take.
Would highly recommend to someone who is looking for something nice and light for reading ❤️
Bucket List is a feel good novel right there way though. The characterisation is excellent and there is so much of each character to love. The plot is easy to follow and makes you smile each step you take.
Would highly recommend to someone who is looking for something nice and light for reading ❤️
August 15, 2025
As described, this is a feel-good book about finding a family that works after being widowed. V. good narrator, though the Scottish accent is strong, and may be hard for American lsiteners. I'm not sure how it looks on the page...
I enjoy these hopeful novels, though I'm a skeptic who doesn't quite believe. But I wish I did!
I enjoy these hopeful novels, though I'm a skeptic who doesn't quite believe. But I wish I did!
June 24, 2024
Uplifting escapism. I love reading for both of these reasons and this book hit the mark. Recommended by a friend, it reminds me of the quote, "happiness is amazing. It's so amazing it doesn't matter if its yours or not". Fun, funny, and made me cry happy tears a couple of times.
August 14, 2024
This book was a quick and easy read that was perfect for me in the middle of my vacation. The characters were charming without being saccharine. The plot was fairly predictable, yet still I wanted to keep reading, I will watch for other books by this author.
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December 15, 2024I loved this. Was a random audiobook for me and my first one. Really enjoyed the story , quite a gentle tale of friendship and rediscovering yourself. Especially thought the mushrooms was a cool touch!
December 21, 2024
Heartwarming and comforting - the kind of book that you want to keep on going! This book got me through long choir rehearsals in the lead up to our Christmas Concert! This was such a seasonal read and you really got a good measure of the community of characters!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews