4☆ A warm and inspiring read

Forgotten Guide to Happiness is a beautiful and heart warming read about friendship, love and relationships.

Lana is an Author. She has had a huge success with her first book she based on her whirlwind relationship with her boyfriend Mark.
However Mark has decided he no longer wants to be with Lana and breaks her heart.

Of course you would think writing a sequel would be easy, she just draws from all her pain and anguish.
But her publisher has other ideas. She said it's just too sad and she needs to start again.

Lana is heartbroken, broke and practically homeless.
Its here she meets Jack. She bumps into Jack in a nearby pub.
He tells her his step mother Nancy is also a writer. Which Lana simply shrugs off... little does she know Nancy will help change her life!
Jack tells Lana that he will be her inspiration and her next hero!
Oh wasn't he spot on!!

Nancy is a joy, with the onset of dementia and the authorities insisting she is becoming a danger to be left alone. Nancy and Lana move in together. Solves both problems.

I adored all 3 characters relationships.
But Nancy is by far my favourite. She was full of spirit, warmth and I really warmed to her.

Forgotten Guide to Happiness truly is a warm, beautiful read, it's tender and inspiring. The Characters are likeable and charismatic.
The writing really caught my attention, it was a fluid and captivating read that kept me turning pages.
The perfect read to snuggle up with!

First of all my thoughts. Lana Green is a novelist whose first book was a huge bestseller. It was not-so-loosely based on her own relationship with Mark but he left her for someone else. Her second novel focusing on her heartbreak has been rejected by agent Kitty Golding and she is now totally broke. Through a chance meeting with Jack, she moves in with his step mother Nancy, who has the early stages of dementia, as a live-in carer. Nancy was also a best-selling and much respected writer in her time.

First of all, let me get a couple of niggles out the way. I found it difficult to understand some of Lana's choices especially in the second half of the book. To me they didn't ring true to the kind of woman she was becoming. I also found it a bit confusing nearer the end when I wasn't clear whether something was actually meant to have happened or whether it was something that Lana was imagining in the way of her novels.

However, there was a lot I did like about the novel. I loved all the references to contemporary writers and novels and also to older novelists when referring to Nancy's past career.  I also liked the various members of the writing group Lana tutored and the glimpses we got into their lives through what they were writing and discussing. I loved the part of one of their classes where Lana told her students: "Our characters are searching for the all-important missing part. The missing part is different for each of us." This was equally true of the characters in the book as well as the characters in their own writing.

But the standout character was Nancy. Despite her illness, she was still an outgoing and convivial woman. She was still sharp enough on occasion to weigh up another character accurately. Her dementia was portrayed sensitively and movingly. It was clear she was still a person with feelings but who just needed a little more understanding than other people. Jack and Lana certainly had a wonderful way of coping with her and had a touching relationship with her.

The Forgotten Guide to Happiness is a lovely read about the importance of friendship, love and understanding, with lots of uplifting moments and many memorable characters.

he cover of the book is what first caught my eye. I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun read with lots of interesting characters. Nancy and the students in Lara's Romantic Prose class were definitely entertaining.

Lana happens to meet Jack on the same day the sequel to her bestselling novel was rejected by her publishers. They thought it was too sad. Of course it is, the hero from her first book is no longer in the picture. That hero also happens to be Lara's boyfriend, Mark. Mark doesn't return home after a work assignment and neglects to tell Lara until she's at the airport waiting for him. That's when Jack steps in to help with writer's block and provide a hero for Lara to write about. Lara ends up moving in with Nancy, Jack's eccentric stepmom who is a famous writer and also suffers from dementia. Mark reappears in Lara's life. Lara finally realizes what makes a true hero.

I loved the story line, characters and writing style. It was a quick but fun read. When Lara sees Mark after all those months, I just knew she would forgive him. Nancy may have had dementia, but she could tell Mark was not the one for Lara. Mark pretty much just shows up and really doesn't give any explanation.

I definitely recommend the book and look forward to reading more by the author.

Thanks to NetGalley, Avon and the author, Sophie Jenkins, for a free electronic ARC of this novel.

Have you ever read a book that makes you feel warm, happy and content? If you have gone through a similar experience, then you won't be able to pass this one by. The stunning debut with its unique perspective and story line will endear anyone with at least a small inkling to write.
The story was quite engaging from the start itself and we immediately connect with Lana Green, the author of a single famous romantic novel whose life is now in shatters. Her quirky but insightful comments on other writers (especially the one about Hemingway) and about writing had me grinning from ear to ear.
And I never thought that someone with dementia can contribute so much fun. In reality I don't think they will, but here I completely agree with Kitty, "no one wants to read how it all went wrong . . . they can look to their own lives for that sort of thing."
The characters we meet are also quite distinctive, starting from Nancy. Then there is Jack and we can't but admire how he peddled through some really dark periods in life. Love is insanity (some loves at least) and it is good to see him so forgiving. He has become one of my favourite heroes.
That being said, I won't classify this as a romance novel since that plays only a minor role here. This is a writer's search for her novel, that particular story which is waiting for her to be written. Endowed with one of the perfect endings, this uplifting book will make you happy irrespective of whether you forgot the feeling or not.

This was a refreshing read about Lana, a struggling author, who befriends an elderly famous author, Nancy, who’s dealing with dementia. It’s a surprisingly light read, perfect for the beach or by the fire if in colder weather. Although there is some romance, it’s not done traditionally and I liked that most of the time it was on the back burner.

Lana’s character was both easy to like and get annoyed with simultaneously. She could be quite selfish, often thinking of only how things will help her, but she was also often very real and flawed in a way that was relatable. She also talked about the process of writing excessively and I could have done without that.

After her boyfriend Mark left her she finds herself struggling to make ends meet but soon an opportunity to help with Nancy presents itself.

Lana meets Jack, Nancy’s step-son, first and I really liked him. He was an amazing step-son and too good for Lana. The circumstances surrounding Nancy and his father’s relationship made him bitter toward love but he was still very sweet and “heroic.”

Nancy’s character was both endearing and heartbreaking. Dementia has definitely had its effect on her but she still had a gregarious personality. You could sense other’s frustration when handling her but also their love. Even being an elderly lady suffering from dementia she still had so much to offer.

I was really enjoying this story until about 65% through when Mark reappeared. Lana was angry and hurt earlier in the novel when her writing class had called her character (based on herself) weak and dependent. She thought of herself as brave and independent. Yet the second Mark walked back into her life (after breaking up with her over the phone and no contact for months), she’s ready to jump back into his arms.

Near the end I got a little confused because Lana would mention something that happened and then talk about how she’d write it and I couldn't always tell which was real and what she was saying she wrote for a book.

Overall this was a cute, quirky read with great side characters and a fun plot.

If you'd asked me a year ago I wouldn't have chosen to read this book. However I've now read a few in this genre, and they are definitely "feel good" books.

I enjoyed reading this. I liked the characters - with a few exceptions - and the way they interacted. I loved Jack, an endearing character. Loved and Nancy too; I felt that her dementia was handled sensitively and the book touched on the way in which elderly people are sometimes forced into sheltered accommodation regardless of whether that's actually the best thing for them (as you may guess, I'm not a fan of this practice).

All in all an enjoyable, feel-good book, that lifted my spirits on a very rainy day.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC in return for my honest review.

This novel is a thoroughly enjoyable read. It is told from the point of view of Lana, the main character with a voice that is equal parts witty, wise, and downright funny. I absolutely loved her descriptions of people and emotions and setting. And I also loved that Lana is an author, searching for an idea for her next novel, which plays into everything she says and does. There is also lots of insight shared on what love really is and what life is really all about.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author and published for a preview copy in exchange for my honest review.

The Blurb :
Sometimes, happiness can be found where you least expect it…
Twenty-eight-year-old Lana Green has never been good at making friends. She’s perfectly happy to be left alone with her books. Or at least, that’s what she tells herself.
Nancy Ellis Hall was once a celebrated writer. Now eighty, she lives alone in her North London house, and thinks she’s doing just fine. But dementia is loosening Nancy’s grip on the world.
When Lana and Nancy become unconventional house mates, their lives will change in ways they never expected. But can an unusual friendship rescue two women who don’t realise they need to be saved?

My Thoughts :
Although this took me a little whille to get into, it sure picks up and leaves you eager to turn the pages.
Lana Green, is an Author and having wrote her last book on her relationship with Mark, the sequel isnt quiet going anywhere as Mark has dumped her and in turn broken her heart. With no money and no where to live, Lana bumps into Jack Buchanan at a pub, Jack’s stepmother Nancy, used to be a writer but now suffers Dementia. When talk of Nancy being put into a care home, it is decided that
Lana moves in with her to keep her safe and look after her.
A whole new friendship is made, one that is filled with laughter and endless possibilities for both Lana and Nancy.
I really warmed to these two and enjoyed the journey they went on.
Sophie Jenkins, has written a well thought out story with a lot of depth. I look forward to her next release.

