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Il club del pranzo della domenica
Quasi tutte le domeniche Anna e la sua famiglia allargata si riuniscono per il brunch. Si parla, si ride e si mangia sempre troppo. Alcune volte le cose davvero importanti rimangono non dette, altre invece si pronuncia la frase sbagliata al momento sbagliato. Fa tutto parte del loro appuntamento settimanale. Seduta tra l’ex marito e il nuovo compagno, Anna sta ancora realizzando l’idea di una gravidanza inaspettata all’età di quarant’anni. Intorno al tavolo ci sono anche sua nonna, i suoi fratelli e un ricordo del passato troppo terribile da affrontare. Tutto si mescola con il tintinnio allegro delle posate, i profumini delle pietanze appena uscite dal forno e qualche immancabile macchia sulla tovaglia. Ma quando una lettera viene recapitata, costringendo Anna a fare i conti con il suo passato doloroso, persino l’atmosfera calda e accogliente della tavola domenicale potrebbe non bastare. Riuscirà a conciliare quel che è stato con il futuro?
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 19, 2018
560 people are currently reading
8318 people want to read
About the author
Juliet Ashton
13 books129 followersI write books. I'm an introverted extrovert, a homebody who loves going out, a nosey parker who can keep secrets. I live by the Thames. My study feels like the centre of the universe. I share my house with Matthew, who writes songs and composes film music in his studio upstairs, and our daughter, Niamh. Two dogs sleep at my feet all day, Mavis and Zelda, both pedigree idiots.
I'm five foot six, mostly Irish. I find humans fascinating, whether they're evil or sweet or saintly or annoying or ... I just like humans, and that's why I write about them.
I'm five foot six, mostly Irish. I find humans fascinating, whether they're evil or sweet or saintly or annoying or ... I just like humans, and that's why I write about them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 459 reviews
April 19, 2018
I stayed up till 3 on a workday because I couldn’t unglue myself from my Kindle screen. Off this book. Then I proceeded to tell the whole soap-opera like plot of
The Sunday Lunch Club
to my boyfriend right before breakfast. In a roughly panicked, nearly screamy tone. With loads of hand flapping.
This was supposed to be a feel good book!
BUT THE BABY??? AND THE OTHER ONE? AND WHAT HAPPENS TO THE NICE OLD LITTLE GRANDMA?? AND AND AND… WHAT ABOUT THE GAY DADS WITH THE ADOPTED CHILD, AND WHAT ABOUT THE COMING OUT AND WHAT ABOUT, ABOUT…….. I AM WORRIED ABOUT ALL OF THEM!!!
Whoops, that might have contained mild spoilers. But you might have guessed that this book:
a) is very diverse
b) kept me on the edge
c) had lots of lovely characters
d) ARGHTJSKHSGJS!!!!!!1111
Yes.
Is that enough for you to want to read it?
If not, then let me try again. Read 5 reasons to love The Sunday Lunch Club on my blog here.
Read Post On My Blog | My Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
This was supposed to be a feel good book!
BUT THE BABY??? AND THE OTHER ONE? AND WHAT HAPPENS TO THE NICE OLD LITTLE GRANDMA?? AND AND AND… WHAT ABOUT THE GAY DADS WITH THE ADOPTED CHILD, AND WHAT ABOUT THE COMING OUT AND WHAT ABOUT, ABOUT…….. I AM WORRIED ABOUT ALL OF THEM!!!
Whoops, that might have contained mild spoilers. But you might have guessed that this book:
a) is very diverse
b) kept me on the edge
c) had lots of lovely characters
d) ARGHTJSKHSGJS!!!!!!1111
Yes.
Is that enough for you to want to read it?
If not, then let me try again. Read 5 reasons to love The Sunday Lunch Club on my blog here.
Read Post On My Blog | My Bookstagram | Bookish Twitter
February 23, 2018
I don't have a huge, extended family and usually I don't have problem with it, however after reading such books as "The Sunday Lunch Club" I'd give everything to have such a family like the Pipers - so many people that accept you no matter what unconditionally. The problem with books such as "The Sunday Lunch Club" is that no matter what you're going to write in your review it probably won't do this book a justice. Because it was a perfect read, from the beginning to the end and really, I still can't settle for another read after finishing this one. I know people often say that didn't want a book to end, and I thought I also read such books, but I think this was the very first one that I can for sure say that now I know how it is when you don't want a book to end. It was this kind of read where I absorbed every single word, I cried and laughed together with the characters.
"The Sunday Lunch Club" by Juliet Ashton is a relatively slow read and with plenty of characters, and I was afraid that it's going to be confusing, but quickly, very quickly I knew who is who in this book, and even quicker I started to love all of them. The Pipers are two sisters and two brothers with their own, very colourful families and histories, friends and grandmother Dinkie, still full of life, feisty and down to earth. And jeez, let's not forget Yeti - what a brilliant, entertaining creature, and the descriptions of him looking after the baby made me cry so, so much! But back to the siblings and co. They meet regularly for Sunday Lunch (Club), every time in a different home, and with every single lunch we learn more and more about them, we see what makes them tick, what they love, what they hate and what their problems are - and there is a lot of those things! The story is mostly told from Anna's point of view, Anna - who was so realistically drawn that I had a feeling I can feel her breathing next to me. She discovers that she's pregnant at the age of 40, and the baby is not her ex - husband's. Being pregnant brings back some memories and this part of the story was so unpredictable and heart - breaking, guys. Anna, the second oldest after Neil, feels responsible for all of her siblings and you couldn't be in better hands than in those of Anna's. Neil is right now trying to adapt to being a father, the second sister Maeve has visions and thinks she's psychic, but she's really, really brilliant, no worries guys, and she doesn't seem to have much luck in the men - department, and the youngest Josh is troubled and very distant - why? They all have their problems and troubles and when you think they're going to be very average problems than you're in for a great, great surprise, because their stories are all but average and predictable. The characters have their own distinctive voices and they are so close to life and I felt so strongly for all of them. They were lovely and loving, eclectic, chaotic, they had their ups and downs and - what's most important - they talked with each other and they weren't afraid of telling what they feel. It made them more vulnerable and open to being hurt but it also made them so real.
It was written in a really interesting way. We got to see the characters every now and then, when it was time for their gathering at the Sunday Lunch Club. Sometimes there was a week between them, sometimes a month, and really we don't know what exactly happens with, and to, them. However, during those gatherings we get enough insight and gossip to know perfectly well what has happened and why. It's funny really how well it works, as we are used to usually have a sneak peek into every aspect of the characters' lives, to know their every move and thought, and here we had to settle for some most important moments, and it's enough to absolutely fell for the characters, to intuitively know what they feel and think, to feel a part of their world, to keep our fingers crossed for them or to want to shake them badly. And that doesn't of course mean that their feelings or emotions weren't captured - they were brilliantly put into words!
I absolutely, totally adored the way the family was working. They were bickering, they were arguing, they felt offended but oh my word, let somebody who didn't belong to the family to tell one wrong word about them! They got their backs, they supported each other, and not only the closest family but also the ex - husbands, new girlfriends and every single crazy idea that came to their minds.
Even though it is on the slower side, the pace is only right and there are some twists that you'd never see coming - take my word for this! It is romantic enough, there is enough drama and plenty of funny moments, and there is this feeling of being accepted no matter what. There are secrets that will break your heart but the family will mend it again. The writing is perfect. The dialogues are effortless and the story is just flawing, and the family dynamics are brilliantly captured. Their interactions and banter were so relatable and there were moments that I could only nod my head with understanding.
"The Sunday Lunch Club" was a beautifully written and full of all kind of emotions and feelings novel about a brilliantly dysfunctional - yet brilliantly working - family. It was heart-warming, uplifting and poignant at the same time. In no time you're going to feel a part of the Piper family and you want to add your own opinion or two during one of the lunches. It was emotional, and it was funny and I didn't want to put this book down for a single second. Shortly - it was a bloody perfect read, as I knew it's going to be. If there is one thing you can be sure it's that Juliet Ashton is going to deliver a wonderful, emotional, clever and hilarious story. Highly, highly recommended!
Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
November 4, 2022
The Sunday Lunch Club is a contemporary chick-lit by English author Juliet Ashton. The story is about four siblings who meet regularly at each other’s houses for Sunday Lunch with their partners and occasionally friends. The main character is 40 year old divorcée Anna who finds herself unexpectedly pregnant. Neil the eldest is adjusting to fatherhood having adopted Paloma with his husband Santi. Maeve sees herself as wise and intuitive but winds her way through a trail of disastrous relationships. Josh the youngest is the fragile mysterious one the family worries about. Lastly there is Dinky, their feisty Irish grandmother.
I loved the concept of the extended family get-togethers and their lives, romances and issues. It was a pleasant read but not overly gripping, with a reasonably forgettable romance. I find myself mildly irritated that modern books feel the need to include all the issues in one book, meaning they only ever get superficial coverage. For instance I’m not sure that this book needed the trans gender reassignment on top of trying to deal with adoption by gay parents, relationship issues and forced giving up of babies. Maybe we judge novels on how many diverse characters we can squeeze in rather than on how captivating the characters are and how engaging the story is.
I loved the concept of the extended family get-togethers and their lives, romances and issues. It was a pleasant read but not overly gripping, with a reasonably forgettable romance. I find myself mildly irritated that modern books feel the need to include all the issues in one book, meaning they only ever get superficial coverage. For instance I’m not sure that this book needed the trans gender reassignment on top of trying to deal with adoption by gay parents, relationship issues and forced giving up of babies. Maybe we judge novels on how many diverse characters we can squeeze in rather than on how captivating the characters are and how engaging the story is.
February 23, 2018
Book reviews on www.snazzybooks.com
The Sunday Lunch Club is a charming, fun read about an extended family who meet together every few weeks for Sunday Lunch Club. The book mainly revolves around these lunches and how various characters interact together (though there is some of the narrative which covers time in between the lunches). Though there are some serious issues at play here, the book manages to stay fairly light-hearted and fun, but with an added layer of emotion which Juliet Ashton does so well.
There are funny moments and heart-warming parts which will leave you feeling all warm inside and the characters have their own quirks, with everyone from the seemingly 'sensible one' Anna - who I really warmed to, and would happily have read more of - through to Neil, who at times I quite disliked due to his cattiness, but by the end of the novel had also warmed to! Some parts I could have guessed at, but there are some surprises too, with an element of mystery in some of the characters' stories.
Most of the narrative is told through Anna's eyes, and she brings just the right level of calmness to situations despite dealing with her own problems - or perhaps not problems but 'surprises'! It's a unique family set up, with each of Anna's siblings as individual and different as you can get, but this makes The Sunday Lunch Club so much more of an interesting read - and there's bound to be at least one character which you think, "I know someone a bit like that!"
This was just what I fancied reading - light-hearted, happy and wholesome. The perfect Sunday-in-your-pyjamas-with-a-cuppa read.
Many thanks to Simon & Schuster - Books and the City for providing a copy of this novel on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review.
The Sunday Lunch Club is a charming, fun read about an extended family who meet together every few weeks for Sunday Lunch Club. The book mainly revolves around these lunches and how various characters interact together (though there is some of the narrative which covers time in between the lunches). Though there are some serious issues at play here, the book manages to stay fairly light-hearted and fun, but with an added layer of emotion which Juliet Ashton does so well.
There are funny moments and heart-warming parts which will leave you feeling all warm inside and the characters have their own quirks, with everyone from the seemingly 'sensible one' Anna - who I really warmed to, and would happily have read more of - through to Neil, who at times I quite disliked due to his cattiness, but by the end of the novel had also warmed to! Some parts I could have guessed at, but there are some surprises too, with an element of mystery in some of the characters' stories.
Most of the narrative is told through Anna's eyes, and she brings just the right level of calmness to situations despite dealing with her own problems - or perhaps not problems but 'surprises'! It's a unique family set up, with each of Anna's siblings as individual and different as you can get, but this makes The Sunday Lunch Club so much more of an interesting read - and there's bound to be at least one character which you think, "I know someone a bit like that!"
This was just what I fancied reading - light-hearted, happy and wholesome. The perfect Sunday-in-your-pyjamas-with-a-cuppa read.
Many thanks to Simon & Schuster - Books and the City for providing a copy of this novel on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review.
January 8, 2019
I am not the biggest Chick-Lit fan so I don't know why I continue to read books like this, since I never enjoy them.
It was super predictable, and was so annoyingly politically correct that I wanted to throw this book across the room. Everything about everyone in this book was annoying. There were no surprises and the ending was totally what you expect.
It was so boring that I had to force myself to finish, because I just could care less about any of the characters or what happened to them.
Avoid.
It was super predictable, and was so annoyingly politically correct that I wanted to throw this book across the room. Everything about everyone in this book was annoying. There were no surprises and the ending was totally what you expect.
It was so boring that I had to force myself to finish, because I just could care less about any of the characters or what happened to them.
Avoid.
March 23, 2021
4.5 ⭐
December 15, 2018
Terribly confusing plot that misses large chunks of explanation and set up. Full of painful cliches and uncomfortable phrasing. Not a single likeable character and I couldn't wait for it to be all to be over.
February 13, 2023
Some really moving moments!
March 16, 2018
How novel, a whole novel told in a series of Sunday lunches, I loved it. For the Sunday Lunch club is more than just eating, its about family and friends of the family, getting together on semi-regular basis to exchange news and give each other support.
The main focus of the book is Anna Piper and its the Piper family we really get to know, with her grandmother Dinkie, and siblings Neil, Maeve and Josh, plus her ex husband Sam.
Through the story we have all manner of life issues touched on, some of them very contemporary, others a bit more worrying, plus hidden secrets for all of the family members are hiding certain things from their loved ones, not necessarily huge things, but secrets nonetheless.
I loved getting to know each and everyone of the characters and by the end of the book I felt like an honorary member of the Piper family.
I loved how each chapter started with whose house the Sunday Lunch club was meeting in, and then the menu for the week. There were huge differences in the food each person would serve and all of the feasts matched their makers personalities really well.
This is a loving, warm hearted book that is a pleasure to read. I can't find any fault with it, and whenever I wasn't reading it, I was wishing I had more time on my hands so I could go back between the pages and finding out what would happen next. This is another gem from Juliet Ashton that comes highly recommended from me.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
The main focus of the book is Anna Piper and its the Piper family we really get to know, with her grandmother Dinkie, and siblings Neil, Maeve and Josh, plus her ex husband Sam.
Through the story we have all manner of life issues touched on, some of them very contemporary, others a bit more worrying, plus hidden secrets for all of the family members are hiding certain things from their loved ones, not necessarily huge things, but secrets nonetheless.
I loved getting to know each and everyone of the characters and by the end of the book I felt like an honorary member of the Piper family.
I loved how each chapter started with whose house the Sunday Lunch club was meeting in, and then the menu for the week. There were huge differences in the food each person would serve and all of the feasts matched their makers personalities really well.
This is a loving, warm hearted book that is a pleasure to read. I can't find any fault with it, and whenever I wasn't reading it, I was wishing I had more time on my hands so I could go back between the pages and finding out what would happen next. This is another gem from Juliet Ashton that comes highly recommended from me.
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
February 12, 2018
As soon as I saw the rules of the Sunday Lunch Club I knew I’d have to read this book as soon as possible. It sounded funny, tense and colourful so I was keen to find out more.
What a warm and welcoming read! In no time at all I felt like part of the family - gossiping, teasing each other and sharing news with this ever-changing group of people over lunch.
The arrival of a letter was just one of the few mysteries that ran through the storyline and it raised all sorts of questions. I also had a theory about the mysterious Thea, there were subtle hints about something which I knew would surprise the Piper family and I couldn’t wait to see if I had read the signs correctly. Even Dinkie held a mystery or two, I couldn’t help but come up with my own ideas about her secrets but would I be right about any of it?
I must admit that I wasn’t expecting the emotional side of the story so I was surprised to find my eyes filling up on more than one occasion, sometimes in sadness and sometimes with a smile on my face.
This was such an engaging book that pulled me in completely. Comfort reading at its very best!
What a warm and welcoming read! In no time at all I felt like part of the family - gossiping, teasing each other and sharing news with this ever-changing group of people over lunch.
The arrival of a letter was just one of the few mysteries that ran through the storyline and it raised all sorts of questions. I also had a theory about the mysterious Thea, there were subtle hints about something which I knew would surprise the Piper family and I couldn’t wait to see if I had read the signs correctly. Even Dinkie held a mystery or two, I couldn’t help but come up with my own ideas about her secrets but would I be right about any of it?
I must admit that I wasn’t expecting the emotional side of the story so I was surprised to find my eyes filling up on more than one occasion, sometimes in sadness and sometimes with a smile on my face.
This was such an engaging book that pulled me in completely. Comfort reading at its very best!
June 27, 2022
I really enjoyed this very modern and inclusive family story on audio ~ a comfort read for sure ❤️
May 22, 2023
3.5 stars
The story is about four siblings who meet regularly at each other’s houses for Sunday Lunch with family and friends. The main character is 40 year old divorcée Anna who finds herself unexpectedly pregnant. Neil the eldest is having trouble adjusting to fatherhood after he adopted a baby with his husband. Maeve always seems to find herself in a disastrous relationships. Josh the youngest is constantly being babied by the family.
I'd say this is a slow burn family drama that felt very realistic. A lot of the issues and disagreements amongst the siblings were real and raw. There were a few pretty big twists within the book (I guessed them pretty early on) that will keep readers on the edge. I liked this book but just didn't love it, the characters felt real I personally just couldn't really connect with them. There are a lot of really great topics in this book that would make it great for a book club discussion.
The story is about four siblings who meet regularly at each other’s houses for Sunday Lunch with family and friends. The main character is 40 year old divorcée Anna who finds herself unexpectedly pregnant. Neil the eldest is having trouble adjusting to fatherhood after he adopted a baby with his husband. Maeve always seems to find herself in a disastrous relationships. Josh the youngest is constantly being babied by the family.
I'd say this is a slow burn family drama that felt very realistic. A lot of the issues and disagreements amongst the siblings were real and raw. There were a few pretty big twists within the book (I guessed them pretty early on) that will keep readers on the edge. I liked this book but just didn't love it, the characters felt real I personally just couldn't really connect with them. There are a lot of really great topics in this book that would make it great for a book club discussion.
February 12, 2018
It's so easy to get drawn into the Piper family. I love being surprised in a story and Juliet Ashton's writing certainly did that.
Review coming soon.
Review coming soon.
February 16, 2019
Something about this book just didn't do it for me - it jumped around a lot and the characters were so unrealistic that they became quite annoying. Also the political correctness of it all set my teeth on edge! However it was a sweet book that I was quite happy to lose myself in at the end of an exhausting day.
September 23, 2018
What I had expected: Heartwarming family support & a dark secret to be unveiled
What I had read: A massive load of soap opera done wrong.
Nothing about the traditional Sunday Lunch left an impression on me. All I can remember are the whiney people in this book. Practically everyone in the Pipers has a secret. Everyone is worrying about something.
There are just too many characters in the book and the author tried to cramp 6 family members issue into one book and these issues are in no way related to one another. Imagine reading a book with 6 stories weaved in between each chapter and not in different parts of the book. That was how I felt.
The book is awfully slow and draggy. For the first 60% of the book, all you will be reading are the continuous whining from the Pipers and the whines just kept repeating in every chapter. The story only picked up in the last 30% of the book. And the reason for me not giving this book a 1 star rating is because the last few chapters redeemed it.
Out of all the supposedly problem/secrets above, the only redeeming one was about Josh who faced his true self and how the family came to accept him for who he is.
Honestly I will not recommend this book to anyone.
What I had read: A massive load of soap opera done wrong.
Nothing about the traditional Sunday Lunch left an impression on me. All I can remember are the whiney people in this book. Practically everyone in the Pipers has a secret. Everyone is worrying about something.
There are just too many characters in the book and the author tried to cramp 6 family members issue into one book and these issues are in no way related to one another. Imagine reading a book with 6 stories weaved in between each chapter and not in different parts of the book. That was how I felt.
The book is awfully slow and draggy. For the first 60% of the book, all you will be reading are the continuous whining from the Pipers and the whines just kept repeating in every chapter. The story only picked up in the last 30% of the book. And the reason for me not giving this book a 1 star rating is because the last few chapters redeemed it.
Out of all the supposedly problem/secrets above, the only redeeming one was about Josh who faced his true self and how the family came to accept him for who he is.
Honestly I will not recommend this book to anyone.
January 11, 2018
I loved it - human, quirky and so British, The Sunday Lunch Club is a joy from start to finish. The relationships within the family will ring so true. And the twists kept me guessing. A beautiful book.
August 1, 2019
I started reading this book thinking it would be a nice, cosy read for the summer months.. Little did I know that I would get so attached to a book about an extended family, The Pipers, who visit each others house every other Sunday for lunch.
The "fly on the wall" view which the reader has of the family lunches made me feel as though I am actually part of the family, and part of everything that happens within it. Juliet Ashton explains the characters so uniquely well, it felt as though I knew then personally.
The book has its fair share of drama and interesting twists (I guessed one of them, but funnily enough it didn't bother me or take away any of the love I have for this book!). My favourite character was definitely Anna. I just loved how courageous she was after everything she'd been through.
Overall it was a fantastic book.. Sometimes we pick up a book with no specific thought process, not knowing what to expect, and it ending up being one of our favourites.. The Sunday Lunch Club is one of them.
The "fly on the wall" view which the reader has of the family lunches made me feel as though I am actually part of the family, and part of everything that happens within it. Juliet Ashton explains the characters so uniquely well, it felt as though I knew then personally.
The book has its fair share of drama and interesting twists (I guessed one of them, but funnily enough it didn't bother me or take away any of the love I have for this book!). My favourite character was definitely Anna. I just loved how courageous she was after everything she'd been through.
Overall it was a fantastic book.. Sometimes we pick up a book with no specific thought process, not knowing what to expect, and it ending up being one of our favourites.. The Sunday Lunch Club is one of them.
May 25, 2021
I enjoyed this light hearted mix bag family centred book. A couple of "twists" that were spotted early on but worked well within the story. This story was mainly about Anne but it was clear from the start each family member had their own cross to hear and journey of self discovery to make - I would have liked more from Josh/Thea's story. I found that it was mentioned as an after thought - it seemed washed over - I felt that it could have been done with more depth.
That said I enjoyed the way the story progressed and the will they/won't they vibe.
Would definitely recommend to others
That said I enjoyed the way the story progressed and the will they/won't they vibe.
Would definitely recommend to others
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2025
2025 reread. Still loved it! And still want my own Sunday Lunch Club
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What a delightfully dysfunctional family and what a heartwarming book. I love how all the lives of the members of the Sunday Lunch Club came together from beginning to end and how they had added even more people to the table at the end of the book. And now I want to create my own Sunday Lunch Club because it sounds delightful
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What a delightfully dysfunctional family and what a heartwarming book. I love how all the lives of the members of the Sunday Lunch Club came together from beginning to end and how they had added even more people to the table at the end of the book. And now I want to create my own Sunday Lunch Club because it sounds delightful
August 16, 2019
There is something about this book that I found really, really delightful. It might be because it was different than what I've been reading (my last book was "The Nickel Boys" so there's that), or maybe it was just the right book for me at the right time. Whatever it was, I totally enjoyed it and I loved how she used the lens of the Sunday lunches to tell the story.
January 20, 2020
Wow. One of the best books! I really want to read more of Ashton’s writing. This was so much more than I expected. I laughed out loud. I cried. I rolled my eyes. I nodded my head. I shook my head. All the feels! Definitely recommend!
November 24, 2018
Predictable with terrible over the top writing
December 21, 2018
No idea if the rest of this is any good but I just couldn't get past "a Sunday roast is like a comfort blanket made of meat" on page 5. Had to stop there.
April 25, 2018
I so enjoyed this entertaining, heartwarming and uplifting book. The idea of a Sunday Lunch Club is a fantastic one that I’d love to put into practice in the future as it’s a great way of keeping a family together and to make some memories that could last a lifetime.
The fly on the wall view the reader has of the family lunches ensures that the reader feels connected to the family and involved in all that happens. It made me feel that I knew all the characters personally and I therefore cared more about them.
There is plenty of action throughout the book that kept me intrigued and turning the pages to find out how everything resolves. The author uses great skill in interweaving dramatic and sad events with funny and sweet moments that were lovely to read about. This made the book seem more real as if this could happen to anyone.
My favourite character was Anna. I admired her courage and how she faced her fears and got on with it when it would have been very easy for her to crumble. Her love for her family was almost palpable and it was lovely to read about how much she obviously cared for her family.
This is Juliet’s third novel and I can’t wait to read more from her. I so enjoyed reading about this family and spending time in their company that I was sad to finish the book.
Huge thanks to Simon & Schuster for my copy of this book via netgalley. I will be recommending this beautiful book to everyone!
The fly on the wall view the reader has of the family lunches ensures that the reader feels connected to the family and involved in all that happens. It made me feel that I knew all the characters personally and I therefore cared more about them.
There is plenty of action throughout the book that kept me intrigued and turning the pages to find out how everything resolves. The author uses great skill in interweaving dramatic and sad events with funny and sweet moments that were lovely to read about. This made the book seem more real as if this could happen to anyone.
My favourite character was Anna. I admired her courage and how she faced her fears and got on with it when it would have been very easy for her to crumble. Her love for her family was almost palpable and it was lovely to read about how much she obviously cared for her family.
This is Juliet’s third novel and I can’t wait to read more from her. I so enjoyed reading about this family and spending time in their company that I was sad to finish the book.
Huge thanks to Simon & Schuster for my copy of this book via netgalley. I will be recommending this beautiful book to everyone!
May 10, 2019
This is a great feel good book about family, relationships, and best of all food .
This is book is about the Piper family and their drama, and its fabulous drama. I am here for all it!
Almost every relationship dynamic is covered in this book and I love it.
My most favorite parts of the book are
Brits
Gay Dads
Transgender
Straight
Adoptions
Interracial Relationships
Parental acceptance of all
Grandmom Love (isn't it the best)
There were lots ups and downs. Lots of feels, like so many. Emotions all over the place. I really felt a genuine connection with all of the characters.
My only reason for the 4 instead of 5 ( even though this is going on my favorites shelf) is because of the ending
SPPPPPOOILLLEEERRR BELOW
Everything turns out great with a few exceptions. I needed a dramatic ending!!!
This is book is about the Piper family and their drama, and its fabulous drama. I am here for all it!
Almost every relationship dynamic is covered in this book and I love it.
My most favorite parts of the book are
Brits
Gay Dads
Transgender
Straight
Adoptions
Interracial Relationships
Parental acceptance of all
Grandmom Love (isn't it the best)
There were lots ups and downs. Lots of feels, like so many. Emotions all over the place. I really felt a genuine connection with all of the characters.
My only reason for the 4 instead of 5 ( even though this is going on my favorites shelf) is because of the ending
SPPPPPOOILLLEEERRR BELOW
Everything turns out great with a few exceptions. I needed a dramatic ending!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2023
**SPOILERS** The Sunday Lunch Club tells the story of an unconventional family unit all with differing stories. From an ex husband who continues to attend the family lunches to a brother transitioning. The story revolves around the protagonist, Anna, who gives off Bridget Jones vibes. Anna has got pregnant at 40 by a one-trip-to-the-utility stand. Her secrets and the lives of her siblings around her all come to light in this pleasant, if fairly predictable story. A lighthearted read with some funny moments with Grandma Dinkie!! A lot of diverse issues within the family unit are explored throughout the novel but not always to the fullest extent. Overall a *** read for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2018
I love books about families and their interactions, considering I just had one that I DNF, I’m happy to say this one was a success with me.
The Piper family meet nearly every Sunday at various houses for a family lunch. What I loved was the acceptance of everyone and their circumstances and the inclusion of new partners and especially ex’s. Told mainly in chapters at the Sunday lunches we are privy to the life ups and downs of everyone. Told also mainly from Anna’s point of view, she has just found out that she has an unplanned pregnancy.
Just a really lovely read, with a number of threads running through.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC to read.
The Piper family meet nearly every Sunday at various houses for a family lunch. What I loved was the acceptance of everyone and their circumstances and the inclusion of new partners and especially ex’s. Told mainly in chapters at the Sunday lunches we are privy to the life ups and downs of everyone. Told also mainly from Anna’s point of view, she has just found out that she has an unplanned pregnancy.
Just a really lovely read, with a number of threads running through.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC to read.
April 22, 2019
Really enjoyed this story of a family and all their trials and tribulations told during their Sunday lunches together. I would just have liked to have known more about the second year that was touched upon at the end.
January 13, 2024
more like 2.75
it was alright, i didn’t go into it with many expectations so i wasn’t disappointed. still think that it was a bit too stale.
it has lots of representation, which i like, but it felt like it was only ticking boxes…in a way.
it was alright, i didn’t go into it with many expectations so i wasn’t disappointed. still think that it was a bit too stale.
it has lots of representation, which i like, but it felt like it was only ticking boxes…in a way.
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