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Table for One: A Modern Love Story
Moving, memorable and a mirror for anyone who’s craving their own company, Table for One is a story about what it means to be happily alone, not lonely.
If in doubt, date yourself…
Willow has everything worked out.
*The steady partner
*The successful career
*The grown-up house
Until she doesn't – and she’s cast adrift on the sea of heartbreak, grieving a future that's barely begun.
With her life transformed beyond recognition, and her friends busy 'moving forwards,' Willow has never felt more alone.
But she's in good company.
And when inspiration arrives from an unlikely source, she rekindles the relationship she longs for – but has long neglected… The one with herself…
If in doubt, date yourself…
Willow has everything worked out.
*The steady partner
*The successful career
*The grown-up house
Until she doesn't – and she’s cast adrift on the sea of heartbreak, grieving a future that's barely begun.
With her life transformed beyond recognition, and her friends busy 'moving forwards,' Willow has never felt more alone.
But she's in good company.
And when inspiration arrives from an unlikely source, she rekindles the relationship she longs for – but has long neglected… The one with herself…
352 pages, Paperback
First published April 24, 2025
501 people are currently reading
16813 people want to read
About the author
Emma Gannon
16 books680 followersEmma Gannon is the Sunday Times bestselling author of eight books, including ‘A Year of Nothing‘ and ‘Olive’, her debut novel, which was nominated for the Dublin Literary Award. Her second novel, ‘Table for One’, published in 2025 with HarperCollins. Emma also runs the popular Substack newsletter, ‘The Hyphen’, which has thousands of paid subscribers. She also hosts creativity retreats all over the world and was a judge for the 2025 Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 774 reviews
June 22, 2025
Honestly… soooo underwhelming. The 2 stars is for the butterfly/cocoon life analogy.
It felt like the book didn’t really know what it wanted to be - the tone, the direction, the message… just all over the place. The dual timelines? Confusing and felt more and more pointless the further we went back. The second half dragged, and I kept waiting for the FMC to have that big self-love moment… but it never really hit? She just suddenly started saying she was over her ex and thriving solo, but it didn’t feel like she actually got there. There was no real reflection or accountability, and she and her friends kind came across as so selfish and lacking self-awareness. Like you’re wanting me to believe that’s how you treat your bestfriends of 25 years? No thanks!
The whole Naz storyline was confusing — was she supposed to be a younger version of Willow? I don’t even know. I also wasn’t buying their friendship. And the Gen Z vs Millennial stuff was giving forced. Like calling millennial music “retro”? Be serious.
It was way too long, the dialogue didn’t feel like how real people talk and I didn’t connect with anyone. I really thought I was getting a story about self-love and growth, but honestly I could’ve just read the epilogue and gotten what I expected. Big letdown.
I just don’t think female fiction is for me
It felt like the book didn’t really know what it wanted to be - the tone, the direction, the message… just all over the place. The dual timelines? Confusing and felt more and more pointless the further we went back. The second half dragged, and I kept waiting for the FMC to have that big self-love moment… but it never really hit? She just suddenly started saying she was over her ex and thriving solo, but it didn’t feel like she actually got there. There was no real reflection or accountability, and she and her friends kind came across as so selfish and lacking self-awareness. Like you’re wanting me to believe that’s how you treat your bestfriends of 25 years? No thanks!
The whole Naz storyline was confusing — was she supposed to be a younger version of Willow? I don’t even know. I also wasn’t buying their friendship. And the Gen Z vs Millennial stuff was giving forced. Like calling millennial music “retro”? Be serious.
It was way too long, the dialogue didn’t feel like how real people talk and I didn’t connect with anyone. I really thought I was getting a story about self-love and growth, but honestly I could’ve just read the epilogue and gotten what I expected. Big letdown.
I just don’t think female fiction is for me
February 12, 2025
A few years ago, it would’ve been a convivial, fun, romantic table for two with her partner, Dom. Now, his attention is firmly fixed on their increasingly successful company and Willow is much more likely to be at a table for one. She may be in a relationship but she has never felt so lonely. The Dom she first sits down with at that table, has gone.
