I really enjoyed this, more than I expected to.

Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.

Excellent read. This book stayed with me the whole day after I'd finished reading it. A beautiful story of love, family and friendship in the strangest of circumstances. And also very funny. Highly recommend it.

My thanks to Netgalley for my copy of Separation for Beginners, I am usually a silent laugher but to my husband's consternation I actually laughed out loud several times whilst reading this book.
I loved Pete and especially his wonderful relationship with Niall, which at times had me close to tears, poor Niall. The rest of Pete's relaionships I felt were idealised, well in contrast to any relationships I've ever had and that led to a lot of introspection in between reads.
I did not like Claire one little bit and I question the beauty of the relationship between Pete and his grown up children as being no more than a vehicle to move the narrative on. Claire's reaction in the chip shop to what happened in Cuba I found ridiculous in the extreme.
But overall I loved this book, will miss Pete now I've finished and I could well imagine Separation for Beginners being a very successful television series.

Well Observed..
Pete is having a hard time - everything in his life has crumbled before his eyes. When daughter Susie moves back in with him she, unexpectedly, brings along Niall - and suddenly Pete has a new purpose. It just doesn’t turn out quite as he expects. Entertaining with a cast of well observed characters and a sharp narrative. Heartwarming, funny and uplifting in equal measure this engaging tale gives a new meaning to starting afresh.

Unexpectedly this book ended up being a joy to read. I laughed, I cried and I rooted for the characters. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for a review.

Wonderful heart wrenching read for anyone who is going through a separation or not ! I laughed and cried .

Separation for Beginners, by Joe Portman.

Heartwarming, funny, uplifting and real!

Pete’s marriage is over, his business is failing, his friends are busy living their lives and his kids, Erland and Susie don’t need him anymore.

Unfortunately, Susie left her ex-boyfriend behind when she moved to Sweden to work and he’s moved into Pete’s flat. Pete cannot stand Niall, but Niall refuses to be beaten!

Initially, I thought the pace was a bit slow, but then I realised that I loved the dynamic between Pete and Niall so much, that I really didn’t care! I loved the wit and sarcasm too and the care Pete had for his employees was really touching.

Pete’s relationship with his ex-wife made me want to laugh and cry all at once.

All in all, a brilliant read 👏🏻

5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest review.

This is my first book by this author but it definitely won't be my last. It was so refreshing to read a book where a male is the main character. He is written so well and you quickly come to like him, he's funny and not afraid to point out his own flaws. A definite recommendation from me!

A look at life after divorce finding yourself and your happiness. Learning to live and love again. The characters were great, you really feel their story as you read it.

A lighthearted look at life after a divorce. Pete is recently divorced, his kids have left home, his business has hit rock bottom, and he's stuck living with his daughters ex-boyfriend.

I didn't particularly warm to Pete, but not in a bad way. He was so stuck in a rut, clinging to friends and relationships without investing in them. The other characters in his life certainly brought some lighthearted fun to the storyline. Loved the relationship he had with Niall and also stand-up comedy scenes!

When he opened up about his last scuba dive, he seemed to have a light bulb moment and could see how he was dragging everyone down with him. It had a satisfying ending.

Although there are some very humorous moments in this book I admit I found it difficult to engage with the main character as, whilst he might not acknowledge it, is very depressed about his life at present dealing as he is with a divorce he did not want and the reality that his business is failing. The relationship between him and his very unlikely and unwanted lodger was weirdly captivating and there’s some great moments between them which made this slow burning and highly unusual character read an implausible triumph.

I absolutely love the premise of this novel! I can’t wait to read Pete’s story and ai love how he takes his daughters boyfriend under his wing after life hasn’t treated him so kindly lately. This would make a great movie or book club read. I will be sure to leave a much more detailed review very soon. Unfortunately I have been quite under the weather, but just wanted to say thank you for the Approval and how excited I am for this book!