When Life Gives You Lemons

by Fiona Gibson

Sometimes life can be bittersweet . . .

Between tending to the whims of her seven-year-old and the demands of her boss, Viv barely gets a moment to herself. It’s not quite the life she wanted, but she hasn’t run screaming for the hills yet.

But then Viv’s husband Andy makes his mid-life crisis her problem. He’s having an affair with his (infuriatingly age-appropriate) colleague, a woman who – unlike Viv – doesn’t put on weight when she so much as glances at a cream cake.

Viv suddenly finds herself single, with zero desire to mingle. Should she be mourning the end of life as she knows it, or could this be the perfect chance to put herself first?

Genres: Chick Lit, Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Audiobook, Humor, Book Club

400 pages, Paperback

First published March 5, 2020

About the author

Fiona is an author and journalist who has written for many UK publications including The Observer, The Guardian, Marie Claire, Red, New Woman, Top Sante and Elle. She writes a monthly column for Sainsbury’s magazine and is a Contributing Editor at Red magazine.

Fiona lives in Scotland with her husband, their twin sons and daughter. She likes to draw, run 10k races, play her saxophone and lie in the bath with a big glass of wine, although not all at once.

Reviews

[Stace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com

Middle-aged Viv is going through the menopause. Her husband Andy has been less than helpful even though he’s a doctor. He complains about her night sweats and doesn’t want to discuss her symptoms with her.

Viv thinks that it is just because of the menopause he is being unhelpful but when she uses an app on his phone to look at the night sky and messages start coming through from a younger, slimmer colleague she realises that he’s actually been having an affair.

After initially giving the relationship another chance it breaks down again. Viv is determined not to wallow in self-pity though. She is going to make the most of her life because when life gives you lemons, just add gin and tonic!

With so many books focusing on younger women and their relationships or finding themselves within their twenties it is nice to read a book featuring an older woman and to include something that all women will go through at some point in their life, the dreaded menopause.

The book isn’t a soppy or heart-breaker it is a positive uplifting novel about a woman who has been through a marriage break-up but isn’t going to let herself be down about it she is going to turn it into a positive thing.

The book has plenty of one-liners and laugh-out-loud moments that will have you giggling. The cast of characters is a delight to read about too. At a time when people need a pick-me-up, this book does exactly that.

[Dash fan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4☆ A Very Entertaining, Witty, Light Hearted Read!

Viv is finding everything a lil overwhelming, she's a mum going through menopause and feeling unsupported and unattractive by hubby Andy.

The menopause is giving her an insatiable sex drive... if only Andy would reciprocate.... instead he has a bad back or just too tired.... really?!
Or could it just be that he is having a rampant affair with his younger work colleague?

I'll let you read it and find out for yourself! 🤔

The title of this book is perfect!.....When Life Gives You Lemons....and Viv certainly had a few sour ones thrown her way!
But did she give up?... nope!
I really liked Viv she was strong, very relatable, likeable and a great Mum to seven year old Izzy!

When Life Gives You Lemons is a humorous, witty, womens fiction, with plenty of drama, a dash of Romance, a relatable plot and a fantastic set of characters.
I certainly could relate to the night sweats and painic LOL!
It's a Light Hearted, Entertaining, Fun, Easy flowing Read, perfect for a lil bit of Escapism, that will leave you Giggling!

Thank you to Avon Books for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.



My Review is also on my Blog Website :-

https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2020/0...

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

To tell the truth, I was a little daunted when I discovered that the protagonist is a fifty-something woman in the throes of menopause. I mean, how could I relate to that? Answer: with difficulty. But that didn’t stop me from really enjoying this gem of a read from Gibson.

Oh, did Viv make me laugh. Gibson expertly creates a very entertaining monologue and hearing Viv’s inner thoughts on everything around her. Viv’s one-liners are hilarious and they had me chuckling. I actually wanted more comedy from this character but I could see why Gibson reined it in. This story was more about a woman’s growth and establishing her true identity after being stuck in a marriage that lost its spark a long time ago.

