All the Perfect Days

by Michael Thompson

Family GP Charlie Knight fears life is passing him by. He’s in his late thirties, and treading water as a family doctor in the same small town he grew up in.

Just as he’s planning his escape, something changes. He develops a gift, an extraordinary insight for any doctor: a sense of exactly how many days his patients have left to live.

But in a country town like Marwick, his patients are his friends. His own family. The people he grew up with, and the girl he still loves.

And Charlie discovers this gift may not be a gift at all.

Genres: Romance, Magical Realism, Fantasy, Audiobook, Fiction, Adult Fiction, Adult

352 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2025

Reviews

[Rosh (will be MiA for a fortnight!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a Nutshell: A contemporary magical realism. Also tagged as romance but I found it tilting more towards general fiction. Good characters, though a bit cookie-cutter. Interesting magical realism. Heartwarming and emotional. This was a fairly strong read for me until the final quarter or so. Still, a good option for those looking for somewhat bittersweet reads.

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Plot Preview:

Dr. Charlie Knight, 38, has spent many years as a GP in the same small town he grew up in. Just as he decides to take a step in a new direction, his life changes. He is suddenly endowed with a mysterious gift, that of knowing exactly how many days his patients have left to live. While this gift is helpful at times, Charlie does not want to know the death dates of his loved ones, and of his ex-girlfriend Genevieve who has just returned from London. Will this new insight turn out to be a boon or a bane for Charlie? Will it affect the way he practices medicine?
The story comes to us in Charlie’s third-person perspective.

I opted for this book not for the romance but for the potential magical realism. Luckily, it wasn’t the other way around because the romance content was not dominant. Most of the novel went quite well for me, but just as I thought it might end up getting four stars, some plot choices brought my rating down.


Bookish Yays:
🗓 The magical realism. Interesting to read how Charlie’s gift suddenly activates and how he feels while viewing the number. I like that there’s no justification provided for Charlie’s new ability. It keeps the magic magical! (Then again, this might not satisfy those who need to know why it happened.)

🗓 The thought-provoking experience of seeing Charlie process the numbers and take action accordingly. It captures all the issues that could come with foreknowledge of death. I began to wonder what I would do if I were in Charlie’s position – not an enviable situation at all!

🗓 Charlie as a man and as a doctor. He’s a good character for this genre. I love how easily he bonds with his patients no matter their age group. Even more impressive is his sensitivity.

🗓 A male author writing a likeable and relatable male lead without turning him into a typical alpha male specimen – this deserves a separate Yay!

🗓 The character-oriented nature of the story, which helps us know Charlie and his reactions intimately. This makes the progress a bit slow and introspective, but not boring.

🗓 The use of the small-town setting, which adds further drama in Charlie’s life. A very good portrayal of life in a place where everyone knows everyone.


Bookish Okays:
🔢 The understated emotions. Surprisingly for a storyline with such immense potential for emotional intensity, the book ends up quite muted. There are some heartwarming as well as upsetting scenes, but the feelings rarely hit as hard as they should have.

🔢 The romance. To be clear, this isn't a new romance but a second-chance romance. So when the couple reconnects after many years, the love story is more about a mature bond developing from a place of closeness and friendship than about physical attraction or longing. This, I appreciate. However, knowing how much they had been through during their initial time of togetherness, their reconnection feels overly drama-free and their communication, full of avoidance.

🔢 The character development. The secondary characters, especially some of Charlie’s patients, were amazing. The lengths of their role varied, but most of them were memorable in some way or the other. However, many of the characters were there only to fulfil a niche role. There was no depth to their personality or behaviour. I especially wish Charlie’s mum had been better sketched; her antagonism and the reason for the mother-son rift never felt convincing.


Bookish Nays:
🧮 The final few chapters are where the book lost a lot of my points. I don’t want to go into spoilers, so I’ll just say: I didn’t find these chapters realistically convincing. A certain event should have triggered some deep emotions, but the only dominant thought in Charlie’s head at this time was romance. Not a believable reaction, considering the people involved.

🧮 The incident connected with Theo (also in the final quarter of the book) – utterly unnecessary for this genre. There were other ways of adding tension and drama to the plot, then why do this? It was out of character for the otherwise reserved and clueless Theo.


🎧 The Audiobook Experience:
The audiobook, clocking at 8 hrs 48 min, is narrated by Ryan Ennis. He is brilliant in all his voices, making the characters sound distinct without feeling like caricatures. I especially love how he performed Charlie, conveying his various moods effectively. One particular character’s laugh is a bit grating on the ears, but that laugh is supposed to be annoying anyway as per the book, so I cannot deduct points for that. The audio will be a fabulous option for most readers. However, Charlie has the habit of speaking to himself, and at times, these inner monologues (obviously written in first person) come in between or just after spoken dialogues. If you think you might be muddled about when Charlie is actually speaking aloud and when he is just thinking to himself, better stick to actual reading.


Overall, this book does pretty well as an emotional palate cleanser. It isn't a romance for the most part though it has romantic elements. Better if read as general fiction. Had the last few chapters and the secondary character development gone better for me, my rating would have been higher. But a major chunk of the book did suit my mood.

Recommended to readers preferring general fiction with some interesting magical realism and emotional introspection.

3.75 stars.


My thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark for providing the DRC and to Tantor Audio for providing the ALC of “All the Perfect Days” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

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I follow the Goodreads rating policy:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Lifelong favourite!
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - I loved the book.
⭐⭐⭐ - I liked the book.
⭐⭐ - I found the book average.
⭐ - I hated the book.
The decimals indicate the degree of the in-between feelings.

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Connect with me through:
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[Terrie Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poignant. Profound. Insightful. Magical...

All the Perfect Days is a book I was attracted to by the cover first, and the synopsis second, but after a few chapters, I thought I may have made a mistake. I carried on with the mindset of it being a respite read and immediately felt better. Then something extraordinary happened:

I connected with Dr. Charlie Knight...

Charlie is the main character and anchor of this story. He is a family doctor - the kind of GP who genuinely cares about and talks to his patients. He is observant, accessible, and empathetic, sometimes to a fault. He has a few teeny tiny issues, some of which are his own making, while others are entirely out of his control. He is why I continued to read this story; I understood his dilemma, what makes him tick. I was rooting for Charlie all the way.

An immersion read, the audiobook was narrated by Ryan Ennis, who recounts the story with enthusiasm and energy, and whose gender voicing skills are pretty remarkable. Listening to the audiobook is my preferred format for the full enjoyment of this book. I fell in love with Ennis' voice!

All the Perfect Days has a quaint small-town setting, developing family dynamics, possibilities of second chance romance, memorable characters, and an engaging premise, all mixed in with a bit of magic, and the more I read, the more satisfied I became. A perfect in-between-book, a palate cleanser, if you will, when you crave a break from all the heavy reads you love so much!

4⭐

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark, Tantor Audio, and Michael Thompson for the gifted DRC and ALC through NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

One Liner: Nice!

Charlie Knight is a family doctor in his late thirties. He has a fixed routine and the same clients he’d been seeing since he was a child. However, Charlie has a secret plan to escape and live the life he wants, even if Genevieve Longstaff, the woman he wanted, has long since left the town.

However, Genevieve is back. Suddenly, Charlie realizes he has gained a new gift. He can see exactly how many days are left in the lives of his visitors/ patients. Charlie thinks he could use his gift to help his patients, but every gift comes with a price. What if there are things he would rather not know?

The story comes in Charlie’s third-person POV.

My Thoughts:

Should I tag this general fiction or men’s fiction? Either works, I guess.

The story starts with the MC gaining his gift unexpectedly and goes on from there. He is an easy guy to like. A friendly, sweet, and dedicated doctor whose life feels too structured and safe. He is also lonely.

While there is some ‘romance’, it is not a love story or a romcom. So if you go in expecting it to be heavy on this element, you will be disappointed. Moreover, there isn’t much chemistry between Charlie and Gen as such. They’d make good friends, though.

The book deals with themes like guilt, decisions, wanting a second chance, life, death, etc. Naturally, death is a bigger theme, so it does occur more than once.

Characters like MaryAnn, Gen, Lorraine, etc., had potential, but it seems to be barely explored. In fact, it’s the same for the entire book. The whole narration has a slow and mellow tone. Quite a few topics are touched upon, but none are given full attention.

The concept of seeing the numbers is intriguing. We get a probable explanation, which is not perfect since even the characters don’t know. This may not appeal to some readers, but it aligns with the book’s tone.

The ending is hopeful and a tad bittersweet. I guess I can call it an open-ish ending since some issues are never discussed. Still, the book feels complete, so it is not vague or random.

To summarize, All the Perfect Days offers quite a bit to think about, but doesn’t delve deep into any of those. The pacing is slow, so plan accordingly.

Thank you, NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

#NetGalley #AllThePerfectDays

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

All The Perfect Days is the second novel by Australian journalist and author, Michael Thompson. The audio version is narrated by Ryan Ennis. The first time it happens, country GP Charlie Knight thinks he is dying. His patient, Edna Bradley, is convinced he is having a stroke, but he recovers quickly with no ill effects. Except maybe one…

He describes the weird episode to a neurologist acquaintance: pressure in his skull, colours draining from his vision, and a shifting sensation behind the eyes, the impression of a number. But rush tests detect no abnormality. Stress? It keeps happening, seemingly triggered by the request for medical advice or treatment. Something makes him note down the numbers for each person, and he comes to understand, after the unexpected death of a patient, that they represent the number of days the person has left.

Charlie is bewildered as to why this information is falling into his brain. What is he meant to do with it? Surely, not tell people? Soon enough, he discovers how this thing he’s experiencing can be both a blessing and a curse: he saves a life, but also feels responsible for an unexpected death. Knowing this about patients for whom he has cared for years, let alone about family and friends, it’s such a weight on his mind. He starts avoiding those chats in the pub, on the street, at parties.

Charlie has a plan he hasn’t shared, either at the Marwick Family Clinic, or with friends and family: he intends to decamp from Marwick in six weeks to take up a spot in Emergency Medicine at St John’s Private Hospital in London, where he knows he can do something special, perhaps even spectacular. Seven years ago, events conspired to keep him in Marwick, but now he has an added reason to escape: knowing the life expectancy of strangers will be much easier to cope with.

And then, Genevieve Longstaff turns up, back after seven years, ready to resettle in Marwick. Ordinarily, if there was anything that could keep him here, her presence would be it. But they have a history and, of all people, Genevieve’s number is the last one he wants to know.

It would be hard to meet the standard that Thompson set himself with “How To Be Remembered”, but he’s managed to do it with this compulsive tale. The premise is one that will have most readers contemplating, and he easily evokes his setting. His characters have depth and appeal, are believably flawed but pull together in that inimitable small-town way: Charlie is the doctor everyone would want to have, especially if they had children. Only the hardest of hearts won’t empathise over his dilemma. This is enthralling speculative fiction
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Tantor Audio

[Angie Miale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Voracious and casual readers alike read the on-trend "The Measure" a few years ago and it was quite thought provoking, keeping lively conversations about how we shouldn’t know how long we have left. I can’t even imagine writing a review of “All the Perfect Days” without referring “The Measure,” and while this does have the same theme, it approaches the question in a much smaller way, more magical realism and less sci fi/ speculative fiction.

Charlie is a family doctor that has an episode in the first scene. Everything in his office and with his patient turn into grayscale, as if the world went into Black and White. When after a few minutes the world returns to normal, he sees the number 4. He doesn't yet put two and two together when that same patient dies 4 days later. Eventually he realizes that when he sees someone's number, that is how many days they have left to be alive. All the plot elements you would expect; someone with a larger number than you'd expect, someone with a much smaller number than you'd expect, and most of them being appropriate for the person's age.

There is a side love story about Charlie connecting with Gen- who quits her job to sell essential oils- and who Charlie is hesitant to get close to as he is expecting to move into Emergency Medicine far away. I wish we got to know Genny a little more, the narrative didn't tell us a lot about her and I would have liked that.

A few twists and changes to the story as Charlie tries to figure out how this works - how it happened- and should he or should he not- interfere with someone based on their number.

It is thought provoking for certain, and a classic twist on an old episode of The Twilight Zone- would you want to know how long you have left, and what would you do any differently? I think this book gives you all the alternatives, and enough space to decide for yourself what your answers are.

Thanks to @netgalley and @sourcebooks landmark for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Book to be published May 21, 2025.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

All The Perfect Days is the second novel by Australian journalist and author, Michael Thompson. The audio version is narrated by Ryan Ennis. The first time it happens, country GP Charlie Knight thinks he is dying. His patient, Edna Bradley, is convinced he is having a stroke, but he recovers quickly with no ill effects. Except maybe one…

He describes the weird episode to a neurologist acquaintance: pressure in his skull, colours draining from his vision, and a shifting sensation behind the eyes, the impression of a number. But rush tests detect no abnormality. Stress? It keeps happening, seemingly triggered by the request for medical advice or treatment. Something makes him note down the numbers for each person, and he comes to understand, after the unexpected death of a patient, that they represent the number of days the person has left.

Charlie is bewildered as to why this information is falling into his brain. What is he meant to do with it? Surely, not tell people? Soon enough, he discovers how this thing he’s experiencing can be both a blessing and a curse: he saves a life, but also feels responsible for an unexpected death. Knowing this about patients for whom he has cared for years, let alone about family and friends, it’s such a weight on his mind. He starts avoiding those chats in the pub, on the street, at parties.

Charlie has a plan he hasn’t shared, either at the Marwick Family Clinic, or with friends and family: he intends to decamp from Marwick in six weeks to take up a spot in Emergency Medicine at St John’s Private Hospital in London, where he knows he can do something special, perhaps even spectacular. Seven years ago, events conspired to keep him in Marwick, but now he has an added reason to escape: knowing the life expectancy of strangers will be much easier to cope with.

And then, Genevieve Longstaff turns up, back after seven years, ready to resettle in Marwick. Ordinarily, if there was anything that could keep him here, her presence would be it. But they have a history and, of all people, Genevieve’s number is the last one he wants to know.

It would be hard to meet the standard that Thompson set himself with “How To Be Remembered”, but he’s managed to do it with this compulsive tale. The premise is one that will have most readers contemplating, and he easily evokes his setting. His characters have depth and appeal, are believably flawed but pull together in that inimitable small-town way: Charlie is the doctor everyone would want to have, especially if they had children. Only the hardest of hearts won’t empathise over his dilemma. This is enthralling speculative fiction
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark

[Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

All the Perfect Days by Michael Thompson is a tender, quietly magical novel about love, loss, and the weight of knowing too much. Charlie Knight, a small-town doctor in his late thirties, is stuck in the familiar routines of his life—until his first love, Genevieve, returns, and he begins to see the number of days each person has left to live. At first, Charlie uses this strange gift to help others embrace life, mend relationships, and make peace. But as the lines between helping and hurting blur, Charlie is forced to reckon with the limits of control, the ache of what might have been, and the hard truths he never wanted to face. Thoughtful and bittersweet, All the Perfect Days explores how we live when time is no longer a mystery.

Thompson beautifully captures how the knowledge of the future can be both enlightening and paralyzing, especially when it's entwined with emotion and memory. Charlie’s internal struggle—between duty and desire, hope and resignation—is relatable and compelling. His bond with Genevieve adds a poignant, melancholic tension that elevates the emotional stakes and invites reflection on the fragility of timing and the power of love that endures.

While the pacing does slow at times, the novel’s emotional depth and philosophical weight make up for it. It’s an introspective, character-driven story that rewards patient readers with moments of quiet revelation and profound truth.

All the Perfect Days is ideal for those who appreciate reflective fiction about life’s impermanence, the unseen impact of our choices, and the bittersweet beauty of what it means to truly live.

[Jo Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Happy publication day 🎉🥳🎧

Charlie Knight is a doctor with a difference, while my GP can’t even predict when someone may answer their phones Charlie is predicting how many days patients have left to live. Is it a gift or is it a curse, above all should you interfere with fate?

It’s not a new question really, but it is one worth pondering and I’d dare say a great talking point for a book club pick, what would you do if you were suddenly able to tell people exactly how long they have left. Charlie initially confused by this gift tries to use it for good, to help the patients enjoy the life they have, but of course it isn’t long before he comes across patients with very limited numbers of days, and soon wonders if his friendly advice was the right thing to do. Charlie soon avoids asking simple questions like How are you? In the hope of avoiding seeing everyone’s number.

There’s a second chance romance arc to the story with Charlie’s ex Genevieve back in town, and while it was quite nice it really was a sideline so I’m not quite sure I’d pitch this as a romance, I mean there is romance but the gift really is the story.

3.75 🌟

Ryan Ennis narrates exceptionally well.

My thanks to Tantor Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧

[Mandy White (mandylovestoread) · Rating 4 out of 5]

An emotional, heartwarming and at times humorous story about living life and holding onto those you love. Not my usual genre but it was a lovely change and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Imagine that you could tell when other people were going to die? Now imagine this being a doctor in a small town where you know everybody. This is what happens to GP Charlie Knight out of the blue. Is it a blessing or is it a curse? Every time he tries to have a medical consultation strange things happen and he sees a number and not always a big one.

As you can imagine, it is an emotional roller coaster for Charlie? He is ready to make big changes in his life but this complicates things. There was some fabulous characters in this story, that will give you all the feels. A lovely story that will make you want to hug your loved ones.

Thanks so much to Pantera Press for having me in the Bookstagram Tour for this delightful read. It is out now so go grab a copy as well as some tissues.

[Amie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and RBMedia for the advanced copy of the audiobook in exchange for my review.

I enjoyed this audiobook and the narrator was great!

This book is a magical realism book about Charlie, a medical doctor in a British village, who can see the number of days a person has left to live when he is helping them and caring for them. It explores the ethics involved in knowing very important information about someone and deciding whether it’s for the best or worst if they too have this information. It explores how the choices we make have immeasurable ripple effects. It also touches upon confirmation bias, pseudo science, and misinformation in an indirect way.

This book was well written and the author did a great job making me feel for the protagonist and his dilemma. I even got a little choked up a couple times while listening to this.

I was unfamiliar with Australian author,Michael Thompson, but I’m excited to read his other book and check out his business podcast.

Note: This book is tagged as romance genre, and while it does contain a romantic side-plot, the majority of this book is not romantic at all. It didn’t affect my rating because I loved the magical realism and the overarching theme of ethical dilemmas, but if someone is looking for spice, this isn’t it.

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had an interesting premise where Charlie, a small town English family doctor, is given the gift of being able to know how many days his patients have left. While at first he thinks this will help his patients, certain effects throw him into despair. Touted as a romance (there is a bit of a second chance romance element but I wouldn't say its the main focus of the story) this gave me more of a James Herriot vibe as the focus is more on Charlie's relationships with his patients and father. Good on audio, I liked it but definitely wouldn't recommend for those looking for a romance heavy love story. There is an important theme of learning to appreciate the time we have with the ones we love though. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

[Sarah | Kerosene.Lit · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love magical realism, and this had such an intriguing premise! A doctor suddenly gains the ability to see exactly how many days someone has left to live. I was so invested by this moral and emotional dilemma Charlie is placed in. Do you tell people the truth? Do you try to intervene? How do you maintain relationships when every interaction is threatened by an expiration date?

It was definitely thought-provoking, and I really felt for Charlie and the immense guilt and helplessness he faces. I also appreciated its reminder to live life to the fullest. But overall, I was expecting a lot more of an emotional punch. Even the rekindled romance was a little underwhelming.

Some aspects of the ending felt unfinished, and the direction the magic took left it feeling a bit purposeless. Without giving away spoilers, it's so hard to explain! It’s definitely a compelling story (it would make a great book club pick!), but I found myself wishing for more clarity and closure.

(heat level: no spice)

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Alysa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ The premise of this book was very intriguing. What would you do if you knew how long people had left to live? Charlie is a doctor who cares about his patients, and that ability is both a blessing and a curse. This book has a romance subplot, but most of the story is about Charlie’s personal growth.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the ARC!

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different than my usual genre but I enjoyed the switch up. This book was a little of everything: emotional, humorous, a love story. I also thought the concept was very interesting and was curious to see how things would play out.

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pensive, heartwarming, and hopeful!

All the Perfect Days is a charming, captivating tale that takes you into the life of Charlie Knight, a young doctor who after years of doing the same thing in the same town finally decides it’s time to move on until he’s suddenly struck with the ability to see the number of days a person has left to live, and the love of his life, the one he let get away all those years ago, returns home.

The prose is fluid and smooth. The characters are troubled, complex, and genuine. And the plot is an absorbing tale of life, loss, love, family, guilt, grief, friendship, forgiveness, compassion, support, community, and romance all interwoven with a thread of magical realism.

Overall, All the Perfect Days is a compelling, emotional, thought-provoking novel by Thompson that reminds us that even the little choices we make often have far-reaching consequences, and sometimes, perhaps, things are truly just fated to happen.

[Krissi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing a free e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book makes you think about the days you have left, if you could know, would you? How would you handle it? How would you handle someone you know only having a short amount of time on earth left? Would you expect to be treated differently? Would you treat them differently? Would you try to live your life as is or do everything you've ever wanted within that time?

I enjoyed this book, I just wish there was a little more to it. Working in the medical field, I appreciated the concept of this book. The magical element for the main character being able to tell when his patients were going to pass was given very little explanation and was just kind of written off as maybe you know, maybe you don't. Then again, that is true in reality as the fighting spirit can significantly affect prognosis.

