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Life Begins
'A tangle of friends and family, secrets and longing set in the glorious Italian countryside. Escapism at its finest' - Veronica Henry
'A gripping, intriguing tale of family and love, set against an escapist backdrop - the perfect holiday read' - Libby Page
'A complex and satisfying emotional drama that might just inspire you to start planning for a second act of your own' - C J Wray
'I loved this immersive read. Fabulous' - Cesca Major
What if the life you're living isn't the one you want?
Jessica and Robin have been best friends since university. For his fortieth birthday, she plans an elaborate surprise trip to Italy with his closest friends and family. Sometimes it feels like everyone knows how much she loves Robin... everyone except Robin himself.
Laura has two beautiful children, a stylish London home and a thriving career as a deputy headteacher. But she also has a secret. One she's been keeping for many years. And now it's time for the truth to come out.
Actor Robin is looking forward to being the centre of attention once more, as those he loves most come together for a week-long getaway. But as long-simmering desires rise to the surface and tensions reach breaking point, he begins to wonder...
Could life really begin again at forty?
From the Richard & Judy Book Club author Kate Eberlen, Life Begins is an emotional relationship drama set in the Italian countryside.
'A gripping, intriguing tale of family and love, set against an escapist backdrop - the perfect holiday read' - Libby Page
'A complex and satisfying emotional drama that might just inspire you to start planning for a second act of your own' - C J Wray
'I loved this immersive read. Fabulous' - Cesca Major
What if the life you're living isn't the one you want?
Jessica and Robin have been best friends since university. For his fortieth birthday, she plans an elaborate surprise trip to Italy with his closest friends and family. Sometimes it feels like everyone knows how much she loves Robin... everyone except Robin himself.
Laura has two beautiful children, a stylish London home and a thriving career as a deputy headteacher. But she also has a secret. One she's been keeping for many years. And now it's time for the truth to come out.
Actor Robin is looking forward to being the centre of attention once more, as those he loves most come together for a week-long getaway. But as long-simmering desires rise to the surface and tensions reach breaking point, he begins to wonder...
Could life really begin again at forty?
From the Richard & Judy Book Club author Kate Eberlen, Life Begins is an emotional relationship drama set in the Italian countryside.
- GenresFiction
357 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 30, 2025
About the author
Kate Eberlen
6 books223 followersKate Eberlen grew up in a small town thirty miles from London and spent her childhood reading books and longing to escape. She studied Classics at Oxford University before working in publishing and as a teacher. Kate now lives on the south coast of England, but spends as much time as she can in Italy, a country she loves. She is married with one son.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 5, 2025
This book just drew me in with the beautiful cover and the blurb. I haven't read any Kate Eberlin before and did look forward to seeing what it was actually going to be like.
Jessica and Robin are friends from the university. Jessica has always loved Robin, but he has never noticed at all. She has surpised him with a trip for them all to Italy to celebrate his 40th birthday 2 years previous during Covid. Although Jessica is in love with him, Robin is married to Laura and blissfully unaware of Jessica's feelings.
Told from the multiple perspectives of these three characters and over the space of the week, everyone is in Italy. This is a holiday that may have consequences that can't be put back in a box for everyone. Robins brother's and their families join as well as Tim, Robins friend too, and Robin and Laura's daughter brings a friend also. This group of people together think they are only going away together. Nobody knows what lies ahead.
It is an extremely interesting and immersive story. One which is very character driven. I thoroughly enjoyed the tensions that rose between them as the days went by. Each relationship within the group just became more layered and sometimes complex. Kate Eberlin has woven a story that has so many mixed emotions. Rather like a rollercoaster, the reader is in this with the characters. Their ups and downs are all visible as the cracks deepen and trouble come to the fore.
The characters are created perfectly for this book, and while not all are likeable, they are all very human. I totally got this story and could see the reflection of how complex people can really be.
I was so sucked in I didn't want to finish this. I loved being on the sidelines and witnessing people being human. I will be looking for more of this authors books now.
Thanks to Compulsive Readers book tours for my gifted ebook to write my honest review.
Jessica and Robin are friends from the university. Jessica has always loved Robin, but he has never noticed at all. She has surpised him with a trip for them all to Italy to celebrate his 40th birthday 2 years previous during Covid. Although Jessica is in love with him, Robin is married to Laura and blissfully unaware of Jessica's feelings.
Told from the multiple perspectives of these three characters and over the space of the week, everyone is in Italy. This is a holiday that may have consequences that can't be put back in a box for everyone. Robins brother's and their families join as well as Tim, Robins friend too, and Robin and Laura's daughter brings a friend also. This group of people together think they are only going away together. Nobody knows what lies ahead.
It is an extremely interesting and immersive story. One which is very character driven. I thoroughly enjoyed the tensions that rose between them as the days went by. Each relationship within the group just became more layered and sometimes complex. Kate Eberlin has woven a story that has so many mixed emotions. Rather like a rollercoaster, the reader is in this with the characters. Their ups and downs are all visible as the cracks deepen and trouble come to the fore.
The characters are created perfectly for this book, and while not all are likeable, they are all very human. I totally got this story and could see the reflection of how complex people can really be.
I was so sucked in I didn't want to finish this. I loved being on the sidelines and witnessing people being human. I will be looking for more of this authors books now.
Thanks to Compulsive Readers book tours for my gifted ebook to write my honest review.
February 8, 2025
Jessica, Robin and Laura are about to embark on a one week belated birthday getaway to Italy to celebrate Robin’s belated 40th birthday. This is a holiday that they’ll never forget and one that will change their lives forever.
The storyline was about relationships and connections. It explored every aspect of a relationship from the good, bad, messiness and its complexities. I found this to be a slow burn read but I think that the pace suited the storyline well. It was that slow pace that helped me to connect with the characters and get to know them better.
The story is narrated by the three main characters Jessica, Robin and Laura. Jessica and Robin met when they were at university and are close friends if not best friends. But what no one knows is that Jessica has been in love with Robin since she can remember. She is just waiting for him to notice her and realise they’re meant to be together. Robin is oblivious to this despite Jessica organising an elaborate birthday get away for him and he’s just happy to be the centre of attention, spending time with his wife Laura, their children, Jessica and his family and friends. Laura has been keeping secrets from Robin and those around her for many years which if revealed could be explosive. The characters now find themselves in a difficult position when they're expected to spend a week together in very close proximity. It is inevitable that secrets will come out whereas previously they have been buried.
One of the main themes in the story is communication. It's clear that the characters are not communicating with each other effectively. So they dance around some very difficult and sensitive topics in their life so they can continue as they are but none of them seem happy with the situations that they’re in. In fact they all want something completely different but no one has the courage to say so. But things do start to change when secrets are revealed and the characters start to be honest with each other. It makes them reassess their lives and what they actually want.
Essentially this is a story about making changes and stepping out of your comfort zone to live a better more fulfilled life.
The storyline was about relationships and connections. It explored every aspect of a relationship from the good, bad, messiness and its complexities. I found this to be a slow burn read but I think that the pace suited the storyline well. It was that slow pace that helped me to connect with the characters and get to know them better.
The story is narrated by the three main characters Jessica, Robin and Laura. Jessica and Robin met when they were at university and are close friends if not best friends. But what no one knows is that Jessica has been in love with Robin since she can remember. She is just waiting for him to notice her and realise they’re meant to be together. Robin is oblivious to this despite Jessica organising an elaborate birthday get away for him and he’s just happy to be the centre of attention, spending time with his wife Laura, their children, Jessica and his family and friends. Laura has been keeping secrets from Robin and those around her for many years which if revealed could be explosive. The characters now find themselves in a difficult position when they're expected to spend a week together in very close proximity. It is inevitable that secrets will come out whereas previously they have been buried.
