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The Best Days of Our Lives: A gorgeous, uplifting, romantic read from Helen Rolfe
Preorder the gorgeous and emotional new novel from Helen Rolfe, perfect for fans of Shari Low, Cathy Bramley and Lucy Diamond. When Mallory receives life-shattering news, she decides to use this summer to make sure her family and friends are prepared for whatever might come.
But Mallory has a challenge when it comes to her mother, Gigi. Following the loss of her husband, Gigi is lonely. So when Mallory makes a shocking discovery that shows a new side to Gigi's relationship with her estranged sister Rose, she decides to intervene and make a last attempt to reunite them.
Returning to her mother’s quiet hometown, Mallory and her cousin Penny try to get to the bottom of a dispute that has lasted more than sixty years, involving a lost wedding dress and a heartbreaking secret. But with Rose and Gigi determined to ignore their daughters’ efforts, will Mallory be able to put her affairs in order before it’s too late?
Readers love Helen Rolfe's books!
'A gorgeous story of love, loss, best friends and unbreakable bonds. It truly melted my heart' Shari Low
‘I really loved this book! I ended up devouring it all in just two sittings…’ Jo Bartlett
‘Helen Rolfe is an absolute specialist at building cosy communities and making me want to live there. I want the characters as my friends!’ Sue Moorcroft
'A beautiful tale exploring the bonds of family and friendship and how strong these are when tested. Loved it' Jessica Redland
‘This incredibly special book celebrates friendship. It is rich with perfectly flawed characters and relatable themes that had me visiting many emotions. Ultimately, it’s perfect and I can highly recommend it’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
‘ This is an excellent book, it will take your emotion on a roller coaster ride’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
'Good book throughout, couldn't put it down. Loved how it ended’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
'It's a Helen Rolfe book, so it's worthy of nothing less than five stars!’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
‘Barely a chapter in and I was hooked and knew I’d love it’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
‘I have never read anything by Helen Rolfe before but I really enjoyed this book. I was hooked from the first chapter, I loved the setting of the story’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
‘A must read!!’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
‘Brilliant characters, a great storyline and an absolute delight to read’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
But Mallory has a challenge when it comes to her mother, Gigi. Following the loss of her husband, Gigi is lonely. So when Mallory makes a shocking discovery that shows a new side to Gigi's relationship with her estranged sister Rose, she decides to intervene and make a last attempt to reunite them.
Returning to her mother’s quiet hometown, Mallory and her cousin Penny try to get to the bottom of a dispute that has lasted more than sixty years, involving a lost wedding dress and a heartbreaking secret. But with Rose and Gigi determined to ignore their daughters’ efforts, will Mallory be able to put her affairs in order before it’s too late?
Readers love Helen Rolfe's books!
'A gorgeous story of love, loss, best friends and unbreakable bonds. It truly melted my heart' Shari Low
‘I really loved this book! I ended up devouring it all in just two sittings…’ Jo Bartlett
‘Helen Rolfe is an absolute specialist at building cosy communities and making me want to live there. I want the characters as my friends!’ Sue Moorcroft
'A beautiful tale exploring the bonds of family and friendship and how strong these are when tested. Loved it' Jessica Redland
‘This incredibly special book celebrates friendship. It is rich with perfectly flawed characters and relatable themes that had me visiting many emotions. Ultimately, it’s perfect and I can highly recommend it’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
‘ This is an excellent book, it will take your emotion on a roller coaster ride’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
'Good book throughout, couldn't put it down. Loved how it ended’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
'It's a Helen Rolfe book, so it's worthy of nothing less than five stars!’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
‘Barely a chapter in and I was hooked and knew I’d love it’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
‘I have never read anything by Helen Rolfe before but I really enjoyed this book. I was hooked from the first chapter, I loved the setting of the story’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
‘A must read!!’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
‘Brilliant characters, a great storyline and an absolute delight to read’ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 18, 2025
127 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Helen Rolfe
71 books132 followersHelen Rolfe also writes as Helen J. Rolfe
Helen Rolfe writes contemporary women's fiction and enjoys weaving stories about family, friendship, secrets, and relationships. Characters often face challenges and must fight to overcome them, but above all, Helen's stories always have a happy ending.
Location is a big part of the adventure in Helen's books and she enjoys setting stories in different cities and countries around the world. So far, locations have included Melbourne, Sydney, New York, Connecticut, Bath and the Cotswolds. She also loves creating village settings or places with a small-town feel and a big sense of community.
Born and raised in the UK, Helen graduated from University with a business degree and began working in I.T. This job took her over to Australia where she eventually turned her attentions back to the career she'd dreamt of when she was fourteen. She studied writing and journalism and wrote articles for women's health and fitness magazines. Helen began writing fiction in 2011 and hasn't missed the I.T. world one little bit... in fact she may just have found her dream job!
To learn more about Helen, find her at:
www.helenjrolfe.com
https://www.facebook.com/helenjrolfew...
https://twitter.com/hjrolfe
https://www.instagram.com/helen_j_rolfe/
Helen Rolfe writes contemporary women's fiction and enjoys weaving stories about family, friendship, secrets, and relationships. Characters often face challenges and must fight to overcome them, but above all, Helen's stories always have a happy ending.
Location is a big part of the adventure in Helen's books and she enjoys setting stories in different cities and countries around the world. So far, locations have included Melbourne, Sydney, New York, Connecticut, Bath and the Cotswolds. She also loves creating village settings or places with a small-town feel and a big sense of community.
Born and raised in the UK, Helen graduated from University with a business degree and began working in I.T. This job took her over to Australia where she eventually turned her attentions back to the career she'd dreamt of when she was fourteen. She studied writing and journalism and wrote articles for women's health and fitness magazines. Helen began writing fiction in 2011 and hasn't missed the I.T. world one little bit... in fact she may just have found her dream job!
To learn more about Helen, find her at:
www.helenjrolfe.com
https://www.facebook.com/helenjrolfew...
https://twitter.com/hjrolfe
https://www.instagram.com/helen_j_rolfe/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 5, 2025
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The Book Review Crew Blog
3.5 Stars
This was a lovely book to read over the weekend. The story is about how complicated families can be and about finding happiness in everyday life; the little things matter. The book is about two women, Mallory and Penny, who are best friends and happen to be cousins. Their mothers are estranged, so it makes the family dynamics difficult. The author writes these characters with vulnerabilities and strengths, making them relatable and true to life.
I liked that the book focuses on how special ordinary life can be. The author writes about the simple pleasures masterfully, she elevates even a cup of tea with a friend or dear relative to significance. The pace is on the slow side but I felt like that allowed me to get sucked into the characters' lives, and connect with them and their emotional journeys.
The way the dialogue and inner thoughts of these ladies were written gave the story an emotional depth I wasn't expecting. The book makes you realize you should appreciate what you have and try to find joy in the simple things. This was a charming read for anyone looking for an uplifting story that is like eating comfort food or getting a warm hug.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
The Book Review Crew Blog
3.5 Stars
This was a lovely book to read over the weekend. The story is about how complicated families can be and about finding happiness in everyday life; the little things matter. The book is about two women, Mallory and Penny, who are best friends and happen to be cousins. Their mothers are estranged, so it makes the family dynamics difficult. The author writes these characters with vulnerabilities and strengths, making them relatable and true to life.
I liked that the book focuses on how special ordinary life can be. The author writes about the simple pleasures masterfully, she elevates even a cup of tea with a friend or dear relative to significance. The pace is on the slow side but I felt like that allowed me to get sucked into the characters' lives, and connect with them and their emotional journeys.
The way the dialogue and inner thoughts of these ladies were written gave the story an emotional depth I wasn't expecting. The book makes you realize you should appreciate what you have and try to find joy in the simple things. This was a charming read for anyone looking for an uplifting story that is like eating comfort food or getting a warm hug.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.
June 26, 2025
*Bittersweet*
**3.5 Stars**
This was a lovely read overall. At first, it seemed a bit slow, but I must admit that I enjoyed the middle to the end more.
The story follows two estranged sisters, Gigi and Rose, who fell out when they were young. This fallout meant that Gigi left her parents’ home and moved out of the area, ensuring a slim chance of their paths ever crossing. Over the years, they went on to have families. The main character, Mallory, Gigi’s, daughter. Gigi had planned a cruise for them, but sadly, her husband passed away, leaving her to go alone as Mallory couldn’t make it. This was to fulfil a promise her husband had asked her to keep.
Mallory has her own reasons for not travelling due to a life-changing health diagnosis. She wants to get things in order.
One thing she wants to do is try and get the sisters talking again. With the help of her cousin Penny, who is also her best friend and Rose’s daughter, they work together with a plan to reunite them. Mallory and Penny are in the dark about the reason for the fallout, but they do have an inkling about a wedding dress.
The interesting thing for me is that Mallory is mixed race, and when she meets Penny, they hit off without realising they were related. The sisters never stood in their way, but each secretly hoped the relationship between Mallory and Penny would fizzle out. However, their connection grew stronger, which meant the sisters didn’t have much of a relationship with their respective nieces.
Mallory takes action and, along with her teenage daughter, rents a cottage in the quiet town where her mother grew up. Her cousin helps her with an item that was part of the rift between the sisters.
More than anything, Mallory needs this to work because she has a daughter who she wants to have a support system in place. What happens when the sisters discover what Mallory and Penny have done? How will they react? But they will have other things on their minds when Mallory breaks her news.
**3.5 Stars**
This was a lovely read overall. At first, it seemed a bit slow, but I must admit that I enjoyed the middle to the end more.
The story follows two estranged sisters, Gigi and Rose, who fell out when they were young. This fallout meant that Gigi left her parents’ home and moved out of the area, ensuring a slim chance of their paths ever crossing. Over the years, they went on to have families. The main character, Mallory, Gigi’s, daughter. Gigi had planned a cruise for them, but sadly, her husband passed away, leaving her to go alone as Mallory couldn’t make it. This was to fulfil a promise her husband had asked her to keep.
Mallory has her own reasons for not travelling due to a life-changing health diagnosis. She wants to get things in order.
One thing she wants to do is try and get the sisters talking again. With the help of her cousin Penny, who is also her best friend and Rose’s daughter, they work together with a plan to reunite them. Mallory and Penny are in the dark about the reason for the fallout, but they do have an inkling about a wedding dress.
The interesting thing for me is that Mallory is mixed race, and when she meets Penny, they hit off without realising they were related. The sisters never stood in their way, but each secretly hoped the relationship between Mallory and Penny would fizzle out. However, their connection grew stronger, which meant the sisters didn’t have much of a relationship with their respective nieces.
Mallory takes action and, along with her teenage daughter, rents a cottage in the quiet town where her mother grew up. Her cousin helps her with an item that was part of the rift between the sisters.
More than anything, Mallory needs this to work because she has a daughter who she wants to have a support system in place. What happens when the sisters discover what Mallory and Penny have done? How will they react? But they will have other things on their minds when Mallory breaks her news.
April 19, 2025
The Best Days of Our Lives by Helen Rolfe
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
When Mallory receives life-shattering news, she decides to use this summer to make sure her family and friends are prepared for whatever might come.
But Mallory has a challenge when it comes to her mother, Gigi. Following the loss of her husband, Gigi is lonely. So when Mallory makes a shocking discovery that shows a new side to Gigi's relationship with her estranged sister Rose, she decides to intervene and make a last attempt to reunite them.
Returning to her mother’s quiet hometown, Mallory and her cousin Penny try to get to the bottom of a dispute that has lasted more than sixty years, involving a lost wedding dress and a heartbreaking secret. But with Rose and Gigi determined to ignore their daughters’ efforts, will Mallory be able to put her affairs in order before it’s too late?
My Opinion
What an emotional read. Helen Rolfe has written a lovely novel that will play with your emotions but is ultimately a heartwarming story. There is so much going on in this book that it was a relatively quick read. With a lovely writing style, Helen Rolfe is a must read author for me and I would not hesitate to recommend The Best Days of Our Lives.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
When Mallory receives life-shattering news, she decides to use this summer to make sure her family and friends are prepared for whatever might come.
But Mallory has a challenge when it comes to her mother, Gigi. Following the loss of her husband, Gigi is lonely. So when Mallory makes a shocking discovery that shows a new side to Gigi's relationship with her estranged sister Rose, she decides to intervene and make a last attempt to reunite them.
Returning to her mother’s quiet hometown, Mallory and her cousin Penny try to get to the bottom of a dispute that has lasted more than sixty years, involving a lost wedding dress and a heartbreaking secret. But with Rose and Gigi determined to ignore their daughters’ efforts, will Mallory be able to put her affairs in order before it’s too late?
My Opinion
What an emotional read. Helen Rolfe has written a lovely novel that will play with your emotions but is ultimately a heartwarming story. There is so much going on in this book that it was a relatively quick read. With a lovely writing style, Helen Rolfe is a must read author for me and I would not hesitate to recommend The Best Days of Our Lives.
Rating 4/5
April 7, 2025
Oh, what a beautiful, sad, yet heartwarming story!
Mallory receives some devastating news and just knows that she has to 'get her ducks in a row' as her father used to say, before life for her and those she loves the most implodes.
There are two stories entwined within this book; one following two sisters, Rose and Gigi, who become estranged after a misunderstanding, and one, thirty years later, of Mallory, and her cousin Penny as they try hard to bring their mothers back together, using a special wedding dress.
for Mallory, this is a chance to not only get her mother, Gigi, and her aunt, Rose, back in touch, but to finally tell them her awful news.
I was hooked from the beginning.
The story covers a few topics, such as racism, loss, grief, but we also have more than one second chance romance touched upon, too.
There is such sadness within the story, but it is filled with light-hearted humour as well.
