I really, really enjoyed this book. It was typical Giovanna but in the best sense, it was warm, light and full of beautiful things. Would definitely recommend.

I’ve only read a couple of Giovanna Fletcher books but I am a huge fan of her as a person. I didn’t even read the synopsis of her latest release before requesting it because I knew she could really make me smile.

When Pia tragically died, she left behind a plan for her husband Mike and best friends Zaza and Vicky. A plan to help them all grieve and stick together. The plan involves a trip to Peru, trekking through the mountains and taking in the breathtaking views. But they’re all going through their own stuff -Zaza is newly engaged but full of anxiety, Vicky has lost herself amidst the chaos of motherhood and Mike is missing Pia dreadfully. Will the trip of a lifetime help them all gain a new perspective and come together exactly as Pia wanted them to?

The premise of Walking On Sunshine could have made it a complete sobfest. While it was very moving in some places, it was also full of humour and that gave it so much life. Although I never met her, I felt Pia’s warm glow shining through the pages in everything that she was doing for her husband and friends posthumously.

Zaza has just got engaged to Liam, who she adores but she has been enjoying mild flirtations with a man she works with. She can’t seem to be satisfied with what she has, even when she gets the things that she has always wanted. Vicky actually spells this out for Zaza at one point and although it sparks an argument between them, it’s very true. I loved seeing how Zaza realised this over the course of the book and the satisfying ending that she was given.

Vicky is a full-time mum who doesn’t remember the last time she felt like her true self. Her life revolves around her children and over time, the difficulties of raising them has caused her to resent her husband Nick. The extent of what Vicky is going through is eventually revealed and the time away from her family triggers a much more positive future for her. Vicky is undoubtedly the one that struggles the most on the trek but the benefits that she reaps as a result of those mere 10 days are life-changing.

Mike is full of guilt and regret. At the start of the book, he fixates on all the things he didn’t do in his marriage to Pia and naturally, he finds it incredibly difficult to accept the fact that she has gone. However, he becomes inspired to channel his grief into something positive on the trek and puts his own emotions aside to give his late wife a beautiful release. I don’t know who the inspiration is behind Mike but I feel sure that he’s a real guy. Watching him come to terms with his grief was a really beautiful experience and I felt sure that he couldn’t have done it without Zaza and Vicky by his side -as Pia suspected.

With the mostly female cast, there is some discussion on the issues that every woman goes through. Body image, insecurity, mum guilt, career/family balance and the importance of true friendship. These are all things that every woman can relate to and Giovanna writes about them in such an honest, friendly manner that convinced me that they are all possible of overcoming. Her characters can, so why on Earth can’t I?

I’ve never had the privilege of visiting South America but I loved admiring the beautiful views that the trekkers are treated to. I really enjoyed a little insight into Peruvian mountain culture and it inspired me to see it for myself one day. The tranquil, still night air seems the perfect place to escape, get back to nature and reflect on the things that really matter.

There is a scene where Zaza and Mike are helping Vicky out with her kids. Zaza reads a book about a pooping dinosaur to Vicky’s daughter Chloe, which is undoubtedly part of the series of picturebooks written by Giovanna’s husband Tom Fletcher and his bandmate Dougie Poynter. I loved this little nod to Giovanna’s real life and it’s clearly a tiny little sentence for fans of the Fletchers while putting the characters firmly in reality.

Ultimately, Walking On Sunshine is about finding happiness when you really think it’s deserted you forever. Celebrating unbreakable death-defying friendship, it’s about exploring the full spectrum of human emotions and understanding that more than one of them can be present at any one time. It is both sunshine and rainclouds as well as the beauty of celebrating both of those extremes and everything in between.

I found this quite a bit different to Gi’s other books but equally as exquisite. There’s something in here that we can all identify with and find relatable. Perfect!

Although I’m a fan of Giovanna Fletcher for all she does for charity and support campaigns such as CoppaFeel, I’d not read any of her books before, so I was happy to be approved to read her latest on Netgalley.

Walking On Sunshine is about three best friends, Zaza, Vicky and Mike. They are reeling from the death of Mike’s wife and their best friend Pia, who recently passed away from cancer. They are all struggling with their grief and the weight of their own lives; Vicky has lost her own identity after having children, and Zaza is feeling confined by her newly engaged status.

After Mike finds a note from Pia, they decide to escape their lives for a rugged hike in Peru, where they find perspective and a refreshing outlook on life.

After finding this a bit slow to start, once the trip got underway I felt more connected to these characters and their journey. Being in my early thirties myself I easily related to these characters and the huge life changes they are experiencing.

The writing is easy to read, and though I didn’t find this book ground breaking some of the passages about life moving forward and letting go were poignant and memorable.

The narrative switches between all three main characters which makes the story a little more dynamic. All three are very different characters with different outlooks, and it’s interesting to hear what each of them get out of the trip.

