The Happiness List

by Annie Lyons

Life is about to change forever…

Heather is finally back on Hope Street after running from the memories for so long. She hasn’t bumped into many neighbours yet but with her upcoming wedding to plan there’s plenty to keep her busy!

Fran is still trying to get used to a life without her husband by her side. It’s hard enough raising two children on her own – she doesn’t have time to even think about dating…

Pamela is fed up with being taken for granted by her grown-up children and grumbling husband. She’s ready to shake things up a little, but will her family even notice?

So when the three women hear about a ‘happiness course’ starting on Hope Street, surely it’s the perfect opportunity to let their hair down, laugh with new friends and maybe even change their lives in ways they never expected…

Don’t miss The Happiness List, a delightfully uplifting story from bestselling author Annie Lyons, coming soon!

Genres: Fiction, Chick Lit, Audiobook, Womens Fiction

368 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 11, 2018

About the author

Dear Reader,
thank you for dropping by to visit my Goodreads page. I am the author of seven novels and one novella. My first book, Not Quite Perfect was a Kindle number one bestseller and my novel featuring octogenarian, Eudora Honeysett was a USA Today bestseller as well as being nominated for the RNA Contemporary Novel Award. My latest book, The Air Raid Book Club is my first historical fiction novel. It tells the story of recently-widowed bookseller, Gertie Bingham and fifteen-year-old Hedy Fischer, who are thrown together by the events of the Second World War and who form a book club to support their community through these dark times. This book is particularly special to me as I’ve spent my life around books, from trips to the library with my mum as a child to my early career as a bookseller on Charing Cross Road and then over ten years in publishing and now as a writer and creative writing teacher. If I’m not writing or reading books, I like nothing more than to lose myself for an hour (or two if I can manage it) in a library or bookshop. I love the quiet calm and the smell of books, old and new. My favourite writers are Anne Tyler, Ruth Hogan, David Nicholls, Rachel Joyce, William Boyd, Katherine Heiny and Maggie O’Farrell but I love anything which makes me laugh and cry. I try to reflect this in my own writing and for me, it begins with the characters. I work to get to know them as well as my own friends and family as I write and allow them to lead the story. My aim is to write stories which are uplifting and ultimately hopeful as these are the books I love to read. My stories feature families, friendship, grief, love, happiness, singing, loss, betrayal, forgiveness, death, hope, books, joy and plenty more besides, and they invariably include a beloved family pet! My favourite thing about being an author is when readers contact me to let me know that a book has touched them, made them laugh or just served as a companion for a while. I recently received a card all the way from New York from eighty-four-year-old Rita in praise of the story of eighty-four-year-old Eudora and that was my week made. If you would like to get in touch, you can also find me on social media (links below) where I mainly talk about books, writing, my garden and my black Labrador, Nelson.
Happy reading!
Annie x
Instagram: @annielyonsauthor
Twitter: @1AnnieLyons
Facebook: www.facebook.com/annielyonswriter
Website: www.annielyons.com

Reviews

[Sally Coles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pamela, Fran and Heather don't really have anything in common but when they all decide to go on a happiness course at their local community centre they are joined together and a friendship forms. They all have different reasons for joining the course, Pamela has been married for 40 years and is fed up with being taken for granted by her husband and family.... she could certainly do with some spark in her marriage! Fran is widowed and struggling on her own with her two children and dog, whereas Heather has only just moved back to Hope Street with her elusive fiance and plans for their wedding.

A lovely story with great characters and unexpected friendships forming amid showing that community spirit is still very much alive

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an uplifting book dealing with life's ups and down. Three very strong female women yearning for happiness is the main theme of this book. Loved the characters and the plot moved at a good pace.

My Rating: 5 stars


Reviewed by: Mrs. N

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I ADORED The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett, so I happily took a dive into Annie Lyon’s backlist. This one was delightful (if meandering) and a shining example of how an author can grow over time. I will be sure to tackle all her books, but especially looking forward to a new release.

