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The Lonely Hearts Lido Club
Three strangers all caught in the deep end… but can they help each other float through?
After tragically losing her husband and being left a single mother to two children, Gabriella has only one escape for herself – swimming at a local London lido to clear her mind.
A constant stream of both new and familiar faces visit the lido like Gabriella – but she doesn’t suspect any are suffering quite like her, until she meets Helen – who swims to escape her emotionless husband, and Ian – who feels lost in the deep end after becoming unemployed and unable to tell his husband.
Grateful for new companionship, these three strangers decide to make their friendship into something more permanent: The Lonely Hearts Lido Club.
After tragically losing her husband and being left a single mother to two children, Gabriella has only one escape for herself – swimming at a local London lido to clear her mind.
A constant stream of both new and familiar faces visit the lido like Gabriella – but she doesn’t suspect any are suffering quite like her, until she meets Helen – who swims to escape her emotionless husband, and Ian – who feels lost in the deep end after becoming unemployed and unable to tell his husband.
Grateful for new companionship, these three strangers decide to make their friendship into something more permanent: The Lonely Hearts Lido Club.
363 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 4, 2022
12 people are currently reading
220 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
January 25, 2023
I’d probably give this 2.5 stars. This could easily have been 100 pages shorter and still told the same story, but I’m not sure I’d have enjoyed it any more, sadly. The concept was interesting but it didn’t read well for me, it could have been written better. There was a lot of repetition of the same point, idea, or detail, which got a little irritating after a while, and lots of unnecessary parts that didn’t add to the story. Rather, they just made it drag on. By the time I was down to the last three chapters I was willing the story to finish. I didn’t warm to all the main characters and found some of their actions really confusing, wondering whether adults really act like this? It’s a shame because it was a good concept, a tale of unexpected friendship at the right time. It wasn’t all bad, I just think it needed a bit more editing.
July 21, 2023
This book should have been right up my alley and for the first third, it was. Then it just started skipping over scenes that I would have been interested to read, fell into some cliches, It had a lot of potential but I ended up mainly feeling annoyed.
August 5, 2022
Three very different people make friends at the local Lido and, somehow, they help each other to move on with their lives.
Gabriella is a former model, a widow with two young boys. Since her husband Arnie's death she's been mired in grief, not helped by her in-laws who have never liked her and seem determined to take the boys away from her. The trouble is, they pay her eldest son's private school fees and have offered to do the same when her youngest starts school. Gabriella is desperate to escape the house full of memories and in desperation takes her youngest son to the local Lido.
Helen is married to a successful doctor. Happy to give up her career in fashion when she got married she has devoted her life to supporting her husband Bill and raising their son Peter. But now, Bill has allegedly retired, although he still works three days a week, and spends all his free time engrossed in his new computer. Helen thought retirement would be a time for them as a couple but Bill seems permanently irritated by her presence and refuses to consider any kind of joint activity. Helen's only solace is swimming laps at the local Lido, although she thinks visiting seven days a week could be excessive.
Ian was made redundant from his his role as a think-tank consultant and has been unable to find another job. He's too afraid that his gorgeous husband Drew will realise what a loser he's married to admit the truth so he's been leaving home in a suit and tie every day, then spending the day at the Lido.
There's something refreshing about telling your troubles to a stranger, one who tells you theirs in return, and sometimes these are the friendships that take root deep in your soul.
I really enjoyed this, the lives of three strangers bound together in sadness who help each other face the truth. move on, and become happy.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
Gabriella is a former model, a widow with two young boys. Since her husband Arnie's death she's been mired in grief, not helped by her in-laws who have never liked her and seem determined to take the boys away from her. The trouble is, they pay her eldest son's private school fees and have offered to do the same when her youngest starts school. Gabriella is desperate to escape the house full of memories and in desperation takes her youngest son to the local Lido.
Helen is married to a successful doctor. Happy to give up her career in fashion when she got married she has devoted her life to supporting her husband Bill and raising their son Peter. But now, Bill has allegedly retired, although he still works three days a week, and spends all his free time engrossed in his new computer. Helen thought retirement would be a time for them as a couple but Bill seems permanently irritated by her presence and refuses to consider any kind of joint activity. Helen's only solace is swimming laps at the local Lido, although she thinks visiting seven days a week could be excessive.
Ian was made redundant from his his role as a think-tank consultant and has been unable to find another job. He's too afraid that his gorgeous husband Drew will realise what a loser he's married to admit the truth so he's been leaving home in a suit and tie every day, then spending the day at the Lido.
