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The Mini Breakers
In 1995, five girls met on the first day at school and have been very best friends ever since. For the last twenty-two years, no matter what, they go on a week's holiday together to relax and exchange gossip. They vowed to always find time for each other . Until this trip to Portugal.
- GenresAudiobookContemporary
308 pages, Paperback
Published April 30, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
April 30, 2026
I loved this!
It was sweet and cosy and also crazy and stressful! This book was literally on menopause (or heading that way) and I enjoyed every second!
As a woman in my 40's I get it! The kids, periods, libido, husband - the whole lot!! I think this was so relatable and that made the book!
Every woman had their own qualities and uniqueness and they are very different from each other and yet this works! I'm envious of the group and their bond even after so many years! This Mini holiday covers so many topics, it was fabulous to go on holiday with these gals!
If you are looking for a laugh - here you go .... looking for some drama - this is for you ..... looking for an epic tale where friendship stood the test of time - here you go!
@lucykennedytv did a great job - I can highly recommend!
It was sweet and cosy and also crazy and stressful! This book was literally on menopause (or heading that way) and I enjoyed every second!
As a woman in my 40's I get it! The kids, periods, libido, husband - the whole lot!! I think this was so relatable and that made the book!
Every woman had their own qualities and uniqueness and they are very different from each other and yet this works! I'm envious of the group and their bond even after so many years! This Mini holiday covers so many topics, it was fabulous to go on holiday with these gals!
If you are looking for a laugh - here you go .... looking for some drama - this is for you ..... looking for an epic tale where friendship stood the test of time - here you go!
@lucykennedytv did a great job - I can highly recommend!
May 5, 2026
Five women who have been friends for 30 years go away on holiday and reflect on their lives. Secrets come out. Friendships are tested. Bad decisions are made. Lives are changed forever.
This book had me laughing so much. At 48, I could relate to these women in so many ways. The menopause chats, the “what am I doing with my life?” moments — it all felt so real. It made me laugh, gave me hope, and reminded me that life isn’t over just because you’re in your forties.
Childhood friends
Pregnancy woes
Friendship betrayal
Marriage problems
Over 40 FMCs
Holiday romance
This book had me laughing so much. At 48, I could relate to these women in so many ways. The menopause chats, the “what am I doing with my life?” moments — it all felt so real. It made me laugh, gave me hope, and reminded me that life isn’t over just because you’re in your forties.
Childhood friends
Pregnancy woes
Friendship betrayal
Marriage problems
Over 40 FMCs
Holiday romance
June 30, 2026
5 stars if reading beside a pool for vibes alone!
4 stars if you're not 🤣
4 stars if you're not 🤣
April 30, 2026
I received in eARC of The mini breakers in advance of publication thanks to Love Book tours, NetGalley and the author Lucy Kennedy. This is my honest review.
A group of five friends who have known each other since school meet up to go on holiday to Portugal. The friends are all very different personalities and are living very different lives, one of the friends Dee is even living in New York and is a minor celebrity.
This book is easy to read, and although it is light hearted and funny it also covers some serious topics - infertility, unexpected pregnancy, menopause, marriage breakdown and infidelity.
I enjoyed the interaction between the friends and there are some really funny bits in the book that gave me a giggle.
I think it would be an absolutely fabulous holiday read - you can relate to a lot of it - the friends getting ready for dinner, them making the most of the all inclusive drinks! etc.
I liked that although the friends had their differences they ultimately were there for each other and showed support, understanding and forgiveness.
I enjoyed this book , it was a quick read for me in under 24 hours and I would recommend it as a fun light hearted read.
A group of five friends who have known each other since school meet up to go on holiday to Portugal. The friends are all very different personalities and are living very different lives, one of the friends Dee is even living in New York and is a minor celebrity.
This book is easy to read, and although it is light hearted and funny it also covers some serious topics - infertility, unexpected pregnancy, menopause, marriage breakdown and infidelity.
I enjoyed the interaction between the friends and there are some really funny bits in the book that gave me a giggle.
I think it would be an absolutely fabulous holiday read - you can relate to a lot of it - the friends getting ready for dinner, them making the most of the all inclusive drinks! etc.
I liked that although the friends had their differences they ultimately were there for each other and showed support, understanding and forgiveness.
I enjoyed this book , it was a quick read for me in under 24 hours and I would recommend it as a fun light hearted read.
June 15, 2026
The plot was quite predictable, which was a little disappointing, but it was also quite funny at times. I was actually listening to the audiobook instead of reading it, and it seems like a good option. The author tried to show the real and diverse struggles of women over 40, but in a light and sometimes funny way, which I consider a nice idea.
The book shows that you can’t have it all at the same time and that each of us has our own hill we're climbing. So even if the plot could be deeper and the characters less exaggerated (which maybe was on purpose), the book is overall light but still comforting and heartwarming.
A good option for holiday reading when you just want to relax and enjoy a nice, easy story. Sometimes you just need one like that.
The book shows that you can’t have it all at the same time and that each of us has our own hill we're climbing. So even if the plot could be deeper and the characters less exaggerated (which maybe was on purpose), the book is overall light but still comforting and heartwarming.
A good option for holiday reading when you just want to relax and enjoy a nice, easy story. Sometimes you just need one like that.
July 14, 2026
Great summer read. It is very relatable and funny.
May 5, 2026
I went into this not totally sure what to expect, and if I’m honest, I did struggle at the start. It took me around the first 90 pages to really connect, but I could feel something building… and I’m so glad I stuck with it.
Once it clicked, it really clicked.
This book put me through every emotion, laughing one minute, tearing up the next, and then feeling frustrated. It’s such a real, raw look at life, friendships, and how hard it can be to stay connected when everything else is pulling you in different directions.
Beth was easily my favourite whilst Kate felt very relatable. A little too relatable at times!
And Dee… yeah, she tested my patience for about 95% of the book.
The multi POV at the same time style did throw me off at first and felt a bit confusing, but I quickly adapted.
Overall, this is a slow burn read thats emotional, honest, and messy in a way that feels very true to real life. Definitely worth sticking with if you find the beginning a bit slow like I did.
Once it clicked, it really clicked.
This book put me through every emotion, laughing one minute, tearing up the next, and then feeling frustrated. It’s such a real, raw look at life, friendships, and how hard it can be to stay connected when everything else is pulling you in different directions.
Beth was easily my favourite whilst Kate felt very relatable. A little too relatable at times!
And Dee… yeah, she tested my patience for about 95% of the book.
The multi POV at the same time style did throw me off at first and felt a bit confusing, but I quickly adapted.
Overall, this is a slow burn read thats emotional, honest, and messy in a way that feels very true to real life. Definitely worth sticking with if you find the beginning a bit slow like I did.
July 27, 2026
If only…
…the author’s grammar and editor had been better this would have been a good read, as the storyline was promising and I enjoyed the premise of the book. However, infuriatingly, the author seemed to forget the page(s) written previously and either repeated unnecessarily, forgot character information, or forgot to link the story with reasoning.
…the author’s grammar and editor had been better this would have been a good read, as the storyline was promising and I enjoyed the premise of the book. However, infuriatingly, the author seemed to forget the page(s) written previously and either repeated unnecessarily, forgot character information, or forgot to link the story with reasoning.
May 3, 2026
Five friends, twenty-two years of friendship and a holiday to Portugal that they will never forget.
This was a really enjoyable read and at the heart of it was the friendship between Beth, Kate, Georgia, Sam and Dee. The storyline was about friendship, secrets and included many surprises along the way. At times the story was funny but at times it was a little sad especially as it dealt with some sensitive topics such as infertility.
The storyline is narrated by the five main characters and each gives the reader a snippet into the life they have left behind. What I liked about the characters were that they were all different with very distinct personalities. Some were introverts and some were extroverts. Beth is a wife and mother that gave up her career to become a homemaker and concentrate on her family. Kate is struggling to make a clear commitment to her partner making her future uncertain. Georgia is a wellness influencer who is no longer in love with her husband and is watching her marriage slowly crumble around her. At one point in life Sam didn’t want children but since she had a change of heart she is having difficulty conceiving. Dee has a successful career in the public eye but lives a very lonely and isolated life.
The more I read the more it became apparent that this wasn't going to be the relaxing holiday that the characters were hoping for and it would be a holiday that would either make or break their friendship. Although the friends were in contact they didn’t really know what was going on in each other’s lives. On the outside each character appeared to have an ideal and perfect life with some characters wishing they had their friend’s life. But in reality their friend’s life was probably as messy and imperfect as theirs. One of the biggest themes in the story was one of secrets. Each character was keeping secrets from the other and as these were slowly revealed it added a strain on the friends and their friendships. It was interesting to see how each person reacted to the secret once it was revealed. Some wanted to talk about it and others just wanted to pretend it wasn’t happening. Ultimately each character had to confront what was happening in their personal lives and share this with their friendship group to move forward.
A story about friendship and secrets.
This was a really enjoyable read and at the heart of it was the friendship between Beth, Kate, Georgia, Sam and Dee. The storyline was about friendship, secrets and included many surprises along the way. At times the story was funny but at times it was a little sad especially as it dealt with some sensitive topics such as infertility.
The storyline is narrated by the five main characters and each gives the reader a snippet into the life they have left behind. What I liked about the characters were that they were all different with very distinct personalities. Some were introverts and some were extroverts. Beth is a wife and mother that gave up her career to become a homemaker and concentrate on her family. Kate is struggling to make a clear commitment to her partner making her future uncertain. Georgia is a wellness influencer who is no longer in love with her husband and is watching her marriage slowly crumble around her. At one point in life Sam didn’t want children but since she had a change of heart she is having difficulty conceiving. Dee has a successful career in the public eye but lives a very lonely and isolated life.
The more I read the more it became apparent that this wasn't going to be the relaxing holiday that the characters were hoping for and it would be a holiday that would either make or break their friendship. Although the friends were in contact they didn’t really know what was going on in each other’s lives. On the outside each character appeared to have an ideal and perfect life with some characters wishing they had their friend’s life. But in reality their friend’s life was probably as messy and imperfect as theirs. One of the biggest themes in the story was one of secrets. Each character was keeping secrets from the other and as these were slowly revealed it added a strain on the friends and their friendships. It was interesting to see how each person reacted to the secret once it was revealed. Some wanted to talk about it and others just wanted to pretend it wasn’t happening. Ultimately each character had to confront what was happening in their personal lives and share this with their friendship group to move forward.
A story about friendship and secrets.
July 23, 2026
This is ✨THE✨ ultimate fun, flirty and chaotic summer read! Seriously, you couldn’t find a more perfect vacation read. You don’t need to be flying anywhere to read this by the way, we all have our own definitions of a holiday. For me, as a single Mom, 15 minutes alone in a cafe is the ultimate getaway 🥲
I had so much fun reading this! For 300 pages I was so impressed with how well the story flowed and connected. The continuous appearance of the Brighton oldies had me cracking up (with humour and a bit of fear).
Here we follow five beautiful besties in their early 40s. Kate, Dee, Sam, Beth and Georgie. They’ve known each other since their school days and have been through it all together and apart. Every year, for one week, the besties have a tradition to go on holiday together. This time, we follow them as they arrive in Portugal, baggage with wheels and without.
Crossroads are a major theme for the ladies. Each one is approaching a life altering decision. We get to journey alongside them as they come to unravel their paths in order to find their best future.
This was such a beautiful and honestly realistic tale of female friendships and I really appreciated the conversation around perimenopause. The author didn’t shy away from the brutal symptoms so many women have to live with day in and day out. I feel this will touch a lot of ladies who are struggling.
Overall this was hilarious, honest and a great escape. Highly recommend!
I had so much fun reading this! For 300 pages I was so impressed with how well the story flowed and connected. The continuous appearance of the Brighton oldies had me cracking up (with humour and a bit of fear).
Here we follow five beautiful besties in their early 40s. Kate, Dee, Sam, Beth and Georgie. They’ve known each other since their school days and have been through it all together and apart. Every year, for one week, the besties have a tradition to go on holiday together. This time, we follow them as they arrive in Portugal, baggage with wheels and without.
Crossroads are a major theme for the ladies. Each one is approaching a life altering decision. We get to journey alongside them as they come to unravel their paths in order to find their best future.
This was such a beautiful and honestly realistic tale of female friendships and I really appreciated the conversation around perimenopause. The author didn’t shy away from the brutal symptoms so many women have to live with day in and day out. I feel this will touch a lot of ladies who are struggling.
Overall this was hilarious, honest and a great escape. Highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This story is all about 5 good friends who have all gone their own way in life, coming together for a sunny holiday, now they are in their 40s.
The cover and premise of this book really drew me in, especially having recently visited Portugal and having a group of friends of a similar age.
There’s lots of laugh out loud moments as we get to know each of these very different personalities. Each character has lots of history and so much going on currently.
Although it does represent real issues, there was so many different ones covered throughout the book, infidelity, menopause and infertility to name a few. As much as these topics felt real, I couldn’t help feeling this story was a little heavy on the negativity with each character currently dealing with a difficult life issue. These problems led to a lot of conflict amongst them and not always as much support as I think friends would have given.
I did enjoy this book and getting to know the characters but would have loved to see a bit more positivity and more of beautiful Portugal too. It’s definitely worth a read, you will be shouting at the characters at times and then forgiving them a moment later, but it really will remind you that even with your closest friends, you never really know what is going on in their lives, so always, always, be kind.
3.5 stars
The cover and premise of this book really drew me in, especially having recently visited Portugal and having a group of friends of a similar age.
There’s lots of laugh out loud moments as we get to know each of these very different personalities. Each character has lots of history and so much going on currently.
Although it does represent real issues, there was so many different ones covered throughout the book, infidelity, menopause and infertility to name a few. As much as these topics felt real, I couldn’t help feeling this story was a little heavy on the negativity with each character currently dealing with a difficult life issue. These problems led to a lot of conflict amongst them and not always as much support as I think friends would have given.
I did enjoy this book and getting to know the characters but would have loved to see a bit more positivity and more of beautiful Portugal too. It’s definitely worth a read, you will be shouting at the characters at times and then forgiving them a moment later, but it really will remind you that even with your closest friends, you never really know what is going on in their lives, so always, always, be kind.
3.5 stars
Review of advance copy
My first read by this author and I was so taken by this perfect summer front cover image, I just knew that this was going on my tbr straight away!
This looked like such a fun summer read and I was completely hooked right from the first few sentences!
I loved that we meet the girls at the airport as they prepare for their annual mini break and we really do get straight into their catch up chat which sets the mood right from the off.
I knew from this point that there'd be a couple of girls that I'd maybe not get on with as much as others, but I loved this contrast in the characters and the realness of their friendship.
As expected, we were in for a treat as the girls kick back, relax in the sun and the drinks start flowing.
Now, I'm not one for travelling, but this setting really drew me in and the descriptions really made me feel like I'd travelled to this beautiful island along with the girls.
(despite me being sat in my own back garden)
This was such a fun read in many places and I adored the banter that the girls had throughout.
What a glorious bond they had, but of course, it was the length of that friendship that really showed that despite their differences, their bond would last.
As a woman who is getting on in years - maybe just a little older than these ladies - I related with so many of the topics brought up here and this made me a little emotional in places.
Knowing that we're all the same deep down and that although they may be slightly different experiences, we all go through the same process.
I loved this so much and would definitely recommend it for all your summer reads needs.
This looked like such a fun summer read and I was completely hooked right from the first few sentences!
I loved that we meet the girls at the airport as they prepare for their annual mini break and we really do get straight into their catch up chat which sets the mood right from the off.
I knew from this point that there'd be a couple of girls that I'd maybe not get on with as much as others, but I loved this contrast in the characters and the realness of their friendship.
As expected, we were in for a treat as the girls kick back, relax in the sun and the drinks start flowing.
Now, I'm not one for travelling, but this setting really drew me in and the descriptions really made me feel like I'd travelled to this beautiful island along with the girls.
(despite me being sat in my own back garden)
This was such a fun read in many places and I adored the banter that the girls had throughout.
What a glorious bond they had, but of course, it was the length of that friendship that really showed that despite their differences, their bond would last.
As a woman who is getting on in years - maybe just a little older than these ladies - I related with so many of the topics brought up here and this made me a little emotional in places.
Knowing that we're all the same deep down and that although they may be slightly different experiences, we all go through the same process.
I loved this so much and would definitely recommend it for all your summer reads needs.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The book had me at its synopsis and inviting cover - and while you think it may be a funny, light - hearted reunion story, well, it is - but it's also much more.
There are five main characters in this book, each one with their own background and history and I really, really appreciate the fact, that the author has made them so different to each other. You can't like all of them, but I think it was planned like this, even if the characters redeem themselves at the end of the story.
There were moments in this book that I could live without, that's for sure, and there were moments were the characters behaved so stereotypical, but all in all I enjoyed their dilemmas and struggles.
The book covers many topics, lighter and heavier and I think the author has manged them really well. Sure, some of them come short in comparison to the others but in the end you have it all in this story: friendship, moments that are poignant and moments that are trully funny, situations that will make your eyes roll with exasperation but also those that you can relate to. A book about female power, standing for yourself, in a gorgeous setting - I liked it.
There are five main characters in this book, each one with their own background and history and I really, really appreciate the fact, that the author has made them so different to each other. You can't like all of them, but I think it was planned like this, even if the characters redeem themselves at the end of the story.
There were moments in this book that I could live without, that's for sure, and there were moments were the characters behaved so stereotypical, but all in all I enjoyed their dilemmas and struggles.
The book covers many topics, lighter and heavier and I think the author has manged them really well. Sure, some of them come short in comparison to the others but in the end you have it all in this story: friendship, moments that are poignant and moments that are trully funny, situations that will make your eyes roll with exasperation but also those that you can relate to. A book about female power, standing for yourself, in a gorgeous setting - I liked it.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Sometimes books just "speak to you" and as soon as I read the synopsis of The Mini Breakers it felt instantly relatable and knew I was going to enjoy it!
Five forty-something women who have known each other since school head off to Portugal on their annual get-together. All very different and each of their lives having gone in very different directions, tensions escalate, secrets are revealed and what should have been a relaxing holiday becomes far from it - and quite a lot of chaos ensues.
I have four school friends who I also go away with every year - and we always comment on how different we are and whilst we are the best of friends we always joke that you would never put us all together now. So this group feels very relatable - though I hope none of my friends would be quite as cruel to any of us as one of the characters in the book is at times, even is she does redeem herself eventually!
There is lots to relate to if you are a woman of a certain age, plenty of humour and some heartfelt moments. It's a fun easy read and a reminder of special enduring friendships are. A perfect poolside read!
Five forty-something women who have known each other since school head off to Portugal on their annual get-together. All very different and each of their lives having gone in very different directions, tensions escalate, secrets are revealed and what should have been a relaxing holiday becomes far from it - and quite a lot of chaos ensues.
I have four school friends who I also go away with every year - and we always comment on how different we are and whilst we are the best of friends we always joke that you would never put us all together now. So this group feels very relatable - though I hope none of my friends would be quite as cruel to any of us as one of the characters in the book is at times, even is she does redeem herself eventually!
There is lots to relate to if you are a woman of a certain age, plenty of humour and some heartfelt moments. It's a fun easy read and a reminder of special enduring friendships are. A perfect poolside read!
May 1, 2026
As always, thank you to the author and LBT for allowing me to read this book.
5 friends, 1 mini friends break away, and a whole host of funny, sad, complicated situations going on all the way through.
I really enjoyed this, it gave me an array of feelings for the characters, some easy to love and some tough ones to love but all in all is a colourful group of friends with all very different lives. You get some funny laugh out loud moment and then there’s the moments that show the characters are only human.
Honestly, there were moments I was getting a little peeved, Dee somewhat irritated me at times but there’s always different personalities in a friendship group
Would I recommend?
I’m making my friend read this, told her mid way through my read it that I’d sending her my copy as she would definitely enjoy it 😅
But if that wasn’t obvious enough, 100% I would. It was one of those nice changes for me, and I’m always pleasantly surprised when I highly enjoy a genre not always on my reading forefront.
5 friends, 1 mini friends break away, and a whole host of funny, sad, complicated situations going on all the way through.
I really enjoyed this, it gave me an array of feelings for the characters, some easy to love and some tough ones to love but all in all is a colourful group of friends with all very different lives. You get some funny laugh out loud moment and then there’s the moments that show the characters are only human.
Honestly, there were moments I was getting a little peeved, Dee somewhat irritated me at times but there’s always different personalities in a friendship group
Would I recommend?
I’m making my friend read this, told her mid way through my read it that I’d sending her my copy as she would definitely enjoy it 😅
But if that wasn’t obvious enough, 100% I would. It was one of those nice changes for me, and I’m always pleasantly surprised when I highly enjoy a genre not always on my reading forefront.
May 12, 2026
I really enjoyed my virtual mini break to Portugal with The Mini Breakers and it was a pleasure to meet Kate, Georgie, Beth, Sam and Dee. This is Lucy Kennedy's debut adult novel and it's an absolute cracker.
This group of five women have been friends since their school days and, although they may now live miles apart, they all gather together for a holiday every year. It's so lovely that they have remained firm friends, although it is sometimes challenging with Diva Dee in the mix.
They each have something going on in their lives and, whilst their problems may be quite heavy, Lucy Kennedy's natural Irish wit adds a lightness to the storyline. Prepare for lots of laughs when you pick up The Mini Breakers as there are some hilarious scenes in store for the reader.
Filled with Irish charm, The Mini Breakers is a witty and entertaining novel that would be a fantastic holiday read, although you might get some funny looks from people around the pool when you laugh out loud. A highly recommended read.
This group of five women have been friends since their school days and, although they may now live miles apart, they all gather together for a holiday every year. It's so lovely that they have remained firm friends, although it is sometimes challenging with Diva Dee in the mix.
They each have something going on in their lives and, whilst their problems may be quite heavy, Lucy Kennedy's natural Irish wit adds a lightness to the storyline. Prepare for lots of laughs when you pick up The Mini Breakers as there are some hilarious scenes in store for the reader.
Filled with Irish charm, The Mini Breakers is a witty and entertaining novel that would be a fantastic holiday read, although you might get some funny looks from people around the pool when you laugh out loud. A highly recommended read.
April 30, 2026
Five Women. Twenty-two years of friendship. One annual holiday.
The Mini Breakers is a funny and refreshingly honest exploration of female friendship. Set in a sunny girls' holiday in Portugal, the story follows five friends who, despite the hectic demands of their careers and families, have managed to keep their annual tradition alive for twenty ish years.
It’s a fantastic "palette cleanser" of a read, blending comedic, light-hearted moments with a deep dive into topics that are often avoided, such as perimenopause, infertility, and the messy reality of life in your forties.
One of the most compelling aspects of Lucy Kennedy’s writing is the way she contrasts the characters' inner thoughts with their outward actions. Seeing the "messy" reality of what they say versus what they are actually thinking is really interesting.
She also weaves in lovely touches of her own Irish background, with mentions of a Catholic upbringing and going to Mass that add an authentic sense of culture to the group’s shared past.
The characters themselves are difficult but real, leading to plenty of high-stakes drama and scandalous revelations. While the tensions within the group—particularly between Dee and Georgie—reach a boiling point, the story highlights the intense emotions and forgiveness required for a friendship. It is a raw, "warts and all" portrayal of what happens when friendships last for years!
The Mini Breakers is a warm and chaotic reminder that no matter how much time passes, we are all still growing, changing, and leaning on the friends who knew us before husbands, kids and careers. It’s an eye-opening and dramatic trip that suggests that while life might get a bit more complicated as the years go by, you certainly don't have to face the chaos alone.
The Mini Breakers is a funny and refreshingly honest exploration of female friendship. Set in a sunny girls' holiday in Portugal, the story follows five friends who, despite the hectic demands of their careers and families, have managed to keep their annual tradition alive for twenty ish years.
It’s a fantastic "palette cleanser" of a read, blending comedic, light-hearted moments with a deep dive into topics that are often avoided, such as perimenopause, infertility, and the messy reality of life in your forties.
One of the most compelling aspects of Lucy Kennedy’s writing is the way she contrasts the characters' inner thoughts with their outward actions. Seeing the "messy" reality of what they say versus what they are actually thinking is really interesting.
She also weaves in lovely touches of her own Irish background, with mentions of a Catholic upbringing and going to Mass that add an authentic sense of culture to the group’s shared past.
The characters themselves are difficult but real, leading to plenty of high-stakes drama and scandalous revelations. While the tensions within the group—particularly between Dee and Georgie—reach a boiling point, the story highlights the intense emotions and forgiveness required for a friendship. It is a raw, "warts and all" portrayal of what happens when friendships last for years!
The Mini Breakers is a warm and chaotic reminder that no matter how much time passes, we are all still growing, changing, and leaning on the friends who knew us before husbands, kids and careers. It’s an eye-opening and dramatic trip that suggests that while life might get a bit more complicated as the years go by, you certainly don't have to face the chaos alone.
May 4, 2026
This book was a fabulous read. 5 wonderful friends going through life’s challenges separately join together for a holiday and everything unfolds.
This book was funny, sad, a little bit tense at times and at one point I cried happy tears! It is packed full on our amazing 5 friends, who all have their own quirks and flaws - I personally can see myself most in Kate with her overthinking and body consciousness. But shout out to Beth who was just absolutely wild and chaotic. She really made this story for me at times.
Set in a beautiful hotel in Portugal, I could picture myself sunning it up with them, eating at the wonderful restaurants too and wandering through the old town together. It was a really wonderful book. And shout out to the ladies being of an older age - I forget that I am almost the same age as them so it was really relatable!
Fabulous book for reading in the sun and one to pick up if you want a laugh alongside the serious things in life.
This book was funny, sad, a little bit tense at times and at one point I cried happy tears! It is packed full on our amazing 5 friends, who all have their own quirks and flaws - I personally can see myself most in Kate with her overthinking and body consciousness. But shout out to Beth who was just absolutely wild and chaotic. She really made this story for me at times.
Set in a beautiful hotel in Portugal, I could picture myself sunning it up with them, eating at the wonderful restaurants too and wandering through the old town together. It was a really wonderful book. And shout out to the ladies being of an older age - I forget that I am almost the same age as them so it was really relatable!
Fabulous book for reading in the sun and one to pick up if you want a laugh alongside the serious things in life.
Review of advance copy
3.5 upped to 4
The Mini Breakers by Lucy Kennedy had a cover and blurb that immediately drew me in and made me want to be part of the book tour.
It was an enjoyable read, with a few genuinely funny moments—though not quite laugh-out-loud funny. At its heart, it’s a story about friendship and how life can sometimes get in the way of maintaining those connections, which felt very relatable.
The story follows five friends who try to reunite once a year for a short getaway. Some characters are more likeable than others, but I thought they were all well written and ultimately redeemable. They felt believable—flawed, human, and real. I also appreciated that they were closer to my own age, which made them even more relatable.
The setting sounded idyllic and has definitely made me want to visit Albufeira.
Overall, it’s a perfect summer read for anyone heading on holiday—a thoughtful story about friendship, with some uncomfortable but realistic moments.
The Mini Breakers by Lucy Kennedy had a cover and blurb that immediately drew me in and made me want to be part of the book tour.
It was an enjoyable read, with a few genuinely funny moments—though not quite laugh-out-loud funny. At its heart, it’s a story about friendship and how life can sometimes get in the way of maintaining those connections, which felt very relatable.
The story follows five friends who try to reunite once a year for a short getaway. Some characters are more likeable than others, but I thought they were all well written and ultimately redeemable. They felt believable—flawed, human, and real. I also appreciated that they were closer to my own age, which made them even more relatable.
The setting sounded idyllic and has definitely made me want to visit Albufeira.
Overall, it’s a perfect summer read for anyone heading on holiday—a thoughtful story about friendship, with some uncomfortable but realistic moments.
June 17, 2026
3.5. I liked a lot of things about this book. I thought it was a fun summer read and, in a lot of ways, it felt really genuine. An accurate portrayal of female friendship. I thought she distinguished the different characteristics between the women so well, it really brought the group to life. I also really liked that it was focused on forty somethings as it made it stand out from the usual rom com.
I just couldn’t shake the repetitive nature of the writing. It reads like the author is worried you’ve forgotten everything she’s already told you. Every time you turn to a character she repeats their background and thoughts, saying the same things over and over using new words. It means nothing comes as a surprise and by the 2/3 point, it’s tedious and overworked.
Would still recommend for a light beach read, but I wonder if it could’ve been truly fantastic with different style choices.
I just couldn’t shake the repetitive nature of the writing. It reads like the author is worried you’ve forgotten everything she’s already told you. Every time you turn to a character she repeats their background and thoughts, saying the same things over and over using new words. It means nothing comes as a surprise and by the 2/3 point, it’s tedious and overworked.
Would still recommend for a light beach read, but I wonder if it could’ve been truly fantastic with different style choices.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It’s all very well for twenty-something’s to holiday in friendship groups, but what does that look like 20 years down the track?
When middle age and menopause come along, when marriages are tired or infertility has plagued you for years?
This story takes us into the lives of school friends who are holidaying together with all their personal, and relational, baggage.
For me, there are uncomfortable themes and moments that I believe the book could have done without, including infidelity, which most people probably wouldn’t have an issue with in this context.
The story was an enjoyable read, with reflections on lives lived and lives changed.
When middle age and menopause come along, when marriages are tired or infertility has plagued you for years?
This story takes us into the lives of school friends who are holidaying together with all their personal, and relational, baggage.
For me, there are uncomfortable themes and moments that I believe the book could have done without, including infidelity, which most people probably wouldn’t have an issue with in this context.
The story was an enjoyable read, with reflections on lives lived and lives changed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
absolutely loved this book, could not put it down. The witty banter was fab (the tower of stolen ham and cheese bread rolls made me laugh out loud) and it was so good to have the different pov’s of the different friends in the group told throughout. This story was so relatable covering life changes, perimenopause,the very different struggles facing all of us and yet the one great underlining factor of friendship. People change as they age in many ways but love and friendship remains. I think anybody who reads this book will take something away that they can relate to but as a 40 year old woman i feel like this could be any one of me or my friends on this break and that is proof of fantastic writing skills, i was pulled in and loved every minute, i laughed out loud and maybe its the 40yr old hormones but i also cried-twice. Anyone who loves a romcom type book thats relatable and has a hea or 5 this one is for you
April 30, 2026
I was so lucky to have received this book as an ARC and I was super excited to read it just based on the fun cover. I loved the holiday vibes in this book and it would be a great summer beach read. It was funny and cute, but with deep character development.
I often found myself giggling, but also felt lots of different emotions as you get to know each of the friends.
It was refreshing to read about a little more mature characters, who have experienced life’s challenges and ups and downs. This is a quick and enjoyable read and I would definitely recommend it.
I can't wait to read more from this author.
My instagram channel is @readsleepgame
My tiktok channel is @pinksweetst
I often found myself giggling, but also felt lots of different emotions as you get to know each of the friends.
It was refreshing to read about a little more mature characters, who have experienced life’s challenges and ups and downs. This is a quick and enjoyable read and I would definitely recommend it.
I can't wait to read more from this author.
My instagram channel is @readsleepgame
My tiktok channel is @pinksweetst
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
With the motto “No one pregnant, arrested or dead!” five friends head off to Albufeira, Portugal on their traditional annual trip away together. Dreamy Georgie, funny Beth, sensible Kate, Princess Dee and down to earth Sam share their life updates but it’s is the most revelatory trip ever for this now perimenopausal group. I throughly enjoyed this book - the humour, the hormones and the heart to hearts. With decades of friendship at the core this is a very relatable read for myself and many other women with similar close female bonds, being there to celebrate the highs and commiserate the lows. A fun read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This one took a little while to get going, but once it dia, I was completely hooked. I felt like I was right there on the mini break with these five friends.
Each character had their own secrets and struggles, which made them feel so real and relatable. The multiple points of view really helped bring everyone to life, and I loved getting to know them individually.
There were some genuine laugh-out-loud moments too, which balanced the story perfectly.
It also left me reflecting on my own friendships
- how lite changes, we grow older, but true friendships can stand the test of time
Each character had their own secrets and struggles, which made them feel so real and relatable. The multiple points of view really helped bring everyone to life, and I loved getting to know them individually.
There were some genuine laugh-out-loud moments too, which balanced the story perfectly.
It also left me reflecting on my own friendships
- how lite changes, we grow older, but true friendships can stand the test of time
September 16, 2026
Not to be too negative but do these women even like each other? I thought it would be a funny lighthearted holiday read but really their whole trip was drama and arguments. Not to mention the numerous typos and continuity errors I found (Beth had four pregnancies but she had twins so it should be three? Georgie requested a vegan restaurant but had seafood pasta and a steak? Pete was American but called it a stag do and used mostly Irish phrasing?). The ending also felt incredibly rushed. Not for me unfortunately!
September 20, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. I didn't know Lucy wrote children's books, but was intrigued when I heard an interview about her first novel for adults.
I like her easy, character driven style. Her characters are going through different challenges and I enjoyed the story arc.
I don't want to give spoilers but I felt the ending let it down a tiny bit, but perhaps I need to accept predictable endings for this genre more than I naturally do.
I've already recommended this book though and look forward to more books from the incredible Lucy Kennedy!
I like her easy, character driven style. Her characters are going through different challenges and I enjoyed the story arc.
I don't want to give spoilers but I felt the ending let it down a tiny bit, but perhaps I need to accept predictable endings for this genre more than I naturally do.
I've already recommended this book though and look forward to more books from the incredible Lucy Kennedy!
May 5, 2026
There is so much drama in this book it makes you want to read on.
I must admit I was a little confused at the start with what perspective it was written in but once you get into it, it was really fun.
I loved the characters and how they were all imperfect people. Sometimes I feel like people in books are always perfect but not these ladies. I also loved that they were older and not just some teenagers.
I enjoyed this one.
I must admit I was a little confused at the start with what perspective it was written in but once you get into it, it was really fun.
I loved the characters and how they were all imperfect people. Sometimes I feel like people in books are always perfect but not these ladies. I also loved that they were older and not just some teenagers.
I enjoyed this one.
Review of advance copy
I listened to the audiobook on BookBeats (subscription), i did not receive a copy from the author or publisher and do not know why GoodReads is telling me I did 🤣😅
The narrator was great. The story was ok. Nothing really exciting happened. It just felt a bit flat. Some of the girls stories were predictable, others a bit messy and annoying. Overall enjoyable enough.
The narrator was great. The story was ok. Nothing really exciting happened. It just felt a bit flat. Some of the girls stories were predictable, others a bit messy and annoying. Overall enjoyable enough.
May 27, 2026
I’ve been an avid fan of Lucy Kennedy for years so was highly looking forward to this book.
it did not disappoint. An easy read with a great plot line and some good surprises along the way. I was laughing out loud at some parts. It was uplifting and really reminded me that life at time sucks 😂 however your friends will get you through it.
deffo reccomend reading this this summer
it did not disappoint. An easy read with a great plot line and some good surprises along the way. I was laughing out loud at some parts. It was uplifting and really reminded me that life at time sucks 😂 however your friends will get you through it.
deffo reccomend reading this this summer
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