The situation Mallory is in is one no mother would ever want to be put in, and that made my heart bleed for her. I feared for an ending that would have me in tears, but instead, hope and positivity shone through.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.
Mallory receives some devastating news and just knows that she has to 'get her ducks in a row' as her father used to say, before life for her and those she loves the most implodes.
There are two stories entwined within this book; one following two sisters, Rose and Gigi, who become estranged after a misunderstanding, and one, thirty years later, of Mallory, and her cousin Penny as they try hard to bring their mothers back together, using a special wedding dress.
for Mallory, this is a chance to not only get her mother, Gigi, and her aunt, Rose, back in touch, but to finally tell them her awful news.
I was hooked from the beginning.
The story covers a few topics, such as racism, loss, grief, but we also have more than one second chance romance touched upon, too.
There is such sadness within the story, but it is filled with light-hearted humour as well.
The situation Mallory is in is one no mother would ever want to be put in, and that made my heart bleed for her. I feared for an ending that would have me in tears, but instead, hope and positivity shone through.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.
April 22, 2025
lovely story
April 21, 2025
After Mallory receives some devastating news , she and her best friend/ cousin Penny hatch a plan to bring their mothers back together.
This was an emotional story. It’s full of happy and sad moments. You won’t be able to put this book down!
It’s another good book by this author
This was an emotional story. It’s full of happy and sad moments. You won’t be able to put this book down!
It’s another good book by this author
April 19, 2025
Given Mallory’s “life-shattering news”, I’d rather expected this book to give me a bit of an emotional workout – but while that aspect of the story is sensitively and perfectly handled, the book’s focus is far more on friendship and family, fresh starts and putting right the wrongs of the past, making the most of special moments, and even a touch of unexpected but welcome romance. The balance of its content is beautifully done – every emotional touch judged to perfection – and I think I can honestly say that this has to be my favourite (so far!) of the author’s lovely books.
Mallory decides to spend the summer in the village of Saxby Green – it’s an opportunity to spend precious time with her thirteen-year-old daughter Jilly, but also to be closer to her cousin and best friend Penny who’s at a crossroads in her own life and helping her mother Rose run her bridal shop. She’s had to let down her own mother Gigi, departed on a cruise on her own – and she’s getting increasingly concerned about how she’ll cope in the particularly uncertain future. Mallory will know when the time is right to share her news with everyone – but she also needs do something about the estrangement of sisters Rose and Gigi after a major fall-out over a wedding dress they made together in their youth. They’re now in their 80s, and haven’t spoken in sixty years – Gigi is lonely in widowhood, Rose is thinking about retirement – and Mallory, with Penny’s help, is willing to take pretty desperate measures in an attempt to heal their relationship.
The story dips into Rose and Gigi’s past, when they were even closer than Mallory and Penny, making trips to London to buy material to make the wedding dress that might win a newspaper competition. Gigi has another reason for enjoying their outings, meeting a man from a very different background who she knows to be “the one” – but faced with insurmountable obstacles to her hoped-for happy ending, and following a betrayal she finds it impossible to forgive, flees from home, taking the wedding dress with her. And that same wedding dress, still in Gigi’s attic, might just be the key to bringing the sisters together after a lifetime apart.
There was so much I enjoyed about this book. I found the closeness between the cousins particularly special – and a pattern for the support and friendship their mothers might be able to share if they can get past the feud that tore them apart. It’s an emotional story at times, but there’s humour and lightness too, even a few laugh-out-loud moments. And the romance fits really well into the story – nicely accompanied by memories of teenage years with all their awkwardness and embarrassment. It’s almost possible to forget about Mallory’s situation, the news she must share, and the heartbreak to follow – but it’s always there, waiting in the shadows, realistically handled, sometimes making life difficult, but never weighing down the story as reuniting the sisters takes centre stage.
The whole book is the very definition of heartwarming – actually, let me add “uplifting” too – although it did move me to tears at times. The story is so beautifully told, with individuals at its heart who were entirely real and who I really cared about, the bonds of family so perfectly captured. It really moved me – and the ending really couldn’t have been any more perfect. One of my books of the year – and one so many other readers will enjoy it every bit as much as I did.
Mallory decides to spend the summer in the village of Saxby Green – it’s an opportunity to spend precious time with her thirteen-year-old daughter Jilly, but also to be closer to her cousin and best friend Penny who’s at a crossroads in her own life and helping her mother Rose run her bridal shop. She’s had to let down her own mother Gigi, departed on a cruise on her own – and she’s getting increasingly concerned about how she’ll cope in the particularly uncertain future. Mallory will know when the time is right to share her news with everyone – but she also needs do something about the estrangement of sisters Rose and Gigi after a major fall-out over a wedding dress they made together in their youth. They’re now in their 80s, and haven’t spoken in sixty years – Gigi is lonely in widowhood, Rose is thinking about retirement – and Mallory, with Penny’s help, is willing to take pretty desperate measures in an attempt to heal their relationship.
