I usually don't like that much these kind of books because they're full of clichés. And, I'm sad to say, that I did't like this one. Starting with "Semen Gutters" doesn't help, that was completely unnecessary. Anyway, the plot it's a little bit messy for me too. I find it hard to believe how someone appears and everyone believes everything they say without questioning nothing not ever once. Not for me.

*"The Fall-Out" by Sophie Ranald is a witty and engaging story that blends humor with heartfelt emotion. Ranald’s sharp writing and relatable characters make this a delightful read from start to finish. The novel follows the aftermath of a relationship breakdown, tackling themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery with both lightheartedness and depth. The protagonist's journey toward rebuilding her life is full of laugh-out-loud moments, but also offers poignant reflections on personal growth and resilience. Ranald's storytelling is both entertaining and insightful, making *The Fall-Out* a perfect feel-good read with emotional substance.*

The Fall-Out by Sophie Ranald

"The Fall-Out" is a modern tale that delves into the dynamics of friendship and family, illustrating how minor events can have major impacts. Naomi is part of a tight-knit circle of friends who are bonded like family. They depend on, bolster, and counsel one another. Their world is shaken when a friend passes away, and an estranged friend, Zara, unexpectedly reappears. The narrative weaves through their histories and current lives, taking readers on a poignant journey.

Contrary to the impression given by its coverage, this book is not a romantic comedy. It takes readers on a journey through the past, unraveling truths and deceptions. Filled with betrayal, suspense, and drama, it's a story that defies expectations.

Although I enjoyed the book, I was disappointed by the characters' readiness to betray and disregard long-standing friendships. The book was mediocre for me. The transition of the women from close friends to cynical individuals, easily swayed by someone with a questionable grasp of the truth, was disheartening.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5

“The Fall-Out” by Sophie Ranald is a compelling dive into the complexities of long-term friendships, secrets, and the intricate web of past decisions that can come back to haunt us. What starts as a seemingly light-hearted story quickly reveals itself to be a deeper exploration of the bonds between women, the challenges of marriage, and the power of truth.

Naomi’s life, once perfectly balanced with a handsome husband, adorable twins, and regular meet-ups with her best friends, is thrown into chaos when Zara, the missing fifth member of their tight-knit Girlfriends’ Club, returns with a bombshell revelation. As Zara’s secrets start to unravel, the once unshakeable friendships begin to show their cracks, and Naomi is forced to confront not only her past but also the reality of her present.

This book was not what I expected, and in all the best ways. I initially thought it would be a light rom-com based on the cover, but what I got was a nuanced and suspenseful story about friendship, betrayal, and personal growth. Sophie Ranald masterfully weaves suspense into the narrative, keeping the pages turning as secrets are revealed and tensions rise.

The strength of “The Fall-Out” lies in its rich character development and the authentic portrayal of female friendships. Naomi’s journey is particularly compelling as she evolves from a stay-at-home mom trapped in a controlling marriage to a woman who reclaims her independence and sense of self. Her friendship with Rowan, Kate, Abbie, and even Zara, despite the lies and drama, is portrayed with a genuine warmth that makes you root for them, even when the group dynamics get messy.

However, while the story is engaging and the characters well-drawn, there were moments where the pacing felt a bit uneven, particularly in how quickly the group managed to untangle the web of Zara’s lies. The resolution, while satisfying, felt slightly rushed, leaving me wanting a bit more exploration of the aftermath.

That said, “The Fall-Out” is an uplifting and hopeful story about the resilience of friendship and the importance of standing up for yourself. It’s a book that will make you laugh, cry, and cheer for the characters as they navigate life’s messiest moments.

Final thoughts: If you’re expecting a simple rom-com, “The Fall-Out” will surprise you with its depth and emotional weight. It’s a beautifully written story about the unbreakable bonds of friendship and the courage to face the truth, perfect for fans of Sophie Kinsella and Beth O’Leary. Highly recommend for anyone who loves stories about strong women, personal growth, and the power of true friendship.

This book was not what I expected. I often judge a book by its cover and I expected this to lean toward rom-com. However, this book was different. Sophie Ranald takes us deep in to the depths of long term friendship and the bonds between women. I felt that there was even suspense when I expected none. The pages kept turning and I was invested. I wish I had known this book was part of a series but it reads fine as a standalone!

Scandals between friends
Close female friendships
Hopeful
Uplifting

I have read several of Sophie Ranald’s previous books and have thoroughly enjoyed them, but for some reason found this particularly difficult to get into! I didn’t dislike it and did finish the story, however I would not be in any rush to re-read and had to almost talk myself into carrying on reading it rather than feeling desperate to keep going and find out how the story would end.

This is a story about a group of 5 girlfriends that met and bonded on the sidelines of their boyfriends football game. The story is told in the present, and the past. An enjoyable read.

My second Sophie Ranald book and it didn't disappoint. Loved it from start to finish! Friendships and marriage is so hard and this encapsulates it so well. Really didn't expect the ending! Definitely one to read.

The Fall-Out is a good read. I would recommend reading the trigger warning before reading the book. I don't think there is anything too crazy but I know some topics may be hard for some readers. That said I did enjoy the book and would recommend reading it. I didn't realize this was a series when I started reading it, but it can be read as a stand alone. I do plan on going back and reading the whole series at a later date. I think the author did a great job with the storyline, and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future!

The perfect book to read with your best friend and with a glass of wine in hand.
I really really liked it!

I sincerely thank Sophie Ranald and Storm Publishing for their trust and for giving me the opportunity to read the novel in advance.

Complete review on my website Weeklyreadingit (link in bio).

I've read a few of Sophie Ranald's books now and this was my favourite by far. It follows Naomi, a 4o (ish) year old mother of 4yr old twins and wife to Patch, navigate her friendships when someone from their past comes back into their lives and shakes things up a bit.

When Naomi first met the girls - Rowan, Kate, Abbie and Zara on the side of a wet football pitch, they became fast friends and started a standing monthly girls night. At the time, Zara was dating Patch but Naomi felt and instant connection with him and on Zara's request, she started spending time with Patch when she was "busy" which of course led to Naomi and Patch kissing. Patch told Naomi he had broken up with Zara and they get together. Zara was not happy when she found out and she left the girls group entirely.

Cue several years later and when one of the groups close friends, Andy, passes away, Zara returns to the funeral and to stir things up a bit just because she can, or because she enjoys it, or simply because she still wants revenge on Naomi. Zara was never good at telling people the truth and each person in the group was told a different story about her upbringing, things that had happened to her in her life and at this moment, she lies about having cancer.

Even though most of what Zara says is a lie, there are some truths in there, mostly relating to Naomi and Patch and their relationship. When Naomi confronts Patch, he admits it all.

I like the friendship between the women in the book, they're all there for each other even when things get hard and Zara is spreading lies amongst them. It doesn't take them too long to figure it out and resolve things. Naomi was a great character and I think she really grew over the course of the book. She starts off as a stay at home mum who does everything around the house because her husband refuses to lift a finger, but seems to be allowed because he's hot, until she decides she wants to go back to work. Patch would rather have her get pregnant again than go back into the workforce which made me think he wants to be able to control her or just likes having someone at home doing everything for her.

Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
I was excited to read another story by Sophie Ranald as I really enjoyed The Love Hack, however I’m sorry to say The Fall-Out fell flat for me.
I hate giving bad reviews but I feel it’s only right I’m honest.
It was a completely different story to what I was expecting. I knew it wasn’t a Romcom but I thought it was meant to be funny and uplifting and about friendship.
I don’t see how these girls would be best friends in real life if they so easily believed an old blast from the past ‘friend’ they knew was a notorious liar over their friend they see every month and talk to every day?!
I just don’t see what the point of this story was and why it needed telling, it didn’t give me anything and I probably should’ve DNF’d but I always want to give ARCs a chance so I pushed on but I was only left with disappointment.
This might just not be for me, as I just couldn’t relate.

In this book, the protagonist doesn't know why her Girlfriends are icing her out. Of course there is a traitor in their midst.

Tragedy strikes the Girlfriend Club when one of their dear friends dies. At the funeral, they reunite with a controversial member who unexpectedly starts to divide the four best friends against each other. Can the truth bring them together or make them fall apart once and for all?



This was an unanticipated story that surprised me with an amazing plot. Naomi is a housewife who thinks she has figured it all out. But when a former best friend of hers, Zara, decides to dig up the past again, her carefully balanced life all falls apart.

The story was from Naomi's point of view and was pretty enjoyable. It kept me guessing what would happen next, though it was more of a drama than a mystery. I loved the themes of friendship and self-reliance that ran through the story.

The bond between her and her friends was so empowering and heart-touching. It felt even more special after the author's note, seeing how these characters are actually inspired by her real-life friends. The story is very well written and is actually part of The Girlfriends' Club Series, and this is the fourth book. I am excited to read the first three books, seeing how well I liked this one.

If you like women's fiction with friendship, family, and independence as the main themes, this is a good book to read.

Four friends fall out following the funeral of their friend Andy, when Zara, their ex-friend appears.

As she comes between them and lies are revealed, intrigue builds.

This was a great sunbed read showing the fragility of friendships. Brilliant domestic drama.

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

Sophie Ranald closes out her fantastic 'Girlfriends’ Club' series with 'The Fall Out'. This time it's Naomi's turn.

Married to Patch with children, Naomi's life blows up with the return of the group's estranged friend Zara at Andy's funeral (whose addiction has been a series side plot).

Interspersed with flashbacks, we learn Patch was once Zara's on-off boyfriend originally before he hooked up with Naomi in very messy and murky circumstances. In the present day their marriage is not all as rosy as Naomi likes to believe, with Patch working long stints in Scotland while her career and life is on-hold to be a stay at home parent, essentially following Patch's desires.

I appreciated the journey Naomi goes on to make deecisions about her marriage and finally face up to her role in the messiness of her and Patch. I was surprised by Patch, and I appreciate how Ranald sublty shaded his character, though I do wish at the end we saw less of the hints we saw at the end. He did not deserve it! Zara is an agent of chaos and while she's an antagonist I appreciated that her presence becomes a catalyst for Naomi. I found myself skipping some of the Zara bits as I found it excruciating waiting for the final bomb you just knew she was going to drop on Naomi.

Sophie Ranald's writing is at its best with her ability to create characters who undertake growth. Farewell, Girlfriend's Club, I will miss you.

Thank you to Storm and NetGalley for the ARC.

An easy and quick read and to be honest i kept reading to find out what the ‘big secret’ was - overall not a bad read but found some of the characters awful and very childish.

I didn't like this book very much. It just didn't resonate with me. I didn't think the characters were very believable and the subject matter made me feel uncomfortable. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

DNF at 44%.

Naomi is married to Patch (Patrick) with two small children. She and three friends meet every month and chat on WhatsApp most days. They met while watching their respective other halves play football and while some of the other halves have been and gone, the Girlfriends Club remains constant.

The story opens with the friends preparing for the funeral of a close friend, as the group struggle to come to terms with their grief they are dealt another bombshell when a former friend, Zara, turns up at the funeral.

Zara has always been effortlessly glamorous, sophisticated, jet-setting around the world for work. Oh, and she was the one who was dating Patrick originally.

Zara's returns seems to fracture their tight-knit group, suddenly she's meeting up for drinks with individual members of the group, popping round to see Patch's mother, etc and Nami begins to feel increasingly isolated as the once busy WhatsApp group falls suspiciously quiet. Is Zara trying to ostracise Naomi? Is she trying to win Patch back?

This had [author:Shari Low|687740] vibes, complete with flashbacks to when the five women were all still friends. Unfortunately I have fallen out of love with the way Shari Low keeps the reader n tenterhooks the entire book only for the 'reveal' to be a let down and I could see this going the same way. Also, TBH I didn't find Naomi a very likable character (or Zara) so I was rooting for Patch to go off with someone else LOL.

Anyway, I'm nearly halfway through and its just Naomi's insecurities swirling around and around so I'm giving up.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley.

This was a good read for some summer free time. A story about long time friendship and its history and family.