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The Woman Who Got Her Spark Back
Preorder the BRAND NEW hilarious, feel-good read from #1 bestselling author Fiona Gibson Is it ever too late to bloom?
Meet Celia. Life hasn’t worked out quite how she’d planned.
Since her son left for university, Celia has felt stuck at home – battling with her husband Geoff over control of the thermostat, and without the merest glint of a social life. Her only joy comes from the plants she nurtures in her makeshift plant hospital in their Glasgow flat.
Then three unexpected things
She catches Geoff in bed with a secretary from his sausage factory (no pun intended). Her high-flying best friend Amanda arrives on her doorstep without warning (but with a very large suitcase). A tall handsome French teacher asks her to tend his daughter’s cactus back to health. Suddenly, Celia finds her life in freefall, but she makes a she won’t let this be the end of her. She’ll bring herself back to life, just like the plants she works her magic on. But just how do you change the habits of a lifetime? Praise for Fiona
'I absolutely love Fiona Gibson's funny, emotional, relatable writing.’ – JENNY COLGAN
'Hilarious, sparky and joyful, relatable and brilliant! Highly recommended, whatever the time of year.' – JUDY LEIGH
'Snowy, sparkly and satisfying. Highly recommended.' – MADDIE PLEASE
'Fun, festive and full of good cheer, Tis the damn season! should be on the top of your Christmas reading wish list.' – SARAH BENNETT
'This book isn't just for Christmas... it's the perfect escapist novel for any time of the year!' – KATE GALLEY
'A festive, funny and heartfelt story of friendship and finding your way. I loved it.' – FREYA KENNEDY
'Warm, witty and wonderfully relatable. Perfect escapism for women struggling to juggle everything, especially at Christmas!' – KATHLEEN WHYMAN
Meet Celia. Life hasn’t worked out quite how she’d planned.
Since her son left for university, Celia has felt stuck at home – battling with her husband Geoff over control of the thermostat, and without the merest glint of a social life. Her only joy comes from the plants she nurtures in her makeshift plant hospital in their Glasgow flat.
Then three unexpected things
She catches Geoff in bed with a secretary from his sausage factory (no pun intended). Her high-flying best friend Amanda arrives on her doorstep without warning (but with a very large suitcase). A tall handsome French teacher asks her to tend his daughter’s cactus back to health. Suddenly, Celia finds her life in freefall, but she makes a she won’t let this be the end of her. She’ll bring herself back to life, just like the plants she works her magic on. But just how do you change the habits of a lifetime? Praise for Fiona
'I absolutely love Fiona Gibson's funny, emotional, relatable writing.’ – JENNY COLGAN
'Hilarious, sparky and joyful, relatable and brilliant! Highly recommended, whatever the time of year.' – JUDY LEIGH
'Snowy, sparkly and satisfying. Highly recommended.' – MADDIE PLEASE
'Fun, festive and full of good cheer, Tis the damn season! should be on the top of your Christmas reading wish list.' – SARAH BENNETT
'This book isn't just for Christmas... it's the perfect escapist novel for any time of the year!' – KATE GALLEY
'A festive, funny and heartfelt story of friendship and finding your way. I loved it.' – FREYA KENNEDY
'Warm, witty and wonderfully relatable. Perfect escapism for women struggling to juggle everything, especially at Christmas!' – KATHLEEN WHYMAN
312 pages, Paperback
Published June 7, 2025
2197 people are currently reading
372 people want to read
About the author
Fiona Gibson
50 books510 followersFiona is an author and journalist who has written for many UK publications including The Observer, The Guardian, Marie Claire, Red, New Woman, Top Sante and Elle. She writes a monthly column for Sainsbury’s magazine and is a Contributing Editor at Red magazine.
Fiona lives in Scotland with her husband, their twin sons and daughter. She likes to draw, run 10k races, play her saxophone and lie in the bath with a big glass of wine, although not all at once.
Fiona lives in Scotland with her husband, their twin sons and daughter. She likes to draw, run 10k races, play her saxophone and lie in the bath with a big glass of wine, although not all at once.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
May 10, 2025
A marriage in meltdown, a runaway friend, and a cactus in crisis—sometimes, rock bottom is the perfect place to regrow. 🌵
The Woman Who Got Her Spark Back is an uplifting, feel-good story about rediscovering your identity, reigniting your confidence, and learning that it’s never too late to bloom.
Celia’s life in Glasgow is quiet and predictable—until everything changes. Her son has flown the nest, her marriage has lost its warmth, and she finds herself more connected to her struggling houseplants than her husband. But when she walks in on something that shocks her to the core, she’s forced to confront the truth: the life she’s settled into no longer fits.
Enter Amanda—Celia’s glamorous old school friend, now a TV presenter, who turns up unannounced with a designer suitcase and a life in crisis. Their unexpected reunion sets off a ripple of changes neither woman saw coming. Add a charming French teacher, an ailing cactus, and a few wonderfully chaotic turns, and suddenly Celia is on a journey she never planned but might just need.
✨ With warmth, wit, and a cast of endearing characters, Fiona Gibson delivers a relatable tale of friendship, reinvention, and the quiet courage it takes to start over. Perfect for readers who love stories of second chances, sisterhood, and women finding joy on their own terms.
The Woman Who Got Her Spark Back is an uplifting, feel-good story about rediscovering your identity, reigniting your confidence, and learning that it’s never too late to bloom.
Celia’s life in Glasgow is quiet and predictable—until everything changes. Her son has flown the nest, her marriage has lost its warmth, and she finds herself more connected to her struggling houseplants than her husband. But when she walks in on something that shocks her to the core, she’s forced to confront the truth: the life she’s settled into no longer fits.
Enter Amanda—Celia’s glamorous old school friend, now a TV presenter, who turns up unannounced with a designer suitcase and a life in crisis. Their unexpected reunion sets off a ripple of changes neither woman saw coming. Add a charming French teacher, an ailing cactus, and a few wonderfully chaotic turns, and suddenly Celia is on a journey she never planned but might just need.
✨ With warmth, wit, and a cast of endearing characters, Fiona Gibson delivers a relatable tale of friendship, reinvention, and the quiet courage it takes to start over. Perfect for readers who love stories of second chances, sisterhood, and women finding joy on their own terms.
July 18, 2025
Heart-warming, relatable, warm and witty story of second chances and finding your path in life, The Woman Who Got Her Spark Back is just a lovely read.
As a woman in my forties I love finding books who feature characters similar in age to me, characters whose lives are messy, things are not quite right and yet they do make things work. Because life is messy and things do fall apart and I want to be able to believe that they can get better. Be it by reconnecting with old friends, walking away from people who are not right for you, making peace with things that happened in the past. And that's how it is for Celia. Sometimes things need to fall apart for new better ones to emerge. You just need to let them.
Fiona Gibson wrote a story that feels just like a hug. It's not soppy, it didn't make me cry, but it made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, and hopeful.
I loved it.
As a woman in my forties I love finding books who feature characters similar in age to me, characters whose lives are messy, things are not quite right and yet they do make things work. Because life is messy and things do fall apart and I want to be able to believe that they can get better. Be it by reconnecting with old friends, walking away from people who are not right for you, making peace with things that happened in the past. And that's how it is for Celia. Sometimes things need to fall apart for new better ones to emerge. You just need to let them.
Fiona Gibson wrote a story that feels just like a hug. It's not soppy, it didn't make me cry, but it made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, and hopeful.
I loved it.
July 21, 2025
I do like a Fiona Gibson novel but this was one I just could not connect with. I found the protagonist insipid and I disliked her best friend, Amanda. It wasn’t an endearing combination.
When we first meet Celia, it is clear that she has become a “beige wallflower”. Life is passing her by with an average job, a grown son and a marriage that has a spark that would be in the negatives if it were ever measured. Even Celia knows she isn’t completely happy and this is symbolised when she buys chunky red heels for Amanda’s wedding – even if they are a size too small, they remind her of happier times when growing up and it is like she is being reconnected to her past. But they aren’t like Cinderella’s shoes and they don’t whisk her off to a happy ever after, instead quickly suffering from blisters and later discovering her husband is having an affair.
This story is a story about growth and I think Celia’s side job of having a houseplant hospital signifies her change. I loved this part of Celia’s character, where she helps poorly houseplants and nurses them back to full health. Enzo’s daughter’s cactus – Spike – is a case where Celia struggles to help it as her initial actions don’t seem to be having an impact. However, Spike becomes a metaphor for Celia’s growth and as it starts to show signs of health again, so too does Celia, as she embraces new decisions and doesn’t seem so held in the past.
Amanda’s appearance was useful in the fact it kickstarts Celia’s alteration however, she was a character that I just could not warm too. Her shallow character does come more aware as the novel progresses, but I disliked how she uses Celia to escape her own troubles in London. This isn’t helped by the fact that the women haven’t spoken in years so it frustrated me that Celia was willing to let her friend stay without much of a challenge about the years that have passed.
This wasn’t as entertaining as other Gibson novels and I think this was due to Celia’s rather sad background and the lack of humour in the story. The narrative lacked an energy and quickness I have enjoyed in some previous books, ironically making it feel a bit “beige” like Celia’s life. I was hoping for more laughter in this story but didn’t find it delivered.
Overall, a pretty good novel about a woman who changes her life for the better. Indeed, the most enjoyable part was seeing Celia in her element when helping houseplants and I thought this a unique way of showing how it is not too late to turn your life around.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
When we first meet Celia, it is clear that she has become a “beige wallflower”. Life is passing her by with an average job, a grown son and a marriage that has a spark that would be in the negatives if it were ever measured. Even Celia knows she isn’t completely happy and this is symbolised when she buys chunky red heels for Amanda’s wedding – even if they are a size too small, they remind her of happier times when growing up and it is like she is being reconnected to her past. But they aren’t like Cinderella’s shoes and they don’t whisk her off to a happy ever after, instead quickly suffering from blisters and later discovering her husband is having an affair.
This story is a story about growth and I think Celia’s side job of having a houseplant hospital signifies her change. I loved this part of Celia’s character, where she helps poorly houseplants and nurses them back to full health. Enzo’s daughter’s cactus – Spike – is a case where Celia struggles to help it as her initial actions don’t seem to be having an impact. However, Spike becomes a metaphor for Celia’s growth and as it starts to show signs of health again, so too does Celia, as she embraces new decisions and doesn’t seem so held in the past.
Amanda’s appearance was useful in the fact it kickstarts Celia’s alteration however, she was a character that I just could not warm too. Her shallow character does come more aware as the novel progresses, but I disliked how she uses Celia to escape her own troubles in London. This isn’t helped by the fact that the women haven’t spoken in years so it frustrated me that Celia was willing to let her friend stay without much of a challenge about the years that have passed.
This wasn’t as entertaining as other Gibson novels and I think this was due to Celia’s rather sad background and the lack of humour in the story. The narrative lacked an energy and quickness I have enjoyed in some previous books, ironically making it feel a bit “beige” like Celia’s life. I was hoping for more laughter in this story but didn’t find it delivered.
Overall, a pretty good novel about a woman who changes her life for the better. Indeed, the most enjoyable part was seeing Celia in her element when helping houseplants and I thought this a unique way of showing how it is not too late to turn your life around.
With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 22, 2025
I wasn't sure on this book at first but then found I really enjoyed it. The characters were all lovely (except Geoff amd probably Scott? but the women were all great. Story was also entertaining- both sad and happy.
June 12, 2025
It's fair to say Celia Bloom lives a very beige life. She and her husband Geoff watch every penny, she dresses very sensibly, she has a job she doesn't really mind, she hasn't had her hair properly styled in forever and her main social life is with her neighbour Terri. The only things that bring her any kind of joy are her son and the plant hospital that she runs out of her house. Even that has to be contained to just one room otherwise Geoff gets upset.
When she gets invited to her best friend from school's glamourous wedding she is quite surprised. She has barely spoken to Amanda for years. Geoff won't come with her to the wedding, so she feels quite out of place.
Fast forward a few months and Celia is having a particularly bad day, as you do when you have recently caught your husband in bed with someone else in the mouldy caravan that he has inherited from his parents. When French school teacher Enzo comes knocking at her door with a particularly sick looking cactus named Spike, she turns him away, but also feels bad about that almost immediately. When she runs into Enzo again, she agrees to see if she can work out what is wrong. This is a huge relief to Enzo who can't face telling his young daughter, Matilde, that he has killed the cactus. Enzo and his ex-wife are navigating co-parenting very well, but he is struggling to get back into the dating scene.
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August 9, 2025
A lovely light read, made me giggle in parts. I'd recommend it if you want a quick read and are of a certain age where you can relate!
June 11, 2025
Celia’s life is sort of drab and mundane. She loves to potter with her plants and her part time work in a clothing shop.
Life hurtles some unintended surprises for Celia and she muddles through.
I thought Amanda was quite self centered and snobby but who did she run to when she needed help.
Logan was very naive for a 24 year old.
Geoff deserved the grotty caravan!
I liked seeing Celia get her spark for living back and move on to the next chapter,
Thanks Boldwood Publishers and NetGalley for the early copy.
Life hurtles some unintended surprises for Celia and she muddles through.
I thought Amanda was quite self centered and snobby but who did she run to when she needed help.
Logan was very naive for a 24 year old.
Geoff deserved the grotty caravan!
I liked seeing Celia get her spark for living back and move on to the next chapter,
Thanks Boldwood Publishers and NetGalley for the early copy.
May 29, 2025
| The Woman Who Got Her Spark Back - Fiona Gibson |
I was so happy my request was approved to read this ARC this morning! I devoured this book in a day. It was such a sweet, feel-good book.
Fiona has created great characters, and Celia was so real and down to earth. How the characters deal with certain situations in this story felt really genuine.
The emotions were relatable, moments that were laugh out loud funny and times where I was trying not to scream into the book.
I didn't catch the "Scott Chegg" name until Logan told Celia either 😂
It's a book filled with love, friendship, and getting through tough times.
A great read! I'm so pleased I had the opportunity to read it in advance. ✨️🩷
I was so happy my request was approved to read this ARC this morning! I devoured this book in a day. It was such a sweet, feel-good book.
Fiona has created great characters, and Celia was so real and down to earth. How the characters deal with certain situations in this story felt really genuine.
The emotions were relatable, moments that were laugh out loud funny and times where I was trying not to scream into the book.
I didn't catch the "Scott Chegg" name until Logan told Celia either 😂
It's a book filled with love, friendship, and getting through tough times.
A great read! I'm so pleased I had the opportunity to read it in advance. ✨️🩷
April 28, 2025
Have always lived Fionas books and once again this one did not disappoint. A really warm, cosy, hug of a read that had such likeable characters that were so easy to relate to.
The character of Celia certainly struck a chord with me...a loving wife with a husband who shows no gratitude, alongside the hard work of running her own business. The friendship bonds between old and newer friends was beautifully portrayed alongside the struggle to rebuild a life after it feels like it is crumbling around you.
Highly recommend a read of this brilliant book.
The character of Celia certainly struck a chord with me...a loving wife with a husband who shows no gratitude, alongside the hard work of running her own business. The friendship bonds between old and newer friends was beautifully portrayed alongside the struggle to rebuild a life after it feels like it is crumbling around you.
Highly recommend a read of this brilliant book.
April 16, 2025
Another book by Fiona that has just the right balance of wit, humour and is heartwarming. I loved the characters in the book, it was lovely to see Celia come alive again and find herself gradually without reclaiming youth or changing who she is as a person with her supportive friends around her.
The way in which it was written was clever as it showed different characters lives/
Perceptions but all blended together which made for a fab read. It’s a feel good, lighthearted read and a page turner. Fiona’s books never disappoint and this is another one that proves that.
The way in which it was written was clever as it showed different characters lives/
Perceptions but all blended together which made for a fab read. It’s a feel good, lighthearted read and a page turner. Fiona’s books never disappoint and this is another one that proves that.
June 11, 2025
Reading the synopsis for this one, you wonder how life passed Celia by for so long. She’s a lovely sounding lady who cares for her friends, family and houseplants. Finding Geoff in the stinky caravan was not one of her best moments, but it started an avalanche that creates New Celia (once the shock has worn off, of course!)
Amanda turning up as well as just the wrong - or is it the right? - moment was a mini miracle too. She’s going through her own crap that she wants to ask her friend for advice on but when she walks into what has happened there, keeps it to herself and helps Celia instead. That’s what true friends are for. There are some lovely additional characters that we meet along the New Celia journey, and of course Spike!
I really enjoyed this book, it was fun, sad and just lovely. The writing style was just perfect, and flowed so well I read it in just a couple of days. It would be lovely to get a follow-up or spin-off from this book, maybe letting us know how Amanda’s story developed or how Spike is! Will definitely be checking more from this author for sure.
Amanda turning up as well as just the wrong - or is it the right? - moment was a mini miracle too. She’s going through her own crap that she wants to ask her friend for advice on but when she walks into what has happened there, keeps it to herself and helps Celia instead. That’s what true friends are for. There are some lovely additional characters that we meet along the New Celia journey, and of course Spike!
I really enjoyed this book, it was fun, sad and just lovely. The writing style was just perfect, and flowed so well I read it in just a couple of days. It would be lovely to get a follow-up or spin-off from this book, maybe letting us know how Amanda’s story developed or how Spike is! Will definitely be checking more from this author for sure.
December 13, 2025
It started out with so many characters pov’s it took me to about halfway to get into the book. Then it was finished already. Ok read for me, but not again.
June 6, 2025
I can't put my finger on why, but Fiona Gibson has already written much better books than this one. This book dragged on, it felt like a long, long narration about a woman, but without a story in it. There were not many events happening and the few that the novel was centred around quickly started to feel flat and utilised. It also felt messy, not thought - over and I didn't find this humour that so many mention in their reviews.
It was a warm and uplifting and altogether optimistic story about rediscovering yourself, about gaining your confidence, a story about second chances filled with woman power. Written in this easy to follow, rich Fiona Gibson's writing style, however felt slow and I read it because I felt obliged to. Sadly, as I was hoping for more.
It was a warm and uplifting and altogether optimistic story about rediscovering yourself, about gaining your confidence, a story about second chances filled with woman power. Written in this easy to follow, rich Fiona Gibson's writing style, however felt slow and I read it because I felt obliged to. Sadly, as I was hoping for more.
May 26, 2025
Fiona Gibson's "The Woman Who Got Her Spark Back" cleverly uses a plant hospital as the unique setting that brings together an ensemble of characters, each struggling with their own version of life's complexities.
Sharon appears to have everything perfectly organized on the surface, but beneath that polished exterior, she's barely holding it all together—a relatable portrayal of how we often mask our struggles behind a facade of control.
The most compelling character arc belongs to Celia, who should have been devastated by her circumstances but instead begins truly living for the first time. Rather than continuing to tiptoe around her husband George to avoid his anger, she starts making choices for herself. Gibson explores the fascinating dynamic of how Celia felt obligated to remain grateful to George for "rescuing" her, even though he was far from being the prize he once seemed—or perhaps never was.
While the novel acknowledges that marriage can be challenging, it offers a refreshing counterpoint through Enzo and his ex-wife Laura, who demonstrate that divorced couples can successfully co-parent and maintain a genuine friendship. Their relationship provides hope that not all endings have to be bitter.
Matilde emerges as a wonderfully developed young character, and in a delightfully unexpected twist, Spike the cactus becomes an important supporting "character" in his own right, adding both humor and heart to the story.
The book's central theme resonates beautifully: you don't need a romantic partner to live a fulfilling life, but when the right person comes along, they can truly enhance the life you've already built for yourself. Gibson has crafted a story that celebrates independence while leaving room for love—a perfect balance that feels both realistic and hopeful.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an early copy of the novel in exchange for my honest review.
Sharon appears to have everything perfectly organized on the surface, but beneath that polished exterior, she's barely holding it all together—a relatable portrayal of how we often mask our struggles behind a facade of control.
The most compelling character arc belongs to Celia, who should have been devastated by her circumstances but instead begins truly living for the first time. Rather than continuing to tiptoe around her husband George to avoid his anger, she starts making choices for herself. Gibson explores the fascinating dynamic of how Celia felt obligated to remain grateful to George for "rescuing" her, even though he was far from being the prize he once seemed—or perhaps never was.
While the novel acknowledges that marriage can be challenging, it offers a refreshing counterpoint through Enzo and his ex-wife Laura, who demonstrate that divorced couples can successfully co-parent and maintain a genuine friendship. Their relationship provides hope that not all endings have to be bitter.
Matilde emerges as a wonderfully developed young character, and in a delightfully unexpected twist, Spike the cactus becomes an important supporting "character" in his own right, adding both humor and heart to the story.
The book's central theme resonates beautifully: you don't need a romantic partner to live a fulfilling life, but when the right person comes along, they can truly enhance the life you've already built for yourself. Gibson has crafted a story that celebrates independence while leaving room for love—a perfect balance that feels both realistic and hopeful.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an early copy of the novel in exchange for my honest review.
May 7, 2025
BOOK REVIEW
The Woman Who Got Her Spark Back By Fiona Gibson
Published By Boldwood
Publication Date 7th June 2025
Blurb
Is it ever too late to bloom?
Meet Celia. Life hasn’t worked out quite how she’d planned.
Since her son left for university, Celia has felt stuck at home – battling with her husband Geoff over control of the thermostat, and without the merest glint of a social life. Her only joy comes from the plants she nurtures in her makeshift plant hospital in their Glasgow flat.
Then three unexpected things happen:
She catches Geoff in bed with a secretary from his sausage factory (no pun intended).
Her high-flying best friend Amanda arrives on her doorstep without warning (but with a very large suitcase).
A tall handsome French teacher asks her to tend his daughter’s cactus back to health.
Suddenly, Celia finds her life in freefall, but she makes a decision: she won’t let this be the end of her. She’ll bring herself back to life, just like the plants she works her magic on. But just how do you change the habits of a lifetime?
🌵 🌵 🌵 🌵 🌵 🌵 🌵 🌵
I was very grateful to receive an ARC of this book & after a few weeks of not being able to pick up a book after my dear Mum passed away, this is the book that has helped me 'get my reading spark back' so thank you Fiona Gibson & Boldwood for playing a part in 'my story'.
I love Fiona's style of writing, it's totally absorbing, always relatable in some way, emotional & hilarious! I don't think I can ever look at a Scotch egg in the same way ever again lol 🤣
A real feel good read & absolutely one to add to your TBR for June! Definitely going to be a bestseller!
The Woman Who Got Her Spark Back By Fiona Gibson
Published By Boldwood
Publication Date 7th June 2025
Blurb
Is it ever too late to bloom?
Meet Celia. Life hasn’t worked out quite how she’d planned.
Since her son left for university, Celia has felt stuck at home – battling with her husband Geoff over control of the thermostat, and without the merest glint of a social life. Her only joy comes from the plants she nurtures in her makeshift plant hospital in their Glasgow flat.
Then three unexpected things happen:
She catches Geoff in bed with a secretary from his sausage factory (no pun intended).
Her high-flying best friend Amanda arrives on her doorstep without warning (but with a very large suitcase).
A tall handsome French teacher asks her to tend his daughter’s cactus back to health.
Suddenly, Celia finds her life in freefall, but she makes a decision: she won’t let this be the end of her. She’ll bring herself back to life, just like the plants she works her magic on. But just how do you change the habits of a lifetime?
🌵 🌵 🌵 🌵 🌵 🌵 🌵 🌵
I was very grateful to receive an ARC of this book & after a few weeks of not being able to pick up a book after my dear Mum passed away, this is the book that has helped me 'get my reading spark back' so thank you Fiona Gibson & Boldwood for playing a part in 'my story'.
I love Fiona's style of writing, it's totally absorbing, always relatable in some way, emotional & hilarious! I don't think I can ever look at a Scotch egg in the same way ever again lol 🤣
A real feel good read & absolutely one to add to your TBR for June! Definitely going to be a bestseller!
June 1, 2025
Having thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Tis The Damn Season last year, I was very excited to dive into more of the same.
Ms Gibson's writing style is engaging and her wit appeals greatly to my sense of humour.
While it took me a little time to get settled into this story, it was definitely worth it. There are several characters to be introduced and their relationships explained before the story really comes together.
The protagonist is Celia Bloom. Celia appears to have drifted into a marriage at a young age because circumstances had conspired against her. Years later, her husband, Geoff, has drifted out of the marriage and into an affair with his secretary. Celia had been unaware of his affair until she tries to do something nice for Geoff and catches the two of them together.
Celia is coming to terms with the affair when her best friend from childhood arrives completely out of the blue. Celia hasn't had much contact with Amanda since she married Geoff and while Amanda has her own reasons for dumping herself on Celia, she is a positive influence on Celia and helps her to reinvent herself.
This is a very relatable story of friendship, family, and coming back from the breakdown of a marriage.
The ending wraps with learning how Celia is progressing but does not tell us how Amanda, who has her own issues, is fairing beyond 'tackling her problems like Celia would'. But perhaps that's another story.
Ms Gibson's writing style is engaging and her wit appeals greatly to my sense of humour.
While it took me a little time to get settled into this story, it was definitely worth it. There are several characters to be introduced and their relationships explained before the story really comes together.
The protagonist is Celia Bloom. Celia appears to have drifted into a marriage at a young age because circumstances had conspired against her. Years later, her husband, Geoff, has drifted out of the marriage and into an affair with his secretary. Celia had been unaware of his affair until she tries to do something nice for Geoff and catches the two of them together.
Celia is coming to terms with the affair when her best friend from childhood arrives completely out of the blue. Celia hasn't had much contact with Amanda since she married Geoff and while Amanda has her own reasons for dumping herself on Celia, she is a positive influence on Celia and helps her to reinvent herself.
This is a very relatable story of friendship, family, and coming back from the breakdown of a marriage.
The ending wraps with learning how Celia is progressing but does not tell us how Amanda, who has her own issues, is fairing beyond 'tackling her problems like Celia would'. But perhaps that's another story.
June 8, 2025
The Woman Who Got Her Spark Back by Fiona Gibson
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Meet Celia. Life hasn’t worked out quite how she’d planned.
Since her son left for university, Celia has felt stuck at home – battling with her husband Geoff over control of the thermostat, and without the merest glint of a social life. Her only joy comes from the plants she nurtures in her makeshift plant hospital in their Glasgow flat.
Then three unexpected things
She catches Geoff in bed with a secretary from his sausage factory (no pun intended). Her high-flying best friend Amanda arrives on her doorstep without warning (but with a very large suitcase). A tall handsome French teacher asks her to tend his daughter’s cactus back to health. Suddenly, Celia finds her life in freefall, but she makes a she won’t let this be the end of her. She’ll bring herself back to life, just like the plants she works her magic on. But just how do you change the habits of a lifetime?
My Opinion
Fiona Gibson has written an uplifting novel about self-discovery. The Woman Who Got Her Spark Back was a real page-turner with some relatable characters. A lovely, light-hearted read. I really enjoy Fiona’s writing style.
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
Meet Celia. Life hasn’t worked out quite how she’d planned.
Since her son left for university, Celia has felt stuck at home – battling with her husband Geoff over control of the thermostat, and without the merest glint of a social life. Her only joy comes from the plants she nurtures in her makeshift plant hospital in their Glasgow flat.
Then three unexpected things
She catches Geoff in bed with a secretary from his sausage factory (no pun intended). Her high-flying best friend Amanda arrives on her doorstep without warning (but with a very large suitcase). A tall handsome French teacher asks her to tend his daughter’s cactus back to health. Suddenly, Celia finds her life in freefall, but she makes a she won’t let this be the end of her. She’ll bring herself back to life, just like the plants she works her magic on. But just how do you change the habits of a lifetime?
My Opinion
Fiona Gibson has written an uplifting novel about self-discovery. The Woman Who Got Her Spark Back was a real page-turner with some relatable characters. A lovely, light-hearted read. I really enjoy Fiona’s writing style.
