Good, I think I would have appreciated it a little more if I was a little older but I did enjoy the story. It had a man called Ove vibes. It was sweet with enough of a little mystery to propel it.

This one started out ok but had a turn I didn’t love. The protagonist also rubbed me the wrong way with her actions and thoughts. They weren’t consistent with the person she had supposedly been for sixty years.

A big thank you to the publishers and to NetGalley for sending me an ARC of this book! I hadn't heard of it before the publishers reached out, but I'm so glad that they did as I really enjoyed it, and found it to be quite moving and beautifully told. A really sweet, heartfelt, and emotional read.

✨ My Thoughts✨

This was so much more than I expected it to be, it’ll leave your heart so full with love, loss and second chances at life.

Mable is such a lovely woman and I adored her new friendships she made with other equally strong women.

I can’t give too much away because the magic of this book is reading it and not expecting anything that happens and just enjoying the lovely story unfold.

I’ll definitely be reading more by this author.

Mabel has been married to Arthur for 62 year, and cannot imagine life without him. It's not an exciting marriage, but they rub along well.
Arthur dies suddenly, leaving her alone with the dog, and Mabel is unsure what to do. Now that he's gone, she wonders why she married him. She finds a note from him that just says 'find d'. She doesn't know what he means, but remembers their old friend Dot, who they lost touch with just before they married. Perhaps he means 'find dot'?
After about a week of feeling lost, Mabel decides she must take hold of herself and get on with life.
She writes a list, at the end of which is 'Find Dot', and starts to tick off the entries...

This is quite a sweet book, good for a lazy afternoon, or holiday read.

I adored this book and loved this story and would highly recommend

Thank you to Netgalley and publishers for the opportunity to read this book

From the lovely cover to the heart shattering tale within, this is a story as beautiful on the outside as it is on the inside.

The moment we meet Mabel and Arthur, there are a few things glaringly obvious...
... they married young(ish) as they were together 60 some years, and though there was no passionate love affair, they were content with one another to muddle along. Is it the stuff of ballads and bards? No... but there's something to be said for carrying deeply for someone, and being taken care of. I was struck by how Mabel seemed to feel stuck after all that time, but then, once things started unraveling, I couldn't help the stutter of my heart. The forethought involved in the next steps Arthur took, the fondness of heart applied to his actions though he left her out of the equation in life where she wouldn't have been able to affect the outcome...it may not have been the stuff of legends, but it still showed how much he knew her, how much he cared. As the days progressed, and Mabel was pushed well beyond her imposed limits, the past gets a new spotlight, and the future can't help but shine brighter by default. The friends she makes along the way go towards not only growing her world, but helping her open her heart for all that's still to come... and trust me, you'll want to be there for it.

A touching tale that tells us there's no one way to be and the only truth that matters is the one we tell ourselves. So share your true self with the world because there's only one you, and those that you gather will be true friends/family that'll see you through good times, bad times, endings, and new beginnings!

The Last List of Mabel Beaumont by Laura Pearson is a beautifully written, heartfelt story that stole my heart from the very first page.

Arthur and Mabel Beaumont have been married for 62 years, with a lifetime of memories between them. But then Arthur dies suddenly and Mabel is left all alone with nothing but their pet dog Ollie for company – and Arthur’s last list with just one thing on it: Find D.

Mabel is certain that she knows what it means. She must track down her best friend Dot who she lost touch with more than 60 years ago. Mabel, Arthur, Dot and Mabel’s brother Bill were once inseparable, but then a tragedy tore them apart and Dot left without even saying goodbye. And now Mabel is convinced that Arthur wants her to find her long lost friend before time runs out. But Mabel doesn’t know if Dot is still alive. And if she is, will she even want to be found after all these years?

With her list getting longer by the day, Mabel finds her life opening up and changing in ways she never thought possible. With the help of her new friends Julie, Patricia and Kirsty, Mabel searches for Dot but doesn’t seem to be getting any closer to finding her. As her memories of Arthur, Dot and Bill begin to overwhelm her, will Mabel be able to admit to the secrets of the past? And, if she can, is there a chance she could find happiness once more?

I wasn’t sure how I felt about Mabel at first as she did come across as a little cold and unfeeling at times. But the more I got to know her, the more I came to love and understand her. The Last List of Mabel Beaumont is a beautiful, life affirming story, filled with characters who I couldn’t help but fall in love with. Laura Pearson’s writing breathes life into them, making them feel like real people, with Mabel herself slowly stealing my heart as the secrets of her past are finally brought into the light, my heart shattering into a million pieces for her.

The Last List of Mabel Beaumont is a life affirming book about love, family, friendship, heartache and grief. It’s a warm and gorgeously written story of how it can be possible to find happiness again after unimaginable loss… and that it’s never too late to become the person we were always meant to be.

Powerful, uplifting and emotionally satisfying, The Last List of Mabel Beaumont is an unforgettable read that I would highly recommend.

A wonderful , powerful and emotional book by Laura Pearsons. When Mabel’s loyal husband of over 60 years passes away she is left to assess her life. Although she loved Arthur she knew in her heart she lacked passion for him. She finds a list from Arthur stating ‘ find D’ and decides to embark on a quest to find her long lost friend Dot, whom she loved with all her heart. Mabel enlists the help of her new found friends Julie, Pattie, Erin and Kirsty, women who have their own problems that Mabel is now trying to help. The book is totally uplifting teaching us that it is never too late for second chances. I loved all the characters, especially Mabel who although at times her decisions weren’t right she meant well and others around her were inspired by her as a person.

I’d like to thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for approving me for an ARC of this book. I buddy read this with my lovely friend Wendy and really enjoyed chatting about it as we went.

🖊️What a beautiful and brilliant read! Laura Person has a way of writing where you feel completely lost in the story. Imperfectly perfect characters and an intriguing plot come out in full force with this one.

👵🏻Our protagonist Mabel is exceptional. Even when she was making questionable choices I still couldn’t help but love her. She was full of so much wisdom and candour.

💗While this was all about Mabel finding Dot, her long-lost friend, I quickly got swept up in the other friendships she forged. From young and sweet Erin to matter-of-fact Patricia, you will find a whole variety of characters, all going through different stages of life. It was these friendships that shone through the story for me.

⭐I was intrigued the whole way through and loved flipping back to Mabel’s past and her friendship with Dot. I did shed a few tears towards the end and almost felt like I’d left the characters behind too soon.

📚If you loved Saving Missy or The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle, you need to add this to your tbr. It’s simply perfection!

I must admit that I saw the ending reveal coming. Despite that obvious setback, I enjoyed getting to know Mabel and watching her come out of her shell.
Mabel has been married for a long time. She got married shortly after her brother unexpectedly passed away to his best friend. She has been with him all these years, and their lives revolve around each other (or at least Mabel's does). A couple of days after the couple is introduced to the readers, Mabel finds herself a widow. She is left confused about what to do next. Arthur was a good husband and cared enough for Mabel to plan ahead. Our protagonist finds an undone list of Arthur's and decides to work on it the way she interprets it. Once she starts to get involved in the world around her, the world gets involved right back.
The life we see in the beginning is not the one that Mabel ends up with by the time the book is done. There are more than a few ups and downs in the lives of the small band of women who become a new kind of family.
The writing is simple, and the author does not insist that the past is some big secret that will be revealed towards the end. Each part is slowly added to the current narrative as and when Mabel thinks back on the time that was.
I would highly recommend this to fans of books with growth arcs for curmudgeonly characters.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

Loved this story of Mabel Beaumont. She’s such a wonderful character with layers of personality that you can unwrap as you get to know her better. The experiences of her life are woven together to bring us a beautiful story.
I loved her relationships with the other women in the story - warm and supportive, it was wonderful seeing how each of them were able to gain strength from eachother in decisions needed in their lives.
The idea of a second life, a second chance in life is a wonderful theme running through this story and proves all you need is a little courage and a little support.

EXCERPT: When Arthur woke, he asked what he had missed, and we told him nothing. But it wasn't quite true, I don't think. It felt like something had shifted infinitesimally, between the four of us. The truth was, and always had been, that he was the one I could have done without, the one I cared about the least. How strange he was the one I spent my life with, in the end.

ABOUT 'THE LAST LIST OF MABEL BEAUMONT': Mabel Beaumont’s husband Arthur loved lists. He’d leave them for her everywhere. ‘eggs, butter, sugar’. ‘I love today, tomorrow, always’. But now Arthur is gone. He softly, gently, not making a fuss. But he’s still left her a list. This one has just one item on it ‘Find D’. Mabel feels sure she knows what it means. She must track down her best friend Dot, who she hasn’t seen since the fateful day she left more than sixty years ago. It seems impossible. She doesn’t even know if Dot’s still alive. Also, every person Mabel talks to seems to need help first, with missing husbands, daughters, parents. Mabel finds her list is just getting longer, and she’s still no closer to finding Dot. What she doesn’t know is that her list isn’t just about finding her old friend. And that if she can admit the secrets of the past, maybe she could even find happiness again…

MY THOUGHTS: I felt sad for Mabel. To live with someone for sixty-two years with little emotional attachment on your side sounds . . . . I can't find the words! What a waste. Arthur could perhaps have found someone to love who loved him back, like he deserved. And Mabel? Well Mabel maybe could have found herself sixty-two years before she did. Actually, I feel cross with Mabel, and sad for Arthur.

Now that I have got that off my chest, we can proceed. I liked, but didn't love The Last List of Mabel Beaumont, just as I liked but didn't love Mabel herself. And the getting to like her took a while . . .

I liked the eclectic mix of characters. Other than Mabel there is Erin who works part-time at the local supermarket saving to go to university; Julie, a care worker whom Arthur had organised to look out and 'do' for Mabel before his death; Patty, a dance instructor; and Kirsty, a young mum estranged from her family. All have problems in their lives and Mabel blithely interferes without thought of the consequences.

There is nothing startling in the storyline; it's all pretty predictable. And Mabel's "secret" (What would Arthur have done if he had known? Well, sorry Mabel, but I think Arthur did know) was blindingly obvious.

There are a couple of neat little twists, and the final one concerning Arthur's note "Find D" was delightful.

Another reason I didn't warm to Mabel was Ollie, the dog. Mabel really didn't like Ollie, couldn't be bothered with him, and Ollie didn't much like her in return. I always trust a dog's instincts.

A perfectly pleasant but not memorable read.

⭐⭐⭐.4

#TheLastListofMabelBeaumont #NetGalley

I: @laurapauthor @bookandtonic

X: @LauraPAuthor @boldwoodbooks

#aging, #contemporaryfiction, #friendship, #slice-of-life

THE AUTHOR: Laura Pearson has an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Chichester. She lives in Leicestershire with her husband and their two children.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Boldwood Books via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of The Last List of Mabel Beaumont by Laura Pearson for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

One for all the fans of Rachel Joyce, particularly her Harold Fry series. Despite the death references this still remains a cosy read in my opinion

It feels like its been a while since the last Laura Pearson book so this was was eagerly recieved. When Mabel's husband died he left behind a list saying Find D. This leads Mabel on an uncertain journey and she develops an ever growing list. Mabel's journey is about more than finding an old pal and although the book will make you cry you're guarenteed a smile and a giggle along the way.

Another quirky but wonderful book that starts out maudlin but becomes hopeful. Mabel has been married to Arthur for most If her life, u sure whether she mad a mistake saying yes all those years ago. When Arthur dies, Mabel is alone, outliving her family and never having kids, she is falling 8th a depression when her life is turned around. Arthur made arrangements for a caregiver, and when Julie becomes more of a friend, it opens up Mabel’s world. I really loved the story, the characters, and the outcome. Highly recommend. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

A diverse but wonderful cast of characters and a gorgeously uplifting read. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Mabel and friends and would highly recommend

When her husband of over sixty years dies, Mabel struggles to cope with life and looking after her dog. However Arthur has anticipated this and paid for a carer to come, Julie proves to be a breath of fresh air and through her Mabel meets Patty, Kirsty and Erin. Five women from five different generations and each with a problem in their relationships. Mabel has a quest, to find her friend Dot whom she hasn't seen since her marriage and through this quest all the woman have a chance to reevaluate their lives.
This is one of those gently, heartwarming novels that is great to curl up with. I was really enjoying it until I felt that the big plot twist was a little too contrived. It's still a really enjoyable book but the last third is not as good as the rest

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

What a beautifully written and heartwarming story about love, aging, friendships, self-discovery, loss, grief, loneliness, regrets and second chances. Most of all, it relates to having the courage to make a change and becoming the person you were always meant to be despite expectations of society. I absolutely loved this book so much!! The characters were so real and relatable and I was so emotionally invested. I could just picture myself spending time with this amazing group of women. I was hooked from the very beginning and could not stop reading! ALL the emotions!! 💙💙💙💙

Mabel and Arthur have been married for sixty-two years and have never had children. He loved making lists and would leave them for her to find. Suddenly, Arthur passes away and Mabel doesn't know what she will do without him. Then she finds his last list he must have left for her. It had only one thing listed which was to Find D. What or who is D?? Mabel is convinced he meant her best friend, Dot. The problem is that Mabel has not spoken to or seen Dot in sixty-two years. Is Dot even still alive? Mabel decides to find Dot and add a few items to the list. Moving forward, she meets a group of women who are all in different stages of their lives. They become amazing friends and want to help Mabel find Dot. Mabel slowly finds herself opening up and not as lonely anymore. Secrets from the past are revealed as the search for Dot continues. Will Mabel find Dot? Will she have the courage to change and find happiness again?

Overall, I was completely captivated from start to finish! If you looking for a powerful, thought provoking and inspiring story then this is the book for you! I cannot recommend this book enough!!💫💫💫💫

Oh, Mabel ~ it's a forest for the trees thing, I think. She's surrounded by love she's too afraid to see.

Lucky for her she has Arthur, the quiet, lovely man who wishes and waits and loves her. Until he can't. . .

Another round of luck brings her, bit by bit, a circle of love to help her overcome her fears. And it all starts with a list.

A lovely read, but not another word from me, dear reader! Surprises await.

*A sincere thank you to Laura Pearson, Boldwood Books and NetGalley for a free ARC to read and voluntarily review.* #TheLastListofMabelBeaumont #NetGalley