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meldav4's review
5.0
I give FIVE STARS for A Way Back to Happy! I flew through it in two days and hated putting it down. I admittedly stayed up way too many reading when I should have been sleeping. I loved the story, but loved the characters even more.
I sadly could relate to how Emma was feeling in the beginning of the book and was so happy for her when things fell the way that they did, making her life and next steps so much easier. I almost left like I was experiencing her feelings of elation when she met Finn and was with him, I could almost feel the weight being lifted from her shoulders and her being set free. It was almost odd how strong my emotions were, the author definitely demonstrated immense talent to be able to suck a reader in like that. She again captured Emma’s emotions perfectly when she was in the hospital drowning in fear, helplessness, and frustration. Again, I could almost feel tightness in my own chest and heart, and tears on my own eyes.
I loved her son, her friends, her community; I loved HER. I loved reading about a REAL person living REAL LIFE. I loved the buildup leading us to the ending. So much happened, not what I was expecting, but it of course worked.
The author’s writing is so easy, so comfortable, so enjoyable. I could not get enough of this book and am hoping she will write more books so that I can devour those, too.
I sadly could relate to how Emma was feeling in the beginning of the book and was so happy for her when things fell the way that they did, making her life and next steps so much easier. I almost left like I was experiencing her feelings of elation when she met Finn and was with him, I could almost feel the weight being lifted from her shoulders and her being set free. It was almost odd how strong my emotions were, the author definitely demonstrated immense talent to be able to suck a reader in like that. She again captured Emma’s emotions perfectly when she was in the hospital drowning in fear, helplessness, and frustration. Again, I could almost feel tightness in my own chest and heart, and tears on my own eyes.
I loved her son, her friends, her community; I loved HER. I loved reading about a REAL person living REAL LIFE. I loved the buildup leading us to the ending. So much happened, not what I was expecting, but it of course worked.
The author’s writing is so easy, so comfortable, so enjoyable. I could not get enough of this book and am hoping she will write more books so that I can devour those, too.
coldasyou's review against another edition
4.0
this was so chaotic and fast paced but i loved it. great story of building yourself back up !!
thebookmagpie's review against another edition
Repeated fatphobia in the first few pages.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia
lakinloveslit's review
5.0
Such a wonderful story! I loved following Emma’s journey. Freddie is the cutest wee boy and Finn had me all a flutter! This book has everything you could want in a good read. I just wish it had an epilogue!
livnewman's review
5.0
Olivia Spooner's novel, A Way Back to Happy, follows Emma, a newly separated 33-year-old embarking on life as a single mother. The story initially follows quite a fun, flirty arc until a shocking turning point leaves Emma needing to rebuild her life. It's more serious and introspective than you may expect, but ultimately this is a readable, warm, story about love and the support systems we all need: families, friends, and lovers. After a big week of dense reading and depressing news, this was very much a case of the right book at the right time for me!
mxrvenjxss's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
nicky_p's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
5.0