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Happy Days: The heart-warmingly hilarious memoir about love and personal growth by national treasure and beloved EastEnders star Natalie Cassidy – for 2026!
Natalie Cassidy has been on our screens for over three decades. We’ve grown up alongside Sonia on EastEnders, but what about Nat’s life beyond Albert Square?‘Everyone knows and loves Natalie Cassidy, and this book is a joyous insight into her life on and off the telly.’ – Rylan Clark
In her hilarious and brilliantly relatable memoir, Nat gives us an unfiltered take of what goes on behind the scenes. From outfit fails and tabloid headlines to life as a single mum, falling in love, and the devastating grief that nearly broke her, Nat shares her experiences, life lessons, and hard-won wisdom with the trademark honesty we all know and love her for.
Like sitting down for a natter with your best mate over a cuppa, Happy Days is packed with laughs, love, loss and the joy of the everyday!
So what are you waiting for? Kick back, relax and whip out with this charming book, where you'll share a warming moment (and a lot of riotous laughs!) with the telly star you grew up with so you can learn who she truly is beyond the screen. If you love your soap operas and sitcoms, your EastEnders and Boarders, this is the perfect book for you.
It's official! Readers are
'Truly delightful. What an incredible debut.’ – Donna Ashworth
'The joy of Natalie Cassidy shines from the page, there is no one better to be in the company of.' – Josh Widdicombe
'Natalie is magical and her book is deeply personal. Through Natalie’s words we can all gain happiness and hope. This book is one that we all need!’ – Gaby Roslin
In her hilarious and brilliantly relatable memoir, Nat gives us an unfiltered take of what goes on behind the scenes. From outfit fails and tabloid headlines to life as a single mum, falling in love, and the devastating grief that nearly broke her, Nat shares her experiences, life lessons, and hard-won wisdom with the trademark honesty we all know and love her for.
Like sitting down for a natter with your best mate over a cuppa, Happy Days is packed with laughs, love, loss and the joy of the everyday!
So what are you waiting for? Kick back, relax and whip out with this charming book, where you'll share a warming moment (and a lot of riotous laughs!) with the telly star you grew up with so you can learn who she truly is beyond the screen. If you love your soap operas and sitcoms, your EastEnders and Boarders, this is the perfect book for you.
It's official! Readers are
'Truly delightful. What an incredible debut.’ – Donna Ashworth
'The joy of Natalie Cassidy shines from the page, there is no one better to be in the company of.' – Josh Widdicombe
'Natalie is magical and her book is deeply personal. Through Natalie’s words we can all gain happiness and hope. This book is one that we all need!’ – Gaby Roslin
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 9, 2025
21 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 8, 2025
Billed as ‘the heart warmingly hilarious memoir about love and personal growth by national treasure and beloved Eastenders star’
Quite the blurb and so was with an openish mind I began to read, openish as had met her once many years ago and all I remember is her swinging a massive handbag and looking none too happy’….
The first thing you notice and it is a running theme is NC’s love of days, dates and time, the book is set in chapters reflecting each day, so for example we have Monday and what that day means to her and how relates to her life…..also special dates like Christmas Day, Mum’s Day garner a lot of pages
Obviously the draw is EastEnders and you cannot not be interested to read about the Green Room and her interaction with the other stars, there is a lot of mention of NC leaving the show, a lot….and for me I wonder if she will be back soon….
I was surprised just how much else NC has done ie Strictly, Celeb Big Bro, Masked Singer and also that she presents ( and really loves doing ) a podcast
The author loves cooking and we spend a fair time on food and in her kitchen and we get lists of fav foods and even how to cook a roast dinner,right down to peeling the potatoes! ( roast dinners are probably mentioned as much as EastEnders ) we also get lists of her fav songs, club songs, holiday songs etc
Family is mega important and is written about fairly often inc holidays, outings, shopping etc
On serious notes we read about her being bullied at school for being in Eastenders, journalists taunting her re her weight and dress sense ( very interesting to read her feelings on both things, very honest ) and about the time in the 90’s she was in the ‘wrong crowd’ and she was clubbing ferociously and basically having a good time, whilst other areas in her life suffered, terrible to read about how people gained and then would not let go of her friendship and basically controlled her
I found some of the narration annoying, not keen when ‘well I’m sorry I like it and I will do it’ is overused but on the whole it is narrated as someone who seems to be getting it all out and as a release and I think probably done her good to write this book, in some ways its almost written as therapy for the author
Enjoyable in the main and quite eye opening in many areas of NC’s life
Quite the blurb and so was with an openish mind I began to read, openish as had met her once many years ago and all I remember is her swinging a massive handbag and looking none too happy’….