There's something refreshing about telling your troubles to a stranger, one who tells you theirs in return, and sometimes these are the friendships that take root deep in your soul.
I really enjoyed this, the lives of three strangers bound together in sadness who help each other face the truth. move on, and become happy.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
November 26, 2025
I really wanted to like this - found family in unlikely characters is one of my favourite things and the premise sounded really good - but I was left feeling uninvested and unsatisfied. The scenes seemed to skip some of the depth that would have had me more emotionally invested - Helen’s ending with Bill a key part of that, although I think I liked her character the most. Some of the writing as well felt like it could have either been trimmed down a fair amount, or expanded to give it more depth but the right balance was rarely struck - and there was a lack of consistency/contradictions from settings on previous pages that took me out of it - might have needed a little more editing/proofreading.
August 22, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this enchanting novel. I was really invested in each characters story but I especially liked Gabriella, her story was heartbreaking. The three strangers become fast friends and I particularly liked the ending. It is a fun, heartwarming novel and I can't wait to read more from this author. Loved it! Thank you netgalley and Hera books for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
My rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5/5
Three strangers all caught in the deep end… but can they help each other float through?
After tragically losing her husband and being left a single mother to two children, Gabriella has only one escape for herself – swimming at a local London lido to clear her mind.
A constant stream of both new and familiar faces visit the lido like Gabriella – but she doesn’t suspect any are suffering quite like her, until she meets Helen – who swims to escape her emotionless husband, and Ian – who feels lost in the deep end after becoming unemployed and unable to tell his husband.
Grateful for new companionship, these three strangers decide to make their friendship into something more permanent: The Lonely Hearts Lido Club.
#netgalley #thelonelyheartslidoclub
My rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐5/5
Three strangers all caught in the deep end… but can they help each other float through?
After tragically losing her husband and being left a single mother to two children, Gabriella has only one escape for herself – swimming at a local London lido to clear her mind.
A constant stream of both new and familiar faces visit the lido like Gabriella – but she doesn’t suspect any are suffering quite like her, until she meets Helen – who swims to escape her emotionless husband, and Ian – who feels lost in the deep end after becoming unemployed and unable to tell his husband.
Grateful for new companionship, these three strangers decide to make their friendship into something more permanent: The Lonely Hearts Lido Club.
#netgalley #thelonelyheartslidoclub
June 25, 2022
I liked the three main characters, each a good person with their own set of problems.
A lovely idea of friendships formed and problems tackled.
Some parts of the story I wasn't completely sold on though.
I picked this up as it was likened to Mike Gayle, and I'm not sure I quite got that vibe.
Enjoyable non the less.
A lovely idea of friendships formed and problems tackled.
Some parts of the story I wasn't completely sold on though.
I picked this up as it was likened to Mike Gayle, and I'm not sure I quite got that vibe.
Enjoyable non the less.
July 10, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this!
It had heartache and kindness with one or two mini shocks but believable.
Regular people putting themselves out there by chatting to others who looked perhaps a little like how they felt.
Smiles and some frustrations, due to the occasional wave of wanting to shake Bill!
Want easy going and some feel good stuff? This is the book for you.
It had heartache and kindness with one or two mini shocks but believable.
Regular people putting themselves out there by chatting to others who looked perhaps a little like how they felt.
Smiles and some frustrations, due to the occasional wave of wanting to shake Bill!
Want easy going and some feel good stuff? This is the book for you.
June 28, 2023
really liked the concept but i think it needed a bit more editing- some bits did just drag a bit
May 11, 2024
✨ 3.5 Stars ✨
July 12, 2025
An easy, summer read. Perfect for a holiday or sunny afternoon.
August 24, 2023
This was a sweet story and I would have given it a higher rating if it was not so poorly edited.
January 2, 2023
The general story is heartwarming and relatable, however it’s just poorly written. Characters go from having one child to two, characters hair changes colour and the story gets somewhat lost. It may just have been the copy I have but it was really annoying. Worth a flick through if you want something easy to read but I won’t be rushing back to read it again.
December 14, 2023
Beautiful book . Engaging characters and lovely story. Really enjoyed this wonderful book
November 29, 2022
The Lonely Hearts Lido Club features three strangers -- Gabriella, Helen, and Ian -- who are all at the lowest points in their lives. As fate would have it, they all meet each other during this most challenging of times. The companionship and guidance that they can offer each other is something that sounds very interesting. Sadly, I find that the execution of this story is lacking.