Rating 4/5
June 8, 2025
Celia is 43 and planning to attend her friend Amanda’s wedding. Amanda is a television producer marrying an actor. Celia is irritated that her husband Geoff refuses to attend the wedding with her.
Geoff spends most of his time and money on golfing and golfing getaways with his friends. Cecilia’s son has grown and gone. She spends a couple days running a boutique and the rest of the time tends to her houseplant hospital in her Glasgow flat. This is her true love. People all over ask for her help with their fledging plants and she’s happy to do so.
Enzo and Laura are divorced and parents to Matilde. When Enzo’s parents in France passed away, the one thing Matilde wanted was their beautiful cactus that Matilde names Spike.
When Celia finds Geoff with another woman in the family’s caravan, she kicks him out. Her friend, Amanda, is also having problems with her younger husband so she comes to stay with Celia for some time. The women get along and when Celia meets Enzo, they realize they have a lot in common and slowly they form a friendship with hopes of more to come.
This is a sweet, funny and realistic book that shows the things that marriages face. The characters are genuine and the story is delightful. Enjoy!
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Geoff spends most of his time and money on golfing and golfing getaways with his friends. Cecilia’s son has grown and gone. She spends a couple days running a boutique and the rest of the time tends to her houseplant hospital in her Glasgow flat. This is her true love. People all over ask for her help with their fledging plants and she’s happy to do so.
Enzo and Laura are divorced and parents to Matilde. When Enzo’s parents in France passed away, the one thing Matilde wanted was their beautiful cactus that Matilde names Spike.
When Celia finds Geoff with another woman in the family’s caravan, she kicks him out. Her friend, Amanda, is also having problems with her younger husband so she comes to stay with Celia for some time. The women get along and when Celia meets Enzo, they realize they have a lot in common and slowly they form a friendship with hopes of more to come.
This is a sweet, funny and realistic book that shows the things that marriages face. The characters are genuine and the story is delightful. Enjoy!
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
June 23, 2025
I am never disappointed when reading a book by Fiona Gibson and once again this is a cracker. Celia’s life isn’t that exciting but she loves her business of bringing poorly plants back to life for people. Her Son is at Uni studying fungi and her Husband no longer seems interested in her.
Amanda is Celia’s childhood friend however they haven’t really kept in touch since Celia had her Don and Amanda become a household name as. TV presenter however Celia is still invited to her wedding although she doesn’t have much interaction with Amanda on the day and feels frumpy compared to her friend.
Amanda however has not made the wisest decision in regards to her marriage and realising things aren’t as she thought she decides to visit Celia in Glasgow. The timing doesn’t seem to be the best as Celia has just had a shocking experience however Amanda ends up being like a breath of fresh air for Celia and starts to build her confidence back up.
Enzo is a single parent who ends up on Celia’s doorstep when his Daughters prized cactus seems to be dying and from there a friendship blossoms.
This book is a humourous and heartwarming story of friendships, second chances and fulfilment and I loved it. Would very highly recommend this book.
Thanks to Boldwood books and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book however all opinions are my own.
Amanda is Celia’s childhood friend however they haven’t really kept in touch since Celia had her Don and Amanda become a household name as. TV presenter however Celia is still invited to her wedding although she doesn’t have much interaction with Amanda on the day and feels frumpy compared to her friend.
Amanda however has not made the wisest decision in regards to her marriage and realising things aren’t as she thought she decides to visit Celia in Glasgow. The timing doesn’t seem to be the best as Celia has just had a shocking experience however Amanda ends up being like a breath of fresh air for Celia and starts to build her confidence back up.
Enzo is a single parent who ends up on Celia’s doorstep when his Daughters prized cactus seems to be dying and from there a friendship blossoms.
This book is a humourous and heartwarming story of friendships, second chances and fulfilment and I loved it. Would very highly recommend this book.
Thanks to Boldwood books and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book however all opinions are my own.
June 8, 2025
'Nuturing drooping aspidistras and desiccated begonias back to full health'.
I've been reading so many more books recently where the protagonist is middle-aged. As a 52 year-old in reality, a 30 year-old in my head, and a 70 year-old in my body, I love that Celia, Amanda, Terri, and Enzo made me feel that there are still hundreds of opportunities, just waiting around the corner.
When I read that Celia ran her very own houseplant hospital, I found myself wondering whether I knew enough about plants to run my own… I definitely don't! 🤣 But Celia did, whether it was a poorly Peace Lily, a sickly spider plant or a finicky Fiddle Leaf Fig, she somehow manages to find a cure and send them on their way. Does she cure Spike? You'll have to read the book to find out! 🌵
I think you'd need to be in the UK, and old, to remember a character called Beryl the Peril in a comic called the Beano. Well, Mathilde is Enzo's nine-year-old daughter and that's who she dresses like. With her black and red stripey tights and black dungaree dress, it gave me a blast from the past as the sassy little girl knew what she wanted and went all out to get it!
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review The Woman Who Got Her Spark Back by Fiona Gibson
I've been reading so many more books recently where the protagonist is middle-aged. As a 52 year-old in reality, a 30 year-old in my head, and a 70 year-old in my body, I love that Celia, Amanda, Terri, and Enzo made me feel that there are still hundreds of opportunities, just waiting around the corner.
When I read that Celia ran her very own houseplant hospital, I found myself wondering whether I knew enough about plants to run my own… I definitely don't! 🤣 But Celia did, whether it was a poorly Peace Lily, a sickly spider plant or a finicky Fiddle Leaf Fig, she somehow manages to find a cure and send them on their way. Does she cure Spike? You'll have to read the book to find out! 🌵
I think you'd need to be in the UK, and old, to remember a character called Beryl the Peril in a comic called the Beano. Well, Mathilde is Enzo's nine-year-old daughter and that's who she dresses like. With her black and red stripey tights and black dungaree dress, it gave me a blast from the past as the sassy little girl knew what she wanted and went all out to get it!
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review The Woman Who Got Her Spark Back by Fiona Gibson
August 3, 2025
In this fun and heartwarming new novel, from Fiona Gibson, readers follow Celia, missing her son at university and squabbling with her husband Geoff over the smallest things, as she tries to find joy in her plant hospital. However, when Geoff cheats on her, her glamorous best friend Amanda arrives for a visit without any warning, and a local French teacher needs help with his daughter’s cactus, Celia has to make a series of decisions about what she wants her life to look like and if she is happy with the way things are. Breaking old habits and trying to move forward, readers join Celia as she takes the first steps on a new life path. The characters are definitely the stars of the book, and their relationships are particularly well-written because they are so central to Celia’s character growth and the larger storyline. Celia is a sympathetic and relatable protagonist, and her dynamics with other characters are particularly interesting because these dynamics change over the course of the novel. Packed with details and possessing a charming atmosphere, readers will love the messages of hope and hard work that Celia’s story focuses on in this enjoyable, entertaining, and detailed new novel.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
May 29, 2025
👩⚕🌵The plant whisperer ditches humdrum!💞🎉
4.5🌟 stars
Fiona Gibson really knows how to create a realistic heroine who can come out on top despite realistic knocks. Celia "settled" for the first man who seriously courted her when she was a young mother and her life became routine, pretty colorless actually, except for her green thumb with plants and her sideline as a plant doctor who revives the woeful and wilting. A major shock has her reeling and an estranged old friend shows up and becomes a "Celia whisperer," helping her rediscover the fun and color in life.
All is not sweetness and light but then, that's not really life, is it? It's the way her female characters handle their fears and disappointments that makes this story such a good read. And Enzo, the teacher with a critically ill cactus, was a great second chance romance foil for Celia.
Not the first Fiona Gibson novel that I've read and enjoyed and it certainly won't be the last. Think women's fiction whimsical with romance and lots of heart.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
4.5🌟 stars
Fiona Gibson really knows how to create a realistic heroine who can come out on top despite realistic knocks. Celia "settled" for the first man who seriously courted her when she was a young mother and her life became routine, pretty colorless actually, except for her green thumb with plants and her sideline as a plant doctor who revives the woeful and wilting. A major shock has her reeling and an estranged old friend shows up and becomes a "Celia whisperer," helping her rediscover the fun and color in life.
All is not sweetness and light but then, that's not really life, is it? It's the way her female characters handle their fears and disappointments that makes this story such a good read. And Enzo, the teacher with a critically ill cactus, was a great second chance romance foil for Celia.
Not the first Fiona Gibson novel that I've read and enjoyed and it certainly won't be the last. Think women's fiction whimsical with romance and lots of heart.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
June 1, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood books for this advanced reading copy of The Woman Who Got Her Spark Back. It will be released on June 7th to retailers.
Celia has had a life that she didn’t plan. She got pregnant unexpectedly at age 18. She marries a rather boring man who promises to love her son as his at age 19. She has her husband, who loves golf so much he takes a lot of trips, and her 24 year old son who is finishing is university degree. She finds her husband cheating on her, and that same day her best friend (they’ve fallen apart), has decided to visit. Her son hates Amanda and has locked himself in his room. Her husband hasn’t contacted her, and she just feels lost.
However, the best part of this book is how Amanda decides Celia needs to take charge of her life. They go to bars. Celia meets Enzo, a single dad, who she enjoys talking with. Celia gets a clothes and hair makeover. Celia realizes that maybe this affair was what she needed to stop living her life for everyone else and living her life for herself.
I enjoyed this book. It’s an easy read, and I enjoyed the transformation of Celia from tired and drab to 40 and fabulous!
Celia has had a life that she didn’t plan. She got pregnant unexpectedly at age 18. She marries a rather boring man who promises to love her son as his at age 19. She has her husband, who loves golf so much he takes a lot of trips, and her 24 year old son who is finishing is university degree. She finds her husband cheating on her, and that same day her best friend (they’ve fallen apart), has decided to visit. Her son hates Amanda and has locked himself in his room. Her husband hasn’t contacted her, and she just feels lost.
However, the best part of this book is how Amanda decides Celia needs to take charge of her life. They go to bars. Celia meets Enzo, a single dad, who she enjoys talking with. Celia gets a clothes and hair makeover. Celia realizes that maybe this affair was what she needed to stop living her life for everyone else and living her life for herself.
I enjoyed this book. It’s an easy read, and I enjoyed the transformation of Celia from tired and drab to 40 and fabulous!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2025
Celia’s story in The Woman Who Got Her Spark Back is one of rediscovery, resilience, and a little bit of chaos—and I ended up really enjoying it, even if the beginning left me a bit unsure.
At first, the plot felt a little scattered, and I wasn’t quite sure where it was going. But once the story settled into its groove, it really picked up. Celia is a relatable and endearing character—stuck in a rut, fumbling through the aftermath of her husband’s betrayal, and trying to figure out what’s next. Her love of plants becomes the perfect metaphor for her journey: sometimes wilted, sometimes messy, but capable of blooming again.
The supporting characters added plenty of color—especially her dramatic best friend Amanda and the charming French teacher (yes, there’s a bit of romance!). It’s quirky, heartfelt, and a little unpredictable, just like life.
While the pacing might throw some readers off in the beginning, it’s worth sticking with. Once it finds its footing, it becomes a sweet and empowering story about starting over at any age and finding joy in the unexpected.
