Thank you for the opportunity to review this new novel.

Oh man, I'm so bugged that I didn't like this story. I was very excited about it but it was not for me. I missed feelings among the characters and reasons behind their actions. It was A LOT of telling instead of showing and it made me feel disconnected to the characters and after 20 % I put it down.

Are you prepared to have your heart broken while the characters attempt to fix their own heartbreak? Yes? Good. Hello Beautiful is for you, so continue reading.

Hello Beautiful has been described as a modern homage to Little Women and in the same vein as Elena Ferrante. I can see how it'll appeal to fans of both, but it easily stands strong alone.

College student William Waters, whether he'd choose to admit it or not, is lonely, but when he is drawn into the orbit of a tightknit Italian American family, his luck changes.

Upon falling for Julia, the eldest of the four Padavano sisters, William experiences the kind of sense of belonging he never had before. The Padavanos are not perfect by any stretch but to William, who had a dysfunctional childhood with parents who seemed only to want him to be as unnoticeable as possible, this is a chance to settle into comfortable, familial companionship.

College sweethearts, Julia and William marry and begin a life together, directed mainly by Julia’s sometimes overbearing wishes for stability and status. Yet, the plan and, ultimately, their relationship is derailed by William’s gradual decline into a deep depression which started after his one coping mechanism of basketball was sadly ripped away through injury.

This relationship breakdown affects all involved deeply. William and all of the Padavanos' relationships fracture and realign over the ensuing years as Napolitano weaves a saga of familial love, deception, hope and the power of forgiveness.

Each chapter, told from the point of view of William or one of the Padavano girls, gives an insight into their thought processes, the rhyme and reason for their actions and how they think of the other characters.

This read is slow-paced, melancholic and sentimental, but Hello Beautiful is indeed beautiful. 4⭐

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advance copy in return for an honest review.

"I’d never seen that kind of love in person."

3 stars!

A story of 4 sisters, the intertwining of their lives throughout the years and the people who had been pulled into their orbit.

I enjoyed the characterisation of each person, how effort had gone into fully fleshing out each character as their own even in a story that relied on the narrative of the effects of each sister on the other. Each character had stories that pulled the reader along and development that brought out emotions of happiness, sadness and anger in the reader for each new chapter.

I found that the final third of the book had a pacing that I personally enjoyed more. The flow in the beginning moved slowly and at times I wished that more could be happening in a way that didn't feel so sporadic. This feeling carried on into the middle and second third of the book. Unfortunately, the flow did not work as smoothly as I found that I was almost reading the chapters as a stop-and-start. I just didn't experience the flow between and found that, personally, some chapters felt like an ending entirely.

Overall I enjoyed the concept of the book and the development of characters throughout the story.

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin General UK for the eARC, I am voluntarily leaving a review.

Thank you so much to Penguin Viking for the e-ARC! Hello Beautiful was one of my most anticipated releases of 2023 and it did not disappoint.

One of the buzziest aspects about Hello Beautiful is that it's an homage to Little Women. Now, Little Women is my mum's favourite book. I grew up on Little Women, have reread it multiple times, and have watched three different screen adaptations as well as listening to the musical. Basically, you say Little Women and I am intrigued, but my expectations are going to be high. So I love that Ann Napolitano had a take on Alcott's story that was thoroughly her own. Throughout the novel, you can see elements of Little Women, but they are interwoven with the story that Napolitano builds, making for a modern and unique tribute to a beloved story.

I loved the Padavano family, the sun that the story revolves around. The love between the four sisters is fierce, and it is tested throughout the years. I was so gripped as darkness from William's past and new tensions surfaced to put the sisters' relationship through the wringer! And of course, I was rooting for their bond to win out the entire time, but I'll let you find out whether it does. By the last third of the novel, I was so emotionally invested that I ended up crying through some of the chapters..

As stated on my bio here, I love family sagas and explorations of gender, and I think Napolitano does both beautifully here. Each member of the Padavano family (including William) struggles with the meaning of family in some way, and with the role they feel they have to play within it, and it always felt achingly realistic. Being set from the 60s to the 2000s, the characters also have to confront gender roles and expectations throughout, and I loved how the March sisters' ambitions from Alcott's novel translated to the Padavano sisters' dreams in this one.

I didn't give all 5 stars because at first it felt a little slow, and because I wish we had had more time with the younger sisters and possibly less with the older ones – but this has my heartfelt recommendation for fans of literary fiction, family stories, and, of course, Little Women!

This book emotionally drained me but in the best way. Set over the period of 30+ years, Hello Beautiful follows the Padavano sisters - Julia, Sylvie, Emeline and Cecila.

William Walters has lived a lonely life with parents who never really loved him so when he meets Julia Padavano he comes entranced by her and her family.

This book is quite slow and very character driven so if that’s not your kind of thing you may not enjoy it but if, like me, you like a family saga then i’m sure you’ll adore this like I did.

The girls and William all felt so real and as it was spread over so many years and split into all their different perspectives you really grew to know and love each one of them despite their faults.

It’s definitely an ode to Little Women but without being too sentimental about it and it’s very self aware, the girls often discuss the book and talk about which sister they’d be.

I absolutely adored this book and cannot wait to read what the author does next.

There is something deeply satisfying about reading a book that speaks to you, that embraces you and holds you close. Whose characters are at once flawed but inexorably human; so much so, you live and breathe their stories, wanting to shout at them, shake them, hug and comfort them.

Hello Beautiful does all of this and more. It’s written in the most luscious prose; heavy with metaphor, poised and intimate in its telling, but at the same time something big and bold that celebrates the power of love in all its many, wonderful forms.

It’s the story of the Padavano sisters: Julia, Sylvie and twins Cecelia and Emeline, and what happens when William enters their lives, first as Julia’s boyfriend and then as her husband. Until then a solid, unshakeable unit, the siblings suddenly find themselves facing the unimaginable, when a darkness from William’s past crashes into their happy, hopeful lives, triggering a rift that tears them asunder.

As the eldest of three sisters, I found myself fascinated by the Padavano girls, recognizing in them traits and relationships that felt familiar and comforting. Each with her own distinct personality, together they created an energy that was more than the sum of their individual parts.

I despaired of Julia and her blinkered approach to life, which ended up bringing her so much sadness. Did I see something of my younger self in her? Yes, I did. But, it was Sylvie who wormed her way into my affections. And poor, damaged William who took my heart and snapped it in two.

At 400 pages, this is a longish book, and I did feel at one point that it was losing momentum. Then Napolitano threw in a curved ball, and the intensity went into overdrive.

The ending is sweetly poignant. Sad but hopeful. Testament to the bonds of family. And it left me with much to ponder. Ms Napolitano has a new fan.

This book was stunning! 🥹😭😍 I loved everything about #HelloBeautiful by Ann Napolitano, and the fact that it does draw some parallels with one of my favourite books of all time, Little Women, was the icing on the cake! 🥰

I fell in love with the characters and found each of their stories compelling and emotional. The four sisters were wonderful and I loved following their lives over the years. I felt all the emotions folks 😭😫 It’s me…obvs 🤣 There were lots of joyful moments as well as heartache.

Obsessed. That’s all….

3.5 stars

After hearing that one of Napolitano's other novels, Dear Edward, had recently been adapted for Apple TV, I was intrigued by her newest work, especially as I love tales of family dynamics so much, with the heavy sister element in this appealing to me immensely. The contrast between the severity of strength of the sisters' bonds, even through times of conflict or minimal conflict them always finding a way back to each other, compared to William's isolated upbringing was probably my favourite part of this - seeing just how much family ties can shape a person through later life. Seeing the sisters go through disconnect, at times with their mother and the eldest sister, while bringing William fully into the fold of their family, was an intriguing contrast, but unfortunately, it wasn't quite enough for me to fully enjoy the story, as I found it quite slow and unengaging at times, especially towards the last third, which I did find myself forcing myself through in order to finish.

