The Thirty List

Six Reasons why I loved this book:
1. The main characters were sincere and believable – and I loved them.
2. The supporting characters made you want to join them in the pub for a few beers. 3. It made me laugh out loud on the train whilst reading about the completion of one of the items on Patrick’s list.
4. The story, whilst familiar and comforting like a well-loved teddy bear, brought a new spin to a classic format. Rachel felt her life was over at thirty following a divorce, she meets a new guy, Richard (who has his own problems), and the HEA eventually follows – after a few twists and turns (and a million lists) along the way.
5. I loved Patrick, I coveted his kitchen. I laughed out loud, again, at the Sinead impression.
6. I loved Rachel, despite the constant list making. She was witty and real; courageous and brave.

The one reason I didn't like this book:

1. The number of repetitive lists. In all honesty after the first few chapters I just stopped reading them as they broke the flow of the story too much for me. I just skimmed right over them.

This is a brilliant story, you will love it.

This is a great book for anyone who likes to make lists for anything . . . bucket lists, things to shop for, reasons for doing things, reasons for liking someone, reasons for not liking them….. Take four relationships that are in turmoil, add in a list of challenges and you’ve got a great recipe for a brilliant novel. Considering the lists are so important in this book, the list of reasons I enjoyed this book include:

1. Thoroughly enjoyed the author’s style of writing.
2. Well rounded characters, full of angst, turmoil and realistic reactions and emotions.
3. Robust plot, with plenty of twists and turns to keep me entertained!
4. Unexpected events, including those involving subsidiary characters that added to the whole plot.
5. Hilarious, laugh out loud moments - especially during some of the challenges!
6. Great to explore multiple relationships intertwining and developing throughout the story.
7. Like how one long term relationship worked out whilst others moved on, showing it isn’t the same for everyone and every relationship isn’t doomed or necessarily destined for a HEA at that time.
8. Reinforces the message that everyone needs to listen to one another whilst still keeping moving forward, regardless of problems encountered in the past, towards the future as you’re never certain what it may hold for you!
9. Alex is gorgeous!
10. The tenth one is always a problem and requires extra thinking about!

Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too, for letting me read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.