In this book, we see how even strangers can greatly affect our lives. No matter how seemingly insignificant we might be to each other at first sight, we will never know how much we can change one person's life. The story is refreshing, to be honest. Here we see three people all feeling lost, come together to build something beautiful in their circle.
Although it saddens me to give this a one-star rating, I think it's what is right. Throughout the book, I just felt like I kept waiting for something to unfold, and then nothing unfolds. The interactions between the three main characters honestly don't make sense most of the time. There is also a good chunk of the book that I felt was unnecessary. I know this could have been churned out better if the story and characters had more direction.
I'm sure this book just wasn't for me, but it might work for other people.
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
In this book, we see how even strangers can greatly affect our lives. No matter how seemingly insignificant we might be to each other at first sight, we will never know how much we can change one person's life. The story is refreshing, to be honest. Here we see three people all feeling lost, come together to build something beautiful in their circle.
Although it saddens me to give this a one-star rating, I think it's what is right. Throughout the book, I just felt like I kept waiting for something to unfold, and then nothing unfolds. The interactions between the three main characters honestly don't make sense most of the time. There is also a good chunk of the book that I felt was unnecessary. I know this could have been churned out better if the story and characters had more direction.
I'm sure this book just wasn't for me, but it might work for other people.
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 9, 2022
This was actually a funny, cute book that talks about three strangers with different life meeting together and becoming friends.
Helen is facing marriage problems with Bill. Gabriella is trying to move after her husband died and Ian has recently lost a job and is afraid to tell his husband Drew. The three strangers spend time together at the lido and eventually, the three become friends. The writing was great and although it started a little boring, I actually enjoyed reading the book. I did like the friendship between the three strangers that eventually turned into close friendship, Ian's life with Drew, Gabriella in the end meeting someone and Helen trying to repair her marriage to Bill. Overall, I thought this was a sweet book and is looking forward to read more books from this author.
Worth four stars!
Many thanks to Netgalley and the Hera books for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion onlt.
Helen is facing marriage problems with Bill. Gabriella is trying to move after her husband died and Ian has recently lost a job and is afraid to tell his husband Drew. The three strangers spend time together at the lido and eventually, the three become friends. The writing was great and although it started a little boring, I actually enjoyed reading the book. I did like the friendship between the three strangers that eventually turned into close friendship, Ian's life with Drew, Gabriella in the end meeting someone and Helen trying to repair her marriage to Bill. Overall, I thought this was a sweet book and is looking forward to read more books from this author.
Worth four stars!
Many thanks to Netgalley and the Hera books for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion onlt.
July 16, 2022
This was an absolutely wonderful read! It was exactly what I look for in character driven novel - people of different backgrounds thrown together in a hard time of their lives and all of them coming out the other side together, and as better people.
All three of the main characters were so incredibly different, their problems were different, and yet they fell into steadfast friendship so quickly and comfortably - it was amazing to experience genuine friendships being formed throughout this novel and it made me want to be a apart of this little group so so badly!
It was funny and really sweet, emotional at times but a great insight into the daily ups and downs of life. It was an easy read where I got incredibly invested in the lives of these 3. Perfect summer read!!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Hera for my free copy of this book in return for an honest review - all thoughts are completely my own.
All three of the main characters were so incredibly different, their problems were different, and yet they fell into steadfast friendship so quickly and comfortably - it was amazing to experience genuine friendships being formed throughout this novel and it made me want to be a apart of this little group so so badly!
It was funny and really sweet, emotional at times but a great insight into the daily ups and downs of life. It was an easy read where I got incredibly invested in the lives of these 3. Perfect summer read!!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Hera for my free copy of this book in return for an honest review - all thoughts are completely my own.
July 28, 2022
A completely enchanting novel that will touch your heart and soul. The Characters of Ian, Gabriella, and Helen are so well written and their troubles are so relatable. The friendship they form is touching as they help each other in so many ways as their relationships grow and blend. I could feel each of their pain in the situations they were in and felt compassion for them.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
dnf
November 4, 2025DNF at 80%
Lowkey annoyed at myself for not persevering because 80% is a long way into a book to DNF, but oh my GOD I’m so bored 😭
It feels way too long; there’s a lot of tired dialogue and repetition and it definitely could have been at least 150 pages shorter. The storyline is sweet but none of the characters stand out to me, so I’m finally giving up 💀
Narrator: Joe Jameson
Lowkey annoyed at myself for not persevering because 80% is a long way into a book to DNF, but oh my GOD I’m so bored 😭
It feels way too long; there’s a lot of tired dialogue and repetition and it definitely could have been at least 150 pages shorter. The storyline is sweet but none of the characters stand out to me, so I’m finally giving up 💀
Narrator: Joe Jameson
July 23, 2022
This book is different than what I am typically used to but I enjoyed it. I felt that it did go a bit slow at first but I did not wanna put it down by the end. It was not your typical romance book that I usually read and I really like to hearing the story progression of these three characters using each other to help with their individual problems.