The first thing you notice and it is a running theme is NC’s love of days, dates and time, the book is set in chapters reflecting each day, so for example we have Monday and what that day means to her and how relates to her life…..also special dates like Christmas Day, Mum’s Day garner a lot of pages
Obviously the draw is EastEnders and you cannot not be interested to read about the Green Room and her interaction with the other stars, there is a lot of mention of NC leaving the show, a lot….and for me I wonder if she will be back soon….
I was surprised just how much else NC has done ie Strictly, Celeb Big Bro, Masked Singer and also that she presents ( and really loves doing ) a podcast
The author loves cooking and we spend a fair time on food and in her kitchen and we get lists of fav foods and even how to cook a roast dinner,right down to peeling the potatoes! ( roast dinners are probably mentioned as much as EastEnders ) we also get lists of her fav songs, club songs, holiday songs etc
Family is mega important and is written about fairly often inc holidays, outings, shopping etc
On serious notes we read about her being bullied at school for being in Eastenders, journalists taunting her re her weight and dress sense ( very interesting to read her feelings on both things, very honest ) and about the time in the 90’s she was in the ‘wrong crowd’ and she was clubbing ferociously and basically having a good time, whilst other areas in her life suffered, terrible to read about how people gained and then would not let go of her friendship and basically controlled her
I found some of the narration annoying, not keen when ‘well I’m sorry I like it and I will do it’ is overused but on the whole it is narrated as someone who seems to be getting it all out and as a release and I think probably done her good to write this book, in some ways its almost written as therapy for the author
Enjoyable in the main and quite eye opening in many areas of NC’s life
October 16, 2025
It is through her podcast that I really started to learn more about Natalie Cassidy that wasn't just that she was Sonia in Eastenders. The podcast is her chatting to members of her family, it all flows easily and naturally. The book very much follows that feeling, it is written in a way that sounds like a conversation with Natalie rather than words on a page.
From joining Eastenders aged 10, the loss of both her parents, her love for her two daughters and how much family, food and sleep mean to her, it covers a lot.
Structured into chapters based on days is a different method and works well for a book that can meander from topic to topic, just like a chat would.
One minor niggle was the interspersed facts, which might detail the origin of why Monday is called Monday for example. I found they broke the flow of the narrative and I did skip them towards the end. Other books would have these as a footnote at the end of the page but, in my ebook edition at least, they appeared in the middle of the page.
A really easy to read book, it flows so well and really shows that, despite going through loss and tough times, Natalie feels incredibly lucky to have the life and family she has around her now and she makes the most of every minute.
I feel like listeners to the podcast will lap this up and anyone who doesn't already listen will surely remedy that when they've read her book.
From joining Eastenders aged 10, the loss of both her parents, her love for her two daughters and how much family, food and sleep mean to her, it covers a lot.
Structured into chapters based on days is a different method and works well for a book that can meander from topic to topic, just like a chat would.
One minor niggle was the interspersed facts, which might detail the origin of why Monday is called Monday for example. I found they broke the flow of the narrative and I did skip them towards the end. Other books would have these as a footnote at the end of the page but, in my ebook edition at least, they appeared in the middle of the page.
A really easy to read book, it flows so well and really shows that, despite going through loss and tough times, Natalie feels incredibly lucky to have the life and family she has around her now and she makes the most of every minute.
I feel like listeners to the podcast will lap this up and anyone who doesn't already listen will surely remedy that when they've read her book.
October 8, 2025
Sit in a comfy seat with a cup of tea and a packet of your favourite biscuits and savour this warm hug of a book by Natalie Cassidy which is honest, funny and incredibly relatable. Part memoir, part personal almanac she talks about her life behind, in front and beyond the tv screen, the importance of family and her loving childhood, of being a daughter and mum to her own daughters.
The book radiates the joy of life and how every day is a fresh start. I smiled at the many shared similarities I have such as using a paper diary, a love of Cornwall and childhood memories of making pastry.
I liked the practical hints and tips, recipes and lists of songs and music that are reminders of people and situations. I am going to write my own list down!
There a are clear messages throughout the book - of happiness, of nostalgia, of family, of being a modern, confident ordinary and extraordinary woman. I throughly enjoyed it and think you will too.
The book radiates the joy of life and how every day is a fresh start. I smiled at the many shared similarities I have such as using a paper diary, a love of Cornwall and childhood memories of making pastry.
I liked the practical hints and tips, recipes and lists of songs and music that are reminders of people and situations. I am going to write my own list down!
There a are clear messages throughout the book - of happiness, of nostalgia, of family, of being a modern, confident ordinary and extraordinary woman. I throughly enjoyed it and think you will too.
October 14, 2025
Well this was just a hug in a book! Like sitting down for a gossip with a friend. So cozy, so comforting I smashed through the whole thing in two days! I’m a huge fan of Nat’s podcast Life with Nat so this really just felt like an extension of that to me. bit would totally work if your not a podcast listener. The book covers everything from motherhood, caring for relatives, throw backs to the 90’s and of course Eastenders.
I loved the format of it, all centred around the days of the week. With a few facts thrown in, recipes, song choices a bit of everything really. I really enjoyed hunting for the podcast Easter eggs that are peppered through. Smugly nodding to myself that I know exactly what she’s talking about 😆
I just had such a lovely time with it.
I loved the format of it, all centred around the days of the week. With a few facts thrown in, recipes, song choices a bit of everything really. I really enjoyed hunting for the podcast Easter eggs that are peppered through. Smugly nodding to myself that I know exactly what she’s talking about 😆
I just had such a lovely time with it.
October 15, 2025
We’ve grown up with Natalie Cassidy on our TV screens since 1993, and this cosy, fun read helps get to know her a little more, and outside of her portrayal of the iconic, Sonia Jackson.
Rather than a chronological life-story, Nat gives us a glimpse into her life through chapters split into days of the week, with facts and the history of those days along wjrh significant life-stories of hers which took place on said days. I’m enjoying this new of folk doing their memories in alternative styles to freshen the reading experience.
Expect stories from EastEnders, Podcasting, School, Grief and Showbiz legends like Wendy Richard.
Its conversational tone is what I’d been hoping for, and its full of Nat’s signature wit and warmth which allows a comfy reading experience - which at times felt like having a cuppa tea with Nat herself!
Personally, some of the fact-stuff didn’t land with me. I came to read Nat’s life story, not for lessons on where Wednesday came from. Those parts felt a little waffle to me, but others may enjoy this segregated sections.
I had hoped for a little more - but - kudos to Nat for finding her own stamp on this style of book and it really is fitting for her throughout. What comes across so well is that she’s extremely kind hearted and full of humour.
Rather than a chronological life-story, Nat gives us a glimpse into her life through chapters split into days of the week, with facts and the history of those days along wjrh significant life-stories of hers which took place on said days. I’m enjoying this new of folk doing their memories in alternative styles to freshen the reading experience.
Expect stories from EastEnders, Podcasting, School, Grief and Showbiz legends like Wendy Richard.
Its conversational tone is what I’d been hoping for, and its full of Nat’s signature wit and warmth which allows a comfy reading experience - which at times felt like having a cuppa tea with Nat herself!
Personally, some of the fact-stuff didn’t land with me. I came to read Nat’s life story, not for lessons on where Wednesday came from. Those parts felt a little waffle to me, but others may enjoy this segregated sections.
I had hoped for a little more - but - kudos to Nat for finding her own stamp on this style of book and it really is fitting for her throughout. What comes across so well is that she’s extremely kind hearted and full of humour.
October 15, 2025
Having watched Eastenders religiously for the past forty years I've grown up alongside Natalie and watched her bloom from being little Sonia (the terrible trumpet player) into the strong resolute woman she is today.
There's no airs or graces to be found, she's down to earth, writes as she speaks, and delights with her warmth and sincerity.
Natalie tells her story through the days of the week. Each chapter comes with the 'important' bits about noted days as she recounts what the day means to her.
A warm and welcoming read.
There's no airs or graces to be found, she's down to earth, writes as she speaks, and delights with her warmth and sincerity.
Natalie tells her story through the days of the week. Each chapter comes with the 'important' bits about noted days as she recounts what the day means to her.
A warm and welcoming read.
October 7, 2025
I’ve always liked Natalie Cassidy so jumped at the chance of reading this book. It was written in such a way that I felt I knew her and she was just chatting away to me which I liked.
The book was set out well into days of the week and had interesting facts added into the chapters which really added to the book.
A great read which i would recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley, Natalie Cassidy and HQ for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
The book was set out well into days of the week and had interesting facts added into the chapters which really added to the book.
A great read which i would recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley, Natalie Cassidy and HQ for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
October 5, 2025
Split into days of the week, with fun facts and histories about each day along the way, Natalie talks us through her various traditions through the year, whilst sharing snippets of her life from family, work and of course her time on Eastenders- I loved heading tales of show legends, such as Wendy Peters, Dean Gaffney and Jamie Borthwick. A warm hug of a book.
October 27, 2025
lovely read. I really do like Natalie Cassidy, think she is really down to earth. I enjoyed listening to this on audio when cooking and cleaning in the kitchen, it made me want to do it so I could listen on my own haha.
October 13, 2025
Not very well written, unfortunately, and bit of an odd structure. Disappointing.
October 31, 2025
A very good book about Natalie Cassidy and her life, cleverly written through the days of the week, really enjoyed reading it.
November 2, 2025
Interesting book and done in a style different from your normal kind of autobiographies.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews