This was a sweet read! It felt a bit slow to start, but once I really got into it, I enjoyed the story! I think the cover artwork is great, and the color was super eye-catching!! It's also always fun to read anything set in Australia!

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy to review.

I was looking for a book with relatable characters and a storyline that embodied the challenges of women in mid-life. I found that in Jodi Gibson's book Reinventing Emily Brown, The main character is so true to life; she faces real life challenges so common to women in today's society. I enjoyed the focus on relationship and choices that define our lives. I received a free copy of, Reinventing Emily Brown, by Jodi Gibson, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoy reading this book! I love Australia, and the Melbourne area is beautiful. Thus, reading this funny book and enjoying the description of the places and people was a trip. Emily was just a comic character, but sometimes, she lost herself in many motherhood obligations. I do recommend this book.

Thank you to Jodi Gibson for letting me have an ARC copy of Reinventing Emily Brown to review!

This is a book of chaos, but in an interesting, humorous, and life-questioning read about the challenges and expectations of being a woman in the modern world. Writing this review, I found myself unpacking all the levels within this book (it’s an onion like Shrek said). Whatever stage of life you are in as a woman, there is something in this book you will relate to.

There are a couple of points of view included in the book, the majority of the story is told from Emily’s first-person point of view. However, some chapters are 3rd person from her mum, Mary’s point of view showing a different angle of the Mendez family coping with family challenges and their relationships. Emily is a relatable female protagonist who can appeal to any woman in any period of her life with the difficult choices she faced trying to do the right thing for her family and herself.

Emily’s indomitable spirit is what stayed with me throughout the book. She was the definition of get knocked down six and get up seven. In the chaos of everything going wrong and disasters, she kept trying even when the whole world was against her. She wasn’t afraid to pull the plug either when she realised she’d made a mistake or taken a wrong turn. She has an MO of running away from her problems at times, but in some light, they were strategic retreats from toxic situations that would have done more harm than good. But she lived by trial and error, while being honest most of the time she didn’t have her stuff together in any way shape, or form.

The writing style is good, and humorous and creates a colourful portrayal of the town of Curlew Bay, Australia. Sometimes the story did get a little repetitive. Emily appeared to be cursed for everything she touched to go wrong. I thought the story could have stood on its out two feet without the second chance love interest and some of the drama related to it.

I struggled to place this book in genre and tropes as there is a diversity of elements featured in Reinventing Emily Brown and the characters’ lives involved in the story. I’ve settled for contemporary women’s fiction with a small sprinkling second chance romance, but it’s barely a pinch. A solid 3 stars read with likable characters, plenty of real-life chaos, and good humour showing life and family are anything but easy at stage or age.

Tropes to expect:
- Starting Over
- Wounded Past
- Betrayal/Secrets
- Family relationships: Mother/daughter (Emily & Mary and Emily & Hayley and sister/sister)
- Small town setting
- Second chance romance (with vibes of some enemies to lovers)

Emily Brown is doing her best to get by in life with her daughter and unemployed husband. One day, her credit cards are rejected and she discovers that he has lost everything. The next day, she unexpectedly loses her job. She needs to get away and decide what she is doing. She goes home to her parents who live in a small Australian town. She has to face past mistakes that she made in the town while deciding what to do about her unhappy teen-age daughter and her marriage. Emily has many decisions to make and fortunately she has the support of her parents. Meanwhile, Emily's mother faces a potential life threatening illness and has to think about what she wants in life. Jodi Gibson explores changes that are happening in this multi-generational family and in the end, I believe everyone makes the right decision. I believe this book will help readers think about their lives and the choices they need to make.

This reads more women’s lit than romance although a second chance with Emily’s high school sweetheart Simon is a large part of it. The problem I had with the book is that the main characters kept making really immature choices that hurt those they love. It made it really difficult to like and root for them. I also abhor greedy developers and the slimy ways they’ll try to get their way with no regard to the harm they’re doing to the ecosystem and the communities they’re invading. I was also extremely annoyed by Emily’s husband, the fact that he wasn’t honest with their daughter about his part in the demise of their marriage, and Emily’s need to blame herself equally when it was mostly his weakness that put them all in jeopardy.

The things I like include the small town location on the shore, Emily’s parents’ loving relationship, her friendships with her childhood friends, and the whole notion of the sacrifices mothers make for their kids, often to their own detriment (something I can definitely relate to). Ultimately, it was an okay read but not anything I’d recommend.

Reinventing Emily Brown by Jodi Gibson is a typical feel good book.

It has some very nice and likeable characters, the close knit community, lovely family and romanctic angle as well.
The story flows mostly nicely although at times it does get a bit slow.
It is easy to read and pretty interesting. It has all the markings of Hallmark moves, together with a happy ending.
It is nothing new or earth shattering, it is very similar to many others.
This book is a good choice for a nice afternoon read.

