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When Lemons Give You Life: A Novel – A Humorous, Heartfelt Story of Sibling Reconciliation, Second Chances, and Forgiveness
Not yet published
Expected 4 Aug 26From the author of the beloved feel-good debut The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife comes another humorous, heart-stirring novel about family, second chances, and the lengths we go for those we love, following a woman fighting to hold onto life and her older brother who's rediscovering reasons to embrace it.
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.
Six decades of life have 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 flavor and comfort to fellow residents, who, in turn, begin to come alive with each bite of Griff's delicious concoctions. Yet behind the apron is a lie so big it could destroy the one thing Griff has left to protect.
Lisa, Griff’s younger sister and sole visitor, is navigating a midlife ADHD diagnosis, the spark of a new romance, and unexpected news that may change life as she knows it. Despite their fractured sibling relationship, she continues to show up, though hope of a reconciliation between the two is long gone, buried in the silence between them.
But the truth has a way of boiling over, and when secrets, soufflés, and second chances collide, Griff and Lisa may discover a recipe for forgiveness.
Heartfelt and inspiring, When Lemons Give You Life is an uplifting, feel-good novel about love, forgiveness, redemption, and the joy of rediscovering what truly matters in life.
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.
Six decades of life have 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 flavor and comfort to fellow residents, who, in turn, begin to come alive with each bite of Griff's delicious concoctions. Yet behind the apron is a lie so big it could destroy the one thing Griff has left to protect.
Lisa, Griff’s younger sister and sole visitor, is navigating a midlife ADHD diagnosis, the spark of a new romance, and unexpected news that may change life as she knows it. Despite their fractured sibling relationship, she continues to show up, though hope of a reconciliation between the two is long gone, buried in the silence between them.
But the truth has a way of boiling over, and when secrets, soufflés, and second chances collide, Griff and Lisa may discover a recipe for forgiveness.
Heartfelt and inspiring, When Lemons Give You Life is an uplifting, feel-good novel about love, forgiveness, redemption, and the joy of rediscovering what truly matters in life.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published April 28, 2026
About the author
Anna Johnston
2 books1,037 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 165 reviews
June 13, 2026
When Lemons Give You Life is Anna Johnstown’s sophomore effort. I was a huge fan of The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife. But this book missed the mark for me. It had all the heartwarming emotions, and made some important points, but the plot failed on multiple levels.
Griff Barlow was a famous chef until a calamity caused him to fake having dementia and move into a nursing home. Contemplating suicide, he sneaks into the kitchen to make one last lemon tart. And from there, he finds a way to start serving the residents good food. Anyone with a loved one in care knows that the food tends to be awful. Griff had a spot on belief about everyone being worthy of decent food.
Unlike many dementia patients, he hasn't been abandoned; his half sister, Lisa, still regularly visits him. They had fallen out over the years and now his supposed dementia means they can’t reconcile.
While I loved the premise, the plot itself had several big holes which required major suspensions of belief. Not just at the end, when it’s often a given. But throughout the book. Flip side, some of the supposed twists were way too obvious.
The book deals with sacrifice, especially from caregiving, self worth, fear and ageism. It has some important points about trying to make decisions thinking someone else can’t handle the situation. It’s definitely heartwarming, if a little too saccharine, but I couldn’t get over how unrealistic the storyline was.
Make sure to read the Author’s Note. It proves this book was written from a place of love and frustration. Johnston uses many aspects of her own life as things to highlight in the story.
My thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins for an advance copy of this book.
Griff Barlow was a famous chef until a calamity caused him to fake having dementia and move into a nursing home. Contemplating suicide, he sneaks into the kitchen to make one last lemon tart. And from there, he finds a way to start serving the residents good food. Anyone with a loved one in care knows that the food tends to be awful. Griff had a spot on belief about everyone being worthy of decent food.
Unlike many dementia patients, he hasn't been abandoned; his half sister, Lisa, still regularly visits him. They had fallen out over the years and now his supposed dementia means they can’t reconcile.
While I loved the premise, the plot itself had several big holes which required major suspensions of belief. Not just at the end, when it’s often a given. But throughout the book. Flip side, some of the supposed twists were way too obvious.
The book deals with sacrifice, especially from caregiving, self worth, fear and ageism. It has some important points about trying to make decisions thinking someone else can’t handle the situation. It’s definitely heartwarming, if a little too saccharine, but I couldn’t get over how unrealistic the storyline was.
Make sure to read the Author’s Note. It proves this book was written from a place of love and frustration. Johnston uses many aspects of her own life as things to highlight in the story.
My thanks to Netgalley and Harper Collins for an advance copy of this book.
June 29, 2026
Life-affirming. Beautiful. Heartfelt.
I adored these realistically flawed characters, the variety of character and diagnostic representations, the setting, and the entire storyline. This was a gentle and enjoyable read, which will stay with me for a long time.
There were many possibly challenging topics covered in this story, which I felt were handled with consideration and nuance, and added to the overall storyline.
I loved Johnston’s debut novel, The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife, and have loved this story too. These are both beautiful stories and I am very excited to read whatever comes next from Australian author Anna Johnston.
I adored these realistically flawed characters, the variety of character and diagnostic representations, the setting, and the entire storyline. This was a gentle and enjoyable read, which will stay with me for a long time.
There were many possibly challenging topics covered in this story, which I felt were handled with consideration and nuance, and added to the overall storyline.
I loved Johnston’s debut novel, The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife, and have loved this story too. These are both beautiful stories and I am very excited to read whatever comes next from Australian author Anna Johnston.
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.
June 27, 2026
Don’t be put off by the silly rom-com sounding title and shallow beach read vibes cover — 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.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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.
July 3, 2026
This is Anna Johnston’s sophomore novel and I wasn’t sure she could live up to her debut, The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife…well shame on me. She knocked it out of the park!! 5 big hearted stars for me. My thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for an early ARC of this gem.
This novel is once again set in an assisted living facility. It should be noted that there are some difficult and potentially triggering topics which include domestic abuse, Alzheimer’s, same-sex marriages, and suicidal ideation.
“Lemons” centers on Griff Barlow and his half sister Lisa. Their relationship is complicated, strained and fraught with misunderstandings. Chapters are told from each characters POV and span the course of close to 50 years. The novel starts in present day and then alternates to chapters which flash back to reveal each character’s history and how their relationship deteriorated.
There are secrets that are kept and decisions made that create ripples and conflict throughout both of their lives. I loved how tender and multi layered this novel was. It had me in tears at the end.
The format was a bit difficult at first to get used to and follow. Also there is a lot of groundwork being laid to unravel the story. Please be patient with this novel and I promise that the second half truly delivers.
This focus on food and the link to memories was a unique one. There are some great messages in this book and I believe it would make an excellent book club selection. Adult ADHD, treatment of the elderly, risk of secrecy and the power of forgiveness/acceptance would make for wonderful discussion topics.
This novel is once again set in an assisted living facility. It should be noted that there are some difficult and potentially triggering topics which include domestic abuse, Alzheimer’s, same-sex marriages, and suicidal ideation.
“Lemons” centers on Griff Barlow and his half sister Lisa. Their relationship is complicated, strained and fraught with misunderstandings. Chapters are told from each characters POV and span the course of close to 50 years. The novel starts in present day and then alternates to chapters which flash back to reveal each character’s history and how their relationship deteriorated.
There are secrets that are kept and decisions made that create ripples and conflict throughout both of their lives. I loved how tender and multi layered this novel was. It had me in tears at the end.
The format was a bit difficult at first to get used to and follow. Also there is a lot of groundwork being laid to unravel the story. Please be patient with this novel and I promise that the second half truly delivers.
This focus on food and the link to memories was a unique one. There are some great messages in this book and I believe it would make an excellent book club selection. Adult ADHD, treatment of the elderly, risk of secrecy and the power of forgiveness/acceptance would make for wonderful discussion topics.
May 13, 2026
5+⭐️
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 💛🍋
June 12, 2026
Anna Johnston’s book, “When Lemons Give You Life,” deserves a solid 3.5 stars. I was thrilled to receive an advanced copy before its release on August 4, 2026, as it had a unique premise that piqued my interest.
Lisa and her brother Griff had a challenging upbringing, but only Griff, the older brother, was old enough to recall it. The story begins in the present day, where Griff resides in an elder care facility due to his recent diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. The narrative then takes a journey back in time, exploring their childhood and the hardships they endured, which are only memories for Griff.
The real twist, which is not a spoiler, is that Griff is faking his dementia, and the story of why that’s happening unfolds from there.
This book was incredibly heartwarming. Johnston’s writing is witty and sharp. I also appreciated her flawless use of flashbacks, which added depth and a layered effect that enhanced the overall reading experience.
My only criticism is that I felt some of the storylines were a bit unbelievable (Griff sneakily becomes the chef at the elderly care facility but no one recognizes him?!?) and it was about 100 pages too long.
Despite a few small challenges, I thoroughly enjoyed the journey and found the ending to be quite beautiful.
Lisa and her brother Griff had a challenging upbringing, but only Griff, the older brother, was old enough to recall it. The story begins in the present day, where Griff resides in an elder care facility due to his recent diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. The narrative then takes a journey back in time, exploring their childhood and the hardships they endured, which are only memories for Griff.
The real twist, which is not a spoiler, is that Griff is faking his dementia, and the story of why that’s happening unfolds from there.
This book was incredibly heartwarming. Johnston’s writing is witty and sharp. I also appreciated her flawless use of flashbacks, which added depth and a layered effect that enhanced the overall reading experience.
My only criticism is that I felt some of the storylines were a bit unbelievable (Griff sneakily becomes the chef at the elderly care facility but no one recognizes him?!?) and it was about 100 pages too long.
Despite a few small challenges, I thoroughly enjoyed the journey and found the ending to be quite beautiful.
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.
June 26, 2026
This book is just... *chef's kiss* and plated to perfection.
The story pressed within the pages of 'When Lemons Give You Life' is beautiful, poignant, sad and sweet; full of all the flavours of life. But seasoned especially with love. So much love.
This book is not just one of my favourite books of the year, but of all time. I measure this on a scale of how much a book reaches into your soul and changes you. And this one made me want to be better... no, to be the BEST version of myself... for all of those people I hold dear.
This book shows that no matter how sour the lemons life gives you, you can make something resembling a lemon tart. Full of taste, memory and second chances.
And if I can use another cooking pun, then I simply want to tell the author, 'Well done!'
🌟 5 Michelin Stars out of 5 🌟
The story pressed within the pages of 'When Lemons Give You Life' is beautiful, poignant, sad and sweet; full of all the flavours of life. But seasoned especially with love. So much love.
This book is not just one of my favourite books of the year, but of all time. I measure this on a scale of how much a book reaches into your soul and changes you. And this one made me want to be better... no, to be the BEST version of myself... for all of those people I hold dear.
This book shows that no matter how sour the lemons life gives you, you can make something resembling a lemon tart. Full of taste, memory and second chances.
And if I can use another cooking pun, then I simply want to tell the author, 'Well done!'
🌟 5 Michelin Stars out of 5 🌟
June 21, 2026
Oh my gosh this is a deeply, heart-achingly, emotional story. And so many layers to it. It almost crushed me before I could give it a full read! I read the first 70 pages, totally hooked me but utterly killed me with the floundering sibling relationship. I needed to know WHEN and IF Lisa learns, well, everything. Every piece of rocky history and the heartfelt truths. And if Griff could absolve himself of guilt that shouldn’t have been his!
There. Is. So. Much.
Anyway, I actually then skimmed some important middle passages and immediately skipped to read the last 50 pages just to heal my anxiety and know whether this would ultimately feel the right kind of painful good. This is something I never do!! But I needed to read the end before I could go back and fill in the details (which I did).
All this to say that I loved these characters. I loved this story. I laid it all out to my mother the morning after I finished with a 30 minute reenactment of, “you would not believe the love and beauty and pain and grief and drama of it all but also the sweetness and just how real every single character feels.”
But I also wish there was just a tiny bit of humorous balance slipped in there too, which might have kept me from needing to cheat the ending. So good, but it’s still an emotionally crushing read. So, you know, you should totally read it. Ha.
* I received a free early copy from the publisher
There. Is. So. Much.
Anyway, I actually then skimmed some important middle passages and immediately skipped to read the last 50 pages just to heal my anxiety and know whether this would ultimately feel the right kind of painful good. This is something I never do!! But I needed to read the end before I could go back and fill in the details (which I did).
All this to say that I loved these characters. I loved this story. I laid it all out to my mother the morning after I finished with a 30 minute reenactment of, “you would not believe the love and beauty and pain and grief and drama of it all but also the sweetness and just how real every single character feels.”
But I also wish there was just a tiny bit of humorous balance slipped in there too, which might have kept me from needing to cheat the ending. So good, but it’s still an emotionally crushing read. So, you know, you should totally read it. Ha.
* I received a free early copy from the publisher
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 24, 2026
This is such a beautiful multilayered story. Australian authors are doing amazing things lately and I’m blown away by the stories I’m reading.
I happened to already put this one on hold at the library when I also realised this author is coming to do a talk in a couple of months. Looks like I’ll be buying a copy now to get it signed and tell her how great it was!
This story follows two half siblings, Lisa and Griff. Lisa is in her early 50’s and has just been diagnosed with ADHD. Griff is a retired Michelin star chef and in a nursing home for dementia. Both of them have no living family left so Lisa continues to visit Griff in the nursing home even though he’s non verbal.
Although, is he?? I don’t want to give away everything so let me just limit what I say. Griff is still recovering from the death of his beloved husband Beau and Lisa just met 7ft tall Frank who plays music to the elderly a few times per week.
Both their stories part ways but intersect in the past so we get to know more about them and their estrangement as well as again in the present.
It’s a story about love, secrets, food being a window into the soul and also inherited family diseases, trauma and shame.
“Why do they call it perimenopause? Because it is spicy? Can I get a lemon herb?”
“Food is dignity.”
“That comes from knowing what hurt feels like and choosing not to pass it on.”
I happened to already put this one on hold at the library when I also realised this author is coming to do a talk in a couple of months. Looks like I’ll be buying a copy now to get it signed and tell her how great it was!
This story follows two half siblings, Lisa and Griff. Lisa is in her early 50’s and has just been diagnosed with ADHD. Griff is a retired Michelin star chef and in a nursing home for dementia. Both of them have no living family left so Lisa continues to visit Griff in the nursing home even though he’s non verbal.
Although, is he?? I don’t want to give away everything so let me just limit what I say. Griff is still recovering from the death of his beloved husband Beau and Lisa just met 7ft tall Frank who plays music to the elderly a few times per week.
Both their stories part ways but intersect in the past so we get to know more about them and their estrangement as well as again in the present.
It’s a story about love, secrets, food being a window into the soul and also inherited family diseases, trauma and shame.
“Why do they call it perimenopause? Because it is spicy? Can I get a lemon herb?”
“Food is dignity.”
“That comes from knowing what hurt feels like and choosing not to pass it on.”
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!!!!
June 20, 2026
When Lemons Give You Life was a lovely read. Sometimes a book doesn’t need to be overly complicated or dramatic to be enjoyable, and this one is a perfect example. It was easy to settle into, with a story that flowed naturally and characters that were enjoyable
June 3, 2026
One Million Stars ⭐️ review to come 💛🍋
June 1, 2026
Exceptional. Perhaps this story resonates so strongly with me because of our current circumstances with my elderly mother in care (an extremely good nursing home, praise God!). I am sure Maggie Beer would be very happy with a story like this. It is also a reminder that the elderly are still people of value, including those with dementia. The mix of humour and drama was very good. Well done to the author.
May 25, 2026
Loved this book, so sad in many ways but thankfully a happy ending! I’ve had the privilege and displeasure of working in an end stage Alzheimer’s home. I find it hard to find the words to describe it without causing upset and fear but hopefully books like this will bring much needed awareness, understanding and empathy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2026
A Masterpiece of Emotional Truth: 10 Stars Out of 5!
This novel was an absolutely amazing read for me. The story is brilliantly wired with the most common personal tragedies and issues so many of us carry silently from childhood. It captures how, ironically, undiscovered truths can keep us entirely blind for years—distancing us from the rest of our family, our closest friends, and the people we love.
Reading this book felt just like watching a movie. Such a smooth style of writing. By the end, I completely let my tears run as the final scenes unfolded with perfect measure. What a truly talented creation this novel is.
I firmly believe each and every one of us needs to read this. You will undoubtedly find a piece of this story that is tightly and deeply connected to your own life.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This novel was an absolutely amazing read for me. The story is brilliantly wired with the most common personal tragedies and issues so many of us carry silently from childhood. It captures how, ironically, undiscovered truths can keep us entirely blind for years—distancing us from the rest of our family, our closest friends, and the people we love.
Reading this book felt just like watching a movie. Such a smooth style of writing. By the end, I completely let my tears run as the final scenes unfolded with perfect measure. What a truly talented creation this novel is.
I firmly believe each and every one of us needs to read this. You will undoubtedly find a piece of this story that is tightly and deeply connected to your own life.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 9, 2026
When Lemons Give You Life is a beautiful exploration of grief, aged care, love and complicated family relationships. I laughed, I cried and I completely devoured it.
At its core this book is about rediscovering joy when life has lost its flavour. Maynard uses all consuming grief and important issues like the Australian aged care system and infuses them with fun and wit to deliver a beautifully balanced read.
Griff is quite the sneaky character, while Lisa is fun and chaotic and I really enjoyed how Maynard used past and present chapters to understand how their relationship got to where it is.
Every side character in the story also had an important role to play in the overall arc. I especially loved the different nursing home patients and the mischief they got up to.
Overall a deliciously warm, tender and authentic read that lingers long after turning the last page.
Thank you to Penguin Aus for a copy to honestly review.
At its core this book is about rediscovering joy when life has lost its flavour. Maynard uses all consuming grief and important issues like the Australian aged care system and infuses them with fun and wit to deliver a beautifully balanced read.
Griff is quite the sneaky character, while Lisa is fun and chaotic and I really enjoyed how Maynard used past and present chapters to understand how their relationship got to where it is.
Every side character in the story also had an important role to play in the overall arc. I especially loved the different nursing home patients and the mischief they got up to.
Overall a deliciously warm, tender and authentic read that lingers long after turning the last page.
Thank you to Penguin Aus for a copy to honestly review.
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.
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