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully uplifting story with three rather distinct characters and their stories but with a common theme.

Each chapter alternates between focusing on Fran, Heather and Pam who all for different reasons find themselves at the Hope Street Community Centre on a course to discover "happiness".

Heather is sure she is happy as she is engaged and is working on wedding plans, but found herself at a loose end when Luke was working late again. Fran on the other hand is realising she may need to start moving on, she was widowed two years ago and has two wonderful children to look after, and Charlie is a star. Then there is Pam who is a bit older than the others, is regarded as a gossip on Hope Street but really does have a heart of gold, but needs to re-discover who she really is as her children are all adults now.

I loved getting to know all three of these ladies and their friends, circumstances, and just how this Happiness course is going to work for them all.

As the story progresses new friendships are made, there are journeys of self discovery and new hobbies, and lessons that the readers can take from it about their own happiness.

This is a feel good summer read, that is a pleasure to read, and is another gem of a book from Annie Lyons. I just feel bad I didn't read it the second it arrived on my kindle many months ago as I was missing out!

Thank you to HQ Digital and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Fiona Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished The Happiness List by Annie Lyons (I was lucky enough to get an advance copy). This is a charming story about three women who meet each other doing a 'happiness course' on Hope Street, which features in some of Annie's other novels.

Heather is about to get married to the man of her dreams - only he doesn't seem to be as invested in the wedding as she is. Fran, a widow in her forties, wants to be happy again but not at the expense of forgetting her beloved Andy and 'moving on', and Pam, local gossip and Mary Berry-esque cake maker just wants her empty nest to be peaceful and fulfilling again, but her husband is more interested in the garden shed and her flaky son who still lives at home won't stop sponging off her.

This was a lovely, summery uplifting read about three women who pause in their busy lives to try and work out what would really make them happy - and the answer to that question is not what they were expecting. It was witty, wise and packed full of warmth. Great if you want something to make you laugh (and cry a little bit!) on the beach.

[Gaele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pammy, Fran and Heather are all living in the neighborhood of Hope Street, that of the famous choir, and while ‘friendly’ in that ‘nod and perhaps chat a moment way, they aren’t visiting and sharing tea. But when a course on Happiness is offered, the three women decide (not necessarily commit) to go to the first session, led by a Danish man, Nik. Of course, the three are ‘grouped’ together at the course, an odd pairing from the outset, but one that is surprisingly the best for all. See, Pammy is in her mid-60’s, married nearly 40 years and finding that she and her husband Barry have lost that luster and camaraderie.. Fran is recently widowed unexpectedly, with her two children and her dog Alan, she’s just retreated from everyone and everything, spending hours on the sofa she hates talking with her dead husband. Heather has just moved back to Hope Street with her fiancé Luke, although he’s constantly off working, or home ignoring her because of work. She’s wanting to plan the wedding and make inroads into the life they will share, and nothing seems to be falling into place as she hoped.

What emerges is a story that EVERYONE needs to read for the twists, turns and journeys that these three travel together and separately, showing how, despite being at different ages and stages in life, these three women find ways to support, uplift, advise and nudge one another forward. You wish, no matter where you are currently, that you had friends like this: those who push you when you need it, rant and rail when that is what’s required, and always allow you to be yourself, no matter what form that may take at any time.

Annie Lyons is a genius at making readers care for, and empathize with, her characters. Perhaps it is because we can see ourselves in situations, with feelings, and perhaps even mistakes, in her characters, and they seem to find a way through it all, no matter how dire situations may look at first. Make the effort to pick up and read this book, a bit slow to start – soon you will be reading (and rereading) passages because you just don’t want it to end. A favorite for all of the emotions, the characters and the sheer joy of being back to visit Hope Street.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at I am, Indeed

[Nicola Clough · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to reading this book and she didn't disappoint at all so well written and had you emotional at times then laughing at others and totally hooked from the first page a fantastic read. Full of friendship, romance and moving forward to be happy.
There are three main characters you have.
Fran who has lost her husband and has young children to bring up so she never thinks of herself and can't move forward.
Pamela has grown up children who take her for granted and a husband she isn't getting on with.
Heather who lost her parents when she was young and has been running away but moves back to hope street and is planning her wedding.
All three girls go to the hope street happiness course and form a friendship and although non of them are keen on going at all they form a friendship have laughter and let their hair down and can they move forward with their lives in a way all three of them can be happy or not.
Highly recommend this book would love to give it more than the five stars as so deserves it. Great characters and excellent story line has you thinking.

[Mandy Baggot · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will fill you with feel-good! A heart-warming read that will leave you with the biggest smile!

I really enjoyed my trip back to Hope Street for another romp with Annie Lyons. All the characters were well drawn and I felt like I knew them as friends. This book has a lot of serious life issues in between the laughs and these will resonate. A story of friendship and community, hope and happiness!

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the friendships between these women!

[Kaisha (The Writing Garnet) · Rating 5 out of 5]

All reviews can be found on my blog at https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com

I had a feeling that, based on the title, Annie Lyons' latest novel was going to open my eyes and keep them open. What I never expected, however, was for 'The Happiness List' to not only keep my eyes open, but it also made me think about my life in a completely different way.

Heather, Fran and Pamela may be three completely different women, yet they're all bound together by one coming thing; heartbreak. However, with all three women going through different types of heartbreak at different points in their life, their outlook on how they cope with it is incredibly different, with some of their family members being confused by how they seem to be dealing with the aftermath. The thing is, everyone copes with things differently, and just because someone else will do things one way whilst another person will do things in another way, it doesn't make it wrong at all, so they shouldn't be made to feel as though they're not coping or get told that they should be 'fine by now'. Is there a timeline for when heartbreak should be dealt with? No. And that's where 'The Happiness List' comes in. When all three ladies have the chance to create a personal list to enhance their own happiness, it makes them realise that to truly be happy, they need to forgive themselves. I know, it sounds easier said than done, but once you've read this book, it will become clear that it is in fact an incredibly difficult thing and that you need to have a supportive group of people around you for when the going gets tough. Not people who are only there when they want something or who dip in and out of your life quicker than Justin Bieber's relationships. True friends. The ones who turn up at your door in their pyjama's to sit on your sofa, or the ones who answer your phone call any time of day, even if it is just to listen to you cry because you're on your monthly/football team didn't win.

Sorry, I have ranted a little bit, but this is such an important book to read and digest, I wouldn't be doing it justice if I didn't write my thoughts honestly.

What really hit home with #TheHappinessList was the way Annie Lyons made it clear how heartbreak is individual, and how nobody should invalidate how you feel all because they would do things differently. I found Heather, Pamela and Fran's friendship incredibly heart-warming and made me wish that I had friends like that because to be honest, I never have. It made me quite emotional to read how the author made one of character's happy on their own, proving that happiness doesn't always mean being in a couple.

I loved the humour in this book as it made the storyline balanced when it came to reading the emotional scenes. Reading 'The Happiness List' is a journey in itself, one which is life affirming, powerful, and has the chance to put a spring in your step for the smallest things. To look at, you may think that this book is full of joy as the cover is incredibly colourful and, whilst I will agree to a point, there is a lot to this book than the cover divulges. A bit like a trifle (hear me out) - to look at you see cream/topping and sprinkles, but underneath that colourful and silky topping are multiple layers which will feel you with different kinds of joy. Is the jelly raspberry, blackcurrant or strawberries? Are there lady fingers at the bottom or fruit? So yes, Annie Lyons, for me, has written a book that resembles a trifle as, the more of the book I read, the more beautiful things I discovered and the larger my smile became.

I adore Annie Lyons' story telling as she writes with such soul and magnetism, bringing joy to the reader's heart like our good friend Winnie the Pooh. I will never get tired of Lyons' tales and as far as I am concerned, this author and her books have their own bookshelf in my heart AND its under lock and key.

[Justkeepreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

Treat yourselves and each other with respect, and remind yourselves often what brought you together. Give the highest priorities to the tenderness, gentleness, and kindness that your connection deserves. When frustration, difficulties and fear assail your relationship, as they have threatened all relationships at one time or another, remember to focus on what is right between you, not only the parts which seem wrong. In this way, you can ride out the storms when clouds hide the face of the sun in your lives - remembering that even if you loose sight of it for a moment, the sun is still there, and if each of you takes responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and delight.’ Apache

Life is about to change forever for Heather, Pam and Fran. As they all join a happiness course. Which is centred on the things that make them happy, teaches them about mindfulness and gets them to write a happiness list.

Heather is back on Hope street after running from her past for so long, and the memory of her parents passing still at the front of her mind. But with a wedding to plan Heather has plenty to keep her busy and take her mind off things. But with a fiancé who is constantly away and working late, heather needs to do something else to keep her busy and out of the house and so joins the Happiness course.

For fun, vibrant Pam, joining the happiness course, is an excuse to meet new people, get away from her grumbling husband, who only seems to want to spend time in his garden tending to his flowers. It is also an excuse to get away from her demanding grown up children that have been taking her for granted. Will joining the happiness course bring Pam and her husband closer together? Will it make her se some home truths about her children? And in the spirit of making changes, will her children notice the changes in Pam?

Fran is pretty much made to join the happiness course by her overbearing mother who thinks two years of mourning should be long enough for Fran to move on. Fran however isn’t sure if she is ready yet. But to get her mother off her back decides to give it a go. Will this course bring Fran and her children closer together? Will it give her the courage she needs to not stop mourning but to have a courage to start a new life of happiness and perhaps love another? And will she learn more about herself then she ever has before?

As each woman arrives at the happiness course they all strike up a friendship together instantly, laugh together and even change their lives in ways they never thought possible.

This book is absolutely wonderful and I loved every minute of it. It completely grabbed me right from the very start. It is like a big warm hug of a book one that is garuqmtees to put a massive smile on your face. It makes you remember the really important things in life and that you need to make time for the things that make you happy. It also tells the important message that’s it’s ok to move on when you a mourning for the people you love. It says that you do not have to forget the ones that have gone in order to move on and that you can still love and care for them very much without tarnishing their memory when you are moving on. It tells of the importance of being you. How important it is to tell the people that you love them how much you love them on a daily basis. Because before you know it those people could be gone. It tells you that you should say the things that are on your mind, to talk over the problems and that if you care and love someone you should fight for the relationship and let them know how much they mean to you.

It also tells you the importance of being mindful and to take in the wonders of the world that are around us every day. It is an uplifting and beautiful read and I absolutely loved it. If you are a chicklit or romance fan then I promise you that you will love this book. Do not miss this life affirming, funny, heartwarming, beautiful book. Keep doing what you do best Annie. Your books never fail to put a great big smile on my face. Fabulous

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Happiness List by Annie Lyons is a really fun contemporary novel that focuses on good friends, carpe diem and dealing with grief.
Loss consumes. "After two years, people sort of expected you to have moved on." There is no time limit on grief. It is "my grief, my way." We have to find a way to move into a new normal. "Grief is ongoing. It never leaves you. You're finding a way to live around that."
With grief, comes guilt. "Guilt... my oldest and most reliable friend... I get to live, to carry on." Guilt can weigh us down. We need to let it go and live again. We must not be afraid to laugh and to live and to love again. It does not mean we forget our loved one, but we have to learn to live with our memories and not our guilt.
The novel is about good friends who stand by us and support us. The sort of friends who will drop everything to be by your side in a crisis.
At different stages in life, we play different roles. As we get older, we fear losing our purpose. Do people see a wrinkled old woman? Or the girl she once was?
Life should be about carpe diem. We need to seize today because tomorrow is not guaranteed.
New hobbies, new interests, focusing on others are all good choices that we can make. We can choose what makes us happy.
The Happiness List was really fun and amusing. It did also have serious underlying themes. Life was shown from three different points of view - each one struggling to survive in today's world. I loved all the women.
A perfect book for a summer holiday read.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

[Grace J Reviewerlady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annie Lyons' new novel does exactly what it says in the blurb .. it delights and uplifts!

Pamela, Fran and Heather each have their own crosses to bear; life is not perfect for any of them but they all try to keep their chins up and meet the challenges thrown in their paths each day. When a new course is set to run in the hall in Hope Street, they decide to support each other and find out what it's all about. After all, a happiness course may be fun!

This is a truly lovely, bright read. The uncertainties of life faced by these three women aren't in the least unusual - in fact, they're fairly common. It's easy to identify with the characters - many and varied, they are such a joy to meet! As with any good story, there are ups and downs and this author's writing bubbles along with something new always happening and various intertwining threads keeping the reader's attention. I'm happy to report that all the ends are neatly tied off by the final page, and I closed my kindle with a little sigh of satisfaction as well as a smile on my face. Definitely a feel-good read, and one I'm happy to recommend.

My thanks to publishers HQ Digital for approving my copy via NetGalley. This is my honest, original and unbiased review.

[Cheryl M-M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather, Fran and Pamela couldn’t be more different, and they don’t imagine themselves growing closer to each other, whilst on a happiness course of all things. Although the course is supposed to help them focus on the positive and help them to manage and set themselves achievable goals, they start supporting each other instead.

Each of the women have their own burdens to bear. Fran is still trying to deal with the loss of her husband, Pamela is caught between her son and her husband, and Heather is planning a wedding. Heather is still coping with her own losses, which make her insecure, vulnerable and perhaps a little naive about the people closest to her.

Mindfulness is very en vogue at the moment. It’s all about focusing one’s awareness on the present, as opposed to dwelling on the past or being anxious about the future. Accepting one’s own thoughts, feelings and physical sensations and acknowledging them calmly. In this case Heather, Fran and Pamela are asked to create lists of things or goals, which make them or will make them happy.

It’s interesting to note how each list changes and evolves as the women grow and learn to focus on themselves and their happiness. How some seemingly important goals become less so to the women, as they learn to let things go and to assert themselves and their needs.

Lyons always delivers an emotional, solid and yet at times amusing read. Although it’s infused with a subtle layer of humour, this story is about empowerment and taking control of your emotions and your life. It’s about friendship, loyalty and bonds that grow between people. It’s about enjoying the small things in life, focusing on the positive rather than the negative, and above all it is about knowing there is always a way forward.
*I received a copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley*

[Renée | apuzzledbooklover · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet book of found friends and learning what it is that brings each of us true joy and happiness in our lives.

[Victoria · Rating 1 out of 5]

Didn't like it. Didn't even finish first chapter

[Simona · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Three women, three different stories, but they all meet in a happiness course on Hope Street.

Heather is engaged, but her fiancé is never there, his only excuse: “I will make it up to you.” She is back on Hope Street, back where all her memories are.
Fran’s a widow, who has to raise two children and is still not over her husband’s death.
Pamela has grown-up children and a very grumpy husband. She definitely needs a change.

The form a friendship and become part of each other’s lives. They can all relate to each other on a certain way, which makes their bond even stronger. Their lives are about to change, because they learn about happiness and mindfulness and they are ready for these alterations.

The story had a natural and beautiful flow, I loved following these characters. The friendship aspect in this book is fabulous and Annie Lyons captured it beautifully.

It’s predictable at parts, but the ending was very open. Certain parts in between were a bit obvious, but that also kept the story authentic and real. This is a very lovely ad uplifting book, it put a huge smile on my face and I couldn’t stop smiling.

Friendship, romance, relationships, family and all connected to being happy and how to get there. I absolutely ADORED this cute story!

[B.R. Maycock · Rating 5 out of 5]

You might remember (or maybe not) that I was particular gushy over these two books Life or something Like it or this book’s predecessor The Choir On Hope Street

and so when I heard about this I hit preorder straight away (I know I act like I’m not clicking a button but more punching something equivalent to the big red button on ‘The Voice,’ but that’s how I feel when I’m buying books. More like ‘yes! That’s the one!’)

And boy was it. This is the book of three different people all out looking for a way to be happy, whether known or unknown to themselves. I was thrilled to distinguish between all three straight away, they all had isms that made me remember who they were, their ages etc. It’s very unusual to have a book where all three characters are so different and yet you want to read every single one of them and don’t find your eyes reaching to find a specific one, but that was what I had here and this, put with their exceptional friendship, was excellent.

The happiness course itself, with it’s range of things to do and fabulous array of characters, was something I’d thing about doing myself should one ever come to Ireland. In particular when they got to comedy week I nearly swooned, as one of my own ways to get back to happy is to sit down to watch stand up on Comedy Central and just laugh myself silly. And of course, as you would guess, not only was there laughter, there was tears. I bawled my eyes out in this book. In particular of course, Fran, who was just going through the motions of life without her husband, really got to me and my skin prickled with the realisation that not only had she not let him go (fair enough), she was also having little chats with him to keep him there. I have to add that the tears wasn’t just book related, it’s been a tough few weeks/months (2018 for me will be a year of almighty, humongous highs and scary lows), but this book (and another which I’ll review in a few days) was cathartic for me.

I have to finish by saying I once put at the end of a review that if Cressida McLoughlin did a writing course I would be there, front row. It turns out Annie Lyons DOES do creative writing courses, and I nearly fell over when I read this and it compounds my belief that, writing wise, I belong in the UK more than Ireland (disclaimer: I adore Ireland, will always live here, and am sure I’ve just committed all kinds of treason, it’s just Ireland and rom coms/ chick lit do not go together, and most writing here is all kinds of literary or just plain flowery, and just not me). Anyhoo, where was I? Oh yes! One of my favourite books this year. Oh and special mention for Georg by the by!

Rating: 5/5

[Eve L-A Witherington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather is planning her wedding to her successful fiance Luke and has returned to Hope street despite the memories she has of her mum and dad.



Fran has been left by her husband after he passed away suddenly, to raise their two children alone. But when her parents tell her she's wallowing in grief, she won't have it but goes along to the Happiness meeting to stop them hassling her.



Pamela feels taken for granted by her family but at the same time taxonomies to help out the community, so when she recommends Heather to try out the Happiness course she finds, she hopes to see her there.



Fran and Heather meet at the Happiness meeting, bonding over their combined losses in their lives and of course Pamela is there too as they group up for the tasks ahead. The Happiness List consists of tasks they have ahead of them, ten weeks of them involving, having fun and trying out meditation in their busy lives. From finding new hobbies and cementing their friendships over trips to each other's, the pub and moaning about their men!



This was a real fun book about acceptance and finding and doing something great for yourself whether it's a new hobby or just picking up an old one again, being in the moment and enjoying that time is precious. Though I could see where things We're going for the girls in the natural flow of the story, it didn't disappoint me to have guessed the coming action but I was glad it worked out how I wanted it to go! The women becoming friends despite their ages and stages in life separately was great and proves friendship has no limits of forms. We're all busy normally, but this book shows how it can pull us down negatively until we change the situation for ourselves be it a friendship, family issue or personal stress, this book is the antidote to modern day busy life in it's ideas.



Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!

[Sarah Livingston · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was certainly happiness for me to be back on Hope Street. What a wonderful follow up to Annie Lyons' fabulous Choir on Hope Street. I loved the 3 main characters and it was so comforting to fleetingly see some of the characters from the first book. It was very clever not to let the old characters take over in anyway but just to have them and the choir quietly in the background. It gave the whole setting a feeling of 'right'. I adored Heather and Fran and Pamela was a really clever addition. To write an older woman's voice (one we don't hear often enough in books) was very welcome and it was really beautifully done.
I think Fran was my favourite character but they all rang true and that's why Annie Lyons is such a clever writer, She really makes you believe in the people within her books. They could be your neighbours/friends/family. I'm not a big one for mindfulness but like Fran and Heather I was a whole lot less sceptical by the end of this book. I think that's because it wasn't rammed down our throats on every page but it was just a gentle part of the book and part of their friendship. All the goals they were set were totally achievable and therefore believable. The main characters also took charge of their lives and that gave the book some oomph. I didn't feel it was just a piece of chicklit but had much more depth and feeling in what it was trying to tell us.
I loved this book and I really hope (no pun intended) that there will be more set in this wonderful community.

[Mrs J · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Happiness List is about 3 women from different generations who are all dealing with grief, betrayal, dissatisfaction, or feelings of being taken for granted. The story is written with compassion and humour as you discover the backgrounds of the characters who all have an element of unhappiness in their life.

The three sign up for a local “Happiness Course” and find unlikely friendship and support in each other as they complete the weekly tasks to build their own Happiness Lists. As the story progresses they learn a lot about themselves, and each other, as they find new strengths and interests.

In the first few chapters, there are a lot of characters which does take a bit of concentration, but then the story flows easily. All three women are extremely likable, the sort of women you’d like to become friends with. I loved the characters of Charlie, a 10-year-old girl wise beyond her years but with an innocent vulnerability, and of Alan who was perfectly portrayed.

It is an extremely moving story that left me misty-eyed on more than one occasion. Some of it is predictable but in that nice “lose yourself in a book” way, with a few twists towards the end. This is the perfect feel good read for a hot summer Sunday that left me feeling all warm and gooey in my soul.

Annie Lyons is a new author to me and she has other women’s fiction books available which I will look forward to reading.

Aside from the story itself, there was a wonderful upcycling idea at the end which got my mind ticking, and there’s a link to take your own free personality survey.

[M B · Rating 2 out of 5]

Super light and fluffy, mostly not in a good way. According to the cover of the book - “a feel-good story that will put a smile on your face”. It did, but it also made me roll my eyes quite a bit and is the biggest cheesefest I’ve ever read. I read Eudora Honeysett is Quite Well, Thank You last month and absolutely loved it, so I was expecting big things. It was ok, but I can’t get past a few things. Why do divorced/widowed women with young kids always have to find love with childless attractive personal trainers (or similar) who just want to help them out for no particular reason, do their gardening for them, be their friend etc? Just once, I’d love these women to find love with a more realistic partner, someone who’s nice but perhaps a bit overweight and plain looking. That I can believe! The other cringeworthy thing was the stereotype of the “dirt poor but happy” single mums group. Apparently these women are on such low incomes that they rely on food banks to feed their families, but no matter, they have friends so they’re always laughing and happy. 🤦🏼‍♀️ I’m also not sure why Pamela refers to people as “ducks”?! I’ve read lots of books similar to this one, and have suspended my beliefs in exchange for a feel-good light read, but perhaps I can’t deal with unlikely cheesefests any longer.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝘍𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘳d”⁣
⁣
You know that feeling when you first pick up the cup of tea or coffee, where that simple feeling of warmth enters….. that’s Annie Lyon’s writing. And I say that with only read these two books in the photo. ⁣
⁣
If you’re new to my page, go get Eudora Honeysett, (𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘮𝘦 𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳) and if you have read it, then you need The Happiness List. ⁣
⁣
𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥-𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 ❤️‍🩹 ⁣
⁣
𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐬𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬: 3 women all at different points in their lives (𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘢𝘨𝘦𝘥, 𝘢 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘥𝘰𝘸 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘯 𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘵𝘺 𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳) meet up at a course that is focused on finding the ‘happy’ in their lives. The course is great but the lessons they actually learn come from each other….The friendships that become family and the women in our lives that boost us up without expecting anything in return. ⁣
⁣
💗Friendship Love in a book 💗⁣
⁣
“𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦’𝘴 𝘥𝘢𝘸𝘯 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴-𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵”⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣

[Helen Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story, and although the theme of doing things which make you happy is nothing new, the way the author constructs the story round three women who attend a course on happiness keeps it interesting. The three main characters, Heather, Fran and Pamela, are different ages and at different life stages. I liked all three, and I also really liked Barry, Pamela's husband, as well as Fran's children.

What happened to Heather wasn't a surprise - I guessed early on - although her ending was refreshing. Can't say more for fear of spoilers. Anyway, this is a good summer read in which the theme of friendship is also very strong. Lighter moments combined with darker ones means the story doesn't get boring. I think I'll revisit Hope Street in the future.

With thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an electronic copy of this book for free from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
I had all of Annie Lyon's previous books on my kindle for ages and for some reason never read them. I decided to read one of her books recently and I couldn't believe I waited this long. It was amazing- one of the best books I've read in ages! I quickly read all of her books and they were all so amazing. It's rare to find a book that has everything you're looking for- great setting and imagery, friendship, a little romance, a little excitement, all while being so cute and uplifting. The Happiness List was so good. I wish all books were this good! I probably sound like I'm gushing but I've been in a rut with chic-lit books recently so reading Annie Lyon's books were like a breath of fresh air. :)

[Janette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read Annie Lyon's previous books and loved them and I was not disappointed with this. Well written with lovely warm characters, I loved this book from the start.

A story of friendship, new beginnings and loyalty - both funny and heartwarming in equal measure. I loved all of the characters and their stories. Three very different women, I liked all of them and found their stories quite moving. I enjoyed the concept of a course in happiness and mindfulness. I liked how the characters developed and became empowered.

Heartwarming and uplifting I highly recommend this book.

Although this is written as a sequel to The Choir on Hope Street, this could be read as a standalone novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had all of Annie Lyon's previous books on my kindle for ages and for some reason never read them. I decided to read one of her books recently and I couldn't believe I waited this long. It was amazing- one of the best books I've read in ages! I quickly read all of her books and they were all so amazing. It's rare to find a book that has everything you're looking for- great setting and imagery, friendship, a little romance, a little excitement, all while being so cute and uplifting. The Happiness List was so good. I wish all books were this good! I probably sound like I'm gushing but I've been in a rut with chic-lit books recently so reading Annie Lyon's books were like a breath of fresh air. :)

[Angie Page-Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must Read

I was attracted to this bright flamingo pink cover. I’m a sucker for a book where a cast of people are attending a class, a club, traveling, gardening, baking, reading or living through hot flashes. And after 2020 and 2021, I needed a happy read.

This book delivered exactly what I needed and Fran, Heather and Pamela were exactly the friends I needed. This story is charming, happy, and sad but happiness can always be found.

In a world where our heads are down, looking at our phones or being sequestered inside it’s so refreshing to get out and meet others, join a club, take a class, experience life and build your community. This book has inspired me to create my own Happiness Hub.

[Margaret Neale · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story of 3 women at 3 stages of their lives with different issues, who meet in a Happiness group. There they are exploring various aspects of mindfulness and ways to apply the learnings to enable them to have a happier life. The steps and related activities were interesting, as was the development of their friendship and their involvement with their community. There were some predictable elements, along with a couple of unexpected happenings and changes. Heather and Pamela both learn more about themselves and with Fran find ways to move forward in a more satisfying way.

[Laurie Ellingham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an utter delight!

Fran, Pamela and Heather are three very different women who form a strong friendship when they attend Happiness Classes at the local community centre.

What I love about Annie Lyons books is her ability to create a whole host of wonderful characters you will be cheering for the whole way through, and a story that draws you in right from the start.

So what is the secret to being happy? Reading an Annie Lyons book of course!