Thank you to NetGalley, Julia London & Harper Audio for an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review. This review is wholly my own & may not be reproduced.

I LOVED the synopsis for this one. Sadly, it’s being shelved as “Will have forgotten it by the time I finish typing this review.” It just wasn’t anything special that stands out. I think it could have been, but for me, it wasn’t.

In theory, this should have been a feel-good story about a woman making the best of her second chance at life & really discovering herself, which it was, in a way. It just moved too slowly & there was too much focus on banal things.

Nora’s journey just took FOREVER. I also think that the author added in too many “deep” issues for it to be enjoyable, even with her attempt to lighten the mood.

Overall, I just wasn’t a fan.

I really enjoyed this book - it's an interesting premise and Julia London handles it well. But I feel compelled to start with a warning that this isn't just an "uplifting and heartwarming story". It's far more complex than that - there's some deep stuff going on here, some dark stuff, much of which Nora doesn't really remember after her near-death experience. But as she works towards remembering those things that she's buried in her subconscious, those revelations are tempered with humor and Nora's sincere desire to try to make significant changes in her life, despite family and friends who aren't quite sure she's capable of following through. It's one of those books that makes you think about your own life and how you'd react to a near-death experience - would you embrace your current life and situation and be grateful to be back in it - or would you take stock and decide things need to change? This was excellent as an audiobook - Karissa Vacker is a favorite narrator for me, and she certainly didn't disappoint here. Bottom line - I've read a few books from Julia London, and this one definitely moved her other books higher on my TBR list.
Thanks to Netgalley and Harper Muse for providing a digital copy for an unbiased review.

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Focus for my gifted audiobook copy.

I really enjoyed Nice Work, Nora November by Julia London. A near death experience prompts a reverse bucket list and an adult coming of age story that will pull at your heartstrings. Nora November is a relatable, likable character that is trying to find herself in the world after dying and coming back to life. She has a wealthy family and a personality that does not fit into their cookie cutter world.

A fun, summer read that is filled with real characters, real problems and so much emotion.

A light, uplifting summer audiobook, "Nice Work, Nora November" offers a charming experience, making it a perfect beach read or cozy weekend escape. While the storyline isn't groundbreaking, it is endearing and enjoyable. Choose this book if you're seeking a light, feel-good read.

Nothing like a near death experience to help you change your life. I liked how the FMC really developed and found herself over the course of the book. Sure, she had chemistry with the MMC when they first met but I don’t think she would have been truly happy with anyone back in those days because she wasn’t truly happy with her life. It was a great reminder that timing is everything and sometimes having to wait is great because you’re much more ready for something later on.

Nora looses her memory after an accident, and wants to drastically change her life. Her father and job are awful, and she wants to quit. Her dad treats her like garbage, and her mom just goes along with it. Her sister and cousin don’t trust her, because she suffers from depression and has let them down too many times in the past. Is Nora able to overcome who she used to be, and really change and become who she wants to be?

The concept drew me in - I loved the reverse bucket list idea! There were a lot of cringe-worthy moments for me and I just didn't love the main character. I also wish the mental health aspect would have been addressed a bit more sensitively.

Thank you to Netgalley, HarperCollins Focus and Julia London for this ALC in exchange for my honest review.

Let me start by saying that Karissa Vacker is one of my favorite narrators and I will listen to anything she narrates. But she was the best part of this book for me. I thought that the mental health elements of the book could have been addressed with a bit more sensitivity and I wanted more for the romance aspect as well.

I really enjoyed this contemporary women's fiction/romance. Nora November drowns and is brought back to life and I adored the new perspective the experience gave her. She suffers from depression, but is inspired to reinvent herself and find the man that she met and had a connection with at a corner store robbery. While that sounds heavy, Julia weaves so much warmth and humor into the story that you can't help but smile as you read it. Filled with fun quirky characters, I couldn't help but fall in love with this novel and cheer Nora on as she finds the balance she needs and a love to last a lifetime. The audiobook is perfectly narrated by the fantastic Karissa Vacker and I recommend listening to it as her performance is spectacular.

4.5⭐️

Nice Work, Nora November is a lovely story of second chances and realizing what’s really important in life, exploring the past and mental health issues along the way. I was entertained all throughout, and by the end, thoroughly moved as well.

Karissa Vacker did an excellent job narrating the audiobook.

Thank you Julia London, Harper Muse, and NetGalley for providing this ARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.

3.5 stars
This was such a fun and sweet read, and I really enjoyed it. I was inspired by Nora and her desire to be better following her near death experience.

Fun on audio.

My thanks to NetGalley and the pubsliher for the opporturnity to read and review this book.

