Welcome to Your Life

by Bethany Rutter

This is a love story…

Serena Mills should be at her wedding. But she’s not.

Instead, she’s eating an ice cream sundae and drinking an obscenely large glass of wine in a Harvester off the M25.

Everyone thinks she’s gone mad.

She’s left the man everyone told her she was ‘so lucky’ to find – because Serena wants to find love. Real love. A love she deserves – not one she should just feel grateful for.

So, she escapes to the big city and sets herself a challenge: 52 weeks. 52 dates. 52 chances to find love. It should be easy, right?

A story about love, forging your own path, and falling head over heels – with yourself.

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Contemporary, Audiobook, Adult, Chick Lit, London

332 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 31, 2022

About the author

Hi! I’m Bethany Rutter. In my day job I am social editor at navabi, a women’s plus size fashion brand. On the side, I am a writer, editor and podcaster, and I still occasionally update my plus size fashion blog.

Reviews

[Natalie "Curling up with a Coffee and a Kindle" Laird · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Random Things Tours for my hardback copy and spot on the blog tour!
This was exactly what I needed for my bedtime read. Funny, warm and light but with some serious issues being tackled.
It even made me question my own life decisions! As someone engaged for 2 and a half years, I even doubted myself slightly when I started this one, it definitely highlights someone's self worth and what they deserve, but this just shows the power of the author's writing.
The huge issues don't stop there. There are debates surrounding the dating scene, and particularly with a woman who is overweight. Rutter asks some strong questions and there are quotes aplenty that really made me think.
The humour throughout really helps to balance the serious thoughts though and some of Serena's dates made me howl with laughter. I did really enjoy the date caption at the start and the description of Serena's date and wish this could have been continued through the book for longer.
A fantastic book, and I definitely now have Bethany Rutter on my radar!

[kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5* An entertaining, upbeat read that'll leave you with a smile on your face. The plus size representation was a breath of fresh air to see in a rom-com and Serena's journey of self love and discovery was so much fun to follow.

TW: fatphobia, body shaming, sexual harassment

[bookishcharli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an absolutely incredible book with wonderful characters that really gripped your heart strings. If you want a book that will make you laugh, cry, and feel all warm inside then this is it. I love a great female MC and this book definitely has that, I want to be friends with Serena, that’s how much I love her character. Can’t wait to read the authors other books.

[Gabbie Pop · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5
If you are a fan of the "millennial woman finding herself in the big city" kind of fiction or dating for the modern age, this is the one for you. I would particularly pitch it for fans of Dolly Alderton fans!
Also have to highlight how fantastic it was to see a plus size protagonist AND an iconic plus size best friend, particularly with fashion and clothes playing a big enough role in the story. I loved the acknowledgement of the shortcomings of the fashion industry when it comes to size inclusivity. I also really appreciate every time an author gives their protagonists an interesting hobby, particularly when it plays a bigger part into who they are as characters, so I LOVED how much making her own clothes added to Serena's character and I loved the way her clothes reflected where she was at mentally (& where she wanted to be!).
Overall I think this did a great job at balancing serious elements with an overall lighthearted story that's an easy and engaging read!

[Molly Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is so fun, funny, exciting and affirming. I love that although it is a romance, one of the really key, transformative relationships in the book is between the protagonist and her friend, Nicole. I had to put it down a few times because my anxiety about what was going to happen got too much! I honestly feel like this book should be required reading for all women who date men, especially via the Apps. Just delicious, I can’t recommend it enough.

[Rachel Tudor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devoured this this audio book in 2 days!

Welcome to your life' is
unputdownable, funny & engaging from the get go after Serena does a shock 'bride' jilting on her wedding day.

Serena decides she needs to experience a new life after not settling for her expected, predictable, path of marrying her 'so so' long term partner.

Fate lands her a new city pad, new job & a new life of dating challenges & exciting new life experiences.

The 'plus size status' of the main character Serena does seem to be the main focus of this story & it is obviously great that this is a topic & the 'big is also beautiful' angle has been achieved perfectly.

Serenas journey & acceptance of herself with her body confidence is very refreshing & definitely an angle the author has nailed!

There are so many actual laugh out loud moments & sexual experiences too. One particular reference (with a rather sexy, well endowed date) switching her minset from worrying about her weight, she just 'jumps on board' , seriously so funny & will stay with me forever!

Serena is also a talented, creative, seamstress & she loves making her own clothes. The author has cleverly incorporated this hobby with the lack of plus size fashion within the clothing industry. With the great sewing bee on uk tvs & recyclable, sustainable, fashion definitely on the rise, she has successfully addressed another very current topic!

The one downside of this novel is the ending. I really felt it was too abrupt & not what I felt was right for Serena at all. Such a disappointing conclusion after a great story.

Despite the ending I would definitely recommend this book for an easy, fun read. The cover is inviting, & the narration was great too. Albeit sometimes it felt the digital playback was a little robotic at times. (Not the narrators fault I believe).

Thank you Harper Collins & NetGalley for the privilege of this advance copy.

[Roz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and the fact that the two main protagonists were larger ladies, both physically and also in character. However I think that this was maybe played on too many times and this lost a star from me for this.

This is a well written story and keeps the interest going. On deciding on the morning of her wedding that she isn’t getting married to her fiancé of 10 years our heroine Serena moves to London and into a flat share with a uni friend. She decides to sign up for a dating app and have one date every week for a year.

Good humour throughout and this helps with the more serious issues discussed, including weight, sexual orientation and behaviour in the workplace.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Sofija Semjonova · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

this really reminded me of “Bridget Jone’s diary” how it’s about a woman navigating her adult life- it was funny and i found myself giggling about the dates that she want on.

it was cute but nothing special, i didn’t like the ending, because how did she really just forgave Henry in the last 10 pages, without having a explanation🤨
(“So he tells you he loves you and then he's, like, oh wait actually no I don't even want to see you again?”)

“I know it was only one date but it just felt so right, you know? Guys can be so cagey and weird and distant and Henry just wasn't, he was easy and calm and fun and kind and now he's just ... gone? Forever? Doesn't even say he wants to be friends! Nothing! What am I meant to say to him?”- Hey Siri play Back to friends by sombr❤️‍🩹

“Truly, honestly, hand on heart, I swear: it hadn't crossed my mind. Trying to meet someone I like, who likes me, the idea of getting undressed with them, exposing myself to them.Someone who doesn't know me. It feels exhausting just thinking about it for about eight seconds.”- Cough cough* Hey Siri play Undressed by sombr☺️

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Serena doesn't appear at the altar, she breaks up with her gorgeous fiancé. Newly single she wants to get out again, but being plus size she hesitates. Still, she goes on a date each week and meets a lot of 'interesting' men.

Serena's new bestie, Nicole, helps her see herself in a different light and slowly Serena embraces her (new) self.

[Tash Webster · Rating 3 out of 5]

An entertaining and light-hearted rom-com with an important central theme of learning to love yourself first! Nice to see some good plus-size representation. I liked the initial format of having an introduction to each date of who, when, where and wish that had been continued longer, and that there had been more dates. Think I was expecting it be more rom-com trope-y.

Thanks to the publishers for a proof copy!

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for an eARC of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Serena just goes to show you can be a plus size protagonist and not overtly fatphobic (I’m looking at one very specific YA novel here btw), and that she can still grow and emerge, confident and radiant at the end. The internalised fatphobia is with us all (that scene in the f-ing lift!!)

This is a story of a year of self care, of self discovery, of learning self worth, and it is DELIGHTFUL.

It starts off being typical 'protagonist sets herself a challenge' trope, but develops into so much more. The sub plots (CW toxic workplace / coercive behaviour), deepen the main plot, rather than detracts from it - it makes the story real, or rather, more believable - single women going on dates without safety concerns made this a little less believable in some instances (perhaps a me issue, not a book issue) - but this subplot allowed some reality to slip though. .

Bethany somehow crawled into my brain and wrote two amazing YA novels that teenage me needed. She has now, confidently, crawled into my brain and written the book that 37 year old desperately needed.

Thank you.

(Also, please let there be a sequel, please and thank you)

[Row · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cheesy. And not like good cheese (extra strong cheddar, halloumi, blue cheese, etc) but that crappy orange plastic cheese.

[Chloe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome to Your Life is my first time reading a novel from journalist and blogger Bethany Rutter.

A lot of her content both online and in her books has a focus on body politics, plus size fashion, and living in a fat body.
I heard great things about her latest novel so I was delighted to get an ARC of the audiobook.

Serena has just jilted her boyfriend of 10 years on their wedding day. Everyone is shocked by this as he’s deemed “out of her league”, but Serena knows she’s not meant to be with him and so sets out on a voyage of self discovery, finding some body confidence, and eh, dating 52 men over 52 weeks. What could possibly go wrong?!

Things I loved about this book; a plus size protagonist with storylines that reflect the reality of that; fat phobia etc., great friendships, terrible dates described in a humorous way (always fun), the CLOTHES!! (Serena makes her own, thanks to the fashion industry rarely providing up-to-date styles for women her size), and what an ode to London it was. I particularly enjoyed how each season was described.

In general, I also just liked that this was a warm and funny story that was easy to read and got me out of a book rut. Always grateful for that!

Things I didn’t love; pretty obvious safety concerns that almost all women have when dating strangers, didn’t seem to be mentioned that much in the book, which seemed like an oversight.
The ending also felt a bit too neat for me, and I wasn’t sure I felt as happy for the main character and the choice she made as the author wanted me to be.

All of that said, I think this will be a perfect holiday read, or a great book to get you out of a reading rut!

My first but not my last book from Bethany Rutter.

With thanks to @netgalley and @harpercollinsuk for the opportunity to read #WelcomeToYourLife.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Serena jilts her fiancé just minutes before their wedding, he's the only man she's ever slept with and they've been together ten years, everyone says she's lucky to have someone as good-looking, solvent and kind as Alistair but Serena realises (almost too late) that they've become cosy friends and the spark has gone.

So, to the horror of her family, she cancels the wedding and moves to London to stay with her best friend Lola, who gets her a job as a copywriter with a jewellery company owned by a college friend. Serena decides to put herself out there and resolves to go on a Tinder date a week, not realising that she is sabotaging herself by only swiping right on men than she thinks might fancy a plus-sized woman (ie mediocre) rather than men she finds attractive. Inevitably what follows are a series of appalling dates with weird men!

With the help of her work friend Nicole, who is also plus-sized but carries herself with a confidence and panache that Serena can't emulate, and BFF Lola, Serena realises that old cliché that in order to be lovable you first need to love yourself, and if that don't work, fake it 'til you make it.

I did enjoy this, don't get me wrong, it was charming and funny without trying too hard. I liked Serena and I liked the way that there was no Hollywood ending, her side hustle of dress-making doesn't suddenly turn into a huge business making her a millionaire, but I did feel that some parts of the book were maybe created to prove a point, or make a statement about bigger women (speaking as a significantly overweight woman myself) rather than flowing with the plot. Also there were some random profanities, don't get me wrong I swear with the best of them but these weren't often and didn't feel natural in the context. Final gripe, why does Nicole call Serena 'my dude' so often? Is that a thing, do women say that to each other now? But those are minor gripes, things that kind of pulled me out of the story briefly, otherwise I really enjoyed it.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Bumped for release.

[Emma Harvey · Rating 2 out of 5]

*gifted - Netgalley*

I spent the first half of this book really enjoying it and getting to know the characters. I loved the story of a woman who felt strong and sure enough in her own feelings to walk out on her wedding day and face the uncertainty of what lies ahead.

However, I then got bored after that. It was just a big wheel of repetition - weight worries, date, weight worries, Henry, date. I just got bored of reading the same sentences about the characters weight insecurities over and over again.

There's no denying that there's a strong sense of female empowerment, which I salute. Unfortunately, I didn't really care after the first half and it was super predictable.

[gem · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

This is an enjoyable debut!
The concept of 52 dates in 52 weeks reminded me of a blog from years ago, but it’s obviously been updated for the modern audience and the ever present use of technology etc.
Serena is a great main character, thank lucifer we finally get some plus size characters who aren’t just bit parts for laughs!
Through the hilarity of some chaotic dates we get some good storylines about friendship and love, discovering who it is you really want to be and it does that without being preachy. It does allow for self reflection if you care to do so.
Would recommend for fans of Dolly Alderton and Lucy Vine.

[Evey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Holy disappointment, Batman. I expected something fun but this wasn't it. It was far too long for what the plot was worth, and it rubbed me the wrong way its contradictory message of accepting yourself no matter what while also dragging others (mainly the men she dated) for every. Little. Thing. Like, it's okay if you have imperfections, but your partner has to be perfect and supremely good-looking for them to be worth your time? Right. Also, for a synopsis making emphasis on the dates, there wasn't much about those dates in the book.

[Stacey | prettybooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m planning to write a blogpost about books millennials will enjoy and this will definitely feature.

On the day of her wedding, Serena panics and runs away from her husband-to-be and their ceremony. She ultimately ends up in a London flat, sharing with her university friend, and sets herself a challenge: 52 weeks, 52 dates.

Continue reading this review over on Pretty Books.

[Yvonne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time I have read anything by this author and so I wasn't sure what to expect, but I really liked the sound of the synopsis. The story is of Serena, and she has just left her wedding and is eating ice cream in a chain restaurant. Oh, and she is by herself!

This is the start of a wonderful story about how Serena tries to decide who she is and what she actually want from her life. Not being the most confident of people and not willing to go out on a limb means she settles for what she knows. Thank goodness she realised in time that what she thought she wanted in life isn't actually what she was willing to settle for.

This is a very modern feeling romance, that does have some chuckles but also has a more serious side to it. That serious side is one that many of us have had issues with and that is weight. I love how the author has created characters that are happy in their own skins, but still show how hurtful people can be. It doesn't matter how confident you come across, the comments do still hurt.

So, for Serena changing not only her future but by taking a look at how she perceives what she should settle for is a huge eye-opener for her. It is hard to see herself as others see her and take compliments that are seriously meant. Serena is 28 and is starting to take steps out of her comfort zone. Living in London has opened up a different world to her, giving her some amazing and tantalising new experiences.

This was such a wonderful read. It is light and fun but also deals with some serious issues and the balance was great. This is a romance with a good amount of humour and there are some rather interesting scenes!!

I was definitely interested in how Serena was changing her attitude and also for those around her to support her when she needed it. I really enjoyed this and it is one I would definitely recommend.

[Siobhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome to Your Life is a romantic comedy novel about a woman who runs away from her wedding day and has to find what she wants next. Serena was stuck in the unexciting, and it took facing up to her actual wedding day to realise it wasn't right for her. Instead, she moves to London and moves in with her best friend, gets a new job and a new friend, and sets herself the challenge of going on dates.

Yes, this book is a romcom, but it's also really focuses on Serena's journey in terms of confidence and finding what she wants from life in her late twenties. The narrative addresses body image and confidence a lot, not necessarily saying there's a single answer, but also not giving Serena a story about trying to lose weight in any way. I liked her friends (who could definitely have a sequel written about them) and also the way Serena's move to London was depicted (she revels in being in a big city and explores things on her own, which is nice to see).

Welcome to Your Life isn't the sort of book I would typically read, but I've heard of Rutter from the book podcast she does, and I was glad to read something different. It is well-written and easy to read, making it ideal to pick up when you need something light and uplifting.

[Doingitbythebook - Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome to your life centres Serena who should be at her wedding, but instead, is sat eating ice ream and drinking wine in a Harvester off the M25. Everyone thinks she’s gone mad. She’s jilted the man everyone told her she was ‘so lucky’ to find. But Serena wants to find love. A love she deserves – not one she should just feel grateful for. Serena escapes to the big city and with the help of her friends, sets herself a challenge: 52 weeks, 52 dates, 52 chances to find love.

This book is such an entertaining uplifting read! I loved Serena, she is a genuinely loveable character and I adored following her journey. The book is so heart-warming to read but also utterly hilarious and filled with wit and unexpected humour. I was hooked, desperate to find out how it would end and the decisions Serena would make.

This is such a positive read! Through the journey of Serena, the author addresses contemporary themes of confidence, self-love, body positivity and happiness. This is a book to read in 2022!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will always thank this book for getting me out of a serious reading slump - it was a light, funny read with a lean towards more serious issues. As a larger lady myself, I adored the fact that Serena and Nicole were both plus size and I particularly loved Nicole's sense of confidence and 'my dude' attitude towards people who might look down on her because she is fat. Seeing Nicole help to bring Serena out of her shell was a joy in the book, possibly my favourite part.

I dropped a star because I didn't like the neat wrapping up of the ending nor the person who Serena decided was for her. I feel as though this novel would have been so much better if it fully embraced the idea of Serena being enough as herself, and enjoying the process of finding out who she was and who might be the right person for her. Certainly, I thought she had more chemistry with a couple of the one night stands she had than with the person who she ended up with.

So big plus for: showing that just because you've been with someone for years doesn't mean it's right and starting over is completely valid; showing that fat people deserve to date freely and widely and realising they don't need to self-censor the people they go for; excellent plus size rep; excellent bisexual/lesbian rep; excellent nod to changing perceptions regarding who can have periods.

Negatives: wrapping book up too neatly; giving an indication that Serena might begin a side hustle from a hobby (that's all on me - I did the same and lost my joy in that hobby!); putting Serena with a man who seemed wrong for her; slim side plot concerning Nicole and sexual harassment (definitely more could have been made of this!)

Overall: a really enjoyable read, and left me feeling I would pick up all Rutter's books (and not just because of the same surname!)

[Lily Twyford · Rating 3 out of 5]

It had some good moments and good messaging, but overall a bit too bland/cliche I think and honestly I felt like the main character could have been fleshed out a little more - all this talk about sewing being her passion just to basically not do anything with it in the end? Wished she had of finished with a different guy as well (like he burned you, you deserve better) or even better, ended the book single! Plus, spoiler she does not go on 52 dates.

[Nish · Rating 2 out of 5]

What I did love about this book was the representation of a plus-sized character, Serena Mills, as someone who designs and stitches her own clothes, and I felt it could be perceived as a strong skillset, show of independence and control over self expression. I went in with a lot of hope from the story based on the blurb, a woman who decides to choose herself and doesn't proceed with her wedding on the day, knowing for weeks it was not the right person or decision for her (kind of like our s-hero Deepti from Love is Blind anyone??) rather than giving into family pressure and shrugging it off as "nerves". It started off so well, the first few chapters were a pleasant read...but as the story went on, I just found myself struggling to keep going and was fast losing interest. It felt like, in knowing what Serena wanted, she was then obsessed with going on dates (one a week as she was dared by her best friend) and picking out faults with every single guy in those 52 dates. It was as if I was reading someone's private diary than a novel at one point. Unfortunately not for me hence the rating. Thank you to @netgalley @harpercollins and @harperfiction for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Narrator 5 stars
Loved this narrator!

Story 4 stars
This story was so refreshing and EXACTLY what I needed to get me out of my reading slump. I felt like I was listening to a friend tell me how they have been since I last saw them.

[Claire Berry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved the audio version of Welcome to your Life! I was immediately invested in Serena’s story and loved the witty and fast paced rhythm of the book. Laugh out loud funny whilst keeping it real, a strong 4.5 stars. Thank you for the ARC.

[robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

good fun! only mildly distracting that the main love interest has the same name as my chihuahua (serena: “i don’t think i could ask for anything better than henry.” me, crying, thinking about my little white dog: ;~; same…)

[Trigger Warning Database]

Trigger & Content Warnings:

Fatmisia & body shaming
Sexual harassment

[ella · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sheer delight! Full of heart and fun, Bethany Rutter’s voice is clear, optimistic and funny

[Nora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just so nice and warm