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Annie Beaton's Year of Positive Thinking
THIS YEAR I WILL:
Get a new job. Get a new man. Get a new LIFE!
It’s Annie Beaton’s 50th birthday! But instead of getting roses and perfume, she gets sacked, her son, Ben, tells her she’s growing a beard and her husband Joe tells her he wants a divorce.
Moving to the countryside to stay in her eccentric aunt’s house, Annie must find her mojo again – and fast. So when she discovers a stack of self-help books, Annie vows to use their advice – from Chicken Soup for the Soul to The Secret – to get her life back on track. Never mind that her 9-going-on-19-year-old daughter, Izzy, is currently engaging Annie in psychological warfare and her adorable 6-year-old son, Ben, spends more time wetting the bed than making friends at his new school…
But now, armed with a load of affirmations/inspirational quotes/positive vibes, Annie’s determined to kick her Crappy Old Year to the kerb and have a brilliantly Happy New Year. Just as soon as she’s had her chin waxed…
Get a new job. Get a new man. Get a new LIFE!
It’s Annie Beaton’s 50th birthday! But instead of getting roses and perfume, she gets sacked, her son, Ben, tells her she’s growing a beard and her husband Joe tells her he wants a divorce.
Moving to the countryside to stay in her eccentric aunt’s house, Annie must find her mojo again – and fast. So when she discovers a stack of self-help books, Annie vows to use their advice – from Chicken Soup for the Soul to The Secret – to get her life back on track. Never mind that her 9-going-on-19-year-old daughter, Izzy, is currently engaging Annie in psychological warfare and her adorable 6-year-old son, Ben, spends more time wetting the bed than making friends at his new school…
But now, armed with a load of affirmations/inspirational quotes/positive vibes, Annie’s determined to kick her Crappy Old Year to the kerb and have a brilliantly Happy New Year. Just as soon as she’s had her chin waxed…
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2020
6 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
January 16, 2020
4☆ A Fun, Light Hearted, Humorous Women's Fiction.
Annie Beaton's Year Of Positive Thinking is a heart warming story which had me giggling out loud and turning the pages.
Poor Annie thought she had it all. The signs were there but she never expected that turning fifty would mean the end to her marriage and the start of a new chapter!
But dusting herself off She moves to the countryside with her two children. Who don't always respect her or give her an easy time despite what she's going through!
Annie doesn't always have the best of luck And she certainly gets herself into situations without thinking which is what makes her so relatable.
I admired Annie as she didn't let what happened to her pull her down, her positive thinking and strength shone through.
Annie Beaton's Year Of Positive Thinking is a light hearted, fun, women's fiction about moving on, positive thinking, family life, ups and downs of single parenthood, starting over and making the most out of life.
It had me giggling, sighing and at times wanting to shake Annie but I thoroughly enjoyed being privy to her inner thoughts and personal journey.
I really enjoyed the conversational style writing style, it flowed along nicely and definitely had me giggling at Annie's opinions.
This is my first book by Mink Elliott and I'm excited to read more!
Thank you to Book On The Bright Side Tours and Hera books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/0...
Annie Beaton's Year Of Positive Thinking is a heart warming story which had me giggling out loud and turning the pages.
Poor Annie thought she had it all. The signs were there but she never expected that turning fifty would mean the end to her marriage and the start of a new chapter!
But dusting herself off She moves to the countryside with her two children. Who don't always respect her or give her an easy time despite what she's going through!
Annie doesn't always have the best of luck And she certainly gets herself into situations without thinking which is what makes her so relatable.
I admired Annie as she didn't let what happened to her pull her down, her positive thinking and strength shone through.
Annie Beaton's Year Of Positive Thinking is a light hearted, fun, women's fiction about moving on, positive thinking, family life, ups and downs of single parenthood, starting over and making the most out of life.
It had me giggling, sighing and at times wanting to shake Annie but I thoroughly enjoyed being privy to her inner thoughts and personal journey.
I really enjoyed the conversational style writing style, it flowed along nicely and definitely had me giggling at Annie's opinions.
This is my first book by Mink Elliott and I'm excited to read more!
Thank you to Book On The Bright Side Tours and Hera books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
My Review is also on my Blog Website :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/0...
January 3, 2020
I received a complimentary copy of this eBook ARC from the author, publisher, and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
When Annie Beaton had her 50th birthday, it was ruined when she lost her job and her marriage. Now she and her young children Izzy and Ben must make the most of it as well as try to live life positively in a new town and more. Will they succeed? Read and find out for yourself.
This was a pretty good Women's fiction novel. It is about family and overcoming hard times and laughing at yourself and being positive. If you enjoy fictional stories like this, be sure to check this book out when it officially hits stores and wherever eBooks are sold on January 15, 2020.
When Annie Beaton had her 50th birthday, it was ruined when she lost her job and her marriage. Now she and her young children Izzy and Ben must make the most of it as well as try to live life positively in a new town and more. Will they succeed? Read and find out for yourself.
This was a pretty good Women's fiction novel. It is about family and overcoming hard times and laughing at yourself and being positive. If you enjoy fictional stories like this, be sure to check this book out when it officially hits stores and wherever eBooks are sold on January 15, 2020.
January 13, 2020
Ah, life!! And it got to Annie on her 50th birthday, fired from work and husband wanting a divorce... Sheesh, not a good way to start the new decade, was it? She moved out to the country to her aunt's home to start anew. Along came her resolution to start positive thinking.
My first book by author Mink Elliott, and a fun read it was. One of those lighter ones that worked to soothe the mind. The writing had a bit of humorous self-deprecation in it which made me smile. Annie's actions had me warning her, but she quite never heard me. A few of them made me feel - been there, done that.
The writing was quite different, it felt I was having a live conversation with her, without me needing to give my opinion...like ever... 😂 The only niggle I had was the daughter got away with calling her mom - fat cow - and other names without being reprimanded or taking to task. Which 9 year old kid ought to be allowed to say that?
The rest of the book, mainly Annie's antics had me smiling and groaning at times. The book was a fun light read which I could finish in a couple of hours.
My first book by author Mink Elliott, and a fun read it was. One of those lighter ones that worked to soothe the mind. The writing had a bit of humorous self-deprecation in it which made me smile. Annie's actions had me warning her, but she quite never heard me. A few of them made me feel - been there, done that.
The writing was quite different, it felt I was having a live conversation with her, without me needing to give my opinion...like ever... 😂 The only niggle I had was the daughter got away with calling her mom - fat cow - and other names without being reprimanded or taking to task. Which 9 year old kid ought to be allowed to say that?
The rest of the book, mainly Annie's antics had me smiling and groaning at times. The book was a fun light read which I could finish in a couple of hours.
January 5, 2020
A light, cute read that was amusing for the most part. I liked the main character, although she did verge on annoying fairly regularly. I'm not one for waffling on like her, the inner dialogue that she didn't realise she was saying out loud on more than one occasion. Annie is pretty selfish all things considered.
I think it has set the scene for a series of books but really was a bit weak on plot- Middle-aged mum of two, newly divorced but handled it pretty well really, moves to the countryside where she had to become part of the community, I was expected a bit more drama or something. I couldn't stand the daughter character - a madam and I didn't like how she was allowed to get away with it. Frustrating.
I see the potential here though.. by the end of the book I had an interest in what would be happening next for Annie and co.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I think it has set the scene for a series of books but really was a bit weak on plot- Middle-aged mum of two, newly divorced but handled it pretty well really, moves to the countryside where she had to become part of the community, I was expected a bit more drama or something. I couldn't stand the daughter character - a madam and I didn't like how she was allowed to get away with it. Frustrating.
I see the potential here though.. by the end of the book I had an interest in what would be happening next for Annie and co.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
January 17, 2020
I was invited to take part in the blog tour for 'Annie Beaton's Year Of Positive Thinking' and the synopsis certainly shouted 'you need to read this book as soon as possible' at me. It actually sounded like just the sort of tonic that I needed at that particular time. I was feeling a bit fed up and in need of a good chuckle and this book certainly made me chuckle. I flipping well loved 'Annie Beaton's Year Of Positive Thinking' but more about that in a bit.
I loved the character of Annie Beaton and I warmed to her from the start. In fact by the time I got to the end of the book, I felt that I made a good friend. Annie is feeling a bit frazzled and pulled in all sorts of directions. On the day of her 50th birthday, Annie's husband tells her he wants a divorce and her son tells her she is growing a beard. What a way to make somebody feel special on their birthday.........not. Annie decides that enough is enough and she needs to make some positive changes. She moves to her eccentric aunt's house out in the country and after she discovers a pile of self help books, she decides that she will put into practice the positivity that she reads about in the books. She is determined that this year will be her year and that she will kick the crappy year into touch. What happens? Well for the answer to that question and more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
'Annie Beaton's Year Of Positive Thinking' was a delight to read from start to finish. I haven't laughed as much as I did whilst reading this book in a long long time. Reading this book was a hoot. Part of me admired Annie for what she was doing and because I needed to know how she fared, I just had to keep reading. This book was certainly addictive reading. I would pick up the book only intending to read a couple of chapters and fill in the odd half hour or so but I would still be sat there well over an hour later and many chapters later. I lost all track of time whilst I was reading this book. I seemed to fly through the story and then all of a sudden I was at the end of the book and I had to say goodbye to Annie Beaton, which I was disappointed about.
This book is superbly written. I was drawn to the character of Annie from the start. The author certainly knows how to draw you into the story and keep you there. Once she has your attention she will not let it go until the moment you close the back cover as it were. Through Mink Elliott's fantastic and vivid descriptions I did feel as though I had become part of the story myself and that I was just another character in the book. This book certainly cheered me up and then some so thank you to the author for providing the tonic that I needed.
In short, 'Annie Beaton's Year Of Positive Thinking' was a delightful and uplifting book, which I definitely recommend to other readers. I look forward to reading more of Mink's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
I loved the character of Annie Beaton and I warmed to her from the start. In fact by the time I got to the end of the book, I felt that I made a good friend. Annie is feeling a bit frazzled and pulled in all sorts of directions. On the day of her 50th birthday, Annie's husband tells her he wants a divorce and her son tells her she is growing a beard. What a way to make somebody feel special on their birthday.........not. Annie decides that enough is enough and she needs to make some positive changes. She moves to her eccentric aunt's house out in the country and after she discovers a pile of self help books, she decides that she will put into practice the positivity that she reads about in the books. She is determined that this year will be her year and that she will kick the crappy year into touch. What happens? Well for the answer to that question and more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
'Annie Beaton's Year Of Positive Thinking' was a delight to read from start to finish. I haven't laughed as much as I did whilst reading this book in a long long time. Reading this book was a hoot. Part of me admired Annie for what she was doing and because I needed to know how she fared, I just had to keep reading. This book was certainly addictive reading. I would pick up the book only intending to read a couple of chapters and fill in the odd half hour or so but I would still be sat there well over an hour later and many chapters later. I lost all track of time whilst I was reading this book. I seemed to fly through the story and then all of a sudden I was at the end of the book and I had to say goodbye to Annie Beaton, which I was disappointed about.
This book is superbly written. I was drawn to the character of Annie from the start. The author certainly knows how to draw you into the story and keep you there. Once she has your attention she will not let it go until the moment you close the back cover as it were. Through Mink Elliott's fantastic and vivid descriptions I did feel as though I had become part of the story myself and that I was just another character in the book. This book certainly cheered me up and then some so thank you to the author for providing the tonic that I needed.
In short, 'Annie Beaton's Year Of Positive Thinking' was a delightful and uplifting book, which I definitely recommend to other readers. I look forward to reading more of Mink's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
December 30, 2019
Poor Annie! Imagine reaching a milestone birthday only to have your whole life come crashing down around your ears. I have to say that Annie’s outlook on life and her attitude in general, I have to salute her. I would certainly have had a melt down and be feeling sorry for myself.
Even though she is finding adjusting to her new life without her ex and financially in dire straits a new learning curve, Annie does her best to try and pick the positives out of each day. Some days she really has to look very hard with the odd day there being nothing at all! What I loved though is how the author show us the humorous side of living as a single parent and all the worries and problems that goes along with it.
Annie does seem to have a habit of getting herself into some right situations. My favourite had to be after a certain awards ceremony. I was cringing on the inside but couldn’t help laughing at her drunken shenanigans. Am sure a few of us can relate with Annie and feel her pain when the morning after comes and events from the night before come to light.
Annie Beaton’s Year of Positive Thinking is a fun and light hearted read of which I’m sure most women will be able to relate to. It’s a good reminder to not take life so seriously and try and focus on what is good in our lives instead of the negatives. If anything, Annie’s life will make your own feel quite sane and normal. Am sure we could all learn something from Annie.
My thanks to Hera Books and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Even though she is finding adjusting to her new life without her ex and financially in dire straits a new learning curve, Annie does her best to try and pick the positives out of each day. Some days she really has to look very hard with the odd day there being nothing at all! What I loved though is how the author show us the humorous side of living as a single parent and all the worries and problems that goes along with it.
Annie does seem to have a habit of getting herself into some right situations. My favourite had to be after a certain awards ceremony. I was cringing on the inside but couldn’t help laughing at her drunken shenanigans. Am sure a few of us can relate with Annie and feel her pain when the morning after comes and events from the night before come to light.
Annie Beaton’s Year of Positive Thinking is a fun and light hearted read of which I’m sure most women will be able to relate to. It’s a good reminder to not take life so seriously and try and focus on what is good in our lives instead of the negatives. If anything, Annie’s life will make your own feel quite sane and normal. Am sure we could all learn something from Annie.
My thanks to Hera Books and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
December 20, 2019
Annie Beaton's Year of Positive Thinking by Mink Elliott is the first book that I have read by this author, and it was nothing short of a delight. Annie is a likable and relatable protagonist whose antics had me laughing out loud more than once. I would recommend this book if you are looking for a lighthearted and feel good read to brighten a dreary winter's day.
Annie Beaton ('Beaton in name, not in nature') gets a shock when her husband announces that he wants out of the marriage. Yes, going without sex for years might have been a red flag, but Annie finds herself totally unprepared for this turn of events. So, without a job and with two young kids in tow, Annie is off to the country to stay at the home of her aunt who is away travelling. While many would crumble under the strains of her new reality, Annie seems to roll with the punches through challenge after challenge, and even manages to put a positive spin on her new circumstances.
I enjoyed the breezy conversational style of this novel, and would be happy to read more from this author in the future.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Hera Books for this ARC.
Annie Beaton ('Beaton in name, not in nature') gets a shock when her husband announces that he wants out of the marriage. Yes, going without sex for years might have been a red flag, but Annie finds herself totally unprepared for this turn of events. So, without a job and with two young kids in tow, Annie is off to the country to stay at the home of her aunt who is away travelling. While many would crumble under the strains of her new reality, Annie seems to roll with the punches through challenge after challenge, and even manages to put a positive spin on her new circumstances.
I enjoyed the breezy conversational style of this novel, and would be happy to read more from this author in the future.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Hera Books for this ARC.
January 20, 2020
A light and easy read. At first I was eager to join Annie on her on her new journey, as she turns 50 and finds herself fleeing to the country with her children after her husband declares he wants a divorce. There were some laugh out loud moments, and the short chapters and almost diary like writing style makes for an easy read. But by the end I found myself more frustrated with Annie and her behaviour, her children come across as nothing but annoying. The end felt a little rushed, and open ended, I would have preferred a more satisfying conclusion. This book will give you cravings for tunnocks tea cakes!
Thanks to netgalley for an advance ebook in return for my honest review.
Thanks to netgalley for an advance ebook in return for my honest review.
January 12, 2020
This book is hilarious! I have not been able to put it down. Poor Annie, hits a big milestone birthday and then her world begins to crumble.
This is a new author for me, which always makes me a little nervous but this one definitely has not disappointed.
I have been pulled into the story from the very beginning and I have literally belly laughed on a number of occasions. This is such a fun and happy read, I finished the whole book quickly.
This is a book guaranteed to not disappoint.
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 14, 2020
Thank you to Netgalley, author and publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I'm simply torn. On the one hand, I really like Annie and her inner dialogue. I loved and sympathized with Izzy and Ben. I really enjoyed the premise of this book.
However, I'm left wanting more. I want to know what happens with her blog, with George and james. How did things with Joe end? As much as I enjoyed this book, I'm sadly left with a sense of "that wasn't enough"....
I'm simply torn. On the one hand, I really like Annie and her inner dialogue. I loved and sympathized with Izzy and Ben. I really enjoyed the premise of this book.
However, I'm left wanting more. I want to know what happens with her blog, with George and james. How did things with Joe end? As much as I enjoyed this book, I'm sadly left with a sense of "that wasn't enough"....
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January 22, 2023Not my cup of tea 😬
January 20, 2020
I’m thrilled to be here on the first day of the blog tour for this funny and uplifting book by Mink Elliot!
Annie Beaton is turning 50 – it’s a momentous day! She doesn’t realise just how significant it’s going to be, because by the end of it, she’s been fired from her job and her husband Joe has asked for a divorce! Quite how someone asks their partner for a divorce after making them a lovely birthday dinner that they’ve shared with their two young children, I’m not sure, but that’s exactly what Joe does … rather flippantly too, if you ask me!
And so Annie Beaton is forced onto an entirely different path to the one she expected she’d be taking at this stage of her life. And we, the readers, get to take it with her! Her Aunt Audrey is off travelling and offers Annie her ramshackle house in the countryside. So she and 9-year-old Izzy and 5-year-old Ben move in, and attempt to make the best of things. It’s not easy! She has no idea when her aunt last took a feather duster to her house, and it’s quite clear that a ‘handyman’ has never crossed its threshold!
But what she does have is loads and loads of self-help books, and Annie’s determined to use these to transform herself from the miserable, useless, snivelling heap that she’s become, into a semi- functional human being again. She aims to find three positive things in each day regardless of how awful she feels her life has become, and believe me, there are some truly terrible times in store – many of her own making. For Annie is quite the bumbling, clumsy individual, and she has two children on standby to laugh and point at every tiny mishap she has.
In the beginning, I struggled to like Annie. Although I did feel extremely sorry for the way her 50th had turned out (NOBODY should have that happen to them on their birthday!!), she was just so bloody helpless! But then I quickly started cheering her on as she shifting things up a notch or two and realised that she needed to get everything ship shape if she wanted to get on with any sort of decent new life for her and her kids.
Speaking of which … her daughter Izzy must be the worst girl-child every written into creation. She is the brattiest brat of note! I couldn’t bear her. She was just too horrible for words! And the more Annie justified her behaviour, the more annoyed I got. She’s a really dark little cloud in Annie’s attempts at positivity.
But other than that, this is such a delightful read. I felt it was like a gentle shake of the shoulders, reminding us to pull ourselves towards ourselves when things go haywire. It’s up to us to get it together. Nobody’s going to do it for us. They might help, offer advice, and do what they can to be there for us, but they can’t actually do what needs to be done. Only we can do that for ourselves. And Annie does that admirably.
This is a lovely 4-star read. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Annie Beaton is turning 50 – it’s a momentous day! She doesn’t realise just how significant it’s going to be, because by the end of it, she’s been fired from her job and her husband Joe has asked for a divorce! Quite how someone asks their partner for a divorce after making them a lovely birthday dinner that they’ve shared with their two young children, I’m not sure, but that’s exactly what Joe does … rather flippantly too, if you ask me!
And so Annie Beaton is forced onto an entirely different path to the one she expected she’d be taking at this stage of her life. And we, the readers, get to take it with her! Her Aunt Audrey is off travelling and offers Annie her ramshackle house in the countryside. So she and 9-year-old Izzy and 5-year-old Ben move in, and attempt to make the best of things. It’s not easy! She has no idea when her aunt last took a feather duster to her house, and it’s quite clear that a ‘handyman’ has never crossed its threshold!
But what she does have is loads and loads of self-help books, and Annie’s determined to use these to transform herself from the miserable, useless, snivelling heap that she’s become, into a semi- functional human being again. She aims to find three positive things in each day regardless of how awful she feels her life has become, and believe me, there are some truly terrible times in store – many of her own making. For Annie is quite the bumbling, clumsy individual, and she has two children on standby to laugh and point at every tiny mishap she has.
In the beginning, I struggled to like Annie. Although I did feel extremely sorry for the way her 50th had turned out (NOBODY should have that happen to them on their birthday!!), she was just so bloody helpless! But then I quickly started cheering her on as she shifting things up a notch or two and realised that she needed to get everything ship shape if she wanted to get on with any sort of decent new life for her and her kids.
Speaking of which … her daughter Izzy must be the worst girl-child every written into creation. She is the brattiest brat of note! I couldn’t bear her. She was just too horrible for words! And the more Annie justified her behaviour, the more annoyed I got. She’s a really dark little cloud in Annie’s attempts at positivity.
But other than that, this is such a delightful read. I felt it was like a gentle shake of the shoulders, reminding us to pull ourselves towards ourselves when things go haywire. It’s up to us to get it together. Nobody’s going to do it for us. They might help, offer advice, and do what they can to be there for us, but they can’t actually do what needs to be done. Only we can do that for ourselves. And Annie does that admirably.
This is a lovely 4-star read. Thoroughly enjoyable.
January 20, 2020
A thoroughly enjoyable laugh out loud read that is sheer fun from start to finish, I raced through Mink Elliott’s fabulous new novel Annie Beaton’s Year of Positive Thinking.
Whoever said that life begins at fifty has clearly never met Annie Beaton. Rather than flowers and chocolate, poor Annie gets the sack, a divorce and a son who charmingly points out that she is growing a beard. Her self-confidence has been getting one heck of a battering lately and a move to her eccentric aunt’s house in the countryside could very well be just what she needs. Annie is looking forward to some much needed rest and recuperation and she is sure that her aunt’s house will be just the ticket for her to lick her wounds and figure out what she is going to do next. But little does Annie realise that help is about to come from the most unexpected of sources…
The discovery of a stack of self-help books makes Annie realise that she might just have found the tools she needs to stop wallowing in the past and start to become the mistress of her own destiny. Who needs therapy when she’s got Chicken Soup for the Soul and The Secret to set her on the right path to happiness and get her life back on track? Annie is going to take every single word of wisdom her books impart to heart and emerge a completely different woman who is secure and successful – it’s just a shame that she’s got a daughter with a PhD in backchatting and a six year old son to worry about!
Annie is determined to have a great year regardless of what life decides to throw her way. But will all the positive thinking in the world lead her to finding the happiness and fulfilment which she is desperately seeking? Or is she setting herself up to take yet another fall?
Mink Elliott is an absolute comic genius who will have you roaring with laughter on almost every page with her hilarious page-turner Annie Beaton’s Year of Positive Thinking. A riotous romp it is impossible not to love, Annie Beaton’s Year of Positive Thinking is a book that should come with a warning not to read in public as you will be chuckling so much that you will end up getting plenty of funny looks!
Annie Beaton is a fantastic heroine who is brilliant, relatable and someone you can imagine have a long gossip with over a couple of drinks. A mix between Bridget Jones and Miranda Hart, Annie Beaton is a fun character readers are going to absolutely love.
A fabulous read guaranteed to brighten up your day, if you’re looking for a fun and feel-good tale, look no further than Mink Elliott’s Annie Beaton’s Year of Positive Thinking.
Whoever said that life begins at fifty has clearly never met Annie Beaton. Rather than flowers and chocolate, poor Annie gets the sack, a divorce and a son who charmingly points out that she is growing a beard. Her self-confidence has been getting one heck of a battering lately and a move to her eccentric aunt’s house in the countryside could very well be just what she needs. Annie is looking forward to some much needed rest and recuperation and she is sure that her aunt’s house will be just the ticket for her to lick her wounds and figure out what she is going to do next. But little does Annie realise that help is about to come from the most unexpected of sources…
The discovery of a stack of self-help books makes Annie realise that she might just have found the tools she needs to stop wallowing in the past and start to become the mistress of her own destiny. Who needs therapy when she’s got Chicken Soup for the Soul and The Secret to set her on the right path to happiness and get her life back on track? Annie is going to take every single word of wisdom her books impart to heart and emerge a completely different woman who is secure and successful – it’s just a shame that she’s got a daughter with a PhD in backchatting and a six year old son to worry about!
Annie is determined to have a great year regardless of what life decides to throw her way. But will all the positive thinking in the world lead her to finding the happiness and fulfilment which she is desperately seeking? Or is she setting herself up to take yet another fall?
Mink Elliott is an absolute comic genius who will have you roaring with laughter on almost every page with her hilarious page-turner Annie Beaton’s Year of Positive Thinking. A riotous romp it is impossible not to love, Annie Beaton’s Year of Positive Thinking is a book that should come with a warning not to read in public as you will be chuckling so much that you will end up getting plenty of funny looks!
Annie Beaton is a fantastic heroine who is brilliant, relatable and someone you can imagine have a long gossip with over a couple of drinks. A mix between Bridget Jones and Miranda Hart, Annie Beaton is a fun character readers are going to absolutely love.
A fabulous read guaranteed to brighten up your day, if you’re looking for a fun and feel-good tale, look no further than Mink Elliott’s Annie Beaton’s Year of Positive Thinking.
January 21, 2020
Bridget Jones’ diary about an older protagonist.
Annie Beaton’s 50th birthday should be about celebrations but instead she loses her job and her husband, Joe, in one day.
Annie’s Aunt Audrey offers Annie her country home, which she accepts in a jiffy, along with 9-year-old Izzy and 5-year-old Ben.
Learning how to be a solo Mum in a strange town is not what Annie bargained for. Izzy is a challenge, constantly rude to her mother, due no doubt to the strangeness and sadness she is experiencing from the upheaval caused by her father’s despicable action. Annie isn’t helped by the number of challenges she faces, which lead her to experiencing a sense of failure and self-blame from her marriage breakup, and uprooting her children.
When Annie discovers Aunt Audrey’s self-help books, they spark her into a year of positive thinking and acting. Annie looks for three positive things in every otherwise usually miserable day. The reader soon discovers that being 50 doesn’t by itself give one wisdom. Annie is constantly saying the wrong thing. Shea is not always being with the action and not ‘with’ what’s going on around her. Annie has enough life experience and maturity to believe that she will turn the corner. That things will improve. I had to admire Annie’s gumption; and kept reading to find out how things turned out for her.
In the middle of the Me-Too movement, it is refreshing to read about a middle-aged woman taking control of her life. To take being single by the horns and really own her achievements. I liked the positive ending, the underlying theme of a woman’s autonomy and self-reliance.
Annie Beaton's Year of Positive Thinking is a funny, uplifting book. It is Bridget Jones’ diary about an older protagonist, who however, is not self-pitying. The novel is well written, Annie’s character is aptly drawn by Mink Elliott, drawing you into the story until the end. The book is satisfying, the character relatable and worth rooting for. I recommend Mink Elliott’s Annie Beaton's Year Of Positive Thinking.
#AnnieBeatonsYearofPositiveThinking #NetGalley. Thank you NetGalley, Mink Elliott and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an impartial review.
This review also appears in Goodreads.com and https://thereadersvault.blogspot.com and amazon.com.
Annie Beaton’s 50th birthday should be about celebrations but instead she loses her job and her husband, Joe, in one day.
Annie’s Aunt Audrey offers Annie her country home, which she accepts in a jiffy, along with 9-year-old Izzy and 5-year-old Ben.
Learning how to be a solo Mum in a strange town is not what Annie bargained for. Izzy is a challenge, constantly rude to her mother, due no doubt to the strangeness and sadness she is experiencing from the upheaval caused by her father’s despicable action. Annie isn’t helped by the number of challenges she faces, which lead her to experiencing a sense of failure and self-blame from her marriage breakup, and uprooting her children.
When Annie discovers Aunt Audrey’s self-help books, they spark her into a year of positive thinking and acting. Annie looks for three positive things in every otherwise usually miserable day. The reader soon discovers that being 50 doesn’t by itself give one wisdom. Annie is constantly saying the wrong thing. Shea is not always being with the action and not ‘with’ what’s going on around her. Annie has enough life experience and maturity to believe that she will turn the corner. That things will improve. I had to admire Annie’s gumption; and kept reading to find out how things turned out for her.
In the middle of the Me-Too movement, it is refreshing to read about a middle-aged woman taking control of her life. To take being single by the horns and really own her achievements. I liked the positive ending, the underlying theme of a woman’s autonomy and self-reliance.
Annie Beaton's Year of Positive Thinking is a funny, uplifting book. It is Bridget Jones’ diary about an older protagonist, who however, is not self-pitying. The novel is well written, Annie’s character is aptly drawn by Mink Elliott, drawing you into the story until the end. The book is satisfying, the character relatable and worth rooting for. I recommend Mink Elliott’s Annie Beaton's Year Of Positive Thinking.
#AnnieBeatonsYearofPositiveThinking #NetGalley. Thank you NetGalley, Mink Elliott and Bookouture for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an impartial review.
This review also appears in Goodreads.com and https://thereadersvault.blogspot.com and amazon.com.
January 24, 2020
I have mixed feelings about this book and its title character, and the more I thought about it, the more "meta" I became...
The book begins on the day that our girl Annie loses everything- her job, husband, and home- and it also happens to be her 50th birthday. She has no confidence, she seems rather ditzy, her kids are out of control, and her friends are useless. (The word "rubbish" just popped into my mind- this book is set in the UK and uses a lot of slang.)
Honestly, Annie doesn't experience much in the way of personal growth throughout the book. (There is a big disaster near the end of the book, and she manages to make a comeback from that event.) Furthermore, the author didn't tie things up neatly. Storylines were left unresolved. Main characters sort of disappeared. In that way, I think, this is truly the cross section of a one year period in our heroine's life.
But... having said all of that... I have been through a divorce myself and I feel a definite kinship with this character. My experience paralleled Annie's in that I, too, felt very much out of my depth and overwhelmed in the early days. I would also say that the first year included a lot of going through the motions until I reached the point of *suddenly* realizing that I had new confidence and that I had- somehow- managed to come into my own, sort of without realizing it- again, just like Annie.
So... I didn't love this book, but I did feel a connection to the main character, and I found myself strangely happy for her in the final pages. I am appreciative of the author and publisher who provided an ARC to me in exchange for my honest opinion.
The book begins on the day that our girl Annie loses everything- her job, husband, and home- and it also happens to be her 50th birthday. She has no confidence, she seems rather ditzy, her kids are out of control, and her friends are useless. (The word "rubbish" just popped into my mind- this book is set in the UK and uses a lot of slang.)
Honestly, Annie doesn't experience much in the way of personal growth throughout the book. (There is a big disaster near the end of the book, and she manages to make a comeback from that event.) Furthermore, the author didn't tie things up neatly. Storylines were left unresolved. Main characters sort of disappeared. In that way, I think, this is truly the cross section of a one year period in our heroine's life.
But... having said all of that... I have been through a divorce myself and I feel a definite kinship with this character. My experience paralleled Annie's in that I, too, felt very much out of my depth and overwhelmed in the early days. I would also say that the first year included a lot of going through the motions until I reached the point of *suddenly* realizing that I had new confidence and that I had- somehow- managed to come into my own, sort of without realizing it- again, just like Annie.
So... I didn't love this book, but I did feel a connection to the main character, and I found myself strangely happy for her in the final pages. I am appreciative of the author and publisher who provided an ARC to me in exchange for my honest opinion.
January 14, 2020
Well, when Annie turned fifty she thought it would mark a moment in her life, she was right, she was fired from her job and her husband Joe said he was leaving and wanted a divorce. I really felt sorry for Annie but as the story of her and her husband unfolded it became understandable. When Annie's aunt offered her and her two young children her place to stay at, in the countryside while she was out of the country, she jumped at the chance.
So begins Annie Beaton's year of positive thinking where she would turn something negative into something positive. Annie is, let me say, a little dippy, which gave the book some pretty hilarious situations. She continually moaned about the lack of money and I continually shouted get a job.
She has little common sense, getting a pedigree dog that she had time to train, a son that lacked reassurance and a daughter that needed to be treated like a nine-year-old, not an older sister. I had to laugh as the situations were very funny that she got herself into, she was learning, she was changing and she was finding herself.
The story spans over a year, everything has changed. It just took a lot of 'positive thinking' and a lot of hard work. There was more to Annie Beaton than I ever thought there was.
I wish to thank NetGalley and the Publisher for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.
So begins Annie Beaton's year of positive thinking where she would turn something negative into something positive. Annie is, let me say, a little dippy, which gave the book some pretty hilarious situations. She continually moaned about the lack of money and I continually shouted get a job.
She has little common sense, getting a pedigree dog that she had time to train, a son that lacked reassurance and a daughter that needed to be treated like a nine-year-old, not an older sister. I had to laugh as the situations were very funny that she got herself into, she was learning, she was changing and she was finding herself.
The story spans over a year, everything has changed. It just took a lot of 'positive thinking' and a lot of hard work. There was more to Annie Beaton than I ever thought there was.
I wish to thank NetGalley and the Publisher for an e-copy of this book which I have reviewed honestly.
December 20, 2019
Annie wanted to speak to her husband about something however he got in first and much to her surprise said he wanted a divorce. As she no longer has a job (the something she wanted to speak to him about) where to live is solved when an aunt says that she and the children can live in her house as she is going travelling. Whilst there Annie spots her aunts collection of self help books and the year of positive thinking stands out. At the end of each section she does her best to think of three positives about the day- maybe something we all should do especially when life gets us down, She is determined to do right by her children and herself even though she was totally unprepared for this role alone. Beaton by name but not Beaton by nature is one of her phrases and she is determined to tackle the world head on. I really enjoyed this, from the outset it has that upbeat feel about it and is easy to sit back with and enjoy. I liked Annie . A role model, a no nonsense woman. Yes she had her moments (don’t we all?) when life got too much but so tenacious to see it through. A wonderful uplifting read.
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog
For more reviews please see my blog http://nickibookblog.blogspot.co.uk/
or follow me on Twitter@nickisbookblog
January 16, 2020
This is such a fun read .. with more than a few strands of truth!
Annie Beaton heads to work on the day of her 50th birthday, only to get fired. Can the day get any worse? Well, actually, yes it can .. when her 5 year old mentions her hairy chin then her husband drops the 'I want a divorce' bombshell. When you're at rock bottom, there's only one way to go . . but it's hard, so very hard.
Annie's story is both heartbreaking and entertaining; I've been a single mother although, in my case, it wasn't that much different as my then husband was absent for six days each week anyway. But for anyone used to two parents raising their children, it's a big shock to the system to suddenly be solely responsible for absolutely everything! Mink Elliott has her finger on the pulse with this one, and packs so much into this book. Annie, like most of us, isn't perfect but she does love her kids and does her best for them. Full of humour and crazy situations - which most of us can identify with - and an honesty which few are capable of, Annie kept me entertained, causing me to (yet again) disturb my other half as I shook with laughter in bed whilst he was asleep! Not only funny, but with a good story to boot, this is a novel I'm happy to recommend and give four stars to.
Annie Beaton heads to work on the day of her 50th birthday, only to get fired. Can the day get any worse? Well, actually, yes it can .. when her 5 year old mentions her hairy chin then her husband drops the 'I want a divorce' bombshell. When you're at rock bottom, there's only one way to go . . but it's hard, so very hard.
Annie's story is both heartbreaking and entertaining; I've been a single mother although, in my case, it wasn't that much different as my then husband was absent for six days each week anyway. But for anyone used to two parents raising their children, it's a big shock to the system to suddenly be solely responsible for absolutely everything! Mink Elliott has her finger on the pulse with this one, and packs so much into this book. Annie, like most of us, isn't perfect but she does love her kids and does her best for them. Full of humour and crazy situations - which most of us can identify with - and an honesty which few are capable of, Annie kept me entertained, causing me to (yet again) disturb my other half as I shook with laughter in bed whilst he was asleep! Not only funny, but with a good story to boot, this is a novel I'm happy to recommend and give four stars to.
January 29, 2020
2.5 stars
You can read all of my reviews at https://www.NerdGirlLovesBooks.com.
Whew. This book was hard to get through. It was all a bit MUCH. The main character, Annie, turned 50 and promptly lost her job, her marriage, and her home. She moves to the country with her two young children and is determined to make it on her own and change her lifestyle.
Ok, great. A lot of people can relate to that. But the book was way too busy. Annie's inner dialog was exhausting. It was fine in the beginning because it's understandable that her mind would be racing. But it just never stopped. I kept waiting for something more to happen other than Annie talking to herself for 75% of the book, but it just never did.
I seem to be in the minority, so there will probably be a lot of people that will like this book. Maybe I'm not the right audience (although I can relate to someone in their 50's having a bit of a crisis and trying to find their way), but instead of finding inspiration, or even a sense of camaraderie, I just felt annoyed.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
You can read all of my reviews at https://www.NerdGirlLovesBooks.com.
Whew. This book was hard to get through. It was all a bit MUCH. The main character, Annie, turned 50 and promptly lost her job, her marriage, and her home. She moves to the country with her two young children and is determined to make it on her own and change her lifestyle.
Ok, great. A lot of people can relate to that. But the book was way too busy. Annie's inner dialog was exhausting. It was fine in the beginning because it's understandable that her mind would be racing. But it just never stopped. I kept waiting for something more to happen other than Annie talking to herself for 75% of the book, but it just never did.
I seem to be in the minority, so there will probably be a lot of people that will like this book. Maybe I'm not the right audience (although I can relate to someone in their 50's having a bit of a crisis and trying to find their way), but instead of finding inspiration, or even a sense of camaraderie, I just felt annoyed.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 23, 2020
I really enjoyed this feel-good read featuring Annie Beaton who finds her life changes dramatically on her fiftieth birthday.
Not only does she lose her job because she has fallen behind the times, her husband suddenly announces that he wants a divorce. She finds herself and her two young children living in a run-down country cottage owned by her aunt. Although the cottage is in need of some tender loving care, Annie finds that it does have one redeeming feature, and that is a plethora of self-help books!
As Annie begins to rebuild her life, she uses the content from the books to move forward in a positive way. For someone in Annie's position, a jobless single parent with aching knees and a craving for tea cakes, this is easier said than done! However, Annie is such a warm and endearing character who sees the funny side of everything and soon things look much better.
Annie's voice comes over really strongly in this humourous, warm and charming story. Many women will relate to her and the problems she faces, making the most of things and muddling through, doing the best she can!
Not only does she lose her job because she has fallen behind the times, her husband suddenly announces that he wants a divorce. She finds herself and her two young children living in a run-down country cottage owned by her aunt. Although the cottage is in need of some tender loving care, Annie finds that it does have one redeeming feature, and that is a plethora of self-help books!
As Annie begins to rebuild her life, she uses the content from the books to move forward in a positive way. For someone in Annie's position, a jobless single parent with aching knees and a craving for tea cakes, this is easier said than done! However, Annie is such a warm and endearing character who sees the funny side of everything and soon things look much better.
Annie's voice comes over really strongly in this humourous, warm and charming story. Many women will relate to her and the problems she faces, making the most of things and muddling through, doing the best she can!
January 30, 2020
I just finished reading Mink Elliott’s fabulous, heartfelt, witty, wonderful new book - Annie Beaton’s Year of Positive Thinking.
It’s a life affirming, wickedly funny, sometimes heart wrenching book about the perils of finding yourself in the unchartered territory of single motherhood and the indomitable strength of the human spirit, in particular, the female human spirit.
It’s no mean feat to have a reader happy, sad, lamenting and then joyous again at a roller coaster pace, and this book does it on every page. Oh, and for the nostalgia of coming of age in the 80s, maturing in the 90s and finally getting it in the naughties, Annie will take you right back until you can almost taste those tequilas, regret those tequilas and then swear off those tequilas, once and for all.
I wish I had an ounce of the gumption of Annie, Mink’s amazing heroine. She’s courageous, kickarse and the epitome of the modern woman, blazing her own inimitable trail.
And by the way, when’s the next one coming out??
It’s a life affirming, wickedly funny, sometimes heart wrenching book about the perils of finding yourself in the unchartered territory of single motherhood and the indomitable strength of the human spirit, in particular, the female human spirit.
It’s no mean feat to have a reader happy, sad, lamenting and then joyous again at a roller coaster pace, and this book does it on every page. Oh, and for the nostalgia of coming of age in the 80s, maturing in the 90s and finally getting it in the naughties, Annie will take you right back until you can almost taste those tequilas, regret those tequilas and then swear off those tequilas, once and for all.
I wish I had an ounce of the gumption of Annie, Mink’s amazing heroine. She’s courageous, kickarse and the epitome of the modern woman, blazing her own inimitable trail.
And by the way, when’s the next one coming out??
January 21, 2020
Annie Beaton has a really $hitty fiftieth birthday. She got fired from her job AND her husband dropped the divorce bomb. She finds herself moving to the country with her two children, Ben and Izzy, to try to pick up the pieces.
Annie doesn’t stop to wallow- she finds the kids a school, stumbles upon a job, and generally settles into life. She takes bits and pieces of self help advice from many of the books left in her rented home and tries to find more positives in her life. It all goes well until... well, it doesn’t.
Annie is forced to finally feel the feelings from her divorce and also apologize to her new friends for some missteps.
If I had to describe this book in five words they would be: Bridget Jones meets Golden Girls. This book has the silly antics of Bridget mixed with the trials of getting older (and parenting, to boot!) It’s a quick, feel-good read that left me wanting more. Can we get a sequel with a new love in Annie’s life?!
Annie doesn’t stop to wallow- she finds the kids a school, stumbles upon a job, and generally settles into life. She takes bits and pieces of self help advice from many of the books left in her rented home and tries to find more positives in her life. It all goes well until... well, it doesn’t.
Annie is forced to finally feel the feelings from her divorce and also apologize to her new friends for some missteps.
If I had to describe this book in five words they would be: Bridget Jones meets Golden Girls. This book has the silly antics of Bridget mixed with the trials of getting older (and parenting, to boot!) It’s a quick, feel-good read that left me wanting more. Can we get a sequel with a new love in Annie’s life?!
January 6, 2020
This was a great book to start the year on, it was full of laughs and really removes the tension from a couple with children splitting up. I think there still, even now, is a lot of stigma around being a divorced single mum and I love that this tackled it head on and shows readers that sometimes its actually the start of a better life and not a terrible life ending drama!
I really liked the character of Annie Beaton and would love to see what else she gets up to in the future. I also enjoyed the writing style as the author has the character speaking directly to you, it made it engaging and fun.
Thanks to Sarah/ Book On The Bright Side Publicity, Hera Books and Net Galley for the ARC in exchanges for an honest review.
I really liked the character of Annie Beaton and would love to see what else she gets up to in the future. I also enjoyed the writing style as the author has the character speaking directly to you, it made it engaging and fun.
Thanks to Sarah/ Book On The Bright Side Publicity, Hera Books and Net Galley for the ARC in exchanges for an honest review.
February 27, 2020
Annie Beaton is stunned to learn her husband wants out of the marriage. She takes their two children to live in the country property of a relative. Annie feels like a total failure--marriage down the drain, no job, and it seems she bungles every attempt she makes at helping her children. Determined though, Annie tries to be positive and upbeat about the curve balls she is constantly being thrown. Eventually, Annie begins to make friends in her new town and gets to write a bit (her former career). She feels like she's making headway and then, after getting blitzed, manages to insult most everyone in town. Is there a way back for her? Or has she doomed the possibility of friends for herself and her children?
April 11, 2023
Well everything that could go wrong in her life, did.
I’m now terrified of preteens - or have been reminded of the immense importance to talk to kids about their feelings during changes in their life. If they are acting out, there is something happening beneath the surface.
I think the writing shows the author’s age. There is CONSTANT negative commentary about Annie’s physical appearance. I understand the desire to lose weight, however it felt like she constantly would comment on how fat and ugly she’s thought she was, her ugly cellulite and even commentary from others about her body. It’s just not the vibe.
It didn’t really feel like she was trying to change her life in a positive way until the very end.
I’m now terrified of preteens - or have been reminded of the immense importance to talk to kids about their feelings during changes in their life. If they are acting out, there is something happening beneath the surface.
I think the writing shows the author’s age. There is CONSTANT negative commentary about Annie’s physical appearance. I understand the desire to lose weight, however it felt like she constantly would comment on how fat and ugly she’s thought she was, her ugly cellulite and even commentary from others about her body. It’s just not the vibe.
It didn’t really feel like she was trying to change her life in a positive way until the very end.
December 18, 2019
This was a new author for me but the description drew me in as I turned 50 this year too!
Annie finds out her husband wants to leave her, so decamps to a relatives old decrepit cottage in the country with her two children to embark on a new life! Country life isn’t quite as Annie expected but she battles on trying to parent the children, make friends, find a job and keep the cottage habitable! We experience the ups and downs of Annie and her children’s lives often told in a humorous manner that is easily relatable and light hearted! A fun wick easy read.
Thank you net galley for this early read.
Annie finds out her husband wants to leave her, so decamps to a relatives old decrepit cottage in the country with her two children to embark on a new life! Country life isn’t quite as Annie expected but she battles on trying to parent the children, make friends, find a job and keep the cottage habitable! We experience the ups and downs of Annie and her children’s lives often told in a humorous manner that is easily relatable and light hearted! A fun wick easy read.
Thank you net galley for this early read.
December 30, 2019
Annie Beaton isn't having the best start to her fiftieth year-she is dumped both by her husband and her job on her birthday. However, she doesn't let that get her down and, instead, moves to the countryside with her two children to live in her aunt's cottage. Annie has a lot of things go wrong with her through this transition, but she perseveres in order to define a new life for herself and her family. While I did find Annie to be a bit of an annoying character at times (she does create quite a bit of her own problems), this book was hilarious in places and a great way to escape for a few hours.
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
January 22, 2020
I really enjoyed this book and loved Annie! She’s a great real character (chin hairs and all) who goes through quite a few awful experiences resulting in moving her two kids to the country to start her new life as a single mum. I enjoyed how realistic the book seemed especially with the eating your feelings away! Not having any kids of my own, it was hard to relate to a lot of the book especially dealing with a 9 going on 39 year old. This book is definitely great for someone who feels like their life isn’t going well especially if they’re a newly DSM (divorced single mum)! And I think everyone will absolutely adore Annie and her hilarious antics.
February 21, 2020
It’s Annie Beaton’s 50th birthday! But instead of getting roses and perfume, she gets sacked, her son, Ben, tells her she’s growing a beard and her husband Joe tells her he wants a divorce.
I really loved this book! Annie is such an loveable and relatable character that you feel like you’re taking this journey of self discovery along with her.
Even if your circumstances are different to Annie’s, as a parent I think there is so much of her story that is relatable. This book gave me back a bit of my reading mojo, I loved it, it’s emotional, funny and at times hilarious. I would love to be friends with Annie! Five stars from me!
I really loved this book! Annie is such an loveable and relatable character that you feel like you’re taking this journey of self discovery along with her.
Even if your circumstances are different to Annie’s, as a parent I think there is so much of her story that is relatable. This book gave me back a bit of my reading mojo, I loved it, it’s emotional, funny and at times hilarious. I would love to be friends with Annie! Five stars from me!
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July 1, 2020It was OK. The last third was the best bit. In the beginning the main character was ... well, quite silly and borderline unlikeable. I don't care how atrophied your social skills are, you don't ring a new colleague every day for two weeks reminding them it's your birthday coming up and which cake to get you. This is why I'm glad not to be doing star ratings this year. That one episode makes me so annoyed, I'd have to rate the book down. But when the character actually starts to get her act together, she becomes much more engaging and there are some genuinely funny moments. Pity that mostly happens too late in the book.
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