I like the way Emma Gannon writes, it’s lively and entertaining and feels authentic. The characterisation, especially of Willow, is excellent as she launches herself into the world as a singleton. She feels or fumbles her way, rediscovering her old self or reinventing as she seeks a fresh start. Willow‘s initial loneliness is palpable and the comparison to the joyful way in which the novel starts and ends is very stark. I love the relationship between Willow and Carla, whose warmth and love of her niece is very heartwarming. Everyone needs a Carla in their lives. What to make of Dom? Well, he may smell nice but your views on him will be less than fragrant. Enough said.
The novel is very good on friendship and it’s that which gets Willow through, her friends old and new, help her both practically and are emotionally supportive.
I think the first half is probably stronger than the second although it is heartening to see Willow move to accept and embrace her situation, despite the ups, downs, the pain and the losses. The ending is optimistic after all the sadness and she’s now comfortably sitting at her table for one. I like the powerful message of the novel which is thought provoking.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Harper Collins for the much appreciated EPUB in return for an honest review.
I like the way Emma Gannon writes, it’s lively and entertaining and feels authentic. The characterisation, especially of Willow, is excellent as she launches herself into the world as a singleton. She feels or fumbles her way, rediscovering her old self or reinventing as she seeks a fresh start. Willow‘s initial loneliness is palpable and the comparison to the joyful way in which the novel starts and ends is very stark. I love the relationship between Willow and Carla, whose warmth and love of her niece is very heartwarming. Everyone needs a Carla in their lives. What to make of Dom? Well, he may smell nice but your views on him will be less than fragrant. Enough said.
The novel is very good on friendship and it’s that which gets Willow through, her friends old and new, help her both practically and are emotionally supportive.
I think the first half is probably stronger than the second although it is heartening to see Willow move to accept and embrace her situation, despite the ups, downs, the pain and the losses. The ending is optimistic after all the sadness and she’s now comfortably sitting at her table for one. I like the powerful message of the novel which is thought provoking.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Harper Collins for the much appreciated EPUB in return for an honest review.
December 2, 2025
Disappointed as I really want to love and be inspired by this book but instead I was just irritated.
August 24, 2025
Uitgebreide mening op youtube: https://youtu.be/c-rGWXxELYI?si=EJ66P... 💘
May 7, 2025
This is the first book I’ve read by the author and I absolutely loved it! Willow is one of those characters you immediately warm to, and I found myself unable to put down the book until I knew how things worked out for her - I also loved all of the strong female characters around her and the strong message about independence and empowerment which came across.
There were moments of laughter, heartache and rage, and at times it was painfully relatable - a fantastic and insightful read!
There were moments of laughter, heartache and rage, and at times it was painfully relatable - a fantastic and insightful read!
April 16, 2025
If you enjoyed I’m a fan by Sheena Patel or Ghosts by Dolly Alderton, this one is for you.
So I really wanted to love this book. The premise had me intrigued and after hearing someone I follow’s review I was intrigued and wanted to read it immediately! So thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this e-Arc.
I was initially hooked at the start of the book, wanting to see how our main character’s life changes from being in a decade-long relationship to coming to terms with the single life and their own company.
However, there are just a few things I can’t get past which is why I have unfortunately decided to DNF this book.
1. Our main character, Willow, is so irritating. I understand she’s feeling a massive loss after her breakup with her long-term partner, Dom, but I can’t deal with the wallowing and self-pity. The way Dom handled things was terrible, to put it simply. But how can she not see how much she lost herself during the relationship? How little he cared for her? Willow had no backbone and just accepted everything. I think even if she had a tiny bit more fight in her, this would have been a better read for me.
2. Her friend’s babying her through the break up. I understand wanting to be there for her and trying to pull her back out of her breakup blues, but it turned into a pity party. So much so that they kept exciting news from her so she wouldn’t feel bad. But surely, for a book about friendship, they should all be supportive no matter the circumstance?
3. The constant name drops. Brands, singers, tube lines, you name it. Every few sentences there was a name/brand mention and I don’t think it was needed and I’m not sure the point of it. It’s bugged me and took me out of the story every time.
I realise I’ve gone on a bit of a rant here, so here’s some positives.
1. The characterisation. Each character was so distinct and I read and felt every emotion they were feeling, even when it switched up in a sentence.
2. The direction it went. I loved seeing Willow’s passion for the article she was writing and I think that was a great plot point.
I think this book would be wonderful for a lot readers, it just wasn’t for me unfortunately.
So I really wanted to love this book. The premise had me intrigued and after hearing someone I follow’s review I was intrigued and wanted to read it immediately! So thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this e-Arc.
I was initially hooked at the start of the book, wanting to see how our main character’s life changes from being in a decade-long relationship to coming to terms with the single life and their own company.
However, there are just a few things I can’t get past which is why I have unfortunately decided to DNF this book.
1. Our main character, Willow, is so irritating. I understand she’s feeling a massive loss after her breakup with her long-term partner, Dom, but I can’t deal with the wallowing and self-pity. The way Dom handled things was terrible, to put it simply. But how can she not see how much she lost herself during the relationship? How little he cared for her? Willow had no backbone and just accepted everything. I think even if she had a tiny bit more fight in her, this would have been a better read for me.
2. Her friend’s babying her through the break up. I understand wanting to be there for her and trying to pull her back out of her breakup blues, but it turned into a pity party. So much so that they kept exciting news from her so she wouldn’t feel bad. But surely, for a book about friendship, they should all be supportive no matter the circumstance?
3. The constant name drops. Brands, singers, tube lines, you name it. Every few sentences there was a name/brand mention and I don’t think it was needed and I’m not sure the point of it. It’s bugged me and took me out of the story every time.
I realise I’ve gone on a bit of a rant here, so here’s some positives.
1. The characterisation. Each character was so distinct and I read and felt every emotion they were feeling, even when it switched up in a sentence.
2. The direction it went. I loved seeing Willow’s passion for the article she was writing and I think that was a great plot point.
I think this book would be wonderful for a lot readers, it just wasn’t for me unfortunately.
April 12, 2025
Overall, Table for One is enjoyable but not great. It effectively explores modern womanhood, influencer culture, and the importance of choosing yourself, but it doesn’t break new ground. If you’re in the mood to be reminded that women deserve more than wasting their energy on undeserving men, this might be worth a read—just don’t expect it to reinvent the genre
June 8, 2025
‘When we wake up each morning, we choose who we want to be.’ - Emma Gannon
As someone who’s terrible at being alone, this story really hit home to me.
A Table For One is a story about old and new friendships, about heartbreak and self-love, about grief and taking back your life.
I’m very happy I picked this book up randomly in our local book store because of the cover!
As someone who’s terrible at being alone, this story really hit home to me.
A Table For One is a story about old and new friendships, about heartbreak and self-love, about grief and taking back your life.
I’m very happy I picked this book up randomly in our local book store because of the cover!
August 4, 2025
4 - 4.5 stars.
I’ll admit, it took me a little time to find my footing with Table For One by Emma Gannon. At first, I wasn’t sure how to feel about Willow - the protagonist who seems to have it all “figured out” until her life unravels. But as the story unfolded, I found myself completely immersed in her journey of heartbreak, loneliness, and ultimately, self-reclamation.
This is such an uplifting and life-affirming read. It captures that quiet, often messy process of rediscovering who you are when life doesn’t go to plan. Emma Gannon writes with warmth and wit, creating characters who feel real and relatable. I especially loved Willow’s Aunt Carla - her unwavering support and fierce love made her one of my characters in the book. We all need a Carla in our lives!
What I appreciated most was how the book shows that finding happiness isn’t always about grand gestures or perfect relationships - it can be about learning to sit comfortably at your own table, even when it’s a table for one. The friendships, both old and new, are heartwarming and remind us how vital our support networks are in life’s toughest moments.
