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Lily Bennett’s Bucket List
The most life-affirming and uplifting debut you will read this year. Perfect for fans of Jill Mansell, Fiona Gibson and Clare Pooley.
What would Lily Bennett do?
This is the question Lydia Grey finds herself asking when she discovers Lily’s bucket list at the bottom of her shopping trolley. Having just run into her ex – and his supermodel gorgeous new girlfriend – while doing the walk of shame, Lydia’s discovery takes her down an unexpected path…and into the company of Jake Jones.
Jake mistakes Lydia for Lily when he offers to help her complete the list, but tempted to be someone – anyone – other than plain old Lydia Grey for once in her life, Lydia doesn’t correct him.
Now, as each new adventure brings Lydia and Jake closer, her lie threatens everything. To complete the list she’ll need to tackle #9: ‘do the scariest thing you can think of’, but how can she do that when the scariest thing she can think of is telling Jake the truth…which could mean losing him forever?
What would Lily Bennett do?
This is the question Lydia Grey finds herself asking when she discovers Lily’s bucket list at the bottom of her shopping trolley. Having just run into her ex – and his supermodel gorgeous new girlfriend – while doing the walk of shame, Lydia’s discovery takes her down an unexpected path…and into the company of Jake Jones.
Jake mistakes Lydia for Lily when he offers to help her complete the list, but tempted to be someone – anyone – other than plain old Lydia Grey for once in her life, Lydia doesn’t correct him.
Now, as each new adventure brings Lydia and Jake closer, her lie threatens everything. To complete the list she’ll need to tackle #9: ‘do the scariest thing you can think of’, but how can she do that when the scariest thing she can think of is telling Jake the truth…which could mean losing him forever?
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First published September 9, 2022
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July 31, 2022
Lily Bennett’s Bucket List
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Romance
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 9/9/22
Author: Katherine Dyson
Publisher: HarperCollins UK
Goodreads Rating: 4.10
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and HarperCollins UK and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: Lydia Grey discovers Lily’s bucket list at the bottom of her shopping trolley. Lydia’s discovery takes her down an unexpected path…and into the company of Jake Jones. Jake mistakes Lydia for Lily when he offers to help her complete the list, but tempted to be someone – anyone – other than plain old Lydia Grey for once in her life, Lydia doesn’t correct him. Now, as each new adventure brings Lydia and Jake closer, her lie threatens everything. To complete the list she’ll need to tackle #9: ‘do the scariest thing you can think of’, but how can she do that when the scariest thing she can think of is telling Jake the truth…which could mean losing him forever?
My Thoughts: The title and cover drew me to this book. I had never seen a premise such as this one and loved it. This was a lighthearted read and would be absolutely perfect for a beach day, this could easily be read in one day. The characters were developed amazingly, they are flawed, but lovable and relatable, they have depth, there is an strong connection between our MCs, the chemistry is spot on and hot, and the supporting characters were wonderful. The characters had amazing growth within themselves and together. I loved how at first Lydia is in a slump, but throughout the story, she really finds herself, even if there was some deception involved. The author’s writing style was complex, the plot was strong and a bit unique, creative, and brilliant. For a debut book, this was amazing. I cannot wait to see what else Dyson puts out, and I will be the first in line for it. This book releases in September and I would recommend that you pre-order now!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Romance
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 9/9/22
Author: Katherine Dyson
Publisher: HarperCollins UK
Goodreads Rating: 4.10
I requested a digital advanced readers copy from NetGalley and HarperCollins UK and providing my opinion voluntarily and unbiased.
Synopsis: Lydia Grey discovers Lily’s bucket list at the bottom of her shopping trolley. Lydia’s discovery takes her down an unexpected path…and into the company of Jake Jones. Jake mistakes Lydia for Lily when he offers to help her complete the list, but tempted to be someone – anyone – other than plain old Lydia Grey for once in her life, Lydia doesn’t correct him. Now, as each new adventure brings Lydia and Jake closer, her lie threatens everything. To complete the list she’ll need to tackle #9: ‘do the scariest thing you can think of’, but how can she do that when the scariest thing she can think of is telling Jake the truth…which could mean losing him forever?
My Thoughts: The title and cover drew me to this book. I had never seen a premise such as this one and loved it. This was a lighthearted read and would be absolutely perfect for a beach day, this could easily be read in one day. The characters were developed amazingly, they are flawed, but lovable and relatable, they have depth, there is an strong connection between our MCs, the chemistry is spot on and hot, and the supporting characters were wonderful. The characters had amazing growth within themselves and together. I loved how at first Lydia is in a slump, but throughout the story, she really finds herself, even if there was some deception involved. The author’s writing style was complex, the plot was strong and a bit unique, creative, and brilliant. For a debut book, this was amazing. I cannot wait to see what else Dyson puts out, and I will be the first in line for it. This book releases in September and I would recommend that you pre-order now!
September 6, 2023
3 stars - felt like I'd read this one before - boring & scorned wife doing someone else more exciting life? And telling some white lies, yeah... still it was cute at times, if predictable
July 5, 2022
I received an ARC of, Lily Bennett's Bucket list, by Katherine Dyson. I did not like that this book was based on deception. I did not care for the book.
September 12, 2022
Lydia Grey is 39 when she's dumped by her husband of twenty years for a young Italian supermodel and ultramarathoner. He tells Lydia that she's boring and that their marriage has become stale. How can she compete?
Enter a bucket list written by an unknown Lily Bennett, found in a grocery cart by Lydia. A new man, Jake Jones, willing to adventure with her -- just as friends because she wants her husband back. Nine items, like climb a mountain and jump off a high dive, give Lydia pause. But with Jake's encouragement (did I mention that he is gorgeous?), she marks off one adventure at a time, growing into acceptance of her authentic self as she takes on the world.
This is such a lovely tale, with characters I adored, especially Lydia's quirky Polish family and their eccentric circle of friends. I read all night, so caught up in the growing relationship between Lydia and Jake, never wanting to leave their charming world. A must-read for lovers of second chances and readers who cheer when female characters come into their own.
Thanks to author Katherine Dyson, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
#LilyBennett’sBucketList #KatherineDyson
#harpercollinsukonemorechapter #NetGalley #generalfictionadult #bucketlists
#bookstagramcommunity
Enter a bucket list written by an unknown Lily Bennett, found in a grocery cart by Lydia. A new man, Jake Jones, willing to adventure with her -- just as friends because she wants her husband back. Nine items, like climb a mountain and jump off a high dive, give Lydia pause. But with Jake's encouragement (did I mention that he is gorgeous?), she marks off one adventure at a time, growing into acceptance of her authentic self as she takes on the world.
This is such a lovely tale, with characters I adored, especially Lydia's quirky Polish family and their eccentric circle of friends. I read all night, so caught up in the growing relationship between Lydia and Jake, never wanting to leave their charming world. A must-read for lovers of second chances and readers who cheer when female characters come into their own.
Thanks to author Katherine Dyson, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are mine.
#LilyBennett’sBucketList #KatherineDyson
#harpercollinsukonemorechapter #NetGalley #generalfictionadult #bucketlists
#bookstagramcommunity
September 21, 2022
This was a funny, sweet book which I enjoyed so much. It was so refreshing and uplifting and the ending was although obvious was still lovely. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
August 5, 2022
Lydia cannot seem to get over her husband leaving her because she was boring. On her way home from a terrible date, she finds a paper entitled Lily’s Bucket List. She decides to do the list to become more attractive to her ex. On a dating app, Lydia asks for some one to complete the tasks with her. She is up front with Jake from the start telling him she wants to win her husband back. Jake Jones suggests a meeting and seeing the title, assumes Lydia is Lily and she does not correct him. Lydia does not like herself and decides she would rather be Lily. I loved this book. Lydia now lives at home and is subjected to her mother’s criticism of how she lives her life. When Jake comes into her life, he supports her and sees a different woman altogether. Jake has a lot of secrets himself and concentrates on being the person Lydia needs him to be so she can feel better about herself. The items on the list made the book lots of fun. Surfing lessons, horseback riding and camping had me laughing out loud. This is at the top of my favorite reads this summer. I appreciate receiving a copy of the book from netGalley in return for an honest review.
July 23, 2022
Oh my god I don’t know if I could’ve loved this more. An absolute feel-good novel with characters that are real and flawed, who GROW and love each other and support each other and urgh I just want to give this book a big hug. There were so many high points of this book - the writing was excellent, the characters were fantastic, their dynamics were believable and their dialogue was as well, the plot was interesting and not something I’d read before, and though predictable, I enjoyed every second of it.
HIGHLY recommend this. Will be paying $$ to buy this when it comes out, and will also be buying it for my mom! Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins, and One More Chapter for the delightful e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
5/5 stars.
HIGHLY recommend this. Will be paying $$ to buy this when it comes out, and will also be buying it for my mom! Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins, and One More Chapter for the delightful e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
5/5 stars.
July 14, 2022
This was such a cute and charming read! I loved watching Lydia’s growth throughout this book and was rooting for her! Overall, I really enjoyed this book! I look forward to reading more from Katherine Dyson! Definitely add this to your tbr list!
Look for this book September 9, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for this arc!
Look for this book September 9, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for this arc!
July 23, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the Arc! I really enjoyed this book! I was drawn to it based off the description and I’m happy to have taken a chance on it! Lydia really grew as a character and I loved her development.
I absolutely adore her interactions with her family, and I also really loved that she had a mix of her blood family and found family. It was such a cute and fun read! Lydia’s developing relationship with Jake was fun to see and I liked the direction Katherine went with them.
This book was cute, lighthearted and funny and an easy read. Perfect for anyone that enjoys themes of found family, romance, adventure and friendship.
I absolutely adore her interactions with her family, and I also really loved that she had a mix of her blood family and found family. It was such a cute and fun read! Lydia’s developing relationship with Jake was fun to see and I liked the direction Katherine went with them.
This book was cute, lighthearted and funny and an easy read. Perfect for anyone that enjoys themes of found family, romance, adventure and friendship.
July 24, 2022
Thank you so much to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, Katherine Dyson and NetGalley for granting me an ARC for 'Lily Bennett’s Bucket List'
Overall rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5
I wanted to like this book so bad, it had all the right ingredients for an amazing feel-good finding yourself love story, but it just didn't meet the mark for me.
I will say that by no means am I the perfect person with incredibly high morals (I mean who is?? 👀) but, the fact that Lydia or should I say Lily, let the lie about her name go on for so long, frankly had me feeling annoyed and left a sour taste in my mouth. I get that the whole moral of the story is that she found who she was, and that she didnt need to use a fake name to achieve that, but this whole plot point could have been left out entirely in my opinion. I also refuse to believe an almost 40 year old woman could be that clueless and naive about her marriage. But also, Adam was a real piece of work, which I'm truly glad she figured out in the end.
Jake was a super fun, interesting and charming love interest who really brought out the best in her and the ending was truly satisfying as endings go.
I'd recommend this book for a light, fun, feel-good (kinda?) read, if you can get over the lying.
Included in this book:
- Fake dating
- Coming of age / Finding yourself
- Alcohol/drunk driver mentions
- Clean romance with implied sexual scenes
Overall rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5
I wanted to like this book so bad, it had all the right ingredients for an amazing feel-good finding yourself love story, but it just didn't meet the mark for me.
I will say that by no means am I the perfect person with incredibly high morals (I mean who is?? 👀) but, the fact that Lydia or should I say Lily, let the lie about her name go on for so long, frankly had me feeling annoyed and left a sour taste in my mouth. I get that the whole moral of the story is that she found who she was, and that she didnt need to use a fake name to achieve that, but this whole plot point could have been left out entirely in my opinion. I also refuse to believe an almost 40 year old woman could be that clueless and naive about her marriage. But also, Adam was a real piece of work, which I'm truly glad she figured out in the end.
Jake was a super fun, interesting and charming love interest who really brought out the best in her and the ending was truly satisfying as endings go.
I'd recommend this book for a light, fun, feel-good (kinda?) read, if you can get over the lying.
Included in this book:
- Fake dating
- Coming of age / Finding yourself
- Alcohol/drunk driver mentions
- Clean romance with implied sexual scenes
July 25, 2022
Loved. This. So. Much. In. Every. Way.
Lydia Grey is almost 40, going through a divorce and living with her parents. She still loves her husband and wants him back (he’s dating again). The list (I won’t give anything away there) is her key to becoming more adventurous and exciting to entice him back.
She enlists a Bucket Buddy (Jake) from her dating app (friends only, of course) to keep her on track and encouraged during this journey. As they work their way through the nine items on the list, she (with the love and support of her daughter and their extended hilarious family) begins to see that she has allowed herself to become “grey”, taking a backseat to life (and her husband). As Jake helps her accomplish her goals and find her misplaced self, he also shows her that she doesn’t have to be perfect, just be herself. And they both begin some self-healing (Jake also has some issues), both alone and apart from each other.