The story dips into Rose and Gigi’s past, when they were even closer than Mallory and Penny, making trips to London to buy material to make the wedding dress that might win a newspaper competition. Gigi has another reason for enjoying their outings, meeting a man from a very different background who she knows to be “the one” – but faced with insurmountable obstacles to her hoped-for happy ending, and following a betrayal she finds it impossible to forgive, flees from home, taking the wedding dress with her. And that same wedding dress, still in Gigi’s attic, might just be the key to bringing the sisters together after a lifetime apart.
There was so much I enjoyed about this book. I found the closeness between the cousins particularly special – and a pattern for the support and friendship their mothers might be able to share if they can get past the feud that tore them apart. It’s an emotional story at times, but there’s humour and lightness too, even a few laugh-out-loud moments. And the romance fits really well into the story – nicely accompanied by memories of teenage years with all their awkwardness and embarrassment. It’s almost possible to forget about Mallory’s situation, the news she must share, and the heartbreak to follow – but it’s always there, waiting in the shadows, realistically handled, sometimes making life difficult, but never weighing down the story as reuniting the sisters takes centre stage.
The whole book is the very definition of heartwarming – actually, let me add “uplifting” too – although it did move me to tears at times. The story is so beautifully told, with individuals at its heart who were entirely real and who I really cared about, the bonds of family so perfectly captured. It really moved me – and the ending really couldn’t have been any more perfect. One of my books of the year – and one so many other readers will enjoy it every bit as much as I did.
March 18, 2025
Poor Mallory has a lot on her plate. Her daughter Jilly isn’t doing as well at school as she should be, which of course as a mother is a worry, but not only that, she has had life changing news which has her even more concerned for the future. Mallory needs her family around her more than ever. The only issue is her mother and aunt have not spoken for years. Along with her cousin and best friend Penny, they are determined to get them talking again.
I enjoyed how the story goes between past and present with the past focusing on Gigi and Rose and the reason why they fell out, along with present day with their daughters putting a plan in place to get them talking again. It all seems to centre around a wedding dress which was another fascinating story in itself.
The Best Days of our Lives covers topics such as racism, grief, romance, amongst other things. It was such an engrossing read. Whilst the story was sombre in places, there are some humorous and plenty of uplifting parts to it also. I was worried the ending might be a bit of a tear jerker due to the nature of the story but it left me on a high. It makes you think about what is truly important in life and how some things we have placed so much importance on, can be trivial in the bigger scale of life. A gorgeous, endearing and heartwarming read!
My thanks to Rachel’s random Resources for inviting me to be part of the blog tour.
I enjoyed how the story goes between past and present with the past focusing on Gigi and Rose and the reason why they fell out, along with present day with their daughters putting a plan in place to get them talking again. It all seems to centre around a wedding dress which was another fascinating story in itself.
The Best Days of our Lives covers topics such as racism, grief, romance, amongst other things. It was such an engrossing read. Whilst the story was sombre in places, there are some humorous and plenty of uplifting parts to it also. I was worried the ending might be a bit of a tear jerker due to the nature of the story but it left me on a high. It makes you think about what is truly important in life and how some things we have placed so much importance on, can be trivial in the bigger scale of life. A gorgeous, endearing and heartwarming read!
My thanks to Rachel’s random Resources for inviting me to be part of the blog tour.
March 16, 2025
Two sisters fell out many years ago over a wedding dress they made that became famous. Their daughters met by chance and have been firm friends ever since. Mallory has recently received life shattering news, and wants to tell the rest of the family when they meet up and plans for her mother to finally meet up again with her sister, hoping that bygones can be bygones. Mallory is the glue around all these people and she wants to put her ducks in a row before it's too late.
Oh boy. This begins with Mallory's news which puts a whole different tone on the meet up. It's cleverly and expertly written that I couldn't help but want to give Mallory the biggest hug. It's also light-hearted at times, reflecting life and the ups and downs many face and how sometimes it's the little things that matter but when the news is devastating it puts things in perspective (“don’t sweat the small stuff”). I loved Mallory and her no nonsense approach to life. It's a book of life, and despite everything hope and enjoying what you can whilst you can- perhaps don’t save things for “best”. A brilliant, poignant read I most thoroughly enjoyed.