I also was not invested in the characters as much as I would have liked. The rekindled romance just did not have the chemistry you would like to see, especially between two characters who have been through some rough times together. All in all, it was a thought-provoking and entertaining read with some small flaws, but it was definitely worth a read through.

[Liz Mannegren · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s been a long time since I’ve devoured a book in a single sitting, but this magical realism novel was just the read to break that streak!

Charlie Knight is a small-town doctor with a plan to escape. He dreams of something more and is counting down the days until he makes that plan a reality. But when he shows up to work one morning, Charlie is suddenly hit with the ability to know exactly how long his patients have left to live, down to the day. He considers it a gift, using it to help better the lives of his patients. But this gift comes with unexpected consequences and knowing the fate of others weighs heavily on a person — especially when it’s about the woman you love.

This was a very clever and intriguing read. The question at the heart of this book is not a new one, “What would we do if we knew the exact length of someone’s life?” and yet, this story gave it a fun and absorbing twist. Charlie wrestles with questions about whether this knowledge changes the way we live our lives and how we approach the individuals around us — and it drives us as readers to do the same.

The plot is character-based, exploring the relationships Charlie has with his patients, co-workers, family, and his newly returned ex, Genevieve. I loved the small-town dynamic and the little glimpse of connections Charlie has with his community around him. The magical realism blended with a romance subplot, and you got the sweet anticipation of Charlie and Gen reconnecting (second-chance trope) as you slowly uncovered details of their past history.

Despite the potential depth of the subject matter, this story maintained a lot of lightness throughout. While I was expecting a deeper emotional punch (and I do wish we’d gotten the chance to draw out Gen’s character and/or Charlie’s relationship with his mother a little further) this book didn’t have to be heavy to hit its message home.

Magical realism can be tricky to get right and there were a few holes and “easy ways out” in this novel. However, the premise was fascinating, and the book gripped me from start to finish. It wasn’t at all what I was expecting but it managed to be both easy to read and introspective, and I found it impossible to put down.

For readers looking for unique fiction that will leave you thinking, this was a thought-provoking read about relationships and family, and the messiness of living life together in community.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The idea of being able to foresee how many days a person has left to live may be considered a psychic gift but for young doctor Charlie, it turned out to be a curse. I was intrigued with the idea of this and decided to give this book a try. I found it to be a light hearted easy read. For me, it did not deliver the drama and suspense that I anticipating in a fantasy story, but it was still enjoyable.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

All The Perfect Days was a unique & thought provoking novel. Michael Thompson’s writing took a fresh perspective on the magical realism & romance genre. I don’t typically read novels in this genre, however, when I read this book’s synopsis, I knew this was one I had to give a try. I am so delighted that I did. Thompson lifted me out of the everyday happenings and reminded me what’s important in life.

This story was a fictional portrayal about Charlie Knight, a conscientious family doctor who discovered he had an unusual gift. He could vision the exact number of days a person had left until they died. He used his gift to help his patients, family and friends make the most of their relationships, travel and retire. But his gift came with awful consequences and Charlie realized there are things he didn’t want to know.

The question at the heart of this book wasn’t a new one “What would we do if we knew the exact length of someone’s life?”, yet it was a clever and intriguing read. I appreciated that the plot was character based and that it explored the relationships Charlie had with his patients, co-workers, family, and his newly returned ex, Genevieve. I also appreciated the small town ambiance and the glimmer of connections Charlie had with those in his community. Thompson blended the magical realism with the romance subplot seamlessly.

While the story explored themes about relationships and family and the messiness of living life together in a community, it had the potential to go deeper, but this story maintained a lightness throughout. I liked that it didn’t have to be heavy to get its message across. Again, a refreshing take on an otherwise somber matter.

Overall, All The Perfect Days wasn’t at all what I had expected. It was more than I expected. It was intriguing, thought provoking, and had me engaged from start to finish making it impossible to put down. In a world that often feels out of control, Thompson created a comfort in his story-the idea that magic exists, and that love will prevail. If you loved The Measure you will certainly find this book just as fascinating.

Thanks to Net Galley and Tantor Audio for the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michael Thompson’s sophomore novel All the Perfect Days was an utterly brilliant five star read.

Charlie Knight is still hoping for his spectacular moment, but right now it feels like that time will never come. He has spent the last several years working as a GP in Marwick, the town where he grew up. Charlie can’t go anywhere in public, or even attend a social event without being asked for his medical opinion by friends and family. Just as he is planning his escape, he suddenly develops an extraordinary ability that offers him a real insight into his patients’ future. But is this a gift or a curse?

Oh my, this story gripped me and squeezed at my heart. It was heartfelt and incredibly emotional with the gently flowing writing and just the right touch of magic. Reading this felt as if I was drifting along in a lovely calm sea, only to suddenly be hit by a freakish wave that turned everything upside down. This feeling mirrored how Charlie must have felt with his unexplained power.

Beautifully told with wonderfully engaging main characters, All the Perfect Days deals with themes of grief and loss, guilt and atonement as well as second chances and appreciating what you have right now.

I adored this book and will be recommending it far and wide. It’s a story that will appeal to readers of Trent Dalton, Emma Grey and Kerryn Mayne with its hopeful and heartwarming celebration of life.

[Kari · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a magical realistic look at life and death and how to go about the days not knowing how much time is left. When a doctor suddenly develops a mysterious insight into how many days his patients have left to live, he is confronted by his own grief and regrets of the past. Complicated family relationships, lost love, and the duty of caring for others are examined in this deep-but-easily-digestible story.

I loved that there was grief in a variety of ways, one of which was actually quite triggering for me due to my own experiences, but the tone of the book overall was hopeful and full of life. I really felt for the main character as he grappled with whether this was a gift or a curse, and I related to the anxiety he felt over how much to use it when trying (and sometimes failing) to help others.

I do wish we’d gotten a bit more character background on the love interest and her journey, mostly because I really enjoyed getting to know her and their shared history.

Overall I enjoyed this new book and will continue to watch for others from the author. Thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and Netgalley for the advanced copy of the book!

[Michele (michelethebookdragon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Michael you have written another incredible book - it's endearing, it's poignant and it's a beautiful and touching story.

Charlie Knight, a family GP at a clinic in the town he grew up in, gains an insight into how many days his patients have left to live. This insight extends to his nearest and dearest, those he loves most. Poor Charlie has the weight of the world on his shoulders with this insider knowledge.

He had made a decision to move to London to fulfil a dream of going back to emergency medicine before this insight was foisted on him, but now he knows he must leave to distance himself from his loved ones.

I was totally invested in this story and these characters. The people and the relationships were all relatable and that lent this story a genuineness that made you forget the impossibility of what Charlie was experiencing. The situation Charlie found himself in was precarious and certainly presented a moral dilemma - to tell or not to tell?

If you want a story that gives you something to think about, if you like the what ifs and the slightly improbable, then All The Perfect Days might be perfect for you.

[Gloria (Ms. G's Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️4 Stars⭐️
All the Perfect Days by Michael Thompson is a thought-provoking page turner! It’s warm, magical and engaging. I really enjoyed reading about Charlie and his sudden unexpected gift (curse) that enables him to know how many days his patients have left here on earth.

GP Charlie Knight is in his thirties and works in the same small country town he grew up in, Charlie is a delightful character, funny and full of heart. He’s about to make some big changes in his life but then things happen…..

To sum it up in the authors words ‘It’s a novel about ‘appreciating what you have, while you have it.’

A wonderful book to add to your TBR with themes of family, romance, loss and grief.

Publication Date 03 June 2025
Publisher Panera Press

[Jaclyn Brill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve read a couple of these stories before with a similar plot, and this one was pretty good. It kept my interest, and I wanted to see how things ended, but I think I enjoyed the measure and in five years more than this one.

Thank you Tantor Audio for this audiobook!

[Jessi Robins · Rating 3 out of 5]

not my favourite book, but definitely an interesting plot and idea

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

The speculative touch of a Rebecca Serle novel meets the quirky sweetness of Pushing Up Daisies, all in all making for a really wonderful read

[Damla · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75/5

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for providing me with a digital copy of this book!

All the perfect days’ is a wonderfully pleasant book discussing themes like love, death, and the potential burden some knowledge can be.

We follow our main character Charlie, a doctor, as he comes to discover his ability to know how many days his patients have left to live. Charlie views this ability as a gift, a chance for him to encourage his patients to get the most out of their lives. But is it a gift? And what happens when there are people whose final day you do not want to know about?

The plot of this book was incredibly intriguing. I think the topic of death has always been one I approach with curiosity, but also some feelings of dread, which I think are very human responses. Upon requesting the eARC of this book, I wasn’t sure what to expect, how death as a theme would be approached, but I think Michael Thompson does a great job at tackling this challenging subject. It’s a more light-hearted read than I expected it to be! It maybe could have gone a little more in depth at times, but it didn’t take away from this book being a great read.

I also loved the small-town feel to it, although I am not from one, I do come from a smaller city and I could compare that feeling to the one that this book evoked in me!

What I least liked about the book is something I don’t think I can fully explain without spoiling it, but I will just say that there were some topics that didn’t have a satisfactory ending to me. Things don’t have to be clear cut by the time that the book is at its end, but it was in a way that left me a little dissatisfied.

Oh, I actually really liked the romance! It came across more calm and different from what I am used to (I mean, I mostly read YA and New Adult, so I think that makes sense lol). I don’t want to spoil it so I won’t go into details, but I just really liked seeing the romance develop and also just getting to know our FMC.

All in all, I had a great time reading! I’m really glad I read this and I cannot wait for ‘All The Perfect Days’ by Michael Thompson to be released, so that you all can finally read it!

[Corinne’s Chapter Chatter · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️
Wow.. this book took me by surprise! When I started it I was a bit wary as I wasn’t connecting with the narrators voice but I persevered. And thank goodness I did! Very quickly I settled in and realized that his calm vocals completely suited the MMC and the story at hand.

Ryan Ennis did a fabulous job. I felt like I was at a reading for the book. It felt personal. Like the narrator was reading just for me. That may seem strange but it was something about how he voiced it. It made me not want to pause when I had to do other tasks. He gave enough emotion to engage the reader but without getting dramatic and influencing how one would picture the action taking place. In the end it made me want to seek out other books narrated by Mr Ennis as well as more titles by the author Michael Thompson.

For the prose itself it weaves magical realism into such an emotional topic of facing mortality. It’s a book that is hard to characterize as it has a touch of many genres. This is a great book to read for a book club as there is much that the readers can discuss.

It comes out on May 21st 2025. It’s definitely one to put on your TBR for women’s fiction lovers


I am thankful to have gotten a complimentary audio ALC from Tantor Audio through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.

My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars

⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you loved The Measure, then you will absolutely eat this book up. The two had a lot of similarities - but that's not to take away from either book; they were both such fresh takes on the question, "would you want to know how long you have left?". Where 'The Measure' took a whimsy and magical realism path, All the Perfect Days stayed real and very much in the present for how it was approached and I truly appreciated that.

Charlie, a family doctor with a lifelong dream of being an ER physician had his first 'episode' when caring for a patient - the way in which it was described truly had me gasping and thinking that whom I thought was the MMC would be dying in the opening pages of the book - so as more was revealed, I was highly invested! As he comes to terms with his 'gift' of knowing when people will die it's easy to see the toll that it takes on him - his fears regarding the knowledge, how he questions everything, and then ultimately how he puts everything back together and works it all out.

There's a lot that happens, and the way that it twists really allows for the heartstrings to be pulled on as you read. The friendships he makes along the way, and the ways in which he sees what it truly means and how it can be both good and bad to know something about when a persons life may end was really beautifully written.

This is one for sure that you will want on your radar for when it's released in May! Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

[Jacqueline Aubin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlie Knight is a small-town doctor with aspirations to leave for the big city and the excitement of the ER. He accepts a new job offer in the city, and just as he plans his escape from all that is familiar, two things happen:
1. His ex-love, Genevieve Longstaff moves back to town.
2. He receives a gift / curse which enables him to see the number of days a person has until they die.

But Charlie’s plans cannot be deterred by the ill-timed return of Gen and his plans for a new life (no matter how he feels about her). And at first, Charlie sees his new ability as a gift, as a way he can better support his patients. But actions and interventions have consequences and before long Charlie begins to view his ability as a curse. Knowing someone’s fate is a heavy burden, especially when it’s the woman you love.

All the Perfect Days explores the idea of fate, and whether it is predetermined or if our actions have the power to change our future. It explores the question of what we would do differently if we knew when we were going to die. All the Perfect Days leads the reader to self-reflection; I particularly enjoyed the use of magical realism to tackle the serious subject of death.

Thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebooks, and author Michael Thompson for an advanced reader copy.
Pub Date: May 21, 2025