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Walking On Sunshine
In the darkness we all need a little light . . .
After Mike loses Pia, his partner of seventeen years, her best friends Vicky and Zaza try to help pick up the pieces.
But though Pia's gone, she left a plan. A list of love and instructions to hold Mike and her best friends together.
And they're each going to need it.
Just-engaged Zaza fears committing any further.
Mum Vicky can't see a way past her kids and back to her career.
While Mike just feels lost without the love of his life.
But when the list sends them to Peru, where high mountains and sweltering rain forest take them to the brink,
all they have to guide them is their faith in Pia's instructions and themselves.
Did anyone say Walking On Sunshine was easy?
After Mike loses Pia, his partner of seventeen years, her best friends Vicky and Zaza try to help pick up the pieces.
But though Pia's gone, she left a plan. A list of love and instructions to hold Mike and her best friends together.
And they're each going to need it.
Just-engaged Zaza fears committing any further.
Mum Vicky can't see a way past her kids and back to her career.
While Mike just feels lost without the love of his life.
But when the list sends them to Peru, where high mountains and sweltering rain forest take them to the brink,
all they have to guide them is their faith in Pia's instructions and themselves.
Did anyone say Walking On Sunshine was easy?
400 pages, Hardcover
Published November 11, 2021
184 people are currently reading
2114 people want to read
About the author
Giovanna Fletcher
24 books6,177 followersGiovanna grew up in Essex with her Italian dad Mario, mum Kim, big sister Giorgina and little brother Mario, and spent most of her childhood talking to herself (it seems no one wanted to listen) or reading books.
At thirteen she left Essex behind to attend the full-time Sylvia Young Theatre School, where she met her husband Tom Fletcher. Following SYTS she completed an acting BA (hons) at Rose Bruford – since then she's been acting, chaperoning mini actors and dabbling in a spot of freelance journalism.
Giovanna is a firm believer in the power of magpies and positive energy. To see what makes Giovanna smile, view her blog at www.giovannasworld.com, or her Twitter page @mrsgifletcher
Billy and Me is Giovanna's debut novel.
At thirteen she left Essex behind to attend the full-time Sylvia Young Theatre School, where she met her husband Tom Fletcher. Following SYTS she completed an acting BA (hons) at Rose Bruford – since then she's been acting, chaperoning mini actors and dabbling in a spot of freelance journalism.
Giovanna is a firm believer in the power of magpies and positive energy. To see what makes Giovanna smile, view her blog at www.giovannasworld.com, or her Twitter page @mrsgifletcher
Billy and Me is Giovanna's debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 380 reviews
December 30, 2021
In a Nutshell: Sorry, but mine is an outlier review. I expected a lot from this novel but my expectations and the story were on two different tracks that simply couldn’t merge.
Story:
As can be guessed, the question I raised at the end of the summary has a very easy and predictable answer. So this isn’t a book about what will happen at the end but how will the group reach the end of their journey in this story. The book has shades of ‘PS I Love You’ by Cecilia Ahern (another book I didn’t enjoy but it was better than this one).
The story can be divided into three broad phases:
1. Pre-trek
2. Trek
3. Post-trek
I enjoyed the first phase. It was pretty well-written and gave me a great idea of what to expect from the characters. From the second phase onwards, the writing took a downswing. There are many idiotic situations and over-the-top reactions, none of which help in endearing the characters to the reader. I found this phase pretty farfetched and stretched. I skipped and skimmed my way through the second phase because I was bored out of my head. The final phase is decent but it is too short to make much of an impact.
Considering the plot, I had expected the characters to make a deep impact on me. But none of them, except for Mike, and to a certain extent Vicky, seem believable and I couldn’t connect with any of them except Mike. (Pia would have been a great character to know, but she had hardly any active role in the story except as a constant presence in the background through her letters and the anecdotes.) Zaza was mostly infuriating, immature, and self-centred. The writing style also didn't work much for me because the chapters are quite short and when this combined with the constant change in first person povs, the voice changes become too frequent and muddling.
I was in the mood for something touching and light, so I had assumed this book would work well. I really tried to like it, but sometimes, expectations can be such a killjoy. I’ve never read a Giovanna Fletcher work, but looking at the ratings for this book and her other works, I think I need to try some other work of hers before I can make up my mind about being the right kind of reader for her works. This book has some pretty positive reviews, so please go through those before you take a call on this.
Overall, it may work for some readers, but really sorry, it didn’t work for me.
My thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph UK and NetGalley for the ARC of “Walking on Sunshine”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
Story:
You could call this a story of three friends getting over some emotional losses with the help of each other.
Mike has lost the love of his life, his wife Pia, to cancer. He’s struggling on his way back to normalcy, if there can be a new “normal” after such a heartbreak.
His two best friends are Zaza and Vicky. Zaza has commitment issues with everything except fashion and makeup brands. She is newly engaged but her commitment-phobia seems to be wrecking her potential happiness with Liam. Vicky is a stay-at-home mom who struggles with self-identity. She misses the days she had a career and can’t seem to reach the level of mom perfection she aspires to. In the process, she begrudges her husband Nick for his independent career away from the kids.
Pia has left the three of them a list of activities to be done after her death. The three friends use this list as a way of accepting the loss and healing their lives. But when the latest item on the list sends them on a trek to Peru, the trio faces some tricky situations and their bonds appear to start breaking. Will this trip heal them or split their group?
The book is written in the first person perspectives of the three friends: Mike, Zaza and Vicky.
As can be guessed, the question I raised at the end of the summary has a very easy and predictable answer. So this isn’t a book about what will happen at the end but how will the group reach the end of their journey in this story. The book has shades of ‘PS I Love You’ by Cecilia Ahern (another book I didn’t enjoy but it was better than this one).
The story can be divided into three broad phases:
1. Pre-trek
2. Trek
3. Post-trek
I enjoyed the first phase. It was pretty well-written and gave me a great idea of what to expect from the characters. From the second phase onwards, the writing took a downswing. There are many idiotic situations and over-the-top reactions, none of which help in endearing the characters to the reader. I found this phase pretty farfetched and stretched. I skipped and skimmed my way through the second phase because I was bored out of my head. The final phase is decent but it is too short to make much of an impact.
Considering the plot, I had expected the characters to make a deep impact on me. But none of them, except for Mike, and to a certain extent Vicky, seem believable and I couldn’t connect with any of them except Mike. (Pia would have been a great character to know, but she had hardly any active role in the story except as a constant presence in the background through her letters and the anecdotes.) Zaza was mostly infuriating, immature, and self-centred. The writing style also didn't work much for me because the chapters are quite short and when this combined with the constant change in first person povs, the voice changes become too frequent and muddling.
I was in the mood for something touching and light, so I had assumed this book would work well. I really tried to like it, but sometimes, expectations can be such a killjoy. I’ve never read a Giovanna Fletcher work, but looking at the ratings for this book and her other works, I think I need to try some other work of hers before I can make up my mind about being the right kind of reader for her works. This book has some pretty positive reviews, so please go through those before you take a call on this.
Overall, it may work for some readers, but really sorry, it didn’t work for me.
My thanks to Penguin Michael Joseph UK and NetGalley for the ARC of “Walking on Sunshine”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
November 17, 2021
3.5 STARS
I'M SORRY RACHEL, I wanted to love it more! Overall I really enjoyed this book, but it didn't have the massive impact on me I was hoping it would. I appreciated the messages of dealing with grief, and self-love, but unfortunately I didn't LOVE the story.
I'M SORRY RACHEL, I wanted to love it more! Overall I really enjoyed this book, but it didn't have the massive impact on me I was hoping it would. I appreciated the messages of dealing with grief, and self-love, but unfortunately I didn't LOVE the story.
September 14, 2021
A beautiful tale of friends and the super power called friendship! It's easier to deal with life and loss when friends stand beside you. Friends are the anchor who can stabilise your ship in the worst of storms. It's one such story of three friends who are dealing with the loss of one of their mates...the common factor that brought them together in the first place.
They learn to smile, laugh and live all over again with each other, helping each other to find answers to questions, light in the darkness and some smiles amongst the tears.
The book pulls at the heartstrings and as the trio, Mike, Zaza and Vicky explore a new phase of their lives, the reader becomes a part of that journey.
A lovely, heartwarming read which will make you nod, cry and smile in equal measure!
They learn to smile, laugh and live all over again with each other, helping each other to find answers to questions, light in the darkness and some smiles amongst the tears.
The book pulls at the heartstrings and as the trio, Mike, Zaza and Vicky explore a new phase of their lives, the reader becomes a part of that journey.
A lovely, heartwarming read which will make you nod, cry and smile in equal measure!
June 23, 2022
Reminiscent of PS I Love You, this is a story of grief, acceptance and life after loss. It was a bit different to other Giovanna Fletcher books that I've read in that the focus was more on friendships than romance but I really liked that. It was a nice feel good read.
December 3, 2021
I really loved the idea behind this one, the premise of three friends going off on an exciting adventure together is definitely something that draws me to a book and I loved the trip when our three friends finally got there, however I just felt like it took so long to get there that we didn't have a great deal of time to explored grow and learn with them. I did enjoy getting to know Vicky, Zaza and Mike but I felt like I got to know their home lives and personal lives more when they were at home as opposed to together on their trips.
Mike is a great character and I really liked that we had a male protagonist in a romcom. We get chapters from each of their perspectives and Mike's chapters were great to read, being a bit of a break from the norm of only getting to hear the female's perspective in this kind of book. Zaza is a complex character, she has lived her life a certain way up until this point and is having trouble changing that. At points I did find her difficult to like but I did understand her motivations behind her actions and behind her selfishness occasionally.
I feel like I got to know Vicky the best and really feel like we got most insight into her life pre and post babies as well as pre and post friend Pia. Her part of the audiobook is narrated by the author and so perhaps that's why I felt like I got to know her the best, because she was narrated the exact way she was written but I just think she is the most well-rounded of the three characters that we hear narration from.
The audiobook as a whole wasn't the best I've listened to. Vicky's chapters and Mike's chapters were a lot quieter than Zaza's chapters and so I had to keep adjusting my volume as I was listening which isn't ideal when you're in Friday afternoon rush hour traffic on the M1! I did love that Vicky's chapters were narrated by the author though, I think that this was a great choice and really brought the book to life. I also like that we had three different narrators for the characters, that's always helpful when an audiobook features multiple narratives!
Once we got to Peru I feel like our journey was quite truncated and the characters didn't get the chance to grow like they could have. I loved the reasons behind their need for growth. Despite the fact that loosing a friend/partner is a sad way to begin a story, I thought it made for a great jumping off point for our three characters and I like their motivation for change throughout the book. Overall this was definitely a mixed bag for me and I don't think it was just the audiobook narration that let it down but the pacing overall that just fell short. It was a great premise and Vicky was a wonderful character but you'll have to decide for yourself whether you want to read it or not.
Mike is a great character and I really liked that we had a male protagonist in a romcom. We get chapters from each of their perspectives and Mike's chapters were great to read, being a bit of a break from the norm of only getting to hear the female's perspective in this kind of book. Zaza is a complex character, she has lived her life a certain way up until this point and is having trouble changing that. At points I did find her difficult to like but I did understand her motivations behind her actions and behind her selfishness occasionally.
I feel like I got to know Vicky the best and really feel like we got most insight into her life pre and post babies as well as pre and post friend Pia. Her part of the audiobook is narrated by the author and so perhaps that's why I felt like I got to know her the best, because she was narrated the exact way she was written but I just think she is the most well-rounded of the three characters that we hear narration from.
The audiobook as a whole wasn't the best I've listened to. Vicky's chapters and Mike's chapters were a lot quieter than Zaza's chapters and so I had to keep adjusting my volume as I was listening which isn't ideal when you're in Friday afternoon rush hour traffic on the M1! I did love that Vicky's chapters were narrated by the author though, I think that this was a great choice and really brought the book to life. I also like that we had three different narrators for the characters, that's always helpful when an audiobook features multiple narratives!
Once we got to Peru I feel like our journey was quite truncated and the characters didn't get the chance to grow like they could have. I loved the reasons behind their need for growth. Despite the fact that loosing a friend/partner is a sad way to begin a story, I thought it made for a great jumping off point for our three characters and I like their motivation for change throughout the book. Overall this was definitely a mixed bag for me and I don't think it was just the audiobook narration that let it down but the pacing overall that just fell short. It was a great premise and Vicky was a wonderful character but you'll have to decide for yourself whether you want to read it or not.
February 15, 2022
This was my first Giovanni Fletcher novel and it was everything I could have wanted and more.
After the death of his wife, Pia, Mike and Pia's 2 best friends Zaza and Vicky are left a list of instructions to help them get on with their lives, together. From this description I really expected something similar to PS I Love You by Cecilia Ahern, and while this will appeal to fans of that book, this had a very different take on things.
Told from alternating points of view from the 3 main characters we first get to have a glimpse into thier lives. Giovanni Fletchers portrayal of Vicky made me feel like less of a failure as a mother, it made me realise that even when you have the seemingly perfect marriage and children, motherhood is still really hard!
The bulk of this novel follows our 3 characters as they head off on a hike across Peru. I loved the descriptions, you could really feel like you were out there with them (I may have googled whether the charities still do the Trek X,Y,Z since Covid hit).
I also really enjoyed the final section, looking at how the experience had changed all 3 of them in their every day lives.
After the death of his wife, Pia, Mike and Pia's 2 best friends Zaza and Vicky are left a list of instructions to help them get on with their lives, together. From this description I really expected something similar to PS I Love You by Cecilia Ahern, and while this will appeal to fans of that book, this had a very different take on things.
Told from alternating points of view from the 3 main characters we first get to have a glimpse into thier lives. Giovanni Fletchers portrayal of Vicky made me feel like less of a failure as a mother, it made me realise that even when you have the seemingly perfect marriage and children, motherhood is still really hard!
The bulk of this novel follows our 3 characters as they head off on a hike across Peru. I loved the descriptions, you could really feel like you were out there with them (I may have googled whether the charities still do the Trek X,Y,Z since Covid hit).
I also really enjoyed the final section, looking at how the experience had changed all 3 of them in their every day lives.
July 14, 2024
Not quite a 5 stars but SO CLOSE!
This book was so wholesome and I enjoyed reading every second of it. It's a very thought-provoking story about 3 best friends who have recently lost another one of their best friends (Pia) to breast cancer and they are left with multiple things by Pia to achieve after her death to help them move on. And one "rule" Pia has created for them is to travel somewhere so the 3 of them decide to do a trek in Peru.
This book is about self-love, self discovery and taking time for yourself to reflect and see what truly matters in life. There are some great messages in this book and it did get quite emotional near the ending.
I throughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys adult contemporaries that hit on heavier topics.
This book was so wholesome and I enjoyed reading every second of it. It's a very thought-provoking story about 3 best friends who have recently lost another one of their best friends (Pia) to breast cancer and they are left with multiple things by Pia to achieve after her death to help them move on. And one "rule" Pia has created for them is to travel somewhere so the 3 of them decide to do a trek in Peru.
This book is about self-love, self discovery and taking time for yourself to reflect and see what truly matters in life. There are some great messages in this book and it did get quite emotional near the ending.
I throughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys adult contemporaries that hit on heavier topics.
November 19, 2021
I really enjoy Giovanna Fletcher's books. I have read every book she has released - non fiction and fiction.
It really pains me to say it, but I really did not enjoy this book. This is my least favourite Giovanna Fletcher book.
I found the premise to be very similar to other books I have read - mainly thinking about PS I love you - so it didn't feel particularly original. It was also very very slow going, especially at the beginning.
Then when the expedition happened, it felt very similar to Fletcher's own experiences going on her charity treks. But by the point the trek happened in the plot, I really was a bit 'over it' as it took so long to get there.
Overall, I didn't enjoy this book at all, and even though it had some emotional themes, I didn't feel emotionally connected to any of the characters. Disappointed with this as it was a book I had been hotly anticipating.
It really pains me to say it, but I really did not enjoy this book. This is my least favourite Giovanna Fletcher book.
I found the premise to be very similar to other books I have read - mainly thinking about PS I love you - so it didn't feel particularly original. It was also very very slow going, especially at the beginning.
Then when the expedition happened, it felt very similar to Fletcher's own experiences going on her charity treks. But by the point the trek happened in the plot, I really was a bit 'over it' as it took so long to get there.
Overall, I didn't enjoy this book at all, and even though it had some emotional themes, I didn't feel emotionally connected to any of the characters. Disappointed with this as it was a book I had been hotly anticipating.
December 11, 2021
I have mixed emotions about this book: there were parts of it which I loved immensely and others which I couldn't relate to at all and felt off to me.
I almost gave up at a certain point, but I'm glad I didn't and I persevered because I was in love with the characters, with their flaws and struggles, and eventually the story does evolve to a nice middle and ending part.
All in all an enjoyable read with relatable characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I almost gave up at a certain point, but I'm glad I didn't and I persevered because I was in love with the characters, with their flaws and struggles, and eventually the story does evolve to a nice middle and ending part.
All in all an enjoyable read with relatable characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 24, 2023
Hate that I’ve been in such a slump this month so only just been able to finish it!
I did enjoy this however I found the first part before they went away definitely alot more better, would recommend if you want an easy read🤍
I did enjoy this however I found the first part before they went away definitely alot more better, would recommend if you want an easy read🤍
November 29, 2021
3.5 stars rounded up because there were a few lines that stuck out to me and will stick with me for a while. One being…
“Yes, I’ve changed. Thank you for noticing. Life not only gave me lemons, but it gave me limes, apples, pears and strawberries-and even some dragonfruit for good measure because even though it looked scary it was actually tasty. It gave me a fruit salad to work my way through. There are sour moments, parts that are bitter and unripe, but now I make sure to take the time to fully enjoy her sweeter offerings when they come. I’m altered because of all the things I’ve been exposed to, and that can only be a good thing.”
The power of friendship that goes deeper than the surface is the subject of this story and it pulls at you and pulls you under at times but in a good way.
3 friends are dealing with the loss of their fourth member, and before she passed she left some rules for living so that they wouldn’t quit without her there. They follow her rules which lead them to a trek through Manchu Pichu which ends up being cathartic for them all and causes them to reevaluate what and who’s important in their lives. They learn to find light in the darkness and strength from each other.
This made me smile and made me sad and made me appreciate the people that I have let into my tiny little corner of the world.
Thanks to the author and Netgalley for this Arc in exchange for my review.
“Yes, I’ve changed. Thank you for noticing. Life not only gave me lemons, but it gave me limes, apples, pears and strawberries-and even some dragonfruit for good measure because even though it looked scary it was actually tasty. It gave me a fruit salad to work my way through. There are sour moments, parts that are bitter and unripe, but now I make sure to take the time to fully enjoy her sweeter offerings when they come. I’m altered because of all the things I’ve been exposed to, and that can only be a good thing.”
The power of friendship that goes deeper than the surface is the subject of this story and it pulls at you and pulls you under at times but in a good way.
3 friends are dealing with the loss of their fourth member, and before she passed she left some rules for living so that they wouldn’t quit without her there. They follow her rules which lead them to a trek through Manchu Pichu which ends up being cathartic for them all and causes them to reevaluate what and who’s important in their lives. They learn to find light in the darkness and strength from each other.
This made me smile and made me sad and made me appreciate the people that I have let into my tiny little corner of the world.
Thanks to the author and Netgalley for this Arc in exchange for my review.
November 9, 2021
Thanks to Michael Joseph for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I have read books written by Giovanna’s husband Tom, and her sister-in-law Carrie, but despite owning some, I hadn’t read any of Giovanna’s before, but there’s clearly literary talent running through that family.
We’ve all experienced periods of our lives where we question what we’re doing and what our future holds. Giovanna writes with such sensitivity, choosing male and female protagonists going through crises of grief and marriage and love.
I’ve always wanted to go trekking somewhere (being chronically ill, I’m aware this may not be possible), but the Lares Trek described in this book sounds just perfect. But Giovanna doesn’t hide from the fact it’s not all sunshine and roses. It’s really difficult but really satisfying when conquered.
It explores friendships and all the hardships that come with long-term platonic relationships. She doesn’t shy away from the raw honesty that only comes with being that comfortable with someone - the good and the bad. She writes so succinctly and passionately, you can feel she’s really been there and done the trek, and you can imagine yourself matching every one of their steps - literally during the trek, but also their personal steps.
May 15, 2023
The idea of the trek was a good one. The issues faced by the characters were well thought out. However the trek felt like a long time coming, a little too much build up getting to the best point. I liked Mike, felt mixed with Vicky and Zara. Vicky was well written so grew on me, I could get into her by the end. I also liked the partnership with husband Nick. I did not feel the same love for Zara and Liam. I have liked partnerships better. The main point for me though is the trek could have taken up more of this book.
September 19, 2021
Thank you so much to Netgalley for a copy of Walking on Sunshine by Giovanna Fletcher.
This was such a beautiful story. Based around the accounts of three best friends Vicky, Zaza and Mike after sadly losing their fourth friend Pia who was married to Mike. Pia has instructed them to carry out rules for after she passed leading them to Peru to get back to basics and trek to Machu Picchu. With all three on their own journey of self discovery. This is a beautifully written story and you really feel like you bond with the characters. Reminding us that the banal ruts of every day life can effect us negatively and that sometimes stepping out of ordinary life can have the most wonderful effects mentally. It will make you want to book an adventure yourself! It just shows how the love and support of friends is so important. Another wonderful read from Giovanna. Thank you so much!!!
This was such a beautiful story. Based around the accounts of three best friends Vicky, Zaza and Mike after sadly losing their fourth friend Pia who was married to Mike. Pia has instructed them to carry out rules for after she passed leading them to Peru to get back to basics and trek to Machu Picchu. With all three on their own journey of self discovery. This is a beautifully written story and you really feel like you bond with the characters. Reminding us that the banal ruts of every day life can effect us negatively and that sometimes stepping out of ordinary life can have the most wonderful effects mentally. It will make you want to book an adventure yourself! It just shows how the love and support of friends is so important. Another wonderful read from Giovanna. Thank you so much!!!
January 4, 2022
Actually gutted that I didn't enjoy this very much, was so looking forward to reading it as well but all her other books have been so great.
November 10, 2021
Oh this book!! What a beautiful, heartwarming and perfect read! I wish I could read it all over again for the first time. Whenever I put this book down it was all I could think about. The bookmark definitely goes well with the story. It’s my first book by Giovanna, and having watched the one show on Monday, it was nice to hear what inspired her to write the book.
While this story is based on loss and grief, it also has many uplifting chapters that make you smile and moments that make you laugh out loud. I adored the friendship between Mike, Zaza and Vicky. Reading from each of their views you learn all their highs and lows, Giovanna made these characters come to life, you feel like you really know them. I definitely felt many emotions along the way with the three of them, sometimes you don’t realise how grief can affect some people.
Heading off to Peru was definitely a huge challenge for them and had an impact on their daily life and responsibilities prior to leaving for the trek but they made it happen and it sure brought out the best in them and made them realise that it’s completely okay/normal to feel sad about things. To read about them before the trek to how they were afterwards was wonderful!
This is 100% a book I would recommend to everyone. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this while all cosy in my PJs with my hot water bottle 🦥. It’s an inspiring and uplifting read, and while this is fiction - it covers real life experiences and in a sensitive way. It makes you realise that you can ask for help in times of need, there is always someone to talk to and seek help from.
While this story is based on loss and grief, it also has many uplifting chapters that make you smile and moments that make you laugh out loud. I adored the friendship between Mike, Zaza and Vicky. Reading from each of their views you learn all their highs and lows, Giovanna made these characters come to life, you feel like you really know them. I definitely felt many emotions along the way with the three of them, sometimes you don’t realise how grief can affect some people.
Heading off to Peru was definitely a huge challenge for them and had an impact on their daily life and responsibilities prior to leaving for the trek but they made it happen and it sure brought out the best in them and made them realise that it’s completely okay/normal to feel sad about things. To read about them before the trek to how they were afterwards was wonderful!
This is 100% a book I would recommend to everyone. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this while all cosy in my PJs with my hot water bottle 🦥. It’s an inspiring and uplifting read, and while this is fiction - it covers real life experiences and in a sensitive way. It makes you realise that you can ask for help in times of need, there is always someone to talk to and seek help from.
March 26, 2022
Walking on Sunshine is a heartfelt and moving book that seamlessly weaves together sadness, laughter, love and grief.
Mike’s wife Pia recently died of breast cancer, and akin to the plot of PS I Love You she leaves behind a list of rules for Mike to follow in order to move on. One of these rules sees Pia and Mike’s l best friends Vicki and Zara join him on a once in a lifetime trip to Peru where they can honour their lost loved one and reflect on how to move forward. Along the journey the friends make some realisations about their lives and their relationships, but also reflect on what is important to them. Their friendship is comforting, with steady support, love and companionship offered to one another, and their pain is tangible and heart wrenching.
There were a couple of moments I wasn’t the biggest fan of but overall this is a moving, thought provoking story brimming with warmth
Mike’s wife Pia recently died of breast cancer, and akin to the plot of PS I Love You she leaves behind a list of rules for Mike to follow in order to move on. One of these rules sees Pia and Mike’s l best friends Vicki and Zara join him on a once in a lifetime trip to Peru where they can honour their lost loved one and reflect on how to move forward. Along the journey the friends make some realisations about their lives and their relationships, but also reflect on what is important to them. Their friendship is comforting, with steady support, love and companionship offered to one another, and their pain is tangible and heart wrenching.
There were a couple of moments I wasn’t the biggest fan of but overall this is a moving, thought provoking story brimming with warmth
January 3, 2022
I'd have given 4 and half if possible. I loved the concept of the book and the heart warming friendships. I loved that I could put my self in each characters shoes and know how they were feeling. The ending could have been just a little different for me to make it 5 stars. But this is up there with a favourite of Giovanna's books of mine.
October 31, 2021
This is my first book that I have read by Giovanna Fletcher and I really enjoyed it. 3 friends come together after the loss of their friend Pia and they embark on a trek in Peru in her memory. The loss of Pia has caused the friends to question what is happening in their own lives. Mike, her husband, just feels the enormous void that has been left behind by Pia, Zaza is questioning her relationship with her boyfriend Liam and Vicky, feels like she has lost herself after having her children and cannot find her way back.
After finding a note when clearing away some of Pia's clothes, the friends decide to book the trek in Peru to get away from it all. The trek pushes the friends to their limits, up in the Peruvian Mountains, they then start to see their lives through very different eyes,. This is also the time for them to say goodbye to Pia and set her free. Throughout all this, you want to know what changes will they make to their lives when they return to England.
This is a really cleverly written book, you are laughing one minute and crying the next, it focuses on subjects that need to be discussed but it is not heavy in anyway and tackles these things sensitively. It really is a wonderful story of friendship
November 5, 2022
A lovely story of love loss and friendship
January 24, 2022
This is the first of Giovanna Fletchers books I have read. I would definitely read more from her.
January 4, 2024
This was a really nice read! Nothing too action packed but sometimes that’s all I need from a book, a cosy read that doesn’t feel like a chore or too intense to get through! I loved the way the story went, different to a lot of things I’ve read before but really lovely yet emotional. I love Giovanna’s writing style and can’t wait to read more of her books!
February 8, 2022
I loved this so much , a very emotional read and so very heartbreaking at times, it is still an uplifting story. Beautifully written, I do Love Giovanna Fletcher so much, her books are always so good, stunning reading. This is a heart warming story, about friendship and how important it is, how friends can get you through the darkest of times and to appreciate what we have. Walking On Sunshine shows how life is both sunshine and stormclouds and how that’s ok, that we should celebrate both of these and everything else in life good or bad. Beautiful
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
February 28, 2022
A lovely tale of adventure, love and grief. Didn’t grab me, but lovely all the same
September 13, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley & Giovanna Fletcher for sending me this ARC.
Tissues at the ready please!
I've yet to find a Gi Fletcher book that I didn't absolutely adore. She's funny, witty and knows exactly which heartstrings to pull in every single one of her books and this one is no less impressive.
I spent three and a half solid hours reading this book as I just could not put it down. A Sunday evening well spent if you ask me! I went from being curled up on my bed in South Yorkshire to being wrapped up in several layers at the top of a Peruvian mountain sobbing, while saying goodbye to a dear friend.
This story is a flawless tale of love and loss, questions and answers. It flows brilliantly and has the perfect balance of hilarity and heartbreak.
I'd highly recommend this for any fan of Gi's previous books as this one is up there with the best of them. Also for fans of Lindsey Kelk, Belinda Jones & Lucy Diamond. It gives me Bridget Jones meets Wild vibes and I am HERE FOR IT!
Thank you again for the opportunity to read this ARC.
Tissues at the ready please!
I've yet to find a Gi Fletcher book that I didn't absolutely adore. She's funny, witty and knows exactly which heartstrings to pull in every single one of her books and this one is no less impressive.
I spent three and a half solid hours reading this book as I just could not put it down. A Sunday evening well spent if you ask me! I went from being curled up on my bed in South Yorkshire to being wrapped up in several layers at the top of a Peruvian mountain sobbing, while saying goodbye to a dear friend.
This story is a flawless tale of love and loss, questions and answers. It flows brilliantly and has the perfect balance of hilarity and heartbreak.
I'd highly recommend this for any fan of Gi's previous books as this one is up there with the best of them. Also for fans of Lindsey Kelk, Belinda Jones & Lucy Diamond. It gives me Bridget Jones meets Wild vibes and I am HERE FOR IT!
Thank you again for the opportunity to read this ARC.
January 28, 2022
A heart-warming story of learning to exist and live following significant loss. This is an easy read that will take you to some beautiful places.
My only real criticism is that I struggled to identify who was who in the chapters. Obviously, each narrated chapter has the name of the person narrating it at the start so there's that of course. But what I mean is the characters were all so similar, there was nothing really seperating them apart. I would have loved to have known more of their back story as a group of friends too.
My only real criticism is that I struggled to identify who was who in the chapters. Obviously, each narrated chapter has the name of the person narrating it at the start so there's that of course. But what I mean is the characters were all so similar, there was nothing really seperating them apart. I would have loved to have known more of their back story as a group of friends too.
November 17, 2021
This is such a beautiful read and Giovanna Fletcher has written this so well. I listened to half by audiobook and the audiobook is even better as an experience, I loved the different narrators for different character sections. With the theme of losing someone this was never going to be the most joyous book, but it somehow had all the right moments in it to lift your spirit. I definitely recommend this read!
December 1, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Mike is grieving the recent loss of his wife Pua. Their two best friends Vicky and Zaza are helping Mike come to terms with his loss while dealing with their own grief.
Vicky is feeling a sense of losing her identity after choosing motherhood over her career. Zaza is at an important cross roads in her life after a recent marriage proposal.
While helping Mike clear out some of Pia's belongings they decide to follow Pia's instructions and make an impulsive booking on a trek in Peru. The story then follows them as they embark on a journey of self discovery and healing while exploring the wonders of Peru.
I found this book a bit too sickly sweet and predictable. It's a very easy read. A good pick me up even though it deals with a difficult subject matter. But I'm afraid it was a bit too much for my personal taste.
Mike is grieving the recent loss of his wife Pua. Their two best friends Vicky and Zaza are helping Mike come to terms with his loss while dealing with their own grief.
Vicky is feeling a sense of losing her identity after choosing motherhood over her career. Zaza is at an important cross roads in her life after a recent marriage proposal.
While helping Mike clear out some of Pia's belongings they decide to follow Pia's instructions and make an impulsive booking on a trek in Peru. The story then follows them as they embark on a journey of self discovery and healing while exploring the wonders of Peru.
I found this book a bit too sickly sweet and predictable. It's a very easy read. A good pick me up even though it deals with a difficult subject matter. But I'm afraid it was a bit too much for my personal taste.
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