This is definitely a feel-good story, but you wouldn’t know that from the start. Eudora Honeysett, 85 years old, is taking steps to make sure she dies in a method and at the time of her choosing. But then she meets her new neighbor, adorable 10-year-old Rosie, and elderly widower, Stanley. There are numerous flashbacks to Eudora’s childhood with all the memories of her beloved father Albert, WWII, her mother Beatrice, and sister Stella that explain why Eudora is as cantankerous as she is! Her relationship with Rose, (now her BFF), Rose’s family, and Stanley show Eudora that life is worth living and that she is loved. I adored every character in this book and was delighted from start to finish. You will not be disappointed, I guarantee it! Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for this terrific read!

I haven't cried so much while reading a book in so long. I felt this story so deeply. It was so insightful, inspiring, and soul wrenchingly sad.

In the first part of this book, I was concerned that I was reading a re-write of "A Man Called Ove". While there are some similar themes, Eudora Honeysett's backstory and perspective on her life are, in fact, quite different from Ove.
Eudora is an elderly woman who is ready to give up on life. While she's busy planning a dignified exit from the world, young Rose happens on Eudora's doorstep. As the relationship between Eudora and Rose evolves, Eudora's life takes on a new vigor.
Some things I learned from Eudora:
- be fully alive every day, as death will come in its own time.
- seek companionship from those whose presence brings you joy, and whose absence leaves you longing.
- know that you have the power to change the course of your life, and you need not be saddled by the history that came before.
In all, this is a sweet story, filled with people who love each other. It is uplifting and hopeful. It's treatment of birth, life, dying and death is inspirational.

An amazing story of Eudora, age 85, who is ready to choose the time of her death, but events intervene with the arrival of new neighbor, nine year old Rosie. Rosie is noisy, nosey, and flamboyant. She considers Eudora as her BFF along with Stanley, another octogenarian neighbor. Eudora's decisions, Rosie's friendliness plus Eudora looking back over the years bring this tale to a thoughtful ending.
This is the second book I have read in the last month which has a death doule as part of the story. Read this thought producing story of death.

Eudora is 85 years old and wants to take charge of her death. Rose is a 10 year old girl who moves next door with her family. Rose is a force of nature with her personality and bright combination of clothes. Rose shows Eudora that there is more to her life. I really enjoyed this book. I loved all the characters and their interactions with each other. The book made smile, cry and everything in between. Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for the E-ARC. This is my own opinion.

The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett by Annie Lyons is a special book. We meet eighty-five year old Eudora Honeysett as she is so very aware of her mortality and absolutely sure she does not want to have her last days in a hospital, on machines, kept alive well past the time she is ready to go. She has seen this happen to her mother and to other people and she wants no part of it, especially because she has no friends or family. If she doesn't take control of her death and the timing of her death, she'll be at the mercy of decisions and actions of strangers, so she needs to do something soon. Eudora has a plan and it involves being accepted to a clinic in Switzerland, where she can die on her own timeline, on her own terms. 

At the same time she is initiating the process to be accepted to the clinic, a new family moves next door. Her new neighbor, ten year old Rose, a self professed fashion guru whose fashion consists of wearing the most colorful, outlandish, sparkly clothes possible, immediately claims Eudora as her best friend. Rose is such a smart, precocious girl who sees no need to filter her words or thoughts and she is just what Eudora needs, whether Eudora knows it or not. Eudora is a cranky grump and she is in no mood for noise, happiness, adventure or friendship, this late in the game. But nothing can put Rose off and under all of Eudora's gruffness is a kind heart that isn't willing to hurt Rose's feelings. Added to this duo in a third person, heartbroken widower Stanley, who spreads cheer wherever he goes, while pining for his late wife. 

At the end of each chapter, we go back to Eudora's past and learn about the hardships that made her the woman she is today. It's all about family and the sacrifices that she felt she must make throughout life, putting others before herself while neglecting the chance to have an independent life of her own. Now, Rose and Stanley have roped Eudora in with friendship and love, just when she is finally going to do something for herself. Her memories and guilt weigh so heavily on her and she doesn't want these people pulling her into a life she never got to have in the past. I'm glad I was able to buddy read this book with my friend DeAnn, because we both had a lot of thoughts to share.

Thank you to HarperCollins Publishers/William Morrow and NetGalley for this ARC.

The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett by Annie Lyons is a clever book about the last months in the life of an 85 year-old woman who is determined to die on her own terms. Eudora lived a life of service and propriety. The book tells her story from the beginning in snip-its fitted between the narration of her last months. Her father was killed in World War II after leaving a young Eudora in charge of her pregnant mother. Eudora took her responsibility seriously and not only cared for her mother until her death, but raised her baby sister. Her sister and mother were at odds for most of the 18 years Stella lived at home. Eudora tried to be the peacemaker, but often failed. As life wore on, it became obvious to Eudora than she would be a spinster. She accepted it. She had lived in the same house since the day she was born, except for a short stint into the country during the worst of the bombings. Then one day, along came Rose, a small girl with a big personality. Rose changed Eudora's life, albeit with Eudora kicking and screaming. Rose made her life worth living.

This was an interesting book. The cover of the book doesn't seem to fit it, however. Eudora was a complex character and we learned why as the book progressed. She made a difference in people's lives, although she never understood that. The character of Hannah, a death doula, was surprising as she was the second death doula I ran into in the same day, after never hearing of them before. Hannah helped them all be less afraid of death and more able to talk about it, which was new for everyone but Rose. Eudora and Rose rode on a carousel, went to the beach, ate pizza, and delivered a baby. All new in Eudora's 85 years. This was subtle and enjoyable ode to life. I recommend it.

I was invited to read The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett by Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #thebrilliantlifeofeudorahoneysett

I really liked this book! The characters were all really likable and the story was perfect. I didn’t want the book to end!

This review is based off a digital ARC provided by NetGalley

When I first read the description of this book, I wasn’t sure it would be the type of book that would appeal to me. But I have to say, I was hooked from the very first chapter! I found this story to be utterly charming. It actually reminded me a bit of A Man Called Ove and Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine. Just like those two books, the main character in this book is a quirky, grumpy senior citizen but you come to love and appreciate her nonetheless.
Eudora is an 85 year old woman who has been dealt many bad hands in life and is ready to leave it all behind. She is very set in her ways and likes her quiet, solitary life. Enter her new neighbor who is an exuberant 10 year old girl named Rose and who is determined to drag Eudora back into life. The adventures she persuades Eudora to accompany her on are both humorous and heartwarming and the wall that Eudora has built around her heart over the years slowly begins to crumble.
I found this book to be extremely well written! The author took you on a emotional ride ranging from sympathy to laughing out loud to crying actual tears at one point. It’s definitely worth reading and one that I will recommend to others!

I enjoyed reading this book. It was a quick and easy read, it was fun and funny.
I recommend checking this one out!
Thanks to NetGalley and Book Club Girls for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was an amazing story. Too often we struggle to talk about death and dying with dignity but this book does an amazing job of exploring this issue. The writing was excellent and the characters were complex and completely lovable. Eudora is 85 years old and her body is starting to fail. She has no family or close friends and has decided to go to Switzerland and end her life on her own terms. Her days are full of quiet routine until a new family moves in next door and she meets 10 year old Rose. Rose is full of life and endless questions and brings unwelcome, but not unhappy, changes to Eudora’s routine and her life. This was a heartwarming and heartbreaking book that I would recommend to anyone.

Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett tells the story of a lonely, cantankerous, octogenarian who worms her way into your heart. Eudora wants to end her life, she hates her current world. She wants to go out on her own terms, not like her mother with her dignity intact, so she contacts a clinic in Switzerland and makes plans to go out her own way in just a few months. She spends her days with her only companion a cat until Rose comes along. Rose is a ten year old, great big sparkling, rainbow unicorn wearing, ray of sunshine and a force of nature. Slowly, she brings Eudora back to the land of the living and shows Eudora that live can still be enjoyed at any age. Through flashbacks and the current events , Eudora's life is vividly brought to life to pull on your heartstrings with every heartbreak she experiences. The ending was not a surprise but seems the only conclusion to the emotional tale of friendship, love, and a life worth living. One of the best books I have read this year! My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from Netgalley.

Eighty-five-year-old Eudora Honeysett is set on leaving this world on her terms, but when a ten-year-old determined girl who is full of life moves in next door, joy is rekindled in Eudora’s life, but will it be enough to change her mind and stay?

What I really liked about this book is how relatable the characters were and the experiences they shared. Eudora is a no-nonsense woman who is also very kind. After everything she’s been through, she still finds a way to show up for her friends. I enjoyed the dual timeline that brings in a young Eudora and the events that lead up to where she is today. The revealing of Eudora’s past kept the plot moving and was nicely balanced with the present. It’s a unique story with likable characters that tugs at the heart strings.

Thank you Net Galley and HarperCollins for giving me a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

I wasn't quite sure if I would enjoy this book, reading other reviews and multiple people saying to have tissues handy made me think it might not be my cup of tea but oh was I wrong. This book took me on a wonderful journey made you see the simpler things in life and made my heart happy. Worth reading again for sure

4.5 stars

You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.

I absolutely loved this book! It is so sweet and life affirming-I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend you read it.

Eudora Honeysett is 85 years old and is done with life. She wants to leave on her own terms and sets a plan in motion to do just that. Of course, when we make plans, God laughs... Enter 10 year-old Rose Trewidney.

Rose is a whirling dervish of energy, sparkles and color. She has an endearing enthusiasm for life and despite Eudora's desire to be left alone to set her affairs in order, Rose has other plans. Before she knows it, Eudora is swept up in Rose's wake. She suddenly has BFFs in Rose and neighbor Stanley, and is getting out and about attending parties, afternoon tea, shopping and going to the beach. Eudora is embraced by Rose and Stanley's families, which reminds her of her unhappy and difficult family life. Inserted throughout the book are memories of Eudora's past, explaining how she ended up alone and unmarried.

Eudora starts out a prim and solitary person. She's not exactly grumpy or cranky because she's not unkind, she's just very closed off and open displays of emotion makes her uncomfortable. There are probably a lot of people that can relate to Eudora. It was wonderful to see her learn to be more open with her feelings and more willing to put herself out there. She witnesses Rose and Stanley's loving and expressive families - a far cry from her own experiences - and appreciates basking in their glow.

Rose is such an effervescent and unique person - a true force of nature- and as she struggles with acceptance by her peers, Eudora helps guide her to become more confidant in herself. As a result, Rose begins to bloom in her new school.

I can't say enough wonderful things about this book. You just need to read it for yourself - you won't be sorry.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Publishers for giving me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley, HarperCollins Publishers and Annie Lyons for the advance readers copy of “The Brilliant Life do Eudora Honeysett”.

I throughly enjoyed this book. If you are looking for a sweet story, look no more. The book has the feel of “A Man Called Ove”. The story centers around 85 year old Eudora. She befriends a new neighbor, 10 year old girl named Rosie and another 80+ widow neighbor named Stanley. It’s a story about love and living life.

This book gets a very rare 5/5 stars from me!

“Life is precious and as long as we have a reason to continue, we should follow that path.”

Eudora Honeysett is 85 years old and has lived quite long enough in this world thank you very much. That is until the day the effervescent and full of life ten-year-old Rose Trewidney moves in next door in Eudora’s London neighborhood.  What ensues between this austere elderly woman and this vivacious little girl is an unlikely friendship for the ages.  

The book’s dual timeline shifts between Eudora’s past where we learn of the hardships and tragedies she’s faced in her life and the present where the consequences of those adversities come full circle.  Just when you think it’s too late for Eudora, enter new friends and new life.   

This is a truly touching story about friendship, death, heartache, loss – and most of all a celebration of life.  It’s a novel of second chances that left me openly crying and laughing out loud.  The friendship of Rose and Eudora will be with me for a long time.  I absolutely loved it and recommend it for everyone.  

My thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow Publishing for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  Available now.

This is a fun book to read. I’m not 85 yet, but I understand where the story coming from. No, I haven’t contemplated going to a Swiss suicide assistance clinic, but I understand the loneliness that getting old can bring. When the Trewidney family moves in next door and 7-year old Rose is determined to befriend her old-lady neighbor I know things were going to get better. It’s a compassionate book with the flashbacks helping the reader understand Eudora Honeysett much better. Not quite as insightful as a Man Called Ove, but it is an endearing book.

Eudora Honeysett is age 85 and experienced many losses that she couldn’t control so as her health fails, she sets about planning her death on her own terms. Her plans progress on schedule until a new family moves in next door that includes vivacious 10-year-old Rose Trewidney. Rose ‘forces’ her way into Eudora’s world, opening a new chapter into Eudora’s quiet and structured life.

Readers learn about the tragic events of Eudora’s past through a dual timeline. Just one of these would have wrecked me, yet she soldiered on, and the cumulative impact has created the solitary person she is today.

This character-driven novel is filled with emotions, some happy, many sad, others infuriating. Novels rarely make me cry, but even though I knew how this story would end, my investment in the characters and the lovely writing brought me to tears ... in a good way. If you loved A Man Called Ove, be sure to read this.

Thank you to William Morris and The Book Club Girls for the earc on NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

There was nothing about this book that I didn’t love. The characters are so true to life, the writing is phenomenal, and the story is just beyond amazing. The title character, Eudora, is 85, set in her ways, and tired of being alive. She has no family, no friends, no reason to stick around, so she makes the decision to end life on her terms. Until a new family moves in next door, bringing life, noise, and color into Eudora’s life via 10-year-old Rose. As their relationship blossoms, we get to see Eudora’s backstory through flashbacks and come to understand why she is the person she is, and how life has brought her to this place and time. I laughed out loud multiple times reading this book, and I was moved to tears multiple times. Basically, I loved this book.

I received an e-arc from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.