For more reviews please follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @nickisbookblog
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July 11, 2025
In this excellent new novel from Helen Rolfe, readers follow Mallory at a critical point in her life that requires her to prepare others for what might happen. As she does so, Mallory knows her mother Gigi is lonely, but a shocking discovery about Gigi’s relationship with her estranged sister Rose makes Mallory decide to have the sisters reunite and reconcile. Teaming up with her cousin Penny back in her mother’s hometown and the bridal store, Mallory and Penny have to figure out the secret cause of their estrangement and get their mothers to interact against their wishes before it’s too late. Charming, heartwarming, and entertaining, the centrality of friendships among women (and women relatives) really draws readers into the story and sets up both the conflicts and resolutions of the book. The characters are the stars of the novel, and Rolfe really nails the emotional overtones of Gigi and Rose’s relationship and of Mallory’s desire to take care of everyone in her life. The world-building is really well done, and the coziness of the settings acts as a fantastic backdrop to the detailed and realistic conflicts, characters, and relationships that are so central to this cozy, charming, and emotional new book.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
April 8, 2025
After Mallory receives some devastating news she decides to work with her cousin Penny, who is also her best friend, on reuniting their mothers who had an acrimonious split decades before.
This is a very emotional story, slow paced to suit the subject matter, showing how long held fueds impact those around them. Mallory is a nurse, used to supporting others rather than needing support herself, and mother to teenage Jilly. Penny is a high flying consultant in the city but decides to take a long-needed holiday in her mother's village, helping with her bridal shop. Mallory joins them there where they have hatched a plot to try to reunite the sisters. The story really pulls at your heart strings, making you wonder what you would do in the same situation as Mallory. It gradually reveals through flashbacks the reason for the sister's split, and how they both regret it whilst refusing to forgive each other. There are plenty of lighter moments to stop the book being too disheartening, along with how the power of love can help. Definitely recommended.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
This is a very emotional story, slow paced to suit the subject matter, showing how long held fueds impact those around them. Mallory is a nurse, used to supporting others rather than needing support herself, and mother to teenage Jilly. Penny is a high flying consultant in the city but decides to take a long-needed holiday in her mother's village, helping with her bridal shop. Mallory joins them there where they have hatched a plot to try to reunite the sisters. The story really pulls at your heart strings, making you wonder what you would do in the same situation as Mallory. It gradually reveals through flashbacks the reason for the sister's split, and how they both regret it whilst refusing to forgive each other. There are plenty of lighter moments to stop the book being too disheartening, along with how the power of love can help. Definitely recommended.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
March 31, 2025
This book totally blew me away. Mallory has to do the unthinkable and prepare herself and all her loved one for a time she will no longer be with them. But not only that, for a huge chunk of the book, she’s doing it on her own as none of them know about her diagnoses.
Mallory wants to bring her mum and aunt back together after a falling out long before she or her cousin Penny were born in an attempt to ensure her daughter has a support network after she is gone. I loved the different points of view as we get the back story. It was eye opening to see what life was like in the 50s and how interracial couples were treated. It highlighted how brave Gigi was and just how short sighted her family was as was society to only see a person by the colour of their skin and not for who they really are.
From chapter 34 I was bawling my eyes out, such a moving and lovely ending, so nice to leave on a moment of happiness and not sadness. This book built slowly, with more and more story unfolding with each chapter until I couldn’t put it down.
Mallory wants to bring her mum and aunt back together after a falling out long before she or her cousin Penny were born in an attempt to ensure her daughter has a support network after she is gone. I loved the different points of view as we get the back story. It was eye opening to see what life was like in the 50s and how interracial couples were treated. It highlighted how brave Gigi was and just how short sighted her family was as was society to only see a person by the colour of their skin and not for who they really are.
From chapter 34 I was bawling my eyes out, such a moving and lovely ending, so nice to leave on a moment of happiness and not sadness. This book built slowly, with more and more story unfolding with each chapter until I couldn’t put it down.
April 16, 2025
The story is told from a third person point of view and it switches from Mallory to her cousin/best friend Penny and occasionally to Mallory’s mother, Gigi, and her estranged sister, Rose. As Mallory seek to come to terms with a devastating news, she also hopes to help Rose and Gigi reconcile their differences.
I loved the close relationship between Mallory and Penny, and their scheme to help with the reconciliation was really good. That scene where their mothers finally met was epic.
There is also a romance plot here which was quite sweet. Will was such a gentleman especially when Mallory was unwell. In contrast, Gigi and Hector definitely had a more angsty romance due to the time period causing havoc upon their interracial relationship!
All in all, this book had a lot of plots going on, but the main idea of forgiveness and reconciliation stood out for me. When we are finally forced to decide what is truly important in our lives, we soon realise that holding on to grudges is pointless.
I loved the close relationship between Mallory and Penny, and their scheme to help with the reconciliation was really good. That scene where their mothers finally met was epic.
