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Sweet Pea: A Novel
“A profoundly compassionate novel of devastating power and emotional complexity.” ―Bernardine Evaristo
A beautiful portrait of a seemingly ordinary woman’s life, transformed by extraordinary love.
When Paulette arrived in England as a young girl, she left behind a grandmother in St. Kitts who called her “Sweet Pea,” taught her to cook, and admonished her to avoid temptation and embrace love and forgiveness, in that order.
Now, Paulette’s twenty-nine and within reach of her a wedding, a baby, and a little house. She’s got the man, handsome Denton, and a good job as an assistant nurse. But when tragedy strikes, her baby comes from Denton’s friend, a relationship that can’t last. Soon it’s just Paulette, grieving the life she almost had, and her son, Bird. It seems like enough, until another boy, the same age as Bird, appears. Now, there’s someone new to take under wing and worry about, someone who calls her Sweet Pea and makes her laugh.
Through friendships, motherhood, and connections that emerge in the most unexpected places, Paulette discovers strength in everyday acts of kindness.
A luminous and lyrical novel of the trials of life and the compassion that can follow, Sweet Pea introduces readers to an indelible heroine who never turns away from her capacity to love.
A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press
A beautiful portrait of a seemingly ordinary woman’s life, transformed by extraordinary love.
When Paulette arrived in England as a young girl, she left behind a grandmother in St. Kitts who called her “Sweet Pea,” taught her to cook, and admonished her to avoid temptation and embrace love and forgiveness, in that order.
Now, Paulette’s twenty-nine and within reach of her a wedding, a baby, and a little house. She’s got the man, handsome Denton, and a good job as an assistant nurse. But when tragedy strikes, her baby comes from Denton’s friend, a relationship that can’t last. Soon it’s just Paulette, grieving the life she almost had, and her son, Bird. It seems like enough, until another boy, the same age as Bird, appears. Now, there’s someone new to take under wing and worry about, someone who calls her Sweet Pea and makes her laugh.
Through friendships, motherhood, and connections that emerge in the most unexpected places, Paulette discovers strength in everyday acts of kindness.
A luminous and lyrical novel of the trials of life and the compassion that can follow, Sweet Pea introduces readers to an indelible heroine who never turns away from her capacity to love.
A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin’s Press
Audible Audio
First published April 10, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 444 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️ 4.5 ⭐️ 1970s, England. A story of love in a divided society with themes of grief, motherhood, racism and how random people can become family. A very quiet and moving novel of a woman who lost it all yet kept pushing forward, offering unwavering kindness and warmth to all those around her. It's very character driven, admirable and a bit of a tear jerker. It's high on betrayal, grief and profound love for the people that enter our lives. It's emotionally impactful because it shows a sweet story about ordinary, imperfect love and how we offer our affection, respect and kindness to the people we meet.
What's it about?
At the center of the story we have Paulette, a Black woman from St. Kitts, who's been living in London since she was a young girl. She's currently 29, works in healthcare and is deeply in love with Denton, a man she hopes to marry soon. She's of that age, where children are on her mind but Denton is reluctant to make the moves until a tragedy strikes and Paulette is left with a painful reality of some bitter-truths. She is grieving and her grief brings her closer to his best friend, Garfield, with whom she eventually ends up having a child with. She gives birth to a baby boy, Bird, who is the center of her world. Unexpectedly, Paulette meets Frank, the man that was responsible for the tragedy that left her shattered and broken. She's initially very angry with and at him but learns that he too is broken and struggling to raise his young grandson, Nellie. Overtime, as her anger subsides, Paulette grows close to Frank and Nellie, becoming sort of a mother-figure to the young boy. The kids basically grow up together and Paulettes' pain turns into a connection and their circle turns into friendship and the people turn into her new found-family.
The breathtaking beauty of this book lies in the fact that it's not only a story of forgiveness and kindness but it also touches the deepest corners of the human heart. Paulette is a deeply moving character and the emotional center of this book. Her story is full of heartbreak, loss and painful realizations. She's experienced a lot of hurt and disappointment in life but yet she's resilient and she's proud of everything she's done all by herself and she's quite vulnerable when it comes to the fundamental human need to belong. She's not looking to be loved by someone or be in love with someone, she wants to be a part of someone else's life, like a little slice of life. Motherhood helps Paulette to understand and appreciate the suffering and pain she's endured. By becoming a mother, she's gained a new life purpose. It showed her reasons to move forward, to forgive and to let go of the hurt she's carried for a while. With time, Paulette learns to acknowledge the circumstances that shaped the events in her life and she learns to accept that not everything in this life unfolds as we wish. I think many readers, women especially, will see themselves in her character and emotional struggles.
The calling of 'Sweet Pea' carries an emotional significance in this story. Given the affectionate nickname by Paulettes' grandmother, the lessons that she taught Paulette kind of form a moral framework in this book. That form of affection is a link between the generations that carried over from her childhood to her adulthood, helping shape her life every step of the way. Paulette wouldn't be Paulette if it wasn't for that Caribbean upbringing she's had and that generational continuity really worked itself through another generation through her loving care and kindness towards Franks grandson Nellie. That sustained affection and kind touch is what truly makes Paulette a special human being.
I think this book will leave many readers, female and males included, with thoughts and emotions and perhaps lessons that linger long after the final pages have been turned.
This book is featured on BOTM for November 2026! Get your first copy for $5 using this link: https://www.mybotm.com/bgnrjn6qk0o
I love BOTM, super easy to sign up, cancel, pause or skip a month at no additional cost to you. Enjoy!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio for an early ALC!
Narrator: Sara Powell
Duration 7 hours 46 minutes
Speed: 2x
Publication date: November 3, 2026
What's it about?
At the center of the story we have Paulette, a Black woman from St. Kitts, who's been living in London since she was a young girl. She's currently 29, works in healthcare and is deeply in love with Denton, a man she hopes to marry soon. She's of that age, where children are on her mind but Denton is reluctant to make the moves until a tragedy strikes and Paulette is left with a painful reality of some bitter-truths. She is grieving and her grief brings her closer to his best friend, Garfield, with whom she eventually ends up having a child with. She gives birth to a baby boy, Bird, who is the center of her world. Unexpectedly, Paulette meets Frank, the man that was responsible for the tragedy that left her shattered and broken. She's initially very angry with and at him but learns that he too is broken and struggling to raise his young grandson, Nellie. Overtime, as her anger subsides, Paulette grows close to Frank and Nellie, becoming sort of a mother-figure to the young boy. The kids basically grow up together and Paulettes' pain turns into a connection and their circle turns into friendship and the people turn into her new found-family.
The breathtaking beauty of this book lies in the fact that it's not only a story of forgiveness and kindness but it also touches the deepest corners of the human heart. Paulette is a deeply moving character and the emotional center of this book. Her story is full of heartbreak, loss and painful realizations. She's experienced a lot of hurt and disappointment in life but yet she's resilient and she's proud of everything she's done all by herself and she's quite vulnerable when it comes to the fundamental human need to belong. She's not looking to be loved by someone or be in love with someone, she wants to be a part of someone else's life, like a little slice of life. Motherhood helps Paulette to understand and appreciate the suffering and pain she's endured. By becoming a mother, she's gained a new life purpose. It showed her reasons to move forward, to forgive and to let go of the hurt she's carried for a while. With time, Paulette learns to acknowledge the circumstances that shaped the events in her life and she learns to accept that not everything in this life unfolds as we wish. I think many readers, women especially, will see themselves in her character and emotional struggles.
The calling of 'Sweet Pea' carries an emotional significance in this story. Given the affectionate nickname by Paulettes' grandmother, the lessons that she taught Paulette kind of form a moral framework in this book. That form of affection is a link between the generations that carried over from her childhood to her adulthood, helping shape her life every step of the way. Paulette wouldn't be Paulette if it wasn't for that Caribbean upbringing she's had and that generational continuity really worked itself through another generation through her loving care and kindness towards Franks grandson Nellie. That sustained affection and kind touch is what truly makes Paulette a special human being.
I think this book will leave many readers, female and males included, with thoughts and emotions and perhaps lessons that linger long after the final pages have been turned.
This book is featured on BOTM for November 2026! Get your first copy for $5 using this link: https://www.mybotm.com/bgnrjn6qk0o
I love BOTM, super easy to sign up, cancel, pause or skip a month at no additional cost to you. Enjoy!
Many thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio for an early ALC!
Narrator: Sara Powell
Duration 7 hours 46 minutes
Speed: 2x
Publication date: November 3, 2026
March 29, 2025
Review to follow nearer publication date.
I love Kit de Waals writing, I’ve read most of her books and they are all well written. She brings the characters to life and I feel like I know them.
The Best of Everything is a story of love and forgiveness. I felt for Paulette and Frank. The ending was perfect.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Now being published under the title of Sweet Pea. Brilliant book.
I love Kit de Waals writing, I’ve read most of her books and they are all well written. She brings the characters to life and I feel like I know them.
The Best of Everything is a story of love and forgiveness. I felt for Paulette and Frank. The ending was perfect.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Now being published under the title of Sweet Pea. Brilliant book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you St. Martin’s Press for the free copy!
SWEET PEA turned out to be a lovely read. There were moments my heart broke for the character but also some uplifting, touching scenes. This might sound like an oxymoron but it’s a quietly powerful novel. Not flashy or action packed but one in which you gain something from the reading experience.
Paulette’s grandmother taught her some important life lessons. After leaving St. Kitts as a young girl and moving to England, Paulette often thinks of her. Now close to thirty years old, Paulette is in love with Denton when tragedy strikes and he is killed in a car accident. Still grieving, Paulette gives birth to her son, Bird. In a cruel twist of faith or perhaps a blessing, she meets the driver who killed Denton. She ends up taking the driver’s grandson, Nellie, who is about Bird’s age, under her wing.
The story follows Paulette thru the years as she raises Bird. A mother’s love is a strong theme running throughout. However, it’s Paulette’s relationship with Nellie that I can’t stop thinking about. There’s one situation in particular that really tugged at my heartstrings. Treating others with respect, dignity, and compassion and not passing judgement is important for all of us to remember. I loved Paulette’s approach in talking with Nellie and later with Bird. There’s many other things to appreciate about this novel as it also shows the challenges a parent faces when raising a Black son in England.
Life doesn’t always go the way we planned but try to adapt the best way you can so you don’t miss out on the beautiful moments.
SWEET PEA turned out to be a lovely read. There were moments my heart broke for the character but also some uplifting, touching scenes. This might sound like an oxymoron but it’s a quietly powerful novel. Not flashy or action packed but one in which you gain something from the reading experience.
Paulette’s grandmother taught her some important life lessons. After leaving St. Kitts as a young girl and moving to England, Paulette often thinks of her. Now close to thirty years old, Paulette is in love with Denton when tragedy strikes and he is killed in a car accident. Still grieving, Paulette gives birth to her son, Bird. In a cruel twist of faith or perhaps a blessing, she meets the driver who killed Denton. She ends up taking the driver’s grandson, Nellie, who is about Bird’s age, under her wing.
The story follows Paulette thru the years as she raises Bird. A mother’s love is a strong theme running throughout. However, it’s Paulette’s relationship with Nellie that I can’t stop thinking about. There’s one situation in particular that really tugged at my heartstrings. Treating others with respect, dignity, and compassion and not passing judgement is important for all of us to remember. I loved Paulette’s approach in talking with Nellie and later with Bird. There’s many other things to appreciate about this novel as it also shows the challenges a parent faces when raising a Black son in England.
Life doesn’t always go the way we planned but try to adapt the best way you can so you don’t miss out on the beautiful moments.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2025
I did not want this story to end- sobbing into my tea at the pure beauty of this story- a genius in her craft. ❤️
May 19, 2025
My Rating ~ 4.5*
The Best of Everything by Kit De Waal published April 10th with Tinder Press and is described as ‘a tender celebration of kindness and its power to change lives…one of the most beautiful and uplifting novels you’ll read this year’. If, like me and many others, you have read My Name is Leon you can confidently pick up a copy of The Best of Everything safe in the knowledge that a beautiful and kind novel awaits you.
When Kit De Waal wrote about two minor characters in a previous piece of work, they stayed with her, hence this novel was born. It’s 1972 and Paulette works in a hospital as an auxiliary nurse. Her boyfriend Denton makes her happy leaving Paulette fantasizing about their future life together. Having everything mapped out in her head, she floats along in a bubble of sorts until the day she opens the door to Garfield, Denton’s friend. Garfield has a message that changes everything for Paulette and, just like that, her life is thrown into turmoil. Unable to comprehend how upended her days have become, she starts to rely on Garfield for support and, although she never truly could love him, she soon understands that he will provide and be there for her.
Yet Paulette has demons that she just cannot lock away and, as the years pass, Paulette struggles. The birth of their baby boy Bird injects new meaning into Paulette’s life and, for awhile, she makes sure that Bird is never left wanting, always having the best of everything but the shadow haunts her, leaving her restless and discontent.
One day, Paulette encounters a young boy, Nellie, who is one age to Bird. He lives with his grandfather, Cornelius, who is clearly struggling. Without too much thought, Paulette soon finds herself caught up in their lives. Paulette is a very warm-hearted individual. She has known pain but there is an underlying kindness that surfaces and her naturally caring nature comes to the fore. But why Nellie? What is it that connects her to this young boy?
As the years pass, relationships change and family dynamics shift and sway. As Paulette negotiates these years we witness her at her very worst and best. Her pain is laid bare for us to see yet also her desire to love and be loved is also very much evident.
The Best of Everything is very much a story about people, focusing on its characters’ development and their growth with the passage of time. Paulette is a beautiful person looking to be cared for. She deserves a good life but circumstances keep pulling her back down. Paulette is on a journey and, as we accompany her on her path, she learns how to navigate some very trying events that very much affect her emotional wellbeing. Kit De Waal has created a gorgeous and giving tale. The descriptions and narrative, the dialogue and the setting all combine to create a heart-warming and magical tale of self-discovery and self-worth. A tender story, The Best of Everything is a stirring human tale, one that pulls at all the heartstrings leaving readers in a more hopeful and better place.
The Best of Everything by Kit De Waal published April 10th with Tinder Press and is described as ‘a tender celebration of kindness and its power to change lives…one of the most beautiful and uplifting novels you’ll read this year’. If, like me and many others, you have read My Name is Leon you can confidently pick up a copy of The Best of Everything safe in the knowledge that a beautiful and kind novel awaits you.
When Kit De Waal wrote about two minor characters in a previous piece of work, they stayed with her, hence this novel was born. It’s 1972 and Paulette works in a hospital as an auxiliary nurse. Her boyfriend Denton makes her happy leaving Paulette fantasizing about their future life together. Having everything mapped out in her head, she floats along in a bubble of sorts until the day she opens the door to Garfield, Denton’s friend. Garfield has a message that changes everything for Paulette and, just like that, her life is thrown into turmoil. Unable to comprehend how upended her days have become, she starts to rely on Garfield for support and, although she never truly could love him, she soon understands that he will provide and be there for her.
Yet Paulette has demons that she just cannot lock away and, as the years pass, Paulette struggles. The birth of their baby boy Bird injects new meaning into Paulette’s life and, for awhile, she makes sure that Bird is never left wanting, always having the best of everything but the shadow haunts her, leaving her restless and discontent.
One day, Paulette encounters a young boy, Nellie, who is one age to Bird. He lives with his grandfather, Cornelius, who is clearly struggling. Without too much thought, Paulette soon finds herself caught up in their lives. Paulette is a very warm-hearted individual. She has known pain but there is an underlying kindness that surfaces and her naturally caring nature comes to the fore. But why Nellie? What is it that connects her to this young boy?
As the years pass, relationships change and family dynamics shift and sway. As Paulette negotiates these years we witness her at her very worst and best. Her pain is laid bare for us to see yet also her desire to love and be loved is also very much evident.
The Best of Everything is very much a story about people, focusing on its characters’ development and their growth with the passage of time. Paulette is a beautiful person looking to be cared for. She deserves a good life but circumstances keep pulling her back down. Paulette is on a journey and, as we accompany her on her path, she learns how to navigate some very trying events that very much affect her emotional wellbeing. Kit De Waal has created a gorgeous and giving tale. The descriptions and narrative, the dialogue and the setting all combine to create a heart-warming and magical tale of self-discovery and self-worth. A tender story, The Best of Everything is a stirring human tale, one that pulls at all the heartstrings leaving readers in a more hopeful and better place.
March 27, 2026
Another Womens Prize nominee that took me by surprise. This is a story that sits firmly in the 'character study, little plot' camp as Paulette becomes embroiled in the life of a very sad and lonely little boy called Cornelius, Nellie, amongst her own small family with son Bird. It's a story of diaspora, connection, grief. Paulette finds, looses and finds herself again as her son grows up, moves on, and she still seems to be stuck in the past. Cornelius goes from being a little boy with no mother to a troubled teen and beyond. But he never forgets Paulette, the woman who raised him, helped him be the man he becomes. It's a touching story, and I think unless you can connect in someway with the characters you're going to struggle to read this, however I really did. Paulette's warmth and kindness shines through, and when she gets lonely herself, reflecting what Nellie must have gone through himself, it pulled my heart in all kinds of directions. Great writing. I need to read My Name is Leon now.
I will say I wouldn't recommend the audio version of this. I could hear every time the narrator swallowed, and it was deeply off-putting.
I will say I wouldn't recommend the audio version of this. I could hear every time the narrator swallowed, and it was deeply off-putting.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Paulette is a 29 year old Black woman and auxiliary nurse, who immigrated from St. Kitts to England.
After a horrible accident, Paulette’s life is tragically turned upside down. This life event puts Paulette on a totally different life path than what she expected.
This story spans a few decades, starting in 1972, as Paulette (Sweet Pea) navigates the complexities of life as a single mother, dealing with grief, secrets, and the struggle to forgive.
There were parts of this novel that I loved, especially the way food was used as a bridge to form a connection and heal past wounds. I also loved the themes of love and forgiveness.
One of the things that was hard to read was how Paulette seemed to repeat the same mistake with men repeatedly, and the fact that she never seemed to take responsibility for her part in creating the turmoil in her life.
🎧 The audio of this book was performed by Sara Powell. She helped me stay engaged in the story and did a great job bringing it to life.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
After a horrible accident, Paulette’s life is tragically turned upside down. This life event puts Paulette on a totally different life path than what she expected.
This story spans a few decades, starting in 1972, as Paulette (Sweet Pea) navigates the complexities of life as a single mother, dealing with grief, secrets, and the struggle to forgive.
There were parts of this novel that I loved, especially the way food was used as a bridge to form a connection and heal past wounds. I also loved the themes of love and forgiveness.
One of the things that was hard to read was how Paulette seemed to repeat the same mistake with men repeatedly, and the fact that she never seemed to take responsibility for her part in creating the turmoil in her life.
🎧 The audio of this book was performed by Sara Powell. She helped me stay engaged in the story and did a great job bringing it to life.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the advance copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.
April 2, 2026
This was easy to read and I enjoyed reading it. It is a character driven book with the main female being Paulette a resilient Caribbean woman who works as an auxiliary at the hospital. She has a child called Bird, and she is drawn to a white boy and his grandfather Frank, who had killed in a car accident Paulettes married lover. You care about the characters which are well rounded and developed. There is a strong sense of culture, and the time its set in, from the 1970's onwards. The descriptions of the Caribbean food are intense and you can literally taste it makingyour mouth water. Its a story of family, grief, love and loss, loneliness and having to rebuild your life after tragedy. Ultimately it is about found family, kindness and forgiveness. It is a quietly sad, empathetic, excellently written book that you can devour.
January 20, 2026
The Best of Everything is one of those deceptively gentle novels that sneaks up on you. Kit de Waal lets the story meander, wander, and occasionally take sharp, unexpected turns (much like real life) without ever feeling unfocused or indulgent. I loved how unpredictable it felt; just when I thought I knew where things were heading, the narrative shifted, deepening the emotional stakes rather than chasing cheap drama.
The characters feel lived-in and human, carrying their histories with them in small gestures and unspoken regrets. And the ending? Quietly satisfying, emotionally earned, and lingering in that soft, thoughtful way that stays with you long after the final page.
Tender, unpredictable, and impossible to put down—this one gets under your skin and makes itself comfortable ❤️
The characters feel lived-in and human, carrying their histories with them in small gestures and unspoken regrets. And the ending? Quietly satisfying, emotionally earned, and lingering in that soft, thoughtful way that stays with you long after the final page.
Tender, unpredictable, and impossible to put down—this one gets under your skin and makes itself comfortable ❤️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The story begins in 1972 when Paulette is 29 years old. She is a young Black woman from St. Kitts living in London. Her grandmother affectionately called her Sweet Pea. Paulette works as a nurse and is madly in love with Denton, who she expects to marry, build a family together and have a happy life. But her dream is shattered when Denton dies in a car accident. Denton's friend Garfield tries to fill his shoes and together they have a child, nicknamed Bird. Paulette has an encounter with Frank, the man responsible for Denton's death, and she is filled with rage. She discovers that Frank is raising his young grandson Nellie on his own and the boy is close in age to Bird. Paulette encourages a friendship between the boys, and she becomes a surrogate mother to Nellie. Paulette longs for St. Kitts and preserves her memories by cooking dishes taught to her by her grandmother. Teaching Nellie to cook creates a special bond between them. As the boys grow older, Paulette observes the different ways a Black and white child are treated, especially when they start getting into trouble. Their paths will soon take a significant shift.
Sweet Pea by Kit de Waal is a story of a woman's journey through love, loss, betrayal, found family, and forgiveness. Although she is a loving, compassionate woman, making her a character to root for, she makes some poor decisions stemming from her ongoing grief and has to learn from her mistakes to find her way. The characters are all so well crafted. This tender tale of resiliency touched my heart.
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press for the gifted advance.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
Sweet Pea by Kit de Waal is a story of a woman's journey through love, loss, betrayal, found family, and forgiveness. Although she is a loving, compassionate woman, making her a character to root for, she makes some poor decisions stemming from her ongoing grief and has to learn from her mistakes to find her way. The characters are all so well crafted. This tender tale of resiliency touched my heart.
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press for the gifted advance.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
June 28, 2026
5 stars
I absolutely loved The Best of Everything. It’s warm, heartbreaking, funny and quietly devastating all at once. Set in 1970s Birmingham, it follows Paulette, a woman from St Kitts who is trying to build a good life for herself and her son Bird. Her carefully planned future falls apart when her lover Denton dies suddenly, and she ends up finding comfort with his friend Garfield. Then there’s Nellie, a little boy living nearby with no mother around, who somehow becomes impossible for Paulette to ignore. What follows is really a story about motherhood, grief, forgiveness and the strange ways people become family.
Paulette is such a wonderfully imperfect character , strong and loving, but also lonely, stubborn and capable of making some pretty bad choices. I loved watching her slowly find her way through all the mess life throws at her. The relationship between Paulette and Nellie is probably the emotional heart of the book, and their bond really got to me. What makes the story special is that the kindness isn't grand or dramatic; it's in ordinary people stepping up for each other.
I listened to the audiobook and was completely absorbed in Paulette's world.
There is plenty of sadness here, but somehow the book never becomes gloomy because de Waal balances the heartbreak with humour, warmth and hope. I finished it feeling like I'd actually known these people rather than simply read about them. Beautiful, deeply human and one of those books that quietly stays with you after you've finished.
Happy Reading!!
I absolutely loved The Best of Everything. It’s warm, heartbreaking, funny and quietly devastating all at once. Set in 1970s Birmingham, it follows Paulette, a woman from St Kitts who is trying to build a good life for herself and her son Bird. Her carefully planned future falls apart when her lover Denton dies suddenly, and she ends up finding comfort with his friend Garfield. Then there’s Nellie, a little boy living nearby with no mother around, who somehow becomes impossible for Paulette to ignore. What follows is really a story about motherhood, grief, forgiveness and the strange ways people become family.
Paulette is such a wonderfully imperfect character , strong and loving, but also lonely, stubborn and capable of making some pretty bad choices. I loved watching her slowly find her way through all the mess life throws at her. The relationship between Paulette and Nellie is probably the emotional heart of the book, and their bond really got to me. What makes the story special is that the kindness isn't grand or dramatic; it's in ordinary people stepping up for each other.
I listened to the audiobook and was completely absorbed in Paulette's world.
There is plenty of sadness here, but somehow the book never becomes gloomy because de Waal balances the heartbreak with humour, warmth and hope. I finished it feeling like I'd actually known these people rather than simply read about them. Beautiful, deeply human and one of those books that quietly stays with you after you've finished.
Happy Reading!!
March 5, 2026
4.5
Back to the 70s and the story of Paulette from
‘My name is Leon’. It will be interesting to see how the small minority of white men who read the women’s prize longlist review this. KDW always writes in an easy and accessible way that make the strong themes even more powerful. It follows a care assistant in the NHS of the 1970s when they were known as nursing auxiliaries. I can remember working in this environment then well and had occasional quibbles with accuracy. But mainly it is about Paulette‘s life. It is set in Birmingham, which makes a change from London and themes include racism, family, addiction, crime and diasporic communities plus both blood and found family. There is also a part set in Texas. The female characters are all very well drawn and realistic. Generally men are not seen very favourably for good reason
Back to the 70s and the story of Paulette from
‘My name is Leon’. It will be interesting to see how the small minority of white men who read the women’s prize longlist review this. KDW always writes in an easy and accessible way that make the strong themes even more powerful. It follows a care assistant in the NHS of the 1970s when they were known as nursing auxiliaries. I can remember working in this environment then well and had occasional quibbles with accuracy. But mainly it is about Paulette‘s life. It is set in Birmingham, which makes a change from London and themes include racism, family, addiction, crime and diasporic communities plus both blood and found family. There is also a part set in Texas. The female characters are all very well drawn and realistic. Generally men are not seen very favourably for good reason
March 27, 2025
kind of boring tbqh!
October 29, 2026
Paulette, a young woman who immigrated to England from St. Kitts as a child, was lovingly called "Sweet Pea" by her grandmother, who raised her after the death of her mother. Paulette is now twenty-nine, working as an auxiliary nurse at a local hospital, and she has hopeful dreams about the future with the man she loves. That is, until tragedy strikes and everything she had dreamed comes crumbling down.
There are many things to enjoy about this book. I think Kit de Waal's writing is beautiful, and there was the potential for a truly redemptive story here. That being said, I really struggled with Paulette as a main character. While I had empathy for the circumstances she found herself in, she continually made terrible decisions, and she was suffering the consequences of her own mistakes. Perhaps I missed it, but it seemed that she never took responsibility for her actions, which made it harder to feel sympathy for her.
The friendships she formed with Frank and his grandson Cornelius ("Nellie"), in particular, had the potential to be so redemptive. When these relationships began, I couldn't help but think of beauty coming from ashes. However, while I understood some of Paulette's disappointment in her circumstances, and could even empathize with her anger at certain points, I found myself becoming increasingly frustrated by her unwillingness to acknowledge the role she played in getting to that point. I love character-driven stories, but ultimately, I felt this one fell short in its character development.
The narration by Sara Powell was very well done, in my opinion. She has a beautiful narrating voice, and the different accents and inflections she used were excellent.
As for content considerations, be aware going in that there are themes of infidelity throughout the book. While the book doesn't include any explicit sexual content, there are references to intimacy and repeated instances of characters participating in extramarital affairs. In addition, there is a moderate amount of strong language throughout the book.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio, St. Martin's Press, and Netgalley for both an advanced listener and advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
There are many things to enjoy about this book. I think Kit de Waal's writing is beautiful, and there was the potential for a truly redemptive story here. That being said, I really struggled with Paulette as a main character. While I had empathy for the circumstances she found herself in, she continually made terrible decisions, and she was suffering the consequences of her own mistakes. Perhaps I missed it, but it seemed that she never took responsibility for her actions, which made it harder to feel sympathy for her.
The friendships she formed with Frank and his grandson Cornelius ("Nellie"), in particular, had the potential to be so redemptive. When these relationships began, I couldn't help but think of beauty coming from ashes. However, while I understood some of Paulette's disappointment in her circumstances, and could even empathize with her anger at certain points, I found myself becoming increasingly frustrated by her unwillingness to acknowledge the role she played in getting to that point. I love character-driven stories, but ultimately, I felt this one fell short in its character development.
The narration by Sara Powell was very well done, in my opinion. She has a beautiful narrating voice, and the different accents and inflections she used were excellent.
As for content considerations, be aware going in that there are themes of infidelity throughout the book. While the book doesn't include any explicit sexual content, there are references to intimacy and repeated instances of characters participating in extramarital affairs. In addition, there is a moderate amount of strong language throughout the book.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio, St. Martin's Press, and Netgalley for both an advanced listener and advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 28, 2025
“Paulette is mighty. She is righteous. She has heartbreak and grief and loss on her side.”
Paulette will stay with me for a long time. I cried for her, I sighed when she went after another married man. I admired her courage.
A story of kindness, and its consequences. Did she do the right thing in reaching out to Nellie? (we ask at one point) Who are we responsible for?
This line broke me for a bit-
“He nods and smiles. ‘He’s mine’ he says.”
Gorgeous.
Paulette will stay with me for a long time. I cried for her, I sighed when she went after another married man. I admired her courage.
A story of kindness, and its consequences. Did she do the right thing in reaching out to Nellie? (we ask at one point) Who are we responsible for?
This line broke me for a bit-
“He nods and smiles. ‘He’s mine’ he says.”
Gorgeous.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2026
4.25 stars
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The people, they are just so...people-y!
Not a single character in the novel Sweet Pea is either too good or too villainous to be true. They are just like the people we know on this earth: a mixture of good and bad, thoughtful and callous, insightful and blind. I always have a tendency to look for a character I can root for, someone who is smarter or more virtuous than the others, but Kit de Waal wouldn't allow that, and Sweet Pea is a better story for it.
Paulette is a woman going through the motions of day-to-day life while creating romantic dreams of some future we can all see is never going to come to pass. She's judgy about others, but her judgments are sometimes way off base. She's still living in London while dreaming of going back to the St. Kitts of her childhood. She gives her all to the few people she loves but doesn't expect enough of them in return.
Sweet Pea follows Paulette over a couple of decades of her life, through tragedy and betrayal and motherhood and more heartbreak, through loneliness and addiction and work problems, through friendships and breakups and hard-won understandings. It's a long, leisurely story in which we see a woman slowly growing into herself, gradually overcoming difficulties and blind spots, and finally beginning to build a life for herself, where she is, with people who have shown they care about her.
It's not a fast read, and if you're like me you'll find yourself yelling at Paulette a great deal, but she's so decent underneath her problems, and so hardworking and soft-hearted, that it's impossible not to want her to succeed in finding a good life on her own terms.
My sincere thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the early review copy of this lovely story. All opinions expressed here are my own.
Not a single character in the novel Sweet Pea is either too good or too villainous to be true. They are just like the people we know on this earth: a mixture of good and bad, thoughtful and callous, insightful and blind. I always have a tendency to look for a character I can root for, someone who is smarter or more virtuous than the others, but Kit de Waal wouldn't allow that, and Sweet Pea is a better story for it.
Paulette is a woman going through the motions of day-to-day life while creating romantic dreams of some future we can all see is never going to come to pass. She's judgy about others, but her judgments are sometimes way off base. She's still living in London while dreaming of going back to the St. Kitts of her childhood. She gives her all to the few people she loves but doesn't expect enough of them in return.
Sweet Pea follows Paulette over a couple of decades of her life, through tragedy and betrayal and motherhood and more heartbreak, through loneliness and addiction and work problems, through friendships and breakups and hard-won understandings. It's a long, leisurely story in which we see a woman slowly growing into herself, gradually overcoming difficulties and blind spots, and finally beginning to build a life for herself, where she is, with people who have shown they care about her.
It's not a fast read, and if you're like me you'll find yourself yelling at Paulette a great deal, but she's so decent underneath her problems, and so hardworking and soft-hearted, that it's impossible not to want her to succeed in finding a good life on her own terms.
My sincere thanks to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for the early review copy of this lovely story. All opinions expressed here are my own.
November 3, 2026
I wanted good things for Paulette, even when I didn’t understand her choices. Especially her choices in men! But Kit de Waal made her loneliness feel so real that even when I was frustrated with her, I still felt for her. It was almost palpable, that ache of wanting someone to love and share her life with. She felt like someone I knew and wanted to give some advice to.
The character development is what really made this book for me. From Paulette to the old man, her friend, and even the nun who runs the place where she works, each felt like a whole person with a life beyond the part we get to see. I also really enjoyed the cooking, friendships, and Caribbean culture woven into her life in London.
Sara Powell’s narration captured Paulette’s formidable sass, her tenderness as a mother, and her loneliness so well. The fact that I’m struggling to find one word to describe her says a lot about how fully Kit de Waal and also the narration brought her to life.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the complimentary audiobook ahead of publication.
The character development is what really made this book for me. From Paulette to the old man, her friend, and even the nun who runs the place where she works, each felt like a whole person with a life beyond the part we get to see. I also really enjoyed the cooking, friendships, and Caribbean culture woven into her life in London.
Sara Powell’s narration captured Paulette’s formidable sass, her tenderness as a mother, and her loneliness so well. The fact that I’m struggling to find one word to describe her says a lot about how fully Kit de Waal and also the narration brought her to life.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the complimentary audiobook ahead of publication.
October 30, 2026
4.5! Absolutely marvelous! Sweet Pea is the quiet, tender story of a woman named Paulette as she navigates grief, loneliness, single motherhood, and an innate desire to belong and feel loved.
Kit de Waal’s writing style is beautiful and subtle. Paulette’s emotions and struggles aren’t explicitly spelled out, but are rather shown in her quiet grief and remarkable resilience.
Overall, this book was a beautiful portrayal of the human experience - from the loss of those who raised us and the desperation to feel loved by others, to discovering the strength that comes only from a mother’s love, to confronting grief and resentment head-on and ultimately choosing to forgive and embrace happiness.
This will not be my last book by this author. Thank you to Macmillan Audio for an advanced listener’s copy.
Kit de Waal’s writing style is beautiful and subtle. Paulette’s emotions and struggles aren’t explicitly spelled out, but are rather shown in her quiet grief and remarkable resilience.
Overall, this book was a beautiful portrayal of the human experience - from the loss of those who raised us and the desperation to feel loved by others, to discovering the strength that comes only from a mother’s love, to confronting grief and resentment head-on and ultimately choosing to forgive and embrace happiness.
This will not be my last book by this author. Thank you to Macmillan Audio for an advanced listener’s copy.
April 6, 2026
After quite a few reads that were tough for various reasons, THE BEST OF EVERYTHING was just the book I needed. The story follows Paulette, a nurse originally from St. Kitts and living in England in the 1970s. We meet her as she tries to navigate a relationship with a man who is hard to pin down Her life takes an unexpected turn one night when that man's friend shows up at her door. From there, we get a story about the importance of friends, found family and forgiveness. Although Paulette is a compassionate and likeable character throughout, we also see her navigate some tough things, like grief, mental health and teaching her young son to deal with racism. This is the fourth longlisted Women's Prize book I've read this year, and while I rated THE CORRESPONDENT higher, I am rooting for this one to win so far!!
April 2, 2026
A thoroughly enjoyable read. Heartbreaking at times but ultimately uplifting and life affirming. A great reminder that kindness and forgiveness make all the difference.
June 6, 2026
An interesting, character driven story about building yourself up from despair. There are a more than a few different challenges Paulette faces in this story. Actually, not just her, but those who’ve become a part of her life as well. Hardships and hard times. The author is tactful when presenting these issues. Thankfully, Paulette is able to use many skills that were ingrained in her as a child from her grandmother to help herself manage. Learning you’re not the only one going through a difficult time was particularly hard for her to grasp. Tragedy and how it’s handled so very differently person to person. How having compassion for others is a powerful thing and forgiveness for the one who caused so much pain is the pinnacle of selflessness.
I appreciated the female friendship between Paulette and Maggie. And the way they lean on each other for support as well as having fun in their single motherhood. Sometimes you just need to find your family.
Special thanks to St.Martins Press via NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I appreciated the female friendship between Paulette and Maggie. And the way they lean on each other for support as well as having fun in their single motherhood. Sometimes you just need to find your family.
Special thanks to St.Martins Press via NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
April 18, 2026
2026 Women's Prize for Fiction Longlist 10/16
This book obviously has wide appeal, but I can't believe it has been longlisted for the Women's Prize. The story is fine, but there is nothing new here. Books like this are the most difficult to review in terms of their worthiness to be in line for awards, because the tender message the author is bringing has a place, and an audience, but sitting beside the literary brilliance or emotional depth or razor sharp insights of many of the others listed? It is just not in right division.
This book obviously has wide appeal, but I can't believe it has been longlisted for the Women's Prize. The story is fine, but there is nothing new here. Books like this are the most difficult to review in terms of their worthiness to be in line for awards, because the tender message the author is bringing has a place, and an audience, but sitting beside the literary brilliance or emotional depth or razor sharp insights of many of the others listed? It is just not in right division.
December 21, 2025
If you're looking for a Christmas read this is it. Deeply moving, heartfelt and may spark some Christmas spirit in you to give - whether it be your time, your love, whatever you have...a poignant reminder that what you see on the surface is such a small representation of a life, and how influential small kindnesses can be.
May 13, 2025
I love Kit de Waal
January 27, 2026
Sat in silence to collect my thoughts and to STOP CRYING.
March 25, 2026
4.5 stars
Summary:
Paulette’s the kind of woman who likes the future all mapped out: the wedding to Denton, the Caribbean honeymoon, the gingham quilt on the baby’s crib. Until one morning Garfield, Denton’s friend, arrives at her door with the news that Denton won’t be coming around any more, that there won’t be time for her to say goodbye.
Somehow Garfield finds his way into her bed, and sooner than anyone can believe there is a baby, and suddenly giving Bird, her son, the best of everything is what gives Paulette’s life meaning.
So why is it another little boy, Nellie, who keeps Paulette awake at night? Nellie who is being raised a few streets away, with no sign of a mum. Surely Paulette is the last person who should be getting tangled up in any of that?
My thoughts:
I loved Kit De Waal's first novel, and this novel shares so many of the features and characteristics that drew me to Leon. They are both heartwarming and moving reads, and have a cast of fully rounded characters that you really and truly care about as life throws the worst at them.
Similarly there is a strong sense of place and culture, as well as the time that it's set, with vivid descriptions of surroundings and food, the vernacular phrasing which evokes both Birmingham and the Caribbean island of St Kitts, and references to popular culture of the time.
Whilst the focus of Leon was a little boy in care, The Best of Everything has at its centre a woman living an ordinary life with modest ambitions. However, she transcends the ordinariness of life through her capacity for forgiveness, compassion and kindness, lighting up both her own life and the lives of others.
As Paulette's Irish neighbour Maggie says: 'You'd do anything for anybody Paulette. We have a saying, "In life, you should be the candle or the mirror. Either be the light in the room or reflect it." And you're both.'
It's also a story about experiencing heartbreak, loss, grief and loneliness. About having to rebuild yourself and your life; to find a reason to continue, when everything that gives your life purpose and meaning has gone. And not just once.
And it's a novel with one of my favourite tropes: Found Family and the kind of love that can unexpectedly steal into our lives when you don't think it's even a possibility, showing that the act of mothering is far more than the traditional definition.
Written with tremendous compassion and understanding, with an ability to quickly engage the reader and draw them in, this beautiful novel breaks, and finally mends your heart, as it moves from devastating loss and grief, to a place of hope.
Summary:
Paulette’s the kind of woman who likes the future all mapped out: the wedding to Denton, the Caribbean honeymoon, the gingham quilt on the baby’s crib. Until one morning Garfield, Denton’s friend, arrives at her door with the news that Denton won’t be coming around any more, that there won’t be time for her to say goodbye.
Somehow Garfield finds his way into her bed, and sooner than anyone can believe there is a baby, and suddenly giving Bird, her son, the best of everything is what gives Paulette’s life meaning.
So why is it another little boy, Nellie, who keeps Paulette awake at night? Nellie who is being raised a few streets away, with no sign of a mum. Surely Paulette is the last person who should be getting tangled up in any of that?
My thoughts:
I loved Kit De Waal's first novel, and this novel shares so many of the features and characteristics that drew me to Leon. They are both heartwarming and moving reads, and have a cast of fully rounded characters that you really and truly care about as life throws the worst at them.
Similarly there is a strong sense of place and culture, as well as the time that it's set, with vivid descriptions of surroundings and food, the vernacular phrasing which evokes both Birmingham and the Caribbean island of St Kitts, and references to popular culture of the time.
Whilst the focus of Leon was a little boy in care, The Best of Everything has at its centre a woman living an ordinary life with modest ambitions. However, she transcends the ordinariness of life through her capacity for forgiveness, compassion and kindness, lighting up both her own life and the lives of others.
As Paulette's Irish neighbour Maggie says: 'You'd do anything for anybody Paulette. We have a saying, "In life, you should be the candle or the mirror. Either be the light in the room or reflect it." And you're both.'
It's also a story about experiencing heartbreak, loss, grief and loneliness. About having to rebuild yourself and your life; to find a reason to continue, when everything that gives your life purpose and meaning has gone. And not just once.
And it's a novel with one of my favourite tropes: Found Family and the kind of love that can unexpectedly steal into our lives when you don't think it's even a possibility, showing that the act of mothering is far more than the traditional definition.
Written with tremendous compassion and understanding, with an ability to quickly engage the reader and draw them in, this beautiful novel breaks, and finally mends your heart, as it moves from devastating loss and grief, to a place of hope.
April 12, 2026
4.25 ⭐️’s
I loved Paulette.
A woman who holds everything together without making it about her. The kind of woman that makes you feel grounded and safe. You feel it in how she mothers Bird, in how she works, in how she keeps moving forward no matter what lands in front of her.
I loved her for that. For her heart, and for the way it works. It's big, but it's also disciplined. It labors. It feels everything, and it still keeps going.
She's anchored. A lot of that is tied to her being from the West Indies. It's in her culture, her sense of responsibility, her relationship to family, the way she carries what's hers to carry without question. That part of her felt deeply rooted, like it came from somewhere beyond just her.
Paulette's forgiveness of Shirt & Tie isn't naive. She sees him clearly and chooses it anyway. She's one of those people that makes you go, ‘wow, I want to be like her.’
And Nellie… how she loved him. That's where the book really got me.
The way Paulette's heart opens is deeply human. There's so much love in how she and Bird move through the world, even when they have every reason to choose differently.
And when it’s Nellie who steps in and helps bring Paulette back to herself, it moved me deeply.
De Waal writes emotion really well. The space in between emotion too. She makes you be present while you are reading…I felt like I was watching a movie in my mind.
Her sense of atmosphere and place is beautifully done.
This isn't an "omg this is sooooo good" book, but it has a sweetness and a reality to it that I needed at exactly the right time.
And how rare it is for women like Paulette to be met in the same way they give. De Waal sees that. She honors it.
It's on the Women's Prize for Fiction 2026 longlist and it earns its place.
It also has me wanting to go straight to her backlist.
I loved Paulette.
A woman who holds everything together without making it about her. The kind of woman that makes you feel grounded and safe. You feel it in how she mothers Bird, in how she works, in how she keeps moving forward no matter what lands in front of her.
I loved her for that. For her heart, and for the way it works. It's big, but it's also disciplined. It labors. It feels everything, and it still keeps going.
She's anchored. A lot of that is tied to her being from the West Indies. It's in her culture, her sense of responsibility, her relationship to family, the way she carries what's hers to carry without question. That part of her felt deeply rooted, like it came from somewhere beyond just her.
Paulette's forgiveness of Shirt & Tie isn't naive. She sees him clearly and chooses it anyway. She's one of those people that makes you go, ‘wow, I want to be like her.’
And Nellie… how she loved him. That's where the book really got me.
The way Paulette's heart opens is deeply human. There's so much love in how she and Bird move through the world, even when they have every reason to choose differently.
And when it’s Nellie who steps in and helps bring Paulette back to herself, it moved me deeply.
De Waal writes emotion really well. The space in between emotion too. She makes you be present while you are reading…I felt like I was watching a movie in my mind.
Her sense of atmosphere and place is beautifully done.
This isn't an "omg this is sooooo good" book, but it has a sweetness and a reality to it that I needed at exactly the right time.
And how rare it is for women like Paulette to be met in the same way they give. De Waal sees that. She honors it.
It's on the Women's Prize for Fiction 2026 longlist and it earns its place.
It also has me wanting to go straight to her backlist.
July 2, 2026
3.5 stars rounded up
If you love stories centered on FOUND FAMILY, this is one worth picking up. At its heart, it's a tender exploration of grief, love, forgiveness, and the families we build as much as the ones we're born into. The Caribbean setting is wonderfully immersive, with vivid descriptions of the food, culture, and community that practically make you taste every meal.
Paulette is a flawed but deeply compassionate protagonist, a survivor whose kindness shines despite enduring profound loss. Her journey is messy and emotional, though I found it difficult to connect with some of her choices. For some of the book, I felt emotionally detached, particularly during Paulette's downward spiral into alcoholism and infidelity, which sometimes seemed excessive.
That said, the final quarter completely won me over. By the end, I was genuinely invested in Paulette's story, and the emotional payoff made the journey worthwhile. Kit de Waal's writing is effortlessly readable, and the rich sense of place, authentic dialogue, and heartfelt themes create a moving story of resilience, belonging, and self-worth.
A thoughtful, heartwarming read with a memorable Caribbean backdrop and a powerful found family message, even if the slower first half did not fully captivate me.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
If you love stories centered on FOUND FAMILY, this is one worth picking up. At its heart, it's a tender exploration of grief, love, forgiveness, and the families we build as much as the ones we're born into. The Caribbean setting is wonderfully immersive, with vivid descriptions of the food, culture, and community that practically make you taste every meal.
Paulette is a flawed but deeply compassionate protagonist, a survivor whose kindness shines despite enduring profound loss. Her journey is messy and emotional, though I found it difficult to connect with some of her choices. For some of the book, I felt emotionally detached, particularly during Paulette's downward spiral into alcoholism and infidelity, which sometimes seemed excessive.
That said, the final quarter completely won me over. By the end, I was genuinely invested in Paulette's story, and the emotional payoff made the journey worthwhile. Kit de Waal's writing is effortlessly readable, and the rich sense of place, authentic dialogue, and heartfelt themes create a moving story of resilience, belonging, and self-worth.
A thoughtful, heartwarming read with a memorable Caribbean backdrop and a powerful found family message, even if the slower first half did not fully captivate me.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 1, 2026
Kit de Waal just gained a new fan! Sweet Pea was the type of poignant and tender fiction that I live for. It is indeed slow moving but the prose, character study, and complex themes make the journey well worth it. This book touches on found family, racism, motherhood, and resilience. This story had a realistic rawness to it as every single character is this story was deeply flawed yet had such redeeming qualities. It truly was an exploration of being human. In particular, I loved the relationship between Paulette and Nellie. While the circumstances are wildy different, I can appreciate the idea of being a bonus adult in a child's life so that connection was extra special.
I did struggle a little bit with rating this because I spent most of the book believing it to be a 5 star read. However, I differ from many other reviewers in that I didn't love the ending and wanted more from it (especially in regards to Bird).
Overall, I still highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys character driven stories and found family.
Thank you St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for the ALC!
I did struggle a little bit with rating this because I spent most of the book believing it to be a 5 star read. However, I differ from many other reviewers in that I didn't love the ending and wanted more from it (especially in regards to Bird).
Overall, I still highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys character driven stories and found family.
Thank you St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for the ALC!
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