This was such an entertaining read, but with depth (exactly what I would expect from Fearne Cotton!). The story of Jade, in her 30’s and struggling with boundaries is a familiar one to many women I imagine, and the story of her realising this and overcoming her issues is done cleverly.

The book starts slowly with Jade, the main character struggling with her life, & the people in it. She doesn’t seem able to say “No” to her boyfriend, any of her family (her sister is the worst) or her boss. One day she finds a script, & then more along the way in strange places. Each of them have the words to a conversation she will have in the future with various people. She’s not happy with this situation. Eventually she decides to take charge, & change the narrative of her life. I liked the ending!

Jade Shaw has lived in the shadow of her louder more demanding sister, Lily for her whole life. People just expect her to be pliant and helpful without really being grateful. She has trapped herself into this niche and can't really get out of it. She really notices her subservient ways when she starts finding scripts detailing exactly how her future conversations will play out. She starts trying to take control of her future with mixed results. Interesting and believable concept. Recognise Jades people pleaser character all too well.

‘Scripted’ by Fearne Cotton tells the story of Jade, a woman in her early thirties living in Richmond and working in the creative industry restoring furniture for film and television sets. While she has some incredible colleagues, we soon learn that many people in Jade’s life don’t give her the respect she deserves - from her dismissive live-in boyfriend Adam to her needy sister and her father who constantly reminds her that she’s living in “one of his flats” even though she pays full rent. When mysterious scripts begin to appear outlining conversations yet to happen, Jade is forced to reflect on the fairness of her interactions… and perhaps it’s time to break out the tip-ex and editing pen?!

I liked the Jade as a character, South West London setting and the intriguing concept. The book is definitely thought provoking and makes you question your own relationships and want to stand up for yourself more. I admired Jade’s sensitivity towards her mother’s alcoholism and was rooting for her to start to value herself more and see herself how her friends did. I also really liked the ending and how everything came together!

However, I really struggled with just how HORRIBLE some of the people in Jade’s life were, and found myself wanting to shout at my kindle so often that it honestly impacted my enjoyment of the book. I also thought it took a while to really get going, with limited character development within the first half.

Overall, this was a three star read for me - worth reading for the unique concept and “hell yes!” moments as Jade finally stands up for herself.

I received an advance Digital Review Copy of this book from the publisher Michael Joseph via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This was exactly what I expected it to be, an easy reading, light hearted read. I do think the idea of the scripts is pretty unique however, this was the only unique thing about the book.

The characters were all unlikable and the main character infuriating and unbelievable. I also found it quite slow paced.

It did really remind me of Beth O’Leary’s books so I’m sure if you like them, then you’ll enjoy this, it just unfortunately didn’t keep my attention.

Jade is stuck in the middle of her chaotic family and taken for granted by her self-obsessed boyfriend, Adam. Amidst all the unruliness, she has forgotten how to speak for herself. One day, while out for a run, a mysterious, untitled script appears, predicting an infuriating row with Adam. Later, the scene becomes reality, with Adam getting his way. As more scripts appear, Jade realises everyone but her seems to call the shots.

Can Jade make a new future for herself—one with boundaries and self-respect—or is she doomed to a destiny of people-pleasing and being walked over?


I am a huge fan of Fearne Cotton, so receiving an ARC of her first piece of fiction was incredibly special. The imaginative concept is very original, and I find Fearne’s writing style engaging. The character development in the book was flawless. I enjoyed the family dynamics and found them utterly relatable. If you have never been a people pleaser, I can understand why the main character may be viewed as infuriating. However, if you have a tendency to put others' needs before your own and struggle to say ‘no,’ then you will undoubtedly relate to Jade.

While a fictitious book, pearls of wisdom are exquisitely woven throughout, allowing us all to take something from it. The themes in the book really dig deep; it not only highlights the horrific tendencies of people-pleasing but also shows how life can pass us by if we continue with habits we've fallen into with those around us. The complexities of family and the problems that come with them are deeply explored. The importance of having people to talk to or safe places to escape from the daily grind shines through, and there is a stark reminder that even those who appear to have it perfect on the outside don’t have it all worked out. Most significantly, it reminds us that we have the power of choice and can forge our own path.

Overall, beautifully written, empowering, and relatable. Five stars.

Jade doesn't feel in control of her life. She is unhappy in her relationship, used by her sister, dismissed by her dad and trying to help her mum.
She then finds scripts left for her detailing conversations that are due to take place. They do but can she take bake control of her life and change the scripts?

@currentlyreading__
Book 35 of 2024

Being a fan of @fearnecotton’s podcast and having enjoyed her non-fiction, I was happy to receive an ARC of her upcoming book to be published this Thursday. So thank you Fearne, @NetGalley and the publisher @michaeljbooks, a division of @penguinukbooks. It was pure escapism and just the sort of book I gobble up in a couple of sittings. I love a character-led book and our protagonist Jade Shaw is definitely relatable and you can’t help but root for her.

Jade is lost. She is living with the toxic Adam, her sister is just unbearable and she is sent on all manner of questionable errands for her boss. She finds it hard to gain control of her life and it is spiralling. Finding some solace and respite from her daily struggles when she runs, Jade pounds the pavements. It is whilst running one day she happens upon a script. If you can suspend disbelief and just take the event for what it is as some special magic realism, you will look forward to each time Jade comes across another script in the most unsuspecting of places.

What is on these scripts? Well, read it and see! It certainly (if you are going to get all metaphorical) seems to suggest we all have the script for our lives and if we are being philosophical we might say that the script is largely written for us. But, don’t we all have the power to change the script just a little bit? Jade certainly does and that in itself is pretty amazing to witness.

I really do look forward to Fearne’s next work of fiction and the special way she narrates a tale. What a lovely narrative voice and it definitely deserves a place on your summer reading list.

#bookworm #iamreading #bookreview #upcomingpublications #junereads #netgalley #scripted #fearnecotton #michaeljosephbooks

An easy read for a rainy weekend - had me rooting for Jade from the opening chapter, even though I found her people-pleasing exasperating! Loved the idea of this - a real life script being found by the protaganist, which shows you how a conversation is going to go. It was a good metaphor for a "script" for your life, reflecting how we often fall into patterns with the people around us - taking on roles and then resenting them. If you can get on board with the scripts randomly appearing and no explanation from how they happened to be there - is an easy and fun read that talks about family relationships, and a woman in her thirties realising she doesn't need to have it all figured out to be enough and be appreciated by her family and partners/ I found the last chapter at the wedding a bit too unrealistic - the dumped boyfriend wanting to get back together, and the sister cheating with someone on her own wedding day, but other than that was an enjoyable read.

Scripted by Fearne Cotton

Jade is taken for granted by her partner and family, especially her sister Lily. In the run up to Lily's wedding she finds a series of scripts which predict a conversation she will have with one of them and what the outcome will be. Can Jade find her voice and herself in order to finally stand up to them all?

An original and entertaining concept, I enjoyed this book and seeing Jade finally stand up to her partner and family, all of whom were really unlikeable. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4..

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

Enjoyable, Engaging..
An interesting and imaginative premise plays out in this entertaining and engaging tale of the life of Jade Shaw. As fiction turns to reality, should Jade try to rewrite the script herself and meddle in her own fate? An enjoyable read with a well drawn and credible cast and a unique take on standard fare. Requires a firm suspension of disbelief.

First of all I would like to thank NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book, if I had to describe it I would label it as an easy holiday read as it did have it's cheesy moments but is an overall enjoyable read.

I haven't read anything with a plot like this and the idea really intrigued me, it made me think of how I would react if I was put in the same situation as the main character. The ending did seem to be a somewhat open ending so could possibly have plans for a sequel?

I really like Fearne Cotton's non fiction books, so was excited to read her first adult fiction book.
This book started with a really cool idea. Our protagonist finds a script that foreshadows and successfully predicts what is going to happen next in Jade's life. This was really intriguing.
However, the more the book went on the less interested I became. I found it very repetitive. Read the script, then see if play out in real life. Read the the script, then see if play out in real life. etc. etc.

I wanted the pace to be so much quicker to keep me engaged - think this book would have benefitted from from about 100 pages or so less!

I was also disappointed with the ending, I was still left with answers.

really interesting premise - but let down in its execution.

A great premise and thought at the essence of an entertaining light hearted tale.
Fun and interesting, based in South west London.
Jade is 32 yrs old and feeling it!! She is stuck in her relationships with family and her boyfriend, although not at all with her friends which kind of doesn’t make sense! She puts up with a lot from her live in boyfriend, family and even her boss. This is at times comedic and at other times just really annoying.
She is taken for granted and trampled over with no consideration of her feelings or her life but when she finds a script of her conversations, she starts to take notice and makes a decision to foster positive change. Can she make some rewrites for a better life? Can she let go of what is no longer needed and just be honest?!
This is a fun read, but also at times a little frustrating, some characters were great, some a little unbelievable and a bit lost in the story. Continuity in some places were for me lost.
For some this may be inspirational, for those avoiding confrontation at all costs it will be uncomfortable.
Thank you NetGalley for the early read.

I really enjoyed this book. A brilliant entertaining debut. I couldn’t put it down.
A fun story about relationships, family dynamics, self discovery, finding your voice and learning to say no.
Jade Shaw is a people pleaser, pushed around by her family and taken for granted by her boyfriend Adam. She’s lost control of her life. That is until she keeps finding scripts predicting scenarios with Adam, her family and her boss, but these haven’t happened yet. Can Jade change the scripts and rewrite her future.
It’s beautifully written, detailed, thought provoking and relatable. It’s easy to read and just flows off the pages.
I liked all the characters. I enjoyed rooting for Jade and watching her development. I liked the ending.
Overall, an enjoyable light captivating read. Definitely recommend.
I look forward to reading more fiction from @fearneCotton in the future.
With thanks to #NetGallery #MichaelJoseph #PenguinRandomHouse for an arc of #Scripted in exchange for a honest review.
Book publishes 6 June 2024.