A very good read with a cringy but loveable main character. Loved that it touched on mental health. Cute love story.

Adorable cute book that made me laugh out loud and want to strangle the family. Nora is so sweet and deserves the world!!! Just a girl trying to navigate life after a death experience.

Nora November is a successful lawyer who battles long term depression and anxiety. She experienced a traumatic life experience in which she met a young man who she was destined to be with, but of course life happened. She had a near death experience that impacted her memory and changed her outlook on life. How will she change her life? How will she stand up to her family and communicate her new lease on life? Will she find this man again?
You’ll have to read to find out!

This was the right book at the right time for me. This story is about Nora, who has a near death experience, and uses as a catalyst to change her life. I liked seeing Nora try, and fail, and then dig deeper. I loved the found family story and the romance. The story felt light though it had some very difficult content. Karissa Vacker's narration was superb.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I went in blind and boy am I glad I did. The story follows Nora who survives a near-death experience. Most of her family and co-workers think she's crazy. It really made me think of all the things that I might want to do if given a second chance to do them. Depression is such a hard thing to manage and I think the story did a fantastic job capturing the feelings of trying to make things write after living in the depression for so long.

Nora’s character is relatable, and her journey resonates with anyone who’s faced adversity. The witty dialogue, quirky characters, and heartfelt moments make this a must-read. Whether you’re a fan of Emily Henry or Harlan Coben, “Nice Work, Nora November” will leave you smiling and contemplating your own bucket list.

I loved Nora taking accountability for things in the past and making an effort to show the people she loved and the things that she loved to do that she could. The characters in general were all very well thought out and brought to life so naturally. I really loved this story.

If you get a change to listen to the audio you wont be disappointed. It's a phenomenal job!!

ɴᴇᴛɢᴀʟʟᴇʏ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ || NICE WORK, NORA NOVEMBER [thank you to publisher and @netgalley for my #gifted digital & audio copy!]

Title: Nice Work, Nora November by Julia London
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Format: audio
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Narrator: Karissa Vacker
Narration: ★★★★☆

ꜱᴜᴍᴍᴀʀʏ:
After nearly dying in a surfing accident, Nora November creates a "reverse bucket list" to accomplish the dreams she neglected while living on autopilot. Burdened by a high-pressure career and chronic depression, she now seeks to fulfill aspirations like learning to cook, tending her late grandpa's garden, and reconnecting with a man she was briefly and intensely connected to during a traumatic hostage situation. With a renewed sense of purpose, Nora embarks on a journey to live life to the fullest.

ᴍʏ ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛꜱ:
This was a mostly enjoyable listen! However, at multiple points in the story, I wanted to shake Nora and yell, “What are you doing?!” She seems to take two steps forward and then three steps backward through the entire novel. But I did enjoy the relationships that she developed and the parts of herself she discovered along the way.

ʀᴇᴀᴅ ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ʟɪᴋᴇ:
Bucket Lists
Books about Self-Discovery
Low Key Romance
Closed Door Romance
Mental Health Representation
Toxic Family Drama

ᴅᴇᴛᴀɪʟꜱ:
GR: 3.94 ⭐️
# of Pages: 368
Pub Date: June 4, 2024

Julia London’s "Nice Work, Nora November" is a captivating and heartwarming tale that explores themes of second chances, self-discovery, and the transformative power of determination. Nora November is a character who immediately captures your heart with her unique story and her quest to redefine her life after a near-death experience.
London expertly weaves together Nora’s journey of self-rediscovery with flashbacks to her time in a coma, where she recalls meeting her late grandfather in a beautiful garden and tasting the most delicious tomato she’s ever had. These memories fuel her desire to reconnect with what truly matters in life. Her attempts are filled with humour and poignancy, showcasing London's talent for blending light-hearted moments with deeper emotional undertones. This is a beautifully written novel that resonates with anyone who has ever felt the need to start over or pursue their true passions. Julia London’s storytelling is engaging and inspirational. This was an easy four out of five stars. I loved it.

A must summer listen! There are some harsh realities in this book, alcoholism, mental health, suicide mainly. But they are addressed well and don’t take away from the fun book that this is! Nora has decided she needs a change. She rebuilds relationships with family, finds self love, finds new love and a whole crew of elderly ex broadway stars that need a leg up! The garden is a great catalyst for love and friendships. I really enjoyed this book. The narrator made this book come alive. Thank you to NetGalley for this free advanced copy. I’m leaving this review voluntarily.

I found Nora to be insufferable. I did not enjoy this and probably would not have finished if I had't been given a copy.



I received an advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.