This was so wonderful! The adventures on the bucket list were laugh-out-loud funny (but also endearing). The characters were quirky, original and just plain lovable (special shout out to Lydia’s family!). And to top it off, there was some serious chemistry going on as well (never hurts!). :)
This book is one of those rare gems that you feel so lucky and tickled to discover. Highly recommended.
*On a side note, I read this in one sitting, which I never do.
My thanks to the author, NetGalley and One More Chapter for providing me the free early arc for review. The opinions are strictly my own.
Lydia Grey is almost 40, going through a divorce and living with her parents. She still loves her husband and wants him back (he’s dating again). The list (I won’t give anything away there) is her key to becoming more adventurous and exciting to entice him back.
She enlists a Bucket Buddy (Jake) from her dating app (friends only, of course) to keep her on track and encouraged during this journey. As they work their way through the nine items on the list, she (with the love and support of her daughter and their extended hilarious family) begins to see that she has allowed herself to become “grey”, taking a backseat to life (and her husband). As Jake helps her accomplish her goals and find her misplaced self, he also shows her that she doesn’t have to be perfect, just be herself. And they both begin some self-healing (Jake also has some issues), both alone and apart from each other.
This was so wonderful! The adventures on the bucket list were laugh-out-loud funny (but also endearing). The characters were quirky, original and just plain lovable (special shout out to Lydia’s family!). And to top it off, there was some serious chemistry going on as well (never hurts!). :)
This book is one of those rare gems that you feel so lucky and tickled to discover. Highly recommended.
*On a side note, I read this in one sitting, which I never do.
My thanks to the author, NetGalley and One More Chapter for providing me the free early arc for review. The opinions are strictly my own.
July 1, 2022
Lydia has lost herself.
After making herself the perfect wife, and devoting her time to being mum to Ollie, she's found herself alone.
With a divorce on the horizon and her ex sporting a new, younger model on his arm, she can think of nothing more than how to win him back.
Enter stage left, that bucket list.
See, i's not hers, but Lily Bennnet's list.
Now, I won't tell you the whys and the wherefores, but that list is in Lydia's hands, and from afar, her daughter engineers a way for her to complete this strangers list, to feel more adventurous
Enter stage right, Jake.
The constantly smiling man who she ends up enlisting to help her.
Only, he doesn't know who she is.
And, does she really know him?
The story is one of despair, discovery, growth and acceptance.
I loved the addition of Lydia's family, with her Polish mother, and her almost silent, English father, and the smorgasbord of characters who make up their family of friends,
I really enjoyed reading this!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins, One More Chapter for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
After making herself the perfect wife, and devoting her time to being mum to Ollie, she's found herself alone.
With a divorce on the horizon and her ex sporting a new, younger model on his arm, she can think of nothing more than how to win him back.
Enter stage left, that bucket list.
See, i's not hers, but Lily Bennnet's list.
Now, I won't tell you the whys and the wherefores, but that list is in Lydia's hands, and from afar, her daughter engineers a way for her to complete this strangers list, to feel more adventurous
Enter stage right, Jake.
The constantly smiling man who she ends up enlisting to help her.
Only, he doesn't know who she is.
And, does she really know him?
The story is one of despair, discovery, growth and acceptance.
I loved the addition of Lydia's family, with her Polish mother, and her almost silent, English father, and the smorgasbord of characters who make up their family of friends,
I really enjoyed reading this!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins, One More Chapter for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 4, 2022
Lily Bennett's Bucket List by K. Dyson, published by Harper Collins and One More Chapter, is a witty and fun read.
Lydia is a divorced single mom, a bit lost and hasn't much to show. Her ex-husband has a brand new shiny girlfriend and she has a Lily Bennet's Bucket List, found in a shopping trolley.
Jack Jones, a starnger, in general a good guy mistakes her for Lily and together they're on the journey to check the bucket list together.
A great debut, well written, suspenseful, a read in one sitting book, 4,5 stars.
Lydia is a divorced single mom, a bit lost and hasn't much to show. Her ex-husband has a brand new shiny girlfriend and she has a Lily Bennet's Bucket List, found in a shopping trolley.