One of the main themes in the story is communication. It's clear that the characters are not communicating with each other effectively. So they dance around some very difficult and sensitive topics in their life so they can continue as they are but none of them seem happy with the situations that they’re in. In fact they all want something completely different but no one has the courage to say so. But things do start to change when secrets are revealed and the characters start to be honest with each other. It makes them reassess their lives and what they actually want.
Essentially this is a story about making changes and stepping out of your comfort zone to live a better more fulfilled life.
January 28, 2025
I read Life Begins by Kate Eberlen in paperback for a blog tour.
Life Begins at forty, is a twisted story, with plenty of secrets, maybe there’s a lie or two from all the cast of wonderful main characters, oh! come to think of it I’m not so sure the characters were wonderful in their ways. For me the story digs deeper, with in question, do you really know your husband? and do you really know your wife?
The deal is if Robin and Jessica haven’t found anyone to marry when they reach forty they will marry each other. Sounds perfect, what could go wrong.
Years later Laura, and Robin are married with two beautiful children, Ellis and George. While Laura is working as a head teacher, she recklessly has an affair with a music, drama teacher.
For Jessica, when she was eighteen it was love at first sight, she had loved her rich, posh beautiful boyish, Robin since university.
But years later, Jessica has arranged for her best friend, Robin a special surprise fortieth birthday treat with family and friends to Italy.
Unfortunately Robin doesn’t like surprises.
Well Robin may not like surprises, but readers most certainly do.
I definitely recommend reading Life Begins by Kate Eberlen, who seems to know how to entertain her audience piling on secrets, lies and surprises.
I’m looking forward to reading the next novel by Kate Eberlen.
Life Begins at forty, is a twisted story, with plenty of secrets, maybe there’s a lie or two from all the cast of wonderful main characters, oh! come to think of it I’m not so sure the characters were wonderful in their ways. For me the story digs deeper, with in question, do you really know your husband? and do you really know your wife?
The deal is if Robin and Jessica haven’t found anyone to marry when they reach forty they will marry each other. Sounds perfect, what could go wrong.
Years later Laura, and Robin are married with two beautiful children, Ellis and George. While Laura is working as a head teacher, she recklessly has an affair with a music, drama teacher.
For Jessica, when she was eighteen it was love at first sight, she had loved her rich, posh beautiful boyish, Robin since university.
But years later, Jessica has arranged for her best friend, Robin a special surprise fortieth birthday treat with family and friends to Italy.
Unfortunately Robin doesn’t like surprises.
Well Robin may not like surprises, but readers most certainly do.
I definitely recommend reading Life Begins by Kate Eberlen, who seems to know how to entertain her audience piling on secrets, lies and surprises.
I’m looking forward to reading the next novel by Kate Eberlen.
February 4, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Orion Publishing Group for this eCopy to review
Life Begins follows Jessica, Robin, and Laura. Jessica and Robin have been best friends since university, and for Robin's fortieth birthday, Jessica plans an elaborate surprise trip to Italy with his closest friends and family. Jessica has always harboured feelings for Robin, but it seems like everyone knows except Robin himself.
Laura, Robin's wife, is a successful deputy headteacher with two beautiful children and a stylish home in London. However, she has been keeping a secret for many years, and during the trip, the truth finally comes out. Robin, an actor, is looking forward to being the centre of attention during the getaway, but as long-simmering desires and tensions rise to the surface, he begins to question if life can really begin again at forty.
I thoroughly enjoyed Life Begins. The characters were well-developed and relatable, each with their own secrets. The setting in the Italian countryside added a beautiful and escapist location. The alternating viewpoints in each chapter provided a deeper understanding of the characters' emotions and motivations. Full of twists and turns, I was kept hooked until the very end.
Overall, it's a heart warming and thought-provoking and emotional read that explores the themes of friendship, love, and second chances.
