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A Way Back to Happy: An absolutely uplifing and emotional read
Sometimes the only way to start over is to first fall apart... After five years of being stuck in the wrong marriage, 33-year-old Emma is finally free. Her husband has moved out, her son Freddie is finally making friends at crèche, and her parents are managing to rein in their desire to micro-manage her life. To celebrate her newfound freedom, Emma’s three best friends throw her a belated hen do, hoping to bring back the carefree, fun-loving girl she once was. And on this night, Emma meets Finn. Young, dimpled and irresistibly Scottish Finn. Between landing her dream job, stolen moments with Finn and precious time with Freddie, Emma is happier than she has been in forever. But just as things are looking up, one accident changes everything all over again. And when Emma wakes up, she realises pretending everything is okay only goes so far – you have to face the past in order to really move on. With the help of all who love her, can Emma find a way back to happy? A Way Back to Happy is the uplifting and romantic new women’s fiction novel from debut author Olivia Spooner. Perfect for fans of Lia Louis, Ella Dove and Eva Woods.
352 pages, Paperback
Published December 11, 2021
13 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
June 18, 2023
A delightfully light and easy-to-read piece of chick lit (and I use that term in the most loving and endearing way). A lot happens in narrator Emma’s life and I just wanted to keep reading to see how the soap opera would unfold. Feels like a bubble bath of a book - nothing too scandalous, nothing too literary or highbrow. Just exactly what you want to dip into after a long day at work. Written by the owner of Milford’s bookstore ‘The Booklover’ - a fun fact! I bought my copy from her store.
March 4, 2022
Olivia Spooner's novel, A Way Back to Happy, follows Emma, a newly separated 33-year-old embarking on life as a single mother. The story initially follows quite a fun, flirty arc until a shocking turning point leaves Emma needing to rebuild her life. It's more serious and introspective than you may expect, but ultimately this is a readable, warm, story about love and the support systems we all need: families, friends, and lovers. After a big week of dense reading and depressing news, this was very much a case of the right book at the right time for me!
August 21, 2021
What a journey! Since the beginning, the author builds what feels like a plot twist and you, as a reader, are there in full suspense, feeling like there is this avalanche coming but you don't have an idea what it is or where it will be coming from. And when it happens, it does beautifully. The Love, the drama, the life lessons, the self-harm, friendship, family, the love again, everything since chapter one. It has it all!
I Adored it!
I Adored it!
July 12, 2022
Adored this book! Read in one sitting. What a range of emotions for me. I was enamored with Emma from the beginning and worried about her and her plight. Loved Finn! Loved Freddie. Looking forward to more from this Debut author. Easy to recommend. Read this as an advanced copy at Net Galley.
August 25, 2022
Amazing book, I was hooked! 🥲 so happy at the ending’ I wanted to scream ‘finally’ 💫
March 24, 2023
Damn this book made me feel things. Lots of things. A review should mention those things but I shall not as I am still very much feeling them. Argh!
December 23, 2023
this was terrible and not even in an entertaining way!!!!
June 13, 2022
Huge thank you to The Book Lover Bookshop and Olivia Spooner for sending this to me in exchange for an honest review. I had seen this book popping up a bit so was so excited when they wanted to send me one!
After five years stuck in the wrong marriage, 33-year-old Emma is finally free. Managing over-involved parents and a son struggling to make friends, Emma’s life looks a little different following her separation. On a celebratory night out with her three best friends, Emma meets Finn. Young, dimpled and irresistibly Scottish Finn. Is she ready for a new romance?
I really loved this book! It was super easy to read and launched into things straight away. Now, with the blurb above I’ve kept it deliberately brief, because I didn’t read the blurb on the back of the book before I launched in (or I did a while ago but not when I went to read the book so had sort of forgotten 😅) so I quite surprised by the mid-book plot twist. I mean, we know there’s an ‘event’ coming but I had no idea what it was and was quite shocked at the outcome. I think I enjoyed it more not knowing what was coming and being taken on the journey in the book.
I was honestly so hooked throughout this whole book and didn’t want to put it down. It’s a romance story, but there’s so much more to it than that. It has a really strong theme of friendship and the importance and impact of good friends which I loved. But you could also see the prevalence of personal strength, mental health, independence and family throughout the book. It was such a well-rounded, beautiful story to read.
After five years stuck in the wrong marriage, 33-year-old Emma is finally free. Managing over-involved parents and a son struggling to make friends, Emma’s life looks a little different following her separation. On a celebratory night out with her three best friends, Emma meets Finn. Young, dimpled and irresistibly Scottish Finn. Is she ready for a new romance?
I really loved this book! It was super easy to read and launched into things straight away. Now, with the blurb above I’ve kept it deliberately brief, because I didn’t read the blurb on the back of the book before I launched in (or I did a while ago but not when I went to read the book so had sort of forgotten 😅) so I quite surprised by the mid-book plot twist. I mean, we know there’s an ‘event’ coming but I had no idea what it was and was quite shocked at the outcome. I think I enjoyed it more not knowing what was coming and being taken on the journey in the book.
I was honestly so hooked throughout this whole book and didn’t want to put it down. It’s a romance story, but there’s so much more to it than that. It has a really strong theme of friendship and the importance and impact of good friends which I loved. But you could also see the prevalence of personal strength, mental health, independence and family throughout the book. It was such a well-rounded, beautiful story to read.
July 29, 2021
An absolutely fantastic read.
The chapters start with a break up and Emma entering freefall but the chapters are headed with "no of weeks before" so you get the hint straight away that something big is coming.
Wow its unexpected.
The chapters then post event are heart warming, fascinating, shocking, awkward, lovely. I think I felt every emotion possible going through this read.
Simply gorgeous.
The chapters start with a break up and Emma entering freefall but the chapters are headed with "no of weeks before" so you get the hint straight away that something big is coming.
Wow its unexpected.
The chapters then post event are heart warming, fascinating, shocking, awkward, lovely. I think I felt every emotion possible going through this read.
Simply gorgeous.
February 29, 2024
this was so chaotic and fast paced but i loved it. great story of building yourself back up !!
October 11, 2021
I began reading this book on Tuesday 5th October - my 33rd Birthday, and I wil admit that I was elated when I discovered that the lead character in this story, Emma, was also 33 and was facing a bit of a shit storm in her own life. I don't know why but I really find comfort in characters facing a difficult period in their lives especially when their feelings are ones that I can identify with myself. I suppose it's a human thing to want to not be the only person facing a tough time, yet us Brits find it difficult to not only talk about to ourselves let alone to admit to others. This is why books are so wonderful - we can escape into the pages and confess our own secrets and lies to the characters. It bonds us, and thus the story becomes a part of who we are as we personalise it.
So, I met Emma and her four year old adorable son Freddie, and I immediately warmed to her as she faced the difficulty of telling her husband Paul that she was leaving him and whilst she is a mother and I am not yet, it was a situation I could understand and empathise with. I never warmed to Paul, in fact I was in agreement with her friend Lily (Go Team Lily!) where her husband was concerned.
The plot of the story kept me interested, and motivated to keep turning the page to find out how Emma navigate the break up which was a suprise but not in the way you'd expect. I felt myself having a soft spot for Finn who became Emma's guilty pleasure after a one night stand. I think every woman reading this book will think the same thing about Emma in regards to Finn - and that is "Lucky Bugger".
The story is told in weekly increments, both before and after, and I have honestly never read a story set out this way before and that was partly the excitement and enjoyment of reading along with the excellent and original plot. I also loved that it was based down under as opposed to the UK or the US. It's just nice to truly escape into a book. When the girls; Emma, Lily, Trish and Mags went to Bali, I wanted to go with them, and they even got me to get up early and do morning Yoga - although I passed on the hummus and carrot sticks.
It was fascinating following the journey of Emma as she overcame one of the hardest years of her life, right up until the last page the plot had me wondering what was actually going to happen. It might sound cliche, but right now I feel inspired by Emma, with the changes in my own life that's happening, and how daunting it feels, I find myself thinking, If Emma can do what she did, after what happened to her, then I can do this.
I would love to read more by Olivia Spooner, and in fact I quite want a follow up to this one so we finally get to meet the babies! I'd quite like to see the Girls starting some "mums club" and of course more of what Olivia does best - and that is keep me guessing as to what's going to happen next.
*thank you to Aria fiction for allowing me to read this as an advanced recreation in return for an honest review*
So, I met Emma and her four year old adorable son Freddie, and I immediately warmed to her as she faced the difficulty of telling her husband Paul that she was leaving him and whilst she is a mother and I am not yet, it was a situation I could understand and empathise with. I never warmed to Paul, in fact I was in agreement with her friend Lily (Go Team Lily!) where her husband was concerned.
The plot of the story kept me interested, and motivated to keep turning the page to find out how Emma navigate the break up which was a suprise but not in the way you'd expect. I felt myself having a soft spot for Finn who became Emma's guilty pleasure after a one night stand. I think every woman reading this book will think the same thing about Emma in regards to Finn - and that is "Lucky Bugger".
The story is told in weekly increments, both before and after, and I have honestly never read a story set out this way before and that was partly the excitement and enjoyment of reading along with the excellent and original plot. I also loved that it was based down under as opposed to the UK or the US. It's just nice to truly escape into a book. When the girls; Emma, Lily, Trish and Mags went to Bali, I wanted to go with them, and they even got me to get up early and do morning Yoga - although I passed on the hummus and carrot sticks.
It was fascinating following the journey of Emma as she overcame one of the hardest years of her life, right up until the last page the plot had me wondering what was actually going to happen. It might sound cliche, but right now I feel inspired by Emma, with the changes in my own life that's happening, and how daunting it feels, I find myself thinking, If Emma can do what she did, after what happened to her, then I can do this.
I would love to read more by Olivia Spooner, and in fact I quite want a follow up to this one so we finally get to meet the babies! I'd quite like to see the Girls starting some "mums club" and of course more of what Olivia does best - and that is keep me guessing as to what's going to happen next.
*thank you to Aria fiction for allowing me to read this as an advanced recreation in return for an honest review*
October 3, 2021
A Way Back to Happy is the debut novel by Olivia Spooner about a woman named Emma and her life right after her husband left her. Emma had planned to tell her husband Paul that she and their young son Freddie were moving out, but Paul beat Emma to the punch by telling her he was leaving, and she was thrilled. She soon gets a part-time job at a local, organic grocery store she loves and finds herself finally happy. Emma meets Finn when out with the girls one night leading to a steamy weekend and then a casual relationship with the fun-loving Finn. However, after a terrible accident one evening, everything changes.
Considering the substance and themes of this novel, the blurb above is honestly a bit cheesy in my opinion. This is a very thoughtful novel that makes you not only analyze your own behaviors but really makes you think about the people in your life that you depend on (or think that you can). Emma's network of friends and family was absolutely amazing and honestly made me wonder the last time I read something where a character had that many people in their corner. The relationship she has with Finn starts out reckless and wild, like a woman clearly re-sowing some wild oats after a divorce, but I enjoyed how it shifted to a more controlled and responsible friendship towards the end. I can't say I was really crazy about Finn, but I didn't dislike him either. Perhaps his character could have been developed a little more? Emma's friends were great, especially the hilarious and usually inappropriate Lily who added many laughs to the book from beginning to end.
This is one of those reviews where I feel as if I'm not really saying much, but it's hard to review and go into the plot without spoiling the entire novel. I will say that despite the blurb, I was very surprised about what happened with Finn and Emma. Even more surprising, however, was the ending. Again, without giving spoilers, the ending truly came out of nowhere. The last page or so is my only criticism of the novel at all. I felt that it was rushed and abrupt and really didn't make a lot of sense considering the behavior of her family and friends throughout the entire book. I was lying in bed and when it came to the end I shot up in bed and literally yelled, "what the hell" to my iPad. Nevertheless, this was an excellent debut as far as writing style, development, and dialogue. Emma's story is uncomfortable at times while she deals with the aftermath of a completely avoidable accident, but it is certainly worth reading. I am excited to see what this author does in the future.
*Thanks to Aria and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Considering the substance and themes of this novel, the blurb above is honestly a bit cheesy in my opinion. This is a very thoughtful novel that makes you not only analyze your own behaviors but really makes you think about the people in your life that you depend on (or think that you can). Emma's network of friends and family was absolutely amazing and honestly made me wonder the last time I read something where a character had that many people in their corner. The relationship she has with Finn starts out reckless and wild, like a woman clearly re-sowing some wild oats after a divorce, but I enjoyed how it shifted to a more controlled and responsible friendship towards the end. I can't say I was really crazy about Finn, but I didn't dislike him either. Perhaps his character could have been developed a little more? Emma's friends were great, especially the hilarious and usually inappropriate Lily who added many laughs to the book from beginning to end.
This is one of those reviews where I feel as if I'm not really saying much, but it's hard to review and go into the plot without spoiling the entire novel. I will say that despite the blurb, I was very surprised about what happened with Finn and Emma. Even more surprising, however, was the ending. Again, without giving spoilers, the ending truly came out of nowhere. The last page or so is my only criticism of the novel at all. I felt that it was rushed and abrupt and really didn't make a lot of sense considering the behavior of her family and friends throughout the entire book. I was lying in bed and when it came to the end I shot up in bed and literally yelled, "what the hell" to my iPad. Nevertheless, this was an excellent debut as far as writing style, development, and dialogue. Emma's story is uncomfortable at times while she deals with the aftermath of a completely avoidable accident, but it is certainly worth reading. I am excited to see what this author does in the future.
*Thanks to Aria and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
October 6, 2021
Ahh..I have finally found my light read. This book feels like warm and cosy hugs. I was quite close to not request for this because the blurb was a little too cheesy for my liking but I am so glad I went ahead. I need a little happy to brighten up week and this really hit the spot. The story is surprisingly not as cheesy as the blurb which is great for me.
This story starts off with Emma, whose husband, Paul suggested they get a divorce. Now, Emma is secretly very thrilled about it as this means she can finally restart her life again. They have a young son, Freddie who is just the most adorable kid! I really like him very much in the story. The first step to Emma restarting her life is to find a job, which she eventually did, at a local farmer’s market. And then, Finn came along! The last thing she needed was a man coming into her life and shaking her world. All she wanted to do was have fun and live a little. However, everything changed when something terrible happened.
Emma had wonderful support from her best friends and parents throughout her ordeal. I must say, Emma doesn’t always make good choices for herself but they still love Emma with no judgement and really help her rebuild her life. This is such a heart warming part for me and I love that Emma’s friendship is a big part of the story. They were also very inappropriate and hilarious as friends can be but I love it!
Emma’s relationship with Finn starts off very wild. I didn’t think I would see Finn very much but he ended up being someone very important to Emma. As much as Finn sounded very cute in the story, I didn’t like him that much at first. He was reckless and didn’t bring out the best version of Emma. His plus point however, is that he is great with Freddie and he eventually did redeem himself.
I was shocked with the terrible incident. I really can’t say too much without spoiling anything but I really enjoyed reading this! Emma went through alot and despite her strong front, she is finding it hard to cope but she doesn’t want to rely on others. I can definitely relate to that. The ending felt a tad rushed but this is an excellent debut for Olivia Spooner in terms of character development and writing style and I highly recommend this!
Thank you Netgalley and Aria for the arc!
This story starts off with Emma, whose husband, Paul suggested they get a divorce. Now, Emma is secretly very thrilled about it as this means she can finally restart her life again. They have a young son, Freddie who is just the most adorable kid! I really like him very much in the story. The first step to Emma restarting her life is to find a job, which she eventually did, at a local farmer’s market. And then, Finn came along! The last thing she needed was a man coming into her life and shaking her world. All she wanted to do was have fun and live a little. However, everything changed when something terrible happened.
Emma had wonderful support from her best friends and parents throughout her ordeal. I must say, Emma doesn’t always make good choices for herself but they still love Emma with no judgement and really help her rebuild her life. This is such a heart warming part for me and I love that Emma’s friendship is a big part of the story. They were also very inappropriate and hilarious as friends can be but I love it!
Emma’s relationship with Finn starts off very wild. I didn’t think I would see Finn very much but he ended up being someone very important to Emma. As much as Finn sounded very cute in the story, I didn’t like him that much at first. He was reckless and didn’t bring out the best version of Emma. His plus point however, is that he is great with Freddie and he eventually did redeem himself.
I was shocked with the terrible incident. I really can’t say too much without spoiling anything but I really enjoyed reading this! Emma went through alot and despite her strong front, she is finding it hard to cope but she doesn’t want to rely on others. I can definitely relate to that. The ending felt a tad rushed but this is an excellent debut for Olivia Spooner in terms of character development and writing style and I highly recommend this!
Thank you Netgalley and Aria for the arc!
July 28, 2021
Thank you #Netgalley for the advanced copy!
I really enjoyed this book. Part 1 follows Emma, she is contemplating leaving her husband and taking her son Freddie. The night she plans to have the conversation and make the move, her husband, Paul, surprisingly come in to say he is leaving. Emma got what she wanted and she could stay in the house! Emma has a group of girlfriends who are her ride or dies, they jump in as needed and provide her fun girls nights. On one of these fun nights, Emma meets Finn.
Emma and Finn spend many lustful nights together mixed with lots of alcohol. One night it caught up with them and after a long night of drinking they did something they both would regret, leading us into part II. Part II follows Emma's recovery and many other surprises. This section of the book went by so quickly as you want to see the progression and what would happen next for Emma.
I really enjoyed this book. Part 1 follows Emma, she is contemplating leaving her husband and taking her son Freddie. The night she plans to have the conversation and make the move, her husband, Paul, surprisingly come in to say he is leaving. Emma got what she wanted and she could stay in the house! Emma has a group of girlfriends who are her ride or dies, they jump in as needed and provide her fun girls nights. On one of these fun nights, Emma meets Finn.
Emma and Finn spend many lustful nights together mixed with lots of alcohol. One night it caught up with them and after a long night of drinking they did something they both would regret, leading us into part II. Part II follows Emma's recovery and many other surprises. This section of the book went by so quickly as you want to see the progression and what would happen next for Emma.
September 14, 2021
Emma is shocked when her husband Paul announces that he's leaving her on the very night that she planned to tell him the same thing. She should be happy because she wanted to be rid of him but it's not that simple. Her first priority is her son Freddie. She's also got some terrific friends especially Lily and Nina. When she meets Finn, a Scotsman, in a bar, she's up for some fun. Things seem to be going well- she's working with Jack to put a cafe in his shop- but then Jack dies and Emma, who has been drinking too much, goes off the rails. THere's a terrible accident which leaves her dependent on her parents and struggling to get back to normal. What about Finn? Well, he had a secret. And Emma has a decision to make about her future. This is a very good read that turns a sharp eye toward dealing with a TBI, among other things. No spoilers from me. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. Good characters and storytelling pulled me in and kept me turning the pages.
August 16, 2021
Olivia Spooner’s debut novel A Way Back to Happy showcases the love between four friends and the amazing support they have for one another. The book is written into two parts the first half when Emma is planning on leaving her husband, the second half concentrates on what happened after a night of rash decisions that led to an accident and the recovery. Each chapter is written with the heading of the number of weeks before, a creative way for the readers to see what happened and what will happen. The characters are well developed, the friendship is rich, and the story has growth and development.
A fun and entertaining chic-lit book, I look forward to reading more of Spooner's works.
Thank you #netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A fun and entertaining chic-lit book, I look forward to reading more of Spooner's works.
Thank you #netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 15, 2021
This book ran the full gamut of emotions. Emma has been married to Paul for years and is finally plucking up the courage to leave him when he announces he is leaving her as he has found someone new. Revelling in her new life as a single mum to Freddie, she takes the chance to go out and celebrate with friends which is when she meets Finn. Finn isn't looking for a relationship and that is fine with Emma, she just wants to have fun and enjoy her newfound freedom. After finding her job and making a decision about her career, she suffers a blow when a close friend dies. After that, things go down hill for Emma and she needs to learn to start all over again. But where is Finn? Luckily there is a happy ending but this was a great novel that I really enjoyed despite the emotional ups and downs.
August 6, 2024
I absolutely LOVED this book! It had all the feels.
It was emotional, funny, and heart-wrenching.
Olivia's writing is so descriptive, it draws you right in and doesn't let go. I binged the whole book in a day, I just couldn't put it down.
The characters were all so down to earth and relatable, especially Emma. She's funny, awkward, independent, and loyal. A great main character.
I loved her friend group too, they were hilarious together.
This is the second book I've read from Olivia, the first being The Girl From London, which was also a great read.
I look forward to reading her remaining book and to seeing what she comes up with next.
I very highly recommend.
5 well deserved stars from me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It was emotional, funny, and heart-wrenching.
Olivia's writing is so descriptive, it draws you right in and doesn't let go. I binged the whole book in a day, I just couldn't put it down.
The characters were all so down to earth and relatable, especially Emma. She's funny, awkward, independent, and loyal. A great main character.
I loved her friend group too, they were hilarious together.
This is the second book I've read from Olivia, the first being The Girl From London, which was also a great read.
I look forward to reading her remaining book and to seeing what she comes up with next.
I very highly recommend.
5 well deserved stars from me. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 31, 2021
I loved this book, I smiled, I cried and I laughed.
The book is in 2 parts, before and after. Emma is married to Paul and they have a son Freddie. Finally realizing that she will break up with Paul, he walks in and says he’s leaving. Emma goes on a night out where she meets Finn where they have many fun evenings and one of those takes a turn for the worse.
All the characters in the book are interesting, engaging and fun. I’m really hoping there will be another book about them as I’d love to find out what happens next.
It’s a light hearted, romantic, feel good book. 5 stars.
Thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy.
The book is in 2 parts, before and after. Emma is married to Paul and they have a son Freddie. Finally realizing that she will break up with Paul, he walks in and says he’s leaving. Emma goes on a night out where she meets Finn where they have many fun evenings and one of those takes a turn for the worse.
All the characters in the book are interesting, engaging and fun. I’m really hoping there will be another book about them as I’d love to find out what happens next.
It’s a light hearted, romantic, feel good book. 5 stars.
Thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy.
October 16, 2021
Absolutely loved this book but to be honest I picked to review it because of the cheery sounding title and nice cover (not the most orthodox way I know!) Do not be fooled however, the story was deep and moving and the twists and turns had me on the edge of my seat and just desperate to read more!
The story follows the life of one lady who at the beginning is nervously planning to leave her husband with her young son however what happens next is so far from unexpected I guarantee NOBODY will be able to predict it. A great read that I would recommend to anyone.
The story follows the life of one lady who at the beginning is nervously planning to leave her husband with her young son however what happens next is so far from unexpected I guarantee NOBODY will be able to predict it. A great read that I would recommend to anyone.
May 29, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, to the point where I’m almost sad that it is over. It was the kind of light fluffy romance book I needed at the moment, but had so many twists and turns that you never were sure how it was going to pan out right until the very end. Written by an NZ author and based in NZ which made it even more enjoyable as I could relate to the places where the book was set. Also found it interesting that Olivia was previously a pharmacist who changed careers to own a bookshop and write books, ideal life change 😂
June 5, 2025
This was a lovely light read! I read most of it in one day, it was so easy to get through and kept me in the story. I was also interested by how she portrayed the brain injury and recovery as I'm a speech language therapist and have worked with people with brain injury. Although I would've loved to see an SLT in there (selfishly haha) it was cool to see Occupation Therapy highlighted and a fairly realistic view of what recovery might look like. The miscommunication trope in this book didn't feel too frustrating like it can in other books and the ending was lovely.
September 19, 2021
What a great book! Wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading it but I was hooked into Emma's life & needed to know more. After a disastrous marriage with Paul, with the only good thing to happen was their son Freddie. Life is turned upside down after meeting Finn but not in the way I expected. Emma has incredible friends & I wish they were mine! Love that it was set in New Zealand too. Enjoy!
July 20, 2022
I really wanted to love this book... but... unfortunately I didn't. I concede that it was readable enough, had a good story arc and liked that it was set where I live. However, I found the main character mostly unlikeable, the male characters were written in a very stereotyped way (the ex, the love interest) and the character arcs for the supporting characters seemed tacked on towards the end. Give it a go if you like - you may enjoy it a lot more than me.
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August 8, 2023Emma is preparing to leave her husband with their young son when he declares that he is leaving. Whilst Emma is pleased, she now faces the daunting task of starting over with her young son and re-building a life that will make them both happy.
Whilst spending time with her friends (who are a real support and lots of fun), Emma meets Finn and starts to feel that spark that had long been missing with her husband. Is Emma finally going to find her way back to happy?
Whilst spending time with her friends (who are a real support and lots of fun), Emma meets Finn and starts to feel that spark that had long been missing with her husband. Is Emma finally going to find her way back to happy?
January 2, 2022
Completely absorbing engrossing read! I just had to know what was going to happen. In fact I finished it in less than a day. Difficult to put down, easy to read and fabulous throughout. A completely set of compelling characters - not always likeable but definitely engaging. Fantastic read. Highly recommended.
Thank you Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley
April 24, 2022
This is far from the sort of book I would actively pick out in a store. However, I’m so immensely grateful this was passed along to me as Olivia Spooner has crafted an absolutely beautiful story; full of heart, character and emotion - a tale of a struggling mother not too dissimilar from my own Mum, an eye-opener of sorts for me.
October 12, 2024
did not like it at all, i think i went in with a totally different idea in my head then what the book was about so that's on me i guess. however SPOILER WARNING, that guy is actually engaged to another woman with whom he was on a break with when he slept with the FMC. i don't really vibe with this, its a fine book otherwise. well, maybe not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2021
I give FIVE STARS for A Way Back to Happy! I flew through it in two days and hated putting it down. I admittedly stayed up way too many reading when I should have been sleeping. I loved the story, but loved the characters even more.
I sadly could relate to how Emma was feeling in the beginning of the book and was so happy for her when things fell the way that they did, making her life and next steps so much easier. I almost left like I was experiencing her feelings of elation when she met Finn and was with him, I could almost feel the weight being lifted from her shoulders and her being set free. It was almost odd how strong my emotions were, the author definitely demonstrated immense talent to be able to suck a reader in like that. She again captured Emma’s emotions perfectly when she was in the hospital drowning in fear, helplessness, and frustration. Again, I could almost feel tightness in my own chest and heart, and tears on my own eyes.
I loved her son, her friends, her community; I loved HER. I loved reading about a REAL person living REAL LIFE. I loved the buildup leading us to the ending. So much happened, not what I was expecting, but it of course worked.
The author’s writing is so easy, so comfortable, so enjoyable. I could not get enough of this book and am hoping she will write more books so that I can devour those, too.
I sadly could relate to how Emma was feeling in the beginning of the book and was so happy for her when things fell the way that they did, making her life and next steps so much easier. I almost left like I was experiencing her feelings of elation when she met Finn and was with him, I could almost feel the weight being lifted from her shoulders and her being set free. It was almost odd how strong my emotions were, the author definitely demonstrated immense talent to be able to suck a reader in like that. She again captured Emma’s emotions perfectly when she was in the hospital drowning in fear, helplessness, and frustration. Again, I could almost feel tightness in my own chest and heart, and tears on my own eyes.
I loved her son, her friends, her community; I loved HER. I loved reading about a REAL person living REAL LIFE. I loved the buildup leading us to the ending. So much happened, not what I was expecting, but it of course worked.
The author’s writing is so easy, so comfortable, so enjoyable. I could not get enough of this book and am hoping she will write more books so that I can devour those, too.
December 19, 2021
Great story that had me hooked from the first pages. I loved Emma and all of her friends and the book certainly had some surprises but I was always rooting for Emma and she certainly had some tough things to go through. I will definitely be looking for future books from this author
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