Unfortunately, I have not been able to read and review this book.

After losing and replacing my broken Kindle and getting a new phone I was unable to download the title again for review as it was no longer available on Netgalley.

I’m really sorry about this and hope that it won’t affect you allowing me to read and review your titles in the future.

Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity.
Natalie.

This was my first Cathy Kelly novel and it won’t be my last. I will be buying her back catalogue. I thoroughly enjoyed this women’s fiction title. Will it convert non fans of the genre? Probably not. But it will delight people who already love the genre.

Cathy Kelly never fails to disappoint. I read in one sitting. I rooted for each of the women and cheered at the end. I loved it.

I'm 30% of the way through this book and according to my kindle have 5 hrs and 45 minutes left... I cannot carry on with this book for another 5 hours. The first couple of chapters were intriguing, then we went to the 'one month earlier' section and it was like the story was going backwards and I don't understand the point. I think it should have started with this section first. I enjoyed reading about the different characters chapters but it's too boring for me I'm afraid. Thank you for letting me read and review this book and I'm sorry I couldn't finish it.

You can't go wrong with a Cathy Kelly book and The Year that Changed Everything is no exception. So heartwarming and uplifting. Brilliantly written as always. Highly recommend. 4.5*.
My thanks to the publisher & NetGalley for the advance reader copy.

I have not read a Cathy Kelly book for a long time and liked the sound of this one. However it was quite as good as I thought it would be. I was going to give it three stars however I did really enjoy Ginger and Sam's story, however each time the story came round to Callie I was bored. The characters in general were quite stereotypical and there was nothing new, but Ginger and Sam did keep me reading. I think the ending was very contrived and just think what I enjoy reading has changed considerably since the last time I read this author.

This is Cathy Kelly at her best. I loved this book.
She never disappoints but I found some titles a bit similar with three friends at a spa or similar venue, but his is one of her at her best again.

Three women unconnected except they share a birthday,

Ginger is a little annoying but does love animals. Sam is intriguing with her capability and also falling to pieces,

But it is Callie who carries the story, she finds her life of luxury and love is not what she thought it was. She's a strong character but also human and flawed and anxious and kind... She's a complex, complete person.

I'd heartily recommend this to fans and new readers, just enjoy it

I have always enjoyed a cathy Kelly book... so reading this was a pure pleasure of mine. I couldnt stop reading this once i openened it and it is very compelling. I love how her stories are so life like and not far fetched in any way, she deals with some awful situtaions in life we would rather not want to but writes it to perfection.
We have 3 ladies of different ages who want to change things a bit, a total escapist read and a very happy book and read but there are parts which make you sad so you will need a tissue or two.
I must apologise for not writing this review earlier, i totally forgot.

I enjoyed The Year that Changed Everything, I loved reading about three different women with three different backgrounds all connected by sharing the same birthday. It took me awhile to get into who was who but by the end I could not put it down.

Love Cathy Kelly and I enjoyed reading this book too.

I thought the plot was interesting but I couldn't help thinking to make the ending better that the characters should have been placed together a bit earlier on.... I was waiting for it to happen and felt that it too quite long for them to meet and then the book was practically over. I would of liked to have read more about their friendship together which would of made the end party a bit more believable for me.

But I do love book set in Ireland and I think she captures that lovely Irish spirit into her characters.

Three women, Ginger, Callie and Sam are all at different stages of their lives. Callie, a 50 year old trophy wife, has her life turned upside down during her party to celebrate her milestone when her husband goes on the run from the police for fraud, leaving Callie and their teenage daughter Poppy behind to face the consequences and a completely different life.
Sam is a veteran mum-to-be. After years of fertility treatment, she falls pregnant and eagerly awaits the arrival of her new baby. On her 40th birthday, her waters break and baby India enters the world kicking and screaming and upsetting the serene balance of Sam’s pre-baby world. Sinking lower and lower into depression, Sam feels like the world is swallowing her up and she can’t bring herself to admit motherhood isn’t quite what she thought it would be.
Thirty-year-old virgin Ginger, is a larger than life journalist who has been a doormat for many people for much of her adult life. On the day of her 30th birthday and at her best friend Liza’s wedding, she overhears a conversation between her “best friend” and the other bridesmaid ridiculing her on her looks and her weight. As if that wasn’t enough her mean-spirited boss tries to humiliate her by getting her to do a feature on weight loss and insists that Ginger and two colleagues do a “before” photo in swimming costumes.
This was a warm, page turner of a book. I think out of all the characters, Ginger was the closest one to myself (although I’ve got a few years on her!) I loved her personality but envied her forgiving nature (something I’ve yet to learn!!!)
I was so glad that Callie had Brenda, her housekeeper, to see her through her initial dark moments. I was really saddened by the way life treated her, and I wanted to give her a massive hug and tell her that life does get better.
All in all, another wonderful book from the delightful Cathy Kelly who never lets her readers down.

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and open review.

Settling down to a Cathy Kelly book is like snuggling down in your comfiest clothes on the sofa- her books never fail to draw me in to the lives of her characters.

This book features three women who all have significant birthdays on the same day.

Callie is fifty and in the midst of the grand party her husband has thrown for it there is a knock at the door and she discovers that her wealthy privileged lifestyle is just a house of cards.

On Sam's fortieth birthday she goes into labour with her much wanted baby- but brought up with a very poor role model of how to be a mother she is terrified she won't be able to manage.

Ginger spends her thirtieth birthday a chief bridesmaid for her 'best' friend. Togged out in a dress that makes her feel like a carthorse she discovers what her 'friend' really thinks of her.

Over the following year their lives change dramatically and they find the value of female friends.

A lovely feel-good read. I really enjoyed it. Thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for letting me read & review this book

This is such an original premise for a book. Three women all having milestone birthdays and not all of them quite living up to expectations. For me the strength of this book lies right here, things not living up to expectations. Cathy Kelly really sheds a lights on what being a woman at these milestone ages is actually like compared to what society deems it should be.

This book tackles some difficult issues as well and does so very well. It covers what happens when marriages end unexpectedly, the difficulty in having a baby and really delves deep into body image. I could relate to all of these characters even though I most identify with Ginger, and not just because I'm in my 30s too!

These characters are all unique but have a connection. We don't see them reveal that connection until much later on in the book. As I have mentioned above, I felt the most empathy with Ginger, she is a great character to read about and I would love to hear more from her in the future! Sam is also very easy to get along with and I can definitely see aspects of her in my girlfriends. I feel like Callie has the most thrown at her in this novel, she has a very difficult ride, even if on the surface it doesn't seem that way.

Obviously this book has multiple narratives and I did struggle a little to identify where we were in each of the characters storylines when we picked back up with them again because each of their sections was quite long. Once I got back into each of their worlds though, I enjoyed going on this journey with them. I think this switching did slow down the pace of the book a little for me, even though I am normally a fan of a multiple narrative. Cathy Kelly's charm and wit shine through though and I say this is a plot which is unique and I'd love to see more of!

The Year that Changed Everything is a feel-food novel about three women, all with the same birthdays but each 10 years apart, and each with their own problems. It addresses various themes, including (and I don't feel that including these ruins the plot as you know or can easily see what's coming with these themes pretty early on): body image & positivity, post-natal depression, betrayal, family life and much more, all wrapped up in this positive, warm read.

The characters are all convincing and enjoyable to read about, and I liked seeing their progression throughout the book. Some elements are quite predictable/ a tiny bit cheesy, but really you expect a little of that with this kind of read (or I think so anyway), and Cathy Kelly still manages to get the balance just right, between being a heart-warming story and not being too cloying in its message. Her novels often get it just right, to be honest - you know you're going to get a great story with Cathy's work, and this is another example. It's a celebration of female resilience and friendship, which in my eyes is always a winner.

The Year that Changed Everything is  definitely well-written escapism - perfect for a lazy weekend read when you want something feel-good and warming, but with added feeling!

Although not quite back to the Cathy Kelly of old, where years ago upon discovery of her books I devoured one after the other and then was left anxiously waiting for something new, The Year that Changed Everything is certainly heading back in that direction. Admittedly, I haven't read the last two or three books that Cathy has published because the last one I did read just didn't feel up to the standard of all the others I had previously read. Sometimes, I feel the need to take a break from an author and come back to them after a period of time, that is what I have done with this author recently and I am glad I did because I really enjoyed this book and was able to read it in two sittings.

It's not without its faults as I did feel some sections, and even in fact some characters, were far stronger than others. Certain areas did require more development and fleshing out but overall this was a very good read with three distinct women with three separate storylines which eventually do have a connection. Although don't be in anticipation in any sense of the word with regard to said connection like I was. I was reading through, enjoying the chapters and the development and wondering when will this connection be established. It only emerged very near the end and it just felt too tentative for my liking so I glossed over this aspect of the book because really it is about the journey these women undertake rather than the eventual outcome, important thought it is. I thought what I experienced with them to reach that point was far more impressive than the final result.

The book is split into five parts overall, some shorter than others and in my mind not necessarily needed. Part one introduces us to the three women we will be following and it is a time for the reader to establish who they may connect or identify with the most. Initial impressions do have a lasting effect and of course one's opinion might change throughout the remainder of the book but for me I knew instantly who I identified with the most and who I wanted the most positive, life changing experience for. As we meet each women they are celebrating a significant birthday and said birthday will bring about changes for all, some good, some bad, some hard to work through but ultimately you hope that the women can make it through the difficult, challenging times to emerge even more stronger and independent on the other side.