A stunning book, the accolades and reviews are completely justified.
An homage to Little Women, the Padavano sisters are inseparable growing up - so similar but yet so very different. Their lives are changed when Julia meets William Walters at college, William is the complete opposite, brought up by distant parents he has struggled to find his place in the world.
A story of how life and love can get in the way sometimes but a sisters bond will always be there.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read Hello Beautiful.

A poignant, sweeping saga of sisterhood.

Thanks NetGalley, Penguin General UK – Viking for the ARC!

Synopsis –

William Waters had a broken, loveless childhood. As he goes on to become a well acclaimed basket-ball player earning a college scholarship, he meets the vibrant Julia Padavano, falling in love and ends up marrying her. William then becomes an extended part of tightly knit Padavano family and Julia’s younger sisters Sylvie, Emmeline and Cecelia. Sucked into the sisters steady but complicated relationships, William has to navigate the darkness of his past and Julia’s diligently planned future.

Review -

Penned with the most beautiful and profound writing – full of heart, tenderness and sensitivity, 𝘏𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘰 𝘉𝘦𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘶𝘭 is a moving character driven portrayal of a cohesive family and bonding between sisters. It also deals with mental health and its devastating consequences on the very fabric of their strong, close and firmly rooted familial ties - resulting in unimaginable chasms and unbearable separations.

The dynamics between the sisters - Julia, Sylvie, Emmeline and Ceceila steal all the limelight. Their devotion, loyalty and love for each other is so precious and cherished. Among them, it’s Julia who shines the brightest - her zest for independence, reaching high, limitless ambitions, impeccable foresight and sharp focus on achieving her carefully set goals are commendable. I admired and cheered for her all the way.

Julia is followed by Sylvie, the simple, unassuming woman who needs nothing more than pure sisterly affection. Cecelia, the rebel, is famous for her art and mural creations, while Emmeline is the protective and caring one. I grew fond of them all over the decades as the author gradually explores their relationships.

There is a lot to unpack with William’s character. We get to see how his heartless, harsh upbringing throws him into the abyss of depression, further cascading into all the facets of his life. But it was very interesting to see how he seamlessly blends into the intricate web of the Padavano family, becoming indispensable.

The only setback was how the story seemed to drag a bit in the middle, becoming slightly boring and monotonous.

However, I am a huge fan of Napolitano's prose and was very eager towards the end, to find out how it would all play out and although I was not very convinced with the unfairness, the overall impact was big enough to get nodding at the emotional gravity and inevitability of the circumstances.

Definitely recommended if you love a good family drama.

The book started off well and the opening paragraph is a passage that will stay with me for a while. I enjoyed learning about the characters - William and his parents who don't see him vs the Padavano sisters for whom family is a central tenet of their life. The prose was also lovely, melancholic and quiet, with an underlying sense of impending doom.

That being said, as the story progressed, I found that there was a lot more telling than showing, and the characters started to become quite flat with no development, and I lost my initial interest and investment in them.

I know it was loved by many but unfortunately wasn't for me!

Following the lives of Julia, Sylvie, Cecelia and Emeline - 4 sisters who grow up in Chicago, I've heard many claims that this is a modern, retelling of Little Women. While the book is mentioned, with each of the sisters regularly fighting over who is most like Jo and identifying themselves as being Beth when ill. Hello Beautiful also takes a heart warming and moving look at the impact childhood experiences can have on adult life. As well as the strength which can be gained through friendships.

Charting all the successes, challenges, heart breaks and joy of the four very distinct characters as they grow from small children to middle aged adults, Hello Beautiful shows that, despite how close you may feel you are to someone, you will never know what's going on unless you ask.

Filled with moments of happiness and sadness, the book touches on mental health struggles, suicide, family estrangement, infant death, lesbianism, single parenthood amongst others within an engrossing story.

The story of the Padavano sisters from 1965 to the present day. Set in America, the Padavanos are a close famiiy of four sisters with a fierce mother and easygoing father. Only after their father's death do they realise how loved they were, and how they loved him. And how he was the glue in their lives. When oldest sister Julia meets basketball player, Will, at college they immediately become a couple, and he slots into the family. Good times can't last forever and over the years, various family members become estranged. However, once a Padavano always a Padavano. I was fully invested in the life of the family, in WIll's sad and lonely childhood and his wonderful basketball friends. I so wanted a happy ending. Interesting to note were the different reactions to mental health problems. Support not always where you expect it. #netgalley #hellobeautiful #Padavanosisters

A story of four sisters (yes, shades of Little Women, duly acknowledged throughout the book), the four Italian-American Padavano sisters, closely entwined, ever-loving, but with very different destinies. A wonderful family drama, insightful, perceptive and tender. A subtle and nuanced exploration of family, sisterhood, love, loyalty, trauma, parents and children. Beautifully written, expertly paced and a real joy to read.

In Hello Beautiful, Ann Napolitano masterfully crafts a narrative that exudes simplicity, yet conceals a profound empathy. She has unique ability to create such a powerful emotional connection with all the characters.
The novel spans decades, thoughtfully presenting each chapter from different character perspectives and various years.
The pace is a little slow in the middle, however the last third is an emotional rollercoaster that is definitely worth the wait. This is definitely my favourite book of the year so far!

Thank you netgalley and the publishers for the advance copy of this book.

I really wanted to love Hello Beautiful, the first few chapters are wonderful and I enjoyed getting to know the 4 Padavano sisters, their strong willed mother and docile but adored father. William is an interesting character, so ignored as a child and so desperate to become part of a group, whether in a basketball team or a part of the Padavanos.
However, it is a an immensely slow and over long book, I found it repetitive and the characters don’t develop that much that you really care about them. It really hammers home the Little Women homage, it’s mentioned so many times in different ways, as though the reader isn’t smart enough to get it. It repeatedly switches between POVs which should shine a light on a different perspective but I found just told the same story in a slightly different way, by the last third I was skim reading.
I know many people have adored this and it is well written but not for me.

A heart-wrenching family drama in the vein of Little Women, following themes of sisterhood, loyalty and forgiveness. Not the easiest to get into if slow-paced family sagas aren't you're thing, but beautifully written and well worth a read.

In this touching and moving story, we meet four sisters and their family. Life is shown to be a mix of happiness and sadness, and it all depends on how we view things. When more people are involved, life can be both good and challenging. Having more people around can make us feel at home, but we're all unique, which can sometimes create complications.

The story teaches us that we make different choices and try to make others happy, but finding our own happiness isn't always easy. Love is wonderful, but rejection hurts deeply. Life and death are connected in a cycle that keeps everything moving.

The story explores the characters' emotions and how they deal with love, rejection, and life's ups and downs. It reminds us that our choices affect others and that connections with people are powerful. The author's storytelling makes the characters relatable, drawing us into their world.

Overall, this unnamed book is a touching and thought-provoking read that beautifully portrays the complexities of life, love, and family. It leaves a lasting impression, inviting us to reflect on the profound interconnectedness of our experiences.

I love the work of Ann Napolitano. She is such a gifted writer. The story of a family, their trials and tribulations. This was a down-to-earth, solid book that will be a pleasure for many.

When I first started this book I wasn't sure that I would like it - the beginning is a little slow - but it soon becomes much more interesting and readable.

If you have sisters, or female friends, or people that you love in your life then this book is for you. There is love in all its forms - parental, sibling, romantic and the pain that goes with loving fiercely.

This is the story of the Padavano sisters and the few men in their lives. There are echoes of, and references to, Little Women. The book follows the lives of sisters Julia, Sylvia, Emmeline and Cecilia, their mother Rose, their father Charlie and William. The characters are well drawn and all too believable - you will definitely recognise them, either in yourself or others. A really beautiful book.