When 29 year old Sarah separates from her husband Stephen, she buys herself a pair of white go go boots as her first step in taking back her power, an act of rebellion after feeling the grey confines of her marriage and her boring job at a bank.
Sarah finds herself navigating the world of online dating, freshly single after almost a decade with her husband. She reflects on the absurdity of all of it, but happens upon a match. A musician called Isaac, who she promptly nicknames Velvet inspired by the velvet jacket he wore on their first date. Velvet isn't the only one who has Sarah in his sights though.
Boots is Claire Nada's debut novel, an eclectic mix of rockstar love, single mum juggling and self awakening. A comedic, yet raw insight into dating as a single mum.
A 29 year old newly divorced mother of two navigating the dating scene, gosh, while I’m not divorced, but I did date in my late 20s, I could feel this in my bones! Nada describes the journey of Sarah and Stephen’s marriage so perfectly from before kids to how things changed once kids were on the scene, I had to laugh out loud!
Sarah then navigates dating as a single mum and has multiple love interests from the Brisbane live music scene. Didn’t love all the main characters as I could just see red flags in some, but definitely didn’t see the end coming!
Easy read and great descriptive language that introduced and rounded out the characters well, I could just picture everyone in my mind while reading their stories.
I thank Claire Nada for receiving an ARC of her book in exchange for my honest review
I was grateful to receive an advance copy of this novel from the author, provided in exchange for an honest review.
Boots is written in a way that draws an arrow straight to the heart. Sarah's story captures the quiet, painful loss of self and identity that can happen over the course of a long relationship — the subtle comparisons between who you and your partner once were and who you’ve both become.
What I loved most were the themes of searching for yourself as an individual while still deeply loving and knowing yourself as a mother.
The writing itself is mature and poetic, and at first it feels almost unexpected for a woman of 29. But when you realise she is a divorced, mother of two at that age, the tone suddenly makes complete sense. Her experiences have aged her in a way that feels honest rather than forced.
There were moments that felt like a sharp slap of reality, and others where I wanted to shake Sarah in frustration and tell her to grow up. But that discomfort is the point. It’s part of her journey — and one that feels incredibly real for women navigating the overlapping roles of self, mother, and daughter.
This book doesn’t offer easy answers, but it does offer recognition, honesty, and a sense of being seen. And that’s what makes it so powerful.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Some spoilers.
I viscerally felt Sarah’s melancholy as a lost mother in the first chapter of this book.
My hopes for her were that she would find herself again on her own, with her daughters.
I was slightly frustrated that she jumped straight into multiple relationships and what could have been a powerful story about reclaiming herself, was mostly centred around men.
It’s well written, and a great cadence that makes it a nice read. I finished it really quickly which is a great sign for any book in my opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
5 Star Read! I would give it 6 Stars if I could. Boots by Claire Nada is exactly the kind of book I love curling up with. Funny, Feel-good and full of heart. I came for the rom-com vibes (and yes, they absolutely delivered), but what kept me enjoyed was the friendships, which ended up being just as meaningful as the romances.
The story has all the charm and sparkle you want from a great chick lit read, with a little spice but just the amount of let your imagination do the rest of the work. As much as Velvet had a lot of walking red flags I was holding out hope for their happy ending, then Paisley turned up and I could feel the tension Sarah felt. I really didn't expect the ending and it shocked me, but it didn't take long for me to accept it because it just felt right. Like that's what the ending needed to be.
The friendships were really beautifully written and reminded me of some of my really special friendships. They felt real, layered and at times messy, the kind of friendship that hold together when life gets a little complicated.
It's rare to find a book that balances romance and friendship so well without one overshadowing the other but this book does it so well. By the end I felt like I'd spent time with people I actually know and love.
If you enjoy a good rom-com style novel this is a must-read. Funny, heartfelt and completely satisfying. Highly recommend.
If you have lost yourself to being someone's wife and mother, you will be able to relate to this character. The book takes you on a journey of self discovery through motherhood, dating, relationships and vibrant fashions.
Easy read, with enough hook to keep the pages turning.
Was lucky enough to have received an Advanced Reader Copy from the lovely author. I devoured this book in a day, was a very easy read. Loved the style of writing and the description of the fashion and beauty, it really gave such life to the words. I had a hard time connecting with the characters, while I loved the character Sarah and her bravery, I really struggled with her throwing herself into relationships and just really wanted her to stop and love herself! There also seemed to be a few big plot points that didn't seem to eventuate, but I can definitely see the ability and potential to make this a series and continue on Sarah's story!
Boots by Claire Nada is a thoughtful exploration of a woman’s journey toward understanding what she truly needs. Nada's vivid descriptions of people, moments (and outfits!) make it easy to feel immersed in the characters she creates. It’s an easy read, the kind of book you can comfortably pick up and slip into, while still offering moments of genuine reflection.
I received an Advanced Reading Copy from the author.
I really enjoyed this story, it was easy to read but drew me in quickly. I finished it in 2 sittings which is always a great sign.
A lot of the story was quite relatable, losing yourself in motherhood/a marriage and trying to find your way back to the "fun and vibrant" woman you were beforehand. Im not single, therefore not dating so it was fun to read about thay world.
I would have love Sarah to have spent a bit more time between partners to "find herself" a little more.
I was grateful to receive an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of ‘Boots’ directly from Claire Nada in exchange for an honest review.
‘Boots’ tells the story of Sarah, a mum of two littles, who separates from her husband and embarks on a journey to find herself again. It’s an honest story and cautionary tale of quietly loosing yourself and what makes you uniques within relationships and motherhood.
I loved the idea of this story and the way Nadia weaved in descriptions about clothing and how it can make one feel. At times though, I felt like the story was rushed and I really wanted Nadia to slow it down, to add a little more depth to Sarah’s journey. I did love how every character helped her find lost pieces of herself along the way. A nice, short read that really makes you contemplate how you show up and whether you have lost parts of yourself within the relationships you have.
Boots surprised me in the best possible way. What an expected was a story about separation, motherhood and starting again after divorce. What I didn't expect was to feel so seen as a woman and a mother quietly holding it all together while craving more and being nostalgic for the past version of me.
This novel captures the in-between space so beautifully, from the exhaustion and grief of losing yourself in marriage and motherhood to the hope and the thrill of rebuilding your identity and having some fun whilst doing it. The main character feels so achingly real, like we've met before. Sarah's flawed, funny, overwhelmed but also brave and passionate.
The author also seems to have perfected the art of writing a best friend and Sarah's best friend Harry definitely became my favourite. He is an absolute stand out, the kind of character who supports and challenges the main character with honesty, humour and loyalty without stealing the spotlight himself. Their friendship felt deeply authentic. Honestly I would sign a petition for a whole book about Harry without hesitation.
The author writes with warmth and honesty, balancing emotional depth with humour and lightness that make the heavier scenes land even harder. I was not expecting to cry but I did more than once. The relationships are layered, the internal dialogue is sincere and the slow reclaiming of self is both subtle and powerful. There's even a callback to Titanic which was highly enjoyable.
If you've ever loved deeply, lost yourself a little or wondered who you might still become, then this book is for you.
An amazing debut. I can't wait to get my hands on what Claire Nada brings out next.
I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book directly from the author in exchange for an honest review.
This novel feels like romance entering the chat again after divorce and early motherhood. Not the shiny, naïve kind, but the quieter, more reflective version you experience when you’re dating with a 30-something brain instead of your 20-something one.
Reading it felt nostalgic in the best way. A journey back into desire, connection and possibility, but with more self-awareness, more boundaries, and a deeper understanding of what actually matters.
What stood out most to me was how accurately it captures the seasons of relationships. The truth that some people come into your life briefly, serving a purpose for a moment in time, while others carve out a space in your soul forever. That distinction is handled with a lot of emotional honesty and care.
The writing is warm and perceptive, and there’s a quiet confidence in how it explores identity, reinvention, and longing after marriage and motherhood without over-explaining or moralising. It trusts the reader to recognise themselves in the story.
This is a book for anyone navigating love, loss, or rediscovery in midlife. Especially those who know that romance looks very different once you’ve lived a little.
Boots is such a bold and refreshing debut that I found myself smiling and rooting for Sarah from the very first chapter. The image of her buying a pair of white go go boots as her first act of independence after separating from her husband is powerful and symbolic. It feels like the moment she decides to step out of the grey routine of her old life and into something unpredictable and alive.
Sarah’s journey through online dating after nearly a decade of marriage is both hilarious and painfully real. The awkwardness the absurd conversations the cautious hope all of it feels honest. When she meets Isaac the musician she nicknames Velvet there is an electric spark that adds excitement and romance to the story. Yet the novel never lets things become too simple or too perfect which makes it feel authentic.
What I loved most is how Boots balances humor with vulnerability. Beneath the witty observations and romantic tension is a story about a single mum rediscovering herself learning to trust her instincts and reclaiming her sense of worth. It is raw at times but always heartfelt.
Claire Nada delivers a story about self awakening courage and messy beautiful second chances. I finished this book feeling inspired to chase joy and to never underestimate the power of a bold pair of boots.
I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Boots is a debut novel built around a strong and relatable premise: a woman reclaiming her sense of self after the end of a long marriage, symbolised by a pair of white go-go boots and her tentative return to dating. Claire Nada approaches these themes with sincerity, and there are moments that thoughtfully explore identity, single motherhood, and the emotional disorientation that comes with starting over.
The story is highly introspective and spends much of its time inside Sarah’s internal reflections. While readers who enjoy quieter, character-driven narratives may connect strongly with this style, I personally found the pacing slow and struggled to stay engaged. I didn’t fully connect with most of the characters, though Harry stood out as a warm and grounding presence.
Overall, Boots is an earnest debut with a clear authorial voice and a concept that will resonate with some readers, particularly those navigating similar life transitions. While it wasn’t quite the right fit for me, I appreciate the honesty and vulnerability at the heart of the story and am interested to see how the author’s work develops.
Boots by Claire Nada is a witty, emotionally grounded debut that captures the quiet rebellion of starting over. Through Sarah a 29 year old woman reclaiming herself after the end of a long marriage Nada explores identity, desire, and self-awakening with humor and unflinching honesty.
The white go-go boots at the heart of the novel become a symbol of agency and renewal, setting the tone for a story that balances comedic observations with raw emotional truth. Sarah’s journey through online dating, motherhood, and unexpected attraction is both relatable and refreshingly unsentimental. Characters like Isaac (“Velvet”) add texture and charm, while the novel never loses sight of the complexities of being a single mother navigating autonomy and longing.
Boots stands out for its voice self aware, sharp, and deeply human. It’s a compelling debut that will resonate with readers who appreciate contemporary fiction centered on reinvention, resilience, and modern womanhood.
I was lucky to receive an ARC copy of this ebook direct from the author in exchange for an honest review.
As someone who has lived in both Melbourne and Brisbane I loved how the author described these places. There were many places described that I'd been to myself or had heard of before, and this helped centre the story close to reality.
At times it felt almost like I was reading a memoir and not fiction, with how real and perceptive the writing was.
I agree with another reviewer about how some of the characters felt a bit brief. I really liked how each romantic dalliance had its own nuance, but also how the author depicted just how small Brisbane really is.
The twist and the ending caught me off guard. I could really feel the emotion and the pain that Sarah experienced with some of the bumps in the road.
I was lucky enough to get an advanced reader's copy of this book.
I really enjoyed this book and following Sarah as she navigates life after divorce while raising two young kids on her own and trying to figure out who she is again. The writing made it easy to picture the characters and really step into her world.
Some of the side characters felt a little brief, and I found myself wanting more from them, but that also felt quite realistic when it comes to dating and starting over, not everyone is meant to stay.
The twist caught me by surprise and captured that uncomfortable feeling of not quite knowing where you stand in someone else’s life. The ending left me wanting more, and I’d absolutely love to see this turn into a series.
A book that shows you that’s finding yourself again during postpartum and then again during a divorce can be achieved it might just take some twists and turns to get there.
It also drives home the importance that while motherhood does change you, you should always remember that you were a person first and that that person is still there you just need to work out a way to get back there.
From a first time author I think this is a great read and really does delve into many areas that women a constantly questioning about themselves. It’s a book that gets you think about your own life and whether you have let a part of you go and that it is never too late to get them back
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author, in exchange for my honest review.
This is a gentle, easy read with a warm, relatable tone. Claire Nada writes in an accessible style that keeps the pages turning, with moments that feel very true to life.
I did find myself wanting a little more character depth, particularly seeing more of the mum side of the main character, which would have made her feel more relatable and fully formed. That said, the supporting characters and settings are well described and easy to picture. The use of nicknames for the men she dates was a bit confusing at times, especially when their real names reappeared.
I was really fortunate to receive an Advanced Reader Copy directly from the author in exchange for an honest review.
As a single mum I really resonated with the character Sarah and her view of dating when you have kids. I also loved how she gave the men she was dating nicknames so she could talk in code around her children. I think I might start doing that myself!
I loved the descriptions of all the characters and of the places the story was set in. Claire Nada really has a way of pulling you in and I am looking forward to seeing what you brings out next.
A short read but one that captures the heart and imagination. 5 stars.
I was delightfully gifted a Advanced reader copy of the book by the Author. It was easy to read, loved the style of writing and flow of the book. I thought some parts felt slightly rushed but still throughly enjoyed it. Some parts predictable and comfortable that we all love, others you don’t see coming.
As a mother of two, although not separated, also named Sarah I found many parts relatable and intertwining with my own life. Often left wondering “who is she” and watching us emerge from the trenches.
The perfect book to start my year of reading more. Took me little time to get into it and enjoyed the easy flow of the story. So refreshing to read of Sarah, a strong and independent woman/character who was following a path that was right for her. I hope the story continues into book two!
I was fortunate to receive an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I received an advance copy from the author and appreciated the chance to read it early. The story follows a mother separating from her husband and finding her way back into the dating world, with a relatable and heartfelt premise.
At times the pacing moved quickly, but it made for an easy, straightforward read. Overall, an enjoyable story with themes many readers will connect with.
Boots by Claire Nada was such a fun, emotional, and heartfelt read. First of all, a huge thank you to Claire for the eARC, I was so grateful to receive it 🤍
This story follows Sarah at 29 as she’s finding herself again and it felt incredibly relatable and honest. The book explores small romances, one night stands, and deeper emotional connections. It really takes you through a wide range of emotions in a short space of time. It’s light and fun in moments, then quietly emotional in others, which made it such an engaging read.
One thing I absolutely loved was the Brisbane, Australia setting. So many of the places mentioned are close to home for me, and it kept me guessing which cafe or bar the characters were at. This was such a special and immersive touch that made the story feel even more real for me.
Overall, Boots is a warm, messy, and thoughtful story about self-discovery, connection, and navigating your late twenties, and I really enjoyed my time with it!
This was a really nice easy read with a lot of heart - it’s beautifully descriptive so you can vividly go on the journey with Sarah. It’s one of those books you look forward to continuing each night to see what she’s up to next. Can recommend!
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this short book. It was easy to read and fun some loevable characters and some I didn't like at all. I also found the self sabotaging hard to read.