Jack Jones, a starnger, in general a good guy mistakes her for Lily and together they're on the journey to check the bucket list together.
A great debut, well written, suspenseful, a read in one sitting book, 4,5 stars.
June 28, 2022
Thank you to One More Chapter, Harper Collins Canada and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this absolutely delightful ebook.
I haven’t been so excited to read a book like this in a long time. These characters just pulled me into their amazing group of love and friendship making me feel like I belonged there with them. Never before have I felt like I was part of a story until this book.
You will be overjoyed with their happiness and your heart will hurt for them. There is a lovely mixture of humour and a bossy mother that makes you want to be adopted. I don’t know how the author did it but I was entranced with the story and simply could set it down. Reading until my husband’s alarm went. Now I can go to sleep with a big smile on my face and faith in love and happy endings.
I haven’t been so excited to read a book like this in a long time. These characters just pulled me into their amazing group of love and friendship making me feel like I belonged there with them. Never before have I felt like I was part of a story until this book.
You will be overjoyed with their happiness and your heart will hurt for them. There is a lovely mixture of humour and a bossy mother that makes you want to be adopted. I don’t know how the author did it but I was entranced with the story and simply could set it down. Reading until my husband’s alarm went. Now I can go to sleep with a big smile on my face and faith in love and happy endings.
August 29, 2022
This book was highly relatable on so many levels. When Lydia thinks her life is over because of POS husband who cheats and has a pretty new girl thing, she embarks on an adventure when she finds a bucket list by Lily Bennett at the bottom of a shopping cart. She also meets a handsome stranger named Jake. She definitely had a millions times more chemistry with Jake than she ever did with her ex-husband, who did not deserve her.
Reasoning for a lower ranking? Even though Lydia's story is relatable, I do not know why she felt like she needed an alias "Lily" to give herself permission to start over/find herself. The book also got predictable in some parts. I did love the ending and felt it was suiting.
Still recommended but not my favorite.
Thanks to NetGalley, Kathryn Dyson and Harper Collins UK 1 More Chapter for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Available: 9/9/22
Reasoning for a lower ranking? Even though Lydia's story is relatable, I do not know why she felt like she needed an alias "Lily" to give herself permission to start over/find herself. The book also got predictable in some parts. I did love the ending and felt it was suiting.
Still recommended but not my favorite.
Thanks to NetGalley, Kathryn Dyson and Harper Collins UK 1 More Chapter for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Available: 9/9/22
August 22, 2022
This was a decent read but I have to wonder what kind of adult woman Lydia Grey was to spend 1.5 hours to put on a full face of makeup and straighten her hair to go…climb a mountain. Ridiculous really. I tried to overlook it but she was just obsessed with appearances throughout the whole book, then complains about her ex husband being obsessed with her appearance. What?
It seemed more like Lydia’s daughter was parenting her rather than the other way around. Which was uncomfortable being as this is an almost 40 year old woman being parented by her 19 year old daughter.
Overall it wasn’t a bad read, I’m not sure if Jake should have forgiven Lydia for basically lying to him for months. The man didn’t even know her real name and she had sex with him. How is that ok? Very odd.
My copy was provided by NetGalley for review
It seemed more like Lydia’s daughter was parenting her rather than the other way around. Which was uncomfortable being as this is an almost 40 year old woman being parented by her 19 year old daughter.
Overall it wasn’t a bad read, I’m not sure if Jake should have forgiven Lydia for basically lying to him for months. The man didn’t even know her real name and she had sex with him. How is that ok? Very odd.
My copy was provided by NetGalley for review
May 2, 2024
Probably somewhere between 2 and 3 stars, cute and easy!
October 14, 2023
Lily Bennet's Bucket List was an enjoyable story about Lydia Grey, a woman who discovers Lily’s bucket list at the bottom of her shopping trolley. She is at a crossroads in her life, with a recent divorce, a job she's been doing for years, and a boring existence. When she reads the list, she decides to do it. When she runs into her ex and his new girlfriend, she is feeling terrible about herself, so when she meets Jake Jones, a man she met on a dating app, and he offers to help Lily complete the bucket list, she agrees, without telling him she isn't Lily. Jake has a lot of connections that allows Lydia to tackle some things that might have seemed impossible. As she ticks things off the list, she and Jake become closer, until they are both in love. What will happen when the truth comes out?
I liked Lydia, even though she wasn't being totally honest with Jake. She was so down on herself, that it was fun to see her try new things and find out that she enjoyed them. The items involved her leaving her comfort zone and there was a lot of humor as she did this. The camping trip is one that had me laughing out loud. Jake was a wonderful partner for her tasks. Jake is also hiding something and he’s reluctant to start a relationship. This is a slow-burn romance, with two reluctant participants, who become friends first and eventually lovers. Although I enjoyed this story, the miscommunication or lack of communication trope is one that I don't like very much, so I had some mixed feelings. It also seemed a bit forced to think they spent so much time together and Jake even met her family, yet she was able to keep her identity secret. As far as the secondary characters go, some were wonderful (her family) and some deserved what they got (Adam, her ex). Overall, I enjoyed this book with themes of trying new things, getting out of your comfort zone, new beginnings, family, secrets and honesty, and of course romance. If you enjoy a fun romance with some humor and characters that grow and find what they want out of life, then I recommend you pick up Lily Bennett's Bucket List. I did a read/listen with this book, narrated by Laura Brydon. She does a nice job with this book and I enjoyed both formats equally.
I liked Lydia, even though she wasn't being totally honest with Jake. She was so down on herself, that it was fun to see her try new things and find out that she enjoyed them. The items involved her leaving her comfort zone and there was a lot of humor as she did this. The camping trip is one that had me laughing out loud. Jake was a wonderful partner for her tasks. Jake is also hiding something and he’s reluctant to start a relationship. This is a slow-burn romance, with two reluctant participants, who become friends first and eventually lovers. Although I enjoyed this story, the miscommunication or lack of communication trope is one that I don't like very much, so I had some mixed feelings. It also seemed a bit forced to think they spent so much time together and Jake even met her family, yet she was able to keep her identity secret. As far as the secondary characters go, some were wonderful (her family) and some deserved what they got (Adam, her ex). Overall, I enjoyed this book with themes of trying new things, getting out of your comfort zone, new beginnings, family, secrets and honesty, and of course romance. If you enjoy a fun romance with some humor and characters that grow and find what they want out of life, then I recommend you pick up Lily Bennett's Bucket List. I did a read/listen with this book, narrated by Laura Brydon. She does a nice job with this book and I enjoyed both formats equally.
September 9, 2022
Lydia Grey's chance discovery of Lily Bennett's bucket list while on a shopping trip led her on an unexpected path of adventure and self-discovery. When Lydia decided to complete the nine items on the unknown woman's list, she developed self-confidence but at the price of being deceitful. She met an energetic and optimistic man named Jake who helped her navigate the challenges, but he had secrets of his own.
This insightful story takes Lydia and Jake to the great outdoors of England on a venturesome quest to complete the list. I loved the excitement of the escapades amid some beautiful settings. Dyson deftly portrayed Lydia, who had faced losses, as a woman with flaws who made mistakes. With themes of new beginnings and personal growth, along with some surprises, Dyson's writing kept me entertained and interested.
Upon finishing the book, readers may want to develop or edit their own bucket lists. I know I did! We're reminded to do what makes us happy, while being honest and true to ourselves, even when we're hurt and healing.
Thank you Net Galley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for the advance reader's copy and opportunity to provide my unbiased review.
This insightful story takes Lydia and Jake to the great outdoors of England on a venturesome quest to complete the list. I loved the excitement of the escapades amid some beautiful settings. Dyson deftly portrayed Lydia, who had faced losses, as a woman with flaws who made mistakes. With themes of new beginnings and personal growth, along with some surprises, Dyson's writing kept me entertained and interested.
Upon finishing the book, readers may want to develop or edit their own bucket lists. I know I did! We're reminded to do what makes us happy, while being honest and true to ourselves, even when we're hurt and healing.
Thank you Net Galley and Harper Collins UK, One More Chapter for the advance reader's copy and opportunity to provide my unbiased review.
December 4, 2024
After a horrendous date and morning-after walk of shame, Lydia vows that something has to change in her life. Online dating only provides low-hanging fruit and, after a rather catastrophic grocery store encounter with her soon-to-be ex-husband and his model girlfriend, Lydia finds a bucket list written by Lily Bennett in her shopping cart, and there ensues Lydia's life makeover.
Sharing her experiences with Jake, an online friend looking for life adventures, Lydia comes to find that even a bucket list written by a stranger can have a life-affirming change on her own existence.
This story's trajectory was very apparent from the first couple of chapters, but the hilarity of Lydia trying to ride a horse for the first time or the anxiety of jumping off a 10m diving board made reading this book all the more enjoyable. Of course, there is a 3rd act conflict (again, apparent from the start), which flips Lydia's and Jake's life secrets upside down. This was a heartwarming and engaging book, which I have no qualms recommending to others.
Sharing her experiences with Jake, an online friend looking for life adventures, Lydia comes to find that even a bucket list written by a stranger can have a life-affirming change on her own existence.
This story's trajectory was very apparent from the first couple of chapters, but the hilarity of Lydia trying to ride a horse for the first time or the anxiety of jumping off a 10m diving board made reading this book all the more enjoyable. Of course, there is a 3rd act conflict (again, apparent from the start), which flips Lydia's and Jake's life secrets upside down. This was a heartwarming and engaging book, which I have no qualms recommending to others.
October 20, 2022
This is about Lydia Grey, a woman recovering from being left by her husband of twenty years because he thinks she's boring and not adventurous enough. As they are approaching the two year mark in their separation (apparently after 2 years you can get a no fault divorce in England) she is still feeling inadequate, but then she finds someone else's bucket list in a shopping cart (Lily Bennett's). She decides to try to fulfill the list to show she can be adventurous. Her adult daughter helps out by modifying her dating profile to say she needs a buddy to help with the bucket list (no romance involved) and she meets a guy who is up for just that. Readers are soon rooting for her to abandon her estranged husband (who has a young girlfriend) and go with Jake, the guy is helping her fulfil the list. The expected complications develop to give a little conflict to the story. All in all, I liked most of the characters and found the storyline fairly believable.
August 4, 2022
Let me start by saying, this book was a big breath of fresh air. It inspired me to write my own bucket list and to tackle adventures that would normally terrify me. Lily Bennet’s Bucket List is an incredible book. I feel in love with all of the characters. Lydia, Jake, Ollie, Aga, Tosh, Mila, and etc. They all hold a special place in my heart when I think about this book.
This book is fantastic and shares a great message to its readers. Hold onto those who bring out the best of you and let go of the ones who try to change you. This book gives you strangers to lovers, adventure, love, tears, and so many laughs. I have can’t remember the last time I laughed so hard while reading a book.
The amount of times I laughed at the different ways Jake “broke” his arm, hilarious. Every single one of them. Phenomenal.
If you’re looking for a book that will inspire adventure and to get you out of your comfort zone while still getting that Rom Com feel, this is the book for you.
Thanks to Netgalley, HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and Katherine Dyson for early access to this arc. I can’t wait to read everyone’s reactions when it comes out September 9th.
September 14, 2022
Cute story about rediscovering yourself after a divorce. The premise was fun but the whole tension that causes the issue between Lydia and Jake was farfetched - he got to know her, what does it matter what her name was? And it was silly that it took her that long to tell him. His deception was much larger and should have caused the rift, not hers. Other than that, I found the story to be interesting and I loved the relationship between Lydia and her mother as well as the relationship between her and her daughter.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
July 22, 2022
Lydia Grey is doing the walk of shame after a disastrous night back on the dating circus. Stopping off for supplies at a local supermarket she bumps into her ex-husband with the new girlfriend. This just makes her feel worse. However, as she retrieves her shopping she notices something in her trolley. Its Lily Bennett's BUcket list. She has no idea who this woman is or why she would want to try ten new things. like climbing a mountain or going on rollercoasters.
She also makes a new friend Jake. Together they embark on the list. However, he thinks she is Lilly not Lydia. Will the truth rip apart their new friendship. This is a light hearting book with smiles included.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to see an ARC
She also makes a new friend Jake. Together they embark on the list. However, he thinks she is Lilly not Lydia. Will the truth rip apart their new friendship. This is a light hearting book with smiles included.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to see an ARC
August 20, 2022
Lydia can’t get over her ex-husband, and is now living at home with her judgmental mother. After a terrible date, Lydia discovers a bucket list at the bottom of her shopping cart. She decides to complete the list and seeks a companion online to join her. Jake answers the call. These two characters have great chemistry and plenty of secrets between them. I highly recommend this book and thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy.
August 27, 2022
This book was cute, I love my little hags. It was a lot of fun to see Lydia grow as a person and become her best self. I loved her relationship with daughter and the rest of her family.