An enjoyable read, though I’d have the tissues ready if you’re feeling vulnerable. Themes of grief and loss run throughout, and illness and death are also mentioned.

Walking on Sunshine is out now. Thank you to Michael Joseph and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this.

Giovanna Fletcher's 'Walking on Sunshine,' follows Mike, Zaza and Vicky as they attempt to overcome the loss of Pia to cancer. Prior to her death, Pia set out some rules about how her husband and best friends should go on without her. Following these instructions enables the three to find their way, even though doing so is incredibly difficult.

This book was well written, with good development of character and plot. However I suspect I wasn't the right audience for it. I found the ideas within the novel to be unoriginal and if I'm honest, at risk of perpetuating harmful narratives about those who experience cancer and their loved ones. The idea of someone leaving instructions/letters has been in popular culture for sometime and in Fletcher's hands Pia ends up being portrayed as a saint, with far greater foresight than any human being can have. Readers who subsequently have a cancer diagnosis would have an incredibly hard time living up to that, and incredible guilt about their energy being taken up trying to live/cope with their condition, rather than trying to make their passing easier for others.

Vicky is a mum of 2 and can’t think of anything else to describe herself these days, she’s feeling very lost & doesn’t think husband Nick could possibly understand. Zaza is newly engaged after falling in love finally after lots of years not believing in it but despite this she’s found herself pushing Liam away. And then we have Mike, he’s just lost the love of his life, Pia. He’s just going through the motions, trying to navigate life by himself in home that is full of all things Pia.

All 3 have several reasons for wanting to get away from life & get a clear head, but they are all doing this for Pia too, she loved travelling so why not honour that memory of her by trekking through the beautiful mountains of Peru.

Really enjoyed getting to know these characters and even though it was a tough journey, you can imagine how it brought them closer together and made them even stronger.

This was a lovely, heart warming story about friendship, loss, love and finding yourself. A very good read.

Giovanna Fletcher has done it again with another beautiful book full of characters that will last with you forever. As Zaza, Mike and Vicky travel to Peru, Fletcher creates a heartbreaking, yet uplifting narrative that sees the three friends come together and face their problems as they journey through the mountains.

This was a hearty warming tale of friendship, loss, self discovery, and a journey to change perspectives for the lives of the 3 main characters. I loved Zaza and her confidence, Vicky with her mothering and Mike with his balance - the 3 characters gel together so well.

They come together after their best friend and Mike's wife Pia dies od breast cancer and decide to go on a jouney that Pia prompts before death. It leads them to realise a lot of things about themselves and each other.

I liked the fact that also, the realest parts like blisters and diarrhoea aren't glossed over as that's very much real life, but not too much to detract from the development of the characters. It was so heart warming and I loved the conclusion to their jouney.

I especially empathised with Vicky, I've also felt how she felt and it was really well written, describing that massive conflict of emotions that is motherhood. The guilt and the feeling like somwehow you aren't made for it and not as good at it as others seem to be. I love how she discovers herself through this, both good and bad.

All in, a lovely heartwarming story, with a subtle little nod to her hubby's books in there as well as a cheeky mention of Billy Buskin.

The wee book Lady

xx

I have read books written by Giovanna’s husband Tom, and her sister-in-law Carrie, but despite owning some, I hadn’t read any of Giovanna’s before, but there’s clearly literary talent running through that family.

We’ve all experienced periods of our lives where we question what we’re doing and what our future holds. Giovanna writes with such sensitivity, choosing male and female protagonists going through crises of grief and marriage and love.

I’ve always wanted to go trekking somewhere (being chronically ill, I’m aware this may not be possible), but the Lares Trek described in this book sounds just perfect. But Giovanna doesn’t hide from the fact it’s not all sunshine and roses. It’s really difficult but really satisfying when conquered.

It explores friendships and all the hardships that come with long-term platonic relationships. She doesn’t shy away from the raw honesty that only comes with being that comfortable with someone - the good and the bad. She writes so succinctly and passionately, you can feel she’s really been there and done the trek, and you can imagine yourself matching every one of their steps - literally during the trek, but also their personal steps.

This great read deals with loss, hope and finding yourself. After Mike's wife Pia died he has felt low and dis-attached from his former life. Vicki, Pia's friend has 2 young children and feels her life is now just clearing up food from the walls and floor and Zaza, newly engaged is already having second thoughts. But when they see a list of rules from Pia about living life they embark on a trek in Peru that will make them sit back and take stock of what's important in their lives.
I loved the characters in this book, they all looked out for each other and had a great friendship. The trek, although sounding arduous in places has made me want to go, and I loved how Giovanna has incorporated her favourite causes within the book. Many thanks to Netgalley and publishers for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

You Will Need Tissues.

I couldn’t put this book down. I was curled up reading and the next minute sobbing, reading of a character’s passing, which felt like saying goodbye friend.

It was a tale of love and loss, flowed with a balance of hilarity and heartbreak.

This is perfect for those who love Giovanni’s books.

30- somethings Mike, Vicky and Za are fast friends. Mike has lost Pia, the wife he met as a teenager, to breast cancer. She's left behind letters and notes to her friends. One of her notes causes them to go trekking together in Peru. We hear from each of them in turn. Mike wrestling with his grief and life without Pia. Vicky loving husband Nick and her 2 children yet struggling. Za pushing devoted boyfriend Liam away while nudging an office flirtation.

It's very well written, interesting, emotional and uplifting. I was steadily drawn in and it caused me to question my own life a bit and spurred me on to take a trip....

Writing this review is actually quite difficult because you might go & read this book. Sounds silly doesn't it but if you do read it you'll meet Vicky one of the characters I've related to most while reading.

The way that the loss of Pia, wife & best friend to the 3 main characters, was handled was beautiful. Sensitive, clever, humourous & ultimately uplifting. This book made me cry & not just because it covers the aftermath of her death, but because one of the characters, a stay at home mum, is questioning everything. Whether she is doing enough, how much she's changed, pretty much everything. @mrsgifletcher just got it & knew how to write it.

I love Letters on Motherhood & I've got a few more of her books on my shelf which, having loved this, I've promised myself I'll pick up soon.

This book tells the story of a group of friends who have recently lost someone very important to them. They go on a trip to Peru to put themselves out of their comfort zone, gain some perspective on life and to honour their deceased best friend. The book showcases the turbulence of life and how nobody’s life is perfect. However, it reminds me that seeing things from a different viewpoint can change your mind about the situation that you are in.

The book has a feel good vibe and makes you want to live life to the fullest as you never know what is going to happen! A lovely read.

Beautiful, raw and so relatable. This books deals with so many tough topics in a way that is both sensitive and welcoming. The grief you feel after losing a loved one, the emotions you bottle up as you try to get on with day to day life and even how to address things you haven't even admitted to yourself. This story showed not only the importance of friendships and having trustworthy relationships and support systems; but also re iterated that you need to look after yourself too. For how amazing this story is, and how much it resonates with me, I don't think I'm explaining myself all that well. But it's wonderfully written and really hits home that you may not be as alone as you feel, and it's always okay to listen to / honour your own feelings. And much, much more.

Mike, Pia, Zaza and Vicky have been friends for as long as they can remember but after the death of Pia they must start to redefine their friendship. All have their own issues that they are dealing with. Mike isn't sure how his life will go on without the love of his life Pia, meanwhile Zaza is engaged but is no longer sure that her fiance is the man for her, whilst Vicky is married with two children but is wondering if there is more to life than what she currently has.
I liked the death rules that Pia set and liked how this challenged her friends to move on . I found the story inspiring but also incredibly sad in parts. I also liked how it raised awareness to causes that Giovanna Fletcher also cares about as it added another dimension to the story.

All in all I absolutely loved this story!

I really loved this book. Whilst covering some pretty deep topics, I was drawn in by the concept. This book covers love, loss, identity crisis and keeping relationships and friendships alive and burning.

It’s beautifully written and grips you from the very beginning. The three main characters have distinct voices and you quickly develop an understanding of their personalities, together blurred into one story, you can’t put down.

One of Giovanna’s best without a doubt.

*Thanks to Penguin UK / Net Galley for this ARC*

I started this book expecting "just another piece of chick lit", but how wrong was I? I cried, I laughed, but most of all I related - haven't we all felt a little bit lost when life changes?

Mike's wife Pia has passed away, and she has been leaving little notes behind for him. One tells him to take a trip, so along with their best friends Zaza and Vicky, he heads off to Peru. Their journey sees them face up to the realities of life - will they return home the same people as they were when they left?

I love Giovanna's writing style, her characters are very relatable, and the story flows so well. I loved the little references to her other novels in this one, and can't wait to read whatever comes next!

Walking on Sunshine is about three grieving friends, Zaza, Vicky and Mike coming to terms with the loss of their friend, Mike’s wife, Pia. Pia sets out a list of things that must be done to help them move forward. From clearing out her closets to grabbing their ‘let’s-just-go-bag’. It’s a heartwarming story that draws the reader into the lives of the characters. The grief they feel is raw, their day-to-day lives are real and could be that of anyone you know. It’s written in such a way that you can’t help identifying with the characters, caring about their journey and cheering them on through the difficult bits. There’s laughter, tears and a promise to make your own ‘let’s-just-go-bag’ - life is too short to stay stuck in one place. Another great book by Giovanna Fletcher!

I wasn't sure at first about this book. It annoyed me, it made me sad, it made me want to shout at the characters. I stuck with it and boy am I glad I did. It took me in a completely different direction to what I was expecting and kept on giving surprises.
Books are meant make you feel if they are well written, and this book will make you feel lots of different emotions. Thank you for another different story,