Thanks NetGalley for the ARC of One Long Weekend by Shari Low, published by Boldwood Books

I loved this novel! I loved the characters, the setting, the multiple points of view. I really enjoyed how this novel was written and how all the characters came together during the story. The author developed some great characters for this novel.
This was a book I just didn't want to put down. The story read well and there was always something going on.
The novel starts by introducing all the characters with a brief description of them, it was a little overwhelming as i thought I'll never remember all this. But no worries, the characters are introduced and we'll described as you read, and the description at the beginning of the novel is a great reference if needed.
I love Shari Low's books and this one was no exception

"One Long Weekend" by Shari Low is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and redemption woven through the lives of four interconnected characters over the course of a single, transformative weekend. Set against the backdrop of personal trials and tribulations, this novel takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster as each character grapples with their own demons and strives to mend their shattered hearts.

Val Murray, Sophie Smith, Alice McLenn, and Rory Brookes each face their own unique challenges, from coping with the loss of loved ones to navigating the complexities of relationships strained by past mistakes. As they converge over the course of three pivotal days, their individual journeys intersect in unexpected ways, offering glimpses of hope and healing amidst the turmoil.

Central to the narrative is the theme of resilience, as each character confronts their past and confronts their own vulnerabilities in search of closure and renewal. Shari Low deftly explores the intricacies of human emotion, capturing the rawness of grief, the power of forgiveness, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

Shari's brilliant storytelling effortlessly balances moments of heartache with touches of humor and warmth. Low's prose is both evocative and immersive, drawing readers into the lives of her characters and inviting them to experience the full spectrum of emotions alongside them.

Ultimately, "One Long Weekend" is a testament to the enduring power of love and the resilience of the human heart. Through its compelling narrative and richly drawn characters, Shari Low delivers a poignant reminder that even in our darkest moments, hope remains alive, waiting to be rediscovered. This is a novel that will linger in the hearts and minds of readers long after the last page is turned.

Shari Low is the queen of writing stories with divergent characters and plot lines that intersect in the most creative and heartfelt ways. One Long Weekend is inspired by a true event in the author’s life.

In this novel we are reunited with Val, a character who shows up in Ms. Low’s previous novels. Val is grief stricken having recently lost her husband who was suffering from dementia. In her haste to board a plane, she loses a small pouch containing her most precious possessions - four rings symbolizing loved ones she’s lost. From there we are introduced to other characters who are at a crossroads. Their lives converge in ways that will pull at your heartstrings.

Like Ms. Low’s previous “One” books, this is a tale of strength and resilience. It’s a story of community and found family. Mostly it’s a triumph of hope. If you are a frequent reader of Ms. Low’s novels, you’ll be delighted that this one evokes all the feels like her previous works. If you are a new reader, you’ll be rushing to get your hands on her backlist. It’s a book that captures the heart.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, which is based on Shari’s true life experience, and at the end of the story we read about how that experience ended for her.

We meet up with Val, who has recently lost her husband Don. Her niece and best friend invite her to come and stay with them in London for a short time. As she’s in a hurry to leave, she throws a pouch containing special rings in her bag.

As she travels to the airport, the pouch is lost. What follows is what she does in order to get them back, with the help of her niece and best friend.

We also meet some new characters, that come to be a part of Val’s story to retrieve her rings.

The story had plenty of laughter moments and some sad moments too, along with lots of drama.

I highly recommend this book.

As always, a book full of wonderful characters that you'd just love to meet in real life. It was great meeting up with Val again, as she has appeared in several of Shari's previous books, this time with a story line based on the author's real life experience. Lots of heart warming and heart wrenching moments in this, another unputdownable read from Shari Low.

I have read the "Hollywood Thriller" series of books that this author has co-written with Ross King, and really enjoyed them, but I have never read any of her solo books so I thought it was about time I did.
In this book, we meet Val, recently widowed and, when we first catch up with her she is about to leave her house to get a taxi to the airport to visit family in London. The taxi driver she gets is a grumpy sod but he delivers her to the airport safe and sound. However, on arriving at her ultimate destination, she is shocked to find that she has lost a velvet pouch from her handbag. A velvet pouch that contains 4 rings which are very special to her.
Meanwhile, we catch back up with the taxi driver who is flagged down by Sophie to take her from the airport to a hotel. As luck would have it, she finds a velvet pouch on the floor of the cab. Luck turns bad as, just as she and the cabbie are arguing about what to do with it, there's a crash...
And so begins a rather nifty interconnected story which follows the three aforementioned characters, as well as some of their family members, centred around Val's missing rings but branching out, with each character facing some trial or tribulation along the way. A wronged wife, an estranged son, a disgraced politician, a woman who made a mistake with a decision a few years ago... all with their own stories to tell. And they are all captivating.
What really makes this book special, apart from the often genius plot which weaves it all together, are the characters. They are brilliantly crafted and all play their parts so very well. Talk about all the feels, they were all so easy to connect with in an emotional way. I felt for each and every one as they tried to overcome whatever dilemma was facing them.
Yes, OK, at the end of the day it was a little sugary in the way it all ended. But that's what you want from a book of this genre. Isn't it? It's what I want. As well as some substance along the way. And that is exactly what I got. And it was good.
And now, joy of joys, I have a whole new bunch of books in her back catalogue to add to my already "no room at the inn" tbr... I really need to quit work...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Note: Full/expanded review to come on release date,

Well, I had a great time reading this one! This is my first time reading a novel by Shari Low and it was a pleasure to read. I fell in love with the characters, enjoyed the overall plot, and was propelled forwards at every chapter cliffhanger. The book is told from the perspective of several main characters. This is an element I love to see in a book! They intertwine beautiful and make for an engaging read. I found myself enjoying each of the protagonists; they each have their own personality and backstory. It’s a great way to add depth to the characters. The book is predictable at times - with that said, it’s still very intriguing and fun to follow.

I recommend this read to those interested in a lighthearted, multi-perspective, and uplifting novel.

Numerical Rating: 4.25 stars
CW: alcoholism, toxic relationship, illness, MVA.

Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

This was a really lovely story, heartbreaking and then heartwarming. It was fast paced and different POV with different scenarios but all leading to the main plot which I thought was great.

Amazing how lives interact with each other. The story follows two plots that wind up intersecting towards the end. I won’t give any spoilers, but it was a quick read to see how people, especially women, can come through difficult times and help heal each other.

Shari Low is my go-to author for creative storylines, endearing characters, and an edge of your seat reading experience. I adore her books because they tell a story in a short twenty-four hour period which allows us to really get to know the characters and what they are going through. In her latest book, “One Long Weekend” we follow along with Val, who we have met in previous books, as she searches for missing rings that mean the world to her. Her niece's Carly and Carol use social media to get the word out about the missing jewelry in hopes that someone has found them. It is amazing how social media can connect with so many people and Val was surprised that her story resonated with so many others.

Along the way, Val met Sophie who plays a big part in the saga of the missing keepsakes. Sophie quickly became friends with Val and her nieces and they gladly listened as she told them the real reason she was in Glasgow. The final members of our group are Alice and her son, Rory, who have dreamt about starting over and now, they may finally get their chance. Val graciously welcomed them into their close-knit circle and she became fast friends with Alice, who needed Val’s friendship and sweet nature to help her navigate the next chapter of her life. Together, these new friends bonded over love, loss and the hope that they would always be there for each other. Shari Low’s heartfelt and emotional stories bring me joy, help me escape, and give me special characters who I will never forget!!

And it really was a long, eventful, action packed weekend
But of course as expected with this author a very very for us,readable weekend
Got to say firstly loved ( although sad ) how the book starts and finishes with the authors story of what happened to her to make the book come to fruition, it’s very moving and really added an extra part to the actual fiction story
So,the story…..no one does timed stories like this author and we meet old,and new characters who through accident and misfortune all have their lives entangled as they are trying to sort out their woes,hardships and loves…it’s so well done and had me rooting for the right ones throughout and booing the baddie and shaking my head at Sandra,all emotions are here and so much happens in this weekend it captivates you and you HAVE to carry on reading to find out who gets their just desserts and who things work out well for
I love the authors writing,comedy and serious and the way it is switched to each situation as needed,another cracking read from this brilliant author

Based her her own real life experience Shari Low writes one of her famous "one" novels. I've loved all of them. In this novel Val is the main character, we've met her in a couple of books before, she's an exuberant effervescent character normally but a recent bereavement has knocked her for six so her 2 nieces Carly (from 'what if') and Carol invite her to London but when she loses her treasured rings she feels bereft.
Sophie is travelling to Glasgow to try to reconnect with an ex but has the misfortune to be in disgraced MP Larry McLenn's taxi. He's rude, surly and its no wonder his wife Alice wants to distance herself from him to the extent that she is estranged from her beloved son Rory.
As with all of the "One" series, the novel takes place over one weekend, seemingly unconnected characters all merge to create a wonderful story of hope and friendship. Tears of sorrow and laughter mingle together in this delightful read. It seems an injustice to Shari to have read it in one day but the words flowed from the page, I just couldn't put it down.
I'm just sorry Shari didn't get her Happy ending.

💍Couldn't put it down!😍

I can't recommend this story enough. It's got so much heart and some lovely strangers who all come together to help newly-widowed Glaswegian Val hunt for a pouch of four sentimentally-precious rings that she's lost.

With four plots going at the same time, it could have been confusing but it's not. Author Shari Low succeeded in bringing me right into their lives, their joys, friendships, memories and troubles, to end everything just as I had hoped after one eventful weekend. There were so many great characters that I can't pinpoint a favorite, though Val's stalwart affection for life partner Don was so well described and sweet it set the tone for much of the action.

I think it's a great choice if you are looking for an easy, fairly quick read that will tap into your emotions but leave you happily content.

Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

Shari is a massive favourite of mine and yet again, this book shows why. Perfect in every way. Old characters are back and we learn more about them. Perfect, as always

Another interesting read from Shari Low but this time inspired by a real life experience of her own which I felt added an e tea dimension to the book especially with the follow up at the end of the book! A great example of drawing upon your own experiences to influence your writing!
A lovely read centred around four main characters with the lovely Val from previous books taking centre stage, recently widowed from her beloved Don, Sophie still mourning her mum and intent on finding her ex boyfriend, poor Alice the run down wife of a disgraced MP and lastly but not least Rory reeling from the aftermath of his disgraced fathers actions and the ramifications of it!
Four individuals who over a weekend due to circumstances, coincidence and a bit of luck are thrown together, lots of tears, emotion, realisation and genuine hope friendship and second chances!
A really emotive read that will stay with you long after you have read it.
Thank you NetGalley for this early read

I read this book in a day as I have done with other books by Shari Low as I can't put them down.
As like her other books this is set in Glasgow which is my home town.
Shari has this ability that she gives you a list of characters who are completely unconnected and by the end of the book a ribbon has wound itself through them all and drawn them together.

The idea for this book began with an upsetting incident that happened to Shari and she tells us about it at the beginning and end of the book.

We read about a bereavement, lost jewellery, a young women hoping for a romantic meeting after two years, a women who is at her lowest, living with a husband she despises, a son, estranged from his mother and fighting for his marriage, two youtubers and influences.
There is also a disgraced MP and a sorry excuse for a man who is the catalyst for bringing them all together.

Intrigued? No more spoilers as I don't want to ruin it for you. All I can say is great story,great characters and you will just love Val and her nieces and Alice, Sophie and Rory.

Shari Low does it again. I absolutely love her books and I always devour them in under 24 hours.

This was no different, brilliant read with strong female characters, men who get their comeuppance - and plenty of raw emotion. This book and characters will stay with me for a long time, and I love how they connect to previous books (although absolutely fine to read as standalones too).

What a pleasure to meet up with old friends again and make new ones. I am guaranteed a page turned every time I pick up a Shari Low book and this did not disappoint.
Losing a loved family member is hard at any age but when you have been together for decades it feels as if half of you is missing.
Saying that losing precious momentos is hard but the story of getting them back is brilliant.
Enjoy I definitely did

A lost pouch of rings — brings a group of strangers together.

Another brilliant book by Shari Low. I recently started reading this author and have enjoyed everything I have read so far.

This story grabs you from the beginning ,I loved the characters they are so likeable and storyline in this book which kept me engaged and interested in the outcome of all the characters.

I think the notes from the author at the beginning and the end of the story really enhanced the intrigue of the story as well.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for allowing me the opportunity to read an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

I was so excited to read Shari Low's new book, One Long Weekend, and I was not disappointed one bit. The story takes place over three days from the perspective of Val (a recurring character from other books), Sophie, Alice, and Rory. Even though each character was struggling in some way, it was still comforting to read. It was a heartwarming book that I did not want to put down. I laughed, I cried, and I loved the characters from page 1. It is a story about heartbreak, hope, love, and friendship. I give One Long Weekend all 5 stars and look forward to my next Shari Low read.