What do you think?
Rate this book
Running into Trouble
For fans of Bella Mackie, Laura Jane Williams and Sophie Ranald.
With little over twelve weeks until race day, three women are trying their hardest to focus on their ultimate goal – to run 26.2 miles.
For Hannah, it seems near impossible, her first attempt leaving her pained, sweaty and full of regret. But intent on winning back her husband, Hannah is determined to at least try.
Malika signed up to the race after finding a running medal of her friend Abbie’s, who died only a few weeks before. She once promised Abbie she would run a race with her, and she plans to keep that promise.
When an accident with an unruly dog brings Hannah and Malika together, they soon realise they’re training for the same race, and experienced runner Cassie offers to help them out. But running becomes the last thing on their minds when life gets in the way…
A funny, uplifting and surprising novel about female friendship, motherhood, love and loss, and getting through a whole marathon.
With little over twelve weeks until race day, three women are trying their hardest to focus on their ultimate goal – to run 26.2 miles.
For Hannah, it seems near impossible, her first attempt leaving her pained, sweaty and full of regret. But intent on winning back her husband, Hannah is determined to at least try.
Malika signed up to the race after finding a running medal of her friend Abbie’s, who died only a few weeks before. She once promised Abbie she would run a race with her, and she plans to keep that promise.
When an accident with an unruly dog brings Hannah and Malika together, they soon realise they’re training for the same race, and experienced runner Cassie offers to help them out. But running becomes the last thing on their minds when life gets in the way…
A funny, uplifting and surprising novel about female friendship, motherhood, love and loss, and getting through a whole marathon.
- GenresChick LitContemporary
352 pages, Paperback
Published August 10, 2021
8 people are currently reading
104 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 15, 2021
What a journey these three ladies go through in this story, as they attempt to train to run a marathon.
I mean it's exhausting just thinking about the concept of running 26.2 miles is tiring to someone like me, not to mention daunting, as it also is to Hannah and Malika. Except unlike me these ladies have signed up to run a marathon with only 3 months to train.
Hannah signed up while drunk, upset that her husband has left her for a younger sportier model, while Malika is mourning the death of her friend Abbie, and is regretting saying that she would run with Abbie one day, only that day never came, so she is running in her honour.
They both meet each other in the park, and along with Cassie who is a more experienced runner, they end up forming a small club to help motivate each other with the training.
What I loved wasn't just the training but the bits thrown in to help tone other parts of the body, or to have fun, so there is a memorable belly dancing class, and the run with the all the mud is definitely amusing and memorable!
Then there is the emotional journeys all three characters go on throughout the book, where we see great character development,
This was just a book I really enjoyed reading, from an author that I will definitely look out for again in the future,
Thank you to Trapeze and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
March 27, 2020
As a runner myself, who has completed several marathons (albeit not particularly quickly!), a fictional account of three women undertaking their first marathon sounded right up my street. (No pun intended.)
Hannah, struggling to regain some self confidence after being ditched by her husband for a younger, fitter model, signs up on a drunken impulse. (We’ve all been there.) Malika is determined to honour the memory of her deceased friend and raise money and awareness.And Cassie, the only experienced runner of the three, takes the other two under her wing... accidentally starting their own running club in the process. Meanwhile all three women have other challenges to face at work and at home.
To set out - as a non-runner - to run a marathon in just twelve weeks is a huge ask, so it was good to see that Elle Spellman didn’t misrepresent the commitment and hard work needed. Personally I’d have liked to have seen a bit more of the training, but that’s just me!
It was a light, fun, enjoyable read which touched on issues which affect many of us.
Hannah, struggling to regain some self confidence after being ditched by her husband for a younger, fitter model, signs up on a drunken impulse. (We’ve all been there.) Malika is determined to honour the memory of her deceased friend and raise money and awareness.And Cassie, the only experienced runner of the three, takes the other two under her wing... accidentally starting their own running club in the process. Meanwhile all three women have other challenges to face at work and at home.
To set out - as a non-runner - to run a marathon in just twelve weeks is a huge ask, so it was good to see that Elle Spellman didn’t misrepresent the commitment and hard work needed. Personally I’d have liked to have seen a bit more of the training, but that’s just me!
It was a light, fun, enjoyable read which touched on issues which affect many of us.
April 23, 2022
I COMPLETELY understand this "runners high"! Will I be signing up for a marathon? absolutely not! Did I find Hannah annoying? Most definitely! But we love the friendship storyline!!
April 1, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Another 5-star. If I'd be a book, this would be me. 📕🐛🏃♀️
I love this so much! As a runner, I can relate to this. Takes me back to when I was training for my first half marathon. I get the runner's (reader's) high vicariously. 🤭 And I'm swooning over Hannah and Steve. 💗
Feel-good, uplifting, and fun.
Another 5-star. If I'd be a book, this would be me. 📕🐛🏃♀️
I love this so much! As a runner, I can relate to this. Takes me back to when I was training for my first half marathon. I get the runner's (reader's) high vicariously. 🤭 And I'm swooning over Hannah and Steve. 💗
Feel-good, uplifting, and fun.
April 6, 2020
I read the synopsis for 'Running Into Trouble' and it certainly sounded like the kind of read I needed at that moment in time. For various reasons, which I won't bore you with, I was in desperate need of a distraction. 'Running Into Trouble' was certainly a distraction and then some. I absolutely LOVED 'Running Into Trouble' but more about that in a bit.
I felt drawn to the two of the main characters called Hannah and Malika and I warmed to them instantly. Both women have hit bumps in the road in their lives. In Hannah's case, her husband left her and in Malika's case, one of her best friends and colleagues was sadly killed in a Road Traffic Collison. So both ladies are grieving for the loss of their old lives but both come to the realisation that something needs to change, although it has to be said that neither lady has an abundance of self confidence. Both women sign up to run in a marathon, even though neither lady is particularly sporty. Both ladies are brought together in an incident involving a naughty hound. I was so pleased that both ladies found each other and I kept everything crossed that they would support each other and help each other to move on in their lives. What happens? Well for the answer to that question and so much more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
It didn't take me long to immerse myself into this story. In fact by the time I got to the end of the first few pages, I just knew that this was going to turn out to be one hell of a read that I would find on nigh on impossible to put down. I think that because I warmed to Hannah and Malika so well, I just needed to know what fate had in store for them and I had to know if they were going to get the happy ever after ending that they both deserved. The pages turned over at a furious rate as I seemed to charge through the story. Then all too quickly I had to say 'goodbye' to Malika and Hannah. I enjoyed the book so much that I just didn't want it to end.
'Running Into Trouble' is extremely well written. Elle has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. Reading this book felt more like I was having a gossip with friends rather than reading a book. I hope that makes sense. Elle Spellman knows how to grab your attention from the start and she draws you into the story. In some ways a lot of women (and some men) will be able to relate to Hannah and Malika, who have had the rug pulled out from under them. Hannah and Malika are extremely likeable and they seem just as realistic as you and I, which is down to Elle's very realistic and vivid descriptions of them. I also felt as though I was part of the story myself.
In short, 'Running Into Trouble' was an amazing read and I enjoyed every single minute of it. Elle Spellman is a new author for me, but I will definitely be reading more of her work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
I felt drawn to the two of the main characters called Hannah and Malika and I warmed to them instantly. Both women have hit bumps in the road in their lives. In Hannah's case, her husband left her and in Malika's case, one of her best friends and colleagues was sadly killed in a Road Traffic Collison. So both ladies are grieving for the loss of their old lives but both come to the realisation that something needs to change, although it has to be said that neither lady has an abundance of self confidence. Both women sign up to run in a marathon, even though neither lady is particularly sporty. Both ladies are brought together in an incident involving a naughty hound. I was so pleased that both ladies found each other and I kept everything crossed that they would support each other and help each other to move on in their lives. What happens? Well for the answer to that question and so much more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
It didn't take me long to immerse myself into this story. In fact by the time I got to the end of the first few pages, I just knew that this was going to turn out to be one hell of a read that I would find on nigh on impossible to put down. I think that because I warmed to Hannah and Malika so well, I just needed to know what fate had in store for them and I had to know if they were going to get the happy ever after ending that they both deserved. The pages turned over at a furious rate as I seemed to charge through the story. Then all too quickly I had to say 'goodbye' to Malika and Hannah. I enjoyed the book so much that I just didn't want it to end.
'Running Into Trouble' is extremely well written. Elle has one of those writing styles that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. Reading this book felt more like I was having a gossip with friends rather than reading a book. I hope that makes sense. Elle Spellman knows how to grab your attention from the start and she draws you into the story. In some ways a lot of women (and some men) will be able to relate to Hannah and Malika, who have had the rug pulled out from under them. Hannah and Malika are extremely likeable and they seem just as realistic as you and I, which is down to Elle's very realistic and vivid descriptions of them. I also felt as though I was part of the story myself.
In short, 'Running Into Trouble' was an amazing read and I enjoyed every single minute of it. Elle Spellman is a new author for me, but I will definitely be reading more of her work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
January 31, 2021
A book about running a marathon, check. A circle of female friends, check. This has everything I love and I did love it. I felt so connected and invested in all the characters. I can't wait to read more from Elle Spellman!
March 27, 2020
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5/5
Three women, three different reasonings, one running club. Follow Hannah, Malika and Cassie on their journey to run a marathon whilst also battling day to day struggles, over bearing in-laws and grief.
This book took me on a journey, reading about self hate to learning to love and live again. It put me on a rollercoaster of emotion from grinning like the Cheshire Cat to having tears flowing from my eyes. The contrast of the three main characters was quite large but I love how their friendship worked so well anyway. I've always hated running and never wanted to run but reading Hannah, Malika's and Cassie's running journey has started a fire in me wanting to be able to run, to feel free just like those three inspiring characters!
Thank you to NetGalley, the Elle's publicist and Elle herself for giving me the opportunity to read this digital copy before the release!
Three women, three different reasonings, one running club. Follow Hannah, Malika and Cassie on their journey to run a marathon whilst also battling day to day struggles, over bearing in-laws and grief.
This book took me on a journey, reading about self hate to learning to love and live again. It put me on a rollercoaster of emotion from grinning like the Cheshire Cat to having tears flowing from my eyes. The contrast of the three main characters was quite large but I love how their friendship worked so well anyway. I've always hated running and never wanted to run but reading Hannah, Malika's and Cassie's running journey has started a fire in me wanting to be able to run, to feel free just like those three inspiring characters!
Thank you to NetGalley, the Elle's publicist and Elle herself for giving me the opportunity to read this digital copy before the release!
September 8, 2020
Really liked the story and all of the characters except Hannah who I hated with a burning passion, firstly she kept bringing up her own fertility/childless issues (at least 3 times) to poor Cass who wished to remain child-free calling her selfish and encouraging her to change her mind.
Secondly trying to win back her cheating douchebag ex all the while putting down his new beau was almost painful to read. The ending was spot on though and a resolution for everything was given.
Secondly trying to win back her cheating douchebag ex all the while putting down his new beau was almost painful to read. The ending was spot on though and a resolution for everything was given.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2020
4.5☆ - I think it takes a great talent to weave a tale of female friendship, love, loss and grief so effortlessly. I connected with our characters, shared their joy, confusion, sadness, and joined them to battle their demons. It's fast paced, entertaining yet thought provoking. And it takes place in Bristol!
March 26, 2020
Running Into Trouble is a fab story about female solidarity, friendship, love and of course running a marathon. I loved all the characters, found them both likeable and identifiable and felt the plot flowed with ease. A great read that many will enjoy.
Thank you to NetGalley, Orion Publishing Group and the author for the chance to review.
Thank you to NetGalley, Orion Publishing Group and the author for the chance to review.
March 31, 2020
A sincere thank you to the publisher, author and Netgalley for providing me an ebook copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. This is not my usual genre, I’m more of a crime/thriller reader therefore am extremely pleased and grateful for opening up my mind to something totally different. 4 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
August 25, 2024
Very easy to read. It is a light read to spend a weekend with. I really liked the friendship the girls formed out of running a Marathon! I like each girl had their story line in the book however I felt I wanted to know more, specially after the marathon. Wonder what is going to happen with Hannah and Steve, if Dan ditched Sophia or not…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Hannah was my favorite character! I loved how each of them found their “why” behind running a marathon! Despite of their personal struggles, they persevered! Highly recommend this book!
April 17, 2023
Running Into Trouble is a fab story about female solidarity, friendship, love and of course running a marathon. I loved all the characters, found them both likeable and identifiable and felt the plot flowed with ease. A great read that many will enjoy.
April 19, 2025
I loved this, the female friendship and the highs and lows of it was portrayed so well. Hannah, Malika and Cassie all need a hug after such an intense running plan, will they finish the race? Recommend to everyone.
trigger warning fertility/pregnancy
trigger warning fertility/pregnancy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2024
This is a light reading - a perfect one to accompany my travel. I do wonder if running could change someone that deeply.
September 10, 2025
This was a nice and easy read, got me feeling inspired for my runs again but omg Hannah’s character is so irritating! Definitely detracted from enjoying the story more…
April 17, 2020
Running into Trouble by Elle Spellman is a highly entertaining read. As a relatively new runner, I was very excited to be invited to review this one as I knew I would be able to identify with some of the characters.
Spellman has three female leads, Hannah, Malika and Cassie, they all have their own sub-plots but training for a marathon brings them together and strong bonds are formed. All three women are running for a reason, grief, heartbreak, frustration and they do all they can to spur each other on.
I think Hannah was probably my favourite character and I felt that most of the humour came from her escapades. I could totally understand the fear she describes when stepping outside the front door to run for the first time. Just like Hannah, I felt that people would laugh at me and that I would look ridiculous. But very quickly, Hannah realises the benefits of running and how it changes how she feels physically and mentally.
Running into Trouble is a book about hope and positivity, it’s about not putting off things you have thought about doing. It’s also about friendship and how we can lift each other up in order to face challenges together.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews