When the matriarch of the family dies and leaves instructions for a family fun week to unlock her ashes and will.
The dysfunctional family must carry out the activities to get each number for the safe or no-one gets anything.
A blended family with a convuluted history but they are all grown up now.
Relationships are tested and change.
Family melding and arguing as well as supporting eachother.
You can identify with all the characters.
Enjoy I did.

I absolutely loved this funny and warm second novel from @theunmumsymum 🤩🤩. “On the Edge” tells the story of Joni, who is almost 40 and has her very ordered life all planned out - until a bereavement pulls her back to the village she grew up in, and into the dysfunctional family she’s long distanced herself from, for a very intense week together. The patchwork of estranged family members, characterful friends, an elderly collie, a 7-year-old nephew and an imaginary friend who comes along with him, makes for a week Joni won’t soon forget.

A huge thanks to @netgalley, Sarah Turner and Random House UK / Transworld Publishers for an advanced reading copy of this book - I knew this was on the horizon and had been checking to see when this would become available to request as I was so excited for this!! Delighted to have been able to read it early and a huge recommendation from me! ❤️

I have enjoyed Sarah Turner’s writing for years now - The Unmumsy Mum books and blogs brought me laughs, comfort and a wee hand-hold from the very earliest of sleepless nights with my little ones, and her first novel Stepping Up was one of my favourite books in 2022 too - but I think Joni’s story will captivate both longer-standing and new readers alike. 🥰

Publication day is July 4th, and I definitely think this will be an excellent summer read. ❤️

I loved the author's previous book so had high expectations for this. Once again the storyline focused on family "in all its guises" which I really enjoy especially the family based banter such as Joni's dad "resting his eyes" as opposed to sleeping - something I hear a lot in my own family. I also love the writing style, eclectic mix of multi-generational characters and relatable humour. I particularly enjoyed the nostaglic reference to Kellogg's bike reflectors something I loved as a kid but had completely forgotten all about unlike Nick. The reason for the four stars is that I didn't enjoy this specific storyline quite as much as #SteppingUp but still definitely recommend and can't wait to see what the author writes next.

This was a really interesting story, with a storyline I’ve never come across anything similar before. The characters were all really likeable, and their interactions were totally normally; you could imagine a real family being like that, unlike in some books where only fictional people act in those ways. I kind of wish the ending had more to it, as it felt some things could’ve been developed more, but overall it was a really good book, where you felt for each every character, and liked seeing their development. There was both humour and emotion, with neither being over done. I’d definitely recommend

Once again, Sarah's captures the intricacies of family relationships and all of the emotions with such authenticity. The "little" things from childhood that stick, the misunderstandings and the way we try to make sense of them into adulthood.

I loved the use of the family WhatsApp and the generational differences in using it - so cleverly done!

Joni was quite easy to relate to personally, feeling lonely and on the outside of the blended family - I instantly wanted to take her side. As we gradually gained insight into her family members, it was a good reminder that in most cases things aren't black and white. Family dynamics are a powerful thing!

Stan was a wonderful character, his innocence and pure love added so much to the story, and I loved how the relationship between him and Joni developed gradually, again it felt true to life.

As a self-confessed girlie with Daddy issues 😅 it was hard at times reading Joni and her Dad's interactions, and in a way a happy ending for everyone felt bittersweet, because while I reflected on my own relationship, I know it is in a very different place. From a fictional standpoint though, I love a happy ending!

The nuances of blended families were woven through beautifully, and the single father dynamic was particularly interesting - seeing how fatherly protectiveness was portrayed cross the generations added a layer of understanding.

I couldn't put this book down - I laughed, sobbed and reflected a lot!

Thank you for the opportunity to read an advance copy - I love Sarah's writing and am already excited to read this one again!

Wow what a read. This is like a warm hug in a mug that just wraps you up and doesn’t let go. I loved this family and the story and was sad when the book ended it felt like I was leaving friends behind. In this book we meet Joni and her family. Joni lost her mum as a young girl and From that minute on had felt like an outsider in her own home. Her dad met and married someone else and brought home two new siblings one of whom used to be her best friend. Over the years her anger and resentment has kept her away from her home and family but when her Nan dies she leaves them all with a challenge. No one will get her will or ashes unless they spend the week together doing some challenges she has set up for them. As they are all forced together for the sake of their Nan secrets and truths are finally revealed and by the end of the book will things be better than before or will this be the ending Joni is after? I won’t spoil it but this is a great book to read by the pool this summer.

I followed the author since the beginnings of "The unmumsy mum" and have always loved Sarah's wit and musings. I alo read her pre nous books and loved them
This was no different! Sarah has a fantastic way of writing real characters whilst also making the reader laugh and feel the characters upset.

I really enjoyed this book, however,after long hard consideration I have had to take away one star due to the whole (what felt like a whole chapter ) on being sick. It described it in great detail and went on for ages and was just roo much for me and I very nearly gave up on the book but I persevered after skipping quite a lot. Other than that a great book!

Another stunning story from Sarah Turner. I love a family drama and this didn’t disappoint. Written in a sensitive but funny at times style, Turner has encapsulated family dynamics. Each of the characters are wonderful and really fit with their overall characteristics and personalities. I found myself matching up personalities to those within my own family!

Beautifully written with a range of themes covered.

I adored this book. It's such a great and different storyline and I enjoyed it from start to finish.

Joni is summonsed back to her family home, following the death of her grandmother. She's always felt like an outsider and made it a point not to return, however her grandmother has set the family a series of tasks to perform in order to release her will and ashes from the care of a solicitor.

The book was so funny it had me laughing out loud in places, and in turn heart warming as the family learn more about each other, and the past.

This was such an easy read and I think will be a perfect summer holiday novel.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Read and reviewed in exchange for a free copy from NetGalley. I enjoyed 'Stepping Up' and the Unmumsy Mum books, so was pleased to be given an ARC of 'On the Edge.' It took me awhile to get into the book and connect with the characters, but it really picked up in the second half. Stan was fantastic, and scenes towards the end of the book were written skillfully and with emotion.

I love Sarah Turner books - from the unmumsy series to her books under her real name. So I was delighted to be approved to free a free review copy of her second fiction novel via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The premise for this one is interesting - with a series of circumstances surrounding Nana’s will leading to a blended family coming together despite not really being on the best of terms. It took me a little while to get into this and to warm to our main gal Joni, but once I did I was hooked.

I read this on holiday by the pool and I can confirm it is a brilliant summer/ beach read. It’s highly entertaining and packs an emotional punch at times, but doesn’t take too much concentration. My only complaint is I would have liked another 100 pages or so - it was only a little over 300 pages so a bit short for my preference.

All in all, I think Sarah nailed the difficult second book and I hope to see more fiction from her in the future. I recommend this one to fans of contemporary fiction.

I have loved Sarah’s previous books, but I just couldn’t get into this. Whilst I loved the premise of it, i found myself skipping lines and not really caring much.

On the Edge by Sarah Turner a NetGalley review. Joni is part of a blended family but she feels like an outsider and has done for a while. For that reason she tries to avoid any contact with them. However after the death of her much loved Nana they are all thrown together and secrets are revealed. I’m a huge fan of @theunmumsymum and this book won’t disappoint, whether you are new to this author or already an avid fan. This is an easy read, with surprises throughout which will have you hooked, I had trouble putting it down! I loved the main character Joni, she’s stronger than she realises, she loves being organised and having a plan, sometimes to her detriment in her life plan, settling for what she thinks she needs but not necessarily what she wants. Joni’s family are quirky and loving, Joni just needs to open her heart. After the death of her mother when she was younger she has put both her mum and her childhood on a pedestal and that’s hampering her future. This book at first glance comes across as quite an unassuming book but it packs a punch with the emotions, yet it will have you laughing out loud at times. Behind the character is a family that is grieving for a formidable member if their family, their Nana and the tasks she leaves them after her death is a great idea from the author and a lovely way to remember someone, the author writes with honesty and with a respect to the people that the family are grieving. There’s a huge amount of love within this family, they just need to embrace it because it’s got lost along the way, busy with life and the expectations they put ion themselves. I will be recommending this book, it’s got the right about if everything, it’s sad in parts, it’s raw and honest and tackles tough subjects yet it has a comedy element to it, like when Joni tries to get into a wet suit and both the characters Stan and Cait bring a laughter to the story. @theunmumsymum never disappoints in her story telling, making the reader feel like we are reading about a real family and definitely don’t underestimate this books, there are twists and turns throughout. Published on the 4th July 2024, hope you loved as much as I have.

I didn't read this book I inhaled it! Joni is our heroine and her beloved Nana has passed away, but as part of her will she has asked that her blended family spend a week together doing pre-arranged tasks. Nana's week of fun is going to open Joni's eyes to dismissing a lot of her pre-conceptions about family, who she has previously done her best to avoid.

This book is so well written, it had me howling with laughter at points (effing gee!!) as well as being a heartwarming read. I loved Stepping Up, this was another absolute corker - a DEFINITE 5 star review!

A nice easy read about a family, very warm in places and some gripping parts. Really enjoyed it.
Thank you to Net Galley for an advanced copy

A fabulous light read ideal for taking on holiday which will have the reader laughing whilst also being caring and warmhearted along the way. Definitely a different plot about a dysfunctional family being set crazy tasks by their recently departed Nana. Set over a week the tasks have to be seen through before the family can take possession of the ashes and discover what's in the will. Many sub plots as well, mainly in the relationship stakes. Wonderfully depicted diverse characters from Joni, the main female character and narrator, to little 7 year old Stan. Fun and entertaining

I really liked Joni from the off (although *potentially* this is because there were some similarities between us! I did a maths degree and Joni is a maths teacher. I like to be organised and plan, and I have been known to suck the fun out of things by trying to do them *right*. My kids still haven’t forgiven me for turning various historic art trails around Birmingham into military operations to ensure all exhibits were seen and photographed.) But I digress – back to Joni! Her lovely Nana has passed away, and has left a series of tasks for the family to do in order to release her ashes and will. Joni feels she ‘has’ to join in and do it – even when her waste of space boyfriend of 10 years, Lewis, bails on attending at the last minute. Joni clearly isn’t close to her Dad, step Mum and step siblings – so isn’t looking forward to it at all.

The book follows their week of family bonding – and various twists and turns. I LOVED the WhatsApp group messages. Nana’s friend Sue is fundamental to these – and was brilliant (in my head, she is very similar to Joyce from Richard Osman’s ‘Thursday Murder Club’ series). I also enjoyed the relationship between Joni and her step brother’s adopted son Stan (and his friend Bilbo) – I felt this was fundamental to the whole book.

Whilst there is a potential new love interest for Joni in the hunky instructor Tim – the complex blended family relationships are far more important to the storyline, and you begin to understand how decisions made many years ago have affected everyone’s lives. Whilst the truth is difficult – I was pleased for everyone that it came out (honestly, I sound like they’re my personal friends rather than characters in a book!)

This book had a lot to live up to, as I’d just finished a Mhairi McFarlane book that I’d adored – but I need not have been concerned, Sarah has written a book equally as fantastic. Her eloquence on family life and grief was beautifully portrayed – with clever wit and humour right through it too. Not often I give 5 stars on Net Galley – let alone back to back 5 star reviews for 2 books – how spoilt I feel at the moment!

Thank you to the aforementioned Net Galley, the publishers and, of course, Sarah for a really lovely book.

I really enjoyed the author's debut fiction, so I was eagerly anticipating this new release. Unfortunately, it didn't quite hit the same mark for me.

The charm that made the first novel so captivating just wasn't present in this one. The book is filled with tropes and elements that have been done before, many of which felt very similar to others I've read.

Additionally, the humor seemed a little try-hard and fell flat in many places. The pacing also didn't work well, leading me to skim through parts of the book.

While I appreciate the effort, I apologise that this book just wasn't for me.

I absolutely loved Turner’s debut, Stepping Up, so knew I had to give this one a go, and I can gladly say it did not disappoint! This to me felt like a more upbeat, modern twist on PS I Love You.

Turner is great at creating really likeable characters, who you feel like you really get to know during the course of their story, Some not so likeable too, of course, but they all feel 3 dimensional and genuine,

I particularly loved the WhatsApp group messages - something I feel we can all relate too. Where’s the mute button!!

Don’t let the subject matter of the loss of a loved one concern you - this isn’t an emotional read about loss, it’s a hilarious story of family and reconnection, I loved it,

Warm and comforting, I loved the concept of this story and could not put it down. I was rooting for Joni to feel the love of her family and to reconnect, I really felt her sense of being the outcast in her blended family and how the loss of her family members had affected her. I kept wanting to pick the book back up to keep reading, which is a really good sign for me, normally mainly a bedtime ready, if my kindle makes it downstairs then it means I’m hooked! I loved Sarah’s previous book so has high hopes, and it did not disappoint. A really lovely story