Reviews

Beth O'Leary's novel is over the top and requires some suspension of disbelief for the grinch inside of us, but it is heartwarming and that is the point. I listened to the audiobook, thanks to an ARC by the publishers and enjoyed the dual narrations by Daisy Edgar-Jones, a young British actress with another audiobook narration in her resumé, and Alison Steadman, a more established British actress with more roles and audiobook narrations under her belt.

They did a fantastic job bring Leena and her grandmother Eileen to life. Leena's adventures in her grandmother's Yorkshire village is a bit on the predicable side, but it still has the appeal of a [a:Sophie Kinsella|6160|Sophie Kinsella|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1245821549p2/6160.jpg] romance.

The true star of the book, however, is Eileen. Like all the characters who first met Eileen in London, I fell in love with this almost octogenarian who was looking for love--and sex!--after her husband left her after many years of unhappy married life. Eileen is a force to be reckoned with. Used to being a community leader and organizer she is quick to identify those in need of companionship in her London community and sets out to do something about as she navigates a relationship app and the men who express interest in her. And yes, her happily-ever-after plot line was predictable as well, but I did not care after all of her adventures in London.

almondcookies's review against another edition

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3.0

This book is based around two main characters, an elderly lady living in a sleepy Yorkshire village and her grandchild hustling in London. Both aren’t happy and so swap houses and duties for a few months (I say swap houses and not swap lives, because when I first read “swap lives”, I thought this was a body swap ala Freaky Friday kind of deal. It’s not).

Grandma goes to the big city, finds herself by making friends, building a community, helping those around her and having casual sex. Grandaughter goes to Yorkshire, drinks lots of tea, cools her shit for 93% of the book, then remembers in that this is supposed to be part romance and quickly rushes to find anyone within the appropriate age and 5 mile radius before the end of the book.

What I hated: Granddaughter and her love life was extremely infuriating.
What I loved: Grandma. And Yorkshire Tea. The best tea.

zoecrook's review against another edition

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funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

jessicajbryant's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

ediebt's review against another edition

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4.0

Very sweet, one of those books you want to live in.

marieintheraw's review against another edition

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3.0

Overall, despite all the things that could be going right for it, my enjoyment went left for the few things that I didn't like.

I received an audiobook version of this book through Netgalley; however, my opinions are my own.

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