Who among us hasn't dreamed, at one time, of dropping everything and embarking on a journey? Jenny James did just that—with a little nudge from Mother Nature—and found herself amid a life-changing journey. "Jenny James Is Not a Disaster" by Debbie Johnson follows a 36-year-old struggling single mom who discovers happiness and joy in an unexpected place.

Jenny James is not a disaster, even though her life may have been. After her cottage on the Norfolk coast fell off a cliff, and she lost her job in the same week, Jane is at a crossroads. It's just her and her 18-year-old son - sadly, she is estranged from her family - and she has to decide what to do with her life. When her handsome nomadic neighbor, Luke, who lives in a camper van with his dachshund, Betty, offers them a road trip around England, she accepts. As they frolic around England, she is forced to take a hard look at her life and past choices, stop and smell the roses, and come to terms with her past.

I enjoyed the book very much. It was a less light read than I thought it would be, which is not a bad thing, and full of inspiring life lessons. I loved the humor and banter between the characters, the growing relationships between them, the sharing of backstories that made them close their hearts to love, and the way the heroine reinvented herself. I also loved the descriptions of the various historical sites. I could smell the roses, so to speak, and envision those vivid scenes.

I have to say that the way Jenny went on a trip with someone who was a perfect stranger until then made me raise a brow at first. I also thought that being estranged for about 18 years from her family was unreasonable, as well as her unwillingness to share her story with her son. I loved the resolution of the heroine's issues, though, and the ending warmed my heart. Some scenes were touching, causing me to shed a tear.

The book highlights the complicated relationships between parents and children, and it's done with humor and heartfelt insights. I loved the message that "home is wherever you are happy." The author paints a compelling story of a journey of happiness, self-discovery, and individual pride. With themes of friendship, trust, love, letting go of the past, and self-discovery, the author has woven a tale that I enjoyed reading. The gentle budding romance added to the enjoyment. Highly recommended!

Who among us hasn't dreamed, at one time, of dropping everything and embarking on a journey? Jenny James did just that—with a little nudge from Mother Nature—and found herself amid a life-changing journey. "Jenny James Is Not a Disaster" by Debbie Johnson follows a 36-year-old struggling single mom who discovers happiness and joy in an unexpected place.

Jenny James is not a disaster, even though her life may have been. After her cottage on the Norfolk coast fell off a cliff, and she lost her job in the same week, Jane is at a crossroads. It's just her and her 18-year-old son - sadly, she is estranged from her family - and she has to decide what to do with her life. When her handsome nomadic neighbor, Luke, who lives in a camper van with his dachshund, Betty, offers them a road trip around England, she accepts. As they frolic around England, she is forced to take a hard look at her life and past choices, stop and smell the roses, and come to terms with her past.

I enjoyed the book very much. It was a less light read than I thought it would be, which is not a bad thing, and full of inspiring life lessons. I loved the humor and banter between the characters, the growing relationships between them, the sharing of backstories that made them close their hearts to love, and the way the heroine reinvented herself. I also loved the descriptions of the various historical sites. I could smell the roses, so to speak, and envision those vivid scenes.

I have to say that the way Jenny went on a trip with someone who was a perfect stranger until then made me raise a brow at first. I also thought that being estranged for about 18 years from her family was unreasonable, as well as her unwillingness to share her story with her son. I loved the resolution of the heroine's issues, though, and the ending warmed my heart. Some scenes were touching, causing me to shed a tear.

The book highlights the complicated relationships between parents and children, and it's done with humor and heartfelt insights. I loved the message that "home is wherever you are happy." The author paints a compelling story of a journey of happiness, self-discovery, and individual pride. With themes of friendship, trust, love, letting go of the past, and self-discovery, the author has woven a tale that I enjoyed reading. The gentle budding romance added to the enjoyment. Highly recommended!