By the end, this story felt warm, raw, and completely uplifting. If you’re interested in a story about the beauty of new beginnings, quiet strength, and the power of self-love, Table For One is a really enjoyable read.
I’ll admit, it took me a little time to find my footing with Table For One by Emma Gannon. At first, I wasn’t sure how to feel about Willow - the protagonist who seems to have it all “figured out” until her life unravels. But as the story unfolded, I found myself completely immersed in her journey of heartbreak, loneliness, and ultimately, self-reclamation.
This is such an uplifting and life-affirming read. It captures that quiet, often messy process of rediscovering who you are when life doesn’t go to plan. Emma Gannon writes with warmth and wit, creating characters who feel real and relatable. I especially loved Willow’s Aunt Carla - her unwavering support and fierce love made her one of my characters in the book. We all need a Carla in our lives!
What I appreciated most was how the book shows that finding happiness isn’t always about grand gestures or perfect relationships - it can be about learning to sit comfortably at your own table, even when it’s a table for one. The friendships, both old and new, are heartwarming and remind us how vital our support networks are in life’s toughest moments.
By the end, this story felt warm, raw, and completely uplifting. If you’re interested in a story about the beauty of new beginnings, quiet strength, and the power of self-love, Table For One is a really enjoyable read.
April 15, 2025
I began reading this book realising that it probably wasn't primarily for my generation (65).
I found the first section of the book quite compelling and page turning even though we were obviously in a "having it all" trope. From there on I found it rather a cliche. Longstanding group of friends moving through their thirties with the incipient baby time bomb, breakups, marriages. Throw in a return to journalism abandoned many years before and a family crisis and we have the crucible Willow, our protagonist has to transit in order to understand herself and re-build.
I was constantly wondering about this group of friends and however long their friendships, how little they understood one another. I also wondered if the feminism of my younger days has been completely packed away.
So, not really the book for me but nonetheless probably an easy, compelling.
read for younger women.
With thanks to #NetGalley and #HarperCollinsUK for the opportunity to read and review
I found the first section of the book quite compelling and page turning even though we were obviously in a "having it all" trope. From there on I found it rather a cliche. Longstanding group of friends moving through their thirties with the incipient baby time bomb, breakups, marriages. Throw in a return to journalism abandoned many years before and a family crisis and we have the crucible Willow, our protagonist has to transit in order to understand herself and re-build.
I was constantly wondering about this group of friends and however long their friendships, how little they understood one another. I also wondered if the feminism of my younger days has been completely packed away.
So, not really the book for me but nonetheless probably an easy, compelling.
read for younger women.
With thanks to #NetGalley and #HarperCollinsUK for the opportunity to read and review
February 7, 2026
this is very millennial (not derogatory) (but also not exactly complimentary either)
June 19, 2025
HYPOCRITE
She literally begged off Naz, only to turn around and write complete shit about her. And it took Naz being admitted to the psych ward for her to suddenly decide, “Oh no, this isn't okay.” Spare me. Also, felt ZERO guilt.
What happened to the big New York job? Too scared to live in the same city as your ex? Cry me a river girl.
I wanted Naz to find the article draft- would have been the only poetic point of the book.
Sorry but this rubbed me the wrong way.
I am not hiding the spoilers to safe yous from reading this.
She literally begged off Naz, only to turn around and write complete shit about her. And it took Naz being admitted to the psych ward for her to suddenly decide, “Oh no, this isn't okay.” Spare me. Also, felt ZERO guilt.
What happened to the big New York job? Too scared to live in the same city as your ex? Cry me a river girl.
I wanted Naz to find the article draft- would have been the only poetic point of the book.
Sorry but this rubbed me the wrong way.
I am not hiding the spoilers to safe yous from reading this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2025
This book was so good and exactly what I needed. It’s a story about independency and self love. It’s a story about being yourself in a world that is full of expectations. Furthermore, it’s a story of daring to choose your own path.
I picked-up this book because of the title and cover. Thanks to some quotes, I discovered that the book was a love letter to you and about dating yourself. After a big break-up, I felt like a totally lost myself. This book would have actually saved me back then, but I also realise now that I’ve actually accomplished loving myself and being my own best friend by reading this book.
The book is beautifully written and has a lot of good and meaningful quotes. What stuck most with me is the message that you don’t need anyone to enjoy your life to the fullest. Although it does focus a lot about finding a deeper connection with people who are around you such as friends and family. It’s about loving them, but also yourself.
Although the book has this message that you don’t need a relationship to be happy, it isn’t an anti-love book. It’s hard to explain it without spoiling so you just have to trust me on that.😉
What I loved most about this book was the search to embracing independency and realising that you can have fun on your own too. I also really loved how she wrapped-up every storyline. Everything comes to a nice, rounded ending that only strengthens the concept.
The book also highlights the flaws of social media and as a communication manager, I love to see this side of the influencing world and my job too.
Table for one gave me an amazing feeling afterwards and will stick with me for a while.
I picked-up this book because of the title and cover. Thanks to some quotes, I discovered that the book was a love letter to you and about dating yourself. After a big break-up, I felt like a totally lost myself. This book would have actually saved me back then, but I also realise now that I’ve actually accomplished loving myself and being my own best friend by reading this book.
The book is beautifully written and has a lot of good and meaningful quotes. What stuck most with me is the message that you don’t need anyone to enjoy your life to the fullest. Although it does focus a lot about finding a deeper connection with people who are around you such as friends and family. It’s about loving them, but also yourself.
Although the book has this message that you don’t need a relationship to be happy, it isn’t an anti-love book. It’s hard to explain it without spoiling so you just have to trust me on that.😉
What I loved most about this book was the search to embracing independency and realising that you can have fun on your own too. I also really loved how she wrapped-up every storyline. Everything comes to a nice, rounded ending that only strengthens the concept.
The book also highlights the flaws of social media and as a communication manager, I love to see this side of the influencing world and my job too.
Table for one gave me an amazing feeling afterwards and will stick with me for a while.
February 17, 2026
After a couple of heavy books this was a great breath of fresh air and an easy feel-good read! Maybe a bit predictable at times but highlights some important topics and is very funny and relatable - similar vibes to ‘Olive’ by Emma Gannon. My favourite line from the book “I’m usually in bed rewatching Motherland, eating a jacket potato.”
June 15, 2025
3.5/4 stars ⭐️
A friend recommended me this one and I’m glad she did. I enjoyed getting to know Willow throughout this book, a woman who seemingly has it all.. until she doesn’t.
The novel touches on old and new friendships, heartbreak, a journey of self love, grief whilst also navigating taking back your own life. I would recommend this one to anyone who is going through the ‘panic years’ as it’s good to gain a different perspective on situations you are due have or will encounter. I think if you like Dolly Alderton you will love this one!
A friend recommended me this one and I’m glad she did. I enjoyed getting to know Willow throughout this book, a woman who seemingly has it all.. until she doesn’t.
The novel touches on old and new friendships, heartbreak, a journey of self love, grief whilst also navigating taking back your own life. I would recommend this one to anyone who is going through the ‘panic years’ as it’s good to gain a different perspective on situations you are due have or will encounter. I think if you like Dolly Alderton you will love this one!
July 13, 2025
Prachtig geschreven boek! Hele realistische dialogen, veel herkenbare gedachten en ervaringen die Willow meemaakt. Ik vond het heel mooi hoe het verhaal verschillende aspecten en soorten relaties belicht, en hoe je als individu in het leven kunt staan. Ga hier nog vaker aan denken ♥️
February 1, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️
I was so excited to start this book!! The premise sounded amazing, especially as an introverted girl who has broken off a 10-year relationship before… and honestly? I loved it. Emma Gannon nails that internal monologue, the “I get it, I really get it” kind of feeling. I understood everything she was going through and her thoughts, her awkwardness, her small victories, her self-reflection. It’s relatable and satisfying in a way that hits different if you’ve ever felt like yourself and a little lonely all at once, mixed with a huge change that feels like the world might possibly be ending.
The book just hits those little emotional parts in life that make you nod to yourself and say, “yep, same.” It’s comforting and relatable. And again… the cover? Chef’s kiss. Beautiful.
I was so excited to start this book!! The premise sounded amazing, especially as an introverted girl who has broken off a 10-year relationship before… and honestly? I loved it. Emma Gannon nails that internal monologue, the “I get it, I really get it” kind of feeling. I understood everything she was going through and her thoughts, her awkwardness, her small victories, her self-reflection. It’s relatable and satisfying in a way that hits different if you’ve ever felt like yourself and a little lonely all at once, mixed with a huge change that feels like the world might possibly be ending.
The book just hits those little emotional parts in life that make you nod to yourself and say, “yep, same.” It’s comforting and relatable. And again… the cover? Chef’s kiss. Beautiful.
August 1, 2025
Table for One follows Willow, a woman in her 30s who seemingly has it all; the perfect home, the perfect boyfriend, the perfect job — until everything unravels.
Unexpectedly forced to rebuild her life, Willow embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning what it means to be a single, independent woman in her 30s. Along the way, she is supported by her incredible aunt Carla and a wonderful group of friends.
Willow also seizes an exciting job opportunity that reignites her passion for journalism. As she writes an article about a fascinating individual, a trendy Gen Z influencer, she unexpectedly forms a deep friendship with the person she’s profiling. The life lessons and mantras she learns from this connection play a pivotal role in her personal growth and her journey towards self-empowerment.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Table for One and am so grateful to both Emma Gannon and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC.
________
As I approach 30, I found myself deeply resonating with Willow’s journey. Like many young women, I’m still navigating the path to self-discovery, figuring out who I am and who I want to become, all while managing the challenges life throws at me. This book captured that feeling perfectly.
I felt a strong connection to Willow and genuinely rooted for her throughout her journey. It was as if she was a close friend of mine, and I was her personal cheerleader and hype girl, cheering her on every step of the way.
Emma Gannon is a new author to me (𝘢 𝘩𝘶𝘨𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨!), and I absolutely adored her writing style. Her storytelling kept me engaged from start to finish, and I couldn’t put this book down.
Unexpectedly forced to rebuild her life, Willow embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning what it means to be a single, independent woman in her 30s. Along the way, she is supported by her incredible aunt Carla and a wonderful group of friends.
Willow also seizes an exciting job opportunity that reignites her passion for journalism. As she writes an article about a fascinating individual, a trendy Gen Z influencer, she unexpectedly forms a deep friendship with the person she’s profiling. The life lessons and mantras she learns from this connection play a pivotal role in her personal growth and her journey towards self-empowerment.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Table for One and am so grateful to both Emma Gannon and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC.
________
As I approach 30, I found myself deeply resonating with Willow’s journey. Like many young women, I’m still navigating the path to self-discovery, figuring out who I am and who I want to become, all while managing the challenges life throws at me. This book captured that feeling perfectly.
I felt a strong connection to Willow and genuinely rooted for her throughout her journey. It was as if she was a close friend of mine, and I was her personal cheerleader and hype girl, cheering her on every step of the way.
Emma Gannon is a new author to me (𝘢 𝘩𝘶𝘨𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨!), and I absolutely adored her writing style. Her storytelling kept me engaged from start to finish, and I couldn’t put this book down.
September 26, 2025
I don't think I was entirely the target audience for this book, nor was it what I was expecting from it, but I did enjoy it.
Willow was a compelling character, and her anxieties felt real. The slide into neglecting yourself in a long term relationship is very real, and her little steps to finding herself again were lovely to read. Her friendships were also relatable.
It dealt with heavier topics than I'd imagined, and the 'gen Z' character had more depth than I thought she would, and the story of their friendship was compelling.
