I was surprised by Julia London's NICE WORK, NORA NOVEMBER, the story of a young woman who returns from a terrible accident to live a do-over kind of existence, questioning all aspects of her life and acting upon all the second chance opportunities she is given. I enjoyed the frank, straightforward Nora very much and the story held my interest all the way through, tugging at heartstrings and holding my attention so that I burned dinner and was late to appointments. I received a copy of this book and these opinions are my own, unbiased thoughts.

3.5 stars…I must say, I love Julia London’s books This was not an easy book to read. It is not a romance but definitely women’s fiction, and it deals with depression, dysfunction of a family, and Near Death Experience. Nora has been through the ringer with a family that truly doesn’t understand her and wants to sweep her troubles under the proverbial rug. Her grandfather who is deceased is the only family member that believed in her and when she has a Near Death Experience she sees him again, and he convinces her to she just needs to believe in herself. That is the crux of this story….that Nora believe in herself but with so many things working against her, we feel her ups and downs. For me, this was a difficult book to read, but eventually cathartic as well.

Nora November had a near death experience. And when she comes back again alive, she realizes that she has been missing certain things in her life. Nora has been trying to please her stoic father by becoming a lawyer and working alongside him, while unknowingly she suffers from depression. But after her near death experiences- Nora decides to try on certain things which includes learning how to cook and then trying to revive her grandfather's garden back.

This book was an interesting premise with an interesting plot. Nora clearly didn't want to become a lawyer and that she only became one to satisfy her father. Nora soon turns her interest towards cooking and gardening. In other words, the book as a whole teaches us valuable lessons in general. There are trigger warnings in this book as it also talks about depression in general. Also there were emotional and heartbreaking parts in the story that will make you cry as Nora makes decisions to make her life more improved.

Overall, this is a good read and worth three stars.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Harper Muse for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.

I started this last night and could not put it down.

Nora November has a near death experience and it changes everything for her.

I really loved Nora’s character. She struggles with so many relatable things and I really found the mental health representation real and honest. I think so much of the time so many of us can be so hard on ourselves. I loved the themes of self forgiveness and standing up for what you really want.

I also really loved the idea of a reverse bucket list and started to think about my own bucket list. I think there are so many things that we can take for granted and I think this story made me think about that a lot.

This one will hit you in your heart and is a more layered and thoughtful read.

Nice Work, Nora November by Julia London took me a while to get into but then redeemed itself.

Nora was someone I initially felt pity for since her life seemed to be spiraling out of control. She had a career and job she hated, working at her father’s law firm, where she was heir apparent. Nora had coworkers she despised, and the feeling was mutual. Nora didn’t have friends, her family was completely dysfunctional, and she had no outside interests. But when she has a near-death experience while on vacation, she rethinks her life and makes a reverse bucket list, which is paramount to the story. But will it be enough to give her a second chance at the life she truly wants?

Nora’s parents are wealthy, always entertaining in their palatial home, and want to put on a perfect front for the outside world. But after Nora’s NDE, as it’s referred to throughout, she has a new outlook on life, and her parents are not happy with the changes she’s making to reinvent herself. It doesn’t help that she’s suffered from depression her whole life. Her search for the one who got away is time-consuming and takes on a life of its own.

The story has twists and turns but also unexpected outcomes and opportunities. The multitude of characters enriches the story and adds layers to it. The closure is satisfying but felt too rushed, and there is a happily ever after on several fronts. Ms. London is an author whose books I enjoy, both contemporary and historical.

Nice Work, Nora November is a women’s fiction novel that follows Nora’s life after a near-death experience and the many changes she makes to find happiness with the help of her newly created reverse bucket list.

The review is posted on NovelsAlive.

I went into this one blind, well sort-of, I forgot what the book was about by the time I started reading it. Nora November was clinically dead for a few minutes after a surfing accident. When she wakes up, she is surrounded by her family but has no recollection of said accident. The near-death experience brought Nora to realize her current lifestyle isn’t what she wants or needs anymore. The awful parental pressures and expectations that she has experienced her entire life have finally caught up to her and it’s time to put a stop to it. She deeply misses her grandpa which brings her back to his beloved garden, which is now just a plot of dead plants. As she despairs over the plot and how to revive it, she meets new unexpected friendships that bring her comfort when she needs it the most.

This book was unexpected, there’s quite a few heavy subjects, which really made this book feel important. I found Julia London’s approach to these topics to be done in a very pensive manner and although the book had a lot of important subjects, they were are all delivered in a loving and thoughtful way. The characters, minus Nora’s parents (they are awful), were light, caring and layered. I really just wanted to give Nora a big hug and tell her that she’s got this. The reverse bucket list was such a great way to rediscovery and reconnect with her loved ones who need her. There is also a cute romance sideline story, which felt like a goal I was excited to read more about.

*𝗉𝗅𝖾𝖺𝗌𝖾 𝖼𝗁𝖾𝖼𝗄 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖢𝖶𝗌 𝗉𝗋𝗂𝗈𝗋 𝗍𝗈 𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝗂𝗇𝗀！

Nora November almost drowns in a near death surfing experience. Well, she actually does die, but is revived. While she was dead, she’s welcomed into a beautiful garden by her recently deceased grandfather and childhood dog. She has such an overwhelming feeling of love and warmth, that the return to her regular life is jarring. She’s determined to do things differently in the ‘after’ NDE by creating a reverse bucket list, including complicated family relationships, working in her grandfather’s community garden she abandoned, taking a cooking class, finding the man she connected with during a hostage situation, leaving a job she hates but feels obligated to, managing her depression, following through on her commitments.

There is so much in this book, complicated family dynamics, struggles with depression, what it’s like to love someone with addiction issues, how to get out of your own way to live a life you love. What I loved about this book is the relationships Nora is able to forge in the ‘after of her NDE.’ I absolutely loved the geriatric thespians and the relationship Nora built with Willow. I enjoyed the kismet of her relationship with Jack and how they were so close to meeting again, but kept missing each other. I hated how horrible Nora’s family was - her dad was an abusive jerk, her mom seemed mostly disinterested, and even her sister, Lacey, was pretty unforgiving. It seems like the whole family lacked empathy or sensitivity, especially towards someone who struggles with depression.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and was glad for a happy ending. Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for the opportunity to read and review!

I loved this book so much! Nora November is trying to reinvent herself after a Near Death Experience and she is such a terrific character. She struggles but she really finds her voice through all of this and an inner strength she didn't know she had.

Her parents are appalled that she isn't the same person she was and they are rapidly losing control of her.

It's an amazing story about family as well as found family, love and the strength to start over. Thank you for Netgalley, the author Julia London and the publisher for an advanced copy. I'm so glad I read it and I will definitely be looking for more from this author.

I found this book has an interesting and uplifting story. I loved the shades of serendipity of Jack and Nora's paths intersecting but not meeting face to face for so long. I found Nora's journey after her NDE a hopeful story. She really wanted the change and was able to not get mired in her setbacks. I found her interactions with the other characters endearing and had they had me rooting for things to work out positively. The book wraps up with a very satisfying ending. I received an advance copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Nora November is a very compelling character. We get lots of time to know her and her life as she tries to change her life for the better. She struggles through seeing herself as others see her and trying to improve important relationships. Nothing is magically resolved here; Nora has to try, fail, and try again. Along the way, she makes new friends and finds herself. I found the whole thing very realistic and uplifting.

I still don't really know how to give my opinion about this book, although I liked several aspects of it, especially Nora's relationship with depression being so well explored, I couldn't care enough about the book, it wasn't something I was interested in. Looking forward to reading again. The ending was really cool and concluded the story very well, I think the final 25% was my favorite of the entire book. I didn't think it was a bad book, but nothing very remarkable. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review!

A near death experience has Nora November re-evaluating her life decisions as she tries to track down the guy that got away and rectify past regrets. Moving, heartfelt and with AMAZING depression and anxiety rep, this book was great on audio and highly recommended for anyone who has struggled with life. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review. Perfect for fans of authors like Rachel Lynn Soloman!

CW: suicide attempt, alcoholic side character, infant SIDS death (occurs off page in the past)

Nora November wakes up in the hospital after a NDE (Near Death Experience), where she drowned and was clinically dead for several minutes. Once Nora is out of her Physical Rehab facility, she decides to make a “reverse” bucket list. She has a list of all the items she wanted to do, but never made time for, and she wants to find Jack, the man she connected with during a robbery and hostage situation. Nora divides her life into Before and After the NDE. In the Before, she was miserable and depressed, working for her sadistic and narcissistic father’s law firm. In the After, she wants more meaning to her life. Nora has a lot of problems she has to work through, and there are times that her depression rears its ugly head again. We also get Jack’s story running parallel to Nora’s. He too is looking for a connection, and while he has dated, none of those women have the same spark he enjoyed with Nora. This is more Women’s Fiction, with a romantic aspect somewhat tacked on at the end. Nora’s character and growth throughout the book, was tough at times but worth the journey at the end. I loved Jake and the Senior thespians/gardeners, they were a light part of a story that could get pretty heavy. I will say that’ Nora’s family was pretty awful, and the treatment by her father made reading some parts of the story difficult. Overall a good read. I received an arc of this book from NetGalley for my honest review.

A well written story of rebirth and learning to live life your way. Nora November has been fighting depression for years. Partially due to her stressful job, overbearing parents. Especially her father who she works for, in a area of law she hates. When she dies from a surfing accident and is brought back to life, she has an awakening. She will try to make amends to her sister Lacey and cousin Gus, who she let down too often to count. She wants to find and reconnect with the Corner Store Guy, who several months ago found a connection at robbery. Unfortunately she was too afraid to follow through and call him. And try to honor her Grandfather, the only person that ever believed in her.
Jack has often thought of Nora and the bizarre immediate connection between them. Still hoping she will call him and so disappointed that he lost her phone number. There hasn’t been any quite like her.
This story gives a good insight into the reality a person suffers with depression. A topic that finally is coming to light in today’s society. Love the missed almost encounters of Nora and Jack. As always never disappoint with the writings of #JuliaLondon. Thank you #NetGalley for this ARC. All opinions are my own and mine alone. #NiceWorkNoraNovember

After a near-death surfing accident, Nora takes inventory of her life and makes a lot of changes. She creates a reverse bucket list - and starts living again. She had an encounter years before with a mystery man during a corner store hostage situation and she regretted never contacting him again. That's one of the things on her list - and to revive the garden her grandfather left her. On her mission, she meets a host of colorful characters and finds herself. The story touches on depression and alcoholism. It's a really interesting storyline.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

This book was fabulous! It had just the right amount of light/encouragement and dark/understanding depression & mental health. I loved Nora's reverse bucket list and her perseverance despite encountering problems along the way. I loved the near misses with Jack and seeing life & death from Jack's perspective. I loved the honesty from those around Nora even when it hurt because ignoring things never solves them. Thanks to the author for a great introspective read!

A brilliant read and one I really enjoyed. The characters are loveable. The plot is one that is engaging and I found myself completely drawn into the story and enjoyed the writing style.

What if you were given a second chance at life? What would you do differently? Would you make the same choices? NICE WORK, NORA NOVEMBER explores these questions and more with compassion, empathy, and a touch of whimsy. Julia London's novel tackles some deep and painful topics with both gentleness and honesty as we witness Nora navigate life after a near death experience.

Nora November awakens in the hospital where she learns that she survived a near drowning. Before she regains consciousness, she has an otherworldly visit with her long dead family dog and deceased beloved grandfather. Nora begins to view her life as "before" and "after" and soon discovers she is not the same person. She uses her grandfather's advice to chart a new course for her life beginning with creating a reverse bucket list which includes pursuing activities and relationships she previously pushed aside. Nora is dealing with a lot - a career she hates, parents who find fault with every aspect of her being, mounting medical bills, and damaged relationships. She is also pining for Jack - the one who got away - who she believes may the be the only person who actually sees the real Nora,

Told from both Nora's and Jack's points of view, the book examines the affects of trauma and the long, often winding, road to healing. Ms. London gives the reader a raw look at depression, death, and emotional abuse. She surrounds Nora and Jack with a large supporting cast of characters; some are delightful, some are wary, and some are despicable. This book resonated with me as someone who evaluated and reordered priorities after a serious illness. The desire to make fundamental life changes and the difficulty in doing so, partly because of resistance from others, is accurately and poignantly depicted. It's easy to root for Nora to redefine herself and make lasting and profound changes in who and what she wants to be.

Thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins Focus, and Harper Muse for the opportunity to access an advance copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you so much to Harper Muse for the ARC!

THIS BOOK! If the song LIVE LIKE YOU WERE DYING by Tim McGraw was a book, it would be this book.

The moment that stopped Nora November on a dime was a NDE (near death experience, often abbreviated as such in the book), a surfing accident. When she wakes up and realizes how close she came to death, she decides it's time to really start living and makes what she calls a "reverse bucket list" of things she wants to do after she (almost, but technically kind of already) died.

Nora November is a name and a character I definitely won't forget. I went into this blind and was SO surprised by how DEEP this book was. The cover is fun and cutesy, but this book was rich and emotional in so many unexpected ways. It's not often that a romance/women's fiction book has a twist that shocks me (esp when my fav genre is thriller), but I did NOT see this coming!

In my opinion, the romance was a side-plot but it still was adorable, swoon-worthy and closed-door. Another side-plot had to do with some seriously toxic family drama (my fav), so with all that going on, I was never bored!

Like I said, this book dealt with HEAVY topics and contains a lot of content that could be very hard for some readers! Feel free to reach out to me for specific CW.

I definitely recommend for a thought-provoking and ultimately uplifting read!

This will be available on June 4th!

Heavy topics were present throughout the book, depression, addiction and suicide the tone in which it was written was very hopeful and optimistic. The romance was just the icing on the cake, Jack and Nora briefly met before the book starts and spend the entire book in Nora’s case searching for Jack via social media, tv news outlets, while Jack is wondering if Nora didn’t call him because she thinks he ghosted her. Nora working on her mental health, setting boundaries and completing her reverse bucket list and also repairing relationships she let down while she was depressed was the focus.