September 17, 2025
Lovely premise but didn’t really go anywhere.
The dialogue between the characters often seemed odd - random things coming out of nowhere, responses that actually sounded rude to the point where you wondered if any of them liked each other really. So it didn’t make me warm to any of them. I particularly didn’t like Helen because of the way her dialogue was written, she came across pretty rude. And why did she talk like she’d been a housewife in the 60s or 70s, things had moved on in the 80s.
Most of the reveals were done two thirds of the way through the book and there remainder was fairly predictable.
I would have enjoyed it more if it had been better written and edited. There was so much unnecessary detail in every part to the point I half expected to be told a character was using a cup to drink their coffee out of. At the same time I often felt the story skipped from one thing to the next within a couple of sentences and I had no idea whether we were still within the same day or if the story had moved on a few days or weeks. I completely lost track with the progress of Gabriella’s relationship and Drew’s recovery seemed to last over a year.
Lots of proofreading errors - names, descriptions of people, facts about them (even Helen referring to her children when she only had one) made it all even more confusing.
2 stars for the concept of the book and for the focus mainly being on friendship above all else.
The dialogue between the characters often seemed odd - random things coming out of nowhere, responses that actually sounded rude to the point where you wondered if any of them liked each other really. So it didn’t make me warm to any of them. I particularly didn’t like Helen because of the way her dialogue was written, she came across pretty rude. And why did she talk like she’d been a housewife in the 60s or 70s, things had moved on in the 80s.
Most of the reveals were done two thirds of the way through the book and there remainder was fairly predictable.
I would have enjoyed it more if it had been better written and edited. There was so much unnecessary detail in every part to the point I half expected to be told a character was using a cup to drink their coffee out of. At the same time I often felt the story skipped from one thing to the next within a couple of sentences and I had no idea whether we were still within the same day or if the story had moved on a few days or weeks. I completely lost track with the progress of Gabriella’s relationship and Drew’s recovery seemed to last over a year.
Lots of proofreading errors - names, descriptions of people, facts about them (even Helen referring to her children when she only had one) made it all even more confusing.
2 stars for the concept of the book and for the focus mainly being on friendship above all else.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2023
If you like books about unlikely friendships, this is one you need to read. It's the story of three people who feel alone and all turn to a lido, or sort of leisure center, to cope, and as a result, find lasting friendship and healing at the swimming pool.
Gabriella is a recently widowed single mother of two young boys. Helen is stuck in a marriage in which she feels invisible and unloved and Ian has lost his job and is terrified to tell his husband because he feels he married above himself and he would be dumped as a result. Every time the three meet at the lido, new details come out about what problems each of them has and they support each other and become involved in each other's lives.
I loved this book. I think Gabriella and Helen are the two strongest characters. Ian's choice to not let his partner know what was going on nearly cost him his marriage. However, one of the funniest scenes in the book was when Ian asks Helen to come over and help him explain what's going on, and he blurts out something that he and Helen had not discussed and she couldn't get out of there fast enough.
You'll be cheering for happy endings for all these friends and the other people in their lives.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions expressed are mine and freely given.
Gabriella is a recently widowed single mother of two young boys. Helen is stuck in a marriage in which she feels invisible and unloved and Ian has lost his job and is terrified to tell his husband because he feels he married above himself and he would be dumped as a result. Every time the three meet at the lido, new details come out about what problems each of them has and they support each other and become involved in each other's lives.
I loved this book. I think Gabriella and Helen are the two strongest characters. Ian's choice to not let his partner know what was going on nearly cost him his marriage. However, one of the funniest scenes in the book was when Ian asks Helen to come over and help him explain what's going on, and he blurts out something that he and Helen had not discussed and she couldn't get out of there fast enough.
You'll be cheering for happy endings for all these friends and the other people in their lives.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the chance to read and review this book. All opinions expressed are mine and freely given.
July 14, 2022
This novel had a hook I love, very different people at a low point who are thrown together by chance and form an unlikely friendship that helps them to overcome their hardships. As an avid swimmer, the fact that this friendship takes place at a London community swimming pool was even better.
