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Over You
For better. For worse. Forget him.
Over You is a compelling story of friendship pushed to its limits by bestselling author Lucy Diamond.
What the fans 'Full of friendship, family and how when life throws something at you, you have to fight back!' Emily
Josie, Nell and Lisa go back a long way - they were flatmates, soulmates and best mates back in their twenties when life was one long party.
Five years later, things are different. Josie is married with kids in deepest suburbia, free-spirit Nell has travelled the world, and Lisa is on the path to career glory (and the salary Premiership). A reunion weekend in London seems a great idea to Josie . . . until she discovers something which will change the course of her life forever.
Praise for Lucy
'A hugely satisfying read' Heat
'An absolute treat' Katie Fforde, bestselling author of A Summer at Sea
'Warm, witty and wise' Daily Mail
464 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2008
54 people are currently reading
1460 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Diamond
82 books1,435 followersLibrarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
First of all, a confession. My name isn’t really Lucy Diamond at all, it’s Sue Mongredien. I’ve used a pen name because ‘Diamond’ is a lot easier to spell and pronounce than ‘Mongredien’ and also because I’ve written lots of children’s books too and wanted to keep the genres separate. (There is actually another Lucy Diamond on Amazon who writes religious children’s books. That isn’t me, though.)
I was born in 1970 and grew up in Nottingham. I read English at Leeds University then moved to London and worked for various publishers before I packed it all in to go travelling around the world for a year and a half. When I came back to the UK, I worked in publishing again, then moved to the BBC. I now live in Bath with my husband and three young children and divide my time between writing and looking after them. You can have a look at my children’s books here.
Favourite things: beaches, holidays, chocolate, wine, reading, Green Wing, bubble baths, sunshine, hearing my children laugh, babysitters
Favourite books: The Magus (John Fowles), The Edible Woman (Margaret Atwood), The Secret History (Donna Tartt), The Colour of Memory (Geoff Dyer)
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
First of all, a confession. My name isn’t really Lucy Diamond at all, it’s Sue Mongredien. I’ve used a pen name because ‘Diamond’ is a lot easier to spell and pronounce than ‘Mongredien’ and also because I’ve written lots of children’s books too and wanted to keep the genres separate. (There is actually another Lucy Diamond on Amazon who writes religious children’s books. That isn’t me, though.)
I was born in 1970 and grew up in Nottingham. I read English at Leeds University then moved to London and worked for various publishers before I packed it all in to go travelling around the world for a year and a half. When I came back to the UK, I worked in publishing again, then moved to the BBC. I now live in Bath with my husband and three young children and divide my time between writing and looking after them. You can have a look at my children’s books here.
Favourite things: beaches, holidays, chocolate, wine, reading, Green Wing, bubble baths, sunshine, hearing my children laugh, babysitters
Favourite books: The Magus (John Fowles), The Edible Woman (Margaret Atwood), The Secret History (Donna Tartt), The Colour of Memory (Geoff Dyer)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
September 1, 2019
TW: cheating, miscarriage
I'm going to keep this review short because honestly I don't have much to say about this book apart from the fact that I disliked it. The title of the book "over you" makes it obvious that one of the main characters is going to be trying to move on from a heartbreak and lo and behold Josie finds out that her husband has been cheating on her (multiple times) and she must find a way to move forward.
To this day I do not think I have read a Lucy Diamond book that does not feature cheating as a plot line; that in itself is not necessarily a problem but the books are just so predictable that it becomes boring. I feel like i've read the same book over and over again.
Josie is a very one-dimensional character in this book; all I know about her is that she used to work in design, her husband cheats on her frequently, and she has no life outside of this. She spends half the time complaining about her husband and the other half desperately fighting for him back. I did feel for her; having her life ripped out from under her but she just never seemed to be developed during the book. I am glad she didn't go back to her ex though but her ending just seemed rushed and a bit silly to me. There was no need for Rob to turn up; I would have much preferred it if Josie was on her own and finding her feet. She doesn't need a man to rescue her.
Can i now talk about the plot point i hated the most. Josie finds out that one of her best friends, Lisa, had a lengthy affair with her husband. Obviously at first Josie is furious and cuts Lisa out of her life - Lisa then leaves her a message, and hilariously says something along the lines of "if our friendship meant anything to you" - like yes sorry I know I betrayed you in the worst possible way but now i'm about to guilt you into seeing me. We then find out that Lisa fell in love with Josie's husband and fell pregnant; Lisa wanted to keep the baby, husband not interested and dumps her. Funnily enough, Lisa wanted to name her child Rose which is the name that Josie had always dreamed of naming her daughter. Sadly, Lisa lost her baby. And because of this Josie forgives her for everything she's done. SORRY NO DON'T AGREE. Don't get me, wrong I feel sorry for Lisa, but I do not buy that Josie could just forgive her and move on. AND AT NO POINT DOES SHE CONFRONT HER EX-HUSBAND ABOUT THIS. I just can't get past the way that Diamond writes cheating storylines which have no real consequence for the cheater.
I will read the remainder of her books that I own but I doubt i'll seek any out after that.
I'm going to keep this review short because honestly I don't have much to say about this book apart from the fact that I disliked it. The title of the book "over you" makes it obvious that one of the main characters is going to be trying to move on from a heartbreak and lo and behold Josie finds out that her husband has been cheating on her (multiple times) and she must find a way to move forward.
To this day I do not think I have read a Lucy Diamond book that does not feature cheating as a plot line; that in itself is not necessarily a problem but the books are just so predictable that it becomes boring. I feel like i've read the same book over and over again.
Josie is a very one-dimensional character in this book; all I know about her is that she used to work in design, her husband cheats on her frequently, and she has no life outside of this. She spends half the time complaining about her husband and the other half desperately fighting for him back. I did feel for her; having her life ripped out from under her but she just never seemed to be developed during the book. I am glad she didn't go back to her ex though but her ending just seemed rushed and a bit silly to me. There was no need for Rob to turn up; I would have much preferred it if Josie was on her own and finding her feet. She doesn't need a man to rescue her.
Can i now talk about the plot point i hated the most. Josie finds out that one of her best friends, Lisa, had a lengthy affair with her husband. Obviously at first Josie is furious and cuts Lisa out of her life - Lisa then leaves her a message, and hilariously says something along the lines of "if our friendship meant anything to you" - like yes sorry I know I betrayed you in the worst possible way but now i'm about to guilt you into seeing me. We then find out that Lisa fell in love with Josie's husband and fell pregnant; Lisa wanted to keep the baby, husband not interested and dumps her. Funnily enough, Lisa wanted to name her child Rose which is the name that Josie had always dreamed of naming her daughter. Sadly, Lisa lost her baby. And because of this Josie forgives her for everything she's done. SORRY NO DON'T AGREE. Don't get me, wrong I feel sorry for Lisa, but I do not buy that Josie could just forgive her and move on. AND AT NO POINT DOES SHE CONFRONT HER EX-HUSBAND ABOUT THIS. I just can't get past the way that Diamond writes cheating storylines which have no real consequence for the cheater.
I will read the remainder of her books that I own but I doubt i'll seek any out after that.
July 22, 2019
Another lovely book from Lucy Diamond. I’ve read most of her books and everyone of them is very different and lovely to read.
Although this one dealt with some sad issues, typical Lucy it ends well and happy.
This book had me laughing and then made me sad but I loved it.
Although this one dealt with some sad issues, typical Lucy it ends well and happy.
This book had me laughing and then made me sad but I loved it.
August 5, 2015
It was a nice story, Jodie was a character you could identify with. The plot wasn't anything new I had worked out the ending a short way into the book and there were no surprises. A pleasant read but not compulsive.
July 17, 2025
I picked up this book for a beach read, and I wasn’t disappointed. It reminded me a bit of Watermelon by Marian Keyes, and funnily enough, Marian Keyes is actually mentioned in the book too.
What I liked most
- The feel-good vibe. You finish the book with a smile on your face.
- The first half really hooked me. It was refreshing, especially since most books I’ve read lately took a while to get going. Here, Lucy grabs your attention early on without giving too much away, just enough to keep you curious.
- The narrative style. The narrator stays close to Josie’s perspective, so you only learn things as she does. This adds some suspense and helps you connect with her emotionally.
- The unexpected surprises along the way. Even if the ending is predictable, there are enough small twists to keep it engaging.
- How genuine the story and characters feel. Josie’s doubts and fears are relatable and honest. Even if you’ve never gone through something similar, it’s easy to feel for her. The small moments in her daily life, her kids, her challenges, they all feel real and grounded.
What I disliked:
- The title.
- The character Rob. His presence felt a little too convenient.
- The ending.
Final Verdict
A very entertaining read, with ups and downs, lots of romance, and a relatable main character who’s easy to root for.
What I liked most
- The feel-good vibe. You finish the book with a smile on your face.
- The first half really hooked me. It was refreshing, especially since most books I’ve read lately took a while to get going. Here, Lucy grabs your attention early on without giving too much away, just enough to keep you curious.
- The narrative style. The narrator stays close to Josie’s perspective, so you only learn things as she does. This adds some suspense and helps you connect with her emotionally.
- The unexpected surprises along the way. Even if the ending is predictable, there are enough small twists to keep it engaging.
- How genuine the story and characters feel. Josie’s doubts and fears are relatable and honest. Even if you’ve never gone through something similar, it’s easy to feel for her. The small moments in her daily life, her kids, her challenges, they all feel real and grounded.
What I disliked:
- The title.
- The character Rob. His presence felt a little too convenient.
- The ending.
Final Verdict
A very entertaining read, with ups and downs, lots of romance, and a relatable main character who’s easy to root for.
May 17, 2017
This was an excellent read a quick easy light read and funny at times to but sad at times to. Josie, Nell and Lisa have been friends for years they decide to meet up again but things are very different Josie is happily married so she thinks Lisa is all about work and Nell travels everywhere and doesn't want to settle down. They meet up and do things go to plan or does it change their lives for ever and Josie learns something and could it effect her marriage or has that already happened with her realising. A really great read.
May 5, 2023
For my full review, visit me at https://mrsbrownsbooks.wordpress.com/...
Although the cover implied an uplifting, positive story, I thought the plot juxtaposed this. It was miserable and depressing as Diamond portrays a broken family and broken wife.
Although the cover implied an uplifting, positive story, I thought the plot juxtaposed this. It was miserable and depressing as Diamond portrays a broken family and broken wife.
August 2, 2011
I felt the need for something ‘lighter’ for a change, and this seemed the perfect book. The author lives in Bath so it’s nice to read something by a fairly local writer.
Josie’s happy suburban life is rocked when she discovers that people she should be able to trust have betrayed her - a double betrayal in her case. Will she be able to cope as a single Mum and rebuild her life?
I really enjoyed the book but in some ways I wish it had stopped before the epilogue.
**SPOILER**
v
v
v
v
I know it’s nice to have a happy ending, but the fact that Josie became a stronger person when she refused to take Pete back would have been happy-ending enough to me - to show that she could have a happy life without having to replace Pete.
I would have preferred it if it had ended with her meeting Rob in the bar at Nell’s leaving do. It’s almost like Josie couldn’t possibly be happy without ending up in a new relationship.
It didn’t spoil my enjoyment though and I’d certainly recommend this as a feel-good read.
Josie’s happy suburban life is rocked when she discovers that people she should be able to trust have betrayed her - a double betrayal in her case. Will she be able to cope as a single Mum and rebuild her life?
I really enjoyed the book but in some ways I wish it had stopped before the epilogue.
**SPOILER**
v
v
v
v
I know it’s nice to have a happy ending, but the fact that Josie became a stronger person when she refused to take Pete back would have been happy-ending enough to me - to show that she could have a happy life without having to replace Pete.
I would have preferred it if it had ended with her meeting Rob in the bar at Nell’s leaving do. It’s almost like Josie couldn’t possibly be happy without ending up in a new relationship.
It didn’t spoil my enjoyment though and I’d certainly recommend this as a feel-good read.
May 13, 2017
A brilliant fun drama filled book that I just wanted to keep reading and reading till it was finished. Josie was a really likeable character from the start and her little twins too,her husband Pete not so much.
A weekend away and upon arriving home her whole life changes unexpectedly and long buried secrets are revealed.
An not altogether unexpected read as it was kinda predictable in places though things could have gone either way for her if she had made different decisions. The only part I hated was when she forgave Lisa,that has to be the worst betrayal ever from a friend and no matter what happened her was devastating and yes she felt sorry for her,but she shouldn't have forgave her so easily. If it was me I know I couldn't and wouldn't have.
It was an enjoyable read and I really liked the epilogue,it was perfect.
A weekend away and upon arriving home her whole life changes unexpectedly and long buried secrets are revealed.
An not altogether unexpected read as it was kinda predictable in places though things could have gone either way for her if she had made different decisions. The only part I hated was when she forgave Lisa,that has to be the worst betrayal ever from a friend and no matter what happened her was devastating and yes she felt sorry for her,but she shouldn't have forgave her so easily. If it was me I know I couldn't and wouldn't have.
It was an enjoyable read and I really liked the epilogue,it was perfect.
June 8, 2017
Just relocated to the UK and been going through a bit of a tough time dealing with home sickness. I usually read gory murder stories so when I came across this in a charity store I thought it would be a nice change. I absolutely could not put it down! I laughed and cried through it and went on a complete journey. Highly recommend this book!
October 30, 2013
A nice easy read, if fairly predictable in places. The storyline about Pete abandoning a pregnant Lisa could definitely have been developed a bit more - would have liked to see him get a bit more of a comeuppance!! Overall a decent read, I enjoyed it.
January 9, 2015
Well worth the read. I don't want to give any spoilers, but it is a common situation these days, and it takes you through the emotions that are engendered by the situation.
March 10, 2021
It was a "good second choice" (3.5 stars). There are authors that are trying to write novels like another, great author of a genre. In this case, I think, Lucy Diamond was inspired mostly by Marian Keyes (one of the characters had even Keyes' book on a shelf). But, although, it wasn't bad, and I will read more of her books in the future - she has a lot to learn if she wants to be like Marian Keyes or Milly Johnson.
In other words, it wasn't as funny as it could have, it wasn't as wise as it could have, Josie's story was too cliche (which could have been forgiven if there was a better narration) and Rob was "too sudden". The novel could have had at least 30% fewer pages - it would have done it good.
Nonetheless, it still wasn't one of the trashy women fiction, so I am going to give Diamond another try someday.
In other words, it wasn't as funny as it could have, it wasn't as wise as it could have, Josie's story was too cliche (which could have been forgiven if there was a better narration) and Rob was "too sudden". The novel could have had at least 30% fewer pages - it would have done it good.
Nonetheless, it still wasn't one of the trashy women fiction, so I am going to give Diamond another try someday.
July 27, 2022
3.5 stars
This book did grow on me but there were lots of standard tropes that are very a typical., I did like some of the other characters and our leading lady did grow on me.
This book did grow on me but there were lots of standard tropes that are very a typical., I did like some of the other characters and our leading lady did grow on me.
January 9, 2023
This was cute! Nothing wrong with it but nothing super exciting either. A nice, wholesome, easy read.
August 19, 2023
3.75 Stars
November 12, 2020
Wowsers what an insane book... again! Absolutely loved this one! Took a little bit longer to read due to it being a bit bigger than normal but what an amazing book definitely 5 stars from me!
Josie thinks she has everything she needs... the house, the car, the kids, the friends even the husband but when her marriage hits rock bottom and Pete leaves her, what will she do? Secrets will be revealed that will shock Josie (& the reader)... will Josie ever get her baby girl, Rose? Or will that be in the past now? Will she get her Pete back? Or will she fall in love with someone else?
All will be revealed at the turn of a page... read #overyou to find out! You will not be disappointed!!!
Josie thinks she has everything she needs... the house, the car, the kids, the friends even the husband but when her marriage hits rock bottom and Pete leaves her, what will she do? Secrets will be revealed that will shock Josie (& the reader)... will Josie ever get her baby girl, Rose? Or will that be in the past now? Will she get her Pete back? Or will she fall in love with someone else?
All will be revealed at the turn of a page... read #overyou to find out! You will not be disappointed!!!
February 9, 2021
When one door shuts close , another opens.
In that journey, one learns to perserveer & find their hidden strength.
New horizons come to light and all is not lost. Their will be joy again around the corner :)
In that journey, one learns to perserveer & find their hidden strength.
New horizons come to light and all is not lost. Their will be joy again around the corner :)
March 26, 2025
FUCK PETE
February 21, 2017
3* (maybe slightly closer to 3.5*)
It was good even if it was a bit depressing at points.
It was good even if it was a bit depressing at points.
June 22, 2022
Barely better than Mills and Boon. An early Lucy Diamond that is soppy, dated and dull.
December 8, 2017
what an amazing book!!!!!!!!!! such a good read, i was not sure if it would be any good but as i continued to read i felt that i could not put the book down. the author writes perfectly and is such an easy book to read. The book is well written and the characters are played really well and when reading you really feel for all characters. it is also a very sad book and keeps you on your toes wanting to know more.
August 23, 2021
It's kind of chick lit - about women in their 30s, some of whom has 'settled down' only for their husband to have an affair, 2 others who haven't married and had kids - so it's absolutely what you'd expect from this genre and this author. It's perfectly readable, if somewhat implausible, it's fine, but a bit dull and reasonably predictable. It's a coherent relatively well-written story that just is what the cover / genre / author would suggest.
February 18, 2017
Lucy Diamond never fails to disappoint! Once again Lucy has managed to write such a gripping book which makes you feel like you are there in the middle of the action! You root for the characters, you laugh and you cry and that to me makes such a great book. Cannot wait to read more Lucy Diamond, shes is on my favourite author list!
June 23, 2018
Good heavens! Do people,really behave like this. They were like irresponsible teenagers rather than grown women. And she had to have a man in reserve to get over a man and it was all so rushed at the end. Drives me nuts these women who can't live without a man. And the end was puke-worthy. Try better next time!
January 16, 2019
Pleasant enough
A nice enough read about Josie who discovers her husband isn't the person she believed she had married.
For the most part I enjoyed reading about how she dealt with the discovery but I felt that some of the of her characters were a little undeveloped compared to other Diamond books.
A nice enough narrative overall but her later work is better.
A nice enough read about Josie who discovers her husband isn't the person she believed she had married.
For the most part I enjoyed reading about how she dealt with the discovery but I felt that some of the of her characters were a little undeveloped compared to other Diamond books.
A nice enough narrative overall but her later work is better.
July 5, 2017
From the start this book had me turning the pages without wanting to put it down!
From the finding of the photo of Pete at Lisa's flat and the brief look at her face when questioned about it you knew there were going to be some big ups and downs along the way, warts and all
From the finding of the photo of Pete at Lisa's flat and the brief look at her face when questioned about it you knew there were going to be some big ups and downs along the way, warts and all
December 12, 2017
Another thoroughly enjoyable book by Lucy Diamond. Absolutely love her books. I read this in two days it was that good.
November 21, 2018
I've read quite a few of Lucy Diamond's books and loved them however, this one just didn't grab me like the others had. For one, I found that the character of Josie was lacking in character and depth throughout most of the book; I found her to be constantly complaining about Pete, and for almost three-quarters of the book, wishing that she could have him back. I felt as though the book had no real 'climax', and lacked any substance to the plot-line that I was hoping for. Also, I felt that Rob's introduction to the readers was rushed in the beginning, and his re-emergence after his trip to Zambia was at the drop of a hat, with no connection between him and Josie. I would have liked to see more interaction with Josie and Rob, in order for us as readers to garner a true connection between the two. I didn't understand why Sabine visited Josie at her home, with only one very brief encounter, which amounted to nothing in the end. I would have liked to see more of that relationship being discovered over time however, Diamond decided to keep it short, which was disappointing. Lisa became a heated character after her confession, although Josie decided that she had still wanted her in her life; in my mind, I just couldn't forgive what she had done to Josie. Overall, there were some parts of the book that kept me intrigued however, I just couldn't be drawn into this one completely, and would have given it a miss if I had known.