I received an arc through netgalley.
I received an arc through netgalley.
July 18, 2022
I received a free e-arc of this book through Netgalley.
The idea of a bucket list has always intrigued me and this might actually get me to make one of my own. Lydia Grey finds a stranger's bucket list and decides to mark it off since her own life has not been full of adventure or fun. She is stuck and still in love with her soon to be ex-husband Adam who left her two years ago. Following the bucket list goes better than planned and Lydia even finds a hottie new friend Jake to do the list with her. What follows is pretty predictable, but it's good rom com with lots of tasty food and a houseful of Polish family and friends. It feels like an authentic story.
The idea of a bucket list has always intrigued me and this might actually get me to make one of my own. Lydia Grey finds a stranger's bucket list and decides to mark it off since her own life has not been full of adventure or fun. She is stuck and still in love with her soon to be ex-husband Adam who left her two years ago. Following the bucket list goes better than planned and Lydia even finds a hottie new friend Jake to do the list with her. What follows is pretty predictable, but it's good rom com with lots of tasty food and a houseful of Polish family and friends. It feels like an authentic story.
August 25, 2022
Lily has left a bucket list which Lydia finds in a trolley! Lydia starts to meet the challenges with the assistance of Jake who mistakes get for Lily.
This was a warm heart affirming read and I loved it. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
This was a warm heart affirming read and I loved it. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
June 30, 2022
Thank you to HarperCollins, One More Chapter, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Lily Bennett’s Bucket List by Katherine Dyson is a delightful contemporary fiction novel that I think would appeal to rom-com lovers. The story revolves around Lydia, who has randomly found a bucket list belonging to a certain Lily Bennett. She decides to fulfill the bucket list and enlists the help of handsome stranger Jake. But Jake thinks that she's Lily. Can Lydia tell him the truth?
Here is a humorous excerpt from Chapter 1:
"Lydia Grey had become so accustomed to bad dates that she didn’t even flinch at the unexpected warmth of someone else’s tongue in her mouth.
The man smelt nice enough, fresh and masculine, and he kissed with a vigour which she was sure came from a place of passion, but something about the rhythm of his movement and the firm grip of his hand on her shoulder left her cold. His name was Matt, or maybe it was Mark – she wasn’t sure. He’d introduced himself, of course, but Lydia had been so distracted that she’d only half heard him.
Because Matt-or-Mark had a strange quirk in one of his eyebrows, and from the very beginning Lydia had not been able to take her eyes off it."
Overall, Lily Bennett’s Bucket List is an interesting contemporary fiction novel with a rom-com premise. One highlight of this book is the premise, which is a delightful once-in-a-lifetime coincidence. Who could imagine that they would one day be trying to complete someone else's bucket list? I did take off 1 star, because I thought that the plot was a bit too predictable. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of rom-coms in general, I highly recommend that you check out this book when it comes out in September!
Lily Bennett’s Bucket List by Katherine Dyson is a delightful contemporary fiction novel that I think would appeal to rom-com lovers. The story revolves around Lydia, who has randomly found a bucket list belonging to a certain Lily Bennett. She decides to fulfill the bucket list and enlists the help of handsome stranger Jake. But Jake thinks that she's Lily. Can Lydia tell him the truth?
Here is a humorous excerpt from Chapter 1:
"Lydia Grey had become so accustomed to bad dates that she didn’t even flinch at the unexpected warmth of someone else’s tongue in her mouth.
The man smelt nice enough, fresh and masculine, and he kissed with a vigour which she was sure came from a place of passion, but something about the rhythm of his movement and the firm grip of his hand on her shoulder left her cold. His name was Matt, or maybe it was Mark – she wasn’t sure. He’d introduced himself, of course, but Lydia had been so distracted that she’d only half heard him.
Because Matt-or-Mark had a strange quirk in one of his eyebrows, and from the very beginning Lydia had not been able to take her eyes off it."
Overall, Lily Bennett’s Bucket List is an interesting contemporary fiction novel with a rom-com premise. One highlight of this book is the premise, which is a delightful once-in-a-lifetime coincidence. Who could imagine that they would one day be trying to complete someone else's bucket list? I did take off 1 star, because I thought that the plot was a bit too predictable. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of rom-coms in general, I highly recommend that you check out this book when it comes out in September!
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