You know that a new book by David Nicholls is going to be a good one. This is a nice, easy, gentle read. Marnie has been working at home since the pandemic and rarely sees people. In a rut in her own space at 38. Geography teacher Michael isn't yet over his wife leaving him. Brought together by mutual friend Chloe on a lengthy hike, they gradually thaw. The hike is not city girl Marnie's idea of fun but she gamely gets the train north from London and joins in with a bit of a motley crew. The story is of conversations, broken hearts and relationships. Beautiful, funny and sad. I loved it. #netgalley #youarehere

David Nicholls' "You Are Here" is a beautifully crafted story that follows Marnie and Michael who are both dealing with the consequences of failed marriages. Marnie, a freelance copy editor has been living the single life in London since her divorce, and Michael, a geography teacher who's decided long walks are the best therapy for a broken heart. When their mutual friend Cleo decides they both need a social life she corrals them into a group walking holiday along the Coast to Coast route. Cue the rustling waterproofs and awkward small talk.

As Marnie and Michael navigate the muddy paths and unpredictable terrain, they also navigate the tricky terrain of their own hearts. A really engaging read, that I didn’t want to end.

Thanks to NetGalley for this advanced review copy.

David Nicholls does it again!

This is how you do it! Simply create flawed leads but the kind of people you would like to meet on a country walk: naturally witty without trying too hard … Apparently.

In fact, what we find out is that both Marnie and Michael, for differing reasons, have become somewhat loners in recent years, disengaging from society and finding their lives changing dramatically, as a result, now that they have both hit middle age.

David Nicholls skillfully captures the essence of the two main leads as well as adding well-drawn supporting characters to the cast.

In the author’s (once again uber-popular) One Day, we follow characters through their 20s and early 30s, but this time the author gives us an insight into a slightly later stage in life, in which his lead characters have had missteps and find that they may need to re-engage and restart. Both are living the consequences of failed marriages, Michael more immediately and Marnie some time before (which is quite clever in that it shows where the characters differ in their emotional points).

I really enjoyed both protagonists, who are close to my own age, and yet feel quite ageless in some ways (they could be in their 50s or 60s and facing similar challenges), and so readers of all ages will probably find a lot to like here.

Is this as good as One Day or the author’s other masterpiece, Us? You know what? It very nearly is, and I might be even more certain if we get to see a TV or movie adaptation that will take advantage of the stunning (and challenging!) vistas and locales, which created superb atmosphere and feel.

Thank you to the author, the publisher and to NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC. It has been ages since I read one of David Nicholl’s books, but I expect to be diving in to another very soon.

5 shining stars and *highly* recommended!

Top notch book as expected. Having read both One Day and Us; thoroughly enjoyed this read from an illustrious writer - he cleverly uses restrictive time constraints upon his characters to make a point against the peril of dating and romance. Entertaining to the nth degree and highest hills

If Sweet Sorrow is an ode to the intoxication of first love, and One Day is the seminal slow burn friends-to-lovers narrative, You Are Here is a touching, funny tribute to the kind of love you might stumble upon in middle age, when time and experience have you resigned to live out the rest of your days suiting yourself and playing solitaire.

Marnie, a London-based freelance copy editor, and Michael, a Geography teacher in York, are thrown together when their cheerfully no nonsense friend Cleo decides that they both spend far too much time alone and corrals them into joining her on a group walking holiday, covering part of the Coast to Coast route from the Irish Sea to the North Sea. For seasoned hiker Michael, the lakes and moors hold significantly more allure than the thought of being forced to spend time with other people, while city girl Marnie feels like an imposter in her new boots and obtrusively rustling waterproofs.

What follows is one of the loveliest stories I have read in a long time. Both Marnie and Michael are written with Nicholls' customary warmth and wry, self-deprecating humour, and it is impossible not to become invested in their character arcs as friendship, flirtation and the unpredictable English weather help each of them start to heal from the trauma they carried along with their rucksacks when they began their walk. The supporting cast is just developed enough to add interest, while the route frames the story beautifully, with each leg of the journey portraying the evolving dynamic between the two protagonists, and the descriptions of the countryside are vivid and detailed without distracting from the plot.

The ending is at once maddening and perfect. I honestly did not want this book to end and, when it did, I felt sad that I wouldn't see how Marnie and Michael's lives played out.

In summary, a wonderful, witty book, perfect for snuggling up with as a spring storm rages outside.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for the opportunity to read and review an ARC of this book.

Another wonderful story from David Nicholls. For me, doesn't meet expectations, especially as I love one day so much. Nether the less, enjoyable read.

This was a good book. I read One Day a long time ago and remember enjoying it (even if I don't remember any details of it) so I was hopeful for this one too.

Michael is walking from coast to coast and his friend Cleo invites along some friends when she decides that he needs more company in his life. Marnie is one of those friends.

I really enjoyed reading about their journey and how their friendship/relationship grows and develops throughout. The descriptions of the places they visit and the scenery and landscapes they see are lovely and overall, it's just a really cozy read. The characters are realistic and relatable and it's easy to root for them. Definitely would recommend picking this up.

Slow-moving but realistic finding-new-love story.

I found this surprisingly moving, as someone divorced and having found a different sort of relationship and bond later in life. This felt 'true' and measured and right to me.

The characters are everyday, could-be-you types - an isolated editor, alone in a city flat, gradually realising she's lost friends along the road as well as her former partner. A geography teacher mourning the loss of his recently-left wife, escaping his own home with long walks.

Of course the two shall meet. A mutual friend and a planned cross-country walk, pubs and overnight stays, poor weather, sore feet, chats and a gradually increasing acquaintance... a slow build from initial impressions to a possible lasting connection.

It's not all-out hilarious, it's not sob story. It's two real people with two histories and quirks and jumbled feelings talking and walking and finding commonalities over many days in the English mud and hills.

This may not have the epic emotional clout of One Day, but especially for those who've been through relationships, come out the other side and see past the glossy tint of the happy-ever-after narratives that just 'aren't', this rings more gently and true.

Nicely brought to life by two narrators, they take you on the walk with them as their personalities clash, meet and link. A lovely journey.

With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample audio copy.

After watching the Netflix serialisation of One Day on Netflix recently I couldn’t resist requesting this on netgalley.

Marnie and Michael are thrown together in a group walking coast to coast across England. The pair, both lonely, having come out of failed marriages are initially set up by mutual friend, Cleo with other people in the group. Marnie and Michael, however find themselves enjoying each other’s company, but both nervous about new relationships spend the walk finding themselves as much as each other.

I really enjoyed this book, firstly, it’s got maps! Secondly, I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with more relatable characters. Michael, a serious geography teacher and Marnie, a too nice, copy editor are so normal, sparks don’t fly and there’s banter rather than romance and it’s perfect.

David Nicholls does an amazing job of observing and ‘getting’ people, and is particularly skilled at writing women, I can only think of Mike Gayle with the same talent.

The setting and descriptions of scenery are amazing and had me aching for an adventure!

Thank you for allowing me to review this book. I found it highly enjoyable. . David Nicholls is an excellent author who brings the characters out in an interesting and realistic way The main characters Marnie and Michael are good people with their own personal difficulties who are bought together by a mutual friend who organised a group to do walk across England. As they walk we learn about both of them and it is interesting to read each perspective about the other.
I found this book easy to get into and loved it. I couldn't put it down. Highly recommended.

The story was written well, with lots of descriptive bits about the locations The characters were well described and realistic but I’m not sure how much I liked them. So to be honest I found it and them, a bit boring and without much excitement it made it a chore to read up to about 40%of the way through the book.
Then the friendship between Michael and Marnie starts and this was easier to read and flowed better. It seemed more honest and open with moments of humour injected.
Overall an ok read with a rather abrupt ending. Slightly disappointed as I had high expectations as I loved One Day.
3stars

Of course I love David Nicholls' book One Day, I mean who doesn't?! I have read that book dozens of times over the years, and I have read all of Nicholls book since.

Hot on the hype of the Netflix adaptation of One Day, Nicholls latest book 'You Are Here' is released. Unfortunately I really disliked this book. I know i'm in the minority based on the Goodreads reviews. This book was nowhere near as engrossing as Nicholls previous books. I found this book (dare I say it) quite dull! There wasn't much plot, the ploddy walking plot just felt ploddy in general.
I didn't get attached to the characters, and therefore I didn't really care what they got up to. I didn't feel there was a spark or any romantic tension between the protagonists.

Just not my bag!

You Are Here is a wonderful story by a wonderful writer. David Nicholls writing is so deft and effortless making it a pure joy to read. I probably could’ve devoured this in a matter of hours but tried to take breaks to prolong the pleasure of reading it. I can’t remember the last time a book made me laugh out loud whilst contrasting this with poignant moments. Marnie is such a great character and it is lovely to read as the relationship between her and Michael develops.

Marnie's life is going nowhere, she's 38, divorced, living in a grotty rented flat and just getting by. Michael's life is going nowhere, he's 42, recovering from a violent incident, about to get divorced but loves his job as a teacher. Both are brought together by a mutual friend for a couple of days walking. Michael decides to extend his walk along the whole of the coast to coast, and surprisingly, Marnie agrees to extend her time. Two damaged and lonely people getting to know someone else.
David Nicholls is a superb writer and each of his novels is one to treasure. They are gentle and romantic but they also have a sense of knowing about people and they are realistic. This is no exception. There is humour and pathos, a fledgling romance and a wonderful depiction of the coast to coast walk. What's not to love!

After reading One Day years and years ago, then watching the Netflix adaptation more recently, I was really looking forward to reading this newest novel by David Nicholls. It did not disappoint and I loved it.

It was a very similar style to One Day with a mix of funny moments and heartache. The main characters of Marnie and Michael were relatable and entertaining as they hiked their way through the Lake District.

A very easy going style, easy to read. A brilliant summer read for holidays etc, I would definitely recommend You Are Here.

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for providing an advance copy in return for my honest opinion. I have also published this review on Goodreads.

Brilliant. I don’t read many books in this vein, but I’m so glad I did this time. I recently watched one day on Netflix, which I enjoyed a lot. I liked the 2 main characters and the dialogue felt genuine. Most importantly, it was very funny and believable. I’ve mentioned this to most people I’ve met recently and would recommend it.

A delightful romance in the setting of the coast to coast walk. Superbly put together characters in Michael and Marnie exploring new feelings in wonderful countryside

In this charming novel the reader is transported to the famous coast to coast walk across the Lake District. We meet a group of friends who travel together facing the challenges that any long walk entails.

Among the group are :
Marnie who is a single copy editor from London, she has become a bit of a recluse. Working from home and living alone since her divorce six years ago.
Micheal who is still reeling from his wife’s departure over a year ago. His escape mechanism is to go on long solitary walks to escape his quiet empty home.

As the members of the group started to thin out , Marnie and Micheal find themselves continuing together, navigating both the unfamiliar walk and each other.

This is a grown up love story. I loved how the characters got to know each other and a friendship grew before romance blossomed. I also loved how both characters were mature, each having lived a life before meeting, but still having the opportunity to find love. The book had many funny laughs along the way which really added to the storyline. Overall a beautiful book which was touching and one I’ll remember for quite a while .

Having just watched One Day, I thought I would read the new offering by David Nicholls.

He introduced the readers to main characters Marnie and Michael who are both preferring solitude to dealing with people as they retreat from life.
After a friend brings them together, they go on a mammoth cross country walk and find the barriers they have put up, starting to come down.
Can they learn to trust again?

A quirky tale of romance and learning to take chances again .

Pleasant walk through the countryside and through life after separation. Not entirely likeable characters, but that's life. Heartwarming and relaxing.