January 15, 2026
Another lovely book from Lucy Diamond, I love the diversity of her stories and as I have said in all my reviews of her work, they are always cosy and uplifting, highlighting the importance of friendship and women lifting other women up.
This book deals with more serious and sad issues and is told from a single point of view rather than the multiple narratives Lucy Diamond often uses, but it remains a deeply heartwarming and reassuring read. It’s a story about survival, change, relying on friends, and finding your feet again after a turbulent breakup.
Josie is a very relatable character, a strong woman and an admirable mother. You truly feel her journey from beginning to end, and it almost feels like you’re holding her hand as she navigates grief, uncertainty, and the slow process of rebuilding her life.
The pacing is gentle and steady, allowing Josie’s healing to feel natural rather than rushed or driven by dramatic plot twists. Much of the book’s strength lies in its focus on everyday moments — parenting, friendship, routines, and small acts of courage — reminding us that recovery often happens quietly and gradually.
This is an ideal read for anyone who enjoys emotionally grounded, hopeful stories about starting again, particularly for readers who value character-driven narratives over high drama.
This book deals with more serious and sad issues and is told from a single point of view rather than the multiple narratives Lucy Diamond often uses, but it remains a deeply heartwarming and reassuring read. It’s a story about survival, change, relying on friends, and finding your feet again after a turbulent breakup.
Josie is a very relatable character, a strong woman and an admirable mother. You truly feel her journey from beginning to end, and it almost feels like you’re holding her hand as she navigates grief, uncertainty, and the slow process of rebuilding her life.
The pacing is gentle and steady, allowing Josie’s healing to feel natural rather than rushed or driven by dramatic plot twists. Much of the book’s strength lies in its focus on everyday moments — parenting, friendship, routines, and small acts of courage — reminding us that recovery often happens quietly and gradually.
This is an ideal read for anyone who enjoys emotionally grounded, hopeful stories about starting again, particularly for readers who value character-driven narratives over high drama.
September 28, 2018
I would say i am glad i read this book after long time not holding a book to read.
I like the way its end like i wanted and expected.
I like the drama in the book that made my emotion upside down. I finished this book in two nights and im totally feel like i am the Josie in this story. I am crying loads at how hard it is for Josie to get her strength back, to stand up again, to lead a new life.
I like the way all her friends character are being so supportive to her. Be it Nell, Emma, her new friend Anne and even Lisa and her totally unexpected MIL.
I like how Josie ended up with Rob, the one who love her even before shes going out and married Peter. But fate just decided to not to let them together at that time and it is fate that make them see each other again and end up being happily ever after. Isnt it the sweetest thing? Having a person who love you that much over the years. The love that doesnt faded. Ohoohh.
I think i was too engrossed in reading thriller books that i feel so happy i try reading different genres today. Would love to try Lucy's other books soon.
I like the way its end like i wanted and expected.
I like the drama in the book that made my emotion upside down. I finished this book in two nights and im totally feel like i am the Josie in this story. I am crying loads at how hard it is for Josie to get her strength back, to stand up again, to lead a new life.
I like the way all her friends character are being so supportive to her. Be it Nell, Emma, her new friend Anne and even Lisa and her totally unexpected MIL.
I like how Josie ended up with Rob, the one who love her even before shes going out and married Peter. But fate just decided to not to let them together at that time and it is fate that make them see each other again and end up being happily ever after. Isnt it the sweetest thing? Having a person who love you that much over the years. The love that doesnt faded. Ohoohh.
I think i was too engrossed in reading thriller books that i feel so happy i try reading different genres today. Would love to try Lucy's other books soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews