A joyous, light-hearted and uproariously hilarious tale that will make laugh out loud almost on every page, When Life Gives You Lemons is the irresistible new romantic comedy from a virtuoso of the genre: Fiona Gibson.

Viv thinks that her relationship with her husband Andy is pretty rock-solid. Married for over two decades, the two of them have been together through thick and thin and although things might not exactly be going great guns in the bedroom department, Viv doesn’t think anything of it. After all, with his busy job as an endocrinologist leaving him flat out, Viv thinks Andy is probably tired or just not in the mood. Viv has no reason to think that there might be something her husband is keeping from her, but when she finds herself going through his phone, she is shocked to her very core when she discovers that Andy has been playing away. Worse, the woman Andy has been having an affair with is not a leggy twenty-something bimbo, but an accomplished and intelligent medical professional who is a star in her field who is the same age as Viv!

Shocked, distraught and absolutely incandescent with rage, Viv cannot believe that Andy would jeopardise their marriage this way by having an affair. When she discovers that Andy has been lying to her for months and months, Viv realises that there is nowhere else for them to go and that their marriage is over. Finding herself suddenly single after almost three decades was not something Viv had ever planned for. She had thought that she would be growing old with Andy, she never imagined that at this stage in her life she would be having to get to grips with the ever-changing landscape of twenty-first century dating. But does Viv even want to get back in the dating game? With next to no desire to mingle and no interest whatsoever in dipping a toe in the dating pool, what should she do? Should she take a leap of faith? Or should she use this unexpected turn of events to find herself and discover who she really is?

One thing is for certain, forget about lemonade, when life gives you lemons, it’s time to reach for the gin!

A wonderfully enjoyable and immensely funny read that I had great difficulty putting down, When Life Gives You Lemon is an absolute joy from start to finish. Fiona Gibson writes some of the sharpest and wittiest comedies around and she is absolutely outstanding with When Life Gives You Lemons. A fantastic page-turner about picking yourself up, dusting yourself off and starting again when all the odds are stacked against you,
When Life Gives You Lemons features a heroine who is real, believable, funny, honest and so brilliant you can just imagine sitting down with her for a couple of gins while putting the world to rights.

Fun and feel-good fiction does not get any better than When Life Gives You Lemons, another top-notch winner from the fabulous Fiona Gibson.

This wasn’t a unique read for me. It seemed like something I’d read before. I did enjoy the writers style so I will definitely try another by the author. Not much to say. Couldn’t really get into this book.

Every now and then I yearn for a fun, quick, and comical read just to break up the trend of the more serious books that I usually reach for. When Life Gives You Lemons appeared to be the perfect break for me when I read the summary, and I was excited when I finally snuggled down and started reading it. Unfortunately, it just wasn’t what I expected or wanted. Don’t get me wrong, it was a fun and easy read, but it just didn’t pull at me the way I had hoped. The writing was great and I will certainly read other books by this author, because I liked her style and there was enough “something” in this novel that makes me want to try another one.

This book was so cute! I loved all of the characters and how they all wove together. At times it seemed like there was too much going on, and too many storylines, I liked how they all worked with each other. I could have read a whole book just about the fashion show and how it played out. Overall, this book is a fun read that doesn't require a lot of thinking, making it perfect for my headspace right now.

Sadly this just missed the mark for me, the tropes of the philandering husband and older lady re-finding herself aren't new and there just wasn't enough uniqueness to keep me truly invested. It was well written but perhaps just not for me right at this moment.

This is a book that I think many women will identify with. One minute you are happily married and before you know it, you are in a rut. Life, work, the kids take over until somehow you just seem to lose your own identity, let alone have time to question if everything is ok in the bedroom department. When Viv's husband compound the anguish by having an affair, Viv doesn't know what to do. However, could this be the making of her? Will she discover a newfound strength and for the first time do what she wants instead of being at the beck and call of everyone else? Witty with a bitter-sweet humour, this book will touch you in places you didn't know existed and make you dig deep.

Such a fantastic book! I was hooked since first chapter, I love the way the author made me feel like I had menopause hahaha I know it's weird but well I'm 34 and not menopausal, but the principal character, Viv, is actually menopausal and I started feeling her sweats!!! That happens when a book is perfectly written 🌸 I felt related to her, in so many ways. I enjoyed the characters because they were real and so simple and easy to imagine my own friends being part of this, so real. I understood everything she was saying and trying to improve in her life. I loved the neighbors, her friends, her daughter... I loved the way it all feels so so real while you're reading it!! 🌸 yeah her husband is such a regular confused guy, even if we don't want to believe this can happen to any of us, it can and I felt I'd react like her. A cheating husband, her kids, the need to move on, the need of gettin to know herself better. That self awareness that only loneliness can give us. 🌸 I will say this is such a lovely story, so joyful, such a great light read that makes you feel good and happy when you finish. But it also gave me so much hope as an adult woman, a mom... If you're an adult woman I'm sure you'll enjoy this... 🌸 Can't wait to read more of her books!!!! This author did fantastic, marvelous, with this one and I'm sure I'll enjoy her other books.

Viv is a 50 something mum of two who is struggling with an ailing marriage and the menopause. When husband Andy leaves her for another woman she initially falls apart and struggles to stay positive.
Viv has befriended an older lady, Penny, who many years ago was the creator of a fashion line which was iconic in its time.
Viv devises with the help of Penny’s son, attractive and visiting from New Zealand, to put on a fashion show of Penny’s work.
Viv is a likeable character, a good mum and who isn’t ashamed of her flaws. The other characters are well written and funny.
The writing style is good but I felt the pace was a little slow at points.

Thank to Netgalley and Avon books for letting me have a copy in exchange for an honest review.

A warm, enjoyable story. You are fully drawn into Viv's life and feel for her as she deals with unexpected events. The closeness of friends was an underlying theme and the friendship with Penny was well described. The 'egg' incident was a laugh-out loud moment but fully believable. You get behind Viv and are urging her on to make the event she becomes involved with work.

Viv is a 50 something woman who looks like she has a perfect life, professional husband, good job and children who love her. Vic's reality is very different. She is menopausal and getting no sympathy or medical advice from her doctor husband Andy who really should know better. Her job while responsible isn't fulfilling Viv, she used to be a stage manager and is now a PA. On the plus side she has very good friends, a lovely son and daughter and she's happy enough if vaguely dissatisfied. All this is shattered when she discovers her husband is having an affair. Vic's life changes forever and she takes us with her in discovering life after Andy. This book is perfect escapism, Viv in discovering who she really is and what she wants brings her with us through the emotional rollercoaster that is now her life. Parts of this book are thought provoking regarding women who allow their opinions and needs to be moulded to what other people in a family want. At times the writing is laugh out loud funny and I can't believe that I haven't read any Fiona Gibson books before, it certainly won't be my last! #Netgalley #whenlifegivesyoulemons

I thought this was a nice feel good book. I really enjoyed the story line and I hope others read this one as well.

3.5 stars
This wasn't my favourite of Fiona Gibson's novels. I still enjoyed it but I didn't really identify with the main character, maybe it was the age difference; I think this one might suit the late 40s/50s ladies better. What I did enjoy was the fashion element, all the descriptions of the clothes and the build up to the fashion show was really well done.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

Viv's life seems to be tootling along quite happily and despite being plagued by the night sweat and hot flushes of impending menopause, Viv hopes that she will come through this time in her life with her sanity, and family, intact. However, in the midst of her own uncertainty, Viv discovers that her husband of twenty five years has been having an affair with a much more svelte and sophisticated colleague. With everything around her in disarray, Viv is devastated but keeping her family safe is so important but then she also discovers that being single suddenly has its advantages. With the chance to get her life back on track,Viv starts to put herself first with interesting consequences.

I've really enjoyed getting to know Viv, every fifty-something woman, I think, will be able to identify with here, her angst about work, home and love certainly ring true. She's a great personality, and with her friends there when she needs them, Viv starts to gain in confidences and assurance. There's some genuinely funny moments which made me smile and the cast of interesting characters who come and go in Viv's life are a lively bunch and add some lovely light and shade to the story, but it is Viv's relationship with her friend, Penny, which is rather special.

The author does this genre so well and I know that whenever I pick up a Fiona Gibson book I won't be disappointed. Her ability to get right into the heart of her characters always brings her stories to life in a lovely light hearted way. When Life Gives You Lemons is a great feel good read and is perfect way to pass an afternoon of self isolation

"When Life Gives You Lemons" introduces us to Viv, 52 years old, with two children, husband and stabile life. However, this life is about to change radically, when she discovers that her husbands has an affair. What follows is a story of a mature woman, coping (or not) with divorce and juggling life as a single - mother.

The book is advertised to be a hilarious romantic comedy. Publishers, please stop doing this - promising things and than not keeping your promises. It was neither hilarious nor romantic nor comedy. I don't mean to criticise the book, because it was a nice, contemporary novel, so close to life - but perhaps it should be advertised this way.

Fiona Gibson's characters are always real and human, and it was the same in this book. It's a very character - driven story and Viv is the main heroine - could be your best friend, she felt so vivid and relatable, jumping off the pages. We mostly get her point of view, through her monologues and actions and thoughts on everything that is happening around her. It was actually truly uplifting and inspiring to see her growing into confidence, establishing her identity, starting to enjoy life again. She's a character that many readers will be able to relate to and with. What I truly appreciated is the fact that nothing in her journey felt forced or overdone - no, everything seemed just like in real life, her making wrong decisions, having problems, misinterpreting situations, jumping to conclusions.
The supporting characters are a bunch of colourful, vivid people and they take care of our good mood, adding humour but also making the story this little bit more thought - provoking. They provide a range of diversion, giving Viv extra jobs and making her life fuller and complicated, hence keeping her sane (or not!).

My biggest problem was that I wasn't sure what the book is trying to tell us. Yes, it touches upon some more difficult issues and shows character's wonderful journey to self - confidence and discovering what it is that makes her happy, but somehow it didn't convince me and I wasn't sure where it's leading at all. The pace was rather slow and there were not life - changing twists or turns, however it had its moments that made me giggle, for example Viv's omelette - action. The author's writing style is so easy to follow and it's a real joy to pick the book up after a long day to relax for a while. Also, you know what's coming, but in a good way, and this feeling of security is very comforting.

It was a rather slow - burner, this story, however it kept getting better. The author has written a contemporary fiction, balancing seriousness and problems with humour and light - heartedness. Well, you have to find fun in life, otherwise you're going to get crazy. It is not a fluffy, meh kind of read, and the author deals with falling apart of the family in a sensitive and understanding way. Still, it is an easy and light read with a great message: when life gives you lemons, just add gin and tonic. Take the best out of life. Enjoy it. It is well written and it flow in such a natural, easy way, progressing towards the inevitable happy end. Recommended!

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. It's my first book from this author, and I have to say I'm delighted with it. The author tells a story that, although being undoubtedly sad, shows that difficult situations can make us grow to succeed. Viv is a beautiful character, and the love and force she injects in everyone around her, lead her way to her own happiness.
No doubts, a very enjoyable book.
I will definitely read more from this author.

I really enjoyed this book, as I could so identify with Viv and her menopause!! It was a great story of a huge upheaval in her life, but which actually helped her blossom into a, stronger person. A great story with strong, although very different characters....

Absolutely loved this! Really felt for Viv and loved the relationship between her and Penny! So far I haven’t found a book by this author I haven’t enjoyed! I’d love to see what happens next for Viv!

Poor Viv’s life is difficult. Menopausal, dealing with a 7-year-old and PA to a very high maintenance boss, Viv suddenly finds herself single when her husband Andy leaves her for a woman who is everything Viv isn’t. Is this the push that Viv needs to change her life for the better?

I’ve read a few of this author’s books in the past and have always found them to be funny and warm-hearted reads. This one was no different and as soon as I started reading it, I instantly connected to Viv!! Being similar age to her in age, I can completely understand the hormone fuelled sweats and moods that Viv was going through – in fact, I’m sure the author was writing about me at some point!! Viv is definitely the star of the book but is complimented so well by a range of different characters whose stories all add to the plot! I loved Viv’s friend Penny and found myself laughing along with them as Penny recounted some of her stories!

The book is such an easy read and by the time I’d gotten through the first couple of chapters I was hooked on the story. The storyline is so realistic and, to be honest, so much of it could have been taken straight out of conversation you have with your best friends. Unlike other books in this genre, the book wasn’t predictable and whilst you just know that Viv will get her ‘happy ending’ by the close of the book, it isn’t obvious in what form that comes (or with who!). Viv is such a strong character, it was great to believe all the way through the book that Viv could make it on her own, with or without a man in tow!!

This was such a light-hearted and entertaining read. Whilst it had plenty of romance in it, it was also a great life-affirming storyline! At these unsettling times in the world at the moment, this is the perfect book to grab and escape into Viv’s life for a little while for just that little bit of escapism!! Would definitely recommend!

Funny, insightful and satisfying. Three things I like a book. Very enjoyable read. Great characters with plenty of giggly moments. Ludo is one to look out for! Easy to read and not overly predictable.

Thank you Netgalley

Oh I so enjoyed this book. I don't often relate so well to characters with a big age difference to me but in this case I feel fro Viv hook line and sinker, I was on her side and rooting fro her right from the word go. I love that Fiona Gibson has written a book about a menopausal woman and shown what life is like just going through all those hormonal changes warts and all. I value the honesty and rawness of the writing and the humour of the situations that she managed to uncover.



Yes Viv is a great character because she has come to a stage in life when she knows what she wants and she is fed up with having to wait for it. She doesn't take things too seriously and realises that she doesn't know it all but she really is fed up with her husband and rightly so and that is where I found her so relatable. I was with her in the middle of the night when the person next to her is just being so annoying and even though I listened to this book on audio, I laughed out loud a number of times, something i normally reserve for books I am holding in my hand.



The other characters in this book are definitively all secondary characters Viv is the star here but they are all fully developed and have lives of their own and I loved their interactions with Viv and the way they moved the story forward and posed interesting problems for Viv to have to deal with. Some of the things that she does face in this book are very true to life and very relatable and as I've already mentioned Fiona Gibson is making headway in uncovering some fo the issues that face women of Viv's age in this lifetime and yet doing so with that wonderful Scottish sense of humour. I appreciated the west of Scotland setting here too.



I did literally laugh my way through this book and I so enjoyed the time I spent with Viv and her life troubles. I really recommend this one and I can safely say that this is another hit for Fiona Gibson-bravo!