Callie Reynolds on the outside appears to have it all, she is about to arrive for the glamorous fiftieth party thrown for her by husband Jason. To many it would seem she has the perfect life with a teenage daughter, a man who adores her and provides her with all the trappings of a rich and sumptuous life. But Callie is not happy with the flashy lifestyle even though herself and Jason had nothing and worked hard to reach the point that they are at today. It was clear from the start that Callie was insecure with regard to everything in her life. Being peri-menopausal didn't help either and combined with a fractious teenage daughter in Poppy, Callie isn't the happiest of people. Callie is a person in pain and it's not helped by the ten year estrangement from her family which is all down to Jason and his nature.

We didn't really get to know Jason throughout the book aside from interpreting other people's opinions of him and the subsequent uncovering of his actions. But from I gleamed from the book, he was controlling and manipulative and to all intents and purposes he wanted the world to think everything in his life was perfect and not one thing would ever go out of place. Callie when she first met him must have wanted the same but the reader can see the life she is living now is not all a bed of roses and even if it was she really wasn't that at ease lying in it. The arrival of unexpected guests at the party leads to a shocking and hurtful revelation, lives are torn apart and never will be the same again. The dream lifestyle comes crashing down and Poppy and Callie are the ones left to deal with the fall out as Jason makes his escape. The man she thought she knew was a far cry from the image Jason like to portray to the outside world.

The question remained could Callie lift herself up from the scrapheap, left with nothing and try and make something of herself and give Poppy a more realistic, down to earth future? Where can she turn to now that housekeeper and friend Brenda has done all she can to help? I felt Callie was very weak emotionally after the big event. It didn't help aside from what had happened previous to this she was feeling old, anxious and irritable with life in general. To be honest I felt Callie needed a big reality check and to come back down to earth and realise that we don't all live in gilded cages provided with everything we could ever wish for. In this book she certainly got the check she needed even if she became over reliant on something to get her through. What she does to overcome her obstacles and issues was very brave given the history around the situation but it was a step that needed to be taken if she hoped that the year would be the one that changed everything. I had read more or less the same storyline as Callie's in another book last year so I felt this had all been done before and I knew what the outcome would be. So Callie wasn't the person I was eager to read about all the time instead that was either Sam or Ginger with Ginger winning it for me.

Sam is turning 40 and expecting her first child with Ted. She has been through the millstone of rounds of IVF which led to heartbreak and devastation but now unexpectedly she is about to become a mother. A most joyous occasion for anyone. She is eagerly awaiting the arrival of the child who will change her life and further cement the deep love she has for Ted. So why is there this niggling sensation at the back of her heart and mind that really she is just not up to this - the most challenging thing one encounters in life? Fear, anxiety, worry and insecurities invade her on a daily basis. Given her own mother is as cold as ice and couldn't be further from the loving, nurturing mothers one sees on the cover of baby books how will Sam know what to do? Sam makes a wish to learn to be a good mother.

Oh how I felt for Sam and given I have never had any experience of said situation myself I thought the author did such a fantastic job of portraying a woman who was all at sea lost in a myriad of emotions, afraid she can't do what is best for this very much longed for child. I felt every bit of her pain and anguish and even when a healthy baby girl makes an appearance the worries don't go away only increase. Sam's sister Joanne was a stalwart support to her but if a person can't explain or confess how they are feeling how can help and resolution even be sought? A sense of doom enveloped Sam and I hoped she would find the courage to express how she was feeling and with this landmark birthday and the new arrival now was her opportunity to do so. I felt her struggles and it was such a realistic portrayal of what many women all over the world endure.Unfortunately some do silently for too long.

The third and definitely my favourite character was Ginger, she spoke in volumes to me and I think she will to many readers. I saw plenty of myself in her and I felt she expressed things far better than I ever could with regard to the way I feel about certain things. Ginger is turning 30 and when we meet her she is bridesmaid for her best friend.What unfolds was just horrifying to read and will bring a tear to your eye. No one should have to hear what was said about Ginger. It was cruel, spiteful and hurtful and left me wanting to reach out and give her a big hug. No one could blame her for fleeing and perhaps locking herself away but a year of change lies in store for her. It's up to Ginger whether she makes the most of the opportunities presented to her. Most of which will expose her sheer talent and dedication and perhaps give her the freedom to become the woman she was destined to be.