There is also a romance plot here which was quite sweet. Will was such a gentleman especially when Mallory was unwell. In contrast, Gigi and Hector definitely had a more angsty romance due to the time period causing havoc upon their interracial relationship!
All in all, this book had a lot of plots going on, but the main idea of forgiveness and reconciliation stood out for me. When we are finally forced to decide what is truly important in our lives, we soon realise that holding on to grudges is pointless.
August 4, 2025
This is a moving, inspirational read
With challenges you'll hope they will all succeed.
A medical emergency brings devastating news
Totally changing Mallory's views.
Despite all she's expecting to go through
Mallory has things she still wants to do.
High on the list is bringing people together
To help them storms coming to weather.
Her Mum and her Aunt haven't spoken for years
Just why is a secret that's caused many tears.
However their daughters are close, cousins and best friends, too.
Can them working together reunite the older two?
A special wedding dress, fresh starts and chances
As well as fears, laughter and even romances
All permeate beautifully this emotive read,
That I hope you'll also decide that you need.
What could be so tragic has laughter, too,
Facing life's problems with a positive view.
Making the most of opportunities and chances
Could it all end with special dances?
For my copy of this book I say a huge thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.
With challenges you'll hope they will all succeed.
A medical emergency brings devastating news
Totally changing Mallory's views.
Despite all she's expecting to go through
Mallory has things she still wants to do.
High on the list is bringing people together
To help them storms coming to weather.
Her Mum and her Aunt haven't spoken for years
Just why is a secret that's caused many tears.
However their daughters are close, cousins and best friends, too.
Can them working together reunite the older two?
A special wedding dress, fresh starts and chances
As well as fears, laughter and even romances
All permeate beautifully this emotive read,
That I hope you'll also decide that you need.
What could be so tragic has laughter, too,
Facing life's problems with a positive view.
Making the most of opportunities and chances
Could it all end with special dances?
For my copy of this book I say a huge thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.
April 23, 2025
When I picked up this booked I didn't expect it to be as emotional as it was.
I loved the 4 main characters, Mallory, Penny, Gigi and Rose. They came across as very strong, resilient women, each with their own solutions to find for their current situations.
Each chapter in the book is from the viewpoint of one of the main characters, which I really liked. I also enjoyed how there are 2 stories woven together, one from the present day and one from the past with the link being a beautiful wedding dress.
Despite this being an emotional read, I loved the way the author has managed to take a heartbreaking situation and turn it into an uplifting story with some added humour. The second chance romances that sneaked in were a lovely touch.
I think this is a book that will stay with me for a while.
Thank you to the author and Boldwood Books for my gifted copy and to Rachels Random Resources for inviting me on to the tour.
I loved the 4 main characters, Mallory, Penny, Gigi and Rose. They came across as very strong, resilient women, each with their own solutions to find for their current situations.
Each chapter in the book is from the viewpoint of one of the main characters, which I really liked. I also enjoyed how there are 2 stories woven together, one from the present day and one from the past with the link being a beautiful wedding dress.
Despite this being an emotional read, I loved the way the author has managed to take a heartbreaking situation and turn it into an uplifting story with some added humour. The second chance romances that sneaked in were a lovely touch.
I think this is a book that will stay with me for a while.
Thank you to the author and Boldwood Books for my gifted copy and to Rachels Random Resources for inviting me on to the tour.
April 25, 2025
3.5 stars
The Best Days of Our Lives is an emotional story about 2 cousins/best friends navigating some major life changes during midlife. There is some tension as well as some romance involved.
This is told in multiple points of views and periods of time. I was especially interested in the back story of the dress and how the relationship between the two sisters fell apart. I was kinda hoping for a bit more from that story which is why my rating fell a bit.
Overall, there are sad parts in the story and it does cover some heavy topics, but ultimately, it is a reminder to find the beauty in whatever time we all have left.
If you are a fan of women’s fiction then I think you will enjoy this one.
The Best Days of Our Lives is an emotional story about 2 cousins/best friends navigating some major life changes during midlife. There is some tension as well as some romance involved.
This is told in multiple points of views and periods of time. I was especially interested in the back story of the dress and how the relationship between the two sisters fell apart. I was kinda hoping for a bit more from that story which is why my rating fell a bit.
Overall, there are sad parts in the story and it does cover some heavy topics, but ultimately, it is a reminder to find the beauty in whatever time we all have left.
If you are a fan of women’s fiction then I think you will enjoy this one.
April 23, 2025
Can Penny and Mallory pull off the impossible and get their mothers, sisters who haven’t spoken in many decades, together again?
Rolfe made me wait for a few chapters before I found out what was going on with Mallory and it floored me.
