Sarah-Jane Crosse, SJ to her friends, is desperate to avoid going to her parents’ ruby wedding anniversary party. She’s terrified of introducing her new husband, Tom, to her estranged sister, Alison, because the sisters have history. Alison covets everything that belongs to SJ.
With her anxiety spiralling, SJ knows she often has a couple of glasses of wine too many and after a disastrously drunken night she reaches out for help. However, sadly help does not begin at home. Tom is not supportive. Seemingly in denial he misses SJ’s distress calls, and SJ begins to second-guess herself. Everyone drinks, right? It's hardly a massive problem? She’s perfectly fine, isn't she?
Meanwhile, her very supportive best friend, Tania, has a surprising secret and SJ is determined to help her out. But navigating through this lot isn’t easy.
With the help of an ever-faithful dog, a few reformed characters, and a lot of self-reflection and home truths, the future is looking a whole lot brighter for SJ and the statistics speak for themselves - she is one in a million...
A moving, heart-rending and uplifting novel of love, hope and self-renewal.
Della Galton (aka Della Parker) writes novels set in Dorset, featuring quirky characters and very often a dog or two. She's had more than 2000 short stories published and she's run out of fingers to count her books on.
She is a popular speaker at writing conventions and the agony aunt for Writers' Forum Magazine.
When she is not writing she enjoys walking her dogs around the beautiful Dorset countryside and beaches.
There are always lots of articles about Dry January, Sober Spring and Sober October and the benefits of not drinking alcohol. But reading this novel about SJ gives an insight into life for an alcoholic. Of course Sj is in denial, she doesn't drink that much, or at least she doesn't think she does until she meets Kit, who works for a help group. Her struggles to reduce her drinking are not helped by her husband who minimises her fear that she is drinking too much and her parents upcoming party where she has to face her sister for the first time in years. Only when she's hospitalised does she take back control. SJ is not always a likeable character, she has her flaws for sure, but you cannot help feeling for her as she battles her demons. It's a raw, real novel, emotional and poignant.
This was a good book. It followed the MC who was an alcoholic. It was interesting to see how alcohol affects some people and how it affects the family and friends. I would recommend this book.
Perfect for the fans of Rowan Coleman, Dani Atkins and Jojo Moyes. 💞💕really enjoyed this book
One woman's journey to wrestle with her past and find happiness 🗝️
Meanwhile, her very supportive best friend, Tania, has a surprising secret and SJ is determined to help her out. But navigating through this lot isn’t easy.
It wasn’t a bad story, but I just didn’t relate to SJ the main character or love her and her story of how alcohol affected her life and those around her.
Thankfully I know I love many of Della’s books that are part of series so I am moving straight on to one of them to remind me of why I love Della’s stories so much.
✍️ I admit that I originally signed up for this tour because it needed readers, the cover was orange (my favorite color), and the authors name is Della (my grandmother’s name is Della, which isn’t a name you hear everyday in the U.S.). I went into it completely blind.
I admit that I cried. I felt uncomfortable. I felt like I could have become SJ at some point in my life because I grew up in a household with an alcoholic father, and I swore I’d never be like him. There have been a couple close calls in my life. Times where I’ve scared myself and pulled back from my drinking. I don’t really drink anymore. A glass of wine here or there, but I know now I’m not my father and I won’t ever be. But this book brought up emotions that I used to feel and, man, oh man, how I felt them.
The book starts out with SJ visiting an alcohol counseling service because she’s worried about her drinking but she is trying to convince herself she’s not an alcoholic. But as she keeps going, and things keep happening, her drinking worsens and she ends up hurting the closest people around her with her drinking. We all know the old adage that you can’t help someone who won’t help themselves, and that’s SJ for the majority of this book. But it’s heartbreaking because you get the inside scoop from her thoughts, her emotions, what she’s feeling and what drives her to drink.
At the end of the book, in the Acknowledgements, Della states that this book is based on a true story. Hers, and that she is celebrating two decades of recovery. I want that to sink in for everyone and for you to truly take a moment to understand what Della had to have gone through to get to that point in her life. Alcoholism is a disease and recovery is not an easy thing, and she’s had TWO DECADES of sobriety. That’s something to be proud of and to be celebrated. Della, thank you for sharing SJ with us and congratulations on your two decades. You deserve all the love and all the support.
One in a Million is a beautifully observed story about one woman wrestling with her past, confronting the truths she’s tried to outrun, and slowly finding her way back to herself. It’s moving, heartfelt, and quietly empowering — the kind of novel that sits with you long after you’ve finished.
SJ is a wonderfully relatable protagonist: warm, flawed, anxious, and trying so hard to hold everything together. Her dread over facing her estranged sister, her complicated marriage, and her growing awareness that her relationship with alcohol isn’t as harmless as she tells herself all feel painfully real. The author handles these themes with a gentle, empathetic touch, never sensationalising SJ’s struggles but instead allowing her to unravel and rebuild at her own pace.
What really shines is the emotional honesty. SJ’s internal questions — Everyone drinks, right? It’s hardly a massive problem? I’m perfectly fine… aren’t I? — capture that fragile space between denial and self‑recognition. Watching her reach out for help, only to find it lacking at home, is heartbreaking. But the story balances that heaviness with hope: a loyal best friend, a secret that brings unexpected clarity, a faithful dog who never leaves her side, and a handful of people who prove that change is possible.
This is ultimately a novel about renewal — about choosing yourself, even when it’s hard, and discovering that you’re stronger than you ever believed. It’s tender, uplifting, and full of small, luminous moments that make the journey worthwhile. A moving, heart‑rending, and ultimately hopeful read. SJ truly is one in a million.
With thanks to Delta Galton, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
I will hold my hands up and say not only is this not my usual genre, but I had no real idea wha the story was about- which made it even more surprising how deeply One in a Million affected me. I didn’t expect to feel so emotional, but the story stirred feelings I haven’t really sat with in a long time.
SJ’s struggles with self-confidence, self-acceptance, and using alcohol as a crutch resonated far more than I anticipated. The breakdown of her relationships from her marriage, to her sister and her friendships contributed to her lack of self control ultimately feeding into her addiction. It was an uncomfortable read at times- in the way that truth sometimes is- but also incredibly human and compassionate.
What this book does so well is challenge the stereotype of what alcoholism looks like. It isn’t always park benches and obvious rock bottoms. Sometimes it’s seemingly “functioning” people, quietly struggling behind closed doors, convincing themselves - and their families - they’re fine because everyone else is drinking too. It also highlighted how our own perspectives are not always accurate. SJ grew up believing a certain narrative, and it isn’t until much later after honest discussions with her sister that she realises everything wasn’t as it seemed. I think that is something we can all relate to.
This was a moving, honest, and ultimately uplifting read that hit me deep in my feels and somewhat challenged me to re-evaluate my own circumstances. Life really is too short. The novel was a reminder that being honest with yourself and asking for help doesn’t mean failure - and that change, however small, really can make you one in a million.
Thank you LBT for having me on this review tour and for this gifted copy of the epub.
Wow what a book this was. I loved this read so much. This was such a powerful book. I couldn’t put this down.
I loved how relatable SJ was. She just was someone I wanted to give a hug to and become friends with. I felt for her. I feel like I am her sometimes just barely holding it together and her relationship with alcohol isn’t what she makes it out to be and I feel this. I have people in my life that struggles with this and someone else I know tries to say he doesn’t but I feel he doesn’t understand he does so it’s really hard to get him to see the issues!!!
The way the author writes is so good and how SJ reaches out for help and struggles for it at home. I couldn’t imagine although I guess I could imagine cause I’ve been through it still am in ways where I don’t feel supported or understood or anything. So this really just stuck with me. This book has really just stuck with me.
But the story does offer hope and that’s what I loved. Like something happens and just offers hope and clarity and just goes to show that hope shouldn’t be lost and should always believe it can happen. I’m trying really hard for that but it’s super hard for me.
Overall this was a really powerful story and it’s one I think everyone should read because it will resonate with someone somehow I just know it will. So do me a favor and go get this book.
In this emotionally challenging novel about substance abuse, alcoholism, and the challenges of recovery, readers follow SJ as she struggles with the decision to bring her husband to her parents’ wedding anniversary celebration because her estranged sister Alison wants everything SJ has. After a disastrous night, SJ finally reaches out for help, but her husband Tom misses her messages and does not offer her the support she needs, leading SJ to second-guess herself. With the help of new friends and her dog, SJ must take her future into her own hands before it is too late to change. Readers who may find the material difficult should prepare for a complex character-driven narrative with intense emotions, and the novel handles the ups and downs of SJ’s recovery with grace and a touch of realism. Her path to recover is not smooth, and the other characters add complexity to her various journeys in the book. The characters in the book are well-written and human, and the emotional beats really drive the story forward. Packed with details and emotions that will immerse readers in the story and SJ’s journey towards peace and a better life, fans of her other titles will love this new release from Della Galton.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.
Sarah-Jane Crosse, SJ to her friends, is desperate to avoid going to her parents' ruby wedding anniversary party. She is terrified of introducing her husband, Tom, to her estranged sister, Alison, because the sisters have history. Alison covets everything that belongs to SJ. With her anxiety spiralling, SJ knows she often has a couple of glasses of wine too many and after a disastrously drunken night, she reaches out for help. However, sadly, help doesn't begin at home. Tom is not supportive. Seemingly in denial he misses SJ's distress calls, and SJ begins to second guess herself.
SJ is an alcoholic in denial. Hit is trying to help her, but her husband Tom plays down her fears that she drinks too much. She also fears meeting her sister at their parents ruby wedding party.
SJ is a flawed character, I actually felt sorry for her. She was not getting the help she needed from the person she needed it the most from. This emotional read is filled with hope.
Published 11th February 2026
I would like to thank #NetGalley #BoldwoodBooks and the author #DellaGalton for my ARC of #OneInAMillion in exchange for an honest review.
As someone who sometimes finds her bottle of wine emptying rather faster than it should, I found this book a particularly uncomfortable read. But my goodness, it was such a powerful one, as SJ wrestled to tackle her very real demons, always in denial, only able to change things when she'd finally hit rock bottom. Her friendships old and new, her difficult family, her less than perfect marriage, her journey to self destruction - I was with her every step of the way, at her side as she spiralled, increasingly beyond reason or control. Although she's not always likeable, I really felt for her, and found her far too easy to identify with - but was equally in her corner as she finally sought to rebuild her broken relationships and pursue new ones that might bring her happiness. It's a particularly emotional read, but a really heartfelt, honest and inspiring one, immensely readable and ultimately both hopeful and uplifting - and it certainly made me think a little and consider making some changes. A stunning read, and very much recommended.
SJ and her sister Alison have not spoken for years. After finding out Alison had slept with her first husband, SJ has avoided her at all costs to protect herself. As their parents anniversary party looms a meeting becomes inevitable and this is the tipping point that makes SJ understand that she is an alcoholic.
Told emotionally yet with care and respect, the author shows how a person can slowly come to understand their problem and how being at the very depth of despair can be the start of a new life.
I liked the character of SJ and was interested to see how her journey to sobriety would pan out. It was a slow process and well written. This book was a good read, as well as thought provoking and I would recommend.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
3,5 for a positive surprise! Despite heavy topics of addiction, mental health struggles and dealing with past betrayal, this felt warm and hopeful. It didn't feel as heavy as the themes would suggest, much because of very well balanced neuances where pain and suffering is mixed with friendship, love and hope. It is colorfully dark! Like, if pink was also black.
I especially appreciated how none of the characters were portrayed as "good" or "bad"; every single character felt real, with depth and layers, making this book so engaging
shortly said: + well written + good story with a well paced development + emotional, but also fun + excellent characters + realistic
themes * addiction, alcoholism * sibling estrangement * support * perspectives and attitudes towards alcoholism * friendships * self discovery * betrayal * divorce
Oh how Della Galton has written this lovely novel about hope and self love! I was hooked in the first chapter. I loved the delicate, yet realistic way she addressed the struggle and impact of SJ’s drinking. The lens of the main character constantly justifying her choices without diving into underlying causes is so well done. As a reader you are enveloped in SJ’s world, yet see the impact from the outside as well. For such a serious topic, the author finds a lighter way to move through SJ’s situation that keeps the reader engaged. Grab this heartwarming story now! It’s available in all formats, including Kindle Unlimited.
Thank you to Della Galton, Boldwood Books, NetGalley and LoveBooksTours for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Having read many books by this fabulous author, I was surprised this was somewhat different from her other books, but very emotional and well written. SJ is estranged from her sister and already on her second marriage to dependable Tom. With a family party looming, SJ seeks help, thinking she may have a drinking problem, but of course, she can handle it. A very moving story of broken hearts, alcoholism and self destruction. Do not be put off though, it's an inspiring story of picking yourself up, healing both yourself and relationships with family and friends. It's a great story, written from the heart, and you'll see why if you read the acknowledgements at the end.
I have read quite a few of this authors books but this one is something else. It is an honest raw and poignant read about the affects of alcoholism on not just the person involved but on everyone else around them. This story is made even more open and honest by the fact that it is based on the authors own experiences of alcoholism.
A brave heart wrenching emotional rollercoaster of a read and had me in tears at times about life and hope and strength and about choosing yourself even when it’s hard.
I highly recommend this read perfect for fans of rowan colman, Debbie Howells and Beth Moran.
An extremely emotional story about an alcoholic’s journey to acceptance of her disease and to finding a way to recover and heal. The story takes the reader through blackouts, memory failures and devastation as she finally comes to see how the disease is ruining relationships and herself. It is a beautifully written devastating narrative that will grip your heart. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Such an emotional rollercoaster of a story! SJ is struggling with her life, she’s concerned that she is drinking too much and is dreading meeting up with her estranged sister at her parents Ruby Wedding celebration. As SJ grapples with her demons we follow her attempts to overcome her dependence on alcohol. She finds a support network and is determined to sort herself out. So many external pressures are lining up too, and it’s compelling to find out if she succeeds. A very honest portrayal of a woman who is becoming aware of her addiction, we see some very serious issues that rock her whole world. We also witness her strength and determination to seek help and to move forward with support. Yes there are dark times but also some very uplifting and inspiring moments that show the importance of a caring community and a drive to find yourself again. Very thought provoking issues that are shared in a very detailed and meaningful way. A heartwarming story filled with hope.
Firstly, thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.
This was a very emotional, thought provoking story, SJ is full of anxiety, with a hard past, trying to navigate the fact she might or might not have an alcohol problem, coping with the stress of an upcoming party for her parents, where she will see her estranged sister. Everything becomes too much. I loved this book!
An emotional read which made me realise how difficult it is to admit you have a problem with alcohol. Sensitivity written we discover how SJ comes to terms with her drinking, her family and herself. I was willing her on to succeed but there were a few obstacles to overcome before she starts to heal. Emotional, heartfelt and uplifting.
This was a heart wrenching novel to read. It is a well written story about the difficult topic of alcoholism. SJ has come to the realization that she might drink too much, but does not know how to cope with the stresses of life without a drink or two or more. Her parents are having a big party for a major anniversary and want her to be there with her estranged sister and that is not helping.
SJ is a normal middle age woman. She and her husband have wine with dinner, maybe a gin and tonic but she hasn’t got a problem. She can stop at any time, can’t she. A thought provoking novel, with a theme that affects more people than you can imagine.
I've read most of not all Della's books and this was very a different book. SJ is a complex, misunderstood character who has been repeatedly let down by those who should have supported her. It's a very emotional read but I found myself totally invested in SJ's story. Although most definitely a work of fiction the subject has been very well researched.
A fabulous read, I was hooked all the way through. SJ is flawed, funny and oh so relatable. Della portrays her road to recovery from alcoholism with sensitivity and down to earth humour. Although it is about a serious subject, Della still makes this a very entertaining read and I was rooting for SJ from the start.
Well, this was different to my usual light hearted reads. Della Galton has written about an emotionally difficult subject that should be a bit depressing, however, with great characters and an emotional storyline that sends a clear message without detracting from the story itself, made this a hard to put down book.
Really enjoyed this ! A serious and devastating subject , covered, humanely and with love and humour. I love that SJ and Tanya and Michael's friendship survived the hell..😊
It's been awhile since a book has made me cry, but this was really very moving. I think it makes you take a look at yourself and how you would respond. The characters and the ending were realistic.
This was a thought provoking psychological fiction read, that is raw and full of emotion.
SJ is a flawed and anxious well written character from her first reflection on her day to day habits to the denial and rationalisation of her alcohol drinking. We get to see the depth of her explaining away experiences and justifying her denial with being able to function in the day time.
With deep hurt she is going through the motions of life in any way that she could which have then become daily habits and blurred the edges between living and merely continuing.
Through the story I did feel deeply sorry and a sadness for SJ but I also felt that hope and deep strength along side her.