Life Begins follows Jessica, Robin, and Laura. Jessica and Robin have been best friends since university, and for Robin's fortieth birthday, Jessica plans an elaborate surprise trip to Italy with his closest friends and family. Jessica has always harboured feelings for Robin, but it seems like everyone knows except Robin himself.
Laura, Robin's wife, is a successful deputy headteacher with two beautiful children and a stylish home in London. However, she has been keeping a secret for many years, and during the trip, the truth finally comes out. Robin, an actor, is looking forward to being the centre of attention during the getaway, but as long-simmering desires and tensions rise to the surface, he begins to question if life can really begin again at forty.
I thoroughly enjoyed Life Begins. The characters were well-developed and relatable, each with their own secrets. The setting in the Italian countryside added a beautiful and escapist location. The alternating viewpoints in each chapter provided a deeper understanding of the characters' emotions and motivations. Full of twists and turns, I was kept hooked until the very end.
Overall, it's a heart warming and thought-provoking and emotional read that explores the themes of friendship, love, and second chances.
January 26, 2025
Jessica and Robin have been friends since university and Jessica has always been in love with him, although Robin seems oblivious. They are now in their early forties and to belatedly celebrate Robin’s 40th, which took place two years earlier during Covid lockdown, Jessica has arranged a surprise trip to a luxury property in Italy. Jessica has her own hospitality business and Robin is an actor/house husband married to deputy head teacher Laura. The book is told from the POV’s of these three main characters.
Briefly, the three main characters are joined by Robin and Laura’s children, Robin’s two brothers and their families and Robin’s other best friend, Tim. From the start there are tensions.
Told over the space of a week this is a character driven relationship drama with some interesting twists and turns, one of which I should have seen coming earlier than I did - how did I miss it? There are secrets that have been hidden for years which, had they come out sooner might have saved years of unhappiness. I loved the descriptions of the different towns and villages, they were well done and made me feel totally immersed in the story. A story of unrequited love, second chances and family relationships. An enjoyable and entertaining read.
Briefly, the three main characters are joined by Robin and Laura’s children, Robin’s two brothers and their families and Robin’s other best friend, Tim. From the start there are tensions.
Told over the space of a week this is a character driven relationship drama with some interesting twists and turns, one of which I should have seen coming earlier than I did - how did I miss it? There are secrets that have been hidden for years which, had they come out sooner might have saved years of unhappiness. I loved the descriptions of the different towns and villages, they were well done and made me feel totally immersed in the story. A story of unrequited love, second chances and family relationships. An enjoyable and entertaining read.
January 29, 2025
Life Begins tells the story of a birthday trip that has unexpected but far-reaching consequences.
Jessica organises a belated 40th birthday trip - delayed by two years due to Covid - as a surprise for best friend Robin. Jessica has had a crush on Robin since they met at university though that seems to have passed him by. He is married and on the trip are his wife and their two children, as well as a friend of their daughter, Robin’s two brothers and their families and his good friend Tim.
Set over the week they all spend in Italy, the story is told from 3 points of view - Jessica, Robin and his wife Laura. There are tensions among the group from the off, and as we get to know them long held feelings and some major secrets begin to surface - and the trip turns out to be rather different from the one Jessica planned.
With an interesting, if not always entirely likeable, cast of characters, and a glorious Italian setting that made me want to jump on a plane, this is an emotional story of people learning to be true to themselves - and a reminder that it’s never too late to make the most of life.
Jessica organises a belated 40th birthday trip - delayed by two years due to Covid - as a surprise for best friend Robin. Jessica has had a crush on Robin since they met at university though that seems to have passed him by. He is married and on the trip are his wife and their two children, as well as a friend of their daughter, Robin’s two brothers and their families and his good friend Tim.
Set over the week they all spend in Italy, the story is told from 3 points of view - Jessica, Robin and his wife Laura. There are tensions among the group from the off, and as we get to know them long held feelings and some major secrets begin to surface - and the trip turns out to be rather different from the one Jessica planned.
With an interesting, if not always entirely likeable, cast of characters, and a glorious Italian setting that made me want to jump on a plane, this is an emotional story of people learning to be true to themselves - and a reminder that it’s never too late to make the most of life.
February 6, 2025
A wonderfully enjoyable read set in the picturesque Italy. It’s emotional and laden with drama, secrets, and a twisty plot I did not see coming!
The story drew me in straight away; the writing’s evocative, immersive, observational and highly entertaining. It’s a real page-turner!
Eberlen crafts a brilliant cast of characters who are so well developed they feel like people we know. We are privy to their inner thoughts and feelings as the story delves into the complexities and dynamics of the relationships involved – family, friends, love, disconnection, new beginnings and second chances.
I loved the themes of living in the moment, embracing happiness, and it never being too late to take a risk and start again. We see the characters’ battling their inner demons and exploring what’s really important to them as choices and consequences play out for a gripping read.
Life Begins intrigues, delights, and warms the heart – a terrific escapist read exploring relationships and all their messy and amazing moments.
With thanks to @orionbooks, @Tr4cy F3ntøn and @KateEberlen for my copy and place on the Tour.
The story drew me in straight away; the writing’s evocative, immersive, observational and highly entertaining. It’s a real page-turner!
Eberlen crafts a brilliant cast of characters who are so well developed they feel like people we know. We are privy to their inner thoughts and feelings as the story delves into the complexities and dynamics of the relationships involved – family, friends, love, disconnection, new beginnings and second chances.
I loved the themes of living in the moment, embracing happiness, and it never being too late to take a risk and start again. We see the characters’ battling their inner demons and exploring what’s really important to them as choices and consequences play out for a gripping read.
Life Begins intrigues, delights, and warms the heart – a terrific escapist read exploring relationships and all their messy and amazing moments.
With thanks to @orionbooks, @Tr4cy F3ntøn and @KateEberlen for my copy and place on the Tour.
February 4, 2025
An emotional story set in the picturesque backdrop of Italy. The story is told from the perspectives of Jessica, Robin, and Laura, and it explores the complexities of their relationships.
Jessica arranges a belated 40th birthday trip for her long-time friend Robin (whom she's been in love with) a trip that was delayed by the Covid pandemic. Robin is unaware of Jessica's feelings for him since their university days. Robin is married to Laura, and they have two children. The group embarks on a holiday in Italy.
The writing makes you live the character's life, making you feel as if you're right there with them. The book covers the themes of unrequited love, second chances, and the importance of being true to oneself.
A book that reminds you that it's never too late to embrace life's opportunities and make the most of every moment.
Jessica arranges a belated 40th birthday trip for her long-time friend Robin (whom she's been in love with) a trip that was delayed by the Covid pandemic. Robin is unaware of Jessica's feelings for him since their university days. Robin is married to Laura, and they have two children. The group embarks on a holiday in Italy.
The writing makes you live the character's life, making you feel as if you're right there with them. The book covers the themes of unrequited love, second chances, and the importance of being true to oneself.
A book that reminds you that it's never too late to embrace life's opportunities and make the most of every moment.
November 16, 2024
This is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed the story which is set in Italy.
Jessica organises a surprise birthday trip for her best friend Robin and his family and friends and what follows is an unexpected emotional drama packed trip for all.
The characters are well written, I loved Jessica and I just found Robin an irritating character although towards the end I felt I understood him more.
I also liked the way the story was told through the three main characters viewpoints as I really felt this added to the book.
A great read with an unexpected ending which I would definitely recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley, Orion Publishing Group and Kate Eberlen for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Jessica organises a surprise birthday trip for her best friend Robin and his family and friends and what follows is an unexpected emotional drama packed trip for all.
The characters are well written, I loved Jessica and I just found Robin an irritating character although towards the end I felt I understood him more.
I also liked the way the story was told through the three main characters viewpoints as I really felt this added to the book.