I thought Penny was never going to take handyman Joe up on his offers!
Although the story is tinged with sadness in the background, it’s also about reunions, possibilities, and making the most out of life with the time that is left.
Good advice for us all.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
Rolfe made me wait for a few chapters before I found out what was going on with Mallory and it floored me.
I thought Penny was never going to take handyman Joe up on his offers!
Although the story is tinged with sadness in the background, it’s also about reunions, possibilities, and making the most out of life with the time that is left.
Good advice for us all.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
April 24, 2025
I absolutely adore Rolfe's books and can guarantee it's a five star read before I even open the cover!
She writes the most wonderful heartwarming reads and if you've never read one before, you should you're missing out!
The Best Days of Our Lives is a story of sisters and years later their daughters. It certainly puts your emotions in a turmoil and tugs on those heartstrings.
Chapters are told from alternate POV and I found the characters were so easy to become emotionally invested in.
A thoroughly enjoyable story of romance, relationships and reconciliation.
She writes the most wonderful heartwarming reads and if you've never read one before, you should you're missing out!
The Best Days of Our Lives is a story of sisters and years later their daughters. It certainly puts your emotions in a turmoil and tugs on those heartstrings.
Chapters are told from alternate POV and I found the characters were so easy to become emotionally invested in.
A thoroughly enjoyable story of romance, relationships and reconciliation.
August 15, 2025
A really good read.
I really enjoyed this book, usually I don’t like books that have chapters that go back in time, but this worked as it was just a few. I loved the one that told how Gigi & Hector met! Yes I skipped bits that recapped quite a bit, but I found myself going back to it during the day (I usually only read at night) but it captured my interest. Good characters. Some happy times & sad times. But a good read.
I really enjoyed this book, usually I don’t like books that have chapters that go back in time, but this worked as it was just a few. I loved the one that told how Gigi & Hector met! Yes I skipped bits that recapped quite a bit, but I found myself going back to it during the day (I usually only read at night) but it captured my interest. Good characters. Some happy times & sad times. But a good read.
April 19, 2025
What an emotional read that really pulls at the heartstrings. Beautifully written this follows the stories of sisters Gigi and Rose and their daughters, Mallory and Penny respectively. The two stories are entwined and each chapter is written from the viewpoint of one of the four main characters. Rose and Gigi have been estranged for over sixty years but their daughters met by chance and have been best friends ever since. When Mallory receives some devastating news she decides to try and bring the family back together. Along with Penny a plan is hatched and the real reason there is a rift is revealed. Alongside this Mallory must try and prepare for the future and letting her family know what that will look like. This covers so many topics and all are written so sensitively. Family, friendship, grief, forgiveness and fresh starts among them. Heartbreaking and heartwarming in equal measure this is a gorgeous book
April 14, 2025
Firstly thank you to @theboldbookclub for giving me the chance to read this book. I love Helen’s style of writing. A good read that I read in a weekend. What happens when two sisters fall out but then their daughters accidentally become friends. Well worth a read.
August 20, 2025
A very poignant story telling about w sisters who were close up until one found love which was forbidden....years progessed and both of their daughters vowed to get them speaking Although Mallory is hiding get own secret from family ...I welled up at times..but the book was amazing
May 24, 2025
Read it in one sitting. Had me bawling my eyes out. Such a good book.
August 3, 2025
Engaging story, a upbeat representation of serious subjects.
August 23, 2025
Dreams and hopes!
A bit of a tear jerker, but such a lovely story with strong characters. Great ending, lots of hope for the future. Brilliant read.
A bit of a tear jerker, but such a lovely story with strong characters. Great ending, lots of hope for the future. Brilliant read.
September 27, 2025
I was hooked from the first page and enjoyed the read until the last page. A warm story with relatable characters. I will follow this author.
October 7, 2025
For just a cute little light read, this was very well-written with well-developed characters and relationships. I enjoyed it immensely!
August 18, 2025
Good book but a bit slow and difficult to get properly into it. Even by the end I was still struggling with names and remembering who was who, felt like the back and forth in perspective and similar names was hard to keep track of. Enjoyed it though, pulled at the heart strings, fabulous ending.
May 29, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and author Helen Rolfe for this eARC
A beautiful story about family, friendship, love, forgiveness and acceptance.
Rolfe writes a beautiful tale about the importance of enjoying every day even if it’s not perfect and creates a at times sad yet in the end heartwarming story about everyday life and the importance of the people in our lives.
A beautiful story about family, friendship, love, forgiveness and acceptance.
Rolfe writes a beautiful tale about the importance of enjoying every day even if it’s not perfect and creates a at times sad yet in the end heartwarming story about everyday life and the importance of the people in our lives.
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