Rating: 4.1/5

Just imagine that your Amazon Alexa is not the anonymous piece of A.I. technology that you thought it to be, but actually a woman in her 60s called Pauline from Halifax. Then go a step further and envisage Alexa performing the function of a modern day Mary Poppins, complete with her very own Banks family to help through its troubles. This is the scenario created by Linda Green in her latest family drama, "The Woman with All the Answers".

Linda Green has a real talent for penning this kind of novel. Her characters are invariably true to life and relatable. The dialogue is consistently authentic and natural and the author has a firm grasp of how to create something that is dramatic, but without being melodramatic. The idea behind this book is beautifully imaginative and wonderfully executed. Clearly, the idea of Alexa actually being voiced by a real person rather than A.I. (let alone an elderly lady rapidly approaching retirtement) requires the reader to allow the writer a good degree of dramatic licence, but the result is a lovingly created, heartwarming and frequently amusing tale - although it is also interlaced with some very relatable social and domestic challenges along the way.

As with some of her other novels, a number of the social references made in the course of the narrative may well go over the heads of non-British readers, as, almost certainly, will Pauline's well-depicted West Yorkshire accent in the sections when she is stepping outside of her official Alexa role. However, for a UK audience this is another well-observed and delightfully written book from Linda Green.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.

MIchelle struggles to keep it together with a demanding job, husband, elderly father and mother-in-law, and two teenage children. She relies on Alexa the AI generated helper to get her schedule together and reminder her of shopping lists, to do items etc.
On the other end of Alexa is a real woman, a soon to be retired Pauline who enjoys her job and helping others. Even though the "Alexas" are not supposed to become emotionally involved with the families that use them Pauline can't help but want to give real advice to Michelle.

After so many issues that Michelle is about to "lose it" Pauline breaks the rules and becomes a friend as well as the voice behind Alexa. This is a funny, fast, heartwarming story about asking for help when you need it, keeping everything together and how to focus on yourself when your family has so many issues that the constantly rely on you for everything.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would like to read more from this author.

always used to really enjoy Linda greens books so was looking forward to reading The woman with all the answers!
Wow what an inspired concept and totally different to anything I have read previously, never having owned an Alexa it made me question why!
I could totally relate to Michelle and the juggling act of being a wife, mum, daughter, friend,nurse and contending with the menopause all at once! So many similarities for so many women of a certain age,so to have the assistance of a virtual friend/organiser/arranger/confidant/sounding board via the Alexa is inspired and maybe a look into the future!
Written with humour, tact, sensitivity and real positivity, I would highly recommend to all my friends of a certain age!
Thank you NetGalley for this early read

Initially I was really intrigued by the idea behind this book, and I enjoyed getting to know the characters, especially Pauline/Alexa, who was fab.

However, as the book progressed the continuous stressful and disappointing situations that affected Michelle's family life, and the things that happened while she was juggling multiple responsibilities began to get me down as it seemed never-ending, and I was less motivated to continue reading (it was probably more depressing as I am quite a bit younger than Michelle's character and potentially it’s all in the future for me … something to look forward too!) I didn't find it as funny or light-hearted a book as I was hoping for (but Basil the dog's appearance was appreciated).

Perhaps this is a book more suited for women who have been through the peri/menopause and can recognise some of the situations and laugh about the past, rather than those of us with it still to come.

I absolutely loved the concept of this book and the idea of Michelle’s Alexa device being voiced by Pauline, a local woman from Halifax, who wanted to do nothing more than help the family, especially Michelle who bears the weight of it works so well. There’s some real warmth and humour in this but so many real heartbreaking situations too that at time felt so personal as Michelle’s family lurched from one crisis to the next. There were times I was laughing at loud and others near tears as this is so full of modern everyday with the pressures were now under, I especially loved how it represented the struggles women of different ages have too with Michelle’s daughter putting herself under so much pressure to be perfect. This really felt like a real life family and Pauline’s determination to help Michelle get on top of life was written in such a Yorkshire voice I could almost hear it. I’m not sure I want an actual Alexa in my life but I’d certainly love a Pauline and this is a great thought provoking read not just for perimenopausal women but all those women trying to do it all.

This is the book that could make me want to own an Alexa.
Such an inspired idea that there's a body behind your smart technology, guiding you along, and helping you out when you most need it.
And boy was help needed.
Funny, warm and very very entertaining.
It's been YEARS since I read Linda Green, and I'm beginning to wonder why.
I think a lot of people will see themselves in Michelle, overwhelmed, and no idea where to start.
Let's hope a cuppa and this book gives them some down time, and an idea or two on where to look.

Be kind and pay it forward. But if people give you unnecessary grief, don't put up with that shit. Especially when you are a woman, especially when you are dealing with perimenopause on top of that, especially if you are acting the way our society tens to expect women to do: to suffer in silence, to put other people's needs before theirs, and to be accommodating. Preferably while smiling, mind you. Because - if you haven't read the memo - the job description of being a woman, even in this day and age, includes all the things others can't be bothered to do. And then wonder why we are full of rage.

Unsurprisingly, Michelle has a lot on her plate, and hardly any respite. Good thing there are books like this one, to make us smile and remember that somewhere out there are a few fellow human beings who indeed can find the empathy to share difficulties. We don't want Michelle's daughter growing up with all the pressure society is currently pushing toward every single one of us (young or old). So yeah, if you ever come across one, cherish that wonderful person :)

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book.

This was a good book!! It was interesting and had some creepy parts but it was filled with lots of funny moments too! It was a good mix of a few genres and I liked all the themes this book covered.

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