Where Willow ended up in the end did feel quite cliche, but the book had laid enough groundwork of her past and personality that it did feel kind of natural for her? My biggest problem with the book was the metaphors and hopeful themes felt a bit heavy handed, especially in the flashbacks.
Thanks NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Willow was a compelling character, and her anxieties felt real. The slide into neglecting yourself in a long term relationship is very real, and her little steps to finding herself again were lovely to read. Her friendships were also relatable.
It dealt with heavier topics than I'd imagined, and the 'gen Z' character had more depth than I thought she would, and the story of their friendship was compelling.
Where Willow ended up in the end did feel quite cliche, but the book had laid enough groundwork of her past and personality that it did feel kind of natural for her? My biggest problem with the book was the metaphors and hopeful themes felt a bit heavy handed, especially in the flashbacks.
Thanks NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
July 17, 2025
3.5 stars! Light-hearted read with just the right amount of “feel good” moments. Sped through it in two days. Nothing particularly groundbreaking but, surprisingly, less cringe than I was expecting with some cute takeaway messages: “When we are given a chance to find our way, we usually do. This is an exercise in trusting yourself.”
January 5, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 stars!!
this was quite good! Some parts were confusing but overall it was enjoyable and the message was really cute!
this was quite good! Some parts were confusing but overall it was enjoyable and the message was really cute!
October 20, 2025
I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ARC provided by Andrews McMeel Publishing.
Willow has everything worked out. The steady partner. The successful career. The grown-up house.
Until she does not – and she is cast adrift on the sea of heartbreak, grieving a future that’s barely begun. With her life transformed beyond recognition, and her friends busy ‘moving forwards’, Willow has never felt more alone.
But she is in good company. And when inspiration arrives from an unlikely source, she rekindles the relationship she longs for – but has long neglected. The one with herself.
Table for One started with a lot of potential but ultimately fell short for me. The story felt like it did not quite know what it wanted to be — the tone, the pacing, and even the message seemed to shift constantly. It was a bit all over the place, and the dual timelines only added to the confusion rather than enhancing the story.
I was really hoping to see a meaningful transformation — watching the main character go from being in a long-term relationship to rediscovering herself, embracing solitude, and learning to truly enjoy her own company. But that journey never really happened. Instead, the book leaned more toward a breakup story than one of self-love and growth. The friendships between the characters also felt off, lacking the warmth or emotional depth that could’ve balanced the main plot. I wanted to see more genuine support and development there, but it never quite came together.
Overall, Table for One had the foundation for an empowering story about independence and self-discovery, but it never fully delivered on that promise.
Willow has everything worked out. The steady partner. The successful career. The grown-up house.
Until she does not – and she is cast adrift on the sea of heartbreak, grieving a future that’s barely begun. With her life transformed beyond recognition, and her friends busy ‘moving forwards’, Willow has never felt more alone.
But she is in good company. And when inspiration arrives from an unlikely source, she rekindles the relationship she longs for – but has long neglected. The one with herself.
Table for One started with a lot of potential but ultimately fell short for me. The story felt like it did not quite know what it wanted to be — the tone, the pacing, and even the message seemed to shift constantly. It was a bit all over the place, and the dual timelines only added to the confusion rather than enhancing the story.
I was really hoping to see a meaningful transformation — watching the main character go from being in a long-term relationship to rediscovering herself, embracing solitude, and learning to truly enjoy her own company. But that journey never really happened. Instead, the book leaned more toward a breakup story than one of self-love and growth. The friendships between the characters also felt off, lacking the warmth or emotional depth that could’ve balanced the main plot. I wanted to see more genuine support and development there, but it never quite came together.
Overall, Table for One had the foundation for an empowering story about independence and self-discovery, but it never fully delivered on that promise.
January 19, 2025
A beautiful story about how to belong, choosing your own life and how important friendship is! 🩷
The first half of this book was a lot stronger for me where I felt those 5 star feelings. The second act could have been more engaging to be honest. But I can’t ignore the fact Emma Gannon’s writing feels like a warm hug for me. She writes what she knows, and for me that’s so comforting. I know what to expect going into her books and never feel disappointed.