A great read with an unexpected ending which I would definitely recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley, Orion Publishing Group and Kate Eberlen for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
February 10, 2025
Eberlen is a new to me author and one whose future works I'm definitely going to be looking out for.
Life Begins is a wonderful story of second chance, secrets and surprises.
The story plays out across the course of seven days and is narrated in turn from the POV of Jessica, Laura and Robin our three main characters. It whisked me away to the sunny climes of Italy, where moods immediately lifted and lives changed.
I absolutely loved it and would be thrilled to catch up with these characters again at some point to see where they are at in life.
As for the old adage of 'life begins at 40', it does, I'm testament to that!
Life Begins is a wonderful story of second chance, secrets and surprises.
The story plays out across the course of seven days and is narrated in turn from the POV of Jessica, Laura and Robin our three main characters. It whisked me away to the sunny climes of Italy, where moods immediately lifted and lives changed.
I absolutely loved it and would be thrilled to catch up with these characters again at some point to see where they are at in life.
As for the old adage of 'life begins at 40', it does, I'm testament to that!
November 16, 2025
Overall a good book. I did find it slow to start with but what a lovely ending xx
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2025
What a lovely story! I totally lost myself in this as I became enthralled in the lives of the main characters.
The setting was beautiful as I love Italy and it also upped the stakes for the tension in the story.
I felt for Jessica and her wish for things that she thought she wanted. Robin seemed in need of a good shake, until you see why. The characters were all so diverse and well formed that I didn’t have a problem in going along with their stories, and feeling for them as they all dealt with various situations and massive changes.
I can thoroughly recommend this book and would advise it as a great holiday read. It’s a great study in writing character.
With thanks to Tracy Fenton, the publisher and the author for the advanced reading copy of this book.
The setting was beautiful as I love Italy and it also upped the stakes for the tension in the story.
I felt for Jessica and her wish for things that she thought she wanted. Robin seemed in need of a good shake, until you see why. The characters were all so diverse and well formed that I didn’t have a problem in going along with their stories, and feeling for them as they all dealt with various situations and massive changes.
I can thoroughly recommend this book and would advise it as a great holiday read. It’s a great study in writing character.
With thanks to Tracy Fenton, the publisher and the author for the advanced reading copy of this book.
January 30, 2025
Love, love, LOVED this one!
Jessica and Robin have been friends since university; with his fortieth birthday approaching, Jessica arranges a suprise Italian holiday for friends and family. They have a successful union, with a fabulous London, two gorgeous children and while Jessica has a thriving career as a headteacher, Robin is an actor - although parts are few and far between as he gets older. Sometimes, Jessica thinks that everyone knows how much she loves Robin - except Robin himself. Away from home, emotions and secret begin to rise to the surface . . .
Having read another of Kate Eberlen's books, I quickly recalled why I enjoyed her writing so much (must catch up on the ones I haven't read) and let myself sink into this story. This is so beautifully written; the characters were beautifully crafted and the storyline entirely believable. I found it very hard to set my kindle aside as I became so invested in Jessica and Robin's relationship. A fantastic read, one which I highly recommend and, as such, give five sparkling stars.
Jessica and Robin have been friends since university; with his fortieth birthday approaching, Jessica arranges a suprise Italian holiday for friends and family. They have a successful union, with a fabulous London, two gorgeous children and while Jessica has a thriving career as a headteacher, Robin is an actor - although parts are few and far between as he gets older. Sometimes, Jessica thinks that everyone knows how much she loves Robin - except Robin himself. Away from home, emotions and secret begin to rise to the surface . . .
Having read another of Kate Eberlen's books, I quickly recalled why I enjoyed her writing so much (must catch up on the ones I haven't read) and let myself sink into this story. This is so beautifully written; the characters were beautifully crafted and the storyline entirely believable. I found it very hard to set my kindle aside as I became so invested in Jessica and Robin's relationship. A fantastic read, one which I highly recommend and, as such, give five sparkling stars.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews