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When Lemons Give You Life
Redemption is a dish best served warm . . .
Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite. He's done with grief, guilt and the beige slop they dare call food at Sunny Glen Aged Care Facility, where he now resides.
Life's given him all the lemons he can handle - so he breaks into the nursing home kitchen to bake himself one last tart. It's supposed to be his final meal but the act of cooking stirs a dormant joy. Soon, he's regularly sneaking in after dark, serving up flavour and comfort to fellow residents. Yet behind the apron is a lie so big it could destroy the one thing he has left to protect .
Meanwhile, Griff's younger sister Lisa is navigating a new ADHD diagnosis and the spark of an unexpected romance. Despite their fractured sibling relationship, she dutifully visits Griff, though she knows hope of a reconciliation is gone, buried in the silence between them.
But the truth has a way of boiling over - and when secrets, souffl�s, and second chances collide, they may discover a recipe for forgiveness.
Anna Johnston's second novel is an enchanting story that will appeal to fans of Richard Osman, Joanna Nell and Amanda Hampson.
'Smart, authentic and full of heart.' Graeme Simsion, author of the international bestseller The Rosie Project
'Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth, tenderness, and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption, complex sibling bonds, and the joy of a meal cooked with love, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.' Mikki Brammer, author of the international bestseller The Collected Regrets of Clover
'A delicious treat of a novel, rich with the complex flavours of love, loss, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.' Emma Grey, international bestselling author of Pictures of You.
'Written with empathy, insight and authenticity, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt, funny, and uplifting.' Julietta Henderson, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman
'An absolute chef's kiss of a novel, prepared with heart and humour, guaranteed to please your palate.' Troy Hunter, author of Gus and the Missing Boy
'For the burnt-out and world-weary, Anna Johnston's novels offer essential therapy-wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to restore our faith in each other.' Kirsten Miller, author of Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books
Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow has lost his appetite. He's done with grief, guilt and the beige slop they dare call food at Sunny Glen Aged Care Facility, where he now resides.
Life's given him all the lemons he can handle - so he breaks into the nursing home kitchen to bake himself one last tart. It's supposed to be his final meal but the act of cooking stirs a dormant joy. Soon, he's regularly sneaking in after dark, serving up flavour and comfort to fellow residents. Yet behind the apron is a lie so big it could destroy the one thing he has left to protect .
Meanwhile, Griff's younger sister Lisa is navigating a new ADHD diagnosis and the spark of an unexpected romance. Despite their fractured sibling relationship, she dutifully visits Griff, though she knows hope of a reconciliation is gone, buried in the silence between them.
But the truth has a way of boiling over - and when secrets, souffl�s, and second chances collide, they may discover a recipe for forgiveness.
Anna Johnston's second novel is an enchanting story that will appeal to fans of Richard Osman, Joanna Nell and Amanda Hampson.
'Smart, authentic and full of heart.' Graeme Simsion, author of the international bestseller The Rosie Project
'Anna Johnston imbues her characters with a warmth, tenderness, and singularity that makes them irresistible. A charming tale of redemption, complex sibling bonds, and the joy of a meal cooked with love, this book will leave your heart full and your tastebuds ignited.' Mikki Brammer, author of the international bestseller The Collected Regrets of Clover
'A delicious treat of a novel, rich with the complex flavours of love, loss, familial relationships and redemption. I adored it.' Emma Grey, international bestselling author of Pictures of You.
'Written with empathy, insight and authenticity, When Lemons Give You Life is a delicious journey from regret to reconciliation. Heartfelt, funny, and uplifting.' Julietta Henderson, bestselling author of The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman
'An absolute chef's kiss of a novel, prepared with heart and humour, guaranteed to please your palate.' Troy Hunter, author of Gus and the Missing Boy
'For the burnt-out and world-weary, Anna Johnston's novels offer essential therapy-wickedly funny stories about flawed heroes with the power to restore our faith in each other.' Kirsten Miller, author of Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books
Audible Audio
First published April 28, 2026
About the author
Anna Johnston
2 books954 followersAnna Johnston is a former baby, aspiring octogenarian and emerging Australian author with a love for the heartfelt and hilarious. She grew up in country Victoria before moving to Melbourne where she lives joyously with her husband and daughters by the beach. Anna left an imminent career in medicine to follow her heart into her grandfather’s nursing home where she became the social support coordinator, taking great delight in shaking up the usual program. When injury left her unable to continue working in aged care, she began to write about it, channelling her love for older people onto the page. Anna has enjoyed a lifelong passion for theatre, screenplay, travel, and creative ageing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*** 4/4/26 *** Just finished Anna Johnston's sophomore book after reading her debut last year, and (TL/DR) unfortunately did not enjoy this storyline or characters anywhere near as much in this soon to be released novel.
I think it is important that contemporary fiction incorporates the ever-evolving landscape of humanity - representing different issues and modern dilemmas that people face, and also diverse experiences and cultures in the world. This novel certainly does that, exploring adult diagnosis of ADHD, early onset Alzheimer's, gay marriage, women finding love at an older age, domestic violence, dysfunctional families and well-kept secrets/lies within them, as well as another life-threatening illness, not to mention poorly run nursing homes/memory care facilities. Also great food and making/serving it! Yes, good representation of many modern issues, but ...... THAT IS A LOT OF GROUND TO COVER IN ONE BOOK!
The majority of these topics are difficult, bordering on painful, to read about, or imagine in your own life, and served to make this book a challenge for people like me who are firmly in the 'middle-aged' or older camp. In contrast, Johnston's last book was much more optimistic, even though it also dealt with seniors and senior living facilities.
As the first 50% of the book served to set up all of these storylines, I felt I was being hit over the head with a checklist of issues, just knowing that they had to resolve in some way, as that is the spirit of this author. I was particularly frustrated with the storyline in which Griff does not share the decades-old secrets from Lisa's youth to "honor" their mother's promise to do so. It really made no sense to me at all that he would keep that inappropriate promise to Lisa as adults. I also found the rapidity and depth of Lisa's romance to be a little 'white knight' to me, and not super believable. But maybe I am not romantic enough lol.
While there was a heartfelt ending to this book (last 10%), I'm so sorry to say that the journey (and the mini-dive into 'cheffy' fancy food) was probably not worth it to me. My MIL passed from Alzheimer's, and and that topic (aside from others mentioned above) is so sensitive to so many, particularly when partnered with a storyline of a cruel administrator of the nursing home, that I really had to push myself to finish the book per my NetGalley obligation (thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to review this novel - these thoughts are entirely my own). 1.5 stars.
*** 3/30/26 *** Just approved for this NetGalley ARC (pub date: Aug 4, 2026), and am nearly 10% in. I read Anna Johnston's prior book, The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife (review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...), and see that both books are anchored in senior homes, deal with aging, and are based in Australia, which means there are some words that even my Kindle dictionary cannot interpret properly lol. This book introduces great food and ADHD, as well as budding romance, all of which are pretty relatable topics to most people, so we'll see where it goes and report back soon.
I think it is important that contemporary fiction incorporates the ever-evolving landscape of humanity - representing different issues and modern dilemmas that people face, and also diverse experiences and cultures in the world. This novel certainly does that, exploring adult diagnosis of ADHD, early onset Alzheimer's, gay marriage, women finding love at an older age, domestic violence, dysfunctional families and well-kept secrets/lies within them, as well as another life-threatening illness, not to mention poorly run nursing homes/memory care facilities. Also great food and making/serving it! Yes, good representation of many modern issues, but ...... THAT IS A LOT OF GROUND TO COVER IN ONE BOOK!
The majority of these topics are difficult, bordering on painful, to read about, or imagine in your own life, and served to make this book a challenge for people like me who are firmly in the 'middle-aged' or older camp. In contrast, Johnston's last book was much more optimistic, even though it also dealt with seniors and senior living facilities.
As the first 50% of the book served to set up all of these storylines, I felt I was being hit over the head with a checklist of issues, just knowing that they had to resolve in some way, as that is the spirit of this author. I was particularly frustrated with the storyline in which Griff does not share the decades-old secrets from Lisa's youth to "honor" their mother's promise to do so. It really made no sense to me at all that he would keep that inappropriate promise to Lisa as adults. I also found the rapidity and depth of Lisa's romance to be a little 'white knight' to me, and not super believable. But maybe I am not romantic enough lol.
While there was a heartfelt ending to this book (last 10%), I'm so sorry to say that the journey (and the mini-dive into 'cheffy' fancy food) was probably not worth it to me. My MIL passed from Alzheimer's, and and that topic (aside from others mentioned above) is so sensitive to so many, particularly when partnered with a storyline of a cruel administrator of the nursing home, that I really had to push myself to finish the book per my NetGalley obligation (thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to review this novel - these thoughts are entirely my own). 1.5 stars.
*** 3/30/26 *** Just approved for this NetGalley ARC (pub date: Aug 4, 2026), and am nearly 10% in. I read Anna Johnston's prior book, The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife (review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...), and see that both books are anchored in senior homes, deal with aging, and are based in Australia, which means there are some words that even my Kindle dictionary cannot interpret properly lol. This book introduces great food and ADHD, as well as budding romance, all of which are pretty relatable topics to most people, so we'll see where it goes and report back soon.
April 28, 2026
⭐️4.5 Stars⭐️
Another beautiful story by talented author Anna Johnston. When Lemons Give You Life is a story about a broken man, grief, aged care, medical themes, food, redemption and guilt. It’s delightful and at the same time sad.
Griff Barlow is a retired Michelin-star chef who is sixty two, faking an illness and living at Sunny Glen Aged Care Facility where the food served there is rubbish and life is mundane. Life has been tough for Griff and he’s feeling lost and about to bake his last lemon tart ever but then he has an awakening and finds himself on a mission, sneaking into the nursing home kitchen to make the most delicious meals for his fellow residents. I loved how cooking good food brought him back to ‘life’.
Griff’s estranged sister Lisa regularly visits Griff, their relationship is fractured and there are never worlds spoken to her by Griff. Lisa is an interesting and likeable character, she’s a dog groomer and has just been diagnosed with ADHD.
Griff is a man hiding many secrets and one that would destroy his reputation. I loved the food elements in the book and how it played a huge part in the story.
A delightful tale of complicated relationships, flawed characters, second chances and coming clean. The author highlights some of the things that I hope can be changed in the industry for the future to make life better for the elderly. This title would make a great book club read with characters that come to life on the pages.
Publication Date 28 April 2026
Publisher Imprint Penguin
Thank you so much to the wonderful team at Penguin Books Australia and Anna Johnston for the gorgeous promo box and book.
Another beautiful story by talented author Anna Johnston. When Lemons Give You Life is a story about a broken man, grief, aged care, medical themes, food, redemption and guilt. It’s delightful and at the same time sad.
Griff Barlow is a retired Michelin-star chef who is sixty two, faking an illness and living at Sunny Glen Aged Care Facility where the food served there is rubbish and life is mundane. Life has been tough for Griff and he’s feeling lost and about to bake his last lemon tart ever but then he has an awakening and finds himself on a mission, sneaking into the nursing home kitchen to make the most delicious meals for his fellow residents. I loved how cooking good food brought him back to ‘life’.
Griff’s estranged sister Lisa regularly visits Griff, their relationship is fractured and there are never worlds spoken to her by Griff. Lisa is an interesting and likeable character, she’s a dog groomer and has just been diagnosed with ADHD.
Griff is a man hiding many secrets and one that would destroy his reputation. I loved the food elements in the book and how it played a huge part in the story.
A delightful tale of complicated relationships, flawed characters, second chances and coming clean. The author highlights some of the things that I hope can be changed in the industry for the future to make life better for the elderly. This title would make a great book club read with characters that come to life on the pages.
Publication Date 28 April 2026
Publisher Imprint Penguin
Thank you so much to the wonderful team at Penguin Books Australia and Anna Johnston for the gorgeous promo box and book.
May 12, 2026
Don’t be put off by the silly rom-com sounding title — this book is beautiful and profound. I laughed at, rooted for and ached with the relatably flawed but deeply good characters, enjoyed the plot twists which were delightfully silly at times and tear-jerking at others. It’s about family and love and acceptance and dementia and aging and protecting people and honesty and abuse and neurodiversity and mentorship and believing in people and forgiving yourself. Highly recommend!
April 3, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House Australia for the ARC in return for my honest opinion.
I finished this and just sat there for a while. Proper tears. The kind that catch you off guard because the book isn’t trying to manipulate you, it’s just… honest.
This story follows Griff, a former chef in his 60s living in aged care and secretly still cooking, and his half-sister Lisa, who’s navigating a late ADHD diagnosis. It sounds like a lot, and it is, but it never feels overcrowded. It feels like real life. Messy, layered, and full of things happening all at once.
Told across their two perspectives, past and present, you slowly piece together their history and the weight they both carry. There’s grief here. A lot of it. But also love in all its complicated forms. The kind that doesn’t always look soft or easy.
Griff and Beau’s relationship really stayed with me. There’s something so tender about seeing an older same-sex couple written with this much care, especially within the aged care setting. It never feels like a “statement”, it just feels real and deeply lived-in.
Lisa was a standout for me too. An unmarried woman without children, but that’s not her story. Her story is her mind, her chaos, her inner life. The ADHD representation felt genuine, especially that sense of your own brain working against you while also being the place you retreat to.
There’s also this thread of caregiving running through everything. The quiet burden of it. The guilt, the love, the obligation. It hits.
And the food… I loved that part. It’s not just there for colour. It’s memory, control, comfort. It’s how Griff holds onto himself.
The last third of this book absolutely got me. I was crying through most of it, but still couldn’t stop reading. It’s heavy, yes, but then Johnston gives you these small, warm moments that almost steady you again.
The characters are flawed in a way that feels familiar. Sometimes frustrating, sometimes incredibly tender. You recognise bits of people you know. Bits of yourself.
This isn’t a light read. It’s one that sits with grief and doesn’t rush you through it. But there’s warmth threaded through the whole thing, enough to keep you there.
And honestly, when a book can make you feel this much and still leave you with a bit of softness at the end… that’s something special.
I finished this and just sat there for a while. Proper tears. The kind that catch you off guard because the book isn’t trying to manipulate you, it’s just… honest.
This story follows Griff, a former chef in his 60s living in aged care and secretly still cooking, and his half-sister Lisa, who’s navigating a late ADHD diagnosis. It sounds like a lot, and it is, but it never feels overcrowded. It feels like real life. Messy, layered, and full of things happening all at once.
Told across their two perspectives, past and present, you slowly piece together their history and the weight they both carry. There’s grief here. A lot of it. But also love in all its complicated forms. The kind that doesn’t always look soft or easy.
Griff and Beau’s relationship really stayed with me. There’s something so tender about seeing an older same-sex couple written with this much care, especially within the aged care setting. It never feels like a “statement”, it just feels real and deeply lived-in.
Lisa was a standout for me too. An unmarried woman without children, but that’s not her story. Her story is her mind, her chaos, her inner life. The ADHD representation felt genuine, especially that sense of your own brain working against you while also being the place you retreat to.
There’s also this thread of caregiving running through everything. The quiet burden of it. The guilt, the love, the obligation. It hits.
And the food… I loved that part. It’s not just there for colour. It’s memory, control, comfort. It’s how Griff holds onto himself.
The last third of this book absolutely got me. I was crying through most of it, but still couldn’t stop reading. It’s heavy, yes, but then Johnston gives you these small, warm moments that almost steady you again.
The characters are flawed in a way that feels familiar. Sometimes frustrating, sometimes incredibly tender. You recognise bits of people you know. Bits of yourself.
This isn’t a light read. It’s one that sits with grief and doesn’t rush you through it. But there’s warmth threaded through the whole thing, enough to keep you there.
And honestly, when a book can make you feel this much and still leave you with a bit of softness at the end… that’s something special.
April 16, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin for the digital copy to review.
I loved everything about this book.
It made me laugh and it made me cry, and I was completely invested in the characters from the beginning. Griff is such a wonderful character — complex, flawed, and quietly hopeful — and I loved how food became his way of reconnecting with life and the people around him.
The story also explores bigger themes like grief, guilt, family relationships, and second chances, but it does it so gently and naturally. Nothing feels forced, and that’s what makes it so powerful.
A warm, emotional read that really stayed with me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved everything about this book.
It made me laugh and it made me cry, and I was completely invested in the characters from the beginning. Griff is such a wonderful character — complex, flawed, and quietly hopeful — and I loved how food became his way of reconnecting with life and the people around him.
The story also explores bigger themes like grief, guilt, family relationships, and second chances, but it does it so gently and naturally. Nothing feels forced, and that’s what makes it so powerful.
A warm, emotional read that really stayed with me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 27, 2026
Anna Johnston has again written the most beautiful and heartwarming story that will stay with me forever
First there was Fred and now we meet Griff and I am a blubbering mess again (and very hungry too IYKYK!!)
We meet Griff, a retired Michelin star chef now living in a nursing home, feeling lost and lonely. Life hasn’t planned out how he expected. While his relationship with sister Lisa was fractured, she still goes out of her way to visit him anytime she can. Her life has also changed recently, now navigating a new ADHD diagnosis
When Griff sneaks into the kitchen late one night to bake his last meal, his love for food and cooking reignites the passion he had lost and he opens himself to connecting with others again
I laughed, I gasped, I smiled, and I cried, oh did I cry…and for a whole day I was held by every word of Griff and Lisa. Told from both POVs, woven in past and present timelines, I was on a journey of family, secrets, guilt, love and home.
Anna has the most amazing way with words and brings characters to life. You are invested quickly and they become your family by the last chapter
I am so very thankful to Penguinbooks for the amazing PR package and gifted review copy of When Lemons Give You Life 💛🍋
April 2, 2026
This was a 4.5 star read for me. I really enjoyed this new novel by Johnston (although admittedly not as much as The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife). Just as in her last novel, the bulk of the story takes place in a nursing home but this time we follow our main character who is faking dementia and living in the nursing home - he contemplates suicide to join the love of his life but reconnects with cooking and a part of himself and begins a new path. This book was lovely and made me long for family. It was touching to see how dementia and Alzheimer’s was handled throughout. I liked the elderly protagonists and seeing them find new purpose in life through their passions and through each other. The author helps us to see a world where we can do better by our elders in their end of life and I loved that message.
Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for an early egalley copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for an early egalley copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 11, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley for this advance reader copy! If you loved Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife, this book very much replicates that experience. Without too many spoilers, there is an older man, a nursing home, and a cast of supporting characters you will enjoy. Don’t read the authors notes first as it will give much away, but the author is writing what she knows about and it shines in the book. I learned a lot and enjoyed the story. It was sadder than Fife for sure, and took me longer to get into, but I really enjoyed it nonetheless.
I would recommend this to my patrons and maybe select it for a book club. 4*
I would recommend this to my patrons and maybe select it for a book club. 4*
April 27, 2026
I went into "When Lemons Give You Life" expecting something something charming and full of heart, but it ended up being so much more layered than that. Similar to a cake (Griff would be proud of this, I think), this story contains multitudes of flavors; however, not every layer included suited my specific tastes. Overall, though, this was a heartwarming, engaging, and delicious read that blends emotional themes with charming humor.
full rtc closer to release date as requested by the publisher, william morrow. 💖
& a huge thank you to Anna Johnston, William Morrow, and Netgalley for gifting me an eArc of "When Lemons Give You Life" in exchange for my honest review. I am eternally grateful for this opportunity.
full rtc closer to release date as requested by the publisher, william morrow. 💖
& a huge thank you to Anna Johnston, William Morrow, and Netgalley for gifting me an eArc of "When Lemons Give You Life" in exchange for my honest review. I am eternally grateful for this opportunity.
May 2, 2026
5 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vibe check: Wholesome, Heart Melting, Deliciously Comforting
full review ⬇️
Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife is one of my all time favourite reads so the excitement levels were high for lemons!
I start with some advice. Do not read this when you’re hungry.
When Lemons Give You Life is packed with the most mouth watering food descriptions and coming from someone who is very much not a chef, even I was ready to get in the kitchen (briefly… let’s not get carried away).
But beyond the food, this is such a warm and joy filled story.
Anna Johnston is officially the queen of creating adorable, lovable elderly characters and placing them in aged care settings in a way that feels respectful and life changing.
The characters absolutely shine here bringing humour, heart and those beautifully observed moments that feel so real.
It’s the kind of book that balances lightness with deeper themes, all wrapped up in connection and finding purpose in unexpected places.
If you love stories with found family vibes, charming older characters, heartfelt moments and a side of incredible food this will absolutely win you over.
A big thank you to Penguin and NetGalley for the early peek at this wonderful read.
Vibe check: Wholesome, Heart Melting, Deliciously Comforting
full review ⬇️
Anna’s debut novel The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife is one of my all time favourite reads so the excitement levels were high for lemons!
I start with some advice. Do not read this when you’re hungry.
When Lemons Give You Life is packed with the most mouth watering food descriptions and coming from someone who is very much not a chef, even I was ready to get in the kitchen (briefly… let’s not get carried away).
But beyond the food, this is such a warm and joy filled story.
Anna Johnston is officially the queen of creating adorable, lovable elderly characters and placing them in aged care settings in a way that feels respectful and life changing.
The characters absolutely shine here bringing humour, heart and those beautifully observed moments that feel so real.
It’s the kind of book that balances lightness with deeper themes, all wrapped up in connection and finding purpose in unexpected places.
If you love stories with found family vibes, charming older characters, heartfelt moments and a side of incredible food this will absolutely win you over.
A big thank you to Penguin and NetGalley for the early peek at this wonderful read.
April 20, 2026
This book truly has emotion written on each and every page, crafted lovingly by each and every heart felt letter.
Griff Barlow has had to live with things throughout his life, that no one should EVER have to, and he has some pretty deep scars to prove it.
This story takes LOVE and HATE to an entirely new level.
Joys, sorrows, happiness, grief, shame and many more emotions all intertwined amongst themselves like a ball of twisted yarn.
How can anyone truly extrapolate them all and find peace? Truthfully told, it appears on the surface to be damn near impossible…and yet the surprise ending I didn’t see coming really got to me, and started the tears flowing, and the viola playing!! (If you know you know)
This book grabbed the heartstrings from page 1, and truly never ever let go.
If you want to learn about people, emotions, relationships, and feeling different…and ultimately learning to love and accept who you are, than this is definitely the book for you!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book.
Anna Johnston is the player of the heartstrings with this book, and I can’t wait to read her next book!
Griff Barlow has had to live with things throughout his life, that no one should EVER have to, and he has some pretty deep scars to prove it.
This story takes LOVE and HATE to an entirely new level.
Joys, sorrows, happiness, grief, shame and many more emotions all intertwined amongst themselves like a ball of twisted yarn.
How can anyone truly extrapolate them all and find peace? Truthfully told, it appears on the surface to be damn near impossible…and yet the surprise ending I didn’t see coming really got to me, and started the tears flowing, and the viola playing!! (If you know you know)
This book grabbed the heartstrings from page 1, and truly never ever let go.
If you want to learn about people, emotions, relationships, and feeling different…and ultimately learning to love and accept who you are, than this is definitely the book for you!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book.
Anna Johnston is the player of the heartstrings with this book, and I can’t wait to read her next book!
Want to Read
February 25, 2026Anna Johnston's debut novel last year was my favorite 2025 read. I still have not drafted a review because I am struggling for the words.
This is my most hopeful book of 2026 and the moment it hits NetGalley, I will be applying for the ARC!!!!
This is my most hopeful book of 2026 and the moment it hits NetGalley, I will be applying for the ARC!!!!
May 13, 2026
5+⭐️
May 13, 2026
A bit “Man called Ove” like - poor Griff is misunderstood and it’s a wonderful funny and uplifting story about how he finds a sense of purpose again.
April 4, 2026
🍋 When Lemons Give You Life - ARC Review 🍋
My Summary:
Two half-siblings. A strained relationship. And a lemon tart.
Griff’s a retired Michelin star chef who is living in a care facility at only 64 years old. As far as everyone is aware he has early onset Alzheimer’s . . . but that isn’t true. It’s a lie that Griff is determined to keep. So he plans to take himself “off the menu” before anyone can figure out he’s been faking. Unfortunately, checking off his last wish of baking one more time sets off an entirely different chain of events.
Lisa’s been caretaking for a while now. First, her mother when she got sick and now her brother. She’s had her hands full. So she had started to lose hope she would ever meet someone that could accept all of her and her baggage. Cue a certain handsome music therapist who just started working at her brother’s care home. . .
My overall thoughts:
Oh my heart! 😩 I fell hard for these characters ya’ll. They all had their flaws and baggage they were working through but they felt real and human. I cried multiple times reading this and honestly I shouldn’t have been surprised…her previous book also had me bawling. Johnston’s just not afraid to tackle some very heavy themes and yet she somehow manages to keep the tone generally lighthearted? I’m not sure how she finds this exact balance but it is a magical combination for me personally. So magical in fact, she just solidified auto-buy status.
If you enjoy stories that focus on deep and heavy social issues, stories that tug at your heart and even crack it wide open. If you love writers with unique writing voices and those with the ability to punch you in the heart with just a few words. This is a MUST read. Full stop. I may have been a left in a sad puddle after I finished, but it deserves allll the stars.
My rating: 5 ⭐️
Release Date: August 11th
What I loved:
🍋 The different POVs! This was one of the best examples of dual POV I’ve read. Seeing the same events, through each of their eyes, and how drastically different the two were. It was this fascinating pull between finding their reactions justifiable within their viewpoint but also knowing that wasn’t quite what happened. I found myself torn emotionally and I just couldn’t be upset with either despite knowing they were wrong. I felt myself aligning with whoever’s POV I was currently in only to then switch on repeat.
🍋 The food! My word the food descriptions in this story were absolutely amazing. I felt like I was standing in the kitchen beside them as they cooked and I swear I could almost taste it. 👌🏻🤤
🍋 The character growth! I will admit I didn’t always love the main characters. They truly made some wild decisions and had a lot to work through. However, they DID work through it. The author allowed each character the time and ability to change and by the end of the book I cared deeply for every one of them. (Well except for the care manager but I at least understood her by the end.) So well done.
🍋 The heavy themes! I’m not a fan of sad books in general. My heart can only take so many a year but the topics she presented will stick with me. Truly, she went in hard for this novel and I respect the issues she highlighted. I’m not sure I would have considered a few of these without reading her book.
Thank you so, so much to Netgalley and William Morrow Books for the advanced copy! I had high expectations and this did not disappoint! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
My Summary:
Two half-siblings. A strained relationship. And a lemon tart.
Griff’s a retired Michelin star chef who is living in a care facility at only 64 years old. As far as everyone is aware he has early onset Alzheimer’s . . . but that isn’t true. It’s a lie that Griff is determined to keep. So he plans to take himself “off the menu” before anyone can figure out he’s been faking. Unfortunately, checking off his last wish of baking one more time sets off an entirely different chain of events.
Lisa’s been caretaking for a while now. First, her mother when she got sick and now her brother. She’s had her hands full. So she had started to lose hope she would ever meet someone that could accept all of her and her baggage. Cue a certain handsome music therapist who just started working at her brother’s care home. . .
My overall thoughts:
Oh my heart! 😩 I fell hard for these characters ya’ll. They all had their flaws and baggage they were working through but they felt real and human. I cried multiple times reading this and honestly I shouldn’t have been surprised…her previous book also had me bawling. Johnston’s just not afraid to tackle some very heavy themes and yet she somehow manages to keep the tone generally lighthearted? I’m not sure how she finds this exact balance but it is a magical combination for me personally. So magical in fact, she just solidified auto-buy status.
If you enjoy stories that focus on deep and heavy social issues, stories that tug at your heart and even crack it wide open. If you love writers with unique writing voices and those with the ability to punch you in the heart with just a few words. This is a MUST read. Full stop. I may have been a left in a sad puddle after I finished, but it deserves allll the stars.
My rating: 5 ⭐️
Release Date: August 11th
What I loved:
🍋 The different POVs! This was one of the best examples of dual POV I’ve read. Seeing the same events, through each of their eyes, and how drastically different the two were. It was this fascinating pull between finding their reactions justifiable within their viewpoint but also knowing that wasn’t quite what happened. I found myself torn emotionally and I just couldn’t be upset with either despite knowing they were wrong. I felt myself aligning with whoever’s POV I was currently in only to then switch on repeat.
🍋 The food! My word the food descriptions in this story were absolutely amazing. I felt like I was standing in the kitchen beside them as they cooked and I swear I could almost taste it. 👌🏻🤤
🍋 The character growth! I will admit I didn’t always love the main characters. They truly made some wild decisions and had a lot to work through. However, they DID work through it. The author allowed each character the time and ability to change and by the end of the book I cared deeply for every one of them. (Well except for the care manager but I at least understood her by the end.) So well done.
🍋 The heavy themes! I’m not a fan of sad books in general. My heart can only take so many a year but the topics she presented will stick with me. Truly, she went in hard for this novel and I respect the issues she highlighted. I’m not sure I would have considered a few of these without reading her book.
Thank you so, so much to Netgalley and William Morrow Books for the advanced copy! I had high expectations and this did not disappoint! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I got an advanced copy of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife and loved it! It was hilarious. I laughed, and I cried. It hit all the right emotions. So, when I saw this new one, same author, similar subject matter, I knew I had to request it. Not as funny, but just as emotional. This one was full of warmth🤗, food🍰, and the kind of messy love🥰 that feels painfully real.
When Lemons Give You Life🍋 follows Griff Barlow, a once-renowned chef🧑🍳 now living in an aged care facility under circumstances that are… not entirely what they seem. At sixty-two, he’s grieving deeply, carrying guilt he can’t outrun, and slowly withdrawing from a life he no longer recognizes as his own. But one late-night decision, to step back into a kitchen and cook again, sparks something unexpected. What begins as a small act of rebellion becomes a lifeline, reconnecting Griff not only to his passion but also to the people around him.
Running parallel is Lisa, his estranged sister, navigating her own life upheavals, including a late ADHD diagnosis. She's trying, in her own imperfect way, to bridge the emotional distance between them. Through alternating timelines and perspectives, the story reveals the fractures in their relationship, the weight of long-held secrets, and the quiet, complicated ways love persists even when it’s strained.
This story excels in emotional honesty. It doesn’t rush grief, tidy it up, or soften its edges and it lets it exist, messy and unresolved, just like in real life. And yet, there’s warmth threaded through everything.
Griff is an unforgettable character. He is flawed, guarded, sometimes frustrating, but deeply human. Watching him rediscover purpose through cooking was one of my favorite parts of the book. Food isn’t just a detail here; it’s memory, identity, and connection. It’s how Griff holds onto himself when everything else feels lost.
What Anna Johnston truly gets right is the aged care setting. It is handled with compassion and realism. The story gently but clearly highlights the dignity, struggles, and overlooked humanity of elderly residents, making it feel both personal and quietly powerful.
Lisa’s storyline adds another layer of depth. Her experience navigating her mind, relationships, and identity felt nuanced and authentic, especially in how it explores neurodivergence without reducing her to it.
This is not a fast-paced read. The story leans heavily into reflection and emotional layering, which means it can take time to fully settle into. Some readers may find the beginning a bit slow, especially as the narrative builds context across timelines and relationships. And while the emotional payoff is strong, parts of the story feel heavier than others, which may not appeal if you’re looking for something lighter.
When Lemons Give You Life🍋 is a deeply moving, character-driven story about grief, guilt, redemption, and the quiet ways we find our way back to ourselves. It’s not always easy to read, but it’s absolutely worth it.
Overall, it's tender, bittersweet, and unforgettable. If you are a fan of T.J. Klune, you'll enjoy this book. It is a story about second chances that don’t erase the past, but help you live with it. Thank you to William Morrow Books (@williammorrowbooks) and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. I truly enjoyed this book and appreciate Anna Johnston for blessing us with another great story.
⭐⭐⭐⭐💫 (4.5 Stars, rounded up to 5)
When Lemons Give You Life🍋 follows Griff Barlow, a once-renowned chef🧑🍳 now living in an aged care facility under circumstances that are… not entirely what they seem. At sixty-two, he’s grieving deeply, carrying guilt he can’t outrun, and slowly withdrawing from a life he no longer recognizes as his own. But one late-night decision, to step back into a kitchen and cook again, sparks something unexpected. What begins as a small act of rebellion becomes a lifeline, reconnecting Griff not only to his passion but also to the people around him.
Running parallel is Lisa, his estranged sister, navigating her own life upheavals, including a late ADHD diagnosis. She's trying, in her own imperfect way, to bridge the emotional distance between them. Through alternating timelines and perspectives, the story reveals the fractures in their relationship, the weight of long-held secrets, and the quiet, complicated ways love persists even when it’s strained.
This story excels in emotional honesty. It doesn’t rush grief, tidy it up, or soften its edges and it lets it exist, messy and unresolved, just like in real life. And yet, there’s warmth threaded through everything.
Griff is an unforgettable character. He is flawed, guarded, sometimes frustrating, but deeply human. Watching him rediscover purpose through cooking was one of my favorite parts of the book. Food isn’t just a detail here; it’s memory, identity, and connection. It’s how Griff holds onto himself when everything else feels lost.
What Anna Johnston truly gets right is the aged care setting. It is handled with compassion and realism. The story gently but clearly highlights the dignity, struggles, and overlooked humanity of elderly residents, making it feel both personal and quietly powerful.
Lisa’s storyline adds another layer of depth. Her experience navigating her mind, relationships, and identity felt nuanced and authentic, especially in how it explores neurodivergence without reducing her to it.
This is not a fast-paced read. The story leans heavily into reflection and emotional layering, which means it can take time to fully settle into. Some readers may find the beginning a bit slow, especially as the narrative builds context across timelines and relationships. And while the emotional payoff is strong, parts of the story feel heavier than others, which may not appeal if you’re looking for something lighter.
When Lemons Give You Life🍋 is a deeply moving, character-driven story about grief, guilt, redemption, and the quiet ways we find our way back to ourselves. It’s not always easy to read, but it’s absolutely worth it.
Overall, it's tender, bittersweet, and unforgettable. If you are a fan of T.J. Klune, you'll enjoy this book. It is a story about second chances that don’t erase the past, but help you live with it. Thank you to William Morrow Books (@williammorrowbooks) and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. I truly enjoyed this book and appreciate Anna Johnston for blessing us with another great story.
⭐⭐⭐⭐💫 (4.5 Stars, rounded up to 5)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I had previously read and enjoyed Anna Johnston's "The Borrowed Life of Frederik Fife" so was eager to get an early look at her second novel. True to form, "When Lemons Give You Life" tells the story of a senior who's given the opportunity to change his life for the better - and what happens when he gives himself that chance.
Griff Barlow bides his days at the Sunny Glen Aged Care Facility, just one of many elderly residents who've been diagnosed with dementia. His room is filled with photos and accolades from his younger years as a chef of Lorraine, his former restaurant which was awarded 3-Michelin stars, and his time with his husband Beau who passed away years earlier. What no one else except Griff knows though, is that his diagnosis is a farce and he's pretending to not know his only remaining family member, his half-sister Lisa. When an unexpected opportunity falls in his lap to reconnect with his love of cooking, however, Griff makes the decision to take it - even though it requires even more deception on his end...
Lisa has grown up with a difficult relationship with Griff; as a child, she grew up in admiration of her old half-brother, but never understood his dislike for her father, his stepfather, and why he left the family and his sick mother for France to pursue his culinary career. Still struggling with the weight of having to care for her mother in her final days after her diagnosis with PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease), she's doing her best to juggle her job as a dog groomer and making time to visit her older brother while juggling her ADHD. Her repeated visits to Sunny Glen give her the chance to meeting others who soon become more important in her life, as well as the unexpected opportunity to make amends with her brother and the learn the truth about her family.
I was hopeful for a warm, comforting read which this novel certainly delivered, and as a food-lover, I was appreciative of the extra focus and descriptions on food and dishes that were crafted under Gliff's oversight. The story is hopeful and fun, and is told across both Gliff's and Lisa's perspectives, alternating between the past and present. Johnston covers a number of important and weighty topics, including the treatment of seniors, especially ones with physical or mental impairments; mental and genetic illnesses; domestic violence; and the importance of family, both by blood and found. Unfortunately, I think there was just too much packed into this novel, which felt apparent in some too-perfect characters like Lisa's love interest and a series of events and coincidences that was too forced, even for a work of fiction. I wish there was more focus on the character growth and development of the protagonists and their relationships to each other versus some of the side plots and characters that were introduced.
While an enjoyable comfort novel that I'm sure many readers with appreciate once released in August 2026, I don't think this was as strong as "The Borrowed Life of Frederik Fife".
Griff Barlow bides his days at the Sunny Glen Aged Care Facility, just one of many elderly residents who've been diagnosed with dementia. His room is filled with photos and accolades from his younger years as a chef of Lorraine, his former restaurant which was awarded 3-Michelin stars, and his time with his husband Beau who passed away years earlier. What no one else except Griff knows though, is that his diagnosis is a farce and he's pretending to not know his only remaining family member, his half-sister Lisa. When an unexpected opportunity falls in his lap to reconnect with his love of cooking, however, Griff makes the decision to take it - even though it requires even more deception on his end...
Lisa has grown up with a difficult relationship with Griff; as a child, she grew up in admiration of her old half-brother, but never understood his dislike for her father, his stepfather, and why he left the family and his sick mother for France to pursue his culinary career. Still struggling with the weight of having to care for her mother in her final days after her diagnosis with PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease), she's doing her best to juggle her job as a dog groomer and making time to visit her older brother while juggling her ADHD. Her repeated visits to Sunny Glen give her the chance to meeting others who soon become more important in her life, as well as the unexpected opportunity to make amends with her brother and the learn the truth about her family.
I was hopeful for a warm, comforting read which this novel certainly delivered, and as a food-lover, I was appreciative of the extra focus and descriptions on food and dishes that were crafted under Gliff's oversight. The story is hopeful and fun, and is told across both Gliff's and Lisa's perspectives, alternating between the past and present. Johnston covers a number of important and weighty topics, including the treatment of seniors, especially ones with physical or mental impairments; mental and genetic illnesses; domestic violence; and the importance of family, both by blood and found. Unfortunately, I think there was just too much packed into this novel, which felt apparent in some too-perfect characters like Lisa's love interest and a series of events and coincidences that was too forced, even for a work of fiction. I wish there was more focus on the character growth and development of the protagonists and their relationships to each other versus some of the side plots and characters that were introduced.
While an enjoyable comfort novel that I'm sure many readers with appreciate once released in August 2026, I don't think this was as strong as "The Borrowed Life of Frederik Fife".
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.75 ⭐️
After loving Anna Johnston’s debut novel, I was very interested in reading her sophomore novel. WHEN LEMONS GIVE YOU LIFE features main character Griff in a nursing home under dubious circumstances, like in her debut novel. It’s difficult to not compare this novel to Johnston’s first novel. This novel tackles more and heavier (at least to me) issues, including childhood trauma, the adult brother/sister dynamic after childhood trauma, polycystic kidney disease, ADHD, early-onset Alzheimer’s, regret after accidentally killing someone and poisoning others, etc.
➕ The main character Griff is pretending to have early-onset Alzheimer’s to stay in the nursing home, and there are some not-so-great nursing home practices that are illuminated (poor management, eking out more profits by using bargain basement food, taking away the dignity of patients, the invisibility of the sick, etc.). Of course, this particular nursing home doesn’t represent all nursing homes. Griff’s career was a chef, and when he sneaks into the kitchen to make one last lemon tart, he becomes the new weekend chef and re-finds inspiration through food.
➕ Griff and his sister Lisa both have interesting backstories, and I enjoyed delving into each of those. I also liked the nursing home hijinks (package delivery, sneaking into the kitchen, etc.).
➕ Lisa has ADHD, and I really liked how the author showed the manifestation of that for Lisa. It reminds me of people in my own life who are “messy” or “late,” and I don’t have as much empathy for them as I should. There could be something like ADHD as a root cause.
➖ I would have appreciated fewer heavier issues with more dialogue and working through them. I think Johnston does really well at scene work, but there was so much going on in this novel that it didn’t feel like any one issue had much time to breathe before moving on to yet another heavy issue. It’s almost like she had been given feedback that her first novel was too “light,” and with this one she overcorrected.
➖Suspension of disbelief is needed on several fronts.
➖Even toward the end of this novel, I was still struggling to understand this brother/sister dynamic, including their mother’s influence. Griff experienced childhood trauma and maintained a gruff exterior toward much younger Lisa in order to protect her, and a man named Beau they both loved dearly came between them, yet Lisa acts highly devoted toward Griff and it doesn’t feel earned.
There is a lot to appreciate here, and the author is definitely tackling a lot. I think she did great in weaving all the issues into a cohesive narrative and had interesting characters that will be hard to forget. While it wasn’t the 5 ⭐️ experience of her debut for me, it was still strong.
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for an Advance Reader Copy. My review is completely my own.
It publishes August 4, 2026.
After loving Anna Johnston’s debut novel, I was very interested in reading her sophomore novel. WHEN LEMONS GIVE YOU LIFE features main character Griff in a nursing home under dubious circumstances, like in her debut novel. It’s difficult to not compare this novel to Johnston’s first novel. This novel tackles more and heavier (at least to me) issues, including childhood trauma, the adult brother/sister dynamic after childhood trauma, polycystic kidney disease, ADHD, early-onset Alzheimer’s, regret after accidentally killing someone and poisoning others, etc.
➕ The main character Griff is pretending to have early-onset Alzheimer’s to stay in the nursing home, and there are some not-so-great nursing home practices that are illuminated (poor management, eking out more profits by using bargain basement food, taking away the dignity of patients, the invisibility of the sick, etc.). Of course, this particular nursing home doesn’t represent all nursing homes. Griff’s career was a chef, and when he sneaks into the kitchen to make one last lemon tart, he becomes the new weekend chef and re-finds inspiration through food.
➕ Griff and his sister Lisa both have interesting backstories, and I enjoyed delving into each of those. I also liked the nursing home hijinks (package delivery, sneaking into the kitchen, etc.).
➕ Lisa has ADHD, and I really liked how the author showed the manifestation of that for Lisa. It reminds me of people in my own life who are “messy” or “late,” and I don’t have as much empathy for them as I should. There could be something like ADHD as a root cause.
➖ I would have appreciated fewer heavier issues with more dialogue and working through them. I think Johnston does really well at scene work, but there was so much going on in this novel that it didn’t feel like any one issue had much time to breathe before moving on to yet another heavy issue. It’s almost like she had been given feedback that her first novel was too “light,” and with this one she overcorrected.
➖Suspension of disbelief is needed on several fronts.
➖Even toward the end of this novel, I was still struggling to understand this brother/sister dynamic, including their mother’s influence. Griff experienced childhood trauma and maintained a gruff exterior toward much younger Lisa in order to protect her, and a man named Beau they both loved dearly came between them, yet Lisa acts highly devoted toward Griff and it doesn’t feel earned.
There is a lot to appreciate here, and the author is definitely tackling a lot. I think she did great in weaving all the issues into a cohesive narrative and had interesting characters that will be hard to forget. While it wasn’t the 5 ⭐️ experience of her debut for me, it was still strong.
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for an Advance Reader Copy. My review is completely my own.
It publishes August 4, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Are you looking for a book that will make you laugh and also make you want to reach out to all of your estranged family members and give them a hug? Then this book is for you.
Thank you to NetGalley, William Morrow Publishing, and the author for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Griff Barlow is a retired Michelin chef who now lives at the Sunny Glen Aged Care Facility. His only visitor is his younger sister, Lisa, with whom his relationship is completely fractured. Fed up with life and all that has happened to him, he makes a plan to end it all, but he wants to have one last tasty morsel before he goes. So he breaks into the kitchen when everyone is asleep to make his final dessert. Through a series of peculiar events and mistaken identity, he somehow finds himself employed as the weekend chef at the care facility, and it invigorates him and gives him a new lease on life. Through all of this, he is harboring a secret which could shatter the lives of everyone around him.
There is so much to unpack with this book, and it’s best to just go in blind because there is no way to explain the circumstances for how Griff wound up in the kitchen on what he had planned to be his last day without experiencing them for yourself.
This was a book that will bring out every emotion from its reader. On the very first page, I found myself laughing out loud, but then there were other moments that had me literally choked up. The author’s writing is a full on sensory experience. The descriptive passages about food that were scattered throughout this book were so immersive that at times I actually felt my mouth watering. This may not be the best book recommendation for anyone on a diet, but hey, everyone needs to splurge every now and then.
Add to that some complex relationships with dynamic characters, and it all adds up to a thoroughly enjoyable reading experience. I love when an author uses their platform to not only write an entertaining story, but also to bring awareness to important and potentially underrepresented issues without preaching about them. Tucked carefully within the pages of this novel were LGBTQ representation, aged care facility problems, neurodivergent representation, and so much more. When you read this book, be sure to read the author’s note at the end as well, because it really adds to the message that Anna Johnston brought to life through her characters.
Overall, this was a funny, quirky, and heartwarming story about grief and second chances, about love and the unbelievable things we do for those we care about, and about humanity and acceptance. Add this to your TBR if you enjoy charming and relective books such as Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting and Eddie Winston is Looking for Love.
Thank you to NetGalley, William Morrow Publishing, and the author for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Griff Barlow is a retired Michelin chef who now lives at the Sunny Glen Aged Care Facility. His only visitor is his younger sister, Lisa, with whom his relationship is completely fractured. Fed up with life and all that has happened to him, he makes a plan to end it all, but he wants to have one last tasty morsel before he goes. So he breaks into the kitchen when everyone is asleep to make his final dessert. Through a series of peculiar events and mistaken identity, he somehow finds himself employed as the weekend chef at the care facility, and it invigorates him and gives him a new lease on life. Through all of this, he is harboring a secret which could shatter the lives of everyone around him.
There is so much to unpack with this book, and it’s best to just go in blind because there is no way to explain the circumstances for how Griff wound up in the kitchen on what he had planned to be his last day without experiencing them for yourself.
This was a book that will bring out every emotion from its reader. On the very first page, I found myself laughing out loud, but then there were other moments that had me literally choked up. The author’s writing is a full on sensory experience. The descriptive passages about food that were scattered throughout this book were so immersive that at times I actually felt my mouth watering. This may not be the best book recommendation for anyone on a diet, but hey, everyone needs to splurge every now and then.
Add to that some complex relationships with dynamic characters, and it all adds up to a thoroughly enjoyable reading experience. I love when an author uses their platform to not only write an entertaining story, but also to bring awareness to important and potentially underrepresented issues without preaching about them. Tucked carefully within the pages of this novel were LGBTQ representation, aged care facility problems, neurodivergent representation, and so much more. When you read this book, be sure to read the author’s note at the end as well, because it really adds to the message that Anna Johnston brought to life through her characters.
Overall, this was a funny, quirky, and heartwarming story about grief and second chances, about love and the unbelievable things we do for those we care about, and about humanity and acceptance. Add this to your TBR if you enjoy charming and relective books such as Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting and Eddie Winston is Looking for Love.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As a person that also loves to cook and feed people I am one to believe in cooking food as a love language and this book just warmed me all over in that regard.
I really enjoyed the writing here, every moment Griff brought up a recipe and described it I felt like getting up and cooking it myself. I loved how we got glimpses of the past and got to see how things happened versus how Lisa and Griff felt it/told us, and of course, the twists we get along. I was so engaged throughout the whole book, I felt anger, sadness, frustration and love while doing so.
The other thing I loved about it, was the human factor. Love in the face of grief, loneliness in the face of community, loyalty in the face of a fractured kinship and life's persistence to find a way even when you feel hopeless. Sometimes all a person needs is a way to connect and a chance to be kind to themselves in the face of hardship and seeing it treated so empathetically and humanely was really a beautiful gift.
Family is hard, our parents so flawed and our siblings sometimes so selfish in their own pain. Only family have the potential to break your heart in places you could never see coming. This book brings this all together, the consequences of your actions towards your own life and others', the weight of love and the unfairness of the world to those who dared to be different and how fierce and relentless you have to be to keep living in this world.
I loved how we could see both siblings were fairly lost in their own view of things, in their own experience growing up with their mom and her partner. Both suffered, both were hurt but both were equally focused on their own pain in disregard of the other, and that's such a human experience and so beautifully shown here.
Luckily, Anna Johnston shows us that even when it's late, it is never too late to right a wrong, to recognize that your perspective isn't everyone's perspective, that your experience is uniquely yours.
There is only one irremediable thing in this life, and that thing is death, so if there's one thing you can learn from this book is: reach out, try and live again. You're worth it. Fight for what you believe and love, love as much and as deeply as you can.
I really enjoyed the writing here, every moment Griff brought up a recipe and described it I felt like getting up and cooking it myself. I loved how we got glimpses of the past and got to see how things happened versus how Lisa and Griff felt it/told us, and of course, the twists we get along. I was so engaged throughout the whole book, I felt anger, sadness, frustration and love while doing so.
The other thing I loved about it, was the human factor. Love in the face of grief, loneliness in the face of community, loyalty in the face of a fractured kinship and life's persistence to find a way even when you feel hopeless. Sometimes all a person needs is a way to connect and a chance to be kind to themselves in the face of hardship and seeing it treated so empathetically and humanely was really a beautiful gift.
Family is hard, our parents so flawed and our siblings sometimes so selfish in their own pain. Only family have the potential to break your heart in places you could never see coming. This book brings this all together, the consequences of your actions towards your own life and others', the weight of love and the unfairness of the world to those who dared to be different and how fierce and relentless you have to be to keep living in this world.
I loved how we could see both siblings were fairly lost in their own view of things, in their own experience growing up with their mom and her partner. Both suffered, both were hurt but both were equally focused on their own pain in disregard of the other, and that's such a human experience and so beautifully shown here.
Luckily, Anna Johnston shows us that even when it's late, it is never too late to right a wrong, to recognize that your perspective isn't everyone's perspective, that your experience is uniquely yours.
There is only one irremediable thing in this life, and that thing is death, so if there's one thing you can learn from this book is: reach out, try and live again. You're worth it. Fight for what you believe and love, love as much and as deeply as you can.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you loved "The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife", you NEED to read this book. I dare say it is even better!
I was immediately drawn to "When Lemons Give You Life" by Anna Johnston, the title and cover alone would have been enough to make me pick it up. The overall feel definitely reminded me of her debut, "The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife", which I loved, so I went in with high hopes.
It absolutely delivered.
The writing is incredibly smooth, with a natural flow that makes it easy to move from chapter to chapter. Even with dual perspectives and flashbacks, the transitions feel seamless and never confusing. The pacing is impeccable. There’s a steady sense of momentum that keeps you engaged without ever feeling rushed or drawn out.
At its heart, this is a story about complicated family relationships, particularly between half-siblings. The emotional depth here is what really stands out. The characters are layered and realistic, and the misunderstandings between them feel authentic, often rooted in love, protection, or fear rather than anything simple or one-dimensional.
I also really appreciated the “food is life” theme woven throughout the novel. It even inspired me to cook something myself using ingredients I had on hand, which I hardly ever do.
Much of the story takes place in a nursing home, just as with "Frederick Fife", and it had the same blend of humor, tenderness, and humanity. There are many feel good moments, along with many sad moments.
The reading experience feels like a thriller, in the best way! You’re always curious about what will happen next. The alternating perspectives and well-timed reveals make it difficult to put down. The tension is just right, where you need to keep reading, then it's quickly resolved, then there's new tension! I couldn't wait to see how everything would come together in the end.
This book had me feeling EVERYTHING. Happy, stressed, emotional, teary—ALL OF IT. And the ending?? PERFECTION. I was a full-on teary mess.
Anna Johnston is a treasure of a writer. This was easily the best book I read so far this month.
Huge thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the advanced e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was immediately drawn to "When Lemons Give You Life" by Anna Johnston, the title and cover alone would have been enough to make me pick it up. The overall feel definitely reminded me of her debut, "The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife", which I loved, so I went in with high hopes.
It absolutely delivered.
The writing is incredibly smooth, with a natural flow that makes it easy to move from chapter to chapter. Even with dual perspectives and flashbacks, the transitions feel seamless and never confusing. The pacing is impeccable. There’s a steady sense of momentum that keeps you engaged without ever feeling rushed or drawn out.
At its heart, this is a story about complicated family relationships, particularly between half-siblings. The emotional depth here is what really stands out. The characters are layered and realistic, and the misunderstandings between them feel authentic, often rooted in love, protection, or fear rather than anything simple or one-dimensional.
I also really appreciated the “food is life” theme woven throughout the novel. It even inspired me to cook something myself using ingredients I had on hand, which I hardly ever do.
Much of the story takes place in a nursing home, just as with "Frederick Fife", and it had the same blend of humor, tenderness, and humanity. There are many feel good moments, along with many sad moments.
The reading experience feels like a thriller, in the best way! You’re always curious about what will happen next. The alternating perspectives and well-timed reveals make it difficult to put down. The tension is just right, where you need to keep reading, then it's quickly resolved, then there's new tension! I couldn't wait to see how everything would come together in the end.
This book had me feeling EVERYTHING. Happy, stressed, emotional, teary—ALL OF IT. And the ending?? PERFECTION. I was a full-on teary mess.
Anna Johnston is a treasure of a writer. This was easily the best book I read so far this month.
Huge thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the advanced e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When Lemons Give You Life by Anna Johnston @annajohnstonauthor
You know you have too many books on your TBR pile when you get recommended a book on Instagram, add it to your audiobook library, and then discover that you already had an e-ARC of the very same book from NetGalley.
Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow, for spoilery reasons, is living in the dementia unit at Sunny Glen Aged Care Facility. He's over life, and the beige slop they dare call food, so, in search of one last decent meal, he breaks into the nursing home kitchen to bake himself a lemon tart. Soon, he's regularly sneaking in and serving up flavour and comfort to his fellow residents.
Griff's younger sister, Lisa, is navigating a new ADHD diagnosis and her own medical diagnoses. She dutifully visits Griff every other day, bringing comfort to the residents in her own way and during one of these visits, she finds the spark of an unexpected romance.
As the daughter-in-law of someone in aged care who often refuses to eat the meals served to her (for good reason), this book feels timely and important, also in regards to the way it discusses early onset dementia/younger people in requiring care, and same sex relationships when it comes to aged care.
Thumbs up! If you enjoy books set in aged care, like those by Richard Osman, or centred around older characters, like the Tea-lady series by Amanda Hampson or those with a medical lean, like The Menzies Mental Health Novels by Anne Buist (AO) and Graeme Simsion, or books about food and cooking, then I think you'll like this one.
Side Note: Because I had a version of When Lemons Give You Life on my Kobo, as well as the audiobook, I was able to multitask. I found a failed gelli print that I thought I could see a lemon in, because, obviously, I had to draw a lemon while listening... but partway through, my posca pen exploded, and I ended up with a big splotch on my painting and an oyster, so here we all are :)
#designnerd #booksdeevaareads #2026bookshelf #WhenLemonsGiveYouLife #NetGalley @NetGalley @penguinbooksaus @penguinrandomhouse @annajohnstonauthor
You know you have too many books on your TBR pile when you get recommended a book on Instagram, add it to your audiobook library, and then discover that you already had an e-ARC of the very same book from NetGalley.
Retired Michelin-star chef Griff Barlow, for spoilery reasons, is living in the dementia unit at Sunny Glen Aged Care Facility. He's over life, and the beige slop they dare call food, so, in search of one last decent meal, he breaks into the nursing home kitchen to bake himself a lemon tart. Soon, he's regularly sneaking in and serving up flavour and comfort to his fellow residents.
Griff's younger sister, Lisa, is navigating a new ADHD diagnosis and her own medical diagnoses. She dutifully visits Griff every other day, bringing comfort to the residents in her own way and during one of these visits, she finds the spark of an unexpected romance.
As the daughter-in-law of someone in aged care who often refuses to eat the meals served to her (for good reason), this book feels timely and important, also in regards to the way it discusses early onset dementia/younger people in requiring care, and same sex relationships when it comes to aged care.
Thumbs up! If you enjoy books set in aged care, like those by Richard Osman, or centred around older characters, like the Tea-lady series by Amanda Hampson or those with a medical lean, like The Menzies Mental Health Novels by Anne Buist (AO) and Graeme Simsion, or books about food and cooking, then I think you'll like this one.
Side Note: Because I had a version of When Lemons Give You Life on my Kobo, as well as the audiobook, I was able to multitask. I found a failed gelli print that I thought I could see a lemon in, because, obviously, I had to draw a lemon while listening... but partway through, my posca pen exploded, and I ended up with a big splotch on my painting and an oyster, so here we all are :)
#designnerd #booksdeevaareads #2026bookshelf #WhenLemonsGiveYouLife #NetGalley @NetGalley @penguinbooksaus @penguinrandomhouse @annajohnstonauthor
April 30, 2026
Thank you Anna Johnston, Penguin Random House Australia and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
If the gorgeous cover of this latest book by Anna Johnston doesn’t grab you the first couple of pages will.
Sunny Glen Aged Care is the home of Griff, a retired Michelin-star chef who now spends his days faking dementia to avoid making amends with his half-sister Lisa, and life in general. . Grumpy Griff would like to come clean with Lisa but it’s become a bit too complicated. Instead, he sneaks into the care homes commercial kitchen in the depth of night and begins cooking, first recreating his beloved lemon tart.
Lisa, a dog groomer, is zooming into menopause, desperate for her beloved Griff to remember her and be a little less gruff. Both are in deep in the grief of their beloved Beau, Lisa’s older but forever BFF and Griff’s widowed husband.
Through the messiness of life and the pain of the past we join Lisa and Griff as well as many other wonderful friends meet along the way.
Anna’s writing is a wonderful, she manages to inject lots of humour into subjects that are so relevant in many reader’s lives today. I love the descriptiveness of her writing. I could almost smell and taste the lemon 🍋 as she described Griff baking. I laughed through out and also grabbed the tissues a couple times as the book rode through some of the tougher, messier issues we face but in the end finished with more than a sprinkle of hope.
I was very fortunate to happen upon Anna launching this book at a neighbourhood library yesterday. It was wonderful to meet Anna and to learn more about her writing process, how her stories and characters came to life. Anna has a background in public health and a strong interest in cooking and was inspired by many chefs, including the beloved Maggie Beer.
Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to read and review this wonderful heart warming book. I look forward to the next one currently becoming created.
If the gorgeous cover of this latest book by Anna Johnston doesn’t grab you the first couple of pages will.
Sunny Glen Aged Care is the home of Griff, a retired Michelin-star chef who now spends his days faking dementia to avoid making amends with his half-sister Lisa, and life in general. . Grumpy Griff would like to come clean with Lisa but it’s become a bit too complicated. Instead, he sneaks into the care homes commercial kitchen in the depth of night and begins cooking, first recreating his beloved lemon tart.
Lisa, a dog groomer, is zooming into menopause, desperate for her beloved Griff to remember her and be a little less gruff. Both are in deep in the grief of their beloved Beau, Lisa’s older but forever BFF and Griff’s widowed husband.
Through the messiness of life and the pain of the past we join Lisa and Griff as well as many other wonderful friends meet along the way.
Anna’s writing is a wonderful, she manages to inject lots of humour into subjects that are so relevant in many reader’s lives today. I love the descriptiveness of her writing. I could almost smell and taste the lemon 🍋 as she described Griff baking. I laughed through out and also grabbed the tissues a couple times as the book rode through some of the tougher, messier issues we face but in the end finished with more than a sprinkle of hope.
I was very fortunate to happen upon Anna launching this book at a neighbourhood library yesterday. It was wonderful to meet Anna and to learn more about her writing process, how her stories and characters came to life. Anna has a background in public health and a strong interest in cooking and was inspired by many chefs, including the beloved Maggie Beer.
Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to read and review this wonderful heart warming book. I look forward to the next one currently becoming created.
May 16, 2026
3.25 ⭐️ Enjoyable, but I wanted to connect with it more.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
You’ll like this if:
• you enjoy stories about finding meaning during difficult seasons of life
• you like themes of friendship, grief, healing, and personal growth
• you enjoy character-driven stories focused on emotional journeys and self-discovery
• you like books with quirky moments balanced by heartfelt emotional themes
• you enjoy hopeful stories about finding silver linings after hardship
About the Book:
When Lemons Give You Life follows characters navigating grief, change, and the unexpected turns life can take. Through relationships, emotional challenges, and personal growth, the story explores what it means to rebuild, rediscover yourself, and move forward after difficult experiences.
My thoughts:
This was a heartfelt story with a meaningful overall message about taking the difficult things that happen to us and still finding ways to live fully, grow, and create new meaning. I appreciated the themes of resilience, friendship, grief, and finding silver linings during harder seasons of life.
The book started off a bit quirky and eventually became more emotionally heartwarming by the end, which I did enjoy. I also think readers who enjoy character arcs and emotionally reflective stories will likely connect with this one more than I did.
For me personally, I struggled to fully connect with Griff and Lisa as characters. I think part of that came down to the writing style. At times, it felt like the story was telling me what the characters were feeling rather than fully immersing me in those emotions. Because of that, some of the emotional moments didn’t hit quite as deeply as I wanted them to. I also found parts of the beginning and middle a little slow, and some elements felt somewhat predictable.
That said, the ending was genuinely nice and left the story on a hopeful, comforting note.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
You’ll like this if:
• you enjoy stories about finding meaning during difficult seasons of life
• you like themes of friendship, grief, healing, and personal growth
• you enjoy character-driven stories focused on emotional journeys and self-discovery
• you like books with quirky moments balanced by heartfelt emotional themes
• you enjoy hopeful stories about finding silver linings after hardship
About the Book:
When Lemons Give You Life follows characters navigating grief, change, and the unexpected turns life can take. Through relationships, emotional challenges, and personal growth, the story explores what it means to rebuild, rediscover yourself, and move forward after difficult experiences.
My thoughts:
This was a heartfelt story with a meaningful overall message about taking the difficult things that happen to us and still finding ways to live fully, grow, and create new meaning. I appreciated the themes of resilience, friendship, grief, and finding silver linings during harder seasons of life.
The book started off a bit quirky and eventually became more emotionally heartwarming by the end, which I did enjoy. I also think readers who enjoy character arcs and emotionally reflective stories will likely connect with this one more than I did.
For me personally, I struggled to fully connect with Griff and Lisa as characters. I think part of that came down to the writing style. At times, it felt like the story was telling me what the characters were feeling rather than fully immersing me in those emotions. Because of that, some of the emotional moments didn’t hit quite as deeply as I wanted them to. I also found parts of the beginning and middle a little slow, and some elements felt somewhat predictable.
That said, the ending was genuinely nice and left the story on a hopeful, comforting note.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In 2024, The Secret Life of Frederick Fife was one of my favorite books of the year, and honestly, it is still a book that has stayed with me. I recommend it all the time. So when I saw that Anna Johnson’s sophomore novel When Lemons Give You Life was coming out in 2026, I was so excited to read more from her.
When I received a digital ARC, I could not wait to dive in.
This story follows Griff, a retired chef living in a nursing home who is deep in his grief and pretty checked out from life. One night he sneaks into the kitchen to cook, and that small act slowly turns into something bigger as he starts bringing joy and connection back to the other residents through food. Alongside his story, we also follow his sister Lisa, who is navigating her own life changes while carrying the weight of their complicated relationship. As secrets begin to surface, both of them are forced to face the past and what it might look like to move forward.
I will say it took me a little longer to connect with the characters in this one, but by the end I was absolutely bawling and knew it was another 5 star read for me.
Anna Johnson’s experience working in a nursing home really shines through in this story. She brings such an authentic perspective to elder care, which is something you do not often see explored in books.
What I love most about her writing is how she captures the full range of the human experience. The messy parts, the joyful parts, and everything in between all feel so real on the page. I find myself getting deeply attached to her characters in the best way, and even when their stories are heavy, there is always this underlying sense of warmth and hope.
This is one of those stories that slowly builds and then completely wrecks you in the best way, and I will definitely continue to open my heart to whatever she writes next. She is absolutely an auto buy author for me.
When I received a digital ARC, I could not wait to dive in.
This story follows Griff, a retired chef living in a nursing home who is deep in his grief and pretty checked out from life. One night he sneaks into the kitchen to cook, and that small act slowly turns into something bigger as he starts bringing joy and connection back to the other residents through food. Alongside his story, we also follow his sister Lisa, who is navigating her own life changes while carrying the weight of their complicated relationship. As secrets begin to surface, both of them are forced to face the past and what it might look like to move forward.
I will say it took me a little longer to connect with the characters in this one, but by the end I was absolutely bawling and knew it was another 5 star read for me.
Anna Johnson’s experience working in a nursing home really shines through in this story. She brings such an authentic perspective to elder care, which is something you do not often see explored in books.
What I love most about her writing is how she captures the full range of the human experience. The messy parts, the joyful parts, and everything in between all feel so real on the page. I find myself getting deeply attached to her characters in the best way, and even when their stories are heavy, there is always this underlying sense of warmth and hope.
This is one of those stories that slowly builds and then completely wrecks you in the best way, and I will definitely continue to open my heart to whatever she writes next. She is absolutely an auto buy author for me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)
Anna Johnston’s debut, The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife, is one of my favorite books of the last few years—honestly, one of my all-time favorites. I try not to compare an author’s new work to their previous books because styles, tones, and genres can shift. But in this case, I couldn’t help it… and I walked away a little disappointed.
This novel is set in an assisted living facility in Australia—one that isn’t particularly well run—and follows a woman in her late 40s navigating a difficult medical diagnosis. Alongside her is her brother, a retired Michelin-star chef, with whom she shares a fractured relationship. As they spend time together, both are forced to confront the past, reconcile, and face a major secret he’s been keeping from those around him.
There’s a lot to appreciate here. The story is heartfelt, emotional, and ultimately inspiring. The sibling dynamic—especially Griff and Lisa—was a highlight for me, and I really enjoyed watching their relationship evolve. It’s also a strong example of second-chance family fiction, with meaningful themes around forgiveness and connection.
That said, I found myself wishing for the same simplicity and emotional clarity that made Johnston’s first novel so special. This book leans into heavier, more complex themes, and while that adds depth, it also made the story feel less “pure” and a bit harder to fully connect with.
A quick note: there is a trigger warning for medical diagnosis.
Overall, I liked this one, but didn’t quite love it. Still, it’s a solid contemporary read—and one of my favorite covers of 2026!
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC. This title is set to be published in the U.S. on August 4, 2026
Anna Johnston’s debut, The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife, is one of my favorite books of the last few years—honestly, one of my all-time favorites. I try not to compare an author’s new work to their previous books because styles, tones, and genres can shift. But in this case, I couldn’t help it… and I walked away a little disappointed.
This novel is set in an assisted living facility in Australia—one that isn’t particularly well run—and follows a woman in her late 40s navigating a difficult medical diagnosis. Alongside her is her brother, a retired Michelin-star chef, with whom she shares a fractured relationship. As they spend time together, both are forced to confront the past, reconcile, and face a major secret he’s been keeping from those around him.
There’s a lot to appreciate here. The story is heartfelt, emotional, and ultimately inspiring. The sibling dynamic—especially Griff and Lisa—was a highlight for me, and I really enjoyed watching their relationship evolve. It’s also a strong example of second-chance family fiction, with meaningful themes around forgiveness and connection.
That said, I found myself wishing for the same simplicity and emotional clarity that made Johnston’s first novel so special. This book leans into heavier, more complex themes, and while that adds depth, it also made the story feel less “pure” and a bit harder to fully connect with.
A quick note: there is a trigger warning for medical diagnosis.
Overall, I liked this one, but didn’t quite love it. Still, it’s a solid contemporary read—and one of my favorite covers of 2026!
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC. This title is set to be published in the U.S. on August 4, 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In “When Lemons Give You Life,” former Michelin chef Griff is faking dementia as a resident of a nursing home. At the beginning of the book, he is planning to commit suicide by ingesting sleeping pills he has been hoarding for several months. Since his husband, Beau died several months ago, and he no longer finds joy in his other love, cooking, Griff sees no reason to continue. However, a decision to sneak into the kitchen late at night to bake one last lemon tart leads him to find a way to cook better meals on the sly for the residents who have been served inedible mush bought by the facility to cut costs.
Griff, with the exception of his love for his husband, Beau, has been closed off to relationships after he blamed himself for his father’s death that happened when Griff was a child. His mother’s subsequent marriage to Brent, a physically and mentally abusive man, felt like a just punishment to Griff. He spurned the efforts of his younger sister, Lisa, 13 years his junior, to lavish love and affection on him when they were growing up together and a series of lies he told her in a misguided attempt to shelter her from painful truths has created a rift that continued into their later years.
This book is full of colorful characters who touch Griff in their own unique ways, helping him open himself up to love again. His most challenging relationship continues to be that of his sister, Lisa, whose contentious relationship can’t be mended as long as he feigns dementia.
I recommend this book to those who love uplifting stories of growth and redemption. It would make a great book club selection with its complex relationships, the secrets the main character kept and the flawed reasoning behind that decision.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Griff, with the exception of his love for his husband, Beau, has been closed off to relationships after he blamed himself for his father’s death that happened when Griff was a child. His mother’s subsequent marriage to Brent, a physically and mentally abusive man, felt like a just punishment to Griff. He spurned the efforts of his younger sister, Lisa, 13 years his junior, to lavish love and affection on him when they were growing up together and a series of lies he told her in a misguided attempt to shelter her from painful truths has created a rift that continued into their later years.
This book is full of colorful characters who touch Griff in their own unique ways, helping him open himself up to love again. His most challenging relationship continues to be that of his sister, Lisa, whose contentious relationship can’t be mended as long as he feigns dementia.
I recommend this book to those who love uplifting stories of growth and redemption. It would make a great book club selection with its complex relationships, the secrets the main character kept and the flawed reasoning behind that decision.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for providing me an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars. I’m a big fan of THE BORROWED LIFE OF FREDERICK FIFE, and was excited to read WHEN LEMONS GIVE YOU LIFE. This book similarly features a senior male living in a nursing home—as well as a unique case of mistaken identity—but LEMON’s situation isn’t as idyllic as in FREDERICK FIFE.
Sixty-four-year-old Griff is a Michelin-awarded chef who reviles the terrible food at his nursing home. He’s there on a deception—faking dementia for reasons shared later on. After nine months, he’s ready to end it all when he rediscovers his joy of both cooking and feeding others through late night ventures in the kitchen.
His much younger half-sister, fifty-one-year-old Lisa, dutifully visits Griff on a regular basis because she’s all he has for family. Lisa has ADHD, and is often a scattered mess.
These siblings couldn’t be more dissimilar and so they have a complicated relationship, furthered by some critical missing facts from their younger years. Interestingly, Griff’s partner, Beau, was Lisa’s best friend (kind of giving me Guncle vibes), which created some animosity between them later in life.
All of this setup takes some time to develop the plot. While the story got off to a slow start, the pacing improved as the plot progressed—especially when Griff rediscovered his love of cooking.
I did enjoy the ending. But ultimately, WHEN LEMONS GIVE YOU LIFE just wasn’t as good as FREDERICK FIFE. Some situations throughout the story just didn’t sit well with me, and I was left with a slightly bad taste based on the journey.
🌟Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.🌟
Sixty-four-year-old Griff is a Michelin-awarded chef who reviles the terrible food at his nursing home. He’s there on a deception—faking dementia for reasons shared later on. After nine months, he’s ready to end it all when he rediscovers his joy of both cooking and feeding others through late night ventures in the kitchen.
His much younger half-sister, fifty-one-year-old Lisa, dutifully visits Griff on a regular basis because she’s all he has for family. Lisa has ADHD, and is often a scattered mess.
These siblings couldn’t be more dissimilar and so they have a complicated relationship, furthered by some critical missing facts from their younger years. Interestingly, Griff’s partner, Beau, was Lisa’s best friend (kind of giving me Guncle vibes), which created some animosity between them later in life.
All of this setup takes some time to develop the plot. While the story got off to a slow start, the pacing improved as the plot progressed—especially when Griff rediscovered his love of cooking.
I did enjoy the ending. But ultimately, WHEN LEMONS GIVE YOU LIFE just wasn’t as good as FREDERICK FIFE. Some situations throughout the story just didn’t sit well with me, and I was left with a slightly bad taste based on the journey.
🌟Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.🌟
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