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Life Lessons: Maybe it's not a good idea to start a relationship with lies!
Life Lessons is set in Brighton (UK) and tells the story of Molly Willoughby, a new teacher at a tricky Comprehensive in Hove. The kids are running riot, and Molly can’t seem to stop messing up. But she’s about to make the biggest mistake of she’s about to fall in love… and learn that maybe it’s a bad idea to start a new relationship with lots of little untruths?
Set against the backdrop of the cosmopolitan city of Brighton, the book follows Molly and her stalwart group of friends as they navigate the tricky waters of life, work, homophobia, misogyny, betrayal and, most importantly, love. They are all floundering without a paddle, but when they trust each other, they will not only survive but be appreciated for who they are without having to change to please someone else.
Set against the backdrop of the cosmopolitan city of Brighton, the book follows Molly and her stalwart group of friends as they navigate the tricky waters of life, work, homophobia, misogyny, betrayal and, most importantly, love. They are all floundering without a paddle, but when they trust each other, they will not only survive but be appreciated for who they are without having to change to please someone else.
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 20, 2025
3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 2, 2025
I really enjoyed Life Lessons, the latest book by Hilly Barmby. It’s a warm, easy read with a realistic love story at its heart. The characters are strong, colourful, and feel like people you might actually meet: flawed but lovable.
What really stood out for me were the vivid descriptions capturing the essence of Brighton and the hidden gems known only to locals that give the story a real sense of place.
Highly recommended. Download for your next poolside read.
What really stood out for me were the vivid descriptions capturing the essence of Brighton and the hidden gems known only to locals that give the story a real sense of place.
Highly recommended. Download for your next poolside read.
July 30, 2025
terrific book. loved the characters. really got good with the accident. the way they all pulled together was awesome! glad the ending was the way it was!
August 15, 2025
If you enjoy classic British romcoms you will love this book! Relatable characters sharing snappy dialogue while wrestling with how to establish themselves at work, with friends, in town, in their love lives. Once again, Hilly Barmby, draws us into a charming story that allows her to comment on the sacrifices we make for love. Thoroughly recommend!!
August 20, 2025
Life Lessons by Hilly Barmby was such an enjoyable read. It’s a little different from what Hilly’s written in the past, but still packed with everything I enjoy when reading any of her books. It's filled heart, humour and those little emotional moments that sneak up on you when you're least expecting it.
Molly and her group of friends were so relatable and Hilly wove the storyline in such a way that you couldn't help but love them, flaws and all. The writing is sharp and warm, with just the right balance of wit and tenderness.
If you’re after a classic rom-com with witty humour and characters you’ll genuinely care about, this one’s definitely worth picking up.
Molly and her group of friends were so relatable and Hilly wove the storyline in such a way that you couldn't help but love them, flaws and all. The writing is sharp and warm, with just the right balance of wit and tenderness.
If you’re after a classic rom-com with witty humour and characters you’ll genuinely care about, this one’s definitely worth picking up.
August 20, 2025
I'd enjoyed the authors other books so was keen to read this even though it's quite different to my usual reads.
This felt like a very real-life situation romcom as we follow Molly and watch as juggles a new job, a new relationship and her group of friends.
The situations she finds herself in were part funny and part raw and emotional. Lots of those situations that face people (and teachers) with an extra twist of humour or drama.
There was a great balance of characters here. Liam was a very dislikeable character, Molly was sweet if gullable, and her friends were a fun mix.
I'm glad this wrapped up the way it did.
Thanks to the author for my gifted ebook. All thoughts are my own.
This felt like a very real-life situation romcom as we follow Molly and watch as juggles a new job, a new relationship and her group of friends.
The situations she finds herself in were part funny and part raw and emotional. Lots of those situations that face people (and teachers) with an extra twist of humour or drama.
There was a great balance of characters here. Liam was a very dislikeable character, Molly was sweet if gullable, and her friends were a fun mix.
I'm glad this wrapped up the way it did.
Thanks to the author for my gifted ebook. All thoughts are my own.
August 1, 2025
I really enjoyed Life Lessons — it’s a lively, feel-good read with warm, relatable characters. I raced through it in just a few days! The story transported me to a nostalgic Brighton, and I loved spotting familiar places and situations along the way. Hilly’s great sense of humour shines throughout, especially through the character of Molly. I particularly appreciated seeing how her relationship with her students evolved, offering a heartfelt glimpse into the real challenges and rewards of teaching. A perfect, uplifting read for the summer!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews