“The secret to happiness? I mean, who wouldn’t want that?”
Every seven years, Ciara is thrown together with a group of people who were born on the same day as her. There’s fun-loving extrovert Amelia, the girl Ciara wishes she could be. And serious, gorgeous Max, the boyfriend she wishes she could have.
They’re all part of a long-term social study. And the subject? Happiness.
Meeting them at the ages of seven, fourteen, twenty-one and sometimes in between, Ciara develops increasingly intense relationships with Amelia and Max... until it all falls tragically apart.
Then, before the next meeting at twenty-eight, Max comes back into Ciara’s life unexpectedly. And it’s a disaster.
Can Ciara ever be truly happy?
A funny and romantic novel... a serious look at happiness.
Luci Beach is the author of romantic novels and novellas. When she isn't writing, reading or spending time with her family, she works as a travel copywriter, a UK/US English linguist and an editor of extremely cute picture books.
Gosh what a special little book this is. I’m not sure a book about finding happiness is supposed to make me cry quite so much.
I am so thrilled I stumbled across this book. It was exactly what I was looking for without me even knowing anything was missing.
I completely adored Ciara and Max. Not at every stage of their life. Sometimes they frustrated the hell out of me. That just made me love them more because they are such truthful characters. This book has me want to do more to nurture the relationships in my own life.
Happy For You is a solid example of writing that has really been considered carefully. The author should be really proud of this book. It really is quietly wonderful and it has quite unexpectedly left its mark on me. I’m going to think about this book often.
This book was not your typical HEA romance but really it was better. A great premise, interesting characters with real-world issues, a thoughtful consideration of depression. I loved the fact that these two seemed destined to be together even though it took them years to manage it. Good amounts of humor, angst, misunderstandings, and secondary character development. I listened to the audiobook--the narrator was bloody brilliant- loved all her voices!
I saw this book, on a book friends goodreads and liked the look of the cover and after reading the blurb, decided it sounded good. I wasn't disappointed, it was a roller coaster of emotions and such a lovely book.
It was very well written, the way the story unfolded was very good. The book had my interest from the very beginning and I didn't want it to end.
I had never heard of Luci Beach before but definitely keep on eye out for future books.
The first 60 percent of this book was a 5 star read for me. I loved the premise, the flashbacks, and the side characters. It started out so strong, but the last half was rather uneventful - mostly the love interests going back and forth with each other about getting together or not, being serious or not, and harboring hurt feelings over poor communication.
Ciara's immaturity and refusal to grow became really repetitive. She doesn't want to encounter her roommates, so she literally hides in her room for weeks whenever she is home. She jumps to conclusions while having heart-to-hearts with other characters, creating a false sense of conflict. She continues putting off a conversation with her friend for weeks, too afraid to tell the truth. I would have loved to see her grow emotionally, rather than constantly rely on other characters for advice and guidance on how to proceed during challenging times.
The mental health rep was certainly a plus. But I ultimately think I needed more real conflict and action in the last half of the book to carry me through the story. All that said, the author's writing style was really enjoyable - I would definitely read other stuff from her in the future.
3.5 stars! This one was more about life and grief and what we all go through than a love story (although there was a love story as the main piece). There were some gaps and some pieces I didn’t like, but I did like the characters and their wittiness and honesty in their friendships. This story jumps around a bit where important things happen and then are passed by (especially toward the end), but I liked it none the less!
There is a lot of talk about depression and suicide and it gets deep into the emotions and thoughts of it. It seemed well written in those parts, but could definitely be a big trigger warning that isn’t present in the synopsis.
Probably the most unlikeable, self centered protagonist I’ve ever read. The whole concept of the book really is a stretch but I would have been more forgiving if the romance was good. But we actually don’t find out a single thing about the love interest until the end of the book, because even though the main character has known him her entire life, she has never cared to ask him ANYTHING about himself because she’s an incredibly selfish person (as evidenced by all her relationships in the book, romantic or otherwise.)
Giving it two stars because it’s meant to be a fluffy light book that doesn’t take itself seriously, so I don’t want to be too harsh.
They say absence makes the heart grow fonder and that theory is put to test as a sociological study throws Ciara and Max together every seven years. There's a spark between them from their very first meeting at the age of seven and there begins a romance that becomes increasingly complex as they progress from puberty into adulthood. Happy For You charts the history of Ciara and Max's rollercoaster ride and it's an emotional journey that takes the reader through some dark tunnels, with depression one of the main themes. But the tone is predominantly cheery, thanks to Luci Beach's engaging and entertaining style. As a taciturn Scot with a dark sense of humour, I'm hardly the target audience for a romance set in suburban London but I found this an entertaining read. For the first couple of chapters, I feared the novel would be something of a chore as Ciara inanely chatted with her flat mates, a girl called Tilly and a rather stereotypical gay man by the name of Louis. But the story really picked up as it shifted back in time to focus on the meetings of Ciara and Max at CHAPS, where kids born on the same day were studied every seven years to check on their development. These chapters had me gripped, as did the sections set in the modern day as Max returns to Ciara's life as a flat-mate when Louis up sticks to join his boyfriend in Paris. You spend most of the book hoping that Ciara and Max will finally get together but I won't be a spoilsport and give away the ending. Instead, I will merely recommend this book for anyone looking to lose themselves for a few hours in a breezy, enjoyable book that also has the depth many novels on this genre lack.
Wonderful Story & Audible Listen🎧 Riveting & Heartfelt!
Happy for You By: Luci Beach Narrated by: Poppy Royana
I loved this book, it is a wonderful story, one that is brilliantly told. Luci Beach is a gifted author, I enjoyed her writing style and the unique way she presented and plotted the story, going from the “now” to segment of time in the past, giving you a glimpse of their life during that time before bringing you back to the current. I found the concept of the study very interesting, as well as their meetings. The storylines are original, they grabbed my attention right from the start and held it straight to the end. The characters are likable and easy to relate to, I adored both Ciara and Max from early on, wen they first meet. Almost like they were destined for each other but life is never that simple. The secondary characters were awesome too, loved the scene with the crane, too funny. There is never a dull moment in this book, there is plenty of drama, some great humor, angst, heartfelt moments, heartbreaking ones and a wonderful romance a lifetime in the making. Luci Beach, thank you for this wonderful story and the emotional rollercoaster ride, I hope to see or hear more from you soon.
I listened to the Audible edition, Poppy Royana is a terrific narrator and voice artist. She brings the character to life giving them their voices and personality. She did a great job portraying the characters, capturing and projecting their emotions into her performance. She is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for the great listen🎧
Happy For You by Luci Beach has an interesting plot point to it. Main character Ciara was entered into a voluntary study when she was just a baby by her mother. Every seven years, Ciara and others who share her exact birthday are put together and studied. CHAPS, as its called, is studying happiness within the participants. Ciara has never minded getting together with other CHAPS participants, befriending Amelia at a young age and also developing quite the crush on Max. It was very interesting to see the progression from all the characters, not just Ciara, from children and into adulthood. I thought the background for the novel was something a little unique and interesting to read about. The story covers some serious subjects, but there is a light-hearted tone throughout. The romance angle between Ciara and Max gets a little drawn out at times, but it was still sweet to read about the two and their ups and downs throughout so many years. There are also a lot of friendship angles in Happy For You, and I love reading good friendship fiction. And plenty of funny career moments as well to add in some humor. Overall, I found this to be a pretty solid read. I liked the more unique angles in the story, something fresh that we don’t see overdone these days, and the ending was so cute. I also thought the cover was very well done, and it instantly made me curious about the story. Would recommend for romantic comedy and chick lit fans. Reviewed for Reader's Favorite
Wow! What can I say, except that this is an absolute gem of a book. As a debut novel, it stands head and shoulders above many, many others, both in terms of writing style and content. The storyline largely deals with the complex relationship between Ciara and Max, thrust together as babies as part of a study into developmental behaviour. CHAPS, as it is known, brings the participants together every seven years. Which means we get a glimpse of Ciara, Max and others at ages seven, fourteen, twenty-one … you get the picture. If this sounds in any way dull or predictable, please believe me. It is not! The author weaves light with shade, perfectly capturing the trials and tribulations of both the main characters and the supporting cast. There are laughs – the forklift truck scene – and tears. 'When you're in the thick of it, it's hard to concentrate on anything. Anything except … darkness.' Yes, depression is dealt with too in a way I found both heartbreaking and credible. There were so many lines that stood out for me, perfectly executed and designed to carry the narrative along in a way that kept me gripped. 'I was in a bubble with Max, floating and dancing on the air. I should have known, really. Bubbles aren't exactly famous for their non-bursting qualities.' Yes, I adored this book and could rave on a lot more. But I won't. Just read and judge for yourself.
What does it mean to get your happily ever after and what happens if you don't?
Happy for you by Luci Beach was a well constructed and tightly written book. When Ciara was born her parents signed her up to be part of a social study. Every seven years she checks in with the social researchers for a week to judge her happiness level. Along the way, she makes two friends, Max and Amelia. Their relationships are interesting as they barely know each other, yet know each other deeply. When her happiness cohort and real life intersect, things get interesting.
This was a fantastic book that deals with the what-ifs in life. I found it difficult to put down and hard to stop thinking about when I wasn't reading. (My two factors for book likeability). The characters were believable in their reactions and their faults.
This book contains adult content, so tread carefully. It is written for a mainstream audience and set in Great Britain, mostly in the London suburbs. It is a good look at the internal lives of twenty-somethings and the angst we all face as we age and, hopefully, mature.
Overall, I liked this book and would recommend it for a long plane ride or poolside.
A copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for this honest review.
Firstly thank you to Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honestly review. I adore the plot,the plot is wonderful Ciara has been partaking in a study for people born on the same day in the same year as her. She has been attending this study called CHAPS since she was a extremely young,they meet up every seven years,the aim is to study happiness within everyone who attends. The main character Ciara meets a boy called Max and and a girl called Amelia. She develops a big crush on Max and becomes very close to Amelia. The story focuses on growing up,mental health,and the struggles of life in general. We get to come along on the journey from age Seven,Fourteen,Twenty one and the present day,this I do enjoy and found particularly clever. However,I personally,had an issue with the writing. I found it didn't flow very well. The plot I loved but I was put off by the writing style I'm afraid. I also found Ciara to be so annoying! I know that wasn't the idea but gah! Sometimes I wanted to give her a good flick in the head!
The concept of this romantic novel is great. To set a story over four seven year intervals is rather clever. A boy and a girl meet during an experiment that follows them from 7 year old children into adulthood. We see Ciara and Max grow from childhood friends into complicated adults. It is clear from the outset that Ciara and Max are attracted to each other, but love is never simple. Luci Beach has created in Ciara an at times frustrating heroine and I found myself shouting at my kindle for Ciara to get over herself and accept her feelings for Max. I could have done with a little less ‘will they, won’t they?’ However this is a well written book with a nice cast of supporting characters. I also liked the sub plot of Ciara creating a catalogue of unsold underwear. It added a good dose of humour.
Very mixed feelings about this book. I loved the premise (H&h meeting every 7 years), but didn't enjoy the way it was done (we see too little of these CHAPS meetings). I loved the secondary characters (Louis!!) but couldn't stand Ciara (she totally didn't deserve Max). There was chemistry between the two protagonists for sure, but 95% physical, 5% emotional. I enjoyed the portrayal of inclusivity, disability, and mental health, but regretted that there wasn't more of a focus on it. I though the book was well written but badly plotted with annoying or not-well-definited characters (+ some lukewarm love triangles). However, the last couple of chapters *really* improved the level of the book and explained quite a lot about why the characters acted the way they did—it's just a shame that happened so late! I nearly didn't finish the book (but thankful I did).
Ciara has participated in a study on happiness since birth, with others who share same birth date, meeting every 7 years.
The book jumps back and forth between past and present. There is some romance, friendship and a tragedy.
This is an easy, well written read from one POV. I read the whole thing in one sitting. I had hoped there would be more about the topic of ‘happiness’ and one of the bigger issues felt a bit glossed over. At times, I was frustrated with the main character and her lack of development over time. However, the characters do feel real and I am taking away a reminder to focus on the relationships in my own life.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
What I love about contemporary romance is it’s so real. Ciara is the girl next door who has a crush on Max, a man she has known since she was a child. The book goes back and forth between present and past and what I love about X’ s writing is her style is very visual. I’m reading the book like I could be in the movies watching a romcom, munching on popcorn, totally engrossed in the love story. The flatmates Tilly and Louis are funny and relatable. The office antics with the boss-who-thinks-he’s-so-clever had me in stitches. A few twists and turns I didn’t see coming (nothing worse than a predictable plot). Super cute story you could gobble up in one sitting.
Every 7 years, Ciara and Max meet up with a group of people at various meeting points as part of a social experiment (which I didn’t fully grasp but I don’t think it’s overly important). All the individuals have one thing in common - they share a birthday. From the age of 7 up to the age of 28, Ciara and Max meet. And it seems that despite the length of time between meetings, the two can’t ever stop thinking about each other.
This was a really unique concept and one which I enjoyed. There was just the right amount of humour and just the right amount of depth and made for a lovely read. I did think the ending was a little weak but it didn’t take too much from the story.
Happy For You is a debut novel by author Luci Beach. While it's a contemporary romance spanning childhood through to adulthood, it touches on some heavy topics, such as depression, suicide and adoption. It also travels through a journey of forgiveness, friendship and second chances. With characters that you'll love, and at times want to slap, and a brilliant sense of natural humour throughout. This book was an emotional seesaw with light angst, but big emotions and even a spot of ugly crying, but in the end it's a classic happy ever after. A highly recommended read.
*I listened to the audible version* WOW! What a premise. This story focuses on participants of a lifelong "happiness study". A totally unique concept for a book, that drew me in from the very start. It is beautiful and funny and dark and intense. Poppy Royana took me on an emotional rollercoaster with her emotive narration, hooking me so completely that I could visualise all the characters and scenarios as though they were people and stories I knew. The narration was flawless and fantastic, the writing was gripping and, as I said, intensely emotional. I loved it. 100% recommended. 5*.
The Secret to Happiness! Interesting premise-a study in happiness with the participants meeting every 7 years to test and record their feelings and development. It started out slow and deals with so much more angst and frustration over the years that I was almost ready to give up. Their struggle to find happiness is only one of the many emotions the group goes through but ultimately it does have a HEA. I received a free audio copy and I’m happy to leave my honest review. Enjoy!
I would say this is like 3.95. I really enjoyed the premise of it. It was so interesting and different. But Ciara got so incredibly self centered towards the end and it just started to be the same conflict over and over. And if I had to read the word “er” ONE MORE TIME. I liked the flashbacks to the past, her flat mates were fun, and it was going at a good pace until the end when I just wanted it to wrap up.
This book was fantastic! It’s original storyline is so interesting and entertaining. This was a new to me author and I will definitely be seeking out more of her books. It’s so well written and the characters are likable and genuine. I couldn’t put it down. Loved it!
A wonderful story of flatmates sharing in their individual stories and helping each other on their way to eternal happiness. Wonderful narration. I love the accents. What is the special key to eternal happiness? Find out is this intriguing story:) I didn't like the swearing or some of the content. But most of it was good. I liked the story flow. Happy Listening!
The narration is excellent of this book, Poppy really shines with this book. The personalities that Poppy brings to these characters is brilliant. I must admit I got a little frustrated with the past/present aspect I was getting a bit confused with where the story was on the timeline. #audiobookobsessionreviewer
Oh I loved this book! Its got an interesting storyline to it, filled with light hearted banter and more serious, sensitive topics woven throughout. Max is just a dream! I loved him. I was rooting for him and Ciara all the way through. I'm not keen on spoiling too much of the storyline in reviews so all I'll say is you won't regret reading this book!
This was so cute! I love British fiction and I thought this story was really unique. It’s not your typical romance with a perfect plot line and that was refreshing. My only complaint was that Ciara was a little insufferable but the story unfolds to explain that. I can’t say she deserved Max but I enjoyed how everything panned out. Really great read for a free stuff your kindle book
The book is a good romance read. The story is a well written read. The characters are good, and truthful. The story is a roller coaster ride of emotions read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Extremely entertaining, captivating, and interesting read. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong and intriguing characters. I want to read more from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really loved this warm, funny book. It made me laugh out loud and swoon, while also featuring some serious topics. And all with a cast of characters who feel like friends. Can’t wait to read more from Luci Beach.