Gabriela is a beautiful, grieving widow with two young children finding it hard to make it through each day. Ian is a happily married gay man whose world falls apart when he loses the job that provided him with his whole sense of self – and it’s getting harder to keep his joblessness hidden from his husband. Helen is a middle-aged empty nester who is tired of being virtually invisible to her retired (but still workaholic) husband.
The novel started strong, but it grew a bit flat for me midway. Even though we get a lot of page time with the characters, I didn’t feel I “knew” them that well. It sometimes felt there was too much telling and too little showing, and, especially with the female characters, I didn’t feel we were digging down deep enough beneath the surface.
But still an enjoyable (poolside) read about unlikely friendships and second chances.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy - all thoughts are my own.
Gabriela is a beautiful, grieving widow with two young children finding it hard to make it through each day. Ian is a happily married gay man whose world falls apart when he loses the job that provided him with his whole sense of self – and it’s getting harder to keep his joblessness hidden from his husband. Helen is a middle-aged empty nester who is tired of being virtually invisible to her retired (but still workaholic) husband.
The novel started strong, but it grew a bit flat for me midway. Even though we get a lot of page time with the characters, I didn’t feel I “knew” them that well. It sometimes felt there was too much telling and too little showing, and, especially with the female characters, I didn’t feel we were digging down deep enough beneath the surface.
But still an enjoyable (poolside) read about unlikely friendships and second chances.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy - all thoughts are my own.
October 5, 2022
The Lonely Hearts Lido Club by Charlie Lyndhurst
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Hera Books and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Three strangers all caught in the deep end… but can they help each other float through?
After tragically losing her husband and being left a single mother to two children, Gabriella has only one escape for herself – swimming at a local London lido to clear her mind.
A constant stream of both new and familiar faces visit the lido like Gabriella – but she doesn’t suspect any are suffering quite like her, until she meets Helen – who swims to escape her emotionless husband, and Ian – who feels lost in the deep end after becoming unemployed and unable to tell his husband.
My Opinion
There is something pleasant about three strangers coming together to help each other through their troubles. A fun and heart-warming novel that will play with your emotions in places. This would make for a lovely holiday read.
Rating 4/5
I received an advance review copy for free thanks to NetGalley and Hera Books and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Blurb
Three strangers all caught in the deep end… but can they help each other float through?
After tragically losing her husband and being left a single mother to two children, Gabriella has only one escape for herself – swimming at a local London lido to clear her mind.
A constant stream of both new and familiar faces visit the lido like Gabriella – but she doesn’t suspect any are suffering quite like her, until she meets Helen – who swims to escape her emotionless husband, and Ian – who feels lost in the deep end after becoming unemployed and unable to tell his husband.
My Opinion
There is something pleasant about three strangers coming together to help each other through their troubles. A fun and heart-warming novel that will play with your emotions in places. This would make for a lovely holiday read.
Rating 4/5
November 15, 2022
Being from the US, I didn't know that an outdoor public pool in the UK is called a lido. It seems that many of them have other amenities such as a gym and additionally a place to have tea.
I really enjoyed this story of how three lonely strangers met at a lido, gradually got to know each other, provided moral support, and eventually became like family. At the start, they each had some large problems and tough decisions to make. Their initial relationships were tentative, but as they gradually talked about what was going on in their lives, just organizing their thoughts to explain what was going on helped each of them to clarify their feelings. Since they were still relative strangers, some of the advice was off base and some was good, but all delivered in a casual atmosphere and not like parents or spouses who always think they know best.
None of their problems were solved quickly with the wave of a wand, but with each others' support all three of the Lonely Hearts ended up with much happier and less lonely lives, and I found the ending totally satisfying.
I really enjoyed this story of how three lonely strangers met at a lido, gradually got to know each other, provided moral support, and eventually became like family. At the start, they each had some large problems and tough decisions to make. Their initial relationships were tentative, but as they gradually talked about what was going on in their lives, just organizing their thoughts to explain what was going on helped each of them to clarify their feelings. Since they were still relative strangers, some of the advice was off base and some was good, but all delivered in a casual atmosphere and not like parents or spouses who always think they know best.
None of their problems were solved quickly with the wave of a wand, but with each others' support all three of the Lonely Hearts ended up with much happier and less lonely lives, and I found the ending totally satisfying.
July 24, 2022
NetGalley UK provided me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review
'The Lonely Hearts Lido Club' by Charlie Lyndhurst is a contemporary novel that embraces the relationship between three people, each adapting to significant changes in their lives.
What I enjoyed most about this story was the growing relationship between the characters as their troubled minds unburden themselves to each other.
Forming strong bonds, the three strangers - who initially it seems, have absolutely nothing in common - help each other overcome their individual problems and build lasting friendships. From different age groups and social backgrounds, they each bring something special into each other's lives.
Although there were no huge surprises, the gentle way in which the story unfolds is charming and it would therefore be a perfect, summer-lazing-by-the-pool read.
'The Lonely Hearts Lido Club' by Charlie Lyndhurst is a contemporary novel that embraces the relationship between three people, each adapting to significant changes in their lives.
What I enjoyed most about this story was the growing relationship between the characters as their troubled minds unburden themselves to each other.
Forming strong bonds, the three strangers - who initially it seems, have absolutely nothing in common - help each other overcome their individual problems and build lasting friendships. From different age groups and social backgrounds, they each bring something special into each other's lives.
Although there were no huge surprises, the gentle way in which the story unfolds is charming and it would therefore be a perfect, summer-lazing-by-the-pool read.
April 11, 2024
2.5 stars rounded up to 3.
The book had a really sweet premise… modern, lonely people with no one to turn to, put into a nice literary world of a lido in a heatwave and they help each other.
The characters were likeable enough and the writing was ok. It badly needed a proper editor and a copy editor. The story could’ve been ruthlessly cut shorter. Much of it dragged and didn’t move the story forward. Then in terms of copy editing, there were just silly distractions that could’ve been omitted / fixed. Like when Helen pops out of the cafe for 5 minutes and arrives back 2 sentences later.
It worked for me as a wind down for bed audiobook listen and I’m sure the author has some good work to come. (Just get a proper editing team next time!)
The book had a really sweet premise… modern, lonely people with no one to turn to, put into a nice literary world of a lido in a heatwave and they help each other.
The characters were likeable enough and the writing was ok. It badly needed a proper editor and a copy editor. The story could’ve been ruthlessly cut shorter. Much of it dragged and didn’t move the story forward. Then in terms of copy editing, there were just silly distractions that could’ve been omitted / fixed. Like when Helen pops out of the cafe for 5 minutes and arrives back 2 sentences later.
It worked for me as a wind down for bed audiobook listen and I’m sure the author has some good work to come. (Just get a proper editing team next time!)
August 13, 2022
I loved the idea of three total strangers, Gabriella, Helen & Ian, being thrown together all with one thing in common, a mutual love for the lido. They were all going through different hardships when they met, but as the story went on they learnt to deal with them.
I loved how the friendship of the main characters developed and grew throughout, as well as being introduced to and learning about their partners and lives. The setting of the lido was also a hit with me.
A sweet and occasional emotional read!
Thank you to Hera Books & NetGalley for my free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I loved how the friendship of the main characters developed and grew throughout, as well as being introduced to and learning about their partners and lives. The setting of the lido was also a hit with me.
A sweet and occasional emotional read!
Thank you to Hera Books & NetGalley for my free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
September 20, 2025
Enjoyable book, which covered the in's and out's of life through three very different people's perspectives. However, the book needed a bit more proof reading, as there are quite a few grammar tense issues in addition to a few character mix ups, which sometimes made the plot a little confusing. This was especially the case when it mentioned Drew asking about Drew being in an ambulance, I'm guessing a typo and should have been Ian asking about Drew? Unfortunately this did let the book down, as it meant I had to reread a few bits, and had this not been the case would have otherwise been a really great book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2022
After losing her husband and left a single mother of two kids, Gabriella likes to escape to the local London lido to swim and clear her mind. At the lido, she meets people who suffer too, like Helen, who swims to escape her husband, and Ian, who feels lost.
This contemporary fiction contains lovely characters, a story of great friendship and moving on. It's a fun and sweet read, although heartbreaking at times, the perfect beach read.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This contemporary fiction contains lovely characters, a story of great friendship and moving on. It's a fun and sweet read, although heartbreaking at times, the perfect beach read.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 25, 2022
I picked up this book as I wanted an easy, light chick-lit beach read. I knew it wasn’t going to be a thought provoker but I did not anticipate quite how bad it would really be. Unquestionably, this is one of the worst books I’ve ever read. The editing is so poor and un-cohesive that at points the horrendously repetitive storyline doesn’t actually add up, the characters are utterly devoid of personality and charm; the fact that it was ever published is a miracle in itself. Do not waste your time with this trash.
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