Thank you to both @netgalley and @panmacmillan for this ARC. It was delightful. Here is my honest review in return for the pleasure of reading this book.

I absolutely adored the first book in this series and was worried that this one wouldn’t be as good but it was equally as wonderful.

I was overjoyed to be back in the world of Nell (and Cricket) their friendship, life advice, travels, classes and everything were just perfect.

I took so much from this book, I loved the ‘I’m grateful for’ sections at the end of some of the chapters. Despite her life still not going to any kind of plan, Nell is laugh out loud funny, explores post covid life with lots of sensitivity and just lots of general life events.

More confessions of a forty something f#ck up is the much anticipated sequel to Confessions of a forty something f#ck up by Alexandra Potter.

We pick up a couple of years and a pandemic later after the first book. Nell is still blissfully in love with Edward. Cricket is still her best friend. It was an absolute joy to catch up with them. They're up to their usual tricks and a highlight of this book for me was The Toodle Pip club! Nell's big realisation in this book is that it turns out falling in love is easier than staying in love. As you can expect with Nell it doesn't run smooth. Will she get her happy ever after? All the old characters like Annabel (love to hate her!) make an appearance and it touches on some difficult and very real topic that many of us will relate to, in a sensitive way. It's been said so many times before but it truly is a Bridget Jones for the podcast generation. Fans of the first book will absolute devour this sequel. It's a chunk at 500 pages but it's great to be back in Nell's world.

I loved the first book and gave it 5 stars and this one is even better. So much fun to read and great when you just get a bit of time to yourself. Would be a great holiday read.

Nell is an absolute joy! I adored this book and how her story develops. I laughed out loud, had a lump in my throat and cheered!
Thank you for giving Nell another outing - more please!

Nell and Cricket are back and I’m so pleased, these two are a fabulous double act. Nell thinks she’s found her happy ever after, but can it be that simple? Or will an ‘unexpected item in the bagging area’ upend everything she had to follow a possibly unattainable dream. Cricket is, as usual, her irreverent, fearless self from wild swimming to ‘build your own coffin’ classes - the latter doubling up as a great home bar - whilst muddling through her own issues.
In this book the pair decide not just to help each other but through their column in a newspaper magazine they’re sharing their experience, humour and common sense with the world in general.
I know this is a tv series in the US - would love to see it televised here in the U.K. I pictured Dame Judi Dench as Cricket as I read.
4 stars for this highly enjoyable sequel.
With thanks to NetGalley, the publishers and author for the ARC in return for my honest, personal opinion.

I was glad to catch up with Nell and this book made me smile and think. It's a well written, witty, and compelling story.
Good storytelling and character development
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

After LOVING the first book I was really excited for the adventures of Nell and Cricket to continue and have been eagerly awaiting this sequel title.

“More Confessions of a Forty-Something F**k Up’ sees us catching up with the events of Nell’s life 18 months after the first book ended. Life sees Nell settled down with Edward and about to get married but life is still not going quite to plan and relationships & friendships are proving eventful. Nell needs to navigate wedding planning, trying to be nice to those you don’t really want to be, her lifelong friends hiding big secrets and having to take stock of some very big decisions, just all an average day in the life of Nell!

It was great to have the main relationship of Nell and Cricket back together, Alexandra Potter has done an incredible job of endearing the reader to these two and their bond, this was lovely to have continued in the follow up. Written from the diary perspective of Nell her thoughts are comical, sincere and thought provoking, all whilst discussing everyday experiences/encounters that so many of us can relate to. There were moments to laugh out loud, moments to cry and moments of pure gratitude - the lists of gratitude at the end of each chapter were genius.

Potter’s writing grips you with prose that you’ll remember, this description of routine a prime example - “Routine is a funny old thing. It gets such a bad rap. We think of it as dull and predictable and long to escape. But routine is like a clothes hanger. You hang your days on it and it gives them shape. Without it life has no structure, if you’re not careful it can collapse in a heap on the floor”

I am hoping “it’s not goodbye, it’s cheerio and toodlepip’ for now adventures of Nell and Cricket, I feel like I could read about these two forever! A great follow up to the brilliant original book, loved every minute and can heartily recommend this truly relatable book that will put a smile on your face.

Nell is back and I couldn’t be happier ! It’s rare that a sequel is better than the original but this ticks all the boxes and more .
We meet up with Nell in post Covid lockdown when the world is starting to get back to some form of normality , for me this made the whole book seem so real , the references and memories are something we can all relate to . Nells life is still a mess but her problems are real and it’s refreshing to read this genre when the protagonist is not in her 20s. Her thoughts and actions ring so true to life ( from a reader who is forty something !) and there’ are quotes in there we all need to take note of , who knows what’s ahead for any of us , all we have is here and now . The friendship between Nell and Cricket grows throughout the book , we all need a wise friend like Cricket , sometimes you need an older persons perspective to make you realise what’s important in life .
I’m now waiting for a third book as I need to see where Nell goes next , a must read for anyone of any age .

I felt a little out of my comfort zone with this book thinking that it was perhaps aimed at a younger reader than I am (early sixties). However, by the end of the book, I had enjoyed it.

Thanks to NetGalley and The Publisher for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Having thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series, I was delighted to find out there was a follow up. The first book was always going to be a hard act to follow, but against all odds this book did not disappoint at all. Again this book was so relatable and dealt with a variety of sensitive topic along side the common relationship dilemmas. All with the right amount of thoughtfulness and appropriate humour ensuing nothing was too glossed over or cheesy.

Whether you've read the first book or not, I'd highly recommend this book regardless of your age.

I hadn't read the original book but this didn't stop me feeling part of Nell's world and her circle of friends in this follow up. What a friend she has in Octogenarian Cricket. Having had an elderly friend, it's a privilege to share friendship between generations, we all have so much to offer each other. I loved this, although maybe if I'd read the original Edward wouldn't come across as such an entitled d#¶k. I really didn't take to him. But a lovely story of real life and real relationships. And funny as anything. #netgalley #MoreConfessionsofaFortySomethingFUp

Nearly two years on and Nell has made it through the Covid Lockdown, still writing obituaries and engaged to Edward her life is looking great. However, life has some more surprises to throw at her.

There are some reminders of the important parts from the first book worked into the early chapters which jogs your memory and helps you get back into the flow.

I still loved Nell and Cricket, even more than the first book, and although I enjoyed this book it didn't resonate with me as much as the first one.

Still one to read though!

Thanks to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for the ARC

I haven't read the first book that this is a sequel to, but found it worked very well without having prior knowledge of the characters.

Nell is 40-something, and her life just isn't where she feels it should be. The story follows her relationships with boyfriend Edward and his sons, octogenarian best friend Cricket, and her array of 40-something friends. Can she get her life into some sort of order?

I really loved the character of Cricket, she was fabulous. Just how you want to be in your 80s, living life as you want! The little "things to be grateful for" at the ends of the chapters were also great, I looked forward to them. Now to go back and read book 1, just to have more of the same!

I enjoyed this follow up to the first book about Nell and Cricket et al. It continues in a similar vein, as Nell discovers to her huge disappointment, that her life is not yet sorted after all. The reasons why, and events which occur, fill the chapters enjoyably.
However I have to say that the last chapter, the one before the epilogue, just went on too long, involving far too much pontificating on the meaning of life in all its guises. This jarred with me, and I skimmed over it to the end of the chapter. Half of it would have been enough, it would have had more impact. Sometimes less is more?
It’s well written, amusing and quirky, and I enjoyed it. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars from me.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for my advance copy of this book.

Described as the Bridget Jones of our time, this story and it’s characters are so relatable and I loved following the next steps in Nell’s journey.

Alexandra Potter so perfectly writes witty, funny moments alongside deeper stories and this blend is spot on.

I personally practice daily gratitude and so the gratitude list was well received here!

A great read.

Nell’s back. Her life still isn’t going to plan. And she’s still asking the big questions and getting none of the answers, such as ….

‘When did I stop buying expensive lingerie and start buying expensive hoovers?’

It was so lovely to be back with Nell, and the inspiring Cricket! I love the conversational style of the book, it really does feel like having a good old catch up with a friend!

Would really recommend this lighthearted, and at times poignant look at life and love in your forties, especially if you enjoyed the first book.