Do I prefer it to Olive? No but having such a high bar for Olive, I knew this would be fairly impossible! But I still had a wonderful time reading this book. Learning about Willows life as she was rediscovering it for the 1st time. So many amazing lessons in this book I’m taking away 🩷
T/W: Cancer, mental illness, death & grief.
The first half of this book was a lot stronger for me where I felt those 5 star feelings. The second act could have been more engaging to be honest. But I can’t ignore the fact Emma Gannon’s writing feels like a warm hug for me. She writes what she knows, and for me that’s so comforting. I know what to expect going into her books and never feel disappointed.
Do I prefer it to Olive? No but having such a high bar for Olive, I knew this would be fairly impossible! But I still had a wonderful time reading this book. Learning about Willows life as she was rediscovering it for the 1st time. So many amazing lessons in this book I’m taking away 🩷
T/W: Cancer, mental illness, death & grief.
August 20, 2025
A nice easy read, however I feel like it had such potential that didn’t quite deliver. I was hoping for a more empowering read for the single girlies to relate to.
Ps I absolutely hated Dom and cannot fathom how she wasn’t enraged by how he treated her (definitely fuelled my current hatred for men lol)
Ps I absolutely hated Dom and cannot fathom how she wasn’t enraged by how he treated her (definitely fuelled my current hatred for men lol)
October 29, 2025
This story doesn't break new ground, but it reminds us of an important life lesson: being comfortable in your own skin and falling in love with your own company.
January 16, 2026
J’ai choisi de lire ce livre parce qu’il m’avait été recommandé en tant que femme célibataire dans la vingtaine. Dans l’ensemble, la lecture était agréable et je suis contente que le personnage principal parvienne à trouver un nouveau sens à sa vie et ne soit pas retourné avec son ex. Toutefois, je ne crois pas que le livre ait réellement atteint l’objectif que j’en attendais.
Plutôt que de me sentir inspirée ou « empowered », je me suis surtout sentie mal pour le personnage, notamment face au fait que tous ses amis semblent l’avoir abandonnée à un moment important de sa vie, renforçant le sentiment de solitude qui est facile de ressentir en tant que personne célibataire. Cette solitude, bien que réaliste, ce que j’apprécie, a davantage suscité chez moi un sentiment de tristesse. Bref, je n’ai pas ressenti l’« empowerment » espéré à travers cette lecture, ce qui m’a laissée avec une impression mitigée, ce qui est peut-être de ma faute d’avoir des attentes par rapport au livre, car le récit est somme toute bien fait.
Plutôt que de me sentir inspirée ou « empowered », je me suis surtout sentie mal pour le personnage, notamment face au fait que tous ses amis semblent l’avoir abandonnée à un moment important de sa vie, renforçant le sentiment de solitude qui est facile de ressentir en tant que personne célibataire. Cette solitude, bien que réaliste, ce que j’apprécie, a davantage suscité chez moi un sentiment de tristesse. Bref, je n’ai pas ressenti l’« empowerment » espéré à travers cette lecture, ce qui m’a laissée avec une impression mitigée, ce qui est peut-être de ma faute d’avoir des attentes par rapport au livre, car le récit est somme toute bien fait.
July 11, 2025
Hm, ik had hoge verwachtingen van dit boek: herkenning en wijze lessen voor een soms strugglende single, maar ik moet zeggen dat ik het een beetje tegen vond vallen. Het las lekker en ik heb het ook met plezier gelezen, maar ik vond het ook een beetje cliché en te makkelijk gaan allemaal. Maar tegelijkertijd is het ook weer best wel realistisch, in de zin van meerdere kanten worden belicht van de personages en hun situaties, en er waren ook wel herkenbare dingen, maar toch vind ik dat het iets te simpel is gemaakt soms? Of ja er zitten hele wijze lessen in en echt inspirerende uitspraken en personages, maar het behalen van een tevreden staat van zijn vind ik iets te makkelijk gaan in het boek.
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