The supporting cast of characters are all very colourful. This helps lighten the atmosphere of what could potentially be seen as a rather bleak narrative: menopausal woman who is dissatisfied with her job, and her husband has had an affair. Instead, Viv’s friends provide a range of diversions and help bring out Viv’s true personality. Rose’s interpretation of providing Viv with a new title at work was comical and patronising at the same time; Penny is inspirational; and Nick seemed to be the fresh air that Viv needs. All in all, I think the story would have taken a very different turn if these supporting characters had not been so vivid.

This was a well-written story and I enjoyed how the narrative progressed to a natural finish. There was a key event, which I find typical in similar “growth” stories. It was pleasing to see this “deadline” drive the narrative forwards; as such, it did not make the story feel stagnant. Indeed, within chapters there are time periods and it helped to see the passage of time with regards to Viv’s reinvention.

Once again I have had the pleasure of discovering a new author. Consequence? The rest of Gibson’s back catalogue on my reading list! This was a lovely read and one that I completely enjoyed. I think Viv is a woman who many readers out there can relate to, whatever the age, given her humour and gradual approach to life. I loved the vivacity of the protagonist and it felt like I was watching a friend over the course of a year.

With thanks to Netgalley and Avon books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jannelies (living between hope and fear) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do not often read a Fiona Gibson book, but when I do I always want to read more of her. The best part of this one is the characterization. Viv looks like someone I could be friends with, while her husband is not so much creepy as plain stupid. Stupid to leave Viv and throw away the best thing in life he had. I also liked Rose, Viv's boss, because she is hard working and deep down a very nice woman - although she is good in hiding it. And Izzy! An adorable seven-year old if there ever was one.
The story is not very unique or complicated so I just let myself go with the flow of the book and before I knew it it was finished. I was left with a pleasant feeling and in a way, some new insights.

Thanks to Netgalley for this review copy.

[Antonella · Rating 4 out of 5]

When life gives you lemons, make sure to have friends who will bring you gin or vodka...whatever works!

This was my first read by this author. Even though I have heard about her woman fiction books before.
When Life Gives You Lemons is a story about 52-year-old Viv and her life before and after divorce. We learn what she goes through and with what she struggles daily, what happened that led to the break-up, how she is handling it and her children. The book is told through her perspective but we have a plethora of side characters that make up the whole book more colorful.
It is a really well-written book. I enjoyed it. The break-up and changes in life are universal and relatable subjects. Even though Via and I are miles away with life experiences, I still understand and feel for what she is going through. Maybe I was expecting a little bit lighter story, especially considering the cover.

Thanks to the publisher and to the NetGalley for the copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Laura ☾ · Rating 2 out of 5]

*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review *

Viv is menopausal, with a son in his 20s, and a daughter who is 7. When she finds out husband is cheating on her, her life is turned upside down.

To be honest this wasn’t really that gripping to me. Most of the action seemed quite trivial, and especially the parts about her work life seemed rather dull. Maybe I’m just not the right target group for this, but I didn’t really enjoy it at all.

[eyes.2c · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a treat!

At first I thought this would be another hackneyed husband leaves wife, hard times ensue, wife makes recovery, The End, type of read. Ho hum ...
But No! This was so much more--witty, real, and enormously enjoyable!
Beginning with 'The Before,' where a menopausal Viv bemoaning the little extras this gift adds to life whilst husband Andy is being as helpful as an ostrich with its head in the sand, the scene is set for a whirlwind read. It doesn't take any keen insight to know the story for Viv was sashaying downhill. When she discovers that husband Andy has been having an affair, the downhill turns into a descent of avalanche type proportions.
And so begins Viv's road to recovery. Sure it's an uphill struggle but it's littered with dabs of absolute hilarity, dashes of kindness and occasional doses of drunken reflection.
Things at work (and work is whole other example of Viv's stoicism), seem to have reached a rather lowering plateau. Viv takes on a rather exciting challenge, approaching the local natural history museum with the idea of an exhibition centred around a local fashion icon of the seventies, Viv's older, outrageous friend Penny --The Friday Girl.
Now all Viv has to do is to encourage her friend Penny, who was the brand's owner/designer to give the show the go ahead. Did I mention the help she receives from Penny's son Nick?
A riot of a story, showcasing a woman in her fifties and her community of support, an ordinary mom who eventually fights back and makes lemonade!
Bravo!

