BLOG TOUR REVIEW



Review for 'The Last List of Mabel Beaumon' by Laura Pearson.


Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Laura Pearson, Book And Tonic, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random resources Tours.


Publication date 4th August 2023.



This is the third book I have read by this author but it most definitely won't be my last and I've already added the rest of her books to my wish list.



This novel consists of 42 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!



An absolutely fabulous, beautiful, heart warming, stunning must read!!! Absolutely love, love, loved it!!! This book has fantastic descriptions that set you straight in the scenes. The cover, title and synopsis suit the storyline perfectly.



I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVED this stunning, unique feel good page turner!! Well done Laura on a thought provoking page turning beauty!


The storyline itself was absolutely unputdownable so make sure you clear your schedules before starting to read it!!


I absolutely adored this beautiful and unique storyline of second chances!! It was absolutely gorgeous watching the characters all grow, develop and change as they each went through their own heartbreak, dramas, life changes, mystery, romances and much more. I was rooting for each and every one of them throughout!!! If you are looking for a stunning read filled with romance, humour, second chances, friendship, feel good moments and so much more then this is definitely the perfect book for you!! Laura's evocative writing skills sucks the reader seep into the pages bringing the storyline to life along with all the amazing characters. While reading this book you will kept swept away and left feeling happy and filled with warmth. This book is an absolutely stunning and thought provoking read that is perfect to lift your spirits!! I love the fact that there is a hint of mystery weaved through the storyline as the reader discovers more about each of the characters and their pasts. When turning the pages of this must read Laura takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions from heartbreak, happiness, love, sadness, bliss and so much more!! I felt like I was next to Mabel throughout the book. I devoured this book in a few hours as it is one of those that I just could not put down. there were so many times that I told myself that I would just finish the one chapter and then go back to it but that chapter ended in a way that I could not put it down and then the next one did and then the next and so on until I came to very last page. I would absolutely love to see this beauty turned into a movie and I will be at the front of the queue to go and see it!! Laura's writing skills will absolutely absorb you into the book and whether you are in the world you will be devoured in the story in the blink of an eye.

Clear your schedules and grab your tissues. I could not put this stunning heartbreaking, heartwarming stunning book down and devoured it in a few hours!!!


The characters were all an eclectic mix and each one of them were realistic and strong. I was completely invested in them all and I already miss most of them even though I have just closed the pages. I absolutely adored meeting Mabel who is an absolutely amazing and complex woman. In fact all of the characters are intriguing, relatable, strong and I absolutely loved meeting each and everyone one of them. The only disappointment is that they are not actually real as I would love to sit down and have a cuppa with them and get to know even more about them all. It absolutely loved being able to see the characters develop their friendship, amongst other things, seeing them grow in strength and empowering themselves and each other. Mabel and Arthur both reminded me of my own grandparents and they are definitely characters I won't be forgetting any time soon. One of the other things I absolutely adored was the multi generational friendships between the characters and seeing different personalities coming together and discovering all their histories, friendships and secrets. An absolutely amazing gang of characters who will stay with me for a long time and I am already missing them. Laura's evocative writing skills didn't just bring the storyline to life but also this amazing group of characters so another huge well done Laura.

What are you waiting for?!? Pick up one of my favourite, stunning, feel good page turners and get ready to get sucked in to this addictive book!!!



A MASSIVE WELL DONE to Laura on a HUGE success!!! I loved every page of your book and I cannot wait to read more past and future amazing books. This is exactly why I would like to welcome you to my FAVOURITE authors list and I cannot wait for your next page turner. Here's to your next success 🥂!



Overall an unputdownable, unforgettable, stunning book of second chances, friendship and everything you could want in a page turner!!!




310 pages.



This book is just £1.99 to purchase on kindle, free with kindle unlimited and £9.99 in paperback, at time of review, via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!



Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.



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This was a lovely book. ❤️ The premise immediately appealed to me, following 86-year-old Mabel as she finds her feet following the loss of her husband of 62 years, Arthur - and attempts to solve a mystery along the way; and I was so glad to be able to get an advanced reading copy of this through NetGalley.

Arthur has always left little lists and notes for Mabel around the house, and when she finds a half-finished one marked only “Find D”, she embarks on a quest to find out what it means and complete the task.

Full of sentiment, Mabel’s story, as it unfolded, was moving and uplifting. Laura Pearson explores so many relationships - from the eclectic friendship group that grows around Mabel in this new phase of her life, to the myriad of family relationships and friendships surrounding each of them, and those left far behind in the past; and does so with gentle poignancy.

Some aspects of this were very reminiscent of my very much-loved “Three Things About Elsie” by Joanna Cannon, and others of the mystery-solvers of Richard Osman’s Coopers Chase.

Basically, it was right up my street! And was a book I raced through, found so easy to read and such a lovely story, and really enjoyed. 💙

🌟 Huge thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an Advanced Reading Copy of this book 🌟

At age 86, Mabel Beaumont discovers that she still has much living to do. When her husband of 62 years passes, Mabel begins to slowly push herself out of her comfort zone and say yes to new experiences. She makes a group of new friends and searches for a dear friend she lost touch with decades ago.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this delightful advance copy.
#TheLastListofMabelBeaumont #NetGalley #boldwoodbooks

Some books are just special. The Last List of Mabel Beaumont is one such book. It is a book about love, about loss, about identity and most importantly of all it is a book about the power of friendship.

Mabel Beaumont has to readjust her life when her husband Arthur dies however it is through this difficult transition period that Mabel comes into her own as a person - not bad for an octogenarian. However, with that comes the responsibility of confronting her past. Something that Mabel might not be quite ready for.

One of my favourite book tropes is the friendship between young and older people. I love how so much mutual reverence and respect can be harnessed in a story and when it is done well you feel like you are getting a warm hug. Laura Pearson has done this masterfully in The Last List of Mabel Beaumont. Wisdom meets fearlessness. It was lovely.

This is definitely a read that will warm your heart.

The Last List of Mabel Beaumont by Laura Pearson is available now.

For more information regarding Laura Pearson (@LauraPAuthor) please visit www.laurapearsonauthor.com.

For more information regarding Boldwood Books (@BoldwoodBooks) please visit www.boldwoodbooks.com.

Laura Pearson has created a wonderful character in Mabel, the star of The Last List of Mabel Beaumont. Eighty something Mabel has to come to terms with her husband's death after many years of marriage. Through Mabel copying his annoying (to her) habit of making lists, she meets and makes new friends to heal her loneliness. Underlying her widowhood is the admission that her marriage wasn't all she hoped it might be and she spends much of her time reminiscing about when she was a young woman in a group of four friends, including Arthur, her future husband, her brother (who died young) and her best friend, Dot. Arthur's final note reads 'Find D,' which Mabel thinks she should find her old friend who disappeared when Mabel and Arthur married.

The Last List of Mabel Beaumont is a heartwarming story of women and friendship. No matter what the difference in ages Mabel's friends span the young, the middle aged and the elderly. The only downside for me was the ending which wasn't what I expected and felt rather contrived. Otherwise a book I highly recommend. Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read and review it.

The Last List of Mabel Beaumont continued to surprise me with each page I read.

Blurb:

The list he left had just one item on it. Or, at least, it did at first…

Mabel Beaumont’s husband Arthur loved lists. He’d leave them for her everywhere. ‘Remember: eggs, butter, sugar’. ‘I love you: today, tomorrow,always’.

But now Arthur is gone. He died: softly, gently, not making a fuss. But he’s still left her a list. This one has just one item on it though: ‘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…

A completely heartbreaking, beautiful, uplifting story, guaranteed to make you smile but also make you cry. Perfect for fans of My Name is Ove, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, and The Keeper of Stories.

My Review:

Arthur and Mabel have been married for over 60 years. He’s optimistic, a people-person, with a zest for life. She’s the polar opposite, and as time marches on, she becomes even more so. And then Arthur unexpectedly passes away … gently and quietly, just as he lived his life. Mabel wonders what on earth she’s supposed to do now, on her own. After all, Arthur was the planner, the organiser … the list-maker. She just followed his lead. Now she’s been left on her own, with Olly, the grouchy dog who made it very clear that he much preferred Arthur to her. She feels the need to constantly apologize to Olly that she was not the one who died.

But then Mabel finds that Arthur left her one, unfinished list: “Find D”. It’s cryptic, to say the least, and Mabel’s really not in any frame of mind for game-playing. But once she’s taken some time to think about it and to realize that her life didn’t stop when Arthur’s did, she gives the ‘list’ some thought. Could Arthur possibly have known he was dying? And did he mean that she should go and find her long-lost best friend Dot? She hasn’t seen her since she suddenly disappeared just before Mabel and Arthur got married. It’s been a very long time!

And so Mabel embarks on an adventure she never imagined possible, as she creates an ever-growing list of her own. Most surprising of all, she discovers that she is not quite as alone as she thought she was.

This book is an absolute gift! I loved it. It was so not what I was expecting. I enjoyed the way that the author introduced her various diverse themes into the story, and I particularly liked the way that Mabel literally seems to come to life more and more as she understands that she still has a life to live.

The friends she slowly begins to surround herself with (much to her astonishment) show her that everyone has their own secrets and struggles and that what you see on the surface might not actually reveal someone’s true inner story. People only tend to show the parts of themselves that they feel others can handle. Mabel slowly shows her new friends that despite having isolated herself for so long, she does actually have an innate understanding of the workings of the human spirit. She might not get things 100% right, but her perceptions are often spot-on. In turn, these women show Mabel the importance of having female friends, through all ages and stages of our lives, regardless of how strong our romantic and family ties might or might not be. Instead of experiencing deep regret for all the years she missed out on, Mabel instead embraces what she’s found, and makes the most of it, although she obviously wonders “What might have been?”.

It’s gorgeously written and the reader easily becomes absorbed in the story and invested in the characters and the outcome. Mabel and her friends will take over a warm space in your heart, and they’ll stay there for a very long time!

Something interesting that I found when comparing this to similar real-life situations where one partner passes away after being in a long-term relationship, is that the remaining partner will often embark on a fulfilling, active life that’s sometimes quite different from the one they shared with the loved one that they lost.

Thank you to RaRaResources and Boldwood Books for this wonderful book!

Thanks so much Boldwood Books and NetGalley.

Mabel's husband, Arthur, was a list maker. Upon his. death, he leaves a list with one thing - Find D. She must find someone she has not seen in 60 years. What will she find on the way?

I thought this was such a sweet book that reminds you that you can always follow your heart. I thought the story was quite clever and touching!

I really adored this book! I also had fun reading it too!
Mabel is an amazing character who was fun in getting to know along with 5 other women. I felt like they were in the process of becoming family even though they weren't related at all! Friends can feel like you know.
I enjoyed every minute of Mabel's journey and didn't want to let her go.
She's my heroine! She shows us that life can go on even with unexpected changes and that friendships can be made if you're willing and able.
Yes, changes aren't easy and grief has no time limit because you'll never stop missing that person.
But changes must happen in order for us to grow and become who God meant for us to be who we're supposed to be.
Yes, Mabel made me snicker and smile in some places of this book.
But, there were tears too. So realistic. That's why it was such a delightful book.
I will be adding this to my list of favorites.
Mabel is quite the character. I wished she were a real person. I didn't want to say goodbye but I will remember her and her life's journey for a long time.
5 stars for a well written and delightful journey. I highly recommend it!
In my opinion, this book represents the Golden Girls
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review
All opinions expressed are my own.

A lovely book by Laura Pearson. Just published. If you like Harold Fry and Ove, I think this book will appeal. A recently widowed octogenarian who embarks on a journey to find her best friend from 62 years ago. She's helped by a group of women who have just entered her life. There are a few secrets and surprises along the way. A lovely book about love and friendship in whatever form that takes.

This is a beautifully told, wonderful coming together of five women who have all experienced loss of some sort and are able to offer each other friendship and support.

When Mabel's husband dies after a marriage spanning more than six decades she is on the brink of loneliness when four brand new friends fall into her life.

For me, the glorious cast of vibrant, real women and the relationships they form with each other are what had me tearing through the pages of this book.

The Last List of Mabel Beaumont is a true gem of a book and one that will capture your heart, perfect for curling up with for a few hours of escapism.

Following the death of her husband, 86 year old Mabel must learn to adjust to life on her own - and after the discovery of a note left by her husband she embarks on a quest to find a long-lost friend, helped by an eclectic group of women, young and old, who she befriends along the way.

I loved this diverse group of women, all dealing with their own issues, and Mabel’s journey of self discovery was a heartwarming one. Her well-meaning attempts to help her new friends don’t always go to plan but the way in which they support each other is a joy, helping Mabel to make the most of life.

It’s a book that reminds you it’s never too late, a story of love, loss and friendship that is not without its sadness but ultimately warms your heart and leaves you with a smile on your face.

Typical August weather in Devon – so as the rain hammered on the caravan roof, I settled down to read The Last List of Mabel Beaumont and finished it in one sitting! This book is an absolute delight.

Mabel has lived a nice life with a good man. Sixty years of marriage to Arthur, and while she does not regret her marriage, there is a part of her that looks back at her youth and wonders if she made the right decision.

When Arthur dies, Mabel faces a future alone, but ever thoughtful, he has made arrangements for a carer to visit her for a few months while she adjusts to life without him. And before she knows it, Mabel has made friends with an eclectic group of women who, despite the different stages of their lives, are all looking for friendship.

From page 1, I found Mabel’s story utterly compelling. Beneath the mundane routines of her and Arthur’s life, she has a lifetime of memories and what ifs. Her biggest regret is losing touch with her best friend Dot. With the help of Julie and her new friends, Mabel decides to search for Dot and inspired by Arthur’s love of lists, she writes one of her own.

As Mabel works through her list and tries to help her friends, she makes mistakes along the way. Some of the assumptions she makes about people’s lives add to confusion and complications. The relationships grow organically, and all of the women learn to accept themselves, forgive and grieve, and look forward to the future.

I loved Mabel. She shows that even in your 80s, you can learn and grow as a person. You can experience new things and develop new relationships. Her relationship with teenager Erin is just beautiful. They have such empathy for each other and, despite the difference in age and experience, share so much in common.

This book is just beautiful. It’s heart-warming and tear-jerking and the characters will stay with long after the last page. I cannot recommend it enough – you will not be disappointed!

Beautifully written story about later life multi generational friendship and discovering yourself. I have read a few books this year with the same style ending must be this year's got topic. Mabel's meddling was slightly annoying in the sense that I felt like shouting at the book the "stop" thank you netgalley for the advanced copy

*Many thanks to Laura Pearson, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.*
A novel with a female protagonist who after her husband's death ventures to seek her long-lost friend and finally come to terms with her real self.
The fragments which felt real to me were linked to the musing over six decades of marriage, otherwise it seemed to me that Mabel behaved and thought in the manner that seemed artificial remembering that she is in her mid-eighties. Too modern? Mabel and other characters did not win me over and the feeling of being indifferent prevailed throughout.

This is exactly my sort of book and as soon as I heard about it I knew I had to read it. The book is written in the first person from the point of view of Mabel. I ‘ll let you read the blurb and the character descriptions, but I won’t give any spoilers. The book is about love, compromise, friendship, longing, keeping secrets and finding yourself. There’s a whole host of wonderful female characters including Julie the carer, Patty the dance instructor, Erin the checkout girl and Kirsty the dog walker – but of course their roles in Mabel’s life are much bigger than those listed. There are ups and downs in Mabel’s life and she messes up sometimes whilst trying to do the right thing, but I think this makes her character more realistic. I think having Mabel narrate the story in the first person is absolutely right and her voice is compelling. Mabel’s story spans decades but focuses on a perid of a few months in the present, with Mabel’s memories of the past adding depth. It’s heartbreaking and uplifting in equal measure and I loved the ending. Mabel shows us that we can all adapt and change even as older adults and that it’s never too late to try something new or start again. The emotional content was pretty raw at times but I liked the way the author depicted the grieving process and focused on the effect on routines and behaviours as well as little things like new found freedom in, for example, food choices. I loved the friendship that developed between Erin and Mabel and the way the two helped each other. I HAD to keep turning the pages (well, swiping, as I only had access to the ebook!) and I loved every minute of Mabel’s journey. Thanks so much to the author for writing it and to the publishers and Rachel from Rachel’s Random Resources for my gifted E-Arc and spot on the blog tour. It’s definitely a book I will be recommending to to others and getting hold of a physical copy, as I definitely want to read it again!

A book that is a treasure, a real gem and one I might just read again, it touched me so much in so many different ways. Thank you Laura- you put into words some things I was thinking which enabled a thought process in a good, Mabel way and this might just with other readers perhaps.

Mabel has just lost her husband Arthur aged in his late eighties, so as she says afterwards it wasn't a surprise. However his passing has changed her life and her routine. One day she finds a piece of paper with Arthurs handwriting on it and a list of one item: Find D. D? The only “D” Mabel can think of is her once close friend Dot with whom she lost touch with over sixty years ago when Dot moved to London and for some reason didn’t keep in touch despite Mabel writing several times. Arthur had thought ahead and Mabel soon finds herself with a carer Julie who becomes a friend, and through her, a small group is soon formed and they set out to find Dot, if she is still alive and what happened to her with Mabel doing her utmost to help her little group in more ways than one.

This is more than a book telling a story. It's about life, and sometimes moving on despite difficulties and taking a hand (or paw) of help to the next stage. Of friendship and laughter, of tears and memories and the little things we all treasure whether material or memory. I loved Mabel and her attitude to life- one of can do, or more like in Mabel speak “ I'll give it damn good go”! A life affirming read I can’t recommend highly enough. One of my books of the year. 10* if I could.

I’m not particularly religious but found this rather moving: “I remember Arthur saying that God wasn’t in churches, that that wasn’t where you found him. God was in the flowers and the snow, the tiny robins in the garden and those tigers we’d see prowling around on David Attenborough documentaries”. There are more wise words within the pages and I really didn't want this to end.

(amazon posted- misfits farm)

I've never read a book with an 86 year old protagonist before so I was a bit sceptical at first. However, I needn't have been concerned.

Mabel has just lost her husband Arthur of 62 years and Mabel has found one of Arthur's infamous lists "Find D". She is sure it's a reference to her best friend Dot. She starts to get to know some other women who go on to become friends and help her in her quest to find Dot.

I loved the multi generational friendships who were all from different walks of life and all had their own secrets, which we gradually found out as the book progressed. I did feel for Mabel but felt she shouldn't have interfered so much, however, it was part of a life learning curve for her.

A beautiful but emotional story about friendship, love, relationships and second chances.

Thank you Netgalley, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for my gifted copy and spot on the tour.

What a wonderful, gorgeous, cosy story of finding yourself nearer the end of your life. Mabel is wonderful and so very vivid. She reminded me a lot of my Great Nan who is stern with words occassionally but always big with 🧡.

Highly recommend this beautiful story of love, life and friendship.

Mabel (86) and Arthur (89) have been married for over 60 years and when Arthur dies suddenly, Mabel is left completely alone. They never had children and Mabel’s only companion is Olly, an anti-social dog who only really bonded with Arthur. When Mabel finds a note written by Arthur, simply saying ‘Find D’ she is confused but then realises that the note must refer to her best friend Dot; someone she suddenly lost touch with 60 years ago and who she has never forgotten.

This book was a joy to read and Mabel was a force to be reckoned with. The emotions she experiences after the loss of her husband are dealt with sympathetically as are her feelings about her marriage. Arthur was devoted to her and yet Mabel’s apparent discontentment came through the pages.

Mabel’s story highlights that it is never too late for friendship and the diverse supporting characters are so very different to each other in ages and background but their kindness and compassion are in no doubt. They each had their own backstory and ongoing problems but were superbly crafted and an integral part of the story. Who would have thought that a jar of piccalilli would lead to such a strong friendship bond being formed.

Arthur was always the list maker but Mabel made her own task list to accomplish. Despite her age, her judgement seemed rather questionable at times although the decisions were made with good intent and I did worry at what the outcomes would be.

I wasn’t sure about Mabel at first, she seemed rather cold and a little uncaring but with unexpected support she blossomed and emerged from her previously constricting life into one of self discovery. I loved the mystery element and the intrigue surrounding her friend Dot; as the former fiancee of Mabel’s beloved late brother Bill, she would always be in her thoughts and Mabel’s quest for news of her friend kept me hooked.

This character driven novel is beautifully written with observations that I found thoughtful and poignant. It’s background themes of loss, grief and loneliness could have made for a very different read but actually it was uplifting and hopeful with many moments of humour. I loved following Mabel’s journey and this will be a favourite read this year.

Ahhhh! What can I say about this beautifully written and poignant story?

Newly widowed Mabel, 86 and married for over 60 years, to a man she didn’t really love, has no motivation for life - not even to call the funeral director to sort out Arthur’s send-off.

But eventually, life has to go on and through chance, fate and with a bit of help from Arthur, Mabel meets some unexpected new friends, from 17 - 70 years old and begins not simply to exist, but to truly live.

Mabel, Erin, Julie, Kirsty and Patty are all brilliantly well developed characters and I really felt as though I was part of their clan - I was rooting for them all as sadness turned to hope, fear turned to love, and life became something to be lived to the full.

The search for the mysterious Dot, and Mabel’s discoveries about herself, Arthur and her new friends along the way, enable Mabel, at 86 years young, to finally feel she can be her true, authentic self.

5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Laura Pearson and Boldwood for an ARC in return for an honest review.