I was very intrigued by the blurb for this novel, and it certainly lived up to expectations. Leave your credulity on the doorstep and you will love this book about learning how to say no, and not letting others manipulate you.

Jade is a pushover with a soft heart, and this means everyone around her takes advantage of her. Her sister asks her to babysit at the drop of a hat, and to do her favours without thought for Jade’s welfare. Her boss works her all hours and wants her to pick up his washing, and buy gifts for his wife in her lunchtime. Her parents are always making unreasonable demands, and patently favour her sister. Worst of all is her boyfriend, Adam, who spares no thought for her whatsoever. Jade starts to find scrips left in the oddest of places, depicting her conversations with various other people – her family, her boss and her boyfriend – the only thing is that they haven’t happened yet. Shortly after finding each script, the dialogue plays out word for word as in the scripts. Unfortunately, Jade finds herself unable to deviate from the script.

This is a wholly original novel, with an endearing main character, and I was rooting for Jade to control the script, and her destiny. A lovely summer novel.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6515633746

Jade's purpose in life has become to be a doormat. Her selfish boyfriend Adam, her self obsessed sister Lily, her full of himself Father, her ex-husband obsessed Mother and her w**nker of a boss Colin, all treat her as if she is there for their convenience.
When Jade finds a script that features her, she is surprised at it's contents and even more surprised when it is the exact conversation she has later that day. Gradually Jade realises that the only person who can change things is her and when more scripts arrive, she is more aware of her own actions.
With Lily's wedding looming large on the horizon Jade is reminded of her own cancelled wedding and is worried of the effect it's going to have on her. With her best friend and her godmother in her corner, she sets about changing her life for the better.
A lovely read. I was very wrapped up with it.

I was excited to read Fearne Cotton's new offering, which has the intriguing premise of finding scripts that foresee important conversations that have yet to take place in your life.
That sounds great, doesn't it?
What if you could know what was to come so you could be prepared or even try to change the outcome?
Well, this is what happens to Jade, our MC. Jade is a woman in a stale relationship, with a job she enjoys but a boss who, quite frankly, takes the mick with what he asks of her, and a family who also leave a lot to be desired, especially her sister, around whom the world appears to revolve.
It was an okay story, but it felt a bit flat once the initial premise was introduced. I didn't feel a huge affinity to Jade and the other characters, though her workmates were a bit of a laugh.
If you need a read to plug some spare time, this is one of those books, but maybe not if you want to read something groundbreaking.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Michael Joseph Penguin Random House for an ARC.

A fun easy read, touching on themes of family dynamics, people pleasing and learning to say no!

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

I was drawn to this book cos I actually thought it was a fox on the cover (and now you can't un-see that), and we have just been blessed with our resident garden fox having 7 cubs. Maybe I need better glasses... Anyway... looking closer, it obviously isn't, but it drew me in nonetheless and, after reading the blurb, I thought, why not? And having finished the book, I can only see my initial error as a good thing as I actually had a blast reading it.
Jade is a bit of a pushover. She allows, and enables, people to just walk all over her. Family, boyfriend, boss, she just can't say no to any of them, even when it means she misses out on things herself. She's a bit of a wuss all told.
Until... one day she comes across some papers on the floor outside her flat, the flat she rents from her father (at the market rate, no family discount). On closer examination they appear to be a script of a conversation between her and boyfriend Adam. I say conversation, it's really more of an argument, another one in which Jade capitulates. A conversation that hasn't yet taken place.
Fast forward to that evening and the script plays out exactly as written. To say Jade is both gobsmacked and confused is an understatement... Cut to the chase, and more scripts appear depicting more conversations between Jade, her sister, mother, boyfriend, boss... Why, who, what, all the questions mount up, until the real doozy... with this forearmed knowledge, all it really boils down to is what can she do to change the script...?
Ok so this book is bonkers. But, anyone who knows me, knows that I do love a bit of bonkers. And I really had a blast reading this book. Jade was a bit of a flake but overshadowed by everyone initially. She really needed to grow a pair but was unsure how to go about it without upsetting everyone. She was also surrounded by larger than life, forceful characters who probably only needed standing up to to change. But she didn't know how. And I loved to see that worm turn. Probably as I did see my past self in Jade. I can't remember what the catalyst for my transformation was, but I do remember being more of a people pleaser. Maybe that's why I connected to Jade so well.
It would have been the five stars but I was a bit disappointed by the ending. Not the resolution of where the scripts came from, more the way that I am not convinced that the author knew exactly how to finish the book off so gave it a bit of a bizarre ending for Jade personally. Spoilers prevent me from spelling it out but it did feel a bit of a cop-out and I did roll my eyes. Surely with her new found "balls" Jade could have enjoyed being a strong woman for a while before... But that's just my take...
All in all though, apart from the relatively weak, and not to my total satisfaction, ending it was a decent enough read which did keep my attention throughout, and was entertaining along the way. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.