This is really heartwarming and at the same time heartbreaking story of Allegra. The book provokes the whole variety of emotions from sympathizing to anger, I really enjoyed the plot and the audiobook a lot. Cecilia Ahern is one of my favourite authors and her P,S, I Love You is one of my all-time favourite romance novels. I was looking forward to reading Cecilia's new release and I am glad that it has lived up to my expectations.

Did I want to read/listen this because of the cover?
Absolutely…
Was it worth it?
Absolutely!

It wasn’t easy at some points, it definitely made me sad or angry for Allegra! But that’s what’s good about it: it’s not just a happy chappy kind of story. Life isn’t fun every day and that’s how it’s reflected in here.

Allegra definitely does not make great choices at times, and she gets absolutely obsessed with the 5 people story from Tristan.

But her upbringing isn’t the easiest either and who wouldn’t be a little bit influenced by it as an adult! However her relationship with her dad is the sweetest!

As an audiobook, it was lovely! I do love an Irish accent so it was 11 hours of pure bliss for my ears!

I love Cecelia Ahern and this book doesn't disappoint, although without the magical realism that she is known for. Allegra is on a mission to discover the five people who have the most impact on her life, but who are they when she hasn't long moved to Dublin in search of her mother? Excellently narrated, this is an emotional tale about finding out who is important in life.

I am so sorry but I just could not get into this audiobook - I liked the narrator and I usually love Cecelia's books but just not this one.

I’d like to thank NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for approving me for an ARC of this book. I am a huge fan of Cecelia Ahern’s books and have many of them in hardcover on my shelf. When this one popped up on NetGalley I knew I couldn’t resist.

Firstly I have to say that if you generally enjoy audiobooks then I would definitely recommend listening to this one. Amy McAllister does a fantastic job of telling Allegra’s story as well as voicing the other characters. She brings emotion, wit and charm to all the characters and made it a great listen.

Allegra as a character was very interesting. From the beginning it was obvious that she had certain quirks about her but it was these quirks that I came to love. She wasn’t afraid to be honest and speak her mind but lacked some of the social behaviours that some would deem normal. The more I got to know Allegra the more she reminded me of another book I read a few years ago, Eleanor Oliphant.

This was quite an emotional read and there were moments when my heart broke for Allegra. Whilst she may be a little unusual she was a lovely person who only wanted to find somewhere to belong. She had a heart of gold and it was a joy to go on this journey with her, searching for her five people. It got me thinking who my five, outside my immediate family, would be. The honest answer is I have no idea! For me it’s certain groups that affect me and influence me. I have my lovely book club that not only introduce me to new authors but they add to my ever growing tbr. I also have different groups of friends that all offer something to my life as well.

Aside from Allegra we had some other lovely characters sprinkled throughout the tale. Spanner, Paddy, Tristan and Allegra’s dad were brilliant characters and I loved the role they played in the story. It was interesting seeing the different interactions they had with Allegra but Tristan’s character was one of my favourites.

This was a slow burner that had me reflecting on my life and my own human interaction. It was honest, raw and full of emotion but also left me with a smile on my face.

It’s pains me to say this.
Although it’s been a long minute since I read Celia Ahern, I just wish I hadn’t had got this one.

I had it on preorder signed and with nice edging, now I’ve cancelled it as it would have looked gorgeous on my shelf however, not a book I’d want to read again I’m afraid.

This was slow, hard going and the only positive thing I can say is, the characters were well developed.
The story didn’t make me do much other than roll my eyes.

I’ve never felt like that with other books I’ve read by her. Not sure what went wrong.

I won’t stop reading her books though, I’m putting this one down to a one off (hopefully)

Remember, these are my thoughts, you may like it better than me.

Audio review
I loved the narrator she gave it a very authentic Irish narrative that was in keeping with the story. She was very easy to listen to and made you feel like you were actually in Ireland.
Story review
I found this one a bit of a slog at times and others I was totally absorbed. I am a huge fan of Celelia Aherns previous works but this felt totally different to others I've read. I really did feel sorry for Alegra. She had her fare share of ups and downs in life and the further into the book you get the more you realise that these events have shaped her into the woman she has become. I loved the story line that there are 5 people in your life who have essentially shaped you to become who you are. It really does make you pause and think. The ending was lovely it brought a tear to my eye and I was pleased it ended this way after everything that had happened. Overall a good read but was a bit hit and miss so it did take me a bit to get into.