(This review is based on an uncorrected e-galley of this novel)

I got about 30% of the way through this novel and I felt like nothing interesting happened. The writing style reminds me a bit of Danielle Steel, so if you like her writing, you'll likely enjoy this novel more than I did.

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for an e-ARC of this novel.

A fairly decent read that kept my mind occupied. Emily was pretty dim witted. Her daughter Hayley a total spoiled brat. The kid gets no reprimand for any kind of bad behavior. Then the parents wonder why she’s so wild. I wonder. I didn’t feel bad about Emily’s messed up life. She set it all up for herself. Knew her husband was a mess, stealing money etc. and yet still stayed. Until suddenly she’s broke. And the poor sod still thinks he can get her back! To be honest though Curlew Bay could do without Emily. She showed up and created messes and havoc. An adult woman acting like a clueless child.

Just finished Reinventing Emily Brown, a good read.

I found this book extremely real and relatable. A great story on how life doesn’t always go to plan!
I have never read a Jodi Gibson book before but I am very glad I got to read this this one, it was a great piece of fiction on figuring out your life again.

This book deals with a lot of relatable but heavy topics, job loss, alcoholism and dealing with a teenage daughter, the list goes on.

I really loved the fact that there was no ‘filler’ content, every page had a purpose.

Highly recommend if you want an interesting read with a message.

*Title: Reinventing Emily Brown, a standalone,

*Release date: 9/19/23 read: 9/13/23,

*Author: Jodi Gibson, 1st time author for me,

*Book cover: cute, h Emily with Fred,

*Format: e-ARC,

*Page Count: 344,

*POV: 3rd person, goes between Emily and Mary,

*Setting: Curlew Bay, Australia,

*Genre: Contemporary Romance, Women's Fiction,

*Tropes:

✅ divorce/separation
✅ 2nd chance romance
✅ mother/daughter relationships
✅ sister/sister relationships
✅ starting over/moving on
✅ off page sex

Look out for:
⚠️ alcoholism, emotional abuse/stalking (not h),

*Synopsis: Emily feels underappreciated and dissatisfied with her life. She wishes for something more from her career and marriage. She loses her job, house, and separates from her husband. She moves back to her childhood home with her parents.


Characters:

Emily Brown-37, unsatisfied wife and mother. Gets fired, separates from husband, and moves in w/ her parents.

Anthony-Emily's husband lost his job as lawyer 3 years ago. Spends his days and their money drinking.

Hayley-Emily's 15-year-old daughter.

Mary-Emily's mother, having a health and midlife crisis.

David-Emily's father.

Lucy-Emily's sister, "the perfect daughter" who Emily doesn't get along with.

Connie and Matilda-Emily's bffs in high school

Simon Carter-Emily's high school bf. They had plans to travel together and he asked Emily to marry him which she refused without a reason why.


*Review: I felt like Emily and Mary's yearning for more or feeling like something was missing happens to everyone. There's always regret even knowing it changes nothing. We all make choices, and we just have to live with them. Only you decide to pursue a career rather than get married. You decide to travel the world painting. rather than going to university. This novel narrows those feelings to Emily and Mary, both wives and mothers who wake up 20 years older to a life where they were never a priority.

*Rating:4 /5 ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐

*Spice level- 1/5 🌶️

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Verb for this ARC❤️! I voluntarily give my honest review and all opinions are my own.

I just reviewed Reinventing Emily Brown by Jodi Gibson. #reinventingemilybrown #NetGalley
Great book Jodi. I was hooked right away. I loved the characters and a great description of the setting, but not to wordy on the description. I could picture the area. Emily works hard and has common life issues that many of us could relate to. I feel her stress. She has a high school daughter that attends private school. Her husband lost his job three years ago and has additional problems. Then it all gets tossed in the air and Emily and daughter go to her hometown. I feel her stress and worries. Stick around and see what happens to Emily. It's a fast read and enjoyable. Thank you.

Life doesn’t always play out the way we intend and it certainly wasn’t for Emily. I love the idea of her attempting to remember who she used to be and who she wants to be going forward.
Heartwarming, original and relatable. The story was well written and presented in such a relatable way that the reader could feel the emotions of the characters. It made the story realistic, humorous and relatable.

New author for me. When Emily Brown’s world starts to fall apart at the seams she takes the bull by the horns to reinvent herself dragging her daughter along for the ride. City girl Emily returns back to her childhood home looking to start again.

Gibson’s writing style was easy and flowing. I look forward to reading more books by her.

Just wanted to say that I've enjoyed this book so very much!
Yes, I can relate to Emily a lot already! Poor Emily! My heart just went out to her.
My favorite thing about this book is that's it is told from Emily's POV. I love it written this way. I can relate and connect with the protagonist better this way.
I'm giving this a 5 star already because there's not a dull moment in this book.
Gibson has done a remarkable job in bringing Emily and her family to life.
The one I felt sorry for most was Haley.
Why I feel sorry for her is because she's caught in the middle of all that's going on, poor kid.
Yet, at the same time, I just want to grind my teeth. She thinks it's all about her, and it isn't really.
I think Emily and Haley need to have a talk, so we'll see if that pans out.
I'm going to read on.
Yes, I have snickered some, and I know I want to cry in other places.
But this book is oh, so it's totally worth it!
I'm so very proud of Emily and the way she went about things.
I think though the character I was rooting most for was Mary Emily's and Lucy's mom. I won't say anything more because I'm not giving it away. Y'all just have to read this amazing book for yourselves!
The cover is so cute!. I just had to try this book out. I'm glad I did! I needed a fun and laid-back read.
I'm wasn't disappointed at all! I'll be adding it to my favorites.
5 stars for such an entertaining novel that kept my attention all the way! I loved loved every minute of it. I'm going to highly recommend this book.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

"Reinventing Emily Brown" by Jodi Gibson promises to be a heartwarming and relatable story of second chances, self-discovery, and the complexities of modern life and relationships. Emily's journey, which begins with her facing a series of hardships, immediately draws readers into a narrative that explores the resilience of the human spirit.

The description paints a vivid picture of Emily's life, with its ups and downs, and her decision to return to her childhood home in Curlew Bay with her teenage daughter, Hayley. This move sets the stage for Emily's quest to reinvent herself, a theme that many readers can empathize with, especially in today's rapidly changing world.

Jodi Gibson seems to masterfully balance humor and heart in the storytelling, creating a narrative that is both engaging and emotionally resonant. The dynamic between Emily, her daughter Hayley, and her mother Mary adds depth to the story as they navigate the challenges and expectations placed upon women in contemporary society.

The book also hints at a romantic subplot involving Simon, Emily's childhood sweetheart, which adds an element of nostalgia and intrigue to the narrative. Secrets and family dynamics further contribute to the complexity of the plot, promising readers a story rich in character development and unexpected twists.

"Reinventing Emily Brown" appears to be a compelling exploration of the human capacity for resilience and reinvention in the face of adversity. It's a story that invites readers to reflect on their own journeys of self-discovery and the pursuit of second chances. With its relatable themes and relatable characters, this book holds the promise of being a heartwarming and uplifting read for those who enjoy tales of personal transformation and the enduring power of love and family.

💫3/5 |🌶️ 1.5/5 | Mid-Life Crisis | Second Chance Romance | Starting Over | Family Dynamics | Small Town | TW: Alcoholism, Gambling, Divorce

This was a good read that is cozy, heartwarming, and relatable to a lot of women. A story about Emily who is going through a mid-life crisis as her life is slowly imploding. Dealing with an unemployed, alcoholic, and gambling husband who used to be bigshot lawyer and an angsty rebellious teenager, she didn’t think life could get any worse… that is until she gets laid off and she now has to figure out how to survive between their home being on the verge of foreclosure, paying for her daughter’s private school, and the death of her marriage.

Emily decides to take her daughter with her to her hometown and stay with her parents indefinitely while she figures out her life. She hadn’t been back since high school and all she’s felt is nostalgia from what she’d left behind, specifically, Simon – her high school sweetheart. We get to be inside Emily’s head and her inner monologues as she tries her hardest to keep it together. She deemed herself unsuccessful at this point in every aspect of her life. We get to see a lot of the dynamics between Emily, her parents, and her sister. Again, a lot of relatable aspects.

The whole tone of the book is basically about miscommunication. We see her journey is rediscovering herself and learning to speak out more. Emily has always put everyone first and with that she had succumb to just doing things to make everything okay. With leaving the once wonderful life she had, realizations come to her on what’s most important. This is definitely a very slow paced book, the second chance romance aspect isn’t quite the main focus of the book, its more the dynamics of each of the important relationships of her life.

I have never read anything by this author, but I’m so glad I did! This sweet story reminded me of myself and some of my best friends at the moment—real, raw, a protagonist who doesn’t have it all and have it all together! So perfect for the shift in season and a wonderful read with so many layers! Would definitely read this author again!

I received this as an ARC from netgalley.

This is really similar to my story I'm going through right now. But I really enjoyed going on Emily Browns journey of self-discovery. I love how she handled things and learned more about herself. I enjoyed the ending. I think this author ended her story perfectly. I couldn't ask for a better story like this of self-discovery.

Their were some grammatical errors, but it was an ARC.

Thank you so much NetGalley and Jodi Gibson for allowing me with an advanced copy. I previously have not read a Jodi Gibson book previously but the I really was interested in this premise of this book. This book landed somewhere between the hallmark movie (which is a compliment I love a hallmark movie when I’m in the mood) and an extremely introspective piece of women’s fiction that explores a lot of complexities of family and friendship dynamics. Funnily enough I now I know an unsolicited amount about different Australian birds… was not expecting to get that out of this book but I know have a new conversation piece for when I get into awkward conversations. Truly enjoyed and interesting piece of women’s fiction and reads really easily. Gibson obviously writes in a smooth and easily flowing manner.