I started out enjoying this book, but I quickly became underwhelmed. Nothing about it felt new or interesting; it’s pretty much the same as every other book I’ve read about working class young women getting involved with wealthy families. It reminded me of a less humorous version of The Nanny Diaries. I also didn’t like the main character, I found her annoying. This was a DNF for me at 41%.

A modern day take on a Jane Austen or Edith Wharton heroine. Not exactly a retelling but a story with plenty of references to classic novels. At times the references were a little heavy handed ( I could figure out in my own pretty easily that Callum was a Darcy figure— no need to hit me over the head with it) but the story was enjoyable nevertheless. I appreciated that the heroine was grounded in reality with dreams of wealth but found that that life was imperfect too.

This is a very nice story that transports the reader to one of my favorite World citiy’s~
London, and we have a coming of age adventure with our American transplant,
Anna, who is working so hard to finish her dissertation and get her dream job,
on her own with little money.
Anna’s adventures and experiences, while at times heart wrenching, drew me
into her world, her life, and I so was her cheer~Mom (ironic because Anna did’
not really have a hands-on Mom.
Anna’s story is one that young women will see and feel with brilliance.
The Author did a fine job of providing something for everyone ~ no
one walks away without feeling really warm inside.
For those who may feel there is a slow pace, remember that we all need
a place to breathe as this story is truly a busy adventure right to the end.
My thanks to G. P. Putnam’s Sons Publisher via NetGalley for the
download copy of this book for review purposes.

Anna has dreamed of living in London ever since she first stumbled upon Jane Austen in her local library. Now, as a graduate student, she finally gets the chance to be there, though the reality is tougher than expected, and she finds herself struggling to make ends meet. When the wealthy Wilders family hires her as a prep coach for their youngest daughter, it feels like a stroke of luck. They even bring Anna along to Saint-Tropez over winter break to continue the tutoring, immersing her in a world of luxury far from her usual experience.

Anna's story offers a fresh take on the classic fish-out-of-water narrative, but while it touches on themes of wealth and identity, the execution feels somewhat superficial. Anna's fascination with London, rooted in her love for Jane Austen, promises depth but doesn’t quite deliver on exploring how this dream shapes her decisions. Her relationships with the Wilders and their elite circle in Saint-Tropez add an interesting dynamic, yet the characters often feel more like archetypes than fully realized individuals.

The love triangle brings tension but is somewhat predictable, lacking the complexity that might make Anna’s choices more compelling. The novel does attempt to address class and identity, though these themes could be more deeply woven into the story. The depiction of friendship is a high point, offering some authentic moments, but overall, the book leaves you wanting a more nuanced exploration of Anna's inner world. It’s an entertaining read, but for those seeking a more profound coming-of-age journey, it may feel a bit light.

Anna has dreamed of living in London ever since she first discovered Jane Austen novels in her local library. She finally is able to make her way there as a graduate student, but she struggles to make ends meet. Then, she is hired by the Wilders family to serve as a personal test prep coach to their youngest daughter, and they bring Anna to Saint-Tropez to continue the tutoring over winter break.

In Saint-Tropez, the Wilders’ older daughter introduces Anna to her friends. Anna is quickly incorporated into their high-flying friend group, although the friends aren’t aware of her true background. Anna finds herself torn between two men in the group: one who sees her for who she is truly is and another who treats her like she belongs among the elite. With her new friends, Anna must act the part — but how long can she keep up the ruse before her past catches up with her?

This was a terrific coming-of-age story. It explores interesting themes of wealth, class, and identity. The author captures well the allure of the fantasy that Anna finds herself living in and how it increasingly drives her own actions, sometimes surprising even herself. I found the depiction of friendship in the novel particular strong, capturing the nuances in different relationships and what they mean for the capacity for forgiveness. I’m excited to see what comes next from this author.

Highly recommended!

I loved this book.

Anna grew up in a house where her parents struggled financially and lived paycheck to paycheck. Her mother suffered from uncontrollable diabetes and with the cost of insulin life was difficult in their household. Anna escaped reality by reading books like Jane Eyre. She dreamed of traveling to London as an adult.

Anna is hard working and determined to complete grad school in London and achieve her dream of working as an editor. I was able to connect so much with this character. It made me reflect back on my 20s and that desire to build a life unlike the one you grew up in. Anna has a distant relationship with her father and no family to fall back on. When Anna is faced with the challenge of figuring out how to pay for school her counselor asked her if her parents could help. She responded “My father cannot support me financially or in any other way.” I felt this so much. It’s hard being born into a working class family but true wealth is having a supportive and close family. Anna has neither and is determined to create her own stability. This is a story of determination, grief, overcoming obstacles, building relationships and creating the life you want.

A lovely tale of self-discovery and growing up set in 2009. There is drama, romance, and gorgeous scene setting.

Anna is studying in London and gets swept away by the lavish lifestyles of the students (and their families) she tutors. When one of her clients invites her to Saint Tropez, she sees a chance to make new and glamorous friends. It takes a lot to keep up with the jet-set crowd, however, and Anna is soon making some unwise decisions....

For the first quarter of the book or so, I had trouble feeling invested in Anna and her diary-like narration but I'm so glad I kept reading. I think the story really picks up the pace when Anna goes to Saint Tropez for a few weeks. I was riveted by her exploits and couldn't put the book down.

Thank you very much to Putnam and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review an advanced copy of this novel. I highly enjoyed it and will be recommending it to others. It gives you pause for the choices that can challenge your existence.

This was such a good book! I loved the cover art, the story and the pacing, and how it is realistic with how our main character is struggling between her new life and old one. It was a quick read for me as i did not want to put it down. i think this woud be a great book option for a book club!

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

I couldn’t put this book down. I loved getting a glimpse into London and France as the rich living there experience it. At the same time I thought the story of the young main character was hopeful and realistic. I think this would be great for a book club discussion. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

An absolutely stunning debut about a young woman trying to make sense of the world she lives in, and what it means to find somewhere to call home. I absolutely devoured ALL THAT LIFE CAN AFFORD; from the little references and ponderings on British literature (see - title), the comparisons of our heroine Anna struggling to find her place in the worlds she inhabits to those of our favourite heroines from English literature, to all the little references of a mid-noughties UK/Europe. Everett's writing blends effortlessly between commercial and literary and once I found the book's groove, I didn't come up for air.

Can't wait for other people to discover this gem of a debut in 2025.

This book was enjoyable but a little simplistic - I felt that the writing was a bit obvious and emotions were telegraphed in a way they didn’t need to be. Anna feels younger than 23, and immature in a way that was sometimes frustrating. However, I loved the setting and the descriptive details and was pulled along by the story.