At first, the plot felt a little scattered, and I wasn’t quite sure where it was going. But once the story settled into its groove, it really picked up. Celia is a relatable and endearing character—stuck in a rut, fumbling through the aftermath of her husband’s betrayal, and trying to figure out what’s next. Her love of plants becomes the perfect metaphor for her journey: sometimes wilted, sometimes messy, but capable of blooming again.
The supporting characters added plenty of color—especially her dramatic best friend Amanda and the charming French teacher (yes, there’s a bit of romance!). It’s quirky, heartfelt, and a little unpredictable, just like life.
While the pacing might throw some readers off in the beginning, it’s worth sticking with. Once it finds its footing, it becomes a sweet and empowering story about starting over at any age and finding joy in the unexpected.
May 8, 2025
Celia’s life has taken a spin. She and Geoff have got on ok and he took on her son as a baby (who is now 24) so when she suddenly finds things don’t add up it’s quite a shock to say the least. Amanda, her best friend from school in Scotland. now lives in London as a TV presenter. They have sort of kept in touch but lives diverged. Amanda is rather fed up with her other half Jasper, who is making a half hearted attempt at being an artist after being a failed actor. Amanda ups sticks and decides to go and visit the one person who would understand her turmoil- Celia, little knowing what has just happened.
This is a wonderful story, one of hope and new beginnings. Of the little things that mean the world and how a little kindness goes a long way. Of friendships and love, of life and its trials and tribulation. An uplifting read with a smile.
For more reviews please follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @nickisbookblog
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April 18, 2025
I absolutely love Fiona’s books and it was such a treat to read and review The woman who got her spark back.
A really witty, heartfelt relatable read that I couldn’t put down!
I love how Fiona portrays and champions women of a certain age, extolling the virtues of maturity,courage and the fact that it’s never too late to change, have fun, live and love and the wonderful thing that is female friendship and support, such a wonderful and priceless gift that should never be underestimated!
Loved Celia and the way she coped/ changed/started again after finding her husband Geoff in a very compromising position. Aided and abetted by her friends Amanda and Terri, Celia embarks on a voyage of self discovery and begins to live and love once more proving that you are never too old for a second chance at life and all it entails!
A really heartwarming read that will stay with you long after you have read it
Thank you NetGalley for this early read
A really witty, heartfelt relatable read that I couldn’t put down!
I love how Fiona portrays and champions women of a certain age, extolling the virtues of maturity,courage and the fact that it’s never too late to change, have fun, live and love and the wonderful thing that is female friendship and support, such a wonderful and priceless gift that should never be underestimated!
Loved Celia and the way she coped/ changed/started again after finding her husband Geoff in a very compromising position. Aided and abetted by her friends Amanda and Terri, Celia embarks on a voyage of self discovery and begins to live and love once more proving that you are never too old for a second chance at life and all it entails!
A really heartwarming read that will stay with you long after you have read it
Thank you NetGalley for this early read
April 21, 2025
Fiona Gibson just has a spark that makes her characters leap of the page. Celia is just wonderful, her passion for plants sparked something in me, and also her tea hint has hopefully saved my aloe plant that needs some extra help. I was so excited for Celia and Amanda, we all have that one friend that we were super close with, and then life happened, and you just aren’t as close, but then life happens, and you need each other. That was the beauty of this story, the fact that they each help each other grow and the spark of friendship develops into something so special. There is a great plot and characters that you cant help but adore like the amazing young Mathilde, who shone out all on her own.
May 27, 2025
This book tells the story of Celia, a woman who got pregnant very young which led to her life turning out very different than she dreamt it would. Now her son is grown and at university and she is living alongside her boring and frugal husband. But when she catches him cheating and her former best friend comes for sn unexpected visit things begin to change...
I liked reading the book. The main character and the story were relatable and entertaining. I couldn't really relate to Amanda and it really took me a while to get used to the different narrators, as the book is told from various POVs.
All in all an entertaining and uplifting book about people in their forties improving their lives.
I received an ARC via netgalley.com and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I liked reading the book. The main character and the story were relatable and entertaining. I couldn't really relate to Amanda and it really took me a while to get used to the different narrators, as the book is told from various POVs.
All in all an entertaining and uplifting book about people in their forties improving their lives.
I received an ARC via netgalley.com and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 7, 2025
I like that this book features two diverse stories whose only connection is that they take place in Glasgow, but gradually, with the help of a cactus, they connect in a meaningful way. Celia has made the best of her life after a rocky start. She is a good mother, now an empty nester whose marriage does not seem as good as it once was. In reality, it's worse than she thought. Celia moves on from a life-changing event with the help of her female friends, who nurture and support her to discover the life she deserves. There is unexpected romance, strong female friendship, humour and poignancy in this engaging story. It has a refreshing and relatable realism, still managing to show life's magic.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
June 11, 2025
I would love to thank NetGalley and the author for the free copy of this amazing book.
Reading The Woman Who Got Her Spark Back by Fiona Gibson felt like having a heart-to-heart with a close friend. The main character is real—flawed, funny, and trying to figure things out. I found myself rooting for her as she navigated the chaos of family life, work, and the unexpected twists that come with starting over.
There is warmth and humor, and there were moments that made me laugh, as well as others that touched me. It’s not just a story about romance—it's about self-discovery, resilience, and learning that it’s never too late to reignite your spark.
If you're looking for a comforting, this one is definitely worth picking up.
Reading The Woman Who Got Her Spark Back by Fiona Gibson felt like having a heart-to-heart with a close friend. The main character is real—flawed, funny, and trying to figure things out. I found myself rooting for her as she navigated the chaos of family life, work, and the unexpected twists that come with starting over.
There is warmth and humor, and there were moments that made me laugh, as well as others that touched me. It’s not just a story about romance—it's about self-discovery, resilience, and learning that it’s never too late to reignite your spark.
If you're looking for a comforting, this one is definitely worth picking up.
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