An Avon Books ARC via NetGalley

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book liking the cover and title. When life gives you lemons just add gin and tonic. A great slogan for life. As for the story it started a little slow for me but just kept getting better and better. I liked the main character Viv and how she started tol ook for the positives in life including G and T. Her kids and supporting characters all added to the depth of the story. The writing style was enjoyable and I will be reading more of Fiona Gibson's books.

[Vivien Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very true to life look at the sudden breakdown of a marriage and how to pick yourself up again. With kids, a job, friends, and a project to throw herself into, not to mention the arrival of a very handsome man, Viv takes those lemons life has thrown at her and squeezes the life out of them. She's pretty good with eggs too! I was rooting for her from start to finish. Loved it.

[Melanie’s reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a woman of a certain age this book had me chuckling away at some of the utterly relatable incidents regarding middle age and menopause. Fiona Gibson has not only managed to portray how women start to become invisible and taken for granted but she has done it with a terrific sense of style and humour.

I really felt for Viv right from the start and she is like so many women that try to do everything and please everybody that she rarely thinks of herself. Then she discovers her husband (utter knob) has been having an affair and suddenly her life is very different.

While adultery and the menopause can be quite difficult subjects to approach. The author’s lighthearted touch and witty one liners made for comedy gold. Dry and sarcastic humour are me to a tee so I loved the authors writing style.

The characters, especially Penny, are mostly warm and wonderful and it was a pleasure having them in my life. Would love to know if they are based on real life people.

This book is funny, charming and in a sea of books with 20 somethings it was great to see a 50 year old woman learning to swim for a change. After all there’s life in the old dog yet!

[Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally! A story with a fifty something year old woman MC who was likeable and down-to-earth and I could absolutely identify with as she adapted to a life she wasn’t expecting to live while navigating menopause. I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent with Viv in this delightful women’s fiction.

After discovering her husband of 29 years is having an affair with a colleague, Viv’s world is completely upended. Although he compares her to an amphibian, complains about her menopausal symptoms and barely acknowledges her these days, she had always imagined them growing old together. Now, she is newly single, with a seven year old daughter to care for, a grown son who barely calls home and a boss who seems to under appreciate her talents in a job she doesn’t really like. What’s a girl to do when live gives you lemons???

There were some laugh out loud moments for me in this one. Definitely a heartwarming story. I don’t think I will ever be able to eat an omelette with a straight face again! Perfect summer read!

A gracious thank you to Harper Collins and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this sweet book, it made me laugh a lot unfortunately I sympathise with the main character in this book having been through the “night sweats” but not to the same degrees has she did. This book was light-hearted which was just what I needed at this particular time with all the gloom about in the world at the moment. I’m definitely going to look for more books by this author.

[Fabulous Book Fiend · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh I so enjoyed this book. I don't often relate so well to characters with a big age difference to me but in this case I feel fro Viv hook line and sinker, I was on her side and rooting fro her right from the word go. I love that Fiona Gibson has written a book about a menopausal woman and shown what life is like just going through all those hormonal changes warts and all. I value the honesty and rawness of the writing and the humour of the situations that she managed to uncover.



Yes Viv is a great character because she has come to a stage in life when she knows what she wants and she is fed up with having to wait for it. She doesn't take things too seriously and realises that she doesn't know it all but she really is fed up with her husband and rightly so and that is where I found her so relatable. I was with her in the middle of the night when the person next to her is just being so annoying and even though I listened to this book on audio, I laughed out loud a number of times, something i normally reserve for books I am holding in my hand.



The other characters in this book are definitively all secondary characters Viv is the star here but they are all fully developed and have lives of their own and I loved their interactions with Viv and the way they moved the story forward and posed interesting problems for Viv to have to deal with. Some of the things that she does face in this book are very true to life and very relatable and as I've already mentioned Fiona Gibson is making headway in uncovering some fo the issues that face women of Viv's age in this lifetime and yet doing so with that wonderful Scottish sense of humour. I appreciated the west of Scotland setting here too.



I did literally laugh my way through this book and I so enjoyed the time I spent with Viv and her life troubles. I really recommend this one and I can safely say that this is another hit for Fiona Gibson-bravo!

[Best Crime Books & More · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel a little bit conflicted writing this review. I really like Fiona Gibson books and she has a very easy quality about her writing but in all honesty this wasn't one of my favourites of hers.

Viv is our lead character and is of a 'certain age' shall we say. There were numerous mentions of menopausal symptoms which at times were funny but at others a little too much. Her husband is an absolute idiot and she ends up newly single while her husband moves in with his new girlfriend.

I didn't particularly warm to any of the characters and although the storyline was perfectly readable it just all felt a little contrived. I finished the book and there were certainly moments I found the book amusing, but overall it just wasn't memorable enough and I ended up feeling a little disappointed

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore Fiona's work and I have read every book that she has released to date. When I heard that Fiona was due to release another book called 'When Life Gives You Lemons', I read the synopsis and I just knew that I had to grab a copy of the book as soon as possible. It sounded just like the funny and light hearted read that I so desperately needed. I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'When Life Gives You Lemons' but more about that in a bit.
I took to the character of Viv from the first time I met her and by the time I got to the third of the way through the book I had begun to think of her as a friend. She's the sort of woman I could imagine having a good bitching session with over a few glasses of wine or a few glasses of gin. Viv is a lovely lady, who at the start of the book is married to a man called Andy and they have two children together. Their youngest child came as something of a surprise and Viv didn't expect to be the mother of a young child a the same time as going through the menopause. Viv is sent a curveball in the form of her husband admitting that he has been having an affair. Initially Viv becomes obsessed with the other woman but eventually Viv decides to make a go of their marriage. Andy has other ideas though. It was at this point that I wanted to jump inside the pages of the book to chase after Andy with a pair of blunt and rusty scissors to remove a certain part of his anatomy. After a little period of time, Viv realises that she needs to get out there and create a new life along the way, whilst having fun and lots of laughter. Viv is aided and abetted by her slightly eccentric but totally lovely friend Penny.
Oh my word, 'When Life Gives You Lemons' was just the tonic I needed, at a time when I was feeling a bit low and in need of a feel good and fun read. In all honesty I haven't laughed as much during a book as I laughed whilst reading this book. On several occasions, I found myself randomly chuckling at something I had read, which attracted some funny looks from the other passengers on the bus I was travelling on at the time. I found it nigh on impossible to put this book down. The book wasn't exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have been because it travelled everywhere with me. The book had developed a hold over me and it was a hold that I just wasn't willing to break. The pages of the book turned increasingly quickly as my desperation to find out whether or not Viv managed to create a new and better life for herself, steadily grew and grew. I had everything crossed that Viv would find the happiness that she so deserved.
'When Life Gives You Lemons' is superbly written but then I think that to be true of all of Fiona's books. Fiona has a writing style that is easy to get used to and easy to get along with. The author certainly knows how to grab your attention from the start and draws you into the story. She creates kick ass, strong female lead characters and sends them on a journey of discovery. There's lots of drama, humour and lots of fun along the way. Reading 'When Life Gives You Lemons' felt more like a chat between friends rather than me reading a book. Fiona uses such vivid and realistic descriptions that I felt as though I was part of the story myself.
Reading 'When Life Gives You Lemons' was a pleasure and I enjoyed every single second of it. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to other readers. I will definitely be reading more of Fiona's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viv is a lovely realistic character, so easy to like. When she finds out her husband is having an affair, it forces her to look at her life. Heartbroken, struggling to cope with her understandable anger, her dissatisfaction with life, and the menopause, she turns to her friends. Gradually Viv finds the courage to rediscover, the woman she is, and the life she wants.

Full of authentic family life moments, humour, poignancy and an unexpected dash of romance, this book is an easy, engaging read that makes you alternatively, empathise, and laugh out loud. The characters are vibrant and realistic, and the situations relatable. The well-paced plot keeps you entertained and the ending is hopeful.

I received a copy of this book from Avon Books UK in return for an honest review.