Ginger is a woman who hides everything. Her feelings are kept close to her chest, hidden away from family and friends but writing an agony aunt column for the newspaper under the pseudonym 'girlfriend' affords her the chance to get things off her chest without fear of discovery. Ginger is a fragile soul, like a wall flower, happy on the outside but internally hiding so much. She stresses over her large size. Ginger wants a happier more contented her, a different life, a thin life. At work she is sassy and full of smart comebacks when needed. With her family she is kind, caring and helpful but behind it all she hides what she terms a dark secret and yes it is heartbreaking and I felt such empathy with her. Food fills all the dark holes inside her but there must have been a root cause to this and I was keen to discover what it was.

Ginger out of all three of the woman was the one who I felt had the most get up and go, the ability to turn her fortunes around. Enduring several public humiliations probably spurred her on but still I thought she worked through things under her own steam with courage and bravery and I really wanted her as a friend. I thought she was someone you could sit down and talk to and you wouldn't notice the hours passing by as you talked about anything and everything, sharing your deepest worries and fears. Ginger was always to be admired for the way she dealt with things in her job. Her attitude to life over the year slowly started to change and I was rooting for her at every step of the way. Her journey was not without its disappointments, heartache and anguish but whoever said life was easy and reaching your ultimate goal, your happy place is not easy either.

As mentioned previously the book wasn't all perfect, I felt after so much brilliant development of the characters the final third was just too rushed. The connection established was just too tentative and wishy washy, I would have loved a more firmer connection. It all just seemed to happen so suddenly and I didn't feel a deep, believable bond was formed between all three women even though that was what the author would have liked us to feel. I know where the author was going but didn't feel that point was reached. I am glad though I have come back to Cathy Kelly's writing. I did enjoy this book and the messages and sentiments behind it even though not all were pulled off to a deeply satisfying conclusion. The Year that Changed everything is most definitely worth a read. Ginger has made a deep lasting impression on me and I hope she will too with many other readers.

This novel follows three women, one aged 30,40 and 50. All the characters were very likeable and I was surprised by which ones I related to. The book is well written and while it isn't exactly a page turner makes for a very enjoyable read. There are some sad moments in the book but overall I'd say its definitely heartwarming and really recommend it.

I’ve been a fan of Cathy Kelly for many years now and have read all her books. I love her style of writing; she deals with true-to-life situations and emotions in an honest but sympathetic way, with plenty of warmth and reality.

Three women – Ginger, Sam, and Callie – are celebrating milestone birthdays of 30, 40, and 50 but, for each of them, this is the year that changes their lives. Events bring them together, back in the small town of Ballyglen, and we see them through their struggles to get their lives back on track. I loved all these women, their characters were totally believable, and I also liked the supporting characters (Callie’s daughter, Ginger’s dad and brothers, and Sam’s husband).

This was another great book which I really enjoyed, and I didn’t want it to end. I felt that I wanted to know how Ginger, Sam, and Callie were getting on a couple of years later! I’d highly recommend this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Orion for an ARC in return for a fair and honest review.

I’ve been reading Cathy’s novels since she started out. They were always a guaranteed read, warm and likeablez sadly her later novels don’t hit the mark, I don’t know if the author is trying to take a different line but I much preferred her older novels.

Review will be up on my blog 14/02 thecosiestcorner.blogspot.com

I've been wanting to read a Cathy Kelly book for ages so when I saw this pop up on Netgalley I've never requested something quicker! The cover doesn't give much away but I love the cute and bright colours and the title is really gripping. You really want to find out what changed everything in these three womens lives. This novel by Cathy Kelly certainly didn't disappoint and I found myself really loving it.

The style of Cathy's writing itself reminded me of Milly Johnson (whom I am a huge fan of) so I found this book to be really fascinating and I was glued to the pages. The story follows three different women: Ginger, who turns 30, Sally, who turns 40, and Callie, who turns 50. They all celebrate their birthdays in extremely different ways and I must say that I loved every minute of all three of their stories. It was just so gripping and exciting. I loved reading about their different lives!

It was so easy to relate to every character but in a different way, so you find yourself really enjoying each of the characters lives and it was so nice reading about how they turned their life around and to see them stronger at the end of their difficult journey. This book covers a lot of different emotions and will leave you feeling all of them! It's a heartwarming and emotional tale but really lovely and lighthearted. Plus, I loved that it was set in Ireland!

Overall, this was an immensely enjoyable story and I will certainly be keeping an eye out for any of Cathy's other novels. Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

Ginger, Sam and Callie are all coming up to milestone birthdays 30, 40 and 50 respectively and they are all going through difficult circumstances, Ginger is confident on the outside but inside is a bundle of insecurities, Sam pregnant for the first time at 40 and Callie on her 50th birthday is betrayed by one of the closest members of her family. This book is a brilliant read about 3 very different characters overcoming adversity in their lives and coming out the other side stronger. Such well written rounded characters. I loved every single one of them