Who among us hasn't dreamed, at one time, of dropping everything and embarking on a journey? Jenny James did just that—with a little nudge from Mother Nature—and found herself amid a life-changing journey. "Jenny James Is Not a Disaster" by Debbie Johnson follows a 36-year-old struggling single mom who discovers happiness and joy in an unexpected place.

Jenny James is not a disaster, even though her life may have been. After her cottage on the Norfolk coast fell off a cliff, and she lost her job in the same week, Jane is at a crossroads. It's just her and her 18-year-old son - sadly, she is estranged from her family - and she has to decide what to do with her life. When her handsome nomadic neighbor, Luke, who lives in a camper van with his dachshund, Betty, offers them a road trip around England, she accepts. As they frolic around England, she is forced to take a hard look at her life and past choices, stop and smell the roses, and come to terms with her past.

I enjoyed the book very much. It was a less light read than I thought it would be, which is not a bad thing, and full of inspiring life lessons. I loved the humor and banter between the characters, the growing relationships between them, the sharing of backstories that made them close their hearts to love, and the way the heroine reinvented herself. I also loved the descriptions of the various historical sites. I could smell the roses, so to speak, and envision those vivid scenes.

I have to say that the way Jenny went on a trip with someone who was a perfect stranger until then made me raise a brow at first. I also thought that being estranged for about 18 years from her family was unreasonable, as well as her unwillingness to share her story with her son. I loved the resolution of the heroine's issues, though, and the ending warmed my heart. Some scenes were touching, causing me to shed a tear.

The book highlights the complicated relationships between parents and children, and it's done with humor and heartfelt insights. I loved the message that "home is wherever you are happy." The author paints a compelling story of a journey of happiness, self-discovery, and individual pride. With themes of friendship, trust, love, letting go of the past, and self-discovery, the author has woven a tale that I enjoyed reading. The gentle budding romance added to the enjoyment. Highly recommended!

* I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I thought I already reviewed this so this will be short and sweet. I really enjoyed this book. It was so interesting to see how things can get worse before they get better. I found myself rooting for Jenny through every disaster, every twist and turn. Definitely check this one out.

As noted in the author’s bio, Debbie Johnson writes “feel-good emotional women’s fiction,” and that description fits this novel.

Jenny James is a single mother who faces extreme change in the beginning of this novel. The story takes her on an adventure geographically around England and leads her to face her past and her future.

Jenny’s resilience as she raised her son into adulthood alone is admirable, but her life experience has also led her to keeping her defenses high. Her son, Charlie, is 18 in the novel, so we see Jenny coping with a new crisis in her life in addition to the natural emotional feelings that come with having a child leaving for university soon.

If you like to read stories about personal development that includes travel, this one is for you. Jenny and Charlie end up on the road in England, and the travel piece of the story is quite enjoyable. Jenny is also forced to evaluate her decisions and regrets, as well as how she wants to spend the rest of her life now that she has raised her son.


A very slow burn, closed-door romance is in this novel, but the romance isn’t the centerpiece of the story, so it is more in the genre of women’s fiction than romance.

Funny and heartwarming, I enjoyed this story of a single-mother who's having a very bad day. She learns she will likely lose her job and then, literally loses her home which slides down the cliff where it was perched, into the sea.

Then, an unlikely neighbor comes reluctantly to the rescue, taking Jenny and her recently-graduated from high school son into the sanctuary of his motor home temporarily. Subsequently, they all end up going on a road trip that becomes meaningful in different ways to each person.

What I enjoyed about this book was the humor about it all. Even though it felt a little bit unbelievable at times, particularly regarding the reasons Jenny has been estranged from her family for so long, which she has never divulged to her son, the 'real' parts, in terms of emotions and relationships, were lovely.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Harper Collins, and the author for allowing me to read an eARC of this book ahead of publication. I loved it and hope to encounter more from Debbie Johnson in the future.