[Lindsay Nevitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this author. Leading ladies over 40 who have so much love to give and discoveries to be made. Always fun and full of heart.

[Helena Wildsmith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed every minute of this sweet, uplifting, snort out loud book and will definitely be reading more by this author.

[Leanne Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely feel good and heart warming story, with the honesty of life's ups and downs and laugh out loud moments!

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

this would have been four stars if the ending wasn't so flat

[Zee Monodee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm always cringing when I go into this type of women's fiction/chick-lit books because the woman is usually a soggy mess who is borderline pathetic and someone I just want to shake and tell 'get it together, woman!' And when there are kids involved, I am even warier because these kids tend to be utter brats who'd get a piece of my mind if they were kids I actually knew.
What a relief that this was NOT the case here! Viv is relatable, a bit over-the-top with the 'my life is over' aspect, but that's forgivable. Izzy, the 7-year-old, is a tad precocious but thankfully quite a cute kid and I found myself wanting to ruffle her hair a few times as I was reading.
The pace, however, was super slow for me, and I found myself skimming pages and sometimes entire chapters just to see something happen. I know it's also not a romance, but the new love interest doesn't poke his nose in until almost halfway into this (long!) book.
It is a good read, a bit boring and trivial at parts, but it is a feel-good one and the voice was absolutely delightful for me

[B.R. Maycock · Rating 5 out of 5]

You all know of me and my love love relationship with Fiona Gibson’s reads right now, I don’t think I’ve ever not loved a book of hers, finding them all very true to everyday life while being bright, vivid, heartwarming and laugh out loud hilarious, while secretly hoping that some day someone will think that about my books too (yes, her and Sophie Kinsella are my two ‘they inspire me and someday hopefully I can come anywhere near them in terms of my books’ people).

But, I digress (pauses to ponder if I’ve ever not digressed with a Fiona Gibson review). So! I read this as part of The Hungry Readers Games 2020 challenge, popping it straight off Netgalley as a contender, whilst excitedly hopping from foot to foot. This is the story of Viv, who is being put through the grinder as she goes through the menopause, struggling with the fact that her husband isn’t really seeing her or there for her. He is for someone else and we soon realise he’s having an affair with a very Instagram friendly, perfect on all counts (in Viv’s eyes) doctor.

The huge thing in this book was the side characters and I love that as we found out about Viv’s life, we also came to meet her friends, who she didn’t realise were all warriors as she had first thought. The comedy was epic (look out for some eggs that are used to exact some brilliant revenge, yes, I’m petty, what can I say, and then lead us to other eggs that were used for different heart wrenching reasons, yes, this does sound weird but you have to read the book, okay?!)

Mom lit with a sparkle and packing a punch, this was a read I galloped through even though it was 400 pages. The beauty is in the everyday and it was definitely the escapism I needed.

Thanks so much to Avon and Netgalley for the book in return for an honest review.

Rating: 5/5

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read treating serious life-changing issues i.e. divorcing at middle-age after husband caught cheating while suffering from menopause, also stuck in a rut in a job she doesn't like but pays her bills, and still with a young 8 year old daughter (shared custody with the father) who keeps her going; but all narrated with a pleasant touch of humour, and with a nice conclusion to all her troubles. Gladly she does not go back to married life with her ex-husband, even though he would be all for returning to his former family life.
To also read with some gin & tonic on the side ; ))

[Vikkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is absolutely hilarious and extremely uplifting.
I haven't been able to put this one down and adore the plot, the characters and the author.
This is such a cute little book and I have found myself laughing out loud on a number of occasions. This is a great read which you don't have to put any concentration into. As a reader, you can just sit and enjoy the story unfolding.
This is not my first read by this author, I definitely couldn't wait to get stuck into it though. The writer makes it easy to become lost in the story and this is definitely my favourite so far.
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Kira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for an advance readers copy in exchange for an honest review.

When Life Gives You Lemons was a nice, light-hearted, easy read following middle-age mum Viv, who finds out her husband has been having an affair and finds herself newly single and has a whole new outlook on life, she has her struggles but makes new friends and relationships along the way to finding herself a new life venture.

I really enjoyed reading this book, it was just a calming read and I got through it really quickly, I'd love to check out more of Fiona Gibson's books.

[Anitajt · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book started of well, then dwindled off but came back to life again. Viv reminded me of what a friend went through, the trials, tribulations and the effects of a husband leaving you. Well written and humorous in places and at times quite relatable.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A joyous, light-hearted and uproariously hilarious tale that will make laugh out loud almost on every page, When Life Gives You Lemons is the irresistible new romantic comedy from a virtuoso of the genre: Fiona Gibson.

Viv thinks that her relationship with her husband Andy is pretty rock-solid. Married for over two decades, the two of them have been together through thick and thin and although things might not exactly be going great guns in the bedroom department, Viv doesn’t think anything of it. After all, with his busy job as an endocrinologist leaving him flat out, Viv thinks Andy is probably tired or just not in the mood. Viv has no reason to think that there might be something her husband is keeping from her, but when she finds herself going through his phone, she is shocked to her very core when she discovers that Andy has been playing away. Worse, the woman Andy has been having an affair with is not a leggy twenty-something bimbo, but an accomplished and intelligent medical professional who is a star in her field who is the same age as Viv!

Shocked, distraught and absolutely incandescent with rage, Viv cannot believe that Andy would jeopardise their marriage this way by having an affair. When she discovers that Andy has been lying to her for months and months, Viv realises that there is nowhere else for them to go and that their marriage is over. Finding herself suddenly single after almost three decades was not something Viv had ever planned for. She had thought that she would be growing old with Andy, she never imagined that at this stage in her life she would be having to get to grips with the ever-changing landscape of twenty-first century dating. But does Viv even want to get back in the dating game? With next to no desire to mingle and no interest whatsoever in dipping a toe in the dating pool, what should she do? Should she take a leap of faith? Or should she use this unexpected turn of events to find herself and discover who she really is?

One thing is for certain, forget about lemonade, when life gives you lemons, it’s time to reach for the gin!

A wonderfully enjoyable and immensely funny read that I had great difficulty putting down, When Life Gives You Lemon is an absolute joy from start to finish. Fiona Gibson writes some of the sharpest and wittiest comedies around and she is absolutely outstanding with When Life Gives You Lemons. A fantastic page-turner about picking yourself up, dusting yourself off and starting again when all the odds are stacked against you, When Life Gives You Lemons features a heroine who is real, believable, funny, honest and so brilliant you can just imagine sitting down with her for a couple of gins while putting the world to rights.

Fun and feel-good fiction does not get any better than When Life Gives You Lemons, another top-notch winner from the fabulous Fiona Gibson.

[Agi · Rating 3 out of 5]

"When Life Gives You Lemons" introduces us to Viv, 52 years old, with two children, husband and stabile life. However, this life is about to change radically, when she discovers that her husbands has an affair. What follows is a story of a mature woman, coping (or not) with divorce and juggling life as a single - mother.

The book is advertised to be a hilarious romantic comedy. Publishers, please stop doing this - promising things and than not keeping your promises. It was neither hilarious nor romantic nor comedy. I don't mean to criticise the book, because it was a nice, contemporary novel, so close to life - but perhaps it should be advertised this way.

Fiona Gibson's characters are always real and human, and it was the same in this book. It's a very character - driven story and Viv is the main heroine - could be your best friend, she felt so vivid and relatable, jumping off the pages. We mostly get her point of view, through her monologues and actions and thoughts on everything that is happening around her. It was actually truly uplifting and inspiring to see her growing into confidence, establishing her identity, starting to enjoy life again. She's a character that many readers will be able to relate to and with. What I truly appreciated is the fact that nothing in her journey felt forced or overdone - no, everything seemed just like in real life, her making wrong decisions, having problems, misinterpreting situations, jumping to conclusions.
The supporting characters are a bunch of colourful, vivid people and they take care of our good mood, adding humour but also making the story this little bit more thought - provoking. They provide a range of diversion, giving Viv extra jobs and making her life fuller and complicated, hence keeping her sane (or not!).

My biggest problem was that I wasn't sure what the book is trying to tell us. Yes, it touches upon some more difficult issues and shows character's wonderful journey to self - confidence and discovering what it is that makes her happy, but somehow it didn't convince me and I wasn't sure where it's leading at all. The pace was rather slow and there were not life - changing twists or turns, however it had its moments that made me giggle, for example Viv's omelette - action. The author's writing style is so easy to follow and it's a real joy to pick the book up after a long day to relax for a while. Also, you know what's coming, but in a good way, and this feeling of security is very comforting.

It was a rather slow - burner, this story, however it kept getting better. The author has written a contemporary fiction, balancing seriousness and problems with humour and light - heartedness. Well, you have to find fun in life, otherwise you're going to get crazy. It is not a fluffy, meh kind of read, and the author deals with falling apart of the family in a sensitive and understanding way. Still, it is an easy and light read with a great message: when life gives you lemons, just add gin and tonic. Take the best out of life. Enjoy it. It is well written and it flow in such a natural, easy way, progressing towards the inevitable happy end. Recommended!

Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.

[Juli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for my advanced copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first Fiona Gibson novel and I found it engaging, poignant, at times funny, at others a bit sad, and on the rare occasion even frustrating. All in all, this means, I enjoyed myself. 

We meet Viv, a middle-aged mother, wife, and coworker. She finds herself in a bit of a rut career-wise, but thank goodness, she has everything in place with her little family. Or so she thinks .... until she catches her husband (clearly going through a mid-life crisis, not unlike hers) cheating with a colleague. Viv is now faced with having to re-evaluate everything. She does so with a level of scrutiny and honesty that is commendable. I am neither middle-aged nor a mother but I found myself living Viv's life along with her, thinking through the same dilemmas she did, laughing when she was, and getting sad in parallel to her tears. Fiona Gibson brings to life a set of characters that seem kind of out there and relatable at the same time making for a very entertaining read. Viv's journey itself felt very real; nothing was exaggerated for the sake of fiction and some of her decisions made no sense - just like in real life. She receives advice from friends, which she takes or ignores. She misinterprets situations and acts accordingly. Sh falls and picks herself back up. She trusts someone will catch her; eventually. She takes a good look at herself and how she contributed to the situation. She grows. And to top this off, so do the side characters. They are equally complex even though we don't get to know that much about them.

Gibson found a wonderful balance between the comedic, the witty, and the laugh-out-loud and the serious, the profound, and the need-for-change. Yes, this is chick-lit; but who says that can't be lifer-altering or influential? When Life Gives you Lemons ranges from fluff read to demanding your thoughts and attentions. I, for one, relished that and I will keep Gibson in mind for the future when I am looking for just that kind of mix. 

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor Viv’s life is difficult. Menopausal, dealing with a 7-year-old and PA to a very high maintenance boss, Viv suddenly finds herself single when her husband Andy leaves her for a woman who is everything Viv isn’t. Is this the push that Viv needs to change her life for the better?

I’ve read a few of this author’s books in the past and have always found them to be funny and warm-hearted reads. This one was no different and as soon as I started reading it, I instantly connected to Viv!! Being similar age to her in age, I can completely understand the hormone fuelled sweats and moods that Viv was going through – in fact, I’m sure the author was writing about me at some point!! Viv is definitely the star of the book but is complimented so well by a range of different characters whose stories all add to the plot! I loved Viv’s friend Penny and found myself laughing along with them as Penny recounted some of her stories!

The book is such an easy read and by the time I’d gotten through the first couple of chapters I was hooked on the story. The storyline is so realistic and, to be honest, so much of it could have been taken straight out of conversation you have with your best friends. Unlike other books in this genre, the book wasn’t predictable and whilst you just know that Viv will get her ‘happy ending’ by the close of the book, it isn’t obvious in what form that comes (or with who!). Viv is such a strong character, it was great to believe all the way through the book that Viv could make it on her own, with or without a man in tow!!

This was such a light-hearted and entertaining read. Whilst it had plenty of romance in it, it was also a great life-affirming storyline! At these unsettling times in the world at the moment, this is the perfect book to grab and escape into Viv’s life for a little while for just that little bit of escapism!! Would definitely recommend!