I really enjoyed this book. Lana had written an uplifting book based on a blog of real life experiences. Then her idyllic relationship collapsed and bitterness took over.
Her new book was rejected and she was asked to write another uplifting novel. She had lost her positivity and decided she needed to research a hero upon whom to base her new book.
Enter Jack who tried very hard to give her some fun that could make him hero. Neither of them are really convinced by love.
With its cast of character, including Jack's stepmother, they all begin to change their view of love.
There are the usual twists and turns along the way but I loved the characters and Lana found her new story,

When I began to read Sophie Jenkins' The Forgotten Guide to Happiness, I thought the book had been printed in the wrong order as the very first page starts with chapter 40 of a book which sounded to me like it should have been at the end. I'll admit I found this slightly confusing to start with but then I presumed this would resolve itself by the conclusion of the story. I needn't have worried myself unnecessarily so early on as within a few pages all did become clear and I could see why the author began the book the way she did. This début novel from Sophie Jenkins follows Lana Green as she begins to forge a new path in life and in doing so finds happiness in the most unexpected of places but in the most delightful of ways.

Lana is a writer and has attempted to write her second book following on from the success of her début Love Crazy. The only problem being her first novel was based on her own real life experiences and now that her personal life has taken a nose dive, she can only write about what she knows and as Kitty, Lana's agent, says people want to read of love and romance not sadness and rejection. Lana has written a full length draft of book two and is hopeful of approval and to get the go ahead for publication but Kitty has more or less tossed the manuscript to one side and told Lana to start all over again. How devastating for Lana particularly as she feels she gave the writing of the book her all. Kitty feels the story is too bleak and depressing and one which readers will not rush out to buy. Lana is told in no uncertain terms that there is a simple formula one which should be adhered to if an author wants to have a successful career and make some money. The storyline should go like this - love, it goes wrong, they get back together, happy ending and Lana should not deviate from this no matter what way her thoughts drift.

I felt Lana was brave not to give up on her dream and that she did want to continue to pursue her writing career but given her perilous financial situation and the fact she has been more or less abandoned by boyfriend Mark, also the star of her début novel, she really was faced with no other choice but to get on with things. If that meant compromising the content of what she was writing, was she willing to do so? Does she agree with the prescribed formula but finding a storyline to even begin the writing process once again would prove very challenging. At times I thought Lana was full of enthusiasm and could make a go of things and then at other points, her lack of just sitting down to write and getting a story down on paper began to frustrate me. But on refection maybe she needed to do everything she experienced and to encounter the people she did in order for the words to flow in such a way that would satisfy both herself, Kitty and her readers.

There were a lot of hidden layers to the story and by this I felt there was a lot of reading between the lines for the reader to figure out the overall picture and really understand the thoughts, feelings, actions and inner workings of the characters hearts and minds. This book in no way was your typical love story, the kind that Kitty wanted Lana to write, and I think it was better overall for it but I do feel the ending the ending was very long winded and as is mentioned with regard to finishing up books within the story itself the ending is reached but then four or five more are included. That's what I thought here but apart from this The Forgotten Guide to Happiness is a very good read with love and finding your happy place in life at its centre.

When Lana meets Jack Buchanan, as she sits pondering her next move over a drink, little does she realise this meeting will be the catalyst that will eventually inspire her. That everything that occurs from now on will see her change her outlook on life, her overall attitude and her perceptions with regard to people and situations. Maybe now is the time when she can come out from under the cloud that Mark has enshrouded her in ever since he failed to return from an assignment he was on as something better seemed to have cropped up. In my mind, Lana was far too bogged down in pining for Mark, who himself seemed to have no regard for her. If he could move on, she needed to as well and as her private life had been traumatic and what she classed as a failure now was the time to do it. Lana believes she needs to find a new hero for her book. But what is a hero? Do they have certain criteria? Or do they just walk off the page to meet you fully formed?

Jack offers his services but she seemed to initially give him short shrift but I enjoyed how he never gave up on Lana but was subtle in the way he went about this. We don't need a bolshy, in your face, perfectly formed male character in every book we read that has a focus on romance. No, sometimes it's nice to have someone who is unobtrusive yet supportive, loyal and kind. Jack never forced himself forward but I did suspect what his long term goals were and wondered would the clouds clear and allow her to see what was right in front of her eyes? Jack takes Lana to meet his stepmother Nancy Ellis Hall, herself once a famous writer and feminist whose own love story throws up so many questions. Lana very much admires Nancy but she is not herself any more, the onset of dementia means she is not the person she one was. How can Lana reach beneath the layers of confusion and endless repetitive questions to discover the real Nancy who surely remains beneath the fog of confusion?

As Lana moves in with Nancy in a kind of carer role, the book took on a lovely feeling and it became a catalyst in the writing process for Lana that she hadn't realised she needed to go through. Nancy was a brilliantly written character. Yes it was sad that a disease was taking her away from those that loved her but her eccentricities provided many laugh out loud moments and I thought everything was dealt with sensitivity and tact. Yes the friendship that develops between the women many would class as unusual but instead the way the story was written it felt natural and realistic. As things developed more both Nancy and Lana really endear themselves to the reader. Although, I can't say the decision Lana made at the halfway point did the same and I think many others will form the same opinion. Just when you think someone has finally understood what their place in life should be and that maybe happiness is right there within reach only for them to do something that has the reader screaming in frustration. I understand why the author did this at this point yet I lost some respect for Lana and I think she realised this herself once she began to see the wood for the trees.

Overall The Forgotten Guide to Happiness was a lovely read and a very promising début. It did become slightly repetitive in the mid part before the story picked up pace again and I have mentioned my issue with the ending. But pushing these issues to one side there within lies a beautiful story with a lovely message and people will enjoy the character of Lana as she navigates her way to finding happiness and to discover does a hero lie within her reach.

I enjoyed reading this book and it is a perfect summer read with a fair sprinkling of humour. The characters are a motley, slightly eccentric colourful crew and quite endearing except for one, the archetypal hero, Mark, who materialised half way through, he is arrogant and completely self obsessed. The main character, Lana, I was a little doubtful at first as she seemed totally shallow and self centred but warmed throughout with one or two hiccups. There is a lovely warmth from the writing and the dementia aspect is dealt with sympathetically with a slightly comic touch which, when dealing with this disease, is a way to get through. The writing group are just a wonderful, eclectic group of characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it and will look out for other works from this author.

I have to be honest and admit that I wasn’t quite sure of what to expect with this book. I read the synopsis and it certainly sounded intriguing, but I was sort of unsure as to whether or not a book featuring a character with dementia could be funny and uplifting. In this case I was more than happy to be proved wrong. I absolutely loved this book but more about that in a bit.
I loved the character of Lana and I really felt for her. Lana is a writer who has already written one bestselling book but the beginning of the book sees her with a serious case of writer’s block. She has a finished manuscript but her agent decides that it is complete tosh. So back to square one for Lana. Lana used her relationship with Mark as a basis for her bestselling book. Whilst she has been writing this second book, Mark is abroad and having a good time. Lana is looking forward to Mark coming home but he decides to remain on his travels for a bit longer. Mark was a real tactless and at times heartless man. Lana has waited in the airport arrivals lounge for Mark to arrive and all the passengers from his flight have collected their luggage and it isn’t until she rings Mark that she finds out what’s what. As Lana has writer’s block and her second novel has been tossed out, she realises that she needs to get an income from somewhere and so she takes a job at the local college in teaching creative writing. She excels at this and by the end of the book her class have formed a close bond and they are friends. At the same time she also realises that she needs to find a cheaper flat to help her almost empty bank account. She knows that a flat share would be even cheaper and she ends up applying for a flat share with an elderly person, which would benefit them both. She becomes acquainted with Jack, who she met in a pub and who has a step mother called Nancy, who is suffering with dementia. It is suggested that Nancy go into a home but the compromise is reached where she remains in her home but that Lana will move in with her. Lana is stunned to realise that Nancy is actually an author who Lana and her mother adored. It isn’t long until Lana’s writing block is a thing of the past. I absolutely loved the friendship that developed between Lana and Nancy. I loved the character of Nancy too. She is one feisty and determined lady, who has dementia but she doesn’t let that hold her back and she certainly doesn’t let it stop her writing. She gets herself into some scrapes too.
This is one book that really surprised me. I don’t mean that to sound nasty as it really isn’t meant that way. This book actually looks at dementia and how it affects somebody in an amusing way and shows that a life with dementia doesn’t have to be overly negative or serious. I really liked this way of dealing with the disease. My Great Aunt suffered with dementia and it was heartbreaking to watch her decline but along the way we did have some tears but we also had some laughs.
The author’s writing style is such that drew my attention from the start and it wasn’t too long until I became addicted to reading ‘The Forgotten Guide To Happiness’. I just had to keep reading on and on to see what happened next in Lana’s life and whether or not she got the happy ever after that she so deserved. I also loved reading about the escapades that Nancy and Lana got up to. Not only were they extremely good friends but they were a great team too. I didn’t notice how quickly the page numbers were flying past until the moment I closed the back cover. I had mixed feelings about finishing the book. Don’t get me wrong I was pleased to finish because I knew how the story ended but at the same time I was disappointed to finish because I was enjoying the writing style and the story so much that I just wanted the book to continue. By the time I finished reading the book I did feel as though I had been through a bit of an emotional wringer. Parts of the book made me want to cry, made me want to shout, made me laugh out loud and well you get the picture.
To conclude I am so glad that I had the chance to read this book. I know that it is a work of fiction but as I mentioned above, there is a serious side to it. ‘The Forgotten Guide To Happiness’ has certainly given me a lot to think about. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to other readers. I can’t wait to see what comes next from this fantastic author. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a well deserved 5* out of 5*.

I really enjoyed this book. Lana is a struggling writer trying to find her way in the world. Her latest book has been rejected and she is trying to work out what to do next. This is a laugh out loud easy read that is refreshingly different.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

I really enjoyed this book. We meet Lana and Nancy who are at very different ages and stages in life. And yet they develop a warm and life affirming friendship which they both enjoy. Lamas life hasn’t turned out the way she hoped but is there something better just around the next bend in the road? Loved it!

It's been quite a while since I read a book like this so I went into it not knowing what to expect at all, and at first I will admit, I didn't really enjoy what I was reading. It took me a while to get into it, but eventually I found my footing and I didn't put it down again until I finished it.

Once the story picked up a bit I started to get really pulled in, the plot is gripping enough to keep you wanting more, even if you've already guess how it would end. There's also a few things thrown in there what you probably wouldn't expect.
Even though it's a story about dementia, if definitely doesn't leaving you feeling low, it's uplifting and even funny. It's a lovely story and I really enjoyed reading it, I enjoyed getting to know the characters, especially Nancy and I don't think I'll forget it.

My only reason for the three star rating is that the character development just wasn't as good as it could have been. I definitely felt like I wanted to know more about everyone and I was often left with questions, some of the characters reactions to certain things just didn't seem right and I feel there could have been a better explanation for it. But other than that, I really enjoyed this book and I would definitely recommend it, especially if this is your genre.

Thank you to the author, publishers and NetGalley for allowing me a ARC copy of this book to review.

An enjoyable and easy read. Definitely a must for the beach bag.
Thank you Netgalley and the author for the ARC.

I loved this book. It has lots of humour in the story but there are also some quite moving parts that are beautifully written. Its a must read, to be added to your 'to read' pile.

Thank you Netgalley and Avon books for a copy of this book.
Lana Green is a bestselling author of a book about her relationship with Mark. When Mark dumps her. She is left broke and can’t afford the flat she is living in. She meets Jack Buchanan and Nancy Ellis Hall and her life changed for ever. Jack is her pretend boyfriend so she can get her mojo back so, she can write her next book. In the meantime, she takes a job as a lecturer at the literary society for upcoming authors.
She moves in with Nancy Ellis Hall to get inspiration and to be her Carer, as Nancy has dementia and to keep her from going into a care home. Jack is Nancy’s Step son.
I was really enjoyed this story and I loved he character of Nancy How eccentric she was. But, when old flame Mark came back into Lana’s life I thought that the story lost its way and I thought I was reading a completely different book. 3 stars from me.

Review: I would like to thank Avon for letting me review this book and for sending me a book in the post. This book first off looks amazing the cover is great and secondly sounds amazing from reading the blurb. It sounded very different to many books I have read recently and intrigued me.

Lana Green is a writer who has lost the man she loves but is reluctant to let go and move on. When she ends up in a situation where she has no choice but to move on she finds herself meeting a new man and taking on new challenges. 

I really enjoyed this book and following the development of Lana's life and her book. I particularly enjoyed reading about the writing elements of the story, a great touch to the story. Sophie Jenkins writes about a topic that can be quite worrying but in the story it is not seen as something to worry about. She makes you think of life in a different way as Lana finds out. 

A brilliant read. One not to miss.

I really loved this book up to the point when about halfway into the story a very important character reappears. From that point I could not agree with the heroine's choices so I got somehow distanced.
However, I really did enjoy the colourful cast of supporting characters and also, I was contented to see the ending I had hoped for.
It was a really enjoyable and warm story. Admittedly, there is a very serious matter, dementia mentioned, but with warmth and understanding. In fact, one of the best characters was the elderly writer who suffered from dementia.
I will look out for the next books of the author.