I give this book a 3.5 stars out of 5. I like some parts of the book but over all it was a slow read for me. Some things I loved about it was the chapter lengths, and the funny parts. I didn't get some of the references or just thought they didn't fit well in the book. If it had a better ending I think it could have brought up the rating but it was very predictable. Thank you so much though for this opportunity!

The premise of this novel is quite the hook - Emma, frustrated with her marriage, proposes a gap year to husband Rob, allowing them each to experience a different life, away from each other.

Told from alternating perspectives, the story follows the progress of their year apart, as they both undergo quite different changes. Though on occasion I found both protagonists a touch frustrating, ultimately I was rooting for them both, whether together or individually. The frustration actually only serves to highlight just how accurate a reflection of a relationship it is - neither of them is perfect, neither is willing to admit their flaws, and yet, you want the best for them.

This was my first Thoraval, I’m ashamed to say! With such a wonderful style of writing, I look forward to the next.

Thank you to Further Publishing and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

I think this cover is absolutely gorgeous. That is what drew me to the book initially. Then I started reading it and at first I didn't like it. Reading about failing relationships and people who aren't happy can be tough but in the end I enjoyed the story.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a really interesting concept for a book, seeing their separate journeys they went on during their gap year apart. It was a little depressing, but that's life so it was relatable that her friend had an addiction issue or that they had issues at work. It wasn't all a nice tidy bow but I can appreciate that. I liked the character growth throughout the book. I would definitely read another book by this author.

The Marriage Gap Year follows the story of a husband and wife taking a year off of their relationship to spend time on self-discovery and to reassess their love for each other. I enjoyed the author’s approach to the complexities of long-term relationships, as well as the Australian setting (it was fun to see places familiar to me in a novel!).

The novel was well written and well paced. I struggled to like the characters at the beginning of the book, but as we learned more about them they grew on me more. The tone of the book is upbeat, despite tackling challenging topics. Overall, a cute story that I enjoyed reading.

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

Thank you Netgalley and Yannick Thoraval for an advance ebook in exchange for my honest feedback.

I was very excited to read this book. Another reviewer suggested sitting down with a glass of wine to read this, which is exactly what I did!

I looooovvvveeee the opening scene!! There's a couple, having an argument at IKEA? So. Incredibly. Relatable. I felt like I was there, inside the argument and feeling both sides. Usually, I despise novels that have these sorts of conversations but there's just something about the way it's written that makes it charming and relatable, not cringeworthy.

I love the sassy and sarcastic dialogue. It's believable, and the characters show depth. They actually have a backstory and logical thought processes and a complex social web between each character.

There's funny bits, too. I don't want to give away the whole novel in my review, but there was a few times where I laughed out loud (literally) at things in the novel.

I like the way this is written. The descriptions of different places that really make you feel like you're there. It's also fantastic that it's set in Australia. There's not many great Aussie authors and there's so many beautiful parts of our country to describe.

I also love the juxtaposition between the two characters. Emma and Rob really are so different.

The blurb mostly matches the novel, except that it is absolutely nothing like 'Elinor Oliphant is completely fine'. It's not a depressing novel about a self-hating alcoholic. I didn't enjoy that one, not sure why the author compared himself to it. It is much more similar to Funny Story by Emily Henry or the Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella. It's upbeat despite negative life events.

Overall, I enjoyed this novel and would be keen to read other work by the same author.

I really enjoyed this book- made me think about my own marriage and things we sometimes wish we could change (however for me it reinforced that I don’t want things to change). I also appreciated that it wasn’t incredibly predictable. The one part that lost me though was the music festival. The whole thing just seemed to happen really fast and I couldn’t follow when she was there then popping in the woods then back at the hotel. Otherwise I was able to easily follow everything and really enjoyed it!

I actually really loved this book. Can you imagine after years of marriage taking a year off to find your happiness and potentially come back to your person. What a wild ride this couple took in their gap year. There were a lot of funny moments+ awkward moments in this book and also some emotional ones. You honestly have no idea what the end has in store and I feel like there could be a sequel potentially on what’s next. I love how their opinions of their sons non traditional path changed over time too. Really good, and loved the writing style :)

The Marriage Gap Year is about a middle-aged couple, Rob and Emma, who, somewhere along the way, stopped communicating and stopped investing in their marriage. In a last-ditch effort, Emma decides they need to spend a year apart with no contact. The story is told in Emma's and Rob's POV. We follow Emma as she sets out in search of something more as Rob does what he can to just hang on. This story was relatable and had me cheering for a comeback. If you like second chance romance, this book is for you.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

After over 20 years of marriage, Emma decides that she wants a break for a year from her husband Rob.

During this time she tries new things and has a fling with a younger musician and Rob builds a house. They have no contact during this time.

Unfortunately I did not like the characters. Emma seemed imature, considering she is 48 years old. Also, the ending was depressing.
This is not a romance book, it is the story of a love story that did not go well. I just was not for me. The pretty cartoon cover fooled me.

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

Emma & Rob have been married for years but the sparkle has left their relationship. Emma decides they should spend a year apart to find out what they want from life & each other.

The story progresses through alternate chapters voiced by the pair of them. Things don’t go particularly well for either of them as they struggle to find a new ‘normal’.

I liked both characters and although I enjoyed the story, I found the ending a bit depressing. It felt as though nothing was resolved, and while maybe that was the point, there seemed a lack of hope in it all.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have not read a book like this, and I loved every page! It was just such a sweet story of the journey of love and the honesty of what that all means. Yannick, you wrote a beautiful story! Thank you for this incredible book. Highly recommend.

This is a great book. I love the concept of the story. I felt a few different emotions from anger to sadness. This story was well written and focus on how things are in real like. I liked that the couples focused on figuring out what they want in life. But I was also sad with the ending. I definitely recommend this book!

I think it is important to note that Emma chose to stand up for herself in a way that she felt confident and deserving of attention. Yes,Rob grew up in a family that didn't express emotion but he spoke more wood than his relationship with Emma and Will. The year was necessary to figure out which she wanted and even though Rob felt they were meant to be together, it doesn't mean that she doesn't love him as a person. They can both be great parents and supportive of Will despite them being not together. A reader has to applaud Emma in her actions regarding her her progression as to whom she became as is indicative of her work as well as her friend she was to Kendry. As the book progressed, she certainly became stronger and a person who knew what she wanted..

I'm laughing immediately while reading chapter 1! This book was funny and authentic. I liked the dialogue style the author chose. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

This was a nice book! It was a good idea to have the couple take a break from marriage rather than just jump to a divorce. It was cute and heartwarming and I love the way the individual partners are connecting to themselves again and getting that sense of individualism. overall it was great!!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this complimentary ARC in exchange for an honest review!!

This story is about how Rob and Emma, ok no, only Emma, decides she needs a Gap Year from her marriage with Rob. He somehow needs to go with it, what else could he do.

As it happens quite at the beginning, you basically side with Emma but as the story progresses I started to shift. Because Emma is so damn unlikeable in every aspect. I didn't like her gap year antics at all and hated her with all my heart. Rob's year was completely different, quite slow at times but nicer to read.

I feel I needed more time with Rob and Emma in the beginning. Also I needed more insight to the rules other than "no contact for a year" - because some of the stuff Emma did would have put me off as Rob.

Also didn't quite like the ending.

Thank you Netgalley.

Pretty good story, not what I was expecting but overall a good read. Definitely showed the struggles of long term marriage. The writing style was fun but also brought in heavier topics as well.

I was really excited about this book, being almost 20 years into a marriage myself. However, the characters weren't very likeable and the story itself didnt' have the best flow. One of the characters would be taking some time to process their thoughts on something and then all of a sudden WHAM, their thoughts were clear and they were acting on them. It just felt like the story was written in pieces and put together (sorry for being vague, trying not to have spoilers!)

4.5 ⭐️

"The Marriage Gap Year" by Yannick Thoraval is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged novel that delves into the complexities of relationships and the pursuit of personal happiness. This was my first introduction to a book by this author and I loved every second of it. I just couldn't stop reading.

The story follows the lives of Emma and Rob, a married couple who embark on a year-long break from their marriage (the "marriage gap year"). As they explore their own desires, passions, and dreams, the couple faces a series of unexpected encounters and situations that test the strength of their relationship.

One of the highlights of this book is its exploration of the complexities of human emotions and the dynamics of relationships. The author skillfully portrays the internal struggles and conflicting desires of the main characters, allowing readers to empathize with their situation. The characters are likable, funny and relatable, making their journey all the more compelling.

Thoraval's writing style is engaging and relatable, effortlessly capturing the essence of the characters' emotions and experiences. It also made me reconsider some of my life choices, so sometimes it was even like I was in a therapy session myself. Apart from that, the book is written with a lot of humor as well and made me giggle a lot.

Another noteworthy aspect of "The Marriage Gap Year" is its exploration of societal expectations and the pressure to conform to traditional norms. The book challenges the conventional notions of marriage and prompts readers to question what truly makes a relationship successful and fulfilling.

Overall, it is not your typical romance book, but the author gives us a refreshing, more serious take on the genre. I highly recommend this fast paced, funny, relatable and refreshing book - it's definitely a must read!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Further Publishing for sharing a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.