When Mabel’s husband dies, she’s at a loss. They did everything together, they few things she would permit them to do, so she is suddenly left without friends or family and no purpose or structure to her life.

Gradually, she makes friends with a disparate group of women, aged between 17 and 70. We discover that her marriage wasn’t as happy as it would appear and the key to that appears to hinge around her childhood friend Dot, who disappeared sixty years previously. With her friendsz’ support, she sets out to track down Dot and find answers to the questions she’s been afraid to ask.

Although the story took a few unexpected turns it wasn’t the plot that kept me gripped so much as the characters. I loved Mabel. I liked reading about her motivation for doing or not doing things. The other characters in the book came alive through the various descriptions and incidents.

This was a lovely story about finding contentment in later years.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Last List of Mabel Beaumont by Laura Pearson is a perfect feel good pick me up read that speaks to the power and importance of female friendship.
Mabel has been married to Arthur for more than sixty years , and in all that time the couple have come to know each others quirks and idiosyncrasies intimately , from how Mabel likes her morning cup of tea to Arthurs habit of making lists for and about everything. When Arthur dies peacefully at home in his sleep, Mabel is distraught . He was always the braver and more sociable of the pair and without him Mabel finds herself isolated and very alone. The only thing that gives her purpose is her mission to complete the last thing on the last list that Arthur wrote - Find D. At first she is confused but then she realises that the D in question must be her estranged friend Dot, once part of a foursome with Mabel , Arthur and Mabel's brother Bill. When Bill died tragically Dot fled to London and Mabel never heard from her again. Now if she is going to track her down she is going to need help. Luckily that help comes in the form of several women who come into her life just at the moment she needs them. These women range in age from late teens to their seventies, and as the story unfolds it becomes clear that they each have troubles and difficulties that they are facing in their own lives. Mabel is determined to help them , with varying degrees of success, and even though her heart is always in the right place, sometimes the way she goes about helping is a little unorthodox to say the least.
This is really a character driven book, and I found myself genuinely caring about this group of women and hoping for the best for each of them. The characterisation was excellent, and I found their relationships believable. There were some moments of real sadness in the book, but the overall emotion I felt while reading was hope and I loved the message that it is never too late to go after what matters most to you and that while change is often scary sometimes it is necessary for a person to thrive.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

The synopsis and comments certainly set the tone for this incredibly special book. After losing her husband after 62 years of marriage, Mabel is both saddened and numb to her new reality. She certainly felt a strong affection for Arthur, he had been her rock for as long as she can remember, but she revisits her memories with the kind of affection usually associated with a dear friend or even a brother.
As her memories extend, we discover that Mabel and Arthur were originally part of a foursome made up with Mabel’s deceased brother, Bill, and her best friend Dot. Finding one of Arthur’s hurriedly written notes, she discovers the words ‘Find D’ and instinctively feels that it’s a message from Arthur, encouraging her to track down her long-lost friend.
There is an ensemble cast in this uplifting tale of love, loss, and female friendship, but I really don’t want to include any spoilers. As we are introduced to each new character, it’s easy to see that they each make their own contribution to Mabel’s transition into widowhood.
As I would expect from such a wonderful author, each character is perfectly developed, and they follow a dramatic yet ultimately healing story arc. Mabel is initially difficult to warm to as we learn how dispassionate she was in her marriage. How she married someone who was completely devoted to her but received so little in return.
I can assure you that all will be beautifully revealed, and the conclusion is beyond satisfying. This is a truly beautiful story that reaffirms everything that you understand about the bonds of female relationships. Despite the sweeping differences in the character’s ages, their friendships don’t recognise anything but love and respect. It’s perfect!

The Last List of Mabel Beaumont by Laura Pearson is a story for those who liked A Man Called Ove and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine.. Arthur loved lists .He and Mabel Beaumont had been married for over 60 years and when he quietly passed away one day he left Mabel a final list with one line-Find D.Mabel is sure this means she is to find her long lost friend Dot who left over 60 years ago.Mabel’s life changes when she opens her life and her heart to many different people.Secrets are revealed and her life will never be the same!Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC!

I typically avoid books that are described as “heartbreaking” but something made me pick this one up anyway. The story is one of the most poignant I’ve read in a long time and peels back the veil that so many women have lived behind for decades, especially those who grew up in the early to mid-20th century when same-sex relationships were so very taboo.

This truly is a story about the power and sustainability of women’s friendships and ultimately their love and desire. Mabel lived 62 years with a man with whom she was comfortable but didn’t really love. It’s not until his death that she feels finally able to begin living her life.

There *is* heartbreak here, but it is banished by immense joy, love, and friendship. This lovely book may become a favorite for many people.

What a fabulous book. I picked this up on a whim as I liked the title and the cover, I was not disappointed. This is a lovely quirky book. The main character is an elderly lady who has just lost her husband. She discovers her husband has provided a caregiver for her. Initially she’s not too impressed with this development but they form an interesting relationship. Mabel finds a list belonging to her late husband with just ‘Find D’ written on it and thinks it’s her husband trying to track down her childhood best friend Dot. Along with her carer and a few other friends they’ve picked up along the way they decide to try and find this woman.
This is a super novel, filled with wonderful people who are all trying to find their path in life. I loved this story and would recommend it to everyone who just enjoys a heartwarming, uplifting, sentimental tale. This is a 5⭐️ book without any doubt. Enjoy every page.
Many thanks to #NetGalley and to #BoldwoodBooks for my ARC of this book.

Mabel’s husband loved to make lists of things to do, when he dies she finds one last list which says Find D. She believes it means to find Dot her best friend before she married and they lost touch.

Her task brings her a group of new friends, all different ages and circumstances but united in helping Mabel Find D.

The book was lovely all about friendship, secrets, sexuality, acceptance and I didn’t want it to end. I hope there will be a sequel.

Sad, sweet and very reflective I found this book. There is a few similarities to Harold Fry but, this book makes you think about relationships with friends and family and not leaving things too late. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review,.

A really beautiful read with strong female characters. After Mabels husband dies, she takes it on herself to finish a list which he left unfinished. In order to do this, she makes a group of new friends all with their own stories.

A lovely older main character in a warm, comforting book. Thank you Netgalley for sending me a copy

This is a gentle tale of different forms of love, second chances, and the power of female friendship.
When Mabel decides to find her best friend she finds some new friends on the way who support and cheer her on.These very different women have their own challenges they have to face, but Mabel's quest is an inspiration to them all.
Mabel reminisces her past, but she slowly realises she should enjoy more the present, and hope for the future.
I can recommend this book to anyone who loves stories about a circle of female friends.

This is a lovely read.

When Mabel finds herself widowed after 62 years how is he supposed to cope without her husband Arthur? After all she has always shied away from friendships and anything too adventurous. Arthur though, has set her a task - to find her friend Dot who disappeared from their lives without explanation before their marriage.

This is a story about the long lasting effects of grief, loss and love and how it is never too late to make a change or a new friend (or four)

I loved the friendship between the women that Mabel finds along the way in her quest. All come from different ages and stages of life but friendship gives each the strength to make positive changes.

One of those books that gives you the warm fuzzies. I really enjoyed it.

Thanks to Boldwood for the chance to read an early copy

Loved it! What a lovely novel from Pearson. A gentle read that describes female friendships across generations perfectly. A few surprises along the way but nothing short of kindness and compassion in every page.

Though the story wasn't exactly what I expected, it was a heartfelt novel and a reminder that it is never too late to change or to go after what you want in life. I experienced a multitude of emotions throughout the book but ended with a warm feeling of appreciation for all I/we have in this life.

Absolutely heart warmingly brilliant! I devoured this in one glorious afternoon/evening where I was totally absorbed and alongside Mabel, Erin, Julie and co.
Moments of sadness, showing how grief of all kinds can alter lives, issues of years gone by and how they can shape your beliefs, views and expectations. This book is written with sensitivity, care and compassion whilst being thought provoking and entertaining. It addresses issues of marriage, grief and loss, love, friendship, getting older, but it highlights the need to be courageous in life. Courage to follow your heart, to pursue the dreams you have when young, having courage to be who you want to be and to live the life you want.
Love the character of Mabel, she undergoes such development and growth throughout the story. She’s lived a different life than what she wanted, not a particularly bad one with her husband, but she suffered losses of many kinds. Her brothers death changed things, her best friend departed without explanation and Mabel made the safe/sensible choice.
A fabulous cast of characters all rally round Mabel as she starts a quest. After finding a list made by her late husband, Mabel starts a search for Dot, her best friend. Supported by her new group of friends, we see how their lives become intertwined, as much as they are helping Mabel, caring for her and allowing her to do more; they have also become projects that she feels she wants to help out.
Mabel doesn’t always get things right, she learns, grows and is very quick to own her mistakes but as the search for Dot intensifies, there are still secrets she is not able to share.
I adored every moment, I was hoping that this mystery quest would have a good resolution and that every character found the happiness they were looking for.
Loved from start to finish, highly recommend.

I had a tough time with this one. I felt really saddened for Mabel and for her husband and the inability to really be happy. It is a well written book, and I definitely felt for the characters and cared for Mabel, but it overall just kind of made me sad.

When Mabel is widowed after a long marriage, a whole new chapter of life opens up. for her. However, it's all very unexpected and totally out of character. Mzbel is on a mission
with an ever growing list.
A sensitive and sincere story about aging, loneliness and accepting a new reality. A very good read

Oh Laura - you’ve beautifully written an observational slice of life novel, nailing the personalities and little things that reflect a long life spent with another person, like the ritual of making a cup of tea or reading the paper at breakfast.

This is the story of Mabel Beaumont, newly widowed at the start of the book (not a spoiler, it’s in the blurb!) and learning to navigate life without her husband Arthur. At first you do wonder why she’s so closed off to new experiences or even physical touch… but persevere, and you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful story of women and their lives, loves and being brave.

I received a free ARC copy of this via NetGalley and Boldwood publishers, in return for an unbiased review.

What a fabulous story! Read it in two days that's how much I enjoyed it. The Last List of Mabel Beaumont is a story of living a long life, of getting old, of being an age where you've made mistakes and you can look back and wonder if and how you might have done things differently. It's about relationships, friendships and finding and learning about yourself, no matter what age you are.
Read this story.
Ask questions of those you care about.
Ask yourself questions.
Leave nothing unsaid. Especially tell people you love that you do love them.

Extremely difficult to get interested in and even more difficult to force myself to finish it, I found this book to be lacking in every way possible

List lovers out there will appreciate Mabel’s husband Arthur’s missives. Although he’s no longer with her, he’s left her a reminder – ‘Find D’ – to puzzle over. She knows exactly who he mans, and exactly why this person is no longer in her life