Jenny James is Not a Disaster by Debbie Johnson is a hilarious and heartwarming rom-com about self-discovery, love, and learning to embrace the messiness of life. The story follows Jenny James, a woman who feels like she’s always falling short—whether in her career, relationships, or general day-to-day life. She’s made some questionable choices, but she’s also determined to turn things around.

Jenny’s journey is relatable and filled with humor, but also moments of vulnerability. She’s an imperfect but lovable protagonist, and readers will find themselves cheering for her as she navigates the ups and downs of career challenges, romance, and personal growth. Johnson’s witty writing and sharp observations make for a laugh-out-loud read, while still managing to delve into deeper themes of identity, self-worth, and second chances.

The romance aspect is charming and sweet, with just the right amount of tension and humor to keep the pages turning. Jenny’s romantic journey is just as much about learning to love herself as it is about finding love with someone else.

Overall, Jenny James is Not a Disaster is a delightful, feel-good read that will leave readers with a smile on their face and a heart full of hope.

I must admit to enjoying the author’s writing style. This book is heavier than her usual series ( at least the ones I have had the opportunity to read). I expected this difference based on the title and the cover page which varied from the others. I am glad the author/ publisher decided to go for this change because it helped me visualise what I might encounter. It’s not always the case with some of the books I end up reading.

Jenny is a mother of an eighteen-year-old who is at the cusp of life changing events. Little do they know that both of them will be facing drastic changes and forced introspection.

When their house falls off a cliff, Jenny decides to travel in a motorhome. Choosing to travel with someone she’s known for such a short time may seem absurd but the sequence of events and the chatter building helps make it seem feasible.

The author does familial relationships really well. They are not perfect, but have that vein of fondness timing through it. The complexities of relationships are well done and there was a whole page I randomly showed my husband where she’s thinking about her parents which he was able to appreciate with no context whatsoever.

Jenny spends time with Charlie and Luk, trying out a whole new life and starts to exercise her writing skills. The journey takes them to certain places that might seem like the obvious route to us are readers but the prices of getting there was enjoyable.

I would recommend this book to fans of the author and those who like a story which almost works like a coming-of-age narrative.

I received an ARC thanks to Netgalley and the publishers but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience of this and other books by the author.

A delightful and heartening novel. Jenny’s life is falling apart and she embarks on a new journey. . The writing is filled with humor, warmth, and moments of genuine emotion. The story will leave you with a smile.
Many thanks to HarperCollins Focus and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I quite enjoyed getting to know Jenny James in this story. It's hard to believe the awful luck that befalls Jenny and her teenage son Charlie when their house literally falls off the side of a cliff. Enter their mysterious nomadic campervan neighbor Luke and his sausage dog Betty. With nothing tying Jenny and Charlie down, and much to process, the odd foursome embarks on a summer holiday traveling England in close quarters.

If you've watched the tv show Gilmore Girls, then be prepared to instantly love this story's Luke the same way we love Stars Hollow Luke.

Jenny's story was a sweet and funny journey that I'm glad I had the chance to go on. Now if only I could've actually ridden along in the campervan exploring small English towns and countryside...

Thank you Harper Muse and NetGalley for ARC access to this story!

Jenny James Is Not a Disaster by Debbie Johnson is a delightful and heartwarming read, packed with humor, relatable moments, and emotional depth. Johnson masterfully captures the chaos and charm of Jenny James' life as she navigates through personal and professional challenges with wit and resilience. The character of Jenny is endearing, perfectly balancing vulnerability and strength, making her someone readers can root for and connect with on a personal level.

The pacing is smooth, and the dialogue is sharp, often resulting in laugh-out-loud moments. But what truly elevates the book is the underlying message about self-acceptance and embracing imperfection. It’s a feel-good story with just the right amount of heart and humor, making it a perfect pick for fans of uplifting contemporary fiction.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

Very cute story of a mother and son finding themselves and finding joy. I loved the descriptions of the places in England and the cute romance. I wish the problems with the parents were a bit more serious though, because 18 years is a long time to stay away.

Jenny James is no stranger to adversity. Since becoming pregnant at 18 and leaving home, she's been fighting an uphill battle to make ends meet. Now, with her son Charlie a teenager himself, it's mostly been just the two of them. Despite the challenges, Jenny has managed to secure an office job and a quaint seaside cottage with a garden.

But then comes an exceptionally bad day. Jenny's office faces potential layoffs, her car refuses to start, forcing her to walk home, and as she approaches her cottage, she watches in horror as it slides into the sea.

Suddenly homeless, Jenny encounters her nearest neighbor, Luke, who's camping in a nearby field. Luke lives in an RV with his dog, and when he offers to let Jenny and Charlie travel with him for two weeks, Jenny discovers that sometimes less truly is more.
Johnson's novel beautifully captures Jenny's journey as her world expands after losing all her material possessions. The collapse of her familiar life grants Jenny the freedom to rebuild her world on her own terms, even though the process of self-discovery and honesty is often challenging.

"Jenny James is Not a Disaster" is an uplifting tale about finding hope and opportunity when life hands you an abundance of lemons. This novel will likely resonate with a wide audience, particularly those who occasionally dream of escaping the rat race in search of a more fulfilling lifestyle.

I received an advanced copy from NetGalley and HarperCollins Focus. The opinions expressed are my own.

A cute story, lighthearted but full of heart. I liked that there were no games no tropes in the love story just a nice journey. The different parent child relationships were nicely explored and it was a good lesson in how to handle older teenagers. There wasn't really a climax or a conflict or anything challenging though.

Book 166 of 300 ~ 2024

🌟🌟🌟🌟

First, the possibility of being made redundant. Then comes the cherry on the cake - your home that sits on a cliff.. well, just decides to *ahem* take a dive, thus leaving you homeless.

The protagonist is likeable, as are the other characters. As she finds herself, pushing herself to find adventures, and ultimately, finding herself.

I did both the audiobook and ebook versions of this wonderful read. The narrator was brilliant and kept me interested, too.

I received a complimentary copy of this book as well as a complimentary copy of the audiobook. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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This is a good crossroad-in-life novel. It combines humor, drama, and romance in realistic ways. Jenny James is a very relatable character, and I enjoyed the different adventures that she went on. I recommend this read for those who enjoy a good finding your purpose piece of fiction.

"Jenny James is Not a Disaster" by Debbie Johnson is an inspiring, emotional and sometimes funny story of a woman's journey back from disaster. Poor Jenny, I think at the beginning of this book. Everything goes wrong for her in a matter of days and she will learn what is most important in her life. I love how she rebounds from her disaster of a life to a new and better one. This was a great book about finding out exactly what she is capable of when faced with life changing events. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me this opportunity to read this ARC! I received a complimentary copy of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Jenny James Is Not A Disaster is a cozy, feel good story that is a straightforward and enjoyable read. Perfect for fans who want a tidy plot with likeable characters who have to start their life over from scratch while wandering the English countryside, and a happy ending. This book reminded me of the authors Claire Poole (The Authenticity Project) and Abbi Waxman (The Garden Of Small Beginnings).

The author description of Debbie Johnson is that "she writes feel-good emotional women's fiction." That is a perfect description of this book. Jenny James is having a terrible week. She thinks fighting with her 18 year old son and a run in her stocking make for a bad day. She has no idea. Within a day, her workplace is closing down, her car dies, and her house falls off a cliff. As a single parent, Jenny can't just curl up in a ball and disappear. Instead, she and her son end up in a camper with a nomadic neighbor heading wherever the wind blows (or wherever the suggestions in the hat lead). Jenny and her son finally have time to discover what they truly want from life and how to get there. Jenny faces her past and figures out how to find joy, and that joy isn't found in the belongings she lost or the job she once had. This is definitely a feel-good story that might make you want to pack up and hit the road yourself.

My thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for an ecopy. My opinion is my own..