All She Ever Wanted

by Susan Edmunds

Two sisters. One surprise pregnancy. And a whole lot of life not going to plan.

Lisa thought she had it all mapped out—the career, the partner, the baby they had been dreaming of. But when her previously perfect boyfriend drops a bombshell and a one-night stand throws their future into chaos, Lisa's world crumbles overnight.

Megan, meanwhile, seems to be living the a beautiful home, a devoted husband, and twin boys who keep her on her toes. But behind the polished façade lies resentment, and a reliance on “wine o’clock” that’s becoming harder to ignore.

As the sisters navigate heartbreak, motherhood, and the messy reality of starting over, they discover that even when life goes wildly off script, love and laughter can still be found in the most unexpected places.

ALL SHE EVER WANTED by Susan Edmunds is a warm, witty, and wonderfully real story about family, friendship, and finding happiness on your own terms.

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 2, 2025

Reviews

[Always Reading Between The Wines · Rating 4 out of 5]

All She Ever Wanted by Susan Edmunds
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#AD:PR
It's my day on the tour! And all I can say is: wow- this book!

Megan and Lisa are sisters, each living their own brand of the perfect life. Stay at home mum Megan has a beautiful family, a dream country home and a devoted husband. Career girl Lisa is living life in the city, balancing a glamorous career with an equally glamorous partner. But suddenly each woman is hit with a bombshell and a truth they didnt dare to face. As they navigate the realities that hit, will their old lives still be all each one ever wanted?

Firstly, it was so wonderful to read female characters in their 30s who are well written, without being 'picture perfect' and with realistic flaws. Both Megan and Lisa, the two sisters at the heart of this story, are stark contrasts that work so well to not only highlight each other's successes but also support each other's downfalls. Their lives seem envious in different ways but we soon realise that each is struggling in this reality. I adored their journeys together and felt that their ups and downs were written in the most heartwarming, yet realistic way. The peripheral characters in the book are also incredibly well written, helping to develop the story arcs. Huge shout out to Louis and Patrick, Megan's twin boys who provided comedy and possibly some of the cutest interruptions at times when the tension was high. An absolutely amazing book, thank you @susanjaneedmunds and I was so pleased to be able to read an eARC copy for review via #LBTCrew

#freebookreview #ARCreader

[Emma book blogger Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

hank you @SusanJaneEdmunds @LoveBooksTours @LBT.Crew For letting me be part of this tour and reviewing this book. All she ever wanted is contemporary fiction. There are two narrators in the book who are Lisa and Megan, and they are two sisters with very different lives. Megan lives in a beautiful house and has twin boys, and her husband works away, but her life is not what she thought it would be. Then there is Lisa, who has a demanding job and a boyfriend, and they are trying to get her pregnant, but that doesn't go the way she hoped. The book is written extremely well, and I was hooked from start to finish. I really like the characters, and I felt like I was more connected to Megan, but I thoroughly enjoyed following both of their journeys. The writing style is spectacular, and I read this book in a few days. I like that there are different things going on in the story with the two sisters. They each have their drama and problems and self-doubt about themselves, but the author has done a great job making these characters believable and someone you can relate to. I was sad when it ended because I felt like they were friends at the end of the day, and I would’ve liked to see what else happens to them both. I will definitely be checking out Susan Edmunds in the future. Brilliant read; strongly recommend five stars. Epidural

[Crystal Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story follows along two sisters, Megan and Lisa. Both of them seem to be living the perfect dream life. Lisa is in the city, has the lavish dream job and the husband to match. But the only thing missing, a baby. Megan moved to the country and is living with her “perfect” family: husband and twin boys. But she is using wine to help her cope with every day life.

I loved how realistic these women’s lives were. Both of them had a very sudden and traumatic event happen which changed everything. I also enjoyed that they were both in their 30s. It was an easy to follow and read book as we watch both women learn how to navigate their way through their new norm in life. We toggle back and forth between the two, watching the fail, pick themselves back up again, and grow once again.

It’s good reminder that just because someone’s life looks “perfect” from the outside, we do not know what they are struggling with behind closed doors. I do believe Megan was a good mom and loved her children, I think she just lost who she was outside of being a mom and wife, which led her to alcohol.

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and LBT for allowing me to read All She Ever Wanted!

Oh I enjoyed this one, once again its different from my norm genre picks but I couldn't resist it when I saw the blurb.
A book with a good mix of emotions is always a done deal, and this one hit the spot perfectly! You have your emotional moments but then you also had a humorous side to it too, balancing out things well through the plot. It is primarily drama, but don't think its just that because its not.
The characters were easy to like, the writing was super easy to read making it all the more easier to devour it in the same day if you have the time to do so. Personally took me longer but hey we have to adult at some point in the day right? haha

Would I recommend it?
Yeah, I'm passing this straight onto a friend who will also love the plot and I hope others listen to my recommendation and enjoy the story too.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two sisters find their lives unravelling in very different ways. When Lisa’s carefully planned future collapses after unexpected pregnancy news and heartbreak, and Megan’s seemingly perfect family life hides resentment and an increasing reliance on wine, both women are forced to start over. As they navigate love, motherhood, and second chances, they discover that happiness rarely comes from sticking to the plan.

It was refreshing to read such an honest portrayal of the struggles of motherhood; raising young children, trying (and failing) to conceive, and the strain this can place on a marriage. The book explores what happens when partners aren’t on the same page… or even reading the same book.

This is a lovely story about women looking after women, sisters showing up for each other when everything feels like it’s falling apart. It highlights the importance of support during some of the toughest moments of marriage and motherhood.

Fast‑paced and enjoyable, this was an easy read that wasn’t overcomplicated or overworked. The story is simple, relatable, and flows well. As for the husbands… well, to put it bluntly, they were useless. Selfish, unhelpful, and unsupportive, everything you wouldn’t want in a partner and I loathed them both.

[Linda Dominick · Rating 5 out of 5]

These women felt realistic! Megan had the marriage and the family, without the happiness. Lisa had been with her partner, Marcelo for 12 years and were trying to have a baby until he decided on a major shift in plans without consulting her. Both sisters had issues and it was very engaging to see how each dealt with things falling apart, and how they would rebuild their lives.
I loved all the details and struggles and how they chose to deal with matters. I did think Megan was a good mom, but I could see how alcohol was beginning to take over, and I’m glad it was not sugar coated.
Lisa had plans, but when personal issues came into play and then work started crumbling around her, I was hooked to see how she would manage. And I’m glad she had Sam to lean on.
In the end I was happy how their lives turned out and how even though they had both gone through terrible things, they learned to be happy again. What a great lesson for anyone going through difficult times.
If you like to read about family, friendship, and finding happiness you will love this one!

[meghin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally! A book with FMCs in their 30’s… and with, wait for it… flaws! This story is about messy people will real life problems. It’s so genuine in that two sisters are envious of one another (unaware of their struggles) but also both super supportive with so much love.

I really respected each of the women’s journey. I related with Lisa so much at the beginning with her TTC journey and found the writing to be very real. Her story switched gears and although It became different from me and my journey, it could be very real for others. This story is for any woman… It’s a little bit of drama, heartbreak, and humor all in one.

I also really enjoyed each chapter beginning with a text message - that made for a fun little touch.

Thank you to the author and Love Book Tours for the book tour opportunity.

[PrincessStitchy · Rating 4 out of 5]

All she wanted Susan Edmunds

This isn't my usual read but the Blurb really intrigued me.

I'm so glad I read it. It had you loving the characters from the start, I mean I was wanting Lisa to fall for Mark which I had no business feeling 😅🤣 Marcelo goodness you manchild!

The loniness that Megan felt with being a mum at home, oh I felt that. It can be so hard, so hats off to all you stay at home mums. What she did made my blood boil! But wow the book made you see why that happened and what it must be like for people in that situation! Can you tell I'm trying not to give anything away 🤣

What a ride though seeing how their lives are changing but the main thing that came through was the undeniable love Megan and Lisa had for each other as sisters and best friends.

Thank you so much LBT for this beautiful emotional read in exchange for an honest review

[Sarah Essex · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was the perfect escape from reality, i was so sad when it ended! Lisa and Megan 2 sisters leading very different lives one high powered editor from the city and one raising a family on the outskirts married with 2 boys. This story follows the ups and downs of both their lives what i loved about this book is that it shows nobody's life is perfect however it may seem. I enjoyed going on this rollercoaster with both their sisters and it really had its ups and downs along the way. This book has strong messages of female empowerment and independence and gives a true reflection of what life can be like. the only bad thing i have to say about this book is that it ended and i was truely gutted that it came to an end. Fantastically written and it had up downs and curveballs of daily life Bravo 👏🏻

[Kelly Hollingworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a heart warming, relatable read set around two sisters, Lisa and Megan. Lisa is trying for a baby with partner Marcelo and Megan is married to Jack, they have twin boys. Neither sister is happy, Megan’s boredom and loneliness manifesting in nightly bottles of wine. Both have changes of circumstance and this leads to new chapters in their lives.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, parts made me laugh, parts made me sad, parts made me appreciate my own situation. It is a contemporary book about sisters, relationships, parenting, adapting and acceptance. It highlights the importance of happiness and not settling for less. A lesson for us all.

[Lisa reads alot Hamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a great read, i loved reading about Lisa and Megan with their life ups and downs, funny in parts (especially Megan's twins) and also emotional and heartwarming too.

The Blurb first this book perfectly it is a story of family and starting over but they way it's written is both humorous and it feels very real. It's a great book to read under a blanket on a cosy winters evening with a hot drink, it flows beautifully and the characters are portrayed so well, both those you like and those that you may not.

A really well written book by a new author to me but one I will certainly be adding to my tbr list.

[Samantha Rodriguez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Susan Edmunds and Love Books Tours for the opportunity to read and review this book!

As someone who is very close to her sister, the blurb for this book really spoke to me. Lisa and Megan reminded me a lot of my sister and me, which made this book so relatable and enjoyable. This story was really dynamic in that the experience really flowed throughout the book. Some of it was emotional, as expected from the blurb, but other parts were really funny and had me laughing. Because the characters were so relatable, they were super easy to like, and Susan’s writing style really kept my attention, making this a very easy read. I think this book had a lot of lessons that may really make you reflect on your own life, and also reflect on just how important family is. This is one I will definitely be recommending to my own sister, as I think she would enjoy it just as much.

[Jayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a lovely read! Such an easy book to escape into, with plenty of humour and lots to think about too.
I think many people will be able to relate to parts of this story. It follows two sisters living very different lives — Lisa, with her career and all the trimmings, and Megan, a mum of two boys living in her dream house in the country.
But all is not quite as rosy as it seems for either sister. Both characters are really likeable, and the closeness between them truly shines through.
An author that I will be looking out for to add to my TBR

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book and read it in 2 days. It was such a fun, easy read with such likeable characters. The story is relatable and features situations that many people have probably found themselves in. The story just drew me in and once I started reading, I couldn't stop.

It has drama, humour and heartbreak in it and is the perfect book to cosy up with on a cold day. I didn't want it to end and was genuinely sad when I got to the end of it.

A brilliant read, highly reccommend this one.

[Books With Demi · Rating 5 out of 5]

All She Ever Wanted was such a heartfelt read for me. I went into it expecting a cosy small town romance but it ended up being so much more emotional and meaningful.

It’s a gentle slow burn with plenty of heart, and I finished it feeling both hopeful and a little emotional. I’m really glad I picked this one up.

[Louise Bookmac82 Mackin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a real page turner. I loved the relationship between the two sisters Lisa & Megan, sure they had their ups and down but what siblings don't. Their relationship felt very realistic and relatable. They are just two sisters supporting each other and trying to navigate busy and full lives the best they can.
The story captivated me and I read it really quickly as I found it a very easy read, the story was smooth and very easy to enjoy.
I really liked the authors writing style and will definitely look out for her future releases.

[Cait's Reading Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

All She Ever Wanted is the story of two sisters, Lisa and Megan. At first they both seemed to have everything planned and life figured out. For Lisa, who just ended a long-term relationship, after a one night stand, she is unexpectedly pregnant. Megan is married and a mother of two. At first, it seems like she has it all and everything she wants.

We see an honest depiction of their highs, their lows. Both Lisa and Megan are human and have flaws.

What is also powerful about the novel is their bonds as sisters and friends. What is also powerful about the novel is their bonds as sisters and friends. It is a key theme of the novel. Their honesty and candor, their love and support, and the humor they share is what being sisters is all about.

I liked how we saw both sisters’ perspectives of not only their own lives but also of each other. We see how they help each other as Lisa navigates her pregnancy and journey to motherhood and Megan’s journey with sobriety as well as being a mother and wife.

I enjoyed that the novel has a hopeful outlook for their journeys and that their new chapters are ones they both bravely write on their own. They also know that they have each other's support along the way.

Thank you to Love Books Tours and Susan Edmunds for the gifted copy and the opportunity to read and review the book! I was provided a copy of this book for free and am leaving an honest review.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this such a heartfelt book. Although I haven’t been through the same situations as Lisa and Megan, I could definitely empathise with their feelings. The story realistically conveyed the pressures and struggles that women have surrounding motherhood.

I enjoyed the first three quarters of the book the most. The narrative went back and forth between the two sisters and we got a good understanding of their relationships. I connected with both characters, they obviously have their flaws, but that only made them more likable.

As the story progressed both their lives seemed to spiral out of control but it was lovely to see the bond between the sisters and the way they picked each other back up. But, unfortunately, I felt the last quarter of the book was rushed. Time was jumping along fast and I would have liked the book to be longer to explore their journeys some more.

Overall I found it a heartwarming and enjoyable read.