More Confessions of a Forty-Something F**k Up" by Alexandra Potter is an absolute gem that had me hooked from the very beginning. Having thoroughly enjoyed the first installment, I was eager to dive into Nell's world once again, and I can confidently say that this sequel did not disappoint. Potter's portrayal of Nell, a never-married, childless, forty-something podcaster and obituary writer, is both hilarious and relatable.
The story takes us through Nell's ups and downs, from her eccentric group of friends to her intriguing relationship with Edward, the boyfriend who maintains spreadsheets for everything. Amid the laughter, tears, and unexpected turns, the author masterfully tackles deeper themes with sensitivity, giving the characters depth and authenticity.
As Nell navigates the complexities of love, friendship, and self-discovery, I found myself nodding in agreement, pausing to reflect on my own life and decisions. Potter's witty prose and insightful exploration of life's messiness make for an unputdownable read that's both heartwarming and thought-provoking.
This novel isn't just a sequel; it's a continuation of a journey that reminds us that life's path is rarely linear. Through Nell's adventures, we learn that it's okay to fk up, figure it out, and embrace the chaos. The laughs are abundant, the characters are unforgettable, and the emotions are genuine. "More Confessions of a Forty-Something Fk Up" is a must-read that reminds us that amidst life's curveballs, there's always room for growth, laughter, and a touch of glamour. Alexandra Potter's writing has once again left me thoroughly entertained and introspective.

I'm grateful for;

1- Being sent a proof copy of this highly anticipated sequel from @panmacmillan!

2 - @alexandrapotter who writes such a relatable and hilarious story.

3 - The buddy readers who read this book alongside me.

I was so happy to receive an arc of this book, I loved Confessions of a forty-Something f##k up and had been eager to read the follow on.
It was great to be back in Nells company, and Cricket of course!
This book is so well written. Alexandra Potter manages to create a novel that is funny but layered and so very relatable. I love how Nells character (and those around her) haven't got all the answers to life or everything figured out. It makes us nod along in agreement that life isn't smooth and we are all trying to work things out, we all f##k up and yet life goes on!

I love the gratitude lists - perhaps the book should come with a little notebook so we can all practice our daily things to be thankful for.

Oh it's hard to even sum it up as good as I'd like to .. but what can I say? I just loved this book and how relatable it is!

I loved the laugh out loud moments, the moments that are a bit deeper and those moments that really inspired me too!

Perfection Alexandra Potter - I actually felt seen at times! When people say this is the Bridget Jones of our time .. I'd have to agree! I loved it - just as it is!

If you want to fall in love with your life, all over again - READ THIS BOOK!

Thanks NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for the ARC!

Brief synopsis -

Nell and Cricket are back with a bang! After her shaky return to London from LA, Nell’s life is finally steady as per her plan. But she still ponders about all the big questions with no answers – about love, friendships, career and meaning of life itself. As she moves forward towards her future, navigating all the highs and lows – there’s much to be learnt, unpacked and discovered.

Review -

It doesn’t matter if you are in your 20s, 30s, 40s or even your 80s – I assure you that this book will be extremely relatable. Meeting Nell and Cricket again felt like having a reunion with my best friends after years. It was as if nothing had changed, yet so much had changed.

While Nell has plenty to look forward to, there are also so many things that are holding her back and that’s where the focus is in More Confessions.

I lost count of how many sentences I highlighted while reading. Potter just knows how to say the right things and they are all such simple, practical words of wisdom that light up the bulb in your head, touch your heart and have you nodding in awe at the sheer truth and pragmatism they exude.

Honestly, I loved it all – Nell’s podcasts, her gratitude lists, her adventures and shenanigans with Cricket and the joyous rendezvous with all her friends – especially Annabelle😆. And Cricket! How I wish I had her in my life, we all need someone like her – Nell is so lucky!

This book is at its core a celebration of life – a reminder that we are all in it together, learning, failing and improving continually.

It’s full of moments of laugh out loud laughter funny, witty dialogues, tears of sadness, heartbreak and pure, blissful, uplifting happiness at the end of it all.

The ending left me speechless as I introspected how relevant Nell’s realizations and declarations are to my own life that I cried my heart out.

With loads of fun, heart and humour, Potter has pulled off her confessional magic all over again.

👉Do yourself a favour and read this book.

Toodlepip!

More laugh out loud moments, tears, friendships, heartbreak and f#£k ups. More confessions..... is as funny and easy to read as it's prequel.