Member Reviews

I could not get into this book. I started the book multiple times, but was never effectively snagged by the story. The protagonist is snarky, and the depiction of middle age is hilarious and depressing, but the persistent allure of other books kept me from delving deeper into the story.

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This is a wonderful humorous story about the adventure of middle-age and menopause. I laughed outloud. My heart swelled in parts. A must read for fans of Fiona Gibson.

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I enjoyed this book and felt it was an easy ready! It was all about Viv whom after turning 50 is what she is facing and how she deals with it all!
Liked all the other characters too! A lovely light book to read.

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Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. Love this author she makes me laugh and this did not disappoint. I would recommend to others for a real good feeling

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Wow. I love Fiona Gibson and this one did not disappoint! Another tale about a mum who’s struggling with life, where Fiona’s refreshing style accurately reflects the struggle and balances it with humour at the same time. If you’ve not tried one of her books this would be a great one to start with. 12/10!

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Between tending to the whims of her seven-year-old and the demands of her boss, Viv barely gets a moment to herself. It’s not quite the life she wanted, but she hasn’t run screaming for the hills yet.

But then Viv’s husband Andy makes his mid-life crisis her problem. He’s having an affair with his (infuriatingly age-appropriate) colleague, a woman who – unlike Viv – doesn’t put on weight when she so much as glances at a cream cake.

Viv suddenly finds herself single, with zero desire to mingle. Should she be mourning the end of life as she knows it, or could this be the perfect chance to put herself first?

I wanted to really enjoy this book and for the main part I did, I couldn’t help but get frustrated with the main character, Viv. I felt that she let herself be treated in an unfortunate way and at times, I found her a bit irritating. This meant that I sometimes found it hard to identify with her as a character. The story, however, was well written and engaging.

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Viv is going through menapause, working a dull job and has a 20ish year old kid and a 7 year old. Her husband cheats on her and she has to pick up the pieces.

I wished the separation from the husband happened a lot quicker than it did and the new romance started a lot sooner in the story.

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I recieved this book via Netgalley and give it my honest review.
This was an emotional rollercoaster of a book which captured the life of Viv in her 50s going through a break up, menopause and being a mother! A well written story with great characters, I enjoyed it.

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When Viv discovers husband Andy is cheating on her, she is upset and angry. Andy is sincerely sorry and wants their relationship to work, until he decides otherwise, that is. He leaves Viv and she is inconsolable. As her life without Andy moves on, Viv picks herself up, dusts herself down and with good friends in the background, she is determined to get on with her life.

A good book with a likeable central character, a story of discovery which has plenty of humour and was an easy and enjoyable read.

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Viv's 52, in the midst of menopause, mother of two (20ish and 7 y/.o), working as a PA in a pellet factory, when she finds out that her husband has an affair. They try to save their marriage but eventually he leaves her. Now Viv has to pick up the shards of her life. She does so quite well, but the story presentation is dull and convoluted. I skim-read the second half of the ARC.

Also, why does every story of self-discovery of middle-aged women have to start with a cheating husband?

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What a fun read this was! This is a book I could read more than once, would happily gift to others and read more by the author. The writing style is very good and the characters relatable

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Loved this romantic novel! The writer has a beautiful and seamlessly flowing narrating style and I literally could jot put the book down.

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I love Fiona Gibson’s books, so this jumped straight to the top of my TBR pile. Unfortunately, like other readers, I found it lacking. Usually I can’t put her books down, but this one just wasn’t right for me - I loved Vic’s story but sadly Penny’s side didn’t do it for me and I skipped over a lot of it. A real shame, as it captures a lot of what I like about her work - characters, dialogue and humour - it just wasn’t gripping enough.

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Unfortunately I was unable to read this book due to formatting issues. My rating is based on the synopsis.

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When life gives you lemons, make sure to have friends who will bring you gin or vodka...whatever works!

This was my first read by this author. Even though I have heard about her woman fiction books before.
When Life Gives You Lemons is a story about 52-year-old Viv and her life before and after divorce. We learn what she goes through and with what she struggles daily, what happened that led to the break-up, how she is handling it and her children. The book is told through her perspective but we have a plethora of side characters that make up the whole book more colorful.
It is really well-written book. I enjoyed it. The break-up and changes in life are universal and relatable subjects. Even though Via and I are miles away with life experiences, I still understand and feel for what she is going through. Maybe I was expecting a little bit lighter story, especially considering the cover.

Thanks to the publisher and to the NetGalley for the copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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Love Fiona Gibson’s book.This one drew me right in a woman of a certain age discovers her husband is having an affair.From that moment her life as she’s known it is done the+road she takes to recover will make you cheer for her make you smile and laugh.A truly wonderful read.#netgalley#avonbooksuk

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This book didn’t match up well to my tastes. From the cover and description, I was expecting a lighter story. The elements I expected were there, but there wasn’t the humour and character progress I was looking for.

The first 55% seemed to be all the bad stuff, which for me is a little too long. The recovery then took the rest of the book, and there was no romance at all. I was disappointed.

However, the book is well written, and not riddled with mistakes. Some interesting things happen, it just is slightly too negative and to closely focussed on what to me, feels like the first half of the story. If you’re looking for a story about gentle character development, rather than romance, this may be your thing.

I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Started well but lost its thread after a couple of chapters
Sorry Fiona but not for me
After a couple of chapters seemed to lose a purpose

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When Life Gives You Lemons by Fiona Gibson is a fun, uplifting tale, centred on a 'woman of a certain age' whose lot in life will be hugely relatable to many readers.

Viv has been betrayed by her husband, Andy, yet somehow finds the strength within herself to not only remain a steadfast presence for her young daughter, but to find a way to live her best life after coming out on the other side. I loved Viv's warmth, self-deprecating humour, and utter devotion to those she loves. This is a feel-good read that will have you chuckling and cheering in equal measure.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for this ARC.

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Viv is wife to Andy, a doctor, and mum to 7 year old Izzy and Spencer who has moved out.
As well as the challenges of tackling the menopause, Viv is suddenly confronted with the fact that her husband is having an affair. Her job is mundane and the neighbours son a nightmare!!
However life takes a turn when her friend Penny's son returns from abroad, as well as the opportunity to undertake a project to not only help the local museum but also an attempt to celebrate penny's career.
A real feel good book with plenty of humour along the way and characters which are likeable as well as easy to relate to. Highly recommend.

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