This really isn’t my usual genre of book, but as NetGalley we’re kind enough to give me a prepublication review copy I thought I would give it a go. To sum it up, this book is a self discovery, becoming a better person type book. The main character is very likeable, but some of the events are a little frustrating. I loved the idea of being like the 5 people you spend your time with- on reflection this is really eye opening. I listened to this as an audio book and found the accents the narrator used, really brought the characters to life. I was transported to another time and place and enjoyed escaping my normal life to peek into someone else’s. Although I could guess the ending, I did enjoy the closure you got with the last few pages. They all live happily ever after- thank goodness!

Already being a huge fan of Cecilia Ahern’s novels’ I listened to this with high hopes and it did not disappoint. This story was not only beautifully written but also narrated wonderfully. The reader baring witness to Allegra’s struggles such as her family, her career and friendship. I really enjoyed how emotional and thought provoking this novel was.

A HUGE thank you to HarperCollins and NetGalley for an audiobook copy in exchange for an honest review.

4.25⭐️
I had the 🎧audiobook version. I like the tones of the narrator. I liked the voice of the eccentric Pops.
A new author to me.

A young woman Allegra Bird is living in Dublin working as a traffic warden having failed to make the grade to join the Garda, her life’s ambition. She is a likeable jobs worth 😂
Her nickname is Freckles.

I like the light easy tone, with gentle humour interspersed with this everyday subject matter. It’s entertaining, although it does have a deeper philosophical layer.

One day an irate white privileged Ferrari owning male who has a collection of parking tickets issued by Allegra has a go at her saying you are the average of the 5 people you spend most time with, and judges her as wanting. It makes her question who the people are that motivate and shape her life.

Allegra’s story, is a slow burn, it’s touching and quite emotional in places. I can only describe it as a delayed coming of age story as she is on her mid twenties.

Fav quote ‘ you power tripping f**king wanna be Garda’ as this totally hits the nail on the head.

I really enjoyed this easy listen.

A story of growing up and acceptance of ones life and origins. The main character feels something is missing and goes in search of another life only to find her tribe back home and life just waiting for her to return to them fulfilled and at peace. Set in modern day with all the pressures of city life, clothes, partying, making ends meet. Nice little read and my first Celia Ahern novel, narrated really well. Thank you #NetGalley for the audiobook to review.

When a motorist, whose car she has just put a ticket on, tells traffic warden Allegra 'You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with', it really makes her think about her life and the people in it.
With a complicated family history, she is struggling to even think of five people who she can count as in her life anymore. The story then follows Allegra as she works to find out who her five people are and whether she actually wants to keep them in her life, or change them for people who she thinks would be better for her. In the process she starts to work out what her hopes and dreams are and starts to come to terms with her place in her own life.

This was a very slow-burning story, but that never felt like a bad thing with the excellent narration. And although 'Freckles' took a little time to warm to, by the end I was behind her all the way.

It will definitely make you think about who your five people would be!

I haven’t read a book by Cecelia since PS, I Love You in 2008 and when Anne Cater was talking about this book on our recent Hot Books episode, I was intrigued and thought why not? I decided to listen to this on audible and it was wonderfully narrated by Amy McAllister.

The audible book is 10 hours and 2 minutes and, honestly, it flew by. I love quirky female characters and Allegra Bird is charmingly quirky in an innocent and delightful way.

Allegra Bird, nicknamed Freckles, was abandoned by her Spanish mother at birth and raised by her father, Pops in a tiny island on Ireland’s coast. She has spent most of her life at boarding schools whilst her father worked or in the small village. Having dreamt of working for the Gardai since she was a child and becoming a detective, she chooses to become a Traffic Warden when she fails the Gardai exams.

Five months ago she decides to leave her beloved Pops, friends, family and boyfriend for a new life in Dublin and the listener follows her journey both literally and emotionally.

An encounter with an angry motorist she has ticketed stuns Allegra into re-evaluating her life when he tells her “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with”. Now she sets off to change her 5 people and select those who can shape and determine her future the best.

Allegra narrates the entire story (well Amy McAllister does), and her charm, innocence, honesty and determination to better herself is touching and moving.

A wonderful 10 hours escape from reality which leaves the listener full of hope.

When a stranger in a yellow car tells Allegra Bird, also known as Freckles, 'You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with', everything changes.

She takes a look at her life; her job as a parking warden, her complicated family, her hopes and dreams - and she wonders who her five could possibly be. Does she even have five people in her life anymore? This is a beautiful story about a woman trying to find her place in life and make it on her own.

In true Cecelia Ahern style, this book was inspirational and motivating but with plenty of warm, fuzzy feelings thrown in that last long after the final page has been turned. Full of thought-provoking ideas that make you take a step back and think about the people that surround you and their impact on who you are as a person.

I didn't immediately fall in love with Allegra - I found her cold and distant for a while before warming up to her but as she lets us in she becomes so relatable and quirky in her own refreshing ways.

The Narration was easy to listen to, emotive and interesting,

thanks to netgalley and the publisher for this digital arc in exchange for an honest review.

2.5 stars

this was overall an okay read. not my favourite book by cecelia ahern, even though it was different. the format was jarring but i got used to it. my main complaint is the pacing, the book dragged in parts that were unnecessary and i really wasn't enjoying it at too many parts of the book sadly. still a good read though and fans of cecelia ahern and unconventional formats would like it!

as for the narrator, it was way better than reading the physical book because of the weird format there. so i appreciated the audiobook in that it was apparent when a conversation took place.

Sometimes you just need to read something sweet. This is that book. Although it’s sad watching Allegra’s struggles, this is one of those lovely life affirming books and a far cry from my favoured crime genre. We need more Allegra Birds on this planet.
Narrated beautifully, it was a pleasure to listen to.

Happy to listen to this on audiobook, the narrator was excellent, especially as Spanner!! He needs his own book! I felt a bit frustrated with Allegra (Freckles) at times but I think that’s the point. We, everyone else, see what she doesn’t in the relationships and connections she has created around her. She looks for friendship in all the wrong places and is blind to those who are truly her friends and have her back. Sometimes a maddening journey to be a part of but also uplifting and heartwarming. I still don’t like traffic wardens!

The story starts and I was intrigued by the protagonist almost immediately.

I warmed to the Allegra slowly, she bought about different emotions in me and questions too.

Ultimately, I enjoyed embarking on this journey with Allegra and I was really hoping for the best for her by the end of the story.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for gifting me this arc in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

“You are an average of the five people you spend the most time with” - the comment thrown at her during a chance encounter with an angry stranger leads Allegra Bird on a voyage of discovery. The only person who’s always been there for her is her father but she’s moved hundreds of miles away from him and everyone she’s ever known.

As Allegra reminisces about her past and the people who have influenced her, she realises that she has friends in unexpected places and sometimes found family can be far more important than blood relatives.

I was profoundly moved by elements of Allegra’s story. It’s a long time since I’ve read a Cecelia Ahern book and I wasn’t sure what to expect but I’m so glad I decided to pick it up.

The narrator was perfect and helped me really convect with Allegra from the very beginning.

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with”. Allegra Bird, aka Freckles is 24 and is a traffic warden in Dublin when the owner of a yellow Ferrari she puts a parking ticket on tells her the above quote and it gets Freckles thinking. Allegra’s life has always revolved around her Pops back in Kerry who raised her as a single father and growing up she always joined the dots of the freckles on her arms to look like the constellations. Freckles went to boarding school were she thrived on rules and routines and having applied for the Guarda and didn’t get into it, being a traffic warden is the next best thing. This suits her love of rules and regulations. I found this a warm and uplifting read and I enjoyed Amy McAllisters performance as Freckles. Thank you to Netgalley and to Harper Collins for my gifted copy.